?■■: ^r ■ LIBRARY MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE No.___l_25_0_.___ DATE..lr_l§8F. souncE.^'.L.R..V\!_iAde.-r....._. ^ ^:^<^.^^^^ ^^4 ^^ -^.^^^^^ /:,.^k^^^ — is "^""- ^>*^ :i ■^-> . X Ni%'»^"s .^. ^^►^- iSbS Od THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE \- AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 1.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, JANUARY 4. j Price Fivepence. 1 Stamped Edition, \hL Books noticed 8 fc— 15 6 INDEX. Marketreports 13 o Meatmaking Hi Mushroom gossip 7 c Butter, Irish 16( Coi'dons .-. "<' Cow milking machine 13 t Crickets 81 Crop reports, Consular 14 < Eucnlypti. product* of 10 r Ewc8, Lim-o1n 13 f Fiirm.Gloiicosterslurc 10 ^ Fanners" Olnhs 15 j Fie, culture of growth and selection. Vines. PETER LAWSON and SON, Edinb' have a large Stock " ^... iT-nTTriiT CANES of all the leading s h and London, ■y superior' FRUITING and PLANTING ■ 5s,, 7s. Gd., and 10s. OJ, each. SPRUCE FIRS, 2 to 3 feet, very fine and well rooted. Special low prices upon application. •- " "--'-- Nurseries, Chester. J DicisoN & Sons, Newton t iiSoN, Kingston, S.W. -AMERICAN ARBOR-Vrr^, 4 to per 100 ; 6 to 6 feet. 84s. per 100 ; 6 to 7 feet, lOOs. per 100. .^ RicBARD Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. ABIES~I)OUGLASU, all sizes, in quantity. Wholesale and Retail, by Dickson & Tcrnhdll, Nurserymen, Perth. White Thorn Quick.-To Railway Contractors, &c. A MILLION of the best CAMBRIDGESHIRE WHITE l\. THORN QUICK, from 1 to 3-yr. old, lor SALE, in small or large Lots. For price apply to Dawuarn Brotuehs. Ill, St. Mary Axe. City. London, E.C. ARAUCARIA EXCELSA.— A beautiful "imOR SALE." Application t . Banstaad Place, Epsom, Surrey. PARKS, " CEMETERIES, .and ORNAMENTAL PLANTATIONS.— Several Thousands of LARCH and SCOTCH FIRS In handsome condition, G to 8 feet, thriving well on poor land, all transplanted. Address W. P., U, Burno; , Greenwirh. Turnip Seeds. CHARLES SHARPE and CO., Seed Growers. Sleaford, will he glad to make special offers, on application, of TURNIP SEEDS of their own growing. H Devonshire Grey Stone Turnip Seed. AND F. SHARPE have a splendid stock of the I above TURNIP, grown from selected Bulbs, which they "er at a moderate price. ^ Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. Bushels of DICKSON'S imple and Price , Seed Merchant, Stamford. Seeds. NEW SEED LI^T for this seasor application to their London Agenti Messrs. R.SiLBKBR " - ' " i just published their which may be had post free c 6, Harp Lane, Great Tower Street, E.t Large Evergreens and Forest Trees. MESSRS. PAMPLIN and SON have a large stock of the above. For size and kinds see Qardcner^ Cfironick November '23, 1807. The Nurseries, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton ; and Wood Street, Walthamstow, Essex. Established 1806. THOMAS HANDASYDK and DAVIDSON have to intimate that their NURSERY TRADE LIST is now pub- lished, and will be forwarded on applicatii Florists, 24, Cockb Nurse rymen, Seedsmen, and •eet, i!;aiiiDurgu. Brunstane Glen, Musselburgh. ^^ To the Trade.— Continental Flower Seeds, &c. FW. WENDEL, Seed Merchant and Grower, • Erfurt, Prussia, begs to announce that his WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of the above is now ready, and may be h'^d free and post paid on application to his Agent, Geo. Mai and Seedsman, High Road, Ha 11th, London. W. RICHAKD SMITH'S LIST of all the EVEKGKEKN FIR TRIBE, suitable for Britain, giving size, price, popular and botanical names, derivations, doscrip^ton^fqrm^^ ~" growth, 9 i Merchant, Worcester. THE GARDENERS' CIIRONICTE AKD AGRICULTURAl, GAZETTE. [Januaet 4, Rhododendrons. Ah Exhibited at t^e Roval Botanic Gabdbns, Reoekt's Pabh. JOHN 'WATKRER,the Exhibitor at the above Gardens, has pleasure in announciog that his CATALOGUE of the above popular Plants is now published, and -" •" " ' "- ' applicants. " " '" " " " """ worthy of cultiva It c CONIFERS, with height: slikemse a selection of HAROY The American Nursery, B^shot, Surrey. Vegetable. Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, MISCELLANEOUS HARDY BKDUING PI^NTS, SWEET VIOLETS, &c. ROIJRRT PARKER hegs to announc-e that his CATALOGUE, containiDg select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of tbe finest kinds in cultivation of the above-named, is now published, and will be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds liave all been procured from the best possible sources ; all are warranted genuine, and are offered at the lowest possible prices. Intending purchasers are requested to compare the prices with those of other houses,— Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S. LOISE-CHAUTISRE, Seedsman. Nurseryman, and Florist, U, Quai de la Mepisserie, Paris, bega to inform hia numerous Friends and those interested, that he can offer the most complete collection of GLADIOLI bulbs, of the finest quality. All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS are 1 by this firm, prices of which may be had on amplication. New Seeds of Superior Stocks. FRANCIS ANB ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS, The Old-Established Seed Warehouse, 106, Eastgate Street, Cheeter. The Best Earlt Pea in Cdltivatios. DICKSON'S "FIRST and BEST."— Price Is. 6tf. per Quart. CATALOGUE of VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, for IStiS, with Practical Cultural Directions, is now in the Press, and will be sent Post Free on application. The Seeds are all of the most Select character, each being saved Irom the Best Stock known of its kind. Garden Seeds of £2 value delivered Carriage Free, Flower Seeds sent Post Free, except heavy articles, such as Sweet t-CnA plai mgst which ' K has be«n rewarded with the Gold Medal f- I he exhibitei at the " Universal ExhibitioD," GLidioti, Dahlias, Gloxinias, Ajinuals, and Ornamental plants. _ Beck's Seedling Pelargoniums. SGLENDINNINti and SONS are now offmn may be had on application. Viola Lutea (Yellow-flowered Violet). BS. WILLIAMS has much pleasui'e in being enabled • to offer Choice and Selected Seed of the above beautiful Plant. Habit dwarf yet vigorous, foliage dark glossy green, flowers bright yellow, which are produced in great profusion all through the early Spring, Summer, and Autumn months. The plant does not grow more than 6 inches high ; it is perfectly hardy, therefore well adapted for small beds, edglDgs, or margmal lines. It is without doubt the best yellow-flowered bedding plant in cultivation. It was spoken very highly of in the leading article of the iJardeiiers' Chronicle, November 2. Mr. Fish, in his remarks about Violas (Oardeneri^ Chronicle, October 26), states that Viola lutea is a perfect gem, and is invalu- able for a dwarf yellow bed or edgings. It is a bright yellow, of the inoatcompact habit, and seems to flower more fVeely than V, cornuta. Bemarks by Mr. E. Bennett, The Gardens, Osberton Hall, Worksop. " Viola lutea, which has just risen so high in the estimation of all that have seen it in perfection, is undoubtedly a little gem, and will be much sought after this ensuing season. It is perfectly hardy, more dwarf in habit than V. comuta ; the foliage more striking, and flowers equally or even more freely ; truly valuable for forcing, and blossomed profusely with me during the past spring. Indeed to see it in such perfection as I have done from early spnng to October, 1 am justified in saying it is a most charming addition to the flower garden, more especially for small beds and front lines, for which it I well adapted. Like all Violas it requries good rich soil and plenty of □ >, and prefers a moist SUPEEB GLADIOLI, ia 200 Varieties, Selections of Early Varieties for pots or ground, 63., 10s., and 15s. per dozen. Selections of RAMOSUS HYBRIDS, 3s., Gs.. and 9s. per dozen. All the above should be planted without delay. Selections of GANDAVENSIS HYBKIDS, 3«., 6s., i)»., 12*., and l&s. per dozen. 100 Roots, in 10 vartetiea, for 18s. Od. 100 Roots, 1 100 Roots, 100 Roots, CHOICE LILIES, in 70 finest and 2i8. per dozea. HEBBACE6uS and ALPINE PLANTS.-A fine Collection of the t and best in cultivation ; a DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE „^tpi" ■ ■ ..18s., General Nursery Stock. A KCHIBALD HENDER- J\. SON begs to inform his triends and patrons that his DESCRIFflVE and PRICED CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY SrOCK is published, containing practical CHOICE COLLECTIONS of VINES in pots ever offered to the A. H.'s BULB CATALOGUE contains a Select List of Kitchen Garden and Flower Seeds for autumn sowing ; also a Choice Assortment of Gladioli for spnng nlanting. CATALOGUES may be had gratis and post free on application. Sion Nursery, Thornton Heath, Surrey, and at the East Surrey Seed Warehouse, College Grounds, North End. Ci-oydon. TREES FOREST VC EEDLING O ASH, 2-yr., 2s. ; BEECH, 3-yr., 3s. G(I. ; HOLLIEai-yr., 5s. ; OAK. 3-yr , 7s. 6d. ; QUICK, 1-yr., Is. Cd. ; SILVER FIR. 6-yr., 3s 6d • SPRUCE, 6-yr., 3#.6d. ; CRAB. 3-yr.. 6s. ; and SYCAMORE, 3-yr., 3s. 6d. per lOOO. Cheaper by the 100.000. Apply to J. RiDDELL, Pai-k Attwood, Bewdley, Worcesterabire. H Larch, Quick, &c. AND G. EARNSWOKTH, Nurser\tien, Matlock, • Derbyshire, have to offer a quantity of LARCH, 3 to 4 feet, and well rooted ; Strong QUICK, SPRUCE FIR, 9 to 15 inches, Larch, &c. LARCH, 2i to 4 feet. Ids.; 3 to 4^ feet, 17*. 6^.; 31 to 6 feet, 20s. ; SCOTCH FIR, 1 to 2 feet, 15.s. ; SPRUCE, I to li fiot, 10s. ; SILVER FIR, 6 to 12 Ins.. 6tf. ; OAK, li to 2* feet, 15s. per 1000. LIST of other TREES on applicLition. Special Quotations fbr large quantities. Apply, with reference, to DDELL. Steward, Park Attwood, Bewdley. Worcestershire. liiREE MILLION strong 4-yr. transplanted QUICK, 1,000,000 good 2-yr. transplanted QUICK. 2.000,000 superior Seedling QOICK. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 4 to 6 feet. lOO^O good strong LARCH, 2 to 4 feet. , High Fields, Melbourne, near Derby. Green Hollies, 4 to 7 feet. GEORGE CHIVAS, Chester, offers several Thousands of the above, very handsome plants, in cxcellout condition for removing ; also an exceedingly large stock of extra strong THORNS, and many Mtllious of FOREST TREES, including LARCH of all sizes SCOTCH FIR, twice transplanted. IJ to 3 leet ; SPRUCE. 1 to 3* feet, thin on the ground; ASH, 21 to 5 feet; ELM, 3to6feet: SYCAMORE, 3 toOfeet: OAKS, ALDERS BIttCH.&c. PRICED 1.1STS on application. Hazel, Larch, Scotch, &c. J SCOTT, Merriott Nurst-ries, Somerset, offers to • Plantens Five Acres of Transplanted HAZEL, from 3 to 4. and 4 to 6 ft., very fine ; and large breadths of LARCH, SCOTCH, ASH, ) Planters supplied at reduced prices. OAK. TkoRN, &c. Exte. . .... PORTUGAL LAURELS, YEWS and BOX, large and finely grow to be SOLD, a Bargain. CATALOGUES on application. Tansley Nurseries, near Matlock, Derbyshire. JOSEPH SMITE, Sen., invites Planters and the Trade to inspect his Nursery of 80 Acres of high land. The soil Is of a fibrous nature, and the Plants take up with excellent roots, such as to ensure the best success in their removal. The Nm-sery contains many Hundred Thousands of RHODODEN- DRONS, COMMON and PORTUGAL LAURELS, BOX, BROOMS. BERBERIS, HOLLIES. PRIVETS, YEWS, &c. THE FOREST TREES are very extensive, of all the leading kinds ; there are 15 Acres of LARCHES, of different sizes, and all others in propor- tion. Prices moderate, whichwin be had on application as above. JOSEPH SMITH, JuN., Moor Edge Nurseries, Tansley, near Matlock, has to offer a large and GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, consisting of Forest Trees and Ornamental Shrubs and f moderate prices. , atv„., . LARCH, 2 to 3 feet. 3 to 4 feet, and 4 to 5 feet. 13s. per 1000. RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, 8 to 12 inches, 90s. per 1000; I to 16 ins., 13JS. p. 1000 ; 1 to U ft.,m)s. p. 1000 ; IJ to 2 ft., 260s. p. 1000. Wonersh Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO AND SON beg to aunoimee that their • Stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds is this season very extensive and well-grown, sumples, prices, and Catalogues of which can be obtained on application ;— 100,000 Hazel, 3 to 5 feet 30,000 Alder. 3 to 4 feet 60,000 Ash, 2 to 3 feet 20,000 Svcmnore, 3 to 4 feet [2 ft. 600,000 Quick, transplanted, IJ to lit o7ft. Common and Pnrtugal Laurel Berberis aquifoUa And other various Shrubs, large stock of strong STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, a 1 DWARF-TRAINED do. Leicester Abhey Nurseries. FRUITS, ROSES, EVERGREENS, and ORNAMENTAL TREES. THOMAS WARNER begs to remind Planters and the Trade, thnt in addition to his extensive General Nursery Stock he has the following in irameuso quantities, of unsurpassed quality, aud at very reasonable prices : — APPLES, APRICOTS, PEARS, and PLUMS, Standards, with stems 4 to 13 feet, and good heads, extra fiae APRICOTS, CHERRIES, and PEACHES. Dwarfs CHERRIES and PEACHES, Dwarf-trained CURRANTS, HOUGHTON CASTLE or VICTORIA, RED, strong GRAPE VINES, BLACK HAMBURGH STRAWBERRIES (in 2o flue sorts) [good ROSES, finest varieties, Dwatfs on Manetti, remarkably strong and ABIES CANADENSIS or HEMLOCK SPRUCE, 2i to 3i feet ARBOR-VIT.^, AMERICAN. 3 to 6 feet, bushy and well rooted „ SIBERIAN, li to 4 feet. Pyramids, very handsome AUCUBA JAPONICA, 9 inches to 2 feet high, bushy BOX, TREE (various sorts), 1 to 2i feet CEDRUS ARGENTEA, 1 to 4 feet, transplanted September. ISiJiJ CHESTNUT, SCARLET-FLOWERED, 3 to 8 feet, very stout CLEMATIS VITALBA (Traveller's Joy), transplanted ELMS, standards (various sorts). 6 to 12 feet, extra fine IVY. IRISH, 3* to4i feet, strong and bushy, in pels, remarkably fiuo POPLARS, BLACK ITALIAN and ONTARIO, 4 to 8 feet SAVIN, li to 2i feet SYCAMORE, COMMON. 4 to 0 feet, very fine .. VARIEGATED, 4 to 10 feet THORNS, SCARLET and PINK. Standards, 6 to 8 feet YEWS. ENGLISH and IRISH, 1 to 4 feet. See CATALOGUES. Wholesale or Retail. THE " LARGE COLDSTREAM LEEK" is the largest and best in cultivation, similar to and grown in the same locality as those known as Henry's Fi-ize Leek, aud Ayton Castlo Leek. Free by post. Is. per packet, or 12 postage stamps; or 8s. per 12 packe' SANDRINGHAM CELERY, This is the best of all the "White varieties, being very solid, crisp, and delicious, of medium growth, larger than TURNER'S INCOMPARABLE DWARF WHITE, and free from the coarseness of many of the larger kinds, llie best proof of its excellence is in the fact that AT Sandringham no other kind is grown. In P. L. & SON'S Sealed Packets, Is. each. Special offer to the Trade on application. I^° A TRADE LIST of NOVELTIES can also be had. PETER LAWSON and SON, 28, KING STREET, CHEAPSIDE, LONDON ; and EDINBURGH. Seeds for Exportation. SUTTON AND SONS have now received their supplies of GENUINE and SUPERIOR GRASS, FARM. VEGE. TABLE, and FLOWER SEEDS, which are in excellent dry condition for Export. CATAXOQUES (with samples and special quotations if desired), may be had on appUcation. July 9, from A. N. Ella, Esq., Queenstotcn, Cape of .,■..! ,.:th HE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (Established 1840) Have now ready for delivery in di-y fine condition, CORN MANURE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Landa SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL ami POTATO MANURES. Also Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA, )x Dock Warehoufio; SULPHATE of AMMOMA, FISHERY SALT, 4o, ^ E. PnBSSE, Secretary. Offices. 116, Fenchuroh Street, B.C. ^__^ AW"eS'" WHEa'^'I^^IANURE for AUTUMN SOWING.— A supply of the above Manure ia now ready for delivery, at J. B. Lawkb' Factories, Deptford and Barking Creeks. Price £8 per ton. Two to three cwt. per acre to be harrowed into the land before tho seed is sown. It can bo obtained of Mr. Lawes, or through any of hia appointed Agents ; also LAWES; PATENT TURNIP MANURE . . jEO G 0 per ton. all Chemical Manures of value. AMERICAN and other CAKESat market prices. Address John Bennkt Lawf Bridge, E.C. ; 22, Eden Quay, I. ODAMS'S N1TI;< ODAMS'S Mil:' ODAMS'S \H>-' ODAMS'S sari. ODAMS'S PllKP. t^'^ Irish Branch— 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Directors. CTmirraan— John Clayden, Littlebury, Esses. De^utt/'OIiairman — John Collins, 265, Camden Road, HoUoway. Edward Bell, 4S, Marine Parade, Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstcad Abbot, Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexhani, Norfolk. George Savllle, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex. Charles Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hilrtersham, Cambridgeahire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross. Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy. Cf). West Sraithfield. M, II, .mill'! hh-ector — James Odnms. Bankers -M ■ l ; u n iu<.. Hoares, & Co., Lombard Street. Solicitors— '\\' ■ ' 1 ''i Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand, . ' lUu-uJonas, Cambridge. This compair. '■'. i- m : Mi'i v lurmed by,and is under the directioi ot agriculturisLs;(.Mruinii,sL:uiLMjs tliat havejustlv earned for it another title, viz.— "The Tuuant l'\iiriierrf" Manure Company." Its members are cultivator-s of upw.arda of 50,000 acres of land, which has been for years undor management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the consumer has the best guarantee tor the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures manufactured by this Company. Particulars will be forwarded on application to the Secretary, may be had of the Local Agents. C. T. Macadam, Secretary. Chief Offices— 109, Fenehurch Street, Loudon, E.C. Important to GardeuerB. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION PRIZE MEDAL o^ 18li7 SAYNOU AND COOKK only, for excellencu of quality In MatorlHl and \V. -Iir t-.'^ti'I. in PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, VINE :li,.i 1 I.I siM, SCISSORS. &c. — the high dihtmctiou thuH aw.ii I ; lit II bupunority '^ver all other ... Liriod the PRIZE MEDALS ■ ^ .1 1^01, 1856, and 1862. yuieu and Seedsmen In the world. competitors, havUik: :<.< of the GREAT EXilli;i I i Can bo bought of all .Nu: Paxton Works, Sheffield. Established 120 years. Corporate Mark, None are genuine unless marked Saynoh, also Om War Horticultural Glass WareHouae. THOMAS MIL LING TON and CO., 87, Bishopsgate Struct Without. London, E.C. NEW LIST for OKCIIARU-HOUSE GLASS as supplied to Hor Majesty, the Nobility, Gentry, Mr. Rivera, and the leadlug ilortt- 20 by 12 . 20 by 13* CI 20byUVPerlOOfeet-4- 20 by 15 I (2 20 by 16-' SMALL SHEET SQUARES, 16 In.llu, 3rds. I 2nds. i Best. 15«6d,18d6d 20(«0i^ SiSttl ?iS 0,1 l,li oM IZ ul'-^^H'^H'^'H'*'"'' 10 by 8 112 by 0 112| by lov Hi by lOJ) 101 by 81 IZi by 9, 13 by 10 116 by 10 [ 11 by9 13 by 9 ISJbylui 13 by 11 t UibyOl 12 by 10 |l4 by 10 |U by 11 } 13^ 3(2 14» eci 17a 3ii 19s 0(Z LARGE SHEET SQDARES, 16 oz., per 100 feet. 16ibylOil4 by 12 22 by 12 10 by 10 14ibyl2j ' 14) by Hi IS by 12 15 by II ilS) byl2i 15i by 11) IB by 12 16 by 11 10) by 12) 24 by 14 21 by 11 !17 by 13 | 22 by 15 13 by 12 :i8 by 11 ;l by 15 The above Prices are only u other Size be required, In. 22 by 16 84 by 161 20 by 17 22 by 17 24 by 17 20 by 18 19>ed'20sO(I 7'-,^ stated ; if a quantity of any Special Price will be given. SHEET GLASS. In Sheets for Cutting up, averaging from 6 to 9 feet super. 4th8 quality, per 300 feet c; 4th8 quality, per 200 feet case, 384. The Milliy White is not only perfectly distinct Irom, but far superior to every other variety. Gre.it aire sliouUi bo taltcn to ensure having the true sort. It will be very provoltinK to find at getting-up tinio that one has been dis.appointed and deceived by having au inferior and comparMtively worthless variety substituted. & Son, Gloucester, Seedsmen to the Gloucester Agi-K HENRY DEWAK, begs to offer the undfrmeiitionod SEEDS, which he can with confidence i-ecomniend .as being i'lrst-rlass (m sealed jackets oily);— DEWAR-S IMPROVED SHORT-TOP KED BEET.S, \s. per packet. NORTHUMBERLAND CHAMPION WHITE CELERY, U. p. pkt. Extra choice (selected) BRUSSELS SPROUTS. &/. per packet. COO ICE'S improved suptrb EARLY DWARF CABBAGE, ud.p.pkt. HALLS NEW HYBRID NETTED GREEN-FLESH MELON.— A hardy free-bearing v.ariety, liuit averaging from 3 to 6 lb. ; thin , Grey .Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, monials may be obtai THOM^^ Vino I . perfect sui' .1 Mt,^ the Bleeding of the iiiint.', and has been used with I I , as well as for preventing i'.i Nt)°& Son, Dalkeith, N.B. ; a bottles at Zs. each, with direc- I without the Signature of Wm. Suttons' Prize Cucumber Seeds. SUTTON ANi> SONS can supplv SEKD of the best kinds of CUCUMB ERS, including Mr. "HamiUon's new varieties, SuTTnys' Berkshire Challenge, Sdttoms' Berkshire Champion, and Si ~ ,'.\,il Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. P)i:iGATi; SILVER SAND, best quality, 125. per ton, \] at Swan I'laco ; delivered four miles, or to any London Wharf or Railway, 16,s. per ton, or Is. 6rf. per busheL (Sacks at cost price, or on hire.) KENTISH and HAMPSHIRE PEATS, YELLOW LOAM, LEAF MOULD. SPHAGNUM MOSS, & COCOA FIBRE REFUSE. J. Kennakd, Swan Place. Old Kent Road, London, S.E. Beautiful Flowers, Beautiful Flowers. COCOA NUT ElliUE KEFUSE for SALE, S.-;. per Waggon, and 2s. per Cartload. This useful material— the supenority of which over Manufactured Manures for atrengtheuing the Growth and Improviog the Bios; -'■ • ed by testimonials from Flori ' 3 of the United Kinedom- 1 Striking all Soft-wooded Pi; ._, 1 fagging ordampingoff ; and may be bad in quantities of not less than two sacks, delivered free to any of the London booking offices, at 2s. 6(Z. per sack, each containmg G buahels, sack included, on recept of post order or postage stamps, addressed Patent Cocoa Fibre WorkB, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, London, E. /^OCOA-NUT KEFUSE ^-^ is becoming soabue, the old reserves will soon be gone. Now sold in bags, 1 for 2s., 10 for 165., 20 for 30«., 60 fcjr Ms, IflO for ;£6. Fourpence allowed lor each bag returned carriage-paid. A Railway Tmck-load (not in bags), 408. Postage Stamps or Post-offlce Order, payable to J. Bahsham & Co., Kingston-on-Thames, S.W. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Rivers, Nurseries, SatcbrUlgeworth, Herts, 22d October, 1861. "I must tell you what I heard to-day from a very clever gentleman farmer, Anthony Bubb, Esq.. of Witcombe Court, Gloucester. " BRITiSH PLATE GLASS lor Windows and Silvered for Looking Glasses, Coloured Glass, Glass Shades, Striking Glasses, ic, &c. PAINTS, COLOURS, VARNISHES, &c. STUCCO PAINT, 24s. per cwt. This Paint adheres flrmly to the walls, refrists the weather, and is free from the glossy appearance of Oil Paint, rcseuibliug a stone sui-facB, and can be made any required shade. It is mixed with rain or pure river water, WHITE ZINC PAINT, 36s. per cwt. One hundredweight of pure Zinc Paint, with three gallons of Linseed Oil, will cover as much as one hundredweight and a-half of White Lead and six gallons of Linseed Oil. Special Dryers for thia Paint. IMPROVED ANTI-CORROSION PAINT, 283. to 3-la. per.cwt. Anti-corrosion Paint is extensively used for all^ kinds of ' xposed situations. Brick, Stone, Compo, Iron, ^ron Bndges, .Greenhouses, fee, and is easily laid on by any ordinai-y workman. Prepared Oil for ditto 4s. per gallon. ConserVtttorit Perc unnailed them all, early last February, and gave all but thorough painting with Gishurst Compound, lib. to the gallon of water ; his trees, all but the one, commenced to grow favourably in spring, and are now pictm-es of health. The tree not painted is m a half-dead blighted state. He used the same dressing to his Apple Trees ; it killed the woolly Aphis entirely, and has made his trees clean and vigorous in their growth. He intends to paint his Wall Trees annually, and tells all his friends to do the same. 1 shall certainly serve all my young Peach Tree.s against my walla in the same manner. The Compound is, I believe, more efficacious than the usual (iffenaive mixtures of clay, soot, sulphur, &c. ; and it does not blacken the shoots on the w.ills." For Orchard-house Trees. 4 ozs. to the gallo strength ; when used stronger injured. GISHURST COMPOUND is sold RetaQ by Nurserymen Seedsmen, in boxes. Is., 3s., and 10s. 6d. each. Wholesale by Price's Patint Candle Company (Limii GENUINE WHITE LEAD 32 0 SECOI^DS WHITE LEAD 30 0 GROUND PATENT DRV- ERS, 3d.to4irf. perlb. „ OXFORD OCHRE, 3d. to 4id. per lb. RAW UMBER. 4id. to Gd. per lb. [per lb. „ BURNT do., M. to 9d. GREEN PAINT, all shades, 28s. to 60 0 BLACE PAINT, 246". to 30 C RED PAINT .. 28s. to 30 C GROUND BRUSHES. DUSTERS. I SASH TOOLS. DISTEMPER BRUSHES. The above are Net, for Cash, Lists of any of the Per gallon.— 5. d. TURPENTINE FineOAKVARNlSH,10j.tol2 0 „ CARRIAGE do., 128. to 14 0 „ PAPER do. 108. to 12 0 „ COPAL 16 0 KNOTTING 10 0 Patent GOLD SIZE .. 10 C „ BLACK JAPAN . . 12 0 GLAZIER'S DIAMONDS and TOOLS MILLED LEAD and PIPES OLD LEAD Bought or taken in exchange, id as such cannot be booked, above on application. MILLINGTON A.-~2^'i. per gro.«s. B.— BUg. per gross, C— 40s. per gross. 2s. tjd. per dozen. Os. per dozen. 3s. 6rf. per dozen. The above are made in Gret^n, Blue, Puce, and Amber. B can be had in Opal, Is. per dozen extra. Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNOR AND COOKE'S WAKRANTElJ PRIZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that you cet them. Observe the mark SAYNOR, also the Corporate Murk, Obtain Wakranted, without which none are genuine. S. & C. regret having to caution Gardeners and others, but are compelled to do so. in consequence of an imitation, of common quality, having been sold for the genuine one, and which has caused many complaints to be made to them of Knives which were not of their make, all of which are warranted both by Sellers and Makers. S. & C.'s PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are tbo best and the cheapest in the market. Pekxton Works, Sheffield. Established upwards of 126 years. Glass for Garden Purposes. AMES PHILLIPS and CO. beg to submit their REDUCED PRICES as follows:— PROPAGATING HYACINTH and FLOWER DISHES. 6 inches diameter . . . . Is. Od. | 9 inches diameter . . ..10 12 inches diameter .. .. 28. 6d. Hyacinth Dishes are intended to contain a number of Roots Bedded in and covered with Moas, instead of the common Hyacmth LACTOMETERS, for Testing the Quality of Millt. Four Tubes .. .. 4s. Cd. i Six Tubes .. .. 6». Cd. With Stands complete. WITH OPEN TOPS. 16 London Agents for H^RfLE'rsTMPROVED'PATENT ROUGH PLATE. LINSEED OIL, Genuine WHITE LEAD. CARSON'S PAINTS, PAINTS of varione SHEET and R< BRITISH PLAT K SHEET, HORTR every description i all alzes, , CROWN, RED, and t.lie lowest 3 & Co. )U, iJisbupstatu t Wil It. E.C. THE GARDENEES' CHEONICLE AKD AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Januaet 4, 1868- ROTAL VINEYARD PEACH.— This remarkable ' Peacb Is of very robust habit, and is a most prolific bearer. It is so hardy, that in 1865 jlt bore a heavy crop of large f^ult as an OKCHARD STANDARD, several branches having each borne from lour to five fruit, weighing tkn ounces a-pieco. It is a free-stona of luscious flavour, wit" antly piquant to re ... ripening is about a week earlier than the Barrinffton Peach. JoHK & Cbarlm 1-ee have much pleasure in introducing this extraordinary Peach, which was exhibited at Mr. Webber's, in Covent Garden Market, in 18G5, and was much admired and inquired Dwarf Maiden Trees are now ready, price 10s. Cil. each. Royal Vineyard Nm-sery and Seed Establishment, Hammersmith, London, W. Royal Ascot Vine. J NO. STANDISH is prepared to send by post strong GRAFTS of the above VINE to any part of Great Britain at 10^. Gd. each, and Od. the postage. He has no hesitation m saying that if side-drafted on any other strong Vine, just as the sap is lising, it will unite immediately, and bear a sample of bunches the same season, or witbin six months from the time of putting the graft. Persons not used to grafting can have a sketch, and how to " ■ afterwards. Also Plants now for Sale, in Royal Nurseries, Ascot. Berks. STKOJSG STANDARD and DWAiiF-TKAINED APPLES and PEARS. Fine transplanted LARCH FIR, U MONTHLY ROSES, and } well rooted, and will i 3 with safety. Prices. Cha , The Nurseries. London Road, Cheltenham. R" ICHARD SMITH'S FKUIT LIST contains a sketch i)f the various forms of Trees, with directions for Cultivation, Soil, Drainage, Manure, Pruning, Lifting, Ci-opplng, Treatment unaer Glass; also their synonymes, quality, size, form, skm, colour, flesh, flavour, use, growth, duration, season, price, &c. Free by a and Seed Merchant, Worcester. L^IFTY ACRES well stocked with FKUIT 'J'KEES 1: to select f^om.— APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PKACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, in every form desired for fruiting. See RicflARD Smith's FKUIT LIST, free by pobt for 3 stamps. iSM Nurseryman, Worcester. "IjISPALIER and WALL-TRAINED TREES -I'J in any quantitv.— APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES. NKCTARINES, and APRICOTS, line strong trees of ■ ^ form. » Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps. perfect form. Ric. RD Smith, Nui-seryn ACKOF of FKUIT the FIKsT SEASON.- Hearing Pyr.amids and Bushes in pots for orchard bouses. PKACHES. NECTARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and CHERRIES. Extra strong VINES and FIGS m fruiting condition for " Fruu Trees.— The finest Collection in England. J SCOTT, Merriott Nurseries, Somerset, begs • solicit his Friends and the Public to inspect hia immei Stock, consisting of TOO sorts of APPLES, 50 do. APRICOTS. 120 d CHERRIES, ISOdo. PEACHES and NECTARINES. 900 do. PEAR>^. and 160 do. PLDMS. in all manner of tr Lining, welt root-pru.ied and crefdlly transplanted; CURRANTS, FILBERTS, GOoSE UERRIES, &c. ; making together about 1500 sorts of FRUIT TREES, which for health and beauty cannot be surpassed. CATALOGUES on application. M^ AUCOBAS, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRDBS. EVER. DESIGNS, PLANS, and ESTIMATES PREPARED for LAVING-OUT NEW GROUNDS, IMPROVING PARK SCENERY, PLANTATIONS, lie. F' Convenient railway accommodation to all parts of iLo c Mllford Nurseries, near Bodal^iUng, Smrey. Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N. WM . PAUL begs to announce that he has the following COLLECTIONS of TREES and PLANTS now ready for delivery, which he can confidently recommend for qiiality r> OSES.— 100,000 Plants Standards, Dwarf Standards, kj and Dwarfs. PRICED DE.SCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE free OP application. rriREES and SHRUBS.— Large quantities of the popular ■ Nursery Plants, of all sizes, good and cheap, of PICTORIAL T^""'^ ' ■■ .... _ which received a Exhibition of ISGD. FRUIT TREES. — Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums, Figs, Peaches, Nectarines. Apricots, &c., 4c. ; Standards Dwarfs, and Pyramids, trained and untrained. A large stock of handsome trees, many in a fruiting state. RAPE VINES. -All the best sorts, both Planting and Fruiting Canes. PELARGONIUMS.— Beaton's and other Zonal kinds, Gold, Bronze, and Silver variegated, a floe collection. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES of any or all of tho above free by post. G OHN CRANSTON'S CATAL O GU E of SELECTED ROSES is now ready, and wUI be forwarded sspectfully directs attention to i following LIST of Bpno FIRST PRIZES which have been awarded t Rose Shows of the present year, proving be' „„ „„„ 60il and climate of his Nurseries are unrivalled for the Cultivation of Roses : — Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, London. June 19.— 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE Cirencester. June 19.— 36 Varieties, Cut Roses, three trusses each, FIRST PRIZE Clifton. June 25.-24 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE Crystal Palace. June 29.-72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington. July 2.-72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE Birmingham. July 4, 6. — 72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, three trusses each, FIRST PRIZE Hereford. July 9. — 72Vanetie3. Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE s each, FIRST PRIZE July 12.— 72 Varieties, Cut Roses, ( GENUINE SEEDS. JAMES VEITCH & SONS BEQ TO ANNOUNCE THAT TREIR CATALOGUE OF GARDEN AND FLOWER SEEDS FOR 1868, WITH LIST OF IMPLEMENTS AND OTHER GARDEN REQUISITES, Is now Tubliahed, and wUl be forwarded Post Free on application. ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.W. SEED CATALOGUE for 1868. JOHN & CHARLES LEE "WILL BE HAPPY TO rORWARD THEIR DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE OF AGRICULTURAL, VEGETABLE, AND FLOWER SEEDS, Post Free on application. ROYAL VINEYARD NURSERY and SEED ESTABLISHMENT, HAMMERSMITH, W. STTTTONS' HOME-GROWN SEEDS. PARIS EXHIBITION, 1867. SUTTON AXD SONS have tlie honour of announciog that THE SILVER MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY has bceu Awarded to their Collection, which included SUTTONS' GEASS SEEDS FOR ALL SOILS, SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN FARM SEEDS, | SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN VEGETABLE SEEDS, BUTTONS' HOME-GROWN FLOSVER SEEDS. SUTTON AND SONS, SEED GROWERS, READING. SUTTONS' HOME-OROWN SEEDS THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL, PARIS, 1867, FOR ENGLISH GARDEN SEEDS, "Was awarded to SUTTON AND SONS. SDTTONS' PRICED CATALOGUE FOR 1868 Is now ready, and may be kad Gratia and Post Free on application. ^lll Goods Carriage Free, except very small parcels. SUTTON AND SONS, ROYAL BERKSHIRE SEED ESTABLISHMENT, READING. TWO SUPERB NEW MELONS. JAMES mCKSON & SONS HAVE THE OKEATEHT CONFIDENCE IN INTllODDCING AND HECOMMENDINO, AS BEING REAI, ACQUISITIONS, THE TWO FOLLOWING NEW AND SUPERB MELONS, Which they believe to be superior to any others, and of which they hold the entire stocks. DUKE of CORNWAIiL. RECEIVED A FIRST.CLASS CERTIFICATE FROM THE ROVAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY IN 1864. This valuable Melon is the production of Mr. T. Shortt, the raiser of several well-known varieties. It is a hybrid between " Trenthani Cocoa Nut" and a very fine Italian variety. The fruit averages from 3 to 4 lb. in weight ; has a yellowish green rind, flesh of a deep green colour, and delicious flavour. Should be sown about the middle or end of May, and can be had in use till the middle of January. The fruit improves after being cut, and has the unusual and desii-able property of keeping 6 or 8 weeks. GOLDEN EVEBSLEY. This excellent eakly and prolific variety is by the same eminent raiser as the preceding, and is a hybrid between the |' Heckfield Hybrid " and " Orion i'rize." Of a handsome oval shape, light yellow colour, and beautifully reticulated ; the flesh is pale green, and in point of flavour pronounced by the best judges to be unequalled. Per packet, Ss. 6d. Prices to the Trade on application. 102, EASTGATE STREET, aud "NEWTON" NURSERIES, CHESTER. Januaet i, 186S.] THE GAKDENEES' ClIKONICEE A^'D AOrJCULTUltAL GAZETTE. SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN SEEDS. (CARRIAGE FREE.) PARIS, 1867. THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL roR ENGLISH GARDEN SEEDS WAS AWAHDEn TO SUTTON AND SONS. BUTTONS' COMPLETE COLLECTIONS FOK ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, (CARRIAGE FREE,) ARE NOW READY. FOPv THE KITCHEX GARDEN. Ko. 1.— A COMPLETE COLLECTION of the best kinda of VEGETABLES, for ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, as proved in Messrs. Sottons' TrUl Grounds.. £3 3 No. 2.— A COMPLETE COLLECTION of ditto 2 2 No. 3.— A COMPLETE COLLECTION of ditto 1 11 No. 4. -A COMPLETE COLLECTION of ditto 1 1 No. .5.— A COMPLETE COLLECTION of ditto 0 1.5 No. 6.— A COMPLETE COLLECTION of ditto 0 12 No. 7.— A COMPLETE COLLECTION of ditto, extra quantities, for large Gardens. . .5 .5 Contents of tM above Collections on ajipUcation. CARTER'S GENUINE SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PRIZE ]\IEDAL GARDEN SEKDS, FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. PARIS, 1367. James Carter & Co.'s COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VKGETABLE SEEDS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, made up to suit the requirements of large, medium, small, and very small familiei. Price 633 , 42s., 21s , and 12s. 6d., Box and packing included |^forwajded^ avithoit del/ eceipt of Post Offici 37 & 238, High Holborn, L Orde idon, W.C. FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. LONDON, 1862. Carter's Seed Collection No. 2, price 21s., containing the undermentioned New and Genuine Garden Seeds, and including box .and packing :— LETTUCE. CARTER'S GIANT WHITE, large packet FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN, (Free by Post or R.ail.) No. 1.— A COLLECTION of the best GER- JIAN and ENGLISH FLOWER SEEDS, saved by eminent Florists. . £2 2 No. 2.-A COLLECTION of ditto No. 3,— A COLLECTION of ditto No. 4— A COLLECTION of ditto No. .5.— A COLLECTION of ditto Other COLLECTIONS from 2.s to 10s 0 15 0 10 6rf. Just 2»Mished, price Is. Post Free, Gratis to Customers SUTTONS' DESCRIPTIVE SPRING CATALOGUE AMATEUR'S GUIDE FOR 1868, ILLUSTRATED, BEET, ST. USYTU.larpe packet BORECOLE, or KAIL, COT. TAGERS'. larce piicket KAIL, NEW, ASPARAGCS, do. DWARF SCOTCH, do. BRUSSELS SPROUTS, best. do. BROCCOLI. CARTER'S CHAM- PION, do. SNOWS WINTER, do. ADAMS' EARLY WHITE.do. PURPLE SPROUTING, do. CABBAGE, CARTER'S EARLY, do. Selected SCARLET, 1 c CELERY, INCOMPARABLE DWARF WHITE, larne ckt. MANCHESTER GIANT RED large packet CRESS. PLAIN, 4 oz. AUSTRALIAN, 1 oz. CUCUMBER, CARTER'S CHAMPION, packet LEEK, AYTON CASTLE, do. DRUMHEAD, do. VICTORIA MUSTARD. WHITE, J READING. !■ PARSLEY. DU.VNETT'S GAR- NISHING, IrirL-e packet PARSNIP, STUDENT. 1 ounce PEA.S. CARTER'S EAKLY, I qt, ADVANCER, new, 1 pint BISHOP'S LONO-POD, 1 pint RADISH, WOOD'S FRAME, VEGETAfeLE MOORE'S, packet POT HERBS. 4 packets D01!SO.\S' r|.:L|,i:!; \T|':|) I _ Thollri,- I ,',,,, •,. II,.- ,■■ „I,I pvOBSO.N.s' I i,i,m;ii.\i t.lj DOBSONS' CELKIIRATKD Second to none in tlio Trade. T^OBSONS'^ ^ CELEBRATED PRIZE SEEDS ;i,t,i:!; \Tl':i> n;!/,!-; r \i,r|,i)i,,\iti4.. PKIZK PRIMULA. !,<-, a^. (!(/., and te. UBSOlNS' OBSONS" M4MM(JTU CRL.MSUN COCKsCUMB e very large and One colour. In. OB SONS' ^ SPLENDID ANTIEIIHINTJM. Saved from 50 vai-ieties. 6d. and 1«. DOBSON AND SONS, Woodlands Nursery, Islewortb, supply the above in sealed packets, post free. THE ASSOCIATION of SURREY NURSI?kYMEN. — Tlie ANNUAL DINNER of tlie above Association will take pUce at the Prince of Wales Tavern, East Brl.\ton, on FRIDAY NEXT, January 10, at 0. for half-past, p M. Snigle Tickets, 5i. each ; a Member and Two Friends, 12«., may be ' -" ^. - '^ ■- "■ ^ " Nurserymen, Ac, High Street. irvmen, &c.. Longhboroush of the Hon. Sec, CiuaLEs n'.B.— No Tickets will bo Sold after Wednesd.ay, January 8. THE GARDENERS'"kOYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION, 14, Tavistock Row, Covent Garden, London, W.C. The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Members of this Society will take place on WEI-INESDAY', January 16 next, at the Bedford Hotel, Covent Garden, W.C. for tne purpose of receiving the Report of the Committee and the Accounts of the Society for the past year and electing OfBceis for the ensuing year, also for the pur- pose of adding THREE PENSIONERS to the List; but In con- sequence of Tuosris Cleave, of Harlaxton, near Gi-antham, formerly of Bocon- Lostwithiel, aged 70 ; a Subsci-iber of £1 U. per iHii 1 for 26 yei ST, of Caunton, near Newark, aged nnum mr 20 years ; and 13, of Gloucester, aged 71 subscribe! Subscriber of £1 Is. of of the Society, the Committee recommend that they be placed on the Pension List, without the trouble and expense of an election, in conformity with Rule No. G, The Chair to be taken n December 28. Dy wruer, . Roger CuitEB, Secretary. containing much useful informal ion on FLORICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, and AGRICULTURE SUTTONS' SHORT SELECT SEED LIST is also ready, and may be had Gratis and Post Free. For LIST of NEW SEEDS AND POTATOS for 1868 See page 1237 {for 1867) of Gardeners' Chronicle, or SUTTONS' AMATEUR'S GUIDE. Just pifblis/ifd, CARTER'S GARDENER'S AND FARMER'S VADE MECUM FOR 1868, Parts I. and II., Illustrated, Containing complete Lists of New and Choice Flowed nd Vegetable Seeds, Plants and Bulbs for Spring Plant- ag, to which is added Original and Instructive Articles on ' A new and beautiful way of Arranging and Growing Annual Plants," *' Hardy Herbaceous and Alpine Plants from .Seed," " Fine-leaved and Sub-Tropical Plants from Seed," '* Decorative Annuals," and "On Laying Down Land to Permanent Pasture;" besides which will be found a large amount of Popular, Descriptive, and Scientif Information. Forwarded post free for 12 stamps; Gratis to Customer 237 & 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. Just published, price \s. ; post free,, 13 Sfampf;, CARTER'S PRACTICAL GARDENER, Illustrated, 126 pages, erown. A Handyboolt on every- day matters connected with Garden Boutine. Opinions of the Prrss. The Gardeners' Chronicle. — " The various articles have been written by some of the highest authorities amongst working gardeners, and they beiir throughout a practical and useful character." The Field.—" This is another ihilling booli, chiefly composed of Calendar of Operations, Ei\t ©atUenerjS'Cfirontcle. fjATUJlDAY, JANUAL'Y i, LSlis. Just about this period of the past year, 1867, the public in general, and the horticultu- rists in particular, were thrown into a ferment, if one can suppose such a process taking place at so low a temperature, by the occurrence of frost so severe as to stimulate the memory of that most retentive-minded individual, the oldest inhabitant, to recall the Uke. Eight, nine, ten, eleven, even as many as twelve degrees below zero of Pahrenheit, were recorded on the 4th of last January, in the home and southern counties. These statements might well create some doubt as to the accuracy of the instruments, or of the observer. However, the records in question were too numerous, and too much alike, to allow of further doubt as to the essential facts, the more so, as some at least of the observations were made by persons, and under-cir- cumstances, that precluded the admission of any suspicion of want of accuracy. As this more than nipping frost was largely alluded to at and soon' after the time of its occurrence, and as, moreover, it will be again alluded to in our meteorological summary for the past yenv, we make no farther allusion to it now, except to record this signifi- cant fact, that in spite of the excessively low atmo- spheric temperature, the thermometer at one foot in depth remained as before at W, and a day or two afterwards, when the excessive rigour of the cold above ground had materially abated, the ground thermometer felt the influence of the extreme cold by registering just 39|° ! The charity of Mother Earth to her dependents, the roots, could hardly be better exemplified. Of course so startling a meteorological phenomenon set gardeners and others to consult and compare the working of their thermometers, and it was once again easy to see how untrustworthy many of the "readings" must necessarily have been, and how difficult, if not impractic- able, it was to collate them for any purpo.se of science. In the course of the year this thermometric discussion 'elicited, through the medium of Dr. Hooker, a protest from M. Naudin, as to our continued use of a thermo- metric scale the inconveniences of which are generally acknowledged. The difKcultios in the way of adopting the Contigi-ade scale were well I^T All Goods Carriage Free, except very si, parcels. Five per cent, allowed for prompt payment. SUTTON AND SONS, ROYAL BERKS SEED ESTABLISHMENT, READING. and that Calendar is good." Country Zi/c— "All our ] ^^^ by l)r HooKER, hut were met, in a great gardening readers would do well to make a present to , '^ ^^ le^gt by the proposal of the veteran themselves of ' Carter's Practical Oardener. I ^J^f^^^^i -^t j^f , l.^nERT TnoMPSOX, of Chis- meteorologis. ^ . wick, to divide the inconveniently large Ceuti- ^„, ^ ^..u, ^.6 ^....- -. , grade degrees into two — to divide the scale into V. H. SMITH an'd SONS' RAIL-WAY BOOK STALLS. 200° rather than into lOD'-and thus obviate one JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 & 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. ; and at THE CtAEDENERS' CMONICLE AND AGRTCITLTTTRAL GAZETTE. [Janfaet 4, great inconvenience attaching to tlie use of the Centigrade thermometer. A practical commentary on the doleful effects of spring frosts was supplied in the very fuU account of the fruit crops which, thanks to the courtesy of our correspondents in various parts of Britain, we wore enabled to give in the past autumn. Wiile the thermometrio records were open to doubt in some cases, there was no such diificulty in tracing the effect of the frost on the fruit buds, and on the young pushing shoots. Turning from that common-place but most important topic, the weather, to other matters of interest in the horticultural world during the past year, we have no event of such magnitude to record as the International Horticultural Exhibition and Botanical Congress of the pre- ceding year. The plan of opersition at the Paris Exhibition, as regarded Horticultm-e, was so novel and so different from anything before attempted, that anything like comparison would be invidious. It is not little praise to say that the scheme was in the main fairly carried out, and that 14 distinct flower shows, each of a fort- night's duration, succeeded one another without pause. Thanks to our Paris correspondent, we were enabled to present our readers with a continuous record not only of what was taking place in the Exhibition, but also with a running commentary on those points of detail in French gardening most worthy of being brought under the notice of British gardeners. So far as these matters are concerned, then, we may safely s.ay that while 1866 sufficed to show the general superiority of English gardening, 1867 has served to bring to light sundry specialities and matters of detail, in which we must acknowledge our- selves as distanced by our courteous neighbours " outre Manche." The French Botanical Con- gress, necessarily in this case disconnected with the Exhibition, passed off agreeably enough. Botanists from far and near, many of whom but for such assemblages would not have the opportunity of meeting in social converse, attended; and one great result, practically exhibitors put out their greatest force at Man- chester? The project is not so fanciful as it looks. Of our own part in the year's work we need not say more than that we have endeavoured to keop our readers well posted in aU matters of interest ; and while so saying, we may beg the favour of any suggestions for improvement, or increased usefulness in the future. To our con- tributors, constant and occasional, we offer our most cordial thanks for their ready sympathy and assistance, without which our own labour would be valueless. That they have taken an earnest interest in matters horticultural is pretty evident from the brisk interchange of opinion on controversial subjects that has taken place, whether it has been Grape growing or Grape judging, cordons or no cordons, radiation or con- vection, tricolors or variegated zonals, root action or leaf action, or whatever the subject under dis- cussion may have been, it cannot be denied that while the truth of the proposition, " circum- stances alter cases," has been again abundantly confirmed, much valuable information on matters of practice, much material for careful investiga- tion and thought, have been elicited, the profit of which, though abundantly obvious now, will be even more so hereafter. With these recollections of the past year as our " precedent," we are entitled to look forward hopefully to that one which is now before us. Some of the coming events have been already incidentally alluded to. Two others demand a passing notice ere we close this article : the one the great Floral Exhibition at Ghent in the coming spring, which we may be sure will at least be equal to those that have gone before, and in all probability, such advocates of progress are our Belgian friends, will be superior to them. The other is the tenure for this year by Dr. Hooker of the Presidency of the British Association at its meeting at Norwich. While botanists may feel honoured that so distinguished an office is to be held by so eminent a represen- tative of their favourite science, horticulturists duced from the Moluccas by Messrs. Yeitcb, having been collected by the late Mr. Henry Hutton, who was considered by these gentlemen as an excellent collector. The species is nearest Dendrobium lilacinum, Bchb. f., a Borneo species. It is, however, distinguished by its smaller flowers, by a flat unguis to the lip, by the lamma of the Up being without plaits a lobed androclimum, no longitudinal carina of the pouch of the mentum, and by the absence of ciliffi on the petals. The flowers of Dendrobium cumulatum are as large as those of D. sanguinolentum, of a very bright purple, the lip yellowish, with some purplish dots near the apex. When fully grown this will be a nice Orchid, and the Messrs. Veitch inform us that it is a very free flowerer. The old stems are about 2 feet long, apparently erect, the bunch of flowers hanging down. E. Q. Rchh.Jil. speaking, was obtained by the publication ] jj^ve an equal right to be proud of the selection „. M. i)E Candolle'.9 provisional code of laws, drawn up with the view of regulating the entangled subject of botanical nomenclature. We may soon look for the publication of the English version of the " revised code." While this has been one great result of the French Congress, we made allude in this place to the careful record of our own Congress, which was issued during the past spring, and distributed widely among the supporters of the Exhibition, and among leading British and foreign botanists and horticulturists. Another of the scqueta: of the London Congress was the purchase of the Lindley Library, and its deposit in the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, there to form the nucleus of a library which, though located in the Society's rooms, is vested in trustees, so that aU chance of a repetition of the untoward disper- sion of the library such as was once possessed by the Society, is obviated. We hope soon to be able to record the completion of the necessa,ry arrangements, and that the library may speedily become available, as we understand it is intended to be, under certain necessary restrictions, to all classes interested in matters horticultural or botanical. Among the horticultural tourneys of the past year that have taken place within our own islands, those of Bury and Manchester deserve special notice. The first was avowedly _ an experiment, and the Royal Horticultural Society has no slight reasons for thanking Mr. D. T. Fish for the unequivocal success which attended upon its first visit to the provinces. Convinced as we are of the benefits likely to accrue to horticulture from the occasional trans- ference of the scene of action from South Kensington to the provinces, we are pleased to find the success of last year has determined the Society to renew the trial this ensuing summer, at Leicester. Great praise is likewise due to the spirited action of the denizens of the Cotton metropolis, resulting in a magnificent exhibition last spring : this, again, met with so well deserved a measure of success, that a similar effort is to be made in the present year. We do not altogether share the laments of those who regret that there are not two Whitsun weeks in one year— the possibility of having two exhibitions of such importance and magnitude, going on at the same time, speaks well for the state of horticultirre in this country. What if the Manchester men send heir products to London, and the London of one who, in addition to his many services to horticulture, so worthily fills the post of Director of the most important public garden in the world. We learn that Mr. Ingeam, after 51 years' service in the Royal Gardens, will, on account of his age and increasing infirmities, shortly retire from the superintendence of those at Frogmore, where he has been so long and so well known as a successful gardener, and also as a raiser of new fruits and flowers. He is, we hear, to be succeeded by Mr, Rose. The garden- ing community owe mur3h to the labours of Mr. INGKAM during a long life, which has been devoted with singleness of purpose to the cause of Horticulture ; but it is most especially in the department of raising meritorious novelties, and thus furnishing improved materials on which the cultural skill of the profession at large could be brought to bear, that this obligation becomes most clearly evident. This, indeed, was the main consideration which prompted a number of his friends, a few years since, to raise a testimonial fund, as a friendly acknowledgment of his many labours, and a sympathetic compliment on the occasion of his having attained the 50th year of his service in the Royal Gardens. In support of what we have just said, we need only refer to the following new fruits and flowers, which we owe to Mr. Ingram, to show that he has not failed to make good use of his opportunities, and assu- redly has not laboured in vain in his efforts to advance the science and practice of Horticulture. Thus of Pears we owe to him, British Queen ; of Apples, Gipsey King ; of Cherries, Frogmore Early Forcing and Early Bigarreau— the latter alone sufficient to perpetuate any man's fame; and of Strawberries, John Powell, Rifleman, Cockscomb, Fairy Queen, Mr. Radolifle (a new variety of high promise), Prince Arthur, Prince of Wales, and Frogmore Late Pme— the latter variety being a grand acquisition, both on account of its season and its quality. Among flowers, we may especially mention the beautiful new Rose Miss Ingram, which last year enchanted everybody ; and Princess Alice, one of the first of the really good pink Zonal Pelar- goniums, as having been raised by him. No doubt Mr. Ingram retires on a pension adequately repre- senting his long and faithful services. acutiusculo, New Plants. Dendrobium; cumulatum, Lindl., Gai-d. Ch 1855, J). 756. Pedilonum ; racemo plurifloro, mento tcpali3 cunoato oblongis clliolatis sepala triangiila exceden- tibus, labolli uugue lincari, callo retrorso triangulo ante basin, linea sulcata antepoaita, lamina oblonga obtusa denti- cnlata, plica oblique utrinque ab ungue in l.aminam, plica altera utrinque insiliente ante aplcem, carina tumida lon^- tudinali uti-lnque in apice saoci mentalis, columnfe anguli.s integris. This species has once more made its appearance in England. It was seen in 1S55 in the collection of Mr. F. Coventry, from Shirley, near Southampton, and in that of Mr. C. B. Warner. It has recently been re-intro- FIG CULTURE.-L While pages and pages are annually written on the Grape, Strawberry, and most other kinds of fruits, the Fig, which stands second to none, is being well nigh forgotten. Having paid some attention to this estimable fruit for some years past, I have thought a few papers on it might awaken some interest in its favour, and at the same time prove acceptable to your readers, for I believe that the management of no fruit in cultivation in this country is so little under- stood generally as that of the Fig. I propose to begin by giving a short outline of the general history and cultivation of the Fig tree, both in this and other countries ; then, after some remarks on the fruit itself, and the setting and casting of the same, to describe the method of cultivating it m^ pots, as practised in the garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Chiswick, giving a short description of the most suitable varieties for cultivation, as gathered from actual observations. Historieal Ab^es.— We find the Fig is mentioned in the very earliest writings— the Sacred Scriptures as being a fruit held in the highest estimation. 1 he 1' igs of ancient Athens, which were celebrated for their excellent flavour, are mentioned by Aristotle, Pliny, and other classical writers. The tree is a native of the countries alonaboth shores of the Mediterranean, and is cultivated to a large extent in the South of France, and in Italy, where it forms a staple article of diet, besides being largely exported in the dried state, _ The Fig was introduced to this country in 1525, during the reign of Henry the Eighth; and the original trees (which are of the "White Marseilles kind) still exist, I believe, in the gardens at Lambeth Palace. Very little attention, however, appears to have been paid to it until the time of Miller, who introduced several varieties from Italy. He gives descriptions of about a dozen varieties in his " Gardeners' Dictionary in U GS (exactly 100 years ago) ; their names are. Brown Chest- nut-coloured Ischia, Black Ischia, Green Isohia, i ellow Ischia, small Brown Ischia, Black Genoa, large H uite Genoa, Murrey or Brown Naples, long Brown Naples, Malta, small White Early, Madonna, and Gentile. What authority Miller had for these names is not known It is more than probable that he destroyed the Italian names which he had received with them, and substituted these in their places— a practice far too prevalent at the present day, and one which cannot be too severely condemned. Miller may have called them Isehias Genoas, &o., from having received them from those districts ; but no such names, at all events, are to be found in any of the Fig countries. „. . , In the south of France and Italy the cultivated varieties of Figs are very numerous. There seems, however, much confusion about their nomenclature ; each district having names peculiarly its own. Pliny, who wrote a.d. 79, describes 30 varieties of Figs ; other writers who followed him carry the number up to 100, but mostly under different names to those of Plmy. In our own country the Messrs. Lee, of Hammersmith, have long been in possession of a large collection; Thompson in the Horticultural Society's Fruit Cata- logue enumerates 89;varieties ; Hogg in the last edition of the Fruit Manual describes about 70, most of whicti he found growing in Languedoc and Provence in the south of France. This last is the best, most reliable, and only descriptive account of Figs that is of any use to us, and is therefore adopted as our best authority. „, „. . . .. .. General Mode of C«?<«re.— The Fig is in its native country a low tree, and is cultivated as an open standard, in the same way as we grow our Apples. In this country it seldom attains any great size, excepting where it is protected in some manner. All along the south coast, however, particularly in the county of Sussex, as at Arundel and Worthing, there are many large standard Fig trees in the orchards, which annually bear immense quantities of fruit. It is also cultivated with great success on the walls in that neigh- bourhood, the climate and the soil seeming peculiarly suited to it. It may here be remarked that the Fi" always seems to succeed best in districts border- ing on the sea, whether it is grown in houses or in the open air. Many gardeners imist have experienced the facility with which a crop of Figs could be produced in one district, while in another all their efforts have nearly proved futile. At CuUen House, Banflshire, Scotland, which is situated near the sea, beautiful crops of Figs were obtained many years ago, while the same gardener on coming to a situation lu England, could scarcely succeed in producing any under the same treatment. , „ -, j ■ o The Pi"- in the neighbourhood of London is generally ■^rowu under glass. It is rare to find a decent crop ?ven on wall trees, which is somewhat sur- prising as I am convinced that if proper attention %yere paid to'the summer pruning, &o., oxcellent crops might be produced. They are generally planted in any out- of-the-way corner that may come to hand, and allowed to ramble as they may ; even m houses very little JAN0ABT 4, 18f8.J THE GARPENE?>S' CREONICLE AND AGRTGULTURAL GAZETTE. attention is paid to their nrunini! or trainini;. Miller says " the generality of Eui^lishmen are not lovers of the fruit of the Pis, therefore do not trouble themselves about its culture." This is true at the present day. No kind of fruit tree grown in this country receives less attention, and is so badly managed as the Fig, yet few plants are easier of cultivation, or will yield such an abundant return if properly attended to. I am aware that in many places immense crops of fruit are obtained froni large old trees in houses, such as at Syon House— the Fig house there, in its season, being a sight worth seeing. In the majority of instances, however, the crops obtained are mainly the result of chance, the crop forming a glut at one time, while the fruit is scarce or totally wanting at another, instead of affording a regular and con- tinuous supply, such as can be obtained with properly managed trees in pots. I sliall have more to say on this sub.iect when I come to treat of pot culture. It is an old saying that " a pruned Fig tree never bears;" but like many other old sayings, that is only half true. Miller's advice, and the practice genera,lly followed, are however very mucli in accordance with it. "We are told, "never to shorten any of the branches, as the fruits are all produced at the upper end of the shoots of the former year ; i f these are cut off, no fruit can be expected; besides, the branches are very apt to die after the knife. The best way is to cut out all the naked branches quite close to the bottom, leaving entire those which are best furnished to bear the crop." The result of this one- eyed practice is the large unseemly-looking trees we see in most gardens where Figs are grown. The Fig will bear any amount of pruning. It is true that if we cut back all the shoots in winter we can expect none of the first crop, but we should get a very abundant second one. I would, however, in the case of having only one or two trees to operate upon, advise not to go to either extreme, but .judiciously to prune or cut back where required, bearing in mind the above facts. In particular I would direct attention to the importance of pinching the growing shoots in summer, by which Fig trees may be kept as compact and fruitful as any other tree : this, however, will be more fully noticed hereafter. A. F. B. MUSHROOM GOSSIP.-II. (.Confmv.ed/romji. 1369, 18157.) SoMEWHEEE about 50 years ago I set off to London on foot, in search of knowledge. I got employment in a market g.xrden, which in those days was noted for the production of early Grapes, Pine-apples, Cucumbers, and salads for the supply of Covent Garden Market. Large quantities of plants for market were also got up in it, and amongst other matters Mushrooms were extensively and successfully cultivated from a patent Mushroom spawn, of which little was known in those days. Mill-track spawn, &o., was therefore no longer sought after, although it is still valuable when genuine and good, by way of a change. The patent spawn was, here, made in great quantities, and for some time it reali.sed a guinea a bushel. "With this we grew Mushrooms very successfully the whole year round, a circumstance which rendered the supply of spawn of much importance. As regards the beds, our material was pretty much the same as that in use in the place from whence I came. It consisted of horse- droppings shaken from the stable dung of the London mews which was carted in pretty freely every day to the gardens, and dried in sheds, &c., but it was not shaken out so much as I had been accustomed to see it, as a portion ofshortstrawwasnotobjectedtoin it. OurMush- room beds for the winter months were made in sheds — not onshelves,but in various shapes on the floor. In order to economise room lean-to beds were made against the wall, and ridge-shaped ones in the middle of the shed, while we also made flat beds under greenhouse stages, pottingbenches,&o. Inspringandautumn,ridge-shaped beds were formed out-of-doors, well protected with litter shaken from the stable dung, and covered out- side with thatched hurdles, — i.e., hurdles thatched to throw off rain and snow. During summer our beds were made in a dark cold cellar under the house. The value of Mushrooms at that period was very different from what it has been since. They seldom realised less than from 2s. Gd. to 10*. Cid. a pottie or punnet, except perhaps in hot summers, when they fetched 15s. If the price came down below \s. (id. they were no longer offered for sale, but wore brought back, and were smashed up for catsup. As regards heating, nothing was then known about hot water — everything was warmed by means of flues ; gas was just beginning to be employed in a few grand streets, and steam to be talked about. After a little a small steam-boat ventured to ply up and down the Thames from London to Richmond. A few years later I became director of the whole in-door and out-door business ; my master, however, died, and I engaged with another market gardener on quite the opposite side of London, who was also an extensive early forcer. He had, moreover, a large walled kitchen garden. Here I introduced Mushroom culture extensively, and very successfully, and on a modified and less expensive principle than that pur- sued in the last place in which I had grown them. Here, too, I introduced the making of patent spawn, as it was then still called, for which I had more orders than could be supplied, even at the price of 7*. 6d. per bushel. I ))roduced Mushrooms here in so great abundance, that they were sold at from la. to 2*. a pottle or punnet. The time of which I am now speaking is more than 40 years ago. One day, on turning up a heap of London stable dung in which was mixed a quantity of natural heavy loamy garden soil, I discovered that it was full of Mushroom spawn of the best possible quality. On one side of the heap was also a quantity of fine thick rosy-coloured Mushrooms. Alter turning the matter over iu my mind, I incor- porated the natural garden loam with some of the London stable dung, just as it happened to bo brought in, viz., fresh straw, droppings, and all. With this I used enough loam to subdue strong heat, and prevent the escape of evaporation ; the whole was well inter- mixed, trodden, and rammed firmly together. With this material I was so certain of success, that I made long ridge-shaped beds right across the garden. These were soon in fine condition for spawning, and without further trouble were cased with the same strong loam and covered with litter ; moderate kindly heat and moisture were fully maintained. The properties of the manure were sealed in, as it were, and secured, and the result was the most abundant crop of the finest, firmest, heaviest, thick Mushrooms ever seen. The market was so much glutted that quantities were sold at from 64. and M. to \s. a pottle or punnet, hut being so abundant they returned a large sum even at the prices just named. The beds, moreover, lasted such a long time in full bearing, that it seemed as though they would never fail. This simple plan of producing Mushrooms I have followed with perfect success ever since, and scores of others who have tried my plan have been equally successful. How much longer I shall continue the practice just described, however, I cannot say, for my mind has been unsettled about the matter ever since I saw the simple way in which Mushrooms are pro- duced near Paris. I must therefore say something about what I really saw in respect to Mushroom growing, in France, iu my next. A French man cook once told me that 1 lb. of good Mushrooms was more valuable to him in his business, than 2 lb. of the best beef. James Jlariie.!, Bicloa. jB^omc CoucsponUeucc. French Gardening and the Pans Exhibition. — Without passing an opinion upon the relative merits of French and English fruit growing, I wish to express my personal obligations to your Paris correspondent for his interesting and instructive account of things worthy of horticultural note iu France. As one of that numerous class who had not the opportunity of seeing for them- selves, I gladly and profitably looked at things French through the excellent medium that the thoughtfulness of the conductors of the Gardeners' Chroiu'de provided for us. And 1 believe that the knowledge that we have thus acquired of our neighbours has done us all good. Perhaps no class of intelligent men need to experience the liberalising influence of travel more than gardeners. The late Mr. Loudon was one of the first to recognise this. Many years ago, in some of his works, he strongly advised young gardeners to make a tour on the Continent, with a view, doubtless, of correcting their prejudices, enlarging their knowledge, refining their tastes, and imparting that higher culture which a wider acquaintance with the men, customs, works, and productions of different countries, could hardly fail to impart. The difficulty iu Loudon's time, as in our own, was for gardeners to provide the means for thus completing the higher branches of their educa- tion. Even with our increased facilities for travelling — the saving of time and cheapness of conveyance— it is obvious that if the ennobling and mellowing influence of such knowledge is to be generally diffused, it must be received at second hand. The few must travel for the benefit of the many. It is so in all other departments of knowledge, and it must be so iu gardening— a branch of knowledge, however, which has been, and is, very much ignored by the general traveller. Hence the necessity of correspondents in a period like that of the French Exposition of 1807. Of course there are disadvantages in thus, as it were, travelling by deputy; but it is better thus to travel than to be shut out from all the world excepting the tiny morsel of it we may have seen for ourselves. This is the alternative presented to the rank and file of gardeners. Besides, seeing, as it were, with the eyes of others, has many advantages. It saves time and money, and it not unfrequently enables us to see more and better than we could have discovered for ourselves. Who, for instance, would not rather have visited a garden in the train of Mr. Loudon's pen than have looked at it with their own eyes. The trees waved, the flowers blossomed, the lawns offered up their juiciest green at his bidding, and the whole scene was marshalled past, as in a noble pano- rama—a fac simile of the original. And so, to some extent, it has been with your Parisian corres- pondent. We have done Paris and its environs on the wings of his pen, and I for one am pleased to confess that I have enjoyed the imaginary .lourney. I know the great Exposition, in its horticultural aspect, almost from the beginning to the very end thereof. The ground work, the levelling, the planting, the lawn- making with Eye-grass (did it look well iu the autumn?), the Fernery, with its cooling waters; the large trees, moved late in the spring (did they all live ?) ; the bedding-out, on the mixed monotonous, style (did " S. R. H." see it ?), and that ever-present weedy white Chrysanthemum, and the motley yet everlast- ingly interesting variety of architecture in the Park. Then that utilitarian and artistic gardening combined in those splendid examples of fine training; what a school for young gardeners, especially English ones ! The Scotch do train better, but many of our finest trees in England are marred— sadly disfigured — because our young hands cannot see, or will not see, straight along a vertical wall. And then what myriads of plants they propagate in some of the gardens described; the numbers haunted me for days. The gardens seem a perfect labyrinth of young life, starting up, as it were, spontaneously. Grafting and budding seem almost a mania with continental gardeners. When a boy I used almost to fancy the Belgian and German propagators said something to the scions to make them take. It seemed only necessary to allow the one to touch the otlier anyhow, anywhere, and they were sure to unite. It is so still ; and I fanc^ we have a good deal to learn from our foreign friends in the secret of all these nice manipulations connected with budding and grafting. And their in-door (gardening, as seen at a grand ball, is a fairy scene of artistic beauty that haunts one with Eleasant memories for evermore. And those great orticultural exhibitions of plants, flowers, and fruits, where English and French met in full shook of fiercest contest for the mastery, stirred our blood with profes- sional fire, and made us long to grasp the hand of every combatant with the cordial grip of a brother in arms, fighting for the same high objects, the perfecting of our common craft, the art of horticulture. And have we not all admired the graphic tales that have been told us about greatfat Lettuces, each worth a greenhouse to itself, growing up in juiciness and crispoess for the salad bowl; and the large Asparagus, cultivated iu shallow trenches a foot apart, like Celery ; the abundance of choice fruit in the markets, and its cheapness in the streets ; the care that is taken not only to preserve but exhibit choice fruits, in fruit houses; and the Grape rooms with their ranges of wine in the cluster, preserved in antiseptic w.ater? And have we not also heard But I forbear, for my intention is neither to review the letters themselves, nor make out an exhaustive catalogue of our obliga- tions, but merely to indicate how much pleasure and profit we have derived from following in the foot- steps of your correspondent. For the first time iu the history of such enterprises, horticulture has been assigned that space, and received that public recognition and support, that its importance demands, whether it be looked at as a branch of commercial enterprise, an interesting field of natural science, or au influential handmaid of the fine arts. Not only was vegetable produce well represented, but the actual art of production was illustrated either iu the building itself or in the gardens surrounding it. The association of special exhibitions of horticultural products with such displays of universal industry, tended to raise gardening to its true importance amid the industries of the world. The tendency of late years — a tendency that has probably been strengthened by those great industrial exhibitions — has been to eulogise and almost deify the productions of man rather than to note or sufficiently admire the more marvellous works of the Almighty. Amid the deafening roar of man's machinery we have been too often deaf to the more stupendous and marvellous mechanism of Nature. The French have been the first who have attempted to place horticulture on its true level in comparison with the other great productive and a55thotic arts. And for this service we all owe them our especial thanks. Probably horticulture in France assumes greater national importance than it does in England, it may almost be said to feed one half the nation. "With us the eating of fruit in a raw state may be termed a luxury ; with them it is almost a necessity. It forms an important article^ of national diet. A few Peaches, Pears, or G rapes, with a bit of bread, consti- tutes for a Frenchman or au Italian a satisfactory meal. And this is probably one of the most important lessons we can learn from them. In these dear times, when corn and beef are so expensive, why should we not turn to fruit and vegetables as substitutes ? An impres- sion seems to prevail throughout these islands that fruits in an uncooked state are unwholesome ; I verily believe it has arisen in this way. We eat them either as aluxury,or as an extra. Of course when the stomach is well stocked with other food, the addition of raw fruit would be likely to derange it; but suppose there were no other food present, the case would be entirely changed. Thus either by itself, or with a piece of bread, it would not only agree with the stomach, but prove a wholesome diet. And if this is true of fruit, it is probably more so of vegetables. We seldom partake of these unless as a condiment to meat. But, doubtless, the best mode of enjo.vingand probably also of bringing nii to the full the nutritious properties of vegetables, ij io eat them by themselves, or with an atom of butter, or a little milk. Potatos and milk form a common article of nutritious diet even in Scotland, and I don't see why they should not more frequently be adopted as a certain mode of bringing down the price of beef in Engl.xnd. And then with choice vegetables, such as Cauliflowers, Asparagus, Mushrooms, Vegetable JIarrows, Peas, and French Beans, the only way thoroughly to enjoy them is to eat them by themselves alone, or with some siinple sauce, instead of burying all their distinctive qualities under a heavy accompaniment of meat, as we do now. The more general use of vegetables and fruits as articles of diet would not only reduce the price of our great articles of food, hut would probably also improve our health, while it could not fail to give such a stimulant as nothing else could impart to utilitarian horticulture. And if our visit to Paris, either personally or by deputy, should lead to such an increase of our food sunplies as the cropping of all our waste ground, and the covering of every vacant wall, would place at our disposal, then many of the now hungry might be cheaply filled with good things, and fewer at this festive season" would have to go empty away, while all might have good reason to thank the French for a valuable lesson in food economics. D. T. Fish. -After the expression of opinions from both French and English horticulturists confirmatory of most of my statements, it is hardly necessary for me to reply to Jlr. Rivers' long letter of November 16 in externa, but I may be allowed, by way of concluding, as far as I am con- cerned, this now nearly exhausted subject, to simply state with respect to Mr. Rivers' assertion that ' wires cannot be strained near a wall," that by the system now being adopted in neat French fruit gardens wire of any desired kind may be strained within half an inch of a wall, or closer if it be desired; in fact, in THE GAEDENEES' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Januakt 4, 1368. M. Cliarmeaux's garden at Thomery — a garden beautifully wired and trellised in all its parts— the galvanised wires lie close against the smooth white walls. I know of nothing more calculated to im- prove the aspect of walls and espaliers than the adoption of this system of wiring, which I have already described in full. 2d. That the trees in the public gardens at Chartres (of which somebody informed Mr. Rivers that M. Grin was the curator) are, of all the trees to be seen in France, the least worthy of being named to the English cultivator. In autumn so far from having got on very well without nailing the wood of the cordons trained in the gardea at Chartres had grown out in a dense mass 13 inches or more from the wall, and the trees were very inferior to cordons trained on the ordinary nailing-in principle. It is an interesting custom with some of the amateurs in the neighbourhood for each to take one or more trees and train it after his own fashion. The name of the amateur who has taken a tree in charge is written as plainly on a metallic label at its base, as the names of the sub-orders are in a botanical garden. M. Grin has nothing to do with the curatorship of the botanic garden, but is a retired turner with what we term a small "town garden," He is now very old, which may perhaps account for the sad state of the cordons that were assigned to him in the public garden. 3d. I wish to state my belief that satisfaction, neatness, or success, cannot be expected from cordon edgings unless the strained galvanised wire is adopted, which is also the opinion of Mr. Knight, who has resided seven years in France ; and that the single line of cordons well managed is the best of all. 4th. I am pleased to see Mr. Rivers acknowledge the perfect hardiness of the Paradise stock, and which has for many years been declared to be fit for nothing but pot culture. It can have nothing to do with the " dwarf Apple of Armenia," described in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society ; as the describer of that Apple states, that even when very old its stem never exceeds the size of thefoi'eflnger! Now young trees on the Paradise used in France, may be seen with stems as thick as broom-handles. For the present, we had better accept the decision of Professor Decaisne, that the Paradise stock is a variety of Pyrus acerba, and a native of Northern Europe. M. Jamin has recently written to say " stiff clayey soils are the most suitable for our Paradise, and it does not require a deeply trenched or prepared ground. The Doucin prefers the sandy loam." Doubtless both French and English Paradise stock will be found to possess advantages for different places. 5th. In reply to Mr. Rivers, who asks "how are we to improve?" I have simply to state that if one jierson can grow a first-rate Pear, even in the far north, there is no reason why anybody may not do the same over the greater part of these islands ; and, to add a line from Mr. Knight, of Pontchartrain, ' Some of my men make 300 or 400 francs a-year from their little fruit gardens, after supplying their own families, and this costs them little but labour in their spare hours." W. S. [Here this controversy, in so far as it concerns matters of a personal character, must cease. We shall be still greedy for facts. Eds.] Milky-white Potato. — As the time is approaching for selectiug varieties of Potatos for sets, I shall be glad to hear from any of your correspondents what the general conclusion arrived at is as to the value of this Early Kidney. Last year I recollect seeing some statements made to the eflect that it became very much diseased. I grew it last year on a small scale ; this season I have grown it more largely, and on both occasions on the worst Potato land I have. Several other varieties, grown by the side of this, showed disease more e.'cten- sively than it. And as to the eating quality, it undoubtedly stands at the head of my list. It certainly must always be one of the best kidneys grown for a gentleman's table. What I more particularly wish to ascertain is, as to its yielding properties. With me it is almost as early as the Old Ashleaf, and a far better cropper. But its relative productiveness, compared with other kidney Potatos, is what I should be glad to learn. John Fri/er, Manor House, Chatteris. Koot Fungi.— In one of your leading articles (p. 1317, 1867), your correspondent " M. J. B." invites special attention to mycelium on the roots of trees. I trust that all your readers who may have the least suspicion that their trees are. affected with root Fungi will examine them, and try means to effect a cure. 1 have one large Peach tree here, which I feel sure will be dead in less than two years; therefore, by way of experi- ment, I have soaked the border with a strong solution of lime water. Previous to watering I removed the surface soil 8 inches deep, within a radius of 10 feet of the stem, and I hope before the end of the summer to see its effects manifested in an improvement in the health of the tree. T. H. JI. Crossing an Indian Azalea with Rhododendron Auckland!. — in Mr. Anderson-Henry's interesting paper (see p. 1318, 1867), on the crossing of distinct species of plants, there is mention of successfully making a cross between an Indian Azalea and Rhodo- dendron Aucklandi. I have this spring effected the same cross, and have now two pods of apparently well ripened seed, which I intend sowing soon. The Azalea operated upon was a vigorous young seedling, of an orange scarlet colour, in the way of Stella. Some of the flowers were crossed with other varieties of Azaleas, and having plenty of pollen of R. Aucklandi, I fertilised two of the Azalea flowers with it by way of e.'cperiment. In a short time I was surprised to see that the cross was successful, by the swelling of the pods, and when ripe they were nearly twice the size of the other pods set with the Azaleas. There could be no mistake about the Aucklandi cross, for all the anthers and stamens on the Azalea flowers were clipped out, and the plant was in a gla,ss-house, where no bees or other insects were admitted. This spring I tried to cross Aucklandi and Falconer! with pollen taken from some forced varieties of common Rhodo- dendron, but only one pod on Aucklandi seems of size enough to produce good seed, and this was effected by Brayanum. The crosses on Falconeri all failed in producing seed-pods. I likewise tried to cross the little yellow Heath-looking Rhododendron eloeagnoides with other Sikkim sorts, and with one unnamed species from Bhotan, with cream-coloured tubular flowers, but failed in setting any seed-pods. After growing Rho- dodendron argenteum for some 10 or 12 years I have at last the pleasure of seeing its flower-buds formed, one plant having two, and very remarkably large buds they appear to be. William Tilleri/. Spruce Hedges. — In the garden here I have two of these hedges which I planted 10 years ago, and they are only now about 6 feet high, pretty healthy, and close to the bottom. The little trees, which were about 15 inches high, were at first planted about 3 feet apart, and were regularly cut into the form of a wedge with the knife every year in order to prevent the lower branches from decaying, for without plenty of air they soon become^unsightly, and ultimately die alto- gether. R. Farquhar, Gr.,F//ine Castle, Aberdeenshire. Crickets.— Perhaps some of your correspondents will kindly inform me of the best means of destroying crickets in a Mushroom-house and hothouse. They eat Seakaleand Asparagus fast as they grow ; indeed, they eat up everything indoors. They are 10,000 strong. C. Y. Societies. Edinburgh ; Dec. 12.— The President in the chair. The following communications were read : -1. On the Ntcture of the Discoloration of the Arctic Seas, By R. Brown, Esq., F.RG.S. II. On the Flora of Rannoch, Perthshire. By Dr. Buchanan White. The mountains, unlike those of the Bread.albane range, are well clothed, to some height, with heather and great beds of the fragrant Myrica, and on the lower slopes, openly wooded with Birch trees, still very numerous, but ouce covering the whole district. In one part of the south shore of the loch, a thick primeval Pine (Pinus sylvestris) forest extends for about 3 miles, and from its sombre appearance, is aptly named the "Black Wood." The timber of this forest is celebrated for its durability, and, only a few years ago, was valued at about 22,O0OL In its recesses occur many insects not found in any other piirt of Britain, and some even, as yet, undetected in any other place whatever. A list of the plants collected in the district was given, and their altitudes, which were generally greater than anywhere else in Britain, were also noted. HI, Notice of a new Cardans gathered during a Botanical visit to Ross-shire by Mr. Charles Noirie and Mr. Charles Jenner. Mr. Jenner laid on the table 12 sheets of specimens of a Carduus, new to Britain certainly, and probably new to Europe, if not new to science. 'The descriptive characters of the plant, which it is proposed to call Carduus Carolorum, will show botanists its distinctive peculiarities. It does not vary much from a plant described by Linnaeus in his " Species Plantarum," edition 1753, under the name of Carduus helenioides, found in Siberia ; but it is distinguished from it by some marked specific differences. It was gathered on the borders of Rossshire, within a very circumscribed area, growing on a high bank above a rocky streamlet. Grim old indigenous trees of the Pinus sylvestris were thinly scattered up and down, and mountains of considerable elevation shadowed the place. This Carduus may perhaps be a hybiid between C. p.alustris and C. heterophyllus, but the point of interest is that it appears to he in every respect a true species, maintaining its place in Nature by the power it has of reproduc- ing itself and of conserving its own special characteristics. IV. On the Botan;i of Frodsham Marshes, Cheshire. By Mr. J. F. Robinson ; communicated by Mr. Sadler. V. Botanical Rambles up the Weaver Valleit. By Mr. James P. Robinson. VI. Observations on New Zealand Plants. By Dr. Lauder Lind- say. This was a continuation of the paper read at the last meeting. The following donations were announced : — From Mr. William Gorrie, male and female cones of Araucaria imbricata, and branch of Cupressus macrocarpa, with cones, produced at Holkh.am Hall, Norfolk. From Mr. Edmond, pitchers of Dischida Rafflesiana, an Indian climber. ISToticcs of Boolts. The Orchard Souse, or the Cultivation of Fruit Trees under Glass. By Thomas Rivers. 13th Edition. Longmans. Pp. 221. The issue of the 13th edition of a book would, under ordinary circumstances, demand no further notice than an announcement of the fact, but in the instance of Mr. Rivers' publications the case is different. There are either newly ascertained facts recorded, modifi- cations of former practices suggested by increased experience, or something to demand the attention even of those to whom the earlier editions are familiar. Without wishing to be understood as assenting to all the opinions of the author, or as endorsing all his views, we may nevertheless assert that there is no horti- cultural writer of the day whose writings are more worthy of attention than those of Mr. Rivers, and that whether he be right or wrong in his precepts and practice, whether his reasoning be sound or unsound, there is no author who in his depart- ment manifests greater powers of observation or compels from the attentive reader a larger amount of consideration and thought. We must be understood at the moment as referring rather to the principles involved than to the practice followed. The latter may be left to speak (or itself— moreover, it is obvious that practice at Sawbridgeworth is a very different matter from the same system carried on elsewhere under less favourable auspices. The author would himself probably disclaim the title of physiologist in favour of that of practical man; nevertheless, while in no way wishing to detract from his position as one of those who turn to practical account the lessons they learn from Dame Nature, we would yet rank him among that very small baud of working physiologists. It is no rule-of-thumb system that is either practised or advocated by our author ; there is a reason for everything, and if a better reason suggest an improved practice, it is silly to bring a charge of want of con- sistency. We do not intend to dwell on the strictly practical points involved in orchard-house culture in this article. We shall have other opportunities of so doing, and our columns, as heretofore, will be open alike to the advocates and to the detractors of the practice. We will only now say, that in our opinion both classes need to bear in mind more carefully than heretofore the real aims and object of orchard-house culture — to use a little more discrimination in the award either of praise or of blame. Misapplied laudation is as injurious respecting an object, as the imputation of blame because a thing does not fulfil what it was never intended to do. We subjoin an account of a newly-erected lean-to house, the details of which may be serviceable, not only from the cheapness with which such structures may be erected, but from the many uses to which they may be put. " It is 430 feet long, 14 feet wide, 9 feet high at back, 4i feet high in front ; the posts are of Fir, 5 inches by 3, placed 6 feet apart and let into iron sockets : the rafters are 4i by li inches, placed 24 inches apart, and tied together by a baud of T-iron, screwed to the Tinder side of each rafter : this keeps thera from ragging or warping. The back wall is formed of ^ inch boards nailed to the posts (painted stone-colour), so as to give an unbroken surface, to which Peach and Nectaiine trees, trained as diagonal or fan-shaped trees, give a most agreeable aspect. As the boards after some little time shrink, it is good practice, to make the wall firm, to line the outside with i-inch boards from the top to within 4 feet of the bottom ; the crevices there may be left for the admission of air, or closed, as convenient. The 14 feet wide area inside the house may be planted with Vines trained a la ' Vineyard under glass," or potted trees may be gi-own in it, or eai'ly vegetables, or tender shrubs protected in winter ; in short, there is no end to the usefulness of an area covered with a glass roof. The great .and leading idea must be to keep the roof clear, unless it be devoted to Vines trained under it. The cost of a house built after the model of the above-mentioned is so very mode- rate as to surprise one who looks into the estimates of hot- house builders. " It is evident that a Ie.an-to portable house, 100 feet long and 14 feet wide, may be neatly built, glazed (tlie large glass makes glazing cheap), and painted for 631. This is so much below any estimate I have ever seen, that I counsel all those who wish for plenty of room under glass to build their own houses ; and the method 1 have pointed out is the cheapest of aU." Fertile Workeb-Bees, ob Undeveloped Females.- I have tried a great many experiments with fertile worker-boes during the last three or four years, and have destroyed, or permanently injured, a number of stocks in making them have fertile workers in the hive ; I have examined hundreds of combs in these stocks, in the hope of detecting the worker-bee in the very act of laying eggs, and I may say that I have ex- amined nearly every bee in those stocks that contained the fertile workers, but never could fix on the bee that I could positively say laid the eggs. But, as in most things, with perseverance I at last accomplished the task 1 had set myself. For on the 2Gth day of August, 1866, at 7 A.M. I quietly removed the crown- board of a stock that contained fertile-workers, and gently lifted out one of the centre combs, and saw a worker-bee in the very act of laying an egg. (No person that ever saw a queen laying eggs could be mis- taken in this act.) The bee had its abdomen down in the cell, the comb around her being clear, and was surrounded by the bees exactly as a fertile queen is found when in the act of laying an egg. My lifting out this comb did not appear to disturb this bee, more than it has a fertile queen when I have lifted out a comb, several of which have laid eggs whilst I have had the comb in my hands. I waited until this fertile worker had finished laying the egg, and as she was withdrawing her abdomen out of the cell, I cauglat her, and put her into a small queen box. I removed the comb, which contained worker cells only, and ex- amined this egg which I saw the worker-bee laying, but in appearance there was little or no difference between it and an egg laid by a fertile queen. In some of the cells there were from one to ten eggs in a cell, and drone brood in all stages of development, some of them hatched out as small drones. The sealed brood had a very singular appearance, with here and there a conical cover, the brood not being in a mass as when laid by a fertile queen. The fertile worker bee presented all the external characteristics of a common bee, except the abdomen, which was a little more distended ; upon caref^ully dissecting the bee I found that her ovaries contained eggs, some of which had come to maturity, but nothing like the quantity of eggs that is found in the ovaries of a fertile queen. I believe this is the first fertile worker bee that nas been actually caught in the very act of laying eggs since the days of the king of bee-masters— the illustrious Huber. Fertile worker-bees are more common than most bee- masters are aware of, and the young drones they pro- duce are often thought to be the progeny of a drone- breeding queen. " A Bee-master " that has written a series of articles on bees in the Scottish Gardener offered in that paper to give 10/. for any fertile bees or their eggs. I told him if he would expend lOd., to carry him from his house to my apiary and back, I would show him a hive with hundreds of eggs laid by fertile worker-bees. I suppose he was convinced there were such things as fertile worker-bees, as he never came to see them. William Carr. Bee-hives. — I shall be obliged to Mr. William Culverweil, Thorpe Perrow, whose communication ap- peared in your Paper of November 16, 1867, if he would obtain from the working blacksmith who lives near him the particulars of his " lapping up " hives " in dry straw, and burying them in the ground, like a Potato pie." Whether, for instance, they are buried beneath the surface, or not ; and how much straw and earth is put on them, and how ? Whether any provision is made for ventilation ? And whether the floorboards are left, and the entrances stopped, or not ? It would certainly be desirable to know some such J.INUABT 4, 13fi3.1 THE gai;t)1^f.i;s' chkonici.k and agricultui;ai. gazktik inexpensive method of keeping weak stocks over tlie winter, as that of tliis blacksmith's is, which is said to have been proved by jiractice to suit this country, and which could be practised on a small scale. A. 3. Garden Memoranda. SenrDLAND Park Cconlintied fi-om p. 1172, 18G"^. —Panel) Qarden. — Tliis is a most elegant design on gravel, Box, and turf, and is admirably grouped in the following manner. Of course each panel is alike, and the corresponding Imlves of the same panel are also the same :— 1, Colons Verschaffeltii, edged with Golden Chain ; 2, Punch Scarlet Pelargonium ; 3, Alma Pelar- gonium, with every flower picked off; -1, Lady Middle- ton, ditto; 5, Andrew Verbena ; G, Reine des Amazones Verbena ; 7, Snowflake Verbena ; 8, Brillant do Vaise Verbena ; 9, lluchesse d'Aumalo Verbena ; 10. Dwarf Ageratum ; 11. Blue Heliotrope, edged with variegated Alyssum ; A, Sloping bank of turf, about 3 feet wide ; C Grass ; C, gravel ; 1"), scrolled Box. The beds on the top of the panel between the sloping bank and gravel walk are filled thus— 12, Pink seedling Pelargonium Albinia ; 13, Yellow Calceolaria ; 11, Pink seedling Pelargonium Albinia; 15, Lady Middloton Pelargo- nium ; IG, Dahlia beds : centre, Mrs. Wheeler, scarlet ; next. Lady Middleton variegated, edged with Golden Ball. Beds on each side of straight Grass glade: — t, a. beds— Tom Thumb Pelargonium, edged with Gnaphaliumlanatum; 1, i, beds— Petunia Translucens, elgcd with the same Gnaiihalium. The small circles, c, between these beds, denote the position of Irish Junipers. I The three beds on the wood side of the glade (not j shown in the plan) are filled with Junipcrus Sabina. ] The opposite side is the shrub-filled wood so often adverted to. The scroll Yew and Box serpent bed on each side of the grand steps has also its floral finishing. The centre space is devoted wholly to Pelar- goniums, the middle being Compactum, then Mons. Martin, followed with Christine. A small oval space is devoted to amass of Boule de Peu Pelargonium; £ach inas.ses of flaming fire throwing their burning lustre on to the white stejis. The centre bed in the French garden is very eflec- tivo, and is thus furnished :— C'oleus Verschafl'eltii, then a zone of Mrs. Pollock Pelargonium, finished off with Lobelia speciosa; then in pairs beds of TropDcolum Brilliant, Verbena St. Margaret, Iresino llerbstii. Verbena Mrs. Milford, small Gazania, mixture of Golden Chain and blue Lobelia, and Tropooolum elegans. The linos are formed of Box, and the space between with silver sand. The Fonnlain Garden is a large circle, divided into quadrants by intersecting gravel walks converg- ing on the fountain in the centre; the first beds on each side of these walks arc termed neutrals, and are all planted in the same manner in each division ot the circle, thus ;—n, Golden PIcece Pelargonium; i, blue Verbena (Garibaldi); c, and/, white Verbena; d. Alma Pelargonium; e, blue Verbena; jr. various Nierembergias, dwarf Ageratums, dwarf Fuchsias, ON'E-HAF.F OF PANEL GARDEN, AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GRAND STEPS. Lantanas, Sanvitalias, &c. Each quadrant is again | subdivided into iuven more beds by narrow strips of turf running from centre to circumference, and these are subdivided by a transverse row of circles into three separate beds each. In planting, however, each colour runs right through all three beds, from the neutral beds a audi, to the mixed circles at the further side. Moreover, the corresponding bed on each side of the centre of the quadrant is the same, so that in the seven ; (or rather 21) beds only 4 distinct colours are used. ]3eginning at either side— No. 1 is filled with Pelar- fonium Stella; 2, almost blue Heliotrope Esinedesl leliotropes, very fine; 3, Punch Pelargonium; 4,Tagetes lucida ; and 5, G, and 7, a repetition of 3, 2, and 1. The Chinese Garden is furnished with a large ba.sket of Pelargoniums, suspended over a tile base; round the edges of this base small narrow beds of sweet-scented and Golden Chain Pelargoniums are found, and beyond these Standard Geraniums are placed, the whole having a quaint and Oriental air. A few flowers are also introduced into the widest spaces of the Box scroll- work. At the end of this the Dial garden looks charming, furnished as follows : — Centre bed of Stella; two ends of do. White Verbena; 2, Purple King; .3, Scarlet Linum; 1, TropKolum Brilliant; 6, two ends, of Cerastium tomentosum ; centre of do., Iresine Herbstii. The scroll beds under the terrace wall, near the Conservatory, are very pretty, and are thus planted :— 1, Mrs. PcUock ; 2, Iresine ; 3, Golden Chain; 4, Commander-in-Chief; 5, Lobelia; 6, CEno- thera prostrata — a most useful continuous flowering dwarf yellow plant for small beds like these ; and 7 is white sand. Another pretty group of scroll beds at the end of the terrace hasachaste and beautiful|appearance. A,octagon, centre Coleus, with the variegated Sedum round it, and white sand between the lines of Box ; small circle, sweet-scented Pelargonium, Gooseberry variety, small- leaved. B : 1, Mrs. Milford Verbena ; 2, Reine des Amazones do.; 3, Crimson King do. ; 4, Purple King do., and the line of white sand. Underneath the second terrace wall splendid borders of Mr. Blair's pink seedling Pelargoniums form a perfect blaze of beauty. Of single beds a fine one is found here, on the terrace opposite Sir William's room. The centre is a mass of Punch Pelargoniums. Then follow several lines of Madame Vaucher, next the old Fancy Pelargonium Jehu, then a glistening row of Cineraria maritima, finished off with the yellow Gazania. Other fine detached beds occur near the Poplar garden and elsewhere, but it is time to wind up the bedding list with a glimpse at the ribbon borders. One of them, as already stated, is composed of Dahlias. It is planted thus ; 1st, back row, Vesuvius, scarlet ; %\j Floribunda nana, white ; 3d, Prince Frederick William, purple ; 1, Letitia, yellow; edged with Tagetes lucida. The vandyked ribbon border is planted in the following order. It must be borne in mind that there is a turf verge, a gravel walk, and a rough wooded shrubbery bank of con- siderable height on the opposite side. The ribbon border is also backed up behind with a belt of planta- tion. The angle corners 1 and 2, are Viola cornuta and Oxalis co-niculata atrosanguinea alternately; .3, is a fine row of Sedum cameum variegatum ; 4, Iresine Herb- stii ; 5, Pelargonium Bijou ; G, Pelargonium Lady Middleton ; 7, Ageratum mexicanum ; 8, patches of T.ige'.es lucida ; 9, row of Dahlia floribunda nana ; 10, a row of tall Tobacco plants. This style of planting is striking ; the plants assume vigorous growth, and the border presents a rich medley of ziz-zaged beauty. The Viola cornuta had, however, when I saw it, lost nearly all its blooms, and was poor. The Oxalis is useful for a front row not being more than from 2 to 4 inches in height, ana very dark-coloured, almost black, leaves. The small Sedum, which is seldom used, is really a good thing, combining almost the succu - lence of an Ice plant, with the colour of the variegated Alyssum. It is also a good plant for baskets, blocks, or the sides of vases, either outside or in-doors. Among other plants in these gardens deserving especial notice, the Coleus Verschafl'eltii is superb — a perfect gem, I outstripping all other beauties Nothing could exceed it in neatness of habit, vigour of growth, and richness 10 THE GAllDENinS' CFRONICLE AM) AGRKTTl.TrRAL Gy^ZETTE. 'January 4, I8f8. 01 coiounug. i'ue iiesme Herbstfi is also very tine, regular, and vvell coloured. The old Pelargonium Golden Chain still proudly holds its own against all comers at Shrubland, and beats all the tricolors for an effective row in a ribbon. Mrs Pollock is good and vigorous ; Golden Fleece and Cloth of Gold worthless. Among other classes of Pelargoniums Tom Thumb is still as fine as any other scarlet, and the soft colour of Lady Middleton has not been superseded. But the best bedding Pelargoniums I have yet seen are two seedlings of Mr. Blair's, used e.\tensively here this season. In colour they are between Mons. Martin and Christine, very distinct from either, and thoroughly beating both in compactness of habit and profusion of bloom. No. 2 is a fine salmon rose of great size and substance, the colour being so distinct as to form an attractive object right across the Balcony garden. It forms decidedly the richest beds or borders in these fine gardens. Theother, Albinia, is almostequally good, but of a distinct shade of colour. Both are of such high merit that they only require to be known to be in general request for decorative purposes. F. {To be Cmtinited.) Obituary. ■We record with regret the death of Mr. Thomas Ansell, who for 50 years carried on successfully the occupation of a nurseryman and florist at Camden Town. He died on the 20th December, at his resi- dence, 110, Camden Eoad, after some week's illness, in his 7ith year, and was buried in the Highgate Ceme- tery. Mr. Ansell's name is most generally known from his having been the fortunate raiser of a leading Dahlia of former days, called "Unique," which at the time it was brought out created quite a sensation in the flori- cultural world. This however was not the only plant, by many, which obtained for him valuable prizes and a wide reputation. No man loved his business more than Mr. Ansell. His greatest pleasure was in improving fioriculture. He was a native of Bed- fordshire. Miscellaneous. Products of Eiicali/pliis.—The Eucalypts, as non- proved by extensive and accurate experiments, will yield the settler tar in abundance ; they will furnish fibres, even those of stringybark, as one of the cheapest and most extensively available paper materials. By a few simple appliances he may secure, simultaneously with the tar, also wood-vinegar and wood-spirit; and these again might locally at once be converted into dye materials and varnishes. He might obtain potash from woods, and volatile oils from the leaves of Eucalyts in almost any quantity by artless processes and with scarcely any cost. He might gather the gum-resins and barks for either medicinal or tanning purposes, or he miglit effect a trade in fern-trees; he might shake the Eucalyptus grains out of their cap- sules, and might secure locally other mercantile sub- stances too numerous to be enumerated. Whoever may choose these Victorian ranges as a permanent home, and may direct thoughtfully his attention to the future, will recognise that tlie mere scattering of the acorns of the Cork-tree or the seeds of the Red Cedar, over clear and yet sheltered ground, or the planting of the Vine and Olive, will yield to his descendants sources of great riches. Ui: Mueller's Essay on Vege- tation of Australia. ffiaiDcit of ©ptrattong. • (For the ensuing week:) PLAXT HOUSES. It may be necessary at the commencement of a new year to reiterate what I have previously so strenuously advanced concerning the mean temperature which should be maintained in Plant-houses generally. Only moderate warmth will yet be needed ; therefore, for a few more weeks to come, greenhouses, conserva- tories, pits containing " bedding stuff," &c., should never exceed from 43° to 15' by means of actual fire- heat. Orchids not having too moist an atmosphere should not receive more than 55' ; Forcing Pits, &c., should, however, he constantly maintained at a not lower minimum than 02', together with a goodly advance by means of the sun's warmth. Proceed with the cleansing of all Oranges, Oleas, Acacias, Camellias, Oleanders, and plants in need of such treatment. These, and many others, are subject to a variety of insect pests. Advantage should therefore be taken of all weather which is unsuitable for out-of-door work, to forward all such operations. Smalt white scale may sometimes be met with upon the harder wood of some such plants as those just named, and if not quickly destroyed multiply with amazing rapidity, soon overrunning all the other plants in any house. Fowler's Insecticide, liberally applied, will however destroy them, together with all similar pests. Orange frees should at all times be kept as cool as possible, but actual frost should not be allowed to enter the structure in which they are stored. Early Mignonette may now be shifted into pots one size larger than those at present containing it, into a compost consisting of well decomposed turfy loam, old mortar rubbish, and small well-broken potsherds, well intermixed. In this it will make a fresh start, and ultimately form fine plants. Crock the pots well, and when potting well ram the soil down all around the old ball. Stake as soon as potted. Continue to afford Cape Pelargoniums all the light and air possible, and fie particular in watering any which have been " shifted on " once. FORCING HOUSES. Buds will now be pushing rather fully upon Vines in houses which were commenced early in December. Afford a plentiful supply of internal atmospheric humi- dity. With Pines a bottom heat only of 75° will now be necessary, and will do well for fruiting plants. Indeed it will not he well to incite any to grow too freely by a much greater advance than this at this dull season. Be particularly careful in watering. Do not give any unless they absolutely require it. Do not fail to uncover all which have mats or other protecting mate- rials placed over them at night at the earliest dawn, as the loss of every ray of light counts to their disadvan- tage. With Fiijs great care will now be needful, not I w to give any undue excitement. Too much heat, espe- cially at night, with an over dry atmosphere, or an excess of either drought o? moisture at the root, inva- riably tfnds to the shedding of the fruit at any stage, consequently each extreme must be guarded against. It may be well to state for the further information of those not thoroughly initiated in the practice, that should any of the young green fruit show symptoms of an unnatural yellow colouring, or a tendency thereto, something must certainly be going wrong, and, if not corrected, will invariably end m the loss of at least a part of the crop, even befire the fruits have half arrived at maturity. Losk for the cause, therefore, in such errors as are suggested above, and, if discovered, do not be too anxious, or resort to too violent means to reinstate them in health, but treat them gently and with proper precaution. Withhold moisture from the earlier Peach-house, or from any trees which are fast advancing into bloom. As soon as the first flowers begin to expand increase the heat by some 5°, both during night and day : this will bring the former up to a mean temperature of about 50', and the latter, or day temperature, to an average of about 00'. I have before referred to the necessity which exists for aiding the process of fertilisation by all the artificial means possible, resorting even to the use of a camel-hair pencil when it is observed that the pollen is scarce. It is only by strict adhesion to such minutia as this that thorough success in the end can be depended upon. H.VRDY FLOWER GARDEK. Hurry forward with all dispatch possible any altera- tions or improvements requisite in this department. The sooner all such operations are finished, and the hands freed therefrom, the better opportunity will exist for the due prosecution of the regular routine, which cannot be set aside. Taken as a whole, the weather has been favourable for all such alterations. Turf, &c., should therefore be relaid whilst open weather remains and before the busy season sets in. Look over fresh plantations of Pinh-s, Carnations, and Picolees, in order to see that they have not been loosened by the late frosts. Press all needing such attention firmly down in the soil, and by that means afford them all the assistance possible to duly establish themselves before the time for a display of their merits arrives. Should the weather prove for the most part wet for the next three or four weeks, it will be well to place some sort of material over Tulip beds for the purpose of warding off a part of the superabundant moisture— especially in the case of such as have not been very long planted. Those planted out early will have had time to form good sound roots— the best of all preventives of the many ills to which these and similar bulbs are liable in our fluctuating clime. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Let me advise all having any idea of planting any further quantity of fruit trees this season, not to delay longer, but to get them into their places forthwith, whilst the weather proves open. It is a great drawback to the progress of all young trees to delay beyond this their being duly planted. Indeed, had the operation been performed at the time I suggested, they would even now be establishing themselves by the formation of fresh rootlets, making amends for any lost vigour necessarily attending their removal. If delayed so far it will be advisable to give Strawberries the necessary mulching without loss of time; finely decomposed manure of good heat will be best adapted to their wants. Do not place it too thickly in the immediate vicinity of the crowns, so as to cause undue burying of them. As a particular rule, Strawberries should nevir have their real crowns buried, especially when dormant, which they now all are. KITCHEN GARDEN. Little can be added under this head. It will be advisable, however, to go through all out-door planta- tions or Lettuce, Endive, Cauliflowers, young planta- tions of Cabbages, &c., and remove any decaying parts or similar matter in any form which may attach itself thereto. Look well to the earlier sowings of Peas, Beans, &c,., quickly detecting any rava.ges by means of mice, which are often troublesome at this season, often times doing much mischief before detection. The same applies to Pea-tops which have "shot" through the ground. The depredators, however, in this instance are sparrows, which are deterred by a dusting of soot and lime. IV. E. Sunday ,. 9, 41.6 Friday ,.10 422 Prevailing Winds. For the Wee )F THE WEATHER AT CHISWICK. NEAR LONDON. kendinBJ.in. 1, 19fi8, as observed at the Horticultural Gardens si Tehpsr^tcrb. "Wind Decpniber Of the Air. Of the Earth £ ■^ Max. Mln. Max. Ml.. Mean Ifoot deep. 2 feet deep. Friday 27 Salur. aft Sunday 29 1 3rt.2m ao.OiO 5 30;287, 30 OW 36 41 32 82 33:5 31.5 36.5 15 0 43 41 N.W. S.B 00 Average 30 175' 30.052 35.8 27.4 31.6 12.1 41.(' 0.00 Doc. 26 Overcast and frosty ; fogjty ; dense tng st night. — 27— FoKKy ; oTcrcast ; very dark and ovei cast . — 28 OTcrcast ; fo;:gT ; overcast : sharp frust at night. — 'i9 -Slight frost; hitzy , clear with starlight. — 30 -Pur'ially overcast ; overcast ; Bharp frost. — 31 -Hazy; frosty fog; slight shower ol snow ; ilensel Jan. I-Overca-t; ovcrcnit and fnwty , brisk di-y wind. Mean U-mperatnre of the week, S dPR. below the avera yoTcr 81. ,». The highest temperature during the above period occurred c ;th. IftlS. and 9th. 18S2-therra, 51 dee.; and the lowest on th. atid 8th,I5tl,an(l 8th. 1861-thenn, 6 dcg. >T, Notices to Correspondents. Plant Nomenclaturb : Delta. The ii*e of one or Uro t'a in the case of the specific name of a plniit named after a peradn is very much a matter of euphony and choice. There are pome names which to English eyes and ears seem best with two final i'a in the genitive ; others with one. As to classical precedent, that is too often more honoured in the breach than in the observance. The termination t or ii always indicates that the plant in question was either discovered or described botanically by the person whose name it bears ; the termination ana is used when it is desired to pay a compliment to some person not neccsMrily connected with the history of the plant. The uae of capitals in the beginning of specific names derived from the names of places or countries is at present optional— some use them, others not. M. De CandoUe's "Lois," which will speedily be issued, will no doubt contain some definite rule as to this matter. COMMUNICATION'S RECEIVED.— D. T. (th.inkd ; your suggestion shall be attended to). — J. D. — Citnis Anrantia.— Dek-pine ain^.— E. F. Florence. — J. A. (too Lite).— D. T. Fish.— W. Barron. January -1, isrs.j THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTi MILKY WHITE, A NEW POTATO, INTBOiiUCED BY MESSES. WHEELER & SON, OF GLOUCESTER. "ViTILKY WHITE is the beat of all Potatos. MILKY \VlflTE isliciinowledged lobeThe^besTof all Potntos. In shnpe and colour, flavour nnd nppcardnce, it ext-els every other variety. It is as wbito aji milk, floury as a Flulie. rlnens m August, nnd continues in splendid condition for Cooking all through tho Autumn, Winter, and Spring. lLkY^WHTrK~"POTATU-whUe aa milk. TlkY 1vhTt¥ of the finest quality. M M_ MILKY WHITE SEED POTATOS are very scarce, and enrly orders are abaolutcly necessary In order to secure a 6upply. Lowebt price, ns. per peck ; 20,t. per bushel (36lb.) MILKY WHITE.—Last year tho doinfind for thi^Tn'ew (iDd movt excellent variety gnaily exceeded the snpply, so that very cnrly in the planting season Messrs. WtiEF ler & Son were obligi'd, niucli to their regret, to dtiHnc orders. They have every reason to beHevo that the demand thi<» coming senson will exceed that oflast year : they therefore respectfully "rge tho Importance of ordering whilst they are to be had. Tho lowest price is 5s. per peck (Ulb.), or -ZOs. per bushel (5Glb.) J. C. Wbkeler & Hon, Seed Growers, Gloucester. TV/flL K Y AV H'l T E (WHEEL E R S ' ) . 'Better than thi?, though a little later— better in fnctth.inany by the disease. The giowth is very short and nearly all one Fize, neithi a any Potato grown, a Ball, and these t te and trpassed in npnct; tube I as fine a fl ris Fluke or Flou; ju£».., «u« i,..tao .«v> cannot be .._^ _ shall run no risk in dealing boldly with tbis fine Potfito, and 1 shall therefore put it in in emphatic form that WnEHLERs' Milky Whiti is the best of all Potatos, and those who do not grow it may eonsidei themGclves rather behind the age."— Sdiri-ey Hidherd, F.Tl.S., ii Gardeners' Mafjazi milky' , Seed Growers, Gloucester. W H ITE fW H EELERS'), 6s. per peck ; 20*'. per bushi "MiLRT WnjTE.— This I received from the well-known firm of Messrs. WntELtR & Son, Gloucester. It is one of the handsomest Potatos grown, and well deserves its name, for it is most beautifiilly white, very floury, and, fl.i a second early Potato, one that I do rjot hesitate to regnrd as fii-st-rate; it ia also a very free bearer." — D., Deal, in Journal of HorticuVure. 3. C. Wn .KR& Son, SeedGn , Gloucester, MILKY WHITE (WHEELERS'), 5s. per pec)£ ; ZOs. per baehel. "Your Milky White Potato is excellent, a great cropper, very mealy, and delicately flavoured, early, and remark;ihly free from di^ eape ; it was about the only Pctato in my gardeu that was entirely free from it. It appears likely to turn out a good kr^eper, as well rs being 6t for the table so e.irly in the season." — Wtlliau Roden, MILKY WHITE (WHEELEKS'), 5s. per peck ; 20s. per bushel. "Your Milky White Potato is superb."— Messrs. Barr & Sdcdes, Covtnt Oarden. 3. C. Whkeler & Son. Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO Zs. per peck, 12s. per bushel. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO. —We very highly recommend the Gloucester- shire Kidney for earlixess, flavour, size, and crop. In comparison with the Ashleaf, it is as early, whilst it produces nearly dounle the crop, nnd tB altogether supenor to that variety. We recommend it witn the most perfect confidence ; and have much pleasure in referring to the lollowing extracts from letters, speaking in high WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERbiHIRb; K1D^EY POTATO. 3s. per peck, 12*-. per bushel. 1 speak In tho highest terms of the Gloucestershire Kidney, and large Potatos were obtained. The Gloucestershire Kidneys were so much better in quality to other sorts, aa to be noticed by all my ffimily when they first came on table, nnd before they kntwof any change of sort."— J. Edoar Martihfad, SoUhul, Bt '- ' - J. C. Wheeler & Son, Gloucester. AD, SoUhnl, Bii'mingham, WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 3s. per peck, 12.9. per bushel. *' Your Gloucestershire Kiiney turned out remarkably fine, large, and well flavoured." — H. Rice, Rectory, Great Rissington, Bur/ord, Oxon. J. C. Wheeler & Son, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 12.? per bushel. " I can with pleasure speak In high terms of the Gloucestershire Kidney. It is very early, a good cropper, very short in the h.tulm, and also very dry and mealy, I had very few dise.^sed,"— E. M. Rowland, Homeslay, Ntictown. J. C. Wheeler & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEtLEKS' GLOUCESTEUSHIRE KIDNEY. I2s. per bushel. "The Gloucestershire Kidney I had from you was a handsome speci- men ; it produced a most excellent crop. They eat now as well as any late Potato grown,"— T. C. Arustkono, PiHyctf House, Kidiwlly. 3. C. wheiler & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. \V' HEfciLLKS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE ~ KIDNEY. V V 12s. per bushel. " The Gloucestershire Kidneys 1 had from you were nit only excellent in n.'ivour but were also abu" dant croppers, and my gardener considers they are the best early variety grown," — Cbas, Antuont, Mansion House, Herf/ord. 3. C. Woeeler & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. W' HEELEitS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 12s. par bushel. *' I much prefer the Gtoucestersbire Kidney to the Ashleaf, for although I planted the former some two or three weeks after the latter, they were Qt for the table quite as soon, with at least ' Fluke: -He; , and 1 may add, tha I have ever seen, both for qcani Neath Abbey, Neath. J. C. Wheeler & Sow. Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELEliS* GLOUCESTKRSHfRE KIDNEY, 3s. per peck. "The Gloucestershire Kidney gave a fair crop of good size anc appearance, with very little dise.ise, whereas half an acre of Cornish Kidneys beside them wei UANH, Broadnymett, Devo) J. C. Whbeleb & S.iN, Seed Growers, Gloucester. I all .but totally _i otten. "— TaoMAB Paiott- WHEELERS* GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY, 12s. per bu&hel. •* The GloucesterBbire Kidnevs were excellent, and produced a large crop."- The Rev. E.Vacgban. LautivU Major Vicarage, Cowbridffe. J. C. WHEELEE & SON, Seed Growers, Glouceeter. CAETER'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PRIZE MEDAL FARM SEEDS. THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION at PARIS, 1867, FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. PARIS, 1867. James Carter & Co. have the satisfaction to announce that the Imperial Commission of the Paiis International Exhibition of 1867 granted to them the concession of supplying the Grass Seeds for the pui'pose of forming the Sward of the Park round the E-ihibition Building in the Champ de Mars, and far which they have been honoured with THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL FOR GRASS SEEDS, as the following official letter will show : — "Parib Exhibition Ojtices, Castle Street, Holbohx, December 2l8t, 1867. " Gentlemen, " At your request we have referred to the official List of Awards of the Paris Exhibition for 1867, and have the pleasure to announce to you that the Silver Medal awarded to your house ia the only British Award for Grass Seed. "Your obedient Servants, " J. M. Johnson cS: Sons." "Messrs. Carter & Co." James Carter & Co. have also had the honour of supplying Grass Seeds for the Imperial Gardens and Squares of Paris, the Park of the Paris E.Nhibition, and also for the Private Lawn of H.R.H. 1 he Crown Princess of Prussia at Sans Souci. CARTER'S SPECIAL LIST OF FARM SEEDS at reasonable prices, forwarded Gratis and Poet Free on application to JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING FOWLS, of purest breed, in any numborB. Iniportod TOULOUSE GEESE, tho largest and most prodnctive bruoij known. Imijr uvea NORFOLK TURKEYS, largo, hardy, and good broodcro. AVLESHUUy and ROURN DUCK.S. Iiiipc.rted liELOlAN UARE RABblTS, for nlze and early raaturltc. BRjillMA-PUUTRA, CREVECIEUR, and LA FLECUE FOWL.S, fur constant layorv. Priced Lists and EstlTnates on application. Jonw Baily a Son. 113. Mount Street, London. W. Herd Book of Hereford Cattle. MR. DUCIvHAM 19 ,l,Mr-.iu. nl .. I, cl.iiii- information fortlio SIOVKNTII MiLUMKmI KlTilN S lIKilD HOOK Ot HEREFORD CATTLE, 11 liicli will cui.t:iiii TEDl JREESol BULLS, COWS, and HEIFER.S, »ith their I'roduce to the 3l8t of the present month. Friuted Forms of CurtlQciteh for Entries will boseot pcrpost on application. _ Entrance feo to subscribers, U. ; Mr. Dooi Subsc.lbers the present tl29. pedigree. The Volume will be embelilshcd, Baysham Court, Ross, Ilerefordshlro, Dec. 18. FOR SALE, by Private Contract, the BATES BULL, "LORD ^ILD EYES 2d" (22,2341 roan, brod by Mr. C. Harvey, sire 4th Duko of Oxford (11,3871, dam Wild Eyes :i2d, by Wild Duke (19,1481, 4c., 4c. (see "Herd Book," vol. x»l.). Lore! Wild Eyes 2d is particularly active, and his stock have fetched hlKh prtcos. For fiirtfior pirticulais apply to the Bailiff, Mr. Rawli.no. Holly Bank, BuTLou-on-Trent. Eixt ^sticttltural Oaiette. SATrHDAV, JANVAIIY i, 1868. The past twelvemontlis have quite suflicieut agricultural individuality, on a comparison with their predecessors. A j-ear which has seen the gradual development of a new agricultural organi.'satiou, such as is promised by the local and the central Chambers of Agriculture, cannot be pronounced an ordinary addition to the Past of Agricultural Progress. Coincident with that redistribution of Political Power which Reform Bills are effecting — as well as with unusual legislative activity in country matters — these Chambers will certainly do much to give useful efficiency and power to that particular section of public opinion which we aim at representing. In more strictly professional matters, 18(37 has not been unworthy of its place. The Royal Agricidtural Society has done a useful thing in establishing, by the best collection of evidence that has ever been laid before tho farmer on any pro- fessional topic, the economical and practical suc- cess of Steam Cultivation. — Its educational efforts may now be properly named in an agricultural history, for they are about to take a more prac- tical form by the estabUshmeut of strictly pro- fessional Examinations which shall promote the study of those sciences in which agriculturists are especially interested, and which shall also test, so far as may be possible in this way, the technical knowledge and practical skill of farm students and apprentices. It is perhaps significant of its real agricul- tural importance that it has not occurred to us till fomth or fifth upon our list, to name the great P.aris Exhibition as one of the leading features of the past year. To its agricultural significance, however, full justice is given below, and we need not do more than name it here. — Coming home again, and continuing among the outside agencies affecting agricultural pro- gress, we must not forget the efforts of the Metropolis Sewage Company to convince the farmer that sewage utiUsation is an important agricultural subject. They have proved upon their farm at Barking, according to Mr. Morton's lately published letter, that a ton of succulent growth may be added to the ordinary produce of the soil for every 100 tons of ordinary London sewage applied. If this be anything more than the exceptional result of time and place, it will certainly facilitate the solution of what is a great sanitary and agricultural problem in the neighbourhood of towns. Let us now record some of the features of the past twelvemonths, which, as being part of the inner professional experience of the time, have far more influence on Progress than any outside agencies such as Chambers, Societies, and Exhibitions can exert. And, first, the Com harvest has been unproductive — and the conse- quent high price of WTieat wiU no doubt mate- rially affect the txtcnt of nest year's harvest. Unusual freedom from disease in cattle, sheep, and pigs, is rapidly refilling fold and stall to more than former fulness; and the diminished wage fund of the labouring class, owing to want of employment, has so materially reduced con- sumption" that prices of fat stock have fallen below the experience of late years as much as prices of grain have risen above them. The exceptional prices commanded by pure- bred Shorthorn stock in the midst of the flatness of the stock market generally, is an extraordi- 12 THE GARDENERS' CIIROIsICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Jancaet 4, 18C8. Uunonrable Mentuni. plemcnta —Amies, Barford, & Co., Pctcr- nary event ia the history of 1S67. One hundred and twenty head of cattle of all ages, mostly of pure Kirkleavington descent, were sold in May for 150?. apiece— an altogether unparalleled fact in . Agiicultur.il live stock history in this or any other country. — The exis euce of strikes among agricultural labourers, and of general discontent with existing wages, is a noteworthy feature of recent occur- rence. And the attempt both to meet this diffi- culty and to benefit agricultural employers, by '"portaijieStc-imEnBiiic-Fox, w.ilker, and Co., Bristol. the introduction of the co-operative system Agricultural implements (Spades, shovels, &c.)-Parkos. among farmers and their people, must be noted. ■ ™^-'„^«g"tgS S;n?S'w'Sutte.._r..to,.s„u, Brotliers, If we should run through the list of subjects , Canada, which have occupied the attention of agriculturists Co-orEKiTEuEs. during j867_ in their clubs and meetings, we e. BousSeld, Beaford.^ranVetMessrs. Howard ; 1st, Atmospheric Chum Company, London (three others to French firms) ; 5th, Tinkler, Penrith (for style of manufacture). Ploughs— A. Duncan, Canada. Threshing Machines, Horae Rakes, Cultivators — W. S. Underhill, Newport. Agricultural implements — W. Ball it Son, Kothwell. Extirpators- J. & G. Morgan, Canada. Threshing M.achines and Steam Engines— Browii & May, should find that unusual intellectual and profes- sional activity has characterised the past twelve- months among us. The points named are only the leading features of a period, during which (3). In addition to these an announcement ha.3 been made of the "Great Prizes," which have been also at length allotted. This announce- ment was given in our columns some weeks ago, in the following terms : — " The following special awards Lave been made to English and American firms who took part in the ^reat agricultural exhibition at the Island of BiUanoourt:— 1st grand prize, Messrs. Eansom 3 & .Sims, of Ipswich • ] 2d, Mesirs. J. & F. Howard, of Bedford ; M, Mr. M'CoEMiCK; -llh, Mr. C. II. Makkham, for the Biddel, ?uccessful iutroiluotion of the cultivation of Quinine Ipswich, manager, Ransomes" Al Sims ; D. Greig. London, I into British India. Prizes consisting of a (^oM Medal manager, .1. Fowler & Co.: George WUkinson, Lincoln, | and an objet rf'rtrt, were awarded to Messrs. "Waltee lager. Clayton, Shuttlcworth, & Co. | WoOD & Vo., Messrs. SjIYTH & SoNs, of Peasenhall ; 2). The second list of awards, given after , and Messrs. Gaeeett & Sons, of Leiston. English the earlv slens have been taken in several now competitive trials at Billancourt, was publ shed : J^'^J'^'-'^o '• f c? ^^ Tt"/*} r" T'''™ '^"'^®'l°,'l^°?r^*- me early steps nave Deen taKeii in several now i ., . Univeripl of date November 09 I ''°"^' %fl"><''^^ Silver Medal has been awarded to Mr. directions in which agricultural progress seems lajue Momteitr uniieisei 01 aate iNovemoei —, John Head, one of the partners of Messrs. Bansome tending. The publi-ihed awards of the prizes at Paris are a record on which every one interested in English agriculture may be congratulated. Of nine " Grand Prizes " awarded to English exhi- bitors of every class, two are received in Glass 48 by English agricultural machine makers. Of 107 gold medals and 1st prizes received by English exhibitors in general, a very large share of both Gold Medals and First Prizes go to Eng- lish agricultural machinists. We are accus- tomed to believe ourselves to stand in the front rank of many of the industrial occupations of civilised life, and it is certainly satisfactory to : Chelmsford, loarn that a young manufacture, like that to 1867, and is as follows :- Ploughs. Ploughs for general purposes. — Ist, Jiimea i Frederick Howard, Bedford; 2d, Bansomes ife Sims, Ipswich. (Other prijies t■ '^"'"'ury. Champ de Mars— the other in November, after ,^^^ x,- v°,*™*^.J''° '*!*™i!;''% i ^ , .. , • - - such trials of the several implements exhibited H^wtlBe^or^'dfat Ashby^rJefie^-St'^ford* ^'=^»'-'* , proceedmgs have left upon their minds-to give as they could be subjected to at Billancourt. Horse Rakes. ™® Messrs. Eansomes precedence. (1). The former list of prizes is given in the ' *"'' ^- '^^ Nicholstn, New.ark; 2d, James & Frederick The order in which the names appear upon the Official Catalogue as followi. We do not publish ' """by & Jefel-yliir^^irf "'°""' * ''"°'' '""^^ ' *'"• }'^* "^ "?°"« "^^^ ^^"^ ™'=^'^«''' "^«^^« ^Irand Prizes "'''■■" ' ' ■' ~ .■ ! •» ■" Reapers has no Significance whatever, when the names thus Machines tor 2 horses.— 3d, S.amuelson & Co., Banbury ; liefO"fe'i belong to different classes of exhibitors; 5th, James & Frederick Howard, Bedford. I but when it is upon the recommendation of one PoRTAm.E Steam Enoises. and the same jury that the award is made, the 2dfShaX'inrb:r"u^h.''' «—-*«'-=' 'P^wich ; order in which the names appear upon the list Of 6 horse power and under.— 5th, Turner & Allen, London, , IS intentional, and confers a real distinction. and Tuxford & Sons, Boston. I Messrs. Eaxsomes are therefore justified in Horse Gears. | their claim of that Senior Wranglership which the E.^f&A?d™:'ef Reader ^ *'' «^™'"'-^''- J'--"' Paris "Examiners " have conferred upon them. Threshing Machines. I ■'■"^ distinction is enhanced by the consideration Portable Steam Threshing Machine of more than 6 horse- that nO foreign exhibitor whatever in this clasS MTr;7"'oH''rT''°»"''/*s^''?f; 'P'™'=; .'"'P'-o'";* T'j'-eshio? \ receives this highest decoration. And we do not Machine ; 2d, Clayton & Shuttlcworth, Lincoln ; 3d, Marshall, i j ii. i. ai ■ • p , , , G.iinsborough ; 4th, Robey & Co., Lincoln ; 5th, Ruston, Wonder that the precise meaning of the award Proctor, & Co., Lincoln, threshing Machine with Mill; 0th, | should be maintained with the utmost iealousy. °Hr^'i,a'i^i?^'}l■b?r?"b':^;v,•„„»...t„^-,. „».,..» Let it however be added that its intrinsic value is as mucli a matter of dispute as the Chairman AwNERs. °^ *^® Society of Arts, in tho opinion ah-eady A prize, Bobey, Bury St. Edmund's. quoted, declares it to be. It was, indeed, nominally the same jury that acted both in the Exhibition building and at Billancourt ; but many of its members had left before the close of the competition. They were also the same com- petitors who submitted to thes^e trials as had exposed their manufactures for the prelimi- nary mere inspection; but the difBculties — perhaps the impossibility — of a fair trial had disgusted many, and several stayed away. AU these considerations have their weight in deter- mining the real and intrinsic value of the award, the tnie meaning of which is as we have now stated it to be. Class XLVIII.— Agricultural ^ Gold Medals. Steam Plough and various agricultural : achinery — J, & F. Howard, Bedford, Portable and Traction Enginoa, and Threshing Machines- Clayton, Shuttleworth, ii Co., Lincoln. Steam Plough— J. Fowler & Co., London, rortable Engine, agricultural machinery- R. Garrett & Sons, l^eiaton Works, Suffolk ; Ransomes & Sims, Ipswicli. Portable Engine, Threshiutj Machine, Reapers— R, Hovnaby At .Sons, Grantham. Silver Medali. 1 Engine— Aveling &. Porter, London. ' ■ ■ Boatall Heybridge ; Ti-acti Agricultur.'il implements — B. Samuelson &Co., Banbury. ~ " " " " nd Threshing Machine — Marshall, Sons, laborough. ttiog Machines— Richmond ii Chandler, Threshing Machines— Robey & Co. (Li- Portable En^ne & Go. (Limited), G Chaff and Curn-i HaUord. Portable Engine? iwited), Lincoln. Agricultural machines, locomotive— B. P. and F. Turner, Ipswich. At^ricultural machinery- Coloman & Morton, Chelmsfurd ; I'icksley, Simn, &. Co, (Limited), Leigli. Steam machinery and agricultural implements Iron Works, Reading. Winnowing Machine— Penney & Co. (Limited), Lincoln. _ ___ Sowing Machioesand Manure Distributors— J. Smyth & Sons, ' Mtrldon ; 2d, Pickwley & Sii I'casenhall. ' I Root Cutters for hand po' Bv(mzf Med aU. ' " ' Agricultural machines— W. N. Nicholson, Newark. Portable Engine, Threshing Machioes. and agricultural im- plements -Ru-ton, Proctor. & Co., Lincoln. Agricultural machines— Wm. Smith, Kettering. Threshing Machines— WalUs, Haalam, & Steevens, Basini?- ^tftke. * Agricultural implements— Woods &Cockscdge, Stowmarket ; A«hby ii Jjffery, Stamford. ClIAFF Cdttehs. Chaff Cutters for power only. — let, Picksley & Sims, Leigh ; 2d, Ransomes & Sims, Ipswich, C!haff Cutter for hand or steam power. — 2d, Ashby & Jeffery, Stamford. Chaff Cutters for hand power only.— 1st, Rausomes cc. As systematically as the ancient husbandman selected from his herd this to propa:iate the breed, and that to bleed a victim at the sacred shrine, must the modem Shorthorn br«eder,_who would maintain his position before the world, yearly single out the choicest of his herd for immolation on the altar of the Royal Agricultural Moloch. Carr's HiH^ri/ o/ tUt SIvAlei/ Shorl- t Thomas Bates .and Jonas Webb ousht not to be left out of a list of this kind. Though neither of them artists, both mere gifted with an unusual share of th.at quick sight and insight which are at the foundation of artistic skill. 14 THE GARDENE]?S' CHRONICLE AND AfiRTCULTURAL GAZETTE. [Januabt 4, by a judicious selection of the parents. That there is such a rule has long been noticed by lecturers on physiology, and is patent to observers (of the human race). The larger proportion of men than women born throughout the world can have no other origin than the fact that the average age of fathers is greater than that of mothers. Dairy farmers prefer a young bull, but whether this is in order that he may beget heifer calves, which it is their interest he should, we do not know. The question is, however, too important, not to command attention, and we hope some of our readers can give us observed results, so as to induce further investigation. "We are sorry to announce the death of Mr. R. A. Alexander, of Airdrie House, Lanarkshire, and Woodburn, Kentucky, U.S. He was one of the most spirited American buyers of Shorthorns ; and no doubt his purchases in the early part of 1853 did a good deal to strike the keynote of the year, which afforded, through the Tortwortb sale, such wonderful evidence of the value placed on English Shorthorns by American breeders. Colonel Townley's Ouches') of Athol and 2d Duke of Athol, bred from Mr. Bates' Duchess 54, bought at the Kirkleavington sale, were purchased by him in that year for 525?., which was then considered an extraordinary price. A young bull bred from this cow was let out for his first year's hiring for 1200 dollars, thus at once replacing the cost at which his dam had been imported. The pure Bate-s' blood, of which Mr. Alexander thus became the owner, was subsequently crossed by him with El Hakim (1.1,98-1) and other partly bred Booth bulls, and, whether the result was perfectly satisfactory or not, several sales have proved that the produce commanded very high prices. STOCK FEEDING AXD MEAT MAKING. The public mind has been lately a good deal excited about the price of meat. It behoves us, therefore, to produce it as abundantly and cheaply as we can, con- sistently with our interests as farmers. How to do this and to turn to the best account our consumable produce, as well as to preserve uninjured the manure resulting from its consumption, is the object of this paper. In agriculture, as in other arts, it is well to free our minds from the bias of old customs and prejudices, and to^ weigh them well against the improvements that science points out, and that the change of circum- stances resulting from the introduction of steam power almost necessitates. The man who developes his animal in the shortest time, at the least cost, with u good sanitary condition, must be, in that respect, the best farmer. In arriving at a successful conclusion I have been guided by obser- vation and experiment, and have derived much valuable support from a study of the late Mr. Horsfall's papers in the Royal Agricultural Society's Journal, vols. xvii. and xviii. We think that we have arrived at a good method, seeing that our IS and 20 months old beasts have been purchased by butchers as Christ- mas beef, and our sheep are dead ripe at 12 months. It is very easy to fatten old, full-grown animals, but young animals are like boys, seldom naturally fat ; it ^ becomes, therefore, necessary to vary and inter- mix their food, and to prevent over-exercise. Build- ing up a young, growing animal is, in some respects, like building a house or growing a plant; unless all the required materials or ingredients are present in fit condition, due proportions, and sufficient quantities, ' the house cannot be properly built. The absence of a single element may render unavailable all the rest. In I vain have we bricks, slates, lime, sand, boards, nails, and labour, they may be all useless without water or • any other one of those substances. The food that makes fat will not make bone or lean, ; and so on with other parts of the animal. A full- 1 grown animal, with its bone and lean already made, should be differently fed from a young, growing animal. For want of knowledge on this matter some i farmers waste an immense quantity of food, by failing to get a proper return for it in meat or milk. In the following it will be seen that I give bran to make bone, malt combs to produce lean or muscle, in addition to the ordinary food. The condimental food I find important. In the crushed and boiled Linseed we get rich and soft fat. Bean-meal gives firmness. Warm food in cold weather is profitable, the animals should also be kept in a warm but well-ventilated place, the floors paved and cemented. Full bellies, distended sides, with a comfortable, contented attitude, give evidence of good management. An active, fidgetting, discontented, and expectant attitude, with inquiring look and complaining voice, indicate neglect or mis- management by the stock feeder. If animals feel cold, they will use too much exercise to be profitable. Animals should always have access to water, especially when much dry food is used, and rock-salt should be always in the feeding troughs. When animals are brought to us in store condition, we feed them sparingly at first, and gradually increase the quantity and quality. When reared at home and well fed from their birth, no such precaution is neces- sary. Animals that cost us Wl., generally turn over or double their value in about four months. Food cox.sumed bv each Dcllock Weekly, and it.s Cost. Cost. 11). ... ,1. Linseed cake and Cnttnn, or R;ipc cake, | ,,q ., . mixed ) "^ - * Bean-meal 4-2 ;t (1 Hay in chaff 28 10 Malt combs tJ 04 Bran 6 04 linseed (as soup) 3^ 0 7 Condimental food . . . , . . .3^ 0 7 I^er week . - , . . . ft S Roots, 301b. per day; straw chaff ad libituvi — about ■2 bushels per d^y. No charge made for the roots, straw, or attendance. All the rest charged at market prices. Weekly Cousumption of Food per 100 Lambs that will BE Sold Fat in February, 1868. Weekly cost. lb. fi .». ./. Gr,i83 Hay (in chafif) HO 0 4 2 Br.in 112 0 6 0 niack Oats fp-ound to meal .. .. I.'i4 0 16 0 Malt combs 77 0 4 4 Linseed cake 258 16 0 lie.ans ground into meal .. .. 112 0 10 () £3 0 0 Or~i,l. each per week. They are now on white Turnips, for which no charge is made. The white Turnips are after Peas, picked for the London market. The conditions may be described as follows :— 1. The cattle to be placed in covered and enclosed sheds on paved floors, or on sparred floors. 2. The ventilation to be perfect and well above the animals. 3. The straw or litter to be supplied very cautiously and in small quantities, so that no fermentation can take place. In cool weather the bedding may accu- mulate to the depth of 18 inches to 2 feet, and is then quite fit for the land. 4. One hundred superficial feet of space is ample for each bullock of 2 years old when fat ; and if accus- tomed to each other, English Shorthorns may be loose. 5. A closed shed to hold 20 may be built of brick and slate in the most substantial manner for 120?. to 130?. ; ithe floor paved and cemented ; the brick walls S feet high. C>. A supply of water always available. 7. Food to be varied in kind, comminuted, inter- mixed, and administered in a moist and warm con- dition. 8. The proportion of roots to be comparatively small — say one-fifth in bulk ; the quantity of straw chaff to be large, and hay chaff in the proportion of one to five of the straw. 9. Scouring or laxity of bowel is a sure sign of un- profitable progression, as it would be in human beings. Said one of my men to me to-day, "Half the farmers' cattle 'scour,' and in consequence put on flesh very slowly ; and so should we under the like circum- stances." A large practical farmer who has recently seen our system of feeding, writes thus to his friend : — " I look upon Mr. Jlecbi's systern as an agricultural manufac- tory quite right in principle, and must sooner or later be adopted." The best evidence of the success of this mode of feeding is the condition of the excretions, indicating neither constipation nor relaxation— so different from the purgative condition arising from an entire root diet. Frequently we hear of the loss of a fine ox caused by an over-supply of unmixed Bean-meal, or hard, dark, unsoftened Cotton cake. The various kinds of food give each a different con- dition of meat. Bean-meal prevents laxity of bowel, and gives solidity to the meat ; but it must be used in moderation, and in conjunction with other food. Lin- seed is laxative, and gives soft rich fat. In pig-feeding, two-thirds Barley-meal^and one-third Pea-meal answer well, especially when aided byskimmed milk. It will have been seen by the foregoing that we build up our young animals amply and rapidly fit for the market. The variety and amplitude of the food causes this effect, aided by shelter, warmth, and tranquillity. Such effects cannot be produced by the too ordinary mode of relyinc on only two or three sorts of food. Hay alone, or Turnips alone are a great economical mistake. I could never satisfy myself, or the butcher, until I added Linseed and condimental food to the other ingredients : remember that I am speaking of young growing animals. Let us now consider a very important part of the question, I mean the quality of this meat, for on this mainly depends your getting top prices and a steady demand. The meat, although so young, is rich in flavour, mellow, tender, and juicy, well mottled with fat, neither too soft nor too hard ; and this character, or rather cjuality, extends to the forepart of the bullock, which is generally the butcher's difficulty. The bone is small, and the joints well adapted to small families, where the number of domestics is limited. The appearance of the meat, too, is satisfactory as it hangs in the butcher's shop ; nor does it require to hang three or four weeks, like great coarse dark four- year-old beef, to "break down " the tough fibre. It is true some " old stagers " prefer a higher flavour and darker colour ; but there is a majority of " young stagers" who like this young, juicy, tender meat, and so it sells well, which is the main agricultural object. Butchers are aware (although the public may not know), that the mode of feeding has a marked influ- ence on the quality of meat. Beans and Peas make it hard. Linseed makes it soft, so does Barley ; Turnips give an unpleasant flavour. It is only by admixture and balancing or adjusting variety and properties in food that satisfactory results can be obtained, the happy medium in fact. The same remark applies in degree to mutton and pork. I have heard butchers say that mutton fed on Turnips only at a particular season absolutely smells of Turnips when cooking, much as milk and butter taste of them when too freely administered. Before we determine upon the mode of feeding, we must especially consider what has been the previous treatment and condition of the animal. If ill-fed or half-starved, as is too often the case with store animals, the change to good food must be very very gradual, or dangerous results will follow. Animals in well-fleshed condition may be treated more liberally. Time is very desirable with young animals that are still in a growing condition. Those who admire our heavy corn crops and express surprise at their ample development on such naturally poor soil should consider that they are due, in a great degree, to our rich and ample stock-feeding as well as to drainage and clean and deep cultivation. The large quantities of corn, cake, &c., consumed, repair the exhaustion caused by the exportation of corn from the farm. Our object in high and varied feeding is not only to develop and mature early the young growing animal, hut especially to enrich the soil, so that it may produce very large cereal and other crops. By so much supplementary food we can maintain an unusually large quantity of live stock ; we also get a much better price for our straw by consuming so much of it. The animals are also maintained in better health. On poor arable lands especially the farmer's profit depends greatly on the successful management of his live stock ; at all events that is my case ; and, as my farming does pay, I think it a duty to communicate to my brother agriculturists the practice that is with me successful. On such soils we keep much stock well fed, to make rich manure, with the view to produce great or maximum crops — for without an abudance of this the iiirm would not pay. Looking at the condition of the many millions of acres of Grass land in this kingdom, and ob.serving the appearance and rate of progress of the animals feeding or existing upon them, we must come to the conclusion that owing either to want of capital or want of incli- nation and belief, there is an immense margin for increasing profitably the food of the British people. Let us hope that with the overflow of capital and increasing agricultural intelligence, the days of poor Grass lands will be numbered. I conclude this long paper by wishing a happy and prosperous New Tear to my brother agriculturists. J. J. Meohi, Tiptree Sail. Hionxt atovvtsponHtttcc. Consular Crop Reports. — (1.) At Frankfort the night frosts in the month of ilay, and the rain in the months of July and August, did great harm, especially to Rye and Potatos. The total result of the harvest, however, has proved more favourable than that of the preceding year, both in regard to the quantity of grain as well as straw. Herbage for fodder, including hay, gave an excellent crop. The greatest deficiency was in Potatos, of which the crop this year was 074, whereas 0 97 would have been a middling crop. The Potato disease also visited in the last year this root crop very severely. (2.) Trebizond : The harvest in the interior of these districts having been plentiful, a large quantity of corn has been brought into this market for further exporta- tion ; but owing to the very high transport tariff of the postal steamers, this corn, and with it a considerable amount of goods from Persia, viii Erzeroura, has been for some time lying by idle in the storehouses of the town. Meanwhile his Excellency the Persian Ambas- sador at Constantinople, in concert with the Persian Consul at Trebizond, has, in view of furthering the transit commerce from Persia, entered into a contract with a steamer belonging to Italian owners at Con- stantinople, but sailing under Turkish colours ; and the said steamer is, in virtue of this contract, to make the voyage between Trebizond and Con- stantinople every 15 days, taking the goods of the Persian transit at a fixed tariff — much lower, of course, than the conventional one of the company's steamers, besides any private speculation which it may make on its own account. As an imme- diate consequence, the exorbitant tariff of the other steamers was at once lowered, and 150 sacks of corn were at once brought out of store and shipped off the same day for Constantinople. The importance of the measure for the advantage of Trebizond, and of the Turko-Persian transit trade, hitherto much tram- melled by the selfish monopoly of the postal company's steamers, is self evident. Connected with this subject, it may be as well to add, that there is at the present moment an immense supply of corn. Barley, and the like grain, lying in the villages immediately behind the coast range of mountains, and only detained there by the want of convenient overland communications. lb would be very desirable that our own English market should profit by its export, as profit it would, were two conditions fulfilled, namely, that of a good road, and that of, if possible, an English steam line to this port, J. It. Jackson, Keu\ The Hampshire or West Country Down stands almost alone and unrivalled, not in Hampshire only, but in all the counties west of Sussex. This sheep has within the limit of the present century replaced the horned sheep common to this and the neighbouring county of Wilts. It is generally believed that it sprang from a cross between the Sussex Down and the old AViltshire horned sheep, the type of which is retained in the Roman nose ; and though the horn has been crossed out, a slight indication of it is still occa- sionally to be seen. Some persons incline to the belief that the Hampshire Down owes some of it? blood to the Berkshire Nott, a hornless sheep (as the name betokens), of large frame, having much of the character of a half-bred sheep. This sheep wa.s as common in Berkshire as the horned sheep in Wilt- shire and Hampshire, and is known to have been extensively crossed with the South or Sussex Down, and to have retained its name after it had lost its old distinctive character. Though the Hampshire is now an established breed, and though the great object of the Hampshire flookmaster is to keep the blood as pure as may be, whether by selection from his own, or working from another stock of the same type, scarcely any two flocks are quite alike. How far the known attempt to introduce the Cotswold January 4, 18C8.] THE GAP.PENEKS' CMIWTCEE AND ACtEICUETUP.AL GAZETTE. IS blood some years siuce has caused this difference may be a ciuestion. Variations in the stoi;l< of different flonkmastei's is generally to be traced to the lletQ to Plan, on application to CoTTAu & Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street. (opposito the Pantheon), Oxford Street, London, w. ^ ^i^Bga To BE SOLD, Cheap, an IKON DOME CONSER- VATORY, 62 feet 8 inches long, 9 feet 4 inolies wide. Would make an excellent Peach Houae or Covered Way. And all other descriptions of Horticultural Buildings to be seen at J. Lewis's Horticultural Worlis, Stamford Hill, Middlesex. lOTTAM'S PATENT PORTABLE UNITEj) I COW FITTINGS. c Then ad\antigeb ul— PurtatuUty n t I'lvnucs iLiiiOMble it pleasmo, no Woodwork oi Pnititiona to impede i eutiliLion m breed Vermin Hay RicL dispensed with as unnecessary, increased width n Stable Fittiof^s just s Oil Faint no longer Necessary. HILL AND SMITH'S PATEMT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and is used cold. It is used In the e^rounds at Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and at the seats of many hundreds of the nobility and gentry, from whom the most flattering testimonials have been received, which Hill & Smith will forward on application. From RoBT. Raikcs, Esq,. East Dale, near Brough, Yorkshire. future." Sold in casks of about 30 gallons each, at Is. 6d. per gallon, at the Manufactory, or Is. Sd. per gallon paid to any Station in the kingdom. S. OWENS & CO. (Late CLINTON and OWENS), MANUFACTURERS OF -^ PUMPS and HYDRAULIC MACHINERY, WIllTEFRIARS STREET, LONDON, E.G. I HE IMPROVED HYDRAULIC RAM Tlii>, 1 ubiic nnd Pmate Estal lisbnients Its adoption is u rPHE LANDSC \ i i i 1 1 1 1 J- Self acting Macl i I 1 ^ 1 . sitions as shown I ut i I i i ] S. OWE^& Avn C(i lave (l\ci a trot manv m T iriou ilcvations varying Irom 30 to 300 feet and toiant through Mili Piperuo'yardrto "slveral m'llM'in l^gth No. 37 IMPROVED TREBLE BARREL PUMPS ^ith flORSE GEARING fui Raisi W ELLS for the supply of MANblONS and PUBLIC BOILDIkGb No. 28a. DOUBLE BARREL PUMPS for HAND-POWER for similar purposes. „f.\£^'^'"^ """ ''"■ ''•"fiiif';""" and Erect every description of Engineer's Work required in Public or Pi-ivo l.MPS for any purpose on the larKst or smallest s^leSTEAJll ENG&ES, WATER VheELS, TURBINES, BAIHS, GAS, WOKKS and FITTlKGb. Estimates furnished from Plans oron tainortinn .,f„„.i APPARATUS, : Qore Gallons per day to Water fiom DEEP ) Establishments, such i I FITTINGS. Estimates furnished from Plana o f Illustrated Catalogues Free on application. Januaby 4, THE GARDENERS' CTTRONTrLE AND AGRTOUi/rURAT; GAZETTE. MOULE'S WARMING APPARATUS.— The best and moat oconomical system ol Warming Chui-clio3, Schools, Hot- liousos, tmd all large Buildlogs. Apply to J. plied equally low. 1,1 I ,, I . , I -^.i,-.. Dial Iron Works, Stourbridge. JAMES WATTS AND CO., Hothouse Builders and Uot-watkrAitauatcsMandfactorehs, 3.^3. Old Kent Road, S.E. TWO nUNDKED CUCUMBER and MELON BOXES and LIGHTS, and from 400 to 600 LIGHTS lor PITS ol all SIZES kept in STOCK, Glazed and Painted complete, ready for Immediate use. Packed and sent to all parts of the kingdom. Public and Private Bulldiugs, Waruliouscs, Ac, heated on the most approved scientific and economical pmiciplos. Referonces to the Nobility, Gentry and Trade in most of the Counties in England. Heating by Hot Water. WJ. HOLLANDS, Iron Merchant, • 31. B-inkside, London, S.E. HOT WATER PIPES, from Stock, per yard :— 2-lnch, id. liti ; 3-iuch Is. 9d. ; anil 4-inch, 23. 3d. BENDS, from Stock, Is. 6(i., '.Js. Qd., and 3s. each. THROTTLE VALVES,108., 13s., and 14s. eadl. Other Connexions at e»iually low prices, and all goods of first-class manu- facturo. Estimates given, and orders by post punctually attended t thes ' Heating liy Hot Water. HOT-WATER PIPES, at Wholesale Prices, with Etbow-s, Syphons, Tee-Pipes, and every other connection ; Wrought and Cast-iron Boilers, Saddle, Conical, Cylinder, Tdudlah, and Elliptic, from 24s. each. Improved Boilers and Iron Stands to use without brickwork, Cos. each. Valves from 10s. Orf. each. Pnttiiil Valves, Improved Furnace Doors, Furnace Bars, Supply Cisteii. , and Castings of every description in stock, at Mr. LvNcii VVuiTE-s Iron Wharf, Upper Ground Street, Blackniin Bridge, London, S. Price List on application. Greefffiouses— Heating Apparatus. CONSERVATORIES PINERIES STRAW 8ERRV HOUSES VINERIES FORCING Hill ORCHID HOIM. W A L L - T R L 1. COVERS GREENHOUSES CUCUMBER and MELON HOUSES ORCHARD nolT.s I - PATENT S U .N BLINDS* FRlisl PROTECTORS, with variou! Patented Improve ments in the CONSTRUCTION VENTILATION H BATING SHADINtr OPENING GEAR rpHE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL AWARDED for JL Various Improvements in the "Ventilation, Constructicn, and ApDlication of WKOUGHT-IRON to Horticultural Buildings. Our New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE, THE NOVELTY, 5 cboap, durable, i for all purposes, ai present day. I'li £29 18s.: 40 n,, : I painting. Is adapCei ft., rj,. tu jL-^i \»<. sp 111 lLi,u;>, double pni Orders for 'our Nuu- IVtt^ut WALL-TliEE CUVER are iio» solicited. Thoy savo t!ie!r cost in one season. Prices, with IO-ok glass, as., i»,\-., liKt,, and 12.s\ per foot run. In HEATl Nti we are pre-eminent, and bave pleasure in referrin to works In al I parts of the kingdom which have been executed by us Careful pei-soiial attention is given to all orders; and ft-on: posed for which they are intended, without fear of dlsripjio Our Patented nrrangenienta may be seen " en modiJle,*' and eve inforomtion -ibtaiued at our London Office, C, Sloane Street, S.W, Postal address, A^ncliorlron Works, Chelmsford, s & ScROBY, Hot-Water Enginn TO. MESSENGER, Midland Steam Vv^^''. • Horticultural Works, Loughborough, Hot-Water Apparal n- and Valve Manufacturer. Honourable Mention awarded at the International Exhibition, 1S62, and a': the Dublin Exhibition, 18G5 ; also a First-class Certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society. T. G. Messenger. Patentee of many important Improvements in Buildings and Implements connected with Horticulture, and which -"- ' with imqualifled approbation, is prepared to give refere *~ open tho whole of roof and sides as though the „ removed, at once placing the plants in the external atmosphere. T. O. Mkssknokk's Uoiler possesses all the advantages of the Tubular and Saddle combined, has hollow furnace bai-s. requires but a shallow stokehole, and exposes as much surface to the direct action of the tire as can possibly be obtained, tho whole of which can be easily cleaned ; and it is an important fact that out of upwards ot 600 now at work made upou the Improved principle not one has cracked. T. G. Messesoeh*9 Valve (single or double) is effective, simple, * ) work, and as durable as the pipe to which it is attached HOT-WATER APPARATUS, of every deacription, tlxed complete in any pftrt of tho country, or the mateilals, viz., Hollers, Pipes, &c., delivered to any Statioa. Estimates on application. J. JoNKS A Sons, 0. Hankside, Soutbwark, Loudon. S.E. Hot-Water Apparatus. N.50yj*.g «'S3Ti rj?53 1^ Hf5'^y i ...n ^^ J JONES AND SONS have the lar-est Stock of HOT • WATER PIPES and CONNECTIONS, with WROUGHT and CAST IRON SADDLE, CANNON, and CYLINDER BOILERS, PORTABLE BOILERS. &c., and they wdl be happy to furwardPrices for same either at the Wharf in London, or delivered free to any Station or Shipping Port in the United Kingdi J. Jones & Sons, Iroi »,* Hot-\ C RANSTON'S PATENT BUILDINGS HORTICULTURE. " Dry Glazing without Putty," Glass without Laps. "Ventilation without Moving Lights." Highly Commended by the Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington ^\ , Patentees, and general 3 OQ application. L rJ. Gn , Managei. 1. Temple Row West, Birmingham He E'lECTRICITY is LIFE- SELF-ADJUSTING CURATIVE and ELECTRIC BELT Sufferers ft ONI nervous debtlitv indigestion weakness, &t , can now cure themselves bj the onl> Guiranteed Remedy in Turope protected by Hei Maieatj s Great Seal Free for One Stamp, ny H James Esq Medical Electrician {to ' - ' " spitali) Per *' - •- . - . . N B —Med: DINNEFORD'S FLUID MAGNESIA — The best remedy for Acidity of the Stomach, Heartburn, Headache, Gout, and Indigestion ; and the best mild aperient for delicate constitutions, especially adapted for Ladies, Children, and Infants. DiNNEFORD & Co., 172, New Bond Street. London, and of all Chemists throughout the Wurld. GRAY'S OVAL TUBULAR BOILER. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, Cla.s.s IX., No. 2119. Mr. gray begs to call the attention of the Kobility, Gentry, Nurserymen, Gardeners, &c., to his NEW OVAL TUBULAR BOILER, Acknowledged by practical judges to be a great improvement on every form of Tubular Boiler yet introdiu^od It has proved itself superior to all other Boilers for quickness of action and economy of Fuel, doing its work wiili one-third less the amount required by any other. Extract from lleport in Gardeners' Chkoxicle oJ International Exhibition^ Maij 24, 1862, page 47(1. " Tho upright form of iSoiler is usually made on .a circular plan, I ratber than a square, It seems fea.slble that the Boilers on the oval ■^ ^ ■' ', form Riven to Mr. Ghav's variety of it is said to be | plan should brinp: the tubes more completely within range of the burning fuel; and this I is no doubt an improvement,'' 10, the change, though a slight < 1^" They are made of all sices, which, with prices, may ie liad on application. JAMES GRAY, HORTICULTURAL WORKS, DAN VERS STREET, PAULTON'S SQUARE, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. JOHN GIBSON, JuN., begs to announce that he is preuiirod to Furnish PLANS and E.STIMATH.S for LAYING OUT UUOUNl) attached to Mansions and Villa or other Residences, or for tho FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Giiison. jun., Surrey Lane, liattorsea, S.W. WO K C E S T !•; It K rf C H EN llllNG K JUNE.S ASU RUrt'K, I'ATkVTltS. 1 he most the ad ant Bole Lo 430 West t T nmongers, Ac, D cte J and (. ^ D^TjONGHb LI OIL — IIosp tal d spen; tec liai rat ve pr , istered with tho happ e t results n Cons n pt OD LIVEK i e all furnish I I I f- \ n OIL containing h no other poss sses 1 as been ad- the U est No D fi thei:>oa malady. H^ II Hi n U\ ( odTiver :ho lire e\ rhtch reject t / 1AUT10N. — UR. l^E JUNGH'ti LlUliT-UKUWN V^ COD LIVER OIL— Firmly resist attempts oftoa made by unscrupulous dealBrs, whrn I'K. DK JONG-H'S OIL is applied for. to recommend, solely with a viu>v to ;tii e\ ra proht, other kinds of Cod Liver Oil, under tii ii .■,■'.:- i . rr. ih, it they arc equally pure and effloaotous, ' ^ i ' , i:i.\K (.iH-piots, '.is. Gd. ; pints, 4s. !)d. ; quarirs. '.' . , ; , , i, ,; ciiemtsts.— Solo Couslgnoea, Assar. II un . ■ . ; :, - i ,;i ., 1, nJon, W.C. w 1) Sauce.— Lea 6i Perrius' 0 R C E S T E K B U 1 it E S A U C E.— Tills delicious Condiment, pronounced bv Connoisseurs 'THE ONLY GOOD 8AUCE," is prepared solely by Lea k Perrins. The )iiihlii: iirn ni-ipri'Mullv c^iur.ioneil against worthless imitations, inii ■•I I-'.' I ■■ ■■ I li.ii 1,11 ,1 I'i -HI-, -■ N aiies are nn Wrapper, Label, Rnin. 11. ■ , , \ . 1 ! > .. ,'i iritlNS'SAUCE. ■\. 1 ; I II : II tj Proprietors, Worcester ; Me ■ I 1 i- - I I' 'III "1. '■, -, L. kKCLAY 4 Sons. London,&c., ){ KUiil 111*5 S poor" "MAN'S FRIEND and ULUL L AMIStKOPIIUL.^ have been proved, by 60 years' I (. I lence s iclcssIuI in the Lui e of Eruptions and Wounds of every I npti n Said wholesale by the Proprietors, Beach & Babnicott, then DiSf-ensai), Bndpoit, and by the London houses; and 1 by \11 respect ihle Medicine Vendors in tho United Kingdom I the Colonies, in pots and boxes, Is. l\(t., 2s Sd.,is.Od.,lls.f The Best Remedy for Indigestion, \^0l H)\ ^ ( VMUMILK PILLS are confidently l\ r III 11 i III] le but certain remedy lor Indigestion. llii,\ I t, I 1 rl il 1 r n, ird general Aperient; aremild in their o| Li it il ui Ili anj tiicumstances ; and thousands of peraons can now bear ttistmiony to the benefits to be derived from their use. Sold in bottles at Is lid , 2s 9d , and lis. each, in every town in the Kingdom Cautiov —Be sure to ask for " NORTON'S PILLS," and do not he peisuaded to purchase the various imitations. W \NTED ti RENT in LEASE, H.\LF an ACRE to in ALRE 1 GROUND, within a radius of 6 or . 1 tl I 1 t li "Museum for Garden Cultivation. An open liniUcuUis ikes place in consequouce of the Lease e-\piring. Catalogues may s bad 14 days prior to the Sale, and lUrtber paiticulats of Mr. DCKwoniH, Auctioneer, Hadley, Burnet. Land for Sale. WILLIAM LAWSUN, of Blennerlwssct, offers for _ SALE about^82 Acres of Valuablo Property, comprising his and within easy roach of the Market Towns of Wigton.Cockermouth, and Keswick. It cuntains Plantations of Oak, Larch, kc, of various ages ; a few Cottages, an excellent Lime (Quarry, with Kiln ; a well-accm;tomed Flour Milt ; and some eub&tantial Sets of Farm Buildings, recently owiied by the late Sir Wilfrid Lawson, of Bray ton. Three Water Wheels are already establtEhod, and Important Additional Water Power might easily be got from tho River Ellen (famous for Tnmt) and the Cockshot Stream, which touch tho pro- perty for miles, givmg tho chance of Splendid Iri'lgation. Part of the Ground is in high (almost Garden) condition, liaving been deepiv steam cultivated by the owner. For a Country Residence, this plaoe Is well adapted — situated between the Sol- way Frith and the Cumberland Lake District, abundance of Pheasants and other Game, with a flrat-rate Climate, the Cumber- land Fox Hounds huntinK tho country, a Railway Station near, a good Detghhourhood, three Parish Churches close to, chftrmlhg Speedy possession of the whole can be given. It will be Publicly Sold, in whole or in part, at the County Hotel, Carlisle, at 2 p.m. exactly, on SATURDAY. January 26, 1868, unless disposed of by Pr.vate Treaty, or otherwise. All the Property will be shown to intending purchasers on appll. cations to George Glassurook. of Prior Hall. Present Prices and further particulars on apphcation to WittiAU Lawsoh, Blennerhasset. Cumberland. Freehold and Tithe Free. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND ACiRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Januaet 4, CONSERVATORIES, FORCING, AND ORCHARD-HOUSES. MANUFACTURED in LONDON ; and at GLOUCESTER, COVENTRY, ULVERSTONE, PAISLEY, and ABERDEEN, By STEAM-POWER MACHINERY, of BEST MATERIALS, and at LOWEST PRICES. EVERY LESCEIPTION OF SOUTICULTUIIAL BUILDIXG DESIGNED, HEATED, AND VENTILATED IN THE MUST EFFICIENT MANISER. \ ew of OinimentalC nsemtoij, 32 ftetb^ Ifi, with Lintun lionf, ibout lb fut lii,li .jriVfeiVS^iVVi lut 1 1 \ M 1 1 1 II u . i 1 t L 1 n 1 t UdJ 1 1 1 Ni I 1 t 1 11 II issuit.bl imi List lloi t\u} II UKultuiiiiuii l, nid btiug m .Ul poitibk, i^ well i^ jj Niustrjmen, ^i. for Pme'5, Cucumbeib, &c , on Sir JobLpli Pivton's jinent, these Structuieb ire a booa to Grentltmeii Piineiplo, wlii< h Short Leases, lo The above repie&ents a Range about 85 feet long, Conservatoiy in centre, 21 feet square; and Span-roof "Wings, 32 feet long, forming Orchard- House, Vinery, &o. This system of building Span-roofs his been extended to form large WINTER GARDENS, covering an immense area, at a low cost; the produce of which, in a few ytjara' time, would almost, if not entirelj, rcpiy the original co^t Gentlemen about to form New Gardens can be advised the best method of arranging these Glass Roofs for all Horticultural purposes, and aa Boundaries in place of "Wall?, combining elegance with utility. As already so erected by us, they are economical substitutes for walls, ensuring the production of much larger and better crops of fruit. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS of the PATENT ROOFS free on application. REFERENCES can be given to work executed in all parts of the Kingdom. ESTIMATES given for ORNAMENTAL CONSERVATORIES to Architect's Plans and Specificaaons ; also for HEATING APPARATUS for all purposes, and to any extent, fixed complete anywhere in the United Kingdom. I^" Designs preimrcd to suit different styles of Mansions^ or to particular dimensions xvith rough Sketches. HEREMAN and MORTON, 7, PALL MALL EAST, LONDON, S.W. The THIRD EDITION (revised and enlarged) of a H.tNDBOOK of VINE and FRUIT TREE CULTIVATION, with Lists of best kinds. Hints for Heating, Views of Hothouses, Conservatories, &c., will be sent Post Free for 13 Stamps. " None who take au interest in the consti'uction of hothouses, or in the management of their contents, should fail in adding this to their collection, however complete that may already he."— The Farmery November 13, 1867. '* The cultural directions have the great merit of being concise and clear." — Gardeners* Chronicle^ Nov. 30, 1867. 8 should be addresaed to ' The Editor ; " Advertisements and 1 ' The Publisher," at the OfBce,41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London. W C. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 2.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, JANUARY 11. (Price Fivepence. (STAilPED Editio>', Gd. INDEX. 31 c I T^icester exhibition 26 < 36 c I Linseed cake, adulteration of . 39 i 38 n I Manclipster fxhibitioQ 26 i 31 n I Market reports 34 » 35 b ; Mrloiis in Africa 31 i i.Mnnche&ter , iiL' fruit trees ; 27 J ii Horticultural Society . 27 c ler predictions 35 n T HE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL fur ENGLISH GARDEN SEEDS. PARIS, 1S67, was awarded to Sutton & Sons, Seed Growers. ReadinK. T James Carter & Co., 23r'and 238, kigh Holbora, London. W.C. 1 Q^Q —CHOICE NEW VEGETABLE nnd XOUO. FLOWER SRBDS, POTATOS, &c. PRICED LIST Jaues DicRSos i Sons, 102, Eastjjate Street, Cdester. SUTTONS' COLLECTIONS of GENUINE HOME- GROWN SEEDS ARE NOW READY. For prices, see page Soflastweek's Qardd, per quart. T The Best New Potato for 1868 is UTXONS' BERKSHIKE KIDNEY, 5s. per peck, 17*. Crf. per bushel, carriage free. Sutton & Sons, Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. Choice and True Potatos for Planting, SUTTONS' DESUKIPTJVE LIST of the BEST SORTS IB now ready, and may bo had gratis and post free on application. Royal Berks Seed Katablishment, Reading. s EED POTATOS. — All the li moderate prices. H. k r. SuABPE, Wisbech, t varieties at very M ILKY WHITE POTATO.— Well-known and acknowledKad to be the best Potato iu cultivation, at •er peck of U lb. ; or 16a, per bushel of 60 lb. Guaranteed true free from dtflonso. Apply to juBot WiNFiELD, GloucesLershtre Seed Warehouse, Gloucester. HENKY'S PKIZE HYBRID LEEK is quite distinct - fiom any other sort, Is the largest in Cultivation, and perfectly hardy. Free by post. Is. per packet or 12 Stamps. To be had direct from Downib, Laird, & Laing, Seedsmen, 17. Frederick Str£ot,JCdinburgh, and Stanstead Park, Forest Hill, London. S.E. Lincolnshire Red Glohe Turnip Seed. HAND F. SllAKPE have a splendid Stock of the • above, grown last season from selected Transplanted Bulbd. Price very moderate. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. New Seed Catalogue. CHARLES TrUAVEK, The Roval Nurseries, Slough, begs to sttto that his DESCRIPTIVE LIST of GARDEN, FLOWER, FARSI SEEDS, and CULINARY ROOTS, la now ready, and may be had on application. B ETTERIDGE'S EXHIBITION ASTERS. 12 distinct vnriotics, separate, 3s. Qd. per packet ; mixed, Is. do. ""■"""■" " ' other Quilled t.R, The Royal Nurseries, Slough. Cha NEW WHITE FKENCH BEAN, 3 feet, most prolific. NEW DWARF FRENCH SAVOY, very tender. Both highly recommended. In packets. Is. 6d. each. CuARLHs TuR.s-KK, The Royal Nurseries, Slough. HE THREE "BEST" PEAS;~LITTLE GEM". ADVANCKR. and PREMIER. T 1 through, Preniit 3 a late variety, will make the three V offered by 3 ToaskR, Royal Nursery, Slough. Vines. BS. WILLIAMS has now on hand a very large and > fine Stock of FRQITINQ and PLANTING CANES of all the beat varieties. An Inspection is invited. Victoria and Paradise Nuraories, Upper HoUoway, London. N. Vines. MEREDITH will have great pleasure in forwarding . his PRICED LIST of VINES on application. He has the est itock in England. An inspection is invited. The Vineyard, Garston, near Liverpool. Superb New Late Grape, MRS PINCE'S BLACK MUSCAL'."— All the most eminent Grape growers have united In pronouncing this to bo the very best Grape extant. Frnit of It remained on the Vine until May 10. last year. LucoMDE, FiNCK & Co. bog to inform the Public that they have still a few lino FKDITING VINES of this valuable Grape to oflor. Exeter Nursery, Exeter. Vines, Strawberries, and Asparagus. BLACK HAMBURGH VINES, extra strong, in I3-inch pots, for fruiting. STRAWBERRIES— British Queen, Keens' Seedling, and Trollope's Victoria, very strong, and finely set, lu pots, for forcing. M, RoctiFORD, Market Gardener, Page Green, Tottenham, N. Orchard-house Trees Fruiting In Pots. PEACHES, NECTARINES, APRICOTS, CHERRIES, PLDMS, PEARS. APPLES. VINES, and FIGS. RiosARn Smith. Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. To the Trade. WOOD AND INGRAM have still to offer a maunificent lot of STANDARD APPLES; cut back 1-vear NOBLESSE, ROYAL GEORGE and RED MAGDALEN PEACHES; RED DnTCH, GRAPE, VICTORIA, and BLACK CURRANTS. Nuraeries, Huntingdon. w EBB'S PRIZE COB FILBERTS, and other PRIZE COB NUTS and FILBERTS. LIST of these varieties from Mr, Wkub, Calcot, Reading. Fruiting Trained Trees. rpHOMAS JACKSON and SON, having a great esteut J- of high walls, have many large TRAINED TREES; and as RICHARD SMITH'S FRUIT LIST contains a sketch of the various forms of Trees, with directions for Cultivation, Soil, Drainage, Manure, Pruning, Lifting, Cropping, Treatment "' synonymes, quality, alze, form, slun. under Glass ; ali flesh, flavour, use, growth, duration," post for three stamps. Riou 1, price, &c. Free Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. PETER LAWSON and SON, Edinburgh and London, have to intimate that their Stock of Seedling and Transplanted LARCH, SCOTS FIR, AUSTRIAN PINE, CORSICAN PINE, SPRUCE, ASH, BEECH, BIRCB, CHESTNUT, ELM, OAK, and other TREES, is most extensive, and of very superior quality. CATALOGUES and special offers upon application. Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. PETER LAWSON and SON, Edinburgh and London, wUI be glad to forward their CATALOGUE for the present Season free upon application. Vines. PETER LAWSON and SON, Edinburgh aud London, have a large Stock of very superior FRUITING and PLANTI NQ CANES of all the leading sorts, at &3., 7s. 6d., and liJs. 6d. each. SPECIMEN IRISH YEWS,— Very handsome speci- mens of the above, 7, 8, S, and 10 feet hlgU, from 6a, to 21s, each. T. JACRaoN & Sox. Kingston, S.W. FOR HEDGES.— AMERICAN ARBOR- VIT^, 4 to 5 feot. at 50s. per 100 ; 6 to 6 feet, 81s. per 100 ; 6 to 7 feet, 100s. per 100. RicuABD Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. 11W0 MILLION Transplanted aaiCK, strong and well rooted. Samples and prices may be had of JouN Cattell, Nur.soryman, Westerham, Kent. White Thorn Quiclc.— To Railway Contractors, &c. A MILLION of the best CAMBRIDGESHIRE WHITE THORN QUICK, from 1 to 3-yr. old. tor SALE, iu small or large Lots. For prict) apply to Dawdarn BRoTuERa, 10, St. Mary Axe, City, London, E.G. 2 to 2i feut. Fra: . 3 quantity ., & AHTBuit Dickson & Sons, Uptun Nurseries, Chester. Special 0£fer to the Trade. SCOTCH FIKS, 10 to 15 inches, 2-yr. Transplanted, lOs. Cd per 1000. LARCH, 2i to 3} feet, 12s. per 1000 ; 3 to 4 feet, 12s. per 1000. Grown upon high land, stout and wellrooted. Appl^'" "" J. Smu , Tansley, Nu , Matlock, Derbyshire. LARUE TREES WAINTEU.— About Thirty of each, viz. :— ELM, PLANE, LIME, MOUNTAIN ASH, and SCARLET CHESTNUT, from 12 to 16 feet high. Every tree must be strong and well grown {for Specimens), or they will bo returned, — Apply to Thomas Clupuah, Royal Park, Leeds. w To Nurserymen and the Trade. E are now pn-pmed to take up orders for True New Double Crimson Thorn. WM. PAUL has stUl a few good FLOWERING PLANTS, established In Pots, of this flrst-olass new Forcing Plant, price 5a. each, Flrst-claaa Certificates at Intematlonal, Royal HorticultunU, and Royal Botanic Societies, It was also forced and exhibited by him on several occasions last spring. R Pau Nuraories, Waltham Cross, N. ICHAKD SMITH'S LIST of all the EVEKGKEEN FIR TRIBE, suitable for Britain, giving size, price, popular d botanical names, derivations, description, form, colourj foliage. > Smitu, Nurseryman aud Seed Merchant, Worcester. w Catalogue of Garden and Flower Seeds. M. WOOD AND SON will be happy to forward Copies ot the ab ^»,!i,r,M 1 '0 li feet, 258.; IJ to 2 feet, 36s. ; 2 to 2i feet, 45s. Buttons' Prize Cucumber Seeds, post free. SUTTONS' BERKSHIRE CHAMPION, U.6d. perpkt. HAMILTON'S NEEDLE GUN. 2.". C by the late Sir Joskpu Paxtom. Illustnited Circulan, witb full particulnrs, sizes, and prices, freo )n appiicatloii to Hk MAN & Morton, 7, Pall Mall East, London, S.W, HOT-W ATEU PIPES, 4-mch, 2s. per yard. IIOT-WATKR APPARATUS erected complete. HOT-WATER UOILERS. Cast and Wrought Iron, and CON- NEXIONS of all kinds, supplied equally low. Georoe Robinsow, Dial Iron Works, Stourbridge. JAMES AVATTS ANn CO., Hothouse Builders and HtiT-WATFR Appahatds MANnPACTCRKRS, 3fi3. Old Kent Road, S. E. TWO HUNDRED CUCUMBER and MELON BOXES and LIGHTS, and from 400 to 500 L1GIIT.S tor P1T8 of all SIZES kept in STOCK, Glazed and Painted complete, ready for immediate c KANSTON'S PATENT BUILDINGS for H CRT I CULT ORE. " Dvy Glazing without Putty." " Glasa without Laps." "Ventilation witliout Moving Lights." Highly Commended by the Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington. Heating by Hot Water. WJ. HOLLANDS, Iron Merchant, • 31. Bankslde, London. S.E. HOT WATER PIPES, from Stock, per yard :— 2-lnch, U. lid. ; 3-inch, Is. Dd. ; and 4-inch, 2«. 3rf. BENDS, from Stock, la. fSrf.,'i'8. (id.. and 3s. each. THROTTLE VALVES, 10s., 13:*.,and iL. each. Other Connexions at equally low prices, and all goods of flrst-clo-ss manu- facture. Estimates given, and orders by post punctually attended to H Heating "by Hot Water. OT-WATER PIPES, at Wholesale Prices, with — --- Elbows, Syphons. Tee-Pipes, and eveir other connection ; Wrought and Cast-iron Boilers, Saddle, Conical, Cylinder, Tubulah, and Elliptic, fVom 248. each. Improved Boilers and Iron Stands to use without brickwork, GOs. each. Valves from IO3. Cd. eaob. Patent Valves, Improved Furnace Doors, Furnace Bars, Supply Cisterns, and Cnstings of every description in stock, at Mr. Lynch White's Iron Wharf, Upper Ground Street, Blackfrlara Bridge. London, S. Price List on application. c OTTAM AND COMPANY, C0N8EBTATOR7 and Hothouse Boilders, &c.. Iron Works. 2, Wlnsloy Street, Oxford Street, London, W. SADDLE BOILERS. ichea long. 46s. 65s. 92s. (Sd. each. HOT-WATER PIPES. 2 3 4 inch. Is. Gd. 2s. Id. 2s. Od. per yard. Materials supplied as above. Estimates given fixed com- * to Plan, on application to Cottaw a Co., Iron Works, 2, Wlnsley Street, ipposite the Pantheon), ford Street, London, w. ^ ^6^0^ F ana and Kstimates tree on application. Descriptive Book full? Ulustrftted, post ftee for 20 stamps, fi'om the Author and Patentee, James Cranston, Ai-chltect, Birmingham. Works ; Hlghgate Street, BiiTningham. Henry J. Growtaoe, Manager, 1, Temple Row West, Birmingham. Greenliouses— Heating Apparatus. CONSERVATORIES PINERIES STRAWBERRY HOUSES VINERIES FORCING HOUSES / ORCHID HUU.SES 1 WALL-TREE < COVERS OREENHODSES CUCUMBER and MELON HOUSES 1866. ORCHARD HOUSES PATENT SUN- \ Patented Improve- ments in the ' CONSTRUCTION VENTILATION HEATING SHADING OPENING GEAR THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL AWAEDED for Various Improvements in the Ventilation, Construction, and Application of WROUGHT-IRON to Horticultural Buildings. Our New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE, THE NOVELTY, 's cheap, durable, easily fixed, does not require painting, is adapted i the 1 ■ £3*.!; G4 i , £43 12s. to£: perfectly ventilated house of tht ?. £Ui to £19 105. : 32 ft.. £lD to £l'7 12.S-. to £54 3s. 6d. ; bO ft., double price. £29 ISs. ; 40 ft., £18 l £34 t.j £bi; Its. ; 104 fl., _.„ ..„. v^ ...... .,.„. ^^,..„ .w^..., ^^ Orders Icr our New Patent WALL-TREE COVER . solicited. They save their cost in one season. Prices, with IG-oz. plass, fe., 9s.) 10s., and 12s. per foot run. In HEATING we are pre-eminent, and have pleasure in referring to works in all parts of the kingdom which have been executed by us. Careful personal attention is given to all orders; and from our Immense practical experience, we are willing to guarantee that Buildings left to our arrangement shall perfectly answer the pur- posed for which they are intended, without fear of disappointment. Our Patented arrangements may bo seen " en moddle," and every inftrniation obtained at our London Office, 6, Sloane Street, S. W, Postal address. Anchor Iron Works, Chelmsford. Dekni.i & ScRDBT, Hot- Water Enginners, i'atentees, and general Horticultural Builders in Wood or Iron. Catalogues, Estimates, or Plan.s oq application. Hot Water Apparatus. iff! *¥ J CAST IRON SADDLE, CANNON, and CYLINDER BOILERS, PORTABLE BOILERS, &c., and they will be happy to forward Pricei for same either at the Wharf in London, or delivered free to anj Station or Shippmg Port in the United Kingdom. J. Jones & Sons, Iron Merchants, 6, Bankside, Southwark, London. %* Hot-water Apparatus erected complete. PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS, FOR HEATING CONSERVATORIES, HOTHOUSES, CHCECHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATB RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT "tJNIVERSAI, FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TRUSS state that the immense number of APPARATUS annually Designed and Erected by him in all parts of the kingdom, and for the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGTON and CHISWICK, with unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design, superior materials, and good workmanship ; while the great advantages obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over-estimated, consisting of perfectly tight jomts with neatness of appearance; EFFECTS A SAVING OF 25 PER CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected compared with other systems; facility for extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints; can be erected by anv Gardener; an ordinarv size Apparatus erected in one day, and PERFECTNESS of DESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials, with Saddle Boiler^ delivered to any Railway Station in England, and Erected at the following prices. Erection beyond 25 miles off London, railway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. TWO FOUR-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. size of House. Apparatus Complete. Erection. I Size of House. Apparatus Complete. Erection. 20 feet by 10 feet ., £0 0 0 ..£200 60 feet by 1.5 feet ., £1710 0 ..£300 30 feet by 12 feet ,. 11 1.5 0 .. 2 10 0 75 feet by 1.5 feet .. 20 0 0 .. 3 0 0 40 feet by 15 feet .. 15 0 0 .. 2 16 0 I 100 feet by 15 feet .. 26 0 0 .. 3 5 0 Bath and Gas Work erected in town or country. The Trade Supplied. Sorticultural Buildings of every description from Is. 6d. per foot superjcial, inclusive of Brickioork. Price Lists, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S. TRUSS, C.E., Consulting Hobticultural ENomEER, &e., Sole JIanufactureb, FRIAR STREET, BLACKFRIAES ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Ohserm — The City Offices are now Removed to the Manufactory, Friar Street. M OULE'S WARMING APPARATUS.— The best and leal system ol Warming Churches, Schools, Hot- H A Y W A R D BROTHERS, HOT-WATER ENGINEERS. Private Builuiugs Heated on the latest Horticultural, Publ! Improved prlnclpli 18r, 189. Union Street, Borouiili, London, S.E. Heating Apparatus. JltEREDITH continues to supply and fix HOT- . WATER APPAll.U'QS In VlNERms, and every desoriptlon of HOTHOUSES, BUILDINGS, Sc. >.w.»nHi.i"u Tho Vinoyai^d.Jiaraton, near Liverpool. THE TANNED LEATHER COMPANY, Arniit Works, Greenfield, near Mancheeter. TANNERS, CURRIERS, and MANUFACTURERS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS lor MACHINERY. PRIME STRAP and SOLE BUTTS. Pnce Lists sent ITee by post. AMES PHILLIPS and beg to submit their prices as follows :— GLASS for ORCHARD HOUSES, C 0. As supplied by them to Mr. Rlvi 0 the Royal Horticultural Society. most of the Nobility, Clergy, and Gentlemen of the Unite'd CO., 237 & 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. ; and at "W. H. SMITH AND SONS' RAILWAY BOOK STALLS. Seed Catalogue for 1868. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of AGRICULTURAL, VEQ ETAULE, and FLOWER SEEDtS, post free on api-11 cation. Roynl Vinoyard Nureery & Seed Eatablishmotit. Hamuicramlth. W. R OLLISSONS' TELEGRAPH' CUCUMBER, tlio beat Winter and Early SprioK variety In cultivation. Sco Gardeners' Chronicle, .January 12, I8C7. Seo narden£rs' Cl-ronicte, March Ifi. 18fi7. See aardeners' (.'Uroi-irlf, August 31, xmi. Soe r.ardpntra Clironv-k, October 12, ier.7. Tho nbove. In printed sealed packfcta, pnco 2s. M. each. .LtAM RoLLtssoN & SoNS, Tho Nursenea, Tooting, I^ndon, S. New Seeds of Superior Stocl^s. FRANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS, Tho Old-Established Seed Warehouse, 106. Easfgate .Street, Chester. The Best Early Pka in Ccltivation-. DICKSON'S "FIHST and BEST."-Price 1«. 6(/. per Quart. CATALOGUE of VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, for 18i;8, with Practical Cultural Directions, la now in the Press, and will be sent Pofit Free on application. , , . The Heeds are all of the most Select character, each being saTod from the Best Stock known of its kind. Garden Seeds of £2 value delivered Carriage Free. b Post Free, except heavy articles, such oe Sweet New Seeds, Growtli of X867, (xecute :UTTON AND SONS are now prepared t > orders for all kinds of GARDEN SEEDS. The prices are moderate and tlie quality fine, uwing to their viog been harvested well. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Roadinp. W\xt ®arlrenerjS'®ftrontcle. SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1S68. In our last Number we commented in general terms on the incidents of the Past Year, so far as they concerned Horticulture, we purpose now to pass briefly in review some of the more impor- tant of the New Plants which made their appearance during that period. We commence our summary with the stove plants, an important group, -which in these days separates naturally into the divisions represent- ing thoso which are cultivated for the sake of their inflorescence, and those in which the foliage is the chief, if not the only object of attraction. Among the former, taking all points into account, we must assign the first place to the rose-coloured Dalechampia Eoezliana, from Vera Cruz, a most distinct looking shrub, of remarkably free- flowering habit, the curiously- constructed flowers of which, together with its broad, con- spicuously-coloured rosy floral leaves, rivalling those of the Bougainvillea, are not only very ornamental, but altogether dissimilar fi-om any- thing previously known amongst cultivated plants. Even more wonderful and startling as regards its form and size, is the Calabar Aristo- lochia Goldieana, which has been coaxed into blossom in the Glasgow Botanic Garden, and of which a fvill description, accompanied by a wood- cut, was given by us at p. U43 of our last year's volume. Then comes the new iUlamanda nobihs, which we hope shortly to describe in detail ; but of which we may here "state that the blooms, while equal in size to the largest of those yet known, are superior, in regard to symmetry and perfect- ness of form, to those of any other species m cul- tivation. Another new hybrid Dipladenia, called amcena, also claims prominent mention ; it has been obtained by crossing amabilis with splen- dens, and partakes more of the latter than the former, on which , however, it is a great improve- ment in regard to beauty of tint, and also in its more profuse-blooming habit. Isora princeps is a very fine addition to one of the most stnkmg genera amongst stove flowering plants ; and Tacsonia Buchanani promises to be a worthy addition to our stove climbers, though perhaps less startUngly dissimilar from previously-known kinds than was the T. Van Volxemii we had to chronicle last year. Turning to another group, we have in i3egonia boliviensis a thoroughly novel acquisition, so utterly unlike the fnmdiar Begonias of our gardens, that one has to look twice before assenting to the name ; its pendent, long-petaled, bright-coloured vermilion blossoms should render it a most useful decora- tive plant of the soft- wooded series. We must not here forget to record the Mexican Nfegel a fulgida, a green leaved and very handsome THE GAEDENERS' CPTRONICLE AND AGEICULTirRAL GAZETTE. [Januaey 11, 1868. gesnerad, somewhat resembling N. cinnabarina in its flowers; nor the fine pale-coloured hybrid varieties of the same genus — chromatella, Lindleyaua, cymosa, and rosea punctatissima, for which we are indebted to the Belgian gardens. With these come in Cyi-todeira chontalensis, a gesnerad with large lilac spotted flowers, recently acquii-ed from the gold region of Central America; Aphelandra Eoezlii, a most brilliant orange- scarlet Mexican acanthad, with singularly twisted silverysurfaoed leaves ; and the bright red long-tubed Bolivian Stemonacanthus Pearcei, which may be considered as another acquisition in the great famUy of Acauthaceje ; while San- chezia nobilis variegata, the greon-leaved form of which was mentioned last year, and the white striped form of which has come out this season, has this additional claim on our .attention, that whereas in either state its flowers are gorgeous, in the latter it ranks very high indeed also as an ornamental-leaved plant. Many fine things have been added to the series of stove plants just mentioned — ^those grown for the sake of the foliage ; and none perhaps in the group are more beautiful, or more novel in character, than the Indian Alocasia Jenningsii, a herbaceous plant with bold sagittately-cordate leaves of a bright green colour at the margin and along the course of the principal veins, and marked lietween the latter with dark chocolate brown, almost black, wedge-shaped sections, the eflect of the contrast being entirely novel, and very pleasing. Another new Alocasia deserving of prominent mention is of hybrid origin ; it is called A. intermedia, and comes in exactly half- way between its parents, A. Veitchii and A. longi- loba, or it may perhaps be better described as a larger and more invigorated Veitchii, which, beau- tiful as it is in its colour and grotesque in its form — we have heard its leaves fancifully compared to the visage of the "horned gentleman," but we cannot speak to the resemblance — is well known to be rather a delicate and slow grower. Some extremely valuable additions have also been made to the painted-leaved Codifeums, better known in our gardens as Croton pictum. These have been obtained from the South Sea Islands, and diff'er principally in the size and form of their leaves, which are brightly veined with yellow, and with age take on in addition more or less of a reddish tint ; they are distinguished by the names Veltchianum, maximum, interruptum, and ii're- gulare. From the same source, and introduced at the same time, come three new Dractenas, all very distinct and handsome plants. They are : D. regina, which is of stout stocky habit, with the leaves broadly edged with white ; D. Moorei, which has vigorous undulated drooping le.aves, similar, in colour to those of D. ferrea ; and D. Macleayi, which has narrower firm-textured recurved leaves, of a reddish bronzy hue. These will all be most valuable additions to our collec- tions ; as doubtless will be the Peruvian Ficus dealbata, with its large elliptic leaves, of a silvery white beneath, which has been shown at the Paris Exhibition. Turning to Orchids, while we have nothing to record so striking as the Cattleya Dowiana and Saccolabium giganteum of ISBU, there are still some choice acquisitions to register. Dendrobium BeusonicB is charmingly elegant, from the deli- cate contrasts of its white and orange flowers, and the perfectly balanced an-angement of its colours. Oncidium chi'ysothyrsus, with its many- flowered thyrsoid panicles, bearing large clear and effective golden j'ellow blossoms, is just one of a group which now needs to be encouraged in our Orchid-houses, where more of its brilliant hue would be acceptable as a contrast to the colours which predominate in Dendrobes, Cattleyas, Saccolabiums, Phalfcuopsids, Aerides, and other favourites. The new Grenadiau Bletia Sherrattiana aSbrds another most striking colour — a rich rosy- pui'ple, which, set off by its beautifully marked lip, is most valuable as a contrast. A charming variety of the Brazilian Miltonia spectabilis, called rosea, has appeared at some of the summer exhibitions ; ' in this lovely plant the sepals, instead of being white, are of a rosy blush, and the lip is marked with several broad longitudinal bars of deep rosy crimson. Borneo has yielded a variety of Oypripedium Stonei of great beauty, differing from the typical form by its much enlarged and remarkably broad petals, whence it has receved the appropriate name of platyttonium. Finally, we have a hybrid Aerides, called Dominianum, a fine plant, most nearly resembling Fieldingii in colour, but having the form and markings of affine. Stove bulbs, a most distinct class of plants, to an appreciation of the merits of which public tasto seems to be again awakening, have been augmented by a few most decided acquisitions. The Hippeastrum group of Amaryllis in par- ticular receives in the A. pardina decidedly one of the finest of its species, and one of the most valuable introductions of the present year— so novel, and withal so really beautiful are its blossoms ; they are of the widely-expanded form, straw-coloured, and spotted all over with markings exactlv like those one sees on spotted- flowered Calceolarias. The Amaryllis Alberti, another plant of the same group, is scarcely less an acquisition, on account of its large double flowers of a rich orange scarlet, which, in regard to their form, may be likened to those of a gigantic double Daffodil. Griffinia hyaciuthina maxima is a grand plant, altogether stouter than the type of the species, and having large dark blue flowers measuring between 4 and 5 inches across ; it has been obtained from Brazil, as has another very pretty species of the same genus, G. Blumenavia, which has its flowers white, striped with rose colour on the principal segments. Among greenhouse plants the accessions are not so numerous. Pleroma sarmentosa, how- ever, with deep violet flowers in the way of Pleroma elegaus, must be regarded as a novelty of the highest order of merit ; and to this must be added two Japanese Hydrangeas, obtained by the St. Petersburgh Garden, namely, H. stellata prolifera, with densely packed small star-shaped double sterile rosy- tinted flowers ;. and H. paniculata grandiflora, which has more the habit of japonica, but produces very large terminal pyramidal leafy panicles, a foot long or more, bearing numerous large white flowers. Dalea Mutisii, a South American shrub, with terminal spikes of deep blue flowers, falls into this group, and wiU probably prove useful either as a pot plant, or as a summer flowering plant for the garden, if planted in a sheltered place near a wall ; and Clerodendron serotinum, intro- duced from China to the French gardens, is also highly spoken of as a shrub for the summer garden. This is said to produce large corymbose panicles, a foot or more across, of pure white sweet-scented flowers, having rose-coloured calyces. Of foliage plants for the summer garden, Coleus Veitchii has been the most striking novelty ; this, like C. Gibsoui, comes from New Caledonia, and is of similar sturdy habit, but its leaves are entirely of a chocolate brown in the centre, and margined with a lively green border, which gives them an unusual and by no means unoruameutal appearance. Before leaving this group we should mention Agave xylinacantha, as representing a family which is moving upwards in popular estimation in this country, and very deservedly so ; it is one of those smaller growing species, which have the leaves beset with compressed ii'regular spines, having a woody appearance, whence the name. A goodly number of meritorious hardy plants have been brought prominently into notice. As the most important amongst them, because of the size and brilliant colours of their flowers, we must class Begonia Veitchii and B. rosseflora, both obtained from a height of 12,000 feet or more on the Peruvian Andes, and the former already pretty weU tested. They are dwarf herbs, with roundish fleshy leaves, and producing many short scapes, each supporting a few very large flowers, suggesting Christmas Eoses, which in Veitchii are deep cinnabar red, and in rosseflora of a lovely rose colour. Even should our variable climate render it necessary to afford them some protection against its vicissitudes, the year 1867 will be made memorable by the fact that^we shall have secured two such fine species, of a more or less hardy character, belonging to a genus here- tofore chiefly known as inhabiting our hothouses. Another fine hardy perennial is the Draba violacea, a beautiful rock plant, with deep purple cruciferous flowers, from an elevation of 13 — 15,000 feet on the Andes of Quito. A promising perennial Clematis, called Davidiana, from China, in the way of tubulosa, but usually having clustered instead of solitary flowers, has found its way into the French gardens. The Japanese Goodyera macrantha, a pretty hardy variegated-leaved Orchid — the leaves deep olive green, with bright green reticulations and yellow margins — brings us very near to a hardy Antec- tochilus ; and the three following species of Japanese and Chinese Lilies add three more gems to a genus already rich in brilliants — L. LeichtUnii, which has pale golden drooping flowers spotted with purple ; L. hjematochroum, which has erect flowers of a deep blood red ; and ' L. pseudo-tigrinum, which has drooping red flowers dotted with brown, but is quite distinct ft'om tigrinum ; this last is from China. The noble LiUum auratum is yielding a crop of choice varieties, scarcely two of its bulbs producing exactly similar flowers. The most remarkable variations are, perhaps, L. auratum rubrum, in which the baud of yellow is quite exchanged for one of rosy red, and L. auratum virgiualis, in which the flowers are pure white throughout. AVe had last year to record a Golden Alder, as a promising tree for pictorial planting. We have now to add a Golden Elm, Ulmus campestris aurea, whose leaves are of deep golden yellow, here and there breaking into green or bronze, a good- siaed bush or tree of which must be very effective. Similar golden tints occur in Euony- mus japonicus flavosceus, in which the leaves are of a decided yeUow, and in Aucuba japonica flavescens, in which also the younger leaves are wholly of a yellowish hue. Something like the same effect, again, is produced by Cupressus Law- soniana ochroleuca, in which the young growths are so regularly tipped with pale creamy yellow as to give the plants quite a golden aspect ; and also in C. Lawsoniana flava, wherein, though in a different way, the young growths seem bathed in gold. Another variety of Aucuba — japonica marmorata — should be noted here as the most striking of the spotted-leaved kinds, the prominence being no doubt due to the fact that the yellow spots on the full green ground are par- ticularly clear and bright ; it is one of the berry- bearing forms. A most graceful habited Conifer, raised from Japanese seeds, and having long and flexile whipcord-like branches, called Eetino- spora filifera, must be classed amongst the more elegant of its race ; and a sub-evergreen variety of Populus moniUfera, which has been observed at Versailles, indicates a new feature in that " fast going" family. The leaves are in this caso retained long after the usual period of casting them, and this must add great value to the tree from a pictorial point of view. We have .already occupied so much space that we must forbear particularising the new garden varieties which the past year has afforded us. This is the less necessary, as many of thom have been recently noticed under the head of ' ' Florists' Flowers." We should not, however, omit to mention in this place Mr. Ingram's new Eose Miss Ingram ; Messrs. Jackman's and Mr. Cripps' new Clematises, the former at least of which are perpetual bloomers — a point on which, with respect to the latter, we have no informa- tion ; and the new Japanese Chi-ysanthemums raised by Mr. Salter and others, which will extend the flowering season, and add new features of interest to this popular family. Next week we shall conclude our resume of the novelties of the past year by an aUusiou to the New Fruits. The zeal and taste of the Lancashire folk are well illustrated by the recently published details con- cerninp! a National Hokticultiteal Exhibition, to be held in the gardens of the Botanical and Horti- cultural Society, Old Trafford, Manchesteb, from the 29th of May to the 5th of June, 186S. Specially, we would call attention to the fact 'that more than 9001. are offered as prize money for flowers, foliage. Perns, and fruits, because this reminds us not only that the wealthier grade has a love and knowledge of floriculture, but that the general public, from a like appreciation of the beautiful, have already endorsed a former experiment, and made it a complete success. As no fees are required from exhibitors, and as the subscribers to the Gardens are admitted free, we rejoice to infer that the general good taste and the admission money paid by the people, are the healthful and reliable sources of income. Again, we would notice that the exhibition is open to all — a sign that there exists among its promoters not only the desire and the means of advancing floriculture, but the labour and the science which achieve excellence. That Lancashire can hold her own in a floral tourney wherever the lists are set, we, who attend these glorious contests and know the knights by name, can witness readily. And we count them fortunate in the services of such Esquires as Cole and Meredith, to make them ready for the battle. The schedule before us will certainty enchant true gardeners. It will sound grandly in their ears, as a glorious roll of drums to a warrior, the score of an opera to a skilled musician, or the hunting appointments to the accomplished horseman. There are 22ol. for Stove and Greenhouse plants generally ; more than 100?. for Pelargoniums; nearly lOOZ. for Orchids, and a like amount for Azaleas ; Sal. for Boses (but why is it all for nurserymen ?) ; 4Sl. for exotic and hardy Ferns; &U. for Vines and Pines, &o. It must Indeed be to our readers a great happiness to observe the diffusion among all classes of the flori- oultural spirit ; and we would, in conclusion, congratu- late particularly the executive department of the Royal Horticultural Society on the important help which they have so opportunely rendered to the movement, by the institution of their Provincial Shows. Janfary 11, THE GARDENERS' CHRONIOLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 27 We invite especial attention to the annexed letter, having reference totiieEoTALHoBTicnLTUKAL Society's Pbovinciai, Show at Leicester, next summer ; and it is scarcely necessary for us to allude to the great interest which attaches to these Special Prize contests, which formed an important part of the Show 'held last year at Bury ; — "I believe it is now finally arranged by the Royal Horticultural Society to hold its Provincial Show at Leicester, in July next, on ground adjoining the Eoyal Agricultural Exhibition. Will you permit me to announce through your columns, that the Leicester- shire Horticultural Society has determined to do all in its power to bring this exhibition to a successful issue, and for that purpose is soliciting subscriptions to offer special prizes, as was done at Bury St. Edmund's. It will, in all probability, be many years before the Midland Counties will have an opportunity of wit- nessing two such exhibitions as will be seen in Leicester ; and my chief object in writing to you is to ask for subscriptions from gentlemen's gardeners, nur- serymen, and amateurs, who reside in the counties surrounding Leicestershire. All these classes must be interested, either as exhibitors or visitors, the means of access from all points being so complete. The members of the Leicestershire Society have already given a heavy guarantee, and the Earl and Countess Howe, Sir George and Lady Beaumont, and H. Povvys Keck, Esq., have sent in their names as donors of special prizes, and it is hoped by an active canvas to raise a sum worthy of the occasion. As it is imperative the schedule should be issued very shortly, I hope that those who wish to aid our Leicestershire efforts will favour me with their names, and the amount they intend subscribing as early as possible. Wm. Penni/ Cox, Secretary to the Leicestershire Horticultural Society, Leicester, January, 186S." Professor Penzl has recently, in the " Oester- reioher Revue," given the history of the foundation and progress of the Imperial Rotal Horticul- tural Society of Vienna. Established in 18.37 by Baron Von Huegel, and in the enjoyment of Imperial patronage, the Society prospered for a time, but from the year 1841 its prosperity gradually declined, owing, it is stated, partly to the introduction of the ballot and other English practices, but principally from the direc- tion being entirely in the hands of the aristocracy. After many vicissitudes a fresh start was made in 1862, a loan of .300,000 florins having been obtained, in order to carry out new buildings, &o. This has been accomplished, and in so grand a style, that out- siders deemed the Society very rich ; but the truth is, ■ the loan has been exceeded by about 117,300 florins ; and it is with the view of disabusing the public mind of this erroneous impression that Dr. Fenzl has vrritten the history of the Society. New Plants. Stanhopea platycekas, m. sp. Afflnis Stanhopeas gr.vndiflorie, Rchb. f. (Bucephalo, Lindl.); pediinculo bifloro, bracteia transversia ovatis acutia, ovario duplo brevioribus, cornubus abbreviatis, latissiniia acutis semilunatis. Pedunculua crassua abbreviatus biflonia. Flos illi Stanhopeje Haselowianse jequalis, coloris gossypii nankinensis, circulis punctorum guttisque purpureis. Sepala oblontja triangula. Petala lato linearia acuta ; hypoehilium latum cymbiforrae ; canali clauso, pectore obtusato producta transvcrso, a baai caput usque oblique tricarinato, carinis media cum interna utrinque canalem efficiente. Pectoris fovea pariete superior! dense papulosa. Unguis epichilii brevis, lamella triangula parvula superne. Epichilium ovatum acutum utrinque an- gulatura. Comua late-semilunata brevia. Columna longa, ante basin arcuata, ceterum recta, alls medioeribus ab apice ad medium. Alulre triangula3 erectle. Glandula postice bicruris. This is a very interesting novelty, though, as we vfell know, Stanhopeas are not in fashion in England. Its large flowers are like those of Stanhopea Haselowi- ana, to which the possessor very well compared it, yet it has not the same long unguis to the epichile. It stands nearest Stanhopea grandiflora, but has a two- flowered inflorescence, and very broad short and quite peculiar horns to the mesochile. No doubt this species proves once more that it was not proper to divide Stanhopeas according to their lax or dense inflo- rescence. The flower is nankin-coloured, spotted with purplish dots and circles of small points, while on each side of the hypochile there stands one large brownish purple spot. Stanhopea platyceras was introduced from New Grenada by Messrs. H. Low Sl Co., and has just flowered with J. Day, Esq. H. O. Rchb.Jil- LiELiA ANCEP3, rar. Dawsoni. Pseudobulbs oblong ovate, like those of L. anceps, with the usual articulations— if differing at .all. it is only in their being more plump and cylindrical, clothed with dark -green coriaceous leaves, of similar colour and dimensions to the normal form. Flower stem from 2 to 3 feet long, bearing from two to three flowers, like those of L, anceps in form ; sepals .and petals pure white ; exterior surface of luterai lobes of labellum, enveloping the column, white ; interior clothed with purple lines radiating from its base, the usual yellow ridge under the column, common to the .species, being prominent, the lower or expanded portion, undulatinif and recurved ; colour white towards the lobes, and clear purple towards the extremity, the whole labellum showing a broad distinct margin of white. This Lrclia is one of the most beautiful introductions of modern times. It is the most fitting companion we know of for the Alexandrian Odontoglot (Odontoglos- sum Alexandra), or either of the White Moth Orchids (Phatenopsis amabilis and P. grandiflora), and for chastity and substance will be eclipsed by neither. It was found in October, 1865, by the Messrs. Low's indefatigable collector, Mr. John Tucker, near Juquila, in Mexico^ a place far dissociated from the natural habitat ol the normal form of the species, and was only found in limited quantities, as can be gathered from an extract of Tucker's letter to his employers when sending it to this country :— "The plaiits were found near Juquila, at a high elevation, about 150 miles from Oajaca, in a barranca, growing in a rock 2 or 3 feet from the ground, by the side of a running stream fully exposed to the sun— as there are no trees near— a very warm spot, sheltered on all sides by mountains. The locality is, however, remarkable for its extremes of temperature, being very warm during day, and very cold during night." After giving a very accurate description of the colours of the flower, he concludes by saying that although he had " hunted " tho whole neighbourhood he could not (ind more than 60 plants. Fortunate, therefore, are the possessors of this fine variety. The plant, with the flowers, from which our description is taken, is in the collection of Mr. Dawson, of Meadow Bank, in which it has recently flowered for the first time in this country. To this gentleman Orchid culture owes much, and it is a pleasure to associate so charming a variety with his name. J. A., in " The Farmer." ON TRAINING FRUIT TREES. Many years ago I was at some pains to show the possessor of a small garden how he could economise his space, and save a fourth part of his garden for growing fruit trees. In other words, I offered, by a particular arrangement of the crops, to give the man with three acres one acre extra. This was gone into in Loudon's " Gardeners' Magazine." I need only remark here that the walks of gardens, which usually produce only weeds and mud, and cannot be cropped, were here arched over and closely cropped ; and I could point to splendid examples of my theory carried out fully, but I hasten to the point in hand, namely, the training of Pear and Apple trees. The two points are — first, to get them to bear fruit ; and, secondly, to bear it in such abundance and quality as to pay the grower. In the cordon we only recognise these two fruit, the Pear and the Apple— at least, I may say these two are the only ones on the carpet at present. I need not say that these bear their fruit on spurs, a species of stunted branch not very clearly defined in botanical work,s. for the daggers of the thorn are also said to be stunted branches, although the one indicates a blessing and the other a curse to mankind. The earliest stroke of stunting trees, to produce fruitfulness, may be seen in the ringing of the branches, and here we must clearly understand that it is this stunting that is the governing principle of all orchard-house culture, as well as cordon culture, for there is a clear line of conduct that must be pursued to get the plants to fruit. They must either be grown to maturity, when they will flower and seed, and reproduce their species, or be prematurely stunted, and got into the reproductive state before their time. This latter ought to be called forcing. In all living subjects, whether of the animal or of the vegetable kingdom, there is, according to the best authors, apparently a fixed law or principle, by which they seem to be impelled to propagate their species, and when threatened with dissolution they use their best endeavours to hand down to posterity their types and forms. I need not say that an Apple tree or a Pear tree, or indeed any tree in a flower-pot, would be simply an impossibility, for it has been long ago fixed among the craft that a tree does not com- mence till the trunk is over -1 inches in diameter, and plants that grow like trees, but gauge only i inches when full grown, are shrubs. Anything at all approach- ing the nature of a tree grown to maturity could not be crammed into a 12-inch pot, therefore the principle of growing Apple trees or Pear trees to maturity must be put aside in this controversy ; and whether we root- prune, ring, or otherwise mutilate the young plant, or starve it in a handful or two of earth in a flower-pot to force it to do the only thing left for it to accomplish to propagate its species, we come to the same point, that instead of growing one Apple tree to get 100 dozen of Apples, we have to grow 100 Apple trees to get the same quantity, and the cost entailed is just a hundredfold in the first instance, for the plants. Still it is an excel- lent way of getting a sample of fruit in a small way, and of course orchard-houses improve the climate. This, however, is not the place to inquire whether a glass house is better than the open air for growing fruit. The science of fruit growing is a long and tedious lesson to learn, and under the best of circumstances hundreds of questions have to be asked, and com- parisons made, by practical men — to identify the article first, and then to learn its peculiarities of culture, &c. But when the tyro in gardening has tried his hand at growing fruit trees in pots, and, being astonished himself, would fain astrm ; growth vigorous. Lady Su,tfield, II. P.— Flowers pure purplish crimson, the odour uniform throughout, not shaded, lai'ge, fuU, and of perfect form ; foliage handsome ; growth vigorous. Madame BellendenKer, H. P. — Flowers pure white, of medium qize, full : growth moderate. A good white Rose, flowering in clusters. Madame George Paul, H. P. — Flowers dark bright rose, shaded and edged vnth white, large petals, also large and round, full, and of good form, Madame Margottin, Tea-scented. — Flowers beautiful dark citron yellow, the circumference of the petals cream colour, large, globular, and full ; habit good ; growth vigorous. Madame Palliat, H. P.— Flowers dark rose, large, fuU, and of fine gloltular form ; growth vigorous. Madvicine Nonin, If. P.— Flowers rose colour, slightly tinged with salmon, large, full, and globular; growth vigorous. A fine large Rose, something in the way of Baron Gonella ; very distinct, Mdlle. Annie JVbnd, //. P. — Flowers beautiful clear red, large, and full ; growth vigorous. Mo7isieii)- Furtadot, Tea-scented. — Flowers clear sulphur yellow, produced in clusters, something in the way of C6}.ine Forestier, of good form, and full ; growth vigorous. Monsiear Ifoinan, If. P. — Flowers delicate rose, bordered with white, large and full ; growth vigorous ; habit of .^ules Margottin, but of a different colour. NapoU'on Iff., H. P.— Flowers scarlet and violet shaded, large, but not quite full, colours beautiful ; gi-owth rather slender. Paul Verdier, If. P. — Flowers bright rose, large, full, and of perfect form ; growth vigorous. Souvenir dc Monsieur Boll, H. P. — Flowers ceiise red, very large and full, of periect form ; growth vigorous. Thosin, H. P. — Flowers pure bright rose, large, full, and of fine form ; growfh vigorous. A good hardy Rose of free gi'owth, and very sweet. Velours Pourpre, H. P. — Flowers bright velvety crimson, illumined with dark brown scarlet and violet, large and fidl ; growth moderate. W. I*aulj Waltham Cross, in " Florist and Nomologist.'' BEE FLOWERS. [Original verses, written by a lady, for the purpose of being recited at a lecture on the Honey-Bee.] In the mom of Spring from the hive we take wing, When tho Winter storms are past. In the Snowdrop bright, with her buds of white, To seek for our first repast. And the Crocus, too, with whose golden hue Our own Spring garments vie ; A d.alnty meal from her cup we steal. Then away to the greenwood fly : Where "mid shadows deep, awaked from her sleep. We find the Primrose pale, And we gather her .sighs ere they faintly rise On the wings of the vernal gale. In the May mom bright, when the Hawthorn white For U3 doth its buds unfold ; When the young flowers first on the fmit-trees burst We rifle the sweets they hold. We wing for hours o'er the scented flowers, Our path through the summer au" ; Whore from leaves of green, like a stately queen. Uprises the lUy fair ; In her snowy cup we soon gather up The farma of golden hue ; Like an army we forage on the bristly -le.ived Borage, With Its flowers of biilliant blue. On the Golden B.all our light feet f:ill, PVom Its cells the honey we sip : In Mezereon. too, and the Lavender blue, Our searching proboscis we dip. And dark but bright, with his stars of white, The Scabious woos us now ; And the Stock we kiss, but we fly from this To the lofty Sycamore's bough. On yon ruined wall springs a Wallflower tall. But when from his sweets we rise. Beneath, from the sod, the bright Golden Bod Calls us down with his odorous sigha. The Roses that bloom with their sweet perfume Where garden flowers entwine. Though varied their hue, we bid them adieu, For love of the fair Eglantine. On Balm and Sage, from the earliest ago Has our race been known to dine ; And treasures gl'oat, both early and late, Wo have found In tho Laurugtloe. >Y UlCU TlOri.'iUS ijlXti I lUip CHtl , And tho Hollyhock bright, with its towering height. And the Djihlia, we leave them all ; For a nectar duth sleep iu each chalice deep, A wundrnus and potent spell, With power intense, to enchain each sense, If wo drink from the fatal cell. The garden's bound we have wandered around, But wo will not leave it yet. For a feast shall bo ours on that sweetest of flowers. Our darling— the Mignonette. Adown by yon stream, where the bright waters gleam. We rest on tho Lime tree's bough. On the blossoms, too, and on sweet Honey Dew, We feast right merrily now. Our wings we stretch o'er the fields where the Vetch Its rosy floweret opes ; And we love to float over the sweet White Clover, And the Heath on the mountiiin slopes. We furl our wings where the Blackberry flings His arms around the hedge ; And anon wo disturb the ijink Willow Herl^ fhat waves by the water's edge. Where springs the Trefoil In the deep, rich soil. And the scarlet Poppy grows, We rest for a space, then our glad flight we trace Where the golden Furze-flower blows. When the gentle rain over garden and plain At home would make us abide, In tho azure cell of the Bugloss bell How gladly our forms we hide. We seek the hedge-side, where in prickly pride The Thistle his crest uprears, And the Yellow Broom, with its faint perfume. Uplifts Its golden spears. And the flower* whose might on the mystic night Of good St. John Is tried : And the Teazle Is ours, and the Mallow's bright flowers, And the Lion's Tootht besides. O'er the glossy screen of the Ivy green. When its clustering flowers are flung. And when summer wanes, and the autiunn reigns, We revel then- cups among. Where brightly glance o'er laughing France The beams of the summer's sun. On the Rosemary trees feed our sister bees By the towers of fail" Narbonne. On tho Latin shore, in days of yore, The bees of that sunny clime. Whom the Mantuan sung, his gi'oves among. Were feasted on fr.agrant Thyme. The wild bees roam 'ncath the azure dome That saw Athena; rise ; And though Time's strong hand hath wrought change i her land, O'erturning wherever he flies, Yet their glad hum floats, and as clear are their notes. And as busily work they still As when first their race made its dwelling-place On the Thyme-clad Arglaij hill. But hark to the sound where, homeward bound. Our brethren are on the wing ! And far and high through the evening sky Their musical murmurs ring. We must follow then" track, and hastep back, Each one to his golden cell ; We have told you some flowers which we claim as om's. Now we bid you a kind farewell ! Garden Memoranda. ShrfeLAND Park fconiimied from p. OJ. — The conservative wall that bounds the Foun- tain garden is equally useful for shelter and ornainent. It extends to a length of 180 feet, and rises to a height on the upper side of 10, and on the lower, against the Poplar garden, of 14 feet. It used to be heated with hot water, but this has been discon- tinued for some years. '.The whole is covered with glass in winter, including, of course, the borders at its base. These borders at one time were used as a nursery for choice bulbs, and Beaton used to delight in testing the hardiness of Crinums, Amaryllids, &o., here. I pre- sume many bulbs may still be here, but the borders are filled with various bedding plants, and every spring they are occupied with about 1-1,000 Pelargoniums to prepare and harden them off for the flower garden. But for their devotion to so useful a purpose, one would long to see them full of Tulips, Hyacinths, Nar- cissus, or even Crocuses, for a perfect display, safe from blasting spring winds and dashing rains. The wall on both sides is richly clad with a luxuriant graceful covering of climbing plants. Among these were fine specimens of Magnolia grandiflora, Passiflora coerulea, Honeysuctles of sorts, Ceanothus azureus and divaricata, Escallonia macrantha, Bignonia radicans, Solanum jasminoides, Berberis Darwinii, the ever- welcome Calycanthus, and some line examples of Tea and other Roses. The conservatory is a fine, lofty house, about 60 feet long, 18 high, and 2-1 wide. It is entered by wide doors in front, and a broad stone path passes across to a recess at the tack, and diverges to the right and left along the centre of the house. Two narrower paths also run on each side of this, so that the house is pierced lengthways by three pathways, leaving four shelves, rows, or borders of plants — for they are neither one nor the other ; and the peculiar arrange- ment of the floor of the whole house displays the merits and obviates the faults of each of these modes of arrangement. The plants are placed on an almost endless variety of China and other baskets, stands, and vases ; and thus their relative positions to each other can be readily varied in every conceivable way, and every facility is thus insured for producing variety. * St. John's Wort. t DandeUon. Klcgaut pillar.^ are carried up at various points to suppnrl Uk: jdcjI', and these, with the girders at the top, arc (.■uwrealhcd with a choice collection of climbers. At one end of Ihu conservatory an elegant staircase is carried up on each side, on to a raised central landing. This leads into a boudoir or the drawing room, and the view of tho whole conservatory from this point is rich and charming in the extreme. It also suggests the inquiry into the rea.sou why so much of the beautiful in Nature and pleasing in Art should generally be lii i to us in plant structures for want of such skill ul internal arrangements as would enable us to look down upon, instead of up to, brilliant flowers and rich luxuriant foliage. From an elevated standpoint, nature's best is displayed to us — a level or a sunken one compels the eye to gaze upon her worst productions. The house was furnished with a rich miscellaneous a.ssortment of the usual kinds of conservatory and semi-stove plants artistically arranged. Among them were some fine specimensof the Allamanda Schottii and A. neriifolia, Cissus discolor, Dioscorea variegata (preferred here to the Cissus, and largely and superbly grown), Caladiums of sorts. Begonias, Pomegranates, the usual varieties of Fuchsias and Zonal Pelargoniums, &c.,and two fine Araucaria excelsa, about 10 feet high. For climbers this conservatory has long been famous. It was here where the late Donald Beaton's experiments on stove climbers were con- ducted. His theory was to give the roots, if possible, a tropical temperature, and the tops a close conserva- tory one. However it is but justice to those who wish to try such experiments to state that in his time, and still to a lesser extent, this house was subjected to an intermediate and not to a cool conservatory regimen — that is, about 50' was the minimum temperature in winter. In such a climate most stove climbers not only grew but bloomed profusely. Stephanotis flori- buuda. Ipomcea Horsfallise, and most of the Passion- flowers were introduced, and grewand flowered well. But the lion of the house was Ipomoea Leari, which under the semi-tropical system made wonderful progress, and festooned at times nearly the whole roof with its grand enwreathing branches of the most exquisite blue. It was a special pleasure to observe old Donald's original plant still unfolding its lovely blue bells among the bright colours of the difl'erent Passion-flowers— the drooping trumpets of Lapageria rosea, and the smaller tubes of Habrothamnus elegans. The fine old Plumbago capensis, the India-rubber tree, and sweet Citrons, were also clothing with their fine leaves, exhibiting their delicate hues, or distilling their sweetness on the pillars or walls here. In winter the present occupants of the conservatory give place to masses of Poinsettia pulcherrima, Sericographis Ghiesbreghtii, Thyrsa- canthus rutilans, Euphorbia jacquiniflora, Aphelandra Cristata and A. Leopoldii, Chrysanthemums, Camellias, Bhododendrons, Azaleas, &o.— the brilliant colouring of the stove plants setting off the paler hues of such things as the white Azaleas or forced Dentzias fo immense advantage. Baskets are also suspended from the roof among the climbers, and I noted one of the most effective baskets ever seen filled with a fine healthy plant of Russelia juncea in full flower, with drooping shoots a yard long, of the healthiest green, illumined all over with its tiny coral flower-tubes. It was the first time I had ever seen this fine old plant in its true position— in a basket. Has any one tried the Thyrsa- canthus for the same purpose ? Having thus led your readers twice over or through these 03 acres of gardens and pleasure grounds ; having leai'ued that the labour-power employed is 40 men and boys, the number of bedding plants used about 70,000 ; and having met everywhere with conclusive evidence of the best cultural and dis- disposing skill, and the charm of the highest and inost perfect keeping, it is impossible to sum up my gratification better than in the language of the German inscription that adorns the front of the Swiss Cottage, which may be translated thus : " Be welcome, my dear friend ; it was a good hour when Fate led you here." (To be Continued.) Obituary. We regret to have to announce the decease of Mr. James H. Dickson, of Newion Villa, Chester, which took place on the 28th ult. He died happy and peaceful, at the age of 72, after a month's confinement to his bed. Mr. Dickson was the head of the firm of James Dickson & Sons, Eastgate Street, and the Newton N urseries, Chester, and was a most energetic and industrious man— indeed, one of the foremost in his profession, -well-known, and everywhere respected. The business will be continued as usual by his sou.s. Miscellaneous. Mexican Agave now hi Bloom in Kegenfs Park. — A remarkable plant of the Aloe tribe is now in full flower in the Conservatory in the lioyal Botanic Society's Garden, in the Inner Circle. It is growing in a tub, which it more than half conceals with its long, pendulous, strap-like, spinel&ss foliage, from among which issues the flower-spike, 10 feet 4 inches in length, something in the form of a gigantic whip, the thong of which mciisures some 18 inches in circumference, and is densely packed with green flowers, from which the stamens conspicuously protrude. It is, we believe, the Agave dasylirioides of Jacobi and Bouche, and has, we are informed, blossomed before in the same collection. Melons in Africa. — As a curious fact, it may be instanced that in some of the waterless sandy regions of South Africa the copious naturalisation of Melon- plants has aflbrded the means of establishing halting- places in a desert country. On the sandy shores of the Great Bight, and also anywhere in the dry interior, such plants might be easily established. The avidity with which the natives at Escape Clifis preserved the 32 THE GAEDENERS' CMONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Jautttaet 11, 1868. Melon-seed, after they once had recognised the value of their new treasure, holds out the prospect of the gradual diffusion of such vegetable boons over much unsettled country. Dr. Mueller's Essay. (SariJcit Operations. {For Ike ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. The amount of artificial heat needed at this season to keep up the necessary temperature in the warmer stoves will have induced some few plants to push fresh root growth. If the pots containing them, therefore, are too small the soil soured, or the drainage imperfect, pot in fresh compost into comparatively small-sized pots at once. Some Ferns, such as Adianhtm formosum, which hasdeep underground rhizomes, should also be inspected, and treated so as to afford all the aid possible to the formation of fine fronds for future display. Bucharis amazonica will now begin to push spikes of flower, and will need every possible assistance by means of weak manure water, syringing the surface of the foliage, &c. Many such plants might have their blooming season materially prolonged by dividing the stock into two or three separate " batches," according to the amount in hand, placing that intended to bloom first in a higher range of heat than that intended for succession. Thunlergia Barrisii, a beautiful free- blooming cool-stove climbing plant, will also now be showing flower freely, and should receive similar assistance. FORCING HOUSES. It will be advisable to place the stock of Gloxinias, lately potted, into one of the forcing pits or houses. Also a few Achimenes for early flowering. They should be placed upon a shelf, a kerb slab, or any similar situation, where the pots can get rid of their internal moisture, and where the balls are not likely to become too wet. Glient and Indian Azaleas, Kalmias, Heliotropes^ Mliododendrons, Lilacs, Hoses, Eranthemums, Sweet- hriars. Lilies of the I'alJey, and miscellaneous forcing bulbs, may also now be placed in heat. Any Pines ■which are finally swelling off fruit will now be much benefited by having a good soaking of weakly diluted tepid manure water. It will be well, however, before affording them such assistance, to insure their being moderately dry at the root, a condition which will induce them to imbibe the fresh nutriment placed within their reach with greater zest than they other- wise would do. Do not let any at this stage now fall below G0° by night, with an advance of T or 10° by day. A rather dry atmosphere is also better for them than an over-moist one. In Peach houses the same constant and even warmth must be kept up. Violent fluctuations, from whatever cause, are sure to bring about bad results. Any which have begun to swell fruit should receive an advance of some 5" on the temperature before recom- mended. This will bring the warmth up to from 64° to 66°. Sjirinkle internal surfaces regularly, and afford as much fresh air as possible without causing undue fluctuations of either heat or cold. It may be as well to add that at night the mean temperature should not by any means exceed temperate (55°). Indeed it will be as well to fall one or two degrees below it rather than the reverse. The above remarks are equally applicable to Fig houses, and will suffice for the present. As to Vines, early forced ones, which are now showing flower, should have a drier atmosphere than previously ; the mean temperature by night and day should not e.tceed 58° and 70° respectively. Attend to the removal of any weak secondary shoots which push. Pinch back all divisional laterals, and more especially all tendrils, as soon as they appear. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Tree Faonies, and indeed Peonies generally, are certainly an ill-treated class of very showy plants. Old " stools" of these might therefore be taken up and divided if necessary, while the weather is favourable, and be replanted in fresh soil. They will amply repay such cultural attention. Borders should also be pre- pared by means of trenching, manuring, and similar operations, for Phloxes of the decussata section. It should always be borne in mind that these are very partial to a deep, rich, and moderately moist soil, with perfect drainage : and consequently that they thrive best in a moderately shaded situation— in a position, in fact, where the sun has not power sufficient to scorch the flowers when e-tpanded, which it too frequently does in freely exposed situations. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. This will be found a good time in which to scrape Apple, Pear, and Quince trees, &c., for the purpose of destroying any Moss, Lichens, and similar parasitical formations growing upon them. Some of the older bark, if loosened, might also be removed with advantage to the trees, if the operation is performed carefully, and so as not to injure the inner bark. This done, a good coating of a wash, formed of two parts of lime, one of cow-dung, and one of clay, intermixed, should be well rubbed mto the bark. KITCHEN GARDEN. It may be well during mild intervals to transplant into permanent quarters another batch of young Cab- bage plants from the seed-bed. Those planted now will shortly commence forming fresh rootlets, and be of material use in the later spring months, when the best of the more forward crop has been used up ; or a,s an additional security should severe weather commit any injury. Those who have hitherto delayed sowing their eariier Peas in the open borders, should in like manner take advantage of open weather to do so forth- with. Seakale, when forced upon the open border, should not have the crowns fully exposed after the cro]) has been cut, and the fermenting material used in its production has been removed. Place, therefore, some sort of protection over all such crowns forthwith. Partly decomposed leaves, and similar material, will be all that is needed. W. E. HINTS FOR AMATEURS. In January those who possess Wardian cases have a source of pleasure which others may well envy. Their use in growing Perns, and thus affording enjoyment when flowers are scarce, is well known ; but there are other uses to which they might be advantageously applied. It often happens that we have a curious flower, or some choice blooms, given to us, which we wish to keep alive for a long time, in order that as many friends as possible may see them before they fade, or that somebody in particular may be introduced to them. For such purposes a Wardian case is of great use, since it will keep flowers placed in it in a vase or jug for a much longer time than they would last in the dry dusty atmosphere of a sitting room. It is quite as useful in preserving foliage as in keeping flowers. A vase full of Fern fronds and Selagiuellai!, when flowers are not plentiful, looks remarkably pretty. There is a tall one before us now, with a few fronds of Nephro- lepis pectinata and of Selaginella, and a spray or two of Diosma ericoides (which latter friends may pinch and smell), the vase standing in a small dish of Yew sprigs, relieved with some little pieces of Jasmi- num nudiflorum in bloom. Near them stands an exotic glass with four spikes of Masdevallia tovarensis, a flower not given away every day in the week. These, in the absence of a Wardian case, will be made to last a very long time by keeping them in the coolest part of the room at those hours of the day when visitors are likely to call, and by puttiug^ them into a cool unused room for the remaining portion of each 21 hours. There is another way in which Wardian cases may be used, and we wonder it is not more frequently done ; we allude to keeping a collection of Cacti and their allies. They are the easiest of all plants for growing in a room, merely wanting protection from the dust. Being out of fashion now, you might look oyer the collections of plants in 20 nursery gardens without finding 20 different kinds ; nevertheless they are to be had. In Covent Garden market, and in some seedsmen's windows in London, the little red flower- pots, " no bigger than my thumb," may be seen, each containing a miniature plant of one of these fleshy- stemmed or thick-leaved curiosities. Perhaps the best collection in Europe is that of Sencke, of Leipsig ; certainly the best near London is that of Pfersdorff, at Kensal New Town, who in 1861 grew and sold 21,000 dozen of these little plants ; and yet, strange to say, one hardly ever sees a collection of them amongst amateurs. Like pins, it is wonderful what becomes of them ! Another tribe of plants well suited for room culture in a Wardian case is that of the Ice plant, Mesem- bryanthemum. Although upwards of 100 varieties are catalogued in " Paxton's Botanical Dictionary," you may look through many nurserymen's lists without finding one mentioned. Nevertheless, they are exceed- ingly interesting plants, and most of them have very pretty flowers. The Stone-crops (Sedum) and the varieties of London Pride (Saxifraga) are ;both tribes of plants which would do well in Wardian cases. In the nurseries of Messrs. E. G. Henderson, of St. John's Wood, or Mr. Ware, of Tottenham, the amateur could pick out at least 50 kinds of each of these genera, some with very curious leaves. Many of the plants to which we have referred will grow in a room without the protection of a case, and their pots can be stood in a row upon the window- ledge, or the window-sill where there is one. The window-sill is, however, somewhai; objectionable, because plants placed there are exposed to a draught whenever the window is opened, and few, if any plants, will stand a draught. The window-ledge also has its objections, since there is always a certain amount of draught coming up there, but it is chiefly objectionable because the pots must all be moved every time the window has to be opened. These objections can be readily overcome in the case of half-a-dozen or a dozen plants, by screwing into the thick part of the sash, at the window-ledge, some stair-rod eyes, and hanging a flower pot to each by means of a stifl^wire. Where provision is required for more plants, it will be found convenient to fasten over the whole of the lower sash of the window a piece of strong wire netting with large meshes; upon this the pots may he hung as thickly as you like, and thus a good collection may be brought together into a very small space. One great advantage of thus suspending plants upon the window- sash is that they are always out of any draught; another advantage is that, when the room is being swept, either with the window open or shut, a light cloth can easily be hooked on to cover the plants until all dust-disturbing movements are finished. It must be borne in mind that with all this additional weight the lower sash will not readily open, and will not keep open without a block, unless the weights attached to the pulleys arfe increased to suit these altered circum- stances; and where this blind of plants is to be a permanent institution, it will be worth while to have the weights properly increased, otherwise the closing of the wmdow will be liable to the risk of its coming down with a jar ihat may smash all the glass, and shake half the earth out of the pots. AVhere it is not convenient to pay so much as is usually asked for Wardian cases, a cheap and elegant substitute may be made in the following way, and as it is not every dealer who is prepared to cut glass in the way described while you wait for it, we will give name and address where we have had it done for ourselves and for friends :— Get two circular discs of stout flat glass, each 1 foot diameter (Millington, 87, Bishopsgate Street Without). Buy a tall glass shade, 5 inches diameter (Lemaitre, 52, Chiswell Street), and get them to cut it into three parts, viz., two rings, each 5 inches high, and a short ijlass shade which will be sure to be useful for some little ornament on the mantelpiece. Put one of the circular discs upon one of the glass rings; put the other ring upon that disc, and the other disc upon the other ring. Lastly, get a glass shade 13 inches diameter, and not less than 11 inches high, which is to cover the whole. The miniature pots with plants in them look very pretty when arranged upon these circular glass shelves, and a case of the size now described will hold IS of these little pots, which, mean if each contain a different plant, will not be a collection. W. T. Wed. i-ith light olouJs 'ercast. slight foff; denMl —Densely o -Overt ' -Haz] 0 -Oven — 8- Overeast, tliawing ; del . Mean temperatuie of the week. 51 deg. below the avei-age. STATE OF THE -WEATHEll AT CBISWICK. During the last 12 years, for the ensuing Week, ending Jan. 18.1 January. III ^x^ Sui)iJay..r2 43.0 wod, .M) 41,4 Thurs. ..IG 4LS Friday ..17 42.3 Satur. .,18 ilj 1 I Greatest | Qtiantit I of Rail Prevailing Wiiida. 4I 8 10 4! 3 Thp hiRhcBt temperature during tlip Notices to Correspondents. Awards at the Paris Exhibition : C B. Our statement was extracted from the OfBci.il Catalogue— if that errs, the blame rests not on us. Wo repeat, then, on its authority, that in Class 84 a silver medal was awarded to Me.ssrs. Carter & Co, for " gazons," and in Class 85 a silver medal was allotted to Messrs. Sutton for "graines potagferes." The firat-named firm exhibited Grass seeds only, i. e., the seeds of which the lawn was formed in the Champ de Mars, around the Exhibition ; the second showed a general collection, including not only Grass seeds, but other seeds as well. With this explaaation further comment on this matter must Books : Young Gardener. The first series of Cassell's "Popular Educator" is in print, and may be had in six vols, at 5s. each, or three double vols, at 9s, each. — IcvHa. Mr, Bateman's pamphlet is the only publication on cool Orchid culture of which we have any knowledge. You will find Mr, Warner's paper on Orchid Culture in Vineries in our volume for 1866, p, 564 ; and other papers on the subject occur in last year's volume of the Florist. Elephant's Foot : Amateur. By this we suppose you mean Testudinaria Elephantipes. If so, pot the tuber in well- drained sandy loam, place it in a greenhouse, keep rather dry, and it will take care of itself." Ferns : / 5. The following are good exotic Ferns, arranged as desired, which will succeed in an unheated glasshouse: -Of creeping habit — Davallia canariensis, Pleopeltis pustulataand Billardieri, Niphobolus Lingua and rupestris, Acropborus hia- pidus, Hypolepis distans, Pteris scaberula, Gleichenia alpina and cryptncarpa— all evergreen ; and Onoclea senaibilis, deci- duous. Of tufted habit— Cyrtomium falcatum and anonio- phyllum, Polystichum acrostichoides, falcinellum, vestitum, and setosum; Lastrea Sieboldii, opaca, erythrosora, and Standishii ; Platyloma atropurpureum, rotundifolium, and falcatum ; Lomaria chilensis, magellanica, nuda, and dura ; Aapleniura lucidum, bulbiferum, and Hemionitis ; Campto- snrus rhizophyllus, Dicksonia autarctiea, Nothochlajna Maranta3, Woodwardia orientulis, and Doodia caudata, evergreen ; and Osmunda cinnamomea, spectabilis, and gracilis ; Struthiopteris germanica and pennsylvanica, and Lastrea Goldieana, noveboracensis, anddeeurrens, deciduous. Glass ; J P d: Co write, in reference to a reply at p. 1324, 1867 — "You are not quite correct when you say that 'what is called fourths ia generally used for greenhouses, and is quite good enough ; but it should be free from blisters or inequaUties that would cause burning of the foliage by the action of the sun's rays.' Now, it is the presence of the defects in question that would make the quality of the glass fourths, which is the commonest made. The quality of glass is regulated by the presence or absence of ' blisters and inequalities.' Fourths quality might do very well for Cucumber frames, but for a greenhouse or conservatory we should not recommend any glass of inferior quality to thirds." We have, however, to state that fourths is not the commonest quality of glass which is made. There is also a sort known as horticultural glass, which is inferior to fourths. " J. P. & Co." will see, on referring back, that we recommended the best sheets to be selected ; the few sheets which m.iy be seriously blistered must be put aside, and may generally be cut up advantageously for commoner uses. No doubt " third " is are better, but then it is also dearer. LiLiUM aubatum : Amateur will find full instructions for managing imported bulbs of this fine plant at p. 102 of our last year's volume. Meteorology: J 0 JF. Daniell's "Meteorological Essays and Obserrations " were published by Underwood, 32, Fleet Street, second edition. It contains the Essay to which you allude, "On Climate, considered with regard to Horti- culture," and it is a very good one. i| Names ok Plants: J Jones. Asplenium monanthemum. The other plant is probably a DiUwynia, but we cannot name it without flowers. — 5 H A. Sparmannia africana. Notice to Quit : E D. Your friend's case is one. we fear, In which there is no redress : but whether that is so or not wholly depends on the terms of the .agreement. Planting Heath Land : A Reader cannot do better than consult some of the great Surrey nurserymen. Communications Received.— S. R. H.— Fred.— A. C, Mona. —J. K.— J. Kitley. — E. Welsh.— W. Culverwell.— R. D. Taylor. Januaby 11, 1S68.] THE GARBENEl^S' CHRONICLE AND AGUICULTURAL GAZETTE MILKY WHITE, A NEW POTATO, INTKODUCEI) UY J. C. WHEELER & SON, OF GLOUCESTEK. ILKY WHITE is the best of all Potatos. M_ MILKY WHITE is the best of all' Potiitos. In shape and colour, fluvour i\nd appearance, it excels oTery other variety. It is as white an milk, floury as a Fluke, ripens m August, and continues in splendid condition for Cooking all tlirough the Autumn, Winter, and Spring. T\/riLKY WHlTJflTPOTATO^^hite aT^milk. "A/riLKY WHITE Is of Se finest quality". MILKY WHITE SEED POTATOS arc very scarce, and early orders are nbaolutely necessary in order to secure a supply. Lowest price, fts. per peck ; 20s. per bushel (60 lb.) MILKY AVHITE.— Laat year the demand for tiiialiew find most excellent variety greatly exceeded the supply, so that very early m tlie planting seiison Messrs. Wheeler & Son were obliged, much to their regret, to decline orders. They have every reason to believe that the demand thi"! coming season will exceed that of last year : they therefore respectfully urge the importance of ordering whilst they are to bo had. The lowest price is &s. per peck (Ulb.), or 203. per bushel (50 lb.) J, C. WuKELEni KoN, Seed Growers, Gloucester. TyrTL ky white (wheelers'). " Better than this, though a little later—better in fact than any Totato coming in at the mid-season, is Wheelers' Milky White. I had a splendid crop of this last year ; not one of them was touched 9 any Potato g Uall, and those shall run no risli therefore put it , and is as white and mealv as Fluke or Flour cannot bo sui-passed in colour and texture. I ealing boldly with this fine Potato, and 1 -shall ■n emphatic form that Whi:klkrs" Milky White the best of all I'otatos, and those who do not grow it may consider themselves rather behind the age."— SniRntv Hibbicrd, F.R.S,, in Oardentrs" ilagazine. J. (J. Whkelbb t Son, Seed Growera. Gloucester. M~ "l}. K Y "WHIT E (W'H E E L^E K S ' ), 6«. per pock ; 20s. per bushel. "MiLKT WniTjt.— This I received from the well-k-nown firm ol Messrs. Wdeeler & Sox, Gloucester. It is one of the handHonieiit Potatos grown, and well deserves its name, for it is most beautifully white, very floury, and, as a second early Potato, one that I do not hesicate to rog;\rd aa flrat-rate ; it ia also a very free bearer.' — D., Deal, in Journal of HorlxcuUure. J. C. Wdeelkr & Sofc, Seed^Growera, Gloucester. _ I L K ^^ ^AVil i T"E "(W II E E L E K S^ ), 53. per peck ; 20s. per bu&hel. »ur Milky White Potato is excellent, a great cropper, very mealy, and delicately flavoured, early, and remarkably free Irom disease ; it was about the only Potato in my garden that was entirely ft-ee from it. It appears likely to turn out a good keeper, as well ns being fit for the table so early in the season. "—William Rodbk, M.D., F.R.C.S., Kiddermini^r. J. C. Whkeler & Sorr, Seed Growers, Gloucester. M MILKY WHITE (WHEELEKS'), 6«. per peck ; 20s. per bushel. "Tour Milky White Potato is superb."— Messrs. Barr & Scqdkk, Covint Garden. J. C. Wheeler & Sou, Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIEE KIDNEY POTATO 3s. per peck, 12s. per bushel. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO. —We very highly recommend the Gloucester- shire Kidney for earlivess, flavodr, size, and crop. In comparison with the Ashleaf, it is as early, whilst it produces nearly double the crop, and is altogether superior to that varifety. We recommend it with the most perfect confidence ; and have much pleasure In referring to the loUowing extracts from letters, speaking in high w^ " 1 can speak in the highest terras of the Gloucestershire Kidney, The lot I had from you were divided between two other gentlemen and myself, and in all cases I find that good crops of a it Son, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIKE KIDNEY. 35. per peck, 12s. per bushel. " Your Gloucestershire Kilney turned out remarkably fine, large, and well flavoured."— H. Rice, Rectory, Great Bissington, Burford, Oxon. J. C. Wheeler & Son, Gloucester. WHEELERS' ~GLOUCESTERSHIRE~XlImEY. 12». per bushel. " I can with pleasure speak In high terms of the Gloucestershire Kidney. It is very early, a good cropper, very short iu the haulm, and also ver)' dry and mealy. I had very few diseased,"— E. M. Rowland, Uomestay, Newtown. J. C. Wbzeler k Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELERS'" ""GL0UCESTERS"HIRE "kTDNEY. Vjh, per bushel, " The Gloucestershire Kidney I had from you was a handsome speci- men ; it produced a moat excellent crop. They eat now a.i well as any late Potato grown."— T. C. Armsthono, Pmgfd House, Kidwetlv. J. C. WuKELER & Sow, Seed Growers, Gloucester, WHEELERS^ GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNeY: 12«. per bushel. "The Gloucestershire Kidneys 1 had from you were not only excellent in flavour but were also abundant croppers, and my gardener considers they are the best early variety grown." — Chas. Antbomt, Mansion House, Hertford. J. C, WoEELKR & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. HEELERS'" "GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 12s. per bushel. " I much prefer the Gloucestershire Kidney to the Ashleaf, for although I planted the former some two or three weeks after the latter, they were fit for the table quite as soon, with at least double TBB crop ; and 1 may add, that the Flukes were superior to any I have ever seen, both for WAHTirt and qualitt."— Hkmht Alum Neath Abbey, NeatJi. J. C. WoKfLER & So!*, Seed Growers, Gloucester. KLUNEY. WHEELEKS" GLOUCESTERSHIRE 3s. per peck. " The Gloucestershire Kidney gave a fair crop of good size and appearance, with very little disease, ivhoreaa half an acre of Cornish Kidneys beside them were all but totally rotten."— Tu on ab Pkick- UAVX, Broadnj/msU, Devon. J. C. Wheeler & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. Xt 7 HEELERS'" KLDWEY. GLOUCESTERSHIRE » V lis. Bsr bushel. " The Oouceetei-sblre Kirtiieys were excellent, and produced alarge crop."— The Rev. E. Vacouan, Lantwit Major Vicaraye, Cowbritloe. J. C. WHEELER & SON, Seed Geot\-ers, Gloucester. CARTER'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS, AS n.lRVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PRIZE MEDAL FARM SEEDS. THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION nt PARIS, 18G7, FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. PARIS, 1867. James Cabter & Co. have the satisfaction to announce that the Imperial Commission of the Paris International Exhibition of 1867 granted to them the concession of supplying the Grass Seeds for the purpose of forming the Sward of the Park round the E.ihihition Building in the Champ de Mara, and for wliich they have been honoured with THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL FOB GRASS SEEDS as the following official letter will show : — "Paris Exhibition Offices, Castle Street, Holborn, December 2l3t, 1867. '' Gentlemen, '' At your request we have referred to the official LiBt of Awards of the Paris Exhibition for 1867, and have the pleasure to announce to you that the Silver Medal awarded to your house is the only British Award for Grass Seed. '* Your obedient Servants, " J. M. Johnson & Sons." "Messrs. Carter & Co." James Carter & Co. have also had the honour of supplying Grass Seeds for the Imperial Gardens and Squares of Paris, the Park of the Paris Exhibition, and also for the Private Lawn of H.R.H. 'J he Crown Princess of Prussia at Sans Souci. CARTER'S SPECIAL LIST OF FARM SEEDS AT REASONABLE PRICES, forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Po/ron— Hek Majkstt the Quebv. Pratidenl—Hia Grace the Duke or Richuond. ^^"','\,5'!,°„'"'*''I'^*" "' DECAY-BU FABMKRS. thoir WIDOW.S Sr,ii7.Fm''\5' DAUGHTERS : and for ttis MAINTENANCK and hDUCArioN of thoIr ORPHAN CHILDREN. Married .. fMporaimum | Male .'. £20 per annum widow and Unmarried Orphan Daughtera . . £'iO per annum Orphan Children admitted from 7 to 10 years of age, and wholly catod until the age of 14 years In the case of maintained i iJoys, and 16 yeara In ttio case of Girls ' One Hundred and Five Pensioners have already been placed on tho boolis of the Institution ; and In addition to the number of Jensloners to be admitted at the next Election, the CouncU have decided to Elect Ten Orphan Children. Forms of Application for Pensioners and Children, and every Infoiroatlon, to be obtained of the Secretary, by whom Donations and Subscriptions will be thankfully received 66, Charing Cross, London, S.W. CnAR Farm Poultry. Q.REr DORKING J-OWLS^ of purest breed, in any w, Secretary. 1 good breeder!. AYLESBURY and ROURN DUCKS. Imported BKLGIAN HARE RABBIT-S, for =..„ -..^ ™..y mitnurivc BRAHMA-POUTRA. CREVEOEUR. and LA FLECUfe FOWLS. s and early maturitc. for constant layen. I'rtced ListB and Estimate JoHK Baily 4 Sob. 113. Mouu- Str( n formation Herd Book of Hereford Cattle. MR. DUCKHAM is desirous of obtaining i.., ...,.,«.,.„„ for the SEVENTH VOLUME of EYTON'S HERD BOOK of HEREFORD CATTLE, which will contain PEDIGREES of BULLS, COWS, and HEIFERS, with their Produce to the .list of the present month. Printed Forms of CertiBcates for Entriei will be Bent per post on application. Entrnnco fee to subscrlberB, 1«. ; non- ■ubscribera, 2#. each pedigree. The Volume will be embellished, and publiBhed at 12f. " CKBAM will feel obliged by any additional Nameg ot rs ; and happy to uupply Set« of the Work complete to )t time, price £3. Baysham Court, Ross, Herefordshire, Dec. 18. Sub I FOR SALE, by Private Contract, the BATES BULL, "LORD WILD EYES Jd" (12,2341, roan, bred by Mr. C. Harvey, lire ■4th Duke of Oxford (11,387), dam wild Eyes :i2d, by Wild Duke (1»,148). Ac, tc. (see "Herd Book," toI. xvi.). Lord WUd Eyes 2d is particularly active, and bis stock have fetched hif^h prices. For fiirthor particulars apply to the Bailiff. Mr. Ri.mi,iiio. Holly Bank, Burton-on-Trent. (live ^gricttUural (Baiette. SATURDAY, JANUARY II, 1868. The Butter Manufacture is just now occupying a good deal of attention from agricul- tural writers and speakers in Ireland, and there is hardly a more important subject for a green country like the sister island, or one on which discussion and instruction can more usefully bo brought to bear. We have sold butter for less than seven pence per pound, and we have sold it for more than one sliilling and seven pence per pound, and it took just as much milk to make the former as it did to make the latter. The same costly herd of cows, the very same outlay on food for them, the same amount of wages, the same expenditure for dairy apparatus — all had to be provided in the one case just as in the other. The difference between loss and profit on a dairy farm depends no doubt on good management throughout, but it is nowhere more essential than at last ; for on the manipulation of tho milk after it has reached the dairy depends at least one-half of the receipts. And this is just as true whore cheese is made upon a farm as it is of butter dairying. Five pence is oftener grudged than lOt/. for a pound of cheese, and yet the very same quantity of good milk had been taken and as much labom' given in the one case as in tho other. There seems something outrageously faulty in the management which just halves the money produce of a farm, after all that has been successfully accomplished, it may be, to double its crops antl stock. And yet this is the state of things to which Irish farmers in some of their dairy districts are just opening their eyes. A Sussex farmer tells a Correspondent, near Fermanagh, that, making 400 to 500 lb. of butter weekly, he has just effected a contract with a London house to deliver it at his nearest railway station for 20 pence a pound for eight months and IS pence a pound dtu'ing tho rest of the year. Not one-half this sum is received by the farmers around Fermanagh, to whom this letter was lately read. No doubt there is a good deal of unnecessary expense in getting tho Irish butter into the hands of tho London dealers ; but the mischief lies in the fact that tho Irish butter and the Sussex butter are two very different things. Is the milk, then, different ? Wo cannot indeed say that different cows differently fed yield similar milk. But one thing is certain, the Sussex milk could easily be made to yield the poorest L'i.sh butter, and the Irish miik might yield the primest quality for the London market. Something may be put down to the kind of cows, and no doubt something to tho mode of feeding them ; but the fact remains, that the very best milk in the world may yield as bad a butter as was ever seen. And London dealers t«ll you that this wonderftil achievement is continually 34 THE TtARDENERS' CHEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL rrAZETTK [jANUAnT 11, 18GS. to be witnessed on many Irish farms. It only needs irregularity and dirt in dealing witli the Tnillr, half work in dealing with the butter after it has come, plenty of coarse salt, and bad packing, and the thing is donu. Mr. Bull, of West Town, Hurstpierpoint, informs us that his Alderneya are milked rapidly and cleanly, at regular intervals, in a dry and comfortable barn — that his milk stands in well scalded tin pans for 36 hours before being skimmed, in a dairy warmed to (iO°, each pan receiving halt a teaspoonful of saltpetre before the milk is sti-ained into it — that the cream is churned in Tinkler's churns twice a week — that, the butter coming in 4.5 minutes, the buttermilk is run out, and as much clean cold water being poured in, a further two minutes' churning washes it — that when taken out it is kneaded, 8 or 10 lb. at a time, upon a butter board, wooden knives being used in preference to the hand — and, being very slightly salted for immediate use, it is well dried with cloths before being made up for sale. Except the two minutes' washing, which we should have supposed likely to impair the flavour, these details seem perfect. But care is also taken in tho feeding of these Alderneys. They are tethered on Grass during summer, and fed on a variety of roots during winter — a few Cabbages, a few Swedes, Mangel, and Carrots, all well trimmed from rotten loaf, and several sorts given at the same meal, with bran, oilcake, and the best meadow hay. They are kept in dry, warm, airy, clean, scantily littered stalls in the winter months ; and, so managed, their butter, which may average 9 lb. per week a-piece throughout a herd of 60 cows in summer time, is of pretty even quality throughout the year, and it keeps perfectly sweet for 10 days. Ml-. Bitll's was not the only letter read to the Fermanagh farmers. We may give in more detail hereafter tho other letters from London pvoviaion brokers lately published, which wore of at least equal importance to a body of men who are bound to salt down their butter for the Jjondon market, and to whom, therefore, tho details of fresh-butter management were not ,so directly useful. Meanwhile, that readers in other butter districts may learn Jiow a great diiiry county has lost the London market, ws extract some of tho pafticulars : — (1.) " A great portion of Iri.sh butter in satu- rated with peat smoke and flavour of pigsty and stable, or worse." — Cleanliness is essential to the manufacture of sweet butter. Clean udders, before milking, clean hands to milk, clean cold hands in making up, clean — scalded, scoured, swilled, and re-scalded — vessels to hold the milk, to hold the cream, to churn it, and to hold the butter. Clean floors, clean air, and clean vessels are essential. (2.) " The great complaint against Irish butter is the enormous quantity of salt in it. A known quantity is suflicient, and every grain over that is mischievous." — The Dutch use 6 lb. per cwt., the French, 4 to 7 lb. ; Dorsets, 7 to 8 lb. to every cwt. ; Americans use 18 ounces, with a teasijoonful of saltpetre, and a tablespoonful of sugar, to every 20 lb. (3.) Bad packing will ruin any butter. The white Oak firkins must be airtight, soaked in cold, in hot and again in cold water before being used ; they must bo filli'd and headed up tight, strong brino being poured in at top, and a piece of clean calico laid between the butter and the head — "not, as in Ireland, sent to market without the head, or loosely put on." (4.) Thorough honesty in the invoiced weight is essential. "Casks that are described 14 1b are found on weighing to be often 17 lb. I have seen pickled ' Corks ' 20 lb. short of the invoiced weight. This is coupled with the fact that the casks are so badly mado that they will not keep the air or dirt out, and thus the butter gets ' sidey,' and has to be soi'aped at a loss to the retailer; and as many of the country retailers are also drapers, neatness of packages is a great consideration with them." The difference between good and bad butter in the wholesale market, which is immediately affected by retail prices, are enough to justifj' any amount of care. Good " Clonmel" does not command in general within 20.'.'. a cwt. of tho price of either "Normandy" or "Dorset." These stood at 11. and 71. ns. per cwt. in Jauuarj^ last — that at 61. Is. Of course the wholesale price in London is very different from the price which a small former makes in the heart of Ireland, and we do not doubt that a good deal of help can bo given to the farmer by the establishment of local markets, through which he will obtain more nearly what the London buyer would be glad to give him ; but after all, the real help must come, as it so often does, from within. The mischief lies deeper than in the operations of the trader : the manufacture must be improved, and the article for sale must be better before it can expect to command a better price. And, as Mr. DowxES, provision broker, says, " on looking OTor the various instructions given for making good butter, I find the first and foremost always is cleanliness," — good pure milk, a good pure dairy, a floor with well cemented joints holding no slops or waste milk to be decomposed and act as ferment, well cleaned vessels, pure sweet air, an even temperature. " Let absolute immaculate cleanliness be the watchword and rallying cry, until Iri.sh butter stands foremost in the price currents of England and her colonies." A CoEEESPONDENT tells US that our last week's account ot the "Grand Prizes," of which a blundering telegram imperfectly reported tho distribution at Paris the other day, was written by a partizan. It appears to us, on the con- ti'ary, upon a re-perusal of it, to have been written with perfect accuracy and impartiality. The catalogue of these prizes may very well bo referred to as an Honour list : tho foremost in any section of this list relating to any given speciality may be properly denominated Senior Wrangler with reference to the specLiUty in question : each of the recipients may very suitably be felicitated upon just that degree of honour which has been done to him : and English agriculturists may reasonably be congratulated on the distinctions which their representatives have achieved. And this was all that our statement said or did. This was indeed more than it professed to do ; for our meaning was expressly hedged by a reference to the possibility that the Prize list is delusive and untrustworthy, if taken to be a true and certain indicator of that intrinsic excel- lence which it professes to honour. This possi- bility is indeed much more than merely possible ; and as we are accused of partisanship, wo may as well attempt once more to state our opinion on this point in tei-ms which shall not again be Hable to misconception. Let the passing of an examination, and the achievement of a noteworthy place upon a great occasion, stand for what they may be worth in the annals of mere Feathers and Blue Ribbons. Every one, however, who has sufi'ered an experience of the kind knows well how often, on a list determined thus, sterling and substantial worth wUl rank below tho mere ability to make an occasional display. And by no one has this view been lU'ged with greater earnestness and energy than by tho Wranglers who are now hotly contesting the point of precedence at the Paris Exhibition. We could, indeed, quote fi-om Messrs. Ean.some, who have always been more general manufacturers of agricultuial machinery, and thus possess a wider experience than any other firm, words more strongly condemning as delusive the Prize System attached to agricultu- ral exhibitions than any we have ever used ; and though Messrs. Howard — owing perhaps originally to their more exclusive speciality in the plough, which has a sort of prescriptive right to a place at matches, and, latterly, owing to their connection with one particular form of steam cultivator, which has had to fight its way — may not have taken so active a part as Messrs. E-\J»'SOME in condemning it, yet wo beUeve they too have all along protested against the imperfect trials which alone are possible at Exhibitions, and on which alone prizes can be awarded on such occasions. Now, wo suppose there never was a less satisfactory determination by experiment of the merit of particular machines and implements than that which has taken place at Paris during the past summer. Exhibitors were not there, their agents could not attend, jurors absented themselves, the proper circum- stances could not be provided, and the judgment given must bo pronounced unsatisfactory and inconclusive to the last degree. What then are wo to make of all the urgency, and almost anger, with which the exact meaning of the awards which have followed on these trials is being disputed ? Nothing, wo venture to assert, is more likely to lead (let us, however, rather say mislead) the outside public, who are looking on, to condemn the whole thing as the paltry contest of two rival ti'adesmen for tho possession of a profitable advertisement, than to see the very same men now contending for their place upon a list which they have hitherto con- d emned as utterly delusive. The following letter from Messrs. Howard. was received after our remarks had been penned, and we give it as prominent a place as possible. The " BiUancourt " Grand Prizes, as the Bedford firm call them, are the highest honours which the great International Extiibitiou at Paris has had to award. If any of our details last week have been inaccurate, wo shall be happy to correct them, notwithstanding that, as already said, the whole affair is utterlj' futile and worthless for the guidance of the English farmer, for whom alone we write. We retain our opinion that the Ipswich firm has been nominated Senior Wrangler on the Honour hst for agricultural machinery by the authorities at Paris. That is the meaning of the award — what the vnhie of it is we leave every one, as we did last week, to determine for him- self; our own opinion is sufilciently expressed above. The following is the Messrs. Howard'.s letter : — i Paris Exhibition Awards. To the Editor of the " AiirtcuIturiU Uasette." " Sir,— Some statements in your leading article of this week upon the award of prizes at Paris, are evidently made under an erroneous impression. " You are in error in saying, ' that it is nominally upon the recommendation of one and tiie same jury ' tliat the awards were made. The jury which placed our names ' at the very head of all the Gold Medallists, whether Foreign or English,' and which jury placed Messrs. Ransome's named seventh, was not the jury which acted at BiUancourt— nor did a single member of the former jury act upon the latter. M. 'I'isserand, we believe, did act as an Associate of the Jury 48, but had no vote. "If you will refer to the oiBoial lists you will find no one name on both juries. If you say ' We meant the grouji jury,' this will not help you, inasmuch as tho members from other countries had gone home months before the BiUancourt Grand Prizes came on for consideration. " you are also altogether in error about the result of the BiUancourt trials, inducing that jury to place Messrs. Eansojie 1st on the list, and ourselves next. AVe were specially informed that this arose solely from the fact of their display at BiUancourt being, not more excellent, but more varied than our own. Messrs. Ransome manufacture perhaps 10 times the variety of articles we do. It wUl readily be seen from the list of separate awards that for the implements in which the two firms competed together we came off best. For instance, in ploughs we took three 1st prizes, including that ibr general purposes — the most coveted of all the plough prizes, and the only class of ploughs tried at Paris by the dynamometer. "Ton evidently wrote under the impression that all the implements were tried for which prizes were awarded. This was far from the case ; seven classes of ploughs were rewarded, but only three classes were tried. So ag.ain with horse-rakes and other implements, no attempt at trying them having been made. " We niost certainly dispute your conclusion upon the ' Senior AVranglership,' and we believe the majority of the public will endorse our view, that to be placed as we were at the head of the list by an International Jury, and second on the list by another, is a higher position than being placed first by a French jury, but seventh by the International Jury. " We are, sir, your faithful servants, "James and Feedkrick Howard, " Britannia Iron AVorks, Bedford, Jan. B, 1868." ■ Last week's prices have been maintained in Mark Lane : the week's advance of Ss. or 4s. per quarter which prevailed on Monday last was main- tained on Friday, when all kindsof grain were held firmly at the full quotations of Monday. Messrs. Kinosford & Lay report a total advance of 3s. to 5s. per qr. in the value of Wheat since Christmas, and though during the last few days the sales have been less active, still on the business doing the extreme rates were insisted upon, as it appears that millers and dealers must soon recommence buying, in order to meet the requirements of the daily consumption. The prices yesterday at Wakefield were fully as high ; at Liverpool sales were slow, and for rather less money. Trade h.as been very dull in the Metropolitan Cattle Markets during the week— prices rather lower on Thursday than on Jlonday— only the choicest qualities commanding tho top quotations. In the Wool market trade has been dull, and prices tending downwards, the chief inquiry being for the best kinds of Kent fleeces, and for good Sussex and West County Downs. The Potato market has partaken of the general dulness, and prices must be quoted somewhat lower. The eleven months' returns of imports up to December 1, 1867, just issued by the Board of Trade, are given in another column, so far as they relate to agricultural subjects. It will he seen that one million tons of Wheat imported during these months in 1866 have increased to li millions in 1867. More accurately, the figures are 20,547,038 cwt., and 30,877,930 cwt. respectively. The imports of Wheat flour, in addition, are 4,403,133 cwt., and 3.040,330 cwt. respectively ; or putting 1 cwt. of Wheat flour equal to li of grain, wo Januaey 11, 18(iaj THR ^rA^lT)^;N■|^!]R• rni^ONIOLE AND AdRTdTILTtlT^AL (JAZETTR 36 must call these figures 3,S(K'i,917 and 3,800,U2 respec- tively. The totals of \Vheat imported thus stand 26,053,955 cwt., and :M,G78,335 cwt. in the first 11 months of 1806 and 18(i7 respectively. The difference of prices prevalent now and thep makes the contrast between the two years even greater when the com- puted real values of the imports are compared. These are calculated only up to November 1, and they stand as follows :— Ten Months iMPOEia of 1808 4KD 186V, & £ Wheat 0.059,655 10,031,491 Brirlcy S,574,V52 2,330,26:5 Outs 3,00S,20G 3,5:(4,S2'.) reius 388,253 S;(3,21.5 312,777 732.131 Malzo 4,034,677 3,438,005 Wheat-flour 2,870,210 2,6311,141 About 1,000,000^. worth more of Wheat per month has been wanted this year than in ISlili. And that this has been in a great measure owint? to the difference in the home harvests of ISlifi and 18li7 respectively, is seen if we deduct from the imports of the two years up to Dec. 1, those of the first six months in each. Calculating flour as Wheat at the rate already named, the account appears as follows :— Imports of 11 months . ,, of first « montfis of G autumn months Cwt. 26,053,955 15,420,765 Cwt. 34,078,33.5 17,727,391 From this we deduce the following table of Monthly Imi-orts foe 1806 and 1867. 11 months .. .• r* 6 former months 5 latter months Cwt. 2,308,541 2,571,128 2,125,437 Cwt. 3,152,576 2,954,565 3,:)90,1SS The imports of 186fi are heavier in the early months of 1866 than they were in the autumn months, but the process was altogether reversed in 18B7 — thus proving, as prices have indeed already amply shown, that those who estimated the crop of 1867 at any other than an unusually poor one, have ;been very much mistaken. The present high prices of food have no connection whatever with any unusual wealth on the part of the consumer. The waj;o fund of the country has been lower latterly than it has been for years— a fact which is begiiming to tell upon the meat market, for a man will cut oH' the meat consumption of his family, when his wages fall, before he touches that of bread. The Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill propo.se.'i to lay upon the Corporation of London, or failmg theiu upon the Metropolitan Bop.rd qf Works, and failing them upon certain Commissioners, tbe duty of executing and doing "the following works iind things : "—(4.) They may provide, maintain, and regu- late a market place and abattoir, wharves, lairs, and conveniences for the landing and reception of foreign cattle ; also such drains and sewers, such roads and coiumunioations, and other conveniences as are neces- sary, (o.) They will select as sites of the market place and wharves such lands situate within the metropolis or some parish immediately adjoining thereto, as shall he approved of for the purpose by the Lord President of her Majesty's Privy Council. (7.) They may ap- point clerks, collectors, inspectors, and other oflicers and servants, at such salaries and wages as they think fit; and (8) may demand and receive tolls apd rents, not exceeding those specified in a schedule. (9.) They may let, at a reut or otherwise, lairs, slaughter-houses, sheds, &c., for any term not exceeding seven years. (10.) They may,in order to defray expenses, borrow at interest such sums of money as they deem requisite, not ex- ceeding in the whole the sum of thousand pounds, on the security of the tolls, rents, &o. Mr. Dtr Boulay, whose predictions of summer weather, founded on that of the preceding equinox, have for several years been fortunate, has published a letter, in which he apprehends a weakness of the Wheat plant analogous to that which constitutes the Potato disease : and this he supposes to have been the cause why so many of the north-western nations mis- took this year to tne very last the character of the crop they were about to reap. " It is quite true," he says, " that a want of tillering in the spring did something towards producing the final deficiency, and the cold nights at blooming time something also, and it is also true that if tliis were all, another and a better season might remedy all that is this year amiss. But there were circumstances attending the final maturing of the plant this year which attracted my attention, aud gives me at least some apprehension that there was a disposition shown in the i)lant to unhealthy precocity and imperfect ripening, as is the case with the Potato, and that this was accompanied by the external sign of the darkening of the stem of the plant just above the root, as is the case v\ith a diseased Potato plant just above the ground. Byprecooity and imperfect ripening I mean the .same thing, viz., an inability to complete in perfection the final processes of maturation' and the death of the plant before this is done ; aud whether we call this disease or weakness by the name of ' take all ' or by any other name, matters pot, .so long as it bears the grave character of being related to the Potato disease." He proceeds to say that he was last May travnlling from Eastern Germany to Western, and on approaching the earlier neighbourhood of the Rhine he first notmed the premature failing or fading of the Bag of the Bye crops. Arriving early in June in England, he daily watched the Wheat crops in his neighbourhood, in Kent. The powerful suns of June were then doing all they could for them, though the benefit received was somewhat diminished by the unusual coldness of the nights. Hitherto he had not dreamed of anything like we;ikiioss in the plant itself* but as the time for rip: iiiui; dn iv on, towards the end of July, he wa.< stnnk liy ihc llabby feel of the ear in the hand. Just at this timr abcut a fortnight or three weeks of showery and cold weather came on, calculated in most seasons to retard the ripening, but also to add to the final productiveness by giving the greater time for the ripening pj-ocess. This year, however, the plant, under the circumstances just named, did not ripen or alter in appearance or reality during the cold period at all, but remained as flabbj; as ever to the last, though, of course, when the rainy weather was over, the August sun did change the colour of the stem. At this time there were numberless fields in which the crops were tumbled and twisted about in a way he had hardly ever seen before. On further examination blackened or discoloured stems were found in every field, and Mr. Du Boulay was convinced that there were in the fallen crops hundreds of centres of weakness where the stalks had fallen in every direction all round towards other centres of health and strength where the plants stood upright, and that this fact, and not the combined action of wind and rain, was the explanation of the unusual appearance of the fallen crops. Mr. Du Bodlay considers the blackened stem of AYheat, with its shrivelled ear at the top, to represent the Potato disease in its worst phase, aud he apprehends that the indisposition in the plant to ripen in perfection this year, which was very general, may be preparatory and premonitory to an exteusion of that worst form of disease, the blackened stems next year. " I know," he says, " that a favourable season may set everything right, but I also know that it may not ; and I tliink it will be wise, in estimating before- hand the jiromiso of next year's crop, not to forget the peculiar circumstances attending the ripening of this year's." This note of alarm might have been uttered any time within our recollection. Certain seasons are less fitted for the prosperous growth of the Wheat plant than others, and on such occasions " blight," to use a word of many meanings, is more mischievous. We recommend Mr. Dn Boulay, and any whom he may have frightened, to read the article Bligiit in the " Agricultural Cyclopsodia," written nearly 20 years ago: and it will be found that the very best Wheat crops this country has ever known have been reaped siiwe the time when all the evils apprehended were in as gre.at force as they have been in 1867. The yorlji British Agriculturist gives the follow- ing history of Mr. M'CoMBIE'a now celebrated Black Polled Scot :— Taking as a calf the lead of the other calves, he was taken out of the strawyard from his companions once a day, aud got a little extra cake. He was grazed in summer with the other cattle on the farm, and was exhibited at the Eoyal Northern Agri- cultural Show in Aberdeen, where he gained the prize as a 1-year old. As a 2 and a 3-year old he continued to improve in condition, but was not exhibited. During last winter and summer he was kept in an open strawyard with folded doors, for protecting him from the severity of the weather. He was exhibited for the second time, at the Eoyal Northern Agricultural Show, on the 1st of August last, and gained the 50 guinea Challenge Cu]). At Birmingham, on November the 30th he gained the 1st prize of 15/. in his class, and the Silver Medal to his breeder ; the President's Silver Cup, value 25Z,, for the best steer or ox of any breed, bred and fed by the exhibitor; Colonel Eatcliff's prize, value 10 guineas, for the best Scot, fed and bred by exhibitor ; the Hotel and Innkeepers' Cup, value 30 guineas, for the best animal in the crtttle classes ; special prize of ial. for the best Soot in any of the classes ; and the Gold Medal, or S'ece of plate, value 20/., for the best steer in the yard, y Hee Majesty's desire the ox was taken to Wind- sor, to be insjiected by the Queen. He remained over Friday night at the Windsor Home F.arm, and on the Saturday entered the Smithfield Club Show at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, where, on Monday, he gained the 1st prize of 30/. in his class, and Silver Medal to the breeder ; the Silver Cup, value 40/., for the best steer or ox in any of the cla.sses ; and the gold medal, value 20/., to the breeder of the best steer or ox in any of the classes. The ox also gained for his owner a silver cup at Birmingham, and another at Smithfield, offered by Sir. Beacli for tlje best animal in any of the cattle classes, fed ou his fari- naceous food. He was sold by Mr. Giblett to Messr-s. Lidstone & Scarlett, Bond Street, London, lor 120/., the head being reserved for Mr. M'Combie, who w.is charged 20/. for it, and it is now in the furrier's hands. —Many who spoke to the intelligent herdsman in charge of Mr. M'Combie's ox at the recent Show, will be sorry to hear of his sudden death. In a letter received from Mr. M'Combie, of date 30th December, he refers in feeling terms to the loss he has sustained : — " A s;ui gloom is thrown over my success, and I am sure you will be very sorry to learn that poor John Benries died suddenly this day week. He never came home so well. He rested two days, and then worked three days on the farm, and in other three days ho was de;ul. There has nothing occurred for many years which has been so severe upon me as the death of ilohn, my honest, faithful, and able servant for 17 years." Mr. GoopLET, of Bolsham,thus calls attention to the state of the Bell Testimonial Fund. A con- siderable sum is needed to make up the sum which it is decided to give to the inventor of the reaper, and he hopes th,at "a sufficient number of the subscribers to this Testimonial will respond to the suggestion of a correspondent in last week's North British Affricul- /««>/, by subscribing 1/. each to bring up the amount to the sum of 1000/., to be presented to Mr. Bell at the ensuing meeting of the Highland Society. As one of the subscribers, 1 shall gladly give 1/., aud my friend and neighbour. Dr. Walker, has authorised me to intimate his willingness to double his subscription, in order to aid in achieving this result. I have also received intimation from another friend of new sub- scriptions received by him to the amount of 10/. ; and I am sure that a little exertion on the part of the friends of the cause is all that is necessary to crown our efforts with success. There is, however, no time for delay, as the meeting at which the presentation is to be made takes place so soon. I would, therefore, respectfully urge ou those gentlemen who are inclined to aid in this movement, to intimate their intention to the Secretary of the Highland Society without delay. For the credit of the noblemen, landowners, and farmers of Scotland, I trust the small effort still neces- sary to be made will not be wanting, and that when the day comes, the requisite amount will be forth- coming." The editor adds to this that, if a sum of 1000/. is to be presented, .about 200/. in addition to the sum already subscribed is required, as the expenses incurred in sending out circulars, advertising, &c., amount to 150/,, which, of course, will fall to be deducted from the aggregate subscriptions. SUOUTUORNS. Favourite (252).— We were referring the other day to the influence exerted by a son of Favoukite (the "celebrated Durham ox"), which was exhibited in various parts of England and Scotland during the first seven years of this century by Mr. John Day. As an advertisement of the merits of the herd and of the breed to which he belonged, or rather as a proof of those merits brought under the eyes of the very constituency all over the country whom it was desirable to convince, it is hardly possible to over-estimate his influence on the early fortunes of the Shorthorn breed. It is of course, however, by other sons of Favourite that the subsequent fortunes of that breed have been directly affected. It is probable that the Durham ox may liavo created a demand for others of his family ; but what- ever the explanation he, we presume that there is no student of the early volumes of the " Herd Book " who has not been astonished at the wide-spread influence, through his sons aud daughters, of this one sire upon Shorthorns generally. A list of the bulls and cows of his begetting is virtually an enumeration of the ancestry of all the best herds of the present day. We have extracted, for example, the following list from the first two volumes of Mr. Strafford's edition : — FAVOURITE (252), .sire of Charles Colling'g BulU. Alexander (20) Carlisle (115) Cleveland (143) Comet (1.55), roan Sire of CopiD (253) Daisv Bull (186) Duke (224) Lady Bull (354) Marske (417) North Star (458) Surplice (034) Wabhinoton (674) Windsor (698) Captain (836) Bates's Ketton 1st (709) Sire of Wright's Tom (652) ilason's Trunn^ll (659) ,, St. John (572) „ White Bull (421) ,, UtuDSMAN (304), roan Robert CoUinri'li Bi'.Un. Aldwark Foijamde (734) Aylesby (44), light roan White Bull (151) Georoe (275) Marske (418) Marton (420) Miner (441) North Star (450) Phenomenon (491) Styford (629) KoAN (1381) Sire of Suwarrow (636) Son of Favourite (1033) Mason's QpoEOK (27.3) ,, Dash (191) „ Chilton (136) „ B (45) Charge's Obey Bull (123) Compton's Son of Favourite (910) FAVOURITE (252), sire of Charles Calling's Cotot. Man/ (own sister to Windsor, 698) Tounq Phanix (dam of COMpT (155), and North Star (458) Chrrnj (calved 1798) Lniirn (own sister to Washing- ton), sold for 210 (»s. in 1810 Joliaiiim, sold for 130 gs. in 1811) g.g.dam of Duchest 1st dam of Duchess 1st dam of Daisi/ (18U4) Seliiia, sold for 200 gs. Cora, sold for 70 gs. Sir U- V. Tempest's Anw Bolmne (1803) ' llason's Xlraicljerrj/ (1801)" „ Hlulelegs tiaui) „ lit!/ (1797) ,, iv,rf;n (1603) „ Mrrri/ lass (imn ,, Fauonrite Cow (1802) „ flora (1804) „ Osilrfv (1797) „ Daml'i/ (1894) „ Bright Es'S (1803) ; the years Charlie's But Ticiit „ Mar-I ,, •'Second L(i'lp IM tiimmon „ dam of Barton „ dam of Meteor ,, dam of Gentle Kitl^ „ g.dam of Venus „ g.dam of Strairbeny ,, g.g.dam of OrOii Hustler's Old Daisij „ American Com ■ 34 gs. Bobert OolUng's Cows, g.dam of Bright Eyes dam of Bright Bj/ps Bright Eijes Barmpton (daughter pf Bright Eties) Ckelij Mrs. Lamhert midair Diana, sold for 73 gs. in 1818 Juno, sold for 78 gs. in ISld g.dam of !i(tlt>/ d.am of Sallv Sally (ISlll) sold foi 18'l8 Bed Rose (1801) Moss Rose (1807) daughter o Red Rose dam of Prineesf Princess (18O0) ladv Oraw While Ikifir (tr»volled) g.g.g.dam of CluTmu g.g.dam of Clorisst^ g.dam of Clarissa dam of Clarissa (I8H) g.g.dam of OolUin Pippin g.dam of Oohlen Pi^tpin dam of Ooldeii Pippm (1812) g.g.dam uf Tulip g.dam of 2'alip dam of Tulip (U\i) g.dam of Louisa dam of louisa (1813) g.g.dam of Lily g.dam of Lily dam of Lily (1812) g.g.g.dam of Dauy g.g.dam of Daisy g.dam of Daisy tlSld) dam of AVLEsiiv (44) dam of White Bull (151) damof Qboboe(275) g.dam of Layton (306) dam of La\ton (366) g.dam of JliRSSE (418) dam of M.iHSKE (418) dam of Minor (441) dam of Suwarrow (636) Of course some of Favoubite's daughters may have been enumerated more than once in the above 36 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTK [Januaet 11, 1868. columns. The dam of Maeske (118), for example, may, for any thing that the, "Herd Book" tells us to the contrary, be the same cow which is elsewhere entered as the g.dam of Tidlp ; but the list is an amazing one, however limited ; it is a wonderful testimony to the power which was wielded by the successive oflsnrmg of Favoubite upon all future generations of the Short- horn breed. , . _ ,„ , And what was this bull which (calved m 1/93 or 9t and dying in 1809) was so extensively used in the earliest Shorthorn herds of the country ? We have had the pleasure of examining the late Mr. Whit- aker's pocket MS. copy of the first volume of the " Herd Book ;" and of reading in it a number of very interesting memoranda descriptive of some of the earlier Shorthorn cattle, of which any record is preserved. FAVO0BITE was described by Mr. Coates to Jlr. Whitaker as a "large beast, light roan in colour, with flue bold eye ; body down, low back, other parts verv good." He was used by Mr. Charge in the years 1"9S and 1799, and was described by Mr. Thos. Charge to Mr. Strafford as " a bold, rather upright-shouldered bull of grand, masculine appear- ance, and splendid 'nuality,' with rich full hind- quarters and great width and prominence of chest." His breeding is represented in the following table :— SIRE and DAM. O.B. and g. G.G.D. and S. G.G.G.D. and S O.G.O.G.D. and S. G.G.G.G.G.D. o r (?) r Hill's Red Bull •t (-) .R. Barker's Bul (52), 0. 1782 . r (') - Fou.iMBE (im). c. 1787 L Hall's llauiihloii . l-HUBBAfK (319), j 1777 .. 1 .. .. —Lakeland's Bu P Snowdon's Bull '■-1 (01-2), • L bred by J. Hunter —Bank's Bull/ oi llurw L P B.amlett'3 Bull, BOLISOBEOKt (86). red :tnd wliite.- c. Nov. 12, 17as. bought by Chas. Colling - .. .. Waistell'sBuLl r W. Dobson's Bui L— J. Smith's Bull J- Charge's DAtTu s 1 ('21S) (603) 0DKE (ISS) . pThe StudleyBuLL 1 •1 - M.iyn.ird'srniirt<; Stiaicben-i/ .." r- R. Alcock's Bull T ^" (19) •u (?) »- Majm.ard's Favottritc pj. Smith's Bull 1 ■ ..-) (008) facts could have existed on which to found a judgment, yet ample history since has proved tliat the judgment was well founded ; and that, having a healthy vigorous animal at our com- mand, possessed of properties of the kind vye wish perpetuated, the fact that these properties and this health and vigour have been handed down to him through an in-and-in bred ancestry does but increase the momentum as it were of his own influ- ence on his ofl'spring— does not lessen the confidence with which an intelligent breeder will use him— does but increase the certainty with which the purpose for which he is employed will be realised. —Jolly's Bull (337) r Hill's Red Bul rR. Barker's Bu F0L.1AMBE (263),_ .. ..T pHUBBACK (319), . Snowdon's Bull (612), brud by John liunter . — Waifltell's BuLL(GCO)t Maynard's R. Alcock's Boll r (19), bred by Mr. Jackson, of nut-| ton Bonvillc, ) Northallerton . . •- .A ^ Hubback's g.dam was bought of Mr. Stephenson, of Ketton. t Waistell's Bull was by Masterman's Bull (422) (bred by Mr. Walker, out of TiipM (Payoueite's g.g.g.g.g.g.dam), whieh Wi Bull !!— Jolly's Bull (337), bled by Mr. Jolly, of WorsaU „ „r, near Leyburne, by theSxuDLEV Bull) (026), bought by Mr. C. Tiekoring, of Sodgofleld, by Mr. Hall. Favotjeite (252), thus bred, who was used constantly, and as we should now think recklessly, on cows of the nearest relationship to himself, was thus himself the produce of nearly-related parents.— Bolingbeoke, his sire, and Phoenix his dam, were both by FoLJAMBE, the former by Foljambe out of a daughter of May- nard's Favourite, and the latter by FoLJAMBE out of Maynard's JauoHrite herself. Foljambe was declared by Mr. (Coates to Mr. WTiitaker to have been a "useful thick beast, handle good, wide back, dark face." He wa« sold by Mr. Coates to Mr. Foljambe, at about 20 months' old, for 50 gs. Mr. Whitaker heard Charles Colling say, "this beast did him the most good." — We need hardly attempt any further elucidation at this distant time of the pedigree of his grandsire, Hubback. He happened to be a ■well-bred Shorthorn bull, and we cannot but think that he is an example of one of the true agri- cultural maxima, which almost invariably _ " come," and are rarely the results of design or special elTort. George Coates, who had seen him, describes him as a yellow-red bull, with a little white ; " head good, horns small and fine, neck fine, breast well forward, handling firm, shoulder rather upright, girth good ; loins, body and sides fair ; rump and hips extraordinary, flank and twist wonderful." Being recognised by Charles Colling as a wonderfully good bull, he was used by him for several years, and by others (Mr. Maynard for example), who sent cows to him at Ketton. He was the sire of ffaughfon, the dam of Foljambe. The sire of Folj.vmbe (R. Barker's bull — 52) is described by Mr. Coates as of good size and symmetry, but rather a hard handler. He got a premium as a calf at Darlington in 1781. His son Foljambe, so bred, was the sire of Bolingbhoke, who was put to his more than half sister Phcenix, who, by the way, contained exactly the same share of Hubback blood as himself, and they produced F.iVorKiTE. Boling- BEOKE was of a blood red colour, with a little white : " the best bull," says George Coates, " I ever saw." Similar words have been spoken by Mr. Whitaker of Comet, by Mr. Stratford of Bates' Duke of Northum- beeland, by Mr. Wetherell of Booth's Commandee- in-Chief, who has latterly been compared to Comet. Favourite, the son of Bolingbhoke, is the subject of this biography. There is nothing, we should imagine, in the whole history of animal life more extraordinary mould all future Shorthorns. He was used on his dam, his sister, his daughter, his grand-daughter, his great-gr.and-daughter. Take, for example, the history of Comet, one of his sons. The dam of Comet, Young Phoenix, was a daughter of FaVOUEITE, out of Phoenix, the dam of Favourite !— or of a son of Favour- ite, 1033, bred by Mr. R. Colling— his dam Bnght Eyes by Favourite— grand-dam to Bright Eyes by Favourite, g.g.dam by Favourite !— or of Maeske ( tl8), who was by Favoueite, dam by Favoueite, and grand-dam by Favoueite; or of Atlesby, White Bull, Geoege, Minoe, of Robert Coding's breeding : they were all by Favoueite from his own daughters. And some of the cows of his begetting are still more remarkable illustrations of close breeding. The g.g.dam of Golden Pippin was a daughter of Favourite, and she had a heifer by him, to which he was again put, and the heifer calf produced was the dam of Oolden Pippin by North Star, a son of F'avourite. Lily, another heifer got by North Stae, was bred in exactly the same way. Tulip, by Geoege, another son of Favoueite, is a third example of the very same sort. Princess was the progenitor of many of our noblest cows and bulls— Me Gwynnes, St. Alban's (2581), Belvideee (170G), and Bael of Dublin (10,178)— all of which deserve separate bio- graphies. She was the daughter of Favourite, and so was her dam. Bright Eyes, named above as the dam of 1033, was by F.ivouEiTE, her dam was by Favourite, her grand- dam was by Favourite, and she was lastly put to Favoueite ! . , <• ^v These are the parents directly and indirectly of the present race of Shorthorns— the mothers and the sires of the noblest kind of cattle that the world has ever seen. And what ground is there, then, for the opponents of what is called in-and-in breeding to stand upon ? Although well-bred cattle were then, of course, less numerous than they are at present, yet it is impossible to read the correspondence of those days— the letters of the Rev. H. Berry, Mr. Hutchinson, Major Rudd, Mr. Eooke, and Mr. Bates— without coming to the conclusion that many a well-bred cow and sire existed that never received a name or had their pedigree care- fully recorded. It was not necessity, then, that drove the CoUings and others to such outrageous use, as we should think it, of Favourite and his sons. in TjUe WUOie niSLOry 01 aunuui iiie muio c.vi/iauiuni..ij. ..D ouwi*..A v^^.u.,. .„, «. ,1^. ^-— ---_ " — --- than the way in which this bull was used by the ' This was done of choice and judgment ; ana Ceilings in the formation of their herd, which was to | although at that time but a scanty basis ol AGRICULTURAL TOPICS. (1.) An idea has been lately started as to whether we cannot take advantage of present circumstances to tread out the two diseases, pleuro-pneumonia and foot- and-mouth disease. To accomplish these purposes it is recommended that should any stock become aS'ected with either disease within a given time, the seller should be punished by penalties. The cattle are not to be destroyed, but the late owners are to be injured in purse. However desirable it may be to get rid of these two diseases, we fear the fire-and-faggot system will not answer. Let us take the case of a flock of sheep (for sheep are liable to the foot-and-mouth disease as well as cattle) driven away from the breed- ing farm perfectly healthy to one of our large South of England fairs. They become affected with lameness some forty miles from home, either at or subsequent to the fair. What is to be done with them ? they cannot remain at the fair. Must they be driven home again, or should they be sold at a lesser price to the grazier ? Common sense answers, the last is the best alternative, and the loss of a few shillings per head is quite enough punishment to the seller, without superadding additional fines for a misfortune which may arise from no fault of his own. Then again, a drove of cattle may be sent away perfectly sound, and they may acquire the foot-and-mouth disease on their journey, or even afterwards. These are no cases for fines, which may, however, be justly levied if either cattle or sheep affected with those diseases are exposed for sale, with the owner's knowledge, in any market or fair, or even moved from their homes in a diseased state. There is no doubt as to the diseases in question having been greatly diminished by the existing rinderpest, but the immediate cause of the present immunity is the restrictions that have existed in the movement of cattle and sheep, and particularly along the roads ; and yet these restrictions it is that the agricultural party have been moving heaven and earth to get removed. We must not be too sure about these diseases being introduced from abroad. It is rather difticult to answer the question as to how they were introduced into Australia and South Africa, the voyage to each country being too long to allow a diseased animal to be landed alive. We have by no means the same amount of demonstrative evidence in favour of the foreign origin of these diseases, particularlythat of the foot-and- mouth, that we have with regard to the cattle plague, and therefore legislation should move cautiously in the matt-er. Much however can be done by restrictions on the movement and public exposure of diseased animals. (2.) The free education of the lower classes is asubject only incidentally connected with agriculture, and yet it is one of great importance, involving the question. To what extent should it be carried, and from what source shall the funds be provided for the extra expense ? The question appears to me very simple. It is clearly the duty of the State to provide every one with the means of reading the Commandments he is expected to keep, and the laws he is required to obey. It is by no means just to punish a man for trespass if he is unable to read the notice on the board which forbids him. In those d,ays when the art of reading was the exception and not the rule, means were adopted for proclaiming the laws and Orders of Council by word of mouth, and the office of Town Crier was in much greater request than at present. I was sorry therefore to read in the newspaper that a speaker at a Chamber of Agriculture, with the approbation of many of his hearers, expressed the opinion that ploughboys need not be taught reading and writing. Such extreme opinions are calculated to do much harm, and defeat the object of moderate men, who, though holding the opinion above expressed, yet consider that compulsory education should not extend beyond reading, writing, and the four first rules of arithmetic, and that all beyond ought to be paid for by the friends of the pupil. The object being national, the funds should be provided by the nation, and not by local funds. (3.) Whilst holding this opinion, however. I alto- gether dissent from the doctrine advocated by one of our M.P.'s at the Farmer's Club dinner, viz., that all property should be rated to the poor, whether it comes from the Funds, or any other source. This is rather cool for a landowner, who, not satisfied with the undeniable fact that no kind of property has improved so much in value, wishes to make it still more valuable by shifting from it some of its burthens. The poor-rate and the tithe are of course always taken into consider.ation when the rent is fixed, and there- fore any shifting or lessening of the poor-rate would very soon go into the landlord's pocket, and enhance the value of his property to the detriment of the fund- holder who may get his 3 per cent., or the shareholder who may get nothing at all. It is true that money invested in land yields but a moderate interest, but this is owing, not to the smallness of the rent but to the largeness of the purchase-money or estimated value, induced no doubt by the various valuable con- siderations attached to land. The only alteration really required is the application of rating to mints and woods as well as game, or rather the land on which Januaet U, 18('S.] THE GAriDENERS' CMONICLE AND AGRIGULTTTRAL GAZETTE. 37 game is raised, to wliich perhaps may be added tlio enlargement of the area of the Law of Settlement. The intfoduotion of these improvements would, I think, provide sufficient food for legislation without such wholesale innovation or spoliation as that advocated, and on ndiicli I have animadverted. It is well to remember that the value of land has been enhanced in this country by nothing so much as the enormous increase in manufactures, trade, and commerce, which has distinguished the present century. Every dis- covery made in science, every manufactory opened, every new mine sunk, every railway constructed, and every ship launchoii during the last hundred years, has directly or indirectly enhanced the value of landed property, and it would indeed be a shortsighted policy, like killing the goose that laid the golden egg, were our Legislature to impose additional burdens on these springs of industry and sources of national wealth. I observe, however, there is a sort of agitation got up in some districts with a view of relieving the charges on real property by rendering personal, and, I suppose, other property contribute to the poor- rate ; and farmers are asked to support such a measure, under the idea that it would be greatly for their advantage. I think they would labour under a very great mistake in advocating such a measure. If the burthens on a farm are permanently reduced by such means to the extent of 50/. per annum, the value of the farm becomes increased some 1000/. The owner will naturally e.xpect an enhanced rental in the same proportion the moment the farm is to let, unless this 50^. should bo merely taken off the rent or landlord's property to be re-levied on the personal property or stock the occupier may have invested in his farm ; and then he would bo no better otT, or only to the extent of the dilference, until the next bargain is made. But, say the advocates of the measure, what a fine thing it would bo to make all funded property contribute. Tes, a very fine thing, indeed, for the widow or the orphan whose means are derived from Consols invested perhaps at 98, and now worth 93, and which you propose to reduce in value to 83, or less, in order that land should be increased in value some 10 per cent. Then, again, take the case of a tradesman, a pro- fessional man, a skilful mechanic, or a clerk. It is true that by their successful industry they enhance the value of land and other real property, but never mind, this makes them contribute more than ever to the support of the poor, in addition to their other burdens. In other words, make them still poorer, and drive them away to other lands. The fundholder has lent his money to the Govern- ment on certain conditions, relying on its good faith to fulfil these obligations. And such is the high estima- tion in which our national credit is held, that it enables our Government to borrow at a cheaper rate than any other country. It would, indeed, be a fatal step, and little short of repudiation, to strike this blow at our national credit, and it would speedily be met by the counter cry, which, if carried out, would be equally disastrous : Remove all Custom House and Excise taxes, let tea and coti'ee and wine and sugar go free, and let all the burthens be borne by property alone. The fund- holder, I take it, is like a mortgagee, who holds the same relation to a landowner as a lodger does to a householder. The latter agrees to let his apartments for a certain clear sum, the former paying all rates and taxes thereon. The lodger is willing to pay more than he would otherwise do in consideration of being so relieved ; so the mortgagee resigns to the landowner all the honours, privileges, and considerations attached to the possession of Land, in return for a certain payment clear of all charges. We venture the opinion that the advocates of innovation we have alluded to, although they may justly resist any additional impost, will find that their arguments as to the distribution of the poor-rate will not hold water. (4.) I scarcely know whether I am justified in con- sidering the Malt Tax as one of the topics of the day, for it is evidently put upon the shelf (for a time at any rate) both by its friends and opponents. The Abyssinian war, the Fenian outrages, and the disturbance in the Money Market, have combined to place it amongst the ' hopes deferred." When next it is brought forward 1 venture to prophesy that the battle will not be fought under the old banners of " all or none," and no surrender, but that wise men like Mr. C. S. Read will be listened to, and the policy will be to introduce the thin edge of the wedge, and to reduce the tax gradually or moderately, so that increased consumption may recoup the loss from diminished duty. Once con- vince the Chancellor of the Exchequer that this will be the result, and no surplus will be required to effect the important change. I should not be the least sur- prised to find that the advocates for a reduction of the duty will receive an accession of strength from many brewers and maltsters, for the former have had a very bad year, some making no profit and others only a bare 5 per cent.^ whilst if the price of malt had been reduced hy a diminution of the duty, I believe that during the last year the brewers would have been the principal gainers, and would have made a fair profit, instead of, as in many instances, a loss. 5. FARM ACCOUNTS. A Berkshire correspondent allows us to inspect his books, and sends us the following references to the manner in which his accounts are kept. The annual balance or result is of course obtained by a comparison of valuation on entry at the beginning of the year plus all expenses during the year, with the valuation at the close of the year plus all receipts from sales during it. It is in the manner in which the expenses on the one side and the receipts upon the other are classified and recorded, that one system of accounts differs from another. For his Labour he has a monthly folio or double page, divided into weeks and days, with columns for weekly totals and a column for the monthly total ; and besides this, which is a mere record of names, time, and payments, he has another book or set of monthly pages in his book, in which the labour and wages chargeable on each field are recorded, the totals here being identical with the totals there— the items here being the amounts charge- able on each field or separate kind of stock, the items there being the amount received by each labourer. On this latter series of monthly pages moreover there are accounts of stock at the beginning and end- ing of the months respectively, with records of sales or purchases to account for the 'differences ; also of corn on the farm, with similar records of sales or pur- chases. Besides these two folios for each month, a third records the horse-labour of the several days and the weather. These, with cash accounts and ledger, in which the several items are classified under a series of headings, and a balance-sheet, constitute the principal items in the plan. We think it might be somewhat simplified by add- ing together the two first sets of pages, and making the character of the work as well as the name of the workman appear in_ one set of columns. If each monthly folio contained a column for names and a money column for totals duo to each man, also daily columns— 6 or 13, or even 31— with money columns for the several accounts against which the wages are to be charged, lettered a, b, c, &c. ; then instead of 1, or i, or J only being entered in favour of a particular labourer on any Tuesday or Wednesday, for example, the entry might be a, or 2, or-j; thus at once indicating not only the time for which his wages are to be paid, but the particular column in which, as well as in the total, it is to be entered at the end of the week, or fortnight, or month, when the totals are taken. It is plain that the addition of these columns would represent the monthly total, and the amount of monthly charge for labour against any separate account, a, b, c. It is plain, also, as we think, that a single folio, large enough, with columns numerous enough, ought to be sufficient to contain not only labour, but all other expenditure incurred, which would take its place not only in the total column, or cash account as it might be called, but in the several special columns which would represent a current ledger, and give to the eye at once the amount and character of the whole expenditure of the farm, whatever it might be, up to any date in the course of the year. A separate but less cumbrous set of pages might deal in like manner with, the receipts, and the whole thing, as it seems to us, would thus be considerably simplified. The following is our Correspondent's description of his books : — " We first have the ' pay list,' in which is entered the names, employment, and wages of each person, columns being ruled for seven days of the week, suf- ficient space being allowed for lists for 12 months. Then we have the journal of the daily work done ; thus, in column of pay list for 1st May, it being paid in wages for that day, the sum of 9-r. 7 ■ , ,..i i l • f.irin •■n tin; in".st advan- tageous system, il i.-> .niw...i:jl'j Lu kuLip a f^dr quantity of cattle, to haul off a portiuu of the ruot-s, that the cattle may be well fed and the straw made into good Tfie Quarter!!/ Journal of Science. No. XVII. J. Churchill k Sous, 'Sew Burliugton Street. It is an exceedingly interesting number. Stock, as it were, is taken in it of the present condition of knowledge in many of its departments, as well as of the proceedings in each during the previous few months. " The Past and Present of Chemistry," and the " Recent Progress of Medical Science," are among the former class of papers, and the exceedingly full and interesting Chronicles of Science, occupying full half of the book, are among the latter. Besides these, we have special articles on the Properties of Iron— on Experiments for ascertaining the Earth's Temperature —on the Iron Ores of Great Britain, and an obituary notice of Paraday's life and labours. There is also a paper by the Editor on an Extraneous Meat Supply, of especial agricultural interest. The whole is a very excellent 5.«. worth. We once heard a distinguished educationist declare that he would be satisfied if he could only get the next generation of farmers thoroughly masters iu their boyhood of the first two Books of Euclid. We can conceive hardly anything more wholesome for them and their agricultural future than that farmers and their sons should acquire that general interest in the progress of knowledge and achievement which would be proved by a large circulation among them of the " Quarterly Journal of Science." The agricultural "Chronicle" refers to cattle plague— the Paris Exhibition— che agricultural value of sewage— the accomplishment of artificial haymaking— the manufacture of Mangel cake— the researches of Lawes and Gilbert— Dr. Voelcker's researches into town milk— the recent addresses on agricultural education— the Board of Trade returns of agricultural statistics, and the value of pure-bred Shorthorn stock. A\'e make the following extracts :— 1. The Paris Skoii'.—" The close of the Paris Exhi- bition enables many of our agricultural readers to look back upon the unequalled illustration it has afibrded of the implements and farm economy of many nations. There was certainly something in the dairy and general homesteads, of which specimens were given from Holland, to instruct the English agricultural spectator; but it was to the British section of this departtnent chiefly that not only we, but the agricultural machine- makers of all other countries, looked for guidance. Now that the display is over, exhibitors are discussing both the relative and the actual value of the awards of medals and of merit which have been made by the examiningjuries. One thing seems certain : they bear no relation whatever to either the relative or the actual professional status of the several exhibiting countries. VVe are accustomed here to consider that tho productivouess and enterprise of our agriculture is in direct proportion to tho quantity of live stock maintained upon a given area of land. Guided by the application of such a test as this, tho relative standing of English and Prenoh agriculture may be read with greater accuracy in the agricultural exhibition of them out-of-doors than iu the awards of an international jury, examining the agricultural contents of the Exhibition building and its annexes. There are more cattle and sheep seen on the return journey of the English tourist within 8 miles of the landing at Newhaven than are visible all the way from Pans to Dieppe." a. The Value of Sewage. — " Among the topics which receive attention in the current number of the English Agricultural Society's Journal is the agricultural value of town sewage. It appears that nitrogen equal to 200 ounces of ammonia passes annually from every average individual of a general population, and this being mixed with the usual annual water supply to our towns of 40, GO, or 80 tons per head, gives only 9.1, 6J, or 4? grains to every gallon of the resultant sewage. If the average be taken at 7 grains to every gallon, which is equal to 1 in every 10,000 parts of the drainage water, then that is worth about as much as half-a-ton of Peruvian guano for every 1000 tons, or between l\d. and l}d. per ton. Nothing like this valuation has, however, ever yet been realised in agricultural experience. The large quantity of water with which the guano in sewage is diluted spoils its fitness for our more valuable crops. It has hitherto, indeed, been applied almost exclusively to Grass, which is not worth more than fo. or 8.«. a ton in country districts, rising, however, to 15s. or even 20«. a ton near towns, where it can be used in cow-feeding. The calculation from experience near Edinburgh and at Rugby does not result in one-half the estimated return indicated by the chemistry of the subject. During the past year, however, on the Lodge Parm, near l^arking, a better result has been obtained from its use in growing Italian Rye-grass ou thin and gravelly soil." And then follows a statement of the results obtained, which has been already given in our columns. 3. Toion mile.—" Dr. Voelcker's researches into the composition of town milk have lately been published in the columns of the British Medical Journal, which has startled its readers with proof of the scandalous adulterations generally practised by the milk dealers. Of only one out of 10 samples analysed, from as many different shops, could it be said that the milk was pure ; though sold at id. and od. a quart, it was really in general worth only from Id. up to 'id. for that quantity. In one case examination proved that arti- ficial colouring had been added, that one-fourth of the cream had been removed, and one-sixth of water added ! In another, the 'new country milk' was skim-milk, with one-third water added! In a third, one-fourth of the cream had been taken, and 33 per cent, of water added ! Genuine country milk contains 4 per cent, of fatty matter, 3 per cent of casein, and nearly 5 per cent, of milk-sugar; but of these three ingredients the figures were 3, 2f, 4—1.6, 2.8, and 4.1—1.62, 2.68, and 4.09 respectively, in some of the examples investigated by Dr. Voelcker. And in the second of these instances the price charged was ad. a quart, and the profit per annum must have been 2U0Z. a-year on every 10 gallons sold per diem. It is plain that all classes dealing with the shops from which these samples were obta,iued are being victimized, aud the robbery falls heavily upon tho poor. If the results thus obtained represent the average truth, then one milk dealer out of every 10 is an honest man ! We hear with pleasure that a company is being started in Switzerland for the preservation of milk in the form of cakes, and we are told on good authority that such cakes, dissolved in England, produce beautiful rich milk !" Journal of Agriculture, Jan. 1868. 150, Fleet Street. It is not this month much of an agricultural journal. Tho report on the Acclimatation Society of Paris ; the late William Fyfe's account of the Stone Age in the Shetlands; and even Mr. Anderson-Henry'a paper on Pure Hybridisation, fill too large a portion ot its pages for the agricultural reader. There is a very good and well written account of Progress in the Hebrides— a bit of compilation on the Piggery— and a very short and scanty agricultural account of the month. The report of Social and Agricultural Progress in tho Hebrides is by much the most iuterestmg con- tribution to this month's number of the Journal. Trade List : Raynbird, Caldecott, Baiotree, Bowling, cl(* Co., Basingstoke. Messrs. Raynbird have achieved quite a lion's share of distinction in the seed trade at all the great exhi- bitions of the past few years ; and to the International medals of 1857 and '62 they have now had added medals won at Paris— a Silver Medal for Cereals in Class 67, and a Bronze Medal for Seeds in Class 43. The pamphlet from which we learn these facts states them only to those who will look for them, for they are not displayed in sensational type ; and, indeed, it is rather for the very well written instructions and substantial information which it contains on food, manure, and seeds, than as a trade list, that it is regarded here, or will be regarded by those into whose hands it may come. We extract two passages :— „ „, . , i 1 On Adulteration of Linseed Cake.— The simplest means of testing the purity of Linseed cake, which is the most likely to be adulterated, when Cotton husks, foreign seeds, or excess of grit are suspected, is as follows, aud can be practised by any farmer :— The ash left from burning a small Portion in an iron spoon over a bright fire should dissolve iu a little hydrochloric acid (spirit of salts of the shops), the residue left undissolved is sand 40 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Janttabt U, 18f8. or grit, and which may senerally be detected by rubbing the ash between the fingers. If another portion be digested several times with boiling water, allowing the particles of Linseed to settle each time before pouring off the water, and the residue drained through cloth or paper, it will be easy to detect with the naked eye such adulterations as Cotton husks, large pieces of bran, and many of the weed seeds. " If the presence of Rape or Mustard seeds is sus- pected, they may readily be detected by digesting a little of the powdered cake in cold water in a tumbler, covering it with a piece of glass or paper. After allowing it to stand for a few hours, there will be per- ceived a peculiar pungent smell if either of these sub- stances are present, a smell very distinct from that emitted when a cake manufactured from pure Linseed is similarly treated. " Let the farmer bear in mind that in buying feeding stuffs he is buying meat ; and that all the art in the world cannot make it produce more than a given quantity. Hence the value of chemical analysis. In considering the percentage of oil, he may say, ' Out of this I can make fat;' of starch, gum, and sugar, ' These will produce fat, but in a more indirect manner;' of nitrogenous compounds, 'Of these I can make flesh ;' and when he comes to mineral matters or indigestible fibre, ' Out of these I can make nothing for the butcher.' He can have no difficulty in select- ing by analysis, if he also takes into consideration the circumstances, whether the article is palatable to the animals and contains nothing injurious to them. For this merit, which belongs to Linseed cake and to saccharine matters, and which tends to keep their prices relatively high, is that they are so readily eaten that they induce a consumption of coarse food that might otherwise be refused or disliked." 2. The Application of Manure. — " Manures are often blamed when the fault lies in the cultivator or in the season. Applied in such minute portions as they generally are, it is essential that they should be supplied with all the advantages of proper cultivation, to enable their peculiar properties to take full effect. Thus, if applied in conjunction with the seed, they may be injurious, or if on foul land they may be e.vhausted by the crop of weeds they encourage, or on a light soil free from a crop, they may be washed out of the soil. The following general directions have been given as well adapted to the purpose :— " For mixtures for application in autumn and winter, apply the ammonia or nitrogen in a form to prevent it operating too quickly, by using a substance containing other organic matter, as Rape dust, bone.'!, woollen rags, and guano mi.ted with charcoal or gypsum, rather than salt of ammonia, so speedily soluble by itself. " All winter dressings of artificial manure should be mi.ted in the foil. AH mi.xtures in which ammonia exists in a saline form should be applied as a spring top-dressing on the crops, if possible in wet weather and in April. " And mixtures rich in ammonia, as Rape dust or guano, should be harrowed in immediately if sown with spring crops, or if used as a top dressing, only in wet weather. "That spring top-dressings rich in organic matter should be applied earlier than pura saline. " That for spring crops the mineral manures should be applied with their phosphates and alkalies in the most soluble state. " That where a heavy spring saline dressing is required, it is advisable to apply it at two distinct periods a month apart, as April and May. " These brief rules show how much weight time has in the proper application of manure. Thus we might naturally predict failure if we applied Rape dust upon a Barley crop in Jlay, guano as a top-dressing in a dry_ summer, or applied salts of ammonia at AVheat sowing." Farm Memoranda. Abebdeenshiee F.1BM: Jaimari/.—lho, year that has just passed away has been one of particular anxiety to the farmer, trying alike his skill and patience. It will long be remembered in the northern counties for its snow-storms and late seasons. In the first quarter, with the exception of a part of February, very little out-door work could be performed ; in the month of January especially snow lay to a great depth, blocking up all traffic by roads, and also our railways, for days on end. In consequence, land was very wet, and very few Oats (which is the principal grain crop in Aber- deenshire) were got sown before April, and then not in first-rate order. And if sowing was late, harvest was still later, as it was not general before October, in the first week of which we had some inches of snow, but it was got all secured in tolerable order after all in the month of November, and was of an average bulk, but turns out bad in the threshing. Cleaning of Turnip land was also a tedious operation, owing to the wetness of the season, and many fields will tell so for years to come. The sowing of Swedes commenced generally about the ISth of May, and yellows after the 26th. Having plenty of moisture, they came up rapidly, and hand-weeding had to be resorted to in many cases, so that the land has never got a chance of being fairly cleaned as it ought. Owing to so much wet and want of sunshine they are a bad crop, with a great deal of finger and toe. Hay was an abundant crop, and is in consequence cheaper than it has been for the last few years. Grass was also abundant through the summer. Potatos were a poor crop, and quality bad. Live stock have generally been very healthy, with the exception of some cases of pleura-pneumonia, which many think ought to be dealt with in the same manner as rinderpest. Sales of cattle have been well attended, and brought remunerative prices. We find, on looking over some memoranda for the year, that our Shorthorned breeders received the following prices for bull-calves, viz. :— the Messrs. Cruickshank, Sittyton, 27, at an average of 49/. 6*. ; Mr. Campbell, Kenellar,'17, at an average of iU, os.\ Mr. Milne, Kinaldie, 15, at an average of 31/. l"s. ; Mr. Bruce, Broadlow, 10, at an average of 39/. 5s. ; Mr. Scott, Glendronach, 13, at an average of 29/. \7s. ; Mr. Chalmers, Oldwhat, 13, at an average of 28/. 12s. ; and many more of less note have sold by private bargain at satisfactory prices. Mr. McCombie, of Tilly four, had also a draft sale of his polled cattle, at which the following high prices were obtained ; 27 cows brought an average of 37/. 14s., six two-year- old heifers brought an average of 41/. 9s., 10 yearling heifers an average of 21/., six heifer calves an average of 15/., and for five bull calves 28/. 7s. Sheep has been a bad speculation for some time back, and has not paid much. Horses have risen in price in the course of the year; but very few superior ones are rearedin Aberdeen- shire, but an attempt is to be made to introduce a first- class thorough-bred stallion into the county, and a prize of 100/. will be offered at the Highland Society's show in summer to induce those possessed of such to bring them forward. The weather has been fresh and open for the last fortnight, and farm work is advancing, stubble plough- ing is finished, and lea far advanced, and those who look well to their flocks and herds have a quantity of Turnips stored to await John Frost when he claims the ascendancy. Christmas is little attended to in the country districts, "auld" yule being still kept with the agricultural population, when farm servants generally get a holiday, and the more generous treat them to roast beef and plum pudding in the best dining room. J. NOETH Riding of Yoekshiee: JnnMoiry.— Decem- ber was ushered in with a wintry aspect, and during the first .week we had a slight cover of snow, with about 12" of frost. Since then the weather has been dry and mild, varied with .slight frosts ; but seldom beyond a night's duration, and on the whole it has been un- seasonably fine. Farm operations have proceeded uninterruptedly, and are very forward. The root crops are now all secured in a dry and capital condition, the crop being more than an average one. Stubble ploughing may be said to^ be completed, and lea ploughing for Oats in many instances commenced. A frost would now be very desirable to enable the manure which has been accumulating since October to be comfortably and economically carted out to the fields. The young Wheat plant is healthy ; but if anjthing, in many instances, too thick and forward. Reports from large growers of Wheat last year are unanimously concurrent as to a bad yield. In our own case we never remember the keeping capabilities of the Potato to be so bad, fully one half has gone bad since they were taken up in October. We predict a high range of prices for this esculent during the spring months. Live stock keep healthy. Sheep on Turnips are doing remarkably well. We have had 250 on roots since the middle of October, with one death only. In part we attribute this to a mode, adopted this season for the first time, of giving them a couple of hours' run per diem on an adjoining meadow field, where with this in view the aftermath was not fed closely down. Our Christmas markets have been well supplied with beef and mutton, and good prices obtained for all, although the extraordinary high rates paid for extra fat beef in former years have not been so freely given in this. Consumers begin to doubt the wisdom of paying lOrf. to Is. per lb. for beef to fat to eat. W. J. M. Essex Fabm: Jan. 4.— The ground being now sealed by frost all tillage operations are for the present suspended, and we are confined to cartage of manure, &c. Owing to the favourable weather in October and November, Wheat sowing, although largely exceeding the usual acreage, was rapidly and successfully finished. The steam plough, although but little in this locality before, is now a great favourite with the farmers for the excellent manner in which ploughing and other operations have been conducted by it. Mr. Carey, of Wanstead, has several most efficient sets of tackle, which are largely in use, and have given powerful a,ssistance in putting other labour in an unusually forward state. Previous to the frost Wheat and grain crops generally had all the appearance of a strong luxu- riant plant. Mangel is in great request, and getting up in price. On uncovering a clump of GOO feet in length and 12 feet in breadth, I found it in excellent con- dition. On the Metropolis'^Sewage Company's Farm at Barking over 50 tons an acre has been realised by the use of sewage. Now is the time to get a supply of seed Potatos, for I am afraid there will be a great rise in prices in spring. It is of great importance in this damp neighbourhood, where a deficiency of shedding exists, to erect temporary protection for young stock in a sheltered corner on exposed fields with faggots and the cuttings of hedges. Since the removal of the cattle plague regulations we are now finding the beneficial influence of the Romford markets ; the supply and demand for fat and lean cattle has been good. Romford market has been celebrated for a long time for a large and good show of pigs ; for the last few months pigs have been a losing speculation to the farmer, owing to the high price of food. T. LiGHTLAND Fabm, Sueeet. — I should like to know if any of your readers can give me any idea as to how pigs may be fatted in a cheaper way than by feed- ing them on corn meal. We have just had one of Richmond and Chandler's (of Manchester) steamers erected, in the hope th;il by steaming roots or corn we may both improve and cheapen our feed. We have been using it about a week for steaming Mangel Wurzel ; it appears to answer well, but we have not used it long enough yet to give any opinion upon it. We have been sowing Peas on the 30th and 31st December. 'I suppose many farmers would think it decidedly too early to put them in, but we have for the last few years planted them about this time, and have always found it answer well. Last year we planted a field of about 12 acres on the 23th and 29th December, and I am quite satisfied I am speaking within bounds when I say we had fully 3 to 4 sacks per acre more than any other farm I have heard of. H. [Please give us an account of your pig feeding.] Westeb Ross : Jan. 6.— Our harvest was so late and so protracted that the season for out-door labour was greatly shortened ; but the weather has been so unusually fine that a larger breadth of Wheat has been sown in the north than has been for many years before, and the green-crop lot for next season has been nearly all turned over. Our labour is now about as far advanced as it usually is with a harvest moderately early, while from the limited fall of rain our Wheat has been harrowed in in the best possible condition. All the earlier sowings are now well above ground, and appear regular and promising, and the later sowings, until within a few days, were progressing with unusual rapidity. A few days ago a severe frost set in, which still continues without any covering of snow, and which has already done away with the beautifully green appearance of the fields of Wheat and Grass. The frost, however, is not now an unwelcome visitor, as our courts are overflowing with manure, which, in such weather, can be carted with far greater eiise and comfort to its place in the field. To the arable farmer in the north of Scotland this season is highly favour- able ; and coming as it did after a succession of dry summers and light crop.?, it was much needed, and is right welcome. True, our harvest was late, and much of the grain was carted in a damp condition, and very little of our Wheat is yet in a fit state for the market, but a few parcels that were early harvested have been delivered at weights ranging from 62 to 64 lb. per bushel, indicating, we hope, what the bulk may weigh after being exposed to the spring winds. Much of our Barley, which is of good colour, and weighs from 54i to 56 lb. per bushel, fetches a good price for brew- ing purposes ; and Oats that ripened early are of good quality, and thresh out satisfactorily. Indeed, our crops are so good, as compared with those of the south, and of other countries even, that we are inclined to conclude that our summer weather must have been exceptionally good. After disposing of about 100 qrs. of Wheat, there are not so much as 4 bushels of dressings left over. Altogether, with a very bulky crop of straw, with about an average yield of grain of fair quality, and with prices higher than they have been for many years, the condition of the arable farmer in the north must be considerably bettered. The weather has been so continuously fine that stock of all kinds has thriven well. Sheep had a longer out-run on the newly cleared fields than usual, and thus some- what saved the Turnips, which, although perhaps yet falling short of a full crop, until lately continued to grow, and have now approached an average crop. So far as the disposal of fat has yet gone the returns have not yet been remunerative, and with a continued lack of employment for operatives, and high prices for grain, a speedily advancing price can scarcely be anticipated. The present low price of sheep, with the advanced cost of wintering in the low country, must render sheep-farming at present a much less profitable thing than it was for many years. The sheep-farmer, however, will scarcely grudge the arable farmer a short experience of the luck of which he himself had such Male Eggs and Female Eggs.—lt has been copied and re-copied from quarto to octavo, through duode- cimo and pamphlet, that small round eggs produce female, jnd long pointed ones male chicks. Now I assert that the hen that lays one round egg, will con- tinue to lay all her eggs round ; and the hen that lays one oblong will lay all oblong. Consequently, one heh would be the unceasing mother of cocks, another must remain the perpetual producer of pullets ; which is absurd. Every dairymaid knows that, when a hen steals a nest and hatches her own eggs only, the brood which she brings home contains a fair proportion of either sex. I know well that if any of the said hen's female acquaintance spy out her secret hoard, they will set other bipeds a good example by adding to, instead of subtracting from, the property of her neighbour. But such chance additions are not sufficient to account for the mixture of cocks and hens in self-set broods, supposing the theory to be correct, that the sex of the future chick is denoted by the form of the egg. Here is an experiment in point. An old lady, whose fowls were all white, gave me a small globular egg, as round as a ball ; it was added to a clutch of speckled Dorkings. The result was the due number of Dorkings, and one white cockerel, which we kept till he began to crow : it ought to have been a pullet, unless the com- positor's fingers have been busy m reprinting one error at least. Another supposed test is the position of the air-bag at the blunt end of the shell. We are told that " if it be a little on one side, it will produce a hen ; if this vacuity be exactly in the centre, it will produce a cock." But, take a basket of eggs ; examine them, as directed, by holding them between your eye and a candle, and you will find very few indeed in which you can say that the air-bubble is exactly concentrical with the axis of the egg. A cock ought thus to be, like Ovid's black swan, a rare bird. But, in many broods, the cockerels bear a proportion of at least one-third ; especially in those hatched during winter or in un- favourable seasons : the immediate cause being, doubt- JaNUAey 11, 18Ca.] THE GAl^DKNERS' CHRONICLF, AND AGRICULTIIKAJ. GAZITJK less, tliat the eggs producing the robuster sex possess a stronger vitality ; the more remote cause being, the same ■wise law of Providence through which, in the human race, more males arc born into the world than females, to meet the wear and tear of war, labour, and accident. In short the Bubble Theory, as far as I have seen, is properly described by its name; and there are, I believe, no known means of determining beforehand the sex of fowls, except, perhaps, that cocks may bo more likely to issue from large eggs, and hens from small ones. Knowing, however, tnat the egg of each hen may be recognised, we have thus the means of pro- pagating from those parents whose race we deem most desirable to continue. H. S. D. Leiijhlun Poullry Wjoic— This show was held last week, at the Corn Exchange in this town. Though not large it was a show very creditable to the town and neighbourhood, and spoke much for the exertions of the hou. secretary and the persons who had tlie management of it. There were 121 entries in the difl'erent classes of fowls, conspicuous among which, for size and good qualities, were the buff cochins, in which class Mr. Geo. Shrimpton took three silver cups, his pen of cock and two hens dividing, with Col. Stuart Wortley's Crevecoeurs, the opinion of the spectators as to which was the best pen of fowls in the show. In the Dorking class, Mrs. Seamons deservedly took the 1st prize and silver cup, with a magnificent cock and two hens, 10 months old. The Brahmas were a very good class, and some very fine birds were exhibited, and in the class for French fowls many varieties were shown, among which were very fine birds. The bantams and game fowls were not above the average, and call for no special comment. Tha ducks were a small show, there having been only sixteen entries, and for Aylesburys, Mrs. Seamons took the 1st prize and the silver cup, and Mr. J. K. Fowler the 2d prize ; and for Bouens Mr. Fowler took the 1st prize with fine birds, whose good qualities are well known to our readers. In the class for geese Mr. Fowler took the 1st prize, with remarkably fine grey birds. The prize turkeys were large birds, of the black Norfolk kind, and among the pigeons and cage birds some very good specimens were shown. The price for admission on the Thursday being 2s. 6rf., there was not a very numerous attend- ance on that day, but on Friday a large number of persons visited the collections. DuLKs' Egos : A'. Can anybody explain why many ducks' eg;?s brought in from my poultry yard have their yolks nearly black. Miscellaneous. Roads. — We have had wood, and stone, and iron, and broken stones, and asphalte, and asphalte and stone, and big stones, and small stones, but we have had nothing that, under heavy work, lasts more than a year or two. The reason for this ' is that they have no foundation worthy the name ; the surface is relied on both for strength and wear. Sometimes concrete is applied as a foundation, but too thin to resist, and therefore breaking, as each stone is rammed down in succession, like a row of nails, by passing wheels. Now suppose our great London -Edile, Sir John Thwaites, should, for once, take it into his official head that there ought to be, and should be, laid down a sample London road, and say, sic volo sic jubeo, there is an admirable site at hand, and under his control, in the Thames Embankment, as yet guiltless of underground tubes save the brick tunnel. Sir John Thwaites will there- fore reason thus :— " A good road must consist of two parts ; a solid, firm, but still an elastic foundation, — a substructure with a superstructure on it for the purposes of wear. It is well known that a surface of broad flag-stones is much less liable to disturbance than one composed of small stones, and the great size of the stones was the reason why the ancient Italian roads have descended to us undisturbed by time, though worn into gullies by the wheel tracks. Upon new embankments concrete is apt to settle and break. We want, therefore, a substance that will not settle and break. This is to be found in timber. But timber is apt to rot. But timber creosoted is not apt to rot, and is very durable. A creosoted timber floor, then, is the thing to aim at, but not an ordinary floor of boards laid down on joists." Sir John will say, with sound, common Saxon sense, " Let us lay down the rules after the fashion of Mrs. Glasse:— Take a sufficient number of the common deals of commerce, 9 inches wide and 3 inches thick, and saturate them thoroughly with creosote, then level the surface of the projected road and lay down on it the deals side by side, then cross these deals with others at a right angle, till a double floor is formed, which will not require any fastenings but the curb stones to keep them in position ; the road proper is thus complete, and only needs surfacing. A very good surface could be made by laying down kentledge, or ships' cast-iron ballast, measuring about 2 feet in length by 4 inches square ; if objected to as too heavy it might be cast in the form of hollow boxes, or hollow cubes in ridges might be applied, or stone cubes made to fit accurately to each other and on to the planking, every side being square and smooth, but with the edges arrised for horses' foothold. In this mode the road might be made nearly flat. If rough cubes were used, they would need to be grouted with hot lime grout. Such a road would at all times preserve an even surface, and blows from horses feet and wheels would be distributed over a large space through an elastic medium, which, while modifying noise, would greatly diminish resistance to traction, and prevent breakage of the surface as well as wear. It would be like travelling over a large sheet of ice. The road might he more costly at the outset than other roads, but it would be infinitely more durable, and upon the whole it would probably be cheaper than the sham structures now passing under the name of roads. It would, moreover, be most rapidly laid down and renewed, and be perfectly free from dust and nuisance, and very easily cleansed on the surface ; and would bo highly appreciated by the public usin» it. On the whole, therefore, it is decidedly a proper thing for the Board of Works to set so good an example." We think the public will agree with Sir John, and that liaron Hausmann will pale his pretensions before the doings of our great London vEdile, who will thus IJoyond all Gieok, beyond all Roman fame." And when Sir John has set this good example, perhaps Mr. Covvper will take heart-o'-grace, and, for the first time, give us really dry surfaces in front of Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards, with Macadam, if he prefers it, on a creosoted timber floor. Journal of Society of Arts. Notices to Correspondents. Agricultural Imports, Eleven Mo.nth.s, 1SC7: R. Quantities Imported. 186G. 1867. I. ArticUs Free of Duty. and No. 196,135 150,518 Calves 27,081 20,720 Sheep and Lambs 702,620 504,.514 Swine and Hogs Bones burnt or not, or as animal charcoal . . tons 70,834 78,531 Flax and Tow or CodiUa of Flax— ewt. 1,102,417 986,808 ,, 56,660 73,523 Belgium ,, :2'2,120 147,348 Other Countnes 70,365 111,182 Guano — From West Coas' ot Africa tons 1,533 2,875 United Stiitcs ,, 1,411 2,182 Peru ,, 82,369 130,450 BoUvLi 0,503 British West India Islands . . 2,222 Other Countries 15,350 10,460 Hemp and Tow or Codilla of Hemp— From Russia cwt. 683,090 466,142 146,758 110,242 lUj-ria, Croatia, and Dalmatia 30,802 39,001 British India 26,124 5,537 Philippine Islands 48,297 77,727 Other Countries 50,461 64,124 China Grass 1,312 584 Jute and substances of the nature of Hemp 1,446,164 1,412,741 cwt. 52,376 169,864 Oil Seed Cakes tons 106,639 101,883 Potatos cwt. 568,436 1,009,068 „ 698,283 452,132 Beef, salt 161,513 163,638 155,875 123,257 ,, 982,6)6 1,000,095 Cheese 698,257 798,267 No, 407,861,280 373 042,680 llvi cwt. 232,10.5 213,599 Saltpetre ,, 265,004 200,441 Cubic Nitre 827,275 948,600 Seeds -Cotton tons 88,437 88,822 Clover cwt. 190,651 114,870 Flaxseed and I. mseed . . qrs. 975,00S 971,014 Rape 377,447 628,998 Tallow— From Russia .. cwt. 497, 95C 287,087 19,08f 23,715 331,84b 241,215 Other Countries 144,70C 130,224 Wool, Sheep and Lambs' — From Europe . . lb. Biitish Possessions in South Africa , , British India . . - Australia Other Countries .. .. ,, Alpaca and the Llama Tribe Te.ast, dried cwt, 11. Articles Subject to Duty. Com— Wheat— From Russia .. ,, Denmark , Pru Schleswig, Holstein, & Lauenburg „ Mecklenburg ,, Hanse Towns , France Turkey and Wallachia & Moldavia ,, Egypt „ Uuited States ,, British North America . . ,, Other Countries ,, ,. ,, Barley „ Oats Pe.as „ Beans ,, Indian Corn, or Maize , Whe.atmeal and Flour — From Hanse Towns „ IVance . . . . . . . . „ United States „ British North America . . „ Other Countries , 7,765,207 431,577 3,770,641 160,546 638,232 765,617 3,354,594 426.494 32,643 475,'l 8,789 2,601,250 7,053,423 8,017,'291 1,008,957 1,017,534 13,936,499 277,754 3,380,682 249,418 32,393 462,986 13,186,521 395,238 6,232,779 105,369 632,030 628,871 586,224 2,044,970 1,134,326 8,013,860 384,249 3,.533,486 5,315,127 8,678,021 1.281,946 1,856,585 8,087,252 1,015,042 3VERED Homesteads ; Landlord. Mr. Bailey Denton's quarto volume on Farm Architecture, or Mr. Tuckett's small book on the s.ame subject, will either of them give inform.ation on this subject. You should look at the homesteads on Mr. Garth's property near Twyford — Haine's HiU— the home fariu, for example. The' yards need not be paved- RIED Brewers' Grains: H F. They are the subject of a p.atent, and have been largely manufactured and advertised. We are not able to give the address, but perhaps this notice may obtiin it for you. o:!8E \ A Z It is usually grown from seed — hoe in 20 lb. per acre in March in rows about 18 inches apart. Cut every other row during alteraate winters. We believe some kiuds are propagated by cuttings. JCOMiNo Tenant : / W. What rights the custom of your county gives an outgoing tenant we do not know ; it is these only that he can claim ; but we have no hesitation in saying that if tho outgoing tenant does not get part repayment for the lime applied to land in the spring of 1867 for a crop of Turnips, which is now carted to the homestead, his successor will reap where he did not sow. ,VEDisH Turnips: W Braicn. Of the 11 Swedish Turnips sent, 10 were green, and one was purple-topped. They are small, well formed roots, of excellent qu.aUty ; too necky to be pronounced flrst-chiss. We can say nothing about the hardiness of the roots, but forquahtyand usefulness thi.re does not seem to us any ground for serious complaint. Dri ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT. One Penny per Square Foot. CROGGON AND CO., MANUFACTUllKllS, /3l, Bre:id Street, lr„„i„., ieii. New Earl Street, 1^°°'^''°' 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. INODOROUS FELT FOR LININU nOOF.S AND SIDES AND IRON IIO0SES Price One Penny per Square Foot. CEOGGON AND CO., Loudon. ;;ts, Liverpool. 31, Bread Street, \ 6.3, Nov Earl Street, . 39, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree PLo DRY HAIR FfiLT FOR COVERING STEAM BOILER.S, rirE,S, ETC., OF VARIOUS THICKNESSES. CROGGON AND CO., MANQFACTURERS, f 34, Bread Street, ) i „„ i ,„ \&i New Earl Street, fl'°"'l"°' 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goroc Piazzas, LivcrpooL IMPORTERS OF SHEET ZINC OF liE.ST BRANDS. CEOGGON AND CO., ) 34, Bread Street, 1 , „„ ,„„ i 63, New Earl Street, / ^"""l™' 59, George Square, Gl.asgow ; 2, Goree Piazza'!, Liverpool. ZINC AND METAL PERFORATORS. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 31, Bread Street, 1 r „„ i ,„ i 63; New Earl Street, ) ^'«"^""' 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazz.t3, Liverpool. GALVANIZED CEOGGON AND CO. (31. Bread street K„„j„„, I 63, New Earl Street, J 59, George Square, Glii'^jow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Live GALVANIZED IRON MANUFACTURED GUOUS UF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., I 3'- B'-«»V'riV , 1 London. ( 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON CISTERNS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 31, Bread Street, \ , , \ 63, New Earl Street, ) London. 59, George Square, Glaigow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. CHURCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BUILDINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., 59, George Square, Gla ; 34, Bread Street, 1 r „„ i„ '"> ." - Earl Street, J ^0°'^° zas, Liverpool. KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUBBER FLOOR CLOTH. CEOGGON AND CO., / 31, Bread Street, | ^ , i 63, New Earl Street, | London. 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS OF HOUSES. COACH-HOUSES, ETC, TO PREVENT DAMP. CEOGGON AND CO., 134, Bread Street Uoudon. ( 63, New Earl Street, j 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PORTLAND CEMENT OF BEST QUALITY, WO lbs. to tho BUSHEL. CEOGGON AND CO., / 34, Bread Street, ) j ^ {63| New Earl Street, } London. 59, George Squ.are, Glasgow; 2. Goree Piazz.as, Liverpool. PLASTERERS' HAIR SUPPLIED BY CEOGGON AND CO., ad Street, \ 63; New Earl Street, J 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Gor London. e Piazzas, Live ■pool. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, CEOGGON AND CO., ( London. 59, George Squ 34, Bread Street, 03, New Earl Street, , ■, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED "WIRE NETTING. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, ) r , „ \ 63, New Earl Street, J 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. THE OARDENERS' CMONTCLE ANT) AOTITrTTTTFRAT, GAZETTE. [Januaet 11, s HAW*S TIFFAN For Samples and Prices Rpply to J. Sbaw & Co., 29. Oxford Street, Manchester. GARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in gi-eat variety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts being especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and once put down incur no further labour and expense, as do "grown" Edgings, con- sequently bemK much cheaper. GARDEN VASES, FOUNTAINS, &c., in Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and in great variety of design. F. & Q. RosHER, Manufacturers, Upper Ground Street, Blackfriars, S. ; Queen's Koid We<;t, Chelsea, S.W. ; Kingsland Koad, Kingsland, N E __ __„jnt9for FOXLErs URICKS, Illustrated Price List free t n^ ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors, Balconies, &c., as cheap and duiible as Stone, in blue, red, and buff colours, and capable of forming a viriety Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS of enriched designs WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Larders, Kitchen Rans^ea, Baths, &c. Grooved and other Stable Paving Bncks of great dunibility, Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall SILVER SAND (REIGATE. best quality), at the above addresses— 14s. per Ton, or Is. 3rf. per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf. Quantities of 4 Tons. Is. per Ton less. FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS, for Rockeries or Grotto Work. F. & G. RosBER.— Addresses seo above. N.B. Ordei-s promptly executed by Railway. FOWLER'S PATENT STEAM PLOUGH and CULTIVATOR may be SEEN at WORK in every Agricul- tural County in England. For particulars apply to Jons Fowler & Co., 71, Cornhill, London, E.G. ; and Steam Plough Works, Leeds. TRON "hurdles (Silver Medal of the Roy7l -L Agricultural Society) ; SHEEP. 3s. 5d. ■ CATTLE. 4s. 2d. ; OX, 5s. lid List by post. GATES and FENCING of every description. St. Pancras Iron Work Company, Old St. Pancras Road, London, N. W, C' - y. increased width and depth of FeedinK Troughs. Water Cistern, and Patent Drop Cover to prevent over gorging. Cleanly, dur-ible, and impervious to infection, being all of Iron. Prices of Fittings per Cow. 55s. Prospectuses free of Cottam &. Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street (opposite the Pantheon), Oxford Street, London, W., where the "' " thibited, together with several important Improvements I n Stable Fittings ju ired by Patent. GREEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOR, OR NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, BOLLING, AND COLLECTING MACHINES. FITTED WITH PATEST SELF-SHAEPENING CYLINDER CUTTERS. They are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater case than any other Lawn Mower extant. GREEN'S PATENT LAWN 5I0WEES have proved to be the best, and have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition ; and in proof of their superiority, 40,000 have been sold since the year 1856. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. Every Machine is wiurautcd to give entire satisfaction, and il not approved of can be returned at once unconditionally. T.GREEN AND SON have to state that the demand for their LAWN MOWERS this Season lias been unprecedented whiehis a proof of the high estimation in which they are held. Selcelions can be made from their Stock both m London and Leeds. m" ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS FHEE ON APPLICATION. THOMAS GREEN and SONS, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS ; and 5i and 5.5, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWERS, AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL OF THE UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, PARIS, 1867. AWAEDEi)tSm'^tL^r^TsT°P^RT7'l™s?f^^l?,°,^^^^^ *^' *" J"T »» the Paris Exhibition have ^'ciJiRijt.u tnem the ilHST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL for then- PATENT LAWN MOWERS. beenliie onh.''Lawn\]n'w!^/H?°"l'"' ^f^' ^at out of all the Lawn Mowers in the Exhibition, their Machines have Si this a t^lhlrZ^T^ft ff J'Vi^^i^ *" ■'"y '" '^"""^ ™ distinguished .an honour are gr.atifled to find Srectiom it Sman^fo^lHlNK^ l^A^rm^^^^^^^ ""P™™ ^^^ ^^'^^^"' l^"" '''"'^J' been in the right increased very conTiderablv A S^ aL SON wf ! 'ifT^'l 5"" ^^ ^''''' '""^ '^™"S the past season it has guarantee thcfrZt:S"o^et•nfqlXdbfan^be|refh;Pubul'° ^^""""^ '" *^'= ^■^^^^' ""-^ '""^''"''^ I®- Hcery Machine warranted to give satisfaction, and if not approved of can be at onee returned. ILLUSTBATEB PRICE LISTS SENT FREE ON APPLICATION. ^ Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for ' QAYNOR AND COOKK'S WARRANTEU PRIZE O PRUNING and SODDING KNIVES, see that voii Bet them Observe the mark SAYNOR. also the Corporate Mark, Obtaik Warranted, without which hone are i^enuine. S. & C. regret havitig to caution Gardeners and others, but are compellea to do so, in consequence of an imitation, of common quality, havmg been sold for the penuine one, and which has caused many complaints to be made to them of Knives which were not of their make, all of which are warranted both by Sellers and Makers S. S C.'s PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are the best and the cheapest in the market. Paxton Works, Sheffield. Established upwards of 126 years. ALEX. SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. a StTek^oTftoti''int%nnnr'T'^'-^^^">''^^ Purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stoetc of from 150 to 200 Machines. A. S. and SON have a staff of efficient Workmen at 27 Leadenhall Street thoroughly acquainted with all the details of theee Machines, so that tZvm f."'.'^'.'"" .il,J^c<"l^'>hM Street, well as can be done at their Manufactory. ' are enabled to repair them in London as IHOMAS MILLINGTON and Importers, Dealers, ANn Mandfactdrers of Glass ST. Bishopsgate Street Without, London, E 0 ' PRESENT PRICES of HYACINTH GLASSES. CO., 2s. Grf. per dozen, The above are idl ._ _ be bud in Opal, Is. per dozen OHN WARWEK and SUl BRASS and BELL FOUNDERS to HER MiJESTF HYDRAULIC E.N'GINEERS. 8, Crescent, Cripplegiite, London. E.G. lUMIs f rSte^m CASf IROV LIQUID MANURES Horse oi Hand Powei PUMPS Di-fiwings and Prlceii for any description ol Hydraulic Machinery / lAKSOW'S AWTl-CUKKUaiUISI PAINT, , Patronised by the Nobility and Gentry, is extensively used for all kinds of OUT-DOOR WORK, and is proved, after a teat of 70 years, to surpass any other Faint. It is especially applicabla to Iron, Wood, Stone, Brick, Corapo, and is the only Paint that wdl eHectnally resist the rays of the sun upon Conservatories, Green* houses. Frames, &c. Is twice as durable Jis genuine White Lead, so simple in application that any person can use it. Per cwt. WHITE, LIGHT STONE, BATH, and LIGHT PORTLAND LEAD CHOCOLATE, RED, PURPLE, brown" knd BLACK Sfe.' BRIGHT GREEN. d!bEP GREEN, and BLUE ! 42s. Prepared OIL MLXTURE for the ANTI-CORROSION. OILS. TURPENTINE, VARNISHES. BRUSHES. 4c. 3 cwt. Free to all Stations in England and Wales, and most Ports of Ireland and Scotland. Patterns and Testimonials sent post free. Walter Carson & Sons, La Belle Sauvage Tard, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. LPTiotj.— All Casks should bear the Trade Mark. No Agents, Oil Faint no longer Necessarr. -r^y^ C^i/^fH«->:g^-C;^223 HILL ANT) SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mismg or thinning, and is used cold. It is used in the groimds at Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and at the seats of many hundreds of the nobility and gentry, from whom the most flattering testimonials have been received, which Hill A Smith will forward on Rt. Bell, Sandhoe, Northumberland. lire in saying I have known your Black Varniali to be used for some time by friends of mine, and they all speak highly jjf itj^ which has induced me to get Llie quantity I have from " 1 have much pie; r of it, which has induced me to get Llie That I have used looks remarkably well.' Sold in casks of about 30 gallons eacn, ai Is. Gd. per gallon, at the Manufactory»or 1«. Hd. per gallon paid to any Station in the kingdom. Apply to Hill & Smith. Brierly Hill Iron Works, near Dudley, and 22, Cannon Street West, B.C., ftom whom only it can be obtained JaNITAET 11, 1868.J THE GARPKNEES' CTTRONIOLE AND AGKTCUl.TTTT^AT, GAZETTE. JOHN GIBSON, JuN., begra to announce that he is prepared to Furnish PLANS and ESTIMATES for LATINO OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other ttesuloiicus, or for tlio FORMATION of PUBLIC PAKKS or GARDENS and to ciurv out Llio samo by Contract or othorwlf Address Mr. John On jmi., Surrey Lane, Battevf , S.W. Important to Gardeners. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXniBlTION PRIZE MEDAL SATNOR AND COOKE only, for excrllriK (- nf , hi Material and Workmanship in PRUNING :iiid lUJ KNIVES, VINE and PRUNING SCISSORS. Ac -ll distinction thiu awarded showing their eupenonLy ^li ;l competitors, havlnir also previously carried the TKIZH Mf'^l 0 g'reAT EXHlBlflONS of 1861, 1855, and 180: Can bo boueht of all Nurserymen and Soodsmen in the world. Pastoa Works, Sheffield. Established 129 yoai-s. Corporate Mark, " obtain.'* None are genuine unless marked Saynor, also Obtain Warranted. ""Every Cottage should be provided with a Water Tank." Disraeli. Iron Cisterns. FBRABY AND CO. having laid down extensive and • Improved Machinery in their new range of buildines, Ida Wuarp Dkptfobd. are now prepared to supply WROUGHT-] RON TANKS GALVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality, ■ reduced prices, and n LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION, TO BK SOLI), Uhfap, an IRON DOMK COiNSh-K- VATOltV, ;'.2 iVet 8 inchos long, 9 feet 4 inches wide. Would make an excellent Pe.ich House or Covered Way. And all other descriptions of Horticultural Buildings to be seen at J. Lewis's Horticultural Works, Stamford Hill, Middlesex. t/~'a II CHER'S '*FRIGI D 0 M 0."— • Patronised by her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of North nberland for Syon Hd . _, . . _ , his Grace the Duke of Devonsh Chiswick Gardens, Professor Lindley for the Horticultural Society, and Sir Joseph I'aston for the Crystal Palace, Royal Zoological Society, &c. PROTECTION from the COLD WINDS and MORNING FROSTS. " FRIGI DOMO" NETTING, White or Brown, made of prepared Hair and Wool, a perfect non-conductor of heat or cold, keeping a fixed temperature where it is applied. It is adapted for all Horti- cultural and Floricultural purposes, for Preserving Fruits and Klowers from the Scorching Rays of the Sun, from Wind, from Attacks of Insects, and from Morning Frosts. To be had in any required lengths. " FRIGI DOMO " NETTING, 2 yards wide. Is. 6d. per yard run. "FRIGI DOMO" CANVAS. Two yards wide Is. 9d. per yard run. Four yards wide 3s. firf. per yard. An improved make, 2 yards wide . . Is. 9d. per yard. An improved make, S yards wide . . 2s. 8d. per yard run. Elisha Tuomas Archer, Whole and Sole Manufacturer, 7, Great Trinity Lane, Cannon Street. City, E.C., and of all Nurserymen and rpHE PERFECT SUBSTITUTE for SILVER, X The REAL NICKEL SILVER, introduced more than 30 years ago by Wn.L[AM S. Burton, when PLATED by the patent process ol Messrs. Elkington & Co., is beyond all comparison the very best article, next to sterling silver, that can be employed as such, either usefully or ornamentally, as by no possible test can it bedistingi" '"' 12 Dessert Forks . . 12 Dessert Spoons . . 12 Tea Spoons 6 Egg Spoons, gt. bowls. 1 Pair o 1 Pair of Fish Carvers 1 Butter Knife .. 1 Soup Ladle 1 13 0 i 2 0 0 Total .. _..__ ..j 9 19 Aiiir article to be had singly at t contain the above, and a relative r and coffee sets, dish covers and t proportionate pricei 0 4 0 5 0 16 0 4 0 5 0 9 6 I 14 17 An oak chesty ber of ki ■ner dishes, ciiiet and liqi Ail kinds of replating done by > pnces. frames, &c. the patent process, WILLIAM S. BURTON, GENERAL FURNISHING IRONMONGER, by nppolntment to H.R.H. the PrincB of Wales, sends a Catalogue gilttia and post paid. It contains upwards of 000 lUiistrations of his unrivalled Stock of STERLING SILVER and ELECTRO-PLATE, NICKEL SILVER, and BRITANNIA METAL GOODS, Disn COVERS, HOT-WATER DISHES, STOVES and FENDERS, MARBLE CHIMNEY PIECES, KITCHEN RANGES, LAMPS. GASELIERS, TEA TRATS, URNS and KETTLES, TABLE CUTLERY, CLOCKS and CANDELABRA, BATHS and TOILET WARE, IRON and BRASS BEDSTEADS, BEDDING and BED HANGINGS, BED-ROOM CABINET FURNITURE, TURNERY GOODS, &c., With List of Prices, and Plans of the Twenty large Show Rooms, at 39, Oxlord Street, W. ; 1, 1a, 2, 3, & 4, Newman Street ' " " 6. Ferry's Place and 1, Newman Yard. London. COUGHS, COLDS, ASTHMA, and INFLUENZA arespoodily CURED by the use of SPENCER'S PULMONIC ELIXIR, T,j Iiivrili^lM. whose aliments are increased in frosty and foggy woatliir. .SPE.NCER-S ELIXIR is a nover-failing source of comfort and cas,j lr,jiii suffering, enabling them to breathe with aest frost and thicliest fog. May be had of THE EDINBURGH REVIEW, No. CCLIX., JANUARY, will bo published on WEDNESDAY NEXT. rV. TVNI.AM V, T,IhF.Roi7y Neivs. London: Longmans, Green, & Co., Patenioster Row, E.C. Latest Edition of HersGhel's Outlines of Astronomy. Now ready, in 8vo, pp. 754, with Nine Plates, price 18s., OUTLINES of ASTRONOMY. By Sir John F. W. Herschel, Bart., K.H.,&c., Member of the Institute of Franco. Ninth Edition, with Corrections, "Sir J. Herschel's .'Outlines of Astronomy' is a book without which no professional or amateur astronomer can consider his library complete ; and as a. work of reference and authority, con- sidering the eminent position attained in the science by Its Author, Its claims are very gi-eab intiee«i."^Aslronojnical Register. London : Longmans, Green, & Co., Paternoster Bow, E.C. Dr. Hartwig's Popular Works on Natural History. In Svo, with above 200 Illustrations, price 18s., riiHE HARMONIES ^of^NATURE; or, the Unity of Creation, By Dr. Georoe H panion volume to the cliangi his works on the 'Sea and its ■ . - .. Living Winders' of the primceval world to the concord wbich has constantly reigned between the physical conditiou of the and its inha mtants at e.acb period. Dr. Hartwig, and from which young readers especially are sure to derive equal profit and entertainment." of our earth and the physical laws that govern the waters and the atmosphore are in complete unison with the wants of organic lilc, that suns and planets wander harmoniously through Illimitable space, and that the annals of our globe bear witness through all By the same Author, with 200 Illustrations, price 2l9., THE TROPICAL WORLD; a Popular Scientific Account of the Natural History of the Equatorial Regions. THE SEA and its LIVING WONDERS. Third Edition, with above 3oO Illustrations, price 21s. London : Lokouans, Green, & Co., Paternoster Row, E.C. A GRICULTURAL and JrX. HORTICULTURAL PRIZES. A Pamphlet of Prices, illustrated with 300 Eiigravings of Cups, Goblets, Tankards, Ac, will hy iiirw.irded gratia and post free on application. Lithogiaphic Drawings of Silver Epergnes, Flo' of 9 Bank of England. WINTER-DRESS ALL FRUIT TREES with GISHURST COMPOUND. Copy 0/ a Letter from Mr. Rivers, .Nurseries, Sdwhridgeworth, Herts, 22d October, 18G1. " I must tell you what I heard to-day from a very clever gentleman farmer, Anthony Bubb. Esq., of Witcombe Court, Gloucester. Ha has a wall to which Peach Trees are trained. Well, last autumn they were in a wretched blighted state. As a desperate remedy ho unnailed them all, early last February, and gave all but one a thorough painting with Gishurst Compound, lib. to the gallon of water ; his trees, all but the one, commenced to grow favourably in spring, and are now pictures of health. The tree not painted is in a half-dead blighted state. Ho used the same dressing to bis Apple Trees ; it killed the woolly Aphis entirely, and has made his trees clean and vigorous in their growth. He intends to pnint his Wall Trees annually, and tells all his friends to do the same. I shall certainly seiTe all my young Peach Trees against my walls in the same manner. The Compound is, I believe, more efficacious than the usual offensive mixtures of clay, soot, sulphur, &c. ; and it does not blacken the shoots on the walls." For Orchard-houao Trees, 4 ozs. to the gallon will be found a good strength; when used stronger some buds on weakly trees may be injured. GISHURST COMPOUND is sold Retail by Nurserymen and Seedsmen, in boxes, is,, 3s., and 10s. 6d. Sach. Wholesale by Price's Patbkt Candle Company (Limited), iclusive than the above, which has been published WANTED to RENT on LEASE, HALF an ACRE to an ACRE of GROUND, within a radius of 6 or 8 miles of the British Museum, for Garden Cultivation. An open situation, contiguous to a Railway Station, preferred. Address, stating terms and all particulars, to A, B. C, PoslOfflce^ TO BE DISPOSED OF, on advantageous terms, and mav be entered upon immediately, an OLD ESTABLISHED NURSERY, eligibly situated, adjoining a large and important town, surrounded by an excellent neitihbouruood, and having every facility for carrying on an extensive business. — Address, G. H,, Mr. Cooper, Seed Merchant, 152, Fleet Street, London, E.C. County of Suffolk. TO BE SOLD or LET,' by Private Contract, a. FREEHOLD ESTATE of about 1300 Acres, with valuable i-ights of Common, situated in a good Sporting district, where Game abounds. There is an old Hall on the property, with Stables, Garden, Pleasure Grounds, Ac, but excellent T* - ' ' '- """ Mansion, if required. Distant about four Railway Station. For particulars apply to Sjptiuds Davidson, Esq., Weavers* Hall, Basiughall Street, London, E.C. Land for Sale. WILLIAM LAWSuN, of Blennerhasset, offers for SALE about 582 Acres of Valuable Property, comprising hia PARK HOUSE NEWBIGGIN, PRIOR HALL, and PRIOR HALL MILL ESTATES, in the Parishes of Toipenhow and Ireby, in the County of Cumberland. Itii - - ■ ■ - and Keswick. various ages; a few Cottages, an excellent Lhuib •^kio.h,, mwu Kiln ; a well-accustomed Flour Mill ; and some substantial Sets of Farm Buildings, recently owned by the late Sir Wilfrid Lawson, of Bray ton. for Troutf and the "fcockshot Stream, which touch the pro- perty for miles, giving the chance of Splendid Imgation. Part of the Ground is in high (almost Garden) condition, having been deeply steam cultivated by the owner. For a Country Residence, this place is well adapted— situated between the Sol- way Frith and the Cumberland Lake District, abundance of good neighbourhood, three Parish Churches i Speedy possession of the whole can be given. It will be Publicly Sold, in whole or in part, : Carlisle, at 2 p.m. exactly, on SATURDAY. Jai disposed of by Pr.vate Treaty, ur otherwise. All the Property will be s' • ' ■-' '■ — cations to Georoe Glasshiio, Pre=ont Prices and furtho Lawson, Blennerhasset, Cumberland. Freehold and Tithe Free. Sales Jig ^twtion. LUlum aoratum. MK. J- C. STEVJiNS will, SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covcnt Garden, W.C., -— • '--=•- h.or-pa3t 12 o'clock precisely. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Januaby 11, 1868. Royal Ascot Vine. J NO. STANDISH is prepared to send by post strong GRAFTS of the above VINE to iiny part of Great Britalo at lOs. Qd. each, and 6d. the postage. He haa no hesitntiou in saying that if side-grafted on any other strong Vine, just as the sap Is lising, it will unite immediately, and bear a sample of bunches the same season, or within six months from the time of putLiug the craft. Persons not used to grafting can have a sketch, and how to do it, and the treatment afterwards. Also Plants now for !S;Ue, in 6-mcb pots, 42s. each. Royal Nurseries, Ascot, Berks. R OYAL VINEYAKU PEACH.— This remarkable Peach is of very robust habit, and is a most prolific bearer. - hardy, that in 18i>5 it bore a heavy crop of large fruit : luscious flavom-, with a superabundance of juice, and is just sufficiently piquant to render it highlv refreshing. The time of ripening is about a week earlier than the'Barrington Peach. John & CaARLEs IjEe have much pleasure in introduciog this extraordinary Peach, which was exhibited at Mr. Webber's, in Covent Garden Market, in 1665, and was much admired and inquired after at the Dwarf Maiden Tret j ^ „,.. Royal Vineyard Nui-sery and Seed Establishment, Hammersmith, B now ready, price 10s. Gd. each. New Hybrid Prize Melon, Golden Queen. STUART AND MfcilN, Seedsmen, Kelso, N B., have much pleasure in sending out the above NEW MELON. It is n hybrid between the iiromham Hall and Golden Perfection, and variety. The above description is that of Mr. B. S. Willis Victoria Nurseries, London, and Mr. Rose, p • - ■ Grace the Duke of Koxburghe, Floors Castle. Gardener to Her Mejesty the Queen, at Frogmoi^, „„ , ,„^ fruit was submitted, and who pronounced it the ^uest green-fleshed Melon they had ever tasted. It w.is named Golden Queen by Mr Williams, in honour of Her Mujescy's visit to Kelso. S, & M. may add that this flrat-class variety is of hardy constitution, a free setter, and has been awai'ded a Prize wherever exhibited. In sealed packets, price 2s. Gii. The usual discount to the Trade F Clearance Sale. INE rTRAMID PEARS, APPLES, CHERRIES, PLUMS, and TRAINED WALL TREES ; One Million atrona QUICK and ASH ; many Tnousand LAURELS and STANDARD HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES, best selected sorts; a flno collection of CONIFERS. Prices on application All kinds of AGRICULTURAL and GARDEN SEEDS. GRASS SEEDS for allsjils. George Davison. Hereford. FIFTY ACRES well stocked with FRUIT TREES to select from. — APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, in oveiy form desired for fruiting. See RicHiHD SMiru's FRUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps. RicnAKD Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. IJISPALIER and WALL-TRAINED TREES -l-i In any quantity.— APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES. NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, fine strong trees of perfect form. See RicHiRn Smrn's FRUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps RicHiBD Smith, Nurseryman, Wo ' A CROP of FRUIT the FIRST SEASON.- X\~ Beai-ing Pyi-amids and Bushes in pots for orchard bouses. PEACHES. NECTARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS PLUMS, and CHERRIES. Estra strong VINES and FIGS ui B Smito, Nurseryman, Worcester. RICHARD SMITH'S SEED CATALOGUE contains a Calendar of Time for Sowing, particulars of Collections, with Prices, Directions for Cropping well and economically. Soil, Manure, Depth, Distance. Season, Hardiness, Duration, Form, Height Colour, Storing, Use, Fl.ivour, and other qualities described. This List free by post for one stamp. SKEDS direct from the Growers, the surest way to success. ■D c ,Seed Merchant, Worcesti J New Zealand Nursery. St. Alban's, Herts. WATSON'S beautiful BEDDIi\G PELARGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready ; colour of (ndian Yellow • fine truss, and habit of Lord Palmerston. Price Us. each ; 30s. per doz to the Trade, MISS WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1 The Two have received 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money Fme New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN, Ripe in April. PlantsreadyinNovember, 5s. each ; 305.perdoz tothelrade DESCRIPTIVE LIST sent on application. iUUM AUUATUM, largest size Bulbs.— Several cases of finest selected Bulbs, carefully packed for healthy transit, are advised to arrive DIRECT FROM JAPAN early in February. These Bulbs have been selected with greatest care by Mr James Walter, Jun,, an English practical Botanist, resident in Japan" each Bulb having been t.^ken up when in perfect rest and maturity thus securing tueir arrival in condition desired by Gardeners The Consignee is Batisfiad that the Bulbs are larger, and in far better condition than any yet sent from Japan. These splendid Bulba will ^^ ^9. '^ h^^^ °^ "°'^ '^^s ^^^^ Ten, at 6*-. for each large Bulb. Address Mr. T. Mopham, Head Gardener to Mjyor Walter. Verulam, Wallasey. Cheshire. T^ To the Trade Only. BOMAS CRIPPS AND SON'S "WHOLESALE ^dT£nT-^k9^J?J^f?'' ^^^ present Season, containing 62 panes of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, can bo had Post Free. It will be S^i^wS^i vR^oocS^t.S^^x^l^^^-^^'^'^I^ PRUNUS (CERASUS) MAHALEB. ROSSEELS'NEW GOLDEN ELM NEW AnriIRA«f HYDRANGEAS, OSMANTHUS, WEiSelaS and evert novelty of merit. COPRESSUS LAWSON^ANA SEED in Sny qSantitJ Ibe Nurseries, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. iiTX!.^®T*^Sl®ATfsncultural, and Hower Seeds, MlbCEXLANEOUS HARDY BIDDING PLANTS SW^ET R VIOLETS, ic. Vl^^Lrl^^^^^ '"^Ss to announce that his CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS ot tne finest kinds In cultivation of the above-named. Is now published Ki"',;™' forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have all been procured from the best possib o sources : all are warranted genuine, and are oCfered at the iSwest possible prices """anted Intendine purchasers are requested to compare the prices with those of other houBe3.-Esotlc Sursery, Tooting. Surrey, S. OISE-CHAUVlfiRE, SEBT,suKK,lfvBSEs.m^ii7i^ FLoaisi, 14, Quai de la Meglsserle, Paris, bees to inform his numerous Fnends and those interested, that he can offer the most complete collectloin of GLADIOLI bulbs, of the finest quality Afi kinds of VEGETABLE and AORICULTaRAi; SEEDS are supplied by this firm, prices of which may bo had on application Loisb-Chahtiebe has been rewarded with the GoldlSedal for the numerous plants which he eihibitol at the " Universal Exhibition," imong.st which were GLadioli, Dahlias, Gloxinias, Annuals aid Ornamental plants. ' ^=^""'"'*> »"" «UFEKB GLADIOLI, in 200 Varieties:^ KJ Selections of Early Varieties for pots or ground, 6»., 10s , and los. per dozen. Selections of RAMOSUS HYBRIDS, 3s., Gs., and ds. per dozen All the above should be planted without delay Selections of GANDAVENSIS HYBRIDS, 3s.. 6»., 98.. 12» and 165. per dozen. » * •* "^^ 100 Roots, In 10 v.irietiea, for 18s. Od 100 Roots, in 20 varieties, for 22s. 6d. 100 Roots, in 30 varieties, for 30s. Od. 100 Roots, in 60 varieties, for 45s Od 100 Roots, in 100 varieties, for 85«, Od. CHOICE LILIES, in 70 finest varieties ; selections, es 9s 12s 18s and 24s. per dozen. '' HERbACE6uS and ALPINE PLANTS. -A fine Collection of the u ?' cultivation ; a DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE Suttons' Home-grown Seeds. BUTTONS' GUINEA COLLECTION KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS. Containing the best and most useful kinds for ONE WHOLE YEAR'S SUPPLY', CARRIAGE FREE BY RAIL On receipt of Post-office Order for 21s. PRICED LISTS gratia and post free ou Sutton & Sons, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. Suttons' Grass Seeds for all Soils. gUTTON AND SONS Arc now prepared to make special quotations for their superior MIXTURES PERMANENT PASTURE, And other purposes. Apply, stating quantity required, and nature of soil to be laid down, to Si-T >■ & Sons, Reading. OBSONS' CELEBRATED PRIZE SEEDS have an immense Sale, and are supiilied by all Seedsmen, &c. OBSONS' celebrateiTprize calceolaria. The finest strain in the world. Is. Od., 2s. Cd., 3s. 6d., and Ih OBSONS' celebrated PRIZE CINERARIA has taken CO First Prizes in 6 years. Is., 2s. 6d., and 6s, OBSONS' CELEBRATED PRIZE PRIIIULA, Second to none in the Ti-ade. Is., 2s. 6d., and 6s. OBSONS' CELEBRATED PRIZE BALSAM are something maKnilicent. 8 varieties, 2s. ; mised. Is. OBSONS' SCARLET INTERMEDIATE STOCK are remarkable for their doubleness. Cd. and Is. D D OBSONS' MAMMOTE CRIMSON COCKSCOMB very large and 6ne colour. OBSONS' SPLENDID ANTIRRHINUM. Saved from 60 varieties. Cd. and Is. .OBSONS' EXTRA CHOICE SWEET "WILLIAM are mast varied and fine. Gd. and Is. (OBSON AND SONS, Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth, supply the above iu sealed packets, post free. M D AURICE TODNG'S NEW CATALOGUE of NEW HARDY PLANTS, JAPANESE NOVELTIES, NEW AUCUBAS, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS, EVER- GREENS, CONIFERS, RHODODENDRONS, FOREST TREES &c., may be had on application. ' ESIGNS, PLANS, and ESTIMATES PREPARED for LAYING-OUT NEW GROUNDS, IMPROVING PARK SCENERY, PLANTATIONS, Sc. F^ Convenient railway accommodation to all parts of the country. Milford Nurseries, near Godalminj,', Smroy. T Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, N. TT/'M. PAUL begs to announce that he has the T Y following COLLECTIONS of TREES and PLANTS now ready for delivery, which he can confidently recommend for quality and price :— ■» ^ ROSES.-100,000 Plants, Standards, Dwarf Standards, and Dwarfs. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CAT ALOGtJE free on application. REES and SHRUBS.— Large quantities of the popular L Nursery Plants, of all sizes, good and cheap. A choice variety of PICTORIAL TREES, his collection of which was the only one which received a Prize at the International Exhibition of 1SG6. AMERICAN PLANTS. — Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmias, Heaths, 4c., in variety, from the commonest to the choicest. FRUIT TREES. — Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums, Figs, Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, 4c., 4c. ; Standards, Dwarfs, and Pyramids, trained and untrained. A large stock of handsome trees, many in a fruiting state. RAPE VINES. -All the best sorts, both Planting and Fruiting Canes. 3ELARG0NIUMS.— Beaton's and other Zonal kinds, Gold, Bronze, and Silver variegated, a flue collection. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES of any or all of the ^""■3 free by post. AYNBIRD, CALDECOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited), Corn, Seed, Mancre, and Oilcake Mebchants. Address, 89, Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.G. ; or Basingstoke. and Prices post free on application. Prize Medals, 1851, G R for Wheat; 1862. for " Excellent Seed Corn and Seeds." To the Trade.— Continental Flower Seeds, &c. TTi W. WENDEL, Seed AIeuchant and Grower, X • Erfurt, Prussia, begs to announce that his WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of the above is now ready, and may bo had free and j3aid on ap^ication to his Agent, Geo. Macintosh, Nurseryman OHN CRANSTON'S CATALOGUE of SELECTED ROSES \s now ready, and will be forwarded I and climate of his Nurseries a illed for the Cultivation of Roses :— Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, London. June 19.— 24 Vai ieties. Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE Cirencester. June 19.— 3C Varieties, Cut Rosep. three trusses each, FIRST PRIZE ■* Clifton. June 25.— 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, one tmss each, FIRST PRIZE Crystal Palace. June 29.-72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington. July 2.— V2 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each. FIRST PRIZE Birmingham. July4,5.— 72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, three trusses each, FIRST PRIZE Hereford. July 9.— 72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, three trusses each, FIRST PRIZE Rugby July 12.-72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE Nurseries, Kings Acre, near Hereford, R OSES, RHODODENDRONS, &c. The largest and most select stock in the kingdom. 3igh Road, Hammersmith, London, T Established 1806. EOMAS HANDASYDE and DAVIDSON have to intimate that their NURSERY TRADE LIST is now pub- lished, and will be forwarded on application. Thomas Handasvde 4 Davidson, Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, 24, Cockburn Street, Edinburgh. Nurseries at Brunstane Glen, Musselburgh. S Becij's Seedling Pelargoniums. GLENDINNING and SONS are no\v offering for vT,r,*. ^^^ ^'^^^ ^'"^^ ^^^ ^2 beautiful, new, and distinct PELARGO- NIUMS raised by Mr. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Becr, Esq., of Islcworth, DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may be had on application. Chisffick Nurseries, London, W. li to 2 ft., 605. per 100 ; 2 to 21 ft., per 100 ; 3 to 4 ft., UOs. per 100 PRIVET, Evergreen and Common, planted, 30a. per 1000 APPLKS, Standards, best varieties. 40s. per 100 QUICKS, extra strong, 5 and 6 years old, thrice tranaplanted. strong, thrice traos- Rhododenoron s, As Exhibited at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park. T OHN WATKRER, the Exhibitor at the above Gardens, O has pleasure in announcing that hia CATALOGUE of the above popular Plants is now published, and will be forwarded to all applicants. It f.iithfully describes all the varieties considered worthy of cultivation. It contains likewise a selectioa of HARDY CONIFERS, with heights and prices. The American Nursery, Bagshot, Surrey. Rhododendrons, &c. JAMES SMITH, Darley Dale Nurseries, near Matlock, offers the foIlo\vmg :— 160,000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, beautiful healthy pla' atolSir"*-"" ■"' -— IHODOD li foot. ; 50,000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, fine plants, 14 to 2 leot 25s per 100; £12 per 1000 ' 10,000 RHODODENDRON WHITE MAXIMUM, 1 to IJ foot 6.S. per dozen : 30s. per lOO 20.000 RHODODENDRON HIRSUTUM, the Dwarf Alpine Rhodo- dendron.—Nice little plants, 3s. per dozen ; 15j*. per 100 10.000 RHODODENDRON HYBRIDUMi 1 to li foot, buihy plants 5s. per dozen ; 30s. per 100 5,000 AZALEA PONTICUM, the sweet Azalea.— Beahtiful bushy plants, 12 to 18 inches, mostly in bloom bud, 3s. per dozen; 20s. per 100. Ditto, 16 to 24 ins., 6s. per dozen ; 30s. per 100 50,000 HARDY HEATHS, in about 20 varieties.- Good plants, in fine health, 3s. to 4s. per dozen ; 10s. to I63. per 100. Also about 20 varieties at 6s. to 7s. per dozen 12,000 DOUBLE WHIN, GORSE, or FURZE, nice plants, well rooted, 2s. Gd. per dozen ; 12s. per 100. Also, in pots, at 4s. per dozen ; 20s. per 100 30,000 COTONEASTER MICROPHYLLA, 0 to 12 inches, 2s. Gd per doz. ; 12s. per 100. li to 2 feet, 3s. per doz. ; l5s. per 100 20,000 ARBOR-VIT^, AMERICAN, beautitul plants, with flue roots, 1} to 2 feet, 2s. per dozen ; 12s. per 100. 2 to 3 feet, 2s. per dozen ; 15s. per 100. 2i to 3 feet. 2s. Gd. per dozen ; 18s. per 100. 3 to 4 feet, 3s, per dozen ; 203. per 100. 4 to 5 fo-t, 6s. per dozen : 6 to 6 feet, 12s. per dozen 6,000 PORTUGAL LAURELS. 2 to 3 feet, beautiful plants, thrice transi'l need, flne roots, 4s. per donen : i;Os. per 100 40,000 EVERQREiUN PRIVET, 2 to 3 feet, fine plants for Hedges or Giimo Co^^-rt. 2s. Gd. per 100 ; 22s. per 1000 10,000 IRISH IVV, nice plants, 2s. per dozen ; Ss. pur 100 900,000 LARCH, transplanted, fiue healthy plants, not the least injured by Irost or any disease, li to 2 feet, 14s. per 1000 ; 2 to 3 feet, IGs. per 1000; 3 to 4 feet, 18s. perlOUO; 4 to 5 feet. 19s. per 1000 All the above will be delivered free at Matlock Bridge, or Darley Stations, on the Midland Railway. A CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, including Forest Trees, Flowering Shrubs, named Rhododendrons, &c., sent free by post. The Trade supplied. Apply to James Smith, Darley Dale Nurseries, near Matlock. ■^HREE MILLION strong 4-yr. tran.^planted QUICK. 1,000,000 good 2-yr. transplanted QUICK. 2,000.000 superior Seedling QUICK. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 4 to 0 feet. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 2 to 4 feet. For samples and prices apply to John Hemsley, High Fields, Melbourne, near Derby. Green Hollies, 4 to 7 feet. GEORGE CHIVAS, Chester, offers several Thousands of the above, very handsome plants, in excelleut condition for removing ; also an exceedingly large stock of extra strong THORNS and many Millions of FOREST TREES, includiug LARCH of all sizes, SCOTCH FIR, twice transplanted, li to 3 leet ; SPRUCE ' ♦" 3i fee^,_thin_ on_tbe gi'ound ; ASH, 21 to 6 feet; ELM, Transplanted Forest Trees. WATERER AND GODFREY have a lari of the following, of a very superior quality :- ALDER, 2 to 3 ft. and ASH, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 6 ft. ACACIAS, 3 to 4 ft. BIRCH, 2 to 3 ft., 3 to 4 ft., and FIB, Larch, 4 to 6 ft. HAZEL, 3 to 4 ft. OAK, English, 1* to ; QUICK, very strong. iQ application. Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. Planting Season. DICKSONS AND CO., Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, 1, Waterloo Place, Edieburgli, have this season a flno healthy stock of all kinds of FOREST TREES, which have been grown on exposed ground and tliio in the lines, comprising LARCH (Native and Tyrolese), 1, 2, and 3-yr., transplanted; SCOTCH FIR, trom true native seed, 2 and 3-yr., twice transplanted; SPRUCE, 2. 3, and 4-yr., twice transplanted ; OAK, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 4 ft., ■ a fine; ASH. 2 to 3 ft. and 4 ft., extra: SPANISH CHESTNUT, 4 ft., very flue; ELM, 3 to 4 ft. ; ALDER, 2 to 3 ft. and 4 ft., strong ; LIMES, of all sizes, from 3 to 12 ft. ; POPLARS and WILLOWS, of all sizes; EVERGREEN PRIVET, extra strong; THORNS and BEECH for hedges, and all kinds of plants suitable for cover for game. oRN *^"^^''" * ' ■"'...•".. . -" FRUIT TREES, ROSES, GF and FERNS in great variety. PRICED CATALOGUES free on application. Editorial Communications sbouid be addressed to '■ The Editor." Advertisements and Business Letters to " The PubliBher," at the Office, 41, Wcllinifton Street, Coveut Gaidea. London, W.C. Printed by J*«BB Matthews, at the Office of Messrs. BfiADfluaT, Evans, & Co.. Lombard Street, Precinct of Whitefriars, City of London, in the Co, of Middlesex, and Published by the said J Office, No, 41, Wellington " ' " in the said County.— Satit . Paul's, Covent Garden, / / THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE I I AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 3.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, JANUARY 18. Butter, Hi.lstei Clnydpn, Mr. J Vi^Tv^iom^^^^"" ...W ft- FlRCutture ...51 «- Fnuts.new GardoninR. «pitnR GrupcJuJgin;; Heat, CL'onomising LnbouriTa Mrlons, Into Pari! exhibition awards , PelargonimuB, double Poultry J'runinjr, forpst tree . . . KAiiifall nt Wclbcclc ... Shorthorns , Sliruhland Park. father prpclictions . , a-ic BUTTONS' SELECT SEED LIST IS NOW READY. Gratis on application^ S~UTTON S ' A WJ.T E U R ' S~ GUTl) E IS NOW READY. Price \a. ; Rratla to customers. Genuine Garden Seeds. W Hifihgato Nurseries. London, N. Catalogue of Garden and Flower ^SeedsT ' WM. WOOD AND SON will be happy to forward Copies ol the above post frco on application. Addrcaa. Woudlani?^i''of tp'-p^i'c.^JlSS'.'™ ^"" '""" """■ "'""'"'' ""-S'''- KjfKldy, nb" * '^°'"' ^'""=''1°'™ Ml Seed Merchants, Rnii FRTTr^*^^~^^**»l°8Se: OIJliRl SIM Will send, post tree for sLt postage ■„nl„Hi„°'",''H' ^"^4- '?''l'* J""™' ""■' ""eir varieties, 30 pagM, mVE CAfirom?F"S'n^'',?i^fil''"2l of his PRICED faEsfiRTp: UVU, CAlALOGUEof BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS No 7 Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E. ' EXTRA LARGE ELMS, for Ornamental Planting.— Fine ENGLISH and HUNTINGDON ELMS, S to 10 feet, well-grown and handsome. Fine Specimen Standard SCARLET HORSE CHESTNUT.S, 0 to 10 feet, for Avenues. Wii. Wood ft Son. Woodlands, Maresfldd,_Ucklleld, Sussex. THIRTY THOUSAND AMERICAlTARBOR-VrES, from 3 to 0 feet, verv suitable for Hodges. Wm. Wood ft Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfield, near Uckflold, Sussex. ONE "HUNDREO THOUSAND tine Transplanted COMMON LAURELS, from I) to 3 feet. Wm. Wood ft Son, Woodlands NurseiT, Maresfield, nepj Uckfleld, Sussex. rpWENTY HE 0 N L for GRASS SHEfi' ars Cabtku ft Co.. :;; THOU.SAND PIN US AUSTRIACA. 1.000 fine Transplanted SCOTCH FIRS. Extra stout well-grown BLACK ITALIAN and LOMBARDY POPLARS, 6 to 10 feet. _ Wm. Wood 4 S»N. Maresfield, Uckfleld, Sussex. To Nurserymen and the Trade. WE are now priiiared to take up orders for True TYROLESE LARCH SEED. BLACK AUSTRIAN PINE, and SCOTCH FIR; Samples and prices of which will be forwarded on application. FatDitRicR p'iNa ft Co., Hop and Seed Exchange, Borough, S.E. P" ROFITABLE GAMK^COVERTT-^'linYyour Game Preserves with the BITTER WILLOW. Neither Hares nor Rabbits will destroy them. Grow quickly, nod will form a good Cover in one season. The produce 18 commercially profltable, and always finds a reaoy market. Price of Cuttings, selected, 20s. per 1000, cash. App y to Wm. Scali.vo, Basford, Notts. (Price Fivepence. (.Stamped Edition, (id. PRIZE MEDAL II l«, l-i;:, w.is awarded to ... Il'ii Holborn, London, W.C. ■ I' i; 1 z e" m e u a"l ;i, h-, lAUlS, 1807. was awarded to SUTTONS' COLLECTIONS of GENUINE HOMli- QROWN SEEDS ARE NOW READY'. For prices, see page 5 of QartUncrn' Chroniclii, January 4. Notice.! PURCHASERS of LARGE QUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEEDS will be supplied liberally by Sutton ft Sons. For prices apply (stating quantity reqnlredl to .Sutton ft Sons. Koval Berkshire Seed Estahlishnient. Reading. Seeds Direct from the Growers Tbe Best Means op PiievENiiKO Disappointment. BUTTONS' PRICED CATALOGUE of GENUINE HOME-GROWN SEEDS Is now ready, and may bo had gratis and post free on application. SoTTON ft Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. 1 Q^Q —CHOICE NEW VEGETABLE' and XOUO. FLOWER SEED.S, POTATOS, ftc. PRICED LIST post free. James Dickson ft Sons, 102, Ea.stgato .Street, Chester. EVERY GARDEN REQUISITE kept in Stock at Carter's New Seed Warehou.se, 2.J7 & 2;{s, High Holborn, London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. JAMES C A K T E It a n d C 0., Seed Farmers, Merchants, and Nurserymen, 237 4238, High llnlliunr, Liniil.ni, W.C. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. "JAMES FAIRHEAD and mjX, .Sklii Guowers and :. 7, Borough Market, and Uriintroe, Essex. "D AYNBIRD, CALDKCOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, ' '■ D COMPANY (Limited), Corn, Seei Ma ND On Me for Wheat ; 1802. for " Excellent .Seed Corn and Seeds." Agricultural and Garden Seeds. HAND F. SHARPE beg tc , thof fhoi. SPllT'IAT. T TST to the Trade that their SPECIAL LIST of HOME-GROWN SEEDS, 1807 Growth, Is now ready, and may be had on application. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech, Cambs. Lincolnshire Red Globe Turnip Seed, HAND F. SHARPE have a splendid Stoek of the • above, grown last season from selected Transplanted Bulbi. Price very moderate. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. UCUMBER ^I'LANTS, Wholesal^and^RetaUT Sixteen choice TRICOLOR and other GERANIUMS for 21«. G. Wai.lxling, Nurserym.an, High Road. Lewisham, S.E. HETONG-STANDER LiiTTUCE.— Fine, crisp, and excellent, stands longer without runnlDR than any Lettuce extant. Packets, 1.*. each. Price to the Trade on application. Stephen Brown, Seed Grower, Sudbury, SulTolk. rpHl HENRVS PRlZhl HYBRID LEEK is quite distinct from any other sort, is the largest in Cultivation, and Eerfcctly hardy. Free by post, la. per packet or 12 Stamps. To bo ad direct from Downie, Ijahid, & Lainc, Seedsmen, 17, Frederick Edinburgh, and Stanstead I'lirlc, Forest Hill, iiondon. S.E. TRUE READING ONION SEED may be had direct from ScTTOs & Sons, Seed Urowers, Reading. Lowefat price per lb, on application. Mackie's Monarch Long-pod Beans. HANi> F. SHARPE hjivo u True Stock ot the above, • all hand-picked, and good size and colour, which they can ofler to the Trade at a inoder.'He price, Seed-Growing Establishment, Wisbech. ^The very Earliest and Best Pea in cultivation. ~ SU T T 0 N S ' RINGLEADER. IVico 2s. Cd. per quart. The Best New Potato for IsesTs SUTIONS' BERKSHIRK KID.NEY, os. per peck, 17s. (mI. per bu.sliel. carrmnc free. SoTTON & Sons, Royal Berks Scud KsLiiLiiisbment, Reading. Choice and True Potatos for Planting. SUTTON S" DESCRimVE LIST ol the BEST SORTS la now ready, and may be had gratis and post froo on applicaiiou. Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. SEED I'OTATOS. —Thirty Tons o f EARLY ROUND and KIDNEYS, in be! - S"^ w ARRANTED TRUE MILKY-WHITE I'UTAIO.— Four Sack.s for .Sale to the Trade, prico tl 2.*. per sack of , delivered to tho Calno Railway Station. Foht Olflco Order to accompany orders. M . L. Ciiivins, Corton Hill, Calne. Wilts. ILICY WHITE POTATO.— Well-knowu t acknowledged to be tho best Potato iu cultivation, per peck of 14 lb. ; or 15.*. per bushel of 6G lb. Guaranteed t 1 free from disease. OKon iWij D, 01. \p[>l: 1 Warehouae. Gloucester. lo orter, about 3 to IS at jEo per Ton. iVK, Carlible. JERUSALEM Al; i I li' 4 Tons of tho :t I Apply to 1,1 : ;, Robinson's Champion Druinhead~Cabbage Seed. HAND F. SUARl'E have a fine stock ul the above, • which they cnn offer to the Trade at a very low price. Seed Growing Establlshmeut, Wisbech. _ New Striped Japanese Maize. SUTTON AM) SUNS .^an supplv Seed of the ahove beautiful ornanientiiMl'liagc pluut, m packets. Is., L'*. Ct/., and bs. each, post fr«e. Kojal Beika ^eed E^tabliihment, Reading. THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [Januaet 18, 1868. RliododeadTons. As EXBIBITKD AT TEE ROYAL BoTASIC GARDENS, RkOEST'S FaRR. JOHN "WATERER, the Exhibitor at the above Gardens, has pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGDE of the above popular Flnnts is now published, and will be forwarded to all applicants. It faithfully describes all the varieties considered worthy of ciiltivation. It contains likewise a selection of HAIIDT CONIFEKS, with heights and prices. The American Nursery, Bagshot, Surrey. ROSES, RHODODENDRONS, &c. The largest and most select stock in the kingdom. ROSES on own roots, dwarfs, 40s. per 100 RHODODENDRONS, strong and bushy, 1 to IJ ft., 40s. per 100 ; li to 2 ft.. 505. per 100; 2 to 21 ft., GOs. perlOO; 2i to 3 ft., 8(is, per 100 ; 3 to 4 ft., 120s. per 100 PRIVET, Evergreen and Common, estra strong, thrice trans- planted, 30s. per 1000 APPLKS, Standards, best varieties, 40s. per 100 QDICKS, extra strong, 5 and 6 years old, thrice transplanted. Price on application to B. WiiiTUAM, The Nui-sQriea, Reddish, near Stockport. TA, NDARD ROSE HYBRID FERPETUALS and others, 18s. per dozen. HALF STANDARDS, 16s. per dOzea. ROSES, in 6-inch pots, for Forcing or (ireenhouse Culture. HYBRID PERPETDALS, TEA-SCENTED, and NOISETTES, Ms. to 30k. per dozen. Wm. Wood & Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, neai- Uckflold, OHN CRANSTON'S CATALOGUE of SELECTED ROSES Ifi now ready, and will be forwarded Rose Shows of the present year, proving beyond a doubt that the soil and climate of his Nurscrii of Roses :■ .led for the Cultivation Roval Botanic Society, Regent's Park, Londi June 19.— 24 Vaileties, Cut Roses, Cirencester. June 19.— 3G Varieties, Cut Roses, three Clifton. June26.— 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, one tniss each, Crystal Palace. July 2.-72 varieties, Cut Roses, < Birmingham. July 4, 6. — 72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one tru 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, three tr Hereford. July 9.— 72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one trui 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, three tr Rugby FIRST PRIZE each, FIRST PRIZE FIRST PRIZE FIRST PRIZE FIRST FUIZE 3 each, FIRST PRIZE RICHARD SMITH'S SEED CATALOGUE contains a Calendar of Time for Sowing, particulars of Collections, with Prices, Directions for CroppiiiR well and economically. Soil, Manure, Depth, Distance, Season, Hardiness, Duration, Form, Uettrbt, Colour, Storing, Use, Flavour, and other qualities described. This List free bv post for one stamp. Beck's Seedling Pelargoniums. GLENDIJNNING and SONS are now offering for 3 application. EstabUshed 1806. THOMAS HANDASYDE and DAVIDSON have to intimate that their NURSERY TRADE LIST is now pub- lished, and will be forwarded on application, Thomas HANnAsvnE & Davidson, Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, 24, Cockburn Street, Edinburgh. Nurseries at Bninstane Glen, Musselburgh. CINERARIAS, good numeo, in strong, blooming plants, 12 varieties 8s., or 24 in two of a sort for 12s. MONOCH.^TUMS, In best sorts, nice plants, now coming into flower. 6s. to Vs. per dozen. GLOXINIAS, nice ithes H. & R. SriitZAKEH, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. To tlie Trade Only. THOMAS CRIFPS and SOW'S WHOLESALE CATALOGUE for the present Season, containing 02 pages of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, can be had Post Free. It will bo fouud to include the NEW SILVEIUEDGED PRUNUS (CERASUS) MAHALEU, ROSSEELS" NEW GOLDEN ELM, NEW AUCUBAS, HYDRANGEAS, OSMANTHUS. WEIGELAS, and every novelty of merit. CUFRESSUS LAWSONIANA SEED in any quantity. __^^_ The Nurseries, Tunbridge Wells. Kent. __ Kitchen Garden Seeds. SEEDS OF FLOWERS, SHRUBS, And Ornamental Fruited and Foliated Plauts. BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS ROOTS AND PLANTS For Spring and Summer Planting. HOOPER AND CO.'S GENERAL CATALOGUE for 18C8, compiising a very large and varied assortment of the above subjects, with descriptions and prices, is now publishing. It will be forwarded gratis to their customers, and to intending purchasers. Publishing price. Sixpence. Hoojta & Co , Seed Merchants, Ac, Covent Garden, London, W.C. ^ Buttons' Home-grown Seeds. SUPERB GLADIOLI, in 200 Varieties. — Selections of Early Varieties for pots or ground, Bs., 10s., and Selections of RAMOSUS HYBRIDS, 3«., Cs., and 9s. per dozen. All the above should be planted without delay. 100 Roots, in 10 varietiea, for iSs. Od. 100 Roots, in 20 varieties, for 22^. Gd. 100 Roots, in 30 varieties, for 30.s-. vJ. 100 Roots, in 60 varieties, for i^. Od. 100 Roots, in 100 varieties, for S5v. Od. CHOICE LILIES, in 70 finest varieties ; aelections, 5s.. 9s. 12s., Ifo., and 24s. per dozen. HERBACEOUS and ALPINE PLANTS.— A fine Collection of the newest and best in cultivation ; a DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE just published. Stephen Brown, Seed Grower & Nurseryman, Sudbury, Suffolk. New Zealand Nursery. St. Alban's. Herts. J "WATSON'S beautiful BEDDING PELARGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready; colour of Indian Yellow; fine truss, and habit of Lord Palmerston. Price 6s. each ; 36s. per doz. to the Trade. MISS WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1. The Two have received 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money, Fine New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIFPIN, Ripi LOISE-CHAirVIERE, Seedsman, Nueseutman, and Florist^ 14, Quai de la Megisserie, Paris, begs to inform his numerous Friends and those interested, that he cau offer the most complete collection of GLADIOLI bulbs, of the finest qualitv. All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS are supplied by this firm, prices of which may be had on application, Loise'Chadviere has been rewarded with the Gold Medal for the numerous plants whicu he exhibited at the " Universal Exhibition," amongst which were Gladioli, Dahlias, Gloxinias, Annuals, and Ornamental plants. Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, MISCELLANEOUS HARDY BEDDING PLANTS, SWEET VIOLETS, &c. ROBERT PAREEK begs to announce that Ma CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of the finest kinds in cultivation of the above-named, is now published, and will be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have all been procured from the best possible sources ; all are warranted genuine, and are offered at the lowest possible prices. Intending purchasers are requested to compare the prices with those of other houses.— Exotic Nm'sery, Tooting, Surrey, S. Viola lutea (true). The quickest and best way of getting into a large and true Stock. STUART' AND MEIN, Nurserymen, Kelso, N.B., having an immense stock of the above, are induced to offer Plants at the undernoted moderate price. V. LUTEA is perfectly hardy; and is more compact in habit, and flowers more freely, than V. comuta. It has been described in the Gardeners^ Chrunicle (see October Ifi, 18G7) as " a perfect gem, invaluable for a dwarl yellow bed or edgings." 12s. Oti. per 100, package included. Price to the Trade per 100 or 1000 may be had on application. Viola Lutea (Yellow-flowered^iolet). BS. WILLIAMS has mucli pleasure in being enabled • to offer Choice and Selected Seed of the above beautiful Plant. Habit dwarf yet vigorous, foliage dark glossy green, flowers bright yellow, which are produced in great profusion all through the early Spring, Summer, and Autumn months. The plant doe not grow more than 6 inches high ; it is perfectly hardy, therefor, well adapted for small beds, edgings, or marginal lines. It is without doubt the best yellow-flowered bedding plant in cultivation, it wi spoken very highly of in the leading article of the Gardener ChroniclCt November 2. Mr. Fish, in his remarks about Viol Oct. 26, 1867), states that Viola lutea is a perfect gi -,.,_ ,__- J *„_,, u.^ ^ -..___ ,. ._ .^ bright yellow, of the ^^^V^ O U T T 0 N S- 'J '^ GUINEA COLLECTION KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, Containing the best and most useful kinds for ONE WHOLE YEAR'S SUPPLY, CARRLA.GE FREE BY RAIL On receipt of Post-offlce Order for iU. and post free on Sdtton i Sons, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. Nursery and Seed Establistiiueut, Dumfries. > 1787.) THOMAS KENNEDY and CO. will have much pleasure In sending the following DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUES to anv address on application ;— No. I.-CATALOGUE of DUTCH FLOWER ROOTS, fitc. No. II.— CATALOGUE of FOREST, FRUIT, and ORNA- MENTAL TREES. ROSKS, &c. No. III.— CATALOGUE of SELECT VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, & The Nurseries— Dumfries Railway Station, Meadows, Nithbank, Pleasance, Barkerland, Eastfleld, HoUybusb, &c. "The fulness, expansive noss, and selectness of the Catalogues of Messrs. Thomas Kennedv & Co., Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, Dumfries, proclaim in loud language their honour and respectability, and also the wide-spread nature of their dealings. We can only reiterate our former favourable commendations, and say to all who may be disposed to deal with the Firm, that they will, under all circumstances, be treated in all integrity and uprightness."— T/te FieM^lOth March, 1864. ,^^_^_^ R""TCHAKD"SMITH'S~LIStof all the EVEEGKEEN FIR TRIBE, suitable for Britain, giving size, price, popular irmation, with copious Index of their synonymi E postage stamps. i. Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. iPECIAL UPPER to APPLES, STANDARDS, 5 to 6 feet . . . . 42 PEARS, STANDARDS. 6 to 6 feet 50 RASPBERRIES, FASTOLF, true 3 RED ANTWERP .. .. 3 AILANTHUS GLANDULOSA, 3 to 4 feet . . 20 ASH, WEEPING, fine perdoz. 20 LABURNUMS, fine „ 24 AUCUBA JAPONICA, 1} feet, fine 30 LAURISTINUS. in pots, fine 21 Wi WILLOWS DIELYTRA SPECTABILIS 20 0 Rdshforth, Nurseryman, Woodhouso Hill, Leed3._ Leicester Abbey Nurseries. Royal Ascot Vine. J NO. 8TANDISH is prepared to send by post strong GRAFTS of the above VINE to any part of Great Britain at lOs. 6d. each, and Gd. the postage. He has no hesitation in saying that If side-drafted on any other strong Vine, just aa the sap is lising, it will unite immediately, and bear a sample of bunches the • within SIX months from the time of putting the :;o grafting can have a sketch, and bow to afterwards. Also Plants now for Sale, iu able for a dwarf yellow bed most compact habit, and Remarks by Mr. E. BeN> , , .. ^. "Viola lutea. which has just risen so high in the estimation of all that have seen it in perfection, is undoubtedly a little gem, and oflowermorefreely than V. cornuta' 'J, The OariUm, Osbti-tnn Sail, Worksop. flowers equally o a freely; truly valuable for forcing, and blossomed profusely with me during the past spring. Indeed it in such perfection as I have done from early spring to October, 1 am justified in saying it is a most charming addition to the flower garden, more especially for small beds and front lines, for which it IS so well adapted. Like all Violas it requries good rich soil and plenty of manure, and prefers a moist situation." Price Is. Gd,, 2s. 6(2,, and 3s. Gd. per packet. VIOLA PURPLE QUEEN, true stock, 6d. and Is. per packet. VIOLA MAUVE QUEEN, true stock, Od. and Is, per packet. B. S. Williams, Victoria aud Paradise Nursery, Upper noHo>vay,N. FRUITS, ROSES. EVERGREENS, and ORNAMENTAL TREES. THOMAS WARNER begs to remind Planters aud the Trade, that in addition to his extensive General Nursery Stock he has the following in immense quantities, of unsurpassed quality, and at very reasonable prices :— APPLES, APRICOTS, PEARS, and PLUMS, Standards, with stems 4 to 6 feet, and good heads, extra fine APRICOTS. CHERRIES, and PEACHES, Dwarfs CHERRIES and PEACHES. Dwarf-trained CURRANTS, HOUGHTON CASTLE or VICTORIA, RED, strong GRAPE VINES, BLACK HAMBURGH praft. Persons not i do it, and the 1 6-inch pots, 42*. each. Royal Nu I, Ascot, Berks. ABIES' CANADENSIS or HEMLOCK SPflUCE, 2J to 3i feet ARBOR-VIT.^, AMERICAN 3 to 5 feet, bushy and well rooted „ SIBERIAN, li to 4 feet. Pyramids, very handsome AUCUBA JAPONICA, 3 inches to 3 feet high, bushy BOX, TREE (various sorts), 1 to 2^ feet CEDRUS ARGENTEA, 1 to 4 feet, transplanted September, 180(3 CHESTNUT, SCARLET-FLOWERED, 3 to 8 feet, very stout CLEMATIS VlTALBA (Traveller's Joy), transplanted ELMS, standards (various sorts). 6 to 12 feet, extra fine IVY, IRISH, 34 to 4i feet, strong and bushy, m pots, remarkably fine POPLARS, BLACK ITALIAN and ONTARIO, 4 to 8 feet SAVIN, IJ to 24 feet SYCAMORE, COMMON. 4 to 0 feet, very fine „ VARIEGATED. 4 to 10 feet THORNS, SCARLET and PINK, Standards, 0 to 8 feet YEWS, ENGLISH and IRISH, 1 to 4 feet. See CATALOGUES, Wholesale or Retail. ROYAL VINEYARD PEACH.— This remarkable ' Peacn is of very robust habit, and is a most prolific bearer. It is so hardy, that in 18(15 it bore a heavy crop of large fi-ult as an ORCHARD ST.IVNDARU, several branches having each borne from lour to five fruit, weighing ten ounces a-piece. It is a free-stone of most luscious flavour, with a superabundance of juice, and is just sufficiently piquant to render it highly refreshing. The time of ripening is about a week earlier than the Barrington Peach. John & Cbakles Lee have much pleasure in introducing this traordinary Peach, which was exhibited at Mr. Webber's, in Covent Garden Market, in 1805, aud was much admired and inqmred after at the time. New Hybrid Prize Melon, Golden Queen. STUART AND MEIN, Seeivsmex, Ki-lso, N B., have much pleasure in sending out the above NEW MELON. It U a hybrid between the Bromham Hall and Golden Perfection, and is the result of a careful selection bv one of the first Gardeners in the North of England. The fruit is of medium size, 2 to 24 lb. in weight, round shaped, irregularly netted, extremely thin skinned, juicy, tender, melting, and of delicious flavour. A beautiful green-Qesbed variety. The above description is that of Mr, B. S, Williams, of Victoria Nurseries, London, and Mr. Rose. Head Gardener to His Grace the Duke of Boxburghe, Floors Castle, now appointed Htad Gardener to Her Mejesty the Queen, at Frogmore, to whom the fruit was submitted, and who pronounced it the finest green-fleshed Melon they had over tasted. It was named Golden Queen by Mr. Williams, in honour of Her Majesiy's visit to Kelso. S. & M. may add that this first-class variety is of hardy constitution, a free setter, and has been awarded a Prize wherever exhibited. In sealed packeta, price 2s. Gd. The Ut^ual discount to the Trade. PARAXON MELON. — Thi.s splendid new Melon was raised by Mr David Aucbterlonio, of Holmfield, Aigburtb, and is the result of careful hybridisation, in the fii-st place between Trentham hybrid and Cashmere ; a variety being thus obtaioed which was subsequently cros-sed with Golden Perfection, and from this came Paragon. It is a froe setter, and an excellent bearer, of robust l-abit, fine oval form, deep green flesh, very thin "1 for s months. It has, during the past season, proved itself a really goo'l and worthy variety, and, as the many received opinions show, one of the best Melons known. A few of these are given :— Mr. Edward Kemp, Gardener to E, T. Kearsley, Esq., Fubvood Lodge, Aigburlh. " The Paragon Melon hns given me great satisfaction, beautifully netted, a free setter, and of excellent flavour. It I consider ;"lie bubt Melons grown." Fr'om Mr. J. Everett, Oardeiier to J. Campbell, Esq., LiverimtA. "The Paragon Melon 1 consider to be of the finest flavour, equiil if not superior to Meredith's Cashmere, and much better than any " The Paragon Melon is a free setter, a large fruit, well netted, and of fine flavour. It will become a general favourite." Frovi Mr. T. Fo.ster, Gardener to Miss Yates, Farmjield, Liverpool. "The Paragon Melon 1 had from you this year is the hardiest and most delicious flavoured variety I have ever seen." Price Is. Gd. per packet. Price to the Trade oo application. GERMAN ASTERSand STOCKS.— JamesTysan begs tointimato that ho has received his importation for this season ; they are, as usual, of the highest excellence, and include the most magnifloent varieties for show and other purposes, and are made up in soiall aud large packets to suit growers. The above Seeds free by post. Also a PRICED LIST of SEEDS. James TyNAS. Seed Warehouse, C8, Great George Street, Liverpool. New Green-fleshed Melon, Broadlands, NEW CUCUMBER, HORTON PROLIFIC. JELCOMBE AND SON, Nurserymen aud • Seei>bmen, Romsey, have great pleasure in introducing the above new and distinct varietiea. The Melon ia a cross between the Bromham Hall and Crystal Palace, most deliciously flavoured, extremely thin skinned, and gieat bearer. It has the most desirable quality of keeping well till very late in the season. " > . -r, Palmerston, where entirely giving plai ~ ' Sardene invaluable variety, keeping well for table till Christmas. 2a. Grf. per packet. The New Cucumber, Horton Prolific, either for winter-forcing or spring and sami 30 inchetj in length, and can with confidence be recommended as the most prolific variety in cultivation. Price per packet, 2^*. London Wholesale Agents; Messrs. Hdkst & Son, Seedsmen, Jfcc, 0 Leadenhall Street, London ; Messrs. Beos. HeNOERSON, & Cuilu, Seed Merchants, 221 and 222. Upper Thames Street, London. Nursery and Seed Establish me at, Romsey, Hants. New and Improved Pears. MR. DE JONGHE oflers for Sale, in strong aod healthy specimens, on the Poai- and 00 good Quince Stock, the following varieties of New Pear Sorts :- BEZI MAI. 3, 4, to S years, 2 to 10 Irancs each. CHARLI BASINER. 2. 3, and 4 years, 3 to 8 francs each. COLMAR DE JONGHE, 2, 3, aud 4 years, 6 to 8 francs each. JOLY DE BONNEAU, 2. 3, and 6 years, 3 to H francs each. LA GROSSE FIGUE, 2, 3, and 4 years, 5 to 10 francs each. POIRE BASINER, one of the best Late Dessert Pears, 2, 3, 4, aod 5 years, 5 to 10 irancs each. Printed Monographic Descriptions, with the outline figures of he Fruits, can be had on application to Mr. de Jonube, St. Gilles. Brussels. All Packages will be sent free to London. Orders received after the end of the month of February cannot be executed. To Planters, WOOD ANi> INGRAM beg to ofler the following ; ACACIA. COMMON, 10 to 12 feet, 60a. per 100 ALDER, COMMON,^ to 5 feet, 26s. ; 6 to 8 feet, 40s. per 100 ELM, NARROW-LEAVED ENGLISH, 4 to 6 feet, 40«. per 1000 „ HUNTINGDON and HERTS, 6 to 8 feet, 36a. ; 12 to 14 leot, very fine for avenue planting, 100«. per 100 FIR. SPRUCE, li to 2 feet. 2.is., 2 to 3 feet, Si**, per 1000 WHITE and BLACK AMERICAN, 3 to 4feet, 20s.; 4 to 6 feet, 25s-. ; 5 to C feet. 3,0«. per 100 MAPLE, ENGLISH, 2-yr. SeedUng, extra flue, Gs. ; 2 to 3 feet, 26s, per 1000 POPLAR, BLACK ITALIAN, 10 to 12 feet, l&s. per 100 OAK. TURKEV, 2-yr. Seedling, fine. Ts. per lOOO POPLAR, ONTARIO or AMERICAN, 6 to 6 feet, 8s.; C to 8 feet. 10s. per 100 ; 12 to 14 feet, Os. ; 14 to 16 feet, IBs. per dozen ARBOR- VIT.^, AMERICAN, 3 to 4 feet, 40s. per 100 „ SIBERIAN, 2 to 2i feet, 60a. ; 2i to 3 feet, very bushy, ros. per 100 LOBBII, very handsome specimens, 6 to C feet, 3fo. ; 6 to 7 feet, 48.^. ; 7 to 8 feet. 00s. per dozen AUCUBA JAPONICA, fine bushy stuff, 1 to IJ feet, GQs. ; 11 to 2 feat, SOs. ; 2 to 21 feet, 125s. per 100 CEDAR. REDVIRGINIAN 3to4feet, 15s. ; 4 to 5 ft, 2ls. per doz. CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, splendid specimens, 4 to 5 feet, 30s, ; 5 to 6 feet, OOk. per dozen MACROCARPA, 4 to 6 feet, 15s. ; 6 to 0 ft., ISs. per doz. LAuAeL. PORTUGAL, IJ to 2 teet, 203. ; 2 to 3 feet. 35s. per lOO JUNIPERS, ENGLISH, 4 to 6 feet, fine, lOOs. per 100 MAHONIA (8ERBERIS) AQUIFOLIA. 2 to 2J feet, 15s. per 100 YEW, COMMON, 1 to li feet, 25s. ; IJ to 2 feet, 36s. ; 2 to 2i feet, 46s. per 100. The Nui-aenes, Huntingdon. January 18, 18fi8.1 THE GARDENEES' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 47 M^ FBUIT AITLES, PEARS, PLUMfe, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS. Wm. Wood & Son have many Acres of the above named, which for health and vigour are quite unaurpassod in the Trade. The Trees have been most carefully trained, and are really examples of successful cultivation. Address, Woodlands Nurserj', Maresliold, near Ucklield, Sussex. SfSONG ^Sl'ANDAKD" ^UKi" DWAKI'-TKAINED APPLES and PEARS. Fine transplanted LARCH KIR, 1( to 0 feet Bushy LAURUSTINUS, LAURELS, and liOX TREES CHISESE ARBOR-VITjE, 6 to 0 leet, line Pyramids A choice oolleetiou of CONIFER-'E A large assortment of STANDARD and DWARF PERPKTnAL. and strong DWARF CHINA or MONTHLY ROBES, and a general NtJllSERY STOCK. All the above are well rooted, and will remove with safety. Prices on application to CiiAaLEs Bdroess, The Nurseries, London Road, Cheltenham. Clearance Sale. FINE PYRAMID I'KARS, APPLES, CHERRIES, PLUMS, and TRAINED WALL TREES : One Million strong QUICK and ASH : many Thousand LAURELS and STANDARD HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES, best selected sorts; a Biie collection of CONIFERS. Prices on application. All kinds of AGRICULTURAL and GARDEN SEEDS. GRASS SEEDS for FIFTY ACRES WfU stocked with FRUIT TREES til select from.— APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, in every (orm desired for fruiting. See RicuAnn Smitei's FitUIT LIST, free by post for 3 Btamps. TnSPALIKK ana WALL-TRAINED TREES Li in nnv (|nantitv.-API'LE.S, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES. NECTARINISS, and APRICOTS, flna strong trees of perfect form. PEACHES, NECTARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and CHERRIES. Extra strong VINES and FIGS in ftaiillng condition for fore " , Worcester. Special Offer to the Trade. SCOTCH FIKS, lU to 15 inches, 2-yr. Transplanted, lOg. Gd per 1000. LARCH. 2! to 3i feet, 12*. per 1000 ; 3 to 4 feet, 12s. per 1000. Grown upon high land, stout and well rooted. Apply to J. Smith, Senior, Tansley, Nurseries, Matlock, Derbyshire. ». ' J\S11, z*yr., JJ*. ; uccvjii, o-yr., «!. ou. ; Ji^uuir.^. i-vr., o*. ; OAK, 3-yr . 7s. Od. : QUICK, 1-yr., Is. M. ; SILVER PHI, 6-vr., Ha. ed. : SPRUCE, 6-yr., 3s. Ci ; CRAB. 3-yr.. 6s. : and SYCAMOIlE, 3-jr., 3s. Gd. per 1000. Cheaper by the 100,000. Apply to J. RiDDELL, Park Attwood, Bewdley, Worcestei-sbire. ; SCOTCH FIR, 1 to 2 feet, li«. j SPRUCE, .•Kit FIB, 0 to 12 Ins., 6s. ; OAK, 1) to 2i feet, (.1 other TREES on application. Special ■uitities. Apply, with reference, to vu.l. PArk Attwuod,B6wdley, Worcestershire. _ . 1 LABDRNU'ti.S, and smaller The above nmsr, bo removed, and will bo Sold at a low price. N.B. A GENERAL CATALOGUE ol NURSERY STOCK of all kinds, priced and descriptive, on .application to Wm. Fostlr, Nurseryman, Stroud, Gloucestershire. FECIAL OFFER of SURPLUS STOCK.— ARAUCAKIA miil'ICATA, 10 to 12ft., 63s. to 105s. each. CUPRES.SUS LAWSONIANA, 4 toSft.,bushy, £5 per 100. 6 to Oft., „ ir 10 per 100. THUJOPSIS BOREALIS, IJ to 2 ft, fine, £5 per 100. 2i to 31 ft., fine, £7 10 per 100. Apply f ' H I,\-.; ,*'; S 1 1 s. Nurseries, Great Berkhampstead, Herts. JUS 1 !' 1 1 > .1 1 I 1 1 , JiJN., Moor Edge Nurseries, Tanslev, ., ,1 :, i, t. offer a large and GENERAL NURSESY' STi'i I., . ■, Fiire>t Trees and Ornamental Shrubs and LAi:cii,i;i ■. I. f. rind 4 to 5 feet, 135. per 1000. RHoD01>i;\ I . . I ' I :r.\I. 8 to 12 inches, 90s. per 1000; 9 to 16 Ins.. l:; It ,160s.p.l000;lUo2ft.,260s.p.l000. ri:l' III I \l AI.DGUE on application. Spi-oitii oUeib iiiuue to large purchasers. IlIUSI AURATUM, laVgesT'size Bulbs.— Several cases of finest selocted Bult«, carefully paclied for heiiltby transit, arc adTised to arrive DIRECT JTROM JAPAN early in i'ebrnary, Tlieso bulbs have been aciected with gre;itest care by Mr. ;Bj Jmi., an Englisb practical Botaniat, resident in Japan, Flcea nobllls. JOHN" AND CHAllLblS LEE beg to offer a fine stock of WKi,v-RiPi!NED SK«D of this Doblo CONIFER, gathered in fine condition m ISOr, ftom trees which have hitherto produced vigorous aod healthy plants. Pnco 21». per oz. Price to the Trado on appHoation. Royal Vineyard Nui-sery and Sood Kstablishraent, Hammersmith, London, W. (near the Konsln(;ton Railway Station). VyM. SCALING has on h_44.a.,vej;^JjirKe and fine stock of the bMt Varieties of OSIER CUTTINGS, (or form Willow Plantntions, at from 6s. to Ifts. per 1000. The Selected " ' ' " ...... per 1000. in BITTER WILLOW. forGa RICHARD SMITH'S FKDIT LIST contains a sketch of the various forms of Trees, with directions for Cultivation, Soil, Drainage, Manure, Pruning, Lilting, Cropping, Treatment G Green Hollies, 4 to 7 feet. EORGE CHIVAS, Chester, offers severainiousands of the above, very handsome plants, in excellcut coiiditlon for removing ; aloo an eiceedingly large stock of extra strong THORNS, and many Millions of FOREST TREES, Including LARCH of all sizes, SCOTCH FIR, twice transplanted, IJ to Sleet: SPRUCE, 1 to 3i feet, thin on the ground ; ASH, 2i to 6 feet ; ELM, SloOfeet: SYCAMORE, 3 to fl feet: OAKS, AJL,DERS iiIRCH,&c. PRICED 1.1STS OP appliuition. THUEE MILLION strong4-yr. transplanted QlIICK. 1,000,000 good 2-yr. transplanted QUICK. L'.ooo.ooo superior Seedling QUICK. lOO.uOO good strong LARCH, 4 to 0 feet. 100,000 good strong LAKCn, 2 to 4 feet. For samples and prices apply to John Hbuslet, High Fields, Melbouine, near Derby. w Transplanted Forest Trees. ATERER AND GODFREY have a large quantity of the following, of a very superioi" quality : — FIR, Larch, 4 to 5 ft. „ Spruce, 3, 4, and S ft. „ Austriaca, IJ to 2 it. HAZEL, 3 to 4 ft. OAK, English. 1) to 2 ft. Knap Hill Nur-sery, Woking, Surrey. Wonersh Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO AND SON beff to announce that their • stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds is this season very ex,tenoive and well-grown, samples, urices. and Catalogues of which 2(1,000 Hazel, 3 to 5 feet 50,000 Spruce Fir, 2 to 4 feet 20,000 Sycamore, 3 to 4 feet I Horse Chestnuts, 3 to 4 & fl to 7 ft. 100,000 Quick, ti-ansplanttid. 1) to Common and Portugal Laurel 2 feot Berberis aquifoha Pinus Austriaca, 1 to 2 feet | Arbor-vit;o And other various Shrubs. A larce stock of Rtionjr STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES, APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. Tansley Nurseries, near Matlock, Derl3ysMre. JOSEPH SMITH, SEN., invites Planters and the Trade to inspect his Nursery of 80 Acres of high land. The soil is of a fibrous nature, and the Plants take up with e&celient roots, such as to ensure the best success in their removal. The Nmsery contains many Hundred Thousands of RHODODEN- DRONS, COMMON and PORTUGAL LAURELS, BOX, BROOMS. BERBERIS, HOLLIES, PRIVETS, YEWS, &c. THE FOREST TREES .-ire very extensive, of all the leading kinds; there are 15 Acres of LARCHES, of diflerent sizes, and all others in propor- tion. Prices moderate, which can bo had on application as above. Lettuce Seed. " DIXON'S CHAMPION GliKKN COS LETTUCE, the finest in cultivation j average weight, 4 to 61t). each ; crisp and fine flavoured. Uew Seed (with instructions for growinej, now ready, in packets, Od. and Is. each. Price to the Trade on application. A SELECT LIST of CHOICE NEW and GENUINE VEGE- TABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, &c., may be had gratis on application. S. Dixox & Co.. Wholesale, Retail, and Export Seed Merchants, 4S«, Moorgate Street, London, E.G. (near the Bank of England). Buttons' Prize Cucumber Seeds, post free. S UTTONS' BERKSHIRE CHAMPION, U.6d. perpkt. II AMILTON'.S NEEDLE GUN. &. 6d. per packet. HAMILTON'S BRITISH VOLUNTEEU, 2s. OcJ. per packet. HAMILTON'S INVINCIBLE, 2s. Sd. per packet. Other good sorts. 1.*. and Is. Orf. per packet. As see SUTTON'S TRICED CATALOGUE, gratis and post free on application. Sutton & Sons, Heading, Berks. New Seed Catalogue. CHARLES TURNER, The Koyaf NurBorioB, Slough, begs to state that bis DESCIIII*TIVE LLST of OAKDEN, FLOWER, EARM .SEEDS, and CULINARY ROOTS, III now rottdy, and may be had on applleatlon. BETTERIDQE'S EXHIBITION A8TEK8. 12 distinct varieties, separate, 38. 6rf. per packet ; mixed. Is. do. I saved by R. H. Betterldgo, Esq., and no other (^uUled Cha n. The Hoyal Nurseries, Slough. NEW WHITE FRENCH BEAN, 3 feet, most proUfic. NEW DWARF FRENCH SAVOY, very tender. Both highly recommended, in poeketB, Is. Od. each. _ CnABi.ES Tiia»i;n, The Royal Nurseries, Sloughy THE THREE BEST PEAS, LITTLE GEM, ADVANCER, and TREMIEU. Letter from Canada, in "Journal of Horticulture," Jan. 2, 1808 :— *• Little Gem was, considering tho season, simply grand ; Advancer maintained its former excellence. These two varieties stand with us unrivalled, and by a succession of solving, Peaa may be had all the season through. Premier, as a late variety, will make the throe beat, all Wrinkled Marrows," Seed from the original stock Is now olTered by CiiAKLES ToBMin, Rojal Nursery, Slough, J. SCOTT'S PRICED SEED CATALOGUE OF NEW AND GENUINE SEEDS FOR THE KITCHEN GARDEN, FLOWER GARDEN, AND FARM; WITH A PRICED LIST OF CHOICE GLADIOLI, GARDEN REQUISITES, &c IS NOW BEADY, AND WILL BE SENT FREE ON APFLIOATION. NEW AND CHOICE SEEDS. BEET, SCOTT'S DWARF CRIMSON, Gd. per packet BORECOLE, MELVILLE'S VARIEGATED, C((, and 1,5. per pkt. BRUSSELS SPROUTS, SCOTT'S ECLIPSE, Is. per packet CAULIFLOWER, Newest DWARF ERFURT, Is. 6d. per packet CARROT, SCOTrS MERRIOTT GREEN TOP, 6i!. per oz. CELERY, SANDRINQHAM WHITE, Is, per packet CUCUMBER, TELEGRAPH (from Rolliaaon's), 2s. oi per packet SCOTT'S TRUE SION HOUSE, Is, per packet ENFIELD SURPRISE, Is. per packet LETTUCE, NEW GIANT GREEN COS, Is. per packet LETTUCE, NEW GIANT SUMMER CABBAGE, Is. per packet MELON, GOLDEN QUEEN, New (Stuart & Moin's Hybridl, 2». 6d. per packet ONION, NUNEH AM P.ARK, Is. and 2s. M. per packet SCOrrs true reading, 04 per oz. PEAS. SUTTON'S RINGLEADER, True, Is, U. per quart RADISH, FRENCH BREAKFAST, id. per oz, TURNIP, SCOTT'S EARLY SIX WEEK.S, 3d. per oz. POTATOS, ALBION ASHLEAF. 3s. per stone „ MILKY WHITE (Wheeler's), 6s. per stone PATERSUN'S VICTORIA, 3s. per atone For all other sorts and deaciiption, see CATALOGUE. Collections of Kitchen Garden Seeds :— No. 1, £3 ; No. 2, £2 ; No. 3, £1 ; No. 4, 10s. 6d. 1^" List of Contents on application. J. SCOTT, THE SEED STORES, YEOVIL, SOMERSET. NEW GIANT ORACH (SPINACH).— The Fruit Conimitteo of tho Royal HorticulLural Society awarded a First-class CoitiiUmto ti. tliu now Olimt Omcti, aftur piirtaking of a dish of thiN III it 1. i iu' '.CK'<3tablu, cooked eBpecialiy for tliuii' judgment, I'l ■ ■ i ■ i l i . ■ . !.■{. Jamks C'.u. I I :i. position to offer the above novelty by tho Ouiu:. 1 r . i ■- I [iide on application. i::;? -lud :;:<^, iiit;li llolborn, London, W.C. LEK'S GIANT ORACH (SPINACH) —This new and VfUiialilo variety of Orach possesses immense productive powers, combined uith a delicious piquant, flavour, quite distinct from all other variotiBs, renderinK it au acquisitiou as a Summer Spinach of the lushest class. Tho plant is of rapid and vigorous growth, and attains a height of C to 7 feot, with numerous branches, yielding :t constant supply of large dark-green leaves throughout the Summer mouths. Tho Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society awarded a First-cla&s Certificate to Lee's Giant Orach, after partaking of a dish of this most useful Vegetable, cooked especially for their judgment. JuH.N & CuARLKs Ler Uavfi much pleas productive vegetable, which they now offer ngton Railway Station). becomes tinted lu its leathery form withv _ . white, striped, and spotted. It is quite hardy, and during the winter months its appearance is very interesting and ornamental — ilvaUlng in beauty the summer variegated plants, May be had iu packets, 2«. Cd. each, of HuasT & Sok. C, Leaden- hall Street, London, E.C. : who have purchased the entire btock from the raiser. ^ To the Seed Trade. THE LOXG-STANDKlt LETTUCE, greatly approved, ;url .' i[ I i 1, ■!■ than anv Lettuce extant. DICKS i \M i ! I K YEAR ilOUND LETTUCE. HOLM i 111 1.^:1 COS LETTUCE. GIA.M' \; II I I I. M.: liKU BATH COS LETTUCE. NUiNLllAil lAKK ONION mXONM NEW MAMMOTH CELERY. Also several finest BROCCOLI and Frame CUCOMBERS, all THE" LARGE COLDSTEK.iM LEEK " is the hirgest and best in cultivation, similar to and grown in the same locality as those known as Henry's Fi-ize Leek, and Aytou Castlo Leek. Free by post. Is. per packet, or 12 postage stamps; or 8a per 12 packets. To be had direct of Hoou & Wood, Nurserymen, Coldstream, N.B. ; and of iiOGfi & Rouertson, 22, Mary Street, Dublin. THE "COLDSTREAM EARLY "POTATO," suitable for Orchard House or Early Garden Culture, is so early and productive as to surpass all other eariy round Potatos now in culfciva- TestUnonials. 18s. per bushel of 5G lb., 6s. per peck of , 22, Mary Street, Dublin ; and of the Trade ILKY "WHITE POTATO.— The exceedingesreUence and high character this famous TOTATO has attained renders hiichly important that buyers should exercise the greatest caution obtaining it true. This may be done by ordering tnem direct from " '" & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester, or from the fol- J. C. \Vh lowing firms: — Peter Lawson& Son, Edinbm-gh and London t bridge Jacob Wrench & Sons, London James Carter & Co., High Holbom Sutton & Sons, Reading James Veitch 4; Sods, Chelsea F. & A. Dickson & Sons, Chester Hurst & Son, Leadenhall Street Charlwood & Cummins, Covent Garden T. Whalley, Liverpool Chivas & Weaver, Chester Osbom & Sons, Fulham The Milky White is superior to every othei having the ' W. Toogood, Southampton Hooper k Co., Covent Garden B. Williams, HoUoway T. Warner, Leice.ster E. P. Dixon & Son, Hull J. B. Uartlaud, Cork Nutting & Sons, Barbican A. Henderson & Co., Pino Apple , Dalkeith John Clare, Cheltenham Waite, Bumell, & Co., London getting-up time that ■ W. Denness k Co., Greenock T. Methven, Edinburgh only perfectly distinct from, but far riety. Great care should be taken to t. It will be very provoking to find at has been disappointed and deceived by Daving au inferior and comparatively worthless variety substituted. J. C. Whbeler ft Sot*, Gloucester, Seedsmen to the Gloucester Agricultural Society. HENRY DEWAK begs to offer the uudorraentioned SEEDS, which be can with confldence recommend as being First-class (m sealed packets only): — DEWAR'S IMPROVED SHORT-TOP RED BEETS. Is. per packet. NORTHUMBERLAND CHAMPION WHITE CELERY, la. p. pkt. skinned, very fleshy, and of most exquisite navour ; Is. 6d. p. pkt. Prices to the Trade on apphcation. 07, Grey Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Important to Gardeners. PARIS ONIVERSAL EXIIIIUTION PRIZE MEDAL of 1807 SAYNOR AND COOKE only, for excellence of quality in Material and Workmanship In PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, VINE and PRUNING SCISSORS, Ac. — the high distinction thus awarded showing their superiority "ver all other competitors, having also previously carried the PRIZE MEDALS of the GREAT EXHIBITIONS of 1851, 1S65. and 18C2. Can bo bought of all Nurserymen and Seedsmen in the world. Paxton Works, Sheffield. Established 12fl yeai-s. Corporate Mark, " odtaik."" None are genuine mdess marked Say^os, also Obtuk Warranted. THE GARDENEES' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Januaet 18, 186S. B' D^ DOBSONS' CELEBRATED PEIZE CINERARIA has taken GO First Prizes in C years. Is. . 2s. M., and Ss. (JBSONS^ CELEBRATED T^IZE PRIMULA. Second to none iu the Trade. Is., 2s. Cd., and 6s. OBSONS^ CELEBKATED PRIZE ~ BALSAM are soraetbinR majniificent. 8 variotles, 2s. ; mixed, Is. D OBSONS' D D OBSONS- SPLENDID ANTIRRHINUM. Saved from 60 varieties. (Irf. and Is. OBSONS'^XTRA CHOICE^ SWEE^ WILLIAM are most varied and fine. Gd. and I*. GENUINE SEEDS. M^ AUCUBAS, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS. EVER. GREENS, CONIFER,*; RHODODENDRONS, FOREST TREES, &c., may be had on application. DESIGNS, PLANS, and ESTIMATES PREPARED for LAYING.QUT NEW GROUNDS, IMPROVING PARK SCENERY, PLANTATIONS, 4c. pc Convenient railway accommodation to all parta of the country. Milford Nurseries, near Godalming, Surrey. F Balsam Seed. AND A. SMITH are now executinjE; Orders for their t unrivalled Strain of the above, in collections of Nine Camellias and Azaleas— English Grown. 1^ AND A. SMi'I'H hes to announce they have a fine • Collection of the above, well set with Buds. I'rices, moderate, application. The Nurseries, Dulwicii, S. Fruiting and Planting Vines from Eyes. "1 AND A. biMlTH can supply strong, weil-ripened Epacris, fine Blooming Plants. FAND A. SAUTH possess an iraraenae Stock of the • above, in strong healthy specimens. Prices and sizes on application. Thw Nurseries, Dulwich, S. New Seeds of Superior Stocks. FRANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS, The Old-Established Seed Warehouse, 106, Eartgate Street, Chester. The Best Early Pea is Cdltivation. DICKSON'S " FIKST and BEST."— Price Is. Qd. per Quart. CATALOGUE of VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, for IStiS, with Practical Cultural Directions, is now published, and will be sent Post Free on application. Their Seeds are all of the most Select character, each being saved from the Best Stock kuown of its kind. Garden Seeds of £1 value delivered Carriage Free. Flower Seeds sent Post Free, except heavy articles, such ae Sweet Peas, Lupins, &c. Suttons' Home-grown Seeds. Carriage Free. *»fe*r^T.3 '^^^ only Prize Medal 6 per cent, allowed for cShS^tES '^^'' English Garden Seeds, cash payment. ^^^^^^ Paris, I8G7. SUTTONS' COMPLETE COLLECTIONS of SEEDS for One Year'a Supply. FOR THE KITCHEN GARDEN. No. 1 COLLECTION, carnage free £3 3 0 No. 2 COLLECTION, carriage free 2 2 0 No. 3 COLLECTION, carriage free 1 11 6 No. 4 COLLECTION, carriage free 110 No. 6 COLLECTION, carriage free . . . , 0 16 0 No. 6 COLLECTION 0 12 0 FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. No. 1 COLLECTION, free by post or rail . £2 2 0 No. 2 COLLECTION, free by post or rail . ' 1 11 ti No. 3 COLLECTION, free by post or rail " 1 1 0 No. 4 COLLECTION, free by post or rail " 0 16 0 No. 6 COLLECTION, free by post or rail . . '.'. ! 1 0 10 0 Particulars of the above Collections may be had on application PRICED CATALOGUES gratis and post free. Scrro.N & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. JAMES VEITCH & SONS BEG TO ANNOrNCE THAT THEIR CATALOGUE OF GARDEN AND FLOWER SEEDS FOR 1868, WITH LIST OF IMPLEMENTS AKD OTHER GARDEN REQUISITES, Is now Published, and will be forwarded Post Free on application. For large Advertisement, see p. 1316 of the Gardeners' Chronicle, for December 28, 186". ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.W. ECLIPSE BROCCOLI. DAVIDSON'S ECLIPSE BEOCCOLI, Which is now offered for the first time, is a superb dwarf-growing late sort, recommended for its extreme hardiness. The heads, which are of a creamy white colour, are very large and firm, and most delicious in tt.avour. In P. L. & Sou's Sealed Packets, Is. 6d. each. Special offer to tixe Trade on application. ^ A SPECIAL LIST of NOVELTIES can also bo had. PETER LAWSON and SON, EDINBURGH; and 20, BUDGE ROW, CANNON STREET, LONDON. E.C. B. S. WILLIAMS' NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE for 1868, la now ready, and will be forwarded Post Free to all customers and applicants. It contains Lists of all New Flower Seeds of merit, Choice Strains of Florists' Flowers, imported Flower Seeds in collections, the most useful Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials for Spring and Summer Flowering ; carefully selected Descriptive List of approved Varieties of each kind of Vegetable Seed, with a few Practical flints as to Culture ; also an Appendix containing Gladioli and other Summer and Autumn-flowering Bulbs ; Knives, Horticul- tural Implements, Horticultural Manures, Insect-destroying Composition, and every article likely to be required in the Garden. A perusal is respectfully solicited ; every article is priced^ and purchasers may depend name, and everything of the best quality. Exaggerated descriptions are carefully avoided. I the Seeds being true to NETV and CHOICE SEEDS, full descriptions of which will be found in the Catalogue :— ROLLISSONS' TELEGRAPH CUCITMBEE, the best Winter and Early Spring variety in cultivation. See Gardeners' Chronule, January 12, 1807. See Qardeners' Chronicle, March 16, 1S67. See Oardeners' Chrotiicle, August 31, 1807. See Gardenera' Chronicle, October 12, 18(17. The above, in printed sealed packets, price 2s. Gd. each. William Rollissox & Sons, The Nurseries, Tooting, London, S. ORANGE-FIELD DWARF PROLIFIC TOMATO, 1». 6ii. per pkt. WILLIAMS' ALEXANDRA BROCCOLI, 'is. M. per pkt. NUNEHAM PARK ONION, 1». 6d. to 2s. 6d. per pkt. WILLIAMS' MATCHLESS RED CELERY, Is. per pkt. WHEELERS' MILKY WHITE POTATO, 6«. per peck. CULLINGFORD'S CHAMPION PEA, New, 2s. M. per quart. SHARMAN'S UNIVERSAL CUCUMBER, 2j. per pkt. LEE'S GIANT ORACH (SPINACH), 1». per pkt. DIGSWELL PRIZE ENDIVE, 1>. per pkt. MALVERN HALL MELON, Is. 6ii. per pkt. STUART iHD MEIN'S NEW HYBRID PRIZE MELON, GOLDEN QUEEN, 2s. M. per pkt. VIOLA LUTEA (YELLOW-FLOWERED VIOLET), Is. &(., 2s. dd., and 3s. 6ii. per pkt. CYCLAMEN PERSICUM (WIQGINS'S PRIZE STRAIN), Is. Bd., 2s. 6(1., and 3s. Gd. per pkt. POLYANTHUS (THE PRIZE STRAIN), Is. Od. and 2s. Cd. per pkt. CALCEOLARIA HERBACEOUS (NEILL'S EXTRA CHOICE STRAIN), 3s. Gd. and 5s. per packet. For the convenience of customers an Order Sheet is enclosed in each Catalogue- All Orders of more than £1 in value sent Carriage Free. VICTORIA and PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. PAUL'S NURSERIES, WALTHAM CROSS, LONDON, N. No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. General Nursery Stock. CPOYDov A RCHIBALD HENDER- -^i- SON begs to inform his IrieDdi. and patrnns ttiathis DESCRIPTIVE and PRICED CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY SroCK ia now published, containing practical directions on the Planting and Pruning of the various sections of Rosea, wltn remarks on all the leadinft Coniferaa, Ornamental Trees lYuit Trees, 4c. ' Also one of the most SELECT and CHOICE COLLECTIONS of VINjiS In pots ever offered to the public. A. H.'a BULB CATALOGUE contains a Select List of Kitchen Garden and Flower Seeds for autumn sowing ; also a Choice Assortment of Gladioli for spnng planting. CATALOGUES may be had gratia and post free on application. Sion Nursery, Thornton Heath, Surrey, and at the East Surrey ^'' "' ' Collegu Grounds, North End, Croydon, WILLIAM PAUL BEGS TO OFFER THB POLLOWINO CHOICE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS. The WALTHAM OOLLECTIOK of VEGETABLK SEKDS for Large Garden, One Tear's Supply, £3 3s. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for SmaUer Garden, One Year's Supply, £2 2s. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for SmaU Garden, One Tear's Supply, £1 Is. SMALLER COLLECTIONS, 15s., 10s. 6 j\r,T^TrTTT,TrT]AT, TtAZETTE. 51 Jamin 6t Dtimnd, I3ouig-la-Reino — Arbres et fniita. France. (Treea and fruits.) J. Marcon, Latnotho-Montravel ot Saint-Eniilinn— Viticul- ture. Franre. (Vino cultiu-e.) Coehet, Suisnes— Coniffires, Rosiora, arbres d'oruemcut et arbrea fruitiors. Franct\ (Conifers, Roses, omamental and fruit trees.) Deseino, Bougival — Conifferea, arbres fruitiers ot arbres d'ornement. Fmw. (Conlfera, fruit and ornamental trees.) Oudin atni3, Liaicux — Conifferea, arbres fruitiers et .arbres d'ornement. Fyana: (Conifers, fruit and ornamental trees.) Tbibaut et Ketoleer, Sceaux— Plantes de serro. France. (Stove plants.) Ouibert, Paria— Ovehid€e3. France. (Orchids.) Comte do N.adaillac, Paria— Orcbideea. France. (Orchids.) MMailles ifar. (■ — P.-M. Dormois, Bernard, A. Dufoy, Gautbier- ;/.,;(,i»./-i':. II. Krfiago ct fiis. ;■-,■, Duh.K do Cli illii Socil-tf ck'S h..rtifirllciii-»clu.Moc'klioliii. /V,i«.-. — \ ifi.liitu cIo Saint-Trivier, Korust, Bleu, Fr. Cela, B. Chato Ms. Brl,iiii„i— Mme. Legrellc d'llanis. France— G. Luddemann. Pfersdorflf. 5e(j7t»m— A. Verscbaffelt,GustaTeWaUis(M. Linden's Collector). "Wo may nlso add that the following gentlemen connected with horticulture were admitted to the various grades in the Legion of Honour. Amongst those promoted to the rank of " o.fflcier " is M. Hardy, the elder, .author of meritorious works on .arbori- culture, " chevalier " of the Order since 1813. Among the new " chevaliers " are the following : — MJI. Chantin, Nursurvman, Paris ; Jamain (Eugbno Hippolyto), Nursuryiuall, I'aris. The above nominations boar date December 29, ISfi" ; in addition, there are others, the date for which is February '1th, ISCS. Amongst them are the follow- ing:— H'ink of" OlJififr." — .M. Ronnberg, Promoter of the Agricul- ttn-al and Horticultural Exhibition of Belgium, Chevalier nf the Legion of Honour (Belgium). Bank nf •'Chevalier."— M. Morren, Professor in the Univer- sity of Li&ge, Member of the Jury (Belgium). It will be remembered that in July la.st M. LiNDKN was made Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, but for services rendered to botany and horticulture, not, as was incorrectly stated by us at the time (ISIV, p. 758), in the capacity of delegate from the Belgian Govern- ment. The same gentleman received from the King OF Peussia the rank of Oflicer of the Order of the Koyal Crown for the like reasons. THE "\yEATHER OF 1867. Janiiari/.— Soma seasons roll along witli tolerable smoothness, others dash on to extremes — 1807 was one of those in which the changes were sudden and extra- ordioary ; severe inconstancy, with great extremes, were its leading characteristics. The last week of 18G6 was mild for the period of the year ; except the last night there was scarcely any frost, whilst in the days the temperature was above 50', and sometimes oven 55', with S.W. wind. The air was light and highly rai'ifled, and consequently would be easily displaced by the colder and heavier air which was then im- pending. The first (lay of the year ISfi" was clear and frosty. A heavy snow storm followed on the 2d, the thermo- meter falling below zero at night, and on the night of the 3rt, or moniing of the 4th, the thermometer fell to — 11 or W" Pahr. below freezing. This is lower than has been recorded at Chiswick. In 1837-8, when so many exotic trees! of great age were killed, the lowest temperature was only 4J° below zero. The destruction on the i)resent occasion would, doubtless, have been much greater, had not the ground been covered with snow, so that the earth was but very little frozen about the roots. The snow protected evergreens so well that tho places on which it lodged afterwards appeared green, whilst those exposed were black and dead. Sometimes the snow is beaten off shrubs, but iu this case tho practice proved erroneous. We saw good Cauliflowers in Fulham Fields that had been protected only by the snow without the aid of glass. By the 6th or 7th southerly winds set in with rain and a compara- tively high temperature, and the extreme severity nf the period was at an end. A sort of reaction took place on the night of the 13th, when the thermometer fell within 3° of zero, but the latter part of the month was above the average, so that notwithstanding the severity above recorded the mean of the month was only 21"^ below the average, the thermometer ranging sometimes from -16' to 50' at night. Feiruari/.—the mean temperature was upwards of 5^"^ above the average. The lowest temperature, 23', occurred on the last night of the month. The barometer stood high, and less than the usual quantity of rain fell ; S.E. winds were prevalent. On the whole, the weather was favourable for garden operations. Very little rain fell after the 16th, and altogether the month was a favourable one. March. — This was a cold and wet month. The mean temperature wa5 nearly -1' below the average. The days were much colder than usual ; 27 of the nights were more or less frosty, the lowest occurred on the 31st, thermometer 23°. The first and last week was dry ; the interval was frequently cloudy, so that injurious frosts were greatly prevented, but the last night was rather severe. Owing to wet and cold, hardy fruits did not set very well. The mean tempera- ture, instead of progressing, fell lower than it was in the preceding month, and this circumstance is always unfavourable for horticultural productions in general. April. — This was on the whole a genial month. There were slight frosts on the nights of the 9th, 11th, 29th, and 30fch. The mean temperatures of both day : Sn He . Ttie ' Cms and night were above tho average, and rain was plentiful. Green crops were most abundant, and a hotter month for growth was scarcely remembered. Tho barometer averaged rather low. S.W. winds were by far tho most prevalent. There were only eight days on which rain did not fall: with so much moisture the temperature by day usually falls below the average, in the present case it was not so, and a growing temperature was continuously maintained. Mai/. — The temperature at night was below the average, owing to the IGth, 17th, and from the 20tU to tho 25th inclusive, being frosty : tho lowest occurred on the nights of the 23d and 2 Ith, thermometer 25°. This was trying for weaklylblooms, of which there were many of Apples, Pears, and Plums, owing to immaturity of the wood from wetness of the soil. Tho amount of rain wa.s above the average. Tho mean temperature was about V below the average. Much rain fell on the 10th and 20th. June. — This was a cold and dry month, little more than half the average of rain fell, and the mean tempe- rature was about 2' below the average. The ground, however, did not suffer from drought, owing to its being saturated from the abundance of rain in the previous months. The air was excessively dry on the 27th. Jh/;/.— This was a very wet month. The quantity of rain was 3 inches ; none fell between the 5th and 13th, nor from the 27th to the end of the month, all other days were more or less wet. On the 25th alone nearly U inch fell ; a quantity greater than is rarely tho case in any 21 hours in the climate of London. This took place chiefly at night. The mean tem- perature and means of maximum and minimum were all below the average. Augmt.—fhh was a warm month ; the mean tempo- rature was fully maintained, and this and February and April are the only months in which tbis has been the case in the whole season. All others have been more or less below the average. The amount of rain was also below the average, notwithstanding the prevalence ot S. and S.W. winds. September. — This was a fine month for ripening and for the harvest. The quantity of rain was less than the average for the month ; the mean temperature was little below the average, but the day temperature was above the average, and when the mean is so made up there is ripening and drying weather, with light, the latter contributing towards a nutritive crop. Oc^oipj'.— This was a cold month, but there was no extreme severity. The thermometer indicated as low as 24' so early in the month as the 5th, and the same point was again reached on the 8th. This was sufficient to spoil the beauty of the Dahlias and such tender plants. The amount of rain was below the average, but the atmosphere was generally cloudy and damp. November. — There was very little rain in this month, CH Month of 1867, comp.vbed with the Average Barometer. Temperatobe. Eais. 1867. 1 Ar«..« Extreme »'"=">• Highest. Extreme Lowest. Mean Max. Above (+) or below (— ) the .average. Mean Min. Above (+) or below ( — ) the average. Above (+) Mean. or below ( — ) the average. Extreme Highest. Extreme Lowest. Amoimt. Above (+) or below (— ) the average 0! 40 years. ■Taiul.ary February . . Inches. 29.622 30.019 Inches. 30.1-22 30.485 30.687 30.393 30.125 30.522 30..305 30.130 30.434 30..-i84 30.540 30.289 Inches. 28.760 23.808 29.121 29.015 29.341 29.587 29.352 29.615 29.694 20.351 29.530 28.972 Degrees. 45.00 52.21 45.48 59.3S 65.35 71.96 71.42 74.25 69.30 66.71 49.00 4.3.9.'! Degrees. +2.19 +6.49 —5.30 +1.92 +0.73 —0.02 -3.19 +0.82 +1.63 -2.52 —0.68 —1.42 Degrees- 2:i.54 SG.32 30.77 39.80 40.32 44.63 47.77 60.74 44.20 ;!6.29 30.66 29.00 Degrees. —7.43 +4.64 —2.60 +3.12 —1.69 —4.01 —3.54 +0.24 —1.73 -4.80 —4.55 —4.31 Degrees. 34.27 44.26 38.12 49.33 52.83 58.29 59.69 62.49 56.75 46.60 39.83 30.46 Degrees. -2.65 +5.56 -3.95 +2.53 —0.49 —2.02 —3.37 +0.52 —0.05 -3.66 —2.61 —2.87 Degrees. 56 59 59 65 82 85 83 91 80 64 65 55 Degrees. —11 23 20 20 25 35 38 36 31 24 IT 13 Inches. 2.16 1..33 1.97 1.C7 2.05 1.37 3.00 2.-55 2.31 1.41 0.39 1.02 Inches. +0..50 —O.OB AprU May June July.. August September . . October November .. December 29.74.'! 29.855 30.047 29.839 29.948 30.032 29.860 30.20S 29.934 + 0.15 + 0.07 —0.65 +0.64 +0.13 —0.1.5 —1.32 —1.80 —0.40 Mean . . 29.903 30.687 28.760 .58.60 +0.05 1 87.79 1 —2.23 48.23 —1.09 [ 91 1 -11 21.23 i -2.31 Tho Mean Preaauro w.t« C The Mean Temperature v .007 inch b ras 1.09 deg elow the avei roe below til age. 1 average. | Tho Moan ivcragc. Maximum Te aperatiu-o vaa 0.05 degree above the Tho Mean M average. mimum To mporatnrei van 3.23 dos Tees below the scarcely 4-tenths of an inch ; it fell on three days, the Mth, 2fith, and SOtb. Fogs and a high state "of the barometer were as usual prevalent. The thermometer was lowest on the 2rth, indicating 17'. December. — The mean temperature was 36'.46, or 2''.87 lower than usual. The lowest reached in tho month was 13' on the 9th; the highest, 55', on the l-tth, about which time the temperature was very high for the period of the season. About an inch of rain fell— •t-lOths less than usual in this month,— so that the soil cannot be said to be overloaded with moisture at the commencement of tho winter. The I'pnr— Tho mean temperature was below the average. The month of January was colder than usual ; February was considerably warmer than usual ; March was on the whole a cold month ; April was above the average, but from that time till the end of the year the weather was colder than usual, with the exception of August, which was }° above the average. At the commencement of the year the quantity of rain was 1.47 inch in arrear. To this has been added the deficiency in this year of 2.31 inches, making the balance due to arrears of rain at the end of 1867 3.78 inche.s, or 3'^ inches. R. T. FIG CULTURE.-II. The -F™;*.— Tho Fig tree, unlike any other tree, will bear two and even three crops of fruit in one season. The edible portion, according to botanists, is the common receptacle to the flowers, which consist of numerous small florets lining the internal surface, so that they are not visible without opening the fruit. Some of Amount of Rain, 2.31 inches below the average. these florets are male, some female, the male flowers, which are fewest, being situate nearest to the eye. Casting of the Fruit. — The casting of the fruit of the Fig tree without ripening, is a not unusual occurrence, but the cause is very puzzling. Monck, in the Transactions of the Horticultural Society, describes some curious experiments made on this subject, from which he was led to infer that " Fig trees which ca.st their fruit most probably do so from defect of setting," as by repeated examination he had found that " Fig trees never bear Figs which contain both kinds of florets in an elHcient state, and that Figs in which the anther-bearing florets only are perfect, never come to maturity." I am clearly of opinion that it is to some defect in the setting, that we must ascribe the evil. I have often cut up the fruits that have fallen, and observed the great difference in the form of the interior from that of those which continue to hang on the tree. I have also often observed that some trees are more liable to cast their fruit than others, and that under all kinds of treatment; while others, receiving the same treatment in every respect, do not cast them. It is not the sickly trees that are so much subject to the evil, neither is it the gross growing ones, but generally the plants that seem iu the best possible condition. The fruits seem to be developing them- selves beautifully, when all of a sudden, but always when the fruits arc about the same stage, they turn yellow and drop off. It is tho first crop, too, more rarely tho second, that does this. Some ascribe it to a sudden check, to coldness, to dryness at the root, or the reverse, too much moisture. All of these are injurious to the plant, and may tend towards tho evil, but neither of them are certainly the true cause. It is not coldness, as the evil generally occurs at the warmest season of the year ; and in houses where a number of plants are cultivated, and all enjoy the same temperature, they do not all cast their fruits, as would be the case if this was the cause. It is not dryness at the root, nor excessive moisture, as I have had plants subjected to both extremes ; the one pot-bound and flagging nearly every day, the other with the pot and roots standing in a pan of water, and in neither case did the tree cast its fruits, while others alongside of them, treated in the usual manner, did so. This I think should go far to prove that the evil is caused through some defect in the setting, but how to improve the Fig in that respect is a somewhat more diflicult question. Settinq of the JYtiiY.— What do we know, or do wo know anything, about the setting of a Fig ? Has an.v one ever tried the experiment of crossing one? What a subject for hybridisation ! It may be said that the setting or fecundation of the flowers is not necessary to the development of the fruit. It is not so in some fruits, such as the Cucumber, but in stone fruits the setting must bo always perfect or the fruits will drop, in the same manner as the Fig ; and then again in some other plants the seeds have been said to he per- fected without any assistance from the male. This is a .suhjectwell worthy the attention of experimentalists. Cffj»-(>V«'''o».— The caprification of the Fig, in some parts of Italy, was, and is still, I believe, a very serious business, much believed in by those who practise it, but condemned by most modern .scientific writers who have studied the subject, as a foolish and useless waste THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Jancary 18, 18fS. of time. The process is simply this :— Young Figs of the Caprifig (a wild species), which are always planted in every collection, are carried and deposited on the shoots of the domestic Fig. and in these a certain insect is said to be generated and to enter the unripe fruit of the cultivated species at the eye, thus facilitating the entrance of light, and some fertilising or fermenting vapour, thereby enabling the fruit to set and ripen. Mipening of the Fruif. — In some parts of the south of France it is said to be a common practice to prick the eye of the fruit with a straw or quill dipped in olive oil. Brandy also is applied by dropping a little in at the eye, or through a puncture in the skin ; this, it is believed, hastens the maturity of the fruit and i.nproves its flavour. Certain it is, for I have had abundant experience of the fact, that many fruits which are deformed or injured in the skin in any way, are much more highly-flavoured than the more perfect examples. There is no fruit at once so rich and luscious as a properly ripened Fig. It must, however, be well ripened, and of a good variety. There is a great difler- ence in the flavour of dilferent varieties of Figs, as much, or more so, as in that of Apples ; and if not thoroughly ripe they are simply nauseous. This induces me to think that those who don't like Figs, have perhaps never had the pleasure of tasting a good one. It is most amusing to see how excessively fond some people are of Figs, while others again declare they are detestable. It is an acquired taste, no doubt ; very few people like ihem at first, for they are what are termed sickly ; but, like the taste for tobacco, or any other acquired taste, it grows stronger, till one acquires a certain relish for them. I well remember the first Fig I ever tasted. My anticipations were high, from my previous acquaintance with the dried Figs of the shops, and I feel I can taste it now ; 'twas something abominable I thought, like so much soft soap sweetened with treacle. I have known many other persons, who would scarcely taste a Fig at first, but, who, after getting a few good ones, became very fond of them. AH the Figs that are grown in this country are eaten in the fresh ripe, or green state. In the Fig countries, however, they are used in a great variety of ways ; they are eaten green or dried, fried or stewed, with or without bread and meat, &c. How to know when a Fig is thoroughly ripe and fit to eat is an important matter. In most cases the fruits drop on to the ground, but that spoils them ; therefore look for one which is drooping its head a little, which has a large drop of juice at the eye, like a tear, and the sides cracked a little, with the juice exuding and standing on the surface like drops of dew. Then having got it, take the stalk in one hand, and with a knife in the other cut off the other end, and peel down the skin in flakes, making of the interior one delicious bonne boucke. A. F. £. MUSHROOM GOSSIP.-III. (Con(invxd/ro,n.p.7.) TouE Paris Correspondent has informed us, on more than one occasion, that Paris and its markets are bountifully supplied with Mushrooms of good quality, and that they are produced in caves, cellars, &c. He has not, however, as far as lean recollect, described the general method or system of producing such quantities of this useful esculent, of which I also saw a profusion of beautiful examples when there. Early on the first morning of my late visit to Paris, myself and a companion started to see the great Paris central market. Our first object was tn inspect the flower, fruit, salad, and vegetable departments, where we saw quantities of freshly gathered Mushrooms of fine quality. AVe then took a hasty run through the fish flesh, fowl, frog, 'and snail departments, in which were fine fat snails huddled together by the bushel. Many an English cultivator would, I am sure, be glad to see his store of these pests pressed into such close quarters. Broth is made of them in France, and it is said to be a good cure for sore throats. A cab conveyed us hence to the entrance gate of the horticultural department 'of the great International Exhibition. Here we feasted our eyes on fruits, vege- tables, salads, &c. ; and also made a close inspection of the fruit-tree department, where many and various methods of training, &c., were displayed. Here were to be seen placed about the vegetable tents, &c., little toy-like objects in the form of Mushroom beds, covered too with clusters of Mushrooms of good quality, at the sight of which I pulled off my hat, and began to rub the dust out of my eyes. Some one close by asks. Have these Mushrooms really been produced ou those little toy-looking beds ? Oh yes, there cannot be a doubt of it, for here are buttons bursting up, varying in size from that of a Pea to that of a child's halfpenny ball ; and on inspecting them afterwards I found these bunches, which I had first seen as buttons, were open plates, the size of a tea-cup, some even larger than that. Of course the character of the materials of which the beds consisted did not escape my observation. I also saw, one evening afterwards, near the Palais Royal, in the window of a splendid restaurant, fine Pine-apnles, Melons, Pears, Grapes, and other fruits, as well as salads, &c., exhibited, and along with them one of these minia- ture Mushroom beds : ay, and covered over with good Mushrooms too. " Well," muttered I, " what an old goose I am ! after, not 15 years, but above 50, not to have thought of this." When a boy, I used to be sent alon" with old Caleb to a farmer's dunghill in search of Mushroom spawn ; and we brought home at limes, a cartload or so of natural spawn, in the shape of lumps, spits or sods, from mill track, hotbed, or elsewhere, and often it was in a damp state. To secure it for future use, it was placed in shedsto dryslowly ;but on that next the wall, or in damp corners, lots of Mushrooms would burst forth, and exhaust the spawn, if not occasionally moved about. Some of these lumps and crumbs of spawn placed in boxes, and cased over, set in gentle heat, did in fact produce many good dishes of Mushrooms. Also under the foot-path trellises of early Vineries and Peach houses, I have seen lots of odds and ends in the form of natural spawn placed and covered, from which Mushrooms were gathered at the commence- ment of forcing, when the heat was only moderate. Notwithstanding, however, these hints, received from Nature herself, blindness continued, and no idea what- ever occurred to me that this useful esculent could be so easily produced for the million as I now find it can be. Let me now state the fact that the little French Mushroom beds consisted of flakes or sods of fine natural spawn cut out of the stable dung-heap, encased in a light-coloured, loamy, muddy soil— not, however, battered, rammed, or trodden hard, as is usual with us, but laid over the surface to about the same thickness as that of an ordinary Mushroom bed, and left a little loose and knobbly— an advantageous condition as far as watering is concerned. As regards JIushroom growing, my raind was, how- ever, not yet exactly at ease, so I kept rummaging about day after day in my gardening tours, through royal and other extensive forcing grounds. Where there was a good deal of stable-dung, I always noticed the smell of Mushroom spawn, and the dung placed in tidy shaped heaps full of it. This seemed to me to be very generally the case, and that from these heaps any quantity of fine, strong, natural spawn could be cut out in flakes or sods of any size or thickness, for Ijwing on the floors of caves, cellars, or sheds, or on Mushroom-house shelves. Mushrooms could thus be cultivated under a shop counter, or a tailor's or shoe- maker's bench, or, in fact, in any old box, tea-chest, &c. Hovvisitthatthis beautiful, strong, natural Mushroom spawn is so abundant in France ? Can it be because entire horses are the rule there, not the exception, as with us ? Let us suppose a quantity of natural Mush- room spawn to be discovered in a dunghill, hot bed, mill track, &c. Atmospheric influence prevents this, body of spawn from being utilised, where it is found. The custom therefore has been, on discovering such useful treasure, to collect as much of it as retains its freshness and full natural properties, in flakes, sods, or cakes, and to gradually dry it for spawning newly made beds. It must be gradually dried, but not in the full suu, or in a quick draught, for, if so, it will surely perish. Instead of submitting it to this drying process, however, were we to place it at once on the floor of a cave, cellar, Mushroom house, or in any other suit- able situation, abundance of Mushrooms would be the result in a few days. It is by simply watching and assisting Nature in her beautiful ways, that such grand results occur. For instance, immense tiuantities of natural spawn are allowed to perish and exhaust them- selves for lack of observation, or the simple knowledge of how to utilise it. Twenty tons may be hidden in a fine dunghifl, and through the unsuitableness of the atmosphere not a hatful of Mushrooms may ever be produced therefrom; but had this spawn been discovered, and placed in situations in which a suitable atmosphere could have been commanded, sufficient Mushrooms might have been produced to feast the inhabitants of a large town, and that at a very reasonable rate. Even supposing we were in a locality in which natural spawn could not be readily discovered, a suitable dung or muck heap could be spawned, and when in good condition turned to valuable account, as previously described. From what has been said it will be clear that we are yet very blind to Nature's ways, and that we have, moreover, much to learn. I am aware that it has been considered difficult to produce fine crops of Mushrooms of the best quality throughout the year, on account of our sudden atmo- spheric changes : for example, during the past season few natural Mushrooms have been produced. Mush- rooms will not stand either heat, cold, wind, wet, or drought. A dry summer, succeeded by fine early autumn rains, not excessive, these followed by quiet warm days and humid foggy nights, when the warmth of the atmosphere by day is from 60" to 65\ and then only for a short time at noon, and when that of the nights ranges from 50" to 55" — these are the conditions under which the greatest abundance of good Mushrooms are sure to be produced naturally. Taking, therefore, the year through, the cave, cellar, or Mushroom house proper, are the only places in which these conditions can be fully borne out; but for many weeks during spring and autumn Mushrooms might be produced in abundance in various ways, and in many places, very simply indeed, with but little trouble or expense, by those who have at command a cellar, a shed, the corner of a fuel-house, a tent, or some other sheltered corner. James Barnes, Bicton. THE NATURE A^^D CAUSE OF CYCLONES. {Concluded from V. '^S.) About mid-day on the 30th of December, 1859, a storm occurred in Wiltshire, which, although on a small scale, exhibited phcnomeDa similar to those of cyclone storms, and brings them, as it were, into a microscopic point of view. For several days previous to the storm, the weather had been boisterous, and thunderstorms with excessive rains occurred in various parts of England. The storm-cloud came on from the westward, and commenced its destructive effects near Calne, its track being thence traceable over about 13 miles, with rather an indefinite width of from 200 to 400 yards. To those who, on the track of the storm, saw it approach, its appearance was that of a dense haze, sweeping the ground, but with no form of cloml. Others, who from the higher downs saw the storm-cloud pass along the valley, stated that the upper part of the cloud was much elevated, and seemed to drag the lower part along the ground, but at the same time sinking rapidly into it. The lower part of the cloud, which swept the ground, had the appearance of volumes of smoke rollijig over and over in various directions. The course of the storm-cloud was in the direction, and had the same velocity, that of the general wind blowing at the time, and that waa ! than fibout five minutes any one place, but so enormous was the fall of rain along ourso, that the millers of the neighbourhood, one and all, stated that the rise of the water was both greater and more sudden than they had ever known from other heavy rains. The peculiar roar of the storm, which could be heard three or four minutes before the storm began, was described a3 similar to that at the end of a r.iilway tunnel when a train is cominif through, but far more intensely deafening. The storm cloud as it came on produced almost the dark- ness of night, and with it the enormous rainfall and destruc- tion began, and these so suddenly, that at CherhUl MiU (where within a very small space 50 trees were destroyed during the passing of the storm), the occupier, who had to cUng to tho rails of his orchard for security during the time, neither heard nor saw anything of the destruction going on around him, " so awful was the tremendous and deafening attack." The whole of the effects of this storm was obviously owing to causes operating within the storm cloud, as aU tho effects were within its limits, or from a rush of air into it. It cer- tainly was not a whirlwind, and many of tho effects of the storm are Inexplicable, except as owing to an excessively rarefied but varying condition within the storm-cloud, and others to a tremendous rush of air into the rarefied space. Of the hundreds of trees destroyed by the storm, many largo and sound ones were snapped off at various heights, and evidently by an inclined and not a horizontal current ; while in some cages the trees seemed to have been crushed down by an almost vertically descending force. The effects of an intense rarefaction within the storm-cloud was evident in many of the phenomena of the storm. In several Ciisea, from houses which stood directly across the course of the storm, the slates or tiles were more or less stripped off on the lea side of the roof, while they were undis- turbed ou the side fully exposed to the coming on of the storm. In some cases this phenomenon was still more striking, as tiles were in like manner taken from roofs not only much lower than the buildings by which they were partly supported and fully protected from the direct effects of the storm, but also so constructed that the wind could not act beneath them. These effects seem only expUcable as resulting from the expansive force of air within the buildings as the rarefaction, produced by the storm-cloud, passed over ; the slates on the side facing the storm being kept in place by the pressure of the storm onward in its course. Throughout the course of tho storm numberless cases occurred affording convincing evidence of a Uke expansive force from within buildings as the storm-cloud passed over, but they would be difficult to describe unless to an observer on the spot ; the description of a few of the most striking cases must, therefore, suffice. At Vatesbury the storm was very destructive, and, as described by the rector of that parish, on the farm of Mr. John Tanner " it did more damage than on any other spot in its course ; for, first, it entirely unroofed several cottages, ricks, and bams ; then threw down chimneys and outhouses, lifted off in a mass the entire roof of a long cattle shed, which was in a measure protected on the windward side by a large barn at no great distance from it ; smashed the windows on the south side of the house ; laid flat the east and west walls of the kitchen garden ; prostrated two bams, uprooted or broke off almost all the fine Elms round the house, and, as a climax, taking up a heavy broad-wheeled waggon, weighing 22 cwt., lifting it over a high hedge and depositing it on its side a dozen yards or more from where it stood." From the above, some idea may be formed of the effects of the storm at this place, but no description could really picture to the mind the conditions which five minutes had sufficed to produce, and these during the passing of a storm-cloud of only a few hundred yards in length. The fall of the walls seem to prove the rarefaction produced by tho storm-cloud as it passed directly over the garden, as both fell inward, and towards each other, each falling in a mass, seemingly from a general pressure from without rather than by the effect of a strong wind. The cattle shed, off which the roof was lifted by the storm, had brick walls at back and ends ; the roof was strongly timbered, covered with blue slates, and estimated to weigh from three to four tons ; yet it was hfted right off the walls (hardly a brick of which was disturbed) and deposited on the ground, a yard or two clear of the wall, but paralltl with it, and, to use a familiar illustration, just as a cover might be lifted off and placed alongside of the dish it had previously been on. To produce such an effect the force must have been great, and evenly applied to lift such a roof so clear of tho walls, and also instantaneously, or the slates must have gone off before such a weight could have been raised by a pressure beneath them. No mere dash of wind could have done it, and the only explanation seems to be, that the roof was raised or thrown upwards by a sudden expansion of the air beneath, as the rarefied space in the storm-cloud passed immediately over it, and that the onward passage of the storm carried the roof clear of the walls. Previous to the storm, the waggon, which was carried over the hedge, had stood on the same spot for some days, and impressions left by the wheels showed that the nearest were just 9 feet from the middle of the hedge, parallel with it, and directly across the storm track. The hedge was about 12feet in height, thin, but of stout wood. The upper part of the hedge might have given way to pressure, but the waggon could not have passed over at a less height than 8 or 9 feet without crushing the wood, yet not even a twig appeared to have been injured. From the situation of the waggon after the storm it dad not appear to have been whirled over, and a direct wind could only have driven it through the hedge. The waggon must therefore, at the moment, have been thrown nearly upright to be carried over the hedge in the manner it had been. The base of the waggon, which was the only part on which the air could have acted to throw it upward, was 11 feet by 6 feet, it would therefore have required a force equal to about 38 lb. to the square foot to lift the waggon (22 cwt.) ; but a wind of that pressure is almost unrecorded in England, and if the wind in this storm was equal to that amount, it is scarcely possible that it could have acted with that force so directly upward from beneath the waggon, so as to have thrown it up in the way It must have been. But on the theory that this phenomenon was from a sudden rarefaction above the waggon as the storm-cloud passed, the event is easily accounted for, as, considering the general pressure of the atmosphere at 28 inches in the barometer— i. e., about 14 lb. to a square mch during the time of the storm— an instantaneous rarefaction above the waggon as the storm-cloud passed over, which could have diminished the atmospheric pressure only one- twentieth, would have caused the waggon to be thrown upward by the expansive force of the air beneath it, and this with a force equal to three times its weight. A consideration of the various phases and effects of this storm as compared with those of cyclone storms will show a striking resemblance between them, and, except in size, and the absence of a whirling in the Wiltshire storm, they seem identical. There was a like sinking of the storm-cloud down upon the surface, the attendant roar, darkness, excessive rain, and with terrific winds there was a like upheaval power, similar to that so strikingly shown in the late hurricane, in which a dining- room was transferred to a distance without breaking its contents. With phenomena so much ahke, it can hardly be doubted that the storms result from Uke causes, and a study of the phenomena of the Wiltshire storm may throw some light on those of cyclones, and none perhaps more so than that of vessels in such storms making but little or no progress, Janttabt 13, 1868. J THE GARBKNEBS' CITRONICLE AKD Ar>lUr.TTLTIII!AT, GAZETTE. 53 although under the influeneo of moat tremcudoua winds ; as it is evident that in the Wiltshire storm the winds were terrific, and yet confined to the Umits of a cloud of moderate extent, and passing onward at an ordinary rate. The arguments advanced and the facta adduced have been chiefly to show the agency of rain as the cause of storms and the effects the produce ; but there are phenomena of cyclone ' storms to the cause of which no allusion Las been made. Amongst those are— their frequency over some seas, while on others of like Latitudes and temperatures they seldom or never occur ; their increase in extent as they go onward, and tho peculiarity in their course, especially as affected by the Gulf stream, which, as observed by Maury, seems to bo the atorm-king as regards the course of West Indian storms. On these and other phenomena very conclusive arguments could be advanced, to show that .vapour and its precipitation is the principal agent In their production, but this paper has already far exceeded the limits at first intended for it. Q. A. Roicdl. i^onw Corvcsponttencc. Economising Heat In Plant Houses. — In the description ol the various boilers given by your correspondents, there is one fact clearly shown, viz., that the improvement of boilers, 4c., is now brought to such a state of perfection that we cannot look in future for any great advancement in that direction to help us in effectinp: an economy in the use of artificial heat in plant houses. We must now turn our attention in another direction. It has often occurred to me that the attempt at economising heat in the construction of plant-houses has not been carried to its possible extent. No greater drawback could be imagined, in my opinion, in respect to economy in heat tlian to have detached houses all over a garden. All the outer surfaces of such houses are fully exposed to the influences of the weather, and it is quite evident, from that circum- stance alone, that where two houses or more are required, they should be joined together. But even in ■what is known as a " run " of houses, there is a great waste of heat; and what is wanted is some arrange- ment that would secure the advantages of a run of houses without that waste of heat. The different houses should in fact form one square, large house, with a roof of say three ridges running from east to west, and the inside might be divided into various compartments for plant growing, one for fire-places and potting-benches (which should be roofed with slate), and a reservoir through which the heat which might escape the boilers would pass up a chimney, giving out heat through bricks as it ascends. This reservoir could also, I imagine, be used piece from the Ivy stem, near the root. This, however, usually happens when tho Ivy grows on young, or at least vigorous, trees, where there is no deposit of decaying matter into which the upper part of the Ivy stems might have rooted. I believe that when the same treatment is applied to prevent Ivy from over- loading old ruins, with which this country abounds, such as Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle, and many others, the result is not quite so certain. Is it not possible that in these and similar cases the Ivy bough may in its passage have met with somepermanent supply of moisture, or deposit of earth, among the stones or decayed boughs, which may have induced the pro- duction of regular roots ? J?. A. O. Weather during 1867 at Weybrldge Heath :- its growth which are not maritime. One is naturally led to inquire what there is in the sea air so favourable to the growth of this fruit. Now, the peculiarities of tho sea coast are, 1st, a moderate temperature, without extremes ; 2d, a moist atmosphere ; 3d, saline particles in the air abundant during storms; and, 4th, ozone. Of these peculiarities, the two first can always be obtained under glass. Salt one would scarcely venture to apply to the leaves, but it may be used to the roots — with ;caution, of course, as I learnt some years ago by sad experience. As to the fourth peculiarity of sea air, it is, I believe, not to be imitated by art; but possibly it has nothing to do with the health of Fig trees. O. S. Boilers.— A few weeks ago (see p. 1243, 186") Mr. Previiiling Winds. Highest Winds. January 2 (N.E.), 8 (S.W.) February 6 (S.W. to W.) March 17 (N.E.) April 9 (N.W.), 14(S.W.) „ 21 (N.W. to W.) September 18 (N.E.) November 17 (N.E.) December 3 (N.W.). 1.5 (S.W.) Mean height of barometer Mean height of thermometer Highest in the sun . . Highest in the shade Inches 29.8871 63°.5438 _ _ _ _ 58'.3n39 Lowest 40*.5664 Mean daily amount of ozoni Mean temperature . . Rainf.aU Number of wet days Number of days on which r Range of barometer inches 2.02 Range of thermometer . . . . . . . . - - 93°.50 Range of ozonometer . . 14.00 March 2. Barometer highest inches 30.64 January 8. Barometer lowest inches 28.62 August 14. Thermometer highest : In the sun wr. 00 In the shade OO'.OO January 4. Thermometer lowest (in the night of) April 14. Greatest amount of ozone . . January, March October, | Least amount of ditto . . November, and December f Difference from Mean of last Twelve Years. -I-, nliore. 2M912— 1M428— 0'.0899+ 0.7307+' 0'.5341— inches 1.5996+ days 2+ d.ays C— inches 0.1900+ 14'. 1000+ 1.8750+* inches 0.0600+ inches 0.1200— 14*.800O— 1.8300+' 0.0400—* to economise solar heat. After a sunny day in frosty W. F. Sarrison, Bartropps, Weybridge Heath, Surrey \ Wills wrote a short article in praise ot what is oaliea weather a place of that kind would be filled with ' {Ihii feet above mean sea level). \ "Jones's Patent Terminal Saddle Boiler It is also heated air, perhaps up to 100° or 110° Fahr. This i Weather during 1867, at Bridge Castle, Tunbrldge stated in the advertisement that the judges at the would have a great eifect on the surrounding houses, j Wells : and those houses in turn would give out heat to the houses beside them. I believe that in adopting such a plan as this, we should get over the difficulty we now have of giving motion to the air in a sufficient degree in our plant houses. In this miniature world, so to speak, with the assistance of air drains under the floor of the houses, we should have air enclosed at such various temperatures that it would be impossible for it to remain still, especially if little ventilators were intro- duced all through the building in the divisions of the various compartments. Another mode of effecting economy in heat would be to have chambers con- structed over the boilers or fire-places, and pipes carry- ing the heated air through the houses near the floor. In lean-to houses, instead of having the chimney going direct up from the fire, let it be carried along the back of the house, inclosed in a glass case or reservoir. These glass sashes running the length of the house would enclose an amount of heated air through the day which would be a great help, in my opinion, in economising artificial heat. The flue should not be closed in solid, but by means of pigeon-hole work at the back as well as at the top and bottom. The cost of building houses on the principle just recommended, vvould be less than the same amount of houses built singly, and at the same time would allow of the least escape of heat. The ends of those houses whose occu- pants required most heat instead of being the means of escape to the heat, as is the case in regard to angle houses, with the addition of a roof would become a means capable of giving heat. The ridges of the roof should run from east to west, and more ot the sun's rays would be admitted by this way than if they were to run from north to south. The light manner in which plant-houses are now built would prevent any loss of light in having the houses so situated. Most of our houses, in my opinion, have roofs at an angle more suitable for admitting the sun's rays in summer than in winter. They are too flat. It is in winter we want all the rays we can get admitted into the houses ; therefore, I would have all roofs of plant-houses at an angle so that the sun could shine perpendicularly on them at noon on tho shortest day, rather than at noon on the longest. These are a few thoughts on a subject which cannot but be interesting to gardeners, and which I believe are practicable. S. 3f., J^nys, Penryn. Crickets.- If " C. Y." (see p. 8) will take a little Oatmeal and sprinkle it upon some pieces of paper for two nights, then remove it for one night, and before putting it down again will mix a small quantity o" arsenic well with it, applying it carefully, so that it docs not touch any of the plants— he will find that his crickets will eat of the mixture freely, and will soon disappear. In this way I have cleared a house of them in a fortnight. James Banrwr, Penh- hull, Stoie-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. [Mr. 1). Walker, gardener to H. Reed, Esq., Dunorlan, Tunbridge Wells, also recommends this plan for the destruction of crickets. Eds.] Ivy.— In the country round Chepstow, Ivy grows so luxuriantly as to do much injury to timber unless carefully looked after ; and it is generally considered to be an unfailing mode of destruction to cut a small Rain. Mean Day. Mean Night. Inches, January . . 36* 25' 4..30 February .. 48 37 2.18 March .. 41 28 3.57 April 54 38 2.02 Vlay 64 42 June 72 45 July 72 43 5.07 August 74 .52 1.77 67 48 1.83 Dctober 56 39 2.93 November. . 46 33 1.62 December . . 40 29 2.7S Mean Day Temperature for the year .56" Mean Night 38 The hottest oay \ vas August 14, when th' Thermometer indicated . . 90 The coldest night w as January 3d— 4th . . 2 Total Rainfall for the year, 32.03 inches. J. Must. Bam at Welbeck for tlie last 10 Years :- - 1858. 1859. 1800. 1861. 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. In In. 1 In. In Tu In. In. In. In. In. 0 26 0.98 3.62 0,46 0 87 2.32 1.03 2.03 1.03 1.88 Feb. .. 0,44 1.66 0.69 2.11 0..56 0.38 1.32 1.69 2.39 1.25 March. 0 03 1.56, 1.94 3,13 ■.M^^ 0.62 2.03 0 69 1.31 2.40 April.. 2.R4 3.41 0.84 1 56 1 42 0.48 1.34 0.95 1.32 3,04 May .. 1 68 0.34 3.21 1,0s '•..M 0.53 4.18 3.21 0.65 2.35 June .. O iJO 2.70 3.11 4,K1 1.7^ «,KH 1.33 I.OH 3.40 2.25 July.. L.W 0.26 1.89 4.54 l.Hf 1.34 1.17 2.86 3.04' 3.39 2.83 4.18 5.78 0.86 1.95 2.53 1.89 3.74 3.24I 3.31 Sept . . 1 94 2.911 2.98 1,™ 3.71- 2.7H 1.93 0.58 3.83 2.10 Oct. .. 3 13 .3.59! 1.86 1,16 a.n 2.85 2.94 4.86 2.84 2.02 Nov... 0 9R 2.18 2.1a 2,26 0,9f 2 2] 2.21 2.21 2.0; 0.89 Dec. . . 1.95 1.84 2.49 2.36 0.64 0.63 1.23 0.51 1.56 1.51 21.88 25.61 0.54 26.19 23,17 19.55 22.65 24. 1 26.68 26.39 Average annu,al rainfall at Welbeck for the last 10 years, 24.70 in. The wettest months were August and October, with average annual falls of 3.03 in. and 2.84 in. respectively. The driest month was January, with an average fall of 1.41 in. The quantity of rain registered at Welbeck from 1858 till 1867 was nearly 2 inches less than in the preceding 10 years —the average rainfall has theref^ore been slightly decreasing. The mean temperature at Welbeck in 1867 was 48' or \° above the average. The failure in the cereal and fruit crops was therefore not so much due to want of heat or excessive moisture as to the extreme changes of temperature in the spring and summer months. The early wall fruit, such as Apricots, Peaches, and Pears, were much injured at the blooming period in the end of March, and in May the Apple crop was nearly all destroyed in exposed situations. William Tillery, Welbeclc, North Notts. Fig Culture.- 1 am glad to see that one of your correspondents (" A. F. B.") is bringing into notice that strangely-neglected fruit, the Fig. England is, I believe, the only country in which it is not appreci- ated. The observation of your correspondent, that it thrives best near the sea, is borne out by general experience, and Toulouse, with some inland parts of Caria, may be said to be the only places celebrated for Bury Horticultural Exhibition awarded a First-class Certificate to this boiler ; but whether they saw it in work, or founded their favourable opinion upon its appearance only, is not stated. I presume that the superiority of this boiler over all others (as claimed for it in the advertisement) rests upon its novelty and efficiency. As to novelty, in 1857 Mr. Ormson fixed a boiler in this garden which only differed from Mr. Jones's patent in being without the side flanges, or wings, and in having solid fire-bars. As, however, the tubular, or water-carrying, fire-bars form no part of Mr. Jones's invention, the only new feature in his boiler consists in the flanges ; and if these contain water to be heated, they must to a certain extent add to the heating surface of the boiler, and thereby increase its efficiency. It may be questioned whether the terminal end of the boiler increases its power so greatly as at first sight it may seem to do, because one surface only of the end is exposed to the influence of the fuel ; the other surface is shut off from the action of the fire, and if in contact with solid brickwork, carries heat away instead of furnishing it. Then from the area gained by the end we must subtract the heating surface lost by the two side holes ; and if these are enlarged, as suggested by Mr. Wills, the remainder will not be great. I have found the side holes in the old terminal boiler liable to the same objection as Mr. Wills points out in the new form— that is, they are not large enough for the free passage of the smoke, especially when fresh fuel is added, and consequently there is not sufficient draught to make a bright fire, which is a very important matter in maintaining a high temperature. Perhaps this objection would not hold if the best Newcastle coals only were consumed ; but in this district that would be almost like burning gold, their price at Midsummer being seldom below 25j. a ton, and in a protracted and severe winter I have known that price doubled, consequently gardeners are forced to use less costly and more powerful fuel. This is a point which constructors of hot^water apparatus do not sufficiently consider. Their calculations of the size of boiler and length of piping requisite for the heating of a certain house are founded, I believe, upon Hood's theory of warming, and the experiments from which Hood deduced his data were made with fuel of the best .quality. Upon the whole, then, I think it may be fairly questioned whether this new form of saddle boiler will supersede the old one when the latter is properly set. I say advisedly, properly set, because some writers on this subject seem to have very misty notions about it. Before entering the chimney the " products of combustion " take exactly tho same course in the old boiler as in the new, only in the one case they pass out at the end, and in the other at the sides of the boiler. My opinion is, that if horizontal flanges could be attached to the sides ol the original saddle boiler without much increasing its cost, a better boiler would be obtained than the one now under consideration. J. B. Whiting, Tlte Deepdene. ^, t> /-. -o Culture of GladloU.-T beg to inform Mr. E.>. Koss (see p. 1321, 1S67) thai I have grown Gladioli for five seasons very successfully in the same beds and soil, to which nothing more has been given than a dreeing of leaf mould each year, and they were much better the 54 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGiacULTlTRAL GAZETTE. [JiNtJAEY 18, 1868. fifth season than the fast. I would not advise a second application of manure, but would give them some loam and .'land. I attribute my success to the way in which they are managed, viz., after they have done flowering I cut off the flower spikes, let them remain for a few weeks longer, and then shorten them more; and, as soon a.s hard frost sets in I take them up, and lay them in tolerably dry soil in any place where they will have light and be free from frost, until the stalk readily separates from the bulb ; they are then stripped of the old bulb and roots, and are stowed away in pots or bo.xes with a little sand shaken through thein. In this way they remain until the end of January. Having previously, on wet days, got a quantity of pieces of turf prepared, about 4 inches sauare, a piece is scooped out from the under side large enough for the bulb and the insertion of a little fresh soil. They are then placed close together in cold frames, and covered about 4 inches in depth with old Mushroom dung, where they remain until they begin to grow through the dung ; they are then removed, and merely plunged in some light soil, and protected from hard frost till the middle of May, when they are planted out, turf and all, just deep enough to cover the bulbs, as I do not agree with deep planting. Managed in this way, out of some 600 1 never lose more than, say, ." per cent. X Welsh, Palace Garden, Armagh, Ireland. PniTiiDg Trees In Hyde Parle.— MHien Mr. G. Beau- clerc (seep. 12%) undertook to set Mr.Cowperrighton this subject, and to impress upon him the necessity of employing some gentleman with a critical eye, himself or Mr. Ruskin, for instance, to superintend the pruning of the trees in Hyde Park, he did so, do doubt, from the most praiseworthy of motives— at any rate, that is only a question between him, and the recipient of his valuable advice. But after having done so, it was really too had of him to rush into your columns, and with his quiver full of such unpolished shafts as " ignorant gardeners," " unreasoning ditto," " underling overseers," " rough ignorant workmen," seek to beard the Douglas in his very den : for I appeal to the time-honoured title-page of the Chronicle if it be not peculiarly the gardeners' stronghold and citadel. I have not been in Hyde Park for years, and may not be for many more to come ; therefore I know little or nothing of the trees, the mutilation of which has so harrowed your correspondent's soul ; but I have, although only an " ignorant gardener," into whose " unreasoning " head the ideas suppo.sed to be attached to the words "lines of beauty" and "artistic grace" eaa hardly pierce, had some little axperience in pruning trees in private parks, sometimes in summer, more frequently in winter, but in neither c»a.se have I seen any of those dire effects so gra'phicaUy described by Mr. Beauclerc. He says that he reasoned thus with Mr. Cowper:- " ^^^hen the limb of a tree is amputated in wipter, or when the sap is down, the following are the consecmeaces, there being then no sap in the houghs," &c. Is this particular limb a dead branch ? If not, then nearly every uneducated gardener knows, ami your correspondent, who is educated and h»s a critical eye, should know, that a living tree is never without sap, either dormant or in motion, and one or other of these conditions is described when t)»e sap is said to t>e up or down, "which IS, however, only a figure of speecli among practical men, a "time-honoured" pre- judice, above which Mr. Beauclerc has not yet risen. His vivid picture of the disastrous results of winter pruning— of the sap rushing up the trees in spring as if pumped by a water company — of its finding a " bust pipe " where amputation took place, and con- tinuing to pour from it for a month— is, I q,i|n bowd to say, without wishing to be in the least discourteous, drawn entirely from imagination, no such caiamities happening in actual practice. The sap vessels which are cut remain open only for a very .short time even in winter, Nature having amply provided for such contin- gencies as mutilation by storms, or roughs, or climbing boys, and the dormant sap which is ever present quickly coagulates and elTectually seals up all the pores or tubes, so that for this purpose no pitch-plaisters are required, however useful they may be, for preserving the wood from decay until covered by alburnui^. I do not assert, however, that winter is the best time for such pruning. The end of spring seems the most natural ; but when it cannot be done then, the fanciful Ills conjured up by your correspondent need not deter any one from winter pruning. Nor have I anything to say in justification of the system of pruning said to be adopted in Hyde Park, which is apparently a strange one, as the laanches are " hacked ofl' a foot, and some- times two or three feet, from the stem," and are yet at the same time "actually chiselled out below the level of the stem "—bad practice certainly, but by no means justifying the coarse epithets your correspondent has thought fit to hurl at the unlucky practitioner, aud, by implication, at ninety out of every hundred gardeners throughout the country, and which augurs anything but peace and quietness for the good times to come, " when men shall beat their spears into pruning hooks." Ail Unreasoning Gardener, Faradiae Stock.- 1 do not know the origin of this, but Jt suspect tiomits hardiness it must have come from the north. It« roots may be left exposed to a severe frost without injury. It prefers a clayey iarit'ileHx) soil. I do not find it to be more subject to canker than any other stock we employ for grafting. Last year I received from England some plants of the English Paradise, and of the Nonsuch Paradise, " an improved variety;" I planted them for stools {mhes), and I want to see how they will turn out. In any case they appear to me to be very vigorous, and to resemble our Douciu. The advantage of our Paradise stock is to secure dwarf, very dwarf trees, when the precaution is taken not to bury the grafts ; moreover, the result is immediate. The second year from grafting these little trees are covered with fruits, and I have seen some which have at that age produced a crop of Apples of greater value than themselves, that is to say, that a tree worth 130 centimes has produced Apples to the value of 1 franc, or 1 franc 50 centimes, and even more. I guarantee the correctness of this assertion. Gallicus. Abyssinian Plant.— The Abyssinian Correspondent of a London paper gives the following description of a shrub which covers the ground for miles, from the place of debarcation to the first camping quarters of the expedition. " It is," he says, " a low shrub, with small leaves, but numerous, large, and strong prickles, enough not only to tear the clothes off one's back, but the flesh off one's bones." Can you give the name of this planty Fred. [Probahlya Ziziphus or auAcacia. Eds.] Protecting Vine Borders.— Most gardeners are anxious at certain times of the year to have their Vine borders protected from wet ; therefore many are the ways adopted to attain that object — some with perfect, others with only partial success. Glass is employed in some places, asphalte in others ; but the majority have to make shift with anything that is con- venient and inexpensive. Therefore some make use of old lights partly covered with boards, while others cover with straw and thatch it down, a plan which answers pretty well if a good fall can be obtained ; but this is not always the case, as in many instances the border is nearly flat, and the front lights of the Vinery so near the ground that to carry the protection up at the hack is impossible. A gentle- man who is an amateur Grape grower, has covered one of his Vine borders with common house tiles, which have a neat appearance, are perfectly effec- tual in keeping the border dry, and they cost about 47*. per 1000, that number being sufficient to cover a border 21 feet by 6 ; they can be easily laid on by any labourer— besides, no hailstorm can break and no amount of wet can rot this covering. It is also easily removed and packed away when not required, and it will last (if we may judge by old houses) until our great-grandchildren find out or afl'ord something cheaper or better. C. Spring Oardening.— Osberton, which is well known as a place where summer bedding is carried out with taste, now bids fair to rival its summer splendour with those lovely gems spring flowers ; 16,000 plants having been carefully arranged by Mr. Bennett, a rich treat is in store for those who may have the good fortune to visit this place during the ensuing spring. I may also add that 5000 Ehododendrons have been planted in a somewhat low space beyond one of the ornamental bridges, and when I state that Cedars of Lebanon and other dark-foliaged trees form the background, some idea may be formed of the kind of effect such an association will produce. C. Oncldlum serratum.— The plant of this Oncid from which the figure in the " Botanical Magazine " was taken has been flowering again finely at Farnham Castle. The spike, which is 9 feet in length, has 54 flowers expanded on it. It somewhat resembles O. crispum, but the flowers have the same amorphous tendency as was first noted by Mr. Bateman, although not to the same extent. Its vagaries, nevertheless, are still very amusing ; some flowers want a petal or sepal, some have the dorsal sepal united to a petal, and so on. It grows freely in a cool house, but on showing flower I move it to a warmer situation. O. hastiferum is also now throwing up a spike under the same treat- ment. J. jr. Laiireuee, Farnham Castle. Mlstleto.— Having some slight recollection of having in early boyhood seen a specimen of this parasitical plant growing upon the common Laurel — like itself an evergreen— will you allow me to ask through your pages whether any amongst your many readers can give any evidence for or against this point ? or whether they have tried it upon the common or Portugal Laurel ? It will also succeed, I believe, upon the Briar (Dog Rose) " worked " standard fashion, so as to form heads, as Roses do. In such a position, however, it would be necessary to permit either the Briar itself, or some robust variety of Rose, to grow freely upon the same stock along with it, as it seems incapable, in conjunction with roots, of elaborating sap for its own support. William Earley, Digswell. It offers a curious matter for speculation, how all the variations and modifications of plants witnessed year by year, and which come to augment the number of our ornamental plants, are produced. Is it the effect of artificial crossing, or is it simply a natural alteration — an accident, which the art of the gardener succeeds in fixing by means of the cutting or the graft ? A great and sublime question this for the philosophical gardener. M. Morren holds that the greater part of these varieties are not more or less direct results of the influence of man, nor a consequence of such operations as a more or less artificial fertilisation, nor a consequence of the power which the gardener exercises over the plant ; but that more frequently they are the result of the artificial life which the plant leads under cultivation, which makes it take on different forms and colourings, but which never go beyond the limits traced by Nature for each species. The Pelargoniums with double flowers are a new example of these accidental variations. " Whence comes," asks the editor of L^ Horticulteur Fran^ais, "the first of these double Pelargoniums, and how have the other varieties been produced ? " These questions he then proceeds to answer in the words of M. Auguste Ferrier, of which we quote the substance : — Six years ago, writes M. Ferrier, I saw in the garden of M. Martial de Champflour, a rich and intel- ligent amateur, a Pelargonium with double flowers, that which later was called Auguste Ferrier ; but nothing could be learned of its origin. A second variety, with flowers still more double, and said to have been obtained from seeds of this serai-double variety, had the umbels larger and more compact, and the colouring of the flowers different. It was a very double variety, obtained without fertilisation. The duplication evidently proceeded from the transformation of the stamens ; but there remained nearly always one or two of them which contained pollen. The appearance of these two plants was very curious, and M. Emile Chate discerned in them the foundation of a new race, that of Pelargoniums with double flowers. At the death of M. de Champflour these two Pelar- goniumSj with double and semi-double flowers, fell into the hands of M. Emile Chate ; but when they eame to be commercially announced to the horticultural world it was found that several persons possessed varieties more or less double, though none were put into commerce that year, and those whioh appeared a little later diliered but slightly from Auguste Ferrier, and from Martial de Champflour— this latter so named because it has been obtained in the garden of M. de Champflour. M. Lemoine, of Nancy, asking for flowers of this variety to decide on its merits, received one from M. Chate. It appears that he found in it some fertile stamens, and with them fertilised a flower of Beante de Suresnes ; two seeds only sprang up, and it is one of these two, fertilised by Martial de Champ- flour, which has produced the admirable variety, with flowers perfectly double, named Gloire de Nancy. i M. Ferrier then proceeds to relate a curious fact bearing upon the question of the production of varieties 1 with double flowers. At M. Chate s, he observes, i there exists a plant of Auguste Ferrier, grown from a cutting, on which may be observed the two primitive varieties. It is divided, from the base, into two branches: one bears the semi-double flowers of the mother-plant — Auguste Ferrier ; the other has the full flowers of Martial de Champflour. There is no. artificial skill, no grafting, but simply a branch of the variety Martial de Champflour naturally developed on the cutting of a branch of the variety Auguste Ferrier, This plant, propagated from slip to slip, is at least the tenth generation from the mothej-plant. This anomaly suggests that Martial de Champflour has profc^bly sprung [as a sport] from Auguste Ferrier. Hence it is concluded that the first double Pelar- goniums were accidental sports, and that they have been subsequently fi.xed; in support of which view reference is made to a plant of Tom Thumb shown at a meeting of the Horticultural Society of Paris, on which grew both umbels of single flowers and umbels of double flowers. The branches producing these last would in the same way yield a double-flowered Tom Thumb. Societies. United Hortioi^ltpral : Jan. 13.— An hiterestlBg group of plants was oxMbitecl oo this occasion by Mossia. E. G. Hen- derson & Son, in which the nioat pi-oraiiient were two new EcOieverias named caliopbiiua and :(troy-ur].uii-:i. both .ippa- lently acquiaitiona for beddina ti"il''-''^' \'"'il«i japonica snlphure;;, the lejivca of which m sulpliur, spotted and margined with green: yaxifraga I'.iiyifoUa (tnui), a rare and beautiful .nlpine, not much known, as the inferior, but still very pretty, S. crustat-x is generally sold for it. Both these last were exhibited to show the great difference that exists between the two species. The above wei-e awarded Fivat-clasa Certificates. The same firm also exhibited a, new Helicrysum named en-exa, with white silvery foli.age. This will probably be useful in ribbon gardenini?, the foli;i,ge being smaller than that of the Centaurcas. The pl.ant shown, though only a aeodliue.waa highly commended, .and requested to be produced again when more fully developed. Florists' Flowers. Within the last few years our collections have been enriched by several varieties of Pelakgoniu.m in- (juiJTANS, WITH DOUBLE FLOWEBS, the most remark- able of whioh is the variety called Gloire de Nancy. M. Lemoine states that this was obtained by crossing Beaute de Suresnes by one of the double-flowered varietie,s previously known. Two seedsweroproduoed, and of these one has given flowers of P. inquinans; the other is the Gloire de Nancy, which has very full double flowers, resembling minute pompon Roses,of a beautiful shade of colour between that of the mother, which is rose, and the father, which is scarlet — a colour which has been described as Chinese orangy rose. It is one of the most be.autifiil varieties yet obtained among the several double-flowered sorts now in existence. Wintering Bees.— The system of carrying hives through the winter by burying, or shutting them up in dark rooms, or by other methods of confinement, having been mooted in your columns by two or three of your correspondents, I may perhaps he allowed to give the results of an experiment I have lately tried. Having a weak swarm in a single-comb glass observa- tory hive, which I much wished to preserve through the winter, I supplied the bees liberally with .sugar syrup, and when they had stored and sealed up what I consi- dered to be a sufficient quantity for use during several months, at the end of October I closed them in, opened the ventilators at the top and ends, and removed the hive to a dai'k oloset in my dressing-room. I did not look at the bees for at least six weeks, during which time we had some very mild as well as severe we.ither ; when I did so it was with the full expecta- tion of finding them all dead, but I was agreeably sur- prised on hearing, the moment the cupboard door was opened, a loud roar from the little prisoners. They were Hying and well. Again, just before Christmas, on going in to ascertain their condition, I had strong aural proof of their being still alive. I have not since examined the hive until to-day, the l.'jth of January, when I am vexed to find a great change for the worse has come over the bees. A large proportion of them is dead, the combs have become clammy and luouldy, pro- bably from the fermentation of the artificial _ food, many ol the dead bees in the .same condition sticking about them. A very small number of bees, perhaps about 200, were collected together in the close vicinity of the top ventilator ; and these, though weak, greeted Janitaet 18, 1868.] THE GAnDENEUS' CTTT^OXKn^E AXT) AGKICITLTtmAL GAZETTE. 65 me with a faint hum. As it i.s now quit« impossible to save the sxirvivors, I removed them nsiain to the garden, and having cleared away the dead bee.s from the entrance, left them to their fate. A few soon found their way out. but were exceedingly weak. If this stock had been of considerably greater strength as to numbers, I believe the experiment would have answered very well. The temperature of the claset, which is located in the centre of the hou.se, could never have been below 40°, nor could it ever have been very high. Had the bees been left on their own stand in the garden, I am convinced they could not have lived a month. They were, however, too few to keep up the requisite temperature to prevent moisture from spoiling the combs. And we must also take into consideration the unfavourable material of which the hive is composed. Glass is, at the be,st of times, but particularly in cold weather, an unsuitable material to be either in contact with the bees or in close proximity to the combs. Condensation ou its inner surface readily takes place, and quickly rcnilers the hive uninhabitable from moisture and moiildiness. But I have no doubt that stocks, whether in wood or straw of a more natural form, would do very well in a moderately cool, dry, and quite darkened room, pro- vided that plenty of ventilation be afforded. The American plan of removing the top, and substituting perforated zinc, or of simple inversion of the hive, amply secures this desideratum. Apiatoi: Garden Memoranda. SnKrBLAXD Park (conrhded from p. SIJ. — After surveying the finished products and the artistic setting of all this beauty, one feels tempted to step into the factory, or making-up and stor- ing department, and also to have a look at the utuitarian aspect of horticulture at Shrubland. The latter has never been neglected here. Even Mr. Beaton, amidst his wildest enthusiasm about the development of Nosegays and the production of white scarlet (!) Pelargoniums, never forgot to grow plenty of Cabbages, Potatos, and Onions. While the conservatory was in a blaze, and the drawing-room everywhere adorned with flower.s, the dessert dishes have ever been laden with fine fruit. And it is emphatically so still. The flower garden, brilliant and capacious as it is, is not permitted to overshadow the kitchen or the fruit garden, nor to blight them with the barrenness proceeding from neglect or inefficiency. Since Mr. Beaton's days these departments have been considerably extended and improved. Additions have been made to the ground as well as to the glass. The kitchen gardens, with the slips outside the walls, now cover a well-stocked area of 4 acres. There is con- siderable undulation of surface, the top part being nearly a level square, pierced by two walks crossing each other in the centre, and the other portions falling rapidly towards the east, thus exposing it to the colds of soring. Such a surface is to be preferred to a dead level. It affords facilities for retarding or fostering vegetable or fruit produce that are sometimes of the highest practical importance. It adds double force to the effect of varied aspects, and_ is favourable to that great art of kitchen gardening, continuous and unbroken supply of sweet juicy produce every day in the year, and all the year round. The soil is a good loam, approaching in some parts to the stiffness of day. It reacnes to a depth of only 2 or 3 feet, and rests upon the great chalk formation that forms the base of a large portion of the county. The chief means used for preserving or augmenting the productive powers of the garden is double-digging, and liberal applications of solid and liquid manures. Did it not seem almost paradoxical, it might be added that continuous cropping is also looked upon as a means of preserving the fertility of the soil. No sooner, there- fore, is one crop removed than another takes its place. The soil is seldom idle for more than a day or two together. A productive habit is thus established in the earth, which with the assistance of manures, especially liquid ones, enables it to yield two or three successive crops during each year. The crops, too, looked remark- ably well. The following kinds of Peas were in best repute : Essex Rival for the earliest and latest crop ; some varieties may come a few days earlier, but none can excel it for amount and quality of produce ; while among main croppers none are found better than Ne Plus Ultra, Champion of England, and Veitch's Perfection. Among Cabbages the Enfield Market is the favourite ; and no Beet could he darker and finer than Nutting's dark red. The ground was literally laden with winter stuff, and salading, sprouts. Broccoli, and Kales were strong, and good. That splendid vegetable, the Walcheren Broccoli, was seen in all stages hastening forward to provide a winter supply of the sweete.st of all Cauliflowers ; and salading in masses was blanching itself ready for the howl. A good quantity of salading and other vegetables i.s stored away in pits for winter use. Asparagus is largely grown. A certain portion is taken up for forcing in pits every winter and .spring, so that a number of beds are formed, and as many destroyed, every year. Large breadths of Strawberries are grown at Shrub- land; the sorts being Keens' Seedling, Sir Charles Napier, and British Queen, and the Red and White Alpines for late use. Other sorts have been tried, but not equalling these well-proved varieties they have been discarded. Forced Strawberries are in great demand. About 2000 pots are fruited annually. Keens' Seedling is used for the first crops. Sir Charles Napier in the middle, and the Queen last. The first crop ripens in February, and a succession is main- tained until the natur.al crops come in. The plants are introduced into a gentle heat in the beginning of November, and successional batches, as the demand requires, all through the winter and spring months. The pot plants were the strongest I have ever seen. Many of these were thinly plunged in old tan over the surface of a south border, the pots being covered with an inch or two of rotten dung. At a lat«r period they are laid on their side for several weeks, to compel them to go to sleep, before being started into a new growth in November. The immen.se crowns cannot do otherwise than throw up strong trusses of bloom, and mature large heavy fruit. Small fruits of all kinds looked well, and some fine bush and pyramid Apples and Pears bounded the sides of one of the main walks. Among these were noticed Celine, Golden Reinette, Court-pendu Plat, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Scarlet Nonpareil,— most useful dessert Apples; the Hawthornden and Northern Greening forming fine trees, and fruiting well for kitchen use. Among Pears the following, among other useful varieties, are grown : — W^illiams' Bon Chretien, Comte de Lamy Althorpe, Crassane, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Knight's Monarch, and Beurri* Diel. The garden is enclosed with walls of different heights, varying from 10 to 14 feet: these are iiioslly wpll covered with Peaches, Nectarines, Pears, .Vpricols, Plums, and Cherries. Peaches have generally bren more or less of a failure out-of-doors this season, but the crop was excellent at Shrubland. .Some trees between the gardener's cottage and the Vineries were especially fine. The varieties grown are the Royal George, Noblesse, Barrington, and Walburton Admi- rable. Nectarines: Elruge, Pitmaston Orange, and Violette IMtive. Cherries and Plums were of the usual varieties. There are some very fine Pear trees on one of the highest walls, among which were observed Easter Beurre, Glou Morce,au, and TJvedale's St. Germain. The Apricots are mostly young thrifty trees, about three years old, of the Moor Park and Royal varieties. The old fees had all died off somewhat suddenly. On examination it was found that they had been planted in a mixture of leaf-mould and loam. The leaf-mould had developed a Fungus that entirely encased, and seemed to kill the roots. Mr. Blair carefully removed the whole of this impregnated soil, and supplied its place with a mixture of sweet loam and burnt clay. On examining other trees that looked unhealthy the some malady, springing from the same cause, was found. Those not too far gone were replanted in fresh earth, and are now doing well ; those that had almost succumbed to the Fungus were thrown away, and replaced by young trees. By not using the leaf mould the Fungus has disappeared. It may be remembered that a Fungus was imported into the fruit-tree or Vine borders at Woolverstone by the use of loam from beneath trees. An important caution for all planters is, to beware of Fungi. The law of their life compels them either to feed upon dead matter, or to prey upon other forms of life. From the culture of fruit out-of-doors, one naturally notes its appearance in orchard-houses. At Shrub- land this is all that can be desired. This house is over 100 feet long, 13 feet wide, and Ififeet high at the back. The back wall is covered with trees in the highest health, laden with heavy crops of the finest fruit of the usual varieties. Within about a yard of the front of the house an espalier trellis is carried along ; this is furnished with Peaches and Nectarines, which in that position are generally three weeks later than the same varieties in the open air, or on the hack wall. The centre of the house is mostly devoted to Plums, with a few Peaches and Nectarines among them. They are planted out, and are fine bushes or dwarf trees in the best health, and laden with fruit. Some Nectarines, Figs, Cherries, Cape Gooseberries, &c., in pots are introduced into an^ vacant spaces, so that no room may be lost. Mr. Blair's estimate of the merits of the two modes of culture— pots or planted trees— is that of most practical men, and is best expressed in his own words :— " Pot plants are useful to fill up with, but I should not like to trust to them for the supply of a family." Near here there is a nice Fig-house, with the entire back wall covered with trees, and pot Figs plunged along the front. The chief sorts are Lee's Perpetual, and the brown and white Ischia. Crossing the kitchen garden, the chief range of fruit houses is entered. It extends to » length of about 170 feet, and is formed into five divisions, consisting of four Vineries and one Peach-house. These houses are 15 feet wide and 13 feet high at the back. The first Vinery is started about the 1st of December, and the last supplies Grapes till March. This, with the pot Vines that ripen in May, nearly complete an unbroken circle of Grape-supply throughout the year. The varieties in the first house are Black and Golden Hamburghs ; in the second. Black and Muscat Hamburgh ; the third is devoted to Muscat of Alexandria ; and the latest house to Muscats Lady Downes' and Trebbiano. One of these divisions is devoted to fruiting Pines, and a fine crop was showing. I think this was the earliest Vinery, and the Vines are taken out at the front lights, and run along the front, for the double purpose of ensuring early matured wood, and of leaving the house free for Pino culture. Pines are well grown here, as well as in other pits devoted to fruiting and .succession plants — the varieties being mostly (Queens, with a few smooth-leaved Cayennes, and Black Jamaicas. The large edible PassiUora quadrangularis is also extremely well grown, bothin potsandplantedontinone of those houses. They were in the highest health, and covered with fruit that come iumostusefully for dessert in October and November. Mr. Blair's method of training pot Vines deserves a passing notice. The stem is carried up to, and is then wound round a small umbrella trellis, from 2 feet to a yard in height. The fruit thus hangs down from the trellis, and no mode of training could be more artistically beautiful. Many will remember these Vines, and how generally they were admired at the great Show of the Royal Horticultural Society at Bury last July Melon growing may be said to be illustrated to perfection at Shrubland. The season is prolonged from the beginning of May to the end of December. At this time (October) one crop, about the size of Peaches, is swelling ;iway in fine style, and the wood is as short- jointed and robust as one would expect in .July. The Melons are grown in a low hip-roofed house, GO feet long, in three divisions. It is 10 feet wide, with a path near the back, and a slate shelf over it for French Beans, &c. The other jiart of the house forms a bed for the Melons. They are planted out near the front, and trained to a trellis close to the roof The fruit is generally thinned out to about 30 tor each division of the house, and several of the divisions yield three crojis during the summer. The same plants are never allowed to furnish a second crop. A good stock of strong healthy plants is always kept in reserve, and the moment one crop is ripe the plants and soil are removed, the new plants put in, and a fresh start made. The varieties grown are the following: — Scarlet Gem, Bailey's Green and Scarlet-flesh, Orion, Woolverstone Hybrid, Heckfield ditto, and Strathfieldsaye. Mr. lilair prefers Scarlet Gem and Bailey's varieties. They ripen well at any season, and do best for the winter or last crops. Cucumbers are grown at all seasons. Owing to the appearance of the disease during the last two years they are cultivated in pots. It seems impossible to master the disease ; the best mode of securing a crop in spite of it, is that adopted here— pot-culture, a constant suc- cession of young plants, seeds from fresh places, and never to grow two crops in succession in the same place. In a small but well-managed Mushroom-house a good supply is secured, from October till June. This notice is already so extended that it is impos- sible to do justice now to the plant-houses at Shrub- land, or even to enumerate them all. Suffice it to say that they are scattered in all directions, on each side of the garden, that they are well furnished with fine healthy plants, that the usual collections of stove and greenhouse plants are well grown, as well as a nice collection of Orchids, Begonias, Ferns, &c., and that almost all the houses, however well filled with their usual occupants, are crammed .still fuller with bedding plants during winter and spring; that, in fine, however well all the glass at Shrubland performs its own special purpo.ses, it has a compound function to perform— that of assisting in the floral illumination of the flower garden. And it is the highest credit to Mr. Blair to be able to add that, amidst all this demand for floricultural display, among a perfect labyrinth of propagating and preserving pits, frames, and other expedients, he has lost none of his old skill as a plant grower — as the magnificent plants of Musa Cavendishii, with their immense hunches of fine fruit, the fine Alocasias, Caladiums, Bougainvilleas, Dioscoreas, Cissus, Crotons, Begonias. Dracaenas^llamandas, Aphelandras, Aerides, Lpelias, Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Camellias, Azaleas, Ferns, Lycopods, &c., amply prove. It is pleasing to add that amidst the enjoyment of so much beauty, the comforts of the cottager and the interests of the public are not forgotten by the present proprietors of Shrubland, Sir George and Lady Broke Middleton, as the nice cottages and prosperous schools on the estate, and the Town Hall Lecture and Reading Room at Needham Market, abundantly testify. F. P.S. Outyumher Disease. — I have much pleasure in stating that the disease has at last been subdued. It appeared on the winter plants in a young state, but they speedily outgrew it, and the supply has been plentiful and the plants quite healthy. Late .Me/o)iS.— These ripened well and were gooil flavoured. They were scarcely so large as the same varieties during the summer. They imparted a novel charm to the winter dessert, and were pronounced excellent by the consumers. The last fruit were sent to table on the 3d of January, and independent of their novelty were doubtless most serviceable in adding to the richness of the dessert, which, I am told, amounted to over 70 dishes in the first week of the present year. F., Jan. 15. ^^__^_^^_^___ Miscellaneous. NEW SONG KIR GARDENERS. (Idr—Tlit .4ll,ym to Ihr Orrrt ,n:- of " William TM.") When chosen judgo of Grapes, by tastiog. Not minding size of bunch nor bloom, At exhibitions no time wasting, I'll look around the tent or room. Good Grapes selecting, the bad detecting. With a knife or pair of shears : All prizes guarded, and awarded Hefore the company appears. That's the way to stop all bother About old i-ules, which ends in doubt. What's fair for one is fair for t'other. When tasting rules are carried out. A pair of new kid gloves I'll wear, For handling bunches — and display ; From beer and spirits I'll forbear. Nor smoke Toljacco on that day. I'll taste no pickle my tongue to tickle. Nor anything that's strong or sovu-. Hut wetting my lips with dainty sips Of Attar of Roses, I'll try my power. Th.at's the way to stop all t>other About old tules, which ends in doubt. What's fair for on© is fair for t'other. When tasting rules .are c;imed out. Thotli, Dragon Trees in Teneriffe. — Those little Dragons, in the state of pupilage (resembling Yuccas), are probably about three years old. In 30 years they will have shaken off that vestment, and will appear like young Palm trees, each with its tuft of long sword-shaped leaves at the top of a tall, white, and straight endogenous trunk. Add 30 years more, and the definition of a Palm is gone ; for the stem branches above, and each branch has now in its turn become a sort of Palm tree, with a terminal bunch of leaves. Thirty years more, and these branches having subdivided again, wehaveahost, a republic of Palm trees, mounted high in the air ; 56 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTDRAL GAZETTE. [Janbaet 18, 18C8. each in itself a strictly endogenous tree, but at the point where its own individual stem shoots forth, sending down roots which, inosculating with each other, and working their way through the old bark of one original stem, give at last a look of portly exoge- nous growth to the lower trunk. SmijtKs Teneriffe. Markets. — The following motion will be brought forward at an early Court of Common Council by Mr. E. Stapleton ;— " That to meet the urgent wants of the increasing population, it is expedient that the whole question of market accommodation be at once entered into, more particularly as to vegetable markets, seeing that Covent Garden, the Borough, and Spitalfields are most inadequate to meet the demands now made upon them, and that it be referred to the Markets Committee to inquire into and report whether additional accom- modation is not needed, and whether daily vegetable, meat, and fish markets should not be established for the benefit of the public." Citi/ Press. Australian Tree reffe/o^ioB.— Statistics of actual measurement of trees compiled in various parts of the globe would be replete with deep interest, not merely to science, but disclose also in copious instances mag- nitudes of resources but little understood up to the nresent day. Not merely, however, in their stupen- dous altitude, but also in their celerity of growth, we have in all probability to accede to Australian trees the prize. Extensive comparisons instituted in the Botanic Gardens of this metropolis prove several species of Eucalyptus, more particularly Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus obliqua, as well as certain Acacias — for instance. Acacia decurrens, or Acacia molissima — far excelling in their ratio of development any extra-Australian trees even on dry and exposed fBpots, such into which spontaneously our blue Gum- trees would not penetrate. This marvellous quickness of growth, combined with a perfect fitness to resist drought, has rendered many of our trees famed abroad, especially so in countries where the supply of fuel or of hard woods is not readily attainable, or where for raising shelter, like around the Cinchona plantations of India, the early and copious command of tall vege- tation is of imperative importance. To us here this ought to be a subject of manifold significance. I scarcely need refer to the fact that for numerous unemployed the gathering of Eucalyptus seeds, of which a pound weight suffices to raise many thousand trees, might be a source of lucrative and extensive employment; but on this I wish to dwell, that in Australian vegetation we probably possess the means of obliterating the rainless zones of the globe, to spread at last woods over our deserts, and thereby to mitigate the distressing drought, and to annihilate perhaps even that occasionally excessive dry heat evolved by the sun's rays from the naked ground throughout extensive regions of the interior, and wafted with the current of air to the east and south, miseries from which the preva- lance of sea-breezes renders the more littoral tracts of "West and North Australia almost free. But in the economy of nature the trees, beyond affording shade and shelter, and retaining humidity to the soil, serve other great purposes. Trees ever active in sending their roots to the depth draw unceasingly from below the surface-strata those mineral elements of vegetable nutrition on which the life of plants absolutely depends, and which with every dropping leaf is left as a storage of aliment for the subsequent vegetation. How much lasting good could not be effected, then, by mere scattering of seeds of our drought-resisting Acacias, and Eucalypts, and Casuarinas at the termina- tion of the hot season along any watercourse, or even along the crevices of rocks, or over bare sands or hard clays, after refreshing showers? Even the rugged escarpments of the rocky, desolate ranges of Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco: even the Sahara itself, if it could not be conquered and rendered habitable, might have the extent of its oases vastly augmented, fer- tility might be secured again to the Holy Land, and rain to the Asiatic plateau or the desert of Atacama, or timber and fuel be furnished to Natal and La Plata. An experiment instituted on a bare ridge near our metropolis demonstrates what may be done. Dr. Mueller's Essay. ffiarUtn ©pnattong. (For the ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. Amongst stove plants, many Oardenias will now be showing flower buds, and according to their subse quent treatment individually will be their earliness of flowering or otherwise. Gardenias, when actively f rowing, delight in a high moist heat, both at top and ottom— indeed, few plants will withstand the inj urious effects of steam so well as these, even when caused by strong fermenting material, into which they may have been plunged. To any who desire to prolong their flowering season I would advise half the batch 10 be placed at once in a pit furnished with abundance of fermenting material, which may be either stable manure, tan, or leaves. Whether one or the other it matters not, so long as a nice bottom heat is main tained of not less than 60', and certainly not more than 75' or 85'. Let the lights be shut down pretty closely, so that abundance of condensed humidity may rest upon the whole of the internal surface during one part of the 24 hours, and admit air in quantities sufficient to counteract the too excessive damping influences of such during the rest of the time. G. Fortunei, the largest and finest of all the florida breed, succeeds admirably treated in this way, when once the plants have become duly established, and have acquired a moderate age. G. citriodora, a gem when well managed, will shortly expand its Citrus-like flowers, and has no need of any undue excitement. Keep down mealy bug by means of Fowler's Insecti- cide. As regards G. Stunleyana, keep it in a good warm atmosphere, but do not excite it unduly at this season. This variety is liable to throw up now and then a strong shoot, maturing itself into goodly form, to the no little impoverishment, and sometimes injury, of others which are weaker. In such instances a slightj pruning back of some of the lesser worst-placed shoots might tend to a more equitable adjustment of the sap. Where it is necessary to remove any older branch wholly through ill health, which it is needless to say often will occur, do so with studied foresight as to the results which may ultimately accrue through a further decay of the wound. It will be well to examine any 'bs. Tubers, 4'c., which are, or should be, at rest. See that none are in too moist a state, or starting unduly into growth. Any which are showing symptoms of growing had better be repotted into fresh compost immediately. They will then need returning to a light open position, where they can make further progress. Do not water them for a time. The moisture contained in the fresh soil, however little, will be ample for a time. Give specimen Pelarrjoniums their final shift. Continue to keep them near the glass, but do not unduly crowd them. It will be well to give occasional smokings as a preventive of aphis. The temperature should now be kept at a minimum average of 55' both by night and day, and I scarcely need add that abund- i of air should be given upon every favourable occasion. Afford all structures in like manner as much air as is possible, if but for the purpose of counteract- ing the injurious effects of continued fire-heat. FORCING HOUSES. In early Vineries proceed with the necessary dis- budding, stopping, and tying of all forward Vines needing such attention. Give air as early in the morning as possible, in order that by closing early, say by 1 o'clock, you may be able to secure a good maximum warmth whilst somewhat of the day yet remains. At shutting-up time continue to sprinkle all internal surfaces, except the heating apparatus. No water should be applied to that save by able and long experienced hands. Early fruiting Pines which are showing, or are about to do so, must have a bottom heat of about 82° constantly maintained, with sufficient moisture in the atmosphere to insure healthy action of the leaves. The foliage might even be sprinkled over with fresh tepid water with very great advantage. The generally successional or more youthful stock must still be kept as quiet as is possible, in order not to cause any undue excitement yet for a time. Straw- berries progressively forming flowers, fruit, &c. must still be treated as formerly directed. " Eunners " will show upon the more forward batches; take care, therefore, that they are removed without delay by pinching them back as often as they appear. When Cherries are in flower, be particular about insuring a sufficiency of fresh air, to give the atmosphere suitable buoyancy and dryness, in order to aid the process of fertilisation. Do not over-water these, or anything else at a similar stage of growth. Early-sown Cucumbers will now be showing the rough leaf, and will therefore need potting off. Place them, too, in a pot, if convenient, into half decayed leaves and half good open loam, CO-sized pots being the most suitable. Place them against the sides, and bury the main stalk as deeply as is consistent with the quantity of soil necessary beneath for the use of the roots. Melons at a similar stage should be treated in like manner. A mean temperature of 75' will be ample for each of these for a time — indeed, in dull weather it will be better to dispense with another 5' than to run the needless risk of having the plants drawn and weakly. Give air freely as the weather will permit, to Peaches and Nectarines, especially in the case of any houses containing such fruits, which are crammed with bedding plants. HAHUY FLOWER GARDEN. Under this heading it may be well for me to refer to the numerously-formed make-shift structures in use in the gardens of amateurs for the protection of bedding plants, &c. All such which have not the aid of artificial heat, have need of much covering to keep frost out. This, to say the least of it, will tend to decrease the amount of light, more especially if it should continue freezing until 8 or 9 o'clock in the morning. Now, though I would urge that all the light possible be admitted by uncovering at the earliest possible moment, I nevertheless would here say that in the midst of a very severe period, such, in fact, as we have not felt this season up to the time I write, rather than lose what small amount of latent heat exists in any such unheated structures whilst such a period exists, do not uncover for a day or two, especially if the irost has made itself felt within. In the latter case it will be better not to uncover at all until a thaw takes place, and then only very gradually. In instances where the frost has taken " hold " of the inmates, the thawing period should be closely watched, when, if the plants which are frozen are well soused with clear water, the colder the better, just as the thermometer rises from the freezing point to 34" or 35', it will aid much in preserving them. This done, place a partial shading over them for a day or two. BEDDING PLANTS, ETC. Where convenience exists, cuttings may be put in of Lobelias. As regards Coleus, Ageratums, Achyranthes, Verbenas, and all similar habited plants, no very large amount of heat will be needed for the purpose of striking them. An average of 55' will in fact be found far more suitable to them than a higher range. This might be expeditiously secured by selecting leaves from the inside of any store heap which has already had a good sweating. It is not advisable to form too high a bed. Four feet will be ample, as should it fall slightly below the required mean temperature, it might bo readily aided by means of linings, in part or whole ; whereas, if it should get over-heated, as early beds thus formed too often do. especially cutting beds, it will be certain injury to the cuttings. Use abundance of silver sand or other gritty matter, such, in fact, as will insure perfect drainage. It is needless to state here that I only advise cuttings to be secured thus early in such places, and by those who, not having means sufficient at command, are compiled to depend upon " spring struck " stock for a goodly after-summer display. The season from now hence quickly wears round. A week or two lost, there- fore, in this matter entails much anxiety hereafter. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Prepare by turning over and fully exposing to the air, etc., the necessary amount of soil for the purpose of potting any Auriculas needing that assistance shortly. It should be kept in a dry place, and where snow cannot damage it, or indeed moisture in any form. Needed for use early in the ensuing month, it will not be too dry for such a purpose, however well protected. As I have before advised. Ranunculi, Anemones, &c., should be got in upon the ve?y first opportunity which offers. Do not plant them more than 2 inches deep in borders which were formed in autumn, and which have now become tolerably well settled down, and in just those trenched up not quite so deep. The rows should he about 7 or 8 inches apart, and the bulbs 5 inches asunder in the rows. I advise planting them in drills in preference to dibbling them in, as, however cautiously the dibble is used it is not easy to insure their being all placed at an equal depth. KITCHEN GARDEN. No better opportunity could have been afforded than that of the weather during the past few weeks for wheeling the necessary supply of manure out upon open quarters, digging, trenching, and all similar work. If my advice has, therefore, been followed, little will be left undone in this wise. Plantations of Horse-radish should now he made : place good straight crowns deeply into good stiff trenched ground. Take up and replant Jerusalem Artichokes in a good loamy soil. They produce a finer crop without the aid of manure than with it. Small Onions should be picked out from amongst others, ready for planting at the first con- venient opportunity, some of which, planted in good rich soil, are likefy to form good-sized midsummer bulbs, fit for use when such things are scarce. W. JE. STATE OF THE "WEATH EH AT CHISWICK, NEAK LONDON. Forthe Week ending Jan. 15, 1858,a8 observed at the Horticultural Gardens. ^"™-- Si BlBOMETEE. or tbe Air. Of the Earth .5 January. fJ Mai. Mln. Ma-t. Min. Mean Ifoot deep. Thura 9 30 IBl 3-! 28 30 0 39 3B N E, .00 29.910 29.757 48 29.695 29.419 29.015 Wed. IS 20 30.130 54 29 41,6 4U ATeraRe 29 953 29.811 43.7 32.8 38.0 39.4 38.5 0.13 9-Dark and hazy ; densely o 10 -Overcast; fine; overcast: 12— Overcast ; t 13 -Rain; cloudy; slight ng ; fine; slight i denacly ;loudy, but fine ; clear at night. IS-Clear and fine ; Mean temperature o STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CHISWICK. ring the last ^2 years, for the ensuing "Week, ending Jan. '. Average Highest Temp. Average Lowest Temp. da No, or Years in which it Greatest Quantity ofKain. Prevailing Winds. January. 2 3 z 1 7 2( 8 h 1 5 ii 5 ^^% Sunday. .19 Mon. ..20 TuM. ..21 wed. ..22 Thurs. ..23 Friday ..24 Satur. . .'25 42.9 32.0 43.3 32.5 43,9 32.7 43:3 32^4 36.7 37.9 38,3 37,7 19 0.88 in. 15 0.25 19 0.4s 17 0 47 18 0.27 18 0.63 1 5 4 1 U 7' 3 11 3 3 17 0 1 18 6 2 16 G 5 The highest temperature c 19th, 1828 -themi. 68 deg, ; a A\ deg. below zero, t the 19th. 1838- Notices to Correspondents. Books: Young Oardeiifi: Add the following to those you ulready have, and make good use of them ;— W. Thomson on the Vine, D. Thomson on the Pine-apple, River.s'a Orchard House, Br6haut on the Peach, Hogg's "Fruit Manual," Williams's " Orchid Grower's Manual," and Smith's " Ferns, British and Foreign." None of these are expensive. If you can afford it, add Mcintosh's "Book of the Garden," especially the second volume, and the "Treasury of Botany." Yuu will gain much information from reading and carefully thinking over the information given weekly in our own columns, or monthly in such works as the "Florist and Pomologist," the "Gardener." itc. Sow Grass seeds as early in the spring as convenient. — Mex. Williams's "Orchid Grower's Manual" ia one of the best and most trustworthy of the pubUcations on Orchid culture. At present we know of no better botanical catalogue than Loudon's " Hortus Britannicus," but we believe a new edition of Paxton's " Botanical Dictionary " is iu the press, and will shortly be issued. Cyclamens : C D Smith. Your Cyclamen looks like a cross- bred variety with a good deal of the persicum blood. The leaves are unusually dark, and the petals short for that kind; but seedlings vary greatly in the appearance of the foluige. Ynur other question nest week. Mauritius Plants : TUP. None of the plants you name are likely to thrive in an ordinary greenhouse. The most likely to live would be Noa. 1, 6, and 17. The bulba might succeed in your Vinery, if you keep them dry, and quite safe from frost in a warm store room while at rest, and get them to grow when your Vines are enjoying a warm atmosphere. Names of Plants : E H C. Luzula aylvatica (Great Hairy Wood-rush).— Z* C. Cannot distinguish it from Hoya coriacea.— 7 5. Lichen fraxineus. Roses : Sub. We would discard from your list Auguste Vatcher, Bride of Abydos, Canary, Gloire de Bordeaux, M. Sylvestre, Princess Adelaide, Apollini, Bouquet de Flore, and La Sylphide. The rest are all first-class varieties. Communications Received.— T. Simpson.— J. J. Wingham.— Sub. W.— D. M.— J. A.— W. F. H.— Anthyllis.— J. Barnes.— G. B. Tillyard.— Somerset.— J. Newton. January IS, 180S,] TllK GAIJPENERS' CIII^ONICLE AND AGRICUi/rtlRAl, C,A7AinVu 37 MILKY WHITE, A NEW POTATO, INTKODUCEl) BY J. C. WHEELER & SON, OF GLOUCESTER. M ILKY WHITE is the best of all Potatos. MILKY WHITE is the best of all Potatos. In shape and colovir, flavour and appoaranco, it excels every othor variety. It is as white aa milk, floury as a Fluke, ripens in August, ILKY WHlTJi FOTAXO— while as milk. ILKY WHITE is of the finest quality. M M MILKY WHITE SEED POTATOS are very scare, and early orders are absolutely necessary in order to securo supply. Lowest price, 6a. per pock; 20s. per bushel (BOlb.J MILKY WHITE.— Last year the demand for this ne and most excellent variety greatly exceeded the supply, ! that very early m the planting season Messrs. Wheklek & Son wei obliged, much to their regret, to decline orders. They have ( ordering whilst ttoy are to be had. 'The lowest"price is Ss. per peck (14 lb.), 01- 205. per bushel (60 lb.) J. C. Wheeleb & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. TTtIlKY WHITE (WHEELERS'). " Bettor than this, though a little later— better in fact than any Potato coming in at the mid-season, is Wheelers' Milky White. I had a splendid crop of this last year; not one of them was touched by the disease. Tlie growth is very short and compact; tubers are uearly all one size, neither large nor small ; it has as fine a flavour Fluke or Flour ._.. . I : boldly with this fine Potato, and 1 shall therefore put it in an emi>hatic form that WuEELEtts" Milky White Is the best of all Potatos, and those who do not grow it may consider themselves rather behind the aao." — SniKi-Ey Hidberd. F.H.b., in Oardeiiers' Manazi) J. C. Whi MILKY 5s. per peck; 20s. per bushel. "MILK.T White.— This I received from the well-known firm ot Messrs. Wh>:kler & Son, Gloucester. It is one of the handsomest Potatos grown, and well deserves its name, for it is most beautifully white, very floury, and, as a second early Potato, one that I do not hesitate to regard as first-rate; it is also a very free bearer."— iLER 4 Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. W H 1 T E (W H EE LEK^ *)~ D.. Deal, in Jvu , Gloucester. MILKY WHITE (W HE EL E K S"' ), Us. per peck ; 20s. per bushel. "Your Milky White Potato Is excellent, a great cropper, very mealy, and delicately tlavoured, early, and remarkably free fioni ditease ; it was about the only Potato in my garden that was entirely free from it. It appears likely to turn out a good keeper, as well us being fltjoj; the table so early in the season."— William Roden, M.D., F.R.C.S., KiddermimUr. J. C. Wheeler k Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. Tl k y WHI T E cw"h¥e "l e'k S' y 6s. per peck ; 20s. per bushel. "Your Milky White Potato is superb."— Messrs. Bark & Sdodew Covent Garden. J. C. Wheeler Si Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIEE KIDNEY POTATO 3s. per peck, 12s. per bushel. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO. —We very highly recommend the Gloucester- shire Kidney for earliness, tlavour, size, and crop. In comparison with the Ashleaf, it is as early, whilst It produces nearly double the crop, and IB altogether superior to that variety. We -■ " sofil WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRi-^ KIDIsEY POTATO. 3s. per peck, 12fi. per bushel. " 1 can speak in the highest terms of the Gloucestershire Kidney. The lot I had from you were divided between two other gentlemen and myself, and in all cases I find that good crops of most excellekt and large Potatos were obtained. The Gloucestershire Kidneys I quality to other sorts, aa to be noticed by all I table, and before they knew of any ."Wue: WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 3s. per peck, 12s. per bushel. " Your Glouce-stershire Kidney turned out remarkablv fine, large, and well flavoured."- H. Uice, Rectory, Great Risi.ingtoji,'Bur/ord, Oxon J. C. W & Son, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 12a. per bushel. " I can with pleasure speak In high terras of the Gloucestershire Kidney. It is very early, a good cropper, very short in the huulm and also very dry and mealy. I had very few diseased." — E M W^ ' The Qloucestorshir men; it produced a t any late Potato grown. GLOUCESTERSHIRE KlI llis. per bushel. i Kidney I had ft-om you was a handsou lost excellunt crop. They eat now a.- ■— T. C. Akmstrono, Pinued Housf, K TT^ HEELERS' *' The Gloucestershii excellent in flavour but were 'also abundant gardener conaidera they are the best early variety GLOUCESTERSHIRE l'2s. per bushel. Kidneys 1 had from you ppen ."-Ch on House, Hereford. __ J. C. WiiEtLEU & SON, Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 12,'). per bushel. " I much prefer the Gloucestershire Kidney to the Ashleaf, for although I planted the former some two or tnree weeks after the latter, they were fit fortbe table quite as soon, with at least doohle THE CROP ; and 1 may add, that the Flukes were superior to any I have ever seen, both for qcantity and quality "-HENav Allen Neath Abbey, Neath. ' J. C. Wheelkr & Sow, Seed Growers, Gloucester. 'V\/'HEELERS' "GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. M a>K r., ^- P®"" peck. Ihe Gloucestershire Kidney gave a fair crop of good size and appearance, with very little disease, whereas half an acre of Cornish ^ vv^r™',"** them were all but totally rotten."-THouA3 Paicif iiANN, Broadnymett, Devon. . ^- '-■ Wheeler & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester W/HEELEKS' ' GLOUCESTEKSHIKE 12s. per bushel. Kidneys were excellent, and produced a large " The Oloucestershir crop."— The Kuv. E.V. KIDNEY. . Laui Major Vicar'aye, Coivbridge. J. C. WHEELER & SOX, Seed Gkowers, Gloucester. CAETER'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIK OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PEIZE MEDAL FARM SEEDS. THE ONLY SILVER IIEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION at PARIS, 1867, FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. PARIS, 1867. James Carter & Co. have the satisfaction to announce that the Imperial Commission of the Paris International Exhibition of 1867 granted to them the concession of supplying the Grass Seeds for the purpose of forming the Sward of the Park round the Exhibition Building in the Champ do Mars, and for which they have been honoured with THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL GRASS SEEDS ns the following official letter will show : — "Pakis Exhibition Offices, Castle Street, Holbohn, December 21st, 1867. "Gentlemen, " At your request we have referred to the official List of Awards of the Paris Exhibition for 1867, and have the pleasure to announce to you that the Silver Medal awarded to your house is the only British Award for Grass Seed. " Your obedient Servants, " J. M. Johnson & Sons." " Messrs. Carter & Co." R OYAL AGRICULTURAL RENEVOLENt INSTITUTION. i'a(ron— Hkr Majesty tub Qdekn. Pr(Hri//en(— His Grace toe Duke of Richmond. 0 RICLIEF of DECAYED FARMERS, their WIDOWS Married . . £40 per Widow and Dnmarriod Orptian 1 Oi-phan Children admitted from 7 to lu years of age, and wholly maintained and educated until the age of 14 yeara in the cjvao of ■ Election, the Council have the boolts of the Institution, .„ . PeuslonorB to be admitted at the next decided to Elect Ten Orphan Children. Forms of Application for Pensioners and Children, and OTory information, to be obtained of the Secretary, by whom DonattonH Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING EOWLS, of purest breed, in any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and moat productive breed known. Improved NORFOLK TURKEYS, larg AYLESBURY and ROUEN DUCKS. Imported BELGIAN HARE RABBITS, for size and early miturltc. BRAIIMA-POUTRA. CREVECO^UR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, Priced Lists and Estlmatea on application. JonN Baily a f>oN. 113. Mount Street, London, W, FOR SALE, by Private Contract, the BATES BULL, " LORD WlLD EYES 2n" (22.2341, roan, bred by Mr. C. Harvey, sire 4th Duke orOxford(ll,3871, dam Wild Eyes i;2d, by Wild Duke (19,148), &c., Ac. (see " Herd Book," vol. xvl.). Lord Wild Eyes 2d is particularly active, and his stoclc have fetched hlRh prices. For fiu-ther particulars apply to the Bailiff, Mr. Rawljno, Holly Bank, Burtou-on-Trent. James Carter & Co. have also had the honour of supplying Grass Seeda for the Imperial Gardens and Squares of Paris, the Park of the Paris Exhibition, and also for the Private Lawn of H.R.H. Ihe Crown Princess of Prussia at Suns Souci. CARTER'S SPECIAL LIST OF FARM SEEDS AT REASONABLE PRICES, forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 and 238, High Holboru, London, W.C. Eht ^gticttltural ®a|ette. SATr-JlliAV, JANUARY la, 1S(3S. The subject of StKi^m Ctjltitatiox, which culminated in its own career, and over-topped all other agricultural topics, in the position which was last year assigned to it, does not seem likely to lose its place in 1868. Reported on so favourably by the Royal Agricultural Society's Commissioners in the beginning of 1807, and re-presented at the meeting of the Central Farmers' Club in December, the discussion is now resumed before our local Farmers' Clubs and in the columns of the leading daily new.spaper. At the December meeting two men had given their personal experience ; — Mr. Green, M. R. , an occupier of light land, spoke of his perfect satisfaction with Mr. Howard's apparatus ; and Mr. Watts, of OrUngbury, Northamptonshire, a farmer of heavy land, spoke with confidence of his profitable experionco of Fowler's system. The former, paj'ing for eveiything connected with steam cultivation by the piece, and esti- mating with care the sums which are properly chargeable for tear and wear and interest, believes that his steam cultivation costs him 4.9. llrf. per acre ; and he gets over one acre per hour, including the moving from field to field. The latter, without pretending to estimate hia costs, could speak of the improvement which steam cultivation had effected in his hungry clays ; and ho has given the best possible proof of his confidence in the advantages he has reaped by purchasing additional tackle, for use upon his neighbours' lands as well as on his own. Mr. Watts' experience is worth relating at greater After upwards of six years' practical experience with a 1-1-horse Fowler's traction engine, and a set of Fowler's tackle, comprising a seven-tine cultivator and a four-furrow plough, with digging breasts, and all other necessary appendages, on a farm in his occupa- tion, with nearly 600 acres arable land, he in autumn, 1866, had purchased another 14-horse Fowler's engine, with a winding drum, and had a winding drum put on the old engine, and the clip-drum (by which with one engine he got the pull) removed. His reasons for adopting the double-engine system were, that his area of land was not sullicient even for the single set, and that if he had the double set he should do his own work and also some for his neighbours ; and in that he had not been disappointed, having earned nearly 400/. since April, besides doing all he required on his own farm, and the tackle was now in winter quarters. The simplicity of the double-engine set, and the facility with which it was enabled to get about the country and set to work were so great that he must candidly confess they exceeded his most sanguine expectations. With regard to the roundabout system he had had his eyes open, a neighbour having a set on an adjoin- ing engine; and, up to the time he purchased a second engine, taking the cost and everything into consider- ation, he believed it paid better than his own. But ho always looked upon it, and did now, as a make-shift. He believed the double-engine set was as perfect as it could bo. When he commenced with the tackle his farm was very ill-suited to it, which to his sorrow he soon discovered. The fields were small and irregular, the hedges crooked ; but worst of all, the greater part of the land lay in high heaps. And ho did himself some considerable amount of harm by using the plough before he had the cultivator ; for in order to plough it fairly in the furrows ho had to go in 9 to 10 inches on the ridge, which at the time he did not think would do harm, but to his sorrow he had found it did, turn- ing up poor hungry clay. He conceived that it required 58 THE CtAM)ENERS' CHRONICLE AKT) AGKICULTHRAL GAZETTE. [jANtTAEY 18, 1868. a great deal of experience to know how to use a steam plough properly. When ho first purchased one, he thought, as a good many people do when they get any- thing new, that it was going to do everything, aud that he should hardly require horses at all ; but now he had come to the conchisiou that it was best used as an au.\iliary. He did not recollect in any one instance ever doing harm by the use of the cultivator for the ensuing crop ; but he had by the plough. And he scarcely ever used the plough but to break up the land in the autumn that had got to lie through the winter ; and even then he often preferred the grubber. Mr. Watts went on to say that ho believed a great futui-e was in store for the steam cultivator, but that the outlay was so gi'eat, and the time each year during which it could be made efficient was so short, that he believed landlords must come to the help of the tenants : or the expected good would not be realised. What he con.sidered should bo done, and it would be ulti- mately to their advantage, was that large land- owners should purchase for the use of their estates. A mere 12-months' iutorest in the soil would not justify so large an expenditureand so much trouble. No doubt leases of land for a term of years will promote the extension of steam cultivation as it will of aU other agi'icultural improvements ; but the outlay of capital iu superior implements is a very much safer thing Jor a tenant-at-wUl, than an outlay on land drainage, for example, or even on manures ; and it has been abundantly proved that the year's returns from superior cultivation will amply cover all those costs of steam cultivation which are properlj' charge- able on the 12 months in question. In another page there will be found a paper on this subject, by Mr. Sutton, who has boen Messrs. Howards' lieutenant all through the contest of the rival systems : and whose expe- rience from the beginning, therefore, has been wide enough to justify any degree of confidence with which he might express himself. His address is, however, a perfectly fair and impartial report on the subject generally; and the authorities which ho quotes aud the reasoning which he presents are quite sufficient to prove the advantages which he contends for as always following in the train of steam cultivation. These advantages have been recently disputed in the columns of the Times. Mr. Bailey Denton had last summer refen-ed to the farm of Mr. Sheppard, near Lewisham, as a capital example of them. His land then had on it a crop of Wheat evidently many bushels per acre better than that on his neighboui''s land, where the steam plough was not used. "A Common Parmer" now calls on Mr. Batlet Denton for a further report. " Has the crop turned out so much better, as was said — and what about the costs incurred in producing it ? " It is plain that Mr. Siieppard's better crops are the result of many causes. What these have been were reported in our columns several years ago, when the contrast to which Mr. Denton drew atten- tion already existed, and was discussed : no doubt steam cultivation is one of them, and the costs have not been greater in his case than in others. What they are at Woolston Mr. Smith reports m Thursday's Tinvs. We are heartily glad to find the veteran tenant of the first steam- cultivated English farm, whose name has not appeared in recent debates upon the subject, as ready as ever, at a moment's notice, to fight for the economy and superiority of a system which he has done so much to promote. In 1 o days he has done the cultivation of the v'ear : 29 acres of Bean and Pea stubble have been smashed up for Wheat, aud a better Wheat plant than he has got he never saw : 45 acres of Wheat stubble have been ridged and subsoded for roots at a cost of from 6,s-. %il. to 1 0.s. 2(?. per acre. The costs to which " A Common Farmer " calls attention are stated as follows : — " Just look at the seed bed on No. 1 heavy land, a steam smashing and three horse cultivatings, at a cost of 125. 8rf. per acre. The land is as clean as a garden ; cleaner than ii9 out of every 100 of last year's dead fallows under horse culture. Now, this land, to have been ploughed in the dry slate in which I smashed it, would have required four good horses to have done three rood: per day. Give for the horses 2*. %d. each, the plough- man 3». &d.^ and the ploughboy 6^., these three roods would cost 1"5«., or an acre 17.^ 4(^. ; then we m.ust add a cross-ploughing with three horses, at a cost of 10*. M,, and two scufflings at 2s. each, to have made anything like so good a seed bed. These sums give a total of 32s. per acre against my 12s. Sd. under steam culture. " Now take No. 2, heavy land, a steam ridge plough- ing and subsoiMng at one operation, 10 in. deep, for 10.S. 2(i. per acre. Now let A Common Parmer 'set to work with his horses on this heavy stuff. To work it 10 iu. deep he must work two four-horse teams, one with a plough and the other with a snbsoiler; he would do three roods per day. The cost would stand thus :— Eight horses at 2s. (W. each, two men at 2s. M. each, and two boys at M. each ; total, 26s. for three roods, or 3-ls. id. per acre.— Similar evidence may be got from every one of my fields from the data given above. I will just tell you how the 6s. 8cZ. per acre for a steam smashing and 10s. 2d. per acre for a steam ridge ploughing and subsoiling are made up. You may see above that I did 29 acres of smashing in four days ; therefore my average was seven acres per day for 2/. Gs. dd., or 6s. 8f/. per acre. This includes men, coal, water, oil, wear and tear, and interest of money. The 10s. id. per acre is arrived at from similar data, four and a quarter acres being an average day's work." But the quaUty of the work by the steam cultivator is so superior, that the crops have largely increased ; aud to confine our attention to the mere costs of the process is like being satisfied with less than half the truth. To work the Woolston farm of 112 acres of arable land, under horse culture, Mi'. Smith says ho worked six horses hard, yet never got it so clean as it is now, neither could he work more than 5 or 0 inches deep with that power. A dead fallow on the heavy land had to be taken every fourth year. On his heavy land the corn crops have averaged for 12 years quite a quarter per acre more than they did under horse cultui'e, and he has had into the bargain an additional crop on a fourth of it instead of a dead fallow. But 20 acres of WTieat at 1 quarter per acre, at, say, oOs. per quarter, equal 50/.; 10 acres of Beans at 1 quarter per acre, at 40.s. per quarter, equal 20/., and 10 acres of Beans instead of a dead fallow, at say 4 quarters per acre, at 40s. per quarter, equal 80/. So that there is an increased annual value of produce amounting to 150/. The cost of seeding, harvesting and thres'ning the 10 acres of Beans grown instead of a fallow must be deducted, say 20/. This brings his total to l.'JO/. " Three such lots, with the horses sold off, would buy a set of tackle in a year, to say nothing about the saving in cost." We need not add anything to the arguments of Mr. Smith, which are as telling and conclusive on the subject as they have ever been. Steam cultivation, as Mr. Watts believes, no doubt Ms a. great future before it; and we do not think with him that for this it need be at all beholden to any but the very minimum of assistance from tlio landowner. — Messes. KiNGspoED & Lay report a fall of Is. to .3s. per quarter in the price of AVheat during the last week, Friday's prices at Mark Lane were, however, generally equal to those of Monday last. We have to report a dull trade and lower prices for all kinds of meat at Copenhagen Fields, both on Monday and on Thursday last. Business in the wool market is without material improvement. The supply of poultry at Newgate Market is reported as small, but the demand is smaller. A flat and dull trade has thus existed for all kinds of agricultural produce. — We have received, just as we are about to go to press, the following letter from Messrs. Ransome & Sims, in reply to that which we last week published from Messrs. Howard : — To THE Editok of the Aqricultubai. Gazetth. Dear Sir, — In their letter to you last week Messrs. Howard omit to mention that the jury which placed them first on the list of Gold Medallists did so without any trial whatever of any of their machines, whilst the jury which placed us first on the higher list of Grand 'Prizes did so after prolonged trials, in which Messrs. Howard took part. They also say that in ploughs, for instance, where we competed together, they came off best, winning the most coveted ' general purpose plough' prize. We say that no such prize was given, 'charrue simple pour labours ordinaires' not being the French equivalent of the English term ' general purpose plough,' but if it were, there is no more merit in the construction of such a plough than in that of any other, for example the deep tillage plough, in which we were placed first. They omit to mention that in every plough class in which they were placed first we were ne.xt to them, and that in two classes to which Frenchmen attacli much importance, the deep ploughs and turnwrist ploughs, we were placed before them. Altogether, the two firms were placed very nearly on an equality as regards ploughs. But if we can thus hold ou, even against a firm vshich has made ploughs their speciality, and also against other firms which have made other classes of machinery also their speciality, is not that all the more honour to us ? And this is exactly what the Paris scheme of awards has brought out — that a firm winning in several distinct and separate classes of machinery against all comers has more merit than a firm winning in any one class : and this in our case is acknowledged by placing us first on the Grand Prize list. Messrs. Howard draw a distinction between the juries— that one is French, the other International. This really is not so. Both are alike International. Whatever Englishmen may think of the value of any position at the Paris E'xhibition, there is a large number of foreigners who think quite as much of the honours conferred there as we do of those conferred by our English Societies, and as the articles from the Enghsh Press are copied and translated all over the world, it is a matter of importance to us that, having won openly and honourably the first place, any state- ment, detracting from our merit, to which you give prominence, should be met and refuted. In doing this we disclaim entirely the notion that we are disputing for the possession of a profitable advertisement to which we have only a questionable claim ; on the con- trary, we have simply defended a position justly ours, and as we consider unwarrantably and ungenerously attacked by Messrs. Howard. In conclusion, allow us to add, that we never opposed the correctness of the idea of the value of awarding prizes to agricultural machinery. We have persistently opposed for many years that want of system and arrangement which have caused whatever discredit attaches at this moment to the prize system— but this in 1807 was no more conspicuous at Paris than it was at Bury St. Edmund's ; and the trials at the one place are, as a whole, in our opinion,of aa much use to the farmer as those which took place at the other. We are. Sir, yours respectfully, " Ransome &, Sims." The following are the subjects for discussion before the Central Farmers' Club in 1868 : — Feb. 3.— The Sale and Tranpit of Home and Foreign Stock — Mr. Chare Scwell Read, M.P., Honingham- Thorpe, Norwich. March 2. — Would not the make of English Cheese be gene- rally improved by the introduction of Cheese Factories '{ — Mr. George Jackson, Tattenhall H.all, Chester. April 6, — Would Compulsory Education promote the Interests of Agriculture ?— Mr. J.B. Spearing, Benh.am Lodge, Reading. May 4. — The Justice of Funded and other Property now exempt Contributing to the Maintenance of the Poor— Sir G. 8. Jenkinson, Bart., Eastwood Park, Berkeley. November 2. — The Undeveloped Power of Uritiah Agricul- ture— Mr. J. J. Mechi, Tiptree Hall, Kelvedon. December 7. — The Influence of Railways upon Agricultvire — Mr. J. K. Fowler, The Prebeudal Farm, Aylesbury. The list reads as fresh as if it were at the beginning instead of the end of a long series of years during which the whole field of agriculture has been traversed. The sale and transit of live stock— the cheese factory system — compulsory education— the policy of rating funded property to the poor — and the influence of railways on agriculture, are all definite subjects- many of them of especial interest just at the present time. And in the larger unfenced field in which Mr. Mechi has chosen to expatiate, he will doubtle-ss light on many a topic and suggestion which will furnish the committee with material in organising lists of subjects for future years. We had the pleasure the other day of walking over the granaries of the Patent Ventilating Granary Company on Canada Wharf, by Commercial Dock Pier, Botherhithe. The patent which is here carried out, was, we believe, exhibited either in models or by drawings at the International Exhibition of 1862, and is the invention of M. A. Dev.iux. In the French section of agricultural machinery there exhibited. M. Hurat, of Cambrai, is mentioned ,as showing drawings of a granary, in which the com is stored iu ca^t-iron boxes, prism-shaped, of great height, from which the corn, being made to run off at the base, is carried by endless screws to winnowing machines, and then round again by chain buckets. Something of this kind is in operation at Canada Wharf, managed bya company,of which the French banker and merchant, M. A. Devaux, is a director. They have here 224 iron bins made with perforated sheet iron. They are7ft. Sin. square in section, 41 ft. high, arranged in double rows, with narrow intervals; and eight such double rows, 28 in each row,are underone roof. Each vertical bin has a perforated iron tube, 2 ft. diam., up its midst ; in the interval between the square shaft and the cylindrical tube the grain is stored. This space in each bin will hold upwards of 200 qrs., and thus between 40,000 and 50,000 qrs. in all can be stored away. In the basement below these iron granaries there are horizontal bricked shafts, one between each double row of bins. Into these air is driven by a powerful fan : and from each culvert, or air shaft, branches can be opened or shut by valves directing the current into any one or more of the central cylindrical tubes : and these being shut by a very easily managed stopper at any level, carry the air up to any height that may be desired in the bulk of AVheat surrounding them. The pressure is suflicient to cause the air to make its escape by traversing the grain, through the midst of which it is thus carried— taking heat and dust and moisture with it, and thus greatly improving the quality. It is, however, not merely as a hospital for " sick " grain which may arrive heated after a voyage, but for the storagoof ordinary grain under the most favourable circumstances for retaining its good quaUty, that these granaries are unexcelled. Each bin is emptied by a valve near the bottom, whence the grain drops on to a horizontal strap or creeper, travelling the whole length of the building, thus passing by every separate tube. The strap carries it to a hopper at the end, where a " Jacob's ladder" lifts it to the top of the building, and thence again Archimedean screws in horizontal shafts carry it to one or other of the bins below it, according to the position of the opening that is made for its escape. You may thus have the grain in any one shaft con- tinually sinking through it, escaping below and refilling above, and all the while subjected to the current of air which is permeating the mass, and escaping from within outwards ; or you may be con- tinually shifting it from one bin to any other through- out the building; or you may be mixing the contents of two or more bins, and carrying them anywhere ; or— steam crimes and hoists and weighing apparatus being provided— you may be lifting from barges along- side, and continually filling otiiers; and the whole is done with a minimum of manual labour by a 60- horse power engine which keeps the fans and creepers, lifts and screws, and Jacob's ladders in constant opera- tion. About 150,000 quarters of grain were received at the granary in 1867 ; and the bins are iu almost constant use.' The pateut right is being turned to Januajjy 18, ISiS.] THE GARDENERS' niTRONTCl^E ANT) AfiBTrTTl/mkAE (iAZKTTE. acoouut ia other places — a large granary on tliis principle beins ou tire eve of opening at Birkeuheini, whore another has been in operation some time. The charges — about Id. per quarter of Wheat or Barley per week for rent and insurance, besides about !»•. per quarter in all for " lighterage, landing, deliYcry," and " putting up and weighing ou delivery," and "weighing over transfer" — ai-eabout the same as \a othergranariea; and the ventilation effected through the perforated bins and tubes is an unquestionable superiority over all other granaries, whether the Wheat be heated or he in lirst- rato order. We saw some splendid Australian Wlieats stored in these bins the other day— large, full, long- berried grain, of the brightest colour. AVo had forgotten, when referring last week to the opposition of many agricultural machine makers to the Prize system as carried out at agricultural meetings, that Mr. Jajies Howakd was the author of a pamphlet published 10 years ago, for the Association of Agricultural Engineers, on this very point. The pamphlet * contains a very well-written history of the af,ricultural progress which has been coincident with the career of the Royal Agricultural Society of England ; it discussesi the influence of the Press and of liailways upon the manufacture and the use of agricultural machinery ; and, finally, in its longest chapter it considers and condemns " the Prize system." The utility of Prizes during the earlier years of " the great agricultural movement we have witnessed " is admitted ; and it is also admitted that the evils which accompanied them were to some extent avoided by the triennial division of the prize sheet, so that only a part of the general manulacture comes into competition every year. It was contended, however, that the system is still, on the whole, injurious, creating undue competition — tending rather to the search for novelty than to the production of utility, promoting the manufacture of mere racing and prize-winning machines, which are never copied for ordinary trade purposes, and involving an excessive expenditure, for which manufacturers have to recoup themselves by adding to their ordinary tr.ade charges. It was also pointed out that many of our most important improvements in agricultural machines have been effected without the stimulus of prizes— that conflicting decisions have puzzled and misled both manufacturers and their customers, and that manu- facturers find "the great demand is, not for prize machines, but for those of ordinary kind, without the relinements and prize-winning additions." While, however, it is desired that money prizes be withdrawn, there is no desire to abolish trials altogether. It is proposed, on the contrary, that these should be longer and more thorough, and that the report of results should be drawn up, for immediate publication, so that an official staternent of performances may bo accessible during exhibition to every intending pur- chaser. The concluding chapter of the pamphlet well deserves the study of the authorities, now when the question of reorganising the implement department of the Society's annual exhibition is about to come under discussion. This analysis of the pamphlet is a suf- ficient proof that its author entirely sympathised with Messrs. Ransome in their opposition to the Prize system, and in their very low valuation of the awards of merit to which it leads. SHORTHORNS. The Demand foe Pedigree Brns.— We have a pile of catalogues of pure-bred Shorthorn herds upon our table : and we shall from week to week direct attention to them. Mr. Strafibrd receives lists of cattle for his Herd Book from many hundreds of breeders. The Dublin Society will soon be holding its Spring Show, where classes upwards of 100 strong of Shorthorn bulls have been exhibited, and doubtless will again appear.— Does anybody imagine, upon con- sideration of all this, that there is any chance of over- doing the cultivation of pure Shorthorn cattle, and of over-supplying the demand for well-bred stock ? Let him thinlc of the supply that is required. There are nearly 1,000,000 head of cattle in Ireland, of which at the last anual census no fewer than 1,.519,720 were returned as milch cows. There are 4,000,000 head of cattle in England, of which nearly as many must be cows. And there are close upon a million in Scotland also. There must be considerably more than .3,000.000 cows in the United Kingdom. Let the Herd Book, Herd Catalogues, and Show lists be as full and numerous as they may, it is plain that a host of ill-bred mongrel bulls must be employed on all this .stock. 20,000 or 30,000 bulls— considerably more, probably, than the brger of these numbers— must be in use among us ; and of these no doubt the vast majority are used simply to get a cow in milk again, and with hardly any reference whatever to the calf. But what a ruinous policy this must be ! We remember a very urgent letter on this subject written some years ago with great force and truth by Mr. AVilloughby Wood, calling attention to this fact, and to the influence which a well-bred bull exerts upon ordinary stock in the production of cattle which shall be ready for the butcher at an early age. And was it not a striking illustration of the faith in this, which prevails at least in Aberdeenshire, which our columns last week fur- nished ? Our Aberdeenshire correspondent enumer.ated close upon 100 bull calves disposed of at the annual sales of certain herds in that county which had rea- lised iTom 30/. to 50?. per head. These great prices were all given by the farmers of that and neighbouring counties, for the sake of the enormous advantage we are speaking of, and for which Jlr. Wood contended. At present it is still the great majority of farmers who get their cows served for perhaps half-a-crown apiece ■• The M.anufacturo of Agriciatiival SLiohinory. I!y a M.'mufacturer. E. Stanford, 6, Chiiring Cross. 1S57.J by a young bull that has (.'ost 10/., or little more, as a yearling; and the upshot is a calf no better than its sire, and, what is far more to our general purpose, no better than its dam, for it might be so much better than its dam. The Aberdeenshire fanner employs a bull which cost him 60/. as a calf, and he may get 60 or Oil calves by him every year out of ordinary cows ; and these calves will be worth at least 5?. a head in 30 months more than its mongrel ill-bred neighbour of a greater age. And this is an annual experience ; so that the extra outlay of 30/. or 10/. for the pure-bred bull is each year doubly, triply, quadruply repaid to him. There cannot be a doubt that the demand for bulls able to put this additional value upon their offspring must increase far beyond its present limits ; and that pure-bred Shorthorn herds even, though devoted mainly to the breeding of young bulls, must greatly increase in number. There is already ample experience to guide the farmer on this subject, not only in Great Britain but in Ireland. lu Ireland probably even more than in Great Britain the good effect of an extension within living memory, of pure Shorthorn breeding has been strikingly illustrated. The exports of store stock to this country from the sister island are very large indeed, and they are annually increasing. W^e see them",in almost in every part of the country, whether among our graziers or our dairymen. All round London Irish- bred milch cows of a good Shorthorn typo are being placed by salesmen. And it is in the interest of the mere milk producer, as well as of the meat manufac- turer,that there is reason to demand and to expect double and quadruple use of pure-bred Shorthorn bulls. It is in the town and suburban cow-houses, more perhaps than anywhere else, that the combination of the milk and meat producing capabilities of an animal is most wanted and most seen. Nowhere else will you find a larger number of large and well-made common Shorthorn cows, the produce of well-bred bulls upon large-framed country cows, virtually Short- horns, though without a pedigree. But almost everywhere there is a constant and profitable demand for this class of cattle. Let no one think, then, that the thing is yet in any danger of being over- done. A pure-bred Shorthorn yearling bull is a cheap thing to buy at 30/. or 40/., even though its purchaser has no idea of putting it to any but ordinary cows— that ho may get an ox or heifer to be easily made ready for the butcher at 2-1 or -30 months, or a cow that will give her 4 gallons of milk a day for five months after calving, and be fatted without waste up to 8 or 9 cwt. after three or four seasons' milking. The enormous figures which our statistics give— 3,000,000 cows to be served every year — may be left without further comment to make what mark they naturally may upon those of our readers who are interested in the breeding of pure Shorthorns. The Sholebeokb Hekd. — Among the private Catalogues, referred to above, issued with the New Year, is one of the Sholebroke herd, the properly of Mr. R. E. Oliver. For several years past he has been conspicuous as a most spirited buyer, not only of good blood, but of animals having all the requisites of true form and quality in themselves. The Catalogue con- tains 54 animals, eight of which are bulls, and the remainder cows and heifers ; they are arranged in families, and each family is given in the order of age : 11 of these families have three or more in number. The most numerous is the fine old Cherri/ tribe, cele- brated for years in the north of England, and of this there aro three cows and heifers and three bulls ; they are bred from Cherri/ I>uchess 9/A, who was by 3d Gkand Duke (10,182) dam by 2d Ge.and Duke (12,961) g.dam by Ge.vnd Duke (10,2»1), and she is the sixth remove from Colonel Cradock's Old Chemj by Pirate (2430). At Mr. Atherton's sale in 18152 she was bought as a calf for 140 gs. Her first produce in ISM was a heifer by Grand Duke 7th (19,877), called Cherry Qrand I)uckess, who has bred another heifer by Captain Gunter's 3d Duke of Claeo (21,576), so that the calf has five consecutive crosses of Duke blood : her next produce was the bull Cheeet Grand Duke (23,551), now in use with the herd ; and the third and fourth calves are also bulls, both red, and respec- tively 15 and 3 months old. Five animals trace their pedigree through Mr. Surtees, of Dane End, and Mr. Wiley, the patriarch of breeders, from No. 51 at the Chilton s.ale in 1829; five also are descended from 5(;/o« by Geand Duke (10,284), a noble cow bred by Mr. Bolden, of Springfield Hall, and four are bred from stock reared at Pauton (Lincolnshire) for a number of years. But a.s in all good herds the best blood is not the most numerous, at the head of the best stands the two now famous Grand Duchesses 17//iand 18/A, which were bought at Preston Hall lor the unprecedented sums of 850 and 710 gs. each, the heifer calf of tlie former selling when only a few days old to Mr. David Mcintosh for 330 gs. With them is Grand DuKE7Tn (19,877), the lord of the herd, for 20 animals are begotten by him ; he, too, was sold for a high price (320 gs.) when but seven months old, in 1S62. Next comes the Olive Leaf family, a pure Bates offshoot of the more popular Barrington tribe ; one cow, Lalage (235 g.s. in 1,861), and her two heifers is all of which it consists. JmiIij Wild EiieF. 2d and her heifer by CnEEEY Gua-nd Duke (23,554) likewise trace their pedigree from Kirkleavin^ton. Among the other tribes are several animals (nine) bred from ipurchases made at the Milcote sale in 1860, including much of the now fashionable Knightley element, the Stockwood Park sale the same year, and the Bushey sale in 1862. Captain Oliver's first sire was a bull of Colonel Towneley's breeding, named EoMutus Butterfly (18,741), now in his ninth .year ; but only four animals in the Catalogue are by him, the fashionable Grand Ui KE 7tu (1'.i,.s77) having lately reigned in his stead, and IS now, with Cheket Grand Duke (2.3,551), the sire mostly in service. A private Catalogue of the pure-bred Shorthorns belonging to Mr. Robert Searson, of Cranmore Lodge, Market Deeping, ia also before us. This stock, comprising about 10 head, is famou-s in the South- Lincolnshire, or Turnell district, as it was called many years ago. The Turnell breed was a large-framed, useful kind of beast, mostly of a red colour, and many second-rate Shorthorn pedigrees have their origin from it; the predilection in the neighbourhood is conse- quently for red-coloured stock, which is the prevailing colour of Mr. Searson'sani mals. He has been abreeder for 30 years, and all the pedigrees have a Lincolnshire origin; his sires have, however, been selected with a view of establishing form, substance, and heavy flesh with good constitutions in his cattle. A few ye^rs ago Mr. Di.xon'a popular Oethodox blood was used, lately Colonel Colling (17,587) a bull of Mr. Dudding's, was in service, and now Mr. Foljambe's red buU Falstaff (21,720) is doing duty. We have likewise seen copies of Colonel Towneley's new Catalogue, and one of Messrs. Leney's large herd at Wateringbury, notices of which will be given in a future paper. Co'iuelicof, now in her 13th year, and the favourite calf of the late Sir Chas. Knightley, in 1856, brought forth a strong heifer calf (red with a little white), on the 9th inst., by Baeon Oxford (23,375), now owned by Col. Towneley. This fine old cow, as well as WelUngtonia ilh, who likewise produced a red heifer calf in July last by Baeon Oxford, was bought by Mr. F. Sartoris. of Rnshden Hall, at the Havering Park sale. Two heifer calves from two such well-bred dams, are a piece of good luck hardly to be expected ; and, with the addition of a few of the Statira and /. families, will form the nucleus of quite a first-class herd at Rushden. This is the fourth red heifer calf we have heard of at present by Barou Oxford, who bids fair to be as good a stock-getter as he is himself a good animal. Lord Cobham.— A correspondent, in referring to our Shorthorn notes in No. 1, writes thus from Aske in Yorkshire ; "I was very glad to see that Lord CobHjUI, bred here by the Earl of Zetland, had done such good service in the herd of Mr. Fawkes, of Faruley, no fewer than 18 animals in a herd of 42 being got by him, including the prize bulls Friars Tuck and Bacon." Lord Cobham's dam, Cimthia, bred by, and the pro- perty of Lord Zetland, calved last year a very fine roan heifer calf, got by Fitzjames (19,755), and has since been put to Bolton (23,410) by Geand Duke 10th (21,84S), of Willis's Rooms celebrity. Ciinlhia, like her famed son, is white, of excellent quality and good form, and a capital milker ; her pedigree is as under : — Oyathw, white, brod by tho Earl of Zetland ,lt Aske : calved May 4, ISO?, g.jt by Ai-oi,i.o (M91)). White. Dam liahn, by Lui-iekv (10,4;-2). White. g.d. li,:l,.ii,i. I,y llii,Knti.'.,KNwALl,(3947). Roan. g.l,'.'l. '■• ' ■ , 'v ]■, I .. I I 1 M-iT (4818). Red and white. S4iZ.S'i- -' ' ■ ■. "' I I iVoTON (2824). g.g.t;.i;.i:.'i. /■ '■ ., ^:, Mii.)||(.x(4U6). S.gg K gg-d. Ua,,k„.: L,y Meklis (430). K-g-gg-gg'g.il. AV/i Uici/iuie, by Layion (366). Cg-g-g.g.ff-g-g-d. A^eil Gipifnne, by Phenombson (491). g-B-g-g-gg-g-g-g.d. ^Prmcess, by Favoceite (252). g.g.g.g g.g.g.g.g.g.d. by Favourite (254). g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.d. . by HUBBACK (319). g-g-gg-g-g-g'K.g.g.g.g-d. ^ by Snowdok's bull (612), g'g'g-g-gg-g-g-g'g.g'g.g.d. by WiisTF.LL's bull (669). g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.gg.g.g.d. by MasterM-in (422). g.g.g.g g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.g.d. by the Stuclev bull (626). * Princess was bought of Robert Colling, by Sir H. Vane Tempest, who bred Is'ell Gwyime, by Pheno- menon, and she was sold at his death to Mr. Wood, of Kimblcsworth. This cow was the dam of tho far- lamed bull St. Alban's (2581), and she only bred one heifer, the Nell Owi/nne, hy Layton, which Mr. Troutbeck bought of Mr. Wood, in 1820, as a supposed barren heifer, four years' old. At Mr. Troutbeck's sale in 1838, Mr. Parkinson, of Ley-Fields, bought Dido, a 2-year-old heifer (her second produce, in 1841, was the twin heifers Delia and Daphne, first and second prize heifers at the Y''orkshire Show, 1817, which were the earliest purchases of Mr. Mcintosh), and bred Destiny, which Mr. Strafford bought for Earl Ducie (46 gs.) at the Ley-Fields' sale iu 1817. Earl Ducie rejected her for want of size, and she and her heifef Deliyhl were sold at a sale at Tortworth, in 1849— the former for 38 gs., to Mr. Tanqueray ; and the latter, a calf {Deliiiht), for 60 gs., to Mr. Harvey Combe, wno bred Daisy by Lottery, and sold Daisy in 1856 to the Earl of Zetland for 50 gs. Daisy, when at Aske, wa-s put to Apollo, and produced Cynthia; this animal is the dam of the celebrated sire Loed Cobham, who is by Cobham ( 14,287), a bull bred by Mr. Stewart Marjoribanks, of Bushey Grove, an intimate friend of Mr. Harvey Combe, from a daughter of Caroline, bred at Kirklcavington. Maemadcke (U,S97), the well-known bull of Lord Penrhyn's, was also bred from a Givynne cow, with a dash of Bates through his sire Duke of Glo'ster. The family had passed from Mr. Troutbeck to Mr. Par- kinson, aud thence to Jlr. Tanqueray, who bred Mab- M.iDUKE, exactly iu the same manner as Loed Cobham's ancestresses had passed. Masmadukk is descended from Magic by, Wallace, equal in blood to an own sister of Dido, being bred from onu sisters by the same bulls. Mr. Parkinson bought both Dido and Maijic at Mr. Troutbeck's sale in 1838. ■flhen a few weeks old he was bought for 100 gs., and sold at two years' old for 500 gs. to Jlr. Harvey Combe ; he was used at Cobham Park for two seasons, and left 17 heifer calves behind him, which were sold as such at 60 THE GARDENERS' (IHHONTOLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [JilfUAitT 18, 1868. the sale in March, 1859, for an average of 77'. 7i. 9rf. each. Lord Penrhyn bought him at this sale for 350 gs. He was shown at the Northampton show when 10 years old, and died at Penrhyn Castle in his 11th year. STEAM CtTLTIVATION. [At a recent meeting of the East Lothian Agricultural Club, the following testimony was given to the etficiency ami success of Steam Cultivation.] Mr. Shihkeff, Saltcoats, said— In every depart- ment of the world's industry great changes had taken place within the last 25 years. In agriculture the change had been as great as in any other department of industry. It had kept pace with the industry of the world. During that time, agriculture had had to contend against three great obstacles to its successful prosecution. The first of these was the great increase of rent which had taken place. There could be no doubt that all the expenses of management were also much increased, and that the cost of labour had risen largely. But along with these obstacles, there had come three antidotes. It was a curious thing that about the time rents began to rise, guano was intro- duced (this gave the means of largely increasing our produce, and thereby competing successfully with the foreigner), and the manufacture of artificial manures had since then so advanced, that he believed by the time the guano supply was exhausted, chemists would have arrived at the discovery of a manure quite as good and greatly cheaper. Then, he believed the more expensive labour was, it became the more valuable. But there was one thing more than any other which had contributed to the successful prosecution of agri- culture—he referred to the improvement that had been made in implements adapted to agricultural labour. Although the cost of every man and woman upon a farm was now far greater than it used to be, he questioned if the sum spent on the labour, espe- cially during harvest, was greater; and this had been very much owing to the invention of a machine very much neglected at first, and which lay for long unnoticed in the lumber shed at Inchmichael, until their American brethren took it in hand, and at the Great Exhibition of 1851 exhibited its practicability to English agriculturists. He remarked that when this machine had first been shown to them, they had per- sistently shut their eyes to its advantages; and, strange as it might seem, there were not wanting some who disbelieved in it still. But there was a still greater machine than the reaper, and that was the steam plough. He held that the steam plough was destined to revolutionise agriculture. They did not yet know its capabilities ; but year by year would be seen the greatness of the work which it could accomplish. We are very stubborn people in Scotland with regard to such innovations ; for while in England there are upwards of 400 steams ploughs _ at work, there are only 12 in Scotland, seven of which are in East Lothian. The English entereil much more keenly into this department of agriculture than we in Scotland did ; and he thought that Mr. Sadler, Ferr:^- gate, deserved the greatest credit and esteem at their hands for his introduction of the steam plough into the county. At first he thought the experiment a great risk ; but he had got his eyes opened. Who was the most successful grower of Swedes in the county ? They would find that Mr. Sadler's name stood out generally at their competitions as the winner of the sweepstakes. No doubt, Ferrygate was a good farm, with a fair soil ; but this result was greatly owing to the superior culti- vation of steam. The steam plough, he held, however, was only one step in the application of steam to agri- culture. At present, the great difficulty of economi- cally applying steam to agriculture in this district lay in the fact of our requiring a great amount of horse labour at some periods of the year. Our system of farm- ing, which he might call the " market garden system," made this essential ; but even this miglit be overcome, and he had no doubt will eventually be overcome, by adopting light waggons and small traction engines for carrying produce to the railway station. Mean- while Mr. Sadler was overcoming this difficulty in another way. He had got two traction engines to his plough, and by hiring out his implement to others, he (Mr. S.) held that Mr. Sadler was conferring a great boon upon his neighbours : and let them hope that, besides being a benefit to them, the system would prove a substantial benefit to Mr. Sadler. Mr. Shirreff then alluded to the interest which appeared to be taken by Mr. Sadler's servants in the success of the valuable implement entrusted to their care, and the perfect understanding and sympathy which appeared to exist between them and their employer. For his own part he thought that in all they did connected with a farm they should endeavour to foster a little more sympathy than at present existed between the employer and the employed. He knew there were some masters who went about their farms as mere shadows, and who scarcely knew the names of their men, far less of their families. This was not as it should be. A farm was just a big machine for manu- facturing food for the population of the world, and they should study, as much for their own interest as from a sense of duty, to cultivate a closer sympathy of feeling with the servants engaged along with themselves in the process. Mr. Shirreff then proceeded to give some practical illustrations of the work done on its own farm (Salt- coats) by Mr. Sadler's steam tackle. The first was 17* acres of Oat stubble. The land had lain a con- siderable time in Grass. It was light land, and dirty. Well, he had cultivated these 17^ acres to an average depth of 16 inches in two days. It was not turned over, only stirred. He had tried his horses in it, but they stuck. He calculated, however, that this work, which cost 10?., or 5'. a day, would have taken a pair of horses 30 days to do. The next field was 21| acres of Potato land, dug with the graip. This was a beau- tiful subject for the plough. It did the 21i acres, to a depth of 2 inches, in a day and a quarter. A pair of horses would have taken 16 days to do the same work. Then it did 3V acres of a crop seldom grown in this country— winter Tares ripened for seed. The ground was as hard as adamant. He could not say what horses could have done here, because they would not have looked at it ; hut the steam tackle managed the 3 acres in four hours easily. But the best work of the whole was 13' acres of prettj; stiff clay land, which was dug to a depth of It inches in two days, and was the most perfect and beautiful work he had ever seen. In his opinion the steam plough was the most valuable implement that had been given to the agriculturist, and he wished it all success. Mr. Sadlee said — It is now five years since (upon the 12th of October, 1862,) I listened to any speeches upon the steam plough. At that time there was some doubt and uncertainty regarding the success of steam- ploughing, and, from the many difficulties with which we were surrounded, from the breakages and accidents which as barriers we had to encounter, I must admit that it often required me to keep a stout heart over the operations which we were conducting. The first lift we got out of those difficulties was given to us when the substitution of steel skifes in place of iron ones took place, and latterly the adoption of the double engine system. By this system greater simiilicity is now arrived at, and the mobility of the machinery is greatly furthered. Besides being able to do two acres more work daily, we can remove the entire machinery under steam, and in dry weather we can go to work in five minutes after entering a field. It would be a waste of time to tell the members of this Club any- thing about the advantage of deep cultivation— none of you dispute that point. But what I want to impress upon you is, that the work of the steam plough leaves the furrow thoroughly level bottomed, and no soil is left unmoved. Now, if you examine the generality of horse-plough work, by taking a spade and removing the earth to the depth of the furrow, you will find no level ground -whatever. I mention this in order that when you compare the price of the one ploughing with the price of the other, you will soon see that steam is by far the cheapest power to the farmer. I had always imagined that our only benefit from steam culture was with green crops, but from what follows you will perceive that it also extends to a seed furrow. In an experiment which I have just concluded upon a large scale for the Steam Ploughing Committee of the Highland Society of Scotland, without going into particulars, which are not yet published, I may tell you that the result of steam against horses for a seed furrow, with Wheat grown alter Potatos, gave more than four bushels per imperial acre in favour of steam, with a very consider- able surplus of straw. The Committee saw the crop when in stook, and it was quite apparent to the naked eye that steam would win. It is easily accounted for, when we consider that the whole of the " veins " (if I may he allowed to use such a word) of the soil are left open after the steam furrow ; but in the horse-work these veins are impacted by the feet of the horses. One never sees a drop of water standing even on the heaviest clay land, provided it is drained. It was said, when I commenced steam-ploughing, that I would require an engineer at one end of the rope and a banker at the other— and quite right too. But who are those engineers? Why, the common labourers of the farm — I call them the aristocracy of the farm. No doubt many blunders are made and mistakes committed— for steam cultivation is very much a question of management : still I must say that I have been well served on the whole, and I can see that steam culture will benefit the working-mati as well as his employer. But there must be no stingy or grinding spirit in entering upon an enterprise such as that with which I am connected. I recollect, some years ago, of being the guest of a man of rank and estate in England, who had a Fowler's steam plough, and which had been standing idle at his home-farm for a couple of years, for " want of men to go with it," as he said. I was requested to send up some men from Scotland, who were to be paid 12j. a-week, out of which Is. a-week was to be deducted for home rent. I need hardly tell you that I never attempted to get men on such terms— but I have heard that the plough has since been started. I have no doubt about the future of steam ploughs. They will ultimately become universal in this country, wherever the land is partly level and free of rocks and stones. I consider, however, that it is the hiring-out plan that will extend itself more than any other. It is not likely that very many farmers will lay out the price of a steam plough, and put themselves to the trouble of going through an apprenticeship with it, when they can get their stiff fields dug up at 15*. or even 20s. an acre. Not having a very large farm myself, I intend, as you are aware from the cards which most of you have got, to do all the work I can for neighbours. The work has given great satisfaction, as you will hear from those whose have tried it. I invited Mr. Handyside, of West Fenton, one of the oldest and best farmers in the county, to come here to-day, and tell us what he thought of steam, and I will read you his answer :— " Fenton, 30th Oct., 186". " My dear Sir,— I regret it is not in my power to avail myself of your kind invitation to be your guest at the Agri- cu"ltur.-il Club meeting at Haddington on Friday first, to hear the discussion on steam cultivation. I have no expeiience in it myself, but with pleasure can bear testimony to the efBciency of your cultivator in smashing up a field of Bean •stubble, on a very clay soil, on this farm, in a most satisfac- tory manner, which no horse-power could have had any effect on. I understand wherever your machine has been at work, it has given the utmost satisfaction. I trust to having another opportunity of trying its power on this farm.— 1 am, itc, " Peter Handyside." It is the same with every one as it is with Mr. Handy- side, wherever we have been they always wish us to come back again. Light land farmers need not he afraid that they are not to be participators in the bene- fits of steam, for the Leeds firm are now putting out wide cultivators that can grub up 5 acres per hour, and they are also putting eight furrows on to the balance plough, instead of four, so that it is very likely that light land will ultimately derive more good from steam than even heavy will get. Besides the difficulty from boulders in the soil, a deal of harm has been done to the cause of steam through the contention of rival makers, and especially by the pretensions of the owner of the Woolston implement, who speaks of doing his work so cheaply that no one can understand him ; but do you ever hear of his doing work for neighbours at the price he mentions ? The prosecution of steam cultivation opens up a wide field for the consideration of the whole process of rotation in cropping, and the regulations laid down by lawyers in agricultural leases must sooner or later be considered in their true light. I would ask any rational and practical man whether those conditions in the generality of cases are of any benefit to the landowner H You all know that they are quite the reverse to the tenant. With the command of steam power on the soil, and with the aid of the various chemical fertilisers by which we are enabled to feed the plants with ever constituent which they require— I say, considering all this, that the time has now arrived when, if the owners of the soil wish to have the greatest return, which means the greatest rent, they must remove those old-standing fetters, which hamper the full development of the resources of agriculture. Mr. Smith, Whittingham, concurred with Mr. Shirreff in thinking that they were indebted to Mr. Sadler for having in the first place been the first to introduce steam cultivation into the county, and for having from time to time brought the subject under their notice. The opportunity, also, which Mr. Sadler was affording other farmers was supplying a great desideratum, because a very heary outlay was involved in the purchasing of a steam plough, and of course all the circumstances of a farm must be suitable. Farmers have thus an opportunity of testing the suitability of their land to the implement-^or, if not otherwise convenient, of getting its occasional use. So far as he understood, the benefit of the steam plough lay more in the superiority of the crops produced by its opera- tion than in the saving of expense in working; and while this might be the case on clay lands, he doubted if the result would be found as profitable on light soils. If, however, a different and less costly implement was produced, which would work light soils at a diminished expense, then he thought it likely that the use of the steam plough would become much more general, and certainly they would hail the introduction of such an implement into agriculture. They could not expect all the advantages of steam cultivation to be brought about in one day; but certainly the ventilation of the subject would tend to forward that result ; and they were therefore indebted to Mr. Sadler for what he was doing and had done in the matter. LANDLORDS, TENANTS, LABOURERS. [We have received from Mr. F, W. Bignell, of Loughton, Stony Striitford, a copy of the following very suggestive paper on the Increase of Itent for Land.] I HAVE often heard it alleged that landlordu in trying to obtain the most they can for their land are only taking a fair commercial advantage of the market, and that so long as tenants can be found who will bid against each other for the possession of a farm, the landlord is not to blame for putting a much higher value on his land than he would otherwise be content to take. To this doctrine I demur. Land is the primary heritage of mankind, and different from any article of commerce. By the command of the Creator, and the laws of the land, all may claim a right to subsistence from it, and the claim must be allowed. If a landlord applies commercial principles to his transactions with his tenant, the latter cannot apply and carry them to their logical conclusions in his dealings with the labouring classes ; he must keep them either in work or in the workhouse. Other employers of labour may take up, or dispense with, their hands according to convenience. Not so the farmer; he is expected to employ all in his parish or union who seek for work, and if he does not do so he is hound to keep them from the rate which is laid upon the land. It is for the interest of all classes that land should be cultivated to its highest pitch. It was, however, quite as reasonable for the Egyptian taskmasters to expect bricks to be made without straw as it is for the landlords of the present day to expect the soil to yield its utmost if the necessary means are withheld, which they must he if they take too large a share of the produce and persist in a pernicious system of letting it. It must, in justice, be admitted that some landlords do spend a portion of their incomes upon the improve- ment of their estates ; but many of them do little or nothing. On the whole it may safely be said that the chief part of the rent-roll of England is expended unproductively. 'The old axiom used to be that a farm should yield three rents— one for the landlord, one for expenses, and another for the tenant. I am afraid that in these days there are few tenant farmers, notwithstanding the much larger amount of capital employed, who, accord- ing to this rule, get their share. Farmers are often blamed for competing so keenly for the possession of a farm. When it happens to be a prize, and under a good landlord, there is some excuse; but to scramble for anything at any price is exceed- ingly culpable, and gives to the landlords opportunities of which too many of them are not slow to take advan- tage. It is this which leads an agent, when he has a January 18, 18C8.] THE GARDENERS' CMONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 61 farm to let, to consider, not what a tenant can make off it, but wlaat, owing to strong competition, he himself can make of it. I am inclined to think that many applicants for farms, instead of making close calculations as to the probable productive powers of the land, and at prices to meet adverse seasons, value it by rule of thumb, or by comparison with some farm or other with which they may happen to be acquainted, and whicla farm may possibly bo too dear. A poor man, or a middling judge, will, as a rule, give more than a man with greater knowledge and larger means. The whole system of land-letting in this country requires revision. The plan of yearly rack-renting should be abolished entirely, and a landlord, instead of being too ready to accept the man who will take his land at any price, should endeavour to secure the best man. AVith a long lease at a reasonable rent the tenant would feel encouraged to throw all his energy into his business, and would apply his capital and skill ungrudg- ingly ; but of what use is the possession of better brains or greater skill and diligence in one's profession than others, if, as soon as the result becomes apparent, another person seizes the advantage ? It is of no use blinking the fact— the way in which improving tenants are too often treated is a premium on bad farming. It is a fallacy to suppose that high prices benefit permanently the tenant farmers of Kngland. As a rule, they lead to an advance of wages, and too fre- quently a rise of rent, and with a re-action of prices these items of expenditure are never proportionably reduced ; in fact, the screw which regulates rent seems to possess the peculiar action of turning only in one direction. High prices, moreover, act as a stimulant to the foreigner, who is naturally prompted to try and obtain as large a share as possible of our prosperit.v, and this tends to make it very short-lived. AVe shall not bo long l)efore we ex])erience an illustration of this. Owing to the present price of Wheat in this country the growers in every part of the world are turning greater attention to that crop and increasing its extent and, provided peace should happily continue, we shall in the course of a year or two be deluged with importa- tions. The high position which England has attained in manufactures and commerce is due to improved machinery and a judicious application of capital and labour. This has enabled the Englishman to compete successfully against his rivals all over the world, and should serve as a text to the landed interest, the future prosperity of which must be dependent on large yields rather than on high prices. Now that communication is so rapid, and means of transit so easy, our only chance depends on our being able to undersell the foreigner. If we do not feed our peo])le cheaply, he will ; and if we cannot compete successfully against him in our own market, it is a proof that something is wrong. I am one of those who believe in the capabilities of the broad acres of England to feed its children. I am quite of opinion that the quantities, both of corn and meat, might bo doubled, if agriculture were properly fostered and encouraged ; but this result will never be achieved under a system of land tenure wliich sucks the vitals out of the tenant, who in turn often sucks the vitals out of the land. As a drowning man will catch at a straw, so the needy tenant farmer, yielding to the natural instinct of self-preservation, will rather starve his laud than himself and his family. It is decidedly an advantage to the farmer to sell two bushels of Wheat for 10s., with a full crop, over obtaining the same sum for one bushel with only half a crop. Wages will then be lower, the consumer will be benefited, and the money, which would otherwise be sent abroad for supplies, is retained at home to be expended reproductively. Instead of sending away so much money from the vaults of the Bank of England for food, there is another bank at home teeming with riches, from which we might draw far more than we do. Unfortunately, such is the short-sightedness of many of the landlords of England, that as soon as enterprising tenants begin to develop these hidden treasures, as soon as they see the fields smiling with large crops, and the waggons heavily laden, they begin to think what rich land it must be to yield such heavy produce, and too frequently, instead of lauding such men as they deserve, they envy them their gains, and do not wait very long before they send an agent over the estate " to adjust the rent," as it is called, which, in other words, means raising that of the man who has been a benefactor to his country, and leaving the unimproving tenant, who just takes what Nature, with little or no assistance, chooses to give, perhaps altogether unscathed. The sooner our landlords and legislators recognise the true position of agricultural affairs, and by means of long leases or some well-devised scheme of tenant- right enable the tenant farmer to rely with some degree of certainty on receiving the due return for his capital and skill, the better will it be for all classes of the community. We shall then have a thriving tenantry and a well-fed and contented peasantry. I hope I am not writing prophetically ; but I confess to a fear that for the British farmer there are breakers ahead. Should I be right in my conjecture, and we should unfortunately have to pass through a period of agricultural distress, we shall probably hear, as we have •° times past, of some few landlords remitting a portion of their rents. So far as it goes this is evidence of a generous disposition, as they are not bound to do any- thing of the kind. But there ought to be no necessity ,i''i u ? ^^^ '^ '^^ ■"'<'" fortified against what are called bad times as one whose farm is in high con- dition ; and in this state, if there be security of tenure, every farm ought to be. By giving their tenants a sufficient interest in the soil, and, instead of envying the results of successful efforts, holding out every inducement to make the most of it, landlords would do far more to help them to tide over adverse seasons than by throwing them a sop in the shape of 10 or 15 per cent, off their half-year's rent, which may serve to wipe off some tradesman's bill, but will not restore to good condition an impoverished farm. I hope that I may not be considered guilty of impertinence in venturing to offer a word of advice to landlords. I would say, be careful in the selection of your tenants, and when you have got good men try and make them feel they cannot better themselves by going elsewhere. nOLSTEIN BUTTER. [Tlio fuUowiug letter w.is ro.^d lit .1 Lite meeting of tho Fermanagh Farmers* Club.] In the large dairy farms in Holstein — having in many cases 100 to 200 cows, sometimes more — the greatest attention is bestowed upon everything bearing upon the production of butter; upon the feed and care of the cows, the manufacture of the butter, and the arrangement of the dairy buildings. The result is a very high average price obtained for their produce, which commands the preference, especially in the uorthern markets of England. The make is divided into winter, or fodder make ; new milk ; Grass, or summer make ; stubble, or autumn make. Fodder begins when the cows come in from the fields at the end of October, and is neither large in quantity nor superior in quality, as the cows yield but little, and purely old milk. This sort is not fitted for keeping, and usually sent to market promptly. New milk, of course, begins according to the time of calving, usually some time at the end of February, and early in March. The quality of this make is very fine, sweet, and fresh, and in March, April, and May, usually meets a bare market, and realises high prices. Being fodder-made, however, it is not calculated for keeping beyond a few weeks. Grass butter begins when the cows are turned into the fields, about the middle to the end of May (spring being late in that climate), and lasts till the month of August. This is a fine, rich, well keeping butter, though it sometimes suffers in the extreme heat of summer. This make is usually shipped in the late autumn, unless the markets are sooner favourable. Stubble butter is so called, from the cows being nut after harvest on the after-meadows, corn stubbles, &c., where they are kept till housed for the winter, about November 1st. This sort is usually of very superior quality— mild, rich, and yet capable of being kept for some months without much injury. Ship- ment is made about the last months of the year. The great characteristics of Kiel or Holstein butter, as compared with Irish, are — clear, solid, waxy texture, freedom from butter milk, richness of quality, delicacy of flavour, and mildness of cure. It is rarely coarse in salt or texture, the defects to which it is most liable being bad flavour, as some farmers will occasionally overbold until it becomes rank and strong or tallowy. As to the feed : In summer and autumn, while the cows are out in the meadows and stubbles, they are sometimes tethered, by no means as a rule, and they remain out night and day. When once taken in-doors, they remain under cover entirely, in a warm, well- ventilated space, and are fed something after the following order : About 5 A.M. they have about as I much meadow or Clover hay shaken down before j them by degrees as they will consume in about two I hours; they are then supplied with water; chaff cut from Oat or Barley straw mixed with 4 to 5 lb. (some- I times even more) of bruised Oats or Barley is now I given to the cows (moistened in their troughs) ; at 1 o'clock the second feeding takes place, similar to the first, and between the two some hay or straw to pick at as they choose while chewing the cud ; for the evening and night they must put up with plain straw. About 2 07,. of salt per cow is given daily to relish the food, and help digestion. Oats are considered to increase the quantity. Barley the richness, of the milk ; equal parts from each form the mixture. Oilcake yields more milk, but affects the flavour of the butter unfavourably, as also do Turnips, Mangels, Swedes, Votatos, and all roots but red Carrots, and therefore the latter only are given to cows when in milk. It is very important that the cows should leave the stall- when spring comes — in good condition, and thus con- tinue a full yield of milk when they first get out to Grass. Manufacture of Buffer.— The milk, as it is brought into the dairy, is strained into the pans through a fine hair sieve, taking care that any splash of spilt milk is at once wiped up, lest it should taint the air in evapo- ration, and sour the settings. To secure a pure flavoured and well-keeping butter, the utmost cleanli- ness in all utensils, and a pure air in the dairy, are of course essential, but after that much will depend upon skimming the cream just at the proper moment. This must always take place before the milk can become sour, and in order to get the largest amount of cream, an even temperature in the dairy is of the greatest help. Pure air does not mean a strong draught, as the surface of the milk must not be ruffled. What the proper moment for skimming is depends on the tem- perature and atmospheric conditions generally. In Holstein the rule is— in the heat of summer (tempera- ture 55° to 60' Fahrenheit in the milk-room) skim after the milk has stood for from 32 to 36 hours ; in spring and autumn (at 40° to 50°), about 4G hours; and in winter (43° to .15') about 60 hours. This should get the whole of the cream ; but if at any time earlier the milk begins to sour, it is skimmed at once. The cream, | as it is removed, is strained into the cream tubs, and kept occasionally stirred. It remains there until it has sufficiently thickened, and has acquired a plea.sant acid taste. It is as well to repeat that choice keepable butter can I only result when the milk has kept perfectly sweet; as tho souring dovelopes curd. The cream, on the contrary, should have an acid taste before churning, which must not, however be confounded with the sourness just mentioned, which is altogether different, and arises from the whey, from thunder or close atmosphere, sometimes from standing too long, from damp or badly cleansed utensils, or from general want of care and cleanliness. In summer tho cream generally stands about 12 hours before churning ; in winter, about 2 1 hours. The room may require cooling in summer and warming in winter ; but with pure air, free from bad smells, smoke, or such like, as the cream easily takes up the flavour. Potatos, roots, herbs, or anything of tho sort, should never be stored in the same place. The temperature of the cream considered best for churning is about 57 ' to 60', though that varies somewhat with circum- stances. The churn is rinsed out, before putting in the cream, in summer, with fresh cold water ; in winter, warm water is used, as a certain moderate range of temperature much facilitates the coming of the butter, and the addition of a pailful of iced water in warm weather, and warm water in winter, into the churn, is sometimes made for this purpose during the churning. AVhen the butter comes it is taken out, and the whey pressed out to some extent, put into trays, and carried away to the butter cellar. Here it is placed in a long trough, slightly on the incline, with a few holes at the lower end to carry off the moisture. This trough is first rinsed with hot water, and then with cold to prevent adhesion, and the dairy-maid washes her hands in the same order. She now breaks off with her hands a lump of some 5 lb. or 6 lb. of butter, and presses it against the side of the trough with both hands opened; rolls it up and presses it out again till all the butter-milk is got rid of It may require the operation 10 or 50 times before this is thoroughly effected. Piece by piece the butter is treated in this manner until the whole churning has been manipulated and placed on one side ; then wipe out the trough again with a cloth and hot water, rinsing off with cold, ready for salting and colouring. AVe may remark, in passing, that colour is added in the winter months, for which purpose annate is used, prepared previously by melting down in a small quantity of butter.* In salting, only fine, dry, clean salt, free from mineral taints, is used, which must have been stored away from all possible contamination by dirt or bad odours. At the rate of about :i\ lb. per cwt. it is first strewed over the surface of lumps of butter about 30 lb. to 40 lb. each, and then distributed through the mass with the hand, fingers extended but kept close together. At this stage it is not kneaded in, but when fairly spread the butter is again worked up in 5 lb. or 61b. lumps, as at the earlier stage. It is then left for 12 hours or longer, if there is not sufficient to fill a cask. Then, for the third and last working, add 1 lb. more salt per cwt. Spread fairly through, and work up the butter till all the liquids not belonging to it are finally expelled. A cask should be filled at one packing to get a perfectly even colour and quality, and should be firmly and closely packed, so that all sides are filled. The system of washing the butter itself in cold water is never followed in Holstein, as it is found to impair the delicacy of the flavour. The casks are made of young red Beech, felled in December, when the timber has least sap, and seasoned in the open air before it is stored, to dry perfectly, pre- vious to use. The cooper is required to furnish pack- ages water-tight, and that when closed will be nearly air-tight. Before use, fill the cask for 24 to tS hours with strong brine, in which is a dash of saltpetre, then wash with not water, rinse with cold, and rub dry with salt. These precautions will largely prevent sidey, mouldy, or tallowy butter, even when kept some time, provided the casks have all along been kept dry and clean. From the foregoing statement it is easy to gather that the prominent points in the Holstein treatment are extreme cleanliness and regulated temperatures. These can only be obtained by suitable arrangements of buildings and free space. Hence their dairies are models of order ; and on a large estate the buildings devoted to butter (almost always detached) are the first consideration, to which the other farm-buildings take the second place. The rooms for setting the milk, making and storing the butter, depend much for their success on position and suitability. The building usually runs from south to north, with trees planted conveniently as a shade from the hot sun. The milk-room has brick or stone walls, often double, the free space between tending to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. It is usually sunk from 3 to 5 feet below the outer surface, with a height of from 16 to 25 feet, to give free vent to all exhalations from the milk. 'This is further provided for by roof- ventilation, through shafts, and by windows 4 feet wide, 5 feet high, 5 to 6 feet above the floor. Shutters and louvres are also customary. The floor is laid with tiles or flags, set in cement, sloping slightly to the gutter on each side ; so that the water used in flushing runs off', leaving it easy to dry and wipe up all moisture. Nothing tends so much to sour the milk in summer, and thereby lessen the quantity of sweet cream, as dampness. The pans should have room to stand free, and not be placed one upon the other. The size of tlie milk-room depends, of course, on the number of cows kept. In a dairy of 140 cows, the measurements were for the milk-room, 50 feet long, 35 feet wide, 20 feet high from roof to floor, which was sunk 5 feet lower than the outer surface. The other rooms were in proportion, with ample space for air and ventilation. All store-rooms are separate, and the dairy building is * A Huperior flmd-annato. much used in this coimtry, is prepared and sold by Nicholle, of Chippenham. 62 THE GARDENEl^S' CTTRONTCLE AND AGETCnLTUEAL GAZETTR [JakUAEY 18, 1868. always far removed from the cowhouses, pigsties, dung-heaps, or anything whatever that is offensive and can taint the air. With regard to the utensils mostly used, there is nothing of such marked difference as to call for special notice, except that the old-fashioned round pans, whether of wood or ware, are largely going out of use. The preference is now given to pans of cast-iron, enamelled white inside, about fi feet long and 2 feet wide, for which it is claimed that the cream rises more quickly and in larger quantity. This slight sketch of the system in force in most of the best Holstein butter dairies is not intended neces- sarily as giving a model plan which is practicable every- where. The circumstances that the farms in Uolstein, Schleswig, Seeland, and Mecklenburg are very extensive, that the number of cows kept in one haud is also large, that the buildings and arrangements involve considerable outlay of capital, form conditions not always present in Ireland. By the close comparison of different methods, however, no doubt, valuable hints may be gained, tending to the general improvement in the manufacture of tiiat important article, butter. As Irish farmers and merchants will hold their butter. I think the Kiel plan best suited to Ireland. Joseph R. Wohb, 255, Tooleij Street. l^omc CovwisponlfeiTcc. BUght.— Mr. Du Boulay's ominous statement about the Potato disease having attacked the Wheat crop in the last harvest will not, as you have pointed out, frighten many who know anything of blights. Ho might as well have told us that the Potato disease had attacked Oaks, Ashes, and other forest trees by their having shown symptoms of spots on the leaves, and a darkening of the stems above the roots. To the meteorologists who have studied the extreme changes of the temperature in the winter, spring and summer months in the past year, the failure in the cereal crops has not been a matter of surprise. Beginning with the severe frosts in January, and the sudden thaws with heavy rains, the Wheat on strong soils was much loosened, and lost plant. Again, in March, it received another check, and all tlie early-flowering fruit trees on walls were much injured by frosts. lu May the changes in the temperature were extreme, and must have had a great influence in weakening the straw and rendering the flowering process unproductive. The weather in June was likewise variable, and the tempe- rature below the average. In July there was a succes- sion of strong breezes with heavy rains, and on the 26th and 27th the wind was easterly, with the tempe- rature lower than I ever before registered in the month. August commenced with two very cold days for the season, but afterwards the heat rapidly increased, being quite tropical about the middle of the month, and doing wonders in bringing the harvest on to maturity. When harvest commenced there never, perhaps, wa,s seen such a variation in the cereal crops as was observed in the past year, arising from the nature of the season. On light warm soils tiie Wheat in general was a full average crop, and of good quality, and it was only on the strong undrained clays where the greatest failures occurred. Had Messrs. Saunderson and Turner, in their flattering letters in the Times respecting last year's harvest, trusted more to the meteorological effects of the season than in looking at the crops from railway carriages, they would have been nearer the truth in their reports. W. T. Turnpike Trusts and their AhoUtlon.-This is a subject e-xciting considerable interest and discussion in many parts of the country. No doubt the abolition of turnpike gates would be hailed as a boon by all classes accustomed to travel by horse or carriage. Moreover there is something derogatory to a free country in these compulsory payments for permission to travel through it. Still, upon the broadest principle, it must be acknowledged that the cost to make and repair a road should be borne by those who use it, and not by those who do not, or cannot afford themselves such a privilege. Those who use it should repair it. The public and the Parliament are bent upon this abolition. It is therefore incumbent upon all parties have abolished their tollgates, and the cost of repairs is paid from the highway rates. There is nothing very unfair in this. The railroads have nearly taken away the through traflio, all is comparatively local. The right thing here would be the apportionment of the whole length of road held under any particular trust upon the parishes through which they run, and not to compel each parish to repair the precise portion running through it, because of its inequality. My own parish, for instance, is burthened with the repair of about four miles of turnpike road, besides its parochial roads. The adjoining parishes east and west of it are much better off— one having only a quarter of a mile, the other nearly a mile, and the next but a few hundred yards in length to rejiair, owing to the change, and being parishes of like extent. Whilst under the trust these parishes were of course exempt ; now look at the inequality in length of road to be repaired by each. How are these local difficulties to be got over ? I think it might be done by judicious laying out of areas for mutual aid in repairs, by a Commissioners appointed for that purpose. The costs of repairs of roads in some districts are fourfold those of others; some have heavy debts to pay off, others are discharged. One uniform arrangement must carry injustice with it. It cannot be just, as turnpike trusts now stand, to throw the whole into the hands of the Government. Par better to constitute large areas, and call upon each parish for an equitable contribution from the highway rates, according to the regulation fixed by the Com- mission upon proper investigation. County areas are objectionable, inasmuch as it would impose many hardships. The cost of repairs of roads in my parish is scarcely ever effected under two and sometimes three tenpenny rates annually, our gravel and stone have to be brought a distance of 40 to 50 miles either by rail or barge. In many parishes of like extent, with road material at hand, the cost is but a trifle in the pound. A Commission would equalise all these matters. If the abolition of turnpike trusts and tollgates is inevitable, it must be effected provincially, i. e., district by district, by several corresponding districts being amalgamated. It is all very well for burthened districts to try and push them off, and upon the rest of the country. It is a nice way of getting out of debt—" robbing Peter to pay Paul." Extended areas may be very right and beneficial, but these areas should consist of a similar character of country. It would be very hard, for instance, for the higher and stony districts of Lincoln- shire, where road material is cheap, to be compelled to join in the repair of the roads in the extensive fens and marshes, where material cannot be found, but must be imported at great cost. Depend upon it, the easiest mode of relief is in the extension of areas, not the ap plication of costs from the highway rate. O. F. Farmers' Clubs. BOTLEY : Steam Cultivation a.s Adapted to th I,ocaliii/.—M.r. John C. Sutton, of Shirley, read a paper on this subject at the last meeting of this Club. Mr. Sutton had had a great deal of experience in connection with the subject, having commenced his labours in promoting the introduction of steam culti- vation in 1858, when at Chester it was first recognised by the Royal Agricultural Society, which was the first year that they gave a prize of 500^. for the system which their judges considered to be the best. Since that time he had attended nearly every competition which had taken place, either at the meetings of the Royal Agricultural Society, the Highland Society, and the Royal Irish, besides attending trials which had taken place in Prance, Germany, Austria, and Prussia, which he had continued doing up to last March. Therefore, though not a farmer himself, yet knowing a great deal aboui fanning, and having associated with practical men, he felt justified in accepting Professor Spooner's invitation to offer them a paper on the subject. Mr. Sutton said : — Those who care to read the history of the invention will find full details in a paper written by Mr. J. Howard, read before the London Farmers' Club in 1862. We find in 1851 the late Mr. John Fowler exhibiting his steam draining plough at the Royal Society's meetings, and in the Journal of that interested, and the agricultural public in particular, 1 Society I find a remark to this effect :—" Surely this that the question should be fully discussed and every information sought. From the annual abstract recently issued of the accounts of turnpike trusts in England and Wales, we learn that their combined whole revenue, or income, as last returned amounted to l,102,203t ; their expenditure, 1,098,795Z. Of this sum 655,011^. ■ was spent in the improvement and maintenance of the roads, the remaining in interest and repayment of debt, salaries, and law charges. The amount of debt last returned amounts to 3,852.J42^., and unpaid interest 450,707?. This is the position of turnpike trusts as last returned, in 18B5. Then we have the highway accounts. In the year ending Lady-day, 1865, the total highway rates received in England and Wales amounted to 642,069?., and the work done in lieu of rates is equal to 21,887?. London is not included in these figures, having Government Acts for its especial manage- ment. It is no trifle then with which we have to do. The first question which arises is, what are we do with the debts? Is Government to take these debts off the shoulders of the turnpike trustees ? They are debts, and, I presume, must be paid; if not, they must go to swell the burthen upon John Bull's already over- loaded shoulders, and add between four and five millions more to the National Debt, and consequently bearing interest. Now, this israanifestly unjust. Many districts have already, by the imposition of heavy tolls from year to year, succeeded in paying off their debts, abolished their turnpike trusts, and thrown the further repairs of the roads upon the parishes through which they run. "These districts surely may claim exemption from further payments to aid other parts of the country. Many districts, such as that from whence I write. power can be applied to more general purposes, and we earnestly commend the idea to our engineers and mechanics." This we shall see has not been lost sight of by them. Amongst those who have taken up the subject practically, I may enumerate Mr. John I'owler, Messrs. J. & F. Howard, and Mr. Boydell, of traction- engine celebrity (whose engine doubtless you will recollect was exhibited at Salisbury in 1857) ; Mr. Romaine, who invented an engine to travel over the land and dragging an implement after it ; Mr. Halkett, who laid out lines of railway on brick foundations throughout the farm for engines to travel upon ; his design was to cultivate the land, cart on manure, and harvest the cro[is by steam — rather an expensive process, costing more than the fee simple of the land. Then follow Tasker, Robey, Hayes, Yarrow and Hilditoh, whose engines are now manufactured by Coleman & Morton, of Chelmsford ; Messrs. Savory & Sons, who practically revived the system of double engines ; but the most popular and truly suc- cessful of all these are those of Fowler and Howard. To simplify the treatment of this subject I will only allude to the systems of Messrs. Fowler and Messrs. Howard; but I must, in passing, pay a tribute to Mr. Smith, of Woolston, who acted upon the advice given by the judges in 1854, immediately proceeded with his system, and must be proclaimed the first farmer who succeeded in adapting steam cultivation profitably, and that on a small clay farm, to the culture of the soil. (1.) Fowler t(- Co.— This tackle consists of self-working engine, with clip-drum windlass, travelling anchor, 800 yards of steel rope. Plan of working : On the left headland is the engine, and directly opposite to it the anchor ; both move gradually forward along the head- lands ; between them the plough or other instrument is pulled backwards and forwards. The implements are constructed with slack gear, which lengthens or shortens the rope as the boundary of the fields may require. (2.) Fumler 4' Co. — This tackle consists of two self-moving engines, with winding drums. Plan of working: Two winding engines are worked on opposite headlands, and each alternately draws the implement towards itself — the engine not at work paying out the rope while moving forward into position for the return bout. Messrs. Fowler have now the means of working two implements at one time. (-'5.) Messrs. Soivard's sifstem consists of two traction engines with a winding barrel to each, working along opposite headlands, and drawing a single plough, cultivator, or harrows from one engine to the other alternately. (4.) This is termed a double double system, first applied by Messrs. Howard. This consists of two engines similar to the foregoing, but each fitted with two winding drums, so that two ploughs or two other instruments can be drawn simultaneously, and thus both engines are kept con- stantly at work. Either of these engines can be used to form the roundabout system. System No. 3 is that now so well known as the roundabout, consists of a separate windlass, which can be worked by an ordinary portable or self-propelling engine of 8, 10, or 12-horse power. The double-engine system is best adapted for public companies, very large occupiers, and persons who purchase machinery for hire. The latter system is bestadaptedto farmsof 300 to 500 acres,andbeingalready in the hands of some hundreds of practical farmers, can be seen in nearly every county in England. In the autumn of 1866, the Royal Agricultural Society of England, at a consideraiile expense, sent out three Commissions of inquiry to visit the several farms upon which steam had been employed.^ Mr. Sutton then quoted the report of the Commissioners to the Royal Agricultural Society, and then proceeded to lay before them examples of the working of these two makers (Fowler and Howard). We quote only the following letter from Mr. Futoher, of Fovant, near Salisbury; — " I began usiny steam tackle in the .iiituran of 1860. My engine is a 10-horse power double cylinder, of Clayton and Shuttlewoith's. The tackle is manufactured by Howard. The number of .icres I have cultivated is between 2000 .and 3000, and the horses I employ are 10 less than when I com- menced using the apparatus. The cost per .icre for ploughing is lOs. on heavy land that would take three horses to plough half an acre per d n; M I Kier officers, generally ended ina •'\vii n :■ L^- hi t,..tniake these remarks with the view of l !> ■ i;'. Mr.- iiitiuaiiction of steam cultivation into that lM>;hl^, 111 If. 'Ml it, but ho should like to see the difficulty of rcnduruii; it avail- able fur farms of about 200 acres overcome. Mr SrooNER reminded them that the subject on the card was '"steam cultivation as adapted to this locality." The discussion seemed to turn principally -m tin! pnint— how the now system could bo applied with piMiit tn si, nil i uuis? There seemed to boa difference of opiuiciii "ii lli' Miiii.t in th.at room, although, having asked several inactual t:iiinei-s who had used steam cultivation, and who resided in tho neighbour- hood of Salisbury, where it was employed to a considerable extent, if they were satisfied with the results, thoy all answered that they would not be without it on any account whatever. One farmer, whom he asked wh:it '■■i' 'I f'vni h'^ thought would justify tho ten.ant in goint; t-t'i r .,,, ,,t Eurchasiug steam tackle, stated that it win] ,1 irm of 600 acres, 400 of which were arable. II in 1 m steam plough at work on that particular farm li- t - m I lli i it did its work admirably, working with great facility lioth on level and hilly land. Oa a farm in Dor.sctshiro it bad encoun- tered great difflculties from tho soil being covered with large flints, besides being extremely hilly, but there the rope was carried to a considerable distance above the surface without any inconvenience. He had seen many instances of steam cuitiv.ition, and had met, as others might have done, with Bomo cases of failure, which had arisen either from tho pur- chase of too expensive tackle, or because the land was full of large flints or boulders, causing frequent breakages, or from having unskilful workmen and insuHicicnt supervision, or other causes. Oneot the greatestdrawbacksto the introduction of steam cultivation was the heavy expense of the wire rope. There could be no doubt of the greater economy of steam power, as compared with horses, which had been shown by calculation to be as 1 to :l, or 4, but then the cost of drawing water for the supply of the engines in the field brought the relative expense of steam and horse power to a closer point than it would otherwise be, and especially when the cost of ropes was added. It was of great importance to avoid friction by dragging along the ground, and he thought there was still some room for improvement in that respect, so as to obviate tho dlfliculty more entirely than was done by the present system of porters. As to the question whether tho improve- ment resulting to the land would justify tho introduction of steam cidtivation, he might refer, in proof of the affirmative, to the experience of Mr. Dibben, a practical fiirmer, to whom he had alluded in his previous remarks, .and also to that of Mr. Smith, of Woolston, who invented it, and who had used it on a sm.all property of his for 10 years. Some had suggested that it should be worked by means of joint stock companies, but ho did not think .such a plan as th.at would answer, from tho expense of management and other matters. The suggestion that a few farmers whose land adjoined each other's should unite for the purjiose of purchasing steam tiicklo between them was a good one, as they might easily arrange who should use it first, and «o on. Another plan of introducing it into that locality would be by some pensons purchasing the tackle and letting it out for hire, which might be worked with the engines used for steam threshing. One gentleman present seemed to think that steam ploughing on laud would not answer on light soils, but the discussions which had taken place on the subject before the Central Farmers' Club and the Royal Agricultural Society conclusively showed that it would be attended with advantage on land even of that description. Its introduction into this neighbourhood would enable them to bring more soil into cultivation, which would be a great advantage. If they looked at a geological map of the district they would see that a great portion of it consisted of that description of soil which .admitted of being broken up to a greater depth than was at present done, and the fertility of the land would thus be inoreased. Mr. SOTTON said ho would briefly reply to the objections which had been raised. As to whether it would bo judicious to employ steam cultivatiou on stiff clay land which was at present undrained, he should say that deep cultivation would be beneficial, though in some cases water furrows and surface drainage might be required to assist in carrying the water off. He had known cases whore high ridges on cold clay land had been done away with by steam cultivation. He remem- bered a held of 56 acres in the neighbourhood of Bedford which had been cultivated for years in high ridges, and required five horses to plough it, and when the farmer commenced to plough it by steam everybody predicted his ruin, but tho result was that the crops were in- creased, and now there was neither water furrow nor .surface drain required in it. ' Still experience showed that all heavy clay land ought to be dniined. Mr. Warner hjid overstated the cost of steam apparatus, for he could assure blm that instead of 8110?. he could be supplied with an efficient steam engine and tackle for 600^ which would enable him to reduce his number of horses by one-third, or S out of :;4— thus saving 200i., besides the cost of the maintenance of those horses which, at 30/. a year each, would be an additional saving of 240/., nuiking a t0t.1l of 440/. towards the first cost of a steam apparatus. In reading the accounts of tho 178 farms visited by tho Royal Agricultural Society's Commissioners they would find that very few men had been unsuccessful with steam cultivation, and it was generally accounted for by carelessness or waut of attention. They would find some ctises of failure, but the majority were successful ; they must recollect it was not a plaything. Mr. Holdaway seemed to doubt whether steam cultivation would answer on farms of 200 acres. Now he understood that Mr. Holdaway's farm contained 200 acres of arable land, and he thought it would answer his purpose to make arrangements with Mr. W. Warner for using the same apparatus, which would save him three horses out of the nme he now employed. Where scver.al farms of .about 200 acres each adjoined, steam tackle might be purchased in partnership, for he did not Itelieve that agriculturists could not combine their capital for tarry- ing on their occupation in the same way as was done by commercial men. As to steam taeklo being available at other times besides in August and September, or just after h.arvest, there was much force in tho ob.sorv.atlon of Mr. W. Warner, who found it useful in preparing his land for the summer crops, but the great advantage of steam tackle was that it enabled them to do tho work of the farm exactly at the time it was most wanted. On Lord hudoley s estate in Gloucestershire it was worked by night as well as by day, which ho referred to for tho furpoao of showUig tuo energy with which agricultural operations might be earned on by availing themselves of steam-power. It was somctlnng more than a substitute for tho old system. It afforded theiu the means of embracing now ideas in the cultivation ot tuoir land and tho harvesting of their crops. Ho agi-eed with Mr. Spooner that until tho introduction of steel-wire ropes steam cultivatiou encountered great difficulties, and much of its present success, ho believed, was duo to tho introduction of that improved material. The expense attending steel ropes was now brought down to a reasonable figure, and the cost of wear would not exceed, on an average, more than lli(. or U. per acre. . , Tho following resolution was then earned unanimously .— " That it is the opinion of this Club that steam cultivation may lio idvMntaf'OoUMly adopted in this neighbourhood, .and th:iV 101 ir.LMr favTiis nf !oii aires and upwards it would pay iln- niLiiiiiir 1m piir.'lKi-o t.Lrld.T for his own use, and on siiiallir iirriL^ In .1.. s.i b\- rwn or more adjoining farmers niiitiii'f nid sliarinir the cxoL'n.i^o. In tho absence of such arran ■cnicut it woulil bo very desirable to give every encou- ragement to persons disposed to purchaso and let steam apparatus for hire." A vote of thanks to Mr. Sutton for his able lecture, and to the Ch.airman for presiding, concluded the proceedings. Newcastle : January 11.— At the annual meeting ot this Club this day, the report of the Committee announced that the roll of members now contains 256 names ; the subjects discussed during the past year included Irish agriculture and sheep management on clay lands ; a trial of mowing machines had been held during the season- seven new members were elected; Sir M. W. Eiddell was elected President, tho Hon. H. G. Liddell, Mr. G. H. Ramsey, and others, Vice- Presidents, Mr. E. I. J. Browell secretary. At the subsequent annual dinner Professor AYrightson, m returning thanks for the Eoyal Agricultural College, thus spoke of its career ; — Ho always felt proud to return thanks for the College at Cirencester, not only because ho held a position in it, but because he was lormerly a student in the College; and for both reasons ho always looked upon the institu- tion with affection and regard. He thanked the arrangers of the toast for the way in which the College had been associated with the advancement of science in connection with agriculture; and so tar as the College was able, he was sure it did try to instil, with agricultural knowledge, a knowledge of the sciences to be found in connection with agriculture. So far as he was concerned he had to do with the various operations required upon the farm, and with their place in the economy of agriculture. He did not, therefore, attempt to explain to the students of the College the principles of the dilferent sciences supposed to bear upon agri- culture ; he conBned himself entirely to the agricultural teaching of the College ; and chemistry, botany, veteri- nary surgery, and mathematics, were all taught by competent teachers. Now, although people were will- ing to allow that science was of great use to the farmer, yet frequently there was a degree of discord between those who were looked upon as scientific and the practical farmer. It was a pity that that discrepancy existed ; and it seemed to him that a great part of it arose from a want of proper appreciation of the term science. Too often the farmer looked upon science as simply meaning things not thoroughly understood, and whicli were merely a matter of hypothesis or theory. If it was generally considered that by the term science they meant exact knowledge, and that collection of facts upon any one subject which would throw light upon the subject, he thought there would be a greater degree of harmony between the professors of science and of practice. It was the object of science to collect facts— to collect evidence, just as in a court ol justice ; and that, together with the verdict, might almost be looked upon as a summary of the working of science. He believed that at tlio college at Cirencester they did attempt to collect facts and to put them belore the students in such a way as would be useful to them in after life. They all felt that experience was one of the most valuable qualities a man pos- sessed, but if there were a systematic teaching, not only of agriculture, but of science connected with agriculture— if an embodiment of the knowledge of other men can be given to the student, he thought it gave him something which, though not equal to personal experience, would at all events enable him to set out on his agricultural career with better prospects of success than if he had not that knowledge given to him. He always looked forward with pleasure to the anniversary of that Club, for he was a native of the North of England, and learnt his trade in North- umberland, and before sitting down he would propose " The Vice-Presidents of the Club," coupled with the Vice-Chairman. No doubt agriculture was steadily progressing; but people were rather too apt to look upon the advance of agriculture as having taken place within the last 30 years. But if they looked into history for 100 or 200 years back, they saw that agriculture had steadily been advancing for a considerable period, and he could not but think it had been advancing for the last 200 years as rapidly as at this moment. He had been very much struck recently, on reading the very interesting History of England at the time of James II., written by Macaulay, at the account of the very great advance in agriculture which had taken place. About the years KiSO or IG'JO, they found a large portion of tho country was still undrained, and thai only about one-fourth part of tho kingdom could be looked upon as yieldmg corn and Grass for aniraabs and for man. Many other facts in that History pointed to a great advance in agriculture. It was true that at the present time we had not to do with the enclosure of land to such an extent, or the drainage of morasses, but still wo had other points to attend to. We found that steam cultivation was becoming more prevalent, that tho drainage of land which formerly would bo considered dry had been prosecuted with good effect, and that the utilisation of town manure had commanded a very great deal of attention. No doubt agriculture would bo still further improved, but there was one great point remaining. Ave had no doubt increased knowledge, but we must have a sufficient amount of money to make that knowledge practical ; and the tenure of land also would always bo an important point in the improvement of agriculture. The more security tho tenant had, tho moro likely was he to bring both his knowledge and his capital to bear upon the improvement of the land. A Dkliomry of Science, Literature, and Art. Edited by W. C. Brande, D.C.L., &.C., &c., aud tho llev. George W. Cox, M.A., &o. Longman. Has the completion of this very excellent work of reference been yet announced in our columns ? Agri- cultural readers, as all others, ought to know that hero they will find not only technical and professional and scientific description and discussion of the multitude of separate subjects which are indicated by as many technical and professional and scientific terms, but such cross references from one to tho other as enable the student to exhaust any one series of topics conclusively ; so that the work becomes a true cyolo- pajdia of knowledge as well as a mere dictionary of terms. The agricultural references resemble the others in being sufficiently numerous and explicit to give a pretty complete account of the whole subject. But it is plain that many others of the arts and sciences are still more elaborately treated— a fact which makes it not any the less but all the more valuable for any agri- cultural reader who may purchaso it. Iflustrations are given wherever thej; are needed, and to test their merit we selected a subject lying outside our own de- partment, and submitted to a distinguished Public- School boyof ouracquaintancetheseries of figures which accompanies the article " Knot." There are here no fewer than 20 different modes of tying rope illustrated. He tells us that, barring two or three, they represent entirely separate and distinct contrivances— the excep- tions being 4 and 18, which are virtually the same, and 15, which is a combination of 2 and 20 ; also No. 11, in which No. 2 again figures along with either -1 or 13. This one example may, however, be taken as a fair example of the complete and satisfactory manner in which the several subjects are discussed. Peat, and its Uses as Fertiliser and Fuel. By Samuel W. Johnson, A.M., Professor, Tale College. Pully ,; Illustrated. Williams & Norgate, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. This may be pronounced, though short, an almost ex- haustive treatise on its subject. There is an account of the natural history of peat, the mode of its formation, and its natural and chemical characteristics; then the agricultural uses of peat are fully discussed (pp. 2U— 90) ; and lastly, its uses as fuel, with a full description ot all the machines which have been employed to turn it to account (pp. DO- 1(J7). . , , ., Considered as a manure, peat owes its value to its power of absorbing moisture and ammonia, to its influence on temperature, and to its effect in promoting the disintegration of mineral ingredients in the soil. This last office is accomplished by its being a constant source of carbonic acid. But it is also serviceable for the ingredients which it supplies as the food of plants. These are organic and inorganic- carbonio acid and ammonia or nitric -acid, and an ash which is virtually the same as that of agricultural crops. A comparison is drawn between peat, in respect of its ingredients, and stable-dung, in which the former comes out more favourably than we could have supposed. But peat has mischievous qualities, which hinder its full value from being realised: it is dead, and wants fermenting into something like activity ; it contains noxious ingredients— acids, resins, salts. The pre- paration of peat for agricultural use is thus a necessary preliminary. It has to be excavated, weathered, and composted. Professor Johnson then discusses tho different forms of peat compost— with stable-dung, with night soil, with guano, with fish, with salt and lime. And large quantitiesof agricultural experience are quoted on all these points. The experiments of the author on the effect of alkaline bodies in developing the fertilising powers of peat are described at length, the results, however, being given as multiples of the seed employed, which is not instructive. Peat alone yielded only twice the seed ; peat with lime yielded 28 times tho seed; peat with ashes of Grass and Peruvian guano yielded 35 times the seed. The experiments were in flower-pots, with Indian corn. An immense body of analyses is given, and this concludes the agricultural part of the subject. Theu follows a very elaborate and fully illustrated account of all the attempts that have been made to turn peat to account as fuel. Tho work is deficient ou the subject of peat char- coal, about which a good deal of agricultural interest at one time e.xisted. Farm Memoranda. South Hants : Januanj 8.— The past autumn having proved one of the driest on record, has been highly favourable for tho seed time ; and Wheat sowing has been concluded, although much land has been sown very late, the blade not showing above around at this time (Jan. 6th); this, however, cannot be regarded as unpromising, for Wheat sowing is now delayed to a much later period than formerly, and with generally 64 THE GAUr-ENERS' CIII^ONICLE Am AGRICUL'IUIIAL GAZKTTK [January 18, ISfa satisfactory results. In the absence of any statistical return, we venture to say, that an unusually large breadth of Wheat has been sonn, owiuR to the favour- able season, and the diminished quantity of land sown to this crop during previous seasons when the price ruled low and unsatisfactory to the grower. The climate and soil of South Hants is for the most part adapted for white Wheat, this, together with the succession of favourable harvests, has induced parties to increase the proportion of white Wheat sown this year ; we have, however, always held the argument that the kinds of Wheat sown should be those best suited to the soil and climate, for although we often hear objec- tions raised to tbe cultivation of the superior sorts of white Wheat, by reason that it sprouts quicker in a wet and unfavourable harvest, yet when it is considered that those varieties which sprout the soonest are generally the most valuable to the miller, and that in this part of the country Wheat does not sprout on the harvest field oftener than once in seven or eight years upoii the average of seasons, the objection cannot be considered a valid reason against its cultivation, com- pared with the red varieties of Wheat. The sorts of Wheat mostly in favour in South Hants are Moreton's Bed Strawed White, Rough Chalf Esse.x, and, for late or winter sowing. Red Nursery ; the latter sort, however, answers well in admixture with either of the former kinds, particularly upon lea ground and diflicult planting land. The Wheat crop of last harvest is more deficient than was expected, but still the crop in South Hants is much superior both in sample and quantity than in the northern division of the county ; in the former the crop may be computed at from 4 to 5 bushels under an average, but in the latter the deficiency is from 7 to 8 bushels under the average, and generally a very thin and light-weighing sample. With regard to prices for the next few months, although we shall be dependent very much upon importations, yet it must be considered that we have the markets of the world open and English enterprise always at work to supply us, which will probably prevent prices going higher than at present, viz., 70s. to 78s. per quarter ; and we expect on reaching the month of May, should the crop on the ground look promising (and it must be borne in mind that up to this date all the conditions essential to the production of a great Wheat crop are fulfilled), that present prices will not be maintained. We must congratulate the agri- culturists generally upon having grown one of the best root crops, and the best and most abundant crop of hay ever grown in this county ; and hitherto the roots have kept well in the land, and those stored for spring use have been put away under most favourable circum- stances. All kinds of stock have thriven well, and with present prospects food will be abundant in the spring months. Almost everything, however, at present tends to lower prices for meat : first, the reaction from high prices ; next, the stock having been favoured with abundance of food and genial, healthy weather ; also the absence of cattle plague and comparative diminution of " pleuro" and " foot-and-mouth disease " in cattle, and lameness in sheep stock, together with the large and unusual produce of lambs during last year ; which combination of circumstances will probably keep meat at a moderate price during the present year. We think it is to be much regretted that the restrictions upon the removal of cattle from place to place within this country should have been entirely abolished, unless inspectors could have been appointed in the different markets and fairs, so as to prevent cattle under disease of any kind being removed to other districts, because pleuro and foot-and-mouth disease will be sure to spread without some super- vision and restriction ; and this we hold to be a matter of incalculable importance, believing as we do, that more meat was lost through the diseases above-named on the average of years previous to the outbreak of the cattle plague, than was lost, during the average of years, by the cattle plague. The restrictions on removal of cattle during the plague ought to be a lesson to us for the future, as most certainly it pre- vented the removal of cattle labouring under any infectious disease. J. B., Southampton. North-west Bucks, Jan. 11.— After a week of nice still frosty weather, with snow just sufficient to shelter the young Wheat plant, we are visited with a thoroughly wet day, and as the atmosphere is still frosty, everything on which the rain falls soon becomes covered with a coating of ice, while the high- ways are slippery as glass. The weather has during the winter been so extremely favourable for out-door work, that within our memory the general operations on the land were never in so advanced a state. None but the veriest sluggard need this year be behindhand with his work. In this respect the preseut winter stands in favourable contrast to that of last year ; during that trying season every arrangement was doomed to disappointment; and when at length the work was done, it was ill done, and clay or lands at all wet were never got into good form. On all sides we hear the sound of the threshing machine, but withal our markets are but scantily supplied. The revelations of these very useful implements fully con- firm the accuracy of the estimates which appeared in your columns at the edge of harvest. The Barley crops hereabouts were generally light; but land which in a season like the last was, when wetj of about the same consistency as bird-lime, and when dry become as hard as asphalte, is not the kind on which we usually expect heavy crops of this tender cereal. The quality is, however, excellent, and will all make good malt. Our own home-brewed, made with the usual quantity to the hogshead, is very superior to that which lie generally obtain. Either for the sake of saving trouble, or with an idea that it is no dearer to buy beer than to brew it, many farmers have adopted a habit of buying brewers' beer instead of brewing for themselves. We think this practice is not calculated to encourage the growers of Barley and Hops, We ourselves do not think it wise to swallow on our own account, or to fill the stomachs of our labourers with a decoction of we know not what, and which is, moreover, usually delivered in casks which do not hold the reputed quantities. Sheep are doing capitally on the Turnip breaks, and should there be any upward movement in the prices of wool and mutton in the spring, must, we think, pay very well for wintering, as lambs were bought in at remarkably low figures in the autumn. Every descrip- tion of meat is now at a very moderate price, but bread is dear, and likely to be still dearer. The splendid weather with which we have for some time been favoured has been of immense advantage to the agricultural labourers, who have lost no time, and as every kind of operation could be profitably carried on, many hands have been retained whose services might probably, under less favourable circumstances, have been dispensed with. We observe that in several counties Chambers of Agriculture have been established, but as yet no move in that direction has been made here. Years ago we counselled organisation on the part of the fanners. Their isolation has been the source of their weakness. With combination the power they may possess is immense. The county expenditure is becoming a very serious matter, and with this, as also many other questions, Chambers of Agriculture may hope successfully to deal. It is a maxim that taxation and representation should go together ; and now that every small ratepayer is to have a vote, it seems a greater anomaly than ever that the money of the ratepayers, many of them poor, should be so lavishly, often unwisely, as we think, expended by that most irresponsible body, the magis- trates in quarter sessions, without their having a voice in the matter. It is a state of things which cannot and ought not to last much longer. Early Management.— In all yards where poultry is kept, the present is the season when a little extra care and attention will be amply repaid, by increased num- bers of eggs, and the quick growth of early-hatched chickens. As during the week after one Derby the betting quotations are published and canvassed for the next, so in poultry, while the results of the late shows are still fresh with us, many little downy chickens are already objects of increasing solicitude, to coach them up to success at next winter's meetings. Apart from poultry as considered for exhibition or fancy purposes, a good stock of young hens should now be producing a fair proportion of eggs ; and of these, such as are not intended for home consumption or market should be put under steady hens as fast as they become broody. The prices brought by all kinds of well-fed fast-grown young fowls and ducks during April, May, and some- times June, are such as to encourage every one who keeps fowls to take pains to have some ready for sale during those months. Pure Dorkings put on meat very fast, and are kindly birds while growing; they command the highest price in the market when well fed, and are sent in large numbers all through the year from the counties of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. The farmers of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire have improved the size and quality of their fowls to an almost incredible extent during the last few years, and in fattening, killing, and preparing for market are making great progres,s. The number of young fowls of good quality sent from the neighbourhoods of Cam- bridge and Boston is very large, and in uearly all of them may be seen some trace of Dorking blood, which, engrafted on the old barn-door stock, has increased the size and an aptitude for fattening. The Brahma-Pootra has been largely used, and with considerable success as regards strength of constitution. From Essex and Suffolk we get just the same type of bird as formerly, although more pains are now taken in the killing and preparation. Game blood seems the foundation of the poultry stock in both counties, while constant importations from Holland dispersed along the coast have not improved either the size or quality of the birds with which they have bred. The game element makes them full of courage, and when shut up to fat they chafe and fret instead of improving. The corner of Berkshire that joins Surrey and Hants produces fowls for London that are nearly as good as those first mentioned of Sussex and Kent, while those from the remainder of the county, ana from Wilts, Warwickshire, and Oxfordshire, are generally of very low quality. Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and the Welsh border have improved slightly in the quality of their birds since the opening of the various branch railways has brought them in direct communication with the London markets. Hertfordshire and Bucks have a first reputation for ducks, but a very indifferent one for fowls ; there is in the poultry of these two counties a great lack of breed, and in the markets to call a bird a " Hertfordshire hen " is to call it a mongrel. The large numbers of chickens sent from Devonshire and Somersetshire realise good prices early in the year; they owe much to climate and feeding, and very little to goodness of breed ; they are small, of all colours, and when unpacked present a greater diversity of colour both of leg and plumage than any fowls that come to market, the Irish alone excepted. Artificial Hatching. — Will any one wlio h-is had any experience of hydro-incubation, or any other niode of arti- ficial hatching and artificial aids in rearing chickens, relate it for the benefit of our readers ? We have one statement of ;h experience in type, which we shall be happy to give 'hile we should be glad to hear Miscellaneous. Mr. John Claijden, of Liltlelurn. Saffron Walden, -E'ssej-.— " The Farmer's Magazine" for January has a portrait of Mr. Clayden, and a drawing of the Agri- cultural Hall during the Cattle Show, with which is associated a biograjihical notice, from which m'o make an extract :— IVfr. John Clayden (born, where he still continues to live, at Littlebury, in July, 1S05) began life at a good school in his native village, but in 1817 his father brought him up to London, and placed him with Mr. Flower, who, noticeably enough, kept a school at Islington, a locality with which his pupil was destined hereafter to be so directly identified. Young Clayden remained here until the Christmas of 181'J, when he went bodily into the business of agri- culture, being put to every practical operation on the farm, which he gradually took up as his strength increased ; this hard service being of course occasion- ally relieved by a seasonable degree of recreation, as he still evinces all an Englishman's fondness for field sports, sees no harm in witnessing the race for the Tiyo Thousand, and we ourselves have encountered him in the field with the Puckeridge. Mr. Clayden, senior, died in 1838; and at the age of 2.3 his eldest son came into the control of a business which included the farm- ing of 800 acres at home, and of another large occupa- tion, about 10 miles off, that his father had been superintending for an aged relative. The active, business-like habits of Mr. Clayden soon gave him a standing and repute amongst his neighbours, con- spicuous amongst whom was the late Mr. Jonas AVebb ; and the two became fast friends. The tastes of the two friends, moreover, "hit" very much as to the best kinds of stock, so that they were often associated together as judges. And there are few better "all- round judges " than Mr. John Clayden. Whether it be over cart-horses, cattle, sheep, or pigs, he is never out of his element ; and, as a consequence, no one is so continually called in as referee— that is, from the particular class over which he may be acting. As an exhibitor, his chief successes have been with his Southdown sheep, his Suffolk horses, and his Short- horn cattle, the herd being cultivated with great care, and their owner generally on the look-out at the crack sales, where he is often called upon to preside at the preliminary luncheon. In process of time, the Smithfield Club having outgrown the Baker Street Bazaar, as it had previously done its humble lodg- ings in Goswell Street, Mr. Chiyden was appointed one of a committee, of which the late lamented Duke of Richmond was at the head, to find some more suitable place where the great Christmas Show might be held. The dlBiculties of site and funds are now an old story ; but eventually the well-known names and probity of Mr. Jonas Webb, Mr. John Clayden, aud Mr. Giblett, backed by the leading implement makers, like Mr. Shuttleworth and Mr. Howard, induced the members of the Smithfield Club to give their counte- nance to the Islington scheme. Tlie Agricultural Hall Company was thus started, of which Mr. Jonas Webb continued to act as chairman to the time of his death, when his old friend and neighbour, Mr. Clayden, was appointed to the office that he still fills with so much ability and such general satisfaction, alike to the shareholders and the public. Mr. Clayden is a member of the Counoil of the Royal Agricultural Society of England ; he was, until the recent general meeting, when he went out by rotation, a member of the Council of the Smithfield Club. He is also a member of the Committee of the Farmers' Club ; one of the Directors of the Agricultural Hotel Company, the Chairman of the Home Cattle Defence Association, the Chairman of the Nitro-phosphate Manure Company, and one of the Honorary Secretaries of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. Then he has been Mayor of Saffron Walden as often as Whit- tington was of London, and most probably holds a number of other local appoiutments which would go to more than double the length of our list. It may be as well to say, further, that he finds time to farm in the very best style a thousand acres of land which he holds under Lord Braybrooke, about 100 acres belong- ing to other proprietors, and 800 acres more of his own. It is scarcely necessary to repeat that Mr. Clayden is a man of very active, business-like habits, while he unites with these a special charm in his cheerful, genial manner, that, backed again by his high cha- racter, has served to culminate in the success he has so deservedly achieved in the annals of modern agri- culture. The Smithfield Club Cattle Show. — In the spacious avenues of the Agricultural Hall the curious or serious student of useful knowledge may with comparative comfort make himself acquainted with the best speci- mens of the various breeds of beef and mutton making farm stock, specimens which are the result of more than a century of careful selection and industrious experiment in the art of feeding. But although the progress in increasing the number of good animals in each breed is enormous, it must not be concluded that there is any improvement in the quality of the best meat. There is more good meat ; but the best of to- day is not better than the best seventy years ago. The Smithfield Club, strictly conservative, like all agricul- tural institutions, makes the Devon cattle No. 1 in its catalogue, because, seventy years ago, the then Duke of Bedford (namely, the famous agriculturist, fox- hunter, and friend of Charles Fox) founded the society by showing three extraordinary Devons, and gave two hundred and fifty pounds in cash, besides the chance of silver cups and gold medals, to encourage the breed. Admirable are the modern specimens exhibited, for quality, although often absurdly small. Cattle judges are somewhat Delia Cruscan in their tastes and deci- sions, and are apt to please the eye at the expense of the consumer. But the prizes do not spread the breed of Devons much beyond the borders of the native JaNUAHY 18, ISOS.] THE GARDENEES' CHKOiMdEE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. county and Somersetshire. In Norfolk, where they first obtained an ex-county reputation, they do not thrive without continued crosses from the moist pastures of the district to which they owe their name. The Devon makes English roast beef second to none ; and it may safely be asserted that all our cake, and corn, and roots, do not produce better beef than that of the grass and corn, and hay-fed oxen sent from Woburn in 178G. The Hereford, with its red hide and white face, follows the Devon— a fine ox, and, like the Devon, good at the plough, but not a favourite with the Butcher, because he always looks, outside at least, as good as he is inside, when dead— often better. He is rarely to be found out of the two or three counties close to his native place ; he is a beast that demands good pastures, and has found a home and favour in Australia and the grassy regions of the United States. The prizes for him are the same as for the Devon. Thirdly comes the Shorthorn, without possibility of question, unless by some benighted one from Devon or Hereford, the undisputed chief and king of the cattle tribe. He alone flourishes in every temperate and even in semi-tropical regions of the globe. He is to bo found in perfection from Cornwall to John o'Groat's, and has carried improvement to the remote Orcadian and Shetland Islands. He is the true originator of meat for the million, good to make beef wherever fat is appreciated— good in the dairy even iu pure strains when well selected- of not much use in harness, but sure to produce a good beef-making and a good dairy animal in any cross. Even Scotland, with its admir- able breed of black catttle, has been compelled to give up its traditionary prejudices. It has adopted pure Shorthorns in the Lowlands, and has crossed the black-polled in the Highlands with the Southron beast. The Shorthorn was scarcely known out of the North of England when the Smithfield Club was started. It was long neglected, and has never been more favoured in the prizes offered tban the abori- siinal Devons and Ilerefords. But for many years it has only been by exception that the principal prizes, especially for cows, have not i^one to Sliorthorns or Shorthorn crosses. Here, agam, nature beats art; for while the Shorthorn gives meat for the million, the ancient upland breeds— the Devon, the Scot, the Welshman- preserve their claims to the preference of the gourmet. The once-famous Irish black and brindled cattle have been so far superseded by the Shorthorn, that at the Agricultural Hall they are only to be found in twos and threes, competing for as many prizes. Highland Scots, those shaggy, long-horned, picturesque beasts, which form the greatest ornament of a gentleman's park, beside or after deer, and Scotch polled, provide the very choicest beef in the London market, standing even before the Devons; yet they make in numbers very poor show in the Smithfield Club, while in the metropolitan market they hold the place of honour, 'and fetch the top price. Store Scots are becoming scarce; the Scotch farmers feed at home, and prefer the profits of the market to the honours of the show. It must, however, be remarked, in passing, that it is now so common a practice to cross the blacS- poUed with the Shorthorn, that every gigantic polled beast is, justly or unjustly, suspected of a Shorthorn strain. After the pure-bred come the cross-bred clajises, which generally exceed the pure in weight. Sheep follow cattle in the catalogue, and surround them in the show. To follow them in detail would take more space than we can spare. Here, again, quality has to give way to quantity. The four-year- ojd sheej) of our fathers is as rare as the roc's egg of fche Arabian Nights. All the prizes are given for siheeii under two years old, except in the wild moun- tain breeds. Leicesters, Cotswolds, Lincoln.s, and EoraHey Marsh, all invaluable animals in their way, as growers of wool and makers of early mature fat mutton, priceless as crosses, we are content to leave to the woolstapler and tallow-chandler. The Downs, whether of Sussex, Hampshire, or Shropshire origin, we should select in preference, as meat, from native uplands, and not from the counties where they are pampered ou roots, oil-cake, nut-cake, Cotton-cake, and pulse ; but, for choice, give us the despised but well-fed mountaineer. Last winter a plump three- year-old Herdwick wether, from the mountains of Cumberland, that no Smithfield Club judge would tiayc looked at twice, formed one of the glories of two great Christmas dinners, where guests were present who had dined at the best tables in Europe. Taken for all in all, perhaps the pure Down, sulfered to reach three years, and properly fed, makes as good mutton as any ; but the black-faced Scotchman, who has migrated to an English park one year before his death, runs him very hard. In a word, on mountains and uplands only is first-rate mutton bred ; but good agri- culture must come in for the feeding— .1?/ the Year Mound, Notices to Correspondents. CoTTAOF. Hosp!TAL.s I A H II. The pamphlet is published by Messrs. Churchill & Sons, New Burlington Street, W. DlssoLviNO Bones : R M. The following is a prescription : — PLoster .ind puddle a floor of clay and let it dry. Lay tliereon a ton of bone-dust — say 7 or 8 quarters : it should mot be coarse, but need not be liter.iUy dust ; if boiled or burned, so much the more favourable tor the efficiency of ftJie af t£r operations. Pour water on the heap for a day or twi> as long as any is .absorbed — then flatten it down, and lay a lot of ashes round the edges— tl^mplo them firm. Pour on gradually 6 or 7 cwt. of sulphuric acid— four or five of the ordinary carboys. It should be poured into jugs, .and thrown from the jugs on to the bones. The slowness of this plan, as well as its safety, is a recommendation. It will boil, and fume, and effervesce, and you had better stand to V^Indwardof it. Before night it will be quiet, and, if still \7.ery wet, it should have the ashes closely packed .around it. They may be mixed with the heap in a day or two, and it will be fit for the drill in a fortnight. If a smaller quantity is required, it may bo made of the same proportions in a (:ask or in a slate tank. iilid strain, Is. and 'is. Od. per packet. ■'.1 I ■ ' in-T packet. I , , , ; MX' ijQ receipt of Btampa. ■ -..1 I n , i i_..v 11, Somerset. Buttons' Grass Seeds for all Soils. QUTTON AND SONS Are now prepared to make special quotations for their superior MIXTURES PERMANENT PASTURE. And other purposes. Apply, stating quantity required, and nature of soil to be laid down, to SOTTOH & Sons, Reading. s UTTONS' GRASS SKEDS PARIS EXHIBITION, 186r. Pariit Exhibition, Dec. 19, 1807. " N,— As you prmcipally e) xliibitetl.— 1 am, Rontle; GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS Used in forming tlie beautiful swiird no lit the Crystal Pnlac pOCOA-NUT REFUSE ^-^ Is becoming scarce, the Now sold In bags. I for 2«., 10 for ICs., 20 for 30s., 50 for 66s., 100 for £6. Fourpence allowed tor each bug returned camago-paid. A Railway Truck-load (not in bags), 40s. Postage Stamps or Fost-offlce Order, payable to J. Barshau A Co.. KinKSton-oa-Thames. S.W. Beautiful Flowers, Beautiful Flowers. pOCOA NUT FlliliK REFUSE for SALE, V--' 5s. per Waggon, and 2s. per Cartload. This useful mnterial— the superiority of which over Manufactured Manures for strengthening the Growth and Improving the Blossom of Flowers, Is now folly established by lestimonials from Floriculturists and Gardeners from all parts of the United Kincdom— is highly recommended for Potting and Strikmg all Soft-wooded Plants, as it prevents the cuttings from faggiDg ordampingoff ; andmay be had in quantities of not less than two sacks, delivered free to any of the London booking offices, at 2s, Od. per sack, each containing G bushels, sack included, on recept of post order or postage stamps, addressed. Patent Cocoa Fibre Works, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, London, E TOBACCO TISSUE for Fumigutuig Greenhouses. Win Destroy Thrip, Red Spider, Green and Black Fly, and Mealy Bug ; and bums without the assistance of blowing, and is entirely free from paper or rag. Price 3s. 6d. per lb., carriage free. THOMSON'S STYPTIC prevents the Bleeding of the Vine or any other Plant after Pruning, and has been used with perfect success for Grafting and Budding, as well as for preventing POOLET'S TOBACCO POWDER, for the Destruction of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nurserymen and Florists, in Tins, at Is., 2s. Gd., and Ss. Wholesale from the Bonded Manufactory, Sussex Wharf, Wapping, E. Testimonials sent upon application. WINTER-DRESS ALL FRUIT TREES with GISHURST COMPOUND. Copy of a Ltller/rom Mr. Rivers, Nurseries, Sawhridgeworth, Herts, 22d October, 1861. " I must tell you what I heard to.day from a very clever gentleman farmer, Anthony Bubb, Esq., of Wltcombe Court, Gloucester. lie has a wall to which Peach Trees are trained. Well, last autumn they were in a wretched blighted state. As a desperate remedy he and vigorous in their Rrbwth. He intends to paint his Wall Trees annually, and tails all his friends to do the same. I shall certainly seiTe all my young Peach Trees against my walls in the same manner. The Compound is, I believe, more efflcaciou.'i than the usual oflensive mixtures of clay, soot, sulphur, Slc. ; and it does not blacken the shoots on the walls." For Orchard-house Trees, 4 ozs. to the gallon will be found a good strength ; when used stronger some buds on weakly trees may be injured, GISHURST COMPOUND is sold Retail by Nurserymen and ---* — len, in boxes. Is,, 3s., and T"" "'' ~" ""^ esale by Price's Pati Selmont, Vauxhall, London, S. Gisliurst Compound has more }ut none more conclusive than the above ODAMS'S NlTlUM'llDSI'HATK for CORN. ODAMS'H NlTKO-rHOSl'IIATK for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ODAMS'S SUPERPHOSPHATE of HME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. THE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPUATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY iLiraitcd). Chief Offlces—lOS, Foncburch Street, Loudon. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Iilxetor. Irish Branch— 10, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot, H. Robert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfofk, George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford, Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex. Charles Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thoma,s Webb, Hllrtersham, Cambridgeahiro. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross. Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, 60, West Smithfield. managing Director— James Odams. Bankers — Messrs. Bametts, Hoaroa, k Co^ Lombard Street. .yo^c iters— Messrs, KlngsfordA Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand Auditor— Z. Carter Jonas, Cambridge, This company was originally formed by, and is under the direction ot agriculturists : circumstances that have justly earned for it another title, viz. — *'The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company." Its members are cultivators of upwards of SO.OOO acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the consumer lias the best guarantee lor the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures mauul'actured by this Company. Particulars w ay be had of I Chief Offices— lOfl, Fenchurch Street, Loudon, E.C. LA WES' WHEAT MANURE for AUTUMN SOWING.— A supply of the above Manure is now ready for delivery, at J. B. Lawki' *" ■■- ■-— -■ -^ > ■•- ■ - ■' ■ Price £8 per ton. Two ' the laud before the seed or through any of liis appointed Agent! LAWES' PATENT TURNIP MANLTRE be obtained of Mr. Lawk, £0 6 0 per ton, "' fi 0 per ton. I Import! SUPERPHOSPHATE of LIME Gonuuio PERUVIAN GUANO direct from t all Chuniiciil Manures of value, AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address John Bennet Lawes, Offices, I.Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 22, Eden Quay, Dublin ; & Market Square, Shrewsbury. THE L 0 N D 0N~ MA N U &E. C OmTFa N Y {Established 1940) ■ y fine condition. 7 ready for deliv Als SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. I Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA Dock WareboLLse; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, FISHERT? SALT. Ac. E. Purser, Secretary. Offices. 116, Fenchurch Street, E.C. A MANUFACTURER of a^MANURE, Tstablished 15 years, wishes to appoint a few respectable AGENTS. Good Commission.— Address, with occupation, dc, R. S, care of Mr, Bell, Piinter, No. So. Long Acre, London. W.C. /^OTTAM'S PATE^NT "'portable' UNITED V^ COW FITTINGS. Vermin, Hay Ruck dispensed i and depth of Feeding Troughs. Water Cisten . Cover to prevent over-gorging. Cleanly, durable, and impervious to infection, being all of Iron. Prices of Fittings per Cow. 65s. Prospectuses free of Cottam & Co., Iron Works, 2. Wmsley Street pposite th - - . ^. . - . in Stable Fittings just secured by Patent. For Grottos, Ornamental Rockwork, Ferneries, Flower Stands, &o. TnRGIN CORK uq SALE, at 10*. per cwt., bv the V London and Lisbon Cork Wood Company Limited, 2S, "Upper Thames Street, E.C. C:j.ARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in great T variety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts being especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, r.s they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and c ' ^ ' - ■■ ^ and expon__, _ „. „. sequently being much cheap GARDEN VASES. FOUNTAINS, &c.. In Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and in great variety of design. F, & G. RosHEH. Manufacturers, Upper Ground Street, Blackfriars. S, ; Queen's Read West, Chelsea, S.W. ; Kingsland Road, Klngsland, N.E. O RNAIIENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Balls^ Corridors, Balconies, Ac, as cheap and durable I. and buff colours, and capable of forming a variety I enriched designs Stone, in bin of designs. Also TEbSELATED PAVEMENTS of than the above. WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Larders, Kitchen Ranges, Baths, &c. Grooved and other Stable Paving Bricks of great durability. Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall Copings. Red and Stoneware Drain Pipes, 1 - . •- - To be obtained of F. & O. Rosa t their proniisea as above. SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above addresses — Us. per Ton, or Is. 3d. per Bushel ; i^. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf. Uuantitiea of -t Tons, 1^. per Ton less. FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKER.S, for Rockeries or Orotto Work. F. & G. RosHEa.— Addresses see above. N.B. Orders promptly executed by Railway. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Januabt 18, 1868. T HOMAS MILLINGTON and CO. Ihpoktehs, Dealers, and Mandfactukkbs op Glass, S". Bishopsgftte Street Without, London, K.C. PRESENT PKICES of HYACINTH GLASSE.S. 25. 6d. per dozeD, The above are made in Green, Blue, Puce, and Amber. be had in Opal, Is. per dozen extra. _ _ WAKJNEK AND SONS BRASS and BELL FOUNDERS to HER MAJESTl', HYDRAULIC ENGINEEK.S, I'CEcent, Cripplegate, London, E.G. GARDEN ENGINES WATER BAUROWS, GREEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOR, OR NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, AND COLLECTING MACHINES. FITTED WITH PATENT SELF-SHAEPENING CYLINDER CUTTERS. I They are the simplest in constniction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater eaBrf than any other Lawn Mower extant. GREEN'S PATENT LA'WN MOWERS have preyed to be the best, and have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition ; and in proof of their superiority, 40,000 have been sold since the year 1856. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. Every Machine is waiTanted to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of can be returned at once unconditionally. T. GREEN AND SON have to state thai the demand for their LAWN MOWERS this Season has been unprecedentedy which is a proof of the high estimation in wliieh they are held. Selections ean be viade from their Stock both in London and Leeds. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS FREE ON APPLICATION. THOMAS GREEN and SONS, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS ; and 54 and 5.5, BLACKFEIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. SHANKS' POBTAULE PDMPS ">' PUHPSJovsJeam, CAST-IRON LIQUID MANURES. Horse, or Hand Power. PUMPS. Drawings and Prices lor any description ot Hydraulic Machine sent upon applicitiou. TO BE SOLD, Cheap, an IRON DOME CONSEK- VATORV, M feet 8 inclies lODg, 'J feet 4 inches wide. Would make an oxcellotit Poach House or Covered Way. And all other Uescriptiona ol' Horticultural Buildings to bo seeu at J. Lewis's Horticultural Works, Stamford Hill, Middlesex. Oil Faint no Longer Necessary. TMPROVED BLACK VAKNISB.-FornreseiTinglron J- and Wood Fencing, Gates, Farai Implements, ic. Sold iu casks of about 30 eallons each at U. 3d. per gallon, carriage paid to anj- railway station In England or Wales. A sample cask of 10 gallons forwarded (carnage paid) on receipt of PostOfflco Order for 17s. Gd. No charge for casks. Manufactured only by Craiiltos Pain, 10, Richard's Villas, Lavender Grove, Dalston, London. N^.E. Testimonials on appliuatton. C ARSON'S ANTI-CORROSION PAINT^ Patronised by the Nobility and Gentry, is extensively used for all kinds of OQT-DOOR WORK, and is proved, after a test of 70 years, to surpass any other Paint. It is especiallv applicable to Iron, Wood, Stone, Brick, Corapo, and is tho only Faint that will effectually resist the rays of the sun upon Conservatories, Green- ' - ' s durable as genuiue White Lead, so houses, Jrai simple in application that WHITE, LIGHT STONE, BATH, and LIGHT PORTLAND Per c BRIGHT GREEN, DkEP GREEN, aiid BLUE '. 4i(. Prepared OIL MIXTURE for the ANTI-CORROSION. OILS, TURPENTINE, VARNISHES. BRUSHES, 4c. S cwt. Free to all Stations in England and Wales, and most Ports of Ireland and Scotland. Patterns and Testimonials sent post free. Waltkr Carson & Sons, La Belle Sauvage Vard, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. Cadtion. — All Cask,s should bear the Trade Mai-k. No Agents. ^f^^i/M*^'^'-^»s^^]^-<^^D HILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. Tlils Varnish is an excellent substitute for oil pamt on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and Is uaed cold. It Is used In the grounds at Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and at the seats of many hundreds of the nobility and gentry, from whom the most flattering testmionials have been received, which Hill & Smith will forward on application. l''rom the Right Hon. Lord Greenock, Wood End, Thirsk. "Lord Greenock has seen the Patent Blaok Varnish made by "" L & Smito, applied with success, and has heard it highly recommended by friends who have tested it extensively. Sold in casks of about 30 galions eacn, at la. GcL. per gallon, at th( Manufactory, or Is. ^d. per gallon paid to any Station In the ktngdom. PATENT LAWN MOWERS, AWARDED THE 'FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL or THE UNIVEKSAL EXHIBITION, PAEIS, 1867. AI.EX. SHANKS and SON h.ave received official intimation that the Jurr at the Paris Exhibition have AWARDED thorn the FIKST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL for their PATENT LAWN MOWERS. A. S. AND SON, judging from the fact, that out of all the Lawn Mowers in the Exhibition, their Maoliines have been the only Lawn filowers deemed worthy by the Jury to receive so distinguished an honour, are gratified to find in tills a further proof that the eflorti they have made' to improve their Machines have always been in the right direction. The demand for SHANKS' MACHINES increases year by year, and during the past season it has increased Tery considerably. A. S. and SON having had so long an experience in this Trade, can confidently guarantee their Machines to be unequalled by any before the Public. 1^" Every Machine warranted to give satisfaction, and if not approved of can be at once returned. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS SENT FREE ON APPLICATION. ALEX. SHAJSTKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH. LONDON OFFICE aitd SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, Leadcnhall Street is the only place in London where intending Purchasers of Lawn Mowers can clioosefromt a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines. A. S. and SON have a staff of efficient Workmen at 27, Leadcnhall Street, thoroughly acquainted with all the details of these Machines, so that they are enabled to repair them in London as well as can be done at their Manufactory. NEW IMPROVED PREMIUM WIRE NETTING. AWARDED FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE BY THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF LONDON AT BURT ST. EDMUND'S, JULY 16. J. B. BROWN AND CO. having introduced Improved Machinery into theu- London Workshops for juanu. facturing AViro Netting, are now prepared to execute orders to any extent at the shortest notice. The Netting' is of very superior quality, best formed mesh, well twisted, and Galvanised after made in a superior manner. OREAT IMPROVEMENT, REDUCED PRICES, February, 18GC. GALVANIZED AFTER MADE. PKICES PER LINEAL YARD, 24 INCHES HIGH. Mostly used for Light. No. 19. Medium. No, I Japanned. Galvanized. 2J inch Hares, Dogs, Poultry .. i^d. 2 inch'Game or Poultry Netting! 3|rf. 18 inchiSmall Rabbits, Hares, &c.j Z%d. U inchlSmallest Rabbits . . ..' Hd. Z\d. Z\d. Hd. ild. 6ld. ild. Hd. 6id. strong. No. ir. Galvanized. 5iZ 6^id. 6id. id. Hd. 6d. Gjd. Extra Strong. No. 10. Japanned, i Galvanized. 6d. H'id. 6M. 73. Quantities of 100 yards or upwards delivered free at all Railway Stations. All Netting warranted to give satisfaction J. B. BROWN AND 00. Offices: 90, gANNON STREET, CITY, LONDON, E.C. WAREHOUSE and MANUFACTORY— 148, UPPER THAMES STREET, E.C. Januaby 18, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 67 H' lllustiated CiroulaBj, with fall particulars, sIzl's, and prici Q application to Eehemih k MoiiTO», 7, F.ill Mall East, London, S.W. HA Y W A It D B E 0 T H E 11 S, HOT-WATER ENQINEEilS. Horticultural, Public, or I'rivate Buildings Heated on tho latest improved priuciples. 187. ISli, Union Street, liorongli, London, S.B. HOT -WATER PIPES, 4-moh, 2s. per yard. HOT-WATER APf ABATDS erected complete. HOT-WATER BOILERS. Cast and Wrouyht Iron, and CON- HEXIONS of all kinds, supplied equally low. Gkouok RouiNsoN, Dial Iron Worl;s, Stourbridge. Heating ty Hot Water. HOT-WATEK PIPES, at Wholesale Prices, -with Elbows, Syplions, Toe-rii>cs, and every other connection ; Wrouplit and Ca.st-lroD Boilers, Saddle, Conical, Cylinder, 'I'uuulaii, and Elliptic, Irorn 24«. each. Improved Boilers and Iron Stands to use witliout brickwork, Cos. each. Valves from lu,v. 6d. each. Patent Valves, improved Furnace Uoors, Eurnace Bars, Supply Cisterns, and Cjistings of every descriiition in stock, at Mr. Lynch \Vhitk's Iron Wiiarf, Upper Ground Street, Blackfriars Bridge, London, S. Price List on application Greenhouses— Heating Apparatus. CONSERVATORIE.S PINERIES STRAWBERRY HOUSES VINERI ES FORCING HOUSl - ORCHID HUUSKS , W A L L - T R E !■; COVERS GREKNHOnSES CUCUMBER and MELON HOUSES THE ONLY Various Inipr, Apnlication of Wll' Our New Patent I i: HOT-WATER APPARATUS, of every description, llxed coniiilote In any part of the country, or the materials, viz., Boilers, Pipes, &c., delivered to any Station. Business on application. J. Jo»E5 & SoKs, 6, Bankside, Southwark, London, S.L. c 0 T c Iron Works, 2, WinBley Sti- SADDLE BOILERS, I "ii 30 iiicbes long. 0 M P A NT, lEOS, ftC, cut, Lundou, W. la. flti. 2s. Id. 2». Od. per Materlctla supplied Estimates glv c RANSTOK'S PATENT BUILDINGS HORTICULTDRE. •' Dry Gluziug wuhout Putty." MOULE'S "WARMING APPARATUS.— The best and moat economical system of WiuiniDg Chui'chOH, Schools, Hot- bouhoa. and all lai^e liuUdtOKH. Apply to J. W. OiKULKSTONK. C.E., 31, Duke t>treot, Weatmlnfiter. 8.W. U CUMli E 11 Tin d ME LON BOXES. C 200 kept in Stock, all niadi; of the best seasoned iiKiteiiiilH, ^-l:lz^,'d aud painted loady lor lininedlato use. l';icked aud hcnt to all p.irlH of the kingdom. J. WATTsi Co^, Ilottioubo IliiUdors, 363, Old Kent Road.London.S.E. Heating by Hot Water. WJ. HOLLANDS, Iuun Merchant, • 31. Bankaido, London, S.E. HOT WATER I'IPEa. fium block, per yard :— 2-lncli, U. IJd. ; 3-lnch, U. Qd. ; and 4-iuch, 28. 3d. BENDS, from Stock, Is. Gd., ii». 6d.. and 38. each. THROTTLE VALVES, los., ISs., and H«. each. Other Connexions at equally low prices, and all goods of flrst-cliLSft manu* Kstuuates given, and orders by pObt punctually attended to thes e thut he is ESTIMATES for LAYING lious and VilLi or other JOHN GIBSON, JuN., begs to ri prepared to FurniBb PI^^NS and E. OUT GROUND attached Residences, or for tho FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out tho same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Gibson, jun., Surrey Lane, Battersea. S.W. mo CAPTfALISTS^— A"lew~Gc~ntlemL'^^r7iVvit^ X to join four others (resident in Lmdon) In WORKING a valuable SLATE QUARRr in North Wales of first-class impor Idcrablo sum of money has been expended in its developmunt, ana m the erection of machinery, and it is now in a position to produce any quantity of Slates and Shib^ for the market. Address by letter to Mcs-sr. Tilly & Tnojus, Accountants and Public Auditors, 1, Circus Place, FinsbuiT Circus. London. WANTED to RENT on LEASE, HALL^ an ACLtK to an ACRE of GROUND, within a radius of 0 or s of the British Museum, for Garden Cultivation. An open To Fruiterers, Greengrocers, and Otliers. I.M.MEIJIATK Ll^l'UNAL, a UENOINE Jd.-^IXE.':;^ -.u-i above, close tu KcM..siugtnu Gardens. Good ng Lease and GRAY'S OVAL TUBULAR BOILER. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, Class IX., No. 2119. Mr. gray begs to call the attention of the Nobility, Gentry, Nurserymen, Gardeners, &c., to Ms NEW OVAIi TtTBtTLAS, EOILEB, Acknowledged by practical judges to be a great improvement on every form of Tubular Boiler yet introduced. It has proved itself superior to all other Boilers for (quickness of action and economy of Fuel, doing its work with one-third less the amount required by any other. Extract from Report in GAnDENERs' CnaoNiCLB 0/ International Exhibition, May 24, 1862, page 470. ** The uprighc form of Boiler is usually made on a circular plan, I rather than a square, it seems feasible th.at the Boilers on the oval but the oval form given to Mr. Gbav's variety of it is said to he plan should bring the tubes more completely within range of the " " ' ---..It ... ..... ^ ^-^^ change, though a slight one, l^" Tliey are made of all sises, xohich, with prices, may be had on application. JAMES GRAY, HORTICULTURAL WORKS, DANVERS STREET, PAULTON'S SQUARE, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS, FOR HEATING CONSERVATOKIES, HOTHOUSES, CHnECHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. /rai T. S. TRUSS state that the immense number of APPARATUS annually Designed and Eiedtd b^ him in all parts of ie kingdom, and for the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGION and CHISWICK, tvith unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design, superior materials, and good workmsinship : while the jreat advantages obtained bv his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over-estimated, consisting of perfectly tight omts with neatness of appearance; EFFECTS A SAVING OF 2.5 PEE CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected ■ompared with other systems ; facility for extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints ; ;an be erected by .any Gardener; an ordiniu-v size Apparatus erected in one day, and PERFECTNESS of DESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best in.aterials, with Saddle Boiler, lelivered to any Railway Station in England, and Erected at the following prices. Erection beyond 25 miles off jondon, railway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. TWO FOUR-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. Size of Hoiise. Appai ;itus Complete. Erection. 50 feet by 1.5 feet .. £17 10 0 ..£300 75 feet by 15 feet . . 20 0 0 . . 3 0 0 100 feet by 15 feet ., 26 0 0 .. 3 5 0 Bath and Gas Work erected in town or country. The Trade Supplied. Horticultural Buildings of every description from Is. 6d. per foot superficial, inclusive of Brickicork. Size of House. Appamtua Complete. Erection. !0 feet by 10 feet £9 0 0 £2 0 0 10 feet by 12 feet 11 15 0 2 10 0 iO feet by 15 feet 15 0 0 2 15 0 Price Lists, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S. TRUSS, C.E.J Consulting Horticultural Engineer, &c., Sole Manufacturer, FRIAB. STREET, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — T}te City Ojjiccs are now Removed to tlte Manufacloryy Friar Streets Land for Sale. WILLIAM LAWtSuN, of Ulennerhasset, offers for SALE iiboiit 5S2 Acres of Valuablo PropL'i-ty, comprising lii.-j rAKK nuUSE NKWBIGUIN, PRIOR HALL, and PHIOK HALL MILL E.STATKS, in the Paiiiihed of Toipenhow aod Ireby, in Iho 1 of the JlarkutTo f Wigtoii, CoctoriuouLh, i uges; Plantations of Oak, l^rcb, &c., of Uottngea, an excellent Lime Quarry, with Kiln ; iv ^veil-accustomed EIoui' Mill ; and some subf,tautiAl Sets of Farm Buildings, recently owned by the lato Sir Wiil'rld Lawaon, of Braytou. Three Water "Wheels are already establlahed, and Important Additional Water Power miglit easily bo got Ironi tho Kivur Ellen (famous for Trout) and the Ooukshot Stream, winch touch the i)ru- peny for miles, giviny the chance of Splendid IrriKatlon. Part of tho Grouad is in high (almost Garaen} condition, having been deeply steam cultivated by the owner. For a Country Resi.lence, this place is well adapted— situated between the Sol- way Frith and the Cumberland Lake Uistrict, abundance of Pheasauts and other Game, with a first-rate Climate, the Cumber- land Fox Hounds huntiDj; the country, a Riiilway Station near, a good neigh bomhood, three Parish Churches close to, charming bpeeJy jiu It will \u- .'f the whole can be given. ; the County Hotel, 1(1 ing purchasers on appli- Plants and Bulbs, MR. J. C. STEVENS wiU SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, 38, KinK Street, Covent Gardou, W.C., on WEDNESDAY, January S'J, at hall-past 12 o'Clock precisely, IIAHDY TREES amlSHRUBS, comprising C0N1FEKS.LAUKELK, IIUODODENDKONS, RUSES. FILBERTS, EUUNVMUS, TRl- TOMAS, YUCCAS, WILLOWS, AUCUBAS. CARNATIONS, PICOTEES, PINKS, VIOLETS, RASPBERRY CANES. PYKAMID and DWARF FRUIT TREES, and a Conaigumeut of choico GLAJUIOLI from Holland for Spring Planting. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Theobald's Pari:, Herts. MESSRS. CRA"\VlER and DEaXH beg to announce that the whole of tho Eltects. Including STOVE and GREKNHOCSE PLANTS, HAV, .M^XNURE, Ac, will bo SOLD as origiiiiiliy advertised. The arrange incut uf Sale is asunder :— MUNDAV. Jau. i:o.— riuuts. lias, Manure and Mould. TUESDAY, „ 21.— Live Stock, i_i:iiden, Laundry, Brcwiog . o'clock puoctimlly.— Chcshunt and Eulleld, N., j Theobald's Park. Herts, MESSRS. CKAWTEK and LEAXH will SELL by AUCTION, on tho preruises, Theobald's Park, Herts, on MONDAY, Januiiry 20, and two loUowmg da\;>, at 11 o'Cluck, punctually, in oousequenco of the number of i "■ ■ , v-^rv ■Mpt-rinr Ai.DERNEY and SHURTHOUN COWS, liui' ■ i ,\ i I u i;NKY BULLS, HORSES, PICS, MEADOW HA^. ! : -- - -..ry choice collection of STOVE and GREENJiui , i \ . ,„.i. priaing Gauielllap, Azaleas, OninKO Trees, Ici;,-, ii i- . , i i iiuy Stuff, &c. ; Carnage Break, Sjpring Van, Cai-la ; lui ^41; Ijinuir ijull, Mowing MacliliiB, Garden Chairs and Tables, Garuen Roller and Tools, Uarneas, Agricultural Implements, Blacksmith's Tools, Brewinc, Dairy, and Laundry Utensus and effects. May be viewed on the Saturday previous to the Sale, and Cata- lOKUCs ohtamed at tlie usual Inijw ui the neighbourhood, at tho placo uf SilIo; iuid at tliu Dltke.s of iMessrs. CitA\rTER & DtAtu, Estate Agents, Survey,.l■^. tie, ChohmiL aud Eufleld. N. To Gentlemen, Florists, Horticulturists, and Others. MESSRS. SWIWDLEY and CO. have rectived instruotioDs to SELL by AUCTION, on the Promises, Fine Cottage, New Road, Hammersmith, W., close to tho Queen of EnKlaad Tavern, on WEDNESDAY, January 'JS, at 12 for 1 o'Clock, the whole of the well seasoned STUCK 1 " .'"«.•■- .TT^-i.-t^ rting of Span and Lean-to Roofa of 1 GREENHOUSES, ( ^, _ Ground Vmeries on an improved principle, Single and Double Light Frames, and sundry eCtects. On view the day prior and Morning of Sale. Catalogues on the Premises, and at the Offices of the Auclloueers, 1a, iloruton Street, THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [JanuabY 18, 18C8. Office. No. 41, Wellington S ihould be addrcgsed to " The Editor ; " Advertisements and Business Letters to " The Publisher," at the Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London , W r8,at tbe Office of Messrs. Br*dbdry, Et».ns, & Co., Lombard Street, Pret'inct of Whitefriars City of London, in the Co. of Middlesex, and Published by the s ■t, Pariah of Bt. Paul's, Covcut Garden, in the said County.— SiTc boat, January 16 1868 1 Jambs Mattbiws, at the THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 4.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, JANUARY 25. (Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, Gd. ARriciUture, Chamber o Chamber of AKnculture , Conifers, pnming Farm, Hanffshir Aberdeenshire . Parmera" Cluba . Oardencrs' Itoyal Benevolent Labourera, ai^ricultunil . . 82 b — 85 b Ijindlorda, tenanta. labourers . 86 b Leases, fiirm 87 e Milk, adulterated.. Ox, McCombie's prize Plant nomenclature Poultry Piimulas, Chinese Hoses, observations on ... School work for children . Silkworm, Oak-feediHR 74 < Society, Koyal Horticultural— e borders, protecting . a aquatioa 78 i ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S GARDENS, ReEenfH Park.— EXHIBITION of SPRING FLOWERS, daily, MARCH 21 to L'S ; PLANTS, FLOWERS. FRUITS. MAY 27. 28; JUNE 17. IS; July 1. 2. AMERICAN PLANTS, daily, JUNE 1 to 13. The New Schedule of Prizes is ready, and may be had upon application at the Gardens, by post or otherw ibo. DOUBLE ITALIAN TUBEROSES, fine sound roots.— Price to the Trade on application to Jameb Carter & Co., 237 and 238, HiKh Holboro. London, W.C. ■^ LADIOLUS BRENCHLEYENSIS, very fine roots.— T Price to the Trade on application to James Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn. London. W.C. To tlie Trade.— Manettl Stocks, Manettl Stocks. "^ ALLEN, JuN., having a Surplus Stock of the above, J • l9 able to ofTor good stuff at 3*. per 100. or 26*. per 1000. Stone Hill Nursery, Norwich. RICHARD WATCHORk is now sending out the above, strong plants, at 10s. per 100, package Included. Asbby Nursery, Essex Rood. Islington. W. VERBENAS.— Purple, ^Vhite, Scarlet, and Pink. Strong plants, with plenty of CuttiuRs, 3s. per dozen ; araall do., at 63. per 100, or £2 10s. per 1000, package included. Terras cash. Philip Ladds, Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent, S.E. /CALCEOLARIAS (Herbaceous), of choice strain.— Nice V-/* plants, singly, in pots, 20*. per 100, or 33. per dozen ^ a auperh W^ of all the varieties, with double PRIMROSES ol different col. AURICULAS, both Single and Double ; with every sort of Early Spring Flowers. LIST on application.— Mr. Webb, Calcot, Reading. To the Trade.— Continental Flower Seeds, &c. FW. WENDEL, Seed Merchant and Gkoweu, • Erfurt, Prussia, begs to announce that his WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of the above is now ready, and may be had free and post paid on application to his Agent, Geo. Macintoso, Nurseryii andSeedi ^ ' " ' " .-.- .^ n, High Hoad, Hammeri^mitb, London, W. c ULTURAL DIRECTIONS for the ROSE. Second Edition. By John Cranston, King's Acre Nurseries, Hereford. Free by post from the Author for 20 stamps. STRONG PRIVETS, SPRUCE FIRS. 1 & So.v, Midland Seed Warehouse, Leicester. s TAHDAED MARECHAL NIEL KOSES; also DWARFS. Wm. Wood & Son, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Susaex. Novelties amongst Roses. PAUL AND SON'S KOSKS.— See Alhmaum.—Tile AdTOrtiaor's DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, very carefully prepared, will bo fouud of aervlce durlDg preaent plautmg aeason Foat free on applicatloD. The " Old" Nuraerles, Cbeshunt, Herts. ' T. DAVIS offers DOUBLE WHITE and DOUULE _i. LILAC PRIMROSES also UEPATICAS of Sorts. Pncoa i^applicatton. Wanted to PnrchaBe,_^o_r In Exchange, DOUBLE JAMES CRAWFORD, High Beech, Essex, in offeiini! his superb collection of HAKDY RHODODENDRONS and AZALEAS, bega to say that they are well-known to be flrat-rate, both In alze and quality. Ue Is now Selling-otT, at low prices. B RITISH FERNS.— Upwards of 250 Species and Varietlca on SALE, at prices atUl lower than hitherto charged. CATALOGUES on applic Nuraerymen and Seed Merchants, Eritlsli Fern Catalogue. ROBERT SIM will send, post free for six postagf stamps. Port I. (Brltlah Feraa and their varieties, 36 pagoa Including prices of Hardy Esottc Ferns) of hia PRICED DESCRIP PARIS, I The ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for ENGLISH 186T. I GARDEN SEEDS was awarded to SUTTON & SONS. Royal Berkshire Seed Establisbment, Reading. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, PARIS, 1S07, was awarded to James Cahter & Co., 237 and t'3S, High Holborn, London, W.C. Notice. PURCHASERS of LAROK QUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEEDS will bo supplied liberally by Sution 4 Sons. For prices apply (stating quantity required) to Sutton & Sons, Royal Berkshire Seed Establisbment, Reading. SUTTON S' SELECT SEED LIST IS NOW READY. Gratis on application. uTtons' a m a t e uT' s guide s Seeds of Flist Quality, TEPHEN BKOWN'S NEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with Illustrations, sent free on application. Stepbbn Bkowk, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Suffolk. w Genuine Garden Seeds. M. CUTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above Ib now ready. Post free on application. Highgate Nurseries. London, N. WUoieaaie Catalogue. GEORGE JACKMAN and SOr^'S PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of HARDY NURSEllV STOCK for 1867 and SPRING, 18G8, can be had free on application. Woking Nursery, Surrey. selected PAUL AND SON'S NEW SEKD LIST contaii List of Novelties. Seeds of Spring-Qoworing plants, choice selection of Gladioli. The "Old"* Nurseries and Seed Warehouse, Che.shunt. E 1 & Soh-3, 102, Eastgate Street, Cheater. VERY ' Sood Warehouse, 237 & 238, High Holborn, London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. rA M E S CARTER and CO., Seed Faruers. Mercuants, and NuaaERVUEN. 237 4 233, High Holboru, London, W.C. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds^ (AMES FAIRIIEAU anii SON, Seed Growers and Mbrcuantb, 7, Borough Market, aud Bratntree, Essex. Agricultural and Garden Seeds. HAND F. SHARPE beK to announce to the Trade . that their SPECIAL LIST of HOME-GROWN SEEDS, 1867 Growth, is now ready, and may be bad on application. Seed Growing Establiahment, Wisbech, Cambs. H Lincolnshire Red Globe Turnip Seed. AND F. SHARPE h:ive a splendid Stock of the above, grown last season from selected Transplanted Bulbs. Price very moderate. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. "IHE LONG-STANDEK LUTTUCE.— Fine, crisp, and excellent, stands longer without running than any Lettuce rant. Packets, Iji. each. Price to tbe Trade od applioation. Stefhex BaowK, Seed Grower. Sudbury, Suffolk. HENRY'S PRIZE HYBRID LEEK is quite distinct from any other sort, is tbe largest in Cultivation, and Eerfoctly hardy. Free by post, 1$. per packet or 12 Stamps. To bo ad direct from Downie, L&ird, it Laino, Seedsmen, 17, Frederick Street, Edinburgh, and Stanstead Park, Forest Hill, London. S.E. THE TRUE READING ONION" SEED may be had direct from & SoNii, Seed Growers, Reading. Lowest price por lb. lai.pl The very Earliest and Best Pea in Cultivation. SU T X 0 N S ' RINGLEADER. Price 2s. 6J. per quart. Peas, WAND G. CLARK, Seed Merchants, 42, Bishops- • gate street Without. E.C., and Park Lane Nursery, Tottenham, N., offer to the Trade, of their own Crowing, the follow- ing;—MuLEAN'.S ADVANCER, CLIMAX, LITTLE GEM, WONDERFUL ; DANIEL D'ROURKE, NE PLUS ULTRA. Mackie's Monarch Long-pod Beans. HAND F. SHARPE have a True Stock of the above, a all hand-picked, and good size and colour, which they can The Best New Potato for 1868 la SUTTONS' liERKSHIRE KIDNEY, Si. per peck, 17s. dd. por bushel, carriage free. ScTTOM & Sons, Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. s EED POTATOS. — All the finest varieties at very moderate prices. H. £ F. Sbarpe, Wisbech. s. NIUMS poUUn Beck's Seedling Pelargoniums. GLENDIMNlNU and SONS are now offering for the first time the 12 beautiful, new, and distinct PELARGO- by Mr. Wiggins, Or. to W. Becr, Esq., of Islewortb, F Fresh Furf and Loam. OR SALE, a large quantity of the above. — Apply to '^•'- "'-J>Ei*iR, on Belmont Estate, Uxbndge, Mlddleaoz, SEED POTATOS.— Thirty Tons of EARLY ROUND and KIDNEYS, in best sorts. Prices reasonable. Apply to H. i R. .Stireaeer, SItetron Nurseries, Lancaator. ATERSON'S VlCTORiA ToTA'IOS, Ihc" heaviest croppers, tho finest flavoured, and the best keeping seed, direct from Mr. Paterson. Prico on applicatton to Mr. Pearce, MTcasham, Atberstono. M" ILKY WHITE POTATO.— W'ell-known and acknowledged to bo the beat Potato in cultivation, ftt in. per peck of 14 lb. ; or 15«. per buehol of 60 lb. Gixarauteed true and free from disease. Apply to QEoaoE WiNFiELD. GlouccsterHhlro Seed Warehouse, Gloucester. Robinson's Champion Drumhead Cabbage Seed. HAND F. SHAKl'E huve a tine stock of the above, • which they can offer to tho Trade at a very low price. Seed GrowiiiK' Es-tabllshment, Wisbech. Kew Striped Japanese Maize. QUTTON AND SONS can supply Seed of the above O beautiful ornamental foliage plant, in packets, is., '2s. 6d., and 5«. each, post free. Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. Vines. B8. WILLIAMS has now on hand a very large and • fine stock of FRUITING and PLANTl.VG CA^ES of all th» best Tarietles. An Inspection is invited. Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London, N. Vines. J MEREDITH will have great pleasure in forwardine: • hia PRICED LIST of VINES on application. He has thtf largest stock in England. An in.< P L E"~S"and' ~P^ A rW, by the dozen or hundred. SUndard MEDLARS, THUJA AURE.\, well-grown, and handaomo Address, Wm, Wood Jc Son, Woodlands Nursery, MaresQeld. noar Uckfleld, Sussex. To the Trade. WOOD AND INGRAM have still to offer a magnificent lut of STANDARD APPLES; cut back 1-year NOBLESSE, ROYAL GEORGE and RED MAGDALEN PEACHES; RED DUTCH, GRAPE, VICTORIA, and BLACK CURRANTS. Nurseries, Huntingdon. Fruiting Trained Trees. THOMAS JACKbUN and SON, havin? a fjreat extent of high walls, have many lar^e TRAINED TREES; and as they are making much alteration in their Nursery, they now offer them at greatly reduced prices. An inspection is invited. Wm. Wood"& .So>-, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Sussex. ~ Laurustlnus. HARPUR offera the above, in strong, well-rooted, and bushy Plants. Prices on application. Park Nurseries, Wexford, Ireland. B ox EDGING, per 100 yards ; LAUROSTINUS, full of flower buds : YEW.S, 5 to 6 feet Price on application to J. SANDEBa, Truinpington Road Nursery, Cambridge. THIRTY TH0US.4.ND AMERICAN ARBOR-VIT^E, from 3 to f> feet, very suitable for Hedges. Wm. Woon & Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld, Sussex. NEHUNDREU THOUSAND tine Transplanted COMMON LAURELS, from IJ to 3 feet. Wm. Wood & Son, Woodlands Nurseiy, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld, TWENTY THOUSAND PINUS AUSTRIACA. SO.OOO flne Transplanted SCOTCH FIRS. Extra stout well-grown BLACK ITALIAN and LOMBARDY POPLARS, C to 10 feet. W«. Wood & Son, MaresQeld, Uckflold, Sussex. Larch. FORTY THOUSAND LAJiCH, i to .5 feet, strong, with fine heads, and well-rooted, will be Sold Cheap. Samples and price on application to Robert Matbeson, Nurseryman, Morpeth, Northumberland. To Gentlemen, Builders, and Others. ABOUT 2000 large Ornamental FOREST TREES, 12 to 14 feet, suitable for immediate Blind or Park Planting, consisting of ELM, MAPLE, SYCAMORE, PLANE, and BIRCH. J. W. ToDUAN, Eitham Nursery, S.E. WWte Thorn Quick.— To Railway Contractors, &c. A MILLION of the best CAMBRIDGESHIRE WHITE THORN QUICK, from 1 to 3-yr. old, lor SALE, in small or large Lots. For price apply to Dawrarn Brothers. 10, St. Mary Axe, City, London. E.C. FOR HEijGE^-^AMElUC.A.N AKBOF-VIT^, -1 to 5 feet, at 60*. per 100 ; 6 to G feet, 81s. per 100 ; 0 to 7 feet, lOOfi. per 100. w TD, Nurseryman, Worcester. ANTED, 50,000 stout Tninsplanted LARCH, 2 to 3 feet. Cash will be paid on receipt ot goods. Send lowest > Geo. Frost, Nurseryman, Bampton, Devon. E AZALEA INDICA.— GooJ, healthy, blooming plants, in 40 choice sorts, including many new varieties, for 40s., or 20 for 208. Trade price on application. H. & R. Stirzarer, Skerton Nuraerles, Lancaster. XTRA LARGE ELMS, Torornamental Planting.— Fine ENGLISH and HUNTINGDON ELMS, 8 to 10 feet, ll-grown and handsome. Fine Specimen Standard SCARLET HORSE CHESTNUTS, 0 to 10 feet, for Avenues. W^M. Wood & Son. woodlands, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Siissex^ To iJurserymen ^d the Trade. WE are now prepared to take up orders for True TTROLESE LARCH SEED. BLACK AUSTRIAN PINE ; SCOTCH FIR. and SILVER FIR. Samples and pricca of which will be forwarded on application. Fbkdericr Fine & Co., Hop and Seed Exchaiine, Borough, S.E. ~ Forest Trees, &c. SCOTCH FIR, 1 to 2 feet, 1.5s. ; SPRUCE, 1 to U foot, 10». ; SILVER Fill, 6 to 12 Ins.. 6s.: ,O.VK, 1| to 21 feet, 15s. per 1000. LIST of other TREES on application. Special quotations for large quantities. Apply, with relcrence, to James Riddell, Steward, Park Attwood, Bewdley, Worcestershlro. WM, SCALING has on haiid a very large and tine stock of tho best Varieties of OSIER CUTTINGS, for fonn- Ing Willow Plantations, at from 6s. to 16s. per 1000. The Selected BfTTER WILLOW, for Game Coverts, 20s. per 1000. William Scaling, Basford, Notts. R' ^'NBlKa^CALDtCOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited!, . Corn, Seed, Mancre, and Oilcaee Mercdants. Addreas, 89, Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.C. ; or Baslngstoko. Samples and Prices post free on appllcatio for Wheat ; 1862, for ** Excellent Seed Corn and Seeds. Prize Med-als, 1331, 10 THE GAEDENEES' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Januaet 25, 186S. Fniit and Forest Trees. J SCOTT, Merriott, Somerset, offers the above in • large quantitloa, at very reduced prices, to extensive Planters, hfiTJug an extra large breadth of HAZEL (5 Acres), 2 to 5 feet, at from '209. to 35*. per 1000; SCOTCH, strong and well grown. 2 to 3i feet, 253. per 1000; LARCH, 4 to 5 feet, 20s. per 1000; 6 to G feet, '2S3. per 1000 ; and above fiOO.OOO Transplanted THORNS, 16s. to 20s. per 1000. An eTtensiTe Stock of EVERGREEN and ORNA- MENTAL SHRUBS, in all aizes. LARGE PORTUGALS, larpe TEWS, large ARBOR- VIT^S. Large LILACS, Guelder Rosea, Spirieas, Viburnums, and Deutzias. Large THUJA LOCBII, T. Craigeana, T. gigantea, T. aiirea, T. Wareana, T, jnponic-i, T. glauca, and T. orientalia. Large CUPRESSOS LAWSONIANj*. C. macrocarpa, and C. elegana. Extra large DEODARS,CEDAR of LEBANON, and IRISH YEWS. To extensive Planters the above would be invaluable. Special prices on application to J. Scott, Merriott, Somerset. ^^ ASH, 2-yr., 25. ; BEECH, 3-yr., 3s. 6rf. ; HOLLIES, 1-jt., ds. ; OAK, 3-yr,. 7s. Od. ; QUICK, 1-yr., Is. Cd. ; SILVER Fill, 6-yr., 3s. Qd. ; SPRUCE. 6-yr., 3s. 6d. ; CRAB. 3-yr.. 5s. : and SYCAMORE, ABIES DOUGLASIL— For Forest and Ornamental Planting. This is a magnificent tree, gigantic size, graceful, and full in habit, rich in colour, and very valuable for timber. The noble specimen shown in the International Exhibition in 1862 was, wlieQ cut down, 3UD feet high. The streogth of the timber con- siderably surpasses the Larch and best Red Deal, and is only approached by the Pitch Pine. The beauty and value of this tree, when understood, will cause it to be much sought after. Very bardy. Fine Plants, with excellent balls, 3 feat to 4 feet, 24s. per doz. ; 4 feet to o feet, 30s. per doz. ; 5 feet to 6 feet, 4S8. per doz. Chettper by the 100. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES post free ou application. William Barkon & Son, Elvitaton Nurseries, near Derby. AMBROISE VERSCHAFFELT, Nurseryman, Ghent, BelEium, begs to offer, carriage free :— TROP^OLUM AZUREUM (the True Blue), fine bulbs, p. doz., £lls. „ TKICOLORUM, fine bulbs, per dozen, lOa. 6d. ^^ The NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE, No. 81, and a Speci- Number of the "Illustration Hort icole" can be obtained free by Nurseryman, Ghent, Belgium first-rate for the mer season. The ^ate (Roots in small London, and thence i AMBaOISE Versci THE GESNEKACEOUS PLANTS decoration of the Greenhouse in the following Collections 3 large root of each, IGs. " a root of each. 9s. 6d. s("Flora,"XVI.,p.l| ■ N^QELLiVS, in four soils on867, EUCODONI A N^GEUOIDES, s PLECTOPOMA QLOXINIiEi'LORUM, one root ("Flora; p. 3181, lOd. GLOXINIA MACDLATA SOEPTRUM. one root, lOrf. „ ROSEA CHI RIT^FORMIS, one root, 10(i. GESNBKA LEOPOLD!, one tuhor (•' Flora." VII., p. 1671, lod. „ BLASSI, one tuber |" Flora," XI., p. 135 to 1371, Is. Cii, „ DOUGLASII PnRPPREA, in varieties, one tuber, lUil REFULGENS, in varieties, one tuber, lod. ELLIPTICA LUTEA f Flora," II., p. 168), Is. Sd. DOLICHODEIRA TUBIFLORA, 12 large tubers. Is. 6i Cover in one season. The produce is commercially profitable. aO' Forres Nurseries. JOHN GRIGOE and CO., Nui-series, Forres, Scotland, have received the numerous Premiums awarded by the Highland and Agricultural Society for the Cultivation of the TRUE the Nursery Ground stands at an elevation of 800 feet. The plants are of fine quality, hai-dy, and cheap. PRICED LISTS free on application. The Trade supplied at the Wholesale rate, free at the Station, Forres. For Avenues and Parks. TWO THOUSAND ABIES DOUGLASII, 8 to 10 feet high, superb specimens, in perfect order for transplanting, 84s. per dozen, £"() per 100. The Flag-staff (nearly high) at the Exhibition of ; .was of t the timber t IXIAS, PICEA NOBILIS, and ;rdmanniana ; Pines, Cedars, Arau- carias, Cupressus, Thujopsls, and many others. Particulars and pncca (which are very low) on application to RicBARD Smitu, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. B. S. WILLIAMS' NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE for 1868, Is now ready, and will he forwarded Post Free to all customers and applicants. It contains Lists of all New Flower Seeds of merit, Choice Strains of Florists' Flowers, imported Flower Seeds in collections, the most useful Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials for Spring and Summer Flowering ; carefully selected Descriptive List of approved Varieties of each kind of Vegetable Seed, with a few Practical Hints as to Culture ; also an AppendL-c containing Gladioli and other Summer and Autumn-flowering Bulbs ; Kjiives, Horticul- tural Implements, Horticultural Manures, Insect-destroying Composition, and every article likely to be required in the Garden. A perusal is respectfully solicited ; every article is priced, and purchasers may depend name, and everything of the best quality. Exaggerated descriptions are carefully avoided. I the Seeds being true to NEW and CHOICE SEEDS, full descriptions of which will be found in the Catalogue : ORANGE-FIELD DWARF PROLIFIC TOMATO, Is. 6(2. par pkt. WILLIAMS' ALEXANDRA BROCCOLI, 2s. 6lajj, NuRSEaYJLUs', and Florist, 14, Quai de la Megisserie, Paris, begs to inform his numerous Friends and those interested, that he can offer the most complete collection of GLADIOLI bulbs, of the finest quality All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTDRAL SEEDS are supplied by this firm, prices of which may be had on application. Loise-Cdacviere has been rewarded with the Gold Medal for the numerous plants whicQ he eshibito'i at the " Universal Exhibition, amongst which were Gladioli, Dahlias, Gloxinias, Annuals, and Ornamental plants. Bbododendrons. As EXBIDITED AT TBE RoTAL BOTAMIC GARDENS, ReOEKt'S PaRK. JOHN WATERER,the Exhibitor at the above Gardens, 1 to ai: nsidered j'rthy of cultivation. It contains likewise a selection of HARDY CONIFERS, with heights and prices. The American Nursery, Bagshot, Surrey. _ OSES, R H 0 D 0 DENDRONS, &c. The largest and most select stock in the kingdom. ROSES on own roots, dwarfs, 40s. per 100 RHODODENDRONS, strong and ^bushy. Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, scel;^neous hardy bedding plants, sweet VIOLETS, &c. be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have been procured from the best pos.slble sources ; all are warranted genuine, and are offered at the lowest possible prices. New and Choice Flower Seeds, Free by Post or Rail. ;;i u T T 0 N s ■-^ complete collections Rail. Prices as under. No. 1 collection of the best EnKl"ih and German varieties £ s. i with instructions on cultivation 2 2 No. 2 COLLECTION of ditto . . 1 11 No. 3 collection of ditto ..110 No. 4 collection of ditto .. 0 16 No. 6 COLLECTION of ditto .. 0 10 6 Small and useful Collections can also be had, from 23. to 7s. 6d. free by post. For particulars of the above, see BUTTONS' DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, gratis and post free on application. ScTTON & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. ROYAL VINEYARD PEACH.— This remarkable Peacb is of very robust habit, and Is a most prolific bearer.' It is BO hardy, that In 1865 it bore a heavy crop of largo fruit ns an ORCHARD STANDARD, several branches having each borne from lour to five fruit, weightnz ten ounces a-piece. It is a free-stone of most luscious flavour, with a superabundance of juice, and is just sufficiently piquant to render it hlKhly refreshing. The time of ripening is about a week earher than the Harrington Peach. John & Charles 1,ee have much pleasure in introducing this extraordinary Peach, which was exhibited at Mr. Webber's, in Covent Garden Market, in 1865, and was much admired and inquired after at the time. Dwarf Maiden Trees are now ready, price 10s. 6d. each. Royal Vineyard Nursery and Seed Establishment, Hammersmith, London, W. ^^ Royal Ascot Vine. J NO. STANDISH is prepared to send by post strong GRAFTS of the above VINE to any part of Groat Britain at 108. 6rf. each, and (id. the postage. He has no hesitation in saying uraft. Persons not used to grafting < do it, and the treatment afterwards. C-mch pots, 429, each. I of putting the in have a sketch, and how to Also Plants now for Sale, in lit __ _ _ lift., 40s. per 100; 2 ft , 60s. per 100 ; 2''to 2! ft., COV. per 100 ; 2i to 3 ft., 80s. " 4ft., 120s. perlUO per lOU : , . - PRIVET, Evergreen and Common, extra strong, thrico planted, SOs. per 1000 APPLES, Standards, best varieties, 40s. per 100 QUICKS, extra strong, 5 and 6 years old, thrico transplanted. Price on application to B. WuiTHAM, The Nurseries, Reddish, near Stockport. ^T A n'd^R D R~0 S E S . HYBRID PERPETUALS and others, 18s. per dozen. HALF STANDARDS, los. per dozen. ROSES, in 6-inch pots, for Forcing or Greenhouse Culture. HYBRID PERPETUALS, TEA-SCENTED, and NOISETTES, £4s. to SOs. per dozen. Wsi. Wood & Son, Woodlands Nursery. Maresfleld, near Uckfield, Sussex. Roses. WM. PAUL has still a mag^nifi(^ent stock of ROSES, for which he respectfully solicits Orders. STANDARDS and HALF-STANDARDS, sound, healthy heads, and clear, straight stems, 18s. per dozen ; £7 per luO. STANDARDSand HALF-STANDARDS, very superior, 24s. per doz. STANDARD TEA ROSES, 24s. to 30s. per doz. NEW ROSES, 428. per doz. DWARF STANDARD ROSES, 12s. to 18s. per doz. DWARF ROSES (on Manetti). 93. to 12s. per doz. , ,, (own roots), i2s. to 18s. per doz. „ „ (New), 24s. to 36s. per doz. „ „ (Summer kinds), 68. to 98. per doz. ,, mixed, for Borders or Shrubberies, 30s. per 100. CLIMBING ROSES, in variety, 9s. to 12s. per doz. Extra-sized TEA ROSES, for Forcing, or Greenhouse culture, SOs. to 36s. per doz. STANDARD and DWARF ROSES, of all the finest and most effective sorts, for bedding, massing, or planting, A Rosarium will be charged at special and reduced rates if ordered by the 100. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE free by post. Papl's Nurseries, Walthara Cross, London, N. JOHN CRANSTON'S CATALOGUE of SELECTED ROSES is now ready, and will be forwarded on application. J. C. respectfully directs attention to the following LIST of FIRST PRIZES which have been awarded to him at the principal Rose Shows of the present year, proving beyond a doubt that the soil and climate of his Nurseries are unrivalled for the Cultivation of Rosea :— Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, London. s Suttons' Home-grown Seeds. T T 0 N S GUINEA COLLECTION KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, Containing the best and most useful kinds for ONE WHOLE YEAR'S SUPPLY, CARRIAGE FREE BY RAIL On receipt of Post-office Order for 21s. PRICED LISTS gratia and post free on application, Sdtto:^ 4 Sons, Royal Berkshii-e Seed Establishment, Reading. Established 1806. ^^^ , THOMAS HANDANYDE and DAVIDSON have to ._!.: i_ i.\,_t »i,„:.. WTTTJCITDV TP A np. T.TSiT iatinwnnb- Seedsmen, and Nurseries at Bninstane Glen, Musselburgh. L ILIUM AURATUM, largest size Bulbs.— Several cases of finest selected Bulbs, care(\iily packed for healthy transit, are advised to arrive DIRECT FROM JAPAN early in February. These Bulbs have been selected with greatest care by Mr. James Walter, Jun., an English practical Botanist, resident in Japan, each Bulb having been taken up when in perfect rest and maturity, thus securing tbeir arrival in condition desired by Gardeners, ^^° Consignee is satisfied that the Bulbs are larger, and ' condition than any vet sent from Japan. These be SOLD in LOTS of not less than Ten, at 5 Address Mr. T. Mofham, Head Gardi Verulam, Wallasey, Cheshire. " Transplanted Forest Trees. ATERER ANU GODi'REY have a large quantity of the following, of a very superior quality :— FIR, Larch, 4 to 6 ft. The far better _- _____ Bulbs will for each largo Bulb, er to Major Walter, Royal Nurseries, Ascot, Berks. MAGNIFICENT DWARF-TRAINED FRUIT TREES, by the dozen, hundred, or thousand. APPLES. PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS. Wu. Wood & Sos have many Acres of the above named, which for health and vigour are quite unsurpassed in the Trade. The Trees have been most carefully trained, and are really examples of successful cultivation. Address, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld, Sussex. To the Trade. JC. WHEELER and SON offer the following, • DWARF MAIDENS, of fine quality :— APRICOTS— Breda, Hemskirke, Kaisha, Moorpark, Orange. PEACHES— Acton Scott, Admirable Walbiu-ton, Barrington, Kew Purple, Madeline de Coiuson, Red Magdalen. PEACHES, NECTAItlNES, and APRICof S, in eveiy form ti for fruiting. See RicnARD Sunn's FRDIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps. Richard Smith, Nurseryman. Worcester. id WALL-TRAINED TREES ■APPLES. PEARS, PLUMS. CHERRIES, PEACHES.' N'ECTARINES, and APRICOTS, fine strong trees of perfect form. A CROP of FKUIT the FIRST SEASON Be&riDg Pyramids and Bushes PEACHES. NECTARINES, APRICOTS PLUMS, and CHEHRIES. " ' fruiting condition for for =^ for orchard 1 APPLES, PEARS, trong' VINES and FIGS lu ALDER, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 t ASH. 2 to 3 ft. ■ - ' - ACACIAS, 3 t ASH. 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 5 ft. BIRCH, 2 to 3 ft., 3 to 4 ft., and 3 ft. 3, 4. and 5 ft. 1. IJ to 2 ft. HAZEL, 3 to 4 ft. OAK, EnglisB. li to 2 It. t^DICK, very strong, application. WANTED, good FRUITING PINE PLANTS, as follows :— 20 smooth-leaved Cayenne, 20 Fairrie'a (jueen, 20 Queens, 20 Black Jamaica, 10 Providence, and 10 Charlotte Rothschild. SUCCESSIONS— 30 smooth-leaved Cayenne, 30 Queens, 30 Fairrie's Queen, 20 Black Jamaica, 10 Charlotte Rothschild, and 10 Providence. Also a few SUCKERS of the above sorts. The plants must be strong and healthy, and guaranteed to bo ■ perfectly free from scale or other insects. Quote sorts to ofl'er, with lowest price for cash on delivery, to Mr. William Boll, Establishment for New and Rare Plants^ King's Road, Chelsea, London. S.W. New and Improved Pears. . strong and good Quince Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. June 19.— 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE Cirencester. June 19.— 36 Varieties, Cut Roses, three trusses each, FIRST PRIZE Clifton. June 26.— 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, one truss each, FIRST PRIZE CiTstiil Palace. June 29.-72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one tniss each, FIRST PRIZE Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington. July 2.— 72 Varieties, Cut" FIRST PRIZE 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, three t Hereford. July 9.— 72 Varieties. Cut Roses, one trv 24 Varieties, Cut Roses, three t Rugby July 12.— 72 Varieties, Cut Roses, one in. Nurseries, Kine's Acre, ni Viola Lutea tYeUow-flowered Violet). BS. WILLIAMS has much, pleasure in being; enabled • to offer Choice and Selected Seed of the above beautiful Plant. Habit dwarf yet vigorous, foliage dark glossy green, flowers bright yellow, which are produced in great profusion all through the early Spring, Summer, and Autumn months. The plant does not grow more than 5 inches high ; it is perfectly hardy, therefore well adapted for small beds, edgings, or marginal lines. It is without doubt the best yellow-flowered oedding plant in cultivation. It was apoken very highly of in the leading article of the Gardeners' Chronicle, November 2. Mr. Fish, in his remarks about Violas iOardeners' Otromcle, Oct. 26, 1867), states that Viola lutea is a perfect gem, and is invalu- able for a dwarf yellow bed or edgings. It is a bright yellow, of the mostcompact habit, and seems to flower more freely than V. cornuta. Remarks by Mr. E. Bennett, The Oardens, Osberton Hall, JVorksop. " Viola lutea, which has just risen so high in the estimation of all that have seen it in perfection, is undoubtedly a little gem, and will be much sought after this ensuing season. It is perfectly hardy, more dwarf in habit than V. cornuta; the foliage more striking, and flowers equally or even more freely ; truly valuable for forcing, and blossomed profusely with me during the past spring. Indeed to see it in such perfection as i have done from early spnne to October. 1 am justified in saying it is a most charming addition to the flower garden, more especially for small beds and front lines, for which it is so well adapted. Like all Violas it requries good ritih soil and plenty of manure, and prefers a moist situation," Price U. Gd., 2s. Gd., and 3s. 6d. per packet. VIOLA PURPLE QUEEN, true stock, Qd. and Is. per packet. VIOLA MAUVE QUEEN, true stock, Gd. and Is. per packet. B. S. Williams Vn;torla and Paradise Nursery, Upper HoUoway, N. Planting Season. DICKSONS AND CO., Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, 1, Waterloo Plfice, Edinburgh, have this season a flne healthy stock of all kinds of FOREST TREES, which have been frown on exposed ground and thin in the lines, comprising LARCH Native and Tyrolese), 1, 2, and 3-yr., transplanted ; SCOTCH FIR, from true native seed, 2 and 3-yr., tvpice transplanted ; SPRUCE, 2 3 and 4-yr.. twice transplanted ; OAK, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 4 ft., extra fine ; ASH, 2 to 3 ft. and 4 ft., extra ; SPANISH CHESTNUT, 3 to 4 ft very fine; ELM, 3 to 4 ft. ; ALDER, 2 to 3 fl. and 4 ft strong : LIMES, of all sizes, from 3 to 12 fl. ; POPLARS and WILLOWS, of all sizes; EVERGREEN PRIVET, extra strong; THORNS and BEECH for hedges, and all .kinds of plants suitable for cover for game. ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS, FRUIT TREES, ROSES, GREENHOUSE and STOVE PLANTS and FERNS in great variety. PRICED CATALOGUES free on application. ICHARD" SMITH'S" FRUIT LIST conUina a sketch of the various forms of Trees, with directions for Cultivation, Soil, Dramage, Manure, Pruning, Lifting, Cropping, Treatment under Glass ; also their synonymes, qunJity, size, form, skm. colour, flesh, flavour, use, growth, duration, season, pnce, 4c. Free by post for three stamps. Rioi 3 Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. Clearance Sale. FINE PYRAMID PEARS, APPLES, CHERRIES, PLUMS, and TRAINED WALL TREES ; One Million strong QUICK and ASH; many Thousand LAURELS and STANDARD HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES, best selected sorts; a flne collection of CONIFERS. Prices on application. All kinds of AGRICULTURAL and GARDEN SEEDS. GRASS SEEDS for all soils. George Davison, Hereford. Leicester Abbey Nurseries. FRUITS. ROSES, EVERGREENS, and ORNAMENTAL TREES. THOiLVS WARNER begs to remind Planters and the Trade, that in addition to his extensive General Nuraery Stock he has the following in immense quantities, of unsurpassed quality, and at very reasonable prices : — APPLES. APRICOTS, PEARS, and PLUMS, Standards, with stems 4 to 6 feet, and good heads, extra flne APRICOTS. CHERRIES, and PEACHES. Dwarfs CHERRIES and PEACHES, Dwarf-trained CURRANTS. HOUGHTON CASTLE or VICTORIA, RED, strong GRAPE VINES, BLACK HAMBURGH STRAWBERRIES (in 26 flne sorts) [good ROSES, finest varieties. Dwarfs on Manetti, remarkably strong and ABIES CANADENSIS or HEMLOCK SPRUCE, 2i to 3i feet ARBOR-VIT^, AMERICAN. 3 to 5 feet, bushy and well rooted ., SIBERIAN, 11 to 4 feet. Pyramids, very handsome AUCUBA JAPONICA. 9 inches to 2 feet high, busby BOX, TREE (various sorts), 1 to 2i feet CEDRUS ARGENTEA, 1 to 4 feet, transplanted September, 1866 CHESTNUT, SCARLET-FLOWERED. 3 to 8 feet, very stout CLEMATIS VlTALBA (Traveller's Jot), transplanted ELMS, standards (various sorts), 6 to 12 feet, e ' " " " IVY, IRISH, 3i to 4\ feet, strong and bushy, r„ , . POPLARS, BLACK ITALIAN and ONTARIO, 4 t SAVIN, 1| to 2i feet SYCAMORE. COMMON, 4 to 0 feet, very flne the Pear Stock, the foflowing varieties of New Pear Sorts :— BEZI MAI, 3, 4, to 8 years, 2 to 10 francs each. CHARLI BASINER, 2, 3, and 4 years, 3 to 8 francs each, COLM A R DE JONGHE, 2, 3, and 4 years, 6 to 8 fVancs each. JOLY DE BONNEAU, 2. 3, and 5 years. 3 to 8 francs each. LA GROSSE FIQUE, 2, 3, and 4 years. 6 to 10 francs each. POIRE BASINER, one of the beat Late Dessert Pears, 2, 3, 4, and 6 years. 6 to 10 irancs each. Printed Monographic Descriptions, with the outline figures of he Fruits, can be had on application to Mr. de Jonohe, St. Gilles, Brussels. All Packages will be sent free to London. Orders r after the end of the month of February c t be executed. PARAGON MELON.— This splendid new Melon waa raised by Mr. David Auchterlonie, of Holnifield, Aigburth, and is the result of careful hybridisation. In the flrat place between Trenthara hybrid and Cashmere ; a variety being thus obtaiued which was subsequently crossed with Golden Perfection, and from this came Paragon. It Is a free setter, and an excellent boai-er, of robust habit, flne oval form, deep green flesh, very thin beautifully netted, tender and of delicious flavour, - -■ — adapted tor house culture, as it will bear in succession iwi acoicH, months. It has, during the past season, proved itself a really good and worthy variety, and, as the many received opinions show, one of the best Melons known. A few of these are given :— From Mr. Edward Kemp, Gardener to E. T. Kearsley, Esq., Fulwood Lodge, Aii/lmrth. " The Paragon Melon has given me great satisfaction. It is beautifully netted, a free setter, and of excellent flavour. I consider it one of the best Melons grown." i^oin Mr. J. Everett, Gardener to J. Campbell, Esq., Liverpool. "The Paragon Melon 1 consider to be of the finest flavour, equal if not superior to Meredith's Cashmere, and much better than any other Mellon I have grown." From Mr. R. Gratdok. Gardener to Edgar Musgrove, Esq., IVeat Tower, near Ormskirk. "The Paragon Melon is a flee setter, a large fruit, well netted, andl of fine flavour. It will become a general favourite." From Mr. T. Foster, Gardener to Miss Yates, Farmfteld, Liverpool. " The Paragon Melon i bad from you this year is the hardieBt* and most delicious fiavoured v.iriety I have ever seen." Price l8. Gd. per packet. Price to the Trade on application. GERMAN ASTERS and STOCKS.— James Tynan begs to intimate i that he has received his importation for this season ; they i usual, of the highest excellence, and include the moat magnificent varieties for show and other purposes, and are made up in small and large packets to suit growers. The above Seeds free by post. Also a PRICED LIST of SEEDS. James Ttran. Seed Warehouse, 68. Great George Street, Liverpool. New Green-fleshed Melon, Broadlands. NEW CUCUMBER, HORTON PROLIFIC. JELCOMBE AND SON, Nurserymen and • Sekdsmen, Romsey, have great pleasure in introducing tht above new and distinct varieties. The Melon Is a cross between the Bromham Hall and Crysta Palace, most delicioualy flavoured, extremely thin skinned, and greal bearer. It has the most desirable quality of keeping well till ven late in the season. It was raised at Broadlands, the seat of Ladj Palmerston, where it is held in high esteem, other and oldei entirely giving place to this one. It wasgrown 1 ' G. Jones, Gardener t I late a VARIEGATED, 4 t THORNS, SCji-RLE*^ and PINK, Standards, 6 to 8 feet YEWS, ENGLISH and IRISH, 1 to 4 feet. See CATALOGUES, Wholesale or Retail. :qulsitioi ■. It^grows from 2" ' wlth^oonfldence be recommended as ,'y in cultivation. Price per packet,^2s. London \Vholesale Agents; The New Cucumber, Horton Proliflc, either for winter-forcing or spring ---" 30 inches in length, " most prolific [■ & Son. Seedsmen, &c. U Leadenhall Street. London ; Messrs. Beck. Henderson, fc Chili j Seed Merchants, 221 and 222. Upper Tbames Street, London. I Nursery and Seed Establishment, Romsey, Hants. JaNUAEY 25, 18GS.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZFITE. 73 SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN SEEDS CAURIAGE FREE). PARIS, 1867. THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL roR ENGLISH GARDEN SEEDS WAS AWARDED TO SUTTON AND SONS, As see OFFICIAL CATALOGUE, British Section; and the following announcement from the Secretary of the Executive Commission : — " Paris Exhibition, January 17, 1868. " Gentlemen,— The Silver Medal awarded to your Firm by the International Jury of the Paris Exhibition of 1867, is the onli/ PrKc awarded to amj Emjlish Exhibitor for Garden Seeds.— I am. Gentlemen, your obedient Servant, "R. G. Wylde, " Secretary to the Executive Commission. ' ' To Messrs. Sutton & Sons, " Koyal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Heading." SUTTONS* COMPLETE COLLECTIONS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, (CAKRIAGB FREE,) ARE NOW READY. UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIALS, SHOAVING THE SUPEHIOR QUALITY OF SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN SEEDS. From Mr. James Mesziis, Gardener to G. A. Prevost. Esq.. LyUhett House, Poole. " Jfay28.— four £2 2s. collection of Garden Seeds has given evorv saiiblaction." From Captain Tcnxard, Mcrelon Terracf, Rugby " March 20.— My Gardener gives your Seeds the greatest praise and says he is sure every one srows, so that wo do not want such large quantities as we should if we purchased them elsewhere " them the best I c From the Rev. Willi , The Rectory, St. JUichael, CaerJtays, SI. A u. " September 4. — I find I must return to you nRain for my Seeds, as I have never been so well satisfied with the articles I have had from this neighbourhood." From W, Pettit, Esq., Stratton, Michddever. " August 31.— I most add, the Garden Seeds were the best I ever flowed in my Ufe." admirably, without exception From Mr. JAsirs B. Bryan, Inspecting Officer, Coast Guard, Marble Hilt, Letterkenny, Ireland. -. _ ^ y^yj. ggg^ jg worth 1 lb. of any to be The above are but a few of the numerous Letters Messrs. SUTTON are constantly receiving as to the great superiority of the Seeds they supply. FOR PARTICULARS OF BUTTONS' COMPLETE COLLECTIONS KITCHEN ^^^^^-4^ FLOWER GARDEN V"\fjm«J:?/ GARDEN (Free by Rail) (Free by Tost) SUTTONS' PRICED CATALOfiUE, Gratis and Post Free on application. SUTTON AND SONS, ROYAL BERKS SEED ESTABLISHMEKT, READI^-G. CARTER'S GENUINE SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PRIZE MEDAL (iARDEN SEEDS, ^CT^LLBNCE OF qj,^^^ PAEIS. 18G7 James Cahteu & Co.'s COMFLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEUDS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, made up to suit the requirements of large, medium, small, and very small families. Price 63s., 42s., 21s., and 12s. 6d., Box and packing included ; forwarded, without delay, on receipt of Post Office Order. 237 & 238, Hiirh Holhorn. London, W.C. ^CTiX^I^ENCE OP g^ LONDON, 1S62. Carter's Seed Collection No. 2, price 21s., containing the undermentioned New and Genuine Garden Seeds, and including box and packing ; — BEANS— NONPAREIL, 1 quart BROAD WINDSOR, 1 quart Best FRENCH, I pint SCARLET RUNNERS, 1 pint REET. ST. OSYTH. I.irc6 packet BORECOLE, or KAIL. COT- TAGERS'. larce pacliet KAIL. NEW. A.'iPARAGCS.do. DWARF SCOTCH, do. BRUSSELS SPROUTS, best. do. SNOW'S WINTER. (In. ADAMS' EARLY WHITE.do. PURPLE SPROUTING, do. CABBAGE, CARTER'S EARLY, do. ENFIELD MARKET, do. DWARF NONPAREIL, do. TOM THUMB, do. SAVOY', be't Curled, do. CARROT. EARLY HORN. 1 oz JAMES'S GREEN -TOP. I oz. Selected SCARLET, 1 o CELERY, INCOMPARABLE DWARF WHITE, larse nkt. MANCHESTER GIANT RED large packet CRESS. PLAIN, 4 oz. AUSTRALIAN. 1 oz. C n C n M B E R, CARTER'S CHAMPION, packet ENDIVE, French Curled, large VEGETABLE MUSTARD. ivHITE, 4 oz. MELON, CARTER'S EXCEL- SIOR, packet READING, large packet PARSLEY'. DUNNETT'S GAR- NISHING, laree packet RADISH, WOOD'S FRAME, Just publishfd, CARTER'S GARDENER'S AND FARMER'S TADE MECDM FOR 1868, Parts I. and II., Illustrated, Containinp; complete Lists of New and Choice Flower and Vegetable Seeds, Plants and Bulbs for Spring Plant- ing, to which is added Original and Instructive Articles on " A new and beautiful wav of Arranging and Growing Annual Plants," " Hardy Herbaceous and Alpine Plants from Seed," " Fine-leaved and Sub-Tropical Plants from Seed," ''Decorative Annuals," and *' On Laying Down Land to Permanent Pasture;" besides which will bo found a large amount of Popular, Descriptive, and Scientific Information. Forwarded post free for 12 stamps; Gratis to Customers. 237 & 238, High Holbom, London, W.C. Just puhJished, price \s. ; post free^ 13 Stamps^ CARTER'S practical" GARDENER, Illustrated, 126 pages, crown. A Handybook on every- day matters connected with Garden Routine. Opinions of the Press. Tiu: Gardeners' Chronicle.— "The various articles liavo boon written by some of the hljthest authorities amongst working RRtdenere, and they bear throughout n practical and useftil character." The Field.— "This is another shilling book, chiefly composed of Calendar of Operations, and that Calendar is good.'" Country Li/e.—AW our gardening readers would do well tn make a present to tbeniselvea of 'Cabtku's Practicil Gardener.'" Fun. — " Messrs. Carter send a ' Practical O.irdener," which de.ierTes to be Eopular, for it gives infoiinatioD on all points— from the orchard ouse to the humble window garden ; andallfortlie smallfiiimofls." JAMES CARTER and CO. , 2.37 & 2.38, High Holbom, London. W.C. ; and at W. H. SMITH AND SONS' RAILWAY BOOK STALLS. rj.] Adit ./., Rockvllio, Linlithgow Bain, Jumett, Downton Hall Gardens, Ludlow 0 10 Barlow, H,, Chaddorton 2 2 lijirne.'i. W., Camborwell 1 1 Barr & tiugden, Covent Chiswick Bateman.Jamos, F.R.S., Conglel Berkelev, llev. M. Wansford BerLwhiKtle, IT. Brown, Wm., Doncustor Browne, G. Bull, WiUlara. Cholsea C imeron, G^ Gcodwood Chapman, J., Oatlauda Clark.Rev.J.C.ChortRoy Clark, Wm., Sunioer PI. Clarke, Mujor Trevor, Davent ry Clough.T., Blackburn., Mil- M., Hyde uu(i"D, i-ii ^iorhambury Booth, W. B., Hammer- smith BoLtomer, F., Ireland .. Bowman, David, Bogota Bradley, Samuel, Elton Crescent 6 0 1 0 Courtoy, Miss E., Wilton Crescent .'i 0 10 0 Cox, J\, Redleaf . . . . (i ] Cox, W., Yorkshire . . 1 Cox, W..Gr., MadresflcH Court, Great Malvern 0 Craven, S 0 Urompton, T., Doncaster 0 Culverwell, W., Gr., Thorpe Perrow, Bodale I Cunningham, J 0 Curd, Geo., Re.idlng . . 0 : Curne, Wm., Hamilton Palace may be forwarded to Jaues Ricqa W. Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensingtoi GRAND HORTICULTURAL EXHIlilTION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY IG to 23, 1&6S. Aniongst various Speciiil Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cup), VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS' CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows : — Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish of each :— Grapes, Melons (2 fruits). Strawberries, Gooseberries, Currants, Cherries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 1867). Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, one basket or bundle of each :— Peas, French Beans (or Scarle'. Runners), Broad Beans, Cauliflowers, Cucumbers (brace), Suminnr C.ibbages, Early Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatos, or Mixed Saladlng. This Prize will be open to Competition amongst Amateur or ardeners, of all ' - " -- - " ■ - ■ 'fina ; any articli the exhibitor. Efxt ©arlrenerjj'Ciirtintcle* SATUEDAY, JANUAEY 26, 1868. "What may be called the Home aeeange- MENTS of the EOTAI HORTICULTUBAL SOCIETY for 1868, are now before the public, and invite review and criticism. Taken as a whole, they cannot bo regarded as otherwise than liberal, both in spirit and in letter, and as indicating a desire to promote the best interests of Horticul- ture. Viewed in detail, there may be points on which individual differences of opinion may reasonably exist, but none which can fairly excite a spirit of antagonism, except on tho part of critics who are determined not to bo satisfied. It has not always been so, and the fact may be taken as an indication that the Societj' is, in regard to its meetings and its shows, moving forward with the times. We shall first notice the occasional reuniuns by which the life and spirit of the Society is chiefly maintained. Tho Tuesday or Scientific Meetings, which with the contemporaneous assemblies of the Fruit and Floral Com- mittees, are no doubt tho most beneficial, and amongst the most legitimate of the various gatherings which take place under the Society's auspices, are to be kept up as usual on tho first and third Tuesday of every month, excepting from November to Februarj-, when but one meeting, on the third Tuesday, is to be held. On these occasions those coveted Certificates of Merit — which stamp at once the character of the seedlings and other novelties to which they are from time to time attached, are distributed, not grudgingly, but with critical discrimination, by the be.st jurors who can be got together ; and the Ldtdley Medal is also forthcoming to mark the manifestation of exti'aordinary merit in the art of cultivation. No well-wisher to the Society, or to the cause of hortioilture, can desire but that these meetings should go on and prosper. We turn next to the Shows, those less frequent but more imposing displays of horticultural pro- ductions which are to bring over the thousands to the shrine of Flora and Pomoxa, as wilUng devotees, paying tribute with their gold : and in respect to these we find no falling off' in the year's programme. The minor spring Shows are even increased from two to three — a public set-off against the discontinuance of early shows by tho Royal Botanic Society. Then there is the great June Show of four day.s' diu-ation, the possibibty of holding which contemporaneously with the Manchester Exhibition speak volumes as regards the resources of British horticultm-e. although the coincidence of the two is in somo respects unfor- Itunate. This is succeeded by a Special Prize li THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTTnRAL GAZETTE. [JaNUAET 25, 1868. Show, the leading objects of which will be New Plants and Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums, the latter feature inaugurated by the growers them- selves, but taken up by the Society ; and then follows in its turn the Eose Show, which is always one of the most interesting of the season. Glancing over the schedules of these several exhibitions, we find objections have been raised to the Hyacinth classes in March, as not suffi- ciently encouraging to amateurs. Now the fact is that for years past amateurs have been freely invited, and have so imperfectly responded, that we have no doubt it has been thought better to pay more attention to those who really do make up the show, and in this we perfectly agree, since amateurs are not altogether left out in the cold. Narcissi are invited to be shown, one bulb in each pot, which we think is a inistake, single bulbs of these plants being ineffective. Another year the old plan of showing thi-ee bulbs in a pot should be reverted to. Camellias are unfortu- nately bad subjects for travelling, and hence do not make good exhibition " plants," but the class for cut ' ' blooms " of Camellias, which is kept up, is a most effective one, and we are surprised it is not more freely responded to from aU parts pf the country. Alpine Auiiculas have been of late years so attractive, that we see with satisfaction that they get a class to themselves in April, as weU as the Auriculas of the florists' type. Turning to the great show, we are glad to find the prizes liberal, since the duration of the show renders such a i/nid pro quo necessary. 15/. for 9 Greenhouse Azaleas, \2l. for 9 Ptoses, 10/. for 9 Pelargoniums, 15/. for 12 Orchids, 15/. for 12 Stove and Greenhoiise Plants, 10/. for 9 Foliage Plants, and 10/. for 12 Ferns, are not bad prizes; while Zonal Pelargoniums are offered similar prizes to the large-flowered and fancy kinds, and ought, therefore, to be brought out good. We find various classes of hardy trees and shrubs expunged : this we believe to be wrong in principle, since hardy subjects should bo very freely encouraged, because they are everybody's plants. A limited quantity of fruit is invited to this show, the only one in which fruit prominently figures, inasmuch as the fruit season and the London season are not coincident. In Juno a gorgeous display of Zonal Pelargoniums is to be anticipated, this being the growers' own day, when the subscrip- tion prizes, in which they naturally take more than a passing interest, will be competed for. In the Rose show the principal commendatory feature is, that dealers and amateurs show for the most part separately — an excellent principle which, in the interest of flower shows, should be adopted wherever practicable, though of course when fully carried out, it doubles the amount expended in prizes. We take, then, the arrangements for 1868 as being generally satisfactory, but we may yet offer a suggestion or two in reference to the future. The classes whose wants are the least met by the present arrangements, are the Florists and the Pomologists — fruit and florists' flowers being in great measure left without encouragement. This, indeed, as hinted above, arises partly from the fact that the exhibitions are necessarily — necessaril}', that is, from a financial point ol view —held during the London season, which does not exactly fit in with the season of these two classes of subjects. But is it right that the parent Uorticultural Society, the Society which is, or should be, looked up to as the leader in all mattersofthiskind, should thereforeneglect them? We think not. The deficiency is acknowledged, and is met to a certain degree in a certain way — away that points out how it might be more fully met, which is thus. At many of the Tuesday meet- ings various fruit prizes are offered, and we are glad to notice that at some half-dozen of them medals are to be given for florists' flowers. Now, this partially adopted plan only wants amplifying to meet the whole necessities of the case. AVe should like to see small "special" shows held at most of these meetings, selecting those subjects that faU to get encouragement at the various exhibitions, and as far as practicable adopting a fruit and a floral subject alternately. In this way, by varying the subjects from year to year, every branch of horticultui'e would in time be encouraged. How interesting in its season would be a Strawberry show, a Peach and Nectarine show, a Plum show, a Gooseberry and • Cui'rant show, or a Cucumber show, with prizes enough to bring out a decent display, instead of the ever recurring shows of Apples and Pears — good things in themselves, but having no right to monopolise attention. How interesting, again, on the other hand, would be a Tulip show, a Pansy show, a Pink show, a Carnation and Picotee show, even in their season a Dahlia, Hollyhock, or Chrysanthemum show, which flowers, and others that might be named, now meet with little or no encouragement, simply because they do not exactly fit the season of the fetes. We trust that with the returning pros- perity which seems to be waiting on the Society, it may be able to find 10/. for each of those 20 meetings another season, in order to carry out this idea of special shows, even if something cannot be done now, to give the experiment a trial. As to the great show and its recompenses, we may remark that if the prizes are liberal, the expenses are heavy, and the risk from con- tinued exposure considerable ; so that for many, if not most of the exhibitors, the result of the .show would be honoui' and — loss. Now honour is a veiy sweet reward, but it does not sit easily upon an empty pocket. We, therefore, again throw out the suggestion that the exhibitors in important classes, should receive some reasonable allowance for expenses, to be regulated either by distance or merit. One word more as to the country show, the schedules for which, awaiting the completion of the Special Prize List, are not yet issued. The Midland district is known to be famous for Car- nations and Picoteea, and as this show falls m the height of their season, it is to be hoped that they may be well represented, and not, as at Bury, mixed up together in one paltry class. There should at least be classes of 24 of each for nui'serymen, and 12 of each for amateiu-s. Again, a most interesting display was made at Dundee, by a classified exhibition of the varieties of British Ferns, and such a featui'6 might very well be repeated among the special prizes, on such an occasion as that under notice. In any ease the local manu- factures, so to speak, should be .specially borne in mind, not only for the sake of compliment, but with the view of bringing into greater prominence the labours of the provincial horticulturist, and of ensuring variety for the visitors. The followin!? changes in the Council of the liOYALHoRTicnLTtJEAL SOCIETY are to be submitted for the approval of the Fellows at the ensuina anniver- sary on the 11th of February. The usual number of three members of the present Council selected to retire, are, A'"iscount Sandojj, Mr. Wentwobth W. BuLLER, and the Eev. J. Dix ; and it is proposed to elect iu their places, Mr. J. Russell Beeves, Mr. W. Maeseall, and Mr. John Glutton, all gentlemen who are particularly well qualified for the ofBoe. The Eoyal Flora Society of Brussels intend in future to organise each year a special international competition for some particular group of plants. This year, by way of commencement, a Special Exhibition "of Oechids will be held at Bkussels from the 26th to the 28th of April inclusive. Amateurs and pro- fessional cultivators of all nations are earnestly invited to take part in the competition. Gold, Siver-gilt, and Silver Medals, as well as prizes of from 50f. to 300f each, are offered for competition. At the same time that this special display of Orchids is going on, a general exhibition will also be held. In the hope that some of our British exhibitors may feel inclined to enter the lists, we subjoin the following particulars relating to Orchids in flower :— 1st. Concours ; Collection of at least 25 distinct and selert species or varieties, fine specimens — 1st prize, Gold Medal and prize of 300 franca ; 2d, Gold Medal and prize of 150 francs. 2d. Concours : Collection of 15 select species or vjirieties — 1st, Gold Medal and prize of 100 francs; 2d, Silver-gilt Modal of the first class and prize of 50 francs. 3d. Concours ; Collection of 10 select species or varieties, fine specimens— Ist, Gold Medal ; 2d, Silver-gilt Medal of the first 4th. Concours : Collection of 6 select species, fine speci- mens—1st, Silver-gilt Medal of the first class ; 2d, Silver Medal of tlie first class. 5th. Concours : Orchid remarkable for excellence of cultiva- tion .and profusion of bloom — 1st, Silver-gilt Medal of the se cond class ; 2d, Silver Medal of the second class. 6th. Concours; "Lot "of new orrecently introduced Orchids— 1st, Silver -gilt Medal of the first class ; 2d, Silver Medal of the first class. 7th. Concours : " Lot " of species of the same genus— 1st, Silver-gilt Medal of the second class ; 2d, Silver Medal of the second class. 8th. Concours : Collection of species with fine folL-igc, in or out of bloom, such as Anjectochilus, Physurus, thered to | which generates tissue, or else that the partial disturb- thedmensTonsnf , trl! ^^'''IV"'"!''*]^^^^^^^^ was favourable to the propagation of auxiliary itsnr mrWecanonlvl?™ e fl!'f H °"*'''^ ^" J^'^^"^ \ ""*'' "^^'""^ '" turn.discharged alfthe functions that Erous^LtltW^r„ J^^.' h\''i^™''°^^'',°''5™°'- r^^°<'°«''*^^ f""" "I"''' adventitious development, mras^umethe cb\r«ntr,jH^^^^^ ™ '"'^ landscape This is an important point, not only for planters, bu maj assume the character and dimensions common to for physio eg sts to study ; for if by the " regimen of HimaTavS Chin'i"ralff^:',-''°^'';,"'^'="'^^ *^' ^ "^« "V' ^""^ »"' ""l^" ?-'« °^ cultivaUon as 11^°/ mZv of ?hem b^vfntl^H ' ■^'"'"' America, or Japan I understood, we can make two blades griw, Acf there is ofthrextreSecdd of &f^^^^^ "'"' ^""""d '■» importance to any of v^„,.„ ti t ji? } ■'°' ■' -^*''1> ^^^' and 1867, and ' our cultural precepts. Zch beSthan Hnn1eI'^i?.%''?"'T°T"'''^''5'^"'-? ' f'"" P™»'»i'--This is an idea totally new, being Z^toftheminfanriinti? ^"■■'"S^' Laurels and j seldom if ever, unless in Edinburgh, practised upon ^mnr^in^^,,^Jl^^\^^^^^^^^^f'^S^ "f *« coniferous family. We have had Mr ordinary sever ?v of ai^aTrJ^ '^?'?f'"-'='"y -^^der the I McNab's own experience and views published in mos The writer ihowelrn^!^'"''''"- . • ., 5"''" gJi-de?'".*! PaPer^, and it was with a certain time i^diTcou/s n r.^Inn TZ «pn™>-ned, m the niean- degree of curiosity that the writer inspected the speci- perSd of their wis "Th i^ni''''"''f ?,""°= *e mfant mens subjected to this treatment. If the treatment is SI? Fish would s« in »° - »?» '"fi"'* """^ '"'°"'°S, iij ! to be adopted at all, there evidently must be a hard and Tith othpr^trp„t»7,',n/ fi .? °™ature " as compared fast line drawn between trees and shrubs. To bring into no Ker school f^^^^^^^^ ^'°^l^"? *'^<' '''"•^^'^^^ «" ^^-^ the other imple" no oeiier scnool lor gathering information than that of ments which he uses so dexterously in riddin^ the afthfullv crriroi'^t^nTr"'?''^, *''? *<'°'-y. r'' ^'•S ' '.""^^ 9f ^^'- ^^"°"' deciduous t?eeswi?hwh I the branch nrnnfnt T io J ""'"" i*"' "^^f' ,f 5*"" ??<• ^"'"'^ '^ adorned, of superfluous branches, would create James fecNLb^' the t.t»n?S'' n'^ T ^ f'i^" *S ^^''i ! ""^mfo'-table sensations in the breasts of many quiet BornicSns Edinhur'f '^""'"^ "^ ^^' ^°^='' P,?.TJZ gS?"'"?.™- • ^r.^ McNab . is exercising a there were several plants pruned and unpruned to take one's observations from. Seeing that all the plants were equally carefully lifted and transplanted, it seems feasible to attribute the success of the clean-collared plants to their having been fully exposed to the in- lluence of the weather through stem-pruning. /. A. M Botanic Garden's, Edinburgh Branch Prumnn-Wiih. reference to this operation on almost all conilerous subjects, there can scarcely be two opinions. It corrects a wayward habit, and induces symmetry of proportions foreign altogether to the character of many species. It does' more than that. hnwfiv«,* d i,,.!:.^;.^..- i_i- . -., .. judicious discretion in not attempting stem-pruning on a large scale, and if he has been induced to recommend it, it is chiefly from instances that have come under his observation of direct benefit to such plants as the Cedar of Lebanon, the Atlas Cedar, and the Deodar. Moderate stem-pruning, as these plant: that however ~"A"r,TH;^f„°r°''' ■""""'=» more man | one ueoqar. jvioaerate stem-pruning, as these plants S of Yhl l,i^r,l i^ "^r f<'B"'ation with .the ; !n9reaseinage,appearsto be conducive tovigour.but it the leader whrl^flr»n»''f^ \°7'a " T't^ ,'°'° i "* J"'-' P""'"''" ^^""^ ^'^<' '^^^ nummary process of branch- and manv ^nrVi „f T "' *'"' ^^l'}'^^^ of the tree, I pruning would serve the same purpose equally well P"cea cenha ont» .nd"p %•■ """"^ '"'''"' '"'^'^ "^ I ''"'* ^-^ ^■S^e^^'^X'^ outline of the tree would then be i-iLca cepnalonica, and P, Pinsapo are encouraged to preserved unt 1 Nature asserted her ,>r»v,.„,t.;»o 'ri,„ ^^ .„„ „. uuiu„, oquaiiy uaoii, sucn as PiLca cephalonica, and P. Pinsapo are encouraged to reach dimensions almost foreign to their nature There are many striking examples both of young and aged plants so manipulated upon by the skilful hands of Mr. McNab. The first that we shall refer to, from a com- parative point of view, is that of two Cedrus Deodara- ttvo of the original plants from Henderson of Brechin. Jioth of them have attained considerable dimensions and both of them had been allowed to grow on for years unknifed." The Curator of the establishment, who IS undoubtedly one of the most accomplished cultivators of Conilera^ in the kingdom, had evidently felt dissatisfied at the want of symmetry of many of the p ants under his care, and their disposition to e.xtend latera ly more than perpendicularly; and deter- mined to apply the knife freely to the oie, and leave the other to its natural propensity, as he would then bo ena.bled to prove the soundness of the theory that he had resolved to put to the test. Nothing short of a couple ol engravings could satisfy the reader of the dissimilarity of the two plants at the present day The one IS loose and rambling, and, moreover, stunted- looking towards its coronal extremities; the other is a perlect picture of symmetry, and, probably, in hyper- critical eyes, might be objected to for its formality. Alltheyoungerspecimensofthissamespeciesareperiod'i- f n K !^?°^'i'-"'"?^ '?'',''™s such a crop of foliage, grace- hrnni P""'*'"'^' that those who are not accustomed to unon nn''n"°"'*'' """^'d^suppose that they had stumbled "amp k?nH ??"°?"'^ '3".°"' f°™ "f the Deodar. The and wiVb P„ treatment is applicable to Wellingtonias, and with corresponding success. It is by no means Srar : 'disn " T''"'f;^u'<'°'S ">"-'<'• and the"braTche irregularly disposed although the two snecies in Zn ™!!n"'ff"'r^^>^^"''hle to thet^rm^yward imonSn/hllf'f'^.T"^"'',- A remarkable instance of nnon wi w H,?hrow lustre and beauty is practised sZhps .ni ,Y«^h,ana. The robust character of the species, and the handsome lustrous foliage with which preserved until Nature asserted her prerogative. The Cupressus Lawsoniana is another subject that is treated to stem-pruning, having the stems in tolerably large plants, divested of all the branches from about 30 inches from the collar. Other plants in the grounds a,ssuine very much the natural form, and while it is well to have variety, where the stock is large and the varieties numerous, this species will evidently be held in most estimation in the shrub rather than in a tree form. True enough, the species has a tendency to yield quantities of branches at its base, but amputation in the shape of branch-pruning will be a sufficient corrective with- out at all infringing upon the suU'rutioose tendency of the plant. It would be a pity, even almost amounting to a sacrifice, to stem-prune what is generally known to be a valuable timber tree. Abies Douglasii, and its beautiful umbrageous branches, invest it with a cha- racter in such places as it is found to luxuriate in which few lawn plants passes,and manyother Conifers of recent introduction are subject to the same remark. Albeit, there is the countervailing claim of apparently invigo- rated leaders, as was the case with a very large plant of Abies Morinda, whose lower branches were totally destroyed by the frost of 1860 and 1861, and which, now that is far out of reach of its compeers, unless it be a solitary A. Douglasii, seems little incommoded in a full exposure to the climate. Judging from some of the more tender varieties, exposurelias an indurating ten- dency upon the stem, and it is just possible in that respect there may be a sliglit percentage of gain in untoward inclement winters. Mr. JIcNabcited examples of Cupressus Macnabiana as illustrations of the advan- tages of stem-pruning. It is well known as one of the most difficult plants to move or transplant that the arboriculturist has to deal with, and I saw several plants of bushy form, that had been lifted with all the care possible, dying outright, where others that had been stem-pruned had been successfully moved. This IS no haphazard dictum, but an absolute fact, and ROSES. Ask the first 60 people you meet in a morning walk to name their favourite flower, and I'll venture to say •10 will say, the Rose." I have lately been looking carefully over your last years volume, and also over various articles in a con- temporary, and among others I find some useful and excellent ones by Mr. Radclyffe, on Roses worked ou the Manetti stock. Here are a few very imnurtaut pieces of information :— Hybrid Perpetuals will not bear to have their summer blooms cut ofl: To do so greatly weakens the plant. 1 ou may cut their second autumn blooms as much as you li|ce. Madame Vidot and Madame Rivers won't do with- out dung in their soil. Roses on the Briar should be out far more closely the first year after planting, than is usually done. Frequent watering during summer of the leaves together with the roots, as well as constantly stirring the soil, deeply between the rows, lightly over the Toots, are important elements of success. Very gross shoots of Hybrid Perijetuals which show no inclination to bloom should be cut back lower down than the red wood, into the green wood, and to a healthy eye. Guano should be scattered over the surface ol the Rose-bed in winter. A fibrous net-work of roots should be encouraged, as these alone will pro- duce good blooming plants. Mr. Radclyffe covers his Roses in winter with stable litter, and draws earth up over this, as in a Potato pit I'our correspondent " An Amateur " is, I think, likely to mislead the inexperienced in what he states about covering Roses in winter. He says, Hybrid Perpetuals do not require any protection, and 'fea Roses only a few sprigs of common Fern (Pteris aquilioa) stuck among them. I know this would never do here (north of the centre of Ireland). Certainly two-thirds of the Hybrid Perpetuals in the county Cavan were killed last winter ; and no Tea Roses, except perhaps, Sombreuil Devoniensis, and Abricote, and certainly Gloire de' Dijon, would live out through any ordinary winter without much more substantial protection. I fear our Roses here are likely to have hard times of It this spring, they are so preternaturally early. We have had but one week of slight frost in December, and two days of it in January. The consequence is that my Ro.ses are more forward than they ought to be- in the end of March. General Jacqueminot, Lord Macaulay, and Maurice Bernardin, have young shoots 3 inches long, with young flower-buds quite developed on them. Mr. Radclyffe says (somewhere in your pages) that M. Niel goes blind with him, and can only be recom- mended for a very warm climate, such as a town garden, but in other places, both in your columns and in those of a contemporary, he describes it as doing admirably with him. I should like to know how he explains this discrepancy. Has he found that it blooms better in autumn than in summer ? Another correspondent (see p. o«, 18i)7) describes it as flower- ing magnificently. From observing the various critiques on Roses for the year, I should say that M. Niel and Alfred Colomb must be the finest varieties that have come out since Charles Lefebvre. I do not see that any one enters into the question as to how a second bloom is to be best secured. Mr. Radclyffe tells us that after his first bloom he gave his Roses a good top-dressing, but that is all he says. I think it is a very good plan when the Roses are pushing in April aad May, to allow only a certain number of shoots to flower; by nipping back the rest you greatly prolong the season of bloom ; but I would like to have some directions about summer pruning for the purpose of securing autumn- blooming. Madame Hector Jacquin never gives a single autumn blossom with me. Is there anv way of coaxing or bullying her to do so? I call Mr. Rad- clyffe's kind attention to this question. Persons living in a cold bad climate, and without a walled garden, would find wooden walls the greatest possible advantage to them for Rose growing. Tliey cost very little. Boards, six out of the plank, should be nailed (overlapping each other) to strong uprights such as young Larches. They sliould then bo painted with coal tar. My garden is so badly circumstanced that I never could get Due de Rohan, Senateur Vaisse, Maurice Bernardin, nor Devoniensis, to unfold and to ('ome to anything like themselves, till I tried this kind of wall. A south-west aspect is said to be the best for Roses. Climbing Devoniensis came perfectly blind with me in the open ground. I am now trying it against the wooden wall, and I will hereafter record the results. There are two Roses which I see in every list given of first-rate varieties, and which I think have no claim to such a distinction— I mean William Griffiths and Lord Macaulay. I have tried them in different places and in various soils, and I consider them hardly third- rate. William Griffiths is, to my mind, a hideous coloured Rose, a faded lilac, and the shape is like a Mushroom turned upside down. Lord Macaulay is a flabby, dingy coloured, badly opened, badly con- stitutioned General Jacqueminot, and everybody in this neighbourhood who has had it, gives me the same character of it. I do not see much mention in your pages of Dr. Jamain, of which (from private sources) I have beard THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZi'TTE, [JiNtjAttt 25, 186S. warm praises. I would like to hear from some of your readers what they think of it. Has it really the colour of a purjile Pansy ? A'. A'. A'. life-blooa of the roots to the cold, frosty air? , The 1 10 feet. Both in the rear and front of them are several practice of digging fruit borders is the perfection of large trees, which I am inclined to think have had a barbarism, although it has long reigned as an incontro- tendency to produce the evil effects complained ot It vertible canon of cultural art. It either thrusts crude has been suggested to my employer that if the stems ROOTS IN A STATE OF NATURE AND UNDER THE REGIMEN OF ART. ^Conlhmnl from p. 58.) I WILL now proceed to inquire how far the usual regi men of Art is adapted to secure each of these objects. In the beginninj; of this paper Nature and Art are placed seemingly in juxta-position ; the contrast, bow- ever, was only meant to extend to the operation, and not to the work performed. It ought not to be carried beyond this. Unfortunately, however, not only are Nature and Art two distinct workers, but too often they have worked in different and opposite directions. In the majority of our operations we cannot always, nor indeed often, work with the same instruments as Nature, but we may and ought constantly to labour towards the same ends— to learn how she works— to copy her best, and reproduce that best at pleasure : this is the bightest perfection of cultural art. . . For instance, we cannot to the full extent imitate Nature's hard treatment of roots, hut by supplementing our degree of compression by root-pruning, the same end may readily be reached. But centuries rolled on before this simple lesson was learned by man, and during all those manyyears it passed into aproverb,that men nlanted Pears for their grandchildren, because these trees refused to yield fruit until their roots had reached beyond the soft, rich, pulpy, wet earth, into which man's boasted art insisted upon thrusting them. And if now we feel disposed to smile at the ignorance of our ancestors, that smile ought at once to be checked by the remembrance that there are other lessons, which Nature has been even more obviously teaching us tlirough all past ages, that we have not yet reduced to practice, and that even this one is still far from being generally received. For, as a rule, are not trees still planted in a soft rather than a hard soil ? And who amongst us practises artificial consoli- datiou to the requisite extent, or introduces artificial obstacles, in the form of bricks or ston&s, to the progress of the roots? A soft feeding-ground is still general. Neither is that only antidote to its attendant evils— root-pruning— generally understood, or univer- sally practised. The majority of cultivators still look upon root-pruning as an unnatural expedient. But if Nature does not prune ; she introduces such obstacles to the production of roots, that the same result is reached by prevention that we attain to by cure. Not only does the hardness already adverted to modify the number, but it changes the character, of the roots. When the end of an exploring root is brought suddenly up by a atone or a rook, the chances are that it breaks up into a number of small fibres, and that the branchless tube is converted into a series of spongioles or feeders. Exactly the same results are secured by root-pruning. Nevertheless, I do not advocate the planting of trees in loose soil, and holding them entirely in check by root-pruning. Bather con- solidate the earth as much as possible, especially underneath the tree, and as our hardness cannot, in cul- tivated earth, reach up to Nature's, then to supplement the deficiencies of Art in this respect by a skilful and discriminating use of the knife upon the roots. So soon, however, as a fruitful habit is established, proba- bly no further root-pruning will be needed. Under the regimen of Art, the roots are generally, either from necessity or choice, deprived of all exercise, except that of eating. They are relieved of the healthy tension derived from winds. There is no remedy for this with trees on walls or espaliers, but the sooner all other trees can be loosened from stakes the better. Winds brace the roots and tend to preserve them from fatty degeneracy, gouty decrepiiude, and helpless imbecility. The vibration of the earth induced by winds also opens up fresh feeding-grounds for the roots, and, by breaking some of them asunder, favours the multiplication of small fibrils at the expense of the gullets. In a word, it is nature's mode of root-pruning ; and there is every re;isou why we should avail ourselves of it rather than practise our own, wherever it can be applied. Again, under the regimen of Art the roots are mostly overfed. This is one of the chief causes of disea.se. Gross food is consumed and sent through the plant in a partially elaborated condition. The roots are unduly distended, and ultimately become diseased. The whole plant suffers with them. Nature by crowd- ing the earth full of mouths has taken special pre- cautions against this evil. Man has acted on the principle that plants will not, or cannot, have an excess of food. Experience proves this to be a mistake. Even the production of healthy wood may be hindered or rendered impossible by an excess of food. Overfeeding renders it gross and worthless; and every tyro knows that high feeding is anta- gonistic to fruitfulness. And yet few things can be more unlike than a modern fruit-tree border in one of our gardens, and another prepared by Nature. The contrast between them explains much of the mystery why Nature's success is so constant, while ours is too often fitful and accidental. And it is not only that our borders are too rich, but our manure is often of the wrong kind, and applied in the wrong place. Nature feeds her roots with leaves only, and picks up her inorganic constituents from the debris of rocks or earthy matters ; we often use strong animal or mineral manures in a crude state. Nature spreads her manure on the surface, and removes all its gross- ness before it reaches the delicately sensitive roots; we dig it right in, and thrust it upon the bleeding extremities of the roots, whether they like it or not. Nature entices the roots up to the surface by spreading her best nutriment there ; bow often has Art destroyed —is it not doing it now ? — any surface feeders with the keen thrust of the spade, and exposed the quivering vertible canon .. - matter down among the roots, where it is abhorred by Nature, or, by the constant destruction of surface fibres, it sends them down— down into the dark caver" • of the earth, where no food is to be found. D. T. Fi F.R.S.S. (To be ContinuKl.) Early Peas.— As the season is at hand when many will be making their selection of early Peas for the forthcoming season, it will probably be useful to some who have not the means of proving many kinds, to offer a few remarks on one or two varieties alike suitable for small and large gardens. The kind which I have sown here for the past two seasons, is Dickson's First and Best, a variety which I find in all points really good, and equally prolific as other early kinds. I have also grown alongside of it Taber's Early Perfection and Ringleader, sown a fortnight after First and Best. The kind which I sow for succession is Sangster's No. 1 ; these two distinct sorts keep up the supply until the second early kinds are ready for table. Sowing in autumn I never patronise, considering, from long experience, that nothing is gained by the practice. During February, if the soil will permit, I sow my first crop out-of-doors on a south border if possible. As the Pea roots deeply, deep cultivation must be practised, and the soil should be thoroughly incorporated with a tolerable amount of good rottan dung, from at least a to 18 inches deep. At the time I make my first sowing out-of-doors I sow a certain quantity of the same kinds in heat in boxes, which as soon as they appear 2 inches above the soil are removed into a cooler place to harden, an operation which is performed gradually. These are finally planted in a warm sheltered position about the second week in March, particular care being taken in this operation not to damage the brittle roots. Our plan is to plant 4 feet asunder, making a nice even trench 6 inches deep, and placing about an inch of thoroughly decomposed leaf-mould in the bottom of trench. We then care- fully plant the Peas, using the "same material for covering the roots, and finally filling in with the border soil. We protect for some time with Spruce branches until all danger from cold cutting winds is over, and then we finally stake them. We always gather from those planted out, earlier by some days than from those sown in the border. Should the weather prove dry, which is seldom the case at this season of the year, an occasional soaking of water will be advantageous. The Pea crop is generally precarious in excessively dry seasons, proving that it flourishes best with an ample supply of moisture. I may add that I have not as yet proved Maclean's new Peas; but if they answer the descriptions given of them, they will, I have no doubt, prove real acquisitions. My remarks on second early and late Peas I reserve for another occasion. John Fdliiiglon, TVrotham Park, Bariiet. Mis'tleto on Common or Portugal Laurels (see p. 54). — About ten years ago a large Portugal Laurel was cut down here, and on one of the top branches was growing a small plant of Mistleto. There is a great quantity of Mistleto about here on various trees, but that was the only instance that has come under my notice of its growing upon the Laurel. Thos. Woodford, Eastwell Park. Ashford. Kent. Jamaica Botanic Garden. — Some time ago (see p. 1165, 1867) you announced that this garden was to be given up. By this time the work of destruction is no doubtcomplete,andthegarden must present a mournful sight to many of the residents, and especially to Mr. Wilson who has laboured in it for so many years. I am glad, however, to hear that he is to receive a pension of 160i. perannum. I learn, too, that of late Mr. Wilson has received several applications for plants, but the work of abandonment has already commenced, and no further calls from the numerous amateurs who annually enriched their collections from Mr. Wilson's store can be attended to. Applications must henceforth go to Castleton, to which the nursery has been transferred, and which is attended to by an assistant gardener at iHl. per annum. Alas, poor Jamaica ! Mr. Wilson will not leave the island, but will take up his residence in the parish of Vere, where the climate is compara- tively dry and healthy. J. R. Jackson, Keui. Chinese Primulas (see p. 29).— I have measured some blooms of these to-day, and I find them to be an inch and six-eighths in diameter, or 5 inches and two- eighths in circumference. M. McNicol, Emjlefield Green, Staines. 1 have blooms of Chinese Primulas, both red and white, considerably larger than a crown piece. The plants on which these are produced are grown in 6-inch or 32-sized pots. In this sized pot they are found to be more useful for mixing with Tulips, Hyacinths, &c., than they would he in larger ones, and they are also less liable to damp off. Thomas Winkxorth, Elmhani Gardens. [Some beautiful blooms of both red and white Chinese Primulas have been submitted to our inspection by Mr. Evans, Nurseryman, 75, North Street, Chichester ; and on measuring a bloom of a red variety furnished by Mr. Wiggins, gardener to Walter Beck, Esq., Worton Cottage, Isleworth, it was found to be somewhat over 2 inches in diameter. Eds.] Aged Yew Trees.— I should feel obliged if any of your correspondents could suggest the best means by which I could infuse fresh growth into the lower portion of the stems of aged Yews, which have formed a line hedge, but which of late years have had their lower branches gradually decaying. They are sup- posed to have been planted at least a hundred years ago, and have been kept oliuped to the height of about were banked with about :i feet of soil it would induce them to raako fresh arowth. E. B. Protecting Vine Borders.— In the paragraph relat- ing to this subject (see p. 5H, after stating the cost of the tiles to be 47.?. per thousand, I should have said that one-fourth of that number is sufficient to cover 24 feet by 0 feet. C. Zizania aquatica.— In your Number for November 9, 1867 (p. 1146), you say that "many recent importa- tions have failed, indeed, we have not heard of one which has been successful." I have cultivated in the Botanic Garden of Griefswald, Pomerania, Prussia, the same plant, called also Hydropyrum palustre, L., and published in 1863 a paper on the subject. Mr. Hossfeld, of Meiningen obtained a good crop in 1867. Professor Dr. J. Miinter, Director of the Botanic Garden. Greifs- mald. [Wb shall take an early opportunity of revert- ing to the subject, and to Professor Miinter's brochure. In the meantime we may refer to our volumes for 18G1 and 1865. Eds.] Nomenclature of Plants.— When will botanists and nurserymen content themselves with giving one name to a species ? The numerous aliases one meets with in botanical descriptions of plants, and in the various catalogues issued by florists, lead to many complications, causing great trouble and perplexity to collectors. I am endeavouring to procure as complete a collection as possible of the more ornamental Evergreen Berberries, of which family I have at present before me a list of more than 70 different species, hybrids, and garden varieties ; in addition to which, doubtless many more species may be expected from the Continent of America, and from the more temperate parts of India, China, and Japan. The difliculty experienced by collectors in distinguish- ing between distinct species, and mere garden varieties, is very great, to which difficulty is added that of finding the same species frequently described under two or more names. Here is one example out of many I might supply from the one family of shrubs to which my attention has been directed. In the Journal of the Horticultural Society, Vol. V., Part I., on the Evergreen Berberries, is the following promising group of aliases, for which I need scarcely say the accom- plished writer of the article is not answerable :— Ber- beris buxifolia, alia.^ B. dulcis, alias B. rotundifolia of the nurseries, alias B. microphylla, alias B. inermis ! I may observe that the names of B. dulcis and B. microphylla have also been attributed to two other distinct species, thus making "confusion worse con- founded." I have been trying for some time past to obtain Berberis macropbylla, having heard that it is a distinct and handsome species. Lo ! and behold, I now find from good authority that B. macropbylla is only a synonyme of B. Wallichiana, a species I had procured long since. If my informant be correct, what a misnomer to call a small-leaved shrub macropbylla, and how likely to perplex plain people accus- tomed to distinguish between two extremes. A word from you in favour of a more judicious nomenclature might lead to some reform in the matter. /. J., Liitlebourne. [In the matter of nomenclature botanists are to blame from ignorance, nurserymen from the vicious habit some of them have of copying botanical usages in oases where they are not applicable. There is no doubt that the plant commonly grown in gardens as Berberis macropbylla is B. Wallichii of botanists, and that B. Darwinii is sometimes grown under the name of B. microphylla. If Latin names must be given to garden varietiesof doubtful or unknown botanical position, some means should he adopted to prevent conTusion.tbus B. maorophylla Hort. would at least show that the plant in question had not been certiflfd by a botanist. Ens] Early Grapes.— Since the publication of Air. Noble s remarks (see p. 29), in reference to the Grapes here, I have received a letter from an eminent gardener inquiring as to their flavour and general quality. I therefore beg to send you a small bunch ( which is that of the Victoria Hamburgh, not Barbarossa, as asserted by Mr. Noble) ; and I hope my correspondent wdl accept your impartial verdict as a reply to his ques- tions. I have bunches thrice the size of the one sent, but thev are rather deficient in colour. The foliage sent along with the bunch will give you some ideaofthe vigour of the Vines. Thos. Simpson, Or. to S. C. Wells, Esq., Broomfield Lodve, Chelmsford. [The foliage was large, green, and healthy, and the flavour and quality of the Grapes all that could possibly bedasired. Eds.] Crickets.— If " C. Y." (see p. 8) will get three or four broad-mouthed stone jars of any size, say such as would hold from one to four quarts, fill them one- fourth with beer sweetened with sugar, honey, or treacle, then plunge them to the rim in those parts of the houses most frequented by the crickets, he will find that in a very short time ho will have but little cause to complain of their depredations. George B. Tilh/ard, Brockleshij Park, UUehii. Boilers. — Avery instructive volume on this subject might be got up at the present time, showing the numerous shapes and sizes, with the respective amount of work they will each perform. Not that this would by any means settle the question as to which is the best, for all parties are r>retty confident as to their own particular favourite being best. There is not rnuch harm in this. Nevertheless, no one will he disap- pointed in following the advice given by Mr. Wills {p. 1243, 1807). The cast iron saddle boiler, no mattei what little additions may be made to it, is a safe, dur.ible, and economical one. I should be very sorry, however, to say so much for a wrought iron one of any shape; and I hope Mr. Ormson (see p. 29), with his great experience, will enlighten us as to how long 8 < wrought iron boiler will continue in good efficieni working condition under ordinary circumstances. JanUakT 25, 1SG8. THE GAKDENKKS' CITRONICLK AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 79 My own experience is against wrought iron . in every shape, for horticultural purposes. After 12 years' service it is very annoying to find one of these boilers leaking, and not much better in parts than so much brown paper, after all the expense of setting, &c. The person who puts in a boiler of this sort, and guarantees its efficiency for 20 years, is, we will suppose, to reply very coolly that the situation is a (lamp one, which he could not foresee ; and it is under these conditions that the boiler has suffered more than from ordinary use. This sort of nonsense, however, goes for nothing, when within a few yards, under the same conditions, an old-fashioned cast iron Scotch boiler is doing its work well, after a. service of nearly half a century. I am besides convinced that cast iron keeps the heat longer, and is more easily heated than wrought iron. This I have proved during the past autuuui. Having seen one of the boilers described by Mr. Wills put in to work a large amount of glass by Mr. Dennis 1 had one put in temporarily, and I can safely say that the fuel consumed is one-half less than that required for the wrought iron one ; and the same with respect to the attention required, though the tempera- ture of the two houses in the morning is very different. There is one point Mr. Dennis carries out to as great an extent as possible, which must greatly facilitate the quick action of his heating apparatus. On the top ol the boiler is a ro»v of outlet pipes, also on each side of the bottom, so that as much as possible the piping for each house is carried directly and separately from and to the boiler. Under some circumstances this may add to the expense of piping, but the advantage must be ap- parent to every one. There is this advantage also to be found in these waggon boilers— as they should be called, since the addition to the sides has so much altered the old saddle shape — they will burn any sort of fuel, as wood, roots, itc. Let me add that a great deal depends upon the manner of setting, which I am convinced can only be done well by those who make it a business, and who are thinking about it and working at it every day ; and should this occasion an additional expense, how soon is this saved both in fuel and satisfaction. A country bricklayer, who never set one in his life, is not so much to blame if he makes a muddle of it. The same might be said of the structures also, but this is another subject. J. Fleming, Ciii'eden. -We have in use here one of Ormson'snew patent wroughtiron multi- tubular boilers, which is as well exposed to the direct action of the fire as any boiler with which I am acquainted. The fire is so closely confined to its work that the whole body of heat and flame is made to force its way along the tubes which run right through the boiler. After passing through the first set of tubes the flames enter a large open chamber the entire length of the boiler, and strike with their whole force against the upper part, and then passing through a transverse set of tubes at each side, go over the top again. Thus the heat is quite exhausted before it reaches the flue, and this I con- sider to be the great merit of the multitubular boiler. The large amount of heat that rushes past most boilers and escapes up the shaft, constitutes their greatest deficiency. Another advantage which the multitubular possesses is, that in level wet localities, where drainage is bad, it may be placed at a much less depth than many boilers, thus avoiding the incon- venience of deep stoke-holes. It also affords every facility for cleaning every part of it when necessary; for attached to the main chamber is a large door, by means of which access may be had to every tube, and any little soot which may happen to effect a lodg- ment, is easily brushed down through the tube into the fire, but with coke for fuel cleansing will seldom be required. In short, I have no hesitation in saying that I believe the multitubular is one of the most powerful and useful boilers which we have. W. Nichol, Drink- sioiie Park, Buri/ St. lEdmunfTs. The Ivy and its Hoots. — In reference to the question raised by the Rev. George Henslow at p. .SO, viz., whether the aerial roots of the Ivy can support its life when the connection between the stem and the terrestrial roots is totally destroyed, my experience answers, no. I have had occasion to remove quantities of Ivy from forest trees, and the plan adopted has been simply to cut the stem asunder, or to remove a short length out of the stem, so as to prevent the cut surfaces from touching each other. I have not found the Ivy to survive this operation, unless in rare instances, when it has been growing against walls of stone and brick- work, or upon very old trees in a partially decom- posed state. In every such instance some of the aerial roots had pierced a path into the crevices of the walls, or found some tempting pabulum among the debris of the decomposing trees. Under such circum- stances there has not only been an unnatural extension of aerial roots, but the air roots have been modified into earthy ones. When this is found to be the case there is no further mystery about the plants thriving, independent of any communication with the ground. It would be most interesting to learn whether tho aerial roots of the Hitcham plant have thus developed into terrestrial ones, or wnether it is sup- ]iorled wholly and solely by the aerial roots. Looking at the number of the latter, and their appa- rent capability of absorbing food, it would seem quite possible that they might support life, especially in a shady aspect, or a moist atmosphere. Still I must add that I have never found this to be the case, unless under the exceptional circumstances above described. I trust many readers will favour us with their expe- rience on this point. Qiierciis. Dragon Tree, Dracaena Draco. — Your account (l). 5U) of the destruction of the fine old Dragon Tree at Orotava induces me to state that at Bavensburg I'lirk, Jlorden, Surrey, the seat of G. P. Bidder, Esq., there is a specimen of one which was an offset taken from the very old tree now no more, by Robert Stephensou, Esq., and presented to Mr. Bidder, in isr,-. It was then about the size of a small Leek. Tho circumference of the stem at the present time is 2 feet 1 inch ; height, 10 feet (i inches ; and the tree is looking remarkably healthy. W. J. Old Mulberry.— I forward for your inspection a slab cut from a branch of an old Mulberry tree, lately cut down in a garden at Shalford. Title deeds in the possession of Sir Henry Austen, to whom the estate belongs, show that the tree in question was planted as a saplmg in 1537. Tho trunk was perfectly hollow, and the limbs had thrown down roots through the middle of the hollow to the ground. The branches were supported by props, and a chain round the largest branches. The soil in which it grew was a sandy loam, and it had ripened fruit up to the time of its removal. O. F. Wilson^ JVei/bridr/e. [The slab in question is very irregular m outline, its girth being 41J inches. The number of rings is about i9, all pretty uniform as to their dimensions, gradually and regularly increasing in thickness from the centre up to about the 26th or 2"th, and from thence as gradually declining in width towards the circumfer- ence—the greatest width being about three-eighths of an inch, the smallest {near the circumference) being about the one-sixteenth of an inch. Eds.] Tho Nuts cuii»i3ti.d of lilai-k Walnut, Hickory Pig Nuts or I,urgo Hiekorj', iind Cho.stmits. The Committee awarded .1 Hpifci;il CertificiitL- Mr. (loldsiiilth alflo exhibited tins of pre- served Peu(:Iie.s :ukI jireserve-l TomatoB, and a bottle of Tomato jam. Tho Tomatos ati'l I'ojichos were fresh and excellent, and the Tomato jam most dolielouM. A Special Certificate was also awarded to the jam. Mr. Pottle, of Little Bealings, exhibited his patent Cucumber box. A box of very fine fruit of the Guava was received from Mr. Taplin, of Cbateworth : but it oume too late for the mooting. Ei^ht new Fellows were olcoted, and the proceedlnKs closed with the Chairman's annoxmcing that tho Annual Gonoral Meeting would bo held Febraary 11th, at 3 p.m. Societies. HORTICPLTORAL : J(i.,i. 2l.—Flnral Commtltee.—Mr. gr. to W. Beck, Esq., of Isleworth, received a Special beautiful colloctiou of o-ivn on the 14th of November, covered with large .and fine Special Certificate, which was hibitor also received a Special Chinese Primulas in beautiful Ri)V* WigKin, _ Certificate on this Cyclamens raised from seed ISUt:. They were profuseli flowers, and well deserved aw.irdod them. The same ( Certificate for a collection o bloom, some of the flowers of which measured fully 2 inches in diameter. Mr. Salter furnished a collection of cut blooms of his new Japanese Chrysanthemums, which promise to be useful for conservatory decoration during the dull months of winter, when flowers are scarce. For these a Speeial Certificate was aw.'irded. A similar awdrd was made to Messrs. F. & A. Smith for a onllcction of Tricolored Pelargoniums. Mr. Wills, Huntr..-- !.' I'lrl:, il-o sent a small basket of Beauty of Caldor- dalr, «-i: * I : ji-o gold and bronze zonal Pelargoniums. iMf i;- w Wilson Saunders, Esq., received a Special Corlti,. I, II III II,;. resting collection of rare plants, among ini, from Bahia, with a-s ; Goodyera discolor, abortivum, a botanical ichruina, tigured and described in the for tho prosont month; the ornamental uitum denriv;ul.atum, fi-um Brazil, and an Anthurium, from Bahia, with glossy leaves 9 inches in length by 6 inches in width .at the broadest part. Messrs. Backhouse of York had a Special Certificate for a small collection of Orchids, consisting of a fine plant of the new Odontoglossura Hallii, which had two flower spikes, bearing eight and nine blooms respectively ; a plant of the novel Odontoglossum roseum, received by them from their collector in South America, Br. Hermriod occurred on the > lowest on the 28th, Notices to Correspondents. Camellias : Sub. W. The following 24 sorts are those specially recommended, viz., Alba plena (old White), fimbriata, flavescens (Lady Hume's btuah), imbricata, Saccoi nova, Henri Favre, Sarah Frost. Contessa Lavinia Maggi, Wilderi, Reine dea Fleurs, Feastii, Cup of Beauty, LaMassto-i^a, Comto de Flaudres, Storyi, candidissima. Jubilee, Mrs. Abby Wilder. Duchess of Orleans, Countess of Derby, Piincess JVederick William, Bothwelliana, Princess Bacciochi, and Montironi. Fences: Alpha. Neither Cupreasus Ldwsoniana nor Thujopsia borealia ■would, we presume, be likely to injure cattle. All things considered, however, Holly woiild make a better evergreen fence than either of them for your orchard. Mki-ons : J R. Any respectable seed-sman can supply the varieties for which you inquire. We cannot recommend dealers. Names of Plants: J F. Sparmannia africana, a fine old winter flowering greenhouse plant. A Oaniever. 1, Pittos- porum Tobira variegatum ; 2, one of the smalMeaved Myrtles. West Indian. The terms of copyright, in great measure, depend upon arrangement between author and publisher. I the other You should consult a publisher queries in your letter. Communications Received.— B. S.— W. M.— J. S.—D. Thom- son —J. B Whiting.—J. F. L.— J. Standisb.— G. W.— H. H, — D.-H. G. K.— G. A. Rowell, TTIK rxARBKNERS' CHUONICLE AND AGTlICtJLTtJKAL GA5:ETTE. 81 MILKY WHITE, A NEW POTATO, INTHODUCED BY J. C. WHEELER & SON, OF GLOUCESTER. M M ILKT "WHITE ia the heat of all Potatoa. ILKY WHITE is the best of nil Potatoa. In shapo and colour, tlaTour ftnd appearance. It excels every other Autumn, Winter, and Spring. TyriLKY WHITE POTATO— white aTlnilk. M ILKY WHITE is of the finest quaUty . MILKY WHITE SEED POTATOS are very scarce, and early orders ai-a absolutely necenaary Id order to secure a BUpply. Lowest price, &«. per peck ; 20s. per biiahel (56 lb.) MILKY WHITE.— Last year the demand for thia new and most excellent variety greatly exceeded the supply, so that very early m tho planting season Messrs. Wubklkr & Son wore obliged, iiiucti to their regret, to decline orders. They have every reason to believe that the demand thlN coming seusou will exceed that of last year ; they therefore respectfully urge the Importance of ordering whilst they are to bo hud. The lowest price is Ss. per peck (Ulb.), or 20s. per bu^ihel (66 lb.) J. C. Whkjxkii Sl Sow, Seed Growers, Gloucester. "~ I L K Y WHITE ( W H E E L E K S ' ) . M^ had a splendid crop of this last year ; thouiaelves rather behind the age."— Shu _ _., . Gardeturs' Maga::ine. J. U. Whkeler & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. MILKY WHITE (WHE'e"l"e1iS')~ 6s. per peck; 20*. per bushel. "MiLKT 'Whitb.— This I received from the well-known firm o( Messrs. Wheeler & Son, Gloucester. It is one of the handsomest Potatos grown, and well deserves its name, for it is most beautifully white, very floury, and, as a sf- " -■*.-. besiuito to regard as flrst-r: , Deal, in Journal of HorlicuU'u 3. C. Wu Ft & Son, Seed Gn , Gloucester. MILKl WHITE (WHEELEK S"' ), 53. per peck ; 20s. per bushel. " Your Milky White Totato is exoellent, a great cropper, very mealy, and delicately flavoured, early, and remarkably free from disease ; it was about the only Potato in my garden that was entirely free from it. It appears likely to turn out a good keeper, as well as being fit for the table so early in the season."— William Roden M.D., F.K.C.S., KuUieinninsUr. J- C. Wheeler & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. MILKY WHITE (W H E E L E K S' ), Bs. per peck; 20». per bushel. "Your Milky White Potato is superb."— Messrs. Barr & SoonEN, Oovent Garden. J. C. Wheeler 4; Son. Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO 3s. per peck, 12s. per bushel. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO. —We veiy highly recommend the Gloucester- uhire Kidney for earlinkss, klavodr, size, and crop. In comparison with the Aahleaf, it is as early, whilst it produces nearly double the crop, and Is altogether aupenor to that variety. We recommend it with the most perfect confidence ; and have much pleasure in referring to the loUowing extracts from letters, speaking in high terms of its — ""— •."-* - — " . f b gu J. C. Whkeler A Son, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRfc; KIDNEY POTATO. 3s. per peck, 12s. per bushel. ** I can speak in the highest terms of the Gloucestershire Kidney. The lot I had from you were divided between two other gentlemen and myself, and In all cases I find that good crops of most bicillent and large Potatos were obtained. The Gloucestershire Kidneys much better in quality to other sorts, as to be noticed by all table, and before they knew of any my fiiniily when ther first change of sort."— J. Edoar JAjLRTivr.kv,'.Solihut, Bir J. C Wdeeleh & Son, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GL6dc¥sTERSHIRE KIDNEY! 3.?. per peck, 12s. per bushel. .rOloucestershlrt) Kidney turned out remarkably fine large and /?f«ori/, Great Riasington, Burford, Oxon. 'heeler 4 Son, Gloucester. GLOUCESTERSHIRE "KIDNEY. 12s. per bushel. I speak in high terms of the Gloucestershire ly, a good cropper, very short in the haulm, '" I had very few dl8eased."~E. M. well flavoured." J. C. 1 "11/ HEELERS' " 1 can with pleasur Kidney. It is very eai and also very dry and Rowland, Humcstay, Newtoii J. C. WuEELKR k Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester ^^/-BEELERS' — —- KIDNEY. GLOUCESTERSHIRE V V I'J.'j. per bushel. "The Gloucestershire Kidney Jhad from you was a handsome spect , I'lnged House, Kidwelly. w ' The Gloucestershire excellent m flavour but gardener considers they are the best cellent .__ -T. C. Akmstroi i& Son, Seed Growers, Glouceste: "GLOU^ESTERSHlilE "KIDNEY. 12«. per bushel. Kidneys 1 had from you were not only also abundant croppers, and my i best early variety grown."— Cuab. , juui(o«/it House, Her^ord. J.^^Wheeler & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELEUS- GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 12s. per bushel. •'I much prefer tho Glouceaterahire Kidney to the Ashleaf for although I planted the former some two or tnree weeks after the latter, they were fit for the table quite as soon, with at least doublb THE CROP ; and 1 may add, that the Flukes were superior to .inv I have ever seen, both for qoANTirr and uualitt "— Henht At t ■» Kialh Abbey, 2!teath. allin, J. C. Whielkr a Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. W^ "Tho G,->ucester«hire Kidney gave a fair crop of cood size and appearance, with Terj little disease, whereas half an acre of cJmlrt Kidney, besl. e them wore all but toully rotten."-THoi) ..I 8.-! %\mfl |81,109jl72,.S095| 54,445a|4S,929i 0 5 ieil71U £2 6 ll'£3 0 0 £3 The correspondence between the quantity of Wheat yielded at Bothamsted and the quantity sold at the various home markets throughout the country, is cer- tainly very striking. We direct the attention of our readers to an important paper in another column by Mr. Edmonds, of East Leach, on the position of the labourer in the great agricultural family. AVhether the leading prin- ciple on which he appears to argue be defensible or not, one cannot but admire the spirit by which the argument is evidently animated. The Cirencester Farmers' Club, now the Cirencester Chamber of Agri- culture, has received and discussed some of the ablest agricultural papers which have been of late years published, and it may be congratulated on having on the roll of its members men of the stamp of Mr. Ediionds, who to " thorough-bred " practical abUity unite unprejudiced, disinterested, and large-hearted capacity. The Dublin Farmers' Gazette had stated that the Irish barrel of corn is 4 bushels. Our correspon- dent corrected the Editor,— stating that he thinks the barrel, though originally a measure of capacity for corn, has since been changecf to one of weight, viz., 280 lb. for Wheat, 16 stone for Barley, and 1 1 stone for Oats. The Z)«i?J» J'armers' Gaierte now " sets this commen- tator right ; " " He only thinks ; but it is a fact beyond mere thinking that the Irish barrel represents 4buahels of anything, whether it bo com, lime, or other dry measure; for the very name indicates that weight has been substituted for mea.sure. If he takes up any Irish school table book, he will find that 2 pints make 1 quart ; 2 quarts, 1 pottle ; 2 pottles, I gallon ; 2 gallons, 1 peck ; 4 pecks, 1 bushel ; 4 bushels, 1 bsurel ; 2 barrels, 1 quarter ; and 4 quarters, 1 chaldron ; but weights were sub- stituted for measures of capacity for the sale of com at a very early period by the Irish Parliament, as being the most just and to prevent fraud, which, after adjustment, enacted that the barrel of Wheat should weigh 20 stone ; a barrel of Ifcirloy, 16 stone : and a ban-el of Oats, 14 stone, so that the same measure or sack should contain the above weights of the several desoriptions of grain ; thus retaining the original designation of barrels, but substituting given weights for We submit, with the utmost good humour, that the commentator has been here " set right " by just admitting all that he contended for. The British Medical Journal called the atten- tion of its readers some time ago to the extent to which town milk is adulterated. Out of 10 samples examined by Dr. Voeloker, for the purpose of the inquiry, only one was genuine. Pure milk is to be had, we have every reason to believe, at many shops, and if we do not name them it is because it might lead to the impression, which would not be true, that all other dealers are dishonest. How common, however, their dishonesty is, and how flagrant, is plain from the following tallies ; — Tadle I.— Showing the amoitst ok Water, Dry Mn.K, .Specific Gravity, and Percentage of Cream, combined IN Ten Samples of Milk, October 25, 1867. is 1 H . II Total. \Vhore bought. 1 '•^ a« d^ " « i 1 89.88 10.12 100.00 1.0294 6? Netting HiU id. 2 89.75 10.2.5 lOO.OO 1.0314 4 Knightsbridge M. 3 89.42 10.68 100.00 1.0285 Kensington id. 4 100.00 1.0286 7* St. GUes id. 5 01.22 8.78 100.00 1.0214 7 Blackfriara id. li 91.04 S.96 100.00 1.0204 !l.^ Strand id. V 89.16 13.84 100.00 1.0318 12 Bayswater id. N 90.99 9.01 100.00 1.0256 3 Paddington id. 9 90.08 9.92 100.00 1.0246 6 Kensington :id. 10 89.96 10.05 100.00 1 1.0268 8 Fulham id. Table II.— Sur WING Complete Analysis of Six or tub DVE Ten Specimens of Milk. .g m . . Is % _. is 11 1 9 ^ 1 it ToUL Where bought. 1, AH " a t 2 89.75 1.60 2.80 4.1S .72 100.00 Knightsbridge 5rf. a :i 89.42 2.93 2.86 4.14 .66 100.00 Kensington id. b 6 91.04 2.77 2.25 3.39] ..55 100.00 strand id. c 7 86.16 4.76 3.30 5.05' .73 100.00 Bayswater id. d « 90.99 1.62 2.68 409 .62 100.00 Paddington id. e 9 90.08 2.68 2.70 3.96! .68 100.00 Kensington 5c(. f g-- 88.00 3.50 3.00 4.75 .75 100.00 ■ ■ 9 , No better tliau skimmed milk, b. Much coloured (arti- ficially), about l-4th of cream removed, and l-6th water added, e, l-4th cream removed, and 33 per cent, wuter added, d, Genuine country milk, e, Skim-milk, with l-3d water. /, l-3d cream removed, and l-Sth water added. ff, Average good country milk — from numerous analyses throughout the year. Table III.— Showino the Profit on the Sale of Milk 2 I Knightsbridge 8(/. 3 iKensIngton j l^j/; 6 Strand h^'j' Bayswater I Paddington | I^rf; Kensingtoi Hd. ( 5id. Ei] 2id.' id. |14Jii]220!J id. i .. 7d. 106i 3J,i. j .. j9irf. 1442 Ud. .. J2!1astek Butterfly, and has won numberless prizes, as well as having been the sire of many prize animals. Alice WliarfdaU and her two heifers trace to Mr. J. Booth's Madeline, and 84 THE gardenehs' chUokicle and agmcultdral gazette. [January 25, 1868. she is likewise the dam of Royal ButteSflt 2flTH (25,00"), recently sold to Mr. Geo. Game for 300 gs. Baron Oxfokd (23,375), purchased at the Havering Va.tk Sale for 500 gs., ana 6th Maid and 8tk Lady of Oxford, comprise the three members of the O.^ford tribe: the tivo latter were among Mr. Sheldon's American importations, and were bought at tlie Windsor Sale for 850 gs. ; all three run back to Oxford ath, a capital milker, bred by Mr. Bates. Moyal Butterfly's Duchess heads the cows : she was bred at Towneley, sold at the sale for 500 gs. to Mr. Betts, and repurchased last May for 320 gs. There is also a specimen of the Foggathorpe family, and one of Mr. Harrison's Duchesses. Such are the contents of the new list : the ancestors of many of the animals therein were more or less celebrated for their distin- guished show-yard honours or personal merit, and this, coupled with a long line of ancestry, and nearly 20 years' experience in the managing of it, augurs well for the future of the new herd. Thk DtwcoiiBE Pabk Hebd.— This herd of pure- bred Shorthorns is of long standing, having been com- menced more than 50 years ago by Charles Lord Feversham, with purchases from Messrs. CoUings, Mr. Parrington, and Major Bower. Owned by a nobleman whose chief object was to improve the stock of his neighbourhood, this herd has for many years been silently but surely performing its allotted task, and it is only of late that it has emerged from the seclusion in which it has been reared, to compete with marked success in such shows as the Royal, the Yorkshire, the Paris Inter- national, &c. ; and at Christmas fat stock shows, like the Smithfield, Birmingham, and York. At the former GLO0CESTEE (12,951)) and Skthockbt (15,300) among the bulls, and Puella and Princess among the cows, are .samples of its prize-winners; while at the fat stock shows of this Christmas all the specimens of this herd which were exhibited took 1st prizes. Violet, fat heifer, 1st at Birmingham and 2d at Islington (referring to which the Farmer says, " We rather demurred to her position here : she is a larger and a better animal than her competitor") ; Pride of Southtoick, fat cow, 1st at York ; and Cherry Blossom, 1st at Leeds. These two last were among the animals sold by auction from this herd in August last, and were shown by their respective owners, B. Wainman, Esq., and Major Stapylton. In addition to the above, the 1st prize young steer at Birmingham, bred by Mr. Taylor, Sowerby Cottage, Bridlington, was got by Abtillert (21,190), a bull bred by the late Lord Feversham. The following is a list of some of the " first prizes " won by the herd, arranged in a tabular form ; — PARTICULARS OP SOME OF THE "FIRST PRIZES" WON BY ANIMALS OP THE DUNCOMBE PARK HERD. Name, &c. Puella (roan) Jenny Lind (roan) Discobolus (10,124) Diamond (11,337), roan Heedenwna (red and white) Hir.HLAND DCKE (13,025), white Gloucester (12.950), red and white 5th Ddke of Oxford (12,762), red Skyrocket (15,306), red roan When- Calved. Sirs. 1849 June, 1850. -ipril, 1851. April 16, 1832. Aprils, 1853. March 6, 1833. October 26, 1856. Cleveland Lad (3407) 2 E. Beverley (5963) Cleveland Lad (3407) Percy (10,601) Ben Nevis (9960) Duke of Gloucester (11,382) 5th Duke of Oxford (12,762) Dam, &c. Primula, by Yg. Grazier (3928) Norma, by Cleveland Lad (3407) Dainty Lass, by Druid (3625) Delicate, by Cleveland Lad (3407) Duchess 6l8t, by 2d Duke of Oxford (9046) ; fr.d. Duchess 51st, by Cleveland Lad (3407) d. Duchess 61st, by 2d Duke of Oxford (9046) Beatrice, by Cramer (6907) Oxford 11th, by 4th Duke of York (10,167) Swift, by Diamond (11,357) Great Yorkshire (Leeds, 1st time) and Cleveland (Guisborough), as 2-yr. old Heifer ; Smithfield, Great Yorkshire (Thirsk, 1st time) and Smithfield, as 3-yr. old Heiler. as S-yr. old Cow. Cleveland (Guisborough), 3 years after the above, as Bull-calf. Cleveland (Guisborough), Puell.a's year, as 3-yr. old Btdl. Cleveland (Guisborough), Discobolus' year, as 2-yr. old Heifer. Cleveland (Stokesley). Paris International (1855) ; Yorkshire (York), 165". Roy,aI (Chester), 1858 ; Yorkshire (North,-dlerton), 1858. Royal (Leeds), 1861, (the Yorkshire was that year merged into the Royal) ; Cleveland (Mlddlesborough), Yorkshire (York), 1862 ; finally exhibited at Leeds Christinas Fat Show, and its proceeds, together with the anim.al, given by its owner, the late Lord Feversham, towards the Lancashire Distress Fund. Royal (Plymouth), 1865 : Yorkshire (Doncaster), 1865 ; and 2d prize at Smithfield, 1865. ngwold (1S64). as Bull-calf : never shown since, owing to cattle plague. The Home Farm at Buncombe Park is situated on the northern outskirts of the park, on high tableland ; the soil, a thin limestone, in some parts so thin as to barely admit of being ploughed a few inches. In fact the peculiar adaptability of the Shorthorn breed to various situations was perhaps never better exemplified than by the continued existence and improvement of such a herd on a farm deficient in good grazing land, and essentially adapted for sheep, not cattle. Por the last 20 years Mr. Bates' bulls and their descendants have been used, such as Cleveland Lad (3107), 2d Cleveland Lad (3108), 2d Eabl of Beveeley (5963), &c.; but perhaps the greatest event in the annals of this herd was the purchase by the late Lord Feversham of 5th Duke of Oxford (12,762), as a calf, at Lord Ducie's sale in 1853. His price was 315?., but a better investment was never made. By judicious crossing and recrossing, the Oxford blood has added such " quality " and symmetry to the herd that, with its naturally great size, it now bids fair to produce auimals which may combine these three essentials. The only two public sales of this herd were in 1837 and 1867. Both appear to have been only sales of animals drafted out of the herd, and therefore great prices are not to be expected. At the former 29 head averaged 22/. each. At the latter sale 23 cows, Ac, averaged over 32/., and 12 bulls nearly 42/. each, a fair indication of improvement. The herd now consists of 27 females and 6 males. By the recent sale it has been reduced in numbers but not in quality, and includes some most promising heifers, viz., Pride-o'-the-North, Sympathy, Cordelia, Louisa, and Princess 2d (own sister to Princess), while among the bulls, Obestes and MANCHESTEEi whether in the showyard or elsewhere, will be found capable of holding their own. Any gentleman who may feel disposed during the ensuing summer to combine an inspection of this herd with a peep at the picturesque scenery of Rievaulx Abbey and Duncombe Park, with their unique terraces, miles of hanging woods and shady dells, will, we think, feel well repaid lor their boldness in penetrating into a somewhat unknown region, and we are sure that his lordship's agent will gladly afibrd information and assistance to any who may feel so disposed. — -■ We have received the following characteristic note from our excellent correspondent "A Lover of the Devon," who called us to order some weeks ago on the relative merits of Devons and Shorthorns- see p. 1.302 of last year's volume. Having read our kst week's paragraph, on the demand for Pedigree u 'if """ says:— "I am exceedingly amused by the self-satisfied superiority which is assumed by you Shorthorn gentlemen. You have just found out, it seems, that there are 3,000,000 cows in this country every year in calf; and the inference immediately becomes inevitable that 30,000 or 40,000 pure-bred Shorthorn bulls are wanted ! Is there no other pure breed m the country ? Are there no other breeders of pure stock ?— men who would think their cattle, so far rom being improved, actually ruined by a cross of any of your bulls ? Were you never at any of the Hereford October fairs, where thousands of white- faced red cattle of a more uniform type than any ever seen in Shorthorn . districts are disposed of every year— 2 or 3-year olds, ready to make from 7 to 10 cwt. apiece of the best beef in the world after four or five months' feeding in the stalls of those who come from all parts of the island to buy them ? Did you never hear of the Falkirk Trysts, where thousands of cattle are annually bought and sold, the majority of which are of another pure breed— the Kyloe ?— or of the fairs in my own good county, where yet another breed, as good as any for ' symmetry and precocity, quality, and artistic beauty ' excludes all others, and where one of your 30,000 or 40,000 Shorthorn bulls would no more have a chance of being accepted than if he had never been brought into being by that clever stroke of your pen ? "An |ahle editor 'can do many things, although unable to convince me— but happily his ability cannot com- pass the achievement or production of that which he describes, or advocates, or estimates. And I am glad to say that it will be many a day before the Shorthorn shall succeed in that eventual wiping out, which you seem to anticipate or desire, of all those many characteristic local breeds, which are one of the charms of our native country — one of our most precious historic records, we may call them, of the times when, even in our little island, mere localities were entirely separate and distinct. Kyloes, Galloways, and Kerrys —the longhorned cattle of the Midland (bounties, and the polled breeds of Aberdeenshire and of Norfolk, the red cattle of Sussex, the dun and grey of Alderney and Guernsey, the black cattle of South Wales, and the wild white cattle of Hamilton and Chilling- worth, the beautiful Devon and the massive Hereford, will long continue each to benefit their own immediate district, and many of them, like your well-puffed Shorthorns, to spread beyond it. I strongly recom- mend both your readers and yourself to study the writings of the late Professor Lowe, whose work on the various breeds of domestic animals known to British agriculture is marked by the strong and, as I consider it, the wise conservative regard which he expresses for all those native tribes which your 30,000 Shorthorn bulls are intended to obliterate ! " The Melbourne Economist of Nov. 8 reports a then recent sale of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle in Victoria, which reads quite as if it had taken place among eager competitors for pure blood at home. The herd of Messrs. Morton & Leach, of Mount Derrimut, on the Ballarat road, began eleven years ago with the purchase of Lobd Raglan and Jessamine. Six years ago this firm imported Royal Butterfly 6th (18,757) nophhew to Master Butterfly (13,311), the bull referred to above, as sent out to Mr. AYare, of Geelong ; and it is a striking bit of recent news to append to any account of the Towneley herd that we should be able to report the Butterfly yearling bulls as making 100 to 150 gs. apiece at the other ;end of the world, and that a Butterfly heifer has reached the enormous figure of 172/. los. in Australia. We are unable to find room for a full- page list, but the following are some of the higher figures reached : — Bulls and Calves. 1. RovalButterflv 22d— 14 months old .. .. 08 Gs. 2. Royal BUTTERFLV 24th— 11 do 80 4. Royal BunERFLV 25th— 11 do 150 6. Royal BurrERFLV 27th — 9 do 110 7. RovALBUTrERrLY28TH— 7 do 106 8. Royal BiTTTERFLV 20th — 6 do 101 9. Royal Butterfly 29th— 6 do 151 Altogether 14 bulls, of which 13 were calves, fetched 1183 guineas, or 88/. lis. 6d. apiece. Cows AND Heifers. 3. Roan Siunerion~lO years old 02 Gs. 5. April Flower— hi do. . . 85 8. Jessamine ilh—7 do 95 9. Floteero/Anslralia-r do 122 10. Jessamine 5t/i— 7 do 170 11. Jessamine 7th— 6 do 146 15. Jessamine 91k — 5 do 161 16. Jiosa'sButterll!/— 5 do 88 17. Jessamine Uih—t do 175 19. /c.,raiiu)if 13(;i— 3 do 163 30. Queen orthe Biitterllies-2 do 155 32. Double Btilterlly—U months old 159 Altogether, 67 cows, heifers, and calves made 3759 guineas, or 71/. los. 2d. each. Of these, 11 calves averaged 30/. 3j. \d.~U yearlings averaged 48/. IBs.— 10 two-year-olds averaged 82/. 8f. 6(/.— and 22 cows, many of them aged, made no less than 92/. 16s. 7d. each. It appears to us, that this Australian sale takes a very worthy place among the memorabilia of Short- horn records. We may next week refer to the breed and history of some of the cattle here disposed of. A SUGGESTIVE WALK. 15th January, 1868. — Ten days of snow and severe frost have disappeared suddenly under the influence of a heavy rain from the south-west, and to-day the sun shines brilliantly. As is my custom under such circumstances, I examine every drain, see that the I open ditches and water-ways are all clear of ! impediments, and observe how the AVheat looks, either above or below ground, according to the period of sowing. The Wheat was satisfactory. I found all the drains running briskly, except on the Wheat fields that have been cross-ploughed, and, when dry, ploughed into form. In these the drains barely wept, owing to the extra drying resulting from the cross-ploughing. Heavy land can never be too dry in winter, and the absence of flooding rains last autumn makes me look forward with satisfaction and hope for the coming Wheat crop. Although my 73 acres of Wheat have been nearly all drilled with a full bushel of seed per acre, and none of it put in before November (some as late as December), it all appears to vegetate satisfac- factorily, and confirms my friend Wilkins' opinion, that well ripened and well cleansed seeds of grain seldom fail to germinate. By-the-by, if Wheat should come right next harvest, there will be plenty of it, for nearly every farmer I have spoken to who had the opportunity of so doing has sown an extra breath, say about 10 to 20 per cent, more. I have an extra 10 acres. The past autumn has contrasted most favourably with the former one, by the absence of floods; let us hope that this winter will also be more propitious, for my drains kept running the first three months of 1867. As I examined the running drains I said to myself. How can people be found to farm heavy land that is undrained ? The difference this last harvest is, in many cases, fully 1 quarter to 2 quarters of Wheat per acre ; and in fact one field of 17 acres, not far from me, has only yielded 1 quarter of Wheat per acre, while my average on naturally inferior land was 5 quarters per acre, and this at from GOs. to 80*. per quarter ! The farm to which I allude belongs to a London charity, of which I was once a governor, but both the present and the preceding tenant have declined to have it drained, because it would be of no use on such heavy soils! Here is a case where despotic power should come into play, and where a man should not be allowed to ruin himself and his family. How many other such cases I know of in our country. But to return to my fields ; here in a 9-acre field was a proof of how cheaply and sufficiently a man may drain at a small cost where capital is scarce, or where he is not certain of a long tenure. Twenty odd years ago I drained this field with 1-inch pipes, 5 feet deep and 40 feet apart, at a cost of 50s. per aero. Many a man who looked into these drains before filling up, and saw at 5 feet from the surface " Mechi's pencil cases " ridiculed the idea of water ever reaching them in that tenacious tile earth at such a depth and at such a dis- tance, and yet to-day (as hitherto) there they were discharging from the leaders heavy streams of water. And here some Scotch and other farmers who have " pitched into me " for having open furrows and water furrows, might have learned a lesson, and seen that, although the deep drains were discharging abundantly, still the surface drains were, as auxiliaries, passing off the surplus water which the land would not absorb within a given time. This is why sundry Scotch farmers have injured their crops in this county by laying their land flat, not considering that they have no such clay in Scotland as our Essex tile earths. An intelligent Scotch farmer, who purchased a 300 acre farm in Essex, admitted to ine the other day that he had found Januaet 18C8.] THE GATiPENKI^S' CnEONICLE AND AGRICUETITHAE GAZETTE. 85 himself wrong in laying such heavy land on the Hal. I, in the first instance, tried an acre in several fields to satisfy my mind, and soon found out the truth— that the land for a year or two afterwards was tough and unfriable, and worked badly. Then I reflected upon wliat my heavy laud friends say, that on such lands they cannot do without numerous open ditches. My own experience has convinced me that it is a great mistake to have any open ditch where the run of water can be passed through an underground pipe. I have closed up every ditch (excepting a main outfall), and thus saved ground and expense. For see what takes place with open ditches generally ; they are tortuous, soon filled up with Grass, Rushes, or pieces of bushes, or rubbish blown into them; these hide the drains. I am bound in honestytosay that immense neglect takesplace in regard to keeping ditches and drains free and clear, and a very costly neglect it is. Every lea^e should compel this, and they rarely do. As a rule ditches, from the causes I have named, are many times as large and as deep as they need be. The rain that falls per acre is a measureable quantity ; therefore pipes can be placed in size and distance accordingly. AVith very long drains it is necessary to have air- shafts, for certain heavy rainfalls, much as we have vent pegs iu our casks, or the liquor will not run freely. On another farm near mine there is a difference of more than 1 quarter of Wheat per acre between the drained and undrained fields, the annual charge for draining being only 6s. to 7s. I do not recommend draining at JO feet and 50 feet apart in stifi' clays, where there is capital enough to do it closer; but although the land does not harrow so well or so early as the closer drained, the water does not stagnate, and consequently I have had very good crops for the last 20 years from the land so drained. J. J. Mechi. if^omc CorrcsponiJcncc. steam Cultivation.— At page 60 (Jan. IS), Mr. Sadler tells us that " Besides the difficulties from boulders in the soil, a deal of harm has been done to the cause of steam through the contention of rival makers, and especially by the pretensions of the owner of the Woolston implement, who speaks of doing his work so cheaply that no one can under- stand him; but do you ever hear of his doing work for neighbours at the price he mentions ? " I can tell Mr. Sadler that these boulders of which he speaks have never much interfered with the work- ing of my implement. Thirteen years ago, when I started steam cultivation (and this I say advisedly, for it was I who started it practically), I found boulders on ray heavy land, and I have occasionally found some there ever since. This year I found some large ones. I have seen the implement strike and smash some of them iuto a hundred pieces, and I have seen it strike and jump over others, and I have also seen it strike and get rolled over by others, but I have never seen it broken by them. Whenever I saw them struck by it I always had tlie rough customer taken out by hand. I hope Jlr. Sadler will be able to " understand" these plain words. Now for his not being able to understand me as to " cost." My statements are generally very plain. In the Times last week I gave in detail every operation and cost for my next year's crops. My operations and costs have all been reported from my start, 13 years ago. If Mr. Sadler does not understand them, let him read them until he does before he again tells you that I have done " harm " to the cause of steam cultivation by my " pretentious " " cheap " working. Is it pre- tentious on my part to tell the world what I have done, inviting all to come and see ? This, you know, has been my practice from my start, and thousands of practical men, yourself amongst them, have accepted the invitation to see for themselves. I have never heard that one of those men who honoured me with a visit has ever charged me with "pretention," yet a man hundreds of miles away, without troubling himself to come and see, can thus recklessly charge me. Then I challenge him to prove his words. Before I started, 13 years ago, 1 had matured my scheme for applying steam power to the cultivation of the soil. I invented my implements, and, with the aid of my blacksmith, made them. I instructed and contracted with the late John Fowler^ jun., to make my windlass and tackle, who delivered his contract very incompletely, i. e., a windlass, two wooden anchors that required holes to be dug 3 feet long, 15 inches wide, and 2 feet deep, to place them in every time the implement crossed the iield, and three wooden snatch-blocks. They, with the use of a stile, used as an anchor to attach the third snatch- block to, enabled me to work the implement a few times over the field to try the balance of power— that is, the weight of power in the engine against the implement ; the implement was found to be the master, for the tackle was speeded too fast. I then set-to and had a set of new anchors made, and procured another snatch-block, as well as having a slower speed put to my tackle by putting new pulleys on my engine and windlass. 1 then set-to again and got on well. Two years later I set my make-shift windlass by, under my shed, where it now stands, and have ever since used the four-wheejed windlass. I have farmed my farm regularly by steam power over since. Thousands of practical men have been to see. The Press has once a year at least visited and reported what I have done. I took my tackle to Chelmsford in 1856, where the Eoyals would scarcely look at it : 23 minutes' trial is all they gave it. In the October following I showed it at work in the Duke of Bedford's, at Woburn, and at four subsequent meetings of the Royals I showed my tackle, and I have spent 6000/. in the promotion and spread of steam cultivation ; and besides all this I have written and published hundreds of letters upon the subject, telling plain facts. This is a summary of what I have done, and I now ask Mr. Sadler to show me where the "pretension" is. Let him examine the few facts that you have given at p. 58 of your Paper. If he wants more facts let him see the Times of Thursday for himself, and if that will not do let him come here, I will do my best to teach him the road to " cheapness," but I am not going to "job cart" to please him. " Did you ever hear of his doing work for neighbours at the price he mentions ?" I can tell him that I have done work for neighbours. Last October I did for Mr. Whiting, late of Stoke Goldington, now of Castletborpe, where he has taken a large farm, he having now three farms in his own occupation under steam cultivation, besides the thousands of acres that he has done by con- tract by a set of my tackle bought in 1858. Last autumn ho was so hard-up with work of his own and contract work, that he applied to me for assistance ; so I let him have my tackle to do his Newport Pagnell farm. This same Mr. Whiting had my tackle in 1856 and 1857, to do iu each of those seasons a considerable quantity of work on his Stoke farm. My tackle has worked for other neighbours ; and besides that, in December, 1858, 1 let it go to the Flemish Farm, Windsor, where it did 55 acres for the late Prince Consort. My charge for the tackle has been, nothing. The men have been ?aid, and that is all ; therefore I can tell Mr. Sadler that have worked upon " the cheap," more so than he perhaps knew. My further reward has been the sale of tackle to Mr. Whiting, the late Prince Consort, and others, to whom I lent my own. This is not "pretention" but fact ; and another fact is, that I never did an acre by contract, neither will I. Here are my reasons. The contract system is a bad one, rotten at the core. The evidence is dead against it, for it cannot supply tackle when it is wanted, directly after harvest when work must be done if it is to be done well ; and besides all that I am King — yes King, as the practical starter of steam cultivation, with plenty of work to do without working upon the job system, to learn such men as Mr. Sadler how to do "cheap" work — for he, with many others, are wedded to their old jog-trot. They will go in the old track, " costly" as it may be. At my start I left the old hard-trodden road^ and now at the end of 12 years I know that I was right, for I know that my smashing Bean and Peas stubbles for Wheat, and my ridge-ploughing and subsoiling AVheat stubbles for Beans and roots, is a much cleaner, " cheaper" road to go upon than their old road is. William Smith, Woolston, Bhtchleij Station, Bucks, Jan. 20. Farmers' Clubs. Cirencester Chamber of Agriculture : Jan. 5. — The Relatii'e Duties of Landlords, Tenants, and Labourers.— At the usual monthly meeting of this Club this important subject was introduced by Mr. W. J. Edmonds, from whose excellent lecture, as reported in the Wills Standard, we make the following extracts :— After some preliminary remarks Mr. Edmonds said : My observations will be of course made from a farmer's point of view, and free as I wish them to be from a selfish or contracted one, yet I am of opinion that self interest is so strong in the breast of every one, that it is most difficult to have the mind perfectly free and unbiassed in such a case ; and most happy shall I bo to be corrected by any of the gentlemen here, whether as landlords, or as representing the labourer's interests. It is from these interchanges of opinion that our minds may, I think, be disabused of many prejudices, and all the members of each separate branch of the agricultural family may learn to know, even better than they do now, how truly dependent the one is upon the other, and how much the interest of all is to a great extent identical. Ifoiv can a Landlord benejit his Kstate .''—It seems to me that a landlord should, supposing him to be just entering upon a large estate, and unfettered by any old ties, consider — (1) in what way he can most benefit that estate and those connected with it. He would, in the first place, naturally feel that the working men on that estate had a claim upon him for a means by which to support themselves in cultivating the soil which he Eossesses ; but it being inconvenient for him to farm is estate, he has recourse to men possessed of a certain amount of capital through whom he can carry out, by lettinp his land to them for a certain rent, that claim upon him, and at the same time retain to himself a fair income from his property. In selecting his tenants, then, his first care would be to know whether they were likely to be large yet successful employers of labour, according to the size of the farms he proposed to let ; and a knowledge of this point would incline him considerably to accept or decline them as his tenants, for upon this point would depend the attain- ment or nonattainment of his object. Having now let his land, he would ha%'e to consider— (2) what was necessary on his part to done to encourage his tenants to develop the resources of the land. Know- ing that "much labour be employed, and resources of land developed," mean, a heavy stock kept, artificial food given, and much valuable manure made, he will feel that in order to encourage this system, good and con- venient buildings are indispensable. I believe that the loss in many places from the deterioration in the value of manure made, through being washed by the rain, is incalculable, and has not yet received, sneaking gene- rally, the attention it deserves. I am inclined to doubt much whether, if farm-yard manure were well protected from the rainfall, artificial manure would be so much required as it is at the present time, and to think that the question of covered homesteads should be a subject of anxious inquiry among agriculturists ; covered homesteads, which shall combine the qualities of having plenty of fresh air, yet no draughts. Buildings are required for implements more than formerly. A good, sulliciont, and pleasantly arranged home is an attraction, for even if careless in the matter for him- self a tenant is nevertheless careful for the comfort of his wife, who, being so much occupied at homo always rejoices in a good one, or even if he has no wife he doubtless wishes he had, and seeks to secure a good house with his farm in the tbiought that the time is not far distant when his substantial home and the well cultivated and tastily arranged garden shall, with him- self, be deemed worthy of acceptance by some fair hand who shall be willing to be the mistress of all. (3) The next point which would suggest itself to the landlord's mind would be, the necessity of suitable homes for the working man. Oood Cottages should be built and let at moderate prices, cottages which will give every family the means of being virtuously and decently brought up, and which cannot be done in large families with one or even two sleeping rooms. I have thought whether it might not bo possible to erect in villages, lodging houses for young unmarried men, carefully superintended by respectable persons, and subject to any rules and any further control which might suggest themselves as being necessary for order to be kept in such an establish- ment. It may be said, why should landowners build these cottages which can only be let at a rent inade- quate to their cost ? I answer, that because they possess the land it is their interest to provide accom- modation for all connected with that land, as much to provide good cottages as to provide good farm houses and sufficient buildings; and for their remuneration they must look to the increased morality and the more respectable and more cheerful tone which will most surely follow in a few years. The situation of cottages is worthy of a thought whilst on the subject. In fertile lands, villages are so near each other that cottages are hardly required otherwise than in them, and labourers like them best because they are nearer the school for their children, nearer the shops, and altogether more convenient ; but in poorer districts, where farm houses are scattered over the hills, cottages are urgently re- quired near them, not only for the convenience of the farmer, but for the comfort and the health of the workmen. I have heard of an apparently fabulous distance that men have walked to and from their homes before and after their work day after day and year after year, but if we make a little calculation wo shall soon be less astonished. A man may walk, and has walked 74,880 miles to and from his work during his life, that is, six miles a-day, 312 days in the working year for 40 years ; surely this must tell upon the consti- tution of a man although it is done by littles, and what is the cost ? It is either the loss of the labour of the man for one hour and a half a-day, or an additional expense to the farmer of 2d. or Sd. a-day. Supposing then a farmer employed 10 men at a distance of three miles from the village, and that he only gave Is. a-week for the labourers' walk in over hours, he would pay in the course of the year 26?., and in 40 years, without reckoning any interest of money, 1040Z. Now remember this has been paid at the cost of the labourers' strength, his health, and his comfort. I have thought^ and I see no wildness in the thought, that in districts where within the last 30 years whole miles of downs have been broken up, where sheep count by tens of thousands instead of by hundreds, and where 20s. an acre are now paid for labour each year where 2s. or Is. was then, that it would be of great advantage for new villages to be formed, instead of building lone cottages here and there, so that all necessary conveniences, whether of shops, of education, or of a natural wish for society, should be embraced, the two first being now almost a necessity, the latter a great comfort to the working man. At all events I do most stroiigly insist, as an absolute necessity, on the better housing of the working man; and most happy shall I be to see these one-roomed cottages unable to be let, because of the full supply of better ones, not however left as monu- ments of grave errors of past time, but pulled down and converted into good and sufficient ones. In passing from the subject of the dwellings of working men I would say that having found plenty of labour and a good home for them the landlord has done his part by them well, more especially when he has assisted, as he always (or with very few exceptions) , does assist in providing means for education. We I have only to remember our last meeting to feel con- vinced that this duty is acknowledged, and to j look to the several parishes, in our ueighbour- I hood at least, to see that it is acted upon. I To proceed. The farms being then, as we have sup- posed, prepared for tenants, tenants found, and the ! rent fixed, the parties interested enter upon an agree- I ment containing certain privileges and certain restric- tions, the character of which much affect the welfare of all. That subject occupied the time of two of our meetings last year, and it is not necessary to enter I upon it now ; sufficient to say that each party should be well protected ; and the labourer, too, should be protected from suffering want of employment at the end of a lease, by the insertion in it of cautious and well digested, yet liberal, terms of quitting. All this can best be done by a very useful and very honourable member of the agricultural family who steps in— an impartial judge— between landlord and tenant ; and who, although employed by the former, has, if a sensible and an honourable man, the interest of both at heart, knowing that, in the long run, the interest of one is that of the other, and disdaining to behave otherwise than according to his own candid and impartial judgment. Good 'Stewards.— Uad I to describe my idea of a model one, I should s.ay that he is a man who unites with strict integrity and firm principle a thorough knowledge of farming, as well as of the general manage- ment of property, possessing ready tact and an active habit of mind. A knowledge of fanning is certainly THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [Januaet 25, : an essential. To know that good farming is under- 1 agriculture, that in consideration for certain daily stood and appreciated gives confidence to tenants to wages given by the one, whatever usual work required farm well ; they know that heavy crops raised at great expense on inferior heavy soils, or on light soils, in good seasons, will not be mistaken for the natural growth of those soils, and will not be a reason put forward to increase unduly the rents ; but that, on the contrary, their efforts to increase' the earth's produce will place them in a better rather than in a worse position ; and I will say here that I believe the Cirencester Agricultural College will bo of great service in bringing out good practical men, who will be able in after years to fill the steward's office with credit _ to themselves and to the satis- faction of all with whom they are concerned. Nothing, I am certain, so increases the general welfare of an agricultural neighbourhood, as a good under- standing between parties, that high farming is to be encouraged— bad farming condemned as an injury to all. I do not wish it to be understood that a landlord, in the case of a farm which has been well farmed for many years, should not, if its value is increased, par- ticipate in the advantages of that increased value, especially in cases where Land has been taken out of condition, and of course at a comparatively lower rent. Menis should vary according io prices. — They may, with justice, vary according to the price of produce, presuming that produce rules higher or lower for a series of years ; other circumstances, too, may alter the value, but what shall be done when a farm of poor or inferior land has been improved for a term of years by a skilful and liberal tenant, and a re-adjustment of rent is demanded? The landlord's self-interest leads him to the conclusion that the pre- sent value of the farm should be its rent ; he is easily able to ascertain that value, and people there are to be found who would give more than its value. And as a vulture picks off the fat and fiesh of his prey, leaving only the bones, so this man strips the farm of the last 12 years' fat, and leaves it again worse than it was before. Little pity could be felt for such a landlord, but what an amount of evil has been done in a neigh- bourhood. On the other hand, a tenant thinks that as his skill and management has caused the present value of the land, anything that he pays in rent over that which he has already paid, is paying upon his own industry— is paying to the landlord what in justice belongs to himself— and he is, if hardly dealt with, ready to warn his brother farmer against the weak- ness of investing his money in another's property. In such a case as this how useful is an upright, con- scientous, and intelligent steward. He steps in to represent to the landlord that such a tenant i.s a valuable one for him and for the neighbourhood. He knows how much of the heavy crops raised are due to good farming, and belong to the farmer who has spent so much to get them. He knows, also, how much the land is intnnsically improved, and I think he would suggest that in consequence of the improvement which had been effected, of the labour employed, of the skill bestowed, of the money sunk to obtain those improve- ments, and of the advantages still in the soil conse- quent upon them and not reaped by the tenant, he, the landlord, should be willing and satisfied to divide with such a man the value of those improvements ; he would, on the other hand, impress upon the tenant the fact that he had by his improved crops already had some of his outlay returned to him, that although the improvement had been effected by his skill and management, yet the farm had been held on somewhat lower terms, and that therefore some increase of rent might be fair and reasonable. I think that such a solution meets this often difficult case, and that the kindly relations of landlord and tenant would not be disturbed. Another reason that landlords should encourage the increase of labour is this — it increases self-dependence in working men, which has a good moral effect, lessens pauperism and a necessity for that particular form of charity— kindly meant— which makes up in food and clothing that which the labourer ought to be able to earn. Par be it from me to condemn relief when really required, but the best charity to the working man is to find him employment, remunerative to himself and to his employer. There remains but one other point which I wi U notice as between landlord and tenant, neither shall I dwell upon that ; it forms of itself a sufficient, and to my mind a worthy, subject for a lecture ; it is a matter certainly requiring mutual forbearance— it is this : where a landlord resides he usually reserves TJm Right of Sporting.— ^t\\\ it is a generally under- stood thing that game shall not be kept to the injury of the tenant. Now if a tenant, on seeing a few blades of Wheat eaten, or a Swede or two gnawed by it, begins to complain, he is not dealing with the matter' in the fair and liberal spirit which he ought, and complaint is likely to create unpleasant feeling with insufficient cause. But on the other hand if a landlord stocks his tenant's farm with game so as injure his crops, be on his part can scarcely be said to be doing his duty to that tenant ; by it, too, he gives a death blow to all" his efforts to improve his property. How can a tenant farm well against game ? And to my mind the passionate lover of sport or rather of game— for sport can be had with a moderate quantity— would if he could be con- vinced of the pernicious effect of an immoderate one, and, at the same time wished (as very many landlords do, who yet are great game preservers) to fulfil his duty to the tenant and the labourer, discontinue such a practice. I cannot forbear saying that battue shooting, which appears to be so fashionable, is, in ray opinion, inimical to the interests of the public generally. The Labourer.— I have noticed a tendency on the part of some labourers, especially the younger ones, to misunderstand their duty. After an agreement has been entered into between employers and employed in on the farm should be done by the other, a refusal or a grumbling acquiescence to fulfil such duties undertaken by him, is nothing more or less than dishonestly breaking a contract made, or dishonourably desiring to do so. I believe the reason is a false spirit of inde. pendence, in other words pride, through which men get a notion that to give obedience to orders is lower- ing to their dignity, forgetting that their honour and their duty would urge them to carry out those orders because they have contracted to do so ; and indeed it is necessary. How can a farmer cirry out the operations on his farm if his men will not be controlled and work in harmony with his wishes. In order, then, to disabuse the mind of such mischievous and erroneous ideas, it should be the first duty of the farmer to endeavour to cultivate a good understanding with those he employs ; he must impress upon them the necessity of an active and a ready obedience, not because he wishes to show any superiority, but because he on his part is determined to fulfil his duty by keeping to his terms of the contract, and is no less determined to receive that for which he made the contract. But it is necessary for the employer to recollect that although the services to be rendered by his men ought to be essentially under his control during the time appointed by the terms of the contract, he has no right to endeavour to e.xercise ployment is far happier (and that is a material point) and far more useful than he is, whatever his position, who allows time to hang heavily on his hands. Let such men as those of whom I have spoken use their earnest endeavours to cause an increase in the comforts, and preserve the due rights of those whose time is devoted to labour, and they will show that they are true philanthropists, and not demagogues seeking popularity by pandering to some of the worst feelings of human nature, and at the same time rendering miserable those whom they profess to help. Having obtained a full supply of men for the farm, it becomes the duty of the farmer to be careful that no partiality is shown in his Distribution of Laiour.—O! course great tact is necessary that every man should do, whenever practicable, the work for which he is best suited, but care must be taken, as far as possible, that one is not more than another chosen for the highest or the most profitable work. Again, I am of opinion that we should be very careful that no charge shall be justly made against us of dishonourably discharging any of our men. after they have served us whenwe wanted them. ATe create, by so doing, a want of confidence, and although men may be found who will leave us at busy times, such can never be an excuse for our doing so even to the same man, for are we not by our position any undue influence over "them in any other respect • ''o"?s. Our Aberdeen dealers got it over the fingers at the London Christmas market, and they are now trying to recoup themselves. I like to see Alderman Mechi's notes and read them carefully. His last one on feeding cattle puzzles me a bit. He lays out 8«. Sd. per head per week on what may be called extraneous food, and counts nothing on the roots, straw, or attendance. It is by the improve- ment of my cattle while on Turnips that I pay my rent, and it will not do for me to sit down and make out a balance sheet, showing that I ought to be worth so much, or that such and such fields to which the dung is applied are so much better. The Alderman, farming his own laud, may be right in debiting the additional value of the dung to the credit side as the expected return to be got from the land to which the manure is applied, but with me at the end of a lease this will not do. I generally finish off my cattle with about 4 lb. Linseed cake per head per day, and I ought to get more for my dung than those who don't use any Linseed cake; but 3s. &d. per square yard is the standard for the best manure in this quarter, and as my Turnips cost me something over 10/. per acre, I want to know in what way I will pay my rent, giving each feeding beast 8*. 8rf. per week of extras which I don't grow on the farm, the necessary attendance, and straw and Turnips ad Uhitvm gratis. F. Aberdeenshiee: Jan. 21. — "Fine winter weather" is the usual salutation. It has been unusually fine for the last fortnight, and all kinds of farm labour are in an advanced state ; lea ploughing is in some cases almost finished and farmers are wishing for frost to enable them to have their dung carted to the fields, as court-yards are pretty full. Straw bein^ plentiful, it has been put in among stock with no sparing hand ; we wish we could say as much of the Turnip crop, which in many cases is now into small compass, and will have to be supplemented to a great extent with cake or other artificial food. Ploughing matches are the order of the day, as steam ploughing is yet almost unknown in Aberdeenshire, very little of it being suitable, owing to " yird-fast " stones and loose boulders, buli our ploughmen have arrived at great perfection in handling the swing plough, more so, I believe, than in any county in Scotland ; many of them are also very expert horse- men, and manage their teams with the greatest quiet- ness, scarcely speaking above their breath, which is a great contrast to the noise made by horsemen in some districts. Live stock are all very healthy, 'with the exception of farm horses, which, upon many farms, have been attacked with influenza and bad colds, which in some cases has proved fatal. Dealers in cattle are still crying out at the bad returns from the London market, and we have no doubt many of our Aberdeen dealers lost a heavy sum of money at the Christmas markets. Calves begin to make their appearance now, and the Highland Society are to give prizes for the best bull and heifer calves calved within the year ; and we have no doubt that the class will be very interesting, as it is by breeding and feeding the best description of stock that north country farmers can pay their rents, and they are fully alive to the fact, as you very justly remarked last week in your excellent article on the demand for pedigree bulls. We have seen the produce of some of our small country cows sold for 40 guineas when two years and eight months old, but the sire was a first-class pedigree bull ; and we have no doubt our farmers have found out the secret before they pay Januabt 25, 18C8.J THE GARDENERS' OIIRONKH.E AND Ar.RKlULTURAL GAZETTE. such high prices every year to our more celebrated breeders for their bull calves. We had a show of poultry at Aberdeen on New "Tear's Day, but seem to bo behind here, as very few of the prizes were kept in the county. We have no doubt the efforts made by the Association will brins' about a change; and if the canny Aberdonians iiud that it will pay, they will persevere until they make a credit- able appearance amouR their neighbours. J. Leighton Poultrii Shorn— M your account of the recent poultry show of the above Society, on p. U, is likely to create a wrong impression, I must beg you will idlow me to correct it. Your notice of this show begins by giving credit to the hoa. sec. ; but the gentleman whose name appeared as bon. sec. had very little to do with that show. I can speak to the fact of the entire management being left to the Hon. and Rev. A. Baillie Hamilton, with the assistance of Mr. F. Gotto ; and these gentlemen deserve great praise for the able manner in which they discharged the duties, which for a first show are no light task. 2d. You particularise the buff Cochins as most conspicuous, and state that Mr. G. Shrimpton took three silver cups in that class. But no competitor was allowed to enter beyond 7 miles of Leighton— hence his great victory ; and while for one cup, given by himself, there were only his own two pens entered, for another cup offered by him he had the gratiflcatiun of seeing his own two pens and one other solitary entry. His buff Cochins cannot have been much honoured by distinc- tions won under such circumstances. Xe.'it, your report says the bantams were not above the average. Now, if you will look over the list of entries, which I herewith send, you will observe the bantams were the largest classes in the exhibition, there being no less than 33 pens competing for the cup offered for the best pen of bantams. And whereasonly 14 pens competed for the Dorking cup, which was awarded to Jlrs. Seamens, 10 competed for the buff Cochins, which was awarded to Mr. Shrimpton, in Class 3 ; and the same number for the Brahma cup, which was awarded to a very promising pen belonging to the Hon. Miss 11. Pennant, Bangor, Nortb Wales, which were soon claimed at the entered price of SI. 8s. ; and the bantam cup was awarded to Mr. W. B. Jeffries, Ipswich, in a competi- tion of 33 pens. A WeU-misher of PottUrti i:x!iibilions. [Our report was received from a visitor. We have abridged "A Well-wisher's " letter.] Miscellaneous. Mr. M'ComUe's Prize Oj.— The great black ok, bred by Mr. M'Combie, which carried off' all the honours at the Birminglaam and London shows, was slaughtered by Messrs. Lidstone & Scarlett, butchers, of New Bond Street. When it became known that her Majesty, after seeing the animal at Windsor, had ordered the baron, there was considerable anxiety manifested by the customers of the firm to have some portion. Gentlemen who had been accustomed to order 4 lb. of beef at a time wrote, threatening to withdraw their custom if a rib were not reserved for them. They were, however, easily satisfied with a more modest portion when they learned that a rib would weigh about 20 lb. The Queen's baron consisted of two sirloins, the two rumps, and two aitch-bones. The head had been preserved for Mr. M'Combie, who had given special mstructions to a furrier for its preservation. When alive Black Prince weighed 2.183 lb., and his dead weight was found to be 18(53 lb. The baron weighed 632 lb., and special machinery was erected at Osborne to roast it. Notwithstanding the demand, the purveyors sold the whole, including the baron, at 1*. per lb. Daily Telegraph. School-work for Labourers' Children. — There are some curious facts which speak for themselves with regard to this question. At one of the meetings in the neighbourhood a gentleman proposed, as a reso- lution, that no farm-labourer's child should go to work before he was 10 years old. At this very minute I hold in my hand tvyo certificates from that very gen- tleman, recommending two lads for premiums in this Society for having lived a certain number of years on his farm, from the ago of eight. The first stop in the education of children (and which was more needful in that of agricultural labourers than of any others) is discipline. If that was not taught early at school, reading, writing, and arithmetic are useless. I know that in some schools it is not taught, and, therefore, I siy that the present system of education is not suited to the agricultural population. If a labourer's boy is kept at home till he is 10 or 11, I suspect that he gets something of the same kind of notion that a farmer's son does if he is kept at school till he is 15 or 16. The older a boy gets, the more he is versed in what is called general education; and the more refined his notions become, the less inclined he is to turn his hand to what is called the drudgery of learning his business. Mr. Blyth at the North WalshamMeeting. Notices to Correspondents. Palm-nut Meal ; A Subitcriber would be very much obliged for the account of any experience with Lentils and Palm- nut meal in the feeding of cattle, sheep, or pigs. We will endeavour to get the composition of the several foods com- pared next week. Phosphates: B. According to the analyses of the soluble phosphate in commercial superphosphate and of the common phosphate in bones, 72 lb. of the former are equal in composition to 156 lb. of insoluble phosphate of lime or bone-earth, or to 100 lb. of soluble or bi-phospbate of Ume : and 100 lb. of soluble or bi-phosphate are equal to 156 lb. of bone-earth rendered soluble by acid. The more soluble substance is, however, much more than equal in efficiency to the larger quantity of the less soluble. ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT. One Penny per Square Foot, CEOGGON AND CO., MANUFACTURERS, ( 34, Bread Street, ) t „„^„„ (63, New Earl Street, 1^°°'^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. INODOROUS FELT FOR LINING ROOFS AND SIIIE.S AND IllON IIOOSES Price One Penny per Square Foot. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, ( , „„,,„„ I 63, New Earl Street, ( i^<>°"0"- 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. DRY HAIR FELT FOR COVERING STEAM BOILERS, PIPES, ETC., OF VARIOUS THICKNESSES. CEOGGON AND CO., MANUFACTURERS, ( 34, lircad Street, 1 j „„ .„ {63, New Earl Street, 1^™''™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. IMPORTERS OF SHEET ZINC OF BEST BRANDS. CEOGGON AND CO., ) 34, Bread Street, 1 j „„ ■ „ i 63; New Earl Street, 1^°""^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool ZINC AND METAL PERFORATORS. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, )t„„j„„ (63; New Earl Street, ) ^O""^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2. Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, GALVANIZED FLAT AND CORRUIiAri:i> SllKKT IRON, OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. FOR IKIME USK AND FOR EXPORT. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 31, Bread Street, ) j „„ ,„„ 163; New Earl StVe.t, ) 1'™'^°°- 59, George Square, GlasK"w ; ■!, Guree Piazzas, Liverpool GALVANIZED IRON MANUFACTDRED GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, CEOGGON AND CO., (34, Bread Street, lT„„.q„„ (63; New EarlStWet, l^"""^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON CISTERNS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., f 34, Bread Street, ) r j (63; New Earl Street, l^"""^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool CHURCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BUILDINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., f 34, Bread Street, i ^ „j (63; New Earl Street, P™'^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUBBER FLOOR CLOTH. CEOGGON AND CO., f 34, Bread Street, 1 j „„ ,„„ (63; New Earl Street, p''°'^°°- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS OF HOUSES.- COACH-HOUSES, ETC., TO PREVENT DAMP. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, > j , (63; New Earl Street, l^''"'^"''- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, PORTLAND CEMENT OF BEST QUALITY, lOO lbs. to the BUSHEL. CEOGGON AND CO., f 34, Bread Street, ) r , \ 63; New Earl Street, ) ^<'°'^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PLASTERERS' HAIR SUPPLIED BY CEOGGON AND CO., ' 34, Bread^Street, ( ^^^don. e Piazzas, Liverpool. \ 63, New Earl Street, 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Go: GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, BY CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, I ^ , ( 63, New Earl Street, / ^'"^^o"- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Breixd Street, | ^ i \63, New Kui-1 Street, }^^°'^°°- 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. AWES' "WHEAT MANURE for AUTUMN i SOWING.— A supply of tho above Manure la now ready for delivery, at J. B. Lawes* Faotorlen, Ueptford and Barking Oreokfi. Price £3 per ton. Two to throe cwt. per acre to bo harrowed Into tho land bolore the seed la sown. It can bo obtained of Mr. Lawks, ' throuKli any of hlH appointed Agents ; also LAWES' PATENT TURNIP MANUHK . . £« 0 0 per ton. T HE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (EsTABLtanKDlHW) Have now ready for delivory in dry fine condition, CORN MANDRE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for DroHwlng Pasture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL mid POTATO MANURES. Also Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA, ex Dock Warehouse; SULPHATE of AMMOMA, FISHERY SALT, 4c. E. PDBSLR.aecreinry. OtUcus, 110, Fenohurch Street, E.C. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITROPHOSPHATB for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ODAMS'S SUPERPHOSPHATE of LIME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN OUANO. rHE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD JL MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— 109, Fenchurch Street, London. Western Counties Branch — Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch— 10, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Dn Edward Bell, 48, Marino Parade, Brighton. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grisball Grange, Esses. Charles Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thoma.1 Webb, Hildersham, Cambridgesbire, .lonaa Webb, Melton Roas, Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, 60. West Smithfield. Managing Director — JanicK Odama. Bail fcers— Messrs. Bametts, Hoares, 4 Co., Lombard Street. jS'o (wMtors— Messrs. Klngsford &. Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. A'aditor~3. Carter Jona.s, Cambridge. This company waa originally formed by, and launder the direction ot agriculturists : circumstances that have justly earned for it another title, viz.— "The Tenant Farmertj' Manure Company." Us members are cultivators of upwards of .10.000 acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the consumer bnsthe best guarantee tor the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures manufactured by Chief Offices— 109, Fenchurch Street, London, E.C. For Grottos, Ornamental Rockwork, Ferneries, Flower Stands. &c. VIRGIN CORK OD SALK, at 10*. per cwt., by the London and Lisbon Cork Wuod Company Limited, 28, Upper Thames Street. E.C. GARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in great variety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts being especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, aa they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and once put down incur no f»irther labour and expense, as do "grown" Edgings, con- sequently being much cheaper. GARDEN VASES, FOUNTAINS, &c.. In Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and in great variety of design. F. &G. ROSHER, Street, Blackfria.„, ^. , .^ Cnelsea, S.W. ; Kingsland Road, Klngslond, N.E, ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors. Balconies, ic, as cheap and durable as Stone, In blue, red, and buff colours, and capable of forming a variety of designs, Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS of more enriched designs than the above. WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Larders, Kitchen Ranges, Baths. 4c. Grooved and other Stable Paving Bricks of great durability, Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall Copings, Red and Stoneware Drain Pipes, Slates, Cement, Ac. To be obtained of F. & G. Rosii t their premises as above. SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above addresses— 148. per Ton, or Is. Zd. per Bushel ; -is. per Ton extra for delivery wlthiu three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf. Quantities of 4 Tons, Is. per Ton less. FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS, for Rockeries or Qrotto Work. " - - " Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNUK AND COOKE'S WARRANTED PRIZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that you get them. Observe the mark SAYNOR, also the Corporate Mark, Obtajn Warranted, without which none are genuine. S. & C. regret having to caution Gardeners and others, but ore compelled to do so, in consequence of an imitation, of their make, all of which are warranted both by Sellers and S. & C.'s PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are the the cbeaoest in the market. Paxton Works, Sheffield. Establtshed upwards of 126 y E T. ARCHER'S "E RIGI D 0 M 0."— Patronised by bor Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Nortb* uiiiuorland for Syon House, his Grace the Duke of Devonshire for Chlswlck Gardens, Professor Lindley for the Horticultural Society, and Sir Joseph I'axton for the Crystal Palace, Koyal Zoological Society, &c. PROTECTION from the COLD WINDS and aiORNING FROSTS. " FRIOI DOMO" NETTING. White or Brown, made of prepared Hair and Wool, a perfect non-conductor ot heat or cold, keeping a fixed temperature where It is applied. It is adapted for all Horti- cultural and Floricultural purf)oscs, for Preserving Fruits and Flowers from the Scorching Rays of the Sun, from Wind, from Attacks of Insects, and from Mfornlng Froata. To be had In any required lengths. " FRIGI DOMO " NETTING, 2 yards wide, la. Od. per yard run. "FRIGI DOMO" CANVAS. Two yards wide 1». 9fl^*i».i*irf^*'Sg::<:;^23 HILL AND SMITH'S PATEI^T BLACK VARNISH for preservtuB Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Vamisb is nu excellent substituto for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requinis no mislnp or thtnnins, and is used cold. It is used tn the grounds at Windsor Castle, Kow Gitrdeus, and at tbe seats of many himdreds of the nobility and gontrv, ft-om whom tbe most flattering testimonials have been received, wmob Hill & Smith will forward on application. Fi-tm. J. A. Tavlob, Esq., Strensham Court, " In answer to your inquiries. 1 bes: to inlorm you I find your Black VaiTiisti an excellent substituto for oil paint upon iron and wood out of doors, and have found the iron Barrow with apparatus essential in applying tbe Varnisli to lines of fencing. I can strongly recommend the Black Varnish for all out-door work aa superior to anything 1 liave yut used for the purpose, and it can be applied with great ccouoiny by careful labouri;rs.' add m casks of about 30 gallons each, at Is. 6d. per pcallon, at the Manufactory, or Is. 8-*. por gallon paid to anyStation In the kinedota. Apply to QiLL S Smith, Hrierly Hill iron Works, near Dudley, and 22, Cannon Street West, E.C., ftom whom only it oan be obtained. IHOMAS MILLINGTON and ' iMPOIlTEna, DE41ER3, AND MANDyACTDREBS OF Glaso, sr, Blshopsgate Street Without, London, P'.C. rUK.SENT miCES of HYACINTH GLASSES. A. -28. s. B.— 653. per gross. 0. — iOs. per groas. •>s. Cxi. per (luzcu. Os. per dozen. 3s. Od. per dozen. Tho above aro inado In Green, Blue, Puce, ana Amber. B can bo had in Opal, Is. por dozen extra^ " Every Cottage should be provided with a Water Tank." Disraeli. Iron Cisterns. FBRABY and CO. having laid down extensive and • Improved Machinery In their new range of buildings, Ida WiiABi', Okptkohd, ure now prepared to supply WROUGHT-IRON TANKS, GALVANlsp'.li, ov I'AINTED, of superior quality, at reduced prices, and :it, vory sli.irt imrji-e. LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. r through all respectable Ironmongei Works, Eustou Road, London, PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT- WATER APPARATUS, FOK HEATING CONSERVATORIES, HOTHOUSES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT UWIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TKUSS Begs to state that the humense number of APPARATUS annually Designed and Erected by him in all parts of the kingdom, and for the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGTON and CHISWICK, with unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design, superior materials, and good workmanship ; while the great advantages obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over-estimated, consisting of perfectly tight Joints with neatness of appearance ; EFFECTS A SAVING OF 25 PER CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected compared with other systems; facility for extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints; can be erected by any Gardener; an ordinary size Apparatus erected in one day, and PERFECTNESS of DESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials, with Saddle Boiler, delivered to any Railway Station in England, and Erected at the following prices. Erection beyond 25 miles oti' London, railway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. TWO FOUR-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OP HOUSE. Size of House. Apparatus Complete. Erection, i Size of House. Appaifitua Complete. Erection. 20 feet by 10 feet .. £9 0 0 ..£2 0 0 ,50 feet by 15 feet .. £17 10 0 .. £3 0 0 30 feet by 12 feet ,. 1115 0 .. 2 10 0 75 feet by 15 feet .. 20 0 0 .. 3 0 0 40 feet by 15 feet ., 16 0 0 .. 2 15 0 I 100 feet by 15 feet ,. 26 0 0 .. 3 5 0 Bath and Gas Work erected in town or country. The Trade Supplied. Soriiculiural Buildings of every description from Is. Gd.per foot superjicial, inclusive of BricJcwork. In A. HAAOE'S WOOD GARDEN STICKS and . TALMES, coi.imonded by the Royal Horticultural Society, acknowlodgcil to bo tlio neatest, cheapest, and best Training Sticks and Tallios made. Tho above can now bo had of all Bizes, Wholesale, of Bf.tuam i Ulackitii, Cox'a Quay, Lower Thames Street, London, E.G. ; and Retail of tho principal SecUsiuen and Florists. ri-ice Lis 1 "PI Pi'iee Lists, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S. TRUSS, C.E., CoNSULTiifo Horticulturai, Englneer, &c., Sole Manufacturer, FRIAR STREET, BLACKERIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — The City Offices are now Amoved to the Manufactory, Friar Street. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWERS, AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL OF THE TmiVERSAL EXHIBITION, PARIS, 1867- ALES. SIT.VNKS Ami SON have received official intimation that the Jurv at tho Paris Exhibition have AWARDED thum the FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL for their PATENT LA^iVN MOWERS. A. S. AND SON, judging from the fact, that out of all the Lawn Mowers in the Exhibition, their Machines have been the only Lawn Mowers deemed worthy by the Jury to receive so distinguished an honour, are gratified to find in this a further proof that the eft':rts they have made to improve their Machines have always been in the right dhection. Tho demand for SHANKS' MACHINES increases year by year, and during the past season it has increased very considerably. A. S. and SON having had so long an experience in this Trade, can confidently guarantee their Machines to be unequalled by any before the Public. ig^ Every Machine warranted to give satisfaction, and if not approved of can be at once returned. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS SENT FREE ON APPLICATION. Important to Gardeners. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXIIIIUTION PRIZE MEDAL of 180 7 SAYNOR ANT) COOKE only, for excellence of quality in Miitortftl and Worknmnship In PRUNING nnd BUDDING KNIVES, VINE and PltUNlNG SCISSORS. &c. — the blgU tliua awarded showing tholr supenority over all other of Pest Office Order for lis. fkl. L i.onder Grove, DaUton, iDction thua awarded showing tholr supenority over all other potltors. hftvUiK oXho pro^ioubly carried the PRIZE MEDALS of the UREAT EXUUnTlONS of 1861. 1655, and \mi. Can be bought of all Nurserymen and Seodamoa In the world. Paxton Works, Sheffield. Established 120 yoaru. Corporate Mark, " outaim." Nona aro gotiulno unless marked Saynor, aho Ohtaim Wabbaktzd. Oil Paint no Longer NecesaaryT" TMPROVED BLACK VARINISH.— Forpreservinglron X and Wood Fencing, Gates, Farm Implements. Ac. Sold in caaka of about 30 itailomi eucb at is. Zd. per gallon, carriage paid to any railway htution in England or Walea. A sample cask of 10 Rail o forwarded (c;irnaKe paid) on ■ - ^ . -« ^ . , . No charge for casks, M:ujuri Pain, 10, lli.f ALES. SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, LeadenhaU Street w the only place in London witere intending Purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from loO to 200 Machines, A. S. and SON luive a staff of efficient Workmen at 27, LeadenhaU Street, thoroughly acquainted with all the details of tliesc Machinesy so that they arc enabled to repair them in London as well as can be done at their Manufactory, London, N.E. Test f~iARSUN'S AN I l-< >' i: FUSION PAINT, KJ Patronised by the Nui.iii[.y iui.i (juutry, is exieneively used for all kinds of OUT-DOUR WORK, and is proved, after a test of 70 years, to surpass any other Paint. It ia especially applicable to Iron, Wood, Stone, Brick, Compo, and is the only Paint that will eHectually resist the rays of the sun upon Conservatories, Green- houses, lYames, &c. Is twice as dunible as genuine Wtiite Lead, so simple in application that any person can use it. por cwt. WHITE, LIGHT STONE, BATH, and LIGHT PORTLAND COLOURS 30«. LEAD, CHOCOLATE, RED, PURPLE, BROWN, and BLACK 26s. of Ireland and Scotland. Patterns and Testimonials sent post free. Walter Carson & Sons, La Belle Sauvage Yard, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. Caution. — All Casks should bear the Trade Mark. No Agents. JOHN GIBSON, JuN., bega to announce that he is prepared to Furmsh PLANS and ESTIMATES for LATINO OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other Residences, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Gii , Surrey Lane, Battersea, S.W. farm PouJtry. GREY DORKING i^OVVLS, of purest breed, in any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the lai-gest and most productive breed known. Improved NORFOLK TURKEYS, large, hardy, and good breeders. AYLESBURY and ROUEN DUCKS. Imported BELGIAN HARE RABBITS, for size and early maturltc. BRAHMA-POUTRA. CREVECCEUR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, for constant layers. Pilced Lists and Estimates on application. John Baily S. Son, 113, Mount Street, London, W. High BeeciirEssex. 0 BE LET, an advantageous SAlALL NURSERY, with everything ready for immediate use, about 2 Acres of Ground, and 4U()0 feet of Glass, well stocked indoors and out ; the whole to be taken with Stock or without. For pai-ticulars, apply by letter to C. Hunt, Post Office, Loughton. T term-', and _ _„, ., OLD E.STABLISHED NUPvSEtlY, eligibly situated, adjoining a large and important town. ■ bo entered upon immediately, gbbourhood, and having every facility ir currying on an extensive business.— Address, G. H., Mr. Cooper, Seed Merchant, 152, Fleet Street, London, E.C. County of Suffolk. TO BE SOLD or LET, by Private Contract, a FREEHOLD ESTATE of about 1300 Acres, -with valuable rights of Common, situated in a good Sporting district, where Game abounds. There Is an old Hall on the property, with Stables, Garden, Pleasure Grounds, 4c., but excellent Sites f ' ' "" "" Erection of a superior Mansio miles from a Railway Station. For particulars applj Basinghall Street, Lon Davidson, Esq., Weavers' Hall, Sales lig gtttctton* Llllum auratum, in fine condition. MR. J. C. KTEVENS \\'iU SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, 33, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C., on TUESDAY, January 28, at half-past 12 o'Clock precisely, without reserve, 16,0CK) splendid BiUbs of LILIUM AURATUM, just arrived from Japan, in the liiiost possible condition. On view the Morning of Sate, and Catalogues had. important Unreserved Sale of Plants at the Royal Nurseries, Great Yarmoutli. MR. J. C. STEVENS begs to announce that ho ha.s been favoured with Instructions from Messrs. Youell & Co. (in consequence of the Death of one of the members of the Finn, and Dissolution of Partnership), to SELL by AUCTION, on the Prt-mises the Royal Nurseries, Great Yamicuth, during the month of February, the whole of the valuable NURSERY STOCK, conaiat- lug of Hardy Conifers, Roses, Shrubs, Fruit Trees, Herbaceous Plants, Greenhouse and Hothouse Plants, ou.OOO choice GladioU, &c., together with the Greenhouses, Pits, Frames, Propagating Houses, Garden Implements, Carts, &c., and LEASE and GOODWILL o( Rooms and Offices', 38, King Street, Covent Garden. W.C. _ To Gentlemen, Florists, Horticulturists, and Oihers. MESSRS. SWINIJLEY .und CO. have rectivrd instructi'ii : ^i i T ! AUCTION, on the Premises, Pino li, W., close to the Queen of , January 29. at 12 for 1 o'Cloct, Cottage, New ;: Eunlanci Taveiii, - : the whole of tliL siatiug of Spiiii ^i. I I-' Vineries on an ImiTovoi and sundiT eflecta. On view the day prior and Morning of Sale. Catalogues on tho Premises, and at the Offices of the Auctioneers, 1a, Hornton Street, Konsiugton, W. _^_^_^ _^ ___^__ , Single and Double Light Frame: To Nurserymen and Gentlemen Planting. Tue Nurseries, Rhinkfikld. is the New Forest, sear biiuCRES- MR. FREDERICK KLLEnTuI SELL by AUCTION, e!U-ly in l-'M i.'i.. :l' liruckenhurst. about 1,1M.>.0W 2-yr,' Seedling SC r wTj«TiA^i.r.TT= ^.T^^^^"'''^ ^^"^ GREENHOUSE PLANTS, FERNS, &c. nnTv^ciT VbTif ' '^' ^''^ choice strain, carefully hybridised, in strong plants. Price on application. rTWupfs'i f^/^UL.iS, from all the leading strains in the country, strong plants. Price on application. LIJNJIKAIUA, from all the leading strains in the country, carefully selected, strong plants. Price on application. BEDDING PLANTS (in April). T. S. is proud to say, that since he has been Proprietor of the above Nurseries, he has spared no expense in erecting convenience and accommodation unequalled in the country-, and has procured everything worthy of culti- vation and notice. He flatters himself that these Nurseries have now extended the stock for which they have so long been famed, and that his stock of the above exceeds by three to one any in the country. SPECIAL OFFER. TDiji'o^"J'nV.'','So"'.°™'""'^ °^ '"'■='' •■'"'^^''""'■°°''"'' allregulariv Transplanted, ORNAMENTAL CONIFEROUS IKilJSb SjHRUBS, Arc, mcluding Abies, Cedars, Cupressus, Juniperus, Thuja, Thuja aurea, Portugal Laurel Standard, HoUy Standards, &c. <- ' r i j . j > 6 ONE- YEAR SEEDLING TREES. Two MiUion ENGLISH OAK ; 200,000 strong HAZEL ; One MUlion WHITE THORN. Price on appUcation. TRANSPLANTED TREES. ASH, OAK, HAZEL, PINUS AUSTRIACA, LARCH, FIR, WHITE THORNS. AU the above, large and nne, at moderate prices.— January 22, 1868. Seed Catalogue for 1868. JOHN AND CHARLES LEE will be happy to forward their DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of AGRICULTURAL. VEQBTABLE, and FLOWER SEEDS, post free on opplication. RoyiU Vineyard Nursery & Seed Establishment, Hammeraraith, W. New Seeds of Superior Stocks. FRANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS, The Old-Eatablished Seed Wiu-ehouse, 100, Eaatgate Street, Chepter. The Best Early Pea iw ConTivATios, DICKSON'S " FIRST and BEST."— Price is. M. per Quart. CATALOGUE of VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, for ISliS, with Practical Cultural Directions, is now published, and will ba sent Post Free on application. Their Seeds are all of the most Select character, each being saved from the Best Stock known of its kind. Garden Seeds of £1 value delivered Carriage Free. Flower Seeds sent Post Free, except heavy articles, such as Sweet Pesj, Lupins, &c. New Seeds, Growth of 1.867. SUTTON AND SONS are now prepared to execute orders for all kinds of GARDEN SEEDS. The prices are moderate and the quality flne, owing to their having been harvested well. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. Buttons' Home-grown Seeds^ Carrijige Free. -,fe-^§^^.^ The only Prize Medal C per cent, allowed for xXRlftSfr'ffS for English Garden Seeds, cash payment. ^3^^^^S Paris, 18C7. SUTTONS' COMPLETE COLLECTIONS of SEEDS for One Year's Supply. FOR THE KITCHEN GARDEN. No. 1 COLLECTION, curriage Iree £3 3 0 No. 2 COLLECTION, carriage free ... 2 *i 0 No. 3 COLLECTION, carriage free .. 1 11 8 No. 4 COLLECTION, carriftga free .. " 1 L 0 No. 5 COLLECTION, carriage free .. .. " 0 15 0 No. 0 COLLECTION ! 0 12 0 FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. No, 1 COLLECTION, free by post or rail £2 2 0 No. 2 COLLECTION, free by post or rail .. .. 1 11 0 No. 3 COLLECTION, free by post or rail .. .. 110 No. 4 COLLECnON, free by post or rail 0 15 0 No. 5 COLLECTION, free b/ post or rail 0 11) (J Particulars of the above Collectiona may be had on application. PRICED CATALOGUES gratis and post free. SuTTOM & Sons, Seed Growers, Readine. ROLLISSONS' TELEGRAPH CUCUMBER, the best Winter and Early Spring variety in cultivation. See Gardeners' Chronicle, January 12, 1867. See Gardeners' Chronicle, March 16, 1867. See Gardeners' Chronicle, August 31, 18«7, See fjardenei's' Chronicle, October 12, 1867. The above, in printed sealed packets, pnce 2s, 6d. each. William Rollissdn & Sons, The Nurseries, Tooting, Loudon, S. Kitchen Garden Seeda.^^ ~^ SEEDS OF FLOWERS, SHRUBS, And Omanaental Fruited and Foliaged Plants, BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS HOOTS AND PLANTS I For Spring and Summer Planting. HOOPER AND CO.'S GENERAL CATALOGUE for 1868, comprising a very large and varied assortment of the above subjects, with descriptions and prices, is now publishing. It will be forwarded gratis to their customers, and to intending To the Trade Only. THOMAS CRIPPS AND SON^S WHOLESALE CATALOGUE for the present Season, containing 62 panes of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, can be had Post Free. It will be found to include the NEW SILVER-EDGED PRUNUS (CERASUS) M AHALEB, ROSSEELS' NEW GOLDEN ELM. NEW AUCUBAS, HYDRANGEAS, OSMANTHUS, WEIGELAS, and every novelty of merit. CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA SEED in any quantity. The Nurseries, Tunbndge Wells, Kent. MAURICE YOUNG'S NEW CATALOGUE of NEW HARDY PLANTS, JAPANESE NOVELTIES, NEW AUCUBAS, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS. EVER- GREENS, CONIFER.(E, RHODODENDRONS, FOREST TREES, ice, may be had on application. DESIGNS, PLANS, and ESTIMATES PREPARED for LAYING-OUT NEW GROUNDS, IMPROVING PARK SCENERY, PLANTATIONS, Sc. Convenient railway accommod.'Ltion to all parts of the country. Milford Nurseries, near Godalniing, Surrey. New Seed Catalogue. CHARLES TUKNER, The Koyal Nurseries, Slough, begs to state that his DESCRIPTIVE LIST of GARDEN, FLOWER, FARM SEEDS, and C0LINARY ROOTS, is now ready, and may be had on application. E TTE r1 inrE "S exhibition ASTERS. 12 distinct varieties, separate, 33. 6d. per packet ; mixed. Is. do. These were saved by R. H. Betteridge, Esq., and no other Quilled Asters are equal to them, Charles Tuhwer, The Royal Nurseries, Slough. EW WHITE FRENCH BEAN, 3 feetrraost prolilicT NEW DWARF FRENCH SAVOY, very tender. Both highly recommended. In packets. Is. 6d. each. Cbarles Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough. N THE THREE BEST PEAS, LITTLE GEM,. ADVANCER, and PREMIER. Letter from Canada, in " Journal of Ilorticulture," Jan. 2, 1868 : — *' Little Gem was, considering the season, simply grand ; Advancer maintained its former excellence. These two varieties stand with us unrivalled, and by a succession of sowing. Peas may bo had all the season througb. Premier, as a late variety, will make the thre a best, all Wrinkled Marrows." Seed from the original stock is now offered by Charles Tueskh, Royal Nursery, Slough. Editorial Communications should be ■ The Editor.' 1 the said County.— b ■ The Publisher," . Paul's, Covent Garden, // THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 5.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1. (Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, Orf. Ruteinan inedul , Rooks noticed . kittle Importation.... I»7etition. Schedules of Prizes are now ready, and inay bo obtained in application to the Honorary Secretary, Mr. J. B. Saunders, !, Hommett Street, Taunton. ;^UTTO:^S'~"COLLECTIONS"of FLOWER SEEDS O free by post or mil. For particul.irs, see pase 90 ot this woek'a Qardcners' OtronicU. SuTTuN k Sons, Seed Growers, Readiutr. STAWDAKD MARECHAL NIEL HOSES; O also DWARFS. Wm. Wood k Snv, Mhieafield, Uckfleld, Sussex. ROSES.-^FIIED C0L0MB7MARECHAirNIEL PRINCESS MARY of CAMBRIDGE. Extra Qne Standards lallStaiidiirda, Dwarfs. The Trade supplied. ' JuH!( Keynes, Castle Street Nurser>', Salisbury. To the Trade.— Dwarf HybrTd Perpetual Rosea > USSHY AND SON beg to otter tine Hants of the Mie Mauetti Stock, all good sorts, their selection, 11(3 Eud Nursery, Eaton, Norwich. I I ussi-:^ DOUBLE ITALIAN TUBEROSES, fine sound roots.— Price to the Tr.ide on applic.ation to — 4 Co.. 237 and 238. Hinh Ilolborn. London. W C ^LADIOr.US BEENCHLEYENSIS, ray^fi^ roots:^ ^ Price to the Trade on application to 1^4 Co.. 237 and 238. High Uolborn^London, W.C. _ Verbenas, Verbenas. piCHARD WATCHOR.-J is now sending out the L \i abote, strong plants, at 10s. per 100, package included Ashby Nursery. Essex Road, lallngton, W. irERKENAS.-PurpIe, White, Scarlet, and "Piu¥ T Strong plants, with plenty of Cuttings. 3n. per dozen ■ small « Cs. per 100. or £2 10s. per 1000. package included 'rerms PniLip LAona. Nursery. Bexley Heath. Kent. S.E nALCEOLAKlAS (AUREA ELORIBUNDA) -W^- ... ""'f? P.'?"'»' °"" "f ("o's. Most or them will now afford a uttlng. 12s. lid. per 100. package included. ^- Rose, Xurseryniap and Seedsman. Bamsley. Yorkshire ytCEOLARIAS (Herba'ceousy of choice strain "—kice ^plants, singly, in pota. 208. per lOO, or 3s. per dozen ; a superior M mility. potted in 4-inch pots. Oat per doz. Al'so i, splenclld plants. 9s. per dozen. Price to tho"fra"do on app?lca°. I. U. 4 R. StiiizAniB, SkerUm Nurseries. Lancaster HE QUEEN, the best WHITE^RHODOlmiTjRON ever raised. IS NOW BEING SENT OUT ■^"^^'^" Chables Noble, Bagshot. ESSRS. ANSELL having a very larse^RTont^^f . eiceedlngly fine pot DAHLIA ROOTS.''beg to offer them at nitiist.ro rt'h';rh:-toTS.'""° °'"' '^^"^ ^-^^v^""^^]. 'ihe Nurseries, Grafton Road, Kenttah Town NW PO THE TIU1)E.-A few ounceaof fine New^Seed •rae T,^.^ CORNUTA "MAUVE- and "PURPLE QUEEN" So 7s. Mr loS ""l""""'""- '^I'O ""<"■« tilty plants if abovi. JosEPU^A^iiao!!, Blakedown Nursery. XiddemUuster. r Th.o^L^' •'' '"''"'A' ^"^"""y of the above.-Apply to •^_lHjOA»nESEn. on Beiniout Estate. Uibr.dge. Mlddleaei.-^ 'Voking^urserv, Surrey. {■A.UI. s Nurseries and Seed Warehouse, WaithauiCioas, London, N. Orcbard-liause Trees Fruiting In Pots. PEACHES, NECTARINES, APRICOTS, CHERRIES, PLUMS, PEARS. APPLES. VINES, and FIGS. RioaARi> SuiTU. Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. PY R aTM I D A L "F R U IT T K E E S. Extra size inagnillcent Trees, well branched. Apply to Stepuen Broww. Nurseryman, Sudbury. Suffolk. Y R AMI DAL APT-Ll-rs and^P E A JTS, by tbo dozen or hundred. Standard MEDLARS, THUJA AUREA, well.giown and handsomo. Address. Wk. Wood & Son. Woodlands Nursery. Marestleld. near Uckfleld. Sussex. Fruit the First Season.— Pyramidal Pear Trees, WM. WOOD AND'sON^iiave'' "' of the above, first and second t Trees.— Woodlands Nuraery, Maresfleld. Uckfleld, Sussex. To the Trade. WOOD AND INGRAM have still to offVr a ma»nificent lot of STANDARD APPLES; cut back 1-vear NOBLESSE. ROYAL GEORGE and RED MAGDALEN PEACHES; RED Vines. BS. WILLI.iMS has now on hand a very large and . fine Stock of FRUITING and PLANTING CANES of all the boat varieties. An inspection is invited. Victoria and Paradise Nurseries. Upper Holloway, London. N, Fruit Trees^inTvines. JAMES DICKSON and_ SONS have a very large and 1 applicatic O excellent stock of these. PRICED LISTS _. " Newton " Nurseries, Chester. E S S E R T ORANGE CULTURE^ A DE.SCKIPTIVE CATALOGUE of sorts, and directions ESSERT ORANGE A DE.SCKIPTIVE CATALOGUE of sort:, for culture, free per post. Thos. Rivers & Son. Nurseried, Sawbridgeworth. WANTED, TWO LARGE FlUS that have been Trained for Fruitiug this Season. Must be in Pots or Tubs. State size, name of sort, and price, to Messrs. J. Wrigut Sl Co Stone Grove Nursery, Ednewaro, Middlesex, N.W. EFB' S" PRIZ E" CO B" FTlB K iVfsTand otlier PRIZE COB NUTS and FILBERTS. Ll.ST of these varieties from Mr. Weub. Calcot, Reading. CATALOGUE of 'TrUTT; FirRfiTST, and ORNAMENTAL TREES, RHODODENDRONS, ROSES CONIFERS, 4c., free on application. Charles .Noulk. Hagshot. Fruiting Trained Trees. THOMAS JACKSON and SON, having a great extent of high walls, have many large TRAINED TREES ; and as they are making much alteration in their Nursery, they now offer them at greatly reduced prices. An inspection is invited Clearance of Nursery Stock. L REDUCED PRICE LIST of FOREST TREES, i-c, will be forwarded on apulication to J. RiDDELL. Steward, Park Attwood, 'Bewdley, Worcestershire. rOR HEDGES.— AMERICAN "ARBOR^ATT^TTt^ 5 feet, at 60s. per 100 ; 6 to 6 feet, 84s. per 100 : 6 to 7 feet \s. per lOO. ' RicDAitD Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. , Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. SCOTCH FIR SEED.— Samples and prices of genuine True NATIVE SCOTCH FIR SEED can be had on application to Ovvv & Petbie, Nurserymen and Seedsmen, Inverness. A' CER LOBELII.- iate-growing . per dozen. - -Four or Five Do 1 feet high, to __ i., Hildenley, nei 1 of thia beautiful TEN THOUSAND LAUR US T ll^'tTs; well grown, bushy, and bandsome. _ ^M- Wood & Son, Maresfield, Uckfleld, Sussex. rpHIRTY THOUSAND AMERiCA"N ARBdR^Vim J from 3 to 6 feet, very suitable for Hedges. W«. Wood & Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresllold, near Uckfioid ONE 'HUNDRED ^THOUS.\ND "tine "Transplanted COMMON LAURELS, from \\ to 3 feet. ur.. TTT„^^ ,. ^^^^ Woodlands Nursery, Maresfield, near Uckfleld, Sussex. WENTY rp-v THOUSAND PINUS AUSTRIACA. 60,000 fine Transplanted SCOTCH FIRS lixtra stout well-grown BLACK ITALIAN and LOMBARDY POPLARS, 0 to 10 leet, Wii. Wood 4 Son. Marosfl..ld, Uckfleld. Sussex. Larch; Tj^ORTY THOUSAND LARCH, 4 to 5 feet, strong, X With flne heads, and well-rooted, will be Sold Cheap. Samples and price on application to r t- Kobert Matueson. Nurseryman, Morpeth, Northumberland. White Thorn Qulck.-To RaUway Contractors. &c A MILLION ot tlie best CAMiiRlDUESHIRE WHITE i^ THORN QUICK, from I to 3-yr. old. lor SALE, in small or Mary Aie. City. London, E.C. large Lota. For price apply t To Gentlemen, Builders, and Others A BOUT 2000 large Ornamental FOREST TREES -ii- 12 to 14 feet, suitable for inimedlato Blind or Park Plantinir' conaUtingof ELM, MAPLE. SYCAMORE. FL.\NE. and BIRCH _J. W. ToDUAN. Eltham Nursery. S.E. Chinese Arbor-vltje. LTUSSEY AND Sl)N beg to otter tine bushy Planti X J- of the above. 3 to 4 feet high, at ^s. m, per doz.. 60s. per 100 Also a few strong DAPHNE CNEORUM, at 6s. per do^. l™"""- Mile End Nursery. Eaton, Norwich- WM. SCALING has on hand a very large and fine stock of the best Varieties of OSIER CUrTINGS lor form mT?ER WlLLOwI""'-"'-''"'" '"■"'-'-"'■ ""-''»<'■ ■'■"^ •'^•■■'-""* EVERT GARDEN REQUISITE kept in Stock at Cauieu's Now .Seed Warehouse. 237 H, 23S, High Holljorii. London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. JAMES CART E R a n ii C 0., Seed Farmers. Mercuants. and Ncrservuek, 237 4 238. High Ilolborn, London, W.C. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. JAMES FAIRHEAD and SON, Skkd Guowkiis and Merchants. 7, Borough Market, and Braiutree. Essox. New and Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. ALFRliD LEGEKTON, Seed Mehchant. o, Alilgate, London, E. Special prices and advanta.;eou8 offers on apfilica- tion. All Seeds sent out from this Establishment are nett, and of the best quality H"E ON L"Y P R I Z E ~M"E D~A L for GRASS SEEDS, PARIS, 1807, was awarded to James Carter 4 Co., 237 and 233, High Holborn, London, W.C. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL forGARDEN'SEEDS; INTERNATIONAL E.XHIBITION, LONDON, 1802, was «4Co.,237nnd 238, High Holborn, London, \ irded t James PA RTS, Whe ONLY PRIZE "MEDAL for ENGLISH' 1807. I GARDEN SEEDS was awarded to SUTTON 4 SONS. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. OTTONS' COLLECTIONS of VEGETABLE SEEDS For particulars, see page 00 of this week's Gardeners' Chronicle. Scrros 4 Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. t T TO N S • S E ITEC T SEIj'D^L I S T _ IS NOW READY. Gr.itis on application. U f T O N S ' ' A .M A T E U R ' S^" G U TD E IS NOW READY. Prico Is., post free ; gratis to customers. 102, Eastgate Street, Chester. s w Seeds of Fiist Quality, TEPHEN BROWN'S NEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with Illustrations, sent free on application. _ Stephen Brown, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Suffolk. Genuine Garden Seeds. M. C0TBUSH and SON'S CATALOGUE of the above is now read.v. Post free on application. Highgate Niirseries. London. N. w OOD AND SON'S SEED LISTS, containing all the NOVELTIES of the se.ison. gratis on application. Maresfield. near Uckliold, Sussex. STRIPED-LEAVED JAPANESE MAIZE, os. per lb. ^ _ Louis Van Hootti:, Royal Nursery, Ghent, Belgium. Robinson's Champion Drumhead Cabbage Seed. ^ iND F. SHARPE have a tine stock of the above, which tbey c;in offer to tiie Trade at a very low price. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. HE "TRUE irEADrNG^~ONIOjr~SEED may be had direct from Sdtton & So.ss, Seed Growers, Keadirn?'- Lowe.st price per lb. on application. H HENRVS PRIZE HYBRID LEEEia quite distinct from any other sort, is the largest in Cultivation, and perfectly hardy. Free by post. Is. per packet or l:i Stamps. To be had direct from Downie. Laird, & Lai.ng, Seedsmen, 17, Frederick Street, Edinburgli, and Stanstead Park, Forest Hill, London. S.E. Musselburgh Leek (true). THOS. HANDASYDE and DAVIDSON are executing Orders fi;r the above. Price on application. Tnos. Handasvdk j£ Davifison. Seedsmen, Nurserymen, awt Florists, 24, Cockburn Street, Edinburgh. Nm-serles iit Musselburgii THE'LONG-STANDER LETTUGE.—Fine, cri.sp, and excellent, stands longer without runnini; than auy Lettuce extant. Packets. !.•.■. each. Price to the Trade on jipplicition. THIRTY 3-yr. old- To the Trade. THOUSAND ASPARaVGUS ROOTS, ply to Gloucester. Mackie's Monarch Long-pod Beans. HAND F. SHARPE have a True Stock of the above, • all hand-picked, and good size and colour, whicli they can offer to the Trade at a moderate price. Seed-Growing Establishment, Wisbech. S\^^\) PO'TATOS. — Alllhe finest" variet"ies~at~\-ery moderate prices. H. & F. Shabpe, Wisbech. PATERSON'S VICTORIA POTATOS, the heaviest croppei-s, the finest flavoured, and the best keeping seed, direct- from Mr. Fateraon. Price on .ipplication to Mr. Plarce, Measnam, Atherstone. Potatos. ~~~ JAMES DICKSON and SONS have a large stock of all O the best Vn nil LED 102. Eastgate Street, carefully selected for Seed. LIST » appllci on •' Nu jiies. Cheater. Notice. ~~ SUTTONS' BERKSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO.— In consequence of the great demand for the above New Potato, Sutton & Sons (m reply to many Inquiries) regret to say they a/v unable to supply mart ttian one peck to any one Customer. Koyal BerKshire Seed Establiiihment, Heading,— January L'7, 18C-;. MILKY WHITE POTATO.— Well-known and acknowledged to bo the best Potato ju cultivation, at is. per peck of U lb. ; or 15m. per bushel of 56 lb. Guaranteed true and free irom disease. Apply to Gkqroe WjwFiiii.D. Gloucestershire Seed Warehouse, Gloucester. Seed Potatos. CHARLES SHARPE and CO., Seed GrioWEits, Sleaford, huve to offer the Trade, flt moderate pricoa, MY'ATT'S PROLIFIC. KE'iENT. DALilAUOV, EARLV ROCN0 and EAULV uXFOUD POTATOS. Seed VVut-ebouso, SleaTord. LlQCOlQshtre. THE CtART^ENERS' CHKONICLE iNB AGEICUIJUEAL GAZETTE. [Febeuaet 1, 1868. DOBSONS' CELEBRATED PRIZE SEEDS have an immenso Sale, and are supplied by all Seedsmen, & c. OBSONS' CELEBRATED^^PRIZE CALCEOLARIA^ The finest strain in the world. Is. Cd., -Is. 6d., 3s. fid., and 5^. D PRIZE BALSAM OBSONS' SCARLET INTERMEDIATE STOCK nrkable for their doublenes-s. Cd. and Is. D^ B' ANTIRRHINUM. B' B' Rliododendrons, As Exhibited at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Rsgekt's Parr. JOHN "WATEKEE, the Exhibitor at the above Gardens, has pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of tlie above popular Plants Is now published, and will be forwarded to all applicants. It fftithftUly describes all the varieties considered fforthv of cultivation. It contains likewise a selection of HARDY COMFEKS, with heights and prices. The American Nursery, Bagshot, Surrey. ft^ The NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE, No. 81, and a Speci- men Nun " -" "^- ----- "---.-.■----- -.-.-.---. ----^-. applying ■ M' AURICE YOUNG'S NEW CATALOGUE of NEW HARDY PLANTS, JAPANESE NOVELTIES, NEW AUCUBAS, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS. EVER- GREENS, CONIFERS, RHODODENDRONS, FOREST TREES, Ac, may be had on application. DESIGNS, PLANS, and ESTIMATES PREPARED for LAYING-OUT NEW GROUNDS, IMfKOVING PARK SCENERY, PLANTATIONS, So. the Acre, and F' Convenient railway accommodation to all parts of the country. Milford Nurseries, near Godahning, Surrey. Beck's Seedling Pelargoniums. SGLENDINNING and SONS are now offering for • the first time the 12 beautiful, new, and distinct PELARGO- NIUMS raised by Mr. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Beck, Esq., of Isleworth, ; Certificates at the ' 1 application. New Zealand Nursery, St. Alban's, Herts. J "WATSON'S bo;mtiful BEDDING PELARGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready ; colour of Indian Yellow ; fine truss, and habit of Lord Palmerston. Price 5s. each ; 36s. per doz, to the Trade. MISS WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1.^ The Two [1-, ..^_ -„ 0 the Trade. STANDARD ROSES. HYBRID PERPETUALS and others, 18*. per dozen. HALF STANDARDS, 15s. per dozen. ROSES, in li-inch pots, for Forciog or Oreenhouse Culture. HYBRID PERPETUALS, TEA-SCENTED, and NOISETTES, 24«. to 30s. per dozen. Wm. Woon & Son, Woodlands Nursery. MaresQeld, near Uckfield, Sussex. __________^_^ Roses. WM. PAUL hus stiU a magnificent stock of ROSES, for which he respectfully solicits Orders. STANDARDS and HALF-STANDxVRDS, sound, healthy heads. and clear, straiEht stems, I8s. per dozen ; £7 per 100. STANDARDSandHALF-STANDARDS, very superior, 2-Js. per doz. STANDARD TEA ROSES, 24s. to 30s. per doz. „ NEW ROSES, 42.S-. per doz. DWARF STANDARD ROSES, 12s. to 18s. per doz. DWARF ROSES (on Manetti), 9s. to V2s. per doz. „ ,, (own roots), 12s. to 18s. per doz. „ „ (New), 24s. to 36s. per doz. „ „ (Summer kinds), 6s. to i)s. per doz. „ ,, mixed, for Borders or Shrubberies, SOs. per 100. CLIMBING ROSES, in variety, Os. to 12*-. per doz. Extra-sized TEA ROSES, for Forcing, or Grcenhouso culture. e charged at special and reduced rates if ordered by the 100. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE free by post. Paul's Nm-series, Waltham Cross, London, N. F To the Trade.— Continental Flower Seeds, &c. W. WENDEL, Seed Merchant and Grower, Erfurt, Prussia, begs to announce that his WHOLESALE nth, London, > New Seeds for the Garden and Farm, 1868. A RCIIIBALD HblNDER- Jr\, SON'S DESCRIPTIVE and PRICED CATALOGUE of SEEDS, contatniog Cultural remarks on all the most important Seeds, a Select List of GLADIOLUS for Spring Planting ; also his DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK is now ready, and may be had gratis aud post free upon appli- Sion Nursery, Thornton Heath, Surrey, and at the East Surrey Seed Warehouse, College Grounds, North End, Croydon. Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, MISCELLANEtiuS HARDY BEDDING PLANTS, SWilET VIOLETS, &,o. ROBERT PARKER begs to announce that his CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of the finest kinds in cultivation of the above-named, is now published, and will be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have all the best possible sources ; all are warranted ed at the lowest possible prices. ' id to compare the prices with ry, Tooting, Surrey, S. LOISE-CHAUVIERE, Seedsman, Nurseryman, and Flohist, 14, Quai de la Megisserie, Paris, begs to inform his numerous Friends and tbose interested, that he can offer the most complete collection of GLADIOLI bulbs, of the finest quality. An kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS are supplied by this firm, prices of which may be had on application. LoiSE-CoAuviEREhas been rewarded with the Gold Medal for the plants whicd he exhibiten at the " Universal Exhibition," been procured genuine, and are ot Intending purch; __ those of other houses, — Exotic N' amongst which were Gladioli, Dahlias, Gloxinias, Annuals, and Ornamental plants. Nursery and Seed EstabUshment, Dumfries. (ESTABI-ESllED 17Sr.) THOMAS KENNEDY and UO. will hare much pleasure in sending the fullowing DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUES to any address ou application :— No. I,— CATALOGUE of DUTCH FLOWER ROOTS. &c. No. II.— CATALOGUE of FOREST, FRUIT, and ORNA- MENTAL TRKES, ROSKS, &c. "' ^."— Q^ SELECT VEGETABLE and The Nurseries— Dumfries Railway Station, Meadows, Nithbank, Messrs. Thomas Kenkedt k Co., Nurserymen, Seedsmen, Florists, Dumfries, proclaim in loud language their honour and respectability, and also the wide-spread nature of their dealings. We can only reiterate our former favourable commeadations, and say to all who may be disposed to deal with the Firm, that they will, under all circumstances, be treated in all integrity and uprightness."— T/ic Field, 19th March, 1804. PARKS, CEMETERIES, and ORNAMENTAL PLANTATIONS.— Several Thousands of LARCH and SCOTCH FIRS in handsome condition. 6 to 8 feet, thriving well on poor land, all transplanted. — Address, W. P., 1a, Bumey Street, Giewnwich. STRONG SPRUCE, &c., for COVER. 100.000 SPRUCE FIR, li to 2 feet, twice Transplanted. 60,000 SPRUCE FIR. 2i to 3 feet, twice Transplanted. 60,000 best PRIVET, and 60,000 strong LAURELS. The above are suitable for Plantations and improving Covers, and are now offering very Cheap, For pricey apply to W. .lACSsoN & Co., Nurseries, Bedale, Yorkshire. Leicester Abbey Nurseries. FRUITS, ROSES, EVERGREENS, and ORNAMENTAL TREES. THOMAS "WARNER begs to remind Planters and the Trade, that in addition to his extensive General Nursery Stock he has the following in immense quantities, of unsurpassed quality, and at very reasonanle prices : — APPLES, APRICOTS, PEARS, and PLUMS, Standards, with stems 4 to 6 feet, and good heads, f-'-— ■^- - Roses, Gladioli, Cinerarias. Azaleas. &c. GAND J. KUMLET have to otfer the undernamed • strong and good, for cash : — HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES, choice varieties, 6s. to 12s. p. doz. GLADIOLUS BRENCHLEYENSIS, strong, 2s. to 3s. per dozen, or 10s. to lis. per 100. CINERARIAS, CKtra fine varieties, 6;*. to 9s. per dozen. AZALEA INDICA, choice varieties, 6s. to 12a. per doz, PRLMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA jVLBA and RUBRA, 4s. to 6s. per aozen. The I>iu-series, Newton-le-Willowe, near Bedale, Yorkshire. HE GESNERACEOUS PLANTS are first'^ate for the decoration of the Greenhouse in the summer season. The following Collections can be sent now in a dry state (Roots in small paper boxes) till the end of March. Free to London, and thence by Parcels Delivery Company to any part of Great Britain :— ACHIMENES, in 40 sorts, six roots of each sort, lf>s. KOLLIKERIA ARGYROSTIGMA ("Flora," II., April), lOd. N.^GELIAS, in 20 3 large root of each, GLOXINIA MACULATA SCEPTRUM, one root, lOd. „ ROSEA CHIRITyKFORMIS, one root, lOd. GESNERA LEOPOLDI, one tuber (" Flora," VII., p. 167^ lOrf. „ REFULGENS, „ ELLIPTICA LUTEA ("Flora," II., p. 168), Is Sd. DOLICHODEIRA TUBIFLORA, 12 large tubers, U. 6d. ; for CURRANTS, HOUGHTON CASTLE or VICTORIA, RED, strong GRAPE VINES, BLACK HAMBURGH STRAWBERRIES (in 25 fine sorts) [good ROSES, finest varieties. Dwarfs on Manetti, remarkably strong and HEMLOCK SPRUCE, 2i to 3i feet CHESTNUT, SCARLET-FLOWERED, 3 to 8 feet, very stout CLEMATIS VlTALBA (Traveller's Joy), transplanted ELMS, standards (various sorts). 6 to 12 feet, extra fine IVY, IRISH, 3i to4i feet, strong and bushy, in pots, remarkably fine POPLARS, BLACK ITALIAN and ONTARIO, 4 to 8 feet SAVIN, li to 2i feet SYCAMORE, COMMON, 4 to G feet, very fine „ VARIEGATED, 4 to 10 feet THORNS, SCARLET and PINK, Standards, 6 to 8 feet YEWS, ENGLISH and IRISH, 1 to 4 feet. See CATALOGUES, Wholesale or Retail. Royal Ascot Vine. J NO. STANDISH is prepared to send by post strong GRAFTS of the above VINE to any part of Great Britain at """ Gd, each, and 6d. the postage. He has no hesitation in s;iylng graft. Persons not used do it, and the treatment aft"erwarde. Also Plants 0-mch pots, 42s. each. Royal Nurseries, Ascot, Berks, of putting the and how to for Sale, ia ROYAL VINEYARD PEACH.— This remarkable ' Peach 13 of very robust habit, and is a most prolific bearer. It is so hardy, that in 18i>6 it bore a heavy crop of large firuit as an ORCHARD STANDARD, several branches having each borne from four to five IVuit, weighing ten ounces a-piece. It is a free-stone of most luscious flavom-, with a superabundance of juice, and is just sufficiently piquant to render it highly refreshing. The time of ripening is about a week earlier than the Barrington Peach. JoflN & Charles Ijee have much pleasure in introducing this extraordinary Peach, which was exhibited at Mr. Webber's, in Covent Garden Market, in 1805, and was much admired and inquired after at the time. Dwarf Maiden Trees are now ready, price lOs. Gd. each. Royal Vineyard Nm-sery and Seed Establishment. Hammersmith, London, W. Clearance Sale. FINE PYRAMID PEARS, APPLES, CHERRIES, PLUMS, and TRAINED WALL TREES ; One Million strong QUICK and ASH; many THousand LAURELS and STANDARD HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES, best selected sorts; a fine collection of CONIFERS. Prices on application. All kinds of GRASS SEEDS for STRONG STANDARD and DWAKF-TKAlNED APPLES and PEARS. Fine ti-ansplanted LARCH FIH, U to 6 feet ng DWARF CHINA or MONTHLY ROSES, general NURSERY STOCK. All the above are well rooted, and will i m application to Charles Bhrgesb, The Nurseries, London Road, Cheltenham. 3 with safety. Prices M^ APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES. NECTARINES, ana APRICOTS. Wm. Woon & Soy have many Acres of the above named, which for health and vigour are quite unsurpassed in the Trade, The "" ' ' ■ carefully trained, and are really examples of Trees have been successful cultivati( Address, Woodlands Nursen,', Maresfleld, m r Uckfield. Sussex FIFTY ACRES well stocked with FRUIT TREES to select from.— APPLES. PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, in every lorm desired for fruiting. See RicBARD Suitd's FRUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps, Richard Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. ESPALIER and WALL-TRAIKED TREES in anj quantity.— APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS. Une strong trees of perfect form. See RicuAnD Smith's FRUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps. ^Richard Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. A CROP of FRUIT the FIRST SEASON.— Bearing Pyramids and Bushes in pots for orchard houses. PEACHES. NECTARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and CHERRIES, Extra strong VINES and FIGS in fruiting condition for forcinc. See Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, post ft-ee for 3 sUmps. Richard Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. robust habit, fine oval form, deep green flesh, very thin rind, beautifully netted, tender and of delicious flavour, and is well adapted lor house culture, as it will bear in succession for several months. It has, during the past season, proved itself a really good and woj'thv variety, and, as the many received opinions show, one of the best Sfelons known. A few of these are given :— From Mr. Edward Kemp, Gardener to E. T. Kearsley, Esq., Fulwood Lodge, Aiifbui-lh. " The Paragon Melon has given me great satisfaction. It is beautifully netted, a free setter, and of excellent flavour. I consider it one of the best Melons grown." From Mr. J. Everett, Gardener to J. Campbell, Esq.. LiverpooL of fine flavour. It will become a general favourite." From Mr. T. Foster, Gardener to Miss Yates, Farmfitld, Liverpool. •' The Paragon Melon 1 had from you this year ia the hardiest and most delicious flavoured variety 1 have ever seen." Price Is. Gd. per packet. Price to the Trade on application. GERMAN ASTERS and STOCKS.— JamesTvnan begs tointimat© that he has received his importation for this season ; thev are, an usual, of the highest excellence, and include the most magnificent varieties for show and other purposes, and are made up in small and large packets to suit growers. The above Seeds free by post. Also a PRICED LIST of SEEDS. James Tynan, Seed Warehouse, C8, Great George Street, Liverpool^ SECOND ISSUE OF E. G. HENDERSON & SON'S CATALOGUE OF FLOWER SEEDS, ETC. It eontains full Descriptive Notes of the host and most desirable Novelties in Flowers for 1868, as adapted for Conservatory, Hothouse, and Flower Garden Decoration. THE FOLLOWING, AMONGST NUMEROUS OTHERS, ARE WORTHY OF SPECIAL NOTICE >- MIMULUS HYBKIDUS, fl.-pl. — A very remarkable group of varieties; blooms 1 BALSAMS, NEW DWARF, Rose-Qower«d. „ NEW DWARF, Carnation-striped, „ NEW TRICOLOR, Carnation-striped. „ NEW SOLFERINA, self-coloured. „ NEW DOUBLE CRIMSON, self-coloured. GOLDEN FEATHER PYRETHRUM. — This beautiftil plant, so much admired at the Battersea Park Gai'dens, reproduces itself uniformly true from seed. It is the most effective dwarf golden- leaved plant for marginal belts or ribbon borders, retaining its rich tint longer than any other. MYOSOTIS AZORICA CCELESTINA.— A charming v.iriety of the Azoriau Forget-me-Not. A dwai-f bush-like plant, with a pro- fusion of rich sky-blue flowers in the second season. MYOSOTIS SYLVATICA.— Beautiful blue, for groups. CATALOGUES forwarded Post Free on application novelties yet produced, POTENTILLA, NEW DOUBLE-FLOWERED HYBRIDS. — Seed produced from a vei7 fine group of named double-flowered 1 width, including r flowered kinds. These rank amongst the most unique and beautiful of liardy perennial herbaceous plants. ZEA CUZKO (NEW GIANT INDIAN CORN) and ZEA CURAGUA ELATA.— These new varieties are perhaps the tallest and most effective reed-like plants yet offered— by good culture attaining from 9 to 12 feet in height, and when seen judiciously grouped, impart a tropioal and beautiful aspect in extensive garden-decoration. E. G. HENDERSON and SON, WELLINGTON NURSERY, ST. JOHN'S WOOD, N.W. Fedruaby 1, 1S68.J THE GAEBENEKS' CHRONICI/R AND AGRICULTUIUL GAZETTE. GENUINE SEEDS, CARRIAGE FREE. B. S. WILLIAMS' NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE for 1868, Is now ready, and will bo forwarded Post Free to all customers and iippUcanta. It contains Lists of all New Flower Seeds of merit, Choice Strains of Florists' Flowers, imported Flower Seeds in collections, the most useful Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials for Spring and Summer Flowering ; carefully selected Descriptive List of approved Varieties of each kind of Vegetable Seed, with a few Practical Hints as to Culture ; also an Appendix containing Gladioli and other Summer and Autiunn-tlowering Bulbs ; Knives, Horticul- tural Implements, Horticultural Manures, Insect-destroying Composition, and every article likely to be required in the Garden. A perusal is respectfully solicited ; every article is priced, and purchasers may depend on the Seeds being true to name, aud everything of tho best quality. Exaggerated descriptions are carefully avoided. NEW and CHOICE SEEDS, full descriptions of which will be found in the Catalogue :— Vegetable Seeds. WILLIiUIS' ALEX^VNDRA BKUC'COLl, 2s. Od. per pkt. OBANOEKIELD DWARF PROLIFIC TOMATO, Is. 6 MEIN'S HYBRID PRIZE MELON, GOLDEN QUEEN, 2s. lid. por pkt. GIRB'S 5IATCIILESS BORECOLE, Is. per pkt. MARSHALL'S PRIZE PARSLEY, 1,9, por pkt. SHARMAN'S UNIVERSAL CUCUMBER, 2s, per pkt. Flower Seeds. CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (NEIL'S EXTRA CHOICE STRAIN), as, ed. and 6s, per pkt. CINERARIA (WKATHERILL'S MATCHLESS), 3s. M. & 5,5, \\ pkt. BALSAM (WILLIAMS' SUPERB). Is, 6(i. and 2», 6i por pkt, POLYANTHUS (THE PRIZE STRAIN), Is. M. and 2s, C(i,por pkt. CYCLAMEN PERSICUM (WIGGINS' PRIZE STRAIN), Is, Ci, avid 2s. Gd. per pkt, AURICULA, saved from a line collection in Scotland, Is, per pkt. OENTIANA VERNA, Is, por pkt, [2s fid. por pkt, VIOLA LUTEA (YELLOW-FLOWERED VIOLET), Is. M. and VIOLA CORNUTA (PURPLE QUEEN), dd. and Is, per pkt, VIOLA CORNUTA (MAUVE QUEEN), 6.1, and Is, per pkt. LILIUM AURATUM, Is, per pkt. GERANIUM (LE GRAND). Is. Od. and 2a, Od. per pkt. GLADIOLI KOOTS, Named kinds, 4s., 6s., 8s., 10s., and 12s. per dozen. ENGLISH GROWN SEEDLING GLADIOLI. Tliesc seedling Gladioli are strongly recommended ; being .all seedling roots, they can be strongly, and will produce blooms possessing colour and qualities perhaps entirely new, ~ these were much used last season, .and gave great satisfaction. Per dozen, 6s. ; per 100, 40s. For COMPLETE COLLECTIONS OF KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, FOR GAEDENS OF VAEIOUS SIZES, lOs. 6d., 21s., 42s., and 63s. each. For the convenience of Customers an Order Sheet is enclosed in each Catalogue. VICTORIA and PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDOK, N. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE (No, 122) for 1868, HEADY NEXT WEEK, WILL BE SENT POST FREE TO ALL HIS CUSTOMERS. ROYAL GHENT NURSERY, BELGIUM. AMARYLLIDS, of all descriptions, novelties ; LILIES, large collection ; the newest GLADIOLI ; lately imported Blue and Tricolor TROPJEOLUMS ; large stock of all the CALADIUMS, &c., &c., are to be found at the end of LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICE LIST, No. 122. Also, a SUPPLEMENT TO HIS FEUIT TREE LIST, No. 121, Containing the NEWEST CONTINENTAL PEAB TREES. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICED LIST, No. 121, „ . ^^l^'i""' AZALEA INDICA, CAMELLIAS, hardy RHODODENDRONS, hardy GHENT AZALEAS, strong MAGNOHA LENNB, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRDBS, CONIFERS, ROSES (large stock), PERENNIALS (the best ones), &c. LOUIS VAN HODTTE' S PACKAGES are deUvcred Free from Ghent to the following Towns :— Goole, Grimsby, Harwich, Loith, Liverpool, London, Middlesbro-on-Tees, and Newcaatle-on-Tync ; but, per contra, os. are ch.arged in account for each case, basket, or hamper of a usual size. From the above named To>yna to the final destinations, the re-cMcdition is made by special Agents at the cheapest rate and by tho shortest routo. 1 arcels are also sent free over London (at the hereafter specified rates), to all parts of Great Britain, by tlie care ol L. V. H. s special Agents without any other additional expenses than those of the usual Eailway charges. ,,, , GOODS SENT FREE TO LONDON. All goods are packed as cheaply as possible, and forwarded at the following rates from Ghent to London :— 1 Lase weighing from 1 to 4 lb. 2*. I 1 Case weighing ft-om 2S to 30 lb. 3s. 6s. } " '< >. -^ „ 10 „ 2«. 6a. 1 „ „ ,„ 31 „ 50 „ 4s. ' " " I. 11 ., 25 „ 3s. I 1 „ „ „ 61 „ 100 „ 6s. Matted Baskets and Bundles, each, 6s. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE undertakes to forward all packages at the above scale of charges. It has hiOiorto been his custom to charge the uniform rate of 5s. per package, but this he finds (iniust : small parcels bcin- therev overcharged. r i- b i j r The advantage of the above system for the buyer will readily be perceived. Fca- example, a party ordering (in proper season) .jO Hyacinths, weighing nearly 101b., can now receive these bulbs l&ro in London for 2s. 6d. ; 10(1 ayacinths, weighing 20 lb,, for 3s. ; 200 Hyacinths, weighing 49 lb., for is., and so on. Another example :— A basket containing 50 CamelUas, or tho same number of Indfen Azaleas, of usual size, will be delivered free in London for 5s. THE NEW BLTJE-PODDED RUNNER BEAN double n.^r'' ■'° '^^ *"'■'' '^'"'^^'' 'I""!''"- of "^oliiiup XVII. of LOUIS yXS HOUTTE'S " FLORA." This aouDie number is now ready. LIST '(No.^lffi)fM™36°No"™i ^^™.^^ ^^-^^ ^'^ ""^ palatable pods. See LOUIS VJiN HOUTTE'S SEED LOUIS V^m HOUTTE'S SEEDS are dcUvered FREE (any weight), at ME.SSRS. R. SILEERRAD and SON'S OFFICE, G, HARP LANE, LONDON, E.C, And from there, by Parcels Delivery Company, to any part of Great Britain. To the Trade. WHEELER ANii SUN offer the following, fAv \r] ^i \ irii:ys. otflBe qiuility :— 'I- f;. In II .. K^ilsha. Moorpark, Orange, I - \ , ~, ^ ,,u:,l(!e Walburton, liarrliiKtoD, Kcw . I I 1 I I, Hod MagUalen, G Two New First-rate Hybrid Melons. L. JiKUMMONI). Ilir JlniHtT, submita the nbovc with the ccrtmnty th.it thoy wil! give Hatlsfaotlon t " " ' *■ The Gardener to tho Uov. A. JI. Mo^gn purchased from Mi. Urum- mond, in 1S6C, and reports thorooi' that " It 1b a very ftno. and delicioualy- flavoured Melon ;" and strongly '* recoriimonds Mr. Druramoiid to distribute tho Seed by sale to tboue who desire to possess an excellent and highly- Ilavourod Melon." No. 1. ROBERT BURNS. | No. 2. SIR COLIN CAMPBELL. Trice, la. c>d. per nacket ; or n packet of each for 2s. Cd, Early orders (with postage stamps) to G. L. Duummosd, Gardener, M New and Improved Pears. R. DE JONGHK oilers for Sale, in stronf; and healthy specimens, on the Pear and on good tiuluco Stock, the following varieties of New Pear Sorts :— BEZI MAI, 3, 4. to H years, 2 to 10 trancs each. criARLI BASINKR, 2. 3, and 4 years, 3 to 8 francs each. COLMAR DE JONGHE, 2, 3, and 4 years, 6 to 8 francs each. JOLY DB BONNEAU, 2. 3, and 6 years. 3 to 8 francs each. LA GROSSE FIGUE, 2, 3, and 4 years, 6 to 10 francs each. POIRE BASINER, one of the best Late Dessert Pears, 2, 3, 4, and 6 years, 5 to 10 Irancs each. Printed Monographic Descriptions, with the outline figures ol tho Fruits, can be had on application to Mr. de Jonohe, St. Gilles Brussels. All Packages will be sent free to London. Orders received after the end of tho month of February cannot be executed. RICHARD SMITH'S FRUIT LIST contains a sketch of the various forms of Trees, with directions for Cultivation, Soil, Drainage, Manure, Pruning, Lifting, Cropping, Treatment under Glass ; also their synonymes, quality, size, form, skm, colour, flesh, flavour, use, growth, duration, season, price, Ac. Free by post for three stamps. Richard Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. RICHARD SMITH'S LIST of" aU the EVERGKEEX FIR TRIBE, suitable for Britain, giving size, price, popular and botanical names, derivations, description, form, colour, foliage, growth, timber, use in arts, native country and size there, situation, - ■■ " ■*-' - -'■■"--— synonymes. Rk u, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. To Nurserymen and the Trade. WE are now pifpared to take up orders for True TTROLESE LARCH SEED, BLACK AUSTRIAN PINE; SCOTCH FIR, and SILVER FIR. Samples and prices of which will be forwarded on application. Frederick Fink & Co., Hop and Seed Exchange, Borough. ^-E-^ T~"0 BE SOLD, at a very low price, 100,000 LARCH, 3 to 4 feet ; 60,000 ditto, 4 to 5 feet, stout and clean leads and well rooted, all being lifted the last spring. Samples and price on application to Isaac Smith. Nurseryman, Froggatt, Calver, Sheffield. FECIAL OFFER to the T'RADE.- i-yr. seedling PIN us LARICIO, very fine. 2-yr. „ BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM, very fine. 2-yr. „ EVERGREEN OAK, very fine. Extra strong PYRAMID PEARS, on Pear Stock. Prices very moderate, on application to Fr.\kci9& Arthur Dickson & Sons, "Upton" Nurseries, Chester. SPECIAL oFfERToT SURPLUS "¥tOC K.— O ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA, 10 to 12fb., 63s. to 105.<. each. CUPRESSUS LAWSONLiVNA, 4 to .5 ft., busUv, £5 per 100. ,, Stofift., „ £7 10perluO. THUJOPSIS BOREALIS, H to 2 ft.,fine, £5 per 100. „ „ 2i to 3i ft., fine, £7 10 per 100. Apply to H. Lane & S -5 application, and should any kinds not be requhed, MESSRS. SUTTON will be pleased to substitute others in the place of those onutted. NEW OPt IMPROVED YAPJETIES OF FEUITS AND VEGETABLES. Suttons' Fine Dwarf Red Beet. Tbis IS pronounced by all who have tried it lo be the beat Beet Id oiiltivation. Fine short top, medium sized root, of Tery dark colour, and boils tender. Price U. 6d. per ounce. Suttons' Protecting Broccoli. t^ne pure white, with well-formed heads, recommended by the Iftte Dr. Liodloy, in the Oardenera' Chronicle, an one of the beat and largest Broccoli^ gromi. Price Is. per packet. Suttons' Imperial Cabbage. This Is the finest Cabbage in cultivation, and earliest for spring uae. Good beads may be cut from the stems during summer. It Is of very mild flavour, and does not run to seed. Price yd. per ounce. Hamilton's Needle Gun Cucumber. An improved and distinct black-spine variety, handsome, and of Bplendid quality, 20 to 24 inches long. Price 2ji. Gii. per packet. Hamilton's Invincible Cucumber. This Is, without exception, the finest white-spme variety in culti- vation. We recently forwarded a remarkable specimen to the Editor of the Qardenerif ChrunicU, who (referred to it as follows :— " Your specimen of Hamilton's Invincible is certainly the largest of which we have either seen or read. It measures 3S inches in length, 10] inches Id circumference, and weighs 12| pounds. Pti( Hamilton's British Volunteer Cucumber. A remarkably fine black-spine variety, very long, and one of the largest in cultivation. It is handsome, and of fine fiavour. Price 2s. 6d. per packet. New Hardy White Dutch Cabbage Lettuce. A most excellent new variety, very large and compact, perfectly hardy, and strongly recommenaed. Price la. per packet, or '^s. 6d. New Striped Japanese l£aize. A Dew ornamental foltaged variety, of great beauty. The leaves are a bright green, .striped with pure white. It will produce an elegant effect when planted in groups of three or more on lawns, Graiis plots, or in fiower borders and surubberles. Price 1^., 2ji. &/., and &3. per packet. The Sultan Green-fleshed Melon. This was exhibited for the fii-at time at the Royal Horticultural Society's Great Show at Bury St. Edmund's, In July last, wbero it obtained First Prize in a very keen competition. The skin Is of light grey colour, and perfectly smooth. The flesh is pale green, and of extremely rich flavour. It was referred to by the leading Horticultural Papers as altogether a first-clasa variety. Price 2a. Crf. per packet. Ward's Netted Scarlet-fleshed Melon. This la certainly one of the best Scarlet- fleshed Melons iu culti- vation. It earned First Prize against 45 competitors at the Crrstai Palace Show of September last. It is beautifully netted, medium size, and of very superior flavour. Our seed is from the Prize Fruit. Price Is. 6d. per packet. Suttons' Improved Reading Onion, The best in cultivation. Very handsome shape, large, heavy, and the I - of all Onions. Has taken i j Prizes this . per Suttons' Improved Early Champion Pea. A most excellent vanety, only three days later than Scttoks' Ringleader, the forwardeat known. It is very prolific, the haulm being profusely covered with long and well-flllea pods. It is fit for gathering about a week earliur ttian Daniel O'Rourke or Sangster*3 5Jo. 1. Price U. 6d. per quart; lowe&t price per bushel on application. EOE THE FLOWEE GARDEN (Fiee by Post or Kail). No. 2. No. 3. A COMPLETE COLLECTION of the choicest kinds of ANNUALS, BIENNIALS, and PERENNIALS, to produce a beautiful dis- play durmg the entire summer and autumn. Free by Post or Rail £1 2 A COMPLETE COLLECTION of ditto. Free by Post or Kail .. 1 U A COMPLETE COLLECTION of ditto. Free by Post or Rail ..11 A COMPLETE COLLECTION of the choicest kinds of ANNITALS, BIENNIALS, and PERENNIALS, to produce a beautiful dis- play durmg the entire summer and autumn, Free by Post or Rail £0 15 A COMPLETE COLLECTION of ditto, Free by Post or Rail . . 0 10 SMALLER COLLECTIONS, Free by Post, 2s. 6rf. to 7s. Gd. CHOICE NEW FLOWEE SEEDS FOE 1868 (Post Free). Amaranthus elegantissimus. This Is a great acquisition lor beddiug purposes as well as for pot culture, it is also very etfoctivo iu ribbon borders. The habit is dwarf and compact, and a brilliant effect is produced by the Intensely deep scarlet of the base of the leaves, and the rich bronze purple of their terminal half. Price Is. Qd. per packet. Clarkia pulchella marginata, fl.-pl. The most elegant Clarkia yet mtroduced; the flowers are very double; colour bright magenta, the extremity of each petal marked with a beautiful broad white margin. This variety will not produce single or semi-double flowers. Price Is. per packet. Digitalis maculata superba. Ueautifal spotted variety of Foxglove, as hardy and robust as the older kinds, with an almost endless variety of colour. Price Is. per packet Eschscholtzia crocea striata. A very novel striped Eschscholtzia. The flower alternately striped with deep orange and bulphur, producing a striking appearance. Price It. per packet. Nasturtium Tom Thumb, coerulea rosea. A Nasturtium, with the free blooming compact habit of the Tom Thumb varieties ; the flowers, which are thrown well above the foliage, are of brilliant rose shaded, underlaid with a peach blue, a colour never belore seen in Nasturtiums. This is quite distmct from and greatly superior to the Rose Tom Thumb Nasturtium sent out last season. Pnce Is. per packet of six seeds. Sphaenogyne speciosa aurea. „ ,, sulphurea. Two beautiful varieties of S. speciosa. One a flue golden orange, the other a bright sulphur. The colours are pure and well con- trasted, and will prove far more effociive than the original S. speciosa, ftom which they are quite distinct. Price of each, per packet, Is. Viola cornuta, Mauve Gueen (Will.s* variety). One of the very best bedding plants in cultivation. It is perfectly hardy, of vigorous habit, and piufusely covered with blossoms of a bright mauve colour. Price Is. per packet. Viola lutea. For bedding purposes this, like V. cornuta, will be found Invalu- able; it has a bright yellow flower, and the plant is of a very neat dwarf habit; it is perfectly hardy, and remains in bloom for a very long period, Pnce Is. per packet. Viscaria elegans picta. This is certainly the most elegant Viscaria ever offered ; the centre of the flower is dark crimson, gradually merging into a bnght scarlet, belted with a pure white margin. From its neat habit, profusion of bloom, and brilliant appearance, this Viscaria will doubtless become a great favomite. Price Is. per packet. SUTTONS' COMPLETE PRICED CATALOGUES GRATIS AND POST FREE ON APPLICATION. SUTTONS' SPEING CATALOGUE AND AMATEUE'S GUIDE, Containing much useful information on HORTICULTURE, AGRICULTURE, and FLORICULTURE, Price One Shilling, Post Free. Gratis to Customers. ALL GOODS CARRIAGE FREE, EXCEPT VERY SMALL PARCELS, 1^ Fife per Cent. Discount allowed for prompt payments. SUTTON AND SONS, ROYA.L BERKS SEED ESTABLISHMENT, READING. Febeuabt 1, ises.'.. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 97 CARTER'S GENUINE SEEDS, AS HAKVESTIiD ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PRIZE JIEDAL GARDEN SEEDS, ^^^,^,T.BNCE OP Q^^^ l'.\ HIS. 1807 James Carteu & Co.'s COMrLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, made up to suit the requirements of large, medium, smnll, and very small families. Price 63s., 4Ss., Sis., and 12s. 6d., Box and packing included ; forwarded, -without delay, on receipt of Post Office Order. 237 & 2.38, High Holborn. London, W.C. ^^C^I^I^ENCE OF ^^ LONDON, 1862. Carter's Seed Collection No. 2, price 21s., containing tin- undcrnirutioned New and Genuine Garden Seedp, anrl inrUiding hox and packing : — BEANS— NONrAUl'.IL, 1 i|iiart ; LETTCTCE. CARTER'S GIANT flROAD WINDSUil, Icimirt i WHITE, liirge packet Best FRENCH, 1 i.int DRnilUEiD. do. SCARLET RUNNEUS, 1 pint I VICTORIA, do. BEET, ST. USYTU, larco packet I MUSTARD. WHITE, 4 oz. BORECOLE, or KAIL. COT. MELON, CARTER'S EXCEL. TAGERS'. larco pnckot SIOR, packet KAIL. NEW, ASPAKAGU.S.do, ONION, GIANT MADEIRA, BROCCOLI, CARTER'S CHAM- PION, do. .SNnW'.S WINTER, do. ADAMS' EARLY WHITE.do. EARLY, do. ENFIELD MARKET, do. DWARF NONPAREIL, do. TOM THUMB, do. .SAVOY, bc.t Curled, do. CARROT. EARLY HORN, 1 o: .lAMES'S GREEN-TOP, 1 oz DWARF WHITE, InrRO Dkt. CRKiS. PLAIN, 4 oz. AUSTRALIAN, 1 oz. CUCUMBER, CARTER'S CHAMPION, pficket 3 packet - - . iETT'S * NISHINO. laree packet PARSNIP. STUDENT, I ounce PEAS. CARTER'S EARLY, 1 qt. ADVANCER, new, 1 pint BISHOP'S LONGt-POD, 1 pint PRIZETAKER. 1 pint CARTER'S SURPRISE. CHAMPION of ENGLAKD, 1 quart CARTER'S VICTORIA, 1 pint VEITCH'S PERFECTION, RADISH. WOOD'S FRAME, E.\RLY SCARLET SHORT- SPINACH, SUMMER, I pint WINTER, i pint TURNIP, EARLY SIX-WEEK, ENDIVE, FroncU Curled, largo 1 VEGETAfeLE CREAM, Picket I MOORE'S, packet POT HERBS, 4 packets LEEK, AYTON CA.STLE, do. Just pubtishcd, CARTER'S GARDENER'S AND FARMER'S VADE MECUM FOfl 1868, Parts I. and IL, Illustrated, Containing complete Lists of New and Choice Flower and Vegetable Seeds, Plants .and Bulbs for Spring Plant- ing, to which is added Original and Instructive Articles on " A new and beautiful wav of Arranging and Growing Annual Plants," " Hardy Herbaceous and Alpine Plants from Seed," " Fine-leaved and Sub-Tropical JPlants from Seed," "Decorative Annuals," and "On Laying Down Land to Permanent Pasture ; " besides which will be found a large amount of Popular, Descriptive, and Scientific Information. Forwarded post free for 12 stamps ; Gratis to Customers. 237 & 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. JusI published, price Is. ; post free, 13 Stamps, CARTER'S PRACTICAL GARDENER, Illustrated, 126 pages, crown. AHandybook on every- day matters connected with Garden Routine. Opinions or the Press. ^r^tL^h'*'^""^^' ^('■''"'C'c— "The various ari^iclea have been ?ardener.^ nfn"'?..**'^ l^*' ^^^^^""^ authorities amODgst working fhlm^tPr" ^, '^''^^'.i'*'^'*™,'^^''"""?''^"*' ^ practical and useful romno^^H nf T''^ ^J'^*^-t"^^'^ '« another shilling book, chiefly rSr,! r,vl ^*'®?^'^>- of Operations, and that Callndar Is good." S^i»n?t^'^;~-^",°"'' eardenlng readers would do well to make a present to tbemselves ofCABTER's Practical Gardener.'" J^n-- Mp^^r« r.„T.nsead a 'Practical Gardener,' which desen-es to be nformation on all points— from the orchard THOMPSON TES Amount alro.idy Advortiaod li Anderson, J., Moadow- biink £0 10 6 BaiTon, Wm., Jlorrow- i.sh, Derby Baxter. W. II., Botanic Garden, Oxford Dancer, A.. Fulham .. D^incer. F..Turnham Gr. Davies, Walter, Shep- 0 10 6 Squ Davies, A., Norfolk Sq. Dawnay, Hon. Payan Bonnlngborough.Ynrk Dawson, Walter. The Cemetery, Coventry . . Devonshire, the Duke of, K.G.,Chat8Worth ..600 Dick, A., Sudbury, Derby 0 10 6 Dick.J. Douglas. B.H.3., South Kensington . . Dichson&Co., Edinburgh Dickson, F. A. & Sons, 0 10 6 0 f> 0 Bart, M.P 6 0 0 Dii, Rev. Jos., Camden Square 110 Dixon, Mrs.. Stanstead Purk.Kmsworth.Hants 2 2 0 Dorun, Mr., Fiuti Moss, Manchester . . . . 0 10 6 Dowden,H.J.,WhltehaU 1 1 0 Downie, Laird & Laing 110 Doy, Wm, - ~ - Drax, J. S. W. S., Erie, Blandford Ducie.theEarlof.F.R.S., Square 3 3 0 hill Park. Highworth i Edmonds, C.,andFriend9, Chiswick House . . i Elworthy, S.. Gr., Stone- loighAbbey.Kenilw'rth Eyies, George. R.H.S., South Kensington . . Fancourt, R., Nursorj'- man, Brompton . . < Fenn, Albert, Bury St. Edmund's ., .. ' Fenn, Robert, Rectory, Cliveden, Maidenhead FletcUer, J. C, Dale Park, Arundel.. and YonngMen Forsyth. A., Salford ..050 Forsyth. Wra., Gunners- bury Park .. ..100 Fortune, R., Gilston Rd. 110 Fox. .T. Caven, R.H.S., Gibaon, J.. BatterseaPk. Godson, S. Holmes, Rutland Gate . . Good. J. H., St. John's Wood Gray, James, Chelsea . . Graham, F. J., Cranford, Gregory, J., Re-ading Grey, Lieut.-Gen. Hon. C, St. James's Palace P., Bury St. Henry, j. A., Edinburgh 110 Hereman & Morton, Pall Mall East .. ..500 Hitcliion. J. Caiinton Manor, Newark 1 Hooker, Dr., Kew .. 2 Horner,Rev. Johns. H., Frorae 1 Hubbard.W,E.,Leonftrd- stcr, Horsham., .. 2 Hurst & Son, Leadenhall Street 1 Hutchison.Mr. Elvathan 0 Frog I Hall Gardens, Ludlo' JoDes& Son,J.,Bankslde Jones, R Kelsall. J., Stretford, Manchester Kemp, Rev, Geo,, Slon King, John, Hyde Park Kinghom. F. R., Sheen Nursery, r ' " Knight, D. Nursery, Richmond . B to tlie hutuble f garden ; and all fort oofR JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 & 238, High Holborn, London. W.C. ; and at W. H. SMITH AND SONS' RAILWAY BOOK STALLS. Lavey, H., Reading Lee, Measrs. J, & C, Hammersmith Lee, W., Gardens. Bal- dersby Park, Thirsk .. Lidgard, C, Hamn Mackay,.i'. B.,totterldge, Mackie,A..Camperdo' Martlneau. David, Clap- TIMONIAL FUND. 1 Oardenerg' Chroiilde, £60 As. M. Masters, W.. Canterbury 1 1 0 MHHter3,MaxweUT.,M.D., SprlngGrovc.lsleworth 1 1 0 Matheson. D., TuUiallan Gardens 0 10 6 Maw. George, F.L.S., BenthallHall.Broaeler 1 1 0 MacDonald, C, Wood- stock Parte, Inlstloge 0 !0 0 McNab, J,, Etilnburgh 0 10 6 Meldrura, E., Rose- Bathgati Mofi'ftt. Thomas, Ireland 0 1 MontROniery,J.,Uxbridge 2 Moore, Dr^ Olasnovln . , 2 Moore.T-.F.L.S., Botanic Garden, Chelsea . . 2 Momay, A. de. Cold Ilar- Whetstone Noble, Johu.Westboumo Terrace 2 Northwick, the Lord. NorthwlckPark.Blockley 5 Gates, P., Gr., Rocking- ham, Boyle .. .. 0 1 Ormson, H,, Stanley Bridge. King's Road, Chels( Pearson, J., Ohilwell Pottle. J., Bealings Grove, Woodhridge .. stable Reeves, J. Russell, F.R.S., F.L.S., Wimbledon River3,T.,Sawbridgew'th li 2 Rivers, T. F.. ditto ..11 Roberts, W. P., Holwood, Bromley . Robinson. W., Field Office, London.. Robson, J.. Linton Park Ronalds. R., Brentford . Riicker, Sigismund.Weat Hill. WandswortU .. Rnffett, R., Brockett HhU Gardens .. Riissel, J., Mayfield, Fal- clrk Sage, George. Ashridgo, Sandon, Viscount, 39, GrosTenor Square Saul, G. T.. Bow Lodge. Scott, Lieut. -Col., R.E., F.L.S., Ealing.. .. ] Scrutton. Alexander, Blackheath Park . . f Sharpe, T., Uardwicke House.BurySt.Edmd's ( Sich. Henry. Chiswick. . ] Simpson. S., Whalley Range, Manchester ., 1 Sinclair, D., Doncaster . ( Skene, J.. Garswood . . ( Slade.A.F-.Chislehurst 1 Smith, Rev. Dr.. Eccles- machan. Linlithgow., i Smith. James. High Elms, Farnborough . Williamson, J.. Castle Gardens. Whitohavou £0 WIUb, J.. Huntroyde. liurnley i WUson, G. F.. F.R.S., Wrench, R.. London Kdgo Yates, R., Sale, Cheshire Young, G , Audley End, SaflTron Walden Young Men at Brockles- bury Park . , . . ■ Notice. PURCHASERS of LAUGK QUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEKDS will be supplied liberally by Scttoj* A; _ _ Reading^ WE B li'S N ii W GIANT POLYANTHUS, Florist Flower, and GIANT COWSLIP SEKDS; also Phinta of all the varieties, with double PRIMROSES of different colours ; AURICULAS, both Single and Double ; with every sort of Early Spring Flowers. LIST on application.— Mr. Webb, Calcot, Reading. Brttlah Fern Catalogue. ROBERT SIM will send, post free for six postage stamps, Part I. (British Ferns and their varieties, 3(1 pages. B^ G CATALOGUES on application, Edward Sano ft Soxs, Nurserymen and Seed MorchaDt*. Kirkcaldy, N.B. iUND ~' H O^f i CULTURAL EX¥IBItION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 10 to 23, 1808. Amongst various Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cup), VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS' CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES. to be made up as follows : — Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish " • "■ '- '^ • "■■ ' JB, Goo „ Fourteen kinds, basket or bundle of each :— Peas, J>ench Beans (or Scarlet Runners). Broad Beans. Cauliflowers, Cucumbers (brace). Summer Cabbages, Early Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions. Spinach, the exhibitor. Efit OlartreneriEl'Ciirtinicle, fiATURDAY, FEBRUARY \, 1808. Stevenson, Mr., Cobham Park Street. J.,42,YorkTeiTace Siitherlanfl, Duchess Dowager. Chiswick H'se Tanton, J. R., Gpsom . . Taylor, W.,_ Foreman, Three Voung Gardeners, Hardwicke Thrower,J.,High Canoni Tillery, Wm., Welbeck, bury Park Toward. A.. Osborne .. Trafford, Sir H. do, Bart., Manchester . . Turner, Charles, Royal Nurseries, Slough ■ Veitch & Sons, Messrs., Chelsea l Wallace, J., Batbgato . . Warner. R., Broomfleld, Cholmsfoni Watererft Godfrey.Knan Hill, Woking .. Webb, H., Redstone, It is satisfactory to find tliat the plans for the Decoratiom of the London" Park.s — those breathing gi'ounds of a vast mural population — so well commenced by Mr. Cowper, are still being carried forward by his successor in office, and are not set aside by a reverse of policy, such as too frequently happens when public offices change hands. The tlower gardens of Regent's Park and Hyde Park, of Battorsea and Victoria, no leas than the Shrub Garden of Eotten Row — which, as Mr. Punch has sagely observed, must be the I right place for .B/iododendrons — are now esta- I blished institutions, provided at the public 1 charge for the delectation not alone of the upper ten thousand, but of the thousands upon thoii- I sands of the "people" of London, who in this matter are unable to help themselves. No one need complain if public money were always as well spent. Latterly a new feature has been added in the Regent's Park, of a kindred nature to the gardens just adverted to ; but in this case it is not so much a garden as a landscape scene, with pleasant walks, verdant turf, an undulated surface, and groups of trees and shrubs, which has been provided for the "people." A plot of ground at the south-east corner of the Regent's Park, occupying some 10 or 12 acres, and bounded by three ro.ads on three sides, and the Avenue Gardens on the fourth, has been laid out after a picturesque manner. This plot, previously a tame, ill-drained, uninteresting area, encum- bered in parts with overcrowded groups of young trees, and cut off from the rest of the Park by the roads and Avenue just mentioned, has, by the judicious thinning out of the trees, by the clever variation of the surface level, and by the liberal inti'oduction of groups and masses of i ornamental trees and shrubs, been converted [ from a desolate waste to a really pretty bit of j landscape scenerj', notwithstanding that neither the space at the disposal of the artisr, nor the shape of the ground — tliat of a wedge with the narrow end towards the chief point of approach — were particularly favourable to an essay in Landscape Gardening. Those, however, who may remember the ground in its former uninvit- ing condition will, we think, admit with us, that good use has been made of this new opportunity to add to the means of enjoyment available by j the well-disposed working classes of the metro- polis, and that, without any extravagance of design, but strictly within the limits of propiiety and good taste. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE (.Pebeuaet 1, 1868. The object which has evidently been kept closely in view, in lajang out this plot, has been that, while providing the lines of communication, which are of the first necessity in a public park, the siu'face should be so gracefully varied by means of undulations and elevated points, and the larger trees so tastefully opened out by thinning, and blended by judicious design with the plantations of flowering shi'ubs, which have just been added, as to form a perpetually changiu, scene, affording a succession of interesting peeps and snatches of scenery, such as may not only please the casual glance of the idler, or matter-of- t'act visitor, but also afford a pleasant theme for thought to the more imaginative of tho indi' viduals composing the crowds which thronj these open spots in all favourable weather. Ii the present instance it is but just to say, that the best has been made of the space to be dealt with. Some very pretty vistas have been laid open by thinning the overgrown trees, and a pleasing point of sight, from whence the various features are presented under a new aspect, is provided by a considerable elevation, in which the flowing lines of the rising ground culminate. From here there is a long vista through the scene to the south, while to the north a view down the opon park, which appeal's to rise gently and then falls again, comes in ; and the spire of St. Mark's Church becomes visible against a further distance in Hampstead Heath. This picturesque adjunct to tho Avenue Gardens — with which, by the way, though the one is stiictly in the "natural," and the other as strictly in the "geometrical" style, with nothing in common but a certain breadth and unity of expression, there is the most perfect harmony at the point where they compose together, near the centre of the Avenue Gardens — has been most profusely and tastefully planted with ornamental trees and shrubs, both deciduous and evergreen, the former intended by their early bloom to impart cheerfulness in the spring time, and the latter by the green mantle which they hero and there spread abroad, to impart both warmth and garniture in winter. Tho ground-work was done by Mr. J. P. Mestox, the planting by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, and neat and efficient wire fencing by Messrs. Morton, of Liverpool, after designs pre- ■ pared by Mr. M.irkhaji Nesfield, by whom the Avenue Gardens were laid out, and under whose superintendence the whole of the works have been can-ied thi-ough. There are other parts to be found in the different parks of themetropolis, where something of the same sort might be accomplished with results quite as satisfactory as in the instance to which oiu- present observations specially refer. action follows the course of the woody tissue, example, without iuflictiug damage on the plants. It though, perhaps, as taking place in such a soft i l^as been used in the form of a solution, iu which the wood as deal, affecting it more extensively ; for though in some parts there aro detached spots, more frequently the whole of tho softer parts of each annual ring are decomposed. The specimens were brought to Mr. SowERBY amongst some Fii' firewood, and though Fungus- plants were individually dipped. From our experience with it we venture to rank it amongst the friendly aids to the gardener, where it will take its place beside Gishurst Compound, and similar insect destroyers. ■ A correspondent has been good enough to forward to us some curious Leaves of a seedling Cae- NATION, from both surfaces of w^hich protrude hollow. like, there was no apparent mycelium. The ' conical spur-like processes, from a quarter to half an appearance depends, as ho reports, on a parti- ' iuoh in length-the point of the spur is directed in cular decomposition of tho longitudinal fibres of , f^" Tf^ 'r"*^ w" f^'' "^ "'^- ''n'^' "i-' """i- ''™-^' ,, , f^ ■ ,, "., or" ?"^ towards the base. We have seen simuar formations m tho wood, giving them a white cottony texture. Cabbage leaves, while in the corolla of Foxglove the cross fibres or medullary rays bem^ lost. Calceolaria such irregular spurs aro not uufrequent. The stronger part of the wood, abounding in j AVe can assign no reason for this excess of growth. tui-pentine, is liable to tho same decomposition, i We understand that the Batejian Challenge It appears, he says, to be the same condition as j Medal for 188G-7 has been awarded, by a large that noticed by Mr. Jajieson in Scotland, which , F"J?"]'y,°? marks, tojir. James Andeeson, Meadow- he describes as follows : — " Tho wood havini_ lost its latitudinal cohesion, renders it soft : but the longitudinal fibres are strong and tough, so that they are spUt and twisted to form halters for cattle in Aberdeenshire." Perhaps some of our Scotch correspondents could furnish us with an illustrative specimen. In a case like that of Sower by' s there might be a certain degree of cohesion, but the bits in that before us, aro too small to admit of any comparison in this respect. The iieculiarity hero is that the effect is so partial, but we have abundant instances of the sporadic manner in which disease attacks vege- bank, Uddiugston. this award. No one will gainsay the justice of Few subjects are of more importance than tho Conservation of Timber, whether in our buildings, shipping, jetties, railroad sleepers, or other structures in which wood is the principal element. Great attention has accordingly been jiaid to the subject in this Journal, as, for example, iu the series of articles on the condition of tho gunboats in 1S60; and the several proposi- tions for arresting decomposition, whether from the growth of Fungi or the slow chemical combustion known under the name of Erema- causis, have been treated with more or less detail. A very curious case, though, as we shall see presently, not entirely without parallel, is presented by part of a Teak sleeper from an Indian raib'oad now before us. Tho sleeper was steeped in a solution of sulphate of zinc, but judging from tho other case just mentioned, wo do not believe that the substance which was applied has had anything to do with the result. The general appearance of the wood is that of Mahogany, but spotted everywhere with little snow-white pits, all running parallel to each other in the course of the wood colls, lined with the floccose remains of the longitudinal tissue. There is not the slightest trace under the microscope of any fungus, as might at first sight be suspected. The tissue is for the most part entii-ely disinte- grated and much contracted, reminding one of the curious decomposed fossil wood which occurs in Tasmania. The cells aro more or less mixed ■with an amorphous substance, arising probably from intercellular matter, or fi-om tho medullary cells which have not been able to resist at all the ■destructive action. A case, evidently belonging to the same cate- gory, is recorded in So wbrby's "English Fungi," where a figure (tab. 387, fig. 10) is given of the peculiar appearance. As in that before us, the New Plants. Odontoglossum Keameei, n. sp. Iffino Odontoglosso pendulo Rohb. t., 30th Dec, 1S64 (Bat. 1865), labeUi lacuiiis Literalibus semi-ovatis angustis deflexis, callo bilamellato tumore rctrorsum papilluso interjecto, callo bilobo antepoaito, columnpe auriciilia triangulis propo obsoletis. Pseudobulbus subrotuudua anceps compressus, ex cicatrice monophyllus visus, pallido glauciis. Pedunculus porrectus seu peudulus, triflorus, Sepala et tepala ligulata obtuse acuta. LabeUi laciniae posticee lateribus serai-ovatis angustia deflexis, lacinia antica latiori reaiformi emarginata, laraellis in labello eroctis autrorsum acutis geminia intcrposito tumore retroraum hispidulo papuloao. table tissues. The canker in Apples, which is°so ■ Till novv pdontoglossum pendulum, the old 0. citros- common this year, in which the cells are affected , ?^"°t, '^'^^^ ,?f ^'■'"^'''''- '"'^- T^,^ '"^'S? *>'P.«- T, 1 41, 1 -41, J ■ t 1 ■ We have now, however, a very interesting addition, in here and there only, with sound mtorvals, is a ; the shape of a new species, very near to it, but showing case in point. We have seen nothmg recently of , once more that the section Trymenium is untenable, as we stated under O. astran- thum ( Oard. Chron. 1807, p. 401). This has, in lieu of the bordered androclinium, two very small auricles near the stigmatical hollow. Yet it is far from improbable that some better developed wings may appear iu well-grown specimens, the plant before us being quite recently intro- duced. The pseudobulbs are somewhat like those organs in Trichopilia suavis. The drooping peduncle recalls that of Trichopilia (Pilumna) laxa. The flowers are smaller than those of the old 0. pen- dulum, and are of a very gay violet, the crests of the Up being deep yellow with purp- lish spots,aDd having in front of them a double crescent- shaped line of a chocolate- brown colour ; the column is white. This is one of the disco- the peculiar mode of desti'uction observed m the 1 veries of Mr. Kramer, jun., the second son of the numerous specimens of decayed timber, which ! famous gardener of Frau Senatorin Jenisch, at Flott- were nbtnined frnni tbft o-nnhnntti at Port-jmnnth 1 °'^''^' "S^f Hamburgh. He was sent to Costa Kica wcie oDtamea Uom me gunooats at i. ortsmoutfi ^^ Messrs. Veitch, and would appear to have fully and Chatham in 1860. M. J. B. jr=— The present year will be signalised by all udturalists by the publication of Mr. Baewin's work on the Variation of Animals and Plants, which has been issued while this sheet is pa:!sing through the press, A mere inspection of the table of contents, of the headings of the chapters, the profuse references, and the copious index, suffice to show the importance of the work. The mere fact of so vast a body of facts, methodically arranged, and carefully digested, as they are sure to be under such authorship, will give these volumes an especial value to naturalists and physiologists, and, we may add, an interest for the intelligent public, which it is scarcely possible to over-estimate ; and this wholly irrespective of any speculative views which may be advanced, and on which opinions must necessarily differ. It will be our duty, and our pleasure, to lay before our readers a full account of this work ; but we must for the present content ourselves with saying that these volumes are devoted " to the whole subject of variation under domestication." Domestic animals, horses, pigs, cattle, pigeons, fowls— in fact, birds, beasts, fishes, insects down to silkworms, cultivated plants, cereal and culinary, fruit trees, ornamental trees, flowers, " sports " — all these are examined in the first volume ; while the second volume is devoted to such subjects as Inheritance, Eeversion, Crossing, Hybridisation, Selec- tion, Causes and Laws of Variation, &c. Lastly, for the purpose of bringing together a multitude of facts which are at present left disconnected by any elfioient cause, a new hypothesis called Pangenesis is brought forward, " which implies that the whole organisa- tion, in the sense of every separate atom or unit, reproduces itself" Hence ovules and pollen granules —the fertilised seed, or egg, as well as buds— include -^'-.■' ?"".""'■,"■ and consist of a multitude of germs thrown oil' fi-om Kaised bank: each separate atom of the organism. by Messrs. Veitch, and would appear accomplished his mission, since those gentlemen wished the species to be named after him, provided it was new, as they themselves most correctly supposed. We would direct the attention of amateurs to this gorgeous plant, perhaps one of the freest flowering of the genus, if our specimen is normal. Only think — one bulb has one developed flowerscape, and the remains of two others] E. O.Echb.f. We have had for some time past under trial, for tho destruction of insects on plants, the compound known as Fowlee's Gardenees' Insecticide, and so far as our experience with it goes, we must report that it has proved beneficial, destroying thrips, for BOOTS IN A STATE OF NATURE AND UNDEE THE PiEGIMEN OF ART. {CMcludnl fmi p. 78.) I Ail aware that the limited area of our kitchen gardens, and the exorbitant demand for produce, almost necessitates the cropping of om' fruit-tree borders. If they must be cropped with vegetables, digging and manuring necessarily follow, but why not surface crop the borders with trees or fruit-bearing bushes instead of vegetables ? This seems the only mode of escape from our acknowledged difficulty, and the most likely means of securing a rational treatment for the roots. As a matter of experience I can testify to the advan- tages of this mode of culture. Dwarf bush trees or cordons, trained within 1 foot or 18 inches of the ground, produce finer fruit than those grown on pyramids or high espaliers. The moisture escaping, and the heat radiating from the earth, foster a finer development of produce, and, spring frosts guarded against, a crop is almost certain. 1 believe I was one of the first to adopt this plan, over 20 years ago, and although the original trees have long since been allowed to grow out of shape, they bore very fine fruit for many successive seasons. I have also some ground cordons on a Peach border now. Neither need this new mode of furnishing fruit-tree borders aflfect very seriously tho production of early vegetables. Raised banks, sheltered by permanent or temporary screens, will furnish as good, sometimes a better and warmer aspect than those borders provide. Let the rule once become authoritative that every fruit-tree border is to be wholly devoted to the roots, and the inventive genius of gardeners will readily devise other and pro- bably better modes of producing early vegetables. The cessation of digging fruit-tree borders would I Fbbeuaey 1, isea] THE GAEDENERS' OrTRONTrLE ANT* AfirjOULTUTiAL fiAZETTE. naturally be the adoption of the hard reulmen, and the preservation of the surface roots would lead to the adoption of Nature's mode of surface-feedins. The increase of the number of roots by the multiplication of plants nu a Riven space, would likewise prove one of the best antidotes against an excessive supply of food. For, as most gardeners know by experience, there are two modes ol reducing the supplies of food : one is to order but little in, and another, equally effective, is to multiply the number of consuming mouths. "With a border devoted wholly to roots, the practice of both modes would result in rendering excess impossible. No more manure would be given than the roots needed, and what was given would be divided among many roots. All fruit-tree borders might be treated in this manner. The north border could be devoted to bush fruit, either as bushes, pyramids, or dwarf espaliers, or as ground cordons. This multiplica- tion of roots in our fruit-tree borders would likewise protect thorn against another great dauger to which they are generally exposed by our present treatment, viz., an excess of water. Notwithstanding our advance in the art of draining, most of our borders are too wet for the well-doing of the roots of fruit trees. If any one is sceptical on this point, let him take a spade at once and dig down into his Peach-tree border, and proceed from thence to the nearest wood and examine the roots there. The contrast between the two states is startling and most suggestive ; and it is not too much to say that while the roots in the wood are warm and dry, those of his Persian trees are cold and wet. Now this excess of moisture does not only chill the roots, but it cools the earth as well. For every drop of water removed from the surface of the earth during winter, the earth loses say two molecules (I merely put it so, not inferring that heat is a substance) of heat. This loss must, if possible, be prevented ; and one mode of preventing it is to multiply to the utmost desirable limit the number of subterranean drinkers— the roots. All the water not consumed by these must either pass down through the earth— and in winter this cools it; or it must be lifted up off its surface, and this lowers its temperature to a greater extent. Nature's hard surface rolls much of the water off, and ours would do the same; and then, by providing outlets for its discharge at the bottom drains, and by collecting an army of drinkers in the earth itself, any excess of water would be almost impossible, and as drj; a home might be provided for the roots under the regimen of Art as is found for theni in a state of Nature. Care must, however, be exercised against proceeding to the opposite extreme. Owing to our trees being mostly deprived of their deep- running roots, they cannot command Nature's subterranean stores of water ; therefore during a continuance of dry weather, surface waterings may become necessary. I now arrive at the last and strongest con trast bet ween Nature's procedure and our own. It has been seen how carefully she guards the roots from extremes of temperature. Art has done its worst to intensify these extremes. In summer the roots are exposed to the tierce glare of the sun, in winter to the full power of the frost. The cropping of the borders may, indeed, slightly modify the heat of summer, but as a rule even this protection has not been enjoyed in winter. Our usual treatment of fruit-tree borders has placed their roots in the most unparalleled position. Deprived alike of their natural shade in summer, and theirnatural covering in winter, we seem tohavestriven to prove how much heat and cold the roots could endure without destroying life, and certainly they have mani- fested a power of endurance well nigh miraculous. Our barbarous practice having continued long enough to prove this point, it is surely time to adopt a more rational one. Considerable discussion has recently taken place as to the state of our trees in this country. Upon this I will not enter now. But after a mental estimate of the extreme alternations of temperature to which their roots have been exposed, the wonder is, not that they are not perfect, but that they are alive. I firmly believe that ihis exposure of the roots has been the weakest and most fatal point of our whole practice. It has caused them to be withered by drought, and benumbed, paralysed and ruptured by cold. They have undergone a constant succession of excitements to action and forced repose, resulting in the undermining or destruction of their vital power. Hence, I believe, has originated the impaired vigour, active disea.se, and sudden death of our trees. The roots have succumbed to an excess of heat, or been destroyed by overmaster- ing cold. Either of these are destructive enough in theniselves ; but when both exert their full force in rapid succession the results are doubly disastrous. This is just what has happened to our roots. Those injured m summer by an excess of heat have hastened to make good the injury by a fresh autumnal growth ; but before this could be completed, these roots have been checked by the cold grasp of the frost. And in our fickle climate the same process is renewed again and again throughout the winter. Now, the tempting warmth encourages root action, and immediately a sudden cold destroys it afresh. No living plants can continue to endure this. And It IS a disgrace to the regimen of Art that it has so long insisted upon making the roots wage such a miserable and unequal contest. The remedy is simple, and it is the last leaf that I shall now cut from the book of Nature. It is, summer shade and surlace mulching. The means of securing botli have already been indicated. By covering the border with trees or bushes, wo not oulv secure shade in sunimer but considerable protection 'in winter ; for even leafless trees have the power of checking the radiation of heat from the earth, and of returning part of their own w-armth. Aud the mulching is only another name for Nature's mode of surface feeding, and ought to be continuous. It is almost as useful in moderating the boat of summer, as in husbanding the warmth of winter. Its coutinuity will therefore operate to secure for the roots that great essential to their health, comparative uniformity of temperature. It will also exert a powerful regulating force upon water, and work to secure a continuous supply. Thus directly aud indirectly mulching assumes the highest importance. And nothing can be simpler than the prac- tice itself. Ilalf-rottea manure, straw or leaves, Moss or Cocoa fibre, or short Grass, will answer the purpose. If the trees are weak then use the manures; it strong, such substances as Moss or fibre will do equally well. The substance employed must possess a certain rough- ness of texture, to resist evaporation and obstruct the passage of heat— either out of or into the soil. It need seldom exceed 3 or -1 inches in thickness, and with management it ought not to become an eyesore to a cleanly taste. It should be renewed each winter, and its presence over the whole of our borders would soon be held to indicate that there was to be found the most valuable crops, the roots of our trees. Until that or some other visible sign is used to denote their presence and their worth, I fe;ir the old proverb will continue to be verified — " Out of sight, out of mind." At this moment deeds are jierpetrated upon roots every day that reveal the shallowness of our science, and belie our pretended wisdom, while they yield us a full crop of failures in our prac- tice. The general adoption of mulching aud surface cropping of fruit-tree borders with trees, and the entire consecration of all such borders to roots only, would be the dawn of a new era in horticulture, which could not fail to be successful, as we should then be bending the regimen of Art into harmony with the great cultural lessons taught us by a true estimate of the state of Nature. A servile imitation of Nature in this matter is neither possible nor desirable. But the laws of life are ever the same, aud we must master these laws under our alma mater — Nature, before our practice can either deserve or command success, or be worthy of the name of Art. B. T. Fish, F.R.M.S. the silk trade is a very risky business ; and the latter, that marketing Pears is a humbug. From Uie " American Counlri/ Gentleman." PROFITS OP A PEAIi CROP. TilE following seems to convey such good advice to those who wish to plant Pears for profit, that I am induced to ask you to insert it. The experience of the writer accords with my own, for it is now some 25 years since that I discovered a pyramidal Pear tree on the Quince stock, growing among my specimen trees of upwards of 900 sorts, nearly always bearing a good crop of beautiful Pears ; this was the Louise Bonne, incorrectly called " de Jersey." I at once took to the sort and planted 2000 trees on the Quince stock, and so well have they prospered that from 2000 to 3000 trees have been added to the plantation. It is strange to find so few Pears out of hundreds of varieties, that are calculated for market Pears, but when a variety is found to succeed no stint should be placed to planting it ; so that, like the American cultivator whose sorts have nearly dwindled to the Duchesse d'Augouli-me, the culture of the tree and marketing of the fruit is much simplified. I fear there is but slight hope of finding a climate in England equal to the favoured spot occupied by the writer of the article, and no pros- pect of making 800Z. a-year from one acre of Pear trees. What a suug property would 5 acres of Duchesses be ? It must be recollected that our cousins are great fruit eaters ; the climate has that effect : in our humid atmo- sphere our fruit appetite is comparatively of a very mild nature, beef and mutton seem more in the ascendant. T. It. P. T. Quinn, of Newark, New Jersey, in a paper read before tuo Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, fur- nishes a statement of some successful results in raising Pears for market. The orchard under his charge con- tains many trees planted 17 years ago, and at different periods since that time. The original 50 selected varieties have been successively reduced to only six. Of these the Duchesse d'Angouleme proves to be the most profitable. Nine years ago a single row, consisting of 30 trees of this sort, was selected, and an accurate account kept of the sales. The following is his state- ment for seven successive years. The account com- mences when the trees were only eight years old, and one crop failed. They were originally dwarfs on Quince stocks, but are supposed to have now thrown out roots from the Pear :— The 1st registered crop, trees S years old . . £2,7 0 0 2d „ „ „ f ,, .. 30 0 0 3d „ „ „ 10 „ .. :;o lo o 4th „ „ „ II „ .. 40 0 0 6th „ .. ,, 13 ,, .. 5S 10 0 Cth „ „ „ 13 ,, .. 6-1 0 0 7tU „ „ „ 14 ,, (04 bush,) 341 II 0 The distance of the trees asunder is stated to be 10 feet ; at the same rate there would be 435 on an acre, which, if yielding like the rest, would give a total annual average, in round numbers, of 800i. per acre. The numerous disappointments which the planters of Pear orchards have met with, are owing to the fact that they have begun all at once on a large .scale without understauding their trade. The three requi- sites for carrying on this trade successfully are to ascertain by experiment on the ground, or in each locality, what sorts succeed the best ; secondly, how to cultivate and prune them to the best advantage ; and thirdly, how to pack well, and to find a proper market. In the instance we have quoted, 50 varieties were taken to begin with. It is perhaps not necessary to try so many now. Several years were occupied in determining the best. All these points and many others must be thoroughly learned before the owner can conduct his business to the best advantage. If a western woodchoppcr should go into New York city, aud engage in the wholesale silk trade, he would succeed no better than the farmer who, with no expe- rience, sets out a thousand Pear trees for market. The former would doubtless come lo the conclusion that HERBACEOUS PLANTS.— No. VII. (.Vonlumedfromp. 1218, 1807.) Some of the (jialatellas are rather pretty, particularly angustifolia and hyssopifolia, hut I should not like to say that any of them are first-rate, particularly as there is no dearth of the undeniably fine. Viltadenia triloba is a pretty little plant, that survives out-of- doors sometimes, and in some places, particularly if a little elevated. Eupatorium ageratoidcs is rather a good late-flowering thing. Some of the Stovias are of fair merit, the nest perhaps canescens, corym- bosa, aud Lindleyana. One or two of the hardy Cinerarias and Ligularias have great loaves, and for such might prove useful whore effects from foliage may bo desired. Othonna cheirifolia is hardy on light soils or rockwork, and is a plant neat and distinct in habit. The double Helianthus multittorus is a good showy common border plant. H. orgyalis will prove useful from its stately habit, and gracefully bent leaves. Gaillardia grandiflora, maxima and Loeselii, with llud- heckia Drummondi, Noumanni, intermedia, and purpurea, are all worth a place. As I have before said in these columns, R. Neumanni is a superb idaut for good soil, and finely associates with the best autumn-flowering things. Coreopsis lanceolata and the Santolinas are also good; indeed, from the neatness of their habit, all the Santolinas are worth growing. They are always trim and dressy, and even for their neat habit alone are worth growing, S. incana, Chamjccyparissus, viridis, squarrosa, and alpina are all worth a place, the last being a neat rock plant, while the first two of some use as edging plants. Leucanthe- mum lacustre is rather good, though coarse, and Pyrethrum uliginosum, a tall showy white autumnal flower, is worthy of culture among the largest plantsof its season. The new, aud in many cases splendid, varieties of the hardy Pyrethrum roseum must of course be included in a good collection of herbaceous plants, as they have very high qualties, and exhibit some colours more richly than any other hardy plants. Even some of the older and better single kinds have the highest merit as border plants, at once convenient in habit, sumptuous in colour, and profuse with their large flower- heads. In fact, it is almost surprising to consider the quantity of valuable plants we have in this herbaceous way, and the wonder is how they are so rarely seen. But that their day is coming fast, I for one, have no doubt. It is needless for me to particularise the varieties of Pyrethrum roseum, since they have been noticed already (p, 858, 18(ir), They are offered abundantly by Jlr, S:ilter and iilliers, aud have already nearly attained the rank of florists' flowers. Of the Achilleas, no garden should be without A, Eupatorium, aigyptiaca,Clavenna;, filipeudula, the best variety of Millefolium rosea, aurea, tomentosa, serrata fl.-pl., and Ptarmica fl.-pL These are all good. The last (also known by the name of Ptarmica vulgaris multiplex) is a very pretty double, and well worthy of culture. I have seen the flowers of Ptarmica fl.-pl. used for wedding bouquets, though as some of the others flower more continuously, they are, on the whole, better plants. In the Lobelia order the varieties and descendants of the tall perennial kinds are of course the most remark- able. Always very fine, they have of late years had some new colours added, and nothing can be more efl'ec- tive than a group of the finer species and varieties of these. They are offered in considerable variety, both by Mr. Bull and Messrs. Henderson, Rollisson, and others. Lobelia Tupa is a very fine and thoroughly distinct plant, that makes a splendid object well worthy of asso- ciation with the Tritomas on warm and good soils ; but it probably requires to be in a genial part of the country to do well. I have never seen it so well as in the Dublin Botanic Gardens, and there it is certainly very fine as a hardy perennial. That it would prove equally so on good soils, and iu tolerably mild districts, I have no doubt ; and am certain tb.it it would make a fine object in the south or west of England. It has a habit of spreading out into a very wide and tall mass, and when so seen is one of the most imposing of ail herbaceous plants. Next we have the grand herbaceous order, Campanulacere. I say "grand," because few orders contain a greater percentage of good things among the useless than this — from the pretty, dense-flowering trailing Campanulas in the way of fragilis aud garganica, to that tall, old favourite Campanula pyramidalis, so fine for either pots or the open borders. Nothing can bo more useful than Campanula persicifolia in this order, the pure white variety being even better than the normal one, and more effective for summer decoration. There are in all half a dozen or seven varieties of this species, both single and double, and every one excellent. The pro- portious the flowers of these assume, on good and warm soils iu the home counties, are sometimes remark- able. We cannot do much in herbaceous plants with- out freely using the Campanulas. What can be prettier or more effective than clumps of carpatica, either the blu6,white, or" bicolor" varieties? It is one of the best border flowers in existence, and it may also be made good use of as an edging or bedding plant, as it flowers a long time on ordinary good soils, and the more so if the seed-vessels are picked olf. Moreover, it is a capital plant for rockwork. The common C. rotun- difolia, which waves its clear blue bells with such aspare amount of foliage aud "plant" on many a bla-st- swept heath, is a most showy and excellent species under garden culture— requiring no attention or no particular soil to produce an abundance of its pretty flowers. There is a good white variety. C. grandisisa good, medium-sized free-flowering species, of most easy 100 THE GARDENERS' rHRONlCLE AND ACtRICTTLTURAL GAZETTE. [Februahy i, ises; culture. C. nobilis is larpe and long in the tube, though not so conspicuous as some of the other kinds, but still interestinp; and distinct. There is a " red " and a " white " variety, though neither of the colours are very pronounced. C. latifolia is a fine British species: it has one or two varieties. C. nlpina (true) is dwarf and good, and Ja- miesoni is said to be a fine dwarf species, but I have not seen the plant in flower. C. Barrelieri is a beautiful plaut for baskets, pot culture, &c., and it is also pretty out-of-doors, though not thoroughly hardy. One called C. Leutwenii has fine large bells, larger than the Canterbury Bell, and of a very pale lilac or French white, but it is not hardy; it IS a fine species, however, for basket culture or pots, and distinct from any other kind in cultivation. C. Van Houttei is a good kind, as is speciosa ; and the true C. puUa is very pretty and dark, though perhaps it should be included among alpine plants. C. aggregata is also very good, and so is C. alliar- laefoliaj and C. Trachelium and its varieties ; while C. nitida is generally considered good, though with me it always refused to grow with anything like health or lustre, but on the contrary always ran to "leg," short and dwarf as it is. Perhaps this would not be the case in the north or in moist districts. I had almost for- gotten the common and really useful little C. pumila, both the white and the blue of which are so nicely used as edging plants in some places : they are always pretty crawling rouud rockwork, &c. Every one of the Campanulas named above is worth grow- ing, and from this the reader not familiar with her- baceous plants will be able to judge of the value of the family for decorative purposes. There are many other ornamental species in the genus, but those enumerated, or even the best of them, will prove sufficient for the select collection. Platycodon grandiflorura and P. autumnale are both fine. Adenophora liliifolia and stylosa, and Symphiandra pendula, are other good plants of the Campanula order — the last much the best of the three, being dwarf, with large flowers freely produced, and of neat habit. W, R. (To be Continvrd.) RESUSCITATION OF THE STEMS OF AGED YEAVS. This is a somewhat difficult undertaking, provided that the tops must be preserved during the proceed- ing, otherwise it is simple enough. Remove the top and the pent-up vital energy of the plaut will speedily expend itself in the formation of a new and vigorous bottom; and where things have advanced too far, there is no other complete remedy for bare stems near the roots. I have never known this radical mode of furnishing a fresh bas3 for the Yew, to fail. The question of the age of your correspondent's trees (see p. 78) may be safely dismissed. One hundred years is as nothing in the life of a Yew tree. Time can hardly be said to enfeeble their energies, or cripple their powers of growth. They also endure better than most other trees the overshadowing fellowship of other species, still it would be desirable to learn how near your correspondent's trees approach the fence " behind and before," also what kind of trees they are. The Yew has a decided objection to be overhung, either by itself or any trees of the Fir tribe. An overhanging screen of Scotch Firs will ultimately destroy not only the base but likewise the top of Yews that are compelled to struugle for life beneath them. Among deciduous trees, tlie worst enemies of Yews are the Ash and the Elm ; these send forth such a swarm of hungry and voracious roots along the surface, that they devour the whole of the food that was meant to be shared with the Yews. The roots of the latter are no match for those of the former, and the result of the fierce struggle for food is that, while the Elm and the Ash are fully fed, the weaker roots of the Yew are sent empty away. In this way the close proximity of such trees cuts off the necessary sup- plies of food, and thus lays the foundation of weak- ness, disease, and partial or complete destruction. Oak trees, as they send their roots deeper down, do less injury ; but these, if too close, will also produce similar evils to the others in a lesser degree. But not only does the too close proximity of other trees injure Yews or other evergreens by robbing the roots of the proper complement of food, but they often do equal or greater harm by the dense shade of their large heads. Every plant demands, as the condition of its healthy life, not only room and food for its roots, but more or less of clear suulight, and a larger or smaller outlook towards the clear blue sky for its top. If permanent health is desired, plants must have room to breathe, and to bask themselves in the free air. They have a decided repugnance to the acceptance of either air or water for their use at second-hand, and after it has been used, and consequently more or less fouled or contaminated, by other plants. Like ourselves, they infinitely prefer both these essentials to life, pure. Less satisfies some plants than others, but all alike must have clean water and pure air as the first requisite to healthy life. Now, plants that are much overhung or hampered by others never enjoy the luxury of either clear light, pure air, or clear water. Their light is screened of its quickening force, their air is sifted of its richest food, their water is fouled by previous use before it reaches them. Is it any wonder that, iinder such circum- stances, life itself losns its charm and its hold, and the contest needed to preserve it, is sooner or later given up in disgust, and the plant yields itself up as it were willingly to the power of disease, and the inroads of death. Above is the glorious sunlight ; the air pure and heavily charged with its freight of plant food in the form of carbonic acid gas or ammonia. And the jiure dew decking the leaves with necklaces of silver pearls, or the crystal rain-drops nourishing and glad- dening the life of leaf and flower as it pours back upon the trembling surface a full tide of health, and a rich revelation of their charming beauty ; while far down below, on to the Yews, a struggling sunbeam squints ; exhausted air drops languidly down, and streams of dirty used-up water fall heavily, like the terrible droppings of dreary death ! I appeal to every practical man to say whether the picture is overdrawn. I hear their myriad voices swelling into one great shout of, " No ! It cannot be ! " The evil of attempting to take several crops from the same piece of ground at one and the same time, is as nothing compared to the folly, the cruelty I had almost said, of attempting to take crop above crop heaped up, one on the top of the other, into an almost endless series, from the self-same area of air. There- fore if the trees are too close, and the Yews are important, some of the trees must be sacrificed for the resuscitation of the Yews. The death and decay of the bottom branches is their piteous cry for more light, freer air, and purer water. Trees, under such circum- stances, constantly die from the bottom upwards, and not from the top downwards. The reason is obvious. The bottom is doubly or trebly shaded, it has to live or die in a gloom or a darkness that may not only be seen but almost sensibly felt. There is the deep shade of the other trees, and the thicker gloom of their own sombre substance, that combine to create a gloom so dense that it finally destroys and hides the lower limbs of many trees in the deep valley of the shadow of death. If such is a true description of the origin of such evils, we are furnished with a clue to the best remedial measures. The first step towards the production of bottom branches is the reduction or entire removal of the overhanging boughs, whether of the Yew itself of other trees. Your correspondent does not say if the i'ews are clipped on both sides or not; nor as to the form which they assume. Both of these points are important. If only clipped on one side I have found that they will often display a tendency to shrink from the shears, by throwing most of their vigour in the opposite direction. In this case the clipped surface is apt to lose in health what the other gains in robustness. And if it is not desirable to cut both sides, the free side should be frequently trimmed in to main- tain something like fair play between them, and to press the vital force as much as possible into the clipped side, which in most cases is the front, and therefore the most important. But the form of the clipped wall is of the greatest consequence. If it is at all arched over, or if the upper portion projects in the slightest degree over the under, it will be found most difficult to preserve the health and fine green colour of the under branches. The projecting boughs rob the others of the direct rain and dews by the density of their mass— a density, be it noted, wondrously increased by the constant clipping; and they sufl'er and die in consequence. If then the Yews must not be beheaded, the overhanging branches should he carefully thinned out and finally be wholly cut back to beyond the perpendicular line. To pre- serve any living wall in permanent health it ought to assume the form of a wedge, with the narrow edge upwards and not downwards, as we often see it. The under portions of Yews, Box, and other plants, will hardly preserve their vigour on the vertical lino ; and as the result of much observation and experience, I can affirm, that they cannot do so if the upper portions overhang the under — not, at least, without special attention and exceptional treatment. Such treatment would consist in constant syringings and heavy waterings during hot, dry weather, and would seldom repay the labour that it would involve. A very slight recession from the vertical line at the top sufhces to keep the under branches in health. If it is found, after a still, dewy night, that the whole wall from top to bottom has been moistened over, the shape is right, and the permanent health of the bottom branches secured. I have a strong suspicion that this matter of form could not have been attended to by your correspondent, else a hedge of Yew only 10 feet in height could hardly have lost its base. But having lost it, the probability is that it may be wished to restore it at once. Now the courses I have recommended all require time. But there is another mode that may be worked parallel with them, and its eff'ects are immediate. It is simply to plant young Yews within 18 inches or 2 feet of the others, and high enough to cover the whole loss of bottom boughs. Some 12 years ago I served a long line in this way, and the effect was instantaneous, and the permanent result a fine wall of Yew from base to summit, of nearly double the height required by your correspondent. Of course, if this expedient is adopted the old Yews will never again feather to the ground— the fresh plants prevent that ; but the effect is just the same as if they did, and, indeed, in some respects better, for by keeping the young plants down there is never any danger of having a repetition of the same difficulty. The bottom of the wall is from henceforth established on an independent base, strong in fresh vigour, and stable in the durability of along, fresh life. As to the top-dressing, .3 feet deep, this would be a likelymeansofsendingthe stems after the branches, and would be a laborious mode of burying the living stems to save the trouble of having speedily to bury or destroy the dead ones out of sight. In other words it would most likelv kill, could scarcely by any miracle restore, the trees. Still moderate top-dressings, of from 6 inches to 9 inches in thii'.kne.ss are often most useful restora- tives to weak, enfeehled, or even healthy trees. And no plants derive more benefit from such treatment than Yews. Anything beyond this thickness, would be more likely to do harm than good. During dry summers, again, on dry soils, Yews, and most other favourite trees, are benefited by waterings. To do any good, however, they must be thoroughly watered, that IS, receive from 20 to 50 gallons per plaut. But, after the form of the top, a proper sphere for its healthy extension, and careful provision for the supply of its wants, are the chief remedial measures for the resusci- tation of such Yew trees as those described by your correspondent. Quercus. THE NATURE AND CAUSE OP CYCLONES. As the ■violent storms during the last week will probably give an increased interest to a consideration of the cause of cyclones, tho following brief remarks may be acceptable as an addition to ray letters on that subject (see pp. 2S and 52). Cyclones seem to prevail in various parts of the globe in proportion to the production or accumulation of vapour and the fall of rain. The enormous rains during storms in Mauritius, and over the surrounding seas, have already been described, and there cyclones fre(j[ueutly occur ; but on the Islands of St. Helena and Ascension, and tho neighbouring ocean, there are no storms, probably from the trade winds sweeping off the vapour ; those islands not affording sufficient obstructions for its accumulation. The Bay of Bengal is very subject to cyclones, and especially so about the mouths of the Ganges. That a vast amount of vapour arises from the sea, and is carried over the continent during the monsoon«i, is well known ; but the imagination a.s to the resulting rains may be a-ssisted by the statement by Colonel Sykes, that at Cherraponjie 610 inches and three- tenths of an inch of rain fell in 1S51 ; and of this quantity 50 feet and 5 inches fell in seven months ; the rainfall of the other five months being only 5 inches and three-tenths. In explanation of the cause of this enormous fall, Colonel Sykes states that "the station is on the Cossya Hills, at 4500 feet above the sea, facing the south ; and the vapour from the Bay of Bengal, floating at a height of about 4500 feet, passes over the plains of the deltas of the Ganges and Brahmapootra, and first impinges upon the Cossya Hills." The cyclones on the North Atlantic especially affect the West Indies, and generally commence amongst, or southward of, the Windward Islands ; which, with the neighbouring coast of South America, gives the first obstrtiction to the trade winds, and lead to an accumulation of vapour. " From thence the storms pass off, eating, as it were, a passage into the great " sea " of vapour overlaying and extending from above the Gulf stream, and following the course of that stream, as fire would chiefly extend in the direction of the greatest amount of fuel for its consumption. The onward course of these storms, with the continually enlarging of their diameters, and also the existence for several days of such extensive rarified areas, may thus be accounted for : while the revolving of tho air around the limits of tho storm disks accords with the laws which Hccm to govern the motion of fluids when free to move to regain an equilibrium. The calm in the centre of a cyclone may be only the effect of the extent of such storms, as there could be no rush of air into a rarified space while surrounded, to the distance of many miles, by an atmosphere equally rarified. In such storms, when extensive, the greatest violence must be near the outer limits. It has often been observed that cyclones are much less violent as they pass off than at the beginning of the storm. This is accounted for on the whirlwind theory, as caused by the plane of the cyclone being inclined, or lifted up, as it were, in the after part : but the diminution of tho violence may ari.se from an exhaustion of the rain supply in that part, while, from the continued accession of vapour and the pre- cipitation of rain, it might continue unabated about the forward and increasing boundaries of the storm. It is stated that two cyclones sometimes unite, and that, at times, a large one will break up into two or more cyclones ; and in Piddington's " Sailor's Horn-Book " an instance is given in which " it was a severe rotatory gale with a pilot vessel at sea, and a furious huiTicane-cyclone at Calcutta, driving and tearing half the ships from their river moorings, and swamp- ing and sinking those which got adritt, with a dead calm and the shift in the middle of it. It was traced some hundreds of miles inland by a long series of reports ; and indubitably, after passing Calcutta, divided, as I have delineated it, into perfect cyclones of smaller diameter, but of less violence." It is difficult to conceive how two whirlwinds could unite and then continue onward as one ; or how a whirlwind, of hurricane violence and some hundreds of miles in diameter, could break up into two or more perfect cyclones : bxit considering the precipitation of rain as the cause, and the revolving of winds as a secondary effect of the storm, such phenomena as the union of two cyclones, the detachment of portions from a large one, or the breaking up of one into distinct cyclones, may be accounted for, as the like often occurs with thunder- storms. Maury, who has no theory on the subject, in his " Physical Geography of the Sea," says, " After much study, I find some difficulties about the cyclone theory that I cannot overcome. They are of this sort. I c;mnot conceive it possible to have a cyclone with a revolving and travelling disk lOuO or 500 miles in diameter, as the expounders of the theory have it. Is it possible that a disk of such an attenuated fluid as common air, having 1000 miles of diameter, with its less than wafer- Uke thickness in comparison, to go travelling over the earth's surface, and whirling about a centre with tornado violence? AVith the log-books of several vessels before me that are supposed to have been in different parts of the same cyclone, I have a number of times attempted to project its path, but I always failed to bring out exactly such a storm as the theory calls for." He states, from an examination of Admiral FitzRoy's diagrams and MSS., that thelRoyal Charter storm of October, 1859, was a true cyclone ; but respecting the Black Sea storm of 1854, which did so much damage to the Allied Fleet, and is still held to be a true cyclone, he says that "by the observations of some of the vessels a cyclone may be made out. But if we take the observations of all of them, and discuss them upon the supposition that the whole storm was a cyclone, it will puzzle anyone to make anything of them." "Espy maintains tbat they confirm hia theory, and his is anti- From many years' consideration of this subject I believe that at least the revolving storm theory has been ranch over- rated. I have carefully studied the charts of storm tracks in Colonel Reid's work, but could never make out a clear proof of a whirlwind in any of tho storms to which they refer ; while, in reference to the storm on which the first chart is given, a fact is stated which tells directly against the whirl- wind theory, as in "the hurricane of 1821, in the States of Massachusetts and Connecticut the trees were blown down on the eastern portion of those States with their heads to the north-west, whilst those on the western portion were prostrated with their heads to the south-east." In conclusion, I beg that the proposed theory may be fairly considered. The cause of storms is not a mere speculative subject which could lead to no practical results ; for although such visitations cannot be prevented, a knowledge of the cause might lead to an increased knowledge of the indications of their approach ; and if the proposed tbeory be correct, its adoption might lead to some useful change in buildings in parts especially subject to cyclone storms, as it is probable that much mischief arises during such storms from an expansion I at Barbados Pebeuaey 1, 1868.] THE GAHDKNKRS' CIlKONICLE AND AGrvlCULTTIRAL GAZKTTE. 101 uf thu of air witbin doors, in addition to the direct violum: wind. Espy has stated caaos in which ground tlui burst up, from tho expansion of ftir in the cellars bonuath, as the storm passed over. AVith respoct to vessels at sea, the adoption of tho proposed theory would in no way aflfect the flailing regulations now in use as regards cyclone storms ; but the knowledge that rain is the cause of such storms might lead to stricter attention to phenomena connected with it, and with a falling barometer observations on distant lightning by night, on clouds by day, might afford sufficient warning for a vessel to be kept out of a cyclone in which it might otherwise have become enveloped. G. A. Jioicell, St. Giles, Oxford. Eoot Fibrils. — My attention was first directed to this subject under rather peculiar circumstances. My new method for improvinR the growth and flavour of orchard house fruit, as described in your Number for the 23d of November last, necessitated plunging the pots into large pans, instead of allowing the roots to penetrate the ground, as is the usual method in orchard Douses. The earth in the pans was rich loam, but not highly manured. Upon explaining my plans to Mr. Lawes, of llothamsted, he at once suggested the possi- bility of the roots being injured by being confined within a smaller space, and under the influence of greater warmth, or at all events that a change of some sort might be produced upon the growth of the trees in consequence. Knowing how careful he is in his own experiments, I confess I looked forward with somewhat of anxiety as to the result. How- ever, as the summer wore on increase of vigour and increase in the size of the fruit, as compared with previous years, was obvious; and thus it went on till the fruit was gathered. So far so good: it only now remained to see what was the actual state of the roots thus treated. It should be observed that they were not lifted or moved in any way during the summer, as recommended in Mr. Rivers' book, to prevent them from striking too deeply into the soil. I expected to find that the tap roots had struck down to the pans, and had then turned in search of better food ; but m no one instance were there " ropy roots " at all, but a mass of fibrils commencing at once from the bottom of the pots ; and in one or two cases nearly filling the whole pans. After they were cut off as usual in the autumn, I examined these bunches of root with great care to ascertain if any portion of the spongioles was dead {for this is certainly the case with a large proportion of the highly-forced extra roots on the surface of the pots). I came to the conclusion that bunch for your opinion, and to show what this variety is capable of doing under better culture. These Vines were planted the first week in May. They were taken out of 48-sized, or 5-inch pots, and were not more than a foot high. Just as they sot their fruit I found out that their roots were out in tho plunging material, where the Pines were growing, so I thought, as they must be moved, the sooner the better ; they were consequently taken up, and laid into another lot of soil, but there was such a quantity of roots out that the leaves on tho young Vines flagged. So you see they had a rough time of it. John Slandish, Ascot, Jan. 23. [The Grapes were excellent— fresh, crisp, tender, and richly flavoured. Eds.] Zizania aquatica.— Dr. Miinter's note at p. 78 recalls my attention to this plant. In your volume for last year I stated that none of the seed so kindly sent to me by tlie Bishop of llupert Land, had produced fruiting plants. That was an error. A small quantity of apparently good seed ha.s been produced, and it was immediately sown in the tub containing the parent plants, which are now dead. It remains to be seen if these seeds germinate or not. If they do, we shall pro- bably have plenty of seed next summer. C. C. B., Cambriihje. Zygopetalum aromaticum.— This Zygopetalum (see p. 75), grows well and flowers freely in a cool Cattleya house. The blue on the lip is peculiarly intense when the blossoms first open, but it afterwards acquires a purplish tinge. A. D. B. Weather at Bloxholm Hall, Lincolnshire, in 1867.— Temperature. January February March July '. '. Augvist . . September October . . November December Mean day temperature for the year, 56.1° ; mean night, 36.8°. The hottest day was August M, 97' ; the coldest night was January 3—4, 10°. Total rainfall for the such was not the case. If this rule be invariable — which, [year, 26.8.3 inches. Greatest fall of rain in one day, however, I cannot presume to state from only one ! May 10. 1 inch. D. Lumsden, year's experiment — it would imply that in a natural state the fibrils do not die, but when forced unnaturally And its horticultural meaning have been much they do; but not till they have performed the functions' — :»-*-J — .' — * "' :*>■ •' 1 J '—" for which they were produced, and left a sufficient quantity of their larger stems alive for the repro- duction of fibrils another year. Nothing can be more satisfactory for the growth of trees in pots than the periodical dying of those highly-forced fibrils, as it keeps the roots within bounds without necessitating a severe use of the knife, which otherwise must come sooner or later. Butthisdoes not quite clear the point at issue, as to whether it be the normal or abnormal state of plants for a large portion of their root fibrils to die annually. Conceiving it to be impossible to arrive at any certain result from trees treated so artificially as fruit trees in pots, 1 went to my wood, and had a young liealthy-looking Spruce Fir of some six or seven years' groivth taken up carefully. As the soil in which it grew was very light, there was no difliculty in separating the fibrils from the earth without injury ; the roots were covered with a thick mass of delicate spongioles, and though I examined them with great care (submitting some of the very delicate fibrils to the microscope), I could not discover any portion to be dead. Some of your readers may say, " But Spruce Firs are not fruit trees." Granted ; but I conceive them to be governed by the same fixed laws, under which all trees obtain their nourishment from the soil, and thus I wish to bring the subject to one question, but that an important one— are these fibrils that die such as have been used in nourishing the fruit only, and thus. receiving no return of sap, gradually decay when the fruit falls or is gathered? The leaves also fall, it is true, in due course of time, and probably for the very reason that the sap is withdrawn from them, again to be husbanded by the roots till the returning spring. The leaves being the lungs and the roots the heart [?], they naturally assist each other in the work of circulation. But it is not with the fruit as with the leaves, a super- abundance of the one tends to decay in tho whole system of the tree; whereas, a superabundance of the other tends to increased vitality. Query, therefore, would the fibrils be found decayed under the same firocess of forcing, were the trees allowed to grow as uxuriantly as they pleased, and the fruit blossoms removed ? or would a Spruce Fir, highly forced through the summer, show a portion of its root fibrils decayed when taken up in the autumn ? Nous verrons. J. F., Soufhacre Bectory, Brandon. Eoyal Ascot Grape.— The bunch ofthis Grape shown at South Kensington on the 21st inst. was cut from a small plant that was only planted the first week in May last, in a Pine stove, whicn is 18 feet wide, with a span roof, and a 3-feet path up the centre. In the front of this house, on each side, I put a little soil, kept up by a dry 4| mch wall of bricks; at the back of this were Pme plants, plunged in dung and leaves. The Vines grew away very rapidly, and soon got to the top of the house— about 12 feet. They were then topped, and threw out bunches all down the Vines. At first we pinched tliem ofi', but they came thicker and faster Irom the young growing wood, until at last I left from four to six bunches on six plants. Although they were grown under such adverse circumstances, 1 send you a ■ The Word " Cordon."— For some time past this word agitated, and not always with the coolness and courtesy that should attach themselves to all scientific or artistic subjects. The word is from a very old Celtic root, and its meaning, under ordinary circumstances, well understood. It is as to its horticultural applica- tion that so many words have been bandied. As far as I can make out, there is more than one form of training to which the word " cordon " is applied— 1st, to what I think is an old form of training, which may be well expressed by the term herring-bone cordon, or the branch of a tree with its young shoots annually laid in, i. e., nailed to the wall, giving tlie branch the form of the backbone of a herring — if can think of no better illustration. This form of training is still common in many French gardens, and requires great pruning attention — as much as our well-known fan- shaped trees, which T. A. Knight used to say was, on the whole, the best of all forms for wall trees. He said this, doubtless, from his long experience — it approaches very nearly to the truth. 2d. The modern application of the word, which we owe to Dubreuil, is very different. His meaning seems to ignore the herring-bone cordon, and to apply the word cordon to a branch with its shoots pinched in in summer, by which means a continuous row of spurs is formed on it. A branch thus treated requires but small attention in winter pruning, and no nailing, thus economising labour to a great extent. This system has been followed with Pear trees in England for upwards of a century, but the word cordon has never been applied to it ; and, by-the-by, this word as applied to trained trees is not to be found in the old writers on fruit-tree culture, either Dutch — the earliest tree trainers— or French, from La Quintinye upwards, to " La Pomeraie Fran- Qaise" of Com to Lelieur. The word seems to have had its origin .in the custom of the French gardeners of tying down the shoots of young Apple trees to a wire stretched near the ground, and pinching in their young shoots so as to form a low edging of Apple trees, which from being fastened to a wire, or possibly in its earlier stages to a strong piece of cord (which I have seen in the gardens of French peasants), acquired the name of cordon trees. In recommending the same method of summer pinching for other trees as practised on cordon Apple trees, Dubreuil seems to have enlarged the meaning of the word, and, as I take it, with sound judgment. There is no reason why we should not apply a new ■ horticultural meaning to an established English word. We may, therefore, with perfect pro- priety, form our own vocabulary as to the meaning of the word cordon, and call a Pear, or any other tree with its branches spurred in, a compound cordon — our gardening status ought to give us some power. Let us, therefore, endeavour to make ourselves inde- pendent of foreign phrases, for I can see no reason why, among other meanings attached to the word by English gardeners, we should not say a fan-shaped cordon— i. e., a tree with every branch formed into a cordon by summer pinching, and no young shoots laid in ; at any rate the subject is worthy of attention, and I hope to see it taken in hand by some of our expe- rimental gardeners, and English terms applied — in fact, an English training vocabulary, in good sound English, and, without consulting any foreign author — making cordon trees to mean trees with one, two, or ten branchos giving them their proper appellations, with the stipulation that a cordon branch is spurred in, and not a nerring-bono branch with its young shoots laid in. It seems unbecoming in us— a nation of gardeners — to refer to a foreign source for gardening words ; it shows also a lack of originality in either a writer or gardener. AnnUcus. The Nonsuch Paradise Stock.— There must. I think, be some error in the statement made by "Gallicus" (p. 51) that he has stools (m!res) of this kind of stock, so as to be able to compare its growth with the Doucin, as it was sent out, for the first time last October, by Messrs. Rivers, who raised it from seed many years ago, and who have used it as a stock for garden Apple trees for several years. It seems admirably adapted for this, as it keeps pace with the graft roots freely at the surface, and is likely to supersede all other varieties of the Paradise stock, producing trees healthy and prolific. Its shoots are as much like those of the Doucin as those of the Burr Knot Apple (which it much resembles) are to the Nonpareil, the one being stout and downy, the other dark and slender. If " Gallicus" received his Nonsuch stocks last spring, he has, I fear, been deceived. Mains. Jamaica Botanic Garden. — It is stated in your issue of the 16th November last, that the Botanic Garden at Jamaica is to be given up. I beg to assure you that this is not the case. The following is the change which has taken place:— The removal of the Botanic Garden of Bath to a more eligible site has been under contem- plation for about 10 years, and, I think, in 1859, Mr. Wilson selected a site which was thus intended to supersede the Bath Garden. Accordingly, in 1861-2 the preliminary operations at the new site (Castleton) were commenced, and now nearly the entire collection of the Bath Garden has been transferred and established here. Consequently the Bath Garden was intended to have been abandoned at the end of Sep- tember last. It, however, has been recently decided to continue the Bath Garden for a few years, for the purpose of saving and preserving the more valuable species not yet transplanted to or propagable at Castleton. It has also been decided that the Castleton Garden, on the ground of its obscure and inconvenient situation, shall be maintained mainly for nursery ])urposes. This is the principal office which the Botanic Garden in this island has hitherto performed, with the view eventually of organising an efficient institution elsewhere. Bobert Thomson, Superintendent Botanic Garden and Cinchona Cultivation, Jamaica, January 6. Epidendrum erubescens. — We send by this post for your inspection some flowers of Epidendrum erubescens, which, with other plants of the same species, have been grown in a cool greenhouse. The vigour of the growth so made abundantly shows how well suited the plants are in such a temperature. We may also add that several plants were grown out-of- doors altogether during the summer months, and the growth of these fully equalled, if it did not exceed, that of those kept in the greenhouse. Jas. Buck- house Sc Son, York. [The spray sent was sufficient evidence of the health and vigour of this beautiful plant. Ed3.] Hot-water Boilers.— I have read Mr. Whiting's remarks (see p. 53) in reference to Jones' Terminal Saddle Boiler, of which I have had one in use here for three years, and I can assure Mr. Whiting that if he will give the boiler a fair trial, his fears about the small hole and terminal end of it, will speedily vanish. It possesses almost every point of excellence, and none greater, in my opinion, ihan the small hole and its position, for it prevents most effectively what happens in most other boilers, — viz., the sudden escape of heat to the flue. Amongst all the boilers of this sort used in this neighbourhood, I have never heard of one which does not carry away all the smoke generated; indeed, the draught in them is usually so good that the damper in the chimney has to be almost always used ; and the power of the boiler is so great that coke with- out smoke answers as well as coal. A. Pettigrew, liiisholme, Manchester. By the addition of a word to my observations at p. 53, I am not only made to say what I did not mean, but precisely the contrary. I stated that in consequence of the dearness of the best quality of coals in many places, gardeners were con- strained to use " less costly and powerful fuel," mean- ing of course less costly and le.is powerful ; but I am made to say " less costly and more powerful," which is a contradiction in itself, as it is evident that good coals must give out more heat than inferior ones. /. B. imting. Milky White Potato.— I planted Milky White last year by the side of Smith's Early, Flourball, Rivers' Royal, and several other sorts, and I found it freor from disease than any of them. I consider it to be a first-rate Potato and with me it is a capital cropper ; I have grown it for three years. We had a sharp frost here late in the spring, which cut up the Potatos very badly, but I found Milky White withstood it better thananyof its associates. Smith's Early (which I think is a good sort) was cut up so badly that I had none for use, scarcely getting enough for seed. I intend trying it for early frame work this spring. W. Carcile, Marsh Hall, Rarlow. Mistleto.— Many years ago I planted some Mistleto on a bough of the common Laurel, and although it sprouted and lived for some time, possibly a year, the shoot was so stunted and withered that it never was as much as half an inch long, and I believe that the roots never formed or fixed themselves properly into the bark. In fact the Mistleto grew as it might possibly have done in an equally protected and damp place on a stick from a dead tree, and then, after a time, it quite disappeared. I may say that the Mistleto ■ is very common here ; I have seen it growing, but m a THE GAT^BKNEUS' rTTRfWTrLE ANT) AGl^ICTTT.TTTBAL GAZETTE. [Februaiiy 1, 1868. very unhealthy state, on the Lime, and we have one good specimen now growini; on the Oak. E. A. 0., Chepstow. Foreign Correspondence. JlETEOROLOtilCAL OBSEIiVAnONS AT BaNGALOEE. — The following is an abstrauC of observations taken hei<^' for the years 1862, 1S63, 1S64, lSt>5, and 1866 :— letter was read from Herr Schiekendantz, communicated by Dr. Burmeister, containing a notice of the occurrence and description of a new genua of LameUicorn beetles in Brazil, bulou^g to a gi-oup hitherto supposed to bo confined to the ahoroa of the Mediterranean, allied to the genus Pachypus. A report, by the Rev. G. Bichter, the Governor of the Central School of Koorg, E. India, was read relative to the destruc- tion of Coffee trees by a beetle called the Borer, which proves to boloug to the Longicoru genua, Clytrys. Mr. Dunuiuij made some remarks on the laws of priority in nomenclature, K3(D Theruometer- -Mean OF 5 Years, Rainfall. S. ■^5 « Extremes ° a.9 •««.,■ as- S ■ Montlm. Dry Bulb. jMo im. during Five Years. til ■mil (a .3 Ye ira. ■s-g as,';: a c o i 1 9.30 3.30 Max. Min. High- est Low- est. Inch. Days. January February . . March AprU.. May .. 67.8 71.4 77.1 81.2 13.4 16.4 18.2 80.4 77'.6 81.8 87.0 59°.2 01.6 67.2 8°1 86 89 55 56 60 68'.4 71.7 77.1 18',4 20.2 19.8 23 30 32 0.14 1.23 1 2 0.26 0.17 0.59 76.4 87.4 86.8 16.6 14.4 81.9 81.2 88.4 87.C 7II.S 69.8 92 91 66 66 79.6 78.7 17.6 17.8 24 23 3.89 10 5.00 1 § 81.6 11.4 77.3 83.2 67.6 88 65 74,9 I4.C 21 M ■% JiUy .. August September . . October 75.2 78.2 6G.4 86 64 72.3 21 3.87 70.6 70.6 78.4 79.2 9.0 9.2 9.2 74.5 74.9 75.1 79.2 70.7 79.1 CO.O 65.7 0G.7 84 83 82 64 64 64 72.6 72.7 72.9 13.2 14.0 12.4 21 20 18 6.95 7.07 12 11 6.02 6,30 5,96 t S 7f).4 76.8 10.1 73.6 77.6 C4.3 80 60 70.9 13.3 18 4 1.65 is December . . 68.0 74.8 10.0 71,4 76.0 60.4 78 56 0.S3 1^;^ Average 71.8 S0.6 12.3 76.2 Sl.l 65.5 73,3 |23 S5.26* 83- 35.23* 77 days. Col. 4 gives a mean tempera iure whi his as nearly as possible th e average temperature at 11 A M., VIZ ., 76'.2 le mean empcrat Lire fro aaxima and n. iDinia, V iz., "t'i .3. Cols. 7 and 8 givetl esamer eault exa ctly ixx mtbe extrem November, December, January, February, and March are dry with easterly winds sometimes, blowing with great strength. In February and March they are dry and hot. J. PuckJe, Major, Mi/sorc Commission. Indian Oechids— monsters, hybrids, &c.— The following e.ttrads of a letter from a corre- spondent at iloulmein, recently received, may be of some interest to Orchid growers : — " Last January I had some very fine Dendrobium Dal- housiaiium brought to me ; among the flowers I noticed one very large one, and upon looking at it I found it was what might be called a double one, for all the sepals and petals were duplicated, while there were two lips, the column evidently consisting of two, united ; as an e.ipcriment I endeavoured to fertilise it, and succeeded. I may perhaps add that the seed vessel was a monstrous one in comparison with those developed from some other flowers, which I hybridised or fertilised on diflerent plantsof the same Orchid. The only other example I have seen of what may perhaps be called so regular a malformation in the flower of an Orchid occurred a short time ago, when, in looking over my new Phaltenopsis Lowii, I saw one with very large buds; on their opening I found every one was more or less double ; the first to unfold showed three distinct lips, the sepals were very large, and the petals too numerous to be counted without pulling the flower to pieces ; indeed, the top of the column and the pollen masses seemed to be wanting, or were so hidden that I could not see them. The next flower was very similar to the first in its formation, and so was the third; and the fourth and fifth would from their size no doubt have provedvery much like it, but as the plant was not well established, I sacrificed them. I had some fine Phabi-nopsis cornu-cervi open at the time my P. Lowii was in bloom, and I tried repeatedly to hybridize the two, but the result was a complete failure as regards cornu-cervi, although I have now several fine pods of seeds of that plant fertilised with its own pollen, and some small ones of P. Lowii. I have several varieties of Calanthe in bloom, and among them a most beautiful one ; the flowers are not quite so large as those of C. vestita rubra or C. lutea, nor so loose in the growth, but their bright rose colour is most conspicuous, set off as it is by a distinct white and lemon-coloured eye, the tips of the sepals also being white. The darkest Limatodes rosea I have, or have seen, cannot in any way be compared to it for colour. I had no plant of it last year, and so I conclude it must have been brought to me from the jungles among some real C. vestita. which I procured in March last. It may be Calanthe rosea, but if so, then Nature has done for herself what Mr. Dominy did at Veitch's. I am continually ferti- lising and experimenting with the hybridising of Orchids. I had some fine growing pods of Dendrobium tortile roseum crossed with pollen from a fine variety of D. Pierardi, but some caterpillars ensconced them- selves in the interior ; the result I need not detail. I have i>ods of D. formosum giganteum crossed with divers other Dendrobes, one with D, revolutum, another with D. Dalhousianum, another with D. tortile, another with D. Pierdardi, another with D. luteolum, and so on, I can procure the seed, but, with few rare exceptions, have not succeeded in getting it to vegetate Societies. ENTOunLOGjCAL : Jan. 6. — Sir John Lubbock, F.R.S., Presi- dent, in the chair. The Rev. D. Timins exhibited some interest- ing varieties of Argynis Lathonia, captured on the Coutinent, and also a specimen of the splendid Charaxes Jasins. which had been reared in this cmmtry. Mr. F. Smith exhibited several specimens of a large wa.sp, which appeared to be very closely allied to Polistes biguttatiis, and versicolor, from Brazil and the West Indies, of which five individuals had been t.akeu alive during two seasons at Penzance, by Miss Came, where they had evidently been imported, although no evident means of transit had existed. A note from Mr. Colville was read relative to the true locality of Pupilio Phorbanta and Epiphorbas. A note was also read from Captain Lendy as to ■ the importation of the eggs of Bombyx AtUi from China. A with reference to certain species of Buprestida; from New Holland, of which printed descriptions had been circulated by the Rev. F. W. Hope, but which had never been regulai-ly published. Mr. McLaehlan exhibited a splendid Trichopterous insect, Neuronia clathrata, recently found iu Bishop's Wood. Staffordshire. A critical re\-ision of Mr. Wallace's " Memoir of Eastern Pierida)," by Mr. Hewetson, was also read. Leeds Professional Gardeners' Friendly. — It is now somewhere about 18 mouths since that it occurred to two or three gardeners in the neighbourhood of Leeds that a Benefit Society for Gardeners, having for its object "rendering assist- ance to members during sickness, and when unable to follow their employment ; also to insure sums of money to defray the expenses of burial of deceased members, and of members' deceased wives," should be organised. The suggestion soon becjime a fact, and the Anniversary Dinner of the Society took place about a fortnight since, wiien about 70 gardeners sat down to a capital dinner, Mr. M. Baynes presided, aud the vice-chair was occupied by Mr. R. Featherstone. Success to the Society was proposed, jtnd the Secretary, Mr. W. Sunley, in responding, stated that the association was formed in 1867, and that the rules were passed and registered under the Friendly Society's Act in March of that year. Each member paid 3d, per week, .and in sickness received 10s. per week for half a year, and 5s. for the remainder of his illness. At the death of a member lOf. were paid over to his widow or relatives, and on the decease of the wife of a member 71. were handed over. When the Society commenced there were 76 members, and at present the number was 103, exclu- sive of six of the honorary class. The funds showed a balance of 511. 9,*. id. now at the credit of the Society. In the cours the evening, speeches were made in connection with the usual public dinner sentiments and topics, and songs were given at intervals. I was invited to the dinner and went, and was much gratified, not only to find the success met with, but to hear that at the monthly meetings of the Society it was intended to have papers read, discussions invited, and any novelties in gardening matters introduced or described,—:' fact, that, as well as being a benefit society, its meetings should tend to mutual improvement. Several excellent speeches were made, giving sound practical advice to yomig garJeners, and urging them to devote their attention to the attainment of knowledge in connection with their business. I send you a copy of the rules, certified by Mr. Tidd Pratt ; and I think a great deal of good must come out of such a society. IFUliam Dean, Shiflty. its concentrated yet succulent, tender, and easily di- gested sub.stance, and in its containing the very elements of the tissues and the blood, even fat, creatin, and the potash salts. Potatos are a weak food, 1 lb. being only equal to about (i oz. of bread, and 4i oz. of lentils ; they are not much more nutritious than the succulent vege- tables, but, like these and fruits, they contain, which bread does not, potash, so essential to the muscles, hence perhaps their utility in preventing and curing scurvy. A well selected vegetarian diet is quite equal to the maintenance of life and health ; the Japanese, the Hindoos, and the lazzaroni of Naples subsist chiefly on a vegetable diet. The maccaronis and vermicellis are composed of gluten, with but a small proportion of starch ; Indian Corn, and also Wheat, though not in such quantity, contain cerebric acid, a remarkable nitrogenous compound found in the nervous substance of very high atomic constitution. * * Malt hquors are more nutritious than weak beef tea. Alcohol stimulates aud develops heat ; it seems to be partly digested and oxidised, though a great portion escapes unchanged by the lungs, skin, and kidneys." The Keerland's PLantentuin (Groningeu : J. 13. "Welters) edited by Prof. Oudemans— a Dutch monthly horticultural magazine, with coloured illustrations of garden plants, which has from time to time been noticed iu our columns — has come to an end with the volume for 1867. In a plate of Primula sinensis, pub- lished in the number for July, are represented two varieties which we have not seen in England, namely, JUicifolia striata, one of the fern-leaved race, with white flowers, striped with red ; and alba Iniiis lutea, a singular variety, with a large circle of yellow round the eye, occupying about half the diameter of the flower, the outer portion of which is white. What is called eupreaia, appears to be the salmon-tinted sort, originally obtained from Germany under the name of carminata. Two double-flowered varieties, red and white, are figured in the same group, but they are very much inferior to several of our English double sorts. Two or three plates are devoted to illustrations of Japanese Cherries— Prunus Puddum, Wall. (Cerasus Pseudo- cerasus, Limll. ; C. Sicboldii, Carr.). One variety, Jlorihus roseis pleiiis. has semi-double flowers of a pinkish tinge; a.noiheT,Jloribusplenisvirentibtis medlo- purpureis, has scarcely serai-double greenish white flowers, with a faint rose tinge in the centre ; and a third, j^oWJm^ niveo-plenis,\ias pure white semi-double flowers. As hardy early flowering trees, these will be acceptable in our gardens and shrubberies. Prunus subhirtella (Cerasus pendula, Sieb.j, the subject of another plate, is a slender drooping-branched tree, with numerous small white single flowers, also from Japan. Central Horticultural. — At the annual meeting of this Society, held on the 21st ult,, apiece of plate, as a l.st prize, was aw.arded to Mr. Wyness, gr. to her Majesty at Bucking- ham Palace, A 2d prize was awarded to Mr. Wells for fruit grown in his ground Vineries, and a 3d prize to Mr. Eickhoff, for exhibitions of flowers. An excellent dinner was provided which there was a large attendance. Notices of asoolts. Outlines of Physlologi/, Human and Comparative. By John Marshall, F.E.S. 2 vols., with nimierous woodcuts. Longmans, 1867. In those two volumes will be found an immense mass of information on matters physiological, so that their value to the student or to those who require a work of reference, will be great. .They comprise a brief account of the anatomy, general aud microscopical, of the human body and its several parts, and a detailed account of the functions performed by the latter. Comparison is made between the anatomy and physiology of animals and that of the human frame, when such a contrast is required for the purpo.se of illustration. Vegetable physiology is very briefly touched upon, and not with the same painstaking accuracy as bestowed on some other parts of the work ; thus we read of " Lycopodiums or club-mosses, some of which attain the height of trees," while the Cycads are included among the Ferns. While we regret that the relations between vegetable and animal physiology are not more fully entered into, we would not be under- stood as depreciating the work as a whole. We append some remarks on the relative value of ditferenl toods, which may be usefully thought over by those who, for economical or other reasons, have to study diet tables. " Cheese is an extraordinarily con- centrated diet. The Leguminosa; are highly nutritious, especially those grown iu hot countries ; they require a thorough preparation aud good cooking. The great merit of bread is its soft, porous, permeable, and well- cooked substauco; the advantage of meat consists iu Catalogues Beceived. — W. Paul's Select List of Vegetable and Flower Seeds : two new Cauliflowers —Hill's Dwarf, and Superb Dwarf Hertfordshire ; and two new Lettuces — Hill's Brown Cos, and Brockett Hall Brown Cos, are particularly recommended. Hooper S( Co's General Catalogue ; Barr l<( SugderCs Descriptive Priced List ; and Carter's Vade Mecum, Parts 1. and II., are all full lists, containing many sub- jects of interest. Smith Sc Simons' Cultural Guide. Downie, Laird, S( Laing's Catalogue of Seeds. W. Drummond ^ Son's Descriptive Catalogue of Seeds, is accompanied by two useful pamphlets, namely, Directions for Sowing and Cultivating Vegetable Seeds, and Abridged Selection of Flower Seeds, loith directions for Culture. C. Turner's Catalogue of Seeds : Dr. Maclean's three Peas, Little Gem, Advancer, and Premier,are said to have maintained their pre-eminence, and a new white French Bean is mentioned amongst meritorious novelties. S. Parker's Catalogue of Seeds. W. Cutbush ^ Son's Catalogue of Seeds. 3. S. Williams' Descriptive Catalogue of Seeds. J. Cuth- beri's Descriptive Catalogue of Seeds. W. Wood c^ Son's Catalogue of Seeds. E. 4* T. Lant's Descriptive Catalogue of Seeds. W. Thompson's Descriptive Catalogue of Flo-wer Seeds : this is a carefully com- piled list, arranged under the natural orders. Amongst novelties we find the dark-flowered Sweet 8ultan, noticed by us last summer as a very fine and distinct variety. Litcombe, Pince 4" Co.'s Select List of New and Rare Plants. F. Sang Sc Sons' Forest and Fruit Trees. P. Dean's Catalogue of New and Choice Seeds : also. Catalogue of Vegetable, Farm, and Flower Seeds. T. McKenzie Jf- Sons' Catalogue of Seeds ; a small- sized pocket Catalogue. J. Scott's Catalogue of Seeds. Charhvood 4" Cummins' Last of Seeds: in- cluding seeds of Trees and Shrubs. J. McHattie's New and Choice Seeds. T. Kennsdy 4* Co's Select Seeds. H. CannelVs Amateur's, Gardener's and Nursenjmen's Floral Guide for 1868: a descriptive catalogue of the best varieties of various Flori.sts' flowers, especially Fuchsias, of which Mr. Cannell has a splendid set of eight of Mr. Banks' novelties to ofi'er this season. A. N. Baumann et jils' Catalogue des Graines. Florists' Flowers. In consequence of Mr. Banks not having parted with any of his New Fuchsias in 18UC, there were sent out last spring ouly three kinds from that gentleman's unapproachable show strain, these havingbeeu held back by the purchaser from the previous year. The number of really good exhibition varieties was consequently rather scanty last season. But the Fuchsia has assumed a new and most important character as regards its uses and its adaptations, as will be seen from the following particulars. Hybridisers have been busy, both in regard to the acquisition of size in the blossoms, and in the addition of fancy colours. But perhaps the two most useful and valuable of recent kinds are those named Golden Queen and Golden Fleece. The former is really yery similar in aspect to Mrs. Pollock Pelar- gonium, on account of its tricolor foliage ; and .the Febkcahy 1, 18CS.J THE GAEDENEES' OITRONICEE ANT) AGETCUl.TUEAL GAZETTE. 103 latter variety Las proved ([uite an acquisition for flower-garden decoration, and threatens to rival the Pelargonium itself for elTect in ribbon borders. I will add a few notes on some of the newer sorts. Alba ooccinea is a Fuchsia with tricolor flowers, similar in character to a continental one sent out about 10 years since, but far superior to it both in regard to its blossom and its habit. The flowers have a bluish white tube, with scarlet pink sepals, nicely reflexed, and of good substance, and a purple-tinted scarlet corolla. It is a free grower, of good habit, and will make a line decorative Fuchsia. It is unquestionably the beginning of a Fancy class, and will be extensively used by hybridisers. Beauty of Clapham belongs to the same class as Lady Heytesbury, blmsh-white tube and sepals, well reflexed, with a dull purple corolla. It is a free grower, of e.xcollent habit, and a good exhibition variety. Picturata has a scarlet tube and sepals, the latter not very well reflexed, but it has the purest white corolla of any Fuchsia yet sent out, and is a good grower, with a thick bushy habit, notwithstanding that the wood is rather slender. Extraordinary has a coral-red tube and sepals, and a fine spreading purple corolla. It is a strong grower, of fine branching habit, and a free bloomer. The mode of reflexing in the sepals of this variety is perfectly distinct, each sepal forming almost a perfect S. Carry Symes is one of the most extraordinary Fuchsias, with a double corolla, the undivided petals, which are pure white, measuring an inch and a quarter iu length, and almost as much in breadth, and of a good substance. It requires early pinching, and is a free bloomer, and perfectly novel. It will be a grand variety for the hybridiser. Norfolk Giant has a scarlet tube and sepals, the latter well reflexed, and good substance; with good cultivation the blooms of this sort come of immense size. It is a good grower, but requires well pinching in when young, otherwise the habit is rather loose. It is a good decorative Fuchsia. Favourite of Fortune is similar to the above in colour and shape, with rather smaller blooms, and a good dwarf vigorous habit. It is unquestionably one of the best dwarf dark double Fuchsias ever sent out. The foliage is exceedingly good. First of the Day is a variety of which I have not seen sullicient to give a detailed description, but it is evidently very similar to a good old sort, called Constellation, apparently with a better habit and larger blooms. It has obtained very flattering testimonials from various gardeners. King of the Doubles possesses a bright but dark glossy scarlet tube, v/ith broad, bold, beautifully retlexed sepals, and a long purple corolla, regularly and distinctly striped with red. It is a strong grower, and will make a tine kind for exhibition. Mrs. Gladstone has bright glossy scarlet tube and sepals, the latter well reflexed, equal to the well-knovvu Guiding Star. It is a pretty decorative Fuchsia. Inland's Floribunda has a scarlet tube and sep.als, .and a pure white caroUa. The habit of this variety is exceedingly short and dense, and.it is a most profuse bloomer. For small pots, or for the edging of beds, this variety is exceedingly good. Erilliantissima (Banks) is a light-coloured Fuchsia, of the same class as England's Glory ; and by far the best, both in habit and bloom, ever sent out of this colour. Day Dream (Banks) has a scarlet tube and sepals of good substance; the corolla is light purple, with a perfect and regular smooth cup-shaped corolla, which is very attractive. It is of dwarf bushy habit, and altogether a very telling little Fuchsia. Killiecrankie (Banks) has the tube and sepals of a bright glossy scarlet, the latter well reflexed ; and a long barrel-shaped corolla, of a most distinct and attractive satiny dark magenta colour, similar to that of the Lord Warden. It is of fine habit, very early, and a very valuable variety, being a free bloomer. Altogether one of the best ever sent out. The above varieties will be grovm for the sake of their flowers. The two I shall next mention will be prized for their coloured foliage, which will render them suitable for bedding purposes. The leaves of Golden Queen are very similar in colour to those of Mrs. Pollock Pelargonium. It is a good grower, but blooms very sparingly. The flowers have a bright pink tube and sepals, with a white corolla, but the most attractive feature of the plant is its large tricolor leaves, which are perfectly unique amongst Fuchsi:ia. It is a very pleasing kind. The Golden Fleece is strictly a bedding variety, with most attractive golden bronze yellow foliage. Its habit renders it particularly well adapted for this purpose, for it stands all kinds of weather throughout the summer season well, and forms a really beautiful miniature golden hedge, from 6 to 10 inches high, and about as much through. Without doubt this Fuchsia will make the most continuous and perfect yellow line of any plant iu cultivation. The two last-named varieties open up a wide field for hybridisers, in which there is a promise of realising great results. The variety named Golden Fleece, as a yellow ribbon line, far exceeds any Pelargonium for cUect, and is adapted either for the flower garden or the conservatory. S. Caanell, Fitc/isia Nurseri/, il'uolwwh. activity about the entrance, very unusual for this time of the year. On looking at the other hives in the same garden, I observed that they were all in a state of groat excitement. The causu was very evident: a regular system of pillage was in progress. Knowing that the plundered hive was previously so thinly peopled as to be quite unable to live very long, I did not take any trouble to put an oud to the disturbance. During every day since then, when not too cold or wot, the marauders have been very industrious, having appro- priated the greater portion of the coveted sweets. 1 know it is laid down by many practical apiarians, to be very bad practice to allow robbing to be cari'ied out at any time. I do not at all mind it in the early part of the year, but should prevent it in the autumn. I have known many instances in which hives that have had the benefit of plundering of the stores of some defunct colony in early spring, have become unusually strong, have swarmed very early, or have stored large supplies of super honey in the succeeding summer. The excitement soon dies oU' in spring, but in autumn, if once the bees of an apiary become indoctrinated with tho spirit of robbery, it is almost impossible to eradicate the evil passion ; it should therefore at that season be discouraged in every possible way. Apia/or. SuG.iii AS Food fob Bees.— Last autumn, as I have very frequently done before, I boiled up a large quantity of loaf sugar to supply my bees with food for tile coming winter. Unlike my usual experience, I have since found a large proportion of the syrup thus stored by the bees to have become crystallised m the cells. Never having had this happen before, I can only ascribe it to some peculiarity in the process of refining the sugar diflerent from that I have before used— or can it in any way be attributable to some abnormal condition relative to the secretion of honey during the last very singular season ? As this food was supplied very largely to my various stocks, I am much afraid that great injury may be the result of the crystallisation of the contents of the cells. This crystallised granulated sugar is_ well known to he quite useless to the bees as an article of food, while, on account of the mess and stickiness which it causes within the hive, it does positive harm to the bees of any colony so afflicted with it. Apiator. WiNTEiiiNG Bees. — If your correspondent " Aiiiator" would peruse the Prize Essay for 1832 of the Entomological Society "On the Duration of Life in the Queen Drone and Worker of the Honey Bee," as well as my paper, in continuation of the essay, read before the Society on the 2d of April, 1835, he will find a detailed account of the proceedings adopted, by which a stock was kept through three winters in a unicomb observatory hive. The same hive I have now stocked and being wintered in tho same situation, but it has not been removed from its stand once during this winter; and to-day I have measured 4 square inches of brood, numbering about 31G, sealed over, and the queen is laying eggs. There are a few dead bees at the bottom of the hive, hut as they are dry I prefer letting them lie thereto disturbing the bees by remov- ing them at this period of the year ; but otherwise the hive is in a most healthy state. J. O. Deslorough. ["Apiator" will possibly have something to say on this subject next week.] Bet: Nort:s: Eobbek Bees.— One of my stocks, an observatory hive, became very weak in bees, though a very considerable quantity of stored food was sealed up iu the combs. When I last examined the hive, the day subsequent to the breaking up of the frost iu the i^arly part of this month, there were but a few score of bees left. The next day I noticed an amouut of Garden Memoranda. Messrs. Feanms & Aethue Dickson & Sons' Upton Nuesebies, Ciiestee. — Anything Hke even au approximate record of the amount of capital, labour, and enterprise involved in the management of our large nursery establishments, both metropolitan and provincial, would certainly surprise the uninitiated in such matters, and even with those not wholly unacquainted with nursery business the great breadths of land devoted to certain kinds of stock induce the question, " Where does it go 'f " In Messrs. Dicksons' nurseries at Upton, forest trees are grovm by the million, and cover an area amounting to some 130 or 140 acres. They consist of English Oak, Spanish and Horse Chestnut, Sycamore, Ash, Beech, Elm,Lime, Birch, Hornbeam, Poplar, &c. Hazel and Thorns, or " Quick," too, are produced here iu enormous quanti- ties, as are also evergreens and other ornamental shrubs. Larch is cultivated here most extensively, and it is quite free from a disease which unfortunately threatens the destruction of large plantations of it in some parts of the country. Among other kinds of Conifers, perhaps the largest demand is for Austrian and Corsican Pines, and for Scotch and Spruce F^irs. The last are grown by hundreds of thousands. Pinus maritima and the Austrian Pine are the kinds most sought after for seaside shelter ; of these, the last is the best for the purpose. P. maritima grows quicker than the Austrian Pine, but the latter makes the best tree, and it is more ornamental than the Corsican, which is grown wholly for the sake of its timber. In Herefordshire and Worcestershire Ash is employed extensively for Hop-poles, therefore large quantities of it are grown to supply that demand. In a wide border by the side of the approach leading to the offices are Deodars, Araucarias, Wellingtonias, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Thujopsis borealis, and other choice Conifers, varying from 3 feet to 10 feet in height, well furnished, aud otherwise in excellent con- dition for planting on lawns or other open situations in ornamental grounds. Specimens of all the finer kinds of Conifers too, in the shape of large trees, may also be found here; especially some noble examples of Abies nobilis, Pinsapo, and Nordmanniana. Theso occur near the residence of the late Mr. Francis Dickson, who took great interest in plants of that description. The hedges in this nursery have long been the admi' ration of visitors. They are requiied to break the force of the west and north-west winds, which often blow with great violence oU' the Welsh moun- tains, and from tho Irish Sea. They are about 8 feet in height, and are so trimmed as to occupy little more space than that which would bo required for ordinary brick walls of similar height. The materials of which they consist are Beech, Hornbeam, Holly, Yew, and Privet ; but for strenglhaswell as appearance a mixture of Thorn and Holly is considered best, and if properly managed makes a handsome evergreen fence. When Berberis Darwinii ha.s become more iflentiful, a mixture of that and Thorn promises to form a very ornamental as well as good hedge, the former producing blossoms freely in spring, which are succeeded by beautiful blue berries in summer and autumn. As a wall plant it is also invaluable. Through the principal portion of the nursery a drive has been formed, upwards of a mile in length, from which the diflerent compartments may bo in- spected with advantage. From one end of this drive may be seen a border of Hollies consisting of all the best of the green-leaved kinds together with gold, silver, and other fine-foliaged varieties, planted ribbon fashion, the eUect of which, especially in muter, is striking and excellent. The ground under these is carpeted with variegated Ivy, and the whole is edged with a double row of Box. From this drive may also be seen extensive plantations of common Holly and Rhododendrons, the latter of which grow freely iu the ordinary loamy soil of a por- tion of this nursery. Nearly 200,000 plants, from 12 to 24 inches in height, may be found in one plantation, and of all the most choice and new varieties of late- flowering hybrids there is a large stock. Prominent among other crops in this extensive establishment, are plants suitable for game coverts. Among these, iu addition to Rhododendrons, Holly, Laurustinus, and Portugal and common Laurel^, which are cultivated by thousands, and of all sizes, are Berberis Aquifolium and dulcis, Box, Blackthorn, Canadian Gooseberry, a fruit-bearing prickly bush; Deutzia scabra. Sweet Briar, Elder, Hazel, Honey- suckles, Privet, Scarlet-flowered Currant, Snowberry, Yews, Pinus Pumilio, Gorse, Broom, ka. The glass houses in this establishment are numerous aud extensive, and are well filled with excellent stock. Among them is a span-roofed house, 100 feet in length, in which are wintered Pelargoniums, both for indoor and outdoor decoration in summer ; another fine hou.se, of even larger size, contains a fine collection of .stove plants ; another. Now Holland and other hard-wooded plants ; Camellias, well set with blossom buds, occupy another house; and contiguous to this is a very large house in which is a stageful of magnificent specimen Azaleas, admirably grown and tastefully trained, which when in flower must indeed have a gay and imposing ajipearance. Associated with the latter we noticed fine plants of Dracyena australis, and in another house are stored away Roses in pots of all the choicest kinds to supply cuttings for plants on their own roots, which are grown here by thousands. New houses are being added every year to those already in existence. In the open ground are numberless little span-roofed frames, 2 feet wide, 1 foot high, and 3 feet in length, in which are struck all sorts of hardy Conifers, Camellias, ic, and they likewise form useful protections for newly grafted plants. Of Vines a most extensive collection is cultivated, which, being well attended to during their season of growth, are fine stout well-ripened canes, and in excel- lent condition, either for fruiting in pots or for planting out in the usual way. They are wintered in long skeleton span-roofed pits, on which are placed wooden shutters to protect them from the weather. In summer, when not required for Vines, and the shutters are ofl', these pits answer admirably for Roses, which are placed in them on a gently heated bed of fermen- ting material, in which they make excellent growth. In front of one of the ranges of glass-houses is a flower garden of geometric design, which in summer is quite a blaze of floral beauty ; and contiguous to it is a Rosary, consisting of a series of circular 4 feet wide beds, which are divided by means of good gravel walks, the whole^being intersected by two principal pathways in the form of across. This Rosary occupies a large square Eiece of ground, surrounded partly by evergreen edges and partly by the glass-houses, against the walls of which the more tender varieties of Noisette aud Tea-scented Roses are trained. The culture of fruit trees forms another important feature of the nurseries now under notice, and on this branch of the business much labour and pains are bestowed to render the collection as perfect as possible, with regard to kinds, growth, and modes of training. Trees for walls are trained by tho thousand, and among Pyramids we remarked many thousands of thriving young specimens. Lancashire show varieties of Gooseberry may also be found here, as well as all the finer smaller-fruited varieties, which, as far as flavour is concerned, are deservedly the greatest favourites. In the seed department, which is even more exten- sive than that of tho nursery, the greatest attention is exercised to have everything true to name and the best of its kind, evidence of the truth of which may be found in the case of " First and Best" Early Pea, which has hitherto maintaiued the good character it at first received amongst a host of rivals. A new seed shop and oflices, of imposing appearance and on an extensive scale, have just been erected in the best street in Chester, and much judgment and good taste have been brought to bear ou tho internal arrangements, so as to facilitate the execution and dispatch of business. Iu several iarge warehouses adjacent are stored immense stocks of agricultural seeds, for the excellence of which, as well as other seeds, Messrs. Dickson have, as is well known, achieved a wide reputation. One of the ware- 104 THE GARDENERS' CIIKONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Febbitaet 1, 18C8. houses, we observed, was filled with hundreds of sacks of Turnip and Mangel seeds, amongst which we particularly noticed large bulks of their Improved Purple-top, or Defiance Swede, Im- proved Brown-top Swede, and Improved Purple-top, and Green-top Yellow Scotch Turnips. Another large warehouse was devoted to Wurzels, Natural Grasses, Italian and Perennial Eye-grasses, Clovers, &c., in almost endless quantities. At various exhibitions a great many important prizes have been awarded to roots growQ from seeds supplied by Messrs. Dicki in different parts of the kingdom. Their mixtures for sowing down land to permanent pasture are, we learn, in great request, and are highly commended by all who have tried them. It will, therefore, be seen that the nursery and seed business of Messrs. Francis and Arthur Dickson & Sons stands in the first rank amongst extensive establishments of this kind. Miscellaneous. Annual Treat to Workmen. — On the 22d ult. the workmen employed in the Barnet Nurseries were entertained at a supper by Mr. AV. Cutbush, who occupied the chair, the vice-chair being filled by his manager, Mr. Fancourt. A pleasant evening was spent, all seemingly enjoying themselves, and fully appre- ciating the Kindness wiiich had thus been shown them. Temperature and Rainfall during the last Nine Tears at Culford Yesr. Maximum Temperature. Minimum Temperature. Mean Temp. Rainfall. Rainy Days. 1859 89- July 8 5* Dec. 18 50.2" 27.17 in. 124 1860 76 July 15 0-3 Dec. 24 47 33.20 188 1861 85 Aug. 12 0 Jan. 7 49.3 19.51 134 1862 80 May 6 21 Jan. 18 49.9 23.78 165 1863 85 July 7 22 Mar. 30 49.4 20.39 111 1864 85 July 20 9 Jan. 6 47.8 16.44 89 1865 90 June 23 12 Feb. 14 48.9 28.31 128 1866 88 July 13 16 Feb. 28 48.4 28.73 154 1867 87 Aug. 14 0 Jan. 1 48.4 27.27 153 The following is the aggregate rainfall of each month during the last nine years, in inches and hundredths :— Nine months of June 23.04 inohes. October .. .. 22.65 July 22.02 „ August .. .. 21.23 „ May 20.61 „ November ,. .. 19.53 ,, September „ Mai-ch „ January „ December „ February „ April . . Total 17.57 17.25 17.12 16.84 14.94 12.00 224.80 The months are arranged according to the amount of their respective rainfalls. Sury Post. Australian Aquatics. — Numerous swamps and smaller lakes exist within moderate distance of the (north-west) coast. As in many other parts of Aus- tralia, these waters are surrounded by the wiry Poly- gonum (Muehlenbeckia Cuuninghamii), and in Arn- hem's Land occasionally also by rice plants, not distinct from the ancient culture -plant. But here, in almost equinoctial latitudes, the stagnant fresh waters are almost invariably nourishing two water lilies of great beauty (Nymphiea stellata and Nymphaoa gigantea), which give, by »he gay display of their blue, pink, or crimson shades of flowers, or by their pure white, a brilliant aspect to these lakes ; and even the Pytha- gorean bean (Nelumbo nucifera), sends occasionally it« fine shield-like leaves and large blossom and esculent fruits out of the still and sheltered waters. But how much could this splendour of lake-vegetation be aug- mented if the reginal Victoria, the prodigious water lily of the Amazon lliver, were scattered and natura- lised in these lakes, to expand over their surface its stupendous leaves, and to send forth its huge snowy and crimson fragrant flowers. It would add to the aliment, which now the natives obtain from these lakes and swamps by diving for the roots and fruits of the Nymphffise, or for the tubers of Heleocharis spha- celata, or of species of Aponogeton, or by uprooting the starchy rhizomes of Typha augustifolia (the Bul- rush), when eager of adding a vegetable component to their diet of Unio shells, or of water-fowls and fishes, all abounding on these favourite places of resort. Trapa bispinosa, already living, like the Victoria, in the tanks of our conservatories, ought, with Trapa natans, for the sake of its nuts, not only to be natura- lised in the waters of the north, but also in the lagoons and swamps of the south. Around these lakes Screw- pines (Pandanus spiralis and Pandanus aquations) may often be seen to emerge from the banks, the latter, a-s recorded already by Leiohhardt, always indicative of permanent water. The young top parts of the stems of these Pandans, when subjected to boiling, become free of acridity, and thus available in cases of emer- gency for food. A delicious tall perennial Spinach (Chenopodium auricomnm) is not unfrequent. Beyond one kind of Sandarach (Callitris) no pines exist in the north, except the Araucaria Greyi, noticed on a cir- cumscribed spot on the Glenelg River. The true Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) lines, as far as yet observed, only the banks of a few of the rivers of Arnhem's Land. — Dr. Mueller's Essai/. ©aiDcn Operations. {For t/ie ensuing weei.) PLANT HOUSES. Orchids should at this time be looked care- fully through. Some of them, it will be seen, are already forming fresh roots and beginning to grow. These, therefur.', coniprelioiidiii^', m'j they doubtless do, such genera as Caelogt/ne, Miltonia, Oncidium, Zi/go- petalums and Goodi/era, should be selected from amongst others which are not so forward ; and any that need a little surface dressing with fresh turfy peat and Sphagnum, should receive that attention without delay. It will also be well to place all which have been selected in the way just stated, at the warmer end of the house ; and, if possible, where they may receive some slight atmospheric humidity. Push forward the potting of stove plants with as little delay as possible. Be particular when potting to fill in the soil evenly, and with equal firmness throughout ; this is very essential if success is to be insured. I have found occasionally that one grave fault in potting is not ramming down suQlciently firm the first layer of soil upon which the ball rests ; neglecting this often causes the soil to become over-soddened, and that even whilst the surface, being harder, appears to be quite dry. Encourage Cape Pelargoniums to make a firm, progressive growth ; being too closely packed together, or want of proper tying out of the branches, in- dividually, are evils which are sure precursors of future ill-success. Give air always when the weather is at all favourable ; keep them near the glass, and occasionally, as the roots become well established in fresh soil into which they may have been shifted, afford them a plentiful supply of weakly diluted manure- water. When a ready prepared manure, such as " Standen's," is not used, it will he well to make some kind of fertiliser, by placing a fair quantity of either sheep, deer, or pigeon's dung, into a suitable tub : add a little soot, and stirring all well together, let it settle down until quite clear, when it is fit for use. Such plants as Cinerarias in whatever stage of growth they be, shrubs which are being forced, herbaceous Calceo- larias, &c., might also receive material aid by means of a similar application. Should bright weather prevail, give stove plants generally the benefit of a slight advance of heat. Do this in a general way, however, with the aid of direct solar heat. Syringe the surface foliage occasionally also during the prevalence of such bright periods at shutting up time, which should be done early yet for a little time to come. FORCING HOUSES. Where a sucoessional stock of Forced lines has to be maintained, constant activity will now be needful. Persist in rubbing off all secondary superfluous shoots. Stop those needing it, and which are showing flower at their base, at least one eye from the upper flower-bud. Divisional shoots, formed upon earlier ones, or such as are swelling their berries, should seldom be pinched hack nearer than one eye from the base. Bear in mind that it is at all times necessary to insure or retain as large, fine, and healthy a leaf surface as is possible. The leaves not only act as incentives to greater activity at the root, but they form the actual laboratory in which the crude sap is elaborated. I repeat, therefore, maintain as uniform and healthy a surface as possible. As regards Fines, the general early spring shifting and arrangements will shortly have to be attended to. Procure, therefore, and place in a dry sheltered place, if not already done_, the necessary soil for this opera- tion. I have before intimated that a good sound fibrous maiden loam will suit them admirably, with a little charcoal, and about an eighth of thoroughly-decom- posed spit-manure, the whole thoroughly amalgamated. Give " fruiters " alternate waterings of manure water. That just recommended will suit them well. Expend a little more moisture by syringing cool surfaces, &c., occasionally, now that a little more solar light and heat can be had. Keep up a proper succession of Straw- berries, i'C, by continuing to introduce those having the most prominent crowns. Push them forward as gradually as possible, keeping them constantly near the glass, in order to afford them all the light possible. I have so frequently advised a limited supply of water only until the flower-buds show themselves, that it would hardly seem necessary again to refer to this matter. Rest a-ssured, however, that an excess of moisture, given duringthe earlier stages of their growth, and before the necessary foliation exists, duly to turn it to account, tends only to injure the minute and delicate organism of the youthful spongioles. Afford) no stimulus therefore until the flower-spikes show themselves, and until a moderate quantity of young leaves have formed promi- nently, and then only cautiously for a time. Every aid that can be afforded hereatter, the plants will be enabled to turn to account at the busy fruit-forming period. Figs which are growing away freely should have the more prominent shoots pinched back — any, in fact, which have attained to the length of five or six leaves. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Take advantage of fine weather to push forward pruning and nailing operations, which it is prudent to have done early. Fears, as I have previously stated, might be operated upon forthwith, and indeed ought to be attended to with little, if any, further delay. Cherries and Plums might also be put right without risk. The former of these do not need much pruning after the first season or two. Morellos, and one or two other sorts which generally produce the most fruit upon the younger shoots, will need some of the old fruit-bearing spray of the previous season reduced, cutting back in fact to the base of the young shoot of the current season ; a little thinning out of these latter may also be necessary. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Those who pride themselves in the production of a fine display of Tulips will now do well to expend a little extra trouble upon them, viz., as soon as the tips of the leaves issue through the soil give the whole bed a dressing of small, well chopped or sifted leaf mould, an inch or so in thickness. Do not delay the necessary top-dressing already advised for Auriculas. The performance of this operation, uuJ seciiJii to the drainage, will insure their being in a fitting state for the proper formation of flower buds. KITCHEN GARDEN. I think it may prove acceptable to some if I give at this season a short list of the better varieties of vegetables, and such as are likely to be appreciated by " amateurs " generally. Artickolces—Purj>\e Globe. Asparagus — Giant or Battersea. Beans (Broad) — > Early long-pod, and Mackie's Monarch. French Beans— Yaimer's Early, Long-podded Negro, and Cut- bush's Giant, ^ee/— Dewar's (very early), Paul's Superb Crimson, and Pine-apple, if true. Kale — Dwarf Green Curled, and Cottager's. Broccoli— Grange's Early White, Walcheren, Snow's Winter White, Osborne's ditto, Dalmeny Park, Williams' Alexandra (late and fine). Brussels Sprouts— Tall imported (unless local selections can be depended upon), Roseberry, dwarf, with larger sprouts. Cabbage —Early York, Hill's Dwarf, Enfield Market. Carrot — French Horn, James's Scarlet, Scarlet Inter- mediate, adapted for shallow soils. Cauliflower — ^Dwarf Erfurt, Dwarf Hertfordshire, Walcheren (true). C?/fry— Cole's Crystal White, and Williams' Match- less. Cress — the Golden or Australian should be added to that in ordinary use. Cucumber — Telegraph. Endive — French Moss-curled (Summer), Fraser's broad-leaved Batavian and Digswell Prize Hardy Winter. ie«Kce— Brockett Hall Brown Cos, Paris White Cos, and Can't Run to Seed. O/ii'on— Nune- ham Park, or any other true form of the White Spanish, James' Keeping, or Brown Griobe ; and White Lisbon for autumn sowing. Parsnip — The Student. Radish— SVooi's Early, French Breakfast. Tomato — The Orangefield. Turnip— Extlj Stone, Red American. Pfos— Dillistone's Early, Carter's First Crop, Sut- ton's Ringleader, or Veitch's Early are nearly all identical, and the best for early cropping; Turner's Little Gem, Nutting's No. 1, Maclean's Advancer, Veitch's Perfection, Ne plus Ultra, Abergavenny Marrow, and Waterloo Victoria Marrow. The last three are taller varieties, the two last the most so. Vegetable Marrow — Moore's Vegetable Cream. I have endeavoured to give the above in the order in which they may be expected to come in use, one after the other. Varieties, even good ones, might be added under each head indefinitely. I have how- ever only given a few, which would appear to be well adapted to any form of holding. I need add little to former suggestions under this heading. Do not throw away any further chances which occur, in the way of wheeling any manure needed upon the ground, when the surface of the soil is frozen. Finish all digging operations in like manner without delay, in order that a good start may be made in bush pruning as soon as the weather is favourable. W. E. h B^ROHETEK. Te e,E. Wind January. Of the A jr. OCthe Earth s ^ Max. Min. Mai Min. Mean 1 foot deep. 2 feet deep. Thurs 23 28 30 108 29.830 37 20 28.5 41 41 N F • S.E. 29;»3 30.038 .■il S.W- ■VVed. 29 — 30 138 30124 31 36.3 41 41.1 39.8 w. Average 29.8SS 23-Partia)ly clouded, fine ; 24— Clear and Irosty 25 -Fine, cold wind ; partially " " i Tery fine a ; densely -uenseiy overcasf —Clear ; partially and cold; very boisterous, with 26— Clear and fine ; very fine ; clear and frosty at ni^ht ~" " . -■- densely oTcrcaat; mild at night. ; overcast and damp; densely a temperature of the week, 1 8-10 dcg. below thi Friday .. 7| 46.9 32.8 Satur. .. 8 L 45.6 I 32.3 Prevailing Winds. 4| 4' 3 13 6| 3 3, 3 4| 3 t; 10 7l 5 2 4l 4, 1 5 14 8| 4 I 2 5: 4 21 5 14 ?{ 3 p highest temperature during the above period occnrred t ID deg. 57 deg, i and the lowest on the 5th, 1630 -therm. Notices to Correspondents. Gardeners' Education: W A. 1. Oliver's "Lessons in Elementary Botany " and Lindley's "Descriptive Botany." 2. Add Llndley'a " Elements of Botany." 3. Loudon's "Self Instruction for Young Gardeners" and Haddon's "Com- mercial Book-keeping." 4. Kemp's " How to Ij.iy Out a Garden." Other works can be added under each number if desired. Thus, under No. 4, Repton's "Landscape Garden- ing," and Price "On the Picturesque/' might be usefully added. Lichens : T. The parasite from San Remo on the branch of a Fir tree, is a lichen, Usnea barbata var. articvilata. You will find it figured in " English Botany," tab. 258. M.J.B. MiRABELLES : G S. Mirabelles are a kind of preserved French Plum, We do not know anything of £lem^ Plums, but there are felem^s, or preserved Figs. Names of Fbuits; CD. 1, Adams' Pearmain ; 2, Beacham- well. — M. Rhode Island Greening. — L M. 1, Beauty of Kent ; 2, resembling the last ; 3, Northern Greening. Your Pear la Beurr^ Diel. Names of Plants: GTS. Your Fungus is Arcyria punicea. M. J. B. — TH WD. 1, Araucaria excelsa ; 2, probably Strepto- carpus, but too imperfect ; Hypolepis tenuifoUa ; 4, Lastrea decompoaita. Chester.— 'Loa.icem xylosteum. Back Numbers : T W. If you will send your address, we will forward the Number. Communications Received.— W. B. H.— Cochliostemma.— W. H. B.— J. A.— Solanum.-J. S.— W. R.— W. E., Viola.— — A Gardener at Spring Grove. — A. B. C— W. Denning,— E. Coperiiun — T. F. R. Febeuakt 1, 18C8.] TJIE GAlUiENERS' ClIliONKJI.E AND AGRlCtlLTMAL GAJ^ETTE. 105 MILKY WHITE, A NEW POTATO INTBODUCED BY J. C. WHEELER & SON, OF GLOUCESTER. M ILKY WHITE is the of all Fotatos. ILKY WHITE is of the finest quality, MILKY WHITE is the best of all Potatos. In shape and colour, tlftTour and appearance. It excels every other variety. It 13 as wbite as milk, floury as a Fluke, ripens m Augu.st, nnd continues in splendid condition for Cooking all through the Autumn, Winter, and Spring. lyriLKY' WHITE POTATO— white as mUk. M MILKY WHITE SEED POTATOS are very scarce, and enrly orders are absolutely necessary In order to secure a supply. Lowest price, M. per peck ; 203. per bushel (Stilb.) MILKY WHITE.— Last yeaf the demand for this new and most excellent variety f^reatly exceeded the supply, so that very early in the planting Beasou Messrs. Whkeleii & Son were obliged, much to their regret, to decline orders. They have every reason to believe that the demand tbi^ coming season will exceed that of last year : thoy therefore respectfully urge the Importance ordering whilst they are to be bad. TI (Ulb.), M 'Uo loweat price ia Cm. per peck • ;;ijs. per uusiioi loDio.f J. C. WuKELEii & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. ILKY WHITE (WHEELERS'). ' Better than this, Potato coming in at had a splendid crop of this last y I of tbei 1 3 touched jrowth is very short and compact; tube nearly all one size, neither large nor small; it has as flno a flavour 113 auy Potato grown, and is as white and mealy as Fluke or Flour Ball, and these two cannot be surpassed in colour and texture. I shall run no risk in deallni; boldly with this fine Potato, and 1 shall therefore put it in in emphatic form that Wheelers' Milky White Is the best of all Potatos, and those who d themselves rather behind t Qardeners' JUa^asine. lay consider .,F.R.S., J. U ELER & Son, Seed On , Gloucester. MIl-KY WHITE (WHEELEHS'), 6s. per peck; 20s. per bushel. "MiLK.T 'WaiTK.— This I received from tho well-known fiim ol Messrs. Wqerlkk It Son, Gloucester. It Is one of the handsomest Potatos grown, and well deserves its name, for it is most beautifully white, very floury, and, as a second early Potato, one that I do not hesitate to regard as first-rate ; it is also a very free bearer," — D., Deal, in Jvunial o/ Horticulture. J. C. WuEKLKR Sl Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. TLlTy \y~BirTE~ "(W H E K L E'ES'l. fis. per peck ; 20s. per buehol. "Your Milky White Potato is excellent, a groat cropper, very mealy, and delicately flavoured, early, and remarkably free from s about the only Potato in my garden that w free from it. It appears likely to turn out a good keeper, ; boing fit foj" the table so early in the aeasou." — Williaj i well I Rouk: MILKY WHITE (WHEELEKS'), 6s. per peck; 209. per bushel. "Your Milky White Potato is superb."— Messrs. Babr & Soodbh. Covent Qarden. J. C. Wheeler 4 Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO 3s. per peck, 12s. per bushel. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO. —We very highly recommend the Gloucester- shire Kidney for earliness, flavour, size, and cRor. In comparison with the Ashleaf, it is as early, whilst it produces nearly double the crop, and is altogether superior to that variety. We recommend it with the most perfect cuntidence ; and have much pleasure In referring to the following extracts from letters, speaking in high WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRt: KiUNEY POTATO. 3a. per peck, 12s. per bushel. *' 1 can speak In the highest terms of the Gloucestershire Kidney. The lot I had fVom you were divided between two other gentlemen and myself, and in all cases I find that good crops of most excellent and large Potatos were obtained. The Gloucestershire Kidneys were so much better in quality to other sorts, as to be noticed by all my family when they first came on table, and before they knew of auy change of sort."— J. Edgar Martineao, Solihul, Birmingham. J. C. Wii ER tc Son, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 3s. per peck, 12s. per bushel. " Y' our Gloucestershire Kidney turned out remarkablv fine, large, and ell flavoured."— H. Rice, Rectory, Great Ri3!>ingtoii,'Bur/ord, Oxon. J. C. i & Son, Glouceste: HEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE^ 125. per bushel. " I can with pleasure speak In high terms of the Gloucestershire Kidney. It is very early, a good cropper, very short in the haulm, and also very dry and mealy. I had very few diseased."- E. M. Rowland, Homeslay, JV^twtoic- J. C. WHEKLKR k Sc TX/" HEELERS' "The Gloucestershire Kidney I had ft-om you was a handsome sped- •""'■. excellent crop. They eat now as well . produced a KIDNEY. .Seed Growers, Gloucester. GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY: 1^. per bushel. any late Potato grown."— T. C. Ar; , ^ _ __ J^- C. WuKKLER & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. GLOUCES'fERSHIRE KIDNEY: 12«. per bushel. *' Tho Gloucestershire Kidneys 1 had from you were not only excellent in flavour but were also abundant croppers, and ray gardener considers they are the best early variety grown."— Chas Anthony, Matmon House, Hereford. _ _ J- C. WnEELER & Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE \2s. per bushel. "I much prefer tho Gloucesiershire Kidney to the Ashleaf, for although 1 planted the former some two or tnree weeks after the latter, they were fit for the table quite as soon, with at least docblb THE .;rop ; and 1 may add, that the Flukes were superior to any Ntath Abbey, Neatli. J. C. WUE , Ptnged House, Kidtvelly. KIDNEY, ^^______ ^ A Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. "XX^HEELEKS- GU)FCESTKRSH'lRE"'"KrDNEY". T.T... r, .Is. per peck. 1 bo O.'^uoestershlro Kidney gave a fair crop of good size and '"""■"■■"""*' ,*'th very little disease, whereas half an acre of Cornish ■' T them were all but totally rotten."— Taouia riici- Kidneys besl. HANX, Broadnyvuu, Dtvun. J. C.JTbeel«» 4 SoK, Seed Growers, Gloucester ■tX/ HEELERS' GLOUCESTEKSHIre^ KIdneY" y.' „, 12». per bushel. The Glouccsterahlre Kidneys were excellent, and produced a laree crop. -The Rev. E. Vaoco»», I.a„I,crt iUoJc- r,carl„,,CoSbr"Ji J, C. WHEELER & SON, Seed Gkowees, Gloucester. CARTEK'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PRIZE MEDAL FARM SEEDS. THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION at PARIS, 1867, ,^j;~^UM-SO'E 01? Qj PAEIS, 1S07. James Cauter & Co. have the satisfaction to announce that the Imperial Commission of the Paris International Exhibition of 1867 granted to them the concession of supplying the Grass Seeds for the purpose of forming the Sward of the Park round the Exhibition Building in the Champ de Mars, and for which tliey have been honoured with THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL FOB GRASS SEEDS as the following official letter will show : — "Pakis Exhibition Offices, Castle Stbeet, Holborn, December 2l8t, 1867. " Gentlemen, " At your request we have referred to the official List of Awards of the Paris Exhibition for 1867, and have the pleasure to announce to you that the Silver Medal awarded to your house is the only British Award for Grass Seed. "Your obedient Servants, "J. M. Johnson & Sons." "Messrs. Carter & Co." James Cabteb & Co. have also had the honour of supplying Grass Seeds for the Imperial Gardens and Squares of Paris, the Park of the Paris Exhibition, and also for the Private Lawn of H.R.H. the Crawn Princess of Prussia at Sans Souci. CARTER'S SPECIAL LIST OF FAEM SEEDS AT KBASOIiABLE PHICES, forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 and 238, High Hulboin, London, W.C. SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS at the PARIS EXHIBITION, 1867. "I'aria Exhibition, Dee. 19, IR07. " Qemtlkmek,— An you prlncipaUy eihlbited Graaa Seeds at the Paris Exhibition, you may fittrly cUtm to have roceivod the SILVER MEDAL awarded to you as an AWARD for the GRASS, as well as for the other Seeds you exhibited. " 1 am, Qontlomen. your obedient Servant, " R, G. Wyldk, Secretary to tho Executive Commission. full particulars gratis c Buttons' Grass Seeds for all Soils* UTTON AND SONS Are now prepared to make apodal quotatlona for their superior MIXTURES PERMANENT PASTURE. And other purpoaoa. Apply, stating quantity required, and nature of soil to be laid down, to Sdttqw & Sons, Reading. Improvement of Grass Lands. g U T T 0 N S RENOVATING MIXTURE IMPROVING PiVSTURES i & Sons, Reading, Berks. AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. Patron— Ukr Majkstt the Qdekh. President— His Grack tqx Dl-ke of Richmond. For tho RELIEF of DECAYED FARMERS, their WIDOWS and ORPHAN DAUGHTERS; and for ttie MAINTENANCE and EDUCATION of ORPHAN CHILDREN. £40 per annum |_ Male . . £26 per Married Widow and Unmarried Orphan "Daughters .. £20 per a Orphan Children admitted from 7 to 10 years of age, and wholly maintained and educated until the age of H years in the case of Boys, and 18 years in the '" ' One Hundred and Fi the books of the Inatit Pensioners to bo admitted at tbe next Election, the Council have decided to Elect Ten Orphan Children, Forms of Application for Pensioners and Children, and every Information, and Subsci'ipti 65, CharinR Cross, London, S.W, obtained of the Secretary, by whom Donations Soorutary. s will be thankfully received. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, IsGS, MEETINCS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. r Central Farmctt'CIub {Mr. C, S. Read, M. P.. on MoNDAT, Feb. 3< RestrictioHB on Cattle Trade, at Salisbury ( Hotcl)-fi y.u, ' «fvn«.or..v -. « f Royal Agricultural Society Of Enuland (Couneii YYEDHEsoAv, o^ Mectiogj-Noon. As believers in the great advantages of the freest competition, for tho attainment of success, whether it bo agricultural, commercial, or intellectual success, we gladly welcome a new comer to the ranks of competitors for public patronage in the recently established so-called Co-oPERATm; Societies, And this we do with the utmost cordiality, notwithstanding that their fundamental idea is a protest against tho prin- ciple of competition, whose virtues we believe in, and whose influences, after all, envelop them as much as every other trader. They have to purchase, just like every other dealer, from manufacturers and shippers, to whom the ordinaiy rules of trade of course apply ; and it is only with the margin between wholesale and retail prices that they have to deal. Whether a greater advantage will in the long run be achieved for you by a special agent, your salaried commissioner, who cau have but little interest in the result, being employed to purchase and dis- tribute goods, or by a general agency imder- taking it, each man purchasing a,s cleverly as he can, and thereafter seeking to gain a custom by selling as cheaply as ho can, is tho point on which a prolonged experience can alone pro- nounce; and this "co-operation" has not yet received. Meanwhile wo cordially welcome it as being (its fundamental principle notwithstand- ing) just one additional competitor which will help to keep down prices ; for it is this " com- petition," after all, as the agent for this purpose, to which we pin our faith. Meanwhile the advantages which these co- operative societies offer seem very great indeed, 106 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE ANT) AflRICULTtTRAL GAZETTE [I'ebepaut 1, 1868. and we do not wonder at their increasing numbers. We shall buy for the inside and outside of our house just where we can got beat served ; and so, speaking generally, will everj' other person. iVnd if the goods wo need, whether they bo grocery or machinery, can bo supplied cheaper (and as good) at the co-operative store than at the shop of any individual trader, the former wdl succeed and the latter fail. And as these rival agencies will certainly be treated alike on the consumer's side, so (as we have on past occasions contended) they will be treated im- partially on the producer's side. It is needless saying consumers " ought not," and manufac- turers "ought not," to make any difference in their dealings with the two ; wo may rather say they will not, and in the long run they cannot. " Co-operators " are competitors with individual tradesmen, and the abler agency wUl win the race. Whether the cleverest man is likely to be found among salaried and selected agents, who cannot be superintended as you do youi' servant, or among a body each of whom strives all he knows to please you for his own advantage, is a question which every one will answer for himself. To us it seems that the chances of the work being well done are all on the side of the latter : an army in which both officers and men rise by nomination or by patronage cannot fight like one in which they rise by merit. Ilaving said thus much, however, let us add, that although it cannot be expected that co-opera- tion will ever beat competition from the field, it will doubtless, by competing with it, put it to its shifts, and thus improve it. We hope, in the interests of consumers, that tho former will hold its own, and even win its way ; as, indeed, at present it seems to be doing. The monthly Co-operator, which reported the public meeting held near tho Agricultural Hall during the Cattle Show on behalf of the Agricultural and Horticultural Association, when Mr. Gkeen'ixg, of Manchester, showed what an enormous margin exists between wholesale and retail prices for a good and paying business, by which customers should nevertheless bo supplied with agricul- tural machines at 20 per cent, under present retail prices, is full of reports of profit-making co-operative businesses — ^varioua forms of trade and manufacture. But we fear that the few attempts which have yet been made to carry on the business of the farmer on the principle have not yet been very encou- raging. The only formal balance-sheet we have yet seen of any such concern is that of Mr. Wm. Lawson, of Blennerhasset, near Carlisle, who makes his working men " co-operators" with him iu a certain souse, by giving them a share in tho profits of his undertaking. Unfortunately no dividend under this arrangement has yet been possible. The land and its cultivation (deducting all liabilities), iucluding both the landlord's and the tenant's property, — for Mr. Lawson occupies his own farnr — which were worth 25,367Z. 14s. offi. on Dec. 19, 18G5, were worth only 23,928/. 14s. O^d. on Dec. 19, 18G6. Besides a personal expenditure of 143?. 6«. 8W., there had been a loss during the year of 1295/. 13«. 8|(Z. ! The curious precision of these valuations was hardly necessary for the principal conclusion to which they lead. That was quite aulliciently expressed, without the helpoffiguresor of farthings, in the words of the report, which thus describe Mr. L.4.wson's attempt that year to bring the co-operativo principle to bear upon his agricultural experience : — ■" At a public meeting in Blennerhasset, on May 14, 1867, the following resolution was passed : ' That William Lawson has derived no income from his stated capital last year ! ' " Alre.ady much interest is excited relative to the future Potato crop, not only for the next season, but for its permanent growth. The extraordinary price to which the best varieties havo attained has caused unusual inquiry about the best sorts, and the best course to be pui'sued to secure the most profitable return. Much " seed " has been purchased thus early, and pre- parations are making for an early " setting." The importance of this crop has become so great and universal, that every light thrown upon it, or information obtained, is valuable. From inquiries recently made iu a good loamy district, we gather that the best results are from the best seed, on highly but not profusely manured land, the mode of " setting" being iu accordance with tho known habit of growth of the precise variety. The experiments recorded by Mr. Geo. Maw in his Prize Essay, though fairly borne out by experi- ence, do, nevertheless, point to a very material change in ordinary practice. From time im- memorial ' ' Potato sets " have been the smaller Potatos coming from the riddle when dressing the bulk for market, together with tho cut and green ones ; and few growers have had spirit enough to plant a larger set. Mr. Maw in his, prize report satisfactorily shows that good- sized sets of from 4 to 8 oz. each produce the best crops. No large grower ever thinks of planting such sizes': but look at the result — 2 oz. sets produced about 16 tons, 4 oz. sets 22 tons. The difference in tho cost of the smaller and larger sets with such results is comparatively immaterial, and is amply compensated for in tho extra produce ; besides, chats and seed are always saleable at good and customary prices. Mr. Maw says " eyery increase in the size of the set, from 1 ox. up to 8 oz. in weight, produces an increase in the crop much greater than the additional weight of the set planted." It appears the difference between planting 1 oz. sets, and 4 oz. sets is nearly 4 tons in favour of the latter per acre, and from 4 oz. sets up to 8 oz. sets about 5 tons — " all the intermediate steps partaking propor- tionately of the increase." This is very import- ant, if fully borne out. Potato-growers aim to get the largest yield of marketable Potatos — "ware." The experience of the growers in the district Ito which we have referred is against thick planting as a whole. They can obtain large yields by this thick planting, but the bulk of the crop is too small for market. They also find great difficulty iu keeping them sufficiently moulded-up to prevent many turning green from exposure. They may plant nearer in the rows, but the rows must be of requisite width for tho moulding plough, unless such moulding-up is done by hand, but this in that district they cannot do for want of hands. Flukes, Ash-leaf, and all slight-haulm varieties may bo profitably planted thickly, say in 20-inch rows, 10 inches apart, but it would be wrong to attempt to grow Regents, Eocks, and similar varieties so close. These must be grown in rows from 24 to 27 inches apart, and if the sets are 12 inches apart in the rows they are near enough, taking all things into con- sideration. A grower of long stancling recom- mends sets from 2 oz. to 6 oz. to be whole, 8 oz. sets to be cut, — rows to bo 21 to 27 inches wide, — Flukes to bo 10 inches apart ; Regents, Dalmahoy, &c., 12 inches apart; Rocks, and similar sorts, 14 inches apart. To this, as the planting season for Potatos will soon be di'awing on, we add the following analysis of Mr. M.AW's very exh.austivo report on Potato growing in the late number of the EngUsh Agricultural Society's Journal : — ■ 1. Oil the influence of the size of the sets upon the produce. — " Every step in each of three series of experiments gives, without an excep- tion, unequivocal evidence that each increase in the weight of the set produces more than a corresponding increase in the weight of the crop." But this, though true generally of all the varieties tested, is especially true of the later sorts. The net produce of 8 oz. sets was more than double that of 1 oz. sets. The crop in that case was 11 tons 7 cwt. per acre ; and, the sets increasing to 2, 4, 6, and S oz. respectivelj', the crop increased to 14, 15^, 26$, and 26^ tons per acre respectively. It will of course be noted that the crojjs are all extraordinarily good ; but tho differences are still more extraordinary. The plots, 20 feet square, were treated as nearly as possible alike in every respect, but that which was the subject of experiment ; and it is difficult to imagine that differences so great in crops so good, over plots of this extent, can have arisen except as the result of the special cause in operation. 2. Influence of distance between the sets upon the future crop. — "The comparisons all show an advantage iu planting the smaller sets at inter- vals closer than 12 inches in the rows ; but the results are not very decided, and in one or two cases the gain in the gross crop does not make up for the extra weight of the sets ]ilanted." The 1 oz. sots produced a crop of 10 or 12, or 15 tons; the 2 oz. sets one of 10 or 15, or 17 tons ; and the 4 oz. sets one of 13, 16, and 22 tons respectively in the cases of their several widths between the sets of 12, 9, and 6 inches respectively. Of course, however, this is especially a point where the particular habit of a variety must rule tho practice, and the conclu- sion to which Mr. Maw arrives is, that his expe- riments " point to an interval of 10 or 12 inches La tho rows as being the most profitable distance at which ' to plant large full-sized Potatos, of from 4 to 8 oz. in weight." 3. The comparative results of p lantini/ equal Kjcii/hts of small and large sets resjicctively. — There is hardly any difference in the several crops pro- duced from 24 cwt. , 48 cwt. , 97 cwt. , and 64 cwt. of sets respectively por acre, whether these sots were of full or of half size — in the one case, of course, set at wide, and in the other at narrow intervals. The same weight of sets seemed to produce the same weight of crop, and to bo independent of the size of the set ; but it must be remembered, says Mr. Maw, that such a principle as this can be of only bmitod application. " Taking 1 foot as the maximum, and 6 inches as the minimum dis- tance between tho sets in the rows, it will bo easily understood that a weight of small sets, say of 1 or 2 oz., equivalent to large sets of 6 or 8 oz., could not be got into the ground ; therefore the general principle, that the crop varies as the weight of the sets, weight for weight, is not practically applicable where the sets differ in weight beyond the proportion of 1 to 2. Small sets, therefore, of 1 to 3 oz., can, under no arrangement, produce as much per acre as sets of from 4 to 8 oz." 4. As to the relative advantages of whole and cut sets. — Both the series of experiments by which the effect of this alternative was estimated " indicate a slight advantage in favour of the cut sets ; but since the individual exporimonts do not all point in the same direction, the result of the series cannot bo looked upon as at all decisive ; but it rather tends to the conclusion previously indicated, that the weight per acre of the sets planted has moro than any other circumstance to do with the produce of the crop." 5. As to the relative productiveness of different varieties of Potatos. — " A late red sort takes the precedence throughout the experiments ; and of the several v.arieties of Fluke, Spencer's Iving of Flukes and the Uuoen of Flukes are much moro prolific than the ordinary variety." On this point tho fitness of soil and climate to particular sorts makes the experience of the case compara- tively valueless as a guide elsewhere. And it is plain that the enormous produce (at the rate of 38 tons 19 cwt. per acre in one case), which is reported of some of the experimental plots, is an entirely exceptional result, of no value whatever as a guide to reasonable expectation. . ■ O.v Wednesdaj', January 22d, at Lipnood> House, Northumberland, died John Ghey, of Dilston ajied 82. This simple announcement will arouse a world of feeling in many a heart and memory all over the North of England. Elsewhere Mr. Geet was known as a leading name in English agriculture— a leading exemplar of the duties of landowning — a leading teacher, by example and by precept, of good farming, iu every department of it. In his own county he was the personal friend and adviser of, one may say, the population of a province. One of the largest estates in Great Britain had grown into full equipment under his guidance ; and hundreds of houses, homesteads, cottages, of his erection, each contained a family who reckoned him among their friends. Grey-headed in professional, benevolent, public-spirited labours, he has gone, leaving amemory honouredand beloved by old and young of every class. More than 20years ago we heard the celebrated speech in which he proposed " The Labourer," as a toast, before the English Agricultural Society at Newcastle — long before that time, and ever since, he has been constant in pursuing the true inte- rests of the large landowners by whom he was com- missioned—and the last public act of his life was to give " The Tenantry," at the Hexham Farmers' Club in words of congratulation, hope, and wise advice which will not be forgotten. The words of such a man are the reflex of his life : and every class has been his debtor. A noble sphere of usei^ulness has been uobly filled during his laborious and prolonged career. The list merely of material results is but a scanty picture of it. Ten thousand pounds a year added to the value and therefore to the rent-roll of a single property — an increase in the food produotion equal to one-third, and sometime* to one-half over a multitude of farms — a wide-spread improvement of the dwelling-houses, wages, and condition of the labourer : of all this the credit very generally is his. But it is the social influence of a good and wise and powerful man by which he is most eflective ; and we cannot doubt that this has been especially true of the late John Grkt ; and that it will continue true, so that, though dead, his voice will yet be listened to, and his advice obeyed. What his advice and voice have been is happily illustrated by the last few days he spent with the farmers' Club which he had many years before established. The resolution proposed by him against excessive game preserving, defended against the extreme on either side of it ; the urgency of his last spoken sentences, that the tenantry of the land should labour to improve the condition of the working men around them ; the conciliatory words, by which a threatened difference among themselves was healed — were all in keeping with his whole past life. Up till the very last his energy and spirit were unbroken, and we little Febeuaet 1, 18U8.] Tni<: rr\i;1)|';NKl{,S' rMdNTCLK AKD A(}RT(1TlTimAT, TtAZETTE. 107 thought, when telliug the other day of his vigorous share iu the recent discussions of tho Hexham Farmers' Club, that already he had loft us. At the December meetini! he had spoken strongly for the middle truth between oonteudinj; parties, and as ho explained in his last published letter, written* in defence of his son, the Chairman on that occasion, he would then have urged tho adoption of an amendment to the reso- lution which was ultimately passed, but the 10 miles' ride before him had hurried him away. At the annual meeting of the Society, on tho succeeding week, he took an active part iu reconciling tho differ- ences which had arisen out of the former week's proceedings, and on the following Wednesday, well and healthy almost till the last, he fainted in his house and died. The supplies of Wheat, both coastwise and by rail, have been limited during the past week, and the trade is lirm at full ijrices, the late advance being fairly maintained on Priday. Messrs. KiNGSFOBD & Lay report an advance of Is. to 2s. per quarter at many of the leading markets nn the East Coast, though Scotch markets and those at Liverpool, Wakefield, and Birmingham were not dearer. HpriuK corn of all descriptions has been selling at full rates, and in some instances a small advance has been established iu Oats and Beans. The attendance at Mark Lane yesterday was very small, and though dry samples of English Wheat continued in request at the advance established on Monday, all other descriptions were very unsaleable. From Paris on Thursday the Wheat and flour markets were reported to have shown an improving tendency. There was a large supply of boasts at the Metropolitan Cattle Market on Monday, but there was a fair demand, and late prices were nearly realised. The number of sheep was larger than usual, but they were nearly all sold at about late prices, (iood calves are scarce and dear. The foreign supply consisted of 715 beiists, lUlO sheep, St calves, and l."i pigs. The home supply was about 2800. Thursday's market, too, was well supplied, and though trade was by no means brisk, yet the iavourable weather helped the sale, at about Monday's rates. There has been a decidedly better tone in the Wool market, and prices are a shade better. From the Poultry market a very small supply is reported, but scarcely any demand. Jlr. Allnutt, of the Jlslales Oazetie and Agricultural Library, 200, Fleet Street, has just pub- lished his annual diagram, showing the fluctuations in the imperial average prices of Wheat, weekly, during ISOr. The price rose from SI. a quarter, on J an. 5, to 6is. Gd. on Feb. 2. It fell to 59s. Scl. in the middle of March, and thereafter rose gradually till Aug. 17, when it reached 6Ss. It fell rapidly during tho ne.\t four weeks, and was as low as 61s. Sd. on Sept. 11; after which it rose to 70s. (JJ. on Oct. 26; and thereafter it fell until it reached 66s. Oi/. on Deo. 21, and since that time it has been rising again. The curve by which these fiuctua- tioos are represented is accurately proportioned to the amount of rise or fall respectively. It din'ers in this respect from that which is given in the volume of the English Agricultural Society's Journal. That merely rises or falls when the price of Wheat rises or falls. It does not rise and fall in pro- portion to the variation of price ; and therefore it is in a very lop-sided; form that the truth it conveys is presented. Every step iu the diagram now issued is worth 'id. in the scale of price ; and each lateral column is a week. The position of the price iu each week is thus defluitely fixed, and the line connecting all these points is the curve of price for the year. Mr. Allnutt publishes a shilling diagram, on the same plan, of the price of Wheat from the year 1011 till the present time. Londoners are shocked to learn that a wholesale slaughter and immediate burial of calves is proceeding wilhm the metropolitan limits, " which cannot fail to have a most injurious efl'eot on the live stock of the couulry ! " In one instance a dairyman was named who, having 150 cows, had thus destroyed and buried BOO calves a year ! Such a story being, however, too incredible even for a cockney reader, a correction was made on the following day to the effect that of course " ir.o calves" had been meant, that being the proper number for 150 cows to produce. The correction does, however, but confirm the impression which the original evidence conveyed. The writer has perhaps witnessed ft cjiso in which an unsaleable creature has been put away; and seeing 150 cows in milk, he knows that they must have had at least 150 calves, and he j umps to the conclusion that they have shared the same fate. The whole thing is a Action. The London dairymen buy freshly calved cows out of the country, but do not breed from them again. The cows dry and fatten together after eight or ten months' milking, and are invariably disposed of to the butcher. All restrictions are now removed from the free imi:(prtation of cattle from (Jreat Britain into Ireland. The same Gazette which announces this fact also declares it unlawful to " move along any public high road or way, street, or place, or by any railroad, rails or tramways, canal, river or public stream, or by boat, vessel, or steamer, or any public conveyance, or to expose iu any market or fair in Ireland, or to export lh>m Ireland, any cattle afli^cted with foot or mouth distemper, or any sheeii aUectod with foot or mouth distemper, foot rot, or scab." Certainly the losses by these d'.ieases as urgently demand consideration as those by cattle plague, if it be true, as Mr. J. S. Gardiug declared before the Essex Chamber of Agri- culture the other day, that 960,000 cattle died from pleuro-pneumonia in the six years preceding the out- * From Liverpool, Jan. 6. break of rinderpest. Tlic estimated value of these beasts was 9,600,000/,, while the value of those destroyed by the cattle plague was sot down at 3,3fi0,000Z. SHOUTHORNS. Tub Kingscote Hkud.— Tho fifth anuual list of tho Kingscote herd has just reached us. The first one, published iu 1S63, contained 67 cows and heifers and 13 bulls; tho present one holds 82 females and 28 bulls, or an addition of 30 head. The herd has been in existence a number of years iu tho district. Earl Ducie introduced Bates blood, a good rnilking sort, which no doubt influenced Colonel Kingsoote in his selection of sires ; so that we have Chaffcdttbb (12,572) by Duke of Glo'steb from Chaff, bought in calf at the Tortworth sale in 1853. and then follows a string of " Duchess " bulls from Wetherby, assisted, on account of the size of the herd, by sires of good Bates blood from that unsurrendering adherent of Kirklevington, Mr. C. W. Harvey, of Walton-on-the-Hill. The first is Aechduke (M,099), from Duchess Wlh; then DuKE OF Clabence (10,611), from Duchess 80th; Gband Duke of WtTnEKBY (17,997), from Duchess 67th; DuKE OF Wharfdale (19,648), from Duchess 73d ; 2d Duke of Wetuerby (21,618), from Duchess 77lh ; DUKE OF CollinghaM (21,527), from Duchess ■sioth ; and now the 3d Duke OF Claeence (23,727), bought for 500 gs„ from Duchess SOth, is the sire on duty. Grand Duke of Oxford (16,184), bred by Capt. Gunter from 0.vford Wth, and purchased, when at Kingscote, by Mr. Stratford, for Mr. Sheldon, of Geneva, at 500 gs., was also used, as well as 2d Earl of Walton (19,672) and LoED Wild Eyes 3d (22,235), from the herd at Walton-on-the-Hill. The materials upon which this noble array of sires have performed are of a somewhat mixed description ; no less than 18 families are shown by the pedigrees, but of these, six are of Kirklevington origin, two only [Countess of Oxford and Med Eyes, with her progeny) from Mr. Bates's stock, the others being reared from Messrs. Bell's. The most numerous is the " Honey " tribe. There are 18 females and 8 males of this family, which is full of the " Princess " blood : it was obtained in 1843 at the Castle Howard sale, by Earl Ducie purchasing Monei/- suckle, the dam of which had been previously bought from Messrs. Dodds, when a calf, for 50 gs. Eight cows and heifers are now alive from stock produced from Old Chaff, a purchase, as before mentioned, at the Tortworth sale. From Cerilo, a premium heifer at the Nottinghamshire Show in 1846, there are 10 descendants. This tribe, as well as the Adza and Kilstern families (of which there are two of the former and 13 of the latter), have a Lincolnshire origin. Messrs. Eose and Fisher had a race of Shorthorns in Nottinghamshire contemporary with the Brothers Colling, some of whose bulls, as well as Mason's Matcheii (2281), they used. This race was perpetu- ated by Mr. Booth, of Cotham, who sold some of the kind to Lord Sherborne, and from him Colonel Kingscote obtained his " Laura " and " Missy " tribes, now represented by 9 cows and heifers, and 3 bulls. Four animals run back with a variety of crosses to Charles Ceiling's Countess; 11 are descendants of Mr. Wilkinson's old "Hebe" tribe, and among the odd ones are two Darlingtons and one Seraphina. With the continued use of such bulls as have been in service within the last 10 years, a herd of much character, style, and quality ought to be the result. Me. Leney's Heed. — Kent, or the adjoining southern counties, has always found a home for a first-class herd of Shorthorns, and the names of Combe and Marjoribanks, Tanqueray and Betts, will Ion" be associated with the history of the breed. .Although situated at the greatest distance from the county of Durham, it contains, like Cornwall, many good herds of that improved race of cattle. Nearly >10 years ago G'lpt. Davies introduced the breed from Mr. Mason's sale at Chilton, near Durham, with a young bull calf for 210 gs., and several heifers soon followed. From these have sprung, not only many good animals now in the flesh, but the stock of the district has been considerably improved thereby. Along the western and southern borders of the county, more especially about Tunbridge and the Wells, the preference is still remarkably strong for the Sussex breed, yet a journey by the South-Eastern Eailway would show a traveller very few dark red or black beasts compared to the number of red, white, and roans. Strong prejudice and early training are diUi- cult things to obliterate, even in the generally educated man, but more so in the agriculturist or farmer, who careslittle for book learning. The Sussex breed, a strong useful beast, with some i)ropensity to fatten and pro- duce a fine-grained flesh, is well adapted for the yoke ; but its fattening propensity and early maturity pale before the rapid-growing Shorthorn. At the Smith- Held Club some good specimens of the breed have often been shown at an advantage ; but Shorthorn steers are fre(iueutly shown the same weight at a year or two younger; and in all probability the Canterbury, Royal, the Ashford, Dartford, and Smithfield fat shows, as well as the extraordinary average price at Mr. Belts' sale, near Maidstone, last year, will do more to enlighten the public than whole columns of newspaper argument. Lord Torrington and Sir W. R. P. Geary followed the good example of Capt. Davies ; the former intro- ducing the Pawsley blood, and the latter heavy flesh and substance in Shorthorns from Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire; but neither flourished for a long period, and before half the present century had elapsed their herds were dispersed. In the centre of the county Col. Austen gave a good fillip to improvement with some capital stock from Mr. Beasloy and Mr. Jaques. And these were continued with much spirit until his death, in 1859. Sir .Toh n Lubbock, in the northern part, has done much good for the smaller farmer; around Farnborough his cattle (got from Lincolnshire about a quarter of a century since) are much esteemed, even butchers will pick and pay more per head for those bred from his stock. Mr. Punnet, at Chart Sutton; Mr. Hales, at North Firth ; and Mr. Wells, of Bedleaf, also had good herds, the two latter of which were dis- persed by auction a few years since. Mr. Tracy has had a herd near Edenbridge since 1855 ; portions of it were sold in 1839 and 1865, and at present ho has some exceedingly good cattle bred from the Syli)h and Cleopatra tribes, as we mentioned a low weeks ago. Mr. Waldo, on the Surrey side, also rears some fine stock. Below Maidstone Mr. Golding persevered undauntedly for many years, and kept to Capt. Davies' and the Fawsley blood ; and this spirit was imbibed by his neighbour and friend, Mr. Fred. Leney, who purchased the principal part of his cattle; to these have been added animals from most of the important sales that have recently occurred, and now a private catalogue of the herd at AVateringbury has just appeared. In 40 pages the pedigrees of the 80 animals iire printed, prefaced by a short account of the diirerent families to which they belong. F'rom this wo learn that the blood of Bates and Knightley are the principal strains to which he has pinned nis faith. Ten are of thorough Kirklevington extraction and are comprised in " two Duchesses, one Duke (Geasd Duke 15th, three Oxfords, three Blanches, and one Waterloo ; ol the Duchesses, one, Grand Duchess 9th, is from Mr. Belts' herd, and the other 7th Duchess of Geneva, was recently imported from Mr. Sheldon's herd in America, and purchased for 700 guineas; the three Oxfords are also imported animals, two of them are heifers, which were imported with the 7th Duchess of Geneva, and bought for 560 guineas, the other is the well-known prize bull. Lord Oxford 2d." There is quite a herd of Knightleys in the 35 animals of that name, but 2.1 of them were connected with the Fawsley blood, being bred from the same source, and tho intermediate crosses are full of Knightley blood ; these trace from Albinia, bred from Charge's stock, and brought into the county by Captain Davies, the crosses being Hengist (10,315), Edkick (10,188), Sultan (22,989), &o. The famous old family of Si/lph by Sir Walter (2637), gives pedigree to 22, and they are all descended from four animals sold at the Milcote sale in 1860. Charming, one of them (a 50 gs. calf at the sale), is the herd mother of 16, several of which are by 4th Duke of Thoendale (17,750), now in service at Wetherby. The Fawsley Rosy, Lilla, and Furbelow tribes have each representatives, and there are likewise three descendants of Melpomene, sold at the '42 Fawsley sale. The fifteen animals not of the Bates or Knightley blood consist of "two Gwynnes, three brace from Earl Duoie's Chaff, four from Mr. Richard Booth's Anna, and six are bred from Mr. Gilbert Wood's stock, of Whitworth Park, Durham." The younger animals are mostly by two bulls still in use, 14 being by Waterloo Duke (21,077) and 10 by Knightley (22,051), whilst LoED Oxfoed 3d (20,215) and Grand Duke 15th (21,582) are also in active service. Such are the contents of a Catalogue that, for correctness of printing and neatness of style, will bear comparison with any that have yet come forth with the new year. Messrs. Leney are extensive Hop growers in the county, about 180 acres being under cultivation for that plant iilone, and it was the high farming and manure requisite for this large Hop garden that induced them to take up Shorthorns ; for several years past they have been more or less successful exhibitors at the Smithfield Club, the Dartford, and Kent County shows, of very good steers, so that many of the inferior bull calves are castrated. The farm has some rich pasturage rising on the right of the river Med way, and the house commands a view of very charming scenery through which the river runs. In a park almost adjoin- ing the hall doors are the yearling and two-year- old heifers, which are conspicuous by their great size, rich colours, good hair, and excellent quality; the most prominent amongst them are the ith and 7th Maids of Oxford and Countess of Wateringburi/ ; the fonner, imported from America during the last summer, have not only thoroughly adapted themselves to the food and climate, but thriven to a great degree ; they have considerably improved since the Windsor sale, more especially the red UA Maid, w ho has not only grown, but more fully developed those points which were good when she landed ; she is almost a parallelogram in form, with much gaiety and style. The white 7th Duchess of Geneva heifer h.as also increased her frame, and her beautiful head and horns are striking features. Great uniformity and sweet looks, as well as great size, distinguish the other heifers ; and, though seen out in the depth of winter, they wore in excellent condition. The cows are pastured on some higher laud further from the river, and appear, like the heifers robust and hardy. Chorus Ist and Chorus id, as well as the twin Duehessei, show capitally among tho rest; and A>M/fcsA Gwt/nne 'Zd, with her deep frame, short legs, and characteristic face, is a very taking animal. Sultana 2d of tho old Kent stock, and Columhine, of tho Chaff family, are also especially thick and good. The calves are well suckled, and kept in straw yards partially covered. As soon as they begin to eat, a little malt-dust and meal is given to them as well, and when nearly 12 months old they are turned out. This probably accounts for their hardy appearance and capital size ; and the absence of any forcing or pampering renders the herd fit to bo seen at any time. In noticing last week tho sale of Shorthorns in Australia, we promised to give some account of the 108 THE GAUDENEtJS' OfitlONICLE AND AGMCULTUHAL GAZETTE. [Febeuaey i. ises. breeding of the animals ; through Messrs. Morton's relatives in this country we have been favoured with a Catalogue, which at first sight we imagined to have been issued from Euston Square, so exactly is it like, in size and style and type, to those which Mr. Strafl'ord issues ; and from this it appears that nearly half the animals are descended from Jessamine, bred i from Mr. Buston's stock, which had been brought from Coathim near Darlington, to Dolphinby, Cumberland, by Mr. Buston, Jun., whose father brought the bull NoKTHiTMBEELAND {161) at the Ketton Sale in 1810. The pedigrees run back to this sire, as well as to R. Ceiling's Lamb Bull (358), and Boling- BROKE (86). Jessamine, a roan cow by a son of Sir Charles Tempest's ItAN O'Connell (3537) was imported at an advancefage with the bull Lord Rag- lan (13,241), bred by m. Morton in Westmoreland from his own stock ; she was put to this bull, and pro- duced the first lot in the catalogue. Jessamine 2d, red and white, calved January 13, 1857. Jessamine 2d won several prizes, and her sire. Lord Raglan, not only gained a prize in England, but was the winner of eight 1st prizes and a champion cup in the colony. The remaining animals, with the exception of about half-a-dozen, are bred from four imported cows, viz. Matilda, Roan Summerton, April Flower, and Rosa, all of which were purchased from Tyneside, and sold in the sale. Matilda, bred by Messrs. Angus, the dam and grand-dam often lots, was by Lax's Car- dinal (14,239), dam Sprightly 'id, by Booth's Bene- dict (7828) ; and this Sprightly tribe, recorded for ten generations, has been reared in Tyneside since the days of the Ceilings. Roan Summerton, the mother of five, and April Floiver of seven, were purchased from Messrs. Atkinson at Peepy. The dam of the former was obtained, when in calf to Wild Buck (14,007), from Colonel Towneley, and the produce calved at Peepy. The Summerton is a numerous tribe, origi- nally from Nottinghamshire. April Flower was by Colonel Towneley's famous bull Richard Cceur de Lion (13,590), out of Ma// Flower, of an old Tyneside family, by Abraham Park (9856) ; whilst Rosa, the dam of six, was from Crofton's stock, which is full of good, sound blood — beginning from Mason's Pope (514), the celebrated sires St. Alban's (2584) and Gainford (2044) occur in the pedigree, when it leaves Messrs. Crofton's possession for Mr. Morton's at Skelsmergh in Cumberland, where Rosa was bred. To these imported cattle the bull Royal Butteelt Cth, was used; he was bred by Colonel Towneley, got by Royal Butterfly (10,862) from Venilias Butter- itj by Master Butterfly (13,311), who was own brother to Royal Butterfly. This family, purchased in 1819 from Sir Charles Tempest, came originally from Major Bower, who obtained it at Charles Ceiling's sale. Royal Butterfly 6th won several premiums in the colony, and likewise the highest honour at the National Show in 1861. Eredeeick's Cadet (19,785), a prize winner, was also imported from Towneley, where he was bred from the Barmpton Rose tribe, and got by Frederick (11,489). Messrs. Morton k Leach appear to have been very successful in winning prizes not only with their imported cattle, but with the produce bred by them ; and their highly satisfactory sale will be an event in the history of the breed in Australia. To the notice of the late John Grey, of Dilston, given in another column, it may be added that he was among the oldest living Shorthorn breeders, and one of, we believe, only seven who entered 1868 of the original subscribers to Coates' Herd Book— the value of which to Shorthorn breeders he never lost an opportunity of urging upon stock owners. Many of our existing Shorthorns, as readers of the Herd Book know, trace back to stock bred at Milfield Hill before Mr. (Jrey left that place for Dilston, and entered on the management of the Greenwich Hospital estates. He began his career as a breeder about 50 years ago, and was a purchaser of Countess and others from General Simson, of Pitcorthy, Fifeshire, who was a pur- chaser at C. Colling's sale ; but of whose stock, though originally from the best herds of pure Durham Short- horns, and subseciuently well bred, no pedigree was kept. He purchased Young Premium and others of Mr. Compton about 1622— Bright Eyes, Phabe, Jessica, Juno, and Minerva, from Mr. Donkin, of Sandhoe, in \9,2o— Purity and Orijlamme of Mr. Robertson, of Lady Kirk, in 1831 (the family of the latter are now in the possession of Viscount Hill) — Lady Lorraine was bought from Sir C. Lorraine, of Kirkarle, about 1825. Among the bulls used at Mil- field were Smith's Premium bull (2645), Archibald (1652), bred by Lord Althorpe ; Scipio (1421), and IVANHOE (1130), bred by Mr. Donkin; also Hectoe (1104), from Mr. Donkm, afterwards used by Lord Althorpe; and Neptune (1263), of R. Colling's blood. General Simson's Sultan (1485), used at Milfield Hill, was also used by Mr. W. Jobson. And to these must be added bulls of his own breeding — Eitzduke (259) JocELYN (1141), Peemier (1332), SiE Erancis (2025), and Rob Roy (2543). Mr. Grey sold, so long ago as 1821, the cow Countess, and probably others, to Lord Althorpe; three two-year-old heifers — Cassandra, Darling and Fatima— to Captain Barclay, at Kelso, in 1832 ; Purity and others went to Mr. Bainbridge of Lumley Park, Durham; July Flower and others to Mr. Bolton, in Ireland. Mr. G. A. Grey continued breeding at Milfield Hill, chiefly from Mr. Carruthers' and Lord Spencer's stock, after his father disposed of his herd in 1847 ; and he has also continued the flock of Leicesters which the late Mr. Grey bred from early in the century, using rams from the flocks of Messrs. Culley, R. Colling, Burgess, Stone, Robertson of Lady Kirk, and others. It is plain from these few particulars in his agricul- tural career in just that one aspect of it with which in this column we concern ourselves, that here also, as in those other more important departments of the agricultural field where he was most distinguished, the energy, enterprize, and persistent resolution of the late JohnGrey received their illustration. THE PRINCE OF WALES'S NORFOLK SEAT. The interest which is naturally excited by a visit to the residence of Royalty is greatly enhanced when— as in the case of Sandringham — the estate bears on all hands the evidence of the taste of its Royal owner. Such a transformation has taken place in this estate within the six years that it has been the property of the Prince of Wales as to render it quite surprising, and we have the best means of knowing that all that has been done has been in a great measure the result of that practical interest in such matters which the Prince of Wales so largely inherits from the late Prince Consort. The Royal estate is called Sant Dersingham in Domesday Book, and was held by a freeman in the ConfessoPs time, under Harold, afterwards King of England. It was purchased, as is pretty well known, by the Prince of AVales, in 1862, since which time works have been in progress to render the estate suitable for a Royal residence. A large portion of these works have only recently been completed, and the object of this article is to treat of them. The Norwich gates. Royal gardens, pheasantries, comptrollers' and equerries' residences, labourers' cottages, and new roads have been elsewhere described, and it is no part of our intention to further allude to them here. The completion of the model farm premises marks the fact that his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has become a practical agricultu- rist, and some few particulars respecting the Royal farm will be read with interest. The estate consists of about 7000 acres, 2000 of which are heaths and plantations, and about 500 acres of these are planted. The park is only about 200 acres in extent, and a por- tion produces a useful herbage ; but some of it was very inferior till improved by drainage and moulding, with top-dressing and sprinkling with seeds. For many years a small piece of freehold land belonging to i highest pitch, the writer calls attention to the generally a man named Clarke, about 3 acres in extent, has I inferior state of cultivation and produce now ob- jutted into the park; but this has just been pur- servable. He expresses a belief in the capabiUties of chased by the Prince and has been thrown into the ! the broad acres of England to feed its children, and grounds, and all the cottages on this (the West Newton) that the present production, both of corn and meat, side of the park, are being removed. The farm which micht be doubled ; and confesses to a fear that for the 168 feet long by 26 feet 4 inches wide, at each end of which is a three-storeyed octagon tower. The east tower contains a large iron cistern to supply the whola range of buildings with water, which is conveyed to the cistern by means of a force pump, from a well which has been sunk contiguous, the water being found 27 feet below the level of the soil. The other tower is used as a granary, and the range of buildings comprises cart sheds, implement houses, machine rooms for cutting, threshing and dressing, and the large granary chamber, capable of holding 400 combs of corn. They are supplied with sliding doors, and the machinery is supplied by Mr. Dodman, of King's Lynn. 'The gas works have been constructed on the north side of the farm premises by Messrs. Walker, of Donington, in Shropshire. The retort house contains three q iron retorts, 9 feet long, and a space has been left for another retort. Twelve or fourteen thousand i'eet of gas are produced every 24 hours. Adjoining is the condenser, and in the next room the purifier, con- nected with which is the workshop. The gasometer is 25 feet in diameter and 12 feet deep, and holds about 4000 feet of gas. The works are under the care of Mr. Robert Borne, from the Crystal Palace district works. The shaft of the gas works is 41 feet high, and octa- gonal in shape, with a square base. The various rooms in Sandringham House, the Norwich gates, the several drives and walks, the Royal mews, the offices, and the farm premises are lighted up with gas, and the appear- ance presented in the park after dark is exceedingly picturesque, owing to the undulating nature of the park. Time and space precludes a description, in the present article, of the new offices and billiard room, or the artificial lake that is being made. J. D. Digly. LANDLORDS, TENANTS, LABOURERS. There were some observations on this head lately in the Agricultural Gazette (p. 00) that appear to me more pregnant with meaning, and more worthy of attention, than to the casual reader mightat first sight appear. After some very j ust observations as to the duty and interest of all classes that the land should be cultivated to its the Prince has taken into his own hands is about 480 acres in extent, and includes the home farm at Sandringham, and that which was formerly Cork's farm at West Newton. Of this, we find there are 305 acres of arable land and 47 acres of Grass, besides about 70 acres of marshes at Wolferton and Babingley. The AVolferton portion of the estate has recently been considerably added to by the recla- mation of the Norfolk Estuary Company. About 100 acres of the Prince's arable land consists of good light and productive land, and about the same quantity is a fair soil, on a chalk subsoil, and the remaining 165 acres are poor, or sandy light land, rest- ing upon the "carr" and gravel on the West Newton Heath. The poorest of this land is prolific of building and road-making materials. It will be seen from what is stated above, that, including the park, his Royal Highness farms about an equal quantity of arable and pasture land. The Prince's flock is made up of about 10 score pure South Downs, and about 11 score half-bred and Down hoggets and Down shearlings, the ewes being from the celebrated flocks of Lord Sondes and Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart. The herd of stock numbers 77 head, including a dairy of 10 Alderney cows, with their yearling produce and calves. Twelve Devons occupy the stalls of the fattening boxes, and 31 highlanders are in the park, as well as an Azore bull, two cows and a calf, which have been presented to his Royal Highness. The highlanders are being fed on cake, hay, &c., and will be fat by May or June, when they will be disposed of, and a fresh importation will be received at Michaelmas direct from the Highlands. The park also contains 200 deer. The model farm buildings have been erected at the rear of the Royal gardens, and face the south, being well sheltered on the north and west. They are built with the native " carr," with stone and brick facings and slate roofs. The sejuare block of buildings contains two open yards, and this block is 168 ft. in width and 113 ft. deep. Each of the open yards contains in the centre an iron water tank, 13 ft. 6 in. by 6 ft. 6 in., underneath which is a cistern, into which the liquid manure drains, and is afterwards carted on to the land. Each yard is surrounded by a pavement, 6 or 7 feet wide. The north end of the east yard is a hospital stable, and the east side consists of a 12-stalled stable for the farm- horses, but at present is occupied by the Prince's horses which cannot be accommodated at the Royal mews. A large straw barn,60 feet long by 20 feet wide, with sliding doors and asphalte flooring, occupies the centre of the north range of buildings. The yards are separated by the calves' boxes and pig- geries, the latter being fitted up with Cross- kill & Sons' patent troughs, and tenanted no w by a capital lot of porkers. At the south end is the meat room and boiling house. The west and part of the north side of the second yard consists of the cow stalls and fattening boxes. The Alderney cows are brought here to be milked, and the fattening boxes are occupied by 12 Devons. These boxes are supplied with Cottam's patent feeding troughs: the windows are fitted with sliding shutters, and oak panels separate the stalls. At the south end is a capitally fltted-up slaughter- house, in which beef, mutton, and pork for consump- tion at the Royal table are slaughtered and dressed. All these premises are lighted up with gas. Beyond the north end of this bloi;k is a roadway, 41 feet wide, on the other side of which is a range of buildings. British fanner there are breakers a-head. So far I think any one reading attentively the signs of the times must agree with him. There is evi- dently abroad a searching inquiry into the advantages or disadvantages of all our old institutions (the law and customs relating to landed property not excepted), with a general determination to take nothing for granted, but to search and see whether every branch of society, either in Church or State, is doing its appointed duty ; and, where ;any body of men are found wanting, not sparing in its denunciations, or in suggesting a trenchant remedy. And in the presence of such an inquiring and inquisitorial spirit it seems neither illtimed nor unpro- fitable for the proprietors and cultivators of the soil to look into the conduct of their own body, to try and see themselves as other see them, and to prepare if neces- sary to meet the breakers a-head, which are prophesied to be advancing upon them. And in taking such a general survey of the peculiar sphere in which he is moving, what would present itself most prominently to the eye of the agriculturist ? Would he see clean and luxuriant crops of corn smiling with promise of 5 to 6 quarters to the acre, or a slovenly admixture of weeds and water incapable of bringing half that amount to maturity ? Would he find the hovels full of fat beasts and the uplands folded over with sheep eating cake and corn, or a desolate wilderness outside, a reeking mass of decayed straw within the yards ? Would he have to admire an active and enterprising set of labourers tending the machinery of barn or field, or a half- starved outcast preparing himself and family on 10s. a week for an old age in the workhouse and a pauper's grave ? What of the bold yeomanryj once their country's pride; are they thriving, rich, improving, growing the two blades in the place of one, or scraping a bare subsistence off a half-cultivated occupancy ? Are the hedges neatly, trimmed, the roads mended, the stack- yards filled, the steam-engine at work, or does the reigning desolation proclaim but too plainly the absence of the necessary capital, or of the skill and confidence to employ it ? .And lastly, how fares the proprietor of this fine domain ? Does he see all his neighbours thriving around him, educated, prosperous, and con- tented ? Does he receive in his rents any adequate percentage for his capital, either originally laid out in the reclamation of land, and erecting buildings, or in the more modern improvements of drainage, cottages, &c. ? I fear in too many cases the answers to these ques- tions will not be consolatory to our self conceit. The examples we may encounter in such a general review of our respective neighbourhoods will rarely tend to exalt our opinion of the soundness of our rural management, or make us more contented with things as they are as contrasted with things as they might be. The cheering exceptions which here and there meet us, the smiling faces, the thorough cultivation, well employed capital are but the rare examples showing us what might be the universal rule— the hopeful dawn- ings of what may at some time be a brighter day. In the meantime, if we are only led by this self-examina- tion to see how and where we fail, and to confess that with all our late progress we are still left far behind in the race towards perfection, and are thereby led to mark out the causes of our backwardness, we shall have made at least one step in the onward movement that will sooner or later be forced upon us. What then shall be our answer to the adverse criticisms that are passed FEBBnAHT 1, 1308. THE GAi;i»l',NERS' OIIRONICLE AND ArTltlCUI/rURAE GAZETTE. 109 upuu US? W'liy is il that, whon the soil is found capable of beariui; full crops for the sustenance of our enormous population, wo are only growing half crops or even ciuarter crops ? It is proverbially easier to ask questions than to answer them. Let us briefly canvass some of the answers that have been suRgested. Our laws of settlement and primogeniture have lately been accused of perpetuating large holdings in the hands of men who can neither farm them them- selves, nor fit them by a proper outlay in buildings and drainage to be farmed by others; to remedy which state of affairs land companies have been established, by means of which their improvements have in many cases been successfully carried out, and manifestly to the benefit of all parties; and it is asked, could not this system be enlarged so that a tenant for years as well as for life could have the same facilities? And if we look at the fjuestioa impartially, we must acknowledge that there is some truth in this sugges- tion. Though we allow every man to do what he likes with his own property, where it is his own, we can hardly feel bound by this maxim in the case of a tenant in tail or for life of an encumbered estate, of which ho may be little more than the nominal owner- In the interest of thapublic as wella.s his own, it might fairly be insisted that if he cannot lay out the neces- sary capital or farm the property himself, he should offer others who may have the means and inclination the opportunity of doing so in his stead. His duty to his country is evidently to take the necessary steps to have his land properly cultivated, his people employed, and a full produce reaped for the benefit of society, as well as his own; or if he lets to a tenant, to secure such a tenant as will employ the neoes.sary capital, and by the mostapproved means will secure these advantages. Again, it equally behoves the tenant farmer to take no moro laud than ho can properly manage. He is clearly entitled on his part to such fixity of tenure as shall secure to him the reasonable return of his money, but it is equally his duty to keep and leave his land at the end of his term in good heart, not to draw every particle of condition out of it, reducing thereby both the land and himself to the verge of bankruptcy ; and leaving to the successor or owner the task of doing the work all over again. I do not for a moment endorse the remedy suggested by your correspondent of lowering the rent. I believe the contrary would be more efficacious. If land is highly farmed and judiciously managed, the rent paid bears a very small proportion to the costs or receipts; it is only where the minimum is reaped or expended that it weighs appreciably on the tenant. It is only when he has starved everything around him that he begins to starve liis landlord, and complains that the property he has rendered worthless is not now worth what ho promised to give for it. To such tenants I would give the solemn warning that their days are numbered. The great objection to grant them leases lies in the fact that they are not worthy of them, while some of the best farming may be seen carried on by men who have no leases, but have that confidenco in their landlord which the mutual interest of each can alone beget, and their mutual esteem foster. The best examples of suiierior farming are shown by gentleinen farmers occupying their own land, and by enterprising tenants who know that as long as how the soil sticks to the breast of the i)lough, and refuses to leave it : that used not to be so when my master consumed his straw at home." There is great truth in this ; for, on a distant field where I have depended principally on artificial uianures, the ploughing is always diUieult, and the soil is benumbed and tenacious compared with others that have been treated with our shed manure. But to return to our stock : see what takes place when the animals, especially the sheep, are permitted to range at large. They rush into and over fresh feed, always pressing forward in search of the choicest morsels, draggmg down and tramping on valuable growing plants, taking care to pick out all young, tender, undeveloped stems or leaves, and thua injuring the plant. Supposing we were to pluck off from our potted or other plants each tender or developing leaf as soon as it appeared, would not the plant languish or perish ? So it is with the field plant, after giving up to the dainty sheep its undeveloped parts. The growth of the plants and roots is thus crippled, and some farmers nave found out that keeping sheep constantly on growing Clover prevents that development of root which is so beneficial to the succeeding Wheat crop. That is why some farmers say that they get better Wheat after Clover twice mowed than after a Clover close fed all tho season. Another great mistake is to feed our stock wholly or principally with hay or roots. It is the admixture with dry food, and especially with straw chaff, that enables me to keep so much stock and make so good a balance sheet. But the system I commend and practise is one demanding a much greater concentration of capital than is our present practice. The tenant capital on this farm is at present 16/. per acre, and this is by no means sufficient for the attainment of the most profit- able result. From 20/. to 23/. or 25/. per acre would pay a larger percentage of profit, because then more stock could be kept, and more purchased food consumed, and the corn would be more gradually sold than at present ; opportunities for purchase of either stock, cake, or feeding stuffs might be better availed of. Our notions about farm capital must soon undergo a great change and reform ; 20/. on 1 acre will pay much better than 20/. upon 2 acres, or 20/. upon 4 acres, the latter being too often the case ; and, to prove this I will in my next paper give the detailed balance sheet of this farm for the year 183/", merely stating now that after paying every expense, including 45/. for the rent of 45 acres of hired land, there will be a clear balance of nearly 700/. to pay rent on the other 130 acres, and profit on farm capital, which will be about 17 to 18 percent. A fair crop and good price have made the year profitable. Discus- sing the other day the question of farm capital with a first-rate Norfolk farmer of 1200 acres of light land, "Well," he said, " I don't see how much good can be done, even on a light laud farm, without a capital of 20/. per acre." But then he does not depend upon the mere growth of tho farm to feed his stock, but purchases 3500/. worth of cake annually. There is the test point of profit. If the capital on this farm could be 21/. or 25/. per acre, every animal should be on sparred floors, and all the straw should be consumed, mixed, of course, with ntryn they farm highly their landlords are too proud of them I other feeding stuffs. This would make the farm more and too pleased to keep them to incur any appre- hension on tho score of uncertainty of tenure. I am aware that in making these remarks I have run against many prejudices and have told unwelcome truths, but if truths, they ought to be told and pondered. J. B. M. STOCK FEEDING AND MEAT MAKING. I CONTINUE my remarks on this subject. I have received several farm balance sheets from able agricul- turists, who cannot realise my results, and I have arrived at the conclusion that tho allowing of live stock to roam over fields is a great mistake. Our sheep, including ewes, are always folded, the fold being changed twice daily, so that they come on fresh ground, and do not go back on the polluted ground. Our bullocks are always under cover in sheds, either on paved floors or on sparred floors. I repeat here what I wrote 20 years ago : — " What would be thought of a proposition that, our food being spread out for us in a clean condition, we should exercise upon it, sleep upon it, and deposit our excrement on it ?" and yet that is what we cause our animals to do, and then wonder that they are not so profitable as we could desire. My successful practice proves to me that our farming system must undergo very great changes. It isa mere question of time, for old customs arc not surrendered at discretion, but only succumb to a long siege — witness our great towns opposing railways as a nuisance, and now lamenting their folly. The success of this farm has arisen from a combination of meat making with corn growing ; and unless those two are carried on concurrently, I am satisfied that farming will fail to reach its most desirable position. The l-wo systems must be united, for well fed stock provide ample manure for corn growing, while corn gives abundant straw as food, or, if need be, of Htter. On the arable principle we gain the very great advantage arising from tillage. This in our strong clays is the key to profit, for it is the physical condition of such soils when undisturbed that causes them to be unproductive, either for Grass or other products. The exclusion of air is the cause of their infertility, for they possess otherwise the elements of largo crops. The dependence on artificial manures is a great mistake, as compared with the use of well made covered yard manure, especially where the land is at all adhe- sive. Said tho ploughman of a large farmer in a neighbouring parish, who used to sell all his straw, and depend upon sheep and artificials, "See profitable, for experience has taught me that it is great folly and mistake not to consume every stem of straw. But then that necessitates such an increased number of live stock, that although we have 41 bullocks * and 180 sheep on 170 acres, the stock would have to be greatly increased. Corn growing is dependent on meat making, and the two o|)erations should go hand in hand on every farm. But then what a change would take place ! and what happy results would accrue to the landlord, tenant, labourer, implement-maker, and the food-consuming population of merry England ! ! J. J. 3Iechi, Jan. 16. P.S. Speaking of potted plants, what would our heavy land friends say (I mean those who deny the use or value of draining in strong clays,) if I proposed to them to plug the hole in the bottom of the flower- pots to prevent the escape of water ? and yet that is the condition of their undrained clays. PRESENTATION TO THE REV. PATRICK BELL. After the general business of the Highland and Agricultural Society, at its recent annual meeting, pre- sided over by tho most noble the Marquis of Tweed- dale, had been finished, as reported in another page, the presentation of the testimonial to the Rev. Patrick Bell, the inventor of the reaping machine, took place. Mr. Scot-Skirving said he had the honour, as con- vener of the committee of the Bell Testimonial, to request his lordship to do the subscribers the favour of presenting it. He might congratulate Mr. Bell upon the fact that he would receive the testimonial from his lordship's hand ; and they would all agree with him in thinking that he could not receive it from more appro- priate hands than those of so eminent an agriculturist and of so eminent an inventor and improver of agri- cultural machines. Had Mr. Bell been as richly endowed with this world's goods as they could all have wished him, they would have given him a handsome service of plate ; but, occupying as ho did one of the scantiest livings of the Church of Scotland, they had thought it ranch more appropriate to give him a testi- monial in money ; and the little idece of silver plate which accompanied it was intended more as a means by which he would be enabled to hand down a kuovv- ledge of the fact to posterity. The salver bore the following inscription : — " Presented to the Rev. Patrick Bell, minister of CaiTnyllit;, with the sum of £ , leas expenses, by a large number of his ■ Twelve of these sold fat at Christm.i: ikon of thoir appreci.ition of his prc-ominent servic'iH JUS tho invontor of tho first efficient reaping machine. Constructed 1827.— EdinburKb, Januarj', 18C8." The committee were exceedingly anxious that they had boeu able to s.ay that the gross sum amounted to loop/., and he was happy to say that, from subscriptions which had been announced since they met, it was now only about 30/. short of that sum ; and there was a simple way of making it up by gentlemen adding to their subscriptions before they went away. He (Mr. Scot-Skirving) would take the liberty of making one remark with regard to inventions. He' had often heard it remarked that they were the result of accident or chance. There was scarcely any great invention or any great discovery in science of which this had not been said. One of the most hackneyed examples was the discovery of gravitation by the immortal Newton. He had read a hundred times that the discovery was the result of Newton seeing an Apple fall. Now, Apples had fallen since the time they first grew ia Ellen ; but it was only when seen by Newton that the great idea fl.ashed across his mind. Now, he had never had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Bell before, and he was not going to flatter him in his presence ; but to show that it was not from accident he became an inventor, he would compare one passage in his life with that of a very different man— Burns. Burns, in one of his best poems— the poem in which he spoke of the thistle in a way which the inventor of a reaping machine or an agricultural society were not likely to do— once, in his youth, on returning from the reaping field, exclaims— " I felt a wish — I mind its power— A wish that to my Latest hour Will strongly heave my breast — That I, for puir auld Scotland's sake, Some useful plan or book might make, Or sing a sang at least." Now, he (Mr. Soot-Skirving) had read in the earliest notices Mr. Bell gave this society of the reaping- machine this account of the invention .-—He said he was coming home from seeing his father's reapers at work, and a strong wish seized him to invent some machine to lighten the labour of his countrymen. He saw a pair of garden shears hanging near, and that was his first idea of clipping corn by machinery. Burns did not make " a useful plan," but he sang songs which had cheered the baronial hall as well as the humble cabin ; and Mr. Bell, by his machine, had saved a world of trouble to the labouring classes, and a vast sum of money to the agricultural world. It was now 40 years since this machine was invented ; and if this was a tardy acknowledgment, they could at least say that it was the mature opinion of the people of Scotland, founded on experience, that they were permanently indebted to the invention of the reap- ing-machine in 1837 by the Rev. Patrick Bell. Ho concluded by introducing Mr. Bell to the meeting. The Chairman, addressing Mr. Bell, said he had been invited to attend this meeting of the Highland and Aijricultural Society of Scotland iu order that they might mark in this public manner the high esteem they entertained for his services to agriculture by the inven- tion of " Bell's Reaping Machine," the parent from which all the others had sprung, and which had been worked with so much success at Mr. Bell's late brother's farm of Inchmichael, as well as in many other places in Scotland. He (the Chairman) believed he was speaking the universal opinion of farmers when he said that the reaping-machine came to their relief at a time when manual labour was very scarce in all parts of tho United Kingdom, and that the machine w.is most effective and w.os most usefully used on many farms in the present day both in Scotland and England. His own experience taught him that Mr. Bell had received the universal blessing of farm labourers, old and young, as he had saved their backs from the dreadful torment they used to suffer when stooping to reap the crops of corn with the sickle. At the same time, ho had disgusted very much the sports- men of the country, who find now, instead of the long stubble, that the corn was cut so short that it would scarcely conceal a sparrow. On the other hand, it worked very much to the delight of those who felt an interest in a luxuriant crop of Turnips, which an abundant cropof straw generally produced. Although the public acknowledgment of Mr. Bell's services as the original inventor of the reaping machine had been long delayed, his lordship trusted that the public man- ner in which the compliment was now paid would be not only satisfactory to himself but to his family. As Chairman of this meeting, he congratulated Mr. Bell on the success ofhis invention, and presented him, in the name of those who were reaping its benefits, their gra- titude, and also a lasting testimonial of the value that they put upon his services, not only to this couutrj-, but to other portions of the world. There was one point he would mention, which he was sure Mr. Bell, as a minister of the gospel, would be gratified to hear- namely, that he had been instrumental in reducing the amount of immorality which was wont to prevail, as this invention had done away with the necessity of having 50 or 100 people, young and old, in barns or all sorts of buildings and farm offices; and no person could answer for the amount of immorality that took place. There seemed to be a very unanimous opinion as to the value of Mr. Bell's services. The subscription had not reached the amount required — it was still 20/. short of 1000/. ; but he felt so grateful for the invention that ho would himself be most happy to make up that sum. Mr. Bell, on rising to return thanks to the society, said— My Lord Marquis and Gentlemen,— Although I cannot say that 1 am unaccustomed to public speaking, the addresses that I am called upon to make weekly are of a very different kind from that which may be expected of me this day, and I really do not know what words I can use to express my feelings on this occasion, the proudest day in my life. I nave especially to thank the committee for the trouble they have had 110 THE GAT^BENRRS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTHRAL GAZETTE. [I'ebeuabt 1, 1868. in the matter. I have no doubt they have had a great deal of anxiety, and no little exertion, before they were able to bring their scheme to so favourable a termination on my account ; but so far as I under- stand, they undertook the work, and fluishod it cheerfully. I have likewise to thank the subscribers generally for the handsome testimonial which the Chairumn has now presented to me. My feelings are very difl'erent this day from what they were 40 years ago— when I left my father's house on a cold winter morning, tooli my seat upon the top of the Edin- burgh coach — (there were no railways in those days) — wended my way to the capital of Scotland, for the purpose of making my first bow before this honourable Society. On that occasion I was full of fears and trembling — afraid that my invention should turn out a mere chimera, and trembling when I thought of coming before learned and scientific men. I had a small wooden model of the machine under my arm, which looked like anything rather than a design for cutting com. As my friends advised me before I started, I waited upon the Secretary of the Society, the late Sir Charles Gordon, to hear what ho would say about it. Sir Charles looked over it, and after examining it attentively, declared he was no mecliauic, and, consequently, could give no opinion upon the matter, but added, he would be glad to give me an introduction to a celebrated mechanic who lived in the town— he alluded to the late Sir John Graham Dalziel, a well- known and much respected gentleman in his day. He accordingly gave me an introduction to Sir John, and I went to his house and showed and explained the model to him, which looked more like a rat- trap than anything else I know of. Sir .Tohn looked at it, and saiil it was a very dillicult thing to give a decided opinion upon the model of any contrivance tlaat would be able to cut a standing crop of corn in an eilicient manner ; but, so far as he was able to judge, the model looked like a thing that would do so, and he recommended me to get a machine constructed upon the large, scale after the pattern of my model, and try it next harvest. This ivas the first encouragement to prosecute the idea I had formed that I had received. The horizon of my imaginings grew brighter, and I was able to speak, even to Sir John, in more confident terms. When I got home, a large machine was immediately set about being constructed ; it was finished before liarvest, started amongst the standing corn before it was ripe, and it worked very well, and I was obliged to Sir John for the friendly advice he gave me. Had he condemned the prin(iiple, it might never have gone a step farther. You are all as well acquainted with the machine as I am, so that it is (luite unnecessary for me to take up the time of the Society by continuing its history. Sir John Graham Dalziel gave it the first push, and you, to-day, have put on the capstone. I can only again thank you for the distinguished honour you have this day done me. North British Af/riculturist. TVe fail to see any point in Messrs. Eansome's calling [ England is not within their reach as an investment, ^onit Cotrtsponticnce. Paris Exhibition Awards. — If the public bo not tired of the wrangling about the Paris prizes, we are heartily so. lYhat we have written has been solely in self defence. We will, in as few words as possible, state the real facts of the case. Some weeks ago a paragraph went the round of the daily newspapers in reference to the Grand Prizes, which was transferred to the columns of the Agricultural Gazette and many other papers. This paragraph was worded in a way which, we say, was calculated to lead the public to suppose that we had taken an inferior position at Paris, and that our medal was a second-class one — we know that this was the impression created in the minds of many who read it. We suspected that the paragraph originated from Ipswich, and on our challenging Messrs. Eansome with the author.ship, they acknowledged that the article did emanate from them. Messrs. Bansome & Sims having claimed the 1st place at Paris, we disputed their claim to this distinction. The ground we take is that Jury 48 placed us 1st and Messrs. Eansome 7th ; Jury 74 placed Messrs. Eansome 1st and us next. We therefore contend that with a 1st place and a 2d we take a superior position to Messrs. Eansome, who took a 1st and 7th. We further say that our ground is strengthened by the fact that the Jury which placed us 1st was_ a truly International one, composed of the first men in Europe, whilst the other Jury, whatever might be its original constitution, was in reality a very small French one. Messrs. Ean- some contend that the Billancourt awards carry more weight than those of the Champ de Mars, inasmuch as they were made after trial. We say no greater farce was ever enacted than most of these trials, and in this view we are supported by all the English papers which reported them. As stated in a former letter, we with- drew from them because we would not be parties to such a farce, and our example was followed by Messrs. Clayton, Shuttleworth & Co., and other makers. How Messrs. Eansome can place these trials on an equality with the Eoyal Agricultural Society's trials at Bury, wo are at a loss to conceive. We confess we were greatly surprised to find, by Messrs. Eansome's letter, that they object to our claiming the 1st prize for the best plough for general purposes; we must say we think tlieir objection amounts to a trifling with the patience of your readers. In your own report of the prizes you translate the French words " Charrues simples pour labours ordinaires " exactly as we have done, and so do all the other newspapers. There are no other words which convey to an Englishman the kind of plough rewarded : all the other prizes given were for ploughs for special purposes ; this was for the ordinary work or pm'poses of the farm, which, if it means anything, means for " general purposes." At all events, both Messrs. Eansome and ourselves competed for the prize with our respective Newcastle general purpose ploughs. us to account for omitting to mention the 2d prizes they had won, also for our not alluding to the fact that trials at Billancourt had taken place, for this subject had been treated of in former letters. In defending our own position by a simple statement of facts, we ot see how we can fairly be charged with attacking that of Messrs. Eansome &Sims in "an unwarrantable and ungenerous " manner. James S( IVeilerick Howard, Britannia Iron Works, Bedford, Jan. 22. Mr. Mechi's " Suggestive Walk." — I have read Mr. Mechi's " Suggestive Walk." I have never questioned anything that I have read of his before, but there are two points in these suggestions or remarks that I must beg space to say a few words upon. In his fifth para- graph he says " some Scotch and other farmers, who have pitched into me for having open furrows and water furrows, might have learned a lesson, and seen that, although the deep drains were discharging abund- antly, still the surface drains were as auxiliaries passing off the surplus water which the land would not absorb within a given time." Why is it that the land would not absorb the water within a given time ? It was either because the hard under-trodden horse- pan would not allow the water to pass freely to the drains, or that the drains were not large enough to carry off the water within a given space of time. I can see evidence upon this point any rainy day by taking a walk to my heavy land, which is divided by a hedge from a neighbour's land under horse culture, whose land is drained, and where may be seen both open furrows and water furrows. The drains may be seen "discharging abundantly," and the open furrows and water furrows may be seeu discharging " the surplus water ;" yet for 13 years my steam-culti- vated land just over the hedge has neither had an open furrow nor water furrow upon it, and yet for all that 1 never saw a single drop of surplus w.ater upon it ; it always treads dry, let it rain as fast as it may. This same laud of mine when under horse culture (although the underdraiuage was then the same as now), always needed open furrows and water furrows to take the surplus water off. This is conclusive evidence that Mr. Mechi is wasteful of his water, letting it run away with some of his rich manure. I must leave it with him to decide as to which it is that is at fault— his drainage or his mode of culture. The second point is in the same paragraph : here are his words : — " With very long drains it is necessary to have air-shafts for certain heavy rainfalls, much as we have vent-pegs in our casks, or the liquor will not run freely," Mr. Mechi's com- parison between a drain in the land and a tap in a barrel will not hold water. We all know that if we put a tap in an air-tight cask the liquor 11 not flow, and we also know that if wo let a little air into the cask it will do so freely, but did you ever know of a drain being put intoair-tipht land? Mr, Mechi's own evidence proves against him (unless he has air-shafts, and he does not show that he has), for in the worst case that he can bring forward he shows that the drains " discharged abundantly," which is positive evidence that his land was not air-tight, although not so free as it ought to be. Wo all know that if we put a drain into land ? the soil over it is never air-tight. It may be tliat some of the pores get plugged up, so that the water does not pass so freely to the drain as it ought to do; but we know that an air-shaft would not empty them. I have read of these air-shafts in ordinary draining before, and now for the first time I have read of Mr. Mechi's advocating them in long drains. They are of no use. Let your main drains be large enough, your water will run free enough if your soil at the surface is well opened by a steam cultivator 10 inches deep. It is the pitch-plaster on horse culti- vated land that will not let the water run freely to the drains. That pitch-plaster represents Mr. Mechi's "vent-peg." William Smith, Woolsfoii, Bletcklei/ /Station. Bucks, Jan. 27. The Testimonial to Mr. W. H, White, the Meteo- rologist.— Doubtless most of your agricultural readers are familiar with the name and weather prognostics of this veteran meteorologist, who has devoted the greater part of a long and well-spent life to the disin- terested pursuit of this difficult science ; but it may not be generally known that a subscription has been opened by a committee of gentlemen for the purpose of raising a fund by_ way of testimonial to Mr. White, in recognition of his past services to the science of meteorology. Mr. White was the first secretary of the first meteorological society established in England, with Lord Ebury as president, and his lordship has not only headed the subscription, but also most flatteringly testified to Mr. White's diligence and care whilst holding that office, Por more than 30 years he has contributed a weekly meteorological table to the Mark Lane Express, and "has always been ready and willing to impart information on the subject to all inquirers. But his has been emphatically a labour of love, and now, at the advanced age of 80, it seems only proper that something should "be done for the adequate and honourable support of his declining years. The sub- scription, of which Mr. L. P. Casella, the well-known instrument maker, of Hatton Garden, is the treasurer, will shortly close, and it is to be hoped that this last appeal may not be made in vain. A. S. [We entirely believe that Mr. White has, by his disinterested labours, been of much service to agriculture by pro- moting a love of .accurate meteorological observation among farmers, notwithstanding that, it is equally certain that his leading idea^ expressed by the word " astrometeorology," is an entire delusion.] Free Trade in Land. — ^There are abroad teachers who seem desirous of conveying to the minds of the uninitiated in such matters, an impression that great injustice is done to them, inasmuch as the land of because it is locked up and retained by unwholesome laws in the hands of a few large proprietors, and that now that we have " free trade " in many things we should demand " free trade " also in land. I crave your indulgence, and beg you to allow me to invite the serious consideration of landowners to the subject. No legislative enactment of any kind is required either to make land saleable, or to force land into the market for sale; it is now sold like any other marketable commodity, and the supply is perhaps greater than the demand. Thousands of pounds are expended annually by sellers in advertising for purchasers ; and, as the columns of the newspapers testify, after all, there remain at the end of the season in the hands of the large agents many unsold properties wanting customers. Any man having money to invest in land, in sums from 20?. upwards, may on any day. by expending as. in cab hire, obtain in London a choice of fair investments ; and as to land being raised by unwise laws to a fictitious price, it will be found that freehold farms are constantly to be purchased at as low as 30?. an acre. From what I have read, I am inclined to the opinion that there is abroad a levelling democratic feeling, to gratify which it is sought, by some mode of legislation yet to be defined, to place the land of the country in the hands of the " masses " on easier terms than those by which any Englishman may now purchase whatever land any other is willing to sell. This subject now demands our earnest consideration. Charles F. Humbert, Land Agent, Watford, Herts, Jan. 22. The "Denton" Prize Cottage,— I have seen a paragraph in your Paper to the effect that many gentlemen are building cottages for the labouring classes, the plans and p:; rticulars of which were designed by Mr. Birch, architect, and known as the "Denton prize plan." A copy ol this plan 1 have obtained, and at once readily admit that the cottages are convenient and healthy, with nothing very wonderful about them, quite " unworthy praise cr blame." I have seen many better, and a vast num'jer infinitely worse; but on reading the particulars, I perceive that Mr. Birch states they can be built at a cost of 195?. the pair. Is this so ? Can Mr. Birch really build them for the sum he names ? If he can, he has indeed conferred a great boon upon both landlord aud labourer, and is deserving of something more than thai ksfrom everyone interested in the well-being of the wor king classes. As patents are now plentiful as Blackberri( s, why does not Jlr. Birch at once register his design, an J so reap the reward sojustly due to him ? But if, on the )fher hand, he has stated an impracticability, and the cottages cannot be built for the money, then he is desert ing of grave censure, for stating that which is liable to make landed proprietors dissatisfied that cottages cannc t be erected for them at a similar cost. Tour correspoi-dent, however, appears to be more modest, or, at all eve r ts, to be ignorant of the " open sesame " of Mr. Birch, for I see he states 250?. the pair as the cost; this appeirs to me much nearer the truth, but, can they be ero -ted for this sum ? I have very minutely taken out the quantities, and I reply, No, I do not think they can — at least I shall be very much obliged if Mr. Bit h, or your correspon- dent, or " any other man," will ;ive me the name of a builder who will undertake to eicct half-a-dozen pairs at the price. I have been for some years endeavouring to build comfortable cottages economically, but alas! have not yet succeeded in erecting a pair at all similar in size and accommodation to Mr. Birch's under about 300?. Perhaps by your kindly inserting this letter in your Journal I may gain a wrinkle, which may enable me to see where my error is. A Land steward. Societies. Highland aud Agkicultural : Jan. 15. — At the half-yearly general meeting of this Society, the Marquis of Tweeddale, K.T., in the chair, his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, E.G., was unanimously elected President of the Society, being his third year in office. Fifty-five new members were balloted for and admitted members. Aberdeen Shorn.— Mr. Kinloch, with regard to the arrangements for the Aberdeen Show, mentioned that the premiums and medals would amount to 1500?., and that there would be an increased expenditure in con- nection with the Aberdeen Show of 1100?. The counties of Aberdeen and Banff had assessed themselves for 490?, and 420?. respectively. They expected that Kin- cardineshire and the north of Forfarshire would also subscribe as they had hitherto done. The exhibition would take place ou the 28th, 29th, and 30th of July, which was earlier than usual, but they had fixed upon these days in order not to interfere with the shows ot the Eoyal English Society and of the Yorkshire Society. The Chair of Agriculture.— ill. Campbell Swinton gave in a lengthy report from the Special Committee on the Endowment of the Chair of Agriculture, which, after detailing the steps which had been taken with that view, stated that, " the Committee having satisfied themselves that there is a moderate surplus of funds, and being of opinion that even if the measure should involve the necessity of some retrenchment in other departments, the Chair of Agriculture has a strong claim to aid from the Society, beg to recommend that an annual grant of 150?, should be voted for ten years, on condition that Government gives the same or a greater amount ; although a temporary rather than a permanent grant is proposed in the first instance, it would, of course, be understood that the grant from both sources would be continued if the Chair, on its new footing, proved successful. A report was also presented from Dr. Playfair and Dr. Balfour on the subject, highly approving of the course proposed by the directors. The proposal was unanimously adopted, and the directors were authorised to make, in concert with the Senatus Aoademicus, the necessary application to Febbuaey 1, 1868.1 THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRTCTJT-TURAL GAZETTE. Govorumcat. The motion was then put from the Chair, and unanimously adopted by the meeting. The Veterinary Charter for Scotland.— ilr. (iXMoxi, of Wallhouse, reported on the proceodiuss which had been taken by the Committee on a Charter for the Veterinary College of Scotland. Dr. Dalzell, of the Veterinary College, Clyde Street, thought it only resijcctful to this Society, and in accordance with the wi.sh of the whole veterinary profession in Scotland, that ho should return their thanks for the interest the Society had taken in this matter. CAemiml Department.— VrohfsoT Anderson reported his proceedings in the chemical department. He stated that the work done for the Society had been under the average, although a considerable amount of heavy practical work had been accomplished. He had advanced some distance in his investigation into the diU'erent substances used for smearing and dipping sheep ; but there was a great deal of matter to be accumulated before he would venture to lay his results before the Society. Premiiuns Awarded for Essays and Reports, — Mr. Irvine, of Drum, reported that since the general meet- ing iu June last, the following premiums had been awarded ; — 2. Tho .Silver Med,ll to the Author of a Report sHbject, beririiif; the motto—" Ubiquo Patriauo rel 3. 10(.. or the Gold Medal, to Robert E. Brown, agent to Major Stapylton, Wass, Oswaldkirk, Yorkshire, for a Report on the Foriuation and Management of Young Plantations. 4. The .Silver Medal to tho Author of a Report on the same subjeet, bearing the motto " 1 hope to speed." 5. '..'0/, to Christopher Young Michie, forester, Cullen House, Banffshire, for a Report on Lareh Forests in Scotland. 6. 51., or Medium Gold Medal, to Christopher Young Miehie, forcBtcr, Cullen House, for a Report on Trees not liable to be destroyed by Rabbits. 7. The Silver Medal to the Author of a Report on the same subject, with the motto " MemorEsto." 8. [il. or Jledium Gold Medal to Robert Hutchinson, of Car- lowrie, Ivirkliston, for a Report on Pruning the Rarer Conifene. Premiums Offered for Essays and lieports.— Mr. Irvine also announced that the following premiums will be ofl'ered in 1868, and stated that there are attached to e.ach special conditions which must be strictly observed. These conditions, and the dates at which the dill'erent reports must be lodged, will bo found in the Proinium Book for the current year, copies of which may be had on application to the secretary about tho middle of February :— I.— On Sul^jects conticctcd mik tlu Science and Practice of Agriculture : — 1. Agriculture of Aberdeenshire and Banffshire . . £30 •2. Agriculture of East Lothian 30 3. Manures produced by different kinds of Feeding 20 4. M:muro8 made with and without Clover . . . . 20 5. On applying Manure to the Stubble in Autumn, or in the Drills in Spring 20 6. Improved varieties of Agricultural Plants . . . . 10 7. Comparative productiveness, Sic, of Potatos . . 10 8. Companitive productiveness, &c., of Turnips . 10 9. CiUtivation of Cabbage .as a field crop .. .. in 10. VcKetible productions of India, China, America, cSsc. 1 1. Best modes of housing fattening Cattle 12. Different descriptions of Food for Stock . . 13. The .liities Mf tho Vetorinai-j- Suraeou in tho Commissioners; and that the Right Honourable the Lord Advocato bo furnisliuil with a copy of tho above resolution, and bo retiuested to do his utmost to Ciirry it into effect." Mr. M'Lagan, M.l'., .seconded the motion. Ho said ho had had the honour of being a director of the Cottage Association, and brought tho subject before tho meeting some time ago. The cottages which it was insisted should be built in Scotland were similar to those in England, and differed so materially from those retiuired in Scotland that it was found absurd to erect cottages which would be very good for England but were useless for Scotland. The resolution was unani- mously carried. On the'motion of Mr. M'Lagan, a vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, and tho proceedings terminated. [In another page will be found a report of subse- quent proceedings, during which the Testimonial to Mr. Bell was presented.] Farmers* Clubs. ClEENCESTEU CUAMBEB OF AulilcULTUEE ; Land- lords, Tenants, and Labourers. — At the close of Mr. Edmonds' paper on this subject, reported last week, the following discussion took place; — Sill Ml. II Ml I 3 to soundness , 10 Plague . . 10. Sanitary .arrangements for Stock 10 17. Transit of Stock by r.ailway, sea, and road . . . . 10 18. Dipping, pouring, and smearing Sheep . . . . 20 19. Profitable extension of the Poultry department in a mixed Farm in Scotland s 20. Rural economy abroad -eusccptible of bemg intro- duced into Scotland 10 II. — Land Tmproi^cments : — 1. General improvement of Estates by proprietors . . 10 2. Reclamation of Waste Land by Tillage, by pro- prietors or tenants, 101., 51., and Silver Medal . . 15 3. Improvement of natural Pasture without tillage, lOi. and Silver Medal 10 111.— A^rkidtural MaeUmrij :— Invention or improvement of Implements of Husbandry IV.- - -Woods and Plantations : ~- 1. Extensive Planting, by proprietors 2. Formation and management of young Plantations 3. General management of older Planfcitions . . 4. Planting on exposed or on barren tracks . . .1. Value for economical purposes of the Corsicau Fir 6. American .and Canadian Forest Trees 7. Foicst Trees of recent introduction 8. Uses to which Roots of Conifers) may bo applied.] Transacliotts for 1868.— Mr. Irvine, of Drum, Chairman of the Committee on Publications, reported that the Transactions for 1S08 would bo published in February. Lnpruvenienis of Farm Buildings and Cottarjes.— Mr. Waldegrave-Leslie said there had been "great Ignorance displayed as to the wants of Scotland under the Cottage, ka.. Improvement Acts, and the consequence was that there had been a total cessation of demands t"^ ?""? j^ ^°''®'' ^'^^^ A'^''*- He had spoken to the ijord Advocate on the question, and though his lordsbip had committed himself to nothing, he had pokeu lavourably upon the subject. The resolution be had to submit was as follows ;— •■That in.a3mueh as the system ..f supervision of drainage and hmd improvements by 1 1 ii , i . , t . . , - in ScoUi.n.l. under the authority of tho Govern r,, I ■ . ..inmissioneri has been found t-j work in a SHti . i it is thp nnVnim ^^^^"^ '?L?"^"''"'''T'' ^'^ "^^■^'■'^ t''^ I''-^'^« =*nd erection of .irm DUiidmgH and cottages, uudcr Improvement Acta, be Jutriisted to the auperviaion of an architect in Scotland, to ict under the authority of tho Government Inclosme . Beach said tho subject which had 1 that eveninic waa one of very great lie thought it was impossible to enter into ttii' ii 11 II .> iiiKjvit first acknowledging the broudand liberal mann(jr in which it had boon treated by Mr. Edmonds ^a manner which did o^uid credit to his head and his heart ; because it was a subject which it was very easy for any one of them to look at from their own point of view, but not so easy to treat as Sir. F^duiMinls had treated it, namely, from a point of \icw v.iiich [iiit;-ht hn fail' fur every one, and he must and that it \v;is feW hhni wUm wmiM have such an opportunity of lookin^f at il iu vaiiitu.s imLiits >A vieu- as he had. He should simply dwell l»\' a short time on .ioveral points Mr. Edmonds had mentioned. First, with regard to rent. Mr. Edmonds made mention of rent baaed upon the price of produce. He could only say he himself happened, on some estates in Wilt- shire, to offer to his tenants that their rents should ])e liased from year to year on the price of their i-r -'i.-. ii'it i.liey infinitely preferred a fixed rent to any sur I, t ■.; • :i. iJiat way. It would be amatterof very consiJi I ;: i' . md perhapsitwas not every one, tenant or landl.ii I, in ,;i . l . . whu would aeb as fairly as he heard of agentleman at 8wind'>n tho other day who positively uamo to his landlord and said, " I think I ought to pay you more rent." But there was one matter with regard to rent which might bo done by tli>' lu.iLn i, :inil which, he thought, had been approved "I ii i , i ;, ,: tu whom he had offered it ; he referred to a ca.-i i , i , , n mt had taken a farm which had been much it .1 i n i, .mi v.hieh had got very much out of order. The tenuL, m .miuu a position had to spend a large amount of capital in bringing it to what was called the proper place, and be might wish to have a lease for a long term of years. He (Sir Michael) thought bo might very fairly be compensated by agreement between his landlord and himself, and that before a certain number of years had expired he should receive a cert;un sum of money, to diminish each year upon the payment of the money which he had raised and invested in the land. This plan, he had fouml. iiiaiiv approved of, and he mentioned it here dd m it n ;, -i i [ i , him to be one which might be more wi li I\- II was not very fond of leases, and ho had \\'-\. ou his whole estate. The reason why he <'i,(, eiLi \. ; , iii t that he objected to give leases to liis tenants thcm.'ielves, but nobody could tell who would succeed them. Let him now say a few words about buildings : It was the duty of every landlord, and ho thought no one would deny it, to pat his buildings iu proper repair on the entry of a tenant, and when this had been done he thought the tenant should himself take some interest and bear some proportion of the expensein keeping those buildings in repair. It was a very beneficial plan and approved of by all parties, that a certain proportion of the labour for repairs should be paid by the tenant, after the buildings had been put in proper order. This gave him an interest in seeing that the workmen who were employed on the property did their duty, aud it also guarded the landlord against repairs being asked for which were not really needed. And now with regard to game. What he thought was that game, like all other things, ought to be done in moderation. No landlord ought to wish to overstock his land with game, and no tenant ought to wish that there there should be no game at all upon the laud ; and he thought that very much might be done by mutual agreement iu this matter. For his own part he liked to see his tenants enjoying a day's sport as well as to have one himself, and he liked to give them a day's coursing. He asked them to come out for a day's shooting \vith him, and he was quite sure if landlords generally would adopt that principle perhaps rather more than they did at present a better feeling between landlords and tenants would be furrned with regard to game. Now let him turn to the gi*eat question of cottages — and this was a question between Lindlord and labourer. Though by no means what they ought to be, he thovight the eottiiges had of late years, generally speaking, very much improved. He would ask them to remember that the improvement of cottages was a matter of very great and serious expense. It wxs very easy to talk about building a village entirely new, but not so easy to find the money tu \i uuliug between a tenant and hia K-ud ehanee of a long holding. Ho was an advocato for every tuuant having proper security, and he thought it the duty of landlords to give tluit proper security to their tenants ; and it was hia (tho speaker's) duty, to stmd there and advocate a good, hubstantiul, and proper holding between hindlord and tenant. Mr. Biiwi.v s;ud tho practical working of tho system wju* that tenants remained as long, if not longer, without Icaaos than they did with them. Sir Mii;u.\rl: Longer. Mr. W. AKKELL.said that although there had certainly been improvements in agriculture \vithin the last 40 years, good farming was as much advocated then as it is now. Sir Michael had told them that funds were wanted to build cottages. There had been a great deal said about free trade being tho cauao of tho coimtry's prosperity. He did not believe a word of it ; he thought the tlourishing state of the country was due to the gold found iu the gold districts, and the unlimited extent of capital from limited companies, and other things. After a vote of thanks to Mr. Edmonds, the meeting separated. ____^______^_ Irlcb ictos. Annual Supplement to WiUich's Tithe Commutation^ Tables, 18G8. Lougmaus. Mr. Montague Marriott, of 20, Montpelior Square, S.W., continues the publication of this annual^ which had been conducted by the late Mr. Willich for 30 years. The tables it contains give the value for 1858 of every 'id. of any tithe rent-charge originally apportioned, up to 2000^ It also contains a statement of the seven years' aver- age price of Wheat, Barley, and Oats, from Christmas. 18.56, to Christmas, 1808 ; a statement of the annual average price of Wheat, Barley, and Oats from 1790 to 1867 ; and a table of the annual prices of Wheat up to Michaelmas in each year, with the highest and lowest price iu the preceding 12 months. And this is a very curious and- instructive table. It appears that in none of the preceding 8 years has the range of prices in 12 months been less than 5.?. iil.x in only seven has it been less than lOj. ; in five it has been over 20«. a quarter. In one case (1817) it was as much as 52s. llrf.— the highest price of that year having been 103s. 5d. per quarter (May 29), and the lowest, iOs. Crf. (September IS). A Trip to America : A Lecture delivered at the Bedford Literary and Scientific Institution. By James Howard. Bedford. 180". Mr. Howard givesavery readableand amusingaccount of hn tri]), imiising things iu the States exceedingly, and tliiii-'^iii Ciinada a little. I'rom books and travellers he limiiilu ly. understood that thereisawouderfuldifTerence between ihc two, and the contrast has generally been drawn at the e.\pense of the Americans. Ho confesses to have formed exactly the opposite opinion. He has not much faith in the future of Canada so long as she is tied to the Old Country. "There are two towns, Prescott and Ogdensburg — the former on the Canadian bank of the St. Lawrence, the latter on the American side, exactly opposite. Prescott is a miserable, depressing place, with Grass in its streets ; whilst Ogdensburg, with, I was assured, no greater local advantages, is all life and bustle— gas-works, water- works, mills, manufactories, shipping, and every sign of wealth and prosperity." It has, however, been mainly for the purpose of introducing an extract from a Canadian paper that wo have thus called attention to Mr. Howard's interesting lecture. The Canada Emigration Gazette of November is full of reports from its correspondents at Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto, and Hamilton of the unsatisfied demand for labourers. "In Canada," says the Editor, " a first-class agricultural labourer can, at the present time, readily obtain from 5s. to (is. a day ; these wages are more than three times as great as those which are paid in England. The cost of living is much cheaper. Some commodities may be comparatively dear, whereas others are remarkably cheap. All the first necessaries of life, such as bread and meat, are much cheaper. It consequently appears that the wages of the ordinary labourer, estimated not only iu money, but also in the amount of commodities which these wages will purchase, are three times as great iu Canada as they are in England. It has been sometimes asserted that the wonderful material prosperity which is conferred 'oy emigration upon the English labourer is more apparent than real. Such opinions, however, are not always disinterested. We say to the British labourer, our climate is conceded to be as healthy as your own. A settler in our land does not seek a home amongst those who are strangers to his race and language. We are, socially, an integral part of the British empire. Your Queen has uot more loyal done them "by I subjects. We speak your language and read your a question which books, and wa are only removed from you by ten days' •n r> 11 HI , „ ■ 1 ti. » -vf iTj J • I ■ travel." We confess to the belief that considerations The Rev. T. Maubice said that Mr. Edmonds, m his very I e ^u- i • i -n i • t% „ n,^ ; ■,.. ..r Ubeml address, had sot before them views which would tend i ?! *bis kind Will ah>ays mfiuence the majon y of to elevate the condition of m.in more than anything ehic ; and Englishmen when the alternative ol Canada and tlio any agreement between master and servant should be con- States is placed before them for their choice, sidered as a mutu.il bai-gain. He thought, that upon this If "an agricultural labourer, though he work with point the principle of the now Liw between master and Jim regularity of a machine, can rarely be found in 'S^t.:^i:f.U:^LZ'ori^i:i^^r^!^^:^io^Z England who has saved a few pounds: if .^^ w^/s ^* machinerv, but that did not affect the principle, which was too small to enable him to make any provision lor sick- this ; that it w.as a contract or bargain between the parties ness or old age, and if, as m the majority Ol cases, Ue and that there was a reciprocal obligation upon the one part can only occujjy a crowded dwelling which olteu upon tho other. Mr. Smith (Bibury) said some rem.arks had bcon made as to removing: the Labourers from church, and he thought it w.is much better for them to h.ive to travel a long distanco Uy church ono day a week, th.an a similar distance to work six days a week, which he considered a great disadvantage. In scarcely deserves the name of a human habitation,- why, we ask, are the working classes content, genera- tion after generation, to pass tho same dreary existence, when with a climate as healthy as their own, with institutions free as theirs, with a nation that speaks 112 THE GARDENERS' CHRONT(]LE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febbuaet 1, 18C8. their own language and inhcrils tbeir own instincts, tlicy oan soon become landed proprietors, and see placed before them a career of comparative affluence, and a prosperity which will open to them and to their children an honourable and enviable social position?" Farm Memoranda. West Gloucestee : January 25.— Most of the winter ploughing is now comi)leted, and many who believe in dunsinR their root land in the fall of the year, and have the dung wherewith to do it, have ploughed it in, thus accomplishing the heaviest part of the horse work connected with the root cultivation. It is not always that this part of the work can be done in the fall — for instance, when the stubble is a foul one ; but after such a very fine autumn as the past, we have not had, or it is our own fault if we have had, any such hindrances to complain of. The plan of autumn dunging, however, would not be suitable for all kinds of soil. On some parts of the Cotswold hills, where the soil is thin, the dung would bo spent before the time of Turnip sowing, and consequently would notbe of that benefit to the crop which it was in- tended it should be ; but where practicable, I am strongly in favour of autumn dunging, as being the best and most economical plan of dunging for a root crop, whether the season be a. wet one or a dry one. Should it be a wet one, the carting is done before the land is ploughed, and therefore the land gets the benefit of the frost to pulverise it, if it should be cut about by the hauling over it. If it is a dry season, like one or two lately past, the dung gets incorporated with the soil, thus preventing the sun and wind getting to the roots of the plants as they often do when the dung is spread in drills immediately under the plants. The carting of the compost heaps on the Grass land has been proceeded with during the frost, and now the frost is gone we are busy spreading it. The heavy rains have proved beneficial to the young Wheat in this neighbourhood. The ground, after the frost went, was very hollow, but the pelting storms of the la-st week have been serviceable in making the ground firm around the roots of the Wheat, and also in filling up our watering places, which had in many parts got much too low. Cattle of every description are healthy in the neighbourhood; keep being plentiful, there i.s but little business doing amongst dealers. AVe shall iu another week be looking for the lambs coming in ; the ewes are in good condition and promising. We are giving them an allowance of roots daily, beginning with half a load for 180 sheep, increasing to a whole load. AVe do not consider it a good plan to give too nian.y roots before the ewe has yeaned, we give them instead a plentiful supply of good hay, and as largo a run over the Gra-ss land as possible. AVe generally begin giving roots about a fortnight before they begin yeanin bring forward the miik. /. W. ATheat. It is now so much the practice to cultivate in the autumn that portion of the farm intended for the growth of roots in the following spring where the land requires to be fallowed, that no farm can be said to be well managed unless a considerable part of the root land is cleaned and cultivated before Wheat sowing begins ; it is at least a saving of one-third of the expenses of fallowing, and at the same time affords a far better seed-bed and promise for a full crop of roots of any sort. This matter is, however, regarded by many as entirely a question of steam power, hut we do not view it in this way altogether, knowing, as we do, many farmers who cultivate in the autumn nearly all the land intended for the ne.xt root crop, without taking up any e.xtra horse power; this, however, can only be done upon dry land farms, where the preparation for AVheat sowing may bo delayed a month without detri- ment. AA'e have no wish to disparage the value of steam power, but, on the contrary, advise all to avail themselves of its great advantages wherever it is obtain- able ; to those to whom it is not available, we hope in a future report to indicate the best substitute for steam power, and also to state our ideas of the numerous advantages and great economy of cultivating by steam, and the beneficial effects likely to accrue, not only to the agricultural interest, but to the country generally. J. J5., Southampton. myz 3))oultri) ¥arir. ARTIFIC.VL HATCHING AND REARING POULTRY. Having conceived that the elements of a seed and the egg of a fowl are essentially the same, and having frequently succeeded in generating seeds at various tem- peratures, I considered something might be done witli the egg, if subjected to similar treatment. Accordingly by putting thermometers several times under setting poultry, turkeys as well as fowls, I found the heat to vary from 100° to 108°. Now arose the question, what can I make to keep the heat at from 101' to lOG", allowing 2° to move or change, knowing the difficulty of obtaining a fixed heat, as warm air is continually moving and subject to change. AA'hile standing in the chicken house referred to on Nov. 30 (p. 122S), I perceived a spare place about 4 feet long, and 3 feet 6 inches wide, a chimney being there; I imme- diately said " this is the place," and went to mark out my plan on paper, and build it as here described. My incubating stove, with its chimney and damper in it, consisted essentially of a tin, 3 feet 6 inches long, 1 foot 6 inches wide, and 3 inches deep, the top of which lifts off, and at one end of it, constituting the boiler part of it, it is 8 inches square by 9 inches deep, all soldered in one piece. Below this boiler pa rt is a piece of stout sheet iron, to .seoureit from the action of the lire. Beneath the bottom part of the tin holding the water for"it helps to 's the drawer in which the eggs are laid, the bottom of high as 116^, they will die from excess of heat, and at 80° for eight hours at a time from want of heat. AVhen the birds have got so near the hatching as to absorb nearly all the yolk in their body, they die of cold at 90°. I have observed them at these different states from one day to another, and in taking them out of the shell while alive have found the colour of the blood change from excess of heat or cold. On one occasion I put 14 eggs in my drawer, and broke three at different times to see the process, all of which contained live embryo. On the 1st of May my first experiments were developed at 3 o'clock p.m. On that day I saw that one chick was coming out ; and by 5 o'clock four more, and from the 14 eggs I had eight fine chickens; three I had killed by examinations, and three were rotten. I hatclied likewise three guinea chicks out of four eggs; also eight wild ducks, and two turkeys about the same time. I had two eggs of the tame duck for the iirsl 15 days. I kept one in my incubating drawer, and the other the hen sat on. I then exchanged them, and both were duly brought out with five chicks at the proper period of time. I brought up these eight wild ducks in a Cucumber house with six others, without any mother. They did not require so much warmth as my other chickens, and my place was already crowded with the stock I had then. In August I tried another 20 eggs in my appa- ratus, and iu this hatch I had only three bad eggs. But I must remark the difficulty is not quite overcome when the chickens are hatched; they must also be provided with warmth, or they will soon die. I have taken a brood of chickens from a hen as soon as they were hatched, and brought them up in ray small box. When the air is warm enough they will be still and quiet, but if the air is too cold they will cry and reject their food ; and if they are long exposed to a colder air than they require, would soon be attacked with the disease called the gapes, and on opening the windpipe it will be found filled with worms. (To be Contmueii.) Miscellaneous. " Live and Dead Farming Stock."— ii has been decided by Vice-Chancellor Malins, in the case of Burbidge v. Burbidge, that under a bequest of live and dead farming stock, all farm produce of either descrip- tion will pass, as well that which is necessary to stock the farm as that which would ordinarily be realised in due time. The question arose under the will of Charles Burbidge, a tenant farmer, in AA^iltshire, who, by his will, gave to his nephew, " all his live and dead larniing stock, implements of husbandry, and farming utensils of every description belonging to him in and about the farm buildings he then occupied." The testator died in 1865; and the (luestion in this administration suit was as to what had passed by the will to the nephew, under the words in the bequest, " live and dead farm- which is porforated zinc. I lay a thin plate of zinc on ing stock." At the testator's death, which was at the top of the eggs ; there is a space between the edge South Hants : Jan. 23.— In referring to the sheep I of the drawer and the top of the zinc plate,_which lies stock in the southern division of the county, and its progress during the past autumn, we must speak more especially of the horned Dorset and Somerset ewes for producing the early lambs (the fall of lambs having finished as it usually does, with the month of December) for which this part of the country, including also the Isle of AVight, is justly celebrated. We have to report one of the most favourable seasons ever known, although not more so than the previous one, both of them having been of an exceptional character, resulting in a large number of lambs with very few losses. This must therefore be satisfactory to the farmers, particularly when it is considered that great losses, both of ewes and lambs, took place on several previous years, occa- sioned in some measure by an epidemic prevailing amongst the flocks, producing foot-lameness and great loss of health and condition ; and we are sorry to say that the same complaint still lingers in the county, but not to a serious extent, i The soil and climate of South Hants are peculiarly favourable for raising the early lamb in perfection, and it is worthy of note, that the horned stock flocks are increas- ing in their native counties, Dorset and Somerset. We can very well recollect, some 35 years ago, that the horned ewes formed the principal part of the lambing stock of the best farms of this district; soon after this period, however, the breeders of this stock, more par- ticularly in Dorset, but likewise in some districts of Somerset, were induced to introduce the Down breed, by the experiment of obtaining an early lamb from that breed, and the crosses between horned ana Down sheep, probably thinking that the pecu- liarity of soil and climate would enable them to obtain early lambs from the Southdowns and the crosses, but it has not turned out as they expected. There were other inducements, no doubt, such as being able to feed a greater number of Downs than horned sheep ; but this has also failed as a feeding and manuring question, because the latter are found to manure the land better than the former, in reference to the food consumed. In consequence of this abortive experi ment large numbers of farmers have gone back to the horned ewes again in both counties, which has very much increased the supply of the early horned ewes at those fairs where they are usually offered for sale, and will probably result in lowering their value com- pared with the Down sheep, as it is only the best farms as regards soil and climate on which they can be fed with the most profit, indeed it may be safely asserted that in favourable districts there is no stock will yield so large a money return for the food consumed as the horned ewe and her early lamb. AVe cannot close our report of the past autumn without alluding to the excellent opportunity afforded to the agriculturist for the cultivation of the land between the period of harvest and the seed-time for on the eggs and the warm tin; the heat of the warm tin is radiated on the zinc plate; the cold air acting on the top and bottom of tlii zinc plat? brings the plate to 104° of heat; this resting on the eggs and the bulb of the thermometer gives me the proper temperature, of which I take notes (as hereinafter shown by Tables) during the jirocess of given incubation. Beneath the drawer containing the eggs I have one side and a bottom of an old glass box put in the space between the wall and the stove, to answer the purpose of an air box, to act as a mother to the ciiickens after hatching. The thermometer must be of metal, a wooden scale will crack and break. The tin boiler cost me 17*., and the thermometer Is. Gd. ; but for an outlay of 30s. or 40s., one may be constructed of iron, to hatch 100 eggs at once. My apparatus burned the waste cinders of the house, and required attention to regulate it every four hours ; but by the aid of a self-acting thermo- meter I hatched some chickens with it once in November, and did not attend to it between 10 o'clock at night and 7 in the morning ; during the day it was under the care of a boy under 11 years of age, and during that time it was cold and frosty for a fortnight together. I have not described this plan or apparatus that I have carried ou my experiments with as one fo harvest time, there were unon the farm, in addition to implements of husbandry, farming utensils, horses and other animals used in the farm, several crops of AVheat, part growing and part cut, but not stacked ; also grow- ing crops of Barley, not yet cut, crops of Turnips and other roots, aud other things also growing. There were three stacks of Wheat of the crop of 1861, a quantity of cheese made on the farm in 18G5, and ricks of hay of the crop of 1805, some wool, and other things. There were also beasts and sheep ou the farm, which would ordinarily have been sold by the testator for profit, and not kept for stocking the farm. The crops, as well growing as severed, all the farm produce, and ail the beasts, cattle, and sheep on the farm, were claimed by the nephew. The residuary legatees con- tended that the growing crops, and such parts of crops already cut and severed, and of the farm produce, as were not required for the use of the stock upon the farm, or to be consumed upon the farm, and such beasts, cattle, and sheep upon it as in the ordinary course of business would have been sold for profit by the testator and not for stocking the farm, were not comprised in the specific bequest to the nephew, but formed part of the testator's residuary personal estate. The Vice-Chancellor said the testator had given all his live and dead farming stock in terms sufliciently large to include everything claimed by the nephew. The term, "live farming stock," entitled him to all the horses, sheep, and other beasts upon the farm, while a model, but merely as that by which I have established | the term " dead farming stock" included all the produce. my principles, the circulation of warmed air, and that, too, with more ease than I anticipated. In one of the first Birmingham and Midland Counties exhibitions of poultry I exhibited six silver- ]iencilled Hamburgh fowls. These chickens were hatched on the 24th May, and reared by artificial heat, without the assistance of the hen. Also in Class 40, No. 605, in the same exhibition (Dorking and barn- door fowls), one cock and three hens, hatched 1st May, and reared by artificial heat : one of these hens laid on the 25th November, and all three by the 22d December. Also No. 698, samo class, six chickens hatched 18th August. Class 46, No. 1019, two Guinea fowls, hatched 30th May. All these I jiresented for public inspection at the above exhibition (1851). My first practice, as shown by my note-sheets, was to sse to what height I could go before I killed the chicks. When they were 15 days in progress I put 20 eggs to this experiment, and broke an egg each day to observe the process of incubation going ou in every egg. I found a live chick at 110°— one day at 117', but this at 117° I tried for a short time only. On the 15th day I had only five eggs left. That day I observed the thermometer at 120' for 10 minutes: this I observed twice. The next day, on breaking the remainder of the eggs, I found the chicks dead from too much heat ; there were three rotten eggs in the 20 ; and I have found by observation, if the heat is kept as whether growing or severed, which was then upon the farm, that is, whatever there was upon the farm the testator gave to his nephew. He (the Vice-Chancellor) must therefore hold that all the growing crops, cheese, fleeces of wool, ricks of corn and hay, !and all other things upon the farm, were part of the farming stock in and about the farm, and that the testator intended them all to pass to his nephew. O.rford Journal. Abortion among Cotrs. — There is one theory which the writer has for a long time entertained, though doubtingly, as a possible cause for the disease, and that is one which it is difficult to establish or disprove. It is the practice which obtains not only in the dairy districts, but, so far as the writer knows, generally in the Northern States (except where fancy stock is raised), of herding their cows with bulls of immature age and size. I presume I am within bounds, when I assume that there are not more than five dairies in one hundred where bulls are kept over two years of age, and in most of those having not more than 25 cows, a yearling bull only runs with the herd. AVhat the effect of procreation by males of only half maturity, or less, continued for 10, 20, or 30 successive generations, may be upon the productive organs and capabilities of their succeeding progeny, is diflicult to ascertain by actual experience. It may well be supposed that it would result in weakness, and a refusal of nature to carry out the full period of gestation— but if that be so, Febbuaey 1, U6 TIIK GARDENKRS' ClIUONIOLI^ AND AfirjCUl.TURAT. GAZETTE. 113 and if the same practice obtains generally in Canada and the Northern States, as I have supposed, wh)^ is not abortion more prevalent ? or why confined, with few exceptions, to the middle portion of New York, as I suppose it is. Only one answer suggests itself to the writer; possibly, in the impaired constitutional vigour of the animals, both male and female, may develop this infirmity, sooner than in other places where the milk production is not a speciality, and where the number of cows on each farm is small, and the disproportion less between the sexes. A, in * Albamj Cultivator y The Farms in Jersey are small, they vary in size from 10 to 30 acres ; there are a few from 50 to GO acres, but these are quite exceptional, and it is astonishing how profitable these small patches are. The area of the island is about 28,717 acres, its form being about II miles long by 5h wide ; the population in 1861 was 55,013, or about 2 to the acre, and you can form some idea of its productiveness from the following list of exports. I will give you the years 1865 and 1800 :— 18G5. 1866. bushcla 81,212 .. .. 170,087 pounds 106.288 . . . . 155,77G galloiia 72,4G6 .. .. Xi.Hon hc;id 2,487 .. .. 1,407 head 23 . . . - 6 bushels 1,234 ., .. 1,377 pounds 1,U73 .. .. 1,382 tons 3,216 .. .. 4,0S0 To give you some idea of the mode of farming usually adopted in Jersey, rotation of crops, and number of cattle kept, I will, for example, take the small farms in dirterent parts of the island : — Farm No. I.— Parish, St. Helier's.— 37A Acres. Apples Butter Cider . . Cows and Ilcifcra Bulls .. Pears . . Gr.ipes Pot;itos Meadow . Potatos . Turnips . Parsnips . Carrots 1 Mangels ) Wheat. . Rotation of Crops. Ist year, Potatos, Parsnips, iSic. 2d year, Wheat 3d year, Clover 4th year, Clover >th year, Clover and Turnips Horses . Heifers . Farm No. II.— Parish, St. Saviour's.— 22i Acres. Me;idow . Gi Clover . , 5 Potitoa . 2J Turnips . ^ Parsnips . li Wheat. . 4' Rotation of Ctops. Ist year, Potatos, Parsnips, Mangels 2d year. Wheat 3d year, Clover 4th year, Clover 5th year. Clover broken in June for Swedes Horses . Heifers! Farm No. IH.— Parish, St. LAWitENOE.— 32 Acres. Rotation of Crops. 1st year, Potatos, Parsnips 2d year, Wheat and Clover Clover left for hay 3 years At times portions of the land sown to perennial Rye-grass, White AlsikeClover, foUowed by Barlev or Wheat Nova Scofian Paper. Notices to CoiTespondents. Bones : 0 R. Bonea burnt in the fire are a first-rate To dissolve them in acid, and thus convert them into super- phosphate, is to make them nioro immedtately available for the curreut crop. If not burnt it will take more of them to produce a given effect, but they will last the lunger. Books : A W. Among the books on horses, cattle, and sheep, is " Youatt on the Horse," " Spooner ou the Sheep," and " Sidney on the Pig." Fibre : Oxon. There cannot be a doubt of its strength and fitness in the mind of jmy one examining your whipcord and the sample of fibre from which it is made. We presume that there will bo no difficulty in treating the Grass or Reed from which it ia obtained, provided it can be had in sufficient quantity. HoLcus Saccharatus : SittZiury asks if the Holcua saccharatus seed is good feed for pigs if ground ; also if it would have any fattenmg property— can any one say ? Liability : A says " I hired a bull of B. to serve a few cows (10) for a fixed sum of money. B.'s buU served all of these cows, some of them twice, but not one of them proved in calf. I then employed another bull, and all my cows are at length in calf. Can B. recover the sum stipulated when he let me his bea^t? I should add that I can prove that B. had two cows lying with his beast the whole of last summer after 1 sent him home, and neither of them are in calf." Railway Bank: J Ruberls. If you have 12 inches of good new loam you do not want any manure at all. The bank will grow a good crop of Potatos without any help. Perhaps a dressing of bone dust (16 bushels per acre) or of super- phosphate of lime (3 or 4 cwt. per acre) would be as useful a help as you could give it. Stoppage of Drains : Gat/ton. You can prevent the roots of trees from getting Into drains only by making the drains impervious to water when they pass near a tree. A concrete made of gas tar and tine gravel would probably prove an effectual barrier to the roots if put round the pipes in the vicinity of the trees. Weekly Averages : P. Many thanks. We had not noticed the omission of the week ending Dec. 28. The averages of that week were— Wheat, G7s. 9d. ; Barley, 40*. Ud. ■ and Oats, 25jj. id. And the substitution of that week in the returns published on Jan. 4, Jan. 11. and Jan, 18, makej eka ending Dec. 28, Jan. 4, and Paterson's famous Potatos, Aggregate average of six weeks ending Wheat. Barley. Oats. December 23 January 4 January 11 67 7 07 !) 40.t.lU(. 40 11 41 1 25s. id. ■25 4 24 4 )ATERS(>N'S VIci'iilMA Royal Ashloaf KoU Uogout Daititroo's SoodUag 1 Mil . W.l AkuD' for PLANTING. , may be had on application. Krln's Queen Skerry Blue Early Aahleaf Early Walnut-leaf Improved Early Shawa York Regent I Regent Welllnntou I Klr.g ot Potatos Early 0.xford ' Hyatt's Ashloaf SUTTONS- DESCRIPTIVE LIST of POTATOS may be had gratis and post free. Sutton iL Sons, Royal Rerkshlre Seed Establishment, Reading. The best Early Pea for Market Gardeners Is SUTTONS' IMPROVED EARLY CHAMPION. It is only three days later than Suttoss' Ringleader, the forwardest kiiowa, and fully a week earlier than Daniel O'Rciurke It Is very prolific, the haulm being covered with large, well filled, green pods. Lowest price per bushel may be had on application to ScTTos & So.\s, Seed Growers, Reading. Buttons' Prize Cucumber Seeds, post free. SUTTONS' BERKSHIRE CHAMPION, Is. 6d. perpkt. HAMILTON'S NEEDLE GUN. 2!i, Od, per packet. HAMILTON'S BRITISH VOLUNTEER. 2s. od. per packet. HAMILTON'S INVINCIBLE, 2s. Cd. per packet. Other good sorts. Is. and Is. Orf. per packet. As see SUTTONS' PRICED CATALOGUE, gratis and post free on application. Sutton & Sons, Reading, Berks. pUTHILL'S CUCUMBER SEEDS.— BLACK SPINE, O PRINCE ALBERT, TELEGRAPH, and LONG GUN, each U. per packet. Trade auppUed. MUSHROOM SPAWN, .'>s. per busliol. His PAMPHLETS on the Mushroom. Strawberry, und Cucumber, Is. each ; Market Gardeoing and Potato, Is. Cd. each. Marv Cutuill, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, S. CUCUMBEKS.— The followiog Varieties, sent out by the late EdwardTiley, and which have not yet been surpassed, can still bo supplied from stock grown by the raisers, viz,, GENERAL OUTRAM, the be&t show variety grown, 2s. Gd. per packet Tlie following Is. per packet:— SIR C. CAMPBELL. GENERAL CANKOBF.RT, VICTORY of BATH, GORDONS WHITE SPINE, LORD KENYON'S rAVOURlTE. the best Winter kind in cultiva- tion ; PHENOMENON, CAPTIVATION. RIFLEMAN, CON- QUEROR of the WEST, SIGN HOUSE. TILEYS IMPROVED, &c, AH the leading kinds sent ouf " MELONS.— A fine solecte varieties worthy of cultivati Nurseries, Bathwick, Bath. Letters to bo addressed Mr-). G. Tilkt, Seed Establishment, 14. Abbey Churchyard, Buth. Poot OAico Order or Postage Stauips to accompany all orders. TVEKY'S NONSUCH LETTUCE.— The best Summer X variety in cultivation, will stand a month longer Chan any other kind without running to seed. Is. per packet. Price to the Trade on application. Also IVERY'S NONSIJCH CELERY', the finest and best flavour known, 6(1. per packet. A SELECT CATALOGUE of VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS free bv uoat on application. M. A. IvERY, Hanover Nursery, Peckham, S.E. To the Seed Trade. THE LONG-STANDEK LETTUCE, greatly approved, and stands longer than any Lettuce extant. DICKSON'S ALL THE YEAR ROUND LETTUCE. HOLME PARK BATH COS LETTUCE. GIANT WHITE-SEEDED BATH COS LETTUCE. NUNEHAM PARK ONION DIXON'S NEW MAMMOTH CELERY. Also several finest BROCCOLI and Frame CUCUMBERS, all true, and of first-r"'" " "" "^' >.--..._ SrspnEii Special offer to tlie Trade. ALFRED LKUERTON, Seed Merchant, 6, Aldgate, London, E., begs to offer the undermentioned SEEDS, all nrst'Clasa samples and fine stocks:— SANGSTER'S No. 1 FEA 9s. Oi(. per bush. CHAMPION ot ENGLAND PEA .. .. IS 0 ,, ALLIANCE or EUGENIE PEA .. . . 15 0 LONG SCARLET RADISH 25 0 WOOD'S EARLY FRAME RADISH .. 20 0 RED TURNIP RADISH 2S 0 WHITE TURNIP RADISH au 0 ALTRINOH AM CARROT CO 0 per cwt. NONPARIEL CABBAGE, fine .. . . 140 0 ,, DRUMHEAD CABBAGE 84 0 „ EARLY SNOWBALL TURNIP .. ..30 0 per bushel. Special quotations fijr other things may be had upon application. LEE'S GIANT ORACH (SPINACH).— This new and valuable variety of Orach possesses imuiense productive powers, combined with a delicious piquant flavour, quite distinct from all other varieticF;, rendering it an acquisition as a Summer Spinach of the highest class. The pl.int is of rapid and vigorous growth, and nttalns a height of G to 7 feet, with numerous branches, yielding a constant supply of large dark-green leaves throughout the Summor months. The Fruit Committee a First-class CertiOcate dish of this most useful Vegetable, cooked especially for their judgment. JooN & CuARLBd Lke have much pleasure in introducing this reductive vetietable, which thej now offer in sealed uackets at Is. The Oiaut of whom it may bo had Gi Messrs. Baiues, Camberwell ,, Barr & Sugdcn, Kiug Street „ Benary, Erfurt „ Bull, king's Road. Chelsea ,, Bunyard, Maidstone „ Cattell, Wo - ' Swede Seed. piTARLES SHAlti'E .\.m. i < V^* Sln.ilunl, Imvu to .,lfer tu il,. i ,■ SHAlli'lO'S IMlMtuVEl) NEW i.\l i Hiuility u c 1 Growers, , of excellent iippllcatlon. „ Cabbage Seeds. HARLES SHARl'E and CO., Shed Merchants, Sloaford, have the rollowlni! varieties of CABBAGE SEEDS 1 Wa, , .yic; to offer to the T ROBIN.SON'S CHAMPION DRUMHEAD OIBSON'S DWARF DRUMHEAD I LARGE Yi iRK ■ ■ EARLY NONPAREIL I ENFIELD MARKET iple on application. Sleal'ord. — January 25. LARGE DRUMIU' EARLY DWARF YORK Seed Wa Dickson's Black-leaved Beet. JAMES UlCKSON and SONS, Hanover Street, Edinburgh, beg to oflTer their beautiful BLACK-LEAVED BEET. It is the best in cultivation, either for decorative or for '""""rj^ purposes. Is. per packet : 2s. 6d. per o H ORLEY'S VARIEGATED BROCCOLI. -ThU new ornamental Broccoli heads white and compact in April and May ; at flrst It is nut distinguishable from othor Broccoli, but as the plant advances in growth it expands from the centre, and becomes tinted In its feathery form with various uhades of Krcen, white, striped, and spotted. It Is quite hardy, and dm-ing the winter months its appearance is very interesting and ornamental— rivalling in beauty the summer variegated plants", MTty bo had In packets, 2d. 6d. each, of Hdrst k Son, C, Leaden, hall Street, London, E.C. ; who have pui'chasedtho entire stock from C CHOICE SEEDS for EXiilBlTION. HARRISON'S FAVOURITE CUCUMBER.-An esceUent variety, white spine, very iirolirtc, per packet, Is. and 2s. od. HARRISON'S DEFIANCE MELON, scarlet flesh, per packet. Is. HARRISON'S EXCELSIOR MELON, green flesh, per packet, Is, HARRISON'S EXHIBITION TURNIP.—Very early ^hlto, per packet, li Eost for 30 b LY MAMMO'f H CAULIFLOWER.— Very fine, per packet. Is. GENERAL SEED CATALOGUE, which contains much useful inlorniation, may be had post free on application. Hakrisos &, Son, Midland Seed Warehouse, Leicester. E AST LOTHIAN PURPLE and WHITE INTER- MEDIATE STOCKS, remarkablo for the large percentage For description of above Stocks, as giown by Mr," D. Thomson, Archerflold Gardens, see "Journal of Horticulture" of 7th and 2Ist November, 1807. TuoMAs Mktuvln begs to intimate that he has secured the Seed of the iibove Purple and White Stocks, and will send it out in February, i^^ackots (containing a packet of each colour) at 2s. Gd. and Bs. each. ■'"''* packets,!' . UtJ. and 6s. each. , at 15. Princes Street, Edinburgh.— Feb. 1. EAS, rOTATO DILLISTONE'ri FIKST EARLY, per quart: Is."; M'LEAN'S PRINCESS, per quart, \Qd.; VEITCH'S PERFECriON, per quart. Is. 4d. ; NE PLUS ULTRA, per quart. Is. POTATOS. — MONA-S PRIDE ASHTOPS, per peck, 2s. Cd. ; RIVERS' ASHTOPS, per peck 2s., per sack of 16 stones 30a. ; MYATT'S PROLIFIC, per peck Is. 6rf., per sack 22s.; FORTY- FOLDS, per peck Is. id., per sack 208. ONION SEED— NUNEHAM PARK, per packet, Is. (twice the size of that sent out last season) ; WHITE SPANISH, per oz. 3d., per lb. 3s. ; JAMES' LONG KEEPING, per oz. id., per lb. ■Is. ASPARAGUS PLANTS, 2-yr., Is. 6(1. per 100; 10s. per 1000; Ss. per 10,000. 3-yr.. 2». per 100 ; ISs. per 1000 ; 12s. per 10,000. A few quarters of DILLISTONE'S FIRST EARLY PEAS, do. of M'LEAN'S PRINCESS, unpicked, per bushel 13s. M., 4 bushela for a2s., per qr. 1008. 4-Ib. 4 bushel sacks. Is. id. each; 2 bushel Bags. Is. ; 1 bushel do., Od. Remittances to accompany Orders. CuRisTMAS Qdincey, Seed Grower and Seedsman, Peterborough. N.B. — This Advertisement will not be repeated. „ Cutbush, Uighgate „ Crossland, Shemeld [burgU , F. & A. Dickson, Cheater Dickson & Br Chester „ Downle, Laird, tLaing, Edin- burgh, and Forest Hill „ Druramond, Stirling „ W. Drummond, Dublin „ Fisher, Holmes, & Co., Sheffield „ Garaway & Co., Bristol „ Arthur Uendoison & Co., Edgewaro Head „ HogK & Robertson, Dublin issru. E. G. Henderson &, Son, Wellington Road , Hurst & Son, Leadenhall „ Paul & Son, Cbeshunb „ Pontey, Plymouth „ F. Perkins, Northampton ,, J. Perkins. Northampton ,, W. Sm-.th & Son, Aberdeen „ Sutton & Son, Reading „ K. Taylor, Malton ,. Trotman, Hounslow „ C, Turner, Slough „ Wheeler & Son, Gloucester ,. W. Wood & Son, Maresfiold ,, Jacob Wrench & Sons, Lon- SEEDS of the CHOICEST QUALITY Free by Post for Stamps. Per pkt —s < BRUSSELS SPROUTS. SCOTT'S ECLIPSE, extra fine dwarf 1 CAULIFLOWER, SELECTED ERFURT, early d*Farf . . 1 CELERY, SANDRINGHAM WHITE, extra fine, new .. 1 CUCUMBER, ENFIELD SURPRISE, splendid variety .. 1 LETTUCE, NEW GIANT GREEN COS, extra large .. ..I „ NEW GIANT SUMMER CABBAGE .. ..1 MELON, GOLUEN QUEEN, now hybrid 2 STOCK, newest dwarf large flowering German 10-week, 18 varieties, mixed 1 STOCK, crimion dwarf, 10-week 1 ASTERS, bast quilled show, 24 varieties, mixed . . 6ti. and 1 ASTERa, TRUFFANT'S FRENCH P.'l!:ONY.FLOWERED, newest perfection, the best exhibition kind, 24 vars., mixed 1 ASIEIIS. NEW VICTORLA, carmme rose or mixed .. .. 1 BALSAM, extra fine dwarf double, mixed 1 CALCEOLARIA, SCOTT'S HYBRIDIZED, from varieties most carefully selected, and impregnated from all the choicest strains in cultivation Is. and 2 CINERARIA, extra fine, from best named varieties only. Is. and '4 LOBELIA SPECIOSA, true Crystal Palace variety . . 6d. and I PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, superbly fringed, and of immense size, a strain unsurpassed, 0 varieties, mixed . . Is. Gd. and 2 ZEA JAPONICA, fol. var., New Variegated Maize, iid. and 1 ZINNIA ELEGANS, newest double, flowers of immense size and extremely double, 6 varieties, mixed . . 6i. and 1 DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE post free. J. Suorr, The Seed Stores, Yeovil, Somerset. Wonersli Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. WVIKGO AND SUN beg: to announce that their • Stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds Is this season very extensive and well-grown, samples, prices^ and Catalogues of which can I — '-•-■---> 1:— »; — 25,000 Hazel, 3 to 6 feet 60,000 Spruce Fir, 2 to 4 feet 100,000 Quick, transplanted, I) to Berberis aquU'oUa A large stock of strong STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES. APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, and DWARF-TUAINED do. For Lawa and Cover Planting. BERBEUIS DAKWlNU.— Too much cannot be said of this tine Evergreen species. It is hardy, and the profusloa of Its orango-coloureU blossoms, together with the quantity of berries whicu it bears (of which Pheasants are very fond), render it of the most attractive and desirable Plants for Lawn as well an er Planting ever introduced. TWO-YEAR SEEDLINGS, per 100. 30s. 9 in. to 12 In., per 100, 10s. I 1*! In. to 2 ft., per lOO, S&i. 12ln. to 18 in., per 100, 18«. | 2 ft. to 2i ft., per doz., 9«. COTONEASrEK SIMMONDSU.— This is a beautiful hardy Efer- grecn Shrub, with glossy dark green leaves, and bearing a large quantity of scarlut berrifs, wtiicU ripen later than the Berberi* DanTinii, and will hang all winter. 12 In. to 18 in., per 100, las. I 2 ft. to 3 It. per 100, 30i. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES post fVeo on apphcntion Wu I Bar |[ So!«, Elv.istoii Nut series, e r Derby^ THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [Februaet 1, 1868. Picea noftllls. JOHN AND CHARLES LEE beg to offer a fine stock of WELL-BipEWED SEED of this Doble CONIFER, gathered in fine oonditioD In 1867, from trees whicb bave hitherto pi-oduoed Tigorous and healthy plants. Price 21s. per oz. Price to the Trade on applio&tlon. Royal Vineyard Nursery and Seed Establishment, Hammersmith, London, W. (uoar tbe Kensington Railway Station). ___ Special~Offer to the Traded '~^~ L ILIUM AUUATUM, about 4 inches in ou-cnraference, at Is. Od. each, if taken by the dozen ; Is. tid. by the 100 ; and Is. id. by the 1000. Larger Bulbs at proportionatoly low prices. App'y at Mr. William Boll's Establishment for New and Rare Plant's, King's Ro^d, Chelsea, London, S.W. ILIDM AURATUM," largest ~sue~Bulbs.— SeV^l cases of finest selected Bulbs, carefully packed for healthy transit, are advised to arrive DIRECT FROM JAPAN early in February. These Bulbs have beenselected with greatest care by Mr. James Walter, Jun., an English practical Botanist, resident in Japan, each Bulb having been taken up when in perfect rest and maturity, thus s«curing tiieir arrival in condition desired by Gardenei-s. The Consignee Is satisfied that the Bulbs are larger, and in far better condition than any vtt sent from Japan. These splendid Bulbs will be SOLD in LOTS of not less than Ten. at 5a. for each large Bulb. Address Mr. T. Mophau, Head Gardener to Major Walter, Verulam, Wallasey, Cheshire. ONE HUNDRED THOtlSANlT^oodbusby LAUHELS", from 2 to 4 feet ; 3.000.000 2 and 3-yr. SEEDLING ASH ; a few thousands of CARTER'S PROLIFICandFASTOLFF RASPBERRl' CANES and FRUIT TREES. SPRUCE and other FIRS, FOREST TREKS of all descnptions. Apply to ABKLFAiBALL.Nurseryman, Stanhope Nursery .Westerham Hill, Kent GEO. HAVELUCK, Abbey Wood, S.E., btgs to ofler— ARBUTUS, 1-yr., stout, from the open ground, 40s. per 1000. BAY. SWEET. 2-vr,, C to 9 inches. 80s. per 1000. CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, 6 to 9 inches, 20s. per 1000. HOLLY. GREEN, 1-yr., 5s. perlOOO. RHOUODENDKUN, 4-yr., 4 to C inches, ADs. pei To Planters, WOOD AND INGRAM beg to offer the following :— ACACIA. COMMON, 10 to 12 feet, 50.s. per 100 ALDER, COMMON, 3 to 6 feet, 2fin. ; 6 to 8 feet, 40s. per 100 CHESTNUT, HORSE, 7 to 8 feet, 2os., 8 to 10 feet, extra stout, 50s. per 100 ELM, NARROW-LEAVED ENGLISH, 4 to 5 feet, 40s. per 1000 „ HUNTINGDON and HERTS, 6 to 8 feet, 36s. ; 12 to 14 feet, very fine for avenue planting, lOOs. per 100 FIR, SPRUCE, li to 2 feet, 2bs., 2 to 3 feet, 35.?. per 1000 WHITE and BLACK AMERICAN, 3 I o 4 feet, 20s. ; 4 to 6 feet, 25s. j 6 to 6 feet. 3os. per 100 MAPLE. ENGLISH, 2-yr. Seedling, I fine, 6s. ; 2 to 3 feet. POPLAR, ONTARIO or AMERICAN, 6 to 6 feet, 8s.; C to 8 feet, 10s. per 100 ; 12 to 14 feet, 9s. ; 14 to 16 feet, 15s. per dozen ARBOR-VIT^, AMERICAN, 3 to 4 feet, 40s. per 100 „ SIBERIAN, 2 to 2i feet, 60s. ; 2i to 3 feet, very bushy, 70s. per 100 „ LOBBII, very handsome specimens, 5 to 6 feet, Sds. ; 6 to 7 feet, 48«. ; 7 to 8 feet, GOs. per dozen AUCUBA JAPONICA, fine bushy stuff, 1 to U feet, COs. ; li to 2 feet, 80s. ; 2 to 2i feet, 125s. per 100 CEDAR, RED VIRGINIAN, 3to 4 feet, 15s. ; 4 to 6 ft., 21s. per doz. CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, splendid specimens, 4 to 6 feet, 36s. ; 5 to 6 feet, 60s, per dozen MACROCARPA, 4 to 6 feet, I5s. ; 5 to 6 ft., ISs. per doz. LAUREL. PORTUGAL, U to 2 leet, 20s. ; 2 to 3 feet. 35s. per 100 JUNIPfcRS, ENGLISH. 4 to 6 feet, fine, 100s. per 100 MAHONIA (BERBERIS) AQUIFOLIA, 2 to 2\ feet. 15s. per 100 YEW, COMMON, 1 to li feet, I'fe. ; 1 J to 2 feet, 35s. ; 2 to 2* feet^ 45s. per 100. The Nurseries, Huntingdon. Large Evergreens, Specimen Ck>nlfer8, lEc. WATERER AND GODFREY beg to submit the following List to the notice of intending planters ; — YEWS, ENGLISH, fi. 0, 7. S, 10. 12. and 16 feet high „ IRISH, 0, 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ GOLDEN. 6. 6. to 0 feet „ STANDARD GOLDEN, 20 years worked „ „ KLEGANTISSIMA, 10 and 16 years old „ „ DOVASTON or WEEPING, fine heads. lOandlfiyears old We have altogetberthoueandsof these different Yews of the large sizes. Every plant has been recently removed. HOLLIES, COMMON GREEN, 6, Y. S, 10 13, and 15 feet high, and -smuchm circ — ' '^ — -._-&- URI FOLIA a 3 proportion „ WATERER'S, the hardiest of all variegated Hollies, 4 and 6 feet by 10 and 12 feet In circumference ,, THE QUEEN, or best gold stnpcd, the handsomest of all variegated Hollies We have hundreds of these beautiful plants, 4, 5, and 7 feet high and wide „ STANDARD, WATERER'S, and GOLDEN, with fine heads, 15 and 20 years worked S^* We have some thousands of the ordinary kinds of V.iriegated Homes. 4, 6, 6, and 7 feet high. Every plant has been removed within 12 months. CEDRUS DEODARA, f „ ATLANTICA, and Cedars of Lebanon, mc 4, .5. G, and 8 feet „ RED VIRGINIANS. 6,6. and 7 feet CHINESE JUNIPER, one of the handsomest and hardiest of all evergi'cens — thousands of beautiful planta. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 feet high ; snnic magnificent plants, 10, 12, and 15 foct high, 12 to 20 feet in circumference THUJA AUUKA, .-!, 4. and 6 feet high, 7to 20fcct in circumference „ GIGANTEA, Hi, IL', and 15 feet high, very handsome „ LOBHll. splendid ]V*-'-~ '•' -'" ' • round— hundreds CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, the finest stock— many thousands, 3 10 feet high, and 12 and 15 feet BOX. Green and Variegated, 4, 5, 6, 7, an ft. in circumference RHODODENDRON S. —We have 40 acres of land in one piece filled almost exclusively with Rhododendrons. A more healthy and beautiful stock cannot bo desired. STANDARD RHODODENDRON.s.— Some of the finest plants to be found in any nursery, many are 20 to 40 years old C^ The laige_ Standardand other Rhododendrons planted last ._»,.._ T.- TT _,- ^__._ supplied by Wateiier CHARLES NOBLE, Bagshot, has to offer the following in large quantities :— MUSETT STOCKS, fine, 30s. to 40s. per 1000 ALDER, 3 to 7 feet, fine. 25s. to 40«. per 1000 CHESTNUT, SPANISH, 15 to 30 inches, lOs. Gd. to 15s. per 1000 LARCH, 3 to 4 feet. 21s. to 25s. per 1000 THORNS, 2-yr., 2s. 6d. per 1000 „ Transplanted, fine, l&s. to 21s. per 1000 Full CATALOGUES on application. Clearance of Nursery Stock. SCOTCH FIR, 9 to 15 ins., iOs. ; 1 to 2 feet, 125. Gd. ; SPRUCE, 9 to 15 inches. 7s. 6d. ; 1 to IJ ft., 10s. ; 1 to 2 ft., 14s. ; SILVER FIR, 6 to 12 inches. 10s. ; OAK, 9 to 18 inches, 7s. Sd.; feet, 12s. 6d.j and BEECH, 1 to 2 Teet, 8s. per loOO. Clearance of Nursery Stock. QEEDLINGS :— ASH, 2-vr.. \s.9d.\ BEECH, 3-yr., k^ 3s. 6d. i OAK, 3-yi-.. 7s. ed. ; QUICK, 1-yr.. Is. FIR, 6-yr., 2s. 6rf. ; SPRUCE, 5-yr., " " SYCAMORE, 3-vr., 3s. fld. per 1000. Reduced PRICE LIST of other TREES on application to J. RiDDELL, Steward, Park Attwood. Bewdley, Worcestershire. 15R0FITABLE GAM K" COVERT.— Plant your Game X Preserves with the BITTER WILLOW. Neither Hares nor Rabbits will destroy them. Grow quickly, and will form a good Cover in one season. The produce is commerci.illy profitable, and always finds a ready market. Price of Cuttings, selected, 205. per 1000, cash. Apply to Wm. Soalino. Basford. Notts. Forres Nurseries. TOHN GRIGOR and CO., Nurecries, Forres Scotland, *f have received the numerous Premiuroa awarded by the Highland and Agricultural Society for the Cultivation of tbe TRUE NATIVE HIGHLAND SCOTCH PINE. Their Forest Plants are grown from the most approved varieties of their spectes. Part ot the Nursery Ground stamls at an elevation of 600 feet. The plants are of fine quality, hardy, and cheap. PRICED LISTS free on application. Tho Trade supplied at the Wholesaio rale, fVee at the Station. Forres. EXTRA LARGE ELMS, for Ornamental Planting.— Fine ENGLISH and HUNTINGDON ELMS, 8 to 10 feet. well-grown and hundsoiue. Fine Specimen Standard SCARLET HORSE CHESTNUTS, 0 to 10 feet, for Avenues. Wm. Wood &. Son, Woodlands, Maresfleld, Uckfield, Sussex. Tansley Nurseries, near Matlock, Derbyshire. JOSEPH SMITH, &EN., invites Planters and the Trade to inspect his Nursery of 80 Acres of hieh land. The soil is of- a fibrous nature, and the Plants take up with excellent roots, such as to ensure the best success in their removal. Nui-sery contains many JIundred ThouKinds of RHODODEN- TREES are very extensive, of all tho leading kinds; there 15 Acres of LARCHES, of different sizes, and all others in propor- tion. Prices moderate, which can be had on application as above. Transplanted Forest Trees. WATERER AND GODFREY have a large quantity of the following, of a very superior quality :— Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, ^urrey^ Forest Trees. GEORGE JACKMAN and SON wish to draw the especial attention of Planters to their well-grown Stock of Transplanted BIRCH. 2i to Sift., SYCAMORE, 1 to 2 ft., and 3 t HAZEL. 2 to 3 ft., and' 3, 4, to oft. | WITHY, U to 2i ft., and 4 to 5 ft. PYRAMID PEAR TREES of leading varieties. Special quotations on application. Woking Nur^icry, Surrey. Surplus Stock of Forest Trees, Sec. FRANCIS and ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS, having an extensive stock of tho undermentioned, are induced to offer them at reduced pncesj which will be given on application. Transplanted ALDER, 4 SPANISH WYCH EL HAZEL, 3 to 4 feet ENGLISH OAK. 4 to Sfeet HUNTINGDON WILLOW, 5 to 6 feet BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM, 12 to ISinches, bushy BLACKTHORN, S to 4 feet These are all extra strong, well-grown planta, and axe growing upon high exposed land ' Upton" Nurseries, Chester. Richmond and Mortlake Nurseries, S.W. Gand W. STEELE beg leave to eaU the attention • of the Nobility, Gentry, and the Trade, to their very VALUABLE and EXTENSIVE STOCK, consisting of a few Large ARBOR. VlT^i, suitable for obscuring any place, 14 ft. high ; WELLINGTONIAS, 6ft. ; THUJA AUREA, 5ft., 4ft. through ; CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, 6 to 7 ft. ; THUJA GIGANTEA, 6ft; CUPRESSUSCHINENSIS. 7to8it. ; RHODODENDRONS, large and bushy, well set with flowers, 5ft.; PINUS EXCELS^V, 7 to 8 ft. ; AUCUBAS, 2 It. ; BoX, 6 It. ; COMMON LAURELS. 6ft • HOLLIES, from seedlings to Sti, Can be supplied in any quantities. Dwarf-trained FRUIT TREES, and large bearing all been r w sprtng in Rotten Row, Hyde Park, similar nursery stock in the kingdom The Knap Hill Nursery is upwards of 160 acres in extent, and con- tains an enormous and very superior stock of the ordinary sized EVERGREENS, DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, &c. A PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE will be forwarded free on anplication ig. C( to Woking. Conveyances are always to ba had at the Station. To Nurserymen. ANTED, from 1000 to 3000 BERBERIS AQDIFOLIA, 2to2i feet high, and bushy. 600 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, 2 to 3 feet. 260 AUCUBA JAPONICA, 2 feet. 1000 SPRUCE, 2 to 3 feet. Address, with lowest cash price, delivered at the Wraysbury Surplus Stock. TO BE SOLD, Cheap, LOMBARDY and other POPLARS ; BEECH, BIRCH, and LARCH FIRS, from ,^-_.^. r.„-.-.i.i„ xr-TTDvc i„ ^^ta . <=tT-nT„T well-rooted QUICK ; E and ASPARAGUS for forcmg and planting. 20 feet ; Double FU RZE, VINES, planting and iruitingc " r forcing and planting. „ N B -A GENERAL CATALOGUE of NURSERY STOCK, .in a DESCRIPTIVE SEED LIST on application. B. Mallfr, The Nur.series, Lewishani, and Burnt Ash I^ane, Lee. To Exhibitors.— Specimen Azaleas. T710R SALE, by I'rivate Con.tract^ the property of^an in height. They have been exhibited (itthe'ciifton liorticulturai Shows, and obtained 1st prizes. Also !i sm.^ll Collection of ORNAMENTAL STOVE and FLOWERING GREENHOUSE PLANTS. Full pMiticulars may be obtained on application to J, r & Co., Durdham Down Nurseries, Bristol. THOMSON'S STYPTIC prevents the Bleeding of the Vine or any other IMant after Pruning, and has been used with perfect success for Grafting and Budding, as well as for preventing the damping of Geranium and other Cuttings. Manufactured and Sold by Jons Young & Sos, Dalkeith, N.B. and may be had of all Seedsmen in bottles at 3s. each, with dtret tions for use. None is genuine without the Signature of Wi Thomson on the Label. L AWES' NITRATE of SODA is the best Manui-c for top-dressing Corn, and it can be used for Grass. Care should be taken in the purchase of Nitrate, as it varies much in quality. It can be supplied trom my stocks, at docks, from London, Liver- pool, and other ports. Address JoBN Bennett Lawe8,1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 22, Eden Quay, Dublin ; and Market Square, Shrewsbury. L AWES' MANURE for GRASS LAND should be applied during the month of February, as often manures are applied too late to Rive satisfaction in the result. 2 to 3 cwt. of LAWES' CONCENTRATED GRASS or CORN MANURE per acre is sufficient for Mowing Gr ass ; if for Feeding Grass, 2 to 3 cwt. of the ordinary Grass Manure. Address, Joiin Bkmsett Lawes, 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 23. Bden Quay, Dublin; and Market Square, Shrewsbury. HE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (Established 1840) Have DOW ready for delivery in di? fine condition, CORN MANURE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUvVNO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Also Genmne PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA, 116, Fenchurch Street, K.C. T ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ^HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— lOU, Fenchmch Street, London. Western Counties Branch—Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch— 10, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Directors. Cl>a4rman — John Clayden, Litttebury, Essex. Deputy-Chairman — John Collins, 265, Camden Road, Holloway Edward Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brighton. Richard Hunt, htanstead ^^^^"* f^ — '- Samuel Jonas, Grishali Grange, Essex. Charles Dorraan, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, HiMersham, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross, Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, 00. West Smithfleld. Managing Director — James Odams. banters— Messrs. Bametts, Hoares, & Co^, Lombard Street. .So ^ict/ors— Messrs, Kingsfovd & Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Auditor— J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company was originally formed by, and is under the direction il agriculturists : circumstances that_have justly earned for it another which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the cunsumer has the best guarantee lor the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures manufactured by this Company. Chief Oflaces~109, Fenchurch Street, London, E.C. /^OCOA-NUT REFUSE ^-^ Is becoming scarce, tho old reserves will soon be gone. Now sold In bags, 1 for 2s., 10 for ICs., 20 for 30fi., 60 for 66«., 100 for £6. Fourpenoe allowed tor each bag returned carriage-paid. A Railway Truck-load (not In bags), 403. Postage Stamps or Post-offlca Order, payable to J. Barsham k Co.. Kingston-on-Thames. S.W, Beautiful Flowers, Beautiful Flowers. COCOA NUT FIBRE REFUSE for SALE, 6s. per Waggon, and 2.9. per Cartload. This useful materlal~tho superiority of which over Manufactured Manures for strengthening the Growth and Improving the Blossom of Flowers, is now fiuly estabUshed by testimonials from Floriculturists and Gardeners from all parts of the United Kingdom — is highly recommended for Potting and Striking all Soft-wooded Plants, as it prevents the cuttings from faeging ordampingoff ; and may be had in quantities of not less than two sacks, delivered free to any of the London booking offices, at 2s. Gd. per sack, each containing 6 bushels, sack included, on recept of post order or postage stamps, addressed. A. Smitb, Patent Cocoa Fibre Works, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, London, E. ROLL TOBACCO CLOTH.— The cheapest and best article for Smoking Greenhouses and destroying the Fly; eqvial to Tobacco in strength, l,s, 4((. per lb. ; over 10 lb., la. id. JOSEPU Baker, 10, Gough Square, Fleet Street, E.C. Post Office Orders payable Fleet Street. H To Nurserymen and Florists. PERKINS, 16, Cambridge Circus, Hackney . N.E., has on hand a large quantity of Genuine ROLL TOBACCO PAPER at Is. per lb. ; and Gonuino TOBACCO CLOTHS at i)d. per lb., warranted free from adulteration. Poat- offlce orders to be made payable at Cambridge Heath. The only Agent — W. Turner, 5, Harrow Green, Lcytonstotie Road, Easex. TOBACCO TISSUE for Fumigating Greenhouses. Will Destroy Thrip, Red Spider, Green and Black Fly, and Mealy Bug ; and bums without the assistance of blowing, and is entirely free from paper or rag. Price 3s. Gd. per lb., carriage fraet A reduction in price for large quantities. To be had of Messrs. Robbbts & Sons, Tobacco Manufaoturere, 112, St. John Street, Clerkcnwell, E.C., of whom copies of Testi- monials may be obtained ; and of all Seedsmen and Nurservmen. Sold Retail by Seedsmen, i boxes. Is., 3s., and 10s, 6d. Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (Limited). Febetjaet 1, i.] THE GAEDENERS' OmWNICLE AND AGRTCTILTTTRAL GAZETTE. NEW IMPROVED PREMIUM WIRE NETTING. AWARDED FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE BY THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF LONDON AT BURT ST. EDMUND'S, JULY IG. J. B. BKOWN AND CO. having introduced Improved lEachincry into their London Workshops for manu- facturing: "SVire Netting:, are now prepared to execute orders to any extent at the shortest notice. The Netting is of very superior quality, best formed mesh, well twisted, and Galv.iiiised after made in a superior manner. GREAT IMPROVEMENT, WITH IIBDUOED PEICES, February, 186G. AND GALVANIZED AFTER MADE. Mostly used for Hares, Dogs, Poultiy . . ' 2|t;-. Ac., at the I .IV 7, at 11 for I ASH HOP Woods, newly ' lis, and lying Lion and Lamb Hotel, Farnham, 12 o'clock, about 70,000 very sni POLES, aW flfl now lying in Her .M cut, and of a very superior doscni adjacent to good roads; 1048 C'i;iit:il IL.MTK, _ HIHO LARCH, FIR, and UNDERWUUD BAVINS. Catalogues mav be obtained of L. H. Cluuerbatcii, Esq., Queen's House, LyndUufst ; of Mr. Limino, Holt Side; and of Mr. Harris, Auctioneer and Vuluer, Farnliam. To Nurserymen and Gentlemen Planting. The Nlk^ekiks, Kiilvkfilld. is the xNi:w Fohest, nlak bitocSEit- IIIKST, HvNT.. MR. FREDERICK ELLEN wUI SELL by AUCTION, early in February, at Brockenhurst, about" 1,180,000 2-yr. SeedJinc SCOTCH FIR ; 23U,0(W 2-yr. Seedling l-yr. Transplanted SCOTCH FIR; 204,000 Transplanted SCOTCH FIR: 138,000 SPRUCE FIR; K'.OOO LARCH; S-lO DKOUARA f^'^me verv Una sr>e»iimen plants, freftueiitlv tr.mM.lantc-n : in DuUGL.VS sl'liUCE ARBUK-Vlt.l . PINK. BEl-X;!!, STOCKS, VAi: Lfthor particulars, apply to Mr. L.U. Cvji- Holmsley Lodge, ijurley, THE GARDENERS' OHRONICf-E AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [t'EBKUASY 1, 186S. PAUL'S NQRSEXIIES, WALTHAM CROSS, LONDON, N. WILLIAM PAUL BEG3 TO OFFER THE FOLLOWIA'G CHOICE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS. Ko. 1. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Large Garden, One Tear's Supply, £3 3s. No. 2. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for SmaUer Garden, One Year's Supply, £2 2». No. 3. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for SmaU Garden, One Teiu-'s Supply, £1 Is. SMALLEK COLLECTIONS, las., 10s. 6d. COTTAGEK'S COLLECTIONS, for distribution, of the most serviceable seeds, 6s. S*;"J™S SUPERB CRIMSON BEET, per ounce, Is. I SUPERB DWARF HERTFORDSHIRE CAULIFLOWER, Ber WALTHAM BRUSSELS SPROUTS, per packet, Is. packet. Is. WALTHAM MARKET CABBAGE, per packet, Is. I PAUL'S IMPROVED TELEGRAPH CUCUMBER, pcrpacket, 2s. HILL'S DWARF CAULIFLOWER, very superior, per packet, ' HILL'S BROWN COS LETTUCE, per packet. Is. (U. "• "''■ I liROCKETT HALL COS LETTUCE, per packet. Is. FLOWER SEEDS. No. I. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Large Gardens, £2 2s. No. 2. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWEll SEEDS for Smaller Garden, £1 Is. No. 3. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Small Garden, 10s. 6 i ■> j ONE-YEAR SEEDLING TREES. Two Millioa ENGLISH OAK ; 200,000 strong HAZEL ; One Millioa WHITE THORN. Price on application. Genuine Seeds of Superior StocKs. SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN. FRANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSO>f and SONS , the Old EstabHshed Seed Wiiroliouge, IOC, Eaatgate Street aud I llie " UptOQ" Nurseries, Chester. 1 COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS ' for ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY :— 1 No. 1.— £3 3s. Od. I No. 4.— £1 is. 0*/ No. •i.—S.-i 2«. Od. No. 5.— £0 l?s. cd No. 3.— £1 lis. 6d. I No. 6.~£5 5^. 0Iclye-stuff3 ' Clubs 132 &-135fl tardeners" bpnoflt - exnmirntions 1341 lardenlng.Cumisb market .. 123 n iladioli 138 < Grass land, manaffement of .. 136 i Manure manufactory Potatos, Paterson's 1381 — proper spellinz of 124 < Poultry 1371 nice, Canada 125 o Itoot culture 12fi t Society, Koyal Botanic 123 t — Botanical, of Edinburgh 127 e — Royal Afrricultural .... 134 6 — Bath A^icultural 1351 — HiKhiand Asricultural . 132 b Stock, transit of live 135 « Violets, Russia Persons ivittkint; to seud the Gardeners* Chronicle l>j/ Post, should order the Stamped Edition. UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT and PROVIDENT SOCIETY.-The ANNUAL MEETING will be .eld at the Green DraKOn Hotel, Bishopsgate Street, E.C, on dONDAY NEXT, at half-past 7 p.m. Gardeners are earnestly avited to attend. William Healk, Sec. 14, George Terrace, Brook Street, Upper Clapton, N.E. OREAT NATIONAL HORTICULTORAL EXHIBI- yj TION at MANCHESTER. MAY 29 to JDNE 5. Prizes £900. 16 Stove and Greenhouse Plants, £30, £20; 20 Miscellaneous Plants, "30, £20; 10 Azaleas, £20, £12; IC Exotic Orchids. £16, £12, £8; 0 Ro9es, £14, £12, £6. Schedules may be obtained on application to dr B. FiNDLAT, Botanio Gardens, Manchester. ^PALDING HORTICULTURAL FETE. FLOWER, ^ FRUIT, Ac. SHOW.— The ANNUAL EXHIBITION will take )lace on THURSDAY, June 25. Silver Cups (with the option of 'ash) are offered for Roses. Flne-foltaged Geranixims, Specimen •lants, 4c, Schedules of Prizes may be obtained on application to dr. G, F. BARm^LL, Hon. Sec, Spiilding. D^ nd 238, HiEh Holbom. London, W.C. n LADIOLUS BRENCHLEYENSIS, very fine roots.— CJ Price to the Trade on application to James Carter & Co., 237 and 2^, High Holbom. London, W.C. A CER LOBELII.— Four or Five Dozens of thi7beautiful Li, f.istiRiate-growlnR Maple, 4 feet high, to be disposed of. Pricels. ach, or 9*. per dozen.— C. W. .S., Hildenley, near Malton. Genuine Garden Seeds. M. CUTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above la now ready. Post free on application. Highgato Nurseries. London, N. GOD AND SON'S SEED LISTS, containin-' all the NOVELTIES of the season, gratis on application. **--"•"■•''• "--r Dckfield, Sussex. lAHLlA POT ROOTS.— A ^reH variety, at tj«. per dozen, including FANNY STURT, BULLION, &c. Geo. Rawlincs, Romford, Essex, E ,EUTZIA GRACILIS, "for immediate Forcing, by the dozen, 100, or lOOO. Wm. Wood & Son, Mareslield, near Uckfleld, Sussex. \rERBENAS.-Purple, White. Scarlet, and Pink. T Strong plants, with plenty of Cuttings. Zs. per dozen ; small Ic. at 6». per 100, or £2 lus. per 1000, package included. Terms lash. PniLiF Ladds, Nursery. Bexley Heath, Kent, S.E. Verbenas, Verbenas. — RICHARD WATCHORN is now sending out the above, strong plants, at \Qs. per 100, package included Ashby >ursory. Essex Road, Islington, W. C CALCEOLARIAS (Herbaceous), of choice strain. Fine J plants, in 4-inch pots, Os. per dozen, or 60 for 20« ■ extia laree n Much pots, 9s. per dozen. ' H. & R. SriHZAKKR, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. pALCEOLAHIAS (AUREA FLORIBUNDA) — Well- V.- '■°°^f:? l^!?''^"'' ?«n "'' P**^- ^"""^ ""^ '■''«•" ^''1 now afford a mtting. 129. M. per 100, package included. G. RosB, Nurseryman and Seedsman, Bama^ey. Yorkshire. rO THE TRADE.— A few ounces of fine New Seed ^ VIOLA CORNUTA '■ MAUVE - and " PURPLE QUEEN ■' IriJe 7s Mr 100° *''P''*='*''°°- ^^^ "^''o^S tufty plants of abori, ^JosEru Jackson, Blakedown Nursery, Xidderminster. WEBB'S NEW (JIANT POLYANTHUS, ,f II .,"'"^',' .^°"". ""Ji GIANT COWSLIP SEKDS; also Planti ^UKIUJI^VS, buth biiigle and Doubio ; with every soi-t of Rarlv ^pnng Flowers. LIST on appllcatloo.-Mr. IVinn, Calcot, Readtog Pelargoniums for tte Million. TAMES HOLDER, havin" an immense stock of the Sort. rSZ^i, *'.t° offer (strong plants, In large CO-potsI, 60 distinct ■S '"'.^Of-i -} •<>'<■' lor 20s.; or 12 sorts for 15»., Hamper and jaokage Inoluded^ _Crown Nursery. Reading, -""upor auQ (^ERANIUMS, GERANIUMS. -Strong nlaiu7~h^ G"^siii"T"H\^TA5Gts^t?;s'pr'it:^°p.75y' »-■ ^^ "-- Package included. Terms cash PBii-'i' L»i>ns,^urs^ry, Beiley Heath. Kent. i^?v*\vl5M*n?T'"l''"°*°*^ Flowerseeds," her l;Z v,^^h ^^^° Mehchaxt and Grower, CATALO??Dk oniLLDol!l'.°„°°'""'r'' """■ l^'' WHOLESALE po1?^W on''a1,pl c Ion to h M.^ll'olo'li.T.L'"' l?" "" '""' and£dsman,Sllgb Road, HUKm.th; Lonion ^^ Nurseryman F STANDARD MARECHAL KIEL ROSES; also DWARFS. Ww. Wood i Son. Mareslield. Uckfleld, Sussei. ROSES.— ALFRED COLOMB, MAUECHAL NIEL, PRINCESS MARV of CAMBRIDGE. Eitra line Standards, Half Standards, Dwarfs. Tbe Trade supplied. John KtvNEs, Castle Street Nursery, Salisbury. Novelties amongst Roses. PAUL AND SON'S ROSES.— See At/inimim.—'Vhe Advertiser's DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, very carefully prepared, will bo found of service during present planting season. Post free on application. The " Old " Nurseries. Cheshunt. Herts. New Roses of Spring, 1868. PAUL AND SON liave now re.idy Stnmgr Plants of the Forty Rest Varieties. DESCRIPTIVE LIST ready shortly. The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt. N. PY R A MI D A L FR U IT TREES. Extra size magnlllcent Trees, well branched. Apply to Srn'HtN Bbown^ Nurseryman, Sudbury. Suffolk. PY R A .M 1 U A l" A P P L E S a1id~Pl; A R S, by tho dozen or hundred. Standard MEDLARS, THUJA AURE.^, well-prown and handsome. Address, W«. Wood & Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld. Sussex. Fruit the First Season.— Pyramidal Pear Trees, W^, Trees.— Woodlands Nursery, Mareslield. Uckfleld, Sussex, Orcbard-liouse Trees Fruiting In^ots^ PEACHES, NECTARINES, APRICOTS, CHERRIES, PLUMS, PEARS. APPLES. VINES, and FIGS. Richard Smith. Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. Vines. BS. WILLIAMS has now on hand a verv large and • flne Stock of FRUITING and PLANTING CAitES of all the t>est varieties. An Inspection is invited. Victoria and Paradise Nurseries. Upper Ilolloway, London, N. Fruit Trees and Viues^ JAMES DICKSON and SONS have a very large and PRICED LISTS on application. Q w w UEEN PINES for SALE, warranted clean.— About 60 strong plants, in g-inch and lo-inch pots, cheap, for cash, or exchanged for Stove or Greeohouae Plants. Apply to John Stevens. Gardener. Malvern Hall, Solihull. ANTED, 2.5 clean, hoalthv FRUITING PINES. Price, for cash on delivery, to W. BpRNET. The Gardens. Bosworth House. Hinckley. EBB'S PRIZE COB FlLBEilTS",~an(rothl!rPRlZE COB NUTS and FILBERTS. LIST of these varieties ft-om Mr. Wedb, Calcot, Reading. E S S E R T b R A N G E CULTURE.— A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of sorts, and directions for culture, free per post. Tbos. Rivers* Son, Nurseries, Sawbridgeworth. To tbe Trade. WOOD AND INGRAM have still to offer a mamificent lot of STANDARD APPLES; cut back l-vear NOBLESSE. ROYAL GEORGE and RED MAGDALEN PEACHES- RED D Frultlns Trained Trees. THOMAS JACKSOrJ and SON, having a great extent of high walls, have many large TRAINED TREES; and as they are making much alteration in their Nurserv, they now offer them at greatly reduced prlcen. An inspection is infited. Kingston, S.W. BOX EDGING for SALE.— One Thousand Yards, tine thick dark green BOX. Price on application. Addrosa, Jonn Av.iKS, Deptford. S.E. Clearance of Nursery Stoclc."^^ A REDUCED PUICK LIST of FOREST TREES, &c., will be forwarded on apolication to J. RiDDELL. Steward^Park Attwood, Bewdley. Worceatershire. FOKTHKbtiES;— AlfEKICAN ARBOR-VrF^, 4 to 5 feet, at 60m. per 100 ; 6 to 6 feet, 84s. per 100 ; 6 to 7 feet. 1003. per loo. Richard Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. SCOTCH FIR SEED.— Samples and prices of genuine True NATIVE SCOTCH FIR SEED can be hod on application to Gums & Petrii, Nurserjmen and Seedsmen, Inveme: Etra strong LARCH; Price on application. Livorpcol. A SPECIAL OFVEK of 300,000 4 to 6 feet, twice Traneplanted. _ . U. MxE, Presoot Nurseries. Prescot, TifiN THOUSAND LAUKUSTiN U &, well grown, bushy, and handsome. Wm. IVoon & Sox, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Sussex. HIRTY THOUSTVND A.MEKICAN ARBOR^VIT.E, from 3 to 6 feet, very suitable for Hedges. Wm. Wood & Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld Sussex. O^ NEHUNbREl) THOUSAND tine Transplanted COMMON LAURELS, from li to 3 feet. Wm. Wood & Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld, Sussex. TWENTY THOUSANU flNUS AUSTKiACA. 60.000 flne Transplanted SCOTCH FIRS. Extra stout well-ncrown BLACK ITALIAN and LOMBARDY POPLARS 8 to 10 feet. Wm. Wood & Sow, Maresfleld. Uckfleld, Sussex. To Gentlemen, Builders, and Otbers. ABOUT 2000 lar^e Ornamental FOREST TREES, 12 to 14 feet, suitable for Imitiediftte Blind or Park Planting, consisting of ELM, MAPLE. SYCAMORE, PLANE, and BIRCH J. W. ToDMAW, Kltham Nursery, S.E. WM. SCALING has on haiid a verv large and fine Stock of the best Varieties of OSIER CtJTTINQS. for form- ing Willow Plantations, at from 5j. to 15s. per 1000. The Selected rts, 20s. per 1000. Basford, Notts. BITTER WILLOW, for Game Ja) ARIS, (The ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for ENGLISH 1867. I GARDEN SEEDS was awarded to .SUTTON k SONS. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment. Iteadlng. liTii ON JTy Vii I Z EM E D A L for GRASS SEEDS. PARIS, 1SC7, was awarded I I CAn t'37 and 238, High Hoibom, London. W.C. EVERY GARDEN REQUISITE kept in Stock at Cahteh's New Seed Warehouse. 237 & 233. High Holbom, London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. JAMES CARTER and CO., SsKD F»nui:n», Meiicii«nts. and NunsEiiiUES, 237 t 23«, High Holbom. London, W.C. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. JAMES FAIRUEAl) and SON, Seed Groweus and Merchants. 7, Borough Market, and Bralntree, Essex. New and Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. ALFRED LEGERTON, Seed Merchant, .5, Aldgate, London, E. Special prices and advantageous offers on applica- tion. All Seeds sent out from this EstabtishmeDt are nett, and of the best quality 1 QftQ — L'HOICE NEV iOvJO. FLOWER SEEDS. VKGETABLK FLOWER SEEDS. POTATOS. 4c. PRICED LIST post free. JAMES DICKSON and SONS, 102, Eostgate Street. Cnester. and s Seeds of First Quality. TEPHEN DROWN'S NEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with Illustrations, sent free on application. Stephen Brown, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Suffolk. Wliolesale Catalogue. GEORGE JACKMAN and SON'S PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of HARDY NDRSEKV STOCK for 1867 and SPRING. 1808, can be had free on application. Woking Nursery. Surrey. Just Fubllsbed. M. PAUL'S LIST of SEEDS contains a selection of the best NOVELTIES in VEGETABLES and FLOWERS, the choicest and most approved older sorts, freo by post on w Notice. PURCHASERS of LARGE UUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEEDS will be supplied liberally by Sutton & 8oN3. For prices apply (stating quantity required) to SpTTow A Sons. Koyal Berkshire Seed Establishment. ReadJnp. I^HE LOWa-STAWDEK LiaTUCE.— Fine, crisp, ; excellent, stands longer without running than any Lett Ltant. Packets, Is. each. Price to the Trade on application. Stephen Browx, Seed Grower, Sudburv, Suffolk. To the Trade. THIRTY TH0U8ANU ASi^ARAGUS ROOTS, 3-yr. old.— No reasonable otTer refused for Cash. Apply to Oeorub WiNFiELD, Gloucestershire Seed Warehouse, Gloucester. HENRY'S PRIZE HYBRIU LEEK is quite distinct from any other sort, is the largest in Cultivation, and perfectly hardy. Free by post, Is. per packet or 12 Stamps. To be had direct from Downie, Laikd, & Laino, Seedsmen, 1", Fredenck Street, Edinburgh, and Stansteiul Park, Forest Hill, London. S.E. Musselburgh Leek (true). THOS. HANDASiDE and DAVIDSON are executing Orders for the above. Price on application. Thos. HANDASvnK 4 Davidson, Seedsmen, Nurserymen, and Florists, 24. Cockbum Street, Edinburgh. Nurseries at Musselburgh Notice. SUTTONS' BERKSHIRE KIDNEY POTATO.— In consequence of the great demand for the above Xew Potato, ''" * ■' (In reply to many inquiriewl regret to say they are 11. & F. SuARPE. Wisbech. PATERSON'S VICTORIA POTATOti, the heaviest croppei-a, the finest flavoured, and the best keeping seed, direct- from Mr. Paterson. Price on application to Mr. PeARCE, Measham, Atheratone. Fotatos. JAMES DICKSON and SONS have a large stock of all the best Varieties, carefully selected for Ueed. PRICED LIST on application. 102. Eastgate Street, and " Newton" Nurseiies, Chester. " ILKY WHITE "POTATO.— Well-known^lind knowledged to be the best Potato iu cultivation, nt per peck of 14 lb. ; or I5s, per bushel of 50 lb. Guaranteed truo 1 free from disease. Apply to tuoROE WiKFiELP. Gloucestershire Seed Warehouse, Gloucester. 1 U C U M B E R 1»"L A N T S,' WholesiUe andRetaiL Sixteen Choice TKICOLOlt and other GERAxMUMS fur 2!j.. I'nce and sorts on application to O. Walklino, Nurseryman, High Road. Lewisbam. S.E. >iUl"'inir'S~CUCUMliER SEEDS.— BLACK SrXNi; \J PRINCE ALBERT. TELEGRAPH, and LONG GUN, each U perpacket. Trade supplied. Large DOUBLE WHITE CAMELLIA, 7 leet 7 inches high, 7 feet 8 ins. wide, set with bloom, very healtbv. Price on application. MUSHROOia, SPAWN, Jwi. per bushel. His PAMPHLETS on the Mushroom, Strawberry, and Cucumber, 1.", each ; Market Gardening and Potato, Is. ad. each. Mahv Cutiiill, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, S. T~URNIP SEED.— ATr"the'choicesr~vRriet'ies of 1867 growth, direct from the Grower, at low figures. H. U F. KuABPE, Seed Growers, Wisbech. ANGEL WUKZEL.— AIL the best sorts of 186" growth, direct from the Grower, at very_modomt6 prices. M C M il. & h\ Sbarpe. Seed Growers, Wiabe- per It. Westmoreland-Grown Italian Seed. JOSEPH tllXuK, Seed Factok. kendal, offers ITALIAN ORASS SEED to the Tnide. SnmpU's and prices on application. J^ Also rr'medrcsM-lC.ircasesMtlTTONlhead cut otn.atOlJ-perlb. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febettaet 8, 1868. SELECT NEW EEUITS. NEW EARLY CHERRIES. KARLY LAMAURIE (5.s.).— Large ; dark purple, like Early Purple Gulgne, but a week o rich and excellent. EARLY LYONS (5s.)- (Rose de Lyons).— Very lat^e; light red and yellow , » ^v- largest early Cherry known ; it ripens about a week after Early Purple Guiene. and excellent. GUIGNE TRES PRECOCE (3«. Cd.),- Rather email; round, stalk very short, dark purple, ^T^iTi^^n^T-S^^S-^^T?*" ^^^ earliest of all, if not the earliest ; a great bearer. NOIR PRECOCE DE STRASS (35. Cd.),— Rather small, incUning to he; .juicy, and very early ; a most abundant bearer. -Rather small, inclining to heart' shape; black, sweet, NEW NECTARINES. 1. ALBERT VICTOR. — Size, monstrous ; colour green, with a dull red cheek ; flesh melting and T A^^^i- ^^"^'^^ ^'■°"i *^« first to the second week m September. -. LARGE ELRUGE.— Very large, melting, rich, and Tery good; a week later than its narent the Elruge. ^ 3. STANWICK ELRUGE.— Large, melting, and rich ; a few days earlier than its parent. No. 1 is a seedling raised from the Prince of Wales Nectarine in 1862; it is the largest meltinE Nectarine 1 have ever seen ; the tree very vigorous and hardy. Nos. :; and 3 are varieties selected from a batch of seedling Elruge Nectarines raised in 16C0, all of which have produced fruit of excellent navour. No. 2 has been selected ior its size, and No. 3 for its distinct Stanwick Nectarine flavour and as It npens early, it entirely does away with the necessity of cultivating that tiresome cracking sort, the Stanwick Nectarine. ' Fme maiden trees and treea one year trained of the above new Nectarines can be supplied at 7s. 6a. each. Besides the above varieties, there are here two or three other seedhnga ft-om the Elruge - they have not been named, and stand in our fruit joiimal as follows:- "^^ " " ' - ■ • - ' S.N. 12. very «oDd, late; S.N. 13. large, and late. Tne trees seem ni and the fruit they have given for four years has been quite flrst-rate. Maiden trees, N. 11. very large and Ia"te'; hardy than the parent sort, )ne-year trained NEW PEACHES. 1. ALEXANDRA NOBLESSE (7*i. fid.). —This fine Peach is named In Dr. Hogg's Fruit Manual simply the Alexandra. It is, however, a true Noblesse in its fruit, and was raised from that sort • its habit IB different, as it has smooth leaves and round glands ; hence it is not liable to mildew ■ flesh melting, rich, and excellent. ' 2. CRIMSON OALANDE (rs. 6(i.).— Medium size, often large; deep crimson ■ rich^and deliciously flavoured ; a freestone Peach of the most hardy, prolf middle to end of August. , EARLY ALFRED (7s. 6rf,).— Above medium size ; melting, and peculiarly rich and agreeable ; a most delicious freestone Peach, raised from Hunt's Tawny Nectarine : early in Aug\isc. . DR. HOGG {7s. Cd.).— Large ; firm, yet melting ; often stained with red under the skin ; flavour, rich and sugary ; a freestone Peach ; hardy, vigorous, and most proliflc : middle of August. NEW EARLY PEACHES. . KAELY BEATRICE.— Medium size; with a marbled red cheek; flesh melting, and very juicy; flowers large, glands small, kidney-shaped. This r '-'-' ..."..,____ _._._.. ^ _ . of my seedling White Nectarine, and is the earliest 1867, July 5, five weeks before the Noblesse Peach in the same bouse. DAOMAB.— Lar^e ; melting^ and rich ; skin very downy and of a deep crimson, very handsome, seedling from the early Albert Peach ; glands round, ripe early bright red, melting, very juicy and excellent ; this is nearly a August. THe : flowers small. early as No. 1, and is a seedling raised from the early Albert Peach ; glands reniform or nearly so, flowers small : ripens from July 12 to 16. , EARLY RIVERS.— Large ; colour pale straw, ivith a delicate pink cheek ; flesh melting, or rather dissolving, with a rich racy flavour most remarkable. It was raised from the Early Silver Peachj and is a grandchild of the White Nectarine ; flowers large, glands kidney-shaped. It ripens from July 14 to July 18 ; in 1804, the first season it fruited, it ripened July IS, and since then from the 14tb. This sort, with Nos. 6 and 7, will be found very valuable for forcing, as they will ripen early in June with very slight forcing. , RIVERS' EARLY YORK— Medium size; skin marbled with red, flesh so melting and juicy as to dissolve in the mouth, leaving no fibre ; its flavour has a smack of the Stanwick Nectarine, is original and perfectly delicious; leaves smooth, with round glands, so that it is not liable to mildew like its parent the Early York ; flowers large ; season early In August. NEW LATE PEACHES. . LADY PALMERSTON.— Large ; melting and very good ; skin j^reenish yellow, marbled with crimson, very handsome ; flesh pale yellow. It was raised from a stone of the Pine-apple Nectarine, and partakes of its flavour. This fine Peach npens towards the end of ijeptemoer, and is a most distinct variety ; flowers small, glands small and kidney-shaped, or nearly so. . LORD PALMERSTON.— Very large, the largest of Peaches; skin whitish, with a pink cheek; flesh firm yet melting, very juicy, and rich. It was raised from the Princess of Wales, and resembles in its size and beauty its grand-parent the Moostrous Pavie of Pompone ; flowers very large and beautiful : glands nearly round : season ft-om middle to end of September. , THE NECTARINE PEACH.— L^rge; with a smooth Nectarine-like skin; flesh melting and very rich. It was raised from a stone of a Dutch Nectarine ("Le Grand Noir") and has a peculiar delicious flavour : season, the middle of Septttmber ; gliinds small, kidney-shaped ; flowers large. All the above New Peaches from Nos. 1 to 12 can be supplied as strong maiden trees, at THOS. RIVERS and SON, NURSERIES, SAWBRIDGE WORTH. CARRIAGE PAID TO LONDON. WILLIAM EOLLISSON & SONS' CATALOGUE OF NEW AND GENUINE SEEDS FOR 1868, CONTAINING A DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF SUB-TfiOPICAL AND ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGE PIANTS, WHICH CAN BE RAISED PROM SEED ; ALL THE NOVELTIES IN VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS, Comprising ;i List of St-oil saved from the most bpautiftil strains of PjRIMULA, CALCEOLARIA, and CINERAKLV ; may be had on application to THE NURSERIES, TOOTING, LONDON, S. Collections of Seed of Sub-Tropical Plants, from 5s. to £2 2s. | Collections of the Choicest Flower Seeds, from 10s. 6d. to £5 53. ■^^•£- — The Carriage of nil Orders amounting to 20*. and upivards will be pre-paid. RICHARD SMITH'S SEED CATALOGUE contains a Calendar of Time lor Sowing, particulars of Collectionfl, with Ibices, Direction.s for Cropping well and economically. Soil, Manure, Oepth, Distance. Season, Hardiness, Duration, Form, HetRht, Colour, Storing, Use, Flavour, and other qualities described. Thia List ftee by post for one stamp. SKEDS direct from the Growers the surest way to success. RiCHABn Smith, Seed Merchnnt. Worcester. ^ERBENAS, VERBENAS, &c.-Purple, White, T Scarlet, and Mixed. Strone plants, with plenty of Cuttinirs. at ,„ ^„.. ^ m._-, .... g ^^ j^g^ ROSES of 1867, at 12«. per '*■"■""'" t 6a. per dozen "" * nek Road Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent, S.E s. ^T-,^-..?®*^^'^ Seedling Pelargoniums. GLENDIWNING and SONS are now offering for the 12 beautiful, new, and distinct PELARGO- Gr. to W. Beck, Esq., of leleworth, i Certiflcateii at the various Metro* which were awarded n polltan Snows. DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may be had on application. _^ Chiswick Nurseriea, London, W. New Zealand Nursery. St. Alban's. Herts. T WATSON'S beautiful BEDDING PELARGONIUM tf « EXCELSIOR, now ready ; colour of Indian Yellow : fine truss, and habit of Lord Palmeraton. Price 6s. each ; 36s. per doz to the Trade. ^ MISS WATSON, ready August 26 ; MRS. DIX, May 1 The Two have received 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Monev ..!iS»J?5?..T^fi;?„APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN, rI^c In t. each ; 3G8. per doz, to the Trade. sent on application. HYACINTH COMPETITION. To Messrs. Wk. Cdtbcsb ft Soss. iiS.™I'r"^''"'~^'"''',S.!»>5" informed by my neighbours that your S?™™S I "'^ superlatively good this season, neyertheless, 1 shall Hvf.?5h KVJ?- "'1^ ^S" for, FIVE PO^^*DS at the Uverpool Hyacinth Exhibition, St. George's Hall. In MARCH NEXT Havlnc been the successful Competitor for several years, and haying last year completely distanced you, I presume it is in vain for me to thi-ow down the gauntlet. Geonoc Daviis, Green jgne Nurseries, Llyerpool.— Feb. 8. "PUSSELL'S PTEAMIDAL " PRIMULAS. -TMs -M- V magnihcent strain still maintains its character as tile Bnest In ""■ 6(i. per packet. New Seed, fcultlVHtii.... ..v.. .ctu, uiicu .H* o(( per pacKet PRIMULA KERMfiSlNA. -The great fault of this brilliant coloured varletj has hitherto been its Ind sXltl on S throw rtS offS TtTh'.'if, '°'"*°- ',"'"'' '"'"■ towevS!'the satisfartlon of Th« SLi S.hi. ,. ??"! 'itl'- ™°«P>':'K"" «'y>o "s the other kinds. Ihe stock of this is limited this year. Price 6s. per packet. nurseries, Streatham Place, Bri.\ton Hill, S. ; and Mottingham, Kent. NEW POMPON CHKYSANTHEMDM CnXTINGR „«„ BRONZE CEDO NULL! and GOLDEN VAiUEGATED JoUU, Is. per pair each variety. SOLANUM CAPSICASTKUM HYBRIDUM, of bushy habit vcrv ree setter, and producing frequently two, three, and four berries clustered ; an extremely useful winter decorative plant Eiftv seetla, U. Now is the time to sow in gentle heat. to'^lre°rtlM'!bli'v"^'^f''''''^''''''*' P"' '>'°''^'- The undersigned beg TLoir new LOBELIA Lll^DLEYAJsi w'fl'bo'sent out In May Messrs. WArsos, flnos., The Elms Nursery, Edmonton. Seed Catalogue for 1868. JOHN AND CHARLES LEE will be happy to forward '/ their DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of AGRICULTURAL, VEGETA KLE, and FLOWER SEEDS, post free on application. Royal Vineyard Nnrsery & Seed Establishment, Hammersraltb, W. F New Seeas of Superior Stocks. RANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS, " The Old Established " Seed Warehouse, lOC, Eastgate Street, Chester. The Best Early Pea in Coltivation. DICKSON'S "FIKST and BEST."-Price Is. 6(1. per Quart. CATALOGUE of VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, for 18l with Practical Cultural Direcnona, ia now published, and will 3 most Select character, each boing saved Their Seeds a_ _ ___ ,_ . from the Best Stock known of its kind. Garden Seeds of £1 value delivered Carriage Free. Flower Seeds eeut Post Free, except heavy articles, such as Sweet Peas, LupiOB, &c. Genuine Seeds of Superior StocKs, SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN. FRANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS, "The Old Established" Seed Wnrehouso, 106, Eastgate Street, and The " Upton" Nurseries, Chester. COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS for ONE YKAR'S SUPPLY :— No. 1.— £3 3 0 I No. 3.— £1 11 6 I No. 5.— £0 12 6 No. 2.— £2 2 0 I No. 4.— £1 1 0 | No. 6.— £fi 5 0 COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE CONTINENTAL and ENGLISH FLOWER SEEDS;— No. 1.— £2 2 0 1 No. 3.~£1 10 1 »„ a ia. r^ No. 2.-£l 10 0 I No, 4.-£0 15 C | ^°- ^- "**'*■ ^■ Also Smaller Collectious, from bs. to 7s. Cd., free by post. CATALOGUE of NEW and SELECT VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, 4c., tor lS6g, with practical Cultural Directions, will be sent post free upon application. Their Seeds are all of the most select character, each variety being saved from the best Stock known of Its kind. Orders for Garden Seeds amounting to £1 value delivered Carriage Free to any part of the Kingdom, Potatoa, &c., excepted. Flower Seeds free by post or rail. FARM SEEDS.— These they also supply, of every kind and of the finest qualiUes procurable. Their MIXTURES of GRASS SEEDS for Permanent Turf as well as for Rotation Crops are very superior, and m.arJe up for every descilption of snll and climate. Tbeir TURNIP SEEDS, MANGEL WDRZELS. CARROTS, and other Root Crop Seeds, are each grown with scrupulous care from the finest stocks known of their respective kinds. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE post fVee on application. Orders amounting to £2 value (Grain, Ac, excepted!, will be rielivered canlage free at the principal Railway Stations in the Kingdom. Special Estimatea for very large quantities. Rhododenorons. As EXHIBITEn AT THE RoVAL BoTANIC GaBDEKB, ReGKNT'S PaEK. JOHN "WATEREK, the Exhibitor at the above Gardens, has pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of tbe above popular Plants Is now published, and will be forwarded to all applicants. It faithfully describes all the varieties considered worthy of cultivation. It contains likewise a selection of HARDY CONIFERS, with heights and prices. The American Nurser)-, Bagshot, Surrey. From the Maison de la Madeleine, Paris. GREAT COLLECTION of 50 of the finest varieties __ of FLOWER SEEDS, inctudliig the finest CHINESE ASTERS in cultivation ; 50 of the best VEGETABLE SEEDS grown lo France, at 8«., 26 varieties in 25 packets; 168. per 60 varieties In packets. 11, James " '" ■ ■-■ ■ "• " A , Covent Garden, W.C. New Seed Catalogue. CHARLES TURNER, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, begs to stRto that his DESCRIPTIVE LIST of GARDEN, FLOWER, FARM SEEDS, and CULINARY ROOTS, Is now ready, and may be had on application. BETTERIUGE'S EXHIBITION ASTERS. 12 distinct varieties, separate, 3s. Qd. per packet ; mixed, Is. do. These were saved by R. II. Betteridge, Esii., and no other Quilled Asters are equal to tneni. CB.1RLEB TrBNER, The Royal Nurseries, Slough. N EW WHITE FKENCH BEAN, 3 feet, most prolific. NEW DWARF FRENCH SAVOY, very tender. Both highly recommended. In packets. Is. Gd. each. Cbarles Tcbneh, The Royal Nur - '^ "- THE THREE BEST PEAS, LITTLE GEM, ADVANCER, and PREMIER. Letter ft-om Canada, In " Journal of Horticulture," Jan. 2, 18r>8 :— " Little Gem was, considering the season, simply grand ; Advancer ' maintained its former excellence. These two varieties stand with i us imrivalled, and by a succession of sowing, Peas may be had all | the season through. Premier, as a late variety, will make the three i beat, all Wrinkled Marrows." Seed from the original stock is now offered by I Charles Turner, Royal Nursery, Slough^^ Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds. j MISCELLANEOUS HARDY BEDDING PLANTS, SWEET ' VIOLETS, Ao. ROBERT PARKER hcga to announeo that hifi CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS 01 i tbe finest kinds in cultivation of the above-named. Is now published, I and will be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have aL ' been procured from the best possible sources ; all are warrantee ' genuine, and are offered at the lowest possible prices. Intending purchasers are requested to compare tbe prices vritb I those of other houses. —Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S. offer tbe luosl ' _ of GLADIOLI builte, of the finest quality. _,il kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS art supplied by this firm, prices of which may be had on application. Loise-Chadviere has been rewarded with the Gold Medal for th; whicn he exhibited at the *' Universal Exhibition," gst vFhich were Gladioli, Dahlias, Gloxinias, Annuals, Ornamental plants. Pebsuabt 8, 1868.J THE GAKDraERS' CrmONICT,E AND AGRTCULTUIUL GAZRTTK LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE (No. 122) for 1868, HEADY NEXT WEEK, WILL BE SENT POST FREE TO ALL HIS CUSTOMERS. ROYAL GHENT KURSERY, BELGIUM. AMARYLLIDS, of all ilesoriptions, novoltiee ; LILIES, Iiivgo collection ; tho itpwost GLADIOLI ; lately importid Bill.' anil Tricolor TROl'iEOLDIiIS ; largo stock of all the CALADICMS, &c., &c., uro to bo fouiul at the end ..f I.OUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PUICE LIST, No. 122. Also, a SUPPLEMENT TO HIS FRUIT TREE LIST, No. 121, Containing tho NEWEST CONTINENTAL PEAlt TREES. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICED LIST, No. 121, Cont.iius AZALEA INDICA, CAMELLIAS, hardy RHODODENDRONS, hardy GUENT AZALEAS, strong MAGNOLIA LENNfi, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SURCDS, CONIFERS, ROSES (large Btock), PERENNIALS (the best ones), &c. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PACKAGES aro delivered Free from Ghent to the following Towns ;—Goolc, Grimsby, Harvvich, Leith, Liverpool, London, Middleabro-on-Teeu, and Newcastle-on-Tyne ; but, per contra, fw. are charged in account for each ease, basket, or hamper of a usual size. From the above named Towns to tho linal destinations, the re-expedition is made by spociol Agents at the cheapest rate and by the shortest route. Parcels are also seiit FEEE over London (at the hereafter specified rates), to all parts of Great Britain, by the care of L. V. H.'s special Agents without any other additional expenses than those of the usual Railway charges. GOODS SENT FREE TO LONDON. All goods are packed .is cheaply as possible, and forwarded at the following rates from Ghent to London : — I Case weighing from 1 to 4 lb. 2s. 1 Case weighing from 20 to 30 lb. 3s. 6s. 11 „ 25 „ Ss. Matted Baskets and Bundles, each, 5s. 61 .50 ,100 LOUIS VAN HOUTTE undertakes to forward all packages at the above scale of charges. It has hitherto been his custom to charge the uniform rate of 5». per package, but this he finds unju.st : small parcels being therev overcharged. The advantage of the abovo system for the buyer will readily be perceived. For example, a party ordering (in proper season) .50 Hyacinths, weighing nearly 10 lb., can now receive these bulbs free in London for 2s. 6rf. ; 100 Hyacinths, weighing '20 lb., for 3*. ; 200 Hyacinths, weighing 40 lb., for 4.?., and so on. Another example : — A basket containing 60 Camellias, or the same number of Indian Azaleas, of usual size, will be delivered free in London for os. THE NEW BLUE-PODDED RtlNNER BEAW Is figured in the first double number of Volume XVII. of LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S " FLORA." This double number is now heady. The NEW BLUE-PODDED RUNNER BEAN has very palatable pods. See LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S SEED LIST (No. 122), page 36, No. Ill, Beurre bleu. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S SEEDS are delivered FREE (any Weight), at MESSRS. R. SILBERRAD anb SON'S OFFICE, 5, HARP LANE, LONDON, E.G., And from there, by Parcels Delivery Company, to any part of Great Britain. GENUINE SEEDS, CARRIAGE FREE. B. S. WILLIAMS' NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE for 1868, la now ready, and will be forwarded Post Free to all customers and applicants. It contains Lists of all New Flower Seeds of merit, Choice Strains of Florists* Flowers, imported Flower Seeds in collections, the most useful Annuals, Biennials, and Perennials for Spring and Summer Flowering ; carefully selected Descriptive List of approved Varieties of each kind of Vegetable Seed, with a few Practical Hints as to Culture; also an Appendix containing Gladioli and other Summer and Autumn-tlowering Bulbs' Knives, Horticul- tural Implements, Horticultural Manui'ea, luseot- destroying Composition, and every article likely to be required in the Garden. A perusal is respectfully solicited ; every article is priced, and purchasers may depend on the Seeds being true to name, and everything of the best quality. Exaggerated descriptions are cai'cfully avoided. NEW and CHOICE SEEDS, full descriptions of which will be found in the Catalogue :— Vegetable Seeds. WILLIAMS' ALEXANDRA BROCCOLI, 2s. Oil. per pkt. JRANGKFIELU 1>WARF PROLIFIC TOMATO, Is. Gd. per pkt. UIGSWELL PUIZE ENDIVE, U. per pkt. WILLIAMb' MATCHLRSS RED CELERY, Is. per pkt. NUNEHAM PARK ONION. U. M. And 28. Od. per pkt. LEE'S GIANT ORACH (SPINACH). U. per pkt. VIALVERN HALL MELON, Is. a. per pkt. WILLS' OULTON PARK HYBRID MELON, Is. fii. pef pkt. WILLS' GREEN PINE-APPLE OEM MELON, 1«. U. per pkt, STUART Aso MEIN-.S UYURID P.IIZE MELON, GOLDEN QUEEN. Is. Gd. per pkt. IIBB'S MATCHLESB BORECOLE, 1*. per pkt MARSHALL'S PRIZE PARBLEY, Is. par pkt. mARMAN'3 UNIVERSAL CUCUMBER, 2s. per pkt Flower Seeds. CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (NEIL'3 EXTRA CHOICE STRAIN), 3«. 6d. and 6«. per pkt. CINERARIA (WEATHRRILL'S MATCH LESS), 3j(. Gri.S 6#. p. pkt. BALSAM (WILLIAMS' SUPERB), Is. Ot/. and 2s. Od. per pkt. POLYANTHUS (THE PRIZE STRAIN), Is. Crf. and 28. Cd. per pkt. CYCLAMEN PERSICUM (WIGGINS' PRIZE STRAIN), Is. tiii., and 2s. 6d. per pkt. AURICULA, saTed from a fine bollecbion In Hcotland, is. per pkt. OKNTIANA VERNA, Is. per pkt. [2,;. M. per pkt. VIOLA LUTEA (YELLOW-FLOWERED VIOLET), U. fkl. and VIOLA CORNUTA (PURPLE QUEEN), (Srf. and Is. per pkt. VIOLA CORNUTA (MAUVE QUEEN), 0*/. .ind Is. per pkt. LILIUM AURATUM, Is. per pkt. GERANIUM (LE GRAND), Is. Ct/. and a#. Od. per pkt. (STANDARD K08ES. O HYBRID PERPETUAL.S and others, 18». per dozen. HALF STANDARDS, 16s. per dozen. ROSES, in U-lncU pots, for KorohiR or Oreenhouse Culture. HYBRID perpetual;*, TEA-SCENTED, ftnd NOl8El*TES, Aa. to SOs. per dozoo. Wu. Wood & Sok, Woodliinds Nursery, Mareafleld, near Uckfleld, BDd dream of for Qver."~-Athentfum, June, 1867. " WM. PAUL has still a magniUi^ent stock of HOSES, for which he re«poctruily Boliclta Ordors. STANDARDS and HALF-STANDARDS, Nound, hoalthy heads. and clear, fitmleht etonis, 18s. per do/.en : £7 por lou. .,, "--■"*""""*-'"• •iRDS.veryHu " " '.iO». per doz. STANDARDSand HALF-STANDARDS, very Huperior, iis. por dOZ. ^TANDARD TEA ROSES, 21h. NEW ROSES, 42s. por doz. DWARF STANDARD ROSES, 12s. to 16«. perdoz. DWARF ROSES (on Manettl), 9a. to Vis. per doz. „ ,, (own rootBJ, 12tf. to 18s. per dot, „ „ (New), iin. to 3C«. per doz. „ „ (Summer kinds), 6s. to Dfl, per dos. ,, ,, mixed, for Borders or ShrubberlOG, Ms. per 100. CLIMBING ROBES, in variety, Os. to 128. per doz. Extra-aizod TEA ROSES, Ibr Forcing, or Uroenhonse culture, 30.f. to '.Kit. per doz. STANDARD and DWARF ROHE.S, of all tho flneat and moat effoctive sortH, for bedding, massing, or planting a Rosarium will be charged at Bpeoia! and reduced rates if ordered by the 100 PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE froa by pofit. Paul's Nurseries, Waltbam Cross, London, N. ILIUM AURATUM, largest size Bulbs.— Selected with greatest care by Mr. James Walter, Jun., an English prac- ticftl Botanist, resident in Japan, each Bulb having been taken up wlien in perfect rest and maturity, thus sncuring tneir arrival in condition desired by Gardeners. Purchasers wifl find these froo Ironi all the defects of the Bulbs hitherto offered, and which gene- rally, to secure early Sale, havo been taken out of tho ground when unripe, and consequently weak and liable to rot. Tho Bulbs are larger, and In far better condition than any ywt sent from Japan ; were carefully packed under special direction for Overland transit, and have arrived in the healtbiost possible state. Full cultural directions sent with the Lots. SOLD in LOTS of not less than Ton, at 6». for each large Bulb. Orders, accompanied with remittance, to be addressed Mr. T. MopHAJi, Head Gardener to Major Walter, Verulam, Wallasey, Cheshire. To tlie Trade Onl7. THOMAS CRIPPS AND SON'S WHOLESALE CATALOGUE for the present Season, containing 62 paces of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, can bo had Pofet Free. It will bo found to include the NEW SILVER-EDGED PRUNUS (CEKASUS) M AIIALEB, ROSSEELS- NEW GOLDEN ELM, NEW AUCUBAS, HYDRANGEAS, OSMANTHUS, WEIGELAS. and every novelty of merit. CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA SEED in any quantity The Nurseries, Tunbndge Wells, Kent. THE GOLDEN VARIEGATED WELLINGTOKIA.— This singularly beautiful Tree will, no floubfc, prove the greatest addition to our Collection of hardy Conifeiiu, in fiict to the present it stands alone as the only genuine variegated Treo of thiH interostiny group. Tho young shoots as they untold present points of the richest golden colour, and in many instances show entire bunch es, and these, contrasted with the lovely green shade of the Tree, form an object of rare beauty. The Variegation is constant, and appears to flow in a -separate channel, ns it shows not only in the pomts but in lines along the sides of the branches, and also in the stem. The Green Variety is admittedly the very finest and most noble looking of our Coniferaj,— it is of rapid growth, gigantic proportions, porlectly hardy, and is almost indifferent to soil or situation ; it Is, therefore, universally planted where ilne effect is desired. How interesting, then, to possess a plant with all these qualities, and, i addition, a rich golden certain points, bub univ joint of every branch. Received First-class CertiBcatea from the Royal Horticultural Society of England, the Royal Horticultural Sorietv of Ireland, the Manchester Grand National Exhibition, &c. For Testimonials, see 6110 I'mes, September 6, 18e0 ; tho ScuUuth Qardcncr, October, imti ; the Qardeneri Chronick, January, ISO? ; the Florial, February, 1867 ; the Irish Farmers' QaeelU, Novembor 2. 1807. Pa ICES. Last year's plants—lst size, very ohoica {a few), 14 to IC ina. ^5 S 0 This year's plants— 2d size, hue . . . . 0 to 12 Ins. 2 2 0 Sd sice, nice tittle bits 4 to Sins. 1 1 0 The plants are now plunged out-of-doors in their respective sizes, and orders will be executed in strict rotation. The parent tree, now 14 feet high, has been seen by numbers of th leading liorticulturiBts in Ireland, and by many from England and "lion formed by all who the Roval Horticultural Hoclety of Ireland, expressly to see it, says :— '* Apart from their extent and the variety and general excellence of the stock grown, the Lough Nurseries, Cork (Messrs. Hartland), have had increased attention directed to them, and t " ' lugbt iron circular palisading, some CO feet i ferenoe. and 12 or mora In height, with lock-up doorway. The object of its erection is soon apparent, for within its safe enclosure is seen the golden spray of the variegated Wellingtonla glittering in the sunbeam. There it stands, erect and secure, ' putchra prole parcnfem:' for without a circle of green turf that extends from the GLADIOLI ROOTS, Named kinds, 4s., 6s., 8s., 10s., and ISs. per do«en. ENGLISH GROWN SEEDLING GLADIOLI, These seedlin? OkidioU are strongly recommended ; being all seedling root», they can be warranted to flower itrongly, and will produce blooms poasesaing colour and qualitica perhaps entirely new. For maeees and borders much used last season, and gave great satisfaction. t>er dozen, 6s. ; per 100, 40s. Lheae i COMPLETE COLLECTIONS OF KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, FOE GARDENS OP VARIOUS SIZES, lOs. 6d., Sis., 42s., and 63s. each. For the convenience of Customers an Order Sheet is enclosed in each Cittalogue. Victoria and fARADisE nursery, upper UoLLOWAt, London, k. ■inga^of young plants of tho v.iriety, ready for distribution; every one of them true to the character of tho parent tree that rears its symmetrical cone In the midst of so valuable a progeny. Its height may now be some 14 or lb feet, but its lateral derolopmont is kept m cbeck by continual cutting for the purpose of propagfttion. "The demands on it fbr this purpose may ba inferred from tho fact that, besidea the number of plants already sent out, and the young stock within the parental enclosure, in another compartment ot the nursery c~— """" " '—* -v...-.^ .-. ... .n -.._ worlied t a show 3000 fine young plants grafted on young plants of the norma) type. have cost Rfessrs. Hartlnnd a large outlay fbr the supply We trust, however, as the value of this most desirable acquisition to the Finetum and oimimental grounds becomes generally k' appreciated as it deserves, tbey will muet a rich reirard, and bo supply of stocks. uply repaid for the expense and trouble tbey have gone t *' If ever the distinctive cnaractere of a variety seemed fixed, they are in this instance ; and the idea of its ever returning * original colour i * " ' ' " been ordered for Sandringham by his Royal Higli I understand, marked their approcliitlon ^ f Hay A Sfin |Li It haa Prince of doubtleRs', bo a leading^ornRnnsnt there, ai well as in many other of the noble parks ol Gn ownera have likewise, v It in the same way." Chromo-Uthographsof the parent t superior cards, 10 by 3 nul; -, vci , i m r in representing the glor,. ■ . - ■ free by post for 26 stamp-. i I may be allowed to ad.l ■ li ; during the last year pl:ui i ■( m ii ^ .' ■ i England, Ireland, and Scotland, Iranco, Ai land, Belgium, and Italy. Richard IIartlasd, The Loufih N but deficient ii-v<: have bOOti Me domains in I'rusila, Swltzer- THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, (FEBEtTAET 8, 1868. D WARF BEDDING DAHLIA S.— ALBA FLORIBUNDA NANA, 2 feet, strong ground roots, 8«, per dozen GOLDEN BEDDER, 2 feet, do., 9s. per dozen , Hill Nursery, Winchfleld, Htints.^ MAURICE YOUNG'S NEW CATALOGUE of NEW HARDY PLANTS, JAPANESE NOVELTIES, NEW AUCOBAS, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS. EVER- GREENS, CONIFER.E. RHODODENDRONS, FOREST TREES, Ac, may be hod on apptication. DESIGNS, PLANS, and ESTIMATES PREPARED for LAYING-OUT NEW GROUNDS, IMPROVING PARK SCENERY, PLANTATIONS, &c. Con%'enicnt railway accommodation to all parts of the country. MUford Nurseries, near Godalming, Surrey. . Choice RanunciUuses, Flower Seeds. &c. (^ TiSU, Florist, &c., Wallingford, Berks, offers J • nsportmenta from hia unrivalled Lyllection. RANUNCULUSES, 60 fine sorts, from £1 to £2. 25 splendid Seedlings, £1 58. Eitclien Garden Seeds, SEEDS OF FLOWERS, SHRUBS, And Omamontal Fruited and Foltaged Plants, BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS ROOTS AND PLANTS For Spring and Summer Planting. HOOPER AND CO.'S GENERAL CATALOGUE for 1868, comprising a very large and varied assortment of the above subjects, with descriptions and prices, is now publishing. It will be forwarded gratia to their customers, and to intending purchasers. Publishing price. Sixpence. Hooper & Co., Seed Merchants, Ac, Covent Garden, London, W,C. icription of above Stocks, by Mr, D. ThomB( "Joui-nal of Horticulture" of 7th i or, 1867. TnouAfi Mk.thven begs to intimate that he has secured the Seed of the above Purple and White Stocks, and will send it out in February, in prickets (containing a pncket of each colour) nt 2$. 6d. and hs. each. TRAPRAIN SCARLET STOCK can also be had, in packets, at Is. and 2s. 6rf. each. Ab>o LOBELIA SPECIOSA (true), in packets, at Is., Is. Cd. and 6s. each. 15, Princes Street, Edinburgh.— Feb. 1. DOUBLE ANEMONES, 25 fine . 6d. ANNUAL FLOWER SEEDS, 25 varieties, 5s. t®^ These articles can be sent by post. CATALOGUES gratis, or sent free for one stamp. A ROOT CABINET, with 16 Drawers, tobe SOLD,_verycheap. New and Choice Flower Seeds. (^ J. BARKblR is prepared to supply SEEDS of the Vy • following:— PELARGONIUM, YELLOW and TRICOLOR, 2s. C' large double purple corolla, with rosy lake shading ; of fine habit and free blooming, 10s. 6d, each. RAPPEE (Geo. Mmith).- Tube and sepals scarlet, the latter broad and well reflexed, corolla large purple, with sc^irlet shading one- third down ; free blooming; tine. 10s. Gd. each. STRIPED UNIQUE (Geo.. Smith),— Tube and sepals scariet crimson, well refiexed, corolla double purple, with scarlet stripe ; a beautiful and pleasing variety. lOs. Gd. each. WARRIOR (Geo. Smith).— Tube and uepals stout, the latter well refiexed, corolla large rosy purple, with vermilion uhade; extra fully represented by exaggerution of flower and foliage. The five new Fuchsias, In one James Andrews. Is. Od. each. NEW TROP^OLUM, COMPACTUM ELEOANTISSIMA (Geo. Smith), " [pactum New and Improved Fears. DE JONGHE otters for Sale, in strong and healthy specimens, on the Pear and on good Quince Stock, the following varieties of New Pear Sorts ■ — BE2I MAI. 3, 4, to 8 years, 2 to 10 Irancs each. CHARLI BASINER, 2. 3, and 4 years. 3 to 8 francs each. COLMAR DE JONGHE, 2, 3, and 4 years. 6 to 8 francs each. JOLY DE BONNKAU, 2, 3, and 6 years, 3 to 8 francs each. LA GROSSE FIGUE, 2, 3, and 4 years, 6 to 10 francs each. POIRE BASINER, one of the best Late Dessert Pears, 2, 3, 4, and 6 years, 5 to 10 irancs each. Printed Monographic Descriptions, with the outline figures of tha Fruits, can be had on application to Mr. ne JoscaE, St. Gilles Brussels. All Packages will be sent free to London. Orders received after the end of the month of February cannot be executed. Large Fruiting Peaches and Nectarines In Pots. TjIKaNCIS and ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS IJ have been Commissioned by a Gentleman to DISPOSE of 22 extra large PEACHES and NECTARINES, in pots, of the best leading kinds, well set with buds, that will yield a fine crop this iason. List of kinds and prices on application. Will be sold very loderately. " Upton" Nurseries, Chester. Clearance Sale. QUICK and ASH; many Thousand LAURELS and STANDARD To tbe Trade. DTLLISTONE and WOODTHORPE beg to offer the following, in fine well-grown stuff :— Teas, Bourbons, and Noisettes, TRAINED APPLES, very fine, : ROSES, on own roots, H.P.'s, 8,s. per dozen, 50s. per 100 SEEDLINGS, per 1000 :— Ash, 2-yr., 2s. Gd. ; Berberis aqulfolio, 1-yr., IPs, ; Cho&tnut (Horse), 1-yr., 10s. ; do., do., 2-yr., liis. ; Laurel (Common), 1-yr., fine, 1.5s.; do. (Portugal), 2-yr., 25s. ; Oak (English). 2 and 3-yr., 3s. Gd. ; do. (Turkey), 1-yr,, 10s.; do. (Evergreen), 2-yr., 10s. ; Pyracantha, 2-yr., 8s. per 100 QUICK, 1-yr., 2s. 6rf. per 1000 ; cheaper by 50,000 YEW (COMMON), 1-yr.. 6s. per 100 ASPARAGUS, strong, 2 and 3-yr., 12s. 6d. and 20s. per 1000 SEED POTATOS, Os. per bushel of oC lb. ; Early Shaw, Prince of Wales, King of Potatos, Ash-top Fluke (new), 12s. ; all true SEEDS.- Altringham Carrot, fine, and of excellent growth, 65s. per cwt. Drumhead Cabbage, 76s. per cwt., Is. per lb. ; Paignton, do.. Is. 6d. per lb. ; Early York do.. Is. Gd. per lb. ; do. do., small. Is. 6d. per lb. Laurence's New Pink Celery, the finest variety in cultivation, Is. Gd. per lb. Ridge Cucumber, of a very superior stock, growing from 12 to 16 inches, 10s. per lb. every way. Munro Nursery, Slble Hedlnghara. Essex. ICHARU SMITH'S FRUIT LIST containraT sketch i>f the various forms of Trees, with directions for Cultivation, Soil, Drainage, Manure, Pruning, Lifting, Cropping. Treatment under Glass ; also their synonymes, quality, size, lorra, skin, colour, flesh, flavour, use, growth, duration, season, pnce, «c. Free by post for three stamps. " " SifiTn, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. IFTY ACRES well stocked" with FRUIT TRFES select from. — APPLES. PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, F PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICof S, in eveiV lorm for fruiting. See Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, free by pobt for 3 stamps, , Nurseryman, Worcester. WALL-TRAINED TREES 3, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, I APRICOTS, fine strong trees of of full I Is. 6(/. each, handsome plate, executed by Mr. of the Co: npact habit ; a very free- . . _ very eS'ective for riband bedding purposes. 6s. eacQ, The above novelties, in good plants, to be sent out the last week In April. Early orders respectftilly solicited. ToUington Nursery, Hornsey Road, Islington, London, N. PEACHES, NECTARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and CHERRIES. Extra strong VINES and FIGS in fruiting condition for forcing. MAGNIFICENT DWARF -TRAIN Kit FKUlT TREES, by the dozen, hundred, or thousand. APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS. Wm. Wood k Son have many Acres of the above named, which for health and vigour are quite unsurpassed in the Trade. Tho Trees have been most carefully trained, and are really examples of successful cultivation. '^Address, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfield, near Uckfield, Susses^ Twenty Thousand Standard Fruit Trees. THOMAS WARNER haviog still the above, consisting chiefly of APPLES, APRICOTS, PEARS, and PLUMS (also a fine lot of Dwarf-trained CHERRIES), would respectfully remind Planters and the Trade that his CATALOGUES, wtiich con- tain lists of kinds and prices, wholesale and retail, may be had free The Nurseries, Leicester Abbey. Ten Thousand Standard Elms. THOMAS Warner invites especial attention to these, being of unsurpassed quality, and off'ered at most reason- able prices for the present seasou. See CATALOGUES, wholesale or retail. Tne Nurseries, Leicester Abbey. Hundreds of Thousands of Evergreens. THOMAS WARNER has of some EVERGREENS (owing to a favourable soil and climate) one of the finest stocks in the Trade. Particularly may be mentioned American and Siberian ARBOR-VIT^, AUCUBA JAPONICA. TREE BOX ; CEDRUS ARGENTEA, transplanted autumn. 1807; HEM- LOCK SPRUCE FIR, SAVIN, and_YEWS,which^ for ^uaUty and prices' " ... - - . - - .. .- SPECIAL OFFER of SURPLUS STOCK.- O ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA, 10 to 12ft.. G3s. to lor.s. each. CUPRESSUS LAWSONLANA, 4 6 too It., „ *7 iu THUJOPSIS BOREALIS, li to 2 ft., fine, £6 per 100. „ „ 2i to 3ift., fine, £7 10 per lOO. Apply to H. Lane & SuN, Nurseries, Great Berkharapatead, Herts. Februaist 8, 18C8.1 THE GAEDENEES'- CHRONICLE AND AOT^ICTILTURAL GAZETTE, PROFITABLE GA5[R COVERT.— Plant your Game Preserves with tho BITl'KR WILLOW. NolUior Hares nor Rabbits will destroy thorn. Grow niUckly. and will form a good Cover in ono souson. Tho produce is commercially profltablo, and always finds a rendy murkct Trice of Cuttings, selected, '2(ln. per 1000, cash. Aj-ply to Wm S.Ai.rvo. l[.i.sford. Notts. Clearance of Nursery Stoclc. QCOTCn FIJI, II t,> 1;-) ins., Ws. ; I to 2 feet. 12s. 6d. ; O .SPRUCE, (1 to li inchos, 7s. C>d. ; I to IJ ft., 10s. ; 1 to 2 ft., 14,«. ; SILVKR Fin, G to 12 Inches. 10». ; OAK. 0 to IS Inches, 7s. M.; 11 to 2i feet, I2s. ed. ; and BEKCU, 1 to 2 teet, 8s. per 1000. Reduced PRICE LIST of other TREES on anpllcition t J. Rii ,L, Steward, Park Attwood, Bewdley, Worcestershir Clearance of Nursery Stock, QEEDLINGS:— ASH, 2-vi-., Is. Sri. ; BEECH, .3-vr., '~ 3s. lirf. 1 OAK, 3.yr., 7.!. M. ;' QUICK, 1-yr.. Is. M. ; SILVER FIR. 6.vr., 28. Urf. ; SPRUCE, 6-yr., 3». ; CRAB, 3-yr., ia. 6d. ; and SYCAMORE, 3-vr., 3.<. 6d. per 1000. Reduced PRICE LI.ST of other TREES on application to J. RiDDELL, steward. Park Attwood, Bewdley, Worcestershire. SurpluTStbcK. TO BE SOLD, Cheap, LOMBARDY and other POPLARS : BEECH. BIRCH, and LARCH FIRS, from fi to 20 feet ; Double FURZE, In pots ; stronK well-rooted QUICK ; VINES, planting and fruiting canes ; SEAKALE and ASPARAGUS for forcing and planting. B. Mi ,, Tho Nurseries, Lewishan w It Ash Lane, Loo. Large Evergreens, Specimen Conifers, &c. ATERER AND GODFREY be^ to submit the following List to the notice of intending planters :— TEWS. ENGLISH, 6. 6, 7, 8, 10, 12. and 15 feet high „ IRISH, 0, 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ OOLDEN, 6, 0. to 9 feet „ STANDARD GOLIiEN, 20 years worked .. ELEGANTISSIMA, 10 and lo years old DOV ASTON or WEEPING, fine heads, lOandlSyearsold fthe HOLLIES, COMMON GREEN, 0, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 15 foot high, and „ WATERER'S. the hardiest of all variegated UoUies, i and 5 feet by 10 and 12 feet in circumference „ THE QUEEN, or best gold striped, the handsomest of all variegated Hollies We have hundreds of these beautiful plants, 4, 6, and 7 feet high and wide „ STANDARD, WATERER'S, and GOLDEN, with fine heads, 15 and 20 years worked Ui^ We have some thousands of the ordinary kinds of Variegated Hollies. 4, 5, 6, and 7 feet high. Every plant has been removed within 12 months. CEDRUS DEODARA. some thousands. 6. 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ ATLANTICA, and Cedars of Lebanon, moved in April, EXTRA LARGE ELMS, for Ornamental Planting.— Fine ENGLISH and HUNTINGDON ELMS, 8 to 10 feet. "."iU'^''"''" ""'' handsome. Fine Specimen Standard SCARLET HORSE CHESTNUTS, r, to 10 feet, f.ir Avenues W.1. Woon & SoK. Woodlands. Maresll.-ld. Ucklield. Sussex. Exotic Nursery, Canterbury. MR. MASTERS lias a hiiKe stock of EVERGRERN and FLOWERING SlIRUUS. Includmg RHOUODENDRONS and MAHONIAS, lor wood planting ; CONIFERS In i;reat variety. ELM TREES, HORSE bedded LARCH; ALDERS, BEECH, BIRCH, from 6 to 8 feet klgh ; APPLE TREESi ''UiYL^?^.^^' ^^yi^L!!""**'^^ ot" thousand, and of the best sorts ; ^....^.x..., . . 8 well as a general collection 1 be sold at very moderate STANDARD APPLES, f. ofall other FRUIT TREES. _ prices. February 3, 18r,8.— The usual solecti GARDEN and FLOWER SEEDS a fthe host KITCHEN For Avenues ana Parks. TWO THOUSAND AlilES DnUGLASII, 8 to 10 feet high, siipero specimens, in perfect order f.>r transplanting. 84.s. per d(jzen. £3(1 per 100. The Flag-stalT (nearly 300 feet high) at the Exhibition of 1862 was of this noble and beautiful Fir. the timber of which is superior to the best Rod Deal. Fine speci- mens in great numbers ofWELLING- TONIAS, PICEA NOBILIS. and (which n very low) on application to .Seed Merchant. Worcester. For Lawn and Cover Planting. BERBERIS DARWINU.— Too much cannot be said of this fine Evergreen species. It is hai-dy, and tho proftision of its orange-coloured blossoms, together with the quantity of berries which it bears (of which Pheasants ai-e very fond), render it one of the most attractive and desirable Plants for Lawn as well as Cover Planting ever introduced. TWO-TEAR SEEDLINGS, per 100, 30s. Din. to 12 In., per 100. 10«. I IS in. to 2 ft., per 100, 35!. 12 In. to 18 in., pernio, 18.«. 1 2 ft. to 21 ft , per doz., 9s. COTONEASPEK SIMMONDSIL— This Is a beautiful hardy Ever- green Shrub, with glossy dark green leaves, and bearing a large miantity of scarlet berries, which ripen later than the Berberis Darwinll, and will hang all winter. 12 In. to 18 in., per 100, 16s. I 2 ft. to 3 ft. per 100, 30s. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES post free on application Wii tSoN, Elvaston Nu RED VIRGINIANS, 5, G. and 7 feet 8 feet high ; some magniflcent phants, 10, 12, and 15 feet high, 12 to 20 i^eet in circumference THUJA AURKA, 3,4,and6feet high, 7to 20roet in circumference A MBROISE VERSCHAFFELT, NuESEiiYM.iN, Ghent, rV Belgium, begs to offer, carriage free :— TROr.-EOLUM AZUREUM (the True Blue|. fine bulbs, p. doz., £1 Is. TRICOLORUM, fine bulbs, per dozen, 10s. 6d. t^-" The NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE, No. 81, and a Spoi , 10. I , l.s feet high, and n nfere 2 feet 1 THUJOPSIS BOREALIS, 4, 5, 8, and 10 loct lligh, 7 circumference — hundreds PORTUGAL LAUREL, 4 and 5 feet high, 7 and S feet round BOX, Green nnd Variegated, 4, G. 6. 7. and 8 feet — thousands riCEA NOBILIS. splendid plants, moved m si>nng. 4. 6, 0, and 8 feet „ NORDMANNIANA. 4. 5. G, 8, 10, and 15 feet high [high None of our Nobilis or Noriliinnnian>s are grafted pl.ants. „ MAGNIFICA or NOBILIS RUBUSTA, tho ftneststock in the tr.ade, all seedlings. 2 to 4 feet high ,. LASIOCARPA. hundreds of pl.ants, 4, 6, 6, and 7 feet high, all ABIES DOUGLASSII, 6. 0, 7. and 8 feet [seedlings „ ORIENTALIS, 4, 6, C. 7, to 10 and 12 teet ; 7 to 20 feet in cjr- cumferoBco ; most beautiful plants PINUS CEMBRA, 6, 7, to 9 feet WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA, a large number, all removed recentiv, 4. 5, B, A in ft. high. & 12 a>.d 15 ft. in circumference RnODODENDBONS. — We have 40 acres of land in one piece filled almost exclusively with Rhododendrons. A more healthy and beautilul stock cannot be desired. STANDARD RHODODENDRONS.— Some of the finest plants to be found in any nursery, nianv are 20 to 40 years old C^ The laige Standard and other Rhododendrons planted last spring in Rotten .Row, Hyde Park, were supplied by WATERta & GoDFREr. We do not quote prices, plants will adopt tho much . , . course, of seeing and judging for themselves. We solicit an inspection and invite comparison with any other similar nursery stock in the kingdom. The Knap Hill Nursery is upwards of 150 acres In extent, and con- tains .an enormous and very superior stock of the ordinary sized EVERGREENS, DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, S JOSEPH BAUMANN, Nurseryman, Ghent, Belgium, begs to offer inn CA^IELLIAS. all the best sorts, without flower.huds. £4 to £G. 100 AZALEA INDICA, fine bushy plants with flowei-buds, £16 to £25. 100 AZALEA I NDICA STOCKS, do. do. 15s. 100 HARDY RHODODENDRONS, with flower-buds. £8 to £12. 100 DAPHNE STOCKS. £1, | 100 GLYCINE SIN EN.SIS, £3. 1011 LATOSIA BORBONICA. £3 to £6. 100 LILIUM LANOIFOLIUM ALBUM, £1 10s. 100 „ .. RUBRUM, £1 10s. 1110 THUJA AUREA. £4 to £8. - "OCEP GLOI .SOUVENIR DE GANn (Ch. Goethal.sl. £1 Riclimoiid and Mortlake Nurseries, S.W. GAND W. STKELK beg leave to call the attention • of the Nobility, Gentry, and tho Trade, to their very VALUABLE and EXTENSIVE STOCK, consisting of a few Lnrgo ARBOR.VIT.E, suitable for obscuring anv place, 14 ft. high ; WELLTNOTONIAS. 6 ft.-, THUJA AUREA. 5ft., 4 ft. through : CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, 0 to 7 ft. ; THUJA GIGANTEA, 6ft.; CUPRESSUSCHINENSIS. 7 toSft. : RHODODENDRONS, large and bushy, well set with flowers, 6ft.; PINUS EXCELSA, 7 to 8 ft. ; AUCUBAS, 2 It. ; BOX, 0 It. ; COMMON LAURELS. 611. ; HOLLIES, from seedlings to 3 ft. Can be supplied in any quantities. Dwarf.trained FRUIT TREES, and large bearing all been moved this H A rRiCED and DESUKIPI'IVE CATALOGUE will bo torwarded | i readily readied by Train, 40 minutes from Waterloo AND R. STIRZAKER offer, of good quality and ► well rooted, at tbe following ijuotntions :— t ASH. U to 2 feet, 12s. Gd. ; 2 to 3 Icet, Us. 6(^ per IfWO lOOioOO BIRCH, U to 2 fee ^ - - 160,000 ELM. WYCH. U t 100,000 HAZEL. 2 to 3 feet. ISs. ; 3 to 3i feet, 25.i. per 1000 Kto.OOO SCOTCH FIR. 1 t') U feet, 16s. ; 2 to 2\ feet. 3.m. per 1000 300.000 SPRUCE FIR, 1 to IJ feet, lOn. 6rt. ; H to 2 feet, 15s. per 1000 200,000 SYCAMORE. 1* to 2 feet, 12s, fyd. ; 2to2i leet, Us. per 1000 30,000 POPLAR. BLACK ITALIAN.2 to3ft,,18s.;2Uo4ft.,26s.p.l000 >t, 16s. ; 3 to 31 feet, 20a. p. 100 Ulhnns of ALDER. BKECH. I CHESTNUTS (HORSE), LARCH, LIMES, OAKS, AUSTRIAN PINE. POPLAR (of sorts), PLATANUS, PRIVET, SILVER FIR, I ENOLISH YEWS, BERBERIS AQUIFOLLV.&C. Pnces of these on ! application. Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. ECLIPSE BROCCOLI. DAVIDSON'S ECLIPSE BROCCOLI, Which is now offered for the first time, is a superb dwarf-growing late sort, recommended for its extreme hardiness. The heads, which are of a creamy white colour, are very large and firm, and most delicious in flavour. In P. L. & Son's Sealed Packets, Is. 6d. each. Special offer to the Trade on application. 1^ A SrECIAl, LIST of NOVELTIES can also be had. PETER LAWSON and SON, EDINBURGH ; and 20, BUDGE ROW, CANNON STREET, LONDON. E.G. LAWES' MANURE FOR GRASS LAND Should be applied during the month of February, as often Manures are applied too late to give satisfaction in the result. Two to three cwt. of LAWES' CONCENTlLiTED GRASS MANURE per acre is sufficient for Mowing Grass ; if for Feeding Grass, 2 to 3 cwt. of the ordinary Grass Manure ; and for Com 2 to 3 cwt. per aero to be harrowed into the land before seed is sown. NITRATE OF SODA Is the best Manure for Top-dressing Com, and it can be used for Grass. Care should be taken in the purchase of Nitrate, as it varies much in quality. It can be supplied from my stock, at docks, from London, Liverpool, and other Ports. > i ■ Address, .JOHN BENNET LAWES, 1, ADELAIDE PLACE, LONDON BRIDGE, E.G. ; 22, EDEN QUAY, DUBLIN; and MARKET SQUARE, SHREWSBURY. R ICHAKI) SMITH'S LIST of all the EVEUGKEEN FIR TRIBE, siiitJiblo for IJritatn, giving size, prlco. populnr lotiinical munch, derivations. duHerlplion, forni, colour, foliage, I and Seed Morcliaut, Worocetor. \i I;KLS WANTKD.— Five Thousand jno.l hc.iltliy plants delivered froo to Kn-'lon ■ ;. statUiK i)rlro, to Mr. E. Hakt, 120, Jormvn ' '■" t pledge liimHelf to accept tho iny Tender be entertained, a W To Nurserymen and the Trade! E arc now prepared to ti.kc up uidcrs for True TYRULESE LARCH SEElj BLACK AUSTRIAN PINE, SCOTCfl FIR, ^d SILVKR FIK Sn.niploi and prices of which will ho forwarded on application. FBtDKRicK FiNR & Co., Hop and Seed ExcbaiiRe, Borough, S.E. THREE MILLION stron;; 4->t. transplanted QUICK^ 1,000,000 good 2-Tr. transplanted QUICK. .. — — iJnnHUn,, nrTTnt*- 100,000 good Strong LARCH, 2 to 4 feet. For sampler and prices apply to rMsn-v, Tlv''i ]''!.-i'is, Molboume, near Derby, I ) I : I M 1 1 < . I : \ XD"good bush^LAURELS", I I 3-yr. SEEULIN'G ASH ; a few O^ tlioasindBOfCAi; I t i CANESandFllUU I TREKS ofall descnpti Ipuly 1 Nunseryman, Stanhope Nursery, Westerham Hill. K SPECIAL OF FE li 1-yr. SEEDLING PINT" I the TRADE.— V'Tv flno. I I ILIUM. Tory Ono. Extra etrong PYR.V Surplus Stock of Forest Trees, &c. fPRAKClS ,iND ARTHUR DICKSON axd SONS, WYCH ELM, 4to5feet „ HAZEL, 3 to 4 feet ENGLISH OAK. 4 to 6 feet HUNTINGDON WILLOW. 5 to 6 feet „ BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM, 12 to ISmchos, bushy BLACKTHORN. 3 to 4 foot These are all extra stron.t;, woU-grown plants, aad aro growing upon high exposed land. " Upton" Nu^^;o^ies, Chester. To Nurserymen or Gentlemen Planting. OR SM.I'. ;i I'lTOTCIC .SM.\LL LOT .r VorxG F^ to wind up affairs and f Tho opportunity is worthy of jSti-, addrosjtid Mr. JIaudit, Nortb:i Chaa. Mi'NRo. I.s, To tlie Trade and Large Buyers. EDAVARD TAYLOR. Nursf.kym »n, Malton, Torlishire, holding large STOCKS of tho articles named below, will bo glad to make special quotations for fclieni on application. Dwarf-tiainel MOORP.\RK APRICOTS ; Standard trained ditto ; Dwarf-trained MORELLO CHERRIES : Dwarf-trained PEACHES extra floe; Tr.ansclanted GREEN HOLLIES. 1 to 11 feet and 11 to 2 f«t; LABURNDMS,4to6feetand0to71oct: LILACS, 3 to 4 feet ; ENGLISH YRWS, 11 to 2 feet and 2 to 2| feet ; ELMS, 3 to4rcetanH 4 to 6 feet; .SYC.IMORES, 3 to 4 feet ; SIBERIAN ARBOR-VIT,-E and AMERICAN ditto, 2 to 3. 3 to 4. and 4 to 6 feet, all well lur- ; GIANT ASPARAGUS roots. 2 and 3 ye.ai-5. r choice GLADIOLI, extm - t ; LILIUM AURATCM, good roots; ROSSI AN SHALLOTS ; 100 yarieties Lanoaiihira Prize GOOSEBERRIES; strong RED and BLACKCURRANTS 4c. b; SWEET-BRIAR. ; N EW .111(1 RARE TREES and SHRUBS- ULMCS AUREA ROSSEELSt.-Thls elegant and gorgeous tree is ono of the richest lawn gems that this age of novelties has produced. Tbe foliage is of the richest BRONZED GOLD, which IS increased in biilliancy by tho fullest exposure to tho sun. slegant Cornus mascula variegata. Price, strong each ; Half Srandard-i, 10; " " ROSE COMTESSE DE JADCOURT.— This ROSE, TEA, MARECHAL NIEL.— The largest and most brilliant of all the yellow Roses. Price, Dwarfs, 2i Gd, : Standards o« LIL.\C, VILLE DE TROYES (Bilt.'t n.— . Tro.,.. ,..■: ,_a splendid new Lllae, now offered I": t f i; r ■ n ■ ],. iiit-^e-, are very largo, and of the deep- - ] ■ , . i , fme effect. Vigoroii_s and very flowe Price 5s, to 7s. Oil. etch. Sole Agents in England for the two last-named novelties, JoiiM nnd Charles Lkk, Royal Vineyard Nnrseiy and Seed Establishment, Hammersmith, London, W. To Planters. WOOD AND INGRAM be;; to offer the following :— ACACIA, COMMON, 10 to 12 feet, iax. per 100 ALDER, COMMON. 3 to 6 feet, 25.,i. ; 6 to 8 feet, 40s. per loO CHESTNUT, HORSE, 7 to 8 feet, iis., 8 to 10 feet, extra stout, 50s. per 100 ELM, NARROW-LEAVED ENGLISH, 4 to 5 feet, 40». per lOllO „ HUNTINGDON and HERTS, 6 to 8 feet, 36s. ; 12 to 14 loet, very flae for avenue planting, 100s. per 100 FIR, SPRUCE, 14 to 2 feet, 2is., 2 to 3 feet, 35s. per 1000 WHITE and BLACK AMERICAN. 3 to 4feet, 20».; 4 to 5 feet, 25.*. ; 6 to G feet, 30s. per 100 ; MAPLE, ENGLISH, 2-yr. Seedling, extra fino, 6s. ; 2 to 3 feet, 25s. per 1000 POPLAR, BLACK ITALIAN, 10 to 12 feet, 1,5». per 100 OAK, TURKEY, 2-vr. Seodling, One. 7s. per lOilO POPLAR, ONTARIO or AMERICAN, 6 to 0fect,8«.; 0 to 8 feet. 10s. per 100 ; U ti' 14 iVi t, .i. ; 1 1 to 10 feet, 15s. per dozen ARBOR-VIT/E. A5I Kl; li AN. :i 1., i feet, 40». per 100 „ .-SIHEKIAN. - in L't feet, 60S. ; 2| to 3 feet, very e specimens, 5 to (! foec, 3ft». ; CEDAR. RED VlKi.lM \\. • 4 feet, 15s. ; 4to6ft.,2I». per doz. CUPRESSUS LAlV.^uM A.N A. splendid specimens, 4 to 5 fee;, 30>. ; o to 6 feet, 6US. per dozen MACROCARPA, 4 to 5 feet. 15». ; 5 to 6 ft., ISs. per doz. LAUREL. PORTUGAL. 1 J to 2 teet. 20s. : 2 to 3 feet. Jos. perlOO JUNIPERS, ENGLISH. 4 to 6 feet. line. HHW. rev 100 MAHONIA IBERBERI3) AQUIFOLIA. 2 to 2( feet, 15s. per 100 YEW, COMMON, 1 to It feet, 25«.; IJ to 2 feet, 35«. ; 2 to 2| foot, 4i«. per 100. The Nurseriee. Huntingdon. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Febkuaet 8, 1868. NEW PLANTS. ALLAMANDA NOBILIS. This is undoubtefUv one of the finest known species of ccrbiinlv one of the most ornamental 5:enera of these ■ limbine plants It has the trailing habit common to most of the srecies in fultivaHon, and bears large cUiptiu oblon- acuminate leaves, which are soft to the touch, from being covered mUi short haurs ; the flowers are quite eouaUn size to those of A. Schotti, being fully 4 inches in diameter, and of a purer full bright yellow, rather dwper in the throat, but without any stain or marking, and downy on the outer surface. They are much superior in form to those of any other species, having the segments broader and more imbricated, so that the Imib acquires a full circular outline-more so thm in A. grandiflora, which is rendered the more evident from its standing well forward, and not falling back as so commonly happens in A. Schotti. The plant has been introduced from the iUo Branoo, in Brazil, and will he a grand acquisition for exhibition purposes. ExtrnH from the "Gardeners' Chronicle," Jammri/ 11, 1868, page 25. " Then comes the new Allamanda nobllis, which we hope shortl^y to describe in detail ; but of which we may hae state that the blooms, while equal in size to the largest of those yet known, other species in cultivation." i superior, in regard to symmetry and perfeotni Price 1^ Guineas each. s of form, to those of any DALKCHAMPIA KfKZUANA ROSEA, 426. AGAVE SEEMANNl, 21s. AUCHBA JAP. MAS. MARMORATA, 213. ENCEPHALARTOS GRACILIS, 42s. VITIS JAPONIC A. 10s. 6li. COPROSMA BAUERIANA VARIEGATA, 31s. Crf. DXCHORISANDRA UNDATA, 21j. GAULTHERIA PUNCTATA, 10s. tkl. MARANTA LEGRELLIANA, 429. PHILODKNDROM LINDENIANUM, 10s. 6d. TACSONIA BHCHANANI, Ills. 6(i. RHODODENDRON THIBAUDIBKSE, lOs. Od. WILLIAM BULL'S ESTABLISHMENT for NEW and RARE PLANTS, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.W. NOTICE OF KEMOVAL. WAITE, BUBNELL, HUGGINS, & CO., SEED MERCHANTS, 181, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C, HAVE NOW REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES IN SOUTHWARK STREET, S.E, WHERE IN FUTURE ALL. COMMUNICATIONS ARE TO BE ADDRESSED. E. G. HENDERSON & SON'S CATALOGUE OF SEEDS, ETC. iitains full Descriptive Notes of the best and most desirable Novelties in Flowers for 1SG8, as adapted for Conservatory, Hothouse, and Flower Garden Decoration. THE FOLLOWING. AMONGST NnMERODS OTHERS, ARE WORTHY OF SPECIAL NOTICE :- BALSAMS, NEW DWARF.-Eeautiful ; Rose-flowered ; Carnation striped ; Tricolor, Carnation-striped ; Solferina-coloured ; New Crimson, &e. .„ . ^ i. , , . GOLDEN FEATHER PYRETHRnM.-Tbis beautiful plant, so ■iuch admired at the Battarsea Park Gardens reproduces itself uniformly true from seed. It is the ■-•* -"^— leaved plant for marginal belts or rich tint longer than any other. MIHULUS HTBRIDUS, fl--Pl- - ^.,'=5; ,?"'?''r?""*X°"!8,ll°» double-flowered wieties - perfectly distinct from Ml Bulls seotlon — with Kose-llke outline and petals, and m brilliant colours. These are unique, and one of the greatest novelties yet produced. , .^ . .. , MYOSOTIS SY'LVATICA.— The true Clicfden variety, beautiful blue, for early spring groups and lines MYOSOTIS AZORICA CCELESTINA.— A charming variety of the Azorian Forget-me-Not. A dwarf bush-hlie plant, with a pro- fusion of rich sky-blue flowers in the second so.ason. POTENTILLA, NEW DOUBLE-FLOWERED HYBRIDS. — Seed produced from a very fine group of named double-flowered ' [ ; blooms 1 to 2 inches in width, including rich orange-tinted scarlet, golden yellow, and other fine uioltled flowered kinds. These rank amongst the most umtjue :uid beautiful of hardy perennial herbaceous plants. ZEA CUZKO (NEW GIANT INDIAN CORN! and ZEA CORAGUA ELATA. — These new varieties are perhaps the «,..™u «... .......t eflfectlv culture attaining from 9 to judiciously grouped, impart extensive garden-decoratlou. l-libo plants yet offered— by good CATALOGUES forwarded Post Free on application. E G. HENDERSON and SON, WELLINGTON NURSERY, ST. JOHN'S WOOD, N.W. PAUL'S NURSERIES, WALTHAM CROSS, LONDON, N. WILLIAM PAUL OFFER THE FOLLOWING CHOICE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS. No 1 The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Large Garden, One Yeai-'s Supply, £3 3j, No 2 The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Smaller Garden, One Year's Supply, £2 2s. No. a. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Small Gai'den, One Tear's Supply, £1 U SMALLER COLLECTIONS, 15s., 10s. 6d. COTTAGEE'S COLLECTIONS, for distribution, of the most serviceable seeds, 5s. PAUL'S SUPERB CRIMSON BEET, per ounce, is. WALTHAM BRUSSELS SPROUTS, per packet, 1.!. WALTHAM MARKET CABBAGE, per packet, 1». HILL'S DWARF CAULIFLOWER, very superior, per [Mckot, SUPERB DWARF HERTFORDSHIRE CAULIFLOWER, per packet. Is. PAUL'S IMPROVED TELEGRAPH CUCUMBER, perpaotst, 2s. HILL'S BROWN COS LETTUCE, per packet. Is. ed. BROCKET! HALL COS LETTUCE, p« packet. Is. PRIMULA SINENSIS FLOWER SEEDS. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWEE SEEDS for Largo Gardens, £2 2s. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWEE SEEDS for Smaller Garden, £1 Is. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWEE SEEDS for Small Garden, 10s. 6d. ' COLLECTIONS of GERMAN SEEDS, In sealed packets as imported, from the most reliable sources. I STOCKS 1 BALSAMS | LARKSPURS 1 ZINNIAS, S:c. CHOICE GREENHOUSE and FLORIST FLOWERS, Most Select Strains. CINERARIA I CALCEOLARIA I PHLOX | PANSY [ HOLLYHOCK, For full particulare, see SEED CATALOGUE, just published, free by post on application. 1^ All Seeds Carriage Free, excepting very Small Parcels. "Imitation the sinoerest form of flattery." BARE & SUGDBN, SEEDSMEN ELECT , sedulouslyavoidlng of a MUDCDElUSaQ. The following is the Prize Medal of tho Paris Exhibition, of 1867) but 7wt the " only " one. HOME-GKOWN -SEEDS, pure anti genuine, so far as it is desirable to have suQh. Others there are, however, whioh require the sunoy clime of ItJtly for Iheii maturition, and these are specially saved for us. No. 1. COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for 1 year's ». (?. supply 12 6 No. 2. COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS do. . . l.> 6 No. 3. COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS do. .. 21 0 No. 4. COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS do. . . 31 6 No. 6. COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS do. .. 4'3 0 No. 6. COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS do. . . 63 0 The following: is the Prize Medal of the International Exhibition of 1862, but not the *' only " one. COLLECTIONS OF FLOWER SEEDS. HARDY ANNUALS, made up in assortments, 2«. 6d., 3s. M., as. 6d , 10s. fid., 21s., aod upwards. HALF-HARDY ANNUALS, do. do., 3s. W., 48. 64., 7a. fid., 10s.. 15s., 30s., and upwanla, HARDY PERENNIALS, do. do., 3s, Gd., 6s. ed., IS«., and 30s. HALF-HAKDY PERENNIALS, do.do.,4s.6d.,78.f)U,and^rpward3. ANNUALS, for Rockwork, do. do., 3s. 6d., 7s. 6d., and upwards. PERENNIALS, for Rockwork, do. do., 38. 6d., 7s. 6d., and upwards, SWEET-SCENTED ANN UALS, do. do., 2s. 6d.. 3h. Od., and upwards. ANNUALS, for Winter Bouquets aad CUurch Decoration, do. do., 28. 6d , and upwards. SUBTROPICAL PLANTS, do. do., 5s. 6d., 7s. 6d., 12s. 6cl., 21s., and upwards. ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS,do. do.,2s.6£i.,3s. 6d..&». 6d., 7s. 6d., IOj*. Gd., and upwards. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, do. do., 2«. 6d., 5s. 6d., 7s. 6tl., 12s. 6d., and upwards. ,. GOURDS, do. do., 3«. 6rf., Ss. 6d., 10s. M., 308., and upwards. ■ ...•..'" .- -- as. 6((.. , 5s. W., The following is the Prize Medal of the Paris Exhibition of 1855, but 7iot the " only " one. Imported DOUBLE TEN-WEEK STOCKS, 2s., 2s. it-f,, 3s. 6d.. and 5,*. GL4^ FLOWER GARDEN VV^^IV-^ GARDEN (Free by EaU:i V (Free by Post) SEE SUTTONS' PRICED CATALOGUE, Gratis and Post Ftco on applicntion. SUTTON AND SONS, ROYAL BERKS PEED KSTABLrStTMEVT, READIXG. CARTER'S GENUINE SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PRIZE MEDAL GARDEN SEEDS, et.^^^ENCE oj? Q^ i'AElS, 1SG7 James Carter & Co.'s COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, made up to suit tlie requirements i.f large, medium, small, and very small families. Price 63s., 42s., 21s., and 12s. 6d., Box and packing included : forwarded, WITHOUT DELAY, on receipt of Post Office Oi-der. 237 & 238, Hish Holhorn, London, W-C. ^cEt-LENCE op ^ LONDON, 1S62. Carter's Seed Collection No. 2, price 21s., containing the undermentioned New and Genuine Garden Seeds, and including box and packing : — Beat FRENCH. 1 pit. SCARLET RUNNERS, 1 pint BEET, ST, OSYTU, large pacliet BORECOLE, or KAIL, COT. TAGERS'. laree paclcet KAIL, NEW, A.SPARAGCIS,do. DWARF SCOTCH, do. BRUSSELS SPRODTS. best. do. BROCCOLI, CARTER'S CHAM- PION, do. SNOWS WINTER, do. ADAMS' EARLY WHITE.do. PURPLE SPROUTING, do. CABBAGE, CARTER'S EARLY, do. ENFIELD MARKET, do. DWARF NONPAREIL, do. TOM THUMB, do. SAVOY, be-t Curled, do. CARROT, EARLY HORN. 1 oz JAMES'S GREEN-TOP, 1 oz. .Selected SCARLET, 1 oz. CAULIFLOWER, CARTER'S DWARF MAMMOTH, IrR.pkt. CELERY, INCOMPARABLE DWARF WHITE, large okt. MANCHESTER GIANT RED large packet CRESS, PLAIN, 4 oz. AUSTRALIAN, 1 oz. C U C IT M B E R, CARTER'S CHAMPION, packet ENDIVE, FronoU Curled, large packet LEEK, AYTON CASTLE, do. DRUMHEAD, do. VICTORIA, do. MUSTARD, WHITE, 4 oz. MELON, CARTER'S EXCEL- SIOR, packet ONION, GIANT MADEIRA, large packet BEADING, large packet PARSLEY, DUNNETT'S GAR- NISHING, large packet PARSNIP, STUDENT, 1 ounce PEAS. CARTER'S EARLY, I qt. ADVANCER, new, 1 pint BISHOP'S LONG-POD, 1 pint PRIZETAKER, 1 pint CARTER'S VICTORIA. 1 pint VEITCH'S PERFECTION, RADISH, WOOD'S FRAME, POT HERBS, 4 packets Jttfit p}fblished^ CARTER'S GARDENER'S AND FARMER'S VADE MECUM FOR 1868, Parts I. and II., Illustrated, Containing complete Lists of New and Choice Flo-n-er and Vegetable Seeds, Plants and Bulbs for Spring Plant- ing, to whieli is added Original and Instructive Articles on " A new and beautiful way of Arranging and Growing Annu.il Plants," *' Hardy Herbaceous and Alpine Plants from Seed," '' Fine-leaved and Sub-Tropical Plants from Seed," "Decorative Annuals," .and "On Laying Down Land to Permanent Pasture ; " besides which will bo found a large amount of Popular, Descriptive, and Scientific Information. Forwarded post free for 12 stamps j Gratis to Customers. 237 & 23S, High Holhorn, London, 'W.C. Just published, price Is.; post free, 13 Stamps, CARTER'S PRACTICAL GARDENER, lUiisti-ated, 126 pages, crown. A Handybook on every- day matters connected with Garden Routine. Opinions of the Press. TJu- Gardeners' Chronicle.— "The various articles have been written by some of the highest authorities amongst working gardeners, and they bear throughout a pmcttcal and useftil character." The Field.— "This is another shilling book, chielly composed of Calendar of Operations, and that Calendar is good." Cnnntry Life. — All our gardening readers would do wbU to make a present to themselves of 'Carter's Practical Gardener.'" Fun.~ " Mcs.irs. Cahter send a 'Practical Gardener." which deserves to be poyiiiar, for it gives inforniatmn on all points— from the orchard 3 to the humble window garden ; and al I fnr the small a \ur JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 & 238, Hifh Holbom, Loudon, W.C. ; and at H. SMITH AND SONS' RAILWAY BOOK STALLS OBSONH' CELEBRATED PRIZE SEEDS have an immonso Sale, and are supplied by all Seedsmen. Ac. OltSONS'CKLEBKATKD PUiZE CALCKOLAKIA. The flnast s OBSUINS' has taken < OBSONS' Second t \OBSONS' ' in tho CKLKBRATKl) 1 First Prizes In (J yOH UliLKBRA'lEU J nono in the Trade. t. fl(/.. and hs. PiuzTTlnNERAiliA ™. 1"., UK. Ori., and fts. prIze" primula. l.t., '1.1. fl(i., and 65. D D D D D D OBSONS' CKLKBUATED are hometliin;,' magnificent. D OBSONS- SCARLET" INTERMEDIATE STOCK are reniarkable for their doublcneas. Od. and In. DTiBSONS' EXIKA CHOICE SWEET WILLIAM arc most varied and tine. iUl. and Is. OBSON ANi) SUNST^ Woodlands NurBerjs Mcworth, pply tho aljDve in sealed packets, post free. IRAND 'HORTICULTURAL EXHlBlTfON at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of tho ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETV, JULY 16 to 23, 18G8. Amongst vanous Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of tho famous Cellini Cup) VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of tne GARDENERS* CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZKITE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows ; — Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish of each — Grapes, Melons (2 fruits). Strawberries, Oooflebernes, Currants, Cherries, Raapberriea, or Apples (of the crop of 1SC71. Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, one basket or bundle of each :— Peas, French Beans (or Scarlet Runners), Broad Beans, Cauliflowers. Cucumbers (brace), Summer Cibbages, Early Carrots, Turnips. Arttchokeg, Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatoa, or Mixed Saladlng, This Prize will be onen to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners," of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetables of their own grovnn{} ; any article otherwise obtained will disqualify the exhibitor. G Eiit (BatUenenSCfttontcle. SATURDAY, FEBRUARYS, 1868. MEETING FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. „ . ,, ( Koyal Horticaltural (Anniversary), at TuESDAT, rch. m South Kensington ."J r.si. The Programme of the Hoyal Botanic Society, for its major Exhibitions of 1868, as we observe by the Schedule of Prizes just i.ssued, adopts the principle of an aUo-wance to the exhibitors, such as that we recently suggested, for the extra demands on their time, and the increased risk to their plants, which are incidental to a prolonged show. The Society's prizes have hitherto consisted of medals ha-ving a fixed value, or at least they have been offered in this parti- cular form, but in the present schedule they are offered as money, an increase upon the value of the respective medals, equal to about one-fourth in the higher cases, and diminishing to an eighth in the lower, being made. Thus, the large Gtold Medal of 16/. value, is .lugmonted by an allow- ance of 4/., making the prize a total of 19/. ; and the Silver Medal of il. is augmented by an allowance of Os., making a total of 2/. an. No extra allowance is made in the case of tho smaller medals or certificates, nor for exhibitions of fruit or cut flowers. Comparing the schedules of the present -with those of the last year, we find the Miscellaneous Classes of Stove and Greenhouse plant.s aug- mented, as to the number of plants, from 10 to 12 and from 8 to 10 respectively — while the prizes are increased in the ratio above indicated. Orchids have a smaller prize for a larger number of plants than in the classes just refeii;od to; while Roses in pots, those certain test objects of skilful cultivation, and probably the most attrac- tive features of an early summer show, are rewarded in about the same ratio. As contrasted ■with the schedule of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, on which we recently made some com- ments, we find that in the case of the Miscel- laneous Collections of Stove and Greenhouse Plants, the Regent's Park prizes are the highest, whilst in Orchtds, Roses, Azaleas, Pelargoniums, Scarlet Pelargoniums, Foliage Plants, Perns, &c., Kensington has somewhat the advantage. Following up our glance over the Royal Botanic Society's arrangements, we are reminded by a class for "12 of the most rai'e species of British Perns," that this is a very unsatisfactory group, the rarest species being by no means the most ornamental, even when exhibited ; but in fact, their places are generally taken by varieties, and thus the terms of tho scliedule are set aside. Better offer prizes for a good group of the most ornament.al British Perns, species or varieties, and the best and choicest would be secured ; or else set aside varieties altogether, and make it a botanical prize. A new class, which, however, needs definition, as to numbers, is introduced for the Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums— under the exploded name ot Tricolors — which has been sho-wn to be erroneous, the Tricolor Pelargonium being a very different thing. At the June sliow, several special prizes are offered, among them one of 10/., bv Er- Alex.ander Prior, for a " Vaae to hold a large Bouquet of FlDwer8. ' This Tase may be made of glass, earthenware. 124 THE GAEDENERS" CFROMOLE AND AGRTriIT,TUT?AT; GAZETTE. [Februabt s, im. china, or any other material ; and it is required that it shall'have a neck of 3 inches in its smallest inside diameter, and a broad firm base, and shall bo suited, not for the decoration of a dinner table, but to stand in an entrance-hall or drawing-room, for the display of cut Eoses, Dahlias, Chrysanthema, or other largo flowers. The prize will be adjudged to the one which, with the most elegant design and agreeable colour, shall best answer this purpose. As we have formerly mentioned, the Eoyal Botanic Society holds to its threo great summer shows, but has this season added a second day to each. While on the subject of shows we may refer briefly to a letter in a contemporary, signed " F. R. H, S.," which seems to bear a semi-official tone, having reference to our suggestions at p. 73. Now, in the first place, our recommendations had not for their object the leading of the Society into financial diSiculties, as must be evident on a care- ful perusal of them, and therefore we cannot plead guilty to having violated Mr. Mica week's maxims as to income and expenditure. What we said was that certain objects, interesting to certain classes of cultivators, woi-e less en- couraged than others at the shows, mainly from the necessities of the case. We recommended that when money could bo found, they should be taken up in a small way at other meetings ; and now we are told in reply, that the growers of these flowers and fruits should subscribe to raise prizes for themselves. But why, we ask, should the Horticultural Society, year after ^ year, favour one set of objects to the exclusion of others ? Ought not its influence — so far as the holding of shows and competitive meetings can influence these matters— to bo felt throughout the whole range of Horticultirre, whether the objects exhibited be flowers, fruits, or vegetables ? and why should the flowers of the fashionable season monopolise all the encouragement the Society is to hold out ? We cannot but think that the more catholic view is that which should meet with aU possible support. But something is still behind. " F. R. H. S." says the Tuesday Meetings are so taken up by the Committees and the Lecture, that there is no time to see the flowers, and that our "senators" are freeon Saturdays; andthereuponheasks,ine9'ect, could not these shows, if they are subscribed for and got up, be held on Saturdays? Now, this question of Saturday shows has been so often discussed that we trusted we had heard the last of it. The great shows used to be held on that day of the week, but it was abandoned on account of manifest inconveniences — so manifest and universal indeed, that even the little Saturday shows which followed, died out for want of exhibitors. The evils are well-known — Sunday labour, or the alternatives of extra expense or extra risk ; home establishments disarranged on the Sunday, when they are required to be in per- fect order ; and generally the .absence of a du-ecting head and assistant hands, which should be occupied in setting things in order,— -a most desirable and commendable thing to be done once a week, at least, in an establishment of whatever kind dresses, for music and flirtations, we cannot see what else is necessary, beyond a promenade and band, to secure such attractions. The fruiting of the Dwarf Cocoa-nut Palm at Syon House Gardens, for the second time, by Mr." Fairbairn, to which we have already alluded, deserves something more than a passing notice. It is a triumph in the annals of garden- ing of a very unusual kind, of which the able cultivator may well feel proud. It was under Mr. Fairbairn's skilful management, and Mr. Smith's superintendence, that the first fruit was set and ripened about four years ago. That fruit, however, although it cjbtained a fair size, never ripened thoroughly, through having sus- tained some injurj', which caused it to ripen prematurely. The two fruits of this season are, on the contrary, very perfect examples. They were exhibited at the meeting of the Fruit Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society on the 21st ult. The largest fruit was a very fine specimen, equal in appearance to some of the best imported nuts; it weighed something over 2 lb., was very firm and solid, and full of milk. The flower "from which this fruit was produced opened and was set in October, 1865 ; so that from the flowering to the ripening of the fruit, a period of about 16 months elapsed. The other fruit, which was much smaller, was two months older, having been set in August ; it contained no milk. Mr. Fairbairn states, however, that it was full of milk, like the other, but that through having been allowed to hang on the tree, the milk dried up. From this it would appear, then, that Cocoa-nuts, like many other kinds of fruits, to have them in their full perfec- the ' lion, must be gathered from the plant at a particular season, which is quite irrespective of the length of time the fruit may keep afterwards. The Special Certificate awarded by the Fruit Committee for this meritorious production was very worthily bestowed. AVe are further much gratified to learn that the Council of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, on the recommendation of the Committee, have presented Mr. Fairbairn with the Gold Banksian Medal of the Society, in recognition of this horticultural triumph. This is the first Medal that has ever been bestowed by the Society for any object brought under the notice of the Fruit Committee at these now very popular and highly interesting Tuesday scientific meetings. These meetings are doing a great amount of good to horticulture generally, as well as to the Society, and its bestowal of this Medal is evidence of the desire of the Committees and of the Council of the Society to encourage, promote, and recognise horticultural skill when- ever such objects are brought under their notice. Although frequent notices respecting the treatment the plant at Syon has received, have been given in our columns, a few additional remarks respecting this particular case may still be interesting. The plant is a very handsome one, with a stem about 6 feet iu height, and a splendid head of frond-like leaves some 12 feet iu length. It is in the best possible health. About four years ago it fruited, as has just been fallen short of the highest distinctions to persevere, and carry off these honours hereafter. W. SpiNKs, Chis- wick Student B. Wynne, do, F. W. BUBBIDGE. do. F. HARDE3TV, do. . . W. Stewart, do. . . J. M'Ardle, do. . . R. L. Keenan, Kew A. Stormont, do. . . M. Middleton, do. R. Inglis, do. J. J. Bull, R.B.G., Regent's Pc^rk . . J. H. Hart, Bcnhara Park, Newbury . . C. Roberts, Bridge Custle, Tuubridge Wells A. Bradley, El tham, Cert. No. of Marks .Cert. W Battersea Park What a vast proportion of controversy and dis- pute might be saved, would people ouly agree as to the meaning to be attached to words. Just now, as it appears to us, a great deal of unnecessary discussion is raised as to tlie word " CouDON." A wrangle about words, is about as satisfactory as an argument to prove a negative. It may serve, perhaps, to stop this futile wordy debate to give the opinion of M. Du Breuii himself on the matter. This renowned horticulturist, in a recently written letter, which has been submitted for our inspection, says that ho applied the word " cordon " to trees consisting of a single branch, bear- ing fruit-spurs only, and thus resembling a rope or cord. When there are two such branches, M. Dn Beeuil applies the expression " double cordon." la order to be quite accurate, we subjoin M. Du Breuil's letter verbatim et literatim .—" he mot ' cordon ' derive en francais deoorde : j'ai employe cette expression pour designer les formes d'arbres dontlacharpentese compose seulement d'une scule branche qui ne portc que des rameaux a fruit. Lacharpente de ces arbres rassemble alors ii une cordc ou cordon. Lorsqae la charpente de I'arbre se compose de deux brandies, je donue a cettfl forme le nom de ' cordon double.' " Here is another question of words, but his time it is the etymology rather than the signification which is in dispute. Some time since, some injured PoT.\TOS corapl:dned of our habitual omission of the e in the last syllable. Another member of the same family, hailing from Nightshade^ Cottage, having a vivid recollection of school spelling-books, and the painful consequences of the omission above referred to (by the way, we may say, that in our time a false quantity in a Latin word was visited with far more severe penalties than an error in the spelling, of an English word) also writes to protest. Thus arraigned, we fall hack on custom and precedent, leaving the etymological question to be treated by abler hands than ours, in the subjoined letter. It has been the custom then of the former and of the present editors of this Journal to use Potato iu the singular, Potatos in the plural, for some considerable time. No doubt there was good reason for the adop- tion of this practice, though we do not find any record relating to the matter. Now, as to the etymo- logical question — we submitted this for counsel's opinion — our counsel in this case being no less emi- nent a person than Dr. R. G. L.itham, whose autho- rity on all such matters is beyond dispute. Here is the reply with which we have been favoured by this gentleman :—" The omission of the e (in potatoes) is what both the tendencies of modern spelling, and ^^„„^^ ,„„ .„ „^ , j__. theoretical propriety, justify. Still it is an innovation stated, for the first time; since then it has | (of some years' standing witli us). Cargos will be So far, then, as we know the views and feeHngs f, .gji „ abundantly,' especially in the ? l»°g t'^^ '° ^HPefseding Cargoes. On the other --i-.-i-ri — J 4i,„;.. 1„„„„. ^„ ,i„ ^M iiuwBiBu. >oiy ai^iiiiuouuij, ^ .7 hand, embargoes is rarer than embargos. sago, to- height of summer, when, tiowever, tbe male i ^ ^ j^ ^q^j ^re subject to the same ques- of exhibitors and their employers, we do not think these suggested shows, if put in form, could bo successfully held ou Saturdays. They must not indeed be allowed to interfere with the lliiwora expand much in advance of the females, so that they cannot well be impreg' nated. In the autumn months, in the end tion, except that the use of them in the plural is rare. Still, two tobaccos is used in the sense of two qualities of tobacco." Hence, then, in this matter we are in ad- vance of the age, and have, moreover, " theoretical propriety " on our side. Those who write potatoe in the singular, will, of course, adopt potatoes in the jilural ; hut we do not know why the final a in the work of the Committees, but as their meeting ; ^,. ^^„„gt September, and October, the male days are already gathermg days, we see no ^^^^ ^^^^^^ flowers open at the same time; disadvantage in throwing a httle more attraction : j^ ^^^ ^-^^^ ^^^^ -j^^ Fairbairn succeeded into them. AVe are not aware that there is any- , ^^ getting the two fniits under notice. The tree I patati! o7batata7of the Spanish should be represented thing particularly sentimental about the lues- I -^ pi^^ted out in the house, in a well-drained by oe in English. It is a case for our learned neigh- day ; that day was, we imagine, taken merely |3o,.(ier, which is kept at a temperature of between ; hours, Ao^es a«d Q«eries. because it was found to be an instituted meeting .|j„ ^^^ gQ^^ .^th a full exposure to the direct ' The following directions for Ailanticultuee, day, and not an inconvenient one ; and as to the f ,, ' tbn snll beino- comnosed of eood bv Dr. AVallace. may perhaps interest some of our lectures and pretty speeches " F. E.H. S." alludes , ^^Lt-eUowC'^, ^a"^^^^^ ! Tf ^ r^'^ -Eggs of the Bombyx Cynthia should to, if truth must be spoken, everybody would ^3>^,'f°^/°^™'^„^^^ • V tk„„„ i,„; 4- !i„™„ ,.;„„,.„,', oi„ tV, l,olf or, ' Locoa-nut tore, wnicn last u is amB.^mgiy louu j ^^ ^ t exposed to the sun s rays, lest they gam by these being CAit down ngorously to half an ^j. . ^^^ ^^^^^~ however, penetrate into any sub- i should be dried up. 'They generally hatch out in warm hour at longest, in the aggregate. It the ^^^^^^ ^^^^ j^ ^^^^. ^^. ^^^^^^ n jg yery liberally weather the fourteenth morning, about six o'clock, "senators will come ou Wednesdays, as .-^^ ^j^j^ water clear tepid water, and j It saves trouble to suspend the gg.s, the previous even- "F. E.H. S." thinks, in sufiicient force to naake ! i^- c,,„>, ;^ R-hort isMr Fairbairn's . ing, in a muslin bag, to the leaf-stalk of an Ailantus a good "field," when there is no ■; house," we \ 2\t|o7tTeatmen^ of tfe dwarf Coco^^^^^^^^^^ >-f. ^oWn, a leaflet within the bag. . If it is wished to do not see any reason why 'we might not suit , ^ije^e^ith he has succeeded in ripening the only their convenience by adopting that day for the ; ^^^^.^^ ^j^^^ j^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ produced out of its whole business ; but the old grievances mark out , ^^^ ^^y^^ habitats. Saturday as specially a diea unit so tar as Bower , shows are concerned. Indeed, on "F.E. H. S.'s" own admission, we do not see that shows on that day are wanted ; for as " the majority of the Fellows prefer small talk, and their daugliters love to see and be seen, to listen to theTjand, and to Usten to compliments ;" and as he himself has such a weakness for pretty faces, for gay We have been furnished with the following statement of the results of the Royal Horticultural Society's Examinations of Gardeners, in December last. 'We are glad to notice that the number of young men who on this occasion presented themselves, is larger than on any previous occasion ; and while we heartily congratulate those whose labours have been crowned with success, we would recommend those who have rear the worms on a tree out of doors, the bag Ailantus leaf may now both be thrust into a bag of the cheapest black muslin, 2 feet long and 9 inches wide ; the mouth of the bag must be fastened up by a string tied round the base of the leaf-stem. The worm will hatch out and feed up therein in sal'ely. To supply fresh food, cut the stalk, untie the string, empty out the dirt, and slip bag and all over another leaf, the first leaf being undermost. At the third change of leaves, the first leaf, stale and withered, may be with- drawn. When the worms have moulted for the third time, the bags must be discontinued. To feed the worms on Ailantus leaves away from the tree, the Fedhuauy 8, 18CS.] THE GAKDEKKliS' CHUONKJLE AI\D AGEICULTUIIAL GAZETTE. 125 leafstalk must bo plunged in water, and it will keep fresh for tlirco or four days : on no account sivo the leaflets to the worms, as is done with the Mulberry worms. 13. Cynthia will feed on other plants, viz.. Laburnum, Teazle, Poteriuni, Sanguisorba or Burnet, Scorzonera, Salsify, the Castor Oil plant. Honeysuckle, Plum, &c. ; but by no means so well as on the Ailantus tree. Dr. JliJNTEE's pamphlet on Canada Eice (Hydropyrum palustre, L., alias Zizania aquatica, L.), a reprint from the " Zeitschrift fiir Akklimatisation," 1863, alluded to at p. TS, is chiefly devoted to the his- tory, structure, development, and synonymy of this plant and its allies. But a short account of the trials instituted in Germany is also given, from which it appears that little success attended them, owing, it is stated, to a misconception of the duration of the plants. A few plants were raised by Dr. ML'nteb, one or two of which matured seeds ; but they were in a fair way of losing their stock when he wrote. From the germi- nation of the embryo to the full development of the plant he closely observed its growth, which he most minutely and elaborately describes. Contrary to PnKsn'.s statement. Dr. Mijntek's investigations proved the plant to be annual or rather quasi-biennial, requiring to be sown in the autumn, in order to produce seed the following summci'. From the result of his literary researches he is disposed to adopt the name Hydropyrum palustre, L., in preference to Zizania aquatica, L., as it is still very doubtful whether the plant so named by Linn.eus "is the true Tuscarora liice. The following is the result of an analysis of the grain by Dr. Petebs : — Water 1-2.00 Starch Tli.Rl Albumen .. .. O.SU , Woody fibre .. .. l.!i:i Fat 0.70 1 Ashes 1.70 The JIarket Gaedening of the West of England, observes the Soi/al Cornwall OazeUe, "is not an unimportant branch of Cornish cultivation of the soil. On its Early Potatos from 50,000^. to 60,000?. depend, and the diflerence in what it received from its Broccoli crop of lSGC-7 and what it ought to have gained, was 25,000?. Both its Broccoli and Potato crops last year were failures. Its export of the latter was 1100 tons under the average, owing to blight and disease ; and its export of Broccoli was 2000 tons below the average, which was due to the gales, frost, snow, and dull markets. Such loss was the more regret- able, because both crops looked at one time full of promise." t feet long, by 2 feet 3 inches broad, presents a heating surface of no less than 00 square feet to the action of the lire, some idea of its heating power can easily be formed. Its cruciform construction insures great strength, and it has no jointing except one plug I inches in diameter. The accompanying section will show the exact form of this boiler. A represents the furnace ; the flamo returns by B n, and passes along the top by c. It is, in fact, four saddles cast in one. The cold water enters at two sockets at the further end of the boiler and on the lowest level, and passing along the two bottom channels, n, ascends to the centre through two thin webs, which are heated by the furnace ou one side and by the side flues on the other. E, E, are cleansing pipes. 1\'hen the New Plants. Oncidium maceopus, Lind., Schh.fd. Affine Oneidio einiicifero, Rdth. f. labello trulliformi utilnque basi obtusauASiURt, (.1 arrani-ed on a natural and aolontitlc system by V^ ariauBUu ^ C. WOEKLKR & SoN, UlOUCBStOr. oTfEDS for PERMANENT PASTURE. It is well S tno%5 tiat cert.«D soils Produce "rtalnp ants and Uie^e plant. ^they rd'La\':^^Sptedtotb^ TlfrTflfFl KRS' TITTLE BOOK contains Extracts W"om L'iteLe^e fed fro,n th.. =^^^^^^^^^^^ hlKbost terms of the escellonoo ol the heeds supplied uy luem. rriHF ADVANTAGES of BUYING SEEDS direct T from J C WntEiIa i So», Gloucester, are mUy explained in /HiLTEKS-LS-LEB5ulC,'or select seed List. T^KASS SEEDS for CROQUET GROUNDS.- See Cr WHEELERS- LITTLE BOOK, Ci, post free. ^HEELERS' LITTLE BOOK. w WHEELERS' LITTLE BOOK will do something to satisfy their expectations.-ProfessorJ^dley. nnHE LITTLE BOOK published'by Messrs. Wheeler i 4 Seizor Gloucester, has become a favourite wh ""who lake MTlntireit in their Hardens, and it is ti-ul.v, as set forth in the title, a |eUct"a=tl l5? "■Te Object of Messrs. "»'"■=« "^'''li'/e'tbrr to contlne their attention to what Is re»lly6bOd so as to secure their customers against disappointment »"'' ^"''"'«^" J'' '?° '^t™ ,\Po,J nrn nnablod to Quote from communications addressed to them, snow how satlsfactor'ry th/s has been aceomplished.-itf«lto..a Co»..I,.s Htrald. WHEELERS' LIT'TLE BOOK," or Select Seed List. Price 6d., post free. _ WHEELKKS^UINEA COLLECTION of GARDEN SEEDS comprises the following :— 6,ts.Peas.best.ortstorsuccession | i oz^e.tra line Leek _^^^^^^^ 1 pint Scarlet Runners \ 02. Wbfelers' Red Heet 3 pkta. Broccoli, best sorts for 2 plits. Borecole and Kale, ilnest 1 pkt. Hrussels Sprouts 2pkt3. Cabbage, earliest and best 1 pkt. Cauliflower 2 pkt3. Celery, Red and White 4 oz. extra Curled Creaa 1 pkt. Cucumber 1 pkt. Melon 2 pkts. Endive 1 oz. RadiBh I pkt. Sivoy * - ;. SpiuQch, in sorts for 1 pkt. Vegetable M C pkts. herbs 1 pkt. choice Omaroontal Gourds Tom Thumb Lettuce (Wheelers'), ijuii..u la. per packet, post irea^ _ TOM THUMB Lb:TTUCE~Ts"the smallest, tinest- flavoured Lettuce in cultivation. \A7HEELlKS'^ TOM" THUMB LETTUCE is a VV wonderful tavourite with my family and friends, for a Summer Lettuce I have never seen its equal.-G. F. A. Flower. HtaQbrd Farm. U. ptr packet, post iree. WHEELERS* TOJr THUMB LETTUCE is certainly the best I ever saw. It is invaluable.-Oeorge Bond, Or. to the Earl of Fowls, Walcot. Shropshire. 1j. pei^packot. post tree. _ T'^MAY'MENTiON, by the way, that WHEELERS' X TOM THUMB LETTUCE is a capital variety for Winter and Early Spring.— Tbomaa Rivera, Sawbridgeworth^ ■\X7HEELEKS' TOM THUMB ' LETTUCE is very VV good; it is the best I ever bad.-T. Young, Qr to the Baron de Rut^en, sloDech Park, Haverfordwest. ______ WHEELERS' TOM THUMB Is. per packet, post free G G LETTUCE", lANT ASPAKAGHS roots; extra.Tner2-yr. old, 3s. 6d. per 100. UINEA collection of GARDEN SEEDS. WHEELER iSD SON, Gloucester ■tTrrHEELERS' TWO M GUINEA COLLECTION. T~6, 1, K"Y WHITE POT 68. per peck ; 2ils. per bushel. White —This f received "from the well-known firm ot MemraWnEELEBi Son. Gloucester. It is one of the handsoinost PoUtos grown, and well deserves its name, for it is most beautifully white viry floury, and, ail a second early Potato, one tnat 1 do not Jeslwtl to regi^d as first-rate; it is also a very tree bearer." TITXT W'H I T E P 0 T AT 0, 5s per peck ; 208. per bushel. ur Milky White Potato is excellent, a great cropper, very mealy, and delicately flavoured, early, and remarkably free from Sserie ; it was about the only Potato in my garden that was entirely free from it. It appears likely to turn out a good keeper, as well as M iree iruui iv. lu oi^i.^..... j — .-— - being flt tor the table so early in the 0, IV/r I L K y" WHITE P O T lyj. 6s. per peck; 2(M. per bushel. " Your Milky White Potato is superb."— Messrs. Rarr & Suoden, Cotieiil ''''J''J!''^jpj,^j„ 4 Sen, Seed Growers, Gloucester. _ _ XSTHEELERS' LITTLE BOOK has become a favourite VV with all who take an interest in their gardens ; it is a select Hat of the best seeds iu cultivation. list Ol luB o"»J,^,^^ 6iAS l-aici- , Seed Growers, Gloucester. HJiELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 128. per bushel. " The Gloucr stershlro Kl.lneys were excellent, and produced alarge CARTER'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PEIZE MEDAL FAUM SEEDS. THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION at PARIS, 1867, _^C^I.LENCE OP Qj,^^ GRASS SEEDS See page 130. for ALL SOILS. QUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for PASTURES, O 248. to 328. per aero. Carriage Froe^ce page 139. PAEIS, 1867. James Carter & Co. have the satisfaction to announce that the Imperial Commission of the Paris International Exhibition of 1867 granted to them the concession of supplying the Grass Seeds for the purpose of forming the Sward of the Park round the Exhibition Building in the Champ do Mars, and for which tliey have been honoured with THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL FOR GEASS SEEDS as the following official letter wiU show : — "Paris Exhibition Offices, Castle Street, Holborn, December 21st, 1867. " Gentlemen, *' At your request we have referred to the official List of Awards of the Paris Exhibition for 1867, and have the pleasure to announce to you that the Silver Medal awarded to your house is the only British Award for Grass Seed. "Your obedient Servants, " J. M. Johnson & Sons." "Messrs, Carter & Co." SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for PARKS, 108. per bushel, Cari-laBe Free. See page 139. SUT'IONS' GRASS SEEDS for LAWNS, 2(l«. per buahol, Camngo Freo. 8eo page 139. Sutton & Sonb, Royal liorks Heed Establishment. ReadlDg^^ QUTTONS' POTATOS for "p L ANTING, Carriage Frt p 0 T A T 0 S for tho EARLY CROP. p 0 T A T 0 S for the MAIN CROP. p 0 T A T 0 S for the LATE CHOP. UUTTONS' DESCRIPTIVE LIST of O now ready, gratis and post tree. Uoyal Burks Seed Establishment, Reading POTATOS, Jameb Cartek & Co. have also had the honour of supplying Grass Seeds for the Imperial Gardens and Squares of Paris, the Park of the Paris Exhibition, and also for tho Private Lawn of H.R.H. the Crown Princess of Prussia at Sans Souci. CARTER'S SPECIAL LIST OF FARM SEEDS AT BEASONABlE PRICES, forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER akd CO., 237 .ami 2D8, Iliyb HolboMi, London, W.C. Eiit Agricultural (Ba^ette. fS lb. Uline ditto let ditto ITilb. Totals 83i 72} The cows in the section giving the most milk have the greatest weight of dung and urine. The good milk cows are consuming more food, that is, converting more vegetable into animal matter. The highest weight of milk is 50 lb.— 5 gallons nearly ; and this, at the present yield of butter, is 2 lb. per day, it taking 25J-lb. of milk to make a pound of butter. The urine is about IV gallon per day, the weight of a gallon of urine from tfie salts it contains being about 12 lb. I believe the urine of cows getting little watery food to be heavier than that of cows fed largely on roots without being grated. I may repeat what I said to you before, that the great advantages which Italian Rye-grass possess are its rapid and certain growth when placed in favourable circumstances, the length of time it can be kept palat- able for the animals, the high quality of produce from cattle fed on it, and the important fact that any soil with ammonia and water retaining power can be made to produce as large returns as the richest and most easily managed soils. I may state that in the two analyses of the Italian llye-grass, the one was done when the plant was 17 days old, or about 17 inches high, weighing about 12 tons per acre at that stage of its growth, the other was at five weeks, or 3 feet to 3 feet 6 inches, when the crop would be 25 tons per acre ; it is in the early stage of the plant's growth that the ammonia is required, and appears to be expended. A. B. T. Cattle Feeding and High Farming.— Will you allow me to say to Mr. Jlechi that cattle feeding is not farming. Any dairyman who has a few cow-houses without an acre of land can feed cattle with bought food, but he is not a farmer, and does nothing toward making two blades of Grass grow where only one grew before. A man may make money by cattle feeding as a speculator may make money by dealing in corn, but neither is a farmer. I venture to assert that good farming consists, not in feeding cattle on purchased food, but solely on food grown on the farm. Increase the produce of your farm by all means by the purchase of artificial manures, and feed so much of that produce as is necessary to maintain and even to increase the fertility of your soil. But when a man steps out of his way to buy cattle and to buy food for those cattle, and by a fortunate turn in the market makes a profit upon the transaction, he must not suppose that his profit is made by farming, or that it comes out of his land. Mr. Mechi seems fond of feeding sheep on sparred floors. Did it ever occur to him that his sparred floors are wanted simply because he chooses to fatten his sheep in winter instead of a milder season. Nature provided a sheep with a woolly coat to protect it against the cold ; but when the sheep is removed to a warmer climate its wool gradually grows thinner and finer, until at last it is almost like fine hair. Nature, however, does not fatten sheep or any other animals in winter ; and if our artificial state requires us to do so, perhaps Mr. Mechi's sparred floor may be of use ; but it seems to me a great act of folly to make (as thousands of farmers do) the winter season the great season for fattening sheep. O. A. B. Societies. nOYAL AGRICULTURAL OP ESGLAXD. Monthly Council : Wednesday, Fel. 5.— Present, Lord Berners in the Chair ; Lord Chesham, Lord Tredegar, Lord Walsingham, the Eight. Hon. Sir John TroUope, Bart, M.P. ; Sir A. K. Macdonald, Bart. ; Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Barnett, Mr. Bramston, Mr. Cantrell, Colonel Challoner, Mr. Davies, Mr. Bran- dreth Gibbs Mr. Holland, M.P. ; Mr. Hoskyns, Mr. Hornsby, Mr. Milward, Mr. Pain, Mr. Randall, Mr. Rigden, Mr. Sanday, Mr. Shuttleworth, Mr. Stone, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Torr, Mr. Webb, Mr. Wells, Major Wilson, Mr. Jacob Wilson, Mr. Frere, Professor Simonds, and Dr. Voelcker. The following new Members were elected : — Barker, Tliomaa, Bramall Grange, Stockport, Cheshire. IJateman, John, Croxton Hanmer, Whitchurch, Salop. Burchnall, Samuel, Catton, Burton-on-Trent. Freer, Charles Thomas, The Coplow, Billesdon, Leicester. Gardner, William, Bekesboume, Canterbury. Gilbert, John, Perry Bar, Birmingham. Herring, Francis, Braated, Sevenoaks, Kent. Hildyard, Thomas Blaekboume T., Flintham Hall, Newark. Hunt, Rowland, Kibworth Hall, Leicester. Jordan, John Staveley, Elmswell, Driffield. [shire. Kirkby, David Edward, Llanfendigaid, Towyn, Merioneth- Knight, Gregory, Glen Parva Manor, Leicester. [Durham. Liddell, The Hon. Henry George, M.P., Raven-sworth Castle, Macdon.ald, Duncan George Forbes, 4, Spring Gardens, London. Masse, Captain F. A., Holly Hill, Southampton. Mowbray, George Thomas, Grangewood House, Overseale, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Nalder, Thomas, Challow Works, Wantage. Nash, John, The Rectory, Langley, Slough. S.alt, Wm. Henry, Kirby Frith, near Leicester. Taylor, Thomas, Hopton, Wirksworth, Derby. Wakefield, William, Catton, Burton-on-Trent. Walker, Edward, Brynhyfryd, Dolgelly, Merionethshire. Winters, George, Str.atton, Biggleswade. Wright, Herbert, Ipswich. PiNANCES.— sir. Bramston presented the report, from which it appeared that the Secretary's receipts during the past two months had been examined by the committee and by Messrs. Quitter, Ball,& Co., the So- ciety's accountants, and were found correct. The balance in the hands of the bankers on January 31st was 1435?. \— to strike at the root of the evil, to endeavour to place foreign imports on a sound and reasonable footing, and, at the same time, to regulate the sale and transit of home stock. This subject naturally divides itself under two heads, foreign and British, with the subdivision of fat and store stock. Teaffic in Foeeign Stock. ■ There can be no doubt that the mismanagement of stock abroad has been such as, in some measure, to foster diseases. I don't think for one moment that foreign producers are indifferent to the evil; but the climate is, in many parts, congenial— they have at their disposal vast tracts of land ; and the consequence is, that they house their sheep and cattle for many months of "the year in a manner that tends to foster disease. They also, in many cases, fatten cattle in distilleries, and keep them, as many jiersons keep their cows in London, in a very artificial state. What- ever may be the cause, we know full well that the ^ continent of Europe has never been free from some j plague or pest amongst cattle, which has invariably 1 started in the east and rolled with a devastating tide ' towards the west. I don't think for a moment that we should suppose that England has had no diseases of its own. We have had murrain and blackwater and quarter-evil ever since farming was first practised in this country ; but rinderpest, small-pox, pleuro-pneumonia, and foot-and-mouth disease are not, I contend, of British origin. Their advent was foretold ; their origin has been traced, and bitter experience has shown how they may he combated, and at what cost they may be got rid of. What we want is, to see how we may be protected against them in future. Importing counties must necessarily be liable to the diseases, and great care is required to avoid them. Take, for instance, N orfolk and Wales— I have lived in both. You can, perhaps, form an idea of the amount of disease which has prevailed in the herds of those two districts. If there happen to be a disease in England, Scotland, Ireland, or Wales, it is sure sooner or later to find its way to Norfolk. Now, gentlemen, I will take the smallest matter connected with this subject first, namely, the stores. You were told by Lord Robert Montagu that these were never imported. The truth is, that in the returns there was no division of imported stores; but there were a great ( number of animals sent to England as fat cattle which were so exceedingly lean that they had to be fattened before they were fit for market. A great number of farmers say, according to his lordship, that they don't want any stores. I come from Norfolk, where 19 out of 20 farmers want cheap .stores as much as anything ; but there we want first to be satisfied that the stores are sound. We have had no foreigners for two years, and our store stock has never been healthier or better. We look to Ireland, with its 3,700,000 head of cattle, and although it is impossible to give you any correct idea of the number of store cattle imported from Ireland to England, yet I may tell you that in the month of October last there were on Norwich Hill 5280 stores that were from Ireland. My own experi- ence of foreign stock commenced in 1858. I bought a great many, and although I got them very cheap, they proved in the end very dear. I lost no less than 42 cattle by pleuro-pneumonia in IS months. I happened about that time to go over to Holland, whence my supply had come, and I discovered that those sensible people who live there, having little hay and plenty of pleuro-pneumonia, had kindly sent an unusual quantity of their store stock to England. I have also had some little experience of the foreign stock more recently, when the cattle plague was so bad. I thought I would buy some foreigners and fat them for market. They were very cheap, but they were so impregnated with scab that, notwithstanding continued dressings, I got rid of them in order to prevent neighbours' animals from becoming infected. The Londoners may say that they must have foreign cows. By all means let them ; but we must have a few ports set apart for quarantine. I think those ports should be removed as far as possible from the ports at which fat cattle are imported, and if the great emporium for fat stock is London, I would have the stores at Harwich. As to the amount of quarantine which is required, ithat is a debateable question. It used to be said that 21 days was the proper period ; now it is alleged that 14 days is sufficient, and I have heard advocates for 10 days. Supposing the period were made 14 days, I don't see how the expense could well be more than U. per head The Sea Passage. Although the ventilation may be very good at sea in good vessels, it is far from being good in the river. When vessels have reached the wharf, and have to lie by for a time, the ventilation is abominable. The cattle reach the port in Holland on Thursday, and get very little food there. They sail early the next morn- ing, and arrive on Saturday. It is Sunday afternoon before they reach the lairs. No doubt cattle are much better treated now than they were formerly, being fed at the wharf ; but still they have little hay, and it is very often trampled under their feet, so that their condition is anything but what it should be. The 12 hours' quarantine, which is practically 16 or 20, is, I believe, very injurious to importers, while there is no practical benefit as regards the prevention of disease. I don't believe that what is done is sufficient to prevent the importation of disease. We all know that a sea voyage is to us, who are accustomed to all sorts of locomotion, sometimes very unpleasant ; that we are subject to nausea, misery, and sickness, although we may have a luxurious berth, and be surro\inded by all possible comforts. The poor cattle, unhappily, cannot tell us their tale of woe ; they would require a new language for that jmrpose. Their sufferings between Bremen and London have passed into a proverb. No farmer could believe it, and if anyone were to tell the tale, he would be suspected of wishing to bolster up a gigantic system of protection. I can tell you what cattle sufler in a storm. It so happened that in the autumn of IStV!, while a very stiff gale was blowing off the east coast, though nothing like such a gale as we have had within the last day or two, there came two steamers, laden with cattle and sheep, into the port of Lowestoft. One of these vessels was the City of Norwich, the other was the Tonning. In the City of Norwich there had been 351 oxen, of which 179 were destroyed, and 400 sheep, of which 222 were destroyed ; while out of 350 oxen in the Tonning 170 were destroyed. All the remaining animals were more or less injured and bruised. That case does not appear to be a very exceptional one. In the City of Norwich (the vessel I have already mentioned), ou another occasion, 7 sheep died on the voyage; in the Troubadour, 24 sheep ; in the Taurus, 2 oxen; in the Swan, from Bremen, 51 oxen and 20 sheep. It is added that one or two animals were constantly found suffocated on arrival, or thrown over. A little variety is given to these details by the fact that in January the Moselle, from Antwerp, had 20 calves frozen to death. Now the Vice-President of the Council, Lord Bobert Montagu, told us that stock is wanted in this country, and that to attempt to stop the importation of foreign stock was like attempting to "sweep back the tide with a broom." Well, now, we do not want to take in hand the broom, but when such language is used, let us look at the increase which has taken place in the foreign trade. The imports of cattle before 1812 were very small, the duty being then 20s. a head. Then came free trade. From 1812 to 1841 the imports were 17,000 oxen and 25,000 cows. In the next nine years the numbers rose from 27,000 to 63,000, while the cows dropped to 10,000. In 1850 the imports fell to 52,000 oxen and only 9000 cows. Fron 1858 to 1863 the oxen advanced from 47,000 to 93,000, and the cows varied from 4000 to 14,000. In 18(V1 oxen aud cows increased to 231,000. Sheen cropped up from 641 in 1812 to 230,000 in 1852; they fell to 141,000 in 1850, but rose to 430.000 in 1SS3, and to 493,000 in 1831. I will now give the official returns of the imports for the last three years. In 1305 the im- ports of cattle were 283,271, of sheep 914,170 ; in 1866 the imports of cattle were 237,739, of sheep 790,880 ; in 1SC7 the import; of cattle were 177,073, of sheep 532,569. Thi' i li ; I!; I- show a gradual decline, in spite of thr- ' , ' ! 'c^, although foreign stock was less resl;i . ! ' i ,i -me cattle. What we want to be prot.L' jJ :;-':j;ii i is, uotmcat, butdisease. We farmers did not originate the idea of a separate market, and I believe that if it had been talked about among us four or five years ago it would have been generally scouted. It originated with a few scientific men, who preached about the necessity of having a separate market, unsuc- cessfully, for several years. There must, however, be a separate market for foreign stock. These must be slaughtered at the outports. All other expedients would be but half-measures, and I believe they would be quite as hindering and quite as expensive to the foreigner as that which we propose. The Goveenuent Bill. You are all aware that the Government has intro- duced a Bill; it was certainly wrung from them, but nothing can be done in these days without pressure, and we must squeeze them a little more. That Bill is a very good one as far as it goes; it does us tardy justice, but it is not complete. It must include sheep and pigs, in order to be a really good measure of safety. Sheep especially may clearly carry the contagion of cattle plague, if they are not subject to it themselves; and I say that, in order that the measure may answer the purpose, it must be provided that all foreign sto read a paper on this subject, in which he said he feared the present was not the most appropriate time for dis- cussmg the subject which the committee had fixed for that evening— the high price of all kinds of grain having naturally turned attention more particularly to the cultivation of arable land. Still, he thought it a subject which must always retain sufficient importance to make it a leading topic in agricultural discussions. The Grass land within the limits of that society being so varied, he thought it would simplify the discussion if he divided it into three classes, the first comprising the rich Grass farms of the vale, the second the Grass land held with farms the greater portion of which were arable, and the third the poorer description of pasture usually called sheep-walks or down-land. "NYith regard to the rich land, he believed it was not difficult to meet with considerable tracts naturally sound and sufficiently rich to enable one to go on year after year producing beef and mutton without any artificial aid, simply by consuming the whole produce on the land, and thus returning it to the soil in the excrements of cattle and sheep; but, even on that description of land, such a. result could only be attained by grazing it with fatten- ing animals. One of the prevalent mistakes in th& management of Grass land was that of allowing the Grass to run to seed before it was cut for hay, by which the quality of the fodder was deteriorated and. the value of the aftermath much reduced. The proper time for cutting Grass was indubitably when it was most fully in bloom, at which time all the functions of vegetable life were most powerful and the juices and secretions richest, never losing sight of the fact that it was better to cut too early than too late. If too early, the only loss they sustained was a greater shrinking of the quantity through the watery condition of the juices ; but if too late the mischief showed itself in a twofold form, by reducing the value of the hay owing to the large increase of woody fibre, and at the same time by extracting from the soil the valuable fertilizers which should be retained for the production of aftermath. The difficulty of procuring straw or other litter was always a great disadvantage to the dairy farmer as regarded the making and husbanding the manure in the winter, but he feared great waste was frequently allowed to take place through want of greater care being taken with it. He understood that the use of artificial manures was still the exception amongst the dairy farmers in the Vale of Gloucester, though he stated that with imperfect information, and would be very glad to be told he was wrong if it was not so. Those manures were, however, used to a very large extent in other dairy districts, and he knew there were many instances in Cheshire and Stafl'ordshire where they considered the use of phoj^phatic manures quite indispensable to the profitable management of dairy farms. Respecting the second class of farms— the mixed, such as they found on the Cotswold Hills— Mr. Thompson said when they found sheep turned on the Grass to fill their bellies, and then folded in order tt> empty them on the ploughed land ; when they found, occupiers careless about the draining of the pasture, although anxious that the arable should be made as dry as possible, one could not help feeling that the Grass land was not treated as part of the farm, but rather as a kind ofauxiliary to the arable. Having made some useful observations on draining, he alluded to an interesting experiment for improving poor land at Wall's Court Parm, when rented by Mr. Alderman Proctor, about 15 or 16 years ago. There was a piece of very wet, sour Grass land, considered too bad to be brought to bear good herbage by simple draining and manuring; but by means of effectual draining in the winter, beinc harrowed, bushed, and dragged in the following spring, and then having a heavy dressing of artificial phospnatic manure in the summer, and further dressing, the value of the land was in a short time permanently raised froml0.y.toatleast2^anacre. With regard to the third class of farms— the poorer descrip- tion of pasture, usually called sheep-walks or down land— his exnerience was rather too limited to enter into the subject fully. He had, however, seen sufficient to convince him that the breaking up of that descrip- tion of land had been carried to too great an extent. The propriety of carefully cultivating even the poorer land was enforced, and in conclusion the^ speaker- adverted to the national importance of his topic, as we had greater difficulty in obtaining supplies of animal food from abroad than cereals ; and the large quantity of ground annually required for railways, enlargement of towns, &;c., in this country tended to diminish the land that had been used for grazing purposes. Colonel KiNGSCOTE said that he agreed with Mr. Thompson that a great many farmers did not take such pains with their Grass land as they did with their arable, and it was penn^ wise and pound foolish their acting so. As to the soil of that part of the country on the top of the Cotswold Hills, it was so light that it required to be given more manure than the soil in other parts, in order to render it productive. He believed bones upon Grass land would prove beneficial,. Fbuhuabt 8, 18fS.] THE GAEBENEES' CnEOMCLE AND AGPacULTTIRAL GAZETTE. 137 as he had soon a t;ood result from the practice in his own park. A lengthy and animated debate ensued, in which many of those in the room took part, the principal topic discussed being the advisability of using artificial manure. Mr. Knight admitted this manure would render the soil more productive, but he thought it might render the taste of the cheese not quite so good. Mr. BUBNETT was afraid thatthesystem of management of their Grass lands, not only on the hills, but in a great part of the Vale, was to have no manure at all. He ultimately moved " That it is the opinion of this meeting that much greater attention ought to be given to the management of our Grass lands, not only to improve their condition, but to keep them in the condition they are in. It is not advisable to break-up even second-class pa-stures, and that all pasture land ought to be manured at least once in every si.i years at the rate of 50s. per acre." Mr. Thompson suggested that instead of saying any number of years or sum per acre, they should say that an equivalent of manure should be returned to the Grass land to what was taken from it. With the alteration suggested, the resolution was adopted, and thanks having been voted to Mr. Thomp- son, the proceedings terminated. We append remarks on artificial manures for Grass lands, taken from a trade circular of Mr. Richardson, of York :— "The followincf considerations are the results of the valuable experiments of Messrs. Lawcs & Gilbert,* and others, and are confirmed by my own experience. Phosphate of lime, potash, and other mineral portions of manure, t encourage the growth of the leguminous plants, t which in pastures chiefly consist of Clovers ; but they produce little effect upon the narrow-leaved Grasses, and other graminaceous plants.il On the other hand, salts of ammonia, nitrates, Peruvian guano, and other stimulating manures, produce a lu.>curiant growth of these coarser Grasses, which, if allowed to go to seed, are found to have smothered and destroyed the more nutritious herbage, viz.. the Clovers; at the same time, the soil is exhausted by being stimulated to part too freely with its mineral part in order to support this luxuriant but inferior herbage. " It is, therefore, of the greatest importance that a Gniss manure should contain these principles in suitable proportions. Ground bones havo long had a high character as an application for the improvement of Grass laud, but I am satisfied that the valuable substance which they contain, viz., phosphate of lime, can bo supplied in a much cheaper and a more readily available form. " In consequence of the lower price of nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, dissolved bone, &c., we are now in a better position than in any former year to compound a cheap and effective manure. As the value and efficacy of all artificial manures is much increased by minute subdivision, it is important to apply Grass manures and other mixtures in a dry and finely-powdered state, free from lumps, and not liable to cake together. " If, aa an experiment, any one would measure out a few lialf-acre plots (say (iO^ yards by 40 yards) of poor but drained Grass land, una apply to each of these from 2 cwt, to 2^ cwt. of a proporlv compounded Grass manure, I have no doubt that the beneficial effects would be so apparent as to lead to its more c.-itciided use. I have myself experimented in this way ' on a sTiuill farm 1 have lately taken at Flaxton, On a 3 -acre Grass field, which I had just drained, I applied, on six lands of about half an acre each, as many different mixtures, at the rate of 40s. per acre. Though put on very late (9tb April), I got three times as much hay as the same field bad the previous year ; and I consider the herbage is much improved, and the field is now in much better order than before. I also effected quite as decided an improvement in a large pasture field, with the same amount per acre of my Grass manure. "When we see how the judicious appUcation of different manures alters the character of the herbage, not only increasing the quantity and improving the quality, but also almost entirely banishing those plants which we consider as weeds, the importance of giving greater attention to the subject must bo admitted." Hcbt'ctos. T/ie Journal of AaricMun: February, 18GS. 150, Fleet Street, London, E.G. The monthly Agricultural Journal has always gone a-fleld for its subjects, and its agricultural readers enjoy the very wholesome opportunity of acquiring much extra-professional information in its pages. In the present number, however, this feature in its character IS altogether in excess; and its readers will, we think, be disappointed in finding so large a portion of its space occupied by articles on the Public Health Act, on the Hudson's Bay Territories, and even on the Meteorology of the year 1867, and on our Supplies of Foreign Timber. These fill 52 of the (U pages of the magazine. Then come the "Veterinarian" the "Household," and "the Month." In the department entitled " Household" are some interesting paragraphs on foreign cheese manufacture, and we extract the following passage, descriptive of the "Fromage de Brie":— "First, immediately after the morning's milking, when the milk is still warm, put it through the sieve add to it the last night's cream, and put the vessei which contains it into water heated to 90' Fahrenheit ; pour in the rennet, cover the vessel, and wait till the curd is formed. This doue, plunge your hand into the vessel, move the curd, press it, then take it out to put it into the mould, and once in the mould, press it firmly with the hand, and afterwards with weights. As soon as the whey exudes, take a plank, cover it with a clean wetted cheese-cloth, turn the cheese upon It, put a very clean cheese-cloth into the empty mould to cover the bottom of it, then take the cheese turned over on the plank, place it in the above-mentioned mould, and cover it well with the cheese-cloth. This * See Vols. xix. and xx. of the Royal Agricultural Society's t The mineral principles of plants obfcvined from tho soil are potash, sodis lime, silica (sand), and phosphoric and sulphuric acid. ^ P'auts are Beans, Peas, Vetches, and r-leaved Grasses. Clovers. II Graminaceous plantsar n and the r done, place a cover above it, and on this a pretty heavy weight. At the end of half-an-hour lift the weight, tho cover, and tho cheese, take away the wet cheese- cloth, and put on it another, then press it anew; repeat this process of changing the linen every two hours until the evening of tho following day, and at tho last change, when the whey no longer exudes, take olf the cheeso-cloth, leave the cheese uncovered in the mould, replace the cover, and press it for about three- quarters of an hour. " This operation finished, put the cheese into a little tub, then take very fine and very dry salt, and rub it well on both sides ; the next day salt it anew ; three days aftervyards take it away from the salting-tub, and place it in a dry and well-aired apartment, upon planks or shelves covered with straw. Turn it over occasionally, wipe it with a clean dry towel, then when it appears sufficiently dry it must be refined.* " Another method of making ' Fromage de Brie' is as follows :— " Forapail of milk newly milked putalittle less than half a spoonful of rennet, and mix it well. That done, place a round mould upon a wooden drainer, then raise the curd from the pail, fill the mould with it, give it time to be reduced by droppioK. which will be an affair of some minutes, after which fill it anew, and cover it with a mat and a towel. Allow it to drop for about 18 hours, then raise the mould, and salt it on one side with a pinch of salt ; the next day salt it on the other side, and thus two days in succession. " Nothing further remains than to take the cheese of Brie into the cellar in order that it may ripen, and to change the straw every day. As soon as a bluish mould appears it ought to be removed with the back of a knife. The cheese is known to be ripe by the yellowish tint which it assumes ; this will take place in a fortnight or three weeks in summer. " This is a process which is within the reach of everybody, and which experience proves has produced excellent results." Cf)C Uoultri) ¥arO. ARTIFICIAL HATCHING AND REARING POULTRY. (Conclwlcd/roM ;.. 112.) Artificial Incubation is generally but little understood. I am convinced of this from questions fre- quently put, such as how many chickens can you hatch out of 100 eggs ? without any consideration of the sea- son of the year. If I ask, at what time of the year Y it is said, what difference can that make ? I say it makes a great deal ; my experiments having shown that the six the eggs to finish the process, and have saved the chickens. With duck's eggs sat on by hens, it is fre- quently tho case ; sho having to sit beyond her natural period, becomes so weakened as to endanger the safety of the whole brood by leaving her charge. Such was the ease once witnessed by Sir James Brooke, from Borneo ; the hen could not bring off some Aylesbury white ducks she was sitting on, which eggs 1 put into my apparatus and brought them out successfully. So nmny reasons are to be given for the variations in productivenes.s, that every thinking mind must expect it at some seasons. Much sometimes depends on the weather, or an egg being new or stale. I have found new laid eggs hatch 2 1 hours sooner than those put to the same test that have been kept li days. Addenda. Experiment commenced .3d June, 1852, with im- proved self-regulating apparatus, at 11 o'clock, A.M. Put 50 eggs in to hatch with specific directions given to guide the boy, and here stated as a rule for working my apparatus. Notes fo he ^aien.— Temperature of the air in chicken house; ditto of the water in the boiler; ditto at the top of the eggs 1 inch from tho bottom of the tank ; ditto of the bottom of drawer or egg, 3 inches from the bottom of the tank ; ditto of ventilating air-shaft. If the eggs are colder than 10.3' make a fire and keep tho apparatus shut, and the house closed until the balance thcrraoraeter opens fhe valve or ventilator. If the body of fire in the furnace is then red-hot, smother it up with the ashes from the ash-pit or those that are saved for that purpose, and put in the stove damper ; that will feed tho heating tank for 12 hours. If you at any time of the day run the heat up to 108', or near it, mark thus (*). Take the eggs out for 10 minutes at 12 o'clock every day, and turn them ; lay the black silk evenly upon the eggs, and put the drawer steadily in the apparatus. Keep the heat 106', and do not let it range more than from 100° to 108' ; a few degrees higher or lower will stop the process. Be sure to put down on the slate truly what the heat was when you take notes, as I can generally tell when I break the egg whether the chicken was killed from over heat or cold. Copy the notes from the slate into a book every night, and rule other lines on the slate for the next morning. As soon as you see the first chicken begin to chip its egg keep all the eggs close and the heat up, more particularly at this juncture than at any other time. This experiment was ended on the 25th of June at 2 p.m., producing 46 chickens from the 50 eggs — a success over all average, natural or artificial ; but the greatest care was taken in selecting the eggs. This Rrper 'menf Sheet Date. Time. Date. June, Time. Date. Time A.M. A.M. A.M. P.M. P.M. A.M. A.M. A.M. P.M. P.M. June, A V U M PM PM 1852. t> 9 11 6 1832. 6 9 11 2 i G 1852. 6 9 11 ^ « Air OR- 72- 66' / ,'i8'' 60' 6-r 62° 62" , .58" 62' 66" 70' 70' Srd< ( 123 104 120 104 96 100 120 108* 100 114 10th 1 112 lOu 92 100 128 104 96 102 130 103 95 100 120 124 107 :i03 99 , 95 106 106 17th 1 114 101 92 100 126 Il26 107 1106 98 ! 97 110 ,106 120 106 98 108 1?' 105 F^ffs' bottom 96 Ventilation 106 106 Air S4 fifi 66 72 68 / 54 ,58 m 6! 62 58 64 i 70 70 64 Watc- nil 140 14:i ■,2'^ 1C2 l'J8 1110 120 120 124 113 120 Il24 118 120 4th J imi IIIT" 10,') 10,5 102 Ilth( 10,') 106 10,5 103 103 ISth 100 107 104 104 10.5 !ll 101 O.i 96 98 1 96 97 96 9.5 95 92 99 96 97 96 Ventilation 99 110 110 116 1U4 101 112 110 106 106 100 106 ll05 103 IU3 Air .'i4 fifi 72 76 68 , .-A 64 68 94 62 60 64 70 72 64 ( Water l-.U llfi 122 I'JO 120 1 112 120 120 120 124 112 126 120 120 128 .5th mil 10.1 10.') io:t 107 12th mil IDS' 10.5 104 105 19th ^ 106 107* 106 103 103 91 »s 96 97 98 92 100 97 96 97 97 99 i 98 94 9.5 \ Ventilation 98 108 104 102 U4 I 100 114 104 106 106 I 104 107 1108 102 106 Air fin c,r, 70 70 68 / .54 68 68 74 68 60 62 1 71 78 64 ( Water 114 ISO 12(1 ]20 118 1 120 1-20 122 121 124 iio 120 1123 124 120 Cth( ins 108 104 10.5 107 13th ( 102 104 10.5 104 102 20th < 104 106 106 107» lO.'i !W 101 96 97 98 J 94 9.5 96 94 94 96 98 1 98 99 97 ( Ventilation loe 108 104 102 106 \ 99 103 106 105 102 \ 103 100 1102 108 104 Air m fifi 68 63 70 .58 62 70 68 60 ! 62 64 1 68 66 64 Water 1S4 12« 126 124 120 no 124 12,5 124 126 124 124 124 1'20 7th in.'! 104 m 102 108" 14th 101 104 10.5 10.5 104 21st 101 107M06 104 106 m 94 94 97 100 93 96 97 97 96 99 j 98 96 97 Ventilation 106 108 108 100 108 104 106 107 107 106 \ 110 jl02 108 lOS Air 63 m 70 72 70 / .58 66 76 66 56 64 68 74 66 ( Water 114 I'M 124 1'.'4 120 112 126 124 120 124 114 120 !l26 122 118 8th ( ina 107 106 106 106 l.Hh 102 106 106 10.5 103 22d 102 106 il07" 106 106 99. 1110 98 98 98 91 96 96 96 94 93 97 1 9S 97 97 Ventilation 104 U-J 110 110 102 102 lOV 106 ,105 104 I 102 'l07 108 UU Air fiO fifi 70 72 70 , ,5R 62 64 72 66 58 70 ' 80 76 70 I Water 114 120 124 124 120 i 114 126 124 122 120 116 126 122 120 124 0th ' in-1 107 in.i 104 104 lethj 102 106 100 106 106 23d 102 L04 ,104 104 46 Eggs, bottom 91 1011 94 05 96 1 9,1 97 96 97 97 96 96 ! 95 { Ventilation 100 110 106 106 110 ^ 102 106 110 105 110 I 102 102 1106 •• cold months of the year will not on the average produce an equal number with the warm ones, by 60 per cent. Such remarks are worth the attention of those per- suading themselves they shall by artificial means have a batch of chickens every three weeks, or 18 batches in a year. The best answer I can give is, to warrant my plan, if it be worked exactly as the experimental notes are here given, to produce a chicken if the egg is good and fit for the process thoroughly equal with the hen. 1 have , notes of hens in several instances having been natu- rally unequal to the task required of sitting through tho period required for incubation, when I havo taken * The refining presents no difficulty ; for tb: take a barrel staved at one end, throw into it fine s'traw chaff of Oats about 5 or 6 inches thick : put the cheese upon experiment had no attention from 10 o'clock p.m. to 6 o'clock the next morning; and I have been more particular in describing this experiment, designing it as a guide for that information which I consider is so much wanted by experimentalists through a work I deem but little generally understood. As such, then, you may take these directions as applicable to the ordinary means in working it out, instead of reciting any other of the various experiments I have taken notes of. The above tabular list lyill act as a guide to all who desire to follow my instructions with advantage. Proper time for /i;cn6a°''™- 59, George Square, GIa.sgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, | ^ j ■( 63, New Earl Street, i ^''°^'"'- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, ) , j 163, New Earl Street, P™*""' •59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piszaas, Liverpool. Fbbepaht 8, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' OITRONICLE AND AGRTCULTTTRAL GAZETTE. SUTTONS' GKASS SEEDS FOE ALL SOILS. CARRIAGE FREE. SUTTON & SONS HAVE ONE OF THE MOST COMPLETE STOCKS or GRASS SEEDS EUROPE, "Which are prepared expressly t suit tho Soils for Avhich they art *' intended. SUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED [LIST. Now in the Press, will bo read} shortly, and a uopy forwarded gratis iind post free. I ! Minis SUTTON & SONS, HAVING COMPLETED THE CLEANING OF THEIR SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS AT J UK PARIS EXHIBITION. '■ I'aru ExhibUi-n, Dtc. 10. 1867. Centlemf.v,— As you principally ex* 1 \ Ited Grass SeedB at the Paris fixhlbttlon, > may fiirly clHim to have received tho II \ RR MEDAL awarded to you tm an V\V \.RD for the GRASS, as well as for tho 0 he SeedK you exhibited. " I am. Gentlemen, " Your obedient Servant, " K. G. WVLDK, Secretary to tho Executive Commisaion. Messrs. Sdtton & Sons." SUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, Nnw in the Pre.ss, will be ready shortly, and a copy forwarded gratis and post free. LARGE STOCK OF NATURAL GRASSES AND CLOVERS, ARE PREFARED TO BEOEIVE ORDERS FOR TUB SAME, AND HAVING ALWAYS ON HAND MIXTURES FOR EVERY DESCRIPTION OF SOIL, It is only necessary in sending an Order to discribo tlie nature of tho Soil to be laid down and suitable Seeds will be supplied. SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE EOR PERMANENT GRASSES AND CLOVERS For STIFF CLAYS For STIFF or HEAVY LOAMS For GOOD MEDIUM LOAMS For LIGHT SANDS I 28s. to 39s. per acre. The quantity supplied per aero is 2 bushels For SHARP GEAVELS For CHALKY SOILS Carriage Free. of Grasses, and 12 lb. of Clovers. For SHEEP DOWNS For GOOD BLACK SOILS SUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURES OF PERMANENT GRASSES AND CLOVERS For the above Soils. 24s. to 26s. per acre. Carriage Free. Of these Mixtures the same ([uantitics are supplied per aere, but some of the more expensive kinds are omitted. CHEAPER MIXTURES FOR PERMANENTL^TaYING DOWN WASTE PLACES, 21s. per acre. Carriage Free. SUTTONS' PERMANENT GRASSES AND CLOVERS For WATER NE.IDOWS, 24s. to 28£. per acre. • OKCIIARDS and PASTURES Overshaded by Tn 24s. to 32s. per acre. ■ RECLAIMED MARSHES, 20s. per acre. SUTTONS' RENOVATING MIXTURE FOR IMPROVING PASTURES Deficient of l)ottom herbage. Should be sown in February. Sow 6 to 12 lb. per acre. Price 9d. per lb. Cheaper by the cwt. Carriage Free. SUTTONS' MIXTURE OF GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS FOR PARK GROUNDS. Sow 2 to 21 bushels per acre. Price 16s. per bushel. Carriage Free. SUTTONS' FINE GRASSES FOR GARDEN LAWNS, CROQUET GROUNDS, ETC. Sow 3 bushels per acre. Is. per lb., 20s^ per bushel. Carriage Free. HIeds SUTTONS' MIXTURES OF gYaSS AND CLOVER SEEDS, FOR ONE, TWO, THREE, OR FOUR YEARS' LAY. These Mixtures are so prepared as to produce enormous crops for the specitied period they are to remain down. For ONE TEAK'S LAY, 13.i. 6f/. per acre, Carriage Free. Prom R. Bird Thompson, Es(i.. Free Chaae, Slangham, Cmirtfy. " .Iftu. 19.—'* The Seeds for One Year's Lay had from Messrs. hcttout turned SUTTONS' GRASS SKEDS, For THREE or FOUR TEARS' LAT, BEST MIXTURE, 22s. per acre, Cairiage Free. Second quality cheaper. From Joseph Kirrham, Esq., Jun., Terrington. March 2S.— " I'heFour Voirs" L.iv Soeds I had from you have answered well ; and alf.boutjh I had a hoi\ v crip .,f i )ats, thero has been more feed than 1 1 / before. ' E api.c } grow almo.st i\ id jiirnbs on the 10 acres for a long time, but t It." For TWO TEARS' LAT, BEST MIXTURE, ITv. Grf. per acre, Carriage Free. Second quality c-hoaper. Fmm Mr. William Jokes, Ancnl to E. P. Monkton, Esq., FiiMnhtuk Abbey, Wdiis/orif. ai^iy T).— " The Clover and Gra&s Seeds HuppHed by you during my residence here (1804 and ISBo), have given every hati.sfaction ; indeed. In 18«<". Messks SUTTOX had the honour of suDulvin" their fir.TJs Sreds for the formation of the Parks and Grounds, now so much admired for their beautiful evergreen appeTr^c^ -at the KrAL ROyIl F'vRCan'd to SAXmnX-iHAM HALL ; also the CRYSTAL PALACE. S^pNEUM; HER MAJESTY'S GOVERX^^^^^^ -WORKS at PORISEA, SOUTHSEA, and PORTLAND; the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY of LONDON ; the PEOPLE'S PARK, HALIFAX; the .ALDEE- SHQT and OTHER CAMPS ; and to most of the PUBLIC PARKS, GARDENS, ASYLUMS, &c., in the Kingdom. Mr. M. H. SUTTON'S New Illustrated Work, " PERMANENT PASTURES," is now ready, price One Shilling, post free. Of all BookseUers. Spscial Estimates given for large quantities. AH Goods Carriage Free (except very small parcehj. 3 per cent, discount allotted for cash payment. SUTTON AND SONS, SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN, READING, BERKS. THE GAPvDENERS' CHEONTCLE AND AGlilCULTlTRAL GAZETTE. [Febrttaet 8, 1868. A1)les DouglasU. ABIES DOUGLASIL— For Forest and Ornamental Planting. This is a mngniflcent tree, glRantic size, graceful, and fUll in habit, ricli in colour, and very valuable for timber. The nobJo specimen shown in the International Exhibition in 1863 was whou cut down, 309 feet high. The streoRth of the timber con- siderablv surp.isses the Liirch and best Rod Deal, and is only apprcicned by the Pitch Pine. ""- - "- — ' ' ' -■ ■ - iiderstood, will c Wj V & Son, Elvaston Nu To tte Trade. WANTED, lOOHORSK CHESTNUTS, 18 to 20 feet high, straight, clean grown, stout, and warrantod safe to transplant. Address, stating price, ic, _ D. SpKiGrnGs. >rursery, St. Alban's. Transplanted Forest Trees. WATERER AND GODFREY huve a large quantity of the following, of a very superior quality : — ALDKR, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 5 ft. FIR, Larch, 4 to 6 ft. ASH,_2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 6 ft. „ Spruce, 3, 4. and 5 ft. ACACIAS, 3 to 4 ft. JilKCH, 2t< 3 ft., 3 to 4 ft., and CHESTNUT Spanlsl, lito2ft. QUICK, very strong. Sppcial oBera on application. Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. G EOEGE JACKllAN and SON wish to draw the especial attention of Planters to their we)i-grosvu Stock of Transplanted ALDER, 2 to 3 ft., and 3 to 4 ft. ASH 21 to 3J ft., and 3) to 4( ft. BIRCH, 2j to3J ft., and 31 to 41 It FIR, AUSTRIAN, 9 to 12 in. FIR, LARCH. It to 2i ft. I OAK, English, 2 to 3 ft., and 2 to 3) ft. QUICKS, strong. SYCAMORE, 1 to 2 ft., and 3 ti HAZEL,2to3ft.,and3. 4,toSll. j WITHY, 11 to 2) ft., and 4 toSft. PYRAMID PEAR TREES of lead! Special quotations on application. Woking Nursery, Surrey. EXTRA FINE TitANSPLANTED FOREST TREES, grown on a high exposed situation, facint; tho Sea. 100,000 LARCH. 3 to 41 fact I 50.000 ALDER, li to ii feet 60,000 LARCH, 4 to 5 feet ENGLISH OAK,3to41ft.,2to3fl. (Fine roots, raised last Spring). ASH, 2 to 3 feet. 3 to 4 foct 10,000 ALDER, 4 to 6 feet, fine | SPRUCE FIR, IJ foot. Samples and prices on application. GLADIOLUS BOWIENSIS, fine home-grown Bulbs, 3s. per dozen; 20s, per 100. WonersU Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO ANT) SON ht'^ to annnunw thut their • SLnck of TRKKS and SHRUBS of tho untlormentioned kinds is this season very oxten.Mve and well-grown, samples, prices, and Catalogues of which can be obtained on application :— ) Hazel, 3 to 5 feet I 10,000 GroenHolly,tranapIanted, U to 2 ft.. 0 7ft. 50,1100 Spruce Fir, 2 t 20,000 Sycamore, 3 tc 100,000 Quicli, transplanted, IJ to j Comm 2 feet I Berberis aquifolia Pinus Austriaca, 1 to 2 feet | Arbor-vitaa And other various Shrubs. A largo stock of strong STANDARD MORELLO CIIERPvIES, APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. Araucana Imbricata and Wellingtoiiia Glgantea. SURPLUS STOCK. On Land to he Clkaiu.i> fuk Buu-pfm; ]'liu-osi:s. "TyM. SKIRVINU, Walton Nur.-c-ry, l.-w'ii.onl, U- I offer a Plants with good r , _ tbo Wellingtonias from : : high. ill agreements RAYNBIRD, CALDECOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited), Cork, Seed, Manure, and Oilcake Mbrchants. Address, 80, Seed Marliet, Mark Lane, E.C. ; or Basingstoke. Samples and Prices post free on application. Prize Medals, 1851, for Wheat ; 1862. for " Excellent Seed Corn and Seeds." The best Early Pea for Market Gardeners is SUTTONS' IMPROVKiJ i^ARLY CHAMPION. It is only three days later than Suttons' Ringleader, the forwnrdest known, and fully a week earlier than D.iniel O'Rourke. It is very prolific, the haulm beinx covered with largo, well filled, green pods. Lowest price per busliel may be had on application to ■ Sutton & Soxs. Seed Growers, Reading. Suttons' Prize Cucumber Seeds, post free. Paterson's famous Fotatos. PATERSON'S VlCroRIA and other SEEDLINGS are tho bost disease resisters, heaviest croppers, and in general qunlities unsurpassed. They are now widely celebrated, and greatly in demand both m England and abroad. DESCRlPTITE LISTS of all the varifties, with prices, can be obt:iined of the Li^ndon Agents, Hooper A Co., Covent Garden Market, W.C. w To tHe Trade. AND E. CLARK, Seed Mekchants, 42, Bishops- gate Without, late 25, Bishopsgate Within, Lave to offer : Ultra, (ids. per quarter. WHITE SPANISH ONION, CATTLE'S SUTTONS' BERKSHIRE CHAMPION, Is.Gd. perpkt. HAMILTON'S NEEDLE GUN. 2c. 6d. per packet. HAMILTON'S BRITISH VOLUNTEER, 2s. 6d. per pictot. HAMILTON'S INVINCIBLE, 2,!. ed. per packet, Other good sorts. Is. and Is. (W. per packet. As see SUTTONS' PRICED CATALOGUE, gratis and post free on application. Sutton & Sons, Reading, Berks. The folio iving Varieties, sent out by . 'iLEV, and which have not yet been surpassed, can still be supplied from stock grown by theraisers. viz.. GENERAL OUTRAM, the beat show variety grown, 2s. M. per packet. The Nurseries, Bathwick, Bath To the Seed Trade. THE LONG-STANDER LETTUCE, greatly approved, and stands longer than any Lettuce extant. DICKSON'S ALL THE YEAR ROUND LETTUCE. HOLME PARK BATH COS LETTUCE. GIANT WHITE-SEEDED Hi NUNEHAM PARK ONION GIANT WHITE-SEEDED BATH COS LETTUCE. per lb. Special offer to the Trade. ALFRED LEGERTON, Seed Merchant, 5, Aldgate, London, E., begs to offer the undermentioned SEEDS, all first-class samples and fine stocks ;— SANGSTER'S No. 1 PEA Os. Oil. per bush. CHAMPION of ENGLAND PEA .. . . IS 0 ALLIANCE or EUGENIE PEA .. .. l.i 0 LONG SCARLET RADISH 26 0 WOOD'S EARLir FRAME RADISH .. 26 0 RED TURNIP RADISH 28 (1 WHITE TDRNIP RADISH 2G 0 ALTRINGHAM CARROT 60 0 per cwt. NONPARIEL CABBAGE, fine .. . . 146 0 DRUMHEAD CABBAGE 84 0 EARLY SNOWBALL TURNIP .. . . 3iJ 0 per bushel. Special quotatioo.s for other things may be had upon application. /CHOICE SEEDS for EX hYbI^tTo N*. HARRISON'S FAVOURITE CUCUMBER.-An excellent variety, white spine, very prolific, per packet. Is. and 28. (kl. HARRISON'S DEFIANCE MELON, scarlet flesh, per packet. Is. HARRISON'S EXCELSIOR MELON, green Hesh, per packet. Is, HARRISON'S EXHIBITION TURNIP.— Very early, round, and white, per packet, L iRRISON'S NEW !■■ — An unequalled post for 30 stamps. EARLY MAMMOTH CAULIFLOWER.— Very fine, per packet. Is. GENERAL SEED CATALOGUE, which contains much useful information, may be had post free on application. HARaisoN & Son, Midland Seed Warehouse, Leicester. Genuine Bedfordshire Grown. TRUE WHITE SPANISH UNION, at 2« This very superior stock has frequently been grown the extra- ordinary weight 01 16 to 20 tons per acre. True EARLY ASHLEAF POTATO, '2s. 6rf. per peck, or Ss. per bushel. A remittance or reference to accompany all orders. Fberr. Ghf., Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. To Farmers, Gardeners, and Others. EXCELLENT CABBAGE PLANTS (Stocks not to be surpassed) can bo supplied ns follows i-ENFIELD MARKET, at 2.!. 6ri. per 1000 ; Trae DWARK EARLY NONPAREIL, at 2s. 6d. per lOOO; ROBINSON'S CHAMPION (True), at 2s. Cil. per 1000: DRUMHEAD (True), at 2,<. M. nor 1000 ; THOUSAND HEADED, ■ - RED DUTCH, for Pickling, os. per 1000. A Terence to accompany all Orders. eed Meichaiit and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. P>01ilNSON'SCHAMPioNljRUiu I) HEAD OX CABBAGE.- Theproducerof this fine selected stock has a limited quantity of Plants to disoose of. After succBssfullV competing in previous years at the Crysta'l Palace, Royal Horticultural, and other Shows, and 12 years at Birmingham. S. Rouinson has again taken the First Prize there with Six Cabbages, weighing, when lifted, 433 lb. N.B.— S. R. has also a good stock of SPRUCE and HOLLIES, 2 to 3 feet, bushy, and fit for Ornamental Planting; also a large stock of LARCH, and several Millions of Bedding and Transplanted QUICKS. Price as under Fine LARCH, 2 ft. 6 in. to 3 ft. (1. in., 12s. Gd. per 1000 ; Ditto, 3 ft. 0 In. to 5 ft. 6 in., 15s. per 1000 QUICKS, 1-yr. Seedling to 2-yr. Transplanted, 4s. 6(1. to 5s. 6d. per lOOO ; 1-jr. do. to 3-yr. do., 6s. to 78. 6d. per 1000 ; 1-yr. do. to 4-yr. do., 8s. to 123. 6d. per 1000 ; fine 4-yr. Bedding, 7». per 1000; strong Gapping, 20s to 30s. per 1000, Shaw House, Melbourne, near Derby. DlcKson's Black-leaved Beet. TAMES DICKSUN and SUNS. Hanover Street, O Edinburgh, beg to offer their beautiful BLACK-LEAVED BEET. It is the best in cultivation, either for decorative or for culinary purposes. Is, per packet ; 2s. 6(i. per oz. EAST LOTHIAN PURPLE INTERMEDIATE STOCK.— Tho finest Purple Stock in existence. In packets. 2s. 6d. and 5s. each. Strong Forcing Seakale. GEORGE CLARKE has several Thousands to offer, price 10s. per 100 ; also strong clean roots for planting, 5s. and Is. 6d. per 100. Nursery, Streatham Place, Brixton Hill, S. ; and Mottingham, Kent, S.E. p H O I C E SELECTED SEEDS, V^ tree by post. Per packet — s.'d. BROCCOLI, SNOW'S WINTER WHITE I'O CABBAGE, LITTLE PIXIE " " CAULIFLOWER, ERFURT E CHERVIL, NEW PARSNIP CUCUMBER, SMITH'S FINE FRAME 1 ENDIVE, DIGSWELL PRIZE 0 LEEK, HENRY'S PRIZE 0 RAPH ANUS CAUDATUS (NEW LONG-PODDED RADISH) 1 ASTER, TRUFFANT'S SUPERB FRENCH, 12 V CAULIFLOWER, ERFURT EARLY DWARF . CHRYSANTHEMUM-FLOWERED, 12 ilxed. 1 0 mixed 1 0 CINERARIA 2 CLIANTHUS DjlMPIEUII and Intro luced. the present Deptft , Nursei'yman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. T"' m" A N u~'n.~K s the first Chemical Artificial Manures manufactured been in use for 27 years, w ready for delivery, at thi and B irking Creeks, .all in first-rate condition. New Australian Spinach. STUART AND jMEIN, Seedsmen, Kelso, N.B., beg to ofl'er the above NEW SPINACH, the seed of which was saved in the Botanic G.ardens, Melbourne. " It is not liable to run to seed, of a pleasant fiavour, and of an enormous and rapid growth. Height, 6 to 8 feet." See OardciKrs' Chronicle of January 18, pago 50. Per Packet, Is LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LA WES' WHEAT, BARLEY, GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES. CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. Dr. Voelcker has inspected and sampled a bulk of 10,00" tons at Mr. Lawes' Factories. Tuo report can be obtained on application : He states— " All the samples appeared to be equally dry, unifonn in character, lent out from the I, and is in oxcel- delivery." These Manures c appointed Agents : varying according to cost oi carrisge. Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers. NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AM.^10N1A, and other Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, John Benket Lawes. 1, Ailolaido Place, London Bridge, E.G. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin ; and Market Sqirirc, Shrewsbury. THE LONIToN MANURE COMPANY (ESTABLlSBEO IfW) Have now ready for delivery in dry fine condition, CORN MANURE, lor Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Also Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA, ox Dock Warehouse; SULPHATE of AMMO.'vIA. FISHERY SALT, &c. E. PuasEK, Secretary. , 116, Fenchurch Street, E.C. "ODAMS'S NITBO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPIIATE for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ODAMS'S SUPERPHOSPHATE of LIME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. LEE'S GIANT ORACH (SPINACd) —This new and vaiu.able variety of Orach possesses immense productive powers, SEEDS of the CHOICEST Free by Post for Stamps. .BRUSSELS SPROUTS. SCOTT'S ECLIPSE, extra fine dwarf CAULIFLOWER. SELECTED ERFURT, early dwarf UAHTT. Per pkt. LETTUCE, NEW GIANT GREEN COS, . I 0 , new hybrid 2 6 ONION. NUNEH AM PARK Is. and 2 6 TOMATO, a collection of eight choice varieties 2 0 iSTOCK, newest dwarf large flowering German 10-week, 18 varieties, mixed 10 STOCK, crimson dwarf, 10-week 10 ASTERS, be.it quilled show, 24 varieties, mixed . . 6rf. and 1 0 ASTERS, TRUFFANT'S FRENCH P^ONY-FLOWERED, newest perfection, the best exhibition kind, 24 vare., mixed 1 0 ASTERS, NEW VICTORIA, carmine rose or mixed . . ..10 BALSAM, extra fine dwarf double, mixed 10 CALCEOLARIA, SCOTT'S HYBRIDIZED, IVoiu varieties most carefully selected, and luipretinatud from all the i Crystal Palace variety . . 6d. and I 0 LOBELIA SPECIOSA, t,ruB oryswti rEujiuo variBij? . . ou. auu PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, superbly fringed, and of fmmenso size, a strain unsurpaasod, 6 variotief, mixed . . Is. M. and 2 G 2EA JAPONICA, fol. var.. Now Variegated Maize, M. and 1 0 ZINNIA ELEGANS, newest double, flowers of immense size and extremely double, 6 varieties, mixed ., 6tj. and 1 0 DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE post free. J. Scott, The Seed Stores, Yeovil, Somerset. combined other varieties, rendering it an acquisition as a Summer Spinach of the highest class. The plant is of rapid and vigorous growth, and " ' height of 6 to 7 feet, with numerous branches, yielding a nth 8. 1 leaves throughout ihe Samm The Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultm'al Society awarded a First-class Certificate to Lek's Giant Orach, after partaking of a dish of this most useful Vegetable, cooked especi;illy for thuir judgment- JoHN & Cqarles Lee have much pleasure in intr'iducing this productive vegetable, which thej now offer in sealed packets at Is. each, Price to the Trade on appUcatiou. The Giant Orach has buen purchased by the following Firms, of whom it may be had Genuine Messrs. Austin & McAsla' Glasgow ,. Cattell, ^V. ,. Chivas & Weaver, Chester „ Cooper, Fleet Street „ Cutbush, Highgate „ Crossland, Sheffield [burgh „ Jas. Dickson & Sons, Ediu- ,, C. H. Dickson, Manchester „ F. & A. Dickson, Chester „ Dicksons & Co.. Edinburgh „ Dickson Jb Sons, Chester „ Dickson & -Brown, Man- chester ,, Dowme, Laird, 4 Laing, Edin- burgh, and Forest Hill ,, Druuimond, Stirling „ W. Drummond, Dublin „ Fisher, Holmes, & Co., SheffleM „ Caraway & Co . Bristol „ Gunn & Petrie, loveniess ,. Arthur Ilendcisou & Co., Edgoware Road , Hogg & Robertson, Dublii Messrs. Hurst & Sou, Loadenhall Street, London „ E. G. Henderson £ Son, Wellington Road „ Ivery, Peckham ,, Jeffries k Son, Cirencester „ Lucombe,Pince& Co., Exeter „ J, M. Mackay, Dublin „ Maule & Son, Bristol „ MiDier.Nash,&Co.,00,Strand „ Osborn &. Son, Fulham „ R. Parker, Tooting ., J. Perkins, Northampton „ Benj. Reid & Co., Aberdeen „ W. Sm-th k Son, Aberdeen ,. Sutton & Son, Reading „ E. Taylor, Mallon ,, Trotman, Huuuslow „ C. Turner, Slough „ Jas. Veitch &, Sons, Chelsea „ R. Veitch, Exeter ,, Wheeler 4 Son, Gloucester „ W. Wood & Son, Maresfield ,, Jacob Wronch & Sons, LoD' 1 Bridgi rHE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD 1, MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— 100, Fenclmrch Street, London. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch — 10, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. DlRK.CTOnS. Ciiairman — John Clayden, Littlebury, Essex. IJeputy-Ghairman—Sohn Collins, 255, Camden Road, HoUoway Edward Bell, 48, Marine Pamde, Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot. Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Sa-nmel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex, B Webb, Melton Ross. Lincolnshire, Charles J. Lacv, eo. West Smithfleld, Managing Director — James Odams. -BanftffTs— Messrs. B-iruetts, Hoares, & Co., Lombard Street. So iic/(ors— Messrs. Kingsford & Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. AwiUor~J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company was originally formed by, and launder tho direction ol agriculturists : circumstances that have justly earned for it another title, viz.— "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company." Its members are cultivators of upwards of 50,000 acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the consumer has the best guarantee tor the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures manufactured by this Company. I application to the Secretary, or C. T. Macadam, Secretary. , Fenchurch Street. London, E.C. Royal Vineyard Nursery and Seed Establishment, Hammersmith, W. (near the Kensington Railway Station). Chie^Offlci Beautiful Flowers, Beautiful Flowers. COCOA I^UT FliiHE KEFUSE for SALE, 6,t. per Waggon, and 2«. per Cartload. This useful material— the superiority of which over Manufactured Manures for strengthening the Growth and Improving the Blossom of Flowers, is now fully established by iestimonials from Floriculturists and Gardenei-s from all parts of the United Kinedom — is highly recommended for Potling and Striking all Soft-wooded Plants, as it prevents the cuttings from fastging ordam ping off"; and may be ihadin quantities of not less than two sacks, delivered free to any of the London booking offices, at 2.*. fid. per suck, eacu containing fi bushels, sack included, on recept of post order or postage stamps, addressed. A. bMITH, Patent Cocoa Fibre Works, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford. London, E. To Nurserymeu and Florists. PERKINS, 16, Cjtrabridgc Circus, Hackney Road, t N,E.. has on hand a large quantity of Genuine ROLL TOBACCO PAPER at Is. per lb. ; and Genuine TOBACCO CLOTHS at Orf. per lb., warranted free from adulteration. Post- office orders to be made payable at Cambridge Heath. The only Agent— W. TrsNEB, 6, Harrow Green, Leytonstone Road, Essex. H rjJBEUABY 8, ISCS.] THE G7VRDENERS' CimOiNKJLK AND AGRK^ULTUIUL GAZETTE. HI s AW'S TIFFA For Samples and Prices apply to J. Shaw & Co.. 29. Oxford Street, Manchester. CARSON'S ANTI-CORROSION PAINT, Patronised by tlio Nobility and Oontry, is extensively Xisod for all kinds of OUT-DOOR WORK, and is prosed, after a test of 70 years, to surpass any other Paint. It is especially applicable to Iron, Wood, Stone, Brick, Compo, and is the only Paint tliat will eflectually resist the rays of the sun upon Conservatories, Green- houses, frames, &c. Is twice a3 durable as genuine White Lead, so simple in application that any person can use it. Pei. ^wt. WHITE, LIGHT STONE, BATQ, and LIGHT PORTLAND COLOURS 30s. LEAD, CHOCOLATE, RED, PURPLE, BROWN, and BLACK 2fi«. BRIGHT GREEN, DEEP GREEN, and BLUE 42a. Prepared OIL MIXTURE for tho ANTI-CORROSION. OILS, TURPENTINE, VARNISHES, BRUSHES, ic. 3 cwt. Free to all Stations in England and Wales, and most Ports of Ireland and Scotland. Patterns and Testimonials sent post free. WiLTEB CinsoN ,4 Sons, La Belle Sauvage Ifard, Ludgate Hill, London, E.G. Caotios.— All Casks should bear tho Trade Mark. No Agents. Horticultural Glass Warehouse. THOMAS MILLINGTON and CO., 87. BIshopsgate Street Without, London, E.C. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOUSE GLASS as supplied to Hor ORCHARD-HOUSE SIZES. 3rds. , 2ndG, I Best. 16s Cd 18s Cii 20s Oil 20 by 13/ CIS 20 by 14 yPor 100 feet-^ — 20 by 16 I I21 aObylO' SMALL SHEET SQUARE.S, 16 oz., per 100 feet. lu. In. in. in. (in. in.lin. in. I 4tl)6. [ 3ds. [ 2nds. | Best. ClbHtl nil 6,! VJy Sj %ll ?,}]l2sM|l3.340.0.!l8sOd Per 100 feet. 10 byS 1I2 by 0 |12i by 10);14| by lOj) I | I I 10(hySlll2t by 0| 13 by 10 (15 by 10 L I13. 3d u, bj 17, 3J 19, od 11 by 0 1:1 by 0 13i by 10) 13 by 11 )- !•» Ja us DO.lTs JO us ua Illby9i!l2 bylo|l4 by 10 1 14 by U J I | ( | luVROE SHEET SIJUARES, 15 oz., per 100 feet. 10 by 10 114) by 12) 141 b» 11!|16 by 12 15 by 11 (15) by 12) 15) by 11) 10 by 12 16 by U 10) by 12) 21 by II 17 by 12 13 by 12 I IS by 12 The above Pr: 24 by 14 22 by 15 24 by IS ily for till 20 by 17 23 by 17 24 by 17 , 20 by IS 22 by 13 s stated ; if a quantity of a other Size bo required, a Special Price will be given. SHEET GLASS. In Sheets for Cutting up, averaging from 6 to 9 feet super. 15 oz. I 21 oz, 4ths quality, per 300 feet case, 383. 4ths quality, per 200 feotcase, BRITISH PLATE GLASS for Windows and Silvered for Looking Glasses, Coloured Glass, Glass Shades, Striking Glasses, &c., &c. PAINTS, COLOURS, VARNISHES. So. STUCCO PAINT, 24.!. per cwt. This Paint .adheres flrnily to tho < walls, resists the weather, and is free from the glossy appearance Important to Gardeners, PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION PRIZE MEDAL or 1807 SAYNOR AND COOKE (inly, for excellence of quality In Material and Workmanship in PRUNING and BUDDINO KNIVES, VINE and PRUNING SCISSORS, (tc. — the high distinction thus awarded showing thoir superiority over all other competitors, having also previously carried the PRIZE MEDALS of the GREAT EXHIBITIONS of 1S51, 185S, and 1802. Can be bought of all Nurserymen and Scedsmeu lu the world. Paxtou Works, Shcfflold. Estjiblished 129 years. Corporate Mark, *' outain." None are genume^nloss marked Saynor, also Outain Wa THOMAS MILLINGTON and CO., 87. Blshopsgate Street Without, London, E.C. PRESENT PRICES of HVACINTH GLASSES. be had in Opal, Is. per dozen c "Every Cottage should be provided with a Water Tank." Disraeli. Iron pisterns. FBRABY AND CO. having laid down extensive and • Improved Machinery in their new range of buildines, Ida WaARF, Deptfobd, are now prepared to supply WROUGHT^IRUN TANKS, GALVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality, reduced prices, n- ■ -■ '— ' — ■- - LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION of Oil Faint, resembling required shade. It is mixed witn 1 WHITE ZINC PAINT, 368. per surface, and ain or piu-e river water. One hundredweight of pure Zinc Paint, with three gallons of Linseed Oil, will < one hundredweight and t ' Linseed Oil. Special Drye IMPROVED ANTI-COBROSION PAINT, 28s. to 34«. per cwt. ' "' '" "-' - '- .----'- > for nil kinds of work in mpo. Iron, Iron Bndges, !, Greenhouses, &c., and is easily laid on by any ordinary workman. Prepared Oil for ditto 48. per gallon. Per civt.— s. it. , Per gallon s. rf. GENUINE WHITE LEAD 32 0 LINSEED OIL SECONDS WHITE LEAD 30 GROUND PATENT DRY- ERS, 3d. to 4Jrf. pel „ BURNT do., 6rf. to M. GREEN PAINT, all shades, 288. to Ci BLACK PAINT, 24». to 3' RED PAINT .. 288. to 3( GROUND BRUSHES. OUSTERS. I SASH TOOLS. DISTEMPER BRUSHES. The above are Net, for Cash, and aa such cannot be booked. Lists of any of the above on application. BOILED OIL TURPENTINE .. ..3 0 LINSEED OIL PUTTY, 8s. to Ps. per cwt. FineOAKVARNISH,10,v.tol2 0 „ CARRIAGE do., 128. to 14 0 „ PAPER do. 10s. to 12 0 „ COPAL 10 0 KNOTTING 10 0 Patent GOLD SIZE . . 10 0 „ BLACK JAPAN . . 12 0 GLAZIER'S DIAMONDS and TOOLS MILLED LEAD and PIPES OLD LEAD Bought or taken in TAMES PHILLIPS and t/ beg to submit tbeir prices as followa :— OLAS.S for ORCHARD HOUSES, As supplied by tbem to Mr. Rivers, to the Royal Hoi-tlcultural P "'■y, of tho Nobility, Clergy, and Gentlemen of the United Kingdom. Kach Box contains 100 feet, Tho prices only apply to the alzesstated. Squares 20 by 12, 20 by 13, 20 by 14, 20 by 16. 10 02. to the foot. 21 oz. Fourth quality . . . . 15s. Od 10s. Gd. Third dlUo 17s. Od. 225. Gd. Seconds 18s. 6d 26s. Od. English 20s. Od 27s. Od. The above prices Include the boxes, which are not returnable. HORTICULTURAL GLASS. Stock sizes, lo-oz., in 100 feet boxes, boxes included. These prices only apply to the sizes stated. 4ths. 3rds. 2nd. 11 by 9 12 by 9 13 by 0 14 by 9 s. d. 8. li. 14 „ 10 15 „ 10 Us 0 13 ., 11 14 „ 11 14 „ 12 16 „ 12 16 ., 11 16 „ 11 18 ., 12 19 „ 12 16 „ 12 17 „ 12 10 „ 13 17 „ 13 20 „ 12 1- n 18 0 10 „ 14 20 „ 13 IS „ 13 17 „ 14 18 „ 14 10 to i: oz. to the foot. 20 „ 14 SMALL SHEET SQUARES. In 100 feet Boxes. 6 by 4 6iby4i 7 by 6 7i by 61) ... „, SbyO StbyCJ 9 by 7 9t by 7t / •• l-^- m- 10 by 8 lOi by 81 . . 138. Od. Boxes 23. each returnable at full pnce. Fainted and Glazed with 16-oz. Sheet Glass. Loniion Agents for HARTLErS IMPROVED PATENT ROUGH Vermin, Hay Riick dispensed with as unnecessary, increased width and depth of Feeding Troughs. Water Cistern, and Patent Drop Cover to prevent over-gorging. Cleanly, durable, and impervious to Infection, being all of Iron. Prices of Fittings per Cow. 668. Prospectuses free of Cottam & Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street (opposite the Pantheon), Oxford Street, London, W,, where the above are exhibited, together with several important Inipri in Stable Fittings just secured by " * ' OHN WARNER and SONS, BRASS and BELL FOUNDERS to HER MAJE-STT, HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS. 8, Crescent, Cripplegate, London. E.C. PAINTS of various colours, ground ready for SHEET and ROUGH PLATE GLASS, SLATES Of all sizps. BRITISH PLATE. PATENT PLATE, ROLLED PLATE, CROWN^ SHEET, HORTICULTURAL, ORNAMENTAL, COLOI/reD, and every description of GLASS, of the best Manufa.cture. at the lowest terms. Lists of prices and e&tiraates forwarded on application to James PniLLirsS Co., ISO, Biahopsgate Street Without, E.C. FOWLER'S PATENT STEAM PLOUGH and CULTIVATOR may bo SEEN at WORK in every AgricuU tural County lu England. For particulars apply to John Fowlkb & Co., 71, Comhill, London, E.C. ; and Steam PloiiRh Works. Leeds. JRON HUKDLI-- S,1m , M.-dal of the""Koyal sheep. :i. ../ Mi . 'H.';oX,5s.Ud. List by po.-jt. G .\ I I . , . , , i . . I I M ; „i yvory doscnption. St. Pai.cras lion W.,i k U..ii.i.:,hv, « .i.i ,-.(.. i'ancraH Road, London, N.W. THE TANNED LKATIIEK COMPANY, Ariiiit Works, Groonflcld, near MancheHter TANNERS, CURRIERS, and MANUFACTURERS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS lor MAClilNERy. PRIME STRAP and SOLE BUTTS. Price Ltsta sent free by post. Warehouse: 81, Mark Lano, London, EC. Mr. H^Fkbrabek, Agent. THF PATENT ABERDEEN PRIZE LEVER CORN DRILL, combines simplicity and strength with beat material and workmanship, sows lu the most nccurato manner, and is by far tho cheapest Drill ever offered to Agriculturists. Price of 10-Row Drill, to sow fi feet, £H Imi. Other sizus In pro- portion. Price and Testimonial Lists on application. Bi:i«. Reid &. Co., BoQ Accord Implement Works, Aberdeen, Solo Manufacturers. For Grottos, Ornamental Rockwork, Fenxenes. Flower Stands, &c. VIRGIN CORK on SALK, at 10*. per cwt., by the London and l..isbon Cork Wood Company Limited, 28, Upper Thames Street, E.C. *^*^ yy A7~HAAGE'S" \V00~D~GA'RDKN sticks and IJ • TALLIES, commended by the Royal Horticultural Society, acknowledged to be the neatest, cheapest, and best Training Stlckii and Tallies made. The above can now be had of all sizes, Wholesale, of Bethau tc Blackith, Cox's Quay, Lowur Thames Street, London. E.C. •- nu,t Retail c " ' . — - Oil Paint no Longer Necessary. TMPROVED BLACK VARMSH.— For presen-ing Iron X and Wood Fencing, Gates, Farm Imnlements. &c. Sold in cxska of about 30 nalloDs each at Is. tiil. per "gallon, carriaeo paid to any railway station in England or Wales. A saranle ca.sk of 10 gallons forwarded (carnage pairi) on receipt of Post Offlco Order for 17«. 6d. No charge for casKS. Manufactured only by CfiABLTON Pais, 10, Richard's Viilas, Lavender Grove, Dalston, London, N.E. Testimonials on application. Caution to^ Gardeners^WlienryouraBk^for S.4YN0R AND COOKE'S WARRANTED PRIZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that von eet them Observe the mark SAYNOR, also the Corpoi-ato Mark, Outaix Wahkantei) without which none are gonume, s & C ret,Tet having to caution Gardeners and others, but are cnri pi-Uea to do so, in consequence of an Imitition, of common i)ualit\ hi\mg been sold for the genuine one, and which h-as caiuod many complaints to be made to them of Knives which were not of their m ike all of which are w.irranted both by Sellers and Makers. S & C s PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are tho best and the cheiDcst in the market. Pa\ton Works, Sheffield. Established upwards of 125 vears. ^^\RDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in preat ety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts being especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and once put down incur no further labour do "grown" Edgings, con- ficial Stone, of great durability, and In groat ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors, Balconies, &c., as cheap and durable as Stone, in blue, red, and buff colours, and cap,ablo of forming a variety of designs. Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS of more enriched designs than the above. WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Lardera, Kitchen Ranges. Baths, &c. Grooved and other Stable Paving Bricks of great durability, Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall Copings. Red and Stoneware Drain Pipes, Slates, Cement, 4c. To be obtained of F, Sc O. Robhkr, at their premises as above. SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above addresses— 143. per Ton, or is. 3d. per Bushel ; Zi. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any Loudon Railway or Wharf. Quantities of 4 Tons, Is. per Ton less. FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS, for Rockeries or Grotto Work. F. & G. RosuER.— Addresse,'^ see above. N.B. Orders promptly executed by Railw.ay. OU Falut no longer Necessary. D>.FP ^\ELL PAOTTPnv PUMPS for Steam. CAST IRON LIQUID MANURES. Horse, or Hand Power. PUMPS. Drawings and Prices for any description of Hydraulic Machinery aent upon application. [ILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish Is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and Is used cold. It is used In the grounds at Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and n hundreds of the nobility and gentrv, from i , the i 1 of r : flftttenng testimonials have been received, which Hill & Smith wtU forward on appllcntlon. Front Richard Hemuisq, Esq., Bord^slev Park, WorcesteraJiirt. '* Gentlemen,— I have great pleasure in stating th.at I highly approve of your Black Varnish, as a substitute for paint for farm buildings, barn doors, gates, and especially when the wood has been cask of the Black Varnish, for ty which I have in Warwickshire. Please to same conveyance as before." It 3u Kailons encn. at la. Od. per gallon, at the per gallon paid to any Station in the kinnlom. TH. Brlerly Hill Iron WorJta, near Dudley, sod I, Cannon Street West, E.C., (W)m whom only It can be obt-ilned. aend the whole by Sold m casks of Manufactory, or Is Apply t " - 142 THE UAEBENERS' CHRONICLE AND ACtRTCULTItRAL GAZETTE. [FEBRtJAET 8, 1868. HA y"w a" r ■ D B R 0 t h e e* s, HOT-WATER ENGINEERS. Hortloulturai, Public, or Private BuiMinga Heated on tho latest improved priuciplea. 167, 169, Union htreet, Borough, London, S.E. Heating by Hot Water. HOT-WATER PIPKS, at Wholesale Prices, -^vith , Elbows, Sj-phons, Tee-Pipes, and every other connection ; 'Wrought and Cast-iron Boilers, Saddle, Conicai, Cylinder, Tdbulak, and Elliptic, ftx)m 24s. each. Improved Boilers and Iron Stands to Bridge. London, S. Price List on applicatii J. JosKsSc Song, Ire CAST IRON SADDLE, CANNON, and CYLINDER BOILERS, PORTABLE BOILERS, Ac, and they will be happj' to foi-wardPrices Merchants, 6, Banksrdo, Southwark, London. %" ilOt-water Apparatus erected complote. KaMIXTN'S" paten 'i^^~b"UiLUiJSli)4 for nORTlCULTDRE. " Dry Glazinij; without Putty." " Glass without Laps," "Ventilation without Moving Lights." Highly Commended by the Royal Horticultural Society, South c Heating by Hot Water. WJ. HOLLANDS, Iron Merchant, • 31, Banksido, London, S.B. HOT WATER PIPES, from Stock, per yard :— 2-lnch, Is. Hd ; 3-inch, Is. Od. ; nnd -l-inch, 2*. 5d. BENDS, from Stock, Is. Gd.,'2s. 6d., and 33. each. THROTTLE VALVES, 108., 13«.,and Us. each. Other Connexions at equally low pnoes. and all Koods of flrst-olasa manu- facture. Estimates given, and orders by post punctually attended to M^ H^ the a TO BE SOLD, Cheap, an IRON DOME CONSER- VATORY, 62 feet 8 inches long, 0 feet 4 Inches wide. Would make an excellent Peach House or Covered Way. And all other c 0 T T A M Iron Works. 2, Winsley Street, OsfordStreet^^ 'London, ' SADDLE BOILERS. 24 30 inches long. Is. Gd. 2s. Id. 2s. Od. per yard. Materials supplied as abovo, or Estimates given fixed com- plete to Plan, on application to COTTAM & Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street, (opposite the Pantheon), Oxford Street, London. W. HOT-WATER BOILERS. Cast and Wrought Iron, and CON- iNEXlONS of all kinds, supplied equ-illy low. Georoe RoDiriSoi«^Dittl_ Iron Works, Stourbridge _^ P~0TTI^S PATENT^CUCUMliEK BOXES are now roadv, and can be had of the London Agents :— Mr. James Veitch k Sons, Chelsea Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise NurseriOa The London StEo CosiPASy, Limited, 03, Wolbeck Sbrct t Son, Highgate Nurseries. RUSSIA MATS, SEEi)-BAGS, TWlNES» &c.— Price List forwarded on application to James T. Anderson, Manu- facturer of SACKS, SEED-BAGS, ROPES, TWINES, HORSE- CLOTHS, TARPAULINS, NOSE BAGS. &c. ; and Importer of every description of RUSSIA MATS, 7. Commercial Street, Shoreditch, London, close to the Groat Eastern Railway Terminus. NET'llNtr for fHUlT TKEliS, SEwD BJiDS, KIPE STRAWBERRIES. &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the above Urora Frost, Blight, Birds, Ac., 2 yards wide, 3d. per yard, or JOO yards, 20.^. ; 4 vardB wide, 6d. per yard, or 50 yards, 20a. NEW TANNED NETTING, suited for any of tho above purposes, or aa a Fence for Fowls. 2 yaids wide, Od, per yard; 4 yards wide. Is. per yard ; J-inch mesh , 4 yards wide, 1*. «d. per yjird. Can be had in any quantity of Eatos & Deller, C & 7, Crooked Lane, London Bridge, E.C. HOTHOUSES FOE THE MILLION, ARE SIMPLE, CHEAP, AND DURABLE. SPAN-ROOF PLANT HOUSES Glazed and Piiinted three coats, with complete Ventilation all over Roof, Water Gutters, and recessaiy Ironwork, put on rail in LONDON, GLOUCJiSTEE, COVENTRT, ULVEESTONK, PAISLEY, or ABERDEEN, 10 to 16 feet wide inside, at 16s. to 24s. per foot run ; Glazed Ends or Divisions, from £3. ILLUSTRATED CIRCULAES, with full iiarticulavs, Sizc-i, and Prices, Free on application. Greenhouses— Heatmg Apparatus rBOHARDHOnSFb PATENf bU.N ilLINDSi FROST PROTJiCTOKS, STRAW BERKV HOnSES VINERIES KOBCINS HOUSES ORCHID HOUSES WALL-TREE COVERS GREENHOUSES CUCUMBER and CONSTRUCTION VENTILATION HEATING SIIADINU MELON HOUSES !"»»• OPENING GEAR THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL AWAHDED for V.irioua Improvements In the Ventilation, Con&tnicticn, and ApoUcation of WROUGIIT-IRON to Horticultural BuiJdini(s. Our New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE, THE NOVELTY. Is cbeap. durable, easily fixed, does not require painting, is adapt for all pilrposea, present dav. £211 Us. ; 40 ft., £18 the ^ of til! perfectly ventilated hi 10 It. lonK, f 10 to £19 10s. ; 32 ft. "" 64 ft., £27 12s. to £64 3s. 64; bO (I., £34 to £(i6 Cs. ; 104 ft.. £43 12«. to £84 10s. Span Roofs, doubfe price. Order! tor our New Patent WALL-TREE COVER are r Boliclted. They save their cost in one season. Prices, with 10- fUase, 6s., Os., lOs., and 12s. per foot run. In HEATING we are pre-eminent, and have pleasure in referring to works in all parts of the kingdom which have been executed by Careful personal attention is given to all ordei-s; and frcm i immense pi-actical experience, we are willing to guarantee that Buildings left to our arrangement shall perfectly answer the p'j poses for which they are intended, without fear of disappointment. Our Patented arrangements may be seen *' en modwe," and eve information obtained at our London Office, C, Sloane Street, S.W. Postal address. Anchor Iron Worlts, Chelmsford. Deksis & ScROnv, Hot- Wider Enginners, Patentees, and general or Plans on application. Tliis system of DuiliUiig lias been extendi-il In form large WINTER GARDENS, covering a great area, at a low cost ; the produce of wliirh, in a few years' time, would almost, if not entirely, repay the original cost. Gentlemen about to form New Gardens can be advised the best method of arranging these Glass Roofs for all Horticultural purposes, and as Boundaries in place of Walls, combining elegance with utility. As .already eo erected by us, they are economical substitutes for walls, ensuring the production of much larger and better crops of fruit. Estimates q'u-en for every tkscription of HorticultHral Vitiiifini/^ and for Heating Apparatus. HEREMAN and MORTON, 7, PALL MALL EAST, LONDON, S.W. PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS, FOR HEATING CONSERVATORIES, HOTHOUSES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATK RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TRUSS Begs to state that the immense number of APPARATUS annually Designed and Erected by him in all parts of the kingdom, and for the ROYAL HOftlTCULTURAL SOCIETV at SOUTH KENSINGTON and CHI8WICK, with unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design, superior materials, and good workmanship ; while the great advantages obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over-estimated, consisting of perfectly tight joints with neatness of appearance; EFFECTS A SAVINO OP 25 PER CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected compared with other systems: facility lor extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints ; can be erected by any Gardener; an ordinary size Apparatus erected in one day, and PERFECTNESS of DESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials, with Saddle Boiler, delivered to any Railway Station in England, ani Erected at the following prices. Erection beyond 2-5 miles off London, railway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. TWO FOUE-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. Erection. | Size of House. £2 0 0 60 feet by 15 feet 2 10 0 75 feet by 15 feet 2 15 0 1 100 feet by 15 feet .. 26 0 0 .. 3 5 Bath and Gas Work erected in to^vn or country. The Trade Supplied, Horticultural Buildings of every description from Ij. 6d. per foot stiperjteial, inclusive of Brickwork. Price List3, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S. TRUSS, C.E., C0N.SULTIN0 Horticultural Engineer, &c., Sole MANtiPACfUREK, FRIAR STREET, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — Tin City Qfficet are now Removed to the Manufactory, Friar Street, Size of House. Apparatus Compl 20 feet 'oy 10 feet £9 0 0 30 feet by 12 feet U 15 0 40 feet by 15 feet Ifi 0 0 Appamtu3 Cotnplote. Erection. . £17 10 0 £:i 0 0 20 0 0 a 0 n B f BBEHAET 8, 1868.] THE GABDENEKS' rTTEONTCLE ANT) AmnrULTtmAT; GAZETTR SHANKS' NEW PATENT LAWN MOWERS FOR 1868. A. SHANKS & SON IN rKESENTINO TllF.IR LAWN MOWERS FOU THE ENSUING SEASON, jw.a TO intimjVte that thev a he THE ONLY FIRM OUT OF ALL THE EXHIBITORS OF LAWN MOWERS AT THE PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION OF 1867, WHOM THE JURY DEEMED WORTHY TO RECEIVE A MEDAL. LETTERS PATENT, dated Aug-. 12, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS & SON, for IMPOilTANT IMPROVEMENTS in LAWN MOWING MACHINES. The Impi-OTemcnts iutroduced for the Season of 1868 give SHANKS' MACHINE several advantages possessed by no other Lavm Mower. The improvements are of such an important character, that all who use Lawn Mowers should not fail to make themselves acquainted with them. 1^^ Every Machine warranted to give satisfaction, and if not approved of can be at once returned, ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS SEKT FREE ON APPLICATION. ALEX. SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, Zeadenhnll Street is the only place in London where iniendinq Purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines. A. S. and SON have a staff of efficient iPorkmen at 27, Leadfihall Street, thoroughly acquainted with all the details of these Machines, so that t/iey are enabled to repair them in London as well as can he done at their Manufactory. JOHN GIBSON, JtJN., begs to announce that lie is prepared to Furmsh PLANS and ESTIMATES for LAYING OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other Kesidences, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Gmso.v, jun., Surrey Lane, Uattersea, S.W. T.^A K C H £ R" S "FKIGl "DO»ro7'^^ • Patronised by hor Majesty the Queen, the Duke of North- umberland for Syon House, hiq Grace the Duke of Devonshire for Chiswick Gardens, Professor Lindley for tlie Horticultural Society, and Sir Joseph i'axtoD for the Crystal Palace, Royal Zoological Society. &c. PROTECTION from the COLD WINDS and MORNING FROSTS. *• FRIGI DOMO" NETTING. White or Brown, made of prepaied Hair and Wool, a perfect non-conductor ol heat or cold, keeping a fixed temperature whero it is applied. It Is adapted for all Horti- cultural and Floriculturnl purposes, for Preserving Fruits and iriowers from the Scorching Rays of the Sun, from VVind, from Attacks of Insects, and from Moiiiing Frosts. To be had in any required lengths. " FRIGI DOMO " NETTING. 2 yards wide, Is. Od. per yard run. Four yards wide 3s. Gd. per yard. An improved make, 2 yards wide . . \ft. M. per yard. An improved make, 3 yards wide . . 2s. %d. per yard run. Elisiia Thomas Archek, Whole and Sole Manufacturer, 7, Great Trinity Lane, Cannon Street, City, E.C., and of all Nurserymen and Seedsmen throughout the Kingdom. " It Is much cneaper than Mats as a covering." A and GRICULTURAL HORTICULTURAL PRIZES. A Pamphlet of Prices, illustrated with 300 Engravings of Cups, Goblets, Tankards, &c., will be forwarded gratis and post free on application. ^\ Lithographic Drawings of Silver Epergnes, ■-d). Manufactur- ing Silversmiths, 11 k 12, Comhill, London, E.C. ; opposite the Bank of England. K I D D, Notice of EemoTal. WILKINSON AND SADDLERS TO HER MAJESTV AND H.R.n. THE PRINX'K OF WALES, Have REMOVED thetr Establishment from the Corner of Park Street, Oxford Street, to 6, HANOVER SQUARE, W. (Adjoining the Queen'a Concert Rooms.) Established 1780. TO PARENTS and GUARDIANS.— The return of Youth to tbeir respective Boarding Schools induces a solicitude for their personal comfort and attraction, and ROWLANDS' MACASSAR OIL, for accelerating the growth and Improving and beautifying the hair, ROWLANDS' KALYDOR, for improving the akin and complexion, and removing cutaneous eruptions, and ROW- LANDS' ODONTO, or Pearl Dentifrice, for rendering the Teeth beautifully white, and preserving tbe gums, are considered indis- pensable accompaniments. Sold by Chemists and Perfumers. Ask for Rowlands' articles. RT ROB iiilTS' S POOR~M Airs^ F RlENlT^anci PILUL.'E ANTISCROPUUL.T: have been proved, by CO years' experience, successful in the Cure of Eruptions and Wounds of every description. Sold wholesale by tho Proprietors, Beach & Barnicott, at their Dispensary, Ijridport, and by the London houses ; and Retail by all respectable Medicine Vendors in tho United Kingdom and the Colonies, in pots and boxes, Is. l\d., 2a. *Jd., 45. Gd., lis., and Z25. each. (KSK Dr. De Jongh's ni! Ob; ■ Uei OIL, LIGHT-BROWN COD LIVER Invariably pure, palatable, and easily taken, Prescribed as the safest, speediest, and most effectual remedy for coNsmrpTioN, chronic bronchitis, asthma, coughs, AND DEBILITY OF ADULTS AND CHILDREN. Universally recognised by the highest Medical Authorities to be INCOMPARABLY SUPERIOR TO EVERY OTHER KIND. DR. EDWARD SMITH, F.R 8., iUedtcal Officer to tJie Poor Laic Board, in his work "On CoTumniption" writes: — "We think it a great advantage that there is one kind of Cod Liver Oil which ia univeraally admitted to be genuine — the Ught-Brown Oil supplied by Dr. De JonRh." DR. LANKESTER. F.R.S,, Coroner for Central 31iddlese-v, obse)-ves: — "I deem the Cod Liver Oil sold under Dr. do Jongh's guarantee to be preferable to any other kind as regards genuineness and medicinal efficacy." DR. DE JONGH'S LIGHT-BROWN COD LIVER OIL is Sold only in Capsuled Imperial Half-pints, 2$. M. ; Pints, 4s. ed.; (Quarts, 9s.; labelled with his stamp and signature. by respectable Chemists and Druggists. Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING FOWLS, of purest breed, in any numbers, • Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and moat productive breed known. Improved NORFOLK TURKEYS, large, hardy, and good breeders. AYLESBURY and ROUEN DUCKS. Imported BELGIAN HARE RABBITS, for size and early maturity. BRAHMA-POUTRA. CREVECtEUR, and LA FLBCHK FOWLS, for constant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on appUcatlon. John Bailt & Sos, 113, Mount Street, London. \V. /^OCOA-NUT REFUSE ^-^ is becoming soabcb, the old reserves will soon be gone. Now sold In bags, 1 for 2b., 10 for IGs., 20 for 308., 60 for G6s., 100 for £fl. Fourpence allowed lor each bag returned carriage-paid. A Railway Truck-load (not in bags), 40s. Postage Stamps or Post-offlce Order, payable to J. Barsham * Co., Kingston-on-Thamea, S.W. ROLL TOBACCO CLOTH.— The cheapest and best article for Smoking Greenhouses and destroying the Fly ; equal to Tobacco in strength, l,s\ id. per lb. ; over 10 lb.. Is. Id. Joseph Bakek, 10, Gough Square, Fleet Street, E.G. Post OfQco Orders payable Fleet Street. POOLET'S TOBACCO POTVDER, for the Destruction of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nurserymen and Florists, m Tins, at Is^ 2s. Gd^ and Ss. Wholesale from the Bonded Manufactory, Sussex Wharf, Wapping, E. Testimonials sent upon application. r i\\ / id by many of the leading .rtieners since 1850, against ^d Spider, Mildew, Thrips, een Fly, and other Blight, solutions of from 1 to 2 ounces the gallon Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (LlMITEn). TO BE DISPOSED OF, the LEASE (with immediate possession), of the late Mr. CUTHILL'S STRAWBERRY GROUNDS. Denmark Hin,Camborwell;togetherwlth RESIDENCE, GLASS, and other appliances. Kstabliahed 28 years. Apply to Mrs. Cutuill, on tho Premises. By Royal Appointment. To Her Majesty by £, Wammt, dated i;7th Dec, * _^__,-^- . 180.1. £jiiE%2Ud&9 February, ISGO. AY, SON, AND HEWITT, Original nnd Sole Proprietor of the STOCK-BREEDERS' MEDICINE CHESTS for disorders in Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, and Lambs. No. 1 MEDICINE CHEST i No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST D T W A moBt Advantageous Chance. 0 BE LET, .1 S.MALL NURSERY, For parttciil.'irs apply, by letter, to J. C. care of Mr. C. tier. PostOfflce, Loughtoil^ ACRES " &c. — ANTED, 10 or 20 ACRES of FREEHOLD GROUND, for Nursery purposes, J. H., Messrs. Johnston, Centre Avenue, Covent Garden, W.C. W' Wanted to i'uuciiASE7T~BMALirijREEN^ HOUSK. about 8 or 9 feet long. Addrosa, statiOK price, to T. U., 24, Piccadilly, W. To Gardeners. FLORIST and SEED SHOP, with large Frontage ; a good Jobbing Connection attached; excellent neighbourhood, and position. As the season is approaching, this offers an excellent opportunity to an energetic Man.— T. L.^Oardtnera' Clironictc Office. Complete Guide to Farriery, Price, £0 Carriage paid. (^ Every Stockowner should send for Dat. Soy, & Hewitt' ShilUng Key to Farriery, Price. £2 10s. Gd. Carriage paid. WoRBLon Farrieby. Large Edition. 2«. 6d., or free hy postt for 33 stamps. Small Edition, Is., or free by post for 13 stamps. Address, Dat, Soir, & Hewitt, 22, Doreet Street, Baker Street, I^ondon, W. Salts iJg attct(on. Lilium auratum, from Japan, and Conifer Seeds. IV/flt. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at 1\-L his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, on THURSDAY, February 13. at half-post 12 o'CIock precisely. 60UO BULBS of LILIUM AURATUM, just arrived from Japan ; and some CONIFER and other SEKDS, comprising ABIES URAC- TEATA. PICEA NOBILIS. CuUDYLlNE INDIVISA, STRICTA. and new species, CLIANTHUS DAMPIERI, MYOSOLIDIUM NOBILE. ACACIA AUMATA. &c. On vit!W tlie:M"riiir]t;ol'SrLle, and Ciitalogues had. Important Unreserved Sale of Plants at the Royal Nurseries, Great Yarmoutn. MR. J. C. STEVENS (Horticultural Auctioneer and Valuer, of 38, King Street, Covent Garden, Londdn), begs to announce that he has been favoured with instructions from Messrs. Youell & Co. (in consequence of the Death of one of the members of the Firm, and Dissolution of Partnership), to SELL by AUCTION, on the Premises, the Royal Nurseries, Great Yarmouth, on MONDAY, February 24, and following days, at half- past 11 o'clock precisely each day, without the least reserve, the whole of the valuable STOCK of HARDY PLANTS of this cele- brated Nurserjr (which has been established upwards of halt i tuccas, Vines, Raspberry canes. Currant and Gooseberry bushes, Pieonies, Hepattcas, Iris, Phlox, Violets, Prim- roses, Pyretbruma. Asparagus, Seakale, and Rhubarb roots, ic. Ou view the week prior and Mornings of Sale, and Catalogues had (price Is. each) on the Premises, and of Mr. J. C. Stevens, 3M, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C. N.B.— The Second Sale, consisting of several thousand pairs of the early in the Spring, at the Auction Rooms, 38. King Street, Coyent Garden. The third portion, coneisting of SU.Ol'O choice Gladioli, will also be SOLD in London in March ; and the concluding portion, consisting of tbe remaining stock of Greenhouse and other Plants, Greenhouses, Pits, Frames, Garden Implements, &c., during the To Noblemen, Gentlemen. Florists, Nurserymen, and Others. TM. FISHER AND SONS have been instructed by • tbe Executors of the late P. W. Hammond, Esq., to SELL by AUCTION, on FRIDAY, February 21, atll o'clock in the forenoon, at Wvngate House. Barlow Lane, Levensbulme. near Manchester, all tlie Large and Very Rare Collection of BRITISH imd EXOTIC FERNS. GKEENHOUSE, and other PLANTS ; al-su Two SlacliS of Well-got Hay, Garden Engine, Plant Trainers, Cucuiiiber Frames, Well-buillt Greenhouse and Plant Stove, Steam Boilers for Green- houses, Propagating Frames, Garde a Chairs, Ditto Vase'f, Iron Hurdles and Fencing, Green's Patent 2:i-inch Mowing Machine, Trellis Work ; Several Hundred Feet of Wrought and Cast-iron Steam Piping, with brass taps and valves; Iron Cisterns, Lead Piping, Plant Stands, Boarding and Railinj;, Garden and Seakalo Pots, Guillotines, Barrows, Ladders, and other effects. The Fcma are well worthy of attention, having been selected with great care and experience. May be viewed on the 18th, 19th, and 20th days of February, and Catalogues had on the premises, or from the Auctioneers, 10, Tib Lane, behind the Bank of England, Manchester. N.B. If not convenient for purchasers to remove them at oncci the Plants may remain for one month after the sale without expense, during which time the same care will be taken of them as heretofore. M Clapham. ESSRS. PROTHEROE and MORRIS are instructed by Mr. James Over to SELL by AUCTION, on the Premises, the Nursery, opposite the Bowyer Hotel, Manor Street, Clapham, S., on TUESDAY, FeT)ruary 26, at 11 for 12 o'CIock precisely, tha whole of the valuable NtlRSERY STOCK, consisting of Evergreen, Conifera), and Deciduous Shrubs, which comprise Aucubas, 1 to 4 feot; Common and Portugal Laurels, 2 to 4 leet ; Euonymus, Green and Variegated Hollies. Box, Laurustlnus, Rhododendrons, Bays, Yews, Thuja aurea, Wellingtonia. Cedrus Deodaro, Thujopais borealis, Araucaria imbricata. Lilacs, Box edging, hardy Climbers ; with a hne as-^ortment of Orst-clrus Standard, Half-Standard, and Dwarf Roses, Dwarf-trained Peaches and Nectarines, Standard, Dwarf, And Pyramid Apples, Pears, Plums. Cherries, Standard Mulberries anci Walnuts, Sycamores, Limes, Ac May be viewed prior to the Sale ; Cat-alogues had at the Seed Shop. High Street, Clapham, S. ; and of the Auctioneers and Valuers, Leytonstone. N.B.— The valuable LEASE and GOODWILL of tho NURSERY and SEED BUSINESS, tho Collection of Stove, Greenhouse, and- Bedding Plants, with tho Greenhouses, Pits, and other effects, will be offered in May next by Public Auction, if not previously sold by private contract. Extensive Sale of the Valuable Nursery Stock of Mb. Danisl Bctleb. at the Win. oMBr NcnsKRT Gardkks, Wid- ESSRS. MORRIS and SON arc instructed by the Trustees xmder a Deed of Assignment f-T the Beneflt of nthe Pn-tniso.s, III. TUESDAY, mm. : i J o'clock M nfii.. .utio: n c.ip Glasses. The Stock, which Ts in excellent condition, comprehends a great variety of FRDIT and FOREST TREE.S ; Superior Vlnr- — 600 ditto in pots ; a large collection of Conlltrs, Amucarias ; 1000 various Vews. Irom 2 to 6 feet high ; Magnolias, Fuchsias ;alX)Ut 1000 Geraniums. Including all the now varieties : KVKRGREENS or everr description ; 1000 Wellingtonia gigantca, Cedrus Doodara ; 200 Auriculas. In pots ; Ploolccs nnd Carnations. Pampas Grass, and other miscenanies : the whole of which will De on view the day preceding tho Sale, and will be ailottej to smt tho convenience 01 Purchasers. Catalogues may be had one week previous to the Sale, at the Auctioneers- Upholstery Warerooms. 22. Milsom Street : and of Messrs. LiTTm i Linm, Sollcltoia, 11, Bladad BiiUdlngs, B»t6. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febeuaby 8, 18G8. GREEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOR, OR NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. PATRONIZED BY HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN ' ''^,^5^ '"'^^ ^^^*^ °^ "^^^ BELGIANS. ON THIRTY-EIGHT DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. It^^^^'^ « '^^^ EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH. H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES. S^^'^^^^S^S THE EMPEROR OF RUSSIA. AND MOST OF THE NOBILITY, CLERGY, AND GENTRY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the keeping of Lawns in the HIGHE.ST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT L.\WN MOWERS are the simplest In construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other; and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. THET ARE THE ONLY MACHINES IN CONSTANT USE AT THE RorAL nORTTODLTURAL SOCIETrS GARDENS, SOUTH KENSINGTON THE ROTAL BOTANIC GARDENS. REGENT'S PARK THE CRYSTAL PALACE COMPANVS GARDENS, SYDENHAM BDCKINGHAM PALACE GARDENS MARLBOROUGH HOUSE THE HYDE PARK GARDENS THE WINTER PALACE GARDENS, DUBLIN THE DUBLIN BOTANIC GARDENS THE LIVERPOOL BOTANIC GARDENS THE LEEDS ROYAL PARK THE HULL BOTANIC GARDENS THE BOTANIC GARDENS, BRUSSELS THE SUNDERLAND PARK THE PRESTON PARK AND IN MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL PARKS, SQUARES, ETC., IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS /lave proved lo ie the best, and carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. T. GREEN & SON ivarrant everi/ Machine to give entire satisfaction^ and if not approved of can be returned uneonditionally. PRICES of HORSE, PONY, and DONKEY MACHINES, includiug Patent Sell-delivery Box; Cross Stay complete; suitable for attaoliing to ordinary Chain Traces or Gig Hamesa. PONY AND DONKEY MACHINES- To Cut 26 inches ..£13 0 0 „ 28 „ .. .. 15 0 0 „ 30 , .. 17 0 0 Leather Boots for Donkey^ 18s. Leather Boots for Ponijy 22s. HORSE MACHINES To Cut 30 1 nchos £21 0 0\ „ 36 II •• 24 0 of „ 42 „ .. 27 0 q\^"" „ 4S i> •• 30 0 o) Leather Boots for Horse, 26s. Both the Horse, Pony, Donkey, and Hand Machines possess (over all other Makers) the advantage of Self-sharpening. The cutters being steel on each side, when they become dull or blunt by running one way round, the cylinder can be reversed again and again, bringing the opposite edge of the cutter against the bottom blade, when the Machine will cut equal to new. AiTangements are made that the cylinder can be reversed, by any inexperienced person, in two or three minutes. HAND MACHINES. ni.'fSSSji'eSiUnl To Cut 10 inches ..£3 10 0 Siiilablefor a lady „ 12 „ .. 4 10 0 „ „ „ 14 „ ..5100 Suitable for One Person ,, IG „ .. 6 10 0 „ „ To Cut 18 inches ., £7 10 0 Siiilablefor One Person. „ 20 „ .. 8 0 0 Suitable for Tioo Persons „ 22 „ .. 8 10 0 „ „ » 24 „ .. 9 0 0 Packing Cases are charged at the following low rates, viz. : — for the 10 and 12-inch Machine, 3*. ; 14 and 16-inch, 4s. ; 18 and 20-inch, 5s. ; 22 and 24-inch, 6*. Parties providing themselves with Lawn Mowers are recommended to purchase the cases in which to stow them away, when not in use, to prevent them from getting damaged ; if returned, two-thirds will be allowed for them. The above MACHINES are made from the best materials, and of superior workmanship ; are delivered Carriage Free to all the principal Railway Stations and Shipping Port in England. Every Machine is warranted to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of, can be returned unconditionally. T. G. AND SON have a large quantity of LAAVN MOVERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments; also various other kinds of HORTICULTURAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, .and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. Saving very extensive Premises in London, we are in a position to do all idnds of Repairs there, as well as at oar Leeds Establishment. THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. Editorial Communications should be addre3.sed to ' The Editor ; " AdveTti8'>ments and Business Letters to " The Publisher," at the Office, 41^ "Wellington Street, Covent Garden, tendon, W.C. rinted by James M, , & C[>., Lombard of Whttefriars/Cityof London, in the Co. of Middlesex, ami Pabll3HeJi by the said Ja«b9 Ma' 4: y. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLl: AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 7.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15. I Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, 6i. Agriculture, Chamber ol .... 165 n Agricultural Benevolent Asso- cintion 159 i Agricultural educatioa 1C3 n Books noticed . Farm, Essex .., Oalcs.tlic late . Hedges 154rt Horse purchasing Kid n Oranpe proves 157 Palms of Australia .... 9 exhibition awards . Ploushraan, n Hcottisli I Horticultural .. 156 6 Walk, suggestive 1^" Persons wishing to send the Gardeners' Chronicle bij Post, should order the Stamped Edition. President— The Rev. M. J. Bz,.^^^.^., ^ .^.^. A GRAND SHOW for ROSES and CUT FLOWKRS will take plnce iQ fiUUGHLEV PARK, STAMFORD, on THURSDAY, JULY 9, 18C8. The Schedulea, \vith Rules, Sc, may ba had. post C^ New Roses for 1868. JOHN FEASER, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries, London, N. E., bens to oflfer lino healthy plants of the best NEW ROSES for UGS. A DESCRIPTIVE LIST may be had on application. New Eosea of Spring, 1868. )AUL AND Son h.ave strong; plants of tlie best 40 now readv. DESCRIPTIVE LIST in Press. The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt. N. iobO. CATALOC il 0 S E B.— ow ready, with the usual fine , Salisbury. ROSES.— ALFRED COLOMB, MARECHAL NIEL, PRINCESS MARY of CAMBRIDGE. Eitra fine Standards, Half Standards, Dwarfs. The Trade supplied. JoRN Kevszs, Castle Street Nursery, Salisbury, STANDARD MARECHAL NIEL ROSES; also DWARFS. Wm. Wood & Son, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Susses. w New Roses for 1868. M. WOOD AND SON have 6ne strong plants to r Uckfleld, Susses, PURCHASERS of LARGE QUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEEDS will be supplied liberally by Sctton & Sons. For prices apply {stating quantity required) to Sutton It Sons, Koyal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. DKUTZIA GKACXLIS, for immediate Forcing, by the dozen, lOO, or 1000. Wm. Wood tc Son, Mareslield, near Uckfleld, Susses. LADIOLUS BRENCHLEYENSIS, very fine roots.— Prlco to the Trade on application to lUes Carter & Co., 237 and -238, High Holbom, London, W.C. OUBLE ITALIAN TUBEROSES, fine sound roots.— Price to the Trade on application to IUE9 Carter & Co.. 237 and 838, High Holbom, London, W.C. C CALCEOLARIAS (Herbaceous), of choice strain. — Fine ^ plants, In 4-iDch pots, (is. per dozen, or 60 for 203. ; extra large, In 5-inch pots, Ds. per dozen. II. & R. Stirzaker, Skerton Nuraerie?, Lancaster. CALCEOLARIAS'lAUREA FLbRIBUNMyT^WeU- rooted plants, out of pots. Most of them will now afford a cutting. 12ii. CO. will have mnch pleasure in seudiug the following CESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUES to anv address on application :— No. I.— CATALOGUE of DUTCH FLOWER ROOTS. &c. No. II.— CATALOGUE of FOREST, FRUIT, and ORNA- MENTAL TRKE.S, ROSES, &c. No. III.— CATALOGUE uf SELECT VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEED.S, kc. No. IV —CATALOGUE of AGRICULTURAL SEEDS, &c. Seed Shop aud Counting Rooms, lOfl and 108, High St., Dumfries. Pie! "The fulness, expansivi allc Field, IJith March, 1864. r former favourable commendations, and say le Firm, that tbey grity and upright] J deal with the Firm, that tbey will, i The To the Trade Only. THOMAS CEIFPS AND SON'S "WHOLESALE CATALOGUE for the present Season, containing G2 pages of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, can be had Post Free. It will be found to include the NEW SILVER-EDGED PRUNU3 (CERASUS) MAHALEB, ROSSEELS' NEW GOLDEN ELM, NEW AUCUBAS, HYDRANGEAS, USMANTHUS. WEIGEL AS. and every novelty of Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, MISCELLANEOUS HARDY BEDDING PLANTS, SWEET VIOLETS, &o. ROBERT PARKER ht-gs to announce that tis CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of the finest kinds in cultivation of the above-named, is now published, and wiH be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have all been procured from the best possible sources ; all are warranted genuine, and are offered at the lowest possible prices. Intending purchasers are requested to compare the prices with those of otbei houses.— Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S. Choice New Plants. MJ^L T^ILLISTONE AND WOODTHORPE are JL/ now oflering new Varieties of_ the following Autumn-struck Plants: — v*^ VERBENAS, 12 of the finest h-iiGER^VNIUMS, 12 ofthe finest Zonals of 18G! iJS ,. 12 of the fines /JV/ CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 20 of the TROP^OLUMS. e of the best LOBELIAS, 6 of the best HYACINTH COMPETITION. To Messrs. Wm. Cotbdsh & Sons. Gkntlemen, — Having been informed by my neighbours that your Hyaclnlhs are superlatively good this season, nevertheless, 1 shall be most bappv to meet you for FIVE POUNDS at the Livei-pool Hyacmth Exhibition, St, George's Hall, in MARCH NEXT. Having been the successful Competitor for several years, and having last year completely distanced you, X presume it is in vain for me to 13, Liverpool. — Feb. 8. Brltisli Fern Catalogue. ROBERT SIM will send, post free for six postage stamps. Part L (British Ferns and their varieties, 3G pages, 'H.irdy Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- Per dozen — s. (/. CINErAriAS, 9 of the best, including White Perfection . . 9 For other choice New Plants, see our 64-page CATALOGUE, se free unon application. Post-offlce orders payableat Castle Hedinghai " " Sible Hedipgham, Essex. Spring Flowers. DILLISTONE AND "WOOD- TUORPE are offering the following : HEPATICAS, Double Rod and Single Blue, is. per dozen PRIMROSES, Double Purple. White Rose, and Lilac, 6s. to 9m, per dozen VIOLETS— Queen of Violets, 6s. perdoz. „ King of Violets, 9s. per doz. „ Double Red, 9s. per dozen „ The Giant, &■'. per dozen ,, Noap.ilitan, Cs. per dozen •24 other choice Varieties, from 3s. to 9s. See CATALOGUE, pp. 52, 63, sent free upon application. POLYANTHUS, choice strain, 3s. per dozen, 21;*. per 100 PANSIEK, fine named, 6«, per dozen; ■der kinds, 3s. par dozen CISTUS, in 20 Varietiei and Iks. per dozen HOLLYHOCKS, fine named, 6s. and i kinds, Gs. per dozen /-CHOICE GKRANIUMS for SALE. LADT CULLUM, SOPHIA CU3ACK, SOPHIA DDMARESQUE, BEAUTY of CAULDERDALE, MODEL, PERILLA, and other similar kind«, all good, by the plant, dozen, or 100 MRS. POLLOCK, good plants in hirge thumb pots, at 30s. per 100 ITALIA UNITA and SUNSET, at Cs. perdoz. ZONAL aud other VARIEGATED GERANIUMS, including many new ones of 1866-Y, from 2s, 6d. per doz., cheaper by the 100. The above, m good plants, will be ready to send out in April. Wjl PoTTEN, Sissmghurst, Staplehurs Kent. New Zealand Nursery, St. Alban's. Herts. JAVATSOM'S beautiful BEDDING PELARGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready; colour of Indian Yellow; fine truss, and habit of Lord Palmerston. Price 5s. each ; 30s. per doz. to the Trade. MISS WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1. The Two have received 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money. Fine New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN, Ripe in April. Plants readyinNovember, 5s. each; 36s. per doz. to the Trade. DESCRIPTIVE LIST sent on application. G EOKGE SMITH begs to call attention to his NOSEGAY GERANIUMS. The two beautiful varieties to be , out are of the same fine habit as Le Grand, sent out by G. S. years ago, having enormous Hydrangea-like heads of blossom ; The two new ZONALS are brilliant in colour, and for size, form, and habit, will picase the most fastidious cultivator. Five new FUCHSIAS are selected with care, and will be found all of great merit. The above, together with the moat brilliant TROP^OLUM yet introduce*' " " plants G. S. ever had the pie: descriptions, see below. NOSEGAY PELARGONIUMS. ECLAT (Gei.'. Smith).— Flowers a rich shade of magenta, suffused with purplu, uf extra large size and fine form ; although the trusses are l!irc;or than any other variety, yet they possess stiff foot- stalks, aud lire sulf-supporting, giving the plant a noble appear- , beautiful compact 6 are ordered, 7 will be sent, and where 12 are ordered, 15 forwarded. GRAND DUKE (Geo. Ssiirn.)— Deep orange scarlet, extra large bold circular t " ^ "- " ■----'■- — ■'■ the same bei Awarded a F . _ _ . _ , . Society ; First-class Certificate by the Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Pjuk. Plants, 78. Gd. each. Where 6 are ordered 7 will be sent, and where 12 are ordered, 15 will be forwariled. ZONAL GERANIUMS. FIRST FAVOURITE (Geo. SMiTH)._Biight orange scarlet, white eye, of large pip and truss, well arranged flower, smooth fbliage, slightly zonate ; habit good. 5s. each. GLOW (Geo, Suitii), — Brilliant scarlet flowers, of large size trusses, well formed and circular ; dark zone. 5s. each. NEW FUCHSIAS. EMPRESS (Geo. SMiTe).~Tube and sepals waxy scailet ; the latter broad and well retlexed, corolla large double white, with scarlet feather half way down ; good foliage and habit, the finest white yet offered. lOi. Q{. per dozen ; GOLDEN BEDDER, 2 feet, do., 98. per dozen ; LITVLE NAJADO. white, heavily edged with camiiiie, 2 ft.,8s. per doz. ; PURPLE ZELINDA, 2 ft., Gs. per dozen ; POA ARGENTEA ELEGANS (silver-leaved Grass), strong bunches, 6s. per doz. Charles SniLLiNc, Hill Nursery, Winchfield. Hants. ErASTLOTHlAF PURPLE and WHllE INTER- MEDIATE STOCKS, remarkable for the large percentage which come double, and for their purity of colour and c blooming. If sown in March they blot " •■-'=■■ ription of above Stocks, I Julyt Rhododendrons. As ExHIDITEn AT TUE RoYAL BoTANIC GaUDENS, RegENT'S PaRK. JOHN "WATKRER, the Exhibitor ut the above Gardens, has pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of the above popular Plants is now published, and w " ' " .pplicants. It faithftiHy de; " " ' __ , January. grown by Mr, D. Thomson, Archerfield Garden; "' ' - " " ■■ - " --^ -■■•- ■ 2lst November, 1867. „ . , Thomas Methven begs to intimate that he has secured the Seed of TRAPRAIN SCARLET STOCK can also be had, in packets, at Is. and 2s. 6d. each. Also LOBELIA SPECIOSA (true), in packets, at Is., 2s. iid. and fis. each. 15, Princes Street, Edinburgh.— Feb. 1. be forwarded bes all the varieties considered likewise a selection of HARDY CONIFERS, with heights and prices. The American Nursery, Bagshot, Surrey. worthy of cultivation. Rhododendrons, &ic. JAMES SMITH, Darley Dale, Nurseries near Matlock, offers the followine : — 160,000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM. beautiful healthy plants, 9 to 15 inches, 15s per 100 ; £G 10s. per 1000 1,^0,000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, fine bushy plants, I to li foot, 20s. per 100 ; £!» 10s. per lOOO 60,000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, flne plants, li to 2 feet, 25s, per 100; £12 per 1000 10,000 RHODODENDRON WHITE MAXIMUM, I to li foot. ■. per 100 I 20,000 RHODODENDRONHIRSUTUM, the Dwarf Alpine Rhodo- " dendron. — Nice little plants, 3s. per dozen ; 15s. per 100 10,000 RHODODENDRON HYBRlDUla.lto li foot, bushy plants, 6s. per dozen ; 30s, per 100. 5.000 AZALEA PONTICUM, the sweet Azalea.— Beautiful bushy plants, 12 to 18 inches, mostly in bloom bud, 3s. per dozen ; 20s. per 100. Ditto, 15 to 24 ins., 6s. per dozen ; 30s. per 100 50,000 HARDY HEATHS, in about 20 varieties.— Good plants, in fine health, 3s. to 4s. per dozen; 10s. to 16s. per 100. Also about 20 varieties, at 5s. to 78. per dozen. 12,000 DOUBLE WHIN, GORSB, op FURZE, nice plants, well rooted, 2s. Gd. per dozen ; 12s. per lOu. Also in pots, at 4s. per dozen ; 20s. per luO. 5 feet, 6s. per dozen ; 6 to 6 feet, 12s. per dozen 40,000 EVERGREEN PRIVET, 2 to 3 feet, flee plants for Hedges or Game Covert, 2s. Gd. oer 100; 22s. per 1000 10,000 IRISH IVY, nice plants, 3s. per dozen ; 8s. per 100 000,000 LARCH, transplanted, fine healthy plants, not the least injured by frost or any disease, li to 2 feet, 14s. per 1000 ; 2 to 3 feet, I6s. per 1000 ; 3 to 4 feet, 18s. per 1000 ; 4 to 6 feet, 19s. per lOoO All the above will be delivered free at Matlock Bridge or Darley Stations, on the Midland Railway. A CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, including Forest Trees, Flowering Shrubs, named Rhododendrons, &c., sent ft-eo by post. The Tr.i'iu supplied. Apply to James Smith, Darlev Dale Nurseries, near Matlock. New Seeds for the Garden and Farm, 1868. ARCHIBALD HENDER- SON'S DESCRIPTIVE and PRICED CATALOGUE of SEEDS, containing Cultural remarks on all the most important Seeds, a Select List of GLADIOLUS for Spring Planting ; also his DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STUCK is now ready, and may be bad gratis and post free npon appli- cation. Sion Nursery, Thornton Heath, Surrey, and at the East Surrey Seed Warehouse, College Grounds, North End, Croydon. _ 1\/fAURICE"Y0UM^NEW^CAT^ of'NEW" TiESIGNS, PLANS, and ESTIMATES PREPARED F' Convenient railway accommodation to all parts of the country. Milford Nurseries, near Godalmiog, Surrey. C^' i^ie NEW GENERAL dATALOGdE, No. 81,' and a Speci- men Number of the " Illu.strationHorticole"cau be obtained free by applying to AmuroiseVerscuapfelt, Nurseryman, Ghent, Belgium I Gladioli, Dahlias, Gloxinias, AimuaU, and Febhuahy 15, 1868.1 THE r,A'RT>ENET?S' riTT^OMrTE A^'I> AnT^TrUITFI^AL fi A 7ETTR HYBRID PEKrETUALS, TEA-SCENTED, ; Ruasi Roses. " Tlie Roses of Mr. Paul • * 'are things to soo once imd droani of for ever."— .If/frti.rHiw, June, 1807. WM. PAUL 1ms still a inasniiicent stock of ROSES, for which he respectftilly solicits Orders. STANDARDS nnd HALF-STANDARDS, sound, healthy heads, and clcRr, straieht, steros, ISs. per dozen ; £7 per X'ju, STANDARDS and HALF-STANDARDS, very superior, 24s. per doz. STANDARD TEA ROSES. 2-1/f. to 30.f. per doz. NEW ROSES, 42.'(. per doz. DWARF STANDARD ROSES, 12s. to 189. per doz. will be charged at special and reduced rates if ordered by tlio 100 PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE free by post. Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Grose, London,.N. N EW and RARE TREES aud SHRUBS, SRKLST— Tills elegant and gorgeous tree t 1.1 A I, ; I TVi tlmttliifi apo of novelties has t BRONZED GOLD, which 1 the iillest expusi KNTEIS MARGTNATIS.— if Prunus Mahaleb, rivalling egata. Price, strong i growth, erect habit, ULMUS AUREA RO is one of the uOu produced. The r-h IS increased In i^i Price, LOS. 6rf., I.v, , PRONUS HAHALKl A boautdul sllVLU \ in effect the eloc.' Standards, \^s e;ic ROSE COMTESSE D Dew Rose of 1.^(17- „ _ __ ._, _. blooms freely. The flowers are large, oTa beautiful flesh exquisite form and very double. Price, Dwarfs, 6.s\ ; Stan. dards 7s. Gd. ROSE, TEA, MARECIIAL NIEL.-The Inifiest and musb brilliant of all Che yellow Rosjs. Pnr.-, Dwnr^. ■_'-■ r,' ; ^-.wi,] ir.l.\ ' ■ LILAC, VILLE DE TROYES (Balf.i ' i- i : \ splendid new Lilac, now otlV-red till- I !;■ .. i ■ i i ■■ are very large, and nf the deepest i'i;i|. , i ,,,■ eft'oct. 'Vigorous and very floweriiif;. \'vn--- :•■■- i.. ; r,/ , ,< h FRAXINUS EXCELSIOP. CUCDLLATUS {U-.MH i'vC-ruH, TrnvL-.s, 1807).— This very curious and very ornamental Ash is now oirorrd for th hoodii _ Sole Agents in England for the two-last-named novelties, Jons and Charles Lee, Royul Vineyard Nursery and Seed Establishment. Hammersmith, London, W. Royal Ascot Vine. I JNO. ST WniSlI 1 ,,iri..,iva to send by post stronjr GUAM i ., I . uny part Of Great Britain at I lOs. 0(/. t M I., , i ' . II,; has no besltntion In saying ] that if Mill-. I ii[..i ,.u :iii> m'|i. !■ .■^l.^ollg Vine, jUBt as the aap la lislnfc, It \\i\i uiuLu iiNiuu'iiia.L'is, iLiiil btiiir a Hample of bunchca thu same season, ur wiLlun mx uiutitlis from the tiiuo of putting the graft. Persons not used to gvaftmg can bav^ n sketch, Royal Nurseries. Ascot, Berks. Silver Medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition, 1867. Q T K A W li E It K 1 E S. O The NEW PERPETUAL PINE— sec OardeiHrif CftronirlP, July 13 and Sept. 7, IgUT—is now ollored at the reduced price of £1 per 100, or £7 \0n. per 1000. BUSH ALPINES, Rod and ■V\'Tiite, bearing throughout the 1, and producing no ninnors, consequently the best for edges and borders m the kitchen gardou Red, 15s. per 1000. | Apply to the Grower, Mr. F. Gi White, £1 per 1000. , Beauvalfl, Oise, France ; or ! Son, 5, Harp Lane, Orent FINE PYRAMID PEAKS, APPLES, CHERRIES, PLUMS, and TRAINED WALL TRKES ; One Million strong QUICK and ASH: nrnny Tnnu.ian(l LAURELS and STANDARD HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES, best selected sorts; a fine collection of CONIFERS. Prices on application. All kinds ot AGRICULTURAL and GARDEN SEEDS. GRASS SEEDS for all Sjils. Gkorge Davison, Hereford. CALVILLE BLANCHE APPLES (on French Paradise Stocks), " the fruit of which are now selling at Is. Grf. to 2s. each," (see page 1168, 18GT). 1 beg to offer fine trees of the above. Ls. Gd. each, 6 for 6s., 12 for Sis. ; the fruit are IG oz. each. Also that splendid APPLE, REINETTE DU CANADA, on Paraiiise, fine cut-back bushes, the Iruit of which attain 2a oz. each, and will do in any part of England. Is. Orf. each, C for 6s., 12 for 9.w. g Also on Paradise thefollowinfi splendid APPLES; COX'S ORANGE PIPPIN, NELSON'S GLORY, LORD DERBY, BARON WARD, LORD SUFFIELD, BLENHEIM, SYKHOUSE RUSSET, COURT-PENDU PLAT, KING, NORTHERN SPY; Is. 64 each, ' 12s. per dozen. Fine STANDARD APPLES, 12s. per dozen, 70s. per 100. Hewrt Mav, The H-pe Nurseries, Bedale, Torkshiro. the best Pear lely to bo equ'illed. JOSEPHINE DE MALINES, on Quince. —He also says, ,his reallj first-rate Pear will keep and melt as late as March, after vhich time no Pear he has known will melt, and be of good quality. Is. each, G for 9s., l'2s. per dozen. A flue collection of BUSH PEARS, on Quince, 18s. per dozen. Hekry Mav, The Hope Nurseries, Bedale, Yorkshire. NEW ZONAL PELARGONIUM, EGYPTIAN QUEEN. THIS SPLENDID , ■WHICH WAS AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE ROYAL HORTICULTORAL SOCIETY'S SHOW, AT SOUTH KENSINOTON, In the Autumn of 1867, and is der-idedly the bestbicolor Zonal yet exhibited, will be revdt for remdiscj out on THB 1st of Mav. Orders aro now being booked, and will be executed in strict rotation. Description. — Darkest bronze yet seen on Iniglit golden-yellow ground ; leaves of extraordinary substance, eonseq^uently resisting sun and rain; fonu of leaf round, and surface flat; habit, dwarf, bushy, and very hardy. Was plaiited out last season with all the older Golden Bronze Zoned Vaiieties, aud stood the variable season better than any. Will be exhibited at all the London Horticultural and Botanical Societies' Shows in London this season. Figured in *' Floral Magazme " for January, 1S6S. Plates (by Andrews) may be had, Is. each. Single Plants, price 10s. 6d. JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 and 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. LAWES' MANURE FOR GRASS LAND should be applied during the month of February, as often Manures are applied too late to give satisfaction in the result. Two to three cwt. of LAWES' CONCENTRATED GRASS MANURE per acre is sufficient for Mowing Grass ; if for Feeding Grass, 2 to 3 cwt. of th'e ordinary Grass Manure ; and for Com 2 to 3 cwt. per acre to be harrowed into the land before seed is so^vn. NITRATE OF SODA Is the best Manure for Top-dressing Corn, and it can be used for Grass. Care should be taken in the jiurchase of Nitrate, as it varies much iu quality. It can be supplied from my stock, at docks, from London, Liverpool, and other Ports. Address, JOHN BENNET LAWES, 1, ADELAIDE PLACE, LONDON BRIDGE, E.G. ; 22, EDEN QUAY, DUBLIN; and MABKET SQUAEE, SHREWSBURY. STRONG STANDARD and DWABF-THAINED APPLES and PEARS. Fine traMplantod LARCH FIK, 11 to 6 feot Uushy LA&RDSTINU.S, LAUUELS, and BOX TREES CHINESE ARIiOB-VIT/K, 6 to 0 foot, One I"yraiolUB A oholco collocHon ol'l.'llNil''ER,B A lorgo luisorimoiit of STANDARD and DWARF PERPETDAL. and ntrcinp; DWARF CHINA or MONTHLY KOBE.S, aud a M New and Improved Pears. R. DE JONGIIE olfeis for Sale, in Rtrong and healthy ppecinion«, on the Poir and on good Quliica Stock, tho following vnrlotles of New Pear Sorti :■ COL.MA JOLY I'K V M M LA Gilo-- I I 'i.i I POIP.IO l; ', : i fiy«:Li , . . . I ! .. rriiit.jd .M ii-^r..,.i,i Fruits, can hi; iiad o ijrussela. All Package; , and 4 years, 6 to 8 fmncs oacli. , iind 5 years, 3 to 8 frnncn each. ;ind 4 years, 6 to 10 francs each. itio best Lato Uuiisort Poan), 2, 3, 4, aod iipiilication will bu sent free 3th of February I, with tho outline fli;uroH of the to Mr. DK JuNQHE, St. Giiles London. Orders received To the Trade. DILLTSTONE and WUCDTHOKPE beg to offer the following, in fine well-grown stuff :— MAIDEN PEACHES and NECTARINES, Ss. per doz., 00s. per 100 „ APPLES, fine, Gs. per dozen. 408. per 100 PEARS, fine, 8;*. per dozen, 50s. per 100 TRAINED APPLES, ver^flne, 20s. per dozen QUICK, YEW (CL ASPARAGUS, YEW (CU.MiMu.NI, 1-yr. SEEDS.— Altringhii cwt. Driiii ' do.. Is. 0./ small, \.t, <; variety in ■ very superi 1 A quantity of fui I-jT., fine, 15s.; do. (PortnRal), 2-yr., 2Ba. ^ I .i-yr., 3v. Gd. ; do. (Turkey). 1-yr., 10*. j ■ . 10s. ; Pyracantha, 2-yr., 9s. per 100 ' "■) ; cheaper by 50,000 ■. and of escellent (frowth, 05s. per New Pink Celery, Ihe flnoat ^r lb. Ridge Cucumber, of a a 12 to 15 inches, 10s. ptr lb. M AGNIFlCKiM Jj Vv AKF-XRAINED FRUIT TREES, by the dozen, hundred, or thousand, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES. PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS. Wsi, Wood & Sox have many Acres of the above named, which for health and vigour are quite unsurpassed in the Trade. The "' ' ' ■ carefully trained, and are really examples of r UckGeld, Sussex. Large Fruiting Psnramid Pear Trees. fOHN FKASKJl, The Wurscik-s. Leu Bridge Eoad, N.E.,bcRs to inform purchasers of Fruit Trees that he has o . quantity of :ed PYRAMIDAL PEAR TREES. These Trees are 8 to 10 feet, symmetrically formed, and very hand- some. They are also fUU of bearing wood, so that, in addition to their being an ornament to the garden, a good crop of Fruit may be expected thu first year after planting. As the stock on band is large, the prices will be very moderate. ANTED, good FRUITING PINE PLANTS, as follows :— 2-) smooth-leaved CAYENNE, 20 FAIRRIE'S QUEEN, 2u BLACK JAMAICA, 10 PROVIDENCE, and 10 CHARLOTTE ROTHSCHILD. Successions — 30 smooth-leaved CAYENNE, 30 FAIRRIE'S QUEEN, 20 BLACK JAMAICA, 10 CHARLOTTE ROTHSCHILu, and 10 PROVIDENCE. Also a few Suckers of the above sorts. The Plants must be strong and healthy, and guaranteed to be perfectly free from sculo or other insects. Qaote sorts to offer, with lowest price for cash on delivery, to Mr. William Bull, PJstablishment for New and Rare Plants, Km^^'s RoafJ, Chelse-t, London, 8.W. RICHARD SMITH'S FRUIT LIST contains a sketch of the various forms of Trees, with directions for Cultivation, Soil, Dramage, Manure, Pruuing, Lifting, Cropping, Treatment under Glass ; also thoir synonymes, quality, size, form, skin, colour, flesh, flavour, use, growth, duration, season, price, «c. Free by post for three stamps. RicaARD SiiiTii, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. Twenty Thousand Standard Fruit Trees. THOMAS WARNER Imviug still the above, consisting chiefly of APPLES, APRICUTS, PEARS, and PLUMS (also a line lot of Dwarf-trained CHERRIES), would rospectftilly 1 application. The Nurseries, Leicester Abbey. Ten Thousand Standard Elms. THOMAS AVARNER invites especial attention to these, being of unsurpassed quality, and offered at most reason- able prices for the present season. See CATALOGUES, wholesale or retail. The Nurseries, Leicester Abbey. Hundreds of Thousands of Evergreens. THOMAS WARNER has of some EVERGREENS (owing to a favourable soil and climate) one of the finest stocks in the Trade. Particularly may be mentioned American and Siberian ARBOR-VIT^, AUCUBA JAPONICA.' TREE BOX ; CEDKUS ARQENTEA, transplanted autumn. 1*(7 : HEM- LOCK SPRUCE FIR, SAVIN, and YEWS, which for quality and prices cannot be excelled. See CATALOGUES, wholesale or retail. Tho Nurseries, Leicester Abbey. WILLIAM KOLLISSON & SONS' CATALOGUE OF NEW AHD GENUINE SEEDS FOU 1868, CONTAINING A DESCEIPTIVE ALL THE LIST OF SUB-TKOPICAL AND WHICH CAN BE RAISED FEOJI SEED ; NOVELTIES \H VEGETABLE AND OIINAMENTAL-FOLIAGE PLANTS, FLOWER SEEDS, Comprising a List of Seed saved from tho most beautiful strains of PRIMULA, CALCEOL.\RIA, an.l CINERARIA ; may bo had on appli'-afion to THE NURSERIES, TOOTING, LONDON, S. Collections of Seed of Sub-Tropical Plants, from 5s. to £2 2s. | Collections of the Choicest Flower Seeds, from 10s. 6d. to £5 6b. N.B. — The Carriuge of all Orders amoimtmg to 20«. and upwards Kill be pre-j>aid. THE GAEDENEES' CHHONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [feBEtTAET 15, 1868. FIFTY ACRES wM stocked with FRUIT TREES to select from. — APPLES. PEARS, PLUMS. CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, in every form desired for fruiting. See RicQAnD Suixn's P'RUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps. RicHABD Smitu, Nurseryman, Worcester. SP^ALTeE and WALL-TRATK E D TREES in an" quantity.— APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES. NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, tine strong trees of perfect form. A CROP of FRUIT the FIRST SEASON.- Bearing Pyramids and Bushes in pota for orchard houses. PEACHES. NECTARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and CHERRIES. Extra strong VINES and FIGS in fruiting condition for forcme. See Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, post free for 3 btamps. Richard Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. LARGE PORTUGALS, large YEWS, large ARBOR- VIT^S. Large LILACS, Guelder Roses, Spirreas, Viburnums, and Deutzias. Large THUJA LOBBII, T. Craigeana, T. gigantea, T. aurea, T. Wai-eana, T. japonica, T. glaucn. and T. orientalia. Large CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, 0. niacrocarpa, and C. elc[c:>ns. Extra large DEODARS, CEDAR of LEBANON, and IRISH YEWS. To extensive Planters the above would be invaluable. Special prices on application to J. Scott, Merriott, XV] and botanical nauies, derivations, descriptionrform, colour, foliage, growth, timber, use in arts, native country and size thore, situation, soil, and other information, with copious Index of their synonymes. Free by post for six postage stamps. Richard Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. HAND K. STIKZAKER offer, of good quality and • well rooted, at the following quotations :— 100,000 ASH. li to 2 feet, I2s. 6d. ; 2 to 3 teet, 17s. Orf. per 1000 100,000 BIRCH, li to 2 feet, 20s. ; 2 to 2i feet, 25s. per 1000 160,000 ELM, W YCH, 1\ to 2 feet. 12s. 8rf. ; 2* to 3 feet. 16s. per lOOO 100,000 HAZEL, 2 to 3 feot. Us. ; 3 to 3i feet, 25s. per 1000 100,000 SCOTCH FIR, 1 to li feet, 16s. ; 2 to 2* feet. 35«. per 1000 300.000 SPRUCE FIR. 1 to li feet, 10s. 6rf. ; li to 2 feet, 15s. per 1000 200,000 SYCAMORE, 11 to 2 feet, 12«. Crf. ; 2 to 2i feet, 16s. per 1000 30,000 POPLAR. BLACK ITALIAN,2 to3ft.,18s.;2i to4ft.,25s.p.l000 10,000 WEYMOUTH PINE, 2i to 3 feet, 16s. ; 3 to 3i feet, 20s. p. 100 We can also supply two to three millions of ALDER, BEECH, CHESTNUTS (HORSE). LARCH, LIMES, OAKS, AUSTRIAN PINE, POPLAR (of sorts), PLATANUS, PRIVEr. SILVER FIR, F To Nurserymen or Gentlemen Planting. OR SALE, a Choice Small Lot of YOUNG LARCH and OAK TREES— About 100,000 LARCH, plauted 4 years ; 20,000 OAKS, which have been transplanted ; 10,000 SPRUCE FIR, and other vai-leties, which belonged to the late Mr. Munro, Ea&ton Maudit, Nortbamptonshire. The trees are iu Hue healthy condition, and At for planting out. As the Representatives are anxious to wind up affairs and get the ground cleared, they will be prepared to sell on very low terms. Tho opportunity is woiLhy <.>i attention of the Trade or Gentlemen planting. The Trees may be seen at the late Mr. Munro's residence, Easton Maudit, Northampton; and commuuicatii '" " ' Chas. Monro, 18, George Street, Edinburgh. JOSEPH SMITH, JuN^ Moor" Edge Nurseries, Tnnslev, near Matlock, has to offer a large and GENERAL NURSEifY STOCK, consisting of Forest Trees and Ornamental Shrubs and Trees, at very moderate prices. LARCH, 2 to 3 feel, 3 to 4 feet, and 4 to 5 feet, 13s. per 1000. RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, 8 to 12 inches, 90s. per 1000 ; i to 15 Ins., 13LIS. D.J0q0;ltolift.,160s. p. 1000;lito2ft.,260s. p. 1000. ^HARLES NOBLE, Bagshot, has to offer the following large quantities : — Transplanted, fine, 15s. to 21s, per 1000 Full CATALOGUES on applicati SCOTCH FIR, li to 2i feet ; OAK, li to 2i feet ; ASH^, 2 to 3 feet, 3 to 4 feet ; SYCAMORE, H to 21 feet. Also a quantity of large ORNAMENTAL TREES, from 6 to 12 feet. James Hdddart, Farringdon Hall Nurseries, Preston, Lancashire. Large Evergreens, Specimen Conifers, Sec. WATKRER AND GODFREY beg to submit the following List to the notice of intending planters -.— YEWS, ENGLISH, 5, 0, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 16 feet high „ IRISH, 6, 7, 8. and 10 feet high „ GOLDEN, 5. 6. to 9 feet „ STANDARD GOLDEN, 20 years worked ,. ELEGANTISSIMA, 10 and 16 yeai-s old „ DOVASTON or WEEPING, fine heads, lOandlSjears old We have altogether thousands of these different Yew.s of the large sizes. Every plant has been recently removed. HOLLIES, COMMON GREEN, 6, 7, 8, 10. 12, and 15 feet high, and "'" ;umference — hundreds ind SCOTTICA, C. 7. 8. i proportion „ WATERERS, the hardiest of all variegated Hollies, 4 and 5 feet We have hundreds of these beautiful plants, 4, 5, and 7 feet high and wide „ STANDARD, WATERER'S, and GOLDEN, with fine heads. 16 and 20 years worked ■" fl^" We have some thousands of the ordinary kinds of Variegated Hollies, 4, 6, ti, and 7 feet high. Every plant has been removed within 12 months. CEDRUS DEODARA. some thousands, i „ ATLANTICA, and Cedars of Lebanon, moved 4, 5, 6, and 8 feet .. RED VIRGINIANS. 6, 6. and 7 feet CHINESE JUNIPER, one of the handsomest and hardiest of all evergreens — thousands of beautiful plants. 4, 6. 6, 7, and 8 feet high ; some magnificent plants, 10, 12, and 15 feet high, 12 to 20 feet in circuiulerence THUJA AUREA, 3, 4, and 6 feet high, 7to 20feet in circumference „ GIGANTEA. 10, 12. and 15 feet high, very handsome LOBBII, splendid plants, 7, 8, to 10 feet high, and 12 and 16 feet BOX, Green and Variegated, 4, 5, G, 7. and 8 feet^thousands PICEA NOBILIS, splendid plants, moved m spring, 4, 5, 6, and 8 feet „ NORDMANNIANA, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 15 feet high [high None of our Nobilis or Nordmnnnianas are grafted plants „ MAGNIFICA or NOBILIS ROBUSTA. the finest stock in the trade, all seedlings, 2 to 4 feet high LASIOCARPA, hundreds of plants, 4, 6, 6, and 7 feet high, all cumferuBce _ PINUS CEMBRA, 6, 7, to 9 fe^ „ PINSAFO, 3, 4, 6, and 6 feet „ Some very fine plants, 10 to 20 feet high, 15 and 25 feet WELLINGTOMA GIGANTEA, a largo number, all removed recently, 4, 5, 0, & 10 ft. high, & 12 aud 16 ft. in circumference RHODODENDRONS. — We have 40 acres of land in one piece filled exclusively with Rhododendrons, A more healthy ir, and always be found in any nursery, many are 20 to 40 years old ^^ The large Standard and other Rhododendrons planted last spring in Rotten Row, Hyde I'ark, were supplied by Waterer & GODFREV. We do not quote prices, ■ plants will adopt tho much course, of seeing and judging for themselves. We solicit an inspection and iuvite comparison with any other 3 kingdom. CONSUL SCHILLER, Hamburg, begs to iiiforai all lovers of ORCHIDS, as well as those Gentlemen who already applied to him on his former communication, that it remains his intention to SELL his COLLECTION, either in one lot or divided, at the commencement of the next season. For further information, apply to G. W. Schiller, Hamburg. Fruit and Forest Trees. J SCOTT, Merriott, Somerset, offers the above in • large quantities.at veryreduced oricea, to extensive Planters, having an extra large breadth of HAZEL (6 Acres), 2 to 6 feet, at from 20s. to 35s. per 1000 ; SCOTCH, strong and well grown, 2 to 3i feet, 25.*. per 1000 ; LARCH, 4 to 5 feet, 20s. per 1000; 6 to 6 feet, 26s. per 1000; and above 600,000 Transplanted THORNS, 15s. to 20s. per 1000. An extensive Stock of EVERGREEN and ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS, in all sizes. Clearanco of Nursery Stock. SCOTCH FIR, 9 to 15 ins., 10s. ; 1 to 2 feet. 12s. 6^7. SPRUCE, 9 to 15 inches. 7s. Od. ; 1 to li ft., 10s. ; 1 to 2 ft., 14s. SILVER FIR, C to 12 inches, 10s. ; OAK, 9 to 18 inches, 7s. Qd. 1\ to 21 feet, 12s. M. per 1000. Reduced PRICE LIST of other TREES on application to J. RinDELL, Steward. Park Attwood, Bewdley, Worcestershire. Clearance of Nursery Stock. QEEDLINGS:— ASH, 2-vr., l.s. 9(/. ; OAK, 3-yr., k-^ 7s. Gd. ; QUICK, 1-yr,, Is. Oil. ; SILVER FIR, 5-yr., 2a'. Gd. ; SPRUCE, 5-Tr., 3s. ; CRAB. 3-yr., 4s. Gd. ; and SYCAMORE, 3-yr., 3s. Gd. per 1000. Reduced PRICE LIST of other TREES on application to J. RiDDELL, Steward, Park Attwood, Bewdley, Worcestershire. Tansley Nurseries, near Matlock, Derbyshire. JOSEPH SMITH, Sen., invites Planters and the Trade to inspect his Nursery of 80 Acres of hieh land. The soil is of a fibrous nature, and the Plants take up with excellent roots, such as to ensure the best success in their removal. The Nursery contains many Hundred Thousands of RHODODEN- DRONS, COMMON and PORTUGAL LAURELS, BOX. BROOMS, ^^r.T.in,^... ^^,,,^„ ^-^^..^ . ^gg FOREST 1 propor- For Avenues and Parks. ^B ABIE ► 10 feet high, superb specimens, in perfect oidei for transplanting, 84s. per dozen, £30 per 100. The Flag-staff (nearly 300 feet high) at the Exhibition of 1802 was of this noble and beautiful Fir, the timber of which Is superior . linary si EVERGREENS. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, &c. 1 and very superior stock ( to Woking. Conveyances are always to be had at the Station. TON IAS, Nordir carias, Cuprei Thujopsis, and Surplus Stock. TO BE SOLD. Cheap, LOMBARDY and other POPLARS ; BEECH, BIRCH, and LARCH FIRS, from 6 to 20 feet; Double FURZE, in pots ; strong well-rooted QUICK ; VINES, planting and fruiting canes ; SEAKALE and ASPARAGUS for forcing and planting. N.B,— A GENERAL CATALOGUE of NURSERY STOCK, and a DESCRIPTIVE SEED LIST on application. B. Maller, Tho Nurseries, Lewiahara, and Burnt Ash Lane, Lee. Transplanted Forest Tress. WATERER AND GODFREY have a large quantity of the following, of a very superior quality : — ALDER, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 5 ft. 1 FIR, Larch, 4 to 6 ft. ASH, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 6 ft. „ Spruce, 3, 4, and 5 ft. li to 2 ft. 4 ft. ih. lito2n;. ACACIAS, 3 to 4 ft. , .. BIRCH, 2 to 3 ft., 3 to 4 ft., and HAZEL, 3 6 to 6 ft. OAK, Engli CHESTNUT, Spanish, IJ to 2 ft. I QUICK, very strong. Special oflers on application. Knap HiU Nursery, Woking, Surrey. __ Wonersh Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO AND SON beg to announce that their • Stock of TREES aud SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds is this season very extensive and well-grown, samples, prices, and Catalogues of which can be obtained on application :— Ifeet s Austriaca, 1 to 2 feet 10,000 GreenH oily, transplanted, li to 2 ft. Berberis aquifolia Axbor-vltiB APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. GEORGE JACKMAN and SON wish to draw the especial attention of Planters to their well-grown Stock of Transplanted ALDER, 2 to 3 ft., and 3 to 4 ft. , OAK, English, 2 to 3 ft., aud 2i ASH, 2i to3i ft.,and3i to 41 ft. to 3i ft. BIRCH.2ito3ift.,and3ito4ift. QUICKS, strong. FIR. AUSTRIAN, 9 to 12 in. SYCAMORE, 1 to 2 ft., and 3 to FIR, LARCH, li to 2i ft. 4 ft. HAZEL,2to3ft., and3, 4,to6ft. J WITHY, li to 2i ft., and 4 to5ft. PYRAMID PEAR TREES of leading varieties. Special quotations on application. Woking Nursery, Surrey. Large Evergreens and Forest Trees. MESSRS. PAMPLIN and SON have a large quantity of the following, and offer them at low prices, parn of their Grounds being required for building purpotes : — Cedar of Lebanon, 10 to 20 feet Cedrus deodara, C to 16 feet Aucuba japonica, 2 to 6 feet Portugal Laurels. 2 to 6 feet Chinese Arbor-vitio, 6 to 12 feet American „ 5 to 10 feet Thuja aurea. I to 4 feet Green Box, 1 to 0 feet Striped ditto, 2 t Evergreen Oak, ) 10 fet Yew,. Irish Yew, 3 to 5 feet Laurel, 2 to G feet Araucaria imbricata, 10 feet Birch, 14 feet Lombardy ditto, 20 feet Ash, 10 t Elm. 10 to 15 feet i, 10 feet V?eeping Willow, 10 16 feet Lilac, Common, S feet Persian ditto, 6 feet Yellow Azalea, 3 feet Privet ovallfolia, 8 feet The Nurseries. Lea Bridge Road, Leyton ; and Wood Streit, WalLhamstow, Eaaex, N. E. SPECIAL OFFER of SURPLUS STOCK.— ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA, 10 to 12ft., 63s. to 105s. each. CUPRKSSUS LAWSON IAN A, 4 to 6 ft., bushy, £3 per 100. „ 5 to 6 ft., „ £7 lOperlOO. THUJOPSIS BOREALIS, li to 2 ft., fine, £6 per 100. „ „ 2i to 31 ft., fine, £7 10 per 100. Apply to H. Lane & Son, Nurseries, Great Berkharap^tead, Herts, W^ rHKEE MILLION strong 4-yr. transplanted QUICK. 1.000,000 good 2-yr. traosplanted QUICK. 2.000,000 Buperior Seedling QOICK. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 4 to 6 feet. 100,000 good strong L.\RCH, 2 to 4 feet. For samples and prices apply to JoHK Heuslet, Higt Fields, Melbourne, near Derby. Araucaxla Imlirlcata and Welllngtoma Gigantea. SURPLUS STOCK Ok Lakd 10 BE Cleared roB BoiLmso Pl-rposes. WM. SKIKVING, Walton Nursery, Liverpool, begs to offer a few Thousands of the above, healthy well-gi-own Plants with good roots, the AraucarL-is ranging from 3 to 6 feet, and the Wellingtonias from 2 to 4 feet high. Also several Thousands of Prices may be obtained on application, and special agreements made for large lots. — February 8. Rlclimond and Mortlake Nurseries, S.W. GAND W. STEELE beg leave to call the attention • of the Nobility, Gentry, and the Trade, to their very VALUABLK and EXTE.VSIVE STOCK, consisting of a few CUPRESSUS LAW.SONIANA, THUJA GIGANTEA, CUPRES.SUS CHINENSIS, 7 to art. : RHODODENDRONS, large and bushy, well set with flower.^, 6 it. ; PINUS EXCELSA, 7 to 8 ft. ; AUCUBAS, 2 ft. ; BOX, 6 ft. ; COMMON LAURELS, 5it. ; HOLLIES, from seedlings to 3ft. Can be supplied in any Dwarf-traiiied FRUIT TREES, and large bearing all been moved this s Hamilton's Needle Gun Cucumber. SUTTON AND SONS can supplv Seed of the above splendid BLACK SPINE CUCUMBER, in packets, 2s. Oil. each, post free. Also SWADLING-S BERKSHIRE CHALLENGE, Is. dd. per packet. BIRD'S IMPROVED SIGN HOUSE, Is. per packet. HAMILTON'S IMPROVED MARKET FAVOURITE, Is. OlJ. do. HAMILTON'S RIFLEMAN, Is. per packet. Post free. SuxroN & Sons, Royal Berks Seed Establishment. Reading. HENRY'S PRIZE HYBRID LEEK i from any other sort, is the largest in perfectly hardy. Free by post. Is. per packet < quite distinct Cultivation, and 2 Stamps. To be To Market Gardeners and Others. EAST HAM, ENFIBLD .MARKET, SHILLING'S QUEEN, NONPAREIL, ROBINSON'S CHAMPION DRUM- HEAD CABBAGE PLANTS, all selected stock, at 2s. 3ci. per 1000 ; RED PLANTS, extra fine, at 4s. por 1000. Terms cash. Richard Walileb, Market Gardener and Seed Grower, Biggles- wade, Beds. To Market Gardeners and Others. WHITE SPANISH ONION SEKD, new and genuine, 1,1. !)<;. per lb. ; ASPARAGUS ROOTS, 2s. tkl. per 100 ; flne WALLFLOWER PLANT.S, 2s. 0(1. per 100. Terms cash. Richard Walker, Market Gardener and Seed Grower, Biggles- wade, Beds. Genuine Bedfordshire Grown. TRUE WHITE SPANISH ONION, at 2s. 6d. per lb. This very superior stock has frequently been grown the extra- ordinary weight 01 16 to 20 tons per acre. True EAKLY ASHLEAF POTATO, 2s. 6d. per peck, or 8s. per bushel. A remittance or reference to accompany all orders. Fhedk. Gee, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. To Farmers, Gardeners, and oTliers. EXCELLENT CABBAGE PLANTS (Stocks not to be surpassed) can be suppiied as follows :— ENFIELD MARKET, at 2s. Qd. per 1000 ; Tme DWARF EARLY NONPAREIL, at 2$. 6d. Sir 1000; ROBINSON'S CHAMPION (True), at 'Zs. Gd. per 1000; RUMHEAD (True), at 2s. 6(i. per 1000: THOUSAND HEADED, * " 1000 i RED DUTCH, for "^^ ' ' ' e or Reference to accompany . Gee, Seed Merchant and Gn Strong Forcing Seakale. GEORGE CLARKE has several Thousands to offer, price 10s. per 100 ; also strong clean roots for planting, 5s. and Kent, S.E. S. ; and Mottinghani, Sugar Beet. SUTTON AND SONS can supply TRUE SEED of GREEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET, RED-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET, IMPERIAL WHITE SUGAR BEET. Lowest price per cwt. on appHcation to SoTTON 4 Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. Dickson's Black-leaved Beet. JAMES DICKSON and SONS, Hanover Street, Edinburgh, beg to offer their beautiful BLACK-LEAVED BEET. It is the best in cultivation, either for decorative or for culinary purposes. Is. per packet ; 2s. 6d. per oz. EAST LOTHIAN PURPLE INTERMEDIATE STOCK.— The finest Purple Stock in existence. In nackets, 2s. Gd. and 5s. each. SEErT^DTATOS' from" the~Grower.~— "Daintree'a Earliest, 10s. cwt., £9 ton ; Early Dnlmahoy, 9s. cwt., £810s. ton. The above sorts will yield a heavy crop ui very white Potatos. New Sacks, Is. Gd. Cash orders to Herbert H. Nichqlbow, Great Clacton, near Colchester, Essex. Faterson's famous Potatos. PATERSON'S VICTORIA and other SEEDLINGS are the best disease resiaters, heaviest croppers, and in general qualities unsurpassed. They are now widely celebrated, and greatly in demand both m England and abroad. DESCRIPTITE LISTS of all the varieties, with prices, can be obtained of the London Agents, Hooper & Co., Covent Garden Market, W.C. s To Market Gardeners and Others. UTTON AND SONS can Supply the following superior kinds of PEAS in large quantities at moderate pr may be bad on applicauon :— Suttona' Improved Early Cbaoipion (a week earlier than Daniel O'Kourkel Daniel O'Rourke Princess Kojal British Queen Ne Plus Ultra Kmg of the Marrow Flack's Dwarf Victory Victoria Marrow Prizetaker Marrow Veltch'8 Perfection Early Warwick Sutton & Sons, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment. Reading. OTATOS 7oT" PLANTING. — 20 Tons ot Myat"t^ Prolific ; 20 to 30 Tons of Regents: several Tons of Rivera Ashtops ; ditto ot Early Forty-folds, Also several Tons of MANGEL SEED, Red, Long Yellow, Long Red, Globe d Yellow Globe, &o. Also from 200,000 to AJSPARAGUS PLANTS, 15 Qua ' DILLISTONE'S FIRST EARLY and MoLEAN'S PRINCESS ROYAL PEAS. A few Quarters of WHITE MUSTARD. RETAIL CATALOGUES on application. Terms Cash. Cbbistmas Qdincey, Seed Grower, &c., Peterborough. FEBEUAny 15, 18C8.] THE GARDENERS' C1IR()N1(!LE AND AdRICULTURAL GAZETTE, New Australian Spinach. STUART AND ME1^, Seedsmen, Kelso, N.B., beg to oCFor tho ftbove NEW SPINACH, tll6 seod of which was sfiYed In the tJotanic Gardens, Melbourne. " It is not liable to run to seed, of a pleasant flavour, and of an enormous and rapid prowth. Height, 0 to 8 feet." See Oardeners' Chronicle of January 18, page 50. Per Packet, U. Special offer to the Trade. ALFRED LEUEKTON, Seed Merchant, 6, Aldgato, Loudon, E., bega to offer tho UDdormentloned SEEDS, all flrstclnss samples and fine stocks:— SANGSTEU'S No, 1 PEA Os. orf. per bush. CHAMPION of ENGLAND PEA .. .. 18 0 ,, ALL1.A.NCE or EUGENIE PEA .. .. IS 0 „ LONG SCARLET RADISH 25 0 „ WOOD'S EARLr FRAME RADISH . , 20 0 „ RED TURNIP RADISH 28 0 „ WHITE TDRHIP RADISH 20 0 „ ALTRINGHAM CARROT CO 0 per cwt. NONPARIEL CABBAGE, fine .. . . HO 0 „ DRUMHEAD CABBAGE 84 0 „ EARLY SNOWBALL TURNIP .. ., ,1u 0 per bushel, Speci.al quotations for other things may be had upon application. /CHOICE SEEDS for EXHIBITION. HARRISON'S FAVOURITE CUCUMBER,-An excellent variety, white spine, very prolific, per packet, Is. and 2s. Qd. HARRISON'S DEFIANCE MELON, scarlet flesh, por packet. Is. HARRISON'S EXCELSIOR MELON, green flesh, per packet, Ij. HARRISON'S EXHIBITION TURNIP.— Very early, round, and white, per packet. Is. HARRISON'S NEW NOKMANTON GLOBE MANGEL WURZEL. —An iuieqvialled variety, per lb., 2s. 6((. A Coloiued Plate by post for 30 (stamps. EARLY MAMMOTH CAULIFLOWER.— Very One, per packet. Is. GENERAL SEED CATALOGUE, which contains much useful Information, may be had post free on application. Harrison & Son, Midland Seed Warehouse, Leicester. H 0 I C E SELECTED SEE D~S^, Iree by post. Per packet — s. rf. BROCCOLI, SNOWS WINTER WHITE 10 CABBAGE, LITTLE PIXIE 0 0 CAULIFLOWER, ERFURT EARLY DWAKF 10 CHERVIL, NEW PARSNIP 0 6 CUCUMBER, SMITH'S FINE FRAME 10 ENDIVE, DIGSWELL PRIZE 0 6 LEEK, HENRY'S PRIZE 0 6 RAPHANUS CAUDATUS INEW LONG-PODDED RADISH) 1 0 ASTER, TRUFFANTS SUPERB FRENCH, 12 vars., mixed . 1 0 CURYSANTHEMUM-FLOWERED.nvars., mixed. 1 0 STOCK. IMPROVED LARGE-FLOWERING, 12 vars., mixed 1 0 CALCEOLARIA, Choice 2 6 CINERARIA 2 6 CLIANTHUS DAMPIERII 2 6 LOBELIA SPECIOSA 0 6 PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, mixed 2 6 VIOLA CORNUTA 10 „ LUTEA 16 RicBARo Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Morch.ant, Worcester. EEDS cTf ^thc'^C HDI CElST QUXLlTY. F'ree by Post for .Stamps. per pbt —s d BRUSSELS SPROUTS, SCOTT'S ECLIPSE, extra fine dwarf 1 6 CAULIBLOWEB, SELECTED ERFURT, early dwarf ..16 CELERY, SANDRINGHAM WHITE, extra fine, new ..10 CUCUMBER, ENFIELD SURPRISE, splendid variety ..10 LETTUCE, NEW GIANT GREEN COS, extra large . , ..10 NEW GIANT SUMMER CABBAGE .. ..10 MELON, GOLDEN OUEEN, new hybrid 2 6 ONION. NUNEHAM PARK Is. and 2 6 TOMATO, a collection of eight choice varieties 2 0 STOCK, newest dwarf large flowering German 10-week, IS varieties, mixed 10 STOCK, crimson dwnif, 10-week 10 ASTERS, best quilled show, 24 varieties, mixed . . 6rf. and 1 0 ASTERS, TRUFFANT'S FRENCH P.EONY-FLOWERED, newest perfection, the best exhibition kind, 24 vars., mixed 1 0 ASTERS, NEW VICTORIA, carmine rose or mixed .. ..10 BALSAM, extra fine dwarf double, mixed 10 CALCEOLARIA, SCOTT'S HYBRIDIZED, from varieties most carefully selected, and impregnated from all the choicest strains in cultivation Is. and 2 6 CINERARIA, extra fine, from best named varieties only, Is. and 3 6 LOBELIA SPECIOSA, true Crystal Palace variety - . Od. and 1 0 PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, superbly fringed, and of immense size, a strain unsurpassed, 6 varieties, mixed . . Is. 6d. and 2 6 ZEA JAPONICA, fol. var. New Variegated Maize, Od. and 1 0 ZINNIA ELE6ANS, newest double, flowers of immense size and extremely double, G varieties, mixed . . Od. and 1 0 DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE post free. J. Scott, The Seed Stores, Yoovil.Somersot. Choice and Genuine Seeds. OTUART AND MEIN'S CATALOGUE of the above O may be had on application. It contains the following, amongst others, fully described : — VEGETABLE SEEDS. THE PRINCE PEA (Stcart & Mein's), 3s oer quart NEW PURPLE-PODDED, EDIBLE-PODDED RUNNER BEAN, ed. por oz. IMPROVED SHORT-TOP BEET lDewar'.s), l.i. per oz. MELVILLE'S VARIEGATED TRIPLE CURLED BORECOLE (selected). Is. per packet TYNNINGUAM'S EXTRA CURLED BORECOLE, Od. per packet SHEARER'S LATE WHITE BROCCOLI. Od. per packet NEW HYBRID PRIZE MELON "GOLDEN QUEEN" (Stuart & Mkin), 2s. Od. per packet SELECT DWARF MAMMOTH CAULIFLOWER, saved from a very choice stock by the late Mr. Sceveiisnn, of Lambton C.istl Gardens, Is. per packet WINNIGSTADT CABBAGE, Od. per packet COOK'S IMPERIAL CABBAGE may be sown sooner in autumn than any other variety, and not apt to ruu to seed in spring. Fine early. Od. per packet SUFFOLK DWARF (Temple), very early, small, grows all to head, delicate flavour. Od, per packet NEW AUSTRALIAN SPINACH. Is. per packet CHILLINUHAM BRUSSELS SPROUTS (Bowie), 6d. to 1». p. pkt. NEW DWARF SPROUTING ULM SAVOY" (Melville), Is. p. pkt NORTHUMBERLAND CHAMPION CELERY, Is. p»r packet GOODALL'S FLAT STALKED CELERY (the true original stock), Od. per packet STUART ASD MKIN'S IMPROVED SOLID RED THE HOLME PARK LETTUCE ISTCAiir S MsiM LEYDEN WHITE CABBAGE L£'IinCE(R. Dean), Is. &!. per pkt. HENRY'S PRIZE LEEK, Od. to Is. per packet NEW SANTA ANNA MADEIRA ONlONj Is. per packet ROLLISSON'S NEW TELEGRAPH CUCUMBER, Is. per packet EARLY PANCALIER JOULIN SAVOY, Is. per oz. FAIRBAIBN'S (Sion House) PINK. SEEDLING POTATO, 28. Orf. per stone SMITH'S EARLY, or COLD.STREAM EARLY, 3.«. per stone FLOWER SEEDS. FRENCH MARIGOLD, from selected flowers, Od. to U. per packet AFRICAN MARIGOLD, ditto, Od. per packet GLOBE QUILLED ASTERS, oltto, Od. to Is. per picket REINE MARGUERITE ASTER, ditto. Is. per packet NEWEST TALL LARGE FLOWERING GIANT TEN ■ WEEK STOCKS, Is- Od. per packet HELICHBYSUM COMPOSITUM MAXIMUM, quite double, large flowers, of many colours, from white to bright scarlet, well adapted for drying, Od. per packet NEW DARK PURPLE SWEET SULTAN (Thompson), Is. nerpkt. NEMOPHILLA AURICULAE FLORA— NEW IMPROVED (Mel- ville). 6d. per packet LATHYRUS HYBRIDUS, a very handsome New Pea, a Cross between the Invincible Scarlet Sweet Pea aud Lathynis azureus, of a deep azure blue colour, spotted with mauve crimson, blooms profusely till late in the season, 3i feet high, Is. per packet DIGITALIS ALBA MACDLATA SUPERBA, ed. per packet NASTURTIUM SCARLET COMPACTUM SUPERBUM, Is. p. pkt. The above carriage-lree, with the exception of the Peas and PotatOB. Postage Stamps taken in payment of small sums. Stcart fr Mein, Seed Warehouse, Kelso, N.B. Flue Grass Seeds for Cricket Grounds, BOWLl.MI DltK.KSS. and C. E.METKllIKS. SUTTON AND SONS nn sunnlv suitublc kinds of the finest-growing GRASSES and CLOVERS for the above purposes The New Forage Grass (Bromus Schraderll). SDTION AND SUNS have imported a large supply of True Seed of the above, and offer it at Is. Od. per lb., or cnoapor in large quantities. Quantity required per acre, 40 lb. Lowest l>rlce per cwt. aud Instruction.s on cultivation may be had on application. Sitton 4 Sdss, Seed Merchants, Reading. Good Clover Seeds at Market Prices. iUTTON AND SONS can supply Hne clean SEED of 5 BROAD RED 1 COW GRASS I ALSIKE WHITE DUTCH | TREFOIL | PERENNIAL WHITE »ry moderate prices, which, with samples, if desired, may bo Improvement of Grass Lands, a U T T 0 N S RENOVATING MIXTURE IMPROVING PASTURES « & Sons, Reading, Berks. Suttons' Grass Seeds for all Soils, Carriage Free. PETER LAWSON and SON, the Queen's Seedsmen, Contractors, 20, Budge Row, Cannon Street, E.C. (opposite thfl City Terminus). London, and Edinburgh. PHO.SPHO GUANO as a MANURE for USE In OARDEN.S.— This Guano has been employed with very marked success in Nur- sery Grounds and Gardens, the effect on Vegetable Crops and i' Flowers being, in frequent Instances, astonishing. It la Guano, dissolved In water. Is most effectual. A specially prepared, very pulverulent Guano, Is sold for the purpose, and m:iy he had throuith any of the Agents appointed for the Sale of Phoapho Guano, in tins of I to 14 lb,, at 6d. per lb., or from the Contractors direct. T HE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (EsiAnusuED 18401 Have now ready for delivery in di-y flne condition, CORN MANURE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Also Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA ex Dock Warehouse; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, FISHERY SALT, 40. E. PcRBia. Secrulary. Offices, 116, Fenchurch Street, E.C. MESSRS. SUTTON specially prepare MIXTURES for every description of SOIL at the foUowinf;; prices: — For PERMANENT PASTURE, best quality Mixture, 30^. to 32.s. per aore ; ditto, 24.i. to 26.'j. per acre ; cheaper, lils. per acre. For THREE or FOUR YEARS' LAY, best quality. 228. per aero ; second qunlltv cheaper. For TWO YEARS' LAY, best quality, 173. 6 f. per acre ; second quality cheaper. For ONE y EAR'S LAY, CLOVERS and GRASSES. 13s.6d. per aore ; CLOVERS and RYE-ORASS, 12s. Cd. per acre, SUTTONS' RENOVATING MIXTDRE (sow 6 lb. to 12 lb. per acre), price 9d. per lb. ; cheaper by the cwt. Special Contracts given for large quantities, •Si'TTON & SoN'.s, Seed Growers, Reading. Flue Grass Seeds for Lawns and Croquet Grounds. SUTTOiNS' FINE LAWN GRASS for Making New or Improving old Garden Lawns, Croquet Grounds, Ac. Price Is. per lb., 20s. per, bushel, carriage free. I'or forming New Lawns or Croquet Grounds, 3 bushels, or CO lb,, are required per Acre, or 1 gallon to 6 Rods of Ground. From the Rev. E. J. Goslino, M.A., Cliaplain to the Counta Gaol, Neiv Disdin Jioad, Monmouth, Nov. 8.—" The Lawn Seeds I had from you in the spring have fully testified to the truth of all that has been said in praise of them." From H. E. Tock, Esq., 32, Bartholometv Road North, KcntiA Town, London. August 8. — " The Lawn Grass Seed Is excellent ; grows very quickly indeed, and produces beautiful fine Grass, such as we never had before." From RoBT. J. Stedmam, Esq., Sharnbrook, Bedford. Jan. 13.—" The lawn I laid down last spring with your Grass Seeds answered wonderfully. It looks now as if it had been done with old Turf. Persons who see it scarcely believe it was obtained by sowing." From M.4BTIN CorciieR, Esq., M.D., Bayton Villa, Cli,ftoii-o)i-Teme, Worcester. Oct, 6,—" On the 10th or 12th of June I sowed the Lawn Grass Seed, and though tho planting was so late, the Lawn now presents a uniform luxuriant appearance of a beautiful tint, and looks as though it had been planted two years. Of course, attention has bten paid to mowing and rollinc." Instructions on the Formation and improvement of Garden Lawns, Croquet Grounds, &c,, gratis and post free. Sutton & Sons, Koyal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. pOCOA-NUT REFUSE ^-^ Is becoming soarck, the old reserves will Boon be gone. Now sold In bagB, 1 for 2s., 10 for Iftj., 20 for 30s., 60 for 60*., 100 for £.6. Fourpence allowed lor enoh bag returned carriago-paid. A Railway Truck-load (not In baps), iOs. Postage Stamps or Post-offlce Order, payable to J. Babsbam 4 Co., Kingston- on -Thames, S.W. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. THE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— 109, Fenchurch Street, London. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street. Exeter. Irish Branch— 10, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. DiRECTOHS. Cliairman — John Clayden, Littlebury, Esses. Deputy-Chairman — John Collins, 255, Camden Road, Ilolloway Edward Bell. 48. Marine Parade, Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot, Herts. Robert Leeds, West Loxham, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Es.sex. Charles Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hildersham, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Rose. Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, CO, West Smitbfield. Managing Director — .Tamos Odams. Bankers— Messrs. Bametts, Hoares, & Co., Louibard Street, Solicitors- Messrs. Kingsford & Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Auditor— 3. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company was originally formed by, and is under the direction ol agriculturists : circumstances that havejustly earned for it another title, viz.— "The Tenant Farmerci' Manure Company." Its members are cultivators of upwards of 50.000 acres of land, which has been for yeara under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the cnsumer has the best guarantee for the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures manufactured by this Company, Particulars' will be forwarded on applicntion to the Secretary, or may be had of the Local Agents. C T. Macadam, Secrctiry. Chief Offices — 109, Fenchurch Street, London, E,C. l\r A N TJ' "r" E S Tiical Artificial Manures manufactured bean in use for 27 years. The supply for LA W E S were the first Che and introduced, and linvo Deptfordand Btiki, ■ <■ -. LAWES' PATKNT 11 : I! : W'HE. DISSOLVED i;uM.. LAWES" SDPEi;riii'-rii wv. nr lime. LAWES' WHEAT. BAIILEY. GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES CONCENTRATED CORN and GiiASS MANURES. Dr. Voelcker has inspected and sampled a bulk of 10,000 tons at Mr. Lawes' Factories. The report can be obtained on application : He states — *' All the samples appeared to be equally dry, uniform in cbnracter, and finely prepared. Having inspected the bulk i Wrrka, I can certify that the " ' bulk is a dry, well-raade. supe lent condition for delivery." These Manures can appointed Agents in i varying according to c Genuine PERUV NITRATE of SOD Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, Joav Bennet Lawes. 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 22, Eden Quay, Dublin : and Market Square, Shrewsbury. HOGGING and GRAVEL for SALE.— To be Sold, Cheap, in large or small quantities, several Thousand Loads of superior Hngginc and Gravel. Apply at Mr. Marler's Office, Bayswater Road, comer of c Beautiful Flowers. Beautiful Flowers. OCOA NUT FliiKE REFUSE for SALE, 6s. per Waggon, and 2s. per Cartload. Flowers, is now fully established by testimonials from Floriculturists and Gardeners from all parts of the United Kingdom- is highly recommended for Potting and Striking alt So(t-wooded Plants, as it prevents the cuttings from fagging or damping off; and may be had in quantities of not less than two sacks, delivered free to any of the London booking offices, at 2s. Qd. per sack, each containmg 6 bushels, sack included, on recept of post order or postage stamps, addressed. A. Smith, Patent Cocoa Fibre Work**, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, London, E. ► OOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for the Destruction of Bllcht and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nurserymen and Florists, in Tins, at 1»., 2«. 6d., and 5*. G Used by many of the leading Fly, and other Blight, n solutions of from 1 to 2 ounces :o the gallon of soft water, and Wholesale by Mngni- I'RICE'S PATENT fl®^ CANDLE COMPANY THE TtARDENEES' Cni^ONIOLE AND AGRICULTUML GAZETTK [Febeuaet 15, 1868. NOTICE OF REMOVAL. WAITE, BUKNELL, HUGGINS, & CO., SEED MERCHANTS, 181, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C, HAVE NOSV REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES IN SOUTHWARK STREET, S.E. WHERE IN FUTURE ALL COMMUNICATIONS ARE TO BE ADDRESSED. ECLIPSE BROCCOLI. DAVIDSON'S ECLIPSE BEOCCOLI, Which is now offered for the first time, is a superb dwarf-growing late sort, recommended for its extreme hardiness. The heads, which are of a creamy white colour, are very large and firm, and most delicious in flavour. In P. li. & Son's Sealed Packets, Is. 6d. each. Special offer to tlie Trade on application 1^- A SPECIAL LIST of NOVELTIES can also be had. {Continued fi-om ji. 122.) HOME-GROWN SEEDS, PURE AND GENUINE, SO FAR AT LEAST AS IT IS DESIRABLE TO HAVE HOME-GROWN SEEDS. Some there are, however, which require the sunny clime of Italy for their matuiition, and these we have eaved specially for us. PETER LAWSON and SON, EDINBURGH ; and 20, BUDGE ROW, CANNON STREET, LONDON. E.C. THE WEST OF ENGLAND SEED ESTABLISHMENT. THOMAS SAMPSON, THE PRESTON ROAD NURSERIES, YEOVIL, SOMERSET (SEED FARM, HOUNDSTONE and BRYMPTON), BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HIS SEED CATALOGUE OF NEW AND GENUINE SEEDS lOR THE KITCHEN GAEDEN, FLOWER GARDEN, AND FARM, CAN BE HAD FREE ON APPLICATION. COLLECTIONS of KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS. No. 1, lOs. ; No. 2, 14s. ; No. 3, SOs. ; No. 4, 30s. ; No. 5, 40s. ; No. 6, 60s. All Seeds above 205. delivered Carriai^c Free to any Kail way Station on the Great "Western, B. and E.. and London and South-Western Hallways. FABM SEEDS. MANGKL WDRZEL, SAMPSON'S Selected YELLOW GLOBE, SAMPSON'S Selected ORANGE GLOBE, SAMPSON'S Improved PUKPLE-TOP SWEDE (carefully selected) ; many Tons "W eight of CLOVERS, including Broad-leaved Red, Perennial Red or Cow Grass, Alsike Hybrid, fine White Dutch, t&c, of finest qualities, at lowest prices. Purchasers of large quantities dealt liberally with. NURSERY STOCK Of every description, including ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS, FRUIT TREES, &c., &c. TRANSPLANTED TREES. ASH, OAK, HAZEL, PINUS AUSTRIACA, LARCH, FIR, WHITE THORNS, &c., &c., &c. All the aliove, large and tine, at moderate prices. ONE-YEAR SEEDLING TREES. Two Million ENGLISH OAK ; 2110,000 strong HAl^EL ; One Million WHITE THORN. Price on application. BARR & SUGDEN, THE METROPOLITAN SEED, BULB, AND PLANT WAREHOUSE, 12, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C. 7s. 6(2., 10^. G pint VEGETAfeLE MOORE'S, p.acket POT HERBS, 4 packets Just published, CARTER'S GAPvDENER'S AND FARMER'S VADE MECDM FOR 1868, Parts I. and II., Illustrated, Containing complete Lists of New and Choice Flower and Vegetable Seeds, Plants and Bulbs for Spring Plant- ing, to which is added Original and Instructive Articles on " A new and beautiful way of Arranging and Growing Annual Plants," " Hardy Herbaceous and Alpine Plants from Seed," " Fine-leaved and Sub-Tropical PKints from Seed," '* Decorative iVnnuals," and *' On Laying Down Land to Permanent Pasture;" besides which \rill be found a large amount of Popular, Descriptive, and Scientific Information. Forwarded post free for 12 stamps ; Gratis to Customers. 237 & 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. Just piMished, prko Is. ,' post free, 13 Stamps, CARTER'S PRACTICAL GARDENER, Illustrated, 126 pages. cro-\vn. A Handybook on ever}-- day matters connected with Garden Routine. Opinions of the Press. The Gardeners' Chronicle.— "Tha various articlea have been written by Konie of the biRhest authorities amongst working gardeners, aiirl thoy boar tl.roughout a practical and usoftil character," Tlie /'(VW.— "This is another shilling book, chleflv composed of Calendoi* of OporatioQS, and that Calendar is good.'* Country Life.—A\\ our gardening renders would do well to mako a present to themselves of ' Carter's Practical Gardener,'" Fvn.-^ '' Messrs. Carter send a ' Practical Gardener,' which deserves to bo popular, for it gives information on all points— from the orchard WINTER DECORATIONS. — Those interested in liavln/ rich coloured foliage plants In their gardens during Wlntor, will have an opportunltv for the next tew days of Inspecting a cnllectlou of MKLV1L!■ Cropping well and economically, Soil, Manure, I'll'. I ' ;i:.won. Hardiness, Duration, Form, Height, ' '-; Ml, •■ I . , Klavuur. and other qualitiea described. This Llht In, ■. , : ■ ■!■,., I,, bKElJ.-- ■! I I : ' iiiwors the surest way to nicccaa. I; ; u i. I -i.Ld Merchant, Worcester. W" TIli'MI'Mi.s. -^ 1.1. 1. Ml AN, Ta\~enrstreet, Ipswich, • reMpi;t;tiultv uivitoH t ue attention of Amateurs to his oholc* Collection ol FLU VV Eli. SEEDS, of which a DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE, arranged on the Natural System, may be had gi-atis on prepaid application. It Includes Seeds not to bo lUQt with in any other Collection. Modest and ModerateT ~~ ^ WOOD AND INGRAM'S ''Modest and Moderate" DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CAT^VLOGUE of KITCHEN GARDEN and FLOWER SEEDS, comprising all the ui.jst valuable Novelties of the seaaon, with the choicest Collectiou.s of Gorman Heeds from the boat Krowers, is now ready, and will bo sent freo on application. Nm-senes, Huntingdon. T~H 0 MP"S"d'jmESTTM'0 N I A"T7"E0iriX Amount already Advertised m Gardener^ Vhroniclft £3tH) 6 9 Dolman, Jamofi, Douglas Lodge, Surbitcn 110 Ainsley, Archibald, Doddridge, by Dalkeith .. .. 10 0 Kingston, Robert C, Brantlingham Thorpe, East York 0 fi 0 Walton, Charles, Manor House, Acton 110 Leach, Charles, King's Road. Ciapham Park .. .. 110 Paxton, A. F.. Choldcrtoa House, Marlborough. . . . 110 Blake, Alex., Britannia Road, Fulham 110 Call, John, Inverary Castle, N.B 10 0 Young Men at Wan-en House, Stanmore 0 17 0 EUam, Thomas, Gardener, Penbedw Hall, Mold.. .. 0 2 6 Further Subscriptions may be forwarded to Mr. Jamls RioBAaDS* Assistant Secretary, Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington, London, W. __^_ G~ R aSd horticultural EXH IBITION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 16 to 23, 18C8. AmonRSt varioiLs Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cup) VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of tne GARDENERS' CHRONICLE ano AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows : — Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish of each :— Grapes, Melons (2 fruits). Strawberries, Goosebernefl, Currants, Cherries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 18671. Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, one basket or bundle or each :— Peas, French Beans {or Scarlet Runners), Broad Beans, Cauliflowers, Cucumbers (brace). Summer Cabbages, Early Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatoa, or Mixed Saladmg. This Prize will be ooen to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners,' of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetables of Ikeir own yrowing ; any article otherwise obtained will disqualify tho exhibitor. sue (SarUenetjS'Chromcle* SATURDAY, FEBRUARY \b, 18GS. MEETINGS FOE, THE ENSUING "WEEK. MoWDAv, Feb. 17— Entomological 7 i.m. I Koyal Horticultural (Fruit and Floral Tdebday, — 18< Committees), iit South Kensington ..Ua.m. ( Ditto (General Meeting) 3 p ,m , Thubsoay, ,— 20— Linnean »ph. D the bumble wmdow gardei 1 all for the email 8 JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 & 238, High Holboni, London, W.C; and at W. H. S5IITII AND SONS' RAIUV.iY BOOK STALLS. The Report of the Council of tho EoYAi HOETICULTUKAL SOCIETY for the past year to the general meeting held on Tuesday last, and which will be found iu another column, induces us to allude to sundry matters connected with the Society's operations, which we did not touch on in our lust article relating to this subject. The financial affairs of the Society seem to be decidedly improving, thanks, we believe in great measiu-e, to the able management of Lieut.-Col. Scott ; nevertheless, to some of the older Fellows the prospect is somewhat discomagiug, from the heavy burden of debt still hanging over the Society, and the large expenditure which the maintenance of two large establish- ments necessarily entails. These demands on the Society's purse no doubt greatly cripple its utility, so far as horticulture pui-e and simple is concerned. We lament as much as any the fact that the Society has now but slender claims, compared with those it once had, to rank among the learned or the scieatific bodies of tho metropolis. So far as South Kensington is concerned, the Council room serves as a reading room for the neighbouring Fellows, its arcades and its conservatory form an excellent playgi'ouud for their children — afford a refuge to nursemaids, and facilitate the manufacture of tatting or crochet, while on band days few better resorts can be named wherein to see and be seen, to flii-t and be flirted with. All very well, say the detractors, but this is not horticultiue. Nor, indeed, is it ; but if horticulture is not and cannot bo made self- supporting (which latter we doubt), why, 'juoi fairc, " Get money — honestly if thou canst, but get money." It is the imperative duty of the Society to replenish its cotfers — we do not say dishonestly, but in any way possible short of that. And therefore we cannot hold that the Society is culpable for endeavouring to get guineas out of the pockets of persons who care about as much for horticultiue as the ladies and gentlemen who frequent the Zoological Gardens on the Sunday do about zoology or comparative anatomy. Reco-mising, then, the fact that the Society haa 152 THE (lAEDENEKS' CHRONIGLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [i-ebruakt i= 1868. to look for a large proportion of its income to per- sons who have no special fancy for horticulture 2ier se, yre must of course admit that the Council must study their requirements as well as of those more particularly interested in the gentle craft. Then comes the question, Does the Society, con- sidering the peculiar cii'cumstances under which it is placed, do as much for practical horticultui-e as it might do ? On the whole, we think it does. It is easy to say this or that should be done, or this or that left undone. There are plenty of holes to be picked no doubt ; but looking at all the circumstances of the case, we can but express our opinion that the managing body shows by its deeds that it has the interests of all classes of its constituents at heart, and that its members, heavily fettered though they be, zealously work to promote the best interests of horticulture in general. It is not necessary to do more than mention the coimtiy shows, the trials, and reports at Chis- wick, or the Tuesdaj' meetings, because these have already been alluded to, but we may call attention to certain other subjects, which are mentioned in the report before us, and which suffice to show that the managers are alive to the signs of the times, and that they are anxious and willing to do what it may be in their power to do, for the advancement of practical horticulture, such as the recognition of the increasing taste for herbaceous plants, and the arrangements to be made for providing a few lectui-es and demon- strations in aid of the practical studies of the Chiswick students. This latter subject leads us to express a hope that the idea of establishing a well planned school of horticulture, which, for many years, has been floating in the minds of many well-wishers to horticulture, may sooner or later be taken up seriously by the Society. The success of the Chiswick students, even under the present incom- plete arrangements, the hint thrown out as to the extension of the instruction now given in the garden, the use which the Society will shortly have of an excellent library, all seem to us to be favourable omens, and point to the gradual establishment, as circumstances will allow, of a complete system of education, theoretical and practical. In course of time such a school of horticulture would be almost, if not entirely, self supporting ; it would raise the tone of the Society, better the position of its employes and pupils, greatly promote both theoretical and practical horticulture, and remove from the Society the stigma under which it now rests, of doing too little for practical horticulture, and nothing for science. The following details relating to the Growth of certain Coniters may be of interest to some of our readers, though they are too few in number to yield any safe deductions from them, as to the rate of growth in the different species named. They may, however, form an addition to the scanty statistics wo ali-eady have, and serve to elicit further information. One of the greatest ornaments at Gunnersbury Park, tUl the tree was destroyed by the ruthless frost of last winter, was a specimen of Cupressus macrocarpa. This, as we learn from Mr. Forsyth, to whom we are indebted for a section of the trunk, was planted at Gunnersbuiy in 1854, and had attained a height of 61 feet. Its age at the time of planting is not exactly known. The block furnished by Mr. FoRSTTH was from near the base of the trunk, and measured in girth more than 4 feet 1 1 inches. As usual the growth was somewhat unequal at various portions, hence measuring through the centre across the stem (including the bark) the longest diameter measured 18i- inches, while the shortest diameter measured 1 6| inches The rings, as usual, were of very unequal thick- ness in different portions of the stem, being in some places difficult to distinguish, while in other cases they attained to a width of six-eighths of an inch in the widest portion. The mean of numerous computations from two separate sections gave 41 as the number of annual zones, the thickest being from the sixteenth to the nine- teenth, counting from the centi'e ; these wide rings were succeeded by three or four very shallow ones, about the one-sixteenth of an inch across, and these latter by several of medium size measuring two or thi'ee-eighths of an inch. Cupressus torulosa, judging from a specimen also grown at Gunnersbury, has narrower rings and slower growth than the preceding. Our section is 12i inches in girth, and the number of rings is IT or IS, the widest being less than three-eighths of an inch, the narrowest about the one-sixteenth of an inch. To Mr. Forsyth we also owe our thanks for a section through the trunk of a fine speci- men of Piuus insignis, another victim to the frost of last winter. This formed a tree 48 feet in height, and the girth of the section forwarded to us was 4 feet 81 inches. The rings in this case were much more regular in growth, and uniform in development, than in either of the preceding. Nine separate measurements, made on four sections from the same block, gave a mean of 24 as the number of rings, the thickest being about half an inch in diameter, the thin- nest nearly one-eighth of an inch. The growth, then, was in all ways more uniform than that of its quondam neighbour, C. macrocarpa. Another section of Pinus insignis was kindly furnished us by Mr. G. F. Wiisox, from a tree planted at Weybridge in the autumn of 1855, when two or three j'ears old. The gi'owth in this case, too, had been pretty uniform; the girth of the section is nearly 36 inches, the rings well marked, 12 or 13 in number, the first four or five smaU, from the eighth to a foui'th of an inch in thickness ; after this there is a great stride, the rings, with two exceptions, being about half an inch in width. The exceptions referred to occur in the eigth or ninth zone from the centre, which is very narrow and evidently the produce of an unfavourable season ; and in the last zone, which is nearly an inch across. The Weybridge plant, then, gi-owing as it did on a light sandy soil, bid fair to have manifested much more vigorous growth than the older plant on the stiff clay of Gunnersbiu-y. Both were noble plants, and theii' destruction affords much room for regi'et. This feeling, however, may be tempered by the fact that the tree in question, so beautiful in its younger stages, becomes, like so many of its tribe, bare, and ragged, and unsightly with age.' We add no comments to the above details at present, though hereafter we may possibly do so. In the meantime we shall gladly receive the particulars of other measurements of this kind, and we would suggest that in such inquiries the following particulars should be noted — the name of tho tree, the locality, the soil and other conditions under which grown, the date of planting, tho approximate age, and the measm-e- ments of the tree, as well as of the section. Where a complete section can be obtained across the stem, the readiest way of counting the rings is to fasten a narrow slip of paper across the section, and mark with a pencil the spots where the rings intersect tho margin of the paper. As the thickness of the ring varies much in different sections, and as iu some places they are more confused and difficult to be distinguished than in others, it is always desir- able to make several computations in various directions from the centre towards the circum- ference, and then by taking the mean of all the enumerations, the number of tho rings can be ascertained with sufficient accuracy for most purposes, and in any case the general rate of growth can be readily ascertained. Ail who wish success to attend the Provin- cial Shows of the Eoyal Hohtioultuhal So- ciety, will be pleased to hear that the subscription for special prizes at Leicester already amount to 225?., and that the account is not yet closed. It will also be very satisfactory to know that, through the liberality of the Directors of the Midland Railway Company, the Exhibitors will be allowed to carry their plants over the Company's rails and Iback on payment of one fare, if they remain the property of the sender. In our last article on the fruiting of the DwAEF CocoA-NnT Palm, p. 124, is a sentence which, taken as it stands, without reference to what has been frequently stated at other times, would detract from the well earned merit of Mr. Smith, the present Curator of the Koyal Gardens at Kew, and formerly the head gardener at Sion House, and which therefore we would desire at once to correct. The statement referred to is to the effect that the .first fruit of this Palm was ripened "under Mr. Faiebaien's skilful management and Mr. Smith's superintendence." It appears, as will be seen from some letters in another column, that Mr, Smith's personal labours and care were even more than equal to his sagacity in hitting upon the proper mode of fertilising the female flower. This latter point was commented on at the time in our columns (1863, p. 1129), and we are glad that the present occasion has afforded us another opportunity to do justice to Mr. Ssiith's intelligent care in other particulars, and to call attention ouce more to the fact that the honour of fruiting the Palm for the first time unquestionably pertains to Mr. Smith. It will be remembered that the remarks in the last Number applied mainly to tho second fruiting of the Palm, under Mr. Faibbaibn's management. It does not in any way detract from Mr. Faikbaien to say that he is in this matter the worthy successor ol Mr. Smith; nor assuredly is it derogatory to the latter that the fruits produced under tlie care of his successor are finer than the previous ones. The state- ment to which objection is taken was made both inci- dentally and inadvertently. The other articles which we have devoted to the subject have rendered the honour to Mr. Smith that was assuredly due to him. We must leave the charge against the Eoyal Horticul- tural Society to be met by that body, we doubt not that they will be as ready to do justice to Mr. Smith as we ourselves. The Cotton Supply Association of Manchester has recently recognised the valuable and disinterested services of Major Teevob Clahke by presenting him with a gold medal, together with an address acknow- ledging his zealous efforts to i^roduce a better Cotton by a careful system of hybridisation, and which have resulted iu the production of Cotton of a superior quality. Reference is also made to the plans proposed by that gentleman for securing the purity of seed ; and which are now adopted in seed gardens iu various Cotton districts. Those who know how earnestly Major Claeke has thus laboured as a public benefactor, while seeming merely to be pursuing a horticultural hobby, will feel that this compliment has been as gracefully paid, as it was thoroughly merited. In an article in the " Revue Horticole " M. Rafarin states that Uisa geandifloea, as grown in Paris (at La Muette ?) produces four and five flowers on one stalk. He also gives the details of the culture adopted by M. Baeillet for this beautiful plant, which is to grow it in peat mixed with fragments of charcoal and pieces of sphagnum, iu a well-drained pot, placed within a second pot of larger size, the surface being covered with sphagnum. Thus arranged, the plant is placed in a greenhouse in a "cuvette" kept full of water. When growth begius, the space between the two pots is kept half-filled with water until the plant ceases to grow, when the water is allowed to evaporate ; thus imitating, as nearly as can be, the conditions under which the plant grows in boggy places periodically submerged. In this way the same plant has been made to flower four times, and even to produce seeds whence young plants have been raised. We have heard a good deal of late as to what the French horticulturists do, and it is j ust as well that we should know whatthey think of us. The reader may glean some particulars as to Covent Garden on Christmas Eve, from a recent article by M. Andre, who, after giving an account of the use of Mistleto by our English girls, which we feel assured is not a generally correct one— unless it be in Leap Year, when the ladies are known to cujoy special privileges !— goes on to describe the general appearance of our London streets, and of Covent Garden Market in particular, ou Christ- mas Eve. He dilates on the Grapes, Pines, Bananas, &c., which may therein be found, and alludes pointedly to the expensive kinds of Apples and Pears, such as Gilou Morceau, Calville Blanche, &c., and in particular to those huge specimens of Belle Angevine marked at 32s. each. We are told by M. Ande£ that it is the custom for our fashionables to offer these Pears as presents to their friends, with a branch of Laurel, on whose leaves are marked in letters of gold, " A merry Christmas and a happy New Year ! " Forced flowers, says M. Andre with justice, are much more numerous and cheap iu Paris than in London. On the other hand, the abundance and cheapness of Poinsettia pulcherrima attracted the attention of our critic, as well as the Heaths, Chinese Primroses, and cut flowers. On the whole, says M. Andre, the flower market at Covent Garden even, on Christmas Eve, is far from pre- senting the same abundance and variety of the Paris markets, although there are certain specialities in which we are acknowledged to be superior. The criticism is in the main just. We are glad to hear that the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, acting on the report of the Horticultural Directors, have awarded SI. Bause their thanks for his earnest performance of his duties, and have also added a substantial acknow- ledgment, in the shape of a cheque for ten pounds, for the successful results of his experiments, especially in regard to the crossing of Caladiums. -We have received a few copies of the Regula- tions and Schedule of the forthcoming Interna- tional Exhibition of Horticulture, to be held at Ghent from the 29th of March to the 5th of April. We shall be happy to forward a copy to any person who may desire to have one, on receipt of a stamp for postage. We are informed that INIessrs. E. G. Hen- derson & Son, of St. John's Wood, have now in bloom a variety of Odontoglossum Alexandra, of quite another colour from those which have hitherto been seen, and that they intend to exhibit it at South Kensington on Tuesday next. PLANT PORTRAITS. Acacia Ausfeldii.— Garfejyfora, t. 550. Legu- minosEe. A greenhouse evergreen shrub, with linear one-nerved phyllodes, and axillary peduncles bearing many-flowered capitules of yellow blossoms. Native of Australia. Flowered in the St. Petersburgh Botanic Garden. Aristolochia tricaudata.— i'/?/«s/. Uor/., t. 522. Aristolocliiacea;. A curious stove shrub, of arborescent habit, with ovate lanceolate leaves, and axillary flowers having a refracted curved tube, a yellow throat, and a deep blackish red limb running out into three long tail-like segments. Native of Mexico. Flowered by M. Amb. Verschafi'elt. Begonia JiosXYhOiA.—Bof. Mag., t. 5680; F!or. februaby 15. 18CS.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 153 and PoiiioL, new ser. I. Bogoniaceas. A very beautiful dwarf herbaceous species, reputedly hardy, or nearly s.i. It is stemless, with thick orbicular-reniform bullate leave?, and erect three-flowered scapes, the flowers large (2 inches across), bright rose red, composed of five concave petals. Native of Peru : 12,000 feet. Flowered by Messrs. Veitch & Sons. Begonia Veitchii.— 5o<. Mag., t. 5003 ; FIoi: and Fomol, new ser. 1. Bogoniacejo. This beautiful dwarf perennial has been described and illustrated in our columns (1867, 734), and is charmingly figured in both the plates above quoted. lis thick oblique ovate lobulated leaves, and lour or five petaled vermilion- coloured (lowers, mark it as a most valuable introduc- tion, irrespective of its hardiness. Native of Peru: 12,500 feet. Flowered by Messrs. Veitch & Sons. Calceolabia pisacomensis.— So<. Mag., t. 5G77. Scrophulariacea;. A remarkably free-flowering and showy greenhouse, sub-shrubby perennial, of strong erect habit, with ovate obtuse coarsely crenate leaves", and cymes from all the upper a.xils, forming long leafy panicles . of large rich orange-red flowers, the lower lip of which is so bent upwards as to close the mouth. Native of Peru. Flowered by Messrs. Veitch & Sons. COBURGHIA TEICHEOMA.— -Bo<. Mag., t. 5GSj. Amaryllidaceas. A remarkably showy greenhouse perennial, with sub-globose bulbs, and glaucous green disk. Nalive of New Grenada, whence it was intro- dnned to the French Gardens. Peunus VVDDVM.-Neerl. Plant., tt. -IS 53, 53. Rosaccic. A deciduous early-flowering Cherry, of which the three plates above referred to represent three varieties with large semi-double flowers, white, or more or less tinted with rose. It is the Cerasus I'seudocerasus of Lindley, and the Cerasus Sieboldii of Carri6re. Native of Japan. TnAPSiA DECiPiENS.— i?o<. Mag., t. 6070. TJmbel- lifera;. A greenhouse herb, usually biennial, with an erect Palm-like stem 4 to 0 feet high, bearing at top a waving crown, 3 to 4 feet across, of two or three pinna- tisect leaves, and umbels of small white flowers. It exudes a copious fragrant gum resiu. Native of Madeira. Flowered at Kew. VlTIS PLANICAULIS.— JSoi. Mag., t. 6085. Ampe lidea ' ' " ' " I lul rniisid It 111 n],eii prematurely." I cannot under- ^'"; ''"' I'' '-' ' I'l'cmaturo ripening" is a con- .' \ '''' lilt granting that it e.i(pressed a ' " ' ■ ' ' " ' ill I'ly, it is a phenomenon which I ''I*' "■'" '■" 'rl-'i,'' I'uiticulturist is a judge of, and is at variance Willi the terms of the award, which ofticiallv designated the nut in question as perfectlg ripe. I should aud tliat 1 e.xamined the nut with the husk ofi', and that It appeared perfectly ripe, and that the late Sir w. Hooker alter examining It, oh^ierved that it was a thousand pities it had not been planted. Isayitann^ar^rf ripe to me because the only test of perfect maturity is subsequent germination resulting in a healthy plant, and this no one had the opportunity of testing My only motive in discussing this matter is a love of lair play: it_ is no part of my duty to champion Mr. COCOA-NUT PALM. Judging from the history of this Palm at Sion House, as detailed in the Oardeners' C/ironicle in 1802, and on various subsequent occasions, the merit due to Mr. Smith, late head gardener at Sion, has recently leaves, contemporaneous with the flowers, which are ' ™et with scant acknowledgment, either at the hands ..„„... v.,»>.^..,. jj„». jiii;,. V. uijoii. iimpi.- Smith, and Mr. Fairbairn wiir I ain sure nnt snsnocf A greenhouse climbing shrub, with a fl.attened mo of questioning his ability or his deserts Tho trunk, large quinately digitate leaves and cymes of matter, in my apprehension, is not one between Messr" .small green flowers. Native of Sikkim Himalaya, i .Smith and Fairbairn, but between Mr Smith and the !• lowered at Kew. Clar,le,,ers' Chronicle and the Horticultural Society. "„^i .1,; .■ I^^^lfbairn^s deserving both the gold drooping, and grow four to six at the top of an erect I "f the Royal Horticultural Society, or in an article on spathe ; they are tubular, bright scarlet, with a rose- '''B subject of the late award that appeared in your last coloured limb, each segment marked dorsally by a green Number (see p. 134). band. Native of the Andes of Peru. Flowered by The following remonstrance applies principally to the "W. Wilson Saunders, Esq. Mr. Saunders' plant fii9ts :— 1. That the person through whose unaided appears to resemble very closely the figures and descrip- skill, and under whose hands a Cocoa-nut Palm was tions of C. incarnata. i first brought from a starved condition to a state of CfiATyEGUs OxYACANTHA cocciNEA FLOKE-PLENO. [ I'orfect health, was flowered and was impregnated, and —Flor. and Fomol. \m7, 117. Rosacetc. A remarkably under whom the fruit (which afterwards perfectly fine hardy deciduous tree, with double deep crimson flowers of great beauty. It is a sport from the double pink Thorn, and was obtained in the garden of C. Boyd, Esq., of Cheshunt. CODi^UJi (Croton) Veitchianum.— i?ei). Sort. 1807, 189, with fig. Euphorbiacefo. A very beautiful stove ^ evergreen shrub, with alternate oval-oblong acuminate slightly undulated leaves, which have red footstalks, and when young are green, traversed by a broad band of yellow, which passes with age into rose and carmine purple, the intensity of these colours increasing as the leaves become older. Native of the South Sea Islands. Introduced by Messrs. Veitch & Sons. UlCHOEISANDKA MUSAICA. — Flore des Serres, t. 1711-13. Commelynaceai. This most remarkable stove perennial was exhibited at the International Exhibition of 1806, and the present is the first good illustration of it which has appeared. It has terete chequered stems, surrounded at the nodes by close brownish sheaths, and the bold leaves are ovate acute, deep reddish purple beneath, dark green above, beau- tifully marked with close broken transverse irregular white lines. The flowers are white and blue. Native of the Amazon country. Flowered by M. Linden. ^ Gloxinias.— i« Selg. Ilort., 1867, 1. 16. Scrophula- riacea;. This plate represents three of the new hybrid race of French varieties of this charming flower, which have been recently obtained, and in which the flowers are densely spotted. They have been obtained between G. siieciosa and Sinningia guttata. Henrt Cakcenac has the throat white and faintly spotted, the mouth of the tube surrounded by a zone of bright carmine, and the lobes of the limb regularly dotted over with carmine rose. Leon Soubeiran has a narrow belt of carmine round the mouth, exterior to which the limb is closely dotted with purple. Edouard Moeren is white, finely punctured everywhere with carmine red, as in the Sinningia. These varieties all belong to the erect-flowered type. Raised by JM. Vallerand, gr. to M. Carcenac, of Bougival. HjiMADirirON nutans maxima. — Flores des Serres, t. 1738. Apocynaceaj. A beautiful plate of one of M. Linden's novelties, distributed under the name of Echites rubro-venosa. The dark olive-groeu surface of the leaf is traversed by red veins, as in the old H. nutans, but here the bright red midrib has a narrow bar of pale bright green on each side, which adds very greatly to the beauty of the plant. Native of Peru, by the Rio Negro. The plant is of climbing habit, and has not yet flowered. _ Ophelia alata.— .Boi!. Mag., t. 5087, fig. 1. Gen- tianace:c. A greenhouse annual, with lour-winged stems, ovate leaves, and branched panicles of green four-parted flowers spotted with purple. Ophelia ANGUSTIFOLIA.— So*. Mag., t. 5687, fig. 3. A green- house annual, with quadrangular stems, linear-lanceo- late leaves, and branched panicles of purple four-parted flowers, spotted with blue. Ophelia paniculata. —Sot. Mag., t. 5087, fig. 5. A greenhouse annual, with obscurely angled stems, linear-lanceolate leaves, and branched panicles of star-shaped white flowers, each division of which is marked with a semilunar band of violet. These three species are all natives of India, and were flowered by I. Anderson-Henry, Esq. PiRONNEAVA GLOMERATA. — 5ot Mag., t. 5008. Bromeliacea?. A remarkably showy stove plant, with oblong-ligulate cuspidate spiny-margined leaves, and an erect scape with glomerate branches of crowded blood- red bracts, and violet-coloured flowers. Native of the province of Bahia in Brazil. Flowered at Kew. It is also called JEchmea glomerata. POLYMNIA PYRAMIDALIS.— ifei'. Sort., 1867, 211, with fig. Compositre. A tall growing shrubby perennial, recommended for summer flower gardening, having been used for this purpose in Paris ; it grows 10 feet high m a season, forms a pyramidal head, bears cordate- ovate hairy leaves measuring 12 in. by 10 in., and having decurrent petioles, and is decorated with cymes of numerous yellow flower-heads having a dark brown ripened) was brought to within 34 days of maturity, received in 1804 a Silver Medal; whilst his successor^ who by following the methods of his predecessor fruited the same individual, received in 1808 a Gold Medal. 2. That the above-quoted article in the Gardeners' Chronicle si^ias that "it was under Mr. Fairbairn's skilful management and Mr. Smitli's superintendence, that the first fruit (that of ISO!) was set and ripened two years ago." The following extracts from various volumes of the Oardener.^' Chronicle, coupled with some statements made to lae by Mr. Smith, will enable my readers to judge of the merits of this case. In Sia.v, ISOO, Mr. Smith began to nurse a young starved Cocoa-nut in the Sion stoves. He disrooted it, replanted it with his own hands in a compost he him- self in-epared ; all subsequent top-dressings he himself applied : he regulated the amounts of heat, shade, humidity, of air, water and ventilation, that were to be given it; and himself saw that these were maintained both by day and night. All this went on for three years, during which he scarcely left his post for a day. (For details of management (furnished by Mr. Smith himself) see Gardeners' Chronicle, ISG2, p. 117.) In February 1, 1832, Dr. Lindley announced, in a leader of the Oardeners' Chronicle (p. 91), the flower- ing of this plant as a horticultural triumph, and (p. 189) " ve a spirited woodcut of the flowering specimen Thi incJal and the encomiums of the Qardmer.i' Chronicle ,110 perfectly consistent with the facts, that neither the Chronicle nor the Society have recognised Mr. Smith's superior claims, and for this recognition alone I plead'- I'almam qui meruil feral. J. B. Hooker. [.The writer of the article Dr. Hooker criticises would have more correctly said that the first nut was not perfectly developed," instead of "perfectly ripened. Such certainly was the fact; and one, at least, of those recently exhibited, was a much more perfect specimen. We suppose it was this which led the Committee to recommend, and the Council to adopt, thepresent award. For ourselves, as elsewhere stated we entirelydisclaimanyintentiontodetractfroin the honour due to Mr. Smith, in reference to this matter. Eds ] iftomc Covrcsponlrcuce. Second Early and General Cropping Peas.— In this section are some of onr most prolific and best flavoured Peas, which, under first-class cultivation, produce extraordinary returns. Our main crops— summer and autumn ones— are grown in the middle of our kitchen garden quarters, at distances of 0 feet apart row from row, for the medium-growing kinds, and from 8 feet to 9 feet apart for the more robust sorts. To succeed the earliest varieties, I have hitherto only employed two kinds, which I have found to be amply suflicient until the general croppers are ready. The sorts to which I allude are Eley's Essex Rival and Dickson's Favourite • the first IS, without doubt, one of the best Peas for general purposes in cultivation, andasapoorman'sPea I consider it to be unequalfed; last season we had rows of it in the kitchen garden at thispla-e, 5 feet through, from which an enormous crop was gathered Dickson's Favourite is likewise much esteemed here •' it comes on a few days later than Essex Rival and is equally prolific. Adding all the good points together of these two sorts, it would be difficult to find two superior for general purposes. Before sowing we trench deeply, adding a thoroughly good dressin" of rotten dung where the rows are to stand. We gene- ! rally grow Celery between the rows; the Peas partially In Novimber, ISO'S, Dr. Lindley announced again, ' shade it for a few weeks, which is very beneficial in a leading article, the setting of the fruit of this I especially if the weather is at all parching. A' «oon as' specimen as a horticultural achievement, and (p. 1129) the Peas are gathered, we dig the ground on which thev detailed the method employed by Mr. Smith to fertilise | stood, and plant Cauliflowers, which come in well in the flower, passing the highest encomiums on the , autumn for cutting or lifting. This in no way inter- sagacity he displayed in discovering the means of ''" ■•«i- *i "-: efl'ecting this obscure process, and on the ability with which he had conducted it. Dr. Lindley further com- mented on the high health and vigour of the plant, which " exhibited 15 exquisitely beautiful leaves, each 10 feet long." In December, 1803 (p. 1337), another leader is de- voted to this same Palm— Mr. Smith being still in charge of the plant, and, as heretofore, conducting with his own eyes and hands (not merely superintend- ing) every operation connected with its culture. On May 10, 1801, Mr. Smith left Sion House for Kew, and his Cocoa-nut, then fast advancing to maturity, not ripe— for it had begun to turn brown- was delivered over to his succesor. Lastly, in June 29, 1834,* exactly 34 days after Mr Smith left, the ripened nut was exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society ; in the Proceedings of which body (vol. iv., p. 103) I read—" A perfectly ripe Cocoa- nut was exhibited by Mr. Fairbairn, gr. to his Grace the Duke of Northumberland, and was recommended to the notice of the Council as worthy of a medal ; " also, that " it was considered that, though this extra- ordinary production was exhibited by Sir. Fairbairn, the real merit of bringing it to perfection belongs to Mr. John Smith, late gr. to his Grace." A Banksian (silver) medal was accordingly awarded to Mr. Smith. Now, if it be true — as Mr. Smith assures me it is, that no second party had any act or part, but such as was purely mechanical, in rearing this Palm from a starved state to that of a magnificent plant, in flowering it, impregnating it, and advancing the fruit to within 31 days of maturity, and that Mr. Smith's method was followed for the said 31 days, until the fruit was eventually gathered by his successor ; and if the official statement of the first award be correct, that the " merit of ripening the fruit is due to Mr. Smith," surely the passage I nave quoted from the last number of the Chronicle, and which says — " It was under Sir. Fair- bairn's skilful management and Mr. Smith's superin- tendence that the first fruit was ripened," is a very erroneous statement of the merits of the case. The article of last week goes on to say, that this first fruit, " though it obtained a fair size, never ripened thoroughly, through having sustained some injury feres with the earthing process required by the Celery at the distance apart at which we sow. For a general crop, our first sowing consists of Champion of England a kind which requires no laudatory remarks from me ■ at an interval of 10 days or a fortnight we sow Paradise JIarrow : this is a noble Pea, both prolific and highfy flavoured. Then follow in regular succession Laxton's Prolific, a new Pea of more than ordinary merit- Veitch's Perfection, another standard kind ; together with Mammoth Marrow, a Pea which we highly prize We have grown several other kinds, but have more or less discarded them for the above-named sorts which are amply sufficient to keep up a good supply from the first gathering until the last. Late Peas I consider to be a nuisance— all depending upon the time when they are sown ; it is just as possible to have Dickson's First and Best, the last to gather from, as any other kind. Climatic influences and locality play such an important part on late sown Peas, that it is a hazardous matter to give e.xact dates at which to sow the latest crops. Experience acquired by means of keen observation, is the only safe guide la this matter. John Edlington, Wrotham Pari; Barnet. Change of Sex in Plants.— While it is not uncom-^ mon for flowers that are ordinarily unisexual to become, structurally at least, hermaphrodite, and while ditecious' plants, such as the Hop and the Hemp, have often been noticed to bear both male and female flowers, and thus became montecious, the converse change seems to be much more rare. In your columns the Mulberry and the Walnut have been recorded as bearing female blos- soms only. Can any correspondent kindly furnish any other instance of a plant usually bearing flowers of both sexes producing by accident" blossoms of one sex only? M. Potatos v. Potatoes.— It has certainly been the fashinu to sjicU the plural of Potato with an e, and not exactly on the authority of spelling-books, either. The grammatical rule tells us that words ending in o, pre- ceded by a consonant, form the plural by adding e»; to which rule there are five exceptions, but Potato is not one of the five. It is another matter how this came to be established. Allien we turn to the work of your counsel, Dr. Latham, on the English Language, we find little to clear up the matter, that little being almost wholly summed up in the statement, that words forming the plural by the insertion of an e before 154 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL G7\Z]'TTE. LFebkuabt 15, 18C8. the s do po for the sake of denotin!; the length of the vowel o. Ill the older stages of the English language a vowel was interposed hetweeu the last letter of the word and the letter s, evidently with the ohjeot of living the final vowel the force of the Greek omega. I am not arguing for the wisdom of our ancestors in doing so, but there is this to plead on behalf of the usa"! of the case, that if the final o required to be long in tlie plural, the founders of our language, evidently be mounted on some substantial foundation, at least ] part of our mission in this world; and although grieved i or 5 feet high, when it has to play the part of outer boundary. But your correspondent, Mr. Eussell, suggests hedges, and points out their superiority to walls as objects of shelter. This is no doubt the case where evergreen hedges are employed, hut then walls are used for other purposes as well as for shelter ; fruit trees of the choicest sorts are trained against such .valls, and although they may not be so secure against desirous for uniformity of plural ending, had no other i the inclemency of our season as trees are under glass, alternative but either to leave it doubtful, or make a | yet they are more likely to escape without injury than diphthong of it. Our language lacked thecopiousuess of others standing in the open ground And it is somewhat the Greef withits long and its short form for o, and they 1 unfortunate for the character of a hedge that the neater therefore made the most of the materials at command, j it is trimmed the less shelter from side draughts it Had true sound been the object aimed at, instead of affords ; in fact, the smoother its surface becomes, the uniformity of plural ending, the termination of this ' more it resembles a wall : and it is notorious that but and similar words should have been-ose or or, the r : comparatively few things thrive well on a border where bein- in such a position equal flat s, so that wo should i a hedge has to be supported,--the latter takes the cream in that case have had as the plural form, Potatose, or of the nourishment; so much is this the case, that in Potatoz All languages have their peculiarities and , some old nurseries fine old hedges hive been veiy orthographic conventionalities, none, perhaps, so many : much reduced of late 5;ears, in consequence ol the as our own- but unless we go over the whole field, and shelter which they afford being an uisufficient subject the entire analogy of our vocabulary to revisal, balance to the evils which otherwise attend it Is difficult to see why the Potato should be singled them. As an object in landscape scenery, a out, and deprived of its e in the plural. Sohei-t G. , hedge is immeasurably superior ^to^a wall, as, tor Ross. [Calico is another case in point, Eds.] ' " ' ' " to see that the Leeds Gardeners' Friendly Society had committed so grievous an error in fixing its scales of payments so low, I should not have noticed^ it publicly had not " L'Ouvrier " broken the ice, as being secretary to a society of the same kind, I was afraid of being thought antagonistic to sucli associations, motives being so easily misjudged. The rules and scales of payments, &c., belonging to an association with which I am connected have been carefully gone through by A. G. Pinlaison, Esq., the Government Actuary ; and if any member of the Leeds Societ.v wishes for a copy of them, I shall be pleased to forward it, and they will see that instead of 3(/. per week bein" sufficient to ensure 10s, per week sick pay and funeral money (say 101. at death), it should have been Grf. per week, or perhaps a trifle more ; and in addition to this there should be a small charge for a management fund, as this must be kei>t distinct, and no part be paid from the contributions to the sick fund. I perfectly agree with Mr. Dean (see p. 103) that much good must come out of such Societies ; as it is, I consider, the bounden duty of every man to endeavour to provide for affliction as far as his means will allow ; and if the gardeners of the United Kingdom would only take the matter up in earnest, and lend a helping t,, , instance, in districts in Scotland, Derbyshire, and --.- :,;,,. , , - ,, -.,1. mat "aiette best Pears and Apples for Scotland Cumberland, wherestono wallsare more prevalent than hand by subscribing for such a wise purpose they might ■ d Cold Locaimes efnerallv'-We have lately had , hedges as boundaries to fields, the landscape has a found a Society that would be the means of alleviating valuabS of^PeaL from the southern parts of bare appearance ; but in a usual way a garden wall.is much misery an 1 dis ress ; bu at present f hey do not ^aluaule ii.tsoi iear» irom .lue i covered or screened in some way or other, thus its seem to unde"-taud that charity begins at liome, or ,„ S^T^wtof^GCmS^NoVtS^^^ sTtuatTdonlhVedges and sides of waterfalls that it ^ sWre GreS The fXwing are excellent oA walls, and Hornbeain have their advantages, and in some : elsewhere, a circumstance perhaps brought abou by vi7 llibston Pionin Cox's Orange Pippin, Court of places a neat Laurustinus hedge looks well, as do also , the constant motion of the air arising from the rushing wick anrScariris^onp^^^^^ may some of the Arbor-vita;; but these must all give place ' water. .The plants alluded to were some greenhouse have in the fo™ of standl?d , Lammas, Citron des to the common Quick, where a fence against cattle is , Perns, mclnd.ng a Tree Fern Perhap some of your 'ainies Doveniie d'Ele° Wil lams' Bon Chretien, | wanted, though it is less able in a clipped condition to readers would (farther test the truth of t e inatter and Hes el FleS Beauty Hampden's Bergamot, Beurre stand against sheep than when in a rough state, and ' report the result of the expenmeu. The attractions ^Ama\,V^Sn Town SinXr, Black Achan Swan's where rabbits exist in great numbers, Ihave seen it sadl.v of such places would be greatly enhanced by havng E-Moo?fowlE"° The following require walls, destroyed in severe winters; nevertheless as a useful fo^e of our boautiful half-hardy Ferns associated wtli SiTarethen excdlent, viz. Jargonelle, which is fa.^ ' hedge wo must place it in the front rank ; and as an , them The lowest femPf f^'"':^/^ /|™,,^"^^'^J^ ^^'f ^ bettei- fn thenorth than it is ever found in the south ; ornamental fence I would place the Tew before the from the rl^Ms alluded to was ii of fro.t. S. M., Pen- Th^Bla'^Act'nin^co'^hndt^fvfrylxS^^^^^^^^ Friuing of the Cocoa-nut,-The recent be- ['''marh a Weeaj-Your re.narks a few weeks ago while in the neighbourhood of London it is quite , stowal of a Banksian Medal for the second fruiting of (p. 1317, 1367)ou:'WhatisaJA^e;di>' reminded me of a worthier "b 1 this plant, and your loader of last Saturday, tend to ob- , conclusion at which I arrived a short time s nee, whpn Late Grapes.-I have read with much interest scure the fa-.t that Mr. J. Smith, now of the Koyal , I met with the phrase " natural weeds It occui red Mr TilloryTexcellent instructions regarding the art Gardens at Kew, was the first who fruited the Cocoa- j to me, and upon reflecticn I am satisfied it « of koeS Grapes plump and good till April (see nut Palm in this country. Were not the Fruit Com- ; there are no such things as natural weeds Jlie "oid 1 0^^^' £fke'\iim^ have jtill_to_be_c^vinced 1 mittee of the Boyal Horticultural Society^com^ed c^ , being a relatn.o^, uscdin ^^eultivaUon^^rounch tOakhiUinthedeadof winterwill Banksian Medal for the fruiting of the tree at its pre- elast c eno'igh to meet all the condit^^^^^^^^ f of thinking. Mr. TiUery does not sent stage, after having awarded one to Mr. Smith ness." I define weed *> ^ rdative term „ppliel b.v [vantage in the French system of j for fruiting the same plant when it was younger . the cultivator of land '» every ta^."/!''?^^^^^ a bottles of water, as described by and much weaker. The difficulty was in bnngmg the , ^PPears on his ground except that wh.^ weed Tn one •- ■• ys:- tree to a bearing state; once arrived at that, plenty of I grow. Thus the same plant yiu De.iweea in one 3S in 'room for the leaves, and an ordinary amount of saga- 1 position an no weed in another. A few m,tance, 3h or: city on the part of the fireman and the director of will explaiu this. Grass growing in flower borders or ;er off ' watering-pot, suffices to do the rest. But, even more , in a gravel walk, is a weed ; whilst m a meadow it i, hance than in first.frniting the plant, when, in a younger , no__ weed. Tne Poppy m the Wh .. fie d i. un- ?hat there is yet in existence a better keeping Grape , . body of skilful and practical. horticnUurists,. one Of the two deflnUions you give D^V Ty™e° f^^^ than the trueVesfs St. Peter's. Any one who has i would bo inclined to doubt the wisdom oi its giving a best ; but I agree with you that nether ol them eve?seen thi^ vai ietyat Oakhm jn the dea^d of winterwill ! Banksian Medal for the frmtin^of _the tree^at it| pre- 1 elastic enough to meet .all the conditions of probably be of our way "" ' '' ^' m„___-j seem to see much advanta? keeping late Grapes in bottles nt water, as uescrioeu uy i anu mucii weaiier. i-uc u.muu.., „„» .u l.,.u5...5 "— , 3'';i"--m|- .-■-thV^rmp'V.i.int will be a weed in one vour P"vris correspondent " W. R. ;" still he says :- tree to a bearing state ; once arrived at that, plenty of , grow Thus the same ?!'>•"' "'II " V f!^f ? ,\° 3°°/, "The only use I see for keeping late Grapes in ^oom for .the leaves, and an ordmary amount of saga- , posit^i.^an.^no ^™3^.;'i„^f;^'?™'=V„ fl^J^^hJ.^^^^^^^^ bottles of water, or any other way, is in March April, when the bunches of Grapes would be better shoots were too far advanced." This is the advantage , the point that required more nicety than anything PoiW fo'' ° >"™ . "^^fli hf wLld assiduoiulv root of the system, and no Grape grower in England knows connected with the fraiting of the Cocoa-nut Palni in being <^''"°^«eedsvhi.,t he would a«^^ better than Mr TiUery that one Vine pruned in this country, was effectually accomplished by Mr. upas weeds ™y Wheat pant, he migat had amonff SLry and another pruned in the latter part of Smith. It is the more creditable when we reflect that us Poppies. The use of the word abo show, that thi, Apr r^re not likefy to p?oduce the same results^ The he was deceived by Sowerby's figure in Loudon's book, ; is Us t™« Xfn T^'.lis^s' on Botany but frequently former Ins a fair chance of showin" what it can do, , wh ch represents the flower quite open, a state it never ever, met with in ire.tti»ss on Botany, out ireqaentiy St H^^Apil pruned Vine nmsaS^^^^^^^ '^^^f^^S.rowu by p. Smith was ' enough in w^^ to death Mr Tilery is evidently of my way of think- also a perfect one, and contained milk. The state- : Even Ihistlcs, Dandelions anJ irrounasel, are not in.. foVbPsavs "lalwa^pr^^^^^ ment that it was "under Mr. Fairbairn's skilful 1 " weeds " when growing by the road-side or 01 . the i cit the bunches on purpC to get'a I process over I management " that the first fruit was produced is incor- common ; bu when they obtrude upon our helds is soon as possible" Now if thrFrench system of rect; Mr. Smith did not leave Siou for KewtiU it was , and gardens they become ^'1« ^™«*\'^°'!, SJ^ inn ?eenin° Grapes in winte" would let Grape growers fully developed, and it was cut little more than a penalty of their trespass by compete extermmation, Sethd? Vines six weeks or two months sooner ■ month after he left. Moreover, he while at Sion , or at le.ast, ought to dosa Coi-o<«s. than u.sua it surely a step in the right direction, , took the tropical fruit-house and_this Palm under his Hydrid Perpetual Kose Lord Maoamay -lo r Mr TiUery's fine houses of late Grapes are doubtless own special care, and with its "management" Jlr correspondent XX. X. (*"=,P-, 'y.' ^^'f''^,'^^,HV; all thabe^say respecting them, and what one might Fairbairn had nothing to do-as he had the charge of , variety as a»bbj'l.ngy-coloued badly op^ expect to see under the care of one whose name has the other plant..houses lu eaiying out Mr, Smith's ' constituted General^ been a " household word " among us for over a quarter special instructions with regard to the plant, he may (and I grow a quanti y of it) Lord Mac.uUa} '^ a ver^ of a century; but if kept to the one-rafter system, ' have assisted now and then. Therefore, the honour of forapact, well-shaped flower gene ay 0^ "1 ■^ >-<-... j: .. „ 1 . „ .. , ,^^j.^g first fruiting, and first.sucnessfully fertilising the Cocoa- bright colour. Last summer I had a quantity otliat what will they be 15 years hence? If gardener: Mr. Tillery, with the means and the will, would take, .say, two Vineries, and let one go on extending and keep the other on the old-fashioned one-rafter system, and yearly let us know the result through your columns, as to quantity, quality, size of bunch, colour, etc., it would go a great way to clear up many kuottj; points respecting these rival systems of Grape growing, A nut Palm in this country undoubtedly belongs to the , standards, growing side by side with Duke of Wel- present Curator of the Eoyal Gardens at Kew, though lington, and often I could scarcely say wh.sh was best, decies repeiita placeUt. \ except that Lord Maoaulay was more free in.flowering. Friendly Societies.-Having for many years care- | When very burning, sunny weather occurs, it is apt to fiilly studied the^rules and scale^ °f. P?y,'"™'^°f ; I'S.i'l'l^f iViL'° f™l°"';'v v X"°™At th^^ member seeing a Friendly The impor ndly Societies.-Having for many years care- | When very burning, sunny nea.uu itudied the rules and scales of payments of : be changeable in colour, but it llySocieties,Icanendorse"L'Ouvrier's"remarks. character given it by -\X -). iportance of consulting an actuary of eminence Palace Show in September, ISSb, i few' iiard Tacts, such as I'speak of, go further in the way 1 as to the scales of payment, and the sums to. be dis- of instruction than a hundred letters from writers j bursed as sick pay, is considerably underrated m forin- n-ho often do not know the right end uf ing societie.s, and the members usually pay dearly a spade, nor the wrong end of a pruning eventually for this omission, as how many societies are knife I would advise those of your readers who I broken up just as the majority of members attain tlie advociite the system of keeping a noble loag-livcd age (45 to 50) when they are inadmissible toany stable plant like the Vine confined to a short rafter (or, woi.se society, and consequently all their anticipations of still, to a 13-inch pot) to purchase a copy of " Lindley's ' providing for sickness and calamity are frustrated. Theory of Horticulture." They will then probably be One society of the kind which has been m existence oonvincei that in all gardening matters " honest I some 40 years, and which numbers^some 300 menibers, nature" ordained that there should be branches in pro- j has just come under my notice. portion to roots, and roots in proportion to branches, John A. Watson, Cawpagne, Lammermoo,; Qeneva, Sn-ifzerland. Walls V. Hedges.— Whatever may be the merit of orchard-houses as helps to the cultivator of fruits, the greatest advocate which they have, cannot certainly be serious in putting them in competition with walls as garden fences. The best and most successful orchard- houses which I have seen are lean-to's against walls, and the latter formed a fence or boundary. Glass struc- "When the funds in iianS are divided, they "may perhaps average 10/. each member, but the demands on the society are such that in a few years, if not broken up at once, it would most probably be insolvent. "L'Ouvrier" correctly states that Mr. Tidd Pratt only certifies that the rnles are in accordance with the laws relating to friendly societic.-, leaving the contributions and payments to be decided upon by the members, hence the error of fixing these without consulting a competent authority. Nothing pleases me more than to see a body of men tures areuseful adjuncts to all gardens, biit let us have I join together in order to render one another assistance something else for a fence, or at all events let the glass | in time of distress, as this is, correctly speaking, one boxful of blooms of this sort exhibited by it,s raiser, Mr. AV. Paul, of Waltham Cross ; and, could ' X. X. X. have seen this boxful, all doubts about its excellence would have been dispelled. With me, he would have said that it was one of the very best varieties ever sent out. S. Coppin, Shirleij. near Cro'jdon. The late Gales in Argyllshire.— We were visited by a strong gale from the S.S.W. on the 24th ult„ which continued for about 12 hours, accompanied by rain, which fell to the depth of 1,53 inches. The baromel or was comparatively hiah— 29,73, and during the storm fell to 29.32. Maximum temperate, 42' ; minimum, 3o . Above 5000 large trees have been blown down in the grounds here. On the lawns near the Castle three of the largest Arbutus in Scotland have been broken down, viz., A. Unedo,16 feet high, and 30 feet in cir- cumference; A. serratifolia, not so large: and A. An- draohiie, 20 feet high; largo pl.ants of Laurustinus, and hybrid Rhododendrons. In the background Finus Cembra, 56 feet in height, with a trunk 9 feci in cir- cumference 18 feet above ground, and a Weymouth Pine about the same size, together with Liriodendron acutifolium, 37 feet high, have been turned up by the roots. t^EBBCABT 15. 1866.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. Several larger plants of the latter are uninjured; the trunk of one is 11 feet in circumference 4 feet above pound. Ihere are many fine plants in the grounds Here which have not been injured by frost, while the same kinds have been killed or much destroyed over most of England and Scotland since I8G1. Wo have line pyramids of Cryptomeria japonica, Cupressus torulosa, and Lawsoniana Magnolia conspicua, and JLaurus nobilis, from 12 to 25 feet in height. Camellias, Myrtles, Azalea indica. Hydrangea, and Fabiana imbri- cata, are all fine large plants. The finer kinds of Roses and evergreens of all kinds are quite at home here. Of ithododendrons in particular, which cover above 10 acres, and which are planted out in the natural soil many are 16 feet high and 100 feet in circumference Several hybrids are at present finely in flower. J. Mcintosh, Castle Toward, Dunoon. 155 Societies. Royal Hoeticultural: Feb. 11 (Anniversan).—yf . WUson Saundevs, Esq., occupied the chair, on account of the unavoid- able absence of the President, the Duke of Buccleuch. Major G. E Blenkins and Mr. Fortune were appointed scrutineers of the ballot for the election of Council and officers for the ensuing year. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and signed, the Assistant-Secretary read the annual report as follows ; — 1. The CouncU is happy to be able to make, on the whole, a satisfactory report to the Fellows of tho present state and future prospects of tho Society. The subscriptions received from Fellows during the past yrar amount to 8027! as com- pared with SVQl. in 186G, 7975;. in 18C5, and 7840/. in 1864. One gratifymg sign of growing confidence in the future of the Society IS the fact of 25 old Fellows of the Society, who had resigned, having again become members. 2. A new and most legitimate and promising source of future income has also been opened, while a wider sphere has at the same time been given to the operations of the Society. Ihe exhibition at Bury St. Edmund's, which was announced in last year's report, has more than answered the most .•i.inguine expectations of its promoters. In spite of unpio- pitious weather, it proved not only eminently .successful as a horticultural exhibition, but also as a financial speculation The Council confidently anticipates a still more decided success from the Show which it is proposed to hold this year at Leicester ; for there is no reason to doubt that the interest great as it w.as, which was taken in the success of their Show by tho horticulturists of Bury St. Edmund's and its neigh- bourhood, will be at least equalled at Leicester, while tho population of tho latter town is very much greater. The deputation which w.as sent by the Society to make the necessary arrangements there met, moreover, with the most gratifying assurances of support ; a guarantee fund was raised in the town without any difliculty, and special prizes to a Large amount have already been promised. The autumnal provmcial shows thus bid fair to become one of the most effectual and popular means of furthering tho objects for which the Society is incorporated ; and. while they may be expected to add considerably to the fimds of the Society, will tend to encourage and promote the study and love of horticulture throughout the country. 3. Tho Council refer also with the most lively satisfaction to another evidence of the increasing usefuhiees and spreading influence of the Society. There are now no less than 52 floricultural and horticultural societies in union, and of these 24 joined during the past year. 4. The accounts of the Society, which hiive been placed in tho hands of the Fellows, will further show that the CouncU did not take too hopeful a view of the affairs of the Society when at this time last year they expressed the opinion that, though requuang strict economy, its affan-s were in an encouraging position ; notwithstanding all the drawbacks arising from the serious monetary depression of the last two years, it wiU be aeen that its revenue for 1867 has considerably exceeded the outlay necessary to carry on its work. The only items on which the Coimcil have permitted any inerea.se of expenditure over that of former years are those relating to Chiswick Garden, and the Fellows will observe th.at the Chiswick Board state in the annexed report that, even with this increase, more funds are wanted to bring the Society's working at that place into full efficiency. The Council, therefore, in the belief that a judicious outlay in the manner suggested in the Report alluded to, will result in increased produce, as well as increase of general usefulness, have made some further additions to the Chiswick labour item for this year. 5. The labours at Chiswick during the past season have met with much success. M. BausS. the foreman of the floral department, has succeeded in the production of an entirely leaved Caladiums : and in the pomological Exhibition, which has now become so prized a feature in the Society s yearly arrangements. Messrs. Lane &, Son, Berk- hampstoad, will also make 'an exhibition in the arcades, of then- plants and flowers during tho month of April; .and Messrs. Watorer St Godfrey's exhibition of Rhododendrons, diacontmued last year in consequence of the damage done by the severe frosts, will, tho Council hope, again bo coimtod this year among the attractions of the Gardens. !) The Council have, in foi-mer reports, made known to the I'ClIows that tho exhibitions of tho Society are no longer a source of income as formerly, but now involve a considerable loss. Each season renders a recovery from this condition of things more unUkely. The expenditure on hst year's exhibi- tions was mri. 18». id., the receipts only 1402(. 7». M. It is manifest, therefore, that the Society must proceed with c.aution in again attempting any increase in their number. Nevertheless, tho CouncU think very weU of the proposition that has been made to them to add to their progi-amme some small shows of special subjects, which would otherwise escape competition, owing to their time of flowering not coinciding with the London season ; and they wUl be quite prepared to give facilities for holding such minor shows as may appear to have mtorcst for a sufficient number of cultivators and admirers to give a probabUity of success. Tho best test of such interest would be a proposition on the part of horti- culturists to make Special Shows, as has already been done by the cultivators and admirers of Zonal Pelargoniums The Zon.al Pelargonium Show of Last season wiU this year have grown into a very important exhibition. 10. The Committee of the Intern.ational Horticultural Exhi- bition have generously applied tho whole of their remaining surplus funds to the acquisition of a library, to be held in trust for the use of the Society. The only condition annexed IS one which the CouncU are very glad to accede to, viz., that the library, under proper restrictions, shaU be open for con- sultation to all horticulturists and students who may wish to refer to it. Tho Trustees consist of three officers of the Com- mittee and three officers of the CouncU, who are to appoint a seventh member to be President. The arrangements of the Board incbide the purchase from the Society of the Lindley Library. This library, and also a collection of works the pro perty of the Society, will shortly be placed in the CouncU 11. In their report, presented in the year 1866, the CouncU made aUusion to the contemplated erection of the Royal Albert HaU of Arts and Sciences, as Ukely to add an addi- tional attraction to the gardens of the Society. During the past year the foundation-stone of the building was laid by Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, and its waUs are now fast rising. The Council ore making arrangements with the Pro- visional Committee of that undertaking, from which mutual advantages wiU be derived. These arrangements will include convenient access to the HaU from the Society's conservatory. 12. In conclusion, the Council have pleasure in announcing that the claim put forward by them for the recognition of the important services to horticulture of the old and valued oflScer of the Society, Mr. Thompson, has resulted in a subscription which at present amounts to .S60(. Some account of his labours, and a Ust of the subscribers, were given in the Pro- ceedings of the Society issued last month. The Chairman moved, " That the report just re.ad be department many interesting trials of varieties of fruits and vegetables have been carried out, including one of a valuable coUection of Figs. The Fellows are referred to the Report of the Chiswick Board of Direction for fuUer information on these subjects, .and their attention is particularly caUed to the request of the Board that any FeUows of the Society who may possess uncommon and attractive species of hardy herbaceous perennials wlU aid the Chiswick coUection of plants of this character, by contributions of such as they can spare, or by gifts of seeds. C. Tho CouncU caU attention to the annexed Report of tho Ex.aminations in Horticulture for the past year. The success of the Chiswick students is particularly gratifying : and the CouncU have now, in compUance with the recommendation of the horticultural directors, arranged for providing a few lectures and demonstrations in aid of the practical studies of these young men. 7. The meetings of the Fruit and Floral Committees h.ave been, as usual, very weU attended during the past season, and the CouncU have reason to believe that tho valuable labours of the gentlemen composing these Committees greatly influence the progi-ess of horticulture throughout the country. The afternoon general meetings, also, which foUow the Committee mcetuigs, have been most successful, both as respects the appreciation of them by the FeUowa and the subjects which have been discussed. The results of the various meetings and exhibitions of the Society wiU appear in the forthcoming number of tho Journal, edited by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley. 8. The four days' Show of June last, held in the Great Tent, was a great success in a horticultural point of view. Various opmtons for and against the continuance of a Show beyond the first or second day have been offered ; but as yet tho CouncU see no reason to regret that they have made the experiment, and they propose to repeat it this year. The Exhibition of Jime Last w.as indeed continued for a whole week, the greater number of the exhibitors having at once (m many cases at considerable inconvenience) acceded to the Council's wish to have it kept open on the Whit Monday. The CouncU have also added a second day to the Special Prize Show. The only other alteration of tho last year's progr.amme 18 the breakmg up of the two spring shows into three, with a slight addition to the total amount offered in prizes The charming fortnight's Show of Spring Flowers wUl be repeated on an increased scale. The Society is under groat obligations to Mr. W. Paul for the spirit and energy he displayed in this adopted.' Sir R. MoNTOOMERV, Bart., observed that there was a horti- cultural exhibition to be held at Leicester, in connection with the Royal Horticultural Society, and it would, he con- sidered, be necessary for the Fellows to have some details respecting it. The Chairman said, in reference to the exhibition held last year at Bury St. Edmund's, that the CouncU were very much satisfied v?ith it, although, as set out in the report, there were several drawbacks. The weather was b.ad, but at the same time the number of people that flocked to the Show was so large, that a great deal of money was taken, and some 200! or 300!. added to the funds of the Society. There having been a good profit there, it was thought that by good manage- ment a similar Show might be carried out at another place, and, with increased experience, .at a less expenditure. The Council, therefore, did not hesitate to throw themselves in with the good people at Leicester, and there they were received with open arms. They {the Royal Horticultural Society) had miide every preparation to carry out the Show, and the thanks of the Society were eminently due to one member of the CouncU, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs : and they believed it would be, and should be glad to see it, up to any Show hitherto held The Leicester people had come forward, he said, in a very handsome manner. The Society had received a letter from there, which the Chairman read, and which showed the earnestness that was being thrown into the matter. From this it appeared that the Societv at the present time had more prizes already than last year, and he (the Chair- man) beUeved that the 225!. spoken of in the letter would be largely augmented. As far as appeared to tho CouncU, aU the arrangements at present seemed very satisfactory : but there was another letter from the Manager of the Midland RaUway, stating that " in the case of plants, &c., intondedfor exhibition at the ensuing Show of the Royal Horticultural Society, the Midland Company wiU be able to afford the usual special facilities granted on such occasions— viz., the fuU ordi- nary rates to be charged to the Show, but the plants, Ac. , to be returned free, providing they remain the property of the sender. " All that showed a great desire on the part of those connected with the Show at Leicester in any way to make the visit of the Society as s.atisfactory as possible, and he had no doubt it would tend to the production of horticultural exhibitions in other parts, which must do great good, for it would extend into the provinces a knowledge of many of the Socioty's finest plants ; it would enlarge their sphere of usefulness, and increase their funds. He should add that these Shows were held on the principle of taking an equal risk .and dividing an equal share of the profits with tho local Society. This course would be adopted at Leicester, so th.at the members would see the local committee were as much interested as the Horticul- tural Society themselves in promoting and extending tha usefulness of the Show. Mr. Henry Liggins said in reference to the annual report that he thought in future that it ought to be circulated a fortnight .at least previous to the meeting. With regard to the money paid to officers, he did not see any reason why these items should not .appear on the balance-sheet. He should like to know what were the services rendered by and what was the amount paid to Lieut-Colonel Scott, who might be m the room, and yet had not the courtesy to read the report, but placed it in the hands of the Assistant-Secretary! It behoved the Society, he said, to take care of its resources! It stood onavory precarious footing, and the members should not allow themselves to be lax in their dealings, seeing that they were opposed so strongly by the Crystal Palace, and other societies. They might find themselves in an unpleasant position with their great work at Chiswick, which, however, at present was in a state hiahly creditable to the CouncU. Mr. Henry Cole, C.B., said that Mr. Liggins had considered it right to throw a sUght upon their Sccie- tary because he had left the reading of the report to the Assistant-Secretary. If his (the speaker's) memory was not bad, the Assistant-Secretary had always read the report and he recollected that Dr. Lindley when Assistant-Secretary always read it. Now, he would give a reason why their Secretary should not read the report, and it was this— Colonel Scott had been doing them the Juvour of looking over their affairs, and they paid him nothing for doing so. They there- loro bad no right to call upon him to do anything. Of his own good wui and competency Colonel Scott was prepared to do anythhig tor them ; and instead, therefore, of asking inquisi- torial questions of "What duties did ho discharge ?" and What amount of salary was he paid ?" Mr. Liggins ought to ?h„1'."/'^!;Tj'"°""'" whether ho,™, paid, and ascertaining instfS^H*^'"^''"u'' '"'"• "■■■ '^'SK''" Might then have been justihedinaskmghowmuch. ButithapponedthatColonelScott was paid nothing, and ho did not think Mr. Liggins was entitled toaskanyquestionsaboutthedutiesdisehargod. He(Mr. Cole) TL„ Z J 1 'hat services to be responsible should be paid for. SfiT*V 1 ,™'".''i?™''y 'hey had chosen Colonel sSott to Scott w«. f b." b ° Secretary Ho answered, beamse Colonel »cott was the best man, and he was wUling to give his sorvieea tivo ablhty. '■ The proof of the pudding is in the eatinir • " and ho did not hesitate to say that, 'long as the Royal Hortifjl- tural Society had been established it had never as favourablea balance-sheet as at the present moment, and it was tho firrt tame in his recollection that the .Society had cleared off agreat deal of Its liabUities. Their Secretary was not a paid Secretin v and It had boon the custom foryears forthe Assistant-Secretai v to read the reports ; and if they spent a fortnight in invcstie;i. tang the accounts he did not think they would bo in a more satisfactory position than at present. He thought it would bo suflicient to take tho fact as it stood, that during the mst year they bad paid off 900!. without incurring any SabUity ' Mr Liggins said he did not like honorary service ; and ha should like to have a paid Secretary. What he wanted was that tho accounts should be furnished eariier, so that members ™»? • '"^ ^^^*' '^'^ '° them, and the same with the report M.a]or Blenkins wished to say a few words respecMng the report of the Chiswick Board. He observed that the Directors said : " They would have desired to have effected something more than has been found possible in regard to the keeping of certain portions of the garden; but the labour rate at their disposal has proved insufficient for the purpose, and thiy therefore recommend a slight increase of expenditure under this head." He (Major Blenkins) had no doubt— indeed, there could be no doubt, they had all enjoyed their visits to Chiswick ; but whenever they bad done so, they would not have faded to observe tho quantity of waste land at the sides which might have been brought into successful cultivation! Ho thought It was extremely desirable, when the finances of the Society were better, that something more should be given to the support of Chiswick Garden. They would be glad to see that waste land cuIKvated, and they would find it to be a remunerative step. He saw the revenue was greater than on former occasions, and he thought a few hundred pounds spent on the waste land that was now perfectly unprodueUve, v/ould bring in a good amount of funds to the Society. Those who made periodical visits to Chiswick Gardens would appreciate the advantages of such a step, .and he therefore trusted that the recommendations of the Chiswick Board would receive the support they deserved. ■The Chairman said, as far as their means went they would endeavour to carry out the recommendations of the Chiswick Board. They, as a Horticultural Society. woiUd not bo able to carry out their labours without Chiswick. and the more nioney they expended on Chiswick the more they would advance horticulture. He should be glad to see them have the means at their command to do so. U they were successful (and their funds were gradually increasing, so that they would have more at their command), he thought the Council would put to the Chiswick account more than ever. Mr. Edgar Bowrino, C.B., offered a few words in regard to the admirable way in which the duties of Secretary were fulfiUed by Colonel Scott, although he could not go quite the length of some previous speakers, implymg that the gallant Colonel was the best Secretary they ever had for he remembered the able tenure of that office by their esteemed fnend and Chairman. Mr. Wilson Saunders; but that the duties were most efficiently performed by Colonel Scott no one could for a moment doubt. He was glad to be able to speak of the amicable arrangement that had been come to with the International Horticultural Committee, and the satis- factory proceedings which had resulted, but had hardly seemed probable. Both parties had done him the honour to invite him to attend as amicus curice, in which capacity his first advice was to let bygones be bygones. All agreeing in that spirit, tho upshot had been the investment of the balmcc of 1S50!., which had been devoted to the purchase of the library, which he said would prove of the greatest possible service to the Horticultural society. It had been invested in trustees, and would remain in their hands as long as theHorticultural Society remained tenants of their present grounds. He hoped they would have its con- tents added to by gifts and bequests. Referring to the accounts, he did not see any balance in their favour, but they had got off a great deal of debt. Their receipts had been mfluenced by the doubtful weather, and the continued effects of the financial panic. He trusted that their future financi:il position would be satisfactory. He presumed the Council had not been able clearly to see their way whereby the deben- ture-holders at 4 per cent, could be altered in favour of the Society by giving more free .admissions ; but he (Mr. Bowring) bad no doubt that if anything could be done it would. The only item of expenditure that he took exception to was that for repairs, which he considered a good deal too smaU, and they might depend upon it that if they did not keep up their repairs their negligence would find them out some day. He might remark, adverting to some observations by a prior speaker, that according to their bye-laws, the accounts were to be ready a week before the d.ay of meeting, when any gen- tleman, by applying, could have a copy of them supplied to him. The Chairman said the sending-out to the members a copy of the accounts before the meeting would be taken under the consideration of the CouncU. Major Trevor Clarke, in referring to Mr. Liggins' obser- vations previously aUuded to, said the majority of that Society knew Colonel Scott very weU, and they would endorse tho opinion that the Society were much indebted to him for tho financial and social position they enjoyed, and they must feel convinced that he had saved the Society a great deal. The Scrutineers then delivered in the balloting papers, and the list of officers declared to be elected for the ensuing year is .as follows;— President : His Grace tho Duke of Buccleuch Treasurer: Mr. John Clutton; Secretary: Lieut.-Colonel Scott, R.E. ; Expenses Committee : Mr. John Clutton, Lieut - Colonel Scott, R.E., and Mr. Henry Cole, C.B. ; Auditors : Mr. James Nicholson, Mr. John Gibson, and Mr. Robert Hudson, F.R.S. The retiring members of CouncU are Viscount Sandou, Mr. Wentworth W. BuUer, and tho Rev. Joshua DLx, and tho gentlemen elected to succeed them are Mr. John Clutton, Mr. J. RusseU Reeves, F.R.S., and Mr. William Marshall, of Enfield. Mr. LiooiNS having seconded the motion for the adoption of the report, it was carried unanimously. Mr. LloQiNS then s.iid he felt much pleasure in proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, CouncU, and Lieut.-Colonel Scott, the Secretary, for the advantages which the FeUows had derived from their services. Captain Dowman seconded that motion ; and the business of the meeting then terminated. The report to the CouncU from the Chiswick Board, to which aUusion is made above, and which was not read to the meeting, is as foUows : — 1. The Directors have tho satisfaction of reporting that tUu 156 THE GAEDENERS' CHEONICLE AND AGEICULTUEAL GAZETTE. [FebbuaeT 15, 1368. Chiawick Garden has been thoroughly utilised durincr the past season, and that the cultural results, under the efficient superintendence of Mr. Barron, have been fully equal to those of former years. They would have desired to have effected something- more than Has been found possible in regard to the keeping of certain portions of the garden, but the labour rate at their disposal has proved insufficient for the purpose, and they therefore recommend a slight increase of expenditure under this head. 2. The experiment which has been made with reference to the employment of students for the perfonnancQ of a portion of the work of the garden has, so far, fairly answered the expectations of its promoters ; and the Directors, but for the outlay involved, would willingly extend it so as to offer its advantages to a larger number of young men anxious to use the best means of advancing themselves in their profession. They, however, having past expfirience in view, think it would be advantageous to provide for the entry of somewhat younger men than the present regulations will admit. They also think that a few Lectures and Demonstrations in aid of the practical studies of these young men, such as were originally contemplated, would now prove a valuable aid to them. 3. The Directors trust that the Society may rely on a continuance of the aid which has been so generously and efficiently afforded to the Chiswick collection by those gentle- men who have obligingly contributed novelties for the various trial collections, since they believe that these experimental trials have more effectually and widely diffused a cori-ect knowledge of the recent acquisitions for the flower, fruit, and vegetable gardens, than could have been brought about by any other ready means. They are highly gratified to be able to state that these trial collections, and the standard sorts gi-own for comparison with them, are sought for with much interest by numerous visitors at the proper season. 4. As regards the Floral Department, some new houses have been completed, and others efficiently repaired, so that the Superintendent has now better accommodation than formerly fi,>r growing flowering plants, the chief demand for which is to aid in the decoration of the conservatory at Kensington throughout the year. With this latter object in view, various additions have been made to the collections of stove and greenhouse plants. 5. During the past year, 5371 plants have been grown for distribution to the Fellows by ballot, and 125,512 packets of vegetable and flower seeds have been also made up and dis- tributed ; besides 1714 plants and 12,512 packets of seeds which have been sent cut to the various Societies in union. 6. The provision of materials for the decoration of the garden at South Kensington has been greatly extended, and as correspondingly increased the expenditure of this estab- lishment, both as regards labour and glass accommodation. No less than 45,227 plants thus reared have been contributed by Chiswick for this purpose during the present year. 7. In addition to the plants refeiTed to in the foregoing paragraphs, 927 varieties of plants, old and new, such as Pelar- goniums, Verbenas, Tropseolums, Calceolarias, arf>nfr, also bought at Mr. Langston's sale at Sarsden, a white cow calf, Dec. 20, called Royal Dora, by Royal Cambridge (2.'j,009). From Oxford WUch, by Imperial Oxford (18,084), a red and white bull calf, Jim. 25, called Oxpokd Wizard, by I.3rB Doke of Oxford (21,604). From Wli'dc Lily, bought at Jonas Webb's sale in 1863, a roan cow calf, Jan. 26, called Royal Celia, by Royal Cam- bridge (-23,009). From 3/05.^ Ltose, bought at Preston Hall last May, a red and white bull cjilf, Feb, 8, called Royal Cumberland, by Grand Duke 4Tn (19,874). We last week referred to Captain Gunter's 4th Duke of Thoendale (17,750) as being of unadulterated Bates descent, which, with one remark able exception, could not be said of any other Short horn bull in this country. The exception to which we alluded is the 7th Duke of York (17,751), which has been for some years the property of Messrs, Rich & Bowly, of the Didmarton and Siddington herds. His dam was Duchess 69M; his sire 6th Duke of Oxford (12,765). The dam was bred by Lord Ducie, and sold at Tortworth, a five months' calf, for 410 gs., to Mr. Tanqueray, who afterwards sold her, at 100 gs. profit, to Captain Gunter. She was by 4th Duke op York (bred by Mr. Bat€s out of Duchess aUt) from Duchess oWi., who was bought by Earl Ducie at the Kirklevington sale, and was from Duchess 56th out of Duchess 5\st, the mother of tho Grand Duchesses. The sire, Otii Duke op Oxford (12,765), was bred by Mr. Tanqueray, being got bv the Duke of Glo'stee (11,382) ; his dam was Oxford nth, bred by Mr. Bates, and bought by Lord Ducie at the Kirklevington sale; and again bought by Mr. Tanqueray, at the Tortworth sale, for 250 gs. In the case of both sire and dam, we thus come almost immediately to animals of Mr. Bates' own breeding at Kirklevington.— It should have been named last week that tho 2d Duke of Collingh^im, brother of Duchess laXst, whose history was then given, had been purchased for 500 gs. by Messrs. Rich and Bowly, and IS now in use in the Didmarton and Siddington herds. We SCO it is announced that on Friday, March 6th, Messrs. Wotherell have the disposal of the late Mr. Rutson's herd of Shorthorns ; and that on the 18th of March Mr. Dodds will sell a lot of Shorthorns from Mr. Stratton's famous herd, at \V all's Court, near Bristol. Mr. Lythall announces a sale of Shorthorns in Bingley Hall on the 2d of April. The sale of the late Mr. Packe's herd took place at Prestwold, Ijeicester, on Tuesday last, when S 1 head of all ages realised 3873/. 19*. (jd., or the handsome average of upwards of 36/. a-piece. Among tho prices reached were 110 gs. for Wharfdale's BuUerJli/, and 130 gs. for Towneley Butterfly, both of them bought by C^olonel Towneley. The highest-priced bull was Windsor Duke, bought by J. S. Gordon, Esq., for 110 gs. Wo hear of mismamagement on this occa- sion, which must be avoided by future managers of sales. The discreditable crowding of the gangway and the mobbing of the cattlo on their way to the ring, made it impossible for intending purchasers to see tho animals with any comfort, and we know that several left early on this account. LANDLORDS, TENANTS, LABOURERS. What a happy family is suggested by these words ! What an Arcadia is pictured by the reader, as sung by poets and represented by painters! "0 fortunate tillers of the soil, if you did but know it," adds Virgil, and some such qualification must, I fear, be added by most of those who are enabled to look a little behind the scenes and know more precisely the present con- dition of our agricultural population. The truth is that as all is not gold that glitters, the landlord is not always rich, the tenant not always prosperous, nor the simple labourer quite so devoid of care as he that we are told " whistled as he went for want of thought." The statistical returns assure us that 2,000,000 of our population are employed upon 22,000,000 acres in England and Wales, and that they grow from off about 3,000,000 acres yearly less than 10,000,000 quarters of corn ; not half of what our population requires, which must be confessed to be a very inadequate result. In a series of papers inserted in this journal nearly four years ago (May, June, and July, 1864), I endea^ voured to show that the natural productive capacity of fair arable land might be reckoned at 2 qrs. of corn annually, or 4 qrs. every two years, if kept clean and properly cultivated, and that this capacity for corn growing, together with the necessary homestead build- ings and fences was what the tenant rented of his landlord, and was bound to restore to him clean and in good repair at the end of his lease. I also showed how any additional condition might be ascertained and valued, and, as being the property of the tenant, should be repaid to him. It was also farther demonstrated from the actual practice of four several farmers within my own knowledge, that while the 2 qrs. per ar.able acre reaped by some of the parties barely paid the expenses, a full crop of 3 qrs. over the whole farm, or 300 qrs. instead of 200 yearly off each 100 acres, not only paid the extra expense of cattle feeding and cultiva- tion, nut left a very handsome margin of profit on the increased capital of the tenant. And yet the natural consequences of such convictions being established do not follow. Though high farming is on the increase, taking the generality of farms, there are yet very few that sell off yearly twice as many quarters of corn as they contain arable acres. On the contrary, a great deal of very poor cultivation is everywhere observable; crops of 3 qrs. to the acre every second year are returned as the average produce ; and political economists are beginning to inquire who is to blame— the landlord or the occupier, that, while we are sending all over the world for bread-stuffs to feed her popula- tion, England is only producing half the crops that might be drawn from her by a better system of management, and only fatting about one beast for every 20 acres occupied ? I believe the true answer will be found in the want of capital. Both landlord and tenant are grasping at more land than they can fuUy stock, and hence the great discrepancy between what is the annual produce and what it might be. It has been proved over and over again that at the prices of the last few years fatting animals have paid all their expenses and left their manure on the land gratis. It has been equally proved that this present made to the farmer is worth to him at least a shilling a week in the case of each beast or each ten sheep so fatted in the extra produce of his corn crops ; or, at the present price of Wheat, even double that amount. It has been shown him repeatedly how the straw and fodder now wasted in his yards might, with very little trouble, be made available for feeding an extra number of mouths. There is no one now doubts the truth of these points ; yet because it costs money, and the whole of the farmer's available capital is already expended, he is unable to take advantage of them. Evidently, then, there is but one remedy for this state of things. Let the man who can only fat 20 beasts be content to put and fewer disappointments than when he occupied the fourfold larger acreage. Ho will find that 00 acres of corn crop will now yield more corn, and at much less expense, than 80 or 100 did formerly. Ho will find himself annually growing a richer instead of a poorer man, and will see every one around him thriving iu proportion ; and if a tenant farmer, he will possess tho safest of all tenures in the respect and confidence of his landlord. To tho landlord I would say, " Seek out such tenants and keen them. If you cannot fann yourselves, or find such tenants as will do. your land justice, let some one else have tho opportunity of doing what you cannot. It is too like the dog in the manger to hold large tracts of land only half cultivated, while there is abundance of capital and energy seeking for employment. It is only by the spread of high farming that the restricted acres of England can be made the most of, and. it is the duty of every one who lives by the soil to encourage and practise it." J. B, M. In your Number of February 1st, a correspondent, " J. B. M.," has paid mo tho compliment to notice a p.apcr of mine on the subject of landlords, tenants, &c. In the main he and I are quite in accord, and it is only on one or two points where ho appears to mis- apprehend mo that I desire to set him right. For this I am sure he will excuse mo. If he takes the trouble to read my letter over again, he will see that I did not hint at landlord's lowering rents, nor did I express a desire that they should let their land at less than a reasonably fair value. What I wished to convey was, that there appears to me gross injustice in making a tenant pay for improved value due to his own skill and capital. If a landlord by drainage, increased accommodation in the way of necessary buildings, or in any other manner makes an occupation more valuable, no reason- able tenant would object to paying a fair increase of rent. On the other hand, if a tenant by a liberal outlay in oilcake and artificial manure, which will always involve an increased labour bill, makes his farm worth 100/. a year more, and the landlord puts up his rent 100/. or 150/., so far from it having a stimulating, it has generally a discouraging and disgusting effect. The man naturally feels that if he perseveres further ho runs the risk of being tarred again with the same brush. " J. B. M." says that " landlords are too proud of a tenant of this description for him to incur any appre- hension on the score of insecurity of tenure." They ought to be so, and even grateful for the good example set on their estates. It is only an act of justice to say that I believe many are, but, unfortunately, there are many others who appear to be governed by very dif- erent feelings, if we may judge of them by their actions. It is quite true that on highly farmed land the rent bears a small proportion to the cost and receipts; but it should be borne in mind that there is a vast difference between the money paid for labour, stock, feeding stuff, &c., and that paid for rent and taxes. In tho one case the capital expended is reproductive, in the other it is sunk ; and, hence, 100/. or 200/. a year, more or less, under the latter items is a matter of some consequence. I readily admit that there are men who, were I a landlord, I would not allow to occupy my land with or without a lease ; at the same time, nothing will shake my conviction that a long lease is the best form of tenure. "The position of leaseholders approximates the most nearly to that of gentlemen fiirming their own land, who, as your correspondent tells us, exhibit the best examples of superior farming. A tenant at will may be all right one day, the next he may be all wrong. If nothing else, death may inter- vene. A good liindlord may die, and "another king arise who knows not Joseph." Or his succes,sor may appear in the shape of some fast and misguided youth, who by post obit or other means has made a vast inroad into his future income, and as tho readiest expedient, loses no time in endeavouring to relieve his erabartassed position at the expense of his tenantry ; or, it may be that he has got mixed up with black-legs and gamblers, and, as a consequence, the management of his estate has been vested in the hands of a new description of oflicial called a financial agent. On the other hand, a tenant may die, leaving perhaps a widow and family (many landlords will not permit female tenants on their estates) who are obliged to leave. They cannot take with them money expended in unexhausted improvemepts. Had it been kept in the tenant's pocket it would have been otherwise. Is it not quite natural that thinking men should ponder these things? I say, unhesitatingly, that many of them do. One of the best practical farmers I know took, m his early days, a farm out of condition. By a judicious application of capital and steady perseverance he improved it, in fact he brought it into a high state of cultivation, under a promise that he should not bo disturbed nor his rent raised. He farmed for somo time without any agreement whatever, but, when ho began to grow more corn and more meat on that land than it had ever been known to produce before, an agreement was drawn up for him. As soon a.s this had been signed, nohvithstanding the pledge given, ho received notice to quit. He wisely resolved never to take another farm except on lease. He succeeded in meeting with one, and he has so far improved it that as I ride, periodically, some 20 miles into an adjoining county going and returning by different routes, lean truly say that for cleanliness, productiveness, and everything else which distin- guishes good management his farm stands pre-eminent. It is my opinion that if leases prevailed generally the flood-gates which dam up ag"' ""■" n this country would bu „„. .cultural enterprise open, and a system of tiie manure upon a farm of 100 acres instead of 400, farm management would soon be developea »u«i and he will find that in a very few years he will grow as is utterly beyond general eoncepiiou. t. rr , more corn and fewer weeds, ho will have more good crops I Bignall, Lou > ^jj jjj^j. ^^^ depreciation of machinery and implement! orking bailiff Reserve for Coals for steam engini '"--^- ' Bills :— Wheelwright, blacksmith, founder, harness maker, '" painter, basket maker, cooper Tradi bricklayer, carpentL., ,_ , Malt and Hops for beer for labourers Seeds and pLants purchased Ditto of our own growth Purchased manures Ditto straw Miscellaneous Petty Expenses :—siole and riit catching, mending'sacksi postage stamps, stationi^ry and farm account books, oil, candles, cart grease, tallow, packing for engine Thatching Thatching stuff ,] '_'_ [[ \[ Com blowing machine ] " ' [ Sheep troughs ." [] [[ " " ' Hired horse work ., .. ,. .] .. .'.' [[ [[ Ditto threshing work '. ]] '_'_ ]] Grinding com at our own mill for our farm horses . . .' .* .'. .. December 31.— Valuation :— Live stock Poultry Horses .and donkey Tillages, manure, &c. . . Com and hay, &c., unsold Implements Com sold for money Com and hay sold to live stock as per contra . . Peas (for picking) sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ][ Home grown com used as seed and charged per contra Oats, Be.an3, and hay, home grown, sold to our horses, and charged per contra . . Hay sold— (and straw in 1667) .. .. ,[ ,[ ][ [[ Mangel roots and seeds sold . . .. .. .. ]] \[ " Horse work on hire . . , . Meat sold .... Wool sold ■ . ]\ \\ [\ '\ Poultry and Eggs sold. . . . „ . . . .* ] ] " [[ Grinding for hire . . " ] ] " * ' Grinding for own stock ] ' ' [[ [[ " Grinding for horses as per contra .. " Received for sundries . Paid Balance for rent of 128 acres and profit on farm capital . 1 12 2 16 281 0 501 18 252 18 430 0 1 15 0 185 15 U 15 15 0 105 16 0 501 18 4 252 18 0 430 0 0 19 10 0 44 10 9 73 15 4 25 15 0 478 19 9 188 16 0 2 0 0 42 19 0 106 15 0 10 2 6 91 10 3 Received. £1066 18 0 28 0 0 107 0 0 012 10 0 658 6 0 425 11 6 £2858 6 0 1180 11 2 139 17 0 LIVE STOCK. Janoaby 1.— To valuation of bullocks, sheep, pigs, and poultry now in hand Hay and com purchased from our own farm at market prices Corn, cake, malt combs, bran, &c., purchased elsewhere Grinding com by our own engine Veterinary medicine and sundries . . . . . . . . [] ,', [ Live stock purchased . . . . . . . . , . . .' l[ [[ Balance December 31 :— Meat sold wooisoid y, .'.■ " ■' ; Poultry, eggs, and milk sold * ** " [ Valuation of bullocks, sheep and poultry in hand at market prices ', ', [ Received. £813 1 ( 19 10 ( 44 10 ( 1164 10 ( Received. £1092 9 11 54 1 1 55 15 0 £2041 11 9 I £2086 12 0 £884 6 10' 139 17 0 427 16 6 16 15 0 It is worthy of remark that our seven farm horses have consumed also several acres of green crops. Hay and com £198 14 0 Grinding com 9 2 6 Chaff cutting 1000 £217 16 6 Shoeing, repairing harness ,. .. 10 0 0 Three horsemen .. ., .. .. 110 0 0 £337 10 6 While our engine of 6-horse power, with an 8-horse Cornish boiler, has worked 177 days, and has only cost Sil. 14i. Irf. for food (coals), and under 3/. for straps and repairs. The work done by the engine in 177 days could not have been done by seven horses in 3UU days. Escis-E. Coals .£34 14 1 Driver ; 177 days at 2.^. 6(;, . . , . 22 2 6 Repairs to driving straps and engine, oil, &c 3 0 0 hi) 16~7 Balance in favour of engine, 2791. 19s. lid., besides the cost of green crops. We bum dust coal or screenings, which cost 10s. ed. per ton at Maldon. I am often told by my farming friends in a despond- ing and deprecatory tone':'." Oh ! I never saved a shilling by farming;" but they do not always add— "I have fed, housed, clothed, and educated my family out of the profits of the farm." How many traders and manu- facturers have succeeded in doing more than this ? In this balance sheet whatever has been had from the farm has been paid for at the wholesale market price. The house is, of course, rent free, which should be taken as an addition to the profit of U to 1 i per cent. The annual valuation is made, not at cost price, but at the actual market value for the time being. In fact, stock, tillages, &c., are all valued according to the custom of the county, as though a new tenant was coming into occupation. Average price of Wheal Profit on Tenant's Capital per qr. Capital. at Tiptree Farm. 1865 .. 40,!. 2d. .. £2166 .. £238 = 11 per cent. 1866 . . 46s. ed. . . 2503 . . 268 = 10} , 1867 .. 61s. 7Jrf. .. 2571 .. 463 = 18 „ Tenant's Capital Account. Dr. Dec. 31 — Sundry unpaid accounts owing by the farm Farm capital ; — Cr. Valuation on the 31st December . . Cash in hand or at banker's Outstanding unpaid accounts owing to the farm 1867J Apportionment of Farm Capital. Live stock Horses Tillages, &e Implements .and machinery.. Hay, com, &c., unsold Tenant's capital per acre £15 0 0 £16 16 6 Antiual Course Oats Peas Red Clover White Clover . . Permanent P.a3ture . . Sewaged ltali.an Rye-g Mangel Wurzel Cabbage Winter Tares for feed Carrots Available acres Cabbage after Tares, second crop, same year ■White Turnips and Rape after Peas, second crop^ . . White Turnips after Peas, 2d crop Swedes after Tares, second crop . Swedes after White Clover fed off 13* 8J i 17 20i -^ Available acres . . , . . . . . . . 160 Fences, ditches, and road . . . . .' .' 5 Ditto on my own farm . , 7 Buildings, stackyard, &c. . . .'. .'. 2 Private house, garden, and shmljberies . . 3 Total (landlords' measure) .. .. 177 Corn, &c.. Sent to Market. 1867 J""'l„^''«''' £.586 5 9 Red Wheat 240 8 6 Revett Wheat ' 130 4 0 Barley ;; 122 6 0 Peas 06 0 2 Oats (sold to horses except) . . . . . . 0 7 0 White Clover seed ]] 24 15 0 Rotates 10 Sold for money .. ., ., .. ., 1227 16 2 Cora and hay sold to live stock and farm horses 279 14 0 Corn used .as seed 35 4 3 £1542 14 5 Eemaeks on the Balance-Shbet of 1867. The result is more favourable than that of the two preceding years, owing to the crop being better and the price higher than in 1866. The advantages arising from draining, deeper cultivation, and ample manure were m 1867 particularly striking. Labour was dearer m 1807 than in 1866, so were horse corn and feeding stuffs. The farm continues to gain in fertility. Sheep were valued at a much lower price than last year. In 1867, owing to the high price of corn, cake, &o., the live stock account only leaves about il. per acre to pay for root and green crops consumed. The depression in value of sheep had also something to do with it. In 1865 the live stock left about Gl. 10s. per acre for the root and green crops consumed, after paying for all purchased food. In 1806 they paid only 5^. per acre, because corn, cake, &c., were all dearer than in 1865, although meat was, if anything, rather cheaper The labour attendant on stock is charged in the general labour account. If it and the engine coals, &c., were charged to the live-stock account, very little would be left for the green and root crops ; and yet I consider it IS this great consumption of purchased food and conse- quent manure that makes the farm pay : without it, it would not pay. The tillages comprise the cultivation, seeding, and manuring. Our preparation for the Mangel crop, including rent, &c., costs about 121. per acre. Beans are also well manured ; so are Cabbages. The land for Mangel and Cabbage is always deeply trench-ploughed after being manured. The preparation for Mangel is always before Christmas, "\vheat is manured for with 2 cwt. of guano, and some salt when taken after Beans, roots drawn off, or Wheat. Peas are taken after two years' Italian Rye-grass.* White Turnips on the light land are fed off early, and followed by either Wheat or Barley. At present, we see no mode of farming this land likely to be more remunerative than our present system. Much straw is used as food cut into fine chaff and muxed with pulped roots, ground corn. Rape, Linseed or Cotton-cake, malt combs, and bran. Our farm horses have all their food prepared and comminuted. Where White Turnips a removed directly they are cut, gives more time for Turnips. Febeuaby 15, 1868.1 THE GARDENEES' CIIROxMCLE AKD AGKIGULTUKAL GAZETTE. ig;j They lire rarely turned out, except sometimes at nitjht during harvest. , ,-, n. The practice on my farm is based upon the theory that tlie growth of corn and otlier agricultural products is made to depend upon the making of meat. Ihero is a great advantage in this system, for when corn is at a low average price I sell it to my live stock, and thus increase my store of manure, and, pro ianto, prevent over-stocking the corn market. I have observed that when \Vlieat is cheap meat is dear, and vice versih in 18G5, when Revelt AVhoat was only 3Cs. per nr., or U. per stone of )Ub., I ground it up for my bullocks, mixed with other substances. In 18G(5, with the same Wheat selling at 55*. per qr,, I sell it to the miller or factor, because, meat being rather cheaper than in 18bo, it would not answer at such an improved price to consume it. The same remark holds good foi- Barley i We invariably consume all our Beans and Oats— sell them, in fact, to our stock. This high sjsiem of- fanning keeps the land always ready for a good breadth of Wheat when it is dear, and forces maximum crops at all times. I entirely dissent from the modern theory that we must make meat only, and depend on foreigncr.s for our Wheat. On the contrary, I grow more \\ heat and make more meat concurrently. This I have proved to be a sound and profitable practice. The foregoing live-stock balance-sheets conarm in a remarkable degree mv celebrated live-stock balance- sheet, that created such a furore in 1S51 (see p. 183 ot my book) ; they prove that if you charge the live-stock account with the cost of green and root crops, attendance, labour, interest of capital, rent for shelter, in addition to the purchased food (as was all done in the 1851 balance-sheet), the live-stock accounts will show a considerable loss. In the present baUmcc-sheet these expenses are charged in the general farm account. That live-stock account was almost as favourable as my recent ones, taking into account the enormous quantity of purchased food. The wisdom of those large investments in purchased food i.s confarraed by the very much greater consequent yield of every crop. J. J. Mechi, Fehrnarij, 1SG8. THE INNER LIFE OF A SCOTTISH PLOUGHMAN. A Rough Sketch prom Persou al Fxpeeiences. : rWE have to thank ouv correspondent for a very ; interesting and graphic sketch ; but it is only fair to say that on submitting the following paper to another who has had "pcrscnal experience" (very recently) as an Aberdeenshire ploughman, he declares that it must relate to a period now past. He is certain (1) that an ordinary Scotch ploughman would much rather do the writing than the digging to which our corre- spondent refers. He has been in a number of feeing markets, and (2) he never yet heard a curse either uttered or muttered by a master when engaging a ploughman. And as to the " bothy," said to adjom the stable, he is cerSain (-3) that there is not one larin in ten in Aberdeenshire where there is not a comtort- able sleeping apartment, built expressly for the men ; and that most of the large farms have cottages for their men, built entirely apart from the homestead.] It is not my intention either to write an auto- bio"raphy, or to dwell on the facts of my own personal history ; but in the belief that a plain narration and description of things strictly within the range of my own individual experience and observation might, as illustrating a mode of life of an obscure yet pretty \ distinctive character, prove of some interest; to people , in sundry other sections of the human family, 1 shall tell my story— mainly from the ploughman s point ol view— with as much accuracy and as little circumlocu- | tion as I can. . . ; Among those who have got any opinion at all on tlic subject, there is a pretty general belief that the Scottish peasant is an intelligent and comparatively well edu- cated individual. I do not mean to combat this opinion. "What everybody says must be true; with more or less of deduction from the literal acceptation of that word. Yet on the other hand truth compels me to aver, concerning a very considerable proportion of those among whom my early days were spent, that they are ignorant, untutored men. True there are but few of them who cannot read and write after some fashion : almost all of them have got that length in the north-eastern part of Scotland at least ; which, it may be remarked, is, through the existence and operation of certain large bequests for educational purposes made by men now dead and gone, better provided witli good schools than perhaps any other part of her JMajesty s dominions. But though the lads generally have been taught in an elementary way at school, the instruction they have got is of preciously little use to them after, inasmuch as they very seldom choose to carry it into practice. Unless we regard the perusal of some dog- gerel song, bought from an itinerant ballad vendor for a penny, or a paragraph of purely local gossip in the district newspaper, as proofs of the fact, they have no literary taste. To ask a man to devote an hour or two to the reading of anything that requires continuous attention— even a light magazine article on some "eneral subject— would be to him just about as welcome a task as a sentence of the like duration on the tread- mill; and rather than take a pen in his right hand to write a letter of very moderate length to his friend, the man would take a spade in both hands and cheerfully dig you a rood of your garden. In short the mass of them, though blessed generally with healthy,^ well developed physical frames, might be described intel- lectually as vigorous ignoramuses. AVhile they give tokens that they ai-e possessed of a fair share of intellect, they cquallv give token that it lies within them as an inert mass 'rather than in anywise sharpened or made available by mental training. Those who rise above this, and get their brains stirred into a more reflective activity, very often push their way into other and more ambitious walks of life than that of the peasant ; and in this a not inconsiderable number ot theiu are successful. , The reasons that induce a man to choose the occu- ] pation of a ploughman or day labourer, are ordin.irily, as may bo suiiposed,of a very practical sort. I conhne my remarks to the former— the ploughman. His birth and parentage are ot a kind to imply the necessity ol ear y labour on his part; and so ho goes forth into the world first as a farmer's boy to tend cattle, or do such things as he is found fit for. In this way familiarity with the operations of farm life is acquired, and in a majority of cases some liking for it. Before the boy has begun to ask himself what occupation in life he will choose to follow, he has become initiated into many ol ttie ordinary labours ol the farm, and the ploughman s i office is that which most strongly appeals to the lad s \ ambition. Ho would be a spiritless, heartless dunce if some liking to intermeddling in the driving aud care of horses did not arise within him. The horse is a noble animal, and I would have no fancy for the boy who could day by day come in contact with him without becoming attached to the docile intcUigent creature. It often happens that this attachment gets to be very strong. i i - *i „ The class of servants at a farm homestead in the north of Scotland are, the boys who do any light work (as mentioned) under superintendence ; the orra men, who are employed at odd outdoor jobs ; the cattle men, who have charge of the feeding of those line beeves which are now so well known as taking the first place in the London meat market, and wliose carcases, under the name of "prime Scots, stand at the top in the butcher's price list; and the horsemen, or ploughmen, each of whom has charge ot a pair ol horses to drive them in cart and plough, as will be more particularly described below. So when the busi- ness of deciding on his future course comes, the ques- tion before the youth is-shall I aspire to drive a pair of horses ; or shall I leave the farm and become apprentice to the craft of blacksmith, shoemaker, stonemason, or what not ? (The " orra man s olhce 4s of a temporary or intermediate nature, and staia ] elderly men usually take to the function of cattle man.) ; As I have said, the lad has acquired some taste lor farm life, and most likely little or none— except as matter of theory-for either of those other occupa- tions Then there is the important cousideralion that if he chooses any of the latter, ho must be content to work for some years for little or no wages-perhaps to pay an apprentice fee as well- while if he sticks to the farm he can at once, in virtue of his previously- acquired knowledge, commence with driving what is known as the second, or perhaps the thud pair ot hor-^es ■ that is, at least one man will take precedence of him as " foreman," or first horseman, and mayhap a first and also a second horseman, and ho will _at once he paid second or third class wages m something lil. i^. , out they nowhere say in the letter anything deprecatory of the trials at Billancourt, and we see no use m drawing them into the controversy. The paragraph furnished by us, of which Messrs. Howard complain i has not yet been shown to be incorrect in fact or spirit. : We claim the first position because our names are ' placed first of all implement makers on tlie list of ' Grand Prizes, which were awarded after trial, and both in intrinsic value and honorary signification inhnitely outweigh the awards of gold medals Jy the jury of Cla-s is, which are, after all, but second-class honouis 1 We think everyone who understands the subject will concur with us that it is a more honourable position : to ho first in the highest list and seventh in the .loner list-which is our position-than ,to be second n the lii"hest list, and first in the lower list, which is that pi Messrs Howard. Having stated our views as clearly as we can, we have only to add that the question whether Messrs. Howard had any cause to complain ot tte original paragraph is referred to Mr Fairhairn, of Manchester, and that when he has given his award,.we shall send you a copy of it. Eansomes S- Sims, Ipswich Feb 7. [This letter was received toolate on Friday ol laH week to appear in the AgricMuraiqaseiie ol the following day, for which it was mtended.j Bromus Schr8ederii.-[We lia^e received a copy of the following letter addressed by SirT. Tancred,Bart to Messrs. Sutton, of Reading. •- ,As.you ^^ grower^ of Prairie Grass (Bromus SchrMderii), I thought an extract from a letter by the last mail fro-" »/ brother in New Zealand, in reference to that P^"*^ f»°^7^ ! sheep, might interest you. He says, **' , l\«f „'^u ^ ISfiG he could pack 79 lleecesm a l^^^'e. "■, l^^b' he coma l^lfi^Sf^M^r^thlf^iHlS 164 THE GAliDENRES' CHEONICLE AND ACxKICin.TrRAL GAZETTE. [Febeuaet 15, 186S. o£f about the middle of October, they haviuf; lambed at the endof Jaly; so that there were seven adult sheep to the acre, besides their lambs, and both lambs and ewes were iu first-rate condition when they were taken off.' " Should Farmers Cultivate Early Peas as a Field Crop '> — ilany of them would answer— certainly not as a rule, because they are not sufficiently prolific. There is some truth in the reply, but it is not altogether correct. There are several prolific varieties of early Peas, but it may be doubted if equally prolific with some of the best field varieties. The " early frames " are good croppers, so are the early whites, early greens, early blues, and others,, but the wholesale seed esta- blishments have them under so many different names that it is almost impossible to ascertain what to order for early growth. I have grown Sangster's No. 1, or, as I believe others call the same variety, Daniel O'Eourke, and other names, with success, and it is partly on this account I write this paragraph. I want to show that it is possible to grow a good crop of Peas, get them well harvested so early as to be followed by a green crop of Eape, or a late crop of free-growing Turnip, to be fed off in time for the late AVheat sowing. If this can be readily done it would prove a decided advantage to very many farmers who are sheep breeders, as these late growths of green food are particularly adapted for lamb keeping, and on many loamy and light land soils the Wheat seeding would be rather improved by it than otherwise. The great difficulty in the first instance in adopting this novel practice is to procure an early variety of Pea, that will prove a good cropper, and come speedily to maturity, so that the land may be cleared early enough for Turnip sowing before the general harvest. I adopted Sangster's No. 1 (early white). The last year's seeding was got in early in March. The weather was cold, the seed lay long in the land, and when it did come up looked sickly and grew slowly till May, and, as the warmth increased, the more rapidly they grew; but still the crop was too thin, which in fact was my ovv'n fault, for as the seed was expensive I drilled it too thinly, putting in about 13 pecks per acre instead of IC, which is the safest seeding. I therefore only realised about 30 bushels per acre, hut the crop was harvested iu the middle of July, although delayed by wet weather, when I immediately had the teams in, gave the soil a good working or tilling, drilled in Coleseed (Rape) with 3 cwt. of super- phosphate, and obtained a satisfactory crop— thus of course realising two crops in the same summer, a pulse crop and a green food crop. The part of the field was a little more than 7 acres iu e.^tent, and is a fair allu- vial loam, but not highly fertile. I am about to put in 10 acres thus early (Feb. 10th), hoping to liaveastill earlier harvest th;in last year. The chief dangers are early frosts, and depredating birds at this season. This is by no means a new thing with market gardeners and seed growers. They are continually contriving so as to bring in e.xtra crops of one kind or another ? Why not farmers ? They have every facility in these improving days. The steam cultivator would make nothing of preparing a field in double quick time as soon as the Pea crop was harvested. The teams, vice steam, should have finished all other work, and be in readiness. In fact no time should he lost in the endeavour to secure a good green crop, the feeding of which would leave a capital mauurial deposit for the Wheat crop. I would observe that many of the early varieties of Peas are very short in the haulm; these should he avoided. There are others, called earlies, which come too late to harvest. The success of the e.vperiment I am suggesting will mainly depend upon the variety sown, and everything must be done to pro- mote its progress, ;. e., drilling north and south to catch the sun's rays, early hoeing, weeding, &c. O. F. Mr. Mechi's Suggestive Walk.— I always receive with much interest anything said orwritten by that good friend to agricultural progress, Mr. Smith, of Woolston. Water from a full cask will flow out of the tap slow or fast, according as the air is permitted to enter slow or fast at the peg hole. That is the case in the soil where the drain is a very long one and the pipes filled with water. This does not occur in our strong c'ays, for the pipes, at our lengths, do not get full, and thus the air finds its way horizontally above the water in the pipe. I remember that on a Hertfordshire farm, drained by Air. Bailey Denton, it became absolutely necessary to have au air-shaft midway between the beginning and outlet of the draining pipes. The same thing took place at the late Sir Robert Peel's estate at Tamworth. With respect to furrows and water furrows they are not necessary in spring and summer where we deeply cultivate and subsoil, but for the winter Wheats, which are all so deeply cultivated, they are certainly advantageous. Our tile earth when wet is slippery as soap or butter, as adhesive as stiCT-meltpd glue, and nearly as hard as cast-iron when dry. J. J. llechi. _ Theory of Draining. — Your correspondent " R A. M. B. " says he does not understand the theory of draining. Practically, if he makes a drain, and places the ordinary drain pipes in it, it will drain the laud. Theoretically, the same force that drives a column of water 30 feet " iu vacuo," will drive tlie water laterally into the drain. I wrote a short paper (I pages with diagrams) in the Royal Agricultural Journal, vol. vi.. Dart 2, page 4S9, &c., on the theory of deep draining (applicable generally). I refer "B. A. M. B." to this with more confidence, as the late Mr. Philip Pusey, who then edited the Journal, told me that after reading it he had no further difliculty ou the subject. Perhaps it may be of use to your correspondent. J. C. Clutterhuck, Long Wiltenliam. [The force that " drives a column of water 30 feet in vacuo" is the weight of the air; but we submit to our correspondent that the weight of the air has nothing to do with the spread of water laterally- thai is the simple consequence of water being a fluid.] Farmers' Clubs. London: Fch. V).— Transit of Rome and Foreign Cattle. — The fallowing is an abridgment of the discus- sion which followed the Paper of Mr. C. S. Read, M.P. :- Mr. J. CUTDES (Littlebury, Saffron Walden) said: There was probably not one person in this kingdom, except the vegetarians, and there were very few of them who were vegetarians by choice, who had not suffered from the high price of meat, and that high price was owing, in a great degree, as Mr. Read had shown, to the diseases which were brought from abroad by the importion of foreign stock. He was old enough to remember the time when the diseases among our own cattle were exceedingly small in amount. At that period cattle could be brought from a distance without the farmer who received them feeling any more insecure than he did with regard to the animals iu his own yard. But that was certainly not the case now. First, pleuro-pneumonia decimated their herds, and that was followed by foot disease, small-pox, and last of all, rinderpest, jiroving beyond all doubt that these diseases were introduced by the impor- tation and free transit of foreign animals. They all knew what frightful ravages the last- mentioned disease had made among the herds of this country. He was afraid, too, that it had, in a great degree, checked the reproduction of cattle. In Cheshire, which, as they were all aware, was a great breeding county, animals had died by thousands and tens of thousands. Hence it was that so many English farmers were desirous of increasing their stock by having recourse to Ireland, which, thanks to Lord Pal- merston, was saved from the cattle plague. There could be no doubt that it must come to this, that markets must be established for the sale and slaughter of foreign store cattle. Nothing but the having a waterside market at the ports of debarkation and the keeping foreign stock entirely by itself, could afibrd adequate security to the English cattle owner; and he would add, that nothing else would enable English consumers to obtain a supply of good meat at a moderate price. Mk. p. J.Page, Coombe, Kingston, said the increase of home stock would, he believed, compensate to a great degree for the reduction of foreign stock ; while the new market for foreign stock would bring a large revenue, and materially assist the Corporation in deve- loping the income derived from the sale of dead meat in the new markets. He trusted that they would all unite with Sir. Read in demanding the establishment of a Board of Agriculture, resembling the Board of Trade. Professor Brovcn said there were certain points advanced by Mr. Read which appeared to him to require consideration. He had suggested the sending of a deputation to the Privy Council, and had remarked on the desirableness of striking while the iron was hot, if they wished to prevent the extension of certain diseases among stock. Allow him to assure the meet- ing that they would not strike one moment too soon if they began hammering away at once. Six months ago he might have told them that he scarcely knew where to find a case of foot-and-moutli disease or pleuro- pneumonia in the whole kingdom. He was sorry to say that he could now find a great many cases, and not many miles from that place. What he anticipated had taken place. The removal of restrictions upon the movement of stock had beeu followed by the convey- ance of infected animals from one place to another, and the result was that foot-and-mouth diseases were now extending very rapidly in many parts of the country. There was no probability that cattle in the last stage of pleuro-pneumonia or sheep in the last stage of scab, would be sent to the market ; but infected animals might be driven along the public highways, or be conveyed in boats, or by railways, without the slightest risk of detection. He agreed, however, with jflr. Read, that there was a great neces- sity for protection against the introduction of disease by foreign animals. That was a matter deserving of the most serious consideration ; but it was also very desirable to adopt some system for the prevention of the spread of contagious diseases among our own stock. This subject seemed to be even more important than the question of the establishment of a foreign market— a question which he regarded as settled. (A Voice : "Not yet.") If agriculturists generally had made up their minds on that subject, it was, he thought, settled. They might depend upon it that the great difliculty would be, not to get a sepa- rate market established for the sale of foreign stock, but to keep their own stock healthy after they had secured what they seemed to consider the only thing necessary for their protec- tion. Supposing there were a foreign market, the same dealers and drovers for the most part would he connected with both markets ; they would pass from the foreign to the English market, perhaps carrying infection with them, and disease might he transmitted over a wide extent of country before the fact of its existence had been discovered. He admitted that a foreign market would afford a certain amount of security, but he denied that the security would be absolute. With regard to Mr. Read's remarks about quarantine, he wished to say that there was enormous ditHculty in defining the precise period for the reten- tion of animals, and which was absolutely necessary to prevent the possibility of contagion, in the case of foot-and-mouth disease two days' quarantine would be generally sufficient. So far as cattle plague is con- cerned, 10 days' would suffice; but in respect to pleuro-pneumonia, they might fix any time from two weeks to two months; he mentioned these points to show what great practical diflioulties would have to be encountered in the attempt to arrange an eflicient system of quarantine. He had found animals to be attacked with lung disease after they had remained more than two months without aflbrdingany indication of the affection. By proper inspection and inquiry, however, it might be ascertained whether animals came from a healthy country or not. Mr. W. G. GUEERIEK, 177, Camden Road, said: Representing as he did the interests of some importers, and knowing that English farmers, while they advo- cated their own cause to the utmost, were disposed to give fair play to others, he craved the indulgence of the meeting while he said a few words ou what he would term the other side of the question. He had listened with great respect to the speeches of previous speakers, including the practical one just delivered. He hoped Mr. Read would excuse him for saying that he was mistaken in supposing that disease was always raging in every country on the continent of Europe. He would wish that gentleman to tell him what dis- ease raged at the present moment in Spain or Portugal, or what disease was always raging in Sleswig-Holstein, Sweden, or Denmark, all these being countries from which cattle were imported into England. He did not deny that disease existed abroad, but he must say that the sweeping assertion to which he alluded was not borne out by facts ; and he mustadd that the great secret of successful discussion was that it was based on facts. He had the honour to represent equally the foreign and the English view of this question. His business lay equally among English farmers and among foreign importers of cattle ; and he would advise the former to beware of having such restrictions imposed on foreign stock us might cause a diminution of breeding stock abroad ; for they might depend upon it that that, by atl'ecting the price of meat abroad, ivould react against their own interest as breeders. Let tnem not insist on the foreigner being subjected to unfair conditions. Let them try to keep out of this country the diseases of the Continent wherever they existed; and let them bear in mind, too, that there were others who might demand legislation as well as the agriculturists ; he meant the British public. The Association which called itself "The Home Cattle Defence Association," indeed, had talked a great deal about the British public ; hut he was not aware that it had endeavoured to cheapen the food of the British public. The question was, how to promote the interests of the various classes concerned ?— the British farmer, the British consumer, and the importer of foreign cattle. Now, what was best to be done ? He would say this, have proper restrictions upon the importation of foreign cattle, but let them come into London, let the trade go on. They might depend upon it that if there were a separate market for foreign cattle, aud slaugh- tering on the spot was compulsory, there would not be half as much care exercised with regard to cattle brought from various parts of the Continent to London as there was at present ; all would then be allowed to come iu freely, irrespective of peculiarities of district. Let them have importation only from foreign countries which were known to be safe ; and when the animals had been properly inspected after their arrival, let them be sent to the Metropolitan Market for sale. Mr. J. WiLLi.iMS (Baydon, Hungerford) main- tained that the Parliament and the Government were bound to take care that imported cattle were intro- duced free from disease. How was that to be accom- plished .' It could only be done, as Mr. Read argued, by the slaughtering of foreign cattle at the port of debarkation. He quite agreed with Mr. Read that evils of this kind would never be thoroughly remedied until they had a Minister of Agriculture. As regarded what Mr. Guerrier said about the interest of the consumer, he would ask that gentleman whether he would undertake to solve the question— What was the difference in the supply of meat for the British con- sumer from the time when foreign animals were first introduced duty free? T\"ould he undertake, by means of a debtor and creditor account, to show the value of the stock imported, then deduct the fearful losses which the British farmer had sustained from the commencement, aud the balance would show the advances derived from importations from abroad ? If he v/ould do that, he would astonish himself and astonish the British public by realising the fact that, while introducing such a quantity of tough foreign meat into this country, the Legislature had destroyed a very large number of the best animals in the world. Mr. Read replied. He remarked that Professor Brown seemed to think that all that farmers cared for, at present, was the establishment of a separate market for foreign cattle ; whereas he (Mr. Read) expressly said that, while regulating the foreign trade, it would be necessary to attend to the transit of home stock. He thought that every member of the Club must see the importance of attending to both. The learned Professor also said that the quarantine of cattle for pleuro-pneumonia must last, perhaps, for three mouths. He did not suppose that any quarantine would he an entire safeguard; but a very learned Professor had assured him that inoculation for pleuro-pneumonia would, after the lapse of 10 or 11 days, be quite sufficient to guard animals against attacks from pleuro-pneumonia. Which of the two learned pro- fessors was right, it was not for him to say. He quite agreed with Mr. Guerrier that some parts of the Continent were free from disease. He, for one, would be quite prepared to receive cattle from Spain or Portugal, and let them go anywhere ; but that could not be done, as it would be contrary to treaties, and opposition would be sure to arise. Any restrictions that were established must be imposed upon all countries equally. Moreover, why" was Portugal, why was Spain— nay, why to a great extent was France— free from cattle disease ? Why, in con- sequence of the many restrictions which had beeu imposed. He took great pains in reading Lord Robert iMoutagu's speech on proposing the Cattle Dis- eases Prevention Bill; and he noticed that it was there stated that Holland " being too trading " was not PebbtJart 15, 1S68.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICUETUIIAT, GAZETTE. 163 free from disease at that time. AVhy, then, should there not be wise legislation for the jjurpose of keep- . ing it out of this country? Lot it be remembered that they had tried the experiment of unrestricted admis- sioa for 25 years ; and what was the result ? Why, high prices to cousumers, and frightful loss to pro- ducers. They did not wish to keep out foreign stock ; they did not wish to have a single pound less meat in the country ; but they did desire to avoid foreign disease. He regarded the establishment of a. foreign market as all but an accomplished fact. He had shown that the imnortations of foreign cattle had been gradually declining during the last three years, and that was, he believed, in a great degree, owing to the want of a proper .system. He concurred in the follow- ing remark which had just been placed in his hand. Surely there would be no hardship in having a dead- meat market at the east end of London when such an immense quantity of foreign dead meat finds it way to London from a distance of -100, 500, and 550 miles. As regarded the appointment of a deputation, he thought the best course would be to leave that matter In the hands of the committee of the Club. Herefosdshike Chamber of Agriculture. — At the late meeting of this Chamber Mr. Vaughan (Brobury) read a paper on the Education of the Labouring Classes, from which we take some e.ttracts: — It has been put forth by statesmen that every child has a right to bo educated by the State ; but I would reverse that axiom, and say tlaat the State, looking to its future development and the best means to further its advancement, should require, and enforce, that all her rising generation should be brought up to a certain standard of mental culture. The State at present enforces certain observances that are considered beneficial to its existence, viz., it requires that the birth of every child shall be registered within a given time, and that within a given time every child shall be brought to the public vaccinator. If, then, the measures we enforce for the sustenance of the bodies of our population, and the safeguards we also enforce to reduce disease to a minimum, have proved of benefit to the State, would not some enactment, taking special cognisance of the mind, the grand master-piece of all, and giving it proper food for its healthy development, give fortla results as important and every way as beneficial to the State? One objection that has been raised against the education of the labouring classes is, that wo shall have no one to perform the labour of our fields and our farms, and that wages will bo increased considerably. I do not share in any such fears. I think there is no class in the State that will receive greater benefit from enlightened labour than agriculturists. What is it that we get now in the shape of labour ? Why, we get merely the animal strength. To how many of our men dare we entrust the management and setting in motion of the improved machinery we caU to our aid ? I entertain the liveliest conviction that, even if we have to pay a few more shillings per week for wages, we shall be fully compen- sated by the superior labour we shall obtain by having the guidance and assistance of the mind in addition to matter. To show the value of intelligent labour, I have culled an extract from a report by Mr. Edwin Chadwick, C.B., wherein it is stated "that an eminent manufacturer would not exchange his well-ordered set of workmen for the uneducated and ill-conditioned workmen of another manufacturer on the opposite side of the road for less than 7000/. is significant and suggestive. Mr. Nasmyth, the inventor of the steam- hammer, states that nine-tenths of the bad work in the engineering business is caused by au absence of the power of comparison and the want of a ' correct eye.' " What Mr. Nasmyth experiences the want of in his labours is none the less true in an agricultural point of view. I will now try to put before you what the State is now doing by aiding in the work of education, so far as 1 have been able to gather information on the subject. For the year ending March .31, 1866, 622,730/. was expended from the Parliamentary grant in aid of education in Great Britain. And when you inquire into the mode of its distribution you find that in our own county out, of 260 parishes, there are only 57 schools receiving Government aid, and that out of 185 parishes with less than 500 inhabitants 12 only have been aided. It is very clear that three-quarters of a million of money is granted to a few populous parishes in this coimtry, while the great majority of parishes with small populations, and chiefly, if'not entirely, agricultural, receive no aid at all. And thus 9710 parishes are taxed to give some 5167 parishes the entire monopoly of three-quarters of a million of money. From the latest return I find that the net annual value of property in England and Wales was 93,638,403/., and so it would require a national rate of Sd. in the pound to meet the State requirements for education. Let us see how we shall stand in Hereford- shire. I have no statistics in particular to guide me, but, taking the population in 1861, 1 calculate there will be 16,000 children to be educated, which would require, according to the computed charge of 30*. per head, some 24,000/. per annum. The rateable value, according to the last assessment for the county rate, is 751,000/., and it would require a county rate of 7ld. in the pound to meet the educational requirements of Herefordshire. The Eev. B. Stanhope said that " the idea of placing the burden of the cost of education on the ratepayers was preposterous, as they had already got quite as much burden as they could bear in the way of local taxation ; that with the heavy expenses attending the Highway Act. and the certain fact of the turnpike roads in many instances falling an extra and serious charge upon the ratepayers in the jiresent year, it would he neither politic nor reasonable to put any increased burden on the ratepayers." Well, gentlemen, to those very sensible remarks of Mr. Stanhope I think you will bear me out when I exclaim. "and so say all of us." Mr. Vaughan proceeded to recommend one clas; of property m this countrj" of much value, which the Government would be justified in taking and usiug as an auxiliary to further the education of the labouring classes of this country, viz., the charities. Many of them confer no appreciable benefit on the parish in which they exist, and very many do considerable injury to the neighbourhood. To give a fair iilca .-f tlic little good done by a vast Income c charity, I wnnll i. XMin til yuu to peruse Mr. Gumming' report on Ediii It i I ! ( :, n ii^, 1860. It appears from that report that tli. i i , I , l.md and Wales some 28,840 charities, yiel.hi.: m , 1 mcomo of 1,209,395!., and Mr. Camming thiuk^ Lh.iL lull tinc-fifth may be added to th.at .amount as reprcseutiug increased value. There are than 13,331 charities thai; do not amount to 5/. per and 21,785 charities that do not amount to 20i. per yielding collectively a sum annually of 109,83U. 1 think that in the respective parishes where these small charities exist, they are of such sm.ill amount as not to confer any distinct benefit ; yet, if they wore put together, they would col- lectively supply the means of conferring much good. And I cannot see any better scope for their use than in the education of the labouring classes. Well, gentlemen, from small charities to large ones ia but a single step, and I need not gc out of our own county for an illustration of their effects, Doubtless you have all heard something about Jarvis's charity, which exists in three parishes in the western part of this county, ^viz., Stanton-on-Wyo, Bredwardine, and Lettou. Since the opening of railways few perhaps travel the old coach road to Hay, but if you did, you would not fail to observe, on au elevated position at Stanton-on-Wye, a standing monu- ment, in the shape of gable-ends and decorated buildings, of the lavish outlay of old Jarvis's money. Of the trustees, most of whom I personally know, 1 do not wish to speak with other than the most profound respect. They no doubt were fairly bothered how to deal with a charity of such colossal amount (lOO.OOOi.) without doing considerable injury to the neighbour- hood, and so they resolved, as the best way to do the least harm, to spend some 30,000^ in bricks and mort.ar — the very thing which old Jarvis stipulated in his will never shoidd take place. The interest of that amount so thrown away would, I consider, have materially assisted Herefordshire in educating her labouring classes. Lest I may be considered .as overdrawing the picture in this particular instance, I will trouble you with some of Mr. Cumming's remarks on this charity. After commenting on the founder, Mr. Jarvis, he goes on to say that "the pauper populations of those three parishes had marvellously increased, while some adjoining parishes had actually decreased. Stanton-on-Wye, Bred- wardine, and Letton had in 1801 a respective population of 430, 306, and 124." He says : " The pauper population has increased in 10 years upwards of 20 per cent., — in 20 years, almost 40 per cent., and in 30 years 60 per cent. Idleness, dis- content, and improvidence were found to be the fruits of this ill-conceived and ill-judged gift, to which must be added an immorality of life, the results of which are yet distinctly felt." He concludes his notice of this celebrated charity with the following very logical remarks: "The population of the county of Hereford was, in 1851, 115,489 souls (1861, 123,712), .and during the last 26 years the amount of aid tow.ards educa- tion received from Parliament was 17,337/. 14s. i^d. Six years' income of the Jarvis Cha.rity alone would have done more than supply the sum granted to assist in the education of Hereford- shire. If the evidence I have adduced is correct, Mr. Jarvis's 3,000!. a-year h.as been employed in demoralising 1,200 people. In this ease, therefore, it seems that by means of Parliament and the Court of Chancery, part of the charities in Hereford- shire are at a considerable expense employed to neutralise, if possible, the effects which Parluament is, at the expense of nearly one million a-ye.ar, ra.aking to elevate the condition of the independent labourer." If there were no question of education at all, it seems to me high time that the Government should inter- fere ; but as education is now the question to be met and solved, these charities, in my opinion, ofler the opportunity to remedy existing and pressing evils, and at the same time confer a present and future good. After some discussion, to which reference will be made hereafter, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Vaughan. TAe Case of the Importers of Foreign Cattle : a Plain Statement of Facts. Waterlow & Sons, 49, Parlia- ment Street. Instead of giving merely a plain statement of facts, the writer of this pamphlet does not hesitate to charge unworthy motives on his opponents. Those who desire the establishment of a riverside market apart from our home cattle for all imported stock are accused of wishing to revive " Protection " in the sense which the word used formerly to convey. Of course we desire protection against imported diseases, and it is in tho interest of the consumer that the desire is vehemently urged. But to suppose that the establishment of a riverside market " has been literally forced on her Majesty's Government by British landowners and farmers, on the ostensible plea that the erection of a waterside market will diminish the pro- bability of the cattle disease being imported ; while in reality, the purpose of these county magnates and agriculturists is to galvanise the corpse of ' Protection,' and to obtain a monopoly in the supply of the live cattle market in London," is evidently absurd. Our duty to our readers is sufficiently discharged by inti- mating the existence of this pamphlet, and if any of them desire to learn all that can be said for the main- tenance of what the writer calls the status quo, he can procure it. The title is,however, amistake; it is not the case of the importers of foreign cattle that is here pre- sented. Their interests, like those of the consumers whom they serve, will be better answered by an arrange- ment which, keeping foreign diseases out, while it lets foreign cattle in, is the most likely to be permanent. Farm Memoranda. Essex Fabji : Feb. 4, — Since my last report the weather has been very unfavourable for all field opera- tions. During the last week, however^ a south-west wind has dried tho ground, so that it is now in good condition for Potato planting. Those who have taken proper care in wintering the tubers so that no sweating or growing has taken place before planting time arrives, will now find the advantage of having the first unbroken shoot of the Potato for their future crop— its whole power uuinjured in tho eye of the Potato and ready lor action. During the late frost we carted the manure for our Potato crop to convenient heaps on the field. The cost of planting four acres may be esti- mated as follows ; it can be done by the following men and horses in a day : — Two double-boarded ploughs with men, one opening and one covering in £114 Four one-horse carts, four men loading, and two emptying manure 180 Four men spreading ditto 0 12 0 Two men and six boys planting 0 12 0 Totjd cost £3 13 4 The plants are being out and dusted with lime 10 days previous to planting. Tho cost of planting Potatos on the flat would be. about tho same, the horses being charged is. per day. The expense of each horse at present is as follows : — 20 lb. of hay cut £0 13 6J lb. of Oats 010 20 lb. of Carrots pulped 0 0 3 £0 2 6 (The food is all mixed!) Each horse is charged 4*. per day to the farm, which leaves \s, 6d. for tear and wear and bad weather. Wheat and other cereals have all the appearance of a strong plant. The Italian Bye-Krass irrigated by sewage on the Metropolis Sewage Company's Farm, near Barking, reminds you of May in place of February, some of it waving with the wind 6 and 9 inches high. Being interested in cow-keeping, I have taken notes for the last month of the daily expenditure and returns of 20 recently calved cows. The daily yield, 34 bam gallons : value ..£2 16 0 Dung, 14J cwt. ; value 0 19 £2 17 9 Food :— Hay, 288 lb. ; value 0 16 8 M.angels, 320 lb. „ 0 16 0 Oilcake, 60 1b. „ 0 3 6 Litter, sawdust . . . . . . ..010 Labour, including pulping Mangels, cutting hay, cartage 800 yards 0 4 0 Balance £0 14 7 for the farmer, but whether for profit or to meet the loses he may sustain six months hence I cannot say. To keep a dairy of 100 cows in regular routine, two cows should be calving down every week. If interest- ing to your readers I can supply you with a monthly account for the year. T. [Pray do !J Aberdeenshire Farm : Feb. 4.— Since our last report the weather has been very unsteady, fresh and frost alternately, and in consequence ploughing has not advanced much, but a good deal of manure has been carted to the fields. High gales of wind have been very prevalent, which reached a climax on Friday, the 24th ult , but happily less damage has been done here than in some of the adjacent counties, where many of the farmers estimate their loss from 50/. to 100/., principally by blowing over their grain stacks, and spreading their contents, which, when re-gathered, were found to be already threshed. The feeding stalls are nearly empty, many having to sell before they were quite ready, owing to their Tur- nips being nearly done, and the stirks will have to put up with short commons until Grass. Large quantities of oilcake have been used to supplement the Turnips this year, and those having very inferior corn have got good use of it in helping to finish ofl' their feeding stock. Sheep have done well on Turnips with the open winter, and store sheep have also got the good of foggage left over by the cattle. Aberdeenshire is not particularly a sheep-breeding county, although some few have good flocks, and many of our farmers keep a few select Leicesters more for taste than exactly for profit. Sales of Shorthorn bull calves will be numerous this month, indeed our local newspapers have a good number of them advertised already. Grain has been giving good prices for some time, and has little chance to be lower in price for some time, as the seed will have now to be got ready. Oats, 40 lb. per bushel, give 26s. ; Bere and Barley of 53 lb. per bushel, give 36s. ; oatmeal per boll is 22s. Had it not been that the winter has been pretty open the high price of meal and other provisions would have pressed rather heavily on the labouring men with families. J. mt Poiiltri) YarK. Chicken Hatcliing.—Vi'hWe tho subject of artificial incubation is under consideration, wc reproduce the abstract of the paper by Dr. Sace, read by Captain Ibbettson before the British Association 20 years ago, on the chemical and physiological eS'ects of feeding fowls, and on the changes and chemical composition of eggs during incubation. — The first part of this paper gave an account of the results of feeding a bantam cock and hen on Barley alone. At the end of a week it was found that the cock had gained 18 grammes (a gramme is 151 grains English), and the hen had lost 21 grammes, but had laid in the meantime an egg weighing 22 grammes. In addition to the Barley, a certain quantity of carbonate of lime had been consumed. The egg on being examined was found to contain — albumen, 19.49; oil, 27.84; water, 52.07; total, 100.00. In hens ordinarily fed the egg contained— albumen, 17; oil, 29; water, 54 ; total, 100. Thus showing that the Barley fed hen laid eggs with a larger quantity of solid organic matter than ordinarily fed hens.— It was found that hens during incubation lose weight. A hen before, incubation weighed 672.155 grammes, after 483.202 grammes. During incubation eggs lose weight in the following proportion : 1st week, 5 per cent. ; 2d week, 166 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febeuaet 15, 1883. 9 per cent. ; 3d week, 3 per cent., losing altogether 17 per cent, of their weight. The shell of the egg was found to weigh 18 per cent, of the egg, and to be com posed principally of carbonate of lime. The shell ii not formed unless the animal has access to carbonate of lime in some form or another. The carbonate of 1: is deposited on the egg from without, and is carried to the egg in a state of solution in carbonic acid. Phos- phate of lime and traces of iron were found in the albumen and the yolk of the egg, and also soda. The function of the albumen or white of the egg appears to be first to furnish the young bird with pliosphate of lime for its bones, and other earthy and alkaline salts ; and, secondly, to supply water, the material for the muscles, and to hold in solution the carbonic acid breathed by the young bird before it is hatched. A communication is constantly kept up between the atmosphere and the chick by the shell, which is the organ of the gaseous, pulmonary, and cutaneous excre- tions. The yolk of the egg is principally composed of oily matter, which appears to he taken into the system of the young chick, and is used in respiration for the purpose of maintaining animal heat. Thus it is found that in the contents of the neni-laid egg there are the same principles surrounding the young chick as there is in tlie vegetable kingdom for the supply of the whole animal kingdom. We have, first, protein for nutrition; secondly, oil for combustion ; and thirdly, various salts for combining with other elements of nutrition. Warmth during Early Chiche-nhood, — Perhaps a ray of light may be thrown on this subject by the following particulars, extracted from the "Agricultural Maga- zine " for the month of June, 1810 :— " Mrs. D'Oyley, of Northallerton, Yorkshire, has proved by experience that her method of rearing poultry, considering the economy and facility with which it may be performed, would, if generally adopted, lower the price of butcher's meat, and thereby be of essential benefit to the com- munity at large. Mrs. D. keeps a large stock of poultry, which are regularly fed in the morning on steamed Potatos chopped small, and at noon they have Barley ; they are in high condition, and lay a great quantity of eggs." After describing the poultry yard and artificial mother, which is an adaptation of Reaumur's principle, she proceeds: " When the chickens are a week old, and the weather fine, the boy carries them and their artificial mother to the Grass-plot, nourishes and keeps them warm, by placing a long narrow tin vessel, filled with hot water, at the back of the artificial mother. When Mrs. D. first attempted to bring up poultry in this way, she found they did not thrive upon the food given them, and many of them died till she thought of getting coarse Barley-meal and steaming it till quite soft ; the boy feeds them with this and minced Potatos alternately ; he is also employed rolling up pellets of dough maide of coarse Wheat flour, which he throws to the chickens to excite them to eat." The experiments were made for about two months in the summer; during that time her hens produced upwards of 500 chickens, 400 of which were reared fit for the table. It is advisable to have two or three chickens among the brood of about a week old to teach them to peck and eat. Hens kept in the way mentioned, and having the same conveniences, will regularly sit four times a season, and by sitting twice each time they would produce at the lowest calculation SO chickens each. This is the most important part of the communication, the remainder consists of three plates, showing dif- ferent views of apparatus employed by Mrs. D'Oyley. M. M. Jli/dro-Incuiaiion. — So long ago as 1847, Mr. Bailey, the well-known poulterer in Mount Street, detailed the very large sums paid annually by London salesmen. He stated that one salesman alone sold every year 100,000/. worth ; that he had himself paid 81,000Z. in the course of the last year, and that 15,000Z. was received annually at Aylesbury for young ducklings ; but to this last item he added the somewhat humilia- ting fact, " that, in Bucks, the wives are in the habit of driving the children from the hearth that the ducklings might get the benefit of the fire." This is surely buying even gold too dear; and if Mr. Cautelo can procure the substitution of his artificial chicken- mother for this most unnatural process, he will deserve the thanks of the rising generation in Aylesbury. Mr. Bailey's figures at least settle the question that the present demand for poultry is on a large scale, and the sums paid in London alone enormous ; and these facts, amongst others, appear to me a sufficient reason why the discussion on this subject, in yoiu' columns, should be encouraged, upon the principle that those who, either directly or indirectly, contribute to the better and cheaper supply of food to the industrious and poorer classes, deserve the thanks of our rapidly increas- ing population. A Subscriber. Miscellaneous. On the Purchase of a Horse. — We presume that a gentleman wants a horse. The first question he must put to himself is, " What uses do I want this animal for ? Do I want him for a hunter, a hack, a trapper, or a carriage horse ?" We will presume that he wants a hunter; "size" is the first thing to be observed; there is no greater folly in the world than buying a horse not big enough for his work. " Rather be over- horsed than underhorsed " is an exceedingly practical and wholesome motto. There are many records of ponies and little horses accomplishing wonders — of carrying heavy weights to hounds, of their getting over "pounding" fences, and of always being "there or thereabouts," but these may be safely put down as exceptions to the rule. . . The question of height having been satisfactorily settled, the next require- ment is that the animal should be long and low. Where the length should exist we shall hereafter detail; but the word "low" more particularly is applied to the desire that the animal should not be legiy or cocked up. If he has the points well shown and developed, to which we shall presently allude, and the average standard, fixed at 15.3, then the low and long axiom will be fulfilled. These being settled, the next thing a man should be satisfied of is " breed ; " and this requirement we would most particularly impress upon the purchaser as an important one ; without " blood '' a hunter is of no use ; " blood " gives stamina, emulation, and intelligence, and when the under-bred, lumbering beast is licked to a stand-still, the wiry, well-bred "weed" will be going on. Let it not be understood that we recommend weeds, but merely give this as an illustration of how even a weak specimen of the thorough-bred will often give the " go by " to an animal possessing more muscular development, but lacking in aristocratic descent. Very well; the horse we are looking at fulfils the qualifica- tions above expressed— viz., "height, length, and breed." And now to further points, and wo will begin with the head. This should be small ; the skin of the muzzle should be fine and sensitive, and the nostrils broad ; the eyes should be bright, large, and displaying intelligence, and the forehead broad ; there should be depth in the lower jaw, and the ears should belong; a short ear is a sign of want of blood ; the teeth should then be carefully observed. His head should be well set on a neck neither too long nor too short ; long- necked horses very often turn out or are roarers; short-necked horses are generally under-bred. The neck is one of the most important parts in the symmetry of the animal; it should have great muscular development just below the fine crest, from which the mane takes its origin, and should blend without any appearance of "lumber" into the shoulders and withers. The windpipe should be large. We now arrive at the shoulders ; the form of these important parts of the horse's structure Is a subject of great dispute — we mean practically, for it takes a good judge to tell what is a bad shoulder and what is a good one ; a man even bearing in mind every desideratum is often at fault in respect of actual judgment, and why is this? We will tell you. A trustworthy knowledge of what constitutes a good and bad shoulder is only to be learnt from actual experience. ^ We will, however, endeavour to explain the requirements of a good shoulder, and the first great necessary exists in the " slant." By this (as the word implies) we mean that the line from the point of the shoulders to the withers should be of great obliquity ; the withers should rise up to a point ("sharp withers") and blend with a gentle curve into the muscles forming the anterior part of the back ; the points of the shoulders should be placed well forward, by which means greater length of the humerus is obtained, and the leverage on the limb below proportionately increased. The shoulders, taken as a whole, should not be " shelly " — that is to say, although the muscles run into a finely- developed line at the withers, they should, on the great expanse of the shoulders, stand out boldly and prominently. A well-developed shoulder conduces greatly to the length of the horse, for if the obliquity of it is great — ('. e., the point placed well forward and with the withers well laid back— a not inconsiderable portion of the " trunk " of the animal is thus well accounted for. The part measuring from just behind the withers round the body of the horse constitutes the "girth." This cannot be too deep, for, as it forms the principal part of the cavity in which the lungs are situated, lack of depth of girth will generally be associated with failure of staying powers. The muscles of the back should run in a straight line from the curvature behind the withers to the loins, where they should rise in a slight arch. The rising of the muscles behind the saddle-seat should be a great index of speed, strength, and jumping powers, as is most particularly exempli- fied in the greyhound and hare. The trnuk itself, bounded on each side by the ribs, should be well rounded, and the flanks well let down. A "tucked up," flat-sided horse is generally both a bad goer and bad stayer. The loins should be broad, and merge into a symmetrical union with the quarters. Veterinary Qasette. Jliverside Market for Imported Stock. — In the House of Commons on Tliursdaj^ night, Jlr. M. Gibson com- plained that the Bill by which it is proposed to establish a separate market for foreign cattle is quite opposed to the report of the committee which had inquired into the foreign cattle trade in 1866, and which strongly disapproved of the establishment of a separate market for foreign cattle. Such an arrangement would be a serious restriction upon the foreign cattle trade. It would deprive them of the advantage to be gained from the influx of buyers to the regular market, it would diminish the importation of foreign cattle, and would increase the price of meat in the metropolis. Lord R. Montagu explained that the only object of the Bill was to separate the cattle which were about to be sent into the country from those which were to be slaughtered, and expressed his readiness to refer the Bill to a select committee. Notices to Correspondents. MoLi.ssEa : MAR. J[r. Kcavy, late of Holkham, has use.l it largely. He gives young stock roots, or Turnips cut into thili .slices with Moody's cutter, jind then nu.'ced up with good Bwcet Wheat-straw chixflf, moistened with a mixture of molasses .and water, about 1 lb. of coarse molasses to IJ gaU. Potatos : T.vro says ; — "I have dug up some old pasture— rough and stony land— perfectly dry, and spread over it gas lime at the r.ate of 12 tons to the acre. I intend it for Potatos. If I use stable manure for the crop, I suppose the lime will libcr.tte the .ammonia, and I shall waste my manure and labour. If I .apply bone-dust, I put lime on lime. Whjit shall I manure with ? " [The lime of the bone-dust to the lime already added ia nothing ; the efficient part of the former is its phosphoric acid ; the stable dung is, however, the more likely to get a crop ; and, if it he dug in, the Ume will not dissipate its ammonia.] Ebratpm. — At page 138c, lf)th line from the bottom, for valuable,' read " variable." K OLL TOBACCO CLOTH.— The cheapest and best article for Smoking G-ieenhouseH and destroying the Fly ; equal to Tobacco in stieogth, U. id. per lb. ; over 10 lb.. Is. Id. JosEPu Bakkr, 10, Gough Square, Fleet Street, E.G. Post OfQce Orders payable Fleet Street. TOBACCO TISSUE for Fumigating" Greenhmises'. Will Destroy Tbrip, Red Spider, Green and Black Fly, and llealy Bug ; and bums without the assistance of blowing, and ia entirely free from paper or rag. Price 3s. Od. per lb., carriage free. A reduction in price for large quantities. To be had of Messrs. Roberts &, Sons, Tobacco Manufactureis, 112, St. John Street, Clerkenwoll, E.C., of whom copies of Testl- moniala may bo obtained ; and of all Seedsmen and Nurserymen. To Nurserymen and Florists. H PERK INS, 16, Cambridge Cii'cus, Hackney fioad, • N.E.. has ah hand a large quantity of Genuine ROLL TOBACCO PAPER at Is. per lb. ; and Genuine TOBACCO CLOTHS at M. per lb., warranted free from adulteration. Post- office orders to be made payable at Cambridge Heath. The only Agent— W. TuENEa, 6, Harrow Green, Lej-tonstone Road, EaseiL THOMSON' S~STYPTTc prevents the Bleeding of the Vine or any other Plant after Pruning, and has been used with perfect success for Graftiug and Budding, as well as for preventing the damping of Geranium and other Cuttings. Mamifactiired and Sold by Joun Youno & Sov, Dalkeith, N.B. ; and may be bad of all Seedsmen in bottles at 35. each, with direc- tions for use. None is genuine without the Siguatuio of Wa. TnoMsoN on the Label. *' Every Cottage should be provided with a Water Tank." Disraeli. Iron Cisterns. FBRABY AND CO. having laid down extensive and • Improved Machinery in their new range of buildings, Ini WoARF, DtPTFonD, are now prepared to supply WROUOHT-IRON TANKS, GALVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality, at reduced prices, and !i ' JBl^ LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. Works, Euston Road, London, ,___=.«^ No 35 PORTABLE PUMPS " f'^'" PLMlT lor suam ^"^^T IRON LIQUID M'VNURES Hirse i kind Power PDMPb Diawingsand Pilccsfor any dedCiiptiLn of Hydraulic Micliluery ent upon apphcat on OU Faint no longer Necessary. HILL AND SMITH'S PATE]ST BLaCK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish is an axeellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully ;wo-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mismg or thinning, and i" — -* — '-" ""■ '- — -" '- "-- ... Brou{/h, Yorkshire. * I have used your Black Varnish for park palings and consider It fencing instead of paint, and i 2, CannOD Street West, E.C., f^om whona only it oan be obtained. Febeuart 15, 1868.] THE GAEDENEllS' CMONTOLE AND AGRK^ULTITEAT. GAZETTE. 167 SHANKS' NEW PATENT LAWN MOWERS TOR 1868. A. SHANKS & SON liEQ TO INTIMATE THAT THEY ARE THE ONLY FIRM OUT OF ALL THE EXHIBITOES OF LAAVN MOWEHS AT THE PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION OF 1867, WHOM THE JURY DEEMED WORTHY TO RECEIVE A MEDAL. LETTERS PATENT, dated Aug. 12, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS & SON, for IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS in LAWN MOWING MACHINES. The Improveiiu-nt.-i iutru.linid for the Season of 1868 Rive SHANKS' MACHINE several advantiiKi-s possessed by no othei- Lawn Mower. The improremcnts .ire of such :m important character, that all who use Lawn Mowers shoit/d not fail to make themselves acquainted with them. I^" Eeery Machine warranted to give satisfaction, and if not approved of cmi be at once returned. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS SENT FREE ON APPLICATION. m ALEX. SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH. ^ LONDON OFFICE akd SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.C. 27, Leadtnhall Street is the only place in London where intendinir Purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines. A. S. and SON have a staff of efficient Workmen at 27, Leadenhall Street, thoroiiiihly acquainted with all the details of these Machines, so that they are enabled to repair them m London as well as ran be done at their Manufactory. NEW IMPROVED PREMIUM WIRE NETTING. AWARDED FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE BY THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF LONDON AT BUEY ST. EDMUND'S, JULY IG. J. B. BROWN AND CO. h.aving introduced Improved Machinery into their London Workshops for mauu- Facturing "Wire Netting, are now prepared to execute orders to any extent at the shortest notice. ia of very superior quality, best formed mesh, well twisted, and Galvanised after made in a superior The Netting OliEAT IMFKOVEMENT, WITH KEUUCED TRICES, Febninry, 18GC. AND GALVANIZED Al'TER MADE. PEICES PER LINEAL YAKD, 2-t INCHES HIGH. Light. No. 19. 1 Medium. No. 18. Mostly used for \\ irnh Hares, Dogs, Poultry . . j 2|rf. i ill' li ijame or Poultry Netting Z\d. -J inrli Small Kabbits, Hares, &c.i Z\d. \ inch Smallest Rabbits . . ..' ^\d. Galvanized. I Japanned. Galvanized, 5\d. ^\d. %%d. 3|rf. 5^. Z\d. 3|rf. V^d. 5\d. Japanned. [Galvanized. o\d. i\d. &\d. Bid. Japanned. lOalvanlzed. 6d. 5|rf. 6id. Sd. luantities of 100 yards or upAvards delivered firee at all Railway Stations. .iVll Netting warranted to give satisfaction, J. B. BROWN AUD CO. Offices : 90, CANNON STREET, CITY, LONDON, E.C. WjUIEHOUSE and MANUFACTORY— U8, UPPER TJELIMES STREET, E.C. Strong. No. 17. Extra .^Stronp. No. PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS, FOR HEATING CONSERVATORIES, HOTHOUSES, CHUKCILES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND _,P^ LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TRUSS Bogs to state that the immense number of APPARATUS annually Designed and Erected by him in all parts of he kingdom, and for the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGTON and CHISWICK, n\h. unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design, superior materials, and good workmanship ; while the Teat advantages obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over-estimated, consisting of perfectly tight oints with neatness of appearance ; EFFECTS A SAVING OF 25 PER CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected ompared with other systems; facility for extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints ; an be erected by any Gardener; an ordinary size Apparatus erected in one da\, and PERFECTNESS of )ESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials, with Saddle Boiler, ielivered to any Railway Station in England, and Erected at the following prices. Erection beyond 25 miles off iiondon, railway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. TWO FOUR-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. Size of House. Apparatus Complete. Erection, i Size of House. Apparatus Complete. Erection. 0 feet by 10 feet .. £9 0 0 .. £2 0 0 50 feet by 15 feet .. £17 10 0 .. £3 0 0 0 feet by 12 feet .. 11 15 0 .. 2 10 0 75 feet by 15 feet .. '20 0 0 .. 3 0 0 0 feet by 15 feet . . 15 0 0 . . 2 15 0 I 100 feet by 15 feet . . 26 0 0 . . 3 5 0 Bath and Gas Work erected in town or country. The Trade Suppli-ed. Horticultural Buildings of every description from Is. 6d. per foot superficial, inclusive of Brickwork. Price Lists, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S. TRUSS, C.E., Consulting Horticultural Engineer, &c.. Sole Manufacturer, FRIAR STREET, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — The City Offices are now Removed to the Manufactory, Friar Street. i M OULK'S PATENT KARTU CLOSKTS.— On iporatioii Covent Garden, W.C. T. M Sli,WAlili of TOWNS and V^LLA01■.^ :: !• I'K^ KARTII SYSTEM. —ThiH Company m [.i i i : m iku arruugeiiioiita for donliog wtlh tho Drainago ul i:j>.ito mi, iu>.; L>ry Eiiitli Sytitem ; iuoludlDg llie disposal ofbrnK-watt^r, .SImij:', kc. Applications to be made to tlio Manager, 20, Uudford btroet, t Garden, W.C. TRON HURDLES (Silver Medal of tlic Royal J_ Agricultural Socl«ty) : SHEEP, 3s. firf. ; CATTLE, ^B. 2d. : OX, &$. l\d. List by post. GATES ami FENCING ot every description. St. Pancras Iron Work Com puny. Old St. Puncnis Koad, London, N.W __ - Glass for Garden Purposes. JAMES PHILLIPS and CO. bog to submit their KEDUCEU PIUCES as followa;— PROI'AGATINO if « Each.-8. d. nchea In diameter .. l> 3i 13 1 4 7 0 U „ .. ..161 UYACINTII and FLOWER DISHES. C inches diameter . . . . l.-*. od. | 9 mcbea diameter . . ..10 12 inches diameter .. .. '^. fid. Hy:icinth Dishes are intended to contain a number of Roots Bedded in and covered with Moss, instead of tiie common Hyacinth LACTOMETERS, for Testing tho (inality of Milk. Four Tubes .. .. 4s. Cd. I Six Tubes .. .. Cs.Gd. With Stands complete. Ion Agents for HAKTLErS IMPROVED PATENT ROUGH E. SEED nil., Gemiine WHITE LEAD, CARSON'S PAINTS, •\:r ■ I ir.i ,,M i: 1 ( (,I, v- -i >l I - of all mz..'S, u : i. 1 I : , r \ I . ■ M I. • I ■ , ■' M, ■,Tr, CUOWN, ■- .1 • ... ■• ' . I \ I. ■ < ,,'ilJHED, and James ftiiLLip-s & Co , isu. i;ishni.s^:ite Street Witliout, K C. Horticultural Glass Warehouse. THOMAS MILT, INGTON and CO., 87. Bishopsgate Street Without, Londou, E.C. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOUSE GLASS .as supplied to Her Majesty, the Nobility, Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leading Horti- culturists of the United Kingdom. ORCHARD-HOUSE SIZES. Srda. 2nd3. I Ecst. 20 by 12 , 20 by 13 / 20 by 14 y 20 by 15 1 50 hv Ifl.' Per 100 feet Pll (.21 I l&sM 18s G(i 20s Oil 22»2((,25s6cJ 26s0li per 100 feet. In. in. 111. in.lin. in.ilD. in. | 4tLs. i 3d5. | 2nd8. , Best. 6 by4 I r by 6 8 by 0 0 by r J i-v 3 be obtained ot p & O. Roshk SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above addresses— 14s. per Ton, or Is. 3d. per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf. (Quantities of 4 Tons, 1^. per Ton less. FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS, for Rockeries or Grotto Work. F. & G. Rosher,— Addresses see above. N.B. Orders promptly executed by Railway. w< RANGE The most approved Cooking Appir itus vet mtroduccd, combining the advantages ol an open Fire Ringe Hot Plate, and other appli- " 1, adapted for smill or lar^e establishments 7 bo inspected, and Catalogues obtained. SAMUELSON & CO.'S IMPROVED LAWN MOWING MACHINES. EVERY MACHINE "WARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. Delivered Free to a Cutting 10 inches wide Cutting 12 inches wide Cutting 14 inches wide Cutting 16 inches wide Cutting 19 inches wide Cutting 22 inches wide Cutting 25 inches wide Cutting 30 inches wide Cutting 36 inches wide PRICES. Ill/ Railwai/ Station in (treat Britain. £3 10 0 t 10 0 5 5 0 6 0 0 6 10 0 7 10 0 12 0 0 15 0 0 Great improvements have btin m «! m tlu ( MithiiK^ dunng thi 1 1'.t iff. years, in regard to all those small but important points ot superiority wmcn ttie practical working jt a Lawn Mower suggests , while for elegance of appearance, lightness of draft, and efficiency in working they cannot be excelled. They possess the following advantages :— 1st. Motion IS given to the Cutting Apparatus by toothed gearing, which experience has proved to be by far the best method of driving. 2d. The whole of the Driving "Wheels are on one side of the Machine, and are covered with a guard preventing damage to Shrubs and Flowers, when mowing round tho edges of beds. 3d. All the smaller working parts of the Machine are made of Malleable Iron, and are not liable to break. 1^ Illustrated Price Lists, Free hy Post on application. SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA WORKS, BANBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE : 10, LAURENCE POUNTNET LANE, E.C. AGENTS —Messrs. TANGYE BROTHERS akd HOLMAN, 10, LjVURENCE POUNTNEY LANE; Messrs. DEANE and CO., London Bridge; Messrs. DRAY, TAYLOR AND CO., London Bridge ; Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD, 63, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughout the Kmgdom. 170 THE CtAEDENERS' CHRONTdLE AND ArTRTCULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febeuaey 15. isea. PETERSBURG MATS.— Stock kept in London, also in Hull. R. M. Miito», 2, Dowpate Dock, TJppei- Thames Street, London, E.C. rpANNED NETTING, in large or small quantities, for i Seed Beds, and for the Protection of Fruit Trees from Frost, Blight, Birds, or as a Fence Iron] Fowls, Ac, Irf. ^ersquai-e yard CUH 1 iJniK , Seedsman, ttc, Peterborough. TANNED GAUDEN NETTING, for Preserring Seed Beds, Fruit, Strawbemes ft-om Frost, Blight, Birds, &c., find as a Fence for Fowls, &c. One yai-d wide, lirf. ; 2 yards, 3rf. ; 3 yards, 4iti. ; and 4 yards, Cd. per yard, in auy quantity, may be had at Chas. Wkmht & Co.'a, William Street, Newark on-Trent (late 37fi, Str.ind, W.C). An allowance to Nurserymen. NETTING for FRUIT TKEES, SEKD BEDS, RIPE STRAWBKRttlES. &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the above from Frost, Blight. Birds, &c., 2 yards wide, 3d. per yard, or 100 yards, 20s. ; 4 vards wide, GJ. per yard, or 60 yards, 20s. N EW TANNED NETTING, suited for any of the ahove purposes, or as a Fence for Fowls, 2 y.irds wide, Brf. per yard; 4 yards wide, la. per yard ; J-i^ch mesh, 4 yards wide. Is. Gii. per yard.' Can be bad in auy quantity of Eaton &, Deller, G & 7. Crooked Lane, London Bridge, E.C. Preserve your Trees from Frost. TANNED NETTING for FRUIT TREES. COTTON NETTING and BUNTING, FRIGI DOMO, SCRIMS for GREENHOUSE BLINDS, &c. Samples and rrice List fVeo on application to BENJAMIN EDGIJSGTON, Tent and Rick Cloth Maber to the Queen and Prince of Wales. 2. Duke Street, Southwark. S. E. A large stock of NEW and REPAI RED N ETTING, ■ material for the protection of Fruit Trees, Strawben-y Beds, ic. MARQUEES and tENTS ofaUdimcj a Sale rHire. Address, Bexjamis Edginctox, (only), 2, Duko Street, London Bridge, S.E. No other Establishment. To the Trade and Gentlemen's Gardeners. 10 BE SOLD, Cheap, ONE MILLION GAUDEN acknowledgod to be tbo neatest, cheapest, and t and Tallies made. Retail of the principal Seedsmen and Fl^j Price Lists on applic For Grottos, Ornamental Rocljwork, Ferneries, Flower Stands, Sue. ■yTRGIN CORK on SALE, at 10,v. per cwt., by the 1SG7 Important to Gardeners. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION PRIZE MEDAL SATNOR ANT) C005E only, for excellence of quality in Matcri.M and V.'orkmanship in PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, VINE and PRUNING SCISSORS, &c. — the high •listinction thus awarded showing their superiority iver all other ccmpetitorj, having also previously carried" the PRIZE MEDALS of tie GREAT EXHIBITIONS of 1851, 1855, and 1S62. Can be bought of all Nurserymen and Seedsmeu in the world. Paston Works, Sheffield. Established 129 years. Corporate Mark, " obtain." None are genuine unless marked Satkos, also Obtain Warranted. Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNOR AND COOKE'S WARRANTED I'RIZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that you net them. Observe the mark SAYNOR, also the Corporate Mark, Odt.mn Warranted, without which none are genuine. S. & C. regret having to caution Gardeners and others, but are compelled to do so, in consequence of an imitation, of common quality, having been sold for the genuine one, and which has caused many complaints to be made to them of Knives which were not of their make, all of which are warranted both by Sellers and Makers. S. i C.'s PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are the best and the cheaoest in the market. Pftxton Works, Sheffield. Established upwards of i25 years. i:)OTTLE'S PA'lEiNT CUCUMBER BOXES are now 1- ready, and can be had of the London Agents :— Mr. James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea Mr. B. S. Williams, Victorii find Paradise Nurseries The London Sued Comi-anv, Limited, GS, Wolbeok Street Mr. Cdtbush St Son, Highgato Nurseries. Also of John Pottle, of Little Beatings, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Price 3«. (id. each, or £2 per dozen. Oil Paint no Longer Necessary. TMPROVED BLACK VARiNlSH.— For preserving Iron -X. and Wood Fencing, Gates, Farm Implements, &c. Sold in casks of about 30 gallons each at Is. 3d. per gallon, carriage paid to any railway station in England or Wales. A saiopla cask of 10 gallons forwarded (carnage paitation aje Hugh Culling Eardley £1 lOs. per share), free income Tax), will De piyaoie at tne uead OfHce, or at any of Branches, on and after Monday, the 17th inst. BALANCE-SHEET OF THE LONDON AND COUNTY BANKING COMPANr, Dec., To amount due by the Bank for customers' balances, &c 1 To liabilities on acceptances, covered by guarantees and securities . . : To profit and loss balance brought To gross profit for the half-year, after making piovision for bad and doubtful debts By cash placed at call and at e covered by securities By investments. Government an Other stocks and securities 13,985,310 0 11 £15,570,220 C 1 10,709,701 ly 4 By freehold premises in Lombard Street and Nicholas Lane, freehold and leasehold property at the branches, with fixtures and fittings , . . . 218,328 1 By interest paid to customers 37,346 1 By salaries and all other expenses at head office and branches, including Income Tax on profits and To expenses, ditto . £16,570,220 6 1 £37,316 19 7 To bonus of 3 per c To balance Cirried forward Sauce.— Lea & Perrins' WORCESTERSHIRE SAUC E.— This delicious Condiment, pronounced by Connoisseurs "THE ONLY GOOD SAUCE," is prepared solely by Lba & Pkrrins. The public are respectfully cautioned against worthless imitations, and should see that Lea & Pebrins' Names are on Wrapper, Label, Bottle and Stopper. ' " '" "" - • ^• Mes^ ' Sold Wholesale a ;ales! r ti Sons, London, &c., B' Headache, Gout, and Indigestion ; and the best mil-i aperient for delicate constitutions, especially adapted for LadieK, Children, Dr. De Jongh's ! ObD ' Bei LIGHT-BROWN C01> LIVER OIL, Invariably pure, palatable, and easily taken. Prescribed as the safest, speediest, and most effectual remedy for CONSUMPTION, CHRONIC BRONCHITIS, ASTHMA, COUGHS, AND DEBILITY OF ADULTS AND CHILDREN. Univers-ally recognised bv the highest Medical Authorities to be INCOMPARABLY SUPERIOR TO EVERY OTHER KIND. DR. EDWARD SMITH, F.RS., Medical Offi.cer to the Poor taw Board, in his woj-fc "Oh CoTummption" writes: — "We think it a great advantage that there is one kind of Cod Liver Oil which is rsally admitted to be genuine — the Light-Brown Oil supplied by Dr. De Jongh. DR. LANKESTER. F.R.3.. _. . _ observes:— " I deem tho Cod Liver Oil sold under Dr. de Jongh's guarantee to be preferable to any other kind as regards genuineness "^Imedicinal efficacy." for C-:ntral Middlesex, ANSAB, HARFORD, and CO., 77, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. a for bad and doubtful debts 226,973 4 1 ""•} Auditors. and hare found the s (Signed) William Norman) R. H. Sw London and County Bank, Jan. 30, 1S68. The foregoing Report having been read by the Secretary, the fol- lowing Resolutions were projwsed and unanimously adopted : — 1. That the Report be received and adopted, and printed for tho use of the Shareholders. 2. That a Dividend of 6 per cent., together with a Bonus of 3 per cent., both free of Income Tax, be declared for the half-year ending Dec. 31, lStJ7, payable on and after Mond,ay, the 17th inst., and that the balance of £7810 lOs. 2d. bo carried forward to profit and loss 3. That Htigh, Gulling Eardley Childers, Esq., M.R.'be re-elected a Director of titis Company; that Philip Patton Blyth, Esq., be re-elected a Director of this Company; that Edward William Terrsck Hamilton, Esq., M.P., be re-e'ected a Director of this Company. 4. That William Norman and Richard Hinds Swaine. Esqs., be electod Auditors for the cmTent year. 5. That Whitbred Tomson, i^., be elected an Auditor for the - t yea] lat t affrtirs of the Company. 7. That the thanks of this Meeting be presented to the Auditors of the Company for their services during tbe past year. 8. That the thanks of this Meeting be presented to William M'Kewan, Esq., to the Chief Inspector, to the Chief Accountant, to the Secretary, and to all the otner Officers of the Bank, for the zeal and ability with which tuey have discharged their respective duties. (Signed) W. Nicol, Chairman, The Chairman having quitted the chair, it was resolved and carried unanimously: 0. That the cordial thanks of this Meeting be presented to William Nicol, Esq., for his able and c (Signed) W. Champion Jone Extracted from the Minutes, F. Clajpison, Secretary. LONDON and COUNTV BANKING COMPANY.— Notice is Hereby Given, that a DIVIDEND on the Capital of tlie Companv, at the rate of Six per Cent., for the Half-year ending 31, 18G7, with a Bonus of Three per Cent., will be PAID to the . ..rietors, either at the Head Office, 21, Lombard Street, or at any of the Company's Brancb Banks, on and after Monday, the 17th inst. By order of the Board, W. M'Ki 21, Lombard Street, February 6; 1888. Febeuary 16, 1868.] THE GAP.DKNKRS' CTTRONTCL-R ANT) AGBTnTTLTtTTJAL HAZETTK. 171 r FOUL PLAY. -A NEW STORY By CHARLES READE and DION BOUCICAULT, is now being ]niblishecl in ONCE A WEEK. ONCE A WEEK is published every Wednesday Morning', price TWOPENCE. Th,: JJNUAltY Part of ONCE A WEEK is now ready, price NINEPENCE. OFFICE ; 11, BOirVTilRIE STREET, FLEET STREET, E.G. Third Edition, enlarged, post freo, 13 stamps, AHANDliOOK of VINE and FEUIT TREE CULTIVATION under GLASS, with carelUIIy prepared Lists of Fruits and Vix'. ( il.lc., and n.ms of Glasshouses, Hints for "ys. II. , ■ , . ' • ■ .a-.irth. IS :. ' I ,, Mall East, London, S.W. THE GAEIH N PANION, . with Soloct Lista ..: Uosary, Pinetvun, i^ .■ . H. . , liisirich. T H E BOOK IJv CriA In Two larpe Vols., roj.il sv, GARDEN. it.h ].l'>3 Eugraviiigs. ■] ■'.,■, I'Hiun of Gar- THE ORCHID GHOWEUS' MANUAL. By B. S. Williams. Tho third Edition of the above work, imicii enlarged— about 100 pages have beenadded—contniuing descriptions of upwards of approved Modes of 'JYe Practicftl IrisLnictioiis rolatiiiK to the General Culture of Ore and Remarks oil t!io neat. Moisture, Soil, Seasons of Growtl Rest best s Published and Sold by B. S. \Vi Nursery, Upper Holloway, Liaidon, I Victoria and Paradise HCANNKLL wishes to inform his Friends that his • FLORAL GUIDE for the present year is NOW READY. It contains a hirgo amount of valuable Information on Florists' Flowers, BcddioK Plants, &c., and cannot fail to be bighly appre- ABUNDANCE of GKAPE3.— The only way to grow the Grape Vine continually to perfection la tho Natural System. This method is confirmed by the highest authorities who have pur- Works on Botany, by Dr. Lindley. DESCRIPTIVE BOTANY: oit, The Art of Desoribino Plants correctly, in Scientific Language, for Self- Instructiou and the Use of School.s. Price Is. SCHOOL BOTANY ; or, The Rubements of Botanical Science. In One Volume, 8vo, half bound, with 400 Illustrations, price 6.S. Gd. Lately Published, THE ELEMENTS of BOTANY, Structural and Physio- logical. With a Glossary of Technical Terms. In One Volume 8to, cloth, with numerous Illustrations, price 12s. g^ The Glossary may be had separately, price 5ft. cloth THE VEGETABLE KINGDOM ; or, The Structure, Classification, ant "^ - - "- m--_..-._j », _ Natural System. In On wards of BOO Illustrations, Extract from the Acthor's Prkface. "The Vegetable Kingdom contams, among a large quantity ol plants of no Known importance to man, various useful species employed in medicine, the arts, or in the many branches of domestic ceconomy. The principal part of those which can be brought by teachers in Europe under the notice of students, or which, from their great Importance, desei-ve to be among the earliest subjects of study, are mentioned in the following pages, where thoy are arranged in the manner proposed in the 'Vegbtable Kingdom' of the author, with the sequence of matter departed from in a few instances, when it was believed that tho convenience of younger students would be consiilted by doing so. The author tnists"that this selection will be found to have been made in such a way that al 1 teachers who possess reasonably extensive means of illustrating their loctures, and all Botanic Gardens, may furnish the larger part of the species which are men- tioned. A small selection was indispensable: firstly, because a greater work would have been beyond the reach of the majority of purchasers ; and secondly, because experience .shows us that those who have to study a science of observation, such as Botany, require to concentrate thoir attention, in tho first instance, upon a limited number of objects." Bradupky, Evans, & Co,, II, Bouverie Street, E.G. New Agricultural Journal. Price iff., Stamped, 5d. THE CHAirBLU of AGIUCULTURB," a Monthly Journal of Intercoinmunicatlon between the Chambers of AgricuUuro in Orer.t Britain. No. 1, for February, Reports the Proceedings ot upwrtnls fif L'l: C hanibers. May b* had through Messrs. Hall & Ph^teh, 16. Bear Alley, Farringdon Street, B.C. Imperial 4to, Copiously Illustrated, pnco jEl Is., FARM BUILDINGS: a Digest of the Principles recognised in the Construction and Arrangement of Farm Buildings, published separate from the "Farm Homesteads of England." By J. Bailey Denton, and A. Bailet Denton, Jun. LABOURERS' COTTAGES. By the Same. WORKING DRAWINGS and SPECIFICATIONS, in Sets for Selection, ^ Three Guineas per Set. 22, Whitehall Place, London, S.W. New and Cheaper Edition. rith 10 Surgical and Anatomical Plates In a thick Volu al Woodcut3, price 183. cloth, BLAINE'S VETERINARY ART : a Treatise on the Anatomy, Physiology, and Curative Treatment of the Diseases of the HORSE, and (subordinately) of those of NEAT CATTLE and SHEEP Seventh Edition, revised throughout, and considerably enlarged by tho addition of much valuable matter, especially of -o practical nature. By Charles Steel, M.R.C.V.b.L., Veterinary Surgeon to the 12th Royal Lancers. London: Longmans & Co.; Simpkin & Co • Hamiltov & Co : WHrr—"-" >• '^ - " ■- y^,. ^ . ■,. _ ~ JOHN GIBSON, Jun., hogs to announce that he is prepared to Furnish PLANS and ESTIMATES for LAYING OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other Residences, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Gibson, jim., Surrey Lane, Battersen, S.W. ESTATE IMPROVER. — Noblemen and Gentlemen contemplating: Alterations, Reclaiming Waste Lands, Planting fur UseHil ami <_)Miamt;ntal Ett'uct, Laying-out Parks by Contract, or othorwiyo requiring Snrvoys, Plans, and Estimates for Agricultunil and IIorticulLnral Iniprovumcnts, Making Lakes, Roads, Drainage, &c., can have the aid ot the Advertiser as AGKNT or GENERAL MANAGER for such improvements in any pait of England or Ireland. Many works, now completed by him in all parts of the WANTED to PURCHASE, 15 or 20 SMALL or BANTAM HENS, suitable for Rearing Pheasants. Apply, with particulars of price and breed, to A. B., Post Office, Ticeburst, Hurst Green. Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING FOWLS, of purest breed, in any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and moat productive breed known. Improved NORFOLK TURKEYS, large, hardy, and good breeders. AYLESBURY and ROUEN DUCKS. Imported BELGIAN HARE RABBITS, for size and early maturity. BRAHMA-POUTRA. CREVECCEUR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, for constant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on application. John Bajlt i Son, 113. Mount Street, London, W. WANTED, a SMALL NURSERY, in the neighbour- hood of London (5 to G miles from Covent Garden). — AddresSj stating full particulars, A. B., Bridge Hotel, Edinburgh. A Good Living for any Industrious Couple. TO BE SOLD, a HEKBALIM', SKKD, and I'XORTST SHOP, with Forcing and Greenhouses attached. Established 20 years. Sudden death of Proprietor the sole cause of disposal. 127, Goldsmith's Row, Hackney Road, N.E. WorcestersMre— In tlie Vale of Evesham. To Market Gardeners and Otqers. TO BE SOLD, with possession, or LET, about 63 Acres of RICH LAND, in good cultivation, well stocked with Fruit Trees ; a portion planted with Hops, Asparagus, and Rhubarb. TO BE DISPOSED OF, on advantac^ooua terms, and maybe entered upon immediately, an OLD ESTABLISHED NURSERY, eligibly situated, adjoining a largo and important town, suiTOunrted by an excellent neighbourhood, and having every liacllity for carrying on an extensive business.— Address, G. H., Ml". Cooper, Seed Merchant, 152, Fleet Street, LondOD, E.C. Pleasure Farm. TO BE LET, with possession the end of March, within an hour and a half from London, a FARM of either 130 or 230 ACRES of ARABLE and PASTURE LAND, with a vory good FARM RESIDENCE, To any Gentleman or Tradesman desirous of the healthv occupation of Farming, this Estate oITei-s many advantaces. The Hl'Uso is within two miles of two Stations on the South-Western Line. Address A. B., at Messi-s. Layton's, 160, Fleet Street, London, E.C, To Gardeners. TO BE LET, with immediate possession, in a good Market Town, and with direct communication with London, a recently erected RANGE of ORCHARD and CUCUMBER HOUSES, VINERY. PINE STOVES, and SUCCESSION PITS. The whole Heated with Hot Water. The above Houses are tho- roughly stocked with thriving Young Trees of the choicest selections ofFruifc in full bearing, and the Succes.sion Pits full of the finest Pines in bearing. For further particulai-s apply td Messrs. Davis & Palmer, Mar- ket Place, Newbury, Berks. Salce 5g Auction* To Noblemen, Gentlemen, Florists, Nurserymen, and Others. TM. FISHER AND SONS have been instructed by • the Executors of the late P. W, Hammond, Es^., to .SELL by Well-got Hay, Garden Engine, Plant Trainers, Cucumber Fiu,,„ca, Well-buillt Greenhouse and Plant Stove. Sleam Boilers for Green- houses, Propagating Frames, Garde;i Chairs, Ditto Vases, Iron Hurdles and Fencing, Green's Patent 2Mnch Mowing Machine, Trellis Work ; Several Hundred Feet of Wrought and Cast-iron Steam Pining, with brass taps and valves; Iron Cisterns, Lead Piping, Plant Stands. Boarding and Railing, Garden and Seakalo Pots, Guillotines, Barrows, Ladders, and other effects. The Ferns ~ ~ well worthy of attention, having been selected with great care ;s, or from tho Auctioneers, IC, Tib Lane, behind the Bank of England, Manchester. N.B. If not convenient for purchasers to remove them at < the Plants may remain for one month after the sale without expensi during which time the s willbe taken of them as heretofore M Mllcote, near Stratford-on-Avon. IMPORTANT SALE OF SHORTHORNED CATTLE. R. STRAFFORD has received instructions from J. C. Adkins,_ Esq., to announce for S.iVLE by AUCTION, which have been used Bulls of the favourite " Princess '* and M ESSRS. AIORRIS AND SON are instructed by the Trustees un.lor a li,!,-^d <.\ .X.fsUiiniunt l..]- tho Bonent of ■ ' ' ■■'■■r- ■■■ I I. ■ . , . , Tri:^-;i)AY, Credi February' 2o, !u each day. the > HOUSES, lul and other Eli' with Pits in t 3-Light ditto s. The pots; 6001'oicbos and N\r'u;i,.s, i, :,,,■.. iissortmciit of Standard Apples, Pears, Plums Damsons, cherries, &c. ; 3000 Standard Robob, GOO ditto In pots; a largo collection of Conifers, Araucariaa : 1000 various Yews, from 2 to 5 feet high ; Magnolias, FuchHlaa : about 1000 Ooraninms, includingall the now varieties : EVERGREENS of every description; 1000 Wollingtonla gigantea, Codrus Deodara ; 200 Auriculas, in pots : Plcotees and Caraations, Pampas Gross ana other miscellanies: tho whole of which will be on view the' day preceding tho Sale, and will be allotted to suit the convenience of Purchasers. Catalogues may bo had one week previous to the Sale, at the Auctioneers' Upholstery Warerooms, 22, Milsom Street ; and of Messrs. Little & Little. Solicitors. 11. Bladud Buildings. Bath. To Ge: NUR Clapham. MESSRS. PROTHEROE and MORRIS are instructed by Mr. James Over to SELL by AUCTION, on the FremiRes, tho Nursery, opposite the Bowyer Hotel, Manor Street, Clapham, S., TUESDAY, Fet'ruary^2.5. at ll_.for_12 o'Clock precisely, tha Portugal Laurels, whole of the viluable NURSERY STOCK, consisting oi Evergre'eu', Conifer:e, and Deciduous Shrubs, which comprise Aucubas, 1 to '" " *" ' leet; Eiionymus, borealis. with a hoe Dw.arf Rose Dwarf, and Pyr; Shop,' High Street, Clapham, S. ; a and SEED BUSINESS, the Collcctmn of Stove, Gieenhoi Bedding Plants, with the Greenhouses, Pits, and other effects', will be offered in May next by Public Auction, if not previously sold by private contract. Annual Sale of Very Handsome English Grown Camellias. MESSRS. PROTHEROE" AND MORRIS will SELL by . AUCTION, at 38 and 39, Gracechurch Street, City, E.G., on THURSDAY, February 27, at 1 o'Clock precisely, about 20n Choice rOUBLE CAMELLIAS, be.autiful compact Pl-.iit^ ft-M^, i to i fcbt, abundantly furnished with bloom buds; tii.i.' \/ \W' \ l\hl':A; a suberb assortment of about 300 Standni i ' ■ iiil»inE ROSES, including M.arfchal Niel and all f ■ 'h w : a rich assortment of AMEIUCAN PLANTS ; .,. ;, , i;.. hs of LILIUM AURATUM, Lancifolium, Rubiuiu ..ud A,l,au., and others; ERICAS, &c May be viewed the Morning of Sale. Catalogues had at tho Rooms as above ; and of the Auotionecrs and Valuers. Leytonstone. High Beech. Essex. ' ESSRS. PROTHEKOE and MORRIS will SELL by AUCTION on the Premises, Tho Nursery, opposite tho jKsOak, High Beech, on MONDAY, March 2, at II for 12 o'Clock icisoly, the whole of the valuable NURSERY STOCK, comprising I Conifeno and Deciduous Shrubs, splendid specimens of M radicans, 500 Lycopodiums and Ferns, 500 Fuchsic themums, &c. On view until the Sale ; Catalogues may be had on the Pre; or of the Auctioneers and Valuers, Leytonstone, N.E. Consignment of Plants from Norfolk. MR. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at hiR Hreat nnnms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, on M'>-NI>.\V. I-'eiini:irv 17. at half-past 12 o'Clock precisely, choice CAUN A I h .\s, 11', >TEES and PINKS, VIOLETS, AURICULAS, BEDlil-N'; .-^t! I liKKHACEOUS PLANTS. HARDY CONIFERS \1< TREES and SHRUBS, ROSES, BULBS for Spring I'l; J Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Consignment of Plants and Bulbs from Holland. TV/TR. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at his Groat Rooi WEDNESDAY, Febru . CONSIGNMENT of P Standard, Dwarf, Weei' Standard, and Pyi". consisting of Dwarf- trained, iriegated, and and Shrubs, Hollies, Conifers, and a variety of iPu Cm-rant Trees, Raspberry Canes. A large quantity of choice Gladioli for Spring Planting. Rustic Seats, Stools, Vases, p the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Consignment of Plants from Ghent. VfR J. C. STEVfc,NS will SELL by AUCTION at IVX his Great Rooms, 38. King Street, Covent Garden, W C , on SATURDAY, February -^2, at Tialf-past 12 o'clock precisely, 20u CAMELLIAS, 250 AZALEAS, 300 RHODODENDRONS. 2U0 P^:0N1ES, 25 ABIES PINSAPO, 200 ABIES CANADENSIS, 200 PYRAMID PEARS. 400 STANDARD ROSES, Choice GLA- DIOLI, &c. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Imported Orchids." MR. J. C. STEVENS ^vill SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Y - TUESDAY, Febru IMPORTED ORCHIDS, in fine CATTLEYA SUPERBA ^of- Dendrobium Gnttlthianum Aerides roseuni PlelOQo Walhchi, &c., ftc. plants, from MR. J. C. SIEVLX- and Valuer, of begs to announce that Ii Messrs. Youell & Co. () members of the Finn, by AUCTION, on tli Yarmouth, on MOND.V past II o'clock prt .iL'RAL Auctioneer 'ivent Garden, I.K)ndon), 1 with instructions from lio Death of one of tho Partnership), to SELL ' ' ut the least i I ['V PLANTS of this'cele- riL.li.ihed upwards of halt j Piceos, Abiea, century), consisting of WoUingtoi _ Yews, Cryptomerias, Arbor-vitao, Variegated and Green Hollies^ Common and Portugal Laurels, Aucubas, Tritonaa'', Tree Box. Evergreen Oaks, P' * ' ' " ' '^ " " -.. . i — Tialned Fruit Tn Berbens, C Skinner i-as, Gooseberry I {price Is. each) on tlio I'lemisi Street, Covent Garden. Londoi N.B.— The Secmd Sale, c'ns 15, Thorns, Deutzias, Ivies. , Raspberry canes. Currant and ' , Phlox, Violets, Prim- i. and of Mr. J. C. ; , W.C. sting of several thousand pairs of the Yellow, and Tree CamatlODg, Tho th be SOLD m London in March listing of the remaining sto< , will bo SOLD ; Street, CoTcnt ice Gladioli. wUl icludlng portion. Garden Implements, kc. 172 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Pebbuaey 15, 18CS. PAULS' " OLD " CHESHUNT NURSERIES aiul SEED WAREHOUSE, CIIESHUNT, N. PAUL & SON WILL BE HAPPY TO FOKWARD THEIE NEW LIST of KITCHEN and FLOWER GARDEN SEEDS and GLADIOLI. The List recnmmonJs, amongst other novelties— Pauls' superb CRIMSON BEET, Pauls' hardy BROAD- LEAVED ENDIVE, EARLY HERTFORDSHIRE CAULIFLOWER, SUB-TROPICAL and SPRING GARDEN- ING PLANTS, specially selected ASTERS, STOCKS, HOLLYHOCKS, &e. Their Collection of GLADIOLI at the Crystal Palace Show was considered to contain the moat varied and choicest varieties. PRICED LISTS Free by Post. PAUL'S NURSERIES, WALTHAM CROSS, LONDON, N. WILLIAM PAUL BEGS TO OlTEIl THE FOLLOWING CHOICE VEGETABLE AND ELOWER SEEDS. Kg. 1. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Largo Garden, Cue Year's Supply, £3 3s. No. 2. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Smaller Garden, One Year's Supply, £2 2s. No. 3. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Small Garden, One Year's Supply, £1 Is. SMALLER COLLECTIONS, 15s., 10s. 6cl. COTTAGER'S COLLECTIONS, for distribution, of the most serviceable seeds, 5s. PAUL'S SUPERB CRIMSON BEET, per ounce, I3. WALTHAM BRUSSELS SPROUTS, per packet. Is. WALTHAM MARKET CABBAGE, per packet. Is. HILL'S DWARF CAULIFLOWER, very .superior, per packet. SUPERB DWARF HERTFORDSHIRE CAULIFLOWER, pel packet, Is. PAUL'S IMPROVED TELEGRAPH CUCUMBER, per packet, Z». HILL'S BROWN COS LETTUCE, per p.acket. Is. Cd. BKOCKETT HALL COS LETTUCE, per packet. Is. FLOWER SEEDS. No. 1. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Large Gardens, £2 2s. No. 2. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Smaller Garden, £1 Is. No. 3. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS- for Small Garden, 10s. SJ. COLLECTIONS of GERMAN SEEDS, In sealed packets as imported, from the most reliable sources. ASTERS I STOCKS 1 BALSAMS | LARKSPURS | ZINNIAS, lie. CHOICE GREENHOUSE and FLORIST FLO'WERS, Most Select Strains. PRIMULA SINE.VSIS | CINERARIA | CALCEOLARIA | PHLOX | PANSY | HOLLYHOCK, RAYNBIRD, CALDECOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, iNB COMPANY (Limited)^, Con», See] for Wheat; 1862, for " Excellent Seed Com and Seeds." Prize Medals, 1851, Eltcheii Garden Seeds. SEEDS OF FLOWERS, SHRUBS, And Ornamental Fruited and Foliaged Plants. BULBOUS AUD TUBEROUS ROOTS AND PLANTS For Spring and Summer Planting. HOOPER AND CO.'S GENERAL CATALOGUE for 1868, compiising a Tei7 large and varied assortment of the above sutijects, with descriptions and prices, is now publishing. It will be forwarded gratis to their customers, and to intending purchasers. Publishing price. Sixpence. Hooper & Co., Seed Merchants, &c., Covent Garden, London, W.C. For full particulars, see SEED CATALOGUE, just published, free by post on application. I^" All Seeds Carriage Free, excepting very Small Parcels. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE (No. 122) for 1868, READY NEXT WEEE, WILL BE SENT POST FREE TO ALL HIS CUSTOMERS. ROYAL GHENT NURSERY, BELGIUM. Seed Catalogue for 1868. JOHN AND CHARLES LEE will be happy to forward their DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of AGRICULTURAL, VEGETABLE, and FLOWER SEEDS, post free on application. Royal Vineyard Nui-sery & Seed Establishment, Ilammeremith, W. Suttons' Home-grown Seeds. Carriaeo Free. J^J^;3&nL "^^^ ''"'? Fr\zQ Medal 5 per cent.^ allowed for V^KgQ© ^'^r Engli.sh Garden Seeds, SUTTONS' COMPLKTK COLLECTION'S of SEEDS for One Year's Supply. FOR THE KITCHEN GARDEN. No. 1 COLLECTION, carriage free £3 3 0 No. 2 COLLECTION, carriage free 2 2 0 No. 3 COLLECTION, carriage free 1 11 0 No. 4 COLLECTION, carriage free 110 No. 5 COLLECTION, carriage free 0 16 0 No. 6 COLLECTION 0 12 0 FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. No. 1 COLLECTION, free by post or rail iE2 2 0 No. 2 COLLECTION, free by post or rail 1 11 (1 No. 3 COLLECTION, free by post or rail 110 No. 4 COLLECTION, free by post or rail 0 15 0 No. 6 COLLECTION, free by post or raU 0 10 0 Particulars of the above Collections may be had on applicatioD. PRICED CATALOGUES gratis and post free. SorroN & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. New Seeds.— Superior Stock. JAMES WHOMES, Royal Pelargonium Nursery Windsor, begs to ofler the following Complete Assortment of Choice VEGETABLE SEED for ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY:— No. 1. The WINDSOR COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for a Large Garden £3 0 1 No. 2. The WINDSOR do. do. for Smaller Gai-den .. 2 0 i No. 3. The WINDSOR do. do. for Small Garden .. 1 u i No. 4. The WINDSOR do. do. for Small Garden .. 0 1.5 I No. ;',. The WINDSOR do. do. for Cottager's Garden .. 0 10 I No. 0. The WORKING MAN'S PARCEL ol VEGETABLE SEEDS for the Working Man's Garden .. .. 0 0 ( FLOWER SEEDS. No. I. The WINDSOR COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDSfjr Large Gardens 2 0 1 No. 2. The WINDSOR do. do. for Smaller Garden ..101 No. 3. The WINDSOR do. do. for Small Garden . . 0 10 I No. 4. The WINDSOR do. do. for Cottager's Garden . . 0 5 i No. 5 COLLECTION. 18 best showy ROSES . - ~ . AMARYLLIDS, of all descriptions, norelties; LILIES, large collection ; the newest GLADIOLI; lately imported Blue and Tricolor TROP^OLUMS ; large stock of all the CALADIUMS, &c., &c., are to be found at the end of LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICE LIST, No. 122. Also, a SUPPLEMENT TO HIS FRUIT TREE LIST, No. 121, Containing the NEWEST CONTINENTAL PEAR TREES. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICED LIST, No. 121, Contains AZALEA INDICA, CAMELLIAS, hardy RHODODENDRONS, hardy GHENT AZALEAS, strong MAGNOLIA LENNE, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SSRUBS, CONIFERS, ROSES (large stock), PERENNIALS (the best ones), &&. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PACKAGES are delivered Free from Ghent to the following Towns ;— Goole, Grimsby, Harwich, Leith, Liverpool, London, Middlesbro-on-Tees, and Newcastle-on-Tyne ; but, per contra, os. are charged 'in account for each case, basket, or h.aniper of a usual size. From the above named Towns to the final destinations, the re-e^edition is made by special Agents at the cheapest rate and by the shortest route. Parcels are also sent free over London (at the hereafter specified rates), to all parts of Great Britain, by the care of L. V. H.'s special Agenta without any other additional expenses than those of the usual Railway charges. All goods I GOODS SENT FREE TO LONDON, packed as cheaply as possible, and forwarded at the following rates from Ghent to London : 1 C»se weighing from 1 to 4 lb. 2s. 2s. 6d. 11 1 Case weighing from 26 to 30 lb. 3s. 6s. 31 „ 50 51 „ 100 Matted Biiskets and Bundles, each, 5s. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE undertakes to forward all packages at the above scale of charges. It has hitherto ibeen his custom to charge the uniform rate of 5j. per package, but this he finds unjust : small parcels being therev overcharged. The advantage of the above system for the buyer will readily be perceived. For example, a party ordering (in yroper season) 50 Hyacinths, weighing nearly 101b., can now receive these bulbs free in London for 2s. 6rf. ; 100 fly.^cinths, weighing 201b., for 3s. ; 200 Hyacinths, weighing 401b., for 4s., and so on. Another example : — A basket containing 50 Camellias, or the same number of Indian Azaleas, of usual size, will ibe delivered free in London for 5s. Imported sealed pactet. Choice ASTERS, STOCKS, PHLOXES B.VLSAMS, &c.. In original packets, for Is. M. to 5s. GOULDING CELBBATED HORTICULTURAL MANURE. All Seeda carriage free. Flye per cent, discount. Six months account Seed Establishment, Windsor ; Nursery, Sunning Hill. New Seeds of Superior Stocks. FRANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSON and SON.S " The Old Established " Seed Warehouse, 106, Eaatgate Street Chester. s most Select charactei', each being saved L Post Free, except heavy articles, such as Sweet Genuine Seeds of Superior Stocks. SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN. FRANCIS AND ARTHUJl DICKSON and SONS, "The Old Established" Seed Warehouse. lOG, Eastgate Streit, and The " Upton" Nurseries, Chester. COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS for ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY :— No. 1.— £3 3 0 I No. 3.— £1 11 0 I No. 5.— £0 12 0 No. 2.— £2 2 0 I No. 4.— £1 10 | No. 6.— £5 5 0 COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE CONTINENTAL and ENGLISH FLOWER SEEDS:— No. l.-£2 2 0 I No. 3._£1 1 0 I „.,_,„. „,, No. 2.-£110 0 I No. 4.-£0 15 G | flo. .^.-lOs. Od. Also Smaller Collections, from 5s. to 7s. Cd., Free by Post. CATALOGUE of NEW and SELECT VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, &c., lor 18(18, with practical Cultural Directions, will be sent Post Free upon application. ■ ' "-'-- --— -" --■ ely Seeds Free by Post o FARM SEEDS.— These they also^_ supply, ^ the finest qualit ' ™ — ... r every kind and of THE NE'W BLTJE-PODDED RUNNER BEAN is figured in the first double number of Volume XVII. of LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S •double number is now ready. ' FLORA." This . TO J''t,^^'^ BLUE-PODDED RUNNER BEAN has very palatable pods. See LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S SEED LIST (No. 122), page 36, No. ill, Beurre bleu. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S SEEDS are delivered FREE (any weight), at MESSRS. R. SILBERRAD and SON'S OFFICE, 5, HARP LANE, LONDON, And from there, by Parcels Delivery Comi-any, to any part of Great Britain. E.G., SEEDS Ibr Permanent Turf as w , . . . superior, and made up for every description of Soil and Cfimate. Tbelr TURNIP SEEDS, MANGEL WURZELS, CARROTS, and other Root Crop Seeds, are ench grown with scrupulous ou-e from the Finest Stocks known of their respective kinds. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE Post Free on application. Orders amounting to £2 value (Grain, Ac, excepted), will bo delivered Carriage Free at the principal Railway Stations in the Kingdom. Special Estimates for very large quantities. lid be addressed to '■ The Editor. ' ; of Whitefriars. City of London, ii & Co., Lombard 8 . . , Co. oi Middlesix, and Published by the said James Matths Olflce.No. 41,T " " . Paul's, Covent Garden, THE GARDEN EliS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 8.— 1868.] A N'ewspaper of Rural Economy and General News* SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22. (Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, CuL Agricultuial statistic Cnttlff. pasturing lOOn "■ "' .nnKomctit of .... 187 f Cottage plans" '.'.".'.".".V.r. '.'.''.'.'. Iii2 6 Droinintt, theory of 19J A Exhibitions, district matches Land, earl; working of 192 6 Lycaste Skinueri.flne, "" - Market* 18s i Mistletoonthe Oak Oat«, Shirrtfffou Osage Orange Otiorhynclii Oysters, Tegctable .Scottish ..190 (>-lU2 ) Potato culture.. Poultry IIM i Reservoirs, bottoms of, . Society, Moyal Caledonian . , ISJ ( — Royal Horticultuml. 181 6—133 f: — Entomological 163 i — Hamiltoa Horticultural 181 < — Chemico-Agr To the Trade. GRAPE VINES for Fruiting and Planting, including BLACK HAMBURGH and all the loading varletioa. LIST of sorts and prices on application to Wu. Wood & Son. MaresQeld. Uckfleld, Susaeg. Vines. BS. WILLIAltS has now on hand a veiy large and • fine stock of FRDITINQ and PLANTI NG CANES Of all the bost varieties. An ioBpection l3 invited. Victoria and Paradiso Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London, N. V Fruit Trees and Vines. JAMES DICKSON anu SONS huve a very large and excellent Stock of these. PRICED LISTS on application. " Newton" Nursenes, Ctiester. Persons unshirtif to send the Gardeners' Ciikonii by Post, should order the Stamped Edition. The FIRST SPRING SHOW itill he teli' on SATURDAY, March 14. Band at 3 o'clock. Tickets (bought prior to the dav)— Fellows' Friends. 2s. Od. : Publ - - ■ ■ .... ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S GARDENS, REGENTS PARK.-EXIIIUITION of SPRING FLOWERS, dallv, MARCH 21 to 28. PLANTS. FLOWERS, FROIT, M.\Y 27 and' 28 JUNE 17 and 18, JULY 1 and 2. AMERICAN PLANTS, daily, JUNE 1 to 13. Tickets are now being issued, and ciin be obtained at the Gardens, by Orders from Fellows of the Society. CLAY CROSS FLORAL and HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, AUGUST 11, 18C8. Prizes of f25, £16, and iElO aro offered for a COLLECTION of 20 PLANTS— 8 S:ove or Greenhouse Plants in bloom, 6 flue or Variegated Foltaged Plants, and 6 Exotic Ferns. J. Stollabd, Secretary, Clay Cross, Chesterfleld. GLADIOLUS BKENCHLEYENSIS, very fine roots.- Price to the Trade on application to J.LUE3 Carter k Co., 237 and 238, High Holbom, London, W.C. DOUBLE ITALIAN TUBEROSES, fine sound roots.— Price to the Trade on application to Jakes Carter i Co., 237 and 238, High Holbom. London, W.C. AHLIA PO'TROOTS.— A great varieU-,^t 6j7per dozen, including FANNY STURT, BULLION, So. Geo. Rawlinos, Romford, Essex, E. T" HE most beautifuriSTERYrown is TRUFFANT'S REINE.MARQUERITE, direct from tbo Continent. Five ND, Bedwin Street, Saflsbury. RHODODENDRON PONTICUM STOCKS iu any quantity, fit for immediate Working. MANETTI ROSE STOCKS; FINDS INSIGNI.S, 1-yr Seedlinga. Tbouab Ckipps & Son, Nurserymen, Tunbridge Wells, Kare and Beautiful Columbines. JOHN GRIGOR and CO., Nurseries, Forrea. be? to offer vigoroua flowering plants of AQUILEOIA GLANDULOSA, at 12s. per dozen. VERBENAS.— Purple, White, Scarlet, and Pink. Strong plants, -with plenty of Cuttings, 3j. per dozen ; small do., at &s. per 100, or £2 10s. per 1000, pacbage^included. Terms Pen , Nursery, BoxJey Heath, Kent, S.E. C CALCEOLARIAS (Herbaceous), of choice strain.— Fine J plants, 1q 4-lnch pots, G5. per dozen, or 60 for 209. ; extia large, Id 6-inch pots, 9i. per dozen, H. & R. STIBZAK.EB. Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. ~ Genuine Garden Seeds. M, CUTBTJSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above Is now ready. Post free on application. Highgate Nurseries, London, N. Orchard-liouse Trees Fruiting in Pots. PEACHES, NECTARINES, APRICOTS, CHERRIES, PLUMS, PEARS. APPLES. VINES, and FIGS. Richard Smith. Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. Fine Standard Trained Peaches and Nectarines. JOHN FKASER, The Nurseries, Lea Bridge Road, London, N.E., bogs to offer a quantity of extra sized, fine healthy, handsome, well trained Trees of the above. Price and LIST of the sorts on application. F" IVE HUNDRED pot PEACHliSTnd NECTARINES well set with bloom-buds, 2000 FRUITING VINES, 1000 MORELLO CHERRIES, Dwarf Trained; 1000 PEACHES and NECTARINES, Dwarf and Standard. Prices very moderate. H. Mek, Prescot Nursery, Liverpool. PYRAMIDAL FRUIT TREES. Extra size magnificent Trees, well branched. Apply to Stxpuem Bhoww, Nurseryman, Sudbury, Suffolk. P~Y it A "mFD A'L apples "an"d^~P E"A iFS, by the dozen or hundred. Standard MEDLARS, THUJA AURE.\, well-grown and haudsoiue. Address, Wm. Wood &SoH, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfield. near Uckfleld, Sussex. Fruit the First Season.— Pyramidal Pear Trees, ON THK gt'INCE SlOllK. FULL OY FkLIT Bll.9. WM. WOOD AND SON have a remarkably tine stock of the above, first and second size. Some are extra large Treea.— Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Sussex. w EBB'S PRIZE COB FILBERTS, and other PRIZE COB NUTS and FILBERTS. LIST of these varieties from Mr. Wbdb. Calcot, Reading. DEUTZIA GRACILIS, for immediate Forcing, by the dozen, 100, or 1000. Wu. Wood & Son, Maresfleld, near Uckfiold. Sussex. SPECIMEN FERN.— For SALE, a splendid Plant of CIBOTIUM PRINCEPS, 5 feet across, with 8 fronds, last 3 feet 3 inches long, price ISs, JoBK MoESE, Nurseryman, Dursley, Gloucestershire. AWN TREES.— A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE J of a select few of the above, free per post on application. Tuos. Rivers & Soh, Nurseries, Sawbridgeworth. SCOTCH FIR SEED. —Samples and prices of genuine 3 True NATIVE SCOTCH FIR SEED can be had on application ) GuNN & PeTBiE, NursorjTnen and Seedsmen, InvemeBs. SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND strong, well-grown LARCH, 3 feet high and over, lls.&d. per 1000, cash price. Apply to W. Tresedkr, Nurseryman, Cardiff. ANTED, Strong Transplanted LARCH, \\ to 2 feet, and 2 to 2i feet. State quantity to offer, with lowostprice, to Fbakcis & Arthur Dickson & Sons, "Upton" Nurseries, Chester. w To the Trade. LARCH. — A few hundred thousands small 2-year Seedlings, cheap. Samples and price on application. " " , Nurserymen and Seed Merchants, Kirk- FIELD BROTHKRS, Tarvin Road Nursery, Chester, beg to offer 100,000 strong, well grown, 4-vr. Transplanted THORN QUICKS; also strong plants of the old MOSS ROSE, on ' " ■ own roots, at 21s. per 100. Price of the Thorns on application. W s Seeds of Flist Quality. TEPHEN BROWN'S NEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with Illustrations, sent free on application. Stbphem Browh, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Suffolk. Wholesale Catalogue. GEORGE JACKMAN a.vd SON'S PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of HARDY NURSERY STOCK for 1867 and SPRING, 18G8, can be had free on application. Woking Nursery, Surrey. 1868. New Roses of Spring, 1868. -N E W ROSE STANDARD MARECHAL KIEL ROSES also DWARFS. Wy. Wood A Son, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Sussex. Y^ New Rosea for 1868. M. WOOD AND SON have fine strong plants to ofler of 44 varieties of the very best NEW ROSES of the , DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES will shortly be ready. Woodlanda Nursery, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld, Sussex. New Roses for 1868. JOHN FRASER, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries, London, N.E., begs to offer floe healthy plants of the best NEW ROSES lor 1868. A DESCRIPrlVE LIST may be had on application. SDTTONS' HOME-GROWN FARM SEEDS. PRESENT PRICES. See page 104 of this week's OartUners' CItronicU. Notice. PURCHASERS of LARGK QUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEEDS will bo supplied liberally by SorcoN & Sons. For prices apply (stating quantity required) to ScTTOy A Sons. Koyal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. oi v:tivaoi5 ocriU.Ti, i-rttviO(^i^Uj, was awaraoQ to 1 Carter & Co., 237 and 238. High Holbom, London. W.C. THE ONLY PRIZE MEUAL for GARDEN SKEDS, INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON. 1862. 1V.-U awarded t* Ja; Carter & Co., 237 and S3.^, High Holbom, London, W.C. V ER Y REQUISITE EVERY GARDEN kept In Stock i Caiiter's New Seed Warehouse, 237 & 238, High Holbom, Loudon. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. JAMES CARTER and CO., SEBn Farmers, Mercuants, and Ni-rsertmen, _ 237 i 23i, High Ilolbuni, London, W.C. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. JAMES FAIRIIEAD anu SON, Seeu Uuoweks and Mehcqants, 7, Borough M.^rket, and Braintroe, Essex. New and Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. /^ LFRED LEGEIfl'ON, Seed Merchant, 5, Aldgate, . ,. Ti r ,.,_._.- .- .... offers on applic ^t, and of the Jr\. Loudon, E. Special prices and adv.antag( tion. All Seeds sent out from this Establishment a best quality JAMES CRAW FO RD7 HigirBeechTEsseiTin offering his whole NURSERY STOCK for COMPETITION, begs to solicit Inspection of his flrst-rate RHODODE.SDRONS and AZALEAS. They are well known to be very superior, both in slzo and quality. SOLD by PROTHEROE t M0RR1.S, MARCH 2, 1868. W"" ANTED, ONE or TWO DOZEN large SPECIMEN PLANTS, flt to show the flrst week in March. _ State price, Ac. to Reeves Bros., High Street, Netting Hill, W, , Seedsi quantity. - Iradford, Yo THE LONG-STANDER LETTUCE.— Fine, crisp, and excellent, stands longer without running than any Lettuoe eitant. Packets, Is. each. Price to the Trade on application. Stephen Brown, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Suffolk. BUTTONS' POTATOS for PLANTING, O Carriage Free. • OTATOS for the EARLY CROP. (OTATOS for the MAIN C R 0"P^ M^ Apply to W. Lowe, Sleaford. S^ SEED POTATOS.— Mvatt's Prolific, Early Oxford, Preston Early, Skerry Blue, Pink Kemp, and Flukes. James Hkddabt, Farrlngdon Hall Nurseries, Preston, Lancashire. QEED POTATOS.— Paterson's Victoria, Regent, and O Blue. Webb's Imperial Fluke, &c. Price on application to Henhy Misohin, The Nurseries, Hook Norton, Oxon. GOOD SEED POTATOS for SALE.— Myatt'3 Prolific, Ashleaf, Regents, Flukes and Kidneys, grown on new reclaimed light land, W. AiTCHisoM, Abinger Hall, Dorking. Surrey. A Clearance of Nursery Stock. REDUCED PRICE LIST of FOREST TREES, &o will be forwarded on apollcation to J. RiDnELL, Steward, Park Attwood, Ijewdloy, Worcestershire. FOR HEDGES.— AMERICAN ARBOR-VIT^, 4 to 6 feet, at 60s. per 100 ; 5 to 6 feet, 84s. per 100 ; 6 to 7 feet, 100s. per 100. I EN THOUSAND LAURUSTINUS, well grown, bushv, and handsome. Wy. Wood & Son, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Susser. THIRTY THOUSAND AMERICAN ARBOR-VITiE, from 3 to 6 feet, verv suitable for Hedges. Wb. Wood & So5, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, near.Uckflold, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND fine Transplanted COMMON LAURELS, from l\ to 3 feet. Wm. Wood k Sow, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld, Sussex. ^ Choice Specimen Coniferse. WH. ROGERS, Red Lodge Nursery, Southampton, • can offeralargoand beautiful selectlon'of the above at very moderate prices. All will remove well from having been frequently transplanted. Prices and any particulars forw-trded on applicacion. W^ Gloucestershire Seed Warehouse, Gloucester. w OOD AND SON'S SEED LISTS, containing all the NOVELTIES of the season, gratia on application. Maresfleld, near Uckfleld. Sussex. Seed Fotatos. STUART AND MEIN have a few Tons of SMITH'S EARLY', or COLDSTREAM EARLY, and DALMAHOY POTATOS to offer. Price on application. Seed Warehouse, Kelso, N.B. ICHAKD RICHARDSONV orCoFlieriiam Park, has a qiiantityofSEEp POTATOS on hand; Ashleaf, Dalmahoys, R and a good Seedling Kidney, worth the sack of 168 lbs. Price of the o 1 application. 01 any one ; 2l8. pel pATERSON'S VICTORIA POTATO. — A large PATERSON'S VICTORIA POTATOS, the heaviest croppers, the finest flavoured, and the best keepers; seed, direct ftom Mr. Paterson, 12«. per cwt. Mr. Pearce, Measham, Atherstone. JuBt Publlsned. WM. PAUL'S LIST of SEEDS contains a selection of the best NOVELTIES in VEGETABLES and FLOWERS, also the choicest and most approved older sorts, free by post on application. PiCL'i NuraerleB and Seed Warehouse, Waltham Croas, London, N. Potatos. JAMES DICKSON and SONS have a large stock of all the best Varieties, carefully selected for Seed. PRICED LIST on application. 102, Eastgate Street, and " Newton " Nurseries, Chester. Musselburgh Leek (true). THOS. HANDASYDE and DAVIDSON are executing Orders for the above. Price on application. Toos. Handasydk t Davidsou, Seedsmen, Nurserymen, and Florists, 24, Cockbum Street, Ediobui-gh. Nurseries at Musselburgh TURNIP SEED.— AH the" choicest varieties of 1867 growth, direct from the Grower, at low figures. H. 4 F. Shabpe, Seed Growers, Wisbech. M' ANGEL WUKZEL.— All The best sort^ of 1867 growth, direct from the Grower, at very moderate prices. H. k F. SuARPK, Seed Growers, Wisbech. TURNTP. MANUEL, CAKliOTr and UARBAGB SEED, of good growth, and Selected Stocks. Special Prices on application to Ji^UES Fairoeau & Son, 7, Horough Market, London, S.Ej^ Rye-grass for Early Sheep Feed. SUTTONS' IMPROVED ITALIAN, tbe best and moat productive in cultivation, price Qs. per bu.-ihi>> -i.^tn^r h.- tha quarter, carrlaKe tree. Scno.v & SoK3, Seed Grower?, Rea» cheaper by the 174 THE GARDENEriS' CnEOMOLE AND AG"RICITLTURAL GAZETTE. [February 22, 1868- Superb Double HoUyhocks. WILLIAM CHATEK begs to remind the admirers of this beautiful Flower, that now is the time for plantine to insure fine blooms and spikes next summer. A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with a Treatise u:>on its Cultivation, will be forwarded upon the receipt of one postage stamp. Special prices, as supplied by the doz,, 100, or 1000, may be had upon appUcatiou. SEEDLINGS, to bloom fine this season, raised from finest varieties, 4a. per doz., or from 20s. to 30s. per 100. SEEDLINGS, bloomed and proved fine double flowers, with colours attached to each plant, Qs. per doz., or 40s. per lOO. Seed saved from the very finest named varieties in cultivation : — COLLECTION No. 1. 12 separate named varieties, extra fine, 10s. ; No. 2, 6 extra fine varieties, 6s.; No. 3, 12 separate named varieties, from good bhow flowers, 7s. Gd. ; No. 4, 0 named varieties, 4s. Mixed packets, 65. and 2s. 6d. William Chater, Nurseries, Saffron Walden. lULA ^ruNTANA~TYEKMAN7^I have great pleasure to annoimce that Mr. Tyarman, Curator of the Livei-pool Botanic Gardens, has placed his stock of the above valuable plant in my hands for distribution. Well-rooted yoimg plants will be ready to send out on the 2d of March, at Cs. per dozen or 40({. per 100. Orders executed in rotation as received. The following Testimonial to its merit is selected fVom some hundreds, and is by Mr. Wills. Gardener, Huntroyde Fark : — •' Viola montana \a a most usetul plant for grouping, or for the third or fourth row in a ribbon border ; it flowers very proftisely, seven mouths out of the twelve ; the colour is a very pleasing grey. I have DO doubt the plant will be most extensively used when better known. All who have seen it at the Liverpool Botanic Garden during the past season, must have been charmed with its be!iuty and usefulness." Address, Henbv Mav, The Rnpe Nurseries, Bedale, Yorkshire. Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, MISCELLANEOUS HARDY BEDDING PLANTS, SWEET VIOLETS. &c. ROBERT PARKER hegs to announce that his CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of tne flnest kinds m cultivation of the above-named, is now published, and will be forwarded to appiicimts. The stocks of Seeds have all been procured from the best possible sources ; all are warranted genuine, and are offered at the lowest possible prices. Intending purchasers are requested to compare the prices with those of other houses. — Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S. BEDS of the CHcTlCESt^^Q U A L rTT. Free by Post for Stamps. " February 12, 1868. Burscougft, near Ormskirk. *' Those you sent me last year were real ly beautiful. I measured some of the flowers of Asters, which were 6i inches across."— James Barnes. J. Scott has received the foregoing amongst many otbera, all speaking in tne highest terms of the choice quality of his Seeds. per pkt.— s. d. ASTERS, be.'=it quilled show, 24 varieties, mixed . . Gd. and 1 0 ASTERS, TRUFEANT'S FRENCH P^ONY-FLOWERED, newest perfection, the best eshibition, 24 varieties, mixed ..10 ASTERS, NEWEST DWARF CHRYSANTHEMUM- FLOWER ED, 12 varieties, mixed 10 ASTERS, NEW VICTORIA, carmine rose or mixed . . ..10 STOCK, newest dwaii" large flowering German 10-week, 18 varieties, mixed 10 STOCK, crimson dwarf bouquet, 10-week 10 BALSAM, extra fine dwarf double, mixed 10 CALCEOLARIA, SCOTT'S HYBRIDIZED, fi-om varieties most carefully selected, and impregnated from all tho choicest strains in cultivation Is. and 2 6 CINERARIiV, extra fine, ft-om bestnamedvarietiesonly. Is. and 2 6 LOBELIA SPECIOSA, true Crystal Palace Variety . . Crf. and 1 0 PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, superbly fringed, and of immense size, a strain unsurpassed, 6 varieties, mixed . . Is. Gd. and 2 6 2INNIA ELEGANS, newest double, flowers of Immense size and flxtremelv double, C varieties, mixed . . Gd. and 1 0 NEW VARIEGATED MAIZE ZEA JAPONICA, fol. var. 6d.& 1 0 BRUSSELS SPROUTS, SCoTTy ECLIPSE, extra fine dwarf 1 0 CAULlfLOWER, SELECTED ERFUitT, earlydffaif .. 1 6 CELERY, SANDRINGHAM WHITE, extra fine, new ..10 CDCUMBER, ENFIELD SURPRISE, splendid variety .. 1 0 LETTUCE. NEW GIANT UREEN COS, extra large .. ..10 NEW GIANT SUMMER CiVBBAGE .. ..10 MELON, GOLUEN QUEEN, new hybrid 2 6 ONION. NUNEHAM PARK Is. and 1 C TOMATO, a collection of eight choice vai-ieties 2 0 A PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE post free. J. Scott, The Seed Stores, Yeovil, Somerset. EORGE SMITH begs To call attention to his NOSEGAY GERANIUMS. The two beautiful varieties to be sent out are of the same fine habit as Le Grand, sent out by G. S. two years ago, having enormous Hydrangea-like heads of blussom ; flne in shape and substance, brilliant and new in colour; they are highly spoken of by tho Press and Public. G. S. considers them the finest vet offered. The two new ZONALS are brilliant in colour, and for size, form, and habit, will please the most fastidious cultivator. Five new FUCHSIAS are selected with tare, and will be found all of great merit. The above, together with the most brilliant TROP.^OLUM yet Introduced, will form the finest batch of new plants G. S, ever had the pleasure of ofl'eriug in one season. For descriptions, see below. NOSEGAY PELARGONIUMS. ECLAT (Geo. Smith).— Flowei-s a rich shade of magenta, sufl'used with purple, of extia large size and fine form ; although the trusses are larger than any other variety, yet they possess stifl'foot- stalks, and are self-supporting, giving the plant a noble appear- ance ; foliage medium -size, slightly zonate, beautiful compact habit ; a very pleasing variety. Awarded a First-class Certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society. Plants, 7s. Gd. each. Where 6 are ordered, 7 will be sent, and where 12 are ordered, 15 will be forwarded. GRAND DUKE (Geo. Smith.)— Deep orange scailet. extra large bold circular trasses, of well arranged and flne stout petals, with the same beautiful habit as Eclat ; a magnificent vanety. Awarded a First-class Certiflcate by the Royal HorticultQral Society ; First-class Certiflcate by the Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park. Plants, 7s- Gd. each. Where 0 are ordered 7 will be sent, and where 12 are ordered, 15 will be forwanted. ZONAL GERANIUMS. FIRST FAVOURITE (Geo. Suith}.— Bright orange scariet, white eye, of large pip and truss, well arranged flower, smooth foliage, slightly zonate ; babit good. f>s. ea.cn. GLOW (Geo. Smith).— Brilliant scarlet flowers, of large size trusses, well formed and circular ; dark zone. fis. each. NEW FUCHSIAS. EMPRESS (Geo. Smith).— Tube and sepals waxy scariet ; the latter broad and well retlexed, corolla large double white, with scarlet f&ather half way down ; good foliage and habit, the flnest white yet offered. 10s. Gd. each. GRAND CROSS (Geo. Smith).— Tube and sepals scariet, very large double purple corolla, with rosy lake shading ; of flue habit and ft-ee blooming. 10s. Gd. each. RAPPEE (Geo. Smith).— Tube and sepals scarlet, the latter broad and well reflexed, corolla large purple, with scarlet shadiug one- third down ; free blooming ; flne. 10s. Gd. each. STRIPED UNIQUE (Geo. Smith).- Tube and sepals sctriet crimson, well reflexed, corolla double purple, with scarlet stripe; a beautiful and pleasing variety. lOs. Gd. each. WARRIOR (Geo. Smith).— Tube and sepals stout, the latter well reflexed, corolla large rosy purple, with vermilion shade ; extra fine. 10^. 6d. each. %« NOTICE.— Coloui-ed Drawings ol Eclat and Grand Duke, ftiith fblly represented by measurement of fidl size, and without any exaggeration of flower and foliage. 1». C,d. each. The five new Fuchsias, lu one hand.-!0rae plate, executed by Mr. James Andrews. Is. Gd. each. NEW TROP^OLCM. COMPACTUM ELEGANTISSIMA (Geo. SiiiTn).-Ono of the best of the Compactum varieties, vermilion scarlet, of an intensely rich hue, flower of flne form, compact habit ; a very free- blooming variety. Will prove very effective for riband and bedding purposes. 6s. each. The above novelties, in good plants, to be sent out the last week in April. Early orders 1 espectfully solicited. Tolllngton Nursery, Hornsey Road, Islington, London, N. Suttons' Home-grown Seeds. S The only Pnze Medal UTTONS' COMPLETE COLLECTIONS of SEEDS for One Tear's Supply. FOR THE KITCHEN GAKDEN. COLLECTION, carnage free £3 .1 0 No. 0 COLLECTION 0 12 FOK THE FLOWER GARDEN. No. 1 COLLECTION, free by post or rail £2 2 No. 2 COLLECTION, free by post or rail 1 11 No. 3 COLLKCTION, free by post or rail 11 No. 4 COLLECTION, free by post or rail 0 16 No. 5 COLLECTION, free by post or rail 0 10 Particulars of the above Collections may be had on application. PRICED CATALOOHES gratis .and post free. ScTTos & Seas, Seed Growers, Reading. OPRING FLOWERS O Each — s. < OALANTHUS PLICATUS (the Great Ci'imean Snowdrop), NARCISSUS JDNCIFOLIUS, very dwarf and fragrant, yellow. „ PULOENS, vivid scarlet, i HEPATICA ANGDLOSA, sky-blue, very large, do LEUCOJUM VERNnM (Spring Snowflake), 4 inches, very ANDROSACE CARNEA, cushions with pink clusters. Is. ( „ CILIAT A, cushions shaded rose .. ..' u. (I „ PyRENAICA, cushions pure white „ CHAMyEJASM" ■ „ VILLOSA, do.. „ GLACIALIS. brilliant rose carpets .. .. 3fl. G'i. to 5 „ HELVETICA, very dense tults, pure white. . 3s. Oil. to 6 ANEMONE ALPINA. largo, white 1 ,. SULPHU RE A, shades of lemon 28. Cd. to 5 „ PALM AT A, golden yellow 1 , VERNALIS. dwarf, shaggv, white, large .. Is. Gd. to 2 AWILEGI A ALPINA. blue and white, dwarf 1 „ PYRENAICA, dark blue, very dwarf 1 „ CANADENSIS, yellow and red, shaded .. 08. per doz. I AHABIS PURPUREA, new white, tinted cherry .. ..2 A RETI A VITELLI AN A, cushions hrillinnt yellow Is. Ci to 3 ARENARIA VERN A, vivid green tufts, white 0 AUBRIETl A GR^.CA. largest purple 0 CERASnUM ALPINUM, silky, white 1 CORBULARIA BULBOCODIUM (HoopedPettlooatNarcissus) 0 CROCUS CHRYSANTHUS, yellow, wlnter.nowerlng .. .. 0 New Seeds.— Superior Stock. of Choice VEGETABLE SEED for ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY ; No. 1. The WINDSOR COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for a Large Garden £3 0 0 No. 2. The WINDSOR do. do. for Smaller Garden .. 2 u 0 No. 3. The WINDSOR do. do. for Small Garden .. 1 u 0 No. 4. The WINDSOR do. do. for Small Garden .. 0 15 0 No. 6. The WINDSOR do. do. for Cottager's Garden .. 0 10 6 No. 8. The WORKING MAN'S PARCEL ol VEGETABLE SEEDS for the Working Man's Garden . . . . 0 6 G FLOWER SEEDS. No. 1. The WINDSOR COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS fjr Large Gardens 2 0 0 No. 2. The WINDSOR do. do. for Smaller Garden ..100 No. 3. Tho WINDSOR do. do. for Small Garden . . 0 10 0 No. 4. The WINDSOR do. do. for Cottager's Garden ..060 No. 6 COLLECTION. IS best showy ANNUALS .. ..020 Imported scaled packet. Choice ASTERS, STOCKS, PHLOXES, BALSAMS, &c., in original packets, for Is. 3rf. to 6.s. GOULDING CELEBATED HORTICULTURAL MANURE. All Seeds carriage free. Five per cent, discount. Six months account. Seed Establishment, Wmdsor ; Nursery, Sunning Hill. DRABA BCEOTICA, ^^..^^ u, ,ci,u«, .c< v o^ FRITILLARIA PYRENAICA, rich brown ,. MELKAGRIS ALBA, large white drooping belle.. .. 0 GENTIANA VERNA, brilliant blue, dwarf . . Is. to 2 „ ALPINA, erect, light blue, large flowers .. Ifi. (id. to 2 ,, PYRENAICa, dwarf, brilliant purple .. 6s. to 1 IBERIS GIBRALTARICA, finest white 0 IRIS CRISTATA, Dwarf-crested Iris 1 „ RETICULATA, purple and orange 1 JASIONE HUMILIS, very dwarf, heads of blue 1 LIN ARIA ALPINA, dwarf, purple and orange, prostrate .. 0 LINN^ A BOREALIS, pink bells, fragrant, creeping . . . . 1 LYCHNIS PYRENAICA, white and pink shades . . . . _ MTOSOTIS MONTANA (Spring Forget-me-Notl, largo .. 0 „ RUPICOLA, deep brilliant blue, dwarf 1 OMPHALODES VERNA, bright blue, dwarf 0 PAPAVER NUDIOAULE, deop yellow 0 PETROCALLIS PYRENAICA, heads of lilac rose, dwarf,ls. to 2 PHLOX VERNA, creeping, largo, rosy crimson 0 FBONDOSA, deep NELSONI, ;; SUBULATA, lilac PHYTEUMA HEMISPHiERICUM, dwarf, blue heads CHAM^BUXUS, lei POTENTILLA^PYRENAICA, bright yellow, dwarf Iragra PRIM UL A S 1 KK I M E N SiS,i;al "le. PURPUREA, flne lilac purple DENTICUL ATA, bluish lilac 1 FORMOSA, shades of pink and rose 0 LONGIFLOBA, rosy purple, very fine 2 MINIMA, 1 incD, very large, rose 2 NIVALIS, heads of white Is. 6t!. to 3 PDBESCENS(!), large heads, shaded rose .. 3s. Ci to 6 LATIFOLIA, rosylilao 2 GRAVEOLENS, New, drooping purple bells . . . . 2 „ MARGINATA, bluish lilac „ SCOTIC A, rosy purple 1 ., VISCOSA, shades of rose 1 PULMONARIA VIBGINlCA,larg6, light blue 1 „ SIBIRIC A, leaves finely marbled 1 PYROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA, spikes of white, fragrant .. 1 DIANTHUS ALPINUS, rose and crimson, dwarf 2 ADONIS VERNALIS, yellow, large flowers ... 1 RANUNCULUS ALPESTRIS and TRAUNFELLUERl, dwarf white i „ MONTANA, very dwarf, bright yellow .. '.'. '. 1 „ AMPLEXICAULIS, white, showy ... .1 „ PAKNASSIFOLIUS, flne white. . Is Htl to 2 RHODODENDRON CHAMyECISTUS, dwarf, pink, charming 2 RUBUS CHAM^MORUS, edible crimson fruit, 4 iiches 1 SAPONARIA Cjf'^SPITOSA, cushions otvlvid pink 18. 64 to 3 SAXIFRAGA LONGIFOLIA VERA, noble plumes of white ", OPPOSITltOLIA, purple c ,, ,, MAJOR, rosy pink, largo „ „ PALLIDA, pale pink, large ,, „ ALIIA, white SljILLA SIBIRICA, porcelain blue, dwart 2s. Gd. per doz.. 16,1. per 100 UMBELLA'TA^dwarf, lilac blue .. ..4«. per doz. New and Choice Flower Seeds. JOHN AND CHARLES LEE offer the foUowin choice FLOWER SEEDS, free hvpost: — Per packet— s. il. AURICULA, from choice flowers 2 0 AMARANTHUS ELEGANTISSIMUS, new .. 1 G BALSAM, Lee's Camellia-flowered 2 » CALCEOLARIA James's Prize 2 0 CARNATION, choice milled 2 6 CINERARIA, from named varieties 2 0 COCKSCOMB, choice dwarf 10 CELOSIA PYR.IMIDALIS COCCINEA .. ..10 AUREA .. ..10 CLIANTHUS DAMPIERI .. .. Is. and 2 G CYCLAMEN PERSICUM 2 0 DAHLIA, choice mixed 2 0 GLADIOLUS, finest hybrid 2 0 GLOXINIA, from choice flowers 2 0 MIMULUS, choice mixed 10 MACULOSU.S, choice 1 u PANSY, n-om show flowers 2 G new Belgian, choice 2 0 PETUNIA, from choice vaiietios 2 G ,. doublo. choice hybridized . . ..20 PELARGONIUM, new tricotnr 3 0 „ white variegated .'« 0 show varieties 3 0 PICOTEE, extra choice 2 0 PINK, choice mixed 2 0 PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, choice mixed .. .. 2 G POLYANTHUS, choice 10 PYRETHRUM, choice mixed 1 0 SALVIA ARGENTEA, silvery foliage .. .. 1 0 VERBENA, from named varieties 1 G VIOLA CORNUTA, Mauve Queen .. Is. and 2 G ,, ,, Purple Queen .. Is. and 2 G „ LUTE A, bright yellow 2 6 The Royal Vineyard Nursei'y and Seed Establlshmeut, Hamnioi smith, London, W., near the Kensington Raibvay St.rtion. Genuine Seeds of Superior Stoclcs. SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN. FRANCIS AND ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS, "The Old Established" Seed Warehouse, 106, Eastgate Street, and The " Upton" Nurseries, Chester. COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS for ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY :— No. 1.— £3 3 0 1 No. 3.— £1 11 6 I No. 6.— £0 12 6 Ho. 2.— £2 2 0 I No. 4 £1 10 | No. G.— £6 6 0 COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE CONTINENTAL and ENGLISH FLOWER SEEDS:— No. l.-£2 2 0 1 No. 8 _£l 10 „ , _,^ „ No. 2.-£l 10 0 I No. 4.-£0 16 6 | ""■ 6--l»»' »"■ Also Smaller Collections, from 6s. to rs. Cd., Free by Post. CATALOGUE of NEW and SELECT VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, &c., lor 1868, with practical Cultural Directions, nil be sent Post Free upon application. Their Seeds are all of the most Select character, each variety beln g saved from the best Stock known of its kind. Orders for Garden Seeds amounting to £1 value delivered Carriage Free to any part of the Kingdom,— Potatos, fie, excepted. Flower Seeds Free by Post or Rail. FARM SEEDS.— These they also supply, oj^very kihd and of the flnest qualities procurable. MlXTURBfS of GRASS SEEDS for "Permanent Turf as well as for Rotation Crops are very superior, and made up for every description of Soil and Climate. Tbeir TURNIP SEEDS, MANGEL WURZELS, CARROTS, and other Root Crop Seeds, are eiich grown with scrupulous care from the Finest Stocks known of their respective kinds. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE Post Free on application. Orders amounting to £2 value [Grain, &c., excepted), will be delivered Carriage Free at the principal Railway Stations in the Kingdom. Special Estimates for very large quantities. siNEClO UNlFLollUS, dwarf, silvery white, yellow .. SILENE ACAULIS, lovely carpets of pink and rose .. .. 0 „ ALPESTRIS, snowy white o ,. PENNSYLVANICA, dense tufts of pink and rose .. 3 SISTRENCHIUM GRANDIFLORUM, large purple bells . . 0 SOLDANELLA ALPINA, purple fringed bulbs, dwarf . . 1 ,, MINIMA, large, white, veined purple 1 SYMPHYTUM CADCASICUM, dwarfest. deep blue,6s.perdoz. 0 THLASPl ROTUNDIFOLIUM, New.shades of purple,2s. Od. to 3 TRICHONEMA BULBOCODIUM, purple, orange centre, 3s. per doz., 16s. per 100 TRITBLEIA DNIFLOBA, white, shaded blue. In pots . . 0 TRIENTALIS EUROP-aiA, lovely white stars 1 UMBILICUS CHRYSANTHDS, neat for edgings 58. per doz. 0 VERONICA NUMMULARIA, prostrate, blue .. ;. ..1 GENTIANA BAVARICA, dark, brilliant blue . . 38. 6d. to 6 VERONICA SAXATILIS, vivid blue 0 VIOLA PEDATA, shaded mauve, lovely .. lOs. 6d. per doz. J CYPBtPEDl UM ACAULE, pink. Lady's Slipper .. ..2 „ CALCEOLUS, yellow. Lady's Slipper Is. to 2 SANGUINARIA CAS ADE^SIS MAJOR, large, pure white 1 GENERAL CATALOGUE of 1867 may he had on application. James BACknODSK & Son, Nurseries, York. Spring Flowers. DILLISTONE AND WOOD- THORPE are offering the following : HEPATICAS, Double Red and Single 24 other choice Varieties, from 3s. i See CATALOGUE, pp. 62, 63, sent free upon application. I'OLY'ANTHUS, choice strain, 3«. per dozen, 21s. per 100 PANSIGS, fine named, 6s. per dozen; border kinds. 3s. per dozen HELLEBORUS. Red and White, its. and 12s. per dozen AUBRLETIA GR^CA, flne Blue, 4s. per dozen ROCKET, Double White, Purple, and Yellow, 6s. per dozen GENTIANA ACAULIS, 4s. per dozen CENOTHERA MIS.SOURIENSIS (Evening Primrose), 6s. pet doz. „ SPLENDENS, 4s. per dozen LILT of the VALLEY, 3s. per dozen PAMPAS GRASS, strong. 6s. per dozen ACOLLECl'lON of 100 HARDY HERBACEOUS and ALPINE PLANTS, in 60 Varieties, carefull,v named, for 26s- A 64-page CATALOGUE sent fi-ee upon application. Post Ofllce Orders payable at Castle Hed ingham. DiLLiSTONE & WooDTHOBPE, MiiUTO Nurscry, Sible Hedlngham, Essex. Febkuart 22, 1868.] THE GAPvDENERS' CTTT^ONICLE AND AGETCUETURAL GAZETTE. 176 Kitchen Garden Seeds. SEEDS OF FLOWERS, SHRUBS, And OrnamoTital Fruited and Foltaged Plants, BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS BOOTS AND PLANTS For Spring and Summor Planting. HOOPER AND CO.'S GENERAL CATALOGUE for 1868, conipriaing a very large and varied asairtment of the above suhjocts, with descriptions nnd prlci V publishing. It will be forwiirdad eratia to their purchasers. Publiahing price, ^ixpunco. Hooper & Co., Seed Merchants, Ac, Covont Garden, London, W.C. AMBKOISK VEKSCHAFFELT. Nubserym,^jj, Ghent, lioluium, be^ to offer, cnrriage free :— TKOP.EOLUM AZUREUM (the True Blue), fine bulbs, p. doz., £1 la. „ THICULORUM, fine bulbs, per dozen, 10». 6d. t^=- The NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE, No. 81, and a Speci- men Number of the " Illustration Horticolo '* can be obtained free by applying to Ambroise Vbrsphaffelt, Nurseryman, Ghent, Belgium JOHN MANN respectfuily eoUoita orders for the following unsurpassed NEW and FIRST-CLASS PLANTS which will be ready and delivered In Mfly, as far as the stock will full ; foliage dark ereeo, witb well defined eel lent. COMPACTA MULTIFLORA,— Vivid scarlet, with large white eye ; trusses large and abundant; foliage distinct zonate. Dwarf compact habit. CURISTA BEL.— Rosy salmon, suffused with violet, smooth, and of good substance; distinct dark zonate foliage. Habit excellent. LORD DERBY.— Intense scarlet, shaded, large, and of very tine form and substance; trusses fine; foliage dark green, with a I substance ; good ; EUGENIE— A 3 zonate foil i beautiftil shade of blush pink, fine fonn ep green. Habit free and good. e; tine : 1 excellent variety. NOSEGAV SECTION. BARON— Crimson scarlet, shaded with violet, trusses of i decorative purposes. Habit excellent. The Set of 10 for eOff. The stock of some ol the above being limited, early orders are requested, as they will be executed in strict rotation as received. Coloiired Plates of Christabel, Eugfinlo, Lord Derby, Mimas— the " In a collection of Zonal and other Pelargoniums from Mr. John Mann, of Brentwood, was a plant that bids fair to rank as the premier Zonal Pelurgooiom of the year. It was named Lord Derby, and recived a First-class Certificate. The foliage was dark gieen, with a well-defined tlark Kone ; the flowers intense scarlet. oT a verv bright shade, large, and of very fine form and substance ; t ,not habit excBllont. Thiswill kind. A Second-class Certific.x' Chriatabel, haviug good : ■iluableand effective exhibitu ) was awarded to Mr. Mann f foliage, with large rosy-salmon coloured flowers, suflfUsed with violet, stout and smooth, and the plant of excellent haitit." Oardfners' Ckronicle, June 8. 1SG7. "Mr. John Mann, of Brentwood, who has obtained .a very fine strain of Zonal Pelargoniums, received a FiMt-class Certificate for Mimas, very bright orango scarlet, a pure and beautitul shade of colour, flowers of good size, very stout and smooth, and of fine outline; good dark zonate foliage, close and excellent hahit. This was one ora smwll gioup of plants, r6niarka"ble for their compact and yet free habit, and haviug a well-defined black zone on deep gi'een foliage. Eleanore had pale orange salmon flowers, the upper petals sliehTy white, large and stout, but wanting smoothness; Lady Hope, pale salmon, tinted in the centre of the fluwois with carmine ; and Rosabel, a very bright shade of clear orange scarlets — a beautiful hue of colour. These were most proroistng, and will no doubt be seen again later in the season." Qardeners' Ala^asint, June «, IR67. "From Mr. John Mann, The Nursery, Brentwood, a large collection of zoned, bicolored and tricoloured varieties. The most remarkable among tbem was one called Leah, the lenf large, round, and flat, clear yellow margin, broad brilliant zooe of brick red. not far removed from Egyptian red, disc gieen and yellow rays. This is an extraordinary variety as shown, but no dependence must be placed on this description for the present, as the plant was evidently a seedling showing its first break of colour, the lowerleaves beingdeep green. If it should keep to its present character, it will be a leader of autumn flowering STOCKS :— ROSE INTERMEDIATE PURPLE INTERMEDIATE WHITE INTERMEDIATE The above varieties of Stocks or ribbomiij.; purposes. Sown flower in July, and con frost. Per packet. Is. PERPETUAL or EMPEROU.-Thls beautiful variety, if sown early'ln spring, flowers the following autumn, and for spring flower- ing should be sown the end of Juno. Per packet, 1«. EAST LOTHIAN PUHPLE and WHITE INTER- MEDIATE STOCKS, remarkable for the large percentage which come double, and for their purity of colour and continuous blooming. If sown in March they bloom from July till January. For description of above Stocks, as grown by Mr. D. Thomson, Arohorlield Gardons, see "Journal of Horticulture" of 7th and 2lst November. 1867. Thomas Mkthvln begs to Intlmatothat he has secured the Seed of the above Purple and White Stocks, and will send it out in February, in packets (coutainlng a packet of each colour) at 2a. 6d. and 68. each. TRAFRAIN SCARLET STOCK can also be bad, In packets, at Is. and 2s. UJ, each. AlhO LOBELIA 3PECI0SA (true), in packets, at la'., 2s. Qd. and 6s. each. Ifi. Princes Street. Edinburgh.— Felt. 1. ^^^ New and Rare Greenhouse Plant. LIBONIA FLUKlBLTiNDA, oiu- of the most beautiful Winter and Spring-blooming Plants in cultivation. Strong Plants in Bloom, 68. per dozen; Small, Woll-established Plants, 3s. per dozeu. to the Trade : MRS. POLLOCK GERANIUM. 50s. per 100 ; ROSES in Pots, Hybrid Perpetual, and Teas, 60s. per 100. Fredeiuc Martin, Nurseryman. Ac, Hull. Notice to the Readers of the Gardeners* Chronicle, GEO. SMITH'S HESCKIPTIVE CATALOGUE, containing Select Lists of SHOW. SPOTTED. FANCY, VARIEGATED, and ZONAL GERANIUMS, including the choicest of Bronze, Nosegay, and Double varieties ; alsoFUCH.SIAS, VERBENAS, PETUNIAS. DAHLIAS in different classes, CHRY- SANTIIEMUMS, and BEDDING PLANTS in great variety, now ready, in oxcliange for one postage stamp. ToUiiigton Nursery, Hornsey Road, Islington, London, N. TMPORTED GERMAN FLOWER SEEDS, -I- of the best quality, post free. s. rf. 13 separate colours finest GERMAN STOCKS, 100 of each, or 1200 seeds for do. 60 or 600 do. Packets of the above mixed, all colours .. ..Is. and 12 separate colours finest Tniffant's Pseony-flowered ASTERS, 1 3 ...ofeachlor 2 0 do. do. do. 60 of each for 1 3 Packets of the above mixed, all colours, at .. I«. and 0 6 separate colours, finest HyacSnth-flowered LARKSPURS PHLOX DRUMMONDII. superb i: SWEETWILLIAM, Hunt's superb CALCEOLARIA, finest in culLivatio Is. ; CINERARIA Is. and 0 G Is. Grf. and 1 6 _ _ _ ':.s. ad. and 1 C PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBHIATA and ALBA 2«. (ierior . . per pkt. 1 G N EW and RARE TREES and SHRUBS Little Wonder, very small and very pretty. ; Lady Famham, large round leaf. „ , . ne of black, amber, and red, green Dido, a miniature tricolor, straw edge, pink zone, dark disc with radiate bars. Rosa, dwarf habit, very compact and neat, pale yellow , margin, zone black and red, good. Diana, dwarf and compact, leaves round, edge sulohur, zone red and dark, disc radiate ; very pretty. Prince of Wales, fine bold leaf, in the way of Mrs. Pollock. Standard Bearer, a middling good tri- color, in the Mrs. Pollock style. From the s.ime a series of zoned varieties, with attractive flowers. Lord Derby, a fine dark zoned leaf, flowers large, finely formed, stout, smooth, brilliant Bcarlct ; unquestionably one of the finest scarlets ever shown. Juno, a neat- babited Dr. Liudley. Baron, a good scarlet crimson nosegay, Christabel, salmon red, flowers good. Eugtnie, good style of growth, leaves distinctly zoned, flowers large, well formed and stout, colour pale salnion ; good. Gardeners,' ChronicU, December 28, 1867. " Lord Derby (Mann), intense soarlet, of a vivid hue ; the flowers large, stout, smooth, and of fine quality: the trusses medium-sized, but very freely produced; the foliage of a dark green, with a well- marked dark zone. This bids fiiir to become a very effective kind, both for exhibition and bedding purposes, and, taken altogether, is probably the best bedding Pelargommu of the year." " Mimas (Mann) has very bright average scarlet flowers, of a pure and beautiful ehade of colour, the flowers finely formed, and the tnisses of good size ; tne leaves bold, marked with a dark zone, and the habit good. These two kinds were shown by Mr. John Mann, Brentwood, and gained the highest awards." NurBeries,1Brentwood, Besex. ULMUS AUREA ROSSEELSI.— This elegant and gorgeous is one of the richest lawn gems that this ape of noveltit produced. The foliftRt " "" ■■ -- ^ ^.-.^ ^ chest BRONZED GOLD, which increased in brilliancy by the fullest exposure to the sun Price, lUs. Gd., 15s., to 21s. each. PRUNUS MAHALEB FOLIIS ARGENTEIS MARGINATIS— A beautiiul silver variegated form of Prunus Mahaleb, effect the elegant Comus moscula variegata. Price, strong Standards, 15a. each; Half Standards, lOs. 6rf. ROSE COMTESSE DE JAUCOURT.— This is decidedly the finest new Rose of 1867. It is of vigorous growth, erect habit, and of all the' jellow Roses. Price, Dwarfe, 2s. 6d. ; Standai-ds, 6s. LILAC, VILLE DE TROYES (Balt&t frferes, Troyes, 1867-)— A splendid new Lilac, now offered lor the first time. The trusses very large, and of the deepest purple, and produce - '=-- effect. Vigorous and very flowering. Price 58. to 7s. 6d. each. FRAXINUS EXCELSIOR CUCULLATUS (BaltCt frfires. Troyes, IgbT). — This very curious and very ornamental Ash is now offered for the first time. It is of vigorous growth, and the peculiar hooding of the leaves presents a singular and striking aspect. Forest Trees. GEORGE JACKMAN and SON wish to draw the especial attention of Planters to their well-grown Stock of Transplanted rfajjn, ip hv og tu.j au^ oj i.u ij •». BIRCH, 2i to.^i ft., and 3i to 4i ft. FIR. AUSTRIAN, 9 to 12 in. FIR, LARCH, lito2ift. HAZEL, 2 to 3 ft., and 3, 4, to6ft. OAK, English, 2 t to Sift. QUICKS, strong- WITHY, H to 2i ft., and 4 to6 ft. PYRAMID PEAR TREES of leading varieties. Special quotations on application. Woking Nursery, Surrey. Royal Ascot Vine. TNO. STANDI8H is prepared to send by post strong O GRAFTS of tlio above VINE to any part of Groat Britain at 10a. 6(/. each, and ad. the postage. He has no heslt'ition in s.iylng that if Hide-cmrtU'I on any othur strong Vino, just o-i the sap li lising. It will unite 1 nun ud lately, and bear a sample of bunches the same seiiHon, or within six months from the timo of putting the graft, Pcrbons net usud to Hraftltig can have a sketch, and bow to ' ' .. . ™ . . -r for Sale, In Royal Nurseries, Ascot, Berks. f^ALVILLE BLANCHE APPLES \J (on Froncb Paradlso Stocks), " the fruit of which aro now selling at Is. Od. to 28, each," (see page 1168, 1867). 1 beg to offer fine trees of the above. Is. Gd. each, 0 for 6«., 12 for Os. ; the fruit are 16 oz. each. Also that splendid APPLE, REINETTE DU CANADA, on Paradise, fine cut-back bushes, the fruit of which attalu 22 oz. each, and will do in any part of England. Is.Qd. each, 0 for lis., 12 for 98. Also on Paradise tbo following splendid APPLES: COX'S ORANGE PIPPIN, NELSON'S GLORY, LORD DERBY, BARUN WARD. LORD SOFFIELD. BLENHEIM, SYKIIOUSE RUSSET, COURT-PENDU PLAT, KING, NORTHERN SPY ; U. U. each, or 128. per dozen. Fine STANDARD APPLES, 12s. per dozen, 70s. por 100. Hhnrv May, The Hope Nurseries, Bodale, Yorkshire. THE KING of PEARS, BEURRE SUPERFIN.— See Gardeners' O'lronick, Dec. 14, in which a correspondent who cultivates several acres, says it is the best Pear out of nearly 100 sorts he has cultivated, and that If Mr. Rivers introduced iQuir s superb Pear, at 2s. i ,6 fori), r 12 for Ilia., JOSEPHINE DE MALINES, on Quince. —Ho also says, this really finst-rate Pear will keep and melt as late as March, after which time no Pear he has known will melt, and be of good quality. 28. each, 6 for 9s., 133. per dozen. A fine collection of BUSH PEARS, on Quince, I8s. per dozen. Henry May, The Hope Nurseries, Bedale, Yorkshire. New and Improved Fears. MR. BE JONGHE otters for Sale, in strong and healthy specimens, on the Fear and on good Quince Stock, the following varieties of New Pear Sorts : — BEZI MAI. 3, 4, to 8 years, 2 to 10 Irancs each. CHARLI BASINER, 2. 3, and 4 years, 3 to 8 francs each. COLMAR DE JONGHE, 2, 3, and4 years, 6 to 8 francs each. JOLY DE BONNEAU, 2, 3, and 5 years, 3 to 8 francs each. LA GROSSE FIGUE, 2, 3, and 4 years, 5 to 10 francs each. POIRE BASINER, one of the best Late Dessert Pears, 2, 3, 4. and 6 years. 6 to 10 irancs each. Printed Monographic Descriptions, with the outline figures of the after the end of the month of February c b be executed. Large Fruiting Pyramid Pear Trees. JOHN ERASER, The iNurseiies, Lea Uridge Road, N.E., begs to inform purchasers of Fruit Trees that he has on hand a quantity of extra-sized PYRAMIDAL PEAR TREES. These Trees are 8 to 10 feet, symmetrically formed, and very hand- some. They ai-e also full of bearing wood, so that, in addition to their being an ornaraont to the garden, a good crop of Fruit may bo expected the flrst year after planting. As the stock on band is large, the prices will be very moderate. ^^ MAGNIFICENT DWARF-TRAINED FRUIT TREES, by the dozen, hundred, or thousand. APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS. Wm. Wood & Son have many Acres of the above named, which for health and vigom- are quite unsurpassed in tho Trade. Tho Trees have been most carefully trained, and are really e.\amples of successful cultivation. Address, Woodlands Nursorj', Marcsficld, ■ Ucklleld, Sussex. Twenty Thousand Standard Fruit Trees. THOMAS WARNER having stiU the ; ' chiefly of APPLES, APRICOTS, PEARS, .and PLUMS (also a fine lot of Dwarf-trained CHERRIES), would respectfully remind Planters and the Trade that his CATALOGUES, which con- tain lists of kinds and prices, wholesale and retail, may ba had free on application. The Nurseries, Leicester Abbey. Ten Thousand Standard Elms. THOilAS WARNER invites especial attention to these, being of unsurpassed quality, andoff'ired at most reason- able prices for the present soasoi^ Sea CATALOGUES, wholesale . Leicester Abbey. Hundreds of Thousands of Evergreens. iHOMAH WARNER has of smnr LVLUGREENS JL (owing to a favoui'abte soil and chnntv) "w: nf the finest Ti BOX : CEDRUS ARGENTEA, transplanted iluIuihu. l&ur ; HEM- LOCK SPRUCE FIR, SAVIN, and YEWS, wi.Kh for quality and prices cannot be excellotl. See CATALOGUES, wholesale or retail. The Nurseries, Leicedttir Abbey. HAND R. STIRZAKER ofier, of good quality and • well rooted, at the following quotations : — 100,000 ASH, U to 2 feet, 12s. M. ; 2 to 3 leet, 17s. M. per 1000 100,000 BIRCH, li to 2 feet, 208. ; 2 to '2\ feet, 26s. per 1000 160 000 ELM, WYCH, li to 2 feet, I2s. 6d. ; 2i to 3 feet, 16s. per 1000 100 000 HAZEL, 2 to 3 feet. ISs. ; 3 to 31 feet, 268. per 1000 100,000 SCOrOH fir, l to 11 feet, 16s. ; 2 to 2i feet. 353. per 1000 300 000 SPRUCE FIR, 1 to 11 feet, 10s. Gd. ; IJ to 2 feet, ISs. per 1000 200.000 SYCAMORE, IJ to a feet, I2s. 6d. ; 2 to 2i leet, I5s. per 1000 30 000 POPLAR. BLACK ITALIAN. 2to 3ft., 188.;2i to 4a., 26«.p.lO00» 10 000 WEYMOUTH PINE, 2i to 3 feet, 16s. ; 3 to 3i feet, 20a. p. 100 \te can also supply two to three millions of ALDER, BEECH, CHESTNUTS (HOB^SE), LARCH. LIMES, OAKS, AUSTRIAN PINE, POPLAR (of sorts), PLATANUS, PRIVET, SILVER FIR, ENGLISH YEWS, BERBERIS AQDIFOLIA, Ac. Pnces of these on application. Skerton Nurseries, lAncabler. WILLIAM KOLLISSON & SONS' CATALOGUE OF NEW AND GENUINE SEEDS FOR 1888, CONTAINING A DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF SUB-TROPICAL AND ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGE PLANTS WHICH t;.\N BE HAI«ED FROM HEED ; ALL THE NOVELTIES IN VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS, Comprising a List of Seed saved from the most beautiful strains of PRIMULA, CALCEOLARIA, and CINERARIA ; may be had on application to THE NURSERIES, TOOTING. LONDON, S. Collections of Seed of Sub- Tropical Plants, from 5s. to £2 2s. | CoUections of the Choicest Flower Seeds, from 10s. 6d. to £5 Ss. If.B.— The Carriage of all Orders atnoimting to 20». and upwards will be pre-paid. 178 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febbuabt 22, ises. RICHARD SMITH'S FRUIT LIST contains a sketch of the various forms of Trees, witb directions for Cultivation, Soil, Drainage. Maoure, Pnming, Liaing, Croppmg, Treatment under Glass ; also their synonymes, quality, size, fonu, skin, colour, flesh, flavour, use, growth, duration, season, pnce, Ac. Free by poet for three stamps. Richard Smito, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. F' IFTY ACRES well stocked wfth FRUIT"tRKES to select from.— APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, In every torm desired for fruiting. See Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps. Richard Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. I^T^PALIKR and WALL-TRAINED TREES Li In any quantity.— APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES. NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, flue strong treee of perfect form. aSMii Ric A CROP of FRUIT the FIRST SEASON. - Boaring Pyi-amids and Bushes in pots for orchard houses. PEACHES. NECl'ARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and CHERRIES. Extra strong VINES and FIGS in fruiting condition for forcinc;. See Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, post free for 3 6tamp3. Richard Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. HEAVIEST LANCASHIRE SHOW GOOSE- BERRIES. 4s. to Gg. per dozen Trees; Show nnd Fancy PANSIES, in great variety, 4a. to 6s. per dozen, 25s. per 100. AURICULAS, ALPINES, POLTANTHUSES, and DAISIES, also choice PANSY SEED, Is. per packet. John J. Haslam, late John Holland, Bradshaw Gardens, Chad- derton, Manchester. _ SIjRPLUS "stock.— Extra Stron"g~AUSTRIAN PINE and QUICKS, 4 times Transplanted, verv bushy and well- rooted. Also STANDARD and HALF-STANDARD APPLES, to be SOLD, Cheap. Apply to B. Wbitham, Reddish Nursery, near Stockport. TWENTY TH0U?>AND PINUS AUSTUIACA. 60,000 fine Transplanted SCOTCH FIHS. Extra stout well-grown BLACK ITALIAN and LOMBARDY EXTRA LARGE ELMS, for Ornamental Planting.— Fine ENGLISH and HUNTINGDON ELMS, 8 to 10 feet, well-grown and handsome. Fine Specimen Standard SCARLET HORSE CHESTNUTS 6 to 10 feet for Avenues. Wm. Wood & Son, Woodlands, Maresfltld, Uckfield, Sussex. Q DICKS.— From 100,000 to 600,000 QUICKS, fit for planting out, at fo. per 1000. Carriage paid for all quintities over 60,000 within 100 miles. Samples sent on application to Lewis Rolfe, West Row, Mildenhall, by Sobam, Suffolk The Nurseries, Rlnefield, New Forest. FOR SALE, 100,000 SCOTCH FIR, 2-years' Seedling, 1-year transplanted ; 1,000,000 2-y6ars' Seedling, and some fine transplanted Fir Plants, 2 to 3 feet. Apply to Mr. HoLLowAT, Burley, Rmgwood, Hants. "IDROFITABLE GAME COVERT.— Plant your Game X Preserves with the BITTER WILLOW. Neither Hare3 nor Rabbits will destroy them. Grow quickly, and will form a good Cover in one season. The produce is commercially profitable, and always finds a ready market. Price of Cuttings, selected, 20s. per 1000. cash.— Apply to Wm. Scaling. Basford, Notta. O To tlie Trade and Others. N SALE, extra fine specimen BLACK AMERICAN SPRDCE FIR 22 jeara transplanted; LiRCH, SPRUCE, FOREST TREES. — LARCH, 2i to 3 feet, 3 to 4 feet: SPROCE, U to 2i foet ; ELM, 2 to3 feat, 3 to 4 feet, 4 to Sfeat ; SCOTCH FIR. li to 21 feet ; OAK, IJ to 2) feet ; ASH, 2 to 3 feet, Ifost i SYCAMORE, li to 2i feet. Also a quantity of largo Clearance of Nursery Stock. SCOTCH FIR, 9 to 15 ins., 10s. ; 1 to 2 feet, 12s. 6d. ; SPRUCE, 9 to 16 Inches, 7s. M. ; 1 to IJ ft., 10s. ; 1 to 2 ft., 14s. ; SILVER FIR, 6 to 12 inches, 10s.; OAK, 9 to 18 inches, 7s. Od. ; H to 2) feet, 12s. 6d. per 1000. Reduced PRICE LIST of other TREES on application to J. Rii , Steward, Park Attwood, Bewdley, Worcestershire. Clearance of Nursery Stock. SEEDLINGS:— ASH, 2-jT., Is. 9rlcata and Welllngtonla Glgantea. SURPLUS STOCK On Land to be Clbared for Buildinq Pcbposes. WM. SKIRVING, Walton Nursery, Liverpool, begs to offer a few ThouB:inds of the above, healthy well-erown Plants with good roots, the Araucarlas ranging from 3 to 6 feet, and the Wellinptonlas ft-om 2 to 4 feet high. Also several Thousands of healthy well-establishod Standard aud Half standard PEAR TREES, of the most useful sorts, many of which aro in a bearing etato. may be obtained on application, and special agreements a For Avenues and FarlES. riTWO THOUSAND AUIES ,, X DOUGLASll, 8 to 10 feet high, huperb specimens, in perfect order for transplanting, 84*. per dozen, £30 per li>0. The Flag-staff (nearly 300 feet high) at the Exhibition of 1802 was of this noble and beautiful Fir, the timber of which is superior to the best Red Deal. Fine speci- mens in great numbers ofWELLlNG- TUNIAS, PICEA NOBILIS. and Nordmannlana ; Pines, Cedars, Arau- carlas, Cuprcssus, Tbujopsls, and many others. hich are very low) on application to nan and Seed Merchant. Worcester. Transplanted Forest Trees. WATERER AND GODFREY h^ive a large quantity of the following, of a very superior quality :— ALDER, 2 to 3 fl. and 3 to 6 ft. "" " ASH, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 6 ft. ACACIAS, 3 to 4 ft. BIRCH, 2 to 3 ft., 3 to 4 ft., and Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. Wonerflli Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO ANi> SON bep to announce that their • stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds is this season very extensive and well-grown, samples, prices, and Catalogues of which ' •' ' >- ■ - 2A,000 Hazel, 3 to 5 feet 60.000 Spruce Fir. 2 to 4 feet 20,000 Sycamore, 3 to 4 feet 100,000 Quick, tmnsplonted, IJ to a feet Berberls aquLfotis Pinus Austriaca, 1 to 2 feet Arbor-viUo And other various Shrubs. A Inrge stock of strong STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES, APPLES, PEARS, PLUfilS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. Large Evergreens, Specimen Colilfers, &c. WATERER AND GODFREY bejr to submit the follovring List to the notice of intending planters :— YEWS, ENGLISH, 5. 6. 7, S, 10, 12, and 15 feet high „ 1 RISH, 6, 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ GOLDEN, 6. 6. to 9 feet STANDARD GOLDEN, 20 years worked „ ELEGANTISSIMA, 10 and J5 years old „ DOVASTONor WEEPING, fine heads, lOnndlSyears old We have altogether thousands of these different Yews of the large sizes. Every plant has been recently removed. HOLLIES, COMMON GREEN, 6. 7, 8. 10, 12, and 16 feet high, and „ WATERER'S, the hardiest of all variegated Hollies, 4 and 6 feet by 10 and 12 feet in circumference „ THE QUEEN, or best gold striped, the handsomest of all variegated Hollies We have hundreds of these beautiful plants, 4, 5, and 7 feet high and wide „ STANDARD, WATERER'S, and GOLDEN, with fino heads, 15 and 20 years worked fl^* We have some thousands of the ordinary kinds of Variegated HoUies. 4, 6, 6, and 7 feet high. Every plant has been removed witbiH 12 months. CEDRUS DEODARA. some thousands, 6, 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ ATLANTICA, and Cedars of Lebanon, moved In April, v,\« 1 8 feet ., REb VIRGINIANS. 6, 6, and 7 feet CHINESE JUNIPER, one of the handsomest and hardiest of all evergreens — thousands of beautiful plants, 4, 6, 6, 7, and 8 feet high ; some magnificent plants, 10, 12, and 15 feet high, 12 to 20 feet In circumference THUJA AURF.A, 3, 4, and 5 feet high. 7to 20 feet in circumference „ GIGANTEA, 10. 12, and 15 feet high, very handsome „ LOBBII, splendid plants, 7, 8, to 10 feet high, and 12 and 16 feet round— hundreds ESSUS LAWSONli 6. 7. 8, 10, to 15 feel „ . THUJOPSIS BOREALIS, 4, 5, 8, and 10 feet high, 7 to 12 feet i circumference — hundreds PORTUGAL LAUREL, 4 and 6 feet high, 7 and 8 feet round BOX, Green and Variegated, 4, 5. 6, 7, and 8 feet— thousands PICEA NOBILIS, splendid plantH, moved in spring, 4, 6, 6, and B feet „ NORDMANNIANA. 4, 6, 6, 8, 10. and 15 feettigh (high ,, LASIOCARPA, hundreds of plants. 4, 5, 6, and 7 feet high, all ABIES DOUGLASSII, 6, 6, 7. and 8 feet [seedlings „ ORIENTALIS, 4. 6, 0. 7, to 10 and 12 feet ; 7 to 20 feet in cir. cumference ; most beautiful plants PINUS CEMBRA, 6, 7, to 9 feet „ PINSAPO, 3, 4, 5, and 6 feet „ „ Some very fine plants, 10 to 20 feet high, 15 and 25 feet in circumference WELLINGTON lA GIGANTEA, a large number, all removed recently,4, 6,6, & 10 ft. high, & 12ai,d 16ft. in clrciimfe; Rpring In Rotten Row, Hyde Park, were supplied by Waterei & Godfrey. We do not quote prices, we presume purchasers of such large plants will adopt the much wiser, and always more satliifactory ' ■ ' ' ■' selves. e comparison wli iery stock in the kingdom, y is upwards o very superior stock of the ordinary sized EVERGREENS. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, Ac. A PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE will be forwarded tree on application to Waterer & GoDFRET, Knap Hill Nm-sery, Woklog, Surrey. rHREE MILLION strong 4-yr. transplanted QUICK. 1.000,000 good 2-yr. transplanted QUICK. 2,000,000 superior Seedling QUICK. 100.000 good strong LARCH. 4 to 6 feet. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 2 to 4 foot. For samples and prices apply to Jous HEM9LET, High Fields. Melbourne, near Derby. ;i f A N~D' A R 1) BT O S E S . J HYBRID PERPETUALS and others, IRx. per dozen. HALF STANDARDS, 16.s. per dozen. ROSES, in C-lnch pots, for Forcing or Greenhouse Culture. HYBRID PERPETUALS. TEA-SCENTED, and NOISETTES. 8. to 308. per dozen. Wii. Wood & Sow, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, Sussex. • UokQeld. Roses. " The Roses of Mr. Paul ' • "aro things to see onco and dream of for ever." — Athena:um, Juno, 1807. WM. PAUL has still a magnificent stock of ROSES, for T/hlch he respectfully solicits Orders. STANDARDS and HALF-STANDARDS, sound, hoaltby heads, per dosen ; £7 per STANDARD TEA ROSES, 24s. to 30s. per doz, NEW ROSES, 42. ■ per doz. to 185. per doz. „ HKW KOKES, 42,t. ( DWARF STANDARD ROSES, 1 DWARF ROSES (on ManettI), Os. (own roots), 125. to IBs. per doz. (New), 24s. to 3Qs. per doz. (Summer kinds), 68. to 93. per doz. ., ,, mixed, for Borders or Shrubberic CLIMBING ROSES, in variety, 95. to 125. per doz. Extra-sized TEA ROSES, for Forcing, or Greenhouse culture, "" ' 3fl«. per doz. , 308. per 100. wilt be charged at special and reduced rates if ordered by the 100 Garden, Flower, and Agricultural Seeds. EWINO AND CHILD (late J. W. Ewing), Seed Establishment, 9, Exchange Street, Norwich.— All orders for the above executed carefully and promptly, of best quality only, and of the ' --'-** — ■■-'■• — ' — ->^ -■- MILKY WHITE POTATO.— Well-known and acknowledged to bo the best Potato in cultivation, at 4s. per peck of 14 lb. ; or 155. per bushel of 56 lb. Guaranteed true and free from disease. Apply to Gkobqe WiwFiKLD. Gloucestcrshlro Seed Warehouse, Gloucester. Faterson's famous Fotatos. PATERSON'S VICTORIA and other SEEDLINGS are the best disease resistors, heaviest croppers, and in general qualities unsurpassed. They aro now widely celebrated, and greatly ■ • " DESCRIPTITr ' '"'"" - ined of the Lone a A Co., Covent Garden Market, W.C. Chardon Fotatos. QTUART AND MEIN have a few Tone of the above O POTATO to offer, price on application. This variety was introduced from Belgium in 1862, where it is very extensively grown ; the tubers are large and well adapted for the table in spring, was awarded a Firet-cbiss Certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society ANDREW G. DALY, Newry, Ireland, is prepared to deliver, free of carriage in Liverpool, at moderate market prices for cash, 25 tons of true selei;ted SEED of SKERRY BLUE FOTATOS. He can also deliver 25 to 30 tons of the true variety of BOSTON KIDNEY, grown In this country now for 12 years, and found tbe best hardy early Kidney for field culture, dry. and firm " To Market Gardeners and Otbers. EAST HAM, ENFIELD MARKET, SHILLING'S QUEEN, NONPAREIL, ROBINSON'S CHAMPION DRUM- HEAD CABBAGE PLANTS, all selected stock, at 2a. 3a. per 1000 ; w To Market Gardeners and Others. HITE SPANISH ONION SEED, new and genuine, ASPARAGUS ROOTS. 2s. Gd. per 100 ; fine wade, Beds. Genuine Bedfordshire Grown. TRUE WHITE SPANISH ONION, at 2s. 6d. per lb. This very superior stock ha.s frequently been grown the extra- ordinary weight ot 16 to 20 tons per acre. Various SEED POTATOS to offer. ittance or reference to accompany all orders. E. Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. Fbedk To Farmers. Gardeners, and Others. EXCELLENT CAliBAGE PLANTS (Stocks not to be smT>a.ssed) can be supplied as follows :— ENFIELD MARKET, at 25. 6rf. per 1000 ; True DWARF EARLY NONPAREIL, at 25. 6d. per 1000; ROBINSON'S CHAMPION (True), at 25. firi. per 1000; DRUMHEAD (True), al2s. ad. per 1000 : THOUSAND HEADED, »t 35. per 1000. RED DUTCII, for Pickling. 55. per 1000. A Remittance or Reference to accompany all Orders. Fredr. Gek, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. Dickson's Black-leaved Beet. JAMES DICKSON and SONS. Hanover Street, Edinburgh, beg to offer their beautiful BLACK-LEAVED BEET. It IS the best in cultivation, cither for decorative or for culinary purposes. Is. per packet : 2.^. 6d. per oz. EAST LOTHIAN PURPLE INTERMEDIATE STOCK.— The finest Purple Stock in existence. In packets, 25, 6d. and 65. each. '\^7HITE ' SILESIAN "SUGAR TEET. ^^eiDg~m famous growers of Germany VV direct connection with the as well as of France, we are enabled to at a reasonable figure, but also of the ^ ., true stock, such as grown for the German and French sugar refineries. New Australian Spinach. STUART AND MEIN. Seedsmen, Kelso. N.T?., bejr to offer the above NEW SPINACH, the seed of which was saved in the Kutiiiilo Gardens, Melbourne. " It is not liable to run to Boed, of a pleasant flavour, and of nn enormous atid rapid growth. Height, fi to 8 feot." See OarUnrrM' Chrofiide of January 18, page 50. Per Packet, la HEN R Y • S" PRIZE" HYBRlirLEEK is quite distinct from any other sort, is the largest In Cultivation, and perfectly hardy. Free by post. Is. per packet or 12 Stamps. To bo had direct from Downie. Laird, & Laino, Seedsmen, 17. Frederick Street, Edlnburgh,jTid Stanstead Park, Forest Hill, London. S.E. To the Trade. ^ ASPARAGUS PLANTS, 1-yr., 6s. per 1000; 2-yr., lOs. per 1000. ' GLADIOLUS BRENCHLEYENSIS, large Bulbs, Ub. per 100 j Hamilton's Needle Gun Cucumber. SUTTON AND SONS can supply Seed of the above splendid BLACK SPINE CUCUMIiKR, In packets, 28. Oct. each, post free. Also SWADLING'S BERK.SHIRE CHALLENGE, U. Gd. per packet. BIRD'S IMPROVED SION HOUSE, Is. per packet. HAMILTON'S IMPROVED MARKET FAVOURITE. l5. Od. do. HAMILTON'S RIFLEMAN. I5. per packet. Post free. Sutton & Soks, Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. To Market Gardeners and Others. SUTTON AND SONS can Sunply the following superior kinds of PEAS in large iiuantitles at moderate prices, which may be Lad on application :- Buttons' Improved Early Champion (a week enrliur than Daniel O'Rourke] Prizelaker Marrow Veltch's Perfection Early War«'ick Flack's Dwarf Victory Advancer Champion of England & Soks. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment. Reiding. Westmoreland-Grown Italian Seed. JOSEPH DIXON. Si:ed Factor. Kendal, offers ITALIAN GRASS SEED to the Trade. Samples and prices on application. C^ Also prime dressed Carcases MUTTON(head cut off),at6i(i.perIb. Fine Grass Seeds for Cricket Grounds^ BOWLING GREENS, and CEMETERIES. QUTTON AND SONS can supply suitable kinds of the O finest-growing GRASSES and CLOVERS for the above purposes "'" I5. per lb.. 20s. per bushel. M &. So^s, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishniont, Reading. Improvement of Grass Lands. Q U T T 0 N S RENOVATING MIXTURE IMPROVING PASTURES nti&.f- ;s, R._'idiug, B-jrkfi. S Sugar Beet. UTTON AND SONS can sunply TRUE SEED of I & Sons, Seed Gr( c CAULIFLOWER, ERFURT EARLY DWARF V. '.'. !! 1 0 ENDIVE, DfoSWELL PRIZE LEEK, HENRY'S PRIZE 0 6 RAPHANUSCAUDATUS (NEW LONG-PODDED RADISH) 1 0 ASTER. TRUFFANT'S SUPERB FRENCH. 12 varp., mixed . 1 0 CHRYSANTHEMUM-FLOWERED. 12 vars., mixed. 1 0 STOCK, IMPROVED LARGE-FLOWERING, 12 vars., mixed 1 0 CALCEOLARIA, Choice 2 6 CINERARIA 2 6 CLIANTHUS DAMPIERII 2 fi LOBELIA SFECIOSA /^OCOA-NUT REFUSE ^-^ la becoming soarok, the old reserves will soon be gone. Now sold in bags, 1 for 23., 10 for 16s., 20 for 305., 50 for 665., 10 for £6. Fourpence allowed for each bag returned carriage-paid. A Railway Truck-load (not In bags), 403. Postage Stamps or Post-offlce Order, payable to J. BAasoAM * Co.. Kinifston-oti-Thnnies. S.W Beautiful Flowers— Beautiful Flowers. COCOA NUT F i 1 i K F. REFUSE fo r SALE, 5s. per Wagpnu, and 2s. per Cartload. This useful material— the superiority of which over Manufactured Manures for strengthening the Growth and Improving the Blossom of Flowers, is now fully established by lestiinonials from Floriculturists and Gardenei-3 from all parts of the United Kinttdom- is highly recommended for Potting and Striking all Soft-wooded Plants, as it prevents the cuttings from facging ordamping off ; and may be had in quantities of not less than two sacks, delivered free to any of the London booking offices, at 2s. Gd. per sack, each containing 6 bushels, sack included, on rccept of post order or postage stamps, addressed. A. Smith, Patent Cocoa Fibre Works, Marsh Gate Lane. Stratford, London, E. Ari'LEBY'S GENDINE TOBACCO PAPER, in 4 K and 2 lb. packets. Price on application to Henrt Appleby. Foreman to Messrs. Ivery & Son, Dorking. Surrey. FIRST-"CLASS~T0BACC6 PAPER, U. 2d. per lb.— A lot of Testimonials about It. W. Dean. Seedsman, Bradford, Yorkshire. F>OLL~T0BACCO CLOTH.— The 'chea"pearand~bpst it article for Smoking Greenhouses and destrojing the Fly; equal to Tobacro in strength. Is, 4rf. per lb. ; over 10 lb.. In. Id. Joseph Baker, 10, Qough Square. Fleet Street, E.C. Post Office Orders payable Fleet Street. By Her Majesty's Royal Letters Patent. And iJT Febmissu.n up tue Hon. Board of Ccstoms. POOLET' S for the Destructior Sold by Nurserymen i Wholesale fro: TOBACCO of Blleht mid other D Id Flo POWDER, ases in Plants. . 6rf-. and 58. PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, miied z VIOLA CORNUTA 1 LUTEA 1 RicBARD Smith, Nurseryman and &eec! Merchant, Wo To Nurserymen and Florists. H PERKINS, 16, Ciimbridge Circus, lIuLkney RomI, . N.E., has on liand a large quantity of Oonuino BOLL TOBACCO PAPER at 1». per lb. ; and Genuine TOBACCO CLOTHS at ilrf. per lb., warranted free from adiiltcratioii. Post- oflflce orders to be made pavable at Cambridge Heath. The only Agent^W. Turner, 5, Harrow Green, Leytonstope Road, Ebsex. TOB .\CC6~tlSSUE for^Fiimigatiiig Greenhouses. Will Destroy Tbrip, Red Spider, Green an.l Black Fly, and Mealy Bug; and bums without the assisUnce of blowing, and 1. entirely free from paper or nig. Price 3s. 6i. per lb., carriage free. I A reduction in price for large quantities. To be had of Messrs. RoBEars & So> 112, St. John Street, Clerkenwell, B.C., ». «...^.m monlals may be obtained ; and (.fall Seedsmen and j 178 THE GAEDENERS' CHRONTGLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febeuaey 32, 1868. Modest and Moderate. WOOD ANT) INGRAM'S "Modest and Moderate" DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE of KITCHEN GARDEN and FLOWER SEEDS, comprising all the most valuable Novelties of the season, with the choicest Colleotious of German Seerts from the best growers, is now ready, and will be sent free application. Nm-s( , Huntingdon, W THOMPSON, Seedsman, Tavern Street, Ipswich, • respectfully invites the attention of Amateurs to hia choice Collection of FLOWER SEEDS, of which a DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE, arranged on the Natural System, may be had gratis on prepaid application. It includes Seeds not to be met with in any other Collection. RICHARD SMITH'S SEED CATALOGUE contains a Calendar of Time for Sowing, particulars of Collections, with PricoB, Directions for Croppiijg well and economically. Soil, Manure, Depth, Distance, Season, Hardiness, Duration, Form, Meleht, Colour, Storing, Use, Flavour, and other qualities described. This List free by post for one stamp. SEEDS direct from the Growers the surest way to success. RicBARD Smitb, Seed Merchant, Worcester. Bntlsh Fern Catalogue. ROBERT SIM will send, post free for six postage stamps. Part I, (British Ferns and their varieties, 36 pages, including prices of Hardy Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- To the Trade.— Continental Flower Seeds, &c. FW. WENDEL, Seed Merchant and Grower, « Erfurt, Prussia, begs to announce that his WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of the above is now ready, and may be had free and post paid on application to his Agent. Geo. Macintosh, Nurseryman and Seedsman, High Road, Hammersmith, London, w. to his GENERAL CATALOGUE of^^PLANTS, No. > many Novelties, and Alterations o" application from his Agents, Messrs. R. Silbebrad, 6, Haip Lane, London, E.C. RATNBIRD, CALDECOTT, bT^TREETDOWLING; AND COMPANY (Limited), CoRW, Seed, Mandre, and Ojlcake Merchants. Address, S9, Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.C. ; or Basingstoke. Samples and Prices ^st free on application. Prize Medals, 1861, for Wheat; 1862, for iellei 1 Seed Com and Seeds." Hardy, Scarlet, and other choice named Rhododendrons. WH ROGERS, Red Lod-e I^ursery, Southampton, • offers the above in quantity at £10 per 100, or selected In flneand distinct colours, 30$. per dozen. The pWnts are strong, bushy, and well rooted. The sorts (about 200) are magnificent, and none finer in cultivation. A limited number of larger specimens, full of bloom- ing buds, 6s. each. A detailed CATALOGUE may be had on applica. tion ; and also of avery fine Collection of CONIFERJE. ROSES, and GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, extending over CO Acres. Rhododendrons, As Exhibited at the Royal Botanic Gakdens, Rege5t*b Park. JOHN "WATERER, the Exhibitor -at the above Gardens, has pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of the above popular Plants is now published, and will be forwarded to all applicants. It fiithfully describes all the varieties considered It c The An s likewise a selection of HARDY 1 Nursery, Bagshot, Surrey. Becic's Seedling Pelargoniums. GLENDIJNNING and SONS are now offering for d distinct PELARGO- t:cK, Esq., of Isleworth, which were awarded numerous Certificates at the various Metro- politan Snows. DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may be had on application. ^^^^ Chiswick Nurseries, London, W. New Zealand Nursery. St. Alban's, Herts^ J "WATSON'S beautiful BEDDING PELAItGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready; colour of Indian Yellow; fine trxiss, and habit of Lord Palmerston. Price &s. each ; 3Gs. per doz. to the Trade. MISS WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1. The Two have received 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money. Fine New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN, Kipi c 1H0ICE GERANIUMS foi LADY CULLUM, SOPHIA CUSACK. SOPHIA DUMARESQUE, BEAUTY of CAULDERDALE, MODEL. PERILLA, and other similar kinds, all good, by the plant, dozen, or 100 MRS. POLLOCK, good plants in large thumb pots, at 30s. per 100 ITALIA UNITA and SUNSET, at 6s. per doz. ZONAL and other VARIEGATED GERANIUMS, including The usual allowance to the Trade, A LIST with Prices may be had on applic riLLiAU PoTTEN, Sisslnghurst. Staple hui XV 1 New Seed, !. 6d. per packet. PRIMULA KERMk'SlNA.— The great fault of this brilliant coloured variety baa hitherto been its indisposition to thr^w its flowers above the foliage. I have now, however, the satisfaction of offering it with the same erect, conspicuous style as the other kinds. The stock of this is limited this year. Price Sa. per packet. Geobqe Clarke, Nurseries, Streatham Place, Brixton Hill, S. ; and Mottingham, Kent. s U P E R B G L GANDAVENSIS HYBRIDS. 3»., 6s 100 Roots, in 10 varieties, for l8a. Qd. 100 Roots, in 20 varieties, for 22 6 lOU Roots, in 30 varieties, for 30 0 100 Roots, in 60 varieties, for 45 0 D I 0 L I.— ,, 123., and I5s. per doz. : published. , Seed Grower and Nurseryman, Sudbur)-. Suffolk. Choice Ranunculuses, Flower Seeds, &c. CTYBO, Florist, &c., Wallingford, Berks, offers • assortments from his unrivalled cyllection. RANUNCULUSES, 60 fine sorts, from £1 to £2. .. 26 splendid Seedlings, £1 6s. DOUBLE ANEMONES. 25 fine varieties, Gs Crf IMPORTED GERMAN SEEDS.— Asters, Balsams, Stocks Poppies, Larkspurs, Wallfiowers, Zinnias, &c., in named assortments 1». to 65. ANNUAL FLOWER SEEDS, 26 varieties, Ss. C^ These articles can be sent by post. t free for one stamp. 3 be SOLD, very cheap. New and Choice Flower Seeds. CJ, BARKER is prepared to supply SEEDS of tht • following:— PELARGONIUM, YELLOW and TRICOLOR, 2s. GU. per packet. NEW ZONAL PELARGONIUM, EGYPTIAN QUEEN. THIS SPLENBID VARIETY, WHICH WAS AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE AT THE EOYAL HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETY'S SHOW, AT SOUTH KENSINGTON, In the Autumn of 1867, and ia decidedly the best Bicolor Zonal yet exhibited, will be REA.DY fob sending out on THE 1st of May. Orders are now being booked, and will be executed in strict rotation. Desceiption. — Darkest bronze yet seen on bright golden-yellow ground ; leaves of extraordinary substance, consequently resisting sun and rain ; form of leaf round, and surface flat ; habit, dwai-f , busby, and very hardy. Was planted out last season with all the older Golden Bronze Zoned Varieties, and stood the variable season better than any. Will be exhibited at all the London Horticultural and Botanical Societies* Shows in London this season. Figured in " Floral Magazine " for January, 1868. Plates (by Andrews) may be had, Is. each. Single Plants, price lOs. 6d. JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 and 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. PERKINS & SONS, Park Nursery, Coventry. New Tricolor Pelargonium ** Countess of Craven." This splendid Tariety was awarded the 1st Prize at the Hpecial £xblbitloD of Tricolor Pelargoniums, at South Kensington, on the 17th of September last; at the aame time it was awarded a First- class Certiflcate by the Floral Committee. After having received the above awards, we think it useless to say more than that the habit of the plant la very free, leaf round and flat, has an even and well defloed margin of golden yellow, with a rich crimeon and bronze zone, encircling a deep green centre. Plants ready 1st of May next, 2U. each. Tricolor Pelargonium *' Queen Victoria." This fine variety was also awarded the lat Prize aa the best Tricolor in commerce, at the above named exbibition, and at tha same time was awarded a First-class Certificate from the Floral Committee. Strong Plants, now ready, lOs. ed. eich. Splendid New Scarlet Verbena *' Shakspeare." This ia undoubtedly the finest Scarlet Verbena ever offered, truss and pip exceediugly large and smooth, of a rich orange scarlet, strong free habit. Was awarded a Fir^t-class Certificate by the Floral Com- mittee ofthe Royal Horticultural Society in 1866, and would have been sent out last spring but that the stock was nearly lost in the winter. Plants ready last week in April, 56. each. NOTICE OP REMOVAL. WAITE, BURNELL, HUGGINS, & CO., SEED MERCHANTS, 181, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C, HAVE NOW REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES IN SOUTHWARK STREET, S.E. WHERE IN FUTURE ALL COMMUNICATIONS! AEE TO BE ADDRESSED. ECLIPSE BROCCOLI. DAVIDSON'S ECLIPSE BEOCCOLI, Which is now offered for the first time, is a superb dwarf-grOAving late sort, recommenrieil for its extreme hardiness. The heads, which are of a creamy white colour, are very large and firm, and most delicious in flavour. In P. L. & Son's Sealed Packets, Is. 6d. each. Special offer to the Trade on application. 1^ A SPECIAL LIST of NOVELTIES can also be had. PETER LAWSON and SON, EDINBURGH; and 20, BUDGE ROW, CANNON STREET, LONDON. E.C. PAUL'S NURSERIES, WALTHAM CROSS, LONDON, N. WILLIAM PAUL BEQ8 TO OFFER THE FOLLOWING CHOICE VEGETABLE AND ELOWER SEEDS. No. 1. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Large Garden, One Tear's Supply, £3 35. No. 2. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Smaller Garden, One Year's Supply, £2 2s. No. 3. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for SmaU Garden, One Yeai-'s Supply, £1 1». SMALLEK COLLECTIONS, 15s., 10«. 6d. COTTAGEK'S COLLECTIONS, for distribution, of the most serviceable seeds, os. PAUL'S SUPERB CRIMSON BEET, per ounce. Is. I SUPERB DWARF HERTFORDSHIRE CAUUFLOWEB, per "WALTHAM BRUSSELS SPROUTS, per packet, 1» packet. Is. WALTHAM MARKET CABBAGE, per packet. Is. PAUL'S IMPROVED TELEGRAPH CUCUMBER, per packet, 28. HILL'S DWARF CAULLFLOWBR, veiy superior, per packet HILL'S BROWN COS LETTUCE, per packet. Is. 6(J. '«■ lit!. I BHOCKETT HALL COS LETTUCE, per packet. Is. FLOWER SEEDS. No. 1. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Large Gai-dens, £2 2s. No. 2. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Smaller Garden, £1 Is. No. 3. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Small Garden, lOs. 6d. PETUNIAS, from the newest and feest flowering of my splendid collection, Is. per packet. TROPjEOLUM (Perpetual Flowering), from my unrivalled collec- tion of floo splendid Tarietlea. Is. per packet. Superb NEW HYBRID MIMULOS MACULOSUS, l.i. per p.ickot. The greatly increasing demand tor my strains of the above is a sufficient guai-antee for tbeir flret-class quality. One nacket each, fis. Unknown correspondents will kindly sent postage stamps or Post- office orders *- '^^ *' ....--■ ^—- Exotic Nui COLLSCTIOirS of GEBMAIf SEEDS, In sealed packets as imported, from the most reliable STOCKS I BALSAMS I LARKSPURS ZINNIAS, 4o. CHOICE GREENHOUSE and FLORIST FLOWERS, Most Select Stj'ains. PRIMULA SINENSIS | CINERARIA | CALCEOLARIA | PHLOX | PANSY | HOLLYHOCK. 4o. full particulars, see SEED CATALOGUE, just published, free by post on application, 1^" All Seeds Carriage Free, excepting very Small Pareeh. FbbBUARY 22, 18C8.] THE GAKDENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGEICULTUKAE GAZETTE. 179 SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN SEEDS (CARRIAGE FREE). PARIS, 1867. THE ONLT SILVER MEDAL ENGLISH GARDEN SEEDS "U^VS AWAltDED TO SUTTON AND SONS, As seo OFFICIAL CATALOGUE, Briiish Section; and the following announcement from the Secretary of the Executive Commission : — " Paris Exhibition, January 17, 1868. " Gentlemen.— The Silver Medal awarded to your Firm by the International Jury of the Paris Exhibi- tion of 1867, Is the only Prize awarded to any English Exhibitor for Garden Seeds. " I am, Gentlemen, your obedient Servant, " E. G. WYLDE, " Secretary to the Executive CommiBelon. " To Messrs. Sutton & Sons, " Eoyal Berkshire Seed EstaMislunent, Heading." SUTTONS' COMPLETE COLLECTIONS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, (CARRIAGE FREE,) ARE NOW READY. SUTTONS' GUINEA COLLECTION OF KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, Containing the following excellent sorts, forwarded Carriage Free, to any Railway Station in England. 1 quart PEAS, best kind for the 1 pkt. CUCUM^BER, Stockwood 1 do, do. beet kind for tbe 2(1 do. 1 do. do. 3d do. 1 do. do. 4tb do. 1 do. do. 5tli do. 1 qt. BEANS. Improved Windsor I do. do. Early Longpod i pint. do. Scarlet Runners i do. do. Painted Lady do. \ tlo.do.Long-poddeONeeroDwai-f I oz.BEET.Sutions'fineDwarfRed : pkt. KALE. Curled Scotch 1 do. BROCCOLI. Surerb Early 1 do. do. Basket's Late White 1 do. do. Walcheren iOZ.CABBAGE.SuttonB'Iraporial ji do. do. CobbeLt's Dwarf i do. do. Lockhart's Rosette 1 do. do. Couve f ronchudi 4 oz. MUSTARD, White 3 do. CRESS plain 1 do. do. Curled 1 do. do. Australian ) do. do. American 1 pkt. SAVOT. Gn " 1 ilo. do. lutennediate 2 do. PARSNIP, Student 1 pkt. EN DIVE, Green Cmled 1 do. LEEK, Musselburgh I do. SWRKT BASIL 1 do. THYME 1 do. SAVORr, Summer 1 do. do. Winter fWhite 1 do. LETTUCE, Suttons' Superb I do. do. Hammersmith i do. do. finest mixed 1 do. GOURD, mixed [mixed 1 do. VEGETABLE MARROW, 1 07.. PARSLEY, Double Curled 1 pkt. CORN SALAD 1 do. do. Scarlet Gin 1 do. do. White Olwe 2 do. do. Mixod Turnip Should any of the above not be required, Messrs. SnTTON will be pleased to substitute others in place of those omitted. FOR FUHTHEE PAETICDLARS OF SUTTONS' COMPLETE COLLECTIONS KITCHEN GARDEN (Free by Rail) FLOWER GARDEN (Free by Post) SUTTONS' PRICED CATALOGUE, Gratis and Post Free on application. SUTTON AjJD SONS, EOYAL BERKS SEED ISTABLISHMENT, READING. CAETER'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FAKMS. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, PARIS, 1867, WAS AWARDED TO JAMES CARTER & CO.; And tlieir GRASS SEEDS produced the BEAUTIFUL TURF, 50 mucli admired by Englisii Visitors at the Paris Exhibition. ^Cl^^T-BNCE OF 9^.^^ PARIS, 1867 CARTER'S " PARIS MIXTURE " of the FINEST PERMANENT GRASSES and CLOVERS, 36s. ptr acre. CARTER'S "OWN MIXTURE" for the FORMATION of PERMANENT PASTURES, 2Ss. to .32s. per acre. CARTER'S FINE ItYE-GRASSES and CLOVERS for ALTERNATE HUSBANDRY, of pure quality, for One Year's Lay, 13s. 6d. per acre ; Two Years' Lay, 17s. 6rf. per acre ; Three Years' Lay, 22s. per acre. A DAM FORSYTH'S CAT.\LOGUE for 1868 is now rejviv, and will bo forwarded to all applicants for ono stamp. oEihiiuH a aoleot List of Nww and choice ChrVH:iiiLliomum8 K'-'Vi Now Tropcoolums ; New Double, Vitiifgiitud. Zoual,, " irauiiima ; Dnhlins, VerhonaH, ""' ' " ' "" ""' tions) t Huilding Pliints: also a Practical Troatlao {w THE HEM A KK ABLE and INTERESTING NEW JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUMS.— Seeti of ttioseohanning PlaotB, calciUaietl to produce mauy fine novultios, cau be had at Ifl, per packet of Hooper A Co., Seed Morcbants, Covent Garden. London, W.C. Pelargoniums for the MUllon. JAMES HOLDKK, having an immense stock of the above, begB to offer (stronR pTanta, In large CO-potfi), 50 dUtinot fiorta for 30«. ; 26 sorts for 20^.; or 12 Boits for 168., namper and package included. Crowa Nursery, Reading. i^^ERANIUMS, GERANIUMS. — Stro^^lants, in V.T (JO-size pots, 30 New Varieties of 1867 for 15a. MRS. POLLOCK, strong plants, in eO-slz© pots, at fl«. per dozen G. SMITH'S LA GRANDE, in pots, I5s. per 100 Package included. Terms cash, Philip Ladds, Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent. WEBB'S NEW GIANT POLYANTHUS, Florist Flower, and GIANT COWSLIP SEEDS; also Plants of all the varletiea, with double PRIMROSES ot different colours; AURICULAS, both Single and Double ; with every sort of Early Spring Flowora. LIST on application.— Mr. Webb, Calcot, Reading. Dablias, Dahlias, Dahlias. MESSRS. ANSELL have a very large stock of Pot Roots to offer, at 6s., 9s., and 12s. per dozen; 16,000 INTER- MEDIATE STOCKS, finest strain, at Ss., 4a., and Ga. per dozen. Also several hundreds very fine LILACS, 5 to 6 feet high. The Nurseries, Grafton Road, N.W. Cut Camellia Flowers. HALLY, NuKSERYJiAN, Biackheath and Lee, has a • good assortment of fine DOD BLE WHITES and other leading _... _v L _ z J — fully packed, to all parts of the Turner Road, Lee, Kent, S.E. kinds, which t Direct to J. Hal: FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. GRAND HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AQRIOULTORAL SOCIETY, JULY 16 to 23, 1868. Amoncst vanoua Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cii|i) VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS' CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be mad© up fls follows :— Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Diah of each :— Grapes, Melons {2 fruits). Strawberries, Gooseberries, Currants, Cherries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 18671. Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen limds, one basltet or bundle of each ;— Peas, French Beans (or Scarlet Runners), Broad Beans, Cauliflowers, Cucumbers (brace), Summer Cabbages, Early Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatos, or Mixed Salading. This Prize will be ooen to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners," of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetables of their oivn grovniiy ; any article otherwise obtained will disqualify LONDON, 1862. THE ONLY MEDAL FOR SEEDS. CARTER'S GRASS and CLOVER SEEDS for IMPROVING OLD PASTURES, 9rf. per lb. CARTER'S GEjISS SEEDS for PARK LAWNS, 16*. per bushel.. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for CRICKET GROUNDS, 20s. per bushel. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for CROQUET GROUNDS, 20s. per bushel. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for CHURCHYARDS, 165. per bushel. The above Mixtures arc prepared from Stocks of the finest quality, and are specially suited to particular Soils and Situations. CARTER'S SPECIAL ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE OF FAKM SEEDS, Forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTEB ajjp CO., SEED FARMEHS, 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. ^iie ®attrener^'©iiromcle* SATUMDAT, FEBRVART 22, 1868. In the columns of the " Florist and Pomo- logist " has latfily been carried on a discussion as to the production of AiJEiAl. EooTS in Vines. The general impression among gardeners, that their production is dependent on too great a difference between the temperature of the soil of the border and that of the house, or from an undue amount of humid moisture in the atmo- sphere, hardly suffices to account for the pheno- mena. It is evident that constitutional peculia- rities must have much to do with the matter ; for instance, in the conservatory at Chiswick, filled as it is with a great number and variety of Vines, there are but one or two that show this peculiarity. We may remark, that so far as we know, no one has attempted yet to show what these roots do — what functions they sei-ve — of what use they are to the plant. Have they similar powers of absorbiim Huids or vapours that the undergound roots have ? It seems probable that they do enjoy this power ; but the question should be settled beyond dispute, and then the cause of their production would be more easily discovered. Suppose they have no absorbent action— suppose theto- to be mere prehensile organs, for instance, as the roots of Ivy are considered to be — then the causes influencing their production would probably bo very different from those that would be potent under the sup- position that they were absorbent organs. Assuming, however, that these structures are not only root-like in aspect, but in function like- wise—and we need hardly say that, although absolute proof is wanting, there is much in favour of this notion— we may inquire what are the circumstances most favourable to the pro- duction of roots ? The answer assuredly is, moistui-e in conjunction with heat : see the forest of fibrils that form on the roots of trees that manage to get access to water. Every observer, too, is familiar with the way in which roots wHl, as it were, travel in search of water, and having found it, how they break up into a tuft — a fox- bi-ush of roots. Many striking instances of this have been at various times cited in our own columns. -^ a i. Heat without moisture has the opposite ettect. The bulbs, the tubers, the huge underground roots, or root-like stems— are not all these, as a rule, ths produce of hot, dry, and soils . Ihe 180 THE rrAT^riENERS' riniOMn E and ACRIOULTUKAE UAZKTTE. [Febeuabt 23, 18f3. plant here stores up in its own tissues the water which under other circumstances it would ^et from without, as it required it, by means of its fibrils. Instances of this kind, too, are plentiful enough, but we will cite an illustratiou that occurred to ourselves during the last summer, and which is a fact deserving the attention of Mr. Dakwin or any other philosopher who makes the variation of plants and their inducing causes, a matter of study and investigation. Wishing to conceal rapidly and temporarily a row of laurels killed by the preceding winter's frost, some seeds, professedly of Convolvulus major, were sown by the gardener ; in duo time the seeds germinated, without any attention being given to them till the plants had attained a foot or 18 inches high, when, struck by their appearance, an examination was made, revealing a long reddish twining stem like a Hop bine, and some leaves more Uke those of a Radish than a Convolvulus — and Eadish leaves they turned out to be. Eadish seed had been sown on the same day in a hot dry part of the garden, and quickly produced the required rounded. Turnip - shaped dainties. Some of the same seed sown at the base of a damp dark north wall, and at the foot of the old Laurel stumps, produced the long twining stems before mentioned, while the " Eadish" was replaced by a slender tap root and a little forest of fine fibrils. So much for change of the con- ditions of life in producing rapid alterations in general appearance, and, which is the point we specially allude to here, the alteration in the form of the root. There are two other points to which we would specially invite attention with refer- ence to the formation of "adventitious" roots — the one the frequency of their production when the bark or the young wood is diseased or decaying. Look at almost any old hollow trunk of a pollarded Willow, and the chances are that roots may be seen protruding from the young new wood in the vicinity of the decayed portions, roots which eventually reach the ground and then serve to replace the older decayed portions of the trunk. The case of the Dragon Tree, alluded to p. 50, is another illustration of the same thing. But what touches gardeners more nearly, is the way in which roots are formed after injury of any kind : propagation by cuttings — especially by leaf-cuttings, is dependent on this very circumstance. We have seen roots thrown out from what would seem very unlikely places, after a snail or a slug had gnawn away some portion of the structure. The tissues must be young and active for this to happen ; no roots are thrown out from the older, more indurated portions of plants. Hence, then, we ask whether it has ever been noticed if the aerial roots in the case of the Vine have been formed after an abrasion or other injury to the bark or young wood. We should bo glad to know this, though from what occurs in Cissus discolor and other Vitacese, as well as in the case of Vines generally, we know that these roots may bo formed quite independently of injury. The splendid example of Ccelogtnb ceistata, exhibited on Tuesday last by Mr. Taplin, gardener to His Grace the Duke of Devonshiee, from Chats- worth, deserves more than a passing notice ; and the Floral Committee seem to have entertained a similar opinion, since they recommended it for a Lindley Medal — the special award of the Royal Horticultural Society for high cultivation. The plant formed a mass measuringj we imagine, more than a yard across, and was literally smothered with blossoms. Perhaps Mr. Taplin will obligingly state its exact dimensions, and the number of flower spikes it has borne, and will at the same time be also good enough to indicate his mode of treating it. Scarcely less prominent than the Ccelogyne from Chatsworth, as an example of high cultivation, stood the Ltcaste Skinneei, shown from the establishment of Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, the great excellence of which equally secured for it the recommendation of a medal by the Floral Committee. This plant had a head of some three dozen or more healthy, vigorous, well-developed, and finely-coloured blossoms, and these were relieved and set off "by a set of healthy leaves. The production of such a specimen reflects the highest credit on the cultural skill of Mr. Dominy, if, indeed, in these days that required to be further certified. The EoTAL Caledonian Hoeticultueal SociETT has issued its programme for the present season, from which it appears that two Exhibitions and Promenades are to he held in the ilusic Hall, Edin- burgh—one on the loth of June, in which the leading objects are Flowers and Flowenng Plants, 2.3 classes bemg devoted to these, 12 to Fruit, and 7 to Vege- tables ; and another on the 2d of September at which a considerable exhibition of Fruit is invited, there being 29 classes for Fruit, 25 for Flowers, and 6 ' for Vegetables, besides a few special classes for amateurs and cottagers. The principal prizes at this latter show are for collections of 20, and collections of 16 sorts of fruits, while there are 9 classes specially allotted to Grapes, amongst which appear the heaviest, the finest flavoured, and the finest bloomed. Mr. Middleton, the gardener at Wynnstay, informs us that he finds the semi-double red-flowered Azalea William Bull to be one of the best of all for early forcing. Of a similar character, but having the advantage of producing flowers of a brighter red colour, also semi-double, is another Belgian variety, which has been named Feancois Pevos, and of which a flowering plant was exhibited last Tuesday at South Kensington. M, Lahate, according to the Borticulteur FratHais, has discovered a method of retarding the Floweeing of Feuit Teees, with a view to regu, late the production of fruit, and insure that the crop shall be always equally abundant. This is eflected by " pinching" the leaves that surround the young flower- bud, which latter is thus prevented from expanding in the following spring. We share the doubts expressed by our confrere as to the success of this process; but we hope some curious amateur will be induced to try the experiment, and report thereon. Some time ago we noticed in a country paper an idea which may be very well taken up at the ensuing show at Leicester, respecting which we insert a letter in another column. The idea we allude to was that of instituting County or Distei ct Matches for the exhi- bition of particular selected subjects. To illustrate our meaning, let us suppose that the county of Leicester challenged the county of Derby to an exhibition of Carnations and Picotecs, or of Roses — whichever or whatever might flnd most favour in the locality. Derby might accept the challenge, and might also send out one for some other flower. Other counties might match themselves with other subjects of competition ; or, expanding the idea somewhat, the Midland district might offer to take all England — say for an exhibition of fruit, and so an extremely interesting series of compet' tions might be got up. The prizes should be substantial cups of 20Z. or .302. value, and the finest flowers, fruits, &c., would of course be obtained wherever, within the limits, they were best grown, the cup to be held by the largest contributor, who should, perhaps, hand over a certain amount to one or two of his best supporters. Why not have county flower and fruit matches, as well as county matches of any other kind? We have received from M. Baeillet a copy of the Regulations concerning the Admission of Pupils (eleves) to the "Fledeiste de la Ville de Paris," for the present year. The regulations are as follows : — 1. The candidate must have completed his eighteenth year, and show a certificate to that effect ; he must possess a knowledge of the rudiments of Horticulture, and have been engaged in its practice for at least one year. 2. The Administration pays monthly to each pupil, in ackowledgment of his services, the following suras : — For the first three months, CO francs; for the next three months, 70 francs ; after six months, the monthly payment may be raised, according to the aptitude and ability of the pupil, to 80—85 francs and upwards. 3. The pupils must conform to the regula- tions applying to the workmen and foremen ("chefs de section")of the horticultural establishments of the city. 4. The pupils are changed from section to section, every month, so as to enable them to study with i)rofit all branches of cultivation. 5. Pupils who desire to leave the establishment must make their wishes known to the " chef de culture "" fifteen days in advance, and can only demand any pay- ment that may be due to them on the appointed days, —that is, from the 8th to the 10th of each month. We further learn that there are several vacancies at pre- sent, and we advise some of our young aspirants to avail themselves of the opportunity. — ■ To convert Leaf Buds to Feuit Spues on Apple or Pear trees in the month of May, make an incision through the bark, half an inch or more above a bud in a transverse direction : from this cut make another one vertically downwards as (ar as the bud, then with the handle of a budding knife lift the bark from each side of the latter incision as far as the bud. This latter begins to develop immediately into a leaf- bud, but which, by means of pinching, may be con- verted into a fruit bud. So says M. Loutot-Dupuis, who also says that at other times of the year the opera- tion is not attended with the like results. rof 3, New Plants. Allamanda NOBILIS, sp. n. Br.incbe3 smooth, ecandcnt : leaves in whorls tapered to the base, sessile, the younger ones with t sm.ill round glands between each pair, oblong, abruptly acuminate, membranaceous (T^xSJ inches), hairy on both surfaces, especially beneath and on the midrib, penninerved, the veins conspicuous, given off nearly at right angles, the margin ciliate ; calyx pubescent : corolla large, pubescent throughout on the outer surface, the funnel-sljiiped portion nearly equalling the constricted part of the tube (3 inches), the limb broad (4 Inches), with rounded and much imbri- cated spreading, not reflexed segments, each having three longitudinal prominent veins near the centre. This very fine species of Allamanda, which has the trailing habit common to most of the other species in cultivation, has been introduced by Mr. Bull, from the Rio Branco in Brazil, and flowered for the first time in this country in the course of the autumn of last year. We had the opportunity of examining flowering speci- mens at that time, though, unfortunately, they could not be got in at any of the meetings or the shows which then took place. It well deserves the name of nobilis, for it is a noble acquisition amongst ornamental stove plants, its flowers being as large as ordinary blossoms of A. Schottii, but with this advantage, as compared with those of that species, that the broad rounded lobes stand forward instead of being obliquely elongated and reflexed, and thus from their overlapping each other they give to the flowers a full circular outline, quite different from that of the other cultivated species, with the exception of A. grandiflora, from which it differs altogetherin its scandent habit of growth. The flowersareof a full bright yellow, rather deeper tinted in the throat, but without streaks or any other markings. The membranous hairy leaves, pubescent calyx, and pubescent exterior surface of the corolla, together with the shape of the latter, mark it out as a perfectly distinct species ; while the large size, full circular form, and bright colour of the flowers, will render it, in the hands of a clever culti- vator, a grand ornament both for the stove conserva- tory, and for the exhibition stage. T. M. PEARS. The remarks of " Pari Passu " (see p. 1268, 1867) on the character and quality of certain Pears have no doubt received that amount of attention which is always due to a fair and candid statement of the result of any well-conducted experiment in horticultural practice, and have doubtless proved particularly interesting to the amateur cultiva- tors of that excellent fruit, as well as to those who seek for additional information bearing on the subject of the influences exercised by soil and position on the ripening and development of the peculiar qualities of particular Pears, If accurate information, embracing the whole country and Continent, were available on this important point, it is probable that " Pari Passu " would not have had occasion to give to yourreaders so dismal anarrative of disappointed hopes. I wish to join with "Pyrus" (in whose thoroughly practical and interesting coinments on your corre- spondent's conclusions I coincide), in maintaining that the mere local experience of any one cultivator is not capable of universal application, however it may be calculated for the guidance of those whose Pear gardens are, like that of "Pari Passu," "on a binding loam, 3 feet in depth, resting on sandy gravel, and in the south of England," I hope that Pear growers in different parts of the kingdom may be induced to follow the example of the correspondents to whom I have referred, and contribute whatever local informa- tion on Pear growing they may possess, so that a pomo- logical map may be in time arranged for the guidance of those who are interested in the culture of fruit trees, I have a catalogue before me in which 100 varieties of Pears are named and described, and these Pears are variously stated to be melting, sugary, very juicy, aromatic, buttery, and delicious, A gardener not very well up in Pears may well be perplexed in making choice amongst so many fruits of high promise ; how much more bewildered may we expect an amateur to be when he takes up a catalogue of fruits, desiring to make a selection ? I do not mean to affirm that any of the Pears described as possessing so many marked and excellent qualities, are unworthy of the recommendations given to them. There are undoubtedly localities suited to every sort, and nurserymen would not propagate so many sorts if the demand were restricted to a few generally reliable kinds. There are, doubtless, spots where most, if not all the Pears in a nursery catalogue find con- genial homes ; a pomological map would tell the uninitiated where these spots are to be found. " Pari Passu " made the great mistake of sending to Belgium and France for his trees, and accepting all the charm- ing novelties which spring up in such profusion in those highly-favoured countries. He has lost money and time, and his patience has been sorely tried ; but he has gained that which most of us have to wade through mistakes to attain, knowledge which cannot fail to be useful to him in all his future horticultural experiments, By-and-by he will perhaps have the satisfaction of knowing that he started a subject of great interest, and that many facts bearing on the subject of fruit culture resulted from the communi- cation of the troubles which came to him not singly but in (pairs) Pears. As an illustration of the influence of soil and situa- tion on Pears, I may mention BetuT^ d'Amanlis, which " Pari Passu " describes as too watery. With me this Pear is not only very large and handsome, but in quality is rich, sugary, and melting. Again, Gansel's Bergamot grows to a large size, and becomes temptinglj; handsome, but is never better than a Turnip. Urbaniste is described by your cor- respondent as small : I have never known it, even in the driest seasons, to be open to that objection ; it invariably reaches a large size at this place, but it is only of medium excellence in the best seasons. Amongst Pears classed as second-rate, I find most of the kinds which I regard as possessing pre-eminently those qua- lities which distinguish the best Pears. I place Winter Nelis in the position given by " P. P." to Beurre Superfin,and call it the King of Winter Pears: during December and January its supremacy cannot be gain- said. It is succeeded by Glou Morceau, which is not quite so constant in quality as the foregoing, but in the Banana-like softness of its flesh, in its sweetness, juiciness, and delicate aroma, it can scarcely be sur- passed. Van Mens Leon le Clerc is what may be called a grand Pear— attaining a noble size, and, for a large Pear, possessing very great recommendations of flavour and quality : I have had it but little inferior to Marie Louise in those respects. British Queen is one of the finest Pears we possess. I value the old Crassane for certain peculiarities of fiavour, and for its excellent habit of ripening gradually. Fkbeuaet 22, 1868.] THE GAIIDENEKS' CnRONICLE AND AGRICIILTUEAL GAZETTE 181 and keeping a Ions; time alter altaming malunty. Easter Beurrd has tiie recommendations of size, and a very marked aroma: I regard it as a first-class Pear. Beurre Ranoe, thoiiRli wanting the ricliness oliarac- teristic of the Nelis and earlier Pears, may be esteemed good for its season, JIarcli and April ; it is very juicy, and refreshing. These few instances will perhaps suilicieutly illustrate the point on which I insist— that Pears must not be condemned because they have failed to attain their characteristic good qualities in one particular locality. I hope to return to the sub- ject, when I will give a further list of instances of the changes effected iu Pears by soil and position. William Ingram, Belvoir. [We shall be pleased to receive your list. Ed.s.] REMOVING ARAUCAEIAS. In September, 18G6, I removed a large Araucaria, and having seen a great many die after removal, I cm induced to furnish you with an account of our manner of transplanting it, together with its after management. Taking into consideration the fact that this tree is generally scantily rooted, I set about increasing the quantity of roots by digging a trench around it, and filling it up vfith good turfy soil ; this was done in the early part of June, which, from experience, I find to be the most suitable time for performing the operation. The following September was fixed upon for its removal from Mr. Mackay's garden at Totteridge, where the tree in question was then growing. The tree was IG feet in height, and beautifully mer. If the ball once becomes thoroughly dry it is dilTicult to moisten it again. The best way of moisten- ing it is by means of drain-pipes inclined inwardly, and kept continually filled with water until the whole beimmcs thoroughly soaked. John Kilhij, WiUenhall, Wliflstone. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. It becomes practical men especially to weigh the facts mentioned in your article (p. 151) at their right significance when they look in at Kensington, and see the gardens there converted (subverted they say) into a sphere for gay pleasure, such as you have so traphically described, as they rush off to Chiswick in isgust to look in upon the real horticulture that is to be found there in the valuable trials, experiments, and culture of fruits, vegetables, and flowers : they must put the two together, and discovering how Ken- sington probably sustains Chiswick, learn the great virtue in such matters of contentment with what is possible, in the absence of possession of what may be the most desirable. Neither would I underrate the gardens at South Kensington as such. The conservatory is well fur- nished, and the other houses or arcades exhibit credit- able examples of good culture, while the gardens are skilfully filled with a profusion of bedding plants during the season. In fact, Kensington is the floral display of the Horticultural Society, and as such is highly creditable to its resources and its taste. It seems that one of the greatest drains upon the any decided novelty, ought to exhaust the i)nvileges of the Fellows. In addition to these, the members expect fruit, flowers, and plants from the gardens at reduced rates, and almost seed enough to furnish their own gardens. This tells against the finances of the Society in two ways. It lessens the income from productions, and adds largely to the expense of distribution. It also gives metropolitan and suburban members an undue advantage over others, as few, it is presumed, would care to avail themselves of the garden produce but those living in or near to London. But the chief evil arising from such excessive liberality on the part of the Society is the expense of growing and distributing such an enormous quantity of seeds, and such numbers of plants that may now be purchased anywhere for a few shillings. Belore the development of commercial gardening, or the establishment of so many nurseries, a supply of good produce at a cheap rate, or of good seeds or plants at reasonable prices, true to name, might have been objects worthy of the attention of the Royal UorticuUuial Society. But I submit that they are so no longer. Respectable nurserymen abound. The Horticultural Society no longer takes the lead in the introduction of new or rare plants ; and it is entirely unworthy of its high character that il .should compete as it were with nurserymen for the supply of the private gardens of its Pellows with common seeds for the kitchen or flower gardens. The time has arrived when the whole energy expended in this direction should be turned into a more useful channel. In the management of the Society the pleasure of its members has been studied quite Fig. 1. Truck with irons extending over wheels ; a, iron for cios.9 handle ; h I,, irons for insertion of Fig. 2.— Fig. 2. Side of pole, with oross-haniile, giv: with roller, and lever for turning it ; also, portable criidle.s and lej^s : the latter .are secured with screwed bolts, and can be taken off for c Fig. 4. Roller, showing iron eyes for levers.— Fig. .1. Side view of truck and ball of earth as secured. leverage. — Fig. .3. Tree'le, branched. A two-wheeled truck, as shown in figures 1, 5, was made for the purpose, and we found it to answer admirably. It is an invention of Mr. Mackay's, and I believe it to be the most convenient truck for ordinary planting hitherto in use. One of smaller dimensions should be in every garden. For raising the ball, which was computed to weigh about 2 tons, we had trestles and rollers made (shown in figures 3, 1) in accordance with designs given in a pamphlet by Mr. McNab, and we certainly found them to be all we could desire. We commenced operations by encircling the stem with long Grass, and securing thereto a long pole, a trifle higher than the tree, and tying up the lower branches in mats. To the pole we attached our guy- poles, instead of to the stem of the tree, thereby doing away with the possibility of bruising it. Having the tree secure, we dug a wide trench in front of it, and a corresponding one in the back, undermining so as to be able to insert a stout Oak plank immediately under the bole, and likewise one on each side, supporting them with bricks up to the base of the ball. The weight of the tree now entirely rested on these planks; we then removed the sides, shaped the ball into a round form, encircling it with Grass and the staves of an old tub, and bound the whole tightly together with strong ropes. The trestles were now placed in the trenches, one in front and one in the back, and with strong ropes placed under the ends of the Oak planks and around the rollers the tree was raised a sufficient height to admit the truck underneath, on to which it was gra- dually lowered. The tree was then secured to the truck by means of the guy-pole, and removed to its destination, a distance of Is miles. It was then placed, by means of the same appliances, in its new position, where it stands now in perfect health. I may add, that much of the success of removing large trees depends upon the after-management of them. It is imperative that the ball should never be allowed to become dry, and that the tree itself should a'su be unsparingly syringed overhead during the sum- resources of the Society arises from the fact of its possessing two large gardens. I think the drain might be lessened thus ; As far as possible convert Chiswick into a utilitarian garden. The fine specimens of ornamental trees and shrubs prevent its entire devotion to the utilities of horticulture. But apart from these, the whole of the ground should be devoted to experimental or productive and remunera- tive purposes, preserving suflicient space for the cultivation of fruits, and the trial and proof of the qualities of the did'erent flowers and vege- tables; the whole of the other ground might be devoted to market gardening. In this way one of the greatest scandals— the growth of weeds on land that would possibly command 20/. an acre per annum- would cease, while an increased revenue would flow into the coffers of the Society, and the land be preserved in much better condition for experimental purposes. While land commands the price it does near London it seems the height of folly to allow a fruitful soil to degenerate into a weedy wilderness for the sapient reason of being unable to afford labour for its cultivation. In the name of common sense, then, cut down the garden, and let off the ground at a good rent— anything rather than the growth of weeds under the auspices of a Society especially charged with the high function of teaching the art and science of horticulture by precept and example, and whose example culminates in one direction in the growth of weeds, because, forsooth, good crops will not recoup them for the outlay involved in their produc- tion ! Such an example neutralises most of the good done in other directions by the Society, and the growth of weeds at Chiswick must cease. Advancing a step further, I must add that I think the financial embarrassments of the Society partly arise from the members expecting and receiving too much for their money. I submit that the free admissions for members and friends at all the meetings, and the distribution of scions, new plants, and seeds of enough. Their pecuniary interests have been perhaps unduly cared for. Tho eye and the ear have been satisfied, the pocket .saved, the stomach gratified; and all this, I fear, to some extent, at the expense of the head. The extremities have been probably coddled a little, while the heart has been congested. There has been little fostering, and less development of actual science. In your own words, the Society can lay little claim to the title of a scientific body. How is this? It has made good its claim to such a title in the past. Under the spell of a Knight and a Lindley its power as a scientific body has been felt, not only throughout Britain, but throughout Europe and the world. Do men care less for science now than then ? I trow not. Probably the Society has rested too exclusively on posthumous fame. That of itself will always land either societies or individuals in the mud. Possibly, too, under altered conditions it has adhered too strictly to traditional habits, in the matter not only of the privileges of members, but likewise of its exhibitions, and the general conduct of its business. I see no good reason why the Royal Horticultural Society should go on holding great shows at a serious lo.s3. The fact that so many shows are now held by others, is perhaps a suflicient reason why the old Society should devise some new mode of serving horticulture. Or, why should its shows not be confined solely to fruits and vegetables ? If less attractive, they would be more in character with the main objects of the Society, and would co.^t much less than the present shows. Then, again, is it quite certain that the right men are in the right place P I must say I have considerable sympathy with the remarks of Mr. Liggins, though the way iii which they were received was not calculated to produce a favourable impression. Should the Society not look out for administrative ability m a horticultural I direction ? And would not a good paid secre- tary who would personally discharge the duties of ' the office and who might also be a horticulturist or a 182 THE GAEDENEES' OHKOMCLE AND AGRICULTUKAL GAZETTE. [Febeuabt 22. i863. ^r^!^z}E[^^^sr^ ^^S^^iSS^^'-^''^^^' any honorary secretary and paid vice-secretary . nothing against individuals But the system is wor hy of re-consideration. And from the highest to the lowest oflicers, horticultural knowledge, and not mere general information or titled rank, should constitute thechief claim to otEce. . , ,. . , The Society needs a freer circulation scienceward ; now its efforts in this direction are all but nil. At one time the Fellows were proud of their Transactions ; now we are almost ashamed of our Journal. it hardly seems worth the 2301. that it costs. If tlie 20U(. expended upon the distribution of seeds, &o., to JoHovv, could be added for the purchase of good matter lor the Journal, it might become once more worthy ot lue Society. While saying thus much, a prior question might be asked here— whether the Journal ought now to be continued. With the excellent horticultural Press we now have, it might be dispensed with ; butii not, then it must be brought up at once, both in matter and form, to the first rank of garden literature. Supposing the Journal to lapse, the Society could still foster science by means of lectures and essays, to be published under its auspices, or by its recommen- dation, as well as by granting special rewards or fellowships to practical or scientific writers lor works or papers of unusual merit published on horticultural subjects. The prizes already given for plants as well as for all objects of special cultural merit, must also be viewed as awards to science as well as practice-almost as much so as those that niigbt be added for distinctions gained in horticultural literature. The move into the provinces is one wholly in the ri^ht direction, and is fraught with the highest advan- tages not only to the Koyal Horticultural booiety, but " > future of horticulture in this country. I will doubt that home-saved seed, however carefully reared, manifests a deteriorating tendency. At least, such is Mr IiIcNab's opinion of the majority of them. Our most shrewd commercial men in the nursery way, on the contrary, are beginning to see the constitutional disadvantages of foreign seed in suoh valuable materials for general arboriculture as Larch and Scotch, from the invariable tendency to produce tender oDrspriag. The longer the experience of not a few cultivators of choice Coniferic, the more positive is the expres- sion against home-grown seed. Here, for example, the Baith seedling of A. Douglasii is a mere weed in comparison with the original seedlings. It assumes a weeping form, but its constitution and general appear- ance differs as much from the North American seedlings, as the wan countenance and spent form of a "light weight" does from the ruddy exterior and brawny frame of an agricultural labourer. A lot of British seedling A. Menziesii is subject to the same remarks. Some British seedlings ot Picea nobilis showed unmistakeable signs of wearing out. Ihey looked every inch what the Scotch people call ' ^.«^v-c^' —. n r"-7 , mu..,.'«.^„iri +i-,art i oreciso answer lo our coiresiJouuGu. - — -, people when the leader of probably Picea nobilis, number of vineries or itot-houses. They coud then Preuo may, however, select from the P. Cdmanniana, or P. Lowii is destroyed ! A plant | cut their house of late Grapes ''l;^^^"""^ °^^J,!,''/S I oUo wing li^st, and be assured of the hardy and robust of the latter, aboit -1 feet high, close to one "f the , and be better able to find more room to pese.^^^^ ^^-^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ shrubs therein indicated, ipal walks, had the top bud of its leader picked ! bedding and other plantsin severe winters.^ with me ... .___,..„,.,.. but. It had been the very picture principal walks, had the top bud of its leader picked bedding and other plant n 3^"! winter» >V>th me ^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^ ^^ ^-^^^^ ^ highly J.nt, It had been the very picture of symmetry, and I I am not put to such sluft". and ^ °?'} J^rtLm ban- ornamental on light calcareous or sandy soils ; the would have been more grieved than angry to see serve Grapes plumper and la er bjlettns them ban ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^ f^^^,^,_ and .a quiet return us proportions destroyed, looking from the leader on the vines. I hkewi>oh^^^^ ^^ I„ ^lams districts timber 13 downwMdtothefirsttieroflate.rals,thereappearedto|St Peter sand Lady Downesb^^^^^^ ^^^^j^j for props and various purposes have been a number of adventitious leaf buds created, when pruned in April ''''^ ""^»^ P,':.""fr '"^..If '":"^: ! connected with mining operations. The Siberian owing to the coronal bud being destroyed. These were and then forced too soon afterwards^ My 1^^^^^^^ ; i„k growing hardy tree, and migi be allowed to plump up unmolested until the return of of Lady Dowues' Seedling break from the aatural heat ^ a demand existed for timber props. Pinus snrinrwhen every one was scarified or rubbed oil' but , of the .season, and when the sap^ begins t^o_ flow and 1 1'^^;;;;;^^'; „,„„, f.^jgly exposed to sea breezes, and along with it might be associated Pinus Larioio, *P. austnaca, P. Cembra,'and P. Strobus ; *P. sylvestris grows on any sort of soil and the following may also be found usetui, sap acted so favourably upon me 1 a promising eye is leacueu .or .,.= };"='";r,o';'v,"'«ntTn''rp viz, :- Picea pectinata (Silver Fir), *Larix europaia to give it the strength and stamina The pruning is afterwards finished when the shootsare , .^ ^. Cryptomeriajaponica, as an ornamental tree ; r,so that nothing detrimental was further advanced ; but I find tliat e.ven when pruned ^^j^y'Dgo^i^,, Abies canadensis, Douglasii, and ex- ■•■■'' - -J when theGrapesare cut that the vines do not bleeil ^0"'"^..."'= . , . , ...0 :,. mi much. I do not join in Mr. Watson's fears that after a 15 years' growth on the one-rafter system my crops ol late Grapes will have deteriorated. AVhere the extend- ing system of Vine culture can he carried out it is no doubt right in principle; but how few gardeners can find room for extending roots and tops, or for making the oneta?esrtl7ertr:mitr''To\"ssi;riS"deverop": I blirXth^ ment and restrain the action'of the numerous laterals, | They have then sometimes -"^df S™'!"; ?f ^^X^ts every one was out back in autumn, and this , length, and by rubbing them off the lateral, and shoots, ?Sint upon the sap.acted.so favourably upon the I a promising eye is re^^chedj-orthe^pe^anen^^^ incipient leader of the original leader, _- - evident 12 months after the accident had happened. and only a practical eye could detect that there had been any mishap at all. This beautifully simple pro- cess saved the baby tree. Another example of retrieving lost leaders may be quoted as illustrative of many in similar circumstances. There was no such | borders the_size of paddocks to g/?Wjni.°°j'J'f l^^ ^'^^ jbe elsa; Cupressus Lawsoniana and nutkaensis -Thuja gigantea,Mountain Ash,Birch. *Oak, Thorn.HoUy, and Uhododendrous in hollows. /.] . Osage Orange (Madura auraatiaoa).— Can any ot your readers give me any information as to whether the Osage Orange is likely to be useful in this countiy as a hardy plant, and for what purposes ? Is the truit eatable ? A Subscriber. [Some dozen years or so ago attempts were made to cultivate the Osage Orange as a hedge plant in this country ; but it did not prove to be sufficiently hardy generally to be depended upon for that purpose, and therefore the experiment dropped It may, however, be usefully emiiloyed. m the south ot England at least, as an ornamental outdoor bush, its fruft is scarcely eatable. Eds.] Otiorhynchus vastator and sulcatns.— Some friends om no. Ji lai »..iii,.». ^^.^..^ v...... ....»., „,..,.„ .„„ „„.,. ... „..„„-., .. , ---f-.o^t " The Trphhiano of mine, who have suffered much from t'lie attacks ot intuitive genius of our preceptor led him to adopt, and and all weighed 51b each at least, iue ^^"0'^^° ! j, ^jruotive beetles, are very anxious to know all which he could point to with pride: namely, by fore- 1 bore 11 bunches and the bunch sent to tbe .*iuit , .^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^_ jj^,„g „o authority on shortening all the laterals of the upper tier but the one , Committee was about the average size. "';"'»"' f, '"^7' pn tomolcical matters myself, I should be glad to see selected for a leader. Nature becomes the handmaid of 1 Welbeclc. [Both sorts were shown last xuesuay in 1 = _. . , _ , j., „ Art here; for without the slightest prop the lateral ! admirable condition, and theu: flavour was avcaii, gradually' raises itself erect, and takes the place of the Eds.] Picea Webbiana had its leader completely destroyed down to the first tier of laterals. There was no such , ^ ...- — r— .---.^ , -^ r , , a. *i,r provision left for inducing leaf buds as was the case . Hampton Court and Cumberland Lodge type. -At tue with P. Lowii above referred to. Resort must, there- ' meeting ot the Fruit Committee at South Ken=ington fore be had to one of the best favoured laterals, but I on Tuesday last, I showed a bunch of Barbarossa and how is it to be coaxed from the horizontal position of a a bunch ot Trebbiano, from Vines ot 19 years gron m lateral to the perpendicular position of a leader? The on the one-rafter system. Th^se , V' "^^'^f « *r„*°;; uninitiated in these matters, and, in fact, practical ! planted from the old gardens at We beck, alter 1^ years eardeners generally, would at once reply, by supporting I growth, into the new gardens, and have now Dome a to a stake with the all-powerful Cuba or bast matting! full crop for these last five years. The barbarossa But no. A far simpler method than that, which the ' bore nine bunches, two of them being b ID. m weigui. Tost leader. AU that the operator requires to attend to is the amputation of the laterals until this adven- titious fellow has gained a supremacy. Singular pro- vision in Nature this, which, thanks to the undivided attention of a careful observer, has been fully appre- ciated and utilised Mistleto on the Oak.—" E. A. O., Chepsto , (see p. 101) that " we have one good specimen ol Mistleto now growing on the Oak." Whilst not for a moment doubting "E. A. O.'s" botanical knowledge, 1, for one, should be much obliged if " B. A. O." would be kind enough to examine the tree from which the B^ome«»rfi'ore;ff»&prf««ps,CK«;«?s,c?-e.— However I Mistleto is directly growing; also if your oorrespon- Vine, Camellia, and sometimes on the Pelargonium. The beetles are night-feeders, hiding carefully during the day, and subsist on the bark, shoots^ and lea ve.ot the same plants on which the larviie aftp rds fopd. For extensive plautiug. FEBEtTABT 22, 1868.1 THE GAEBENERS' CTIRnNTCLE ANT) AGRICUETURAL GAZETTE. They are often found eating the ej^es out of the Rose- briar Beech, and most kinds of fruit trees, particularly the Pear, but I have never heard of the roots of these latter trees being injured by the larvse. Gardeners call these larvro " lingers," from their habit of biting a ring of bark round the stem of a young plant. In works on the microscope the beautiful little scales of the elytra of Weevils are figured, and Curtis says, that Otio- rhynchus vastator has not the power of flying. I was so struck with this assertion that I immediately dis- sected a dried specimen in my collection, and placed it under the microscope, but failed to find any true wings under the elytrte. It appears so contrary to what one would expect to find, viz., a beetle without the power of flight, that even now I cannot help thinking that I ought to have found wings, and am waiting for a chance to examine a fresh specimen. It has struck me that some liquid might be discovered which would kill the larvas in the soil without injury to the plants. As Peach plants are more attacked than any others, this liquid must not contain lime, which renders peat soil worthless. /. M. Pearson, Chil- well, Notts. [Full details of the natural history of these insects were published by "Huricola" in our volume for 1811, p. 292, to which we refer our corre- spondent. The want of wings, alluded to above, occurs in various other species of Coleopterous insects as well as in the Otiorhynchi. On approaching the trees attacked by them after dark, with a light, the beetles fall to the ground, and if a sheet be placed bendath the bninchps they may be easily caught and destroyed. W.'] The Royal Horticultural Society's Exhibition at Leicester. — Intending exhibitors at the Leicester Show in July will be glad to learn that upwards of 240^ has already been subscribed in Leicestershire for special prizes. In manycasesthe donors have named the objects for which they wish their money to be offered. These include fruit, stove and greenhouse plants. Orchids, cut flowers, vegetables, and wild flowers. An article in the Florist, from the pen of Mr. Charles Turner, has pointed out tlie central position of Leicester and the great popularity with which the Carnation is regarded in this neighbourhood [? district]. I am sorry to say I hardly agree with Mr. Turner on this point. At present there is only one prize devoted to this favourite florist's flower — that given by Lady Berners for 13 Carnations and 12 Picotees — 1st, 61. ; 2d, 3^. ; and 3d, 2/. If the season should happen to be a forward one, nearly all the cultivators as far north as Manchester will just be in full force at the Leicester Show, and I would venture to urge that the North- amptonshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, AVarwick- sliire, and Staffordshire growers should form themselves into what might be called a "Midland division " and insure a grand display of this favourite flower. Some- thing of this sort would revive the taste for its culti- vation more than anything else. Passing to other weak points in our local programme, I may mention that orchard-house trees have at present only 8?. Ss. devoted to them as prizes. We ought to have at least 20/. Will anykind amateur or nurseryman outside our borders give us a little aid for these plants ? Fuchsias, too, want more help. I mention these draw- backs in order to invite those to subscribe who wish to see the Royal Horticultural Society take its place side by side with its sister society, the Royal Agricultural, in all its provincial tours. It is no use having a poverty-stricken schedule of prizes. The Royal Horti- cultural is only just stepping into the provinces, and unless every lover of horticulture renders some slight aid, the Society is not likely to establish a successful provincial career. I shall be happy to receive any donations addressed to me at 37, Market Place, Leicester. Wm. Penn Cox^ Local Secretary. Bottoms of Reservoirs. — I have occasion to convert a large pond into an open reservoir capable of holding water to supply cisterns at a large establishment. Could any of your readers inform me what would be the best material with which to form the bottom, so as to prevent the growth of vegetation, and, when emptied occasionally, to be easily cleaned. The present bottom consists of puddled clay. J. W. H. Societies. Royal Horticultural : Feb. 18.— W. Wilson Saunders, Esq. in the Chair. After 27 new Fellows had been elected, the Chairman remarked that the Society had on that day c inenced a new session, and under more favourable circ stances than in previous years. If in past seasons greater I advances have not been made by the Council in funds for the furtherance of horticulture, it was not the fault of the Council, aa they had not suflBcient means at their disposal ; but he felt euro, as the Society was now in a better pecuniary condition, that the Council would be disposed to spend as much money as they could in the encouragement of liorticnlture and the introduction of new plants. Much of the scientific part of the work of the Society was brought out at the Tuesday meetings, and at these the Fruit and Floral Committees did their work well, and these meetings were also the means of drawing from the Society's botanical adviser, the Rev. Mr. Berkeley, much useful information in connection with the subjects exhibited. He (Mr. Saunders), on the part of the Council, would therefore urge the Fellows to bring to these meetings all that might be interesting in their gardens, and especially out-door pLints, to which of late it had not been the fashion to pay the same amount of attention as to the inmates of stoves and greenhouses. Many herbaceous plants, for instance, of exquisite beauty, and lequiring little care, arc suitable for the gardens of the multi- tude, and he wag anxious that thay should be more generally grown than they are at present. Numbers of beautiful out- door plants, formerly in gardens, had been allowed to go out of cultivation, and were now only to bo found in the shape of illustrations in books, but he would be glad to see them restored. Among hardy plants not often met with at exhibi- tions are climbers, of which many are very beautiful. He admitted that there was often some difficulty in bringing them to shows ; still, he believed that might be overcome. There were no plants, however, which he wished more to see brought to these meetings than those stove plants which might be used for bedding-out in the summer months, as at Battersea Park, Already a large number of them was employed in that way, but many more might be added, that required little more trouble in their cultivation than a Scarlet Pelargonium. They would not stand the winter, but whymight we not onjoythem in summer ? Thoy wuuld torm a good addition to our gay flowering plants, in the employment of which for flower garden decoration wo had, he thought, hitherto been too exti-avagant. He did not want to disparage the beautiful bedding plants now in existence, but the eye became lost amid too much colour ; and what is desired is variation, and that may bo obtained by means of elegance of form. He then offered some remarks in reference to the better education of young gardeners— a subject of gi-eat importance at a time when so m;iny new plinth aie being discovered every year and brought intn cultir.itinn. Tlio higher branches of horticultural kniiwkMlj^'L' wi !-■ p:ir(iiu!iiily necessary for those who had togruw them. Witlmut .t kii'-wlodge of plants, with- out a knowledge of tempeiMtuie and tho hygrometrical state of the atmosphere, it was impossildc to cultivate these plants properly, and many of them were consequently lost. The Coinioil Would do all in their j)ower to promote the better education of young gardeners, but he would iirtre eni|iluyi. r-* 1 1 allow young men time, and especially thu,-, .i i i.. i , ., d . ■ .in bited atiiste for high-class horticulture, t I ■ the important subjects connected with it :i |, , : The Rev. M. J. Berkeley congratulated ih. in^ m ^ i ~ i^i . ■ nt and the Society generally on the exhibition of th:it day. lie was present at the meeting of the 19th of last February, but the present display far excelled it in point of beauty, variety, and interest. Among plants shown on tho present occasion, Orchids took the lead, and foremost among them was a noble specimen of Coelogyne cristafci from Chatsworth, which for size and beauty was the finest ever exhibited to the Society. Next carae a collection from Messrs. Veitch, in which it would be difficult to point out one plant better than another. He would, however, especially notice the magnificent specimens of Angrae- cum ebumeum and Lycaste Skinneri, which it contained, the latter with 30 or more flowers. Of Oncidium abortivum a fine specimen was shown. There had been on several occasions smallspeciraensofthis exhibited, and they attracted llttleatten- tion ; but any one seeing the plant as shown that day would agree that it is most elegant. It would be Been, he said, that a few of the flowers were normal, but that the rest were with- out a trace of the column or parts of fructification. Some charming Deudrobiums from Baron Rothschild's garden at Gunnersbury P^rk were then spoken of in complimentary terms, after which Mr. Berkeley referred to a specimen of Cypripedium villosum almost entirely destitute of lip, and From Mr. Williams came another plant of extreme interest, and to him (Mr. Berkeley) of extreme beauty, viz., a species of Qongora in which the flowers somewhat resembled carved ivory. There was also from the same exhibitor a little plant of Saccolabium Huttoni, which is figured in a late number of the "Botanical Magazine." Attention was then directed to a Violet, called Victory, from Mr. Graham, of Cranford, and Mr. Berkeley remarked that though The Czar, which has coarse foliage, '.long stalks, and large flowers, was extremely sweet. Victory was even sweeter, and most persons who were conversant with Violets considered it an improve- ment on Tho Czar, which was one of its parents. Leucocai*pus alatus, a plant with oval white berries, shown by Mr. Wilson Saunders, was next noticed, and was stated to be a native of Vera Cruz and the West Indian Islands. Ic was not a new plant, having been figured many years ago in Sweet's *' Flower Garden," If one of the berries were cut across it would be found to be similar in ^structure to the capsule of Digitalis, The plant, from the long time it continues covered with berries, would be valuable for spring decoration. Another valuable plant for the same purpose was a Lopezia, in the style of Lopezia racemosa, but with a shrubby habit. The plant did not flower, he said, in the open air, but cuttings taken of it in autumn and struck, made extremely pretty plants for spring decoration. Some fine collections of Primulas and Cinerarias from Mr. Weatherill were then adverted to, as well as a Thuja, about tlie name of which there bad hitherto been considerable doubt, but which now proved to be Thuja Zuccariniana, an extremely hardy and very beautiful species from Japan. Mr, Berkeley then read a letter from Lord Dunraven, in which it was stated that a grey Lichen had overrun the Oaks in his woods to such an extent as to do them great injuiY, and not only Oaks, but Elms and Thorns as well. The Lichen in question, Mr. Berkeley said, was Evemia prunastri, and he added that, in all probability, if the ground were well drained it would disappear. Another matter to which he wished to refer was of interest to those who ai-e fond of Ansectochili, and who know how difficult it is to grow them except under shaded bell-glasses or glass cases. When at Kew lately he found there a mode of cultivating these beautful plants which is different from that in common use. They were grown under bell-glasses, one-half of which was green, the other half white ; the green -coloured portion of the glass affording the necessary shade, while through the transparent portion the beauties of the plants could be seen. This mode of treatment, he added, had proved extremely satisfactory. The Chairmen of the Floral and Fruit Committees having reported the awards, Mr. Wilson Saunders said that in connection with Lichen covering trees, he would mention that 10 years ago he took an orchard in clayey ground, and finding the trees cov^ ^ with Lichen like the wool on a sheep's back, he saw there ^ but two courses open to him, viz., cutting down the tree experimenting. He employed some ordinary labourers to remove the Lichen from the stems and branches, and had the whole of the trees painted with a mixture of lime and soot he had the sods taken off round the trees, and the soil well manured ; he then drained, and the result is that the trees are healthy and produce excellent crops. Mr. Berkeley said that a short time ago he had received from Italy a specimen of a Lichen which was destroying the Pines there, and which proved to be Usnea barbata artieulata. It hung down from the trees like a beard, 1^ foot long. Referring then to the mode of destroying the Lichen adopted by Mr. Wilson Saunders, he said that though applicable to an orchard, the plan would not apply to a large forest like Lord Dunraven's. He recollected the case of an orchard in which were some scarce^sorts of f niits, which it was desirable to save ; the Lichens were scraped off, even from every little twig, and the result was the entire rejuvenescence of the trees. Floral Committee.— In the charming collection of plants fur- nished on this occasion by Messrs. Veitch, the following were awarded Special Certificates, viz. : — Lycaste Skinneri, with some 34 or more flowers ; and a fine plant of AngrEecum ebumeum. The collection also comprised Cypripedium venustum, with 12 beautiful flowers ; Laslia Pilcheri, one of Mr. Dominy's hybrids, already certificated ; Cypripedium villosum ; Den- drobium Hillii, a yellow blossomed species somewhat in the way of D. speciosum ; andHippeastrumpardinum. The whole collection, in short, was of such unusual excellence that after the complimentary award of a Special Certificate had been given, the Committee recommended that a Medal should be awarded to it. Messrs. Backhouse sent an Oncidium, said to be excavatum ; and W. Brackston, Esq., an example of Gardenia radicans variegata. Mr. Sherratt, gr, to J. Bateman, Esq., exhibited a few cut Orchids ; and Mr. Hodges, gr. to B. Wright, Esq., Gravelly Hill, Bii-mingham, also sent cut flowers of several Orchids, for which a Special Certificate was awarded. Mr. Allen, gr. to Captain Glegg, exhibited a box of cut flowers of Camellias, among which was a seedling named Miss Basker- ville Glegg, a pretty white flower with broad carmine stripes, but deficient in form. A Special Certificate was given to the colleftion. Mr. Forsyth, gr. to Baron Rothschild, sent three liiin s(irciin,.n'4 <.f Iiendroblum in flower, for which he waa a\v:u.i. I L ^|.. i ,1 i .rtificate. Messrs. E. G. Henderson fur- ni^li I ■ I I ■ up of plants, containing the variety of O.l-iii I v.nidne alluded to at p. 152, which, how- evir, [1. ,, I ,ii ,|,i„,inting ; the flowers opened of a bright lomnii eiflidir, but this tmt passed away as they became fully developed. With this was a plant of Hippoastrum pardinum, of which also there were two others at the meeting, differing the one from tho other, so that the species is evidently variable ; Camellia Florentine Beauty, something liko Valtcvaredo ; and Cypripedium Lowii. A Special Certi- ficate was awarded. Mr. Weatherill, nurseryman, Finchley, exhibited a collection of Cinerarias of all shades of colour, some of great beauty ; also some fine PrimuLis, and a batch of secdhng Cyclamens covered with flowers. A Special Certi- ficate was awarded to each of these collections, filr. B. 8. Williams contributed an excellent group of plants, among whieh were Augr^cum ebumeum, the Gongora alluded to i^ ■'■.'. >■ y ■■>\:\.hi\xva Huttoni, Cypripedium villosum, Hippeaa- II iiuu, with narrower petaled less expanded flowers^ I ily stained with colour; and Calantho vestita u;- ill , I 'lie white, which received a First-class Certificate, A Special Certificate was also awarded for the collection. He also showed a charming group of Mr. Weatherill's varieties of Solanum, loaded with polished orange-red berries. Mr. Stevens, Ealing, sent a small group of Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums, also some Primulas and Cyclamens. A Special Certificate was awarded for the three collections. Mr. Woodward, gr. to Mrs. Torr, Ewell, Surrey, furnished a small gi'oup of phints, conspicuous among which were the hand- some Lomariagibba, Lycaste Skinneri, Gleichenia Speluncae, and Odontoglossumpulchellum. A Special Certificate was awarded, Messrs. Lee, of Hammersmith, and Mr. Kinghom, commu- nicated specimens of Thuja Zuccariniana, to which waa awarded a First-class Certificate, on account of its being a moat valuable hardy shrub, forming a close, erect, dense-growing, finely branched evergreen bush, of great beauty. Messrs. Lee also exhibited, for comparison, the narrower growing T. falcata: and from Mr.W. Paul came Thujaorientalis nana, which, however, proved to be a diflferent plant from T. Zuccariniana. Mr. Kinghomalso exhibited Juniperus japonica, which received a First-class Certificate ; it is an erect growing young plant, more hardy than the Chinese Juniper. Mr, Paul brought lor comparison with this the prostrate growing variety. Messrs. Lee also sent Euonymus japonicus elegantissimus argonteus, a stout-growing, large-leaved, finely variegated sort, remark- able for its extreme hardiness, which received a First-clasa Certificate. Messrs. Smith, Dulwich, contributed a specimen of a double red Azalea, named Francois Devos, useful for early forcing ; also some curious seedling Primulas, named sinensis plicata ; and a dwarf double reddish variety. Mr. Wilson, gr. to W. Marshall, E^f^., sent a charming collection of Orchids. Among them was a fine specimen of Odontoglossum Alexandra?, the spike of which was cut after the meetmg and sent to her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. An unusually fine spike of Vanda gigantea was also sent with these Orchids. Oncidium leopardinum received a Second-class Certificate ; others being Odontoglossum Marshallianum, the beautiful rich brown- barred O. Insleayi, and Cattlcya amethystogloasa. A Special Certificate was awarded them. Mr. Taplin, gr. to the Duke of Devonshire, at Chatsworth, exhibited tho finest specimen of Coelogyne cristata perhaps ever stcn. This superb specimen was recommended for tho Lindley medal. The same exhibitor also brought a small cut spike of Amherstia nobilia. Mr. Standish exhibited a handsome seedling Rhododendron from Bhotan, which appeared to be a variety of argente'im. A Special Certificate was awarded, Mr. Mills, gr. to Dr. Pattison, had a specimen of Odontoglossum Bluntii roseum ; and Mr. Earley, gr. to F. Pryor, Esq., of Digswell, a cut specimen of Teucrium fruticans, an old plant, but one to which attention should be more directed than it is at present. Frmt Committee.— HLgbstb. Stuart & Mein, of Kelso, sent a tall worthless Sprouting Cabbage ; and Mr. Tanton, Epsom, exhibited a seedling Potato, called Red Surrey Kidney, a cross between Bratton's Kidney and Napoleon III., which did not meet with the approval of the Committee. Mr. Earley, Digswell, sent a dish of Scorzonera and one of Salsify, both unusually fine. He also exhibited fine specimens of White Spanish Onion, and a dish of Mushrooms, containing both white and brown topped varieties. Messrs. Wood, of Mares- field, furnished what was supposed to be a seedling Apple, but which proved to be the Winter Pearmain, or Duckbill, an Apple extensively grown in Sussex. Mr. Alfred J. Clarke, of Longwood House, St. Ebbe's, Oxford, also sent a seedling Apple, which proved to be Franklin's Golden Pippin. Messrs. J. C. Wheeler h, Sons, of Gloucester, contributed specimens of Ashmead'a Kernel, which were most delicious in flavour, and in fine condition. Messrs. J. &l C. Lee exhibited a large Apple similar in appearance to the White Calville, and with the same delicacy of flesh, but without the flavour. Thei-e was some doubt as to its being the White Calville, and the determination of the name was reserved. Mr. Cox, Redleaf, contributed dishes of Josephine de Malines, Knight's Monarch, Passe Colmar, and Old Colmar Pears. Mr. Tillery, gr. to the Duke of Portland, at Welbeck, sent magnificent bunches of Gros Gaillaume and Trebbiano Grapes, each weighing about 4 lbs. They were sent to prove that the Vine, grown on the restrictive system, was not deteriorated after 19 years' growth, aomo account of which will be found in another column. Mr. Miles, gr, to Lord Carrington, Wycombe Abbey, sent specimens of ! old Lady Downes' and new Black Hamburgh Grapes, but the i former was much superior to the latter in flavour. Mr. Myatt, __ Deptford, exhibited three pots of preserved Plums, Straw- berries, and Cherries, to show how well jams of these fruits keep by merely covering the pots with paper dipped in a solution of isinglass. Entomolooical : February 3.— W. H. Bates. Esq., in the chair. After returning thanks to the Society for his election as President at the Anniversary Meeting in January. Mr. Bates nominated Sir John Lubbock, and Messrs. Wilson Saunders and Stainton, as Vice-Presidents for the ensuing year. Mr. F. Bond exhibited a larva, supposed to be that of Drilus fiavescens (female), found by Mr. Hurting on the South- downs in a shell of Helix ericetorum, the animal of which it had devoured ; also a number of the skins of the larvae of a species of Dermestes, which had eaten the parchment covers of jam-pots, as well as the jam itself ; also a singular variety of Lasiocampa Quercus, the wings of which exhibited tho colouring of the two sexes in an irregularly mixed manner. He also communicated a notice from the "Natural History Review " of the attacks of a larva on the horns of a living- elan antelope, into which it had bur- rowed. Mr. McLachlan mentioned a case in which Dermestes larv» had gnawed ship timber to a considerable extent. Dr. Wallace exhibited specimens of the Japan silk moth, Bombyx Yama-mai, reared in this country, aud eggs which it had deposited ; also the Chinese Oak-feedmg species, B. Pernvi, and the South African P. effusa, the larva of which feeds on Acacia ; also cocoons of the Cbinese Liqmdambar species ; and made some observations on tho progress ot Sericiculture in this country, at the Cape of Good Hope, ana in AustraUa. A letter from Dr. George Bounctt was read, giving an account of a surprising swarm of tbe Bugong moth (Which is eaten by the natives), in the ^^^ff^J^^^f,^.^} Sydney. Some interesting insects from the Gold ooa^t Africa, were exhibited by Mr. Swanzy. Mr. F. South exhi- THE GAKBENET^S' OITRONICLE AND AGIJICTTLTFI^AL GAZETTE. [pEBnuAEir 22, ises. bited variuua interesting inaecta, chiefly Hymenoptera. from Brazil, accompanied by notes on their economy, communicated by Mr. Peckolt, of Cantogallo. 5Ir. Trimen exhibited the rare Syrian ApMtura Ionia. Notes were read from Jlr. Hewitson and the President relative to the date of publication of the secoud part of the Lepidoptera of the '* Novara " voyage. Mr. McLachlan communicated a monograph on the Britiah Neuroptera Planipennia, and Mr. D. Hanbur^ some further notes on the "Coffee borer" of Southern India, supplied by Dr. Bidie, who had been appointed by the Madras Government to investigate its ravages. The Hon, T. de Grey exhibited various rare British moths taken in Kent and Norfolk, and Lord Cawdor sent a fine specimen of Pholcus phalangioides from Stackpole Court, Pembroke. A letter was also read from Dr. Signoret, of Paris, requesting the communication of specimens of Coccus, especially males of the different species, for a monograph which ho is prep^iring on that family. HoETicuLTURAx.— Seven years having since the last flower show was held in the town of Hamilton, several gentlemen who take an interest in horticulture, and who have felt the want of horticultural exhibitions, have deter- mined to form a Horticultural Society, and their endeavours have already met with much sviccess. The patronage of the Duke of Hamilton, Lord Belhaven, Sir E. Colbroke, M.P. ; James Merry, Esq., M.P. ; Major Hamilton, of Dalzell ; the Provust, Magistrates, and Town Council of Hamilton, &c., has been obtained, the list of patrons numbering about 40 ; besides a large number of influential gentlemen in the district, who have joined as members and contributors. On the 22d ult. a meeting was held for the election of ofllce-bearera, when Stewart 3. Robertson, Esq., of Button Bank, was elected president ; Messrs. Wm. Currie and Wm. Rankin, vice-presi- dents ; Mr. Jas. Caimcross, treasurer ; and Mr. Wm. Ovr, secretary. It was resolved that for this season only one show should he held, but the Committee anticipate that in future they will be enabled to have an exhibition in July and another in September. Their reason for holding but one exhibition this year, is that, amongst amateurs especially, there has not latterly been evinced that spirit of emulation which used formerly to animate them— the state of the gardens at Hamilton Palace of late years having, it is said, had a most deteiiorating influence on the harticultur.il spirit of the district. Now that they are likely to resume their former position amongst the gardens of this district, it is anticipated that there will also be a revival of the horticultural spiiit, in this part of Scotland. Notices of Boolts, The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domesti- cation. By Charles Darwin, M.A., r.E,.S., &c. London: J.Murray. 2 vols., 8vo, pp.897. Woodcuts. Mr. Darivia's work on domesticated animals and plants, whose appearance we announced a fortnight ago. is one of sucli importance to both the practical and theoretical gardener, as well as to all those persons with whom the gardener is most closely associated, professionally and socially, that it must claim a large share of our attention, no less on this account than for its special merits, and the stores of information it contains. Written in admirable English, using no scientific terms but such as are comprehensible to men of fair education, lucidly arranged, and indexed with scrupulous care, there is not a gardener in the country who has any taste for the history or theory of his art but will peruse it with pleasure and profit, and find it difficult to say whether he values it more as a store- house of facts or as an incitement to observe and to thinlf . Is his employer a sportsman ? he will find inMr, Darwin's pages such information regarding dogs and horses, their breeds and individualities, as never entered the brain of the gamekeeper, equerry, or master of the hounds. Is he a farmer? here are anecdotes and observations regarding cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, which no professional breeder can match for number or truth, and which too few of »hese will believe or care about, not because they are not true, but because most so-called practical men take no interest in animals beyond what immediately concerns themselves. Is my lady a fowl fancier, or has she an aviary ? her gardener will here find a wealth of information on domesticated birds of all sizes, voices, and uses, from the canary bird and peacock to the turkey and goose. Lastly, do his master's children seek his advice about their rabbits, pigeons, honey bees, goldfish, or silkworms? if they do, here are curiosities of natural history about each and all, treated with masterly skiU and originality. With regard to these zoological subjects, we must confine ourselves to recommending the study of them in Mr. Darwin's pages to those who have time to do so, and proceed briefly to expound the purpose and method of this remarkable book in so far as it is devoted to the vegetable kingflom. When Mr. Darwin brought out his well-known work " On the Origin of Species," he made it clear to all who would take the trouble to read those passages that the said work was but a resume of the principal facts on which his theory was based ; and he added that if life and health were granted him, he would not fail to bring before the public the data upon which he had reasoned. This was eight years ago, and the interval has (despite continuous ill-health) been spent partly in arranging the said materials, and partly in largely adding to them. These additions have appeared before the main body of the work, chiefly in the shape of two independent works—" On the Fertilisation of Orchids," and on " The Movements of Climbing Plants," and partly in a series of papers on the dimorphic and trimorphic conditions of such plants as Primroses, Linums and Lythrums, which are pubUshed in the Linnaian Society's Journal. Of the subjects treated of in the present volumes, several are as important as the above, or more so, and are certainly as laborious and exhaustive as the chapters on the variations of rabbits, domestic pigeons, fowls, and on the crossing of plants, &c. ; but as these did not contain any equally novel or striking discoveries, or develop any new principles, Mr. Darwin has here thrown them in with the general store. The object of the work then is to demonstrate, by facts and observations, the amount and nature of the changes which animals and plants have undergone during or since domestication ; its object, moreover, is to prove that these changes are so much greater and so much more easily brought about than is commonly supposed, and are so similar in kind and results to what nature more leisurely effects, and are so certainly amenable to known conditions of life, that they may be taken, in whole or in part, as exponents of those fixed laws, to the operation of which we may trace, more or less clearly, the development of all past and present organisms however complicated, out of one or a few primordial organisms of the simplest conceivable structure. Mr. Darwin's Introduction, a short affair of some dozen pages, is exceedingly well drawn up, and will put what were somewhat obscure subjects as they stood in the " Origin," in very clear lights. Thus, in the lastlinesof the Introduction to the "Origin"(4th edition, p. 6) he says — " Furthermore, I am convinced, that Natural Selection has been the main but not exclusive means of modification." Now, though this is a logically true expression of Mr. Darwin's theory, and perfectly intelligible to a naturalist who has closely followed his reasoning, it is almost misleading to those who have not had this advantage. And if to this it be added that an author's last lines, when they formulate his convictions, are those which the ordinary reader carries away most surely and readily, it is not surprising^ that a very large number of persons have entirely misun- derstood both his doctrine and its drift. Everyone knew that Mr. Darwin worked upon variation ; and lihe term variation being often used synonymously with mndijication, he has been accused of deifying Natural Selection, and of regarding it as a force in obedience to which all plants and animals must vary, and not as a modifier of the results of variation. The apparent issues between Mr. Darwin and many other naturalists hence appeared to the majority of his readers to reside in this : that he attributed those variations fromthe parentand from one another, which are observable in every family or brood of plants or animals, to Natural Selection, — they to external conditions, as climate, food, &c. ; and whilst the latter, (whether right or wrong) is intelligible, the former is neither true nor intelligible. In the present work Mr. Darwin at the outset puts in a proper light the doctrine of the inherent and inextinguishable tendency to vary, in every living being. People may differ as to the extent to which variation will go, but no one disputes that every species varies, and every variety too. Furthermore, he regards man as himself inoperative as an originator of this inherent tendency, for he says, " It is an error to speak of man as tampering with Nature, and causing variability. If organic beings had not possessed an inherent tendency to vary, man could have done nothing ; he unintentionally exposes his animals and plants to various conditions of life, and variability supervenes, which he cannot prevent or check." Beyond this no philosopher can go without entering the region of metaphysics; the next point to ascertain being, whether conditions enforce variation, or whether variation goes on independently of conditions : and as no two conditions ever were or ever will be identical, the question can never be tried on its only issue, and discussion is idle. All we can say is, that, as Mr. Darwin cautiously expresses it, variability "supervenes" on changed conditions. We can often correlate the variation and the condition, and we can accelerate the rate of variation and augment its amount, by exaggerating external con- ditions, but these facts prove nothing ; the con- ditions may have only guided the tendency — directed it, so to speak. True enough, further on in the same paragraph (p. 3), Mr. Darwin says, " The initial variation on which man works, and without which he can do nothing, is caused by slight changes — i. e., the conditions of life." But we question whether he would here wish to be taken " au pied de la lettre" and rather suppose he uses the word " cause " in that conventional sense in which, for all practical purposes, it must be used ; for in the next paragraph, and on the same page, he goes on to say, " Although man does not cause variability, and does not prevent it, he can select, preserve, and accumulate the variations given to him by the hand of Nature in any way which he chooses ; and thus he can certainly produce great results." In a third passage (p. 6) he says, " Variability . . depends in some manner on the action of surrounding circumstances on the organism; and again (p. 9), " Variations . . will be governed by the direct action of the surrounding physical conditions, &c." It is difficult to follow this reasoning : if altered conditions cause variability, and man alters a plant's condition, he may fairly be charged with causing variability— just as fairly as a man who so places a sovereign before a thievish boy, as that the boy will certainly steal it. We have alluded to these apparent obscurities not by way of hypercriticism, but to show how difficult a matter it is, to treat of such a subtle subject as the genesis of variation without ambiguity. From this Mr.Darwin briefly alludes to the conversion of varieties (or incipient species) into species (strongly- marked varieties) by the accumulation and auamenta- tion of slight differences; and then brings Natural Selection on the stage, as the real and ever active agent in determining the degree and direction to which this accumulation and augmentation of slight differences shall proceed, and in eliminating the connecting links, thus leaving the extreme forms as apparently uncon- nected i«/erse, as substantive creatures in fact having no family tie or resemblance. In relation to this subject, the following passage is most important, inasmuch as it explains and fully justifies his speaking conventionally of Natural Selection, as if it were a conscious agent, and for doing which he has been unscrupulously misrepre- sented, and even audaciously maligned. lie says, " The preservation during the battle for life of varieties which possess any advantage iu structure, constitution, or instinct, I have called Natural Selection, and Mr. Herbert Spencer has well expressed the same ideaasthe Survival of the Fittest. The term Natural Selection is in some respects a biid one, as it seems to imply a con- scious choice, but this will be disregarded after a little familiarity. No one objects to chemists speaking of ' elective affinity,' and certainly au acid has no more choice in combining with a base, than the conditions of life have in determining whether a new form shall be selected or preserved. The term is in so far a good one as it brings into connection the production of domestic races by man's power of selection, and the natural preservation of varieties and species in a state of nature. For brevity's sake, I sometimes speak of Natural Selection as an intelligent power, in the same way as astronomers speak of the action of gravity as ruling the motions of the planets, or as agriculturists speak of man making races by his power of selection. In one case, as in the other, selection does nothing without variability ; and this depends in some manner on the action of the surrounding circumstances on the organism. I have also often personified the word Nature, for I have found it difficult to avoid the ambiguity ; but I mean by Nature only the aggregate action and product of many natural laws, and by laws only the ascertained sequence of events." The subjects of Natural Selection, and the adaptatipn of new forms to changed conditions will, it is stated in the Introduction, be treated of by Mr. Darwin in another work, already far advanced towards completion, in which also he prepares to show " from experiments and from a multitude of facts, that the greatest amount of life can be supported on each spot by great diversification or divergence in the structure and constitution of its inhabitants," and that the production of new forms, and the conservation of such of them as are best suited to the conditions that environ them, almost inevitably leads to the exter- mination of the old forms. On this head Mr. Darwin exposes another error into which his opponents have fallen, who, confounding his doctrine with that of Lamarck, suppose him to assert that all variations or modifications are useful and progressive ; and that, in fact, progression consists in each separate brood being in its totality an advance on its progenitors. On the contrary, he says that, according to his principles, " there is no innate tendency iu each being to its own advancement in the scale of organisation," the fact being that as many or more develop qualities that are disadvantageous as the contrary ; but whereas the former perish in consequence, the latter live and transmit their profitable qualities in various degrees to their successors — a process that eventuates_ in material progress, and in complexity of organisation. And conversely, where the conditions of life are them- selves simple, and the simpler forms of life that meet these are simple too, all deviations from the normal or standard will profit their progeny nothing, but the contrary, and such simple forms would hence remain unchanged for indefinite periods. Mr. Darwin purposes,after treating of the varieties of organisms in a state of Nature, to discuss the difficul- ties opposed to his theory of Natural Selection (also we infer in this same second work, though from its triple announcement (pp. -1, 5, and 8), this point is not quite clear), together with the subjects of hybridity, instinct, and the teachings of the geological record. Lastly, in a third work he proposes to try the prin- ciple of Natural Selection, by seeing how far it will explain the facts of hybridity, instinct, geographical and geological distribution, progressive development, &c. ; and he gives us a brief but graphic picture of the phases of his own faith, and how these were progres- sively manifested during his travels, as he successively madethose startling geological discoveries, and sagacious observations, that have lent so great a charm to his Journal, and made him as famous as a traveller, dis- coverer, and collector, as he now is as an experi- menter and thinker. Nor can we conclude this preliminary sketch of his labours better than by the following quotation : — " It is the considera- tion and explanation of such facts as these, which has convinced me that the theory of descent with modification by means of Natural Selection is in the main true. These facts have as yet received no explanation on the theory of independent creations ; they cannot be grouped together under one point of view, but each has to be considered as an ultimate fact. As the first origin of life on this earth, as well as the continued life of each individual, is at present quite beyond the scope of science, I do not wish to lay particular stress on the greater simplicity of the view of a few forms, or of only One form, having been originally created, instead of innumerable miraculous creations having been necessary at innumerable periods; though this more simple view accords well with Maupertius' philosophical axiom of 'least action.' * * * The present action of Natural Selection may seem more or less probable, but I believe in the truth of the theory, because it collects under one point of view, and gives a rational explanation of, many apparently independent classes of facts." Florists' Flowers. CULTITATION OF THE GLADIOLUS. — The follow- ing is my mode of cultivating this favourite autumn flower. I must, however, premise that the treatment recommended is that for purposes of exhibition only, and that for the decoration of borders, or for mixing with Eoses, or other plants, it would require to be considerably modified. One of the most important points in regard to the cultivation of Gladioli, in order to secure success in quality of bloom and safety from disease is, I am persuaded, planting the bulbs in fresh soil each season. This being the case, I turn out my Gladiolus bed to the depth of about U inches, and for drainage, fill in about i Inoues 1?BBE0ABT 22, 1868.] THE GAl^DENEKS' CMONICLE AND AGRTCtJLTURAE GAZETTE. 186 of chopped fibry sods, mixing lime rubbish or any coarse material there may be at hand with them. Over this, to the depth of about G inches, I place first any good fresh soil that can bo got, then a liberal supply of well- rotted stable or hotbed manure, which, when pointed in or mi.\ed with the soil, leaves about t inches of the surface of the bed to be filled up with fresh maiden loam, or such as can be had from a Potato lay field would answer for this purpose. The bed being com- pleted, I make my first planting of the smallest bulbs about the third week iu February, the main planting of medium-sized bulbs in the first week in March, and the latest planting of the largest bulbs about the end of that month. As the large bulbs come into bloom about three weeks earlier than the small ones, this method of planting brings them as nearly as possible all into bloom together. For purposes of exhibition the advantage of this will be obvious. As far as possible I select medium-sized bulbs, such as will furnish but one spike of bloom, as the large bulbs invariably split into two or three spikes, each of which is inferior in quality to the single spike. In planting I open drills about 4 inches in depth, putting about half an inch of sand under and over the bulbs; when the drill is levelled in, this leaves the bulbs with about 3 inches of covering. My bed is about 6 feet ill breadth. I plant the bulbs 9 inches apart, and leave about 12 or 14 inches between the rows. I take care to keep the bulbs from contact with the manure. In summer the roots feed on the cool rich manure underneath ; I therefore find little necessity for watering, especially if the beds are mulched with half-rotted stable-litter (mostly straw). I am of opinion that it is an excess of moisture which causes disease in most cases, particularly if much manure is used in the way of top-dressing. The only waterings I gave my bed last year were on two occasions before putting on the mulching of litter, and, except to stake carefully as the flower spikes lengthen, I have no further trouble with them until the bloom is over, when considerable care is required to be exercised in lifting them. Some bulbs will be fit to lift before others ; any delay, therefore, in taking them up when they begin to turn brown is apt to cause injury to, or the loss of, the bulb. At this stage, being dormant, moisture is apt to injure the crown of the root. When lifted I spread them out on the top shelf of a greenhouse (cutting off the stalk to within an inch of the bulbs), and when quite dry I place them in bags, and keep them on a dry shelf, free from frost, for the winter. Under this treatment I have never lost more than 3 or 4 per cent, from disease, and these friucipally such delicate sorts as Madame Furtado and mperatrice Eugenie. As I have been a most successful exhibitor of the Gladiolus for some years past, I may perhaps be excused for giving a list of what I consider to be the best varieties. In short, the first list, in my estimation, consists of the crcme de la crime of all at present in cultivation. First List : Shakspeare, Madame Vilmorin, Lord Byron, Sir Josei)h Paxton, Dr. Lindley, James Veitch, Velleda, Eeine Victoria, Mons. A. Brougniart, Meyer- beer, Madame Furtado, Imp^ratrice Eugenie, Marie Dumortier, Thomas Moore, Le Titien, Le Poussin, Eurydice, Milton, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Princess Clothilde, Sir AVm. Hooker, Due de Malakoff, Madame Chauviere, Sir Walter Scott. Second List : Anais, Cherubini, Penelope, Charles Dickens, Fulton, Galilee, Meteor, Newton, Achille, Rubens, Stephenson, Lord Raglan, Lady Franklin, Marechal Vaillant, Madame de Vatry, John Waterer, Bernard Pallis.sy, Reverend Berkeley, Linne, Ophir, Roi Leopold, Prince of Wales, Oracle, MacMahon. .^. Campbell^ Qlasnevin Nui-sert/, Lublin, The groups of Cineeahias and Pkimulas furnished by Mr. R. Weatherill, of Finchley, at the meeting of the Floral Committee on the 18th inst., are worthy of something more than a mere passing notice, the former especially. The plants of Cinerarias were unusually dwarf in habit, and at the same time as robust as could be desired, and they were furnished with dense and striking heads of flower. Many fancied them to be a strain of dwarf-growing Cinerarias, whereas they simply represented a mode of successful cultivation. The fact that they are grown for the market perhaps furnishes an exception to the general cultivable pro- cess, but it does prove, nevertheless, what can be done with the Cineraria under a proper method of treat- ment. Invariably the early-flowering Cinerarias are "drawn " plants, not unduly forced so much as having been kept in a close atmosphere, and so induced to make a lanky growth. Often the base of the stem of the plant is entirely destitute of foliage, and what there may be of leaves are sicklied over with unhealthy -looking pallor. In Mr. Weatherill' case he admits air to his houses of Cinerarias with ungrudging liberality when the weather is favourable ; hut this is tempered by the warmth arising from the pipes below the plants. Grown in this way, the development of foliage and flowers is something remarkable — broad, fleshy, dark green leaves form an admirable base to the rich heads of bloom, which set down compactly upon them ; and so, not only is the most robust health secured, but also a corresponding symmetry of plant and flower. The influence of good culture in the case of the Primula was also plainly apparent. There was a kind of artistic finish about many of the plants — the very most was made of them: damping off, that terrible pest to amateur Primula growers, especially, is a fatality unknown to Mr. Weatherill, perhaps because it is not suffered to molest the plants. A proper and an improper method of culture makes all the difference in the quality of the blooms of the Primula sinensis, and it would appear that exactly the same conditions are applied to the Primulas as to the Cinerarias, Confined, over-heated houses are prolific of destruc- tion to Cinerarias and Primulas at this season of the year. No doubt, to do them both properly and well, houses should be constructed for, and devoted to, their culture alone ; yet in a mixed house of ordinary green- house plants this free circulation of tempered air would have the most beneficial effect it only intelli- gently ajiplied and regulated. S, L. Glass Observatory Hives.— I do not know what Jlr. Carr's observatory revolving bar-frame hives may be like, but I should fancy that they are not unieomb hives, and therefore are not, properly speaking, obser- vatory hives. I have myself constructed and used single-comb observatory and square box hives, the sides and top of which were formed of four jiaues of glass, with an air space between each pane. This, by the-by, I have always considered to be the invention of Mr. Tegetmeier, who brought it out many years ago. For hives of the ordinary shape and capacity, having several combs in juxtaposition, 1 am willing to allow that these four-paned glass sides answer very well, but I have discarded them from the proper unieomb observatory hive. Objects are seen very indistinctly through so many layers of glass and air, compared with what they would be if one pane only intervened. The unieomb hive being useful chiefly in summer, I have returned to the single pane of glass, which I much prefer. The square box glass hives may present a pretty appearance when nicely stocked, but as very little beyond the edges of the combs at the back and front, and one side of each end comb, can be seen, they are of little or no use for observatory pur- poses. For these, I think there is no better plan than the one described by me at p. 129, of having a stock box and unieomb hive so constructed that the bars, with or without combs, can be easily transferred from one to the other. Apiator. ATiNTEKiNG Bees.— The Essay alluded to by me (see p. 103) was published by Longman & Co., price Is. ; and the Paper in continuation was also printed separately, and can, doubtless, likewise he had there. The Essay, much to my regret, had a very limited circulation, as the Entomological Society did not make it known at the time it was published, and as they possess the copy- right I cannot reprint it. The Paper in continuation, however, is mine, and I shall very likely have it reprinted with a further continuation to the time of the death of the queen bee observed upon. If "Apiator" has any difficulty in getting a sight of the continuation Paper, which is the one he will most want to see, I will send him a copy for perusal on having a line either from you or him. J. O. Leslorough, St. Feter's Hill, Stamford. [" Apiator " will be much obliged to Mr. Desborough for the loan of a copy of his Essay, which can be forwarded through the Editor of this Journal.] Bees in Devonshire.— Notwithstanding the had honey summer of last year, the majority of hives seem to have lived through the winter very favourably. On fine days the bees may be seen flying out in consider- able numbers. On Sunday, Jan. 26, pollen was observed to be carried in pretty extensively into some hives. It seemed to be chiefly of a whitish colour. T. O. Garden Memoranda. Messes. Veitch's Nubsert, Coojibe Wood.— This nursery, as most people know, forms a valuable adjunct to the great plant emporium at Chelsea. Some account of a few of its treasures, in the shape of hardy plants, as seen in the course of last year, may therefore not be uninteresting. First and foremost, let us solicit the attention of all engaged iu the ornamentation of estates to a plant which is known, certainly, but not sufficiently. The Pampas Grass is quite a pigmy to it in stature and general proportions, even so much so as the Meadow Pox-tail (Alopecurus pratensis) is to it. Its gigantic stature, and the immense foot-stalks standing up as erect as a gun-barrel, each bearing upon its summit huge feathery plumes, which appear in the distance like ostrich plumage waving gracefully with the breeze, equally excite admiration ana surprise. It has the ad- vantage, too, mark you, over the Pampas Grass, and a very important one, that it is in full ' feather " in the month of July, whereas the latter is never in perfection until the end of August, and not even then. For game cover I should pronounce it to be invaluable. It is far hardier in constitution than the elegant Pampas; and the plant at Coombe Wood, bearing, as it does, upwards of sixty stalks, is, when in perfection, worth going a hundred miles to see. " The name of it now if you please ? " It is the famous New Zealand Grass — Arundo conspicua. No wonder that the late lamented Mr, James Veitch, the father of the present gentlemen who so worthily bears that name, looked upon this as one of the most famous introductions for beautifying the general landscape. For mixed shrubby borders there are several plants which claim our closest attention. Desfontainea spinosa is one of them. It is a plant which has been subjected to greenhouse culture iu many gardens in the country, and has been almost universally reckoned a shy bloomer— so much so that but for its novelty and its similarity in foliage to our common Hollies, with the advantage of a pretty long tubular crimson flower, something in the way of a Correa, it would have been unceremoniously con- demned. Here it has stood the test of at least two or three winters, and flowers profusely. The Coombe Wood soil, which is a gritty loam, freely interspersed with sand, and a channelly surface, seems admirably adapted for inducing a free inflorescence. Esoallonia macrantha is another beautiful plant of a different cast, the surface of the ovate leaves glistening like the finest varnish, and growing rampant either in the border or against a wall, which, of the two, is most suitable for exhibiting its beauties. Grevillea rosmari- nifolia makes a more elegant shrub, and has foutid its way from the greenhouse to the mixed border, giving a luxuriance of growth and a beauty of foliage almost revolutionary in character. It is quite hardy, and grows after the style of one of the handsomest of the Junipers. Then, again, peers out a plant with large handsome palmate leaves, deeply divided into sections, and showing fine short-jointed foot-stalks, a great boon to the monotonous character of the shrubby section. It is none other than Aralia Sieboldii, whion was presumed to require a stove temperature, and has been treated accordingly, until the Messrs. Veitch have proven its suitability, at all events, to the more temperate portions of our climate. The Oak-leaved Hydrangea, not at all common, will also be found to be a valuable auxiliary in this way, from its floe deeply- incised leaves, its suffruticose habit, and the abuudaace in which it produces its dimorphic flowers. Among Conifers for border purposes might be named Abies monstrosa, a most curious form, having a strong straight stem, with very few branches, and the spines dense and close over its surface. Taxodium fasti- giatum makes a fine conical plant with a little atten- tion in the way of knife-pruning, its foliage being scarcely less handsome than some of the Ferns or Clubmosses; it is, however, a deciduous tree. Juniperus rigida is a fine shade of pale green, some- thing after the colour and character of the Deodar, but more dense and pyramidal in growth, and would be a very suitable plant for a " single specimen " on a lawn. Among other things which adorn these mixed borders is Acacia inerrais, a sort generally grafted on the locust tree (Robinia Pseudaoacia), and which, when trimmed with the knife, makes an excellent brush-head, carried on a straight clean stem, admirable for placing in any salient position. Juglans nigra laciniata is a fine form of the species, the normal formation of leaf being scarcely entrenched upon— adding grace and beauty to this form, and rendering it conspicuously attractive. The Purple Hazel is also very effective, although it has not the brightness and distinctness of character of the Copper Beech, one of the noblest of high-coloured forest trees. The Variegated Plane, or Sycamore (Platanus ocoidentalis var.), has the usual formation of leaves, with large yellow and green blotches, like the plumage of a parrot. Cotoneaster Simmondsii is worthy of more extended cultivation, as it promises to eclipse even the beautiful and useful microphylla, which grows in situations and on soils where few plants will live. The advantage of this newer sort is a larger and fine- formed foliage, with even a more vigorous growth, and the berries larger in proportion. Among all the varieties of Holly, and their name is legion at Coombe Wood, there is none so useful for standards as Waterer's Holly. It is of dense habit, fine, small, smooth foliage, green, with an irregular golden margin, and is clearly one of the very best for introducing into spots where the more rampant ones grow too large. Euonymus radicans variegata would make capital material for ribbon borders or ornamental designs of any kind, such for example as forming a nice " clothing " for wicker work, as we see it introduced iu the form of baskets on lawns. It is as hardy as a Peri- winkle, and very much like it in form of foliage, having an ovate entire leaf with deep fringe of silver variegation on the edges. The purple Japanese Maple will prove one of the most formidable rivals of the Purple Beech, possessing that fine lustre so prominent in the Amaranthus, besides having the additional charm of a palmate leaf with acuminate segments. If it continues to stand the rigours of our climate, which in all likelihood it will do, the demand for it is sure to be great. Smilax japonica is a wayward sort of bush, having tendril-like leaves like a Pitcher Plant, and the blotches occurring on a pale green surface, as if the leaves had been stained with blood. Castanea chrysophylla has quite an abnormal style of producing fruit, and forms, in this respect, an object of attraction, the cupules having an outer coating of bristles like the quills of a porcupine. Among Coniferaj for lawn specimens what can equal Picea Nordmanniana, with its beautiful glaucous foliage and symmetrical growth ! Here the stock is very large, and in great vigour and beauty. This, far and away, sur- passses the common Silver Fir, and is so hardy as to grow well in any part of our islands, the young growths not pushing away until all danger of late spring frosts is over. Thujopsis dolobrata is revelling away equally luxuriant, now that it is of some standing, pushing away a vigorous leader; and Mr. John Veitch assures us that it IS quite hardy— that he found great irees of it growing in the north of Japan at a high altitude, where snow lies nearly five mouths in the year. The Retinosporas are very valuable acquisitions, many of them, from their dense pyramidal habit, quite beating the Thujas "out of court." If there is one ruore than another ihat merits special recognition it is obtusa aurea variegata, which attains the height of a tree in Japan, and retains its golden colour all the year round, and is therefore superior as an ornamental plant to Thuja aurea in this particular, which loses its golden hue in summer. It is also superior to the variegated Yews, which are exceedingly handsome during summer, but become far -less interesting during our trying winter. The plain-leaved variety (obtusa) is very much like Thuja gigantea, equally vigorous, and equally ornamental, the greater difference being m the terminal shootlets, which shoot forth like spray, or, rather, depending from the branches like ringlets which. when it attains considerable dimensions, must De or a highly ornamental character. It is remarkaWe that among the host of this tribe growing away at Coombe Wood, there are none apijureutly so liable to the 186 I'HE GARDMERS' CMONICLE AM) AGRICIFLTtmAL GAZETTE. [FebETJABT 23, 1868. attacks of the boring weevil insect as Pinus insignis. Very often we see plants of this sort pushing two sets of growths in a season, entirely owing to the first becoming a prey to this destructive insect. It is a beautiful Conifer, with a shade of metallic lustre pecu- liarly its own. Pinus densillora, which Mr. J. Veitch calls the " Scotch Fir of Japan," is here in any quan- tity. Abies Brunoniaua is a most striking variety, having its young growths, in a perfectly healthy state, as if covered over with mildew. It is too tender for general planting, but it engages the attention of all who come across it. Growing over a summer house in a shaded sheltered spot^ towards the extremity of these grounds, are specimens of several climbers which together would form a not uninteresting chapter of itself; and were it possible to reproduce them so that the reader could see them with the writer's eye their suitability for general purposes would soon be established. One of them was the beautiful Mutisia decurrens, which is a hard-wooded climber, introduced from the mountains of Chili. It was growing away among other climbers, and the flower-stalks were sufficiently long to stand out clear of those with whom it was associated. Mr. Bateman very aptly described ,it at one of the scientific meetings as producing orange flowers, " glittering like gas jets." It 13 somethmg like in colour and formation to a Sun- flower on a small scale, having the brilliant orange of Gazania eplendens, with the advantage of being hardy climber, and not of so evanescent a character as the latter flower. Tropajolum speciosum was in masses of orange and scarlet, supporting itself over Clematis of sorts, and formed admirable festoons of colour. This is also a South American plant, which few people seem inclined to test for its hardiness. It makes a capital plant for greenhouse decoration, but the colour and number of flowers are not at all repre- sented indoors in the same way, and instead of the stems dying down, as they invariably do under greenhouse treatment, a great portion of them retain their vitality, and reproduce young shoots the following year — a sure test of its being coddled indoors. What gave a lustre to the whole was Clematis Viticella venosa, which would vie with the finest things the tropics could produce. Its bewitching shade of violet, and its free inflorescence, rank it as a climber of the first order, and your readers may all safely grow it in their bowers or arbours, where there is a slight shade from a tropical sun. C. lanuginosa was nowhere beside it— great fine flowers to be sure, but the slaty colour makes it too much a neutral tint for flower- loving Englishmen. C. Hendersoni or Chaudleri is a vivid violet, approaching almost to a blue, free in flowering, but not to be compared to Viticella venosa, which, I repeat again, is a gem of the " first water," Let me conclude this cursory notice with a remark upon the highly decorative character of Yucca gloriosa, which is finely arranged up and down the principal entrances, and which is very striking with its long spikes of yellowish white inflorescence, while its stiff handsome foliage marks it out as a most useful plant for general purposes. It differs from recurva in having acuminate leaves growing upwards, with the tip inclined inwards ; while in the other we have foliage recurved in almost a semicircular line without any particular or striking change, either in colour, size, or time of inflo- rescence. A. ffiarOcn ©pcratiomei, {For the ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. The beautiful Bisa grandiflora, if in a healthy con- dition, will now need shifting and starting into more direct growth. Peat and silver sand, in proportions of about lour to one respectively, will suit it admirably. Be particular in potting to first " crook " the pots efficiently^ and in such a manner that the soil cannot, whilst being pressed down ui^on the crocks, become mi.xed with them, so as to nullify the very purpose for which they have been employed. So much the more is this necessary in this instance, as, independent of the importance that all surface water should percolate freely throughout the ball, the water standing in vessels below the pot should not have too immediate communication with the soil. Any which do not require potting should have vessels containing water placed so that the bottom of the pots just touch it. Fresh potted ones will do best for a week or two with abundant surface waterings only, until the plant has progressed a little. Anotber beautiful plant is the Lisianlhus EusseUianus, " Bedford's " purple variety. When not propagated by cuttings, this beautiful plant does best treated as a biennial. Seedlings raised last autumn, and carefully nursed over the winter, will now need especial attention. Keep the surface of the soil in the pots constantly fresh, by means of slight surface stirring. Remove any small leaves which have decayed, and afford a plentiful supply of air. If the plants appear to push away pretty freely, which they soon will, if such is not already the case, accept the sign as a hint that a fresh shift will be thaukfuUy received. A compost of peat, gritty loam, and silver sand will suit them. Pot moderately firm. Fix the collar of the plant firmly by pressing the soil well all round, and do not pot too deeply. A temperature averaging 58° will suffice for the present. This will be found a good time for sowing seeds of all exotic or stove plants, such for instance as those of Ipomcea, Thunbergia, &c. Seeds of Clianthus Dampieri, Cobcea, and others, needing cooler treatment, might likewise be sown. Those who intend raising seedling Pelargoniums might likewise prick out the seeds into pans or boxes. The shallower the soil is the better, where convenient. Place them upon a nice hot-bed, and induce a quick stronj grovvth. Bo mindful that au excess of moisture is sure to make them " fog off." By pushing them on quickly now good hopes may be entertained of their flowering towards the autumn, when it may be possible to determine their merits without further trouble or care. Continue, as needed, the potting or surfacing of Orchids, such as Acroperas, Stanhopeas, and the like. Tbese and other basket plants, and such as are grown upon blocks elevated in mid-air, will also all need an occasional dip into tepid water. It will be well at this season, however, to perform the operation in the fore- noon in preference to later in the day. A few strong plants of Nemophila insignis, potted up into 60-sized pots now, and shifted on as they need more root room into 43-sized or 32-sized pots, will make fine showy plants, acceptable in colour either for placing upon conservatory shelves, or for training in any other form required. FORCING HOUSES. Continue gently to increase heat and atmospheric moisture, having due regard to the greater length of daylight we are now in the possession of, and the amount and persistency of solar heat. Give attention to coverings upon all 'Vine borders ; if a nice warmth still exists in fermenting materials placed upon those in which Vines were forced early, so much the better. As regards Vines, successional ones or otherwise, which are now breaking into bud, repeat the practice so often recommended herein of pushin_ them but gently at first; bending the rods into the form of a half circle when they break remissly, giving abundancel of atmospheric humidity, &c., with a slight increase of heat still upon sunny afternoons, and fixin„ the mean night temperature at from 60' to 61°, as an excessive night heat does not tend to a successful issue. Attend to the bottom heat of all Pines, whether it be those which were just potted, or any of the ordinary successional stock. As the days increase in length so will there be greater need of a warmth at the roots. It will be safe, therefore, now to thoroughly examine the tan-pits in which Pines are plunged. Turn the pits up from the bottom, and in so doing slightly moisten any of the material which may, in process of fermentation, or through lying near the heating apparatus, have become too dry. Moisten with a fine rosed waterpot ; add also a little fresh tan where need- ful, Be particular, when replacing the pots into this newly-turned material, not to plunge them too deeply half the entire depth of each pot will, in fact, be ample. Do not at any time permit the actual bottom- heat around the pots to exceed from 86' to 88'. Shut up early upon sunny afternoons, and syringe the plants now pretty freely. Do so at all times, however, with water which has (jeen exposed to the warmth of the house during the day, or such, in fact, as is tepid, HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Let me finally advise all who intend to plant any more this season not to delay the operation longer, but to procure and plant the necessary subjects at once, otherwise much of the season rootlets will have been formed, and will consequently receive injury by late removal, independent of the check which the operation, performed so late, entails upon the future robustness of the plant. Make the necessary preparations duly to protect the Apricot bloom from frosts. There are many sorts of material in use for this purpose, such as " hexagon netting," which is made in widths of from 3 to 14 feet at the price of from od. to 2,?. respectively per yard run. Intermediate widths are attainable, varying each 3 feet the one from the other, at strictly relative prices. There is a coarse hempen canvas, called " Hessian cloth," which is 1*. id. per yard run of 6 feet wide, and would do good service for amateurs, with but a certain and not over large number of moderate-sized trees to cover. Frigi Dome is the best of all materials in a general way, however, for protection ; made of a coarse woollen material it is of good thickness, and a perfect non-conductor. It is attainable in almost every necessary width. In lieu of either, netting, more properly used to protect fruit from birds, &c., when hung perpendicularly a little distance from the bloom— if in double thicknesses all the better — aids much in keeping off frost. Even Spruce branches, or Fern, has it uses in this respect. A broad coping formed with boards, so projecting from the tops of the wall as to throw off the drip beside, has much more merit in this matter than we habitually give it credit for. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Wash and clean the glass, whatever its form, placed over Auriculas for protection. Finish top-dressing them as before advised ; they will need rather more water than has been afforded them during the past months. Take the lights off at all times when the weather is moderately tine, and afford air by constantly tilting at the back, except at times when a more than ordinary surface frost is anticipated. Air in abundance plays an important part in the efficient culture of this quaint and beautiful class of plants. Sow any tender annuals needed for out-door early blooming ; place them when sown under some sort of protection in a sunny aspect. Of course where a slight hot-bed exists they may be induced to germinate more freely if placed in it. I again advise planting Ranunculuses and Anemones without further delay ; they do well at about 2 inches in depth. KITCHEN GARDEN. It will be well as soon as the weather becomes a little settled, and the ground moderately dry, to make small sowings of Cabbage, such as Early York or Little Pixie ; these will come in well for use early in autumn, and for further use in early winter. Sowings might also be made of Red Cabbages, where fine large specimens are adesideratum. Sowaiso alittle seed of theGreenCurled Savoy to precede the principal sowing, which should be mido the latter end of next month. AUo a similar quantity of either Walcheren Broccoli or Cauli/lower. The former in hot summers often produce late, during the season, fine large heads, when the latter only " button off" in their earlier stage of growth. Transplant autumn-sown Onions ; if of the large Tripoli sort, they should have at least 8 inches of room between each- White Spanish will do with but 6 inches. Turnips of the Early Stone (Early Dutch) or Red American sorts, might also be sown upon a warm sunny border, such as that at the base of a south wall. A successional sowing of Early, or French, Horn Carrots should likewise be made in a similar situation. No further delay should occur in sowing a further successional supply of early Peas. Such varieties as Ne Plus Ultra, Maclean's Gem, Champion of Paris, &c., will succeed well sown now as a succes- sional supply to those already in the ground. Radishes, whether turnip or spindle-shaped, might be sown between the rows of Peas, as might also Spinach. Sprinkle a little seed of Paris Cos Lettuce over such a place as the alleys of Asparagus beds, or any other similar situation in which a good rich and deep soil exists. Transplant a few of the early sorts, such as Brown Cos, which, sown in autumn, have been kept through the winter. Examine Cauliflower plants, and prick out into a good rich quarter any which need thin- ning out; look well into the hearts, however, first: many of them are likely to form *' buttons," hence they are wholly useless as regards future produce. Plant out Potatos in like manner, as weather suits. Use the hoe between crops, for the double purpose of destroy- ing weeds, and to assist the air in penetrating freely into the soil. Pot Marjoram, and Siveef Basil may likewise be sown. If placed into a little extra warmth each will germinate freely. Finish planting Jerusalem Artichokes as opportunity offers. W. JS. STATE OF THE WEATHEH AT CHISWICK, NEAR LONDON. Forthe Week ending Feb. 19,1868, asobserved at the Horticultural Gardens. P BinoMtiEa. Te»pb«»tu„,, Wind February or the Air. Of tlie Earth ■? Ma.x, Min, Max Mill, Meau I foot deep. 2 feet deep. ^ Thurs 13 Friday 14 Sundayie Mond. 17 Tuesd. 18 Wed. 19 1 30.2.51 30:439 30.302 30.U7 30.195 30: 198 29.850 48 47 49 51 47 30 45!5 31.5 37.5 six, 45 44 41 43 41 N, S.W. s',w: S.VI. .00 '.00 .00 .00 Averase 30 221 30.017 18.5 31.0 39.7 43 7 11.7 006 — IG- Clear and frosty ; fine, clear, and line at night. it, vain ; clear and frosty. , . :lear, andflne ati '"*"' 1 fine ; sligbtly clouded \ clear. — is-Migiit log ; overcast ; cloudy, but fine. — 19— Overcast; cloudy; densely overcast, brisk wind. Mean temperature of the week, 1 5-10 deg. above the aver STATE OF THE "WEATHER AT CHISWICK. During the last 42 years, for the ensuing Week, ending Feb. J aid %So it Eh No. of Rained. Greatest Quantity Of Rain. Prevailing Winds, February. ^MH I|h° "4 Z H "7 W « If 121 7 ^ K Sunday 23 471 31 5 39 4 14 0 41 in. 4 32.6 39 9 22 0.92 6 11' « 4 33.3 40 1 23 018 5 Thurs. ..27 47 « Friday ..28' 48.9 1 J 11 5' a 47,6 340 40.3 14 0,62 8 2 1 II 7 4 The highest temperature c the above period occurred on the 2Sth, 1816-thenn. 61 deg, ; and the lowest on the 28th. laUfi-thenu, Notices to Correspondents. Address: W M D. King's Road, Chelsea. Cinerarias; J S G. Good decorative varieties, but nothing more. The colours are rich and striking. Flower Show at Ghent: TiUip. March 29 to April 5. Miss Malinq's Cases : W T. Your correspondent cannot do better than consult Miss Maling'a little book, entitled " The Indoor Gardener," where she will find full information respecting the plants best adapted for flowering in suc- cession, and how to manage them. Bulbs, such as Hyacinths, Tulips, Snowdrops, Scillas, &c , come in admirably in spring ; Camellias do very well. Later, China Roses, Myrtles, Lily of the Valley, flowering Begonias, Gloxinias, and various soi-ts of Pela^rgoniums, may be introduced ; and for winter, Chinese Primroses and Cyclamens. Ferns and Selaginellas can be had all the year round, as well as most plants grown for their foliage alone. Moving Cedars: Young Gardener. Will you kindly furnish us again with your address, which has unfortunately been mislaid. Names of Fruit : G B, 1, Russet Nonpareil ; 2, Red Streak ; 4, Poor Man's Profit ; 8, Ribston Pippin ; U, Forest Styne ; ottiers indeterminable,— -4 Bo^le. 1, uncertain ; 2, Red Streak.— yz. Too much bruised to be recognisable. Names of Plants : B i/ 4 o'clock.— All the 2^focesses of Manufacture n-rrc PERFOEUED BY BAND ELEVEN HOURS. The Cloth was then given to MR. ISAAC WHITE, TAILOR, OF NEWBURY, TWO HOURS AND TWENTY MINUTES, li hen the Mastei r, Mr, John Coxeter, SIR JOHN THROCKMORTON, Bart., Wko appeared with it on be/ore an aswnbly of 5000 &pectaior&, who had come far and tiear to xcitnean this singular atid unprecedented perfonnance completed in THIRTEEN- HOURS AND TWENTY MINUTES. The persons who took a prominent part on this interesting occasion, are thus pointed out in the illustration of this extraordinary Manufactur- ing Celerity : — In the centre of the Picture, the Shepherd, Francis Druett, is represented She.aring one of the Sheep; — behind him, the Master Manit- faeturer, Mr. John Co.xeteii ; — on his left, Mr. Isaac White, the Tailor, measuring Sir John Throckmorton for the Coat. — To his left, in black, stands R. F. 0. Villebois, Esq. ; — and before him, seated at the table, is Anthony Bacon, Esq. — To the right of Mr. Coxeter, stands Mr. John Locket, a Linen Manufacturer of Donniugton ; facing him, and with his back towards the spectators, ia Mr. Eichard Dibley, of Newbury, Butcher ; — the Youth beside him ia John Coxeter, the Son of Mr. Coxeter ; — and the one with the Basket of Wool Spooles, is his Son William. — John is again represented at work at the Loom, the Lady before him, hia Mother, accompanied by another Son, Samuel, a child ; — the Gentleman standing at the back of Mrs. Coxeter, and by the side of the Loom, ia Mr. Jones, the Cotton Manufacturer of Greeniiam. At the late monthly meeting of the Highland and Agricultural Society, the Marquis of Tweeddale proposed, in the following terms, an experimental com- parison of horse and steam power for cultivation:— " I have a field of clay-land which has been drained at 15 feet apart, and has never been ploughed above 8 inches, most probably 7 inches, which I have lately taken into my own hands. This field will be ready for cross ploughing about the middle of March, when a trial could take place. I will produce 17 pairs of horses to work against the steam-plough, so that it cannot be said the horses have been picked, as that is the number of pairs I have at work. As steam cultivation is stated to be the now means of breaking up the soil, I say that 12 inches is the depth that I will fix for the trial." The hoard of directors instructed the secretary to thank the Marquis for his proposal, and remitted the letter to the Special Committee on Steam Cultivation, with power to make the necessary arrangements for the trial. A full report appears in the fpswic/i Journal of a correspondence between Messrs. Garrett, of Leiston, and Mr. Rouwell, of the Bury Finance Committee, to whom the late Mr. Garrett had offered 100?. as a 8ub.scription towards the ex- pense of the Iloyal Agricultural meeting in 18GG. That meeting did not take place, and Mr. Garrett's death occurred long before the meet- ing of the following year. The facts of the case were submitted to counsel by Mr. Garrett's executors, and the opinion was obtained, " that the sum of lOOl. is not a debt due from the late Mr. Garrett, and that it is not recoverable from his executors." "As it is now shown," says Mr. Ricuaud Gakhett, "as clearly as the course taken by the Bury Finance Com- mittee will allow, that they had no claim iu the property left by my late father, or on us, his executors, we are desirous that all may understand, our object has not been to avoid payment of a sum of money, but to resist an untenable demand, which was so uncere- moniously made and persisted iu ; and in order to substantiate this position Mrs. Garrett has this day forwarded to the East Suflblk Hospital, at Ipswich, a cheque for 100 guineas (105Z.), with a request that it may be acknowledged iu your paper." _ -; — Our reference last week to the expense of dis- tilling water for the army in Abyssinia was deprived of all its agricultural significance by the omission of the concluding lines of tlie paragraph. We called atten- tion to the assertion of a naval officer that in our ships of war, even under unfavourable circumstances, one ton of coal may be depended on to produce 10 tons of distilled water; because if this be so, there can be no doubt whatever that fuel may be often economically applied in harvest work during wet seasons. Will any one state for us in detail the facts regarding water distillation on hoard ship. SHORTHORNS. At the Havering Park Sale, last May, one of the cows, iffrfy Valiant _2d, created some amusement by her performance outside the ring, which she refused to enter ; after breaking down and clearing the adjoin- ing rails, she galloped away to her heart's content, and was eventually knocked down to Messrs. Gaitskell, large horticulturists and seedsmen at Hall Santon, in Cumberland. In this bleaker region she has some- what calmed down, and on the 1st of the month brought forth a dark rieh roan hull calf to Baron Oxford (23,375), giving 20 quarts of milk a day for its support. The calf is full of promise, has a capital coat, with good forequarters and strong loins, and has been named Oxford-le-Valiant. Messrs. Gaitskell have an extensive herd, numbering 100 head. For many years they have been breeders in the county ; as far back as 1810 a sale took place of Mr. Gaitskell's stock at Yeorton, near Egremont. This stock came from Mr. Burrows, of Carleton Hall, who had it from Mr. Curwen, of Workington Hall, one of the earliest that introduced the breed into the county. The present herd is, how- ever, mainly descended from Mr. Birket's Lady, which traces back, through Mr. R. W. Ashburner and Mr. Hodgson, to Layton (36G) and Simon (590). The bulls used of late years have been Mr. Ashburnei-'s Sampson (7473), bred from the Studley stock, Balco 2d (11,130), bred at Holker, a son of the Kirklevington Balco (9918), Mr. Gelderd's Prince Consort (15,089), of Buston's "Jessy " tribe, the Gwynne bull, Master Gwtnne (10,539), and His Lordship (21,939), a son of Mr. Mark Stewart's Garibaldi (19,820). Some heifers have been added in the last ten years from Mr. W. Hodgson's stock ; and from the late Captain Spencer's herd was purchased Belle of Warlahy, by Mr. R. Booth's Knight of Wae- LABY (10,018), from Blink Bonny, bred by Mr, Strafford. This cow produced Belle of Santon, winner of two first prizes at the AYhitehaven Show, and from her have been reared two bulls. Knight of Santon (21,275), and High Sheriff (24,143), both by Hematite (21,917) bred at Warlahy, and these two bulls are at jiresent being used. Messrs. Gaitskell watch with much interest the milking pro- perties of their cattle, consequently the little showing that is done is generally made at the Whitehaven Show. In 1817 and 1858 they were awarded tho premium for the best general stock in the district. Trinket has twice won tho cup for the best dairy cow, and last autumn the first calf by Knight of Santon (21,375) gained the first prize for yearling heifers. Our reference last week, at page 161, to Capt. Gunter's 4th Duke of Thorndale (17,750) as being of unadulterated Bates descent, which, with one remarkable exception, could not be said of any other Shorthorn bull in this country, alluded only to Bates' Duchess tribe, and was not intended to apply to Messrs. Leney's Lord Oxford 2d (20,215) or Slr.C. AY. Harvey's Lord Oxford 3d (22,200), both of which are also of pure descent, but of the "Oxford "family; and this would also include Mr. W. Butler's Grand Duke of York (24,071), the Eakl of Glostek (21,W1), &c., bulls inheriting the blood of those sires used by Mr. Bates, at Kirklevington, which he aUowed his tenants to employ. In addition to the sales already named in our columns, a catalogue of 14 yearling bulls has ]ust been issued by Mr. Jefferson, of Preston Hows, near Carlisle, for sale on Thursday, March 5. They are chiefly by 190 THE GARDENERS' CHRnNICLE AKI) AGRIClTLTtJRAL GAZETTE. [Febeuabt 2^, 1868. SiH EoGEE (16,991), and King Chaeming (22,033), both of them well known Booth bulls ; and most of them trace back through cows of Kirklevington descent, Mr. Jetferson's herd now numbers 85. "We learn from the Midland Counties Herald, and may announce it here, although the prize ox was certainly not a Shorthorn, that in addition to the more substantial distinctions gained by Mr. McCombie's polled Scotch ox, at the last Bingley Hall Exhibition, and the show of the Smithfield Club, the animal also received pictorial honours. Its portrait was painted by Mr. R. Whitford, and is now reproduced in a large- sized photograph by Mr. Bonehill, of Broad Street, Birmingham. As many of our readers may desire to possess a memorial of so famous an animal, we commend the picture to their notice. THE PASTURING OF CATTLE. ■\VniLE there is no doubt that Mr. Mechi renders valuable service to agriculture by his uncompromising advocacy of plans which have not as yet met with general acceptance, yet it must be owned that he some- times pushes the artificial system too far. Thus in his last article in your Paper (p. 109) he would appear to condemn in toto the practice of pasturing auimals, and to advocate cutting their food, which he would give them in boxes or in yards. Of course there is no disputing the fact thai a field of Grass, if cut and given to stock in the house, would feed a greater number of animals than would find pasturage upon it. It may he granted also, this difference would generally be more than sufficient to repay the extra expenses incurred, such as cutting, attendance, &c. On the other hand, it is not so certain that feeding animals would thrive so well on cut Grass as they do in a good natural pasture, while it is obvious that milking and in-calf cows would not enjoy an equal degree of health under the artificial system. But the main, and, as far as my information extends, the insu- perable difticulty of abolishing the system of pasturage lies with young stock. With all young animals, fresh air and exercise are necessary, not only to health, but to the formation of a muscular frame. It is well known to practical men that stock which during their youth have been kept under cover never acquire that vigour of constitution whicli we must never lose sight of in our ardour for early maturity. They have thin coats, are deficient in hair, and are susceptible of cold on the slightest atmospheric change. I consider it of the utmost importance that a yearling should have a six months' run in the open pastures. Even at two years old he will make a better animal if allowed his liberty than if cooped up in the houses, or even in a yard. At three years old an animal will bear confinement, and if he has been sufficiently well kept he will then be in such a state of forwardness that a few months' stall feeding will render him fit for the butcher. I am glad to have the higli authority of Mr. McCombie for the statement that, as a rule, the feeding process, ;. e., giving animals in con- finement large quantities of cake and corn, cannot be continued for more than a few months without injury to their health, and consequently without loss to the owner. To young animals especially is the forcing process injurious. This conviction is the result of personal observation and experience. I have for several years watched the yearling steers and heifers belonging to one of my neighbours, which were during the winter kept in yards, and fed on the same diet as the feeding oxen, being liberally supplied with chaff mixed with grains, meal, malt dust, and Linseed-cake. For a time they looked well, but towards spring many of them appeared to go off their feed, while during the subsequent summer, though supphed with meal, &c., at Grass, they appeared not to make satisfactory progress. My neighbour having at length discovered his mistake, changed his system, and now gives his yearlings little but straw and Turnips, with a small allowance of cake daily. When I saw them under this regimen they appeared to relish their food, and looked as well as could be desired. My neighbour told me that as a rule the animals which had been forced when young, did not come out so well at three years old as those which had been more naturally kept. The reasons against forcing young stock which are intended for feeding, apply with much greater force to animals reared for breeding. Fresh air and exercise, indispensable to all young animals, are more especially so to those which are in a parturient state ; indeed this may be held to form a partial justification for the wasteful Midland counties' practice of foddering store stock in the fields. It would be no doubt better to feed them in the house, and turn them out for exercise, but when buildings are deficient this is not always prac- ticable. Taking, however, the two extremes, both of course to be avoided, I would back the well-doing of a lot of in-calf heifers foddered in the open field, without any shelter, against that of a lot kept in the house without exercise. If the latter course were to be persevered in for several successive generations, it could not fail seriously to impair the constitution and the fertility of the stock so treated. I should therefore be much obhged to Mr. Mechi if he would inform me iu what manner he proposes to enable the farmer who breeds stock, to dispense with pasture land. On the other hand, I cannot coincide with your correspondent " G. A. H.," in the whole of his critique on Mr. Mechi's paper. It is going too far to assert with " G. A. H." that " good farming consists, not in feeding cattle on purchased food, iDut solely on food grown on the farm." Good farming consists, as far as cattle feeding is concerned, in rendering the feed- ing process both profitable in itself,and conducive to the general improvement of the farm. If these objects are attained, it is immaterial whether the food given be purchased or grown at home, only it must be remarked that one of the most profitable feeding stuffs, viz., Linseed cake, is not usually grown at home. There is, however, a cogent reason for its use, not only in the rapidity with which it pushes animals forward, but in the enhanced value which it imparts to manure, in comparison with corn, &c. A similar argument holds good with regard to Rape-cake, Cotton-cake, brewers' grains, malt dust, ic.— any or all of which an enlightened farmer will purchase, if convinced that they will yield a profitable return for his outlay. Mr. Mechi has always urged the improvement of the manure as one main argument for the employment of cake, and it is by no means one of the least services he has rendered to agriculture that he has for years consistently urged the necessity of the employment of an ample capital on a farm, if it is to be expected to yield a really remunerative return. Willoiighby Wood, Holly Bank, Feb. 13. THE INNER LIFE OF A SCOTTISH PLOUGHMAN. A Rough Sketch feom Personal Expeeiences, {Concluded from p. 163.) In the matter of food the ploughman is not accus- tomed to much variety. Oatmeal porridge and cakes, with milk or beer by way of sauce (or "kitchen"), Potatos, and boiled Cabbages, and greens, constitute its staple ; butcher meat he gets but rarely ; and the other variations are a little cheese and butter, and very exceptionally tea or coffee. There is one peculiar arrangement known as " the bothy system," where the farm men live quite by themselves, and without the intervention of any women to cook, or do other domestic offices for them. The farmer supplies each man with two pecks (16 lb.) of oatmeal a-week, and three pints of sweet-milk daily ; and also provides an apartment known as the bothy, wherein to cook and eat his meals, and the cookery is of tlie simplest. Every man has a large padlocked trunk for himself, in which he keeps his stock of oatmeal, a wooden dish, or " caup," and a spoon. They take it in turn to have charge of the fire, and in the morning, so soon as the common stock of boiling water has been got ready in a large tea-kettle, each man opens his " meal girnal," puts what he deems a sufficiency of raw oatmeal into his " caup," with a little salt sprinkled oyer to season the mess, then pours in some hot water, stirs up tlie whole with the handle of his spoon till the salt is dissolved and the " meal " saturated. He next puts a measured quantity of milk on the top of his " brose," and, having got seated on a chair, a convenient log of wood, or the lid of his " girnal," according to circumstances, he clears the handle of his spoon between his teeth and lips, and commences in earnest to his morning meal, eating, in the majority of cases, I should say, with his coat off and his hat or cap on his head. He has, perhaps, cakes and milk after, or coffee, or something else, hut if so he makes his cakes and provides all these other things for himself. His dinner is simply a repetition of the same dish — "oatmeal brose " — and so is his supper, all eaten from the same unwashed " caup," with the same unwashed spoon, day after day and week after week. There is no change in the dietary scale of the bothy, except in so far as the ploughman's own proficiency as purveyor and cook may enable him to vary it. The farmer is bound to supply nothing in the shape of board but the Oatmeal and milk mentioned, though some farmers give a few Potatos occasionally as a sort of freewill offering. " Bare and bald " enough fare truly it may be said, and yet many young fellows, blessed with good health, abundant physical exercise, and plenty of fresh air, have lived and " thriven " upon it for years at a time, though at length its mono- tonous and unwholesome sameness wearies even the hardiest and least fastidious. If a man becomes a confirmed bothy resident, as certain oddly constituted fellows are found to do, his habits are not always of the most unimpeachable kind. His larder is sometimes found to contain butter and eggs, or even a fowl, or a hare or rabbit. Of these latter he cooks a Sunday dinner for himself, and eats it, " asking no questions," or rather desiring that others should not ask too many, as to the means by which these more savoury supplies have been obtained. Let me now speak of the ploughman's daily life- driving a pair of horses for 10 hours of a working day, and, in addition, feeding and grooming them. Such is the ordinary routine ; aud in his own way our plough- man, it strikes me, is more of a skilled workman than he usually gets credit for. The practice is that each man shall guide a plough by himself alone, and also manage the single pair of horses that draw it without the assistance of any driver, and surely this is a neat and workmanlike mode as compared with what I have witnessed in various English counties, in some of which extremely clumsy arrangements for tillage of the soil yet prevail. In place of the ploughman driving his pair of horses in the improved iron plough (now in universal use in Scotland), and cutting an almost mathematically straight furrow from end to end of the field, I have witnessed with amazement in the midland part _ of England such monstrosities as five horses walking in single file, drawing a cumbrous antiquated wooden plough ; and, notwithstanding that the plough- man had the aid of a driver to control his team, all he could accomplish was to open a jagged, crooked gulf by way of furrow. To manage properly, and keep the full command of a pair of well-fed, powerful, and spirited farm horses, with, it may happen, one or both of them more or less restive or vicious in temper, is a task that requires courage, tact, and patience. Yet this is the task the ploughman has got to perform, not in some special case or under some peculiar circumstances, but in any case as it may turn up, and under all ordinary circum- stances. His habits are migratory; he jumps away from this district to the next, where he neither knows his master nor is known by him. It may be that of the new master's horses one kicks, and the other has got some ugly trick, which it exhibits on being put in harness ; but no matter, he has undertaken to drive the animals, and he will do it or run very great personal risk in the attempt, for his reputation is at slake : ■ aud in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred he succeeds in his undertaking. And this matter of horsemanship of a certain sort brings me to the heart of this "hameo'er" sketch. Some six or seven years ago the name and fame of J. S_. Rarey, " the American horse tamer," were pretty familiar topics on this side the water. When this smart Yankee visited Scotland I went to see him operate upon several horses— some mature in vice and ill temper, others young and quite unbroken. As he brought forward first one and then another, and with wonderful nerve and dexterity made each and all feel that they were in the hands of their master, the whole thing seemed to me as the realisation of a dream of the bygone time — that cautious quick movement of the fingers ; that firm, sudden grasp, and tightenine of the bridle rein ; that smart stroke of the fist, and there the struggling animal lies at his feet astounded and trembling at the power by,which it is overthrown ! Y'es, I had heard of it all, and, in part, seen it before. In short, odd as it may seem, it was in substance that very " secret art of horsemanship" which our Scottish ploughmen have possessed for generations, handed down by oral tradition, mixed up with much that is absurd and ridiculous, yet based on principles identical with those upon which the " American horse-tamer" acted, and which can be carried out in their perfection only by a man of great physical courage, coolness, and muscular activity — such a man, in short, as J. S. Rarey was. Yet much less perfectly carried out than in the case of Mr. Rarey, they give the ploughman who has partially mastered and acts upon them a distinct advantage in the management of his horses. And the " secret art of horsemanship " is all the more likely to be exercised with tolerably good effect from the fact that the candidate for initiation into its mysteries must take a solemn oath wherein he pledges himself not to reveal the secret to any boy under 16, "to a woman, or to a man that he believes would ill-use a horse." All this under the horrible penalty invoked upon himself, that if he break these promises, his body " may be cut in four quarters with a ploughman's knife, and buried in the sands where the salt sea ebbs and flows." I will not reveal the secrets of horsemanship, as they were delivered to me, which I presume would be nearly as great a crime as for a " brother of the mystic tie" to divulge the profound mysteries of his order. It can hardly however be deemed a breach of the oath to say what the words of that oath (which may lawfully be committed to paper though those of the secret may not) indicate that the system bases to no inconsiderable extent upon the principle of judicious and unvarying kindness to the horses, this of course including promptly, and unflinchingly, severe measures when absolutely required, and knowledge of their physical constitution and habits. This will enable the reader the more readily to believe, what is truly the case, that the Scotch ploughman who has passed his novitiate in " horsemanship," and has a liking for his occupation, and a' moderate share of enthusiasm in his composition, often acquires great skill iu managing, and much power over his horses. The manner in which that novitiate is passed, as I have seen it, is this. The novice gets an initiated friend to make arrangements for his admission as a horseman. A night is appointed, the hour being somewhere near midnight, for all risk of observation and eavesdropping must be carefully avoided. The fee chargeable is a sovereign, and a couple of bottles of whisky. The payment of the sovereign is probably made a sham, the money being returned ; the production of the specified quantity of liquor is no sham. So here on a bleak autumn night, with no moon and few stars, after tramping a couple of miles over roads rough and broken, and through fields wet and boggy, wo are cautiously approaching a farm-house with a dark Fir wood behind it, through which the wind is howling mournfully. Softly now ! The dog, as we know, has been safely kennelled out of hearing, so that we shall not rouse his noisy wrath, yet some "waukrife" female domestic, or member of the farmer's family, may hear our footfalls. Now we are past the farmer's residence and round at the corner of the "cham'er" where the ploughmen sleep. No light or sound ; but a low whistle from my friend is at once answered by a corresponding sound from a corner building. We approach stealthily till a voice asks, " Is that you ?" and my companion answers, " Ay, ay." He advances, and I am ordered to " keep back." The two voices whisper mysteriously within the doorway, and I hear the question asked, "Is Peter come?" The reply seems to be in the affirmative, and by-and-by the colloquy closes with the words, " Weel, fesh (fetch) him iu." My friend returns a few paces, and with unwonted solemnity asks me to follow him, which I do till we are within the doorway, in profound darkness, and equally profound silence. I can see nothing what- ever, and hear as little ; but a sort of semi-pnysical semi-mental sensation assures me, notwithstanding, that there are several persons in the room within. A voice, to me utterly unknown, now asks, " Have ye tied up his een, Peter 'i " " Na," is the reply from Peter, but he is just about to do so ; and he quickly does it, completely blindfolding me with a thick cotton hand- kerchief. I am then led forward into the middle of the apartment, and told.to hold up my right hand and take theoatli, the tenor of which I have already indi- cated, but which in its entirety is formal and verbose in a high degree, and, as given orally, sadly marred in point of grammatical accuracy. This grotesque Febhuaby 22, THE GAL"I)KNK1!S' (iJIKONlCrE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 191 ceremony tiiiished, and tlie entrance fee duly extracted from my over-weit;lited pockets, a feeling of relief seems to pervade the company by which I feel myself to bo surrounded, as I can now hear them ' hirstling about, and breathing freely, and even chattinz together in subdued tones. I am next asked, with severe gravity, what it is that I want first? With head crammed full of crudities bearing on the great subject of the evening, I try to frame a reply which shall be at once explicit and comprehensive as to theinstruo- tions I wish to obtain in horsemanship. JNa; try again," says my interrogator, with what seems to me suspiciously like a wicked, if not profane, chuckle. I do so in great sincerity, but am not a whit more successful, it would seem ; and Peter, coming very near, asks amid general merriment, " Fat's the first want o a bli'n' man ? Wouldna ye be the better o' your een And there, in dim dii'ar'osciiro, made by the light of a single tallow candle stuck in a Turnip, I discovered half-a-dozen young men, some sitting, some standing, and one or two stretched at full length on the top of the bed-clothes of a range of open bedsteads that occupied one side of the place in which we were met, Aly companions were by no means in such haste to communicate as I was to receive information. First of the first, they had to test the quality of the liquor which I had been the means of supplying them with ; and then there was the question to settle of who should take the lead in instructing me. That point adjusted, and the "A. B. C." of the art announced, there were endless digressions and amplifications, as this one and the other recounted his experiences as a horseman, with more or less of modesty or braggadocio,^ as the case might be. One figure in that group of rough, roystering young men, so oddly met, speedily arrested my special attention. With his shoulders jammed into a comer, and his legs stretched out among some nice clean straw, sat a man several years the senior of most of the others present. His broad, good- humoured face was thoroughly bronzed by exposure to all weathers, and his shaggy whiskers seemed as familiar with the wintry blast as the Pines on his native hills. This was Jamie Fordyce. While anything but forward to give his opinion, Jamie's words— dropiied with almost proverbial point and brevity— carried weight when they came. As the whisky was passed round now and again in a tm can of small dimensions, he drank scarcely any, and, indeed, seemed to care so little for the whole proceedings that one was disposed to wonder why he should be there at all at such unseasonable hours in place of seeking that sleep which we are told blesses the labouring man, " whether he eat little or much." Placid and calm as he was, he would rouse himself occasionally ; his rugged features lighted up, and then came a burst of strong common sense. ' If ye want to manage horses, lad, learn first to manage your ain temper ; without that ye may throw Johnston's an' a' ither sytems o' horseman- ship to the winds." Or again, " It winna (won't) need mony lessons to teach a horse that ye're frighten't at him ; an' when that's done, good-bye to your horse- manship," and so on he would go with a commentary ofshrewd general remark on the formal rules enounced by others. I felt irresistibly drawn towards Jamie Fordyce, and although he was a man old enough to have stood to me in the relation of father to son, I by- and-by found myself by his side, and when the talk go^t very desultory we indulged in a confidential " confab" together on topics apart. At that time of life I was a devout hero-worshipper ; and from that day forth Jamie Fordyce was one of my heroes. Not a very exalted hero, the reader may say. Perhaps not. Yet in his own sphere he was a remark- able man. Thoroughly master of all the ordinary routine of the farm, as practised by the most advanced and successful Scottish agriculturists, with all his information gained at first-hand by personal observa- tion and actual experience, he thought sturdily for himself, and spoke what he thought with corresponding freedom and vigour. His habits had been frugal, and by the time I knew him he had saved off his own earnings as a ploughman the not inconsiderable sum of 120?. Jamie's ambition was to become the tenant of a small farm himself, "for," as he said, "this vagrant life, merry aneuch in youth, winna do when the limbs get stiff an' thebluid runs caul (cold)." But, alas! for his hopes ; he found the policy of the landowners all through his native region dead against him. Small farmers had come to be lightly esteemed ; the prevail- ing practice was to turn them adrift when their leases e.xDired, and convert many small farms into a single large one.; Utterly baulked of his object, Jamie turned moodily away. " I love my countra dearly," was his " dowie" utterance to me when I last met him, " but it seems I've been owre ( too) lang here ; there's nae room in Scotland's glens an' braesides for them wha plough and delve their soil. I, too, maun (must) cross the sea." He married the woman of his affections, and set sail for America, to find scope for his earnest vigorous nature in the backwoods of Canada. The case of Jamie Fordyce is only a sample of one peculiar form of the res angusta domi which has sent many a hard-headed Scotchman away from his native land to push his fortune elsewhere. W. A. pally durin" the hottest weather of last summer ; and every day to joints which ho thought would not keep ho found by treating joints of meat with bi-sulphito of , good till the morrow. With regard to the appearance lime they kept sweet tivo or three times longer than \ of the meat, it was the fact that the week before last he they would do under ordinary circumstances. Mutton, , visited a butcher who had taken out a licc-nso for this which would not have kept for three days in summer, 1 system, and found him applying the bi-sulphite to beef remained good for a fortnight alter this treatment, j by means of a painting brush, which ho said gave a The cost of the process was a mere bagatelle. To better appearance to beef, but that it did not to preserve meat in the carcase, it was necessary to inject | mutton, nith regard to mutton, the same person told the bi-sulphite into the arteries through the aorta, ! him that ho li:id had but one complaint, that a shoulder immediately after the animal was slaughtered and the of mutton lasted a little tallowy. Mo had seen them blood expelled. A carcase so treated would keep five rubbing over the outside of beef with tho liquor, or six times longer than if not so treated, and there ; to improve, as was said, the appearance of the was no taste or flavour whatever imparted to the meat j meat. He had received a testimonial from by the preparation ; and by this means they could hang meat in summer as long as they could m winter. The operation could be performed by unskilled persons, and nothing was easier than the manipulation of the process. There was no tendency in the material to solidify, unless the preparation was made of the greatest strength, and then it deposited the neutral sulphite of lime. In tho treatment of a joint of meat it was simply necessary to dip it into the solution of half bi-sulphite of lime of 1.050 specific gravity and half water. It was not at all necessary to remove the preparation from tho joint before cooking. There was a certain amount of penetration of the liquid into the joint, but it was perfectly harmless, and there was no perceptible taint or taste of the bi-sulphite when the meat so treated was eaten. He had eaten poultry and joints of meat at his own table, and there was not the slightest taste of lime. Last year, during the hottest summer weather, a number of turkeys, fowls, and joints of lamb were sent to him from Canada. They were six weeks in coming, and when the casks were opened the contents were perfectly sweet and good. That was in July last year. The various articles were Eacked in the ca.sks and covered with the liquor; and e need not say the appearance of the poultry was not improved thereby, but when they were wiped dry and dusted over with fiour, they would have been perfectly saleable in a poulterer's shop. The turkeys averaged 10 or 12 lb. weight each, and the cost of them in Canada was about 2;;. Gd. each. The cost of con- veyance he did not know. He thought if the turkeys, &o., had been soaked for a time in the preparation, and packed dry, it was probable they would have had a better appearance when they arrived. By this means he had no doubt that a large trade in poultry might be established between this country and Canada. If a turkey weighing 9 lb. cost 2s. 6cZ., it could be sent to this country for 2s. 6d. plus 9 farthings. large butcher in Scotland, stating that he con- sidered by this process the meat was improved in respect of appearance and made tender eating. His object at an early stage of the discovery was to get tho system introduced extensively in Newgate Market ; and finding a large wholesale carcass butcher who was not prejudiced against a new thing, he asked him to give the plan a thorough trial. The experiment was made in the first instance upon kidneys alone for a fortnight, and afterwards upon sweet-breads and joints of lamb. The opinion of the salesman expressed to him was, " I believe your liquor will do all you pro- pose ; I will use it, aud will allow you to make reference to me." Mr. Graham went on to state that during the hot weather of last summer he went into the market every day. He went there on Wednesday, the 11th of August, when the thermometer rose to 121° in the sun, and great quantities of meat were spoilt by the exces- sive heat on that day. In the same month a Scotch butcher, who sent for a sample of the solution to experiment with, hesitated to apply it to some car- oases of lamb which he was about to send to London, but he tried it upon some joints of lamb he had in his shop, and which he sent up with the carcases. These joints were packed up in hampers with the other meat which had not been touched with the bi-sulphite, and when they arrived in London on Monday morning the carcases of lamb were all bad, whilst the joints that had been brushed over with the bi-sulphite were perfectly- sweet and good, and were readily saleable. He had one of those joints of lamb for dinner on the following Tuesday, and every one who partook of it pronounced it to ha excellent eating lamb. About the same time he paid a visit to a wholesale dealer, whose business consisted entirely in the sale of carcases of veal. On the 11th of August, that remarkable hot day, the ,^u. , dealer said to him, " Here are eight sides of veal ; do The ' you think your preparation would keep them good till to inis country lor ::s. u«. pius a laiiuuiss. j.,iu .u" ""■':•» j-"' ii'-'i ,. j ;, : — ■ ,_ „-- injection of carcases with the bisulphite had not yet to-morrow ? " He replied that was something loi a been tried on a carcass so large as an ox. No salt was man to undertake with the thermometer at 121 ; how- necessary, though he thought the addition of a small i ever, a cloth was procured, and the sides of veal were quantity of salt'to the liquor would improve the flavour treated with the solution, and the ne.xt morning the of the meat. In the oases of injection he had mentioned meat was as sweet and sound as possible Alter that he fancied he detected some slight taste of the lime in result the salesman in question authorised him to make eating the meat. He thought the admixture of a little | use of his namo as a reference to the elhcaoy ot the salt would tend to get rid of that flavour; but the treatment in a very critical case. A lew days subse- quantity of salt would be so small as in no way to impart the character of salted meat. About half-a- pound of salt to four gallons of the liquor would be sufficient in the process of injection, the taste of which would be scarcely perceptible. Some friends who partook of the lamb which had been injected did not detect anything different in the flavour of the meat. He had pieces of mutton which had been preserved since last May, and there was not the least taint beyond a tallowy odour. The pieces were soaked in the solution for about 12 hours, and then hung up without being quently the same dealer sent a number of calves' heads to Aberdeen. In summer time they could be sent there at a profit, for the purpose of being cured for making mock-turtle soup. Having covered 25 heads with the solution, ho said he was quite confident they would reach their destination quite sweet; but he had some doubts with regard to to the effect it might have upon the scalding of the heads to remove the hair from the .skin. He subse- quently saw the person in Aberdeen to whom the 25 heads were consigned, and he stated that he cured re-dipped. There was no necessity, he said, to dip if : them in the usual manner, and that he noticed no iniection were adopted. He had "eaten meat, three diflerence in their appearance _m any respect, the months after it had been killed, preserved by this ; whole of them having reached him in perfectly good process, and it was perfectly sweet and good, and I condition. Anot.ior curer, w-ho received 50 heads retained its flavour in a remarkable manner. In hot | untreated from London about the same time, informed climates, and in this country in hot weather, it was t him that tho whole were condemned and were obliged desirable to apply the process as soon after the meat ; to be buried. On the 12th August last there was au was killed as possible, as the efl'ect of the treatment immense quantity of grec" ™°"^ '" "^» ,,,,rVot. Tn was to keep the meat in a sound condition. Mr. Gkaham, the commercial agent for the process, stated more particularly what had taken place among the butchers of England. When he first took this matter up, there was the usual amount of prejudice to bo overcome. The first objection raised by the butchers was that it would impart a soddened appearance to the meat in tho market. In one instance a gallon of tliis pspparation was sent for and applied to a quantity of necks, shoulders, and legs of mutton, and the joints so treated kept sweet and good, whilst those which were not so treated were obliged to be thrown away the next day. There was, he said, one point of importance in connection with this preparation, viz., that the meat should be sweet at eat. On his rebutting that objection, it was urged | the time the solution was applied, for if decomposi- PRESERVATION OF MEAT. [At a recent meeting of the Food Committee of the Society of Arts Dr. Medlock and others were examined on the U3e of bi-sulphite of lime as a preservative agent for meat.J Dr. Medlock said the process was a very simiile one. For the last two or three years he had devoted a good deal of time and attention to the preservation of meat, and the result of his experiments was that the bi-sulphite of lime was the best preservative he had hitherto found. His experiments were made princi- again that the solution would give a limy taste to the meat ; and many butchers refused to try the experi- ment on a large scale till they had tested tho result by eating a joint so treated at their own tables. One West-end butcher, doing a very large trade amongst the aristocracy, at his (Mr. Graham's) solicitation, had one of his large tanks emptied for the purpose of experimenting upon tho process, which he continued for tiiree weeks, testing tho results very carefully. Legs of mutton, pieces of beef, &o., were put into the solution by the dozen, and that was continued for some time without any complaint that there was any- thing ditferent in the meat on the part of the customers, I)uring the whole of the three weeks there was no complaint either as to the appearance or the flavour of the meat. The experiments were made in the month of July last, immediately after the Sultan's departure from London. On one occasion the same butcher said to him " I will put it to another test. Here is a piece of the best quality of beef, which I know will not remain sweet till Sunday ; I will have it steeped in the liquor, and have it cooked for own table on Sunday. If it is all right then, I will give you my testimonial." He did not let his family know that the meat had been treated with the bi-sulphite ; but the joint was cooked and eaten by his wife and family, who stated that they made an excellent dinner, and did not notice anything different in the meat. The same person, on a subsequent occasion, on Mr. Graham calling to ascer- tain further results, said, " My foreman is the best advocate of your system that you can have ;" and the foreman assured him that he applied the solution tion had commenced in the interior of the joint it was impossible for the solution to arrest it. Meat was so precarious an article that he had been told by a venison dealer that on some occasions one haunch would arrive perfectly sweet, while the fellow haunch would be tainted and bad. The difficulty was to get a quantity of meat alw.ays in the same condition. It did not matter what time elapsed between the killing of the meat and its being treated with the solution so long as the meat was sound at the time the bi-sulphito was applied. He had no doubt the process of injecting the whole carcass was the surest method of preserva- tion. He though injection would be preferable, especially in hot weather, to meet the requirements of the wholesale dealer. It was necessary that the solution should bo of the temperature of 100', or at blood-heat, at the time of injection. The quantity of lime that would be eaten on dining off a joint of meat, either injected with or dipped into the bi-sulphite, would be quite inappre- ciable, and could not possibly produce any injury to health. BUTTER. ITho foUon-ing communication was read at a Lite mooting of the Agricultural Association at Fermanagh.] iKELiNDhas been for years trying a mixed hus- bandry-working hard, exhaustiogher lands, and year by year falling behind the great grain regions of Europe and America, neglecting a mine of wealth at her feet— Every crop, except Grass, has a thousand enemies to 192 THE GATIDENFRS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTUEAL GAZETTE. [I'SBEUABT 22, contend with — insects iDnumerablc, frost, raios, droughts, and blifihts— while Grass, being a natural product of the soil, scarcely ever fails. It seems to me only common sense to adopt the kind of farming which nature and climate plainly indicate, and which your country is, above all others, specially adapted to. Though Cotton is said to he king, it is a mistake— Grass is emperor, and cannot be dethroned; so, sow all the good kinds of Grass you can procure, and wait the result. Mother Earth will select from the seeds thus cast on her bosom the kinds she will grow, and indicate, unmistakably, by their growth and vigour, those best suited to the soil. Irish farmers may rely oil it, that dairy farming is destined, at no distant period, to become one of the most profitable branches of their farming, but, in its prosecution, the highest ability will be demanded. For this reason, it becomes them to be men of intelligence, having a clear knowledge of the processes of nature. Irishmen have received heavy blows from foreigners, but in truth, I must say, not undeserved ; but I now see them emerging into light, and by their well-directed efforts must place this branch of farming on an eminence, from which other countries may draw lessons, and Ireland wealth. Irishmen must not for ever be looking to the past, but face the future like men, and by persistent efforts expend the means and employ their talents, taking advantage of their glorious country and her resources, with good English markets, increase her wealth, instead of sitting down and crying ''Justice to Ireland." I am but a tenant farmer, have no lease, caring little to know what my forefathers suffered 300 years ago. The idea of making good butter among the stenches of a farmyard rising from decomposed vegetable matter, odour from pig-sties, horses, cattle, and turf-smoke, may be entertained by some, but it is one of those rare pieces of skill which we have yet to accomplish ; but you may take it for granted it never has been done, nor never will, for good butter to bo made in any dairy surrounded by filth, and where no attention is paid to cleanliness. Next to having good cows (mine are all Alderneys) and good keep, is the importance of having your milking well and properly done. Cows should be put in a secure place to milk— in a barn expressly prepared for them, with good ventilation for warm weather, and away from offensive smells, such as manure, and pig-sties, &c. My barn drains into a tank underneath. There should be as much uniformity as possible in the hours of milking— dividing the two points of time, between morningand evening, and even- ing and morning, as nearly etiual as possible. It is i important that cows should be treated kindly, not only | when milking, but at all other times ; if j'ou wish to ; get the best flow of milk, great pains should be taken ; to clean the udder before milking. The milkers should : always wash their hands between the milking of each cow, which will prevent the cows l^rom having sore teats ; for this purpose it is advisable that a pail of cold water should always be at hand. It is much the I practice, especially with young milkers, after drawing part of the milk, to stop to hear or tell a story before finishing. This is a bad practice. To get the best results, the milk should be rapidly drawn, as quick as possible, until the udder is thoroughly clean. A delicate hand will get more milk than one who is always out of sorts, and whom nothing pleases, and give more to a gentle maid than a crusty old bachelor. Milk the cows in rotation, beginning and ending with the same cow. I use tin pans, allowing the milk to stand not longer than 38 hours before skimming off the cream. Care must be taken to wash the pans perfectly clean, then scald and place in the open air to sweeten until wanted. My dairy is fitted with hot-water pipes, which are in use from October to April, or thereabouts. The uniform heat night and day is 60' to 6V temperature. I wash the dairy throughout once a-day, swe^iug off the water that it may dry as soon as possible. The benches in the dairy for the pans to stand upon are iron rods placed two feet above the hot-water pipes. The milk should be strained from the pail into the i)ans through a fine wire-sieve ; but before so doing, a small (luantity of saltpetre (say half a teaspoonful, not more) should be put into every pan — each pan holds three gallons of milk. I have Tinkler's churn. It can be had of all s'lzas. In churning— say from 100 lb. to 110 lb.— two men are required, and the butter should ;always come within three-quarters of an hour, and, when come, the plug at the bottom of the churn must be taken out, to allow the butter-milk to run off ; then replace the plug, take off the bung, and pour in about the same quantity of clean cold water as there was of butter-milk ; replace the bung and churn about two minutes and the butter will be thoroughly washed; draw the plug and let the butter drain. When the butter is taken out, about 8 lb. or 10 lb. at a time should be put on the butter- board, and saltvery slightly (if for immediate use), then thoroughly dry with cloths before packing. Wooden knifes are preferable to the hands in making up butter. My butter keeps perfectly sweet 10 days. I churn twice in the week, making 100 to 500 lb., and have made a contract with a London house at Is. 8d. per lb. for eight months, and l.s. 6rf. per lb. for four months, delivered at Hassock Gate Station. The best dairy women will not make good butter, unless the greatest care and judgment are displayed in preparing and feeding the cows. In the spring and summer months I tether my Alderneys, placing pans of water, where their noses meet, at the half-circle, as in Jersey and Normand.v. In the winter I stall them (with pans of water between each cow), giving them a turn on the Grass on flue days. In the winter season never feed with one sort of roots only at a meal, but let the cows have a variety— say a few Cabbages, a few Swedes, Mangel Wurzel, and red Carrots, with bran, oil-cake, and the best meadow hay. The Cabbages and roots must be carefully prepared, all dead leaves or rotten parts must be trimmed— the crowns of the Swedes and Mangel must be cut off. I always feed with the roots whole, as the cows are not so liable to choke as they would be with roots cut to pieces. If the root croo should fail, feed with grains, bran, bean-meal, and oil- cake, whichis moreexpensive, but decidedly the best food that can be given, causing the cows to yield the richest milk, and consequently the finest butter. My butter is nearly the same quality all the year round. When the cows are in the stalls they require to be kept warm (as they will produce more milk than when left cold), airy, and very clean. The less quantity of straw they have to lie on the cleaner their udders will be kept. With regard to the quantity of butter that an Alderueyoow will produce, I find that with 50 or CO cows in full milk in the summer time, they would average about 8 lb. to 10 lb. per cow per week ; and yet were I to select two or three of average quality, pasture them by themselves, and keep their milk in separate pans, the produce would bo 12 lb. or 13 lb. per week each cow. I account for this by cows alwaysdoing better in two's and three's than in large herds, and also that the mixture of the different cows' milk will not produce so much cream or butter as if kept and churned separately. Sennj Bull, IFesl Town, Hurslpierpolnl. Cottage Plans.— In rejily to an inquiry in your impres- sion of the 11th ult.j I beg to say that " W. J. M." is correct in his supposition that ." one of the chief con- ditions in awarding the prize offered by Mr. Bailey ' Denton was that the cost of a single cottage was not to exceed 100^. ; " and he may learn the particulars from the Judges' report on the 134 designs which were sub- mitted, if he will refer to the Journal of the Society of Arts, No. 593, Vol. XII. With regard to the question I of building cottages for 200?. a pair. I beg to say that I ) have lately had occasion to go into the matter again i most carefully, and am prepared to build cottages in ; any part of England for 200?. a pair, provided the locality be within easy distance of a railway station and brickfield, and not less than four or five pairs be erected inonefocality. The plan, altihough not so picturesque in elevation, yet of pleasing character, will contain a living room and scullery of similar size, and three bed-rooms, the collective area of which will be half as large again as that contained in the prize plan, and having the necessary fittings and conveniences, with privy and wood-house to each cottage. When a scullery has a back entrance, as on the plan A (see p. 1337, 1867), there can be no objection to its direct communi- cation with the living room. Cottages arranged so as to afford a separate entrance to the sculleries from the great porch, occupy a much larger area, and consequently cost considerably more than 125?. each. In reply to " Land Steward's " reraai'ks in your impres- sion of the 1st inst., I beg to say that I am not aware of having stated;my cottages to cost 195?. a pair ; their actual cost in various localities has been given in this Journal, and we may infer that under average cir- cumstances they can be erected for about 250?. a pair. "Land Steward" would have done well to have refrained from venturing an opinion as to the possi- bility of erecting these cottages for the sum mentioned, and might have _ left the question of quantities alone, especially in the absence of my work- ing drawings and specifications. However, with regard to _ the lialf-dozeu pairs proposed to he erected, if "Land Steward'' will be good enough to call at my oflioe or send me particulars as to the locality and the facilities for obtaining building materials, the question shall have my best considera- tion. As "Land Steward's" letter is calculated to imply a doubt as to the accuracy of my estimates, I trust I may be permitted to mention, that while pos- sessing several years' practical experience in building matters, besides being the successful competitor for the "Denton" prize in a field of 131, and recently the author of the most Economical Plans for the Dwellings of the Labouring Classes for the Corporation of Liver- pool (71 designs being submitted)— plans showing the greatest financial return (my estimate (22,300?.) being found after a careful analysis to be within G per cent, of the established cost), I hope to offer snlBcient guarantee for any estimate I may prepare. In conclu- ding this letter, I beg to mention that I am in a position to erect my cottages in any part of the country at a cost varying from 250?. to 300?. a pair, according to circumstances. John Birch, Architect, 1(3, Beaufort Buildings, Strand. Theory of Draining. — In an editorial note, the correctness of my position as to the atmospheric pres- sure forcing water into drains is questioned. It appears tome that the difficulties in understanding the theory of drainage hinge on this question. Take a simple illus- tration : Fill a cask with water, so that there shall be no vacuum ; drill a small hole at any point, and introduce a small tube, say a straw, and let it protrude in a horizontal position ; as a fluid it will not flow through the straw till, either by a vent-peg or small hole, you let in the atmospheric pressure. Without this pressure the water in the soil would not overcome the resistance presented by the soil in its passage to the drain. The surface of the water — for there is a surface, even in strong soil — will assume an inclination proportioned to the resist- ance or friction ; this is shown in the diagrams in my paper referred to. J. C. Chitterluck, Long Wittenham, Feb. 1803. [Would not the motion of water in the soil be exactly the same as it is if there was no atmosphere at all, and no pressure but that of the fluid water itself? It cannot be too plainly stated that the sole operating cause in the drainage of the land is the weight of the water which it contains.! Early Working of Land.—" I never did try it and I never will, for I know it won't answer." This is what I am told by many a practical farmer, who wonders liow I can work my land so early in the season, and cannot make out why his own is so backward, and when I tell him to drain his stiff land he makes the above reply. It is certainly a very costly sentence, but I ne_9d hardly say that my experience has taught me that it is useless to argue with such persons. They must be left to the influence of time nn either themselves or their successors. J. /. Mechi, Feb. 10. Condition of Scotch Ploughmen.— I have read the graphic description of the condition of Scotch ploughmen by " W. A." and can confirm his remarks in every particular,— perhaps, as you say, excepting the oaths at hiring. But the lodgings are properly described as they were 20 years ago, and, I fear, as they are in most cases noiv, in Aberdeenshire. If they have now got cottages, I wish they would tell us what they are like. O. S. Theory of Draining.— I must have another word with my friend Mr. Mechi. He says rightly when he says " water from a full cask will flow out of the tap slow or fast accordiug as the air is permitted to enter slow or fast at the peg hole;" but he does not say right when he says, " that is the case in the soil where the drain is a very long one, and the pipes filled with water." for in such a case it is utterly impossible to get an atom of air iuto the drain, inasmuch as water is heavier than air, and therefore the water must be driven out by its own weight, and with the weight of air pr&ssing upon itself I can bring a bit of evidence to bear upon this point. Seven years ago I put in a drain nearly a mile long through a lot of land lying by the side of the river that bad been from time out of mind poisoned by stagnant water. This drain empties itself at the mill tail, and in a flood the mouth of it is two feet under water, therefore not one atom of air can there be in it, yet for all that it may be seen clearly that the water does pass clearly along it by the rolls upon the surface of the flood two feet above the mouth of the drain. The fact is, the weight of air pressing upon the water above the drain, with the weight of water, forces the water along the drain to the mill tail, because the water in the mill tail is lower than the water is above the mill and that flowing over the drain. I Neither does Mr. Mechi say right when he says, "This I does not occur in our strong clays, for the pipes at our lengths do not get full, and thus the air finds its way horizontally above the water in the pipe." Why is it , that drains do not get full of water on strong clays ? j It is because the " peg holes " above the drains are j stopped by a bad system of cultivating the land over I them. The grand secret is— How can we get water to [ go freely into the drains? On heavy clays the pitch I plaster must be taken off by a better mode of cultiva- tion. This I have done on my heavy clays, where the drains frequently "get full," and run full even at the mouth, or within an inch or so of it. Mr. Mechi's statement about Mr. Bailey Denton's doings on a "Hertfordshire farm" does not help him, for he does not tell us why an "air shaft" was needed, neither does he tell us what good it did. It could not have done one atom of good, fir, as I have before said, it is —how can we get water to go freely into the drains ? ; We all know that if we can get it in, its own weight, [ with the weight of air pressing upon it, in and through I the soil, will be sure to press it out at the proper outlet. The name of the late Sir Robert Peel does not help Mr. Mechiabit, but shows that great men getdone some- times. Their great good names will not stem the tide , of common sense and plain fact. Lnt Mr. Mechi come and walk over my heavy land; Wheats growing on land well drained and deeply cultivated by steam I power without the air-furrow or water-furrow. He will there see "that furrows and water-furrows are not 'needed ... for the winter Wheats" on such clays. William Smith, Woolston, Bucks, Feb. 17. Societies. CSEMICO-AGUICDLTURiL OF UlSTEE ; Jan. ?,.— Dr. Hodges reported that among the substances I lately examined in the laboratory was a sample of soot j forwarded by Lord Lurgan. It had probably been for some time stored up, as it had attracted 7 per cent, of ' moisture. 100 parts of it wore found to consist of— I Moisture 7.10 Carbonaceous matters 01.32 Mineral matters .. .. ..29.53 100.00 The organic matter was capable of yielding three parts of ammonia. The mineral matter consisted of— Oxide of iron 4.06 parts Sulphate of lime 8-75 p.irta Silica .and sand 15.83 parts Alkaline salts 0.39 parts Dr. Hodoes stated that the soot from some kinds of coal frequently contained so much as 7 per 03nt. of ammonia. A conversation took place on the subject. Soot from the steamers was said to be of litUe or no value, and the carbonaceous partirles in soot in general averaged from 10 to as much as 80 per cent. The Ageiculture of NoRTHUMBEni:,.iND. Mr. W. R. Robertson (late of Clandeboye) sub- mitted the following paper on " The Agriculture of Northumberland " ; — The area of this county is 1,219,299 acres; of this area 329,321 acres are under permanent ijastnre ; 337,105 acres, or 26.2 per cent., under arable cultiva- tion. The remainder, 592,310 acres, nearly 48 per cent, of the whole area, consists of mountains, laud under water, roads, land occupied by towns, &c. The soils under arable culture consist generally of a strong tenacious loam. Between Newcastle and" Morpeth it is of a much heavier and less productive character than further north and west. In the northern extre- mity, and in the west round Wales, it is ligliter and more suited to Barley and Turnip cultivation. La»t Pebbuasy 23, isrs.] THE GAl^DENiaiS' CimONIGLE AND AGEICULTUEAL GAZETTE. year there were 153, 71G acres under cereal and legu- minous crops, 86,966 acres under Clovers, " Ray-grass and Clover, 65,145 acres under green crops, and 21,338 acres under bare fallow. The following are the details of the area under grain and root crops ; — Grain crops. Groon crops Acres. Acres. Whe.it .. 36,814 Turnips . . Barley .. 3'2,159 Potatos . . Oats . . V2,636 Mangels . . 236 Bean.i .. 6,119 Carrots 22 Peas .. 5,428 Cabbfigea . . liyo 260 Vetches . . C.5,UJ The climate is subject to great changes, owing to its position between'the German Ocean and the hills of Cumberland and AVestmoreland. The rainfall averages about 35 inches per annum. The tenure under which the land is held is generally leasehold. 19 or 21 years being the common duration of a lease. In some of the leases the tenant stipulates to follow aprescribed system of cultivation; but the majority of them only contain covenants, prescribing the cultivation to be adopted during the last three or four years of the lease. The landlord erects, and generally keeps in repair, all build- ings, the tenant generally doing all the necessary cartage. Over the greatest portion of the county the landlord does all the drainage, charging the tenant 5 or G per cent, on the outlay. Thus, the Duke of Northumber- land drains to any extent at 5 per cent, on the out- lay ; the tenant performs all cartage ; the tiles are charged at cost price at the kiln. The Duke of Portland does the same; so also do Lord Gray and many of the principal landowners. Lord Vernon has drained his tenants' land free of all cost. Professor Wilson says that the late Duke of Northumberland laid out between the years 1817 and 18G3, 52 1,007^. 16.s. Wd. on agricultural improvements on his Northumberland property, nearly 200,000^. of this sum being for drainage. Sir Walter Trevelyan, who holds a valuable property in the west of Northumberland, has laid out 30,000?. on drainage, &.C., on this property, and increased his rent-roll from 9000?. a year in 1818 to 15,000?. a year in 1863. This is not a bad increase— 6000/. a year — by the expenditure of 30,000?. on drainage. Game is rather heavily preserved on one or two properties, hut over the greatest portion of the county farmers have little to complain of in this respect. On many estates tenants are allowed to kill rabbits and course hares in proper season, and in some instances the tenants are offered the shooting at a charge of 2d. or 3d. per acre. The rents vary greatly. Over the northern part a good many farms are let, tithe free, at ios. per acre ; on the east coast 35s. to 405. are paid ; on the northern banks of the Tyne the rent varies from 305. to 40j. per acre ; and in the central districts from 20.?. to 285. per acre. The grazings on the mountains on the west side let for 25. or 35. per acre, according to quality. The labourers are well paid in this county, the average of the county being 145. or los. per week, with cottage and garden free, and in many instances coals in addition. In the neighbourhood of Newcastle and the larger towns wages range as high as 185. per week, with the other allowances before alluded to. In some dis- tricts the labourers are paid in farm produce. The following is the allowance on a Northumberland farm : — 42 bushels of Oats, 24 bushels of Barley, 12 bushels of Beans and Peas, 3 bushels of AVheat, 12 lb. of wool, a quarter acre of Potato ground, summer and winter keep of a cow, or 10?. in cash; cottage and garden free, coals carted, 4?. in cash. These farm labourers are generally bound to keep a strong female or boy, who is to work on the farm whenever required, at lOt?. or l5. per day. Young men frequently reside in the farm-house, and are paid from 20?. to 25?. per annum. A considerable area of the grain crop is still secured with the aid of Irish labourers. These Irish reapers are highly valued by the Northumberland farmer. He finds them steady, willing labourers, and would not willingly be without them. True, many farmers now make such free use of machines, &c., for harvesting and securing their grain crops, that they can almost secure their harvest wittout calling in extra hands; still, it will be some considerable period before the Northumbrian farmers can altogether dispense with the assistance of the Irish labourers. His harvests are late, and he cannot, like his south country brethren, wait for favourable weather, hut is often obliged to proceed with his harvest operations under circumstances quite unsuited to the employment of machinery. The Irish labourers generally come over in time for the hay harvest, and during the interval between the hay and corn harvest are employed amongst the Turnips. Few Northumbrian farms are without a threshing machine. They are generally driven by horse power ; however, no inconsiderable proportion of them are driven by steam, tall chimneys being quite a feature in Northumberland farm buildings. Possibly the large amount of steam employed is chiefly due to the cheapness of coal over the great part of Northumber- land ; occasionally water is employed as the motive power. Economical as this power is, it is far from being generally employed; even under favourable cir- cumstances I have known steam preferred. The rotation common to Northumberland is a five-course : 1, Turnips ; 2, Barley or Wheat ; 3, Ray-grass and Clover (mown) ; 4, do. (grazed) ; 5, Oats. Some of the best farmers have given up this two years under Grass, and made a four-course rotation, as they find the land gets foul when kept two years under Grass. Since this four-course has been adopted a difficulty has been experienced in getting a good Clover plant. To obviate this difficulty, in the third year many only seed one half under Clover, sowing the other half with Beans or Peas. These, though beloni;ing to the same family as the Clover, are found sufficient change to enable the farmer to grow Clover successfully once in eight years. Northumbrian farmers are generally careful of their field yard manure. It is generally applied to the Turnip crop at the rate of 20 or 25 tons per acre; this, with 2 or 3 cwt. of superphosphate and 1 cwt. of guano, enabling them to grow crops of Swedish Turnips not excelled in any part of England. This manuring suffices for the rota- tion, though a dressing of 2 or 3 cwt. of salt, with 1 cwt. of nitrate of soda, is not unfrequently applied to the Clover in spring. Lime is largely employed in Northumberland on the heavy soils. As much as 7 or 8 tons is not unfrequently applied at once. This dressing is generally understood to serve out a lease of 19 or 21 years. In the north-west portion of the county the sheep stock consists of Cheviots or black-faces ; in other parts of the county the half-breeds prevail ; these are the progeny of Cheviot ewes, when tupped with Leicester rams; in other parts of the county flocks of pure Leicesters may be met with. On all the high- lying farms the pure Cheviot is preferred, strains of Leicester blood being found to render the animals unable to bear the inclement weather frequently experienced in winter amongst the hills. The Cheviot sheep are light and active, and well suited for the range of hills they inhabit. The ewes generally commence to breed when three years old ; at six or seven they are drafted out of the breeding flocks, and sold to lowland farmers for fattening. The lambs are generally separated from their mothers in July, and taken for four or five weeks to hills containing a good deal of black heath, it being considered that this system of hardening the lambs is beneficial to them in after life. The management of the half-breds and Leicesters is much the same as the system adopted in other parts of England. A good many calves are reared in Northumberland; one cow is supposed to rear three calves. These animals are kept by the farmers until two or three years old, by which time they are fiittened for the butchers, and sold at prices vaiying from 18?. to 25?. A great many Irish cattle are now fed in Northumberland. They are becoming moro valued every year, and are gradually displacing Shorthorns and Rylais in the byres of the Northumbrian farmers. Farmers' Clubs. Hexham : The late Mr. John Orey, of Dihton. — At the late meeting of this Club, Mr. Jos. Lee, Dilston, said that since the last meeting of the Club it had pleased the Almighty to remove from them their chief supporter, and they deeply felt their loss ; but they must be thankful he was spared to them so long : for during the last 22 years he was very seldom absent from their meetings. To the young members he (Mr. Lee) might say that they should have known the late Mr. Grey 30 years ago, to be able to appreciate his great value to the farmers and also to the whole com- munity. He was remarkable for his activity and great abilities. It was fortunate for him to have lived so near Mr. Grey. He went to reside at Dilston 33 years ago ; young, and without much experience, the instruc- tion he received from Mr. Grey was of great value and benefit to him. Mr. Grey not only possessed great knowledge, but he had pleasure in communicating it to others. He moved that the following resolution he put on the minutes of the club : "That the members of the Hexham Farmers' Club sincerely regret the death of Mr. Grey, the founder and chief supporter of the Club, and also their distinguished President for 18 years, and that they deeply felt the loss." The motion was seconded by Mr. T. P. Dods, carried unanimously, and acknovvledged by the chairman, Mr. C. G. Grey. Manures, Feeding Stiiffli, Seed Corn. Trade Circular. T. Bowick & Co., Bedford. There are many pages here of useful information besides those which give some trade information ; and we recommend our readers to procure Jlr. Bewick's pamphlet on both grounds, certain that they will find him a trustworthy man, whether as an agricultural adviser or a dealer in agricultural material. Vfe extract two passages— one by Mr. Bowick himself, and the other by Mr. J. C. Adkins, his correspondent, both relating to green crop cultiviition : — Tnniip Fl >/. ~~" Tiisscr w.os undoubtedly right when be ' Where clods prevail, The Turnips fail.' And therefore a fine mould is the object aimed at by Turnip growers on both sides of thoTweed. We gain this better by ridging up before Christmas (the land having been 'cultivated' after h.arvest), then carting out the farmyard dung during frost. •and covering up by reversing the ridges shortly after. They lie thus till April, when they are harrowed down, the artificial manure BOvm, and the ridges again made up, not reversed. The fine winter mould is thus kept at the surface, where it is required. Sowing does not immedmtely follow, but time is allowed for the moisture from beneath to find its way upwards again, which it is sure to do. This point we would par- ticularly recommend to the notice of northern growers, who are so careful, and justly so, about immediately covering up the dung, and sowing quickly thereafter. If you can do this, well and good : but if you have not a satisfactory mould, owing to the season, &e., then it will be bsttcr to roll down the ridges, and wait for a week or ten days before sowing. This will secure a cold bed ; whereas, in the other case, the seed goes among small, hard, and dry clods. Part of it germi- nates, and part does not ; l)Ut the fly clears off the whole. Anything that disturbs the Turnip fly, weakens its attacks upon the young plant. But we have found that a drebsing of 1 quarter of hot slaked lime per acre, applied along the rows just as the braird is above ground, very effectually checks their ravages for a few days. Even if applied as hot as the men can bear to sow it, the plants will not be injured. In a week the insect pest may again be visible, b»it considerably weakened. Then roll, after six o'clock in the evening, with a light wooden roller, and another check will be given. Rolling in the evening is preferable to performing the_ same operation in the morning, because if any plants are bruised, a scorching sun does notso speedily follow to injure the wounded lojif. Horse-hoeing freely and closely, as soon as the rows are visible, is also beneficial. For this purpose wo employ the Suffolk steerage hoe, spreading 7 or 8 feet — a most useful implement. Much has been said about sowing plenty of seed. In itself this is a good thing, but persevering attention to the few preceding bints has saved a crop where only 1 lb. of seed to the acre was sown, whereas a disregard of llmmgand night- rolling has lost the crop, even with 6 lb. per acre." Mi: Adi'ina on Mangel Culture. — " My practice in preparing the soil for Mangel is so similar to your own, that one descrip- tion of the operation might serve for both. Wheat La always the preceding crop. The farmyard manure previously drawn and slightly fermented in a heap, is spread, and the land ploughed before Christmas if possible, but at any rate soon enough to ensure a frost for the thorough disintegration of the surface deep enough to form a good bed of free mould. So soon in April as weather permits, the land is well h.arrowed as deep as it will work freely. By this plan the moisture is retained, and thereby the seed induced to vegetate. By deeper cultivation and evaporation the soil is often rendered so dry that the germination of the seed is dependent on rain. M.any a plant of Mancel has been lost in a dry spring by giving the land what you so well describe as ' the orthodo.^ amount of spring tillage.' instead of permitting it to remain in the state which a Warwickahiro farmer would call ' stale furrow.' The seed (about 7 lb. per acre) is drilled on the flat at 28 inches from row to row, and deeper than is usually recommended— fully an inch. As soon as the Thistles .appear I dig them to the depth of the plough, and the after cultivation of the crop is the usual one of repeated hoeings by hand and horse labour. When the rows appeared there w.as not a gap in the whole area (70 acres of Mangel), but iis a little Swede Turnip w.as mixed with the Mangel seed, we have had difficulty to avoid le^^°'^- 69, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. IMPORTERS OF SHEET ZINC OF BE,ST BRANDS. CEOGGON AND CO., / 34, Bread Street, 1 ^ , \ 63, New Earl Street, / ^"i"™- 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ZINC AND METAL PERFORATORS. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, 1 ^ „j„„ i 63; New Earl Street, / London. 69, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, )t „^ „ {63, New Earl Street, p""'*°°- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON aiANUFACTORED GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION CEOGGON AND CO., ( 31, Bread Street, ) ,- , { 63, New Earl Street, / L"""™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON CISTERNS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, 1 j „ ,„„ { 63, New Earl Street, j ^™'^°°- , George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. CHURCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BDILDINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, 1 , „„j™ 163; New Earl Street, I ^°°'*''°- 69, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUBBER FLOOR CLOTH. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, 1 ^ „„.„„ 1,63; New Earl Street, p™"!™- , George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS OF HOUSES. COACH-HOUSES, ETC., PREVENT DAMP. CO., CEOGGON AND ( 34, Bread Street, 1 j i6.3; New Earl Street, ) L"""""' , George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PORTLAND CEMENT OF BEST QUALITY, 100 lbs. to the BUSHEL. CEOGGON AND CO., I 34, Bread Street, i j „„ ,„„ Igs; New Earl Street, ] ^™'^'"'- , George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Pinzzas, Liverpool. PLASTERERS' HAIR SUrrLIED BY CEOGGON AND CO., \ London. 69, George Sq 34, Bread Street, 63, New Earl Street, , 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, BY CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, I j „ , \ 63, New Earl Street, / ^'""'°''' , George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING. CEOGGON AND CO., I 34, Bread Street, 1, , I 63; New Earl Street, j London. , George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. T^ , Fruit Troes. ' To bo had of all Seedsmen, and i. Co., lato Alexiiiidei- & Uu., 2.', J;i Agutits \Vantod in ovory Town w T HE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (ESTAHLI3BED1840) Have now ready for delivery in dry flne condition, """" ' " ring Uae : Dressing Pastxire Lands AlBO Gonume PERUVIAN OnAXO, and NITRATE of SODA es Dock Waroliouso; SULPUATE of AMMOxNIA, FISEEUY SALT. 4c. E. PcRSER, Secroiary. Offlces, 116. Fenohurch Street, E.G. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOttPHATE for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ODAMS'S SUPERPHOSPHATE of LIME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERTJVIAN GUANO. ^HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE Oli BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limitea). Chief Offlces— 100, Fenchurch Street, LondoD. Woatorn Counties Branch — Queen Street, Exetor, IriaU Branch— 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Directors. Chairman — John Clayden, Littlebury, Essex. Deputy-Chairman — John Collins, 255, Camden Road, HoUowjiy Edward Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot, Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex. Charles Dormaii. 23. Esses Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hilrlersham, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Russ, Lincolnshire. Banfcws— Messrs. Rametts, Hoares, & Co., Lombard Street. Solicitors — Messrs. Kingsford & Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Auditnr—J . Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company was originally formed by, and is under the direction of agriculturists : circumstances that have justly earned for it another title, viz. — "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company." ItB members are cultivators of upwards of 50.000 acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the consumer h.T8the best guarintee lor the genumenoss and efficacy ot the Manures manufactured by this Company. Particulars will be forwarded on application to the Secretaiy, or may be had of the Local Agents. C. T. Macadam, Secretary Chief Offices— 109, Fenchurch Street, London, E.G. LAWES' MANURES were the first Chemical Artificial Manures manufactuicd and introduced, and have been In use for 27 years. The suppl> for the present season is now ready for delivery, at the FaLtorn-s, Deptford and B.irkiue Creeks, all in flist-rate condition. LAWES' PATENT TURNIP MANURE. DISSOLVED BONES. LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES' WHEAT. BARLEY, GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES, CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. Dr. Voelcker has inspected and sampled a bulk of 10,000 tons at Mr. Lawus' Factories. The report can be obtained on application : He states— *' All the samples appeared to be equally di7, uniform in character, and finely prepared. Having inspected the bulk at Mr, Lawes Wrrka, 1 can certify that the Superphosphate now sent out from the bulk is a dry, well-made, superior Artificial Manure, and is In excel- lent condition for delivery," These Manures can be obtained of Mr. I,aw^ or through the appointed Agents in all parts of the United Kingdom, at prices varying according to cost of carriage. Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers. NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, and other Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, John Bennet Lawes, 1. Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.G. ; 22, Eden Quay, Dublin; and Market Square, Shrewsbury, PETER LAWSON and SON, tlie Queen's Seedsmen Contractors, 20, Budge Row, Cannon Street, E.G. (opposite the City Tormiims), London, and Edinburgh. PHOSPHO GUANO as a MANURE for USE in GARDENS— This Guano has been employed with very marked success in Nur- sery Grounds and Gardens, the effect on Vegetable Crops and frequent astonishing. It i both earlier and larger. Frequent application of the Guano, dissolved in water, is most effectual. A specially prepared, very pulverulent Guano, is sold for the purpose, ana may oe bad through any of the Agents appointed for the Sale of Phospho Guano, in tins of 1 to 14 lb., at 6d. per lb., or from the Contractors direct. D By Royal Appointment. I To the Prince of Wales, by • Special Warrant dated 10th ISer.. fei-^EftiEc^ February, 18G0. AY, SON, AND HEWITT, Original and Sole Proprietors of the STOCK-BREEDERS' MEDICINE CHESTS for disorders and Lambs. No. I MEDICINE CHEST i 1 Hor&os, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST Complete Guide to Farriery. I Shilling Key to Farriery, Price, £8 &s. Price, £2 16s. 6rf. Carriage paid, I Carriage paid. t^* Every Stockowner should send for Day, .Sok, & Hewitt's " Large Edition, 2*. 6d., or free by post for 33 ' t.. or free by post for 13 stamps. AddrcHS, Dorset Street, Baker Street, London, W. Sold Retail by Seedsmen, in boxes, \8., 3s., and lOs. Qd. Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (Limited), IRON HURDLES (SiWer Medal of the Royal AgricultiuTil Society) : SHEEP, Ss. bd. ; CATTLE, 4*. 2d. : OX, bs. IW. List by post. GATES and FENCING of every descnption. St. Pancras Iron Work Company, Old St. Pancras Road, London, N, W- MOULE'S PATENT E.-UITH CLOSETS.— On view and in operation at the Oftlca of MOULE'S PATENT EARTH CLOSET COMPANY, LIMITED, 29. Bedford Street, Covunt OarUon, VV.C. T. M. Evans, Manager. Q KAV AG i!:'~of~T6WNS :iud VlLLAGESTa the DRY kZ? EARTH SYSTEM. —This Company is prepared to make arrangements lor duuling with tho Drainage oi Towns on the Dry Eaith System ; liicUidiD^ tho diaposal of Sink -water, Slops, &c. Applications to bo iJi,ido tu tho Manager, 2y, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C. TANNERS, CURRIERS, and MANt/FACTURERS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS for MACHINERY. PRIME STRAP and SOLE BUTTS. Price Lists sent free by post. *' Every Cottage should be provided with a Water Tank." DisratH. Iron ClsternB. FBRABY AND CO. having laid down extensive and • Improved Machinery In their new range of buildings, Id ire now prepared to su"-'- '" ' .„. ISED. or PAINTED. reduced prices, and a M LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. C^ Vernim. Hay R,ick disijonsecl and depth of FeedioK TrouRhs. Water Cistt , _ . Cover to prevent over-gorgirie. Cleanly, dur.\ble,'and impervious to infection, being all of Iron. Prices of Fittings per Cow. 555. Prospectuses free of Cottam & Co., Iron Woriis, 2, Winsley Street in Stable Fittings just s OHN WARNER and SONS, BRASS and BELL FOUNDERS to HER MiJESTr, HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS, 8, Crescent, Cripplegate, London, E.G. HARDEN ENGIXI'^ WATER liARROW.T CRY.STAL PALACE riRE ENGINES PORTABLE rujirs f- PUM^Nforsream, CAST-IRO.V LIQUID MANURES. Horse, or Hand Fewer PUMPS. Drawings and Prices for any description ot Hydraulic Machinery ent upon application. /^ARSON'S ANTI-CORROSION PAINT, \j Patronised by the Nobility and Gentry, is extensively used for all kinds of OUT-DOOR WORK, and is proved, after a test of 70 years, to surpass any other Paint. It is especially applicable to Iron, Wood, Stone, Brick, Compo, and is tho only Faint that will efiectually resist the rays of the sun upon Conservatories, Green- houses, Frames, &c. Is tmce as durable as genuine White Lead, so simple in application that any person can use it. Per cwt. WHITE, LIGHT STONE, BATH, and LIGHT PORTLAND COLOURS ■■ 30s. LEAD, CHOCOLATE, RED, PURPLE, BROWN, and BLACK 28». BRIGHT GREEN, DEEP GREEN, and BLUE .. .. ■■*"■ Prepared OIL MIXTURE for the ANTI-CORROSION. OILS, TURPENTINE. VARNISHES. BRUSHES, tc. 3 cwt. Free to all Stations In England and Wales, and most t'orta of Ireland and Scotland. Patterns and Testimonials sent post frw. Walter Carson k Sons, La Belle Sauvage Yard. Ludgate BUI, Loudon, E.C. Caution.— All Ca-iks should bear the Trade Mark. No Agents. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Febbuabt 22, 1868. Important to Gardeners. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION PRIZE MEDAL OF 1867 SAYNOR AND COOKE only, for excellence of quality _ in Material and Workmanship in PRUNING and BCDDING KNIVES, VINE and PRUNING SCISSORS, 4o. — the higb distinction thus awarded showing their sUDeriority nver all other cODiretitors. having also preriously carried the PRIZE MED^VLS of the GREAT EXHI13ITIONS of 1861, 1865, and 1S02. Can be bought of all Nurserymen and Seedsmen in the world. Paxton Works, Sheffield. Established 129 years. Corporate Mark, " OBiiiN." None are genuine unless marked Satnor, also Odtain Warranteo, C^ARDEN BORDER EDGINU TILES, in poal T variety of patterns and material.^, the plainer eorts being JspeciaUy suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as ;hev barbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little put down incur no further labour do "grown jquentfy being much cheapt variety of design. Chelsea, S.W. ; Kingsland Koad, Kingsland, N.E. Sole London Agents foivFO X LE Y^S^ATENT GARDEN WALL JiRICKS. Illustrated Price List free by post. The Trade supplied, ORNAMENTAL PAVIKG TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors, Balconies. &c., aa cheap and durable as Stone, in blue, red, and buff colours, and capable of forming a variety of designs. Also TEbSELATED PAVEMENTS of more enriched designs than the above. WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walla of Dairies, Larders, Kitchen Ranges, Baths, &o. Grooved and other Stable Paving Bricks of great durability, Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall Copings, Bed and Stoneware Drain Pipes, Slates, Cement, &c. To be obtained of F. & G. Kosher, at their premises as above, SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above addresses — 14s. per Ton, or Is. 3d, per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf. Qaantities of 4 Tons, Is. per Ton less. FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS, for Rockeries or Grotto Work. - - ^ ^ ... SHANKS' NEW PATENT LAWN MOWERS FOR 1868. |\ A. SHANKS & SON BED TO I.NTIMATE THAT THEY ARE THE ONLY FIRM OUT OF ALL THE EXHIBITORS OF LAWN MOWERS PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION OF 1867, WHOM THE JURY DEEMED VS^ORTHY TO RECEIVE A MEDAL. LETTERS PATENT, dated Aug. 12, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS & SON, for IMPOaiANT IMPROVEMENTS in LAWN MOWING MACHINES. Tlic Improvements introdiu-eil for the Season of 1868 give SHANKS' MACHINE several advantages possessed by no other Lawn Mower. The hyjprovemenis are of such an important character, that all who use Lawn Mowers should not fail to make themselves acquainted with them. I^" Everxj Machine warranted to give satisfaction, and if not approved of can be at once returned. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS SENT FREE ON APPLICATION. ALEX. SHANKS anb SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH. LONDON OFFICE ahd SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.C. 27, Leadenhall Street is the only place in London where intending Purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines. A. S. and SON have a staff of efficient J^orkmen at 27, Leadenhall Street, thoroughly acquainted with all the details of these Machines, so that they are enabled to repair them in London as well as can be done at their Majiufactory. SAMUELSON & CO.'S PATENT LAWN MOWING AMD ROLLING MACHINES. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. TO BE OBTAINED OF SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA. WORKS, BANBURY. LONDON WAKEHOUSE : 10, LAUEENCE POUNTNEY LANE, E.C. AGENTS : — Messrs. TANGYE BOTHERS and HOLMAN, 10, LAUKENCE POUNTNEY LANE; Messrs. DEANE and CO., London Bridge ; Messrs. DRAT, TAYLOR AND CO., London Bridge ; Mr. THOMiS BRADFORD, 63, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers througliout the Kingdom. GEEEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOE, OR NOISELESS LAWM MOWING, EOLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the itBEriNO of Lawns in the HIGHEST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwiirds of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved to be the best, avd carried off every Frize that hns been given in all cases of '.it ion. T. GREEN & SON warrant every Machine to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of can be returned unconditionally. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS FREE (IN APPLICATION. T G AND SON have a large quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments; also various other kinds of HORTICULTURAL and AGRICDLTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. SoAjing very extensive Premises in London, we are in a position to do all kinds of Repairs there, as well as at our Leeds Establishment. THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. Febeuaet 23, 1863.1 THE GARDENEES' CITRONICLE AND AGEICULTURAL GAZETTE. H OTHOUSES for the MILLION, CHEAP, PORTABLE, and EASILY FIXED. Intentbd and Patented by tub late Sir Joseph Paxtow, Illustrated Circulars, with full particulars, sizes, and prices, free He * & MOR , Piill Mall East, London, S.W, Heating by Hot Water. WJ. HOLLANDS, Iron Merchant, • SI. Baokslde, London. S.E. HOT WATER PIPES, from Stock, per yard :— 2-Inch, U. Hd ; 3-lncb, la. Hd. ; aiid4-lncb, U. 3d. BENDS, from Stock, Is. Cd.,'l8. fid., and 3s. each. THROTTLE VALVES, 10a.. 13s., and lis. eaoU. Other Connexions at equally low pnoes, and ail goods ol* flrst-cliiss manu- Quiture. Estimates given, and orders b; post punctually attended to the same day. TO BE SOLD, Cheap, an IRON DOME CONSER- VATORY, 62 feet 8 inches long, 9 feet 4 Inches wide. Would make an excellent Peach House or Covered Way. And all other descriptions of Horticultural Buildings to be seen at J. Lewis's Horticultural Works, Stamford Hill, Middle.sex. HAY WARD BROTHERS, HOT-WATER ENGINEERS. Horticultural, Public, or Private Buildiugs Heated on the latest c 0 T T A M Irou Works. 2. Winsley Str SADDLE BOILERS, 24 30 inches 65s. 92d. Cd. each, HOT-WATER PIPES. 3 4 Inch. 2s. Id. 2s. Qd. per yard. Materials supplied or Estimates given fixed con plete to Plan, on application to COTTAM & Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street. opposite the Pantheon). Oxlord Street, London. W. GUMMING & EDMONDS, HORTICULTURAL BUILDERS AND HOT-WATER ENGINEERS, LILLIE BRIDGE, FULHAM, LONDON, S.W. (AJjoinins Wost Biomptnn Station, West I.uiiilon RHilwav). CONSERVATORIES AND HOTHOUSES Specially designed to meet the various requirements of Horticultu factured by the aid of Steam- Power Machinery'. Glazed, Painted, and Fl :ed( Dd adapted to any situation. Ma omptete. GARDEN BOXES, PIT LIGHTS, VERANDAHS, AND GLASS STRUCTURES Of every description, executed on the shortest possible notice. Designs and Estimates free on application. Conservatories, Hothouses, Mansions, Churches, Schools, Public Buildings, Warehouse.^, &c., heated by Hot "Water on the most approved and economical system, with CUMMING & EDMONDS' PATENT TUBULAR ARCHED SADDLE BOILER, Described in a Report of the Royal Horticultural Society, as being "very effective and economical," and also awarded the First-class Certificate at the Bury Horticultural Show, July, 1867. PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS, FOE HEATING CONSERVATORIES, HOTHOUSES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TKUSS Begs to Btate that the immense number of APPARATUS annually Designed and Erected by him in all parts of the kingdom, and for the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGTON and CHISVVICK, with unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design, superior materials, and good workmanship ; while the great advantages obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over-estimated, consisting of perfectly tight joints with neatness of appearance; EFFECTS A SAVING OF 2.5 PER CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected compared with other systems ; facility for extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints ; can be erected by any Gardener; an ordinary size Apparatus erected in one day, and PERFECTNESS of DESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials, with Saddle Boiler, delivered to any Railway Station in England, and Erected at the following prices. Erection beyond 25 miles off London, railway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. TWO FOUR-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. Size of Home. 50 feet by 15 feet 75 feet by 15 feet 100 feet by 15 feet .. 26 0 town or country. The Trade Supplied. size of House. Apparatua Complete. Erection. 20 feet by 10 feet £9 0 0 £2 0 0 30 feet by 12 feet 11 15 0 2 10 0 40 feet by 15 feet 15 0 0 2 15 0 M°' OULE»S WARMING Al'PAUATUS.— The best and , <;.E., 31, Duko Street, Westminster, S.W. POTTLE'S PATENT CUCflMHRR BOXES are now ready, and cnn h.' In- 1 .-f th-- [.-mion Agents :— Mr. Ja Mr. H. S. Wii .. The London Sked < Mr. Cdtuusu Jl Son Also of JOUK I'OTTL ■^, Wolbock Street . Woodbridgo, Suffolk. 0 T - W A T E R A P P A R A X UiS.. i| iii"'5^"S"'"^"^"i^ J JONES AND SONS have the largest Stock of HOT- • WATER, PIPES and CONNECTIONS, with WROUGHT nnd CAST IRON SADDLE, CANNON, and CVLINDEK BOILERS, PORTABLE BOILERS, Ac, and they will be happy to forward Prices for same either at the Wharf in London, or delivered free to any Station or Shipping Fort in the United Klot^dom. J. Jones & Sons, Iron Merchants, 6, Banksido, Southwark, London, "«* Hot-water Apparatus erected complete. ORA.NST0N'S PATENT BUILDINGS for \y HORTICULTDRE. " Dry Glazing without Putty." " Glass without Laps," Bath and Gas "Work erected i SorticuUural Buildings of every description from Is. Qd, per foot superficialj inclusive of brickwork. Price Lists, Plana, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S, TRUSS, C.E., Consulting Horticulturai. Engineer, &c., Sole Manufacturer, FRLAJl STREET, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — The City OJices are now Removed to the Manufactory^ Friar Street, James Cbanstom, Architect, Bimimgha: Works : Hlghgate Street, Birmingham. Henry J. Growtaoe, Manager, 1, Temple Row West, Birmingham. Greenhouses— Heating Apparatus. CONSERVATORIES DUBLIN EXHIBITION BLINDS 4 FROST KORCINQ HOUSES / ^^„A„'',.f' -TREE \ GREENHOUSES CUCUMBER and MELON HOUSES OPENING GEAR rpHE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL AWAEDED for in the Vontilation, Construction, and X Various Improven ___^ AppUcatlon of WROUOHT-IRON to Horticultural Buiidings. Our New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE, THE NOVELTY, is cheap, durable, easily fixed, does not require painting. Is adaptei for all purposes, and is the most perfectly ventilated house of the present day. Prices:— :iO tt. long, £10 to £19 I0,«. : 32 ft., £15 to £29 18a. ; 40 ft., £18 to £36; 64 ft., £27 \2s. to £64 3j. Cd. ; 80 ft., £34 to £00 6«. ; 104 ft.. £43 123. to £84 10s. Span Roofs, double price. Orders for our New Patent WALL-TREE COVER are now solicited. They save their cost In one season. Prices, with lll-oz. glass, 8s^ 9s., los., and 12s. per foot run. In HEATING we are pre-eminent, and have pleasure In referring to works In all parts of the kingdom which have oeen executed by us. Careful personal attention is given to all orders; and from our Immense practical expenence, we are willing to guarantee that Buildings left to our arrangement shall perfectly answer the pur- poses for which they are intended, without fear of dlsappolntmcDt. Our Patented arrangements may be seen *' en module," and every information obtained at our London Office. 0, Sloane Street, S. W. Postal address. Anchor Iron Works. Chelmsford. Dennis* ScRuiiT, Hot-Water Englnners, Patentees, and general 198 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febeuaey 22. isea. 1HE PATENT TERMINAL SADDLE BOILER, with tollowing note :— ' The Judges consider this one of the mobt powerful and useful Tht Gardener.—" Of Boilers, by far tho best, according judgment, was the Terminal Saddle."— IT. Thomson. Journal of Horticulture " T, Jones's Terminal Boiler was coi sidered by the judgea the best of all exhibited on this occasion." J. mils. J. Ireland, Edward Street, Broughton Lane, Manchester. Horticultural Glass Warehouse. THOMAS MILLING TON and CO., 87, Bishopsgaie Street Without, London, E.G. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOnSE GLASS as supplied to Her Majesty, the Nobility, Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leading Horti- culttt '■' " "-' ".---J-- 20 by 1_ , _ 20 by 16 aobvlO-' 14» Sd 3rds. 2nds. I Best. 153 Gti 183 6d 20«0d 22s 2ii 26s6ti 26»6(i 20 by 16 SMALL SHEET SQUARES, 16 In. in.'in, in.lin. in.lin. in. I 6 by 4 7 by 6 8 by 6 9 by 7 > i!,ft2rf|iq.,!irfh«j,nrf|iosnrf 6iby4ll 71 by 6i| 8) by Cl! 9i by ni ]12«3<«|13»3<'|l»»0«|18sO MORRIS will SELL by AUCTION, at 38 and 39, Gracechurch Street, City. E.G., on THURSDAY, February 27. at 1 o'Clock precisely, about 200 Choice L^OUBLE CAMELLIAS, beautiful compact Plants, from 1 to 4 feet, abundantly furnished with bloom buds; fine AZALEA INDICA ; a suberb assortment of about 300 Standard Dwarf and Climbing ROSES, including MarCchal Niel and all the leading varieties; a rich assortment of AMERICAN PLANTS; some fine Bulbs of LILIUM AURATUM, Lancifolium, Rubrum and Album, and others ; ERICAS. &c. May bo viuwed the Morning ot Sale. Catalogues had at the Rooms as above ; and of tho Auaionceis and Valuers, ' M High Beech, Essex. ESSRS. PROTHEHOE and MUiiRIS will SELL by AUCTION on the Premises, The Nursery, opposite the King's Oak. High Beech, on MONDAY. March 2, at 11 for 12o'Clock cisely, the whole of the valuable NURSERY STOCK, comprising ii'green Couiferfe and Deciduous Shrubs, splendid specii ■''lest named varieties. Standard am ther with 500 Azalea indica. 30U Ga I and Ferns, 500 Fuchsias, 500 Chrysan- iMl tho Sale; Catalogues maybe had on the Premises, r of the Auctioneers and Valuers, Leyton; , N.E. Holloway Hill, Highgate. NCE .Salk ok Valuable Nursery Stock, ESSRS. PKOTHEROE and MORRIS are instructed by Messrs. William Cuthbush & Son to SELL by AUCTION, without reserve, on the premises, Hollowav IIill Nursery, close to the Archway Tavern, Highgdte, N., on WEDNESDAY, March lO, consequence of the Lease having expired and the ground being M Nurseries, Leytonstone, Essex. Preston Hows, Whitehaven. MR. JVIITCHEL will SELL by AUClION without reserve on THURSDAY, March 5, 14 Yount? SHORTHORN BULLS— (12 of which are by the VVarlaby Sires, SIR ROGER (16,991) and KING CHARMING (22,033)— the property of Mr. R. Jefferson. Catalogues may be had on application. Tw- """■- " " ---' . .- ' - " ■ (vol. . . „ ,. , ... .., ^^ , calve iu April to King Cliarming (22.033). Price, 45 Gii Val Page Green, Tottenham. Collection of Grekkhouse and Stove Plants, Tw Lewis, 200 la Thr Cows, Full-sized Billiard Table Effuits of a Gentleman LtAviNo his residence. MR. A. RICHARDS will SELL by AUCTION, on the Premises, near Stamford Hill, N., on TUESDAY, March^, at 12 o'Clock, a nearly new Ornamental Span GREEN- HOUSE. 40 feet by IS feet; a Half Span. 9u feet long; 2 Boilers Pipe», &c. ; the VALUABLE PLANTS, Including Camellias' Azaleas, Epacris, Ericas, Aphelbxis, Boronlas, Acacias, Pimelea Polygala, Allamanda, Ejiiphyllum, Rhododendrons, a Collection Orchids, Ferns, Foliage Plants, Varieg^ited and other Geraniums Cinerarias, Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Koses; 300 Strawberriea m Pots, Orchard-house Trees, &c. ; Cucumber Frames, Hand Lights Iron Rollers, Lawn Mowers. Barrows, Ladders, Bee-house, Stocks oi Bees, Duck-house; Tumbril Cart. Double and Single Harness three handsome Cows in Milk, siacK of Hay. Manure, &c On view the day previous. Citaloguos to be obtained of the Gar dener and of the * '^ '" ■ ■ *H, Tottenhan.. Important Sale of Shorthorned Cattle, Leicester and Down Sheep, At Newbt Wibke, near Wablabv, Northallerton ^ESSRS. WETUEUELL are instructed by the -LtX Executor of tho late Wra. Rutson, Esq., to SELL bv AUCTION, without reserve, on FRIDAY, March fi next, at the Hail Farm. Newby Wiske, tho ENTIRE HERD of valuable and well-bred SHORTHORNS, small Flock of LEICESTER and DOWN By a close analysis of the Catalogue, this Herd will be found to possess blood from herds of the most eminent breeders of Short- horns, including Booth, Bates, Boldon, the Rev. JefTeraon Wilson • also Whitworth, Chilton, aud Wiseton blood, &c.. viz. :— Lord of the Valley (14,837), Forerunner (12,191), Veteran (13,941), dementi (3399) aud the Mr. Stamper have been t s pure-bred, and from uoted flocks. deflate ye; The 6c Catalogues may be had of Mr. Wl . „_„, ^„. lington, i.nd of Mr. Lamb, Farm Bailiff, Newby Wi3ke,Nortlnillerton. Durham, February 10th, 1808. i-imiion,uu. Auldborough, Dar- SALE THl.S DAY AT HALF -PAST TWELVE PRECISELY. Conalgnment of Plants from Ghent. ]\f U, J. < , M |.,\ i-xs will SELL by AUCTION at a'' I'l- >'•'■ i: iMti^; Street, Covent Garden, W.C., on >^ \ I I i: 1 > , . I half-past 12 o'clock precisely, 20() CAMl.l.l.lA , . , \i I \-^, 300 RHODODENDRONS, 200 P.EUMl.s, -, .u;il.. i I s.^Al-o. 200 ABIES CANADENSIS, 200 PYRAMID I'KAUs. lou riTA.NDARD ROSES, Choice GLA- DIOLI, Ac ^_ On view tho Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Important Sale of Plant? and Bulhs. ll/TR. J. U. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at lyX ht'i Creat Rooms, 38. King Street, Covent Garden, W.C.. on MONDAY, Fohniary 24. at hnlf-pa-t 12 o'Clock precisely, 1200 STANDAKD, DWARf", and CLIMBING ROSES; Heibacuoua I'laiitii. liai-dy Trei.8 and Shmbs, Ac; and a consiinmont of splendid Varlegiited Hollies from Holland ; choice GlauioU, Ranunculus, Anemones. &c., for spring planting. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Imported Orchids. MR. J. C. STEVE.\S will SELL by AUCTION, at bis Great Rooms, 38, King Street. Covent Garden, W.C , on TUESDAY. February 25, at half-past 12 o'clock precisely, choice IMPORTED ORCHIDS, in fine condition, consisting of— Dendrobium dovonlanum I Dendroblum formosum „ cambridgeanuin Aerides rosoum „ hetorocarpura Pleioue Wallichl, &c., iltc. „ GrifBthianum | Vanda Cavalea Also some CATTLEYA SUPERBA and other plants, from Demerara. Important Unreserved Sale of Plants at the Royal NurBeries, Great Yarmouth. MR. J. C. STEVENS (Udutiuultukal Auctioneer and Valuer, of 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London), begs to announce that he has been lavoured with instructions from Messrs. Y'ouell & Co. (in consoqucnce of the Dealh of one of tho members of tho Firm, and Dli^solution of Partnership), to SELL by AUCTION, on the Premises, the Royal Niu^eries, Great Yarmouth, on MONDAY, February 24, and following days, at half- past 11 o'clock precisely each day, without the least reserve, the whole of the valuable STOCK of HARDY PLANTS of this cele- brated Nursery (which has been e.st:iblished upwards of halt a century), consisting of Wellingtonias, Araucariiis, Piceas, Abies, Yews, Cryptomeriaa, Arbor-vitjo, Variegated and Green Hollies, Common and Portugal Laurels, Aucubas, Tritomas Tree Box. Evergreen Oaks, Standard aud Dwarf Roses, Standard, Dwarf, and Trained Fruit Trees, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmias, Euonymua, Berboris, Clematis, Cotonensters, Thorns, Deutzias, Ivies, Skinnenas, Lilacs, Yuccas, Vines, Raspberry canes, Currant and Gooseberry bushes, Pa3onies, HtpaLicas, Iris, Phlox, Violets, Prim- roses, Pyrethruma, Asparagus, Seak.ale, and Rhubarb roots, &c. On view the week prior and Mornings of Sale, and Catalogues had (price Is. each) on the Premises, and of Mr. J. C, Stevens, 38, King Yellow and Tree Carnations, choicest \i.ww,-.^<, u. i.^,.,wi* iu«i>.i.>i. * cuu.y onu ^ico V'tuuubiuua, Picotees, and Piniis, Alpine Auriculas, Camellias, &c., will be SOLD early in the Spring, at tho Auction Rooms, 38. King Strtjet, Covent Important Sale of Hardy Plants from Surrey. MR. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street. Covent Garden, W.C, on Wednesday, February 2G, at half-past 12 o'clock preciselv, a con- signment of HARDY and ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS from Surrey, cousisting of Specimen Conifeis, Laurels. Hollies, Standard and Dwarf Roses, Standard, Pyramid, and Dwarf Fruit Trees, Aucubas. Privets, Rhododendrons, Honeysuckles, Berberis, Currants, &c. Choice Gladioli tor Spring Planting, Rustic Seats, Stools, Vases, Baskets, &c. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Consignment of Plants from Holland. MR. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at hie Orent Rooms. 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, on SATURDAY, February 29, at half-past 12 o'clock precisely, splendid Dwarf-trained FRUIT TREES, Specimen CONIFEKS, HARDY and ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. Standard and Dwarf ROSES, ftc, from Holland. A large quantity of HARDY TREES from Surrey and Middlesex. Choice GLADIOLI, LILIUMS, DAHLIAS, and other BULBS for Spring Planting. Oq view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. :Hii .Bath MESSRS. MORRIS and SON are instructed, by the Trustees under a Deed of Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors, to SELL by AUCTION, on the Premises, on TUESDAY, February 25, and Following Days, commenuiuK precisely at 12 o'Clock eacb day, the whole of the Valuable STOCK-IN-TRADE, GREEN- HOUSES, FORCING PITS, MELON and CUCUMBER FRAME:*, and other EFFECTS, including Four Greenhouses of various sizes, ~"" "' .. . . ^ .. 6-Light Forcing Pits; three :,hro3 Single ditto; 24 Cap lent condition, comprehends variety of FRUIT and FOREST TREES; Superior Vines In potH ; 600 Peaches and Nectarines ; a large assortment of Standard Apples, Fears, Plums, Damsons, Cherries. &c. ; 3000 Standard Roses, 5ii0 ditto in pots ; a large collection of Conifers, Ar-iucarias ; 1000 from 2 to 5 feet high; Magnolias, Fuchsias^; about EVERGREENS of 1000 Geraniums, incladingall then';' _ _.. every description ; 1000 Wellingtonia gigantoa, Cedrus Deodara ; 200 Aunculaa, in pots ; Picotees and Carnations, Pampas Grass, and B and pLico.in Lots, a thriving SPRUCE and SCOT — " ing close to the B>: Station ; and likewise about 1000 STANDARD APPLES VIT^, APPLE STOCKS, LAURUSTINUS, AUCUBAS, POR- TUGAL LAURELS, Ac, now standing in a piece ol land adjoining whole of which will be on view 3 week previous to the Sale, at the Auctioneers' Upholstery Warerooms, 22, Milsora Street ; and of Messr.'s. LiTTLK A Little. Solicitors, 11. Bladud Buildings. Bnth. Mill Hill Nursery, near Hendon, Middlesex, About a iiiiio from tho Mill Hill Station on the Edgwaro Branch of tho Great Northern Railway. MESSRS. HUMBERT and CUX will SELL by AUtTTION, by direction of the Executors of the late Mr.^James^^right, onthe premises. Mill Hill Nursery, Hendon. WEDNESDAY, February 26, at 12 o'Clock preclaely, the very excollofit NURSERY STOCK, comprising a Inrge quantity of Abies Douglasii, Cedrus Deodara, and Wellingtonia glgantea : 200 Common Yews, 200 Portugal Laurels, 600 Green Hollies, 200 Thuja japonlcQ, i'.t)ii Laui-ustinus, 600 Common Laurels, 200 Spruce Fir, 100 Siverirreen Box, 2(W Siberian Arbor-vitse, 200 Thuj i Lobbn, 200 Aucubas, ftOO Italian aud Lombardy Poplars, 250 Silver Birch, 250 Laburnums, i;50 Planes, 250 Limes, 100 Pinus excelsa, 200 Rhododendron i, f.(K) Standard Roses. 600 Apple Trees, fiOO Pear Trees, of the choicest virietios, and named, and various Trees and Shrubs. May be viewed before the Sale. Catalogues may be had on the promtKes ; and of the Auctioneers, S8, St. Jamea' Street, S.W., and CuoicE OacniDS, Fer Witliout Reserve. M^ ATKIiRLEY will SELL ''■ I !i I'; at l2o'Clock precisely. 1. ^eroool, a COLLECTION Gallery, 55. , Schillerlana, P. anitibili^^. plendid Plant of Dondrobii: iesquipedal©, " Cattleyas, &c. May be viewed on the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues c three days prior, on application, at Messrs. VVale.kr 4 A Offices, 66, Church Struet. THE GARPENEES' CHROXTCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febbu^t 22. i8f8. NEW IMPROVED PREMIUM WIRE NETTIIG. GREAT IMPROVEMENT. N E W L Y REDUCED PRICES. FEBRUARY, ISOG. AWARDED A FIRST-CLASS CEKriFICAiE BY THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF LONDON, JULY, 1867. MESSRS. J. B. BROWN & CO. having introduced Improved Machinery into their London Workshops for manufacturing Wire Netting, are now prepared to execute orders to any extent at the shortest notice. The Netting is of very superior quality, best formed mesh, well twisted, and Galvanised after made in a superior manner. PRICES PER LINEAL YARD, 24 inches high ; and 30, 36, 48, and 60 inches high in proportion. Size of Mesh. 2} inch 2 inch U inch l| inch 1 inch 1 inch 1 inch Mostly used for Dogs or Poultry Poultry Small 'Rabbits, Hares, &c. Smallest Rabbits . . Pheasantries, Small Birds, &c. Aviaries, Window Guards, &c. Aviaries, "Window Guards, &c. Stkong. Japanned. 2|rf. 3id. sk. 4k. 85. Ud. Is. Id. Galvanised. 1 Japanned. ! Galvanised. 3f.. Lombard t Office. No, «1 , 'WoHington Street, Parish of Jit. Paul's, Coyent Garden, in the said County.— Sat and Business Letters '•ThePublisher.''attheOfflce,4l,Wemngton Street.CoTentGarden.London.w.u of Whitefriars, City of London, in the Co. of Middlesex, and Published by the laid James Mitthiws, at the February 22, 1866. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE I AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 9.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29. J Price Fivepence. \ Stamped Edition, Gd. , 208 6 I Graftine. double., Beetles, Wheal Cattle trade, foreisn Chamber of Asnculture Hedee, Osflge Orange Landlords, word tn . . Mistleto on the Oak . p culture 211 t (1 b Plant portraits Euonymus, variegated s kitcheu gaidcn .... 2326 '. Hoyal Horticultural . 212 b B G vines. S. "WILLIAMS has now on hand a very large and One Stock of FRDITING ami PLANTING CAfjES of all the r- varieties. An Iriatiection la invitoil. Victoria and Farafltse Nurseries, Upper Holloway, London, N. To the Trade. RAPE VINES for Fniiting and Planting, including LACK HAMBURGH and all the leadlnK varieties. LIST of sorts and prices on application to Wm. Wood & So.N. Maresfleld. Uckfleld, Sussex. HE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS SEKD.S, PARIS, ISW, was awarded to itr.s CAaTKR k Co., 1^37 and 23S. Higli Holbom, Loudon. W.C. Fruit Trees and Vines. JAMES DICKSON and SONS have a very large and application. statistics, aerieultural SuRar, Heet 21!). Trade memorandum 213 i Willows, bitter ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, .SOUTH KENSINGTON, W. The FIRST SPRING SHOW will be held on SATURDAY, March 14. Band at 3 o'clock. Tickets (bought prior to tlio dnvl- Fellows' Friends, 2». 6ii. : Pubiir - ~' -'- ■ ■ -■ doors, 5s. The other SHOWS v JUNE 2 to 5 ; 16 and 17 ; and 30. R OYAL BOTANIC SOCIKTY'S GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK.— EXIIIKITION of SPRING FLOWERS, everyday, MARCH 21 to MARCH l'8. Tickets are now being issued at the Gardens, on Orders from Fellows of the Society, price 2s. erf. each. Gates open at 9 o'clock. The Band will play from 2,30 to 6.30. C1ENTKAL HOKTKJULTUUAL SOCIKTY of -/ LOSDOti.—PreMdent: Mr. Geohge Gordok, A.L.S. Tb«J MEETINGS of the Sncletv for the present year will bo held J the SECOND and FOURTH TUESDAYS in each Month, at the The New Roses of Spring, 1868. )AUL AND SUN have really tine plants of the abovf NOW READV. Piice on application. The Old Nuiseries, Oheshunt, N. STAND AKD MAKECHAL NIEL EOSES; also DWARFS. Wu. Wood & Son, Maresfleld, Uckficld, Sussex. New Roses for 1868. JOHN FRASEH, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries, London, N.E., beEs to offer flne healthy plants of the best NEW ROSES for 1868. A DESCRIPTIVE LIST may be had on application. New Roses of Spring, 1868. 1 QAQ —NEW ROSE S.— XOUO- CATALOGUES now ready, with the usual fine plants. JouN Keynes, Salisbury, RHODODENDRON PONTICUM STOCKS in any quantity, fit for immediate Working, MANETTI ROSE STOCKS ; PIN US INSIGNIS, 1-yr Seedtings. Tqouas Cripps & Son, Nurserymen, Tunbridge Wells. GLADIOLUS ^BRENCHLETENSIS. — Flowering Bulba from 30s. to 425. per 1000 to the Trade. E. Bates, Park's Nursery, Oxford. GLADIOLUS RRENCHLEYENSIS, very fine roots.— Price to the Trade on application to James Cabteb i Co., 237 and ^38; High Holbom. London, W.C. OUBLE ITALIAN' TUBEROSES., tineTo"und~rootsr^ Price to the Trade on application to Jah£8 Cabteb 4 Co.. 237 and 238, High Holbom. London, W.C. Bare and Beautiful Columbines. JOHN GRIUOJi ANi> CO., Nurseries, Forres, bee: to offer vigorous flowering plants of AQUILEGIAGLANDULOSA, at 12*. per 1RIC0LOR PELARGONIUM SEED.— A splendid lot of the above, saved from all the choicest '"'--"--, carefully fertilized, from the beat blooms of at Is. 6d. and 2*. 6d. ;, Seedsman and Flonst, Royaton, Herts. CALCEOLARIAS (Herbaceous), of choice strain. — Fine J plants, In 4-inch pots, 6s. per dozen, or 60 for 208. ; extra large, tn 5-inch pots, 98. per dozen. H. k E. Stirzaber, Skerton Nurseries Lancaster. C' ALCEOXaRIAS (AUREAT FLORIBUNDA).— About 800 fine strong Plants FOR SALE, Cheap, for want of room. Apply by letter, H. W. J., 27, Weymouth Terrace, Southampton. ERBENAS.— Purple, White, Scarlet, and~ Pink. Strong plants, with plenty of Cuttlnc3..35, per dozen ; small do at Gs. per 100, or £2 105. per 1000, package included. Terms cash. PuiLip Laddb. Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent, S.E. ANTED, CARISATIONS and PICOTEES, named sorts. Send lowest ca'ih price to Thomas SnEBUAN, Seedsman, &c., 69. Newlngton Butts, S. rpHE most beautiful ASTER grown is TRUFFANT'S X REINE-MARGUERITE. direct from the Continent, Five hundred seeds, in 12 colours, for 1».. supplied bv A. HAUsiown. Bedwin Street, Salisbury. Pelargoniums for the Million. JAMES HOLDER, having an immense stock of the above, begs to offer (strong plants. In large CO-pots) 50 distinct eorts for 30s. ; 26 sorts for 20s. ; or i? sorts tor 16s., hamper and package included. Crown Nursery. Reading 1HK REMAUKABLE and iNiERESTlNG NEW JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUMS.— Seed of those chamiing plants, calculated to produce many flne novelties, is. per packet of ^ j% Co., Seed Merchants, Covent Garden, London, W.C. 0NSUi7 SCHILLER, Hamburg, begs to inform all lovers of ORCHIDS that he la 8tiU inclined to part with his well knovm COLLECTION of 6bout 2700 PLa«TS, either in one Jot or separately, next flpnn;g. Apply to CoMul Schiller, Hamburg. w w ANTED, QUEEN PINES, One or two dozen Rooted Suckers. J. T. Ritchie, 84, Linskell Street, North Shields. ANT eTj, q"u""eT; n pines: One or two dozen Succession Plants. Jacob Daglish, Master Mariners' Aayluni, Tyneraouth. >INE plants. — In consequence of wantin* the 3 grow the Royal Ascot Vine, Jons Standisu will Sell perfectly FIVE HUNDRED pot PEACUKS and JMKCTAKINES well set with bloom-buds, 2000 FRUITING VINES, looo MORELLO CHERRIKS, Dwarl' Trained; 1000 PEACHES and NECTARINES, Dwarf and Standard. Prices very moderate, H. MgE, Prescot Nursery. Liverpool, OTChard-liouse Trees Fruiting In Pots. PEACHES, NECTARINES, APRICOTS, CHERRIES, PLUMS, PEARS. APPLES. VINES, and FIG.S. Richard Suixn, Nurseryman and Seed Morchaut, Worcester. Fine Standard Trained Peaches and Nectarlnesr JOHN ERASER, The Nurseries. Lea Rridge Kmi. London, N.E,, begs to offer a quantity of extra sized, fine htalthy, Y R A M I D A L FRUIT T R E E S", Extra size, magnificent Trees, well branched. Apply to STtrpUEW I3R0WN, Nur.seryman, Sudbury, Suffolk. PYRAMIDAL APPLES and PEARS, by the dozen or hundred. Standard MEDLARS, THUJA AUREA, well-grown and handsome. Address, Wm. Wood & Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, near Uckfloid, Sussex. Fruit the Firsrseason.— Pyramidal Pear Trees! 0» THE QoiKCK StOCI, POLL OF FllDIT lioDS. M. WOOD AND SON llave a remarkably fine stock . . of the above, hrat and second size. Some on^Mtm large Trees.— Woodlands Nursery. MaresHeld, Uckfleld, So^mBSI^ EBB'S PRTZE'COB FIUJERTSTandofterPEIZE COB NUTS and FILBERTS. LIST of these Mr. Weub, Calcot, Reading. w AWN TREES.— A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOSUE J of a select few of the above, free per post on application. Tuos. Rivers & Son, Nurseries, Sawbridge worth. Strong Quick. HAND G. FARNSWORTH, NuRSERY^rEN, Matlock, • Derbyshire, have to offer a quantity of strong transplanted QUICK, at v'.ry low prices. _ Clearance of Nursery Stock. A REDUCED PRICE LIST of FOREST TREES, &c., will be forwarded on application to J. RinnELL. Steward, Park Attwood, JBewdley, Worcestershire, FOR HEDGES.— AMERICAN ARBOR- VITJE, 4 to 5 feet, at 60s. per 100 ; 6 to 6 feet, Sis. per 100 ; C to 7 feet, 100». per 100. T 3 Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. EN THOUSAND LAURUSTINUS, well grown, busby, and handsome. Wm. Woon & Son, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Sussex, HIRtY^fHOUSANDrrMERICAN'ARBOR-VIT'JE^ from 3 to G feet, verv suitable for Hedges, Wm. Woon & Son, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld, ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND fine Transplanted COMMON LAURELS, from IJ to 3 feet. Wm. Wood &. Son, Woodlands Nuraei?, Maresfleld, near Uckfleld, SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND strong, well-grown LARCH, 3 feet high and over, 123. Qd. per 1000, cash price. Apply to W. TittsKDER, Nurseryman, Cardiff. To the Trade. MANY THOUSANDS of LAURELS, 2 feet; and PINUS HALEPENSIS. 3 feet, the fastest grower and hardiest of any Pine. Terms cash. J. Thorvtoh, Heatherside, Frimley, Surrey. Choice Specimen Couiferse. WH. ROGERS, Red Lodge Nursery, Southampton, • can offer a large and beautiful selectlon'of the above at very moderate prices. All will remove well ft-om having been frequently transplanted. Prices and any particulars forw-irded on applicutlon. SURPLUS STOCK.— Extra Strong AUSTRIAN PINE lO and QUICKS, 4 times Transplanted, very bushy and well- rooted. Also STANDARD and HALF-STANDARD APPLES, to be SOLD, Cheap. Apply ' Reddish Nursery, ^UTTOiNS' GRASS SEEDS for ALL SOILS and 5 ALL CLIMATES.— Prices and particulars on appUoation. Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. UEWAGE IRRIGATION and ITALIAN RYE-GRASS. O —This important subject will bo found fully treated on In SUTTONS' EARM SEED LIST, gratis and post free. SuTTos & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. T rpHE ONLY PRIZE IIEDAI, for GARDEN~SKEDS X INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1862, was James Carter & Co., 237 and :?3,j. High Holbom, London, W.C. E )ARIS, I The ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for ENGLISH 1867. I GARDEN SEEDS was awarded to SUTTON 4 SONS RoyalJ3erkshire Seed Establishment, Heading. VERY ' GARDEN R E QTJ i~S I T E kept In Stock at jR'a New Seed Wai-ehouse, 237 & :.«, High Holbom, London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. ■ ■' " " " ■ " - ■■ ■■ N D C 0., AMES CARTER w London, W.C. Genuine Garden Seeds. M. CUTBUSH AND ,sii.N"S CATALOGUE of the snow ready. l',-^t lro,j nn ,Ti,i,licLition. Highgate Nurseries. L.,i„l„o, .V. Seeds of Fiist Quality, TEPHEN BROWN'S NEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with Illustrations, sent free on application. ^■~ ° """ ' " Sudbury, Suffolk. Wholesale Catalogue. GEORGE JACKMAN and SON'S PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of HARDY NURSERY STOCK for 1807 and SPRING, 1S08, car; bo had free on application. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. 7 AM lis FA 1 Kill' ■ - O Me« SUN, Si; Merchants^ 7^ liorout,'li Miirkot. and Ununtree, Esses. JuBt Published. M. PAUL'S LIST of SEEDS contains a selection of tlio best NOVELTIES in VEGETABLES and FLOWERS, also the choicest and most approved older sorts, free by poat ou application. Paul's Nurseries and Seed W.arobouso, Wjiltham Cross, London, N. rj-iHE LOiNU-STANDER LKTTUCE.— Fine, crisp, and X excellent, stands longer without rnnning than any Lettuce w Spring BROCCOLI Pure White, Cavter'a Wbite— may bo rpo the TRADE.— The iine^ X — Horticultural Superb, Oar Summer, and Oattell's Eclipse, also had of W. HoRLEY, Seiid Gmwer, Toddiiifc^on, Bed; Ij^ROAI 200,000 to 300,000 2 and ;i-vr. ASPARAGUS JJ PLANTS, at very low prices. RETAIL PRICE LIST on appli- cation. Remittances to accompany orders. CuniSTMAS QfjiNCEV. Seedsman. Peterborough. MYATTS PROLIFIC"lvIDNEY.— A few Tons^to^ be SOLD, at £12 per Ton, ca.sh, at Sleaford Station. Apply to W. LowK, Sleaford. , Measham, Atherstone. )ATERSON'S VICTORIA POTATO. — A iarj quantity to be SOLD, Cheap. Clean, flne sample. Price < appiicitlon to Mr. Jno. Holmes, Whittington Hill, Lichfleld. EED POTATOS. -Rivers' Royal Ashleaf and Prince of Wales Kidney. For Price, apply to Maurice Young, Milford Nurseries, near Godalmjng. EED~"POfAT6s7— Paterson's" Victoria, "Regent, and Blue, Webb's Imperial Fluke, &c. ^rice on application to rMiN , The Nu )3, Hook Norton, Oxon, EED POTATOS. — All the finest varieties, at very moderate prices. H. & F. Sharpe. Wisbech. Seed PotatOB. STUART AND MEIN have a few Tons of SMITH'S EARLY, or COLDSTREAM EARLY, and DALMAHOY POTATOS to offer. Price on application. Seed Warehouse, Kelso, N.B. Potato s. — — JAMES DICKSON and SONS have a large stock of all the best Varieties, carefully selected for Seed. PRICED LIST on application. 102, Eastgate Street, and "Newton" Nurseries, Chester. RICHARD "RICHARDS0N7 of" Cottenham " P^k^ Wimbledon, has a quantity of ASHLEAF KIDNEYS, " LMAHOYS. and a good SEEDLING KIDNEY, 2la. per k.ack. :L abundant croppers, and good. Price of the others oaapplica- , for Cash. /^KANGE GLOBE MANGEL SEED, from selected roots. 60.*. per cwt. for cash, or lOd. per lb. F. Wabwick, Seed Merchant, Sleaford. ONG YELLOW and YELLOW GLOBE MANGEL J for Sale, at very modorate rates. Apply to Mr. S. A. Daintrke, Fendrayton, St. Ives. Hunts. URN IP SEED.— All the choicest varieties of 1867 growth, direct from the Grower, at low flgures. H. &, F. SoARPE, Seed Growers, Wisbech. ANGEL~1VURZEL7— Alf the" best sorts of 1867 growth, direct from the Grower, at very moderate prices. H. & F. SuARPE. Seed Growers, Winbech. URNTpT M~ANGEL, "carrot, and CABBAGE SEED, of good growth, and Selected Stocks. Special Prices ou application to Iames Fairuead & Son, 7, Borough Market, Loudon, S.E. HENRY'S PRIZETlYBRi"l>"TEEK is quite 'distinct from any other sort, is the largest In Cultivation,^ — ' lerfectly hardy. Fi-ee by post, 1 London. S.E. , per packet or 12 Stamps. To be ,ad direct from Downib, Laird, i Laino, Seedsmen, 17. Frederick Street, Edinburgh, and StauBttad Park. Fu " Musaelburgli Leek (true). , ,, ^ n o a m THOS. HANDAS\DE and DAVIDSON are executing Orders for the above. Price on application. Tuos Handasvde & Davidson Seedsmen. Nurserymen, and Florists, 24. Cockburn Street, Edinburgh. Nuraertes at Musaelburgli. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [Febeuast 29, 1868. GENUINE SEEDS, CARRIAOE PAID. B. S. WILLIAMS, SEED MERCHANT and NURSERYMAN, VICTORIA and PARADISE NURSERY, rPPEE HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. PRICED AND DESCRIPTrV'E CATALOGUES Post Free to all Applicants^ B. Choice Strain of Florist Flowers. S. ^'ILLIAMS, knowino^ the annoyance and disappointment caused by inferior seeds, sells ooly the very^ I choice CALCEOLARIA, are quite unequalled, and have given the greatest satisfaction wherever they havo been grown. Price per packet, 2s. Gd., 3s. Gd., and 5^. Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, London, N, BALSAM (Williams' Superb Strain), an eseeedingly beautiful strain.— A stand of Flowers, the production of thia strain, wns exhibited at tho Royal Botanic Society's Show, and were the adrairati'in of all. Per packet, Is. M. and 2s. 6d. B. S.WiLLtAiis, Seed Mei-chantaudNui'seryinan, Upper Holloway.N. CYCLAMEN PERSICUM ("Wiggins' Piize Strain).— This splendid strain of need has passed entirely into the hands of B. S. WiLLiAii-s. Plants have been exhibited at the Spring Shows. They were on every occasion awarded the First Prize ; and were the POLYAJs'THUS (the Prize Strain).— This beautiful strain of one of the prettiest spring-flowering plants was also exhibited by Mr. Wiggins, of whom B. .S. Williams has purchased the TKUFFANT'S FRENCH PERFECTION ASTERS.— These are remarkable ibr their large, fine-formed, and brilliant coloured flowers. 12 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds, 2s. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, N. HE VICTORIA ASTER.— The most beautiful in cultivation. The flowers are perfectly double, imbricated, globular, and larger than ■ ■ " " ■ - " B. S. Wii iigofe J Pcoony-flowci olour 100 seeds, 2s. :, Seed Merchant aiid Nurseryman, Upper flolloway. CARNATIONS and PICOTEES.— Seed one of the finest collections in Europe, and are with great confidence*. eties of 10 seeds each, 35. i of 10 seeds each, 3s. 3 Nursery, Upper UoUoway, N. B. S. Williams. Viotoiia and P:ii'.idise 1 Stocks. BS. WILLIAMS invites partitulnr attention to the • ftrst-rate quality of his STOCKS. All the Assortments consist entirely of Seed selected with the greatest care Irom Plants grown in pots. AUTUMNAL STOCK, Earliest Flowering.— An assortment of C of each colour, 100 seeds, Is. Gd. -An assortment of 12 New Large Flowering PYRAMIDAL STOCK.— An improved class, producing splendid spikes of large and beautifiil flowers. Six varieties, containing of each colour 100 .seeds, Is. Gd. Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, London, N. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, an assortment of 12 splendid kinds, 2s. ORNAMENTAL GOURDS, an assortment of 12 distinct varieties, 2s. colour one packet, is. B.S. Williams, Seed Merchant and Nurseryman, Upper Holloway,N. ■\;\;^ILLIAMS' ALEXANDRA BROCCOLL — This proved itself the best white, and the V V excellent kind has hardiest of the many varietie; WAS awarded to this Broccoli May, 1867. The Committee A Special Certificate ■ the Royivl Horticultural Society, isidered it of first-class excellence. ^_ _ ,N, THE OHANGEFIELD DWARF PROLIFIC TOMATO.— After four years' careful trial it has been proved to be undoubtedly the finest Tomato we possess. Description.— Very dwarf, but strong in habit ; never shows any sign of being stunted or diseased; bearing a greater quantity of Iruit tban hus over been seen on a Tomato. Is well adapted for in- door culture in those parts where (through the humidity of the climate) Tomatos '" *"" - - '- -^- ■- -■■ ■ to perfection out-of-doors. Ifc_ will irrugated or ribbed ; it is an excellent . . I the collection. Price Is. Cd. per packet, oria and Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, N. DIGSWELL PRIZE ENDIVE is almost invaluable for its hardihood and good hearting qualities ; as a green curled-leaved sort, holding that happy medium between a coarse weedy kind and varieties so endwaried and curled as to be of very small size, and very readily cut ofl" by slicht frosts. Price Is. p. pkt. B. S. Wi lli AMs, Seed Merchant and Nurseryman, Upper Holloway, N. ALVKRN HALL MELON.— ScarTeTflesh; a rduable variety. This kind has been proved by the side of 30 of the best to be the earliest to ripen, and the freest m setting its fruit ""■""■■* He ■ " veys a very just idea of its properties. He writes :- " 1 have no hesitation in asserting that the above Melon is second to none In cultivation ; I might even go a step further, and not err Id placing it first on the list of scarlet-fleshed kinds. Gem, grown in the same house and subjected exactly to the same ireatment, bore no compaiisou in any one point. Tho Malvern Hall is most delicioubly flavom'ed, remarkably thin skinned, a very free setter, and eiirly. These properties, in my iudtjment, constitute a flrst- class Melon. The Malvern Hall la nicely ribbed and moderate in size- those I grew thia season averaged 2^ lb.— a size I consider large enough for ordinary desserts. Those who have not grown tin iply >BCii.8. luuat} wuo uavu nut grown the Hall I recommend to do so, and those who have will, I think, agree with ray remarks." Price Is. 6rf. per packet. B. S. WiLLiAJua, Victoriaand Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, N. ILLIAMS' MATCHLESS RED CELERY— This variety still maintains its reputation. It is now universally approved of. . saved from grown and everywhi original stock. Price Is. per packet. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, N. N' "UNEHAM PaF^'oN IOnT— This suberb " Onion is recommended for its mild flavour ; it has maintained its regards size, weight of crop, and length of keeping, Price Is. Gd j 1 2s. Gd. per packet. a. s. WUXIAJIS, Seed Merchant and Nuhsehyman, VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LUiNUON, N. ESTABLISHED FOli NEARtY A CENTURY. 5Y SPECIAL APPOINTMENT. FORTY-THREE NEW ROSES, WITH DESCRIPTIONS, FOR 1868. WILLIAM KOLLISSON & SONS BEG TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEIR LIST OP NEW ROSES FOR 1868 Is now Published, and may be had Gratia and Post Free upon application to THE NURSERIES, TOOTING, LONDON^ S.W. WILLIAM EOLLISSON and SONS also beg to intimate that they have still some fine specimens of their NEW and BEAUTIFUL PLANT, JXINIPERUS EXCELSA STRICTA. Unquestionably the finest novelty yi-t introduced for decorating Lawns, Parterres, Terraces, &c. Prices, from 5s. to 21s. each. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS have also some fine flowering half and quarter specimens of theii- NEW and DISTINCT HYBRID HEATH, ERICA TUB-ffiFORMIS, For which a Certificate was awarded them last year at tho Gardens of the Royal Hort. Society, South Kensington. Specimens from 21s. to 105s. each ; Plants in 5-inch pots, price 7s. 6d. WILLIAM EOLLISSON, and SONS are now sending out their NEW and SPLENDID ZONAL GERANIUM, ARTEMUS WARD, Which is undoubtedly the finest in the Gold and Bronze Section that has yet been otfered, and from its bright and distinct markings assuredly will remain a favourite among edging ])lanls for a. long, time to come. Fine Strong Plants, from. 5s. to 21s. each. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS also possess a. very fine stock of the favourite GREENHOUSE CREEPER, COBCEA SCANDEN8 VARIEGATA. Prices for strong healthy Plants, from 1 ft. to 4 ft. high, from Is., 6d. to Ss. WILLIAM ROLLISSOX & SONS' GENERAL CATALOGUE FOR 1868 Will shortly be Published, containing an unrivalled Collection of ORCHIDS, STOVE and GREENHOUSE PLANTS, CAPE HEATHS, a beautiful stock of STOVE and GREENHOUSE PALMS, the largest Collection of TREE FERNS in Europe, .33 varieties of AUCUBA JAPONICA,— being, we believe, the most extenaivo collection in the country; HERBACEOUS and BEDDING PLANTS, among which will be included all the novelties of sterling merit. Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmias, Ledums, Hardy Heaths ; together with every EVERGREEN and DECIDUOUS TREE and SHRUB in cultivation. There will also be contained therein, a stock of FRUIT TREES unprecedented in quality and extent. All the above PLANTS, TREES, and SHRUBS, may be seen Growing .at THE NURSERIES, TOOTING, LONDON, S.W. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE (No. 122) for 1868,, READY NEXT WEEK, WILL BE SENT POST FREE TO ALL HIS CUSTOMERS. ROYAL GHENT NURSERY, BELGIUM. AMARTLLIDS, of all descriptions, novelties ; LILIES, large collection ; the newest GLADIOLI ; lately imported Blue and Tricolor TROP.EOLUMS ; large stock of all the GALAJHUMSi &c., &o., are to be found at the end., of LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICE LIST, No. 122. Also, a SUPPLEMENT TO HIS' FRUIT TREE LIST, No. 121, Containing the NEWEST CONTINENTAL PEAB TREES. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICEO LIST, No. 12^ Contains AZALEA INDICA, CAMELLIAS, hardy RHODODENDRONS, hardy GHENT AZAiEAS', strong MAGNOLIA LENNfi, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRQBS, CONIFERS, ROSES (large stock), PEJiENt?UI.S (the best ones), &c. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PACKAGES are delivered Free fromGhentto the following Towns ;^Qoole, Grimsby, Harwich, Leith, Liverpool, London, Middlesbro-on-Tees, .and Newcastle-on-Tyne ; but, per contra, as, ace charged in account for each case, basket, or hamper of a usual size. I^rom the above named Towns, to the final destinations, the re-ejcpedition is made by special Agents at the cheapest rate and by tho shortest route. Parcels are also sent bsek over London (at the. hereafter specified rates), to all p.arts of Great Britain, by the- care of L. Y. H.'s special Agents without any other additional expenses than those of the usual R-aiiway charges. GOODS SENT FREE TO LONDON. All goods are packed as cheaply as possible, and forwarded at the following rates from Ghent tq London : — 1 Case weighing from 1 to 4 1b, 2s. 1 Case weighing from 26 to 30 1b. 3s. 6s. 1 „ ,, „ .5 „ 10 „ 2s. 6d. 1 ,, ,, „ 31 „ 50 „ 4». 1 ,, „ „ U „ 25 „ 3s. 1 „ „ „ 51_„lp0 „ 5s. Matted Baskets and Bundles, each, 5s. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE undertakes to forward all packages at the above scale of charges. It has hithOTto been his custom to charge tho uniform rate of 5s. per package, but this he finds unjust : small parcels being therey overcharged. ■rhe advantage of the above system for the buyer will readily be perceived. For example, a party ordering (in proper season) 50 Hyacinths, weighing nearly 10 lb., can now receive these bulba frep, in, London. for 2s. 6(f. ;, 1ition in saying that if side-graftcd on any othur strong Vine, just as the sap Is lising, it will unite immediately, and bear a s.iniplo of bunches the within SIS months from the time of putting the graft. Persons not used to grafting t do it, and the treatment afterwards. Also PI; II ts 1 Gardens, Chad- 1 choose from— St Roynl Nurseries, Ascot, Berks. HEAVIEST " LXNC A S H I R E^« H O \s/~(jO() S E- BERRIES, 4«. to 6s. per dozen Trees; Show and Fancy PANSIES, in great vanety, 4s. to Os. per dozen, 2os. per 100. AUKICULAS. ALPINES, POLYANTHUSES, and DAISIES, also choice PANSY SEED, Is. per packet. John J. Haslam, late John Holland, Bradsh derton, ManchestiT. RASPBERRIES.— Thegreat Cornwa] FIOELIS, yrf. each, Is. per dozen, 40.?. i-i (Iniproveri), 13 stamps per packet. Lists of Lhe selected by Mr. Gtenny — the best an amateur cai lor the postage stamp. PLOTS of FREEHOLD LAND WANTED, and NURSERIES to LET. Geo. Glkkny, Horticultm-a) Agent, Fulham. STRONG STANDARD ^nd DWARF-TRAINED APPLES and PEARS. Pine transplanted LARCH FIR, 1^ to 6 feet and strong DWARF CHINA or MONTHLY RC-SES and general NURSERY STOCK. All tho above are well rooted, and will remove with sifety. Prices on application to Crarlis Burgess, The Nurseries, London Road, Cheltenham M' AGNIFICENT 1) W:\RF ^TRAIN^d'^FHUIT TREES, by the dozen, hundred, or thorsand. APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES NECTARINES, and APRICOTS. Wm, Wood & Sos have many Acres of the above named which for health and vigour are ouite unsurpassed in the Trade The Trees have been most carefully trained, and are really examfles of successful cultivation. Address, Woodlands Nursery, Maresfiold, near Uckfleld, Sussex Large Fruiting Pyramid Pear Trees. JOHN FliASER, The Nurseries. Lea Bridge Road, N.E., begs to Inform purchasers of Fruit Trees that he has on hand a quantity of extra-sized PYRAMIDAL PEAR TREES These Trees are 8 to 10 feet, symmetrically formed, and very hand some. They are also full of bearing wood, so that, in addition to it to the garden, a good crop of Fruit may be planting. As the stock on band Is large. RICHARD SMITH'S FRUIT LIST contains a sketch of the various forms of Trees, with directions for Cultivation, Soil, Drainage, Manure, Pruning. Lifting, Cropping. Treatment under Glass ; also their synonymes, quality, size, form, skm, colour, flosh,^ flavour, use, growth, duration, season, pnce, &o. Free by FIFTY ACRES well stocked with FRUIT TRKES to select from. — APPLES. PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, In every lorm desired for fruiting. See RicnARD Smith's FRUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps. RicoARD Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester, Ij^SPALIER and WALL-TRAINED TREES .Xli In any quantltv.— APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES. NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, flne strong trees of perfect form, Seo Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps. Richard Smith, Nurserj'man, Worcester. A CROP of FRUIT the FIRST SEASON.- Boaring Pyramids and Bushes in pots for orchard houses. PEACHES. NECTARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and CHERRIES. Extra strong VINES and FIGS In ftutting condition for forcing. See Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, post ft-oe for 3 stamps. Richard Smith, Nurseryman. Worcester. Fnilt and Forest Trees. J SCOTT, Marriott, Somerset, oft'era the above in • large quantities, at verj-reduced orices, to extensive Planters, having an extra large breadth of HAZEL (5 Acres), 2 to 5 feet, at from 208. to 35s. per 1000 ; SCOTCH, strong and well grown, 2 to 3J feet, 26s. por lOUU : LARCH, 4 to 6 feet, 20s. per 1000 ; 6 to 6 feet, 2i>s. per 1000 ; and above 600,000 Transplanted THORNS, 16s. to 20.*. per 1000. An extensive Stock of EVERGREEN and ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS, In nil sizes. Cupressus macrocarpa varlegata. TOHN JENNINGS has pleasure in otfering the above fj really liand.'^ome and attractive Cypress. It was awarded a Firfit-class Certificate by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, Dec. 3, 1807. The variegation is creamy white, which renders it very conspicuous. Fine plants, in pots, 21s. each. ;, Shipston-on-Stour. w 100 or 1000. ELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA (the Mammoth Tree), lor ATenues and Parks, very handsome, well furnished speci- ft-equently Transplanted, 3 to 4 feet high, at 24.^. per dozen, 36s. per dozen. A reduction made when taken by the Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. rjUVEJNTY THOUSAND PINUS AUSTRIACA. -L 60,000 6ne Transplanted SCOTCH FIllS. Extra stout well-grown BLACK ITALIAN and LOMBARDY POPLARS, 6 to 10 feet. Wm. Wood & Son, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Sussex. Clearance of Nursery StocH. SCOTCH FIR, 9 to 1,5 ins., 10s. ; 1 to 2 feet, 12.s. 6rf, ; SPRUCE, 9 to 16 inches, 7«. 6ti. ; 1 to Ij ft., 10s. ; 1 to 2 ft., 14.1. ; SILVER Fill, 6 to 12 inches, 10s.; OAK, 9 to 18 inches, 7s. Cd.; 1) to 2) feet, 12,1. 6 Transplanted Forest Trees. WATERER AND GODFREY have :i lai of the following, of a very superior quality :- quantity 3 3 ft. 3 ft. and 3 to 6 n. nd 3 to 6 ft. Austrlaca, 1} t HAZEL, OAK, English, U to 2 ft. QUICK, very strong. a application. Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. Wonersh Nursery, near Guildford, Sxirreyi W VIRGO AND SON be^ to announce that theii • Stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds ifl this season very extensive and well-grown, samples,^ pri' and Catalogues of which c" ' >-'-■---■ ,..-.._. 2fi,000 Hazel, 3 to 6 feet 60,000 Spruce Fir, 2 to 4 feet 20,000 Sycumore, 3 to 4 feet 100,000 Quick, transplanted, 1) t 2 feet I rveroens aquuoiia Pinna Austriaca, 1 to 2 feet | Arbor-vitw And other various Shrubs. A largo stock of strong STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES, APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. 3 3 feet. Ifis. per 1000 HAND R. STIUZAKER offer, of good quality and • well rooted, at the following quotations :— 100,000 ASH, li to 2 feet, 12.'*. 6d. ; 2 to 3 teet, 173. Gd. per lOOO 100.000 BIRCH, n to 2 leet, 20s. ; 2 to 2* feet, 25«. per 1000 160,000 ELM, WVCH, U to 2 feet, I2j*. Gd. ; 2i to 3 feet, Ifi 100,000 HAZEL, 2 to 3 feet, IS-s. ; 3 to 3J feet, 25s. per 1000 100,000 SCOTCH FIR. 1 to 1| feet, 16s. ; 2 to 2* feet. 35s. per 1000 300.000 SPRUCE FiR, 1 to 1} feet, 10s. 6(1. ; IJ to 2 feet, l&t. per 100( 200,000 SYCAMORE, U to 2 feet, 12.-). 6d. ; 2 to 2) feet, ISa. per 1000 30,000 POPLAR. BLACK ITALIAN.2 to3ft.,l8s.;2ito4rt.,2fis.p.l000 lO.OuO WEVMOUTH PINE, 2i to 3 feet, 16s. ; 3 to 31 feet. 20.". n. lOf We can also aiicply two to three millions of ALDER, BEECH, CHESTNUTS (HORSE), LARCH, LIMES, OAKS, AUSTRIAN PINE. POPLAR (of sorU). PLATANUS. PRIVET, SILVER FIR, ENULISH YEWS,BERBERISAQUIFOLIA,&c. Pi application. Skerton Nurseries. Lancaster. RICHARD SMITH'S LIST of all the EVERGREEN FIR TRIBE, suitable for Britain, giving size, price, popular and botanical names, derivations, description, form, colour, foltago, growth, timber, use in arts, native country and B^ " --■■-- , and otlier Information, with copious Index of t M Large Transplanted Thorn, TO 6 Fekt, at 40a. TO 60s. peu Tuolsand. AULE AND SONS have a large Quantity of the above to offer, very suitable for renewing old Hedges, or ?an Immediat* Fence. —The Nurseries, Bristol. ^HREE MILLION strong 4-yr. transplanted QUICK. 1,000,000 good 2-yr. transplanted QUICK. 2,000,000 superior Seedling QUICK. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 4 to 6 feet. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 2 to 4 feet. For samples and prices apply to John Hemslet, High Fields, Melbourne, near Derby. PROFITABLE GAME COVERT.— riant your Game Preserves with the BITTER WILLOW. Neither Hares nor Rabbits will destroy them. Grow quickly, and will form a good per 1000, cash.— Apply ' nmercially profitable, and ' Cutting-, sr ■ ■ ~- J Wm. Scaling, Basford, Notts. of Cutting-, selected, 20«. ITRONG SPRUCE FIR, &c., for COVER. > 60,000 SPRUCE FIR, li to 2 feet, twice transplanted. 60,000 SPRUCE FIR. 2i to 3 feet, twice transplanted. 50,000 strong PRIVET, and 60,000 strong LAURELS. For samples and prices apply to W. Jackson & Co., Nurseries, Bedale, Yorkshire. FOREST TREE SEEDLINGS, &c.— ASH, 2-yr. Seed- tings ; BEECH, l-vr. Seedlings; SCOTCH FIR (NativeJ, 1-yr. Seedlings, extra; SILVER FIR, 2 and 3-yr. Seedlings; LARCH, 1 and 2-yr. Seedlings; LAKCH, l-yr., and 2-yr. one year transplanted. Prices and Famples on application. William Smith & Son, Nurserymen, Aberdeen. Surplus StocK. TO BE SOLD, Cheap, large LOMBARDY POPLARS ; also BEECH. BIRCH. LARCH. FIRS, and WEEPING WILLOWS. DOUBLE FDRZE in 48-pnts), ASPARAGUS (2 and 3-yr.) ; fine SEAKALE. for planting. Price on application to B. Maller, The Nurseries, Lewisham, and Burnt Ash Lane. Leo, S E. Tansley Nurseries, near Matlock. DerbysMre. JOSEPH SMITH, Sen., invites Planters and the Trade to Inspect his Nursery of 80 Acres of high land. The soil Is of a fibrous nature, and the Plants take up witb excellent roots, such as to ensure the best success in their removal. The Nui-sery contains many Hundred Thousands of RHODODEN- DRONS, COMMON and PORTUGAL LAURELS, BOX, BROOMS. BERBERIS, HOLLIES, PRIVETS, YEWS, &c. T.ie FOREST Prices moderate, which can be had on applic Large Evergreens, Specimen Conifers, &c. lit the WATERER AND GODFREY beg following List to the notice of intending pl.nntt YEWS, ENGLISH, 6. fi. 7, «, 10, 12. and 16 feet high „ IRISH, 0, 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ GOLDEN, 6, 6. to 9 feet „ STANDARD GOLDEN, 20 years worked „ ELEG ANTISSIMA, 10 and 16 years old „ „ DOVASTON or WEEPING, flne headSj lOand ISyeara old We havealtogetherthousandsofthesedrfferentYewsof the large sizes. Every plant has been recently removed. HOLLIES, COMMON GREEN, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 15 feet high, and as much in circumference — hundrnds „ LAURIKOLIA and SCOTTICA, 0, 7, S, and 10 feet, and wida in proportion „ WATERER'S, tho hardiest of all variegated Hollies, 4 and 5 feet bv 10 and 12 feet In clrcumfereuce QUEEN, or best gold striped, the handsomest of all „ STANDARD, WATERER'S, and GOLDEN, with fine head*. 15 and 20 years worked C5?' We have some thousands of the ordinary kinds of Variegated Hollies, 4, 6, 6, and 7 feet high. Every plant has been removQjl withiH 12 months. CEDRUS DEODARA, some thousands, 6, 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ ATLANTICA, and Cedars of Lebanon, moved in April, 4, 5, 0. and 8 feet ,. RED VIRGINIANS. 6, C, and 7 feet CHINESE JUNIPER, one of the handsomest and hardiest of all evergreens — thousands of beautiful plants, 4, 6, 0, 7, and 8 feet high ; some magnificent plants, 10, 12, and 15 feet high, 12 to 20 feet in circumference THUJA AUR'rtA, 3, 4, and 6 feet high, 7to 20 feet In clrciinifoience „ GIGANTEA, 10. 12, and 15 feet high, very handsome „ LOBBII, splendid plants, 7, 8, ti?' 10 feet high, and 12 and l6feot round— hundreds CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, the finest stock— many thousands, 6. 7. 8, 10, to 16 feet high, and as much in circumforouco THUJOPSIS BOREALIS, 4, 6, 8, and 10 feet high, 7 to 12 feet In circumference — hundreds PORTUGAL LAUREL, 4 and 6 feet high, 7 and 8 feet round BOX, Green and Variegated, 4, 5. 6, 7, and 8 feet — thousands PICEA NOBILIS, splendid plants, moved in spring, 4, 5, C, and 8 feet „ NORDMANNIANA, 4, 6, 6, 8, 10, and 16 feet high [high Nobilis or NordmannianAS are grafted plants. MAGNIFICA c trade, alt seedling! NordmanniauAS a NOBILIS ROBUSTA, the finest stock 1 4 feet high tha „ LASludARPA, hundreds of plants, 4, 5, C, and 7 feet high, all ABIES DOUGLASSII, 6, 6, 7. and 8 feet [seedlings „ ORIENTALIS, 4, 6, fl, 7, to 10 and 12 feet ; 7 to 20 fcot in cir- cumference ; most beautiful plants PINUS CEMBRA, G, 7, to 9 feet "" - ■ - ndOfeet I 20 feet higb, 15 and 26 feet large number, all removed " " " ■ circumference ce filled healthy almost exclusively with Rhododendrons. A and beautiful stock cannot be desired STANDARD RHODODENDRONS.— Some of the finest plants to be found in any nursery, many are 20 to 40 yeara old C[^ The large Standard and other Rhododendrons planted last spring in Rotten Row, Hyde P.irk, were supplied by Waterke & OonFBET, We do plants will adopt the quote prices, ■ presume purchase! ser, and always m , of seeing and judging for themselv We solicit an" inspection and invite comparison with any other similar nursery stock in the kingdom. The Knap Hill Nursery is upwards of 150 acres In extent, and c I and very superior stock of the ordinary sizod ;.yr.ivvjivE-^^-.o, DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, Ac. A PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE will be forwarded free on application t it & GonFRET, Knap Hill Nui-sery, Woking, Surrey. •y is readily reached by Tr.itn, 40 minutes from Waterloo Conveyances are always to bo had at the Station. LOISE-CHAUVIERE, Seed Grower, Nurseryman, and Florist, 14, Qnai de la MfgiMerie, Paris. Eighty-four Gold and Silver Medals in the fcxhibltiona of Franco, EngUind, Belgium, and Prussia (Gold Medal, Universal Exhibition of 1S07). By appointment Seedsman to the Emperor. „_, _ . All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGR1CDLTUR.VL SEEDS caa be bupplled. Including— GRKEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET (true seed). RED-TOP „ >. " IMPERIAL „ M , ,, " Lowest price for ca-ih ou application The most complete collection of GLADIOLI. CATALOGUES on application. TFF, rTA1?T»ENET?S' CFROTS^OT-K AND ACTTCFTTTTFAT, GAZETTE. [Febeuaet 29. 1868. GENUINE FARM SEEDS. JAMES VEITCH & SONS BEG TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEIR CATALOGUE OF AGRICULTURAL SEEDS FOR 1867 Is Publishing, aud will be forwardpd Free on application. Special attention is devoted to the preparation of GR\SS SEED MIXTURES, to suit all soils and situations. These Mixtures cannot be surpassed in quality. TURNIP, MANGEL -ffORZEL, and other SEEDS from the most carefully grown and best selected stocks. Where large quantities are required, J. V. & Sons wiH have much pleasure in quoting special prices. ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, CHELSEA, 8.W. SPLENDID NEW PLANT, GESNERIA EXONIENSIS, NOTV IN BLOOM— HAS BEEN SO FOE THE LAST FIVE JIOKTHS. LUCOMBE, PINCE, & CO. Beo to invite an inspection of this magnificent Plant, considered by competent judges to be by far the most beautiful Plant that ever was offered. EXETER miRSERY, EXETER. It will be figured from a Drawing by Mr. Jas. Andrews shortly. ECLIPSE BROCCOLI. DAVIDSON'S ECLIPSE BEOCCOLI, "Which is uow ofl'ciod for the first time, is a superb dwarf-growing late sort, reconmicnileJ for its extreme hardiness. The heads, which are of a creamy wliite colour, are very large and firm, and most delicious in flavour. In P. L. & Son's Sealed Packets, Is. 6d. each.. Special offer to the Trade on application. ^' A SPECIAL LIST of NOVELTIES can also be had. PETER LAWSON and SON, EDINBURGH ; and 20, BUDGE ROW, CANNON STREET, LONDON. E.C. NEW ZONAL PELARGONIUM, EGYPTIAN QUEEN. THIS SPLENDID TAKIETY, WHICH WAS AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE AT THE ROYAL HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW, AT SOUTH KENSINGTON, In the Autumn of 1867, and is decidedly the best Bicolor Zonal yet exhibited, will be ready Foa sending out on THE 1st op Mat. Orders are now being booked, and will be executed in strict rotation. Description. — Darkest bronze yet seen on bright golden-yellow ground ; leaves of extraordinary substance, consequently resisting sun and r.lin ; form of leaf round, and surface flat ; habit, dwarf, bushy, and very hardy. Was planted out last season with all the older Golden Bronze Zoned Varieties, and stood the variable season better than any. Will be exhibited at all the London Horticultural and Botanical Societies' Shows in London this season. Figured in " Floral Magazine " for January, 1868. Plates (by Andrews) may be had, Is. each. Single Plants, price 10s. 6d. JAMES CAHTBR and CO., 237 and 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. NEW TRICOLOR PELARGONIUM, COUNTESS of CRAVEN. TO THIS SPLENDID VARIETY WAS AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE At the Special Exhibition of Tricolor Pelargoniums, held at South Kensington, on the 17th of September last ; at the same time it was awarded a First-class Certificate by the Floral Committee. After having received the above awards, we think it useless to say more than that the habit of the plant is very free, leaf round and flat, has an even and well defined margin of golden yellow, with a rich crimson and bronze zone, encircling a deep green centre. Plants ready 1st of May next, 21s. each. TRICOLOR PELARGONIUM, QUEEN VICTORIA. THIS FINE VARIETY WAS AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE At the above-named Exhibition, i Strong Plants now ready, 10s. 6d. each. SPLENDID NEW SCARLET VERBENA, SHAKESPEARE. This is undoubtedly the finest Sc;iiict Verbena evci offered. Truss and pip exceedingly large and smooth, of a rii.h orange scarlet, stroufj free habit. Was awarded a First-class Certificate by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1866, and would have been sent out last spring but that the stock was nearly lost in the ^°*'^''- Plants ready last week in April, 5s. each. PERKINS AND SONS, PARK NURSERY, COVENTRY. See former Advertisements, of Feb. 8, page 122, for PRIZE MEDALS, &o.; Feb. 15, page 150, for very CROICE PEIMULA, CALCEOLARIA, CINERARIA, and a few other Specialities, including; STANDEN'S GARDENER'S AND AMATEUR'S FRIEND, THOMSON'S STYPTIC, FOWLER'S INSECTICIDE, kc. SECOND EDITION of SEED CATALOGtri? now ready. Disappointed applicants for the First Edition may now hare Copies. BARR & SUQDEN, TUE METEOPOLITAN SEED, BULB, AND PLANT WAKEHOUSE, 12, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. HOME-GROWN SEEDS, PURE AND GENUINE, 80 FAR AT LEAST AS TF IS DESIUABLE TO HAVE HOME-GRO"WX SEEDS. Some there are, however, which require the sunny clime of Italy for their maturition, and these we have saved specially for us. FOR WINTER DECORATION. MELVILLE'S VARIKGATE D TRIPLE CURLED BORECOLE, Is. per packet SNOW'S IMPROVED WINTER WHITE BROCCOLI, 2.-. C,d. p. pkt. BACKHOUSE'S WINTER WHITE BROCCOLI, 2s. 6rf. per pkt. OSBORNE'S WINTER WHITE BROCCOLI, Is. per racket KNICKERBOCKER CAULIFLOWIilR, an escecdiugly vjluablo now Into vnrictj", 2s. tirf. per packet LENORMAND'S NEW SHORT-STEMMED PARIS MARKET CAULIFLOWER, 2s. Gd. per pa<;kut LEMAITRE'S SHORT-STEMMED PARIS MARKET CAULl FLOWER, 28. 6d. per packet COVENT GARDEN IMPROVED CRIMSON BEET, undoubtedly the best nf all, Is. 6d. per ounces NEW CRIMSON-LEAVED BEET, selecte'i purposely for the decoration of the flower gardun. Is. per packet BARR'S INTERNATIONAL WHITE SPINE CUCUMBER, the best of all for ashibitiou purposes, 2.-^. 6d. per packet BAKR'S WINTER PROLIFIC CUCUMBER, the beat of aU for eeneral crop and for winter use, 2s. 6d. per packet HIBBERD'S PROLIFIC EARLY VEGETABLE MARROW, undoubtedly the best flavoured, the eaniest, the uio&t pro- ductive, and the most elegant of the Vegetable MaiTOWS, U. and 2s. Crf. per picket COVENT GARDEN SUMMER GIANT WHITE COS LETTUCX the finest flavoured, the cri.'ipeat, and the best for withstanding hot weather, Is. per packet COVENT GARDEN GIANT SUMMER GREEN COS LETTUCE, like the above, the best of this class, Is. per picket The FRENCH BREAKFA-ST RADISH, the earliest, the most forward, crist>est, aud the best flavoured of Radishes, Gd. aud Finest MIXED GRASS SEEDS, for improving old or laying-down new Lawns, Bowling Greens, and Croquet Grounds, 203. per bushel, or Is. per lb. AGRlCOLTURAL SEEDS, piue and genu SWEDES, MANGELS, 4c, 16 best "STYTTIC" for HORTICULTURAL SURGERY is THOMSON'S STYPTIC. Sold in bottles, 3s. each. No Gardener shoutfi be without this article, beiug an eflectual remedy agaiost the Bleedinc of Spring-pruned Vines, and a good preventative gainst Geraniuui Cuttings, &c., dampin KSl "INSECTICIDE" is FOWLER'; litmting every description of Parasitic Pests which infest Stovt andGreeuhouse Plants. Sold in Jars, Is. 6d., 3«., Gs. 6d., and 10s. each. TbebBSt" MANURE " far encouraging a free and vigorous growth in Flowering Plants, Fruit Trees, and VeRetables, is STANDEN'S GARDENER'S and AMATEUR'S FRIEND. Sold In Canisters, is., 2s, 6(1., 6s. 6d., 103, Qd., and 2l8. each. FebBTJABT 29, 1868.] THE TtAT^T^I^NET^S' nTTRONTrT,?, AND AOTtTOmTTTR \T, GAZETTR SUTTONS' GEASS SEEDS ' FOK ALL SOILS (CARRIAGE FREfi). SUTTON & SONS H POSSESS ?>v W >V PKEPARE Onp of the most ^^^^^wTj Mixtures fori <:ompletc Stocks ^^/^^^i^'^V^ every description of soil ; therefore in ordering it, it is only necessary' to state the nature «f the s<»l) aaicl in Europe of TEEMANENT NATURAL GKASSES, which may bo li a J separntfly or mixed foi- any soil or climate. suitable S6eds "wilL be supplied. SUTTONS GRASS SEEDS AI THE PARIS EXHIBITION. " Parts ExMbitlon, Dec. 19, 1867. " Gentlemen.— Ab you principally exhibited Grass Seeds at the Pans Exhibition, you may fairly claim to have received the Sliver Medal awarded to you as an Award for the Grass, as well as for the other Seeds you exhibited. " I am. Gentlemen, your obedient Serrant, '• E. a. WYLDE, " Secretary to the Executive Commission. " Messrs. Sutton & Sous." BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS AT THE Crystal palace. Tlio beautiful evergreen turf at the Crystal Palace was pioduced by BUTTONS' FINE URASS ami CLOVER SEEDS. PRICES OF SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS FOR ALL SOILS; Special quotations given for large quantities. FOR PERMANENT I'ASTCRE. BUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE for the following soils :- STIFF CLAYS I MEDIUM LOAMS I SHARP GRAVELS HEAVl" LOAMS I LIGHT SAKDS | CHALKY UPLANDS 30s. to 32s. per acre, carriage free. 2 bush. Grass Seeds and 121b. Clovers supplied per acre. From Mr. T. Vkbxos, Stclcard to the Klght Hon. Lord Ciiltioys, S('>nor Park. Measra. Sutto!!.— "Tho PeniHinent Grass Seed you supplied mo witb Iftst year has giveu a very ljrst-rat.0 plaDt ; in Met, any quo would thiQk that the land had beoQ laid dowQ several years." BUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE for the above soils, 2 Is. to 26s. jier acre, carriage free. SDITONS" CHEAPER MIXTURE, 21s. per acre, cwriago free. FOR THREE AND FOUR YEARS' LAY. SUTTON.S' BEST MIXTURE, 22». per acre, carriage free. From JofeKPH KiREUAM, Esq., JUD., Terrfftf/ton. Messrs. SrTToS.—"*l'ho Four Years* Lay Seeds I had from you ha*e 1 well ; and although I had a heary crop of Oilts, there hag CARTER'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. J feed than I ever saw before. I liave had 100 lambs on tho 10 acres for a long time, but It appears to grow almost as fast as they eat it." CniiAPER MIXTURE, 205. per ocre. carriage tree. FOR TWO YEARS' LAY. [free. SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE, 17s. Gd. per acre, caaiugc From Mr. Williai* Johtb, AgeM to E. P. Monkton, Esq.. during my residence liere (1864 and 18i55), have given every sati; tion ; indeed, In 1805, when all aeoda around me were a failure, 1 had such an atnindaut crqp of your * Two Years' Lay Seeds,' that out of 1 I mowed ^0 aerea twice in that season, and the mowings together avfiraged quite three tons per a Second Qnallfy Mixtures Che(^er, FOR ONE YEAR'S LAY. Ffree. SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE, 13s. Qd. per acre, carriage /Torn R. BiHD Thompsok, Esq.. Fnt Chase. Messrs. Sctton.— " The Seeds for One Year's Lay hod from Messrs. SuTTOW turned out tvonderfuUv. The mowers stated they had not seen such a crop for yean, and that it was like cutting into a wall. They said it was 4 leet high. Certainly it was the finest crop Mr. Btfd Thompson ever saw." Second Quality Minctures Cheaper. Per buahel.— », d. \ Per bvishel.— s. S. For PARK GROUNDS . . IG 0 For GARDEN LAWNS . . 20 0 For CRICKET GROUNDS 18 0 1 For CROQUET GROUNDS 2« 0 i Good CLOVER SEEDS at market prices. Samples and lowest price per cwt. on application. SUTTONS' Selected MANGEL WUEZEL, TUBNIP, and other FARM SEEDS, as see SUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, Gratis and Post Free on application. I^" All Goods Carriage Free, except very small pareeh. Fiv^ per Clint, discount allowed for Cash Paymcuf. SUTTON AND SONS, ROYAL BEBKSHIRB SEED ESTABLISHMEKT, READING. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, PARIS, 1867, WAS AWARDED TO JAMES CARTER & CO.; And their GRASS SEEDS produced the BEAUTIFUL TURF, so much admired by English Visitore at the Paris Exhibition. Seeds Direct from tbe Growers TllF. BbST MeABB of Plli:VE«TlSO DlBAPPOlNTMENT. SUTTONS' PllICEl) CATALOGUE of GENUINE IIOME-OROWN SEEDS !» now ready, and may bo hod gratis and poMt froo on application, Sutton & Sons, hoed Growere. Iteading^ __ British Fern Catalogue. J^OBERT SIM will si-nd, post tree for six postage sh Ft TIVE CATaLiJGUIC R AYNIiIRD, CALlil'i Ml i. I'. \\\ I i:t,l':, l)OWLlNG, AND CoMl'ANI [Lnmieai. Corn, Seed, MA^UH^ and Oiloa&e MKHOiiAKTa. Address, 8J>^eed Market, Mark Lane, E.C. ; or Uastjigstoko, To the Trade— Continental Rower seeds, &c. FW. WENDKL, Seed Mehchant and Guoweu, • Erftirt, Pnissia. bogs to announce tbat his WIir)LKSAXE CATALOGUE of the atjovo is now ready, atnl may bo biid ft-co and post p:iid on ajiplication to bis Agent,, Geo. Macintosu, Nurseryman and Headsman, Hlgb Road, Hammersmith, London, W. Cut Camellia Flowers. JHALLY, NuitfEUYMAN, Bhickheath and Leo, has a • good assortment of flae DOD BLE WHITES and other leading kinds, which he ia now Bending, carefully packed, to all parts of the Kingdom. Prices on uppliciition. Direct to J. Hally, Turner Road, Lee, Kent, S.E. Modest and Moderate. W001> AND INGHAM'S "Modest and Modi'vatc" DESCRIITIVE PRICED CATALOGUE of KITCHEN GARDEN and FLOWER SEEDS, comprising all the most valuable Novoities of the season, with the choicest Collections of German Seed.s from the best growers, is now ready, and will be sent free on application. Nm-series, Huntingdon. THOMPSON, SKEDsTiANTTavern Street" "lps\vich, • resiJect fully invites the attention of Amateurs to his choice PAKIS, 1&67 CAKTER'S " PARIS MIXTURE " of the FINEST PERMANENT GRASSES and CLOVERS, 365. per acrei CARTER'S "OWN MIXTURE" for the FORMATION of PERMANENT PASTURES, 2Fli. to 32s. per aire. CARTER'S FINE RYE-GRASSES and CLOVERS for ALTERNATE HUSBANDRY, of pure quality, fur One Year's Laj', 13s. 6d. per acre ; Two Yeare' Lay, 17s. 6rf. per acre ; Three Years' Lay, 22s. per acre. FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. had u It includes Seeds i i be met A 13A5I FORSYTE'S CATALOGUE for 1868 is now XA. ready, and will be forwarded to all applicants for one stamp. It contains a select List of Jfl'ew and choice Chrysanthemums, George's New Tropieolums ; New Double, Variegated, Zonal, and other Geraniums; Dahlias, Verbenas, Fuchsias, and Miscel- laneous Bedding Plants ; also a Practical Treatise (with Illustra- tions) on the Culture of the Chrvsauthemum. Brunswick Nursery, Stoko Newington, London, N. GRA^D "lIOltTICULTURAL " EXHIBITION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 16 to 23, 1808. Amoncst various Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Celliiii Cup), VALUE £21. will be offered bv the Proprietors of tho GARDENERS' CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAt GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows : — 6i FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Diah of each :— Grapes, Melons (2 fruits). Strawberries, Gooscbernes, Culrants, Chctries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 1RIJ7). Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kiTids, ocjo basket or bundle of each :— Pea^?, French Be.ius (or Scarlet Runners), Broad Beans, Cauliflowers, Cucumbers (bi ace), Summer Cibba^cs, Early Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatos, or Mixed Saladlug. This Prize will be ooen to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners,' of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetn.ble3 of their QiK-n yroi ' the exhibitor. nng. any article otherwise obtained will disqualify LONDON, 1862. THE ONLY MEDAL FOR SEEDS. CARTER'S GRASS and CLOVER SEEDS for IMPROVING OLD PASTURES, 9rf. per lb. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS fbr PABE LAWNS, 16s. per bushel. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for CRICKET GROUNDS, 20s. per bushel. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for CROQUET GROUNDS, 20s. per bushel. CjUITER'S GRASS SEEDS for CHURCHYARDS, I6«. per bush«l. Tho above Mixtures are prepared from Btocks of tho finest quality, and are specially suited to particular Soils and Situations. CARTER'S SPECIAL ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE OF FARM SEEDS, Forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER and CO., SEED FARMERS, 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. €Ue i5artrenersi'®fttouicle» SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 1868. MEETINGS FOR THE ENSirrNG "WEEK. JIONDAY, March 2— Entomological 7 p.m. I Royal Horticultunil (Fruit and Floral Ti'EsnjLY, — 3< Committees). ii.t Soutn Kensington ..11a.m. I Ditto fGcneral Meeting) 3p.«. TnoESDAT, — 5— Linnean 8 p.m. Visitors to the Continent in the summer months can hardly fail to be struck with tho employment of certain plants for decorative pur- poses, of which wo, in this countiy, make com- pal-atively little use. Here, if a few Orange trees or Portugal Laurels, perchance a Pome- granate, are grown in tubs and put on to the terrace in summer time, il f eems to be considered that enough has been d vi e in that way. There is no reason, however, why many other plants should not be used in like manner. We well remember the beautiful effect proditced on a quay, fronting the lake of Lucerne, by a number of standards of this kind, including tiot only the plants wo have mentioned, but Pitto-sporums, Yellow Jasmines, Evergreen Oaks, Euonymus, Aucubas, and Pigs. At Tienua a similar assort- ment may be seen in front of some of the principal cafes, where one may sit in the open street under tho shadow of the Pomegranate and the Oleander. Thislatter plant, too, is an immense favourite with the Parisians. In fact, the Oleander forms, with the Myrtle and the Pomegranate, one of the most important articles of Parisian commercial horticulture. The reasons for this are obvious, the elegant habit, glossy foliage, profusion of bright rosy or white flowers, endowed, moreover, with an agreeable almond-like perfume, offer recommendations liardly to be exceeded by those of other plants. The culture, moreover, is easy. Indifferent as to tho treatment it receives in winter, it may be kept in cellars or garrets— almost anywhere, m fact ; hence its frequency abroad in the windows of the artisan and at the "doors of the merchant s offace. The shrub may be propagated either by layers or by cuttings ; but of late years, in France, the former method has been abandoned, as it is found that cuttings produce plants of better habit, and m THE GARDENERS' CHRONTCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Pebetiaet 29, 1868. greater numbers. It was from cuttings that those beautiful little Oleanders exhibited in the reserve garden of the late Paris Exhibition, in the first fortnight of June last, by M. CllEVET, were obtained. A woU-kiiown French horticulturist, M. Chate, fils, who has had great experience in the culti- vation of this plant for the last 25 years, has obhgingl}' communicated to us the details of his method of cultivating this plant, which .are as follows : — " If layers be roquii'ed, about the end of April or beginning of May, a period when in Paris greenhouse plants are placed in the open air, some old stocks of Oleander are planted out in the soil, previously trenched and well manured. At the end of a mouth these stocks are rooted in the soil, and then all the branches are bent down to the ground and fixed in that position with pegs. They are then covered with soil about 15 to 20 centimetres (6 to 8 inches) deep, taking care to leave the extremities uncovered. The branches are copiously watered, especially when the roots begin to be formed. In the early part of August the branches are cut through, and thus sepa- rated from the parent stool without disturbing the roots. About the beginning of September the young plants aro placed in pots proportioned to their size. Formerly gardeners used to layer at once into j)ots, thinking that by adopting the method thus described, they would lose their plants. They also used to cut the branches, as they would do with Pinks, at the places where they wished to secure the formation of roots. But after a time, it was found that this practice was unnecessary. It was even seen to pi'event the free development of the plant, which thus became less vigorous than when layered in the soU. Although layering secures the formation of strong plants quicker than propagation by catlings, the plants are not of such good habit, and are not multiplied so rapidly as by cuttings. These may be obtained, at any season when the two principal requisites for the formation of roots — heat and moisture — can be secured ; the best cuttings, nevertheless, aro those raised in April, in pots or pans filled with good light soil mixed with a little peat. The cuttings should bo taken with little shoots obtained from the two-year-old wood, and the whole should be placed on a hot-bed capable of giving from 30' to 35° Cent, (about 85°— 95° P.) of heat. Under such circumstances the cuttings will root in from 50 to 60 days. As soon as they are rooted they are exposed gi-adually to the air ; they are repotted so that they may be placed dui'ing the summer in the open air. Numerous washings with Tobacco water aro very serviceable in preventing the attacks of aphides. As soon as the plants attain a height of from 50 to 60 centimetres (about 20 inches) the shoots aro stopped, in order to induce the formation of flowering branches. In order to form a little stem, the buds which would be formed at from 19 to 20 centimetres (about 8 inches) from the ground are sup- pressed. The plants should be repotted when occasion demands. The shrub needs especially copious waterings and frequent dressings with Tobacco-water, to prevent the ravages of the numerous insects with which it is liable to be infested under negligent cultivation. Air, moisture, and heat^theso are the three chief requisites for the successful culture of the Oleander." Indeed, the cultm-al details are so simple, that we greatly wonder that more use is not made of the plant in this country. Surely it might be well pruned or grafted to form a little standard for the table decoration, in the way adopted with such excellent results in the case of Mi-. Paxil's double crimson Thorn. We may add that this is one of the plants cuttings of which root most freely in water. Some of the nicest little plants we have seen of this shrub were grown in old pickle bottles by a bed-ridden pensioner, whose bed was placed adjacent to the window in which his gardening operations were carried on. What a subject for a painter — what a lesson for a moralist ! Our correspondent? who ask for inform.ation about their Vines, will be almost weary of the constant injunction " Look to the Eoots." We have, however, before us, as we believe, an entirely new affection , and unhappily a very serious one, in which the roots are the seat of mischief. It will, jierhaps, be remembered that in November last a little gall on Vine leaves was noticed (p. 1 1 42, 1867,) in which an insect allied to Coccus was found, surrounded by a host of eggs and young brood. On looking at the roots in question, we at first suspected that the young from these galls had gone down into the ground after exclusion from the eggs, and had attached themselves to the roots. I3ut on close examination under the microscope, it appeared that the little insects, however similar in colour and general appear- ance, had produced, like the larger ones in the gaUs, perfect eggs. We have no measurement of the eggs fj-om the galls, but as far as our recollection goes these aro much smaller, not exceeding the sixtieth of an inch in their longer diameter. The mother insects are themselves from the 27th to the 33d of an inch long ; vary- ing, however, much in size, according to age. They have about 14 annular divisions, 6 feet each of four joints, and two autennre of two short and one longer joint. The colour is of a pale brownish j'ellow or buff, and the form varies from subelliptic to obovate. Such at least is the result of our observations from the few specimens before us, which are so delicate that a very slight touch destroys them. They nestle in little canities in the surface of tho roots, inducing decay which penetrates in the form of little cankerous spots, and sometimes extends to the centre, cutting off tho supply of noui'ishment. It is very difficult to suggest a remedy, as matters applied to the roots, with a view to destroy the insects, might destroy the roots themselves. Where the number of plants is small, and their size manageable it might be well to try the effect of a judicious fumigation with tobacco-smoke, and repotting in entirely new compost. We shall probably have an oppor- tunity in the autumn of re-examining the Vine- galls, and ascertaining the comparative size of the insects and eggs. M. J. B. An instance of Pasciation in the flower-slalk of a Vine recently submitted to us is tho more inte- resting as it gives rise to the appearance as if an ordinary barren shoot instead of bearing leaves only had produced flowers. This appearance arises from tho fact that the flattened flower-stalk in the case before us was placed in a line with the main stem, and not at an angle with it as usual; but this is simply owing to the circumstance that the flower-stalk had not yet assumed its more or less horizontal direction, and the axillary bud or eye, which usually assumes a vertical direction, had been only partially developed. That the structure in question is due to the dilatation and partial splitting of one flower-stalk into two, is obvious on a close examination. In the Cycl.imen a similar tendency of one or more parts of the flower to subdivide into two or more is manifested. To Mr. R. De.in we are indebted for flowers which have at first sight the appearance as if two were joined together, but on closer examination it will be seen that while all the parts of the flower, except tlie petals, are present in their usual numbers, neither more nor less, the corolla consists of ten petals in one row, the additional five being clearly formed by a splitting of each one into two ; the plan of the flower, which under ordinary circumstances is circular, thus becomes elliptic, or oblong. Were these ten petals, instead of being separate for more than half their length, still undivided (fused together), the appearance would be precisely analogous to that of the Vine above alluded to— mutatis mvtandis. Another Cyclamen, for which we are also indebted to Mr. Dean, was remarkable for bearing on a long stalk, springing from the ordinary bulb, a tuft of leaves and flowers, thus reminding one of the condition which occurs occasionally in the Chinese Primrose, and con- stantly in Primula imperialis. The careful investigation, writes the Scientific Review, of the decayed matter which is contained in the interior of the trunks of old trees has led M. J. Lefokt to the discovery of a new acid, to which he attributes the formula C" H" O" 4 HO, and has given the name of Xtli c Aci D. Isolated from the substances by which it is accompanied^ it has the form of a hard, black substance, with a vitreous fracture, possessing the appearance of jet ; this substance would appear to form the basis of all the compounds hitherto studied under the names of XJlmic and Humic acids. At a late sitting of the Society des Ingenieurs Civils, M. Routek read a paper on the process of Sylviculture followed during the last 40 years by M. de CouRVAL, on asurface of .lOOO acres. This process simply consists m thinning the branches on ajudicious principle. Observation has shown that the sap only produces wood after it has passed through the leaves. Hence, in thinning the branches, the principle to be kept in view is to prevent the sap from exercising its functions to the detriment of the trunk. The nearer the branches approach to a vertical direction the stronger they grow ; consequently, verticality should, as a rule, be exclusively reserved to the trunk from the roots to the apex, so as to secure to it, as neiirly as possible, the whole of the wood-producing power. Not only the vertical, but also some of the horizontal branches, should be lopped off, with the same view ; and, as the tree reaches a certain height, the lower branches should be removed all round. Here also M. de CouRVAL has introduced an innovation. Generally the branches are lopped off at a certain distance from the trunk, a practice which frequently leads to caries, extending to the trunk, and thus causing the destruc- tion of the tree. M. de Couhval cuts them flush to the trunk, and protects the wound with coal tar. In this way the solution of continuity is speedily covered over again with new wood and bark, and no caries occurs. According to another forester, M. Flachat, this system of thinning would have another advantage, that of preventing the fibres of the trunk from growing in a spiral instead of vertical direction, a defect which is attributed to the action of the wind when it is allowed too great a hold on the branches. With reference to the International Flower Show of 1869, at St. Petersburg, we are able to announce that the following preliminary general points, having received Imperial sanction, have been definitely adopted : — Sect. I. The International Exhibition of objects connected with gardening at St. Petersburgh will be opened early in May, 1869, jind will remain open 14 days. Sect. 2. The purpose of this Exhibition is not only to mako Russian gardeners better acquainted with the state of horti- culture abroad, but also to facilitate intercommunication by bringing them into contact with those of other coimtries, so that foreign novelties may become more accessible to them, and in return a readier outlet found for the peculiar pro- ductions of Russian horticulture. Sect. 3. Objects admitted for exhibition : — A. Flowering plants, ornamental foliage plants, and economical plants. B. Vegetables and fruits, both fresh and dried, or pre- served, c. Objects of all kinds employed for decoration in window, conservatory, and out-door gardening. D. Garden utensils and implements. E. Plans and drawings of gardens and garden struc- tures, designs and plans of the best heating apparatus, &c. Sect. 4. The Exhibition to take place in the Michael Riding School (im Lokale der Michaelsmanege). Sect. 5. In connection with the Exhibition a Congress of botanists, gardeners, and amateurs, will assemble for tho purpose of conjointly deciding questions of general interest. Sect. 6. The management of the Exhibition will be entrusted to a Committee elected by the Society, subject, however, to the direct co-operation and authority of the principals of the Society. Sect. 7. The Exhibition Committee will consist of a President, a Vice-President, members, a Treasurer, and two Secretaries, to be chosen from the actual members of the Society. Sect. 8. The terms of competition will be fixed in a special programme, which will be laid before the Society for exami- nation and confirmation. This programme will be sent to all the Horticultural Societies, and to all the better known personages connected with gardening, with a request to take part In the Exhibition. Sect. 9. To facilitate the transport of objects to and from the Exhibition, the railway, steam-boat, and other companies will be treated with relative to the moderation of the scale of charges, &c. Sect. 10. After the Exhibition is closed a lottery will take place, chiefly for the purpose of diposing of those productions sent from a great distance. Sect. 11. To make the stay of guests at St. Petersburg during the Exhibition as agi-eeable as possible, it is proposed : A. That individual members lodge guests. B. That arrangements be previously made with tho piincipal hotel and lodging-house proprietors as to the charges for board and lodging. Sect. 12. To give visitors an opportunity of seeing tho curiosities of St. Peterburg, excursions in and about the town will be organised during the Exhibition. Sect. 13. A banquet will be given to the foreign guests and judges, to which also all members of the Society will be admitted on payment of the amount of their covers. Sect. 14. On the day the prizes are awarded, a breakfast wil be served on the grounds for tho judges. Sect. 15. The members of the Botanical Congress will choose a President, two Vice Presidents, and three Secretaries, from among themselves, who will keep the register of proceedings during the sittings. Sect. 16. The official language of the Congress will be French, but the right for every one using his own language will be reserved. Sect. 17. The Congress will hold three meetings. Sect. 18. At each sitting a question of general interest, and specially important for Russia, will be propounded for deliberation. Sect. 19. Should circumstances render it desirable, the Congress may resolve itself into two or more sections, each with its own President, Vice-Presidents, and .Secretaries, in order hereby to obtain for individual questions an impartial and exhaustive discussion. New Plants. L.ELIA ALBIDA, var. TUCKEEI. Grandlflora, sepalis petalisque amethystinis, tabelli lacinia antica purpurea, carinis gerainis a basi labelli in basi laciniee anticie ev,anescentibus. Tar. BBUNNEA. Flore miuore, sepalis pet.alisque cinnamomeis, labelli lacinia antica cinuamomea, disco albido flaccido, reliquo labello ac columna albidis, purpureo striolatis, carinis geminis a basi labelli in discum lacinise anticas. Var. OCHBACEA. Flore adhuc ralnore, sepalis petalisque pallida ochracels, labelli lacinia antica pallide ochracea, reliquo disco ac columna albis purpureo striatis suffusisque, carinis omnibus xantbinis a basi lal>elli in discum lacinise anticas ibi carinato radian- When we opened, by candle light, the last box sent us by our highly valued correspondent, Mr. Stuart Low, we were not a little puzzled to see at once three different flowers we had never seen before. Another look and we began to suppose the mysterious flowers belonged to varieties of the old Ijselia albida. And when Mr. Low's ^ letter came we were ple;ised to read that he had himself, much to his credit, formed the same opinion. There had, indeed, twice previously been noticed varieties of the plant. Mrs. Lawrence, of Ealing Park, the enthusiastic lover of Orchids, and tho formidable terror of gardeners, had flowered a variety with a purplish lip. (Lindley, Bot. Reg. xxxix., misc. 16.) Galeotti observed amidst a pro- fusion of the common plant in the cold regions above Oaxaca a specimen with light rosy sepals and petals, and a purplish lip. The pretty plant was abused by M. Achille Richard as the type of the so-called species," Lselia discolor. (MM. Rich, and Fedbuaet 29, lids.] THE GAKDENERS' CITRONICLE AND AGHICULTURAL GAZETTE. 209 Gal. Ann. des So. Nat. 1815, Jan. 23.) And now we get three new varieties at once. The var. ochracea will not be very extraordinary in the eyes of an amateur. Its merit is to have many more crests on the lips than Mr. Bateman allowed his species to bear. It li;v.s pallid brown sepals and petals, a lip with a brownish anterior part, a white disk, some purplish veins on the lateral segments, and some purple on the front of the column. The var. brunnea is much handsomer. It has an asto- nishing resemblance to the flowers of Dendrobium oymbidioides. Both sepals and petals are of a beautiful horse-chestnut brown, as also the anterior part of the lip. The base of it has beautiful purplish veins ; the only two crests are yellow ; the column as in ochracea. The finest of the batch is, however, the splendid Tuckeri, the large flowers of which are of the most beautiful amethyst, as if they were those of Tanda teres itself. The anterior part of the lip is of the deepest purple ; the other parts are clearer. There are but two yellow spots before the end of the two crests of the lip. The column is whitish, with a few purplish streaks. It is at Mr. Low's request that we name it Tuckeri, in honour of his coKector, Mr. Tucker, who would appear to be most talented in hunting La;lias, and who will appear to gardeners in a much better light than that Mr. Tucker, whose fate it was to give his name to the formidable " Oidium." If the enormous specimen of Lffilia albida from Mr. Day's collection was of this variety, it would no doubt be one of the greatest vegetable wonders of the world. Provided var. Tuckeri is not a mule (which no one can decide at present), we have here only three varieties. Yet they would add a great charm to any collection — no doubt a greater one than many true species. We feel persuaded English amateur collectors are mufh too reasonable to despise good varieties, because they do not increase the number of species. Alas! this is the feeling of some Continental amateurs. Hence the eternal wish of some nurserymen that all their varieties should be named " species," "new species" — which would appear to be the best passport in the eyes of many. We are afraid the discussion is needless as to our varieties— at least we hear Tuckeri is unique ! If, indeed, Mr. Low would dispose of it, we should wish to see the fortunate new possessor named in the Oardeners^ Chronicle. Here is no emharras de richesse; here is emlarras de pauvrete. H. O. Echb.fil. natural sadness of decay, and that sabbath of the ground and fallow time, which will be followed, we know, by a noble harvest ; we must all of us deplore the autocracy of desolation which supervenes, in so many gardens, and in such woeful contrast, the season called bedding-out. My own bright hope and expecta- tion is, that tlie time will come when, by a tasteful combination of hardy with tender plants, our gardens may never again be left void, " and long, and lank, and brown," as now ; when, after the glowing splendours of the summer fade, much that is bright, and fresh, aud cheerful, shall still remain to us, as much in harmony with the duller seasons and with the sur- rounding scene as the brilliancy of scarlet and golden flowers, with emerald verdure and blue sunlit sky. When I look at the bounteous infinity of Nature in foliage. Grass, and frond; at shrubs of variegated and flossy leaf— such, for instance, as the Holly and i lUonyraus, and countless others, which are naturally dwarf, or may be artificially kept so ; at the ground , plants of perpetual freshness, the Sedums and Ivies, for exarajjle, which grow by the hundred on our rockeries ; when I see, as I do from the window by [ which I write, how many of my bedding-out plants have retained through the winter, and still retain, a , prettiness and grace— the Violas, the Cerastium, the 1 Arabis, the Stachys, the Chrysanthemum " Sensation," j with its bright undergrowth— I cannot doubt that in the good time coming I shall see the fulfilment of my i hope. Meanwhile I am reminded, as I look out of window, j that I have to do with horticulture not in posse, but in esse. The time for spring propagation is at hand ; the time for bedding-out is imminent. What shall we propagate ? How snail we arrange when propagated ? How, remembering my garden in 18G7, shall I make it more beautiful in 18G8? S. S. S. MY GARDEN IN 1357. Chapter III.— Bedding-Out. Wbitinq for recruits and not for veterans, for freshmen and not for dons, I may, perhaps, adventure a few hints as to the beds themselves before I speak of their occupants. AThatever may be the plan and form — and it would be useless on this point to insist upon specific outlines, because success depends on adaptation, and every garden should have a design of its own — I would content myself with asking that the beds may be of sufficient size to do justice to the beauty of the flowers, and that there may be no sharp points, acute angles, or other pigmy formations. Warming-pans of Lobelia, music-stools of Verbena, and even pork-pies of Amaranthus I have seen, and shuddered ; and long spikes, and sharp corners, and sudden bends of soil, which the plants were expected to fill, but didn't, are equally a trying sight. Such beds as are wholly cleared (I will explain hereafter the reservation implied), when time has bereft them of charms once divine, should be well dug over, the edges cut clean and sharp, the surface soil broken small and levelled neatly. I am not enamoured of winter gardening, at all events in its present phase. The beds, dotted with their tiny evergreens, ar^ sug- gestive of a doll's cemetery, especially when they are accompanied with a few white tallies for tombstones ; or at best remind one of such a nursery as Gulliver might have found in Lilliput. They are meagre, monotonous, niminy-piminy, and they always look to me as if they knew it. A handsome, healthy shrub in the centre of each bed, a Thuja, for instance, an Aucuba, Holly, or Laurustinus, relieves more naturally and pleasantly the blank destitution of our flowerless borders, and the sombre dreariness of our English winter. Spring gardening, to be done well (and as we see it at Cliveden and Belvoir, it is indeed a triumph of true genius, a sweet antcpast of our summer banquet, a pro- logue worthy of the play), demands at once resources intellectual and material which very few of us possess. reserve g^r'lens, a staff of gardeners, a balance at the bank, and, in addition to these, the talent to design, and the energy to realise. Unless we have these, we shall be wiser far in contenting ourselves happily with those vernal flowers which every man, who deserves the name of a gardener, delights to honour — Snowdrop, and Violet, Hepatica and Crocus, Primrose and Polyan- thus, Daphne and Erica, Gillillower and Daflbdil, and all the loveliness just born among our shrubs and borders, from " the delicious trouble of the spring " — rather than in disappointing ourselves with elaborate failures, patchy beds, and miserable gaps, painful to the owner, and ridiculous to his friends, as the abortive pin-wheel which declines to circulate at the end of a schoolboy's stick. There is peace and gladness, ray dear brother frogs, for every one of us in his own native pool ; we may enjoy from time to time a promenade upon the bank, we may admire the gay charms of the rich pasture, and the lordly bull who there roams majestic, but woe unto us if we return dissatisfied with our meaner home, woe unto us if we strain and swell in hopeless imitation of our giant neighbours, for we shall most surely bust. At the same time, while we are expressing our apathy as to the prevalent fashion of winter-gardening, inability to practise the artistic and costly and horticulture of the spring; while, after five months fruition of beauty, we may well accept the LATE GRAPES AND THE EXTENSION SYSTEM. The remarks of your correspondent, Mr. J. A.Watson (p. 154), especially as these remarks coincide, to a certain extent, with the views of so eminent a horti- culturist as Mr. Tillery, of Welbeck, ought to command the careful attention of all readers, more particularly where so very important a matter as that of the best keeping Grapes is concerned. It is more than likely that what Mr. Watson affirms is the verdict of his own experience, when he says that he has yet to learn that there is " in existence a better keeping Grape than the true West's St. Peter's," and adds that "any one who has seen this variety at Oak Hill in the dead of winter will be of our way of thinking." That West's St.Peter's Grape will hang in good condition till the dead of winter, is a fact about which there cannot be much difference of opinion. This, however, is far from proving it to bo the best keeping Grape in existence ; and so far as my own experience and observation go, I am inclined to think that West's St. Peter's is not nearly so good a long-keeping Grape as Lady Downes' Seedling, and some others that might be named. I have seen Lady Downes' hanging on Vines in the end of April, quite plump and fresh, and exhibited yearly for the last 10 years, in March and April, as sound as when it ripened the previous August and September, which in the case of West's St. Peter's has never come under my observation. Hamburghs and many other Grapes, not considered singular for long keeping, can be successfully kept till mid-winter. The injury that occurs to Vines from bleeding, when pruning has to be deferred till Marcher April, may be very disastrous, but such an occurrence ought to be numbered among the things of the past, and not placed in any way to the credit of advanced Grape growing. For unless the Vine be actually in so far advanced a stage of excitement as to commence bleeding imme- diately it is pruned, they may be pruned one week and started the next without losing a single drop of sap. I do not, however, state this with the view of in any way proving that it is not injurious to the Vine to have to support a full crop of Grapes for six or seven months after they are ripe. I believe such a burden to be a strain upon the system of the Vine, but it has not yet been sufllciently proved that to keep Grapes witli the least possible deterioration can be so well accom- plished by any other arrangement. With regard to Mr. Watson's observations about the extension system of Vine growing, I feel that he and myself, and all who have recently discussed this ques- tion, have trod upon delicate ground. It has struck me through all this interesting controversy that con- clusions have been hastily arrived at, and that we have yet much to learn on this question. Mr. Watson's argument in favour of the extension system is " that there shouli be branches in proportion to roots, and roots in proportion to branches." This is one way, not by any means peculiar to Mr. Watson, of relieving dame Nature of much responsibility. Two questions arise at once : — To what extent must the exteusion system be carried Jn order to establish this uniformity of root and branch ? And how does the restriction system destroy this uniformity ? I am entirely at a loss to understand why a Vine confined to one rod of, say, 20 feet in length, and so managed as that it develops and matures in good health a certain amount of foliage and young wood, should not have roots in proportion to its bram.hes, quite as well as if itlmd three rods. It is easy to under- stand how an undue amount of fruit in proportion to the foliage should break down the vigour and consti- tution of a Vine ; but I should like to have it explained why a Vine with a single rod, well managed, should not remain in health and produce as fine Grapes as though it were allowed to cover three rafters instead of one. Nor do I consider the facts made use of to prove the advantages of the extension system quite sufficient, especially as the cases that can be pointed to are few and far between. If the cases of extension management were as numerous as those of the one-rod system, then the comparison would be worth more. Aggregates here are of importance, more especially as so many Vines that are hardly taxed by early forcing are placed very unfairly in the category of failure, which has been fathered on the one-rod system. Suppose the Vino at Hampton Court, the one at Frogmore, the one at Finchley, and the one in Perthshire, bad been started in October in order to ripen their fruit in April, what account could be given of the extension system in their case? Yet Vines on the one-rod system can be pointed to that have for 20 years rinencd successfully a crop of Grapes in April, and these', too, having their roots all in an outside border. Suppo.se the large Vines in question subjected to such an ordeal, what account could be given of them at the expiration of 20 years ? I fear if some scores of these monster Vines were made to follow at the heels of the numerous body of light infantry, some of them would fall out of the ranks, and have to be marched to the rubbish heap. It is not now intended to speak against large Vines, for years ago I advocated large Vineries with long rafters. All that is assumed is, that the balance between roots aud branches, and the length of days which have been placed to the credit of the extension system, is not quite so clearly proven as to leave no room for question. These are problems worthy of a Horticul- tural Society thoroughly to investigate, and it may be fairly presumed that the question must remain unsettled till Vineries filled with one Vine, and Vineries filled with many, are in all other respects treated alike. No one would lay the failure of a set of Vines, regularly forced through the deadest months of the year, to the one-rod system, by pointing to the few large Vines which get their rest at the proper season, and save their existence for a long period. We learn from ancient authors that some Continental Vineyards, grown much as we grow our Raspberries, are in the same condition now as they were 500 years ago ; surely extension in this case is not the cause of longevity. There is one fact which has doubtless been noted by many Grape growers, namely, that a Vine that has been planted, say, three or four years, and in all respects strong and in thorough good condition, when cut down to within six or seven feet of the bottom of the rafter, will show some fine bunches, two or three of which are left to be brought to maturity : this Vine is allowed to extend some 14 or 15 feet to the top of the rafter, another is allowed to extend only some 2 or 3 feet upwards by the terminal shoot, but it is in other respects allowed to carry a goodly amount of foliage in the lateral growth, though not more than the lateral growth of its neighbour, which is allowed to run to the extent of 15 feet. The closely stopped Vine swells far finer berries, and produces in consequence far nobler bunches than the other. Such has been my experience, and to my certain knowledge that of many more. AVhat of the extension and restrictive system in this case ? 'Phe two systems I am testing on a scale per- haps better defined than this, and under the same roof; and let others do likewise, and report in due course, and then there will be something like reliable data from which to draw conclusions. I>, Thomson, An-her- Jield. DODDERS. Who among us is not familiar with the pretty Dodder of our heaths and commons ? The only wonder is that it has not been brought into cultivation as an ornamental plant in this country before now, or, if not this one, at least some of the hand- somer exotic species. [C. reflexa is so grown. Eds.] In Portugal, we are informed, Cuscuta chrysocoma has long been cultivated for the flower market of Lisbon, where it makes its appearance as regu- larly as Mignonette at Covent Garden. This species was last year introduced by Dr. Welwitsch, who distributed the seeds amongst two or three establishments, but whether it was raised or not I have no means of telling. At any rate, seeds subse- quently procured were raised, and plants successfully grown, by Mrs. Parsons, of Brighton, who obtained a First-class Certificate for it at the Brighton Flower Show. The three or four pots of this plant exhibited, attracted universal admiration, and were indeed extremely pretty. It is to behoped that this novelty will reappear during the coming season, when it will doubtless be eagerly sought after. From my own experiments, I can safely say that nothing is much easier of cultivation than the species of Cuscuta. The principal thing to be attended to is the kind of nurse- plant affected— whether herbaceous or woody. This ascertained, there is no other difficulty to encounter ; and as most species produce seed in great abundance, there is little danger of losing a species. The excessive productiveness of some of the species is well known to our farmers, to whom the C. Trifolii is a much dreaded pest, destroying acres of its nurse-plant, Trifolium. C. Epilinum is no less destructive amongst Flax. But this great fecundity is evidently a provision of Nature to ensure the perpetuation of the species, for a large pro- portion of the seeds that germinate are too far removed from the nurse-plant to prey upon it, and consequently perish. These plants are quite leafless, even to the absence of cotyledons, and in germinating throw up a thread-like stemlet, which is sure to incline towards, and eventually seize hold of, any plant near enough to attract it. If the plant be of the right kind, the Cuscuta will soon encircle the branches, pierce the bark or epidermis, and permanently establish itjelf. At the same time, even if not drawn out of the soil by the nurse-plant, it speedily shrivels,and dies away at the ba.. Beat. [M. Rafarin's words, which we translated correctly, are to the effect that the same plant pro- duced flowers four times. We said nothing about lasting for four or five years. Eds.] An Osage Orange Hedge. — In the spring of 1858 I planted a hedge of this thorny plant, 200 yards in length. In the warm summer of 1859 it made most rapid growth, but the winter of 1800 killed the one and two-year-old shoots to within two feet of the ground. The soil ii a deep and dry sandy loam, and it has since then made most rapid progress, so as to be now per- fectly impervious, its shoots are so stout, and its spines so formidable. The hedge did not suffer in the severe frost of last winter. It has a beautiful and, for a hedge, a most unique appearance during the summer; its leaves are so glossy, and of such a deep green. It is clipped once a year, about the middle of August, and seems to bo in a healthy state. Osage Orange hedges are planted largely in the Western States of North America. The farmers complain that its roots exhaust the soil to a considerable distance from the hedge, as, like Elm roots, they spread close under the surface. This is the case with my hedge ; for, on observing the soil being recently trenched parallel with the hedge, I found an enormous number of its fleshy yellosv roots had been cut off by the labourers ; but I had not pre- viously discovered any exhaustion of the soil, as young Pear treei grew with great luxuriance last summer very near to the hedge. I think X imported my young plants from Messrs. Parsons and Co.. nurserymen. Flushing, New York, who also sent me seeds 1. Ji. Arundo conspicua.— Can tho agent which the showman employed to make the straw tied to the cock's leg look as big as a timber tree, have been at 212 THE GAEDENERS' CHUONICLE AND AGRICtlLTURAL GAZETTE. [Pebeuaet 29, 1868. work when the writer of the passage about this plant in your last week's number saw it in flower ? The Pampas Grass," says he, " is quite a pigmy to it in stature and general proportions, even so much so as the Meadow Foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis) is to it ! " According to this scale the crows may build their nests in the panicles of Arundo conspicua, for I have seen the "pigmy" Pampas more than 12 feet high. I know the Arundo well, and have noticed it tenderer instead of " far hardier in constitu- tion than the Pampas," under like circumstances making a much smaller growtli, with flower stems and plumes by no means so tall or noble as the Pampas. It has also a tendency to shrivel back, so to speak, even after it has arrived at the flowering condition ; and specimens planted out at the same time and under the same circumstances with the Pampas will, in five cases out of six, look wiry and rusty when the Pampas has spread out into those strong and graceful tufts which would make it worth growing even if it never flowered. A line from Messrs. Veitch, or those who have had charge of the plant, giving us its real dimensions, at Coombe Wood, would be very acceptable. That it is a fine Grass 1 am well aware, but it is certainly inferior both in size and beauty to Gi/nerlum afgeiiteum. Variegated Euonymus.— Will some of your readers be so good as to say how they cultivate the variegated Euonymus so as to preserve its variegation. With me I find a tendency, especially in the golden varieties, to lose their variegation and become green. J. J. Uistleto on the Oak. — Allow mo to inform your correspondent, Mr. Binns (see p. 182), that not only a single specimen, but large quantities of this parasite may be seen growing on the noble old Oak trees at Ampthill Park, Bedfordshire. A single specimen may also be seen growing on the Oak in Woburn Park. Thos. Foofe, Or., Baldon Souse, Exeter. Grapes destroyed by Flies.— During September and October last year I had two houses of Grapes destroyed to a great extent by means of large blue flies, of which there were hundreds in the house at a time during the middle of the day when the sun was shining. My employer was averse to the use of fly-papers, think- ing that the flies might carry poison from the papers to the Grapes. I used bottles with a little sweetened beer in them, and destroyed hundreds in that way; still, hundreds were left. At last I placed bags made of a very light material over each bunch ; but even with this protection the flies got at the berries through the bags wherever they touched the sides. Their mode of procedure was to break the skin, and then eat away the inside of the berry. Would fumigation of any kind destroy them, or drive them from the house without injuring the Grapes? I should add, that when dull damp weather set in at the end of October and November, I was obliged to remove the bags. Still there were flies in the house, and the skin of such berries as were notperforated began to go putrid. All efforts failed to keep them sound; and upon examin- ing the berries I could see a quantity of small spots on the skin, the work, doubtless, of the flies, which were the cause of the fruit not keeping. A, B., Manchester. Elms.— In the year 1816 I planted a two-years grafted tree, of the large white American Elm. It might have been 5 feet in height when planted; it grew rapidly, and during its growth few really experienced persons would believe it to have been so juvenile. Protn time to time many lop- pings took place, which partially destroyed the character of the tree. These excisions were absolutely necessary for the position it occupied. A storm from the south-west the other day upturned it. As in most Elm trees, the roots are all horizontal, and scarcely more than 2 feet deep ; one portion broke in the ground, but all the rest are upheaved and show a flat surface of 12 by 6 feet diameter. The girth at 1 foot is 11 feet ; at 3 feet, 8 by 7 feet ; at G feet, 7 by 10 feet. At 26 feet it was allowed to bifurcate, which gave variety of outline, but at the same time lessened the value of the bole in the way of timber. Its extreme height was C7 feet, its spread of top 40 feet. My chief object in pub- lishing these details, is to show ^ that grafted foreign trees, where stock and scion are pro- perly balanced, make as fine timber as those raised in the other modes of culture. This fact is well shown in many of the Dutch plantations, where trees of large growth are frequently met with of varieties that must have been raised by grafts. Such are to be seen at Haarlem, the Hague, &c. The variation of the colours in leaves, if carefully attended to, will create a charm in forest scenery such as we can hardly imagine ; and that will mark our parks with the flush and glow of colour that at present is only known in our flower beds. William Masters, Canterbury. [Our correspondent has obligingly forwarded to us a transverse section of this Elm completely through the junction of graft and stock. The girth of the section is 10 feet 5 inches, its greatest diameter is i feet, its smallest 2 feet C inches. The actual number of the rings is difficult to ascertain exactly, from the irregular outline of the trunk, the occurrence of decay, &c. ; but from several computa- tions taken at different parts of the slab there appear to be about 15—18 rings of the stock, and 25— .30 of the graft. The colour of the rings of the stock (Ulmus montana) is dull red, that of the graft whitish yellow ; the latter has a closer, harder texture than the former, and is traversed here and there by black meandering lines, indicative of decay, though we have not traced Fungus structure in the lines themselves. The rings of the stock vary from one-fourth to Ij inch in width ; those of the graft from the tenth of an inch to three- fourths of an inch, and are, as a rule, smaller than those of the stock. From the great irregularity in outline, the thickness of the same ring naturally varies greatly in different parts of its course. Eds.] Manchester Horticultural Exhibition.— Will you allow me lo ask why the committee of this exhibition have thought fit to offer such poor encouragement for fruit, and exclude vegetables altogether ? While the value of the prizes in all the other classes has been very considerably increased, fruit has been left as it was, except that the 3d prizes have been withdrawn and added to the 1st, — a questionable arrangement. Peaches, Nectarines, Melons, Strawberries, Figs, Cherries, &c., are left out altogether. Surely fruit is quite as attractive as anything else, and as deserving of encouragement ; and it is difficult to understand why, in an exhibition which aims at being national, every- thing and everybody should not be fairly represented and encouraged. There is yet time, and I hope that the committee will be induced to alter the arrange- ments somewhat as regards fruit. Any alterations in this way could be advertised, so that there would be no necessity for issuing fresh schedules. Fniitist. Bitter Willows. — Can you give me any information about the Bitter Willow, advertised in your columns ? (see p. 176.) Is it a fact that Babbits will not eat it, and what varietv of Salix is it? Harloio. [Though there are several Bitter Willows, that which is espe- cially called " the " Bitter Willow is Salix purpurea, and as it is a trailing bush, suitable for planting in q uantities, there can be little doubt of its being identical with the one advertised. Lindley, in " Flora Medica," mentions it as the bitterest of Willows. Perhaps some of our correspondents can say whether rabbits will eat it or not. Eds.] Coelogyne crlstata.- The diameter of the plant of this which was shown at South Kensington the other day, was nearly 4 feet ; it was ornamented with more than 90 spikes of flower, and there were about seven blossoms on a spike. The plant has been grown on a block with nothing but a little sphagnum moss. It received a high temperature in the summer time, along with the varieties of Dendrobium nobile ; but during the autumn and winter it was kept quite cool, the only precaution required being to keep the roots continually moist. I may mention that the Dendrobiums in the same house are covered with flowers, and that their foliage is as green and fresh as in September ; some of these measure 6 feet through, they therefore make a fine display. I may add, that I found these now magnifi- cent plants three years ago, in very bad condition. James TapUii, The Gardens, Chaisworth. Variegated Borecoles.— We have used these Bore- coles for table decoration : in gaslight they look quite brilliant. One of the rich coloured heads placed on a plate, surrounded with a few Snowdrops, Moss Roses, Hepaticas, and some sprigs of Box, makes a very nice bouquet for the drawing-room at this season of tbe year. It has likewise just occurred to us that these Kates might be used with advantage for winter decoration in the London Parks, and we would gladly send up, another season, sufficient plants for one or two beds by way of trial, provided we knew in time, so as to sow the seed. Stuart i^ Mein, Kelso. Vegetable Oysters (see p. 183).— This is doubtless Salsify, the roots of which, when boiled, have a flavour resembling that of oysters, at least so it is said, but to my taste it is not very decided. X. Y. Z. In America, I may mention, the flavour of the Salsify much more strongly resembles the oyster than it does in this country. James Miller, Jun., Greenock. Salsify, like Jerusalem Artichokes, should always be boiled in milk and water ; even when they go through the customary process of frying afterwards, this will be necessary. Though your contemporary recommends cooking Jerusalem Artichokes like " vegetable oysters," I would always recommend the latter to be fried after being boiled, in preference to serving them up in the usual manner with white sauce. Salsify requires to be well boiled ; samples, similar in size to those lately produced at one of the meetings of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, would require at the least an hour. I am not unacquainted with the fact that the Steenhammera maritima of Reichenbach and others — another inhabitant of our coasts, north of the Humber— is often termed the Oyster plant. The leaves in this instance, however, are used more for sauce than to cook wholej I believe. It is a pity the writer in question did not afford a more liberal digest of his subject. After exciting curiosity, the reader had a right to expect an explanation as to what " Vegetable Oysters" really were. Have any of your readers partaken of " Ken- tuckian oyster soup," made from this same plant, or can they furnish a recipe for making the same ? JFillitcm Earley, Digswell, Welwyti. Eoyal Horticultural Society.— Every lover of horti- culture will concur in the desire expressed by your correspondent of last week (pp. 181-2) that the Royal Horticultural Society should keep its high position in the country as a scientific body, but doubts may reasonably be entertained whether the adoption of his suggestions would conduce to that end. JIany will dissent, for instance, from the opinion he expresses that "the prizes already given for plants as well as for all objects of special cultural merit, must be viewed as awards to science as well as practice, almost as much so as those that might be added for distinction in horticultural literature." Your corre- spondent complains that, " under altered conditions," the Society ' has adhered too strictly to traditional habits," and to my mind the practice which lie advo- cates is amongst such habits. In tho present day, a nurseryman's horticultural skill quickly finds its reward in increase of business, and when the Society has bestowed upon one of his successes a certificate that it is worthy of public regard he really receives for it a prize far exceeding in money value any of the ordinary exhibition awards. The future aim of the Society, if it is to preserve the position it has gained, must be to encourage the love of such scientific investigation and experiment as may, however unpromising as a direct money specu- lation, lead to a fuller comprehension of the secrets of vegetable life, and especially of those abnormal con- ditions of it which are brought about by horticultural skill. It must not be overlooked that the tendency of a nurseryman's horticultural art is to secure startling novelties which will gain a rapid sale, and to conceal the processes by which he arrives at them. The object of the Horticultural Society, on the other hand, is, or, at least, ought to be, to illuminate every phenomenon to the utmost. It should be dissatisfied with successful results in practice, unless it can demonstrate the nature of the conditions on which this success depends; nor should it rest contented until it can make the road to them broad and beaten, by placing it within the power of every lover of a garden to accomplish readily and surely that which the nurseryman has effected in secrecy (perhaps with difficulty and uncertainty), under lock and key. In saying this, I am far from throw- any blame on the nurseryman. If he is to reap a fair reward for his time, trouble, and expenditure, he must be careful that others do not snatch from him the fruits of his labours. It would manifestly be unreason- able to expect that he should instruct his competitors in the secrets which constitute the success of his business. I merely wish to point out to your correspondent that the spirit which is perfectly justifiable in the dealer, is in some respects antagonistic to that which should influence the Horticultural Society, and that the stigma he casts upon it of "little fostering, and less development of actual science/' will not be removed by a continuance of the practice of giving rewards to nurserymen for horticultural hits, simply as such. It is to be hoped, however, that the "more general information," if not the titled rank, for which your correspondent gives the Council credit, will save them from entertaining the notion that prizes given for cultural " flukes," unaccompanied by " rational expla- nation, must be viewed as awards to science as well as practice." As a large question, the interest of the nurserymen and the interest of horticulture are one and the same interest ; but nothing would more quickly, to use your correspondent's expression, land the Society in the mud than the adoption of a policy of which the immediate and petty advantage of the nurseryman was the chief feature. Inceptor. Protecting Fruit Blossoms. — In your Calendar of last week (see p. 180- Hardy Fruit Garden ), Hessian cloth is said to cost Is. 3rf. per yard run of 6 feet wide. Last Monday I bought 161 yards run at Sd., with 2i per cent, discount off. I could have had one 76 inches wide at the same price, but I preferred the heavier make. I have got 322 yards of wall covered with this material, and find that it answers the pur- pose of protecting blossom from frost exceedingly well. On the piece of wall that I have to renew this spring, the material has been up nine seasons. I put it up about this time, and take it down about the first or second week in June. With repairing it might have lasted several seasons yet, but as it is the oldest piece, I put a new one in its place, and keep it to repair the others, as they come to require it. It was bought for Gid., but I have never been able since to get it much under Sd. Lighter coverings may do in milder locali- ties, but here spring frosts are intense ; I have never, however, known the blossom to be injured under the Hessian. D. Buchanan, Dyrham Park. Foreign Correspondence. Truffle Bunt at Cannes.— As it is now the very height of the Truffle season, and as this place is within a reason- able distance of some of the best Truffle producing dis- tricts of France, it is not to be wondered at if some of us English, who are here for the winter, should have felt a strong desire to see the habitats of these redoubt- able tubers, and the mode in which they are hunted by the natives. An expedition was organised accordingly, in which the noble president of the Royal Horticultural Society, myself, and a score of other friends took part, and which " came off" very successfully on Tuesday last. The little town of St. Vallier, which stands about 2500 feet above the level of the sea, was the point for which we made, and we reached it about 2 o'clock, after a magnificent drive of four and a half hours, very hungry and quite ready for luncheon. Fortunately, luncheon was quite ready for us at the Hotel du Nord, and including as it did various " plats," in which Truffles that had not seen the light for more than a few hours played a prominent part, this proved a very instructive as well as a very savoury and agreeable meal. This important part of the business over, we called for the " hunters," active little fellows, carrying leathern bags, and provided with short instruments, something between a pick and a hoe, rendered indispensable by the stony character of the ground in which the Truffles are wont to be found. We had not to go far in seach of sport, for within a few hundred yards of the inn we reached a sort of wilderness, in which bushes of low scrubby white Oaks (Querous Cerris) formed the whole above-ground vegetation, and as it is only in the bare open spaces among the bushes that Truliles occur, it was to these, of course, that the attention of the hunters was confined. In former times dogs, which are still used for the purpose in Sussex, would have been em- ployed to scent out the whereabouts of the unctuous tubers, and at a much more recent period the same oBice would have been discharged by pigs, but the assistance of either dogs or pigs is now— in France at least— entirely dispensed with, and flies have taken their place. It seems that a certain sort of fly, not very unlike what one sees about farm-yard manure heaps, only that it has spots on its wings, has a peculiar affinity for the Truffle, and is always found hovering about the places where Truffles grow, probably with the view of depositing its eggs in them. No sooner, therefore, did the hunters notice a dozen of these Truflle flies brooding over a particular spot, than they immediately set to work to dig the tubers out ; the Febettabt 29, 1868.] THE GARPENEES' CiraONICEE ANT) AGWCULTURAL GAZETTE. 213 latter, however, were never found more than one at a time, nor over at a greater depth than 6 or 8 inches. The soil in which they grew was sandy, of a dark oohreous brown, and traversed by the roots of the Oaks, on whinh sometimes, though by no means always, the tubers seemed to rest. When once found they ■were easily dislodged, and several ladies of our party performed this feat in turn. The fresh tubers smell exceedingly strong, and the soil about them is impreg- nated for some distance with their powerful and peculiar odour. I wish I could add that we discovered any- thing that would seem at all likely to give a clue to the solution of the difficulty that has hitherto baffled all attempts to cultivate them. Even when found they are rare, and command a very high price; no wonder, then, that in the course of our hours Truffle- hunting wo were warned off half a dozen times. J. H., Cannes. TRADE MEMORANDUM. "We find it necessary again to Caution gardeners and others, seeking situations, against the snares laid for them by certain self-styled Gahdeneks' Agents, ■who, for a sum of as. for introduction and 25s. extra bonus, payable at the end of the second month, and in some cases for a less amount, undertake to " guarantee the situation." One of these gentry, with a high- sounding name, we learn, has succeeded in luring gardeners over to Ireland at serious loss to themselves. Kott'crs of iSoolts, Aper(;u de la Vcgi'tation et des plantes cuUivee de la Suede. Par N. J. Andersson. Stockholm, 1867. 8vo, pp. 95. This account of the vegetation and cultivated plants of Sweden was drawn up to accompany the exhibition of Swedish cultural products at the recent Paris Exhibition. It commences with an account of the geology and climate of the country, as preliminary to a sketch of the flora and its geographical relations. Then follow some general remarks on the plants culti- vated in Sweden for agricultural or other purposes. From the extent of the country from south to north, its varying configuration, and diverse geological consti- tution, the vegetation, whether spontaneous or culti- vated, is necessarily very different in different parts of the kingdom. This will be made apparent from one or two extracts from the data given in the work before us ; thus the mean temperature of the year at Lund, lat. 55^13', is +7.28 Cent=15° I'ahr. ; in January (the coldest month) the mean temperature is— 0, 4=33°?; in June (the hottest month) + 17.36 =63' F. The (mean ? annual ?) ground temperature in the same latitude is given as 8.4 C.=tG' F. On the other hand, at Jockmock, lat. 66° 35', the mean tempera- ture of January is —15.50 C.=rF. ; that of July is -H3-91 C.=57° F. ; the mean temperature of the whole year being merely — 1.55 C.=:3t' F. In about the same latitude (66'.) the mean earth temperature is registered as 1 C.=33'F. Dr. Anderson divides the country, with reference to its vegetation, into three regions — tliose of the Beech, the Oak, and of the White Alder, Alnus incaua. The first approximates in its character to Denmark and Germany. Here grow as trees Carpinus Betulus, Sorbus Aria, Acer canipestre, Cornus sanguinea, Euonymns europa;us. Ilex Aquifolium, and others, among which the general reader will be surprised, as Linne was before him, to find Coronilla Emerus. The region of the Oak is characterised by the presence of the two common forms, Q. pedunoulata and Q. sessili- flora, together with the Ash, the Lime, the Sorbus scandica (spoken of as the most characteristic of Swedish trees), the Elm, the Yew, and others. Beyond the limits of this region the fruit trees cease to ripen their fruits, and^ the culture of Wheat and Peas becomes impracticable. Rye forms the principal cereal, and Tobacco is also largely grown. The region of the White Alder, Alnus inoana, is also that of the Conifers and of the Birch. Here grow the dwarf Birch, the Myrica Gale, the Yew, tlie Scotch Pine, the Spruce, and the Juniper. As instance of the rapid diminution of size and slowness of growth in trees in the northern or alpine parts of Sweden, Dr. Andersson cites the case of some Pines ■which have no fewer than 510 concentric zones in a diameter of 12 inches or so. The first region presents many analogies with the flora of Denmark, North Germany, and, so far as the western provinces are concerned, with England. The second region has its counterpart, so far as regards plants, in the Baltic coast south of the Gulf of Finland. The northern districts have a flora like that of Finland, and the alpine flora generally is similar to the arctic and alpine floras generally. On the whole. Dr. Andersson concludes, that the Swedish flora consists of two principal elements— 1, an arctic element; 2, an eastern or south-eastern element common to Scandinavia, Siberia, Central Asia, and the south-east of Europe. Hence then, after the glacial epoch, when the whole country was covered with an arctic vegetation, the latter was displaced by a flora spreading from Central Asia. Into the details given by Dr. Andersson with relation to cultivated plants we cannot here enter at length, but we may say that many southern plants may be successfully grown in much higher latitudes than elsewhere, except in Norway, ■which has the advantage of the moderating influence of the Atlantic. Dr. Andersson cites the kinds of cereals cultivated in various parts of Sweden, and the average produce obtained from them. Potatos, Swedish Turnips (cultivated for ages in Sweden), Radish, Carrots, Beet, Onions, Asparagus Cabbages, Lettuces, Peas, Cucumbers, Melons, Hops, Hemp, Apples, Pears and other fruit trees, of which a long list is given— all find a place in Dr. Andersson's pamphlet, ■which i i concludes with a list of trees and other plants culti- vated in various parts of Sweden, from lat. 06' southwards. We have contented ourselves with giving an idea of the contents of this brochure, sufficient at least to show its merits and its utility. The sections relating to the hardiness of certain trees and shrubs, especially fruit trees, will naturally be laid under contribution when circumstances demand. Cultivators, as well as all inte- rested in the geographical distribution of plants, will be grateful to Dr. Andersson for the valuable store of information collected by him for general use. Florists' Flowers. PORTRAITS OK NEW FLOWERS. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum).— JVorai and Pomol., 1807, 141. Two fine new varieties are here figured, namely :— Henry Gibbs, a fine carmine crimson, with white margin, and well defined white central bar on each segment ; it is one of the vittatum group, and an improvement as regards the ■well-defined markings. Helena, a finely formed medium-sized bright orange scarlet with a dash of crimson, and a well expanded flower. Flowered by Messrs. Garaway & Co., Bristol. Camellia Contessa Lavinia Magqi rosea.- Flor. and Pomol., 1807, 261. One of the finest of new Camellias, and a sport from the now well-known striped Lavinia Maggi, but the colour is throughout of a most rich and brilliant carmine rose, brighter than in any other variety. Flowered by Mr. Bull. Carnations. — J'torai Mag., t. 359. This plate represents two new varieties, which were awarded First-class Certificates at the Bury St. Edmund's Show of the Royal Horticultural Society. These are. Eccentric Jack, a scarlet bizarre, of good substance and quality ; and True Blue, a pure and well marked purple flake, of much excellence. They will both be acceptable additions to our collections of named flowers. Flowered by Mr. C. Turner. Chrysanthemums.— Ji'^ortiZ Mag., t. 375.— In this plate are represented two new varieties, namely, Mrs. HuFFiNGTON, a moderatc-sized flower with incurved florets, white tipped with rose. Captivation, a reflexed flower somewhat; larger than the last, of a blush white more heavily rose tipped. It is a pretty decorative flower. Flowered by Mr. Salter, of Hammersmith. Fuchsias.- jP/o)'aZ Mag., t. 371. This plate repre- sents two white-tubed varieties, which if at all like the figures, must be very beautiful. The one is Lustre, with waxy white lobes, reflexed sepals, and deep orange vermilion corolla. The other is Starlight, a large flower, white_ tubed, with long reflexed sepals, and clear rosy carmine corolla. Both are said to be of good habit. Flowered by Mr. Bull. Gl.\diolus. — Floral Mag., t. 303-1. This plate represents two of the best of the French varieties of M. Souchet— Adolphe Brongniaet, a very fine variety of 1800, remarkably perfect in form, and rich in colour, which is a rosy pink flamed with red, with a white throat tinged with orange ; and Newton, a variety of 1865, a deep crimson with white throat, and marked on each segment with a broad white line. The figures are transposed in the plate. Flowered by M. Souchet, of Fontainebleau. GhowsiA.s.— Floral Mag.,t. 350. The varieties of this popular flower are undergoing rapid improvement, both at home and abroad. Amongst those of EngUsh origin are the subjects of this plate. Prince Teck, one of the erect group, a fine regular flower, with white tube and mouth, and purple limb, each segment having a darker spot near the throat. Madame de Smet, a bright mauve colour, with white throat and tube. Rose d'Amoub, brilliant carmine rose, with white mouth, the throat and tube yellowish, slightly spotted with rose. The two last are of drooping habit. Flowered by Messrs. Veitch & Sons. Hyacinth Prince Albert Victor.— J'?or. and Pomol., 1807, 189. This is one of the best of the new deep red Hyacinths, hut is shown of too dark a hue in the plate above quoted. It is a rich, dark, shining crimson, with bells of good shape and moderate size, thickly set on the spike, which in general character resembles that of Von Schiller. Flowered by Mr. W. Paul, of Waltham Cross. Lantanas.— J'/ocai Mag., t. 308. These pretty greenhouse shrubs have latterly been much improved and varied, and the above plate represents some of the most distinct, namely, Julius Cjesar, golden yellow changing to orange red. Madame Dufoy, primrose yellow changing to rose. Adolphe Hivass, bright canary yellow, each flower with a golden eye. Flowered by Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son. P;eonia Moutan.— AVrJ. Plant., tt. 50, 64. Two fine varieties : Lactea (t. 50) has delicately tinted, moderate-sized white semidouble fiowers stained with rose in the centre, and is a native of Japan. Triomphe de Van dee Maelen (t. 54) is a mag- nificent variety, remarkable for its large showy blossoms of a richly shaded pale red, deeper towards the base of the petals ; this is a garden variety, of Belgian origin. Pelargoniums.— JF/o)'. and Pomol. 1868, 25. In this plate are represented two of the finest of Mr. Foster's large-flowered varieties, and two of the best of the last prolific season. Emperor is the premier flower of the season, large, salmon rose, with pure white centre, and fine clouded upper petals margined with crimson and rose. Rob Roy is a purplish rose, with spotted and veined lower petals, white centre, and black upper petals, narrowly edged with crimson. Grown by Mr. Turner. Floral Mag., t. 302. Two of Mr. Hoyle's new large-flovvered varieties are repre- sented in this plate :— Heirloom, a large bold flower with soft rose lower petals, clouded top petals, bordered with rosy crimson, and white throat ; and Victor, a high-coloured spotted flower, rosy pink suffused with carmine, as well as blotched and pen- eillod, while the centre is white, and the upper petals glossy black with a narrow edge of rosy crimson. They are both of very fine quality. Grown by Mr. Turner. Pelargonium Lord Derby.— -This is one of the liiicsL of tile Zonal varieties of last season. A fine and very acrurato plale has been distributed by the raiser, in vvliicli its leading features are well brought out. The foliage is moderate sized, crenately lobed, and marked with a broadish dark zone; the flowers are large, perfectly circular and smooth, and of a rich bright scarlet. It is undoubtedly the finest scarlet Zonal variety with which we are acquainted. Raised by Mr. J. Mann, of Brentwood. Pelargonium Prince of Novelties. — Jf^oroJ Mag., t. 357. A remarkable and entirely novel form of the large-flowered Pelargonium of the French type, the blossoms of which are double ; they are of a carmine crimson clouded and veined with maroon, and consist of about three series of petals, each of which is blotched in a similar manner. A garden variety, flowered by Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son. Pelargoniuji Egypti-in Queen.— jF/ora? Mag., t. 309. This is one of the varieties of the gold and bronze sections, rendered famous by Mr. Wills' fine set. Its leaves are of a bright golden green, and the zone is dark and well defined. The flowers are scarlet. A garden variety, exhibited by Messrs. Carter & Co. Pelargonium Comte Mercy d'Argenteau. — La Belg. Sort., 1867, t. 19. This variegated zonal variety is quite distinct from any which have been made known in this country, and originated two years since from a sporting branch. The ground colour of the leaves is a mottled green and yellow — not a yellow green as in our gold and bronze sorts, at least not so represented, but with distinct patchesof greenand yellow irregularly disposed — marked with a distinct reddish brown zone. The flowers are scarlet. Obtained by M. Mawet-Postula, horticulturist, of Lidge. Rose Antoine Ducueu.— Floral Mag., t. 301. A fine hybrid perpetual variety, of that numerous class with what may he called rosy crimson flowers. The blossoms are full, cupped, and of good form and sub- stance, and altogether the variety promises to hold a place amongst the superior varieties. It was raised by M. Ducher, of Lyons. Rose Madame Margottin.— Ji'?oraZ Mag., t. 351. A pretty variety of Tea-scented Rose, raised by M. Guillot, fils. It has medium-sized flowers, of a delicate primrose yellow, with a tint of peach colour in the centre. It is a finely-shaped, stout-petaled flower, of good promise. Rose Miss IvankU.— Floral Mag., t. 353. A very fine English Rose, raised at Frogmore by Mr. Ingram. It is a hybrid perpetual variety, quite hardy, the flowers large, cupped as in the old Cabbage Rose, of a delicate blush white, with a deeper tinge in the centre of the flower. It is a real acquisition amongst light Roses. Verbenas.— Ji'/orai Mag., t. SOii. The following varieties are lierc represented :— Miss Turner, a large white, with bright rosy pink eye; a very flue flower. Thomas Harris, rich deep plum colour. Interesting, a large light crimson with yellow eye. They are all varieties of first-class merit. Flowered by Mr. C. J. Perry, of Castle Bromwich. Verbenas (Fancy). — Floral Mag., t. 376. This plate represents a group of what are called fancy varieties— striped kinds, which are undergoing great improvement. Distinction is a soft pink, flaked and spotted with deep crimson and rose. Leopard, white, freely striped with crimson red and rose. Beauty, white changing to pink, striped with bright crimson and rose. These varieties are much improved in shape, but rather sportive as to colouring. Flowered by Mr. Bull. Bee-keeping in South Devon.— From a letter, not written for publication, which we have received from a valued correspondent, a first-rate practical apiarian, we are inclined to cull a few remarks relating to the state of his apiary at this present time. He says — " I can give a good report of ray bees, having been fortunate in carrying all my hives, 13 in number, through the winter without any losses ; all now appear to he very healthy. Many of my neighbours have sustained losses among their hives, some having lost all they had. Many hives were blown over and seriously damaged during the late severe gales which we have had. Mine, I am happy to say, were properly secured, so that I have had no such catastrophe to complain of. " My single stock of Egyptian bees look very well. They have, at their head, a young pure queen ; I have seen her majesty, and she is of a good colour. This hive of Egyptians was carrying in pollen on Christmas day and the day after, at the rate of 16 bees per minute. Also to-day, Feb. 16, though cold, they are taking in pollen ; no other hives in my apiary doing so. " As to wintering bees in glass hives, I would in no case attempt to do so in any single-comb hive, however protected. Far better is it to transfer combs and bees to their winter stock-box. But my experience with regard to wintering bees in glass hives amounts to this, namely, that by far my best hive at this present time has been wintered in a large octagon glass hive, with glass top always on, and with no protection what- ever except the thin wooden case which covers it always. The sides are formed of only one pane of glass. This is the second winter the stock has passed in thishive, and none can ever be drier, or cleaner, or more healthy. Few or no dead beos are ever to be seen, and no steam is ever visible on the glass. The combs, where they have not been bred in, are still very white and clean. The bees now, and during all the winter, cluster very thick at the top, quite close to the glass. They are breeding, and several young bees made their first appearance out-of-doors to-day (Feb. 16). 214 THi; GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febeuauy 29, ises. " I would never waste any time, or try any experi- ments, in wintering bees by burying them, or shutting them up in a dark room. Depend upon it, it is a poor plan. All my stocks stand where they would through the summer ; there are no entrances contracted, and no extra protection provided. I find all living, strong and healthy. The stock which in the summer peopled my old original unicomb-observatory hive,is very strong in its winter stock -box ; if it had been left in the glass hive, the bees would have been all dead by this time. "I have just read Mr. Carr's article, respecting his observatory hives. Doubtless with his arrangement of frames and quadruple glasses, an equable temperature may be kept up. I do not quite understand the construc- tion of his hive, but I should imagine that both sides of the comb cannot be seen as in the single-comb plan. If so, it cannot be considered to be a proper observatory hive." As may be readily supposed, our correspondent, from whose letter we have quoted the foregoing ob.^orvations, lives in a highly favoured bee-district. With him, extra precautions, guarding against variations of temperature, may not be necessary ; his winters are short, and usually by no means severe. Therefore, the practice of leaving bees on their usual stands, without any additional protection, and with wide open entrances to their hives, may not only be not detri- mental, but may actually be beneficial to the prosperity of his apiary. But may it not be somewhat different with respect to some who live in less favoured localities, who have to put up with cold, wet, and long protracted winters ? We do not advocate burying hives, but we think that some allowance must be made for apiarians who come under the latter class as to locality, and who believe they have ample justification for all their endeavours to provide better wintering facilities for their bees than the plan of leaving them exposed on their winter stands. "We do not condemn these endeavours, however much wo may think them to be founded in error. harden ©ptrattong. (For the ensuing week) PLANT HOUSES. Tncheasb the temperature in stoves and hothouses generally to, say, a mean of 07'. Syringe the inmates freely towards 2 o'clock upon sunny afternoons. AS'ord air as early in the morning as it is safe to do without entailing too great a reduction of temperature, and without having recourse to additional artificial heat. Such plants as are in a growing state will need rather more moisture than others which are only just starting ; dash occasionally a little extra tepid water upon these latter, in addition to that given to the inmates in a general way. Some plants might now be readily propagated by means of young shoots taken off with a " heel." Eucharis amazonica, if not already in (lower, would receive material assistance were it possible to plunge the pots to half their depth in a moderate bottom-heat of about 80°. They will need a plentiful supply of water— a slight amount of confined steam, sufficient in fact to moisten over the leaves, in process of condensation, will likewise prove beneficial. New Holland plants. Heaths, Epacris, &c., will also need greater attention now, in the way of watering, than of late. Eegarding pits, frames, and similar forms of structure, continue potting off all subjects requiring such attention, and for which room can be found, in the more extended state, necessarily entailed by the division of those wintered in store-pots, pans, &c. AH scarlet and other Bedding Pelargoniums should now be watered with greater freedom ; sprinkle them occasion- ally over-head with a fine-rosed watering-pot, and, if it is desirable to push the growth, shut the lights up closely at 3 o'clock p.m. daily. All plants intended for the purposes of propagation, and of which a sufficient supply of cuttings does not exist, ought to be pushed on with the aid of additional warmth, that caused by fer- menting material — if too much steam is not engendered —will be the best for the purpose of forming a quick growth suitable for ready propagation. It may be needless to enumerate the many varieties of bedding plants to which these remarks apply. They include all such as Heliotropes, Petunias. Salvias, Bouvar- dias. Dahlias, Verbenas, Lobelias, Trop(Volums, Calceo- larias, Centaureas, Veronicas, Teleiantheras, as well as Pelargoniums generally, and a host of others. Some few Pelargoniums, such, for instance, as " Touchstone," are not easily propagated in the autumn, in consequence of a want of young shoots fit for the purpose ; these latter the old plants may now be forced to produce freely. Advantage must therefore bo taken of such to multiply the stock to the necessary extent. It may bo well whilst upon the subject to refer to that excellent variety called Pretty Polly, of which old plants turned out into beds in their entirety, with little or no depri- vation of their wood, make a fine display. FORCING HOUSES. Regarding Vineries, I may draw attention to the fact that the same principles which apply to early houses are equally applicable to all in succession. Moisture might now, however, be expended far more freely than in the earlier forcing season. Shut the early houses up closely upon all sunny days, at say 1 or 2 o'clock, according to the intensity of the sun-heat. Gradually increase the heat, too, in later successional houses, as the Vines progress towards making a matured leaf surface. Be very particular when thinning not to leave an unreasonably large crop. Later houses, such in fact as are now beginning to break, should be kept at a minimum of about 55° as far as artificial warmth is concerned. Syringe the rods freely; keep up a nice moisture throughout the house, both actual and atmospheric. Successional Pines, those in fact which may not require fresh potting, should have the surface of the old soil upon the balls freshened up, removing nny loose material which needs it, and fresh surfacing with good decomposed turfy loam well broken up. For this purpose it will be better to well beat the turf asunder rather than to chop it. "Water occasionally with weak clear manure-water afterwards. Remove all useless suckers at the earliest opportunity, and all "gills" as soon as it will be safe to do so without injury to the foot-stalk of the fruit. "Fruiters" should now enjoy an advance of heat upon all favourable occasions : shut up the house early upon sunny after- noons, and thereby secure by 2 o'clock, or a little later, a good maximum heat of about 90', accompanied of course with abundance of humidity. Give plenty ofair to young Padishes, Carrots, &c., even to the uncovering of the beds wholIy,on bright sunnydays. Cucumbers and Melons have advanced apace during the past occasional bright sunshine. These will be found to need a slight shading when the sun shines the warmest. Place a suc- cessional supply of plants into the forcing pit as soon as others are sufficiently advanced for removal. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. The time is at hand when constant activity will be needful in this department. Already it will bo time to attend to the majority of herbaceous subjects. Before you undertake this operation, however, go carefully over the border. Examine and see whether all the necessary pegs, placed in the autumn, or previously, beside each subject, as a remembrancer of its existence and whereabouts, still remain. Through a want of due caution in this respect it were easy to divide many a valuable patch, cutting the underground tubers through to their partial or entire destruction. Finish planting Polyanthus, Daisies, &c. Study the general height of all subjects previous to transplanting any of them. KITCHEN GARDEN. Continue the preparation of the principal quarters for the reception, at an early date, of some of the main crops. This, of course, as indeed many other opera- tions enumerated, will have to be undertaken accord- ing as the weather, &c., agrees with the proper per- formance of such. Prick out a few of the young seedling Cauliflowers into a • cool frame, or where they may enjoy similar protection. Those who have not already done so should make a sowing of them in a pan or box forthwith. Sow a good breadth of Parsley, and make a further sowing of Early Horn Carrots upon a warm sheltered border, having a south aspect. These may now be expected to grow, and come in nicely to follow the frame ones. Prick out the earliest Celery, as soon as it is fit to handle. It will succeed best with a slight warmth beneath it, and with the protection of a frame. Make another sowing of red to succeed the last. Do not afford any stimulus in the form of liquid manure to Celery when very young. To do so will be to neutralise the proper effects of such an agent at a later period, and when the aid of it is most needed. W. E. HINTS FOR AMATEURS. E.iELT in March we must begin to sow annuals for summer flowering, if we would not let half the summer months pass by before we have any flowers to boast of. To grow them well, the soil should be rich and deep and light. The necessary richness of soil is to be secured by digging in plenty of rotten manure and decayed leaves ; and although many kinds will do well without any such preparation of the ground, all sorts grow to greater perfection under such attention to the likes and dislikes" of their roots. It is also very desirable that the soil where annuals are to be grown should have been forked up two or three times during the winter, and thus thoroughly exposed to the air and frost, which will pulverise it and render it more easy for delicate roots to force their way through it. Although early in March is recommended as the best time to begin sowing hardy annual seeds, it is not so easy to fix a date for leaving off solving them. Where there is room for it in the garden to keep up a succession of bloom of the same plant, fresh batches of seed may be advantageously sown at the end of every fortnight during the following three months. Take for instance that deservedly favourite flower, the Sweet Pea, which most people have in bloom for two or three weeks in July, and regret that it lasts no longer. This regret need not be felt, for if the follow- ing hints be attended to, there will be a succession of blooms from June until winter's first frost cuts down all annuals to the ground. Divide the quantity of Sweet Pea seed which you intend to sow into eight parcels, and mark them to be sown at the begin- ning and middle of the months of March, April, May and June. For the two early sowings pick out the warmest parts of the garden, and you will thus get the flowers in bloom earlier than if a colder part had been chosen for the March sowings. It does not matter where the seeds are sown in April and May, as they are sure to grow almost anywhere ; but. for the Juno sow- ings, which are to give you blooms in October, be care- ful to select those parts of the garden which are least liable to frost, or where experience has shown that frost when it comes does the least amount of iniury. It may be that the second batch of seed sown in June will not give you a flower for several seasons, owing to the young plants being killed by early autumn frosts; nevertheless it is worth the risk of thus sacrificing one- eighth part of your seed for the chance of getting a handful of blooms so late in the season, even if it be only once in three or four years. It will often be found impracticable to sow seeds just at the beginning and middle of Ihe month, on account of the weather, but a few days earlier or later will not matter. In very wet weather the ground is so sticky that seeds cannot be properly and evenly sown, while in very dry weather it will bo uecessary to water the earth after sowing, in order to prevent small seeds lying near the surface from being blown about. The best weather for sowing seeds is after rain, when the earth has become dry enough to crumble freely, and yet retains a good deal of moisture. It is then that gardeners speak of the ground as " working well," an expression which has other meanings when applied to a labourer, an engine, or a cask of beer. There are some plants which will not bear trans- planting, and these must of course be sown in the places where they are to grow. But there are many which when an inch or two high may with a little care be moved in patches from one part of the garden to another. In this way time and trouble may be saved. For, supposing that you have enough of one seed to sow six clumps, and you sow them all in one large clump, you thus have only one clump instead of six to look after, to weed, to thin, to water. Again, if only half of the seeds grow, you are able to transplant and make up three good clumps instead of six miserable ones. And, last not least, if the seed should prove bad and not come up at all, you have only one instead of six disappointments to put a good face upon. When space will permit, annuals which are to be transplanted are best grown in pots ; if the seed can be depended upon, the pots should be large, so that each pot may constitute a clump ; but when the quality of the seed is doubtful, it will be better to grow it in small pots, of which three or more may be taken to make up one clump. Hardy annuals thus grown from seed will do well if the pots are plunged in a bed of ashes, about 8 or U inches deep. Tender annuals will require the heat of a frame or greenhouse, as their seeds will not germinate in the open air ; some of these will want their pots placed just over the hot-water pipes of the greenhouse, so that the heat may be below the seeds, before they will begin to grow. To revert once more to Sweet Peas: it does not appear to be generally known that by cutting, off the green seed-pods as soon as they appear, the plants will continue in bloom for a much longer period than if thii be not done ; and the same applies to many other plants. Scissors are better than a kuife for this. W. T. P TE»rE«»Tl)ttE. WiJld February OttlieAir. orthe Earth 1 Mai. Mm. Ma.. MiD. McaD top' deep. Friday 21 Suuday23 Mond. 21 Tuesd. 25 Wed. 2fi 26 27 0 30.070 29.903 30.iS5 30.241 29:633 30."l3i 55 62 3S 4S iS5 41.5 510 46 i n'.w", W. S.W. .12 00 Areraae 30.093 29.968 51.6 39.4 47.0 45 7 42.3 0.12 Feb. 20-Cletir and fine ; fine, bright Gunshine ; cloudy, i — 2l-Overcii5t and mild; fine and clear ; tine, b'jistei — 22— Overcast, brisk wind ; fine ; slightly overcast ; boisterc — 33— Boisterous, fiae ; clear and fine ; tine at night, — 24— Slightly overcast; overcast; flue, brisk wind. — 2.5— Overcast, fine ; clear and fine ; overcast. Overctist; deosely overcast ; fine at night. Mean temperature of ihe week, 7 6-10 deg. above the average. STATE OF THE -WEATHER AT CHISWICK, During the last 12 years, for the ensuing Week, ending March. 7, 18( Average Highest Temp. Ayeiage Lowest Temp. No. of Years in Greatest Quantity of Rain. Prevailing Winds. Morch. 2 71 7 4 10 3 2! 2! 4 4I ?: 4 1 2 4 1 'i'fi Sunday.. 1 Mon. .. 2 Tbum. '.'. 3 Friday .. G Saturf .. 7 48"6 34.5 49 6 31.9 48:5 32:3 490 323 40:7 40.3 40.1 40:7 15 13 11 16 0.45 in. 0:48 0 40 0.47 3 13 6 3 3 9! 7 3 sjio' 6 3 6|ia 5i 3 c highest temperature during t ! period occurred on the 4th, 1860 -therm. 70 dcg. ; and the lowest on the 3d, 1863 -therm. Notices to Correspondents, AucDBAs: Amateur Sub. No. Chrysanthemujo : Ich Dien. The following sorts are largo- flowered :— Jago, Aureum multiflorum, Alfred Salter, Prince Albert, Gloria mundi, Mrs. W. Holbom, Versailles Defiance, Chevalier Domage, Lady St. Clair. Virgin Queen, Trilby, Attraction. Sensation is a variegated - leaved bedding variety. The rest are Pompons, with two exceptions, Presi- dent and Jean Hachette, which we do not remember. They are all very good sorts. Fruit-tree Protbctions : L If. A paragraph in our Homo Correspondence of to-day will give you some idea of the price at which these may be procured. For addresses of vendors of them we must refer you to our advertisement coluras. Names or Plants : TT Phillipt. Polystichum nculeatum lobatum. — P C. Omphalodcs vema, Polystichvim aculeatum lobatum. Pottle's Cucumber Boxes : J Hohms. These are contrivances by which Cucumbers may be growm straight and otherwise handsome in shape. For price and other particulars, about which you inquire, wo must refer you to our advertisement Unproductive Fia Thee : // 3. Your tree is apparently much too luxuriant to be fruitful. Pruning it closely back when in vigorous condition, instead of remedying, will only increase the evil complained of, causing it to grow stronger and stronger. Anything, therefore, which will serve to repress excessive vigour will be beneficial. We would recommend you to take it up entirely, and after having Cleared away the old soil to a depth of 3 feet or thereabouts, according to the state of your subsoil, place a layer of 1 foot of chalk or lime rubbish at the bottom, and fill up with tho following compost, viz., two-thirds yellow loam, one-third lime rubbish, with a little mLtture of rotten dung and burnt ashes. Plant in this, and confine the roots within a circumscribed space of, say, 6 feet by 3 feet ; thin out tho shoots, so as to let each have the full advantage of the dii'cct raya of the sun ; prune back any that may require it, and in the svimmer, when the young shoots aro a few inches ia length, pinch the points out, and continue doing so as fast as young growth are produced, so as to get the tree into a stubby, otherwise fniitful, furm of growth. Take care that It does not suffer from drought when the fruits are swelling, and see that the shoots are protected from the efiEecti of frost in winter. COMMUNiCArioNS RECEIVED.— J. J.— W. B.— J. R., Cae Wem. — E. N. B.— D. T. P.— P. M.— J. E, Lane, lun.— R. D.— J. M. Pebeuaet 29, ise6.] THE GAliDENEUS' CIIUONICLE AND AGRlGULTUlUL GAZKTTK MILKY 'WHITE, a new POTATO, introduced by J. C. WnEELER&Sos, Gloucester. _ T)r7HEELE[!S''GRASS~ SEEDS for PERMANENT VV PASTURE are reduced 2s. per acn). HEELElW^eolledi^rof GAllDEN SHEDS con- tain select varieties. The Guinea collection is adinlrably ndapted for moderatc-sizo gardens; a large garden wlUroquuo tne three RUinea collection. „, » " J, c. WoEELiB k So»5_Soed Growers. Gloucester^ CT^HEKLEKANDSONallow 5 per cent, discount . for cash, and pay carri.ige of all seeds aboye the v duo of 40J. to any railway station m tho kingdom. PEKMANENT nd sciontiflc systi ER & Son, Gloucester. by GRASS SEEDS fo arranged on a natural J. C. WUEE OKEDS STPEUMANENT PASTURK. It is well O known that certain soils produce certain I'lj^'V' Wn'ir","J;^ tthevflod naturally adapted to the principal geological formations. HEELERS- LITTLU BOOK contains Extracts from Letters received from their customers, speaking in the highest terms ofthe eicollonce of the Seeds supplied by thein. niHE^ADVXNTAGES of 'BUYING SEEDS direct i from J C WuEELEB & Sos, Gloucester, aro fully explained in WHEELERS' LITTLE LOOK, or Silcct Seed List. ruASS" SEHDS for CUOQUET GROUNDS.— See WUEELEKS' LITTLE llOOK.Oi!,. post free. TTE E L E K S • LITTLE BOOK. W „ "XXZHEELERS' LITTLE BOOK will do something to VV satisfy their eipectatlona.— Professor Linblev. THE LITTLE BOOK published by Messrs. Wheeler 4 Son, of Gloucester, baa become a faTourlte with all who take an interest in their pardeus. and it is tnily, rs Betforth lu tlio title, a Select Seed List. The object uf Messrs. W iieklbb has ftlwajsbt..t;n to cunfliie tbcir attention to what is really pood, so as to secure tljuir s against disiippointmotit and fail-— " -"■' '"" ° """ npliahed.— Midland Counties WHEKLEKS' LITTLE BOOK, or Select Seed List. Price Cii., post free. ^A7HEELERS' guinea COLLECTION of GARUKN V V SEEDS comprjsea tho following :— I oz. extra flno Leelc ( pkls. Lettuce, Incluainc Wheelers' Tom Thumb I oz. White Mustard { oz. Onion, best kinds 1 oz. extra Curled Parsley ;. Spinnch, in sorts for 2pkts. Cabbage, earliest and best 4 oz. Carrot, best sorts 1 pkt. Cimhilower 2 puts. Ce;ei7, Ked and White 4 oz. extra Curled Cress 1 pkt. Cucumber 1 pkt. choice Ornarflent.T.1 Gourds Tom Thumb Lettuce (Wheeleiii'), Is. per packet, post fico _ CAETER'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. ,P,-F,tLENCE OF Qf PAEIS, 1807. THE ONLY SILVER MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, PARIS, 1867. Notice. PURCHASERS of LARGE QUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEEDS will bo supplied liberally by Suttoji t Sons. For prices apply {stating nuantlty required) to ScrroK k Sons. Itoyal UerksUlre Seed Establishment, Rea[ the handsomest Potatos grown, and well dc; *' " '- * •' '■ white, very floury, and, second first-rate; it journal of BorltatUure. .tTi-d J. C. Wii i & Son, Seed Gri i very free bearer."— , Gloucestor. I L li Y WTI I T E 59. per peck ; 205. per buehel "Yotir Milky White Potato is excol' — ' - ' mealy, and delicately flavoured, early, dltea6e;it '-—* *^ ."T>.>„f^,, 0 T A T 0, great cropper, very k.ihly Tree y Rardou that was en a good keeper, as w _3 about the only Potato free from it. It appears likely to turn ou being fit for the table so early in tho suasuu. — i.ii.i,ia M.D., F.R.C.S., Kuldermiiister. J. C. WiigEt-ER A Son, Seed Growers, Gloucester. 69. per peck ; 20s. per bushel, "Your Milky 'NVbita Potato is superb." ■" — Covent Garden. T U Messrs. Barb & Soodbk CAETER'S "PARIS MIXTURE" of PINEST PER- MANENT GRASSES aud CLOVERS, 365. per acre. CARTER'S "O'WN MIXTURE" for the PORMATION of PERMANENT PASTURES, 275. to 32.5. per acre. CARTER'S FINE RYE-GRASSES and CLOVERS for ALTERNATE HUSBANDRY, of pure quality, for One Tear's Lay, 13s. 6(f. per acre ; Two Years' Lay, 17*. Gd- per acre ; Three or Four Years' Lay, 22s. per acre. and ORPHAN I)AUGUTE(IS: and for the MAINTENANCE and EDUCATION of their ORPHAN CHILDREN. Allowanob to Pbnsionebs. Married . . £40 per annum I Male . . £28 per annum Widow and Onmarried Orphan Daughters . . £20 per annum Orphan Chlldrou admitted from 7 to 10 years of age, and wholly of ■ Uye; 1 hate already been placed on in a'l'lition to the number of eit ElecLlon, tho Council bavo ittl the of Girls. One Hundred and Five Pensioner tho books of the Institution; and Pensioners to be admitted at tho 11 decided to Elect Ten Orphan Children. Forms of Application for Pensioners and Children, and every Qforraatlon, to bo obtained of tho Secretary, by wliom Donationa nd Subscriptions will be thankfully received. &5, Charing Cross, London, S.W. Ciiari.es SrrAw, Secretary. T3 0YAL AGRICULTURAL ^-^ SOCIETY of ENGLAND. LEICESTER MEETING, 1868. STOCK and IMPLEMENT PRIZE SHEETS aro now ready, and wUl bo loi warded on application to n. IIALL DARE, Secretary. 1 ■, Hanover Square, London, W. mu ^gricttUural (BK^tttt. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2d, 1868. MEETINOS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. (Central Farmcra'Club MoNDiT, March 2\ (Mr. JnckBon on ( Siili'*biiry Hotel WBe...e.,.- 4[«Si ■ - Cheese Factories, at the gricuVi uVai Society of Enitland at ONLY PRIZE MEDAL FOR SEEDS. . Wn . Seed Growers, Gloucester. WilEKLEKS' LITTLE BUUK has become a favourite with all wlio take an interest in their gardens ; it la a select list ofthe best seeds in eultivatic "" ' ' i.. post free. Qr.itia to customers. C. WUEELEK AND SUN, Ulouceste SHILLINU COLLECTION WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIKE 12s. per bushel, " I much prefer the Oloucestersh:' although I planted the former some Lnv latter, they were fit for the table quite as i TUE CROP ; and 1 mayadd, that the Flukes KIDNEY, kidney to the Ashloaf, for WHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. 35. per peck. " The Gloucestershire Kidney gave a fair crop of good size and appearance, with very Uttlo disease, whereas half an acre of Cornish Kidneys beside them were all hut totally rotten."— TuoMiS I'eici.- ii^NN, Broadniime.lt, Devon. J. C. Whkklkk & Soy, Seed Growers, Gloucester. ^yCZHEELERS' GLOUCESTERSHIRE KIDNEY. VV 12«. per bushel. " The Glouci Etershlre Kidneys were excellent, and produced a large crop.*'— The Rev. E.V. w , Lantwit Major Vicarage, CowOriilge. \ & SoH, Se»d Urowsn Gloucentar. LONDON, 1862. CARTER'S GRASS and CLOVER SEEDS for IMPROVING OLD PASTURES, 9i/. per lb. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for TARK LAWNS, 16*. per bushel. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for CRICKET GEOUNDS, '20*. per bushel. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for CROQUET GROUNDS, 20s. per buBhel. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for CHURCHTAUDS, 165. per bushel. The above llixlures fire prepared from Stocks of the finest quality, and are specially suited to particular Soils and Situations. I^- Special Estimates for large quantities. CARTER'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE OF GENUINE FARM SEEDS, Forwarded Gratia and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER akd CO., SEED FAEUERS, 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C, r Square Noon The young Wheat plant in Dorsetshire is observed to present many thin, faulty brown patches ; and it may be well to direct the atten- tion of our readers to tho cause of them, in the hope that extended observation may be mado upon a subject so important. On going recently over fields of Wheat we were struck with an occasional thinness of plant, which induced a more careful search, when it was soon seen that birds had been actively employed on tho spot, so that whole spaces in the drills had been torn away. Where tho birds had not searched, tho blades of young Wheat were there truly, but fully half of them looked yellow and brown, and presented every stage of decay ; aud these decayed plants came up so easily on being laid hold of that wo were convinced that ' ' a worm i' tho bud" must bo causing the mischief. Accordingly, on carefully taking up some plants tho creature was soon found in tho very act of nibbling tho young blado about half an inch above the seed, so as to get at the inner white part of tho very youngest leaves. Tho creatui-e which was doing the mischief was the larva of some beetle, probably that described with figures by C'l'rtis in his " Farm Insects," p. 212. Tho following is an extract :— "In tho 'Linnwan Transactions' for 180S are some observations by Thomas Walfoed, Esq., F-L.S., regarding an insect that was destroymg the \V heat, supposed by the farmers of Essex and Suffolk to be the wireworm. In October, 1802, Mr. TnoMAS Olley, of Stoke, near Clare, in Suffolk, showed Mr Walfobd some green Wheat which was dying and losing plant very fast, the reason of which he could not compre- hend. On examining the plants Mr. W. discovered three of the larva;, two of which were in the act of destroying the Wheat. "•With their projecting j.iwa these insects cut round the outside Grass .ibout 1 inch below tho surface ot tl"? ""• J? get at tho young white shoot in the centre, which they eat Upon this vegetation is immediately stopped, »ndthopbmt dies. I suspect that they first eat tl"", «?">■."; '""^S wo which has not been drawn up by '<^S«'^"''? ' '"Jj t^c three touched them, they ran mto the husks ; ?^^^°^\^^ ,^"3? hisects I carried homo m the husks, wuch JPPJ--"-^" J^ ',^=^ habitations, and probably the place where tbej cnange jrom the larva to their perfect state. . " It is now upwards of 60 years since these facta 216 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febettaet 29, 1868. were promulgated, and yet we know no more of the economy of this singular little animal than Mr. Wal- roED did. He was inclined to think it might be the larva of a Staphylinus, or Rove-beetle, only that he considered they were entirely a carnivorous family, and the same objection may be made to its being the larva of a Bembidium, or some minute Carabus, which I suspect it to be. It is somewhat remarkable that one has never heard of the re-appearance of this insect ; but that may be owing to all ravages of the kind being at once attributed to the wireworm, which unfortu- nately has hitherto stopped all further inquiry." The larva, then, which we found to be doing US mischief is not that of the Click-beetle, which ■would bo a 'wireworm, but it is one which, so far from being tough to the touch and wiry in appearance, is soft and clothed with prickly hairs ; and Mr. Westwood in referring to Mr. WAiFOKD'a paper, quoted from Guktis, deter- mines them as being larva of a species of Staphylinus. Now the Staphylinidre are a family of beetles of which what is commonly known as the " Devil's Coach-horse " (Goerius oleus) is one of the larger species, while thoso under review are quite small creatures, and are known by the general name of Eove-beetle, of which a great number of species inhabit all parts of our country, sometimes being carnivorous, but mostly of a very omnivorous disposition. We have found the larva and perfect insect in Turnips affected with anbury, and about Potato sets, but more especially at the roots of Grasses, and it seems to possess great partiality for "Wheat. The attack of these larvfe in a field of our own is sufficiently interesting to merit more particular description. The field in question is 50 acres in extent, which, now all in Wheat, was previously cropped as follows : — 1 . Eape, 8 acres, upon faUow. 2. Clover, 8 acres, after Barley which succeeded Mangels. 3. Clover, 6 acres, sown in the Bai-ley after Swedes. 4. Italian Eye, 26 acres, sown also in Barley after Swedes. 5. Swede seed, 2 acres. Of the Clover crops, No. 2 was made into hay, and afterwards fed off by sheep, and No. 3 wag seeded. Of No. 4, about half was never cut at all, but entirely fed off by sheep ; the rest was made into hay, ajid afterwards depastured. Now it is to the Eye-grass portion that the insects are mostly confined, and their attack is ten times more vigorous where it was wholly depastured. Wo have observed a like attack on several farms of the district, and in all cases it has been after Eye-grass, and more especially Italian Eye. Our experience, then, of this year leads us to the same conclusion as we had before arrived at, that Eye-grasses are by no means good preparatives for Wheat, partly perhaps because both Wheat, as a cereal, and Eye-grass as a pasture species, both belong to the same natural order, so that the one exhausts the soil that is required for tho other, and further because the E3'e-grasse3 seem to harbour wire- worm and the larviB just described, and to hand them down as an increased family to the Wheat. Clover lea, on the other hand, seems especially favourable for the growth of Wheat. With regard to our own faulty patch of Wheat, it may be said that from its first showing above the ground until the present time, the rook and the starling have been incessant in their visits. At first, these birds simply uncovered the roots, but though, as we have said, the field in question was 50 acres in extent, it was only a strip of a few acres, nearly in the middle, to which the birds made any other than an occa- sional visit. And this made us look com- placently at their work. Still, to satisfj' the bailiff, we reluctantly consented to place a boj' to keep them oil', but ho was an idle young urchin, and we are inclined to think that whatever plant we have left is the result of his carelessness. And wo now never disturb them ; the birds, which are now, no doubt, doing a great deal of good ; keeping in check a pest which they had dis- covered some weeks before even the sharp- sighted farmer. As a remedy for this evil, we first offer the opinion that a too frequent repetition of the same kind of crop necessarily leads to the increase of the insects peculiar to that class, and hence we prefer Eape, or Clover, or Mustard, as a prepara- tion for Wheat, to Eye-grasses either mown or depastured. Again, as insect "posts" are nearly always present whore a crop which has come up well is gradually withering away, we should take care not to discourage the assistance of bii'ds, for though they may do apparent mischief in disturbing tho young plants, yet the maggots, if they are not disturbed, will do much more. It has been proposed, as a check to fui'ther mischief, that the crop should be rolled. This in the case of tho wire-worm, aids in planting the half-destroyed plants, so that they send up new buds above and roots below from the node above the attack, as these creatures do not usually eat the plant right through. The larva of the "Staphylinus" does, however, eat the plant right off, taking out the young shoot, so that all above tho attack soon dies, and the iujm-y done is at once perceptible to the rook as to any other competent inquirer. Still rolling will doubtless be of use in conso- lidating the ground about the uninjured roots, and as the larvK? are not deep in the soil there is little doubt but that "Croskill" would destroy great numbers of them. Of course if March does not improve the appearance of affairs, and leave some hope of a crop, it will be better to resow with spring Wheat, a plan we intend to adopt in this contingency. We have thus described an attack upon our Wheat crop which, with us, is somewhat serious. We have shown how it differs from wireworm, though usually confounded with it, and we now look forward with confidence for further infor- mation upon this curious subject from our intel- ligent coiTCspondents. B. ■ No quotable change can be reported on Mark Lane in the prices of Wheat on Friday. The market was fairly supplied with Barley. Oats were compara- tively scarce, and held firmly for rather more money. At Wakefield, on the same day, the corn market was rather easier than it was last week. At Liverpool prices were stationary. — In the Cattle JIarket the demand has not been equal to the supply. Trade was dull on Monday, and on Thursday Monday's quota- tions could hardly be realised, the only e.xoeption being in calves, which are scarce and dear. A considerable number of both sheep and cattle were on Monday last left unsold.— The recent upward tendency of prices in the Wool Market has for the present received a check, consumers having lately stocked themselves pretty freely. — In the Poultry Market the supply is hardly up to the demand, and fair prices are realised.— During the past week, in the Potato Market, the arrivals both coastwise and by rail have been liberal, and tr.ade has been slow. A correspondence between Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., .and the Board of Trade very strikingly illus- trates the need of a Minister of Agriculture. Mr. Read called attention to the fact that the corn averages, on which tithes and rents are calculated, do not fairly represent the prices which the farmer has obtained for his corn. And he is answered, not by an officer anxious to receive information, that injustice may be corrected, but by men whose prejudices evidently are that he is wrong, and that the protest must be silenced. His case is founded on the facts : — (1). That only the best of the corn finds its way into the average?, as all the inferior grain is consumed by the farmer on the farm, or sold to a neighbour- ing grazier. (2). That the same lot of corn often appears several times over in the returns. Thus a small dealer at a little market buys several lots of corn ; he takes these samples to the county town, and sells them there to a large merchant ; this merchant attends some distant market, and sells them a third time to some great maltster or miller. These lots of corn thus appear in the returns three times, in the second and third return with the profits of the two merchants and the carriage of the grain added to the actual amount paid to the farmer. And (3). That there is a growing custom of selling grain by weight. The weight insisted upon for Wheat is generally 63 lb. per bushel, while the natural weight of the average of years is about GlJ lb. Consequently the quarter of corn which is returned is in reality 8 bushels and 12 lb. of Wheat, which we may call three quarters of a peck. — The answer to Mr. Read's complaint is an assertion that—" As far as an opinion upon the question can be formed by the corn department, there does not appear to be any evidence that the corn averages do not now, as formerly, represent the average value actually realised for corn in the markets from which returns are obtained." And it is added — " If the corn averages had gradually increased .and had remained higher than the actual market^ prices, the value of the tithe rent-charge, as determined by the averages, would also have shown a gradual increasCj" — which it seems is not the case. But what has this to do with Mr. Read's complaint ? It is not tho low price of corn that is complained of, but the fact that the published averages are above the actual price received ; and this, as Mr. Read replies, a farmer, who mixes with those who buy and sell corn all over the kingdom, is quite as likely to know as any of the officials of the corn department who are not in the habit of selling corn.— Mr. Read adds: "I am quite ready to prove uiy statement by reference to my books, and those who have farmed the land before me; and I will, if you please, bring one farmer out of every county in England and Wales to support what I have advanced. For instance, I find that 30 years ago the prices th;it were realised for Wheat grown on the land I occupy were rather above the average of the kingdom ; but for the past II) years they have been considerably below. I have overlooked many old farmer's books, and find the same result ; and I believe, as I have previously stated, that they can be mainly accounted for by the fact that land is now more highly cultivated. Tou cannot stimulate corn crops without running the risk of deteriorating the quality. You certainly grow more off-corn, and as you increase the number of your stock you consume a greater quantity of that inferior grain on the farm. Very maiiy farmers use much more corn for stock-feeding than I do, but the average annual consumption of grain on this farm of 420 acres is 200 quarters, which (with the exception of the Oats given to the riding-horses) is worth from 8s. to l&s. per quarter less than the corn I sell in market. In a year like this, when corn is dear and well harvested, we con- sume less corn and more oilcake; but when corn is damp and unsaleable we use a much larger quantity for stock-feeding. Some of this inferior grain no doubt finds its way to market, and is included in the official returns, but I know that by far the greater portion is used on the farm." — In reference to other points which the official reply had questioned, Mr. Read states (2), as to the statement that corn is now generally bought direct from the growers — "I have information that leads me to the conclusion that, in the great consuming markets, at least one-third of the corn which finds its way into the averages is sold by merchants— not by farmers." (3). " I have no hesitation in stating that the custom of buying corn by weight is increasing. AVheu corn is sold by weight irrespective of measure, it all depends upon the scale by which that weight is converted into measure whether the average price per quarter is fairly recorded. On this part the corn department is cautiously silent ; perhaps you will tell me the official weight of a bushel of Whe.at or Barley at Liverpool ? But my statement was that the weight generally demanded for Wheat was 63 lb. per bushel, while the natural weight of the Wheat seldom averaged more than 61i lb. I am deeply grateful for the information that 'Wheat weighing 631b. a bushel will fetch a certain price, and Wheat weighing only 6Ulb. will fetch a lower price,' but when the lighter Wheat is made to weigh as much per quarter as the heavier, both go down in the averages at the same price. I can well remember in South Wales selling Wheat weighing 58 lb. at 63 lb. per bushel, and Barley at 51 lb. that did not weigh 601b. : and finding out that a four-bushel sack would not hold half-a-quarter of corn ! And I could bring further proof that the 'price of a quarter of Wheat, as returned for the averages, is, in reality, the price for a larger quantity of AVheat than the ordinary quarter of 8 bushels.' I quite agree that the value of the tithe- rent charge has been fully maintained in the average of the past 32 years. The Memorandum argues that this is strong evidence of the correctness of the corn returns. I, on the contrary, contend that the tithe rent-charge, having maintained its value, is a certain proof that the corn averages are fictitiously high. I am positive that the actual value of all the corn grown in England and Wales since '36 is fully 10 per cent, below the average price as fixed by the corn returns." SHORTHORNS. The Milcote Herd. — When public taste has somewhat changed on the subject, horseflesh may per- haps become a fashionable article of food ; since Christ- mas many amateurs and farmers, enamoured of Mr. M'Combie's magnificent black ox, have gone in for Polled Angus ; the pale-faced Herefords have still their select votaries ; Alderneys and Ayrshires are carefully cultivated in a few comparatively limited localities, but no improved breed is so extensively dis- tributed, or has grown so rapidly in public favour, as the Shorthorn. Although dating back for about 70 years, and hence of more modern origin than many A other bovine varieties, the Shorthorn already greatly M outnumbers them. Shorthorns and Shorthorn crosses * now constitute the bulk of the best beasts in every market or fair, as well as in every show-yard. Like the cattle in Phar.aoli's dream, they have nearly swallowed up the older sorts ; but unlike the cattle of Egyptian dream-land, they have been greatly better favoured than the older sorts which they have dis- placed. No breed exhibits the same fixity of type ; none possesses so many good properties alike for the grazier, the butcher, or the dairyman ; none has accord- ingly been so freely and advantageously used for cross- ing the indigenous herds either of our own or of other countries. But even at home there are still mongrels, of faulty form and indifferent quality, that stand in great need of that symmetry, size, and early maturity, which the good Shorthorn sire so notably imparts. The more extensive distribution of Shorthorn sires throughout Great Britain would very shortly show the absurd fallacy of Lord Robert Montagu's recent observation ; that the supply of home-grown beef has reached its limit in this country. As the readers of the Agricultural Oazette are well aware, the most distinguished tribes or families of Shorthorns trace back, often through somewhat different channels, to the Ceilings' celebrated bull F.vvouRiTE (252). The various breeders in whose hands Shorthorns have steadily reached their present pre- eminence, have gradually impressed certain specialities of character on their herds. But we cannot at present expatiate on this interesting topic, nor stay to mark how the judgment, the taste, and even the prejudices of our most persevering breeders have been reproduced in their several herds. We confine ourselves to Mr. J. C. Adkins and the Milcote herd. Mr. Adkins' experience of Shorthorns goes back for 30 years. He has Ijeen familiar with the best herds in the kingdom. He has made the breeding of a handsome, stylish, but ' remunerative rent-paying Shorthorn one of the chief PebBUAET 29, 1868.J THE GAKBENEUS' CHRONKJI.R AKl) AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 217 I studies of his useful life. Many farmers, not only in his own county of Warwickshire, but throughout the kingdom, can testify to the good results of their dip into Milcote blood. Prominent amongst the features of Mr. Adkins' breeding has been his consistent adherence to the blood of Favourite (252). Ho made his selection, when most of the present breeders were boys, from the stocks of the late Right Hon. Charles Arbuthnot, Earl Spencer, Sir C. Tempest, from Mr. Stephenson, of TVolviston, and from Sir Charles Knightley. Avoiding alien admixture, he has held firmly to that strain which has marked its merits by the production of the Duke of Nokthum- BEHLiND, BliLVEDEHE, Geand Duke, and the Princesses. No Duchess or Grand Duchess can boast of more unsullied purity of descent than Mr. Adkins' Charmers and Princesses. This deter- mined adherence to a strain of such excellent old blood has conferred on Mr. Adkins' animals a consistency and iixity of type which few herds possess. Concurring in the taste of his friend Sir Charles Knightley, he h;is anxiously preserved those fine sloping shoulders, which give style and grace to every movement. Abundance of flesh along the fore- chine, width of back, depth of loin, and vigour of constitution, have likewise been carefully cultivated. In the Eael of Dublin, which was oracularly declared to be " the best milking bull of his day," and in the other sires used at Milcote, great pains have been taken to preserve good dairy properties. On the 25th March, under the auspices of Mr. Strafford, the whole of the Milcote herd will be sold, with the exception of a white cow bought in the neigh- bourhood several years ago, and a white bull calf. There are upwards of 30 females, comprising nine Charmers and Sweethearts, eight of Sir Charles Knightley's Cold Cream tribe, four Frills, Ac. Bulls, which at Milcote during the past two years have greatly preponderated over the gentler sex, are catalogued to the number of 15, and with one exception are Princesses, Knightleys, or Charmers. Pure Charmers, bred without stain from the Right Hon. Charles Arbuthnot's5y?i)/t by SiE Walter (2637), although much in request, are extremely rare. At the dispersion in 1860, Mr. Adkins sold 15 at an average of 761. Ss. d\d. Now, unfortunately, there are but two females. Concord, and her little daughter Constancy. Concord, white, calved Sept. 1, 1857, is by London- DEEEY (13,160)— a long, low, well favoured cow, with a great deal of character, but a somewhat sparse silky coat. She has been recently served by Patrician. Her four months' old roan heifer calf, by Sir G. R. Philips' Cherry bull 3d Duke of Geneva, is one of the gems of the herd, possessing faultless shape and quality, a beau- tiful coat, and one of the sweetest heads that ever graced a good beast. The only Charmer bull is Coronet (23,021), white, calved October 18, 1865, got by Chanter (19,123), and out of Chanter's dam the Concord cow just described. Notwithstanding the near relationship of his parents he shows size and robustness, has a capital back and loins, is well pro- portioned and good looking. The matron of the herd is Sweetheart 2d, white, calved in 1851, by Eael of Dublin. She was bred at Milcote, whence, at the sale in March, 1860, she went to Mr. Joseph Robinson's at Clifton pastures, and after a sojourn of four years she was again purchased by Mr. Adkins. Although the old cow has bred 13 calves, and is again within three weeks of calving, she looks juvenile and robust, and as if she might go on breeding for several years to come. She is a great, grand cow, of immense substance and constitution, and, like all the Eael of Dublin's stock, of which unfortunately few now survive, sheisan excellent milker. Notwithstanding her age, she is smart and shapely, and the only excep- tion which even the most fastidious would take to her fine proportions.is her inclination toold-fashionedpatchiness behind. The old cow's latest progeny is Sweet William, white, 11 months old, by the Princess bull Potentate (22,537)— a deep, long, growing calf, with wonderfully fine slashing shoulders, a capital chest, back, and loin, and although quite poor, showing all over a great deal of style and character. But the old cow has also fortunately bred several females. She has two daughters, both by Chantee (19,423)— a pure Charmer and Princess bull ; these are — Sj/mpalhi/, white, nearly three years old, a handsome, level, heavy-fleshed heifer, with a well-placed bouutiful-looking udder, mother of a handsome bull calf, and again in calf to Patrician (21,728); and Science, just a year jounger, dark roan, of great size, very shapely and promising, with a beau- tiful Charmer-like head, and the longest, deepest quarters and fullest twist we have seen for many a day on so young and growing an animal. Like her sister. Science was served several months ago by Patrician. The Sweethearts have gone up in public estimation since the last Milcote sale in 1860, when 10 animals realised an average of 62/. 1*. 7hd. Sera2)h, white, calved Sept. 23, 1860, by Londondeeey (13,169), is out of that good old cow Sunshine, by Mameluke— one of the three females reserved at the last sale. Seraph is not so large as most of her family, but e.vhibits much quality and character, and is an excellent dairy cow. Her daughter Songstress, by Challenges (17,521), another unalloyed Charmer sire, is five years old rich roan, of that hardy, desirable sort often described as having " a great frame on short legs," even and symmetrical, due to calve in a fortnight, now living in a straw yard, and on the most meagre of fare, to lessen the risk of her failing from that arch enemy of heavy milkers, the puerperal, or milk fever. Her rather long spiral horns, which Mr. Adkins does not con- desceud artisiically to dress, give her neat head a somewhat staring appearance ; but this matters the less, as her otlier proportions are so good. Spangh, a half-sister of Songstress, out of Seraph, by Chanter, is a handsome roan, of November 0, 1865, with beautif uUy- louuded chest, deep, well-placed shoulders, great breadth of back and depth of loins, and promising to bo of larger size than some of the rest of her family. Like the other heifers of her age, she is in calf to Pateician (21,728), the roantwo-year-oldPrincess bull. The last of the Sweethearts remaining to be noticed is Sorceress, by Mocassin (18,106), a good bull out of Ladj/ Slipper, of Fillet descent. She is just six years old, roan, not very big, but long and deep, and with a good back and loins, and a very superior milker. She is thedamofSPECTRE, by Potentate, a dark roan si.x- months-old bull calf, long, level, with a handsome head and countenance, and the magnificent air and quality which distinguish the young stock got by Potentate and Patrician. Sir Charles Kniglitley's "Cold Cream" family, tracing back through tlie Duke of Cambridge to Geev Feiab (9172), Allan-a-Dale (7778), and Little John (4232), are well represented at Milcote. Ftoret, the parent of this branch of ihe herd, was bred by Mr. Tracy, of Edenbridge, was for some time in the possession of Mr. Hales, at North Frith, where Mr. Adkins bought; her in 1862. Floret is by Douglas (12,714), a bull by the Duke of Gloucester (11,382), from a distinctively bred Gwynne cow. At Fawsley, in 1856, her mother, Florimel, by Duke of Cambeidqe, with other 20 animals of the same tribe, brought Sir Charles Knightley an average of 89/. Floret is a big cow of robust constitu- tion and good flesh, with an old-fashioned Gvvynne head, rather disfigured by a pair of coarse, staring horns. Although herself one of the least taking cows at Milcote, her undeniable descent makes its never-to-be- mistaken mark on her descendants, amongst which rank some very handsome and most valuable young cows. Her daughter Harmony, seven years old, red and a little white, by Cherry Duke 3d (15,763), is a grand cow, with whose good points, ample proportions and quality it would be difficult to find fault. She bears inspection alike on paper and in the yard, and will probably prove the prima donna of March 25. Her roan daughter, Honesty, calved April 9, 1861, got by Chanter, promises some day to be as good as her mother. A younger scion of the same good stock is Jlopefid, red and white, calved April 1, 1866, also by Chanter. Floret is also the mother of Harebell, a handsome red and white five-year-old cow, by 4th DOKE of Thorndale (17,750), deep and square in her figure, and with that style and quality which might be expected from so noble a sire. Another daughter is Heartsease, red, four years old, by Chantee (19,123). She has a splendid forehand, meets you with bosom ample as an Islington prize beast, and withal is level, truly made, and well forward in calf. Still another Floret comes, yclept Hollyhock, three years old, red and white, and, like the rest of the sisterhood, large, widely framed, deep, with capital flesh, and great con- stitution. Want of space prevents our commenting on the younger animals of this prolific tribe. Besides a good heifer calf from Heartsease, there are four pro- mising bull calves from Floret and three of her daughters— all of them showing size, constitution, abundance of hair, and plenty of that masculine character which the breeders of fashionable bulls are sometimes apt to neglect. The Frill tribe, descended from Sir Charles .Tempest's Fancy by Remus (2521), is represented by four females and one male. Frippery, nine years old, red and white, by Mameluke (13,289), is just about to calve; she is a straight stylish cow, big without lumber, and a valuable acquisition iu any dairy. Frippery's red and white grand-daughter Fancy by Chanter (19,423) is just five years old, about to drop her third calf, is the type of a well built useful cow, and has a capital coat. Fancy's daughter Frailty, roan. May 18, 1865, isbyBAELEYCOEN THE Younger (21,209), an excellent sire, of Sir Charles Knightley's Rosy tribe. She is very well grown iu all her points, with a wonderful girth and fore-chine, and like the rest of the sort shows great robustness. Fidelity, red and white^ 2d May, 1866, got by Chanter (19,423) out of Frippery, is a smart, straight, well made-up yearling. The Frill bull Feeebooter, roan, four months old, by Patrician (24,728), out of Frailty, is growing, with a tremendous back and loins, long deep hind-quarters, muscular thighs, a capital touch, but at present rather rough and heavy about his shoulder points. The Alice tribe, from Mr. Harrison's, of Mortham, full of the blood of Norfolk and Duke of Northumber- land, has bred well at Milcote. The mother of the family, Alice, red and white, calved 11th March, 1859, by WiSETONiAN (17,24-1), is a neat compact cow, not very big, but with a head which tells of her unsullied ancestry. Her two daughters, Amaranth and Aurora, rising respectively two and three years old, and both by Chanter, are handsome promising heifers, level along the lower as well as the upper lino of their deep and well-turned frames. Edith, from Jlr. Bellamy's stock, tracing back through PHtE.vix (0290) and SHAKESPEARE (5108) to Phenomenon (491), and thus having a common origin with the Princesses and Gwynnes, is a great, good five- year-old cow, with that size and substance which the grazier prizes in a hull breeder. Her two daughters, Diana and Dido, look as if they might train success- fully for high honours in any show-yard. Another grand covv^ which will have many admirers on the 25th of March, is Goodness, red and white, calved October 13, 1853, got by Lord Hahdinge (13,193), and now heavy in calf to Potentate. Maryland, from Sir Charles Knightley's last sale, and of the Rosy sort, is so capit: 1 a dairy cow, that it has been difficult to give her that condition which a fastidious public consider essential for the sale ring. Although only three and a half years old she has bred two excellent bulls, both of which are in the Catalogue, and she is again well gone in calf to Patrician. The Princess cow, roan, calved Sept. 15, 1860, got by General Havelock (17,952), has unfortunately left Mr. Adkins no living female produce. Three buUsfrora her are in the Catalogue. An older son— Potentate— died only a few weeks ago. On both sides, her pedigree is identical with that of the Eael of Dublin, who left behind him so great a mark on Sir Charles Knightley's and Mr. Adkins' herds, and through them on many nioro stocks througliout the country. Her apijearance is not very imposing, but improves on examination ; her quality of flesh and hair is more remarkable than her size, which was probably dwarfed by the hard keeping of her breeder, Mr. Stephenson, of Wolviston. She has a good head, a placid pleasant countenance, her shoulders are a trifle upright for Mr. Adkins' critical taste, but her fore-chine and girth are good, her back, loins, and hiud-quartors fault- less, and her dairy properties unexceptionable. Her son. Potentate (22,537) by Chantee (19,123), who has luckily left some excellent stock, was an almost exact reproduction of his illustrious ancestor the E.vEL of Dublin (10,178) in appearance as well as in descent. Pateician (24,728), roan, calved November 10, 1805, is also by Chantee (19,423), and when we say that his appearance is about as faultless as his pedigree we can give hiiu no higher praise. Although only in very ordinary store condition, he is full of flesh and quality. With the proper intermixture of long, curling, and soft mossy hair, he has a good heavy hide, telling un- mistakably of that vigour of constitution so essential especially in the male parent; he ha.s plenty of size, bubis well ribbed up,hisshoulders and girth are good, and he has the ^ay and sprightly air which will enliven the animated biddings to be made for him a month hence. ■ The Catnloguo of the late Mr. Rutson's herd, to be sold at Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, by Messrs. Wetherell, on Friday next, includes a number of well-bred cattle, tracing back to Booth, Bates, and Mason. The pages are loaded with references to lineage and history, some of them owing to past neglect of the Herd Book. A large family are descended from Lady Abbess, of the Rev. J. E.Jefferson's breeding, and exhibit the subsequent influence of a number of good Booth bulls. " The herd, though small in number," says Mr. Wetherell, " will be found to possess great merit, combining blood of the most fashionable character, from the herds of Booth, Bates, Mason, Lord Spencer, S. L. Bolden, the Rev. J. E. Jefferson, Wilson, Collings, and going to R. Ceilings' Old Daisy by Favoueite (252), Punch (531), and Hubback (319)." ■ Bravo ! Mr. Donkin. — The Thoruington herd is to be sold by him on March 10, and we may refer to it next week. Meanwhile the advertisement in which the fact is announced deserves notice, as an illustration of the eloquence of enthusiasm. Charles Lamb in one of his essays, speaking of a well-known actor of the day, asks, " Who like him can throw a preternatural interest over the commonest daily-life objects?" "A tub of butter contemplated by him amounts to a Platonic idea." " He stands wondering amid the commonplace materials of life, like primeval man with the sun and stars about him." One thinks of this when reading that in the Thorningtou herd wo have " a stock which traces its lineage distinctly through a long line of noble ancestry, prominently displaying in every lineament the sovereign attributes of high descent." " True to the traditions of 80 years, it relies not upon the apocryphal evidence of a Bucolic Mythology. Strong iu the irrefragable proofs of ortho- dox descent, it invites, in the confidence of superiority, the criticisms of the commentators upon our domestic zoology. Acclimatised from infancy to the tempera- ture of the Cheviots, this stock may, with perfect safety, be removed to the highest altitudes compatible with animal civilisation. Rich in colours as elegant in contour, the votaries of fashion, agreeing with the common saying of Colbert, will find that focus of attraction in Northumberland on the 16th March— the theatre of auction at Thoruington (with the border of Flodden Field for a stage, and the sublimities of the Bowmont for scenery), resplendent in the radiance of the rosiest complexions." May we not end as we began ? Bravo, Mr. Donkin ! Mr. Lythall's public saleof Shorthorns takes place inBingley Hall, Birmingham, on April 2. With a view to attracting animals from the best herds in the kingdom, he offers prizes of 20/., 10/., and 5/. for bulls above 10 and under 20 months old, the entrance fee required from those competing for the prizes being 20j. The judges will be two breeders of high repute, and no animals will he received but such as are eligible to be entered in the Herd Book. The Midland Counties Herald says, that " looking at the entries in the class of yearling bulls at the shows of the Royal Agri- cultural Society of Ireland, numbering sometimes as many as 120 sent for exhibition and sale, and also bearing in mind the advantages offered by the central situation and excellent railway accommodation of this town and the suitaljility of the building for the pur- poses of the proposed sale, there is no doubt that it will be extensively patronised by breeders." [The offer of prizes to Shorthorn breeders by an auctioneer— like the offer of cups to green-crop growers by a mauure manufacturer— is mere touting for custom.] HIGH FARMING.-No. I. I HAVE been led by Mr. Mechi's kind and patriotic publication of his balance-sheet for the information and criticism of the fanning public to set down some of the observations which strike me most forcibly as arising out of his experience, hoping thereby to induce my brother farmers to give them a little further con- sideration, as bearing particularly on the system of high farming which I have lately advocated m your columns; and I trust Mr. Mechi will pardon a fellow-worker with himself in the cause of truth lor dealing somewhat roughly with his figures and manage- 218 I'HE GAEDENKKS' CHUONICLE AND AGElCULTDRAL GAZETTE. [Febbuaby 29, ises. ment. The only chance of awakening the bucolic mind to the necessity of improvement is to seize every oppor- tunity of instilling into it the successful practice of others. At any rate the inquiry may prove interesting to your readers, as it has been to me. Mr. M.'s farm consists of 150 acres net arable land. He cultivates them nearly on the alternate system- half white corn, half fallow crops, the latter half again being alternately roots, Clover, and pulse. The whole of his white corn crop is sold off, realising from this half of his farm about 1000^. a year; or about 13/. per acre. The whole of his fallow crops he turns into meat and manure, with the addition of purchased cake and corn, making a gross return of meat sold about 700/. a-year, and sulhcient manure, with the aid of guano and phosphate, for the production of the yearly corn crop. What this manure is worth, and conse- quently what is the net profit of cattle-feeding, we shall see further on. What must at once strike any farmer reading this account is the quantity of corn realised — from 400 to 4.50 quarters annually off 150 acres, equal to 3 quarters per cultivated acre, or 0 quarters on the half cropped with corn— and this upon land worth about 1/. per acre net. If the 12 million arable acres in England bore a proportionate produce, there would at once be enough for our population — who are supposed to require 1 quarter of Wheat per head for food annually — without the necessity or expense of importing; and that this high farming pays, the balance-sheet proves beyond doubt. He charges himself an additional 1/. per acre to cover the expense incurred as landlord in draining, piping, and erecting steam engine, and yet brings away nearly 10 per cent on the very large capital employed. This result would satisfy the minds of most people that the example was one to be followed, but I see it is objected that this is not farming, which brings us to the second question, whether it pays to fat meat or to buy artificial manures, — requiring a little deeper consideration ; and on both points I think this balance-sheet will throw light. I must take for granted at present, what Mr. Lawes and others have at different times sulU- ciently proved, that land well cleaned and cultivated will produce about 2 quarters of corn per acre per annum without manure, or 4 quarters after a fallow every second year. I must also consider as granted that an addition of 5 lb. of nitrogen applied as manure will produce, under ordinary circumstances,an additional bushel of Wheat. Mr. Mechi has this year, say, 75 acres in fallow crop, which will be Wheat next year. If he left these 75 acres as bare fallow, cleaned but unma- nured, his probable crop next year would not exceed, as I have said, 4 quarters to the acre, or 300 quarters in all ; and these 300 quarters would have to pay two years' rent and taxes, besides the expense of fallowing. Instead of this he, like most other farmers, puts in a fallow crop, and the result of the manure made by the consumption of this and other purchased food is an addition of 125 quarters over the 300 quarters, or 15 bushels of Wheat per acre extra, wlaich requires, on the before-mentioned hypothesis, five times 15 lb. of nitrogen to be added as manure to each acre of corn ; or 57 cw;t. of nitrogen over the 75 acres. This he provides in the following way : — He consumes, he tells us, COO/, worth of cake and corn (including horse corn). W^e are not told the proportion of each, but supposing them to be 20 tons of cake and 20 of corn, the nitrogen remaining in the dung from their consumption would be three-fifths of the quantity eaten, or about 23 cwt. In likemanuerthe nitrogen excreted from theconsump- tion of the hay. Eye-grass, roots, and other green food off GO acres, would amount to another 23 cwt. — total from farm manure, 46 cwt. ; leaving about 10 cwt. of nitrogen to he applied in purchased guano, which would require nearly 5 tons. This latter would supply the required 7S lb. of nitrogen over about 13 acres, if all put on one field, at a probable cost of 60/., or 4/. per acre manured. Let us compare with this the cart-dung containing the 46 cwt., and spread over the remaining CO acres. The cost of this will be the difference between the outlay on the fallow crops and the amount realised by their consumption. On the one side we have the sowing, harvesting, and threshing of 26 acres of Peas and Beans. I omit the ploughing for Wheat, as that has been already debited to the future crop as part of the fallow. Then we have the mowing and making 20 acres of Clover, and the mowing of the Rye-grass. We have also the whole expenses of the root-crop, together with the attendance on the cattle. Now Sir. Mechi's labour bill, including horse keep, is under COO/, a year. Suppose we allow half as due to growing the food and feeding the cattle, that is, 300/. ; add the bought food (excluding horse com), -100/.; add interest on stock purchased and for use of engine, 100/. ; total, 800/., to set against the 720/ received : leaving a balance of about 80/. for the total cost of manuring the 60 acres ; or 27j. an acre instead of 4/. in guano : and this 27*. is the whole outlay required to produce the extra 15 bushels an acre. Can anybody with these figures before him doubt that a farmer ought to fat cattle ? or question the superiority of home made over artificial manures? At present prices the it. spent in the guano is well repaid by the 15 bushels of Wheat ; but with corn at 40*. it would not pay ; whereas the 27s. laid out in farm-dung will pay at any prices. Add to which these large crops are all certain crops ; they varj; very little with the seasons, and are not subject to disease. Whether Mr. Mechi, in making a loss on his stock, has made the most of his fallow crops, may be the subject of future inquiry. There can be no doubt, however, that in exporting meat to the value of 700/. and upwards every year, in addition to the large quantity of Wheat sold off, he sets a very notable example to his brother farmers, who, as far as we can judgefrom flie statistics, do not fat more than 1/. per acre, instead of 10/. in value, over the arable land of England. J, B. M, AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. I The differences in the returns of the number of live [The foUowing is the report by Mr. A. w. FonWanque, of tho I stock, especially as regards sheep and pigs, arise to a statistical Department, Buard of Trade, to the Lords of i large extent from the unavoidable collection of the the Committee of Privy Council for Trade.] The returns for 1866 are also published with those for 1867 ; but the difference between the results for the two years cannot always be taken as the actual variation in the acreage under crops and Grass, and in the number of live stock. In 1866 the acreage returns were only collected in Great Britain from occupiers of and above five acres of land, which was considered to be a limit low enough to include all land used for agricultural purposes. In 1867, as the acreage and live stock returns were both collected at the same time, it was necessary, in order to ascertain the number of the live stock, to abandon the limit of five acres, and to collect the returns of both acreage and live stock from all occupiers of land. The acreage returns were collected in the month of June in 1866 and 1867, but the total acreage returned in 1867 is much increased for some counties by additions made to the acreage _ under permanent pasture. These additions are chiefly occasioned by the introduction of the word " down " into the heading of the column for permanent pastures in the forms for 1867 ; and the substitution of the words " exclusive of heath or mountain land" for "exclusive of hill pastures." Under the latter exception, as used in the returns for 1866, it is believed that a large acreage of down and other hilly Grass land was not returned. It was not intended that such kinds of Grass land should be excluded, but only large tracts of mountain laud with heathy and scanty pasture. The collection of the acreage returns from occupiers of less than five acres has also led to an increase in the acreage under permanent pasture in 1867. The variations in the acreage under " bare fallow," as returned for the two years, are partly owing to mis- conceptions or mistakes in some districts as to the kind that should have been returned under that head. The acreage under the several corn and green crops may be taken as showing very nearly the extent of the land cultivated with these crops in 1866 and 18J7. returns at two different periods of the year, the 5th of March in 1866 and the 25th of June in 18C7 ; but tho exceptionally high prices of sheep and pigs in 186G had also an effect in increasing the number of sheep and pigs in 1867. The heading of the column for "cows" has been altered in the returns for 1867 to "cows and heifers in milk or in calf," which is partly the cause of the increase in the number of cows in 1867. The cows kept in towns for dairy purposes are included in the returns for 1866 and 1867. The total number of occupiers of land and owners of live stock from whom returns were obtained is stated in tho returns for 1867, and the average of the acreage returned by each occupier has been computed, and is also published. This average, however, is not equiva- lent to the average extent of the farms occupied, as the acreage under woods, plantations, &c., is not included in the returns. The retiirns for 1867 have been carefully examined, with the view of affording correct data of comparison with subsequent years. This examination, entailing frequent references to the collecting olEcers in different parts of the country, has prevented the earlier publica- tion of the returns. The acreage returns for 1866, as now published, have been corrected in consequence of the discovery of errors in the returns for Wheat in Suffolk, and for Turnips and Swedes in Devonshire. Tho returns for the year 1866 were largely circulated in the agricultural districts for the purpose of making known the information afforded by the returns, and also of showing that nothing was published which could in any way injure individual interests. For Scotland and Ireland there are previous returns which can be compared with the returns for 1866 and 1867 ; and the following Table shows the changes during tho last ten years in the cultivation of the principal crops, and in the number of live stock in those parts of tho Kingdom. Scotland. Ireland. Average of the Years. Increase {+) Decrease (— ). Average of the Years. Increase (-f) 1856-57. 1866-67. 1856-57. 1 1866-67. Decrease ( — ). Crops : — Wheat Parley Oats Potatoa Turuips Acres. 243,240 182,062 923,623 144,585 468,411 Acres. 110,609 216,052 1,000,530 150,477 481,895 Acres. —132,631 + 33,990 -t- 71,932 + 5,892 + 13,484 Acres. 544,348 197,042 2,009,185 1,123,675 352,249 Acres. 230,549 162,578 1,679,553 1,025,049 326,454 Acres. —203,799 — 34,464 —329,632 — 99,726 — 25,795 Live Stock :— Cattle Sheep Kg3. No. 070,742 6,749,864 136,639 No. 938,435 6,074,340 204,011 No. — 12,.307 -1-324,476 + 67,372 No. 3,604,406 3,573,273 1,086,855 No. 3,724,267 4,550,148 1,365,583 No. -1-119,861 -1-976,875 -h278,728 The returns of the acreage of crops and of the number I returns for GreatBritain, have been obligingly furnished of live stock in various foreign countries, which follow the I by the statistical departments of the respective countries. Total Area (in Statute Acres) Abstract of Acreage : — Under all kinds of Crops, Bare ( Fallow, and Grass . . \ Under Com Crops . , -j ,, Green Crops . . ■] „ Grass : — Clover, 4c., J under Rotation \ Perm.anent Pasture, not ( broken up in Rotation t ( Per Centa£;e of Acreage :—t i Under Corn Crops . . < ,, Grass: — Clover, iSic., f under Rotation ( Permanent Piisture not ( broken up in Rotation t \ Ab.'^tract of Live Stock returned ; , Total Number of Cattle . . -j ,, of Sheep., -| of Pigs .. -j Proportionate Number of Live Stock to every 100 Acres under Crops, Fallow, and Grass : — Cattle Sheep Pigs \ Number of Persons from whom Returns were obtained : — Occupiers of Land owning'i Live Stock, and Occupiers V of Land only . . . . ) Owners of Live Stock only 7,365,170 7,399,347 2,759,912 2,691,734 760,979 753,210 2,296,087 2,478,117 33.1 32.3 12.4 11.7 10.3 10.8 40.5 41.6 1866 3,307,034 18671 3,469,026 15,124,641 14.9 15.1 68.0 86.3 4,734,486 2,284,674 2,519,170 621,074 621,404 139,263 138,387 109,878 86,237 256,722 300,756 1,257,721 1,472,339 11.2 11.9 63,1 58.5 1,366,540 1,364,029 663,237 668,042 94,080 83,091 1,141,415 1,211,101 S2.9 31.1 15.9 15.3 100.0 541,401 544,538 1,668,663 2,227,161 23.7 21.6 73.0 937,401 979,470 6,235,077 6,893,603 219,716 188,307 22.5 22.4 120.4 Total for Great Bi-itaiu. 28,679,771 29,831,078 9,252,784 9,284,780 3,562,434 3,498,163 964,937 922,558 3,694,224 3,989,974 11,148,814 12,071,319 32.3 31.1 12.4 11.7 13.4 38.9 40.5 4,785,836 4,993,034 22,048,281 28,919,101 2,477,619 2,906,979 20,322,641 16,3S0,231§ 15.542,208§ 2,174,033 2,115,137 1,481,005 1,432,252 25,419 20,191 1,601,423 1,638,451 10,004,244 10,057,072 10.3 10.7 04.3 3,746,157 3,702,378 4,274,282 24.1 23.8 27.5 31.1 84,498 27,266 27,039 12,208 12,670 8,337 1,990 25,309 20.33; 20,355 3,142 2,827 5,253 6,636 2,552 2,530 3,205 3,250 6,203 Total for United Kingdom. •7,513,583 44,343,200 43,491,097 11,459,266 11,431,940 5,064,438 4,951,796 1,001,637 963,998 5,325,047 5,079,433 21,174,787 22,136,541 12.0 12.4 47.7 8,569,693 8,731,473 26,380,243 • For detailed returns for Ireland see Regiatrt nnual reports, laid before Parliament, t Exclusive of heath or mountain land. It The per-centage of acreage is exclusive of Hops in Great Britain, and Flax iu Ireland. [acres in 1807. § Including under Flax, 263,507 acre* in 1866, and 253,105 FEBE0ARY 29, ISOS] THE GARDENERS' CITRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE 219 BEET-ROOT SUGAR. CoNSlDEEAiiLE attention has been drawn to this subject, both in your columns aud those of the Times, and the balance of opinion is so strongly in favour of a renewal of the manufacture, that capitalists both in England and Ireland have pledged themselves to embark in it. Surely those who are willing to come forward and risk both money and repute in order to set on foot this enterprise deserve the hearty sympathy of the public, for if one-tenth of the capital that is so blindly and recklessly flung away on Turkish loans, American bonds, and other foreign (in)securities, were devoted to the legitimate purpose of developing the natural resources of our own country, we should soon have this and other "giant industries" growing into power, so as in some degree to compensate for the ominous decadence of our iron trade and ship-building supremacy. 'Jhere are many reasons why former failures may now give place to future success'-. A selection of the right species of seed and tlir right method of growing it, improved modes of extraction, and a well adjusted system of stock feeding, conjoined with the manufacture, will do much ; but there is yet another point of advantage which we now possess, not only over former attempts in this country, but over the best existing systems of the Continent : this is, the facility with which the ordinary agricultural engines may be adapted to dry the roots on the fields in which they are grown. To effect this drying it is common abroad to erect a large number of kilns within a cii-cuit of a few miles around the central refinery ; and in one establish- ment, where 700 tons of sugar per week are manufactured, no less than 1-1. such kilns have been constructed, at a cost of 7S00/. This heavy additional outlay would be entirely avoided by the substitution of hired engines, with portable drying machinery, upon a similar principle to that which has already been applied to the drying of hay and Wheat in wet seasons. Every one such engine, accompanied by two tr\icUs of G feet by 18 feet to hold the cylinders, pulpers, and hot-blast fans, would be able to dry 570 tons of roots per week down to 192 tons, by a con- sumption of 55 tons of coke, showing a nett saving in the amount to he carted of 330 tons. In this partially dried form the roots will keep uninjured for a con- siderable time, and they could therefore either be carted from the fields to a central factory, or sent up by rail or canal to the refineries already established in our cities, many of which are at this present time closed for lack of raw material. If this latter plan were adopted the enterprise could he started, and the experiment fully tried at a risk so small that any manufacturer or farmer having 500/. or GOO?, to spare could at once use this proi-ess as a valuable adjunct to his refinery or his farm. "When the suitability of Beet-root for the pur- poses of sugnr raauui'acture had been thus fully tested and proved, capitalists could then, with con- fidence and safetj', establish large central refineries on a scale commensurate with the magnitude of this important manufacture, and additional engines could be put on to the work in exact propor- tion to the increased growth of the roots and the increased demand for them. Traction engines would be exceedingly applicable in the after extension of this system, inasmuch as they could draw their own coke to the place where the drying was to be carried on, and afterwards draw away the dried roots to the central establishment. One vei'y serious risk and disadvantage hitherto encountered in all former projects would be entirely avoided, because instead of being compelled to make a heavy jjreliminary outlay in the establishment of local refineries and kilns, and then being ever after at the mercy of the farmers of the limited district surrounding the works, these engines could range over a wide extent of country, and the roots could be bought up and dealt with wherever they were plentiful and of good quality. If any special districts of these islands were found to be better than others for the production of a sugar-yielding root, central refineries could then be advantageously established in such districts, and their owners would be relieved from the necessity of conjoining farming or stock-feeding with tlie manufac- ture itself, because the pulp, after the extraction of the sugar, could be again dried by the same process, and either sold in the cities for dairy feeding, or returned to the farmers at an agreed price; the leaves also of the Beet-root (which are now wasted both here and abroad) can bo dried by the same apparatus into a valuable forage, and left on the farm, together with such parts of the roots as are known by experience to contain too small a proportion of sugar to be worth extracting. This may seem a small matter at first, but from careful analysis and calculation, it is shown that the 1 use of the dry leaves for feeding jnirposes would be (at the lowest computation of their value) a saving of '10,000?. a year for the county of Essex alone, and would yield the farmer an additional nett return of from 30s. to 2?. per acre on his crop of roots. It has been strongly ufgcd by one of the con-cspondents of the Times that roots should be employed in cheapening meat rather than in making sugar. Granted; but we are by no means compelled to accept the alternative ; the enormously increased production of a cheap cattle food that would follow from a wide extension of this home-grown manufacture wonld cheapen both meat and sugar at the same time. The residuum of I lie Cane sugar only makes firewood, but that of the IJi ut-rnot makes beef, hence may be derived a tolerably fair int'ercnce that the latter source, when properly v\orked, may permanently and successfully compete with the former. The chances of its being properly worked and speedily developed into a large branch of . national industry will be greatly increased if, at the i outset, the refining part of the process be left to the 1 extablished refineries, and the farming nart of the are about to take up this enterprise bo given mamly to contracting for a good supply of the right kind of roots, and drying them into fit condition for the refiner to deal with. This would be a mode of carrying out the operation on a very large scale, at a very slight risk to the promoters, because engines may he hired all over the kingdom, or if purchased can bo resold at small loss, whilst the drying machinery for half-a-dozen such engines would only amount to a few hundred pounds. If a new company were to start the revival of this manufacture upon the old plan, they must be prepared to lay out heavy sums in the ei-ection of new factories, in the renting and farming of considerable tracts of land, and in the stocking and feeding a large head of cattle or dairy cows ; they would thus have to under- take a manufacture of which they would probably know little, a cultivation of whic:h they might know- less, and stock-feeding, of which they would most likely iaiow least. If they were men of courage as well as iipilal, and retained all the former whilst losing half tlij hilUr, they would undoubtedly pull through arid v,iu au ultimate success, but if they were deficient in either of those two essentials, they could not possibly hope to compete with Continental rivals, some of whom, having 8,000,000 francs and 3000 workpeople thoroughly employed and skilfully organised, would be rather formidable opponents for any timid or half- starved undertaking. William A. Oibbs, QiUwell Park, Seioardstone, Woodford, N.E. • MARKET GOOSE ! Unwholesome Food and Poisons. It has been recently stated that Christmas goose has in some cases proved poisonous. This may well be, as ill assimilated flesh may be disposed to a well known poisonous change. The closeness of the packing on being brought up to market, producing a slight heat- ing or chemical change, is given as the cause, but, as I .think, is not the whole cause, being rather owing to the unnatural food on which the animal has fed, the want of a wholesome digestion, or right assimilation of the food, and the want of exercise and fresh air to the creature while being fatted. Highly nitrogenous food for geese, and highly hydrogenous, such as oilcake, for herbivorous quadrupeds, and for pigs the refuse cake of the candlemaker— with thefeeding animal, whether bird or beast, cribbed up in a foul atmosphere, so placed as to be able scarcely to move— can never produce wholesome food for man. Animals so reared are only suited as food for infectious, that is, animalcular disease— the destruction of one large animal giving life to millions. Such is the economy of wise Nature in sweeping away disgusting monstrosities. No wonder, therefore, that goose, which is semi-graminivorous, and likes to wander about, being fatted as above, should be poisonous to consumers— to consumers placed indeed under nearly similar circumstances to the poor goose. Wholesome ftesh air, exercise, natural food, are essential requisites to the production of the wholesome flesh of pnimals. The high price of what is termed game— wild animals living (where gamekeepers are not too abundant) subject to the great law of natural selection, proves that what I state is correct. How very inferior in quality and flavour is the beef of the present day to that of 70 years ago-now that, through our agricultural societies and premiums and stupid judges, we have attained a variety of cattle, sheep, and pigs so denaturalised as to have become mere gross lumps of semi-solidified oil, the cattle at two years of age ready for the shambles— so far degenerate as to be almost incapable of reproduction (perhaps their highest virtue). This check may, however, not be needed. When any great denaturalisation in organic life is produced by man. Nature generally provides a cure- infectious animalcular disease. A proof that fresh air and exercise are necessary to the production of wholesome animal food is afforded by the fact that animals which harbour in holes of the earth, or hibernate in these holes, are highly forbid- ding, from some nauseous odour, flavour of flesh, or poisonous quality, their presence giving a taint to the sweet breath of Nature. These hole residents are moit of them carnivorous, and their flesh generally unwhole- some to the highest organism, man, and only fit for insect nourishment— at least as unwholesome as market goo?p. The mole is the only hole animal that I know void of smell, owing, I believe, to his holes being super- ficial, and he being always coming in contact with fresh deodorising earth. The common or silver eel of our slu!;gish rivers and pools, which harbours most of its tim'e under the mud, is a water instance of this prin- ciple. In warm climates, such as the Levant, where a dense population formerly existed, but where the land appears now to be man sick, and wdiere there is a miasmatic disposition to fever, eels are regarded as poisonous. Even in Britain the eel is suspicious food, probably in spring when it emerges from the mud. It has also a repulsive odour. Of land animals, from the fox to the mouse, the weasel, polecat, American skunk, badger— all are forbidding in odour, some excessively so. I have dug out the family mansion of several foxes, aud found the air in the interior insuflerably putrid, so much so that I was astonished how any living creature could exist in such. This was caused, besides their own breath, by a large quantity of food refuse— numbers of hares' ears, skins and feathers of poultry, a number of lamb skins and wings of birds ; also a good sized sheep head entire, with other frag- ments of food, and the remains of an owl which I had lost a mouth or two before. Here, it would seem, the putrid odour was too strong for even maggot generation, or perhaps for infectious disease. How is it possible that fox flesh could be wholesome, produced in such an atmosphere ? . ,. , ii The deodorising or antiseptic power of clean earth is one of the most remarkable provisions of Nature, but here the amount of corrupting materials was such as to neutraliso this sweetening power. I have gene- rally found the burrows of foxes and badgers on the side of declivities, where the carbonic acid produced might escape by its gravity. The badger's hole extends farther into the interior than the fox's, and from the extreme mal-odoiir of the creature is equally repulsive as the putrid elfluvia of the fo.x's dwelling. Whether the gland giving out this odour is designed for defence, or as an escape gland of the impurities of the body, in consequence of breathing foul air, we cannot determine. The rabbit, a vegetable consumer, still sufl'ers in sweetness from its hole confinement, and cannot compete in quality of flesh with the rabbit which harbours in bu.shes. Leaving mammals, and coming down to reptiles, frogs, toads, newts, serpents, all of which in this climate hibernate under earth or water, or in holes, all are more or less poisonous, or of mal-odour. A kind of frog has been known to poison fatally. I have known a dog seize a toad in his mouth, throw it away, and remain foaming at the mouth for about an hour, running about as if in pain, and rubbing his mouth upon the Grass ; while I have pressed a toad firmly in my hand without injury. The mouth of the dog was lined with a thin mucous membrane, while my hand was covered with strong thick skin. I have also patted a large toad gently on the back with my naked hand, but the poor thing only cowered in fear. As to newts being poisonous, olden sentiment strongly aflirms it, especially if eaten. I have seen two cases mentioned of two medical men at diflerent places having fainted in dissecting yellow newts, it was thought from some poisonous effluvia given out. For my own part I have known my children collect from a standing pool a large number of the common yellow newt in a basin and bring them into the house as little fishes, without any injury. Here there was no instinctive dread, as in the case of serpents, which I have seen exemplified. The frog, toad, newt, asp, or ask, are cold-blooded hibernating animals, and are of great v.alue in destroy- ing insects so annoying to man, in some parts of North America to such an extent a.s to have expelled the farmer after he had made a clearance and built houses. The frog has its natural devourers, the crane, serpents, &c. I have known no animal devour the toad, which in character and food diflers much from the frog, being more of a dry-land animal, and subsisting upon larger insects than the frog and newt, and also being fond of Strawberries. The toad has some glands or warts upon the back which exude a liquid, in which it is said the poison lurks. Life in the toad appears to have taken a firmer hold of matter than in any other animal ; it is very diflicult to kill, and its hibernating vital torpor when .shut up from air seems to continue for even geological periods. Cats, which will devour large centipedes, refuse to eat the toad. The frog seems a very helpless creature, and to have no means of defence, if it has not poison. I have come upon an ordinary-sized mouse holding a large frog by the hind foot, while the fro" made a great cliil'ping cry out for assistance, which led me to the place. The frog seems to make up by its great fecundity for the want of means of defence. Its extra foetal development from a tadpole-fish to a quadruped, presents one of the variations of Nature. It has been said that the tadpole will remain uudeveloped, and attain considerable size, if not stimulated by sun-light. Even the fcetal development of the genus homo is known to he to some extent wanting if the mother does not receive the stimulus of sun light. Will the tadpole gaining size reproduce in darkness? This deserves trial. The contrivance of poison organs in serpents by fangs, and in scorpions aud insects by sting, is one of the dark spots of Nature, and has been imitated by man. The victory over the great ferocious animals of the ancient world by the cunning naked savage has in all probability been achieved by his bow and quiver of envenomed arrows, and in battle this system is still jiractised in Africa and South America. Even at the period of highest Grecian development the poison-cup was in use by the civil government as well as by the priesthood. In ancient Home, as is said, an association of patrician ladies adopted poisoning as a means of extending their power ; and wheu discovered, had the proud unflinching audacity to drink the poison they had preuared for others in order to maintain their denial of it being poison to the last. This exemplifies the low morality and high daring, atrocity, and deter- mined obstinacy of race of the ancient Eoman con- querors. Patrick Mattlieio, Gourdie Rill, Errol. Scot- land, Feb. 3. FAbridged : the plan of poisoning, in a history of religion !— into which our correspondent would have led us— not being a svfficientlj/ agricultural subject !] _^^^^_^__^__ ifjomc (irotvesponUeuce. The Knowledge of Farm Practice-its Diffusion. A "Word to Landlords.- No one «ho has a tolerable acquaintance with British agriculture can pass through the country, even by express train, without observing a difference in farm practice in almost every district through which he passes ; and should his journey extend from the Land's End to John o' Groat s House, and he should take observations all the way, he wouia be utterly confounded as to what is British agriculture or what is truly farm practice. He observes the larm stock-he travels along by herds of cattle, u e., oouia Devons^ North Devons, Shrops., Welsh ^^'^^'•V;?'^: fords, ionghorns. Shorthorns I)urhams Ayrshueg. West Highlanders, Kyloes, Polled *''-?r' a .^^ .r^ shires, Hilhlanders, leaving in tl^e ff ' ocks-they are Suffolk herds; again, he notices the flocks— tuey are fhe small Leicesters, the Exraoors, tl^f. Dorset^, the west country Doivns, the Southdowns, the Cofcn olds, the Shropshlres, the Welsh mountaineers, the Oxford- 220 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Febeuaet 29. ises. shires, the large Leicesters, the LiQcolns, the York- shire Leicesters, the border Leicesters, the Cheviots , the Lnnks, and other mouataineers, leaving in the east the Keats, the Norfolks, and half-breeds, &,c. In pigs, he would notice, on passing, the varieties or breeds to be many, both of small and large breeds. ( How is one to reconcile all these breeds of animals as , being British breeds or the best adapted for the localities , through which he passes ? On the Devonshire hills ] he finds the little compact Exmoor sheep and small . Devon cattle ; on the Gloucestershire hills also 100 feet above sea-level, he finds gigantic Cotswold sheep and splendid Shorthorned cattle ; in the rich vales of Ijuckingharashire he finds beautiful oxen of great weight, and small Leicesters and half-bred Downs. Such inconsistencies in grazing he will find pretty general throughout the country. In culture and cropping he would observe like inconsistenoies. In some districts a modern agriculture, in others antedi- , luvian management. I have not time to e.xamine into and show forth more fully these varieties and incon- ' sistencies in farm practice, but I hesitate not to say they are so, and to a much greater extent than our modern agriculture with all its improvements would lead us to believe. It is a serious reflection that this is so, and not very complimentary to the " march of ^ mind" of our great body of farmers. I would only say ^ to them, Banish from yonr minds every prejudice; inquire diligently if iu any part of the country a better practice prevails than you pursue, and if you can ascertain that such is the fact by all means [ adopt it. To the landlords I would say a word : Your , duty is to see that your estates are made the very best of for the good of the country ; that they produce the ', utmost supply of food for the wants of the people. For this purpose your duty is to obtain the best and most ^ trustworthy information as to the capabilities of your properties, and in what way they can be made more productive. I unhesitatingly assert that vast breadths j of our country are not " half farmed." I further assert ^ that the produce of the district from whence I write ; is 20 per cent, greater than it was some 30 years since, ! and is still increasing, and mainly from judicious outlay ] in manures and foods, which supply means for heavier cropping, of which our farmers very properly avail themselves. There are many parts of the country so well farmed that it would be difficult to effect much improvement. It is these improvements ', that ought to be carried out everywhere. It is but a short period since the farmers in this district were fully persuaded of the capabilities of the soil, under rich guanos and soluble manures. This knowledge wants diffusing throughout the kingdom by really intelligent judicious men of business — men who, upon viewing the soil on the whole of an estate, could best advise upon a deviation from custom— suggest a better order of cropping and stocking, and the application of manures (for certain manures are only adapted to certain soils) and other improvements — mind, not with the view ot raising the rents, but to stimulate to a greater and more profitable outlay of tenant's capital. Ultimately the landlord must be advantaged, and in many cases at the commencement of a new order of management, particularly if it include the breaking up of Grass land. My object is to carry modern agricul- ture into every locality, and for this purpose I would bring out a new order of men, a kind of agricultural physician, whose judgment might be depended upon to advise both landlords and tenants. 0, F. Societies. CiRENCESTEE CHAMBER OF AORICULTURE : The Use of Boo?cs to Farmers, Feb. 10. — Professor Wright- SON, F.C.S., M.R.A.C, introduced this subject to the members of the Cirencester Chamber of Agriculture. The story of the gentleman farmer who made his hay according to written directions ; who subse- quently had the mortilieation of seeing the rick in flames, and whose daughter afterwards wondered that anything had gone wrong, " because she was sure papa was giving orders according to the book the whole time;" has no doubt been often repeated, and is sufH- cieutly familiar to most farmers. It is a story with a moral— a legend which embodies the ideas of a large proportion of the agriculturists of this country upon the use of agricultural books. It has been told as an instance of the absurdity of trusting to untried know- ledge—it has been used as a satire upon agricultural writers and readers— it has been disseminated as an excuse for ignorance, and to vamp up the pride of those whose only rule is one of thumb. It is time that the proper position which b lok knowledge ought to occupy in the farmer's mind should be understood, and I am confident in asserting, after 11 years' expe- rience of farmers and their modes of thought, that they do not as yet appreciate the utility of books as a means of increasing their profits. I am equally sure that the time will come when ideas will be reversed and that the man who will not read will be left behind in the race of competition. I would assert the same truth if even it could be proved that up to this time no book had been written which could materially assist the farmer in his calling, and if it could be shown that as yet no farmer had ever derived a shilling's worth of good from the perusal of au agricultural work. There is not a trace of enthusiasm in thus speaking of the use of books to the farmer, as a means of gaining real solid information in his own peculiar avocation ; it springs simply from a just appreciation of what is meant by a book. A book is a packet of preserved thought, and its value dejiends upon how far the thought is worth pre- serving. Looking at books in this light, we see in them the only method by which the thoughts of those we admire can be retained after the thinkers have left us, and a'so the only means of conveying jto mankind at large that experience which would, if left unprintsd, have only delighted a small circle. Imagine, therefore, the best farmer you ever knew, writing all his best maxims and publishing them ; so far as those maxims were true when spoken they will continue valuable after they are in type, until times and customs so far change that they become inapplicable. But this truth is not sufficiently realised by many. They make a strange difference between what is spoken and what is written, and that difference may be pointed out as follows. Too often what is written and put in the form of a book is called " theory " — while that which drops from the lips is dubbed " practical." Oh ! terrible confusion of terms, which calls the words I utter now before you, and which you will use afterwards in discussion— practical, and which will call the same words as soon as they appear in the public newspapers— theory ! Those who would prefer to hear an opinion expressed viva voce, rather than to read the same in a newspaper or agricultural work, might defend their partiality on this ground— that what was said in conversation was most probably com- municated by some person in similar circumstances and farming similar land to his own, while the writer of the agricultural work, however clever he might be, was speaking from a distance and from conditions quite dissimilar. This would be quite true with regard to a largo class of farming truths, but I hope to show that there are many farming topics which, if written upon by men truly conversant with them, would be invaluable to every farmer. ^^'e see, then, that a book is merely a means for rendering ideas permanent and giving them to the many, instead of restricting them to the few. Accord- ingly every art, profession, or trade which can boast leaders possesses a literature. The statesman studies the speeches and the policy of his predecessors ; the medical man must pay attention to the instructions of Harvey, John Hunter, and Jenner, who have long since passed away ; the engineer consults tables and studies the art of construction. Is it not then a matter of wonder that, as a rule, farmers do not read books treating of their own business ? Such, so far as I have observed, is the fact, and I invite discussion as to whether it is universally the case. One of two conclusions must be come to. Either that agriculture can be successfully prosecuted without the help of books, or that the works so far produced are not of the character required by farmers. First, I should like to clear my ground from a foolish objection too often raised against those who gain agricultural knowledge from books, namely, that such knowledge will not enable a man to farm profitably. Of course it will not. Let all due importance be given to real, practical, hard-won experience. Let second - hand, untried knowledge, obtained from other people, whether in conversation or from their writings, give way before the real genuine article gained by doing rather than by talking; but while we decidedly give precedence to experimental knowledge, let us not rashly consign the experience of others to limbo. Any one of us would perhaps only make a poor show if he was left solely to himself and his own ideas, and the question before us is not whether book-farming cannot compete with practical-knowledge^farming, but whether the farmer of great experieuce in his business might not receive benefit by paying more attention to the ideas of other men similarly engaged who have become famous for their success ; and still more whether the young farmer, or young man preparing to be a farmer, will not be wise in storing his mind with the results of the ex))erience of others, while he gains practical knovyledge for himself. It is when viewed in con- nection with young men that the question appears the most important. Old farihers, by dint of years of successes and failures, may have gained all the knowledge of business which they require, but to give a young man sound knowledge bearing upon his business, albeit taken from a book, will, while it saves him from mistakes, elevate his mind and give him a taste for literature which will be to him a life- long comfort. To return to the point— can agriculture be successfully prosecuted without the help of books ? Or, are the works already produced on the subject not calculated to meet the requirements of agri- culturists ? In answer to the first question we cannot close our eyes to the fact that many of our most successful farmers have not been readers, and therefore it may be argued that books are not neces- sary to profitable farming ; but we must remember that time makes changes, and there are many things now required of a farmer that formerly would have been thought unnecessary. A farmer who is quite uji to the present time should have an eye to machinery and steam engines, a clear conception of the nature of fertilising substances and their special adaptabilities to different crops and soils, a knowledge of the compara- tive value of feeding materials. He should take some interest in the introduction of new plants for fodder and other purposes. He should know something of the farming of other countries besides his own, and thus be ready to introduce new methods if he sees them to be improvements. Such knowledge, coupled with practical skill, would greatly enhance the prospect of success in the career of any young farmer, and can only be obtained by reading. Again, in books on farming, such as we have access to at the present day, much exact and valuable knowledge may be obtained of a kind which cannot fail to be truly useful. If this is the case, then, while we allow that farming has been and is successfully carried on by men who never read, we must allow that the perusal of books imparting such knowledge as that just mentioned must end in enlarged ideas, improved management, and improved profits. Next as to whether the agricultural works now extant are calculated to meet the wants of agri- culturists ? With regard to a large number of them, I answer without fear that they are. If we take as an instance the Journal of our Royal Agricultural Society, what do we find? In the first place those admirable researches of Messrs. Lawes and Gilbert, which throw a flood of light upon the nature of both manures and foods. Experiments upon "Wheat manured, with every conceivable substance, and un- manured year after year upon the same land for a quarter of a century. Experiments upon the use of various manures to permanent pasture, conducted for a similiar period. Experiments on Clover, on root crops, and on Beans, and carried out with an exactness which should be seen in order to be appreciated, — in which we have accurate measurements of land, accurate weighing of manures, and accurate weight of produce in Grass and hay, in straw, chaff, head corn, and tail corn. E xperiments upon the feeding value of foods and the feeding powers of animals. Information upon the weight of food consumed, and the weight gained by each animal for every 100 lb. of food consumed. Information upon the quality of manure produced by different feeding stuffs. If agriculturists can afford to allow such know- ledge to lie idle I can only say that it seems a pity that suca patient investigation, such indomitable perse- verence, such philosophical exactness, such trouble, and such expense, should have been spent upon a sub- ject which, for any good that has been effected, might as well have been left dark and unexplored. On still further turning over the pages of the Journal we find valuable papers, written for the most part by men of experience, upon clay burning, marling, claying, liming, warping, draining, Ac, in which we have usually an excellent description of the methods used, au account of the cost, and of the result in increase of crop. We find also methods of cattle feeding, of wintering breed- ing ewes, of horse feeding, of pig feeding, many of which deserve attention. Besides these we shall find papers more purelyscientific,treatiugof agricultural chemistry, of diseases of animals and plants, and of insects destruc- tive to farm crops. Such is a slight sketch of the contents of one agri- cultural work, but there are numerous others which I may mention as mines of useful information. Let us endeavour to get still closer to the subject of the direct profit of reading to the practical farmer. It may be easy to show that having improved our ploughs and carts, our cultivation and our live stock, still greater good might be effected by improving our farmers. It may be argued, upon general grounds, that the diffu- sion of knowledge, by means of books, must be highly beneficial. It is, indeed, the habit of landlords and farmers, in after-dinner speeches, to talk upon the use of science and reading ; but it is to be feared, in spite of these protestations, that there is a want of faith in what they preach, and that they have too often no exact notion as to what scientific knowledge is really to do for thorn. It shall therefore be my endea- vour to point out some of the ways iu which reading, and especially technical reading, will substantially benefit the agriculturist. I learnt farming in Northumberland for four years. I had therefore a fair opportunity of testing the dif- ficulties of mastering the details of farming, and I am satisfied that at least one year is frequently wasted in this system of pupilage, for want of systematic reading. If the pupil would take some book which describes every agricultural operation, such as Stephen's " Book of the Farm," or Morton's '■ Cyclopaedia of Agricul- ture," and anticipate the actual work by reading a good description of it, and afterwards go to the field and see the written account actually goisg on before his eyes, depend upon it he would learn his business much quicker and better than by sauntering to the field, say when Potatos are being planted, without any exact idea as to what is being done, or what quantity of sets should be planted per acre, or what the variety is, or what weight of manure is being applied. Too fre- quently during the first year of pupilage, operation after operation passes in regular sequence, leaving a very dim impression on the mind of the student, not to be rendered distinct until at least another year has rolled round, and brought him face to face with a new season. [Professor Wrightsou then referred in terms of comraeudatiou to Morton's " Handbooks of Farm Labour and Dairy Husbandry," Ewart's "Agricul- turist's Manual/' Scot Burn's "Book of Farm Imple- ments," Bailey Denton's " Farm Buildings," Bayldon " On Rents and Tillages," and the Journals of the Agricultural Societies.] I do not desist from continuing this list for want of material, but because what I have already said should suffice to show that agricultural literature is not mere worthless chaff, but that it is as practical and useful as though the author himself stood before you and gave the information direct through the ear. I have spoken of two kinds of agricultural works, the first descriptive and the second useful for reference. Books may be useful in still another way to the young farmer, by supplying him with statistics upon several points which will guide his judgment, and enable him to compare his farming results with those obtained by other agriculturists. I have alluded to this part of our subject when speaking of the Handbook of Labour, but the same principle is capable of wider application. He may obtain clear ideas upon the quantity of food by weight consumed by live stock, and hence come to a conclusion as to the amount of stock that his Turnip crop will support during winter. Or he may obtain leliable information upon the relative values of manure produced by Linseed-oil cake. Barley meal, or hay. If he thinks he is esBiending money too liberally upon feeding stuffs, he may perhaps be encouraged by a description of Lothian or Norfolk farming; or if he is apt to become conceited, because he has outstripped his neighbours in some point of manage- ment, reading will show him that he is still only following iu the wake of greater men than himself. A common literature or au exchange of ideas would I Februaet 29, 18C8.] THE GARDENERS' CMONTCLE AND AGRTCFLTUTJAL GAZETTE. 221 bind farmers more together and make thera more familiar with each otner's names. Every farmer ■ should know who are the men of his age in his own profession. Imagine a medical man never having heard of Ferguson, Syme, Paget, or I'^arre; or an engineer who was ignorant of the names of Stephen- son, Armstrong, or Brunei ; and yet should wo thmk it less strange to find an agriculturist to whom the names of Coke, of Holkham, of Charles and Robert Colling, John AVilson (of Edington Mains), and Hudson are unfamiliar. Depend upon it until there is a more united brotherhood among farmers they will not be able to exercise the influence which their social importance should give thera in removing many burdens which now oppress them, nor in forming plans for the common advancement of the whole body. Such, then, are the motives I would place before the young farmer for inducing him to study the literature of his business, that he may become more quickly master of his art, that he may obtain exact informa- tion in place of loose and unsupported notions, that he may be one of a profession bound together by common interests, instead of a selfish unit equally conceited and helpless. Discussion. Mr. T. C. Brown opened the discussion, and said:— I have nothing to add to what Mr. Wrightson has said on the general utility of books to fanners, especially of books bearing on their particular profession ; but in the course of the reading of the paper, it occurred to me that although the lecturer did not leavo out " practice," yet he mighthave made more prominent another book that is scarcely or only Ciisually referred to, a book which I may term the "day-book" of the farmer. I must add to it the "practical day-book" of the farmer— the knowledges which he acquires from observation of the farm on which he resides, ^ow, we know that although the farmer's son does not begin life by what is called an appren- ticeship, he begins Ufe by living with his father, the farmer ; and his father, although he is not accustomed to reading, has by time and practice obtained great experience, and the son learns from the father— not that the father says much to him — but in the field he quietly and silently acquires a knowledge of farming, in all its branches. This knowledge is what I call the day-book of the farmer— a book not written, — and my opinion is, that it is the most impoi-tantbook, that every farmer should be acquainted with, and that every young farmer should leam. It affords him knowledge gradually acquire(J ; it does not come to him loaded with other people's ideas branching out in various directions that we cannot comprehend ; and day by day, month by month, or year by year, there is silently impressed upon bis mind a practical knowledge of farming, and that practical knowledge can never be supplied by books. Indeed, that practical knowledge is, in ray opinion, the foundation upon which books are to bear. If he has had an education, a liberal one, one which is so far liberal that it gives him a knowledge of those sciences which bear upon agriculture - if he leaves school with a good sound practical basis of scientific know- ledge, and then is placed with his parents — to study this practical book of the farm — I believe that is the beginning which will qualify him to make use of those valuable books which have been referred to by Mr Wrightson and which then will tell beneficially upon him. It is not for me to enlarge upon the bearings of this practical farm book ; farmers know it perfectly well, and it embraces every depart- ment of the farm. It is not merely the growing of com, but it is a knowledge and experience of stock, and to understand what an animal is ; it is not only that exterior knowledge of stock, but it is the knowledge they will acquire of feeding, of the care that is necessary in bringing up young animals, and, in short, until they are fit for the market ; it also embraces all that knowledge of different kinds of soil of which every farm is composed ; and so varied are the soils of England, so mixed are they, that probably there is not a farm of 500 acres of land which does not vary in its component parts — wetness and dryness, necessity or unnecessity of draining — that I allude to this, and it appears to me that it is absolutely necessary that the young farmer should get from observation all those prac- tical acquaintances vnth his business that he is engaged in, and which will qualify him to reap advantages from books. The Chairman said: I think there are two purposes for which farmers have books— the one is to see if they can find anything in them that will help them to improve, and the other is to see if there is anything in them to confirm their present practice. I tfl.ke it that that is generally the reason that introduces a book to the farmer's hands ; the first, then, is to see if they can find anything new, and the other is to see if they cannot confirm their previous or present prac- tice. It is a great pity, as mentioned by ilr. Wrightson, that the best fanners, agricultural farmers really, are not the writers of books. Is it because practical farmers don't like writing books? Is it that they have not time, or what is the cause ? Book writing on agriculture has often been left to hands that were not practically acquainted with, nor used to writing on the subject, [Mr. Ruck then spoke in compli- mentary terms of the writings of Messrs. Lawes and Gilbert, and Mr. Morton.] Mr. Brown has said that a "day-book" to farmers would be a very good thing. The diary of the farmer, in which the practical farmer enters all his operations, would be of the very greatest service to a yovmg beginner. I have not seen anything of the sort printed. Something of the kind is very desirable, so that any young beginner would be able to look through the book and see the work done on the farm for 12 months past. It would give him some little chance of knowing the proper times of sowing and so on. How can a young beginner know the proper time for sowing Wheat, Barley, or Turnips ?— it is impossible, unless he has some guide, because he must be acquainted with the various climes, soils, and districts, before he can know the best time. The Rev. J, Constable, answering to the call of the meeting, said ; I think our kind friend has rather misunderstood the lecturer in some of his most definite and most important statements. It appeared to me that Professor Wrightson very carefully guarded himself by asserting that practice was the foundation of all good books, and all books which wei"e not based upon good sound practice, and written by clever men, were to be cast aside as books not to be recommended to yuimg or old agriculturists. Now, our friend in taking up the subject, assumed first of all that a farmer is himself a walking encyclopsedLa, conversant with the properties of soils, with the varieties of plants, with the geological conformation of his district, and so forth, and that his son may be capable of imbibing this knowledge from intercourse with his father. Of course, if we could find farmers who were, as our friend represents, perfectly alive to all modem knowledge connected with the different departments of agriculture, and we should find a son who, by daily intercourse, would imbibe it all, that son is really getting at first hand what we arc willing and anxious tu obtain for him at second hand. The lecturer especially said "What a pity it is that all that valuable knowledge should be lost by the death of the individual," and that all knowledge, if worth preserving at all, should not be preaervod in books for the benefit of more than one son— for humanity at largo. That appears to mo to be the whole bear- ing of hia remarks on the subject. As far as my judgment goes, our knowledge, my knowledge, your knowledge, evei*y- body's knowledge [so far as it h:is not arisen out of personal experience], is derived from cither oral or written tradition [from the experience of somo other person] ; either learned from my father, and my father from his, and so on ; or com- municated by the thoughts and practice of others handed down in print. Now, 1 cannot fancy a more self-evident proposition, or one which requires less argument, than that, if these thoughts be worth preserving, and are based upon reality, they should bo preserved in print, and people ought to read thera. I think that is a proposition which can meet with nothing but acceptance at such a meeting as this. I am satisfied in the College, for instance, there is no professoror teacher there who is not alive to the fact that any book which is worth reading must be based upon practice ; if it is not based upon sorao practice it Is worthless. Our chairman said " What a pity it is that many of the agricultural writers are not capable, from want of experience, of producing books really valuable to the farmer." That really hits the right nail upon the head ; and it is the fault of the present day. A publisher wants a book upon any given subject. He goes to a man with a clever head, a libraiy, and plenty of leisure time ; perhaps he will say, "I want a book upon the poets of England." The man might say, " I know nothing about the poets." " Never mind," says the publisher, "you can get it all up." "Well, when do you want it?" "Oh," says the publisher, "I want it in six months." The book is written, it is published, but it is just as worthless as a great deal that may be published about agriculture, because the individual who writes it knows nothing about the matter. I have said these things on the spur of the moment, but really I think it is a self-evident fact that if practice is worth preserving it should bo preserved for the benefit of posterity, and that agriculture is without a literature worthy of its position, greatness, and importance in this country. Mr. W. J. Edmonds said : I am one of those who think that books written upon agriculture are for all, whether old or young agriculturists, but more particularly, perhaps, for those who are commencing. I think that our friend Mr. Brown said that there is a day-book— a practical day-book, for those who were with their fathers as agriculturists ; but I think that it he goes by that day-book, if he is guided by it to a considerable extent, if he only follows that practical day- book, and does not look about him by seeking fresh know- ledge, getting it from different individuals, or by books, which is by far the easier and the cheaper way, he wiU be left behind. Now, the great point, I think, in writing books is to get those who write to write thoughts that are worth reading. Mr. Constable has just told us that there are a great many books written upon many subjects which are really worthless, because they are written by those who don't understand the question. That is the case — the misfortune — with agricultural books, and we have books which are run down and despised by many people, who otherwi.se would not do so. That I think is a great point. Still, we cannot have all good, and I believe it is our plain duty to take all the books which bear upon agriculture, find out those which are best and which are worth something, and study them, to assist and enable us to farm our land with gi-eater profit to ourselves and greater profit to other people too. Now, with regard to young men, I think the remark Mr. Wrightson made was a very good one, and one which all young men should attend to : it is this, " that before he commences any operation in the field he should take up a book and read what bears upon it, and should study it well." He will then go with a certaui knowledge, which will aid him extremely in gaining a practical knowledge ; and that practical knowledge wUl be sounder than that of a man who knows nothing at all about the subject beforehand. The principle as to young men learning of their fathers is all very well, but you must remember that all farmers have not had fathers who were farmers, and there are a great many who cannot have those advantages. I know very well that young men who are with their fathers have a certain advantage — 1 think a very considerable advantage, but on the other hand I think that there is one gi-eat drawback — perhaps it ought not to be, but still it is so — and that is, that young men who are with their fathers are often indulged a great deal, instead of sticking to their business as a man would stick to any other busines.s, or profession, or trade. Mr. R. A. Anderson said : I don't think Mr. Brown intended to repudiate valuable education. I feel certain from the whole tenor of his life that ho did not mean that, but that whilst allowing the great value there is to be attached to books, which nobody can jwssibly doubt, still practice and observa- tion are equally important. I should myself say that is what Mr. Brown meant. Mr. Constable very tnily said we have too many books in the present day that are worthless. The only question is to fix upon those which are good, still at the same time we have undoubtedly in the agricultural world books of imdoubted knowledge, which must be of the utmost advantage to the farmer. I don't know a more practical writer upon agricidtnre than Dr. Yoelcker, whose works are exact and scientific, and the singularity of his conclusions is that they dovetail exactly with what has been known to be the practice. Mr. Brown said : I did not say anything in disparagement of Mr. Wrightson's recommendation of books, but what I did say was— and the Chairman himself quite mistook my idea — that the fanner had a day-book, a practical day-book, a book not written but acquired, slowly acquired by those who live and practise agriculture. We don't get all our ideas from oral or written knowledge. It is quite remarkable how tnith enters the human mind, how we acquire ideas which we cannot find expressed but have become practical, and you likewise sec that which I was anxious to point out, that the value of books depends upon whether you can understand them. That I know of my own knowledge. I studied chemistry by books, but I learned it in the laboratory, not in my own, but that of others, and I don't think that books will be very fully appreciated imtil an early education be given to farmers' sons, which qualifies them to read. Mr. B. BowLV said : I think if our farmers' sons would read more of the Royal Agricultural Society's Journal it would benefit them exceedingly, for there is always a good deal of something that is worth reading in its pages. I am sorry I don't read enough of it myself, but I have not sufficient time. I think any one can understand it who has got any education at all. There is no one in this neighbourhood who is not quite capable of understanding it, and there is much in the papers which ^vill benefit the farmer generally. Professor Wrightson then rose to reply, and said : I have not much to say in answer to what has been urged. The sense of the meeting points in this direction, *'Th;it books written by competent men upon agricultural subjects are exceedingly valuable ; that these books, it is to be feared, are rather scarce ; and in the next place, that the use of books alone, without practice, is simply absurd, and that he must have practical knowledge to supplement his book knowledge, and try to get ideas from other people as well as his own." I really don't think I have anythiue further to say, except to thank you for the attention with which you have listened to my lecture. Mr. W. J. Edmonds : I am requested to propose a vote of thanks to Mr. Wrightson, and the following resolution; — " That this meeting, whilst It is of opinion that tho agricul tural literature of the present day la not sufficient for tho wants of agriculturists, is nevertheless of opinion that much benefit may be derived from the perusal of good agricultural works in connection with the practice of agriculture." Mr. E. BowLv : I beg to second that. The resolution was declared carried. Abridged from the " Wilts and Gloueegtev Standai'd." 3£lcbtctos. Journal of ProceeiUiigs of the Manchester and Liver- pool Aijricultural Societij. J. Mawdsley, Castle Street, Liverpool. We have here a full list of prizes and prize-takers— one of the most elaborate which any society issues. Perhaps the leading feature is the maintenance of the system of prizes for farms ; and the most interesting portion of the pamphlet is the series of reports which accompany the award of these premiums. AVe make an extract — the report of a farm occupied by a well- known Shorthorn breeder. 20/. were awarded as a special oentenary prize to the owner or occupier of any farm, not less than 50 statute acres in extent, who shall have the Kame in the neatest and best order, and most prnfitablo state of management. There were eleven claimants, but two withdrew. Awarded to Mr. Thomas Atherton, Speke, Liverpool. Inspector's Report. Claimanfs Ceylijicale.-Furm contains 168 acres, namely, IS acres of Clovers and seeds mown. Wheat 28 acres, Oats 9 acres. Barley 20 acres. Clover and Vetches for stall-feeding 2 acres, Potatos 30 acres, orchard and gardens 2 acres, plantations 1 acre. " Customary rotation.— Ist roots, 2d Wheat, 3d Barley, 4th Clover and seeds for three or four years. " Live stock consists of 7 farm horses, 2 colts, 15 cows, 12 heifers and stirks, 36 pigs, and 6 rearing calves ; total, 78. Kept in summer on Grass and Clover ; in winter, on hay. straw, roots, and com. Have purchased this year 9 tons of best guano, 5 tons of bone manure, 10 tons of flesh manure, and 350 tons of horse l Inspectors' Hcmarks; "This farm lies on the banks of the Mersey, about 8 miles above Liverpool, and not many feet above high-water mark. Its surface is level, and its soil of a happy description for arable cultivation. One portion lighter than the other, but the depth of soil on the whole has been increased by deep cultivation and heavy manuring. The whole farm is perfectly drained. There is an excellent public road through the farm, from which every field can be approached. There is not an old fence on the farm, with the exception of one. They are 4 to 5 feet high, are cut over every year, and kept perfectly clean. We think they are cut too nan-ow at the bottom, which is too common a practice on most improved fiirms. 'the gates and posts are of a first-class order for strength and durability ; all new painted. The entire com crops were heavy, tall, and perfectly clean. Barley almost too heavy ; Wheat very tall and thick, but the ears not large. Clover and seeds of tho first, second, and third years had been heavy crops, by the stacks produced, and the article prime. The second crops and aftermath coming wcU forw.ard, and the herbage good. Ten acres of early Potatos, in taking up, a heavy crop of fino tubers. After the last earthing-up of these Potatos, Swedes on a part, and Mangels on the other part, had been planted on the sides of the drills, and were good strong plants when tho Potatos were taken up, and would thus produce a full crop. Winter Potatos could not look better or be cleaner ; 20 acres of these. The head ridges around all the root crops were clean and well fallowed. The gardens, orchard, farmyard, and entire premises were in first-class keeping, including the stack-yard and stacks. Implements useful and substantial. Live stock of the improved Shorthorns well bred and m good keeping. Mr. Atherton is a groat breeder in all its branches, ash% has a very r ' — ■''- " i".~"-t»^ .T„win family. — Farm inspected July 10, Farm Memoranda. West Gloucestebshiue: t>b. 20.— The land is getting into beautiful condition for receiving the spring crops, and during the past week the farmers in the neighbourhood have been busy sowing Wheat, of which there will be a greater quantity than usual sown in this part of the country, owing no doubt to its very tempting price. The young Wheat on the hills and also in the vale has a very healthy appearance, and is about forward enough for the season of the year. Bean planting will now be proceeded with as soon as possible, but as the heaviest land is generally allotted to this crop, it still requires a little more drying before it will be in good planting order. W e drilled our Peas in last week, though many of our neighbours do not intend doing so till next week ; but we like to sow early, as it gives us an opportunity of getting in a crop of Mustard after the Peas are ripe ; for besides the Mustard being a good preparation for the succeeding Wheat crop, it prepares the stomachs of sheep, and especially of lambs, for the Turnip field. It is of so very rapid growth that it requires to be sown thick, and folded off when about 10 inches or a foot high. The practice in this neighbourhood is to drill the Peas about 9 inches apart, and the plan answers well ; the haulm being thus close prevents the crop getting spoiled upon the ground, as it often is when the Peas are drilled 14 or 16 inches apart. We drill three bushels to the acre, and take care to have all the small and broken corns first riddled out, for we find that the heaviest and best seed produces the strongest plants. The Swedes keep well, and being so plentiful they will cause the spring crops to be put in later than usual, unless a considerable portion of them are hauled off to the Grass land, a plan which we are going to !idopt. . „ , , , The lambing is progressing favourably; we have had more twin lambs other seasons, but this year, there bein" so many single lambs, they drop very fine, and the ewes have plenty of milk. I have not heard of any very serious losses in any flock yet, which bids fair lor a favourable season. , i • »i. There have been several largo stock sales in tne neighbourhood lately,and milch cows have sold very high indeed ; store cattle have also fetched good prices, but they are not in such request as milkmg stock, for 222 TTTR (UET^ENEES' riTRONTrLE AND ArTT^irFT.TTT^AL GAZETTE. [Febeuaet 29, 1S68. graEiers look at the three months' keep too much to be tempted to deal very freely in them. Fat sheep are somewhat higher in price than they were, and in store sheep a little more business is being done; on the hills the early fatted tegs are being pushed out, and the farmers, having plenty of roots, buy in other sheep to feed them off. 'We have prepared our superphosphate of lime for root and Grass land. We have dissolved 7 tons of bone, and in order to reduce it to the strength which we require we have mi.'ced with it some good field ashes burnt black ; also 1 ton of guano, and about 1 ton of nitrate of soda. The material and making cost about 41. 10*. per ton. AVe put, on an average, 3 owt. per acre upon the Grass land in April, awaiting the opportunity of stormy weather to do so in. It more than pays for the outlay by both the quantity and quality of the hay crops which are thus produced, and the aftermath is also benefited and can be much earlier stocked. J. W. [Please to describe in detail your superphosphate manufacture,] mit ^ouUi|) ¥aiO. Hydro-Incuhation.—lrx 18 13 the Ai/rieullural OasetU was full of this subject, and " W. M. P." gave a glowing account of Cantelo's plan for the purpose. The interior consists of a tank in the centre part, which i.s externally 2 or 3 inches higher than at the ends, and iu the middle of the tank there is a receptacle for the cylin- drical fire vessel, on the same principle as a tea-urn, by which means the water is kept warm. From the top of the tank, right and left, there is a sheet of water- proof cloth (vulcanised caoutchouc) stretched loosely to the end and secured at the sides ; over this the warm water flows, to the depth of an inch or two, and of course underneath you can feel a warm dry cushion, as it were. This represents the breast of the hen. On a tray, with a wire-gauze bottom, are placed the eggs, and this slides like a drawer, underneath the hydraulic cushion or artificial breast of the hens. With a sort of wedge this tray is gently pressed up against the warm pad, thus covering on the top each egg to about the space of a shilling. This is the incubator. The trays are taken out and exposed to the air for 20 or 30 minutes every day, as the hen for that time leaves her nest to feed, and indeed everything she does is effectually imitated to hatch the eggs and rear the poultry. It is the nature of water to ascend when warm, and to descend when cold, and it is so contrived that the fire is hottest at the bottom of the cylindrical vessel. As the water flows over the sheet of vulcanised caoutchouc, it rather gets cool, and descends by pipes at the end of the incubator, and thenflows along a series of other pipes at the bottom of it into the tank again, to derive renewed heat, again to ascend. These last named pipes serve the purpose, as far as they go, of the chicken mother. It would, indeed, be no use hatching eggs, unless the chickens could be reared. When they have released themselves from the shell they are put into the centre part of the incubator, already partly described — which is a box, with a lid, over the tank of warm water. This is half filled with short-cut straw, and is called the dr.vingnest. There the tender little birds are placed for about 36 hours, when they become able to eat. A little grit or rice is now given to them, and then they are put to the chicken mother. Each incubator has a section of the chicken mother connected with it, but the extent of that department of fostering care so con- nected is not sufficient to rear all that the incubators are capable of hatching out. There is another separate part of the apparatus heated in the Same way, con- sisting of rows of small pipes, with pieces of baize placed over them, strictly called the chicken mother, as it performs all the functions of the parent hen. This is placed close to the ground, just leaving suflicient room for the little creatures to stand under the warm tubes, as they would under their real parent. At right angles from this there are rows of pens, with nettings, to divide the broods. The pipes are larger, and placed farther from the ground as they advance, to accommo- date the chickens as they increase in size. When six weeks old they can take care of themselves, and rank with the roosters. [Mr. Cantelo's system, like all other systems of hydro-jncubation, has succeeded in hatching eggs and failed in rearing chickens.] Chicken Hatching. — In 1831, Mr. Lane states that in Upper and Lower Egypt together there were, in 164 establishments, 26 millions of eggs placed in ovens, of which something more than eight millions and a half were spoiled, and something more than 17 millions came out chickens, so that it would seem that by applying the proper degree of heat, by oven or incu- bator, top contact, or all round, 10 days hot and 11 days cold," or 21 days at 106' Fahr., " as sure as eggs is eggs" you will get chickens. The author of A Wayfarer's Notes" says, speaking of a makhmal or great oven " incubator," at Cairo, the chickens that we saw had been hatched the same morning, 4000 in all. It was curious to see their incessant waving motion as they were crammed together in two square compartments on the floor." Now, here we have the chickens, hatched out of about 6000 eggs, in a " long narrow chamber, wilh five or six double ovens on each side " — a cheap enough apparatus— the heat of which can be generated as easily and effectually in England as in Egypt. Miscellaneous. Steam Plough in the States : State Fair in New Orleans.— Class 7a, Machinery : Best traction or loco- motive steam engine for farm or plantation use, adapted to all purposes : premium diploma and 260 dollars, to Messrs. Fowler and Co., Leeds, England. — Best practical working arrangement of gang ploughs, for breaking up and preparing ground for planting, to be drawn by steam-power : premium, diploma, and 60 dollars, to Messrs. Fowler and Co., Leeds, England. New Orleans Times. The Farmer^s Kitchen Garden. — It is almost pro- verbial that the farm is robbed by the garden ; and that a good farmer is a bad gardener. Certainly there is no reason why this should be so ; and the Gardeners' Chronicle and Agriculturul Gazette ought to be the last to sanction such a silly maxim. If it has in any degree arisen out of that lack of system which one often sees in small gardens, we cannot do better than recommend to our readers a forthcoming little book which professes to give " A System for a Kitchen Garden,"* from the preface of which we take the following descriptive extract : — " It i.s well in the outset to observe that this little work was not written with :uiy intention to instruct regular gardeners, who cultivate .icres of land-tbc-y know their business much better than any amateur can tell them ; neither is it written for the wcilthy upper ten thousand, to whom a large garden, and the expense of havintf a professed gardener, is of no object whatever ; but it is an attempt to guide a large number of the middle class, who possess a 'little bit of g.arden, ' and to whom it is of consequence to make the most of that little. The first question which will arise in the miuds of readers of the latter class will be — Has the system here laid down ever been tried, or is it a mere theory ? To answer this question in a satisfactory manner, they are informed that the foundation of this work is to be found in an old manuscript book on gardening, kept for several years by the grandf.ather of the .author. This gentleman (who was a solicitor at Great M.arlow, Bucks) w.as clever and painstaking in whatever he did. He appc-irs to have noted down all his ideas and practice respecting garden- ing, and, indeed, on almost every other subject ; and we find him always endeavouring to an-ive at a better system of cropping his garden, so that the gi-ound should not lie idle on the one hand, and that his family should always be supplied with a variety of vegetables in succession. The author has, therefore, had the advautage of such a genuine text-book to examine, and has arrived at this course of cropping, not only from his gi-andfather's experience, but .also from the practice he pursued in his own g.arden. In the adoption of this system, it must not be expected there will be no difficulties whatever to encounter— such is not the case with the traveller who may have a correct guide-book in his hand- but who must necessarily expect an obstacle now and then : and it is well to forew.arn the amateur who follows our plan, that he will sometimes find that a crop is scarcely fit to cut when the time points out that its successor'is ready to step into its place. We have .anticipated this difiiculty, and the reader will find in these pages the way of meeting it. The season m.ay be quite ag.ainst him, but in the long run it is best to follow some order, although occasionally he may be caught in'a ' quandary.' " Of the Foreign Cattle Trade we may say, para- phrasing a line of one of Horace's most celebrated odes, " We can neither live with it, nor without it." All the evidence, British and foreign, practical and scientific, of Germany, of veterinaries, and of English sufferers, points to one short, simple, certain, severe, and somewhat costly remedy— a market exclusively reserved for foreign fat cattle at every port of debarka- tion, where every animal intended for the butcher should be slain, after sale, in public abattoirs provided for the purpose ; and a quarantine-ground, with ample Grass lairs for dairy cows and stores, to be retained for not less than 14 days after landing. Tliis is the opinion of the Commissioners, who minutely investigated the whole subject, and to this solution public opinion is rapidly tending. It must be admitted that such an arraugoKient would add something to the price of every foreign beast, and be very unpopular with butchers. The most advantageous way in which cattle can be disposed of for beef, if there were no such thing as an infectious disease, is, that they should be sold in a convenient open market, taken home by the butcher, killed as near his shop as possible (when wanted, and not before) iu a well-constructed slaughter-bouse, so that being able to make the very best price of the hide, horns, blood, fat, and other uneatable offal, and to cool the meat in the best manner, he may lose as little as possible, and may therefore be able to bring down the average price of every pound of meat. But some tax must be paid by the butcher first, and his cus- tomers—the public— afterwards, to ensure us against the recurrence of a calamity that has already cost us three million sterling in stock destroyed, besides the resulting increased price of meat. A foreign cattle market in London would encroach on the monopoly of the Corporation and its single market — it would give trouble to the live-stock salesman by making another market-day— it would interfere with the monopoly of the dead meat salesman of Newgate and Leadenhall markets, and it would somewhat affect the profitable disposal of the eatable offal, from which, when retailedat the butchers' shops, the poorer classes of the metropolis get a large supply of cheap and wholesome food. But great evils require severe remedies. Therefore, and very soon, on the Thames and on the Humber a live foreign cattle market must be established, as far as possible Irom the market for British live stock. Thus the home trade will be made free, and the importation of live foreign stock, bringing their valuable hides, blood, fat, and offal, for the employment and food of the labourers of London, will be encouraged. All the Year Round. Notices to Correspondents. Erratum : The name of a place was substituted for that of a person in our last week's paragraph about a celebrated sheep shearing; and Mr. Williams, Sir W. Throckmorton's agent, was no doubt surprised to see himself in print as " Mr. Buckland." We beg his pardon for the blunder. Flour Mills: WC R asks if any of our readers can inform him whether there is any good flour mill in use ? On ask- ing in Bristol at Pry's last week, the .answer was, " We should make our fortune could we produce such a machine." Lime Riddlings: NY. You had better make a compost with any vegetable waste —hedge and ditch clearings, &c. — and turn It two or three times, and apply on the stubble in autumn. Seed in Cloi'Er : F W. If by " bright seeds " in your sample of white Clover you refer to some brown shining tiatingular seeds, they are those of the Rumex acetoseUa (Sheeps' Sorrel), a common weed in sandy Soils. B. FI. Alluutt : 200, Fleet Street. Price M. SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN FARM SEEDS. CARRIAGE FREE, Nev}marl{et. "I took throe prizes at the Mr. Rbt. fioTs, Eoit' bourne. " The Selected ellow Globe MaDgel Wurzel " ■ I had of .,«-- could get up A^^hjoid^Kent " Your Man- gel ■ft uizel looks beiutilul, and BUTTONS' SELECTED YELLOW GLOBE MANGEL. SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN FARM SEEDS. Suttons' Selected Mangel Wurzel. GOOD YELLOW GLOBB ORANGE GLOBE „ RED GLOBE „ LONG BED ,, LONG YELLOW .SUTTONS- SELECTED YELLOW GLOBE „ YELLOW I N T E Rr MEDLiTE „ SELECTED GLOBE STRATTON'S RED GLOBE GREEN-TOP S0GAB BEET, i ommeuded by N. I the c Esq. (cheaper by From Mr. Joseph Hinson, Hif/h Street, Sutton, my. October 19, 1S07.— " Tlie New Intermediate Mangel I find superior to any I h^xve ever grown. I have just taken them up, and find many roots measuring from 25 to 39 inches iu circuinfcrenco. The roots being so fine, I find n man 13 able to take up ab jut one-third more m the day than of the old sort." From W. H. Molo, Esq., BelherBdin, Tejiferden, Kent. Januarif 23, ISOC— " I got the 1st prize with your Mammoth Long Buttons' Choice Turnip Seeds. SWEDISH T0KNIPS. BUTTONS' CHAMPION (very hardy ; has Kamed numerous Prtzcs aj^ain this se ison) NEW GIAST TANKARD HARDY PDRPLE-TOP SKIRVING'S HARDY WHITE KING of SWEDES TELLOW-FLESHED TURNIPS. SUTTONS' GREEN-TOP YEI, LOW HYBRID ,. PURPLE-TUP ditto SCOTCH, PURPLE-TOP and GREEN-TOP YELLOW TANKARD WHITE-FLESHED TURNIPS. SUTTONS' RED PARAGO.V „ IMPERIAL GREEN GLOBE OLD GREEN ROUND SUTTONS' PURPLE -TOP MAMMOTH POMERANIAN WHITE GLOBE NORFOLK WHI'l'E GLOBE TANKARDS, of sorts GREY STONE, or MOTTLED GLOBE WHITE STONE, or STUBBLE SUTTONS' EARLY SUC- WEEKS From Edward M. Gawhk, lisq., Kentraugh. March 17, 1867.—" I had from your Champion Swede last year about 40 tons per acre. They Were an escBedingly fine crop of Well- formed and large Tamips, almost averaging froni 14 to 15 lb. each. I hads 3 23! [E«, Esq., Granham HHt. From a. Jek March 7, 1867.—" I am bound to say that, from my experience, you are quite justified in asserting the Champion Swede 10 be quite M hardy as any of the Purple-topped varieties, if not, indeed, hardier." From Mr. T. W. Lacey, Cotes, near Loughborough. Novembtr 14, 18S7.— " 1 saw in Betl'9 Meaatnger a week or two ago an account of some prizes taken by Turnips Krown from your seed. 1 wriie to bear testimony to the good quality of the seed I had fron you this spring. 1 let my neiRhbour, Mr. Burrow, have some of your Imperial Green Round, and he took the 1st prize with them at our Loughborovigh Agriciiltural Show, held October 18, 1S67." For prices of the .ibove and other FARM. SEEDS, see SUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, Gratis and Post Free. For largo quantities, special quotliGitinn, SvTTt's & SuNb, Seed Growers, F..oadmg. Very Early SUeep Feed. QUTTONS' IMPKOVEI) ITALIAN RYE-GRASS.— O This " Improved*" Italian Rye-Rr.iss is recommended in prefer- ence to every other variety, vroducmg three or four heavy crops in one summer, and beinn almost, if not strictly, perennial. At a MeetinR of the Royal Agricultural Society, on March 16, in a Lecture delivered by Alfred Hughes, Esq., late of Thorness, Isle of Wight, Mr. Hughes said : — "I always reserve a portion oi Oat land to lay down with Sutton's Improved Italian Rve-grass, the most reliable plant 1 have come across for some years for Ewes and Lambs in the Spring. When I tell you that I rut it in in the spring, and dressed it after harvest with guano, and that in the autumn, when my Sheep fed it off, it was up to their knees, and that 1 fed it off again this spring with Ewes and Lambs. I think you will .igree that tbis is a crop of jrery groat valu The Italia liing vigorous plant j indeed, equal It in ttie course of all my experience." SDTTONS' ITALIAN RYE-GRASS has been used with great success at the Metropolitan Sewage Farm, Barking, and other places. ' Sutton &SoK3 have a fine stock of their Improved Italian Rye- grass, which Is a very different and superior article to much that is sold as Italian Rye-grass. Present price, fe. per bushel, cheaper in quantities over 5 quarters. Carriage-free in quantities of R bushels and upward??. Quantity required per acre, if sown alone. 3 bushels. Koyat Berkshire Seed Kstahlishment, Reading. Sugar Beet.— For tlie Best Sorts to Grow, and Prices, SUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, Gratis and Post Free. Sottos & Soxs, Seed Growers, Reading. _ _ _ HITE SILESIAN SUGAR, BEFT, Brin- i^i ircfitconncetion with the most famous pi'".'. '■! ■■' '■ I'n-i' of Franco, we are enabled to supply the ;ii"' . ■ ■ ■ i. !■ ' ■ liable ■^ " ■ ' w Genuine BedfordsMre-grown. TEUE WHITE SPANIStt ONION, at 2s. 6/i. per lb. Tliis very superior stock has frecjuently been prijwu the extra- ordinary weight 01 16 to 20 tons per acre. Various SEED POTATOS To Farmers, Gardeners, and Others. EXCELLENT CAbBAGE PLANTS (Stocks not to be surpassed) can be supplied as follows :— ENFIELD MjVRKET, at 2s Oi(. per 1000 : True DWARF EARLY NONPAREIL, at Zs. r,d. uer 1000: ROBINSON'S CHAMPION (Truol, at 2s. 6fsiS. largo Bulbs, 14». per lOO; 12,«. T. S«ini . Cox , I.ui E To Market Gardeners and Others. AST HAM, KNFlKI.l) M,\l;KKT. SHILT.ING'S li QUEEN, N'lNPARKIL, ROHINSdN's (.'IlAMPIdN DRUM- HEAD CAbltAGK PLANTS, all nelcted ^tock, at L',f. 3't;7. ;it. ZO.-i. per bushel, net cash. CiiKisTMAs '.^t'lNci.v, Sccdsman, &.C., Peterborough. ~ Beautiful Flowers— Beautiful Flowers. COCOA NUT FlJiKE REFUSE for SALE, 6s. per Waggon, and 28. per Cartload. This useful material— the superiority of which over Manufactured Manures for stiengthening the Growth and Improving the Blossom of Flowers, is uow fully established by leatimonials from Floriculturists and Gardeners from all parts of the United Kioedom— is highly recommended for Potting and Striking all Solt-wooded Plants, as it prevents the cuttings from fajrging ordamplng off; and may be had in quantities of not less than two sacks, delivered free to any of the London booking offices, at 2s. 6d. per sack, each coutainmg G bxishels, sack included, on recept of post order or postage stamps, addressed. Patent Cocoa Fibre Works, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, London, E. /^^OCOA-NUT REFUSE ^-^ is becoming scahce, the old reserves will soon be gone. Now sold in bags, 1 for 2s., 10 for 1C5., 20 for 30s., 50 for flCs., 10 for £8. Fompence allowed for eadi bag rotui'ued carriage-paid. A Railway Truck-load (not in bags), 40s. Postage Stamps or Poet-offlce Order, payable to J. Babsham & Co.. KincKton.on-Tliamos, S.W ]\/l EOICATED SHREDS being the talk of the day, X* J- and the admiration of all who have seen and tried them, the Manufacturer begs to inform Gardeners and Amateurs that they can be had from any Seedsman throughout Great Britain at London prices. Wholesale only of the Patentee and Maker, "* ' " , 99, Es'^t Street, Walworth. London, S. " 1 S H U R S T COMPOUND. G Winter Dressing for Vines and Fruit Trees. Has outlived many preparations intended to super- Wholesale by Magnl- PRICE'S PATENT ^^- CANDLE COMPANY (LiMrrED). By Royal Appointment, To Her Majesty bv Special t warrant, datc^ 27th "<=<^->3^^3 ' "- Febmk^,"f856.- DAT SON, A .V D HEWITT. Orlgmal trad Solo Propriotora of the STOCK-BREBDEBS MEDICINE CHESTS for disorders In Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, No. 1 MEDICINE CHEST | No. 2 MEDICINE CHE.ST Sixteen d.Bteent'kmds of com- j The Extract^ On^usFl"j<'. Rgj pounds, admimblj arranged, with "'e!":!', and R^ r^«. '""•» fcompleto Ouide to Farrtery. SbUhng Key to farrteo^ ^^ ^ CrrUgepar '■""■! '•'-^T "til >„„•. ^vr^ „^T7.P,t°°,'°'LjJgl''Edl?ioTi.'M.°Sr'rroe\y pos/^for 33 Dx :s^r^'l,!is?^^cJr"s;^K>l^■^.S'£on^^ stamps. Small Edition. r free by poAt f THE GAEDENERS^ CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Febeuaet 29, 1868. iHE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (EST^LIBHED IS40) Have now ready^for delivery in dry fine condition, SUPERPHOSPHATES of LlfilE FREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Also Genmne PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA Offices, 116, Fenohurch Street, E.G. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATK for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ODAMS'S SUPERPHOSPHATE of LIME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. "^HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE Oft BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— 100. Fencliurcli Street, London. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch— 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin, _ Directors. Chajrm/in—Johu Clavden, Littlebury, Essex. I>eputp-Ghairman— John Collins, 255, Camden Road, HoUoway Edward Bell, 48, Marine Pnmde, Brighton. Richard Hunt, vStanstead Abbot, Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexhain, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex. Charles Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Sti-and. Thomas Webb, Hilderaham, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross, Llncolnshiro. Charles J. Lacy, 60, West Smithfleld, Manaffing Virector — James Odams. tfessrs. Bametts, Hoares, & Co., Loml issrs. Kingsford & Dorman, 23, Essex £ AiKlilor—J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company whs originally formed by, and launder the direction of agriculturists : circumstances that have justly earned for it another title, viz. — "The Tenant Farmer.^' Manure Company." Its members are cultivators of upw.ards of 60,000 acres of land, (or the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures manufactured by this Company, Particulars will be forwarded on application to the Secretary, or may be had of the Local Agents. C. T. Macadam, Secretary. Chief Offices— 100, Fenchurch Street, Loudon, E.C. A W "e S ' M A~N U~ ir¥ S were the first Chemical Artificial Manures manufactured and introduced, and have been In use for 27 years. The supply for the present season is now ready for delivery, at the Factories, Deptford and Barking Creeks, all in first-rate condition, LAWES' PATENT TURNIP MANURE. DISSOLVED BONES. LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES' WHEAT, BARLEY. GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES, The report can be obtained on application ; Mr. Lawes' Factor He states— nples appeared to be equally dry. and Qne Works, __, ^..r--, bulk is a dry, well-made, superior Artificiai Mai tify that the Superphosphai _Il-madr " - "^ -> idition for delivi These Manures appointed Agents varying accord: tof c Chemical Manure' AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, Joun Benhet Lawes, 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin : and Market Square, Shrewsbury. T)ETER LAW SON AND SONTtheQuEEN's Seedsmen, J- Contractors, 20, Budge Row, Cannon Street, E.C. (opposite the City Terminus), London, and Edinburgh. PHOSPHO GUANO as a MANURE for USE in GARDENS.— This Guano has been employed with very marked success in Nur- „ — r. ,„ „^^ Gardens, the effect on Vegetable Crops and being, m frequent instances, astonishing. It is s HAW'S TIFFA For Samples and Prices apply to J. Shaw & Co.. 29. Oxford Street, Manchester. B^ Trees from Frost Sold by Nurserymen and Seedsmen. No. 1. 38 inches wide, 20 yards long, at 4s. Gd. per piece. No. 2. 38 „ „ 20 „ „ 4.1. lOd. per piece. Fence for Fowls, &c. One yard wide, l\d. ; 2 yards, 3d. , 3 yards, i^d. ; and 4 yards, Gd. per yard, in any quantity, may be had at Chas. Wright & Co.'s, William Street, Newark on-Trent (late 37R, Strand, W.C). An allowance to Nurserymen. rpANNED NETTING, in large or small quantities, for JL Seed Beds, and for the Protection of Fruit Trees from Frost, Blight, Birds, or as a Fence from Fowls, &c.. Id. per square yard ; Is. Gd. per 100 do., 35s. perfiOO do. Price to the Trade on application Remittances to accompany all orders. Christmas Qdincey, Seedsman, &c.. Peterborough. Preserve your Trees from Frost. TANNED NETTING for FRUIT TREES. COTTON NETTING and BUNTING, FRIQI DOMO, SCRIMS for GREENHOUSE BLINDS, &c. Samples and Price List free on application to BENJAMIN EDGINGTON, Tent and Rick Cloth Marer to the Queen and Prince of Wales. 2, Duke Street, Southwark,S.E. Alargestock of NEW and REPAIRED NETTING, and other material for the protection of Fruit Trees, Strawben-y Beds, Ac. MARQUEES and TENTS of all dimensions on Sale or Hire. Address, Benjamin Edgington, (only), 2, Duko Street, London Bridge. S. E. No other Establishment. NETTING for FKUIT TKEkS, SEh,i) BEDS, iUPE STRAWBERRIES, &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the above from Frost, Blight, Birds, &c., 2 yards wide, 3d. per yard, or 100 yards, 20.s, ; 4 yards wide, 6d. per yard, or 60 yards, 208. NEW TANNED NETTING, suited for any of the above purposes, or as a Fence for Fowls. 2 yards wide, Qd. per yard ; 4 yards wide. Is. per yard ; J-inch mesh, 4 yards wide, Is. Gd. per yard. Can be had in any quantity of Eaton & Deller, 6 & 7, Crooked Lane, London Bridge, E.C. RALPH WALLER and CO., 45, Dale Street, Man- chester. Manufacturers of all kinds of GARDEN NETTING, &c.— The serious injury done every spring to fruit crops by frost, has proved to every Gardener the absolute necessity of providing some protection to the trees early in tiie year. If the blossom, in its earliest development, be but slightly weakened by frost, the vitality of the fruit germ isdestroyed, and the fruit lost. In this climate, on the average of a century, there is not more than one year in 19 when the protection is unnecessary. Many fabrics have been tried for this purpose of protection, with more or less success ; and we may now say, without fear of contradiction, that we have succeeded in manufacturing the only fabric which is altogether unobjectionable for this purpose. Without unduly nursing, it effectually protects the young germ, and does not impede the action of light and due Slimmer, and are cheaper than other fabric great durability. Netting (qualities): Nos, 1, 2, 3, in pieces of 30 yards long, IJ yard? wide. Tiff my : iu Pieces io yards long. 39 inches wide. Fi»r prices, &c., apply to the above address— 45, Dale Street, W AVIARY LATTICE aery Grounds Guano, dissolved in water, is most effectual! A specially prepared, very pulverulent Guano, is sold for the purpose, and may be had through any of the Agents appointed for the Sale of Phospho Guano, in tins of 1 to 14 lb., at 6d. per lb., or from the Contractors direct. THE PAXTON GARDEN MANURE is the most economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known for Vegetables, Flowers, Fruit Trees, Gra.ss Lawns, &c. It ia inodorous and portable. To be had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, Williams & Co., late Alexander & Co.. 23, James Street, Old Street, E.C. Agents Wanted in every Town where none have been appointed. F mST-CLASS TOBACCO PAPER, U. 2d. per lb.— A lot of Testimonials about it. W. Dean, Seedsman, Bradford, Yorkshire. APPLEBY'S GENUINE TOBACCO PAPER, in 4 lb. and 2 lb. packets. Price on application to HgNRT Appleby. Foreman to Messrs. Ivery & Son, Dorking, Surrey. ROLL TOBACCO CLOTH.— The cheapest and best article for Smoking Greenhouses and destroying the Fly ; equal to Tobacco in strength, Is. 4rf. per lb. ; over 10 lb., Is. Id. Joseph Baker, 10, Gough Square, Fleet Street, E.C. Post Office Orders payable Fleet Street. By Her Majesty's Royal Letters Patent, And bt Peemission of the Hon. Board of Customs. POOLET'S TOBACCO PO'WDEE, for the Destruction of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nurserymen and Florists, m Tins, at I,'?.. 2s. Gd., and 5s. Wholesale from the Bonded Manufactory, Susses Wharf, Wapning, E. Testimonials sent upon application. TOBACCO TISSUE for Fumigrating Greenhouses. Will Destroy Thrip, Red Spider, Green and Black Fly, and Mealy Bug ; and bums without the assistance of blowing, and is entirely free from paper or rag. Price 3s. 6d. per lb., carriage free. A reduction in price for large quantities. To be had of Messra. Roberts &^Sons, Tobacco Manufacturers, THOMSON'S STYPTIC prevents the Bleeding of th Vine or any other Plant after Pruning, and has been used with i for Grafting and Budding, as well as for preventing . „ if Geranium and other Cuttings, Manufactured and Sold by Joe :^ Youno & Son, Dalkeith, N.B. ; and may be had of all Seedsmen in bottles at 3s. eiich, with di for No' t the Label. i genu fithout the r Wji THE TANNED LEATHER COMPANY, Armit Works, Greenfield, near Manchester. TANNERS, CURRIERS, and MANUFACTURERS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS for MACHINERY, PRIME STRAP and SOLE BUTTS. Price Lists sent free by post. Warehouse: 81, Mark Lane, London, E.C. Mr. H. Ferrabee, Agent. Hares, Dogs, Poultry, &c, ill kinds of Gamo Light, Me- dium, Y^a-r'-d. Strong, per Yard. Sid. •4iiJ. Hd. 6}irj MOULE'S PATENT EAETU CLOSETS.— On view and in operation at the Office of MOULE'S PATENT EARTH CLOSET COMPANY, LIMITED, 29, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C. T. M. Evans, Manager. SEWAGli of TOWNS and VILLAGES on the DRY EARTH SYSTEM. — This Company is prepared to make arrangements for dealing with the Drainage of Towns on the Dry Eaith System ; including the disposal of Slnt-water, Slops, Ac. Applications to be made to ttie Manager, 29, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C. „^ To the Trade and Gentlemen's Gardeners. TO BE SOLD, Cheap, ONE MILLION GARDEN LABELS for Pots and buspending, made of the beat white wood. For Price and Samples, apply to White fe Sos, Lincoln, Glass for Garden Purposes. AMES PHILLIPS and CO. beg to submit theh- REDUCED PRICES as follows:— PROPAGATING 11 HYACINTH and FLOWER DISHES, 6 inches diameter . . . . Is. Od. | 9 mches diameter . . ..10 12 inches diameter .. .. 2s. 6rf. Hyacinth Dishes are intended to contain a number of Roots Bedded in and covered with Moss, instead of the common Hyacmth LACTOMETERS, for Testing the Quality of Milk, 6s. 6(il. HILL ANi) SMITH'S PATEINT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone, This Varnish is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thuds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requiresnomixingor thinning, and is used cold. It is used In the Kfounda at Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and at the seata of many hundreds of the nobility and gentry, fVom whom the most flattering testimonials have been received, which Hill & Smith will forward on application. J-'rom the Right Hon. Lord Greenock, Wood End, Tliirsk. "Lord Greenock has seen the Patent Black Vanush made by Messrs. Hill & Smith, applied with success, and has heard it highly recommended by friends who have tested it extensively." Sold in casks of about 30 gallons each, at la. tia. per gallon, at the ^Manufactory, or is. %d. per gallon paid to any Station In the kingdoa Four Tubes Each.- 12 inches 11 6 12 6 London Agents for HARTLETS IMPROVED PATENT RODGH PLATE. LINSEED OIL, Genuine WHITE LEAD, CARSON'S PAINTS, PAINTS of various colours, ground ready for use. SHEET and ROUGH PLATE GLASS, SLATES of all sizes, BRITISH PLATK. PATENT PLATE, ROLLED PLATI'^ CROWN, SHEET, HORTICULTURAL, ORNAMENTAL, COLOURED, and every description of GLASS, of the best Manufacture, at the lowest terms. Lists of prices and estimates forwarded on application to James Phillips & Co., 180, Bisbopscate Street Without. K.C. Horticultural Glass Warenouse. THOMAS MILLINOTON and CO., 87. Bishopsgate Street Without. London, E.C. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOUSE GLASS as supplied to Her Majesty, the Nobility, Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leading Horti- culturists of the United Kingdom, ORCHARD-HOUSE SIZES. 4ths. 20 by 12 . 20 by 13/ Cl5 oz. 145 3rf ) by 14 VPer 100 feet 20 by 15 \ 6-' I21C 19s C(J 3rda. , 2Dds. I Best. 15s 6d l&iGdlidBQd 2U by 16 SMALL SHEET SQUARES, 16 [n. in.;in. In.lln. in. (in. in. I 0 by 4 r Ijy 6 8 by 6 9 by 7 ) 6tby4il Viby Si| 8i by e|| 9) by 71/ I Per 100 feet. 228 2(1 268 6d 26s 6(1 oz., per 100 feet. 4tbs. I Sds. I 2Bds. I Best. 12(1 3(i 13s 3(J 16s Od 18s OlJ 133 3(2 14s 6(1 17s 3(i 19s 0(2 LARGE SHEET SQUARES, 16 oz., per 100 feet. in. in. in. in. 4tbs. 3ds. 2nds. Best 14 by 12 22 by 12 22 by 16 16 by 10 14) by 12i 14JbyllJ 16 by 11 15i by Hi 16J by 12) 16 by 12 18 by 14 22 by 14 24 by 17 > Us 3d 16s 6(1 WsM 20s Od 16 by 11 ;10ibyl2| 24 by 14 21 by 11 |17 by 12 13 bv 12 18 by 12 The above Prices are only for tlte Sizes stated ; if a quantity of any other Size be required, a Special Price will be given. SHEET GLASS. In Sheets for Cutting up, averaging from 6 to 9 feet super. 15 oz. I 21 oz. 4ths quality, per 300 feet cose, 38s. 4th3 quAlity, per 200 feet case, 38«. BRITISH PLATE GLASS for Windows and Silvered for Loolling Glasses, Coloured Glass, Glass Shades, Striking Glasses, &c., Ac. PAINTS, COLOURS, VARNISHES, &o. STUCCO PAINT, 243. per cwt. This Paint adheres firmly to the walls, re.sists the weather, and is free irom the glossv appearance of Oil Paint, resembling a stone sm-faoe, and can be made any required shade. It is mixed with nun or pure river water. WHITE ZINC PAINT, 30s. per cwt. One hundredweight_of Jiure Zinc Paint, with three galloi "'" ' "" one hundredweight and a-l Linseed Oil. Special Dryers for this Paint. IMPROVED ANTI-CORROSION PAINT, 28s. to 34s. per cwt. Anti-corrosion Faint is extensively used for all liinda of worlt in exposed situations, on Brick, Stone, Compo, Iron, Iron Bridges, Conservatories, Greenhouses, &c., and is easily laid on by any ordinai7 workman. Prepared Oil for ditto 4s. per gallon. Per gallon j. d, LINSEED OIL .. ..3 4 BOILED OIL .. ..3 9 TURPENTINE .. ..3 0 LINSEED OIL PUTTY, SECONDS WHITE LEAD 30 0 GROUND PATENT DRi'- EBS. 3(i. to 4i(J, per lb. ,, OXFORD OCHRE, M. to 4id. oer lb. RAW UMBER. i\d. to Gd. per lb. [per lb. „ BURNT do., 6(1. to 9(i. GREEN FAINT, all shades, 28s. to CO 0 FineOAKVARNISH,10.?.tol2 0 „ CARRIAGE do., 12s. to 14 0 „ PAPER do. 10». to 12 0 „ COPAL 16 0 KNOTTING 10 0 Patent GOLD SIZE . . 10 0 „ BLACK JAPAN . . 12 0 GLAZIER'S DIAMONDS and TOOLS DISTEMPER BRUSHES. The above are Net, for Cash, and as such cannot be booked. Lists of any of the above on application. PbbeCaet 29, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. GRAY'S OVAL TUBULAR BOILER. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, Class IX., No. 2119. Mr. gray begs to call the attention of the Nobility, Gentry, Nurserymen, Gardeners, &c., to his NEW OVAL TUBULAR BOILER, Acknowledged by practical judges to be a great improvement on every form of Tubular Boiler yet introduced. It has proved itself superior to all other Boilers for quietness of action and economy of Fuel, doing its work with one-third less the amount required by any other^ Extract from Report in Gabdenees' Chronicle o) International Bxhihition, May 24, 1862, page 476. "The uprieht form of Boiler la usually made on a circular plan, I rather than a square, it seems feasible that the Boilers on the oval but the oval form given to Mr. Gray's variety of it is said to be plan should brinR the tubes more completely within range of the preferable in consequence of its bringing the tubes in closer contact biUTiing fuel ; and this being so, the change, though with the Are. The usual form of a furnace being a parallelogram ' ". "" H..,.Kt nn ,....,rn,.„n.«r.. -t 3 doubt an improvement. ^^ Thfy are made of all aisesy which^ with prices^ may be had on application. JAMES GRAY, HORTICULTURAL WORKS, DANVERS STREET, PAULTON'S SQUARE, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. SHANKS' NEW PATENT LAWN MOWERS FOR 1868. A. SHANKS & SON EF.O TO INTIMATE THAT THEY ARE THE ONLY FIRM OUT OF ALL THE EXHIBITORS OF LAWN MOWEIiS PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION OF 1867, WHOM THE JURY DEEMED WORTHY TO RECEIVE A MEDAL. LETTERS PATENT, dated Aug-. 12, 1867, have been g:ranted to A. SHANKS & SON, for IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS in LAWN MOWING MACHINES. The Improvements iutrodueed for the Season of 186S give SHANKS' MACHINE several advantages poaseaseJ by no other Lawn Mower. The iinprovemetits are of such an imporUmt character^ that all who use Lawn Mowers should not fail to make themselves acquainted with them. I^' Every Machine warranted to give satisfaction, atid if not ajjproved of can be at once returned. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS SENT FREE ON APPLICATION. ALEX. SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, Leadenhall Street is the only place m London where intending Furchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of front 150 to 200 Machines. A. S. and SON have a staff of efficient Workmen at 27, Leadenhall Street^ thoroughly acquainted with all the details of these Machines^ so that they are enabled to repair them in London as well as ca?i be done at their Manufactory. BOTTLE'S PATENT CUCUMBER BOXES are now ready, nnd can be had of the LondoD AgODts ;— Mr. Jamks VeiTcii & Sons, Chelaua Mr. U. S. Williams, Vlctorii nnd Paradise Nurseries The London Seed Company, Limited, 68, Welbeck Street Mr, CuTiiusH &, Son, Highgate Nurseries, Also of JouK Pottle, of Little Healings, Woodbridge, Suffolk, Price 3s. Od. each, or £2 per dozen. CORNES' PATENT HORIZONTAL GRASS SHEARS, forCuttliiK round Trees, Shrubs. Railings, Tonibstones. Statuary, Fountains, Ac. (liUices inaccessible to Scythe or Lawn Mower), price 30*. Thu liORIlKK, MARGIN', aii.l lOUUlNG CUTfER, 25s. TlioLADli'S" LAWN MOWKR, ;Ui. Agents lor London and Suburbs, Deane & Co.j 46, King William Street, Loudon Bridge. 1 Bridge Works, Essex, E. THE PATENT ABERDEEN PRIZE LEVER CORN DRILL, combines simplicity and strength with best material and workmanship, sows in the most accurate manner, and is by far the cheapest Drill ever offered to Agriculturists. Price of 10-Row Drill, to sow 6 feet, £14 15s. Other sizes In pro- portion. Price and Testimonial Lists on application. Ben. Reid&Co., Bon Accord Implement Works, Aberdeen, Sole Manufacturers. REGISTERED SELF-ACTING HAND SEED- DRILL.—Tly simply turning a scr,;w, thii Drill can at once be adapted fur S'jwin^ M mccl Wiirzet, Barley, Wheat, Sainfoin, Tares, ^ Rape, Tumiits, Car- rots, Flax, and Carrot Seeds. It is an in. valuable implement for the Market Gar- dener, and to all who Kitchen tJarden ; and for the of filling up the plai receipt of stamps or I'ost Office Order, made payable to Le Butt, Pa- and Manufac- of the Cham- Haymaker, Bury Edmund's, a Drill win be sent inimodiutely, price l^s. 6d. J03IAH Le Butt has h;id the honour of supplying this uaoful Implement to her Majost,y's Farm and Garden for use at Windsor. The '.'(irrff Tiers' Chrouicle and Agricultural Gazette of Dec. 7, 1867, in noi icing the novelties in the Implement Department of the Birmmghai and Smitbfield Cattle Show, s-iys:—'* Among other novelties we may refer to a very simple and apparently efficient Hand Drill, as much a Garden as a Faim tool, the inve-" - "" " working man, and brought out GREEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOE, 0 NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the keeping of Lawns in the HIGHEST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogimn, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved to be the best, and carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. T. GREEN & SON warrant every Machine to gii'e entire satisfaction^ and if not approved of can be returned unconditionally. ILLUSTRATED FRICE LISTS FREE ON AMPLICATION. T. G. AND SON have a large quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments; also various other kiads of HORTICDLTORAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GAKDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. Having rery extensive Premises in London, we are in a position to do all kinds of Repairs there, as well as at our Leeds Establishment. I THOMAS GllEEN and SON, SMITHFIELU IRON WORKS. LEEDS: and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. THE GAliBENERS* CHRONICLE AKT) AGT^ICULTFRAL GAZETTE. [Februaet 29, ises. FOWLER'S PATENT STEAM PLOUGH and CULTIVATOR may be SEEN at W0R5 in every Agricul- tural County lu EuRland. For particulars apply to John Fowler & Co., 71> Cornliill, L^DdoD, E.G. ; and Steam Plough Works, Leeds. " Evei'y Cottage eljouid be provided witb a Water Taak." Disraeli. Iron Cisterns. FBRABY Axn CO. having laid down extensive and • Improved llacbinery in tbeir new raD^ of builfliiigs, Ida Wbabf, Ceptford, are now prepared tr> supply WR0U Memoved to the Manufactory^ Friar Street. SAMUELSON & CO.'S IMPROVED LAWN MOWIMG MACHIN EVERY JIACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. delivered Free to c Cutting 10 inches wide Cutting 12 inches wide Cutting 14 inches wide Cutting 16 inches wide Cutting 19 inches wide Cutting 22 inobes -wide Cutting 2-5 inches wide Cutting 30 inches wide Cuttbig 36 inehes wide PRICES. ny HaUway Station in Great Britain. ,43 10 0 4 10 0 5 5 0 CO 0 6 10 0 r 10 0 12 0 0 15 0 0 1 11 im d 111 III Ml Innis iliiiiii^ thi list few year^, in regard to all those small but importajrt points of superiority which the practical working Mhili, foi cleoini c ot ippeirancc, h^htuoss of dr ift ind efficiency in working they cannot be excelled. They possess the following advantages : — 1st. Motion ib given to the Cutting Apparitus bj toothed gearing which experience has proved to be by far the best method of driving. 2d. The whole of the Dmin" Wheels aie on one iide of the Machine and are covered with a guard preventing damage to Shrubs and Flowers, when mowing round the edges of beds. 3d. All the smaller working parts of the Machine are made of Malleable Iron, and are not liable to break. ^- Illustrated Price Lists, Free by Post on application. SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA WORKS. BANBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE : 10, LAURENCE POUNTNET LANE, E.C. AGENTS r— Messrs. TANGYE BROTHERS and HOLM AN, 10, LAURENCE POUNTNET L.INE ; Messrs. DE.iNE and CO., London Bridge; Messrs. DRAY, TAYLOR AND CO., London Bridge ; Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD, 63, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughout the Kingdom. Febeuaet 29, 1868.] THE GARPENEES' CMONICLE ANT) AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 227 H OTHOUSES for the MILLION, CHEAP, PORTABLE, and EASILY FIXED. rVENTED AND PATENTED IIY TUB 1,ATE SlR JoSEPll PaXTOM. Illustmted Circulara, with full particulars, sizes, and pricos, free 1 application t He < & Morton, 7, Pall Mall East, London, S.W. HOT-WATE[t APPAUATUS, of every description, fixed complete in any part of the country, or the materials, tIz., Boilers, Pipes, &o., delivered to any Station. Estimates on application. J. Jones & Sons, G, Bankaide, Southwarb, London, S.E. HA Y W A R D B R O T H E K S, noT-WATER ENGINEERS. Horticultural, Public, or Private Buildings Heated on the latest improved principles. 1S7, ISO. Union Street, Borough, London, S.E. Heatlnsr by Hot Water. WJ. HOLLANDS, Ikon Merchant, • 31, Bankaide, London. S.E. HOT WATER PIPES, from Stock, per yard ;— 2-lnch, U. l^d. ; 3-inch. Is. 9d. : and 4-inch, 2«. 3d. BENDS, from Stock, Is. 6c!.,l's, 6d., and 3?. each. THROTTLE VALVES, 10s., 13a.,andl4s. each. Other Connexions at equally low pnces, and all goods of flrat-clasa manu- facture. Estimates given, and orders by post punctually attended to Bday. c KANSTON'S PATENT BUILDINGS HOBTICDLTDRK. " Dry Glazing without Putty. " toi 3 withcut Laps, " VentlHtton without Moving Lights." Highly Commended by tho Royal Horticultiual Society, South JEensmRton n' N, Architect, Blnumghai ■Works: Hlghgate Street, BinniDgham. Henry J. Qrowtage, Manager, 1, Temple Row West, Birmlnghair IRiJN GREENHOUSES CHEAPER THAN WOOD. Beard's Pateut Non-conducting and VentUatlng Metallic Glass Houses. SANDERS, r R E W E R, and CO, Victoria Works, Bury St. Edmund's. These Patent Houses obtained the First and only Prize at the Royal Horticultural Congress, South Kensington, 1866; The First-class Certificate at the Grand Manchester Horticultuifil Show, 1867 ; The Three First-class Certificates at the Royal Horticultural Show, at Bury St. Edmund's. 1867, viz. : — One Prize for Patent Glazing without Putty ; One Prize for Best System of Patent Ventila- tion ; One Prize for S. F. & Co.'s Improved Flower Stands. Those much-approved Patent .Systems of Glazing and Ventilation are also extensively adapted for all Agricultural Buildings, Public Hallg, Churches, Factories, Railway Stations, &c., &c. Full particulars and Prices of the Patent Houses, glazed with £6 QZ. Sheet Glass from Is. Ad. per foot super and upwards. As also Ullustrated Catalogues for 12 poatttge stamps, may be obtained of SiNDEBs, FntwER, & Co., Sole Manufacturers of Bearii's Patents, Victoria Works, Bury St. Edmund's. Greenhouses— Heating Apparatus. CONSERVATORIES PINERIES STRAWBERRY HOUSES ORCHID HOU.SES W A L L - T K E E COVERS OREKN HOUSES CUCUMBER and ORCHARD HOUSES ^APENT SUN- BLINDS& FROST PKOTECTOKS, Patented Improve- ments in the CONSTRUCTION VENTILATION HEATING MELON HOUSES rpHE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL AWARDED for -L Various Improvements in the Ventilation, ConfctructiOD, and ApDlication of WROUGHT-IRON to Horticultural Buildings. Our New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE. THE NOVELTY, la cheap, dur.\bto, easily fixed, does not require painting, is adapted for ali purposes, and is the most perfectly ventilated house of the present day. Prices :--20 It. long, £10 to £19 10s. ; 32 ft.. £15 to £29 18^. ; 40 ft., £18 to £30; 64 ft., £27 12s. to £54 3s. 6d. ; 80 ft., JE34 to £66 6s. ; 104 ft.. £43 128. to £84 10s. Span Roofs, double price. Orders for our New Patent WALL-TREE COVER are now fwlicited. They save their cost in one season. Prices, with IC-oz. gla^, 8s., 9s., lOs., and 12s. per foot to In HEATING wo are pre-eminent, and have pleasure in referring all parts of the kingdom which have been executed by us. Careful personal attention is given to all orders; and from our practical experience, we are vrilling to guarantee that M C OULE'S "WARMING APPARATUS.— The best and lOst economical system ol Warming Churches, Schools, Hot- tses, and all large Buildings. Apply to J. W. G1UBLK8TONE, C.E., 31. Duke Street, WoBtmipster, S.W. "XT A M AND C 0 M P ANY, CoNSERVAToav and Horn , - , Iroii Works, 2, Wlusloy Street, Oxford Street, London, W. SADDLE BOILERS. iB3. 6Sa. 02s. Gd. each. HOT-WATER FIFES. 2 3 4 inch. Is. Gd. 28. Id. 2tt. M. per yard. Materials supplied as above, or Estimates given fixed com- plete to Plan, on application to COTTAM k Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street. opposite the Pantheon), Oslord Street, London, w. HCHARDSON'S y^tr -^^^i^sSe**©: 1 by top and bottom openin? tti,d simultineously with 1 single tdiich cnttrel} protects the plants 1 i Co HortKultuial Builders Dirlintton w INDMILL HILL, GRAYESEND. — The Corporation of Gravesendare ready to receive COMPETI- effect, and at my Ofiice before 4 o'Clock on March 21 next. £10 will bo paid for the Dcsijin and Estimate which may be approved Estimates will be returned. Town Hall, Gravesend, Feb. 24. Edwd. Sharland, Town Clerk. out" GROUND attached to Mansions a,nd Villa or other Residences, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS 01 GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Gib , Surrey Lane, Battersea, S.W, ESTATE IMPROVER. — Noblemen and Gentlemen contemplating Alterations, Reclaiming Waste Lands, Planting for Useful and Ornamental Eflfect. L-aying-out Parks by Contract, or otherwise requiring Surveys. Plans, and Estimates for Agricultural and Horticultural Improvements, Making Lakes, Roads, Drainage, Address, J. Ne , 74. Oxford Terrace, Hyde Park, W. Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING FOWLS, of purest breed, in any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive BRAHMA-POUTRA, CREVECOiUR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, for constant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on application. John Baily & Son. 113, Mount Street, London. W. Bees. H, C, ANTED, :i suitable PLOT of UttOUNU, withi; area of about geven miles of Londoo, for a number of Hl^ Apply, by letter only, to I\I SALE THIS DAY AT IIALF.PAST TWELVE O'CLOCK. Couslgnment of Plants from Holland. .1. I , ,M l.\ I'.N- A)|| SKI. I. In .Wc'I'IdN, at -: . 1: . . I, , ^11, i't, r.,v,-,,t, .: ,nir„, w.c, on •■^A'fi I , , , I ,,.i !..„■( I.,,-:. |,r.., i., IV, ■.iiloudld Llwn.i ., II ii;|.|.,, :-,,„,.i„irn c c i ^ 1 1'' 1. 1 1 ^, II.VKDY Timl ui;:..\;iii,:» lAl. .-,11 Id. 1..1. .siuu.i.w.l iti.a l)w»i-r KuSKS. So., from II..ll:unl. .\ li.rBo MUautltj of UAKDY TUEE.S from Surrey !in'U.\L SALE .nf about 40 of these fashionable little DORSES will tako ,. this Spring. They are wariaijted s.iund, ready for use, and will be offered at the Uri-stol Uorse Repository, College street, Bristol, on TUESDAY, March 17, at 15 minutes past 1 o'clock. On view tho day previous ; Descriptive Catalogui 10 days prior to the Sale, Stud Farm, Exmoor, South Moltou.— February, 18C8. Mllcote, near stratford-on-Avon. IMPORTANT SALE OF SHORTIIORNED CVJTLE. MR. STHM'FdKli lias received instniotions from J C All . I I, i niiinunco for SALE by AUCTION, without resell , ,l , n Str.atford-on-Avon, on WEDNES- DAV March: i m MD of flrst-class SlioRTHOKNED CATTLE con ■ I II I I ,i n Head of Bulls, Cows, and Heifers, that are ibictly ocsccmie.i imrasomo renowned fawsley trlbe.^ to which have been uaoj Bulls of tho favounto " Princess and " Charmer " blood, „ ^, ,v,„.^. .«. tha Mr Adklns has been a celebrated breeder of Shorthorns fortba ii!fc??e'?S a";rfuitl^''i?t'"ee?Se1l° VX^ roItt^^rbr^eTrgln-i "SH^S^ts' Stii'lX'es m.y be bad on ap^catlon ^o »rj9r.^^ roBD. IsfEiieton Square. London; or of Mr. AnniNs, Mllcote, near Stratlord-on-Avou. 228 THE GAl^MNEKS' CllT^ONICI.T: AND AnRICULTUML GAZETTE [teEtrAEY 29, isgs. LAWN MOWEKS AT THE PAEIS EXHIBITION. THE VALUE OF A MEDAL. ■With reference to a statement which has been put forth, in the Advertising Columns of this and other Journals, by a Firm manufacturing Lawn Mowers, that " They are the only Firm out of all the Exhibitors of Lawn Mowers at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1867 whom the Jury deemed worthy to receive a Medal," Messes. J. B. BROWN & CO. CONSIDER THAT IT IS ONLY FAIR TO THEMSELVES AND TO THEIR NUMEROUS FRIENDS WHO HAVE PATRONIZED THEIR NEW PATENT BB LAWN MOWING MACHINE, TO OBSERVE, THAT AS NO COMPETITIVE TRIAL OF THE LAWN MOWERS EXHIBITED AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION WAS MADE, THE AWARD OF A MEDAL TO THE FIRM IN QUESTION CANNOT BE REGARDED AS A TEST OF THE COMPARATIVE MERITS OF THEIR LAWN MOWER. Messrs. J. B. BROWN and CO. addressed the following letter to the Secretary to the Executive Comiuission of the Paris Universal Exhibition, South Kensington : — [Copy.] " 148, Upper Thames Street, London, February I5th, 1868. Sir,— Having observed from advertisements that a Silver Medal was awarded at the Paris Exhibition to a maker of Lawn Mowing Machines, and having been Exhibitors at Paris of a new Patent Lawn Mower, which we believed combined all the latest improvements in Laivn Moicijig Machines, we are desirous of ascertaining which of the Juries awarded such Silver Medal, and if there were any other Machines in competition, and if so, who were the Exhibitors of these Machines ; .also if the Machines were praciically tested. Your kindly furnishing us with this information will very much oblige us. — We are. Sir, your obedient Servants, (Signed) " J. B. Brow.v & Co." "R. G. Wylde, Esq., Secretary Paris Universal Exhibition, South Kensington, S.W." Eleven days afterwards, Messrs. J. B. BROWN and CO. received the following reply, having in the meantime called on Mr. Wylde, and been informed verbally by one of the gentlemen in his office that there had been NO practical teat of Lawn Mowers at the Exhibition : — [Copy.] " Paris Universal Exhibition, South Kensington, 26th February, 1868. " Gentlemen, — Referring to your letter of the 16th inst., I regret to be unable to inform you whether the Jury tested the Machines before making their awards. By reference to the Catalogue you will be able to see who were Exhibitors of Lawn Mowers. I enclose you a revised list of the awards. — -I am. Gentlemen, your obedient Servant, " Messes. J. B. Brown & Co." (Signed) " R. G. Wylde, Secretary to Executive Commission." The same day as Messrs. J. B. BROWN and CO. wrote to Mr. Wylde, they wrote also to Mons. Henri Schneider, the distinguished President of the French Legislative Assembly, and Proprietor and Active Manager of the great Engineering Works at Creusot, and whose world-wide celebrity as an Engineer is so well known. [Copt.] " 148, Upper Thames Street, London, February 15, 1868. " Sir,— As you were go good as to select for your own use at the Paris Exhibition one of our New Patent B B Lawn Mowing Machines, we would esteem it very kind would you give us your opinion respecting it. Having bestowed great attention in designing and making these Machines, and having endeavoured to combine all the latest improvements in Lawn Mowing Machines, your opinion as an Engineer would be specially valuable to us, and would be very greatly esteemed. Please kindly excuse this intrusion on your very valuable time, and hoping you will be so good as to favour us with a reply at your earliest convenience, — Wo are. Sir, your obedient Servants, " Mons. Henri Schneider, au Creusot, Saone et Loire, France." (Signed) " J. B. Brown & Co." The following is the reply of Mons. H. Schneider, which it is needless to say ilEssns. J. B. BROWN and CO. value far before any Medal awarded by a Jury under the eircitmstancea already named; especially from the fact that the Patent B B Mower was selected by Mons. Schneider personally, in preference to any other Machine exhibited in Paris, (The original of Mons. Schneider's Letter may be seen, if wished, at Me.ssrs. J. B. BROWN and CO.'S address.) [Copy.] " Usines du Creusot.— Schneider & CiE., 68, Hue de Provence. " Paris, le 24 Fevrier, 1868. " Monsieur, — J'ai fait faire I'essai de votre Machine a tondre les gazons, et m'empresse de vous faire connaitre que les resultats en out ete satisfaisants. — Recevez, Monsieur, juea sincferes salutations. (Signed) " H. Schneider." " Messrs. J. B. Brown et Cib., 90, Cannon Street, London." [Translation.] " Sir,— I have had your Lawn Mowing Machine tried, and hasten to let you know that the results have been satisfactory.- Receive, Sir, my sincere salutations. " Messrs. J. B. Brown & Co., 90, Cannon Street, London." (Signed) " H. Schneider." The following names, well known, as among the best practical judges of tawn Mowing Machines in this country, may also add weight to the generally acknowledged opinion as to the superiority of the B B LAWN MOWER :— Mr. Thomas Ingram, of the Royal Gardens, Windsor Castle, August 11, 1866, writes ;— " I HAVE much pleasure in staling that your New Patent B B Lawn Mowing Machine (a 24-lnch) has had a good trial, and has proved quite satisfactory. The work done is of the first order, leaving the Lawn like apiece of velvet." Mr. William Carmiohael, Sandringham, King's Lynn, Norfolk, the seat o/His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, January 14, 1867. *' The 24-inch B B Lawn Mowing Machine which you supplied suits me well, and does its work admirably." Mr. J. BissET, of the Gardens, Croxteth, near Liverpool, the seat of the Right Hon. the Earl of Sefton, September 13, 1866. " We have given your Lawn Mowers (a 20 and 24-inch) a fair trial of some three months, and think that a sufficient test to pronounce them the nearest to perfection of any iMwn Mowers I have seen tried." Mr. W1LLIA.M Smith, Gardener, Erlstoke Park, near Westbury, Wilts, July 24, 1866. " Your B B Lawn Mower does its work well, and is in every way very satisfactory. I shall have great pleasure in recommending it, as / am sure there is no other Machine at the present day to beat it." MESSRS. J. E. BROWN and CO., PATENTEES and MANUFACTURERS, OFFICES-90, CANNON STREET, E.G. WAREHOUSE and MANUFACTORY— 148, UPPER THAMES STREET, LONDON, E.G. ' The Publiaher,"at the Office, 41^ Wellington Street, Covent Garden, : THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 10.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, MARCH 7. (Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, Qd. Arundo coDspicua . Brussels cattle sho' 8 of. 249 fl Cattle, c Clinrntet _, ., ChiFWick trial subjects Conirers, transplanting Dairy factories a49 ( Diseases, oontaKio "'" DrainnKe, theory ( Clinmierops. friiitinu of V36 6 Chiswiclc trial subjects 236 b Conifers, transplanting 'J37 & ■" ' ' -'ories 249 ' ontaKiouscattlo .. 2<9 Fan spni , icultural, 24i c— 245 6 If seeds for 248 & Aberdeenshire 250fl Farraera- Cluba 243 c— 249 ( Meat, consuniptic Mushroom, large 239 » Naudin.M '^36 J Obituary 242 > Oilcake, quality of 244 i OsHge Orange 239 ( Oyster, vcRetable Pelargoaiums, Grieve on zoufll 240 c Phalasnopsis ScIiiUeriaiia .... 236 b Plant portraiti 23fi b Rose Show, Stamford Society, Royai Horticultural', Royal Apriculiural ,..,'. itics, agricultural i p seed, action respect' ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, SOUTH KENSINGTON, W. The FIRST SPRING SHOW will be lield oo SATORDAY, March H. Bund at 3 o'clock. Tickets (boueht prior to the day)— Fellows' Friends, 25. Cd. : Public, 33. dd.; or by pajment at the doors. Ca. The other SHOWS will be held on APRIL IS, MAY », JDNE 2 to 6; 16 and 17 ; and 30. HORTICULTURAL SOCIKTY of LIVERPOOL.— The SIXTH GREAT EXHIBITION ot HYACINTHS, AZALEAS, and SPRING FLOWERS will be held in St. George's Hall, on WEDNESDAY', March 18. Entries Close on Saturday, the 14th inat. For Schedules. &c., apply to R. WILSON KER, Hon. Sec. 6. Baanett Street. NATIONAL MAY 2'J to JUNE 6. 1861. Nine Hundred Pounds In Prizes. For Schedules, &c., apply to Mr. B. FINDLAY, Botanic Gaidens. Manchester. D OUBLE ITALIAN TUBEROSES, fine sound roots.- Price to the Trade on Rpplication to James Carter & Co., 231 and --'33, Hinh Holbom, London, W.C. GLADIOLUS BKENCHLEYENSIS, very fine roots.— Price to the Trade on application to Jaus3 Carter & Co., 23T and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. G' LAPIOLUS BRENCHLEYENSIS."— "Floweiing Bulbs from 30s. to 42s. per 1000 to the Trade. E. Bates, Park's Nursery, Oxford. Large Camellias. JOHN BELL, huRsERYMAN, 10 and 11, Exchange street, Norwich, begs to otfer about 200 large handsome grown CAMELLIAS, from 4 and 6 to 8 feet high, all leading aorta. Price and particulars forwarded on application. ERBENAS.— Purple, ^Vhite, Scarlet, and Pink. Strong plants, with plenty of Cuttings, 2*. per dozen ; small do., at 6a. per 100, or £2 10s. per 1000, package included. Terms cash. Philip Ladds. Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent, S.E. C CALCEOLARIAS (Herbaceous), of choice strain. — Fine J plants. In 4-inch pots, fc. per dozen, or 50 for 20s. ; extra large, in 5-iiicli pots, 9». per dozen. H. 4 R. Stibzakeh, Skerton Nurserie.", Lancsaster. New Pelargoniums. CHARLES TURNER has strong plants of the fine varieties raised by FOSTER and HOYLE, and so successlully exhibited during lbC7. Tlie Royal Nurseries. Slough. ^^ Pelargoniums. C1HARLES TURNER'S stock of each class of the above J iB unusually strong this season, which can be supplied at very moderate prioes per dozen. Including the flnest varieties. The Royal Nu , Slough. Pelargoniums for the Million. JAMES HOLDER, havine; an immense stock of the above, begs to offer [strong plants, in large 60-pots) 50 distinct sorts for 3U». ; 'j6 sorta for 20s. ; or 12 sorts for 16J., hamper package included. Crown Nursery, Reading. HE most beautiful^ASTER grown is TRUFFANT'S REINE-MARGUERITE, direct from the Continent. Five hundred seads, in 12 colours, for 1«., supplied by A. Hamuond, Bedwin Street, Salisbury. PINE PLANTS. — In conaequence of wanting the room to grow the Royal Ascot Vine. John Standisd will Sell perfectly healthy and clean Succession and Fruiting Plants, atoiic^half of their usual value. Price on application at the Hoyal Ascot Nursery. G To tie Trade. RAPE VINES for Fruitin■'>"■ o"- Also Smaller Collections, from 6s. to 7s. 6d., Free by Post. CATALOGUE of NEW and SELECT VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, Sc, lor 1888, with practical Cultural Directions, will be sent Post Free upon application. Their Seeds are all of the most Select character, each variety being saved from the best Stock known of its kind. Orders for Garden Seeds amounting to £1 value delivered Carriage Free to any part of the Kingdom,— Potatos, 4c., excepted. the finest qualities procurable. Their SEEDS tor Permanent Turf a.s well as f< superior, and made up for every description of Soil and Climate, Their TURNIP SEEDS, MANGEL WURZELS, CARROTS, and other Root Crop Seeds, are each grown with scrupulous care from the Finest Stocks known of their respective kinds, PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE Post Freo on application Orders amounting to £2 value (Grain, ic, excepted), will be Netr and Choice Flotrer Seeds. JOHN AND CHARLES LEE oifer the following choice FLOWER SEEDS, free by post :— Per packet — n. A. AURICULA, from choice flowers ' " AMARANTHUS ELEGANTISSIMUS, ..Id ..2 0 CARNATION, CLi'aNTHDS DAIIPIERI CYCLAMEN PERSICUM 2 DjVHLI A. choice mixed 2 GLADIOLUS, finest hybrid 2 „ MACULOSU.S, choico 10 PANSY, from show floweru 2 9 ,. new Belgian, choice 2 fi PETUNIA, from choice varieties 2 8 double, choice hybridized . . ..30 PELARGONIUM, ,, white variegated , , ,, show varietTes PICOTEB, extra choice PINK, choice mixed PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, choice mixed POLYANTHUS, choico PYRETHRUM, choice mixed .. SALVIA ARGENTEA, silvery foliage VERBENA, from named VIOLA CORNUTA, Mauve Queen . . <»■ »°i J S Purple Queen .. H, and 2 0 „ LUTEA, bright vcllow 2 0 The Royal Vineyard Nursery and Seed Establishment, Uammer- mth, London, W., ; KeiLSington Railway Station. 232 THE GARDENERS' CnnONICLE AND AOKTCULTimAL GAZETTE. [Maech 7, 1868. DOBSONS' CELEBRATED PRIZE SEEDS have an iramense Sale, antl are supplied by all Seedsmen, Ac. D~~OBSONS' CELEBRATED PRIZE CALCEOLARIA'. The finest strain in the world. Is. Gil., 2.s-. Gd., 3s. Gd., and 6s. D^^OBSONS* "celebrated' PRIZE CINERARIA has taken 60 First Prize s in 6 years. Is., 2s. 6d., and fis. DOBSONS* CELEBRATED PRIZ'e PRIMUlZ Second to none in the Trade. Is., 2s. Gd., and 6s. DOBSONS' CELEBRATED PRIZE BALSAM ^ are soraetbing magnificent. 8 varieties, 2s. ; mixed. Is. D~OBSONS' SCARLET ""intermediate STOCK __ are remarkable for thei r doubleness. Gd. and Is. DOBSONS' EXTRA CHOICE SWEET WILLIAM are mo st varied and fine. Gd. and Is. DOBSON AND SONS, WoodI;uids"Nursery, Isleworth^ supply the above in sealed packets, post free. Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds. MISCELLANEOUS HARDY BEDDING PLANTS, SWEET VIOLETS, &c. ROBERT PARKER begs to announoo that his CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of tbe finest kinds in cultivation of the above-named, is now published, and \nll be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have all been procured from the best possible sources ; all are warranted genuine, and are offered at the lowest possible prices. Intending purchasers are requested to compare the prices with those of other houses.— Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S. L ILIUM AURATUM. fresh from Japan, lowering Bulbs. Is. Gd. to r>s.-EUCHARIS AMAZONICA. fine. 2s. Gd. ; STRELITZIA REGIN.E. flowering; do. HUMILIS ; IMATO- PHYLLUM MINIATUM. Best CHRYSANTHEMUMS and POMPONS, pot roots, 3s. per dozen, at Micbell's Nursery, William Street, New North Road, London. MBROISE VERSCHAFFELT, Nurseryman, Ghent, Beleium, begs to offer, carriage free :— TROP.'EOLDM AZUREUM (the True Blue), flnebulbs, p. doz., jEl 1«. TRICULORUM, fine bulbs, per dozen, 10s. Gd. C^ The NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE, No. 81, and a Speci- men Number of the " Illustration Uorticole" can be obtained free by applying to Ambboise Vekschaffelt, Nurseryman, Ghent, Belgium Superb Double Hollyhocks. WILLIAM CHATER begs to remind the admirers of this beautiful Flower, that now is the time for pl.intinc to Insure fine blooms and spikes next summer. A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with aTreatiseu-ionits Cultivation, will be forw.arded upon the receipt of one post>*ge stamp. Speoial prices, as supplied by the doz., 100, or 1000, may be had upon application, SEEDLINGS, to bloom fine this season, raised from finest varieties, 4s, per doz,, or from 20s. to 30s. per 100. SEEDLINGS, bloomed and proved fine double flowers, with colours attached to each plant, 6a. per doz., or 40s. per 100. Seed saved from the very finest named varieties in cultivation :— COLLECTION No. 1. la separate named varieties, extra fine, 10s ; No. 2, 6 extra fine varieties, 6s. ; No. 3, 12 separate named varieties, from eood show flowers, 7s. 6d. ; No. 4, 6 named Tarietiea. is. Mixed packets. 5s. and 2s. Gd. William Chatek, Nurseries, Saffron Waldau. Autumn Flowering Stocks. STUART AND MEIN, Seedsmen, Kelso, N.B.jheg to offer thefollowlngbeautiful varieties of autumn flowering STOCKS:— SCARLET INTERMEDIATE I ROSE INTERMEDIATE WHITE INTERMEDIATE | PURPLE INTERMEDIATE The above varieties of Stocks are now extensively used for masses or ribboning purposes. Sown m February they will come into flower in July, and continue flowering till Christmas, or killed by flrost. Per packet, Is. PERPETUAL or EMPEROR.— This beautiful variety, if sown early"in spring, flowers the following autumn, and for spring flower- ing should be sown the end of June. Per packet, 1«, U P E R E GLADIOLI.— GANDAVENSIS HYBRIDS, 3s., 5s., 9r, 12s., and I5s. per doz 100 Roots, in 10 varieties, for IBs. Od. 100 Roots, in 20 varieties, for 22 6 100 Roots, in 30 varieties, for 30 0 100 Roots, in 50 varieties, for 45 0 100 Roots, in 100 varieties, for 85 0 CHOICE LILIES, in 70 finest varieties ; selections, 5s,, 3,-i., 12s., 18s., and 24s. per dozen. HERBACEOUS and ALPINE PLANTS.— A fine Collection of the newest and best in cultivation ; aDESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE just published. SiBPHEN Brown, Seed Grower and Nurseryman, Sudburj-, Suffolk. USSELL'S PYRAMIdAL" 'primulas. - This magnificent strain still maintains its character as the finest in cultivation. New Seed, orice 2s. 6d. per packet. PRIMULA KERMESINA.— The great fault of this brilliant coloured variety has hitherto been its indisposition to throw its flowers above the foliage. I have now. however, the satisfaction of offering it with the same erect, conspicuous style as the other kinds The stock of this Is limited this year. Price 6s. per packet. Gborge Clarkf, Nurseries, Streatham Place, Brixton Hill, S ■ and Mottlngham, Kent. ' Choice Eanunculuses, Flower Seeds. &c. CTYSO, Florist, i-c, Walliiigford, Berks, offers • assortments from his unrivalled cyllection. RANUNCULUSES, 50 fine sorts, from £1 to £2. 1. 25 splendid Seedlings, £1 5s. DOUBLE ANEMONES, 26 fine varieties Gs Gd IMPORTED GERMAN SEEDS.— Asters, balsams. Stocks Poppies, Larkspurs, Wallfiowers, Zinnias, Ac, in named aasortmentsi ANNUAL FLOWER SEEDS, 25 varieties, 6s. C^r^ These articles can be sent by post CATALOGUES gratis, or sent free for one stamp A ROOT CABINET, with 16 Drawers, to ba SOLD, very cheap. SEED S of the CHOICEST Q uTlTt Y Free by Post for Stamps. J. SooTT has received the following amongst many others all speaking m tne highest terms of the choice quality of his Seeds :— » Febi-uary 12, 1868. Burscough, near Ormskirk "Those you sent me last year were really beautiful. I measured some of the flowers of Asters, which were 5i inches across.— James Barnes " Per packet s. d. ASTERS, best quilled show. 24 varieties, mixed . . Gd. and 1 0 ASTERS, TRUFFANT'S FRENCH PyEO NY-FLOWERED, newest perfection, the best eshibltion, 24 varieties, mixed . . 10 ASTERS NEWEST DWARF CHRYSANTHEMUM- FLOWERED, 12 varieties, mixed 1 o ASTERS, NEW VICTORIA, carmine rose or mixed . . ..10 STOCK, newest dwarf large flowering German 10-week, 18 varieties, mixed 10 STOCK, crimson dwarf bouquet. 10-week 10 BALSAM, extra fine dwarf double, mixed . ' ' 1 0 CALCEOLARIA, SCOTT'S HYBRIDIZED, from varieties raoBt carefully selected, and impregnated from all the choicest strains in cultivation la, and 2 6 CINERARIA, extra fine, from bestnamedvarietiesonly. Is and 2 0 COCKSCOMB. SCOTTS GIANT DWARF of immense size 1 0 LOBELIA SPECIOSA^ true Crystal Palace variety . . 6d and 1 0 PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, superbly fringed, and of Immense size, a stram unsurpassed, 6 varieUes, mixed . . is. 6a. and 2 6 ZINNIA ELEGANS, newest double, flowers of immense size and extremely double. 6 vaneties. mixed .. 6d and 1 0 NEW VARIEGATED MAIZE ZEA JAPONICA.fol.var fld & 1 0 12 varieties of HARDY ANNUAL FLOWER SEEDS . 1 6 24 „ ., ., 2 6 12 „ HALF HARDY ANNUAL FLOWER SKEDS 2 6 For other FLOWER SEEDS and COLL KCTIONS see CATALOGUE For New and other Choice VEGETABLE SEEDS see CATA- LOGUE, free on application. PATERSON'S SEEDLING VICTORIA POTATOS. J. Scott, The Seed Stores, Yeovil, Somerset. ECLIPSE BROCCOLL DAVIDSON'S ECLIPSE BROCCOLI, Which is now otfered for the first time, is a superb dwarf-growing late sort, recommended for its extreme hardiness. The heads, which are of a creamy white colour, are very large and firm, and most delicious in flavour. In F. L. & Sou's Sealed Packets, Is. 6d. each. Special o£fer to the Trade on application. ^S- A SPECIAL LIST of NOVELTIES can also be had. PETER LAWSON and SON, EDINBURGH ; and 20, BUDGE ROW, CANNON STREET, LONDON. E.G. PAUL'S NURSERIES, WALTHAM CROSS, LONDON, N. WILLIAM PAUL BEGS TO OFFER THE FOLLOWING CHOICE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS. No. 1. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Large Garden, One Year's Supply, £3 3j. No. 2. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for Smaller Garden, One Year's Supply, £2 2s. No. 3. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of VEGETABLE SEEDS for SmaU Garden, One Yeai-'s Supply, £1 Is. SMALLER COLLECTIONS, 15s.. 10s. 6d. COTTAGER'S COLLECTIONS, for distribution, of the most serviceable seeds, 5s. PAUL'S SUPERB CRIMSON BEET, por ounce, Is. WALTHAM BRUSSELS SPROUTS, per packet. Is. WALTHAM MARKET CABBAOE, per packet. Is. HILL'S DWARF CAULIFLOWER, Tery superior, por pnckst, per I SUPERB DWARF HERTFORDSHIRE CAULIFLOWER, packet. Is. PAUL'S IMPROVED TELEGRAPH CUCUMBER, per packet, 2«. I HILL'S BROWN COS LETTUCE, per packet, Is. Qd. BROCKET! HALL COS LETTUCE, per packet. Is. FLOWER SEEDS. No. 1. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Large Gardens, £2 2s. No. 2. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Smaller Garden, £1 Is. No. 3. The WALTHAM COLLECTION of FLOWER SEEDS for Small Gardsn, 10s. 6rf. COLLECTION'S of GERMAN SEEDS, In sealed packets as imported, from the most reliable sources. ASTERS I STOCKS | BALSAMS | LARKSPURS | ZINNIAS, Sc. CHOICE GBEENHOTTSE and FLORIST FLOWERS, Most Select Strains. PRIMULA SINENSIS | CINERARIA | CALCEOLARIA | PHLOX | PANSY | HOLLYHOCK, 40. For full particulars, see SEED CATALOGUE, just published, free by post on application. I^" All Seeds Carriage Free, excepting very Small Parcels. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE (No. 122) for 1868, IS NOW READY, AND IS SENT POST FREE TO ALL HIS CUSTOMERS. ROYAL GHENT NURSERY, BELGIUM. AMARYLLIDS, of all descriptions, novelties; LILIES, large collection ; the newest GLADIOLI ; arge stock of all the CALADIUMS, &c., &c., are to be found at the end of LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICE LIST, No. 122. Also, a SUPPLEMENT TO HIS PRUIT TREE LIST, Containing the NEWEST CONTINENTAL PEAR TREES. No. 121, LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICED LIST, No. 121, Contains AZALEA INDICA, CAMELLIAS, hardy RHODODENDRONS, hardy GHENT A2ALEAS, strong MAGNOLIA LENNf;, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS, CONIFERS, ROSES (large stock), PERENNIALS (the best ones), &c. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PACKAGES are deUvered Free from Ghent to the following Towns ;—Goole, Grimsby, Harwich, Leith, Liverpool, London, Middlesbro-on-Tees, and Newcastle-on-Tyne ; but, per contra, os. are charged in account for each case, basket, or hamper of a usual size. From the above named Towns to the final destinations, the re-expedition is made by special Agents at the cheapest rate and by the shortest route. Parcels are also sent free over London (at the hereafter specified rates), to all parts of Great Britain, by the care of L. V. H.'s special Agents without any other additional expenses than those of the usual Railway charges. GOODS SENT FREE TO LONDON. All goods are p.acked as cheaply as possible, and forwarded at the following rates from Ghent to London .'^ 1 Case weighing from 1 to 4 lb. 2s. 1 Case weighing from 26 to 30 lb. 3s. 6s. 1 „ ,, ,, 5 „ 10 „ 2s. 6cl. 1 ,, ,, „ 31 „ 50 „ 4s. 1 „ „ „ 11 „ 25 „ 3s. 1 „ „ „ 51 „ 100 „ 5s. Matted Baskets ana Bundles, each, 5s. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE undertakes to forward all packages at the above scale of charges. It has hitherto been his custom to charge the uniform rate of 6s. per package, but this he finds unjust : small parcels being therey overcharged. 'The advantage of the above system for the buyer ^vill readily be perceived. For example, a party ordering (in proper season) 50 Hyacinths, weighing nearly 101b., can now receive these bulbs free in London for 2s. 6(f. ; 100 Hyacinths, weighing '20 lb., for 3s. ; 200 Hyacinths, weighing 40 lb., for 4s., and so on. Another example : — A basket containing 60 Camellias, or the same number of Indian Azaleas, of usual size, will be delivered free in London for 5s. THE NEW BLUE-PODDED RUNNER BEAN Is figured in the first double number of Volume XVII. of LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S " FLORA." This double number is now heady ; Nos. 3 and 4 (Vol. XVII.) will be ready at the end of March. The NEW BLUE-PODDED RUNNER BEAN has very palatable pods. See LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S SEED LIST (No. 122), page 36, No. HI, Beurre bleu. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S SEEDS are delivered FREE (any weight), at MESSRS. R. SILBERRAD and SON'S OFFICE, 5, HARP LANE, LONDON, E.G., And from there, by Parcels Delivery Company, to any part of Great Britain. March 7, 1868.] THE GAEDENEES' CTTRONIOLE AND ArrETOUTTTOAT, r,AZRTTE. J anddroRni of for eyeT."—Athen(rum, Juno, 1867. ' WM. PAUL has still a magnificent stock of ROSES, for whicli ho reapeotfully BoUcits Orders. STANDARDS and HALF-STANDARDS. Bound, healthy heads, and clear, atratKht stonifl, 18^. per dozen ; £7 per luO. STANDARDSand HALF-STANDARDS, very superior, 2is. per dor. STANDARD TEA ROSES, 24s. to 30s. per doz. „ NEW ROSES, 42a. per doz. DWARF STANDARD ROSES, 12s. to 18*. per doz. DWARF ROSES (on Mauetti), 9s. to I'Js. per doz. M It (own roots), 12s. to ISs. per doz. M „ (New), 24s. to 36s. per doz. ., „ (Summer kinds), 6«. to 9s. per doz. „ „ mixed, for Bordera or Shrubberies, 5Qs. per 100. CLIMBING ROSES, hi Tariety, Os. to 12s. per doz. Extrn-sized TEA ROSES, for Forcing, or Greenhouse culture, 308. to 36s. per doz. '■"" ■ VAKf KUSES. or ail T bedding, massing, oi „ will be charged at special and reduced rates if ordered by the 100 PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE free bj Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, London, Roses and Calceolarias. JOHN HARRISON, having still on hand North of England Rose Nursery, Darlington. Royal Ascot Vine. J NO. STANDISH is prepared to send by post strong GRAFTS of the above VINE to any part of (Jreat Britain at 10s. 6ri. each, and 6d. the postage. He has no hesitation in saying that If side-grafted on any other strong Vine, just as the aap is lislng, it will unite Immediately, and bear a sample of bunches the same season, or within six months from the time of putting the graft. Persons not used to grafting can have a sketch, ' ' .._ -.. > ., . atment afterwards, Royal Nurseries, Ascot, Berks. HEAVIEST LANCASHIRE SHOW GOOSE- BERRIES, is. to fts". per dozen Trees; Show and Fancy PANSIES, m great vanetv, is. to fis. per dozen, 25?. per 100. AUKICULA.S. ALPINES, POLYANTHUSES, and DAISIES, also choice PANSY SEED, la. per packet, RICHARD SMITH'S FRUIT LIST contains a sketch of the various forms of Trees, with directions for Cultivation, Soil, Drainage, Manure, Pruning, Lifting, Cropping, Treatment under Glass ; also their synonymes, quality, size, form, skm, colour, flesh, flavour, use, growth, duration, season, price, &c. Free t-y post for three stamps. RicuARD SsiiTri, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. F^ PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, in every form for fruiting. See RicHAnn Smith's FRUIT LIST, free by poht for 3 stamps. RionARD Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. IriSPALIER and WALL-TRAINED TREES li In any miantitv.— AITLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS, line strong treia of See Ric] Rici ! FRUIT LIST, free by post for 3 stamps. iMiTU, Nurseryman, Worcester. A CROP of FRUIT the FIRST SEASON.- Bonring Pyramids and Bushes in pots for orchard bousos. PEACHES, NECTARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and CHERRIES. Extra strong VINES and FIGS in fruiting condition for forcing. See Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, post tree for 3 stamps. RicQARD Suitu, Nurseryman, Worcester. Cupressus macrocarpa varlegata. JOHN JENNINGS has pleasure in offering the abov *J really handsome and attractive Cypress. It was awarded Flrst-cIass CortiflCRto by the Floral Commlttoe of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, Dec. 3, 1807. The variegation Is creamy white, which renders It very conspicuous. Fine plants, in pots, 21s. each. 10 Trade. A remittal ~'"" Nurseries, Shipston-on-Stour. Transplanted Forest Trees. WATERER AND GODFREY have a large quantitj of the following, of a very superior quality :— ACACIA.S, 3 to 4 ft. BIRCH, 2 to 3 ft., 3 to 4 ft., and fi to 6 ft. CHESTNUT, Spanish, H to 2 ft. „ Austriaca, IJ to HAZEL, 3 to 4 ft. OAK, Englisli. 1) to ; QUICK, very strong. Sppcial oflers on application. ,p Hill Nursery, Woking, Siurey, Wonersli Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO AND SON hep to announce that their • stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds is this season very extensive and well-grown, samples, prices, and Catalogues of which can be obtained on application : — 10,000 GreenHolly,transplanted, li to 2 ft. Arbor-vitie' lous Shrubs. A large stock of strong STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. For Avenues and Parks. "WO THOUSAND ABIES DOUGLASII, 8 to 10 feet high, irb specimens, in perfect order transplanting. Sis. per dozen, per luO. The Flag.stafT (nearly feet bighl at the Exhibition of was of tnis noble and beautiful the timber of which Is superior as, CupreSB y others. IS, Thujopsls, ar reverv low) n application to chant, Worcester. MAGNIFICENT DWARF-TRAINED FRUIT TREES, by the dozen, hundred, or thorsand. APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES, and APRICOTS. Wm. Woob k Son have m-iny Acres of the above named, which for health and vigour are quite unsurpassed in the Trade. The Trees have been most carefully trained, and are really examples of r Uckfield, Sussex. TREES FOR EARLY FRUITING.— CHERRIES, fine strong Pyramids, many set vrith fruit buds, 2s. 6d. each, 248. per dozen. CHERRIES, Standards, cleanstems, large woll-formed heads, Is. 6d. each, 15s. per dozen. PEARS, fine Pyramids on Pear Stock, very strong and well-brancbed, Is. 6d. to 2s. each, 185. per dozen. „ fine Pyramids on Quince Stock of m.iny years' growth, bear- ing freely, 2s. 6d. to &■<. each. ,. Standards, very strong. Is, Cd. each, Lis. per dozen, PLUMS, strong Standards and Pyramids, of free healthv growth, best kinds. Is. 6d. each, 15s. per dozen. CHERRIES, PEARS, and PLUMS in pots. Extra fine trees with fWiit buds, 3s. 6d. each. APRICOTS, PEACHES, and NECTARINES, fine Standard tramed Twenty Thousand Standard Fruit Trees. THOMAS WARNER having still the above, consisting chiefly of APPLES, APRICOTS, PEARS, and PLUMS (also a Jue lot of Dwarf-trained CHERRIES), would respectfully 1 applic The Nurseries, Leicester Abbey, Large Evergreens, Specimen Conifers, &c. WATERER AND GODFREY beg to submit the following List to the notice of intending planters :— YEWS, ENGLISH, 5. 6. 7, 8, 10, 12. and 16 feet high „ IRISH, C, 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ GOLDEN, 6, 6, to 9 feet „ STANDARD GOLDEN, 20 years worked „ ELEGANTISSIMA, 10 and 15 years old „ „ DOV ASTON or WEEPING, fine heads, 10andI5years old We have altogether thousands of these different Yows of the large sizes. Every plant has been recently removed. HOLLIES, COMMON GREEN, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 15 foot high, and as much m circumference — hundreds „ LAURIFOLIA and SCOTTICA, C, 7, 8, and 10 feet, and wide In proportion „ WATERER'S, the hardiest of all variegated Hollies, 4 and 5 feet by 10 and 12 feet In circumference „ THE QUEEN, or host gold striped, the handsomest of all variegated Hollies We havo hundreds of tbeso be-iutiful plants, 4, 5, and 7 feet high and wide „ STANDARD, WATERER'S, and GOLDEN, with fino beads, 16 and 20 jears worked S^' We have some thousands of the ordinary kinds of Variegated Hollies, 4, 6, 6, and 7 feet high. Every plant has been removed witblB 12 months. CEDRUS DEODARA, some thous-ands, 6, 7, 8, and 10 feet high ATLANTICA, and Cedars of Lebanon, moved in April, Clearance of Nursery Stoclc. QCOTCII FIR, 9 to 15 ins., lOs. ; 1 to 2 feet. 12.!. Gd. ; k- 7 Sl'UUCK, II to Ifi inches, 7«. Qd. ; 1 to IJ ft., 10s. ; 1 to 2 ft., 14s. SILVER I-IK, C to 12 Inches, 10.f. ; OAK, 1) to 18 inches, 7s. Gd. Li to 21 foot, 12«. M. per loon. Reduced PRICE LIST of other TREES on application t ffard, I'll , VVoruestershir Clearance of Nursery Stock. OEEDLINGS: — ASII. 2-vi., l.s. {>d. : OAK, 3-yr., •^ 7s. Gd. ; QUICK, l-yr.. Is. OJ. ; blLVER KIR, 5-yr., 2s. 6d. ; SPRUCE, 6-yr., 3s. ; CRAB. 3-yr., 4s. Gd. ; and SYCAMORE, 3-yr., 33. 6d. per 1000. Reduced PRICE LIST of other TREES on application to J. RrppELL, Steward, Park Attwood. Bewdley, Worcestershire. PROFITABLE GA_MJ^_;cijVERT::rpUnt"^'^7Game ■ in ( produce is commercially profitable, and always finds a ready market. Price of Cuttings, selocted, SOn. per 1000, cash— Apply to Wm. Si " " - •' - . Bii&ford. Notts. To the Trade Only. JOHN BELLhastoorterCUFRESSUSLAWSONI ANA, handsome plants In pots, 15 to 18 inches, 15s. per 100, cheaper by the 1000; THUJA AURRA. 0 to 12 inches, 30s. per 100; Dwarf- tramed ANSON'S APRICOTS, 24«. per dozen. Tiio Nurseries, i -ikei.'iam, nnd Norwich. LAURELS, \'c. — Stout, well-grown plants of the above, 4 to 6 feet high, can be supplied at 2t3s. per 100. Splendid plants of IRISH YEWS, 7 feet; PINUS PINSAPO. 6 to 7 foot; THUJA AUREA, flue grown plants, 3 feet high and 3 feet through ; CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, 7 feet ; all removed last spring. Prices, which will bo moderate, on application. John Scott, Nuraoryinan, Hal-lilMril imd Bathcaston, near Biith. Surplus Stock. TO bo SOLD, Cheaii, l;it-r Lo.MlJARDT POPLARS; also BEECH, BlUrll, LAKCTI, FIRS, and WEEPING WILLOVVS. DOUBLE FURZE in 48-pots), ASPARAGUS (2 and n-vr.l : line SEA KALE, for planting. Price on application to B, The Nurseries, Lewlsham, and Burnt Ash Lane, Lee, S.B. B. Ma rJ^O PLANTERS and the TRADE.— Upwards of 100,000 J- LAURELS, good bushy plants, from 2 to 4 feet ; also 60,000 Rood BIRCH plants, from 4 to 7 feet and upwards; 3,000,000 of SEEDLING ASH, 2 and 3 years old. THORN QUICK for hedges, FRUIT TREES, and FIRS of all descriptions. Apply to Abel Fairall, Stanhope Nursery, Westerham Hill, Kent. WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA (the Mammoth Tree), lor Avenues and Parks, very handsome, well furnished speci- mens, frequently Transplanted, 3 to 4 feet hliih, at 36a. per dozen, A reduction made when taken by the 100 or 1000. RrcBARn SuiTa, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. RICHAtiD SMITH'S LIST of all the EVERGKEEN FIR TRIBE, suitable for Britain, giving size, price, popular and botanical names, derivations, description, form, colour, foliage. ^HREE MILLION strong 4-yr. transplanted QUICK. 1,000,000 good 2-yr. transplanted QUICK. 2,000.000 superior Seedling QUICK. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 4 to 6 feet. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 2 to 4 feet. For samples and prices apply to John Hem3let, High Fields, Melbourne, near Derby. I'TRONG SPKUCE FIR, &c., for COVER. * 50.000 SPRUCE FIR, U to 2 feet, twice transplanted. 60,000 SPRUCE FIR. 2J to 3 feet, twice transplanted. 60,000 strong PRIVET, and 50,000 strong LAURELS. For samples and prices apply t W. Jac , Nu , Bedale, Yorkshire. 4.5,1 RED VIRGINIANS. 5, 6, and 7 feet of the handsoi da of beautiful igniflcent plants, 10, 12, and 15 feet high, 12 to 20 feet in circumference THUJA AUREA, 3, 4, and 6 feet hi^h, 7 to 20 feet in circumference 7, and 8 feet — thousands NORDMANNIANA, 1 the „ LASIodARPA, hundreds of plants, 4, 6, C, and 7 feet high, all ABIES DOUGLASSII, 6, 6, 7. and 8 feet [seedlings „ ORIENT ALIS, 4, 6, 6, 7, to 10 and 12 feet ; 7 to 20 feet in cir- cumference ; most beautiful plants PINUS CEMBRA, 6, 7, to 9 feet „ PINSAPO, 3, 4, 6, and 6 feet „ „ Some very fine plants, 10 to 20 feet high, 15 and 26 feet In circumference WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA, recently,' ~ Ten Thousand Standard Elms. THOMAS WARNER invites especial attention to these, being of unsurpas.sed quality, andoff'eredat most reason- able prices for ihepreaent season. See CATALOGUES, wholesale or retail. Tbe Nurseries, Leicester Abbey. Hundreds of Thousands of Evergreens. THOMAS WARNER has of some EVERGREENS (owing to a favourable soil and climate) one of the finest stocks in the Trade. Particularly may be mentioned American and Siberian ARBOR-VIT.E, AUCUBA JAPONICA, TREE BOX ; CEDRUS ARGENTKA, transplanted autumn, 1867: HEM- LOCK SPRUCE FIR, SAVIN, and YEWS, which for quality and prices cannot be excelled. See CATALOGUES, wholesale or retaiL The Nurseries, Lieicester Abbey. iDv,oui,ij,-., u.M, *10ft. hlgL, & 12 and 1^ ft. in circumference RHODODENDRONS. — We have 40 acres of land in one piece filled almost exclusively with Rhododendrons, A more healthy and beautiful stock cannot be desired. STANDARD RHODODENDRONS.— Some of the finest plants to be found in any nursery, many are 20 to 40 years old C^=- The largo Standard and other Rhododendrons planted last spring in Rotten Row, Hyde Park, were supplied by Waterer We do not quote prices, we presume purchasers of such large ' ■ " ' satisfactory , and invite comparison with any other similar nursery stock in the kiuKdom. The Knap Hill Nursery is upwards of 160 acres in extent, and con- tains an enormous and very superior stock of the ordinary sized EVERGREENS. DECIDUOUS ORN^VMENTAL TREES, &c. A PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE will be forwarded free on application to Waterer 4 Godpret, Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. The Nursery is readily reached by Train, 40 minutes from Waterloo to Woking. Conveyances are always to be had at the Station. Specimen Foliage Plants. WANTED, either in Ex.-hinse or to Purchase, a few fine specinieu GREENHOUSE and CONSERVATORY FOLIAGE FLANT.S; sucli varietiLS a.s Palms, Cycos revoluta, Arau- Alao good sized pl.tnts i Address, stating size seryman," Gardeners' Chronicte Office. W C other particulars, to " Nur- Tacsonia Van Volxemll. THOS. BUNTARD and SONS have secured a fine batch of Seed of the above macnificent greenhouse Climber, which they offer in packets at 2n. 6rf. and 5s. each, post free. AND R. STIHZAKER offer, of good quality and well rooted, at the following quotations:— 1,000 ASH. li to 2 feet, 12s. 6d. ; 2 to 3 leet, 17s. 6il. per 1000 H 100,000 HAZEL, 2 to 3 feet. 18s. 10(>,000 SCOTCH riR, 1 t ) li foot, Ifo. ; 2 to 2i fuet. 358. per 1000 >Ye wui n--Bu a.it^uiv ..nu i.u three millions of ALDER, BEECH, CHESTNUTS (HORSE, LARCH, LIMES. OAKS, AUSTRIAN PINE, POPLAR (of sorts), PLATANUS. PRIVET, SILVER FIR, ENGLISH YEWS, BERBERIS AQUIFOLIA, &c. Prices of these on application, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. FEW HUNDRED very neat, free-grown, 2-yr. LAURUSTIN us. Also some extra fine ■l-yr.-old do. The above will be offered very moderate, and left free in Dublin. P. Edwards can recommend to the Trade a I'OUNG MAN, aged 18, and eight \«ars at the business. He is anxious to get into a London Nursary. Wageif-mal.— P. Edwards, Park Nursery, Hlack Rock, Dublin. A NOTICE OF REMOVAL. WATTE, BURNELL, HUGGINS, & CO., SEED MERCHANTS, 181, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C, HAVE NOW REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES IN SOUTHWARK STREET, S.E. WHERE IN' FUTURE ALL COMMUNICATIONS ARE TO BE ADDRESSED. North of England Rose Nursery, Darllnffton. JOHN HARRISON has still on hand a large stock of splendid CEDRUS DEODARA, C to 12 feet high, and bushy in proportion: WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA, 4 to 8 feet; ABIES DOUGLASII, PINUS NOBILIS. ARADCARIA IMBRI- CATA.PINUSEXCELSA,THUJAGIGANTEA,T.LAWSONIANA, T. LOBBII, and various other noble specimens of Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. One of his nurseries being shortly required for building ground, the above will be disposed of at a ere^t sacrifice ; and if not SOLD bv tbe enri of the present month, thev will be disposed of by PUBLIC AUCTION, of which due notice will be given In the ffardtuers' Chnmick, and Catalogues of the same may shortly bo / T lANT ASl'AKAGUS PLANTS, the best that money VJT can procure, 2,*. Gd. per 100.— This delicioiis vegetable does not ■quire half the _expen3e jisually incurred in planting i" RicnxR Smm Nurseryman, Worcester. CHOICE SELECT BU SEEDS, (ree by post. Per packet — 8. d. BROCCOLI, SNOWS WINTER WHITE 10 CABBAGE, LITTLE PIXIE 0 8 CAULITLOWER, ERFURT EARLY DWARE 10 CHERVIL, NEW PARSNIP 0 6 COCUMBEB, SMITH'S FINE FRAME 10 ENDIVE, DIGSWELL PRIZE 0 » LEEK, HENRY'S PRIZE „••, f 6 RAPHANUSCAUDAT0S (NEW LONG-PODDED RADISH) I 0 ASTER, TRHFFANT'S SUPERB FRENCH, 12 vara,, mixed 1 0 „ CHBYSANTHEMUM.FLOWERED, 12 vars., mixed. 1 0 STOCK. IMPROVED LARGE-PLUWERING, 12 vara., mixed 1 0 CLIANTHUS DAMPIERII i LOBELIA SPECIOSA X PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, mixed J 1 Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. WorceRtcr. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Maech 7, 1868. Carefully Prepared. PAUL AND SON'S PRICED LISTS of SEEDS, with Addenda— of New Vegetable nnd Flower Seeds, Sub- tropical and Spring Garden Seeds, Home-gro^vn and Imported Gladioli. The Old Ku s and Seed Warehouse, Cheshunt, N Modest and Moderate. WOOD AND INGRAM'S "Modest and Moderate" DESCRIFTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE of KITCHEN GARDEN and FLOWER SEEDS, comprising all the most valuable Novelties of the season, with the choicest Collections of German Seeds from the best growers, is now ready, and will be sent firee on application. Nureeries, Huntingdon. Rhododendrons , As ExHliJlTED AT TBE RoYAL BOTANIO GARDENS, ReGENt'S PARR. JOHN WATERER, the Exhibitor at the above Gardens, has pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of the above popular Plants ia now published, nnd will be foi-warded to all applicants. It faithfUlIy describes all the varieties considered worthy of cultivation. It contains likewise a selection of HARDY CONIFERS, with heights and prices. The American Nursen.-, Bagshot, Surrey. ______ Hardy, Scarlet, and ottter choice named Rhododendrons. WH. ROGERS. Urd I.ul-r Nur.scrv, Sautliampton, • offers the above lu (luautity at £iu per 100, or selected in fineanddistinctcolours, 30s, per dozen. The plants are strong, busby, and well rooted. The sorts (about 200) are magnificent, and none finer in cultivation. A limited number of larper specimens, full of bloom- ing buds, 5s. each. A detailed CATALOGUE may be had Just Published, ANEW DESOEIPTIVE CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, and will be furwarded on application to J. SCOTT, Merriott, Somersot. The 1868 Edition of SCOTT'S FLOVVEK GARDEN DIRECTORT and CATALOGUE of DECORATIVE BEDDING PLANTS is also prepariDE, and will be ready in April, ) ~ the ""TRADE. — CALCEOLARIA AUREA FLORIBUNDA, and other varieties; ARABIS ALBIDA fol. X. ; LOBELIAS, sorts, well rooted, ready for potting, 35s. per 1000. A LIST on application to TuOMAS S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, Middlesex. T S^ ^-.r^l^^me-.' fi- ntcd with the I (hardy, half-hardy, and tender) £1 ditto ditto ^ 3. The best 36 sorts ditto ditto 0 7 6 •■4. The best 24 sorts ditto ditto 0 6 0 ? 6. The best 24 sorts (hardy sorts only) 0 6 0 ■» PRICED CATALOGUES gratis and post free on application. ScTTON 4; Soss, Royal Berkshue Seed Establishment, Readina;. ~ ~~ " ~ Britlsli Fern Catalogue^^ ROBERT Slfil -will send, post free for sL-c postage stamps. Part I. (British Ferns and their varieties, 36 pages, including prices of Hardy Exotic Fei-ns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- TIVE CATALOGUE of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS, No. 7. Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E. Cut Camellia Flowers. JHALLY, NiiRSF.KY.M.JiN, I-iiackheath and Lee, hae a • good assortment of fine DOti BLE WHITES and other leading binds, which he is now sendm*,', carefully packed, to all paits of the 1 appli , Turner Roart, Lee, Kent. 1 To the Trade.— Continental Flower Seeds, &c. FW. WENDEL, Seed Mehchant and Grower, ■ Erf\irt, Prussia, begs to announce that his WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of the atinvc i.s now ready, and may be hnd free and post paid on application to lils Agent. Geo. Macintosu. Nurseryman and Seedsman, High Road, Hammersmith, London, W. Intermediate Stocks, 16,000 very flne.~ MESSRS. ANSblLL beg to offer, at 3*., 4s, and 6s. per dozen, strain unrivalled. DAHLIAS, in strong pot 6«., 9fi., and 1^'jf. per dozen. Also seve' ' " " ' and GUELDER ROSES, 6 feet high. The Nurseries, Grafton Road, N.W. ■al hundred handsome LILACS Prices, Directions for Cropping well and economically. Soil, Manure, Depth, Distance, Season, Hardiness, Duration, Form, Height, Colour, Storing, Use, Flavour, and other quaUtios described. This List free by post for one stamp. SEEDS direct from the Growers the surest way to , Seed Merchant, Worcester. c. New and Choice Flower Seeds. BAliKER is pri'pared to supplv SEEDS of the followinn:- PELARGONIUM, YELLOW and TRICOLOR, 2s. Gd. per oacket. „ ZONAL, saved with care from 6i>0 hew and choice varieties. Is. per packet. PETUNIAS, from the newest and beat flowering of my splendid collection. Is. per packet. TROP.(EOLUM (Perpetual Flowering), from my unrivalled collec- tion of 000 splendid varieties, Is. per packet. Superb NEW HYBRID MIMULUS MACULOSUS, 1«. per packet. The greatly increasing demand tor my strains of the above is a sufficient guarantee for their first-class quality. One packet each, Ss. Unknown correspondents will kindly sent postage stamps or Post- GENUINE SEEDS, CARRIAGE PAID. B. S. WILLIAMS, SEED MERCHAJ?JT and NURSERYMAN, VICTORIA and PABADISE NURSERY, rPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. TRICED AND DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES Post l^'ree to all Applicants. Choice Strain of Florist Flowers. BS. "W ILLIAMS, knowing the annoyance and • disappointment caused by inferior seeds, sells only the very finest stram of each kind. WILLIAMS' SUPERB STRAIN of PRIMULA, WEATHERILL'S CINERARIA, and NEIL'S extra choice CALCEOLARIA, are quite unequalled, and have given the greatest satisfantion wherever they have been giown, Price par packet, 23. 6d., 3s. 6d., and 5s. Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper HoUoway, London, N. BALSAM (Williams' Superb Sti-ain), an exceedingly beautiful strain.— A stand of Flowers, the production of this strain, was exhibited at the Royal Botanic Society's Show, and CYCLAMEN PERSIC UM (Wiggins' Prize Strain) This splendid strain of seed has passed entirely into the hands of B. S. Williams. Plants have been exhibited at the Spring Shows. They were on every occasion awarded the First Prize ; and were the admiration of all visitors. Per packet, Is. Gd., 2s. 6d., and 3s. Oct. B. S. Williams. Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper HoUoway, N. POLYANTHUS (the Prize Strain).— This beautiful strain of one of the prettiest spring-flowering plants was also exhibited by Mr. Wiggins, of whom B. S. Williams has purchased the entire Stock and right of Sale. Per packet. Is. Cd. and lis. 6d. B. S. Williams, Seed Merchant and Nurseryman, Upper HoUoway, N\ TRUFFANT'S~FRENCH PERFECTION ASTERS.— These are remarkable for thoir large, fine-formed, and brilliant coloured flowers. 12 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds, 2s. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper HoUoway, N. THE VICTORIA ASTER.— The most beautiful ir cultivation. The flowers are perfectly double, imbricated,, globular, and larger than the Pseony-flowerea Aster. Six varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds, 2s. IJ. S. Williams, Seed Merphant and Nurseryman, Upper HoUoway. /CARNATIONS and PICOTEES.— Seed saved from yy one of the finest collections in Europe, and are recommended with gi-oat confidence. CARNATIONS, 12 superb varieties of 10 seeds each, 3s. PICOTEES, 12 superb varieties of 10 seeds each, 3s. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper HoUoway, N. Stocks. BS. WILLIAMS invites particular attention to the • first-rate quality of his STOCKS. All the Assortments ciinsist entirely of Seed selected with the greatest caro from Plants AUTUMNAL STOCK, Earliest Flowering.— An assortment of G varieties of each colour, 100 seeds. Is. G'l. UWARF GERMAN TEN-WEEK STOCK.— An assortment of 12 varieties of each colour, 100 seeds, 29. " 7 Large Flowering PYRAMIDAL STOCK— An improved cli producing splendid spikes of large and beautiful flowo A'ic ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, au assortment of 12 splendid kinds, 25. ORNAMENTAL GOURDS, an assortment of 12 distinct varieticE, Ss. EVEKLASTXNG FLOWERS, an assortment of 12 varieties, 2s. SWEET PEAS, an assortment of eight varieties, containing of each colour one packet, Is, 6(/. B. S. Williams, Seed Merchant and Nm-seryman, Upper HoUowav, N. Weatberill's New Hybrid Solanums. BS. WILLLiMS has great pleasure in announcing • that he has secuied the whole of the STOCK of HYBRm SOLANUMS lately exhibited before the Floral Committee by Mr. Weatherill, of Finchley, who was awarded a Special Certificate for the Collection. It is a most successlul cross between S. hybndura and S. capsicastrum, partaking of the vigorous growth of the former, and producing the abundance of Berries of the latter, but totally eclipsing everything we have as yet seen, either among Solanums or any other winter decorating plants. It grows to the height of 18 to 20 inches, dense and compact, with free branching habit, and broad fleshy leaves, beautifully undulated, others more lanceolate, nicely serrated ; berries varying in size and shape, some perfectly round, others cordate, with many other intermediate forms ; they are about twice the size of Pseudo-capsica&trum, and in many instances pro- ducing fW)m five to seven berries in a cluster. To give some idea of the extraordinary multiplicity of the fruit, plants in 4-inch pots have at the present time SO to 90 berries on each. An enrly inspection of the plants, now in fine condition, is respectfully solicited. Seed in "■■"'- -.-- - --- - --.--- ^j^g packets bear B. S. IS, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper HoUoway, N. WILLIAMS' ALEXANDRA BROCCOLI. — This excellent kind has now proved itself the best white, nnd the hardiest of the many varieties in existence. A Special Certificate was awarded to this Broccoli by the Royal Honicultural Society, May, ISR". The Committee considered it of first-class excellence, and worthy of every recommendation. If sown the end of April, it wiU be ready for use the first week in May of the following year. Price 2s. Gd. per packet. B. S. Williams, Seed Merchant and Nurseryman, Upper HoUoway. N. THE ORANGEFIELD DWARF PROLIFIC TOMATO. — After four years' careful trial it has been proved to be undoubtedly the finest Tomato we possess. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper HoUoway, N. DIGSWELL PRIZE ENDIVE is almost invaluable for its hardihood and good hearting (qualities ; as a green curled-leaved sort, holding that happy medium between a coarse weedy kind and varieties so endwarfed and curled as to be of very smalf size, and very readily cut ofi" by slicht frosts. Price Is. p. pkt. B. S. Williams, Seed Merchant and Nurseryman, Upper HoUoway, N. MALVERN HALL MELON.— Scarletflesh; a valuable variety. This kind has been proved by the side of 30 of the best to be the earliest to ripen, and the freest in setting its fruit. Price Is. fid, per packet. B.S.Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper IloUoway, N. WILLIAMS' MATCHLESS RED CELERY.— This variety still maintains its reputation. It is now universally grown and everywhere approved of. New seed saved from the original stock. Price Is. per packet. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Uppor HoUoway, N. NUNEHAM PARK ONION.— This suberb Onion is recommended for its mild flavour ; it has maintained its chnracter as regards size, weight ot crop, and length of keeping. Price Is, Od. and 2s. Gd. per packet. B. S. WILLIAMS, Seed Merchant and Nurseryman, VICTORIA AND paradise NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAT, LONDON, N. PRIZE SILVER MEDALS. " The combat thickens." The Lawn Mowers have joined the battle of the *' Only Prize Silver Medals," so that it seems likely in its small way to become as famous and as tierce as the Battle of the Catalogues and Swift's Battle of the Books. The Emperor, who is ever on the alert to bestow favours, will, we sincerely trust, decorate the London Seedsmen with the Cross of the Legion of Honour, and create them honorary Dukes of Guscony, in consideration of the publicity given to tlie Awards of the Jurors of the Paris Exhibition. ecommonding the Is. per lb. BARR AND SUGDEN have much pie; _ _ B B LAWN MOWER to those who are desirous of having their The QUEEN of LILIES (LILIUM AURATUM). price now reduced. Flowering Bulbs, 28. Gd., 3s. Gd., n6. Gd., 76. Gi., and 105. Gd. each, according to size. GLADIOLI, the most beautiful of autumn-flowering plants, with a SECOND EDITION of SEED CATALOGUE now ready. Disappointed applicants for the First Edition may now have Copies. DWARF CHRYSANTHEMUM ASTER, quarter s BARR & SUGDEN, THE METROPOLITAN SEED, BULB, AND PLANT WAREHOUSE, 12, KING STREET. COVENT GARDEN, W-C. Collections of Flower Seeds sent Post Paid. Pretty IIARDY ANNUALS, in Collections, 2s. Gd., 3s. Or/., Os. Gd., 10.S. {id., aud2Is. Pretty HARDy ANNUALS, inoludin? the best of the now vnrietics, in Collections, 6s. Gd., 7s. Gd., 10s. 6d., 15s., and 305. Most beautiful HALF HARDY ANNUALS, in Collections, 3s. Gd., is. Gd., 7s. ed., lOs., 16s., andSOs. HARDY PERENNLALS, i 16s., and 30s. HALF HARDY PERENNIALS, in Collections, 4s. Gd. and Is. Gd. ANNUALS and PERENNIALS for Rockwork, in Colloctions. 2s. Gd., 3s. Gii., 5s. Gd., and 7s. Gd. PERENNIALS for Rockwork, in Colloctions, 3s. Gd. and 7s. Gd. ANNUALS for Edgings and Panel Gardening, in Collections, 2s. Ga., 3s. Gd., 05. Gd., and 7s. Gd. Sweet-seented ANNUALS, in Collections, 2s and 3s. Gd. ANNUALS best adapted to cut for Boutiuets, in Collections, 3s. Gd., . CoUections, Sa. Gd., 6s. Gd., lOi. Gd., Gd., and2Is. SEEDS of ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGE PLANTS, in Collections Gd., 3s. Gd., 6s. Gfi., Is. Gd., and ws. Gd. SEEDS of ORNAMENTAL-FRUITED PLANTS, in Collections, 28. and 3s. Gd. NAMENTAL GOURDS, fur Hall and Table Deoorfttiou, in CoUections, 3s. Gd., 6fi C((., 7s. Gd., 12s. Gd., and 21s. ORNAMENTAL CLIMBERS, in Collections, 2s. Gd., 3s. Gd., os. Gd., 2s. 0'/. and 4s. Gd. Collections, Wholesale and Retail Agents for the following :— STANDEN'S GARDENER'S and AMATEUR'S FRIEND MANURE, in Is., is. Gd., 5s. Gd., 10s. Gd., and 21s. canisters. FOWLER'S INSECTICIDE, in Is. Gd., 3s., 6s. Gd., and 10s. jars. THOMSON'S STYPTIC, in 3s. bottles. M'DOUGALL'S PHOSPHATIC MANURE, in Is. and 2s. 6(/. canisters ; in bags. 6s. Gd., 10s., 18s., and 36s. PERUVIAN GUANO, pure; CUBA PETRE, puro; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, pure; CRUSHED BONES, and DLS-SOLVED BONES; each of those Manures made up in canisters, Is. and 2s. Gd. BARR AND SUGDEN, 12, KING STKliET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. Mahch 7, 1868.1 THE GAl^DENEES' CHRONICLE AND ACRTCUTTTTRAL GAXETTK. NORTH AND EAST RIDING SEED ESTABLISHMENT, BEVERLEY, YOEKSHIRE. WILLIAM E. DIXON HEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HIS DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of FAEM, KITCHEN GARDEN, AND FLOWER SEEDS, is NOW READY, and will be forwarded Post Free. In the Vegetable department many Novelties will bo found, from which the few following are selected :— BEET, DIXON'S SELECT CRIMSON, extra Sno colour, short top, V017 tender, nnd good shape, M, per packet. BROCCOLI, CHAMPION ol" ENGLAND, very superior large whito variety Tor spring use. Is. per packet. BROCCOLI, DIXON'S EMPEROR— This is one of the latest Broccolla in cultivation, a large white variety, and can be cut for table at the end of Mav or beitlnniug of June, Is. per packet CELERY, IMPERIAL PINK, very hardy, growth of medium size, excellent flavour, firm n-nd crisp, 6rf. per packet. CELERY, DIXON'S MAMMOTH WHITE (new), a very strong- growing kind, early and exceedingly hardy, solid and crisp; it surpasses the Mammoth Red in size and quality ; 6d. and 1«. per packet. CUCUMBERS, all the best kinds in cultivation. Is. and Is. Od. CUCUMBER, ' DIXON'S YORKSHIRE HERO.— A dark green white spino variety, extremely prolific, producing three to four handsome fruits at a joint, from 20 to 24 inches in length, Is. (irf. per packet. LETTUCE, CHAMPION GREEN COS (Dixon's).— This is admitted to be the lluost Summer Lettuce grown, very large, crisp, and Bweot; frequently will weigh from 01 b. to 10 1b. each, compact Btyle of growth, and when exhibited h.is invariably been awardefl the highest prize, lirf. and l.s. per packet. ONION. NUNEHAM PARK (true). 2s. Gd. perp.icket. PEA, YORKSHIRE HERO (Dixon's).— The many tj;ood qualities of this Pea are well known. It is justly considered the best intro- duction of lato years, and in early dwarf wrinkled varieties is the best extant. T«'o and a-half feet 2s. Qd. per quart. PEA, PRINCE ol" WALES.— A v.-^ry prolific white wrinkled Pea' producing pods from the bottom to the top of tue haulm Height, 4 feet. 2s. Od. per quart. RADISH, the New FRENCH BREAKFAST.— An olive-shaped variety, scarlet, with white taps, handsome, and good flavour. Strongly recommended. Gd. per packet. VIOLA CORNUTA (New Seed).— Is. per packet. Imported GERMAN FLOWER SEEDS, consisting of STOCKS, ASTERS. ZINNIAS, LARKSPUR, WALLFLOWER, BALSAM, &c.. In sealed packets, as received fiom the Continental growers, for description and price of which see Citalo^ue. To Plant Exhibitors. William E. Dixon, Norwood Nursery, Beverley, has for disposal eight line specimen plants of DIPLADENIA AMAlilLIS, in excellent condition, and suitable for exhibition during the approaching- summer. Price and full particulars can be had on application. Stove and Greenhouse Plants. William E. Dixon has a fine selection of specimen Stove and Greenhouse Plants, suitable for Amateurs or Exhibitors, description and prices of which will be sent upon application to Norwood Nursery, Beverley. Fine speeimen plants of PH(ENOCOMA PROLI- FERA BARNESII, also half specimen APHELEXIS MACRANTHA PURPUREA, prices of which will be submitted. CARTER'S GENUINE SEEDS, AS UAKVESTEI) ON THlilR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PRIZE MEDAL (iARI)EN SEEDS, ^^t^'-^mCE OP g^ i'AKlS, ISC- James Carter & Co.'s COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE YEGETABLE SEEDS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, Made up to suit the requii-oments of hu-gi', medium, small, and very small families. Price 63s., 42s., 21s., and 12s. 6d., Box aud paekiiig ineludod ; forwarded, without delay, on receipt of Post Office Order. 237 and 238, High Holbom, London, 'W.C. Clil^^ENCE op ^^ LONDOK, lbG2. Carter's Seed Collection No. 2, price 21s., containing the undermeutioued New and Genuine Garden Seeds, and including box and packing : — Hest FRENCH. 1 pit _ SCARLET RUNNERS, 1 pint BEET, ST. OSl'TH. larce packet BORECOLE, or KAIL, COT. TAGERS', larce paolsot DRUMUEAD. do. VICTORIA.do. MUSTARD. WHITE, 4 oz. MELON, CARTER'S EXCEL- SIOR, paciiet CAMELLIAS and AZALEAS.— All the new kinds of merit can be supplied, in strong healthy plants, and also j fine half specimen Azaleas, in great variety, names and ' prices of which will be forwarded post free, upon applica- tion to Wm. E. Dixox, Norwood Nursery, Beverley. 21s., 31s. 6d., and AN^CTOCHILUS LOWIL-Fine strong < ANTHITRIUM SCHERTZERIANUM, 21s. each. IXORA COCCINEA I IXuRA JAVANICA (Vbitch) ALBA I ,, AMBOYNENSE (Half and quarter specimens. Price on application.) DRACOPDTLLUM GRACILE EPACRIS.— Well set witli bloom, fine pLants. 2s. 6ri. and 3s. Gd. GENETYLLIS TULIPrFERA. 6s., 7s. Od., and 10s. 6d. FUCH310IDES.— Fine young plants, 6s. each. ROELLA CILIATA, good young plants, 3s. 6d. each. ITJCCA FILAMENTOSA VARIEGATA, 7s. 6ci., 10s. 6*., las., and 21s. each. Orchids. CYPRIPEDIUM UUNCOLOR.— Nice, well-establislied plants of this r CYPRIPEDIUM mUSDTISSIMUM LnWII STDNEl VILLOSUM AlargeColltjtionof jiERIDES, VAND.\S, and other fine Orchids. (Prices on application.) HENDROBIUM NOBILE. 2s. M. each, TRICHOPILIA TORTILIS. 33. ed. and 6s, each, CYPRIPEDIUM INSIONIS MADLEI. fine plants. Orchard-liouse Planting. PY'RAMIDAL APRICOTS.— About 30 line very handsome Pyra- midal Moorpark, St, Ambroiso, and large Peach Apricots, price is. and 7s. Od, each, can bo supplied by William E, Duos, Norwood Nursery, Beverley. Y'orkshire, Ferns. A GENERAL COLLECTION of FERNS, TREE FERNS,— Fine plants, with good heads and stems, of th 'Pl'i^p.ir. . „„ „ DICKSONLA ANTARCTICA I „ FIBROSA I ,; SQUARROSA Sic., kc, ftc. And an extensive general collection of STOVE and GREENHOUSE I'LANTS, BEDDING STUFF, FRUIT and ORNAMENTAL TliEES, CONIFERS, ORCHIDS, &c., too numerous to detail in an Advertisement, but which will be found fully described in the Catalogue of Plants. AGRICULTURAL SEEDS of the best quaUty, including Grasses, Clovers, Mangel, White and Swedish Turoips, Carrots, &c., will be found in the Seed Catalogue, which will be forwarded post free by WILLI AM E. DIKON, NORTH AND EAST K1DIS« SEED ESTABLISHMENT. NORWOOD, BEVERLEY, YORKSHIRE. ONION, GIANT MADEIRA, large packet READING, large packet PARSLEY. DUNNETT'S GAR- NISHING, laree packet o..,uw o .v.i.,ijan. u... PAKSNIP, STUDENT, 1 ounce ADAMS' EARLY WHITE.do. : PEAS, CARTER'S EAKLYM qt. PURPLE SPROUTING, do, I ADVANCER, new, 1 pint CABBAGE, CARTER'S BISHOP'S LONG-POD, 1 pint EARLY, do, ENFIELD MARKET, do, DWARF NONPAREIL, do, TOM THUMB, do, SAVOY, beet Curled, do. Selected SCARLET. 1 CAULIFLOWER. CARTER'S DWARF MAMMOTH, Irg.pkt. CELERY', INCOMPARABLE DWARF WHITE, largo pkt, MANCHESTER GIANT RED large packet CRE'i.S, PLAIN, 4 oz. AUSTRALIAN, 1 oz, CUCUMBER, CARTER'S CHAMPION, packet LEEK, AYTON CASTLE, do. PBIZETAKER. 1 pint CARTER'S VICTORIA. 1 pint VEITCH'S PERFECTION, RADISH. WOOD'S FRAME, VEGETAfeLE CREAM, MOORE'S, packet POT HERBS, 4 packets Just piiilished, CARTER'S GARDENER'S AND FARMER'S VADE MECDM FOR 1868, Parts I. and II., Illustrated, Containing complete Lists of New and Choico Flower and Vege- table Seeds, Plants and Bulbs for Spring Planting, to which is added Original and Instructive Articles on " A new and beautiful way of Aitranging and Growing Annual Plants," "Hardy Herbaceous and Alpine Plants from Seed," "Fine-leaved and Sub-Tropical Plants from Seed." " Decorative Annuals," and *' On Laying Down Land to Permanent Pasture ; " besides which will be found a large amount of Popular, Descriptive, and Scientific Infonnatioft. Forwarded post free f3r 12 stamps ; Gratia to Customers. 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. fust published, price Is. ; post free^ 13 Stamps ; CARTEh'S PRACTICAL GARDENER. Illustrated. l',ifl panes, crown. A Handybook on everyday matters connected with Garden Routine. Opinions up this Press. Tlu Oardencre' Clironiclf.—" The vanou.s ai-ticlea have been written by some of the highest authorities amougst working gardeners, and they bear throughout a praclicai and useful character." T/ie Pield. — "Tht.s is another sliilling book, chieily composed of Calendar of Operations, and that Calendar ia gnod." Cunittry Life.— " AW our gardening readers would do well to mnko a jircsent to themselves of ■Carteb'b Practical Gardener.'" /'Vji.—" Messrs. Carter send a ' Practical Gardener,' which deserves to be popular, for it Kivea information on all points— fVom the orchard house to the humble window garden ; and alt for the small sum of Is." JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 & 238, High Holborn, London, W.C- ; and at W. H. SMITH AND SONS' RAILWAY BOOK STALLS. laneouH Bu'ii I ■lirvsanthemmns, .iiiL't^ated, Zonal, iMLK, and Mlscel- i."o (with lUustra- Bri luswlck NuvMory, Htoku Newjii^ton, London, N. New Chrysantlieinunis for 1868. TOHN SALTER'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of O SEEDLING JAPANESE and other New CHRYSANTHK- MUMS. GERANIUMS. Double PYUETHRUMS. Hardy Variegated "' * ' ., is now Ready, and will bo forwarded on receipt of two mips. i Nursery, William Street, Valo Place, Hammersmith, W Just Published. " postage Vei-aa^l T approved older sorts, free by post on 3 Nurseries and Seed Warehouse, Waltbam Croas. London, N. H 0 M P SON TESTIMONIAL FUND Amount already advertised in Gardeners" Clironick: £3T7 16 0 Burloy, John, Pembridgo Place, Bayswater , . . . 0 10 6 Myatt, William, Manor Farm, Deptfoid a 2 0 Cunningham, Thomas, Elford Hall Gardens, Tamworth 10 0 Forsyth, Adam, Stoko Nevviiiyt"ii 110 Rosher, Edward, Uii'T M irn-l*' ■, T. rrnce .. ..110 L" "EE'jJS ' H'OKTiri I 1 1 i; VL SOCIETY. Under the difitinj.ii ■ : > ■ "( the principal Nobility, Clergy, and Gentry of tlir' ^\ ■ : l.m ml' .! i.he county of York. By the kind permiahUMi i-i iA>^ il.^l.t. Worshipful the Mayor (A. Falrbairn, Esq.), the GKMAT KXHIBITION of PLANTS, FLOWERS, FRUITS, and VEGETABLES will bo held in tbe extensive Grounds adjoining Woodsley House, on WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, and FRIDAY, June 10 11, and 12. Prizes, £500. Note.— Tho North-Eastom, Great Northeni, and Midland Railway Companies will convey Plants, Flowers, Fruits, ic, at ordinary ratas to tbe Show, and return them free if they remain the property of the Exhibitor. The Conmiittea undertake to receive Boses of Fruit, Cut Flowers, and Vegetables for Exhibition. between the Railway Station and tbe EshibitioQ Grounds. -Schedules, with Forms of Entry, forwarded on application, JAMES BIRBECK, Secretary, Cross Gates.^ear Leeds. ■ RAND~~ H 0 RTIC'ULTURAL EXHIBITION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of the ROY'AL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 16 to 23, 18G8. Amongst various Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cup), VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS* CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows ; — Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish of each :— Gi-apes, Melons (2 fruits). Strawberries, Goosebernes, Currants, Cherries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 186"). Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, one basket or bundle of each ;— Peas, French Beans (or Scarlet Runners), Broad Beans, CauiifloKors, Cucumbers (brace), Summer Cabbages, Early Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatos, or Mixed Salading. This Prize will be ooen to Competition amongst Amateur r - tho exhibitor. SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 1868. MEETING FOR THE ENSUING 'WEEK. .. .- .„ xt.«,i, 11 (Royal Horticultui-al (First Bpimg !5jriiEciv,Maroli 14[ show;, at South Kensington .. .. I p.m. All 'well-'wisliers to horticulture and to the Royal Hokticultdbal Society 'n-ill receive the announcement 'we are enabled to make, as to tho proposed establishment of a Scientific CoiiJtiTTEE, Trith lively satisfaction. The pro- posal emanates fi'om the Society's Council and staff, and is another indication both of the vitality of tho Society, and of the earnest desire on the part of the managers to for-ward the best interests of horticulture. The scheme is one of such importance, that 'we earnestly trust it may be so thoroughly considered before any practical action is taken, that failure shaU be out of the qiiestion. The main object is to ' ' promote and encourage the applicatiou of physiology and botany to purposes of practical culture, and to originate experiments -which may assist in the elucidation of horticultural subjects." A cautiously 'worded paragi'aph that, and one which admits of very 'wide interpreta- tion. That ho-wever is no defect — the 'wider the field, the greater tho number of labourers, the better, provided ("huts" cannot be excluded) the proposed Committee and its officers supply the requisite co-ordinating and regulating power. ]For our own parts -wo should look upon the pro- posed new Committee as similar in constitution and aim to most of the learned societies of the metropoUs, with this important exception, that in this case no entrance fee, no annual subscrip- tion is needed ; for it is expressly stipulated that fellowship of the Society shall not be a necessary condition for membership of this Committee, nor ■will it be required of those who contribute to its working in any way. The scientific societies promote the objects for which they were established, whether it be the encoui'age- meut of Natural History, of Geology, of Chemistry, or what not, by inviting commum- cations from members and others on subjects relating to any particular branch of science; tho."' p. ■ ' -',.,', by Dr. Dickie.— 2. Ona collection 0/ Fungi fr"., ' . -hnlin'j tJiose beloiuiing to the Gasteromi/C' I > ■• , 1 ... Ihipho- viycetca, Ph)/somi/cetes, and Aecomyct 1 • !■ . I.v \\i<- \i'-v. M. J. Berkeley.— 3. A few addittonal pardvi'.t-.ns r'-i:'r 507 31.9 34!6 No. of ^ r™t.-t Rained. Q 'So'ln' ~Wm. 16 0 33 0.24 0.30 19 0.70 ;l_l 6|13 7 2 The hiRliest temperature during the above period — ■ "128 -therm. 67 deg. ; and the lowest oa the 10th, 1S17- - therm, 7 deg. Notices to Correspondents. CossERVATORV Blinds : Subso-iher. For outside abarling- material you may, if ia a conspicuous place, use a striped canvas di open texture. There is no special advantage in its being coloured green. So long as they last, there is nothing better for shading than thick tiffany, or the some- what stouter material called scrim ; but on the score of durability a loose-textured canvas is to be preferred. The shading mateiial should not darken the house much, but merely obscure the sun's rays. Names of Plants : Grange. Rhododendron dauricum atro- virens. — IK B, Tring. " Pinus Pinaster. — Captain Jaiiiet. Berberis glauca.— / J^. 1, Glycine sp. ; 2, Polygala oppositi- foUa, var. gi-andiflora ; 3, Lavandula dentata ; 4, Gaaphallum lanatum ; 5, Panicum (Oplismenus) variegatum. — A Z. Acacia cultriformis. Spiraea Aruncus.— .^. Wo are unable to name the seed which you have sent. It is from some genus near Mucuna, but we cannot say for certain which. — C G. Such a specimen cannot be named ; it belongs to Gentianacew— probably Gentiana. Oaks: Scotus. Supposiug the plants to bo correctly named, their habitats are as follows :— Quercus polymorpha, Mexico ; Q. haliphleos, France ; Q. castaneBefolia. Caucasus ; Q. diversifolia, New Spain. Q. speciosa and Q. nova Aureliana we cannot find. Orange Fungus ; R C C L. The black matter in the pulp and on the seeds of the Orange ia due to a common mould, Cladosporiuni herbarum, which assumes a multitude of forms, according to the place it occupies. There appears to be another Fungus mixed with it, distinguished by white threads. We have placed the black matter on some pasto under a bell glass, under the hope that both may be perfectly developed ; and should this be the case, we will give a further notice. M J B. Peas : X Y Z. In favourable seasons, in good situations, and under proper treatment, you ought to be able to gather your first dish of Peas from the open border in the second week of May, i. e., green Peas, not "ripe Peascods," as quoted by you from *' the Systema Horti-CuUurse of 1683." Wo suspect "ripo" is intended to mean "fit for table." DilUstoue's Early or Suttons' Ringleader is about a fort- night earlier than the old Hotspur. Salad : C J G. Your description seems to point out Corn- salad, or Lamb's Lettuce, a species of Valerianella, much used on the Continent under the name of Mache. It is of the easiest culture in light, rich soil. Sow in February and March for a summer supply, aud in August and September for winter aud spring use. It must be protected in severe weather. Strawberries: A ML. We cannot recommend dealers. Ask your neighbour, Mr. Taylor, of Nursling. Toup: B N B. One of the leaves iu your Tulip is partially coloured, like the flower itself —not an uncommon occurrence. Wood in Peach Trees: G H B. If we understand your question rightly, our auswer is that there are but two kinds of wood, properly speaking, in a Peach tree, viz., the oW wood and the young wood. We, however, sometimes speak of the trunk or stem of a tree, of the branches, which pro- ceed from the trunk, and of the shoots, which are the bearing wood, proceeding from the branches. We may aUo speak of spurs, and even of dead wood. Communications Received.— Censor.— H. M. -C. Longman,-* Enquirer. Makch 7, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE J. C. WHEELER & SON, GLOUCESTER, lationa— viz., the Geological Formntion of the Soils for which Permrtnent Gmssas are wanted— have undoubtedly n good idea. As it is well put, ' The Herbage of the South Downs, so well adapted tor Short-wooUed Sheep, differs entirely from the herbage of the Ootteswold, or Oolite series, the home of our Boo Lorg-wooHod Sheep. The Herbage iu the flno Pastures of the Old Bed Sandstone of Herefurd- ebire, where the beautiful ilereford Herds are seen In such great perfection, differs also materially Irom that m the fine grazing pastures on the Kunmeridgo Clay.' " Messrs. Wbezlkb have prepared a new series of Tables of the Grasses which they consider raoht suitable to different '■ lologlcal FormatiODS. GRASS SEEDS AKE CONSIDERABLY CHEAPER THIS YEAR. SEEDS for PERMANENT PASTURE.— The three quotations refer to Light, Medium, or Heavy Land respectively per acre. Carriage free. Seeds for Permanent Pasture on tho Upper Chalk formation, 30if. 2a., 33a. Id., 36s. Seeds for Permanent Pasture on Lower Chalk, 27s. 2d., 32s. 4rf., 345. 2d. Seeds for Permanent Pasturo on tho London Clay, 30s. 5(i., 32a. Oci,, 35s. 3d. Seeds for Permanent Pasture on the Cornbrash or Oolite, 27j. 10a., 2i)s. 2d., 32s. lOd. 33s., 34s. 9d. Seeds for Permanent Pasture on the New Ked Sandstone, 30». 6tl., 339. 10d.,35f. 4d. eds for Perniftne 23s. lOd,, 23s. 4a,. Seeds for Permanent Pasture on the Old Red Sandstone, 30s., 33s., 3rs. Cd. Seeds for Permanent Pasture on the Aymestry, Ludlow, and Wen- lock Limestone and Shales (Upper Sdurian), 32s., 34s., 35s. '2d. Seeds for Permanent Pasture on the Lower Sdurian, 28s. 3d., Sis. 8d., 32s. 8d. Seeds for Permanent Pasture on the Coal Measures. 27s. 6d., 30s., 32f. THE LARGEST CROP of HAY WE EVER REMEMBER to HAVE HEARD OF was the produce of some Seeds supplied by us to Mr. Hurcombe, of Uley. The Clover and Grass Seeds were sown on Gi acres ; it was mown in June, 18C5, producing a splendid crop; immediately after it was made and put in a rick, rain came, the afte^m^th grew most luxuriantly, and in due time was made into hay. The two ricks were sold by auction In March, by Mr. Organ, and were purchased by Messrs. Holmes & Co., of Stroud. Our attention was called to the following paragraph, which appeared in tho Qloucesler Journal, March 10, IStiG : — " Thi3 high price of fodder may be estimated by th« sale of some Clover hay which took place at tho King's Head, Uley, on Thursday Inst, when the produce of G\ acres of land was knocked down at the euni of £104. The seed was purchased of Messrs. J. C. Wheeler & Son, of Gloucester." Ou inquiry of Messrs. Holmes & Co., wo rcceWod the following reply : — " Gentlemen,— In reply to your inquiry respecting the Clover hay we purchased of Mr, Hurcombe, of Uley, ■vra beg to enclose copy of the weighbridge tickets, by which you will flee there was 24 tons 7 cwt. 2 qrs. of firat-class hay, in addition to which there was about 7 cwt. of^tops and bottoms, which wo did not think worth the trouble of weighing." Such a crop as this is almost unparalleled, and shows the economy mnd profit of sowing a good Mixture of good Seeds, ^This is only CARTER'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. TIIE ONLY PlU/E MEDAL lor UKASS SEEDS. PARIS, 1867. JAMES CArxTER & CO.'S GRASS SEEDS proauced the BEAUTIFUL TURFS 80 MUCH AUMiuED by ENGLISH YisiToiis at the late Paris Exiiiiution ; and tlioy have been awarded the FIRST PRIZE FOR GRASS SEEDS. CAltTKR'S GRASS SEEDS, as SUPPLIED for the PARIS EXHIBITION GROUNDS, 36s. per acre. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for Fertile CliiySoila, 303. to Slj.p. acre. CARTER'S GRASS SKEDS for Poor Clay Soils, 32s. to 33». per acre. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for High LyinK Clay Soils, 3is. to 35s. IS Soils, si*. CARTER'£"gRASS SEEDS for Loams derived from Old or New Red Sandstone, 28s. to 30s. per acre. CARTER'S G R ASS SEEDS for Light Chalk Soils, 27s. to 283. p. aero. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS, as SUPPLIED to H.I.H. the EMPEROR of the FRENCH. CARTER'S FINE GRASS SEEDS for Lawns. 203. per bushel. For Cricket and Croquet Grounds, 20s. per bushel. For Bowling Greens, 20i. per bushel. For Parks and Ornamental Grounds, 325. to 40s. per acre. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS, ns supplied to H.R.U. the Crown Princess of Prussia. CARTERS GRASS SKEDS for Marsh Lands, 25s. per acre. For Churclijanls. IS.s. pt;r bushel. GRASSES for CROQUET GROUNDS and LAWNS.— Eitra Fine, Is. per lb., 208. per bushel. J, C. Wheeler k Sos, Gloucester, Seedsmen to the Gloucester- shire Agricultural Society. We can stronely recommend our Mixtures for Alternate Hus- bandry. For the first few years after our introducing them, the sale was comparatively limited, but the demand for them has increased year by year, until now it is an important branch of our trade. ETery one who has tried them spoaks in the highest terms of the valuable crops they produce. We beg particularly to call CLOVER and GRASS SEEDS For ONE YEAR'S LAY (commonly called " Seeds"). We can supply this excellent Mixture, of the finest qualltv, Carriage-free to any Railway Station within 200 miloa, at 133. Gd. 2 lb. Cocksfoot Grass, Dactylis 4 lb. Evergreen Rye-grass, Lolium I 7 lb. Trefoil, Medicago lupulii peremie I CLOVER and GRASS SEEDS For TWO YEARS" LAY (commonly called " Seeds"). Wo can supply this excollent Mixture for Two Years' Lay, of tho finest quality. Carriage-free to any 'Railway Station within 200 miles of Gloucester, at ITs. 6tt, per acre. 41b. Evergreen Rye-grass, Lollima 31b. Red Clover, Trifolium pra- ltall< Italin Rye-grass, Lolium 3 lb. Cow Grass, Trifolium pra- tonse I lb. Cooksfoot.Dactylisglomerata 4 lb. White Dutch, Trifolium 2 lb. Tuuothy Grass, Phleum repens pratenao I 4 lb. Trefoil, Medicago lupulina A Cheaper Mixture, at 14s. per acre. Carriage-free by Rail. 41b. Evergreen Rye-grass, Lolium 4 lb. Rod Clover, Trifolium pro- Italian Rye-grass, Lolium i 2 lb. Cow Grass, Trifolium pr.v Dutch, Trifolium italicum lib. Cockafoot.Dactylisg'omerata 2 lb. W 1 lb. Timothy Graea, Phleum repens pratenae I & lb. Trefoil, Medicago lupulina Seeds should be sown about the end of March or beginning of April, with either Wheat. Oals. or Barley ; the land is then hgbtly r Wheal . I be harrowed, or bush-harn 3 up, and rolled. 3 the drills of corn, if these G^ lid that, when the Land is Dressed in Spring with Manure. 8 lb. peracre ofmixed Grass and Clover Seeds be harrowed in with the manure ; both the quality and quantity of the herbage will be Improved. Wo can supply a very excellent Mixture of tho most ■uitable sorts at 9d. per lb. ; 80a. per cwt. One cwt. Is amply suffi- cient for 12 acrea. IMPROVED MANGEL. UUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for ALL ^_ For Particulars and Prices see p. 360. QUTTONS' GRASS SEEUS nt the PAHIS •^__ EXIUlilTlON.— Seep. 250; SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS at~thi CRYSTAL _ PALACE.— See p. 260. QUTTONS' GRASS SEEUS for ALlT SOILS and kJ ALL CLIMATES.— rricos and particulars on application. Royal lierks Seed Kitablishmont, Reading. Suttons" Prize Mangel Wurzel, Turnip, IMI'ItOVKD KOHL RAllI, ic. aUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, O which may be had gratis and post free.] BUTTONS- HOME-GROWN FARM SliEDS are saved and selected from fiilly-deveioped Roots, and Invariably produce heavier Crops than Seeds saved according to the general custom. Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Koading. ATII and WEST of ENGLAND SOCIETY, for the ENCOURAGE- MENT of AGRICL'LTDRE, ARTS, MANU- B^ FACTURES, and COMMI^RCE,' ESTiBLisnsn im. Pofron— n.R.H. Tue PniNcE or W«Lr«, K.O. FALMOUTH MEETING, 1S68. JVfsiJfiK— Sir J. T. B. Dcciwobtb, Bart. The ANNUAL MEETING, 186S, will be held at FALMOUTH, on JUNE 1, 2, 3,4 and 6. PUIZF. SHEETS and REGULATION PAPERS for STOCK, POULTRY, IMPLE- MENTS, and HORTICULTURE, may now be obtained from the Secretary, Bath. F..I (ill, I'.M.NTINGS, WATER-COLOUR DRAWINGS, and ART MAM FACTURE, from R. R. M. DAW, Exeter. All ENTKIE.S, except those of Poultry, CLOSE APRIL H. POULTRY ENTRIES CLOSE MAY 1. By Order of the Council. JOSIAH GOODWIN, Secretary. 4, Terrace Walk, Bath. TDOTAL AGRICULTOEAL SOCIETY of ENGLAND. LEICESTER MEETING, 1868. STOCK and IMPLEMENT PRIZE SHEETS are now ready, and will be forwarded on application to H. HALL DARE, SecretarJ'. 1 \ Hanover Square, London, W, The finest Globe viiriety in cultivation. Price 23. 6d. per lb. Special Estimates foii large quantities. CARTER'S grass SEEDS for Brashy Limestone Soils, 23*. to 29f. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for Sandy Soils. 2fls. to 30a. per acre. CARTKR'S GRASS SEEDS for Water Meadows, 24s. per acre. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for Moory Soils, 23«. to 2Ss. per aero. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for Mossy Soils, 21s. per acre. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS aa SUPPLIED for the CRYSTAL PALACE GROUNDS. CARTKR'S GRASS SEEDS for land shaded with Trees 30s. peracre. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS for improving Old Pastures, »d. per lb. (cheaper by the cwt). RTER'S GRASS SEEDS for Orchards 30s. per .1 CARTER'S GRASS SEF.D.S, as SUPPLIED to tho METROPOLIS SEWERS COMPANY, BARKING. CARTER'S ORAS.SES and CLOVERS for Alternate Iluibandry— One Y'ear's Lay, 12.^. ai. to 13s. Cd. per acre. Two Years' Lav, 17s 6tf. per acre. Thre or Four Years' Lay, 22s. per acre. J, C. WHEELER and SON, GLOUCESTER. ONLY PRIZE MEDAL FOR SEEDS, LONDON, 1862. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS, as SUPPLIED for HER MAJESTY'S DEFENCES, PORTSMOUTH. The abovo Mixtures of Grasses are composed of seeds of the Surest quality. For particulars, see "CARTER'S ILLUSTRATED ARMERS CALENDAR," gratis and post free. Special Estimates for large quantities. JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 and 238, HIGH H0L130RN, LONDON, W.C. SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1868. The current season has been, and continues, fruitful of discussions before the local Farmers' Clubs, which cannot but be profitable to all concerned with tho land. It is one of the best indications of agricultural progress that au insti- tution which originated 30 or 40 years ago, oftenor in party politics than in any sense of professional or practic.il defect, should have revived at a time -when the politics of agri- culture are again arousing attention, though not in any party sense. There aro one or two examples of local Farmers' Clubs adopting the now title, and seeking a connection for this political purpose ■with tho Central Chamber of Agriculture, but the great majority have expressly refused any such connection, belie'ving that tho field in which they at present work is largo enough for useful labour. And in thorn, and in other cases where no idea of joining the Central Chamber has been ever entertained, the largeness of this field and the fruitfulness of labour in it have been illustrated this year in an unusual degree. The AgricuHural Gazette has not pages enough in which to present reports of the many valuable papers that are thus almost every week read and discussed before tho practical agricultural societies ; and it becomes possible to let our readers know of what is going on only by short descriptive notices of their proceedings. Take one class of subjects only in tho first instance. There has been unusual energy and intelligence displayed of late in connection with tho whole class of topics involved in tho relations of landlord and tenant. Tho sort of power which a tenant is to bo allowed over the land ho occupies, has been widely and vigorously dis- cussed. AVhether the use of this tool which he hires, in order that a living may bo made for him by its use, is to be limited in old-fashioned ways by its owner, in spito of tho fiood of light which has at length been poured upon the proper usa of it by both science and experience — or whether the hirer is to be allowed, by doing the bc.st ho can with it, not only to make more profit for himself, but to provo thereby its greater value to its owner ; whether the other uses to which tho tool may be put, directly opposite in their purpose from that for which it is hired by the 244 THE GATIT>ENT:1?S' nHKONICT,E AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Maech 7, 1868. farmer, had not better be kept altogether in abeyance during the said hiring — whether, in fact, a joint tenancy of two altogether opposite interests may not almost entirely spoil the tool for both ; whether the owner of the tool who derives an annual income by letting it will not be better served by giving it up for a term of years, under guarantees for its return uninjured, to those who know how to turn it to tho best account, than by reserving the right, and occa- sionally exercising it, of taking it back to him- seK at any six months' notice, — all these have been the subjects of discussion. Land is a tool ; and it is those who use it as a machine that are the best tenants of it. Let a man regard it as a warehouse whose treasures are to leak and be collected, or as a mine whose contents have to be worked, and his use of it wiU be a mere process of exhaustion. Lot him use it as a tool, as a machine, and the very idea then includes the need of bringing the raw material to it, when, by its means, it is put thi'ough the processes of the manufacture. The men who regard land as a tool are those whom the owners of it should most desire as tenants. But who will give full value for a tool if his use of it is at any time to be limited and prescribed ? It is only of late years — during the career, we may say, of the Eoyal Agricultural Society of England — that the'laudowners of this country, as a rule, have acquired any practical knowledge of the agricultural use of land : and by far the larger portion of the surface of the island is still let under restrictions conceived at a timo when an ignorant jealousy for the interests of the owner was tho only gaidance any drawer of a lease could pretend to have. The owner of the tool in question now knows better. He knows that virtually his property is an ever lasting manu- factory, and that by far tho larger proportion of its value to any intelligent hirer consists in its being a mere machine through which raw mate- rial may be passed for the manufacture of food. Surely it is his interest, as it is that of those who want this food, as well as of him who makes it, that all the freedom and the confidence which intelligence and energy require should be granted to the user by tho owner of the machinery by which alone it can be manufactured. The proper use of this machine is every day discussed before these local Farmers' Clubs. An Ayrshii-e Association of the kind enlightens its county on the serviceableness of artificial manures as raw material — a Hampshire Farmers' Club listens to a most elaborate account of improvements, not of the raw material, nor of the processes of manufacture, but of the machinery itself — the subject being "tho staplo improve- ments of the laud; " a Kentish Farmers' Club dis- cusses those differences in the manufacture, north and south, which arise out of the natural conditions under which it is carried on ; Irish Farmers' Clubs discuss the establishment of the manu- facture where hitherto no artificial correction or assistance of the natural conditions has been attempted. Everywhere the improvement of the manufacture is the end contemplated. "WTiat wonder, then, if the relations of the owners to the hirers of the machinery should also every- where be a leading subject of discussion. In the southern counties this question still takes the form of the alteruative — one or more year's lease ? In the North the need of assured occupation for a terra of years is everywhere admitted ; and there the question relates solely to tho conditions under which occupation for the term of years is granted. In the youth wo still hear intelligent men speaking of " that best of all relations, a good understanding between land- lord and tenant " — and here, too, wo have abundant illustrations of the fact, that a good understanding can be universal only when the terms of it are everywhere committed to writing. A correspondent tells us of a neighbour farm- ing land, somewhat extensively, under a large landowner, who during tho past year received a notice to quit, after the farm had for j'ears been managed in the most approved fashion. He was a tenant who would have been a credit to any estate, and he does not know till this day whj' he was ejected. " At his sale there was a small field full of the best implements, including steam engine, threshing machines, and both Howard's and Smith's cultivators. Some of tho machinery had been used for a long time, and had probably paid its way. A great deal of it was new, including the steam ploughing tackle, &c., and did not inako half its value." On the same estate another young farmer was tui-ned adi'ift with- out any assigned cause, and the land being of a cold and middling description the owner could not get another customer, and has been obliged to keep it in hand. " What is the good of our country gentry," says our correspondent, " meet- the farmers at our annual agricultural dinners and palavering about steam cultivation, and urging the tenantry to go a-head, with facts such as these staring them in the face ?" In Hertfordshire, where a land-agent lately answered an advocate for leases in the Times by the assertion that he finds yearly tenancies work well, that good farming is found on farms not under leases, and that he has not before him a single application for a lease, Mr. J. B. Bkand- RAM, farming near Ware, replies that there is a large amount of bad farming in the county, and his firm belief is, that while, no doubt, there are many cases in which incapacity aud want of capital may bo the cause, in most instances want of security for capital is at the root of tho evil. The chief reason why so few farmers apply for leases is the dislike of the great majority of our landowners to grant leases, which is so well known that most applicants for farms would think it a mere farce and waste of words to ask for one. Again, the competition for farms is so great, that when there is a farm to let the owner can dictate his own terms, which generally are a yearly tenancy, with six months' notice to quit. Moreover, "rents have risen so much during the last few years that many farmers are afraid to incur the responsibility of paying the present rent for a term of j'ears." Another correspondent, signing himself "A Tenant Farmer," also replies to the laud-agent, and relates his own experience on the subject. He s.ays : — " At the time of hiring my farm, which had been occupied for many years by members of my family, I applied to the agent for a lease, intending to make considerable alterations in the system of cultivation, and farm more in accordance with the commercial spirit of the times. The answer was, ' None of the tenants have leases; I have always found the yearly system to work well, and see no reason for making any alteration.' Knowing that several applications had been made for the farm, I did not press the matter, hired on the yearly system, and, of course, have farmed on the yearly system. I would at that time have willingly paid a small increase of rent for a lease. 1 would now pay 20 per cent, increase for a long lease with liberal covenants, although I am paying the full value of the laud as a yearly tenant ; and I would undertake that the average returns from the same number of acres should exceed by 20 per cent, the returns of the last seven years, all other circumstances being similar ; or, in other words, I would produce 20 per cent, more corn, meat, &c., than I have done ; so that you see in my case there is a third party interested in leases and yearly tenancies." Mr. Brandram: in his letter had said :— " a lease when offered is often drawn up In 3uch terms, and contaiua such restrictions, tliat no man in liis sense.s would like to sign it. I lie.ird of one the other d.ay, with a cLause to thiseEfect-that for every case of cross-cropping, a penalty of 50i. per acre should be inflicted : and I have seen extracts from leases containing such clauses, as to the preservation of game, as I should think would deter .anyone with a spark of indepen- dence from accepting them." And he thus indicates the second stage of the discussion, which has been long since reached in counties farther north. It is no longer, there question whether the land should be let from year to year — the continuance of the occupation depending simply on the will of the owner. The importance to all parties of leasing it for a term of years has been long since conceded ; and the terms on which this lease should be drawn are alone the subject of discussion. The two sides to this more limited subject are well represented by recent discussions before the Hexham and the Morayshire Farmers' Club, to which we shall direct attention next week. The value of good Wheat has hardly been maintained during the past week. The prices quoted at Mark Lane yesterday are about the same as those of last Friday. At Liverpool and Wakefield, on the same day, they were somewhat lower. -In the Metropo- litan Cattle Market prices have been well mamtained, and the demand for both cattle and sheep is this week fully ahead of the supply. It will be seen, from tho report of last Wednes- day's Council meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society, that the implement makers have obtained nearly all that they demanded for tho future management of the annual exhibition and trial of agricultural machines. The implements to be tested are for the future to be divided into five classes instead of three— one-fifth of the whole agricultural field being thus examined annually— and the trials are to be commenced early enough to assure the publication of the results at the opening of the Show to the public. Moreover, another representative of the manufacturing Interest is elected on the Council, and Mr. R. C. R.iNSOJ[E— than whom tliere could not be a fitter man— takes the place vacated by Mr. John Hudson, of Castle Acre. This last item in the altered programme is nevertheless, we venture to assert, a grave mistake. Of all classes on the Council, the practical and tenant-farmer class can least of all be spared. And we do not see that makers of agricultural machines have any of the special claims to share in the guidance of an agricultural society which undoubtedly ought to be asserted for those who possess knowledge and experience of farm practice. We contend, therefore, that, good as Mr. Ransome's nomination would otherwise have been, the place of Mr. Hudson has not been properly filled up. We have not yet concluded our discussion of the way in which the income of the Royal Agricul- tural Benevolent Society has been administered, but meanwhile we are glad to see it announced that no fewer than 2G candidates for the annuities it confers are to be elected at the next annual meeting. And it is an additional satisfaction to know that this resolu- tion had been adopted by the Council on an entirely independent consideration of tho means at their disposal; before, indeed, public attention had been directed to the subject. How large a step in advance this resolution indicates is apparent from the fact that, hitherto, those annually elected have been about 12 in number out of a list generally exceeding 100. The Societe Agricole of Brabant has announced a great exhibition of cattle and implement;, to take place in Brussels in June next— the mechanical portion to be universal. By a Royal decree there is to be a lottery established for the purchase of implements, which are to be distributed by lot amongst the subscribers. A correspondence between Lord KlNNAlBD and Messrs. Wilson & Scott, of Dundee, who had supplied him with oil-cake, has been published. The cake had been submitted to Professor Andebson for nalysis, and he had pronounced it " far from a lirst- rate article," containing Dodder, Grass seed, R^pe and other seeds, and bran as well as Linseed. On this report being brought under the notice of the manu- facturers, they say :— The seed which the cake was made from was Calcutta and fine Petersburgh Linseed in proportion, 4 qrs, of the former to 2 of thelatter. We admit that the Calcutta seed was not so clean as we would have liked ourselves, being below the quality we order our broker to purchase for us ; but it happens at times (which we are happy to say are rare) that stocks of Linseed held by seed merchants in London and Liverpool (tho ly two markets for getting supplies of East Indiiin Linseed) e short, either by demand or adverse winds keeping back arrivals, so that we are forced to buy what is available to keep on our customers, as in this case you complain of. This, my lord, is not to our interest, but quite the reverse, as on such occasions we have to pay a high price. We have always endeavoured to supply our customei's with a first-class article, and we manufacture only one quality of Linseed-cake, which we have all along supplied to your lordship at the same price as ch.lrged to others. On examining and comparing the analysis you sent us with other analyses beside us, some of them from the iame chemist, we find that the feeding properties of the cake are equal to some, and beyond others ; the only part we .are sorry for is sand, as per- centage shown. Now, my lord, this is -also a matter we can scarcely have control over ; for instance, our workmen may carry into the mill on their boots pieces of stone or dire amongst the seed, and so find its way into tho cake which may happen to be analysed. We may here mention that in stand- ard Linseed 4 per cent, is allowed of a mixture of other seeds and rubbish, which shows plainly that no Linseed is free. On noting report on analysis, we contradict bran, Grass seeds, and any other seeds being added by us except which may have been in the Linseed when we bought it. We freely admit that the Calcutta seed contained some Rape, land a small per- centage of other seeds, usually found in Basi Indian Linseed. The Petersburgh was the finest quality, and t may have con- tained Dodder to the extent of i per cent." To this Lord Kinnaikd replies that Messrs. Wilson & Scott would have acted more fairly to their customers by stating their inability to supply the genuine article, instead of selling an inferior one at VU. or l%l. 5».— far above its value. The loss to the farmer consists not only in the price paid for the oil-cake, but on the stock, and is, therefore, incalculable. At the usual Council meeting of the Central Chamber of Agriculture on Tuesday last, at the Pall Mall Restaurant, Cockspur Street, London, Mr. Jaspeb Mobe, M.P., occupied the chair, and amongst those present were the Earl of Lichfield, Sir Geobge Jenkinson, Bart., Mr. E. Holland, M.P., Mr. M'Lagan, M.P., Mr. G. C. Leoh, M.P., Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., Mr. Eoekton, M.P., aud numerous deputations from the provinces. After a prolonged discussion of the report, the following resolutions upon the education of the labouring classes were adopted:— 1. " That it is expedient that children under the age of nine years should be restricted from employment in agriculture."— 2. " That this meeting deprecates^ any nieasure which countenances an education rate." — 3. " That the Central Chamber of Agriculture deprecates any compulsory legislation on the employment of women and children in agriculture, preferring volun- tary action, which is likely to follow the discussion of this subject, aud believing that any compulsory legisla- tion would defeat the object desired, aud this because it would be an undue interference between parent and child, and because it would be practically impossible to carry out such legislation if it involved the penalties of fine or imprisonment on parents declining to send their children to school. That as to the means to be provided for education.itistheopinionof thisChamber that Government aid should be granted to existing schools more liberal in amount and less restricted as to conditions than under the present system. That such aid should be given from the Consolidated Pund, and should not be raised by an additional local rate." On Maech 7, 1868.] THE GAUDENERS' CTTT?ONTCLE AND AGBTOTTLTtlRAE GAZETTE. 245 the question of the foreign cattle market the foUowins resolutions were passed unanimously :— " That this Chamber hails with satisfaction Lord Robert Mon- TAOtJ's amendments in the Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill, and strenuously urges that the regulations for cattle importation should be made general: that a period for the completion of the metropolitan waterside market should bo fixed by the Bill, and that a day or days for holding the foreign cattle market, different from the d;iys of holding the Islington market, should be specified in the Bill." " That a petition, embodying the above views, be presented to Parliament." . A deputation from the Central Farmers' Club had an interview, on Tuesday, with the Duke of Mabl- BOEOUGK and Lord R. Montagu, M.P., for the purpose of representing to the Government the expediency of establishing special markets for foreign cattle both in London and at the ports of entry. The deputation was introduced by Mr. Read, M.P., who expressed satisfaction that the Government had introduced a Bill with regard to London, but considered it would be desirable to extend its provisions to all the ports of landing. The object was, not to keep out a pound of meat from the people of this country, but to prevent their home herds and flocks from bemg devastated as they had been for the last twenty-five years by diseases introduced by foreign cattle. The restrictions on the home trade must he kept up as long as foreign cattle were permitted to mix with their own in the same markets.— It was declared that no difficulty need arise in isolating cattle and sheep affected by pleuro-pneu- monia, foot and mouth disease, glanders, small-pox, and scab, and it was suggested that it should be made illegal for any fiirmer to send cattle affected by pleuro- pneumonia to market. TheDukeofMAKLBOKOcoHsaid there were in point of fact regulations now in force which carried out what was asked. He was in favour of retaining the restrictions on the importation of foreign cattle, and there was great reason for extending the provision which applied to the metropolis to the other ports. With reference to the suggestions to bo adopted in regard to pleuro-pneumonia and other dis- eases, the Government would give them attention, and he trusted the members of the Farmers' Club would assist with information the committee in the House of Commons, to which the Bill of the Government had been referred. SHORTHORNS. Bno.iD HiNTON. — Mr. Stratton is giving up the Broad Hinton Farm, and his Shorthorn herd there will be sold on Wednesday, March 18.* The Catalogue includes SO cows and heifers and 20 bulls. Of these 31 are descendants of Moss Ease by Phcenis (62'JO), and upon her and her offspring, as well as upon the other cows and families which the Catalogue includes, the following bulls have been employed : — Red Duke (srai), Hiceoey (11,70G), His Highness (14,708), NoTTiNGH.iM (15,014), L.iMP OF Lothian (16,356), The Bakonet (17,038), Young Windsor (17,241), Knight of the L.igan (20,083), Bude Light (21,342), Herne's Oak (21,924), Moonrakee (22,.383), 8th Duke of York (23,808), Coronet (33,623), and James the Fjrst (34,203). James the First is by Lamp of Lothian out of Queen Manj, one of the best cows in the herd. The Broad Hinton herd stands in a somewhat different rank from those which claim a definite relationship to the well-bred Tees- water cattle of the last century. It stands more in the position of the herds which were offered for sale EC years ago, whose reputation depended rather on the known judgment and skill of the breeders than upon any published record of descent through dozens of clearly made out generations, each of known descent. The Ceilings catalogues did not contain a set of longer pedigrees than are offered at Broad Hinton ; the value of the cattle then disjiosed of was, however, none the less a certainty for that. They were the produce of the judgment and the skill— the brains, in short— of clever men, dealing with such material as was then to be procured without the aid of Herd Books. The Broad Hinton herd does not stand altogether on such ground as this, for on the one hand Mr. Stratton has lor 30 years been known as a breeder of good Short- horns, and has long been in the habit of using first-rate and well-known bulls, while, on the other, the original mothers of the herd, gathered 10 or 12 generations ago for the formation of a good dairy stock, while chosen by a man of the very soundest judgment in such matters, can probably hardly claim such good descent as the cows of unknown pedigree from which many of the cattle at the original great Shorthorn sales descended. Be this, however, as it may, we may have in the Broad Hinton herd that sort of confidence — better, surely, than is given by any such mere list of progenitors as would only prove that they ought to be worth having— which is derived from a knowledge of the actual per- formances of the cattle in the showyards of Agricultural Societies. There has been no such successful exhibitor in our time as Mr. Stratton. Twelve years ago he published a list of prizes which he had won, amounting to close on 3000^., and since then his achievements have been even more consincuous. Theobject which as a breeder he has all along contemplated — the production of useful dairy cows, which, when called on for other purposes, should be second to none, as regards sym- metry, substance (i. «., lean flesh), and quality — has been achieved with distinguished success. This is after all the object for which alone cattle-breeding in the long run is conducted; and wo hope that the independence, pluck, and judgment with which it has now for 30 years been pursued at Broad Ilinton, will on Wednesday March 10, meet with their appropriate reward. The Catalogue of the Beaumont herd ( Beaumont Grange, Hatton, Lancaster) has just been issued, and, contaming as it does many animals of the most fashion- able strains of pure Shorthorn blood, it will be con- sulted with interest by Shorthorn purchasers. They will find in it the pedigrees of Chnjsalis, a pure Fawsley cow, and three of her descendants— of four Charmers and Sweethearts another first-rate Fawsley family, as the coming Miloote sale will show— of seven Gwynne cows and bulls, and many of close Kirk- levington descent. AVith two exceptions. Chrysalis and Lady Bales~i\\(t one bred by Sir C. Knightley, and the other by Mr. D. M'Intosh, of Havering Park— the herd is now wholly of Mr. Slye's own breeding; the originals, selected from the most fashionable families, with special regard to their milking qualities, have now been disposed of, and their offspring (bulls of Bates' blood having been used) now constitute the herd. Though reared and kept quite in store con- dition, stock from the Beaumont herd have found their way into some of the principal herds of the kingdom, andasullicientshare of show-yard distinctions has fallen to their lot. On examining theCatalogueof the Thornin^ton herd sale, referred to last week, as about to be held by Mr. Doukin, we find that no fewer than 33 out of the whole 50 offered in it are descended from a cow of Earl Spencer's, and can claim no share in that poetical description of the advantages of "tracing a lineage directly through a long line of noble ancestry," with which the Catalogue is introduced. The others, except- ing two, are descendants of Peeress by Archibald (1052), a cow of Mr. Hunt's breeding, and possess all that claim to distinction which a place in so old a herd unquestionably gives them. The sale takes place on Monday, March 16. Thornington is six miles from Cornhill, on the Berwick and Kelso Railway. ■ We understand that Mr. Holland, of Dumbleton, has purchased Cherry Grand Duke (23,554), by 7th Grand Duke, bought by Captain Oliver, for 380 guineas, at Mr. Atherton's sale of Grand Duchesses. His dam, Cherry Duchess'Hh, was bought at 120 guineas, a calf ; she is by Grand Duke 3d, g.d. byCiRAND Duke 2d, g.g.d. by Grand Duke, so that Cherry Grand Duke is 15-16ths Grand Duke, or all but a Grand Duke. He is a very useful bull, red and white, with capital back and loins, with ribs well sprung, good shoulders, good masculine head, and well covered with good hair. They have had seven calves at Dumbleton drop to Baron Oxford 2d (33,376), the bull bought at Mr. M'Intosh's sale last May, but which was sold ag.iin to Mr. Bulteel, after a sojourn of a month at Dumbleton. now RURAL EDUCATION WILL BENEFIT THE FARMER. In a Lecture at St. James's Hall on January 14, Professor Fawcett, M.P., said that " Farmers tliem- selves would bo the greatest gainers from educating their labourers." Now we are quite sensible of the advantages that would accrue to the parlies educated. It will undoubtedly be a grand day for the ploughman and shepherd, the ditcher and dung-cart filler, when (as the learned gentleman put it) they are " able to enjoy the pleasure of bringing themselves [by reading] into communion with our most distin- guished writers and illustrious thinkers;" that is if, with fine faculties thus developed, they consent to remain mere herd-men and field-workers. We admit, moreover, that farmers would feel a benefit from increased intelligence in their men. And such is the low state of mental culture among our humble classes, that we see no danger of over-educatmg the great hulk of them, at least for a long time to come. The Professor very justly observed that farmers would be gainers, " because the industry of their labourers would become vastly more efficient. No class now suffered so much as the farmers from the listlessness and apathy of their labourers." However, Mr. Fawcett went a great deal further than this : and on behalf of the occupiers of land in Great Britain, we beg to thank him for pointing out various other ways in which we are to be ' the greatest gainers " by educating our farm hands. In the first place, the honourable gentleman " would agree to a slight present increase of rates [for educa- tion], believing that, in the future, it would diminish rates by striking a heavy blow at crime and pauperism." Well, rates are heavy enough ; and a reduction accom- plished by an effectual riddance of expensive and disagreeable " crime and pauperism," would be a happy consummation. Of course we shall cheerfully pay up an additional levy in the pound, with child- like trust and hope in the anticipations of our "believing" philcsopher. The next " great gain " is shadowed forth as follows : — " The extension of the Factory Act to the agricul- tural classes," Mr. Fawcett said, " was not enough. He every day became more and more a friend to the system of a great and wise scheme of com- pulsory education. He would never agree to an education rate unless it was coupled with power to compel the attendance of children. He warned his hearers against allowing agricultural chil- dren to he kept from school for six months in the year, on account of their so-called e-tceptional position. That foolish, short-sighted, or wicked policy must not be carried out. Agriculture must be placed in the same position as other industries, namely, that no child under 13 years should be allowed to work unless he attended school." The " great gain " to the farmer here must consist in his being saved the trouble of ordering and Buperintending a lot of boys and girls, and spared the expense of paying them weekly wages for doing a large proportion of his summer work. For we are so " foolish, short-sighted, or wicked " as not to perceive any other advantage in being deprived of our juvenile labour, involving a consequent filling of our fields with weeds —a failure of root crops for want of fingers to thin the plants— a sacrifice of seed-corn for want of lads to scare the birds— a loss of half our hay for want of hands to make it— a diminution of sheep and cattle- feeding for want of attendants in the field and farmstead— an inevitable abandonment of Potato- growing and garden-like culture for want of hands to manipulate such crops, and, in general, a retrogression of our national husbandry altogether, from a scarcity of that cheap youthful labour which alone is adapted for performing many of the processes of cultivation. Now take another " great gain " to the farmers which is to result from the education of their labourers. Mr. Fawcett recommended as a political cry for the next election, " Household suffrage in the counties. He thoroughly believed in the educational influence of the suffrage. At present the agricultural labourer was completely ostracised from all political influence. Mr. Lowe said in the House, ' When the agricultural labourers who live in my borough have votes, do you think they will be as contented as they are now ? ' That very statement had shown the advantage of giving further political power to the counties." Farmers, of course, will kindly see the " greatest gain " from having workpeople who are not only freed from "listlessness and apathy," but dis- contented with their lot — or, in other words, deter- mined to have higher wages. But this is not all. "The interest of the labourer [in his daily toil] should be stimulated by the great and fruitful principle of co-partnership. After going through this transition state of co-partnership, the labourers might then form combinations among them- selves to rent land on their own account. The experi- ment had been tried with the greatest success by Mr. Gurdon in Suffolk. He did not admit that small farming was disadvantageous ; but if it were, co-opera- tion would enable peasant proprietors to cultivate model farms of 1000 acres." Here, then, is the crowning gain to the farmer. After obtaining greater efficiency in his labourers — and much fewer of them ; after paying increased rates in the fond hope of feeling the burden lighter "eventually" (as A.Ward says) " if not sooner;" and after finding his men cheeky, and his wages bill doubled, with the accompanying pleasure of seeing the poor so well off, he will be spared the harass and risk of managing a farm, by his labourers occupying his land among them. Such are the "great gains" for agriculturists, logi- cally deduced by a learned educational enthusiast. " Education," adds the Professor, " is the most impor- tant agency required to reform our county system, and should be narrowly watched in the next Parliament." We may comfort him with the assurance that it will. /. A. C. OUR MEAT CONSUMPTION, AND OUR POWER OF INCREASING SUPPLIES. Hating promised to read a paper before the London Farmers' Club in November next, " On the Unde- veloped Power of British Agriculture," I have been trying to "take stock" of our present agricultural position, and, as a part of it, our present meat produc- tion. This was by no means an easy task ; for upon making inquiries of those whom I considered com- petent authorities, I found either an inability to satisfy myrequest, or the most discrepant computations; so at last I came to the conclusion that the only reliable test, and that a rather imperfect one, was to take the population and the cattle census together. On the completion of my task I was much gratified by the perusal of an admirable paper on the same subject, read before the Society of Arts by Mr. Went- worth Lascelles Scott, on the 19th ult., which every one interested should peruse. Singularly enough, his estimate and my own as to net weight of cattle per head (400 lb.), were exactly similar, although we differed 6 lb. each in the matter of sheep ; but I accept his weight (45 lb.) of the latter as probably the most correct, seeing that there would be so many young lambs at the time of the census. I agree with Mr. Scott in the melancholy conclusion, that the amount of British meat available for consumption is ouly 2 ounces per head per day for the whole population. I would add to that half an ounce per head per day of foreign imported fresh meat (dead and alive). I anr sorry to say that my estimate of meat con- sumed by our agricultural labouring population (of all ages and sexes) is only 1 oz. per head per day, or a mere fraction beyond that. Taking a man, his wife, and three children as an average, 35 oz. ))er week would be, in my opinion, a just calculation, and the meat would be almost entirely pork or bacon. To show how widely discrepant are opinions on this matter, I quote an extract from a letter I received from an eminent London butcher. " I have given your letter some consideration, and I asked the opinion of one or two of our leading men at market. We think 8 oz. each, as near as can be, the amount of daily consumption for .30 millions. The allowance to the army is 5 of a lb. of beef per man per day, and the navy rather more. Our prisons, also, are pretty well supplied in quantity, though inferior in quality, as also our workhouses, infirmaries, schools, and all large collections in our public institutions. 1 cannot conceive you can be much nearer the mark than 8 oz. each. We are great meat eaters, all who can get it, in this country, and get it they do, one way or another." , . , ,, This rather astonished me, being much more than cent, per cent, upon my own estimate, so I calculated 246 THE GAEDENERS' CITRONTOLE AND AOEirFLTURAL GAZETTE. [Maech 7, 1868. how much 8oz. per day Hrouldamountto, at 6Jrf. per lb., and found it to be 143,250,200^. ; and as I agree with Mr. Scott's estimate, that our total available annual home supply is only 1,281,468,000 lb., it will amount, at 6|rf. per lb., to only 34,706,423/. Addino; probably for foreign imports, live and dead, 10,000.000?., we have a sum of 44,706,425?., or 100 millions sterling short of my butcher friend's calculation. When we consider how large is the consumption of meat in our towns and cities by the Upper Ten Thousand and by all well-to-do classes, millions must fall short of the average of 24 oz. daily— even making due allowance for infants, so that we hardly;deserve, nationally, thetitlo'of "John Bull." There is no difficulty in pointing out how our meat supply might be largely increased, with profit to the farmer and advantage to the public. I will quote the case of this farm as an illustration ; many others could be found in various counties of the kingdom, but this farm being much below the average natural quality of the soil of the kingdom, affords a safe illustration. The quantity of meat made annually on this farm is 200 lb. per acre, landlord's measure, over the whole farm; at 6\d. per lb., gives 51. 8s. -id. per acre. At this rate the census return of 1867, giving -10,491,097 acres , £318,437,679 8.';,3C9,477 in crop, fallow, and Grass, would give a return in meat of 246,410,107/., as against our present 34,706,425?. But this farm also produces in corn, within the same area, this year, 7?. per acre, landlord's measure, which would give, on the 45,491,097 acres in money value The average annual Talue of all our com crops, 1802 to 1856 inclusive (5 years) was Margin for improvement in com .. ..£233,068,202 This shows what can be done, and done profitably, too; but there is no fear of our arriving hastily at such overwhelming results, however desirable they may be for the happiness and welfare of the people. Before we can even approach to such a desideratum a whole host of prejudices must be removed, and old customs changed. This must be left to the efllux of time, the force of public opinion, and the too obvious necessity for providing food and employment for our ever increasing millions. At all events the vast margin for improvement, shown by the facts in this letter, must awaken us as to our agricultural shortcomings. There is no lack of capital in this country, for it flows over into many others. Let agriculture put itself into a position to tempt it into a remunerative stream. 1867 : United Kingdom census— taken after lambing :^ Cows and heifers in calf 3,557,812 Other cattle 5,137,600 ^^5^412" Sheep 33,745,ir6 Pigs 4,200,872 Mr. Scott's estimated weight of meat :— CatHo 4001b.') Sheep and lambs 45,, j-each. Swine 60 ,, ) His estimate is that the annual number slaughtered cannot exceed 23 per cent, of the existing live stock. The total margin for improvement is thus :— Inmeat £211,703,072 ' In corn 235,068,202 £446J7l7874 At page 323 of my book (1860) I estimated our margin for improvement at 421,000,000?. As our total area in the United Kingdom is 77,513,585 acres And the census of 18C7 only takes account of 45,491,007 ,, we have, in addition to my calculation, . . 32,022,423 —a considerable space for improvement. J, J. Mechi, March, 1S68. BRITISH AGEICULTUEAL STATISTICS 1867. [We continue the publication of the official tables.] No. i. — ToTiL AcngiOE AND PsE-CBST AGi: Proportions of Each Kind op Corn and Qrein Crop in iach Division OP THE United Kinodom. England. Wales. Scotland. Total for Great Britain. Ireland. Isle of Man. | Channel islands. Total for United Kingdom. ss se "S sg a 6 i Jersey. Guernsey, &c. ■n'^ 3U BO €" v.'^ fl c^ a r" DeBcriptlon of Crops. Years. Acres. 111 Acres. Acres. Acres. 5,a s Acres. fit oM a Acres. e Propo Kind of n Crop. Acres. B Acres. fit «f?£ ^15 «-SS i^-ss ^^•??S I-S2 "•S2 S«-2 Sh° §«^ S«T1 ss^ i«S sssg- S pog' sa^ feo a i's S ^•3i3 ^'o a lliS-Si sB'sa (.■za 0, 1 CM a< C j CM Corn Crops :- ( 1866 3 126.431 42.4 113,862 21.8 110,101 8.1 3,3.10,394 30.2 299,190 13.7 8,075 29.6 2,702 86.0 090 48.5 3,601,351 32.0 •■1 3,140.025 42.4 116,733 22.4 111,118 8.2 3,307,876 30.3 201,908 12.4 7,821 28.9 2,352 83.2 908 44.9 3.640,925 31.9 Barley or Bore J 1.877,387 25.5 146,323 28.1 213,619 15.6 2,237,329 24.2 162,520 7.0 7,736 28.4 111 3.5 532 26.1 2,398.228 20.9 .. ..-j 1,892,338 25.6 148,340 28.4 218,486 16.0 2,259,104 24.3 172,637 8.1 7,380 27.3 137 4.8 023 23.9 2,439,947 21.3 i 1866 1,503,990 20.4 251,893 48.3 1,004,040 73.5 2,759,923 29.8 1,609,095 78.2 11,010 40.4 238 9.2 428 21.0 4,471,344 39,0 "I 1867 1,506,361 20.4 247,000 47.4 997,120 73.1 2,750,487 29.0 1,659,412 78.5 11,347 42.0 303 10.7 449 20.8 4,421,998 38.7 Rye \ 1867 50,570 42,675 .7 .0 2,452 3,124 .5 .6 7,055 7,006 .5 .5 00,077 52,305 .0 .6 7,794 7,073 .4 .4 9 29 ".1 13 21 1 f 27 30 ] f 67,920 60,618 .6 .5 \ 1866 492,586 6.7 3,534 .7 28,537 2.1 624,657 5.7 12,204 .0 320 1.2 15 |.,. 1 43 V i*) 537,239 4,7 ■■\ 605,5.3S 6.8 3,435 .7 27,324 2.0 336,298 5.8 11,153 .5 255 .9 12 1 »7 5.41 347,766 48 .. ..i 1867 1866 314,200 312,409 4.3 4.2 3,010 2,766 .6 3,188 2,915 .2 329,404 318,090 3.5 3.4 2,030 2,354 .1 .1 116 .4 13 21 V 50 J i 323,184 320,697 2.8 ( 2.8 7,365,170 100.0 521,074 100.0 1,360,540 100.0 9,252,784 100.0 2,174,033 100.0 27,266' 100.0 3,142 100.0 2,041 100.0 11,439,260 100.0 ' "I .. ..\ 1866 1867 7,399,347 100.0 521,404 100.0 1,364,029 100.0 9,284,780 100.0 2,115,137 100.0 27,039| 100.0 2,827 100.0 2,157 100.0 11,431,940 100.0 Green Croy 311,151 289,611 11.3 10.8 44,206 46,077 31.8 32.6 143,420 157,529 21.6 23.6 498,843 492,317 14.0 14.1 1,050,353 1,001,645 70.9 70.0 4,302 4,011 35.2 31.6 1,368 2,062 26.0 36.6 677 789 23.0 25.7 1,335,543 1,500,024 30.7 x 30.3 Tumina -^tiH SwfHpq .. ..{ 1,610.61C 58.3 62,442 44.8 478,99C 72.2 2,152,042 60.4 317,198 21.4 7,240 59,4 1,812 34.5 247 8.4 2,478.545 48.9 ^ 1,621,123 60.2 67,927 49.1 484,80C 72.0 2,173,850 62.2 335,711 23.4 8,17C 64.5 1,547 27.4 142 4.6 2,519,420 50.9 Mangels .. ..■! 1806 1667 254,081 253,937 9.2 9.4 3,864 3,343 2.8 2.4 832 844 .1 .1 258,797 258,126 7.3 7.4 20,102 18,805 1.4 1.3 55 47 .5 .4 701 730 13.3 13,0 216 244 7.3 7.9 279,931 277,952 5.6 i 6.6 .. ..\ 1866 16,59E .6 295 .2 916 .2 16,809 .4 3,798 .2 220 1.8 ; 1,043 19.9 202 6.9 22,078 .4 1867 14,722 .5 340 .2 855 .1 15,923 .4 3,360 .2 233 1.9 913 10.2 221 7.2 20,660 .4 Cabbages Kohl R.ibi and n-mn / 1866 159,539 5.8 1,329 1.0 6,075 .8 165,943 4.7 49,949 3.4 6£ .6 in 3.3 75 2,6 210,207 4.3 • i .0 133,692 3.8 35,703 2,5 17 .1 152 4,9 169.723 Lucerne, and any other ( 1866 408,933 14.8 27,069 19.4 33,99f 5.1 470,000 13.2 40,143 2.7 1 SIC 2.5 158 3.0 1,521 51.8 512,134 10.1 Green C rop, except Clo er or Grass t Crops . . 1 1867 1806 383,478 14.3 21,013 15.2 19,804 S.O 424,355 12.1 37,128 2.0 j 192 1.5 225 4.0 1,527 49.7 463,^27 0.4 2.759.912 100.0 139,265 100.0 063,257 lOO.O 3,502,434 100.0 1,431,005 100.0 12,208 100.0 : 5,253 100.0 2,938 100,0 5,064,438 100,0 2,691,734 100.0 138,387 100.0 663,042 100.0 3,498,163 100.0 1,432,252 100.0 1 12,070 100.0 1 5,630 100.0 3,073 100.0 4,951,796 100.0 A FEW gentlemen belonging to the agricultural class, practical men as land agents and managers of landed property in this country, lately met to dine with and say farewell to one of their order who was about to proceed to Ireland to undertake the management of some landed estates in that country. In the course of the evening one of the party in returning thanks for his health being drank, spoke as follows : — I congratulate our friend on his appointment. I congratulate him because he will be placed iu a position to do much good to his fellow men ; he will be the right man for the place he is to fill. I say so from a considerable acquaintance I have had with him, and a pretty accurate knowledge of his character and disposition, which I take to be mild, calm, dispassionate, and conciliatory, yet firm withal should the occasion call for it ; just the kind of man to do business with the sensitive and impetuous race he is soon to mix with. I profess to know something of Ireland and the character of its people, having spent some pleasant years there in the earlier part of my career, and the opinion I then formed and still hold is, that the ordi- nary Irishman is impulsive, excitable, and rash handed under a sense of wrong ; but placable, generous, warm- hearted, and confiding under a sense of right; hospitable to a fault, grateful for kindnesses how- ever small : often simple-minded, one " who may be duped but won't be dared," a hearty friend, and it may be a sturdy enemy — in the latter character, however, I never knew them. It has been suggested that it is dangerous for a person acting in the capacity of land agent to reside in Ireland. 'I'hat may be so in some cases ; it would rest entirely with the agent; for my own part, I should apprehend no danger to person or property if I went there ■ to-morrow, because I should so act that " out of this nettle danger I might pluck this flower safety." I was appointed early in life to manage property in that country, but failing health obliged me after a few years to leave it, My position there brought me into contact A GOOD WOED FOE lEKLAND. with all parties, from the highest noble in the land to the humblest cottager, and! can truly say that the only danger which ever beset me— and I admit it was serious sometimes — was the unbounded kindness and hospitality of the people. " Speak well of the bridge which has borne you safely over " is a good precept, and I willingly obey it in the case of old Ireland. It has been said that in manners, habits, and character there is a great diflerence between the inhabitants of the northern province (Ulster) and the rest of the kingdom ; and no doubt, for a permanent residence, an Englishman would prefer the North, where he would be more likely to meet his co-religion- ists, and where the middle class are an educated, virtuous, intellectual, and kindly race, always ready to do you a good turn, though it should disadvantage themselves. And this feeling, or perhaps failing, is of course not confined to the North, but prevails with equal earnestness east, west, and south— indeed, I have sometimes thought that this exuberance of kindly feeling and inclination to serve a stranger, which is a distinguishing trait of the Irish character, has operated injuriously, and retarded the general prosperity of the countr.v; and if you will bear with me while I make a small digression, and have patience with the old man, not eloquent but garrulous, I will you why I think so. Gentlemen, our early education in the fields and woods, and our habits and pursuits in after life, have as it were compelled us to be students of natural history, and given us the chance of becoming naturalists iu a small way ; for let me say here, we can no moro become naturalists than we can become agri- culturists unless we have had the opportunity to begin young, for it has been truly said that Nature refuses to disclose her secrets to the man who when a boy had not trodden her courts, and hence it is that we see some crotchety but otherwise excellent men late in life take up one of the subjects referred to, which they merely handle but cannot master — men of that peculiarity or it may bo infirmity of mind, which is fertile in concocting theories, but barren, indiscri- minating, and imperceptive as to facts— great in the manufacture of airy nothings, but with mental vision sadly obscured >as to realities. Do we blame such men ? We blame them not : " eyes have they but they see not," and let us be thankful that we are not as some other men are, even as these Darwinians. Ai the same time, gentlemen, if we, too, were inclined to theorise, a new work might be written on natural history, in which man should be classed as the great cheating animal of the world, born into it with the genius, aptitude, and inclination to exact and over- reach, so that while he lives iu and passes through it, these are his governing attributes- mild and tempered down, it may be, in some climates and zones, as in Ireland, and intensified in others, as here with ourselves for instance, where in a business point of view an Eoglishmau's hand is against every man and every man's hand against him, his dictum is — " Get money : get it honestly if you can, but at all events get it ; get all you can, and keep all you get." Here we all are profitably selfish, every man for himself, and each anxious for his own aggrandisement and advance- ment in the world. You will do business with me, and make a profit from the transaction if you can, and I will act in the same way by you. If you owe me anything I do not forget it or forego the debt, but will shortly take you by the throat and say, " Pay me that thou owest ; " and you will act in the same manner towards me if I happen to be your debtor. I consider my well-being to be of the utmost importance, and I must maintain that at all risks, and at the sacrifice of yours if need be ; and you hold the same opinion as regards your material prosperity. It is diamond cut diamond all round, every man trying to attain wealth and position and independence at the expense of every other man at home and abroad. If not fishing he is mending his net, and occasionally trying to fish before the net, resolutely up to the mark, and always aiming to be on the winning side. This being the case individually, we become collectively a Mabch 7, 1S68.J THE GAiiDKNl'-HS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICDLTUIUL GAZETTE. 247 mighty phalanx— ricb, jiowerful, invincible. But in the relaxing climato of Ireland the national charac- teristics are quite different. An Irishman, if you meet him in his own country, will good-naturedly neglect his own affairs and interests for a time to assist you if you are in a strait. It gives him more pleasure to serve you than to serve himself. " He seeketh not his own, is not pulled up." He says hopefully, " Never mmd : to- morrow will bo as this day, and much more abundant ; ray little afl'air can stand over until then— meantime I am your most obedient, humble servant, only say the word." This unselfish, acquiescent, and take-things- easy manner, helps to make him poor, and keeps him so; and what is true of the individual becomes true of the community there as here. Now, our friend Smith says, this listlessness, lack of energy, and abandon which mark the Irishman in his own country are purely climatic. That climate, as regards Ireland, influences character, he proves by adducing the fact that when a native leaves that enervating region and betakes himself to this country, his prickles protrude at once, and at once he becomes as ferocious for gain as the native animal. Now, whatever may have been, or still is, the cause of this distinctive mark as regards the Irish character in Ireland, it is clear that in legislating for that country, such distinction should be taken into account, steadily kept in view, and acted on. Looking at the natural characteristics of the people of Ireland, and looking also at the peculiarity of their country as one solely agricultural, one cannot fail to be conviuced that laws which are suitable for England are not suit- able for Ireland without large modifications. It has been said to indicate great lack of professional skill to prescribe one remedy for all ills, and all constitutions, and all patients. Ireland, it is feared, has long been subjected to this treatment, to give it no harsher name, and the disastrous results have long been painfully obvious. In fact, when one reflects on the past history and present state of that country, and that with thebestintentionsof ourEnglish rulers English rule hag been a failure, one is half inclined to entertain the opinion of the late Daniel O'Connell— namely, that Ireland, to be prosperous, must be ruled by Irishmen, in Ireland. Discarding this theory, however, for the present, I should be inclined to adopt a more feasible one, and to say, let us make good the foundation before we attempt the superstructure; and what is that foundation ? Her agriculture, surely. So I think, and so, I feel certain, all here think ; and every friend of Ireland should raise his voice at this crisis, and emphatically declare that her mainstay now, as ever, must be her agriculture— that mighty interest before which all other interests must bend, and to which all others owe fealty— a system calculated to be the life- buoy and safety-valve of society in that country- a system which, if you guard it, will minister to your health, peace, and competence ; but pull it down if you can, and it will bury you in the ruins ; a system which seems all simplicity on the surface, but the depth of its details and their bearings on society, morally, socially, and politically, who can fathom ? Certainly those men could not who legislated for Ireland in 1849. It is very sad to reflect that so much gall and bitterness exist in a Und which ought to be flowing with milk and honey. Given one of the finest and most fertile countries in the world, inhabited by a noble and generous people— to find the amount of happiness and prosperity they enjoy, and what are the dis- turbing influences which prevent this problem being worked out to its legitimate sequence ? I think a large landed property in Ireland, such as our friend will soon be in charge of, may be taken to represent Ireland itself— the kingdom in miniature; and the management which would secure prosperity and peace on the smaller portion, would have the same effect if applied to the larger. How, therefore, will our friend proceed to secure these blessings to the little kingdom of which he is to be king and governor ? Simply by the pursuit of agriculture in the first place, and by taking care that cultivation shall be remunera- tive ; that the little capital of the cultivator shall be returned to him with a profit, if not by ordinary means, then by means extraordinary, remembering that " unproductive expenditure is actually as great a waste of labour, time, and material, as if the whole money had been thrown into the sea;"** and remember- ing, also, that the old stock phrase about a man being a benefactor to his country who makes two blades of Grass to grow where only one grew before, is not an abstract truth. It only becomes true when certain conditions have been complied with. These, are that the two blades have been produced at no more expense than that which was employed in the production of one. If it cost double as much to produce two as one, then there was no benefaction in the case ; and if the two blades cost three times the labour and expense of one, then there was not only no advantage gained, but a positive loss incurred. We had bought our gold too dear. When one hears from Ireland, as we lately did, of men assembling in solemn conclave there, to talk over the ills of their country, and ostensibly to suggest measures of redress, and after all to find that only nonsense had been talked for three hours, one is led to conclude that such men have no capacity for, or incli- nation to study the cause and cure of their grievances— that in the instance referred to they had not conde- scended to exercise their judgment in the matter at all, and that in fine they had brought with them no know- ledge whatever of the subject. How, it may be asked, coiSd such men be useful legislators there if left to themselves ? How could Ireland become prosperous under their sole government and guidance ? — kindly, good-natured, generous men undoubtedly, the best of neighbours and friends, but not appreciative or descri- • Daiiy Neva. minating, or with grasp of mind for great purposes. I make this remark as applying generally and to the people e)i masse, not forgetting that some of the greatest men the world ever saw were Irishmen, nor forgetting that, in their several professions, some of the greatest men of the present day are Irishmen. Our friend goes to Ireland in troublous times, it must be confessed ; but if, as I believe, Ireland's troubles and those of England in connection with Ireland have arisen solely in consequence of a disre- gard for Ireland's agriculture and Ireland's agricul- tural population, then the presence there of such men may be looked upon as presaging good. He, we know, is a first-class practical agriculturist and something more, and more will be required. Not only is the improved cultivation of the soil desirable, but the cul- tivation and improvement of the relations between landlord and tenant are not less so. Great care, caution, and circumspection should be exercised on all occasions when land is to be let, exchanged or trans- ferred among the smaller ten.antry. Anything that may look like partiality or unfairness must be studiously avoided ; and the principle will hold good there as here, namely, that it is better to let land for agricultural purposes slightly under than anything over the value ; it is better for all parties, but more es])ecially for the owner, that his land should be let at a shilling an acre less than a shilling an acre more than the value ; and in fixing that value, regard should be had to its natural quality alone- not its artificial state. In these and other matters landlords are often apt to take a false view of things, and can only be put right by the explanation of a clever practical agent. Thus we sometimes see a tract of bad laud let at a low rent, not its value, to some enterprising speculating tenant of skill and capital, by the application of which in the shape of good husbandry and abundant liming and manuring good crops are raised. Should the landlord come along and see these he is apt to think that a great mistake has been made — that the supposed bad land is now good land, that it has been let too low, and that the rent should be raised — forgetting that no man can make naturally bad land permanently good land, that while the manures are poured in crops will come : while the causes are continued so will the effects con- tinue—withhold these for a couple of seasons and the land will revert to its original state. Furnish mo "with all appliances and means to boot," and I will undertake to grow crops on a turnpike road, but that would be no reason for charging an extra rent for the surface Macadamised. It is to be regretted that no machinery, so far ;is I am aware, exists in Ireland by the operation of which the annual average price of grain could be ascertained and published, because, however well corn rents might answer there they could not be introduced without this preliminary measure to enable a standard of price to be arrived at. In Scotland the " fiar prices" and in this country " the weekly averages" meet the case, and something corresponding thereto should be established in Ireland. I believe that well-arranged corn rents would be a great boon for that country, as never failing to represent the value — neither more nor less — of all arable lands, at all times, and under all fluctuations of price— so far favouring the tenant, and satisfying him that he is being fairly dealt with, while the landlord is also fairlydealt with, and for this reason, namely, that as ] the value of land depends upon the value of the produce of land, he is placed in a position to obtain that v.alue at all times, though the amount may vary one year with another. I know, and some of you al.^o know, of several properties, more especially of one, in this country where a corn-rent tenure on all holdings, large and small, has been the rule for the past 20 years, and with the best results. Speaking of corn rents reminds me of corn cultiva- tion. It is to be hoped our friend will not adopt that pernicious advice given so plentifully some time since, to the effect that no Wheat should be grown in Great Britain or Ireland. I have no fear that he will countenance this monstrous doctrine, which was, in fact, to my mind demolished by the speech of a land- lord or his agent on Wheat-growing, made at a recent rent audit, addressed to the tenantry then present, and published in the AgricuUnral Oazetfe. Only those who have resided for some years in Ireland, and know what cultivation and production mean, can be aware of the vast fertility of the soil of that country ; added to this, the humidity and mild- ness of the climate seem wonderfully suited to and accelerative of the growth of green or root crops. More than 30 years ago I remember having seen crops of Swedes weighing over 36 tons per statute acre, and the yield and quality of grain appeared to me not less remarkable. I happened to be in Ireland on business — I think in 1833— and was asked to attend an exhibi- tion of grain. Wheat, Oats, and Barley, which was bsing held under the auspices of the agricultural society of the district, who had ofl'ered prizes for the best samples. The superior quality of the articles shown was calculated to surprise and please everyone interested in the prosperity of the country. The prize sample of Wheat was pronounced by the judges to be one of the best they had ever seen ; the prize parcel of Oats was, I remember, of the Potato variety, and weighed -IS lb. per imperial bushel; the Barley was a beautiul bright sample, and weighed h^\ lb. per bushel. I have no doubt that drainage will be required over a considerable extent of the property our friend is to manage. According to my experience I should say to him— never allow a small farmer to attempt drainage on his own account on the land he occupies without close supervision. As it does not follow that we venti- late because we make holes with that intention, so neither does it follow that we drain because we out certain trenches with that intention. Expense is often incurred in those cases, and the result is mischief. Good drainage is science and art— science and skilled labour going hand in hand— a combination which we must not expect to find in the possession of small farmers in any country ; moreover, small farmers have not the requisite tools, and though they had, would fail in that dexterity in using them which comes so easy to the practised drainer. For my own part I have always employed one of the public companies. "The used key is always bright," and so their men, superiors and subordinates, being in constant practice, are always up to their work, which they carry out and finish in such a style as to ensure success. Should a landowner happen to have any surplus capital and wet lands at the same time, there is no investment that will pay him like drainage. We have all known instances, many of them where the additional value of the first crop after drainage has paid for the work, but apart from this there can be no question that drainage done by borrowed money is of advantage to all parties— tho landlord, the tenant, the labourer, and the public. Unfortunately, capital for such purposes in Ireland is not always attainable, thus illustrating the old adage, that one evil begets other evils— a fact too well-known and too often experienced in Ireland's history; and gentlemen, after all that may be said and all that may be done to stimulate production and extend improve- ments in Ireland, it is perfectly clear that all efforts will be futile unless the value of the produce of the soil exceeds the costs of production. How stands this matter with the mercantile and trading community — What do they say in their advertisements and business circulars ? They say this — " We agree to sell you our goods at such and such a price, which will leave us only a small share of profit." Here you see these men stipulate for " a profit;" without that they could not go on, their business must collapse, they would have to shut up shop and emigrate ; just what the Irish small farmer was obliged to do in 1849 and since, up to 1867, because in offering his manufactured goods for sale, not only could he obtain no profit, but was compelled to a submit to a loss on every transaction. Unfortunately for themselves, and all persons connected with them, there. is no class of men amongst us who so strikingly illustrate the fable of the " Bundle of Sticks " as our land proprietors. Introduce in the Senate any subject bearing on agriculture, or one the adoption of which is calculated to advance the interests thereof, and do our proprietors thereupon sink their political differences for tho nonce and join together to carry the point ? No such thing. The subject is made a party question at once, the main object is ignored altogether, the supre- macy of agriculture is lost sight of, the great aim being to maintain the political supremacy of party, and in this way the well-being of the poorer cultivators of the soil is sacrificed. Of course, there is no one at this time of day who would think of objecting to, or ani- madverting upon, or offering obstruction to the course of free trade in the abstract ; at the same time, as regards Ireland, every unprejudiced man of common sense and discernment, who has weighed the subject, and knows the circumstances of the case, must admit that the measure referred to was a " heavy blow and great discouragement" to the agriculture of that king- dom : he who runs may read that fact, and " the way- faring man though a fool cannot err therein." The case was different here : England, being a great com- mercial and manufacturing country, full of wealth, and power, and with various measures of mitigation at command, bore up under the infliction, and overcame it; but Ireland, poor, and with nothing to depend on but her agriculture, and no mitigating circumstances in her case, succumbed at once ; just, as if you take a shilling from a man who has 20, you still leave him 19, and his energy and enterprise and remaining capital to work upon will soon enable him to recover the loss, but if a man has but one shilling, and you take that away you make him poor indeed : and this was the relative position of the two countries at the time referred to, and herein lay the necessity for special legislation in the case of Ireland. Now, when a skilful ploughman, who ploughs with two horses abreast, is about to break in a colt to form one of his team some future day, how does he proceed ? The colt of course is weak as compared with the older horse he is to work against, but the ploughman resorts to the special practice usual in such cases, alters the point of draught on the swingle-trees in favour of the colt, and gives him a greater lever power, and so puts him on a par with the horse for the time being; and the young fellow goes on in the furrow all day wondering at his strength, and no doubt thinking when evening comes that he has done very well indeed for a colt. Now, we want the plough- man's practice in this respect applied to the legislation of Ireland ; give her a greater lever power to enable her to overcome her disability. Give her legislative advantages to enable her gradually to grow in power and strength, and when by these means she becomes, as she will, Amazonian like her sister, she will repay you a hundred-fold ; and as an incentive, keep in mind the memorable words of Adam Smith, when he said, "Agriculture is the first and greatest concern of any nation, and the foundation of its prosperity in every other matter." We have all observed the intense desire there is in every man in every station of life to occupy and cultivate land. The merchant prince con- templates purchasing an estate, and settling down as a country squire ; and should he do so, his descendants after three generations will come to be acknowledged by the country party as one of themselves, and entitled to be classed as landed gentry. The trader is anxious to give up town life and retire to the country and take a farm, that he may be able to show his farming neighbours a great light when he settles amongst them as a farmer, and finds after some years that the only light he can show is a light purse ! Tho 248 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Maech 7, 1S68. village shoemaker and tailor are anxious to have plots of ground assigned to them, and so is the agri- cultural labourer. When a farm or any portion of cultivated land is to be let, how many are the appli- cants asking to be admitted to possession? The decree which originally went forth— that man should till the ground from whence he was taken, has remained in full force ever since. A wise, overruling Providence has so ordained it, and has implanted in the breast of charge was greater one second than the next, as if there was an undue accumulation of water in certain parts of the drain, owing to inequality of fall. By admitting air at the head of this drain its intermittent character was stopped, and to this day it runs copiously and regularly. As I have just said, I will offer no explana- tion of the effect produced. I am content to leave the discussion to others, for I have already expressed all I know of the theory of under-drainage in my short given before the man this universal impulse-that following it up and , published lecture on the subject, given befo: actin" upon it there may always be "Seed to the : students at the Royal Agricultural College at Ciren- sower and bread to the eater." And nowhere is this i cester. Let me add, as incidents bearing upon desire to occupy land so acutely ardent as in Ireland ; 1 atmospheric influence, that sound is communicated the smallness of the holdings— nine acres on the with great rapidity and clearness through drams. A avera<'e— making no difference in the largeness of the whisper uttered at one end of a long dram can be passion displayed by the Irish peasant farmer to obtain , heard with distinctness at the other, and I have known one orthetenacity with which when obtained he clings an impediment in a drain ascertained by placing a to the po5-e«sion We may imagine therefore the lighted candle at its mouth, the draught being very embittered feelings evoked by the (to them) ruthless I great if no impediment existed and air is admitted at measure before referred to, which wrested as it were ; the head of it, and imperceptible if the drain isstopped. their small holdings from them and drove them ; /. Bailei/ Denton, 22, Whitehall Place. [Has Mr. desDairin"lv from " the fairest of all fairy lands— the I Denton found that on shutting up the air passages to land of home-" and wo are now exemplifying the i which he alludes, the curious intermittence he names truth and force of the moral law, metaphorically ' has been reproduced. An experiment of this kind is exnressed " that those who sow the wind must expect ; needed, to establish the connection between the two. J to reap the whirlwind " ! Spring Seeds for the Farm.-This is the precise Where it may be asked, was that bird of ill : period when farmers are making their selection of omen— the raven of modern Penianism, hatched ? Grass seeds, commonly called artihoial Grasses, lor the The answer must be— In the United States of America. ! farm. There is no department of the business of the Amount whom there? Amongst the numerous j farm that requires greater care than this selection, and exiled Irish people who had retained strong feelings of there is none more carelessly attended to or practised, resentment against England and her rulers, believing | A few words upon the subject may be appropriate thatEn"lish rule had blasted theirworldlyprospectsand and useful. The seeds in their variety required driven them to seek a home in a foreign land. No doubt for farm service in the spring are chieHy the^e exiles had been " nursing their wrath " for years, Rye - grasses, annual, perennial, and Italian ; while their sous grew from boyhood to manhood, and Timothy- grass, and the many pasture Grasses, when the war broke out and they had assisted in the for permanent pasture. The Clovers — Uroad or subiueation of the South, they thought that before Annual Red, Perennial or Cow-grass,_White or Dutch doffiu" their 'soldiers' clothes they might play a little , Clover, Trefoil, Rib-grass, Tares, Spring and Winter, longer at soldiers— step over and take possession of : Lucerne, Sainfoin, and latterly we have the Kidney Irellmd ' Here you have the full pedigree of the , Vetch ; the Prairie-grass (Bromus SohrKden), the modern animal-egg and bird. Assuredly there could | Lupin, TrifoUum, &c. In selecting Rye-grasses, have been no Penianisra, at least no such outburst of 1 dependence upon the seedsman must be the it as we have lately witnessed, had those exa.sperated j guide as to the variety, but the farmer _ ought thousandsnotbeeninAmerica;andtheywouldnothave' to detect the seeds of weeds and mixtures, been there butpursingtheirbusiness at home, had wise i.e., Brome-grass, Twitch, Darnel, black-grass. Pall- government prevailed for Ireland ; hut we were not wise [ out-grass, &c. ; as also small seeds of Chickweed, in this respect and we have the result, a creation of | Spurrey, Groundsel, Poppy, Wild Carrot, and the like, our own And here we heat Dr. Darwin out of the i Brome-grass and Darnel , seeds are easily distm- field He descanted " on the origin of species " only— I guishable, being in form similar to Rye-grass, but we have originated or revivified a genus. I have spoken much larger. Twitch seed and Black-grass seed is before of the simple, confiding, acquiescent, credulous similar to Italian Rye-grass, hut thinner and smaller, character of the Irish people, and surely we could j The Chickweed is a very small lake or reddish- „ruceet not have had a clearer elucidation of it than in their coloured seed ; Poppy seed is similar, but larger. - 1= ^„„ jf recent foolhardy acts. As well might a couple Wild Carrot and weeds of that order are like of men putting out to sea in a small punt I Lettuce seed. Groundsel is like to Thistle seed in its expect to arrest the progress and make a prize feather. Timothy-grass is a pretty, light-coloured and of the Great Eastern when under full steam and bright seed, and stray weeds are easily detected in a all sail set, as for Fenians to expect to make a prize of sample of it. The pasture Grasses >re very many, and Ireland. It is to be hoped that our statesmen will now generally much adulterated or intermixed, as also con- deem it their dutv to turn over a new leaf, and take ! taining many small seeds of weeds. Farmers desirous some pains to study the peculiar situation, circum- 1 of forming a good permanent pasture should order stances, and character of Ireland— geographically, I each variety, and have them in separate bags for their only a hop, step and jump from England, but the poles • own mixing prior to sowing. The Clovers are all of asunder in other respects ; and this national difference doubtful character, and require very close examina- certainly demands a distinct and specific system of rule, putting agriculture and its means of prosperity in the van, and contending that the cultivation of the soil must be made remunerative to the cultivator for some years, either " in meal or malt" — that is, if meal won't then malt must. I believe that up to the present period no one can say that the circumstances of Ireland have been at all improved by the bickerings and recrimination which have been going on time out of mind about ihe Established Church, the Maynooth grant, the national schools, the Regium donum, Protestant ascendancy, and other hones of contention, all of which, one would think, might now be very properly labelled " Caput mortuum," and consigned to a certain often-quoted tomb, with the assent and consent of all parties. Theory of TJnder-drainage. — If abstract theory were to rule in drainage without regard to those practical modifications which really raise the term " theory " to its true signification, there is no doubt but that- air shafts, for the direct admission of the atmosphere into the undeF-drains, would be deemed usele-ss, for, as vpater is 800 times heavier than air, and the existence of under-drains implies the existence of air in the soil to the depth of the drain, the rain falling on the surface of land must necessarily descend by its own weight to the level of the drains, by displacing the air in the soil in its passage downwards, and giving place in its turn to the upper atmosphere, which follows the rain ; but it really does so happen that the admission of air into long, flat under-drains operates favourably, by causing the water to bo voided more quickly than it would be without such aid. I am content to state this fact without attempting to explain the reason on scientific principles. In one remarkable case where I was draining an island— the surface of which was below the sea level at high tides, and it was most desirable to get the quickest possible discharge from the drains between each tide— I found this fact proved. I had observed that the water, from the under-drainage system adopted, was not discharged into the open cuts— which acted as reservoirs between tides-^with suffi- cient rapidity, and it was by a simple accident that I directed the foreman to go to the head of the principal main drain and dig down to the pipes, and let in air. The effect was almost instantaneous, the rate of dis- charge was increased greatly. Again, I had an im- portant drain on a large estate in a hilly district in Lancashire, which, when completed, discharged its water intermittently. I mean by this, that the dis- tion, but more particularly the red varieties. The seeds of the Broad Clover and the Perennial cannot be distinguished. The seedsman ought to ascertain the precise kind from the grower ; he alone is respon- sible for selling one for the other, and is liable to damages, as the Broad Clover is the most productive. These Clover seeds are infested with the seeds. of Dock, Sorrel, Chickweed, Poppy, Cornhin-weed, Daisy- weed, Buttercup, etc. These are all very injurious weeds. The Dock is most feared ; it is readily detected in samples from its triangular shape and bright copper colour. No farmer should sow seed so infested. Sorrel is like it, but smaller. The Daisy-weed seed is similar to Carraway seed. Cornbin-weedisadark-coloured,bright, triangular seed. These Clovers are also much adulter- ated with Rib-grass, in itself a Grass seed, but of much less value, as also with Trefoil, which is of still less value. These are readily detected in the sample, and ought not to he purchased, as greatly depreciating its value, besides yielding a far less valuable crop. White or Dutch Clover is often mixed with old seed ; this is chiefly known by its dull red colour, and ought to be discarded. The very small red seed with which it often abounds is Chickweed. Trefoil, Trifolium, and Rib-grass are generally free from adulteration, and the seeds are more distinct. Lucerne (a valuable herbage plant) is liable to admixture with large Trefoil seed, and is often kept in seedsmen's stores till nearly spoilt. Sainfoin is also a very valuable herbage plant on chalky and gravelly soils. The giant variety is the best. The Jonas, Colonel Kingscote,M.P., Mr. Pain, Mr. Randell, Mr. Read, M.P., Mr. Rigden, Mr. Sanday, Mr. Robert Smith, Mr. Shuttleworth. Mr. Stone, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Torr, Mr. Turner, Mr. AV'ebb, Mr. Wells, Major Wilson, Mr. Freer, Professors Simonds and Voelcker. The following new members were elected : — Baldwin, Thomas, Earlswood, Tamworth, Ilocklcy Heath Lincoln. Bates, John, Umberleigli House, near Barnstaple. Beart, Cb.arles. Stow Bardolpb, Kownham Market. Beer, James Henry, 29, St. George's Street, Canterbury. Bell, Ancell, The Manor House, North Kyme, Sleaford. Brandford, John "William, March, Cambridgeshire. Braxner, Rev. George E., Thurlaston Rectory, Hinckley. Bulkeley, C. Rivers, Bodylltyn, Ruabon. Cartwright, Robert Norton, Newbiggin, Morpeth. Casswell, George, Gosberton Bank, Spalding. Cox, William S., Sansom Wood, Calverton, Nottingham. Daintree, John Osborn, The Grange, Isleworth, St. Ives. Danby, Francis, Middledale, Driffield. Derham, William, Tottenham. Eden, Peter, Cross Lane, Salford, Lancashire. Eg^lestoD, E. J., Great Peatling, Lutterworth. Eggleston, W., Wigstou Magna, Leicester. Freeman, Edwin, Chilton, Thame. Haig, Geo. Augustus, Pen Itbon, Newtown, Mongomeryshire. Hambleton, Arthur P., Harley Thorn, Newcastle, Staffordshire, King, Walter John, Ipswich. Knight, Joseph, Glenparva Manor, Leicester. Lane, Lieut.-Oolonel J. H. B., Lilly Hill, Bracknell, Berks. Painter, Benjamin, Burley-on-tbe-HiU, Oakham. Parrott, Edward, Shirburn, Tetsworth, Oxon. Perkins, Walter, Southampton. Phipps, Filmer, River, Dover. Perrcy, Rev. John Morpeth W., Slawston "Vicarage, Market Hai-bo rough. Plant, Henry W. C, Burley Helds, Stafford. Sanday, George Henry, Holmepien-epont, Nottingham. Staveley. John, Dotterill Park. Driffleld. Straker, Henry, Riding Mill, Northumberland. Stubbs, William, Rickerscote, Stafford. Summers, Thomas, jun., Crowgreaves, Shiffnal. Swanwick, RusseU, The College Farm, Cirencester. Timmis, Charles, Brick House, near Stafford. Turner, Thomas, Mitcbfield, Ross, Herefordshire. Wilson, William, Park Farm, Cholmondeley, Nantnlch. Finances. — Lord Bridport, chairman, presented the report, from which it appeared that the secretary's receipts during the past mouth had been examined by the Committee, and by Jlessrs. Quilter, Ball, & Co., the Society's accountants, and were found correct. The balance in the hands of the bankers on Feb. 29 was leiSi. 12s. U. The arrears of subscription are considerably reduced through the agency of the Society's solicitor, but there still remains a large sum in arrear from members residing at or in the neigh- bourhood of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and the Committee recommend that the secretary be authorised to take legal proceedings to recover the amount there and "necessary. This report was adopted. JouHNAL.— Mr. Thompson, chairman, reported that the forthcoming number has been unavoidably delayed, but will, it is hoped, bo in the hands of members in about a fortnight. The essays competing for the Society's prizes for 1S6S have now been received. In Class v.— subject, "The Preservation of Timber"— there is no competition. In the other 10 classes the number of essays sent in is a full average. Implements. — Colonel Challoner, chairman, re- ported that the Committee had carefully considered the series of resolutions passed at a meeting of the agricultural implement manufacturers on the 3d of February, and referred to the Committee by the Council, and that the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :— (1.) That in order to reduce the number of implements to be tried at each Show, so as to .afford time for thorough testing, it is desirable that a further subdivision in the classes should be made, and your Committee recommend the adoption of the following classification, to commence in 1869 ; — \Sm.—Mai:Jdiia a,id luijiteMentsjor the Harvesting of Crops : Mowing machines, reaping do, , hay-making do., hay collectors, horse rakes, carts and waggons, liquid manure carts. ISIO.— Fixed Engines, -worked by Stean and other Power, and Machines for Preparing Food for Stock : Fi.>ced engines, chaff cutters, cake breakers, com crushers, com mills. Linseed mills. Turnip cutters, root pulpers, steaming apparatus, dairy implements, bone mills, guano breakers, coprolite mills, tile machinery, draining tools, Flax -breaking machines, horse iiil.—Machuienj for the Ctilticalion of ihe Land by Steam- pojoer and Traction Engines. lS7i.— Portable Steam, Engines and Machines and Implenients for Preparing Crops for Market : Portable steam engines, threshing machines, straw elevators, seed shellers, com dress- ing machines, com screens, barley hummeUers, corn drying machines. 1ST3.— iVac/ii,iM and Implements for the Tillage of land by Horse-power ; Ploughs, harrows, rollers, clod-crushers, culti- vators and scarifiers, digging machines, Potato diggers, drills, horse-hoes and manure distributors. (2.) Th.at it bo considered an invariable rule that the trial of each class of implements shall take place under the super- intendence of three judges. I (3.) That the prize list and all the conditions connected with. kidney^Vetch is rather new. It is a valuable herbage ,,(^'LStS^rd"t!SrofiS.Xmen\TsLTbrpulusS^ plant, but better grown for its hay than lor grazing. least twelve months beforehand, and, if practicable, not later It scarcely shrinks in making into hay, and is 11! Clover hay in quality. The Prairie-grass is very like the common Brome-grass, but grows much faster and stronger— perhaps the earliest Grass known. The writer has a plot now (Slarch 2) nearly ready for the scythe. O. F. Societies. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL OF ENGLAND. Monthly Council : TVednesday, March -1, 1868.— The Duke of Richmond, K.G., President, in the chair. Present, the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot, Lord Bridport, Lord Chesham, Lord Tredegar Lord Vernon, ... „ — ....._., — ,— ,°— 7,- ,-- - . -• ^ Sir J. V. B. Johnstone, Bart., M.P., Sir A. K. Mac- science of agriculture, and also the pleasure deiived donald, Bart, SirT. Western, Bart.,M.P Mr.Acland ' '- ■-■-' - """'- '='■" -^ -' " «^ ™.r,nnd = the 1st of July in the year preceding each Show (4 ) That the trials shall commence sufficiently early for them all to be concluded, and the aw.ards made known, before the opening of the Show to the public. (5.) That at Leicester the trials of tillage implements worked by horse-power shall commence on Thursday, the 0th of July : .and all such implements, if intended for trial, must be delivered in the Show-yard not later than Tuesday, the 7th (ti j That a preliminary trial of machinery for the cultiva- tiou of the land by steara shall take place at Leicester, and a selection of machines then made for further trial after harvest. Mr. Larking, the representative in England of the Viceroy of Egypt, having expressed to the Society the great interest taken by his Highness in promoting the M.P., Mr. Amos, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Barnett, Mr, Bowly, Jlr. Bramston, Mr. Cantrell, Colonel Challoner, Mr. Clive, M.P., Mr. Davies, Mr. Dent, M.P., Mr. Druce, Mr. Edmonds, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, Mr. Holland, M.P., Mr. Hornsby, Mr. Wren Hoskyns, Mr. from a visit to their Show-yard at Bury St. Edmund's during his short stay in this country, announced the anxiety of his Highness to offer a Prize Cup to be awarded by the Society at their next show of agri- cultural implements, and the Committee recommend that the offer of his Highness the Viceroy of Egypt, of Maech 7, ifGS.] THE GAl^DENERS* OMONICLE AND AGT^TrTTETUT^AE TrAZETTR 249 a prize "lor the best implement for the cultivation of the soil by steam power, combining strength with simplicity of construction, for use in foreign countries, ■where skilled labour for repairs is difiicult to be pro- cured," be accepted by the Council. This report was adopted. Leicester Meeting. — Mr. Thompson reported the desire of tlie local Committee for information as to the number of beds required forjudges lodgings, which the secretary was directed to furnish. Mr. Torr had reported that the levelling in the Show-yard is extremely w^ell done, to a greater extent even than had been asked for, and will be all finished in a week or ten days. The new road is all gravelled and finished. It is recommended that the admission to the Grand Stand shall be by payment of 2s. 6d. each person on each day of the Show. An application to admit a printing press into the Show-yard was declined, on the ground that it is not for sale. This report was adopted. Show-yabd Contract.— Exhibitors will be charged for shedding in the machinery-in-motion yard at the rate of 5s. per foot for the 25 feet span by 12 feet to the eaves; and Ss. Gd. per foot for the 20 feet span by 10 feet to the eaves. The plan of the Yorkshire horse-boxes vras approved by the Committee. Veterinary.— Mr. Dent, M.P., reported that the Committee have received the report of the Governors of the Royal Veterinary ! College, who strongly urge the necessity for an efiicient inspection of all imported animals, and the establishment at the ports of importa- tion of quarantine establishments. They also call attention to the unauthorised use of the title of Veterinary Surgeon by persons in no way qualified to discharge the duties for which genuine and attested veterinary surgeons should be prepared, and the incompetency of many persons who were appointed veterinary inspectors during the existence of the cattle plague. To remedy these evils the assistance of the Legislature is required, and both on this subject and the question of the treatment of imported animals the Governors of the Royal Veterinary College request the co-operation of the Council of the Royal Agricul- tural Society of England. Included in the general report is a special report from Professor Simonds, from which the following extracts, relating to contagious diseases of cattle, sheep, and pigs, will be found to contain matters of consider- able interest:— " The rhief event of public interest connected with veteri- nary science has been the complete extinction of the cattle plague, notwithstanding ita re-introduction into the metro- polis on two separate occasions, early in the year, by the pro- cess which is familiarly called 'stamping out,' and by the isolation of the diseased animals. This system was from the first advocated by the Professors, as the only effective means for freeing the country of the disease. " It is gratifying to observe that public opinion has at length fully cnncun-ed in the correctness of this view, as thereby an effectual security may be afforded against the spread of the plague in the event of its re-appearauco in this country. "No case of the malady has been officially reported since September 7, and there are no reasons to believe that any case has occurred subsequently. "Alarms have, nevertheless, been raised in several places, and some of these have been supported by the opinions of the veterinary inspectors. No reflections should, however, be cast on the inspectors in consequence of this, for experience has proved that there are few diseases in which the symptoms are so varied, and so little diagnostic of the true nature of the malady, as in the cattle plague ; but the highly infectious nature, and the non-spontaneous origin of the plague, aie undoubtedly its abiding properties. Every supposed out- break ought, therefore, to be investigated through the esta- blished data. Malignant aptba, gastro-enteritis, and enteric fever often present symptoms which are identical with those seen in some cases of plague ; and as these diseases have been more than usually rife during the last few years, the difficulty under which veterinary surgeons have been placed, when called upon to give prompt and decided opinions, has been considerably increased. By the direction of the Lord President of the Council I attended the International Congress of Veterinary Surgeons held at Zurich, from the 2d to the 8th of September, and took part in the discussions upon cattle diseases, especially those of a contagious nature. I also, by the request of the Royal Agricultural Society, made myself more practically acquainted with the Continental cattle traffic, 60 as to have a better understanding of the risk which is incurred of the re-introduction of the cattle plague by our foreign importation. This risk is beyond doubt greatly increased by the extension of the railway system to theextreme confines of Eastern Europe, the home of the pest. Within a few days, often less than the ordinary period of incubation of the plague, cattle may be conveyed from Poland, Galicia, Hungary, and Lower Austria to England, and bring with them the seeds of the disease. The same facility of transit has widely diffused the area of danger in Bavaria, Moravia, Silesia, Bohemia, Ac. " Countries which furnish a veiy large 'proportion of our supplies are now rarely free from the plague, and at this very time the disease is prevalent in Moravia and Silesia. " Among the resolutions come to by the Congress was one to the effect that the experience gained by the great spread of the cattle plague, during the last two years, had shown the perfect inutility of every means of clearing a country of the disease short of kiUing the infected animals and disinfecting everything with which they had come in contact. The Congress also arrived at the conclusion that the same experience had incontestibly proved that sheep and goats were highly susceptible of the infection of cattle plague, and that in numerous instances they had not only contracted the disease themselves from cattle, but had re-comraunicated it to cattle and other ruminating animals. These conclusions are of the utmost importance, especiaUy when it is remembered that in this country there are still many who do not believe that sheep can become affected with the cattle plague. It should further be stated that these conclusions were luiani- mously adopted, and that little short of 200 delegates from nearly every Government of Europe, including the Professors of the several schools, not excepting even those of Russia and Turkey, were present at the meeting. "With regard to other diseases of a contagious nature affecting cattle in particular, I have to observe that both pleuro-pncumonia and the foot-and-mouth disease are again on the increase, now that the restrictions upon the movements of cattle, rendered necessary by the plague, have been removed. It was observed with satisfaction durmg the continuance of tha restrictions alluded to, that these diseases were so diminished in frequency as to render their existence in the cuiintry cimipiu;itivcly nf little importance. Thin f;u-t is .pf great significance, as illustrative of the plan by which the losses hitherto incurred were greatly lessened, and by which such losses may hereafter be diminished if the disease is not entirely got rid of. It is to bo remembered that pleuro- pneumonia is just as fatal now as when it was first observed in England, and medical treatment is of no greater avail in staying its progress. Prophylactic measures are alone useful, and the one which stands before all others for simplicity and effectiveness is that of preventing a free intercommunication between bovine animals when suffering from tho malady. As compared with recent years, but few cattle or sheep havo been admitted into tho Infirmary, and none of the cases call for any special notice in a report of this kind. " Several animals of both classes have, however, been kept throughout the year for experimental purposes, and especially for testing, by inoculation, the various morbid products of cattle alleged to be tho subjects of the plague. In the recently reported outbreak of this disease in Ber\vickshire, where the conclusion I arrived at was directly opposite to the expressed opinions of tho Professors of the Edinburgh school and three other veterinary surgeons, three animals, two heifers and a steer, were experimentally inoculated with matter obtained from one of the Berwickshire animals, but without any ill-effects whatever being produced. " At the present time some experiments are being con- ducted for ascertaining, if possible, the length of time the cattle plague vii-us will retain its infectious properties, "The failure hitherto of the inoculations, owing to the length of time the virus has been kept, together with the non-existence of the disease in the country, and the great caution which will have to be observed in dealing with such a virulent animal poison, should fresh virus be procured, in- crease considerably the difficulties of arriving at a true solu- tion of the problem, and may probably prevent its being now obtained. " Other experiments are being continued to test the sup- posed contagiousness of ' foot rot ' among sheep. The opinion that the disease is a catching one is of ancient date, and pretty widely diffused, but it may be doubted whether this opinion be positively correct. "In due time the result of these experiments wi'l be reported. "The experiments with the small-pox virus of sheep, alluded to in my report of last year, have shovra, that after being preserved for five months in the ordinary manner on ivory points, it still retains sufficient activity to be used with success. A fact of this kind is of much practical importance, although experience may have shown that in natural out- breaks of the disease fresh sheep may occupy with safety the places in which infected animals had been kept, " In concluding this report it only remains that I should state, that within the last few weeks my attention has been officially called to a case of trichiniasis in a pig. The formidable cntozoa on which this disease depends, and which have produced so sad a destruction of human life in Germany and elsewhere, among persons partaking of infected pork, would thus appear to have gained a footing in this country. To what extent this may be the case cannot at present be ascertained. The pig which was found to be affected by this disease was reared imder very peculiar circumstances, and the discovery of its flesh being loaded with trichinife was made in time, it is hoped, to prevent any mischief being done. The case is under investigation by the order of the Government, and no means will be spared to dispel the mystery by which it is surrounded. "The person who made the discovery is a practical micro- scopist, and as he had preserved portions of tho flesh in various antiseptic fluids, I have been enabled to procure a supply of it, by which the destructive influence of these fluids on the life of the entozoa may be tested by feeding some of the small carnivora and other animals with the trichiniscd flesh. These experiments arc being carried on within the College, and the results of them, as also of others mentioned in this report, will in due time be laid before you." In the month of Ausust, 1865, Mr. Ernes was sent by the Government to a Veterinary Congress at Vienna. On his return he was requested to furnish a report to the Society of the matters discussed. This report was received in November, 1805, and referred by the Vete- rinary Committee to Professor Simonds. The paper had been mislaid for some time, and Professor Simonds reports that its contents principally refer to the details of the proceedings of the Congress, and are of little present interest. But inasmuch as Mr, Ernes was put to some expense and trouble in translating and tran- scribing these minutes at the request of the Society, the Committee recommend that 10/. be paid to him for the trouble incurred. This report was adopted. Chemical.— Sir J, Johnstone, Bart., M.P., presented the following report :— " Professor Voelcker reported that he had received three reports on field experiments on Potato and Clover culture, indicating the utility of mixing phosphatic manures with salts of potash, instead of using them separately, thus establishing the fact that the use of phosphates alone, or salts of potash alone, have but little effect ; whereas the combi- nation of the two had produced most satisfactory results. This has been especially tho case with respect to Clover experiments, conducted by Mr, Coleman at Escrick Park. That this is not an accidental result, is proved by similar experiments on the Continent, Arrangements hive been made for father field experiments of a similar character during the current year. "The Prof essor has produced four papers for the last and forthcoming Journal, which are annexed, viz., in vol. iii., part 2, 1867—1. Eield Experiments on Root Crops ; 2. Com- position and Nutritive Value of Anthyllis Vulneraria (Lady's I-lnger) as a Fodder Plant, in vol. iv., part 1, 1868—3. On the Solubility of various forms of Phosphate of Lime, and the Efficacy of the different States in which Bone Manures are used in Agriculture ; and, 4. On the Composition and Nutri- tive Value of TrifoUum Striatum ; and for which we ask the usual grant. ■' Four samples of cake, containing traces of the Curcas Bean, which grows at tlie Cape de Verd Islands, havo been lately forwarded to Professor Voelcker. This cake is of a very poisonous character : one sample was from South Wales, and two others had been purchased at Hull." Education. — Mr. Holland, M.P., reported the names of Mr. Edmonds and Mr. Jacob Wilson as examiners in practical agriculture. The number of candidates entered for examination is 18. The exami- nations will take place as follows : — Tuesday, 21st April.— Science and Practice of Agriculture, VI A.M. to 1 P.M. Chemistry, paper and vivd voce, 2 p.m. to 4 P.M. Wednesday, 22d April. — Mechanics, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Land- surveying and Book-keeping, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, 23d April,— Geology, 9 a.m. to U a.m. Veterinary Science, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. iiotany, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Vivd voce in Agriculture, morning and afternoon. This report was adopted. Committee of Selection.— Mr. Thompson, chair- man, reported tho recommendation of the Committee that the name of Mr. Robert Charles Ransome, of Holton Hill, Ipswich, be submitted to the Council to fill the vacancy caused by tho resiRnation of Mr. Hudson. Mr, Uansomo having been proposed by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Sir. Itandell, was then unanimously elected a member of Council. Foreign Cattle.— Mr. Reid, M.P., having moved that this Council considers the recommendations of the Governors of the Royal Veterinary College can only be successfully carried out by the establishment of separate markets for the sale and slaughter of all foreign fat animals and effectual quarantine of all foreign store stock at the ports of entry was seconded by Mr. Jonas, and tho motion was carried unanimously. A copy of the resolution and of the report of the Governors was directed to be forwarded to the Lords of the Privy Council, Farmers' Clubs. London : Marck2. — Dairt/ Factories. — Mr, Jackson, of Tattenhall, Cheshire, read a paper on this subject, of which we must this week be satisfied to give a mere abstract. Mr. Jackson first referred to the extent of the cheese manufacture :— Some idea of the enormous national value of milk to this country may be formed from the fact that in Cheshire alono, before the cattle plague, the annual value of the milk pro- duced must have considerably exceeded two millions sterling; and this is only one of the many English, Scotch, and Welsh milk-producing districts, and probably one-half of this enor- mous quantity of milk is annually converted into cheese. And could some more perfect and satisfactory mode of cheese- making be brought into general practice, so that cheese-making might be as profitable as it ought, we should doubtless by improved quality be as far then as we are now from over- taking the ever-increasing demand for good cheese. The importance of adopting the cheese factory system in order to the full development of the dairy industry in cheese counties, was then illustrated by a number of communications from Cheshire dairy farmers and others, and the following are some of the conclusions arrived at : — Small Dairies. Cheese Factories, 1st. Fine cheese cannot, as a 1st, Fine, handsome, beau- rule, be made to command, tiful cheese can at all seasons on a small scale, a high price ; of the year be manufactured, for, on a small scale, a suffi- as seen at that eminently snc- cicnt number of cows aro not cessful Cheshire cheese fac- kept to make a bold, hand- tory, Ridley Hall, where 130 some cheese : and even at cows were kept, and where Chesterfair, I have frequently tho " fodder " or " boosey known an extra 10s. or 12;!. cheese " commanded, early, per cwt. given simply for size often a better price than the and beauty. generality of good Grass cheese. 3rd. On a small scale, tho 3d. At the factory, as at our dairy is used as a common large breweries, by a simple cooking kitchen, subject to contrivance, the daily tempe- offensive smells, colds, and raturo can be regulated at heats, and the night's milk pleasure ; and the dairy is in generally kept in badly-vcn- America generally detached r>th. On the small .scale there is noproper convenience for heating the milk to a proper temperature for the rennet to a::t, and the hand used for a thermometer. 8th. On a small scale there is no proper place to put the cheese for the first 12 or 15 hours after made. 0th, On the small scale, cheese is often in variable weather spoiled by being pressed in too hot or too cold a place. 5th. At the factory the night's milk is put into tubs, holding from 1000 to 2000 gallons, and in a few minutes, by a simple refrigerator, cooled to a temperature that will keep sweet for two days in the hottest weather. 8th. At the factory, a pro- perly contrived hot closet, heated from the steam boiler, can be arranged and main- tained at the required given temperature. 0th. At the factory, the press room, kitchen, and cheese rooms are all heated or cooled by hot and cold- water pipes, according to the state of the surrounding atmo- 11th, At the factory, every thing is done by rule, and a diarj' kept — science and manu- facturing philosophy being brought to the test of expe- 11th. On a small scale, ten times as man.y dairymaids are required, and hardly one in a thousand experienced dairy- maids to be had. Lastly. The value of choose Lastly. On a large scale, on a small scale was again tho value was seen by the not unfairly represented at same buyergiving,atthe same last Chester fair, where there fair, for a renowned beautiful was a good deal of cheese, and lot 76s. ; or 3i cwt, of the ono the bulk of it either taken yielded no more than 1 cwt. home or sold at from 10*. to of the other, and all made 15s, per cwt. below what .any- of milk of like value. Well thing in common AmericiUi might the late cheese-factor could be bought at Liverpool, Williams exclaim of those and ono large Manchester that made bad cheese, " What buyer boasted of having a pity they have not given bought several lots of Che- the milk to the pigs! they shire cheese at or under 30s., would then have had sweet and one lot at 22.t. 6rf. per cwt. pork," These are some of the facts, considerations, and argu- ments that have disposed Mr. Jackson, at first reluctant, to conclude that the make of EngUsh cheese would be generally improved by the introduction of "cheese factories," [We must postpone the appendix till next week.] Teade Lists.— Sutfo}is' Farm Seed List. Beading. Carter's Gardeners' and Farmers Vade-tnecum. 237, High Holborn. The former contains, besides a priced seed list and descriptions illustrated with chromo-hthographs, references to the cultivation of several of the crops whose seeds are offered. Kohl Rabi, and several of the Grasses are thus referred to. Of Bromus Schraeden we are told, ** all kinds of stock eat it freely. We have not found it so. Our cows made a ternble noise 250 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE ANT) AGRICFLTURAL GAZETTE, [Mabch 7, 1868. about it when the Italian Bye-grass was stopped and this Bromus given instead of it. Carter's Vade-mecum, equally serviceable as a seed list, contains a paper on laying down land to permanent Grass, from which the following extract is made ;— " The conditions of success in this are— (1) those of all successful cultivation, viz., that the soil to be sown be well tilled, and clean and dry; (2) that it be, although as deeply cultivated as may be, yet firm throughout, the result as much of the lapse of time enough since its last deep ploughing as of surface rolling; (3) that there be a sufficient quantity of fine mould to cover the seed raised on this firm soil by harrowing; (4) that good seed, clean, and of the right sorts and quantity, be sown and covered in at such a time as shall ensure the establishment of the young plants before any great trial, whether by drought or frost, comes on them ; and (5) that in the subsequent treatment justice be done to the plants themselves whose permanent produce you desire, and to the soil which feeds them, through whose constant fertility that produce alone can be obtained." Farm Memoranda. Abebdeenshiee Farm : March 3.— The weather still continues fine for the agriculturist. February has been remarkable for high winds, which in some cases have done a good deal of damage, more especially to stackyards and thatched houses ; but it has dried wet soils, so that they have been got ploughed in excellent order. Ploughing is far advanced, lea being all ploughed, and many close on their turnips; land which has hardly been dry since last year has been got ploughed in excellent order. We have had a good many important ploughing matches this season, and in most cases excellent work has been made. At one of these we had the satisfaction of seeing Mr. Pirie's, of Kinmundys, two-boarded plough at work, which is pronounced by judges to be a perfect success, and, when tried by the draught-gauge only required | cwt. more weight than a common single-furrow plough, and it was the common opinion that among loose land it would be a great saving.^ Stackyards stand out well, the dry, open winter saving a great deal of litter in courts and open boxes. The Royal Northern holds its show of seeds, roots, and stallions on the 6th ; the trial of implements set aside at the autumn show also takes place at the same time ; and, should the weather con- tinue as it is, sowing will be quite general. Most of the farmers in the higher districts will have all their seeds to buy, as it was so late. Much of it is not to be depended on, and we hear of some of them trying its germinating powers in flower-pots before risking it in the ground. Good seed Oats are selling very high, as much as 85s. per quarter being paid for them. Tur- nips are gettin" scarce ; and were it not that feeding stock are mostly all sold off early in Aberdeenshire, the bills for cake and other feeding stuffs would be enormous this season ; but straw being plenty, store stock will bo brought through as economically as pos- sible. Shorthorn sales are almost of daily occurrence, and what has been sold has brought fair prices. Some of the more important are yet to come, such as the Messrs. Cruiokshanks', of Sittyton, and Campbell, Kinnellar. Since the great achievements of Mr. M'Combie's polled ox at the Christmas shows, a good many of that breed have been sold into England and elsewhere. We saw the other day six leaving Alford station for a gentleman near Manchester, also some yearlings going to Leicestershire. We find by looking over Mr. Ponbianque's statistical tables that Aberdeen- shire stands conspicuous as having most cattle of all ages of any county in Scotland, also that we have in- creased greatly since 1856, as we find the number of cattle stated at that time to be 141,789, and in 1867 they are 140,297. We also find by the same tables that Aberdeenshire grows a fifth part of all the turnips grown in Scotland. We have read with much interest your correspondent " W. A.'s " sketch of the life of the Scottish ploughman, and we must own that much of it is " owre true a tale," but also that much of it must refer to a period gone by ; and our own experience is, that within the last ten years a great difference is to be observed on farm servants in general, and we have no doubt but the cheap Press has much to do with the change. If "W. A." would take a look into some of our bothies in Aberdeenshire he would find the lads perusing the latest parliamentary intelligence, and dis- cussing some of the debates with great spirit; and the columns of a newspaper published in Aberdeen and Dundee lately gave proof that some of them could handle the pen as well as the spade. The paper we refer to is called the People^s Journal, and many of the ploughmen would as soon want their tobacco on Saturday as want their newspaper. Another great cause has been the giving of holidays to servants, to enjoy themselves, and take trips on the railway to see friends and fashions in other places. In the days to which we would suppose " W. A." refers, the visiting was all done on the Sabbath day, and at the terms, when the whisky-bottle told its own tale, as he was considered a miserly fellow who had not a dram to give the boys of such a place when they came to see liim. We con- sider the farmers would be profiters to give more of them than they do, as we always see those who take an interest in them the best served in the long run ; and they are not an ungrateful class, as was testified in this county by 400 of them joining hand in hand, and inviting Mr. M'Combie, of Tillyfour, to a banquet at Bridge of Alford, as a token of gratitude for the in- terest he takes in them ; and we hope soon to hear of him occupying the second seat which is spoken of for Aberdeen, when we have no doubt he would give his attention to everything brought in for the good of the agricultural labourer. /. Miscellaneous. Action regmding Tuniip-secd.— In the Nisi Prius Court held at Newcastle the other day, Messrs. J. & G. TurnbuU, of the firm of Dixon & Turnbull, seedsmen at Hawick, brought an action against Alfred Legerton, nurseryman and seedsman, of Aldgate, London, for the recovery of 200?., the price of 200 bushels of Swedish Turnip-seed, at 20s. per bushel, which had been sold by them in the ordinary course of business, and the acceptance of which had been refused. It appeared from the evidence of the Messrs. Turnbull that, on the 2d September, 1887, Mr. Legerton visited_ their nursery at Hawick, when they had a quantity of Turnip-seed on their premises. They took a note of what Mr. Legerton had to sell, and told him what they had to sell. After a good deal of bargaining, they sola Mr. Legerton 200 bushels of Swede Turnip-seed, pro- vided he was pleased with the stock when he saw it growing. They had some of the seed growing in their nurseries at the time, and showed it to Mr. Legerton. Mr. Andrew Hall, their foreman, was present on the occasion. The defendant pulled off his coat, and went in amongst the growing Turnips, pulled up about a dozen of the bulbs, and expressed himself highly satisfied with them. After that the bargain was concluded, and the following memorandum was made in the plaintiff's book : — " September 1, 1867.— Sold Mr. Legerton 200 bushels of East-Lothiau Swedish Turnips at 20s. in London, and he pays half-carriage ; and to be taken out in goods as near as possible. Every article sent us to he of first- rate quality. (Seed crop 1865, and per stock.) Alfred Legerton. Send the seed this week." Mr. Legerton wanted them to guarantee 75 per cent, in the growth, but they refused. The words " growth 75 per cent." were written on the bill, but struck out by the plain- tiffs at the time, as they would not thus guarantee. They remarked, however, that it was 1865 seed, and that' it had produced 75 per cent. The 200 bushels of seed were sent to the St. Pancras Hallway station in London, and the defendant on the .3d October wrote to say " that he had sampled the seed and found that the growth was only 37 to 40 per cent., that the seed was a long time coming up, and when it did come up the plants were weak and yellow. He argued that he had been told that the growth would be 75 per cent., and it was on that account he was induced to enter into the bargain. Under the circum- stances the seed was of no use to him in his trade. He was sorry that he had been deceived, and must dis- tinctly decline having anything more to do with the seed. On the 27th November, 1SG7, they (the plaintiffs) wrote to defender expressing their surprise that he had not sent them the Beans, Peas, Cress, and Mustard, &o., which they had ordered of him ; and Mr. Legerton, in reply, said that the same should be forwarded when a banker's draft for the value was sent. On the 19th of December Mr. Legerton wrote to Hawick, saying that he had tested the seed again, and with the same result as before, and that he would have nothing to do with the seed. After a lengthy and unavailing correspon- dence, both parties determined to go to law. The plaintiffs stated that they had sold 20 or 30 bushels of the same sort of seed to about 20 or 30 farmers, and had had no complaint from them. If seed was kept for a length of time its prolific character was diminished. If the seed sold in this case had been new, it would have been worth from 28s. to 32.?. per bushel. The defence to the action was, that the seed was not even that of the year 1865, and Mr. Legerton called witnesses to show that the growth had been such as to indicate that it was six or seven years old. Frederick Boshell, one of his men, put 50 seeds into eight flower-pots under a glass ease on the 3d September, and on the 14th September, after applying a tempera- ture of about 70', got a growth of 37 per cent. The time occupied was longer than it ought to have been for 1865 seed. That witness estimated that, by selling such seed as that to their customers, they would have been liable to actions to the extent of 64,000?. Thomas Allen, practical gardener, near Loudon, said that in 21 days, with a temperature of from 50' to 60°, only 17 out of 300 seeds were up ; 17 more had come up since. They were yellow and weak, and of all ages, some of the year 1861, and some seven years old, and kiln-dried and killed— that was, their productive power had been destroyed. Mr. Mason, of Deptford, said by forcing he only got 28 per cent, of growth from the seeds; and Mr. A. Balfour, of Newcastle, only got an average of 12 per cent. His Lordship said the simple question was whether the jury believed the seeds to be those of the year 1865, as represented. The jury consulted in their room for an hour, and then gave the verdict for the plaintiff's for 200Z., and HI. for the sacks— total, 205?. SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS FOE. ALL SOILS (CARRIAGE FREE). SUTTON POSSESS One of the most complete Stocks in Europe of PERMANENT NATURAL GRASSES, wlu..h I! may be had separately or mixed for any soil or cUmato. Notices to Correspondents. Books on Cheesemaking : J M. Apply to Mr. McAdam, Gorsty HiB, Crewe. " The Handbook of Dairy Manage- ment " (Longmans, 1.*. 6d.) may help you. Poor Waste Land : B. As we have before said in answer to a similar question :— You had better pare and burn rather than plough in order to get a crop of Tiornips or Rape to feed off for a grain crop next year. It will cost you pro- bably 30s. an acre to pare, burn, and spread the ashes. You must then plough shallow, burying the ashes ; cross- plough deeper ; sow some superphosphate or guano broad- cast ; and harrow it in and drill the sand on the flat. After the turnips are eaten off plough shallow or scarify before sowing the ^Tieat. Preserving Meat; Snineraet asks, What is the use of your correspondent writing (p. 19l3 that the bi-sulphite should be mixed with water so as to make the mixture of the specific gravity of 1.050 ? Of course none but a scientific man knows what that is,— no butcher or lady whatever. Why not say, mix 1 oz. of bi-sulphite with so much water? H.alf the information given is useless from such treatment in giving. [Will our correspondent amend his statement ?] Soda Ash : Farmer. It is carbonate of soda uncrystaUised and impure. One cwt. per acre is a sufficient dressing, and it is more likely to be of service if added to farm and applied for green crops or for Beans. SONS PREPARE Mixtures for every ' description of soil ; therefore in ordering it, it is only necessary to state the nature of the soil, and suitable Seeds will be supplied. PARIS EXHIBITION. " Paris Exhibition, Deo. 19, 1867. " Gentlemen.— As you principally exhibited Grass Seeds at the Pans Exhlbliion, you may fairly claim to have received the Silver Medal awarded to you as an Award for the Grass, as well as for the other Seeds you exhibited. " T am. Gentlemen, your ohedient Servant, '■ R. G. WYLDE, " Secretary to the Executive Commission. " Messrs. Sutto.v & Sons." SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS AT TUE CRYSTAL PALACB. The beautiful evergreen turf at the Crystal Pabii was produced by BUTTONS' FINE ORASS ai CLOVJiK SEEDS. PRICES OF SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS FOR ALL SOILS. Special (luo'.atioDS given for larje quantities. FOR PERMANENT PASTDBE. SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE for the following soils - .STIFF CLAYS 1 MEDItTM LOAMS I SHARP GRAVELS HEAVY LOAMS | LIGHT SANDS | CHALKY UPLANDS 30s. to 32s. per acre, carriage free. 2 bush. Grass Seeds and 121b. Clovers supplied per acre. From Mr. T. Verncv, Stavard to the Right flOD. Lord Camoys, Stonor Park. Messrs. Suttox— "The Pennaiient Gross Seed you supplied witli last year . very first-r ^ ^.._ __, plant; io fact, any one would tiiink that the land had boen laid down several years." SUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE for the above soils, 24s. to 26s. per acre, carriage free. SUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE, 2Is. per acre, carriage free. FOR THREE AND FOUR TTEARS' LAY. BUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE, 22s. per acre, carriage free. From Joseph Kirilham, Esq., Jun., Terriimton. Messrs Sutton.—" The Four Y'ears' Lay Seeds I had from you have answered well ; and although I had a heavy crop of O.ats, there has been more feed than I ever saw before. I have had 100 owes and Iambs on the 10 acres for a long time, but it appears to grow almost as fast as tliey eat it." CHEAPER MIXTURE, 20s. per acre, carriage free. FOR TWO YEARS' LAY. [free. SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE, 17s. M. per acre, carriage From Mr. William Jonks, Agent to E. P. Monkton, Esq., Fineshacte A btxii. Messrs. Sutton.—" The Clovers and Gri^s Soeds supplied bj you during my residence here (1804 and lS6o), have given every satisfac- tion ; indeed, in 1865, when all seeds around me were a failure, I had such an abundant crop of your ' Two Years' Lay Seeds,' that out of CO acres I movred 20 acres twice in that season, and the mowings together averaged quite three tons per acre." Second Qualily Mixtures Cheaper. FOR ONE YEAR'S LAY'. [free. BUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE, 13s. 6rf. per acre, carriage /■rojH K. Bird Thompson, Esq., Free CJiase. Messrs. Sutton.-" The Seeds for One Y' ear's Lay had from Messrs. SrTTON turned out wonderfully. The mowers stated they had not seen such a crop for years, and that it was like cutting into a wall. They said it was 4 feet Uigh. Certainly it was the finest crop Mr. Bird Thompson ever saw." SecQttd Qtiality Mixtures Cheaper. Per bushel.— s. tt. 1 Per bushel t. d. For PARK GROUNDS . . 16 0 For GARDEN LAWNS . . 20 0 For CRICKET GROUNDS IS 0 I For CROQUET GROUNDS 20 0 Good CLOVER SEEDS at market prices. Samples anij lowest price per cwt. on application. BUTTONS' Selected MANGEL WURZEL, TURNIP, and other FARM SEEDS, as see SUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, Gratis and Post Free on application. 1^^ All Goods Carriage Free, except very small parcels. Five per Cent, discount allowed for Cash. Payment. SUTTON AND SONS, ROYAL BERKSHIRE SEED ESTABLISHMENT. READING. Mabch 7, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' OMONTCLE ANT) ArrRTOnT.TITEAL CtAZETTE. To Improve Meadow Land. RICHARD SMITH'S MIXTURE of tJie finest GRASSES nnrt PERENNIAL CLOVERS (8 to 12 lb. per at 9rf. per lb,), if f.o\vii (>;iilv, will cnusoavnluableiniprovemont to tbo crop. RiciiAini Smith. Si?c(l Mercbaut, Worcester. R Grass Seeds for Permanent Pasture. ICHAKl) SMITH'S :MIXTIIUKS of the finest PERENNIAL OUASSES and CLOVERS are carefully iiiado it all kinds ol Soil. I'rice 26a. to Sua. uur acre. NATURAL GRASSES: their Names and Derivations ; Quality. Produce, Elovation, Situation, Soil, Use, Peculiarity, SoasoD, Growth, Increase, Time ot Flowering. Price, &c. Free for one postage stamp. Ric I Smith Seed Merchant, Worcester. PAMPAS GRASS.— Several extra fine specimen Plants, thrice transplanted, will bloom next autumn ; any quantity of smaller plants from 4s. per dozen. A CATALOGUE of New, Harbaccous and fepring-flowering Plants sent fi'ee upon application. DiLLiSTOKE & WooDTHORPE, Muni'o Nupsery, Siblo Hodingli SUTTONS' FINK GKASS SKEDS, for CRICKET GROUNDS. BOWLING GREENS, GARDEN LAWNS, and CROQUET GROUNDS, as supplied by Sutton & Soss to Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Queen's College Cricket Ground, Oxford, The Crystal Palace, Sydenham, and the principal Lawns and Parks in England. Prices and particulars gratis and post free. Sutton & Soks, Reading, Berks. SUTTONS' CLEANED CLOVER SEEDS. Samples and lowest price per cwt. on application. COMMON RED, or UROAD, One quality, r<'. to Uld. per lb YELLOW TREFOIL or HOP, flno quality, 3rt. to 5d. per lb. WHITE, or DOTCH, One quality, lOirt- to Is. 2(/. per lb. ALSIKE, or HYBRID, fine quality, Is. 3d. to Is. Od. per lb. COW GRASS (True Pei-ennial). lOii. to Is. per lb. FERENNIALWUITE (or White Sucklinel, Is. to Is. id. per lb. MIXED PERENNIAL, for Permanent P»stm-e, Is. to Is. 3(i. per lb. CLOVERS, for Alternate Husbandry, ad. to lod. per lb. MALDEN'S NEW WONDER CLOVER, Is. to Is. 3rt. per lb. Clover Seeds are sent can'iage free, and 6 per cent, allowed for prompt payment. Sdttok i Sons, Growers, Beading, Berks. Improvement of Grass Lands. C^ U T T 0 N S KENOVATING MIXTOKE I.MPROVING PASTPRES s' & Sons, Reading, Berks. M ESSUS. HARRISON and SON have much pleasure introducing to the notice of those enjryted in Agriculture, ha-s been very much against the growth' of Mangois." This van ety has been thoroughly tested i^ainst many others the past ' seasons, and proved to be superior in weight, shape, and quality. The Nornmnton Mangel, growing with little top, and a single tap root, is more readily cleared off the land, and at a much leas expense. Its nutritious properties we believe to be superior to As our stock of Seed is limited |in consequence of the daflclcnt yield), early orders only will en&uie a supply, A Coloured Plate, t^" ""=" Price of Seed, 28. 6d. per .„., .„ Included)— 2 lb., 6 lb., 12 lb., and 28 lb, Tho following are a few of the many Testimonials received :— From W. Manx, Esq., Manor It oiu-e, nymoiidhavi. November 10, 1867.—" I have grown your Normanton Veliow Globe Mangel the last two years, and it has produced one-third more weight per acre than any other kind I have ever grown." F7-om TncB. Nuitall, Esq., Manor Sovse, Betby, Leicester - Decembei-2,18G7.—" I have grown your New Normanton Globe Mangel by the side of three other kinds, on land treated exactly the same. I had far greater weight from this than any other kiLtl besides having a bulb with only one tap root, requiring little or no getting up or cleaning. 1 most certainly shall sow none other next ''ear. ' From John Jamei December 9, 1867.—" fiavlng given the Now Normanton Glo'b^ .. trial. I consider it tho best that 1 have met with. It is remarkable for its large size, symmetry of shape, extreme sraallness of top, and having only one srnaJl tap root. It has, moreover, a peculiar firm- ness m the bulb that 1 have not noticed in any other Mangel." From Mr. Chabtree, Steivard to Mrs. Burton, Sutton Bonningt&n. ' Your Normanton Globe Mangel I consider the best varietv grown. I had over 40 tons per acre this unfavourable season ; and intend growing it extensively next year. Please reserve me 130 lb."' From Messrs. W. 4 H. Gill, Burton-on-tJie- Wolds. Acrtjenj6er21, 1S67.— "We have gro^vn your Normanton Globe Mangel Wurzel for two years, and wo most decidedly like it better than any Mangel wo have ever seen. We hnvo not only grown a greater weight per acre than of any other sort, i)Ut find it so much less expense to clean, having but a single tap root, and pulls up as iree from soil as a common Turnip." From Mr. C. HAnnisoN, PaiUon Fields, Riigby. December Q, 1867.—" Your New Mangel I tried with two other sorts, and find it by far the best. I had a greater weight and better qunlity ; they will sibo stand much nearer together on account ot their small top." Wo trust the above are a sufficient guarantee of the superior qualities of this variety. i-xtra Selected YELLOW GLOBE MANGEL, Is. per lb. Improved ORANGE GLOBE MANGEL, U. M. per lb. Selected LONG RED and YELLOW, Is. per lb. Other first-class varieties at equally low prices. CATALOGUE on application, post free. A large stock of SWEDE and other TURNIP SEEDS, all selected and grown by Harriso.v & Sox. HARRISON'S Improved GOLDEN GLOBE SWEDE, Is. per lb Selected CHAMPION SWEDE, Is, per lb. WESTBURY PURPLE-TOP SWEDE, Is. per lb. Improved OLD PURPLE-TOP SWEDE, Is. per lb. SKIRVING'S Improved SWEDE, Is. per lb. And many other improved of SWEDE, SCOTCH and L application, post free. PERMANENT PASTURE GRASSES, separate or mixed, for all o_.i_ D 1 L _■. >D application. i low price.s. Sample and GARDEN SEEDSofeverydescription.of none hut the best Qualitv DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of GARDEN, FLOWER and FARM SEEDS grown by Harrison & Sow, gratis and post free on application. All orders of £1 and upwards, carriage paid. Five per ' for cash payments. Midland Seed Warehouse, Leicester. THE NEW FORAGE GRASS. BROMUS SCUR.EDERI.— For iustructlous In the Cultivatiou of the above new Forage Plant, see bUTTONS" NEW FARM SEED LIST, gratis and i>ost Ireo on application. Slttun- Si SoNy, Seed Growers, Reading. Seeds Direct from the Growers and post free on application. ' ready, and may be had gratis Sugar Beet.— For tlie Best Sorts to Grow, and Prices* UUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, O Gratis and Post Free. Sutton & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. QUTTONS'^OME-GROWN^FARM' SEEDS, Esq . Gt-sjiu Xti'muihiC "I took thic b'rom Mr. Hut. JJovs, East- botirne. "The Selected III! tons of that ...it while I was ttting up CO of A sh/ordfKent "Your Man- uel Wurzel looks SUTTONS' SELECTED YELLOW GLOBE MANGEL. SUTTONS' SELECTED MANGEL AVURZEL. ORANGE GLOBE 1 ;; RED GLOBE .. 1 „ LONG RED .. 1 „ LONG YELLOW . i SUTTONS" SELECTED YELLOW GLOBE 1 „ YELLOW INTER- MEDIATE .. 2 „ MAMMOTH LONG RED .. -.1 Cheaper by the cwt., carriaj ai^plication. Per lb.— s. , SUTTONS' MAMMOTH LONG YELLOW 1 „ SELECTED ORANGE GLOBE .. ..1 STRATTON'S RED I GLOBE 1 GREKN-TOP SUGAR BEET, as recommended by G. ' Lowest price per cwt. oi ready, gratis and post free, vers, Roa'-liu';. To Market Gardeners and others. EAST HAM, ENFIKLI) M.VKKh;T, SHILLING'S QUEEN, NONPAREIL, Rom \SuN-s CHAMPION DRUM- HEAD CABBAGE PLANTS, all suiu.^tud stuck, at -J-i. 3(/. par 1000 ; RED PLANTS, extra fine, at 4s. per 1000. Terras c:ish. RicBAKD Walklh, Market Gardener and Seed Grower Biggles- wade. Beds. To Market Gardeners and Others. WHITE SPANISH ONION SEKD, new and genuine, 2s. per lb. ; ASPARAGUS ROOTS, 2s. 6d. per 100 ; fine WALLFLOWER PLANTS, 2s. OTATOS for FIELD CULTURE.— The beat sorts for Field Cultm-e are:- Baron's Perfection I The King of Potatos Dalmaboy Walkers Improved Regent Fluke Kidney SUorry Blue Mvatt's Ashleaf Wellington Improved Early Show ' White Rock Lowest price por cwt., sack, or ton, on application. Sor < & Sons, Growers, Reading. ANDREW G. DALY, Newry, Ireland, is prepared to deliver, free of carriage m LivcrpooL at moderate market prices for cash. 25 tons of true seleuted SEED of SKERRY BLUE POTATOS. He can also deliver 26 to 30 tons of the true variety of BOSTON KIDNEY, grown in this country now for 12 years, and found the best hardy early Kidney for field culture, dry, and firm at Its latest stage, and double the produce of other delicate Bags. 2i cwt. each. Newry.— Feb. 17, 1868. RAYNBIUD, CALDECOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited), CoRR, Skkd, Mandbs, and Oilcake Mercuants. Address, gy. Seed Market, Mark Lane, B.C. ; or Bajiiiigstoko. Samples and I'ncii.s poht fix-u un iipplioatioii. " for Wheat; r-^'.-, f i ■■ I>. .■!'. i,' s. , ■! i- ■fi.l ' 0lSE-i;ii \ 1 1, Medals, 1861, Nl KSEUYMAN, England, lieigium, ana lTus.s;;i n.uia Motial, Universal ExhiblUoQ of 1807). By .ipp..tiitniuitt Suudsuiiiu to tho Emporur, All kinds of VEiiETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS can be supplied, including — GREEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET (true sood). RED-TOP IMPERIAL Lowest price for cash on application. The most complete collection of GLADIOLI. __^__ CATALOGUES on application. Henry Richardson, Manure Works, York, MANURES, Bpeci;illy .■ompnunded W GRASS LAND, and coni'dontly reuoiiiTiiuEiiluii : Pju>ture, £'^ por ton ; Meadow, £S 10s. per ton, cash. SPECIAL MANURES also carefully compounded for CORN, POTATOS, TURNIPS, and other crops. Prices lower than usual this year. DISSOLVED BONE, guaranteed entirely from Bono, containing 31 per cent. Phosphate, made soluble, and 13 per cent. Phosphate, neutral, £6 tOs. per ton. cash. DISSOLVED BONE ASH, 38 to 40 per cent. Phosphate, mado soluble, £6 per ton, cash. PERUVIAN GUANO. NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, POTASH SALTS^ RAPE and RUBSEN CAKES, both for Manure and Feed ; LINSEED and COTTON CAKES, Ordmary and Decorticated, all of beat quality. Henry Ricuahi...-.i.n! M;iiiii!e Works, York. tRN. ROOTS. ODAMS'S NITKn.l'lK.MI ODAMS'S NITi;u-lMH>sri ODAMS'S DlSsM|,vi';n lloNKS, ODAMS'S SUrKlLPIl'.i.Sl'HATE of LIME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. ^HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— 100, Fenchurch Street, Loudon. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch — 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Peas for Early and Late Sowing. WAND E. CLARK, Seed Merchants, 4'2, Bishop- • gate Without (late 2.\ Bishopgate Within). DANIEL O'ROURKE. LITTLE GEM, ADVANCER, WONDER- FUL, CLIMAX, and NE PLUS ULTRA. The above Peas can be highly recommended, as we had last year the honour of supplying the 100 varieties cultivated as an experiment at Stoke Newington by Shirley Hibberd, Esq., Editor of the "Gardeners' Magazine," sown May 2, 1807. Price to the Trade on application. DlRE< Cliairman — John Clayden, Llttlebury, Essex. Deputy-Chairman — John Collins, 265, Camden Road, Holloway Edward Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brighton. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross. Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, CO, West Smitbfield. managing Director — James Odan Hessra, Bame ssrs. Eingsfo Auditor— 3. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company was originally formed by, and is under the direction ot agriculturists : circumstances that have justly earned for it another title, viz.— "The Tenant Farmerd' Manure Company." . Its members are cultivators of upwards of 50,000 acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently tho consumer has the best guarantee lor the genuineness and efficacy ot tho Manures manufactured by this Company. Particulars wtII he forwarded on application to the Secretary, or may be had of the Local Agents. C. T. Macadam, Secretary. Chief Offices— 109. Fenchurch Street, London, E.C. L AWES' MANURE for GRASS LAND should be applied during the months of Febniary and March. NITRATE of SODA is the best Manure for top-dressing Corn. Care should bo taken in the purchase of Nitrate, as it varies much in quality. It can be supplied from my StocK, at Docks, from London, Liverpool, and other ports. Address Juun Bexnet Lawes, 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 22, Eden Quay, Dublin; and Market Square. Shrewsburv. U LAWES' PATENT TURNIP MANURE. DISSOLVED BONES. LAAVES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES' WHEAT. BARLEY. GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES, CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. Dr. Voelcker has inspected and sampled a bulk of 10,000 tons at Mr. Lawes' Factories. The report can be obtained on application : Wf rks, I can certify that the Superphosphate r bulk is a dry, well-made, superior Artificial Manure, and is In excel- lent condition for delivery." These Manures can be obtained of Mr, Lawes, or through tho appointed Agents in all parts of the United Kingdom, at prices varying according t Genuine PERU NITRATE of SOI Chemical Manures. lICANandi SS, John BEhnr.! uy...t,a. *, .[i.iu^:> i i«vc, aju.iuuu .j.i\ \. Eden Quay, Dublin: and Market Sqiure, Shrewsbury. PETER'LAWSON and son; the~QuEEN's SEEnsMEN, Contractors, 20, Budge Row, Cannon Street, E.C. (opposite the City Terminus), London, and Edinburgh. PHOSPHO GUANO as a MANURE for USE in GARDENS.— This Guano has been employed with very marked success in Nur- sery Grounds and Gardens, the effect on Vegetable Crops nnd Florists' Flowers being, m frequent instances, astonishing. It is well deserving of the attention of Gardeners and Amateurs, as tbe produce ie both earlier and larger. Frequent application of the Guano, dissolved in water, is most effectual. A specially prepared, very pulverulent Guano, is sold for the purpose, ami maybe had through any of the Agents appointed for the Sale of Phospho Guano, iu tins of 1 to 14 lb., at Gd. per lb., or from the Contractors direct. T^ HE~Pa"XTON garden MANURK 13 the most economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known for Vegetabloa, Flowers, tVuit Trees, Grass Lawns, Ac. It Is inodorous and portable. To be had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, Wii.liahb & Co., late Alexander & Co.. 22, James Street, Old Street, E.C. Agents Wanted in every Town where none have been ftppointftd. T LONG-FELLOW OAT.— The East Lothian Agricultural Society aw.irded a PREMIUM to the Subscriber, as the raiser of this variety, which has the tallest, stiffest, and finest quality of ■, tho wiry straw of this gigantic OAT stood more erect and was less injured than any other. Subscrl her' growth, 44.f. per qc. on the rail ; select parcels 3fis. to ■IZjf. per qr. EARLY-FELLOW OAT is a type of the Potato variety, with longer straw, and m Scotland ripening from 8 to 10 days earlier. Last year this Oat gave great satisfaction. Price 40s. per qr., bags HE t-'uNDoN MANURE COMPANY Spri. „ DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUASO MANGEL and POTATO mawukbs. o,,t^. Also Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA ex Dock Warehouse; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, FISHERY SALT. Ac. E. PcBSKR, Secretary. Offices, 116, Fenchurch Street.E.^ X^RESH TUltF ^nd"~LOAM for SALE.— Good fibiy V MAIDEN LOAM. 2«. a Load; TURF, with flrst Spit, 4«. ; and TURFS, bs. per 100. not including Dlggini. T. H. JoBirsow. Uxbrtdge, Middlesex. THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE AKD AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [March 7. 1868. Beautiful Flowers— Beautiful Flowers. COCOA ^'U■^ FIBKE RKI-'USE for SALE, 6s. por Waggon, and 2s. per Cartload. This useful materia! — tbe supenority of which over Manufactured Manures for strencthening the Growth and Improving the Blossom ol Flowers, is now fully established by lesttmonials from Floriculturists and Gardeiiei-3 from all parts of the United Kinedom— ia highly recommended for FotLing and Strikmg all Soft-wooded Plants, as it prevents the cuttings from fanging or damping off ; and may be bad in quantities of not less than two sacks, delivered free to any of the London booking offices, at 2s. 6d, per sack, each containmg 6 bushels, sack included, on recept of post order or postage stamps, addressed. A. 8MITH, Patent Cocoa FHbre Works, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, London, E, i^OCOA-NUT KEFUSE ^-"^ is becoming scarce, the old reserves will soon be gone. Now sold In bags, 1 for 28., 10 for 1()S., 20 for 30s., 60 for 6Cs., 10 for £6. Fourponce allowed lor each bag returned carriage-paid. A Railway Truck-load (not in bags), 405. Postage Stamps or Post-office Order, payable to J. Babsham 4 Co.. Kineston-on-Tliamcs, S,W. ROLL TOliACCO CLOTH.— The cheapest and best article for Smoking Greenhouses and destroying the Fly ; equal to Tobacco in strength, la, 4d. per lb. ; over 10 lb.. Is. Id. Joseph Baker, 10, Gough Square, Fleet Street, E.C. Post Office Orders payable Fleet Street. ^ IRST-CLASS TOBACCO PAPER, U. 2d. per lb.— A lot of Testimonials about it. W. Dean, Seedsman, Bradford, Yorkshire. F ► OOLET'S TOBACCO POWBEE, for the Destruction of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nurserymen and Florists, m Tins, at l5^ 2s. Od. TOBACCO TISSUE for Fumigating Greenhouses. Will Destroy Thrip, Red Spider, Green and Black Fly, and _, __^ , and bums without the assistance of blowinR, entirely free from paper or rag. Price 3s. 6d. per lb., carriage free. A reduction in price " r large quantities. nlals may be obtained ; and of all Seedsmen and Nurserymen. G FIBROUS PEAT of first-cla.ss quality for Orchids, Heaths, American Plants, and all pottinp pu*|POses, may be obtained by application to Mr. Tdomas Jessop, Jarningham Wood, near Famingnam Station, Kent. It is dispatched by the London. Chatham, and Dover Riilwayin trucks of 16 yards, to most Stations in the Kingdom, or fetched in carls from the Wood. It is extensively used and apprtciated in tho principal Nurseries, and in the Royal I'arks and Gardens. Price 5s. per cubic yard, at Farningham Station. — [ s"H U" K ST COMPOUND. Used by many of the leading Gardeners sinco Igoit, .i^ainst Red Spider, Mildew, Thrips, Green fly, and other Blight, in solutions of from 1 to * to the gallon of soft wa Sold Retail by SeedRra{ boxes, Is., 3s., and 10s. Gfi. ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT. One Penny per Square Foot. CROGGON AND CO., MANUFACTUKERS, ( 34, Bread Street, | j , (63, New Earl Street, ) ^™'^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. INODOROUS FELT FOR LINING ROOFS AND SIDKS AND IRON HOUSES Price One Penny per Square Foot. CROGGON AND CO., / 34, Bread Street, I j „„,, „ [ 63, New Earl Street, ( ^™'^°''- '50, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. DRY HAIR FELT FOR COVERING .STEAM BOILERS, PIPES, ETC., OF VARIOU.S THICKNESSES. CROGGON AND CO., MANUFACTUREES, ' ,34, Bread_Street, X^^^^^^ e Piazzas, Liverpool. 63, New Earl Street, 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Go IMPORTERS OF SHEET ZINC OF BEST BRANDS. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Sheet, \-r . „ 163, New Earl Street, }^™'^™- 50, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ZINC AND METAL PERFORATORS CROGGON AND CO., London. ( Dl), i-iew jLari oireei, j 59, Geor 34, Bread Street, 63, New Earl Street, , |uare, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED FLAT AND CORRUGATED SHEET IRON. OF EVER!' DESCRIPTION. FOR HOME USE AND FOR EXPORT. CROGGON AND CO., I 34, Bread Street, 1 j „„ , „ 163; New Earl Street, p™''°"- 50, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool GALVANIZED IRON MANUFACTURED GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, 1 t„ ,„„ i 63; New Earl Street, ) L""'^™' 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON and WIRE "WORKS, NOKWICH, MANUFACTURER of IMPROVED MACHINE-MADE WIRE NETTING at greatly reduced prices. Galvanised after made. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE with prices free on application. 100 Yards and upwards, carriage paid to any Station. SWING WATER The wheels and carnage ' rough ground, a pony can be attuched. , with t Spreader and Valve, 15s. extra. Rose Lane Iron and Wire Works, Norwich. The above is by f;ir the strongest, InHileiiHUt of the kmd y ' buting Liquid Manure it Emptying Cesspools, Ac. convenient, and cheape? ''or Conveying and Distri invaluable. A pump c GALVANIZED IRON CISTERNS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, ) r „,„l .„ I 63, New E.arl Street, P™'!™- 59, Georg:e Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. Wholesale by ilagni- PRICE'S PATENT '^®^- CANDLE COMPANY MEDICATKD SHREDS being the talk of the day, and the admiration of all who have seen ana tried them, the Manufacturer begs to inform Gardeners and Amateurs tn^t tuej ^n be had from any Seedsman throuehout Great Britain at London piicea. Wholesale only ofthe Patentee and Haker. Wm. LEnao. 93, East Street. WaUvortb.J^ojido^^ By Royal Appointment. To Her Majesty by Special # AVarrant. dated 27th Dec, ' To the Pnnco of W.ales, by Special Warrant dated 10th February, 1866. N D H E AV I T T , D Original and Sole Proprieto^ 'of "the STOCK-BREEDERS' MEDICINE CHESTS for disorders in Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST Sixteen different kinds of com- pounds, admirably arranged, with Complete Guide to Famery. Price, £6 6s. Carriage paid, - - ^ . C^" Every Stockowner should send for Day, Son. & H Work on Farriert. Large Edition, 2n. 6rf., or free by post for ai stamps. Small Edition, Is,, or free by post for 13 stamps. Address, Day, Son, 4 Hewitt, 22, Dorset Street, Baker Street, London, W. The Extract, Gaseous Fluid, Red Drench, and Red Paste, with Shilling Key to Farriery, To the Trade and Gentlemen's Gardeners. TO BE SOLD, Cheap, O.NE illLLlUN GARDEN LABELS for Pots and ^uspendinc. made of the best white wood. For Price and Samples, apply to Wuite & Son, Lincoln. E. umberland for Syon House, his Grace tbe Duke of Devonshire for ChiBwick Gardens. Professor Lindley for the Horticultural Society. and Sir Joseph I'aston for the Crystal Palace, Royal Zoological Soclatv. 4 c. PROTECTION from the COLD WINDS and MORNING FROSTS. " FRIGI DOMO" NETTING. White or Brown, made of preprired Hair and Wool, a perfect non-conductor of beat or cold, keeping a fixed temperature where it is applied. It is adapted for all Horti- cultural and Floricultural purposes, for Preserving Fruits and Flowers from the Scorching Rays of the Sun. from Wind, from Attacks of Insects, and from Morning Frosts. To be had in any required lengths. " FRIGI DOMO '■ NETTING, 2 yards wide. Is. 6d. per yard run. Four yards wide 3s. 6d. per yard. An improved make, 2 yards wide . . Is. Qd. per yard. An improved make, 3 yards wide . . 2s. 8d. per yard run. Elibha Thomas Archer, Whole and Sole Manulacturer, 7, Great Trinity Lane, Cannon Street^ City, E.C., and of all Nuiserymen and Seedsmen throughout the Kingdom. " Ii is much cneaper than Mats as a covering." CHURCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BUILDINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., ( 3-4, Bread Street, 1 j „„ ,„„ i 63; New Enrl Street, j ^™'^™- 59, George Square, Glasf^ow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUBBER FLOOR CLOTH. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, 1 j „„ ,„„ 163; New Earl Street, p<'°''''°- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS OF HOU.SES, COACH-HOUSES, ETC., TO PREVENT DAMP. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, | j „„,,„„ 163; New Earl Street, /^™''°°- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, PORTLAND CEMENT OF BEST QUALITY, 100 lbs, to tto BUSHEL. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, ) t „„ j„„ I6.3; New Earl Street, r™'^''°- 50, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PLASTERERS' HAIR SUPPLIED BY CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, » . , \ 63, New Earl Street, J ^"^oon. 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, ET CROGGON AND CO., (34, Bread Street, ( t „ndon I 63, New Earl Street, / ^°°'"»'- .W, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazz.as, Liverpool. GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING. CROGGON AND CO., j 34, Bread street U,^^,^, \ 63, New Earl Street, J 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, ,p.al Railway Stations in England. To hold 100 gallons, pnce £9. | To holr To hola :'00 gallons, price i Galvanised IRON PUMP, and 10 feet Indiw price £3 10s. Spreaders, 15s. each. 140 gallons, price £10. 12. rubber Suction Pipe, I Wir conveyed away. The Tanks can be set down and left in the fields 'or Cattle to drink from. Carriage paid to all the principal Stations n England. To hold 80 Gallons, price £7 Extra Tank, £3 „ 100 .. £8 ., £3 103. Valve and Spreader for ditto, price ^^ a. BOULTUN'S SWING WATER BAKllUW. W This article is constructed on the same principle as the 36-gaUon Barrow, advertised above, but the Tank is Galvanised. It is strong and meful. Two Tanks can be bad with one Carriage. Carnage paid to any Station. To hold 18 Gallons, price £1 15«. ] To hold 30 Gallons, pnce £2 6s. PORTABLE PUMP for WATER or LIQUID MANURE, with Galvanised body and folding stand. Carriage paid to any Station. Price £2 Ss. I 10-feet India-rubber Suction, £1 10a. Powerful GARDEN and CONSERVATORY ENGINE, throws a contmuous stream, and is well adapted for use with any of the Water Barrows described above. Carriage paid to any Station. Price £2 5s. All orders must be accompanied with Post-ofiBce order, cheque, or good reference. Illustrated Catalogue on application. W. S. BOULTON, PORE LANE IRON AND WIRE WORKS, NORWICH. Maboh 7, 1868.] THE GARDENKES' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWEES FOR 1868. Letters Patent, dated Vlth Auyust, 18G7, have been granted to A. SHANKS and SON for Important Improvements in Lawn. Mowing Machines. UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE aUEEN, AND MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL NOBILITY OF GREAT BRITAIN. AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL OF THE PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867. NEW HAND MACHINE. ALEXANDER SHAUKS and SON, iii presenting their Price List of Lawn Jlowers for 186S, beg to intimate that they arc the only Fu-m, out of all the other Exhibitors of Lawn Mowers at the Universal Exhibition of 1867, wliom the Jury have deemed worthy to receive a Medal. A. S. and SON are grntiSed to find that the relative merits of their Machine have been so prominent and clear to the Jury that they have passed over the " Honourable Mention " and the " Bronze Medal," and awarded to A. S. AND SON the Highest Prize that has ever been given to a Lawn Mower at any International Exhibition. PRICES, INCLUDING CARRIAGE TO ANY RAILWAY STATION OR SHIPPING PORT IN THE KINGDOM. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE for 1868. Easily Worked 10-inch Machine -^^ ^'* ■ " J % a Lady 12-inch Machine 4 10 0 J U-inch Machine 5 1" « Sy a Boy Easily Worked £6 10 0 By a Man 7 15 0 By a Man and a j Mactiine . . . . . . . . . . 8 10 0 1 ^ 'tt. ir Machine [900 \Sy Two Men 16-uich Machine 19-inch Machine 22-inch Mactiine 24-inch SHANKS' NEW PATENT PONY and DONKEY MACHINE. Width of Cutter. 25-inch Machine £12 10 0 28-inch Machine 14 10 0 .. .. 30s. „ 30-inch Machine 15 15 0 .. .. 30s. ,, Silent Movement, 12s. &d. extra. Boots for Pony, 22s. per set. ; Ditto for Donkey, 18s. per set. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE. , £19 0 0 36-inch Machine 22 0 0 .. .. 30s. „ 42-inch Machine 26 0 0 , . . . 40s. „ 48-inoh Machine 28 0 0 .. .. 40s. „ Silent Movement, 20s. extra. Boots for Horse, 26s. per set. Patent Double-edged Sole Plate, Wind Guard, and Self-Sharpening Revolving Cutters — important advantages, possessed by no other Lawn Mowers. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IF NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED, A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and Wind Guard, made very great alterations and improvements in their Machine. They have had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six months. These trials have been bo successful as to enable A. S. and SON to oSer a Machine which far excels any other that has ever yet been offered, whether for ease in working, certainty of action, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, ZeaOenhall Street ia the only place in London where intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machi. All sizes kept there, whether for Horse, Pony, or Sand PoUler. THE GAEBENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGRICTJLTITEAL GAZETTE. [MahcH 7, 1868. • SAMUELSON & CO.'S PATENT LAWN MOWING AND ROLLING MACHINES. EVERT MACHINE WAEEANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. OBTAINED OF SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA WORKS, BANBURY. • , LONDON ■WAREHOUSE : 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE, E.C. | AGENTS : — Messrs. TANGYE BOTHERS and HOLMAN, 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE; Messrs. DEANE and CO., London Bridge; Messrs. DRAT TAYLOR AND CO., London Bridge ; Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD, 63, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughout the Kingdom. GEEEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOE, OK NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the KEEPiNa of Lawns in the HIGHEST STATE of PEKFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of theii- superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT L.4WN MOWERS arc the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all eases of competition. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved io be the best, and carried off every Prhe that his been given in all rases of comjietition. T. GEEEN & SON wan-ant every Machine to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of can be returned nnconditionalti/. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS FREE ON ARPLICATION. SON h.ave a largo quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments; also various other kinds of HORTICULTURAT .in,! ,AL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED AVIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE T. G. AND AGRICULTURAL WORK of every description, Saving very extensive Pi ises in London, tvc are all lands of Repairs t/iere, as well as at our Leeds EstatUshn THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. S. OWENS & CO., (Late CLINTON and OWENS,) MANUFACTURERS OF PUMPS AND HYBEAULIG MACHINERY, "\VniTEFRIAP>S STREET, FLEET STREET, LONDON. cf IHi, 1M1K0\LD HIDRAULIC No. 4. Useful YARD, GARDEN, and COTTAGE PUMPS, from £1 5s. each. No. 38. PORTABLE LIQUID JIANURE PUMPS, with Flexible Suction Pipe. No. 4Cn. DOUBLE-ACTION PORTABLE FORCE PUMPS .and FIRE ENGINES for WATER or LIQUID MANURE. No. 50. IMPROVED (HOLMAN'S PATENT) DOUBLE-BjVRREL FARM FIRE ENGINES and IRRIGATING PUMPS. No. 49. GARDEN ENGINES of all sizes. . 49c. INDIA RUBBER HOSE and FITTINGS for WATERING GARDENS. 1^" Further particulars. Estimates, and Illustrated Price Lists on application. March 7, 18G8.J THE GARDENERS' CirR()NICT,E AND AGRIGTTLTURA I. GAZETTE. I LAWN JIOWKRS. ; PATENT I SHANKS' PATENT SAMUELSON'S PATENT lARNARD'S PATENT. DEANE & CO., 4G, KING WILLIAM ST., LONDON BRIDGE. Horticultural Tools, Sec. LAWN MOWINQ MACHINES, 'l^., 60s., 708., 90,«., 140». GARDEN liABROWS, Wood and Iron, 21s. ana 2C GARDEN ENGINES, Gal GARDEN I1<)[,I,K Sl'EEL DU;ilI\.: GREENHULSI.: ^' WIRE NETTlNi; : GARDEN .SK.\ rs SLOWER STANH 90s., 100s., 110s. )"».. JEI lis., £2, £2'7s. (ki., £2 12s. Ikt., £3 2«. lid. ^. SPADES, SCYTHES, 4c. I.s iiud GARDEN PUMPS. L.NA.1IENTAX, WIRE WORK. I -\ I RS. n and Wir STRAINED WIRE EENCING und IRON HURDLES. HOT-WATER FITTINGS for GREENHOUSES, CONSERVATORIES, FORCING PITS, So. Dcane's Kew Illustrated Horiicnltitral Catalogue post free on application. Established a.d. 1700. DEANE AND CO., 46, KING WILLIAM STREET, LONDON BRIDGE, E.G. MOULE'S WARMING APPARATUS.— The best and most economical system ol Warming Cbiirobea, Schools, Hot- bonsos, and all largo ButidlnRS. Apply to J. W. GiRi.LtSTOSE, C,E,, 31, Duke Stroot, Wostmipster, S.W. Heating Apparatus. JMEREDirU wntinucs to supply and fix • IIOT-WATICR .VPr.ARATUS in VINERIES, and every description of IIOTIloLl.s].: HLllLDINGS, So. The Vinoyanl, Garston. near Liverpool. HAY WARD BROTHERS, HOT-WATER ENGINEERS. Horticultural, Public, or Private Buildings Heated on the latest Heating by Hot Water. WJ. HOLLANDS, Iron Merchant, • 31. Bankalde, London, S.E. HOT WATER PIPES, from Stock, per yard :— 2-lncb, l.i. llii. ; 3-incli, Is. Orf. ; an(14.iuch, 2s. 3rf. BENDS, from Stock, Is. 6d., 23. 6d., and 3s. each. THROTTLE VALVES. 10s., 13s., and 14s. each. Other Connexions at equally low pnces, and all goods of first-class manu- fiicture. Estimates given, and orders by post punctually attended to c 0 T T A M Ai CoNSERVATrtRT and I: Iroi. Works, 2, Wiusley Str SADDLE BOILERS. 20 24 30 inches long. 46«. 65a. 92s. C(/. each. HOT-WATER PIPES. 2 3 4 inch. Is. 6ti. 2s. Id. 2s. Od. per yard. Materials supplied as abov or Estimates given fixed coi plots to Plan, oil applica ' COTTAM k Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street, opposite the Pantheon), Oxford Street, London, \V, 0 M P A N Y HOTHOUSES for the MILLION, CHEAP, PORTABLE, and EASILl" FIXED. Invented and Patented uy the late Sir Joskph Paxton. Illustrated Circulars, with full particulars, sizes, and prices, free on application to Hereman & Morton, 7, Pall Mall East. London, t.W. CRANSTON'S PATENT BUILpiNGS for nORTICULTDRE. " Di7 Glazing without Putty." " " Gla.s3 without Laps." "Ventilation without Moving Lights." Highly Commended by tho Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington. CONSERVATORIES PINERIES STRAWBERRV HOUSES VINERIES FORCING HOUSES / ORCHID HOUSES W A L L - TREE ^ COVERS GREENHOUSES CUCUMBER and MELON HOUSES Greenhouses— Heating Apparatus, 1SC5. ORCHARD HOUSES PATENT SUN- BLINDS & FROST PROTECTORS, ' CONSTRUCTION VENTILATION HEATING SHADING OPENING GEAR THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL AWARDED for Various Improvements in the Ventilation, Construction, and ApDlication of WROUGHT-IRON to Hnrti cultural Buildings. Our Now Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE, THE NOVELTY, is cheap, durable, ensily fixed, does not require painting, is adaptei for all purposes, and i.i the mo.st perfectlv ventilated house of the present day. Prices:— 2ft tt. long, £10 to £19 10s. ; 32 ft.. £15 to £29 18s.; 40 ft,., £1S to £3ti; C4 It., £27 12s. to £54 3s. 6rf. ; 80 ft, £34 to £G6 6s. ; 104 ft., £43 12s. to £S4 10s. Spin Roofs, double piice Orders for our New Patent WALL-TREE COVER are now solicited. They save their cost in one season. Prices, mth IG 07 glass, 8s., 9s., 108., and 12.v. per foot run. In HEATING wo are pre-eminent, and have pleasure In referrmg to works in all parts of the kingdom which have been executed by ua Careful personal attention is given to all ordei-s; and from our immense practical experience, we are willing to guarantee that Buildings left to our arrangement shall perfectly answer the pur poses for which they are intended, without fear of disappointment Our Patented arrangements may be seen " en module," and every information obtained at our London Office, C, Sloane Street, S.W. Postal address, Anchor Iron Works, Chelmsford. Dennis & Scrory, Hot- Water Enginners, Patentees, and general Horticultural Builders m Wood or Iron, Catalogues, Estimates, or Plans on application. and Valve Maniifacturer. Honourable Mention awarded at the International Exhibition, 1862, and at the Dublm Exhibition, 1S65 ; also a First-class Certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society. T. G. Messenger. Patentee of many important improvements in Buildings and Implements connected with Horticulture, and which meet with unqualified approbation, is prepared to give reference to hundreds of works entrusted to him and pre-eminently an.swering the purpose for which they were constructed. Any House Glazed single or double, with or without putty. The mode adopted by T. G. Messenger for Heating and Ventilating Forcing Houses is particularly successful. Houses are constructed by his Patented Ventilating principle to open tho whole of roof and sides as though the glass were entirely removed, at once placing the plants in the external atmosphere. T. O. Messenobr's Boiler possesses all the advantages of the Tubular and Saddle combined, has hollow furnace bara, requires but a shallow stokehole, and exposes as much surtace to the direct action of the fire as can possibly be obtained, the whole of which can be 1 important fact that out of upwards ot easy to work, and as durable as the pipe to which It is attached Designs and Estimates supphed lor all kinds of Horticultural Works, and guaranteed to answer the purpose for which they may Plans and Estimates frei L application. Descriptive Book fully 3 for 20 stamps, from the Author and Patentee, ON, Ai'chitect, Biraiingham. Works : Hlghgate Street, Birmingham, r J. Growtaqe, Manager, 1, Temple Row West, Birmingham. GREENHOUSES, yPAN or LEAN-TO, Ornamental or Plriin, Glazed witli 21 oz., to hu- seen erected at WILLIAM SMITH'S, TI,,TiinrM: V.\ ili>;-.k, Taiiili:uii r.rOL'U. W. SI ..._■, Jl :■_._; |..!_ I. ■, l.l.,.,L V .a-. -i.iaiiiuntal, price £40 15 0 A ditto, i;i iLx-t. long i.v i:: ie--'t wiao, pi:uii . . . . 36 o 0 Also a LEAN-TO, 23 feet long by 12 feet 0 in. wide, made portable or with fixed angles reatly for u GREENHOUSES made to order, glazed with 21 oz., three times painted, fitted together ready for fixing, at Is, 3d. per square foot. Pit or Greenhouse Lights, made of 2-inch yellow deal, glazed with 21 oz., and three times painted, at Qd. per square foot. Estimates given for effectually Heating by Hot Water. rpO BE SOLD, Cheap, au IRON DOME CONSER- In STATE IMPROVER. — Nobloincn and Gentlemen y oontompliitlng Alterations, Reclaiming Waste Lands, Planting for irsoliil ;iiLii iirn.'iiiiuntftl Effect, Laying-out Parks by Contract, or otlRnvMii i-,.,|iiii iiiL.' Surveys, Plans, and Estimates lor Agricultural ami Il'tii. MitiiiMi liiiprovomonts. Making Lakes, Roads, Drainage, &c., uiiii Ik.'.u ilLu ,u.i ut tho Advertiser as AGENT or GENERAL MANALii;!!. In- Mich improvements in any part of England or Ireland. Many works, now completed by him lu all parts of the JOHN GIBSON, JuN., begs to announce that he is prepared to Furnish PLANS and ESTIMATES for LAYING OUT GROUND atUched to Mansions and Villa or other Residences, or for tb© FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Gibson, iun., Surrey Lane. Battersea, S.W. Farm Poultry. GEEY DORKING EOWLS, of purest breed, in any numbora. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive br " ' ^YLESBURY and ROUEN DUCKS." Imported BELGIAN HARE RABBITS, for size and early maturity. BRAHMA-POUTRA. CREVECUiUR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, for constant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on application. John Baily & Son. 113, Mount Street, London, W. To Nurserymen, Market Gardeners, &c. PARTNERSHIP. — WANTED, a PARTNER, with £300, to take the Management of a Nursery of about 40 acres. Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. T^ HE "PROPRIETOR "of "a smalT3urser>7FlorStrand Jobbing Business, held on long Lease in Islington, desires to SELL a HALF-SHARE thereof to an active Working Gardener who could pay down £/'>0 on account of Purchase Money. For particulars, address G. R., 33, Sherborne Street, Downham Road, Islington. London, N. TO BE DISPOSED OF, the LEASE (with immediate possession) of the late MR. CUTHILL'S STRAWBERRY GROUNDS, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, together with the Residence, Glass, and other appliances. Established 28year3. Apply to Mrs. Cdtbili,, on the premises ; or to Wm. Barnes, Camden Nursery, Camberwell, S. _^__________^ To Gei Atherstone Nursery. r Plan ■i. No ■ h ii'ii.' n! English Yews, Portugal Laurels, Irish Yews, Cn in \t ii 1 ■. li ■, Common Laurels. Flowering and Ornamental Shrubs, \!ii*-jic:iii .\rbor-vitieof various growths. Seedling Scotch Fir, Privet, wiucaiins, Berberis, Spruce Fir, &c. i'lio present opportunity is a most avail.ible one for obtaining at a ■v cost really useful and excellent stock. Tho Nursery i" "" : Bib Sales 5g Auction. Consignment of Hardy Plants from Surrey. MK. J. C. STKVENS Kill SKLL bv AUCTION, at his Gi-Git Rooms, 3S, King Street. Covent Garden, W.C, on WEDNESDAY. March 11, at half-past 12 o'clock oreeisoly. Specimen CONIFERS, HARDY TREES and SHRUBS, Dwarf trained FRUIT TREES, Standard and Dwarf ROSES, and other plants, from a well, known Nurfierv in Surrey. Also some fine Specimen English- grown CAMELLIAS and AZALE.AS. On F the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had.^ Imported Orchids. 1 Wo , Stamford Hill, Middlesex. I EON HUKLLES (Silver lledal of the Eoyal Agricultural Society) : SHEEP, 3s. 6(i. ; CATTLE, 4«. id. ; OX, 5». 111!. List by post. GATES and FENCING of every dosonption. St. P.ancras Iron Work Company, Old St. Pancras Road, London, N. W. M "e. a. CHANdLeE (of the Lite Firm o7 Chandler 4 Sons, Nurserymen, Vauxhall), HORTICULTURjU. AGENT and VALUER— Address, 308, Fulham Road, S.W. W^ t my Office any dny accompanied by an J effect, and must be delivered at my Office before 4 o'clock on Marct. 21 next. A premium of £10 will be paid for the Design and Estimatewhich may be approved and selected by the Corporation, and wblch is to become their property on payment of such premium. The otlier Plans and iistimaies will be returned. Geo. Enw Town Hall, Qravesead, Fob. 24. , Sharland, Town Clerk. MK. J. C. STEVKxNS will SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, on THURSDAY, March 10, at half-past 12 o'Clock precisely, an Importation of Choice ODONTOGLOSSUMS from New Grenada, and a Consignment of OftCFTIDS from Mexico, consisting of Odon- togloasums, Oocidiums, Lycastes, ttc. Also some flue established Plants- of Dondrobiums, &c. 'On view the Morning of S.ale, and Catalogues had. Holloway Hill, Highgate. Clkahance Sale of Valdable Nuksbrt Stock. MESSRS. PROTHEROE and MORRIS are instructed .by Messrs. Cutbush & Son to SELL by AtTCTlON, without reserve, on tho premises, Holloway Hill Nursery, close to the Avchway Tavern, Highgate, N., on TUESDAY, March 10, at 12 o'clock procijjely, the Leiise having expired and the ground being immediately required to be cIe.^^■ed for building purposes, the whole of the Valuable NURSERY STOCK, including 1000 Common and Portuctal Laurels, 3 to 3 feet ; lUOU Aucuba. trom 2 to 4 feet ; 1000 Berberis Aqulfolia ; 1000 Spruce Fir, 2 to 4 feet; 500 Tree Box, from 1 to 3 feet; Pinna escelsa, 6 to s feet ; American and Chinese Arbor-vitte, a to 3 foot ; Sweet Bays, 2\ to 3 feet; Euonymus; 400 Laurustinus, ic. ; also Ornamental and Fruit Trees ; strong Vines in pots ; Filberts, Standard and Dwarf Roses, Deciduous Shruba, Hardy Climbers. &c. May be viewed prior to the Sale. Catalogues may be had at High- gnte Nuisories, Highgate, N. ; and of the Auctioneers, American Xursories, Leytonatone, Essex. English-grown Camellias, Fine Azalea Indica, STANDARD ROSES, FRUIT TREES, AMERICAN PLANTS, 4c. MESSRS. PUOTHEROE and MORRIS will SELL by Aiictimi at :js and 30, Gracechurch Street, City, E.G.. on SATURUAY. March 14, at \ o'Clock precisely, choice DOUBLE CAaililLLlAS. tine AZALKA INDICA, 300 STANDARD, DWARF, and CLIMBING ROSES, including all the leading vtirieties ; selected Fruit Trees, a rich assortment of American Plants, some fine bulbs of Lilium auratum, lanctfolium, nibrum, album, and others ; Ericas, Verbenns, Dahlias, &c. May be viewed tho Morning of aale. C-.talogues had at the Rooms as above ; and of the Auctioneers and Valuers, Leytonstono, N.E. _ Hornsey, Middlesex. MESSRS. PROIKKRUJ-: and MORRIS have received instnictions from Mr. Cleall to SELL by AUCTION, on tho Premises, The Hornaey Nursery, close to the Hornsey Station, on the Great Northeni Railway, on MONDAY, March 10. 18G8. at U for 12 o'clock precisely, a portion of the valuable NURSERY STUCK, consistmg of 1000 veiT hnndsonie Chinese Arbor-vitso (3 to 7 feet), Wclllngtonia gigantea' (3 to 7 leet). Cupressus Lawsonlana, Cedrus deodaia, Scotch and Spiuce Fii-s, choice EverRreun and DecidVious Shrubs, comprising 2ouuGiecn and Variegated Kuonymus. or^S"^EW"ll01JBLir^RIMS0N THORN, STANDARDS and PYRAMIDS, 6». each.; Dwarfs In pots, Zs. 6d. each. The Old Nur.^ries, Cheshunt, N. G OOD TRANSPLANTED QUICK, £50 per 100,000; larger size, £75 per 100,000 ; at a lower rate per 1,000,000. John Cattell, Nurseryman, Wetterham, Kent. Clearance of Nursery Stock. \ REDUCEU PKLCK LIST of FOREST TREES, &c. rV will be forwarded on application to J. RiDDELL. Steward, Park Attwood, Bewdley, Worcestershire. F^ , Nurseryman, Worcester. ATX above forming an immediate Fi Large Transplanted Thorn, •o 6 Fket, at 40s. to 503. per Thousand. lND sons have a large Quantity of the offer, j'ery suijtable for renewing old fiedges, or ■aeries, Bristol. ORCHIDS are TAKKN in l-.XCtlANtiE for anv kind of PLANTS chosen from M. Long Van Hodtte's 'CATA- LOQUES. Please send list of Sizes and Prices required, for the transaction of business. SIX FAN PALMS (CORYPHA) for SALE, very healthy, planted in a Conservatory ; height from 4 to 9 feet ; ■will be SOLD lor half their value. Apply to Fred. Robinson, The Gardens, Woodland, near Ryde, IsleofWight. 0"""NE" HUNDRED THOUSAND 1-yr." and 2-yr. Seedlmg Green HOLLIES, very fine and well rooted ; also Green Hollies from 1 to 'l\ feet, well grown bushy planta. Price and Samples on applicatii — *- M. A. La :, The Nurseries, Bridgewater. T HE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, PARIS, 1807, was awarded to James Cartek & Co.. 237 and 238, Higti Holbom, London, W.C. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1862, E garden REQUISITE kept in Stock at ;teeb iNcw Seed Warebouse, 237 & 23S, High Holborn, London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. AMES CARTER and CO., Seed Fabmers, Merchants, and NtlBSEBVMEK, 237 * 236, High Holborn, London, W.C. w Genuine Garden Seeds. M. CUTBTJSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above Is now ready. Post free on application. Highgate Nurseries. London, N. 1 QAft —CHOICE NEW VEGETABLE aud -LOUO. FLOWER SEEDS, POTATOS, io. Seeds of Flist Quality. JTEPHEN BROWN'S NEW DESCRIPTIVE ? CATALOGUE, with Illustrations, sent free on application. Stephen Browv, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Suffolk. ■Wholesale Catalogue. GEORGE JACKMAN and SUiN'S PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of HARDY NURSERY STOCK for 1867 and SPRING, 1868, can be had free on application. Woking Nursery, Surrey. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. (AMES FAIRHKAU and SON, Seed Guowers and Mebchantb, 7, Borougli Market, and Braintree, Kssex. G ENUINE HOiMK-GKOWN SEEua, of reliable qiialltv, for the Flowjr Garden, Kitchen Garden, and Farm. WiNriELD's PRICED LI.sT will be forwarded po.'^t freu. on faeed Warehouse, Gloucester. Notice. PURCHASERS of LARGE QUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEEDS will be supplied liberally by Sdtton & Sons. For prices apply (stating quantity required) to Sutton & Sons, Koyal Berkshire Seed EBtibliahment, Reading. CAULIFLOWER "PLANTS."^" Fine " Auturan-soWS CAULIFLOWER PLANTS. 2.i. 6d. per 100. WuoD & Ingham, Nurseries, Huntingdon. THE LONG-STA~M D E RTbi'If UCE.— Fine, crisp, and excellent, stands longer without runniuR than any Lettuce extant. Packets, Is. each. Price to the Trade on application. Stephen Brown, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Suffolk. SEED POTATOS. — All the tinest yarietiea, at yery moderate prices. H. & F. Sharpe. Wisbech. PATERSON'S VICTOKIA POTATOS, the heayiest croppers, theflneat flavoured, and the best keepers ; seed, direct fl-om Mr. Paterson. Vis. por cwt. Mr. Peabce, Measham, Atherstone. EB, Skerton Nurseri es, Lancaster, w Faterson's Victoria Fotatos. The Best Potato 1» CoLT.rATion. M. MITCHELL has a few tons of the above to Dispose of. Cash price, £12 per ton. Ware and Middlings. Enfield Highway, Middlesex, N. GLOBE ARTICHOKES, by the dozen or 100, extra fine; also 1, 2, and 3-yr. ASPARAGUS; and SEAKALE. for planting and forcing. Price on application to J. Cooper, Florist, Balfour Cottage, Fulham, S.W. rp URN IP" SEE!).— All the^choicest vaneties of 1867 M ANGEL WURZEL.— All the best sorts of 1867 growth, direct from the Grower, at veryrnoderate prices. ^H. & F^^HARpE, Seed Growers, Wiabech. TURNIP, MANGEL, CARROT, and CABBAGE SEED, of good growth, and Selected Stocks. Special Prices on application to Jamfs Fairhead a Son, 7. Borough Market, London, S.E. STRONG PLANTING SEAKALE, 3*. M. and o.s. per 100; ASPARAGUS, 4-yr.. 23. 6d. per 100; GLADIOLUS BOWIENSIS, strong flowering bulbs, 6s. and 8*. per 100 ; ditto BRENCHLEYENSIS, 10s. per lOO. WiNDKHANK, 4 KiNosBDRY, Bcvois Valley Nutsory, Southampton. "LUNDELL'S CATTLE MELON "SEEU now on SALE. Seed for an Acre, 10s. Apply to Messrs. Blcndell & Palmer, 3, Portland Street, Southampton. PARIS, I The SILVER ME UAL for GRASSES 1867. I GRASS SEEDS 1 ' ' " Royal Berks Seed Establlshnit in this day's Gardeners' Chronic B Good Clover Seeds at Market Prices. SDTTON AND SUNS cin supply tine (dean SEED of BROAD RED I COW GRASS I ALSIKE WHITE DUTCH I TREFOIL | PERENMIAL WHITE At very moderate prices, which, wltli samples if desired, may be had post Iree of ScTTOK & Sons, Seed Merchants, Reading. CLOVEK bEEU, tirst quality only, home growth. Market price on application. LoDis Vam Hocttk, Nurseryman and Seedsman, Ghent, Belgium. T^INEST LAWN MIXTUliE,^Tsrper Tb., cmnposf^of Farm Seeds of Genuine Quality. TAMES DICKSON and SONS' PKICED LIST will 1 Newton Nuraerles, Chester. „„ New Pelargoniums. pHARLES TUKNliR haa stron- plants of the Bne V^ varieties raised by I'OSTER and HOVLE, and so successfully exhibited during 1807. Tile Royal Nurseries, Slough. Pelargoniums. / "1HARLES TURNER'S stock of each cdass of the above V^ is unusually strong this season, which can be supplied at very moderate prices per dozen. Including the finest varieties. The Royal Nurseries, Slough. Pelargoniums for the Million. JAMES HOLUEK, having an immense stock of the above, begs to ofifer (strong plants, in large 60-pots) 50 disthict sorts for 30s. ; 25 sorts for 20.«. ; or 12 sorts for ISs., hamper and package included. Crown Nursery, Reading. SPECIAL OFFER.— 3000 Show, Spotted, and Fancy PELARGONIUMS, in fine varieties (awarded last season three 1st prizes), 100 for 30s., 50 for !6s., 25 for 8*. 6(7,, or 12 for 5s. William Cocas. Old Nurseries. Donineton, near Spalding. H Golden Chain Geranium. USSEY AND SON beg to offer the above, strong Autumn-struck plants, from store pots, at Us. per lOO. Mile End Nursery, Eaton, Norwich. To the Trade.-Dwarf Koses. JlfllSSEYAND SON can still supply the .above, all New Roses for 1868. JOHN FRASEK, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries, London, N.E., heirs to offer fine healthv plants of the host NEW ROSES for 1868. A DESCRIPTIVE LlSt may be had on application. 1 Q<-{Q — AU the best NKW KOSKS in cultivation. XOUO. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES now ready. Wm. Wood & Sos, Nurseries Maresfield, Uckfleld, Sussex. TO the TRADE.— HELLEBOliUS NIGKK, or CHRIS CMAS ROSE ; also a largo collection of HERBACEOUS PLANTS, in quantity. Intermediate Stocks, 16,000 very fine. MESSRS. ANSKLL beg to offer, at 3s., 4»., and 6s. per dozen, strain unrivalled. DAHLI AS, io strong pot roots, 6s..ys.,and !.;«. per doz. Also several hundred handsome LIL ACSand GUELDER ROSES, 6 feet high.— Tke Nurseries, Grafton Road,N. W Large Camellias. JOHN BELL, ISiiHsERYMAN, 10 and 11, E.xchange street. Norwich, begs to olTer about 200 large handsome grown CAMELLIAS, from 4 and 6 to 8 feet high, all leading sorts. Price and particulars forwarded on application. Park Nursery, Wood Green (near the Nag's Head), Middlesex. TO the""" TRAi)E. — CALCEOLARIA TUREA FLORIBUNDA, and other varieties; ARABIS ALBIDA fol. var. : LOBELIAS, sorts, well rooted, ready for potting, 36s. per 1000. A LIST on application t Tho jS. Wa . Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, Middlesex. CALCEOLARIAS, HERBACEOUS, of choice strain; strong blooming plants in 6-inch pots, 6s. per dozen; extra strong. 9s. per dozen. HUMEA ELEGANS, strong plants, 93. ; extra strong, 12s. perdo?, H. & R. STiRzAKsa, Skerton Nurseries, Laocaster. VERBENAS.— Purple, White, Scarlet, and Pink. strong plants, with plenty of Cuttings, 2s. per dozen ; small do., at 6». per 100, or £2 10s. per 1000, package included. Terms cash. Philip Ladds. Nursery, Besley Heath, Kent. S.E. Hyacinths, &c. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE, Ghent, Belgium, is now showing Millions of CROCUSES in full bloom ; all the newest kinds are mown in quantities. TULIPS, Eariv and Late, and HYACINTHS, thousands in number, will soon adbm his Acres. RHODODENDRON PONTICUM STO(^KS~in any quantity, fit for immediate Working. PINUS INSIONIS, l.yr Seedlings. Thomas Caipps i Son. Nurserymeu, Tuubridgo Wells. Cihotium princeps. FJ. SPAE, NUUHKRYM.1N, Ghent, Belgium, begs to • offer very nice and large plants of CIBOTIUM PRINCEPS at very low prices. H UME.i. ELEGANS.— Fine, well-gro\vn specimen Plants of the above, in 12-inch pots. Price and further particulars on application to A. Watkins. Bishop Stortford, Herts. ^__^_ Achyranthus Verschaffeltll. or ireslne Herbstli. C^ASaOiN AND SON are preparing an immense stock y of the above. We shall have pleasure m booking orders to be dispatched at any stated time. 2i)s. perJLOO. Casb< and Florists, Peterborough. To the Trade. TT7ANTED, CEDRUS UBANI, 7 to 9 feet, well V V formed, healthy, and safe to reraovo ; say price for those and other Specimen Trees, Larch. &c , all sizes, with lowest price. JosKPH Tkkmblk & Sosa, Nursery. Fennth. OX EDGING for SALE.— Four Hundred Yards of tine thick dark -green BOX. Apply to Thomas Simmon, Uckfleld, Su.9Bei. OR SALE. One Milli^n~2-vr.-old SCOTCH FIR SEEDLINGS, at Is. per 1000. Apply to B Jj KtlsuLlJNUb, at IS. per iww. Appiy to Mr. Jno. Hollowav, Holmsley Lodge. Burley, Kingwood, Hants, WANTED, i500 VARIEGATEU IVY.— Address, with particulftre and lowest price, to Adstin & McAsLAN, Nurserym'"" •^i"-"-" Wanted, Privet. „, , , TXT ANTED, 3000 PRiVEf, 2 to 3 feet. State lowest THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mabch 14, : Cut Camellia Flowers. JHALLY. NuRSERYJiAN, Biackheath and Lee, haa a • goodaeeortmeut of fine DOUBLE WHITES and other leading kinds, whicb he is now sendittir, carefally packed, to all pai-ts of the Kingdom. Prices on Jipplication. Direct to J. Hallv, Turner Road, Lee. Kent, S.E. NOTICE OF REMOVAL, WEBB'S NEW GIANT POLYANTHUS, Florist Flower, and GIANT COWSLIP PEKDS; also Plants of all the varletieg, with double PRIMROSES of different colours; AURICULAS, both Single and Double ; with every sort of Early Spring nowera. LIST on application.— Mr. Webb, Calcot, ReadlDg, PELARGONIUMS, Fancy, strong healthy plants (ii 4i-inch pots), 12 choice named sorts for 88. ; or 24 sorts for Ifi; Show and Spotted varieties, 12 choice named for Ss. ; or M aorts for 16«. Nino varieties of scented-leaved sorts for 5s. H. & R, Stirzaser, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. ^_ /^ LOXINIAS, erect and drooping, nice bulbs, just ^ J started in growth, free by post, 12 choico-named sorts for Gs. ; 24 sorts for lls.i 30 sorts for 14s. ACHIMENES, good tubers (free by post), 2 of a sort, in 12 choice named for &s. ; 20 sorts for Ids., inoluding Mauve Queen and Scarlet Perfection. H. & R. Htirzaser, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster.^ /^APE JESSAMINE, or GARDENIA FLORIDA, with \_^ bloom buds. 12». per dozen. RTNCHOSPERMUM JASMINOIDES. floe plants, just coming into flower, I8s. per dozen. CATALOGUES descriptive of Stove, Oreenhouse, and other plants, free on application to H. & R. Stifzaker, Skerton Nurseries. Lancaster. CHEAP HARDY FERNS, Carriage paid to any Railway Station in the United Kingdom. 100 OSMUNDA REGALlS CRIST ATA, flne strong plants, packing included, £3 lOs. 100 ATHYRIUM FILIX-FfEMlNA FRIZELLl^. do., do., £3 Id.". Not less than 100 miist be ordered to enjoy the above advantage. RUSSELL'S PYRAMIDAL PRIMULAS. — This magnificent strain still maintains its character as the finest in cultivation. New ?eed, orice 2s. 6rf. per packet, PRIMULA KERMESINA.— The Rreat fault of this brilliant coloured variety baa hitherto been its indisposition to throw its flowers above the foliage. I have now, however, the satisfaction oi offering it with the mme erect, conspicuous style as the other kinds. ■ ■ -■ ■ limitedt^' ""- , -.'urseries. Atottingham, Kent. Superb Double Hollyhocks. WILLIAM CHATEK begs to remind the admirers of this beautiful Flower, that now is the time for planting to insure flne blooms and spikes next summer. A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with aTraatiseuponits Cultivation, will be forwarded upon the receipt of one postage 8tamp.(Special prices, as supplied by .J?^A«J r from 20.i. to 30s. per 100. Seed saved from the verv finest named varieties in cultivation ; COLLECTION No. I. 12 separate named varieties, extra fine, 1 No. 2, G extra fine varieties, fis. ; No. 3, 12 sepaialie i from eood show flowers, 7s. dd. ; No. 4. 6 named varieties, is. Mised packets, lis. and "la. 6ii. WiLLiAst Chater, Nurseries, Saffron Walden. Buttous' Home-grown Seeds. U U T T 0 N S ' ^ GUINEA COLLECTION KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, Containing the bent and most useful kinds for ONiJ WHOLE YEAR'S SUPPLY, CARRIAGE FREE BY RAIL On receipt of Post-offloe Order for 2U. PRICED LISTS gratia and peat free on Sdtton k Sons, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. Nursery and Seed Establiahmeat, Dumfries. (ESTABLISUED 1787.) THOMAS KENNEDY and CO. will have much pleasure in sending the following DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUES to anv address on application :— - No. I— CATALOGljE of DUTCH FLOWER ROOTS. Ao. No. Il.-CATALUGUE of FOREST, FRUIT, and ORNA- MENTAL TREES, ROSES, Ac. No. II I. -CATALOGUE of SELECT VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, Ac No. IV.-CATALOGUE of AGRICULTURAL SEEDS. Ac. Seed Shop and Counting Rooms, 106 and 108, High St., Dumfries. The Nurseries— Dumfrlei Railway Station, Meadows, Nithbauk, Pleasance, Barkerland, Eoatfield, Hollybush, Ac "The fulness, expansive n ess, and eelectneaa of the Catalogues of Measrg. Thomas KENNenv A Co., Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Floriats, Dumfries, proclaim in loud language tl^eir honour and respectability, and also the wide-spread nature of their dealings. Wo can only reiterate our former favourable commendations, and eav to all who may be disposed to deal with the Firm, that they will, UQCier all circumstances, be treated in all integrity and uprightness."— r/ie Field, l!)th March, 1864. Genuine Seeds of Superior Stocics. SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN. FRANCIS KNj) ARTHUR DICKSON and SONS, "The Old Established" See4 Warehouse, 106, Eaatgate Street, and The '• Upton" Nurseries, Chester. COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS for ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY :— No. 1.— £3 3 0 I No. 3.— £1 11 6 I No. 6.— £0 12 C No. 2.-£2 2 0 I No. i.—Jil 10 | No. e.-jS5 3 0 COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE CONTINENTAL and ENGLISH FLOWER SEEDS >- No. l.-£2 2 0 I No. 3.~£l 10 1 w„ . in. a^ No. 2.-£110 0 1 No. 4.— £0 15 0 | ^o. 5.—Ws. 6d. Also Sra.^ler OoUeotiona, from 6«. to 78. Cd,, Free by Post. CATALOGUE of NEW and SELECT VEGET^UiLE and FLOWER SEEDS, Ac, lor 1868, ^ith practical Cultural Directlonj, will be sent Post Free upon application. Flower Seeds Free by Post or Rail. FARM SEEDS.— These the? also supply, of every kind and of the finest qualities procnrabie. Their MIXTURES of GRASS SEEDS for Permanent Turf an well as for Rotation Crops are very superior, and made up for every description of Soil and Climate. Their TURNIP SEEDS, MANGEL WURZELS, CARROTS, and other Root Crop Seeds, are each grown with scrupulous care from the Finest .Stocks known of their respective kinds. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE Post Free on application Orders amounting to £2 value (Grain, Ac, excepted), will be WAITE, BUKNELL, HUGGINS, & CO., SEED MERCHANTg, 181, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C, HAVE .NOST REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES IN SOUTHWARK STREET, S.E. WHERE IN FUTURE ALL COMMUNICATIONS' ARE TO BE ADDRESSED. SUPERB NEW LATE GRAPE, "MRS. PINCE'S BLACK MUSCAT." All the moBt ominent Grape-Bowers have united in pronouncing this to he the very hest Grape extant. Fruit of it remained on the Vine until May 10, 1867. LUCOMBE, PINCE, and CO., beg to inform the Public that they have still a few fine Fruiting Vinea of this valuable Grape to offer, at ^og each EXETER NURSERY, EXETER. GOLDEN CHAMPION GBAPE. Thia extraordinary Grape (a notice of which appeared in this Paper in Decembnr last), is a SEEDLTNGr raised by Mr. Thomaon, of Dalkeith. In constitution it 13 equal to the Black Hamburgh ; it set? freely under the aame treatment, ripens earlier, and will keep in condition, when ripe, as long as that fevourite variety ; the bunches are large and well shouldered, berries larger than any Grape known, flavour new and peculiarly rich. Fruit has been submitted to many competent judges for their opinion ; and Testimonials, fuUy corroborating what we say of it, may be had on application. The Grape will be Exhibited during the seaaon. Orders are now being booked, and we propose to aend VINES OMt ux September nest. Price 21s. and 423. each. The usual Discount to the Trade. OS BORN AND SONS, FULHAM NURSERY, LONDON, S.W. NEW ZONAL PELARGONIUM, EGYPTIAN QUEEN. TKI3 SPLEXDID VAllIETT, -WHICH WAS AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE AT THE HOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW, AT SOUTH KENSINGTON, In the Autumn of 1867, and is decidedly the best Btcolor Zonal yet exhibited, will be ke\dy Fon sendins out on THE 1st of May. Orders are now being booked, and will be esecuted in strict rotation, Description. — Darkest bronze yet seen on bright golden-yellow ground ; leaves of extraordinary substance, consequently resisting sun and rain ; form of leaf round, and surface Hat ; habit, dwarf, bushy, and very hardy. Was planted out last season with all the older Golden Bronze Zoned Varieties, and stood the variable season better than any. Will be exhibited at all the London Horticultural and Botanical Societies' gbows in London this season. Figured in " Floral Magazine " for January, 1868. Plates (by Andrews) may be had. Is. each. Single Plants, price 10s. 6d. JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 and 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LOFDON, W.C. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S NEW GENERAL PRICED SEED CATALOGUE (No. 122) for 1868, IS KOW BEADY, AND IS SEUT POST FREE TO ALL HIS CUSTOMERS, ROYAL GHENT NURSERY, BELGIUM. AMARTLLIDS, of all descriptions, novoltie.; LILIES, large collection ; the newest GLAPWLIjarse stock of all the CAUdIdMS, &c„ &o., 4s to be found at the end of LOUIS VAN HOUTTB'S PRICE LIST, No, 122. ^ „__ ,— LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PRICED LIST, No. 121, Contains AZALEA INDICA, CAMELLUS, hardy RHODODENDRONS, hardy GHENT AZALEAS, strrag MAGNOLLA LENNB, ORNAMENTAL TREES and SHRUBS, CONIFERS, ROSfiS (Urge Stock), PERENNIALS (the heat ones), &c. ____________^-_—__— r— — .^^ LOUIS VAN HOUTTE'S PACKAGES ore delivered Free from Shent to the following Towns :—fio(rie, Grimsby, Harwich, LeUh, Liverpool, London, Middlesbro-on-Tees, and Newcastle-on-Tyne ; but, par eontt*, a), are charged in account for each ease, basket, or hamper of a usual size. From the above named Towns to the hnal deatinations, tne re-expedition is made by special Agents at the cheapest rate and by the shortest route. , „ .. • v„ ,.,„ „„„ Parcels are aUo sent freb over London (at the hereafter specified rates), to all parts of Great Britain, by the care of L. V, H.'s special Agenta without any other additional expenses than those of the usual Railway charges. GOODS SENT FREE TO LONDON. ^v. ,. t j All goods are packed as cheaply as possible, and forwarded at the foUowing rates from Whent to l^naon . - f Case weighing from 1 to -lib. 2s. 1 Case weighmg from 26 to 30 lb. 3s. b.». 1 „ „ „ 6 ,. 10 1. 2s. 6-l) SON beg tn annoiinre (hat their . Stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds is this season very extensive and well-grown, samples, prices, and Catalogues of which can be obtained on application Pinus Aiistriaca, 1 to 2 feet 10,000 GreenHolly.transpInnted, 1)10 2 ft. Berberis aquifolia Arbor-vitie And other yartoua Shrubs A l.irso slock of stronz .STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. R ICHAKD SMITH'S LIST of all the EVERGREEN FIR TRIBE, suitable for Britain, giving size, price, popular "' '"' deriyattons, description, form, colour, foliaRe, and botanical growth, timbe soil, and otlier iDtorraation, with copious Index of tlieir synoii' Free by post for six postage sLimps, (lyman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. W Large Evergreens, Specimen Conifers, Sec. ATERER AND GODFUEY bo;r to submit the List to tho notice of Intending planters : — "^HREE MILLION strong 4-yr. transplanted QUICK. 1.000,000 good 2-yr. transplantpd QUICK, :J,000,000 bupcrior Seedling QUICK. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 4 to 6 feet. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 2 to 4 feet. For samples and prices apply to ^ Jons Hemslet. High Fiolds, Melbourne, near Derby. Strong Larch, Spruce, Elm. T ARCH, from 3 to 4 feet ; ELM, 3 to d feel ; SPRUCE, I i o»„,r„., Tjr^^Am^^ T>:_,. .-__ _ p-i^^^.^^ g^^Iy Oxfords. SYCAMORI^, Transplanted, :i to 4 feet, 20s. ; SCuTCH, twice Transplanted, li to 2* feet. v&h. • SPRUCE ditto. 1 to 2feet, 2os. per 1000; L'-yr. ENGLISH OAK and THORNS, £7 10«. ""- '"^.OOO ; also APPLE STOCKS, li to 21 feet, and strong Trans- 1 planted LAURELS, 1 1 ;s, Banipton, Devon. ELEGANTISSIMA, 10 and 1. „ ., DOVASTON or WEEPING, fine heads. lOandlSyears old We have altogetSior thousands of these different Yews of the larce sizes. Everv plant has been recently removed. HOLLIES, COMMON GREfTN, 6, 7, fi, 10. 12, and 16 feet high, and as much m circumference — hundreds „ LAURIFOLIA and SCOTTICA, C, 7, 8, and 10 feet, and wide „ WATEKEK'S, the hardiest nf all variegated Hollies, 4 and 5 feot by If) and 12 feet In cnciimrerence „ THE QUEEN, or best fuid striped, the handsomest of alt nd GOLDEN, wltb fine hei cfllNESE JUNIPER, one 'if 'the handsomest and hardiest of all evergreens — thousands o( beautiful plants. 4, ft, 6, 7, and 8 feet hinh ; some niagnlBcent plants, 10, 12, and 15 feet high, .' thousands, fi. 7. 8, 10, to 15 feet high, and ns much in ciicum'fereiice TUUJOPSIS BOREAXIS, 4, 6, 8, and 10 feet high, 7 to 12 feet in None of our Nobilis or Nordmr „ MAGNIFICA or NOBILIS ROBUSTA, the flneststock in the trade, all seedlings, 2 to 4 leet high „ LASIOCARPA, hundreds of plants, 4, fi, C, and 7 feet high, all ABIES DOUGLASII, 6, 6, 7. and 8 feet [seedlings „ OltlENTALIS, 4, 5, 6, 7, to 10 and 12 feet ; 7 to 20 feet m cir- cumfereace ; most beautiful plants PINUS CEMBRA, 6, 7 ~ ' PO, 3,4,5. imo very f In circumferei WELLINGTONIA UIGANTEA, a large number, all removed recently, 4, 5,6,4 10 rt. high, &12ai.d l^ift. in circumference KHODODENDRONS. — We have 40 acres of land In one piece filled almost exclusively with Rhododendrons. A more healthy and beautiful stock cannot be desired. STANDARD RHODODENDRONS.— Some of the finest plants to Surplus Stock. TO be SOLD. Cheap, large LOM HARDY POPLARS; also BEECH. BIRCH, LARCH. FIRS, and WEEPING WILLO\V.S. DOUBLE FDRZE in 48-pot8), ASPARAGUS (2 and 3.yr.) ; fine SEA KALE, for planting. Price on application to r> .. m.__». :__ , wisham. and Burnt Ash Lane. Lee, S E. For Avenues ana Parks. n^WO THOUSAND AHIES i- IMILTGLASTI, 810 10 feet high, Miperh speoimerts. in perfect order for transplanting. 84a. per d"zen, £30 per 100. Tlie Flrtg-stuff {nearly 300 feot high) at tho Exhibition of 1862 was of this noble and beautiful Fir, the timber (f which In superior to the beat Red Deal. Fine speci- mens in greatnurobers of WELLING- TONIAS, PICEA NOBILIS, and N'ordmanniana ; Pmes, Cfrtars, Arau- Cnpnssus, Tbujoj sis, and many others. Mow) on applic ito and .Sebil Merchant. Worcester. We solicit an mspuction and inviie comparison with any other similar nursery stocK in the kiuKdom. The KuFip HlU Nursery is upwards of 1.W acres in extent, nnd con- tains an enormous nnd very superior stock nf the ordinary sized EVERGREENS. DECIDUOOS ORNAMKNTAL TREES, &c. A PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE will be forwarded Iree on application to Wateber & GoorRET, Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. V- V — .^™i=-^o^ii„-.,.-K„,iv„aw._ .,._. from Waterloo IMPROVED FLUKE KIDNEY MYATT'S ASHLRAF IMPROVED EAHLY i^now I WHITE ROCK TEIE KING OF POTATOS Lowest price per cwt., sack, or ton. on appHcatic SUT' s- & Sons. Growers, Reading, 10 POTATO PLANTERS and OTHKRS. — Tho - undoriiiQiitioned vrtrietloa can bo hnd by the cwt. or ton, vfz. ;— Roi.icD V*; OLD ASHLEAF (true) ALMA GLOUCESTERSHIRE MILKY WHITE VICTORIA FLUKE Terms cish. Prices < a. WisriEiD, Seen Merch.-int YORK RECENT JERSEY BLUE WHITE ROCK FORTYFOLD SKERRY BLUB 1 npplicatirtn to ind Grower, Gloucester. Peas.— To the Trade. TAMES CARTEK, DUNNETT, and BEALE, 238, tJ High HolborD, have a surplus Stock of tho undermentioned sorts of PE.\S. Samples and lowest price on application. SANGSTER'S N. ADVANCE. WOODFORDS. CLIMAX. McLEAN-s EPICUREAN. HARRISON-S I'KRFHX'TION. M. LI BURRIDGE'S ECLIPSE. CHAMPION ALLIANCE. CHAMPION OF ENGLAND. AUVERGNE. NE PLUS ULTRA. FAIRBEARD'S SURPRISE. BRITISH QUEEN. PRINCESS ROYAL. Melville's Improved Variegated Borecole. OTUAIlT AND MEIN. Sefdsmen, KpIso, N.B., have O pleahuro in rfferinR Seed of the above beautiful Borecole, which is specially adapted for Winter Decoration in the Shrubbery or Flower Garden, being beautifully curled, and varying in colour from rich creamy white to the darkest purple. See Journal o/ Honi' cuUure, p. 167 ; and Qardx, Esq., Manor Home, TVi/mondham. Aovevtber 10, 1807— " I have grown your 'Nornianton Ytllow Globe Munjiol the last two year-, aiid it bns produced one-thjrd more weight ncr acre than any other kind I have ever grown." From THf s. Nuitall, Esq., Manor Hou^e, Beeby, Leicester. Decc7ii6cr 2, 1867.— " 1 have grown your New Normanton Globe Mangel by the s'de of three other kinds, on land treated exactly ttiesame. I hart fnr greater weight from this thnn any other kina, besides havmg a bulb with only one tap root, requiring little or no getting up or cleaning. I mott certainly shall sow none other nexb From Jonw James, Esq., Industr-iat Schools, Highgate, London, y. December 9, iSii?.- *' Having given the New Nornianton Globe & trial. I consider it the best that 1 have met with. It Is remarkable for its 1 irge size, symmetry of shape, extreme smallness of top, and having only one small tan root. It has, moreover, a peculiar firm- ness in the bulb that 1 have not noticed In any other Mangel." From Mr. CnABiRKE, Steward to Mrs. Burton, Sutton Bonnington. '" Your Normanton Globe Mangel I consider the best variety grown. I had over 40 tons per aero tnis unfavourable season ; and intend growing it extensively next yonr. Please reserve toe 130 lb." From Messrs. W. 4 H. Gill, Burtun-o^i-the-Wotds. November 21, 18C7.— " We have grown your Normanton Globe Mangel Wurzel for two years, and we most decidedly like it better than any Mangel we have ever seen. We hnve not only grown* greater weight per acre than or" any other Kort, nut find it so much Itss expense to clean, having but a single tap root, and pulis u]> as froe from soil as a common Turnip." From Mr. C. Habrison, Pailtoii Fieldn, Rugby. December 9, 1867.—'* Your New Mangel I tried wltb two other sorts, and find It by far the best, I had a greater weight and better quality ; they will olbo stand much nearer together on account of tnoir small top." We tnifct the above are a sufficient guarantee of the superior qualities of this variety. Extra Selected YELLOW GLOBE MANGEL, 1». per lb. Improved ORANGE GLOBE MANGEL, 1^. M. per lb. Selected LONG RED and YELLOW, is. ptr lb. Other first-cliiss varieties at equally low prices. CATALOGUE on application, post free. A larco stock of SWEDE and other TURNIP SEEDS, all selected and grown by Harbison & Sox. HARRISON'S Improved GOLDEN GLOBE SWEDE, Is. per lb. Selected CHAMPION SWEDE, Is. per lb. WESTBURY PURPLE-TOP SWEDE, Is. per lb. Improved OLD PURPLE-TOP SWEDE, Is. per lb. SKIKVING'S Improved SWEDE. Is. per lb. And many other improved TarloLles of SWEDE, SCOTCH and COMMON TURNIPS. GENERAL CAT.^LOGUE on application, post free. PERMANENT PASTURE GRASSES, sepanite or mixed, for an Soils. Price per acre, bushel, or cwt. on application. CLOVER SEEDS, of the best quality, at low prices. Sample and prices on Hpptication. . .... „» GARDEN SFEDSofevery description, ofnone but the b(VRtQuantT. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of GARDEN. FLOWER, and FARM SEEDS grown by Harrison & So«. gratia and po^t free on application. All ordera of £1 and upwarrs, caniage paid. Kive per cent. discouLt for c^sh payments. Xfirtlanri Seod W.irehcuse. Leicester. 262 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICITLTURAL GAZETTE. [Maech 14, 1868. ADAM FORSYTH'S CATALOGUE for 1868 is now ready, and wiU bs forwarded to all applicauts tor one stamp. It conlalis a select List of New and ctoice Chrjsanthemums, 6eore?B New Tropreolunu ; New Double, Variegated Zona , and other Geraniums ; Dahlias, Verbenas, rucbsias, and Miscel. Iwieoue Bedding Plants; also a Practical TreatlBO (with nluslra- Sons) on the Culture of the Cbrysmtbemum. , ^ „ Bnmswick Nui-sery, atoke Newmgton, London, P». New Clirysaiitliemvims for 1868. TOHN SALTEE-S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of t) SEEDLING JAPANESE and other New CIIBYSANTHE- MUMS GERANIUMS, Double PYRETHRDMS, Kardy Variegated Plants, Ac., is now Ready, and will be lorwarded on receipt ot two postage stamps. _ ., ..,. t,. Vol-aaUles Nureery, William Street, Vale Place, Ha nimersmith, W ICHAED SMITH'S SEED CATALOGUE contains a Calendar of Time for Sowing, particulars of CollectiODS. with Pi-ices, Directions for Cropping well and economically. Soil, Manure, Depth, Distance, Season, Hardiness, Duration, Jorm Height, Colour, Storing, Use, Flavour, and other qualities described, ihis net free by post for one sLimji. WeatherUl's New Hybrid Solanums. BS WILLIAMS has great pleasure in announcing . that he has secured the whole of the STOCK of HYBRID SOLAN UMS lately exhibited before the Floral Committee by Mr Weatherill, of Finchley, who was awarded a Special Certlncate for' the Collection. For full particulars see previous large Advertise- ments Seeds sown now will produce Plants for Winter Decorations. Price per packet, 2s. M., 3a. M., and 6». None genuine unless the packets bear B. S. WiLLiiMs' name and address. B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper IToUoway, London, N. TTIRST-CLASS SHOW and FANCY PANSIES, in Jj strong, well-rooted, Autumn.8truck plants, 4s. to 68. per dozen, 26s. per 100, my selection. AMBROISE VERSCHAFFELT, Nurseryman, Ghent, Belgium, begs to offer, carriage free :— TROPvEOLDM AZUREDM (tbe True Blue), flne bulbs, p. doz. £1 Is. TRICOLORUM, flne bulbs, per dozen, lOs. 6d. (t^ i^ie NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE, No. 81, and a Spec: Ehododendrons, As Exhibited at tbe Royal Botanic GAaDENS, Regent's Pars. JOHN WATERER, the Exhibitor at the above Gardens, has pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of the above popular Plants is now published, and will be forwarded applicants. It faithfully descr"" "" "■" """ """ worthy^of cultivation. It , Bagshot, Surrey. CONIFERS, with heights and piii S' UTTONS* CHOICE COLLECTIONS ot FLOWER SEiiiDS Fiee by I ost or Rail 26fl. per 1' AURICULAS, DAISIES. &c^ als( Verbenas.— To tbe Trade. „ , FOUR THOUSAND very strong VERBENAS of the following sorts, in pots :— Crimson King, Purple King. Fox- Hunter Mrs. Holford, Snowflake, Annie, Brillant da Vaise, and Madame M..quin. Price £1 per 100. Carriage paid to any railway station in England. Also 3000 CALCEOLARIAS, Aurea llorlbunda, well-established in farthing pots, D. Melluisb, Bailbrook Gardens, Bath. Tbe Only Advertisement tbat wlU Appear. BESLEY'S PRIZE GERMAN AbTEES, undoubtedly the best for exhibition, invariably takes the First Prize wherever exhibited by that grower Has taken First Prizes at the (bllowmg leading Shows :-Crystal Palace, B.Uh,Oxford, Reading, and Wantage. Early orders are requested, as the quantity is very hmited. In packets. Is. each, fVee per post. . ,_ . . „ , Thomas Smith, Seedsman, Long Wlttenhani, Abingdon, Berks^ BALSAMS, GLE.^JNY'S IMPEOVED, 13 stamps ; the finest STOCKS, I; PERFECTION ASTER, 13 : Imported 30. Mr. Gl to choose from, _ free for a direct* WALLED NURSERY GARDEN, halt an Acre, i.E'T, with Houses, Pit. &c. Stock, £100. Double CHRYSANTHEMUM and POMPON Selected LIST of 60 sorts of Seeds for Ama* published in the Annual Pocket Advertiser, BARR & SUGDEN, THE METROPOLITAN SEED, BULB, AND PLANT WAREHOUSE, 12, KING STEEET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. Carriage or Post Paid. HOME-GROWN SEEDS. G. Glkmnt, Horticultural Agent, Fulbara, SJ Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, MISCELLANEOUS HARDY KEDDING PLANTS, SWEET VIOLETS, &C. ROBERT PARKER begs to announce that Ms CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of ttie finest kinds in cultiTfttion of the abore-named, is now published, and will be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have ail been procmed from the best possible sources ; all are warranted genuine, and are offered at the lowest possible prices. t-cla8s mixture lor laying downa L^wn, a Bowling Green, c Croquet Ground, and for renovating the same. 20s. per bushel, BARR \yl' SUGDEN'S PERMANENT PASTURE GRASSES and CLOVERS, of the finest quality ; sufficient for Laying Down The QUEEN of LILIES (LILIUM AURATUM), price now reduced. Flowering Bulbs, 2s. Gd., 3s. Qd., 5s. 6rf., 7s. 6it., and 10s. 6d. each, according to size. ....^,, ^, _ 1 > iii-.i -r .... a^. — ^ring plants, with a Christmas. 2d. to per dozen, 10s. 6d. to 80s. per 100. SECOND EDITION of SEED CATALOGUE now ready. Dia- a^pomted applicants for the First Edition may now have Copies. SELECT FLOWER SEEDS, &( Per pkt.— s. ( ANTIRRHINUM TOM THUMB, finest mixed 1 AQBRIETIA GRiECA, a lovely dwarf perennial 1 worthy of cultivation. 1. Ihe best loo soil 2. The best 60 sorts 3. The best 36 sorts 4. The best 24 sorts 5. The best 24 0 10 3 (liardy, half-bardy, and tendei) £1 ditto ditto 0 7 6 ditto ditto 0 5 0 (hardy sorts only) . . . • ..050 PRICED CATAIiOGUES gratis and post free on application. Sditon & Sons, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. To the Trade.— Continental Flower Seeds, &c. FW. AVENDEL, Seed Mekch.^nt and Gkow-er, • Erfurt, Prussia. beRS to announce that his WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of the abr.ve is now ready, and may be bad free and cost paid on application to his Agent. Geo. Macinto-sh. Nurseryman and Seedsman, High Road, Hammersmith, London, W. Just Published, ANEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, and will be forwardea on application to J SCOTT, Merrlott. Somerset. The 1868 Edition of SCOTT'S FLOWER GARDEN DIRECTORY and CATALOGUE of DECORATIVE BEDDING PLANTS is also preparing, and will he ready in April. HYACINTHUS AMETHYSTINUS, bright porcelain I'lue . . 0 LEUCOJUM VERNUM (Spring Snowflake) 0 LILIUM AURATUM, home-saved from a large ooUection .. 1 LINARIA ALPINA, a pretty rock or border plant . . . . 0 LOBELIA BLUE KING, light sky blue, good bedder, distinct 1 PICTURATA. an improvement on " Paxtomana 1 LUPINUS SUBCARNOSUS.iose-tinted White flowers .. 0 M\LCOFINIA INCRASSATA. a distinct species of Virgin Stock, with larger, bright-coloured, and mgre endiiring flowers than the common one . . . . .... . . 0 MATHIOLA BICOBNIS, hardy night-ecented Stock .. ..0 MIMULUS CUPREUS, verj' ornamental for rockwork . . 0 ,, „ ClNNABARlNUS.verysplendid.unequalled by any other variety 1 MACULOSUS, large blotched Bowers, very showy . . 0 MYOSOTIS AZORICA, splendid dark blue Forget-me-Not . . 1 „ PA LUSTRIS, bright blue, autumn blooming . . . . 0 SYLVATICA ALBA, white Foi^at-me-Not . . . . 0 NARCISSUS JUNCIFOLIUS.adistinctandvaryprettyspecies X PELARGONIUM, SHOW and SPU'TTED, saved from our own collection J „ FANCY, ditto J „ ZONAL, Bull's celebi-ated strain * PICOTEE. FANCY, saved from white and yellow flowers, each 1 SCILLA UMBELLATA, Jight blue.^^retty bord " 0 6 dwarf tufts.. 0 6 ^_,^_,^^^^.„^,_ , _,_ flowers, choice ..10 VIOLA CORNUTA MAUVE QUEEN, Wills' seed .. ..0 6 LUTEA, very dwarf habit, bright yellow flowers . . ..10 PARROT MAIZE, blue, red and white variegation " "^ of six ornaa Advertiseme James Backhocse & Son, York Nurseries. Ehododendrons, &c. JAMES SMITH , Darley Dale, Nurseries near Matlock, offers the following :— 160.000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, beautilul healthy plants, 9 to 16 inches, 15s per 100: £6 10s. per lOOO 150,000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM. flne bushy plants, 1 to U foot, 203. per 100 ; £9 10s. per 1000 — 7 • , „« ^ ,__._ ,, .^Q 2feet, li foot. 6,000 AZALEA POtfTICUM, tbe swee plants, 12 to 18 inches, mostly i 20«. per 100. Ditto, 16 to 24 ins - --- " ^" TTP.ATHS inahrtntai v ^ . -- i lOs. to 166. per 100. Also about 20 varieties, at 6.1. to 7s. per dozen. 12 000 DOUBLE WHIN, GORSE, or FURZE, nico plants, well rooted, 2s. m. per dozen ; 12«. per 100. Also m pots, at 48. per dozen ; 208. per 100. 38,000 COTONEASTER MICKOPHYLLA, C t per doz. ; 12». per 100. li to 2 feet, 3s. p— , — 20,000 ARBOR-VIT-E. AMERICAN, beautiful plants. ■ lijO; 2'Js. [ler UiOO per dozen ; ss. per lOO I delivered free at Matlock Bridge or Darley s Midland Railway. "a CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, includin ■ Forest Trees, Flowering Shrubs, named Rhododendrons, &c., sent free by post. The Trade BuppUed. Affply '- ;, Darley Dale Nurseries, i New Petunia, Lobelia speciosa. Verbenas, and Centaurea candidissima. TTiELTON AKU HOLIDAY, Birmingham Nurs. , J^ Harbome Road, Edgbaaton, and Seed Warehouse. 15 Bull Ring, Birmingham, are now offering the new PETUNIA GAZELLE, in fine strong plants (with cuttings on), at 12s. per dozen, U. Gd. each This Petunia makes one of the brightest beds in the garden, being pure white, with rich rosy purple stripe in each petal, very free blooming, and constant. Excellent for pot culture. Strong well-established plants of a most beautiful variety of LOBELIA SPECIOSA, producing a blue belt, or bed of unsurpassed loveliness. These are all struck cuttings, thus securmg uniformity of colour. Price £1 Is. per 100, 38. per dozen. 64-page SEED CATALOGUE now ready. THE GOLDEN VARIEGATED WELLINGTONIA.— For full particulars of this fine tree see OariUners' Chronicle of February 8 and 1" the Grand Manchester Opinions or toe Pri " R. Hartland exhibited a very curious The variegated parts, which seemed equal legated Wellingtonia. a third of the whole, of a bright golden colour." Scottish Qardener, September, 1866. " The Golden Variegated Wellingtonia is a capital subject for planting, the markings being such as to render It really handsome, while iU growth is healthy." Oardeuers' Chronicle, January 12, 1867. " Tlie beautiful Golden Variegated variety of the Mammoth Tree of California is a striking and deservedly prizad variety ... "its golden sprav glittering in the sunbeam ; and if ever the distinctive characters of a plant seemed fixed, they are in this instance. Insh Farmers' QazetU, Novembei- 2, 1867. Tbe plants are plunged out-of-doors. First size, 2-yr., 14 to 16 Inches £fi 6 0 Second size, 1-yr., 9 to 12 inches 2 2 0 Third size, this yeai-'s, 4 to 6 inches Chromo-lithograph, by Day * Son, post free sent to each parchr " >H\ 26 stamps, and 0 The Lough Nureenes, Cork.— March P. SANVITALIA PROCUMBENS, , Gd. and 1^-. per packet. Very Choice Seeds, BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA.— This strain isremarkabie for superbly fringed flowcis. which are laree, of great substance ; alba, rubra, and mixed ; each, 'zs. Gd. .ind 3s. Gd. per packt-t. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA NEW CRIMSON SHADED MADDER. — A most beautifully fnnged, large fiowered, and distinct variety ; 2s, Gd, and 3s. Gd. per Packet. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA NEW STRIPED,- Beautifully fringed, large-flowered flowers, white, stnped rod ; 3s 6d. and 5,*. G'i. per packet. . BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA, FERN-LEAVED.-This is a superb class ; flowers very handsome, aod foliaite remarkably ornamental ; alba, rosea, and mixed ; each, 2s. Gd. and 3s. Gd. BAfiR'S^COVENT GARDEN DOUBLE PRIMULA.— Pme white and rich carmine ; each, 2s. Gd. and 33. Gd. per packet. These come perfectly true from seed. BARRs International prize calceolaria, the finest strain in cultivation ; 28. Gd. and 3,s. Gd. per packet. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN CINERARIA, 2s. Gd. per packet. COLLECTIONS OP Showy and Beautiful Flower Seeds. Pretty HARDY ANNUALS, in Collections, 2a. 6d., 3s. 6rf., 68. Od., 10.S-. Gd., and 21s. ,, . ^. Pietty HARDY ANNUALS, includin? the best of the new varieties, in Collections. 6s. Gd., 7s. 6rt., 10s. Gd., 16s., and 30s. Most beautiful HALF-HARDY ANNUALS, in Collections, 3«. 6d., 4s fid , 7s. Gd., 10s.. 16e., and 30s. HARDY PERENNLALS, in CoUection; 15s., and 30s. , 3s. 6d., 5s. 6d., HALF-kARDT PERENNIALS, in Collections, 4s. Gd. and 7s. Gd. ANNUALS and PERENNIALS for Rockwork, in Collections, 2s. Gd., 3s. 6d., 5s. Gd., and 7s. Gd. ^ „ ^. PERENNIALS lor Rockwork, in Collections, 3s. Gd. and 7«. Gd. ANNUALS for Edgings and Panel Gardening, in CoUections, 2s. Ga., 3s. Gd.. 5s. Gd., and 7s. 6d. Sweet-scented ANNUALS, in Collections, 2s, and 35. Gd. ANNUALS best adapted to cut for Bouquets, in CoUections, 3s. Gd., bs. Gd., Is. Gd., and 12s. Gd. , . ^ r,L. u EVERLASTING FLOWERS, for Winter Bouquets and Cburch Decoration, in Collections, 2s. Gd. and 3s. 6d. SEEDS of SUB-TROPICAX PLANTS, in Colleotioos, fis. 6d., 7s. 6d., 12». 6d.. and 2' ORNAMENTAL GOURDS, for Hall and Table Decoration, in Collections, 3s. 6d., 58. 6d.. 7s. 6d..l2H. lid., and 21s ORNAMENTAL CLIMBERS, in Collections, 3s. Gd., 3s. Gd., 6s. Cd,, 7s Gd , 12a. Gd., and 2l3. GREENHOUSE ANNUALS and BIENNIALS, in Collections, PERUVIAN'CJU^O, pm. ,'i 1 I: \ ' i : ''4'.. l'^"^^' ^£^^?^ of AMMONIA, pure; CUUSIIKO ISU.NES, and DISSOLV BON KS ; each of these Manures made up in canistei-a, and 2s. Gd. _ BARK AND SUGDEN, 12, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. Maech U, is 68.1 THE GARDENERS' Cm^ONTCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE PARIS EXHIBITION, 1867. "PREMIER PRIX." The SILVER MEDAL for EXCELLENCE of QUALITY, SUTTON & SONS Hare recently received from the Imperial Commission an Official Letter, accompanying their Silver Medal and Diploma, announcing the Award of THE PREMIER PRIX, FOR THEIR GRASSES AND GRASS SEEDS, PARIS UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION. Being the ONLY COLLECTION of ENGLISH SEEDS to which a SILVER MEDAL was Awarded (as sec Official Catalogue, British Section). [Tkakslation.] *' Imperial Commission, Paris. " Gentlemen, — I have the honour of forwarding you the Diploma of the Silver Medal which has been awarded to )ou. " I add to the Diploma an extract of the Prizes and rocomiuendations suggested by the Class Juries acting from the 1st April till the 31st of October, which have guided the FINAL DECISION of the INTER- NATIONAL JUKI. A FIRST PRIZE-GRASSES. *' Receive, Gentlemen, the assurance, &c. *' Le Conseiller d'Etat Commissaire General, " F. Le Play. " Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, Great Britain." The Paris Correspondent of the Agricidtm-al Gazette, in his report on the Agricultural portion of the Exhi- bition, says : — Extract from Meport of the Paris Correspondent of ^^ Ap-icitUio-al Gazette," Sept. 7, 1867. " By far the most important Stand is that of Messrs. SurroN cS: Sons, of Reading. The three lower compart- ments are devoted to the exhibition of Samples of Dried Grasses, the centre compartment is devoted to Samples of Grass Seeds. The upper part of the case contains a very large and carefully arranged selection of Agricultural Seeds, which is worth studying." — See " Af)ricnUnral Gazette;' Sept. 7, 1867. At the Great International Eihibitioa of 1862, held in the Grovmds of the Royal Horticultural Society of England, Messrs. SUTTONS' COLLECTION OF ROOTS Was the only only one to which a SILVER MEDAL WAS AWARDED. At the same International Show, SUTTON and SONS received no less than FIVE other FIRST PRIZE MEDALS for AGEICULTUKAL ROOTS of their own growth. SOTTON and SONS are also the holders of the SILVER MEDALS of the DANISH AGRICOLTURAL SOCIETY, and the AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY of the CAPE of GOOD HOPE, and numerous other Prizes for Agricultural and Horticultural Produce exhibited by us during the past 30 years. ROYAL BERKSHIRE SEED ESTABLISHMENT, READING. CARTER'S GENUINE SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. CARTER'S PRIZE MEDAL (URDEN SEEDS. ^^O^iLBNCB OF Qf,^^^ PAKIS, lbG7 James Cabteu & Co.'s COMPLETE ASSORTMENTS of CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS FOR ONE YEAR'S SUPPLY, Made \ip to suit the requirements of large, medium, small, and very small families. Price 63s., 42s., 21s., and 12s. 6d., Box and packing included ; forwarded, without delay, on receipt of Post Office Order. 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. CELLENCE OF ^^ LONDON, 1802. Carter's Seed Collection No. 2, price 21s., eoutaiuing the undermentioned New and Genuine Garden Seeds, and including box and packing ; — BEET, ST. OSYTH, larue packet BRUSSELS SPBOO'i'S, best, do. BROCCOLI. CARTER'S CHAM- PION, do. SNOWS WINTER, do. ADAMS' EARLY WHITE.do. PURPLE SPROUTING, do. CABBAGE, CARTER'S EARLY, do. ENFIELD MARKET, do. DWARF NONPAREIL, do. TOM THUMB, do. JAMES'S GREEN-TOP, 1 oz. Selected SCARLET, 1 oz. CAULIFLOWER. CARTER'S DWARF MAMMOTH. Irg.pkt. CELERY, INCOMPARABLE DWARF WHITE, larEe pkt. MANCHESTER GIANT RED large packet CBE.'iS, PLAIN, 4 oz. AUSTRALIAN, LEEK, AYTON CASTLE, do. DRUMHEAD, do. VICTORIA, do. MUSTARD. WHITE, 4 oz. MELON, CARTER'S EXCEL- SIOR, packet ONION, GIANT MADEIRA, large packet READING, large packet PARSLEY. DUNNETT'S GAR- NISHING. lar«e packet PARSNIP. STUDENT, 1 ounce PEA.S. CARTER'S EARLY, 1 qt. ADVANCER, new, 1 pint BISHOPS LONG-POD, 1 pint PRIZETAKER. 1 pint CARTER'S SURPRISE, 1 pint CHAMPION of ENGLAND, RADISH, WOOD'S FRAME, EARLY SCARLET SHORT- TOP, 2 ounces Mixed TURNIP, 2 ounces SPINACH, SUMMER, J pint WINTER, i pint TURNIP, EARLY SLX-WEEK, VEGETAbLE MOORE'S, packet POT HERBS. 4 packets Just pubUshed, CARTER'S GARDENER'S AND FARMER'S VADE MECDM FOR 1868. Pai-ts I. and II., Illustrated, ContaiDing completo LiRts of New and Choice Flower lud Vege- table Seeds, Plants and Bulbs for .Spring Planting, to which Is added Original and Instructive Articles od " A new and beautiftU way of Arrranglng and Growing Annual Plants," "Hardy Herbaceous and Alpine Plants from Heed," "Fine-leaved and Sub-Tropical Plants from Seed," " Decorative Annuals," and "On Laying Down Land to Permanent PRSture ; " besides which will be found a latge amount of Popular, Descriptive, and Bcientitic Infonnation. Jttb'i piiltlis/ted, price Is. ; post free, 13 Stamps ; CARTEIi'S rRACTICAL GARDENER. Illustrated, 120 pnt.iined on application to the Honorary Secretaries, Messrs. Geo. Fbed. Ni.\ok and Wji. Lewis Barnes, London Road, GRAND^~llORTICtrLTURAL EXHIBiTION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 16 to 23, 1SG8. Amongst various Special Prize.s, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cup), VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS' CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows :— Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish of each :— Grapes, Melons {2 fruits), Strawberries, Gooseberries, Currants, Che cries. Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 18157). Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, one basket or bundle of each ;— Peas, French Beans (or Scarlet Runners), Broad Beane, Cauliflowers, Cucumbers (brace), Summer Cabbages, Early Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Splnacb, Rhubarb, Potatos, or Mixed Salading. This Prize will be open to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gfirdeners, of all gi-ades, for Fruit and Vegetables of their own gmwing ; any article otherwise obLained will disqualify the exhibiior. JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 & 238, High Holborn. London, W.C. ; and at W. H. SMITH AND SONS- RAILWAY BOOK STALLS. SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1868. MEETINGS FOU THE ENSUING WEEK. MoHDii, Mari-h l(i~EntomoloKioal 1 v.v. 51ioyaL Horticultural fFruit and Floral Committees), at Soutli Kensington .. 11a.m. Ditto (General Meeting) 3 p.m. TnuRSDiT, — 19— Linnean b p.m. ■ ♦ Prom representative men of all classes con- nected with horticultm-e and botany we have received, since the announcement of the proposed establishment of a Scientific Committee in con- nection with the Royal Horticultural vSociety, the most gratifying evidences of approval of the scheme. Indeed, if letters of approval were all that is required, there could be no doubt at aU about the successful carrying out of the project. But unless those who approve contribute something more than their sanction, the scheme must fall to the ground. The willing, active eo-oper.ition of observers in all the many departments of knowledge bearing o i practical horticul- ture must be, as fj,T as possible, secured. The work must be done con amorc. The idea of personal advantage or gain must be, if not entirely eschewed, at least completely subordinated to the desii'o to promote the pro- gress of the science and practice of horticulture. Some of our correspondents seem to fear lest there should be a difficulty in securing co-opera- tion of this kind, while others suggest that some fee or reward should be held out as an induce- ment to observers to record their experiences. To this plan we should, with certain limitations, decidedly object. It would hold out an induce- ment to persons ill qualified for the work they undertook, to rush into notoriety for the sake of the reward held out. The general results of the prize essay system are far too unsatisfactory to allow us to advocate tho adoption of a similar plan with regard to oui- own department. While so saying, wo do not overlook the po-ssible desirability of aiding in the carrying on an expensive series of experiments by a " grant in aid," but still, as a general rule, no further stimulus than tlie ' ' crown of wild Olives " should bo held out as an inducement. We can no more force a habit of scientific observa- tion or a happy application of sound principles to successful practice by holding out the sop of pecuniary reward, than we can make people religious by Act of Parliament. We cannot compel students of science to run in 264 TTTF, OAT^riKXl'TlS' nTTI()>'I('LT; ANT) ^rrT^TrTTLTT'TrAT, C \ZFTTE. [MAEcn 11, l8(iS. a certain groove ; we cannot say to them, this is what j'ou must do, and this is the medium through which you must make your observations known. All that can be done m this way is to call attention to what wants doing, and to offer a medium through which the results of what is done may be made public to the best advantage. Some say there are no labourers in the field, but that statement onlj' applies to certain portions of the field ; in other portions there are plenty, but at any rate there is no suSicient medium for the publication of their investigations. The Royal or Linnean Societies are too exclu- sively devoted to abstract science ; besides, the number of horticulturists who are members of those bodies is very limited. The Society of Arts is already overburdened with the multipli- city and diversity of the subjects that come before it. There is then ample room for such a Committee as that above alluded to, and if, as we believe will be the case, the Committee be formed of men of weight and standing in their respective departments- men in whose capacity, zeal, and honesty of purpose horticulturists and the public in general can fully confide, — there need be little difficulty in securing efficient co - operation, without attempting to force it artificially. The conduct of observations and experiments at Chiswick or elsewhere by Fellows of the Society, members of its staff, or others, involves outlay on the part of the Society. We hope to discuss this part of the scheme at another time, when we shall have to allude to certain obsciu'e points, the due understanding of which calls for the united labour of practical horticulturists and men of special knowledge iu such departments as meteorology, chemistry, physics, natural philo- sophy, vegetable physiology, or botany. It appears to us that this, though perhaps the most important feature, may yot bo delayed for a little, in order to allow time for the full discussion and amendment of plans ; but there is no reason why some portions of the scheme should not be set in action at once, and especially the trans- mission of illustrations of various novelties, or improvements in modes of culture — in pruning, training, and the like, specimens showing the effect of grafting on particular stocks — the results of culture of the same plant or fruit under different conditions and circumstances, the effects of disease or malformation, and a hundred other matters which will readily sug- gest themselves to the plant grower or plant lover, or which obb'ude themselves upon his notice almost daily, but which he now too often passes by under the false impression that they are of no interest, or have no bearing on horti- culture. Young gardeners and pupils should \ especially be encouraged to bring forward and exhibit anything of interest at the meetings of this Committee. In this way not only would the stock of knowledge bo increased, but the number of observers m the future would be augmented also. The new Committee would not interfere with the operation of either of the exist- ing ones ; they do their work well, but they deal with results ; the new Committee would concern itself with processes. Of course the points of contact would be numerous, but where all are working for the common good, the more they play into one another's hands the better. SUB-TEOPIOAL gardening, apart from its own intrinsic merits, on which we need not speak at this time, has this immense advantage, that it stimulates gardeners of all degrees to infuse more variety of form and colour into their gardens. It offers one means of relieving that terrible chromatic incubus under which our gardens till lately suffered so severely. Com- paratively few, however, can enjoy the luxury of a sub-tropical garden in their own domains. The amateur must sigh hopelessly as he recalls the means and appliances at La Muette or Battersea, at Cliveden or Belvoir. ■ It is with no little pleasure, then, that we have watched the experiments that have been made at Kew and elsewhere, as to the Habdixess of P^VLMs. If a certain number of these prove sufBciently hardy to brave our winters with little or no protection, as is the case at Kew with Jubrca spectabilis and others, amateurs and people of moderate means need not break the last commandment of the Decalogue, or give way to improper feelings of envy at the superior facilities possessed by others, for may they not enjoy from their own windows foliage, not merely of a ^ub-tropical, but of a really tropical character ? An intermixture of hardy Bamboos, aided by a littlo imagination, will | complete the picture ! As to the Palms, M. N.YUDIN has been good enough to communi- 1 cato to us the following particulars :— Of all the Palms Chamferops excelsa is the hardiest. C. humilis, which is indigenous in the south of Europe, grows well at Montpellier, I and ripens its fruits perfectly. It is very hardy j when in the adult condition, that is to say when its stipes is well formed aud its wood well matured, but in the young state it is more tender, particularly if the winter be severe, as it has been exceptionally this yeai'. M. Sahul, a nurseryman of Montpellier, had planted in his garden a small bed of young pl.antsof C. humilis, of one to two years' growth. Side by side was a similar bed of C. excelsa of the same age, each plant having three or four small leaves. In January last a severe frost, lasting for six days, occurred ; during which period the ther- mometer registered as low as — 12'^ C. = 10^ + F.' All the young plants of C. humilis were destroyed, while those of C. excelsa were unhurt and preserved their foliage. Adult plants of C. humilis did not suffer from this frost, a cir- cumstance which M. Natjdin attributes to their greater size and maturity, which rendered them less vulnerable to the cold, and to the fact that their roots descend to a greater depth in the soil, where the frost does not penetrate, and from which tho heat can pass by conduction to the upper portions of the plant. This same frost has offered additional con- firmation of tho hardiness of Jubrea spectsibilis. Two fine specimens of this Chilian Palm in the Botanic Garden of Montpellier, have perfectly withstood this exceptional degree of cold, even though they are as yet young plants, and have not up to this time formed a stipes. Both form handsome tufts of bright green leaves, 3 to 5 feet in height. From the appearance of the specimens at Kew, wo would suggest that these plants should receive some protection during the winter ; not that it is absolutely necessary, but for the purpose of obviating the injury done to the foliage from wind and other destructive agencies. A quantity of brown, ragged, untidy-looking leaves spoils the effect of the plants, though no doubt these old leaves are useful as a protection to the living bud within. "We hope that Dr. Mitller's prognostications as to the hardiness of some of the New Zealand Tree Ferns may not prove too sanguine. Mixed in with Palms, and with a few climbers here and there to represent the "lianas," together with an undergrowth such as could readily be got together, tropical scenery might be suggested, if not imitated, out of doors. Even Orchids might lend their charms, and help to intensify the illusion, in witness of which possi- bility there is the testimony of Messrs. Back- house, who succeeded in flowering several of these plants out of doors during the last season (see p. 1273, 1867). A COEHESPONDENT has forwarded to us speci- mens of the Telegkaph CrcciiBEK, every fruit in his house being effected with the too prevalent disease of gumming. We are utterly unable to susgest any remedy, beyond a careful selection of seed from quarters where the disease has not prevailed. What, however, makes his communication interesting is the fact that in the same house, under precisely the same treatment, and with exactly the same compost, while this variety is attacked other varieties, consisting of Carter's Champion, Lord Kenyon Improved and Sion House, are perfectly free. We do not, however, think that any one variety is certainly subject to the disease, while another is certainly free. Sion House certainly suffers occasionally, while we have seen an enormous crop of the Telegraph without a blemish. The disease is apparently constitutional, and, if so, irremediable so long as we obtain seed where it is hereditary. We consider the communication of much importance, as it clearly tends to confirm the notion which has long pre- vailed that the disease does not depend upon errors of cultivation, but, however generated in the first instance, resolves itself into one of those cases in which we must be content to suffer, except where it is possible to have access to a thoroughly pure stock— a matter of immense, if not in many cases unsurmount- able, difficulty. M. J. B. Is Ctcas inekmis, of Loureiro, a good species, or is it a variety of C. revoluta ? Opinion has fluc- tuated considerably as to this point. M, Miquel, the monographer of the family, considered the C. inermis to be a distinct species, but subsequently reduced it to C. revoluta. Professor OuDEMANS, of Amsterdam, has recently re-examined fruiting specimens of the two, and comes to the conclusion that they are both entitled to specific rank. There is, says the Amsterdam Pro- fessor, considerable difference in the shape of tho ovule (what the general observer would call the berry in these plants^ In 0. revoluta this is depressed at the summit. "obcordate," like the " eye" of an Apple; while in C. inermis it is drawn out into a short point. In addition to this there are anatomical differences and variations in the mode of development, as well as differences in the shape of the fruit-bearing leaf, that of C. inermis having broader, thicker divisions, spreading horizon- tally, while in C. revoluta the lacinioe are longer, more slender, and with a greater upward tendency, so that they form with the axis an acute instead of nearly a right angle, as iu C. inermis. We have had no oppor- tunity of examining the two plants in the young state, and are therefore not in a position to offer any opinion as to their state in the early stages of development, but some ripe berries of C. revoluta, for which we have to thank Mr. Barnes, of Bicton, have a form more like that which Prof. Oitdejians attriliutes to C. inermis, that is to say, the apex is very slightly if at all depressed, and it terminates in a well-marked project- ing point, which is even more distinct in the hard inner shell than on the exterior, though the elevated ridge spoken of by M. Oudemans is well marked on the outer fleshy, as also on the inner woody, integument. Again, the imprints of the vascular bundles in Mr. Baenes' specimens are certainly more than two on each side and placed irregularly, as also are those which ramify in the spongy layer within the woody shell. In colour our specimens correspond with M. Oddemans' account (cinnabar red, not orange yellow), while in size our berries slightly exceed those measured by the Amsterdam Professor. The fruit-bear- ing leaf (carpophyll) of the Bicton plant agrees perfectly with thedescriptionandfiguregiven of C. revoluta. From this we are led to the conclusion that so far as the ripe ovules are concerned, neither the shape of the outer fleshy integument nor of the bony one in the interior, nor the distribution of the vascular bundles offer such good distinctive characters as is stated by our esteemed colleague. So much interest was excited at the last Floral Committee by the exhibition of the handsome and very distinct Oncidium macranthum hastigeeum, that we are glad to he able to announce that Messrs. VEiTcn are likely to exhibit a specimen with \l expanded blooms at the next Ploral Committee, on Tuesday next. A fine specimen of Cymbidium eburneum will also be exhibited by the same firm on this occasion. ■ We are glad to be able to announce the forth- coming publication of a new edition of Paxton's Botanical IIictionaea', revised and extended up to time present. Such a list— indeed a list of any kind if of average correctness- will be a boon to plant growers. liJew Plants. CocHLiosTEMA Jacobianum. K. Koch et Lincle,,. Woclienschrifl, 1867, No. 41, p. 323. Andre, Renue Horticole, 1868, p. 71. Folia elliptic.1, basi attenu:ita, margine oxtremo excepto, brunneo, concoloria; inflorescentia glaberrima, ramis clon. gatis, aepala et antl'era; glaberrlina;. This is without doubt one of the most extraordinary plants that has been introduced of late years, and unlike most botanical curiosities it has as great attrac- tions in an aesthetic as in a structural point of view. It was exhibited by M. Linden last May for the first time at the Paris Exhibition, and created a "sensation" among the botanists, as it was described as an epiphy- tical Commelynad from Ecuador. In September last the plant was again shown, this time in flower, when the impression made on its first appearance was heightened by the beauty of its flowers and the singularity of their structure. Some few weeks since we were favoured with a spe*^imen of the inflorescence, together with a leaf, by M. Linden, and from this Mr. Fitch's figure and our description have been taken. The plant is described as a stemless epiphyte, or rather the stem is so contracted that the foliage is disposed in a rosette or tuft. The individual leaves are spreading or somewhat recurved, slightly channeled on the upper surface, dilated and sheathing at the base, above which they are contracted, and then again expand into an elliptic or lanceolate blade of somewhat fleshy texture, traversed by a prominent midrib, and of a light green colour, except at the margins, which are edged with a purplish stripe. The dimensions of the leaf forwarded to us are as follows ;— Extreme length, 3J feet(!) extreme width of the sheathing portion, 0 inches, which is reduced at the junction of the sheath with the blade to 3 inches— the latter portion of the leaf attaining to a width of 5 inches at the widest portion. Some dried leaves that served as a " packing " for Orchids measured even more than this — as much as 4 feet by 10 inches. From the axils of these gigantic leaves issue a suc- cession of flower-stalks, so that the plant remains in flower for several weeks. Each flower stalk is about a foot in length, cylindrical, about the thickness of the finger, pinkish, succulent, smooth, covered below with sheathing scales, which at the upper portion are replaced by sessile, opposite or verticillate, bracts, each of which is oblong acute, concave on the upper surface, pale pink in colour, and about 4 inches long, and nearly 2 inches wide. From the axils of these bracts proceed the secoudary flower stalks, which are double the length of the bracts. The flowers are numerous, pedicellated, crowded at the extremities of the secoiulary flower stalks in a curved, deflexed, one-sided pseudo-raceme, expanding from the base upwards and outwards. Tho pedicels or ultimate ' flower-stalks are three- quartersofanincbinlength, cylindrical, shorter than the flowers. The flower-buds are linear-oblong, obtuse, curved at the apex. The three sepals or outer segments of the perianth are unequal, the posterior one being Mabch 14, 1868.] THE GAEDENERS' CHKONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 265 largest ; all are oblong, obtuse, hooded at the apex. The three petals or inner segments of the perianth are equal in size, ultimately exceeding the sepals, obovate, their margins fringed with long delicate hairs of a rich purple colour ; (unfortunately these are inadvertently omitted in the engraving, where also the petals are shown with their margins flat and not involute towards the apex as they are in nature, at least at iirst, and rolled round towards the summit). Staminodia three, two lateral distinct linear purple, abouthalf aninch in length, densely clothed with fine the base ol' the stamiual column, and consisting of a dense tuft of orange fringe-like hairs. Staminal column erect, consist ingbelow of aflat stalk about a riuartcrof an inch in length, and hearing at the top twoiurple, petal- like, convolute, horn-like processes, terminating in long purple fringe-like hairs, the posterior one adnato to , points, and having in the interior three "spirally- twisted anthers— two vertical, attached by a slender filament near the inner edge of the petal-like process, the third stretching horizontally beneath the two others its stalk bent downwards ; at the back of the column at the point corresnonding to the horizontal anther, ia an oval or somewhat circular disc, whose margin is encircled with a few short irregular processes. The ovary is ovate-oblong, whitish, a quarter of an inch in length, three-celled (one cell posterior, two anterior), terminating in a long, curved, cylindrical style ; stigma minute, obscurely three-lobed. The arrangement of the floral organs above described is so peculiar, that it is no wonder very different views have been expressed concerning it. These we shall take another [opportunity of alluding to. At present we need only add, that to the manifold attractions of this singular plant is added a slight but decidedly agree- able perfume. We understand that the plantjhas been in bloom since September last, and shows every indication of continu- ing in that condition for another six weeks. It would seem to require a stove, and to be well supplied with water during its growth, which is evidently vigorous. It has been recently figured in the THE GARMNEES' CHrONIOIE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Mabch 14, 1868. '• Keyue Horticole," with a description from the pen of M. AndriS ; and we believe a figure will also shortly be giyen in the " Botanical Magazine." M. T. M. SWEET VIOLETS. These charmins little gems are now in full bloom, after the fine weather of the last month; and thfire are now so many distinct varieties, both in colour of flower and habit of growth, that I think they should be more generally grown than they appear to be. They will grow in almost any situation, provided they get the pure air of the country ; but what they mo him during the twelve months. Now the cost of either sowing seeds or pLanting per acre woiUd not be heavy, ither would the cost of protection. And thinnings of 10 years' growth or upwards would be worth on the spot from 10s. to 20s. per .acre. Rnt on that bond I nppd not trouble you with any calculations, as they would not be accurate. For all such calculations I have a deep-rooted dishke. Not tb,at I think foresters or tea-planters bad arithmeticians— the reverse of that— they, as a inile, are f.ar too good. 1 sometimes think that if, after striking oft fractions and odd numbers they would halve or quarter, the results, although less attractive, it would certainly be much nearer to the truth. In aU calcula- tions that I have yet seen, ditTerences in the quality of soil, moisture, habitat, season, Ac, are always completely ignored. Hence the glaring discrepancies that always stand between the ide.al and the real. Sissoo and Catechu, which are excellent timbers, grow wild on the old beds of the Jumna. The soil, ifit may be so called, seems a mix turo of sand, gravel, and big stones, some of them of a large size, but all water-worn rounded ; but anything bigger than a man's fist is in this part of the world called a boulder. Ansted and Lyell are no authorities on that subject here. Trees growing in such situations are no doubt much better off for moisture than they would be on those waste places spoken of. But again, sections made by water oftentimes show banks of clay loam alteraatiog with the gravel— in some places to a considerable depth— but extremely irregular. And often where the upper soil h.a8 been washed away and seemingly only gravel left, a little way down there may be a fine bank of slightly ferruginous heavy loam. The roota of treea will go through that readily, even when it is seemingly a conglomerate fit for building purposes, _ the material being a compound of sand and carbonate of lime. When the roota manage to get through that— which they often do— into the loam beneath, they might thrive as weU there as they do on the old beds of the Jumna. There might be some difflculty in planting such a piece of ground, still rupees, time, care and perseverance will overcome many dlfflculties far greater than that. Amaiogy may not always be a safe guide to go by, still it is one that I am a firm believer in, if we take with us a lew scraps of physiology as a sort of regulating principle. Keep always in mind the reciprocity of action between stem, leaves, and root. With that as a guide one need never go far astray. To show you exactly what 1 mean ; lately there was no more orthodox dogma in the whole of the Dhoon tea-planter s creed, than that plants, whether big c _. little, will not succeed unless taken up"wfth'a iiaii'of'earth ° and if the taproot happen to be cut, eucceas is not expected. That w;is a law supposed to be as unalterable as that of the Medes and Persians. But whether by accident or not, I do not presume to say, still it is a fact, that 1-year-old plants or 20-years-old plants will not only live but grow vigorously without baUs, with both tap and laterals cut. That fact is mentioned merely to show that m any such experiment success may be aiTived at by different roads. United Hortkultdral : March 9.— Mr. WUaon, gr. to W. MarshaU, Esq., of Enfield, exhibited on this occasion a box of magnificent blooms of varieties of Cattleya Trianse, some of the flowers of which were whoBy white, while others were nmk and rose, and the blotch in the l.abeUum of several of the varieties waa very dense and briUi-ant. .Tricolor, Juno, Pandora, Venus, and .another variety received invidually First- class Certificates. Mr. Wilson also exhibited cut blooms of Oncidium intermedium, a very beautiful variety, which also received a Firat-olass Certificate. Messrs. E. G. Henderson * Son exhibited the flnest variety of TrichopiUa suavis yet seen by any of the Orchid cultivators present ; a FirSt-olaas ts*-' tificate was awarded it. The same firm also contributed a nicely bloomed plant of Dalechampia Roozliana, for which a First-class Ceitificate was awarded. Entomolooical : Marcli 2.— Mr. W. H. Bates, President, in the chair The death of Mr. Armistead, a Yorkshu-e gentle- man who had devoted much attention to the natui-al history of the various species of gulls, was announced. Mr. Pascoe contributed the description of a new and interesting genus of Prionids from the Gold Coast of AInca, received by Mr. Maech 1-i, 1868.1 THE G ATlTtENET^S' rTTl^MOT-E AND AOT^TCTjf^TTIT^AT; GAZETTE. Swanry, after whom the species was named. Mr. Edward Savmders exhibited a box of exotic apeoios of Buprestidas, UlustvatinK the confusion which had taken place m the appU- cation of the Fabrician specific names of those and the closely allied species. Mr. F. H. Wood exhibited some mtorostmg chrvsalids of various species of Sphingidio .and Moths from Sien-a Leone: lie also mentioned that on mvostwating " ' tongue of the chrysalis of i^ph'"" lie ah the structure of the Ligustri, ho had fi whereby its length wa~ series of questions sul Stainton on seeond;iT> numerical diversity in tli. colour of the upper suiLu under surface of all the ' verj- extended discussion. President to a memoir by Dr. Kissenwetter published . last part of the Berlin Entomological Society s Zeltschrift, which the Darwinian theory of tho development of distrc and permanent r.aces in various species of insects was d cussed at great length, and partiaUy adopted. doubly folded, ^arly two-thirds. A O. Darwin to Mr. tcrs of insects, the L-t of variation in the wings, or thogoneral Attention Kottccs of Boofeg. HamUi Book of the Flower Garden, being Practical Directions for the Propagation Culture and Arrangement of Plants in Flower Oardeni, all the year round. By David Thomson. Blackwood & Sons. 8vo. 1868. This is essentially a hook for amateurs, and every amateur who is fortunate enoush to be its possessor, or who may merely skim over its pages, will, we are assured, agree with us in regarding its author as being entitled to great praise for the simple and clear manner in which he has explained the cultural directions, which, if carefuUv complied with, will enable the non- professional floriculturist to grow plants as well as any gardener. From the preface we learn that the book consists mainly of a collection of papers upon flower gardening which had been much approved of by the readers of the periodical for which they were prepared ( The Gardener "), and at whose suggestion they are now pubHshed in a "handy" form. The introduction explains with good judgment the value of the massing, and the mixed, styles of bedding for different kinds of gardens, and points out ways m which improvements may be made in both modes of arrangement. We commend this article to the careful attention of practical gardeners, and especially to those wealthy employers of skilled labourers who determine for themselves tho grouping and distribution of their plants in beds and borders. After reviewing briefly the principal plants suitable for summer grouping, our author proceeds to treat of their propagation and general culture, commenc- ing with the beddinp; Polargoniiims, tn t.ViB mnnage- ment of which he devotes 26 papes of interesting and important information. He gives good selected lists of the plain-leaved and Zonal Pelargoniums, and also of the Ivy-leaved, sweet-scented, and variegated kin'ds ; he explains fully the details of autumn propagation and winter management, late autumn propagation, spring treatment, spring propagation, wintering old plants in a spare room, and soil suitable for them. In a similar manner are given selected lists of other half-hardy plants, of ornamental foliage plants and Ferns, of hardy and half-hardy annuals and biennials, of hardy herbaceous plants, of Alpines and aquatics, of spring flowers, of flowering shrubs, of hardy evergreens, of wall plants, of climbers, and of plants for vases and baskets ; together with cultural directions for each and all of them. These lists give the height, colour, and date of flowering of each species ; and remarks will be found indicating which are the best for growing iu pots, for edgings, for speci- men plants, for beds, for ribbons, or other purposes. Following these comes a chapter upon the arrange- ment of colours, illustrating harmonies and contrasts by examples of groujiings of various plants. And, lastly, there is copious information upon the subject of designs for beds and borders, accompanied by numerous diagrams of different ways of laying out a garden, and instructions relative to the improvement of the soil, planting, watering, and keeping up a succession of bloom for as great a portion of the year as winter's frosts will permit. "We much regret that space does not at present permit of our giving any extracts from this book, which evidences in many places the workings, not only of a practical gardener, but also of a thoughtful, fihilosophical, and poetical mind. Considering that iterature, as Mr. Thomson expresses it, " is not his pro- fession, but his pastime," he is to be congratulated upon the paucity of orthographical errors that occur ; such mistakes as Sedum dassiphilum, Scrophularca nectosa, and Tussilago barbara, are rather amusing than serious. The manner in which the work has been printed and got up is on the whole highly creditable to the publishers, the different sizes of type used rendering it easy to refer to the information needed ; while thi?re is a good Table of Contents,and also an Index. In s'lort, the book is a very successful attempt to supply a deficiency in the popular literature of flower gardening. Eouse of Commons, respectively (Hardwicke), will be found useful for reference by those not requiring rnore elaborate and expensive publications of the same kind. CATALOaUF..S EeceiVED. — IT. B. Jeffries' Useful Garden Guide is a General Catalogue, interspersed with cultural remarks. /. Veitch Sc Sons' Catalo IF", near Sunderland. Your question should be inserted in our advertising columns. HvMENOPHYLLUMs : J P M. They are decidedly evergeen, the fronds enduring for several years. Names OF Plants: W Phillips. Athyrium Filix-ftemina.— Ross'Shire. Aira ca^spitosa.— S«6. Acacia decurrens, var. mollis ; CaUicarpa cana.— P M P. Tabernswmontana oblongi- tolia.~~Old Sub. Cytisus nigricans.— ff Jt. 1, Deutzla crenata fl. pi. ; 2, Arabis alpina ; 3, Saxifraga crassifolia ; 4, Acacia pubescens ; 5, Pulmonaria angustUoUa. Packing Plants : If S. If you can get some old ripened stems of Mrs. Pollock and Cloth of Gold Pelargoniums, we have no doubt they would travel to New Brunswick safely in the way you propose, namely, packed in powdered charcoal ; but we doubt if Iresine would survive even for three weeks, though it might be tried. As your friend is himself going to take the plants with him, could he not as easily convey nice growing plants in small pots, packed in a small square box with a glass lid— a miniature Wardian case, in fact '? Primula imperialis : A R. It is the constant habit of this plant to bear its flowers whorl above whorl, which is tho feature for which we cited it. We are not aware that it is in cultivation, though seeds have been at various times imported. Some of the varieties of P. feinensis do the same thing. Underwood : J P M asks what evergreens are best to he planted vinder trees (Firs and others) in order to make a thick growth of underwood. We know of nothing better than common hardy Rhododendrons, if the soil ia not chalky. Commdnications Received.— Scoticus.— J. D. H.— H. V.— J. L.— Bangalore— J. E. H.— J. A. Watson— St. Omer— D. B,— Avbutus— W. Hudson. Maech u, i8ca.] THE GABBENERS' CHUONICLE AKD AGMCtlLTUHAL GAZETTE. Messes. GEORGE GIBBS and CO., 25 AND 20, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W., Ccg to announco tlicy ave now prepared to execute Orders to any extent for Liiyiug Land Down to Permanent Meadow and Pasture, with their BEST MLXTDRES OF GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS, To suit various soils, which they can supply at 30s. to 32s. per acre, allowing 2 bushels of Large Seeds and 12 lb. of Small Seeds to each acre. MIXTURES of GRASS and CLOVER SEEDS for Renovating Old Pastures. Quantity required per acre, 6 lb. to 10 lb. Per lb., l.«. MIXTURES of tho FINEST SORTS for Lawns, Croquet Grounds, Bowling Greens, &c. Per lb.. Is. 3cl. Italian Rye-grass, per bush s. d. GIBBS' IMPROVED EARLY 6 0 FINE HEAVY IMPOKTED 7 0 Perennial Rye-grass. FACET'S "HEAVY SEED" .. . . 6s. to 6 G EVERGREEN Ditto 7 0 Clovers. Perlb.-s. li. FINE ENGLISH RED 9'/. to Oil FINE ENGLISH WHITE Is. to 1 3 FINE .\LS1KE HYBRID .. .. Is. Gf/. to 1 9 TRUE COW GIUSS 10 RED SUCKLING 13 YELLOW TREFOIL ■>''■ to 0 •'J Bromus Sclirsederi. THE NEW FORAGE GRASS 10 Buckwheat, or Brank. per bush.—s. <( ENGLISH SEED 7 0 Carrot. LARGE WHITE BELGIAN 1 " LARGE YELLOW BELGIAN 13 LARGE RED ALTHINGHAM 2 0 SCARLET INTERMEDIATE 2 0 LONG SURREY, or ORANGE 2 6 Cabbage. CHAMPION OX, "fine" 3 6 LARGE DRUMHEAD 2 6 ENFIELD MARKET 3 6 Swedes. Perlb._s. d. THE ASHCROFT 13 MATSUWS PURPLE-TOP 14 SKIRVING'S I 2 GIBBS' PURPLE-TOP 14 EAST LOTHIAN 12 Yellow Turnips. GIBBS' GREEN-TOP HYBRID 16 GIBBS' PURPLE-TOP HYBRID 1 GREEN-TOP YELLOW SCOTCH .. ..13 DALE'S HYBRID 13 Common Turnips. GREE>f GLOBE 10 RED GLOBE 10 WHITE GLOBE 1 GREEN TANKARD 1 RED TANKARD 1 WHITE TANKARD ] YELLOW TANKARD 1 GREY STONE 10 EARLY WHITE STONE ] ORANGE JELLY ] Mangel Wurzel. FnoM FINE Selected Root.1. YELLOW GLOBE 16 RED GLOBE 16 LONG RED 16 LONG YELLOW 16 Parsnip. GIBES' LARGE C.\TTLE 16 HOLLOW CROWN 16 Kohl Rabi. LARGE GREEN 2 6 LARGE PURPLE 2 6 Lucerne. FINE IMPORTED 10 Furze. FRENCH and ENGLISH 2 6 Holcus saccharatus. CHINESE SUGAR GRASS 13 Rape, or Cole. ESSEX SEED 4(i. to 0 5 Special qnotations for large qttaniities. PRICED CATALOGUES OF AGRICULTURAL, GARDEN, and FLOWER SEEDS, Forwarded Post Free on application to GEORGE GIBBS and CO., SEEDSMEN", 25& 26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W. CAETER'S PRIZE MEDAL FARM SEEDS, HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. PARIS, 1867. JAMES CARTER & Cil Have been Awarded the ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS at the late PARIS EXHIBITION; and the BEAUTIFUL LAWNS and TURF BORDERS in the Exhibition Grounds -wehe the pkoduce of Messrs. Carteu's Gu.\ss Seeds. Carter's Grass Seeds for All Soils, from 21s. per acre. No. 1. For Clay Soils, .30s. to 31.?. per acre. No 2 For Poor Clay Soils, 32«. to 33s. per acre. No. 3. For HiRii-Lvine Clay Soils, 34s. to 35s. per acre. No 4 For Alluvial Soils, 30s. to 34s. per acre. No. fi. For Limestone Soils, 31s. to 34s. per acre. No' 0 For Old or New Sandstone Soils, 28s. to 30a. per acre. No' 7 For Light Chalk Soils, 27s. to 28s. per acre. No s. For Brashy Limestone Soils, 2Ss to 29s. per acre. No. 9. For Sandy Soils, 29s. to 30s. per aero. No 10. For Water Me.adows, 24s. per acre. No. 11. For Moory Soils, 23s. to 26s. per acre. No. 12. For Mossy Soils, 21s. per acre See -'CARTER'S ILLUSTRATED FARMER'S CALENDAR," eontaining a Practical Treatise on the Laying Down of Grass Lands, forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to James Carter cS: Co., Seed Farmers, 237 & 238, High Holboni, London.W.C. CARTER'S WARDEN IMPROVED M.ANGEL.— The finest Globe variety in cultivation. See Illustration in paRO 243 of last week's Gardeners' Chronicle, CARTER'S PRIZE MANGEL WURZEL, from Is. to 2.S. M. per lb. ^f^rn^^p) HARDV SWEDE. The hardiest and best in cultivation, Is, id. per lb. C;VRTER'S PRIZE SWEDE and TURNIPS, from Is. to \s. Gd. per lb. Special Estimates for large quantities. CARTER'S RENOVATFNG MIXTURES for IMPROV- ING DECAYED PASTURES, 9rf. perlb.,80,!. percwt. CARTER'S GRASSES and CLOVERS for Alternate Husbandry — For ON'E YEAR'S LAY, 12s. Cii. to 13s. 64 per acre. For TWO YEARS' LAY, 17s. 6A per acre. For THREE YEARS' LAY, 22s. per acre. ONLY PRIZE MEDAL FOR SEEDS, LONDON, 1862. FINEST BROAD RED CLOVER. 7(i. to lOrf. per lb. FINEST COW GRASS, lOrf. to Is. per lb. FINEST ALSIKE CLOVER, 1«. 3d. to Is. 9OTAL AGRICCLTUKAL SOCIETY of ENGLAND. LEICESTER MEETING, 1868. STOCK and IMPLEMENT PRIZE SHEETS are now ready, and will be forwarded on application to H. HALL DARE, Secretary. 12 Hanover Square, London, W. (liie EsricttUural (Bajette, SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1868. At Hexham the other day the model agricul- tural lease was discussed clause by clause : at tho Morayshire Farmers' Club it ■was the proper spirit of the relation between landlord and tenant that was under debate. The very excel- lent introductory paper of Mr. Geddes, at the latter meeting, is given in another column, and it will be seen that, quoting his own experience and that of other land agents, he argued for the need of greater liberty to use the land as its con- dition year by year, and the character of the season, and the nature of the varying demand for farm produce, may require or suggest. Even under good management, land " tires " of the same periodical round of cropping. The more the cropping is diversified, the better the produce, the better the profit, and the higher therefore the rent. On the other hand, when a course of cropping is prescribed, either by the lease declaring " Tliou sluilt" take a particular series in succession, or " Thou shah not" — do anything else, if an exceptional season happens, and the land loses its fallow chance, and the Grass seeds have to be so-wn where the field is still foul, of course a wonderfully increased difficulty arises to be dealt with at the next fallowing, and in the meantime the land ■wiU be only half pro- ductive. Land is not only a tool of which the hirer should bo permitted the best use compatible with its non-injury that he can discover, but it is a tool whose use takes place under varying and capricious circumstances ; and if a course of action bo prescribed, irrespective of these varying circumstances, no profit at all will be obtained. "My opinion,'' says Mr. Geddes, " is that the next generation of agriculturists will view with wonder and astonishment how we could havo gono on pursuing tho same systems so long, deteriorating or retarding the fertilising of the soil, keeping down tho value of the land, and preventing the free flow of capital into it, and, if I may bo allowed the expression, curbing the intelligence and enterprise of a tenantry who have brought tho agriculture of this countrj' to its present high position, and who, if they get fair play and freedom of action, are calculat«d 272 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRlCtJLTtJRAL GAZETTE, [MaECH 14, 1868. to go still further, and invest not only their 10^., but their 16/. or 20/. per acre, if they see it to their advantage to do so by a probable chance of a return." What the next generation of agriculturists will be doing on the estates let on the Hexham form of agreement, can be easily foreseen. Mr. Ghey does, indeed, quote passages from Tyneside leases to ridicule them for their detailed instructions, and the following clause is given as an example, the tenant being requii-ed to — " ' Cultivate such arable land in the following course of husbandry, that is to say— first, one-fourth of the arable land shall be bare fallow or Turnips in each year, and shall be managed as specified in the next clause; second, such fallow shall be sown with Wheat or spring corn, and at least one-half of which corn shall be sown down with Clover and Grass seeds, and the remainder shall be left for Peas and Beans; third, that portion of the land which is in Grass shall remain at least 13 months without being broken up ; lourth, such new Grass, Peas, or Beans, shall be fo owed by fallow,' Then it goes on to say:— 'The fallow shall be ploughed at least five several times, with suflicieut harrowing, and to be band-picked if necessary ; and 20 fothers of rotten dung jier acre shall be laid upon the land intended for Turnips, and 15 fothers per acre on that part for bare fallow, or in lieu thereof 7 fothers of clod lime. The tenant is bound to kill the moles in autumn and spring, mow the Thistles and Eusbes, and not to keep more cattle, sheep, or horses on the farm in the last half-year of the term than has been on an average annually kept thereon.' " The comment on the passage is that "the requu-ement to mow the thistles is the only bit of sense in the clause, and might be introduced more generally hero with advantage." It appears to us that it is indicative of a very poor state of things when it is for the general interest that details of this kind, whether desirable in themselves or not, are pronounced desirable as specifications in a lease of land for agricultural use. Of course the landlord has the perfect right to make such restrictions upon the use of what he lets as he thinks proper ; but if we discuss his conduct with reference either to his own, his tenants', or the general interest, it is impossible to doubt that the heavily fined conditions which the Hexham lease imposes on the tenants' freedom, are for the good of none. "Penal rents"— that is the phrase— ought to be unknown; 10/. an acre for land cultivated contrary to the speci- fied conditions, also 51. for every ton of Turnips, Mangels, hay, straw, carried away from the farm, unless manure be returned in the next succeeding year — to all which, excepting the hay and straw, Mr. Grey sees no objection— are fetters, under which active Ufe is scarcely possible. Let the landlord take care how he chooses his tenant ; let him forbid the breaking up of any specified pasture-fields which he desires to retain in Grass ; let him also, if he thinks proper, define, or at least limit the cultivation during the last few years of the lease ; let him give up hares and rabbits to the tenant ; and energetic, prosperous agriculture will be likely to increase the value of his property. The Hexham lease, however, though too rigid and specific, is better than none at all. If any one wants to know how to damage a property, he should study well the plan which we see is being adopted now on a great Wiltshiie estate, which is being re-let on a strict and rigid valuation. "Provision is being made for quarterly payments of rent, instead of half-yearly; and for 12 months' notice to quit to be given on either side. The agreement reserves to the landlord all game and rabbits. The tenant is to keep the buildings in good repair; to pay one-half the cost of labour for landlord's repairs, and one-third the cost of outside painting. All the ' hay, straw, haulm, fodder, Clover, Tares, artificial Grasses, Cabbages, root crops, and other produce' are to be consumed, and converted into good manure, and to be used on the land. Then there are some additional regulations as to cropping ; and the 11th clause, which must surely be equivalent to additional rent, provides that the tenant keep insured to a fixed sum, in the name of and for the benefit of the landlord, all farm buildings against loss by fire, in an office approved by the landlord, and produce, when required, the policjy of assurance and receipts for the current years premium." The new organisation known now to all headers of newspapers as The Chamber of AgricultiteE is fast overtaking the whole of our agricultural world, and giving to the Central Council in London the power which necessarily belongs to any true national agricultural mouthpiece. We venture to point out, however, that there is one special merit attaching to it, which arises in some degree out of what may be called a false pretence. For there is no proper foundation for the claim wMch is made on behalf of it to be considered a strictly representative institution, and yet, this claim being generally admitted, the debates and resolutions of these Chambers appear likely to produce that public opinion among agriculturists which the outer world imagines already to exist as they thus declare it to be. The fact is, that the local Chambers of Agriculture represent, or we should rather say include, and are only the leading agriculturists of the county or the district — the public-spiiited men of their several localities — some 5 or 10 per cent, per- haps of the practical farmers of the district or the county, whose opinions are by no means always fairly uttered by the eloquent among themselves, who thus come to the surface at any time of public agitation. And the outcome of a discussion amongst a minority of the kind — when sent forth by a formal resolution from the court of final agricultural debate in town, is not only likely to exert the influence which the voice of English agriculturists ought to exert upoii the Ministry and Parliament, but it is certain to have an almost equal effect in_ producing the opinion among farmers which it represents to have been akeady formed. Perhaps this is saying no more than that the leaders of a body are always properly in the van of its progress. Be this, however, as it may, it must be understood that the general opinion of the farming class in this country is hardly up to the mark on many a point of public interest where the voice of these leaders would declare it to be. And wo look upon the authoritative sanction which a Central Chamber gives to views of a rather advanced kind, as a thoroughly wholesome " education " of the rank and file of the agricultui-al body, of the same class, if not of the same kind, as that which political parties now-a-days are supposed to receive at the hands of their leaders. Take the question of legislative interference with the employment and education of childi'en in rural districts, for example. It is now being forced upon the attention of the farmer; and it happily meets with so cordial a reception from many leading agriculturists, that the sub- ject has been really popular at the meetings of these Chambers of Agriculture. We venture to assert that there is by no means a corresponding enthusiasm on the subject throughout the counti-y among the general body of the employers of agricultural labourers and their families. The threatened interference, if insisted on, will not be welcome, although it may be submitted to. The better adminisfa-ation of the existing schools, with a stiicter reference to the requirements of the children by-and-by, as the future labourers in the fields and homesteads of the parish, is what is more generally desired. Plain sewing, clean- liness, and modesty for girls — habitual obedience to authority on the part of boys, with ready ability on the part of all to read their Bible, and a certain amount of ability to do a sum and write a letter — these are the principal requirements iti the eyes of the _.dinary ratepayers of a country parish. And essential requirements undoubtedly they are— but requirements it is confidently declared which year by year abeady are more generally being attended to — so that, without any of this threatened interference, progress is being made. When, however, it comes to be generally known throughout the country that the Central Chamber of Agriculture is willing to forbid all employment of cluldren up till nine years old, and that a large number would forbid it up till 10 years old, and limit it after- wards, in order to the provision of a better elementary education for them than is now attainable, the agricultural body generally may be induced to give more earnest heed to the subject than it has hitherto done. It will certainly be a happy thing when the day schools of every neighbourhood are stimulated by a more urgent public opinion and assistance than has hitherto surrounded them in country places. Such an urgency on behalf of the village school on the part of agricultural employers is now far from common, and yet we are persuaded that nothing is more needed for the welfare of what may be called the whole euniitri/sule. Nothing more than this, in the long run, would tend to lift the agricultural labourer out of that low rank in which so many of them are content to stand — a lazy denial of which (or, oftener, an ignorant acquiescence in it) is one of the worst features of our existing agricultural status. — We recommend to attention the address of the Eev. James Fraser on this subject at the recent meeting of the Central Chamber of Agriculture, an abridged report of which is given in another page. The trade in Wheat has been steady during the past week— the prices yesterday in Mark Lane, at Liverpool, and Wakefield, remain nominally unchanged. —Monday's prices in the New Cattle Market were rather an improvement on those of the previous week, but on Thursday the supply, both of cattle and sheep, was rather in excess of the demand, and there was a difiioulty in effecting a clearance.— In the Wool Market there has been a brisk demand, and prices must be quoted id. to Id. dearer.— The arrivals both coastwise and from abroad have been very large in Ihe Potato Market since our last report, and trade is very heavy for all second-rate goods. We understand that Mr. Duncan has entered into contracts for the purchase of a large quantity of Sugar Beet in the autumn with several growers in Suffolk, and that he will erect his Sugar factory at Lavenham. in that county. The Bohemian Agricultural Society announces an International Show of Live Stock and Agricultural Implements to be held at Prague on the Utli, 15th, and 16th of May— entries to close on the 28th of April. Application to be made to the Secretary, Herb Ferdinand Hillee, at Prague. The following are the tables of agricultural imports for 18(iG and 18G7 respectively. A largely diminished importation of sheep and cattle, of Plax, Hemp, saltpetre. Clover-seed, Barley, and Maize ; a largelv increased importation of guano. Hops, Potatos, and nitre ; and a very largely increased importation of Wheat are the leading features which they present. The imports of Wheat for the 13 months have increased from 23,150,259 cwt. to 34,515,569 cwt. Of guano, 135,697 tons were imported in 1805, as against 192,303 tons in 1867. The imports of Potatos have risen from 738,000 tons to no less than 1,374,000 tons, and of Hops from 85,000 tons to 296,000 tons. The following are the figures : — Quantities Imported. and I. Articles Fra of Duty. Animals, living — Oxen, Bulls, and Cows Calves . . Sheep and Lambs Swine and Hogs Flax (dressed and undressed) Tow or Codil].x of Flax — I'Tonj Ku.ssia cwt. Holland , Belgium , Other Countries .. .. ,, Gu.ano tons Hemp (dressed and undressed) and Tow or Codilla of Hemp — From Russia ewt. Venetia -. ,, lUyria, Croatia, and Balmatia ,, British India ,, Philippine Islands , Other Countries . . . . „ Ds cwt. Oil "Seed C-lkes tons Potatos cwt. Provisions — Bacon and Haras . . „ Beef, salt . . .. .. ,, Pork, s.ilt Butter ,. Cheese No, C35,.'!93 152,er 31,2il9 26,875 95,488 59,896 85,68' 129,023 738,193 635,78r 178,302 178,£ Lard cwt Saltpetre , Cubic Nitre Seeds— Clover tons Flaxseed and Linseed— From Russia, Northern ports . . . . qrs. Ports in the Black Sea . . ,, British East Indies Other Countries . . . . „ Rape 1, Tallow— From Russia . . . . cwt. Wool, Sheep and Lambs' — From Hanse Towns and other parts of Em-ope lb. British Possessions in South Africa , , British India ,< Australia.. .. .. .- ,, Other Coimtries .. .. ,, Alpaca and tho Llama Tribe „ Woollen rags, torn up to be used cwt. II. Article.^ Subject to Dutii. Com— Wheat— From Russia .. , Denmark . . Prussia Scbleswig, Holstcin, & Lauenburg , Mecklenburg Hanse Towns France . . . . . . ■ - » Turkey and Wallachia & Moldavia , Egypt United States , British North America . . , Other Coimtries Barley Oats Beans . . . . *• Indian Corn, or Mjiize . . Wheatmeal and Flour— I Towns Franco United States . . British North America Other Countries Indian Com Meal . . 226,014 453,182 293,645 267,739 144,270 474, '~ 753,073 156,079 21,592 540,328 43,182 6,97« 88,003 68,216 296,117 121,8.32 1,374,223 637,114 195,797 143,831 1,142,262 905,476 397,934,620 246,839 214,604 1,217,752 160,968 449,352 317,725 214,950 113,.327 113,772,694 24,431,174 3,617,688 8,937,199 506,236 4,401,409 187,938 733.571 878,912 3,473,130 1,211,835 1,324,173 14,322,868 347,012 3,640,320 280,792 40,660 663,506 12,241 21,467,072 36,126,750 15,234,620 133,108,176 4,308,489 3,478,717 14,025,236 418,012 5,572,263 127,222 651,884 700,935 697,405 2,446,638 1,461,774 4,188,013 683,127 3,783,000 5,68.3,721 9,407,139 1,586,129 !,61« 444,710 1,234,742 722,976 121,503 We add that some of the changes here mdica,ted appear even greater when seen in the light ol tbe last month of the year. Thus in December of 1865, bb. MaecH It, 1868.] TnE GAUDENEPvS' CMONIOLE AND AGMCULTtmAL GAZETTE. 273 and '('>" rospectivelj', tlio Dumber of oxen imported was 31,000, 13,000, and 5500 ; of sheep, 151,000, 28,000, and 35,000 respectively ; of Potatos, 92,000 tons, 169,000 tons, and 365,000 ! A very serviceable paper, on the Adulteration of Agricultural Seeds, was read the other day by Mr. lloPE, of Fenton Barns, before the Haddington Farmers' Club, in which the mistaken folly of buying cheap seeds was well e.xposed. The following is an e.\traot : — " I was informed last summer by a firm doing a very large business, that they had been supplied by London houses with samples of Red, White, Alsike, and Trefoil Clover seeds, all of which had been pro- nounced by competent judges to be doctored seeds; while they were "prepared' in such a way that they looked to the uninitiated as well as seeds of a genuine character, costing at the same date from 8*. to 10s. per cwt. more. The firm carefully tested seven of the sam- ples of the White Clovers, with the following results ; — No. 1. Price to seedsman, 78s. ; grew 30 per cent. No. 2. „ 40J. ; „ 3 „ No. 3. „ Us. ; „ 41 „ No. 4. „ 98s. ; „ 60 „ No. .5. „ 90s. : „ 54 „ No. 6. ,, S7s. ; „ 45 No. ". „ 85s. ; „ 31 „ I suppose No. 2, at 40j. per owt., and of which three seeds in the 100 grew, was sent out to give the dealer a chance of still further improving these precious samples, if he was bold enough to venture on it. But think of the folly of buying these seeds because they sold at Id. or 2(L per lb. cheaper than the fair dealer asks. In place of 9d. or lOd. per lb. they are dear at Id. and Od. Old White Clover seed gets brown in colour and loses in vitality from age, as all old seeds do, but old seed put on a kiln and smoked with brimstone will look 10s. per owt. better, though the vitality of the seed is gone. The adulteration of Red Clover seed is chiefly accomplished by being brushed up and improved with oil and black lead, and ' kilned ; ' Trefoil or Yellow Clover seed is also mi.\ed with it. Alsike Clover seed is said to be fre- quently largely adulterated by being mi.^ed with dyed white seed, costing perhaps about one-third of the price of genuine Alsike, which is by far the dearest per lb. of any of the Clovers. Even the cheap Trefoil is often im- proved by being dyed yellow. In regard to Turnip seed, it is said old seed is frequently mixed with the new, and also that it is frequently adulterated with ' kilned ' Eapcseed. I understand it is a notorious fact that seed thus treated can be bought readily in the market, to grow an arranged percentage, according to the price paid." How are these frauds to be put down. Dealing with respectable men is not always a safeguard, for respect- able men are often no better judges of what they deal in than other people. " Jly opinion," says Mr. Hope, " is that every farmer should require a guarantee that the seeds he supplies are not doctored or improved in any way, but are of the age stated and in the natural stilt© as grown. There is no hardship in demandin.g this, as it is not a guarantee that the seed will produce a crop. It will also put retail dealers on their guard, and they will ask the same guarantee from the whole- sale seedsmen from whom they purchase, not one of whom but is able to say whether the seeds he offers for sale have been doctored or not. If you purchase seeds which you are ultimately in a situation to prove have been doctored, you may recover damages in a court of law. But I think that is not enough. Parliament should pass a measure making any one guilty of such frauds liable to punishment as a criminal, as is the case in France and other countries. A few months on the treadmill and a further residence in the hulks might have a beneficial effect on the health of those artistic gentlemen. In the meantime I would move that "This Club recommends all purchasers of agricultural seeds to demand a guarantee from the sellers that the seeds supplied by them have not been "doctored" or " improved" in any way, but are of the age stated, and in the natural state as grown.'" The motion was unanimously agreed to. SHORTHORNS. Me. Whlouohdt Wood calls attention in SelVs Wecklj/ Messenget to the prices of well-bred yearling Shorthorn bulls. He has frequent applications from intending purchasers who have no idea of the value of such animals. " It might be the means of saving some trouble both to intendmg purchasers and sellers, if the former were aware of a few facts which, though familiar enough to the breeders of high-bred stock, have as yet apparently not penetrated to the general farming public. The first of these is, that the general average price of all the Shorthorns sold last year by Mr. Stratford was about 5nZ. As this includes old cows, some of which would be looked upon as past breeding, and young calves a few days old, it shows the absurdity of e,-spect- mg to obtain a well-bred bull, fit for use, for 20/. Again, other correspondents urge that they are not Shorthorn breeders, but having only a common dairy stock cannot afford a high price for a bull. The question then arises, what IS a high price ? When Captain Gunter gave 420 gs. for ITH Duke of Thorndale at eight years old, that was a high price. When Colonel Towneley gave 500 gs. for Baeon Oxfoed at the Havering Park sale, that was again a high price. Of course the tenant farmer who only desires to improve his dairy or his feeding stock has nothing to do with figures like these. 1 1 is by no means necessary for such a purpose to buy a bull of the most fashionable or distinguished lineage. But from 30 gs. to 60 gs. is not a high price, but a moderate one, for less than which no person ought reasonably to e.xpect to purchase a well-bred and good-looking yearling fit for work. Such a sum judiciously laid out will prove to be as paying an investment as a farmer can make, and no one who is unable or unwilling to afford it has any business to keep a breeding stock. Within the last 20 years great improvement has taken place in respect to the bulls used by farmers. Much, however, still remains to be effected. Mongrels, which any rightly-thinking man would be ashamed to see about his premises, are still used to largo dairy herds. The use of such brutes is not merely bad policy as regards the owner, but is a wrong inflicted on the public. No man is justified in breeding bad cattle when he mifjht breed good ones, on the plea that he is unable to afford the small extra outlay requisite in the latter case. Such a plea, if admitted, would excuse any amount of bad farming. Light seed is cheaper than heavy, inferior implements than good ones. Oil- cake and guano are costly articles, and the cheapest plan is not to buy them at all. The same rule holds with labour. The fewer men you employ the less they will cost you, and although your land may be covered with weeds, you need not care, so long as they are no expense to you. The only drawback to this style of farming is that if the expenses are light, the returns are likely to be still lighter. Ho who does not lay out his capital, cannot look for the profit to be expected from judicious liberality." We give in the following genealogical table the relationships of one of the families which Mr. Steaffosd is to sell on Wednesday, March 25, at Milcote, near Stratford-on-Avon. There were no fewer than 31 descendants of the celebrated cow Charmer, by Little John (4232), sold at Milcote 8 years ago, and they averaged not less than 09?. apiece. Since then the family has stood in the very foremost rank outside the t»vo great houses, as they may be called, of Booth and Bates, and we doubt not that the 12 descend,ants of the same cow to be disposed of at the forthcoming sale, will do justice to the reputation which Mr. Adkins has done so much to create and to maintain for them. In this without displacing and replacing the foul air. It was very instructive to be able, by the medium of steam, to see that circulation which could otherwise have only been surmised. The bodies of men and animals are con- stantly giving off effluvia, as well by the pores of the skin as by the breath ; and those who attend public dinners and crowded meetings are made aware, by the tendency to gaping and sleepiness, that they are inhaling a poisonous vapour. How soon a few people will con- taminate the air of a room. Coming out of the fresh pure air, the disgusting smell is at once perceptible. In our confined police courts it not only fills the court, but contaminates the adjoining rooms; the advantages of more doors than one are very perceptible. A certain eminent Yorkshire farmer, who for years was in the habit of rearing successfully many calves, had a long enclosed shed with a door at each end, in which they were kept. Somehow or other the end door would oft«u be left open, and as frequently closed. At last, to prevent the annoyance of this frequently-opened door, it was removed and the place bricked up. All at once the calves took to doing badly, and so continued for two or three years, until some one thought that the closed door might have had something to do with it, so the door was re-instated, and ,the calves then went on well. The moral was obvious : there was no circulation. In one of my sheds, where the animals are on sparred floors, and very closely packed, say two bullocks in a space 12 by 8 feet, for 20 years there has not been the loss of an animal, although many lots have been fattened there ; some remain ing from calves until two years old. The best proof of proper circulation is that when outside the sheds, especially in a quiet day, your nose is offended by the smells issuing out of the holes in the walls or the open doors. The exhalations and effluvia are kept moving and being driven out, instead of stagnating among the animals and destroying their descendants of charmer. Charmtr, by Little Johx (4232) Charmer 3(t, '^Concord (2), by- by Earl of Londonderry - Constancy (32), by 3d Duke of Geneva (21,592) Coronet (1), by Londonderry (13,169) Sweetheart, by Accordion (5708) r Seraph (8), by Londonderry" (13,169) Sir'ectheart 3d, — Sunshine, by by Daybreak Mameluke (11,388) (13,289) u Syren, by r- Science (27), by Amiens Chanter (19,423) (14,095) SiccetJieart 2d -j Sympathy (19), by — Senator (13), (1), by Earl of i Chanter by Patrician i)UBLlN (10,178) L SWEET WILLIAM (24,72S> (5), by Potentate (22,537) . S^onsr(t{22), by Chanter (19,423) Songstress (12), by Challenger (17,321) . Sorceress (10), by — Spectre (7), Mocassin (18,40tJ) by Patrician (24,728) table of the descendants of Charmer it will be under- stood that the names of the females are printed in italics, and those of the males in small capitals, and that the numbers (1), (2), (8), &c., within brackets, represent the numbers in the catalogue. The old cow Charmer, whose daughter Sweetheart was No. 1 in the last Milcote Sale, was herself the grand-daughter of Si/Iph, a celebrated cow of Sir C. Knightley's breeding, and noted as a rare milker when in the herd of the Hon. C. Arbuthnot. There is not a family probably of Shorthorns known which is so full of the blood of Favourite, or more closely allied to the herds of the original breeders of Shorthorn cattle. STOCK FEEDING : VENTILATION. When farmers see my 20 bullocks in one covered and enclosed shed, they frequently exclaim, " Can they be healthy here ? " That is a proper remark, for unless the ventilation were perfect they could not be healthy, so closely packed in a limited space. If there is one shortcoming greater than another in our general agriculture, it is certainly want of ventilation in enclosed sheds and stables. Farmers have found out that their horses and cattle are more healthy in open yards with sheds rather than in confined places, but they are by no means aware that the difference is owing to the want of ventilation. How seldom do we iind a cart-horse stable or close shed with an opening in the roof for the escape of impure air. Very near me, after a burning down of the old buildings, a number of new sheds have been erected without a single opening in the roof of any one of them! As a rule, our general farm buildings are, like our houses, sadly deficient in healthy circula- tion of air. As my system of ventilation appears to keep my animals (although closely packed) in perfect health, I will describe it : a portion of the centre of the roof is raised above the rest, with louver boards on each side, but the wind is not allowed to blow through from one side to the other, but a board, a yard or more in depth, is dependent from the roof, so that the current of air coming through the louver boards is deflected and passes downwards, driving out the foul air through the opposite side or louver boards, or through the holes in the top of the walls under the wall plate. The circula- tion is thus constant and perfect. Of course we cannot see this, but I have seen it under the following circum- stances : Some steam from our steaming coppers finds its way occasionally into one of our sheds, and although the weather may be nearly calm, I observe that the current of air entering through tho louver boards strikes ! against the centre deflecting board, and drives the i steam to the very floor of the shed, caasing it to escape at the other side of the dependent board, and through the side holes in the wall. If there were no dependent divisional board the air would pass right through between the louver boards on each side, without entering the body of the building itself, and therefore ; health. This question of ventilation is most important, just now that we are gradually giving up the " roaming at large " system and making the most of our produce. I know of a gentleman's mansion that is ventilated by a single gas-light in a brick chimney or shaft. There are openings in the ceiling of every room con- nected with the shaft. The gas-light heats the chim- ney and causes an up-current, which draws to it all the mixed smells arising from the dinner table, as well as from unhealthy bed-rooms. By-the-by, speaking of chimneys, the following may be useful :— A short chimney at my place of business obstinately refused to " draw," in consequence of being closely surrounded by some very lofty newly erected buildings. In vain were paper-shavings and other combustibles lighted, the flame and smoke would come down instead of going up. Our folks were in despair, for the whole place used to be heated by this one furnace. I suggested introducing a gas-light into the chimney, there being a trap-door, and an arm with a gas-burner close by ; the flame from the single burner in a quarter of an hour so heated the chimney, and caused such a strong up-cuiTent, that the fire burned brilliantly, and we have never since had any trouble about it. The gas is only required for 10 or 15 minutes. If one comes into a well-filled country church five minutes late in summer, how unpleasant is the smell. In town, whore the general air is less pure, the differ- ence is not so quickly perceptible. /. J. Mechi, March. HIGH FARMING.— No. II. In confirmation of the remarks I made in the ^i?Wc«?- fiiral OaMtte OD this subject recently, I have rearranged a Table, originally compiled in 1864, from materials fur- nished me by the occupants of four farms, and published in July of that year, showing howclosely the actual pro- duce of corn concurs in practice with the calculated value, on the assumption I then made that about one- half of the nitrogen consumed in feeding cattle was retained in the manure ; and 2dly, that 5 lb. of nitrogen so applied produced an extra bushel of corn. Mr. Mechi's experience, which appears as No. 5 in the sub- joined Table, fully corroborates the others. To make this clearer, I will explain the Table more fully. Nos. 1, 2, aud 3 are average farmers on average land, worth about 1?. an acre rent. No. 1 had little capital, but was an active man, and farmed very cleanly. No. 3 had more ready money, but was slovenly in his operations. No. 2 had both capital aud an active, intelligent bailiff. These three farmed nearly on the four-course system. Nos. 3 and 4 had a good deal of permanent Grass, and the latter kept his arable iMid high manured, and cultivated on a three-course shift— 1st roots, 2d Wheat, 3d Barley, and, as the Table show^ grew an enormous quantity of corn per 100 acres. No.l sold off nearly all his corn, consuming but little on the farm. I have calculated the amount of nitrogen so consumed at 20 cwt., and the one-half remaining in the manure to produce i bushels per acre. No, 2 con- 27-i THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mabch 14, 18C8. sumed and purchased a considerable amount of corn and cake, and took great care of his manure. I have allowed three-fifths of the nitrogen to remain in his manure, and the results fully bear out this allowance ; his crops are nearly 5 quarters per acre annually. No. 3, on the contrary, is slovenly, and grows weeds as well as com. Partly on this account, and partly because he allows his dung to be washed by the winter rains, I have allowed only two-fifths of the nitro- genous value of the food consumed, and still the cal- culated produce is somewhat higher than the actual average, from his corn being subject to blight. No. 4 puts an enormous dressing on his fallow crop to enable the laud to bear two successive corn crops. I should have allowed more than one-half the nitrogen to remain in his manure ; but that he keeps a dairy of cows, and a great part of the liquid draining from these is carted on to his Grass land. As Mr. Mechi (No. 5) spread.s nearly the whole of his on his arable land in the most economical manner, I have credited him with three-fifths. The actual results, as I have said, coincide remarkably with these calculations. They exhibit the great advantage of cleanliness, as well as of well-kept manure. They show, too, how by these means from 50 to 150 sacks of corn beyond the natural produce of the soil may be secured on each 100 acres. The only remaining question is, does it pay? But, before leaving this part of the subject, I would humbly suggest to Mr. Mechi, whether he does not think that, by accumulating his manure on 75 acres of corn crop, he is wasting power; whether, like No. 4, he had more acres in corn (say Oats or Barley after "Wheat) he would not reap a larger produce from the same quantity Table Showing the Quantity of Nitrohenol middle of the farm being a high ridge. The stead- ing occupies a central position for the arable and on the south side of the ridge ; there is sufficient land for a small farm on the top of the ridge, and the greater portion of the land is on the north side of the ridge. Instead of making two or three farms of this 1.300 acres of land a steading, sufficiently large for the whole farm, has been erected on the south side of the ridge. The ascent on both sides of the ridge is so steep that half a load is sufficient for one horse; but that is only part of the blunder. The north side of that farm is nearer a railway station than the farm steading ; thus the produce must be carted in the straw away from the station over the hill to the steading on the south side of the ridge ; and after it is fit for market must be carted to the nearest station, which is five miles ofl'! Sir Walter Scott spent a twelvemonth of his boyhood on the farm where I resided eleven years. The rugged surface of the centre of that farm, which is the scene of " The Eve of St. John," is beautifully described in the introduction to the third canto of Marmion : — " It was a barren scene and wild, Where naked cliffs were rudely piled ; But ever and .anon between L.ay velvet tufts of liveliest green." That farm being dome-shaped, the produce has to be carted up steep slopes to the foot of the naked clifis. The placing the steadings in the hollows between these parallel ridges would save a great deal of horse labour in carting ofi' the crops. Too little attention is given to the selecting of proper sites for steadings. Your correspondent " O. F." will agree with me that a 1000- ; Manure applied on Five Different Farms, Quantity and description of Manure applied every year. From— Tons. Hay consumed 25 Horse Com . . 5 Pig Com .. 5 Roots .. 1 Town dung , Hay .. .. 110. 40 ,„) ICora .. .. 30, 30 ■) Roots .. .. 400 2 (jGrains .. .. .. 6 ,:Hay .. .. 100 40 7- j Coi-n eako .. 60 50 -J I Roots, Ryo, i!c. 500 5 ( Guano ] 10 s 1 u 2s 0 a 1 1 S 5. bushels of Oats each week from the end of harvest till the middle of June. The manager of a farm, with only 9 or 11 horses, is placed in a somewhat similar position to a general without a reserve force, pitted against one with a reserve. I have seen my father have a difficulty in keeping up the supply of pulled Turnips (or the cattle and sheep even in fresh weather, and frequent showers swallowing up the dry litter in the open cattle yards, which caused frequent threshing of grain to get the straw for litter. I have seen grain to deliver at some station seven or eight miles distant. Turnips to cart to cattle and sheep, the cattle in a puddle, and little of the ploughing done. Some will reply, employ more men and horses. As a general rule, farmers have the full complement of both ; but there being a quantity of work, which must be done on the same day, a pressure is put upon the manager of a 500-acre farm, which the ma- nager of a 1000-acre farm easily surmounts. The latter can attend to the ordinary routine, and also get the stuhble turned over for the future fallow break. I need not refer to the importance of having strong land broken up early in autumn ; also the having plenty of all kinds of roots in store for a supply during a snowstorm or black frost. The labourer question being a popular theme at present, I beg to point out what the labourers' would-be patrons appear to be ignorant of— what the abolition of the law of hypothec would do— increase the number of farms rented by non-resident tenants. "Were farmers as a body possessed of the requisite capital for the farms they occupy, landowners would not require hypothec. I have often felt disgusted at advocates of a greater number of small farms also advocating the abolition of hypothec. Were farming conducted on sound commencal principles, without landowners' hypothec, landowners would be compelled to accept of substantial tenants in preference to men of straw. I know of several farmers, each of whom rents between 2000 and 3000 acres of arable land in detached farms of 400 acres and upwards. When in the country a few weeks ago, I passed three adjoining farms rented by non-resident tenants. I dare say the continuance of hypothec might be depended on as a means of benefiting poor tenants, but 1 beg to show how it keeps wealthy farmers in check. In my letter of Dec. 28 (p. 1329), I referred to the fact that a farmer offered 400?. a year more than the present resident tenant, who entered upon a lease of 19 years last Whitsunday. The present resident tenant must defray his household expenses incidental to his positiou in life; whereas, had the non-resident tenant's offer of an additional 400/. been accepted, he would merely have kept one or two domestic servants in the farmer's family residence, and thus have saved the greater part of household expenses of a resident tenant. What is called the "led-farm" system of non-resident tenants is an element overlooked by too many of those who advocate the abolition of hypothec. Passing over the fact that the Duke of Buccleuch and other entensive proprietors do not allow the "led-farm" system, suppose hypothec abolished, and 40 to 50 of our wealthy farmers had all their money invested in stock and arable farms, what a hue and cry would be raised by those who advocated the abolition of landlords' hypothec, about the extirpation of small farmers ! The invention of the power-loom drove the hand-loom weavers from the villages into towns, and the readers of papers at Social Science meetings charged landowners with the responsibility of the decay of those manufacturing villages. I vindicated landowners from such a charge in the Agricultural Oazette of Dec. 25, p. 94G, for 1858; and if I should be able to continue my scribbling for other 10 years, I may, perhaps, then have to show that it was the abolition of hypothec that reduced the number of farmers. Y'ou have already allowed me to point out that much misunderstanding is caused by jumbling up the shortcomings of the several classes and ascribing the aggregate results to landowners. Since the " sleeping partners " of com- mercial and other large concerns are not found fault with for not taking an active part in their occupations, I fail to perceive that landowners are at fault in managing their properties through the medium of paid delegates. I sincerely wish that I could cherish the same genial feelings towards clergymen and tenant farmers, and the authorities in towns, that I do towards our aristocratic landowners. As a practical illustration, each of the married hinds on one of the Duke of Buccleuch's farms, where I was born, has a two-storey house with four apartments, and other requisites, I should like to see commoners practically evincing that the breaking-up of great estates would benefit working men. I act conscientiously in writing as I do, but if high farming and the healthy freedom of male and female farm labourers be incompatible, I must change my tactics. My duties lead me occasionally to the country, which gives mo opportunites of observing how too many farmers are persisting in continuing the serl- dom of ploughmen's families. Previous to a recent date women did men's work for 8rf. a day in winter, and 10(1 in summer, which then did and still does prompt too many farmers to keep the staff of adult male labourers at the lowest possible minimum. Since land of medium quality in England supports land- owners, tenant farmers, clergymen, and manual labourers in their respective spheres, I don't see why land of the same quality in Northumberland and the south-east of Scotland should not be able to do the same without the aid of the serfdom of the labourer^' families, which the notorious bondager system involves, Mr. Morton states in his paper on " The Forces used in Agriculture," under the heading "Labour on Steam Farms :"—" Mr. Randall, of Chadbury,near Evesham, who cultivates 500 acres arable and 200 acres pasture, employs with slight variation 30 men, 7 women, and 12 boys throughout the year, with 70 additional men for three weeks in harvest time; in all, equal to about 42 men throughout the year, or 1 to every 12 acres of arable land and 5 of pasture. Mr. Munro, of Farnington, Roxburghshire, stated in the North British Agriculturist of July 13, 1864, that there were 1330 acres of that farm arable, and 362 acres in permanent pasture. The following is query 1 in his schedule: — "Number of men-servants under termly engagement?" Answer — "Fourteen yearly engagements; one half-yearly engagement; one extra man during winter half year. The following is query 4 : " Number of men usually employed at day's wages ?" Answer : " One or two when extra work is to be done." I have quoted Mr. Morton's statement in 1859, that a farm of 500 acres of arable land and 200 acres of pasture employed, with slight variation, 30 men, 7 women, and 12 boys throughout the year, exclusive of 70 additional men for three weeks in harvest. This is what brings out the disgusting features in the bondager ; system ; it enables Mr. Munro to work 1330 acres of land with only 15 men throughout the year, one extra man during winter half year, and one or two men when extra work is to bo done (!) This shows what a small proportion of the manual labour on Tweedside is done by men. As a general rule, Tweedside farming employs only one able-bodied male labourer for every CO to 75 acres of arable land, kept in the highest state of cultivation under the five-course rotation. Again, the following is query 6, and Mr. Munro's reply to it :— " Number of women and boys usually employed in farm labour, not including extra labourers in harvest or other busy periods ? " Mr. Munro's answer : — " From Whit- sunday to harvest from 35 to 40, and 20 for the rest of the year." Here 1330 acres of arable land employ only 35 to 40 women and boys during the bustle of the Turnip season, and the ordinary stalT was 15 men and 20 women in 1861 on 1333 acres of arable land ! This is the monstrous bondage grievance; more- over, farmers do not rest satisfied with merely Mabch 14, 1868.1 THE GARPENEHS' CTIRONTOT.E AND AGRICUI-TURAL GAZETTE. 275 realising profits from the employment of so many women in farm labour, but they outrage public decency with impunity by huddling so many labourers into one apartment. I spent the weeks ■which closed the last and commenced the present year, in the country, which enabled me to see what excited my disgust. One of my cousins, with a wife and a family of eight, are herding together in a hovel of only one apartment ! The recently deceased tenant of that farm was an accomplished gentleman ; and it is 20 years since he had his own residence fitted up with marble fireplaces and mantelpieces. I found on this farm that the hinds have to provide lodg- ings for a single woman, not a member of the family, in the single room, which is all the accommo- dation for a married couple with a family of eight. And the Presbyterian Church sanctions this outrage upon public decency, by ordaining to the office of the eldership gentlemen who allow such a monstrous out- rage to be perpetrated. Government ought to bring theLodging-hou.^ie Act tobear upon it. T. W. Ruther- ford. Forest Field, Kelso. £226 9 .1 42T 16 li 139 IT 0 139 IT 0 58 1" 0 100 0 0 5?omc Corvesponacncc. Air and Land Drainage.— Mr. J. Bailey Denton virtually admits that he knows little or nothing of what he has talked about upon the question of under- drainage, for after telling us about the weight of air and water, and the passage of air and water through the soil to the drains, he goes on to say, " But it really does so happen, that the admission of air into long flat under-drains operates favourably by causing the water to be voided more quickly than it would without such aid." Yes; and he then goes on to say, "I am content to state this fact without attempting to explain the reason on scientific principles." Why is it that he will not explain " this fact P" Is it because he does not understand what he is talking about ? Drains needing air-shafts are not those in which "the air (as Mr. Mechi says) finds its way horizontally above the water in the pipes," nor are they those pointed at by Mr. J. Bailey Denton, when he says — " the existence of under-drains implies the existence of air iu the soil to the depth of the drain. The rain falling on the surface of land must necessarily descend by its own weight to the level of the drains by displacing the air in the soil in its passage downwards, and giving place in its turn to the upper atmosiilinre;" but they are those pointed at thus by Mr. Denlon :—" I directed my foreman togo to the head of the principal main drain and dig down to the pipes and let in air. The effect was almost instantaneous; the rate of discharge was increased greatly." And again he says in another case, " the discharge was greater one second than the next. ... By admitting air at the head of tliis drain its intermittent character was stopped." Let Mr. Denton fill a glass bottle quite full with water. He may then hold in his hand a short drain representing his long ones needing air shafts. Then let him lay the bottle down, he will see the water run outintermittiagIy,and he will hear the air gurgle just as fa.st as it can force its way either through or horizontally over the water into the bottle. He may prevent this intermittent flowing of the water and the gurgling of the air, if he will let in a tube or " vent peg " at the bottom of the bottle before he lays it down, to represent his air-hole dug by his foreman at the other end of the drain. The fact is, his drains must have been vastly slow in admitting water into them at all. How it could get in I cannot for the life of me understand, any more than I could under- stand how water could pass through the sides into a good sound glass bottle. Surely it must have passed in at the mouth of the drain as it may be put into a glass bottle, or it must have got in by some underflow or other at which the air could not come through the soil. In such a case under-draining would be of no use, for if the air could not pass through the soil neither could the water, any more than it can through the sides of a good glass bottle. After his foreman had dug the hole he jumped at the conclusion that the drain needed air. It did need air, but to have ad- mitted it properly it did not need a hole at the top end of the drain, but a better system of culture throughout the whole length of the drain, whereby not only air hut water might pass freely to the drains. The'hole that his foreman dug would only let out the water then in the drain ; as to other water coming in, it could not come in from the surface of the land if air could not follow it in its passage through the soil. Mr. J. Bailey Denton will do well to reflect well over this before he again jumps at the conclu- sion that air-shafts are needed to aid water in its flow in drains ; and he will also do well to consider as to how water falling upon the surface of the laud gets into drains, especially on close snapy clay soils. William Smith, Woolston, Bletchley Station, Bucks, March 9. Furrows and Water-farrows.— Let me not be mis- understood. Our Essex stetches are 7 feet 2 inches wide, and are, or ought to be, ploughed flat and level. The furrow is only ofginch width,and, after harrowing and seeding, about 4 inches deep. In the spring, after horse-hoeing, harrowing, and rolling, the land is as near as possible level, as may be seen by the crops evenly ripened at harvest. This is a very different affair from the mounds and vallevs of the Midland Counties' undrained land. J. J. Mechi, March, 1868. FannAcconnts.— WillyourcorrespondenfJ.B.M." oblige by being more explicit in bringing out Mr. Mechi's figures. For instance, how does he arrive at the conclusion "that Z'M. is due to growing the food and feeding the cattle ? " If his assumption is correct, that hilf the labour is a fair proportion to charge to the stock, it should be 226;. 9». Zd., being half of the labour account (see Mr. M.'s account, page 162), Pray, why include horse keep in labour > He next says, "Add the bought fouil (excluding horse corn), 4UU/.;" it should be 42"/. Ifw. Orf., and 139^. 17*. (being corn used by live stock, produce of farm, at market prices) : the omission of this latter sum I assume to be an oversight. Now. why should the sums of 139/. 17*. and ^lil. 17s., being for horse food purchased from farm and else- where, be excluded ? I suppose, as nothing is said to the contrary, the horse manure is used over the 60 acres in question. Taking his view of the propor- tion of labour to be debited to stock as correct, as I read it, tho account would stand thus ; — Half labour account, viz., 452(. 18.r ti(i Corn, cake, malt combs, brau, &c., purchased Corn and hay, produce of farm, at market price. . Horse food purchased from farm Horse food purchased elsewhere Interest on stock purchased and use of engine Making .1 total of £1092 16 9 Something, I presume, must be allowed for straw, &c., forchaff and bedding. We must now subtract the sum of 720;. received (by the way, I do not clearly understand where he gets that amount from), leaving 372/. 16*. 9f/. as a balance for the total cost of manuring the GO acres, being something over Gl. per acre in the yards, and not 27». That Mr. Mechi sets a very notable example to his brother farmers few will doubt, and I hope the day is not far distant when his words will be taken up by the farmers of Old England :— " I consider it is this great consumption of purchased food and consequent manure that makes the farm pay : without it, it would pay " West Indian. The Housing of Stock: Books and Evidence.— The following extracts from the letter of an intelligent practical farmer, engaged in the feeding of stock, is of interest, as bearin" on the subject of my last commu- nication to you :— I was much pleased to read your letter in answer to Mr. Mechi. All grazing men here can bear you out that beasts wintered in cool but sheltered situations, feed quicker, when put to Grass, than those kept in warm places, as they retain their hair, and do not feel the cold in early .spring. We shall soon have extensive shows in York of what are termed West country drapes: which are cows from town dairies, and from Lancashire, Cheshire, Derby, &c. These, having been housed, are beginning to slip their coats, and from losing their natural covering they become hide-bound, and are weeks before they reooverit. In fact, before they make a start, stores which have been more hardily wintered are half beef; these drapes have therefore to be sold ' big for the money.' " The foregoing, like every record of actual experience, is valuable. — And nere I cannot forbear a word of hearty concurrence with the excel- lent lecture of Professor Wrightson, at Cirencester. His remarks on the subject of books with reference to agriculture are most valuable. How often must every one conversing with farmers have realised how true it is that they regard " what is put in the form of a book as theory, while that which falls from the lips is called practical." There is another characteristic of all undisciplined or semi-educated minds; they have no idea of the value of evidence. When an astronomer reads an account written by another astronomer, of his having observed a certain appearance among the stars on a given night, the former (in the absence of any reason for suspecting a mistake) accepts the state- ment as a fact, with as much confidence as if he had witnessed it himself. Unless this confidence in the observations of others obtained among scientific men, it is obvious that our stock of knovvledge would never he enlarged, as each individual being obliged fo confine himself within the limited sphere of his own experi- ence, would derive no benefit from the labours of others. But how constantly does it happen that on mentioning to a farmer the result of any trial one has made with a feeding stuff or a manure, his answer is, " I don't know, I never tried them." In other words, the trial which another impartial person has given them produces no effect whatever on his mind, because he has neither tried them himself nor witnessed the trial. I am convinced that the habit of reading would be of immense benefit to farmers. . How few of them are aware of the principles which guide their practice? From being unaccustomed to weigh evidence, men who do not read are as likely to accept any wild assertions made by interested persons as they are to reject the results of the most valuable experiments of trustworthy observers. Thus they become the prey of designing men, who promise them fabulous profits from a merely nominal expenditure. In conclusion, I must express a hope that those who superintend our agricultural literature will not lose sight of the value of the faithful record of practical experience. WMoughhy Wood, Holhj Bank, Burton-on-Trent. Cottage Plans.— The public must not be misled by the result of the competition for the prizes I was per- mitted to offer through the Society of Arts, as it appears likelj; they may be by the correspondence that has appeared in your columns. The principal object I had in view in offering the prizes referred to, was to test the possibility of building cottages in pairs according to the requirements of the Inclosure Commissioners for 200/. a pair, as had been alleged could be done by essayists in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society. 'I?he plans sought by the Society of Arts were only such as could be carried out at those figures. The prize design, nevertheless, though meritorious in some details, failed altogether to conform to this primary stipulation, as did, in fact, every plan of any value presented for examination ; thus proving to demon- stration that the essayists in the Journal were wrong in their statements, and had misled the agricultural public. It was only because the plan of Mr. Birch was considered to be the best of those present:'d to the Society of Arts for examination, and that it was light that some acknowledgment should be made for tho trouble taken by the competitors, that one prize of i'd. (instead of two as intended) was awarded and paid. I believe that this was stated at the time. Anybody who will take the pains to compare the designs of Mr. Birch as they appeared in your Journal (p. 1327 of the last volume) with tho.se already published will find that, with very slight modifications indeed, they are counterparts of jjlans which are already before the public. 1 think this will be directly admitted if Mr. Birch's design A is compared with Messrs. Ross and Richardson's prize (Leeds) plan, and design B with Captain Dashwood's plan of cottages. Both these plans may be seen in the " Farm Homesteads of England," and the erer:tious themselves may be seen, the first on the estate of Mr. Holland at Dumbleton, built by Mr. Hunt of Evesham, and the second on Sir Henry Dashwood's estate at Kirtlington, built under the direction of Captain Dashwood. I do not wish to detract in any way from the value of Mr. Birch's individual efforts, for we are indeed thankful for any one who wiil help to reduce the cost of labourers' cottages, but I do not think that it will be by any modifications in design that we shall gain any sensible reduction of cost. It will be, rather, by the use of home-grown wood prepared by a solution of lime, as Mr. Burton Borough, in Shropshire, has proved can be profitably done ; or by the adoption of concrete walls in lieu of brick walls, which has yet to be tested more completely than it has yet been ; or by building a proper proportion of two- bedroomed cottages, instead of those with three bed- rooms only ; or by making the living-room suitable for constant habitation and use, thus preventing the appropriation of the scullery as a living-room ; or by not aiming always at having separate porches or lobbies and staircases, which, though comfortable, cost a great deal of money, and are very little better than having the entrance and stairs opening at once from the sitting-room ; or by building cottages in groups rather than in pairs, ^nd in so arranging the divisional walls between cottages that they may be of different sizes to suit different families. It is the duty of us all to do our utmost to reduce the cost of materials by every possible means, as the increase in the price of labour is getting greater every year, and it is only by making the reduction in one counteract the increase in the other, that we can keep within reasonable limits the whole cost so long as sanitary rules and constructive regula- tions have their proper influence. Under any circum- stances, landowners who build cottages must rather look to the indirect advantages they derive from good homes for the labouring people than to the direct return by rent for the outlay they are put to. J. Bailee/ Denton. 22, Whitehall Place. Paper Pipes. — These have been exhibited at our great exhibitions, and praised for their good qualities. I have tried them for some years, and on taking them up have found them useless, collapsed wholly or partially, and the layers of paper separated. These were used for carrying spring water through a dense clay. I have had no experience with them in any other way. They were about 5 inches diameter. I only used a few yards of these as a trial. J. J. Mechi. Origin of the Swedish Turnip.— I have occasionally seen the question mooted. What was the origin of the Swede Turnip? As I don't remember to have seen this question satisfactorily answered, I will, with your permission, state what I have done in the matter; and the results show something so like Swedes that I think any one who sees them will not hesitate to call them so. Some years since, in rooting up a large plant of the Asparagus Kale, I observed that it had a large fleshy root, ugly and mis-shapen, no doubt, but still there was an appearance of feed in it which induced me to try the following experiment :— I planted a common yellow Turnip in close contiguity to some Asparagus Kale, which I allowed to flower and 9»ed along wiUi the 'Turnip, and the following spring sowed the seed of the Turnip, and found some of the young plants had purple tops. I rooted out the common Turnips, and found that the purple tops were Turnips, but mostly mis-shapen ones; those also I destroyed, and saved a few of the best formed ones for seed again, and now, in the fourth generation, X have large fine Turnips, which I can't distinguish from Swedes. It is true that many of them are ugly, coarse-looking roots, as they don't seem as yet to have got a fixity of character, but a few of them are as nice, compact roots as need be seen. They have one defect, like all extreme crosses— the later generations don't ripen much seed, and they have the tendency, which I have previously observed in the extreme crosses of the Crucifera;, to keep per- petually flowering, and the flowers dropping without the formation of seed pods. If any of your readers can tell me how to prevent this perpetual flowering, and so enable the plant to ripen a fair crop of seed, I shall feel obliged ; or if any of your correspondents would like to see one of these Turnips, and will give me his address, I will send one with pleasure. T. (?., Clitheroe. Societies. Smithfield Club : March 3.— At a meeting of the Council held this day (present- the Earl ol Hardwitk, President,in the chair; Lord Tredegar.Vice-President ; Lord Bridport, Vice-President; Messrs. Barnett, Torr , H.aldwin, Joseph Druoe, J. B. Downing, Charles Howard, James Howanl, Moore, Leeds, Painter, Rigden, Thurnall, Twitchell, Brandreth Gibbs, Hono- rary Secretary), the minutes of the last Council meeting were read and confirmed. yi«((OTci-"That this Council approves the principle of tho Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Jl.irket Bill introduced by Her Maie3ty'.s Government, and is of opinion f"' ,'","'"„';!!°„ ' imported should be slaughtered at the P""-' of debarcation I and le qui should be slaugnterea ac Lue pu. v... -^ : J i livB stock should be aul)ieet to such a P<:"»d of anuiie as would prevent tho possibility of the remtrofluc- of the cattle plague." 216 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [March 14, 186& The President was requested to communicate this resolution to the Privy Council, to be forwarded to the Select Committee appointed by the House of Commons. Messrs. J. S. Turner and Henry Overman were duly elected Stewards of Live Stock ; Messrs. Joseph Druce and Robert Leeds were elected Stewards of Implements. The prize sheet for the present year was cousidered, and the following alterations made ;— In place of a class for " Long-woolled Sheep not being Leicesters, Cotswolds, Lincolns, or Kentish," it was resolved to substitute the following wording:— "Cross-bred Long- woolled Sheep." N.B. Notice was given that the classes for cross-bred sheep generally be reconsidered for the year 18C9. The pig classes were re-arranged for the present year as follows :— Three divisiors for pigs, viz., white breeds, black breeds, other breeds; with the following classes in each of the above divisions : — Class for Pigs not exceeding 9 months, lat prize, 10/., 2d ditto, SI. Class for Pigs above 9 months and not exceeding 12 months, Ist prize, lOi., 2d, 51. Class for Pigs above 12 months and not exceeding 18 months. 1st prize, 101., 2d, 5i. The Silver Cup to the best pen in any of the classes as heretofore, and Silver Medal to the breeder of the animals winning the first prize in each class. Reaoh'fd—" That in future the live weights of all cattle and each pen of sheep shall be ascertained, and made public, and that if necessary a weighbridge be purchased ;" the Honorary Secretary being empowered tu aiTaiige as to a weighbridge, and to communicate with the Agricultural Hall Company in the matter. Resolued — " That a luncheon shall take place in the new dining hall at the Agricultural Hall on the Tuesday in the Show week immediately after the General meeting of the members on that diiy ;" viz., the Council meeting to be at 10.30 a.m.; the General meeting to be at 12 noon ; and luncheon at 2 P.M. punctually. The Implement Committee was re-e?fected, the name of Mr. John Head, of the firm of Messrs. Eansomes & Sims, being substituted for that of Mr. W. B. Smith, resigned. The following were duly elected members of the Club:— J. D. Allen, Pyt House, Tisbury, AVilts; Geoffrey Howard, Bedford ; Colonel Henry Lowther, M. P., Barley thorpe Hall, Oakham; Henry Matthews, Montford, Shewsbury; Alfred Rogers, Bromham, Bedford ; F. Street, Harrowden, Bedford. Central Chamber of Ageicultuhe: Ediicaiion of Children in Country Districts.— A.\, the last Council meeting of this Society, Mr. Fraser, an Assistant Com- missioner employed in the Inquiry into the Employment of Women and Children in Agriculture, delivered an address on the subject, from which we make the fol- lowing extracts : — 1.— The Wages Difficulty. I quite feel that the real difficulty of this question turns on one point, and one point only. I allude to the poverty of the agricultural labourer. The low wages which the agricultural labourer receives in many parts of England, are not sufficient to allow him to dispense with the earnings of his children. I quite feel that if the Legislature were to impose an absolute restriction — a restriction without any accompanying dispensing power— and even if the Government were to fix upon such a moderate age as 10, which was the age selected at a meeting presided over by Mr. Holland in Glouces- tershire, and to say that no boy under 10 years of age should be employed in agriculture, I quite feel that an absolute restriction of that kind might work inj uriously, the father being the only bread-winner, and there being four or five hoys unable to earn anything towards the support of the family. How is the difficulty to be got over ? I want to know why it is that while an agricul- tural labourer in Northumberland is receiving l&s. a-week, an agricultural labourer on many farms in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Worcestershire is receiving only 9s. a-week? ("No, no.") I can prove it by scores of instances. There are labourers receiving only 9s. a-week in the tract of country bordering on the three counties of Hereford, Worcester, and Gloucester. (A Voice : " There are allowances.") Yes, there is an allowance of 3 quarts of cider a day, being equal to Is. 6d. per week ; but that is the sole allow- ance. (A Voice ; " What about the harvest ? " and followed by cries of " Hear, hear.") I am not speaking about what a man may pick up at harvest time. I have it on good authority that in the Cots- wold country the total average wages of a labourer does not exceed from 30/. to 32/. a-year. I am quite aware, as I befure stated, that T am touching on delicate ground; still this is a vital part of the question. I quite admit that if it is to be supposed that the wages of agricultural labourers are always to remain at their present figure, or at the figure at which I know they stand in many parts of England, that must greatly complicate the difficulty of dealing efl'ectually with the education question. When I was interrupted I was going to say that in Norfolk the wages, including the harvest earnings, amount to from 35/. to 38/. a year, and that in Sussex they amount to from 40/. to 41/. ; but, as regards certain parts of the midland counties, and particularly Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire, I will stake my reputation for accuracy on the statement that at the present moment the wages paid are not more than 9s. a week, exclusive of Is. Grf. a week for cider. Taking in the harvest and pieoe-work, a man may earn from 30/. to 33/. a year ; but when the best is said, when the whole is told, there still remains but 33/., or, at the utmost, 35/. a year, and that creates a very serious difficulty in dealing with this question of educa- tion in cases where the fatner is the only bread-winner, and there is a family of four or five children to be provided for. I hope, therefore, this will be one of the main elements of discussion whenever the question engages the attention of Parliament. Farmers gene- rally have told me that the employment of boys under 10 years of age is of no practical value at all. I have before me a statement showing the amount of wages paid by one of the largest and most influential farmers m the county of Norfolk, and who cultivates his land in the best manner, between the 27th July, 1866, and the 19th July, 1867. This gentleman occupies some- thing like a thousand acres of land, and his statement gives the wages which he paid during that period to boys, girls, and women. To women and to boys and girls over 14 years of age he paid 62/. odd ; to boys and girls between 10 and 14 lie paid 40/. ; and to boys and girls under 10 he paid 2/. Altogether, he paid 10.5/. to those three classes of labourers, and only 2/. of that amount was paid for children under the age of 10. Consequently there would probably be no appreciable loss to the parents, and certainly none to the farmer, if the Legislature were to say that no child should be employed in agriculture under 10 years of age. 2.— The Condition of the Laboureb. In Gloucestershire the farmers said they thought that labour might be prohibited iu the case of children under 10 years of age, and that school attendances might he secured in the winter months, including the attendances at Sunday and night schools, to the extent of 150 hours. Now, if children were prohibited from going to work under the age of 10, and were required to attend 150 hours at school during the winter months between the ages of 10 and 12 ; if, too, they attended regularly during that time, and school life was never interrupted by demands upon their labour except in the harvest mouths, I should be content to rest there. I am sure that results would be arrived at infinitely superior to any that we have yet achieved, and that this country would he placed in a position which it has never before occupied. What I feel in regard to the whole question is, that there requires to be, not one influence alone, but a multi- tude of combined influences brought together to bear with a mighty leverage upon the condition of the agricultural labourer. He wants better schools, and he wants better teachers. He wants those schools to be more liberally supported. He wants many more people who live in close proximity to those schools to take an active interest in them. He wants the employer of his children to take such an interest in him that his children shall he enabled to attend school as regularly as possible. He wants some deeper and more abiding interest to be awakened in the mind of the labourer himself for the welfare of his offspring. And he wants an infinitely better home. It is the fa-shion to say that the employment of women and girls in field work is demoralising; and I have been glad to find that farmers almost with one voice say, and commission me to represent this as their opinion, that they wish to discourage by every means in tbeir power the employment of young unmarried girls ou their farms. At the same time, I do not like to throw the burden of all the immorality that exists in the agricul- tural parishes upon the employment of women and children in the fields ; nor do I admit that the immorality in the rural districts is greater than that which prevails in the manufacturing towns. The gentlemen who own the land, and have neglected to stock it with a sufficient sujjply of labourers' cottages, provided with suitable chamber accommodation to enable a man with a mixed family of hoys and girls to bring that family up with decency and modesty, must be compelled to bear their share of the burden and reproach of that demoralisation. I am happy to say that there is a tremendous Nemesis resting on the creators of close parishes. Those gentlemen who years ago swept every cottage from the face of their land, and thrust the labouring people, no matter how, into the open parishes of their neighbours, now find that they have not only to bear their fair share of the rates, but have placed themselves at a great disadvantage when they want a tenant for their farms. I am told that the very first inquiry a farmer makes when he applies for a farm is, not what are the rates, because he knows that they are equally distributed over the union, but " What cottages can you offer me ? -\nd what; is the supply of labour ? " I hope, therefore, that this great and crying evil is now in course of being remedied, and that the landed gentry will wake up to a conviction of their responsibility in respect to that important matter, the better housing and homing of the people who cultivate the soil. What I wish to see is the influence of all classes brought to bear upon the con- dition of the agricultural labourer. He wants help. He is trying to rise ; but he has to struggle against a number of pecuniary difficulties. We want to call forth not only the influence of the clergy, which is generally forthcoming, but the influence of the employer, the teacher, and the landowner. We must all shake off the drowsiness and apathy that have hung upon us so long. And if we can only awaken a genuine public spirit and living interest iu this great and vital question, we might dispense with all legislation, with rateSj with compulsion, with prohibitions, and witli restrictions. The work would be done ; and, more, it would be well done. Discussion. Mr. Andrews was at a lossto understand how a pentlenian of .Mr. Fniser's high intelligence could ask the question why it was that the price of labour was different in one county from what it was in another. Surely, everybody knew that the scale was regulated, and must be regulated throughoit the country, by the supply and the demand ; and he might as well have asked why it was that labour was sairce and wages high at the west, while it was plentiful and low-priced .at the east end of London. He lived within a few miles of a town iu which the glove manufacture was carried on ; and some time since, when driving thither, he w.as accosted by a little girl on the road, who asked him to permit her to ride. The child was about 10 years of age, and was going to the town with her glove work. In answer to the inquiries which he put to her, she told him that her earnings from the occupation were about 2.«. a week ; that the time employed to enable her to cam this was from 6 in the morning until 8 at night : that she was the eldest of nine children ; that hermother worked at gloving, but, with 80 Large afamily, could e.arn no more than Is. a-week, and that her father could earn only lOji. a-week. Let the meeting reflect upon that case in connection with its bearings upon compulsory edu&ition. How cjuld that family afford to do without the 2a. a-week earned by this child 10 years of age, and working 14 hours a-day? How could they be expected to suffer her to go to school and diminish the income of the house and the means of living to that extent? If there was to be compulsory education — whether it was in the depart- ment of agriculture or manufactures — how was the difficulty to be met of providing food and clothing for the poor before shutting them off from earning it ? In his opinion any com- pulsory system of education must at the same time be supple- mented by some assistance for their physical wants. Mr. ALBERr Pell moved a resolution on the subject, which had been adopted by the Leicester Chamber of Agriculture, "That it is expedient that children under the age of nine years be restricted from employment in agriculture." But he would have gone further, and said that above that age the employment of young persons should be wholly unrestricted by legislation. To anything like compulsory education, and t•-,:. Secretary to the Sidburv, SidmoutK, Sat- r- ■ > ,'' ■ ' /iransconibe Agricultural Associaiion. i_»i-i<-i- ■ \' tlie annual meeting of the above Assoc'a tioii, hi I I (he '22d inst., your Champion Swede again took til'.' 1 ■! I'l ■''■ ' ' ■"■■ '-'lua, against 13 competitors with othersorts." From Mr. W. Bddden, Coombe Keyne^i. March 18, 1867.—" 1 gamed the 1st prize at the Winfrith Farmors' Club with your Champion Swede this season. Others also gained prizes with seeds had of you." From Hesbt Cantrell. Esq., Bai/lis Farm, mar Skniah. May 2, 1S07.— " I obtained the £5 5«. Silver Cup. given by G. J. Palmer, Esq., Dorney Court, last October, with your Champion Swedes, and they were grown after a crop of Italian ^Je-grass Mr. bantroll has also obtained H.R.H. the late Prince Consort h 20 Guinea Gup this season. „<-... t> SUTTONS* PRICED CATALOGDE of St^TTO^S HOME- GROWN GRASS, MANGEL WURZEL. and TURNIP SEEDS may be had gratis and post free. All Oooda oaiTiage free except very s &Uoned for ca^ paynaent. J'iTe per cent. nail parcel 6. '*S^TTO»TS«r^ R^yal Berk* SeediEstabUehment. Reading. THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTDRAL G.AZETTE. [MaECH 14, 1868. Rye-graBS for Early Sheep Feed. SCTTONS' IMPROVED ITALIAN, the best and moHt productive in Cultivation. This variety was used in the Metropolis Sewage Farm, Barklop, Inst year with great success, and "Balroady sent afurther supply. Price 6s. per bushel ; cheaper by the quiirter. , Reading, Improvement of Grass Lands, g U T T 0 N S RENOVATING MIXTURE IMPROVING PASTURES f b Sons, Reading, Berks. for Wheat; 1802, for "Excellent Seed Corn and Seeds." FKESH TIIKF and LUAM lor SALE.-Oood flbrv MAIDEN LOAM, 2«. a Load ; TURF, with Srst Spit, 48. ; and TURFS, 6s. per lun, not including Digging. , Uxbrldgo, Middle: /^OCOA-NUT KEF USE c old reserves will soon be gone. Now sold in bags, 1 for 2s., 10 for 16s., 20 for 30«., 60 for 668., 10 for £0. Foiirpence allowed for each bag returned carrugo-paid. A Railway Truck-load (not In bags), 40*-. Poetage Stamps or Post-offlce Order, payable to J. Barsbam 4 Co.. Kin«Rton-on-ThameR, S.W. Beautiful Flowers— Beautiful Flowers. OCUA WUT FliillE REFUSE for SALE, This icful r Dttthening the Growth and Improving the Blossom ol Matiuru? fi Flowers, is n and Garden! . _ ___ ._ „ recommended for Potting and Striking all Soft-wooded Plants, as it prevents the cuttings from fagging or damping off; and maybe liad quantities of London book! sack included, > any of the sacks, delivered fr London booking oflQces, at 25. 6d. per sack, each containing 6 bushels, ccept of post order or postage stamps, addressed. Patent Cocoa Fibre Workf, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, London, E. FIKST-CLASS TOBACCO PAVER.' U. '2d. per lb.— A lot ofTc^timoninls about it. W. Dean. Seedsman. Bradford, Yorkshire. TOUACCb TISSUE for Fumi-ating Greenhouses'". Will Destroy Thrlp, Rod Spider, Green and Black Fly, and Mealy Bug ; and burus without the assistance of blowing, and is entirely free from paper or rag. Price 33. fid. per lb,, carriage free. A reduction in price for largo quantities. To be h.nd of Messrs. Roberts & Sons, Tobacco Manufacturers, 112, St. John Street, Clerkenwell, E.C., of whom copies of Testi- htained ; and of all Seedsmen and Nurserymen. G Used by many of the leading Gardeners since 1859, against Red Spider, Mildew, Thrips, fJreen Fly, and other Blight, solutions of from 1 to 2 ounces the gallon of soft water, and oi from 4 to 16 ounces as a Winter Dressing for Vines and Fru t Trees. Has outlived many preparations Intended to super- Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY By Royal Appointment. To the Prince of Wales, by Special Warrant dated 10th February, 1866. AY, SON, AND HEWITT, Onpln.lI find Solo Proprietois of the STOCK-BREEDERS' MEDICINK CHESTS for disorders in Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, and Lamb.t. No. 1 MEDICINE CHEST No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHObPHATK for ROOTS ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. THE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited), Irish Branch— 10, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. DlRECTOnS. Cliairman — John Clayden, Littlebury, Esse: George Saville, Ingthorpo, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex, Charles Dorrann, 23, Esses Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hlldershara, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Molton Ross, Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy. 60, West Smithfleld. nlana(ring Director — James Odams. Bankers— tSessm. Biiraotts, Hoarea, & Coy^ Lombard Street. So (icifors— Messrs. King&ford & Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Auditor— J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company was origin.ally formed by, and is under the direction ol agriculturists : circumstances that have Justly earned for it another title, viz. — "The Tenant Farmerji' Manure Company." Its members are cultivators of upwards of SO.OOO acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the cnsumer h.ns the best guarantee tor the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures manufactured by this Comp my. Paiticulars will be forwarded on application to the SecrcLiry, or may be had of the Local Agents. C. T. Macadau, Secretary. Chief Otflces— ion, Fenchurch Street, Loudon, E.G. T^ . Fruit Tree.?. Grass Lawns. &c. It ja inodorous a To be had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, WiiaiAn ; Co., lato Ale.\ander & Co., 2^ James Street, Old Street, E.G. Anents Wanted in every Town where none have been appointed. LAWES* MANUKb: for GRASS LAND should be applied during th^ months ^i. ~u>^.^v .-V ft... , — P*"" fWl'OQi " Maniifactory, or Is. 8rf. per gallon paid to any Station in the kingdou-. Apply to HiLLft_SMiTfN Brierly l"'" '-- '""'"' ""' ^'""'"' "*"* 1 Works. 11 r Dudle; ^^ARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in ffreat ^ atterns and materials, the plainer sorts hieing especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and once put down Incur no further labour and expense, as do "grown" Edgings, con- sequentlv being much cheaper. GARDEN VAbES, FOUNTAINS, &o.. In Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and In great variety of design. ,^ _ ^ . F. & G R08HER. Manufacturers. Upper Ground Street, Blackfriars, S. ; Queen's Road West, Chelsea, S.W. ; Kingsland Road, Klngsland, N.E. Sole London Agents for FOXLErS PATENT GARDEN WALL BRICKS. Illustrated Price List free by post. The Trado supplied. ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conser^-atoriee, Halls, Corridors, Balconies. Ac, as cheap and durable as Stone, in blue, red, and buff colours, and capable of forming a vanety of designs. Also TEbSELATED PAVEMENTS of WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of ^^'J^^,'^^''**®"' a^aving 1 enriched deslgnf Ranges. Baths, and other Stable Paying p J, Adamantine Cllu CoplngsyRed and Stoneware Itrain Pipes. Slates, Cement, . I of great durability, Dutch 1 , — ^8, Red and Stoneware Itrain 1 . To be obtained of F. & G. Roshfh, a their premises as above. SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the abov( addresses— 148. per Ton, or Is. 3d. per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton e-'" for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or >v i Quantities of 4 Tons, Is. per Ton less. ^ „ , _, ^ FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS, forRockeries or Gi Work F. & G. RosBER.— Addresses see above. N.B. Orders promptly executed by Railway. MaBCE 14, 1868.] THE GAliDENEKS' ClIKONICLE AND AGKICULTUIUL GAZETTE. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWEKS FOR 1868. Letters Patent, dated 12th August, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS and SON for Important Improvements in Lawn Mowing Machines. UNDER THE PATRONAGE HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE aUEEW, AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL AND MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL NOBILITY GREAT BRITAIN. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867. NEW HAND SViACHINE. _^ ^ • ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, in PRESENTING their PEICE LIST of LAWN MOWERS for 1868, beg to intimate that they are the ONLY FIRM, out of all the other EXHIBITORS of LAWN MOWERS at the UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION of 1867, whom the JURY HAVE DEEMED WORTHY to RECEIVE a MEDAL. A. S. AND SON are gratified to find that the RELATIVE MERITS of their MACHINE have been so PROMINENT and CLEAR to the JURY that they have PASSED OVER the "HONOnRABLE MENTION" and the "BRONZE MEDAL," and AWARDED to A. S. and SON the HIGHEST PRIZE THAT HAS EVER BEEN Glyj^j, to a LAWN MOWER at ANY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. PRICES, INCLUDING CARRIAGE TO ANY RAILWAY STATION OR SHIPPING PORT IN THE KINGDOM. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE for 1868. Easily Worted 10-inch Machine £3 10 0 12-inch Machine 4 10 0 14-inch Machine 5 10 0 By a Boy SHANKS' NEW PATENT PONY and DONKEY MACHINE. 28-inch Machine 14 10 0 .. .. 30s. „ 30-inch Machine 15 15 0 .. .. 30s. ,, Silent Movement, 12s. 6(f. extra. Boots for Pony, 22s. per set. ; Ditto for Donkey, 18s. per set. Easily Worked £6 10 0 By a Man 7 15 0 By a Man and a . i:s:^Es: :: :: :; :: :: VI g K^°^« SHANKS' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE. Width of Cutter. 30-inch Machine £19 0 0 36-inch Machine 22 0 0 42-inoh Machine 26 0 0 48-inch Machine 28 0 0 .. .. 40s. „ Silent Movement, 20s. extra. Boots for Horse, 26s. per set. 40s. Patent Double-edged Sole Plate, Wind Guard, and Self-Sharpe7iing Revolving Cutters— important advantages, possessed by no other Lawn Mowers. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IF NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED. A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and Wind Guard, made very great alterations and improvements in their Machine. They have had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six months. These trials have been so successful as to enable A. S. and SON to offer a Machine which far excels any other that has ever yet been offered, whether for ease in working, certainty of action, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, LcadmhaU Street is the only place in London where intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines. All sius kept there, whether for Horse, Pony, or Band Power. 262 THE GARDENEES' CMONICLE AND AGEIOULTURAL GAZETTE [Mabch 14, 1868. RALPH WALLER and CO., 45, Dale Street, Man- chester, Manufacturei-s of all kindaof GARDEN NETTING, &c.— The serious injury done e^ery apring to fruit crops by frost, has proved to every Gardenerthe absolute necessity of pioviding soma protection to the trees early in tbe year. If the blossom, in its earliest development, be but slightly weakened by frost, the vitality of the fruit germ is destroyed, and the Iruit lost. In this climate, on the average of a century, there is not more than one year in 19 when the protection is unnecessary. Many fabrics have baen tried for this purpose of protection, with more or leas success ; and we may now say, without fear of contradiction, that we have succeeded In manufacturing the only fabric whlchis altogether unobjectionable for tbis purpose. Without unduly nursing, it eCTectually protects the young germ, and does not impede the action of light and due circulation of air. Some other tabrics do this, and thus weaken the vitality of the tree altogether. Almost every large grower iu the three kingdoms can testify to these lacts. The Nettings alt-o make a beautiful ehadJng for Ilothouses m summer, and are cheaper than other fabrics on account of their great durability. Netting (qualities) : Nos. 1, 2, 3, in pieces of 30 yards long, U yardr vide. Tiff.in" • '" "■ "" — ''■' " For prices Manchester. s A'W'S TIFFA For Samples and Prices apply to J. 3aAw & Co., 29, Oxford Street, Manchester. SHAW'S TIFFANY.— Great Reduction in the Price of Tiffany. The best protection for the Bloom of Wall Trees. The Garden Repository, 32, James Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Every Garden Requisite kept in Stock. BROWN'S FLORAL SHADING, for Shading Plants under Glass from t\i9 Sun, and protecting the Bloom of Wall Threes fVoni Frost Sold by Nurserymen and Seedsmen. No. 1. 38 inches wide, 20 yards long, at 43, fid. per piece. No. 2. 3S „ „ 20 „ „ t». Iflrt. per piece. No. 3. 39 „ „ 18 „ „ 7s. extra stout. Samples on application to Charles Brown, Greenheys, Manchester. SCRIM CANVAS for Shading, Seed Bags, Tarpaulins, Horse Cloths, Nose Bags, Ropes, LJnes, Twines, ic, supplied at the lowest possible prices, James T. Andersok, 7, Commercial Street, Shoredltch, London. NETTING for FRUIT TREES, SERB BEDS, RIPE STRAWBERRIES. 4c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the aboTe from Frost, Blight, Birds, &c., 2 yards wide, 3rf. per yart^ or 100 yards, 20s. ; 4 yards wide, 6d. per yard, or 50 yards, 20ji. NEW TANNED NETTING, suited for any of the above purposes, or as a Fence for Fowls, 2 yards wide, 6d. per y.ird; 4 yards «1de. Is. per yard ; J-inch mesh, 4 yards wide. Is. 6d. per y.i.rJ. Can be bad in any S 4: 7, Crooked Lane, London Bridge, E.G. Preserve your Trees from Frost. TANNED NETTING for FRDIT TREES. COTTON NETTING and BUNTING, FRIGI DOMO, SCRIMS for GREENHOUSE BLINDS, &c. Samples and Price List free on application to BENJAMIN EDGINGTON. Tent and Rick Cloth Maker to the Queen and Prince of Wales, 2. Duko Street, Southwark. S.E. A large stock of NEW and REPAIRED N ETTING, and other material for the protection of Fruit Trees, Strawberry Beds, &c. MARQUEES and TENTS of all dimensions on Sale or Hire. Address, Benjamin Edoington, (only), 2, Duke Street, London Bridge, S.E. No other Establishment. JOHN WAKNEE & SONS, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON. E.G., BRASS and BELL FOUNDERS to HER MAJESTY, HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS. No. 3r5. TVAKNERS' PATENT CAST-IRON ^.^^ it^^S* N LIFT PTJMPS. ^^1^^ MT WA°RNERS infhos diameter . . £1 8 6 »^^^ JID^K PORTABLE PUMPS No. 37. SHORT-BARREL DITTO, 2\ inches diameter ., £1 No. .547a. GARDEN ENGINE. 2,S Gals. . . £5 10 .. 4 19 .. 3 14 .. 2 19 THE CRYSTAL PALACE EIRE ENGINE and GARDEN PORTABLE FORCE PUMP. Price on Barrow, with Branch Pipe, Spreader, Unions, and Suction Eose, £6. 1^-in. 2-ply Rubber Suction Pipe, per foot, 2s. Id. IJ-in. ditto Delivery Hose, Is. 4rf. "VTith Improved Valves for Liquid M.anure £2 l^js 2-in. Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, pei foot, 2s. lid. No. 5791 SWING WATER BARROW 50 Gals. .. ±3 12 ILLUSTRATED and PRICED LISTS of Garden Engines, Swing BaiTOws, Acjuajects, Svi-inges, Rubber Hose, and Fountain Jets sent on application. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, held at BURT ST. EDMUND'S, 1867, — A SILVER MEDAL was Awarded to JOHN WARNER and SONS' CHAIN PUMP. This Pump, from the entire absence of Valves, is especially adapted for the use of Builders, Contractors, and Farmers. SAMUELSON & CO.'S IMPROVED LAWN MOWING MACHINES. EVERT MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. PRICES. Detieered Free to anii Railwa^i Station in Great Britain. Cutting 10 inches wide • .. £8 10 0 Cutting 12 inches wide 4 10 0 Cutting 14 inches wide 5 5 0 Cutting 18 Inches wide 600 Cutting 19 inches wide G 10 0 Cutting 22 inches wide 7100 Cutting 25 inches wide 12 0 0 Cutting 30 inches wide 15 0 0 Cutting 36 inches wide 18 0 0 Great improvementre •"'''"^;^':'V7^r CoUlogne. with Pealgreea mny b. ""^ •" •PP"«^'°° ui^riHr TOKO IS, EuatoD Square, London! or of Mr. AnnKt, MUoote, near StraAord-on-ATOn. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mabch 14, 186a. GEEEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOE, OE NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. PATRONIZED BY HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN ON THIRTi'-EIGHT HIFFEHENT OCCASIONS. H.R.n. THE PRINCE OF WALES. THE KING OF THE BELGIANS. THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH. THE EMPEROR OF RUSSIA. AND MOST OF THE NOBILITY, CLERGY, AND GENTRY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, ahout four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the keeping of La"Wns in the HIGHEST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS are the simplest in constniction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. THEY ABE THE ONLT MACHINES IN CONSTANT USE AT THE ROVAL HORTICULTURAL S0CIET1"S GARDENS, SOUTH KENSINGTON I THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK THE CRVSTAL PALACE COMPANrS GARDENS, SYDENHAM BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDENS MARLBOROUGH HOUSE ! THE HYDE PARK GARDENS THE WINTER PALACE GARDENS, DUBLIN THE DUBLIN BOTANIC GARDENS THE LIVERPOOL BOTANIC GARDENS THE LEEDS ROYAL PARK THE HULL BOT.iNIC GARDENS THE BOTANIC GARDENS, BRUSSELS THE SUNDERLAND PARK THE PRESTON PARK AND IN MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL PARKS, SQUARES, ETC., IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATEM LAWN MOWERS have proved to he the best, an carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of L GREEN & SON warrant every Machine to give entire satisfaction^ and if not approved of can be returned unconditionaUi/. PRICES of HORSE, PONY, and DONKEY MACHINES, including Patent Self-delivery Box ; Cross Stay complete ; suitable for attaching to ordinary Chain Traces or Gig Harness. To Cut 30 inches HORSE MACHINES. £21 0 0 24 0 0 27 0 0 30 0 0 Leather Boots for Horse, 26^. PONY AND DONKEY MACHINES. To Cut 26 inches £13 0 0 \ „„ IS n n ( Leather Boots for Donkey, 18s. I „ 36 „ .. »• ^ " '•' " " \ Leather Boots for Pony, ns. I ,, 42 „ . . „ 30 „ 17 0 o; ^ __ 48 Both the Horse, Pony, Donkey, and Hand Machines possess (over all other Makers) the advantage of Self- sharpening. The cutters being steel on each side, when they become dull or blunt bv running one way round, the cylinder can be reversed again and again, bringing the opposite edge of the cutter against the bottom blade, when the Machine will cut equal to new. Arrangements are made that the cylinder can be reversed, by any inexperienced person, in two or three minutes. HAND MACHINES. To Cut 10 inches ..£3 10 0 Suitable for a lady „ 12 „ .. 4 10 0 „ „ 14 ,, .. 5 10 0 Suitable for One Perst 16 „ .. 6 10 0 „ „ To Cut 18 inches ..£7 10 0 Suitable for One Person. 20 ,,..800 Suitable for Two Persons. „ 22 „ .. 8 10 0 „ „ >■ 24 ,,..900 „ „ Packing Cases are charged at the following low rates, viz. :— for the 10 and 12-inch Machine, 3s. ; 14 and 16-inch, 4s. ; 18 and 20-inch, 5s. ; 22 and 24-inch, 6s. Parties providing themselves with Lawn Mowers are recommended to purchase the cases in which to stow them away, when not in use, to prevent them from getting damaged ; it returned, two-thirds will be allowed for them. The above MACHINES are made from the best materials, and of superior workmanship ; are delivered Carriage Free to all the principal Railway Stations and Shipping Ports in England. Every Machine is warranted to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of, can be returned unconditionallj-. T. G. AND SON have a large quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments ; also various other kinds of HORTICULTURAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. Saving very extensive Premises in London, we are in a position to do all kinds of Mepairs titers, as well as at our Leeds Establishment, THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKERIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. Editorial Commnnicatloiu sbould be addressed to " The Editor ; " Advertisements and Rusiness Lt Printed by J»ME3 Matthews, at thp Oftitc of .Messrs. Br*db'irt.Ev*.vs. & C.>,. Lomb.ird stre.-l,t Office, No. «l, Wellington Street, Parish of :9t. Paul'ti.CoTeot Uarden, in the said County,— Sat cjkuat, March 14, 186B. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 12.— 1S68.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News, SATURDAY, MARCH 21. f Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, Gd. cumbers, liordy 298 f Education, aRriiultuni Fiirni, Glouct'sterahiiL' Faiming.hiKh Fniinprs' Clubs FeediTiE, bouso Gardeners' benetlt soci Muples, Japanci Markets Onk galls Yei;etation, Abyssiniau 238 < 'Voeds, funu 304 t Wheat Id Lancashire . l^ersons wishing to send the Gardeners' Chronicle by Post, should order the Stamped Edition. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIKTY'S GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK. —THIS DAY. SATDRDAV, March 21st. —SPRING FLuWKIIS. Tbo Eshibiiion hUI curaraenco THIS DAY, SATO RDAY, March -Jl.and be continued to March 2S. Gates open nt 9 o'CI ick, Tickets, 'in. Cd. each, to be obtained only at the /"< KKAT NATIONAL HORTIcnLTOKAL VT EXHIBITION at the MANCHESTEK BOTANIC GARDENS, MAY 29 to JUNE 6. ISCl. Niuo HuuJred Pounds in frlzos. For Scbedule: . B. FINDLAY, Botanic Gardens, Manchester. SPALDING HOHTICULTURAL FEffi-FLOWER, FRUIT, Jlc, SHOVV.-The ANNUAL EXHIBITION will take place on THURSDAY, June 26, 18C8. Silver Cups (with the option of Cash) are offered for Roses, Fine-foliiKed Geraniums, Speciinen Flanta, Ac. Schedules of Prizes may be obtained on application to GEO. F. BARKELL, Hon. Sec, Spalding. Eoyal Horticultural Society, Soutli Kensington, W. l\/flt. WILLIAM PAUL'S SHOW of SPRING iVi FLOWERS, Irom MARCH 2S to APRIL 4. Admission- Mondays, Gd. ; Tuesdays and Saturdays, 2jt. 6(1. ; other days. Is. "PARIS, I The SILVER MEOAWorGliASSES and -"- I GRASS SEEDS was Awarded to SUTTON 4 SONS, Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading, In this day's Gardinern' Chronicle. Ofiacinl Letter THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, PARIS, 1807, was awarded to Jahes Carter It Co., 237 and 238. High Holbom, London, W.C. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GARDEN SEEDS, INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1862, was awarded to James CAaTcB & Co., 237 and 233, High Holborn, London, W.C. EVERY GARDEN REQUISITE kept in Stock at Carter's New Seod Warehouse, 237 & 238, High Holborn, London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. J A U \i S CAR r E R A N ij C 0., Seed Farmers, Mebchasts, and Ndh»ervme», 237 i 23S, High Holborn, London. W.C. Genuine Garden Seeds. WM. CUTEUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above la now ready. Post free on application. Highgate Nursenea. London. N. Seeds of First Quality. STEPHEN liKOWN'S NEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with Illustrations, sent free on application. Stephen Brow.v. Seed Grower, Sudbury. SutTolk. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. JAMES FAIRIIKAI) AND hON, Seed Growers and Mebcuants. 7. Boroiif^ti Market, and Braiutree. Esseit. IftfiW -CHOICE NEW vlGETABL¥~aud XOUO. FLOWER SEEDS. POTATOS. 4c PRICED LIST post free. JAMES DICKSON a»d SONS 102. Eastg.ite Street. Cheater. /^ENUINE HOME-GROWN SEEDS, of reliable vJT quality, for the Flower Garden, Kitchen Garden, and Farm G. WiKFiELD's PRICED LI^T will be forwarded post free' on application to The Gloucestershire Seed Warehouse, Gloucester Establlabed 1823. REDUCED QUOTATIONS of NURSERY STOCK, owing to Expiry of Lease of part of their Grounds. W. P. Laird X Sisclaib. Nurserymen, Dundee, N B. WEBH'S'PRTZE COH FILBERTSTand^otheTpRIZE COB NUTS and FILBERTS, LIST of these varieties from Mr. Wedh, Calcot, Reading. GOOSEBERRIES, Ashton or Warrington Red, and mixed sorts, price 12^. 6d. per 106. ARTICHOKES, JERUSALEM, flne tubers, Os. 64 per bushel. H. & R. STiRZAitEa, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. G OLDEN CHAMPION GRAPE.— Orders are now being Booked for this extraordinary Grape. See Advertisement ■Vines. BS. WILLIAMS haa now on hand a very large and . One stock of FRUITING and PLANTING CAllES of all the best varieties. An inspection is invited. Victoria and Paradise Nuj;j^orifls, Upper Holloway. London, N. TO BE SOLD. Cheap, a large quantity o7 extra strons 1 for other plants. FRUITING PINES to make r Particulars on application t B. WniTUAu, Reddish Nurseries, near Stockport. New Roses for 1868. rOHN FRASEK, Lcii Bridge Road Nui-series, London, ' N.E., boiis to offer line healthv plants of the best NEW ROSES ~ " '. DESCRIPTIVE LIST may be had on application. 1 ,Q<^ft —All the beat NEW ROSES in cultivation. iOUO. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES now i-eady. Wm. Woop a So.v, Nurseries, Maresfleld, Dckfleld, Sussex. Roses. 0 still 10,000 fine STANDARDS y of the Newer Varieties, and a very reat Berkharastcad, Herts. LANE AND SON hai to choose from, most large slock on own roots. The Nurseries, ( New Roses. &c. WM. PAUL'S SPRING CATALOGUE of NEW ROSES. NEW VARIEGATED. BEATON'S, and ZONAL PELARGONIUMS, ic. Is now ready, and will be forwarded post free ou application. Padl's Nuiseries, Waltham Cross, London, N. Just Pnbllsiied^ WM. PAUL'S LIST of SEEDS contains a selection of the best NOVELTIES in VEGETABLES and FLOWERS. also the cb"' ' — ' * ' -'-■ — — '- ' - ' application. PAUL AND SON'S NEW DOUBLE CaiMSON THORN, .STANDARDS and PYRAJrtlDS. 6». each ■ Dwarfs In pots, 3s. 6d, each. The Old Nursorios, Cheshunt, N. Strong Larch, Spruoe7Elm, 3 to 4 feet ; ELM, li to ,5 feet; SPRUCE, LARCH, fr 2 to 3 feet. POTATOS : Piiik K Prices on application. James Hoddart, Farrington Hall Nursery, Preston. up. Flukes, Early Oxfords. Pai the choicest and most approved older sorts, freo by post ( . Wnitham Cross. London. N. ! Nun s and Sotd Wn _ Wholesale Catalogue. /^EORGE JACKMAN and SOM'S PRICED and VT DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of HARDY NURSERY STOCK for 1867 and SPRI.N'G. IsiiS. cin be bad freo on application. Pelargoniums for the Million. rAMES HOLliKlt, liHviiii; an iiiimeiise stock of the above. bCijs to offer (stini.t; plants, in large CO-pots) 50 distinct rts for 303. ; 26 sorts t..r liii.'. ; nr ij v,„ts for 15s.. hamper and New Pelargoniums. pHARLES TURNER has stion;,' plants of the fine KJ varieties raise-i by FOSTER and HO YLE, and so successfully Pelargoniums. pHARLES TURNER'S stock of each class of the above V^ ia unusually strong this season, which can be supplied at very PELARGONIUMS, Fancy, strong healthy plants (in 44-lnch pots). 12 choice named sorts for 8s. ; or 24 sorts for ICs. Show and Spotted varieties. 12 choice named for Ss. ; or 24 sorts for ICfi. Nine varieties of scented-leaved sorts for 6s. H. 4 R. Stirzailer. Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. CALCEOLARIAS, HEKBACEOUS, of choice strain; strong blooming plants in 5-inch pots, 6s. per dozen ; extra H. t R. ; KR, Skerton Xurserles, Lancaster. CALCKOLAR[A AUKKA FLOKIBUNUA, and other varieties ; LOBELIAS, sorts ; GERANIUMS and VERBENAS. All well rooted, ready for potting off. Trade and other Lists ou application to Taos. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham, Middlesex. N F ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND 1-yr. and 2-vr Seedling Green HOLLIES, very fine and welt rooted • also Green Hollies from 1 to 2| feet, wed grown bushy planU. Price and Samples on application to M. A. Lake, The Nurseries, Bridgew;iter. / 'OOD TRANSPLAN'TlD' QUICK, £M p,r 100,OM ; V^ larger size, £7.') ]ier 106,600 ; at a lower rata per I 600 606 N C^TTELL, Nurseryman, Westerhuin, Kent. OR hedges;— AMERiCAN^ARB0R-VITjE7"rti 6 leet, at 60s. per 100 ; 6 to 6 feet, 84«. per 160 ; 6 to 7 foot, KicHARO Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. IpOU SALE, One Million 2-yr.-old SCOTClTTlR SEEDLINGS, at Is. per 1000. Apply to Mr. J»o. HoELowAV, Holmsloy Lodge, Burley, Ringwood, Hants WANTED, RED CEDARS, l-year Seedlings, one or two years bedded. State price per 1666 to Wm^Woou s Sov, MaresfleW^nearJjoklield, Sussex. J Male Aucuba Flowers^ NO. STANDISH is now ready to send by post a dozen of these fir 1.*. ; four dozen for 3s. Royal Nursery, Ascot, Berks. T ^ ILLMAN'S C AT.\LdGUE ^of B R ITISll"" iml U . EXOTIC FERNS is now ready, and wUl bo forwarded to any address on receipt of a postage stamp. The Nu , Strood, Kent. JUST ARRIVED, a Quantity of CA.MELLIAS and AZALEAS, ORANGE TREES, INDIA-RUBBER PLANTS PALMS, FERNS, 4c., in flne condition, to be SOLD, Cheap, at R. Gree.-j's. Bedford Conservatories. Covent Garden, W.C. P Noticed URCHASERS of LARGE QUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEEDS will bo supplied liberally by SiiTroK It DONS. For prices apply (stating quantity required) to ScTToy 4 Sons, iioyal Berkshire Seed Establishment. Reading. To the TradeT CAULIFLOWER PLANTS, from the Open Ground, of V.^' first-rate quality, and Cheap. Prices on application. EpwARo Sano 4 Sons, Nurserymen and Seed Merchants, Kirkcaldy, N.B. "^HE LONG-STANDER LETTUCE.— Fine, crisp, and - excellent, stands longer without running than any Lettuce Dt. Packets. Is. each. Price to the Trade on application Stephew Brown. Seed Grower. Sudbury. Suffolk CEED POTATOS. — All the finest varieties, at very *^ moderate prices. H. & F. Sharpe. Wisbech. pOTATOS, SEED.-A few tons of Early Dalmahoy, JL round, Aahleaf Kidney, the old early variety, Myatt's, and VERBENAS.— Purple, White, Scarlet, and Pink. Strong plants, with plenty of Cuttings, 2s. per dozen ; small do., at 6s. per 100, or £'2 10s. per 1000, package included. Terms cash. Philip LAnns. Nursery, Besley Heath, Kent, S.E. Carnations, Plcotees, and Pinks. CHARLES TURNER haa strong healthy plants of the above in jrreat variety at very moderate prices. This is the best season for planting to ensure a good bloom. T b o _I^al_ Nurseries, Slough, WEBB'S NEW GIANT POLYANTHUS, Florist Flower, and GIANT COWSLIP SEEDS; also Plants of all the varieties, with double PRIMROSES of different colours; AURICULAS, both Single and Double ; with every sort of Early Spring Flowers. LIST on application.— Mr. Webb, Calcot, Reading, Cut Camellia Flowers. " JHALLY, NuiusERi-iiAN. Blackheath and Lee, has a • good assortment of fine DODBLE WHITES and other leading kinds, which he is now sen.iinjj, carefully packed, to all parts of the Kingdom. Prices on applic.ition. Direct to J. Hah-t, Turner Road, Lee. Kent, S.E. B ORDER P A N S I E S, strong PUnts. Sevtral Thousand mixed PANSIES, 12s. per 100. Wii RHODODENDRON PONTICUM SIOCKS in any quantity, fit for immediate Working. PINUS INSIGNIS, 1-yr Seedlings. Thomas Cripps 4 Son, Nurserymeo, Tiinbrldge Wells, Primula Seed of 1867. HHARMAN, of D,iili.iiii, I'.\t)ii,lge, has the finest . strain that he hns .-■•■. n ■:' 'i-' jii-r tiacket, liberal packets. F Clbotium prlnceps. J. SPAE, NuKspKYM.\N. Ghent. Belpium, be^s to offer very nice and large plants of CIBOTIUM PRINCEPS very low prices. Spring Gardening. cvrifiTi*'* YOSOTIS SYLVaTICA, or ARVENSIS, th. Cliveden IJIul\ Good cluu-ps, to Flower freely In April, er KM). H. Haruan, Denliani. U-tbridge. lOLA CORNUTA, VIOLA CORNUTA.— The above be supplied in any quantity ; small plants, not seedlings. , Gardener. Chase Side, Soutbirate. i ARABIS ALBIDA, fol"^ ~ ~~ Variegated Foliage Plant, i borders, bv the dozen, hundred, or thousand. Also a .-.^^ ..vi,»... of Harcty Bedding and Border Plants. Lists on application to "'- s'S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham, Mlddlesei. N EHFb IMPERIAL KlUNEY POTATOS. About one Ton. _Apply^oA^M. Thomson, Hilton, Chance Inn, Arbroath, N.B. Paterson's Victoria Potatos."^ ~~ TiiK BEbT Potato in Cultivation WM. MITCHELL has a few tons of the above to Dispose of. Cash price, £12 per ton. Ware and MiddlioKs Enfield Highway, Middlesex, N. TO THE TRADE.— A Surplus "sto'c^~of"M^YATT'S PROLIFIC POTATOS, RIVERS' ASHTOP, FORTY-FOLDS EARLY aSHAWS. and REGENTS, to be SOLD Cheap, for cash Price on application. CuiiisTMAS Ql-incev, Seedsmau, Peterborough. UEED FUTATOS.— The best Pot;ito for General O Planting Is the ESSEX REGENT. It is a delicious eater a heavy cropper, and was perfectly free from disease the wholo of last year. Price Ss. per bushel of 56 lb. ; bags extr^. Apply to William Babrom & Sow, Elvaston Nurseries, Borrowash, near Derby. QTRONG PLANTING SEAKALE, 3j. 6d. and 5». per h>^S are now ofTerm^ for • the first time the 12 beautiful, new, and distinct PELARGO- NIDMS raised bj Mr. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Beck, Esq., of lalewt ' which were awarded numerous Certificates at the " " "" poUtan Snows, "^KSCRIPii — „ Chiswick Nurseries. London, W. i Motro- DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may he had on application. Notice to the Readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle. GEO. SMITH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, containing Select Lists of SHOW, SPOTTED. FANCY. VARIEGATED, and ZONAL GERANIUMS. includiiiK the choicest of nronze, Nosegay, and Double varieties; also FUCHSIAS. VERBENAS. PETUNIAS. DAHLIAS in different classes, CHRY- SANTHEMUMS, and BEDDING PLANTS in great variety, now ready, in exchange for one postage stiimp. Tollington Nursery, Hornsey Roaa, Islington, London, N. New Zealand Nursery, St. Alban's, Herts. J "WATSON'S beautiful BEDDIiNG PELARGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready ; colour of indian Yellow ; fine truss, and habit of Lord Palraerston, Price 6». ea^h ; 368. per doz. to the Trade. MISS WATSON, ready August 25; MRS. DIX, May 1. The Two have received 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money. Fine New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN, Ripe in Apnl. Plants ready in November, 5*(. each ; 36s. per doz. to the Tmd©. DESCRIPTIVE LIST sent on application. tUPEKB VARIEGATED PELARGONIUMS. ' SOPHIA CUSACK EDWINIA FITZPATRICK SILVER STAR TWILIGHT ITALIA UNITA COUNTESS TYRCONNELL QUEEN VICTORIA MRS. BASS ELECTRIC L' EL EG ANTE BEAUTY of OULTON MRS. BENYON BEAUTY of GUESTWICK ' ITALIAN BEAUTY LADY CULLUM OB E RON OS & Sot*, Gravel Walk Nu , Peterboi JOHN MANN respectfully solicits orders for the following unsurpassed NEW and PIRST-CLASS PLANTS, which will be ready and delivered first week in May, as far as the stock will allow:— ZONAL PELARGONIUMS. CHIEFTAIN. — Brlaht scarlet, with pure white eye : truss large and full ; foliage dark green, with well-defined zone. Habit excellent. COMPACTA" M ULTIFLORA.— Vivid scarlet, with large white eye ; tnisse-s Inrpe and abundant ; foliage distinct zonate. Dwaif compact habit. Rosy salmon, sunusea witu vioiec. si e : distinct, dark zouatu fjliage. Ha . _. of very fiae I, with a well- defiiied dark zone. Habit excellent. LALi HOPE.— Citiir pde silm-jn, shiided ; foliage very dark green, with well-defined zone. Good habit; very effective. MIMAS.—Clear orange scarlet, tinted with purple, very fine form and substance ; good zonate foliage. Vigorous and compact habit. ROSY MORN. —Rosy pink, large, and of good shape .and truss; pro- fuse bloomer ; light green zonate foliage. EdGENlE.— A delicate and beautiful Bba.de uf blush pink, fiuo form and truss, foliage deep gieen. Habit free and good. ROSABEL.— Soft scarlet, shaded with rose ; fine zonate foliage; of first-rate habit ; an excellent variety. NOSEGAY SECTION. BARON.— Crimson scarlet, shaded with violet ; tru-ssea of purposes. Habit excellent. The stock of s.__ requested, as they will be executed In strict rotatioi Coloured Plates, by Andrews, of Chrifitabel, Euggn; BsrOQ. The four for 4s. Opinioks of the Press. Gardeners' Chronicle, May 2o, premier Zonal Pelargonium of the year. It was named Lord Derby, and received a First-class Certificate. The foliage whs dark green, with a well-defined darkzone; the flowers intense scarlet, ofavery bright shade, large, and of very fine form and substance ; trusses fine, and habit excellent. Thiswill makeavaluableandeffectlveexhibition kind. A Second-class Certificate was awarded to Mr. Mann for Chrifitabel, having good zonate foUage, with large rosy-salmon coloured flowers, suffused with violet, stout and smooth, and the plant of excellent haoit." Oardeners' Chronicle, June 8, 18G7. "Mr. John Mann, of Brentwood, who has obtained a very fine strain of Zonal Pelargoniums, received a First-class Certificate for Mimas, very bright orange scarlet, a pure imd beautihil shade of colour, flowers of good ' gale salmon, tinted in the centre of the flowers with . __ _ , .osabel, a very bnglit shade of clear orange scarlet — a beautiful hue of colour. These were most promising, and will no doubt be seei again later in the season.' Oardeners" Magazine, June %, lBfi7. "From Mr. Joun Mann, The Nursery, Brentwood, a large collectioi of zoned, bicolored and tricoloured varieties. The most remarkabl among them was one called Leah, the leaf large, round, and flat, clear yellow margin, broad brilliant zone of brick rod, not far removed from Egyptian red, disc green and yellow rays. This is extraordinary variety as shown, but no dependence must be placed on this description for the peesent, as the plant was evidently a seedling showing its first break ol colour, the lower leaver being deep green. If it should keep to its present character, it will be a leader In a new race. Little Wonder, very small and very pretty, a miniature Lucy Grieve; first-rate Lady Farnham, large round leaf, jellow margin, very broad zone of black, amber, and red, green disc. Dido, a miniaiure tricolor, straw edge, pink zone, dark disc with radiate bars. Rosa, dwarf habit, very compact and neat, pale yellow niMrgm, zone black and red, good. Diana, dwarf and compact, leaves -" edge sulphur. ' '^ ' "'"'" "" '*'"' """ Bearer, a middling good tricolor, i Mrs. Pollock style. From smooth, brilliant scarlet; unquestionably oiie of tuo finest scarlets ever shown.— Juno, a neat-habited Dr. Lmdley. Baron, a good scarlet crimson Nosegay. Chriatabei, salmon red, flowers good. EugC-nie, good sty'e ofgrowth, leaves distinctly zoned, flowers large, well lonned and stout, colour pale salmon ; good." Gardeners' Clirotncle, December 28, *' Lord Derby (M_ , the flowers ,11100th, and of fine quality ; the tnjsses medium-sized, but" very freely produced ; tho lulia^e of a dark green, with a well- marked'dark zone. This bids fair to become a very effective kind, both for exhibition and bedding purposes, and, taken altogether, is probably the best bedding Petargonmm of the year. "' Mimas (Mann) baa very bright average scarlet flowers, of a pure .-.._. _^-j- -i7 -..1 — jj,g flowers finely formed, and the bold, marked with a dark zone, and the habit good. These two kinds Brentwood, and gained the highest awards." ;s, Brentwood, Esses. ' Mr. John Mann NEW VARIEGATED ZONAL PELARGONIUMS, CROWN JEWEL AND SURPRISE. SALTMAHSH & SON "Will send out on llie 1st May the above Bplendid SEEDLINGS, to both which FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATES were awarded at the Royal Horticultural Society's Special Show on the 21st May, 1867. The Society's Silver Knig-htian was awarded to the CoHection eoiitalning the above varieties. They were also comprised in the Six New Varieties to which the First Prize was awarded at the Society's Grand Provincial Exhibition at Bury St. Edmund's in July last. Also in the Second Prize Collection of Six New Varieties not yet in commerce, at the Special Pelargonium Show in September. Strong established Plants, 21s. each. The usual discount to the Trade. MOULSHAM NURSERIES, CHELMSFORD. NEW TRICOLOR PELARGONIUM, COUNTESS OE CRAVEN. TO THIS SPLE.NniD VAllir.TY "V\''AS AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE At the Special Exhibition of Tricolor Pelargoniums, held at South Kensington, on the I7th of September last; at the same time it was awarded a First-class Certificate by the Floral Committee. After Iiaving received the above awards, we think it useless to say more tlian that the habit of the plant is very free, leaf round and ilat, has an even and well-defined margin of golden yellow, -vdih a rich crimson and bronze zone, encircling a deep green centre, Plants ready 1st of May next, Sis. each. TRICOLOR PELARGONIUM, QUEEN VICTORIA. THIS riNE VARIETY "WAS ALSO AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE At the above-named Exhibition, as the best Tricolor in commerce, and at the same time received a First-class Certificate fiom the Floral Committee. Strong" Plants now ready, 10s. 6d. each. SPLENDID NEW SCARLET VERBENA, SHAKESPEARE. This is iinilnubtcjlv tlie finest Sotirlet Vcibera cvor offureJ. Tnisa and pip oxoccilinsly Imi v'p anil sinodh, <.f a riili angre scarlc-t, stron"- Vice habit. Was awarded a First-clnss Certificate bv the I'lmal Committee ofttie Kn.^al Horti- Itural Society in 1866, and would have been sent out last spring but that the stock was nearly b)st in the 'winter. Plants ready last week in April, 5s. each. PERKINS AND SONS, PARK NURSERY, COVENTRY. ■WILLS' NEW BRONZE AND GOLD, AND SHADED YELLOW, HORSESHOE, VANDYKE ZONED, AND YELLOW SELF PELARGONIUMS. ME. J. W. WIMSETT HAS MUCH PLEASURE IN OFFERING THE FOLLOWING SPLENDID NOVELTIES, Raised by Mr. WillR. which have elicited universal admiration during the past year, and have gained numerous Medals and First-class Certificates at the various Exhibitions held in London and the' Provinces during the past year. Mr. J. W. WiMRETT thinks it unnecessary to say anything here in praise of their beauty and usefulness for Bedding pui-poses or Conservatory Decoration, they having 'been so often before the Public during the past Season, and the Horticultural Press having so frequently and faithfully described them. Mr. J. W. Wtmsett has, therefore, every confidence in their giving great satisfaction. Plants will be ready the first week iu May, and all Orders will be booked and executed in strict rotation. For Opinions of the Press respecting WILLS' PELARGONIUMS, vide Mr. J. "\Y. WIMSETT'S CATALOGUE, which mil shortly be ready. HER MAJESTY (First class Certificate).— Leaf medium size, round and flat, with smalt yellowish green, dark, and very broad bold zone of a red CiDDamon colour ; habit compact, with a vigorous style of growth. Flowers bright rosy scarlet, and borne in large trusses well above the foliage, which retain their beautiful " This withn 21s. each. • oCfered. Vnc< ARTHUR H. WILLS (First-class Certiflcate).— Leaf medium size, of great substance ; disk bright yellowish green ; zone very dark Che»itnut-brown, surrounded bv a bright yellow margin; habit compact and free. This splendid variety was awarded a First- class Certificate by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticui- tuial Society, September 17th, 18(17. Price 2ls. each. vigorous stylo ofgrowth ; lei and vigorous. The flowers of thi-s beautiful variety i shape and substance, and borne on large globular Viuaaco stout footstalts. well above the loliage. very intense scarlet, wi pretty violet shade on the upper petals. A very profuse blooi •-"■■""■"*" '^T col - - - ' ' ^-^ bright sulphur vellow ; cnocoiate ; outer leaf raargm, bright grt beautifully defined. Leaf of great substftnce and beautiful line, perfectly round and Bat, flowers produced in great abum ance on stout footHalks. A splendid bedding variety in the w.i of Egyptian Queen. Price Ifls. Gd. PAIJJ'tKD LADy.— Disk and margin sulphur, broad Vftortyke zoc of rich red brown, with distinct shade of pure red, remarkab rich ; habit, free and vigorous; flowers bright s.ilmon " ting beautifully with the bright bronze and red roliage. A iniliU buddiug varietv, and quite distinct from anything in its Unsurp.issed by' any previous varliity for conservatory decoration. Price 16s. each. REFULGENS.— Disk and margin bright yellowish green, chocolate vandylce zone, fine haniy liabit and v— of srrowth, producing large t fine form and substance Price 1H«. fld. FASCINATION.— Disk and margin pure yellow, dark bi-onzy 2 leaf flMt and round, a fine improveljient on Comprictur- offered. Piice 21«. ufich. THE SULTAN.— Disk and leaf margin bright greenish yellow, with bright fiery chocolate zone; flowora borne in large trusses of finely-formed rosy scarlet flowers. A very eflective variety for conservatory decoration. Price 16s. ADMIRATION.— Disk bright yellowish green; outer leaf margin, yellow ; zone dark Chestnut ; leaf round and of fine form and substance ; habit free and compact. A splendid improvement on Ferilla. Price l&s. GOLDEN SELF VARIETIES. The two following Varieties will be found to possess verv desirable qualities for bedding purposes, and will prove most useful for marginal lines or edgings to small beds or borders, 'i'he habit of each variety is very neat and compact, neither of them growing more than 8 inches high, and both very pi'ofusc-flowering varieties. All who have seen them have been charmed with their beauty and usefulness. Mr. Kobinson and other eminent hortacultu>-ists have at various times described these little gems in the pages of the Gardeners' Chrmtch, the "Journal ot Horticulture," the ^leld, &c. , LITTLE GOLDEN CHRISTINE.^Habit very dwarf and compact, I LITTLE GOLDEN SPREAD EAGLE.-Habit very dwarf^^and IcHves round and handsome. The flowei-n are borne in Mreat abundance, well above the neat yellow foliage, and being of the same shade of colour as Christine are shown off to great advan- j The plant does not grow mote than 8 inches hi^h, and habit irkably close and compact. For ill beds, I _ _ ; flowers bright orange, bora* treal ab'oDdauce W£^I above the foliage. This unique vailety possesses all tho good quiiJitleB of the preceding, and may be Slanted side by Bide with it with good efect. """'~ oee not grow more thanti inches higb, '' for V. 10s. SpecUil Trices to the Trade on application. ASHBURNHAM PARK NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.AV. J. WILLS, F.R.H.S., Manager. MakcH 21, 18GS.] TilE GARDENERS' ClffiONIGLE AND AGEICUETURAL GAZETTE. NEW liOSES OF 1868. ^yOODLAND'S NURSERY, MARESFIELD, near UCKFIELD, SUSSEX. WM. WOOD & SON Have mucb s,itisfaction in announcing to their Friends that they are now prepared to Eencl out the STRONGEST, BEST, and FINEST PLANTS OF all the NEW ROSES OF 1868. Nothing can possibly exceed the perfect health and vigour of the Plants ; several of which measure •J, to 2i'feet in height, and cannot be surpassed (if equalled) in the Trade. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES may be had on application. MWA/um GRASS SEEDS, AGRICTTLTURAL SEEDS, KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, FLOWER SEEDS. Catnhiiues ff/nrnrtled post free to any address ojt application. SPLENDID NEW BEDDING LOBELIA, TRENTHAM BLUE. MESSES. VEITCH & SONS Have very great pleasure in announcing that they have made arrangements to send out this MAGNIFICENT NEW LOBELIA, and they feel the utmost confidence in recommending it as one or the veet best novelties amongst Bedding Plants whidi has for many years been offered to the public. II ;o ,. seedling from the well-known Lobelia erinus speciosa, and was raised at the seat of His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, Trentham, Staffordshire. The flowers are very large, of the most lovely blue colour, with a clear white eye. The habit is exceedingly vigorous, one of the great recommendations of this fine novelty being that it branches so very freely a perpetual succession of bloom is kept up during the whole season. For massing in beds, or as a line in a ribbon border, it will be found invaluable, whilst it has no bival as a plant for vases, window boxes, &c. It is exceedingly hardy, and it may be easily kept during the whole winter in cold frames or pits without fear of damping, and no autumn propagation will be necessary, as plants lifted from the flower beds in October will root IMMEDI.VTELY, veiy fi'ecly. It was seen at Trentham by a great number of gardeners during the past summer, and from many highly complimentary letters received by Mr. Stevens, the head gardener, Messrs. Veitch & Sons have much pleasure in publishing the following, which cannot but be satisfactory to intending purchasers. Price, Is. 6d. each ; 16?. per dozen ; £5 per 100. Orders are now being booked, and the Plants will be ready for Sale on and after May Ist. Tlie wual diacovnt to the Tmde, and Special Prices for large quantities. .. „ „. -., , ^ 'Osm^'"'' "'"">'■■ ^^rby, Feb. 26, 1868. Dear Sir._.l[our Lobelia Trentham Blue is. in my opmion, tbc very b«.t of the section tn which it belongs, being dense, vitforoas and comiMct in habit, and so free in |,ru(lunlng its belutifni porcelain blue flowers as to speedily become a complete mass Nothing could look more chamilng than it did in the flower Balden at Trentham last ye.ar, both in beds and vases ; the latter It su com Iiletely hid that one could scarcely tell what it was growing " Mr, Stf:veks. e could scarcely tell what ' 1 am, dear Sir, yours trulv, >•. H....„,g„.^ " Gardener to F. Wright, Esq." „ r, .... V ',' ''i PdDStans, Regent's Park, Feb. 26, 1868. Dear Sir,-Yom- Lobelia Tientliain lihio I think is i gi-eat advance, being such a beautiful colour, and brandling at evalT loint until It 13 one mass ot densely crowded wood and bloom, fijliig the beds so evenly and densely as not to lea»e the slightest trace ot where the branches spring from, and lasting throigh the soiion bettor than any other OT the family. «;»awii -, „ "I ft™, yours tnilv, C. Pkn'ny Mr. STEyuss, " Uardonor to H. H. Sibbs, Esq." .. -., , c. n,^ " Hawkstone, Feb. 20, 1868 "My dear Sir,-The erect style r.rgrowth and brinoh.ng i.nbit of your blue Lobelia, with its persisteucy to form a 'bhint cone in what- ever position planted, places It iUr in advance of all oth. r.s 1 have seen, whose great defects are their pro.^tmte habits and tcnfieiicy to leave a blairit m the centre of each plant. Its a«apt»bili6y tor wmdow and balcony boxes is also of the first order ••M s "'^.- 'l,''""''^"'''"''"^*''"'°T''K''''non.'vi8countHill." ^' Inpcstre Hall, Feb. 22, 1.seS. raising such a w..,. ,.o vuv i.ouuuadi nine, which 1 Saw at Trentham last summer It is of good habit, and a profuse bloomer. I remain, yours very truly, W. Pun "Garden-^' -" " " Mr. Ste „ ,,„„, o , T . , J . « ., " ^"''^ H»". r*. 29, 1808. T V , V' 'T;; '"°J»*ft««"'<>fi'>'Jyod»rs sending out your beautiful Lobelia Trentham Blue ; from its colour, Irce flowering anil good habit. It cannot faiUo give Satisfaction-nothing in its way could be more beautiful for window boxes for out^loor decoration; 'in feet. It Jras the general remark of gardeners calling here from Trlntham how very effective the seedling Lobelia was.-Beheve me, denr Sir " '■ ure truly, W. niLn, " Gardener to R. Sneyd, Esq." ' Mr. Steve .. r, t., .... " Alton Towers, Feb. 24, iSGR. T V. ,? »lr,— Although so very late In the season when I saw the S,^„ jXT" '^'"' *' ""• "'"<' Speciosa was got quite weedy-the then splendid appearance of your variety left an impression I shall not X„t 5 ' ." possesses every requisite as a flrst-class bedding WS:; .."""P^elness. O""! not the least of its peculiarities is it? S-^SthecyeMnTMch""' '''°""' '""™*'' ""stance, in fact as *' I am, dear Sir, faithfully yours, W. Moore, .... o "^ardenerto the Right Hon. the Earl of Shrewsbury." Mr. fcTEVENe, Trentham." ' .. n o. TT^ " Tatton Park Gardens, Feb. 26, 1S08. Dear Sir.-Whon at Trentham last autumn I was much struck with your Lobelia Trentham Blue, which possesses a sturdy branch- ing habit peculiarly its own, and when I saw it, it was one dense mass of flowers_a perfect gem in its way ; the best variety of Lobelia ^f. i?"".? ""'"■ saw.— I am. dear Sir, yours truly, P. Cliffs Mr. Stevehs." " Gardener to the Right Hon. Lord Egerion." •. rioorc- „. ,, , , , "I'arnham Castle, Feb. 24, 1868. w,.I?.i f-Tj''l'''''\H''°"'"'''''=''I»ft'' at Trentham liUt July was certainly the finest by far of the Speciosa type which I have ever met with, having every good quality to recommend it ; such a pro- fusion of bloom, depth of colour, and luxuriance of growth, without N EW ZONAL PELARGONITTM, EGYPTIAN ,tUEKN,~Thls splendid variety, which w,ih awarded the First It, till, itnyiil HorticulturftlSociety'sShowat bouth Kensington i'uiu I 1S67, and Is decidedly the best Blcolor iional yet 'i.i, u ii i.. I. .ally for sending out on the Ist May. Orders are .. t' i.'.i, iiid will bo executed in strict rolatiou. Single spcci dozen ; for c ._ _ ARCNDO COKSPICIJA A noble rival ol 0)-nerliim, very much -J J . .... oordMicrii" CTiroiucte last week, page 211. ' ~ " 2j. 6d. ; smaller flowering plants. Is. flii. ; good plants, ''"■"■" ■ 'ir cover planting. 21«. per 100. _3NSPir"- ' admired ; each, 12,s. per dozen. TRITOMA gVARlA OLiUCESCENS.— This is the proper time to plant Tritoma to ensure a splendid autumnal display of this .,„ .S,'"'?'""", '""■•'er plant. Is. each, Os. to 9s. per dozen. TRITOMA UVARIA GLANDIFLOBA.— 1/1. Oii. each, Ste. to Ii!». Extra No. 4. Extra exttu LOMARIA GIBBA.— Hardygreenho it.ti. sn.ed. 6s. (Id. . Tn. 6a. i Fern ; the most handsome either for cool gr Is. M. ' ■ • James C 238, High Holbom, London, W.C. sheltered Fernery, very line. Geraniums, Geraniums. JC. PADMAN, Providence Nursery, Boston Spa, • iTorkshire, can supply the following GERANIUMS (package includedl for £1 :— 3 LE GRAND I 4 VIRGO MARIE I 0 MISS KINGSBURY B GOLD LEAF 3 PINK STELLA 2GLuIRliDEN ANCr.dble. 3 SUNSET I 6 MRS. POLLOCK | 3 ITALIA UNITA N.B. For any of the above kinds not required others of equal value will be substituted. CATALOGUES free on application. - - V Altli!;GATED PELARGONIUMS. 1 ITALIA ONITA KENILWORTH COUNTESS The 12 varieties, in strong plants, for 2U. If any of thenj ai-e required, others of equal value will be substituted. Remittances requested from unknown correspondents. Address Alfred Fbver, Nurseries, Chatteris, Cambridgeshir N Ctieap Plants. UNN AND HOBLIAY U-g to offer the following choice Collection of Plants for 2Is., all strong, healthy. 2 good anddistinct VERBENAS 12 choice PINKS 12 choice hardy PYRETHRUMS I 6 choice TREE CARNATIONS CALCEOLARIA AUREA FLORIBUNDA, lis. perlOO, 40s. p. 1000 VIOLA CORNDTA MAUVE QUEEN, 5s. per 100, 40». per 1000. PGA TRIVIAHS ARGENTEA ELEGANS, fs. p. 100, 00s. p. 1000. CLIVEDEN SCARLET DAISIES, for Spring Bedding, in ftill bloom, 10s. per 100, 80s. per 1000. St. Augustine's Nursery, Norwich. B Weatherlirs New Hybrid Solanums. S. "WILLIAMS hns great pleasure in announcing the packets bear ii. S. B. S. Wri,i,iAMs, Vict London, N. , „ Ladrence. Gardener to the Right Rev Mr. hTtVEsa. " the Lord Biahop of Winchester." .. n«,. Gi- 1- ,_ " Tortworth Court, Feb. 2.S, IRCe. ^- ,.,L °"':r^ °^} ™^y remember how greatlv 1 admired, when on a Visit to Trentham last aut\imn, your new seedling Lobelio Trentham Blue, owing to its vigorous habit, imd profusion of flowere of a deen blue colour. 1 consider it to be a first-claas bedder. It has in mv opmion, no equal among Lobelias, and will fill up in the' flower garden a deficiency that baa long "been felt. " Shugborough Park, Feb. Sfl iSfih very much struck with your Lobelia Trentham "" , .iS robust habit and jarofusion of bloom cannot foremost posRIon amongst our bedding Lobelias *' lam. dear Sir, youra truly, O. Prentice a.r Dir, juura vriuy, kj. rRENTlOE Gardener to Rt. Hon. Earl of LictfieU," ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. /"lAPE JESSAMINE, or GARDENIA FLORIDA, with vy bloom buds, 12s. per dozen. RYNCHOSPERMTTM JASMINOIDES, fine plants, just coming into tlower, 18^. per dozen. CATA1.0GUES descriptive of Stove, Greeuhouse. and other plants, free on applicatioa to H. & R. STiRZii.E.eR, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. /T^LOXINIAS, erect and drooping, nice bulbs, just * J started in growth, free by post, 12 choice-named sorts for 6«. ; 24 sorts for lis. ; 30 sorts for Ife. ACHIMENES, good tubers (free by post), 2 of a sort, in 12 choice named for tis. ; 20 sorts for lOs., including Mauve Queen and Scarlet Perfection. H. & R. RriRZAKEE, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. To the Trade Only. JOHN BELLhaHtoofierCUrKESSUS LAWSONIANA, handsome plants in pots, 15 to IS laches, 16.'*. per 100, cheaper by the lUOO ; THUJA AUREA, 9 to 12 inches, 30s. per loO ; I>warf- r dozen. 1 Norwich. RUSSELL'S PYRAMIDAL PRIMULAS. — This magnificent strain still maintains its character as the finest in cultivHtion. New Seed, nrice 2s. 6rf. per packet. PRIMULA KERMEBINA.— The great fault of this brilliant coloured variety has hitherto been its indisposition to throw its flowers above che foliage. I have now, however, the satisf.iCtion oi o^oring it with the same erect, conspicuous style as the other kinds. The stock of this Is limited this vear. Piice 6a. per packet, George Clarkb, Nurseries, Streatham Place, Brixton Hill, S. ; and Mottingham, Kent. of for ever."— vlr/iCTi(PU(/t, June, lfi67. WM. PAUL has still a magnificent stock of ROSES, for which he respectfully solicits Ordeis. STANDARDS and nALF-STANDARDS, sound, healthy heads, and clear, straight stems, ISs. per dozen ; £7 per 1«0. STANDARDSand HALF-STANDARDS, very superior, 1'4«. per doa. STANDARD TEA ROSES. 24s. to 30s. per doz. „ NEW ROSES, 42s. per doz. DWARF STANDARD ROSES, 12s. to IHs. per doz. DWARF ROSES (on Manettl), Q.f. to 12s. per doz. „ „ (own roots), 12«. to 18«. per doz. „ „ (New), 243. to 36s. per doz. „ „ (Summer kinds), 6s. to 9s. per doz. ,, ,, mixed, for Borders or Shrubberies, 30s. per 100. CLIMBING ROSES, in variety, 9h. to 12vi. per doz. Extra-sized TEA ROSES, for Forcing, or Greenhouse culture, per doz- , WaltL: 1 Cross, London, N. Superb Double EoUybocks, WILLIAM CHATER begs to remind tue admirers of this beautiful Flower, that now is the time for plantinK to Insure fine blooms and spikes next summer. A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with a Treatise uponitsCuiiivaUon, will be forwarded 1 the receipt of one posttge stamp., Special prices, as supplied by loz.. 100, or 1000, may be had upon application. SEEDLINGS, to bloom fine this season, raised from fineat varieties, 4s. per doz., or from 20k. to 30s. per 100. SEIiDLINGS, bloomed and proved fine double flowers, with colours attached to each plant, 6s. per doz., or 4os. per 100. .Seed saved from the very finest named varieties in cultivation :— COLLECTION No. 1. 12 separate named varieties, extra fine, 10s. : No. 2, 6 extra fine varieties, 5s. ; No. 3. 12 separate named varieties, from good show flowers, 7s. 6d. : >o. 4, 6 named varieties, is. Mixed packets. 6«. and 2jt. 6d. WiLUAH CuATER, Nurserlcs, Saffron Walden. 268 THE (GARDENERS' CHRONK.lLE AND AGRICULTUKAL GAZETTE [IIauch 21. ises. Rhododendrons. Aa Exhibited at the Royal Botanic Gardews, Regent's Pars. JOHN WATERER, the Eshibitor ut the above Gardens, hM3 pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of the above popular Plants is now published, and will be forwarded to all applicants. It faithfully describes all the varieties considered worthy of cultivation. It contains likewise a selection of HARDY CONIFERS, with heights and prices. The Americau Nursery, Bagshot, Surrey. AMBKUISK VEKSCHAFFKLT, Ntjksekyman, Ghent, Belciura, bega to offer, carriage free : — TKOP^OLUM AZUREDM (the True Blue), fine bulbs, p. doz., £llfl. TKICOLORUM. fine bulbs, per dozen. Ids. Gd. rs^ The NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE, No. 81, and a Speci- men'Number of tho " Ulusti-ation Horticole " can be obtained free by applying to Ambeoise Vehschaffelt, Nurseryman, Ghent, Belgium. T>ROFiTABLE"GAME" GOV BRT.—Phmt" your Game Tbe produce i always hnris a rea-iy market. Pm per iOuO, cash.— Apply to Wsi. Scalin ;ially profitable, and I of Cuttings selected, 208. . Bitiford. Notts. A MARANTHUS E LEG ANTISS I MUS. Xi SOW in MARCH and APRIL. This beautiful Amaranthna is a great acquisition for bedding purpoies as well as for pot culture. It is also very effective in ribbon borders. The b:ibit 18 dwarf and compact, and a brilliant eftea msely deep scarlet of tht if iheir terminal half, * .. — -.■• "— r— ^ ^,MAK..t3 Lee. The Royal Viiiej'ard Nui-sery and Seed tuent. Hammersmith, London, W. (near the Kensingtun RniW L01S£-CHAUV1£RE, Seei) Grower, Nuhseryman, and Florist, 14, Qiiai de la Mfigisserie, Paris. Eighty-fonr Gold and Silver Medals in the Exhibitions of Franco, England, Belgium, and Prussia (Gold Medal, Universal Exhibition of lfe67l By appoiutment Seedsman to the Emperor. All kinds of VEUETABLE and AGRICDLTDBAL SEEDS can uppliedj^ijn eluding- NOTICE OF REMOVAL. AVAITE, BURNELL, HUGGINS, & CO., SEED MERCHANTS, 181, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C, HAVE NOW REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES IN SOUTHWARK STREET, S.E. WHERE IN FUTURE ALL COMMUNICATIONS ARE TO BE ADDRESSED. H. LAURENTIUS, HORTICULTURAL ESTABLISHMENT, LEIPZIG, GERMANY, NXOUNOE THAT HIS NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE OF PLANTS, No. 39, With Plain and Coloured lUuatnitions, pp. 198, 8vo (a Priad List of Phmls-U08 Genera, and 6122 Species and Varieties— cultivated in his Establishment), is now Published, and will Tie forwarded Post Frc-e on application to MESSRS. BETHAM and BLACKITH, COX'S QUAY, LONDON, E.G. id LOWER THAMES STREET, THE GESNERACEOUS PLANTS .\UE FIRST-HATE lOK Tlir. DECORATION OF THE GREENHOUSE IN THE SUMMER SEASON. m _ Those requiring showy kinds of Flower Seeds, and who are not well acquainted with the sorts, are respectfully recommended to leave selection to us, and we will supply those we know to be really worthy of cultivation. i (hardy, half-hardy, and tender) jEl 1 0 2. The best 50 sorts ditto ditto 0 10 6 ditto ditto 0 7 6 4. The best 24 sorts ditto ditto 0 6 0 5. The best 24 sorts (hardy PRICED CATALOGUES gratis and post free on application. SoTTON & Sons, Royal Berkshire Seed EstaPlishmeuL, Readmg. FECIAL Ot'FER of FLOWER SEEDS, of the choicest quality. Post free for Stamps. Per packet. — s. d. STOCK, e.ttra fine dwarf German lo-week, 12 varieties, separate 2 ;i STOCK, 24 extra fine varieties, mixed 10 STOCK, extra tine crimson, white, or purple, each .. ..10 STOCK, newest dwarf large flowering 10-week, 12 var., separate 2 fi STOCK. „ ., „ „ 8 „ 1 U STOCK, 18 extra flue large-flowering varieties, mixed ..10 ASTERS, extra fine German quilled. 10 varieties, separate ..16 ALTERS, TRUFFANT'S FRENCH P.^ONY-FLOWERED, " perfection, the best exhibition kind, 12 " "" ~ ASfhTRSr ASTERS, „ „ .. ,, a* iiuALu 1 V ABTKRS, FRENCH P.^O NT-FLOWERED, very fine, 12 varietiea, separate 2 6 ASTEKS,FRENCH CROWN-FLOWERED, choice, 6 varieties, separate 13 ASTERS, FRENCH GIANT EMPEROR, 12 superb varieties, 1 0 ASTERS, NEW VICTORIA, c^rmme rose, S varieties, mixed 1 0 ASTERS, NEWEST DWARF CHRYSANTHEMUM- FLOWERKD, 12 varieties, mixed 10 BALSAM, SMITH'S SUPERB, 9 distinct varieties .. ..2 6 BALSAM, extra fine dwarf double, mixed 10 CALCEOLARIA, SCOTT'S HYBRIDIZED, from varieties most carefully selected, and impregnated from all the choicest strains in cultivation Is, and 2 0 CINERARIA, extra fine, from beat named varieties only, Is. and 2 0 COCKSCOMB. SCOTT S GIANT DWAKF. crimson .. ..10 LOBELIA SPECIOSA, true Crystal Palace variety . . Orf. aLd 1 0 PETDNIA, newest double, extra choice 10 PHLOX DROMMONDIl, 12 very superb varieties, mixed ..10 extra brilliant scarlet 10 PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, superbly iY-inged, and of immense size, a iitrain unsurpassed, 6 varieties, mixed . . Is. 6d. and 2 6 ZINNIA ELEGANS, newest double, fl. j..,> UiciiARii Sjiirn, Js'uisuiyinau and Seed Merchant. Worcester, WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA (the Mammoth Tre7),' tor Avenues and Parks, verv hanflsonio, well furnished sped. ' "" per duzcD, i and Parks, very ha froqiiontly Transplanted. 3 l-i 4 feet hiith, ictlou made when taken by the 100 or 1000. cn\RD Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. HREE MILLION strong 4-yr. transplanted^UICK^ , ,»,nnnA— -J „..^ .___ -intcdQC qnicK. isplantcd QtJICK. ioK onici ) Rood strong LARCH, 4 t John Hemslet. High Fields, Melbourne, r Evergreens-Special. CHIVAS AND WEAVER. Chester, HOLLIES from 5 to 7i feet high, hand^om.. offei I specimens; IRISH YL with large quantities of^RHuDODENDRON:- LAWSONIANA, and a general assortmot OREKNS. Prices on application. GREEN nm.. nK.it., nnd in the II '.M. l.M'RKLS, I I ' ■ '' '■ '•■ref.illv MIARD I: i .1 .1 ■.;. II A. from I .^, 1 li. iiill!,. tiiKcther forcovifr.CUFRF.SSnS of HARDY EVER. w Wonersh Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. VIRGO AND SON bes to announce that their Stoclc of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned KinoH IS this season very extensive and well-grown, samples, prices, and Catalogues of whicli can be obtained on application : — '.;'.,n(iii rti.'!'!, " '■' ■ fc(?t I 10,000 GreenHolly.ti-ansplantod, -'■'•,"<"' ^I'l';.-' !■,■-■ fo4feet IJ to 2 ft. '-"'."" ■ ' "i. ■i'>'lfe?t Horse Chestnuts, 3to4& 5 to7fl. 1"",' ,' ;i:iiited, li to Common and Pnrfcvigal Laurel - 1' > ' I Berberia aquifolia I'inus Atistrmca, 1 to 2 feet | Arbor-vltaa And other various Slirubs. A. lareo stock of stronc STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and DWARF-TBAINED do. HE GOLDEN VARIEGATED WELLINGTONIA.— For fuU particulars of this fine tree see Gardener^ Chronicle of February 8 Received p^rst-cl; Society of Encland. Received First-class Certificate Society of Ireland, Cortificato from the Royal Horticultural )m tho Royal Horticultural at the Grand Manchester Received Fiist-cUss Certificate Exhibition of ISttT. OnXIONS OF THE PrkSS. " R. Hartland exhibited a very curious variegated Wellingtonia. The variegated parts, which seemed equal to a third of the whole, wore of a bright golden colour." ScoUish Gardena; September, 1806. " Tho Golden Variegated Wellingtonia is a capital subject for planting, the marliings being such as to render It really handsome, while its growth is healthy." Gardeners' Chroninfe, January 12, 1867. *' The beautiful Golden VMiegated variety of the Mammotb Tree of California is a striking anil deservedly prizod v iriety" ..." its golden spray glittering in the sunbeam ; and if ever tho disfcinctiffo characters of a plant seemed fixed, they are in this instance." In'-Hh Farmers* Gazette, November 2, 1867. The plants are plunged out-of-doors. First size, 2-yr., 14 to Ifi inches £5 5 0 Second size, 1-yr., 9 to 12 inches 2 2 0 Third size, this year's, 4 to B inches . . . . 1.10 Chromo-lithograph, by Day & Son, post free for 25 stamps, and ono 1 purchaser. ) 11k n, The Lough Nms , Coi'k.— 'March 0. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS also heg to intimate that they have still some fine specimens of their I Large Evergreens. Specimen Conifers, &c. WATEREE Axn GODFliEY be- to submit the following List to the notice of intending planters ;— YEWS, ENGLISH, 5. fi. 7, 8, 10, 12. and 16 feot high „ 1 KISH. 6, 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ GOLDEN, 6, C. to 9 feet „ STANDARD GOLDEN, 20 years worked „ ELEGANTISSIMA. inandloyearsold „ DOVASTON or WEEPING, fine heads. lOand l.5re.irs old We have altogetiier thousands of these different Tews of the Large sizes. Everv plant has been recently removed. HOLLIES. COMMON GREEN, 6, 7, 8, 10^12, and 15 feet high, and ride WATERER'S, the hardiest of all variegated Hollies, 4 and 5 feel by 10 and 12 feet m circumference THE QUEEN', or best gold striped, tho handsomest of all „ STANDARD, WATERER'S, and GOLDEN, with fine heuds. Ifi and 2C '"" ffiS^ We have Hollies, 4, 6, 6, withiH 12 months. CEDRUS DEODARA, =»i..d i,ii-,.a,v>.u.-, „, ,, o, ^ „ ATLANTICA, and Cedai-s of Lebanon, 4. 5, 0, and 8 feet ,. RED VIRGINIANS. 6, 0, and 7 feet CHINESE JUNIPER, one of the handsomest and harriieH of all evergreens — thousands of beautiful plants, 4, 6, 0, 7, and 8 feet high ; some magnificent plants, 10, 12, and 15 feet high, 12 to 20 feet in circumference THUJA AURKA. 3, 4, and 6 feet high, 7to 20f6et in circumference GIGANTEA. lOj 12, and 15 feet high, very handson LOBBIi, splendid plants, ' 6. 7. 8. 10, to 15 feet high, a J 10 feet high, and 12 and 16 feet nnch in circunifereno j foet high, 7 and 8 feet round '>, G, 7. and 8 feeU-tbousaiids n\ moved in spring, 4, 6,C, andSfeet „ NORD.MAsM \ N \. i. .'., r, 8, 10, andlofeet high fhigh Norii ni iiu; .N'ii-::i- < r Xiirdmannianjs are grafted plants, „ MAGNIFH.A or .NnHiLlS ROBUSTA, the finest stock in the trade, all needlings, ^ to 4 teet high „ LASIUCARPA, hundreds of plants, 4, 5, C, and 7 feet hlgb, all ABIES DOUGLASII, 6, 6, 7. and 6 feet [seedlings „ ORIENT ALIS, 4, 6, 6. 7, to 10 and 12 feet ; 7 to 20 feet in dr. cumference ; most beautiful plants PINUS CEMBRA. 6, 7. to 9 feet „ f INSAPO, 3, 4, 5. and 6 feet „ „ Some very fine plants. 10 to 20 feet hlgh,15aQd 25feet in circuraferenoo I WELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA, i ■ecently, 4, 6, 6, & 10 ft. high, large number, all removed .vwvu^.j, ■.,..,.-,«. ..-.u. M.6", -..^n.id lift, in clrcumferb..i,t RHODODENDRON S. — We have 40 acres of land in one piece flilt almost exclusively with Rhododendrons. A more hualtl and beautiiu! stoclt cannot be desired. STANDARD RHODODENDRONS.— Some of the finest plants 1 be found in any nursery, many are 20 lo 40 years old We do not quote prices, we presume pm'chasers of such large plants will adopt the much wiser, and always more satisfactory course, of seeing and judging for themseives. We solicit an inspection and invite comparison with any otoer similar nursery stock in the kint^dom. Tho Knap Hill Nursery is upwards of 150 acres In extent, and con- tains an enormous and verv superior stock of the ordinary sized EVERGREENS, DECIDUOUS OKNAMelNTAL TREES, &c. A PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE will be forwarded free on application to «,,,,. Watebkb ft GoDFRET, Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. The Nursery is readily reached by Train, 40 ml— —" '- — """•- to Woking. Conveyances are always to be had a THE GAEPENERS' CFRONICLE AW ArT-RTCTIETimAL GAZETtE. [Mahch 21, 1868. GERMAN AND OTHER CHOICE SEEDS IN COLLECTIONS. B; STWILLIAMS, SEED MERCHANT AND NURSERYMAN, VICTORIA and PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. B S W HAS MUCH PLEASURE IN SUBMITTING THtl FOLLOWING LISl! OF CHOICE SELECTED SEEDS, for small beds this is perhaps the .hole of which aro received direct from the mosf celebrated German and English Cultivators, and are carefu% saved from their best strains uf each class, .hole ot which «™'™^,;;^'^„;'j st„„t8 are the produce of plants grown in pots, and warranted the hnest in form and colour. IN- ORDERING ANY OF THE UNDERMENTIONED SEEDS, IT WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO SEND NUMBERS ONLY. Double TaU, or Rocket Larkspur. s. 197 An assortment of 8 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . . . 1 Double African and French Marigolds. 199 An assortment of 12 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . . . 2 Marvel of Peru. SOI An assortment of 10 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . . . 1 Ornamental Gourds. Tho varieties of this coUeotlon h.^ve been seleotoii witb tbo (-roatest caro. The colours of tUo n-uit are rich, rarioij, and effective, and, when drtsU, are very pretty and ornamental. ^^ 304 An assortment of 12 distinct varieties -■ Ornamental Grasses. 206 An assortment of 12 splendid kinds 2 Pansy. S07 An assortment of 12 varieties, containing of each kind 1 packet . . . . 2 Petunia. 212 .^.n assortment of 8 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . . . 2 Pblox Drummondi. 214 An assortment of 12 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . . . 2 Double Pseony-flowered Poppy. 217 jVn assortment of 8 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . . . 1 Carnation Poppy. 219 An assortment of 13 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . .. 1 Portulacas. Very beautiful annuals; the Qowers profusion, " ■■ I 221 Portulaca grandiflora, fl. -pi. These are all saved with the greatest, care i each colour is grown entirely sep.arate. the most beautiful flowers in cultivation. 223 An assortment of 6 vaiicties Scabious, Sweet— New Double. 224 An assortment of 6 varieties, containing o^eachjolour 1 packet . . Antirrhinum. 132 An assortment of 8 new and finest varieties, containing of each coloui- 1 pkt. ASTERS. Cocardeau, or Crown Aster. A very novel and beautiful class ; all the Oowers have distinct coloured outlines and large 134 "Aut'ssortment of 6 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds . . Chrysanthemum-flowered Dwarf Aster. These aie very dwarf and very robust in habit, abundant bloome~ w,i.v, flnwt form and quality to Truffaufs ; they also flower later than any of the c the blooming season until the flrst frosts of autumn. ,nn^„„A, 137 An assortment of 8 varieties, contaming of each colour lUl) seeds Dwarf Bouquet Aster. A variety of great merit, very dw.arf and compact; " ' 139 ""^An assortment of 8 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds . . Dwarf Pyramidal Bouquet-flowering Aster. These Asters have given great satisfaction, and are strongly recommerided for pot culture; height, f to U feet ; form, that of a Pyramidal Bouquet; fl,™ers very double 141 An assortment of 12 varieties, containing ot each colour 100 seeds Truffaufs Prench Pseony-flowered Perfection Aster. Trufl-.»ufs Kcony-flowered, or Reine Mavsuerite. These are romaikable for their large, flue tomed and bnlLnt cololied flowers, one of the most beautiful vane les in cultivation. 145 An assortment of 12 varieties, contaming of each colour 100 seeds New Large-flowering Dwarf Pseony Aster. This beautiful novelty is half the height of Truffaufs Pajony Aster producjng ver douWefloweS, being of a beautiful pyramidal habit; it requires no tying when gro„u |Md sou^ assortment of 8 varieties, contaming of each colour 100 seeds . . 148 Mixed seed, per packet Double Quilled German Aster. These are very double, lialf globular in form, tho petals having the appe.iranc6 of quills containing of each colour 100 seeds 2 0 1- large BALSAMS. Double Camellia-flowered Balsam. 157 An assortment of 12 splendid varieties, saved from a choice collection ..26 Double Kose-flowered Balsam. (The same as the French Camellias, or Andrieu.\.) 159 An assortment of 8 varieties, containing^ ol^each colour -DO seeds . . . . - b CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES. The following are saved from one of the finest collections in Europe, .and are recommended with the greatest confidence. They are very robust m growth, and most nrofuse bloomers. The perpetual varieties Hower from June to November m Ihe open air and the whole winter in a cool greenhouse. The fiowers are large, very double, and in many varieties the colours are very novel, and distinct from any in general cultivation. Plake Carnations. 164 An assortment of 12 superb varieties, of 10 seeds each 'i 0 Fancy Carnations. 166 An assortment of 12 superb varieties, of 10 seeds each 3 0 Yellow Bizarre and Self Carnations. 168 An assortment of 12 superb varieties, of 10 seeds each 3 0 Perpetual Self Carnations. 170 An assortment of 12 superb varieties, of 10 seeds each 3 0 Perpetual Fancy Carnations. 173 An assortment of 12 superb varieties, of 10 seeds each 3 0 Picotees. 174 An assortment of 12 superb varieties, of 10 seeds each 3 0 Yellow Picotees. 175 An assortment of 12 superb v.arieties, of 10 seeds each 3 0 Large Assortments. 178 An assortment of 50 finest varieties of Carnations, 10 seeds of each variety, all from superb stage fiowers .. .... .. .• . ■■ 1" 0 180 An assortment of .50 finest varieties of Picotees, 10 seeds of each variety, ■all from superb stage fiowers 10 U jred, and borne in the ei ,„. .. „„ „ the open ground, tho warmest and driest situation should be clins' An assortment of 8 finest varieties, containing of each colour 1 packi B. S. W. ii iie assortments rown in pots. STOCKS. rites p.articular attention to the first-rate quality of his Stocks ; all consist entirely of seed selected with the greatest care from plants Autumnal Stock, Earliest Flowering. These new Autumnal Stocks are strongly to he recommended, producing a splendid effect when pown in the open ground; groivn as summer Stocks they filoom abundantly from the beginning of August until destroyed by the frost. _ « , , , n^ j 226 An assortment of 6 varieties, containmg of c:\ch colour 100 seeds . . Brompton, or Biennial Stock. 229 An assortment of 12 varieties, containing "f each C"Iour 100 seeds Cocardeau, or Tree Giant Cape Biennial Stock. A magnificent variety tor winter flowering ; it commences to produce immense spikes of flower about 9 months after sowing. , ,. ^ i ,nn i 232 An assortment of 6 varieties, containing oi each colour 100 seeds . . Emperor Stock, Perpetual Flowering. 235 An assortment of S varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds . . Emperor Stock, New Large Flowering. These are remarkable for extra large flowers and beautiful habit ; when cultivated in tlio open ground, the effect in autumn is magnificent. „ , , ,„„ j 238 An assortment of 8 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds . . Dwarf German Ten-week Stock. 242 An assortment of 24 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds 243 An assortment of 12 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds Dwarf German Ten-week Stock, New Large Flowering. Cockscomb. 181 An .assortment of 12 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . Everlasting Flowers (Immortelles). 186 An assortment of 12 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . Globe Amaranthus. 187 An assortment of 5 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . Helichrysum. 189 An assortment of 6 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . Superb Double Hollyhock. Saved (Tom one ot the finest strains in existence ; this strain invariably takes first prizes 191 An assortment of 12 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . Jacoboea. Extra double, saved from the fluoat double flowers. 193 An assortment ot 8 varieties, containing "f each colour 1 packet .. Double Dwarf Hyacinth-flowered Larkspur. 195 An assortment of 10 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . For LISTS of NOVELTIES and CHOICE SEEDS, in small packets. 246 249 250 255 ._ tmcnt of 12 varieties, containing of each colour 100 s German Ten-week Stock, "Wallflower-leaved. An assortment of 12 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds An assortment of 8 varieties, containing of each colour 100 sctds Miniature, or Dwarfest Ten-week Stock. An assortment of 6 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds New Dwarf Bouquet Ten-week Stock. An assortment of 4 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds Rose-flowered Autumnal Rocket Stock. Very beautiful, and highly recommended. An assortment of 4 varieties, containing of each colour 100 seeds , . Salpiglossis. 256 An assortment of 10 varieties, containing ot each colour 1 packet Sohizanthus. 258 An assortment of 8 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . Thunbergias. 262 An assortment of 6 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . Tropseolums. 264 An assortment of 6 dwarf bedding varieties Wallflowers. 266 An assortment of 10 double varieties, containing of each 100 seeds Zinnia elegans. 269 An assortment of 6 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . Double Zinnia elegans. 271 An assortment of 6 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . 272 An assortment of 4 varieties, containing of each colour 1 packet . . large Advertisement last week, page 260. B. S. WILLIAMS, VICTORIA and PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. MabcH 21, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CRRONIOT-E AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. DILLISTONE & WOODTHOEPE FOLLOWING IN STRONG PLANTS. UEPATICAS, double red, and single red and blue PKIMROSES, double white, purple, rose, and lilae, .. ..6s. and TRIMKOSES, single yel- low . . 20s. per 100 VIOLETS, double Queen of Violets VIOLETS, double King of Violets.. VIOLETS, double red . . ,, double white and blue . . politan (lilac) Giant and The Czar VIOLETS, double Ni single. Til white and blue (Russian) 1st see Catalogue, pages 52 aod 53, free ■ ino Orchidaceous Plants, FOR SALE, a larse cnlh.'ti.- I'LANTS. coiiHi^ti.iK ..r 2:,'< v;inof iiici-t rocOTitly liiuuulit uuUor tlio nolle. Acrl.los. Vali.lu. S;itcolal.raiii, Ciittk- Or.l'iiiL. Ghoi,... Ill , .li i/.l I ■• . ' /^ lANT Asr.ii: .1,1 ,^ "I . . „f OKCHlllACKOUS mire lirvli* IIil' . i- m- ■ obard .Smith's SKKb LIST Utobard I llmt mon 1 tiible doea i luUDg it. S Melville's Improved Variegated Borecole. QTUART AND MEIN, Seedsmen, Iv i .. ,N 1- , ir> pleas.ir. ■ GHrdeii, being beautifully curled, i ■eatiiy white to tbe darkcat_purplo, culture," p. II ■ - ■ . "■ ; and QurcUnern' Cliroutdc, p. 1^1 Peas.— To the Trade. TAMES CARTER, DUNNETT, and BEALE, 2.1S, fj High Holboni, bave a surplus Stock of the nnderraentioliod sorts of PEAS. Samples and lowest price on applicatmn. SANGSTER'S No. 1. l)ICliSON-S FAVODRlTE. VKITCH-S PERFECTION. IMl'HOVED SCiMETER. MnLEAN'S WUNUEKFUL. BUEBlDQE'S ECLIPSE. CHAMPION OF ENGLAND. ALHANCE. AUVERGNE, NB PLUS ULTRA. FATRBEARD'S SURPRISE. BRITISH QUEEN. EXCELSIOR. EARLY EMPEKUR. PRINCESS ROYAL. POLYANTHUS, fine mixed . . P ANSIES, fine, to name ,, fine, mixed ROCK CISTUS (tielianthcmum) in 20 vai-s., 4.s. and 6 0 DAISIES, elioice named kinds 4 0 ,, gold blotched, crimson flowered .. 4 0 CLOVES, Old Crimson and others 4 0 IIKLLEBORUS, red and white 9 0 ROCKETS, double purple, crimson, white and yellow CO WALLFLOWERS, double yellow and dalle ..40 PAMPAS GRASS, extra3trong,each25.6rf.,4s.,and 6 0 MVOSOTIS IMPERATRICE ELIZABETH, very fine 6 0 MYOSOTIS RUPICOLA, very beautiful .. ..6 0 Choice Hardy PRIMULAS— Intermedia, 2s. 6 J. eaob ; Ntgra-pleno, Is. Gd. eacll ; Integrifolia, Is. each ; Cortusoides amoena, 2s. 6d. each. LOBELIAS (Herbaceous), 12 of the most varied and distinct yarietiea in cultivation . . ..120 SI'OCK.— Special offer to the 'Iradc. < PERFECTION PEAS, 30». per bushel. irt'ARF GREEN PEAS, SS.'i. per bushel. s \Ni.sl'l':ilN Nti. 1 PEAS, true. lis. per bushel. i':AKLY EMPEROR PEAS. 8s. per bushel. REDMAN'S BLUE IMPERIAL PEAS, llsjpcr t Rpoi Clematis. Jackmani, Standishi, Rubro-violacea, Cylindrica, Florida florc-pleno, Chandlerii, Viticella Verona, Montana, Sophie, Hendersoni, flamula, and Florida, Is. each, or the 12 for Ivies. Varicf^ated and Tricolor-leaved and others, 12 of the finest in cultivation, for 10 , Seed Merchant, 5, Aldgate, Londo POTATOS for FIELD CULTURE.- The best sorts for Field Culture are ;— BARON'S PERFECTION I WALKER'S IMPROVED DALMAHOT REGENT FLUKE KIDSEY SKERRY BLUE MYATT'S ASHLEAF WELLINGTONIA IMPROVED EARLY SHOW I WHITE ROCK THE KING OF POTATO.? Lowest price pec cwt., sack, or ton, on application. ScTTOs & Soss, Growers, Reading. _ POTATO planters" and OTHERS. — The leinientioned v.arioties can be had by the cwt. or ton, viz. :— rpiIE N 1. SCHR/ED EW FORAGE GRASS, BHOMUS ERI For instructions in the Cultivation of the Forage Plant, see StJlTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, and post Ircc on application. This very early Forage Grass growing by the side of s *" "' " ~ ' Experimental Farm. & Sons, .Seed Gro i 150 other Specin , Readil Buttons' Home-grown Seeds. BUTTONS' GUINEA COLLECTION KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, Containing the best and most useful kinds for ONE WHOLE YEAR'S SUPPLY, CARRIAGE FREE BY RAIL On receipt of Post-offlco Order for iilw. SOTXON & S0K6, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. •UTTONS' HOMK-GROWN farm SEEDS, Mold, Es(| Tenttrden, First I ze n h Long Red M n gel, at the Kent Cattle S held at A hf There ve o others to comp red rpo e) GLOtfcESTERSHIRE MILKY WHITE VICTORIA FLUKE Terms cash. G. WiiiFiEi,o, Seed Mi YORK REGENT JERSEY BLUE WHITE ROCK FOKTV-FOLD Prii-. icestei H 0 I C E S E L E (J 1 E i» c BROCCOLI, SNOWS WINTER WHITE 1 CABBAGE, LITTLE PIXIE 0 CAULIB-LdwEB, ERFURT EARLY DWARF 1 CHERVIL, NEW PARSNIP 0 CDCUMBEB, .SMITH'S FINE FRAME 1 ENDIVE, DIGSWELL PRIZE 0 LEEK, HENRY'S PRIZE 0 RAPlIANUSCArllATUSlNEW LONG-PODDED RADISH) 1 ASTEi; Tl;l KIANT S SUPERB FRENCH, 12 vars., mixed 1 I 1 1 11 V- A \TIIEMUM-FLOWERED, 12 yai-s., mixed. 1 s'l'uiK I\iri:it\l,l' L.vRGE-FLuWERING, 12 vars., mixed 1 l.'ALI CIXEKAUIA CLIANIIUIS DAMPIERII LOBELIA SPKCIOSA Geraniums. 12 of the finest Zonals of 1867, for pot culture ..GO 12 of the finest Zonal Nosegay of 1867, for pot culture 6 0 or the two dozen for 10s. 6rf. 12 of the finest Zonals of 1867, for bedding . , GO 12 of the finest Zonal Nosegay of 1867, for bedding G 0 or the two dozen for 10s, 6rf. Tricolor-leaved and other 'Variegated Geraniums. The follo\ving beautiful kinds, the '24 for 2l5. : — 1 SOPHIA DUMARESQUE 3 ITALIA UNITA I SUNSET : VARIEGii ! MRS. LONGFIELD .1 VARIEGATED 1 COMMODORE NUTT 1 FLAMBEAU 1 MINNIE WARREN 1 INTERNATIONAL 3 MRS. P. J. PERRY LEE'S GLANT orach, or SUMMER SPINACH. SOW in MARCH and APRIL. This new and valuable variety of Orach possesses immense produc- tive powers, combined with a delicious piqu.ant flavour, quite distinct from all other varieties, rendering it a great acquisition as a yummer Spinach of the highest class. The plant is of rapid, vigorous growth, and .attai^ a height of branches, yielding large dark'grei^n leaves throughout the Summer months. The Fruit Contnuttee of the Royal Horticultmal Society awarded a First-class Certificate to Lpc's Giant Oracb, after partaking of dish of this most useful Vegetable. Per packet, witn for cultivation, supply of i useful Vegetable. Per packet, witn instructions To Market Gardeners and Others. EAST HAM, ENFIULD MARKET, SHILLING'S QUEEN. NONPAREIL, ROBINl^ON'S CHAMPION DRUM. ■-" ...^.. PLANTS, all selected stock, at 2s. 3ri. p"^""" ■a fine, at 4s. per 1000. Terms c-ish. .Market Gardener .and Seed Grower, : lio % dea Wye Asl/ord Aent 11 lour Man splcnd d oi lelWu zeliooks Mange from be ut fu and your seed ot b a n nu last ye r no ghbourhood SUTTONS' SELKC I r.Li YELLOW GLOBE MANGEL. SU'l'TONS' SELECTED MANGEL WURZEL. Perlb.—s. i(. GOOD YELLOW GLOBE I 0 „ ORANGE GLOBE 1 0 „ RED GLOBE ..10 „ LONG RED ..10 „ LONG YELLOW . 1 0 BUTTONS- SELECTED YELLOW GLOBE 1 6 „ YELLOW INTER- M ECU ATE ..2 6 „ MAMMOTH LONG RED .. ..16 Per lb.— s. d. SUTTON.S' MAMMOTH LONG YKLLOW 1 6 „ SELECTED ORANGE GLOBE ,. ..10 STRATTOM'S RED GLOBE 16 GREKN-TOP SUGAR BEET, as recommended by G. L. De Neumann, Esq. (cheaper by the Cheaper by the cwt., carriage free. Lowest price per cwt. on application. BUTTONS' FARM SEED LIST now ready, gratis and post free. SuTTOw & Sons. Seed Growers, Reading. Suttons' Home-grown Farm Seeds. THE BEST SWEDE IN CULTIVATION IS BUTTONS' CHAMPION To Market Gardeners and Others. ■\X7HITE SPANISH ONION 8EBD, new and genuine, VV !s per lb. ; ASPARAGUS ROOTS, 2s. 6(i. per 100 ; fine WALLFLOWER PLANTS. 2«. 6d. per 100. Terms casp. RicHjao Wal --■■-■ . ., . - wade. Beds. Market G.ardener and Seed Grc Boses, in pots. 6 best Hybrid Perpetuals of 1867, for 9s. (Genuine Bedfordshire-grown. TRUE AVHlTK SPANISH ONION, at '2.!. 6rf. per lb. This very superior stock has frequently been grown the extra- ordinary weight 01 10 to i;o tons per acre. Various SEED POTATOS to offer. A remittance or reference to accompany nil orders. Fredk. Gts. Seed .Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. A CATALOGUE OF CHOICE NEAV Pl.AKTS OF ISGT, E0SK8, HERBACEOUS PLANTS, &c., Free on application. t|^ Fost-njice Orders on Castle Hcdingham. MUjSRO nursery, SIBLE HEDINGHAM, ESSEX. I Merffiants, Hop and Seed Exchanpe. Borough. S.E. To Farmers, Gardeners, and Otli6i:s. rPXCETXKNT ('\IM;\i;v ri.WTS -si, ,,;..„ .t I > i J surpn.sso.ijcun Im-^- .^; ■■ ■ ^ ' ' , ^ ','■',','■'', ,'' ''''■'' BuUMllEAD ITr'i ft 35. per 1000; ' Remittance or Ri, ^ . ,,. - Frkdk. Gee, Seed Mercbnnt and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. ' " SUItAR BERT. — Being true stock, &uch as grown for the t. Apply for price and IleaTy Cropper. Pertactly hardy, SUTTONS' CHAMPION SWEDE, price U. 4d. per lb., cheaper by the bUKhel. Carringo free to any railway station. Lowest price per b'lshel oa application. From Mr. J W. U^lsk. Sfcrdarjj tn the Sldbur!/,_Si(imnuth, Sal- cemtie, £effw. ant* BranscomlK ^f/ftc'iWurai AssocieUwn. October M, 188".—" At the annual nieelinfr of the above Associa- tion, held at Si^butr, oo the S2d inst., yonr Cliaippion Swede again took the Ist prize for Swedes, agJiinst 13 competitors with other sorts. ' Frum Mr. W. Hpon^s, Coombe Kej/nat. March 18, 1867.—" I gained the 1st prize at the Wlnnrith Farnier» (Uib with your Champion Swede tnla season. Others also gamed I viy.e» with Beeris hart of jou." h-r.n.. TlvNi.v CANTaKLL, K'q., Baylis Farm, Mar SloUgh. 1/ , , J ]■ ;: I ..bUined the £5 5s. Silver Cup. i l',i, I , I' MHj Court, last October, with "" sn , , ,, 1 re erown after a crop of Italian l.^. r,--;- ., Ml 1 1.1 . :tlso obtained n.R.H. the late Prince Consorts "" '; 'i I .^N- ' n "I'l i''"i \T\LOGUK of SUTTOSS- HOME- ,;,:l,',-, .,,: !-^ ; ? I WURZEL. and TURNIP SEEDS '" Vii i','.'..'.i'> .Vi (.,.-.■ I'v'- . ■->. ,'"-!. very small parcels. FiTe per Mnt. '^''"^i!!_'l![„^t ^,>^'^''i^l"v;.l itLrkaSetd Establishment, Reading. by G. J. Champion Uye-grass." THE GAKDENERS' CHEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Matich 21, 1868. ROYAL HORTICDLTURAL SOCIETY.— SHOW of HYACINTHS and SPRING FLOWERS, SATURDAY, March 14, 1863, AWARDS of the JUDGES. Class 1.-18 HYACINTJIS. distinct. (Nurserymen.! Ist Prize. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Nurserymea. Hit-hgate, £3. 2d, Mr. Wm. Paul, Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, £2. 3d, Mr. W. Cutbush, Jun., Nurseryman, Barnet, £1. Class 2.— 12 HYACINTHS, 6 kinds. (Open.) Jst, Messrs.W. Cutbush & Sod. £2. 1 2d, Mr Wm. Paul, £1 10s. 3d, Mr. W. Cutbush, Jun., £1. Class 3._G HyACINTHS, distinct. (Amateurs.) Ist, Mr. T. A. Steel. Mirlesford LodRe, Hammersmith. £1. 2d, Mr Wm. Bartlett, Shaflesburj* Road, Hammersmith, los. 3d, Miss Wildmg, 2, Chesterfield Street, Eustou Road, 105. (5a. 4tb, Mr. J. Wiggms, Gr. to W, Beck. Esq., Worton Cottage, Isleworth, Equal, Mr. J. Jones, North Road, Highgate, N., 6s. Class 4.-6 HYACINTHS, distinct, grown in Windows, in Pots. (Amateurs.) 1st, Mr. J. Janes, North Road, HiEhgate, £1. 2d, Mr. W. M. Bartlett, 15s. | 3d, Miss Wilding, 10«. Equal, Mrs. R. Young, 8, Arthur Gro7e, Oak Village, N.W., \0s. Class 5.-6 HYACINTHS, new kinds, never before exhibited. BARR & SUGDEN, THE METROPOLITAN SEED, BULB, AND PLANT WAREHOUSE, 12, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. FRENCH versus ENGLISH HONOURS. The following is the Coat of Arms Eugg:ested in the Gardeners' Chronicle., March 14, p. 267, hy "Urtica," for j the New Peerage of English Agriculture, for Albion's ; brave sons, who, as *' Urtica" says, did yaliant battle in ' upholding England's honour on the stranger's soil. (Op. Ist, Mr. Wm. Paul, £1. 1 2d. Messrs. W. Cvitbushi Son, 15*. Class 6.— HYACINTHS, new kinds introduced since 1865. (Open.) lat, Mr. Wm. Paul, £1. | 2d, Messrs. W. Cutbush4Son,163. Class?.— 6 NARCISSI, distmct. (Open.) Ist, Mr. Wm. Paul. £1. I 2d, Messrs. W. Cutbush &Son,158. 3d, Mr. W. Cutbush, Jun., 10s. Class 8.— 12 POTS of TULIPS, 6 kinds. (Nurserymen.) 1st, Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, £1 10s. 2d, Mr. Wm. Paul, £1. | 3d, Mr. W. Cutbush, Jun., 16«. Class 9.— 12 POTS of TULIPS, 4 kinds. (Amateurs.) 1st, Mr. T. A. Steol, £1 10s. | 2d, Mr. Wm. Bartlett, £1. Class 10.— CROCUSES, Collection of. (Nurserymen.) Ist, Mr. Wm. Paul, 15s. I 2d, Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son,Ws. Class 11— CROCUSES, 12 POTS of. (Amateurs.) Ist, Mr. Wm. Bartlett, 15s. | 2d, Mr. T. A. Steel, 10s. Class lU.— 4 FORCED SHRUBS in FLOWER. (Open.) Jst, Mr. A. Wilkie. Gr.. Oak Lodge, Kensington, £3. 3d, Mr. Wm. Earley, The Gardens, DigswellPark, Welwyn, Herts, 12. 3d, Mr. T. A. Steel, £1. Class 13.— 6 POTS of LILY of the VALLEY (Open.) Ist, Mr. W. Howard, Gr. to J. Brand, Esq., Bedford Bill, Balham,£l. 2d, Mr. W. Cutbush, Jun., 15s. 3d. Wm. Brand, Esq., Bedford Hill, Balham. lOs. Class 14.— COLLEaflON of CYCLAMENS. (Open.) Ist, Mr. J. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Beck, Esq., Worton Cottage, Isle- worth, £1 lOs. 2d, Mr. T. Todman, Gr. to R. Hudson, Esq., Claphara Common, £1. Class 16.— 6 CHINESE PRIMULAS, various colours. (Open.) Ist, Messrs. J. Dobson & Sons, Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth, £1. 2d, Mr. J. Wiggins, lbs. | 3d, Mr. T. Todman, lOs. MISCELLANEOUS. Extra, Mr. Wm. Paul, for Collection of Hyacinths Extra, Mr. R. Laing. for Coliection of Tree Miiriionette Extra, Mr. T. S. Ware, Nurseryman, Tottenham, for Collection of Alpine Plants Extra, Mr. T. A. Steel, for Collection of Plants Extra, Mr. T. Trussler, for Collection of Cut Camellias Extra, Messrs. Paul & Son, for Collection of Roses in Pots Extra, Messrs. Paul & Son, for Collection of Cut Roses Extra, Mr. A. Wilkie, for Collection of Plants Extra, Mr. H. M. Kettlewell for Collection of Pelargoniums Extra, Mr. Wm. Earley, for Collection of Cut Flowers Extra, Mr. Wm. Paul, for Collection of Camellias Extra, Messrs. H. Lane k Son, Nurseries, Great Berkhampstead, for Collection of Roses in Pots Extra, Mr. W. P. Roberts, Holwood, Kent, for Collection of Nea- politan Violets Extra, Messrs. J. & C. Lee. Royal Vineyard Nursery, Hammeramith, for Collection of Camellias Extra, Mr. W. Howard, for Collection of Cut Camellias. To the Trade.— Continental Rower Seeds, &c. r\V. WEN1)EL, Seed Merchant and Grower, • Erfurt, Prussia, begs to announce that his WROLKSALE CATALOGUE of the above is now ready, and may be hnd free find post p.-iid on application to his Agent. Geo. Macintosh. Nurseryman and Seedsman, High Road, Haniraersmith, London, W. Carriage or Fost Faid, HOME-GROWN SEEDS, PURE AND GENUINE— SO FAR AT LEAST AS IT IB DESIRABLE TO HAVE HOME-GROWN' SEEDS. BARR AND SUGDES'S LAWN GRASS (regarding the superior auiUty of which numerous testimonials might be quoted) Is a rst-class mixture lor laying down a Lnwn, a Bowling Green, or a Croquet Ground, and for renovating the same. 20s. per bushel. Flowering Bulbs. 2s. 6d., 33. 6d., 6a. 6d,, 7s. 6(1., and 10s. 6d. each, according to size. GLADIOLI, the most beautiful of autumn-flowering plants, with ; British Fern Catalogue. I ROBKRT SIM will send, post tree for six postage stamps. Part I. (British Ferns and their varieties, 36 pages. I includingpricesof Hard? Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DESCIUP- I TIVE CATALOGUE of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS, No. 7. 1 Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E. Just Published, AKEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, and will be furwarden on application to i J. SCOTT, Merriott. Somerset. The 1808 Edition of SCoTT'S ^ FLOWER GARDEN DIRECTORY and CATALOGUE of! DECORATIVE BEDDING PLANTS is also preparing, and will , be ready in April. RICHARD SMITH'S SEED"CATAL0GUE "contains ' a Calendar of Time for Sowing, particulars of Collections, with j Prices, Directions for Croppiiig well and economically. Soil, Manure, Depth, Distance, Season, Hardiness, Duration, Form, Height, Colour, Storing, Use, Flavour, and other qualities described. This ' List free by post for one stamp. I SEEDS direct from the Growers the surest way to success. , Richard Smith, Seed Merchant, Worcester. New Chrysanthemums for 1868. ~~ JOHN SALTER'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE nf SEEDLING JAPANESE and other New CHRYSANTHE- ' MUMS, GERANIUMS. Double PYRETHRUMS, Hardy Variegated j Plants, Ac, is now Ready, and will be forwarded on receipt of two postage stamps. Versailles Nursery, William Street, Vale Place, Hammersmith, W. ADAM~FORSfTH'S CAI'ALOGUE for"l868~i^no^ ready, and will be forwarded to all applicants for one stamp, I It contains a select List of Nbw and choice Chrysanthemum's, I George's New Tropfeolums ; New Double, Variegated, Zonal, ' "ler Geranit ^ ■ •• ^ . . . ... . Bedding 1 a the CuTtv Brunswiclt Nursery, Stoke Newmgton, London, N. Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, MISCELLANEOUS HARDY BF.DDING PLANTS. SWEET ENGLISH AWARDS AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION. C^tLENCE OP Q R VIOLETS, &o. OBERT PARKER begs to announce that his CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of the finest kinds in cultivation of the above-named, is now published, and will be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have all been procured from the best possible sources ; all are warranted genuine, and are offered at the lowest possible prices. Intending purchasers are requested to compare the prices with those of other houses. — Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S. VICTORIA ASTER. K-i. and2^-. Gd. per packet.' Very Choice Seeds, B ARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA.— This strain is remarkable for sup«rbly fringed flowers, which are large, of great substance; ' " ---■—= ' ■- •--'■-' ^ 3^ g^ pgr packet. ' CRIDi ringed, flowered, and distinct variety ; ^t. Gd. and Zs. 6d. per packeL BARR'S COVENT GAKDEN PRIMULA NEW STRIPED.— Beautifully fringed, large-flowered, flowers white, striped red; 3.t 6d. and by Gd. per packet. BARR'S COVENT GAHDEN PRIMULA, FERN-LEAVED.-This is a superb class ; flowers very handsome, aud foliane remarkably ornamental; alba, rosea, and mixed; each, 2s. 6d. and Zs.Qd. per packet. COVI ich ca; come perfectly true from seed, BARR'S INTERNATIONAL PRIZE CALCEOLARIA, the finest strain in cultivation ; 2s. 6d. and 3s. (W. per packet. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN CINERARIA, 2». 6d. per packet. COLLECTIONS OF Showy and Beautiful Flower Seeds. Pretty HARDY ANNUALS, in Collections, 2s. 6rf., 3s. 6rf., 6.s-. Grf., 10.^. 6d., and 21a. Pretty HARDY ANNUALS, includins; the best of the now varieties, in Collections, 6s, (Irf,, is. 6rf., 10s. &d., 16s., and 30s. Most beautiful HALF-HARDY ANNUALS, in Collections, 3a. 6rf., 4.'!. 6(1.. 79. Gd.. 10s., 15s., and 30s. [Ifis., and 30s. HARDY PERENNIALS, in Collections. Zs. Gd., Bs. 6d., 10s. 6d.. HALF-HARDY PERENNIALS, in Collections, 4s. 6d. and 7s. 64-page SEED CATALOGUE now ready. Decoration, In CollectionB, 2s. Gd. and 3s. 6d. [12s. Gd., SEEDS of SUB-TROPIC ALI^L ANTS, in Collections, 6s. 6d., 7s. Gd. SEEDS of ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS, in Collections, 2s. Gd., 3s. Gd., 6s 6d., 7s. 6d., and 10s. Gd. [2s and Ss. Gd. SEEDS of ORNAMENTAL-FRUITED PLANTS, in Collections. ORNAMENTAL GOURDS, for Hall and Table Decoration, in Collections, 3s. Gd., 6s Gd.. 7s. Gd.. 12i(. 6d., and 21s. ORNAMENTAL CLIMBERS, in Collections, 2s. 6d., 3s Gd., 6s. 6d , 7s. Gd., 12s. Gd., and 21s. Wholesale and Retail Agents for the following :— STANDEN'S GARDENER'S and AMATEUR'S FRIEND M ANURE, inJjN. 2s. 6d.. 63. Gd.. 10s._ 6d._, FOWLER'S INSECTICIDE, 1: . 6d., s., 6s. Gd., 1. jars. THOMSON'S STYPnC. In 3s. bottles. M'DOUGALL'S PHOSPHATIC MANURE, in Is. and 2s. 6d. canisters ; in baga, 6s. Gd., 10s , 18s.. and 35s. PERtrVIAN GUANO, pure; CUBA PETRE, pure; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, pure; CRUSHED BONES, and DISSOLVED BONES; each of these Manures made up ' and 2s, Gd. BARR AND SUGDEN. JAMES CARTER & CO. Do not covet the honours bestowed on other Houses, but they think the time has now arrived when they should put forward a plain etatemeot of facts for their own protection. JAMES CARTER and CO. had the honour of supply- ing the GRASS SEEDS that produ<'ed in the Grounds of the late Paris Exhibition the beautiful TURE so univer- sally adynired hy English I'lsitois, and describt;d by the Correspondents to the London Journals as being of extraordinary merit ; and NO OTHER ENGLISH HOUSE whatever supplied Grass Seeds for the ?(.te of the Imperial Commissioners ; and no- other English House received the " Premier Prix " for Grass. A respected opponent of James Carter & Co. exhibited a Miscellaneous assortment of Seeds in one of the Annexes of the Exhibition., amongst which were small samples of Grasses. A. Medal was awarded Jor the collection of ' ' Graines potaghrs ' ' (Garden Seeds) in this case of Seeds. JAMES CARTER and CO. believe the very great difference between a Prize awarded for Seeds that pro- duced the gratifying results in their case, a7id an Award for a Miscellaneous C'dlccHon of JJry Seeds that gave no eride-nrc nf oy.erit, u-ili ho c^f.lj>j ^,>,A0y^iocd; but they are compelled to be thus explicit, because tbpy observe an Advertisement of a letter, said to be received from a private member of the Executive Committee, in which a claim is made for the Prize Medal for Grasses. JAMES CARTER and CO. however think that*'THR Award of the Jurors should be final;'* and that a private letter from an individual must be taken for what it is worth. ^CEt.I'ENCE op ^^ LONDON, 1S62. THE ONLY PRIZE ]\IEDAL FOR SEEDS. The same system of "explaining away" was adoptedby the same opponents after J AMES CARTER & CO., In a similar competition, had heen awarded "THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL FOR SEEDS," by the International Jurors, London Exhibition, 1862. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS, to suit all Soils, from 2I5. to 32s. per acre. CARTER'S PRIZE MANGEL WURZEL, from \s. to 2s. &d. per lb. CARTER'S PRIZE SWEDE and TURNIP, from Is. to Is. id. per lb. Special low estimates for quantities. CARTER'S "PRIZE MEDAL" FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. See CARTER'S ILLUSTRATED FARMER'S CALENDAR, Containing valuable Hints on the Formation of Per- manent Pastures, Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER and CO., SEED FARMERS, 237 and 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W-C. ■March 21, 18G8.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 293 SEVENOAKS HORTICULTURAL and FLORAL SOCIETY. President—The Right Uon. the Earl Amhorst. Vice-Presidents— The Right Hon. Earl Stanhope, the Hon. nnd Rev. F. Baring, the Hon. Reginald Sackvillo West, Sir Porcyvall Hart Dyke. Bart. Chairman of the Committee — The Rev. Geo. Kemp. Vice-Chnii-maii—Chua. Lovegrove, Esq., M,D. The FIRST EXHIBITION of PLuVNTS, FRUITS. FLOWERS and VEGETABLES, wiU be held at Sevenoriks on WEDNESDAY. the 2d September next. Prize Schedules are now ready, and may be obtained on application to the Honorary Secre_tarie8, Seve: Messrs. Geo. Fred. Nixom nnd Wu. Lewis Barnes, London Road, GRAND HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION at LEICESTER, in connection with the snow of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 16 to 23, 1868. Amongst various Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cup) VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS' CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows : — Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish of each : — Gnipe.''. Melons (2 IVuits), Strawberries, Gooseberries, Currants, Chenies, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 18G7I. Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, one basket or bundle of each : — Peas, French Beans (or Scarlet Runners), Broad Beans, Cauliflomera, Cuoumbors (brace). Summer Cibbages, Early Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Spinach, Efxt (SatlrenetjS'Cfirtimcle. SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1S6S. Taking into account tte expenditure involved in the culture of the Pfne-apple, in the shape of glasshouses, fuel, the appliances necessary to keep up a proper degree of bottom heat, and the etceteras which go to complete the routine of cultivation, there are few things more annoying to the gardener than to find that, after all, his plants won't fruit at the time ho had calculated upon their doing so. Grow they will, like mad things, till they become almost or quite too large for their quarters, but the time when they are expected to " show" their incipient inflorescence passes over without this result being realised, and the grower is at his wits' ends what to do with them. They are perhaps kept on in the hope of yielding in time some astonishing fruit, but alas ! ■while they take up the space of two plants, the fruit, when it does come, too often proves to be nothing exti-aordinary. It would, doubtlosa, be scarcely true to describe such a state of things as being of common occurrence, but it is one met with from time to time, and that, too, in esta- blishments where better things might have been expected. It may be well here to stay for a moment to explain that such results are caused by too stimulating a course of treatment — or perhaps we should rather say, by a too uninterrupted application of a stimulating course of treatment, whether to root or top, or both ; or by failing to estimate correctly the result of this or that shift, so that the inducements to growth may come nearly to a stop at a point almost coinci- dent in the life of the plant with its having acquired such a degree of constitutional vigour as will fit it to produce fruit, and when a resting regimen may just administer that slight check to onward progress which is to result in causing the plant to throw up its flowering stems, or, in garden parlance, to " show " fruit. That accom- plished, and the blossoming period safely passed, a generous but not excessively stimulating treat- ment ought again to be resorted to, in order to swell up the fruit to its proper size with all safe expedition, and thus to economise both space and time. Besides these over-stimulated examples of Pine culture, which are at the same time examples of bad gardening, there are often some plants, even in a well-managed Pinery, which prove refractory ; or instances may occur where, from something having unwittingly or unavoid- ably gone wi-ong, the full result of congenial treat- ment has not been realised. In either case the gardener has a batch of non-fruiting plants, that ought to have fruited, standing over, and the question is, what should he do with them. It is gratifying to know that a remedy exists, and it is this remedy to which we now especially desire to dii-ect attention. In his book on the Pine-apple, Mr. D. TliOMSOX recommends that such refractory plants as those alluded to, should be cut off and replanted — rather a severe course of treatment that, some will be inclined to say, but it is one which nevertheless, on good evidence, proves to be successful. In a recent number of the new and much improved series of The Florist, Mr. Simpson, of Wortley Hall, has recorded his approval of this plan, which he says is, as far as his experience goes, a certain one. " About 18 plants of our late summer fruiting lot, which refused to throw up when wanted, woro cut over at the surface of the pot about the end of the sum- mer, potted very firmly in 12-inch pots, plunged in a bottom heat of 90°, and treated much the same as newly potted suckers for about a fortnight, when shading was discontinued and more air given." Several of these plants showed iruit about a month after potting, and by the end of November swelled off fruit weighing fi'om 2 to 3 11. The last were just out of bloom by the beginning of the new year. In a subsequent number of the same work, Mr. Thomson adds : — " This is a system to be especially recommended in the case of any who may have to enter on the care of stock that has been drawn up into an unfruitful con- dition, by improper treatment. The course often pursued in such cases is to throw the plants away as past redemption. Instead of doing so, if they were treated on the eutting-down system, they would not only be certain to fruit, but would also furnish a stock of suckers to form succession plants. This way of procedure saves expense, time, and trouble. " That much has yet to be accomplished in ren- dering the fruiting of Pines more cheap, by making it much more simple and speedy, I am fully convinced. So far as my own experience is concerned, I have proved that Pines can be made to start into fruit in 12 months from the time they are detached rootless suckers from the parent plants. In the August of 1836 I took a tew dozen suckers from the parent plants — before the fruit was ripe, potted them into 7-inch pots, plunged them in a brisk bottom heat, and grow them oh freely till the middle, or rather the end of October, by which time they showed a fine lot of roots, and were shifted into their fruiting pots. All the winter they were grown gently on in a temperature of about C5', with the soil carefully kept genially moist. Early in spring they were pushed on rapidly, and made splendid plants by midsummer. The result was that the whole of them ripened their fruit by the end of January, 1868, just 16 months after being potted as rootless suckers," We need not, as Mr. Thomson has remai-ked in the article referred to, look far afield for the reason of the success with which his cutting-down method of treatment is crowned. The plants when sub- jected to it " throw out immense crow-quill-liko roots," which greedily feed upon the rich feast which has been provided for them in the new soil, and hence the fruit produced is found to swell oft' more fully and freely than would have been the case had the plants been left untouched till they had chanced to fruit. Experience has shown, moreover, that the instances of success are not solitary ones. The promulgator of the system teUs us that he has now a similar batch of plants to those referred to in the above quota- tion, and is himself satisfied that the plan can be generally carried out, and that with the most ordinary appliances. The accompanying woodcut is a representation of one of Pottle's Cucumbek Boxes, a patented contrivance, by means of which straight and other- wise handsome Cucumbers may be produced. It will be seen that it is a long narrow box, open at both ends, and that it has a glass top which slides in a groove, and which may be partly or wholly drawn back- ward or forward, as may be desired. By means of this moveable lid, the Cucumber inside can at any time be readily inspected, and if not growing quite so satisfac- loosely in tin boxes with Moss. If paper is used at all it should be damped. If wooden or paper bo.tes are used, the specnnen should be enclosed in gutta percha." VV e have but too much reason to endorse our corres- pondent's statement. We have found that if wrapped m moist sphagnum and covered with a piece of oil-silk or sheet gutta-percha, small flowers travel well by post.even if not in a box. AVe must also protest against the wretched scraps that are sent for naming. When they reach us, they often appear as if they had been cooked. ,, — T -'^^/^ further step towards the advancement of the education of young gardeners, the Council of the ROVAL HoKTicuLTUitAL SOCIETY have decided to commence lorthwith a course of instruction in land- surveying, measuring, and ground-work engineering to the students at Chiswick under a skilful engineer They have also decided to open a class for instmction in drawing, which shall be open to all on the payment of a small fee. This class young gardeners residin"- within convenient distancesof Chiswick, as well as the Chiswick students, will have the privilege of attending, and we trust that all who have the opportunity will avail themselves of the great advantages that" such instruction affords them. All particulars relating to the drawing class may be obtained by applying to Mr. EiCHARDS, Assistant Secretary, South Kensington. We have received, through the courtesy of a correspondent at Bangaloee, a report of a Hohticul- TUKAL Fete at that place. It is curious to see how many of our " bedding " plants figure at an Indian flower show, side by side with Bellis perennis ! The schedule is printed in English as well as in native characters, which latter circumstance induces us to hope that the energetic gentlemen composing the Committee will turn their attention towards the development of the floral resources of the country, though, we believe, the vegetation is less rich than that of some other parts of India. Some experiments relating to the Geowth of Teees have lately been made by Mr. Thcmas Meehan, and recorded in the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of PhUadelphia, from which it appears that " the tree increased ia growth only during the three months between the middle of May and the middle of August, and that the ratio of growth is much greater during the month between the middle of June and the middle of July, than during the month preceding and the succeeding mouth." The special tree, measurements of which are recorded, is Populus monilifera, which was measured w-eekly from April 12 till August 31, during three different years. Some time since we published an account of the Japanese Maples, as given by the late Von SiEBOLD. M. Miquel has recently examined these more critically, with the result of establishing no less than 23 specie? as natives of, or cultivated in Japan. Some of the species show a close approximation to North American forms. In the gardens of the Inner Temple Mr- Become has succeeded in making a display of Htacixths and other Speixg Flowees, such as one ' could hardly have expected under the diUiculties which surround their production in the heart of London. Large vasefuls of Hyacinths ornament the side of the principal promenade, and beds on the Grass are not only well furnished with that favourite early flower, but contain, moreover. Tulips, Virginian Stocks and other plants, calculated to keep up a certain amount of gaiety after the beauty of the Hyacinths is over. The latter, to the amount of 500, were rooted in Cocoa- nut fibre refuse under a wall in a somewhat dry situa- tion, from which they were carefully removed and placed in the vases and beds which they now occupy. The fibre in question is still used for their growth, both in the beds and in the vases, and Mr. Beoome is of opinion that it suits them better than any material which he has hitherto employed in their cultivation. We understand that Mr. William Kobinson is on the point of issuing a work entitled " Gleanings from Feench Gardens," copiously illustrated, and devoted specially to those points in which French practice differs from our own, either absolutely or in degree. torily as it should do, it may be assisted in the right direction. In these boxes Cucumbers succeed better than in long glass tubes— the old-fashioned means of securing straightness— a fact, we believe, which has been proved by actual experiment. In short, by means of this simple but important invention they can be brought to greater perfection than has ever yet been attained by the aid of any other contrivance. Painted on the bottom of the boxes inside is a scale of inches and parts of an inch, so that some interesting statistics may be obtained, not only as regards the amount of progress made in a certain time by different fruits of the same kind of Cucumber, but also as respects the compara- tive rates of growth of different varieties of this useful esculent. We have received the following letter from Dr. Hookee: — "Allow me to call attention through your columns to the universal but most undesirable practice of sending out flowers in boxes or other- wise, laid in dry bibulous paper, and, what is worse still, in dry cotton wool. The well-known hygro- scopic properties of these substances acts rapidly on the tissues of the flowers, abstracting their moisture, so that they arrive in the worst possible condition for being named, which is in most cases the object for which they are sent to me. Cut specimens should have damp moss wrapped round their stems, and be packed TERRESTRIAL CAPE ORCHIDS. [A consideeable supply of these interesting plants will, it is expected, shortly be in the market, and it has therefore been thought that a few brief notes respect- ing them may be of service to those desirous of availing themselves of this opportunity, and to cultivators who may be seeking further information respecting their habits and mode of cultivation, about which little is at present known. Eds.] Among the beautiful tuberous-rooted half-hardy terrestrial Orchids of South Africa, the Satyriums hold a prominent position, and of these S. coriifolium, S. chrysostachyum, S. candidum, and S. carneum have lately been imported in some quantity. These species come next to Disa grandiflora in point of interest and beauty, and are named by all collectors and travellers as ranking amongst the most conspicuously attractive members of the Cape Flora. They are comparatively dwarf and compact in habit, growing from 9 inches to a foot high, and producing large terminal erect spikes of bloom, from 6 to 8 inches in length, far surpassing the finest British Orchids in their brilliancy of colour. S. candidum has pure white flowers, with remarkably long spurs, dill'using a rich orgeat-like odour. Sir John Herschel, who was a very successful cultivator ol this tribe, observes, that every part of this delicious plant, when dried, yields apparently ad inlimtum a rich and 294 THE GAEDENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGEICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Maech 21, 1868. fire half up the flue, as may have been done by accidents. Heat when generated rushes alonj A B and c, and is checked in some boilers by pieces similar to I. Now, we all imagine that heat rises perpendicularly, there- powerful odour, only to be compared to the Tonquin bean, or the Sweet Woodrufl'. S. corilfoUum is of a rich yellow, with the Iront or lip tinged with orange red. , S. chrysostachijum is of a beautiful rich orange or gold colour. ,S. carnei'.m is, perhaps, the finest of the group, having large radical leaves of an orbicular outline, and fine terminal raceme of large, shaded, rosy pink flowers. This grows better under pot-culture than some other kinds. Sir John llerschel brought a collection of these plants to England, and bloomed some of the finest varieties with slight protection in his open garden in Hanover Terrace, Regent's Park. The soil he recommends is a deep sandy peat, enriched with vegetable matter, using a perfect drainage, and as much water as the soil will naturally retain, while the phmts are leafing, with a temperature of not less than SO'. It is essential that all moisture should be kept from the inner folds of the leaves. On the first appearance of the flower-stalk, water should be with- held ; from that period they cannot be kept too dry, and while flowering he.at and sunshine in abundance are required. Sir John Herschel remarks of S. carneum, that one of the finest and largest plants he ever saw, flowered iu deep rich sandy peat soil, and quite without shelter. S. candidum flowered freely in bo.ves and pots of bog earth, e.vposed while first leafing (only covered with mats on very cold clear nights), and taken indoors when the flowers began to appear, and during the flowering period kept very dry. In other situat: jas it flowered in the open air, under a south wall, ill a rich garden mould. The fine S. chry- \ Fig. i. sostachyum grew well in black sand, enriched with , vegetable matter ; this seems to require moisture, as ; fore the hottest place along c would be where the heat well as increased heat, so long as the flower continues, i first pitches itself at h, where it would exhaust its after which, when dormant, perfect dryness, as for the I value on the flue plate. I am therefore of opinion other species, is requisite. The same distinguished ' that two plates, as per dotted lines at H, would prove cultivator observes that during the resting period he has ■ had the soil, in which the tubers remained, heated by the sun at the surface to 1-10' and upwards, and as dry 1 as dust, this condition lasting a month at least after flowering. From the foregoing remarks it is evident that by the , aid of an ordinary pit or frame, these beautiful and, interesting plants should be amenable to cultivation j at the hands of any attentive lover of flowers, having i an open garden with a warm aspect. With the above plants are associated Disa cormita and Visa longicornis, the former a beautiful pale blue- ' flowered species ; and the latter a rare and very beau- 1 tiful plant, also with blue flowers. These grow in the | same localities with the orange-flowered and white- flowered Satyriums, and yield a delightful odour. Besides the above-named Cape Orchids, we learn that tubers of the beautiful Indian Cyrtopera flava — which, though recorded to have been introduced in 1831, we doubt if any one of the present generation has seen iu a living state in this country— have recently been imported. This is also a terrestrial species, and was collected in Dehra Dhoon. It is a fine thing, the stems growing from lift, to 2 ft. high, and sometimes bearing as many as 30 fine large yellow flowers in a j spike. The oblong tubers are 2J in. to 3i in. in length, I of a clear creamy white, a little depressed on one side, 1 and blunt at the ends, but smaller at the growing I point. In this plant the flowers appear before the I leaves. | ^'*!- -• as economical as the piece at i, although my boiler, being so shallow, would only require the flue plate to be slanted. No boiler do I attempt to depreciate; I simply ask, is mine better than any at present in use ? J . t'ltrid sap. And that exact period when the risk ■ i I ■- 'i mM. linfrfrom either of these causes can be reducovl .i.-. K-.. .t,-. ii.asible will prove the best time for the cutting down cvcrgiceus mo as to secure certain success, and the formation of good symmetrical heads. Practically the time for cutting down evergreens may extend over two months, viz., from the middle of April to the middle of June. Occasionally there is some risk of bleeding from cutting in April,- but it is seldom, very serious; and perhaps more is gained by the increase of time for the production and maturation of the new growth, than is lost from this cause. Some cut plants seldom or never bleed ; but sometimes the growth has hardly time to be thoroughly ripened before winter, and it is a serious matter for a beheaded Slmib to have its first succulent growth destroyed in an immature state by the harsh grip of the frost. Such a catastrophe often proves fatal to plants. For this reason I am in favour of cutting down in April ; but I would not hesitate to cut all through the period specified. Circumstances have compelled me to behead shrubs throughout every month in the year ; but results do not justify an early or latef decapita- tion" than the period I have named. The winter or very early spring cutting of such plants as Arbutus especially, is to be condemned. The stem is deprived of the protection of the head, which is very considerable, and therefore it often perishes from exposure to tlie cold. The risks of damage from bleeding are also increased, as well as tlio dangers incident to prolonged seasons of forced repose. It seems often for- gotten that .not only are the dangers incident to a state of doi-mancy at once removed by a fresh start into growth, but that such growth is likewise the best antidote to bleeding. No styptic equals in potency a fresh green shoot. By opening a new channel for the sap, it prevents waste. It does better than stanch the blood letting, it converts the sap into branches ; and it is astonishing how rapidly this marvellous transformation is effected. The resuscitation of beheaded trees is a wondrous illustration of the in-epressible force of vegetable life. We leave nothing but a hard dry stem in con- nection with numerous roots— the bare stump stands forth a barren wreck of its former self, andaU the old influences move it apparently in vain. Its prehensile powers, by which it had previously grasped hold of, retained, or used the forces of Nature are removed or destroyed. The powers of life at once occupy themselves in repairing its heavy and apparently hopeless loss. On that hard barren stem they concentrate their force. J^'irst there is a gentle swelling, then a tiny protu- berance goes on developing itself, and by-and-by a bud. Yes ; and from the moment that tiny hud appears, the new bead may bo said to be safe. The tiny bud is equal to its work, whether that work is the reclothing with fresh verdure the smallest shrub, or the refurnishing with gigantic boughs the monarch of the wood. The success, then, of the operation of beheading trees rests upon the future development of these buds and their rapid growth into new branches ; and I think this will be best secured by acting on the principles and within the time I have just recommended. But the question is open to discussion, and I would be glad to know the opinions of experienced operators upon the subject. Until these are forthcoming, however, your correspondent may s.afely foUow the course here recommended, as it is based not only upon what I conceive to be true theory, but a lengthened and successful practice. J). F. Fis?i, F.Ji.H.S.'^ Societies* Royal Horticoltural ; March 14 (First Spriiig Show). — Hyacinths as a whole were not shown on this occasion in such fine condition as they were last year ; bxit of Tulips, Crocuses, Cyclamens, Lily of the Valley, Roses, and raiftcellaneous plants, there was an extensive and charming display, to which was superadded the rich assemblage of gay flowering plants in the Society's fine conservatory, in which Camellias and Rhododendrons are now in great beauty. Among the latter the noble tree of R. arboreum which annually forms so con- si ; ;-, r ■lie in this collection about this time of year is : 1 1 ! i with, large trusses of scarlet blossoms ; R. Ill' ■■".. is finely in flower, its great heads of soft ri - I. lur surpas.sing in beauty any expectations in tliiii uiicvUuii that have hitherto been entertained respecting them. As regards exhibitions of Hyacinths, those to which mosc interest was attached came from Messrs. Cutbush, of High- gate, and Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross ; 1st and 2d prizes in the Class of 18 being awarded to both exhibitors, in the order in which their names stand. Of Blues : Messrs. Cutbush had Marie, Baron Von Tuyll, Argus, and Grand Lilas; General Havelock, blackish lui'Tle with a metallic luBtie ; Haydn, mauve. Of Reds: \,.i, sickens, Sultan's Favount. ■ I . ., , :, : ^1 ;,:cn of the Nether- lands. Ml ^ V.il.iiii., .;, ( [,, .t, .ii.M>ii,_,,t.Eu9ton Road, was 3d. Mr. Wigciiis, gr. to W. Beck, Esq., of Islewortb, and Mr. Janes, North Road, Highgate, also furnished good collections; and others came from Mr. Beach, gr. to C. J. Herries, Esq,, BiBven Oaks; Mr. Young; Mrs. Hooker, Brompton ; Mr. Burden, Mile End Road; and Mr. Higgs, gi-. to Mrs. Barchard, Putney Heath. . In the class devoted to kinds grown in pots in windows, Mr. Janes was 1st, with tolerably well-grown examples of Garrick, Charles Dicktns, Von SchUler, Macaiday, Mont Blanc, and Gigantea ; Mr. Bartlett was 2d ; and Miss Wilding and Mrs. R. Young equal 3d. Mr. Steel, Mr. Turner, Portland Road, Notting Hill ; Mr. Beech, Mi-. Wiggins, and Mr. Burden also all exhibited in this class. Several acquisitions in the shape of new Hvacinths were shown on this occasion, of which some account will be given next week under the head of " Florists' Flowers." In addition to his other exhibitions, Mr. Paul contributed to the miscellaneous class a fine collection of about 120 pots of Hyacinths ; and Mr. Bartlett one of 80 or 90 pots, in both of which collections were many excellent examples of skilful cultivation. Among Narcissi, Mr. Paul showed fine specimens of Newton, Bazelman major, Yellow Prince, Queen of the Yellows, Grand Monarque, and Glorioso. Messrs. Cutbush, who were 2d, had among others, SoleU d'Or, showy yellow and oranjje ; and King of the Netherlands, yellow and white. Mr. Cutbush, of Barnet, was 3d. In the class of Tulips, Messrs. Cutbush had Proserpine, feathered and flamed ; Fabiola, Van der Neer, Rubens, and Joost Van Vondel. Mr. Paul, who was 2d. had Keizerskroon, crimson broadly edged with yellow ; White Pottebakker, Maas, scarlet ; Proserpine, Vermilion Brillant, and MoUSre. Mr. Paul also exhibited a splendid collection of Tulips, con- spicuous among which were New Yellow Tournesol, Roi Pepin, Grootmeester Van Maltha, Canary Bird, and Mianlus, red and yellow. Mr. Cutbush. of Bamet, was 3d. In the Amateur's Class. Mr. Steel was 1st ; Mr. Bartlett. 2d. Crocuses were unusually fine, both in the Nurserymen's and Amateur's Classes. In the former Mr. Paul took the 1st prize ; Messrs. Cutbush the 2d ; and in the latter Mr. Bart- lett and Mr. Steel held the same relativTrifit-tnti-:' Among tlie different varieties shown the foUowir' ■ ■■'■ ■ i ,vt remark- able, viz.. White: Mammoth, Ci ■ !i,i, Queen Victoria, Princess of Wales. Yellj-.\ . i. :, i, i iiu,. Purple and Blue : David Rizzio, Brunei, I'lifL..!! li, Xu rius Ultra, Prince Albert, and Lord Byron. Striped : Ida Pfeiffer, Princess Alexandra, Albion, Sir W. Scott, and La Majesteuse. Of Forced Shrubs only a few were exhibited ; they con- sisted of Rhododendrons, Ghent and other Azaleas, Deutzia gracUis, Weigela rosea, Persian Lilac, and one or two others. Mr. Wilkie, Oak Lodge, Kensington, was 1st ; Mr. Earley, gr. to F. Pryor, Esq., Digswell, 2d ; and Mr. Steel, 3d. Of Lily of the Valley, Mr. Howard, gr. to J. Brand, Esq., Balham, exhibited half a dozen potfuls in beautiful condition, and to which a 1st prize was deservedly awarded. Mr. W. Cutbush was 2d, with smaller potfuls^ full of flower ; and J. Brand, Esq., BaUiam, was 3d ; Mr. Salter, of Hammersmith, showed the variety with beautifully .striped leaves. Good potfuls of the ordinary kind were also shown by several other exhibitors. Of Cyclamen persicum, Mr. Wiggins, gr. to W. Beck, Esq., had a beautiful collection, and although the plants of which it con- sisted were not more than from 16 to 18 months old, some of them could not hare had less than 140 to 150 blooms on them, and in one case as many as 200 had been counted, but in this instance the tubers were older. To these a 1st prize was deservedly awarded, and a 2d one to Mr. Todman for a small collection. Chinese Primulas were shown in fine bloom both by Messrs. Dobson, of Islewortb, and Mr. Wiggins, to whom 1st and 2d prizes were awarded ; and by Mr. Todman, who was 3d ; Mr. Macintosh, of Hammersmith, also exhibited in this class. Of Roses, Messrs. Paul & Son had a magnificent collection, considering the season. It contained finely bloomed speci- mens of Prin-.-== Mwv "f ''ir7ii'ridge, Alba rosea, Gloire de Dijon, M-.l r \^ I. V . I: , <:,niille Bernardin, Madame Juhe U.n .. i.. I , ■ .. ^, .,1- Verdier. Alfred Cnlnmh. Marie Ki ; ^; ■. !:. i mlin. The same exhibitors hadalsi.,1 i... ii] ..f ;,:,.-• 1 ■ ..■■tiful cut blooms of Marecbal Niel, some of which were upwards of 4 inches across, and all of them of the richest golden yellow. They had likewise a similar exhibition of Alba rosea, cream white with a dcUcate rose-coloured centre. In other boxes from the same firm were fine blooms of John Hopper, Madame Victor Verdier, Virginal, Savier Olibo, and others. Messrs. Lane, of Great Eerkhamp- stead, hkewise contributed a charming group of Roses in small pots. Among miscellaneous subjects was a collection of Camellias from Mr. W. Paul, who had, moreover, a large specimen of Donekelaari in fine bloom, and another of Eximia. Boxes of cut blooms were also shown by Messrs. Lee, of Hammerstnith ; Mr. Howard, of Balham ; and Mr. Trussclor. gr. to D. J. Kay, Esq., of Hoddesdon, who had Donekelaari very large and beautifully spotted with white. Mr. Kettle- well, Potter's Bar, contributed forced Pelargoniums, among which were BeUe Blanche, a useful light variety, and Monte Christo ; Mr. Laing, gr. to P. W. Flower, Esq., Tooting, fur- nished tree Mignonette, about 5 feet high, with neat pyra- midal tops ; and Mr. W. Cutbush also sent tree Mignonette trained on wire. Mt. Wilkie had a miscellaneous collection of plants, consisting of Dractenas, Camellias, Epacrises, Azaleas, including two well-bloomed standards of Iveryana and Criterion, and Hoteia japonica, a very ornamental plant for spring decoration. Mr. Bull contributed Bertolonias.afruiting Aucuba, Camellias, Tricolor Pelargoniums, Cerasus Sieboldi rosea-plena with large semi-double rosy lilac flowers, and a Glossodia major, a terrestrial Orchid from Australia, having a purplish violet flower on the summit of a slender grass-like stem. Messrs. Lee had Cyrtochilum maculatum, finely in flower, and Odontoglossum Alexandne ; and Mr. Burnett, gr. to W. Terry, Esq., Fulham, Ccelogyne cristata and Den- drobium chrysotoxum. NeapoUtan Violets, very well grown and flowered, came from Mr. Roberts, Holmwood, Kent, and Mr. T. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, contributed baskets of Alpines and spring-flowering plants. Mr. Earley showed two boxes of cut flowers, among which was Thun- bergiaHarrisi, a Useful species with pale lilac blossoms. Messrs. F. & A. Smith, of Dulwich, sent a collection of Variegated Xonal Pelargoniums, and Mr. Watson, of St. Alban's, baskets of Miss Watson and Mrs. Dix, two varieties which experience hasproved to stand at the top of the class to which they belong, together with a plant of Annie Merry, a promising variety with a well defined margin. Messrs. Paul,& Son furnished a variety of Deutzia crenata, with pale gi-een leaves prettily m;u-bled with white, and Deutzia gracilis variegata alba, with leaves varie- gated with yellowish white. Mr. Neale, gr. to P. A. Cart Wright, Esq., exhibited a remarkably fine Smooth-leaved Cayenne Pine Apple, and Messrs. Lane an orchard-house Plum tree, between 4 and 5 feet high, a mass of blossoms. For the above-named subjects several extra piazes were awarded. March 17 (Scientific Meeting).— Vi. WUson Saunders, Esq. F.R.B., in the chair. After the election of 13 new Fellows, and the announcement of several donations of plants and seeds, for which a vote of thanks was passed, the Chairmen of theFiTiit and Floral Committees reported the awards made in their respective departments. The Rev. Mr. Berkeley then said that on the last occasion he had directed attention to Oncidium macranthura hastiferuni, of which at the present meeting there was a specimen with 11 flowers from Messrs. Veitch, and one with five flowers from Mr. Richards, gi-. to Lord Londesborough. Since the last meeting he had been to Kew and examined Dr. Lindley's herbarium, in which he found several specimens of macranthum, which had been met with by a number of travellers in Peru, but none of hastifcrum, though there was a pen-and-ink sketch of the flower— which showed a considerable difference in the crest of the lip. The plant exhibited was undoubtedly a variety of O. macran- thum, and a very flue thing. An unnamed Oncidium, shown by Mr. Williams, of Holloway, was then stated to be a mere variety of Oncidium obryzatum, which was also shown by the same exhibitor. Zygopetalum crinitum, exhibited by Mr. Wilson Saunders, was next referred to, as exhibiting two extremely distinct varieties in the same pl.int, one being much more handsome than the other. Whether this differ- ence was the result of a sport, or arose from there being two distinct roots, he did not know. Mr. Berkeley then held up a spike of Dendrobium, of which the flowers were double; the divisions of the corolla were doubled, there were two columns, and two lips. This result he ascribed to a lateral fusion rather than as a case of transformation. He next called attention to a matter of considerable importance in regard to several Mushrooms exhibited, of which the gills were paler than he had ever seen before— a circumstance which some might think w.as due to their having been grown in the dark and not developing their spores ; but on close examination he had found that they were being gradually obliterated by a pai-asitic fungus. It became questionable, therefore, whether Mushrooms in this state were whole- some or not. For his own part he .should not like to eat them, for, even if they were wholesome, they could scarcely have that fine aroma which good Mushrooms ought to possess. The exhibitor was doubtless unaware that the Mushrooms in question were diseased ; and when we hear, as we occa- sionally do, of deplorable cases of poisoning by Mush- rooms, possibly such disasters may not be caused by the Mushrooms themselves, but by fungi with which they are attacked. With regard to Grapes preserved by placing tho stalk in w.ater, according to the French plan lately discussed in our columns, it had been justly remarked that they were certainly not improved in quality by adopting that mode of preservation. In the ordinary way of keeping. Grapes became something like raisins ; but in this mode water was absorbed to the detriment of the flavour, and even with the addition of charcoal the water might get into a putrid state. The method was originally practised at Thomery, but it was universally acknowledged not to he a success. At the last meeting he had directed attention to two kinds of decay, one being diy rot, the other a process of slow combustion. He had since been informed by a gentleman that he had specimens of wood which singularly illustrated the view of the case which ho had advanced, and which showed that if the latter process went on, the wood made a much closer approxi- mation to pure carbon, and which, instead of being bruwn, as with ulmates and humates, had become almost black. Mr. Berkeley then exhibited several specimens of wood attacked by fungi, and, among others, a curious specimen of Teak from the Madras Museum, in which the medullary rays were being obliterated, and he said it frequently happened that these were completely destroyed in such attacks, while the longi- tudinal cells remained perfect. Wood was often affected by fungi, although there was no trace of their presence superfi- cially. It might be asked of what interest was all this in a horticultural point of view ? he replied that it was of great importance to those about to put up glasshouses. About 40 years ago a large range of houses in Northamptonshire had been put up with Oak wood, which was in what was known as a "foxy" state, a condition in which no wood would be allowed in the dockyards, and the houses soon became very unsound. The reason of much of the wood in some parts of Northamptonshire being foxy was, that instead of the trees being raised from seed, they were produced from old stools which were generally full of fungus, and the wood from them became affected likewise. It was of great importance to ascer- tain before buildings were put up that the wood to be used in them was free from the myeelia of fungi. The next subject tr. whtMi ko would ^d-rorfc wao a .:nodol a«nt by C. Wykcham Martin, Esq.. M.P., of Leeds Castle, Kent, showing a system of heating which was described by him in the first two parts of the Society's Journal an (account of this was also given in our columns, see p. 964, 1864). In this mode of wanning but a small quantity of fuel was required to heat a large area ; and almost any kind of fuel might be used— Mr. Wykeham Martin burnt fasgots and even sawdust ; and it was ex- tremely cheap, the expense of constructing the foundations and arrangements or heating a house 15 feet by 10 having been only 17/. 12s. The Chairman said that those who were at the last meeting would recollect th.at a medal — the Lindley medal, was voted to Mr. Mar.shall for his exhibition of Cattleyas ; but as it was a rule that members of Council could not take such awards, though Mr. Marshall might have the honour of its being awarded to him, he could not, in consequence of that rule, accept it. With regard to the Zygopetalum crinitum, referred to by Mr. Berkeley as exhibiting two kinds of flowers appearing to come from the same source, his impression was that two seeds had been dropped close together, and had sprung up in close companionship. Now, if the same pod of seed produced the two conditions of the plant in question, ha wished to know why we do not import seeds of Orchids instead of bidbs. The collection of Cattleyas in Mr. Marshall's caoe were all, he believed, the result of the seed of one species under different conditions, and it would be a gieat gain to horticulture in this country to import seed and raise plants from it, and in doing this he did not know that there would be any difficulty. Another subject taken up by Mr. Berkeley— dry rot— was of vast importance. He (the Chairman) had seen large portions of ships entirely destroyed by dry rot. Hundreds of thousands of pounds were thus at stake. With reference to Teak, it was one of the most durable and finest of woods for ship-buildiug, and how was it that dry-rot attacked it? He believed that a great deal lay in the Teak wood, when cut, not being properly seasoned ; naturally it was full of essential oil, and how dry- rot could penetrate into the pores he did not know. We know that when a lot of timber is put together in an unseasoned state dry-rot is sure to follow, and in ship-building large air- holes are now left to prevent it ; but so long as there is any dampness in timber, so long is there a tendency to dry rut. Mr. Berkeley remarked that if gate-posts, for instance, were made of unseasoned timber, and painted when full of sap, they were sure to be attacked with dry-rot. He would ju.st add, that Prof. Reichcnbach had informed him that Den- drobium Bullerianum, shown at a previous meeting, is the same as D. gratiosissimum, a name published by him in Botaiiifchc!' Zatumj in 1865. Floral f'.i»;(/!(//ec.— Messrs. Veitch, who contributed largely to the display on this occasion, had a very fine collection of Orchids, among them Dendrobium crepidatum, Oncidium macranthum hastiferum, alluded to above, and an extraor- dinarily fine specimen of Cymbidium ebumeum, for which a Special Certificate was awarded. A Special Certificate was also given for the collection. There were, moreover, some very nice plants uf CarueUias and Azaleas, for which a Special CertiflLMi' u I- IV, ir.l>-.l. Mr. Davies, Ormskirk, furnished a neat d\v. ii i ; ; i iMmdodendron called multiflorum, with white I ' ■ 1 N I LT from R. virgatum ; a Second-class Certitii.;ii - ^ ,11 .t it. Messrs. E. G. Henderson sent a basket lpI .-^ili^iII [ihuiin uf Lamium maculatum aureum, also a Cyperaceuua plant, probably a Carex, named Cyperus Lacouri, a dwarf plant, with deep green grass-like foliage, and heads of pure white flowers, which received a Seeond-class Certi- ficate. Messrs. Paul & Son exhibited a fine collection of pot Roses in flower, for which a Special Certificate was given. From the same fiim came, moreover, three boxes of cut Koses, for which a Special Certificate was awarded, Messrs. Paul & Son likewise contributed small plants of Deutzia gracilis variegata and Deutzia crenata marmorata. MABcn 21, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CITRONICLE AND AGRIGULTUIUL GAZETTE. 297 . . d d M B S fl 11 nt flno caU ct o of O ch Is amo g wb cb O d n 1 yz tun s aw do I Second class Lertfc t V Sf 1 Lert flcite w s al aw ded fo the 11 I M \\ 11 1 bow 1 i c Uect o of C I I \ II Iso Aziloia r ncosa Hel t HI I ntbs among vb cb tbc f 1 I t z K ner ol Yell \ 1 ■»! arcb j 1 silvery 1 1 f tbe s mo colou a 1 > J btone gr to J D I I I f One d m Kr m n tub 1 | i 1 o A F rat clas Lert t to v a avird I t JUessrs Osb r Fulba n contril tod an ntereatu g coll ction of bardy ap ng flow rs cons ting of So 11 v( ill .. Ill 1, thereby dilutingthe saccharine juicii I I I ,il, as mentioned above by Mr. Berkil I: li . ■, of Colworth Gardens, Kbarn- '" ! specimens of Marguerite upwards of 50 dishes, to which a Special Certificate awarded. He likewise sent a dish of Uvedale's St. Germain Pear, under the name of Catillac, and one of Oranges. Mr. John Cadger, Luton Hoo Park, exhibited a Mushroom, of which notice has already been taken in our columns (see p. 23y). Jlr. Dixon exhibited two dishes of Mushrooms, ningly excellent, but affected by a parasitic fungus, as recorded abov Florists' Flowers. As supplementary to the remarks on Phloxes at p. 2Gy, attention mn,v bo invited to the following notes on the cultivation of these shoiry plants : — An herbaceous Pblo.K will be at the prime of its vigour about the second year of blooming. Mr. Fraser recommends that the shoots should be thinned out in the early spring, when they are about Z or 4 inches long. " A good two-year-old plant will generally start more shoots than are required, but five or six only should be left to go up for flowering. The spare shoots make excellent cuttings, but they can seldom be rooted early enough to flower the same year, like those obtained from plants put into a greenhouse inFebruary. However, the plants obtained from these cuttings make fine flowering plants for the next year." The original habitat of the Phlox being North America, a somewhat shady border or position has been suggested as best adapted for them generally, as well as serving to bring out the tints of the flowers better. In selecting a situation for planting out for summer blooming, some regard should be had to shelter from strong westerly winds at least, and the plants should be secured by stakes, or the action of the wind on the heads of bloom will, in many^ instances, break off the stems at their base. Plant in rich soil: the Phlox appreciates liberal root food, and an application of liquid manure at the blooming season will assist in the production of fine heads of bloom. In planting a bed of Phloxes, the height to which the^ plants are likely to grow must be calculated by their age, though little can be done in arranging a bed according to height. The first year of blooming the plants will reach a height of about 15 or 18 inches ; the second year, when more fully matured, they will grow from 2 to 3 feet in height. Mr. Fraser says that a Phlox should be thrown away after the second time of blooming, and its place supplied with a young plant. He also recommends that in order to have the flower heads fine and highly developed they should be planted in a bed, and subjected to liberal treatment. They may he placed here and there in mixed beds, or on shrubbery borders, where they will do good service in making a garden gay, as well as supply plenty of cut flowers ; but the spare plants only ought to be used for this purpose, as grown under these circumstances they never produce such fine flowers as when they have a place or bed to themselves. A good mode of propagation is to pot up in February tho plants required to produce the stock, using a light rich loamy soil, and place them in a greenhouse or frame, where they will scon make shoots long enough for cuttings. These can be quickly rooted in a moderate hot bed, with Verbenas or other bedding plants, and after being properly potted and hardened olfthey will be fit to plant out in May. By this mode of propagation much finer and healthier foliage, and better flowers, will be had in plants so raised, than when propagated by the antiquated system of root division. But why cannot the herbaceous Phlox be grown as a pot plant, and be used for exhibition purposes ? When Mr. W. Paul produced last year on two occasions at the great shows the two new varieties ( Beautiful and Conqueror), they were the objects of considerable interest, being in pots, having a dwarf healthy habit, and being surmounted with striking masses of flower. Why may not tho Phlox be thus made an attractive feature at horticultural exhibitions ? The varieties are all easy of cultivation, and it may be said with great truth, seldom seem so well managed as they might be with a little extra care and attention. Cultivation ra pots is better understood by the horticultural brotherhood in tbo north, than in these more southern localities. The mode adopted by them may be summed up as follows : — The beginning of March a selection is lade from tho plants struck the previous season, by lioosing those that are throwing up vigorous shoots. < >iio plant is placed in each pot, but not more I liau two stems are allowed to each plant ; the pots used at this stage are from 8 to 12 inches in liameter, according to the strength of the plants. Excessive drainage is avoided, and the soil used is a virgin fibrous loam, to which is added a little sand and well-decomposed manure. The plants are immediately placed under glass, either in a cold frame or green- house, and they are kept as near the glass as can be conveniently done, as it is obvious that the dwarfer they are grown the better. Air is freely given, and to encourage stout, close, and vigorous growth, a little weak liquid manure is administered even at this early stage. This is made from sheep droppings, and cultivators say that nothing can answer better than liquid manure so obtained to produce a richness of the individual flowers, as well as size of spike, and for imparting to the foliage that dark-shining healthy green appearance so much prized by exhibitors. As a matter of course, dwarf-growiug varieties should be selected for cultiva- tion in pots, and these may now be said to abound. Eepotting is done as requisite, the plants on no account being ^ allowed to become pot-bound; and when repotting, the grower takes great care not to break or reduce tlie ball, even when shifting from a 12 to an 18- inch pot, as on this particular much of the future success of the plant depends. When large specimen plants are required, those that have bloomed once only are either kept through the winter in a cold frame, or, if this should not be practicable, the plants are plunged out-of-doors, and covered with 3 inches of coal ashes or tan ; then taken up in early spring, re-potted, thinned to three or four stems, and treated as before directed. Surely it would be difficult to name a genus of herbaceous plants more elegant, and possessed of so many excellencies, sufficiently hardy to withstand our severest winters, easily propagated, and as easily managed, requiring but little attention in the growing season, and so well adapted for exhibition purposes, that it is time their value for this purpose was recog- nised, and their culture lor show plants more generally encouraged. S. D. sr^c a^iavg* Disease among Bees.— Within a few days after the publication of the letter of your correspondent, E. Mower (p. 2G2), giving an account of a peculiar disease which has for some four years caused consider- able havoc among his hives, I havehad the opportunity of witnessing, in a friend's apiary, an instance of what I consider to be the identical malady described by BIr. Mower so graphically. My attention was drawn to one hive in a garden containing perhaps 20 stocks, all, with this exception, being perfectly healthy and pros- perous. Bees, dark coloured and more or less distended or swollen, had crawled out of the entrance, and lay dead or dying on the alighting board, or on the ground below. The box was lifted off the floor board, which was removed, and a clean tjoard substituted. There were many— perhaps 50— dead bees, all present- ing the appearance so peculiar to this disease, lying on it. The owner had followed this course of proceeding every day for a considerable time, always finding a fresh batch of the dead or dying. As far as I could judge, the bees had not been affected with that type of disease generally known as " dysentery." The floor boards, as they were removed each day, exhibited little or no signs of the noisome excretion voided by bees suffering from dysentery. Should the plan hitherto followed fail in restoring health to the bees of this hive, ray friend intends to secure the person of the queen and establish her at the head of another colony, and to destroy all the remain- ing bees. If the plan recommended in your reply to E.. Mower be adopted, it must be borne in mind that the queen must, if possible, be captured and replaced in the hive standing in its accustomed position, prior to the knocking out of the bees on the ground. This, though very easily accomplished with moveable frame hives, is a much more diBicult process with ordinary hives. If the operator shall have failed in his attempt to capture her, he must carefully renew his search iraen the bees are shaken or brushed out on the cloth. I may add that my friend's apiary has on a former occasion suffered considerably from this disease, and that he does not believe that the infection is carried from one hivo to another. The opportunity of observa- tion I have had with regard to it, will not allow of ray giving any decided opinion on that point at the present moment. I hardly think, from the description given by B. Mower, that the malady which has affected his stocks can be attributed to foul brood, as under such circum- stances the adult bees do not seem to be in any wise tho worse for its presence in their hivo, the death of which is simply owing to there being an insufficient number of bees matured to supply the loss of life from natural causes. S. Sevan Fox. Garden Memoranda. Mr. Sampson's Nurseries, Preston Road, Yeovi l. — These are delightfully situated, about a mile from Yeovil, on the side of the high road leading from that town to Ilminster, in the beautiful county of Somerset. They are remarkable not only for the fine stock of hardy plants which they conlaiu, but also for the immense amount of half-hardy material in the shape of bedding plants, with which their numerous pits and houses are crowded. Close to the principal entrance is a span-roofed house, 170 feet in length, in three divisions, well furnished with beautifully flowered and finely grown stove and greenhouse plants, which here acquire an amount of health and beauty imknown to them in less favoured localities. In frmt of and nearly surrounding this house is a neat little flower garden, which in summer is a blaze of flowers, and which, moreover, supplies means for proving the com- parative merits of the different kinds of new bed- ding plants which are continually being introduced to the notice of purchasers. A light wooden fence sepa^ rates the nursery from the public road, parallel with which runs a well kept gravel walk, with borders on each side for the growth of choice flowering and other plants. Another walk, some 2G0 yards in length, starting at right angles with that just mentioned, divides the grounds into two halves, and as they lie on the somewhat steep slope of one of the grass-covered hills with which this district is so charmingly diversi- fied, an excellent view of the surrounding country is obtained from the higher portion of this promenade, which terminates in a neatly constructed summer house. On each side of this walk are borders of choice Conifers, varying in height from 2 feet to 8 feet, the whole being margined throughout with neat little bushes of Thuja aurea, and in summer with thou- sands of variegated-leaved Pelargoniums. Among the Conifers we noticed charming examples of Picoa nobilis and Nordmauniaua, Picea Pinsapo, and Beodars in great quantities, Wellingtonias, Abies orientalis, and other choice Firs, Thuja Lobbii, and the beautiful glossy deep green T. gigantea, both of which here form fine plants in a remarkably short time, so vigorous is their growth. Associated with these were, moreover, charming bushes of Cupressus Lawsoniana, the long-leaved perfectly hardy Pinus ponderosa, P. excelsa and others, together withIrishTews,Thnjopsisborealis,Araucarias, and other select Coniferaj, all of which are here largely cultivated. It may be mentioned that Thujopsis borealis stands the sea tjreezes well on the southern coast, where it also grows rapidly in the light sandy loam of the district. About Weymouth fine examples of it may be found, even almost within reach of the salt spray. Behind these borders are quarters of evergreens in remarkably fine condition ; also large breadths of fruit and forest trees, and Roses both on the Manetti stock, on the Briar, and on their own roots. Among bedding plants now under glass, Houndstone Pet Pelargonium, a Nosegay something in the style of Indian Yellow, is being largely propagated, as are also Stella Surpasse (a variety said to he an improvement on the original Stella), Rose Superb, a kind in the way of Rose Rendatler, and multitudes of tricolor and other variegated-leaved sorts. Vines, planted in a large span-roofed house <50 feet square, some nine years ago, and allowed to ramble at will on the extension system, produce annually enormous quantities of Grapes, not large but finely coloured. Last year the amount of fruit gathered from them could not weigh, it is said, much less than a ton. Beyond pruning they receive no other treat- ment than that necessary for an extensive bedding plant repository, except that during the spring months they have the advantage of having a little bottom heat. In pits thousands of Pelargoniums, Verbenas, her- baceous Phloxes, and Lobelias, &o., are being pushed forward in order to be ready for the great demand that exists for them in this locality during the bedding season ; and in the propagating house, which is 70 feet in length and 15 feet in width, Roses are being struck in great quantities on their own roots, together with numerous other descriptions of stock of which there may be for the time being a deficient supply. Of Miss Murphy Lobelia it may he mentioned that it is an excellent kind for spring decoration in pots ; but that in beds here it makes but a compara- tively indifferent display. Of Drummond's Lobelia grandiflora, a kind in the way of speciosa, dark blue with a bold white eye, this establishment possesses a fine stock, and, for the further accommodation of other material for bedding purposes, now houses are at present in course of erection. Vines in pots are cultivated here to a considerable extent, as are also common and variegated Ivies; Oxalis Bowieana, a highly decorative plant where it can have a little protection in winter; and other descrip- tions of stock such as one might expect to find in a long-established nursery like this, greatly improved as it now is under the present very spirited propnetorsmp. 298 THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [March 21, 1868. Mr. Sampson's residence at Houndstone,* possessing as it does a certain amount of historical interest, deserves a passing remark. It belonged at one time to tlae Monks of Glastonbury, and in addition to its being a comfortable commodious building, covered with Eoses and hardy wall plants, it has also the advantage of having a good garden attached to it— that at the back being devoted to the growth of kitchen garden produce, while in front is a lawn, a croquet ground, and a neat little flower-garden, which is annually a blaze of floral beauty, and laying as it does on a sheltered bank, lacing the road, its effect on entering the grounds is particularly striking. Standard Laurels, Yuccas, vase plants, and other objects of interest, ornament the foreground, which is cut oil from an adjoining orchard by means of a skilfully planted belt of shrubbery, in which some of the finer kinds of Rhododendrons form a conspicuous item. Against a boundary wall are, moreover, glasshouses for the growth of Peaches and Nectarines and Grapes, together with a neat little conservatory, now gay with Camellias. The last, which is attached to the house, is furnished with a handsome fountain and basin, and is likewise tastefully decorated with orna- mental foliage as well as flowering plants, the whole forming in summer a cool and agreeable retreat, while, being artificially warmed, it is equally enjoyable in winter. In the kitchen garden— at one time the burial ground for the convent that once existed here —some kinds of fruits attain unusual dimensions. An Apple of the kind called Tower of Glammis, taken at random, measured IG inches in circumference. My remedial suggestions have now been for four years before the public. I cannot learn whether they have yet been even partially adopted and acted on in England ; but in France I have reason to believe they will shortly be properly tested. C. Eoach Smith, in the " Builder.'' Obituary. AVE have to record, with regret, the decease of Mr. E. Tucker, of Slargate, whose name is so intimately connected with the Grape mildew, Oidium Tuckeri, which was first discovered by him, and named in com- pliment to his skill in recognising the cause of so fearful a malady. Miscellaneous. regetation of South-West Australia— A prominent aspect in the vegetation of south-west Australia ema- nates from the comparative large number of singularly beautiful Banksia trees, preponderant there as the arboreous Grevillese in North AustraUa. The existence of but two of that genus, Banksia australis and B. ornata, in the e.\tensive tract of interior and coast-land from thR head of the Australian Bight to the vicinity of Port Philip renders the occurrence of an increased number of trees of this kind in East Australia again still more odd. Butaceous and Goodeniaceous plants, though in no part of the Australian continent rare, attain in the south-west their greatest numerical development, and should not be passed silently, or, like Epacridex", as merely ornamental plants, though still so rare in our gardens ; but these elegant plants deserve also attention for their diaphoretic properities, or for the bitter tonic principle which pervades nearly all the species of the two orders. Stylidea; are here still more numerous than in our north, and comprise forms of great neatness, while Sundews (Drosera;) are also found to he more frequent than in any other part of Australia, and indeed of the globe. When, glitter- ing in their adamanine dew, they reappear as the har- bingers of spring from year to year, they are greeted always anew with admiration. But the greatest charm of tho vegetation consists in the hundreds of myrtaceous bushes peculiar to the west, all full of aro- matic oil; among these again the feather-floweredj numerous Verticordias, the crimson Calothamni, and the heithy Calythrices, vie with each other as orna- ments. Still also of this order many gorgeous plants exist in other parts of, especially extra-tropical, Aus- tralia. The numerous bushes of Leguminosa:) and Proteaceas in south-west Australia are also charming. The introduction of all these into European conserva- tories might be made the object of profitable employ- ment.— 3r. Mueller's JSssay. Plant iV'omeBciafiire.— Naturalists are often twitted by others on account of the long names which they invent ; and such instances as Dicranodoutium longi- rostre for a little Moss, Thelotrema exanthematicum for a small Lichen, Gracillaria meleagripennella for a delicate moth, are adduced in confirmation of their assertion that the minutest objects have the most grandiloquent names ; but when they hear — we should say, see — the name by which one German designates another who is fortunate enough to be exempt from payment of taxes, let them for ever hereafter hold their tongues. Here it is — " Steuererverweigerungverfas- sungsmassigbereclitigt." Scarcity of Home-groicn Fruits.— In your notice of my proposal to plant the waste lands of the^Govern- ment and the sides of railways now unoccupied, with fruit-trees, you raise an objection (solely, I am pleased to see) on the possible obstructions of the view from the railway carriages. Certainly, if standard Pear and Apple trees were grown continuously this would be a ■valid objection, and not the only one ; but standards (high orchard trees) need only be planted where there is plenty of room, and where the view would not be intercepted. I propose, in cases such as you anticipate, dwarf trees, such as pyramids and bushes, which at no season of the year could possibly interfere with the Tiew, which in the spring would be attractivefor the bloom, and in summer and autumn for the fruit. My calculations for profit would, no doubt, remain much the same ; for where one large tree is grown, six to twelve small bushes would flourish ; and the price of 8». a bushel for Apples might be doubled, or even quadrupled, for choice winter Apples and Pears. • The ancient mme waniuncsberge. Kenulph, King of the West S.-ixona, gave it to Tican, 15th Abbot of Glastonbury, in the year "87. CSaiDcn ©perationg. {For the ensuing tveelc.) PLANT HOUSES. Where moderate-sized plants of Aphele.rls exist they should be potted between now and the middle of next month. Give them a moderate shift only ; they delight in a compost consisting of three parts good fibrous peat and one of sandy loam, with sufficient silver sand to make it porous. Ensure a good drainage, and avoid potting too deeply. Cuttings may also be put in, with a proper " heel," in a similar compost, with the addition of more sand. Afford plants of KaJosanthes more water as the days lengthen ; where large specimens of these are in request it will be well to " stop " them, by carefully removing the tops of all the grosser shoots with a knife. Do not omit at all times, after this opera- sion has been performed, however, to remove three or four of the top leaves also ; doing so insures a quicker and more abundant "break" than would occur if they were left on. Any that are required early in flower, I need scarcely mention, should not be treated in this manner, but should be induced, by full exposure, and the necessary potting on, to form good robust heads preparatory for such a result. They thrive best in an admixture of sandy peat, loam, brick rubbish broken small, and silver sand, potting them as firmly as possible inmoderation. &;oTi«JMmustin like manner be pushed on. Give them a shift as soon as any pots which they may now occupy become pretty well filled with roots. A nice sandy compost of loam, peat, and well decom- posed leaf mould, will be found to suit them. Regulate the branches upon all Cape Pelargoniums intended for an early display ; when this is done soon it aS'ords more ample time for the points of the branches to regain their perpendicular without any of that over-strained unsightliness too often observable upon recently and hastily supported plants. FORCIMG HOUSES. Keep those Vines which are intended for the latest work as cool as possible for a time. This is best done by covering them with some materials which will keep off the too warm rays of the sun, without proving sufficient protection from cool nights to start the buds. Proceed with disbudding, stopping, and tying, removing any tendrils which appear at the earliest moment ^ In regard io Pines, "fruiters," which are now rapidly advancing under somewhat favourable circumstances, should receive every possible attention. Keep up a high moist temperature, and by that means induce them to swell olf freely. Do not give air, there- fore, quite so freely to this section as to others not so far advanced. Early potted successionals will now need water more freely. These should be pushing on into activity, and should be assisted with slight syringings and a good bottom-heat. Where not already done, proceed with potting the smaller stock of suc- cessionals. The more recently potted "crowns" should be syringed three or four times a week. AVith a brisk bottom-heat these may now be expected to make good progress in the way of rooting. A slight error occurred regarding the temperature proper for the roots of Pines in this part of my directions for last week. Instead of fixing the maximum permissible at " from 51° to 83 '," read from 81° to 88°, &c. As soon as the fruit in Peach and Nectarine homes is set and swelling off freely, it will be necessary to give occasional attention to "thin- ning out" by removing a few at a time until the process of, stoning has about been perfected, when any which may then need removal might be taken off wholly. Be particular not to force too rapidly trees which have not been long planted. Sometimes this will cause them to shed the crop of fruit. Do not be afraid to expend moisture freely in these structures now ; twice daily, at least, will be needful. With a not over strong nozzle to the syringe, dash the water right and left upon trees, walls, and rafters. Forced Figs will have formed goodly-sized fruit by this time. Beware of checks, therefore, in any form, which will now too assuredly cause them to cast their fruit. Pot figs cannot well be over watered if in reasonable-sized pots, having proper drainage. Those planted out io borders had better, if a good drainage exists, receive rather too much moisture than an insufficiency of it. Syringe copiously, and by this, and other legitimate means ward off red-spider and similar pests ; which are, moreover, very partial to Cherries, hence the need of even greater care and precaution with them. Orchard-houses should be shut up early in the afternoons if there is the least sign that a frosty night will supervene; this will not only be needful, but absolutely required for the protection of the crop, as it is rather earlier than is customary this season. Should a sharp frost yet come upon us, do not omit to tack a few mats or similar covering upon that part of the glass which is the most exposed. Place a good dressing of well rotted manure upon inside orchard-house borders, chopping it up small and surface-dressing it over after- wards with a light layer of dry fibry loam. Give root waterings abundantly to all pot-trees when once a fair leaf^ surface has been formed, and especially after the fruit is set and has commenced to swell. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Sweep and roll both walks and lawns— operations which will tend to enhance the appearance of both materially a few months hence. Finish pruning any Laurels. Shrubs, &c., which may have been delayed so long. Dig and turn over all flower-beds intended for summer flowering bedding plants. Bring the lower spit well up upon the surface, and by that means afford the soil an opportunity of being benefited by the amelio- rating influences of the air throughout in the process. Good varieties of Polyanthus and garden Primroses make an excellent show this season; they are already in full bloom. Auriculas will also be forming flower buds. The beautiful varieties of the Alpine Auricula, attainable from seed, and flowering the following season, ought to be an inducement for advancing their culture. A 2^. 6rf. packet of seed might now be pro- cured, and, when sown, placed upon any cool side shelf in a greenhouse, there to remain until the seedlings are up. When they become sufficiently large, trans- plant into other pans or boxes. Eventually turn them out into any shady nook, where they will brave the winter, and repay manifold the little trouble they may have occasioned. Finish pruning Roses without further delay : already the more prominent buds upon tho younger more extreme shoots are pushing apace. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Do not delay much longer making up any vacancies which the winter may have caused in Strawberry plantations, and conclude the necessary arrangements for the protection of all trees about to blossom. KITCHEN GARDEN. Peas for the main crop, such as British Queen, Abergavenny Marrow, Ne Plus Ultra, and other tall varieties, should now be sown to succeed those already through the ground. Thin out early-sown Carrots ; afford them all the air possible. Make a small sowing of Beet ; Dewar's is, perhaps, the earliest. Sow W^alcheren, Grange's, Lee's Sprouting, Snow's, Osborn's, and similar early-hearting Broccolis. Make small sowings of each, as it will be necessary to make others at a somewhat later date. Some of the first-planted Potatos may perhaps be already showing through the ground ; if so, go carefully along the rows and so draw the soil over them that frost may not injure them. Keep up a goodly successional supply of Small Salading, Endive, &c., and by tying up some of the earlier Lettuces, induce them to form slightly blanched hearts. Finish making fresh plantations of Seakale ; continue covering stools of Rhubarb with pots. No fermenting material will be necessary now. The warmth of the sun and the slight protection the covering insures will be ample. Sow Vegetable Marrotcs, Citron Gourd for preserving. Ridge Cucumbers, &c., and use the hoe freely upon every favourable occasion. W. B. STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CHISWICK, NEAU LONDON, For the Week ending Mar. Is, 1868, asobservedat the Horticultural Oardeni March. rhura 12 Friday 13 Satur. U >undajl5 Tuead'. 17 Wed. 18 i TEapEairoiiE. 8:w: w. ■ N.W. fa !•< IT 18 19 i Of the Air. Orthe Earth ■i Max. 29.731 30:i27 30.048 30:222 30.067 Min. Max, 66 63 a SI 53.6 Min. 45 28 30 25 Mean 50:5 42,5 38:o 43,7 1 foot deep, 47 47 48 47,4 2 feet deep. 45 45 41.4 30:109 29.924 :oo Averase 29.917 002 — J4— Cloudy ; overcast ; slight rain ; fine ; frosty, — 15 -Fine ; dear and line ; fine, starlight. — 16-Slightly overcast; cloudy; fine; very boistcr — 17— Clear and fine ; sliBhtly overcast ; fine. — 18— Fine; clear and very fine ; Meao temperature of the week, 1 6-10 deg. above t STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CHISWiCK, During the last 42 years, for the ensuing Week, ending March. 28, 1868. ?"? §a i.x'^ <^H Eh 50 4 42 3 607 41,9 41.6 61,6 32,4 63,8 1 34,0 43,9 53.0 34,1 Prevailing Winds. The highest temperature during the above period occurred < 27tli, 1830-thenu. 75 deg.; and the lowest on the 25tti, then 4 deg. Notices to Correspondents. CLIMBER3 : Aviattur. For covering a high trellis we can recom- mend you nothing better, which can be raised from seeds, than the Painted Lady variety of Scarlet Runner Beau, which is both ornamental and useful ; or, by planting tho roots or sets, you might cover it with the Hop plant, if you prefer it. For greenhouse plants for summer blooming, that can be sown now, take Balsams, of which there are some fine strains obtainable ; the various Celosias, of varied habit and colour ; the Globe Amaranth, in colours ; Browallia elata, several kinds of Schizanthus, Martynia fragrans, and for dwarfer subjects, the several Rhodanthes, the varieties of Lobelia ramoaa, Grammanthes gentianoides, &c. Well- managed, you may get a beautiful display of flowers out of the foregoiug plants. Mowing Mahhines. — Wo have a letter for our correspondent " Palmam," which shall be forwarded if he will send us his address. Names of Plants; J N II. Hoteia, or Spinea japonica. It is a hardy herbaceous plant, but makes a beautiful spring flower when potted and gently forced into early bloom. — F South. 1, Fumaria bulbosa ; 2, Pulmonaria augustifoUa ; 3, Lastrea FiUx-mas.— .-4 C. Tillandsia bulbosa.— A" G N. Dipo- dium puuctatum.— P HE. 1, Trichopilia coccinea ; 2, Pleuro- thallis circumplexa; 3, Onddium Harrisonianum. — A 0. 1, Saxifraga umbrosa; 2, Chrysosplenium alternifolium.— Jack: You roust send a better specimen, SciLLAS : GotivtUe. Thanks ; the specimen you send as S. amcena is what is generally known as S. sibirica. Variegated Borecoles: Stuart tt Mein. The appearance of the last supply of Borecoles which you have sent us is not 80 good as that of those noticed at p. 182. The colours are apparently too dull to be effective. COMMUNICATIONS RtcEivtD.— D. T.— D. T. F.-S. R. H.— M. C. —D Buchanan— W. F. Radclyffe— J. Bryar— Const. Sub.— H Downes-F. W. Burbidge.— Anthyllis.-J. A. H.— D. M, — H. S.— W. T,-G, S, Mabch 21, 18C8.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. Messrs. GEORGE GIBBS and CO., 25 AND 26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W., Beg to announofi they are now prepared to execute Orders to any extent for Laying Land Down to Permanent Meadow and Pasture, witli their BEST MIXTURES OF GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS, To suit various soils, which they can supply at 30s. to 32s. per acre, allowing 2 bushels of Large Seeds and 12 lb. of Small Seeds to each acre. MIXTURES of GRASS and CLOVER SEEDS for Renovating Old Pastures. Quantity required per acre, 6 lb. to 10 lb. Per lb., U. MIXTURES of the FINEST SORTS for Lawns, Croquet Grounds, Bowling Greens, &c. Per lb.. Is. 3(/, Italian Rye-grass. Perbuah.— «. d. GIBBS' IMPROVED EARLY 6 0 FINE HEAVY IMPORTED 7 0 Perennial Rye-grass. PACEY'S "HEAVY SEED" .. .. 6s. to 6 6 EVERGREEN Ditto 7 0 Clovers. Perlb._». d. FINE ENGLISH RED M. to 0 11 FINE ENGLISH WHITE Is. to 1 3 FINE ALSIKE HYBRID .. .. U.Gd.to 1 9 TRUE COW GRASS 10 RED SUCKLING 13 YELLOW TREFOIL 4us],. . . u . O UTTON S'~GR A S S' S K K 1 1 .S 1 ,. O ifis. per busbol, can CEMETERIES, (IW LING GREENS, per bushel, carriage free. Sow three bushels three bushels per a Royal Berks Seed Establishmeiit, Reading. pURcnASERS""o'f LARGE^OUANTiTfES^Uberailv X treated with. Samples and lowest quotations sent gratis ana post tree on application to SciTOK X Sons, Reading, Rcrks. Buttons' Prize Mangel Wurzel, Turnip, IMPROVED KOIIL KAUI, He. aUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, k_' which raay be had prratia and post free, saTTONS" HOME-GROWN FARM SEEDS aro saved and selected from fully-developed Roots, and Intariably produce heavier Crops than Seeiia saved according to the general custom. SoTTON & SoNEi, Royal Berks Seed EstabUshmeDt, Reading. rnHE LANDS n:T[PKOVEMENT COMPANY^ X Incorporated by Special Act of Parliament in 1853. To Landowners, tub Clebot. Estate Aqints, Surtetorb, 4o., itr Engl, . Wil: The Company advances Money, unlimited in amount, for the following works of Agricultural Improvement, the whole outlay and expenses in all cases being liquidated by a rent-charge for 25 years. 1. Drainage, Irrigation, and Warpiog, Embanking, Inclosing, Clearing, Reclamation, Planting, for any beneficial purpose. Engines, or Machinery for Drainaee or Irrigation. Farm Roads, Tramways and RaJlroads for Agricultural or Farming purposes. Jetties or Landing-places on the sea-coast or on the banks ol navigable rivers or lakes, 4. The Erection of Farm Houses Buildings required for Farm of and additions to Farm Houses and other Buildings for Farm purposes. Landowners assessed under the provisions of any Act ofParlia' ■Dent, Royal Charter, or Commission, In respect of any public or general woiks of Drainage, or other improvements, may borrow their proportionate share of the cost, and charge the same with the expenses on the lands improved. The Company wilt also negotiate the Rent-charges obtained by Landowners under the Improvement of Liind Act, 1864, in respect of their Subscription of Shares in a Railway or Canal Company. No investigdtion of title is required, and the Company being of a strictly financial character, do not interfere with the plans and execution of the Works, which are controlled only by the Government Enclosure Commiasione IR, Esq., Managing Director, 3, Par- B-^ MENT ofAGRfcULTURE, ARTS, MANU- EACTURES, and COMMERCE. ESTABLISHID 1777. Patron— U.R.n. Tbe PaiscE op Walii, K.Q. FALMOUTH MEETING, 1868. rresident— Sir J. T. B. Duciworth, Bart. The ANNUAL MEETING, 1868, will ha held at FALMOUTH, on JUNE 1, 2, 3, 4, PRIZE SHEETS and REGULATION PAPERS for STOCK, POULTRY, IMPLE- MENTS, and HORTICULTURE, may now be obtained from the Secretary, Batb. Inr OIL PAINTINGS, WATER-COLOUR DRAWINGS, and ART MANUFACTURE, from R. R. M. DAW, Exeter. All ENTRIES, except those of Po POULTRY ENTRIES CLOSE MAY 1. By Order of the Council. JOSIAH GOODWIN, Secretary. those of Poultry, CLOSE APRIL 14. Walt, Bath. pOYAL AGRICDLTUR.AL SOCIETY of ENGLAND. LEICESTER MEETING, ISfiS. STOCK and IMPLEMENT PRIZE SHEETS are now ready, and will ha forwarded on application to II. HALL DARE, Secretary. 12, Ilanover Square, London, W. Eixt ^sttcttltural (gazette. SATURDAY, MARCH 21, ISGS. On Tuesday eyening, before a very crowded meeting in the rooms of the Statistical Society, Mr. Caird read a most elaborate and suggestive paper on our recently published AoRicnLTURAL (Statistics, which has since been pubbshed as a pamphlet, under the title of " Our Daily Bread, its Price, and Sources of Supplj'."* Commencing with a description of tho Blue Book in question as one of the cheapest ever issued at the public expense, notwithstanding that it had cost the country 10,000?., this pamphlet deals in a suc- cession of short chapters with previous estimates of Briti.sh agricultural produce, with tho appli- cation of the various rates of produce ascertained in particular in.stances to the areas of the several crops now for the first time ascertained, with the question of our annual consumption, with the sources whence our deficiencies are year by year supplied, with the quantities of animal food 'Oiir Daily Bread, its Price, and Sources of Supply." By jAMKb Caikl). Lundun : LoNQUuis, Green L Co, 300 THE GARDENEER' CHTIONTCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [MaBcH 21, 1869. provided for us annually by our live stock, and with the various modifications of agricultural industry which are indicated as probable by a review of the whole subject. So largo a field will furnish ample ground for subsequent detailed review ; let us for the present confine ourselves to the example here offered by Mr. Caied, of a calculation of our home food supplies as compared with our requirements — a calculation which will no doubt be annually foUowed with increasing influence on the corn trade of the country. After a dis- cussion of the cii'cumstances which affect the year's produce of the country, Mr. Cxi.lRD arrives at the conclusion that the average Wheat produce of Great Britain now amounts to 2S bushels per acre. In 1770 Abtiitje Young had estimated it at 23 bushels ; in 1850, Mr. Caikd, after a detailed examination as Times Commissioner, had estimated it at 26i. Care- ful inquiry and observation lead him to the conclusion that, in the 18 years which have since elapsed, it would not be safe to take credit for an increase greater than 1 h bushel, and even that is nearly twice the rate of progress of the preceding SO years. The produce of Ireland he puts at 21 bushels ; and over the United King- dom the produce of the Wheat crop, therefore, is 27 bushels per acre. Applying this over the ascertained acreage of the crop we have the number of bushels yielded by an average Wheat crop in this country. And, according as the crop of any one year is so many bushels above or below this standard, so is the necessary quantity of imported Wheat less or more than is generally required. Mr. Caikd takes the Eothamstead returns to indicate annually, as they have very fairly done, the character of the harvest. According as Mr. Lawes has declared his experimental plots to have yielded a crop 1, 2, o, or more bushels per acre above or below the average, so have been our imports. Calcu- lating our homo produce in this way, and adding our annual imports of Wheat, it is ascertained that the whole food supply of the country, so far as Wheat is concerned, has amounted on an average to 20,800,000 quarters per annum ; and, taking that as representing the bread which has been annually consumed — for the bread eaten from year to year is believed to bo a very nearly constant quantity (every other article of food being abandoned first) — Mr. Caied finds a remarkable fitness of the varying annual import to the thus determined deficiency or abundance of the preceding harvest. So that whereas on the whole series of the last five years the require- ments thus estimated have been 33,900,000 quarters, the actual imports have been 34,094,000 quarters. Such a fact as this gives confidence in the method by which Mr. Caied proposes to use the annual returns for the future, as a clue to the quantity of corn which each year is needed from abroad. And the following accordingly is his calculation for 1867-8 : — The home produce of last year was extremely deficient. Mr. Lawes' plots yielded 8 bushels per acre less than usual. The crop of the country was thus as low as 9,700,000 quarters, but the annual average consumption is 20,800,000 quarters, indicating a deficiency of no le.'ss than 11,100,000 quarters. There is how- ever a certain efi'ect on economy of consumption, though a small one, produced by a high price ; and this, calculating it at 1 per cent, for every 10 per cent, rise in price, amounts to no less than 1,040,000 quarters on the year. Then, again, Mr. C'jURD assumes that the late harvest of 1867 may have shortened the period till next year's crop is available by eight days. This is equivalent to 460,000 quarters. Deducting 1,300,000 quarters, therefore, for the above named quantities, but allowing nothing for corn on hand last year (for our supplies were virtually exhausted), and we have proved the need of an import of 9,600,000 quarters— or 800,000 quarters monthly. But the imports have actually been 940,000 quarters monthly up to February 29, and the following is the conclusion arrived at : — " Thus far, therefore, the importa would appear to have exceeded our requirements. And if my compu- tations are well founded, the balance required during the six months till next harvest is only 4,OUO,000 quarters. This is a monthly rate of 600,000 quarters, or nearly one-third less than the rate at which, during the last six months, the high prices ruling have brought us foreign corn. In the corresponding six months of last year, our foreign imports exceeded 700,000 quarters monthly, when the price of the preceding six months was 10.!. less than at present. I think, therefore, that no apprehension need be iclt as to adequate supplies till next harvest, and I can arrive at no other con- clusion than that the present range of price is higher than is likely to be maintained." It is impossible to doubt that calculations of this kind, corrected as they wiU be by annual experience, will ultimately come to a very high degree of accuracy and trustworthiness ; and that so far from our annual agricultural statistics being deprecated and condemned, they will be anxiously looked for by all dealers in corn, and they will especially benefit those corn dealers who have the earliest intelligence of the character of the harvest, ;'. p., the farmers themselves. This was indeed insisted upon with great force, in the subsequent discussion of the paper, by Mr. Claee Sewell Ee.id, M.P., who pointed out the need of the earliest possible publication of the returns on this very ground, declaring that the unofficial, and, as they proved, altogether mis- taken estimates of writers in the Times, had lowered the prices of Wheat unnaturally imme- diately after harvest, to the great loss and detri- ment of all needy sellers. We must postpone tUl another week a refer- ence to the meat supplies of the country, on which ]Mr. Caied is equally explicit and instructive. — Nothing could exceed the satis- faction with which the whole paper was received by the learned Society before whom it was read ; and the criticisms to which it was subjected were amply met in the course of the discussion which ensued upon it. We may apply to the whole series of calculations which it contains Mr, Caied's own words, relating to one particular section of his inquiry ; and the very striking passage we shall quote will at the same time illustrate the entire freedom from any political prejudice or bias with which the whole discussion has been conducted by him : — ■' A careful consideration of these figures will bring out many points of interest affecting the revenue and wealth of the country, and the comfort of the people. For it is well that we should remember that every requisite of food or clothing is an annual product of the earth, yielded, no doubt, to a certain degree, in proportion to the ingenuity and industry employed on it by man. But when man has done his utmost, the result is determined by influences beyond his control. In the literal words of the great apostle, Paul may plant, and ApoUos water, but God giveth the increase. Of those substances on which life and health day by day depend, there is every year a new production. There is not a single article of food and clothing that is not directly or indirectly of vegetable growth ; not accumulated and stored away in the bowels of the earth like our mineral wealth, but dependent year by year on the sun and rain in due season. If we draw a line in the column, beginning with 1854 and ending with 1865, we shall find the remarkable fact, that in these 13 years there were 10 good harvests, and only two Ijelow an average. This covered the whole period of Lord Palmerston's successful administration. During these 12 years we had to bear the burden of the Crimean war, followed by the Indian mutiny, and the increased military expenditure begun in 18ii0. From 1855 to the last year, our annual expenditure has averaged sixty-seven millions as against the fifty millions of preceding years, and during that period there has been an actual diminution of taxation of from five to six millions, with no increase in the national debt. Can it be doubted that such a run of propitious seasons aided the gifted minister who conducted the finances of this country to meet successfully our vast expenditure, not only without serious pressure on the people, but with increased development of their industry and resources ?" The Parliamentary Committee, which was appointed to inquue into the alleged necessity of establishing a Foreign Cattle-market, met on Wednesday last for preliminary arrangements. The process was unusually protracted, from its being assumed that the Bill will not only inter- fere with several carrying interests, but also upset the present free supply of animal food to the 3,000,000 inhabitants of the metropolis. Indeed, not only are some of the railway companies on the alert, but free-traders profess to believe that the Bill is a wily attempt to get in the thin end of the wedge with a view to re-establish what they term a system of protecting the British farmer at the expense of the British public. This belief has been expressed from the beginning of this Parliamentary move- ment, and the Committee has been constituted apparently with the view of preventing any such "base and wily " advantage being taken. Mr. Merewetiiek appeared for the promoters of the Bill ; Mr. Ybrnon Haecofet had a large number of clients, for he represented the Great Fastern Eailway, the foreign cattle salesmen, London butchers, and consumers generally ; Mr. Hope Scott appeared for the South Eastern Eailway, and Mr. Wyatt for the Conservators of the Thames. It will thus be seen how many contending interests will tend to obstruct the progress of a measui'e which is really of national importance. Nothing can be more unfortunate than that party feelings, which we had thought were long ago dead and buried, should be imported into these proceedings. An expression of these feelings was pinned on to the fact that Mi'. Meee- wethee, for some reason of his own, preferred not to indicate or declare where the site lay whereon it was proposed to establish this new foreign cattle-market. Whether this reserva- tion was discreet or not will appear during the progress of the evidence ; but we should say the suspicion it raised, and the handle it gave to opposing counsel, was more prejudicial than any frank announcement could have been. The Imperial importance of the principles of this Bdl was satisfactorily proved, both during the progress of the rinderpest and by the scien- tific evidence adduced before the Committee which sat on the cattle plague question last year. This evidence proves that the rinder- pest is never absent from Eussia and the eastern parts of Prussia, Austria, and Hungary, countries whence we now receive oattlo. That it was imported into this country, there is now no doubt. That it is also incurable when imported, there are no trustworthy grounds for denying. Prevention, which is said to be always better than any remedy, is, in this case, there- fore, simply imperative. And, as it is admitted that we cannot do without foreign cattle, the only preventive measui'e we can adopt is to strictly prohibit imported cattle from so mixing with English breeds that contamination would be a certainty when animals are brought from infected districts. This hazard must not be left to the " friends " of consumers and the self-interest of cattle-salesmen, consignees, and shipowners, nor to the agents of the Corporation of London. Ireland has been free from rinderpest throughout, simply because that country was protected by the Privy Council with a promptness and an energy which was not displayed in regard to Great Britain . Other countries were saved the infliction by similar measm-es. If the suffering and loss under the want of proper regulations be con- trasted with the saving which followed the pre- science referred to, the treatment of this Bill by the Committee and the Legislature cannot but be favourable to its principle, huwerer ita details may be altered when the Bill shall be iu Committee of the whole House. To raise an anti-Protectionist's cry against the Bill is as absurd as it is short-sighted. Do consumers desire to have another loss of more than a quarter of a million of cattle inflicted on home producers ? — The direct loss, however, was far from the whole of the injury which the rinderpest caused and entailed on the owners of British herds. It must not be thought that because meat is now much cheaper home growers have recovered their losses. The badness of business, and the want of consumption through the poverty of large numbers of people, are the true explanation of the temporary fall in prices. In Jlark Lane on Friday the demand for both White and Red Wheats was inactive, and no altera- tion in the quotations can be reported.— — Prices remain unchanged in the Cattle Market. On both Monday and Thursday at Copenhagen Fields the supplies of beef and mutton have been fully equal to the demand. Good calves are scarce. -Wool is rising iu value, and the prospect is declared to be tor firmness for some months to come. A conference on the subject of the improve- ment of the condition of the aaricultural labourer will be held at Willis's Booms, 26, King Street, St. James s, S W., on Saturday, March 28, to commence at 1 p.m. Admission to the conference will be by ticket only, which will he supplied on application to Mr. ANDiiEW Reid, the Secretary to the Agricultural and General Labour Institute, 18, Serjeant's Inn, Fleet Street, E.G. At a very interesting and enthusiastic meeting in Exeter last Saturday, a handsome silver c^pergne, for which 2000 labourers and others united iheir contribu- tions, was presented by Sir John Bowring to the Rev. Canon Gihdlestone, in acknowledgment oj tbe successful efltorts which have been so long made by him to raise the condition of the agricultural labourer in his neighbourhood. Of the total soil of Belgium probably not more than one-third is owned hy the occupiers, the remaining two-thirds being held by tenants. The leases are generally for three, si.x. or nine years. In the new- edition of M'CuUoch's ■'Commercial Dictionary it is stated that in Flanders the term is for 7, 11, or 21 years ; but in a tour which we made last summer, we met no farmer who had a lease for a longer term than nine years, and yearly tenants were not uncommonly met with. The acknowledged prosperity of Belgium under such short tenure has been used as an argument by those who oppose legislation on the Irish land question. There are several circumstances in which the two Maech 21, 1968.] countries differ, and which go to show that Ingislation on this question may bo needed in Ireland and not in lielgium. Here it will sulfice to draw attention to the diflerence in the nature of the soil. In Belsium the soil IS generally light, free from stones, and level ; its recamation is easily accomplished. The soil of Ireland, especially that in the hands of the small farmers, is uneven, rough, and diflicult to bring into cultivation ; stones have in many cases to be blasted, heather and bog to be trenched, fenced and enriched. I his work in Ireland has been so difficult that it has rarely jjaid the capitalist, and the greater portion of the reclaimed land of the country has been snatched from its wild state in small patches by the labour of the small farmers. In Belgium the nature of the soil rendered the reclamation comparatively easy and inexpensive, and yet long leases were given to the formers who originally embarked in its improvement. How much more necessary long leases are in Ireland, or a law giving compensation for unexhausted improvements, need not be further dwelt upon. The difference in the soils of the two countries makes a vast difference in respect of the necessity of giving compensation for unexhausted manures. In Belgium the soil may be said to be used as a receptacle for the manure which is so regularly and continuously applied to it ; it receives in the shape of manure as much as the crop takes out of it. So it is with well-farmed sandy soils in this country, they are used as vehicles for conveying food to plants ; they are not heavily and expensively manured at any one time, and what is applied IS soon got back in crops. The bog, heath, and moor lands of this country require not only a heavy outlay in labour in clearing and grubbing them, but also a heavy outlay for lime and other manures. It is unreasonable to expect that these lands will be reclaimed until the landlords shall agree to give to the small farmers security fur the labour or capital invested. A people who have not security for the fruits of their labour cannot be industrious ; and a people who are not industrious cannot be prosperous. Other things being the same, a nation grows in wealth in proportion as its people are industrious. The Belgian farmers are more continuous in their industry than the Irish. What is the cause of this ? Is there any inherent quality in the Irish character which unfits hiui for continuous industry, or is his character in this respect impressed upon him by circumstances? All experience testifies that the Irishman is hard- working, and possessed of great physical nowers of endurance. In America he and his descendants, by their industry and energy, rapidly acquire wealth and inHuence. In England Irishmen advance themselves by their industry to the highest positions of trust and emolument ; and even in industrious Belgium we had the s:itisf;ir'tinii of meeting Irishmen who by their industry li:i(l risen to respectable positions. At home It inili:ii)pily n,vurs that the Irish tenant-farmer is neither fMnt,„.,™o uor skilful in his industry. Ho is in tliLs respect far behind the Belgian farmer; but his deficiency is not always of his own creation lielgium has _ been the theatre of many political changes. The industry of the country received several rude shocks, which all but paralysed it. " Three times within CO years it was ruined; it was ruined very much ofteuer in the preceding two centuries, but always Its wounds heal up, and it takes the road again a continual subject of astonishment and envy to surrounding nations." But while Belgium has seen many political changes, and many of her political masters have injuriously affected her com- merce, the spirit of industrious enterprise has never been driven out of the people. On the contrary it has been fostered encouraged, and protected. The result has been that the farmers respect both the law and the landlords, and they pay high rents. In Ireland the mass of the small farmers are, unfortunately, distrustful of tlieir landlords and dissatisfied with the law In JJelgium there IS no fixity of tenure. The leases are for short periods and, as a rule, the rents are steadily going up. The landlords could dispossess the tenants but there is no displacement of them. S. SHORTHORNS. On "VVednesday next the Miloote herd will, as Mr. fttr.nflord has announced in our advertising columns be disposed of by auction. A full account of the herd appeared in our Paper on February 2a (p. .21/), and last week we referred to one of those distinguished families which the herd includes To another we shall now shortly advert. There are U descendants of a cow named Furhelom, bred by Sir *T J^",',S"V«"y. whose relationships are represented in the following table :— DESCENDANTS OP Fl/JIBBLOW. TTTEGAIWIMS' OHP^ONICLE AND AGI^TrtTT.TTTl^AL aszVim. 301 Tracy for CI guineas, in whose herd Floref, by DotTOLAS (12,714), one of her daughters, was bred, anS afterwards sold with a calf by her side, and at the same time in calf of Harebell, also named above, to Mr. Adkins. It will be seen from the above table that she has been a regular breeder in his herd ; and we repeat the description given of her a few weeks ago. Floret is a big cow, of robust constitution and good tlesh, with an old-fashioned Gwynne head, rather dis- f gured by a pair of coarse, staring horns. Although herself one of the least taking cows at Milcote, her undeniable descent makes its never-to-be-iuistaken mark on her descendants, amongst which rank some very handsome and most valuable young cows. Her daughter Marmoni/, seven years old, red and a little white, by Cherut Duke 3d (15,703), is a grand cow, with vvhose good points, ample proportions and quality, it would be difficult to find fault. She bears inspec- tion alike on paper and in the yard, and will probably prove the vrima donna of JMaroh 25. Her roan daughter. Honest i/, calved April 9, 18131, got by Chantek, promises some day to be as good as her mother. A younger scion of the same good stock is Hopeful, red and white, calved April 1, ISlSB, also by Chanteu. Floret is also the mother of Harebell, a handsome' red and white five-year-old cow, by 4th Duke of Thorndale (17.750), deep and square in her hgure, and with that style and quality which might be expected from so noble a sire. Another daughter is Heartsease, red, four years old, by CHANTER (19,423). She has a splendid forehand, meets you with bosom ample as an Islington prize beast, and withal is level, truly made, and well forward in calf. Still another Floret comes, yclept Holh/hock, three years old, red and white, and, like the rest of the sisterhood, large, widel.y framed, deep, with capital flesh, and great con- stitution. Want of space prevents our commenting on the younger animals of this prolific tribe. Besides a good heifer calf from Heartsease, there are four pro- mising bull calves from Floret and three of her daughters— all of them showing size, constitution, abundance of hair, and plenty of that masculine character which breeders of fashionable bulls are some- times too apt to neglect. We will only add, in reference to next Wednesday's sale, of which we hope next week to give a full report, that five of the cows named in the above family are far gone in calf; one is newly calved, and one was put to Patkician on January 20. They are all in good health and capital breeding condition. The Broad Hinton sale took place on Wednes- day, and Mr. Richard Stratton's herd was disposed of for less money than had been anticipated. Among the heifers prices were 44 guineas for Parade, a 6-yr -old cow; 54 for Queen Mab, bought by Mr. Moore, of Coleshill ; 48 fur Placida : 12. 40, and 45 gs. for yearling bulls Oberon, Argus, and Coronation. The general run of prices lay between 20 or 25 and 40 guineas. ON HOUSE FEEDING. Harmony (9) by CUERRT BUKE 3d (15,783) Floret (5), by DortiLAS (12,-14) ■ HARDrCANCTE (6), by Potentate (22,537) nope/ul (24), by Chanter (IJi,423) Honali/(U), by Chanter (1!1,423) HarAtU (11), by 4th — Hospitalitv (9), by DtTKE OF Thorndale Potentate (22.537) (17,750) ' IJtarUtaK (13), by — Heliotrope (.11), by Chanter (19,423) Potentate (22,537) HoUnhock (IC), by — Harold (10), bv Chanter (19,423) Potentate (22,537) HiLARiTr (14), by POTENTAIE (22,537) Ftirlelom was .Breat-grand-dam of Cold Cream, a well known cow in the late Prince Consort's herd, whose lamil.y commanded such high prices at the late VV indsor sale, tlorimel, another of her great-grand- daughters, was the dam of Floret, whose family arc named above : she was sold at the Fawsley sale to Mr Having read in your Number of the 22ad February la,st Jlr. Willoughby Wood's remarks, iu which he dissents from Mr. Mechi in his advocacy of the house- feeding of cattle, and having had some experience in this mode of feeding, I think it incumbent on me to state for others the result of my experience. I may premise that I was 'induced to adopt this system of feeding by reading Mr. Blacker's pamphlet on the subject, wherein he addresses the small fermer.s on the estates of the Earl of Gosford and Colonel Close, m the county of Armagh. The object Mr. Blacker proposed to himself in writing this pamphlet was to put these small tenants upon some better plan of supporting themselves and their families than they were then acquainted with, and he considered that the best thing he could recommend to them for this purpose was to improve their system of agri- culture, and as he believed that this would be effected if they were enabled to keep an increased number of live stock, and thereby increase their quan- tity of manure, he proposed to himself for solution this question— ' How can the greatest quantity of stock be most economically maintained, and under what management can the largest quantity of manure be derived therefrom ? " and his answer to this question was— By the cultivation of green crops and the house- teeding of. stock." Being satisfied that his solution of the question was right, he earnestly endeavoured to impress upon them the great importance of this system for the improvement of their condition ; and for tliisend used plain and convincing arguments. And as it mav be useful, I shall, if you will allow me, make n, fevp short extracts from Mr. Blacker's address t— " Now " he asserts, " by referring to the experience of all good farmers in all countries, and under all circumstances ■t IS ascertained, beyond dispute, that by the practice of as you have hitherto had by the old." To show the advantage of cutting the Clover and bringing it to the cow, he mentions the case of MoParlane & Feenan. of Drum honey. " They held," says ho, " a divided farm, and had exactly the same crop of Clover, both in quantit.v and quality. McFarlane cut his, and fed two coiTS plentifully in the house. Feenan grazed his, and It proved a short allowance for one." He main- tains that one acre of good Clover and Rye-grass, one rood of Vetches, and three roods of Turnips (making in all two acres, which are now allotted for grazing one covv in summer), taking a stolen crop of Rape after the Vetches, wi 1 afford ample provision for three cows the year round." Such then being the system recommended by Mr. Blacker, and premiums having been offered by the Earl of Gosford and Colonel Close to encourage its introduction among their tenants, in a preface to his address, in order to show its working in practice and rapid extension, Mr. Blacker states that in the first year there were only two competitors, in the second year there were about 50, and in the third year "there could not have been less " (he thought) " than three or four hundred who fed their cattle either entirely or for the most part in the house;" and in the year (1331.) in which he was then writing, he thought there would .scarcely be a tenant on either estate who would not feed his stock on that plan ; and in the appendix are mentioned the names of many tenants with whom the system was successful. It will be instructive to notice some of them very shortly At a public meeting Mr. Greer said "he ascribed the entire improvement in his farm and in his circumstances to his having adopted the plan of house-feeding, which had enabled him to manure his farm as it ought to be." When Thomas Bruce entered on his farm he could not feed more than one cow upon it, but he afterwards kept three cows and a horse, and his land was improved to such a degree that there was more than three times the return from it that it formerly gave; and he wou d be able to keep it in heart by the manure made by house-feeding, without any of the expense for lime which he had been formerly at." Mr. Ingram said he '■ formerly kept but three cows and one horse, but now he had seven milch cows, two heifers, and two horses, and had more grain than he ever had under the old system." These are sufficient as examples. I may, however, add, to show that the cattle were not injured, that Samuel Parks said, " My cows are house- fed, and in capital condition, as my getting a premium shows." .r-^^iif"' y'^^'" 1815, affer 11 years' further experience, Mr. Blacker says :— " I feel convinced that the practice of house feeding would now annually increase, without any. other inducement than the advantage to be derived from it; and this conviction is fully con- firmed by the extent to which it is spreading at present in the neighbouring estates." But enough of Mr. Blacker. A few words now as to the theory. In the cultivation of Grass the agriculturist wishes to increase its luxuriance and consume it in the most profitable manner. The horticulturist, on the con- trary, in the cultiv.ation of fruit trees, is desirous of restraining their luxuriance, in order to make them more fruitful. Their objects therefore being different, their pracnces ought to differ also. But "they both follow the same practice— the agriculturist summer pastures his Grass, and the horticulturist (so to speak) summer pastures, or as he calls it, " summer pinches " his trees. Which is ri^ht ? Undoubtedly the horti- cu turist. He succeeds in his object, whereas the agri- culturist who pastures his land is defeated in his. Why ? Because if Grass is cut down whilst it is growing, before it has attained its flowering state, its g/owtu IS checked and its produce is diminished. And if once cutting down is so injurious, how much more so must be a continual cutting down or " summer pinching" by the teeth of cattle during the whole growing season ! And the agriculturist is also defeated in his object, because great waste is occasioned by the cattle treading down and soiling their food, and leaving much to wither on the ground unconsumed, and by exposing the roots of the Grass to the scorching in- fluence of the sun ; and also because the cattle, by being exposed to the weather and flies, and by the excessive exercise they are compelled to take, suffer much irri- tation and waste of their substance, which must be restored by an increased quantity of food. And more- over that valuable produce of cattle, manure, is in a great measure wasted ; the dung, falling in heaps probably does more harm than good, and although the urine m wet weather may be fertilising, vet iu dry weather it burns up the Grass, whereas the house- feeder accumulates a very large quantity of excellent manure, and utilises it to the greatest advantage And we have the authority of Professor Voeloker for believing that when Grass and Clover are young and immature, particularly if growing rapidly, they are too laxative and unwholesome from the want of elaboration liii^iiii'iiiiilSi ^^„..„ .„„ ...c ,uu^ uLiuio Lu mem ; auu me manure produced by one of these cows so fed, and well bedded with the straw saved by the supply of better food would be more than equal to that produced by three cows pastured in summer and fed in winter upon dry straw or hay, and badly littered. " Here, then," he continues, "are two assertions well worthy 'your serious attention, — first, that three cows may be provided with food in the house all the year from the same quantity of ground which would scarcely feed one under pasture for the summer; and, secondly that one cow so fed in the house will give as much manure as three fed in the field." So that "you would have nine times as much manure by the new method as the plants mature, diminish in quantity, being during the assimilation of the atmospheric food converted into sugar, gum, and other nutritive substances, and the noxious acids are changed— the poisonous oxalic acid being converted into citric acid, and the citric aoid into malic acid, wholesome and grateful acids. On the other hand, the horticulturist succeeds in his object because his constant summer pinching effectually restrains the luxuriance of his trees, and converts wood buds into blossom buds, and blossom buds into fruit and the house-feeder, by differing from the horticul- turist in praotioa as theory instructs him, likewise succeeds in his object. 302 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGT^ICULTITRAL CAZETTE, [MabcH 21, 1868. Having premised this much, I must now speak of my own experience, and state how far the new system has proved successful with me. I cultivate about 5.5 acres of land, of which about 36 are arable, and 19 permanent Grass. When I commenced house- feeding about 20 years ago, the stock fed on the farm was usually 11 milch cows, 2 yearling heifers, and 2 calves. In spring two of the cows and the two heifers were sent off the farm to pasture until the end of summer. The total number, therefore, fed on the farm during the whole year may be set down at 1.3, besides 3 horses and 3 or 4 pigs. After adopting the new system the stock gradually increased, until it now consists of 21 cows and heifers above two years old, 14 heifers under two years, 1 bull and 2 bullocks above two years, and 7 bulls and 1 bullock under two years, making the total number 46, besides 3 horses and about 20 pigs. As the present stock may be a little too large, if we call the number of cattle of all ages 39, it will still be treble the number formerly kept. No doubt part of the increase may be attributed to the consumption of an increased quantity of e.\traneous food, more pur- chased manure, and some improvement in the drainage of the land ; but it is mainly attributable to the feeding of all the stock in the house, both summer and winter. The liquid manure from all the stock, and the drainage from the manure heap, are conducted into a covered tank, and being diluted with water, drawn off by gra- vitation—no pumping being required— and spread upon the Italian Bye-grass and permanent Grass land. Great benefit is derived from this. The cattle tied up in stalls lie on boards, and the young cattle in boxes lie chiefly on spar floors, thereby causing a great saving of straw, and leaving more for food. They are well-bred Shorthorns, and are now all in good health, which is their normal condition. They are occasionally turned out for exercise, but they are always ready to return. Their houses are kept well ventilated and cheerfully lighted, and themselves clean by the frequent use of the brush and curry-comb ; and neither the young nor the old seem to suffer in health by this treatment, but are happy and contented, if one may judge from their placid looks, having nothing to do but to eat and sleep, chew the sweet cud of reflection on their next meal, and grow fat or increase and multiply and replenish the farm, being — And in order to show that their quality has not been impaired, I maybe allowed to mention that they have been pretty successful at the local cattle shows (where alone they have been exhibited) ; and to show that their constitution and fertility have not been pre- judiced, I may state that of the 14 females above three years of age, 13 of them have each produced a calf within the last 12 months, and that I have had a fair demand for young bulls, and those sold, as I under- stand, have given satisfaction. It may be expected that, before I conclude, I should allude shortly to the crops grown. The 36 acres of arable land are divided into nme parts, of which three parts, or about 13 acres, are usually in Wheat, and the other six parts of about 4 acres, are respectively in Italian Bye-grass, Potatos, Mangel, and Swedes, Vetches, Turnips, and Oats, and a " stolen crop " of Bape and Trifolium incarnatum is taken between the Vetches and the Turnips; the permanent Grass land is out for hay, or as much as is required for soiling ; all the fog is cut for soiling, and afterwards in fine weather the stock is turned out to graze upon it, which is, no doubt, beneficial to the health of the animals. Having now very succinctly stated my own experi- ence in house feeding, and referred shortly to that of some others, I trust my remarks may be influential in extending the practice to other farms, either wholly or in part, as circumstances may admit, whereby the quantity of food for the people would be increased, and the farmers benefited by its production. A. Thompson, The Cross, WIMehaven, March 11. No. 7. — Statement of the PoptJiATiON, Area, ; ACCORDINO TO RETORNS (The Area and Acreage BRITISH AGRICULTUEAL STATISTICS, 1867. [We continue the publication of the official tables.] ACKEAOE UNDER CEOPS AND GrASS, IN THE UNITED KINGDOM , i Ceops and Grass, in Statistical Departmen arc stated ' IN VARIOUS Foreign Coun English Statute Acres.) United Kingdom, 1867. Sweden* (in 1867). Norway* (in 18C7). Den- mark Proper (in 1866) HoUand ,P1\ (inl866).|P!;j?§ France (in 1662). Spain (in 1857). Austria tt (in 1860). Description of Crops, &c. Great Britain. Ireland. Total.*' (in 1867). p^^J-jfe, (in 1863). (in 1867). Population, according ^^ to latest Returns j 24,599,654 6,671,971 30,315.072 4,160,677 1,701,817 1,717,802 18,491,220 1,748,328' 4,774,515 3,552,665 4,940,670; 37,547,000 15,673,536 34,432,890 31,445,030 Total Area 56,964,000 20,323,000 77,513,000 101,700,00011 -9,967,736 8,602,937 68,662,743 4,826.823!l8, 776,343 8,209,9927,211,000 132,787,000 120,759 000 116,051,441 1,804,679,040 Crops and Grass H ) 29,831,078 15,542,208 45,491,097 10,767,250 5,606 601 41,173,913 3,010 598 11,049,282 4,521,386' 82,001,408 65.941,608 Com Crops : — Wheat 1 and Spelt . . f Barley or Bere O.its Eye Beiins and Peas Mused Grain .. Buckwheat Other Kinds of Grain 3,367,876 2,259,164 2,750.487 52,865 854,388 261,908 172,637 1,659,412 7.673 13,507 3,640,925 2,439,947 4,421,998 60,618 868,452 95,000 587,500 1,390,250 712,500 135,375 208,625 4,000 10,600 13,7.50 127,250 207,000 25,750 9,000 49,250 119,846 683,245 826,140 518,320 83,027 104,356 44,964 2,848,842 2,279,074 4,558,148 0,837,222 854,663 I 569,768^ 543,686 234,679 320,550 102,864 17,842 80,182 99 14,668 1,041,036 836,450 1,115,015 1,449,929 121,189 4,149 9,615 211,206[ 804,758 104,946! 110,130 235,332 641,347 507,133! 721,492 115,1471 143,904 102,285 170,795[ 60,517 1,708, .. 18,683,435 2,717,478 8,319,6,S8 4,820,745 633,110 678,215 1,672,260 2,848,447 7,311,892 3,182,100 2,96V,863 ll,531,C87j 3,662,164 2,755,415 6,573,921 6,978,008 182,927 1,749,691 614,722 3,967,200 12,304,894 542,175 6,894,091 1,396,123 1,067,084 (Indian Cora, t 18,990,180 Total under Com Crops 9,284,780 2,115,137 11,431,940 3,149,750 492,000 2,380,496 17,947,707 1,314,470 4,676,688 1,346 330^2,484,493 40,273,378| 14,987,542 26,384,108 41,184,547 Green Crops ;— Potatos Turnips, Carrots, ) Mjmpels, Seet, &c. j Rape, Colza, ifec. 492,217 2,447,899 668,047 1,001,545 357.876 72,831 1,500,624 2,818,022 633,150 350,000 1 17,500 Not ascertained. _5 84,809 6,015 67,403 3,418,610 1,139,587 854,052 169,045 60,201 95,023 644,197 159,957 205,818 273,380: 369,850 157,043; 81,947 38,867j 257,327 3,087,017 11,736,938 1,397,288 609,503 1,308,148 46,817 304,279 904,614 < T.iliacco. \ 236,363 Total under Green Crops 3,498,163 1,432,252 4.951,796 367,500 149,127' .5,412,799 324,269 1,009,972 469,29ol 709,124 6,221,243 1,719,244 Flax Bare Fallow Griiss : — Clover and) other GrassesV under Rotation ) Permanent Pasture . . 922,658 3,989,974 12,071,319 253,105 26,191 1,658,451 10,057,072 953,998 6,679,433 22,156,541 ..t 1,000,000 1,260,000 6,000,000 .A 440,453 329,775 2,306,760 ..t 6,263,556 6,127,916 0,431,935 ..t 248,644 254,687 868,628 ..t 1,165,080 718,695 3,678,847 56,770 ! ..t 159,112 221,352! 396,787 771,870 ..t 12,869,655 6,931,650 16,365,482 20,689,050 90,233 7,634,019 1,302,434 28,911,570 i 16,323,852 * Estimate returns, t Included with green crops, t Including gi-een Bean and winter fodder. II Exclusive of lakes and rivers. § The results of the return taken in 1866 published. 1[ Exclusive of vineyards .and Olive grounds. *" Including Isle of Man and Channel Islands. ft Exclusive of Galicia (except Cracow) Bukowina, the Tyrol, and the Military Frontier. Note. — For Russia there are no returns of .acreage under crops, &c. For Switzerland there are no returns of the acreage under each kind of crop — in 1855, the aggregate acreage under com and green crops was 1,435,555 acres ; .and 3,627,431 acres under Grass, meadows, and pasture. For Italy there are no returns of the acreage under each description of crop — tho total area under cultivation is thus divided : arable land (iu- cluding vineyards), 27,507,650 English acres; natural and artificial meadows, 2,933,590 acres ; permanent pastui-es, 13,493,020 .acres ; Kice-flelds, 362,257 acres ; Olive gardens, 1,386,917 acres ; and Chestnut plantations, 1,462,830 acres. ON "EAENING AND LEARNING." [The following is an abridged report of the excellent lecture on this subject, lately given before the Barnstaple Farmers' Club by the Rev. Prebendary Brereton.] That there is a true connection between earning and learning will be readily acknowledged by those who perceive that they both depend upon labour, and that the results of both are in proportion to the amount and quality of the labour bestowed upon them. None will deny that in the long run more and better work will increase the wages of tho earner or the know- ledge of the learner. But, on what principle may we determine, whether more or less of this common labour and work should be directed towards the acquirement of knowledge or the requirements of actual life ? The conflicting claims of school and employment upon the time and attention of that class who depend for their livelihood on daily or weekly earnings raises this question to the fullest extent, and it happens that at the present moment public attention is especially directed to this point. Eut it is clear that the bearing of the question is by no means limited to the labouring class, but affects to an equal degree every grade and the whole community. To determine how much of life's time and energies may be spared from school for busi- ness, or from business for school and study is, perhaps, the gravest responsibility that life brings with it to the man, the parent, or the statesman. And, as a matter of fact, the portion of time and labour that is at the free disposal of all persons and all classes in this country is quite considerable enough to make any principle that ought to determine their choice of the utmost practical importance; and I will, therefore, very briefly say why, with regard to the happiness of any person or community, 1 believe the preference should rather be given to earning than to learning. Eaenino. Earning and learning are both the results of labour. Labour is the effort or putting forth of tho power of a man under the influence, more or less mingled, of when well done, fear that evil will follow if it be not done or ill done. The prevalence of the hope over the fear increases the moral, and in most cases the mate- rial, value also of the labour. In proportion to the willingness will be the result. What, then, is the result of earning on the one hand, and learning on the other ? The proper result of earning is good done to others; the proper result of learning is good got for ourselves. He who earns is rendering a service or producing a work, the test of which is this, that others value it. He who learns is gathering information, acquiring knowledge, prosecuting a work the test of which is its value to himself. This distinction is important to be observed when the tide is running strong in favour of learning as a more excellent thing than earning, and as entitled 10 the higher encourage- ment. In itself it is less excellent just so far as the principle is true that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." But when learning takes the character of earning, when it is aimed at for the results it will yield to others rather than to self, then, and then only, it takes its proper precedence. I do not deny, of course, that knowledge and thought have a very "high value of their own, independent of the use to which the possessor may turn them. For a man's own delight and satisfaction, there is nothing that can be put higher in the scale of desirable objects. But what right has any man to this any more than to lower enjoyments, who has not acquired it by his own previous earning ; or received it as the free gift of those who had so acquired it ? We hear from states- men of high authority the assertion that the people of this country have a right to the blessings (meaning the enjoyments) of education, and on that supposed right is based a supposed duty of others to contribute the cost ; and because they are not yet persuaded to do so of their own free will, t!herefore they are own earnings to supply this right. When that law has once been passed, Englishmen will obey it, and the labouring classes will have acquired a real legal right to the blessings of education. But before such a law is passed it is simply a misstatement of truth to say that any man or child^has a right to any share in what he or his |have not earned. In England a man has a right to food and shelter, but only on the condition of work, and it is to be hoped, for the happiness of future Englishmen, that no right to food or other blessings will ever be granted on any other condition. Taking, therefore, the lowest ground, that learning is an excellent possession, something worth having, there are the gravest reasons for refusing to distribute it gratis, or excessively cheapened, at the public cost. For this is to teach the people that good things are to be obtained upon some other conditions than the labour of the recipient or the free gift of the donor. Farewell to all public morality, and all national happiness, when the mass of the people shall have learnt to claim blessings of body or of mind as a right other than that which has been accorded to them by the free will of those who have, according to free laws, earned or inherited the means of granting it. But after all, the view of learning considered as a blessing or an enjoyment is so inferior to that which considers it as a trust or an earning, that I prefer to argue the qnestiou from this higher view. So far as knowledge is the result of some natural superiority, some peculiar gifts of intellect, it may be considered properly not as an acquisition, but as a talent, for the use of which the possessor will be held answerable by the Giver. But so far as know- ledge of any kind is the result of hard labour, it may be considered as an earning, in that it is a production that has an exchangeable value, one for the use or share of which other earners will be willing to give au hope and fear,— hope that good y^l\\ come of his work I to be compelled by a law to give up some of their I equivalent. Or if the result of the labour is not so Mabch 21, 1803.] THE GAEDENERS' CKRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 303 much ail appruoiable amount of knowledge as a general improvement of ourselves, our capacities, our manners, our tastes, the true test of that imiirovement should be that it will have made us so much more useful or pleasant to others that they will gladly con- tribute iu exchange something that they have them- selves by their labour produced. For this is the real meaning of earning, and that which distinguishes it from all other getting and taking. And, therefore, to acquire anything for ourselves only which others will not care to have from us, or which we are not willing to let them share, is getting, not earning, and has in it au element of selfishness and evil from which all true earning is perfectly free. I am disposed to believe that wherever knowledge loses its value to others, or is not allowed to be by them used or shared, it ceases to be that good thing commonly meant by learning ; and, like many other misers' possessions, is soon wasted and lost, not to others only, but to the selfish possessor himself also. Compulsory EDUCATio>f. If I have been right in the foregoing principles, it is clearly a mistake to encroach upon earning for the sake of learning, or to interfere with tlie services that through their several occupations, trades, and pro- fessions, the people are rendering to each other and to the nation, in order to promote by compulsory means the enjoyment of knowledge. We are justified in denying that it is the duty of the State to levy by taxation funds for teaching, or to assign by legislation hours for learning, if those funds and those hours are thus withdrawn from the ordinary course of earning. Because learning, if it is to be considered as a benefit to the possessor, should be attainable only as the reward of previous earning, and cannot be on any sound principles a matter for public cost and compulsory levy. There are, indeed, some who maintain that school education is a public necessity, which, like safety of property or person, cannot be dispensed with on the one hand, or left to private enterprise on the other. But this doctrine is more easily asserted than proved, and at all events is one which neither we nor our fathers have yet acknowledged. I confess that if I believed with some that a complete and stringent system of public education would remove ignor- ance—the chief cause of present evil, and not be itself a cause of greater harm to national life, I should be deterred by no consideration of cost from urging it: immediate adoption "" ' " " " IlMt, f..' Conclusions. But my time runs short, and I must state the con- clusion at which I have ventured to arrive as to the true course which one would wish the notion to follow on this great matter. Recognising that public educa- tion is in itself most desirable, ana that the opportu- nities of instruction should be placed more than ever and as much as possible within the reach of all, yet not so as to interfere with sound principles of free earning and learning, I turn to other public require- ments of a similar kind, and ask. How are they .sup- plied without the evils of a state system ? Public health ^ is at least as important as public instruction. How is the cure of disease pro- vided for? By the great public profession of medi- cine, depending mainly on the free payment of patients, but encouraged and sustained also by con- siderable endowments, in the shape of public hospitals, lie, and iu the case of the paupers by public grants. The members of the profession in its higher and subor- dinate ranks spread themselves over the country, carrying all the resources of their art with them. The preparation for their profession has been made at their on^n cost, the prospects opened by its emoluments being enough to attract into its ranks persons from the middle and higher ranks in sufficient numbers to make it unnecessary to charge upon rates or taxes any sum for the training of doctors. Why may not the same result be brought about in education by taking pains to extend the profession of teachers ? The first thing wanted is a vigorous administration of i charit'aiJly''provided fully, both in peace iind war, when the great proportion of bor statosnion ami generals wore utterly unable to road or write, (lallant knights who commanded large armies were as Scott describes Sir William of Doloraiuo, who, when sent on a n to the monk of St. Mary's aisle to obtain the i h ho was strictly charged not ti» road, exclaimed that i— _ person eould possibly have been entrusted with the ion, for " Letter nor line know I never a one Wer't my neck-verse" at Hairibee."t tint ttt.'^" jiicn were not so incompetent and '"'^"'''"^"" '" ' ' !■ ! '"'l in those d.iys did not cut such a '" ' ' " I ii^ of the civilised world. If any '■ "'' '" ' ; ' i ir.tus industry and independence of Lh i( i.^t. r ( in.i I il^ I" II l.jnrc in a nation is intimately con- iKctoil witlj iiscn.sij lit inilL-iicndencc in the individuals compos- ing it), that IS a very different thing— no nation can long maintain an honourable position-no nation can maintain safety at home or reputation abroad— whose character for honourable mdependenee is deteriorated. These are no now views of mine— some years ago I said that the tendency of our present educatiomal griints seemed to bo to teach the lesson that the parents were less interested than the rest of the com- munity in industry or self-denial for the benefit of their children. I will not, however, further trespass on your time, but move " That the principle of general compulsory education for children at the expense of the community at large, and still more at that of the ratepayers alone, ia unjust to the payers.as imposing on them the double burden of the education of their neighbours' children as well as of .their own ; and is demoralis- ing to the recipients and their piirents, as teaching them that the law absolves parents from the responsibilitv of nrovidinir f.^,. t^n^^ +1 ^ 4-1,., 1 ,^..1.. J._ .t ll. _-. _i ... ^ . " than the bodily wants of their children, encouraging them to expect further relief from that duty likewise. That such education, grudgingly provided and thanklessly received, would, unlike education either „ . ,. , - . ,, - . - 1 41 i .1 u ,, '^•'^ritably provided or independently earned, tend to alienate existing endowments, on the principle that they shall . from each other more than to unite the different classes of the be.made really productive of public benefit. In Devon- 1 community." A second resolution- "That, religious instmc- shire alone, the income from various charitable endow- I tion apart (for which separate [provision has been made by the ments is returned as exceeding 25,000?. What right have I *^''*!' from education, in the sense of a mastery over the ole- we to make any charge upon present Uxesor ratesbefore S,=:\^\f,-tt°f^^^^^^^ " e are quite certain that this munificent provision of the mass of the population than irood industrial training : tiS, our toreiathers for us, their children, is so adminis tered as to produce the greatest amount of public good' It would, I believe, appear by careful calculations that - under the heads of endowments, voluntary payments , '° preference and subscriptions, and the actual public grant, ample funds exist to maintain a teaching profession adequate to the full requirements of the case. But iu order that the ranks of the profession should be filled from those I the population than good industrial training ; that the two are far from being incompatible, but in so far as they may practically be found so, industrial training, as distin- iiished from_ excessive, or premature, or infant labour, should schooling" — w ^omt dovvesponlfEnce. , . . 4 ■ ,., „ ,i , 4, - vi -A-ir Drainage.— If my inability to see any similitude classes of society which can afl^ord to bear the cost of between an impervious glass bottle and a bed of soil the preparation, a few necessary steps have to be taken, at-rated by drainage, is evidence confirmatory of the n...o4.= whichlwiU onefly indicate: In the first place, the ignorance of which I am accused, Mr. Smith must have Who would grudge thecost if he I P"'''"' grants or endowments should be directed rather that advantage, for I am free to admit I neither see the were persuaded that, because this one thing is not done 1 ^° pensions than to present maintenance. An eventual likeness nor the aptitude of such a simile ; for I have therefore sorrow is increased and misery spreading P certainty or the reasonable chance of such certainty is never said, nor do I believe, that the sides of a drain Ti,„ t.„„ „„„„.:„„ 1 :, _.4 , ,, p, the prospect that induces parents who have capital to are impervious, or that it is necessary to admit air into invest that capital in preparing their children for one drains to secure the passage of water and air through career rather than another. In the next place, pro- the soil to those drains, but that, contrary to the vision should be made for making this ultimate pension views of some persons, I had found that the direct depend on two conditions: first, proved qualiflca- admission of more air (than already existed) by tion for teaching, and second, proved results of , .shafts, to long main drains in flat districts did teaching ; both of these to be ascertained and certified in certain cases, and under certain conditions, secure a by public examination of the teachers and the taught, quicker discharge from them than had taken place 1 venture to think that if schools were left quite free, before such additional air was admitted. I specially but encouragement given to teaching, and the results used the word " voided " in the first case I quoted, at o. teaching properly ascertained and rewarded, every the same time observing that the water being held in lamily m England would find a qualified teacher so the drains while the tide was above the outlets, it was anxious to give eementary instruction at the lowest most desirable that the discharge should be as copious rate, tbat if the children did not, for any reason, go to and rapid as possible between the tides, so that those theschool, he would look them up in their own homes. : periods (which were the only opportunities of drain- In this way learning and earning would be heartily , age) should be taken the utmost advantage of ; and co-operating ; the teachers being themselves connected | I stated that I found this object was better effected with the employers of labour would, while pursuing by the direct admission of air to the main drains their calling, and fulhllmg the requirements of their I than by trusting to the permeation of the profession, under the guidance of the most enlightened i soil only. This I repeat. In the other case an publioopinionneverthelessnotneglect,as is too much I intermittent or unequ-al discharge was changed into the case now, the application of their teaching to the ■ ' ' ■ ... .,=„., requirements of real life. They would try to make their pupils better labourers as well as better men. It is through the employers that the true blessings of The true question, however, is not one of financral difficulty but of moral principle, and political expedi- ency in the higher sense. Is it right and is it wise to transfer from the parents to the state the moral obligations of bringing up their chiMron in the best way ? A moral obligation is one in which a choice is freely left to the person under it of doing right or ■wrong; and this choice will not only ultimately depend upon the character of the chooser but will be a means of forming that character. A bad man will no doubt on the whole choose the wrong, and a good man the right. The utterly bad should for the sake of the com- munity be.deprived of their power of choosing, since the consequences of their choice may be expected to be evu for others as well as themselves. The thoroughly good, on the other hand, might be disposed to surrender their right of choosing on the modest assumption that the collective wisdom of the community would be more trustworthy than their own. But after all, what a small proportion of the whole community is composed of the thoroughly good or the utterly bad. And for this great mingled mass of ordinary men can it be desirable that they should be deprived of one of the most wholesome checks on what is evil in them, and encouragements to what is good, which the responsi- bility of parents in the matter of the education of their children imposes ? That responsibility is the strongest and noblest stimulus to earning; men never work harder or more cheerfully than when they think of theu- children ; and as life begins to wane no satisfaction can attend a man's later years equal to that of havin" honourably and by his own eUorts educated— t e in plain English, well brought up his family' Compulsory education has a direct tendency to sap this great foundation of wealth and happiness— the respon- sibility oi parents. 'Will the knowledge that it gives be an adequate compensation ? Again, compulsory education must, from the nature of the case, come in conflict with religion. Religious teaching must be more and more kept out ol new schools and thrust out of old ones, as these schools are made to depend upon taxation Everyone who is compelled to pay a school- rate will have a right to object to his money bein" applied to the teaching of anything that he himself believes to be false. Hence, Conscience Clauses gradually more and more stringent, must arise. But besides the objections that may be urged against com- pulsory education, on the ground of its interference hrst.with parental responsibility, and next, with the religious element in teaching, there is another that should not be forgotten : while it displaces one set ot influences it replaces them by another. As the parent and the religious minister retire, the state schoolmaster, the inspector, the minister of edu- cation come forward. Who can say that no results will foUow affecting seriously the spirit and character the whole people? Suppose the system complete, and that tor five hours iu every day and for five y ears of hfe evep' English child is put into this state mould, how much of the independence-how much of the onginahty the enterprise, the versatility — how much of the hearty work and hearty play that have made England up to this time great and glorious, will remain ? or, again, let me ask, where is the mind that IS to guide this great machine so as not to do this mischief ? a constant and equal one without any other effect as far as I knew. And this, I repeat, was the case. These results, from the admission of air into drains, which I saw and recorded some years back, have led me since education can best reach the employed Middle-class [ to adopt in long flat main drains (receiving the rapid chools, colleges and universities would produce, at the lowest cost, and with the least public inconvenience, enough teachers for all below them. I have the right to say " at the lowest cost," for I may lay upon your table, gentlemen, with some excusable pride, the report of the directors of the Devon County School, of which I have the honour to be Chairman. It tells faithfully the actual result of that experiment up to the present time, and it will, I think, convince those who may care to peruse it that it is possible to provide an education of no low standard, and with no aggravation or evasion of religious difficulties (for Dissenters send their sons as freely as Churchmen) at a rate most moderate to parents, and yet so as to be self-supporting and to yield some interest on the capital. Discussion. After a short interval. Earl Fortescuk rose and said : I have seen with great regret the tendency to the advocacy of compulsory education. I think that is partly the result of something like panic. A leap has been irretrievably taken, and it seems as if those who hurried on the taking of the leap arc a little alarmed at what they have done ; and in the haste, which is not alw.ays the test of real speed, are anxious now as a precaution to thrust education violently upon the whole population of England at the public expense. Though I have been for a quarter of a century an earnest advocite and a strenuous supporter of education, I think we must not over-estimate the effect of book learning. That which nearly 25 years ago to a certain degree diverted my thoughts from education, and gave me another subject to divide my attention and advocacy with, wjis the discoveiy that the circumstances of the home had a great deal to do with the formation of the character of the child— the discovery that the state of filth and degradation in which large masses of our own countrymen were living, was such as to neutralise in great measure by the lessons of the home the .admirable lessons taught for a few hours orally or by books at the school.^ A compulsory rate for teaching reading, writing, and ciphering, is not all tbat is required to maintain at its present level, and elevate, the national character. I believe, with my 'rev. friend, that eaniing is quite as essential to the maintenance of the national character as learning. I know that England was great and glorious, and that her affairs were managed, according to the lights of those diys, very nflux of water from numerous minor drains with greater inclinations) weUs or shafts, which serve as watch-holes to see if the drains are doing their duty while they admit air, with any advantages, little or much, which may attend the admission. If Mr. Smith doubts the facts I have stated, as his words would almost imply, of course 1 have nothing more to say on the matter, beyond remarking that after 25 years earnest study of drainage and kindred subjects, I have come to the conclusion that although the laws of Nature are immutable, the con- ditions and circumstances which govern them are so minute, diversiform, and subtle, that it requires all the powers of the human mind to search out and account for differences found to exist ; and that any one who would dogmatically " lay down the law " rather frustrates than advances the subject under discussion. It is because I view the question in this light that I am content to state, without attempting explanation, the facts I have mentioned. Upon one point Mr. Smith and I are quite agreed. There is no doubt in the world that with proper deep cultivation of the soil — the breaking of the pan and the stirring of the subsoil — air will readily penetrate it, and its under-drainage will be effective, and that, except in special cases, where from ihe position of main drains it is desirable to aid to the utmost the discharge of water out of them, the direct admission of air to drains is uncalled for. In I'j cases out of 20, where drainage is not eU'ective, it results from the deficient stirring of the surface soil, and Mr. Smith himself has done much to promote this essential step by his advocacy of steam-cultivation. /. Jlailei/ Den/on, 22, Whitehall Place. Theory of Drainage. — In your Xumber of ilarch 10 (p. 243) there is a short article on the theory ol under-drainage by XIr. Bailey Denton, in which he • The begirmingofthe 51st Psalm, " Miserere mei," anciently read by criminals claiming " benefit of clergy."^ f The place of execution at Carlisle for the Border ma- rauders. 304 THE GARDENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGEICULTUKAL GAZETTE. [Mabch 21, 1868. seems puzzled to account for the iutermittent flow of water in certain cases, and recomiueuds tlie drains to be ventilated. Perhaps my e.tperience may be of some service to Mr. Denton ; for as Partridge said to Tom Jones, " Polly malete cry town is my dashkelon," which he interpreted to mean that a child may some- times teach his grandmother to suck eggs ; so if Mr. Bailey Denton will excuse the apparent presump- tion I will endeavour to account for what seems to puzzle him. Many years ago, on putting up a hot- water apparatus to warm a large buildmg, the mechanic who had the care of the arrangements came to me to say that the job was finished, but although there was a pressure of something like 20 feet between the outflow pipe and the pipe which returned it to the boiler, yet when the fire was lighted there was no circulation. Suspecting the cause, I told him to go carefully over the range of pipes with a spirit-level, and ascertain whether the fall was continuous through the whole range. He did so, and came back to say that he had found one joint where the inclination was in the wrong direction, but no more than the eighth of an inch. I told him to break that joint and make the fall continuous, and when he had done this and lighted his fire, the circulation was everything that could be wished. Some time after thi.s I was consulted by a friend, the late Mr. Horsfall, of Burley, on a difficulty that had occurred to him in the Tconstruction of some waterworks which he' was erecting to supply his village— the spring which supplied his reservoir was 15 feet above it, but not- withstanding the 15 feet of pressure the water only flowed through the pipe in driblets, and he was afraid the scheme was going to be a failure. I found, on inquiry, that although there was a total fall of 15 feet, as he said, yet there were several undulations between the spring and the reservoir, and that the pipes had been laid at the same depth from the surface all the distance without any reference to these und ulations : the pipes consequently undulated also. Kememhering my own case, where a thin stratum of air, not more than the eighth of an inch in depth, was able to resist a pressure of nearly 20 feet, I concluded the same cause prevented his success, and recommended him to dig down to the pipes wherever there was one of these bends, and drill a small hole in the pipe to allow the air to escape. He did so, and the water flowed through the pipes as it ought to do with a 15 feet pressure, and he had no further trouble with his scheme, because although in dry weather, when his supply did not quite fill his pipes, the air would accumulate in the bend, yet this was rectified in two minutes by opening the small holes and allowing the air to escape. Now for the application to Mr. Denton's draining. If in a flat country the fall is not continuous, but slightly undulating, there will be an accumulation of air in the bends, which the subsoil, if stifl", will retain there so long as little water is running through the pipes, there may not be much pressure on the air in these joints and the water may flow, but let there come a heavy fall of rain which fills all the pipes, this water will press upon the air in the elevated joints, which will react on the water in the pipes. All this is very capable of easy proof: let Mr. Bailey Denton fix a tub with an undulating pipe attached to it, and a tap or plug in that end of the pipe fi.xed in the tub ; let him then open the tap as widely as possible, and notice the flow of water passing through the pipe in a given time, then let him bore a small hole in the crown of each bend, so as to allow the air to escape, and see if the flow of water is not very much increased by his doing so. T. G. Young 'Wheats in Lancashire.— Owing probably to my bad writing you have made rae godfather to a state- ment which I did not intend to make. I did not mean that I have often observed thick seeding on Moss and fen lands in early spring, but that the young AYbeats look well, as I have often noticed is the case in early spring with 'Wheats on Moss and fen land, and that the crops in the district are generally too thickly seeded. The full stop (p. 278) should have been after the word "spring" in the paragraph. Moss and fen lands are not to be called good 'Wheat lands in the Ormskirk district, although in spring the young "Wheats usually appear to be far more promising than those on the clays ; but towards summer the former fall off, while the latter improve and surpass the former in quality and produce. W. S. B , March 11. Thin Seeding.— 'When farmers in the north are told of the small quantities of seed used and recommended by some of the southern correspondents of the Agri- cultural Gazette, they don't stare, nor express surprise thereat; they only treat the statements as pure fables. They cannot imagine that the cereal seeding of an acre IS ever to be told by the peck. And what may we suppose, on the other hand, will Mr. Mechi, Mr. ■Wilkins, and those southern farmers who use the minimum quantity, say to us in administering (Oats : we are not much used to Wheat) 0, 7, and 8 bushels to the imperial acre ? For my own part, it is not that I disbelieve the possibility of those small quantities seeding an acre that makes me think that anything like such an extreme as 1 or 2 pecks could ever be wisely adopted as a general practice; but I cannot understand the practicability of depositing it properly ; and further, the seed and young plant are liable to meet with enemies. On the other side of the question, however, I consider myself better able to form an opinion, and indeed I have formed an opinion and have had to modify it more than once in my experience. In general I have been an advocate of thin seeding, that is, as compared with others in ray own district. I have on each side of me neighbours who maintain that less than 7 bushels an acre is not to be thought of; and many an argument have I had with theni on the subject. Five and a half to 6 bushels sown broadcast with the hand has been for some years my average. But the question is one not to be settled by any superior judgment nor arbitrary opinion ; no, nor yet by any special experience. Circumstances of soil, climate, and tillage are the chief elements that must decide what is to be done. It is a serious considera- tion the quantity of grain that is swallowed up in the rate of seeding that I have mentioned ; yet we must take care, in urging a diminution of seed, that we do not endanger the diminution also of the return. The drill sowing machines which have for years past come so much into use among us do certainly commend themselves as a rational design. By means of them the seed is even more equally distributed than by broadcast sowing, be it ever so perfect ; as with the latter, were there no other unevenness, it will be gathered in occasional masses by means of the horses' hoof prints. There is, besides, the saving of a large quantity that would lie unburied, and be either devoured by the rooks or die after germination for want of root. By the use of the drill it is generally allowed that IJ to 2 bushels an acre can be saved, and in certain circumstances the crop will be superior to broadcast sowing with the larger quantity. In certain circumstances, I say ; but the season of 1867 gave us too good cause to be wary in taking for granted that the said circumstances were at our command. Last harvest I could have ta'ken a pretty wide circuit in ] this district, and found almost every alternate field drill sown and broadcast ; and, reluctant though one is ' to do so, there could be no help but pronounce that, in | all but exceptional cases, the drill sowing was a positive disadvantage. 18S7 will long be remembered in this country for its want of sunshine through the summer ; and it was the fact of being 10 days or thereby earlier that chiefly gave the thick broadcast-sown fields an advantage over the drill sown. No doubt the season was an exceptional one, yet exceptional cases must also come into the account from which general rules for guidance are to be deduced. One thing then to be noticed is that there is a much higher tillage required before we can very much reduce the quantity of seed. The short-sighted thrift of withholding a bushel or two of seed will not tend to enrich us. We must at the same time bestow, say, three times the value thereof of guano or other manure. By this means we may look for a crop to repay us. The seed can bear to be less thick, as it will be stimulated through all its stages to ripeness, also there is room for a superior ear, with- out which the grain is never of fine quality. J. A., Aherdeeiishlre. Surface Drainage.— My friend, Mr. Mechi, does not help his case a bit by comparing his 7 feet 2 inch flatly ploughed stetches with the Midland Counties' " mounds and valleys," for it is just as wasteful to let water run away along furrows and water furrows, from nice flat 7 feet 2 inch stetches, as it is from mounds and valleys. Mr. Mechi has told us that the water does flow away along his furrows and water furrows, and therefore has shown that he is wasteful of this water. I have told you that in years gone by the water used to flow away along furrows and water-furrows from my heavy clay land, and I have also told you that for more than 12 years (the time during which my land has been under steam cultivation) the water has not flowed away from my land, and that furrows and water-furrows have not been needed. I will give you a bit of evidence to show the wastefulness of letting water run away along furrows and water-furrows. It is the practice in this neighbourhood, and in many other clay-land districts, to manure "Wheat stubbles for Beans. This manure is generally ploughed in in November and December. The rains that fall after this ploughing where furrows and water furrows are used always bring a lot of black-looking water from under the furrow slices (whether it be from "stetch" or " mound ") to the furrows and water furrows which run on through them to the ditch, and away on to the sea. I have seen and remarked upon this waste many a time, and for over 12 years I have stayed the waste on my own land by a deeper and better system of cultivation done by steam power. William Smith, Woolston, Bletchleij Station, Bucks, March 17. High Farming.— I should apologise to your readers if in trying to compress what I haveto say within reason- able limits, I am not so explicit as might be, or so plain in my statements as to be fully apprehended at a cursory glance ; but if " "West Indian," who complains of my figures in your last Number, will again look at what I wrote at p. 218, he will see that I was taking the average of the three years' cost and returns of stock, and that I intentionally charged the horse keep as part of the year's labour, and did not charge it as food for stock, though I did reckon the produce as part of the manure made. I was endeavouring to show in that Number, as in the following one at p. 27-i, how far high farming, such as Mr. Mechi's and others, in addition to being a benefit to society by increasing to an enormous extent the annual produce of corn and meat, was also highly remunerative to the occupier ; and I hope that "West Indian," or any other gentle- man who will give himself the trouble to read them over carefully, will be led to the conclusions that I have arrived at, viz., that on the generality of soils, even without manure, an average annual crop of corn may be secured by clean cultivation only ; that this annual average may be increased by the use of manures, if not indefinitely, at least one-half — /. c., to GOO in lieu of 400 sacks per 100 acres cultivated; that this extra produce will, when the price of corn is high, pay for artificial manure, but not with low prices ; that, on the other hand, the growth of fallow crops and their con- sumption together with purchased food, by fatting stock, will so nearly pay for the extra expenditure of trouble and capital as to leave the resulting manure on the land either gratis or at a very trifling cost; that by properly feeding this stock, and taking care of the manure made by them, the increase in the following corn crop may be calculated within a bushel per acre. and consequently valued to the tenant; and, lastly, that the only hindrances to the general introduction of this higher farming are either the want of knowledge or want of energy, or want of capital in the occupier, or the want of the necessary buildings or security on the part of the landlord. They say that figures may be made to prove anything, and that, no two farms being alike, there is no judgment to be formed from averages. For this reason I have made use of Mr. Mechi's published accounts, leaving every man to adapt them to his own experience, his own soil, and his own climate. Should he do so honestly and sincerely, I have no doubt each in his own neighbourhood will find the problem answered in the same terms as I have done in mine. If only farmers would turn their thoughts to these investigations, some good must eventually arise therefrom both to the nation and themselves. J. B. M. Farmers' Clubs. KiNGSCOTE: March 10. —At the late monthly meeting of this Association, Mr. D. Holborow, "Vice- President, in the chair, Mr. Dobson, of Calcot, read a Paper on The best si/stems of Breal-ing-np and Pre- paring old Sainfoin for the Root Crop, from which we make the following extracts. He said :— The growth of Sainfoin is a great feature of the Cotswold hill farming, therefore the breaking up and managing the same has been often considered. I will place the ditferent systems under three headings : — 1. Paring and Burning. 2. Subsoil Ploughing. 3. Ploughing and Pressing. 1. Faring and Burning is the system most practised in this and most other districts. It is a safe aud good preparation for the root crop, although an expensive one. Few agricultural operations, even long after they have been practised with marked success can be said to be so firmly established as to meet with universal approval, and this accordingly has shared the fate of other agricultural practices. The process I need not explain, but will merely state its cost— taking my calcu- lations from my own experience the past season on a piece of worn-out Sainfoin. The piece treated as above was half of a 34-acre field, which had been down to Sainfoin for nine years. As one might expect, the Sainfoin was really worn out, the laud much overrun with black Grass and Couch. The early part of last season was very tedious for such work, considerably increasing the expense :— R;iftered twice, at 6«. per acre £0 12 0 Breast ploughing and burning 0 19 0 One clean ploughing .. .. .. .. ..0100 Straw ;_ 0 10 0 Two tinea with heavy drjigs, at Is. C(/ 0 3 0 Various draggings, harrowing, and rolling ..140 Drilling with ashes 040 Manure to the value of .. ..110 Total cost per acre £-5 3 0 Perhaps I may have charged rather high for horse labour, but I found, when working the turf for burning the horses require more keep per acre than on the ordinary work of the farm. 2. Subsoil I'loughing : I am afraid I am using too strong a term, for the mention of subsoil ploughing on our thin soils seems ridiculous. The piece treated was the remaining half of the 31 acres. The first week in December I began ploughing in the turf, and burying the top sod by first opening out a furrow as you would before ploughing for Wheat, then skimming the turf olT as thin as could be taken 08' clean, a second team following the first drawing a furrow as deep as the thin nature of the soil would allow, completely burying the first lurrow— the deeper in reason the better, as it buries the turf much better, and forms a cleaner and altogether finer seed-bed. I might mention, although the breaking-up was began in December, from various reasons it was not finished until February, the part ploughed ea,rly being much better to do than the piece last ploughed, owing to the roots getting but little hold of the land, and requiring less working. My plan for the future tillage of the land was to work it on the top with the drags and cultivator, as you would Wheat land, but the continued hardness of the surface soil, sometimes when not too dry, had made the land firm, and the covering of the manure in this way was impos- sible. To plough was the only chance, and to do this too deeply would bring the turf on the top, causing double the expense in having it to burn, besides leaving the land too light and hollow for roots, &c. I had the land ploughed as light as possible, to move the soil well without bringing too much turf on the top, and, the weather being very dry, I kept the roller going imme- diately behind the ploughs. The first six acres I planted to Swedes on the 10th of June, drilled on the flat 22 inches between the rows with bones and Proctor's superphosphate, at a cost of 42s. per acre for nianure, with four cartloads of ashes drilled on the piece, harrowing up behind the drill, leaving it in that state for two days. By doing this any piece of Couch or other weeds left on the top might be killed. I then rolled it down, and rain commenced immediately after the remaining 11 acres were sown the same as the above. Planted with green round Turnips C acres on the 4th of June, the remaining 5 acres on the 18th June ; manure the same as for Swedes. I will give you as correct a statement as possible of expenses under the system : — 1 clean ploughing at 10s. per acre . . . . £0 10 0 2 skim ditto at Ss. ,, 0 16 0 Dragging, h.arrowing, rolling . . . . . . 0 4 0 Drilling with ashes . . . . . . . . 0 4 0 Manure to the value of 2 2 0 2 scarifyings at 3t'. per acre 0 6 0 Total cost per acre £4 2 0 On comparing these figures with the former, there appears a balance of 1/. Is. in favour of the latter system. Maech 21, 1868.] THE GAT^DENFES' CTTRO^^nT.E AND AOmCULTiniAE GAZETTE The balance in the flrst instance would shoiv a decided advantage, if it only stand the test in the future crops, and as yet I have no reason to doubt it, the land beinR all planted to Wheat and Oats, and all that is above ground looks promising, I might say I have charged the same price per acre for working under the latter system as the former, which, I think, I ought not to have done, the latter not requiring near so much power, I might consequently have made a difference, which would have left a larger balance. Six acres of the Turnips were planted on the burnt ground, at the same time as the like quantity of the other ; consequently, I had the advantage of watching the result. The roots, being planted in very dry ■weather, were a long time in commg up, the Turnips on the piece plouglied coming up much sooner and more even, owmg to the land being fine, maintaining the lead both before and after hoeing. All the field was more or less troubled with the wireworm, the piece burnt being much the worst. The weight per acre I could not show, not being able to weigh them, owing to some of the land losing plant; but judging from appearance, I should say the crop was decidedly in favour of the latter system. It must be borne in mind the last season was favour- able for the growth of roots on such land ; had it been otherwise the result might have been different. The Swedes were all fed off by the middle of December, therefore I could not say how they were likely to withstand the frost; but judging from appearance, I do not think either the Swedes or early sown Turnips on either piece would have kept, owing to being forced to a large size and quick growth, neither do I think there would be any difference between the two. 3. The third part of my paper will describe simply the ploughing up the turf with a single furrow and using the land presser. This is a system as yet very little practised in this district, yet in the more northern counties it is the one most followed in breaking up pasture land, evidently with marked success, and 1 think it is worth consideration. If the land be toler- ably clean the expenses of breaking up would not be heavy, and I have no doubt a crop of Oats taken thus would be good, which would certainly pay for seed and labour, and 2/. per acre for the summer's Grass; but if the land be foul I am afraid the result would be different, and the crop scarcely pay for seed and labour, and it would leave the land in a more filthy state than before, owing to the soil being loosened by the plough, encouraging the growth of Couch and other weeds. Such land as I have alluded to we generally find stand the strain put upon it in the course of cropping under the present systetn of burning; but the question remains, Does this good result arise from merely burning the turf and applying the ashes to the soil? I very much question it; and think it is more from the freshness of^ the land after a long rest, and from the Sainfoin leaving in the land what some of tho follmviug crops require to feed from. "We find on light land in this neighbourhood the turf when ploughed under decays very fast, and by the time the first crop is off is in a fit state to be brought to the surface and mixed with the soil in the shape of decayed vegetable matter, instead of ashes ; and we see no reason to doubt its standing the test in the after crops. but seldom or never from singling when small : the hand-hoeing has I believe as much attention paid it here as anywhere, and but little is given to horse-hoeing. The horse-hoe, in my opinion, is the most useful implement we use in the after cultivation of our roots. I never saw any bad result from its use even in the very driest season, but the little use made of it on some farms is very marked. I think two horse-hoes on a farm of 500 acres arable, kept constantly going in dry weather, none too much; but the work is too fre- quently entrusted to boys, and the result in many instances is a waste of time in having the work im- perfectly done. Mr. BuKNETT proposed a resolution conveying the opinion of the Club that the breaking up of old Sainfoin under tlie sj'stem of paring and burn- ing is very expensive, and being dependent on the weather, the crop of Turnips is very un- certain, and that the system of trench plouehing (as it may bo called) recommended by Mr. Dobson, from his practical experience, might be adopted with very great advantage where the soil is suitable. This resolution was adopted, and after a vote of thanks to Mr. Dobson the proceedings terminated. IJlCbl'fiDS. The Journal of AqrlcuUure. March. l.')0. Fleet Street. This monthly number contains an interesting account of French researches into the agricultural services rendered by birds through the destruction of insects. Mr. "Wilson, of Jlelbonrne— a correspondent of M. Floreut-Prevost — suras up the results by the assertion that^" The little bird is our only safeguard against a pest which, but for it, would soon become overwhelming. "Were we all to resolve ourselves into one great sparrow club, we should all in a few years perish from famine." Mr. Read's paper before the London Farmers' Club, on the transit of home and foreign cattle, is the only other agricultural paper in the number. Journal of the Bath and West of England Soeietij for the Encouragement of AQrieulture^ Sec Vol. XV. 1867. W. Ridgway, 169, Piccadilly. The current volume just issued contains, besides the reports of the Society's proceedings during the past year, and a collection of extracted essays in the Note Book, p.ipers on Town Sewage, the Influence of Summer Temperature on the Wheat Crop, the con- ditions influencing the spread of Contagious Diseases, Pisciculture— or, as it is here called, Aqueculture ; a report of a lecture on the Sources of Nitrogen in Crops, and reports of previous publications on Steam Culti- vation. The paper on Town Sewage has been publistied separately, and was referred to last week. Mr. Clarke's paper extracts the temperature of the summer weeks from the Oardeners' Chronicle, and the reports of the Wheat harvest from the Agricultural Gazette during 22 years, and directs attention to the relation- ship between the two. "What are the lessons deducible from our figures giving the temperature and cropping of 22 years ? We A few words before I close, on manuring, time of ' ^''^ ^^'^^ mae years had a summer temperature above sowing, and after cultivation. The kind of manure to i "^^ average, and Vi had a summer temperature below apply to our root crops I must leave, being myself' the average; but it does not appear that precisely all slightly interested in the trade. For my own part, I the harvests of the plus series were better than usual, should never buy a cheap or rather low-priced article, while all the harvests of the minus series were worse for I am convinced a good and genuine superphosphate "^.^'J , .*,'^® , ''^^."B^- . '^^^ general law, however, is AvBRAOE Summer Temperatct^e cannot be made at anything like 61. per ton. If we want a genuine superphosphate we must have it made solely from bones, and bones of themselves cannot be bought at much less than 9.1. a ton ; tlii established. The nine warm summers gave six Wheat crops of more than average productiveness, whereas the 13 cold summers gave only three ' over average' Wheat crops. On the contrary, the nine warm should give us an idea as to the manures we buy. I summers gave only three harvests below the average ; think it would be most to our advantage to buy a good I ^^^ ''^^ 13 *'ol'' summers gave only three harvests over article at a good price ; if we wish to adulterate it we 1 ''° average. Moreover, none of the very best crops can do so in the field, saving the cartage and 61. for the trash ; and I am convinced one-half the manure now offered to the farmer, instead of being worth 61. or 8/. per ton, is not worth 3?. As to the quantity of manure to apply to our root crops, I am an advocate for a liberal use of it, and instead of 2oj. per acre— too commonly used— I should recommend 4.5s., or more, independently of the manure from the farm. And on our light soils success or otherwise depends in a great measure on the successful cultivation of our root crops for maintaining our flocks. Some of our large farmers would say, the cost I advocate would be ruinous and useless, as from the quantity of manure now used the roots are found suffi- cient to maintain the quantity of stock kept, but I am satisfied that by a more liberal use of artificial manure much heavier crops of roots would be grown, increasing the quantity and value of our stock, and consequently increasing the produce. The time of sowing must be regulated by the season and forward state of the land. I am myself an advocate for early planting. I generally find Swedes planted the second week in May do as well and gene- rally better than when planted later, although we frequently see and hear of great failures on the early- planted roots. For early planting the land must be clean ploughed early in the fall, with a good furrow. Where a large quantityof roots are grown, by beginning planting the second week in May we may finish before June, which I think quite late enough ; but if we begin planting in June, as some would recommend, and the weather unfavourable, a portion must be very late. In the first instance, should the plant fail, we should then have the chance of planting again to Swedes. In the latter case we must depend entirely on Turnips, but it is useless to plant early unless the land be thoroughly clean and manured liberally. On the after cultivation of the roots I will say but a few words. It is wise to give a good seeding, and hoe early ; I have frequently seen a fine plant of roots spoiled from neglect in hoeing came in cold summers, but in the very warmest ; and again, none of the very worst crops came in warm summers, but in the coldest. So far, then, the facts establish that, as a general rule, a high mean tempera- ture in July and August brings a good Wheat crop, and a low mean summer temperature brings a deficient W^heat crop. "Now if the modifying influences which spoiled three out of nine Wheat crops in the warm years, and improved three out of 13 Wheat crops in the cold years, are such as were perceptible and could be taken note of during the growth or ripening and harvesting of those exceptional crops, it is very evident that observers at the time could have properly valued a harvest by applying one general rule, and making necessary corrections and allowances on account of the peculiarities in the condition of the crop or of the season. And to show that each of the exceptional crops was produced under influences that were openly apparent before the harvest was garnered, we will collect the cir- cumstances together before the reader's eye :— Ve.vrjs of More than Average Summer Temperature. Wheat crop. Over average Very much over average Under average Ordiaary heat, but rain less than the average. Moderate heat ; harvest late. Crop spoiled by excessive rain, and a wet harvest time. Moderate heat, but a very mic- cessive quantity of rain. Less rain than usual. High temperate, and moderate rainfall. Moderate rainfall : but the crop was injured by excessively hot days, and too rapid ripen- ing in July. Degrees under average. Wheat crop. Remarks. 1848 u Uuclcr average Under average 1 ijj Under average : Excessive rain. 1 Moderately 1 A scanty rainfall, good. »T0 Over average ' Heat slightly below the average, I but rainfall deficient, and 1860 4i Very much Very chill summer, with oxces- under average sivo rain. 1861 "i Under average, Slight deficiency of heat, and only half tbc usual rainfall : but the crop h.id an exces- sively thin plant. ISBL' '2-i Under average, Moderate rain. 1863 IS'U H Very good Under average Slight deficiency of heat, but the summer specially dry ; only half the usual rain. 18G5 1^ Very much Not a very great deficiency of under average heat, but an excessive rainfall. 1800 h'a Under average Moderate rainfall. 1807 Under average RainfaU over an average. Thin plant. " We draw from these figures the conclusion that the general character of a Wheat harvest may always be estimated as 'average,' or ' over ' or ' under ' average, according as the mean temperature of July and August is greater or less than an average, provided that due allowances are made for the favourable or unfavourable condition of the plant after the vicissi- tudes of winter and spring, for the wetness or dryness of the summer and harvest, for any special state of the weather at flowering time, for the lateness of the harvest, or the shortness of the interval between blooming and ripening, for mechanical damage by storms, and for more or less than ordinary attacks of mildew, blights, and parasitic and insect enemies." There are thus a large number of provisos to be borne in mind, but provided the plant arrives at July 1 in a sufficiently promising condition, then we may, accord- ing to the character of July and August in respect to temperature alone, confidently predict the yield of the harvest of the year. That is Mr. Clarke's position. Farm Memoranda. West Gloucestehsiiire : Jl/arcA 17.— The means at our disposal for the manufacture of superphosphate are very simple. As we have no cistern suitable for dissolving bones in, we make a kind of pit at one end of a covered shed, and we find that this answers our purpose very well. Before we begin to dissolve the bones— which, by the way, we buy ready crushed— we wet them with water enough to thoroughly moisten them, for by this means they absorb the acid much more freely. We then let them lie a day or two in a heap, and afterwards proceed as follows : — We lay about 1 cwt. of bones in the bottom of our pit, and from a watering-pot with a rose on the spout we pour over them about \ cwt. of sulphuric acid. When the first layer has had its share of acid, it is thrown up against the end wall of the shed; and another layer of bones is put down and treated in the same way, and so on till we have used up all the bones. We then cover up the heap of pulp (for it has now the appearance of that more than of bones), first with old bags, if we have them, and afterwards with a covering of dry field ashes, in order to prevent the escape of the fermentation, which soon becomes very great indeed. Having thus covered up the heap, we let it remain for 18 hours, after which time we uncover it carefully, so as not to let any of the ashes get to the mixture ; and if there should be any bones that are not properly dissolved, we take them out, and give them an extra soaking of acid, saved back for the purpose, and then by putting them into the middle of the heap they become as well dissolved as the rest. Alter having done this we turn the heap over, and again cover it up as before, and let it remain another 48 hours, by which time it is ready to be dried off. To accomplish this we mix with it some very fine dry field ashes, burnt black, selected in the autumn especially for the purpose. These very soon absorb the moisture from the mixture, and in about a fortnight the whole gets dry enough to grind. Having no proper mill we use an old Turnip grater instead, and though this cer- tainly does not grind it quite so fine as it would be if we bought it ready made, yet it grinds it quite fine enough for our use. Before using it on the land we add to it guano of the best quality in the proportion of 1 ton for every 7 tons of crushed bones, and a like amount of nitrate of soda. With this description of how we make our superphosphate, I send an account of how much the whole thing cost us. 7 tons of crushed bones, at 8/. per ton . . . . £.'i6 0 0 3 tons sulphuric acid, at T/. per ton .. .. 21 0 0 1 ton guano, at 14^ per ton .. .. .. 14 0 0 1 ton nitrate of soda, at 13^ per ton .. .. 1,3 0 e 12 tons field ashes, at 4/. per ton 2 8 0 Carting bones, iic., 14 miles, at 5s. 6d. per t^n 3 0 0 Uo. 12 tons field ashes 300 yards, and screening 0 10 0 3 men dissolving bones, one day at 2s. 6d. . . 0 7 0 2 men turning over heap, h-ilf a day at 2s. n 2 0 2 men do. do. li day, and mixing in dry ashes .. .. .. .. .. .. flfiO 3 men grinding artificial m.anure two d.ays . . 0 12 0 2 men mixing in guano and nitrate . . . . 0 6 0 £111 17 6 J. W. [What is the weight of the mass when ready to drill ?] Miscellaneous. Oloucestershire Farmino Cuitomj.— With a Lady- day taking, the in-coming tenant takes to all the hay and straw at a consuming price, and pays for all acts 306 THE GARDENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mabch 21, 1868. of Imsbandry done to the root crops, with the full amount expended in artificial manure during the last year, and for all winter ploughinRs, manuriugs, young Clover, &c. When bones are used, an allowance of three years is made. With a Michaelmas tenancy the in-coming tenant takes to all the hay and straw at a consuming price, and pays for acts of husbandry and for manure used on the root crop; the out-gomg tenant has the use of the barns, &c., to thresh and market his corn, make bis cider and perry, and for other work. The Candlemas takings are the same as in Herefordshire. Most of the Cotswold farms are let on lease, but the farms in the other portions of the county are more generally held as yearly tenancies. The landlord usual!? makes the repairs to the home- stead, the tenant doing the hauling and finding straw for thatch ; the tenant also maintains the interior of the house, and repairs the gates, fences, &c. At a discussion of this statement before the Gloucestershire Chamber of Agriculture as to the point " At a Michaelmas taking, who does the fruit belong to ? several members said " It belongs to the out-going tenant." Mr. C. Cadle said undoubtedly the fairest plan was to appoint a valuer, but often an awkward in-comer thus took advantage of a yielding out-goer. It was agreed that the out-goer must remove the fruit before Michaelmas, or the in-oomer claims it. Mr. Morris said that had been the oustom, but the matter was geuerallv arranged by agreement. Farmimj Customs of Staffordshire— 'T:b& farms are usually let on annual agreement, the entr.y being at Lady-day. A 13 months' notice to quit is being intro- duced. The incoming tenant pays for all necessary acts of husbandry done on the farm for the young seeds if not stocked after the 1st of November, for a proper proportion of the unconsumed hay and straw, the growth of the previous year, if properly ricked and thatched— two-thirds of the market value of hay, and one-third of the market value of the straw. Allowance is made for lime and raw bones extending over three years, and on many of the largest estates, under recent agreements, purchased manures applied to roots and Grass consumed on the farm, and for part of the pur- chased corn and cake, if consumed by sheep and cattle, are allowed for. Draining is usually done by the tenant, the landlord finding pipes. An allowance is made for this extending over four years, but if the tenant pay for the whole, seven years are allowed. Eepairs of buildings, gates, fences, &c., done by tenant, landlord finding ma- terials in the rough. The out-going tenant takes an awiy-going crop of Wheat, the breadth sown being in proper proportion to the rotation adopted, usually two- thirds after a dead fallow, and one-half after a ley or brush crop, less the reaping and weeding. Game usually reserved by landlord, and on the best managed estates tenants are allowed to kill rabbits from November to April. Siaffords/iire Advertiser. PARIS EXHIBITION, 1867. "PREMIER PRIX." The SILVEK MEDAL for EXCELLENCE of QUALITY. SUTTON & SONS vcA from the Imperial Commission orapiinying their Silver Medal and Have rocently i ail Official Letter Diploma, announcing the Award of THE PREMIER PRIX, FOR THEIlt GRASSES AND GRASS SEEDS New & Superior Parm Seeds. .SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN. FRANCIS & APvTHDK UlCKSON & SONS, The "Old Established" Seorl Warehouse, IOC, EastgalB Stteat, :iDil The *' ITpton " Nurseries, Chester. ['IIH'RD DESCRIPTIVE CATjU,OGUE of New and Superior FARM SEEDS will be sent Pcist Free on application. Mixiures o£ GRAS8 SEEDS for formanent Turf and for Rotation Crops are made up to suit ovory description of boil .and Climate, and of vorv superior quality. Una Samples of all the CLOVERS, NATURAL GRASSES, clbas and psee 't&Rl??|'irNG'Er«ndTher R0"0T.CR0P SEEDS of most To the Improvement ol the different varieties of TUR-J^IPS, MANGELS, he. F. S A. D. S Soss have for many years devoted special attention and care, and their Seeds of these are ol very Superior and hlgh-class character. »■ „ *„ Special e.tiinates lor very large quantities. Orders amounting i-o ;£2 Value (Grain, Potatos, ic. excepted) wU: be delivered Carrlajo Free at the principal Railway Stations in the Kingooii^ To improve Meadow Land. PUCHARD SMITH'S MIXTURE of the finest V> GRASSES and PERENNIAL CLOVERS (8 to 12 lb. per acre, at 9(i. per lb), if sownearly, will cause a valuable improvement to tho , Seed Merchant. Worcester. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXPOSITION, ^ ENGLISH Awarded (as Being the ONLY COLLECTION SEEDS to which a SILVER MEDAL see Official Catalogue, British Section). [Translation.] *' Imperial Commission, Paris. " Gentlemen,— I have the honour of forwarding you the Diploma of the Silver Medal which has been awarded to you. " I add to this Diploma the high opinion and com- mendations which have been di-awn forth by your exhibit in your special department, open from the 1st of April to the .31st of October, and which have influenced the FINAL DECISION of the INTERNATIONAL JURY. A FIRST PRIZE-GRASSES. "Receive, Gentlemen, the assurance, &c. " Le Conseiller d'Etat Commissaire General, " F. Le Play. "Messrs. SutroN & Sons, Reading, Great Britain." BUTTONS' PERMANENT PASTURE GRASSES AND CLOVERS Grass Seeds for Permanent Pasture. RICHARD SMITH'S MlXTUllKS of the PERENNIAL GRASSES (lod CLOVERS are carofu to suit all kinds of Soil. Price 26.*t. to 3«8. per acre. PRICED LIST on applicatio- Rici . Seed Mcrcaant, Worcester. I central . top- Notices to Correspondents. A Good Word for Irelawd : ^'arbcrtlt. We have sent your letter to the author of the article. AoRicuLTUBAL STATISTICS: T G. Clitheroc. The suEtgestion to which you refer will be found on p. COS of our vulume for 1851, where 5'ou proposed that returng of tUe Wheat and other crop3 should be made to son ofBce by the churchwardens of every parish. Bones: R. DorHt, who asks if any correst)ondent of th AffricuUnval Gazttte can advise him as to the best plan of pi-eparing bones for manure, will find a report on the subject at p. 305 of the present Nutnbt Guano and Salt : A D D. You may n dressing for Oats and Barley— 2 cwt. a mark on the crop. The salt will, bowuvec, L-.vLupi. .u i.vii- i cases, act only as a diluenc of the guano, enabling its more , even distribution over the surface. HicH Farmiko : J B M. Had we had your address we should have explained the appearance of your note at p. 304, It appeared to us less No. 4 of the scries than a special memo- randum requiriner a place of its own. L(ME Exempt fro.m Toll: R. The following is exactly a cmc iu point:— At the Crewkeme Petty Se?siona lately. Mr. Edward West, collector of tolls of the Merriott gate, was summoned by Mr. Samuel Lawrence, of Merriott. for Illegally demanding toll. Defendant compelled complainant to pay toll for a horse and cart laden with lime which com- plainant was about to use as mapure for improveme^it of his lands. Under the Act for creating the Crewkerne Turn- pike Trusts, " lime for improving the land " was declared to be exempt from toll. This Act was repealed by a new Act In i8-_'5. By the General Turnpike Act, 3d George IV;, c. 124, lime was made liable to toll. By the 3d and 4th Victori:v, c. 51, it was enacted " that nothing in the General Act shall extend to enable any collector of tolls under the authority of any local Act to take or to demand toll tor horses or carriages employed iu conveying lime on any 1. OTIFF CLAY SOILS, to be m^t with in the London, O Kimmovidge. Oxfbrd, and Lias clays. SUTTONS* BEST MIXTURE lor tbese Soils, 3u.s. to 33s. per acre. SUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE for these Soils, 24s. to -iGs. per acre. BUTTONS' cnEAPER MIXTURE for ihcso Soils, 21s. per acre. Cairiage free. 2.~QTIFF^or HEAVY LOAMS, of the same foimations, O when they have been subjected ' ->—-•-* —' NATURAL GRASSES : their Namos and Derivations i Quality. Produce, Elevation, Situation. Sod, Use, Pocaharity, Season, Growth, Increase. Time of Flowering. Price, &c. Free for one postape stamp. BicaARB SuiTH Seea Merchant, Worcester. GRASS the ^ tJ T T O N S' PARIS EXHIBITION, 18G7. The CRYSTAL PALACE. | "" "" And the leading Seats 1 _ Price 21s. to 32s. per acre, carnatie free. SoTTON & Sons, Readiug, Berks. OITTTOXS' FINE GRASS SEEDS, for CKUJKKT O GROUNDS. BOWLING GREENS. GARDEN LAWNS, ftnd CROtiUET GROUNDS. ; • - "-- ^- "- ^"• i by SiTT and the principal Li und, Lotnlon. ickut Ground, Oxford, Prices and particular 1 P.iiks in Kngliuid Sutton & Sons, Reading, Berks. 1 post free. Qood Clover Seeds at Market Prices. QUTTON AND SONS can supply Jine cle "^ *■ ^RASS I TREFOIL prices, which Sutton fit Soi SEED of . ALSIKE I PERENNIAL WHITE samples if desiied, may be Uatl 8eea Merchants, Reading. Kye-grass for Early Sheep Feed. OCTTONS' IMPROVED ITALIAN, the best and O most ,,rortuotive in Cultivation This yanety was used in the ^/K^\S''fenfaT.k"h"BrX'pirSeS"pe'r^^^^ by the 1-"=>'g„,';^"^'=|ttseed Growe,s^Readin„^ t surface admixtures and SOTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE a Soils, 308. to 326. per aci i6 Soils, 248. to 2Gs. per ac or these Soils, 218. per t (^ OOD MEDIUM LOAMS, on the Mails of the Okl ,, , , T and New Red Sandstone, the G.iult, iko their I SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE for these Smli ' SHTTONS' GOOD MIXTORE '— •' ""• tumpikc road for the improvement of land, *hen they n exempt from the payment of toll by any local Act then force, or which were e.Kcmpt from payment of toU by, any local Act at the time of the passing ofthe3dGeorBeIV.,sinqe repealed." The Crewkerne Act of 1805 having been put in force at the time of tho passing of tho 3d George ly although repealed by the Act of 1 " " ' ' 4 T IGHT SANDY SOILS, on New Red Sandstone, I i Sands of the Inferior Oolite, Soils visited by Sand Drifts, aa at Cheltenhain and Gloucester; ajso thMe covering up the Stiff MUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE for thi " "IXTUREf Carnage free. HARP GRAVELLY SOILS, such as the PUnt Gravel Drift which overspreads so much of tho Southern and :. OJ SUTTON mrt of England. > 328. per I SO'f toSs' CHEAPElTMIxfURE for these Soils, 21s. per acr Carriage free. e^^HALKY' SOILS, as the Mountain limestone, the \.J Oohtus, and the Chalks Proper, where not too elevated. SUTTON.S' BEST MIXTURES for these Soils, 308. to 32s. per aere. SUTTONS- GOOD MIXTURE for these Soils, 21s. to 2Cs. per acre. BUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE for these Soils, 21s. per acre. Carriage free. 7. QHEEP DOWNS.— The Elevated and more Exposed O parts of the Oolites, such as the Wolds of Gloucestershire, the CoLfwoW Hill, and the Plains of Wiltshire. SUTTONS- BEST MIXTURE for the above, 30s. to 32e. per acre, uu o., ueui^e . . i SDTT'ONS" GOOD MIXTURE for the above, 248. to 268. per acre, the Bench §ecWed SUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE for the above, 2l8. per .acre. empt from toll nndcr the 3d and 4th that lime Victoria, c. 51. " | g. -ITTATER ARE : W Brntcn. Give some cooling medicine, such aa the VV IrriRation foUowing :-Nitrate of potash, 6 drachma ; cream of tartar, | SUTTONS' BEST MIXTTmE for the abo^^^^^^ 26s. to 2.%s. per Carriage free. MEADOWS, and Land under Improvement of Grass Lands. O U T T 0 N S RENOVATING MIXTUBB IMPROVINa PASTURES Sutton & Sons, Reading. Berks. lUTTONS'^MIXTUR^S^nf CLOVEUS and ilYE- ■■ ^,,, .,-,^„ ,„!•!, r,.,.„ fr,r n nrnn of Clover, &0,, wllioU ,.,. ^ ,i. ;,,'...'!,,. ■.,..■,,1,,;, -umI 111 the foiiovv'\iig soar. . , ; . i: ,~ ].-jis. Sdttons' Mixture), oM -iMiN \\\ l':-ii i;.\^-- tML-s.-^r.s. Scttons' Mixture), generally give H lb. ■ peck of Rve-giJiss pe it can be supplied. order, and the proper quantity will be %* Those wlio require Soeda *" "" Clover Lnywiil save til fur their soil, by orderi the above-named Mixtures for the iiuQiboi will often stand tor thr The foUowlnc sorts are included, and BROAD ilED CLOVER I BpUND COCKSFOOT well:— s FECIAL CONTRACTS made for Large Quantitifs 4 drachms. May be dissolved in waterand given to th^ 1 SUTTONs; QOOD^BnXTUREfo^^heab^^^^^ mare to drink, and repented three times on alternate days. If inaufficient, a little blood c;xn be taken— about 5 lb. ; or a mild dose of physic given— 4 or 5 drachms of Barba,doe3 Aloes. The mare will, however, require to be taken up from Grass to be bled or physicked. Sugar Bbet : Cor. Our advice would be to sow al once in any sheltered garden comer, and if necessary protect by scat- tering straw over the young seedlings as soon as they appear. They will be good plants by tho middle of May. Then having previously deeply tilled your land and applied 5 or 6 cwt. of bone-dust per acre, give a last good deep ploughing when the land is moist, and dibble in the plants a foot apart in every furrow-slice as it is turned over. iVnd depend upon haud-hoeiug alone for summer tillage. Tillage : .V 2. The word depends for its meaning on the custom of the country : and the best plan for you to adopt la to engage the services of a man who Is accustomed to yaluatiops between outgoing and incoming tenants in your part of the country. SUTTONS' Selected MANGEL WURZEL, TURNIP, and other FARM SEEDS, as see SUTTONS' NEW FARM SEED LIST, Gratis and Post Free on application. (^ Alt Goods Uarriage Free, except very small parcels. Five per Cent, discount allowed for Cash Payment. STTTTON AND SONS, ROYAL BERKSHIRE SEED ESTABLISHMENT, READING. FeSSnNIAL .lo.(COW GKASS) SHEEPjS FESCUE YELLOW TREFOIL ?^f Pff UTF°r RAS3 MEADOW FOXTAIL \ ITALIAN BTh-GRAbb The quantity required per aero is one busliel, weighiuB about ' 'or AS.s' aud'cLOVEa'sEEDS, for Three or Four TealV L,y.-The sorts contalued In this Mixture are somewhat similar to tho pre- oedliie, but the quantities of Permanent Grass Seeds are lucreuseii, to Insure the continuance of the pnsture for three or four sears. The quantity required per acre is Wo bushels. Price 22». pCr acre. ^ These Mixtures are highly profitable producins enormous crops of Grass or Hay, but must not be expected to form Permanent Pastures. Friim Mr. William Joke ., -., . K. P- Monkton, Esq., Fineshade Ahlyiiy, iVmiKford. "Messrs. Sutton,— The Clovers nnd Grass Seeds supplied by you durini! my residence hero, 1601 and 1»C5. have given every satis- fiction ■ indeed, in 1866, when all around me seeds were a failure. I had such an abundant crop of your seeds that out of 60 acres l mo»ld 20 acres twice in that season, and the mowmRs together areTaaed quite three tons per acre."-Royal Beiks Seed Establish- ""pRICKD"tlSTS of other FARM SEEDS gratis and All goods carriage free ; '''^^SoTTorj & Sons, Rojal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading, . discount allowed for cash March 21, 1!6S.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. RAYNBIRD, CALDECOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited), Address, Si), Seed Market, Mark Lane, B.C. , Samples and Prices post free on application. Frizo Medals, 1851, for Wheat ; 1852, for " Excollont Seed Corn and Seeds." NEW and GENUINE SEEDS.— Selected stocks of MANGEL WUftZEL, TURNIP. &c., also superior mixturoB of Indigenous GRASSES and CLOVERS for laying-down Pei-maneBt f astures on any soils. Evoi-y variety of Seeds reciuislte for the Farm and Garden. CAT A LOGUKS post free on application. ",B. Vidolai ---.-^- =-'- -- N.B. Vido large Advertisement for testimonials, &c.. in Garden* Je Marcli 14, page 2(il. 3ARR1S0X & So\, Midland Seed Warehouse, Leicester. T HE PAXTON GARDEN MANURE ia the most ical and powerful Fertiliser ever, known for Vegetables, Flovfers, Fruit Treas. Grass liawna, Ac. It is inodorous and portable. To bo had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, W Co., late Alexander & Co.. 22, James Str '"" * " Agents Wanted in every Town where no: applied during the months of Febiuarj- and Marc NITRATE of SODA is the best Manure lor top-dressi Care should be taken in the purchase of Nitrate, as it viir quality. It can be supplied from my Stock, London, Liverpool, and other ports Adelaide Place, London Bridge, L AWES' MANURES were the first Chemical Artificial Manures manufactured .and introduced, and have been in use for 27 years. The supply for the present seaaan Is now ready for delivery, at the Factories, Deptford and Barking Creeks, all in flrst-rate condition. ' Factories. The report c Wf rks, I can certify that the Superphosphate now sent out (Vom the bulk is a dry, well-made, superior Artificial Manure, and is in escel- - lent condition for delivery." These Manures can be obtained of Mr. Lawes, or through the appointed Agents in all parts of the United Kingdom, at prices varying according to cost of carriage. Genuine PERI"" UaatATE of SC Chemical Manure: AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, Joun Bkn.set Lawlb, 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, B.C. ; L'2, Eden Quay, Dublin: and Market Square, Shrewsbury. PETER LAWSON and SON, the Queen's Seedsmen, Contractors, 20, Uudge Row, Cannon Street, E.C. (opposite the City Terminus), London, and Edinburgh. PHOSPHO GUANO as a MANURE for USE in GARDENS.— This Guano has been employed with very marked success in Nur- sery Grounds and Gardens, the effect on Vegetable Crops and Florists' Flowers being, in frequent instances, astonishing. It is well deserving of the attention of Gardeners and Amateurs, as the produce is both earlier and larger. Frequent application of the Guano, dissolved in water, is must effectual. A specially prepared, very pulverulent Guano, is sold for the purpose, ann may be had through any of the Agents appointed for the Sale of Phospho Guano, iu tins of 1 to 141b., at Gd. per lb., or from the Contractors direct. THE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (Established 1840) Have now ready for delivery in di'V fine condition. CORN MANQRE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, lor Dressing Pasture Lands SUPERPIIOSPUATES of LIME PREPARED GUASO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Use Geniune PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA Dock Warehouse ; SULPHATE of AMMOWIA, FISHERY E. Po a. Secretary. i conP.dently recommended : Pasture, £8 per ton ; Meado £3 lus. per ton, cash. SPECIAL MANURES also carefully compounded for CORN, POTATOS. TURNIPS, and other crops. Fricert lower than usual this year. DISSOLVED BONE, guar.anteed entirely from Bone, containing 31 per cent. Phosphate, made soluble, and 13 per cent. Phosphate, neutral, j£6 10«. per ton. cash. DISSOLVED RONE ASH, 38 to 40 per cent. Phosphate, made soluble, £0 per ton. cash. PERUVIAN GUANO, NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, POTASH SALTS, RAPE and RUBSEN CAKES, both for Manure and Feed ; LINSEED and COTTON CAKES, Ordinary and Decorticated, all of best quality. Lists on application. Henry Richardson, Manure Works, York. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. ^ *^ ok) TUE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— 100, Fenchurch Street, London. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch— 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin, Edward Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brightoi Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot, Herts, Robert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Griehall Grange, Essex. Charles Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hildersham. Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross, Lincoloshire. Charles J. Lacy, 60, West Smithfield. Manaoing Director — James Odams. /?o» A- ffr^— Messrs. Bametts, Hoares, & Co„ Lombard Street. A'o^iciio/s— Messrs. Kingsford & Dorman, 23. Essex Street, Strand Auditor— J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company waa originally formed by, and is under the direction of agriculturists : clrcumsUncea that have justly earned for it another title, viz.— "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company." Its members are cultivators of upwards of 50,000 acres of land which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the consumer h.is the best guarantee for the genuineness and eflUcacy of the Manures manufactured by this Company. Particmars will be forwarded on appUcation to the Secretary or may be had of the Local Agents. C. T. Macadak, Secretary Chief Offices— 109, Fenchurch Street, London, E.C. poco Beautiful Flowers -Beautiful Flowers. NUT FIBRE REFUSE for SALE, ri,i. pur Waggon, and 2s. per Cartload. This U.SCIUI in.'itonal— the superiority of which over Manufactured Manures for stroiigthoning the Growth and Improving the Blossom ot Flowers, is now fully established by testimonials ft-om floriculturists and Gardeners frum all parts of the United Kinildom— is highly recommended for Potting and Striking all Soft-wooded Plants, as It prevents the cuttings from fc-izging ordampingoff; and may be had in Zuantltios of not leaa than two sacfes, dehvered free to any of the london booking offices, at 2s. Ct*. persaok, each containing 6 bushels, sack included, on reoopt of post order or postage stamps, addressed. Patent Cocoa Fibre Works, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, London, E, COCOA-NUT REFUSE is becoming soaroe, the old reserves will soon be gone. Now sold in bags, 1 for 2a., 10 for 1C«., 20 for 303., 60 for 66«., 100 for £6. Fourpence allowed for each bag returned carriage-paid. A Railway Truck-load (not in bags), 40«. Postage Stamps or Post-offl( Order, payable to J. Babsuam Co., Kingston-on-Thames, S.\ U K 8 G Used by many of the leadii and other Bligh in solutions of from 1 to 2 ounci to the gallon of soft water, an of from 4 to 10 ounces as Winter Dressing for Vines an Fruit Trees. Has outlived many preparations intended to super- Sold Retail by Seedsmen, u joxea. Is., 3s., and 10^-. Gd. Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (LlM.TLD). By Royal Appointment, To H$r Majesty bv Special #?^&* Warrant, dated 27th Doc. Original nnd Sole Propriotoi MEDICINE CHESTS for disorders and Lambs. No. I MEDICINE CHEST 2|n, To the Pnnce of Wales, by vw Special Warrant dated lOth |£^ February, IStiG. ND HEWITT, 5 of the STOCK-BREEDERS* in Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST Shilling Key to Farriery, stamps. Small Edition, U., or free by post for 13 stamps. Addr Da V, Son, & Hewitt, 22, Dorset Street, Baker Strer' ■—-*-- ' d) con Agricultural Co-operation. COUNCIL. The Right Hon. W. Cowper, M.P. rrison. r-- " " lughCK, Beal, Ej E. Vansittart Neale, Esq. Fred. Pennington, Esq. Edwd. Owen Greening, Esq., Managing Director. QUPPLIES its Members O and the Public with IMPLE- MENTS and MACHINES by the best Makers, and with Unadul- terated SEEDS. MANURES, and ilanufactured CATTLE FOOD at cost price, upon the Co-operative System. An invest- ment of £1 and upwards (bearing titutes Membership after Election by Council. ■ ■■ ■" "■' ost f>ee on receipt to the Offices of the Managing Director. Offices :— 20, Pariiament Street, Westminster, b.W. ; and 4, Warren Street, Manchester. Full Profits credited to Members. Huif Profits to tho Public (non- embers). TRADE DISCOUNTS. Tho following are the Profits gained by Members :— Linseed Cakes, guamnteed absolutely pure Cotton-seed) Cakes ; decorticated and uDdecorticnt«d Rape Cakes, ( S to 10 for feeding, best quality (and for tillage) ; Palm Nut fPer Cent. Meal ; and all other Feeding Stuffs J Patent Dog Cakes {pl^rCent. Peruviaa Guano, pure as imported ; Nitrate of Soda, pure \ and unadulterated ; Ground Bones, free from mixture, [^ 10 to 15 and guaranteed English; Superphosphates; and all 1 Per Cent, other Manures of the beat makers and qualities . . ) Clover Seeds, uncoloured and unmixed ; Grass Seeds, j . . , new and reliable; Turnip Seeds, genuine and good;fp -^, ' Garden and all other Seeds ) rvr y.eni. Steam Engines, Steam Ploughs, Cultivators and Impl ling Maehin H, Drills. Hoise Hoes . ilay J Per Cent. Carts, Wai'gons, Reaping and Mowing Mauimien. jiij-i ,, ._ «, makers. Bol-se Uabes, Chalf Cuttlrs. MiUs. Lawnlplf/o^. Mowera, Sowing Machines, Htuvea and Cooking Ranges, J ^ ®^ '"^'*'^- and Machines of eTery known Maker ' Iron Hurdles, Gates and Contimioua Fences, strained 1 Wire and Hope Fences, Wire Netting, Stable Fittings, f 10 to .'Kt Pumpti, Tanks, Paints, Domestic Machinery, Heatmg (Per Cent. Apparatus, ita J A Full Catalogue will shortly be published, meanwhile Prioes can at all times he obiaiued. The Society is prepared to receive Samples and Prices of unadul- ' '" ■ " and Feeding^Stufl's, Managing Director. ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT. Odo Penny per Square Foot. CllOGGON AND CO., MANUFACTURERS, 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, i.iver|>ool. INOijOROTTS FELT FOR LINING ROOFS AND SIDES AND IKON II0tJSB9 Price One Penny per Square Foot. CROGGON AND CO., { 63; New'Earritreet, } ^°'"^''"- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. DRY HAIR FELT FOR COVKRING STEAM IKIlLERS, PIPES, EIC, OF VARIODS THICKNESSES, CROGGON AND CO., MANUFACTUKERS, ( 34, Bread Street, ) t ^„,„ \ 63, New Earl Street, ( ^«"<»''"- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Pia/zas, Liverpool. IMPORTERS OF SHEET ZINC OF BEST BRANDS. CROGGON AND CO., H'. Bread SIrect U,^^^^, I 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ZINC AND BtETAL PERFORATORS. CROGGON AND CO., , 34 Bread street 1 l„^j„^. I 63, New Earl Street, ) 59. George Square, Glasgow ; 2. Goree Piazzas, Live ■pool. GALVANIZED FLAT AND CORRUGATED SHEET IRON. OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, FOR HOME USE AND FOR EXPORT. CROGGON AND CO., { 3i- B«^"l street 1 L„„a„„, ( 63, New Earl Street, / 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goreo Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON MANUFACTURED GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION CROGGON AND CO., 34, Bread Street, \ 63, New Earl Street, ; 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2. Gon Loudon. 3 Piazzas, Liverpool. CISTERNS GALVANIZED IRON OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., f 34, Bread street K„^^„^_ I 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, CHtTRCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BUILDINGS "F EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., n<. Bread Street j I 63, New Earl Street, j 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUliliER FIAH iP. CLOTH. CROGGON AND CO., / 31. Bread street W^j„„. I 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS OF HOUSES, COACH-HOUSES, ETC., TO PREVENT DAMP, V CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street | ^^^j^^. I 63, New Earl Street, / 59, George Squ.are, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PORTLAND CEMENT OF BEST (iOALITY, 100 lbs. to tho BUSHEL. CROGGON AND CO., j34, Bread Street, iTondon i63, New Earl Street, f ^o«^«^- 69, Qeorpe Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Pinz/as, Liverpool. terated Seed, Mui 1 Feeding St _ ..iDUWBN Gr 21), Parliament fc 4, Warren Street, MancI Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNOR AND COOKE'S WARRANTED PRIZE PRUNING and BUDDINO (ibsen'e the mark SAY" VIVES, see that ' ) the Corporate aiork, Uiitj ._. , without which ih-hq are Keimme. . & C. re^ot having to caution Gardeners and others, but g - -^ J do i. . .__ _ .. quality, having beon sold for thu genuine c lany complamts to be made to them of Knives which were dol oi leir make, all of which are warranted both bj gellera aod Makers. S. k C.'h pruning and BODDiNO KNIVES are the beat and the cneaDe«t In the marliet. Paxton WorkB, Sheffield. Established upwards of 126 years. PLASTEBJE3RS' HAIR SUPPLIED UY CEOGGON AND CO., {^n^^"E^'rsL.t,}^™^™- 59, George Square, Glas^'.m ; J, G..ree Piazzas, Liverpool. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, CEOGGON AND CO, / 34, Bread Street, \ 63, New Earl Street, 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Go [ London. Liverpool. GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING. CEOGGON AND CO., (34, Bread Street, JLondou. i 63, New Earl Street, J 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. 30R THE GAT]DENERS' CFlIiOMCI-E j\NI) 7\firJCU];iUl!AE GAZETTE. [Mabch 21, 1S68. s AW'S TIFFA Tor Samples and Prices apply to J, Shaw & Co.. 29. Oxford Street. Manchester. CARSON'S ANTI-CORROSION PAINT, Patronised by the Nobility and Gentry, Is extensively used for all kinds of OUT-DOOR WORK, and is proved, after a test of 70 years, to surpass any other Paint, It is espeoiallv applicable to Iron, Wood, Stone, Brick, Conipo, and Is the only Paint that will efltictuatly resist the rays of the sun upon Conservntorica, Green- houses, Frames, &c. Is twice rs duriible as genuine White Load, so simple in application that any person can use It. Per cwt WHITE, LIGHT STONE, BATH, and LIGHT PORTLAND BRIGHT GREEN, okEF GREEN, and BLUE Prepared OIL MIXTURE for the ANTI-CORROSION. OILS, TURPENTINE, VARNISHES. BRUSHES. &c. 3 cwt. Free to all Stations in England and Wales, and most Ports of Ireland and Scotland. Patterns and Testimonials sent po.st tree. Walter Carson & Sons, La Betle Sauvage Yard, Lud^ate Hill, London, E.G. Caution.— All Casks should boar the Trade Mart. So Agents, ^ssa LAWN MOWERS. GREEN'S PATENT SHANKS' PATENT SAMUELSON'S PATENT BARNARD'S PATENT. DEANE & CO., 46, KING WILLIAM ST., LONDON BRIDGE. Horticultural Tools, &c. LAWN MOWING MACHINES, 42s,, 60s., 7O5., 90f!.. 140s. GARDEN BARROWS, Wood and Iron, 2I5. and 20s. GARDEN ENGINES, Galvanised Iron. Prices, 6.5s., 65.t., 78s., 00s , lOOfl., HOjj. GARDEN ROLLERS, £1 IO5., £1 14s., £2, £2 r». 6d., £2 12s. M., £3 2s. 6d. STEEL DIGGING FORKS, SPADES, SCYTHES, Ac. GREENHOUSE SYRINGES and GARDEN POMPS. WIRE NETTING and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK. STRAINED WIRE FENCING and IRON HURDLES. Deanc's Neu) Ilhtsirated Horticultural Catalogue post free on application. Established a.d. 1700. DEANE AND CO., 46, KING WILLIAM STREET, LONDON BRIDGE, E.G. C^ARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in Kreat J variety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts being especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as ' they harbour no Sings and Insects, tatte up little ■ooni, and once put down incui- no further labour ind expense, as do "grown" Edgings, con- iequentiv being much cheaper. GARD'EN VASES, FOUNTAINS, Sc, in Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and in great variety of design. F. & G. RosHKR, Manufacturers, Upper Ground Street, Blackfriars, S. ; Queen's Road West Chelsea, S.W. ; Kingsland Ro.id, Kingslaud N E ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservitoriea, Halls, Corridors, Balconies, Sc, as cheap and durable as Stone, in blue, red, and buff colours, and capable of forming a variety THE AUTOMATON LAWN MOWER. Prices op the AUTOMATON MOWERS. I enriched des gns , of design! Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS of than the above. WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies Larderb Kitchen Rmges, Baths, 4c, Grooved and other Stable Pavinp -Bricks of great durability, Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall Copings, Red and Stoneware Drain Pipes, Slates, Cement, Ac To be obtained of F. & G. Rosreb, at their premises as above SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the abore addresses — lis. per Ton, or Is. 3d. per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton extri , for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf Quantities of 4 Tons, \s. per Ton less. I FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS forRockeries or Grotto I Work. F. & G. Rosn EH.— Addresses see above. N.B. Orders promptly execu'.od by Railway ' 10 inclies . .-£3 10 0 12 „ . -.. 4 10 0 14 „ . ... 5 10 0 16 ,, . ... 6 10 0 18 „ . .. 7 10 0 20 „ ...800 Free Delivery t 0 all the principal Stations in Engla R. AND S. guarantee these Machines to perform their work perfectly, and' if not approved of, they may be returned, Carriage Paid, within a month. Those sold last season gave the greatest satisfaction. Illustrated Lists and numerous Testimonials on application. UPWARDS OF 1000 SOLD THE FIRST SEASON, 1867. RANSOMES AND SIMS, ORWELL WORKS, IPSWICH. SAMUELSON & CO.'S PATENT LAWN MOWING AND ROLLING MACHINES. EVERT MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIYE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. TO BE OBTAINED OF SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA. WORKS, B.\NBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE : 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LAKE, E.C. AGENTS :— Messrs. TANGYE BOTHERS and HOLMAN, 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE; Messrs. DEANE and CO., London Bridge ; Messrs. DRAT, TAYLOR and CO., London Bridge ; Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD, 63, Fleet Street, E.C. : aui all respcetable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughout the Kingdom. GKEEN'S PATENT SILENS~MESSOE^ oil NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. THOMAS GREEN anjj SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., tlie keeping of Lawns in the HIGHEST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,600 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried oflf every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. T. GEEEN & SON warrant every Machine to giv6 entire satisfaction^ and if not approved of can be returned GREEN'vS PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved to he the best, and carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of covjpetition. ILLUSTJiATED TRICE LISTS FREE ON ARFZICATION. T. G. AND SON have a large quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stoek at their Leeds and London Establishments ; also various other kinds of HORTICULTURAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. Having very extemii'e Premises in London, we are in a position to do all kinds of Repairs there, as well as at our Leeds Establishment, THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELU IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. Maech 21, 18e8.] THE GAUDENEKS' ClIKOMCLE AND AGRiCUETUKAL (JAZETTE. 309 SPECIAL NOTICE. CLAYTON, SHUTTLEWOETH, & CO., At the Trieanial Tr ills of THE ROYAL AGEICULTUR/VL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND, held at Bury St. Edmund's, July, 1867, received the following Awards :— For Single Cylinder Portable Steam Engine, The FIRST PRIZE of £25. For Double Cylinder Portable Steam Engine, The FIRST PRIZE of £25. For Horizontal Cylinder Fixed Engine, The FIRST PHIZE of £20. For Double Blast Finishing Threshing Machine, The PRIZE of £15. The SOCIETY'S SILVER MEDAL, for Adjusting Blocks for Machines. Also PARIS EXHIBITION (1867) GOLD MEDAL. The duty performed by all C, S. & Co.'s En-iiies at Burv, considerabli/ exceeded that of any other), and has never been equalled at anv of the trials of the Sneiely. 0., S. & Co. refer with pleasure to the fact that the duty of their "COMMERCIAL" or SINGLE VALVE ENGINE, at Chester, so long ago as 1858, was not equalled by any "ordinary" Engine at Bury. CLAYTON, SHUTTLEWORTH, and CO., LINCOLN ; and 78, LOMBAKD ST., LONDON. PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS. FOR HEATING CONSERVATORIES, HOTHOUSES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TRUSS state that the immense number of APPARATUS annually Designed and Erected by him in all parts o the kingdom, and for the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGTON and CHISWICK with unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design, superior materials, and good workmanship : while the great advantages obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over-estimated, consisting of perfectly tight joints with neatness of appearance; EFFECTS A SAVING OF 2.5 PER CENT, oa cost of Apparatus "erected compared with other systems; faciUty lor extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints ; can be erected by any Gardener; an ordinary si^ie Apparatus erected in one dav, and PERFECTNESS ot DESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials, with Saddle Boiler, delivered to any Railway Station in England, and Erected at the following prices. Erection beyond 2j miles oil Loudon, railway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. TWO FOUR-IKCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. Erection. | Size of House. £2 0 0 50 feet by 15 feet 2 10 0 75 feet by 15 feet 2 15 0 ! 100 feet by 15 feet Bath and Gas Work erected in town or country. The Trade Supplied. Sorticultural hxiildings of every description from Is. Gd. per foot superficial, inclusive of Brickwork. Price Lists, Plans, and Estimates fonvarded on application to S. TRUSS, C.E., CONSULTINO HORTICULTUKAI. ENGINEER, &C. , SoLE MANUFACTURER, FRIAR STREET, BLACKFRLi.RS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — Ttie City Offices are now Removed to the Manufactory, Friar Street. size ot House. Appnmtus Complete 20 feet by 10 feet £9 0 0 30 feot by 12 feet 11 15 0 40 feet by 15 feet 15 0 0 }iiratu3 Complete. Erection. £17 10 0 £,■) 0 0 20 0 0 a 0 0 26 0 0 y 5 0 GUMMING & EDMONDS, HORTICULTURAL BUILDERS AND HOT-WATER ENGINEERS, LILLIE BRIDGE, FULHAM, LONDON, S.W. (Adjoining West Bromptou Station, West London Railway.) c/' CONSERVATORIES AND HOTHOUSES ^Pfi""! 'i'^?i8°''d to meet the various requirements nf Horticulture, and adapted to any situation. Manu- factured by the aid of Steam-Power Machinery. Glazed, Painted, and Fbced complete. GARDEN BOXES, PIT LIGHTS, VERANDAHS, AND GLASS STRUCTURES Of every description, executed on the shortest possible notice. Designs and Estimates free on application. Conservatories, Hothouses, Mansions, Churches, Schools, PubUc Buildings, Warehouses, &c., heated by Hot Water on the most approved and economical system, with i <■ CUMMING & EDMONDS' PATENT TUBULAR ARCHED SADDLE BOILER Described in a Report of the Royal Ho.ticultural Society, as being "very ettective and economical," and also awarded the Furst-class Certificate at the Bury Horticultural ShoV, July, f867. W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON and WIRE WORKS, NORWICH, MANUFACTURER of IMPROVED MACHINE-MADE WIRE NETTING at preally reduced prices. Galvanised after luadu. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE with prices free on application. 100 Y:mls and upwards, carriage paid to any Station. W"S. IJOULTUN'S 36-gaUon SWINU WATEU B Alt ROW. t. if required I without 0 enmll additionul cost. A lad can easily work it ; L travel lone distances over lotigh ground, a pony can be attached. The wheels and carriage are wrought iron, and the tub oak. A First-class Certificate was awarded to this artlcleat the Manchester Show last year. Carriage paid to any Station in England. Price £2 5s. | Price, with two Tubs, £3 3s. Spronder and V.ilve, 15s. extra. Rose Lane Iron and Wire Works, Norwich. B0Ul7rON'S'lRON" WATER or"LrQUlD MANURE CART. W. many other Farm purposes, it is most useful." The shafts i are arranged to turn back out of the way. Carriuge paid to the prin- cipal Railway Stations In England. To hold 100 gallons.^price £9. _ | To hold 140 gallons, price £10. price £3 10». Spreaders, 153. each. The 140 and 200 gallon Carts a Rose Lane Iron and Win tonveyed away. The Tanks can be set down and left in the flelda or Cattle to drink from. Carnage paid to all the principal Stations Q England. To hold SO Gallons, price £7 Extra Tank, £3 „ 100 „ £8 „ £3 10s. Valve and Spreader for ditto, price ^ S. BOULTUJS'S SWI¥G WATER BARROW. W This article is constructed on the same principle as tbe 36-galIoD 3arrow, advertised above, but the Tank is Gulvaulsed. It is ttrong ind useful. Two Tanks can bo had with one Carriage. Carriage )ftid to any Station. , price £1 16.S. I To hold 30 Gallons, pnce £2 5s. Price £'i 6s. | 10-foet India-nihber Suction. £l lOs. Powerful GARDEN and CONSERVATOR!' ENGINE, throws i continuous stream, and is well adupted for use with any of tot Water Barrows described above. Carriage paid to any Station. Price £2 5*. All orders must be accompanied with Post-offl Illustrated Catalogue c "" THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICITLTURAL GAZETTE. [Maech 21, 1868. JOHN WAENEE & SONS, BRASS AND BELL FOUNDERS TO HER MAJESTY. HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS, 8, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.C. No. 3-5. J. W. AND SONS- GOODS MAT BE OBTAINED OF THE TKADE GENERALLY AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES :- No. 42. 35. waunees' patent cast-iron XjIFT ptimps. 2\ inches diameter .. ...£186 SHORT-BARREL DITTO, FOR SINKS, PLANT DOUSES, ic. No. 37.— 2J ins. diameter . . £1 1 0 Ditto, with 1.5 ieot of li-in. \c:u\ Suctinn Pipe attached, L'2. No. 42. WARNERS' PORTABLE PUMPS, With Improved Valves fi.r Liquid Mnnure .. .. £2 1.0 0 . Flexihle Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 1.5 ft. lengths, per foot, 2.s. .5^. WARNERS' (No. 547 b) GARDEN ENGINE. HOLDS SIX GALLONS. Is light, portable, and easily worked by a lady or child, price £2 10s. Letter to T/ic Times, Jdly 23, 1866. FROM EARL ESSEX. A Real Fire Extinguisher. To the Editor of " The Times." will kindly allot a. .small space in tlio r/nies to Ibeae lew 1 the best medium throt each floor of his house -, - - .- the r/nies t which 1 would urge every householder who dreftds fire to have c or more small Garden or other Engines on wheels, always charged ' Last night, just as I ^ s startled by that r WARNERS' (No. GARDEN OR FIRE AN Is complete in iti 56S1,) AMERICAN ENGINE, N1II1L.\TUR, WARNERS' AQUAJECT. Useful for every variety "f purpose, in Wateiin r Washing Flowers or Trees in Gardens, Conser- ; isEfe'XST?h?ifiief^'w'h^^U Fire, fire ! ' ' I soon learned that a fire was raginff in a large two-windowed unoccupied bed room. How caused is to us all a great mystery. It is my cuatojn to keep one of these snial Engines on each fli j extinguished the othe: shutters, casements, and coi uDdued the fire of t water did arrive, we very soon the fire that the lead of the casements was melted, and elf, or can be used to | "Windi ■ Tank, price £2 2s. 6 ft. Suction Fife aod Eose, exlr?, 12*. Laying Dust, &c. I Price, complete £1 10 0 ' " ;; cisio^bu,-y,^^^^^^^^^^^ ' Sffiall Size for the hand, as an ordinary Syringe, 1S«. "ud also work it.' light on the floor, that a WARNERS' GARDEN ENGINES, WITH REGISTERED SPREADERS. These Engines are much improved in construction, are less likely to get out of order, and more easily repaired than others. No. .547. Best ENGINES, in Wood Tubs. 24 Gallons .. £6 10 0 | 14 Gallons .. £5 10 0 No. ,547.4. Strong ENGINES, in Galvanized Iron Tubs, well painted inside and out. 10 GaUons . £2 19 0 I 24 Gallons .. £4 19 0 16 Gallons . . 3 14 0 28 Gallons . . 5 10 0 5791. WARNERS' WATER BARROW Saves a Gardener's time in Watering with the Water Pot. Made of strong Wrought Iron, Galvanized and painted inside and out. high To hold 20 Gallons, wheels 13 inche 30 „ „ 20 ,. IJo 5^7. "! yj^oi 547Aj fp Iron 1 ub. 38 „ „ 50* „ „ an extra strong article, 2 13 0 3 17 0 6 12 0 SYRINGES, BRANCH PIPES, INDIA-RUBBER HOSE, &c. ^^ Estimates for any description of JSi/draulie Machimri/ forwarded on opplieatioiu WIND ENGINES. ADAPTED FOR PUMPING, CHAFF-CUTTING, GRINDING, &c. JOHN WARNER akd SONS beg to inform the Trade and the Public generally thit they have purchased fte Patter.n8 of the WIND ENGINES manufactured by the late firiB of Messrs. Bury ,& Pollabd, of Southwark, and are prepared to estimate for the erection of such Engines in any part of England. They have also to state that a Patent has been recently taken out for a novel and great improvement in the ponstruction of Wind Engines, and that they have the exclusive right of Manufacturing the Baffle. A Drawing of the Nmo Engine and description of its greitt advantages will ?*??■*§( MAEcn 21, ISCS.i THE (iAliPENERS' CHROXTrT.E ANT) /GPJCUETnilAL GAZETTE. THE TANNED LEATHER W;i COMPANY. ; Sol JM PROVED .Mr. il. FiairtAiiKK, ARont _ T. ARC H £ K' S "F R IG I DO M 0."- • Patronised by hor Mfticsty the Quoon, the Duko of North- umberland for Syon House, his Grace tho Duke of Devonshire for Chlswick Gardens, Professor Lindloy for the Horticultural Society, and Sir Joseph I'axton for the Crystal Palace, Royol Zoological Societv, &c. PROTEd'ION from the COLD WINDS and MORNING FROSTS, *' FRIGI DOMO" NETTING, White or Brown, made of prepared Hair and Wool, a perfect non-conductor of heat or cold, keeping a fixed temperature where it w applied. It is adapted for all Horti- cultural and Floricxiltura! purposes, for Freserving Fniits and yiowora from tbe Scorching Riiys of the Sun, Ironi Wind, fVoiii Attacks of Insects, and from Morning Frosts. To bo had in anj required lengths. " FRIGI DOMO " NETTING. 2 yards wide, 1^. Qd. per yard nin. ••FRIGI DOMO" CANVAS. Two yards mde Is. 0(/. per yard run. Four yards wido 3s. fid. per yard. An improved make, '2 yards wide .. Is. 9d. per yard. An unproved maice. 3 yards wide . . 2s. 8d. per yard run Elisha ruOM\3 Archer, Wbolo and Sole Manufacturer, 7, Great Ti-inity Lane, Cannon Street. City, E.C., and of all Nuiserynion and Seedsmen througbovit the Kingdom. *' It is much cneauer ttiiin Mats as a covering. ^ For Watering Gardens, &c.— Best Make Only. HANCOCK'S IN Ui A- RUBBER HOStl- PIPES, fitted with STOP-COCKS, SPREADERS. JETS, and HAND- BRANCHES complete. Price per Foot. M' S'- OULE'S PATENT EARTH CLOSETS— On view poration at the Office of MOULE'S PATENT ■"V (.'HMPANV, LIMITED. 29. Bedford Street, w I T. M. EvA((s^ana|oi'. : loWiNS and VILLAGES on the DRY 1-1 i;M, —This Company is prepared to make i do^iUiig with the Drainage of Towns on the Dry nctiirting the disposal of Sink-water, Slops, &o. be made to the Manager, 20, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C. W FOX AND C v., IRON nURDLES I STANDARDS I FENCING WIIIE ROSE TREE RODS ' pnfTI.THY TF.-jnF.S FF.OWRR STANDS AVIARY LATTICE Size. Intornal Diameter. h Inch. 1 Inch. f Inch. 1 Inch. No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 r.ij. lOii. 6d. M. IW. 7ci. lOd. Is. Sd. 13. U. U. No. 3 is the most serviceable, and recommended. Larger Sizes for FIRE ENGINES and PUMP.S. See Pric. HOSI5-REEL5 (Galvanised Iron) for the abov?, at 42.s. and 4i TUBING, with Flange for excluding dn through Doors, Windows, Illustrated Price Lists on application. AMES Lynb Hancock. Vulcanised India R i. Goswell Koad, and Goswoll Mews, London, E.C. POULTRY FENCES | FLOWER STANDS ] and WINDOW di GALVANISED WlitE NETTING, and Stakt 2\ inch Hares, Dogs, Poultry, &c Strong, 3)ARTNERSHIP.— A Person with a knowledge of the 1- Seed Trade, aud a Capital ot" £1600 to £2000, can have an oppor- tuiiity of .iolninb' an Established Finn, where a larpe and profltable bosineas may be done.—Address A. M., Gardeners^ Chronicle Office. MR. A. CHANDLER (of^th7latc~Firm of Chandler k S(i»^, Ni;rseiyi.[ou. Vauxh.lU), IIORTlCtlLTURAL AGENT and VAI.IIKlt -Ad» u Office, No. 41, Wellington Sti«et, Parish of »t. Paul's, Coveot Unrden, In tl«e said County.— Satd&d&t, March 21,lStiS. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 13.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, MARCH 2S. (Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, Od. nnohub, Australian . Rooks noticed . INDEX. !fi a I Hvncinths, putning 325 '"""' and Parka, very handsome, well furnished apecl- 2i ft., 24«. per dozen ; 3 to 4 ft., IB, ft-equently Transplanted, 2 per dozen, A reduction made wbi _^ BicBAHD Smitb, Nurseryman and'Seed Merchant.'Worcester! New Pelargoniums. CHARLES TURNKR has strong plants of the fine varieties raised by FOSTER and HOrLE, and so successfully exhibited during 1307. The Royal Nurseries, Slough. Pelargoniums. / CHARLES TURNER'S stock of eacli class of the above v^ l8 unusually stronK this season, which can be supplied at very moderato prices per dozen, including the finest varieties. The Royal Nurseries, Slough. New Pelargoniums. JOHN MANN'S LIST of hi« NEW PELARGONIUMS iB now ready, and will be forwarded on application. The Nursery, Brentwood, Essex. Pelargoniums for the Million. JAMES liOLUKR. having an immense stock of the above, begs to oftor (atroiik: plants, in large CO-pots) 50 distinct sorts for 30s, ; 23 sorts fur 20.*. ; or 12 sorts for 163., hamper and package included. Crown Nursery, Readine. PELARGONIUMS, Fancy, strong healthy plants (in 4i-inch pots), 12 choice named sorts for Ss. ; or 24 sorts for IGs. Show and Spotted varieties, 12 cbolce named for Ss. ; or 24 sorts fot SPECIAL OFFER.— 3000 Show, Spotted, and Fancy PELARGONIUMS, in fine varieties {awarded last season throe lat priZBh), 100 for 30s., 60 for IOj*.. 25 for 8s. 6d., or 12 fur bs. WiLLiAu Cocks. Old Nurseries, Doninston, near Spalding. T^^ANIUMS, GERANIUMS. — Strong plants, in vT 60-8ize pots, 30 New Varieties of 1807 for lbs. MRS. POLLOCK, strong plants, in 60-size pots, at Qa. per dozen 0. SMITH'S LA GRANDE, in pots, 15s. per 100 Package inclurted. Terms casb. _PniLiF Lauds, Nursery, Bexley Heath. Kent. Seeds of First Quality. ~ TEPHEN BROWN'S NEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with II lustrations, sent free on application. Stkpuem Bboww, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Suffolk. Genuine Garden Seeds. ~~ S W^ Highgate Nui-fierlea, London, Just Fuhllshed. WM. PAUL'S LIST of SEEDS contains a selection of tlie best NOVELTIES in VEGETABLES and FLOWtlRS, also the choicest and most approved older sorts, free by post on Paul's Nurseries and Seed Warehouse, Wnltham Cross, London, N. Carnations, Flcotees, and Finks. CHARLES TURNER has strong healthy plants of the above in great variety ut very moderate prices. Thia is the best VERBENAS.— Purple, White, Scarlet, and Pink, strong plants, with plenty of Cuttings, 23. per dozen ; small do., at 6*. per 100, or £2 lOs. per 1000. package included. Terms cash. FniLif Lapps. Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent, S.E. QEEDLINGr"VERBENArLADY^0[JGHT0Nr^u7e O white, with crimson eye, each pip larger than a shilling ; good habit, and 0q6 trusser, doeii not discolour out-of-doors like other sorts. Plants ready end of April, 18s. per dozen. Circulars on application. The usual discount to the Trade. Samuxl Cox, Seed Merchant, Nurseryman, and riorist, Ludlow, TH"tr~most 'b^autTf"ul FRENCH ASTER grown" ia TRUFFAUT'S REINE MARGUERITE, direct from the Continent, 600 Seeds, in IG colours, for I.t. A. Haumond, Salisbury. WEBB'S NEW~GIANT~P6I7fAN"THUS; Flonst Flower, and GIANT COWSLIP SEKDS; also Plants of all the varieties, with double PRIMROSES ot different colours ; B' ORDER P A N S I E S, strong Plants. Several Thousand mixed PANSIE.S, li's. per 100 CLIVEDEN YELLOW PANSIES. 16s. per lOU. Choice SHOW and FANCY PANSIES, by name. 4«. to Os. per dozen Very liberal terms per 100 to the Trade. William Dii», Bradford Nuraery, Shipley, Yorkshire. Cut Camellia Flowers. JHALLY, NUK-SEKYMAN, Blackheath and Lee, has a . good assortment of aneDODBLE WHITES and other leading kinds, which he ia now sending, carefully packed, to all parts of the Bntlsh Fern Catalogue. ROBERT SIM will send, post free for six postage stamps. Part I. (British Ferns and their varieties, 30 pages Including prices of Hardy Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- TIVE CA'fALOGUE of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS, No. 7. Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E. To the Trade.— Continental Flower Seeds, iic. FW. WENDEL, Seed Merchant and Grower, . Erfurt, Prussia, begs to announce that his WHOLESALE CATALOGUE of the above is now ready, and may be had free and post paid on application to his Agent. Geo. MAoittrosn. Nurseryman and Seedsman. Iligh Road, Hammersmith, London, W. ?SaP£ JESSAMINE, or GARi7ElSIATL0ijli)Arwith ^— -* bloom buds. I2s. per dozen. RYNCHOSPERMUM JASMINOIDES, fine plants, juat coming Into flower, 18s. per dozen. CATALOGUES descrlpttvo of Stove, Greenhouse, and other plants, free on application to 11. & R. Stirt.a&f.r, Skorton Nurseries, Lancaster. New Chrysanthemums for~1868.~~ JOHN SALTER'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of SEEDLING JAPANESE and other New CHRYSANTHE- MUMS, GERANIUMS, Uouble PYKETHRUMS, Hardy Variegated Plants, &c., is now Ready, and will be iorwarded on receipt of two postage stamps, Versailles Nursery, William Street. Vale Place, Hammersmith, W. RAYNBIKD, CALDECOTT. BAWTREE, DOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited). Corn, Seed. Manobe, and Oilcake Mercbants. Address, 89, Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.G. ; or Basingstoke. Samples and Prices post free on application. Prize Medals, 1861, for Wheat; 1862, for "Excellent Seed Cora and Seeds," T HE ONLY PKIZE MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, PARIS. 1867, was awarded to JAMES Cartek & Co.. 237 and 238. High Holbom. London. W.C. THE ONLY PRIzij MEDAL for GARIjeI^ SKEUS, INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1882, was awarded to Jamss Carter & Co., 237 and 238. High Holborn, London, W.C. i:ji V E R Y G A R D E"N REQUISITE -1-J kept in .Stock at Cahteh's New Seed Warehouse, 237 S 23i, High Holborn, London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. /'"BARTER AND CO., \J Seed Farmers. Mercuasts, and Niirsehvuen. 237_*_23», High IloiOoru. London, W.C. Notice. PURCHASERS of LARGE tiUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEBDb will bo supplied liberally by StrroK & Sons. For prices apply (stating quantity required) to Sutton & Sons. Royal ' ... 3 Seed Establishn Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. JAMES FAIRHEAU and SUN, Seed Growers and Merchants. 7, Borough Market, and Braintree, Essex. Agricultural Seeds. CHARLES SHARPE and CO., Seed Grower.s, Sleaford, have to oBer AGRICULTURAL SEEDS of all descriptions. Special prices sent on application. 1 ftlfift —CHOICE NEW VRGETABLJ! and i-'JyJ'Jt FLOWER SEEDS. POTATOS, 4c. _ PRICED LIST post tree. REUUCED QUOTATIONS of NURSERY STOCK, owing to Expiry of Lease ol part of their Grounds. W. P. Lairo at Sinclair. Nurserj'men. Dundee, N.B. Wholesale Catalogue. GEORGE JACKMAN and SUN'S PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of HARDl' NDRSEKY STOCK for 1607 and SPRING, 1808, can be had free on application. Woking Nui-sery, Surrey. To tlie Trade." " /"CAULIFLOWER PLANTS, from the Open Ground, of \J first-rate quality, and Cheap. Prices on application. EowAitD Sano iL Sons, Nurserymen and Seed Merchants, A^ SPARAGUS. — Fine stronif 4-year-old Roo^s, the greater part fit for Forcing. No reasonable price refused, as GIANT ASPAKAGUS PLANTS, the best that money can procure, 2s. 6d, per 100.— Thia delicious vegetable does not require half the expense usually incurred in planting Jt. Soo Richard Smith's SEED LIST for 18(18. Extra strong SEA KALE, 2s, per dozen. RicuAKD Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. S~eEb"~PO'rATOST^^ll the finest TarietieL at "very moderate prices. H. k F. Sharfe, Wisbech. POTATOS, SEEO.-A lew tons of Early DalmaHoy, round. Ashleaf Kidney, the old early variety, Myatt's, and Fluke. Price on application to AV Paterson's Victoria Potatos. TnE Be«t Potato in Cultivation. M. MITCHELL has a few tons of the above to Dispose of.^^ Cash ^rioo. £12 [Jer ton, Ware and Middlings. Enfleld Highway, Middlesex, N. QEED POTATOS.— The best Potato for General kj Planting is the ESSEX REGENT. It Is a delicious eater, a heavy cropper, and was perfectly free from disease the whole of last year. Price 8s. per bushel of 50 lb. : bags extr*. Apply to William Bakhon & Son, Elvaston Nurseries, Borrowash. near Derby. EXTRA strong SEAICALE PLANTS, 6s. per 100, 60s. per 1000; strong 2-jr. ASPARAGUS PLANTS, ia. M. per 100, or 30s. per 1001). M. Cleall, Nurseryman, Horn.sey, Middlesex. N. BLUNDELL'SCATILE MELON SEED now on SALE. Seed for an Acre, 10s. Apply to Messrs. Blunoell i Palmer, 3, Portland Street, Southampton. Sang's FlfesMre Yellow Turnip. CHARLES SHARPE and CO. hare a pure and true Stock of SANG'S FIFESIIIRE YELLOW TURNIP to offer to the Trade. Price on application. OLD ABERDEEN TURNIP SEED, about 30 bushels, and 60 barrels RAPE-SEED, 1860, for SALE. All further mforniatloo on auplicatlou to W. D. Wilson, 3, George Street, Limerick, Ireland PARIS, I The SILVER MEijAi71b7 GRASSES and 1867. I GRASS SEEDS was Awarded toSUTTOS t SONS, .oyal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading, as see OlHcial Letter 1 this day's Gardenera' Chronicle, (^ LOVER SEED, first quality only, home growth. ' Market price on application. .'IS Van Houtte, Nurseryman ancf Seedsman, Ghent, Belgium. DICKINSON'S ITALIAN RYE-GRASS SKED.— Agriculturists wishing to be supplied lire requested to apply to Mr. Tnos. SxANbaiDOE, Bailiff, New Park, Lymington, Hauta. Present payment, 3os. per quarter for 5 quarters or upwards; 34a. per quarter for less. nposed of ^ 102, Easlgate Street. Coestor Farm Seeds of Genuine Quality. [AMES DICKSON AND SONS' PKICED LIST wUl ' be forwarded, po^t free, ou application. (Old E$tabluhtd Nursery and Seed Bus.iieM). 102. Eaatgato Siruet, and Nuwtuu Nurseries, Cheater. TEE GARDENERS' CITROMGLE AND AGRTOIILTTTTrU, GAZETTE. [Mabch 28, 1868. E. G. HENDEESON & SON, WELLINGTON ROAD NURSERY, ST. .JOHN'S WOOD, LONDON, N.W., ARE NOW PREPARED TO TAKE ORDERS FOR THE FOLLOWING NEW PLANTS, WHICH WILL BE SE>;T out the end of APRIL AND FIRST WEEK OF UXY. EARLY ORDERS WILL BE FIRST EXECUTED. Viola cornuta alba. This Is a very beautiful form of the well-known niauve-col cured species, V. cornuta (and its variety Purple Queen), with puro white flowers, making an invaluable addition to decorative bedding plants. jts habit of growth is all that can be desired as an improvement upon the parent type, in being dwarf and densely compact, from 6 to 8 inohee in height, showing a rich (treen verdure, and yialdin? a fitting contrast with the remarkably lonR-continued white bloom throughout the mouths. Wherever planted with due exposure in ordinary garden soils, it m and is admirably adapted for companion rows with the beautiful Lobelia specioaa, and its own purple or mauve coloured varieties in tne back line, and equally effective with miniature lines of Periila nankinensis as chocolate. Calceolarias as maroon, or Santolina vtridis as rich ureen, backgrounds. Com- pared with others ai a white flowering plant for a second row in ribbon borders, it surpasses every ■ " ' narkable compaotnebs in growth and duration of bloom. 3a. Qd. each; Golden-leaved Arcliangel, Jjamium aureum. A beautiful dwarf hardv perennial plant, 4 to 6 inches m hoiRht, with a close and compact babit, Bmall ovate leaves about 1 inch in diameter, of a rich Rolden colour; adapted for decorative ribbon rows, grouna or beds in geometrical designs, and garden partenes. This ornamental plant far exceeds t effective arrangements and styles of art. 3s. 6d. each ; less price if ordered in quantities. New Chrysanthemum, Beauty of St. John's "Wood. This variety is commended as one of the finest competition flowers. Its colour is a rich cream- While, tinged with rosy-lilac at the base of the florets, the centre or ciown petals being tipped with yellow. It is a very beautifully formed sub-globular flower, of average size for the largest competition groups, showing great depth and substance of petal ; so perfect in its symmetry na Dot to roi^ulra dressing lor the occasion, the same flower retaining its freshness of bloom for successive exhibitions. It was awarded a First-ulass Certiflcate at the Royal Horticultural Society's Exhibition as a novel and beautiful variety. Pelargonium Cooperii. A very elegant and rare species, of miniature size, from 6 to 9 inches in height, with small dark preen circularly-lobed leaves, impressed with well defined rich olive-brown zones. Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son having been favoured by receiving a batch of the original stock raised by a dis- tinguished amateur cultiv.itor, are thus enabled to oner plants of this sinifularly unique and beautiful miniature pUmt. By pinching off its diminutive pink flowers, which iire of no value for effect, its picturesque leaf-Erowth will be found admirably adapted for a circular bolt or line in artistic scroll- work, or m flower-garden parterres, in whicb. when judiciously relieved in contrast by suitable gold or silver leaved plants of uniform growth, it will be found a graceiul addition to the most select Hnwer garden designs, and may be regarded aa the typo of a new Ullii'utiau, or fairy section of bedding Zonal Pelargoniums. Pelargonium. Holly Wreath. A very distinct variegated hybrid variety, of trailing or sub-climbing habit, allied to the Ivy-leaved section ; the most robust and vigorous growing plant in its group ; leaves resembling a large CurranS or Bramble, sharply toothed when young, and marked with broad croamy white margin or belt, which io mature growth merge into a light emerald-tinted yellow; flowers blush or rosy pink, with upper carmine lines. Its remarkably free growth is specially adapted for covering trellis-work or terrace slopes, and a capital plant for 'arge flower-baskets, and balcony decorative boxes, with the elegant ■vanetiea of P. peltatum and white-flowered Ivy Geranium. 3s. Gtl. each. Pelargonium Fairy Bells. A seedling from P. peltatum elegans, very neat v:u-iety, allied to the Ivv-te-^vftil Oeraniuni. nf n traillne or sub-chmbing habit, with angular shieH ohapca ioo.ve.s, ana elegant blush pink flowers throughout the summer and autumn months. Its rich glossy green fbliage and fVee vigorous mowth will be found a desirable addition for grouping in baaket-worK or balcony decoration, by addiijg a suitable contrast to the beautiful rosy-mauve and pure white flowered varieties in the same section 3if. 6d. each. Pelargonium Blegantisslma. An elegant sweet-scented leaved plant, of densely branched habit, G to 9 inches in height; leaves Geranium Blackband (Nosegay). A handsome and effective variety, of a dwarf and compact habit, in the style of Oaribaldl ; leaf comparatively small, well expanded, of a bright emerald -green tint, impressed witb a floe olive-brown zone. Flowers bright scarlet. New White Bedding Dahlia, White Bedder. The most beautiful and effective variety in its colour yet offered. As an improvement upoa Alba ttoribuDda nana, it received a First-class Certificate of merit from the Floricultui-al Committee ot ths Koyal Hoi-ticultnral Society. It is distinguished by its dwarf and compnct habit, profusion of bloom, well thrown up above its foliage, and in a more compact head, by its purity of colour and well formed flowers uniformly double to the centre throughout the s;ason, not shomiog the objectlouible open eye .-. ;» .. .., ..... . . . ™ .. ... J detached groupi it New Verbenas. CRIMSON POLLY PERKINS. --Crimson self, fine dwarf hablb. and profuse bloomer, for beds and rows. CHERRY RIPE.— Cerise with rosy shade, fine round pip, and good truss ; extra competition flower. DBUCATA.— White with clear pink border, colours equally divided, white and piuk, showing a flue OTHELLO.— Rosy-carmine with violet tint or shade, and conspicuous white eye. ROSE POLLY PERKINS.— Pure rose self, with extra fine habit lor bait or relief row, by its dwarf and profuse bloom. SCARLET CIRCLE.— Bright red scarlet, Improvement upon Crimson King. Extra fine variety for k'ith^ood tritss ; by its profuse bloom, a first- bright and effective through the i New Fuchsias. GARIBALDI.— Sepals broad, rich crimson-carmine, elegantly recurved ; corolla targe, rich lavender* blue, veined with carmine-red ; vigorous habit. MASTER LONGFIELD.— An improvement upon Todman's Beauty of Claphani, with well rfiflexed white sepals; corolla briRht carmine-rose, with rose-crtmson margins; blooms in large efl'ective' trusses. Raiaed by Mr. Todman, SN0\VDR0P. — Sepals, bright carmine-scarlet, brosid and finelv recurved ; corolla large, paraohute- j LeiL groups. ntrasted with a rich green New Double-flowered ]^ose Zonal Geranium, Madame Lemoine, A double-flowered Zonal Geranium, the colour of Beaut6 de Surasues, with large truss and flue form, must be regarded as one of the finest a inquisitions yet olfered in its tribe. The present variety is the first example in its coloxir, possessing all the desirable properties to constitute a pla t of flrst-clasa excellence, to merit a place in every collection of Zimal Genniums. Its habit of growth is free and compact ; the flower truss is remarkably large, containing from 60 to 80 blossums, each three-quarters of an inch in diameter, very double, and io colour eqvially rich as the Provence Rose. The individual blossoms are equally large throughout tbe truss. This exceedingly fine variety will be found a valuable addition for conservatory i>ot culture and general decoration in miscellaneous groups, throughout the summer months, either in portable vases or in select parterres. , Double-flowered Tom Thumb Geranium, Madame Rose Charmeux (Tom Pouce). This unique and beautiful variety may be considered a counterpart in (growth of Beaton's best form of Tom Thumb, well known as Cry,stal i'alace Scai-let, and equally prolific in flowering. The present one is distinguished by its plain green and well-expanded round-lobed leaves of great substance, combined with a healthy and compact babit. producing a profusion of brilliant scarlet double flowers in, trusses one-third larger than the single flowered one. The trusses are borne on very fii-m scapes, which enable it to withstand rain better than the old variety. It is a flrat-class bedding plant, and by the longer damtion of its bloom it will be found admirably adapted for ribbon lines and flower-garden parterres, for conservatory decoration in pot-cultuie, and as miscellaneous groups iu sucQession beds throughout the summer. Geranium Queen of Harvest. style of Christine Nosegay, with broader lower petals ; habit dwarf and compact, with rich velvety- surfaced leaves and light zone. Flower trusses very large and eSective, brigbt rosy pink colour. Dis- tinguished bv its green flower-scapes, and red pedicels. A gay and efl'ective variety for groups and pot culture. A fine bedding plant. 7«. (W. each. Geranium King of Pinks. Growth vigorous and free, with well expanded rich velvety-green le; tnuses of clear rosy-pmK flowers ; an effective variety. &». each. , and remarkably large Gesneria Hon, Mrs. Fox Strangways. A very elegant and efifective summer and autumn flowering Stove Plant (allied to the section of Naegelia), from lift, to 2ft. in height, with roundly ovate leaves, 4in. to Oin. in width, lichly flushed New Lilliputian Zonal Geraniums. This is a new and interesting form of the Zonal section, raised by an eminent cultivate of which E. G. HsNomiboN &. Sun hold the entire stock, and lYom which the foUowmg ofl"ered. The growth is distinct from tho ordinary dwarf kinds hitherto known in English gardens. being proportionately vigorous i 9 proportionately small t 3 taller kinds, and whilst the leaves the fie'ight, the flowers are equal in size to the ordinary bedding garden varieties. Their uniform properties of a vigorous and compact dwarf growth, combined with small foliage, and bloom equal size to the English varieties, will bo a sufficient commendation for their introduction to our gardens a oew and most desirable feature m both ribbou borders and general groups. BABY BOY.— Scarlet, white eye. CUPID.— Light copper rose, white centre. LITTLE DORRIT.— Salmon ipse, white eye. „ DEAR.— Delicate rose, with white spots. „ GEM.— BrilliaDtvormillon. white ccTitr?. 78. QU. each ; RUSTIC BEAUTY. -Carmine, white oei TOM TIT.— Brilliant scarlet, wMte eye. bordered with rich r k. distinct and efl'ecLive kind. New Lobelias (Miniature). LOBELIA PUMILA LILOCINA.— Of equally floe dwarf habit, with a profosidn of gi-9yi«h.-liJ>w flowers, making a good relief colour. LOBELIA PUMILA TURQUOISE.—Like the beautiful Pumila olecans in growth and proRiBioa o£ i^ioon.. v>,it .rin, laraoroUi. bix^o s-^-. .,. a^u w uliani wuite eye. Double-flowered Petunias. LADY MONCREIFF.— Rich dark violet-crimson, finely belted with pure white ; growth dwarf, and free. A beautiful variety. 6s. SNOWBALL.— Pure white, very double and compact, excellent shape. Tboflne.st variety in its colour for habit and free bloom. 3s. Gd. SINGULARITY. ~ Large pure white, with beautiful purple centre, small leaf, ftee Moov, and efl'ective. 3.-!. Gd. Single-flowered Petunias. QUEEN IMPROVED.- Rich magenta rose with white throat, dwarf growth and free bloom. A fine bedding variety. 3t. Cd. COUNTESS of DUDLEY.— Extra bedding variety, bright glossy ro.-Ji^- tinted crimson with white throat; improvement upou Countess of Ellesmere. 3s dd. Azaleas. KING of SFOTS.—Orange soarlet, fine form and sire, very beautifully spotted with reddish brown, on the centre rose-coloured ground, a very eflective free flowered competition variety. LORD DERBY.— Rich pure rose, with broad well-lapped petals, good form and substance, richly spotted with crimson on " " ' . »• . . ■ d top lobe ; an improvement upon Delicata and Modul ; a flne SNOW WHITE —A beautiful flower of pure white ground colour, uniformly marked with ( rosy pink streaks, of model outline, large proportions, and rich velvot-Uke substance ; a variety Of flrat-class excellence, as an improvement upon Madame Miellez and Flower of the Day. N'ew Antirrhinum, Wonder Improved. A remarkable noveltv, difl'ering from the ordinary varieties by its tubular-formed flowers, which are blush crimson in colour, with a rich violet-crimson limb, half an inch in width. A vigorous rea flowering plant. Pelargoniums (Self Bronze Zone on Yellow Ground). GHDLDEN MODEL.— Large circular even-surfaced leaves, with fine dark zona on yellow ground ; flowers orange-scarlet. A bold, eflective variety, with beautiful symmetry of leaves. SOFRANO.— Neat circular-lobed leaves, with very eflective chocolate-red zone on golden leaf-ground, and proportionate outer margin. BRONZE MODEL.— Velvety-surfaced golden leaf. With flne dark chocolate zone, flowers brilliant orange-scarlet with white centre. THE QUEEN.— Unique and distinct in iU section, with remarkably dwarf growth, golden leaf-ground, with nanower dark zone, the flowers being pure blush white. BRONZE PERFECTION.— An improvement upon Wills" Model, with effective dark bronze zone upon golden leaf; habit good, with brilliant scarlet flowers. GOLDEN ECLIPSE.— Habit dwarf and compact, with circular-lobed leaves; the rich dark chocolate zones finely effective upon a golden leaf-ground; flowers bright scarlet j a beautiful variety for groups or vases. Golden Tricolor Geraniums. ADA MANNE.— A variety of medium vigour ingrowth and foliage, with rich cinnamon-brown zone, barred and belted with light flame colour, and a broad lemon-yellow leaf margin. EMMA Cn EERE.— A miniature variety in growth, with well expanded leaves, marked with a medium Vandyke zone of flaming red and rich golden-yellow leaf border. FAIR EMILY— A dwarf and compact variety, with leaves of great substance and circular toothed outline, marked with a rich golden margin, zona brilliantly belted with flamed red. FAIRY" VISIONS.— Habit neat, dwarf and compact, in the style of Moire Antique, leaves of medium size with a bright brimstone-yellow leaf margin and flame-coloured zone. FAIRY SPELL.— A beautiful and efl'ective dwarf branching variety, with well expanded laavea of circular outline, the gieen disc belted with a bronze zone, finely belted and barred with carmine- scarlet upon a broad rich canary-yellow leaf margin. HOWARTH AS HTON.— First-class Certificate of Merit. An exceedingly rioh and beautifully marked variety Loaves of circular outline, and great substance, with a well-proportioned and rich golden margin, the disc surrounded with a broad bronze zone, brilliantly suQUsed with flamed scarlet. Growth vigorous and free, retaining its rich leae^tints throughout the year. An improve- ment in the style of Beautiful Lucy Grieve. IlUMiVft SG BIRD.— In the style of Lady Culhiin, with sub-ereot robust growth and evenly expanded leaves of good substance, marked by broad metallic bronze zone, margined with rich flamed crimson in summer, and retaining a picturesque character by its violet-rose tints in winter, L\DY SHEFFIELD —Flrat-class Certificate of Merit. A flne improvement upon Sunset in its more brilliantand enduring zone-tints. Leives even, of good substance and circular outline, their rtph golden leaf margins finely contrasted with brilliant zones of flamed scarlet. By its free gro^rth It will form a beautiful group or bed, and by retaining its decorative leaf-tints through the winter months, it is specially adapted for conservatory cultui-e in pots or ai'tistic vase*. MabcH 28, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. E. G. HENDEESON & SON'S LIST OF NEW VLA'NTS -rconnn^edj. Golden Tricolor Geraniums. NELLIE RAY.— An elegant miniature variety, of dwarf find compact growth, leaves ovonly expanded and circular in outline, showinR a beautiful medium bronze-acirlet zone upon a nch sulphur- yellow border. A very effective and distinct suoiiner variety for parterres or fancy vasos. PHILLIPPA.— Well proportioned golden-yellow loaf margin, with a bright carmine-rod zone. Habit dwarf and conipnut, witii a neat branching growth for pot-uulture or small groups. RUSTIC BEAUTY.— A novel variety by its distinct coloured flowers. Habit dwarf and compact ; leaves roundly lobed with a light flame-coloured zone, and bright lemon yellow leaf-border, flowers clear wliite; a unique feature in its section. Plain Silver-Margined Geraniums. CARINA. —One of the neatest and most effective kinds for small beds or vasoa, being dwarf, compact, and well brancUui, with conopicuous white leaf margins, forming a very distinct group by its ample trusses of pure pluk flowers. CYNTHIA.— An eftocUve variety, of dwarf and compact habit, with well expanded leaves of good substance and outline, with very broad and effective cream-white leaf margins ; flowers flame-scarlet. FLOWER i^UEEN.— Habit of growth dwarf and compact, leaves of good substance and well expanded, the dark green disc finely belted with snow white ; flowers carmine colour. A very efl"ective variety for front rows or medium-sized groups. Silver Tricolor Geraniums. CHARMING BRIDE.— Habit robust, free, leaves concave, with rich bronze zone barred with bright rose-carmine, flowers brilliant scarlet, flue truss. CONSTANCE.— A free growing variety of compact dwarf habit, evenly expanded leaves, with bronze zone, finely belted with rose, and beautiful pure white leaf border. INGHAM BEAUTY.— Growth dwarf and densely compact, zona belted and sufl^ised with rosy violet. , -c-i. Flowers large, rich scarlet, specially adapted for small groups by its neat branching habit. MOONBEAM.— A free and vigorous variety with cream-white leaf margins and carmine-rose zone. Flowers brilliant carmine-scarlet, trusses large, forming an effective and distinct; or group. Silver Tricolor Geraniums. SILVER CLOUD.— A compact and free growing variety with well expanded mature foliage, bronze zone finely belted and barred with flamed rose colour; S TAMWORTH PET.— An elegant variety of miniature grow an Improvement by its freo and densely branched habit, i marked with a beautiful rosy-red flowers carmine-roae, a di &tluct its remarkably dwarf and densely branched growth, and well expanded leaves showing a distinct cream-yellow border when young, and merging into silver white ; flowers scarlet. VERNON.— Neat dwarl and compact branching habit, leaves evenly expanded, dlfltlngulahed bv uniformly broad white leaf border, and rich r ~" ' " - _ . .. ..- and effective variety. Tropeeolum Star of Fire. riety, w This pi decoration throughout the sea , . . uniform close style of the Tom Thumb aectiou, with the perennial-like growth of T. Lobbil and Crystal Palace Scarlet, free from the running habit of the two latter. Aa a miniature vartety it is unique &ad beautiful. Ixora crocata rutilans. Antirrhinum Crimson Wonder. elty, differing from the BEAUTIFUL NEW TROP.ffiOLUM, MES. TREADWELL. F. & A. SMITH WILL DISTRIBUTE THE ABOVE SPLENDID BEDDING VARIETY THE FIRST WEEK IN MAY. IT HAS OBTAINED TWO FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATES, AND HAS BEEN UNIVERSALLY ADMIRED, AND ALSO FAVOURABLY NOTICED BY THE PRESS. Habit dwarf, branching, compact, very small dark olive-green folit flowers, ^vhich are fully 2 inches in diameter, of great substance, flat, and ( ■c, a most profuse bloomer, the plants being literally covered with its rich velvety orange-crimson , ^ ^ , _ ^,, „. ^ ^ „ ^, „ ..rcular. This truly line variety far surpasses any of its colours yet offered, having been compared with all the b'est in cultivation. Aa a proof of its bedding qualities it has been exposed to sun and rain without'injury, and is confidently recommended as a first-class novelty, for either pots or beds. It will be figured in the "Floral Magazine" for Maj; Coloured Pl.ites maybe had, Is. 6rf. each. Mr. Andrews, the artist, replies— "It is a tine thing, I never saw anything so good in colour or form ; the colour is most beautiful, will beat me altogether, but I will do m}-" best" Plants 5s. each, 42s, per doz. The usual discount to the Trade. Special Prices for large quantities, which may be had on application. THE NURSERIES, WEST DULWICH, S.E. NOTICE. SUPEEB NEW LATE GRAPE, "MRS. PINCE'S BLACK MUSCAT," THE VERT BEST LATE GRAPE EXTANT. LUCOMBE, PINCE, and CO. have a few fine VINES of this yaluabk GRAPE to offer as follows :— Strong Planting Canes ... £l 1 0 each. | Fi-uiting Canes £2 2 0 each. Extra strong Fruiting Canes £3 3 0 each. Early application must be made to them. EXETER HXrKSERY, EXETER. H. LAURENTIUS, HORTICULTURAL ESTABLISHMENT, LEIPZIG, GERMANY^ BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HIS NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE OF PLANTS, No. 39, aod \W "-cuUWatej'in ht i"t" M^^^^ ^1° ^"'^"'^^ ^'^ °f Phmts-yOS Genera, and 6122 Species ■ma vauttK» cultnated m his istabhshment), is now Published, aild will be forwarded Post Free on appUcation to MESSRS. BETHAM and BLACKITH, COX'S QUAY, and LOWER THAMES STREET, LONDON", E.G. NEW VARIEGATED ZONAL PELARGONIUMS, CROWN JEWEL AND SUNRISE. SALTMARS:^^~SON ihe boeiety s Silver KnigMian was awarded to the Collertion eontaining th« above VMieUes. Provincial ExLtion^r4 St.' EdmL'^^in'^^ly^Lt "'""' '^' ^"'' ''"''^ ""^ ''*'"'^'' "^ ''"' ^°"^'^'^ «™"' in Sef tembel-I"' ^"'°''^ ^""^ Collection of Si.^ New Varieties not yet in commerce, at the S,,€oial Pelargonium Show Strong established Plants. 2I3. each. The usual discount to the Trade. MOULSHAM NURSERIES, CHELMSFORD. announcing Weatlierill'B New Hybrid Solanums. BS. WILLIAAIS has great pIcL • that he has secured the whole of the STOCK of HYBRID SOLANUMS latuly exhibited before the Floral Committee by Mr. WeatberUl, of finchley, who was awarded a Special Certiticate for the Collection. For full particulars see previous lariic Advertise- ments. Seeds 3own now will produce Plsuiu for Winter Decorations, per p:icket, 2s. Gd., Zs. 6d., and &s. None genume imlesa »ta bear B. S. Williahs' uarae and ad ■ TiLLiAus, Victoria and Parauisu Unr. London, N. Vegetable, Agricultural, and Flower Seeds, MISCELLANEOUS HAHDY KKDblNG PLANTS, SWEET VIOLETS, &o. r>OBERT PARKER bt-gs to announce that his \i CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of ttio fineat kinds iu cultivation of the above-named, is now published and will be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of beeds have all been procured from the best possible sources ; all are warranted genuine, uud are offered at the lowest possible prices. Intending purchasers are requested to compare the prices with those of other houses. — Exotic Nm-sery, Tooting, Surrey, S. Rbododendrons. As ExmiUTED AT THE RoYAL BoTANlO GiHDENff, ReqEKT'S PaEK, JOHN WATKUER, the Exhibitor ut the above Gardens, has pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of the above popular Plants is now published, and will be forwarded to all applicants. It faithfully describes aJI the varieties considered worthy of cultivation. It contains likewise a selection of liARDY CONIFERS, with heights and prices. The American Nursery, Bagshot, Surrey. Bbododendrons, &c. JAMES S1[ITH, Durley Dale, Nurseriea near Matlock, otfera the following :— 160,000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, beautiful healthy plants 9 to 15 inches, 168. per 100 ; jES His. per 1000 150,000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, Sne bushy plants, 1 to It foot, aoa. per 100 ; £.'J 10«. per lOuO 60,000 RHODODENDRON PONTICUM, fine plants, IJ to 2 feet. 268. per 100; £12 per 1 li foot. 10,000 RHODODENDRON HYHRLDUM,lto 1* toot, bushyplants. 03. per dozen : 308. per 100. 6,000 AZALEA PONTICUM, the sweet Azalea.— Beautiful bushy plants, 12 to 18 mches, mostly in bloom bud, as. per dozen ; 203. per 100. Ditto, 16 to 24 ins., 6«, per dozen ; 30^. per 100 60,000 HARDY HEATHS, in about 20 varieties.— Good plants, m fine healtb, 3s. to 4s. per dozen ; 10a. to 15s. per 100. Also about 20 varieties, at 6«. to 7«. per dozen. 12,000 DOUBLE WHIN, UOKSE, or FUKZE, nice plants, well rooted, 2s. 6«. per dozen ; 16s. per 100. 2i to 3 feet, 2s. Gd. per dozen ; Vis. per luu. 3 to 4 feet, 3s. per dozen ; 2gs. par 100. 4 to 6 feet, 6s. per dozen ; 5 to 6 feet, 12a. per dozen 40,000 EVEKUREEN PRIVET, 2 to 3 feet, fiue plants for Hedges rOaii 10.000 IRISH IVY All the Station: ' 100; 2;is. per t Matlock Bridge or Darley GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, including rubs, named RuuJodendrons, &c., 6ont Trade supplied. Apply to Jaxzs Smitu, Darley Dale Nurseries, near Matlock. A CATALOGUE Forest Ti free by post. aelivertc Midland Railway. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGItlCUl/IURAL GAZETTE [Maech 28, 18C8. DILLISTONE & WOODTHOEPE FOLLOWING IN STRONG PLANTS. Perdoz — s. i'. HEPATICAS, double red, and single red and blue 4 0 PRIMROSES, double white, purple, rose, and lilac .. ..6s. and 9 0 PRIMROSES, single yel- low . . 20j. per 100 3 0 VIOLETS, double Queen of Violets .. ..6 0 VIOLETS, double King of Violets 9 0 VIOLETS, double red ..9 0 ,, double white and blue.. ,. .. 4 0 VIOLETS, double Neapolitan (lilac) . . ..40 „ single. The Giant and The Czsr ..60 „ ,, white and blue (Russian) . . 3 0 For Complete List see Catalogue, pages 62 and 63, free on appllcatioD. POLYANTHOS, iinemuied .. .. 21s. per 100 3 0 PANSLES, fine, to name 6 0 „ fine, mixed ., .. .. ..3 0 ROCK CISTUS (Helianthemum) in 20 vara., 4s. and 6 0 DAISIES, choice named kinds 4 0 ,, gold blotched, crimson flowered . . 4 0 CLOVES, Old Crimson and others 4 0 HELLEBORUS, red and white 9 0 ROCKETS, double purple, crimson, white and yellow . . . . . . . . . . ,,60 ■WALLFLOWERS, double yellow and dark ..4 0 PAMPAS GRASS, extra strong, each2s. 6rf.,4s., and 6 0 MYOSOTIS IMPERATRICE ELIZABETH, very fine 6 0 MYOSOTIS EUPICOLA, very beautiful .. ..6 0 Choice Hardy PRIMULAS— Intermedia, 2s. 6d. each ; Nigra-pleno, Is. 6d. each ; Integrifolia, Is. each ; Cortusoides amcena, 2s. 6d. each. LOBELIAS (Herbaceous), 12 of the most varied and distinct varieties in cultivation ... . . 12 0 Clematis. Jackmanni, Standishi, Rubro-violacea, Cylindrica, Florida flore-pleno, Chandlerii, Viticella Verona, Montana, Sophie, Hendersoni, flamula, and Florida, Is. each, or the 12 for . . . , 10 Ivies. Variegated and Tricolor-leaved and others, 12 of the finest in cultivation, for ' Geraniums. 12 of the finest Zonals of 1867, for pot culture . . 6 12 of the finest Zonal Nosegay ofl867, for pot culture 6 or the two dozen for 10s. Gd, 12 of the finest Zonals of 1867, for bedding . . 6 12 of the finest Zonal Nosegay of 1867, for bedding 6 or the two dozen for 10s. 6d. Tricolor-leaved and other Variegated Geraniums. The following beautiful kinds, the 24 for 21s. : — 1 SOPHIA DOMARESyUB 3 ITALIA UNITA 1 BEAUTY of GUESTWICK 1 EDWINIA FITZPATRICK 2 SDNSET [DAVID 3 VARIEGATED LITTLE ■i MRS. LONGFIELD 1 ALBION CLIFFS 3 CRYSTAL PALACE GEM 1 COMMODORE NUTT 1 FLAMBEAU 1 MINNIE WARREN 1 INTERNATIONAL 3 MRS. P. J. PERRY Boses, in pots. 6 best Hybrid Perpetuals of 1867, for 9s. A CATALOGUE OF CHOICE NEW PLANTS OF 1867, EOSES, HERBACEOUS PLANTS, &c.. Free on application. 1^ Post-office Ordert on Castle Eedingltam. MUNRO NURSERY, SIBLE HEDINGHAM, ESSEX. GRASS SEEDS, AGRICXTLTUBAL SEEDS, KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, FLOWER SEEDS. Catalogues forwarded post free to any address on application. NEW ROSES OF 1868. WOODLANDS NURSERY, MARESFIELD, near UCKFIELD, SUSSEX. WM. WOOD & SON Have much satisfaction in announcing to their Friends that they are now prepared to send out the STRONGEST, BEST, and FINEST PLANTS of all the NEW ROSES of 1868. Nothing can possibly exceed the perfect health and vigour of the Plants ; several of which measure 2 to 2J feet in height, and cannot be surpassed (if equalled) in the Trade. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES may be had on application. ESTABLISHED FOR NEARLY A CENTURY. BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT. FORTY-THREE NEW ROSES, WITH DESCRIPTIONS, FOR 1868. WILLIAM EOLLISSON & SONS BEO TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEIR LIST OF NEW ROSES FOR 1868 ' Published, and may be had Gratis and Post Free upon application to THE NURSERIES, TOOTING, LONDON, S.W. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS also beg to intimate that they have still some fine specimens of their NEW and BEAUTIFUL PLANT, JTTNIPERTJS EXCELSA STRICTA. Extract from Iht " GiEDEHEt's Maoaziki." March H. 1868. "This »»rlety differs from tie species principally la its rigid outlines and close compact habit; characters which are more mily dereloped with aze Though in a young state, it may readily be distinguished from the original. Messrs. Rolllsson assure us that they haie proved it to be quite hardy, which we can have no doubt of at all, as wo frequently me«t with large specimens of J. esoeisa in localities where tender plants are exposed to considerable risk. Landsoapists and designers of geometric gardens have not yet done all that might be done with trees of this kind. At all e»ents, this new Juniper Is Invaluable for any purpose where formal elegance and a bright glaucous leafage are qualities in any way desirable la an ornamental tree." Unquestionably the finest novelty yet introduced for decorating Lawns, Parterres, Terraces, &c. Prices, from 6s. to 21s. each. ■WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS have also some fine flowering half and quarter specimens of their NEW and DISTINCT HYBRID HEATH, ERICA TUBiEFORMIS, For which a Certificate was awarded them last year at the Gardens of the Royal Hort. Society, South Kensington. Specimens from 21s. to 105s. each ; Plants in 5-incli pots, price 7s. 6d. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS beg respectfully to solicit early orders from their kind Patrons for their NEW and BRILLIANT TRICOLOBED PELARGONIUM, THE STAR of INDIA, Which has been pronounced by competent judges to be one of the most useful and attractive Tricolors that has hitherto been offered to the Public. The Star of India at first sight slightly reminds one of Sunset, but upon closer inspection the former will be found to possess a vast superiority over the latter in the general freeness of its habit, and the brilliancy and distinctness of its markings. It is the most effective Bedding Tricolor extant. Fine strong Plants, from 21s. to 42s. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS are now sending out their NEW and SPLENDID ZONAL GERANIUM, ARTEMUS WARD, Which is undoubtedly the finest in the Gold and Bronze Section that has yet been ofi'ered, and from its bright and distinct markings assuredly will remain a favourite among edging plants for a long time to come. Fine Strong Plants, from 6s. to 21s. each. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS also possess a very fine stock of the favourite GREENHOUSE CREEPER, COBCEA SCANDENS VARIEGATA. Prices for strong healthy Plants, from 1 ft. to 4 ft. high, from Is. 6d. to 5s. WILLIAM ROLLISSON & SONS' GENERAL CATALO&OE FOR 1868 Will shortly be Published, containing an unrivalled Collection of ORCHIDS, STOVE and GREENHOLpii. PLANTS CAPE HEATHS, a beautiful stock of STOVE and GREENHOUSE PALMS, the largest Collection of TREE FERNS in Europe, 33 varieties of AUCUBA JAPONICA,— being, we believe, the most extensive collection in the country ; SeRBACEOOS and BEDDING PLANTS, among which will be included all the novelties of sterling merit. Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmias, Ledums, Hardy Heaths; together with every EVERGREEN and DECIDUOUS TREE and SHRUB in cultivation. "^^ " -'-" *-" — *-"'"' ♦>""•»"< » stock of FRUIT TREES unprecedented in quality and extent. There will also be contained therein, a All the above PLANTS, TREES, and SHRUBS, may be seen Growing THE NURSERIES, TOOTING, LONDON, S.W. at Mabph 28, 186S.] THE GARDENERS' CHROTs^TCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 317 DOBSONS^ Al PRIMULA. A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE at KENSINGTON, March 3, 1868, and FIRST PRIZE (Open Cliis») nt KENSINGTON, March 14, 18(18, were awarded to nur COLLECTIONS OF PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA, Which, for colour and fringe, arc second to none in the Trade. We are daily receiving; the most flattering Testimonials as to the superior quality of flowers produced from our strain, and as being particularly this fine season. See Gardenen' Chronicle of Saturday, March 7, 1868, pafie 240 : — " Messrs. DOBSON, of Isleworth, had a large collection of Primula sinensis, very finely in flower, and con- sisting of remarkably well-grown high coloured plants." See also page 241 :—"Me.ssiis. DOBSON and SONS' fine lot of Primulas, very large plant.s, with immense heails of bloor.i formed in pyr.amids and well above the foliage, was a conspicuous feature of the meeting, and deserved the highest praise." Sold in sealed packets, RUBRA and ALBA, 2s. 6rf. each ; Mixed, Is., 2s. 6d., and 5s. DOBSONS' PRIZE CINERARIAS, which took First Prizes at every Show in 1867, and invariably so for the last six years. Sold in sealed packets, Is., 2s. 6(/., and 5s. DOBSONS' CALCEOLARIA, universally acknowledged the most varied and beautiful strain ever off'ered. In sealed packets, at Is. 6d., 2s. 6d., and os. The above Seeds may he had through most respectable Seedsmen, &c., or direct from us. A fine lot of healthy Plants of the leading PELARGONIUMS are now ready, at very moderate prices. CATALOGUES Gratis and Post Free of JOHN DOBSON and SONS, NURSERYMEN, FLORISTS, and SEED MERCHANTS, WOODLANDS NURSERY, ISLEWORTH, W. DOBSONS' PELARGONIUM MAGNET, the finest decorative variety extant. Prices on application. NEW NOSEGAY, ZONAL, GOLD and BRONZE, PELARGONIUMS, DOWNIE, LAIRD, & LAING, FLORISTS TO THE QUEEN, HAVE MUCH PLEASI'RE IN OFFERINO THE FOLLOWING SPLENDID NOVELTIES. "Which have been Ihe admiration of all who have seen them, — from the numerou'' iwirds thc\ hivt received at the various Metropolitan Exhibitions, and of the very flattering notices accorded to them by the Horticultural Press, cannot fail to give satisfaction. Plants ready first week in May^ 1868. GENUINE SEEDS, CARRIAGE PAID. B. S. WILLIAMS, SEED MERCHANT and NURSERYMAN, VICTORIA and PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. COMPLETE COLLECTIONS 01' KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS. TO SUIT GARDENS OF VARIOUS SIZEP, lOs. 6d., 21s., 425., 63s., 84s. each. Nosegay Section. COUNTESS of ROSSLVN. — Bright violet pink, with a glowing ] carmine shfide, flowers smooth find of ftreat substance, l.trRe bold truss ; verv effective and distinct. Firfit-clasa Cerliflcates I , Hoyal Ilnrticultural Society, Crystal Palace, and BrightOD. ■nngo scarlet, with i NEW AND CHOICE VEGETABLE SEKDS Per packet —.^. ' Chronicle, De s of Keilie.'all three of whic mher21, 1867, page 1299. GLADIOLI EOOTS. Named kinds, 4s., 6s., 8s., 10s., 12s. per doz. ENGLISH-GKOWN SEEDLING GLADIOLI. B. S. Williams lan etronglv recommend these Seed- ling Gladioli. Being all Seedling Roots, they can be warranted to flower strongly, and will produce blooms possessing colour and qualities perhaps entirel.v new. For masses and borders these were much used last season, and gave great satisfaction. Price, per dozen, 6s. ; per 100, 40s. STAIS'STEAD PAKK. FOREST HILL, LONDON, S.E. ; and EDINTiURGH. VICTORIA .in.l PARADISE NUHSERV, UPPER 11(11. l.OWAV. lONDO.N', N. THE GARDENERS' CHliONICIE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZKTTE. [Mabch 38, 1868. Beet's Seedling Pelargoniums. SGLEND1^NI^'G and SONS are now offering for • the first time the 12 beautiful, new, and distinct PELARGO- NIUMS raised by Mr. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Bece, Esq., of Islewortli, which were awarded numerous Certificates at the varioua Metro- *'°' DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may be had on application. Chiswick Nurseries, Londoi Geraniums, Geraniums. JC. PADMAN, Providence Nuiserj-, Boston Spa, • Yorkshire, can supply the following GER'ANIUMS {package included! for il :— 3 LAGRANDE I 4 VIRGO MARIE I 6 MISS KINGSBURT fi GOLD LEAF 3 FINK STELLA 2GLOIRKDENANCT,dble. 3 SUNSET 1 6 MRS. POLLUCK | 3 ITALIA UNITA N B. For any of the above kinds not required others of equal value will be substituted. CATALOGUiS free on application. Notice to the Readers of tlie Gardeners' Chronicle. GEO. SMITH'S DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, containing Select Lists of SHOW, SPOTTED, FANCY, VARIEGATED, and ZONAL GERANIUMS, including the choicest of Bronze, Nosegay, and Double varieties ; also FUCHSIAS. VERBENAS, PETUNIAS. DAHLIAS in different classes, CHRY- SANTHEMUMS, and BEDDING PLANTS in great variety, now readv. in exchange for one postage stamp. Tollington Nursery, flomsey Roaa, Islington, London, N. New Zealand Nursery. St. Alban's. Herts. T WATSON'S beautiful BEDDING PELARGONTTTM t) • EXCELSIOR, now ready; colour of Indian Yellow; fine truss, and habit of Lord Palmerston. Price 5s, each ; 3ti«. per doz. to the Trade- MISS WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1. The Two have received 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money. Tine New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN, Ripe In ApnL Plants readyin November, Ss. each; 36s. per doz. to the Trade. DESCRIPTIVE LIST sent on application. . New Bronze Zonal Geraniums. MARTIN AND SON, Nurserymen, G'..ttingham and Hull, beg to offer as under, which are of first-class excellence, and cannot be surpassed. GERANIUM MISS MURPHY (Usher's).— A very large flat gold leaf, 7 inches across, with bronze zone, quite distmct, and magni- ficent bedder ; the flower also is good shape, and a beautiful magenta colour. 5s. each, 30s. per dozen. BED of GOLD ( Martin's).— The leaf of this is bright gold colour and pea gi-een, with a bronze vandyked zone ; for bedding purposes it cannot bo excelled ; it is very conspicuous at a dist^ince (being plaring and distinct. 6s. each, 30s. per dozen. ALPINB AURICULA, very choice, from the finest flowers, 2s. 6d. per packet. F New Tricolored Geraniums. AND A. SMITH have now comijleted and filled a » Specimen House, 100 feet lone, with the most extensive and ■ ' 'lection in the world, whicn are now on view every day, can now be had in strong V ENSIGN OEM UNIQ0E IMPERATRICE EUaEXIE MONARCH PRINCE of WALES PRINCESS of WALES QDEEN of the FAIRIES QUEEN VICTORIA ANTAGONIST DEFIANCE GRANDIS L'EMPERBUR LOUISA SMITH MEMNON A few flne specimens of the above, suitable for exhibition. s UPERB VARIEGATED PELARGONIUMS. SOPHIA CUSACK EDWINIA FITZPATRICK 1 SILVER STAR TWILIGHT 1 ITALIA UNITA COUNTESS TYRCONNELL 21 QUEEN VICTORIA MRS. BASS ELECTRIC L'KLEfJANTE BEADTY of OCI.TUX ITALIAN BEAUTY LADT CULLUM OBERON requested. For auy varieties obiected to others a n be substituted. Special offer to the Trade. H&Son, Gravel Wall: Nursery, Peterborough. Choice Variegated Geraniums. EG. HENDERSON and SON oft-r 12 Yarioties * the following, their own or purchaser's selection, for ; Many in thjs collection are very strong plants ;— Goldfinch Bjiinbow Italia Unita Rosette Beauty of Guestwick .Jason Rosy Gem Oultoii Keiiilworth Silver Chain Bicolor splendens Ladv of Shallot „ Nosegay LightuinK Snowflake Little Fob Socrates [(bedder) Luna Stella alba margiiiata Canary Bird Lydia Stella sulphurea mar- May Queen ginata (for pots) Sunset Countess of Tyrconnel Mrs. Beny^n The Countess Crown Diamond „ Loncfield „ M. Hutton The Empress Crystal Palace Gem Topsy Cupid „ PoUuck Venus Neatness Waltham Gem Picturatum Yellow Belt Golden Harlcaway Queen Mary Zingara 12 varieties from ha following, purchas er's selelection, 60s. ; E. G. Hendehson & So I's selection, 42s. Appleby Hall Beauty Ea-itern Beauty Lucy Grieve Beauty Supreme Fair Annie Moire Antique Caroline Lonfield Glen Evre Beauty Mrs. E. Constable Caatlemilk Gloworm „ R. Wynn Duke of Edinburgh Golden Ray Princess of Wales Edwinia Fitzpatrick Jock o' Hazeldean Sophia Dumaresque Velvet Cushion .Tnsticia E. G. Henderson Lady Cullum Wassand Hall Beauty Electric Light and Shadow Wellington Re ad Nursery, St. John's Wood, Loudon. ARIEGATED PELARGONIUMS. BEAUTY of OULTON [ CANARTBTRD I ITALIA UNITA SOPHIA DUMARESQUE MKS BENYON KENILWORTH GOLDEN PHEASANT LADT CULLUM COUNTESS INTERNATIONAL | NEATNESS | PiCTURATA The V,£ varieties, in strong plants, for 21s. If any of tbem are not required, others of equal value will ne substituted. Remittances requested from unknown correspondents Addrt i Alpi ) Fkteb, Nurseries, Chatteris, Cambridgeshii BJ^AUTIFUL COLOUKED DRAWINGS by Mr. Andrews, of NOSEGAY GERANIUMS ECLAT an'd GRAND DUKE, ialthfdlly represented by measurement of full size, and without any exaggeration of flower and size, in exchnnge for 18 Penny Postage SUamps each. Also five new FUCHSIAS in one handsome Plate, in exchange for 18 Penny Postaee Stamps. Geo. Smith, Tollington Nursery, Hornsey Road, Islington, London, N. TR0Pj1i:0LUM AZUREUM (the True Blue), fine bulba, p. doz., £1 Is. A UARANTHUS ELEG ANTISSIMUS. XA. SOW in MARCH and APRIL. This beautiful Amaranthus is a great acquisition for bedding Eurpojes as well as for pot culture. It is also vory effective in ribbon orders. The habit is dwarf and compact, and a brilliant eflect is produced by the intensely deep scarlet of the base of the leaves, and the nch Drotize purple of their terminal half. Price Is. 6d. per packet John & Charles Lee, The Royal Vineyard Nursery and Seed Establisbment, Hammersmith, London, W. (near the KenslDgton Railway Station). S^ ADAM FOESTTH'S CATALOGUE for 18R8 is' now ready, and will bo forwarded to all applicants forme stamp. " select List of Ncw and choice Chrysauthemuma^ laneous Bedding Plants; aJBO a Practical' Treatiee (with Illuatra- tioDS) on the Culture of the Chrvsintliemum. Brunswick Nui-sery, Stoke Newington, London, N. New Chrysanthemums. ADAM FORSYTH is now sending out several FIRST- CLASS SEEDLINGS, all of which were greatlv admired at the Metropolitan Shows last year. Likewise GEORGE'S NEW BEDDING TROP.^OLUMS. For full description and opinions of the Press, see Catnlogue, which is now ready. A. F.'s COLLECTION OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS includes all the best varieties for exhibition and bedding purposes. Orders executed in rotation. Brunswick Nursery, Stoke Newington, N„ London. Just Published, ANEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, and will be forwardeu on application to J. SCOTT, Merriott. Somerset. The 1S68 Edition of SCUTT'S FLOWER GARDEN DIRECTORY and CATALOGUE of DECORATIVE BEDDING PLANTS is also preparing, and will be ready in April. To tlie Trade. CALCEOLARIA AUKEA, HAMPTON COURT YELLOW, PRINCE of ORANGE ; 7s. per 100. SCARLET GERANIUMS, 10s. per 100 ; good Plants out of Store Pots. GERANIUM SUNSET, 12,i. per doz. | MKS. POLLOCK, 5t. per doi. . Skei 1 Na , Lancaster. Superb Double Hollyhocks. WILLIAM UHATEK boss to reniind the admirers of this beautiful Flower, that now is the time for plantinir to insure flne blooms and spikes next summer. A DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with a Treatise u.non its CultlTation, will be forwarded upon the receipt of one postage stamp. Strong healthy plants, that will bloom flne this season, of the finest named varieties, from Via. per dozen and upwards. Seed saved from the very finest named varieties in cultivation : — COLLECTION No. 1. 12 separate named varieties, extra fine, lOs.j No. 2, 6 extra fine varieties, 6s. ; No. 3, 12 separate named yarieties, from good show flo^ - -. "- . ~ varieties. 4s. A Great Novelty. TSAAC DAVIES, the Kniser of Kliododenilron precox J- aud many other Hybrids, will next Autumn send out onu he has named MULTIFLORUM. It has a dwarf bushy liabit, with Myrtle-like leaves, bears a white flower, thosizeof an Indian Azalea, lu grtat abundance. A Certificate of Merit was awarded to it by the Floral Committee of the Royal Hor'jcultural Society of London on the 17th Inst., and an Extra Prize at St. George's Hall, Liverpool, on the 18th. These plants were taken from the opun ground in November Inst, where they had grown five years without the least protection, a proof of their being quite Hardy. A Plant in Flowor may be seen at the shop of Messrs. Hurst ^ Son, V, Leadenhall Street, London, E.G., until Tuesday next. Orders will bo received and forwarded as above. Price 7s. Cd. each and upwards. Brook Lane Nurserv, Onnsklrk, Lanuashirti. of for ever."— ^4//ie7Kci(m, June, 1 WM. I'AUL Has 81111 a magnincent stock of ROSES, for which he respectfully solicits Ordeia. STANDARDS and HALF-STA^fDARDS, sound, healthy heads. NEW ZONAL PELARGONIUM, EGYPTIAN QUEEN.— This splendid variety, which was awarded the First Prize at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show at bouth Kensington in the autumn of 1867, and is decidedly the best Bicolor Zonal yet exhibited, will be ready for sending out on the 1st May. Orders are DOW being booked, and will be executed in strict rotation. Single plants, price lOs. 6d. OYNERIUM ARGENTEUM {PAMPAS GRASS). — For single Rpecimens, large, lor centres of beds or conspicuous places, 2(1. Qd. ; smaller flowering piants. Is, fid. ; good plants, 6s, per dozen ; for cover pbinting, 2U. per 100. ARUNDO CONSPICUA.— A noble rival of Gynerinm, very much admired; see Gardener^ Chronicle, page 211. is. Cd. each, 12fl. )rgeoU9 border plai LILIUM ADRATUM (the Golden-rayed Lily of Japan).— No. 1. Strong flowering bulbs 2s. Qd. No. 2. Larger „ „ 38. 6d. No. 3. Extm „ ., 5s. Od. No. 4. Extra extra „ 7s. fid. LOMARIA GIBBA.—Hardy greenhouse Fern ; the most handsome of late introductions. 2,t. (id., to 3s. 6d. LASTREA OPACA.— Hardy Japanese Fern ; admirably adapted either for cool gi-eenhouse or sheltered Fernery, very line. Is. 6d. eiich, 128. per dozen. James Carter A Co., See^ Merchants and Nurserymen, 237 and S.is, High Holborii, Londi . W.C. Those requiring showy kinds of Flower Seeds, and who are not well acquainted with the sorts, are respectfully recommended to lenve selection to us, and we will supply those we know to be really worthy of cultivation. 1. Ihe best 100 sorts (hardy, half-hardy, and tender) £110 2. The best 50 sorts ditto ditto 0 10 6 3. The best 38 sorts ditto ditto 0 7 6 4. The best 24 sorts ditto ditto 0 5 0 6. The best 24 sorts (hardy sorts only) 0 5 0 PRICED CATALOGUES gratis and post free on application. SoTToN & Sons, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. USSELL'S^ PYRAMIDAL PRIMULAS. — This magnificent strain still maintains its character as the finest in cultivation. New Seed, crice 2s. C((. per packet, PRIMULA KERMESINA.— The great fault of this brilliant coloured variety has hitherto been its indisposition to throw its flowers above the foliage. I have now, however, the satisfdotion oi off'ering it with the same erect, conspicuous style as the other kinds. The stock of this is limited this year. Price 6s. per packet. George Clarke, Nurseries, Streatham Place, Brixton Hill, S. ; and Mottingham, Kent. SPECIAL OFFER of FLOWER SEEDS, of the choicest quality. Post ft-ee for Stamps. Per packet. — a, d. STOCK, extra fine dwarf German lO-wesk, 12varieties, separate 2 3 STOCK, 21 extra fine varieties, mixed 10 STOCK, extra flne crimson, white, or purple, each . . ..10 STOCK, newest dwarf large flowering 10-week, \2 var., separate 2 6 STOCK, „ ,, „ „ 8 „ 1 y STOCK, 18 extra flne large-flowering varieties, mixed ..10 ASTEKS, extra flne German quilleri, 10 varieties, separate ..16 ASTERS, TRUFFANT'S FRENCH P^O NY- FLO WE RED, newest perfection, the best exhibition kind, 12 varieties, separate 3 0 ASTJftlS, ,. „ „ ., 8 „ 3 0 ASTERS, ,, ,. .. ,. 24 mixed 1 0 ASTERS, FRENCH P.EONY-F LOWERED, very flne, 12 varieties, separate . 2 6 ASTERS, FRENCH CROWN-FLOWERED, choice, 6 varieties, separate 13 ASTERS, FRENCH GIANT EMPEROR, 12 superb varieties, mixed 10 ASTERS, NEW VICTORIA, cnrmine rose, 8 varieties, mixed 1 0 ASTERS, NEWEST DWARF CHRYSANTHEMUM- FLOWERED, 12 varieties, mixed 10 BALSAM. SMITH'S SUPERB, !t distinct varieties .. ..2 6 BALSAM, extra flne dwarf double, mixed 10 CALCEOLARIA, SCOTr'S HYBRIDIZED, from varieties most carefully selected, and impregnated ftom all the choicest strains in cultivation Is. and 2 6 CINERARIA, extra fine, from best named varieties only, Is. and 2 6 COCKSCOMB, SCOTT'S GIANT DWARF, crimson .. ..10 LOBELIA SPECIOSA, true Crystal Palace variety ..6d. aud 1 0 PETUNIA, newest single, extra choice 10 PHLOX DRUMMONDII, 12 very superb varieties, mixed . . 1 u ,, ,, extra brilliant scarlt:t 10 PRIMULA FIMBRIATA. superbly ftinged, and of immense size, a strain unsurpassed, 6 varieties, mixed . , \ .. ,. „...,., 1 the Empoi . All kinds of VEOETABLK and AGRICDLTtlRAL SEEDS c be supplied, including— GREEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET (trues RED-TOP IMPERIAL „ „ ,. Lowest price for cash on application. The 1 Specimen Heaths and Greenhouse Plants for Exhibition. T AND A. SJIITH bi-K to oilVr tin- above in fine • lioftlthy condition. Prices (moderate) may bo had on appiica- n. An inspection solicited. The Nurseries, West Diilwich. S. E. Plants in Bloom. FAND A. SMITH beg to offer the following, in good • condition, for Decorative Purposes :— ACACIAS I CYCLAMENS I CINERARIAS (nno) AZALEAS 1 EPACRIS i GER.ANIUMS The Nurseries, West Dulwich, S.E. Cinerarias. FAND A. SMITH beg to announee their splendid • Collection Is now in Bloom from which they gather the Seed offered to their customers. An inspection solicited. The Nurseries, ^V6st Dulwich, S.E. Koyal Ascot Vine. TNO. STANDISH is prepared to send by post strong GRAFTS of the above VINE to any part of Great Britain at Ws. 6d. each, and 6rf. the postage. He has no hesitation in saying that if side-grafted on any other strong Vine, just aa the sap is rising. It will unite immediately, and bear a sample of bunches th doi Roy.ll Nurseries, Ascot, Berks. A PEACHES, NECTARINES, APRICOTS, APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, and CHERRIES. Extra strong VINES and FIGS m fruiting condition for forcing. See RicnAao Smith's FRUIT LIST, post free for 3 stamps. RicnAito Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. twenty Thouiand~Stanaara Fruit Trees. THOMAS WAKNKK having still the above, eon.sisting chioav of APPLES, APRICOTS, PEARS, and PLUMS (also a fine lot of Dwarf-trained CHERRIES)^ wouM respectfully 1 application. The NurFeries, Leicester Abbey. Ten Thousand Standard Elms. THOMAS WaRNEK inviles especial attention to these, being of unsurpassed quality, and offered .at most reason- able prices for the present season. See CATALOGUES, wholesale or ret.ail. The Nur.^eries, Leicester Abbey. Hundreds of Thousands of Evergreens. THOMAS WARNEK. has of some KVERGREENS (owing to a favourable soil and climate) one of the finest stocks in the Trade. Particularly mav be mentioned American and Siberian ARBOR.VIT*, AUCUBA JAPONICA, TREE BOX ; CEUKUS ARGENTEA, transplanted autumn, 18B7 ; HEM- LOCK SPRUl.i: 1 11. - \\ I:., :iii.t YRWS.whieh for qualitv and I : 1 ■■ C.\TALOGUES, wholesale or 1 '- ■ , I.r-i.ester Abbey. RICHAKD .s: FIR TRIBE, and botanical nam ll'^s SI' of , description, form, coIo , Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. PROFlTABLE~GAME~CUVERT:^Pi;int 7o"ur Game Preserves with the BITTER WILLOW. Neither Hares nor Rabbits will destroy them. Grow quickly, and will form a good Cover in one seaaou. The produce is commercially profitable, and always tinrJa a ready market. Price of Cuttings, selected, 208. per 1000. cash-— Apply to Wm. Scaling, Basford. Notts. TOMPH"sMlfH;j^?i^MoorElgilJ^smes/rnnsl^^ tf near Matlock, has to offer a large and GENERAL NURSEIiT STOCK. conststiDg of Forest Trees and Ornamental Shrubs and Trees, at very moderate prices. LARCH, 2 to 3 feet, 3 to 4 feet, and 4 to 5 feet, \Za. per 1000. RHODODENDRON PONTICUM. 8 to 12 Inches. 90s. per 1000- 9 to 16 ina., 13us. p. 1000 ; Ito U ft., 160,?. p. 1000 ; li to 2ft., 260s. p. 1000. PRICED CATALOGUE on application. Special offers made to large purchasers. „ Evergreens— Special. riHIVAS AND WKAVEK, Chester, offer GREEN \J HOLLIES from S to 71 feet high, handsome plants, and in the best possible condition for removal ; PORTUGAL LAURELS from 2 to 3 feet, which have been regularly Transplanted, carefully Pruned, and are well suited to be planted out sinEiy; STANDARD ditto, on Stems from 2 to 3i feet; AUCUBA JAPONICA, from 2 to 2i feet, beautiful specimens- IRISH yEW.s. 4 to 6feet, together withlargeouantitits of RHODODENDRONS for cover, CUPRESSUS LAWSONIANA, and a general assortment of HARDY EVER- """""" "■ 1 application, GREENS. Pr 11HREE MILLION Vtrong 4-yr. transplanted QUICK. 1,000,000 good 2-vr. transplanted QUICK. 2.000,000 buperior Seedling QUICK. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 4 to 6 feet. 100,000 good strong LARCH, 2 to 4 feet. For samples and prices apply to JoeM Hkmsle Y, High t'ields, Melbourne, near Derby. Wonersli Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO AND SON 1). • stock of TREES and ? kinds Ih this season very extenolv. that their ulermentinned niiples, prices, 100,000 Quick, transplanted, l\ to Horao Chestnuts, 3 to4 & 5 to 7 ft. Common and Portugal Laurel Berberia aquifolia A Inrge stock of strong STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES. APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. Large Evergreens and JForest Trees. TYJESSRS. PAMPLIN and SON have a large quantity Aucuba japonicii, 2 to 6 li — Portugal Laurels. 2 to G feet Chinese Arbor-vitio, fi to 12 feet American „ 6 to 10 feet TUuia aurea, 1 to 4 feet Oak, 7 to 10 feet Yew. common, 4 to 10 feet Iiisii Vew, .■; to 6 feet Laurel, 2 tn fi fet-t Anmciina iiubricata, 10 feet freeu Holliet, 1 to 12 feet I Black Italian Poplar, 20 feet Balsam ditto, lO to 16 feet Lomhardy ditto, 20 feet Limes, 10 to 1 Walnuts, 10 t Ash, 1 ^ Wey ^feet Spruce ditto, 2 to 4 feet Elm. 10 to 15 feet Acacia, 10 feet Mountain Ash, 10 f Turkey Oak. 10 to 1 Lilac, Common, 8 Persian ditto. 6 feet Yellow Azalea, 3 feet Privet ovalifolia, 8 foet Bridge Road, Leyton ; and Wood Street, For Avenues and Partts. "WO THOUSAISD AlilES DOUGLASII, 8 to 10 feet high, rb specimen.t:, in perfect order transplaiitinp. ^\n. per dozen, per mo. The Fhig^tafT (nearly feet high) at the Exhibition of was of this noble and beautiful the timber of which Is superior TONIAS, PICEA NOBILIS. and Noidmannlana ; Pines, Cedars, Arau- carias, Cuprtssus, Thujopsls, and many others. B and prices (which are very low) on application to iiTii, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. Large Evergreens, Specimen Conifers, &;c. WATERER AND GODFREY be": to submit the following List to the notice of intending planters :— YEWS, ENGLISH, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 15 feet high „ IRISH. 6, 7, 8, and 10 feet high „ GOLDEN, h, 6, to 0 feet „ STANDARD GOLDEN, 20 years worked HOLLIES, COMMON GR^EN, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 16 feet high, and as much in circumference — hundreds „ LAURIKOLIA and SCOTTICA, G, 7, 8, and 10 feet, and wide „ THE QUEEN, or best gold atnped, the handsomest of all variegated Hollies We have hundreds of theao beautiful plants, 4, 5, and 7 feet high and wide „ STANDARD, WATERER'S, and GOLDEN, with fine heada, 16 and 20 years worked CT^ We havo some thousands of the ordinary kmds of Variegated Hollies, 4. 6, 6, and 7 feet high. Every plant has been removed witbiR 12 months. CHINESE JUNIPER, one bf'the handsomest and hardiest of all evergreens — thousands of beautiful plants, 4, 5, 0, 7, and 8 feet high ; some magnificent plants, 10, 12, and 15 feet higli, 12 to 20 feet in circumference THUJA AURKA, 3, 4, and 5 feet high, 7to 20feet in circumference .. GIGANTEA, 10, 12, and 15 feet high, very handsome LOBBIl, splendid plants, 7, 8. to 10 feet high, and 12 and 15 feet • ■ ireds SONIANA, the finest stock— many thou 15 feet high, and as much in circumfereuci THUJOPSIS BOREA1.IS, 4, 6, 8. and 10 feet high, 7 to 12 feet in circumference — hundreds PORTUGAL LAUREL, 4 and 5 feet high, 7 and 8 feet round BOX, Green and Variegated, 4, B. 6, 7, and 8 feet— thousands PICEA NOBILLS, splendid plants, moved m spring, 4, 6, 6, and 8 feet „ NORDMANNIANA, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 16 feet high [high None of our Nobilis or Nordmannianns are graited plants. „ MAGNIFICA or NOBILIS ROBUSTA, the finest stock in the trade, all seedlings, 2 to 4 feet high ,, LASIOCARPA, hundreds of plants, 4, 5, 6, and 7 feet high, all ABIES DOUGLASII, 6, fl, 7, and 8 feet [seedlings „ ORIENTALIS, 4, 6, G. 7, to 10 and 12feet; 7 to 20 feet in m- cumfereBce ; most beautiful plants PINUS CEMBRA, 6, 7, to 9 feet „ PINSAPO, 3, 4, 5. and C feet „ „ Some very fine plants, lO to 20 feet high, 15 and 25 feet in circumference WELLINGTON lA GIGANTEA, a large number, all removed recentiy.4, S, 6, ftioft. high, 4 12 ai.d IS ft. in circumference RHODODENDRONS, — We have 40 acres of land in one piece filled almost exclusively with Rhododendrons. I healthy 9 foimd in any nursery, many are 20 to 40 years old" C^ The large Standard and other Rhododendrons planted list - -" ~ Rotten Row, Hyde Park, were supplied by Waterer plants will adopt the much wiser, and alwayt course, of seeing and judging for themselves. We solicit an inspection and invite comparison with any other similar nursery stock in the kingdom. The Knap Hill Nursery is upwards of 160 acres In extent, and con- "" " ----- . superior stock of the ordinary sized free on applicatioi Watbrbb & GoDFBET, Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. The Nursery is readily reached by Train, 4o minutes from Waterloo to Woking. Conveyances are always to be had at the Station. NOTICE OF REMOVAL. WAITE, BURNELL, HUGGINS, & CO., SEED MERCHANTS, 181, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C, HAVE NOW- REMOVED TO THEIR NEW PREMISES IN SOUTHWARK STREET, S.E. WHERE IN FUTURE ALL COMMUNICATIONS ARE TO BE ADDRESSED. HCn.MlD SMTTTT'S SKED CATALOGUE oontaine i :ii .:r[ iir ' I I,.. I I .,,■ I,,.. |.:,itii;alar8 of Collections, with .'i . i I, iiomlcallv, Soil, Manure, I. I ' , I!, . , l.iiration, Form. Height, '"'. .1 < , I I. I lualities described. This Kiuir the Transplanted Forest Trees. WATEREU AND GOUFUEY have a largo quantity of the following, of a very superior quality : — ALDER, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 6 ft. | FIR, Larch. 4 to 6 ft. ASH. 2 to 3 ft. and 3 to 5 ft. „ Spruce. 3, 4. and 6 ft. ACACIAS, 3 to 4 ft. ,, Austnaca. 1) to 2 ft. BIRCH, 2 to 3 ft., 3 to 4 ft., and HAZEL, 3 to 4 ft. fi to 6 ft. OAK, Engllati, 1) to 2 ft. CHESTNUT, Spanish, li to 2 ft. I QUICK, very strong. Sp**clal oflers on application. Knap Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey, The Nurseries, Barnet, Herts. CHARLES COHISWELLbKijs to tall the attention of Gentlemen and others engaged in Planting to his large STOCK of the following, which are otTered at a low price, the ground being required for other purposes:— CEDRUS DEODARA, 4 to 12 feet ; Araucaria imbricata, 2 to 6 feet ; Arbor-vitie, American, 6 to 8 feel ; Cedars, Red and White, 4feot; Ciyptomeria japonlua, 4 to 8 feet; Cupressus Lawsoniana, 2 to 6 feet ; Cupressus sempervirens. 3 to 6 feet ; Junipers, of sorts, 3 to 6 feet ; Taxodium sempervlreuH, fi to 10 feet ; Irish Yews, 6 feet; Thuja gigantea, 4 to G feet; Thujopsis borealis, 4 to 7 feet ; Thuja Lobbil, 4 to C feet ; Thuja aurea, 2 to 4 feet ; Wellingtonia ginantea. 4 to G feet ; Pinus cembra, 5 to 6 feet ; and Pinus excelsa, 8 feet. The above have been kept constantly removed, so that they are all perfect specimens. Also all other kinds of Evergreen and Flowering Shrubs, of all sorts and sizes; THE GOLDEJN VARIEGATED WELLINGTOiNlA.— For full particulars of this fine tree see Oardeners' Ohrontcte of February Sand 17. Received First.-cl;i.S3 Certificate from tho Royal Horticultural Society ot'Encland. Received First-class Certificate from tho Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland. Received Fiist-class Certificate at the Grand Maochester Exhibition of 1807. Opinions of tbe Press. *' R. Hartland exhibited a very curious variegated Wellingtonia. The variegated parts, which seemed equal to a third of the whole, wero of a bright golden colour.'" Scollvih Gardener, September, 1866. "The Golden Variegated Wellingtonia. is a capital subject for planting, the markings Deing such as to render It really handsome, while its growth is healthy," Qardeners' Chroninle, J.inuary 12, 1867. " The beautiful Golden Variegated variety of the Mammoth Tree of California is a striking and deservedly prized VAtiety" , . . "its golden spray glittering in the t characters of a pla ned fixed, they ^ ; and if < First size, 2-vr., 14 to 1ft inches Second size, 1-yr., 9 to 12 inches , Third size, this year's. 4 to 6 inches Cork.— March 9. L EE'S GIANT ORACH, or SUMMER SPINACH. sow in MARCH and APRIL, (i viiluuble variety of Orach possesses immense produc- e poweis, combiiieit with a delicious piquant flavour, quite The plant is of rapid, vlEorous growth, and attains a height of 6 to 7 feet, with numerous bnanchea, yielding a constant supply of large dark green leaves throughout the Summer months. dish of this most useful Vegetable. Per packet, with instructions .ToHN & Ch.\rlfs Lee, The Royal Vineyard Nursery and Seed Establishment, Hammersmith, Loudon, W. (near the Kensington Railway Station). TAMES CARTEK, ' DHNNiSTT, and BEALE, 238, ^ HiKh Holbnrn, have a surplus Stock of the undermentioned ~ ■ " ist price on application. BURBIDGE-S ECLIPSE. CHAMPION OF ENGLAND. ALLIANCE. AUVERGNE. NE PLUS ULTRA. FAIRBEARD'S SURPRISE. BRITISH QUEEN. CLIMAX. McLEAN'S EPICUREAN. HARRISONS PERFECTION. DICK.SUN'S FAVOURITE, VKITCH'S PERFECTION. IMPROVED SCIMETER. McLEAN'S WONDERFUL. PRINCESS ROYAL. c KR WHITE 1 CAULIFLUWKI;, I 1;M 1:1 KARLT DWARF 10 CHERVIL, NKW r,\l:-Ml' 0 6 CUCUMBKH. .SMI nr-. mm; FRAME 10 ENDIVE, DIC^U ELL PKl/.E 0 6 LEEK, HEVRVS PKIZK 0 6 RAPUANUSCAUDATUS (NEW LONG-PODDED RADISH) 1 0 ASTER, TRUFFANT'S SUPERB FRENCH, 12 vara., mixed 1 0 CHRYSA " ' 5T0CK. IMPROV ■ALCEOLARLA, CINERARIA 2 6 CLIANTHUS DAMPIERII 2 6 LOBELIA SPECIOSA 0 6 PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, mixed 2 6 VIOLA CORNUTA 10 LUTEA 16 RicoARn Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. To Market Gardeners and Others. WHITE Si'ANlSH O.NION SEtD, new and genuine, 2.«. per lb. ; Hue WAJ.LFLOWER PLANTS, 2s. (Id. per 100. Terms cash. RicnABn WALKEn, Market Gardener and Seed Grower, Biggles- To Market Gardeners and Others. EAST HAM, K.NFlKl.li .MAKKKT, SHILLING'S QUEEN, NiiNP.VRElL, ROBIXSOX'S CM AMPION DRUM- HEAD CABliAOK I'LANTS, all selected stock, at 25. 3d. per 1000 ; RED PLANTS, extra line, at 4s. per 101)0. Terms cash. RicHAau V/ALKEa, Market Gardener and Seed Grower, Biggles- wade, Beds, Genuine Bedfordshire-grown. TRUE WHITE SPANISH UNlUiX, at 23. 6ii. per lb. This very superior stock has frequently been grown the extra- ordinary weight o " ' " ..'-..^ ....mimri^. s SEED POTATOS To Fanners, Gardeners, and Others. EXCELl.E.M liAlilSAliK PLANTS (Stocks not to be 5urpa^> , V, ! , . ,i,|, . .1 .s r.ll.n-- —ENFIELD MARKET. af, BdD.rl • ' ' ' -■; ;u;l.V NONPAREIL, at a., (id. »t St. per liUHi l.i.li liil' II. lor Pickling, 6s. per 1000. A Remittance or Reference to accompany aU Orders. Fbt.pk. Gee, seed Merchant and 0 ir, Biggleswade, Beds. THE GARDENEHS' CHEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [MiKcn 28, 1SC3. BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION. MESSES. SUTTONS' EXHIBIT AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION, wHicir riiiNcirAi.LY coxmstfd uf GEASSES AND GEASS SEEDS, WAS THF. ONLY ENGLISH COLLECTION TO "WHICH A SILVER MEDAL WAS AWARDED. PARIS EXHIBITION, 1867. "PREMIER PRIX. EXTRACT FROM REPORT OF THE PARIS CORRESPOXDENT or THE " AGEICULTURAL GAZETTE," .September 7, 1807. " By far tlie most Important STAND la tliat of Messrs. SUTTON & SONS, of Readlag. The three lower compartments are devoted to the Exhibition of Sample! of DRIED GRASSES; the centre com- partment Is devoted to Samples of GEASS SEEDS." *»* Nutwitlistanding the representatioD.s made, by display nf Paris Prize Moilals, ,tc., at tlie heading of Advertisements, Messk.s, SUTTON think it due to themselves and the Public to state distinctly, KO LONDON HOUSE WHATEVER EXHIBITED SEEDS OF ANY HIND at the Paris Exhibition, except only so far as the sowing of a portion of the Exhibition Park with Gra.ss Seeds may be so interpreted. MESSRS. SUTTON'S "EXHIBIT" AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION ; FOETY-FOUE KINDS OF GEASS PLANTS FEOM THEIE EXPEEIMENTAL FAEM AT RE.4DING ; and SUPERIOR SAMPLES OF NATURAL GRASS SEEDS. In the Official Cdaloguc, British Siction, Group IX., Cliss 85, SlEssa^. SUTTOJJ's "E.-chibit," to which the Silver Medal wa5 aiv-irJaJ, isdescribed in E.ijlish as " Vegetable, Flower, and Agricultural Seeds;" in French, as " Graines de Plintea Potagcres, do Plantcs d'Orucmont, etc." In the Official List of Awards published in the Moniteur, the entry is further abbreviated to the words " Graines Potageres." On the lid Noremher, the Chief Commissioner, Henrv Cole, Esq., CD,, wrote Messrs. Sutton :— " I have to inform you that the International Jm-tj HAVE AWARDED YOU A SILVER MEDAL for THE OBJECTS EXHIBITED BY YOU in Group IX., at the Paris Universal Exhibition. On the 19M December, the Secretary to the E.xccutivc (R. G. Wylde, Esq.) wrote to Messrs. Sutton ;—" As you principally exhibited Gras< Seeds at the Paris Exhibition ;/oii maij fairly claim to have received the Sileer Medal awarded to you as AN AWARD FOR THE GRASS, as well as for the other Seeds you exhibit'A." In the Official Certificite, signed by the Imperial Commission, and received with the SILVER MEDAL on Jlarch 8th, 18G8, mention is made only of the more conspicuous portion of their Exhibit, viz., "Gazons" (or Grasses). AS SEE THE FOLLOWIMG IMPERIAL ANNOUNCEMENT :- '■ E.vposition Universelle de 1867, " Commlfsariat General, Groupe IX., Glasse 83. " Commission Impcriale, " Paris. " MoNsiEUB,— J'ai I'honneur de vous adresser le DipWme de la MEDAILLE D'ARGENT qui vous a ete d^cernee. " Je joins a ce Diplome le releve des Prix et mentions qui vous ont ete attrihuoi dans les Concours Partiels ouvcrts dn ler Avril an 31 Octobre, el qui ont motive la decision definitive du Jury International. UN PREMIER PRIX— GAZONS. " Recevez, Monsieur, I'assurance, &c., " Le Conseiller d'Etat, Commissaire General, '■ M. Sptton, Gr. Bretagne " (Sisned) " P. Le Plat." Tkanslatio.v. " Universal Exhibition, 1867. " Oliices of the Imperial Commission " Group IX., Class 85. " Paris. "Sir,— I have the honour to send you the Diploma of the SILVER MEDAL, which has been awarded to you. " I subjoin to this Diploma a statement of the Prizes and Commendations which have been awarded to you in the ' Sectional Competitions,' open from 1st April to .'Jlst October, and which assisted the International Jury in their final decision. A FIRST PRIZE— GRASSES. " Receive, &c. &c. " Mr. SOTTON, Great Britain." (Signed) "P. LePlat, 'Le Conseiller d'Etat Commissaire General.' SUTTONS' MIXTURES OF PERMANENT PASTURE GRASS SEEDS 1. CTIFF CLAY SOILS, to be met with in the London, ^3 Eimmorldge. Oxford, and Lias clays. BUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE for thoso Soils, 30». to 328. por aero. buttons- good mixture for these Soils, 24s. to 26s. per acre, BUTTONS- CHEAPER MIXTURE for these Soils, 21s, per acre, Cai ringe free. eultlTattoD. SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE for those Soi's, 3ns. to 328. per ac buttons- GOOD M I.XTURE for these Soils, 24s, to 2Gs. per ac BUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE for these Soils, 21s, per i Carriage free. 3. /:< OOn MEDIUM LOAMS, on the Marls of the Old VT and New Red fejindstone, the Gault, and the GreetisaDds. SUTTONS' HEST MIXTURE for these Soi]s, 30«. to 32s. per ficre. SUTTONS* GOOD MIXTURE for these Soils, 24.S. to 26s. per acre. BUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE for these Soils, 21s. per acre. FOR 4. T IGHT SANDY SOILS, on Now Red Sandstone, i XJ Sands of the Inferior Ooliie. Soils visited by Sand DriOs. as \ at Cheltenham and GlouC6.ster ; also those covering up the Stiff Lias and the Tertiary Sands of the Dorset Haiths. SUTTON'S BEST MIXTURE for these SoUs, 308. to 32s. por acre. SUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE for these Soils, 2*.s. to 265. per acre. SUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE for these Soils, 21s. per acre. Carriage free. ^^^ sTq HARP GRAVELLY SOILS, siich as the Flint lO Gravel Drift which overspreads so much of the Southern and Western part of England. BUTTONS' BEST MIXTURES for these Soils, 30s. to 32.t. per acre. SUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE for these Soils, 24s. to 263. per acre. SUTrONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE for these Soils, 2Is. per acre. Carriage free. the Mountain Limestone, the Proper, where not too elevated. BUTTONS' BEST MIXTURES for these Soils, 308. to 32s. per acre. SUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE for these Soils, 24s. to 2fiB. per acre. SUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE for these Soils, Sis. per acre. Carriage free. 7. QHEEP DOWNS.— The Elevated and more Exposed O parts of the Oolites, such as the Wolds of Gloucestershire, the Cotswold Hill, and the Plains of Wiltshire. SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE for the above, 3Us. to Z2s. por acre. SUTl'ONS" GOOD MIXTURE for the above, 24s. to 26s. per acre. SUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE for the above, 21s. per acre. Carriage free. 8. "T^rATER MEADOWS, and YV Irrigation. SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE forthe above, 26s. to 28.9. per BUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE for the above, 24s. per acre. SUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE for the above, 20s. pcra Carriage free. Land under Special Contracts made for large quantities. Suttons' ''Seeds'' for 1,2, 3, or 4 Years' Lay, 10s. 6d. to 2Ss. per acre (Carriage Free). SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN FARM SEEDS AT MODERATE PRICES, AS SEE SUTTONS' ILLUSTRATED FARM SEED LIST, GE.^TIS AND POST FREE ON APPLICATION. e^ All Goods Carriage Fri rtpt very small parcels. Five per Cent, allowed Jor Cash payments. SUTTON AND SONS, SEEDSMEN to the QUEEN, READING, BERKS. Maech 23, 18GS.] THE GAliDENEKS' CHRONICLE AKD AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. BARR & SUGDEN, THE METROPOLITAN SEED, BULB, AND PLANT WAREHOUSE, 12, KING STREET. COVENT GARDEN, W.C. The Japanese Q,ueen of Lilies marks regarding of tho Lily faimi the flower ganl uuHvallcd. Ttic jubilant with dc 3 proving worthy 6estaw d'upon it, and surpassing the greatest thusiftstic admirers. Specimen plants >m 30 to 90 blossoms, each blossom from and when, in addition to its beauty, its sidered, the Lilium auratum may justly be classed with the Rose as a tUnver of universal acceptation.*" LILIUM AUKATUM, Flowering Roots, each 2a. Crf., 3j). Gd Bs.Gd., 7a. lid., and 10s. Gd. ; also a fi;W very large Roots at special prices. Large Flowering Roots of LANCI FOLIUM ALBUM, ROSEUM.and liUBRUM, 95., 12s., and I.w. jior dozen, or Is. and Is. Gd. each. ENGLISH AWARDS 'T PARIS EXHIBITION .(.-C^LLENCE OF Q^ UN BRIDGE WELLS HORTICULTURAL SOciETV.-Tho ANNUAL GRAND EXHIBITION of 'WKIIS and FRUIT will be hold on FRIDAY. July 3. in the ning the Catverley Hotel, by permission cf Edward """""■ "^ — '1 All England. Special Prizes will be The Gladiolus, The same writer who dil.ited so eloquently on the Lilium auratum thinks "we have a floe illustration of Dn.rwii.'s Theory of Selection | in the Gladioli, varieties of Gandavensis. The type, G. natalenais," , he observes, " in our opinion of modem beauty, is a« remarkable for | its ugliness as those at present in cultivation which now take rank at our exhibitions are (or their exquiMte beauty. The parent flower IS by no means au agreeable combination of bnck red, green, and yellow, while the children graduate in almost imperceptible shades, from the purest ivorj- white to tho most fiery red. the deepest crim- son, and the richest orange and yellow ; while the increased size of the flowers of the varieties is as great a contrast to those of the parent as are the colours. The price has ctased to be a hindrance to its occupying a place even in the garden ot the peasant, and yet what do we find ? — not one garden iu 6li can boast oJ having a display ot Gladioli. If any of our readers have a doubt on their minds regarding our statement, let them perch themselvts on the knifeboard of one of our suburban 'busses on a glorious day in September, and they will see beds of gay-coloured Geraniums, and dreary belts of evergreens, with scarcely a coloured plant in the borders to relieve the monotony; and perhaps among 50 villa residences his eye may light upon one "'"""■"" " ■ ' ' — ■ ' " t moralise, he having spent many days on the desert sands. It Is" Dut a question of management in the succe-^sion;!! planting to possess a display of these brilliant and beautiful flowers from the first day of July to the last day of December. It is true that the plant;nv^ made from the " ■ ". unprotected n. .lutumn would bo ' " • ' ' ■ this difficulty is ., - J limited. These late plantings should be made in masses in the reserve garden, lifted in October with the ball of soil adhering, placed m bo'ies or pots, and stood anywhere under glass, or even in an unoccupied room, and if attended to with water, the flowers will expand as perfectly and the colours prove as rich as those which bloomed earlier in the garden. There are few families, where company is kept, who do not feel the want of bright-coloured flowers to fill vases, Ac, in " ' I trifling outlay, the want can For the largest and most magnificent collection of Gladioli offered by any bouse in this country, see BARR 4 SUGDEN'S GENERAL SEED CATALOGUE, pp. 67, 08, CO, 70, and 80 ; there each variety is fully described, and the prices, varying from 2d. to 10s. 6d. each; fine assortments, suitable for any gaiden, 33. 6rf., 4s. 6d., OS. 6d., 7s, Gd.. 9s., and 12s. per dozen ; 30s., 42j., 50s., 60s., 70s., 80s., and 90s. per 100. Fine Miied, lOs. 6d. to 17s. ikl. per 100; -.„ ^j .„ ... ^j per dozen. Choice Mixed, consisfing of '•'^_^ii'' °" 'tPPiicaj4on_toMr^ F. LOOF, Secretary. 8, Parade. i^::;.RAND HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION V_^ at LEICESTER, in connection with the snow of tho ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY IG to 23, 18G8. Amongst various Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cetllni Cup), VALUE £21 will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS' CHRONICLE a>d AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE fur the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES to be made up na follows :— ' Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish —Grapes, Melons (2 trniU], Strawberries. Gooseberries, . per 100, 3s. Gd. per do: Home-grown Seeds, PURE AND GENUINE— SO FAR AT LEAST AS IT IS DESIRABLE TO HAVE HOME-GUOWN SEEDS. BARR AND -SUGDEN'S LAWN GRASS (regarding the super quality of which numerous testimonials might be quoted) i : Is. per lb, BARR AND SUGDEN'S PERMANENT PASTURE GRASSES and CLOVERS, of the finest quality ; sufficient for Laying Down The following are very Choice Seeds, BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA.-Ti.isslrainisremarkable for superbly fringed flowers, which are luge, of great substance; alba, rubra, and mixed ; each, is. Gd. :.nd lis. Gd. per packet tKR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA r^'" SHADED MADDER. _ flowered, and distinct variety ; 2s. Gd „„ , „ BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA NEW STRIPED.— Beautifully fringed, large-flowered, flowers white, striped red ; 3s. Gd. and 5s. Gd. per packet. BARR'S COVENT GAHDEN PRIMULA, FERN-LEAVED.— This is a superb class ; flowers very handsome, aud foliage remarkably ., . ,?.'^^°^®°f?' ' '*''"*■ rosea, and mised ; each, 2s fid. and 3a. 6d. pkt. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN DOUBLE PRIMULA.— Pure white and rich carmine ; each, 28. Gd. and 3s. Gd. per packet. These come perfectly true from seed, BARRs International prize calceolaria, the finest strain iu cultivation : 2s. Gd. and 3.*. 6d. per packet BARR'S COVENT GARDEN CINERARIA, 'iT 6;i. per packet MIMULUS MACULOSA and DUPLLX, each, Is. per packet ZONAL and NOSEGAY PELARGONIUMS, embracing all tho newest kinds. Is. and 2s. Qd. per packet. J^?^4;^^9^J.y^^* saved from very choice varieties, 2s. Gd. per pkt. PAUIS, lbG7 JAMES CARTER & CO. Do not covet the honours bestowed on other Houses, but they think the time has now arrived when they should put forward ii plain statement of facts for their own protection. JAMES CARTER and CO. had the honour of supply- ing the GRASS SEEDS that produced in the Grounds of the late Paris Exhibition the beautiful TURF so unirer- sally admired hi/ Enrjlish Visitors, and described by the Correspondents to the London Journals as being of extraordinary merit ; and NO OTHER ENGLISH HOUSE | whatever supplied Grass Seeds for the use of the Imperial 1 Commissioners ; and no other Englisli House rceeived the " Premier Prix" for Grass. A respected opponent of James Carter &, Co. exhibited a Miscellaneous assori7ncnt of Seeds in one of the Annexes of the Exhibition^ amongst which were small samples of Grasses. A. Medal was aivarded Jor the collection of '" Graines potaghres" {Garden Seeds) in this case of Seeds JAMES CARTER and CO. believe the very great difference between a Prize awarded for Seeds that pro- duced the g:ratif}'ing results in their case, and an Award for a Miscellaneous fUltrfion of Dry Seeds that gave no evidence of merit, wilt he easily understood; but they are compelled to be thus explicit, because they observe an Advertisement of a letter, said to be received from a private member of the Executive Committee, in which a claim is made for the Prize Medal for Grasses. JAifES CARTER and CO. however think that "the Award of the Jurors should be final;" and that a private letter from an individual must be tahen for what it is worth. . Cbetries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the _.„^ „. .^„. , Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds one basket or bundle of each :— Peas, French Beans (or Scarlet Runners), Broad Bcana, CauliflOTtera, Cucumbers (brace), Summer Cibbages, Early CarroU, Turnips, Art-lchokes, Onions, Spinach Rhubarb, Potatos, or Mixed Saladlng. This Prize will be open to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners, of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetables of their own growing ; any article otherwise obtained will dtsqualiiy Wfxt (BarlyenniS'eiironicle, SATURDAY, MARCH IS, 1868. ^^C^X^LENCE Of- ^^^ COLLECTIONS OF Showy and Beautiful Flower Seeds. '''■°','/ HARDV ANNUALS, In CoUectionB, 2j. W., 3». M., 6». 6i. 10^. Ca.. and 21.4 - > t i iw. i>a., andais. Fretty BAfeDY ANNtTALS.inclurlin? thu bolt of the L ID CoUectiona, 6«. 6d., 7«. dfi,, los Cd 15< and 303 Moat beautllul HALF-HARDY ANNUALSJ'in Collections, 3j. 6d., 4f. Cd., 7». 6d., 10»., 15«., and 3U8 ris« and W ?^5SL^s?'''^i'^ii'-^' ■" Collection,. 3,. M.. i.. 'oi;'io^ 6*: 2«. 6a., 3s. Cd., 6ji. 6d., and ~b 6d A NNn'i^ s'*^VS.'°J.i"i°'"'°"''.''' ™''='='1<"". ^- 6"- and 7s. 6d. ^''?."^d':'3s.'S..1?.'fcn"d"'Js IT" "'""•'""■ '- '-•"U-tion,. Swcet-acenWd ANNUALS, in Collections, 2«, and 3«. M. fill^i 7s 6d affii Cd"''''"''""""'"™' '"Collection., 3s. 6d., '^''f."';;^^^''*? j^'l?*^.'^'^' "" ^'"'«'- Bouquets and CUurch uscoration, in Collections, 2s. 6d. and 3s fld 1123 ad And !>i« SEBDS orSDB-TROPICAL l^LANTS, in cillcctlois ^ 6d ?, ii is. ba., 3s. Oa,, w G«., 78. M., and lOs. Cd LONDON, 1862. ONLY PRIZE MEDAL FOR SEEDS. The same system of "explaining away" was adopted by tlie same opponents after JAMES CARTER & CO., In a similar competition, had been awarded " THE ONLY I'KIZE MEDAL FOR SEEDS," by the Intem.ational Jurors, London Exhibition, 1862. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS, to suit all Soils, from 21*. to 325. per acre. CARTER'S PRIZE MANGEL WUEZEL, from l.s. to 2.*. 6d. per lb. CARTER'S PRIZE SWEDE and TURNIP, from Is. to Is. id, per lb. Special low estimates for quantities. CARTER'S "PRIZE MEDAL" FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. See CARTER'S ILLUSTRATED FARMER'S CALENDAR, Containing valuable Hints on the Fonnation of Per- manent Pastures, Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER and CO., SEED FARMEKS, 237 and 238, HIGH HOLBOKN, LONDON, T7.C. The tide of popular favour is, steadily but surely, setting in in favour of many of the Old- fashioned Pl.vnts, that are now the rejected and despised of our gardens. Old florists and gardeneis, as well as manj' of a more modern date, are pleasantly and confidently anticipa- ting their speedy return to power. The modern system of bedding-out is becoming confessedly weak in its capacity to secure variation of design, and consequently stereotyped designs are inevitable, and, naturally enough, wearisome. Not but that skill and resources can yet do much by way of alternating both the subjects employed and the designs executed, but these instances are exceptional and beyond the capacities of the general body of flower-gardenei s. In gardening, as well as in many other things, there is a general tendency to strive to be new-fashioned — and foliage plants, ribbon borders, and glaring masses of colour are everywhere in the ascendant. These are unquestionably good things — worthy alike of the application of the highest testhetic skill of the artist gardener, as well as of the devo- tion of his utmost resources : in their undue pre- ponderance lies their misapplication. In their constant iteration there is something wearisome to the eye. While the taste is thus glutted, the cry " who will show us something new ? " rises, impatient for a response. During the past summer, when looking over one of the " show places" of the western coun- ties, and after inspecting the terrace garden, with its glaring masses of colour just in the meridian of their full glory, certainly relieved here and there to some extent with beds of foliage-plants of soberer hues, the very relief of which was at once neutralised by their immediate proximity to the groups of colour, there was pointed out in one part of tho garden a large- sized bed, mainly composed of herbaceous plants, mingled here and there with Pelargoniums, Calceolarias, and Verbenas. There were to be seen masses of Anemone japonica intermixed with showy perennial Delphiniums, Foxgloves, her- baceous Phloxes, Scabious, Columbines, Dahlias, and others, producing a succession of flowers, and always securing a mass of bloom, relieved by plants that had already bloomed or had yet to bloom ; the continuance of the general head of bloom being aided by the few bedding plants distributed about the bed, with the view of obtaining the best effect, together with a general diffusion of colour. While the plants occupying the bed had been arranged with a view to secure a general symmetry of growth, so that there should be a gradual fall from the centre to the circumference without au}' approxi- mation to formality ; there was at the same time to be seen a blending of the different hues of colour, so harmoniously arranged and so pleasantly, and effectively distributed, that in its general comprehensiveness it would be regarded as a piece of horticultural [esthetics, in point of practical value, far beyond that furnished by the combined whole of the elaborate terrace garden, or any fragment of it. At its lowest value it was eminently sugges- tive,— not by a return to the old style of the mixed border, unenlightened or elaborated by tho application of any artistic skill or novelty of design, but by a combination of the two as above described. There is no need for tho THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Maech 28, 1868. '~7- i — t„ Kq -niViAll-r hrnlcfin un and I nearly inverted. Yet tUis 1 saj', and I'or this I wrote, masses ot "^^l^^ .^''^^^ ,^f ?''5- f fO^r^^ some few varieties sure to be "there or dispersed; what is wanted is leUU leUet "o™ thereabouts." Meanwhile a poor amateur is out of his an impressive glare of colour, as weU as Irom tne j^^^j^ ^^ ^^^^ (lor ^-^Je he never can) in tho mire continued recui-rence of style, varied only by a „,„,„„„, of new foreiga names, about three of svhieh i,.^*- *i^TT7ov arrnnCTfiment of the materials nre honest. somewhat newer arrangement of the materials as the seasons revolve. The faculty of originating is not given to every one ; pure originality is as rare in relation to horticulture as it is to other departments of art. But it is worth striving for in so far as it can be attained and applied. The desire for change in this respect is perhaps tho best guarantee that, m due time the new ideas now developing, wiU hnd adequate expression to the satisfaction of those who wait for theii' advent. Meanwhile, gardeners of all degrees will derive great advantage from the very numerous suggestions in the excellent work of Mr. David Thomson, to which we have already called attention. To suard against any possible misapprehension of our remarks on the speedy fruiting of Pkne-apples (n "93) itmay be well to state that the plan, to which allusion is made in the concluding sentence, as being capable of general application, is that of starting plants into frait within 12 months of their being potted as rootless suckers; and that the batch of plants now in Mr Thomson's hands is a batch of these, and not of " headed-down" plants, to which other of our remarks apply Mr. Thomson is too good a Pine grower to have a "batch" of plants miss fruiting annually, so as to require this stern mode of treatment. "VVe have received from Messrs. "Windebakk & KiNGSBi'RV some blooms of several very beautilul varieties of Double Chinese Primboses, raised by themselves. The most novel is perhaps a double white with rosy purple stripes, but there is also a double blush a double carmine rose, and a double rosy lilac, which are exquisite flowers. Among those sent are three separate striped varieties, three white or pale blush, and two purple Fern-foliaged varieties, and two purple and two white with foliage of the usual type. These new forms are, many of them, remarkable tor their dense and symmetrical flowers, the striped ones being the least so. They are all decided acquisitions. In our next issue we hope to be able to lay before our readers some account of the great Intek- NATIONiL HOBTICULTUKAL EXHIBITION at GHENT, which begins on the 29lh instant, and is to remain open till the 5th proximo. There is no doubt that the show of Camellias, Azaleas, and such-like will be fane, while the effectiveness of the brightly-coloured flowers will be enhanced by the noble lohage plants— f alms. Agaves, &o., in the culture of which our Belgian friends excel. _^__^__ PEARS. Several 'of your correspondents have cnmmented upon my letter, headed "Pears Old and I\ew, all with courtesy, and some (like " Pyrus") with know- ledge far beyond my own ; and I see in a recent number (p. 180) a pleasant and good paper from Mr. Wm Iu"ram. Now I do not wish to dispute a single position taken by these gentlemen : I simply wish to remove a few very natural mistakes (such as that ot " air-roots " in Yines, for even Nature in over-zeal does sometimes make mistakes), and which (as in the case cited) are the results perhaps of previous error. , No doubt I should have stated clearly, that m my list of Pears admirable, and Pears execrable, I had no view whatever to the growth of venal fruit. I simply mentioned want of size as a disqualification, because we like to have at dessert comely and sizeable fruit, as well as fruit of flavour— goodly as well as good fruit. Hence, I condemn those little kinds, Seckle, Winter Nelis, Suflblk Thorn, and so on ; because if we can get other fruit, quite as good and twice as large, surely the big ones should carry the day. Only one other point will 1 notice, among the many points made by " Pyrus," and that is the good word he gives to the Marie Louise d'Uccle. The Pear is hand- some and large, but in my opinion not comparable with the old Marie Louise, for the aroma of it is flat. The old Marie Louise (setting aside its bad growth and tenderness of bloom) has no fault except over- sweetness. Tou will think me very captious, and so 1 am in Pears ; and my object in writing has been to exclude from growth inferior sorts, such as nine out of ten varieties are, even in their special paradise. Upon this turns the whole question :— why over-pile the cata- logues and disappoint the ignorant when there are some 30 or 40 sorts, nearly always good (though not quite first-rate), in the south and west of England? My object was to specify ten or a dozen sorts following lu succession, all first-rate if upon the right stock, and iraple for any amateur. One of your correspondents complains of Beurre Superfin. No doubt he grows it on the free stock, or else on a bad sort of Quince. Nurserymen send out Pears worked upon quite distinct sorts of Quinces ; as if all Quinces were alike. This I know, aud have suifered (rom it. I will give you an instance. Mr. Rivers says that Beurre Clairgeau will not succeed upoa the Quince. Quite true; it will not upon his Quince, but on the Quiuce stock used in Belgiuna it succeeds in this country to a marvel, utterly eclipsing the Pear upon the free stock, and on the Quince used in England. , „ . I have had Louise Bonne on two difl^erent Quinces (differing even in colour of root) ; upon one it thrives like a forest tree, on the other it dwindles from year to jear ; with another sort of P,.>ar the result might be are honest. I have never, under any circumstances, tasted CjIou Morceau first-rate. I do not believe it capable of ever becoming first-rate to a truly fastidious mouth. It has no piquancy. I did not quote Gansel's Bergamot (unless my memory fails me) as a first desirable. It usually has fine flavour, but the texture is not satisfactory. Let me now sum up my ideas upon a first-rate Pear. It must possess, in the highest perfection, texture, juice, and flavour. The texture must be velvety, close, quite free from grit, and so fine that you can scarcely see its granula- tion. Moreover this must be continued through and through, from side to side ; no woodiness towards the core, as m Chaumontel and many others. A texture of this kind ensures a thin skin. The juice must follow the wound of the knife, and gush from every delicate pore, not wait for the grinders of a man to supplement it with their own. And it must not be too honied. The flavour must be aromati(! (yet a very refined aroma), piquant, sprightly, and not too sweet; and with a gentle sub-acid lingering on the soothed and gratified palate. There are not six sorts of Pears in a season (and in no two successive seasons would all the winning sorts be the same) fulfilling all these conditions. The first condition (that of texture) is the crucial point with most of them- for instance, with Louise Bonne, in some other respects a first-rate Pear. You will see that my standard is high ; were it otherwise, it would be worthless. To conclude with one or two remarks upon Mr. Ingram's letter. He assumes that I got all my Pears from abroad. I mentioned some as procured from Belgium, but niue-teuths of my trees are from English nurseries. Beurre d'Amanlis (on the Quince) is, as he says, large and handsome, but it has with me no buttery Concerning Urbaniste, I suspect that his trees crop heavily ; mine have never done so. It is of medium size with me, and first-rate texture and flavour. Winter Nelis, both from wall and standard, has a flat turnipy fl;ivour here, three years out of four. Glou Morceau is always flat, sweet enough, and juicy. I hate soft flesh in a Pear; it should always bear the knife. _ ,..,,, A^an Mens Leon le Clerc is so tender in the bloom that it never sets here one fruit in athousand. It has another g " '• ■ ^^ ... blows c "■ bass to The om v.^iia^s, via., that of Spring and Summer Lettuces, would be well exemplified by the Neapolitan Cabbage and the White Paris Cos. The 3d Class, Hardy or Winter Lettuces, would have good representatives in the Hardy Hammer- smith Cabbage and in the Brown or Bath Co;. It would, however, take a long time, and a series of close observations, fully to determine for what par- ticular use each individual variety was best adapted; but there are a few, which are good at all times, as, for example, a good stock of the Bath Cos, which is excellent both in winter and summer, its colour being the only point against it as compared with tlie Paris Cos. The Hammersmith, on tile contrary, which is one of our best winter varieties, is of no value as a summer Lettuce. The following observations apply specially to kinds adapted for summer cultivation. Cabbage Lettuces. Neapolitan. — Leaves of a deep green, curled at tho edges, thick and fleshy, crisp, forming a very large, round firm heart, like that of a Cabbage; seeds white. One of the best varieties in cultivation. Drumliead.—Thxs resembles the Neapolitan, but is of a lighter shade of colour ; it grows, too, rather taller than the Neapolitan, and does not form such firm hearts ; the Malta is the same as this. Seed white. Earli/ Simpson and Curled Qerman are dwarf and much-curled varieties of the Drumhead. Red-edged Drumhead.— This differs from the Drum- head only in having the edges of the leaves tinged with brownish red. Hooper''s Incomparalle, White Bata- vian or Silesian, Earbj Silesia, and I'rince Albert, are synonymes of it. It is a very pretty and excellent variety. Hardy Hammersmith (from Australia) proved to be Neapolitan. Brown BaiaiHan.—linaMes of a deep brown colour, like the Drumhead in character; a hardy variety. Synonymes: Brown Silesian and Marseilles. Seed white. Berlin White Summer ; Rotjal or mite Summer.— This is a very excellent variety ; leaves smooth, very closely packed, slightly curled on the edges, of a white or lightish green colour ; hearts firm, late in running to seed. Seed black. Stuart and Mein's No. 1 resembles the preceding, but is somewhat larger, and rather later in running to seed. Seed white. Boi/al or White Summer (white seed), Perpignon, Brungal, Prince's Head,, and Berlin King's Head, are all similar to Berlin White Summer, but smaller and inferior. Seed white. Imperial Caiiai?;? (Barr & Sugden).— This is a very ~Large Normandy, Shortfs Qlole, Mogul, Large Yellow, are all similar to it ; TurTc'ish or Butter is somewhat smaller, and has black seed. hnperial Large Caiia<7«( Stuart & Mein),and Triater, No 2 (Stuart & Mein), are very much. alike, and resemble the preceding, but are of a somewhat paler "reen Leaves smooth, soft ; hearts large, firm ; seed white. A very good variety in dry seasons, as it runs to seed very slowly. , t. /7 -n i Stonehead Frame, While Stone, Crisped Small Early, Asiatic, and Victoria Callage all resemble each other, and grow very close aud compact ; hearts small, forming early, very firm almost white. An excellent little variety. Seed white. „ . „ „ , , j, Tennis Ball and Stone Tennis Ball, resemble the preceding, but have black seeds ; small, but excellent. 7') rolled up spirally, like a corkscrew, the one vertical, the utber huiizoutal, each dehiscent by a cleft which follows the line of the spire, and each fixed by a special pedicel to the connective. With reference to the so-called pollinia, M. Lemaire asks : " Comment appeler autreioent ces organes, puisqu'ila aont contenus dans une veritable anthfere didyme?" But probably feeUug uncertain as to the correct- ness of his description, he goes on to say that the plant may be considered as having "deux etaminea etroitement connfies inser^ea sur un conncctif commun." Such, omitting referencetothe perianth and pistil, ia the de- scription of the staminal apparatus given by M. Lemaire, and which even with the flower before one is Bcarcely intelligible, presenting none but the very remotest analugy to the structure of the rest of the family. Indeed a spiral polUniuni dehiscing by a long chink along the convexity of the helix would be a structure, we beUeve, wholly without parallel in the vegetable kingdom. M. Hasskarl, in a communication "Die Familie der Commelynaceen— Bulletin du Congrfis de Botauique, &c. " Amsterdam, 1866, pp. 103, makes no special mention of this 2, 2, 2, in the lower figure) it is unnecessary to say anything, AS the description of M. Lemaire appears to be strictly accurate. On the removal of the petals, and regarding the anterior part of the flower (fig. 6), the two staminodes of which the learned editor of the "Illustration Horticole" speaks, maybe seen (3, 3) ; between them projects the ovary, surmounted by its style (6), both the latter being, at first, partially concealed by the beaked, bifid organ, which in the generic description before cited is considered to be a single stamen. Turning the flower so as to see its posterior surface (fig. a), at the lower part may be seen the thick tuft of yellow hairs to which allusion is made, and within this rises what M. Lemaire con- siders to be a single filament, which dilates into a circular fringed disc, the connective of M. Lemaire, above which tapers the bifid beak before mentioned (4, 4). On closer examination of the body described above as a single stamen, we are led to consider it as consisting of three confluent stamens, because the posterior surface of the fila- ment ia marked by three longitudinal ridges, and there are also, as we shall presently see, three anthers. Of these three stamens the two lateral ones are in the form of convolute, purplish, petal-like horns, one margin of each of which is entire, while the other is provided with a thick fringe of blue hairs, and the apex is prolonged into a sort of beak. From near the centre of the inner surface of those petaMike filamentaisgivenoffavery short pedicel, which is probably the true connective, and which bears a two-lobed, spirally-twisted anther, the lobes being vertical, one superposed to the other, and each dehiscing by a long cleft following the convexity of the spiral. These spiral anthers are wholly concealed within the folds of the petal-like, hooded filaments. The central stamen according to this view has a flat, narrow fila- ment, unprovided with any wing or hood-like expansion, but which is dilated above the middle into the orbicular plate which M. Lemaire considers to be the connective ; beyond this the filament is bent downwards and inwards, so as to bring its two anther-lobes into a horizontal position immediately beneath the two vertical anthers above described, and with which they preciaely correspond in form. The upper figures, a, b, c, d, show the actual structure of the stamens and pistil of these truly extraordinary plants, tho O'- perianth being removed for the sake of clearness ; flg. a shows the back of the flower, with the single yellow ataminode ; fig. b the front of the flower, with the two blue staminodes on either side of the ovary ; fig. c shows a portion of the petal- like hooded filaments, cut away so as to show tho spiral anthers ; and fig. d shows tho lower horinonbil anther on a larger scale. Tho lower figuro is a plan showing what believe to be the correct explanation of the staminiil arrangement in these plants. According to this view tho sta- mens are theoretically nine in number, and arranged in three series. The three outer (3, 3, 3) are sterile and are represented by the two lateral staminodes and tho posterior tuft of yellow hiura at tho baae of the filament, though as to this latter point It i.s necessary to speak with diffidence. The members of the outer scries are represented by 3 and x in the diagram. Of the second series (4, 4, 4), two posterior are developed in tho shape of the petal-like horns, while the third anterior one is suppressed— hence the gap that appears in the front of tho flower when the perianth is removed, thus allovring the pistil to be seen. Of the third row (5, 5, 5), only one {the posterior) IS developed, and that ia adherent to the two segments of tho second row. Of course this arrangement is theoretical merely, and must bo tested by tho study of the evolution of tho flowers, and by analogy with other forma. The weak points are, that there in nopresent evidence to show for certain that what are here called the staminodes, especially the posterior one, are really repre- sentatives of stamens, though there is little doubt— at any rate In the case of the two anterior ones— that such is tho case. A& to the ternary constitution of what M. Lemaire calls a single stamen, there can be little if any doubt at all : nor can it reasonably be doubted that what he has called pollinia are truly anthers. Another objection to the view above stated, is that tho two cells of the pistil are anterior, in the same position, that ia, as tbo two hypothetical stamens of the third aeries-instead of being alternate with them. Tbia objection, however, is of tho leaa weight, as it appears to us that the so-called law of alter- nation, according to which tho several organs are originally diapoaed, becomes subordinated to the necessity for packing, whereby organs are so arranged as not to interfere one with another. In this case, as the two stamens are not developed, there is no interference. If the staminal nature of what are here called staminodes be considered as not proven, that circumstance would not affect the explanation of the structure of the flower so far as the arrangement of its parta is concerned. The organs in question may be imperfect petals, or they may be mere excres- cences. If this be so, then there would be only six stamens in two rows : the three anterior ones — that is to say, one of tho outer and two of the inner — being suppressed. This abortion or suppression of the anterior stamens in Commelynads is by no means unusual, the genus Dictyospermiun, for instance, has the three anterior stamens abortive in this way, while peculiarities in tlic connective aro among the commonest features of the order. The necessity for extraneous agency in the fertilisation of these flowers would seem to be impenitive, as the anthers aro completely concealed within the petal-like horns before alluded to, and it ia a matter for speculation as to what kind of insect could ever get at the pollen, so carefully is it placed out of reach. M. T. M. I^omc (irorrcsponlrcnce. Spring-flowering Squills.— There is a great confu- sion as to the names of the species of Squills in tho commercial world. Though not pretending to be au authority, I venture to contribute my mite towards the elucidation of the matter. Taking them in the order of flowering, we have first Scilla bifolia, which in both its blue and white varieties constitutes one of our most valuable early harbingers of returning spring ; it blooms fully three weeks earlier than any other species, and is unquestionably the one exhibited by Messrs. Osborne, and though sometimes called S.prsecox, it IS quite distinct both in bulb, leaves, and flowers from it; but of this latter species more anon. With reference to the major variety — which that exhi- bited was stated to be — my experience leads me to believe that it is only a vigorous form which it assumes in localities well adapted to its culti- vation. I further notice that in all weakly offsets the bifoliate character is correct, but in strong bulbs the leaves are as invariably three in number ; and further, I find on reference to my indigenous specimens that the number of leaves is variable ; so we may presume that Linnieus originally described the species from weakly-grown plants. Besides the white variety, which possesses every quality except colour that belongs to the typical species, we have what is called the rose-coloured variety. This is undoubtedly a distinct species, as described by Lehmann in Kunth's work on Monocotyledons, where it receives the very appropriate name of Scilla rosea. It flowers nearly three weeks later, has a different shaped bulb, and much broader leaves. So much for Scilla bifolia. The next species, S. sibirica, is fre- quently called praicox (which, by the way, is a synonym for it), and is figured in the " Botanical Magazine;" in this the flowers are fewer in number than in the preceding species, more campanulate and drooping, with broad, erect leaves, almost sheathing the scape when the flowers are expanded, and each bulb is covered with a dark purplish-brown outer scale ; it blooms three weeks later than bifolia, and the flowers are of a much purer blue. Very closely related to this species, though I believe quite distinct and much rarer, is Scilla amo'nula. This, as regards period of flowering, should have taken prece- dence of sibirica, as it is only a week later than bifolia, possessing very much the general aspect of sibirica ; it rarely produces more than two blooms from a bulb — one with a long stalk, the other short, and the flowers are of the most lovely Italian sky-blue imaginable. Scilla amcena belongs to quite a distinct group from any of the above ; it produces a number of large coarse leaves, from the midst of which, about the middle or latter end of April, rise the blooms : each flower expands almost flat, with a very short peduncle, and its beauty is of but short duration. It IS almost as easily cultivated as the common Blue Bell. Scilla italica flowers in the early part of May. It is also a free grower, and produces its flowers in compact pyramidal racemes. The blue is of a somewhat slaty character, and though a pretty and distmct species, it is not to bo compared with its more precocious brethren. I imagine I hear some of ."JJ' readers say, " Pray where is Scilla verna, whicfi, in accordance with its name, ought to figure m the front rank of vernal bloomers ?" Well, my reason lor leaving it to the last is that, in the first place, it is far 324 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND ACtRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Maeoh 28, 1868. rom showy, although, by the way, I have seen S. bifolia do duty for it on more than one occasion ; and, in the second, it appears very variable in its period of blooming, which occurs between the middle of April and the middle or end of May. In this species the leaves are narrow, and the flowers of a dull pmky blue ; so distinct is it, that it is quite impossible to confound it with the others previously noticed. Its nearest ally is Scilla autumnalis, which is so closely allied to it as to render a doubt in my mind as to whether it is not a mere autumnal variety. Jas. C. Niven, Hull Botanic Gardens, March 23. [Will our correspondent kindly furnish us with a flower and leaf of what he terms S. amcenula ? if withered, it will still be accept- •able. We reserve the expression of our own views till we have further evidence on the garden nomenclature of these plants. Er>8.] The Bitter Willow v. Habbits.— If the Bitter Willow of which Mr. Scaling speaks (see p. 203) is in reality exempt from the attacks of rabbits, it will be a boon to tho-se who have to plant game cover of some kind or other in places where these animals abound. Not knowing the Willow myself, I have only to say that all the other varieties with which I am acquainted fall a prey to the depredations of rabbits, and the term bitter " would almost imply its being more likely to be a favourite with them than otherwise, as few things are more bitter to the taste than the common Broom, and rabbits seem to relish this as well as Clover, in fact, amongst the class of plants said to be free from the attacks of these pests my experience would only point out some two or three, and even these are not entirely exempt from their attacks ; but I may say the common Elder is rarely meddled with ; Evergreen Box also mostly escapes, and Andromedas generally are left alone, but not so the Ehododendron ponticum at all times, as young ones are nibbled away, and the more choice varieties suffer most. With this short Ust of exemptions my catalogue is exhausted, but if the Bitter Willow be one I shall be pleased to give it a trial. M. C. My Idea of a Boiler. — I omitted stating, that where space was an object, I should curtail the length of the boiler and add to its height, so instead of having three chambers 5 feet long, I could have five chambers 3 feet long— in both cases I get my 30 feet of under- surface; so with smaller boilers, by decreasing the depth of water between the chambers, I can afl'ord to widen the boiler, thereby getting more under-surface without altering the amount of room allowed for the heating power to pass through— a circumstance which would get the heat up in a shorter time. Mr. Ingram's report of the boilers at Frogmore, where they have been at work from 12 to 24 years, clearly proves to me that for durability the saddle form of boiler is the best for cheapness and value in the long run. Mine being after that fashion, and possessing in my opinion some good points, I think I may venture to call it Lane's horizontal-chamber boiler. E. Lane, Oreat Berkhamystead, Herts. Mr. Lane's plan for a boiler (see p. 291) is, in my opinion, the nearest to perfection which I have yet met with. If the bottom of each division were corrugated, and the whole of the outside cased or packed with 4 inches of soot or powdered charcoal, it would probably be the most simple and efficient boiler ever invented, and I trust that some enterprising hot-water apparatus manufacturer will give it his attention. W. J. E., Maidstone. Cunninghamia sinensis. — I beg to inform Mr. Palmer (see p. 295) that the largest plant here is only 10 feet high. Mr. Murray has made a mistake; it was 5 feet high in 1863. Wm. Smythe, The Gardens, MmJiam. Grafting the Cherry on the Laurel. — I may inform " A. B." (see p. 270) that last summer I tried the experiment of working a few cherry buds on the Laurel, and that two of them are growing well, and look very healthy. I should like to know whether the ■wholesomeness of the fruit, should they ever bear any, will be at all affected. T. W. Marsh, Dorking. Bottoming Reservoirs. — Your correspondent " J. W. H." inquires (see p. 183) what is the best mate- rial for forming the bottom of a reservoir. I presume his ground is porous, as he says the present bottom is puddled clay ; if so, reduce the clay to 4 or 5 inches in thickness, puddle it thoroughly, and put a casing over it, 8 or 9 inches thick, of fine chalk, ground lime, and coal ashes or forge clinkers, well pounded, in the following proportions, viz. :— Chalk, 8; lime, 1; ashes, IJ; properly blended together in a dry state, after which reduce it to a pulp with water, and ram it well ; level the surface, but don't smooth it, above which put about 2 inches of fine shingle and Portland cement, in the proportion of 20 gravel to 1 cement, reduced to the consistency of mortar. Spread this carefully, and smooth the surface; if done skilfully no water will penetrate this bottom nor vegetation find root in it. A.L. Spring Gardening.— I wish to recommend for decorative purooses in the early spring the pretty free-blooming Crocus biflorus. I get it from Holland under the name of the Scotch Crocus. The bulb in a dry state is of a peculiarly hard and smooth substance, and does not readily shed its skin, like many of the varieties of Crocus vemus. The value of its individual flowers is not to be regarded so much as its proliferous character, very small bulbs producing from eight to 10 blooms. Of the improved garden varieties, one of the very best is a fine striped kind, named Albion ; the flowers are unusually large, and are heavily-pencilled with violet. While it is one of the most showy and striking in the flower garden, it is also one of the - finest for pot culture. One of the liveliest and most pleasant things in my garden just now is that useful golden-tipped Sedum acre. To look down upon it, it resembles a mimic Field of the Cloth of Gold. It can be used for the edges of beds, or to fill small beds entirely, or for covering rockwork, &c. It is scarcely so robust as the old variety, so should not be planted in a too exposed position. The golden-blotched Double Daisy, Bellis auoubtefolia, is very beautiful just now when massed in patches, or planted thickly as edging. Each succeeding day the golden hue comes out more distinct and striking. Each of these useful plants for spring gardening loses its golden hue during the late summer and autumn, but it comes out again sure enough quite fresh and bright just when it is wanted. Richard Dean, Ealing. Pine Apples. — Permit me to correct an error in your quotation from my remarks on Pine Apples in the Florist, at jjage 293 of your paper. For " from 2 to 3 lb.," read " from 3 to 4 lb." The fruit referred to were cut at the end of November, but a later lot of the same batch, viz., cut-down plants, which ripened fruit at the new year, weighed from 2 to 2i lb. and 3 lb. ; these, however, were swelled off under somewhat dis- advantageous circumstances, in consequence of the proper accommodation being taken up with the suc- cession stock ; they were, however, sound and of fair flavour. I would also beg leave to corroborate the truth of your remarks regarding the effects of a " too stimu- lating course of treatment" by means of the following instance. In one Pine-stove here, capable of accommo- dating three rows of plants, owing to the present arrangement of the heating apparatus the front row is subjected to a considerably higher bottom-heat than the two back rows. The consequence of this is, that the plants in the front row always make growth before showing fruit, if they show at all, and it was some of these which were subjected to the cutting-down pro- cess last summer. In the same house this season the two back rows have shown sturdy fruit from end to end, while in the front row, as yet, only one " show " is visible ; by-and-b.v, if they continue obstinate, they will be cut over in time to form a late succes- sion. The plants were all of the same age and vigour. In starting Pines for early fruit, the bottom- heat is never allowed to exceed 80^ or fall below 75° till the fruit is distinctly visible, and the top-heat is allowed a range of from 65' to 70' min., and from 75' to 85' max. With this treatment, we have no difliculty in getting the plants to show in quantity. We fruit from 70 to 80 plants in the course of the year, and of that number we have at present 50 plants just showing or swelling off fruit in various stages, and which according to past experience and present appearances will, at a moderate estimate, weigh in the aggregate from 150 to 170 lb. Our later plants I fully expect will throw up with equal certainty; what fails will be cut over ; and in this way I hope to utilise every plant, and fruit all in close succession. I am so convinced that a high temperature at starting will, as Mr. D. Thomson observes, prove fatal to any- thing like success, that I would undertake to make the greater portion of the most promising lot of Pines miss fruiting by that means. It is the same with forced Strawberries and other fruits. I have noticed, on more than one occasion, that the leaf-buds on the lower branches of Peach trees near the pipes have started into growth suddenly, while the flower-buds have dropped off unexpanded. J. Simpson, Wortlei/ Hall Gardens. Protecting Materials. — Like your correspondent, Mr. Buchanan, I was struck with the price of Hessian canvas as given at p. 18G. I have lately covered about 100 yards of wall with that material, procured at 9Jrf. per yard, 74 inches wide, and of the quality of the enclosed sample. It is probably not equal to Frigi Domo either in efliciency or durability, but I have no doubt that it will answer its purpose verj; well, and the fact of its being less than half the price of that material will outweigh in many cases the claims of the dearer article. I have our walls fitted with cast-iron brackets for carrying 9-inch boards, from the edge of which the canvas is suspended. I had the brackets made as in the annexed sketch : an iron pin passing through a hole drilled in the front of the brackets presses closely over the top of the boards, and through a cor- responding hole in the back of the brackets, as shown by faint line through bracket the sketch, effectually prevents any movement upwards, whilst the boards being flush with the extreme face of the brackets the front horn prevents any movement laterally, and the whole thing is quite firm and rigid. Perhaps some of your readers may think this an improvement on the plan given by Mackintosh in the 2d volume of " The Book of the Garden," p. 498, where he recom- mends 9-inch boards to be screwed to brackets in the wall from which to depend the canvas for Peach trees, &c. By employing pins in the manner described the wearing of screw-holes in the boards, by repeated screwings and unscrewings, is avoided, and the boards are secured in a very short time compared with the other plan. One strong pin passing through the wall secures the bracket, the bottom of the bracket being let into the wall, say half an inch, just to give it foot- hold. The nut is screwed up in the semicircular space left in the body of the bracket, the other two spaces being merely to lighten the weight of iron of the bracket itself. William Hudson, Chase Cllffe, Derhtj. [Mr. Buchanan, to whom we sent a specimen of your protecting material alluded to above, submitted it to an extensive manufacturer, who pronounced it to be all Jute. He adds that doubtless many may purchase it for pure tow Hessian, while it is an inferior article. Eds.] Forwardness of the Season.— I have here a plant of Clematis Jackmanni on a south wall that has already made shoots 36 inches long, and grows so rapidly that its daily progress can be noted. C. lanuginosa is also rapidly pushing up from the root strong shoots, already 6 inches long. I hope winter won't leave spring a legacy of some late nipping frosts to destroy this pro- mise of so much coming beauty. S. D., Ealing. Variegated Borecoles.— At p. 238 some observations are offered on this subject. The locality is not given, but the following remark " must be borne in mind," that they "seldom present much beauty until the middle or end of February, and sometimes not until the end of March." On the experience of 18 years, and, to quote Mr. McNab's words, "having the merit of being the first in Scotland to apply coloured greens for garden decoration " — moreover, having always con- sistently advocated their employment for the winter garden on this ground, that without them you can have no colour, in the common acceptation of the word, from the end of November to the end of February— I beg emphatically to contradict " L.'s " assertion as a necessary result. If sown at the right time, which varies according to locality, and if those seedlings only are transplanted out of the seed bed that show colour ; and, above all, if plants, when only in beauty, be brought into the flower garden, there need be no disappointment in the winter display. Their beauty, once the spring flo%er-growth comes on in this month, daily decreases ; colour and form going, distinctive character lost, symmetry and regu- larity of heights in beds destroyed — a more unsightly object than a group of flowering Kale one could scarcely name. Those who have not worked among them can hardly believe that, unless the plants to be selected for seed are marked before the " young growth" comes on, even a trained eye could not select correctly ; a few weeks hence it will be diflicult to know a white from a mauve coloured plant, or a dark Siberian from a green. I grant " L." that they " do not last long," but they do last, and are perfect, during the whole winter season ; and surely we may all agree in thankfulness that, after all, the short days are a short season at the worst. The peculiar and legitimate time for the Kale is the stationary, stagnant (if I may use the word in connection with the healthy sleep of vegetable life) winter months ; but there must be no chance- work, no trust to growth for beauty. Putting weather aside, as far as the plants themselves are concerned, the winter beds are the only out-door display a gardener can count upon as a certainty ; and for the period required, a stationary one, at least, it is mismanagement, and his own fault, if otherwise— not that of the Kales. By March any one can com- mand every colour, with the use of Rhododendrons, Daphnes, Primroses, Scillas, and Crocuses, and is then quite independent of Kale. Tastes differ, and there may be those who admire the spring growth of Borecoles most ; letit be so; and others who would carry on the use of them through the spring (which may be possible by management) ; but if this is to be done it must be with another batch of plants, not with those in beauty at Christmas and Candlemas. I enclose leaves of a Savoy, " Bloemendaal," which I have in greater number this season than usual, and the effect of which, mixed in the dark Siberian beds, is most ex- cellent. The rich Gold Savoy catches the eye even before the bright purples ; the colour is independent of sun, a great desideratum for winter. As the sowing season is at hand, I am anxious that this Cabbage should be known lor ornamental purposes. A great Reading firm has the seed true, and it is particularly delicate and mild for the table ; so there is no loss with those plants unworthy of a place in the winter garden. I have not as yet saved seed of this variety, but hope to do so this season, my object being to get its colour into my finely cut and feathery strain ; also into the old perennial Woburn Kale. The point about which I am most anxious is, that no obstacle or disappointment be thrown in the way of the grow- ing taste for winter gardens. Without varieg.ated Borecole beds these cannot be lively or gay ; and there is a gradually spreading growth of this taste, which I have with pleasure quietly watched. F. J. H, Wardie Lodge, Edinburgh. [The Savoy leaves sent were of a bright clear yellow colour, while that of the Kale was of a dark reddish purple. Eds.] Worms. — Every one must have observed the little heaps of stones which are almost always to be seen on garden walks or wherever there is loose gravel. Each of these heaps will be found to surround and cover the hole of an earthworm. Nothing seems to come amiss with earthworms ; they will take sticks, paper, bits of slate, anything in short that they can find within reach. Being curious to know how they manage to collect these stones (often of considerable size), in spring, a year or two ago I removed several little mounds, leaving a clear space of several inches round the holes, and in the evening went out with a light to watch. Worms rarely show themselves till evening, and then they always keep their tails fixed in their holes, while feeling around with their heads. One of them, thus lying half out of its hole, soon fastened its mouth on to a stone (about the size of the end of one's thumb) and pro- ceeded to drag it, apparently by the force of suction, quickly back to its hole. This I have since seen repeated several times with small stones, the worm's tail being always kept firmly anchored in the ground. Their strength is surprising. On one occasion I found a stone weighing two ounces drawn over one of the cleared holes, and another weighing one ounce. After two nights some of the holes had eight or nine small stones over them ; after four nights one had about 30, another 34 stones. What their object can be in taking all this trouble, and thus covering up their holes, I cannot imagine. Can any of your readers throw any light on the subject ? /. W. Weather in North Notts for February.— In this locality both January and February have been very mild months, but characterised by strong south-west gales, which seem to have prevailed over the kingdom. Vegetation at present is in a very forward state, Mabch 28, 1868.] THE GAr.DENET^S' CITRONIOLE AND AGEICUETIIRAE GAZETTE. 326 Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines beins in full flower on the walls, and Pears, Cherries, and Plums will soon likewise be in blossom. The show of blossom buds this spring on all kinds of fruit trees is the most abundant known for years, and should spring frosts keep off, fruit must be plentiful this summer. It will, however, be as well to be on the alert to protect the early fruit blossoms, for such seasons as the present generally bring cold or frosty springs. In 181i5 the weather both in January and February was similar to the present, the mean temperature of February being 44^^ this year, and 41° in February, 1816. Keen frosts, however, appeared in March and April, and even on the 16th of May there were 2° of frost in the morning, which injured Potatos, Asparagus, and other early vegetables. The winters of 1819 and 18511 were likewise mild, and vegetation far advanced in February and March ; the Turnip-tops running into flower, and the early wall- fruits in full blossom by the middle of March. Spring frosts, however, again occurred in April and May in these years, and great foresight and care were required in the protection of fruit and early vegetables. In these mild winters, all gardeners who let the oppor- tunity slip of not filling their ice-houses in November or December, never had a chance of getting ice thick enough again in January, February, or March, to fill them. The ice-houses here wore filled in the first week in December last, and had not the first chance been; taken tho prospects at present would not have been very encouraging for a supply. In some places gardeners find a difficulty in muster- ing a strong force of horses and men in filling their ice-houses, especially when the ice is not very thick, but all the better for breaking and packing. The farm bailiff, when applied to, is often antagonistic ; for that day his horses must go for coals, or to the mill, or somewhere else, and the gardener is powerless. Many years ago it was the same with me, but on my noble employer being made aware of the circumstances the bailiff was made responsible for filling the ice-houses at the very first available frost, and there has never been a hitch since in the arrangements. I have now only to see that the ice is properly broken and stored, and to bring it into tJhe house when wanted. I would advise all gardeners who are unable to command a strong force of horses and men to fill their ice-houses, and cannot get the farm bailiff to move when applied to, to trv my plan with their employers. William Tillery, Jl'eWeck. Gas in Conservatories.— In replying to your cor- respondent " C. L." (see p. 270), on the dropping of buds and leaves in his conservatory, you invite your readers who have adopted gas without injury to state the conditions under which they have used it. I have a small conservatory, measuring 8 feet by 7, in which I have used a Slant's gas stove for four winters without any of the ill eflects named by " C. L." I attribute this success to the precaution of providing a small zinc pipe for carrying out of the house the products of com- bustion. A purer air or a more even temperature could not be desired than those I am able to secure by the use of this stove, as the healthy condition of everything in the house testifies. If your correspondent will try a similar plan, and avoid extremes of temperatures, he will not have to complain again of buds and leaves dropping. U'ni. Phillips, Shrewsbury. Rubus spectabilis. — There is a very showy shrub under this name now in bloom at Sim's nursery at Foot's Cray. The plant is about 4 feet high ; the buds on the branches are only half an inch apart, and from every bud proceed two 'bright green leaves, 1 inch to 2 inches long, and one flower on a curved fiower-stalk an inch long ; so that the wood of the branch is quite hidden. Each flower is of the size of a half-crown, and of a bright pink colour, a trifle deeper than the flowers of Dielytra spectabilis. The petals are bluntly pointed, making the bloom star-shaped. It is in all respects a very desirable plant to have in a shrubbery, and one that ought to be better known. I have been thus particular in describing it, because the Dictiona- ries state that this species has dark-red flowers, and that it blooms in May. I can scarcely believe that this very early spring has caused a May-flowering shrub to bloom so soon as the middle of March, though it may be so. It is diflicult to reconcile the difference between the actual and the described colours of its flowers, — the more so since the plant to whose blooms I liken it for colour is described as having purple flowers. May it not be some other hardy species of Rubus ? IF. T. The Proposed New Committee. — I cannot resist responding to your call for those to come forward who are willing to aid in those objects over which it appears to be the intention of the Royal Horticultural Society to appoint a Scientific Committee. Of such a com- mittee with such objects as you point out, there can, I think, be only one opinion, and that of an unqualified approval, coupled with the wonder that that great national institution had not adopted snch a measure long ere now. /. Anderson Menrtj, Trinity, JUdinliurgh. Pinning Hyacinths. — Last autumn attention was called in the pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle to the practice that prevailed at one of the Scottish exhibi- tions of pinning back the petals of the Dahlia, in order to get size and symmetry of bloom. A similar practice could be noticed at the recent spring show at St. George's Ilall, Liverpool, but in this case applied to the Hyacinth. The method was to insert a piece of very small flexible wire through the bell and so attach it to the spike in a horizontal position, and it was done for the purpose of insuring regularity, and symmetry of the spike. Several of the spikes in the collection placed 2d in the Amateurs' Class for 24 varieties were tortured in this manner, and as the process had been clumsily applied, it was soon noticeable by any one who looked closely into the flowers. Actually it was a case of deliberate deception, employed for the purpose of deceiving and misleading tlie though in this instance it did not have the desired eU'ect. The third collection wa-s so bad that no 3d prize was awarded ; and the 2d prize flowers would have taken the prize without the employment of the wires to give them additional merit. Perhaps it would have been as well if the judges had boldly disqualified the stand on the ground of the employment of the wires. It was severely cou- demned by the olUoials of the show, under whose notice it was brought, and it is to be hoped that this exposure of the practice will prevent its application again, or if so employed, that disqualification should be visited upon it. Censor. [A most reprehensible expedient, and one that should have been marked by disqualifica- tion. Eds.] Nursery Catalogues. — Your observations as to the errors of spelling in nursery catalogues are so just, that there is little doubt that more attention will be paid to the subject, and greater efforts made to ensure correctness. But the botanists, to whom we nursery- men naturally look for guidance in such matters, are by no means of one mind, at least so it would appear ; for instance, there is a certain class of words, spelt by Lindley, Paxton, Loudon, and others without an initial capital, while the self-same words are spelt by Hooker, De CandoUe, and others with a capital letter, e. n^^h. Mr. Mandorson was 1st ; 2d, Mr. Hignell, i ' I: , It^q. 3d, Mr. Wilson, gr. to J. E. Reynold:, I. |. i: ,i i i lizes: Mr. Dunbar, Mr. Myers, gr. to R. Higf,du, i:,^ 4, . 3Ir. Knealo, gi*. to J. Bateson, Esq. ; and Mr. Orr, gi-. to H. rearce, E.sq. There were eight exhibitors in this class. With 12 varieties Mr, Manderson was also 1st ; 2d, Mr. Turner, gr. to C. Bates, Esq. There was no other competitor. With G Hy.acintbs Mr. Manderson was ag.ain 1st : 2d, Mr. Turner : 3d, Mr. Norrio, gr. to I). James, Esq. In the class for 2 Double Hy.acintha Mr. Manderson was lat ; Mi-, Turner 2d with the same ; 3d, Mr. Smith, gr. to J. Bland, E.sq. With 2 Single Hyacinths Mr. Hignett was 1st ; 2d, Mr. Kneale ; and 3d, Mr. Turner. A more than usual amount of interest centered in the ISTurserymen's Classes for Hyacinths, owing to Sir. Geo. Davies having beaten Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son last year. On this occasion Messrs, Cutbush were placed 1st, with 24 and 12 varieties respectively ; 2d, Mr. Geo. Davies, Liverpool ; 3d, Messrs. Thos. Davies & Co. Equal 2d, Messrs. George Davies and Thos. Davies & Co. The show of Tulijjs was large, very fine, and effective. Twelve pots of single, and 12 of double varieties, were furnished by Messrs, Cutbush & Son, who had not even the show of an opposition against them. The stands of single Tulips were diS3iniil,ar, and of fine quiility. In the Amateur's Classes Mr. Hignett was 1st. The Amateurs' Single Tulips were extremely good, Mr. Manderson was 1st ; Mr. Dunbar 2nd, and Mr. Hignett 3rd. The Collection of 12 kinds were but a repetition of the foregoing, Mr. Manderson again taking first honours. Two extra prizes were awarded in tliis class. With 6 pots Mr. Hignett was 1st ; two or three other collections were also good. In the Class for G pots of Ver- milion BriUaut Early Tulips, the competion was so sharp that the Ist and till' 11 1 I'li ^ were awarded among four com- petitors. Soni 1; ;i [its of Polyanthus Narcissus were fiu-nished, til 'i. Mr. Manderson was 1st. "The last nauiud li 1 i m ni 1.1 I iluom in much sm.aller pots than tho ..Iti 11 I I' 1^, huL, Lhc flowers had been exposed to a cnM I' ' ■ ! , iiad crumpled the flowers, and detracted s ., 1 I , , , , . of Azalea were shown by Mr, Storrie, gr. to li. J.n.ic, l,..-!,. vvtill-covered with bloom, of the followintf kinds ; Critcriuu, Empress Eugenie, Roi Leopold, Virgin Queen, Extrani, and Duke of Devonshire. Other smaller plants were very g.ay with blooms, and made up a nice feature of the show. Rhododendrons in pots were very pretty, and though not large, were well covered with showy trusses of flowers. Miscellaneous collections of stove and greenhouse plants filled up the sides of the haU, and furnished a nice back- ground to the tables of gay Hyacinths, Tulips, &c. From Mr. Wilson came one or two nice pyramidal forms of Daphne odorata, and Mr. Norris had a well-bloomed specimen of Ademandra fragi'ans, and Pimelea spectabilis. There were also some good flowering specimens of Phajus grandifolius, Dendrobium nobile, cSic, Chinese Primulas were very well grown and bloomed, and there were also some good pans of Lily of the Valley, with charming heads of bloom. The plants of Standard Mignonette were well grown, in healthy condition, and covered with bloom, and diffused a delicious fragrance. Cinerarias in pots were of large size and well bloomed, and grown taUer than is generally seen about London, Mi-. Mander's plants made a good display. Dwarf Roses in pots were very good for so early a period of the year, and some forced Standard Roses were remarkably well done, and had good heads of bloom. The Hand Bouquets were very tastefully done, and the competition very severe. The prize bouquet was for a bride, but the fronds of Ailiantum covered too much of the centre, and almost hid a superb white CamcUia. In the Miscellaneous Class were cut Roses from Messrs. Paul it Son, that were deservedly admired for their fine quality. R. D. Kov.M, BoT.\N-ic: Mes.irs. Cutbu^jh's Shnw of Spritir; Flowers. —This has been held during the past week in the gardens of tho Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, where tho display of Hy.aciiiths, Tulips, Crocuses, Narcissi, LUy of the Valley, Cyclamens, and other early-floweringplants has not only been so extensive as to fiUa tent 15i)feet in length and IGfeetin -width, but also so effective as to be the admiration of all who had the good fortune to seo it. Hyacinths, and other bulbous plants, in the culture of which Messrs. Cutbush are so successful, formed, we need scarcely s.ay, the main feature of this exhibition ; but in .addition to these we also noticed finely flowered examples of Camellias, Azaleas, Heaths, Epaerises, Cinerarias, Gytisus, Double-blossomed Chinese Plunj, and other gay flowering plants, the whole being broken up and relieved by Dracienas. Ferus, and other plants remarkable for the beauty of their leaves, while here and there overhead hung baskets tastefully decorated with flowers, forming altogether an exhibition bearing favourable comparison with that held by the same firm at tho Crystal Palace last year. "WiNTEBiNO Bees.- I have now looked through ray four stocks, and find all in good condition ss regards stores and strength except one, and in that one I find plenty of honey, a fair population, but no Queen ; nor IS there a vestige of brood. The other three have a good deal of brood, and many young bees out. No. 1, aten-frame hive, isasplendid stock, as strong as X have ever had a hive in May, being fuU of bees, with plenty of honey. From this hive I was unable to remove the super last autumn; several things hindered until it became too cold. I fancied the super contamed only emptTcombs, but I find, on taking it off this morning at least a dozen pounds of honey. No wonder the 326 THE GARBENEHS' CMONICLE AKl) AGmCTJLTtJrvAE GAZETTE. [Mabch 28, ISCS. stock is so prime. No. 2, a seven-bar box, is strong, and with plenty of food and brood. No. 3, a ten-bar, queenless and broodless stock, but with stores enough for three months, is tolerably strong in bees. No. 4, in a four-bar hnx, was an artificial swarm made last autumn : it is ^ moderately strong, and with plenty_ of stores. There is brood on two combs, and an active queen. Query ; Is it wise to take from either of the other stocks a brood comb and give to No. 3 ? They would of course raise a queen, but would she become fertile, seeing there will be no drones for some time to come; or would it be well to attempt to unite Nos. 3 and 4? I fear the fighting would be fatal to one or the other of the colonies, and therefore might it not be better to let the bees in No. 3 die out if I do not give a brood comb? If you could give me a reply relative to the two propositions I should be glad. J. S., Fiilhatn Moad, London. [We should not hesitate about uniting the bees of Nos. 3 and 4. We have seldom found much fighting among bees when joined together at this period of the year. To effect it most easily in your case, first transfer tlie combs and bees of No. 4 into a ten-frame box, keeping the brood in the middle. Then remove the side combs of No. 3, reducing it to four or five combs. When the bees are settled, transfer the combs with adhering bees into No. 4, placing them on either side of the four combs already there. Make up the deficiency with the other frames, and put on the cover as soon as possible. A little sugar syrup may be sprinkled over and between the combs, if liked, or a few whiffs of smoke blown in at the entrance when the cover is put on. If it should be much desired to preserve both stocks, a brood-comb may be given ; the young brood hatching out will serve to keep up the population, and retain the more aged bees in good heart. Royal cells will protiably bo started. These must be cut out just prior to their attaining maturity ; then, on another supply of suitable brood being given, a fresh batch of queens will be raised, and, in all probability, by the time they are able to take wing drones will be out in suflicient abundance. Of course the stocks from which the brood-comb is taken must suffer to some e.\tent, and the question for consideration would be, whether the result would be worth the risk of injury to tho prospects of the honey harvest, or of early swarms from the deprived stock.] Egyptian Bees.— Do these possess any advantages over English bees ? and if so^ where can they be obtained, and at what sort of price ? F. B. [With the exception of their appearance, Egyptian bees do not possess any advantage over English bees. They were introduced into this country from Germany by Mr. Woodbury, of Exeter, who succeeded in establishing several populous colonies of them ; but he was soon compelled to get rid of them, in consequence of their excessive irascibility of temper. These stocks were distributed among various apiarians, who gene- rally have agreed that the Egyptian variety is not a desirable acquisition, chiefly on account of their fierceness. We do not think that any hives of perfectly pure Egyptian bees are now existent in Britain.] Miscellaneous. Australian Baobab, — By far the most remarkable form in the vegetation of North- West Australia is the Gouty-Stem tree (Adansonia Gregorii) ; but it is restricted to a limited tract of coast-country. It assumes precisely the bulky form of its only congener, the Monkey-Bread tree, or Baobab of tropical Africa (Adansonia digitata), dissimilar mainly in having its nuts not suspended on long fruit-stalks. Evidence, though not conclusive, gained in Australia, when applied to the African Baobab, renders it improbable that the age of any individual tree now in existence dates from remote antiquity. This view is also held by Dr. G. Bennett, of Sydney. The tree is of economic importance. Its stem yields a mucilage indurating to a tragacanth-like gum. It is also one of the few trees which introduces the unwonted sight of deciduous foliage into the evergreen Australian vegetation. Br. Muellei^s Fssay. fflaiticn ©perattons. (For the ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. Plants which are at all difficult to cultivate will now require studied care in regard to watering, more especially such as have been recently potted. The following are safe rules to be observed in regard to watering at the time of potting, viz. ;— See in the first place that the " ball " is uniformly and thoroughly moistened throughout before removing it from the old pot ; secondly, never water after potting, if it can be avoided, until the fresh surface soil has become moderately dry, when such a soaking will be necessary as will percolate throughout every particle of the soil. This is an essential point, for should any part of the inner surface remain unmoistened at this the first watering, the most likely result will be that it will remain so more or less ever after, to the no little injury of the whole. Soft- wooded plants, which may have received early attention in regard to potting, will also have made some little growth, and will require to be stopped. Pinch back, therefore, any gross shoots which push and are likely to overtop the others, or rob them of an undue amount of necessary nourishment. By this means bushy, well-formed plants may be secured. . Impaiiens, Pentas, Torenias, besides Fuchsias^ and a host of others, will need attention in this respect. Newly-potted plants will also need shading a little now upon bright sunny mornings (or an hour or two, when the sun shines the brightest. A slight syringing occasionally during bright weather will like- wise benefit them much. Bose.f advancing into flower should receive liberal supplies of liquid manure. Moisten the surface foliage as frequently as is con- venient or compatible with the requirements of other inmates in the same structures. Oranges, Citrons, &c., require particular attention when once they have fairly started into growth. Pinch back all the most luxuriant shoots — such, in fact, as are likely to become too gross — at or about the fifth joint; this will induce the formation of more compact heads than they otherwise would have, and far more fruitful branches. This will be found a good season in which to make any additions which may be intended to Conservatory Climbers. And here I would suggest that the very beautiful Taesonia Van Volxemii—3, fitting associate of even the Lapageria — should find a place where this class of plants is grown. Amongst Passijloras, Bellotti, I find, does well in such a structure ; nor should the free-growing and abundant-flowered Climbing Devoni- ensis Hose be overlooked. Greenhouses generally should now receive all the air that^ can possibly be afforded them upon fine days. This will cause the plants to become dry quickly at the root; hence frequent waterings will be absolutely necessary, as if any are allowed to "flag" through the want of it, certain injury is sure to follow, however good the soaking afforded afterwards may be. After a sunny drying day, it is better to water late in the afternoon than earlier ; the water then given has a better chance of thoroughly reaching every part than it is possible for it to Tiave when the operation is performed early in the day, and under the direct rays of the sun. Make a practice, as the days advance to their full, of damping over the walks early in the evening, and of syringing lightly all the inmates three or four times a week. FORCING HOUSES. Stop the pu.shing shoots upon the fruiting spurs of Vines in full progress. Be particular concerning air- giving now as the sun gains power; for if it is not given betimes in the morning, in order that the foliage may be allowed to get dry before the sun reaches it with well-directed rays, no little danger will exist of the leaves becoming scorched. Pines which are swelling their fruit freely will need frequent and careful looking over; taking a merely superficial view of the matter will not suffice. Examine each pot separately, and do not afford water until such time oa the balls have become sufficiently dry throughout to need a thorough good soaking. They had better become rather too dry a time or two than risk making them too wet, which they readily will become if proper care is not taken. Figs which are growing freely should receive a liberal supply of water. Stop all strong shoots at or about the fifth eye or leaf. Give plenty of air in fine weather, in order that it may find its way freely amongst the leaves. Peaeh Houses will now need abundance of air. Syringe freely, and occasionally apply a little weak tobacco water. This will act as a preventive of ajjhides, &c. As Cucumbers and Melons grown in frames will now be pushing pretty freely, it will be well to examine the soil which immediately surrounds the roots, with the view of ascertaining whether moisture enough exists therein. Soft tepid water should now be applied to such as need it, pretty freely, early in the afternoons of bright sunny days. Add fresh soil to the sides of the mounds upon which these grow should it be required. It should contain less leaf-mould and more good fibrous loam than what has hitherto been employed, pressing it firmly down with the foot in such a manner that the roots may not be injured thereby. It will be neces- sary still to attend to linings. HARDY fruit garden. In cold moist situations it will be well now to make, where practicable, a fresh plantation of Strawberry plants. Of course this can only be done by those who are in possession of sufficient rooted runners, formed by being dibbled thickly into a rich nursery-bed in the autumn. As already intimated, this will be the more necessary in such situations as those where the Strawberry does not thrive well, and will afford ample time for establishing them during the course of the summer preparatory for a good crop in the ensuing spring. Where practicable the ground should always be well trenched and manured; burnt earth in admixture with very stiff clayey soil will benefit them much if used in moderation. Those who intend form- ing fresh plantations with old plants which have been forced, should take the first convenient opportunity to prepare the necessary bed with material similar to that first recommended. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Tulips are pushing apace, and especially those which have received slight protection nightly as a security from frost. Do not allow the surface of the soil to become caked by soaking rains, should they occur. Keep it, on the contrary, loosened and fresh by repeated hoeings as frequently as necessary. Watch Aurioulas narrowly as they begin to push, and should a multiplicity of trusses be formed see to the thinning of them, if this should be considered needful, at the earliest possible moment. This is best done with a neat pair of scissors, or a small well handled knife- blade. Water should be given frequently now, and once the trusses push well through, and begin forming the actual flowers, a slight shading should be used when the sun shines brightest, to screen them from being scorched or otherwise injured. Transplant autumn-sown Sollyhocks, dibbling them into perma- nent flowering quarters ; even old stools are best taken up and transplanted ; slightly root-prune them, and replant them in a more favourable elevation than that in which their roots were found. Should a dry, bright period visit us within the next week or two, it will be observed that fresh planted shrubs, &o., flag quickly, unless transplanted under very favourable circumstances. If neces.-!ary, both shade and water all that need these simple aids. Boll new-laid turf after every soaking rain ; and should any very prominent weeds exist within the extent of the lawn, have them carefully removed from thesward between now and the middle of next month. This is best done by the aid of a small three-tined band-iron. Carefully replace any portions of turf which may be removed, and roll ail well afterwards. KITCHEN GARDEN. The early sowing of Peas will be benefited by having the sticks placed to them for support, and to act as a slight protection should inclement weather ensue. Many gardens are very much troubled with sparrows. These l)usy birds often nibble Pea shoots down to the surface of the soil. An excellent remedy, and one readily used by amateurs and others, is that of dipping worsted into pure naphtha, and then straining it by the aid of small sticks along the rows just above the tops of the young growth. Earth-up succession Peas as soon as they push clearly through the ground. Make a more general sowing of Turnips across the most open quarter. Sow also Turnip Radishes for a succession iu a similar situation. Sow a few Dwarf French Beans upon a south border ; they may come in very useful should a moderate period supervene. Sow a few like- wise in pots or boxes to plant out in the open ground when well advanced iu growth. Water freshly planted lettuces, Cauliflowers, c^'e., if the weather keeps dry; transplant another small batch of the former. Clear off the stalks of Broccoli at the earliest moment possible when the crop is used. I prefer pulling up the whole plant when the heads are fit for use. It saves trouble, besides ridding the ground of a useless and severe tax. Where hand-lights exist— no other means being at hand, good progress may be made by forming a slight hotbed of fermenting material, covering it over with finely sifted soil, and afterwards sowing therein Celery, Tomato, Capsicums, cf-c. They germinate readily in such a position, and will bear hardening off with no furth er change. W. E. . Teupbra u,«. s.< ortheEartli Wind Mai. Mm. Max. Min. Mean 1 foot deep. 2 feci deep. Thurs 19 2* 29 89> 29.810 M 25 38 0 47 4.1 S.W. Friday 2U 29.869 29.828 4.i(l 411 SundaylJ^ ■il S.E. 29,79S 33 (1 41 Wed. 25 su.osi M 33 4J N.W. Aven,''p ■> 13 '9SG3 1 41.7 Marih 19 Over -ist d ns h — 1 C udy over lit — il- leamndfiae cold ' — 4— SI „htly oveicaat He Sunday.. Mon. .. Il^lls^ cd No. of Years in Prevailing Winds. Quantity .; H ,;'Ul...S .■ a 5*-- - under average, against 27 above; but we believe tliii the number of the former, beyond a bare deficiency, is, in many cases, much greater than the classes represent. On the other hand, we have 379 cases of disease, to a greater or less extent, from one-tenth to the entire crop. Under these circumstances, and taking into account the combined loss, we cannot estimate the crop at more than two-thirds of an average. The hay crop is, beyond a doubt, the largest that has been harvested for a great number of years : 370 full average, and 151 above it, against 21 under. The amount of cattle food this extraordinary crop will afford will make ample amends for the failure of the Mangels, besides being of a more nutritive character. ■ • Mr. SsiiTH, of Woolston, has addressed a letter to the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society, in which he gives the following account of his farm, desiring that they should commission some one to inspect it after harvest, when he will have harvested his 13th crop under steam cultivation. " The cropping now on it is as follows :— Field No. 1 . . 8 acres ' ". . ' . . . . Wheat. ,, 2 .. 8 ,, .. .. ., Beans. ,, 3 .. 12 ,, Beans. 4 .. 10 ,, Wheat. LIGHT LAND. Field No. 1 . . 12 acres Beans. ,, 2 .. 13 „ .. .. for Boots. 3 .. 11 „ Wheat. 4 .. 12 „ Wheat. „ 5 .. 12 ,, Clover. C .. 14 ,, .. ,. for Barley. In the autumn Nos. 2 and 3, heavy land, and No. 1, light land, will be smashed by steam power for Wheat ; and Nos. 1 and 4, heavy land, and No's. 3, 4, and G, light land, will be ridge-ploughed and subsoiled from 10 to 12 inches deep at one operation by steam power for roots and Beans. Your Commissioner may see the whole of this work begun and completed, and he may employ a time-keeper all the time the work is being done, to note time, coal, and every particular he may direct him. He shall see that my No. 3 implement that I showed at Chelmsford is in good working order ; and he shall also see a five-tined implement, that I showed at Worcester, is a much better implement for breaking up Bean stubbles for Wheat than any that I have seen ; inasmuch as it breaks the land at one time over q uite sufficient, without any crossing, by steam power. I will show to him that the increased produce on my heavy land is very much more than a quarter per acre on an average of years than it was under horse culture; aud I will show to him that there is a vast quantity of heavy land in this country the present produce of which could be nearly or quite doubled by a judicious appli- cation of steam power to its culture." The Highland and Agricultural Society have conferred their Diploma in Agricultureon Mr. Thomas John Elliot, Wilton, Salisbury. Mr. Elliot is a member of the Boyal Agricultural College, Ciren- cester, and obtained the Society's Agricultural Certifi- cate last year. The only other candidate who came forward on this occasion was Mr. James Taylob, Allan Vale, Pitmuxton, Aberdeenshire, who received the Certificate of the Society. These examinations extended over three days, and were attended by Professors Lyon Playfair^ C.H., Allman, Balfour, Wilson, Macquorn Eankine, and Williams; Messrs. Stephens, Redbrae; Hope, Fentonbarns; Russell, Pilmuir ; Kenneth Mackenzie, C.A. ; Paterson, Meadowfield ; and Fletcher Norton Menzies, secretary of the Society. In the absence of the Duke of Buccleuch, the president of the Council, and of the Lord Justice General, vice-president, Mr. Henry Stephens, author of " The Book of the Farm," occupied the chair. SHORTHORNS. On Wednesday Mr. Strafford disposed of Mr. Adkins' celebrated herd of Shorthorns, at Miloote, near Stratford-on-Avon. The stock were in excellent con- dition. A very large company were present, from all parts, including representatives from Cumberland, Aberdeen, Hereford, Essex, Kent. The day was fine and bright till just the close of the sale, when rain came down. The sale altogether was a great success. 31 cows, heifers, and calves, made £2738 8 0 — or, 88i. Gs. 8rf. apiece. 17 bulls and bull calves, made 872 11 0 —or, SH. 6». Orf. each In all, 43 head of all ages m.ade £3610 19 0 — or 75/, 45, 7t/. each, of which the 14 descendants of Si/lph made 83/. 5,s. 0(/. each. The following is the list : — s Name. Age, Purchaser. Price. Years. fi «. U. 1 16 Sir G. Philips . . ? CoHCrd.. 11 Col. Towneley . . 4 Oi Mr. ,1. Fawcett . . 53 11 0 ."> Floret .. o' H.M, the Queen.. fi 8 Mr. B. H. Cheney Alice .. 9 „ H. Wiggin .. a 8 „ J. K, Fowler i^y "«' ^« generally known that a few drops of oil and a smaU qu.antity of pulverised sulphur added to furnip seed. 332 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [March 28, 1868. and shaken in a bag for a few minutes before sown, will prevent an attack of " Turnip fly." This I have tried repeatedly, by sowing some thus dressed by the side of some not dressed, and have succeeded in growing a good crop from the former, while the latter has been attacked by fly. It also acts as a slight stimulant in the shape of manure. I will now suggest a hint to farmers growing seed for sale. It is a very common practice with them to take little or no trouble in producing clean samples, free from weeds, especially Docks in red and white Clovers. The e.xpense would be trifling in abstracting this objectionable weed from their Clover layers. X think agriculturalists should be as careful in the samples they sell as they are in selecting the ones they buy, for clean seed will always readily sell, while foul samples are neglected. Thus by producing cleaner seed and refusing to buy " doctored " samples at low prices, the results in future would be more satisfactory. Wm. Groom, Ipswich. Theory of Land Drainage. — Now there does not appear to be much difference in the opinions of Mr. Denton and myself upon the question of draining, only in exceptional cases. He sticks to his stated fact that he had holes dug, and I stick to it that they were of no use. " T. G." does not help us in the matter, for his two cases will not apply. I will have a few words upon the latter about Mr. llorsfall's waterworks, where a 15-foot fall is shown passing through " undulations between the spring and the reservoir." He " recom- mended him to dig down to the pipes wherever there was one of these bends, and drill a small hole in the pipe to allow the air to escape." ^ From this I infer that it was a lead pipe through which the water had to pass, for had it been through tiles the drilling of a hole would not have been needed, for the water flowing in at the spring would have forced the air through the joints of the tiles at the points of undulation. I need not trouble you with anv more discussion of this point. William Smith, Woolston, Bletehlei/ Station, Buds, March 33. Thin versus Thick-sown Wheat. — Perhaps the following may be of iuterest to your readers :— On a farm in the hilly part of Leicestershire, partly under my management, we had a field of Wheat last year (1867) sown after Potatos. The field is on the Cambrian formation (granite), very full of rocks and stones, and 600 feet above Ordnance datum (sea level). The "Wheat was drilled on the 3d and 5th November, 1866; part of it thinly drilled with rather less than 1 bushel per acre, and the rest thickly seeded with 3 bushels per acre. The entire crop looked poor last spring, and was top-dressed with a very light dusting of nitrate of soda and salt. During the winter and spring the farm bailiff and our neighbours were horribly disgusted with the thin-sown AVheat, and strongly advised its being ploughed up and another crop substituted. The whole crop looked well at harvest time; none of it was laid down or lodged, and it was safely stacked without rain. The following is the result : — 1. Hallett's Hunter's White, drilled in rows 9 inches apart, on the 3d November, 1860, with rather under 1 bushel per acre : produce, 4 quarters, 31 stone, 11 lb. per acre, or nearly 5 quarters per acre. 2. Hallett's Red Nursery Pedigree, drilled in 9-inuh rows, on 3d November, 1366, with r,ather under 1 bushel per acre : produce, 5 quarters, 25 stone, 10 lb. per aere, or about 5J quarters per acre. 3. Red Lammas Wheat, drilled on the 5th November, 1866, in rows 9 inches apart with 3 bushels per acre: pro- duce, 4 quarters, 24 stone, 11 lb. per acre, or rather under 4J quarters per acre. In our markets Wheat is sold by weight at 36 stone the quarter, or 63 lb. per bushel. The whole crop was treated exactly alike, excepting in the quantity sown. The thick-sown, although not quite as full a crop as the thinly-sown, was above an average; and I think the crops on the hills must have escaped the fatal July frost, which did so much mischief throughout the country generally— in fact, high-lying land is not so much aSected by summer and autumn frosts as the low-lying districts. Every year we see Dahlias killed on low grounds by the first frosty night of autumn, while those on higher ground, not a mile from them, are quite uninjured. This year we have a field of Wheat drilled with 1 bushel per acre, and another with more than 3 bushels per acre. We are strongly advised to plough up the former ; we are told, as we were last year, that we shall have no crop worth reaping, but we will let it stand, and take our chance. "We have tried thin-sowing for four years, and it has always beat the thickly-seeded. The best crop was in 1864. It was a 4-acre plot, dibbled with 1 bushel of seed (Mr. Mechi's peck per acre), but the process of dibbling was so tedious and costly that we abandoned it, and now stick to the drill. W. R. B , March 23. Foreign Correspondence. The Sugar Beets : Paris, March 24.— There are several kinds of Sugar Beets grown in France, Germany, and Belgium, and I think a few words on these varieties will interest some of your readers. I even believe a great many will soon be interested in this question, as I have long been surprised that in an agricultural country like England there has been so little attentiou paid to the manufacture of Beet sugar. Of course I do not profess to speak of all the varieties of Sugar Beets, but shall mention only the principal ones which are cultivated, or have been tried in France, or if you like belter, only those I know some- thing of, and which are the following:— 1. Bctterave blanche tl Sucre ii collet vert— White Green-top Sugar Beet. 2. Eetterave blanche !k Sucre & collet rose— "White red-top Sugar Beet. ".. Ectter.ive blanche i, Sucre AUoraande— White German Siig.ar Beet. 4. Betterave blanche i Sucre Imperiale — White Imperial Sugar Beet. 5. Betteravo blanche i\ Sucre Electorale— White Electoral Sugar Beet. 6. Betterave blanche ii Sucre ara^ior^e Vilmorin — Yilmorin's Improved White Sugar Beet. Nos. 1 and No. 2 are cultivated almost exclusively in France ; No. 3 belongs almost exclusively to Germany; the three others, Nos. 4, 5, and 6, have only been cultivated in France for experiment, and I do not know of any manufacturer having adopted these varieties in his general crop. The Green-top Sugar Beet is, in my opinion, the variety which ought to have the preference in France. It yields about 40 to 45 tons of roots per hectare (about 2^ English acres) in good land ; in some parts of France the yield is superior, in others it remains below this quantity. The juice shows, according to the nature of the land, and according to season, between 8 or 9 per cent, of sugar (measured with the saccharo- meter). The Bed-top Sugar Beet is, I have no doubt, a degeneration of the Green-top variety, through hybridi- sation with the common Long Red Mangel. The reasons I have for saying this are : some 15 years ago this Red-top variety was not to be had pure,:but was alwajjs mixed with the Green-top Beet ; now, not only is it found pure, but nearly all the top and the entire root has a reddish skin like Long Red Mangel, and on careful inspection a number of roots will be found the flesh of which begins to be circled and zoned with pink, like the Mangel. The yield per hectare is about the same as of the Green-top variety, some say a little superior, but it certainly produces less sugar ; and I should venture to say that the difference is very nearly 1 per cent, and sometimes even more. Notwithstanding all this, the Red-top Sugar Beet is at the present moment almost i the only one asked for in France; a little further on I shall say what, in my opinion, are the reasons for this preference. The German White Sugar Beet produces a smaller root than our French varieties, entirely white, or with a small green top to it; the yield per hectare is about 30 to 35 tons in the same land where the French Beets would produce 40 to 45, but the juice is somewhat richer, perhaps 1 per cent, above that of our Green-top Sugar Beet. In Germany taxes are laid on the roots, in France they are paid on the Sugar produced, therefore the Germans seek before all to have as much Sugar as possible in as small a gross weight of roots as possible ; in France the manufacturer, not having the same interest, prefers 40 tons per hectare, with juice giving I 3 per cent, of sugar, to 30 tons per hectare, with juice | giving 9 per cent, of sugar. \ There is also the pulp, which in France seems to be taken much more into consideration than in Germany ; ' our farmers, who contract with the su^ar manufactory for the supply of a certain quantity of roots, generally want to have the pulp back for food, and they prefer ', for this purpose the pulp to the root itself. It is quite evident that our varieties, which yield almost one- 1 third more in gross weight of roots, produce a larger | quantity of pulp for food than the German Sugar Beet. The reasons for the preference of the Red-top Beet over the Green-top variety seem to me to be the following:— The cheapness of the German seed in some years has induced either merchants or sugar i manufacturers,* who supply the farmers with the seed, ] to mix German seed with the French; the farmer, who contracted to deliver his roots at a certain price, saw his crop fall short and give him a bad return, he could not easily detect the fraud, as, after all, the German variety diH'ers from our French Green-top Beet mostly only in size, being smaller. The manufacturer did not complain, as he got at the same price an article con- taining a little richer juice. On the other hand, some farmers, in order to have larger crops, mixed the Long White Green-top Mangel with the Green-top Beet i seed. In this instance it was not much easier to find out the fraud, as the Green-top Sugar Beet differs from the Long AVhite Mangel also almost only in size, the latter being larger ; in this case the manufacturer was cheated. Now, with the Red -top Sugar Beet both frauds are easily detected, therefore with few excep- tions the farmers will not contract for any other yariety, nor the manufacturer either. As to the three other Varieties, a few words will be sufficient. The Imperial Sugar Beef was originated several years ago in Germany, on the German principle- small and rich roots. In the beginning the quality was really superior to the common German variety, but for the last few years it has degenerated, or it has been, in order to produce very large quantities of seed, carelessly cultivated, for the roots do not present a larger percentage of sugar than the common German variety. It was tried in France in the beginning, but has been rejected byall or almost all our manufacturers. The introduction into France of the Electoral Sugar Beet (also a German varietj;) has also proved a failure, though it was said to give larger crops than the preceeding one. The last, I'ihnorin's Improved Sugar Beet, is certainly the richest of all, giving a juice containing, tested with the saccharometer, from 13 to 15 per cent, of sugar ; but the roots are small, and the yield per hectare is still inferior to that of the German variety. I do not esteem it above 22 to 25 tons per hectare in land where the latter will give 30 to 35 tons, and the common French Beets 40 to 45 tons ; besides, its roots are not well shaped, and not always clean and neat. In France it has not been adopted, as far as I know ; but I hear that in Germany, owing to the German tax-law, it begins to be very much asked for by the manufacturers. tar. There are also some other Sugar Beets sold or offered in France under the name of Poland Beet (Betterave de Pologne), Magdeburgh, and Breslau Sugar Beet, which I consider to be slight variations of the common German Sugar Beet. There exists also in Germany a yellow Sugar Beet ; but this, though a very old variety, has^not to my knowledge been tried in France. I may in closing my letter add, that English farmers ought to be cautious in procuring their seed. Two or three years ago Sugar Beet seed was very much asked for, and sold at high rates. This induced a great many farmers who had never grown seed before to make an experiment, and I am afraid a large quantity of infe- rior seed is ofl'ered, and may find in England a ready market If Mangel seed is not pure or not of the right sort the farmer will nevertheless get a crop, and if not a full one he will have after all roots for his cattle ; but if the Sugar Beet seed is not the right article the conse- quences are much more serious, especially in your case, at the beginning of a new industry. C. 0. [Many thanks.] Farmers' Clubs. Fkamlinoham : March O.—The Emploijment of Women and Children in Agriculture.— yir. Heksian BiDDELL read a paper on this subject, .from which we make some extracts : — Noticing the agitation as to education which had arisen, and the imputations cast upon agri- cultural districts as to the state of the population, and observing that some of the charges were not ill-founded, as the report of the Parliamentary Commission and the subsequent passing of the Agricultural Gangs Act proved, he said they might expect attempts to include agriculture in the application of an extension of the Factory Act. What was wanted was a detailed know- ledge of the circumstances and requirements of the working man in the rural districts, and to arrive at this the Commission originally appointed to inquire into the working of the gangs was still extendingits inquiries. The allusion to " excessive labour " as applied to women and children engaged in farm-work did not, it occurred to him, call up feelings of hardship and oppression, inasmuch as the women he had seen employed in agriculture appeared to come when they liked, leave off when they liked, and do just the amount of work they seemed to find most agreeable. Excessive labour, except under a gang-master, was an expression totally inapplicable to the case of any boy he ever met with employed on the land. The Factory Act was passed to secure to the opeAtives of the crowded centres of industry in the Jlidland districts shorter hours of labour for the purpose of providing an amount of rest; necessary to maintain life, and of affording time to educate the rising generation. It was certain that the duration of life in the manufacturing districts was very short compared with what it was in the southern agricultural counties. [The Registrar-General's Returns were quoted to prove this.] They who lived in the country had always been under the impression that field work, if not an intellectual employment, was at least healthy, but others thought difl'erently. They were not charged with suffocating their little boys in the close atmosphere of a crowded room, injuring their bodies by hours of labour in one position prolonged beyond their powers to endure; but they were charged, rightly or wrongly, with encouraging a system which acted just in a contrary way. Women and children in gangs were said to be dragged miles to labour, drenched with rain, and worked beyond their powers of endurance. But an Act was passed which would, it was hoped, put an end to all this, and they might dismiss this part of the subject; but as a clause in instructions to Assistant Commissioners, alluding to private gangs, pointed to further legislation, and from private gangs to individual labour, the words used might prepare them for an extended application of the Factory Act, unless by speaking out honestly and audibly they could show it was unnecessary or inapplicable to agricultural labourers. The 11 questions concentrated on the point whether the hours of labour, the age at which the labour commences, and the rest and refreshment during those hours, needed to be under Government regulation for women and l3oys and girls employed in agriculture. Apart from the gang system and from the question of education, he answered, " It is not." How far it would be advisable to discountenance the employment of girls under 20 in the field labour was another question. The remuneration now commanded for indoor servants, from under-dairymaid to superior cook, left no necessity for providing the daughters of the labouring population with other sources of employ- ment. He almost thought they were wrong in giving outdoor work to that class at all. As to boys, more was to be said. He did not enter into the question whether a boy should not be prohibited from working before he was a certain age for the purpose of securing a period for education ; the question of excessive labour and long distances travelled to the place of work were dealt with under the public gang system regula- tions, and the question remained of private gangs and employment in the crow-field or the cattle-shed. He admitted the private gang system was liable to abuse, and said, however many children a farmer might set one of his men to look to, he did not lose the respon- sibility every man had or ought to have towards those in his employ ; and unless unusually callous to the dic- tates of humanity he would be as careful of their welfare as for those who fed his sheep or milked his cows. That there were masters who were deaf to the calls of humanity in their vocation as in others he did not deny, but he could not clearly see where the law could supply by force what their better feelings ought to provide. Would the Factory Act, or any extension of March 2S, ISOS.] THE GARDENFRS' rTTT^O\TCT-E AXP AOl^TrFLTUEAL GAZETTE. its principles, compel the farmer to buy the boy a macKintosh or cork-soled boots ? They might say that to clean roots all day for sheep might be the most certain preparation for future days of the dullest intellect, and that no chance for brightening the brains could come to one who was so employed : but he was afraid no commission would be able to suggest any- thing by way of improvement through the hand of the law. The " excessive labour" charge had, however, very recently been publicly reiterated. He admitted he knew nothing of what was the custom in Gloucester- shire, where it was said boys were kept at work frighten- ingcrows forlG hours out of 24; but he knew something of Suffolk boys and Suffolk birds. There was a colony of rooks pretty close to his house, and he had a pretty numerous staff to defend his crop from their depreda- tions, but he never knew in the months of March and April the battle between them to last from 4 in the morning to S at night. Gloucestershire rooks must be very " early birds." Birds in East Suffolk did not com- mence in operations before it was light, nor carry on the habits of theft after dark ; but as this came on the authority of a very excellent man, the Rev. J. Fraser, one of the Assistant Commissioners, it was, of course, entitled to some consideration. Excellent men were, however, occasionally misinformed, and he was inclined to think there was a little latitude to be allowed for on this occasion ; and as the statement was supplemented by information from the same authority to the effect that " it was considered necessary for boys to be in the field from the first thing after sunrise and to remain in the field till sundown," these 10 hours, according to clock, time of year, and arithmetic, would be reduced by some five or six hours. Then they heard of boys of 11 being at work with horses 11 hours. He did not know what a Gloucester- shire 11-year-old boy was like as to size and physical capabilities, but boys of 11 did not clean horses and manage a full-sized horse in a hay-cart in Suffolk ; the boys were too small and the horses too big in these parts. He believed, however, it was admitted that these instances were " exceptional " and " solitary," and he did not think such should be put forth to describe a general practice. Farmers as a body did not always do the best by the little boys they had about them. He did not think the extension of the Factory Act would make them a bit better in that respect, but a little thought and a good deal of attention might improve matters vastly. They were differently situated to trades and professions. If a boy went to a farmer, and he put him to plough for a year or two, ho made sad havoc with the drilling and horse-hoeing through his inexperience in laying a level stetch ; but the moment he could do the thmg as it should be done (in the meantime having spoilt the mouths and tempers of half-a-dozen good horses) be immediately started on his own account, and became the servant of the first man who would give him 1«. 6d. more thati his old master. In trades, the master secured to himself, by agreement, some years of service after the boy had learned the rudiments of his business. It was not very encouraging for a man to take a boy, teach him to plough, and then, when he was of some use, see him start olf for some other sphere, only to leave the plough-handle vacant for the next to try his hand on ; but that was no reason why they should let the labourers' boy speak, move, and think at a pace 100 years behind tlie speed of any other mortal this side the Tweed. There was no reason why the boy who was bred and born in an agricultural district should not be as intellectual as boys who were bred and brought up in the busy din of a commercial city, and he instanced the case of a boy placed under the supervision of a crafty groom who had learned to meet tlie curse of Adam by wringing the sweat out of the brow of his help, instead of out of his own. They said that was a " smart boy ;" and if the master would take the same jjains with each individual boy, whether he was a tender of cows, a feeder of pigs, or a jack-of- all-trades in the farm-yard, he also would bo a " smart boy." Let them impress on the boys that no such thoughtless answer as "don't know" and "can't" would be allowed ; make them speak sharp the moment they were spoken to, answer the moment they were called, and run the moment they were wanted. Take care that they would have this done, and pointat certain penalties in case of disobedience— not the Ash stick, or the box on the ears— probably that had been tried at home ; but give the boy to understand that unless he imbibed smartness he would be sent the first long errand on foot that turned up, or when the other boys were gone home he would have to stay at work half an hour alone, and recollect that a well-judged word of praise went a long way with a being to whom such words were rare. Two bright penny pieces to a lad whose only asiets were a pocket-knife, a whip-stick, and a copy of Watts' Hymns, were a wonderful induce- ment to do a job quickly and carefully. Some would be grateful and repay them for the trouble. He had a weakness for boys, and was apt to take the bright view of a troublesome truth— they would think so when he said he had nine on a farm of about 270 acres. On these he had practised the system he had recommended ; and if he had some full of mischief, some stupid, and others careless, if some were idle and others better disposed to work, if they were no better than boys differently treated, he knew they were brighter, more useful, quicker, and far more obliging than they were before he paid any attention to them. He did not believe they required to put wits into the heads of their rustics, so much as they wanted to make those wits work which they were already possessed of. A like attention paid to the morals and the manners of the boy when under the control of the master had a marked effect on the address and conduct I of the lad. The habit of using bad language, cruelty, prevarication, and deceit should be shown in their true light, and on detection a master should seriously, firmly | biitralinly explain lli(icoiif.equenccs of such habits. The words of an earnest, dispassionate man had a powerful influence for good on a lad to whom the oath and the Ash stick were the common means used to impress new ideas on his mind. He strongly urged the importance of the personal inllueuco on the part of the master; and, turning to education, while saying God forbid that he should raise a finger to retard the efforts of those who wished to extend to the meanest agricultural labourer the blessing of a knowledge of how to write, he expressed his doubts whether the sanguine expectations indulged in by those who looked for a millennium of intelligence, elevation, and improve- ment by compulsory education, were not doomed to disappointment. He commended the late legislation as to agricultural gangs, and Lord Shaftesbury for his efforts, and only hoped he would carry them further, though by carrying them to the quarter he ( Jlr. IJid- dell) alluded to, his lordship would not be popular. Throughout the country a practice was universal, com- pared to which in its yearly results in evil effects the gang system was but a harmless triviality ; but he was afraid even the zeal of Lord Shaftesbury would shrink from the task of subjecting the gleaner to the regula- tion of legislative enactment. In concluding his very impartial review, Mr. Bid- dell said he thought legislation not uncalled for in its application to the gang system. Legislation applied to adult female labour he believed absolutely unnecessary and uncalled for. Government restriction in the employment of the young and private gangs, and the " various processes" alluded to, was equally superfluous for purposes otherwise than for education ; how far it was necessary on that account their discussion in January should have determined. Oar Baihi Food, its Price, and Sources of Supply. By James Caird. Longmans, Green, & Co. yVe referred last week especially to the mode of esti- mating the corn harvest of the country, which Mr. Caird illustrates in this pamphlet. He gives, in an appendix, a comparison of his estimate of the area under cultiva- tion in 1850 with the Agrcultural Returns in 1867. The extent estimated in Wheat in 1850 was .3,416,000 acres, and the crop last year was actually grown off 3,140,00(1 acres ; a diminished area, owing, no doubt, to the increasing prevalence of Barley growing. The Barley crop, estimated in 1850 at 1,117,000 acres, did last year cover 1,890,000 acres. There are a number ofvery striking agreements in the tables of 1850 and those of 1867, which, no less than their differences, are quite in accordance with the tendency of English agriculture in the interval ; and serve to prove tlie sound judgment with which the estimates of 1S50 were formed. Thus green crops were estimated at 2,416,000 acres ; they were returned at 2,700,000. Clover, estimated at 2,377,000, was returned in 1856 at 2,200,000 acres. But indeed we understand that the figures of 1850 were no mere estimates. They were not the mere shot at probability which any one searching amidst his memories after a prolonged personal examination of English farms might be supposed to make with a certain chance of hitting his mark. They were based upon laboriously compiled numerical observations. Journeys were undertaken along all the main lines of railway, and every field by wdiich the carriage passed was entered in its column according to its cropping. It is plain that in this way a certain basis of fact was obtained, on which, were these lines sufficiently frequent across the country, the mode and character of cultivation mi^ht be very confidently calculated. And any one looking at a railway map can see with how small a mesh the railway network does now cover the whole area of England. If Mr. Caird was enabled in this way to calculate with so much accuracy the pro- portional area of English cropping, it is plain that now a plan of this kind must be even more trustworthy than it w.as. The Appendix also contains the data on which the other great department of our agricultural produce has been calculated :— " The prices and proportions on which the valuation of the annual produce of livo stock was made are as follow : — Dairy produce of cows in England, 10^. eacli ; in Scotland, &l. each ; Ireland, 11. each. One-fourth of the whole of the cattle in the respective countries is assumed to be sold annually at 16Z. each in England, 14/. in Scotland, and 10/. in Ireland, Of sheep, the wool is valued in England and Ireland at 8s. a-head and in Scotland at (is. One-third of the sheep in number in England and Ireland, and one-fourth in Scotland, are assumed to be sold every year at an aver- age price of 35s. each." In order to understand the mode in which the result was obtained, it is necessary to quote the following statement regarding the live stock returns of the pa^st year : — ■' The returns of live stock having been made at dif- ferent periods oftheyear, donot yet help us in speaking with certainty as to how far the losses by cattle plague have been made good. Up to October, 1867, when the plague had died out, about 130,000 cattle had died, and 57,000 healthy cattle had been killed to prevent the spread of the disease. The returns show an increa.se of 161,000 cattle in 1867 over the preceding year. So far as numbers go, therefore, the actual deaths by dis- ease would appear to have been fully made good. But until another year's return is made from the same period as 1867, we cannot depend on the figures repre- senting the same comparative d,ata. A like remark is even more applicable to sheep, the figures in the year 1807 being to a large degree swelled by including lambs born at a date subsequent to that of the returns of 1868." Calculation on these data leads to the following results :— Proportion of Foreign \a Total Supply. I-4th l-Oth l-5lh Corn of all Iciiids Beef (fe Mutton . . IVitter & Clieese I'cjt.itna .. £81,700,000 47,200,000 .■!0,!00,000 18,000,000 £40,100,000 l-5th "To these must be added the annual product of wool, eight millions, and of Flax two millions sterling, but these enter into the manufacturing industry of the country, and do not come within our present inquiry. There is no return of horses for Great Britain, and they cannot, therefore, be included, and the pigs are com- prised in the meal and Potatos." The conclusion reached, that our agriculture contri- butes 180,000,000/. worth of food per annum, and that 220,100,000/. worth in all sufficed to feed our popu- lation, was criticised in the subsequent discussion of Mr. Caird's paper by a speaker who, having ascer- tained the weekly cost of food per head in our work- houses, applied that sum to the population generally, and found that the total amount was far in excess of the figures here stated. But it was observed, in reply, (1) that the workhouse population is for the most part adult, and does not therefore furnish a fair com- parison with a general population of men, women, and children ; (2) that in the workhouse cost of food, beer and wine, and tea and sugar, and many other articles of food are included, which do not enter into Mr. Caird's tables; and (3) that the sum he names is that which is received by the farmer, not that which is paid by the consumer. To the former muse be added all the costs and profits of the various trades of butcher, baker, miller, dealer, &c., through whom the food grown is distributed, before the amount paid by workhouse and other consumers can be ascertained. We shall again call attention to some further par- ticulars to which Mr. Caird's very interesting pamphlet refers, and meanwliile we commend it to the attention of our readers as a very able discussion of the leading facts of British agriculture, and a capital exemplar for those who may be hereafter interested in extracting all the lessons which our annual agricultural statistics will be sure to convey. Cottaqc Gardening ; Suggestions on Cultivation, and on, the Selection of Seeds, S(e. Houlston & Wright. Birmingham. This little pamphlet contains the substance of several very useful addresses spoken on the occasion of village horticultural exhibitions ; and it can be confidently recommended to those who, knowing how much food there is in the tillage of the poor, and yet how much is destroyed, or never realised, for want of judgment, would like to place in the hands of their neighbours useful instruction for guidance in cottage gardening. The publication suggests to us, that a desirable addition might be made to the village programme o( vyioter and spring weekly or fortnightly lectures, which is now an institution everywhere, if this subject were taken up as one deserving a place on the list. A lecture on the Flower Garden, another on the Vegetable Garden, a third upon the Poultry Yard, would in all probability be as attractive, and would certainly be as useful, as many of those on fanciful and far-fetched t9pics, which can do little more than make an ordinary village audience stare or giggle. The EoUiitg Stock of the Farm. By Thomas Mackenzie & Sons. This is a Trade List, but one of very unusual merit. It was some time before we could find out where the pamphlet is published; but the authors' name appears in a page of the advertisement sheet accom- panying the work, as Thomas Mackenzie & Sons, of 34, Dawson Street, Dublin, and Camden Quay, Cork. And their book, which is a fully illustrated account of the whole field of agricultural machinery, under a very appropriate title, is, at the same time, an advertise- ment of articles which they keep on sale, or which they can produce for their customers. The book is a very complete 'price list and description of the implements and machines of English agriculture. Farm Memoranda. Aberdeenshire Farm; March 21. — Farming operations are far advanced, as with the exception of a shower now and again, the month of March has been particularly dry and windy, which has made even the wettest soils in fine condition for receiving the .seed. Oat sowing was generally begun in this district about the 15th, which fs at least three weeks earlier than last year. Hand sowing is fast disappearing, and the broadcast sowing machines made by Messrs. Simpson & Mitchell, of Peterhead, seem to be the favourites, with here and there one of B. Reid & Co.'s drills. The quantity of seed used in this district is from 5 to 6 bushels per acre. At our seed shows the grain exhi- bited has been of an average quality, considering the bad harvest ; and more seed has been exchanged this season than has been for the last 20 years. At the Royal Northern Society's Show at Aberdeen, Mr. Bruce, Colithie, nearHuntly, carried everything before him with fine samples. The chief point of attraction, however, at the show seemed to be the trial of ploughs, which was set aside from the autumn show. All tne picked ploughmen in the county had been selected by the makers, and spectators poured in from all quarters to witness the proceedings, and it soon became evident that Mr. W. Sharp, of Premnay, with a plough made 334 TTTR (UET>ENi:i^S' CFRONTCLE AND ArTETCULTTTEAL GAZETTE. [March 28, 1868. by Mr. Shiv.as, New Macliar, would outdistance all competitors, and the judees had no hesitation in awarding the prize to Sir. Shivas' plough, so skilfully managed by Mr. Sharp, and their decision was unani- mously approved of hy the thousands of spectators. But we believe Jlr. Sharp can count his first pre- miums by the dozen at ploughing matches in Garioch and Strathbogie. He also holds the Highland Society's Silver Medal. While speaking of ploughing I may also mention that a handsome obelisk is in the course of erection to Morrice Smith, who commenced a new era in the ploughing line in Aberdeenshire, and we believe it was tliought by some that he had " black art," so thorough a master was he of that implement. But now when lie is gone his memory is fresh to many, as is shown hy the farm servants subscribing to the monument to his memory. Mr. MeCombie, Tillyfour, and Messrs. Sellar, of the plough factory, Huntly, have gone hand in hand with tlie ploughmen in this movement, which is highly commendable to these gentlemen. Shorthorn sales are mostly over, and very fair prices on the whole have been realised, a little below the average however of last year. The Sittyton bull calves reached 44 guineas on average ; the number sold being 37, and 13 heifers brought 38J guineas. Store and grazing stock are now being looked after, but many who used to buy in part of their grazing stock early cannot do so this year, owing to the scarcity of Turnips. However, should the weather continue at all favourable there is appearance of early Grass, which with many will be welcome. Sheep are now to be seen daily wending their way from their winter pasturage to the hills again, after a very excellent winter, as is always known by their appearance after travelling a day or two. Stock of all kinds have been exceedingly healthy this season, and we hear very little complaints in tlie land. Although provisions he dear, worlc is plentiful, and an open winter has brought many through that had gloomy forebodings at the end of last year. J. Miscellaneous. Comilii Financial Board BiU. — ^Ve have been favoured with the following synopsis of the " County Financial Board Bill " of Mr. James Wyld, M.P. The Bill provides : — I. To establish County Financial Boards, which are to be composed of members, one- half to be chosen by the Justices of the Peace, and the other half to beelected hy the elected members of the Boards of Guardians.— II. Qualification to be 50Z., either of rental or of ownership. III. The adoption of the Bill depends upon its being adopted by a majority of the Boards of Guardians in the county. — IV. As to constabulary : 1. The financial duties of justices of the Peace under the Constabulary Acts are to be trans- ferred to the County Financial Boards, but the Secretary of State, upon representation of Quarter Sessions, or County Financial Boards, may order the number of constables to be increased or diminished. 2. The Bill authorises the transfer of outlying parts of counties, and consolidation of county and borough police, with the concurrence of the County Financial Board. 3. The Chief Constable to attend the meetings of the County Financial Boards.— V. With regard to gaols; — 1. The internal regulation of the gaol to remain with the Justices of the Peace, but all matters relating to the structure to be under the control of the County Financial Boards. 2. The salaries of all officers of gaols^ Houses of Correction, &c., to be fixed by the Justices and the County Financial Board, and, in case of disagreement, the Secretary of State to determine the amount. 3. Members of the County Financial Boards to have power to visit the gaols and lunatic asylums. 4. Contracts for gaols to be submitted to the County Financial Board, and if disputearise between the Justices and the County Financial Board, reference to be made to the Secretary of State. — VI. The Secretary of State to determine all matters in dispute between the County Financial Board and the Justices. — VII. In regard to lunatic asylums: 1. The duties of the Justices in respect to erecting, enlarging, providing, and _ repairing lunatic asylums are to remain with Justices and their committees of visitors. 2. The same provision as regards lunatic asylums as there is to gaols, with respect to salaries — viz., that the salaries are to be fixed by the County Financial Board, and, in case of disagreement, by the finalaward of the Secretary of State. 3. ilembers of the County Financial Board to have power of visiting lunatic asylums, except where it may be detrimental to some_ lunatic— VIII. Throughout the whole Bill the judicial functions are carefully preserved to the Justices of the Peace, whilst the financial administration is entirely placed under the control of the County Financial Board. Chamber of Agriculture. Notices to Correspondents. Bones and Acid ; Bones. In drying off bones after the appli- cation of acid, dry ashes or earth will perfectly answer the purpose. Exhaustion of Land : B. Land cannot be exhausted by the application of manure ; the idea is altogether a mistake. The oxhaustion, if it takes place at all, is due, not to the manuring but the subsequent disposal of the crops grown. Apply guano to your land ; you cannot by that exhaust it, and neither can the heavy crops which it may thus be made to yield, provided they be consumed on the land again. Seeds : S T. Your Grass seeds are those of Festuca brwmoides, with the exception of one, which is that of Italian Rye- grass. This species of Fescue is not uncommon in Rye- grass ; it is, however, a small, harmless species, not without mtorest to the collector of Gras-ses. B. Btable Duno. Aniateur Fartiur. Good stable dung is the best farm-yard manure you can get, and it may be worth .'i.^. to s BUTTON S" GRASS at. the PARIS EXHIBITION, ISG?. Improvement of Grass Lands. Q U T T 0 N S RENOVATING MIXTURE IMPROVING PASTURES Sutton & Sons, Readiag. Horka. Bttherxden, Tentvrdcn, Kettt. HUMK-GROWN FAKU SKKDS, Carriage Free. "The Selected Yellow Globe Mangel Wurzel >th First Prize Lone Red Man gel. at the KpdI heldatA'.hford' There we others t thein." Mangel from your seed of rf< an Wye, Ash/ord,Ktnt *' 1 our Man- gel Wurzel looks be^utitul, and beats all in our neighbourhood.' GOOD VELLOW GLOBE 1 0 BUTTONS' MAMMOTH „ ORANGE GLOBE 1 0 LONG YELLOW 1 0 „ KED GLOBE ..10 „ SELECTED ORANGE „ LUNG RED ..10 ,, LONG YELLOW . 1 0 SDTTONS" SELECTED STRATTON'S BED GLOBE 16 VELLOW GLOBE 1 C GREKN-TOP SUGAR „ YELLOW INTER- BEET, as recommencied MKOIATE ..3 6 bv a. L. Do Neumaan. „ MAMIIUTU LONG RED .. .. 1 G Cheaper by the cwt., carriage Esq. (cheaper by the free. Lowe.st price per cwt. on application. SDTTO.NS- FARM SEED LIS ' now ready, gratis and post free. Sutton S Soss. See 1 Growers, Reading. Suttons' Home-grown Farm Seeds. THE BEST SWEDE IN CQLriVAriON IS SUTTONS" cn\Ml'I IN QUTTONS* FINE GRASS SblEDS, for CRICKET »■ T GROUNDS. BOWLING GREENS. GARDEN LAWNS, anft CROQUET GROUNDS, as supplied by Sdtton & Soss to Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Queen's College Cricket Ground, U.'J'ord, The Crystal Pnlace. Sydenham, and the principal Lawns and Parks in England. Prices and particulars gratis and post f^ee. Sl'ttoh & Sons, Reading, Berks. QUTTONS' "mixtures' of c"LOVERS~~an(r^E- O GRASS.— To be sown with Com for 8 will produce good feed during the Autumn and CLOVERS and ITALIAN RYE-GRASS (Mess for One Year's Clover Lav.^t Via. 6rf. per g of Clover, &c., which ■ 1 the following year. . Sdttons' Mixture), . Suttons' Mixture), In the Mixtures of ClOTers and Rye-grass described above we generally give 14 lb. of Clovers (principally Red and Alsike) and one peck of Rye-grftss per acre ; but if more Rye-grass should be desired, it can be supplied, without altering the price, by omitting a ponod or two of Clovers. If but one kind of Clover the Rye-grass, it is only necessary to name order, and the proper quantity will be for their soil, by ordering the above-named Mixtures for the number of acres to be sown. GRASS and CLOVER SEEDS for Two Years' Lay.— This Mixture contains a large proportion of Perennial Clovers, and under favour- able circumstances will often stand for three years. The following sorts are included, and invariably answer well :— BROAD RED CLOVER I ROUND COCKSFOOT PERENNIAL do.(COW GRASS) I SHEEP'S FESCUE WHITE CLOVER ALSIKK CLOVER YELLOW TREFOIL MEADOW FOXTAIL The quantity required per i 24 1b -^ • - -- I TIMOTHY [GRASS PACEY'S PERENNIAL RYE- SUTTON.S' do. do. ITALIAN RYE-GRASS 1 is one bushel, weighing about These' Mixtures are highly profitable, producitiK enormous crops of Gr.iss or Hay, but must iiot be expected to form Permanent Pastures. From Mr. William Jones, Agent to E. P. Monkton, Esq., Fxneshade Abbey, Wanfiford. "Messrs. Sutton,— The Clovers and Grass Seeds supplied by you during my residence here, 1864 and 1^G5. h.ave givuu every satis- faction ; indeed, in 1865. when all around mo seeds were a failure, I had such an abundant crop of your seeds, that out of 60 acres I mowed 20 acres twice in that season, and the mowings together iged quite three tons per acre."— Royal Berks Seed Establish- ment. Reading. PRICED LISTS of other FARM SEEDS gratis and All goods carriage frd payment. discount allowed for cash * & Sons. Royal Berkshire Seed Establlehment. Reading. Mangel Seed direct from tlie Growers. CHARLES SHAKPE and CO., Seed GROWEnR, Sleaford, have to offer fine Select Stocks of the undernamed SEEDS. MANGELS :— FISHER HOBBS" ORANGE GLOBE INTERMEDIATE YRLLOW GLOBE IMPKuVED YELLOW GLOBE IMPROVED REIi GLOBE | IMPROVED LONG RED Allt Not to be undersold by any restiectHble House. Turnip Seeds direct from tlie Grower. p" •— v..ii«» Purple-top Yello Hybrid , Dal> , Fosterton Hybrid , RobertSDii's G i Jelly TURNIPS— White Globe „ Pomeranian White Globe „ Lincolnshire Red Globe ^ All the above have been grown under C. Sha,rpb & Co. i superintendence, from carefully selected stocks. POTATOS" for PLANT- Per ING.— A surplus stock, to Bushel etfect a clearance. ; of 4 st. , Yellow Altringham Sack ofi Ashtops 5 Do. Small * Fortvfolds ! * Early Shaws Walker's Eariy Regents . . . . 4 Dalmahoys 4 Dunbar Regents 4 Regent's Fen or Highland Grown 4 Prince of Wales Kidneys .. ..I 6 Webb's Imperial Kidneys .. ... 6 Wheeler's Milky Wnite ■.. ..[ID Errata. — Page 247, col. b, line 86 from top, for " not its value," read "but its value." Same column, /or "on all holdings Heavy Cropper. Pcifectly hirdy, SUTTONS- CHAMPION SWEDE, price Is. id. per lb., cheaper by the bushel. Carriage free to any railway station. Lowest price per b'.:sbel on application. From Mr. J W. Halse, Secretani to the Sidbui-y, Sidmouth, Sal- combe, Hegis, and Branscombe AoT^cultural Association. October 28, 1867.—" At the annual meeting of the above Associa- tion, held at Sidbury, on the 22d inst., your Champion Swede again took the 1st prize for Swedes, against 13 competitors with other sorts." From Mr. W. Bodden, Coombe Keynes. March 18, 1867.—" I gained the Ist prize at the Winfi-ith Farmers' Club with your Champion Swede tnls sea&on. Others also gained prizes with seeds had ol you." From Henrv Cantbell, Esq., Baylis Fa}'Tn, near Slouyk. May 2, 1867—" I obtnloed the £5 6s. Silver Cup. ttlven by G. J. Palmer, Esq., Dorney Court, last October, with your Champion Swedes, and they were grown after a crop of Italian Rye-grass." Mr. Crintrell bns also obtained H.R.H. the late Prince Consort's 20 Guinea Cup this se»son. SUTTONS' PRICE1> CATALOGHR of SUTTONS' HOME- t Sons, Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. Flukes 1 4 CARROT SEED. Purple-top Altriogham Green-top do. i Belgian . Kohl Rabi MANGEL WURZEL SEED. Yellow Otobo Red Globe Long Yellow Long Red Fisher Hobbs' Orange Globe Englefield Yellow Globe SWEDE TURNIPS. Old Purple-top . . Hall's Westbury (firsl growth of 18G7) TC Green Globe or Barrel Red Globe Stubble Veitch's Perfectio -Per bushel of 52 lb., Its. ; J 8 bushels, 80.S. PEAS. I Quart. 18. Od. I selected .'?tock, net \ Peck. Bushel 7 6 27 0 24 0 .., .„.. Ultra.. McLean's Princess Royal I 0 10 FIELD or SHEEP PARSLEY, 4irf. per lb. ; per bushel of 50 Id., Ug. Very strong 3-yr. ASPARAGUS PLANTS, 23. per 100, l&t. per 1000 j 2-yr. do , Is. 6d. per lOu ; lOs. per 1000. New 4 lb. 4 bushel Sacks, Is. 4rf. each ; 2 bushel, Is. ; 1 bushel, 9d. Retnittauces to accompan V all orders, which will be taken iu rotatldn. - ■ ^ ■■-- , Peterborouf'- be repeated. MabcH 28, 18G8.1 TFF rT'\T^DENEES' rBT^OXTCTE ANP 7^rTinnTir,TnT?AT, HAZETTE. The Improved Stulable Swede Turnip. MR. JOHN KIVKKS, the raisi^r of the STUBBLE SWEDE, now offers the above, which by selection has become hivrdiorthnii the original root. U is swueter and earlier thaa any other Swedo Turni|i, and maybe sown with advantogo fr^^m April till July. Sold in bags of 4 lb. each, at (is. per bag. Wholesale price given on application. Bonks Hill, Sawbridgeworth. NEW nnd GENUINE SKEDS.— Selected stocks of MANGETj WURZEL, TtJKNIP, &c., also superior mixtures of Indigenous GRASSKS and CLOVERS for laylng-down Permnnent Pastures on any soils. Every variety of Seeds requisite for the Farm and Garden. CATALOGUES post free on application. Chi; t for testimonials, &o., in Qardejt' :e -jCd. , Mlrilnnd Seed W.ireboiiso, Leicester. Melville's Improved Variegated Borecole. STUART AND MEIN, Seedsmen, Kelso, N.B., have pleasure In ofleriDg Seed of the above beautiful Borecole, which is spectallv adapted for Winter Decoration in the Shrubbery or Flower Garden, being beautifully curled, and varying in colour fi-om rich creamy white to the darkest purple. See "Journal of Horti- culture," p. 107 ; and Oardettfrs' Chromcle, p. 182. Is. per packet. L AWES' MANURE for GRASS LAND should be applied diuing the months of February and March. NITRATE of SODA is the best Manure for top-dressing Corn. Care should be taken in the purchase of Nitrate, as it varies much in quality. It cin be supplied from my Stock, at Docks, from London, Liverpool, and other ports. LAWES" MANURES were the first Chemical Artificial Manures manufactured and introduced, and have been in use for 27 years. The supply for the present season is now ready for dohvery. at the Factories, Deptford and B irking Creeks, all in first-rate condition. LAWES' PATENT TQRNIP MANURE. DISSOLVED BONES. LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES' WHEAT. BARLEY. GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES, CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. Dr. Voelcker has inspected and sampled a bulk of 10,000 tons at Mr. Lawes' Factories. Tne report can be obtained on application : Ho states— " All the samples appeared to be equally dry, uniform in character, and finely prepared. Havmg inspected the bulk Wrrks, I c bulk is a d . . lent condition for delivery." These Manures appointed Agents varying a be obtained of Mr. La t from the s in excel- through the tof c United Kingdom, at price: PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers. NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, and Other Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address. John Bennkt Lawes, 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin : and Market Square, Shrewsbury. THE PAXTON GARDEN" MANURE is the most economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known for Vegetat>li T H£ LO.NDON MANUKE COMPANY (ESTABLtSBED 1840) DI8S0LVKU iioNES, for Di-essing Pasture Lands SUPEF.PHOSPIIATES otLIME ffi'JfcAiK^.d'm'lH'O MA,, un=s. Also Genuine PERUVIAN OUANO. and NITRATE or SODA u Dock Warehouse; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, FISHERY SALT, 4c. _ E. PoBSER, Secrelary. Ufflc , 116, Fencburch Street, E.G. Henry Eicliardsan, Manure Works, York. ESTABLISHED 1824. MANURES, specially compounded for GRASS LAND, and cdnpdently rccmrueaded: P.istur0,£8perton ; Meadow, jE8 10s. per ton. cash. Sl'ECIAI. MANURES also carefully compounded for CORN, POTATOS, TURNIPS, and other crops. Prices lower than usual this year. DISSOLVED BONE, guaranteed entirely from Bone, cootjiiniDg 31 per cent. Phosphate, made soluble, and 13 per cent. Phosphate, neutral, £G iOs. per ton, c-ish. DISSOLVED BONE ASH, 3S to 4U per cant. Phospbate, made soluble, £6 per ton. cash. PERUVIAN GtANO, NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, POTASH SALTS, RAPE and RUBSEN (JAKES, both for Manure and Feed ; LINSEED and COTTON CAKES, Ordinary ana Decorticated, all of beet quality. Libta oa application. Henry Ricbabdson, Manure Works, York. T ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS-S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ODaMS'S SUPERPHOSPHATE of LIME. ODAIVIS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief OfBces— 109, Fencburch Street. London. WL'f.r,.Tn Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. 1- ^ii branch— W, Westmoreland Street. Dublin. aiairm DiR 1 Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brighton. K. chard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot, Herts. iLobert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfolk. Ooorge Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex. Chitrh's Dorraan, 23, Essex Sueet, Strand. ThoiiKJs Webb, Hildersham, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross, Lincolnshire. Bankers — Messrs. B:imetts, Hoares, & Co., Lombard Street. Soltcieora—Mtfssrs. Kiiigsfovu & Uormnn, 23, Essex Street, Strand, Auditor— J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company was originally formed by, and is under the direction ot agriculturists tcircuoiBtances that bavejustly earned for it another title, viz.— "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Oompanv." Its members are cultivators of upwards ot" 60.0(>0 acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their 1 manufacture, consequently the cimsumer has the best guarantee 1 efficacy ot the Manures manufactmed by for the genumoi this Comp Li Chief UiUctis— nil), Fe ch Street, Loudon, E.t rpOBACCO TISSUE for Fumigating Greenhouses X Will Destroy Thrip, Red Spider, Green and Black Fly and Mealy Bug ; and bums without the assistance of blowing, and is entirely frue from paper or rag. Price 3s. 6d. per lb., carriage free A reduction in price for large quantities. To be had of Messrs. Roberts S. Sons, Tobacco Manu&cturers 112, St. John Street, Clerkenwell, E.C., of whom copies of Terti- monl&la may be obtaioed ; and of all Seedsmen and Nurserymen. Agricultural Co-operation. COUNCIL. LiKht lion, W. Cowper, M,P. , and with Unidul- SEfcDS, MANURES. Manufactured CATTLE FOOD at cost price, upon tbe i^o-operative Syj FOWr.ER'S PATENT STEAM PLOUGH and CULTIVATOR may bo SEEN at WORK In every Agricul- tural County III England. For partiuulare apply to . „ , B.C. ; and Steam Plough Works, I,e interest dividend) t _._ No further liability. Kules and all information post freeze Stamps, or by personal apjp: "" 1 receipt Associatlo: ■29, Parliament Street, Westminster, b.W. ; and 4, Warren Street, Manchester. Full Profits credited to Members. Half Profits to the Public (non- members). TRADE DISCOUNTS. The following are the Profits gained by Members :— Linseed Cakes, guaranteed absolutely pure Cotton-seed ^ Cakes : decorticated and undecorticited Rape Cakes, 16 to 10 for feeding, best quality (and for tillage); Palm Nut f Per Cent. Meal ; and all other Feeding Stuffs J Patent Dog Cakes i Per Cent. Peruvian Guano, pure as imported ; Nitrate of Soda, pure ) and unadulterated ; Ground Bones, free from raixuire, I 10 to 15 and Ruaranteed English; Superphosphates; and alll Per Cent, other Manures of the best makers and qualities . . ) Clover Seeds, uncoloured and unmixed ; Grass Seeds, ■\ ^^ ^^^ .^^ new and reliable; TurDip Seeds, genuine and S^od ; j-p^^ ^^^^j. Garden and all other Seeds .* Steam Engines. Steam Ploughs. Cultivators 3nd Imple- } 10 to 20 nients, Portable ana Fixed Tbreshing Machines - . J Per Cent. ploughs. Harrows, Rollers, Cultivators. Drills, Horse Hoes, , Carts, vVapgona, Reaping and Mowing Machines, Hay- 1 „ . „, makers, iforsB Rake?, Chaff Cutters, Mills, ^^^^> PerCe^t " ?, Sewing Machine?, Stoves and Cooking Rangt" ' """ ^*""" and Mill Iron Hiu-dlei Wii Strained ■) _. _ Fittings.f _ Domestic Machinery, Heating fPer Cent. Apparatus, &c.' ,. ' " .. .T) A Full Catalogue will shortly bo published, meanwhile Prices terated Seed, Manur J Samples and Prices of unadul- I, and Feeding Stuffs. , Managing Director. PAINT (PATENT METALLIC) at less than half the price of ordinary Paint., and will last much longer. Can bo bad in Cliocolate, Stone. Lead, or any other colour, at 5s. Grf. per impe- rial gallon, ready for use. There is so much body in this Paint that one coaling of it la equal to two of ordinary Paint, thus further reducing the cost to one-fourth. It is suitable for Wood, Stone, Iron, Horticultural Buildings, sc, &c. Not less than 4 gallons sold, and all orders must be prepaid. Packages tree. Patent Metallic Paint Company, 9, Bridge Street, Westminster. Mr. F. Jav, Secretary. AGENTS WANTED everywhere. Then .I'h.iiiT if;uy jiru— 1 nrtulnhty. not Fixtures, removable at pleasure, no Wundwurk or Partitions to impede Ventilation or breed Vormiii. Hay Ruck dispensed with as unuecessary, increased width and depth of Feeding Troughs. Water Cistern, and Patent Drop Cover to prevent over-gorging. Cleanly, durable, and impervious to Infection, being all of Iron. Trices of Fittings per Cow. 55s. Prospectuses free of Cottam & Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street (opposite the Pantheon), Oxford Streflt, London. W,, where tho above are exhibited, together with several important Improvements in Stable Fittings just secured by Patent. G Used by many of the leading Gardeners since 1869, against Red Spider, Mildew, Thrips. Green Fly, and other Blight, Sold Retail by Seedsmen, u Ls,, 3s., aud 105. 6cl. Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (Lihitkd). By Royal Appointment. To Her Majesty by Special « Warrant, dated 27th Doc, ' i*p, To the Pnnco of Wales, by fCp Special Warrant dated 10th 1866. fei'*:iJ'5t^ February, 1800. DAY, SON, AND HEWITT, Original and Sole Proprietors of the STOCK-BREEDERS' MEDICINE CHESTS for disorders in Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, aud Lambs, SANDERS, FREWER, and CO., Victoria Works, Bury St. Edmund's. These Patent Houses obtained the First and only Pnze at the Royal Horticultural Congress, South Kensington, 1866; The First-class Certificate at the Grand Manchester Horticultural Show, 1867 ; The Three First-class Certificates at the Royal Hnrticultural Show, at Bury St. Edmund's. 1867. viz. : — One Prize fur Patent Glazing without Putty ; One Prize for Best Svstem of Patent Ventila- tion ; One Prize for S. F. & Co.'s Improved Flower Stands. These much -approved Patent Svstems of Glazing and Ventilation are also extensively adapted for all Agricultural Buildings, Public Halls, Churches, Factories, Railway Stations, &c., tic. Full particulars and Prices of tho Patent Houses, glazed with 26 oz. Sheet Glass from Is. 4d. per foot .super and upwards. As also Illustrated Catalogues fi^r 12 postage stamps, may be obtained of SANDEas, FnEwtR, & Co., Sole Manufacturers of Beard's Patents, Victoria Works, Burj' St. Edmund's. C4.ARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in preat T variety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts being especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and once put down incur no further labour and expense, as do "grown" Edgmgs, con- sequentlv being much cheaper. GARDEN VASES, FOUNTAINS, &c.. In Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and in great variety of design. F. & G. RosHKR, Manufacturei-3, Upper Ground Street, BlackfTiars, S. ; Queen's Road West, Chelsea, S.W. ; Kingsland Road, Kingsland, N.E. Sole London Agents for FOXLEY'S PATENT GARDEN WALL BRICKS. Illustra.tod Price List free by post. The Trade supplied. ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors, Balconies, Ac, as cheap and durable as Stono, in blue, red, and bulf colours, and capable of forming a variety of designs. Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS of more enriched designs thin the -xhove WHlfE GLAZED TILES for Lining Walla of Dairies, Larders, Ktclen Ranges Biths ic Grooved and other Stable Paving B ks of great d ab 1 ty Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall (. I Ings Ped and stonewire T rain Pipes, Slates, Cement, Ac. To be obtal ed of F & O Bosher, at their premises as above. -^11 \ Fl S \M) (REIGATE, best qualitv), at the abore ^11 —1 I Ton or 1«. 3ti. per Bushel ;" I's. per Ton extra 1 1 1 ee m les and to any London Railway or Wharf. 1 ] per Ton less. LlM LI 1 Ii. LURRS or CLINKERS forRockeriesorGrottO \\ k F i. G RosBER —Addresses see above. N B Orders promptly executed by Railway pARSON S ANTI-CORROSION PAINT, V^ patron sed by the Nobility and Gentry, is extensively uaod for all k nds of OUT DOOR WORK, and is proved, after a test of 0 years, to surpass any other Paint. It is espectatlv applicable to Iron, Wood, Stone, Brick, Compo, and is the only Faint that will effectually resist tbe rays of the sun upon Conservatories, Green- houses, FVames, &c. Is twice as durable as genuine White Lead, so simple in application that any person can use it. Per cwt. WHITE, LIGHT STONE, BATH, and LIGHT PORTLAND of Ireland and Scotland. Patterns and Testimonials sent post free. Walter Carson & Sows, La Belle Sauvage Yard. Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. Cadtion.— All Casks should bear the Trade Mark. No Agents. Oil Paint no longer Necessary. JVi^f'^-^^^^v^^'S^^^l^^a:? No. 1 MEDICINE CHEST Price,£6 C Carriage paid. No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST Shilling Key to Famery, Price. £3 16». 6d. HILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and is used cold. It is used In f- 1 received, which Hill ft Si the seats of many most flattering will forward on 3 used vol RAia>:s, Esq.. Easl Dale, near Brough, Yorkshirt. your Black Varnish for park palings and consider it to be the mr.st durable and best thing of the kind 1 have o^"" ^f™- I thmk it might be applied with still greater advantage to u^n fencing instead of paint, and it is ray intention so to emp , '"Km in casks of about 30 gaLon. eacB, at "• .ilSlo uJI'tfi^o'S! Manu&ctoiT,or U. M. per gallon paid to '^yStatlon m the Ungdon^ Apply to ffiLL s Skit.. Brierly UiU Iron ^"''^^•^ ^^^It.""" 22, iSumon Street West, E.C., from whom only it can ba obtilnaa THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [JlABcn 28, isrs. MOULE'S PATENT EAETH CLOSETS.— On view and in operation at the Offlco of MOULE'S PATENT EARTH CLOSKT COMPANY, LIMITED, 29. Bedford Street Covent Garden, W.C. T. M. Evans, Manaeer. ' EWAGK of TOWNS and Till AGES^oiTthe^DEY EARTH SYSTEM. —This Company Is prepared to make gentents for dealing with the Drainage of Towns on the Dry s Covetit Garden, W.C. riTHE TAW NED LEATHER COMPANY. X Amiit Works, Greenfield, rear Manchester. TANNERS, CURRIERS, and M A N D FACT U RERS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS tor MACHINERY PRIME STRAP and SOLE BUTTS Price Lists sent free by pnst. °* "■--■■ ' - • ■ n. E,C. Warehouse ; 81, Mark L^ne, Lc Mr. H. Feb For Grottos, Ornamental Rockwork, Ferneries, Flower Stands, &c. VIRGIN CORK OQ SALE, at 10.?. per cwt., by the London and Lisbon Coik Wood Company Limited, 28, Tipper Thames Street. E.G. Caution to Gardeners^ When yoiTask^for^ ' QATNOR AND COOKE'S WARRANTED PRIZE O PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that vou cet them. Observe the mark SAYNOR. also the Corporate Mark, Obtain Warranted, without which none are genuine. S. & C. regiet h.ivlng to caution Gardeners and others, but are compelled to do so. in consequence of an imitation, of common quality, having been sold for the penuine one, and which has caused many complaints to be made to them of Knives which were not of their make, all of which are warranted both by Sellers and Makers. S. & C.'s PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are the best and the che.ioest in the market. Paxtuu Works, Sheffield. Established upwards of 126 voarg. V^ TERRACES, &c LAMP PILLARS HOT-WATER APPARATUS. NEW DESIGNS for Ihe above will bo forwarded ipt 0/ and Contrjictors, 201, Upper Thames BROWN'S FLORAL SHADING, for Shading Plants under Glass from the Sun, and protecting the Bloom of Wall Trees from Frost Sold by Nurserymen and Seedsmen. No. 1. 38 inches wide, 20 yards long, at 48. 6d. per piece. No. 2. .18 „ „ 20 „ „ 4s. lorf, per piece. No. 3. 39 „ „ 18 „ „ 7s. extra Hout Samples on application to Charles Baowif, Greenheys, Manchester. GEEEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOR, OR NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the keeping of Laavns in the HIGHEST STATE of PEllFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having boen sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. ANii SON be? specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ■, and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GEEEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved to he the best, ahd earned of tvery Prize that h"S been (jiven in all cases of competition. T. GREEN & SON warrant every Machine to giva entire satis/act loti^ and if not approved of can be returned tinconditionaUij, IILISTEAILJ) IhlLL LISTS THEE ON AMPLICATION. T. G. AND SON have a large quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stofk nt their LcLd-, ind London Establishments; also v.irious other kinds of HORTICOLTDRAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, i'LAIN imd GALVANISED AVIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every deseriplion. Saving verg extensive Premises in London^ we arc in a position to do all kinds of Repairs there, (7s well as at our Leeds Establishment. THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELU IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. SAMUELSON & CO.'S IMPROVED LAWN MOWING MACHINES. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. PRICES. Delivered Free io antj Railway Slaiion in Great Britain. Cutting 10 inches wide £3 10 0 Cutting 12incheswidc 4 10 0 Cutting 14 inches wide 550 Cutting 16 inches wide ., ., .. ,. ..600 Culling 19 inches wide 6 10 0 Cutting 22 inches wide 7 10 0 Cutting 25 inches wide 12 0 0 Cutting 30 inches wide 15 0 0 Cutting .36 inches wide 18 0 0 Great improvements hi\c been made in these Machines during the last few years, in regard to all those small but important points of superiority which the practical working of a Lawn Mower suggests , while for elegance of appearance, lightness of draft, and efficiency in working they cannot be ctcelled. They possess the following advantages :— 1st. Motion is given to the Cutting Apparatus by toothed gearing, which experience has proved to be by far the best method of driving. 2d. The whole of the Driving Wheels are on one side of the Machine, and are covered with a guard, preventing damage to Shrubs and Flowers when mowing round the edges of beds. 3d. All the smaller working parts of the Machine are made of Malleable Iron, and are not liable to break. l8g° lUmtrated Price Lists, Free by Post on application. SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA WORKS, BANBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE : 10, L.VURENCE POUNTNET LANE, EC. -Messrs. TANGTE BROTHERS and HOLMAN, 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE: Messrs. DEANE and CO., London Bridge; Messrs. DRAY', Tdon Bridge ; Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD, G3, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughout the Kingdom. Mahcu 28, IStS.J THE GARDENERS' (IIIRONICLK AM) ACllKUH/rniiAI, CAZKTTE. Crociuet Grounds. GREEN'S PATENT NOISELESS LA"\VN MOWERS aro warranted to be the best for Mowing and RolUng CROQUET GROUNDS, and aro worked witu fur greater easo than laiy other. T. Grekv * Son have upwards of 1500 LAWN MOWERS la stock at their Leeds and London EaLabllshinyuts for Horse, Pony, donkey, and Hand-power. Ail Orders are executed on the day they are received. Price Lists and Drawings free on application. Sraithfirild Iron Works, Leeds, and iA and 65, Biackfriara Road, ijondou, 8. N.B.— GitEKN's Lawn Mowers have proved carried off every Prize that has bean g.ven in SCRIM CANVAS for Shading, 1 to 2 vards wide; Seed Bags. Sicks, Tarpaiihns, Horse Olnths, Noae Ba.gr '" •* NoUing. Itapea, Linos, Twin, prices. I'liutod Price List " 1 appiictttioD. N, 7, Coniuiercial '" Sboroditch, London. s A "W * S T For Samples and Prii J. Shaw 4 Co.. 29, Oxford Street, F F A N Y. apply laaDcheater. elected, reet, London, E.C. Stock TANNED GARDEN NETTING, for Preserving Seed BedB, Fruit, Strawberries from Frost, Blight. Birds, t' ' , Fence for Fowls, &c. One yard wide, Ua;;^_2 J^^^l^^"^-} PETERSBURG MATS.— Best heavy in London and in Hull also R. M. MiTTON, -J, Dow).';ite Dock, Upper Thames Archangel Mats at Greatly Reduced Prices. JAMES T. AN[)ERSON hus on luind a hiree Quantity of ARCHANGEL and other MATS, which he offers at a great reduction in price. Address, James T. Anderson, 7, Commercial St., Sboreditob, London. rpANNED NETTING, in large or small quantities, for _L Seed Beds, and for the Protection of Fruit Trees from Fro^fc, Blight, Birds, or as a Fence Iroin Fowls, Ac, Id. per square yard ; 78. 0(i. per 100 do., 35s. per 600 do. Price to the Trade on application Remittances to accompany all orders. CniiisTMAS QuiNCKY, Soedsmao, &c., Peterborough. ,„ j„_ , lid.; 2 yards.'Sd.; 3 yards, 4id. ; and 4 yards, Cd. per yard. In any quantity, may ^ohad at CuAB. WaifiiiT & Co.'s, William Street. Newark -ou-Trent (late 37it, Strand, W.C). An allowance to Nurserymen. Preserve your Trees from Frost. TANNED NETTING for FRUIT TREES. COTTON NETTING and BUNTING, FHIGI DUMO, SCRIMS for GREENHOUSE BLINDS. 4c. Samples and Price List fl-ee on application to BENJAMIN EDGINGTON, Tent and Rick Cloth Maker to the Queen and Prince of Wales. 2. Duke Street, Southwark,S.E. Alargestock of NEW and REPAIRED NETTING, and other material for the protection of Fruit Trees, Strawberry Beds, &c. MARQUEES and TENTS ofall dlmenslonaouSaleor Hire. Address, Benjamih Ed(!in»;tom, (only), u, Duke Street, London Bridge, S.E. No other Establishment. JOHN WAliNER & SONS, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.G., BRASS and BELL FOUNDERS to HER MAJESTY, HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS. No. 35. WAKNERS' PATENT CAST-IKON LIFT PUMPS. 2J inches diameter . , £1 8 6 ..2 1 14 3r. SHORT-BARREL DITTO, FOR SINKS, PLAKT HOUSES, &c. inches diameter . . i No. .547a. GARDEN ENGINE. 28 Gals. . . £5 10 24 „ .. 4 19 16 „ .. 3 14 10 „ .. 2 19 No. 42. AVARNERS" PORTABLE PUMPS, With Improved Valves for Liquid Manure, £2 1.5*. 2-in. Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, per foot, 2». orf. No. 5;9J. SWING W A T E R BARROW. 50 Gals. 38 „ 30 „ 20 „ £5 3 2 12 17 13 2 THE CRYSTAL PALACE EIRE ENGINE and GARDEN PORTABLE FORCE PUMP. Price on Barrow, with Branch Pipe, Spreader, Unions, and Suction Rose, .£6. l|-in. 2-ply .Rubber Suction Pipe, per foot, 2s. '2i!. 1-J-in. ditto Delivery Hose, Is. ill. ILLUSTRATED and PRICED LISTS of Garden Engines, Swing Barrows, Aquajects, Syringes, Rubber Hose, and Fountain Jets sent on application. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, held at BURY ST. EDMUND'S, 1867. — A SILVER MEDAL was Awarded to JOHN WARNER ASD SONS' CHAIN PUMP. This Pump, from the entire absence of Valves, is especially adapted for the use of Builders, Contractors, and Farmers. WIND ENGINES, ADAPTED FOR PUMPING, CHAFF-CUTTING, GRINDING, &c. JOHN WARNER and SONS beg to inform the Trade and the PubUc generally that they have purchased the Patterns of the WIND ENGINES manufactured by the late firm of Messrs. Buey & Pollard, of Southwark, and arc prepared to estimate for the erection of such Engines in any part of England. They have also to state that a Patent has been recently taken out for a novel and great improvement in the construction of Wind Engines, and that they have the exclusive right of Manufacturing the same. A Drawing of Ihe New Engine and deaeriplion of its great advantages will shortly he published. S. OWENS & CO. (Late CLINTON and OWENS), MANUFACTURERS OF PUMPS and HYDRAULIC MACHINERY, WHITEFRIARS STREET, LONDON, E.C. rr^HE LANDSCAPE SKETCH shows an adRptation of THE IMPROVED HYDRAULIC RAM. This is a simple J- belf-acting Machine, suited for raising a Supply of Water for use in Public and Private Ebtablishments. Its adoption is not confined to positions as shown, but it is suited for any situation where a Fall can be obuiined from a Stream, Brook, or Spring. s OWENS AND CO. have fixed a great many in various parts of the country for raising from 600 to 6000 or more QolIODs per day to elevations varying from 30 to 300 feet, and forcing through Main Pipes 50 yards to several miles in length. No 37. IMPROVED TREBLE BARREL PUMPS, with HORSE GEARING for Raising Water from DEEP WELLS, for the supply of MANSIONS and PUBLIC BUILDINGS. No 28a. DOUBLE BARREL PUMPS for HAND-POWER for similar purposes. S OWENS AND CO. Manufacture and Erect every description of Engineer's Work required in Public or Private Establishments, such as PL MPS for any purrioae on the largest or smallest scale, STEAM ENGINES, WATER WHEELS, TURBINES, WARMING and DRTINO APPARATUS, BATHS, GAS WORKS and FITTINGS. Estimates furnished from Plans or on Inspection of position. 1^" Illustrated Catalogues Free on application. 338 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Maech 28, 1868, NETTING for FRUIT TREES, SERB BEDS, RIPE STRAWBERRIES. &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the above trooi Frost, Blight, Birds, &c., 2 yards wide, M. per yard, or 100 yards, 20^. ; 4 yards wide, 6d. per yard, ov 50 yards, 20s. NEW TANNED NETTING, suited for any of the above purposes, or as a Fence for Fowls. 2 yaids wide, 6d. per yard; 4 yards wide. Is. per yard ; J-looh mesh, 4 yards wide, U. Gd. per yard. Can be had iu any quantity of Eaton & Dellek, 6 4 7, Crooked Lane, London Bridge, E.G. RALPH "WALLER and CO., 45, Dale Street, Man- chester, Manufacturers of all kinds of GARDEN NETTING, Ac-— The serious injury done every spring to fruit cropa by frost, has prored to every Gardener the absolute necessity of providing some protection to the trees early in the year. If the blossom, iu its earliest development, be but slightly weakened by frost, the vitality of thefVuit germisdestroyed, and the fruit lost. In this climate, on the average of a century, there is not more than one year in 19 when the protection is unnecessary. Many fabrics have been tried for this purpose of protection, with more or less success ; and we may now say, without fear of contradiction, that wo have succeeded to manufacturing the only fabric which is altogether unobjectionable W IRON HURDLES FKNCING WIRE _ _ FOULTRV FENCES | FLOWER STANDS | and WINDOW ditto GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and Stakes for fixing ; great durability. ) cheaper than other fabric account of their Netting (qualities) : Nos. 1, 2, 3, in pieces of 30 vards long, 1} yard; wide. Tiffiny : in Pieces 20 yards long. 39 inches wide. For prices, 4c., apply to the above address— 46, Dale Street, Oil Paint no Longer Necessary. IMPROVED BLACK VARNISH.— For preserving Iron and Wood Fencing, Gates, Farm Implements. &c. Sold in casks of about 30 eallons^ach at Is. 3d. per gallon, oarriase paid to any London, N.E. Testimonials on appllcatioD. 24 with 4 ends, carriage free, for 24^, Illustrated Lists i ..^ ; Fox 4 Co., 33, Chicksand Street, Osbom Street, Wh: THE AUTOMATON LAWN MOWEE. Prices of the AUTOMATON MOWERS. lO inches £3 10 12 ,, 4 10 0 14 „ 5 10 0 16 ,, 6 10 0 18 „ 7 10 0 20 ,, 8 0 0 Free Delivery to all the principal Stations in England. E. AND S. guarantee these Machines to perform their work perfectly, and if not approved of, they may be returned, Carriage Paid, within a month. Those sold last season gave the greatest satisfaction. Illustrated Lists and numerous Testimonials on application. UPWARDS OF 1000 SOLD THE FIRST SEASON, 1857. KANSOMES AND SIMS, ORWELL WORKS, IPSWICH. PARIS EXHIBITION, 1867 — GOLD MEDAL. CLAYTON, SHUTTLEWORTH, & CO., At the Great Triennial Trials of THE EOYAL AGRICULTUHAL SOCIETY OF ENO-LANB, held at Bury St. Edmund's, July, 1867, received the following Awards:— For Single Cylinder Portable Steam Engine, The FIRST PRIZE of £25. For Double Cylinder Portable Steam Engine. The FIRST PRIZE of £25. For Horizontal Cylinder Fixed Engine. The FIRST PRIZE of £20. For Double Blast Finishing Threshing Machine. The PRIZE of £15. Also the SOCIETY'S SILVER MEDAL, for Adjusting Blocks for Maclrines. The duty performed by all C, S. & Co.'s Engines on this occasion, ennauhrabli! exceeded that of any otJLerS' S. & Co. refer with pleasure to the fact that the duty of their "COMlIEliCIAL " or SINGLE VALVE ENGINE, at Chester, so long 18.58, i not equalled by any " ordinary " Engine at Bnry. CLAYTON, SHUTTLE WORTH, and CO., LINCOLN ; and 78, LOMBARD ST., LONDON. WIRE WORK FOR GARDENS AND CONSERVATORIES. WIRE WORK for KOSERIES, .SUMMER HOUSES, GARDEN BORDERING, TRAINERS, FENCING, SUSPENDING BASKETS, AVIARIES and PHEASANTKIES, ARCHWAYS, TRELLIS WORK foi CREEPERS, TEMPLES, ORNAMENTAL WIRE FLOWER STANDS, &c. PAXTON'S STRAWBERRY CRINOLINE, for preserving Strawberries from Slugs, contact with the soil superfluous moisture, aud other nuisances. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES OF HORTICULTURAL WIRE WORK FREE ON APPLICATrON. R. HOLLIDAY, PRACTICAL WIRE WORKER, 2a, PORTOBELLO TERRACE, KOTTING HILL GATE, W. W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON and WIRE WORKS, NORWICH, MANUFACTURER of IMPROVED MACHINE-MADE ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE with prices free on application. 100 Yards and upwards, carriage paid to any Station. eiy cheap, and mvaluable for carrying liquids of all kinds. No Garden, Farm, Stable, or Kitciien Yard should be without one. Two or more tubs can be had with one carriage, .it a Email additional cost. A lad can easily work it ; but if required to travel long distances over rough ground, a pony can be attached. ought iron. The wheels and A First-class Certificate was awarded to this article at the Manchester Show last Tear. Carriage paid to any Station in England. Price £t OS. \ Price, with two Tubs, £3 3s. Spreader and Valve, 15s. extra. Rose Lane Iron and Wire Wurks, Norwich. sTlsouiTco^'snfRorr^ATER^^rijQt^^ MANURE CART. The abo s by f r the Imp ement of the k nd >ei bating Liquid Manure ib is invaluable. A pump can be" attached toe Emptying CcBspools, &c. As a Drinking Trough for Cattle, and for . c n en ent and cheapest For Convey ng and D s" cipal Railway Stations in England, To hold 100 gallons j)rice £f> To hold 2( Galvanised IRON PUMP, ; , India-rubber Suctioa^Pipe, With two Tanks to one Carriage, a large quantity of Liquid can be carted in a short time, one Tank bemg filled while th.6 other is conveyed away. The Tanks can be aet down and left in the fields for Cattle to drink from. Carnage paid to all the principal In England. To hold SO Gallons, price £7 Extra Tank, £3 „ 100 „ £8 .. £3 10s. Valve and Spreader for ditto, price w. "sTBOULTuIS'S SWIiNG WATER BAKKOW. I as the 36-pHl1on -, the Tank la Galvanised. It is strong be had with one Carnage. Carnage This article is constructed Barrow, advertised abnvi To hold "13 GaDon's, price £1 16s. I To hold 30 Gallons, pnce £2 68. PORTABLE PUMP for WATER or LlyUlU MANURE, with GaJvanfeed body and folding stand. Carnage paid to any Station. Price £2 &s. I lU-feet India-ruhber Suction, £1 10a. Powerful GARDEN and CONSERVATORY ENGINE. throw3 a " with any of tlie any Station. Price £2 5s." AH orders must be accompanied with Post-offloe order, cheque, or good reference, llluatratod Catalogue on application. W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON AND WIRE WORKS, NORWICH. MahcH 28, 1SG8.] THE GARDENERS' CTTRONIGLE AW AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. EuRTiivings I if CiiDs, Goblets, Tiiukards, &c., will bo torw.uxloil gratis and post free on npntlcation. Litlio^rmphic Drawings of Silver Epergnes, Flnwer Staucls, &e., have been prepared for tbu use of Committees and others requiring I'rt-sontatlon Plate, and will be forwarded for in^peution on application to the (.liiTDsMiTns* AttiASOB (LiMiTKn), Manufiiotur- tiig Silversmiths, 11 & 12, Comhill, Loudon, E.G. ; opposite the Hank of England. Horticultural Glass Warehouse. THOMAS MILLINGTON and CO., 87, Blshopsgato Street Without, London, E.C. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOOSE GLASS as supplied to Her Majesty, the Mobility, Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leading Horti- culturists of the United Kingdom. ORCHARD-HOOSB SIZES. In in. ^ths. [ 3rds. 2nds. 20'by JO by 13) (-15 OJ. SO by 14 ^Per lOO feet.^ 20bvl6l l2' — 'ill hv 1ft.' Best. 14s3(i 16s6cl ISsedlwsOd 196- ed I -2s 2d , 25s Od 26s Gtt 6 by 4 7 by 6 8 by 6 a by 7 1 lit by 4(1 71 by 6l]8iby CI | 91 by 7) J Per 100 feet. 10 byS |12 by 9. 1'.Ji by IJIj;'! hy J^i , per 100 feet. I 4tbs. I 3ds. I 2nd8. | Best, 12s3ii:i3s3ii ICsOd ISsOd ijHIbyion 1.5 by 10 ( ,13 by 11 ?■ 1 14 by 11 J 13s 3(2 14s 6li 17s 3li 198 Od lU by 91112 by 10 |14 by 1 LARGE SHEET SQUARES, 16 0 16 by 10 I Hi by 121 14|bvlliil5 by 12 15 by 11 161 by 121 151 by 111 l** hy 12 16 by 11 101 by 121 22 by 11 22 by 16 24 by 10I 20 by 17 14s 3d 22 Dy 10 a oy 10 24 by 15 I 24 by 18 only for the .Sizes stated ; if a quantity of any 18s 6d 20s Od 21 by u in byl: 13 by 12 |18 b; ' The above Pr other Size be required, a Special Pnce will be given, SHEET GLASS. In Sheets for Cutting up, averaging from 0 to 9 feet super. 16 c 21 I 4th3 quality, per 300 feet case, 38*. 4ths quality, per 200 feet c lily in the following substances, l,j u^. 21 oz.. 21102.. 32 oz., ;*tioz.. .ana 42 oz. HARTLEY'S IMPROVED ROLLED ROUGH PLATE in l-8th in.. 3-lCth in., l-4th in., and 3-8th in. substances. BRITISH PLATE GLASS for Windows and Silvered for Looking Glasses, Coloured Glass, Glass Shades, Strikmg Glasses, &c., &c. PAINTS. COLOURS, VARNISHES, Sc. STUCCO PAINT, 24s. per cwt. This Paint adheres firmly to the walls, resists the weather, and is fl-ee from the glo.ssy appearance of Oil Paint, resembling a stone surface, and can be made any required shade, it Is mixed with rain or pure river water. WHITE ZINC PAINT, 3Cs. per cwt. One hundredweight of pure Zinc Paint, with three gallons of Linseed Oil, will cover as much as one Ijundredwelght and a-half of White Lead and sis gallons or Linseed Oil. Special Dryers for this Paint. IMPROVED ANTI-CORROSION PAINT, 28s. to 34s. per cwt. Anti-corrosion Paint is extensively used for all kinds of work in exposed situ.ations, ou Brick, Stone, Compo, IroUj Iron Bndges, workman. Prepared Oil for ditto 4s. per galli ly laid on by any ordinary GENUINE WHITE LEAD 33 0 SECOUDS WHITE LEAD 30 0 GROUND PATENT DRY- ERS. 3d. to 41d. per lb. „ OXFORD OCHRE, 3d. to 4id. per lb. RAW UMBER. 41d. to 6d. per lb. [per lb. „ BURNT do., 6d. to 9d. GREEN PAINT, all shades, Per gallon.— s. d. BLACK PALNT, 24s. RED PAINT .. 28». > 36 0 LINSEED OIL BOILED OIL .. ..3 TURPENTINE .. ..3 LINSEED OIL PUTTT, 8s. to 98. per cwt. rineOAKVARNISH,10s.tol2 „ CARRIAGE do., 12s. to 14 „ PAPER do. 10s. to 12 „ COPAL 10 KNOTTING 10 Patent GOLD SIZE . . 10 TOOLS MILLED LE.AD and PIPES OLD LEAD Bought or taken i GROUND BRUSHES. DUSTERS. I SASH TOOLS. DISTEMPER BRUSHES. | exchange. The above are Net, for Cash, and as such cannot be booked. Lists of any of the above on application. Glass for Qarden Purposes. AMES i'HILLlPS and CO. beg to submit their REDUCED PRICES as follows:— PROPAGATING 12 inches diameter .. .. 2s. 6d. Hyacinth Dishes are intended to contain a niimber of Roots ' -^^•- ^'-'- —-^'■- -' ^' Hyacmth ired with Moss, instead of the Bedded LACTOMETERS, for Testing the Quality of Milk. Four Tubes . . . . 4s. 6d. j Six Tubes . . . . 6s. 6d. With Stands complete. WITH OPEN TOPS. 12 inobi 8 6 I 24 ;| 12 0 plate" '^^°'''' '"'■ HARTLErS IMPROVED PATENT ROUGH i^KS^Ffl""" '^=,°'^''° WHITE LEAD, CARSOKS PAINTS, PAINTbof various colours, ground ready for use SHEET and ROUGH PLATE GLASS. SLATES of all ,i^i.<, iH^^^fVo^-R^M^lYLf^O^RSiM^^^^ every descnption of GLASS, of the best Manulhcture, at the lowest terms. Lists of prices and estimates forwarded on application to JuES FniLUPs & Co., 180, Bishopsgate Street Without. E.C. For Watenne Gardens, &c.— Best Make Only. HANCOCK'S INDIA-RUBBER HOSE-TIPES, fitted with STOP-COCKS, SPREADERS, JETS, and HAND- BRANCHES complete. Piuci; i-EB Foot. Internal Diameter. J Inch. 1 Inch. J Inch. 1 Inch. No. 1. No. 2. Od. 8d. lOd. Od. Od. lid. 7d. lOd. 9d. U. No. 3 Is the most serviceable, and recommended. Larger Sizes for FIRE ENGINES and PUMPS. See Price List. HOSE-REELS (Qalviinised Iron) for the above, at 4'2a. and 4(ij(. each. TUBING, with Flange lor excluding draughts /fT>. through Doors, Windows, and Glass //^ \ Coses. k\ j!J Illustrated Prioe Ltsts on application. TTT^ Jauks Lyne Hascoce. Vulcanwod India-Rubber Works, 2C6, Uoswell Road, and Goswell Mews, London, E.C. " Every Cottage ahoiild ba provided with a \Vater Tank." I>israeli. ITOZL Cisterns. FRRABY AND CO. having laid down extensive and • Improved llucliuiui v in their new range of buildings, Ida Wharf, Deptkokp, .■uo m.w pioiinredto supply WROUGHT-IRON TANKS. GAIA'AN1.-^K1>, <>v I'AINTED, of superior quality, at reduced prices, ;iii. I :it v.n v sli-rf iHiin-e. LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. TO BE DISPOSED OF, the LEASE (with immediate posHCBRiou) of the late MR. CUTHILL'S STRAWBERRY GROUi^DS, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, together with the Rubidence, Glass, iiud other appliances. Established 28 ycara. AiJply to Mrs. Cutuill, on Lhu preiniaes ; or to Wm. BAUNEfl, Civiudeu Nursery. Camberwell, S. To Gardeners, Florists, and Seedsmen. TO UK DlSrOSKU OF, a OENUINE and ESTAB- LISHED SHOP and ISUSIN'KSS, in .1 main road. ^VP}y at an. Old Kent Road. Canal Bridge, S.E. To Seedsmen and Florists. TO BE SOLD, SHOP, GREENHOUSES, FORCING- IIOUSES, STOCK complete; establitihod L>0 yenrs ; solo cause, sudden Death of Proprietor. Apply, 127, Goldsmith's Row, Hackney Head, N.E. THE OWNER of a small NURSERY, FLORIST, and JOBBING BUSINESS, held on long Lease in Islington, would SELL a HALF SHARE thereof to an active working Gardener. Cash down, £50.— Apply to G. R., 3'J, Sherborne Street, Downham Road, Islington, N. Opmion of Mr. B. S. V Upper Holluway : — " Your growers of Cucumbei-s, as they can now get straigTit and handsome Iruit m nmuh less time, the flavour line, and much better quality The London Seed Company, G8, Welbeck Street. Suffolk. Bee-Hives. TWO SILVER MEDALS awarded to GEO. NEIGHBOUR and SONS, AT TUE Paris Exqibition of 1S67. The only English Exhibitors who obtained a Silver Medal for Bee-Hives. NEIGHBOURS' IMPROVED COTTAGE BEE-HIVE, ^ as originally introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR and the lower hi This hive will' be found to possess many practical advan- tages, and IS more easy of man.igement than any other bee-hiv© that has been intro- Stand for ditto. 10s. 6d. THE LIGURIAN or ITALIAN ALP Bb-E being much in repute, G. N. and Sons supply Stocks of EuglisU Bees with genuine Italian Queens (which will shortly have whollvyellowItalianAlp "- ■ ^ "3 3s. ea." full direct _ ___ ^ Black Stocks, £1 each. ENGLISH BEES.— Stocks and Swarms may be obtained heretofore. A newly-arr ^. . of other Improved Hives, with nged Catalogue Drawings and Prices sent on receipt of two stamps. Address, Gto Nt osboor & ' -.,- ^ . ^ 149, Regent Street, London, W, Aoents :— Liverpool : James Cuthbeht, 12, Clayton Square. Manchester; J. Wilson, 60, King Street. Dublin: Edmosdson Brothers, 10, Dame Street, Glasgow ; Adsun & McAslan, IG, Buchanan Street. JOHN GIBSON, JuN., begs to announce that he is prepared to Furnish PLANS and ESTIMATES for LAYING OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other Residences, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS &nd to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. , Surrey Lane, Battersea, S.W. Address Mr. John Gii Estate Improver and Landscape Gardener. JOSEPH NEWTON, 74, Oxford Ti^rrace, W., the tJ Author of "Picturesque Plans for Making New Parks, Grounds Open Town Spaces, &c,," now offers hia AID as AGENT or GENERAL MANAGER to Gentlemen contemplating Alterations No charge made lor Consultation. His many Works can be referred - England, Ireland, &.c. ; also his Picturesque Views for Planting, PRIZE GAME COCKS for SALE, Winners of Cups or Prizes :it the following Shows:— Brighton, Basingstoke. Salls- ' 'dmund's, Southampti Spalding, Wisbeach, Chelmsford. Ipswich. Manchester, Weston-super- Mare, and Cambridge. Fur priijo iipply to Samuel Mattili ", t'liiltun, stowmarket. Farm Poultry. GRET DORKING iOWLS, of purest breed, in any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive BRAHMA-POUTRA, CREVECtEUR, and LA FLECHE FOWLs! for constant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on apobcatlon. John Bajly & Son, 113, Mount Street, London, W. TO BE DISPOSED OF, on advantageous tei-rns, and mav be enteral upon immediately, an OLD ESTABLISHED NURSERY, eligibly situated, adjoininz a large and important town, surrounded by an exoellent neighbourhood, and having every Ikcllity for carryiiiif 011 an extensive business. — Address. G. n., Mr. Cooper, Sted Merchant, 152. Fleet Street, London, E.C TO BE DISPOSED 0FJlhe~~G00DWILL"7f~^ old-established FLORIST and SEED SHOP, in a flrst-class neighbourhood ; a goori Jobbing Connection attached. To a ■■ " -:i excellent opportunity. Reasons for quiry courted. 3 J. M.. Gardciia-s' Clironick Office. W.C. T To Florists and Seedsmen. 0 BE DISPOSED OF, on advanta ENGINES, from ■ " ■ ■ Second-hand THRi^^ounvj- ui«.^>i4.i.'"w. i':v7 7^~".mDfn * i> WINDLASSES. SAW TABLES, GRIST MILLS, MORTAR MILLS. &c. Catalogues of Sale to be hnd at the Works, < 3S, Cannon Street, Birmlugnam. f of the Auctioneers, THE GARDEN KKS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICUET(!RAL GAZETTE. tMiUCH 28, \&8. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWEKS FOR 1868. Letters Patent, dated 12fh August, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS and SON for Important Improvements in Lawn Mowing Machines. UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE aUEEJN, AWARDED TUB FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL AND MOST OP THE PRINCIPAL NOB^ i T Y GREAT BRITAIN. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867. NEW HAND MACHINE. ALEXANDEK SHANKS and SON, in PRESE.\TING their PRICE LIST of L\WX iloBfeS for 1868, beg to intimate that they are tlie ONLY FIRM, out of all tlie otlicr EXHIBITORS of LAWN MOWERS at the UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION of 18G7, who'm the JURY HAVE DEEMED WORTHY to RECEIVE a MEDAL. A. S. AND SON are gratiBed to Hud that the RELATlVii JI2;:iT3 of thoir MACHINE have been so PROMINENT and CLEAR to the JURY that tliey have PASSED OVER the "HONOURABLE MENTION" and the "BRONZE MEDAL," and AWARDED to A. S. and SON the HIGHEST PRIZE THAT HAS EVER BEEN GIVEN to a LAAVN MOWER at ANY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. PRICES, INCLUDING CARRIAGE TO ANY RAILWAY STATION OR SHIPPING PORT IN THE KINGDOM. 10-iiich Machine £3 10 0 12-inch Machine 4 10 0i 14-LDch Machine 5 10 0 £;/ a Boy SHANKS' NEW PATENT PONY and DONKEY MACHINE. Width of Cutter. 2.5-inch Machine £12 10 0 28.Lnch Machine 14 10 0 30-Jich Machine 15 15 0 Silent Movement, 12*. Qd. extra. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE for 1868. Ea.«lly Worked 16-inch Machine 19-inch Machine Easily Worked £6 10 0 By a Man 7 15 0 By a Man and a J 30s. Boots for Pony, 22j. per set. ; Ditto for Donkej', 18s. per set. 22-inch Machine S 10 0 I „ , 7.„„ ,, „ 24-inch Machine 9 0 0 \S!/TwoMen SHANKS' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE, 30s. 40s. 36-inch Machine 22 0 0 .. 42-inch Machine . , . . . . , . 26 0 0 . , 48-inch Machine 28 0 0 .. .. 40s. „ Silent Movement, 20s. extra. Boots for Horse, 26j. per set. Patent Double-edged Sole Plate, Wind Guard, and Self-Sharpening Revolving Cuii'ers-^important advantages, jMsscssed by no other Lawn Mowers. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IF NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED. A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and Wind Guard, made very great alterations and improvements in their M.icliine. They have had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six mouths. These trials have been so successful as to enable A. S. and SON to oBer a Machine which far excels .any other that has ever yet been otfered, whether for ease in working, certainty of action, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, Leadmhall Street is the only place in London where intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Slock of from 150 to 200 Machines. All sizes kept there, whether for Horse, Pony, or Sand Power. Printfii'h^Tirr".''M''"""' '•"'"'J'; I'e^'W'e'MU to ' Till- Editor i " Advertisements iind Business Letters to " The PuhUsher." at the Office, 11, Wellington Street. Covent OarJen, l.ondon, V Ice No 11 Wiii^tf„i Ji^'?',? ■ u° , ?.■■ ^ Messrs- B,i,i,«.jRv,EvAi.s. K C. .Lombard street. Precinct of Whitetriars, City of Lmdou, in the Co. of Middlcsen, and Published by the »ce.«o.jl,Wellm8tonstreet.Parisho(Bt,Pmil's,CorentO»rden,intho3aidCounty,-S»T0«i)i;,March2b,18G8, ■ i • said Jambs Mai THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. li.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, APRIL 4. (Price Fivepence. \STAiiPED Edition, dd. Afn^culturat Dills . Botiinists and florists Dundee Horticultural Society 318 i ■ming.hif French horticultural exhibi- Mlstletoon Ai^alcRS Nfircissi nnd rooks N'lrwich horticultural fi'te Rosea, srarlet . Stcnra V. horse power . Wool sales, London ... Ill/ I'l ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, SOUTn KKNSINUTON, VT. NOTICE.— A MEETING lif the mUIT mid FLORAL COM- MI'ITEES mil be belrt on TUESDAY NEXT. April 7, ut U for l.nlf-imai precisely. GENERAL MEETING at 3. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, SOUTH KEN.-ilNGTON. W. i.LANE ASfSON'S EXHIBITION of SPRING FLOWERS 3 9th to t ;7tb. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, SOUTH KENSINGTON, W. SECOND SPRING FLOWER SHOW, on SATURDAY, April 18. Doors open at '^. Band of tlie Royal Horse Guards from 3.30. R^ FLOWERS, and FRUIT, MAY 27 and 28 ; JUNE 17 IS ; JULY 1 and 2. AMERICAN PLANTS, JUNE 1 to 13. Ticliets can be obtained at the Gardens by Vouchers from Fellows c KYSTAL PALACE— The GllKAT FLOWER SHOWoftheSEASON.SATURDAT, May23. Schedulea, with ot Prizes, on application to I. WILKINSON, Crystjtl Palace. r Special Prizes offered this season for RHODODENDRONS. GREAT NATIONAL HORTfCULTDRAL EXHIBITION at the MANCHESTER BOTANIC GARDENS, MAY 29 to JUNE 6, ISGl. Nine Hundred Pounds in Prizes. For Schedules, ic, upply to Mr. B. FINDLAY, Botnnic Gardens, Manchester. NATIONAL TULIP SOCIETY. — The NEXT EXHIBITION will be held in the MANCHESTER BOTANICAL GARDENS on MAY 29. in conjunction with the r Manchester. P~ETER BOROUGH HORTICULTURAL SOCIETYT— The Peterborough Horticultural and Cottage Garden Society intend holdinK their ANNUAL SHOW, In connection with the Agricultural Society's Meeting, on WEDNESDAY, July 8. Schedules and Forms of Entries to he had on applicatloo to the Secretary^^^ F. G. BUCKLE, Savings Bank, Peterborough. G^RANO FLORAL FETK^^The" OUNDKK ORaNU FLORAL FETE will be held in the Baxter Parli, Dundee, on SEPTEMBER 3, 4, and 6. £2W) offered in Prize Money. Open to Competitors in the United Kinedom on the following terms, viz. :~ Nurserymen, 58. ; Gardeners, 4s. ; Amateurs, 3s., as fee of membor- shin, which will entitle the Member to free admission during all the days of the Exhibition (and also two friends' ticke's of admission to Shows), and the right to compete In any of the Classes. Prize Schedules may be had on application to the Treasurer or Secretary. GOLOhN CHAMPION GRAPE.— Orders are now belng Booked for this extraordinary Grape. See Advertisement March 14, page 268. Price 2l,t. and 42s. each. OsiioBN &. Sons, Fulham Nursery, S.W. MRS. NICHOLSON can now supply plants of all STRAWBERRIES worthy of cultivation on the most liberal tenns. Many French Seedlings of great merit can now be sent out for the first time. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of neai'ly 300 varieties on receipt of a stamp. Eaglescliffe, Yarm.— March 25. vv EBB'S PRIZE COB FILBERTS, and other PRIZE COB NUTS and FILBERTS. LIST of these varieties from Mr. Wnna, Calcot, Reading. FOR HEDGES.— AMERICAN ARBOR-VIT.E, 4 to 6 feet, at 608. per lOO ; 5 to G feet. ii8. per 100 ; C to 7 feet, 100s. per 100. " Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. HOLLIES.— A large qunntity of Green G REEN .. , Hollies, ft-om 1 to 2i feet, very fine and For price and simple apply to :, The Nurseries, Bndgowater. MA. Li Green Hollies. FIELD BROTHERS, Tarvin Road Nursery, Boughton, Chester, offer strong bushy well rooted (twice* transplanted) plants of the above, 1 to U feet, at IDs. per IW. reference from unknown correspondents. WANTED, Four Dozen Large COMMON GREEN HOLLY, 6 to 6 feet high, with bushy or spreading heads, and perfectly safe to move. Address stating lowest price for cash, J, F. MrjToy, 7, Forteas Terrace West, Kentish Town, N.W. WELLIJSGTONIA (ilGANTEA (the Mammoth Tree)", lor Avenues and Parks, very handsome, well fumtshed speci- mens, frequently Transplanted, 2 to 2| ft.. 24s. per dozen ; 3 to 4 ft., 36e. per dczen, A reduction made when taken by the 100 or 100" Richard Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. New Roses, &c. WM. PAUL'S SPRING CATALOGUE of NEW ROSES, NEW VARIEGATED, BEATON'S, and ZONAL PELARGONIUMS, kc, is now ready, and will be forwarded post on application Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, London, N. New Roses for 1868. JOHN ERASER, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries. London, N E , bolts to offer fine healthy plants of the best NEW ROSES for 186,H. A DESCRIPTIVE LISt may be had on application. 1868. Wm. Wo -All ttip heat N KW KOSKS in cultivation. DE.SCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES now ready. D & Son. Nurseries Maresfleld. Uckfleld. SiLssel. w Dwarf Roses In Pots for Bedding:. By the Dozen, Hundred, or Thousand. Woodlands Nubserv, MARfSFiELo, Uckfikld, Sitsse.t. M. WOOD AND SON have a very extensive igniflcent Stock of the above to offer CATALOGUES free t I applic THREE THOUSAND tine healthy TEA and PERPETUAL DWARF ROSES, in pots, of all the beat leading varieties. J. W. Todmas, Eltham Nursery, S.E. To the Trade— Dwarf Roses. HrSSEY AND SON beg to otter a Surplus of strong Plants of the above, all Hybrid Peipetuals, at 30s. per 100. Also Daphne cneoruni. 0». per do; Mile End Nursery, Eaton, Norwich. Aihynum Prezelll HUSSET AND SON beg to otier strong plants of the above beautiful Fern, at 9s. per dozen. Mile End Nursery, Eaton, Ni^rwich. V'"~ERBEriAS.— Pun.le, ~White, Scarlet^and Pink. Strong plants, with plenty of CiitUnRS, 2s. per dozen ; small do., at Cs. per 100, or £2 10s. per 1000, package includod. Terms cash. Philip Ladds, Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent. S.E. ERANIUMS, GEKANTUMS.— "Strong plants, in 60-slze pots, 30 New Varieties of 18C7 for 16s. MRS. POLLOCK, strong plants, in 60-slze pots, at 6s. per dozen G. SMITH'S LA GRANDE, in pots, 16». per 100 Package included. Terms cash, PniLip Ladds, Nursery, Bexlev Hoiith, Kent. Dalillas, Bedding Plants, &c. CE. ALLEN'S CATALOGUE of tlie above is now • ready, and can be had on anpllcation, post free. The stock this season ia immense, and can be had at very low prices. Norfolk Nursery, Sbacklewoll, N.E. rpH'E~~most beautiful FRENCH ASTER gro^vi i^s A. IIa , Salisbury, British Fern Catalogue. ROBERT SIM will send, post tree for six postage stamps. Part I. (British Ferns and their varieties, 36 pageB, Includingpricesof Hardy Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- TIVK- <'A'rA ■ "" " ■ "" '" """— " " - w^ Spring Flowers. LIST on application.— Mr. Webb, Calcot, Reading. 7 'Sa PE JESSAMINE, or GARDKNIA FLORIDA, with \_y bloom bud«. 12.«. per dozen. RYNCHOSPERMUM JASMINOIDKS, fine plants, just coming Into (lower, 18«. per dozen. CATALOGUES descriptive of Stove, Greenhouse, and other plants, free on nppllcatioa to H. k R. Stirzaekr, Skerton Nursorloa, Lancaster. B' "0"R D E R P AliS 1 EST ~" strong Plants? Several Thousand mixed PANSIES, 12s. per 100. CLIVEDEN YELLOW PANSIES, 16s. per 10((. Choice SHOW and FANCY PANSIES, by name, is. to 6s. per dozen. Very liberal terms per 100 to the Trade. William Dkan, Bradford Nursery, Shipley, Yorkshire. W~ ANTED, a "fewGREEN HOUSE'ToLIAGE PLANTS, height 4 ft. to 10 ft. Must be clean, healthy, and well furnished with foliage. Apply, stating kind, size, and price, to Mr. W. Cole, Little Ealing. W. Male Aucuba Flowers. J NO. STANDISH is now ready to send by post a dozen of these for 1<. ; four dozen for 3s. Royal Nursery, Ascot, Berks. REDUCED QUOTATIONS of NUKSKRY STOCK, owing to Expiry of Lease o! part of their Grounds. W. P. Laird & Sinclair, Nurserymen, Dundee, N.B. Genuine AgrtciUtiiral and Garden Seeds. JAMES FAIRHKAD and bON, Seed Growers and MEBonAjJTs, 7, Borough Market, and Bralntroe, Essex. Special prices on ai^plicfttion. ■ ~ Seeds of First Quality. STEPHEN BROWN'S NKW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with lUustratioDs. sent free on application. Stephen IIrowk, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Suffolk. Genuine Garden Seeds. M. CUTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above Is now readv. Post free on application. Highgate Jiurserles. London, N. ' "Wholesale Catalogue. GEORGE JACKMAN and SON'S PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of HARDY NURSERY STOCK for 1807 and SPRING, 1808, can be had free on applicaiton. Woking Nursery, Surrey. Just PubllBhed. WM. PAUL'S LIST of SEEDS contains a selection of the best NOVELTIES in VEGETABLES and FLOWERS, also the choicest and moat approved older soru, freo by post ou w appllcntion. leries and Seed Warehouse, Wnltham Cross, London, N. R AYNlllRD, CALOKCOTT. BAWTREE, DOWLING, AHD COMPANY (Limited^, Conx, Seed, M, SUTTONS* HOME-GROWN FARM Prices and particulars on application. QUTT ONS'" ' PERMANENT GRASS O 21s. to 328. per aero, carriage free, " ) fdr 1, 2, 3, or 4 yea ; k Sons, Reading, Berks. LOVER &EED, tirst quality only, home growth. Market price on application. HocTTB, Nurseryman and Seedsman, Ghent, Belgium, c Loi ICKINSON'S ITAI-IAN RYE-GRASS SEEu.— Agriculturists wishing to be supplied are requested to apply to Mr. Thos. Stanhriooe, Bailiff, N.^w Park, Lymington. Hants. Present pavment, 30s. per quarter for 5 quarters or upwards; 34s. per qiurler for less. To Improve Meadow Land. RICHARD SMI'l'H'S MIXTURE of the finest GRASSES and PERENNIAL CLOVERS (8 to 12 lb. per acre, at 9(/. per Ib.L if sown e.irly, will causeavaluable improvement to tho crop. RiciiAiiD Smitb, Seed Merchant, Worcester. Grass Seeds for Permanent Pasture. T>ICHARL» SMITH'S MIXTURES of the finest _ RiCnAKD S NATURAL GR^ Quality. Pro-ltu- -, Season, Growth, lu.r.'' iMU'S and Derivations; •111, Soil, Use, Peculiarity, -nil p. rit, Worcester. U^EST LAW.N MlXTUICh, only tlio most suitable <>v. James DicasoN & So.vs, KlL', Ei Iv. per lb., composed of -. Crioster. Farm Seeds of Genuine Quality. JAMES DICKSON AND SOXS' PKICEU LIST be forwarded, post freo. ou application. fOld Establislted Nuraenj and Seed Busineu], 102, Eastgate Street, and Newton Nurseries. Chester. New Striped Japanese Maize. SUTTON AND SOMS can supply Seed of the above beautiful Ornamental Foliage Plant in packets at Is. each, post free. Royal Ilerkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. Furze or Gorse (Dies Europseus). SUTTON AND Sons have a tine stock of NEW SEED. Also, all other kinds of AOKICULTUaAL SEEDS at verv moderate prices. OS see SUTTON'S FARM SEED LIST (gratis anii post free). Royal Berks Seed Establishment. Reading. PAKlS, I The BILVKK AlEuAL tor fi HASibJiS and 1867. I GRASS SEEDS was Awarded to SOTTON 4 SONS, Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading, as see OfBcial Letter in this day's Gardeners' Chronicle^ IT^ ONLY P K I Z E MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS, PARIS. 1807, wa.s awarded to Jaues CARrEE k Co., 237 and 238, Hign Holbom, London, W.C. awarded to .Iamm CABTga & Co., 237 and 233, High Holbom, London, W.C. v"ETrY gTa k d en kequisite kept in Stock at Carter's New Seed W.irehonse, 'J;f7 & 238, High Holbom. London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. CA K T !■: R AND CO., Seed Farmers, :ilEnciiANis, and Ndbsertmeu, 237 & 238, High Holbom, London, W.C. GIANT ASl'AKAGUS PLANTS, very strong.— ThreT- years. 2s. Gd. per 100; 20,s. per lOOO. Ditto, four years, trans- planted one year, very strong ana cheap, per 101} or per 1000. Apply for price. Charles Shillino, Hill Nursery. Winchlleld, Hants. EXTKA strong^SEAKALfcr PLANTS.^esTpcr 100, 60s. per 1000 ; strong 2-yr. ASPARAGDS PLANTS, 3s. 0<(. per lou, or 30.^. per 1(100. M^LEAi.1., Nuraeryman, Hornse.y, Middlesex, N. __ HE LUN(i-STA:1P Fairbeao 4 So». 7, Borough Market, S.E. TnjKNiP, SWEDE, and MANGEL CROP, 186". JL Special prices to the Trade OQ application to James Fairbead & Son. 7, Borough Market, S.E. ^ABBAGE. — Special quotationa for all the leading James Fairhead & Son. 7. Borough Market. S.E. C~\!VER0T, Aitringhamr^White and I'eUow tielgian. y Special prices forwarded on application to James Fairhead s Son, 7, Borough M.arket, 3.E^ Sang's Flfeshlre Yellow Tumlp.~ CHARLES SHAKPE and CO. have a pure and true stock of SANO'S FIFF.SHIRE YELLOW TURNIP to offer to the Trade. Price on application, To the Trade.— Home-grown Turnip Seeds. CHARLES SHARPI'l and CO., Sfeij ijhowers, Sleaford, have to oiler TORN 1 P SEEDS of all tho leai'lng kind,, grown from dne selected stocks.^ Spfcialjjriccs ai-i.t on application. To tile Trade.— Home-grown Mangel Seeds. /""HARLES SUARPE and CO., Sbfd Growkrs, yy Sleaford. have to offer MANGEL SEED of all the l«»<«"« for Wheat ; 1302, for " Excellent Seed kinds, growu from fli I application. selected stocks. Special pric THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE ANT) AGRICTIETURAL GAZETTE. [Apbil 4, 1868. Just Published, ANEW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE of GENERAL NURSERY STOCK, and will be forwarded on application to J. SCOTT, Merriott, Somerset. The 18C8 Edition of SCOTT'S bo ready in April. CALCMiXRIA~^VUREAr^LORIBUNDAr^ir orhev Varieties; LOBELIAS, sorts; GEKANIUMS and VER- BENAS. All well rooted, ready for potting off. Trado and other Lists on application to Tiios. S. Wake, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham. Middlesex, N. ^RABIS"ALBl"DATlbrvar.^=A"beiuitiful, hardy dwarf, Varlegated-foliape Plant, now so much used tor edging Beds and Borders. By the dozen, 100, or 1000. Also, a Large Collection of Hardy Bedding and Border Plants. Trade and other Lists on application to Tho3. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham, Middlesex. N. ~ ~ ~~~ Tol;lie~Trade^ /CALCEOLARIA AUREA, HAMPTON COURT YKLLOW, PRINCE of ORANGE ; 7s. per 100. SCARLET GERANIUMS, Ws. per 100 ; good Plants out of Store Pots. GERANIUM SUNSET, lis. perdoz. | MRS. POLLOCK, 5s. per doz. IT.'VLIA UNITA, 12s., in CO-pots. Terms, cash. Samdel Cox, Nurseryman, Ludlow, Salop. n.LOXiNlAS, erect and drooping, nice bulbs, just ^. started in growth, free by post, 12 choice-named sorts for Qs. ; 24 sorts for Us. : 30 sorts for 14s. ACaiMENES. good tubers {free by post). 2 of a sort, in 12 choice named for Gs. ; liO sorts for 10s., including Mauve Queen and Scarlet Perfection. ^ H. & R. Stihz\rer. Skevton Nurseries, Lancaster. G' LENNY'S IMPROVED BALSAM SEED, not equalled in the kingdom. Packets, mixed, 13 Stamps ; G classes, St Stamps, Glkssy's Annua! Pocket Advertiser, including his selected Liat-of Seeds for Amateurs, free on receipt of a directed envelope. U. Glennv. Futham. S.W. llELUN, ACHAPES- otv is a valuable acquiHition. J 6reeii-Hush. from the Ionian y Melons crown in a pit. The ridge out of doors. Rise Nursery, 33, High Street, N^ EW HARDY NORRISCHER.— This lino v:n and a preat novelty. It is a bamlson Islands. The flavour is quite equal i _ ^__._iet. Is. a . Rogers & Co., Claphi Clapham, S. _ ^_ AMBROISEVERSCHAFFELT, Nursekyjian, Ghent, Bclcium, begs to offer, carriage free:— TROPjEOLUM AZUREUM (the True Blue), finebulbs, p. doz., £1 Is. TRICOLORUM, fine bulbs, per dozen, 10s. Gd. S^ The NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE, No. si, and a Speci- men Number of the " Illustration Ilorticole" can be obtained free by applying to Ambboise VERscnAFFELT, Nm'seryman, Ghent, Belgium. R^ DSSELL'S PYRAMIDAL I^illMtJlAS. — This magnificent strain still maintains its character as the finest in cultivHtion. New Seed, nrice 2s. Gd. per packet, PRIMDLA KERMEBINA.— The great fault of this bi-illiant, coloured variety hag hitherto been its indisposition tn throw il>; flowers above the foliage. I have now, however, the satisfaction oi offeriDg it with the same erect, conspicuous style as the other kinds. The stock of this Is limited this year. Price 5s. per packet. George Clarke. Nurseries, Streatham Place. Brixton Hill, S. ; and Mottingham, Kent^ HENRY ROWDEN has purchased part of BENHAM'S OQ its Cultivation, will be forwarded upon the receipt of one postage stamp. Strong healthy plants, that will bloom fine this season, of the finest named varieties, from li's. per dozen and upwards. Seed saved from the very finest named varieties in cultivation :— COLLECTION No. 1, 12 separate named varieties, extra fine, 10s. : No. 3, 12 sep.irate named William Chater. Nurseries, Saffron Walden. iPEDlAL Ui-l-'EK of^KXTRA CHOTCfcmo^WER SEEDS, post-free for Stamps. Per packet.— «. d. ' " lixed or separate, Gd. & 1 o Gil. and 1 0 BALSAJL superb double dwarf, mixed .... 10 PHLOX DRUMMONDI, superb mixed, or scarlet, each, Cd.k 1 0 ZINNIA ELEGANS, superb double or single, each Orf. and 1 0 MAIZE, New Variegated, Zea japonicafol. var. Gd. and 1 0 CALCEOLARIA (Scott's), carefully hybridised from the best flowers only of all the leading strains in cultivation, includ- ing Dobsou's. James', Niel's, &o Is. and 2 6 CALCEOLARIA, Scott's Dwarf.— A superb dwarf herbaceous variety, growing about 6 inches high, flowers very profu.se, -r_.„j r __j "y spotted 2 0 9. choice, from best prize vai-s. only, Is. and 2 0 PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA, superbly fringed, of Immense size, and exceedingly brilliant in colour, a strain unsurpassed, G varieties, mixed Is. 6d. and 2 G All 'other seeds of choicest quality at equally moderate prices. of good form, . . CINERARIA, Scott's TRADE LIST. WILLIAM ROLLISSON & SONS' SPRING LIST for 1868 The MOST BEAUTIFUL NOVELTIES in DOUBLE and SINGLE PETUNIAS ; THn MOST GOllGEOUS AMONG NEW DOUBLE-FLOWERING PELARGONIUMS ; THE MOST DISTINCT AND BRILLIANT OF NEW TRICOLOR and BICOLOR ZONAL PELARGONIUMS ; THE MOST EFFECTIVE AMONG THE NOVELTIES of ZONAL PELARGONIUMS ; THE CURIOUS AND INTERESTING JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUMS, also the New Large and FOMPONE VARtteTIES ; THE FINEST AMONG KEW FUCHSIAS, PENTSTEMONS, PHLOXES, PERPETUAL CARKATIONS, GAZANIAS, HYBRID PERPETUAL and ODORATA or TEA ROSES; And may be had Gratis and Post Freo on application to THE NURSERIES, TOOTING, LONDON, S.W. ESTABLISHED FOR - -^^^S^JSt ^ NEARLY A CENTURY. BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT. FORTY-THREE NEW ROSES, WITH DESCRIPTIONS, FOR 1888. WILLIAM ROLLISSON & SONS BEG TO ANNOUNCE THAT THEIR LIST OF NEW ROSES FOR 1868 Is now Published, and Way be had Gratis and Post Free upon application to THE NURSERIES, TOOTING, LONDON, S.W. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS also beg to intimate that they have still some fine specimens of their NS:W and BEAUTIFUL PLANT, JUNIPERUS EXCELSA STRICTA. Harmt /mill the •• GABDUNEr.'s Maoazine," March U, ISOS " This variety differs from the species priQcip,al]y in its rigid outlines and close compact habit ; characters which are more fully developed with age. Though in a young state, it may readily be distinguished from the original. Messrs, Rollisson assure lis that they have proved it to be quite hardy, which we can have no doubt of at all, as we frequently meat with large specimens of X exoelsa in localities where tender plants are exposed to considerable risk. Landscapists and designers of geometric gardens have not yet done alt that might be done with trees of this kind. At all events, this new Juniper is invaluable for any purpose where formal elegance and a bright glaucous leafage are qualities in any way desirable in an ornamental tree." Unquestionably the finest novelty yet introduced for decoratinj;^ Lawns, Parterres, Terraces, &c. Prices, from 5s. to 21s. each. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS have also some fine flowering half and quarter specimens of their NEW and DISTINCT HYBRID HEATH, ERICA TUB.ffiFORMIS, For which a Certificate was awarded them last year at the Gardens of the Royal Hort. Society, South Kensington. Specimens from Sis. to 105s. each ; Plants in 5-inch pots, price 7s. 6d. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS beg respectfully to solicit early orders from their kind Patrons for theit NEW and BRILLIANT TRICOLORED PELARGONIUM, THE STAR of INDIA, Which has been pronounced by competent judges to be one of the most useful and attractive Tricolors that has hitherto been offered to the Public. The Star of India at first sight slightly reminds one of Sunset, but upon closer inspection the former will be found to possess a vast superiority over the latter in the general froeness of its habit, and the brilliancy and distinctness of its m.arkings. It is the most effective Bedding Tricolor extant. Fine strong Plants, from Sis. to 42s. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS are now sending out their NEW and SPLENDID ZOilAL GERANIUM:, ARTEMUS WARD, Which is undoubtedly the finest in the Gold and Bronze Section that has yet been ofl'ei-ed, and from its bright and distinct markings assuredly -will remain a favourite among edging plants for a long time to come. Fine Strong Plants, from 5s. to 21s. each. WILLIAM EOLLISSON and SONS also possess a very fine stock of the favourite GREENHOUSE CREEPER, COB(EA SCANDENS VARIEGATA. Prices for strong healthy Plants, from 1 ft. to 4 ft. high, from Is. 6d. to 54. WILLIAM EOLLISSON & SONS' GENERAL CATALOGUE FOR 1868 Will shortly be PubUshed, containing an unrivalled Collection of ORCHIDS, STOVE and GREENHOUSE PLANTS, CAPE HEATHS, a beautiful stock of STOVE and GREENHOUSE PALMS, the largest Collection of TREE FERNS in Europe, 33 varieties of AUCUBA JAPONICA,— being, we believe, the most extensive collection in the country; HERBACEOUS and BEDDING PLANTS, among which will be included all the novelties of sterling merit, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmias, Ledums, Hardy Heaths ; together with every EVERGREEN and DECIDUOUS TREE and SHRUB in cultivation. There %vill also be contained therein, a stock of FRUIT TREES unprecedented in quality and extent. All the above PLANTS, TREES, and SHRUBS, may be seen Growing at THE NURSERIES, TOOTING, LONDON, S.W. THE GARDENERS' CnP.ONICLE AND AGEICUlVrURAL GAZKTTR DOBSONS' Al PEIMULA. A SPECIAL CERTIFICATE at KENSINGTON, Mardi 3, 186S, and FIRST PRIZE (Open Class) at KENSINGTON, JIanli II, 1868, were awarded to our COLLECTIONS OF PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA, Which, for colour and fringe, are second to none in the Trade. We arc daily receiving the most flattering Testimonials as to the superior quality of flowers produced from our strain, and as being particularly tino this season. Sec Gardeners' CltrankU of Saturday, March 7, 1868, page 240 : — "Messrs. DOBSON, of Isleworth, had a large collection of Primula sinensis, very finely in flower, and con- sisting of remai-kably weU-grown high coloured plants." Sec also page 241 ;— " Messrs. DOBSON and SONS' nne lot of Primulas, very large plants, with immense heads of bloom formed in pyramids and well above the foliage, was a conspicuous feature of the meeting, and deserved the highest praise." Seed in scaled packets, RUBRA and ALBA, 2s. bd. each ; Mixed, !«., 2s. 6rf., and 5s. DOBSONS' PRIZE CINERARIAS, which took First Prizes at every Show in 1867, and invari.ably so for the last si.\ years. Seed in sealed packets. Is., 2s. 6(i., and os. DOBSONS' CALCEOLARIA, universally acknowledged the most varied and beautiful strain ever ofl'cred. In sealed packets, at 1.5. 6rf., 2s. %d., and 5s. DOBSONS' PRIZE BALSAMS are something magnificent. 8 varieties, 2s. ; Mixed, Is. The above Seeds may be had through most respectable Seedsmen, &c., or direct from us. A fine lot of healthy Plants of the loading PELARGONIUJIS are now ready, at very moderate prices. CATALOGUES Gratis and Post Free of JOHN DOBSON and SONS, NURSERYMEN, FLORISTS, and SEED MERCHANTS, WOODLANDS NURSERY, ISLEWORTH, W. DOBSONS' PELARGONIUM MAGNET, the finest decorative variety extant. Prices on application. Beet's Seedling Pelargoniums Q GLENDINNING and SONS .are now „,.;....^ .^. O • tho flrst time the 12 boftutiful, new, nnd distinct I h,LAKGU' NIOMM rnlBed by Mr. Wlegina, Gr. to W. Hech, Esq., of iBlowortO, which ■ ■ ' pollti 'ihiJSt.ltll'l I \ „ . J Clilawick Nuraories. Loudon. W. for CcrtlQcates at the various Metro- DKBL'iUPTIVE rlllCED LIST may bo had on application. BE/ M NEW NOSEGAY, ZONAL, GOLD and BRONZE, PELARGONIUMS. DOWNIE, LAIRD, & LAING, EAUTIFUL COLf)UKED DRAWINGS by w^, of NOSEGAY GERANinMS ECLAT and GRANli !)li Ivi;, luthi'tilly represented by measurement of full size, anclwiili.M 11. ■ 1 "rfition of flower and size. In oxchingo for iBlV.ii: ; . uach. Also five new FUCHSIAS In one liantl^ -iiij^o for 18 Penny Postat-'o Stamps. Quo, .'-^11.. , I - : Nursery, Homaey Road. Islington, London, N. " New Zealand Nursery. St. Alban's, Herts. _ ^ JWAT80N'« bt-autiful BEDDING PELARGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready; colour of Indian Yellow; flne tnisa, and habit of Lord Palmerston. Price 5s. each ; 30a. per doz. "miss WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1. Tho Two have received 10 P^irat-class Certificates and Extra Pnze Money. Fine New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN, Kipe In April. Plants ready in November, Ss. each; 368. per doz. to tho Trade. DESCRIPTIVE LIST sent on application. FLORISTS TO THE QUEEN, IliVE MUCH PLEASURE IN OFFERING THE FOLLOWING SPLENDID NOVELTIES. Whicli havG been the ailmiratiou of all who have seen thorn, — from the numerous awards they have ceceivcd at the various Metropolitan Exhibitions, and of tho veiy ilntteriog notices accorded to them by the Horticultural Press, cannot fail to give satisfaction. Tlants ready fir si %vHk in May^ 1868. HONOURABLE G. HARDY. —Vivid orange scarlet, with ^ fine glowing sha^le of colour, having lar^e and well-rounded ' Notice to the Readers of the Gardeners' Chroni^e. /" EO. SMITH'S DESCRIPTIVE C.VTALOGUE. yy contaiTiinir Select Lists of SHOW. SPOTTED. FANCT. VARIEGATED, and ZONAL GERANIUMS, iDciudmc the choicest of Bronze. Nosetcay, and Double varieties ; alsoFUCHSlAb. VERBENAS, PETUNIAS. DAHLIAS in different classes, CU RY- SANTHEmOmS, and BEDDING PLANTS in great variety, now ready, in exchange for one postage stamp. ^ , , „ Tollington Nursery, flornsey Roaa, Isnngton, Lop don, JN. Geraniums, Geraniums. JC PADMAN, Providence Nursery, Boston Bpa, • Yorkshiro, can supply the following GERANIUMS (package 3°LA GRANDE j 4 VIRGO MARIE I C MISS KINGSBURY 0 GOLD LEAF 3 PINK STELLA 2GLOIREDENANCY.dblo. 3 SUNSET I 0 MRS. POLLOCK | 3 ITALIA UNITA N B For any of tho above kinds not required otliersof equal value will'bo substituttid. CATALOGUES free on application. T^ A R I E G A T"E D ~ PEL A li G 0 N I U M S. BEAUTY of OULTON I CANARYEIRD I ITALIA UNITA SoPniA DUMARESQUE MRS. BENYON KENILWORTII g/)LL>E\ I'l EASANT LADY CULLUM COUNTESS INTERNATIONAL I NEATNESS I PiCTURATA The li; varieties, in strong plants, for 21s. If any of them are not required others of equal value will be substituted. Remittances requested from unknown correspondents. Address Alkkkd Fuvek, Nurseries, Chatteris, Cambrideesbirc. Wosegay Section. COUNTESS of ROSSLYN. — Bright violet pink, with a glowing carmine shade, flowers smooth and of great substance, large bold truss ; very effective and distinct. Fii-st-class Certificatee I Royal Horticultural Society, Crystal Palace, and Brighton. atout and smooth, First-class Certificates at FEirk, and Crystal Palace. ROSE STELLA.— Rosy pink, iree-braDch' " ■ -"^"^ Certificates ie. 8d. each. The above three varieties completely eclipse all other pink Noseeays ever introduced ; they are equal in size of truas to "Stella," much more compact m babit, each being a distinct shade of colour, and have been pronounced as great acquisitions by all who have seen them. COUNTESS of STRATHMORE.— Bright glowing orange scarlet, truss large and full, vigorous habit ; a bold and striking variety. This fine sort has not been exhibited. 7k. 6rf. each. COMET.— Bright cherry crimson, shaded with violet, large compact truss, dark zonatc foliage, dwarf compact habit. First-class Certificate at Regent's Park. 5s. each. NOSEGAY FLORIBUNDA. — Clear pale orange scarlet, very smooth compact globular truss, the pips of great substance, with as many as 133 on one truss ; continues a long time in bloom ; a magnificent pot plant. Firstrclass Certificate at Regent's Park. 7s. Qd. each. THE SULTAN— Brilliant scarlet, shaded with crimson, very broad smooth petals, largo truss, dwarf habit; a most excellent sort. foliage ; a superb ass Certificate at Crystal Palace and Brighton, and Certificate at Royal Horticultural Society. 7s. Cti. each. Zonal Section. MISS EDITH. — Blush, suffused with roso. very fine form and substance, dwarf free compact habit. 5s, each. SERAPH, — Orange salmon, large white centre, pips large and smooth, of great substance, distinct dark z_onate leaves ; - '=-- xbibitioa Society. The ioty. 7.S. 0(/. each. t-ClH i Certificate, Royal Horticultural t of 10 for £3. Special offer for quantities. Gold and Bronze Section, COUNTESS of KELLIE.— Leaves bright golden yellow, witli light chestnut zone, shaded with bright red, hatiit vigorous and offered ; awarded First-class Certificate by Royal Horticultural Society. First-class Certificate, Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, Sept. 1867. 15s. each. MRS. JOHN TODD.— Leaves soft golden yellow, with a pale bronzy red zone, vigorous and compact habit, fine bedder 10«. M. each. KENTISH HEBO.— Leaves large, of a light greenish yellow, with a broad zone of dark bronze, vigorous grower; a very distinct and striking variety, 10s. Orf. each. The above were awarded First Prize as the best three Gold and Bronze varieties, shown in Cl.iss 4, at the Grand Special Show held at Kensington, on September 17, 1SG7. Tho set of three for 31s. QUPFKli VARIEGATED PELARGONIUMS. O SOPHIA CUSACK EDWINIA FITZPATRICK SILVER STAR TWILIGHT ITALIA UNITA COUNTESS TYRCONNELL 2 QUEEN VICTORIA L' ELEGANTE BEAUTY of GUESTWICK ' ITALIAN BEAUTY LADY CULLUM OBEllON •equested. " batit -, - , , , Gravel Walk Jiurseiy, Peterboi ^ew~TJlcoloredrGeraniums. T71 AND A. SMITH have now coppleted ^ Specime' ^ filled a House, iOO feet lone, with the most extensive and beautihil coilection In the world, which are now » V't^'i'^®'*! ^*^^ Sunday excepted. The following varieties can now be had m strong plants, at reduced prices ;— ARIEL I IMPERATRICE EUGENIE DAWN I MONARCH ECLIPSE I PRINCE of WALES r^^^^ I PRINCESS of WALES UmOUE I QUEEN of the FAIRIES METEOR QUEEN VICTORIA A few fine specimens of the above, ANTAGONIST DEFIANCE GRANDI8 L'EMPEREUR LOUISA SMITH MEMNON table for exhibition. application. West Dulwich, S. ^^^^^ E, Choice Variegated Geraniums. G. HENDERSON axd SON offer 12 Varieties of the following, their own or purchaser's selection, for 2ls. ,n this collection are very strong plants :— The slock of several of the above being limited, early ord^s are requested, m they will be executed in strict rotation . OPINIONS OF Oardeners' Chronicle, May 11, 1867, page 549, "Prom Messrs. Downie, Laihd, & Laino came Nosegay Pelar- gonium Rose Stella, a variety of great merit, which will prove a useftil bedding pla- *■ ---" -"—'•'-'- ^ — "■ -----'!- by the Royal Horticultural Society." First-class Certificates for two iz.. Countess of Rosslj-n, bright ^tout. large bold trusses, very iipact ; and Emel oth. flowers, and good ?ori;itc foliage. "Cottage Gardener," May '25, 1867. "Among tho Show Pel.argoniums Messrs, D,, L., 4 L. "received a First-class Certificate tor Emeline, a rosy pink Nosegay," Gardeners' Chronicle, June 4, 1867. Messrs. D., L., & L. received a First-cliiss Certificate for thelr Taenotlftil pint Nosegay Pelargonium Emeline." Gm-denfra' Chronicle, June 22, 1867- " Some ftirther examples of Messrs. D,, L., & L.'fl fine bvbrid Nosegay Pelargoniums were produced at the meeting of the Floral Committee, at South Kensington, on the l«th inst. They were seedlings fropa a fertilised Stella, but aU Were of a different shade of colour to that of the parent plant. A Second-class Certificate was ffwarded for the Honourable Gathome Hardv. having immense and well-rounded trusses of vivid orange scarlet flowers, a fine shade of colour, excellent habit, foliage pale zonate, and free blooming. Nbflegay ttoribunda. clear pale orange scarlet, and Comet, bright cherry crimson, jiro cwo remarkably good varieties; the ' ' colour of tho former is very s king, and the 'trusses of groat stout and smooth, and the habit excel- the flowers of the latter sent. A very free-blooming Fancy Pelargonium, named Mrs, J. W, Todd, came from the same exhibitors ; it had rosy violet upper petals, with pure white lower petals, blotched and margined with rose." See also remarks on Nosegays in Gardene PRESS. Qardeners' Chronicle, June 4, 1867. & L. received a First-class Certificate for .Seraph, a Imon flowers with E a fine e.'diibition flower." Gardener Messrs. D., "L., & 1^ their new Nosffgay Pelartt' ' Chronicle, July 6, 1S67. ere awarded Fii-sfc-class Certificates for Countess of Rosslyn and Honour- able G. Hardy. The hue of colour of the latter had deepened s what since it was last seen, while in the case of the former utiw violet huo was much more diffused, and the rose colour deepened. A similar award was given to Rose Stella, also of a nch hue of colour, as if a day or two of hot weather had a very beneflcial effect on the flowtr. A very dwarf-growing Nosegay variety, having good trussc:'; of bright otauKe scarlet flowers, and named Tom Thumb Nosegay, came from the same exhibitors: the foUage is plain, the habit \evy close, and yet Tigoroos. Sir, Laisg says that it beds remarkably well, and at the present time is very effective. A First' retain its colo stand of blooms al Blue; from the open ground it appears to kably well scarlet flowers; and there from the Nosegay Pelargonium Cybister, having a good deal of white on the edges of the leaves ; and at Regent's Park Show, on 3d inst,, Messi-s. D-, L., a L. received a First-class Certificate for a new Nosegay Pelargonium, Mrs. Laing, the colour soft crimson scarlet, with pale zonate foliage, the habit good, the trusses large and bold, ftndt ) individual flowers of great properties." Canary Bird Centurion Circlet I Countess of Tyrconneli Crown Diamond Crystal Palace Gem ' Goldfinch Italia Unita Kenilworth Lady of Shallot Little Pet Lydia May Queen Rainbow Rosette Rosy Gem „ Longfield „ M. Hutton „ Pollock Neatness Picturatum Queen Mary Snowflake Socrates [(bedder) Stella alba marginata Sunset The Countess Tho Empress lli varieties from the following, purch; E. G. Hendeusok & Son's selection, 42a. Appleby Hall Beauty | Eaatern Beauty Duke of Edinburgh Edwinia Fitzpatrick Emerald E. G. Henderson Electric Jock o' Hazeldcan Jnsticia Lady Cullum Light and Shadow Waltham Gem Y'ellow Belt Zingara iser's selection. Mrs. E. Constable Wellington Road Nursery. St. John's Wood. Loudon. "\TEW~ ZONAL PKLAHGONlUai, KGYPTlAN JA OUEEN —This splendid variety, which was awirded the First Prize at the Royal Horticultural Society'sShow at South Kensington in the autumn of 18CT, and is decidedly tho best Bicolor Zonal yet exhibited, will be ready for sending out on the 1st May. Orders are now being hooked, and will be executed in strict rotation, bmgle H"l^«^s,.piiceW8.Gd^^^^^^^^ ,o.x»t,AC n_l?A«ft» _Pnr wnglo Gd. : I belonging called Coonteas'of Kellie; one of aremai'kably brigbtzone. It was awarded a ^irst-class Certificate." " Cottage Gardener," September 17, 18C7. " For the best three Gold and Bronze varieties shown In Class 4, the First Prize went to D., L., and L. for Kentish Hero, Mrs. John Todd, and Countess of Kellie, all three of which were very flne." ' Chronicle, December 21, 1867, page 1299. STANSTEAD PARK, FOREST HILL, LONDON, S.E. ; and EDINBURGH. &YNEK1UM ARGENTEUM (PAMPAS GRASS). -.For specimens, large, for centres of beds — -— —..<> » 2s. fid. ; smaller flowering plants. 1*. dozen ; for cover planting, 2l8. per 1' ARUNDO CONSPICUA- * ^ admired ; see Qardene TRffoMTtrVARIA GL AUCESCENS.-This is the prooer time to plant Tritoma to ensure a splendid autumnal display of this corgeous border plant. Ls-. each, 6s. to 9s. per dozen. TRITOMA UVARLfl. GLANDIFLORA.— U M. each, Os. to 12s. LIL^DM°^AURATUM {the Golden-rayed Lily of /^P^"'-- No. 1. Strong flowering bulbs sf ' od.* No. 2. Larger „ ., ^- ^ No. 3. Extra „ .. 's^ LOMARIA'^G^BA.-HardyVeenhoil^eFeni; the m;ith^dsome of late introductions. 2.<. 6(i. to 3». 6d ^mirablv adapted LASTREA OFACA— Hardy Japanese Fem; S^^JIr'^erTSne! either for cool greenhouse or sheltered Fernery, very nne. illi^C^^^hJ^'i^Z'^St^^^^^^^'^^^^ ^"-^ Nmrserymen.aarBnd 238, High Holborn, London. W^.C. THE (URDENERS' CnnONIGLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [April 1, l8f.8. CHoice Bedding Geraniums, THOMAS PESlKIUUK (.-in now supply strong Plants in 0l>-,s!zed pots. MRS. POLLOCK, is. per dozen I ITALIA UNITA, 7s. perdozon S0NSET, -s. per dozen L.^ GllA""" ■ LUNA, -«. per dozen | KEBELC Terms. Cash. Greenway Xurserv, Usbririge, Middlesex. -Stron?, healthv, blooming plants, . Sootted. and Kancv, 12 choice named for 88. ; 25 for Kw. ; 50 for 32s. Aiso a good assortment at 60s. per lOfl. Eipht v.irietie3 scerjtod-leaved for 5s. RHyNCHOSPERMUM JASMINOIDES, lino blooming rjlants, 1S». per " also PHLOX VER.VA. Trade price for all t H. S R. STinz.KL-n, Sk Transplanted Forest Trees. WATKRER ANn GOUFKEY have a larjre quantity of the following, of a very supevior quality : — ALDKR, 2 to 3 ft. and 3 ASH, 2 to 3 a. and 3 ACACIAS, 5 ft. aiKCtl, 3 3 ft., Austnaca, 1) to 2 li 3 4 ft., and | HAZEL, 3t 5 to 6 ft. OAK, English. 1110 2(1. CUKSTNUT, SpnnUh, lito2ft. : QUICK, very strong. Sppcial oflers on application. Knap Hill Nurserv, Wokinc, Surrey, New Seedlins Plants for 1368, offered for Sale by BENJAMIN W. KNIGHT. Florist and Seedsman, fi7. IliKli Street, Bittle, Sussex. The following Novelues are now offorea for tlie first time. They have all been carefully selected, and are of sterling merit in their respective classes. Plants readj toscndoutthebeginningof Mny, 1868. NEW VERBENA. CONSTANCE (Woodforos).— This superb variety was raised by Mr. T. Woodford, Gardener to the Earl of Winchelsea, Eaetwell Park, Asbford, where it^was bedded out last season, and proved of the most effective scarlet beddi ^ ofdazzlint; scrirlet ; it is also a first-class show flower, the pips being of immense size, of good shape, and the trusses First-class CertiBcale at the Royal Horticultural Society, *Sept .' 17, ; from the open ground, it of Perry's Mazeppa. but darke are larg. " "- "" having 1 variety. From .. _ Society's Show, September 17.—" Some c new Verbena Constance, r ' -'- - _ . of the season says, " Lnstly bedalD'.; kind named Constance, snov? " t-class Certilicptes. It is of a laa a small lemon eye; as the the open air, it is unquestionably a flno __ L_ ^^gj ^^ „ ek in May, 5s. each. NEW VARIEGATED GERANIUM. MRS. VIDLER (K.NioHT'B).-This tine variecy is similar in habit to Bijou, but of ^sto^uter growth and firmer leaf, deep green broadly flowers produced where 1 beddlDg kind, and one that c Plants ready to sent Obtained First-cl Good Plants, 10s. 6d. St. Leonard's-on-Sca. August 28, NEW VERONICAS. ELEGANCE (Kkiqht's).— This superb variety is of a deep araa- blue, changing to blush white, good spikes of bloom 1 great profusion, continuing in bloom plant lor pots, or for autumn border light blue and white. 58. I EFFECTIVE (Kn changing to pi profusion all l NEW TUBE-FLOWERED ANTIRRHINUM RELIANCE (Knight's).— Bright rosy pink, fine long spike of tube- like flowers, very effective, free bloomer, quite a gem. C,s. each. NEW ZONAL GERANIUMS. ADVANCER (Knight's) —Large pink, immense truss, good zoned leaf, e 1 bloom. ixtra tine for pots, standing a long , .,_, ^^ CALYPSO {Kmgbts).— Rich fiery orange scarlet, good'tnisa finu round pliape, very superb. .':«. each. * 's)— Rosy salmon mrirgined with pink, white NEW ROSES OF 1868. WOODLANDS NURSERY, MARESFIELD, ne.ar UCKFIELD, SUSSEX. WM. WOOD & SON Have much satisfaction in announcing to their Friends that they are now prepared to send out the STRONGEST, BEST, and FINEST PLANTS OF all the NEW ROSES OF 1868. Nothing can possibly exceed the perfect health and 2 to 2^ feet in height, and cannot be £ 'igour of the Plants ; several of which measure rpassed (if equalled) in the Trade. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES may be had on application. 20,000 ROSES in POTS. — READY in MAY. PAUL & SON, The Old Nukseeies, Cheshunt, N., Beg, now that removal of Roses from the ground is out of the question, to offer, specially, DWARF ROSES IN POTS FOR SUMMER PLANTING. HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES, on own roots, of finest older varieties, 12*. to 15*. per dozen. TEA K03ES, on own roots and on Manetti, to plant Irom May to August, 18s. per dozen. NEW" ROSES of 1867, Paul & Son's selection of the beat, I85. per dozen. NEW ROSES of 1868, Paul & Son's selection of varieties, 42s. per dozen. With these last, which have mostly bloomed with them, they are much pleased, and recommend them with their own new English Seedling Rose, herewith described. Hybrid Perpetual, DTJKE of EDINBURGH (Paul & Son). A seedling raised here by us ; is of rare beauty of colour, rich crimson scarlet when forced, finely and deeply shaded; in the way of Xavier Olibo or Duke of Wellington. Flowers large, of good shape, and fine petals. Plants of strong vigorous habit and hardy, having withstood the winters of 1860 and 1866. Extiibited and much admired at York and Crystal Palace Shows. Plants, ready in May and early in June, 5s. each. PRICED LISTS of NEW ROSES and GENERAL ROSES and other CATALOGUES free by post. EFFECTIVli {}l eye, large ETl'Y (Kwi pip and good large flowers, good truss, zoned leaf, a most splendid ).— Magenta scarlet Nosegay, free bloomer, fine -Deep^pink, whito eye, zoned loil, free shape, good truss. 7s. 6d. each. GAlKi'y (Kkigi bedder. 6s, i MISS PRIM (K bloomer, exti MAUONNA|liN zoned leaf, a very superb variety. &s. each. NELL GWYNNE (KNioHT'sj.-Ceriae salmon pink, light centre good truss, fine shape, protuse bloomer, very fine. 5a- each ' PSYCHE (Knioht's).— Magenta rose veined with scarlet, fine iaree _ truss, good free bloomer, extra superb. 5,^. each. Brilliant scarlet, fine shape, large truss, zoned PLUTl/s'iKnIgh^''.^) t superb variety. 6s. each, 1 scarlet, good shape, large trass, very PHlulAH (Knights).— Bright pink, white centre, fine shape Rood truss, extra superb. 6j*. each. '^ PENl!iLOPE(KNiGHT-E).-Lilac. slightly veined, Nosegay habit. zoned leaf, good t perlect round shape. 73. Qd. each. SPARKLER (KnicnT's).— Magenta, light eye, •""■" ""ned leaf, a very superb variety. C ', very free bloomei . _, large pips, of the best tver produced, Ined with red. good SPLENDID NEW BEDDING LOBELIA, TRENTHAM BLUE. MESSRS. VEITCH & SONS Have very great pleasure in announcing that they have made arrangements to send out this MAGNIFICENT NEW LOBELIA, and they feel the utmost confidence in recommending it as one of the very best novelties amongst Bedding Plants which has for many years been offered to the public. It is a seedling from the well-known Lobelia erinus speciosa, and was raised at the seat of His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, Trentham, Staffordshire. The flowers are very large, of the most loveiy blue colour, with a clear white eye. The habit is exceedingly vigorous, one of the great recommendations of this fine novelty being that it branches so very freely that a perpetual succession of bloom is kept up during the whole season. For massing in beds, or as a line in a ribbon border, it will be found invaluable, whilst it has no rival as a plant for vases, window boxes, ifec. It is exceedingly hardy, and it may be easily kept during the whole winter in cold frames or pits without fear of damping, and no autumn propagation will be necessary, as plants lifted from the flower beds in October will root IMMEDIATELY, very freely. For TESTIMONIALS, see Gartknern' Chronicle, March 21, 1868, page 287. Price, Is. 6d. each ; 15s. per dozen ; £5 per 100. Orders are now being booked, and the Plants will be ready for Sale on and after May Ist. The usual discount to the Trade, and Special Trices for large quantities. ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W NEW VARIEGATED ZONAL PELARGONIUMS. SALTMARSH & SON ON SPLENDID SEEDLINGS, TITANIA (KMoeT'8).-Br'llliant excellent bedding variety, bs. each VESTA |K»ionr's).-Brlgbt pink. On shape, free bloomer, very NEW FUCHSIAS '^°^„^^,''^ "V'"°'=,r''''r ''"'',= '>°<' "P"" brilliant red, largo and stout, sepals well rellexcd. sery large Tiolet corolla; one of the largest varieties raised. Habit bi-anchlng and closa-iointod ■ a vei7 superb variety. 10«. Crf. each. ju.uiou , a EFFECTIVK (KKioaT;s).-Carmme scarlet tube and sepals, sepals ell reflexed, corolla large and good. 7a. 6c/. each, RENOWN lKi.ioaT-s),-Tube and sepals carmine red. well reflexed corolla rosy purple, large and very effective, close habit, verv fine. 7«. 6d. each. ' ^ SNOWIJROP (K»7oaT-s).-Tube and sepals scarlet, largo pure white corolla, habit close and short-joined, free bloomer a verv flort variety. Is. %d. each. ' WHITE PERFECTION (K ._._ sepals reflexing quite back .. ,.,.,..,.. uo pure white corolla, unstained, having no streaks common in white corollas. This is the gem of the no collection will be complete without this tuperij var'iery" Habit dwarf and compact, very shortjolnted, s free bloomer ■ purple, expanded i WILL SEKD OtIT THE 1st of may the FOLLOWING To both which FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATES were awarded at the Royal Horticultural Society's Special Show In May last ; — CROWN JEWEL. Centre of leaf green, with a broad well defined zone, the greater portion of which is of a bright carmine approaching to scarlet, BurrOunded by a deep margin of Mr-rcHANTs. ISl, H-ph HHbArn. London, WC . have now RK\»OVED U their NEW PREMISES iu SoaTHWARK STREET. S.E., where in future all conimuuicfttlous are to ba addroshfld. Really Improved and Distinct New Florist Flowers, Which will prove theiostlvca the Gonis of laOS. bee He iV N N E L L ' S F L 0 Jt A L (r U I D E • tor full |>articiUnrs and tho opinion of the highest authoi ity in the ktnttdom. FDCHSIAS.-The best elsht Mr. B.ink« over sent out. If. Cannki.l hna to st'■ 'Uiid, healthy heads, £7 per liiO. ' .-lUpuriur, 21a. per dox. DWARF ROSES (on Manetti) ., iown roots), 1 (New), 24s. to 30s. per doz. '"umraer kindo), 0» ' " itxed, for Borders per 188. per doz. CLIMBING RO.SES. in variety, i (Summer kindo), 0». to Os. per doz. " " >r Shnibbcrius, 30oi. por 100. Extra-sized TEA" ROSESV'for "Fo'rci*.?^; ^^r O^ccnh-uso culture. JON. to Sfis. per doz, • STANDARD .and DVVAIM' in i, i,, „,■,': ' i,, . ,,„i „„,., effoctlvo Borts, for l.,-M, , ,, ,' ;, ^ I, ultrn'ml will bo charged at M"' ■ li ■ ■: ' ' nai. tlie 100 PRICED DESCRiri r. I, 1 \l,\l iii,i 1, , t,v |„„i I'Al^s Nnr^oriL,,, W.MU.u,: Lj.,,-, Lon,l„„,N. Royal Ascot Vine. TNO. STANDISH is prepared to send bv post strone O GRAFTS of tho above ViNE I: any part nl Great Britain at 10«. Cd. each, and Grf. the postiii " " that f side'-L-ra rted on an iislnf! It will un ts In omed atciv, Rraft. Persons sod to sraa do It, and the treatment aftcrwaida. Also l'LA>i iu ii, and other information, with copious Index of their s)uoQymos. t roe ny ]iost for six postage stumps. RicuAiii) Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant. Worcester. Evergreens— Special. pHIVAS AND AVEAVER, Chester, offer GREEN V.'' HOLLIES Irom o to 7i feet high, handsome plants, and in the b<;st possiblo condition for removal; PORTUGAL LAURK.LS. from 2 to 3 feet, which have been regularly Tr-insplante-l, carefiiHv Pruned, and are well suited to be planted out sinplv ■ STANDARD (into, on Stems from 2 to 3i feet; AUCUBA JAPONICA. from 2 to 2i feet, beautiful specimens; IRISH YfiWS, 4 to Cfeer. tone'her with largBQU.ntitita of RHODODENDRONS forcover.mPRKSSUS LAWSONIANA, and a general assortment of HARDY EVER- GREENS. Prices on application. For Avenues and Paries. TWO 'I'lmnSAND ABIES IiurHLASil, S to 10 feet high. G II;»K-st;ifl" (neariv . the Exhibition of noble and beautiful of which Is superior lied Deal. Fine spcci- iMinnjbersofWELLfNG- PICE.V NOBILIS, and ^f, C djir,-, Ar.nu- Tliujot'isib, uad KITCHEN GARDEN SIiEDS, FLOWER SEEDS. Cntalogves forwarded post free to any address on application. Merchant. Wo Wonersli Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO Axn SON hoc: tn annnunoe that their • stock of TREES ai.-i SHRUBS of the undermentioned I kinds is this season very ext' iistve and well-grown, samples, prices. It 4fept 20,000 Svcamore, 3 to 4 feat 100,000 Quick, transplanted, l\ to 2 feet Berbei Pinus Austnaca, 1 to 2 feet Arbor-vitio And other various Shrubs. H. LAUKENTIUS, HORTICULTURAL ESTABLISHMENT, LEIPZIG, GERMANY, BEGS TO AXNOU.SCE THAT HIS NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE OF PLANTS, No. 39, With Plain and Coloured Illustrations, pp. 198, 8vo (ii Prictd List of Plants— 908 Geiu-r;i, and 6122 Species and Varieties— cultivated in his Jistablishmeut), is now Published, and will be foi warded Post Free on application to MESSRS. BETHAM and BLACKITH, COX'S QUAY, and LOWER THAMES STREET, LONDON, E.C. The Nurseries, Earnet, Herts. CHARLES (:i)r.\\v!:i,i, i„ - i,, .,;;i ;;, GentlHiiuu^cclnii, , : I ■ 0fthBf.)l]>.w,i,i;. whi. !, required for otiiLi- inii ; ^ . \ kmds of Evergreen anil .ui>t constantly Also all otUer BEAUTIFUL NEW TROPJEOLUM, MUS. TEE/IBWELL. F. & A. SMITH WILL DISTRIBUTE THE ABOVE SPLENDID BEDDING VARIETY THE FIRST WEEK EN f^lAY. IT HAS OBTAINED TWO FIEST-CLASS CERTIFICATES, AND HAS BEEN UNIVERSALLY ADMIRED, AND ALSO FAVOUUABLY NOTICED BY THE TRESS. Habit dwarf, branching, compact, very fraall dark oUve-green foliage, a most profuse bloomer, the plants being literally covered with its rich voUety or. flowers, which are fully 2 inches in diameter, of great substance, flat, and circular. This truly tine variety far surpasses any of its colours yet oll'tred, having been c all the best in cultivation. As a proof of its bedding qualities it has been exposed to sun and rain without injury, and is conlidenlly recummendeJ as a tirsl-clas cither pots or beds. It will be figured in the "Floral Magazine" for May; Colouied Plates maybe had, Is, 6rf. each. Mr, ANDiiiiWi-, the artist, replies— " It is aline thing anything so good in colour or form ; tlie colour is most beautiful, will beat me altogether, but I will do my best " Plants 5s. each, 42s. per doz. Tht usual discount to the Trade, Special Prices for large quantities, which nwj he ha.l en njijilicution. nge-crimson impared with i novelty, for THE NURSERIES, WEST DULWICH, S.E. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [Apeil 4, GENUINE SEEDS, CARRIAGE PAID. B. S. WILLIAMS, SEED MERCHANT ajmd NURSERYMAN, 7ICT0BIA and PARADISE NTJKSERY, UPPER HOLLOW AY, LONDON, N. COMPLETE COLLECTIONS OP KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, TO SUIT GARDENa OF VAUIOUS SIZES, lOs. 6d., 2l8., 42s., 63s., 84s. each. NEW AND CHOICE VEGETABLE SEEDS WILLIAMS' ALEXANDRA BROCCOLI DAVIDSON'S ECLIPSE BROCCOLI .. DIGSWELL PRIZE ENDIVE WILLIAMS' MATCHLESS RED CELERY .. NUNEHAM PARK ONION . . Is. Ed. .mil LEE'S GIANT ORACH (SPINACH) .. MALVERN HALL MELON WILLS' OULTON PARK HYBRID MELON .. WILLS' GREEN PINE-APPLE GEM MELON STUART AND MEIN'S NEW HYBRID PRIZE MELON, GOLDEN QUEEN GIBBS' MATCHLESS BORECOLE MARSHALL'S PRIZE PARSLEY TELEGRAPH CUCOMBER (true WooUey's variety) SHARMAN'S UNIVERSAL CUCUMBER NOTICE. SUPERB NEW LATE GRAPE, "MRS. PINCE'S BLACK MUSCAT," THE VERY BEST LATE GRAPE EXTANT. LUCOMDE, PINCE, aot CO. have a few fine VINES of this valuable GRAPE to offer as follows: — Strong Planting Canes ... £1 1 0 each. | Fruiting Canes £2 2 0 each. Extra strong Fruiting Canes £3 3 0 each. Early application mitst he made to them. They also beg to inforta the Public that they have now a large quantity of CHOICE CAMELLIAS and other RARE EXOTIC FLOWERS to offer. WEDDING and other CHOICE BOUQUETS made to order. EXETER NURSERY, EXETER. WHO SUPPLIED the GRASS SEEDS for the PARIS EXHIBITION? MESSRS. COURTOIS, GERARD, & PAYARD, 24, RUE r>U PONT NEUF, PARIS, Beg: to inform their numerous Patrons and Customers that no Foreign House whatever had anything to do \rith Laying Qowa the Grass Seed for the Reserved Garden of the Paris Exhibition of 18G7. The portion in front of the Porte de Tronville was grown by Messrs. COURTOIS, GERARD, and PAYARD; that on the right was supplied by Messrs. Vilmorin & Co. ; and the left-hand side by Mons. I'aul ToUarii. The outside portion of the Reserved Garden only was laid down by an English House. Messrs. COURTOIS and CO. consider it to be their duty to themselves and their fellow-towti'^incn to mike this statement, owing to the erroneous impression conveyed by the Advertisements of a London House. NEW AND CHOICE FLOWER SEEDS. WILLIAMS' SUPERB STRAIN OF PRIMULA. COURTOIS, GERARD, and PAVARD, SEED MERCHANTS and FLORISTS, 24, RUE DU PONT NEUF, PARIS. GARDEN AND FLOWER SEEDS OF THE BEST QUALITY. CATALOGUES forwarded Post Free on application. Priiuula i Of SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS FOR ALL SOILS. For packet .1. . 2s. 6d., 3s. 6i^., and 5 . 2s. ed., 2s. ed., and 5 . 2s. 6d., 3s. 6ff., and 5 RED WHITE . . MIXED . . CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (Neill's extra choice Strain) 3s. 6d. and .5 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (Saved from James' Sti-ain) 2s. 6d. and 3 CINERARIA (Weatherill's extra choice Strain) 3s. 6d. and 5 POLYANTHUS (the Prize Strain).. Is. 6 sons, SEEDSMEN to the QUEEN, READING, BERKS. April 4, 1868.] THE GAllDENERS' cnRONrCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. BARR & SUGDEN, THE METROPOLITAN SEED, BULB, AND PLANT ■WAREHOUSE, 12, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. The Japanese Queen of Lilies. A Corrospondont oltlie Times li«s tUe fuU^nyitu; rouiarks ■OSJI" '"B this most magniflccnt of modern «??' '"'7'Vh„ mo.ri.oauS auratuu,, this ?olden.myed Queon of L.uos. "..'^"...■"XoS ot , It is tho flower garden, the conservatory, and nnrivalled The whole EoRlish floral world, „.. . "ubUanl rtth delSt, haillne its advent as an »^"»"™«wv°"ity to discovery of a star of the flrst magnitude ; and in morjcitym Europe and America it has received ovat ens ^uoh as would have been Sear to tho heart of tho most "'il''"'"''?, ""^LmfnJ^ worth? most successful conquering hero. And ''^"=,>''if„?J^°„f jri'^JeaK of the encomiums bestowed upon it, and ™n)»s3Uig the greatest ernoctations of Its most enthusiastic admirers. Specimen plants S?rbeen exhibited with from 30 to HO blossoms eac^ "oss"™ from 10 to 18 mchos in diameter ; and when, in oddilion to its peauty, us fragrance is considered, the Liliiuu auratnm ma with the Rose as a flower of universal acceptation. LILICM AUBATUM, Fl»"0'j.58 Koots, j;ach 2s. Cd to moriili; . may feel like the African explorer who comes upon an oasis after having spent many days on the desert sands. It is bii I question c .splay of )rs from the tirst day of July to the that the plantings made from the ^ if left unprotected in autumn would bo 'oyedVefore tlTo flowers had expanded, but this difliculty is e.se brilliant and beautiful it day of Uecomber. t of Juno to Midsummi late plantings shouk ithe swill expand as perfectly and ADAM FORSYTH'S CATALOGUE for 1868 is now ready, and will be forwarded to all appUcauts for ono stamp. it riiT,' liii a , ' , t 1 -4 ni N'uw and cnoioe Chryaanthomums, (;,.,,,. \. >■. ii New Double, Variegated, Zonal, uii ' . I ' I .: . I Verbeuis, Fuchsias, and Mlacel- l.ii.. I I ,; .1 I'ractical Troatlso (with lUuatra. tint]-) i.;i t In- (■!.■■ Ill , .?!!,, ( 'iii-s.siuthemum. ijiuii.-Mwctv ;>iii«wii, ;-.Ujko Newington, London, N: New Chrysanthemums. „,„„„ ADAM FORSYTH is now sending out ecvcr.al FIRST- CLASS SEEDLINGS, all of which were ^foatlv ndmlred at tho M-trunuIil III Shown last vwr. Likewise GEOKGK'S NEW LUMS. For full description and opinions of A, !■■. executed i ,0, which i; Orders Brunswick Nursery, Stoke Newington, N.. London. SEEDLING VERBENA LADY BOUGHTON, pure white, with crimson eye. each pip larger than a shilling ; good habit, and fine trusser, dooiinot discolour out-of-doors llko otuor sorts. Plants ready end of April, 18s. per dozen. Circulars on application. The usual discount to the Trade. Samuel Cox, Seed Merchant, Nureeryman, and Florist, Ludlow, To the Trade.— Continental Flower Seeds, &c. F\V \Y1:NJ)KL, Si;],i) iMKitciiANT anil Guower, • Erfurt, rni.,M;i, bck's to announce that his WTKJLESALE CATALOGUE of the aonve is now ready, and may ho had free and post paid on application to his Agent, Gko. MAoiNTOsn, Nurseryman and Seedsman, High Road, Hammersmith, London, Wj bright- coloured flowers i ' Here, at a trilling outlay, the want can .agnificent collection of Gladioli^ offered GiiNEHAL SEED CATALOi each variety is fully describi 10s. Cd. each ; fine aasoi-tmei ■.Allli & SUGDEN'? . Od., 4.^. M., 70s.. 80.f. Is. 0(Z. to 2h. JAMES CARTER & CO. Do not covet the honours bestowed on other Houses, but they think the time has now arrived when tliey should put forward a plain statement of facts for their own protection. JAMES CARTER akb CO. had the honom- of supply- ins; the GRASS SEEDS that produced in the Grounds ot the late Paris E.diibition the beautiful TURF so imirer- salhj admired by English Visitors, and described by tlie Correspondents to the London Journals as being oj extraordinary merit ; and NO OTHER ENGLISH HOUSE whatever supplied Grass Seeds for the use of the Imperial Commissioners ; and no other English House received the " Premier Prix " for Grass. A respected opponent of James Carter & Co. exhibited a Miseellaneom assortment of Seeds in one of the Annexes of the ExMbition, amongst which were small samples of Grasses. A Medal teas awarded for the colleefion of ' ' Graines potttyires" (fiarden Seeds) in this ease of Seeds. JAMES CARTER and CO. believe the very great diflV'VLnrn between a Prize awarded for Seeds that pro- ducfd tlir i:r:ilirviug results in then: case, and an Award fir ,: Mi^ic'lhiiK-oHs Collection of Dry Seeds that gave no ecidcnei of iiiiril, will be easily understood; but they are compelled to be thus explicit, because they observe an Advertisement ot a letter, said to be received from a private member of the Executive Committee, which a claim is made for the Prize Medal for Grasses. JAMES CARTER and CO. however thinlt that " the AWAED OF THE JURORS SHOULD BE PINAL ; " and that a /,, -irate letter from an individual must be taken for what 1 1 is worth. ELEGANTISSIMUS. This beautiftil Amarnuthus is a great acqulsltlMi lor bedding purposes as well as lor pot culture. It is also very offoctiveui ribbon borders The habit is dwarf and compact, and a brilliant ofleqt is iiroduced by the intensely deep scarlet of the base of the leaves, ana the rich Dronze purple of their terminal half. Price Is. lid, per packet Joim i CnAni.DS Lp.K, The Royal Vineyard Nursery and Seed Establishment, Hammersmith, London, W. (near the h.onsmgton Railway Station). r^Rlm)^ 'I- da: JlTlO Clio . per 100, 3s. Gd. per dozen. Home-grown Seeds, rUBE AND GENUINE— SO F.AR AT LEAST AS IT IS DESIRABLE TO HAVE JIOME-GROWN SEEDS. BAUR ASD SUGDEN'S LAWN GRASS (regarding^ the quality of wh J testimonials lirst-class iiiisturo lor laying down u Lawn, Croquet Ground, .and for renovating the i ? Is. per lb. :ht be quoted) is A ~owling Green, or a I. 20s. per bushel, BARR iiiD SUGDEN'S PERMANENT PASTURE GRASSES and CLOVERS, of the finest quality ; sufficient for Laying Down The following^ are very Choice Seeds. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA.— Thisstrainis remarkable for superbly fringed flowers, which are large, of great substance ; .alba, rubra, and mixed ; each, is. C(/. ..nd 3s. 6(1. per packet. BARR'S COlJ-ENT GARDEN PRIMULA NEW CRIMSON SHADED MADDER. — A most beautifully Hinged, large dtiwaepd and distinct varictv ; ~^- Oil, and 3s, I'lil. per packet. IIaSs Went GARDEN 'pkIMCLA NEw'^ STRIPED,- Beautifully fringed, large-llowered, llowojs white, stuped red; 3-s, Od. and 5.<. Gd. per packet. „_ , BAIilVS COVENT GAKMN PRIMULA, FERN.LEAVED,-This .uporb class ; flowers very handsome, and foliage remivrkably C^X^I^ENCE OF Q HOKTICULTURAL EXHIBITION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETr, JULY 16 to 23, 18G8. Amoncst various Special Prizes, A SILVER cur (copy of the famoiia Cellini Cup), VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS" CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION ofFRUITS^and VEGETABLES, Dish uits). Strawberries, Gooseberries, ir Apples (ot* the c"" -'■■-'•-' ^ orVEGETAlJLl'> one basket or buu'l Runners), Broad Beans, Caiilillowers, Cucumbers (brace), bummer Cibbiiges Early Carrots, Turnips. Artichokes, Onions, Spmach, Rhubarb,' Potatos, or Mixed Salading. ^ . * This Prize will be ooen to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners," of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetables nf their own groioUig ; any article otherwise obtained will disqualify the exhibitor. „,. _ „^ _ J follows :— Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, ■ f each :— Hrapes, Melon: ;h :"— Peas, French 'feeans (or Scarlet lillowers. Cucumbers (brace), Sumn EUt ©aiUenetg'Clirontcle. SArUMDAY, APRIL 4, 1868. TCESDA-Y, ( Hoyal Horticultural (Fruit and Floral 7^ Committees), at South Kensingtoa .. 1IA..11. I Ditto [General Meeting) 3 p.m. ornamental ; alba, r J, and" mixed; each, 2s. Gd. and3s.C(i. pkt. UA1UVs"cOVE'nT garden DOUBLE PRIMULA.— Pme white and rich caniiiuo ; each, 2a. Gd. and 3s. Cd. per packet. These come perfectly true from .'^eed, BARR'S IN TERN AT ION AX. PRIZE CALCEOLARIA, tho finest atriiin in cultivation ; '2s. Od. and :tf. ii .,^..-1 7.^. 6rf. CM 1 \. .1 in CoHoctious, ii. fid. and 7s. Cd. .\ ' ■■ ^ Fantil Gardening, in CoUcctions, . 6d.. and2ls. >a. Gd.,7.^. fki.j 1 Collections, LOSDOiV ibG:^ ONLY PRIZE ]\n';DAL FOR SEEDS. The same system of "explaining away" was adopted by the same opponents after JAMES CARTER S CO., In a similar competition, had been awarded "THE ONLY FKIZE MEDAL FOll SHEDS," by the Intemationiil Jurors, London Exhibition, 1862. CARTER'S GRASS SEEDS, to suit all Soils, from 2is. to 32^. per acre. CARIEK'S PRIZE MANGEL WUKZBL, from Is. to 2.S. 6d. per lb. CARTER'S PRIZE SWEDE anU TURNIP, from Is. to Is. id. per lb. Special low estimates for quantities. CARTER'S "PRIZE WEML" FARM SEEDS, AS HARVESTED OX THEIi: OWN SEED FARMS. Src CARTER'S ILLUSTRATED FARMER'S CALENDAR, Containms,' valuabU' Hints on the Fomiation of Per- manent Pastures, Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CAETER and CO., SUED FARMERS, 237 and 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. Spring Gardening! There is a freshness and charm in the very name, different from that of the gardeuing of any other season. Calliu£>- the other day at Belvoir Castle, -we found that our friend Mr. Ingram was recruit- ing his already formidable array of spring beauties from the alpine regions, and that such elegant "foliage" plants as the Sedums and Saxifrages were already in training, and next year will be pressed into active service. It is scarcely necessary to say that a great number of our alpine plants, apart from their flowers— in some, as. the Squills and (ientians, " so darkly, deeply, beautifully blu; ■'— ^^re exceedingly inte- resting as plants, and u ed, as we presume Mr. Ingram intends to use them, on rustic teiTaoes, raised baskets, or vases, where they will be brought into close contact with the eye, they will be found very desirable. The day of our visit, March 2l3t, was particularly favourable, mild, bright, and sunny. Our eloquent fiiend ' ' S. E. H." had also been there a few daj'S pre- viously, and confessed to a wavering in his opiuions, and well he might. But he was not seduced by a blaze of bloom, "a bright em- pm-pled shower of boundlessblossoms," but some- thing much more humble — so bumble that we almost hesitate to write it. The truth, how- ever, must be spoken, and it is not surprising that one who is ,so enamoured of foliage plants should have had his faith shaken by the glowing splendour of Mr. Ingram's Ivalo._ Yes, our great ' ' bedder-out ' ' was ' ' caught " in the " Kale yard." The winter garden at Belvoir is situated m a glen some 80 or 100 feet below the level of the Duchess's garden: in fact, it is the statuary garden. This is of geometric design, the beds bein" of tolerable size, with a pedestal and vase or statue in the centre of each. In the summer the garden is filled with the usual occupants, but in the winter Mr. Ingram devotes _ it to shi-ubs, such as Aucuba, Laui-ustmus, \arie- Uated HoUy, Berheris, Biota aui-ea ; and lor contrast, upright Junipers, Cypresses, and Irish 348 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Apbii, 4, 1868. blooming plant, raised, wo were informed, Mr. Metuven, of Edinburgh. Season and situa- tion may have done much, but forethought has played an important part, and the tact with which, upon the entrance to the garden, Mr. tooRAM " reg;\lt;8 the .sense With lu.tury of uiioxpectej sweets," displays a knowledge of human nature which must be always studied to be successfully managed. Spring decoration must now be considered one of the gardening institutions of the country. Upon all sides there is a desire for sprin, Yews. These this season have been lighted up with variegated Kale, the purple variety predo- miDating : and really at the distance so bright are they, that an unthinking person might bo par- doned for mistaking the beds for groups of Rho- dodendrons in full bloom. Need we say more for the decorative qualities of Kale, properly used ? Mixed with shrubs it looks really well, and Mr. IXGEAM has some single plants in vases not to to be despised ; while rustic baskets filled with it, and backed up by the dark foliage of evergreen shrubs, have a really charming and exotic appearance. Belvoir, as has been before explained, has its gardens admirably situated for spring flowers. There is none of the rigid formality of the purely geometrical or architectural garden. The pleasure grounds are not overdressed, and the groups of flowers crop up just where they might be expected, and just at the time when, in a large place hke Belvoir, the visitor might be disposed to take a rest. Thus, in the Duke's Walk, a path of some three miles in length, winding rounda south- eastern slope, embosomed by magnificent trees, Oaks of colossal dimensions, and Yews which may be pronounced matchless for size and beauty — and just as he gets fairly started from the Castle, and begins to realise the nature and mterest of the walk he is taking, he comes to a rustic gate and short Ivy-clad tunnel, and opening it, sees on the slope of the bank a carpet of spring flowers, and over them specimens of Ehododendrons and Azaleas, groups of Berberis and other shrubs, among which the silvery plumes of the Pampas Grass are nodding in the breeze. He stands and admires this unusual scene, and turning to the right, through a second and longer tunnel, he has a second surprise in the form of a dressed spring flower gaiden. Here, again, there is no studied formaUty, but grouped upon a sloping bank, intercepted by two spacious walks, con- nected by steps about the centre of the garden, the humble flowers are either brought into near contact with the eye, or may be looked down upon III masse: The materials of the present decoration are in many cases the most simple. Some of the beds have not been disturbed lor years, and yet they are gay throughout the year. At the present time they are a mass of common Primroses and Violets, and as these fade they will give place to the variegated Coltsfoot, which will remain gay throughout the season. Violets are here used in thousands — Russian Czar, and Neapolitan. You may gather the flowers until your back aches, and then there will be plenty left. We will, however, move forward to the centre of the garden, and standing upon the steps, supported on one side by a magnificent Araucaria imbricata, some 40 feet high, and upon the other by a very fine plant of Cunninghamia lanceolata, and backed | hereafter"' be by a mass of rockwork towering high above sluients will head, we see on looking down a mass of Cliveden Blue Pansy, so dense and pure in colour that in the distance it might be mistaken for Nemophila insignis. In front of this is an equally efl'ective mass of purple Kale, and these are supported by beds containing all the spring flowers of the season — the smooth, white, and variegated Arabis, Daisies, Oxlips, Primroses, Hyacinths, Anemones, Erica carnea, Aubrietias of sorts, in which Mr. Ingr.\m is .specially rich ; the glorious yoUow Doronioum, Wallflowers, Dogstooth Violets, Sedums, Saxifrages, and scores of other things, remarkable either for their foliage or flowers, and most of them for both. AH, or nearly all, the plants are planted in lines, and are so disposed that until they come into bloom the foliage forms a har- monious group. Then we have thousands of Crocuses, Winter Aconites, Scillas of kinds, and other early blooming bulbs. These, disposed upon sloping rustic terraces, glinting from beneath shrubs, or cashioned by a carpet of Saxifraga hypnoides, have a glorious effect. One bed of Erica carnea, cushioned with the Saxifrage, sparkled up with blue and white Hyacinths and crimson Tulips, and edged with Crocuses and blue Scilla, might be pronounced perfection, if it were not that there are other combinations at Belvoir equally worthy of com- mendation. Indeed the garden was a scene, not glowing with the scarlet fever of an autumn parterre, but quiet and subdued, and yet full of colour. The manner in which Mr. Ingeaii tc^ies down any undue amount of colour is worthy of imitation. In one place the mass of Arabis ,„„„ ,„,., . , , -,,.-, lucida threatened to destroy the balance of a ^"??- H^"f^ "'■""^ ^°,^ greenhouse plants m pots were ■k^A v,„t tv,„ ;„*.,,i „<■■ • ^1 "°- ,." "^ '^ entered foi- competition, ^t)(>4 cut flowers, 290 dishes bed. but the introduction ,n the .„„» ''"» "^ "' and baskets of fruit, 8 collections of fruit, 8 collections few plants of scarlet Tulip quickly restored the I of Grapes, 335 baskets and dishes of vegetables, 120 balance, and, as the centre of the bed was l^ind bouquets 6 inches wide, 21 table bouquets Doronicum caucasicum, added a new charm to ' i^ 'uches wide, 20 bouquets of native flowers. 8 table the whole. For this purpose Mr. Ingram grows i tnT,'!^nZ\lt ?.Tc f"***""? ■ , ^°'* " """^ber of tubs V- TT • J.1- in T XT • .^ ■ '^ 11 f^ontaining iruit trees for exhibitioa and comnpt f, mi his Hyacinths, Tuhps, Narcissus &c., msmaU , besides a quantity of fruits, flowers, ^ant^Tdve™: pots, rarely exceeding what are called small 60 s. ' t.ables, which were sent for exhibition only. The These can readily be plunged in a bed without ! Exhibition was opened to the public on the dth Sep- injury to the permanent plants, with the advan- j t^uiber, at one o'clock, the admission fee during the tage that, directly the flowers begin to fade, the °?;J ?|'°8A'- 'if''J]?^ "? theevening Is. 6d. ■ receipts, plants can be removed, and beinS planted in the ^'^^oei^:^!^;:^Z'IS^ ^^^^^^Z'^ open border complete theur growth in a much . and 6d. in the evening; receipts, 140^. Oa the 7th more perfect manner than they could do under Crf. till one o'clock, and 3rf. during the remainder of any other system of management. I ^''^ '^^y '< receipts, Wil. lis. 3rf. ; making a total return Wo must not leave Belvoir without noticing l"""!*?^!^^!^''';"^^^^ I'™;" *"s be „„„,„ c „ c 1 i. 1 iv 1 '""^'^ ''■'^''> "' 'he entrance fee was reduced the revenue some fine specimens of scarlet and other early- I increased. The Show was visited by 60,000 admirers blooming Ithododendrons, especially a rosy-lilac ; These statistics may be of interest to others who may mass of a hybrid between R. daui-icum and ! he engaged in getting up Flower Shows, possibly caucasicum or alpinum. Be the origin j what it may, it is certainly a most lovely early- Foilowins the example of Nottingham and Dundee, the good people of Norwich propose to hold a Grand Hobticultueal Fete during the ensuing visit of the British Association to that city in August next. The Schedijle of Prizes is in preparation, and will shortly be issued. After the Eoyal Horticultural Society's Show of last year at Bury^ the East Anglian cultivators should be in good training for this second important competition in the Eastern Counties. Our French neighbours recognising the close relationship between Horticulture aud the Fine Arts, have taken steps to cemnnt the alliance. We are able to announce that the Societe Impekiale et Cen- TKALE d'Hoeticultuue intend to organise a special horticultural display, in connection with the " Expo- sition des Beaux-arts," from the 1st to the 8th of May next, and to prolong it, with such decorative plants as — - be retained, or renewed, till the 20th of June. The embellishment, and those who do not wish that i J^'i'. exhibition will be held in the garden of the desire to assume a chronic form, must not go ..'^'^ 1? !'-'-"''"4"^.- Horticulturists of all grades and to Belvoir I n^t'onahties are invited to take part in the display, and ■ . I are encouraged so to do by the ofl'er of prizes. From the detailed report in another column, it i — 7 ^^^ believe that the presence of Mistletoe on will be seen that the Intebnational Hoeticul- '"^ Azalea is a_ fact heretofore without parallel; TUBAL Exhibition at Ghent has proved a great succe.ss. The Palms, Tree Ferns, Azaleas, and specially the Camellias, were the main features of a very bril- liant display. We are pleased to find that our country- men have been complimented in the person of Mr. Haeey Veitch, and we think that such a compli- ment was no less due to that gentleman as a worthy representative of British Horticulture than as an active coadjutor in our own " International " of 18(JC. The Council of the Royal Horticultueal Society have issued the following circular in which details will be found relating to the classes for Drawing and Surveyino, already alluded to at p. 293 :— " With the view of assisting the education of young gardeners, the Council of the Eoyal Horticultural Society have made arrangements through the Department of Science and Art, for the formation of a Drawing Class at Chiswick. Until the class becomes too large for the room available, then the lessons will be given in the Garden of the Society on the Wednesday evening of each week, excepting in August and September, between the hours of 7 and 9 o'clock. Arrangements have also been made for giving a course of 20 lessons in surveying, on evenings, of which due notice will iven. The fees for the Chiswick bo paid by the Society, and also the cost of all models and examples for instruction, but the students will have to provide their own drawing materials. A limited number of other young gardeners, well recommended by their employers, will be admitted to these classes ment of a fee of 5*. per subject for a 20 le.«sons ; they also will have to provide their own drawing materials. The subjects of instruction will be :— Free-Hand Drawing, Model Drawing and Sketch- ing from objects. Geometrical Drawing, and Elemen- tary design as applicalile to Landscape Gardening, Land Measuring, including Levelling. The Drawing class will commence its work on AVednesday, April 8 ; the Surveying class in May. All applications for admission to the classes are to be made to Mr. James Richards, the Assistant-Secretary of the Society." nevertheless, the following note from Mr Rust, the gardener at Bridge Castle, Tunbridge Wells, shows that it is really afait accompli .-— " In this neighbour- hood Mistletoe is very abundant; it grows on the 'fhorn, Crab, Apple, and on the Poplar in great quan- tities ; but I certainly was surprised to find it one day last week growing on one of our common hardy Azaleas in the shrubbery here. The parasite in question is in a prosperous condition, and appears as if it would make a good growth this year." At the next ensuing Tuesday meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society we are informed that Lord LoNDESBORouGH will again .send his fine specimen ofOncidium macranthum, which is still as fresh as it was a month ago. Mr. EucKER will furnish a well-grown plant of the larger variety of Odouto- glossum pulchellum, and Messrs. Veitch will exhibit the new Epidendrum paniculatum from Peru. Mr. Bateman will read a paper at the same meeting on Dahlia imperialis. The Dundee Hoeticultdeal Society has lately issued its schedule, extending to 140 classes, for a Grand Floral Fete in September next. The spirited manner in which the Shows of this Society are carried nn, deserves the support of those cultivators to whom Dundeeis at all accessible. An interesting statement has been issued along with the schedule, respecting ihefete of last year on the occasion of the visit of the British THE GHENT INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. ^^ The Eighth International Exhibition of the "Societe Royale d' Agriculture et de Botanique de Gaud " was opened ou the 29th ult. by their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians, accompanied by their Royal Highnesses the Comto aud Comtesse de _^ Flandre, who also honoured with their presence the the pay- banquet given by the Society on the occasion of the - inauguration of the show. Several of the most eminent horticulturists and botanists present were introduced to their Majesties, and Mr. Harry Veitch was specially sent for to attend their Majesties, and receive their congratulations on the new plants shown by his firm. As a noble display of plants and flowers, this Ghent exhibition takes a very high position, and has probably been surpassed only by those International Shows which were commenced at Brussels in 1804, and which have since taken place in Amsterdam, London, and Paris, and with which St.Petersburgh is to follow next year. It has been in every respect a grand show— grand as regards its extent and range, grand as regards the objects produced, which do the highest honour to the horticultural talent of the Belgians, by whom, of course, and especially by the amateur and commercial horticulturists of Ghent itself and its immediate neighbourhood, the exhibition has been mainly furnished. The arrangements made were such as to secure the hearty approval of the judges and of Association. From this we learn that of the 300Z. prize- 1 the public money distributed, 200/., divided into 84 prizes, was The most important, though probably not the larger oflered for Plants in pots ; 50< divided into 81 prizes for portion of the e.xhibition, took place in a new ridge- Gut i lowers ;30i.dividedinto62prizesfor Fruit ; and I'd. and-furrow building attached to the Casino, a structure divided into 60 prizes for Vegetables. Much correspon- 1 probably some 250 feet long and 130 feet wide divided dence was necessary before sufficient accommodation I into three aisles, and laid out with winding walks lead could be obtained on reasonable terms, and ultimately the Committee were directed by Mr. E. J. Lowe to Mr. HoBSON of Derby, from whom they got 13 tents, the inside area of which was upwards of 4900 square yards, and for the use of which was paid 54^. 1*. Id. ; for carriage, Wl. ; for fitting up and taking down, 17/. 15*. -Id. ; and for labour and watchmen, 49/. IS*. 7d. Upwards of 6500 square feet of tabling were used, extending in length over one-third of a mile, and costing 3U. Upwards of 1000 feet of gas piping were used inside the tents, and more than 1000 jets of gas, costing about 24/. The entries for competition were about bed, but the introduction in the same line of t ing amongst the groups of plants, which were mostly set on the ground, or, when elevated, set on some slight support, so that no formal staging was used. About one-third part of each roof was of glass, with a lantern running the whole length for ventilation, the rest of the roof being opaque. In this way the light was very pleasantly moderated. The whole centre of this space was a mass of glowing Azaleas, smaller plants than the majority of those seen at ourown exhibitions, but equally full of bloom, in some cases grown and bloomed vigorously, in others evidently bearing the impress of hard forcing. Around the sides were groups of fine Palms and Ferns, while linking these together were splendid groups of Camellias, such as we never see in London, mixed flowering and fine-foliaged plants, more April 4, 8.J THE GAEDENEHS' CHROMCLE ANT) AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 349 Azaleas and Cinerarias, here and there a fine Tree Pern throwing its magnificent fronds high overhead. In a heated apartment were various tender stove subjects; a large and spacious gallery was nearly filled with Agaves and plants or similar habit, the rest of the space being devoted to rich banks of Amaryllids and a long series of bouquets and flower-c!;roups, many of which were very cleverly designed ; while in the open grounds surround- ing the building were some magnificent standard Bay, Myrtle, and other trees, Conifers, Rhododendrons, garden implements, vases, &o. In one tent was a tolerable collection of Apples and Pears. There were besides two features which, for educational purposes, might with advantage be imitated at our own shows, namely, a series of e.'camples of all kinds of grafting, on small portable twigs, laid on one of the tables, but which would havebecn moreeffectiveiftheyhad beenmounted; and examples of various modes of training fruit trees. The great features of this exhibition as distinguished from our own large shows, were the number of examples oftallTree Ferns, or plants which were made to serve the purpose of tall ones, in being very judiciously elevated; the profusion of Palms, including some magnificent specimens, both as regards height and bulk ; the fine banks of Camellias, richly dotted with blossoms ; the glowing banks of Amaryllids, and the vast number and ample bulk of the Agaves, Yuccas, Dracffinas, and plants which associate with them in habit. Taking Palms first, we must particularise a magni- ficent specimen of Latania borbonica from the Ghent Botanic Garden, which must have been 20 feet high, and considerably more in the spread of its noble foliage, the stems a couple of feet in diameter, and the plant in a 4-feet tub. I'Vom the same garden came three very fine examples of Chamterops excelsa, 20 feet high, and a pair of C. humilis, 15 feet high. Another grand specimen was a Corypha australis, 18 feet high, a magnificent plant in the freshest health, and yet in a comparatively small tub. This came from M. Kerchove de Limon ; while another fine specimen, named Chama?rops tomentosa, 20 feet high, with a clean slender stem, was shown by Si. Van den Hecke. M. Van Houtte, who gained the 1st prize for 10 plants, had, especially noticeable among his Palms, Acanthophcenix crinita, a spiny-stemmed species; Arenga saccharifera, Astrocaryum mexicanum, Latania Commersoni, Phoenicophorium seyohella- rum, Verschaffeltia splendida, all very fine plants ; Calamus Imperatrice Marie, an elegant pinnate species, furnished with needle-shaped spines; Cocos Weddeliana, a small, elegant pinnate species; Geonoma Ghiesbreghtii, a smooth-stalked Sant, with broad, irregular pinna; ; Livistona oogendorpii, a palmate- fronded species, having stems armed with coarse spines; Metroxylon elatum, a fine plant, with pinnate fronds ; Oncosperma Van Houtte- anum.ahandsome species, withdrooping pinnae; and the now well-known, slender-stalked Thrinax elegans. M. Ambroise Verschaffelt had in his various groups many fine and interesting species. Sabal princeps and Jubaia spectabilis were of large size ; Cocos Bonnetii had fine arching fronds, with narrow erect subglaucous leaflets ; Braheanitida,smooth-stalked, with palmate leaves, glau- cous beneath, and of spreading habit; Areca Verschaffel- tii, an erect, boId-habited,'pinnate Palm, with triangular stem; Scheelia excelsa, erect, with lou" distant drooping pinna;, the fronds leafy nearly to the base; Latania VerschaBeltii, in which the edges of the stalks are golden coloured; Oreodoxa Sanchona, an elegant plant, with smooth tall stems, and pinnate feathery fronds ; Chamoerops stauracantha, a slender-stalked species ; Thrinax barbadensis, a distinct and handsome species, of stiff erect habit, with the stalks whitish and mode- rately spiny, and the fronds themselves erect, plaited, fan-shaped, and subglaucous ; and Chama;rops excelsa vera (of Von Siebold), which is of erect growth, having long and rather slender stalks, without spines, and fine fan-shaped fronds. M. Kerchove de Limon, who gained the 1st prize for 12 large Palms, had fine plants, among which were Areca Verschaffeltii, Astrocaryum mexicanum, Jubocia spectabilis, Phcenix reelinata, and Chamterops sinensis (Fortune), the stalks of which are not spiny, while those of C. humilis, shown in the same collection, are distinctly spiny at the edge. phamsorops gracilis, shown by M. Jean Verschaffelt, is a very elegant species, with slender stalks bearing white spines and very narrow leaflets ; while in the collection of M. Van den Hecke were Calamus Getah, a species with elegant pinnate feathery fronds, having spiny stalks in which the spines are pale-coloured and swollen at the base, and dark-coloured towards the tip; and Ceroxylon niveum, an attractive species, with broad fronds breaking up irregularly into narrow segments, or pinna;. high, densely leafy, and well flowered. Both Cyclamens and Chinese Primroses were wretchedly poor. The Variegated Pelargoniums were not so well coloured as those shown recently at some of our London meetings. In a group of hardy Violets was one named Viola Delabordei, evidently one of the scentless canine breed, but with rosy tinted flowers. The Az.ileas, which, as in our own shows, were tlic most attractive of cotour objects, wore smailer than our own, but no less dazzlinpr. Three seedlings, however, appeared very desirable in point of colour, surpassing cvcrythiu;^ which approached them in brilliancy, namely, Roi a'H./Uande, .1 valuable variety of a rich vermilion, spotted on the upper segments, and rem.arkable for smoothness and substance ; James Vcitch, a most brilliant tint of magenta rose: and Goloris nova, a rich glowing crimson, quite distinct and very fine. New Azaleas wli., I ., somewhat difficult, t i 1 :: . iully noticed— L:i \i I ii. similar stems, it is perhaps doubtful if these plants are all really distinct, though in this unusual stem-forming state it is a most interesting plant. M. Verschaffelt had in his collection of 12 Tree Ferns examples of Cyathea medullaris and of Alsophila excelsa, each about 15 feet high by about the same in expanse of fronds, and the Cibotium speotabile just alluded to. The best six Tree Ferns were shown by M. Kerchove de Limon, in whose fine group were Alsophila glauca (contaminans), a free-growing species, with darkish spiny stipes ; Cibotium (or more correctly Cyathea) princeps, 15 feet high, with whitish scaly stipes; Cyathea medullaris, of equal height, with blackish stipes ; and Cyathea elegans, a species with a slender stem, and the stipes conspicuously scaly near the base. The same exhibitor had also a magnificent plant of Dicksonia antarctica, with a fine crown of fronds. . '*°'^ t^Tl^-'S ^,\", ' ' ' n'lmerousand ftne thatit M. Van den Hecke had a noble plant of Cyathea ciaTl7noti?ed-'ZV i ! 1 , , ' , , ,' red 4'h°sn1t' d et^?''- medullaris about 15 feet high, and at least 20 feet m ' La Vestalo, shade. 1 lili i.ii.i., i,'. substance size an/form- expanse, remarkable for its dense leafy growth. I Thisbe, bright salm.n ro.i, extra fine form ;' Meteor, shaded Finally, M. Ghellinckde Walle in a group of three Tree I li'ac red, fine form; Uanhael, a very fine double white; Ferns had a remarkably dense plant of Cyathea J-"- Supcrbe, inteuso rich dark orange scarlet, smooth and princeps, and a wonderfully fine stem of Dicksoaia ^.".V ^Vt'ill^^'?'; * T \? T u'' J'^'V^ antarctica, some 12 feet high 'and 2 feet in diameter, but toge"temSouble ^^ole*'' ' R'achT" Von '''vS" aien ^a"^ as yet deficient in not having a proportionate head, extra fine single rose ; 'oioire Av.int tout, while, ' and The mixed groups of tender Ferns contained many 1 occasionally stiiped with pink ; BayarJ, a light good specimens, but the collections of hardy sorts were scarlet, with rosy carmine spots, very fine ; La Dsesse, pale not at all remarkable. I f.'^y safmon, margined with white, extra fine ; La Paix, One considerable feature of the show was formed of ^'^SntS eZ?'i'Jru:ZL^rSc^''X' s7£?t. Zl the Cycadacea;, ot which some very fine collections and form ; Beaut« Supreme, pale rosel bordered with white ■ specimens were shown. The most remarkable of the Ferdinand Kcgeljan, light orange red, densely spotted in the former was an Encephalartos caffra, from M. Gbellinck, top petals, extra fine; Eclatant, intense dark reddish thestemof which was at least 12 feet high and IV foot scarlet, extra fine; Ch.irmer (Bull), rich rosy pink, very in diameter, and furnished with a good crown of leaves. I ^^t "^i''f^- '^°''""«^"« ThoUman, rich double scariet extra In the 1st prize groim of 15 species, a very, fine lot ; gll^doSSe'whftl^r Fk^ertJ^t.^^fight^'^^^n^g^^t^^^ of plants, also from M. Ghellmck, the following were fine; Unic.a, intense rich glossy crimson; Reine Marie particularly noticeable :— Ceratozamia mexicana, with , Henriette, pale pink, shaded and margined with white, richly broad smooth p'nnre; Zamia Baraquiniana, with very spotted iu the top petals; and several other fine sorts. A broad, smooth pinnae ; Z. Skinneri, with broad plaited ! 7,°';y5".°i"°°?™'^'* seedling, double striped white, fromM. Van Houtte, is a great advance. A large number of other very fine sorts were shown, such as Belle Gautoise, Madame Cannart ,d'Hamalc, Louis NapoMou, Cede nuUi, Madame Ambroise Verschaffelt, Due de Nassau, Rubens, and a large number of other Continental and English raised varieties. The pyramidal form of Azalea, adopted by the English growers, is altogether ignored here, and a more globular form is aimed at. In fact, it may be said that the half of a glo'je dicatcs the form of almost all the plants exhibited. The ber of plants exhibited gave, .as already stated, a pinna;; Z. cycadifolia, with dense, short pinnate fronds Z. Lehmanni, with glaucous erect fronds ; Z. vernicosa, with long, shiny, broad-toothed fronds ; and Z. villosa, with narrowish, glossy, toothed pinnoo. In another group, from M. Jean Verschaffelt, were, amongst others, Cycas aurea, with golden, or rufous, narrow pinnre ; C. Riuminiana, with its handsome shiny Fern-like fronds; Encephalartos gracilis, with erect fronds, and harg. _ narrow tomentose pinna; ; and E. Vroomii, with broad brilliant offect to'the exhibition, shining pinn^. M. Beaucarne had a good plant ofj OftheCamellias we cannot speak too highly, for almost all Cycas Riuminiana. The prize for a Cycad remark- : '^cre wonderfully fine. The practice adopted here of grafting able for its beauty was awarded to a handsome specimen ' ^°"'?f ?J.™,, V 1° °l'^ P'^°"' ''tcrally placing young heads 1. ii 1 J -n 1 1 i ■!■ 1 ; on Ola snoulaera, naa been the means of showiatr us tlie sTreat of the above-named Etiqephalartos gracih| shown results which arise from this practice SymmetriSlytrlined under the name of E. Ghellinckii. M. J oseph Vervaeue plants of a pyramidal form, close growing from the bottom was awarded a 2d prize for a very symmetrical plant of upwards, in luxuriant health, and covered with blossoms, Encephalartos Lehmanni glauca. were to be seen by the hundred. Many of these were monster Amongst the novelties present, a very interesting I specimens, but the freshness of health was everywhere collection was sent in, not for competition, by Messrs. I "'f'^L^.f^ '"ft,hu!S b, m n"^^-,r'v ''"T; "SM" ■.r ., T p CI e ni 1 ™u: u \ ■ ii n * ^ '^^^ group, exDibited by M. Camilla Van der Bosch, Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, which specially attracted were two very fjue things, viz. :-P.ince Royal, of beautiful the attention of their Majesties. Among them we , form, light pink colour, irregularly blotched with white, and particularly noted Pandanus Veitchii, a handsome Etendard da Flandre, of exquisitely cupped form and broad-leaved sort, with white-edged curving leaves ; ! substance, light veined pink, irregularly stuped ; this Is a several Draca;nas, as regina and Moorei, which have ! ^•'^,.'"=5"'!'"'.™"'='?-,./,™?°?'*' ,'1": best Camellias were hppn frennentlv shown in London- T)i>nisnn! 1 hronyv ' Frost s Perfection, be.autitul pmky blush, shaded with white; Been irequentiy snown in ijonoon, i/uoisoni, a oroczy, charmante, one of Vervane's seedlings, shaded puik, of fine metallic, smooth-leaved sort; Chelsoni, with arching f.jrm ; Comtesse de Flandre, pale lilac, faintly streaked with leaves of a bronzy tint, distinctly margined with red 1 pink, fine form ; Vittoria Bmm.anuel II., blush, striped with towards the base ; and a species from the South Sea ' pink ; Angelo Cocchi, much lighter than Lavinia Maggir Islands, similar to nobilis in habit, but of a darkei colour; several Crotons, such as tricolor, with broad leaves, with gold centre and red foot-stalk; and aucuboefolia, with spotted leaves; Alooasia Jenningsii, Retloospora filifera, plumosa, and filicoides, three gems amongst Japanese Conifers; the double blue Clematis named after Mr. J. G. Veitch, and a handsome new Palm, said to be a species of Ptychosperma. M. Linden likewise had several novelties, also not for competition. Amongst these we noticed Lasiandra macrantha, with very large purple flowers; an Iresine from Ecuador, with ovate lanceolate blood-red leaves, haying a bright red midrib; Maranta virginalis and virgiualis major, two forms of great beauty, having orbicular oblong leaves, with a silvery central bar and silvery zone, but differing in size; and a good plant oftheCochliostema Jaoobianum. MM. Jacob-Makoy et C!ie. sent Panicum plioatum foliis niveo-vittatis, a variety with white central and marginal stripes. The New Plants presented for competition contained some few interesting subjects. M. Ambroise Verschaffelt bad Cordyline Guilfoylei, one of the best new plants shown, an Australian plant, with the leaves diagonally striped with yellow, being here and there red with age ; also Dieffenbachia princeps, with very large leaves, oblong, with cordate base, dark green, having here and there a bright green spot; a very distinct plant; Dieffenbachia mirabilis, in the way of Weirii, but lari Among the groups of smaller and rarer Palms we growing; and Dieffenbachia decora, spotted in the way noted several of considerable interest and beauty. M. Van Houtte and others had Cocos Weddeliana, a tallish but very slender graceful plant, with very narrow pinna;. M. Van Houtte also had a Palm labelled Veitchia Johannis, very closely resembling, if not the same as, that marked Ptychosperma in Mr. Veitch's collection ; also Oncosperma Van Houtteanum, a fine arching pinnate Palm, with red-spined stems, marked ID other collections Areca nobilis. M. A. Verschaffelt 1? ^°'"t'"'''sia robusta, a distinct species with fan- shaped leaflets, and Bactris hispida,with broad bilobed fronds, having spines bristling along the ribs on the upper surface. Of the large specimens of Ferns, the most interesting was perhaps, the Cibotium regale, shown by M. Ambroise Verschaffelt. This plant has a stout stem some 2 feet high, densely clothed at the crown and on the stipes with golden hairs, and hence named bv some visitors of the fashionable world the " chignon Fern ; " from this stem long arching fronds, some 8 feet in length, are thrown out. The plant has a good deal the aspect of C. Schiedei ; and as another specimen labelled C. spectabile, and others of C. Schiedei itself, had very of Weirii, but with silvery blotchings superadded, the latter a very distinct and effective plant. He had also Passiflora trifasciata, a rather good-looking creeper, with trilobed dark green leaves, having down the centre of each lobe a mottled red centre ; Aristolochiainsignis, with small leaves mottled with white; Dioscorea egregia, having the leaves unequally blotched with various shades of green ; Dioscorea nobilis, with dark bronze velvety cordate leaves, having a central band of yellow, the rest of the leaf being slightly marked iu patches with golden dots. The Orchids were but indifferently represented, the chief exhibitors being M. A. Verschaffelt and M. Beau- carne. There was a fair display of Marantas— Veitchii, splendida, and illustris being among the more attractive sorts. Pandanads were numerous, but not of large size. M. Van Houtte had a pretty and apparently dwarfish new species from Madagascar, having red- spined leaves, very glaucous towards the base. Begonias, Caladiums, Aroids, and Lycopods formed the remainder of the plants, staged in a warm house. We noticed some very well-managed Mignonette of the large-leaved variety, vigorous plants, about 2 l^et Madame Ambroise Verschaffelt, a very fine light striped kind ; Reine des BeauttSs, beautiful shaded pink and blush, fine form; L^on Leguay, Leopold I., a superb rich dark crimson ; La Reine, Jenny Lind, Countess of Orkney, Jubilee, Imperatrice Eugenie, Mathotijina alba, and many others. Nowhere else could such plants be brought together ! A greenhouse was devoted entirely to Melocacti, Hy.acinths, and Tulips ; of the former there were four excellent collections. Of Hyacinths, there was a very fine display. These were all grown in sraaU pots, and although not equal in size of spike and growth to those exhibited by .\Ir. Cutbush, Mr. Paul, and others in London and Liverpool, they were a rem.arkable collection, and there were a large number of fine spikes. Some of the Haarlem cultivators exhibited collections of from 100 to 1.50 varieties, and all were very creditable. These collections were very prettily arranged in banks on each side of the greenhouse and looked well. A collection of 125 Hyacinths grown in glasses elicited unbounded admiration. They had really been grown in the glasses, and each was a perfect speci- men. The jury evidently thought so, byawarding the Ist prize to those iu glasses. Amongst these we noticed as especially fine — Double Reds : Lord Wellington, Milton, Jenny Lind, Noble par M^rite, and Regina Victoria. Single Reds : La Dame du Lac, Agnes, Prince.-'s Clotilde, D.abat3Ch Sabalskanksy, Von Schiller, Susanna Maria, Cavaignac, Mrs. Beecher Stowe, Josephine, Ampbion, and Macaulay. Double Whites : La Tour d'Auvergne, Jenny Lind, Prince of Waterloo, Lord Anson, and Virgo. Single Whites ; Puccllc d'Orleans, Koenig Von Nederlanden, Hercules, La Candeur, Reine d'HolIande, Mont Blanc, Cleopatra, Alba maxima, Madame Vanderhoof, Alba superbissima, Nin.a, Grandeur iMerveiUe. Double Blues ; General Antenk, G.arrick, BU'ksberg, Van Speyk, and Laurens Koster. Single Blues : Leopold IL, Argus, Uncle Tom, Charles Dickens, Couronne de Celle, Prince Albert, Nimrod, William I., Grand Lilas, ai;d Sir C. Napier. We have named all these as some may be glad to know what sorts do well in water, but the whole collection was good. So this proves that it is not necessary to have only certain sorts. One exhibitor sent 16 pans of Hyiicinths, each containing a dozen bulbs, and they had a very effecive appearance. A very large number of new and little known Hyacinths was exhibited. Amongst these were Prima Domja not a new one, but most superbly coloured and grown ; Josephine, rather thin but most brilliant in colour, rich orange and scarlet ; Qjliah, blush striped with pale pink, and very showy ; Grand Duchess Olga, a very pretty pale rosy pink, good spike— all Reds. In Whites : Paganini, Teneriffe, Baroness Swander Die, all fine ; Nectar, a very fair creamy white with lai^e finely-formed bell and close spike ; La Fi-anchise and Miss Aiken, fine. In Blues : Zriny is fine, d.irk velvety blue purple, fine close spike : Emperor Alexander, a peculiar shade of blue, fine bell and spike ; Julius Ciesar, shaded blue purple, fine close spike Alexander, a very fine dark purple fine ; Prince Bragation, very Peter, La Marline, Leonida Philippe, Double ; Tollens c Prince , Marie' Antoinette, ^ and distinct; Cz.ar Pieneman, De Cand.illc, Louis , Prince of Wales, Arnold's Prince, D.irw'in, Tomb of Napoleon, King of the Blues, and Hereditary Pi-ince of Sweden were all very fine. Thcr ' ^ in yeUowa. Siberia is a very fin Seymour is also very iich new ! creamy yellow, and I/lrd and Lord Auatralu is good. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Apbil 4, 1868. Chateaubriand is a very distiuct yellow, and Alpbunse Kan* is a pale lemon colour and good. Hyacinths were shown in collections of 100 and 150. The display of Tulips was also good, and several new and little known kinds were shown. Among the most striking of these were Leonardo da Vinci, Lac Cavaignac, Lac Van Haarlem, Rose d' Amour, Due d' Angou- Wme, Due de Bordeaux, Jeanne d'Arc, Murillo, and La Citro- dol!c. In Singles, Rosa ilundi, Le Poitrin blanc, Grande Blanche, Alba regalis. Due do Wiem.ar, Grand Due or Crown Imperial, Archiduc d'Autriche, Prince d'Autriche, Paul Morcelise, Duchesse de Parma panach^o, Cramoisie pourpre. Prince do Joinville, Mavrocordato, and Joost Van Vondel, are all very fine. The display of Amaryllis was one of the main features of the exhibition, comprising over 400 plants, giving a most extended v.ariety of colours. Very few were named, so that we are unable to give a list of the finest sorts. M. Van Houtte had the best, and many of his seedlings are extremely fine. In fact, he has by careful hybridisation made a wonderful im- provement in this noble flower. The town of Ghent offered a gold medal for 50 Conifers, which was awarded to M. Narcisse Gaugard ; these plants ranged in height from 1 to 10 feet, the most remarkable amongst them being Abiesnobilis, 10 feet high ; A. Nordm.anni- ana, 7 feet ; A, Pindrow, 8 feet. There were, moreover, nearly all the varieties of Retinospora, and a good specimen of Sciadopitys verticillata. The 2d prize was obtained by M. Auguste Van Geert, whose plants were much inferior to the former ; among these were good specimens of .\bies Nordmanniana, nobilis, lasioearpa, and Pinsapo, varying from 6 to 8 feet high : and handsome specimens of Cryptomeria elegans, 3 feet ; Dammara Brownii, and a large bush of Cephalotaxus Fortunei. In the amateur's class the 2d prize was awarded to M. Van Beveren- Giet, of Ghent, his finest specimens being Abies grandis, 6 feet high ; A. Pinsapo and orientalis, each 8 feet high ; and many well known varieties of Thuja, Cupressus, and Retino- spora. The 1st prize was not awarded. M. Beveren-Giet exhibited another collection, in which were seven species of Abies, the finest of them being A. Pinsapo, about 8 feet high, and very handsome. M. Beauearne also exhibited a group c jntainiug six of the tender Araucarias, namely, three varieties of excelsa, Cookii, Cunninghamii, Bidwillii, Thujopsis dolabrata, and several kinds of Cupressus. Among nursery- men, in the class for 2.5 Conifers, the 1st prize was awarded to M. A. D.iUiSre, of Ghent, whose group contained A. Pinsapo .and Nordmanniana, 6 to 8 feet high, and very fine specimens ; and a pretty plant of Juniperus e.xcelsa stricta, a very fastigiate growing variety, and about I4 feet high ; also a handsome specimen of Al)ies orientalis. The 2d prize was given to M. F. Vervaeue, of Ghent, in whose group were good examples of five of the tender Araucarias, and a pretty specimen of A. bracteata. In the class of 12 new Conifers, M. A. Versehaffelt was placed first. The most remarkable plants in this group were Thujopsis laitevirens, I4 to 6 feet high : Araucaria Rulei, and Retinospora nana aureo- variegata. Two fine specimens of Wellingtonia gigautea were exhibited, that which obtained the 1st prize by M. F. Do Coiiinck, and that which obtained the 2d by M. de GhcUinck de Walle ; they were about 15 feet high, and well formed. The 1st prize for single specimen Conifers was awarded to M. Narcisse Gaugard, for a handsome Pinsapo, for the best pair was awarded to Baron de'Hoogvoorst ; "they were evidently old specimens,' and very large, but well formed, on stems about i feet high, the heads being about 10 feet high, and 10 feet in diameter at the base, and forming a nice conical mass. The 2d prize was given to M. Jean Versehaffelt for handsome well grown specimens, inferior in size, but more robust in health than the former. Two remarkable specimens of Clethra arborea were sent from the Botanic Gardens of Ghent : they were about 18 feet high, with 6 feet of stem and 12 feet of head, conical in form, grown in tubs not more than 2i feet in diameter. They formed a striking csamplc of what may be done in growing large plants in sm,all tubs. Two verylargespecimensofstandard small-leaved Myrtles were sent from the same place, with heads 5 feet in diameter and of conical shape, in perfect health, and in very small tubs. 30 varieties of Hollies, mostly variegated sorts, were sent by M. Louis de Smet, of Ghent, and M. Welvaert, of Evergem. The group from the former contained the largest specimens ; in both collections the plants were trained in a conical form, .and were destined to make handsome shrubs. Laurustinus and Box trees were produced in abundance, both in the shape of standard and conical specimens. Two very Large plants of Phormium tenax were exhibited, quite 10 feet in diameter and 7 feet high. Hardy variegated plants were also produced in considerable numbers, but contained nothing particularly rare. Rhododendrons in flower formed a large group, but we saw nothing very remarkable as to the quality of the flowers. Several groups of hardy Primulas were shown ; among these we noted one called platypetala flore-pleno, a good deep purplish lilac : candidissima flore-pleno, a vigorous- growing, large-flowered double white ; am.aranthina flore- pleno, a double deep purple ; bicolor flore-pleno, a purple with yellow centre ; and the old double sulphur and double lilac. Hardy garden plants were sent in for competition. Chairs, statues, vases, and other garden requisites, made up the remainder of the out-of-door part of the Exhibition, and were arranged in groups or lined the sides of the walks in the gardens belonging to the C;rsino. Prizes were offered for illustrated periodicals, and a lar^^e aeries of the plates of the " Flore des Serres " and of ■' L'lllustration Horticole " were put up in competition ; the first of the prizes was awarded to the latter, a decision which was much questioned amongst the visitors to the Exhibition. BOILEES. With some reluctance I again encroach on your space for the discussion of this subject. The attempt which your correspondent " Censor" (p. 266) has made to show that I have misled your readers by recommendins Meiklejohu's cruciform boiler as a cheap and eUicient one, induces me, injustice to myself and others, to notice the condemnatory verdict which "Censor" has returned against this boiler. He asserts that the brick cheeks necessary in setting the boiler have half as much surface for the " flame " to be wasted on as the metal itself. Now it so happens, in the case of the boilers at work here, that these cheeks are barely 6 inches deep, while the space formed by the " triangle," which is assumed by " Censor" to be very contracted, gires ample space for a large fire. He likewise assumes that the flues necessary to conduct the heat over the salient parts of the boilers are formed of brick, as in the case of the common saddle boiler; but herein consists one of the superior points of the cruciform boiler, for the flues are formed by tlie webs upon which on all sides the heat acts, and there is not an inch of the boiler which comes in contact with brick- work, except the narrow edges of the webs. Your corre- spondent further assumes that a brick partition is necessary at the extreme end of the furnace to divide and waste the heat, but, the draught being equal, the heat naturally proceeds right and left along the lateral ovens, escaping from them into the top one, where it has, in addition to the surface of the top division, the whole surface of the flow pipes to act upon. These facts, therefore, give " Censor's " objections a decided negative. It is only " when we can have flame 3 or 4 yards long, that the lateral and upper divisions can be fully utilised." Then the same must be said of a saddle boiler of the same length. In the cruciform there are, however^ not only three surfaces as large as the one which forms the furnace, but it can be further asserted that not one of these three are pre- vented from being directly acted upon by brick partitions, as in the case of the common saddle, which was the only boiler stated to be decidedly inferior to the cruciform But if flame, such as " Censor " describes, be the most powerful and steady sort of fire, instead of falling back upon coke, with its minimum of flame and steady glow, when we want a powerful heat we should resort to something that will send up tongues of flame mingled more vvith snioke than heat. Yet it is a fact that coke, when in a quiet glow— minus yards of flame, is the sort of fire we aim at when we want to send up and keep up the thermometers. Such a fire, shut in with the damper, is worth a vast expenditure of flame. But, throwing this out of the question, let me ask " Censor " why he assumes that the heat or flames, or both, generated in the furnace formed by the lower oven of the cruciform, do not return by the lateral ones formed by the webs of the boiler itself, as well as by the flues formed on the outer surface of a saddle boiler by brick or any other material ? After conjuring up these imaginary defects in a boiler of which he has not had the slightest experience, he tries to make it appear that the cruciform is any- thing but suited for heating water " economically or expeditiously." Being anxious not to take up space in discussing piecemeal all that " Censor " has advanced, I will reply to one point, by asking if a boiler costing 9!., requiring only a simple arch for setting it, as shallow a stokehole as a common saddle, and heating a series of Pine pits with 2100 feet of 4-inch pipes, and burning nothing but Scotch coal, is not worthy of being classed among the best and cheapest boilers of the day ? While thus vindicating what I have formerly advanced in favour of this boiler, I do not condemn either the improved saddle or upright tubular boilers. There is every reason to believe that the improved saddle is a first-rate boiler, and after a long expe- rience of stoking, and superintending the stoking of some half-dozen sorts of boilers, I was convinced by the very first glance I got of the cruciform that it must be a powerful and economical boiler, and my experience of it has more than endorsed that verdict. I have not a word to say against " Censor's " favourite form— the upright tubulars, as efficient and steady heating boilers. In these respects they are great favourites of mine, but there are points besides these which in many cases must be taken into consideration. They require a deep stokehole and an expensive setting, and in numerous instances drainage stands in the way. They are expensive to purchase at first, and expensive to fire, as they will not burn or heat well with inferior fuel. We have two of them at work here, and with the coal of this county they are next to useless, and do not heat satisfactorily, except with the best engine coke and a mixture of our best coal. And to meet the case of a severe night they require the glow of an entire coke fire. Now I main- tain that these, in the case of many, are serious objec- tions to the tubulars, which are otherwise excellent boilers. I know, indeed, that many amateurs are deterred from building a Vinery because they have got hold of the idea that boilers and firing would prove a serious drain upon their pockets. But I have to state, from " practical experience," that a boiler of a lasting character can be purchased for oOs. which will force a Vinery GO feet long, and bum cinders or the commonest coal, or chalk mixed with coal, and do its work most efficiently. Now I am not aware that so much can be said of any form of saddle or tubular boiler ; if it can, no one will be more pleased to hear of it than myself, and this passage of arms between " Censor " and me will not have been without good fruits. D. Thomson, Archerjield Gardens. THE PEST OF FLIES IN GRAPERIES. YouB correspondent " A. B." (p. 213) asks for infor- mation on the best mi^ans of expelling these horrible pests from Vineries. Well, the best mode is preven- tion. Much better than any number of receipts for driving them forth, or killing them on the spot, is tine advice never to let them in. The havoc they make is something fearful. At certain periods of particular seasons they come in swarms, like a plague of locusts, on the wings of the air. To-day scarcely one may be seen ; to-morrow, when you enter your house of lusciously ripe Grapes, a deafening bass note of mono- tonous harsh sound grates horribly on your ear. You look up and find it proceeds from the winged fanners of thousands of bluebottles, who are thrusting their detestable proboscis into your best fruit, and singing forth their gladness over the feast. Whether it is the inviting din of their noisy exultation, or the peculiarly rich, almost fulsome aroma that the fruit gives forth at their destructive touch, certain it is that every fly within a wide radius comes rushing in like mad on to the Grapes— like flying swarms of hungry locusts; and, left to themselves, the Grapes melt like snow beneath the crunching of their ravenou* maws. Worse still, there seems to be the poison of corruption in their bite : for any Grapes that are left, uneaten show the death spot referred to by your correspondent, and hasten to decay. It is therefore obvious that this evil will never cure itself. It grows with what it is fed upon. And hence our remedies must be prompt and thorough. It is a misfortune to allow a single Grape to bo eaten by flies. The destruction of one berry involves the risk of losing a whole house of Grapes. Therefore kill, even if you hunt an hour for it, the first wasp or fly— for they generally come and work together. The wasps often break the skins for the flies to walk in and con- sume the luscious contents of the berries. Then keep out the second intruders. To protect the Grapes in individual bunches is impracticable. Where the pests are powerful it cannot be done. Wasps and even flies will cut through muslin almost as rapidly as it can he cut with scissors. They press the sides of the bags against the bunches, and thus tighten the material. They then proceed to cut it through, and puncture the skin. No sooner do they taste the prize than they become endowed with the strength of a maddening appetite that no textile fabric is strong enough to resist. Buttheycan be barred out of the house by a barrier stretched along the top and bottom ventilators, that would not protect a bunch from their ravenous jaws for a single moment. For this reason they must be kept as far off as possible. Closely woven netting, canvas, or muslin must be fixed over every opening. Care should be taken to have every broken square of glass replaced. The doors must be opened with caution, and all crevices filled up. lu fact the Grapery should be looked upon as a citadel with a wary, skilful, all-encompassing array of in- vaders outside, constantly endeavouring to carry the stronghold, either by direct assault, by an unexpected sortie or flank movement, or by undermining. The flies are adepts at discovering and making the best of every weak point. Their myriad eyes far outmatch ours, therefore our defence demands all our vigilance and skill. It will be rendered all the easier if we remove everything from the inside that would entice our assailants. A single decayed berry allowed to waft its peculiar aroma on the air will increase tenfold our diffi- culties of keeping the citadel. It will afi'ect the flies as the taste of blood excites the ravenous appetite of insatiable beasts of prey. For this reason all such berries must instantly be removed. -Is a permanent means of defence, there is nothing equal in efficiency to fine wire screens of sufficiently small mesh totally to exclude flies, and made to fit close into all the ventilating spaces. They need not be put up until the fruit is ripe, as they hinder the freedom of ventilation. To compensate for this drawback, such screens might be fitted into the door spaces, the glass doors being left open. The air admitted at the ends would thus more than compensate for the amount retarded by the substance of the wire duriu" sunshine. These protectors entirely exclude flies, as they cannot nibblethrough the wire. In theendtheyarethecheapest and easiest remedy, and I recommend them with the utmost confidence, having used them successfully for many years. However, as we have several houses with fruit- bearing Vines not specially devoted to Vine culture, it is found impossible to wire them all. The following compromise has therefore been adopted, with more or less success:— It must be premised, that being sur- rounded with woods, wo are particularly exposed to this fly pest. They pour in upon us in shoals. If not very numerous, we kill them, or drive them forth with a heavy smoking of brown paper and wet moss, with just a sprinkling of tobacco in it to give the smoke a flavour. Very little of the latter suffices, as we do not depend upon the strength but on the density of the smoke to suffocate or to drive forth the flies. Neither is absolute killing with the smoke our primary object, but stupefaction. An hour or so after smoking, every space round the wall-plates and everywhere else where the flies are likely to have fallen, is examined, and the stupefied flies are swept up and destroyed. The fumi- gation should take place on a mild evening, and if the Grapes are quite ripe very little Tobacco must be used. Air must also be .admitted pretty freely during the night, and more copiously before the sun shines on the house next day. A sufficient supply of Grapes for several days' consumption must likewise be cut before smoking the flies, as with every precaution the Grapes will taste smoky for a day or two after. If the flies threaten to return, a little paper may be burned in the house in the daytime to drive them forth, and sometimes they will get tired of the contest and retire. The fumigation affects the flies in another way— it tends to destroy the luscious aroma that has drawn them to the house, and diverts them from their purpose, as a dead carcase drawn across the scent will give the hounds a false clue. But if the smoke will neither kill nor drive them away at a few applications, it is dangerous to repeat it too often, for it is almost as well to allow the flies to eat the Grapes, as to convert them into bags of sugar enwrapped in soot covers for our own eating. As to catching them in bottles with beer or other savoury liquids, the flies are too sharp for that. They know the degrees of comparative excellence better than we can teach them. Andhowcinweblame them for preferring sweet and luscious Grapes to all other sweet and good things put together ? No, no ; they refuse to be trapped with any bait in the presence of such regal food. And they must be kept away from it by sheer force, if at all. Bars of iron or cords of thread are the only reme- dies where the flies are numerous and the Grapes good. Neither must we be over angry at having to contend with the tly pests. Their anxiety to enter our Graperies is a high compliment to the success of our culture. They never, unless unduly excited with an excess of wine in the cluster, trouble sour or worthless Grapes, Their judgment is good, and may be safely trusted ; but their appetite is so ravenously greedy, that to gratify their taste we must wholly deny the gratification of our own. A few Grapes might Be spared Apeii 4, THE GAl^DENEP^S' CnRONICLE AND AGRICULTUEAL GAZETTE. 351 for the flies, but the whole never. And, as they cannot be taught the great virtue of moderate indulgence, they must be wholly excluded. Total abstinence from the feast is the only safe policy with the flies, and they must be rigidly excluded. Cleveras they are they are not yet amenable to the rules of reason, and therefore they must always submit to the law of force ; and should be wholly expelled, destroyed, or kept out by some such expedients as those I have described. X>. T. Fish, -F.R.S.S. present, and will perhaps for some time to come, hold the honourable position which it now occupies in the estimation of artists. John Ji. Jacksoti, Keto. BOXWOOD. It is certain that if all the wood of the ISox trees growing in this country were cut down at one sweep, the quantity would be wholly inadequate to satisfy the insatiable appetite of our wood engravers for any length of time. The size, too, of the trees would not furnish blocks of sullicient diameter for any but small pictures. On this account English-grown Boxwood is ofteuer used by the turner and mathematical instrument maker, than by the engraver. Buxus sempervirens has a geographical range through China, Japan, Northern India, Spain, and Italy ; but it grows m the greatest abundance and to a larger size than elsewhere, on the shores of the Black Sea. Though Box is still a popular evergreen shrub with us, it was formerly much more so than it is now. The principal, and perhaps only place where it is indigenous at the present time is at Boxhill, in Surrey. As a rule, in this country it seldom attains more than 12 or 15 feet in height, but some varieties in other countries reach 20 or 30 feet. ■ Many of the trees on Boxhill were cut down in 1815, and are said to ha-ve realised over 10,000/., not for the purposesoftlieengraver, but chiefly for turnery. That no other wood has yet been found equal to Box for wood engraving is con- clusive from the immense demand and high price which exists for it. That in greatest repute comes from Odessa and Smyrna, but a valuable kind is im- ported from Soukoum Kale, in Russia. We are told by the Consul at that port that almost the whole of the quantity exported finds its way into the English market. In one year two British ships took away from that place 373 tons directly to Liverpool, and 1500 tons were shipped in Turkish boats to Con- stantinople, from which they were re-exported to England. The Boxwood of Abkhasia is reckoned superior to any other growing on the Euxine, and is remarkable for thickness, colour, and for its being free from knots. It grows in the mountain valleys chiefly about Gagri Pitzunda and Diebelda. The trees are cut down into blocks, each weighing from 8 to 100 lb. "When the wood is shipped in a green state there is five per cent, average loss in the weight on the voyage to England. In the mountain districts trees may be obtained at the rate of from 10 to 50 copecks per Turkisii oantar (lid. to 17(f. per cwt.), exclusive of transport expenses. The annual importations of Boxwood into this country from all quarters amounts to between two and three thousand tons, being worth a sum of from 21,000/. to 26,000/. For the engraver's purposes the logs are cut into transverse pieces about an incli in thick- ness, and the surface is most carefully smoothed and prepared for drawing upon. When a larger block is required than the natural size of the wood would admit, square blocks are carefully cut of an uniform size, and morticed together with strips of mahogany or other hard wood ; but in the case of an extra large plate, numerous pieces are placed side by side to the size required, and are then bolted together behind ■with brass screws and nuts, the heads of which are deeply sunk into the wood. This is the way in which all blocks for large double-page engravings are prepared. Before the art of wood engraving became anything like what it now is, the slices of Boxwood were out longitudinally instead of transversely. It was some- where about the middle of the last century that the improved system was adopted. By cutting across the grain, a harder and more even surface is obtained, on which an artist can produce finer and more delicate lines and softer shading than could otherwise be done; indeed some of the modern woodcuts are per- fect gems of art. The chief characters of Boxwood are closeness, and exceedingly hard, fine, even grain, to the standard of vrhich no other wood comes up, though many have been tried, such for instance as the Pittosporum undulatum of New South Wales, which was shown in the Inter- national Exhibition of 1862. This tree grows to a height of from 50 to 80 feet, and has a diameter of from 18 to 30 inches, though sound transverse sections of more than from 10 to 16 inches are rare. The wood is very even-grained, and when carefully seasoned is not liable to split. Some blocks of it were submitted to Professor De la Motte, of King's College, in 1862, who gave his opinion that it was well adapted to some kinds of wood engraving ; he says, however, in his report, that "it is not equal to 'I'urkey 13ox, but that it is superior to that generally used for posters." The specimens that were prepared for exhibition in 1862 are now in the Museum at Kew, and upon showing them to a practical man— one of the first engravers' block makers in London— he was of opmion that the wood could never come into use, inasmuch as it has a certain degree of roughness when cut, though apparently a very close and solid wood. I next submitted to him the wood of Hunteria zeylanica ((jard.), a small Ceylon tree, upon which he gave a most favourable opinion. This wood has been spoken of by residents in Ceylon as commg nearer to Box than any known wood, both in density and colour; but as it is improbable that this wood will ever be brought from Ceylon to super- sede Boxwood from the Black Sea, Box must at i^omc (lorrcsponlrencc. The Scientific Committee.— Having not only an en- thusiastic love of my garden, but also a reverent admiration of the scientific study of plants I have read with special pleasure the proposition maae by the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society to establish a Scientific Committee, "to promote and encourage the application of ))hysiology and botany to purposes of practical culture, and to originate experiments, which may assist in the elucidation of horticultural subjects." Mixing much with my horticultural brothers, of diverse degrees and districts — finding, indeed, in such society a main happiness of my life, I have no hesita- tion in afiirming that there does not exist between botanist and florist that just association and cordiality which we should desire and expect to find. Some such a foolish misunderstanding and coolness as we may have witnessed between the clever sister and the pretty sister in a family, is observable at times between the philosophic and the practical lover of plants. Minerva is grave and stately, her face is " sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought," on her nose are spectacles, and on her feet bos bleu. She is in speech grandiloquent, and rarely smiles. Flora bounds into her library with a pirouette and a song, and invites her to the croquet, which her soul abhors. Minerva betakes herself to the museum, the lecture, the con- versazione; Flora frequents the concert, the picture gallery, the show of flowers. Although they are true sisters, and love each other at heart, there be bickerings and hard words not seldom. Minerva, when her slow circulation had been quickened by Flora's unseemly accusations, that she was an owl, a bookworm, and a wet blanket, has expressed her conviction that her pretty sister was a butterfly, doll, and dunce ; but they have met at night, in penitence and dressing gown, and " kissed again with tears." As in most quarrels, both disputants are to blame : Minerva should rejoice inFlora's beauty, and Flora in her sister's wisdom. They should leave — the one her laboratory, the other her conservatory, and walk together among those wondrous works of the Creator, which, in their outer or more hidden beauty, both profess to love. Let science and art, theory and practice, schoolmen and spadesmen, thought and work, essay to understand each other and love each other more. All that is required is communion and patience, to hear as well as to speak. And could not Minerva speak occasionally in somewhat more simple phrase? Flora complains, that even on sub- jects interesting alike to both, she cannot, though she really tries her very best, understand what her sister means. " I asked her," she says, "the other day to tell me what sort of plant was the new Dalechampia; and, ' Oh you stupid child !' she answered, ' don't you know that it's a stove shrub, with sessile or shortly stalked obovate oblong subspathulate-acuminate leaves, with a pedunculate inflorescence, issuing from the axil of every leaf, consisting of a pair of broadly cordate rose-coloured involucral leaves?'* Whereupon," adds Flora, " I burst out laughing, and declared that botany was bosh." But Flora knows, and we all know, that botany is not only a noble science, exercising the highest faculties of man in tracing the wisdora-of his Maker, but that it has conferred benefits, invaluable and innumerable, upon the gardener's art. It is that which, so Lord Bacon said, a science ought to be — "a rich store-bouse for the glory of God, and the relief of man's estate;" and it is because this has been in some measure forgotten, or concealed from a general apprehension by those "sesquipedalia verba" which vexed poor Flora's brain, that we rejoice to hear of this new Scientific Committee, to be formed for the application of physiology and botany to purposes of practical culture, and for experi- ments auxiliary to our gardens generally. Long may Minerva, Flora, and Pomona meet happily at South Kensington ; and should any apple of discord imperil the unanimity of these goddesses, may it be ejected at once— by the Fruit Committee ! S. H. H. Scarlet Eoses.— Your correspondent (see p. 268) has evidently been informed that scarlet cannot be pro- duced upon a white ground. That scarlet is produced upon a wiiite ground we know to be the case already, as your correspondent may see for himself if he will remove the thin cuticle from one of the petals of a scarlet bedding Pelargonium, when the underlying cellular tissue will be found to be of a white colour. We already have Roses that approach very nearly to a scarlet, others are of a decided purple tint, and, in course of time, I expect to see the long-wished-for blue. Now, in the composition of a purple colour we must of necessity have the two primary colours— red and blue. If we could get rid of the red in any one of our purples a blue would be the result ; but the blue seems to be got rid of more easily. In the foliage of some of our yellow-leaved bedding Pelargoniums the blue colouring matter has retired to a great extent, leaving behind the yellow, which, though it does contain green cells, is, comparatively speaking, pure. F. W. B. Hand Mowing Machines (see p. 268>.— The Rev. R. Price, of this parish, has a 10-inch Green's hand mowing machine. It is very light, and does its work i admirably. I have seen a person run with it. If Grass is long, it should be first mown, and then afterwards it c;in be kept smooth enough for billiards by Green's 1 machine, showing that machines do not act well when the Grass is wet. I took " D.," of Deal, to see Lord Portman's fine place at Bryanston, near here, where we saw Green's horse machine. Mr. Leach, the head gardener, gave it an excellent character. W. F. Jiadchiffe, Olceford Fitzpaine. Having tried all the various makers of hand mowing machines, I have no hesitation in saying that Ransoraes' automaton is by far the best. Wo have had it in constant use here for these last two seasons, doing its work in the most perfect manner. It is of light draught, makes very little noise, and as yet there is no perceptible wear in any of its bearings, the machine appearing as perfect and satisfactory in every way as it was when first supplied. I look upon short competitive trials as of no value whatever, for here Green's chain machine has not given mo satisfaction, and will only go over our work three or four times before the chain requires renewing. J. Shcppard. Or. to J. Bemers. Esq., Wooh'erstone Park. It is not my purpose hero to laud any especial maker, but to caution all purchasers against buying very largo mowers. It is rare indeed that one more than 30 inches is wanted, and very often a smaller size will do as much work. A 28-inch one driven sharply by a pony or small horse will do a deal of work, or say 30-inch at largest ; while for the hand machine it would be as well to purchase for a man one that the maker recommends for a boy — it will be found large enough, and those announced for ladies require a greater amount of personal exertion than many strong lads can continue to put forth. The silent movement qualification and the self-emptying appa- ratus are more ideal benefits than real ones, but 1 am not sure whether some better connective movements than toothed wheels might not be employed. A good chain is very well, but a poor one, stretching itself beyond the power of catching the teeth, is a source of annoyance. M. C. Moss Boses on the Manetti Stock.— Can any Rose amateur tell me how Moss Roses succeed budded on the Manetti ? They grow strongly, even coarsely from the bud, but are they lasting and, with judicious pruning, free flowering if worked thus ? Oeorge Paul, Thf Old Nurseries, Cheshuni. Pine-apples.— I believe with Mr. Thomson that much has yet to be accomplished in rendering the culture of Pine-apples more cheap, simple, and speedy. I have been for more than two years trying to find out this cheap, simple, and speedy way, and I am at present trying to the utmost to ascertain what amount of Pines can be obtained in a small space, and with the least trouble and cost. The pit which the Pines occupy under my care is 26 feet 6 inches long, 0 feet 6 inches wide. From this pit, from October, 1865, to October, 186", I cut 120 lb. 1 oz. weight of Pines, and from October, 1867, to this date I have cut 35 lb. 4oz., with 22 fruits in different stages swelling ofl', and many more will be up in a few weeks. I hope, therefore, this year to reach 701b. weight of Pines. I may state that all the Pine plants that I have are in this one pit. James Walker, Or., Oahwood, Swinton Park, Manchester. Lady Downes Grape. — Your correspondent " Vitis" (see p. 267) asks for others' opinions of Lady Downes' Seedling Grape, and I am sorry to say that my experi- ence of it is very similar to that of " Vitis." I had a few in pots ripened early which were passable, but the later ones were just as " Vitis" describes them. I have found other iaults besides those which " Vitis " enumerates, namely, setting badly in a cool house, and being very subject to scalding just before the berries begin to colour. To the latter evil I see Mr. W. Thomson says this Grape is very subject. Will Lady Downes' Grapes set well in a cool Vinery is a question to which I should like an answer from practical men. John Bryan, Audley End Gardens, Saffron Walden. Wood Produce.- Is there any legal authority for dividing wood produce into the two ordinary divisions of timber, including trees averaging 0 inches, and above quarter girth, and trees, i. e., tellers or saplings, under that size, and underwood, including everything grow- ing fro'm a stool or stub under 6 inches (quarter girth), which is periodically, at stated periods, cut ? A Con- stant Subscriber. [We have submitted this question to a gentleman of the highest authority in these matters, who has favoured u:> with the following reply ; — " The question asked by ' A Constant Subscriber ' is one not easy to answer. My impression is that custom in various districts of England has become law. In the timber districts of the south no question is now ever raised as to the rights of parties in wood produce. Some years since an estate in Herts was left to trustees to pay the produce of timber to one body and the produce of underwood to another. A quarrel speedily arose as to the rights of the two parties, and it was decided that everything above 6 inches (quarter girth) was timber, and everything which required cutting for proper management under 6 inches belonged to the parties entitled to the underwood. I have always acted on this decision.] Variegated Kale. — An old florist is as cunning as the fox in Landseer's " Not Caught Yet." Once, in the hot days of his adventurous youth, he lost a toe in the trap, and he then registered a vow, and has " kept it strong," never again to put his foot in it. He is no longer of an empirical mind, but omne ignotum pro not-if-I-know-it is now his altered rule. But there is peril as well as safety for the incredulous. Sometimes, like the jockey, who, after a series of false starts, cannot believe that the flag has fallen, he is left behind in the race. " The sort of man, who always travels with his own horses" (as Canning said of Addington), and who never believes in other people's clocks, must find himself occasionally late for dinner, and must " eat cold Kale." That is a process which I have now to undergo, to eat humble pie, composed of K^'ft variegated. Your correspondent, Jlr. W. Dean, '"'d us long ago how beautiful it was in the garden of Miss Hope, near Edinburgh ; nay, one of my oivn dearest friends, and the best amateur florist I know (may he read this with a pitying eye in his fair Northampton- shire home!) assured me of it^ charms: and yet I would not be thoroughly convinced until J. saw it 352 THE GAEDENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGRTCULTUEAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 1, 1868. from the heights of beautiful Belvoir, ocuUs snbjecta fidelibns, vvitli my very eyes. It is the plant, par excel- lence, for wiuter use. With its bright diversity of colours, white, pink, rose, rerl, magenta, purple, and intermi.^ed with Auoubas, Hollies, and other ever- greens, it does indeed "cheer the ungenial day," with a marvellous charm and freshness. It should be sown soon in au open space. Doctors differ as to soil. " Best grown in a ponr soil," says Mr. Thompson, of Dalkeith ; ■best grown in a rich soil," says Mr. Robertson, of Edinburgh. I should say that the difficulty lay rather in restraining the growth ; and when this is excessive, it is well (so Mr. Ingram at ISelvoir taught me) to retard by lifting, A selection may be made for planting in autumn, and the remnant (so it is written) 'may be boiled for the pigs!" The noble dust of Ale.tander stopping a bung-hole. "What a thought for a theme ! My friends, we are Kales all of us, varie- gated less or moi-e. Some go to my lord's garden, and some to the swine or the dogs ! S. R. Jl. Narcissus poeticus destroyed by Books.— I have planted this and other Narcissi rather extensively, yet seldom have I seen any signs of those which have been placed in the ground after tho first year. Lately I perceived numerous holes where my last planting had been made, which were doubtless the work of rooks ; and though no sign whatever remained to show that they had been digging up the freshly planted bulbs, I had no doubt that such was the case. In this, then, I surmise, lies the cause of my repeated losses ; though I should like to have the fact confirmed, or otherwise, by observant practitioners elsewhere before I give up ail hope of success, or believe rooks to be so fond of these roots as to dig for them thus repeatedly. William Earli/, Digswell, Welwijn, Societies. LiNXEAN : March S.—G, Bentham, Esq., President, in the chair. Worthington G. Smith, Esci,, was elected .■> Fellow. The following paper was read :— 1. On some i-tmarH-able Mimetic Analorjies anwrtg African BtUterHia, by R. Trimen, Esq., com- municated by Dr. Trimen. It w.as announced that the first part of Vol. XXVI. of the Society's Transactions was ready for distribution. March 19.— G. Benthanj, President, in the chair. Mr. J. G. Baker, E.L.S,, exhibited, from the herbarium of the Royal Gardens, Kew, an extensive series of specimens of the British species of Primula described in Mr, Darwin's pjiper, and made some observations upon the characters by which they are distinguished. Mr. W. Andrews, M.n,I.A , exhibited drawings, the size of life of the htai ..t Ziphuis Sowerbien^sis a specimen of which raie Ci.tn.eiii nas bti iiided in Brandon Bay, County Kciry about three vtirs ^ma The head wis photographed on the spot an i th rti iwm ■; well- cnlalged from the photograph" r'l f 'I " . j ij i , 1 —1 On the specific digeicn I 111 (loi offlcinalis, I,iun ) „ i , i !,;,„) and P. elatio) Ji j [„iO,[ Oxiip: 7cith nqijl ^ arhired hybrids in the genui I r .nw . „ bye Duwin r^q Tlicauthoi adopted the view that the Cowslip Primrose and Bardheld Oxlip. whose claims to be admitted as species have been discussed at greater length than those of almost any other plants, are really distinct ; and that the common Oxlip tound in most parts of England is a hybrid between P. veris and P. vulgaris. These views were supported by some rather lengthy observations, amongst which it was noted th.at the plants omit a different odour ; and that while the Cowslip was habitually visited by humble-bees of various kinds, the Prim- rose was never visited by the larger and very rarely by the smaller kinds of humble-bee, so that the nectar in the two plants must difler much, as nothing in tho structure of tho flowers could determine the visits of different insects. The Primrose, when legitimately fertilised, produced on an aver.ige many more seeds than the OowsUp, in about the proportion of 100 to 65 : moreover, the Cowslip and Primrose will not cross either way except with considerable difficulty. A long series of observations and experiments w.is recorded to show that me common Oxlip is a hybrid between the Cowslip and the Primrose, This case was reg.arded as extremely interesting, for scarcely any instance is known of a hybrid spontaneously arising in such large numbers over so wide an extent of countiy as the common Oxlip, which Is found almost every- where throughout England, where the Cowslip and Primrose both grow. Of the Primula elatior, the author observed, that it inhabited districts where neither the Primrose nor Cowslip lite, and though in general appearance it differs so much that no one accustomed to see both in a living state would afterwards confound them, yet there is scarcely more thiln a single character, namely, the linear-oblong capsule, equalling the calyx in length, by which they can be distinctly dehned. Of this species, plants propagated by seed in a garden during 25 years have kept constant, excepting that in some ""•-s the flowers varied a little in tint and size. Although wo , vulgaris, may feel confident, observed the author, thtitP .„ .„.„....„ and elatior, as well as the other species of the genus, are .all descended from some primordial form, yet, from the facts cited, we may conclude that they are now as fixed in character as very many other forms which are universally ranked as species : consequently they have as good a right to receive distinct specifio names as have, for Instance, the ass, the quagga, and the zebra. Reverting to the statement that .scarcely another iostance could be given of a hybrid spontaue- ously arising in such large numbers over so wide an extent of country as the common Oxlip, the author went on to observe that perhaps the number of well-ascertained cases of naturally- produced hybrid Willows was equally great. Numerous spon- taneous hybrids between several species of Cistus have been tound near Narbonne, and carefully described by M. Timbal- i,agiave : and some hybrids between an Aoeras and Orchis have been ob.^c, ,od by Dr. Weddell. The Verbaseum hybrids ai c snpp, j.wil 1. 1 have often origiuiitcd in a state of nature, but Ibe ciiscs re.puio verification. The author had, however, taken ui a wild pLuit for experimental purposes, which, when it Howerod. proved to be plainly different from those species of tho genus which grew in the neighbourhood, and its subse- quent behaviour proved it to be without doubt a hybrid. In the field whence this plant h.ad been removed, 33 intermediate plants (between Thapsus and Lychnites) were subsequently discovered, and these proved to be absolutely barren - — Notts 0)1 the discoreri/ of Planaria terrestris in Enalamt by Sir John Lubbock, Bart, BOTANICAI. OF Edinbdrgh : i?f6. 13.— The President in the Chair. The following communications were read:— I. Notice of Botanical Eieursions in the Highlands of Scotland during the Antnmn of 1867. By Prof. Balfour. II, On Plants and Animals used for Food in Old Calabar. Extracted from the MS, Journals of the late Mr. W. G. Milne, by Mr. J. Sadler III. Remarks on species of Elymus, Tritmvm, and Phlemn from Vancouver Island. By Prof. Balfour. Under the name of Bunch-grass, several kinds of Grasses have been sent from Vancouver Island and Columbui. Two distinct plants have been sent by Mr. Robert Brown to the Botanic Garden imder that name. One is a species of Triticum, perhiips a varietv of T. repcns. The other is an Elymus, which appears to be' tho Elymus condensatus of Presl. In this I am confirmed by Col. Monro, who has devoted much attention to Grasses. The following are the characters given by Presl :—" Elymus con- densatus, Piesl in Rel. Haenk, i., 265. Culmo tereti vaginisque glabris ; foliis planis, scabris ; paniculaj strictai condensataB, ramia vertieilLatis, brevibus, simplicibus brevissi- misque, spicuiis sexfloris ; glumis setaceis ; pale.a inferiore obsolete quinquenervia, acuta, mutica.— California." I exa- mined the plants in the Botanic Garden in August, 1867, and I drew up the following description :— Plant 6 feet 2 inches in height : culm three-quarters of an inch in circumference near the base ; sheaths of leaves 6—8 inches long ; blade of leaf 18— 2i) inches long ; broadest part of leaf three-quarters of tin inch ; leaves, linear-lanceolate, drawn into a long narrow point, which becomes brown as the plant increases in age ; ligule about a quarter of an inch broad, brown, divided at the margin, and .if terwards splitting into two or more divisions ; inflorescence a compound, interrupted spike : spikelets in two clusters placed laterally, each cluster containing two spikelets ; ghimes, two, placed on one side, linear, drawn out to a long point, unequal margins with sharp serraturcs, particularly on the upper half ; florets 4—6, outer palea herbaceous ovate lanceolate, five-ribbed, three prominent ribs and two smaller, midrib excurrent into an .awn ; the margins of the palea and the ribs having sharp serratures, inner palea linear lanceolate, with inflexed m.argins, which are gi-een coloured, apex bifid, covered with gtandular hairs, which are abundant at the apex ; scales two, oblong ; stamens four, anthers r.ather longer than the slender filaments, pollen rounded : styles two, with numerous feathery branches, which are serrated. Another plant sent turns out to be a Phleum, resembling P. pratensis, although growing to a larger size. Tho following are the characters:- Length of plant, 5— 8 feet ; length of spike, 4—6 inches : length of .sheath, 7—9 inches ; blade of leaf, in some cases, 1 4 inches long, and half .an inch broad ; glumes two, truncated, serrated on the marain, each awned and very hairy ; midrib with long hairs, awns with sharp serratures. Florets single, with an ovate outer palea, the midrib with sharp serratures, and ending in a projecting awn : upper part of palea marked by three projecting points, inner palea with a short projecting point, which is not marked by sharp serr.a- tures ; anthers short and broad, bifid at each end, IV, Report on the Open-air Vegetation in the Roval Botanic Gardens. By Mr. M'Nab. Name of Plant. Bate on which first .flower expanded. Galanthus nivalis 23 January. Crocus susLanus 28 „ Rhododendron atrovirens 1 Febru.ary. Eranthis hyemalis 1 ,, Leucojum vernum ,. 3 Rhododendron Noblcanum . . ,4 Crocus vermis 4 ,\ Galanthus plicatua 6 „ Scilla sibirica . . 8 Hepatica triloba 10 '' Some miscellaneous communications were also read. Wr. Wsr. Paul's EsHiBtTiON of Sprixh Flowerist, Plants. —This has been held during the past week in tho Eastern Arcade of the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at South Kensington, and, owing to the gaiety of the plants employed in the display, and the tasteful manner in which they have been arranged, the tout ensemble has been altogether of an effective and striking description. ConspicumHs among the subjecta exhibited were Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Lilacs, Double-flowering Peaches, Deutzias, Heaths, Clematises, a finely variegated Hydrangea, Correas,CinerarIa<^, and a variety of other plants, all in the most charming condition as regards profusion of flower imaginable. Hyacinths, Tulips, and Narcissi were also ^ixhibited in large quantities,- as W3ie likewise Camellias, of which Mr. Paul has a fine collection, both of old and new varieties. A few of the most remarkable were Lavinia Maggi, with large beautifully striped flowers, like a flaked Carnation ; Belle Jeannette, rosy crimson, with a faint white stripe in the centre of eicb petal ; Innocence, milky white, with more substance in the petal than the Double White ; Princess Frederick William, very free, Carna- tion striped ; Cup of Beauty, very fine, white ; Contesaa do Hainault, lovely blush, finest of its colour ; Bicolor de la Reiue ; Souvenir d'Emile Defresnes, crimson, with a white band up each petal ; Monteroni, finely cupped pure white petals of fine form ; Princess Bacchiochi, scarlet crimson, more intense in colour than most of the red varieties : Prima Donna, blush, very delicate in colour ; Rosea spectabilla, bright rose, vary beautiful ; and Etoile Polaire, a lovely miniature crimson, striped with white. To these were added Aucubas, both green-leaved and variegateri, male and female in flower, and many of the latter iu berry as well, besides several other variegated Japanese plants. Pot Roses occupied a stage by themselves, and received, as they always deservedly do, a large amovmt of admiration. We noticed, moreover, a small group of the beautiful New Double Scarlet Thorn, which is valuable for forcing in a small state, and when large cannot fail to prove a highly ornamental tree for out-door decoration, together with fine-leaved Pelargoniums, cut Roses, and multi- tudes of other things, the whole forming an exhibition which seemed to give universal satisfaction. Notices of Boofts. Da.! Beerenohst. eine Siisiematische Be.!ckreihung der Werthvohten Stachelheer-iorlen, ifc. Von tteiiirich Maurer. 8vo„ pp. 1S3, with 12 LithoKraphio Plates, Ravensburg, 1867. (A Systematic Description of the best kind ol' Gooseberries, &o.) Williams & Norgate. Under the general term berry-fruit, the author includes Gooseberries, Currants, Raspberries, Blackberries, and Dewberries ; but Strawberries, for some unexplained reason, are omitted, although they have as much right as Raspberries to be classed in the same category. Technically considered, of these only Gooseberries and Currants have true berry-fruits. It would be, no doubt, utterly impossible, and no one in his senses would attempt to name the numerous varieties of Gooseberries now in cultivation from descriptions or even figures; but as a guide to the grower, good descriptions and faithful portraits are invaluable, for he will be enabled by their assistance to determine whether he receives the kinds he orders, and to replace a lost or mislaid label. The little book before us contains descriptions of a limited and judicious selection, though rather too much extended for any except special growers ; 150 Gooseberries, 36 Currants, 30 Raspberries, and 13 Blackberries, &c., are described, with uucoloured figures of 72 varieties. The majority are English raised varieties, and all, or nearly all, of the others are known here. The arrange- ment of the work is much the same as that of Pansner and the Horticultural Society's Catalogue ; but Pansner's German names for the English varieties have not been adopted. The author, however, unfortunately for himself, has undertaken to translate the English names, many of which he has incorrectly spelt, into German. In this he has naturally failed, because many of them are absolutely untranslatable. " Twig'em "' must have puzzled him, but he has it " thin^branched." Rockwood is translated literally. Some of the blunders are less pardonable. For example. The Jolly Miner, Farmer, &c,, are given as SchcenerBergmann, Psechter, &o., instead of lustiger, thereby making it an equivalent of the French ,/o?/. Prince of Orange is called Gold- prinz, instead of Prinz von Oranien. The author says that some of the names sound very strange in the German language, a remark with which we quite agree. Taschenhtich fiir Pomologen Gaertner nnd Oarten- fi-eunde. Siebenteu jahrgang. (Pocket Book for Gardeners, &o.) Edited by Dr. Ed. Lucas, Director and Proprietor of Ihe Pomological Institute, Eeutlingen. Williams & Norgate. This little book deserves notice if only to call attention to the admirable establishment from which it emanates, but its usefulness also recommends it to our considera- tion. It contains a series of short practical articles, written by Dr. Lucas and his present and former pupils— some of which may perhaps be transferred to these pages, appended to which is a priced list of the trees and shrubs for sale. In thjs annual report which precedes the other matters, we are told that no fewer than 411 pupils have entered the Institute since its foundation, and 41 of these during the past year. Judging from the programme, the Institute should provide the country with many good gardeners every year. Besides the practical work taught, pupils are instructed in geometry, geognosy, botany, drawing, arithmetic, &c. Youths of all nations are eligible, and the premiums are very low, but so also is the payment, and necessarily so in a self-supporting establishment, for labour done by the young gardeners. Florists' Flowers. Geneb.illy the new Hyacinths of the present year, or at least what has as yet been seen of them, are beloiv the average of last year's flowers. Comparing those exhibited at South Kensington on the 14th inst. with some of the sorts already in cultivation, it must be acknowledged that with but two or three exceptions one would scarcely care to look upon them again in the form in which they then appeared. It must, however, be borne in mind that at least two years' cultivation should be given to new Hyacinths before they are altogether condemned — perhaps before they are too much praised; therefore the present season's bloom must not be taken as evidencing the true character or capacities of the flowers. And additional force is lent to this requirement, as applicable to the present season, when it is remembered that the Hyacinth crops suffered severely from the effects of the late frosts of last spring following hard on the heels of an unusual fall of rain. One of the most promising flowers of the new kinds is King of Yellows (W. Paul), a single variety, of a deeper colour thau Bird of Paradise (perhaps in point of colour the best single yellow Hyacinth in cultiva- tion), resembling it in build, having well-shaped bells, small in size, as those of most of the single kinds in this class invariably are ; the spike close and good, the habit all that could be desired. Another really fine flower is Prince Albert (W. Cutbush & Son), a superb double blue variety, resembling Laurens Koster in the shape of the bell and build of the spike, but quite of the colour of the single blue General Havelock. The colour is of a deep glossy dark purple, quite distinct in its class, and altogether an acquisition. Autocrat (W. Paul) is a promising addition to the dark mauve class, and when seen appeared capable of being produced much finer. Resembling to some extent Feruic Khan, it is yet of a livelier hue, having more of reddish violet in the prevailing colour. The segments have a per- ceptible stripe of black along them, the bells are small, but well formed, and set closely on the spike. Byron and Grand Monarque, both from Mr. W. Paul, are much in the way of Princess Mary of Cambridge. Byron is rather the darkest of the two, but the hue is scarcely perceptible enough ; the bells, however, are not quite so massive in appearance, or the segments so broad, Gramd Monarque has the exterior of the segments stained with pale violet instead of azure blue. The old Grand Lilas has this season been shown much finer than either of the two just named, and they are scarcely likely to displace it. Clio (W. Paul) is a very pleasing single blue variety, in the way of Lord'Palmer- ston, but with more colour on the tube though with less on the segments, and having a whiter centre ; the bells are stouter and of better shape, but the spike (evidently at its best) was small and ill-shapen. Prince Alfred (W. Cutbush & Son) is a single red variety, of a deep rose colour, something in the way of Von Schiller, but deeper and yet livelier in the hue ; a pleasing shade of colour, and a jiromising flower. Van Siebold (W. Cutbush & Sou) is a pale form of that fine single variety, King of the Blues; being whiter in the centre, it has a livelier appearance. Eclipse (W. Paul) is a lively single red variety, but as shown not first-rate. Jescho (W. Cutbush & Son) has a reddish mauve tint, the segments margined with white ; small as shown, but said to have been seen at the Amsterdam show in fine condition. It has a brighter appearance than either Sir Henry Havelock or Arnold's Princen, both of which it resembles. Luna (W. Cutbush & Son) is a single yellow, in the way of Ida, but slightly darker, the bells stouter and more roimded. Bijou Celeste (W. Cutbush & Son) is a small form of the huge-belled single white variety, April 4, iscs.] THE GARDENERS' CTTRONTCLE AND AGRTOmTtmAL GAZETTE. 353 Snowball ; the bells are smooth, well-shaped, and of a pure white colour. Vulcan (W. Cutbush & Son), a single blue flower, must not be confounded with the old deep ■violet variety under this name; this is of a glossy black shade, like Prince Albert, but not better as shown. Couroune des Bleus (W. Paul) is a pale form of Grand Lilas, the shape of the bells and build of the spike being exactly the same ; the spike though under- sized was symmetrical, but the coarse tall foliage almost hid it from view. L'Esporance (W. Paul) greatly resembles King of the Blues, but is of a paler colour, and has more white in the centre of the bells. Le Grande Resemblance (\V. Paul) is an improvedGrande Vedette, single blue, the hells finer, and the spike larger and better set. In these respects it may perhaps bo regarded as a gain, were not these pale lilac flowers accumulating so fast. La Grandesse (W. Paul) is a single white variety in the way of Mont Blanc, but with larger and better bells. Belicata (W. Paul), a double blue flower, is a pale form of Madame Marmont, an old variety, but with finer and better formed bells. Mirandoline {\Y. Paul) is a single red kind, like Von Schiller, but darker, and having the same shape of bell. Sadowa (VF. Cutbush & Son), a single red variety, in the way of Bivoet's Florence Nightingale, is of a deep hue of colour, the spike not so full as in the last named. At the Liverpool Show of Hyacinths on the 17th inst.. new or comparatively new varieties were almost as plentiful as in Loudon, but there being no class specially devoted to them, they were distributed about the collections competing for prizes. The finest and most striking flower was Marge, a single variety, with very pale greyish azure-blue flowers, the bells very large, stout, and well-formed, and forming a handsome and commanding spike. Prince of Wales is a very pretty and novel lively rose flower, classed with the single reds, the flowers having a con- spicuous white centre. Charles Dickens, single mauve, is very like Prince of Wales in the same class ; it is of a pale reddish mauve hue, close spike, and small bells. "\\ . E. Gladstone may be well described as a pale form of the single blue Charles Dickens. Michael Angelo is an improvement on that fine but uncertain single white Hyacinth Madame A^an der Hoop, and produces a fuller, finer, and more reliable spike. Lord Derby is a darker form of Lord Palmerston, but not so good as Mr. W. Paul's Clio. Marcel is the other self of Grand Lilas, but slightly sufi'used with pale Violet, giv- ing it a darker appearance. Van Hoboken, double \yhite, though not new, is rarely seen, because so unreliable; the individual bells, though good, are loosely hung on an irregular spike. Amazon is much in the way of Marie, single blue, but with a paler centre, and not so eflective. L'Or d'Australie is a slightly deeper forna of Ida, single yellow, apparently not capable of producing so fine and symmetrical a spike. Agnes Sorrel and Orange Boven are evidently two rose-coloured varieties produced from Due de Malakoff, single red; the former has the deepest colour, but both are very pretty and novel, and form good spikes. La Joyeuse, a single red variety, by no means new, deserves to be -more largely grown for its bright pale pink hue, which has quite a glittering appearance when well grown ; it was one of the most striking flowers at the Liverpool Exhibition. The somewhat questionable practice of awarding Certificates of Merit to new Hyacinths really acts injuriously towards the English bulb dealers and exhibitors. It tends directly to enhance the value of the variety in the estimation of the raisers in Holland, and the advanced price almost precludes the possibility of again obtaining the certificated varieties for a con- siderable period. It is stated that in the case of Vuurbaak, a fine single red variety, awarded a First- class Certificate at South Kensington in March, 186", that the stock of this flower, amounting to some 20 bulbs of all sizes, was sold by public auction in Holland for 40/. immediately on its being known that the Certiflcate had been awarded to it. It will be years before this flower can be distributed, even in a very limited degree, and then only at a high figure, and high-priced Hyacinths are by no means in exten- sive demand in the United Kingdom, especially while such good old varieties can be had at a small cost. The importation and exhibition of new Hyacinths must at best he but an expensive pastime, of which it is reason- able to suppose an exhibitor will soon tire. The standard of new Hyacinths should be placed high, very high, as wo are thereby educating the Dutch raisers as to our ideas of excellence. So seldom, and for so short a time together, are Hyacinths seen, that when new flowers are exhibited for Certificates, as many flowers of a like character as possible should be shown with them for comparison, and these the finest types of the several varieties in so far as they can be obtained. Certificated Hyacinths actually represent so much money placed in the pockets of the Dutch raisers ; and so much abstracted from the pockets of the English dealers, because of the enhanced value thereby imparted to the flowers ; therefore our stan- dard of excellence should be high, not only for the sake of the liighest application of our own laws of perfec- tion, but also, and this is not less important, that we should not be thereby the means of attaching to an inferior flower a higher value than its true merits legitimately claim, i. D. Dislodging Bees.— Can you suggest any means by which I can get rid of three swarms of bees which have established themselves in the roof of my house, from which I have been unable to dislodge them for several years ?_ They are an intolerable nuisance, as they fly down in large numbers to attack those who are in the garden below, so as to make it impossible to have any enjoyment in it. My house is so formed that I cannot £et into the roof. The bees are in the scantling which projects over the windows, into which they enter by small apertures. The roof being very far from the ground, and the bees so vicious, I have been afraid to send a mau up a ladder in order to attempt anything, fearing that their attacTss would cause his falling from the ladder. If you could suggest any means, either by chloroform or otlierwise, of destroying the bees, I should be grateful. There must be a vast quantity of honey in the roof, but that I do not care for if I can but get rid of the hoes. Are there not such things as dresses so constructed that bees cannot get at the persons who wear them ? I, however, live far from Loudon or any town, and should not know how to procure them. J. B. [We cannot suggest any other method of dislodging the unwelcome intruders, than that of partially remov- ing the roof, in order to obtain free access to the combs. If in a confined space, cyanide of potassium would destroy them ; but unless the combs could be removed, and the apertures completely closed, you would be free from them only for a short ti me, as a fresh swarm would very soon take possession of the deserted habitation. Bee-dresses can be purchased from Alessrs. Neigh- bour, of Regent Street, or they can be very simply made of coarse black curtain net, or of green leno. The best form is that of a simple bag or sack sufficiently large to cover the head and a broad-brimmed hat, and which sliould be tucked in under the coat or waistcoat. A pair of thick woollen or leather gloves sufficiently long-sleeved to cover the wristbands, which may be secured by strong india-rubber bands, and strings tied round the bottom of the trousers, will be all tlie protection needed. So clad, you may venture to do anything among clouds of the most irascible bees. If you are really determined to dislodge them have two or three of these dresses made, and go boldly and thoroughly to work ; do not mind the first burst of anger and its accompanying onslaught, you cannot be hurt ; expose all the works, and remove them if possible ; drench the rest with spirits of turpentine, and com- pletely close up the breach, so that no fresh colony may be able to obtain an entrance there.] TJNiTiNa Stocks.— Many thanks for your kind reply to my question in your last. I have adopted the plan which seemed simplest, and, I think, with perfect success. The queenless bees were very quiet ; the stock, having a queen, to which they were to be united, were r.ather angry ; but I did the whole operation so quietly and expeditiously, that all annoyance was soon over. But little fighting occurred, and that for a very short time. I picked up all the slain I could find, and there were but 50 dead bees ; probably double that number was the extent of the sacrifice. The next day the bees were working very merrily, and carrying in great quantities of pollen. I believe the stock is much strengthened by the union of the queenless bees and combs, the bees of the queenless stock being quite as numerous as those to which they were united. Before shifting the combs from one stock into the other, I sliced open some sealed honey in each comb, thus regaling the bees, and pandering to their appetites, hoping to render them less pugnaciously inclined to tlieir new companions. J. S., Fulham Koad, London. Miscellaneous. Coast Forests of East Ai'strali'a.—Maay of the trees of the coast-forests of East Australia range from the extreme north to the remotest south, among them the Palm-panax. Others, like Araucaria Cunningham!, extend only to the northern part of New South Wales, while some, including Araucaria Bidwillii, or the Bunya-Bunya tree, so remarkable for its large edible nutlike seeds, and the Australian Kauri, Dammara robusta, are confined to very circumscribed or solitary areas. The absence of superior spice plants (as far as hitherto ascertained) amidst a vegetation of prevailing Indian type is not a little remarkable, for Cinnamomum Laubatii ranks only as a noble timber tree, and the native nutmegs are inert. The scantiness of Acantha- ceous plants is also a noticeable fact. Podostemoneae have not yet been found. Many plants of great interest to the phytographer are seemingly never quitting the north-eastern peninsula, among these the Banksian Banana (Musa Banksii), the Pitcher-plant (Nepentlies Konnedyana), tha vermilion-flowered Eugenia Wilsoni, the curious Helmholtzia aoerifolia. The Alarshal-tree, Archidendron Vaillantii (the only plant of the vast order of Leguminosaj with numerous styles), the splendid Diplanthera quad- ril'olia, Ficus magnifolia, with leaves 2 feet Jong, the tall Cardwelliasubliiuis.the splendid Cryptocarya Mackin- noniana, are especially remarkable. Rhaphidophora Pothos, Piper, together with a host of Lianes, espe- cially gay through the prevalence of Ipomceas, tend with so many other plants to impart to the jungle part of Austraha all the luxuriance of tropical vege- tation. Of the two great Nettle-trees, the Laportea gigas occurs in the more southern regions, wliile Laportea photinifolia is more widely difl'used. Helicia is represented by a number of fine trees far south, some bearing ediblo Nuts. Doryanthes excelsa, the tall Spear Lily, is confined to the forests of New South Wales. The flowers of Oheronia palmicola are more minute than those of any other orchideous plant, although more than 20003pecies are known from various parts of the globe. The display of trees eligible for avenues from these jungles is large. The tall Fern- Palm (Zamia Denisonii), one of the most stately members of the varied Australian vegetation, is widely, but nowhere copiously, diffused along the east coast. It yields a kind of sago, like allied plants. The Beans of Castanospermum australe, which are rich in starch, and those of Eutada Purssetha, from a pod often 4 feet long, are with very many other vegetable substances, on which M. Thozet has shed much light, converted by the aborigines into food. T/ie Malwgany-F.uaalijpt.—Tiia timber of the Ma- hogany-eucalypt (Eucalyptus marginata) exhibits the wonderful quality of being absolutely impervious to the inroads of the limnoria, the teredo, and chelura, those minute marine creatures so destructive to wharves, jetties, and any work of naval architecture exposed to the water of the sea. It equally resists the attacks of termites. In the.se properties the Redgum tree largely shares. The Mahogany-eucalypt has, in the Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, been brought for tlie first time largely under cultivation, and as clearly the natural supply of this important timber will sooner or later prove inadequate to the demanded require- ments, it must be regarded as a wise measure of the Governments of France and Italy, now to establish this tree on the Mediterranean shores, a measure for whicli still greater facilities are here locally afforded. The Tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephila) is another of the famed artisan's woods of soulh-ivestern Australia. The Karri-eucalypt (Eucalyptus cjlossca or diversi- color) attains in favourable spots a height of 400 feet. Eucalyptus megacarpa constitutes the Blucgum-tree, which rivals with that of Tasmania and Victoria in size, but is otherwise very distinct. Its timber, as well as that of the Tuart, on account of their hardness, are employed for tramways and other works of durability. Dr. Mueller's Essay. eSaiUcn ©perationg. {For t/ie ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. Wheee abundance of room, with a corresponding supply of plants exists, it will be better for a time not to commence shading any which are in flower, but, with a limited supply shading will be absolutely needful. Even in the latter case, however, it should be borne in mind that unlimited shading is exceedingly hurtful to all plants, whether in or out of flower. Allow the sun to shine freely upon all during a certain time early in the morning, they will thus beableto perform, in part at least, the necessary offices which each returning day entails, without in any great degree being injured by the sun's rays. Lately potted plants, especially such as are intended for specimens, will now ne'ed individually almost daily attention. Alford each ample room to grow in, turning it round at least two or three times a week. Occasions, too, will occur when it will be necessary to pinch hack some of the strongest shoots, for the purpose of inducing a more abundant supply, after the necessary pruning and tying has been performed. In thus pinching back these young shoots, at least three to five leaves should be left, each bearing at the base prominent eyes likely to furnish the necessary " breaks." Shut up early m the after- noon all houses or pits which are devoted to the growth of early potted plants such as those already described. Give them a slight sprinkling— damping the internal surfaces freely so as to induce a gentle humidity to arise sufficient to constitute a nice grow- ing atmosphere. Pot and start without further delay the last batch of AcUmenes and Gloxinias. To defer this operation much longer will be to run the risk of losing some of the tubers through keeping them so dry and in forced inactivity during so long a period. Close prune Correas which have done flowering, and if required early in flower in the ensuing summer keep them indoors during the summer months. Continue successively to prune back Seaths and Epacrises as they get out of flower ; in the aggregate they need in like manner close pruning. Keep LucuUas and Daplines which have ceased flowering in a cool house, aflbrding them a less plentiful supply of water. To place either of these into heat will be to retard rather than to advance them either in the matter of growth or as respects their "breaking" freely. Procure the necessary supply of r«ieros«, place them upon a tan-bod or similar warm situation for a short time. Start a few Hedychiums in a little heat for early summer flowering. This will prolong their season of usefulness. Cut back severely old Coronillas when past their best in the matter of flowering ; they will need a shift when the fresh growths begin to push. Sow Primula sinensis in various strains for early autumn blooming. Fresh pot Gesneras and push them on in a good brisk heat. Put in cuttings of Chrysanthemums which it IS intended should be propagated. FORCING HOUSES. In early Vmeries red spider will sometimes show signs of existence about the time when the Grapes show symptoms of ripening. And though it may be full late to attack the enemy with success, after he has been permitted to become established, still every possible means must be used for his extermination. Use sulphur freely, throwing it about the house, and white- wash the Hues with lime-water having a very small amount of sulphur iutermixed with it. K-ep up a good warmth by shutting up early in the alternoon, and endeavour by every other means to insure the retention of a good amount of heat m the house. Attend to outside borders ; do not allow the heat therein to decrease. I have not yet had an opportunity of testing " Fowler's insecticide " by direct application to red spider, though I have every faith in its ability to destroy such noxious vermin ; it must, however, be used with caution amongst ripening and ripe Iruit Should the days prove bright and warm during tue next week or two. give l^'er houses frequent sy- ringings, and afford plenty of a.r at the usual and prooer time of day. , Shut . up. early. W 3S4 THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Apbil 4. 1868. unperceived bath of moisture, which cannot fail to induce quick and useful growth. During the next few weeks Cucumbers and Melons Rrown in frames, and which have now made tolerably good progress, will need more than ordinary care as regards air-giving; simply to afford a certain amount each morning, and to take the " tilts " away in the afternoon, will cer- tainly not suffice where due success is to be expected. At the approach of a storm, and they may be frequent at this season, the lights should be shut down firmly, and so remain until they are passed, and bright sunshine supervenes. Thus alone are great and sudden fluctuations of temperature to be avoided — too frequently the cause of indifferent cultivation. Melons will need "moulding" finally before they have occupied much more than half the area of the frames with extent of growth. If this operation be not nerformed about this stage, some risk will be run of injuring the vines in the operation. Use good fibrous maiden loam for the former of these, with rather less leaf-mould, or similar manure, at this the last moulding, than was necessary when the plants were younger. Jlelons when finally moulded thus should have a good stiff poor loam alone. Tread or ram it down as hard as possible, without in any way injuring the roots. Do not allow any of the larger leaves formed upon maiu shoots of either to overgrow and shade the young shoots which emanate from the vines at their base. Thin them out occasion- ally, as required, by cutting them off at the base with a sharp knife. This is best done in the fore part of the day, and when air can be given freely, as the wounds caused thereby have a better chance of drying off and healing over than when shut up in a moist atmosphere. Stop the main shoots by pinching off the points before they quite reach the sides of the box. As regards Pines, little need be added to past suggestions, excepting it be a word of caution against affording too much heat to the younger stuff. "With plenty of air upon bright warm days, CO" of heat will be ample for a time. A good sound robust growth is far more to be desired than a quicker one, causing a less firm formation of fibre. Shut up the general stock early after noon, and sprinkle all slightly with tepid water, excepting such as are in a flowering stage. Be careful in applying water to such as are anticipated shortly " to show." If any is allowed to settle in the heart, it may be at the risk of rotting the embryo flower buds. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Divide, where necessary and possible, stools of Tritonias. They delight in a not over rich soil, and in positions where abundance of water can be given them during the growing season. Let all newly planted Trees, Shruis, &c., be well watered, and if necessary secured by being properly staked ; the former to settle the soil well about them before the hot weather comes. Transplant Cerasiiums, Biebersteinii and tomentosum. Every bit, with sufficient footstalk to dibble firmly into soil, will now root and grow readily. Divide and trans- plant likewise, where necessary, any old stools of Violets. The poorer the soil these are planted in the better, as less foliage and more flowers may be antici- pated. The Czar is a very useful variety, and should be in every garden, Sow Mignonette and Sweet Alys- snm in open borders, there to grow and flower if sweet- scented flowers are desiderata. Take advantage of a nice showery day to transplant Stocks from either seed or autumn formed nursery beds. The frosts of the 24th and 25th will, I fear, have left their mark upon prominent flower-buds of any Auriculas which were exposed. It will be observed that **selfs," are not quite so susceptible as are the others of injury in this wise. Carnations, &.C., intended for blooming in pots should now have had their final shift. Further delay will hardly afford them time to properly furnish the pots with the necessary amount of roots to insure a fine bloom. Those who really want good flowers upon their outdoor Tulips will have an anxious period between now and the time when the flowers expand. Already they are very forward, and it will be observed that the cups formed by the leaves are so intact at the base as to be capable of retaining water, whether from the rain which falls, or produced by condensation in the early part of the night. Sharp frosts, suflicieut in fact to congeal this moisture and so form ice, it will be readily surmised, must cause more or less injury to the young and delicate organism of the flower bud resting therein ; hence proper precaution must be taken to secure them from such by eflioient protection or other similar means. Transplant Mockets, Mule Finks, &c. Pot off Annuals of all sorts as they require it. If these are allowed to grow too thickly they are liable to damp off. Lobelias, Verbenas, Phlox Drummondi, Ac, must have attention in the same way. KITCHEN GARDEN. In this department finish planting out the remainder of autumn-sown Cabbages, Cauliiloioers, and any Peas which may have been sown in boxes as second earlies. Transplant a few of the earlier sown and transplanted Lettuce upon a nice warm border. If dry, water them in, and watch them narrowly for a time to see that insects dc^not injure them. Make also succes- sional sowings at intervals of about three weeks, that no future shortness of supply may ensue. Madishes in like manner should be sown in constant succession, at least once in every fortnight. Make another sowing of Spinach to succeed the first. Get all Chives, Oarlic, and Shallots planted without further delay ; and finally look the stock of Onions over, keeping only such as are moderately firm, and planting out any which have began to grow in thick rows a couple of feet apart. Make the main and final sowing of ifeis. These, if left later than the beginning of April, do not succeed so well. Prick out the necessary quantity of early-sown Celery of a frame for some time, and a little bottom heat will benefit it much. Make a good sowing of Carrots : James's Intermed iate is perhaps the most suitable for all kinds of soil. Weeds will now push up their heads in every conceivable corner, and wiU soon grow rapidly, to our future cost, if they be not destroyed by thorough hoeing, &o., at once. Cabbage beds, &c., will be much benefited by having the surface just turned over with the spade. This will not only destroy weeds, invigorate the plants, and the like, but will make it so much the better for hoeing in the hotter summer months, when the ground is liable to become so hardened by heavy rains and hot sun. W. E. Boou as it is fit to handle. It will require the protection would be ! W. T. HINTS FOR AMATEURS. In April there are so many inducements to devote our time to out-door gardening, that a caution may not now be ill-timed respecting certain in-door duties that ought not to be neglected. We have lately had our rooms gay with Tulips and Crocuses, and perfumed with Hyacinths, Jonquils, and Narcissus ; and it is a common notion that these bulbs are not worth the trouble of saving for next year, as the blooms they will then produce will be fewer, smaller, and of poor quality. There is a certain amount of truth in this, no doubt ; but this result, in ruost if not in all cases, is the fault of the cultivator, not tiie fault of the plant. These plants are grown in pots in three ways, by which a succession of bloom is maintained for the drawing-room or conservatory. The earliest flowers are obtained by growing the plants in heat. The next are from plants grown in a green- house or room, and the third are from plants grown in the open air, by plunging the pots in the border, or, better still, m a bed of coal-ashes. Inas- much as these bulbs mostly come from a climate rather warmer than that of England, it follows that the hothouse treatment and the open-air treatment are not such natural conditions of growth as that afforded by the temperature of a greenhouse ; and it is therefore to be expected that, if the bulbs can be made to flower year after year, this result will behest attained from those plants which are subjected to the most natural of artificial treatments. Indeed it is upon a proper attention to keeping up the natural growth of the plant after the flower fades, that its power of blooming next year depends. It is usual to turn the pots out-of-doors without care or heed where they lie or stand, exposed to cold winds and spring frosts, if not to rain. No wonder that poor flowers come next year, when a coddled and petted favourite is thus hardly treated ! Although the flower has faded, the leaves arestill green and beautif ul,and while the plant is kept in a genial atmosphere they continue to fulfil for the appointed time their duty of nourish- ing the bulb and preparing it for flowering again. This done, they fade, shrivel, and die; and then the bulb may be taken out of the soil, and stored away for planting again in the autumn. Bulbs thus matured — thus taken as much care of after the flower fades as before it appears — will flower well every season, and reward their owner for the trouble spent upon them, not to mention the money saved that has previously been annually expended in new bulbs. This caution about the after-treatraent of flowering bulbs is especially needed this year. An unusually mild winter has been followed by a forward spring, with fewer sharp frosts than usual. It is to be expected that we shall have some more frosty weather before the end of May, and it is these late frosts that do so much harm. Plants of all kinds are growing now faster than gardeners like to see, because experience tells them that unless the greatest care be exercised the young and tender .shoots are sure to be nipped. Many plants, besides bulbs, will therefore require unusual protection this spring. A correspondent last week explains (p. 334) how to form a reservoir in which weeds will not grow. This reminds us that April is a good time for starting a collection of water-plants. It is greatly to be regretted that this most interesting class of plants is so much neglected. Kew Gardens have set a bad example, by doing away with hardy aquatics; there used to be a nice collection grown there, and we hope to see it revived. So many gardens have fountains and a basin of water, that the cultivation of water-plants in pots would be a very easy matter. It is not every one who has a pond, where the^ can be planted out, and those who have are loth to tax themselves with the charge of keeping such a place weeded, for water-weeds grow faster and more obstinately than land-weeds. But plants in pots are more manageable. Where among land plants will you find a more showy yellow-flowered plant than the Marsh Marigold ? Where is there a nobler white flower than the African Arum ? Where can you point out more interesting plants than the Bog Asphodel, the Flowering Rush, the Cotton Grass, the Bog Bean, or the Bulrush? And if foliage is (as it ought to be) as much a source of admiration as flowers,",there will be found amongst hardy aquatic plants every variety of form ; there are Grass leaves and Grass-like leaves widening until they arrive at the sword. shaped leaf of the Flag ; there are needle-shaped leaves in the common Rush ; there are round leaves in the Pennywort, and arrow-shaped leaves in the Arrow-head ; there are some flue Ferns that revel on the water's edge ; and last, not least, there are several noble plants belonging to the Celery and Parsnip tribe of plants, whose finely divided foliage is of the most graceful description. A good collection of these, tastefully grouped and arranged around and in a basin of water, would be worth going many miles to see ; and (excepting one) they are all British plants that may be collected within 20 miles of St. Paul's Cathedral. If they only came from Japan or the Fiji Islands, what " loves," what " treasures" they STATE OF THE ■WEA.THElt AT CHISWICK, NEAR LONDOS, Forthe Week coding April 1.1868. as observedat the Horticultural Gaidcns- l^ B*BOMBIEa, TEMrERATUKE. Wind Marcli Of the Air. OrthcEartli .9 Max. Min. Max, Miu, Mean Ifoot deep. 2 feel Thurs. 2G Friday 27 Sunday29 Moad 31) Tuesd. 31 Wed. 1 4 6 6 \ 29.921 30.219 30.493 3o!3i7 29.897 29.768 30^332 30:290 57 SI 62 5J S7 30 47:5 27 39.0 27 37,5 31 iia 32 415 47 47 38 45 41 X'.E,' N,E, 00 ,00 00 Averase 30.311 30.172 557_ 30,4 43,0 45,3 1 43,3 000 March 26 27— Clear and fine ; t densely ind fine , 28— Overcast ; cloudy and 29 — Overcasf ^ " '■■-" 30— Densely ast ; fine . clear and fine' and tine. r and tino ; 9-Overcast; fine, slightly o 0— Densely overcuBt ; clear a 31— Hazy and overca-st ; fine ; very fine at night. April 1-Overcast; fine, clear and fine. Mean temperature of the week, 7-10 deg. below the average. STATE OF THE WE.\THER AT CHISWICK. During the last 42 years, for the ensuing Week, ending April 11, 1868. lit 55^ lit it No, of Years In which it Itaiucd, Greatest Quantity PrevaUing Winds. 51,3 ,W7 455 21 0 30 In 2' e' 61 2' 3 8 13! > 572 471 11 0,30 57.3 65.1 355 453 21 0 73 i 46 0 0.27 66,2 35 4 1 45,8 20 _ 3I 8 7|- 312! 2 J The highest temperatu: th, ir- -■ 20 deg. the above period occurred on the 7th, 1859-therm. 79 deg, ; and the lowest on the 10th, IbtiO-therm Notices to Correspondents. Dahliab: J B T, The following 12 varieties may possibly answer your pui-posc, viz.. Lord Derby, Lord Palmerston, Andrew Dodds, Ambassador, Artemua Ward, Charlotte Dorling, Jas. Backhouse, Lady GUdya Herbert, Uullion, Fanny Purchase, Purity, and Mrs. Henshaw. Groukd Tobacco Mixture : // Angel. Mr. Barron, who has tried your tobacco mixture at Chiswick, has furnished us with the foUowiug report concerning it :— " The powder has been tried here for destroying green fly and thrips on the young ahoota of Roses, Peach trees, &c., with the very beat results. We operate by first syringing the shoots with water, and then dusting them with the powder, a method which causes the latter to stick to them better than if it were applied to the plants in a dry state. The moisture, moreover, draws cut the bitter, nauseous taste of the tobacco, which either kills or diives away any insects which may happen to be on the plants. The dry powder does not do this so effectually as when it is thus Just a little moistened, although under the effects of it in a dry state insects have also been made to disappear. It does not, however, adhere to shoots and leaves so well, and a little breath of air drives it all off. For the destruction of fly on Peach trees on walls, Roses, or indeed on any plants that cannot be readily.fumigated, this mixtui'e will be very valuable indeed ; it is in fact the best remedy for such pests with which I am acquainted, and I have tried many. For pot plants in houses, which can bo easily fumigated with tobacco smoke, it is not so desirable, as it makes the plants have a dirty appearance ; that, to be sure, can easily be cured by means of the syringe, but one good dose of tobacco smoke, where it can be given, is far preferable. The perforated lid of the canister con- taining the powder ia an ingenious contrivance ; it is, however, too large ; it spreads the dust too much, entailing useless waste of material. The best distributor which I have found is a small penny tin pepper box, such as one can buy in any ironmonger's shop. For many years we have used here dry powdered leaves of common Tobacco (which we grow in the Garden) for keepiug our Peach trees on the walls clear of gi-ecnfly. In this way we have managed to keep thera very clean and at little expense. The powder under notice seems to be something of the same nature ; it is, however, more powerful than ours, and does its duty more effectually and in a shorter space of time. If, there- fore, this powder can be sold at a reasonable price, when properly known it will doubtless be much employed as an insect killer. Hill Park ; M J H. We have no idea to what plant you allude. Insects: W WT, Berlcs. The beetles which have been gnawing your young Vine leaves are the destructive Otiorhynchus sulcatus. Lay a sheet of white paper beneath the plants, and examine them two or three hours after dark. The light will alarm the insects, which will fall to the ground, where they will easily be seen on tho paper, and must be killed. Their progeny eat the roots of succulent plants, &c. — W S, Man- cKestei: Your former letter could not have reached us. Tho black spots on the Azalea leaves now sent seem caused by email scale insects on the under side of the leaves. The spots on tho Fern leaves are probably caused by the puncture of thrips. Neither would bo produced by grubs in the soil. W. Lapageria : A 15 Tears' Sub. This is not easy to propagate by means of cuttings. The only sure way is to layer the points of the shoots. In a case like yours, however, in which you wish to propagate a new variety, we would bring the whole plant down, and layer as much of the branches as possible. By way of accelerating rooting, moreover, layer at a joint ; and, what is equally important, layer in a body of soil sufficient in quantity to keep up a uniform moisture around the parts under ground. Names of PuiNts : Oaley, Gagea lutea (not rare). — Kitty. Scilla bifolia (to be procured through moat nurserymen).— J H. Indeterminable. — .Berieris. Your specimen is certainly Berberis Wallichiana, D.C. The difference between "Hookeri" and "Wallichiana" is that in the former the leaves are " sinuato-dentatis, " and in the latter "spinuloso serratis." B. Hookeri is of garden origin, and figured in the " Illustration Horticole," where they are unable to give any information concerning the plant, and mention the above as the principal difference. Pineapples ; D T. These must be propagated upon a good bottom heat. After the fruit is cut, the usual way ia to allow the offsets to push up ; they are then taken off, when from 3 to 4 inches or more iu length, potted, and placed in a good bottom heat. They may also be propagated by cutting the old stem into slices, and placing the latter in a good bottom heat, in order to induce ,the buds to start, which are then taken off and struck. A Vinery shelf is a bad place for the purpose. Wheeler's Milky White Potato: Old Subscriber, Exeter. This is altogether distinct from any other variety. It is a seedling from the " Fluke," and was raised in the neigh- bourhood of Gloucester, We know nothing of the variety called "Karly Queen," which has been sent to you for Milky White. Communications Received. — S. R. H.— J. B.— Gishurat. — H. B., Mentone.-J. A,— H. L.-D. and W.— A. Y, ApbiL 4, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. New & Superior Faxm Seeas. SKEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN. T71RANCIS & AUTHUK UICKSON & SONS. The ull the CLOVERS, 3 application. RYE-GRASSES. nnU TURNIPS, MANGEL, and other ROOT-CROP SEEDS of moat select Stocks. - To the Improvemeut of the diffo tbtiir Seeds of these t MANGELS, Sc, F. & A. D. specieil attention and c ~ Superior and hlt^b-clasa c l"roe at the principal Itailway Stations in the Kingdom. NEW^aiul" GENUINiTSKEUS.— Selected" storks of MANUEL WUUZEL. TURNIP, &c., also superior mixtures of IndigouDUS U R ASSES and CLOVE KS for laying-down Per Pastures on any soils. Every v.iriety of Seeds reqm and Ganlen. CATALOGUES post free on appl' — ' N.B. Vide large Advorti Chronu-le Mnrch 14, page l6l. i for the Farm t for testiuiomals, &i ', Midland Seed Warehouse, Leicester. The Improved Stubble Swede Turnip. MR. JUHN KIVKKS, the raiser of the STUBBLE SWEDE, now offers the above, which by selection has become hardier iban the original root. It is sweeter and earlier than any other Swede Turnip, and maybe sown with advantage from April ■ ■ - . .. ---<- 1 6s. per bag. Wholesale price Bonks IIill, Saw bridge worthy A Kew Forage Grass. MESSRS. THUS. KIVKKS and SON beg to offer to Agriculturists the CALIFORNIAN OAT GRASS, or SWEET BROME GKASS, a native ot the North-Westeru Coast of North America. It differs from the Kaugaroo Grabs of Australia (Bromus Schnederi) in btfiug sweet and succulent, making good Hay. It attains a height of about 2 feet; its oat-iike seeds weigh about 201b. per bushel, and are eaten gi-eedily by all kinds of Stock. In rich deep soils It may be cut for forage three *' "" "' and produces two crops of seed. " September. The pr 1 March i during the in July, the second in 3 here has been, for the Bi-st ciop, at the rate of '20 quarters per acre. It has been under cultivation four years, perennial, perfectly hardy, and very early, givii 0 given as above 1 xpcrience ot the quite worthy of a trial. Sold in peuk bags of 5 lb , for BOwing. at lUj. per bag. Prepayment is requested J: correspODdentij. Sawbrldgen-oith. Herts. SUTTONS' CHAMPION SWEDE, price U. id. per lb., cheaper by the bushel. Carriage free to any railway station. Lowest prico per bushel on application. From Mr. J. W. IKi-se, Secretary to the Sidbury, Sidmoulh, SaU cuwiftc Regis, and Branscombe Agricultural Assoctalion. October 28, 1807.—" At the annual meeting of the above Associa- tion, held at Sidbury, on the 22d inst., your Champion Swede again took the Ist prize for Swedes, against 13 competitors with other sorts." Frovi Mr. W. Bodden, Coombe Keynes. March 18, 1807.—" I gained the 1st prize at the Wlnfrith Farmers' Club with your Champion Swede tnia season. Others also gained prizes with seeds had of you." IVom Henby Cantrell, Esq., Baylis Farm, near Sioiiff/i. May 2, 1807.—" I obtained the £5 6s. Silver Cup. given by G. J. Palmer, Esq.. Domey Court, last October, with your Champion Swedes, and they were grown after a crop of Italian Rye-grass." Mr. Cantrell has also obtained H.R.H. the late Prince Consort's 20 Guinea Cup this CARTER'S PRIZE MEDAL FARM SEEDS, HAKVESTJiD ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. FOR EXCELLENCE OF QUALITY. PARIS, 1867. JAMES OAKTER & Ct). Have been Awarded the ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS SEEDS at the late PARIS EXHIBITION; and the REAUTIFOL LAWNS and TURF BORDERS in the Exhibition Grounds weue the pkoduce of Messrs. Cartel's Guass Seeds. See English Awards at the Paris Exhibition, page 347 of this day's " Gardeners' Chronicle." CARTER'S IMPERIAL HARDY PURPLE-TOP SWEDE (tee illustration in p. 271 Gardeners' Chronicle), the hardiest and best variety, is. id. per lb. ; cheaper by the cwt. CARTER'S PRIZE SWEDE and TURNIP SEEDS, from Is. to Is. 6d. per lb. Ig^ See " CARTER'S ILLUSTR.iTED FARMER'S CALENDAR," Gratis and Post Free. Carter's Grass Seeds for All Soils, from 21s. per acre. No. 1. For Clay .Soils, 30s. to 31s. per acre. r Alluvi.al Soils, 30s. to IMPROV ANGEL. The finest Globe variety in cultivation, 2s. 6d. per lb. Special Esti.mates for large quantities. CARTER'S PRIZE MANGEL WURZEL, from Is. to 2s. 6(/. per lb. See " Carter's Illustrated Farmer's Calendar," Gratia and Post Free. CARTER'S RENOVATING MIXTURES for IMPROV- ING DECAYED PASTURES, 9d. per lb , 80s. percwt. CARTER'S GRASSES and CLOVERS for Alternate Husbandry — For UN'E YEAR'S LAY, 12s. 0,1. to 13«. 6T3lTlON OF THE AoHicuLTURAL LABOURER. It was resolved almost unanimously : — " That it is the opinion of this meeting that in many parts of the couutry the condition of the agricultural labourer, as regards wages, house accommodation, and opportunities for acquiring information and manual skill, is such as demands serious and immediate attention." By a majority of 29 to 24 it was resolved :— "That as one means of raising the agricultural 356 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND ACtRICULTITRAL GAZETTE. [ApbiL 4, 1863. labourer from his present depressed condition, it is desirable to encourage and assist the formation of agri- cultural labourers' unions." And it was also resolved ; — " That these societies shall be carefully guarded against all possibility of violent aggression, either on employers or fellow-workmen, and that their chief object shall be to secure fair remuneration to labour in proportion to skill, ability, and industry." Mr. Fatvcett, M.P., subsequently succeeded in carrying a resolution — "That in the opinion of this conference the con- dition of agricultural labourers will continue to be depressed and unsatisfactory until their education is secured by compelling children under 13 years of age to attend school so many hours a week." The conference was attended by many who might well claim to represent both employers and labourers — the Earls of E.ssEX and of Lichfield, Lord Northbeook, Marquis TowxsiiE^-D, Mr. C. S. Bead, M.P., Mr. Fawoett, M.P., Sir E. Lechmere, Bart., Mr. Ed. Beales, Mr. G. Potter, Professor Rogers, besides the Eev. Canon Girdlestone, and others, by whom the meeting was, we presume, organised. The upshot is, tbat by a narrow majority the Eev. Canon Girdlestone has succeeded at such a, meeting in introducing the trades' union prin- ciple among agricultural labourers. It seems to us a very great mistake : .ind it would be a very mischievous mistake, but that the seed will not, wo believe, find a congenial soil in the field where it is now for the first time planted. No doubt the first of the .above resolutions states nothing but the truth. It would, however, have been also true if the words it uses bad been applied to any other class of labourers — forinmany places the condition of the mechanic also and of the day labourer in manufacturing and commercial industry is extremely unsatisfactory. And it was the knowledge that the trades' union prin- ciple had been for so many years in operation among them without beneficial effect— if, indeed, it has not rather tended to aggravate their misfor- tunes— that at this meeting, guided though it was by Messrs. P.E.U-ES and Potter quite as much as by Canon Girdlestone, the second resolution, inaugurating labour unions in country districts, was adopted by a majority of only 5. It would, we believe, have been more service- able to the agricultural labourer if the many benevolent men in oiu' country districts could have united in a society which should have been devoted simply to the work which Canon Girdlestone has been lately doing, so that thus there might have been spread throughout the country in ever}- village a more perfect knowledge of the agricultural labour market. One speaker did, indeed, declare, that to tako the labourer from where be is badly paid and place him whore he is more wanted, would tend rather to reduce wages where tbey are high than to raise them where they are low. But it is plaiu that such a result is inevitable, and that the amount of wages in any district cannot be directly altered. The equalising of the demand for labour is the only help that, in the nature of tilings, can be offered ; and if wages become eqn.alised under the process we cannot help it. Many expedients were suggested at the con- ference, but the loudest cheer wo heard greeted the assertion that whatever education, emigra- tion, or even co-operation may do for the next generation, the condition of the agricultural labourer question is simply a wages question, and unless the proposed society shall raise the wages of the existing generation of labourers, it will fail of the object for which it is to bo established. But where is the money to come from ? There may be 200,000 agricultural labourers whose condition, according to the first resolution, is unsatisfactory ; and 2s. a week to each of them may be necessary to raise them to the desired standard of comfort. But 1,000,000?. per annum is necessary for this. We presume no law is to be invoked to enforce a higher pay- ment than the labourer now receives. If that idea has ever entered the head of any enthusiast, he had better rather urge the adoption of a law which shall reduce the prices of commodities to the rates obtained for them at tho period quoted by Professor Eogers, when agricultural labourers were better off than they are at present, notwith- standing a lower wage ; so that other classes of consumers may also benefit. It is plain, however, that it is only indirectly tbat we can aim at the results desired, and the only immediate palliative possible for excessive local hardship appears to be migration to localities where labour is dearer, being scarcer. If Canon Girdlestone had called to his aid a local agency, by which a freer intercourse and intelli- gence might be opened up between labourers and employers all over the country, he would have benefited both classes, and thus have certainly secured a benefit for the one which needs it most. As it is, he asks for money where- with to pay travelling agents who will do what in them lies to set employers and farm labourers at loggerheads all over the country. A com- mittee has, we believe, been constituted to appoint organising agents, who will be employed j in forming the several local unions of agricul- I tural labourers and in directing and superintend- I ing their working ; and those interested in the j improvement of the condition of the agricultural - labourer are earnestly requested at once to [ provide tho funds for the payment of tho salaries of these organising agents, and the other neces- sary expenses. We are persuaded that money spent in this way, notwithstanding that those organising agents are to be instructed " to promote in all possible ways the improvement of the agricul- tural labourer," will be money thrown away. At Mark Line yesterday the corn market was very thinly attended, and prices remain nominally as they were last week. At V\'akefield "Wheat was dearer by Is. a quarter ; and at Liverpool, too, prices advanced somewhat. In the Cattle Market prices are main- tained, and on Thursday the supply was barely equal to the demand.— Prices continue to advance in the "Wool Market, and it is generally believed that English wools may yet go 2d. or 3d. a pound higher. — In the Poultry Market there has been a very short supply. We may mention here that Messrs. Stevens include in their King Street Poultry Sale next Tuesday some foreign pigeons, consigned for sale among the London amateurs, for which there will doubtless be a keen competition. Mr. "Wji. Faiebairn, of Manchester, having undertaken to arbitrate between Messrs. Howard and Messrs. Eansosies as to the real significance of the Paris Exhibition prizes, and as to the fairness of a paragraph describing them, which appeared in the daily papers, and was quoted here and elsewhere, has announced his decision in the following terms ; — " Now I, the said "William Faiebairn, having taken upon myself^ the said reference, and having heard the statements of the respective parties, and ili appearing that, although Messieurs Ransomes & Siiis were placed first on the list, entitling them to a grand prize, yet that Messieurs James and Fhedeeick Howard were also on the same list, and entitled to a similar grand prize as Messieurs Bansomes & Sims, I am of opinion that both firms were on perfect equality as respects the verdict of the jury, and that no priority or superiority was implied or intended to be implied by the placing of one name before the other. And I find, and am of opinion that the expression in the paragraph, ' First grand prize to Messieurs Ransomes & SfMs, of Ipswich, second ditto to Messieurs James and Fre- derick Howard, of Bedford,' and to which expres- sion Messieurs James and Feederick Howard object, is ambiguous and improper, inasmuch as tlie words 'first' and 'second' might give to the reader of them an erroneous impression of superiority in Messieurs Ransomes & Sims, whereas both the said firms are on equality with regard to the grand prizes awarded. I am further of opinion that the words objected to were used inadvertently by Messieurs Ransomes & Sims, and not with any intention to mislead or to claim more than they were entitled to." ■ The proposal of the Marquess of Tweeddale to submit to ,an accurate trial and comparison cultivation by horse-power with cultivation by steam-power, which we reported at the time it was made to the Highland and Agricultural Society, has not been carried into effect. The owners and manufacturers of steam ploughing machinery did not respond to the invitation that was addressed to them, and the experi- ment in ploughing on his lordship's field was thus con- fined to an illustration of what could be accomplished by horse-power only. The report of what was accom- plished, signed by a number of the leading Lothian farmers, is, however, so remarkablean account of deep and thorough tillage, that we quote the following extracts from it for the benefit of English agricultural readers, the majority of whom know little of the deep tillage which is practised in tbe neighbourhood of Edinburgh : — " The four-horse plough turned a furrow 14 inches deep and 11 inches wide. The horses were yoked two a-breast, the leading pair by a soam chain to the bridle of tbe plough. The beam and stilts are of wood. The mould-board is convex, and does not raise the subsoil to the surface, but thoroughly pulverises it. The three-horse plough turned a furrow 13 inches deep by 13 inches wide. The horses were yoked abreast, two going on the land, and one in the furrow. Tbe two- horse ploughs turned a furrow 12 inches deep by 12 inches wide. Some of the ploughs to which the three horses and the two horses were yoked had beams and stilts made of wood ; the others were wholly of iron, but all of them had mould-boards of the same description. The mould-board is also convex, thougb not to the same extent as the four-horse plough. The furrows raised were not too much turned up, and the subsoil was thoroughly pulverised and broken. The measurements of the depth of furrow are made upon the solid unturned soil. The land contained some boulder stones, which were removed by labourers following the ploughs. None of these stones were very large, nor were they in greater quantity than is usually found in the soil in this district. An exact account of the time occupied in ploughing the field of 25 imperial acres has been kept by Lord Tweeddale's overseer, and it is equivalent to 5 1 days of a pair of horses working eight hours a day. The Marquess of Tweeddale calculates that the actual cost of a pair of horses, including the ploughman's wages, is Is. per hour. The expense of ploughing an imperial acre 13 inches deep is, therefore, 17s. Sid. "We have to record our entire satisfaction with the work done, and of the great improvement effected by this deep stirring of the soil." This appears to us a very satisfactory datum with which to compare the work accomplished by steam- power; and we cannot doubt the immense superiority of the latter as regards economy, though in all prob- ability nothing could exceed the efficiency of the former as exhibited under tbe circumstances of the particular example before us. • At a numerously attended meeting of the Central Chamber of Agriculture, held on Tuesday last, under the chairmanship of Mr. Jasper More, M.P., the first question introduced was that concerning education. It was proposed by Mr. C. S. Read, M.P., that " LTuderstanding the principle of the Government Education Bill to be an extension of the system of grants-in-aid out of the imperial revenue, without imposing any further burden upon ratepayers, and without making attendance at school compulsory, this Chamber expresses its approval of the general pro- visions of the measure introduced by her Majesty's Government."_ Mr. HoRLEV seconded the motion, because it was in accordance with the resolutions passed by a large majority of the Chambers which had con- sidered the subject — that education should be encou- raged, but not made compulsory, and that the charges of educating the children of the lower orders should not be thrown upon the present small area of rating. The subject was ultimately adjourned.— Tho Rev. E. Smythies moved :— " That this Chamber confirms the subjoined resolutions on turnpike trusts passed at tho Council meeting of February 5, 1867 : and considering that no settlement of the question can be satisfactory which is based upon the exclusive rating of real property, determines to oppose Mr. KnatchbuU-Hugessen's Turnpike Trusts BUI. I. That, as two Committees of the House of Commons, one in 18:)6, and another in 18G4, have, after full inquiry, reported that the turnpike system is vexatious .and expensive, and that, under certain conditions, the abolition of turnpike trusts as at present existing would be beneficial and expedient, and as some trusts are ill course of .abolition, thereby inflicting serious hardship and injustice on certain parishes, it is the opinion of this Chamber that turnpike trusts shovild be abolished simultaneously, and tbat provision for the future maintenance of all public roads should be settled by legislation on a fair and equitable basis. 2. That as much of the expenditure in the formation of turnpike roads was incurred for imperi.il purposes, it is the opinion of this Chamber that the Consolidated Fund should aid in the liquidation of the remaining debt, when that debt has been faiily appraised or valued by competent authority." Mr. DacKHAM seconded the motion. Mr. Daniel Long moved the following amendment, which was seconded by Mr. "W. Clarke (Cheshire) :— " That this Chamber confirms the resolutions on turnpike trusts passed at the Council meeting of February 5, 1867 ; and, considering no settlement of the question can be satisfactory which provides that the future main- tenance of turnpike roads shall devolve upon the exclusive rating of real property, determines to oppose that portion of Mr. Hugessen's Turnpike Trust Bill which provides for this being done." After consider- able discussion the original motion was carried. — A resolution affirming the necessity of County Financial Boards, and inviting the provincial Chambers to express their opinion upon Mr. Wtld's Bill, was moved by Mr. "Wilmot, and seconded by Sir "W. Gallwet, M.P. Mr. Wtld, M.P., explained the provisions of his Bill. He said that it would not interfere with the judicial functions of the magistrates, but simply deal with matters of finance. He considered that the question was essentially a tenant's question, and that there ought to be no objection to the rate- payers taking part in the expenditure of the r,ate.s. The motion was passed. — It was also resolved—" That this Chamber views with much satisfaction the regu- lations on the cattle and sheep contagious diseases now in force in Ireland, and desires that similar regulations should be enforced by statutory enactment throughout the whole kingdom."— It was further resolved " That this Chamber regrets that the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the Malt Tax has not made its report before the Chancellor of the Exchequer intro- duces the Budget of the present session." . "We are informed by Mr. C. JpnuN-D.ANNFELT, the Secretary of the National Agricultural Society of Sweden, that at their 12th General Agricultural Meeting, to commence at Stockholm on the 4th August next, and to be continued during the five following days, English manufacturers are invited to compete for the prizes offered for agricultural implements and machines. It is believed that this exhibition will also afford an opportunity to English agriculturists gene- rally, of which they may bo glad to avail themselves, of becoming acquainted with the agricultural charac- teristics and products of the Scandinavian countries, as it is, with the exception of cattle and sheep, open to the whole of Scandinavia, and for agricultural imple- ments and machines completely international. Mr. Caird writes to say, that on a careful re- examination of the figures he finds tbe imports of August last have been inadvertently included in the 5,646,000 quarters of Wheat stated by him to have been imported up to the 29th of February. Our receipts, therefore, have been at the rate of 806,500 quarters monthly for the entire period. The balance required still to make up the deficiency of last harvest, according to his computation, will thus be 800,000 quarters monthly He adds, " X Apeii 4, !■] THE GARDENEI^S' CnRONIOLE ANT) AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 357 have never tbougUt that this could be easily obtained, as 1 have all along felt and have stated that the Wheat crop of lSu7 was the worst we have had, but one, for 20 years. But the present price is above the highest rates we have had during that period, and our imports to this time have been on a scale equal to our require- ments. AVhether that can be continued up to ne.xt harvest is a question for the corn trade, and one on which I am not competent to pronounce an opinion. I believe that I have very moderately estimated the economy in consumption caused by the high price of bread, and that some further saving on that head may be anticipated." SHORTHOBNS. SiTiYTON. — Messrs. Cruickshank's sale, the 25lh in annual succession, took place the other day, as our Aberdeenshire correspondent last week announced, when 37 young bulls averaged 46/. 'Is., and 13 heifers 30/. 9s. each. This is as nearly as possible the average of the whole 228 bulls sold last year by Mr. Strafford, which we learn from our contemporary the Farmer made 4"/. 12.«. Orf. apiece ; and it is a striking corro- boration of Mr. ■\Villoughby Wood's letter on the subject, quoted in these columus the other day. We abridge the following account of the sale from the Dublin Farmers' Oazefte :— " The Messrs. Cruickshank's farms— 800 and 900 acres in extent— have been described as the 'great nursery grounds of the Caledonian Shorthorn.' From a cautious beginning in 1837 they have built up their present magnificent herd of upwards of 300 cows and heifers, and about a score of stud bulls. The principle followed inbreeding is, of course, to carefully cultivate the excellencies of each tribe. The feeding is the simplest and plainest possible, in order to render the animals hardy and healthy. They are pastured out night and day all summer, and the winter keep con- sists of oat strawand Turnips; so that there is nothing like pampering — as the animals appear so they are. " There are about 12 leading tribes in the herd, the choicest and most valuable being the descendants of Stinfower, a cow of Ladykirk descent, which produced neat but small bulls, and those of Fancy, a cow from the Ury herd, crossed with Matadore (11,800), a celebrated bull from the Hopewell stock, and The Baron (13,838), a bull that has made his mark on the herd perhaps more extensively and decidedly than ony other; having left upwards of 200 calves, 45 females in the herd being at one time after him. Other valuable lines are from the cows Clara, Barcltana, and Strawberry, all from the Ury stock ; and the bulls Fairfax Royal (0987), Velvet Jacket (10,993) (a first prize winner at the Highland and Eoyal Northern Societies' shows), and Lancaster Comet (11,0G3), sire of Champion of Engl.ind, a prolific getter of strong, vigorous, healthy stock, well furnished in flesh and hair. Among the present stud of bulls are Forth (17,856), Champion of England ( 17,526), Scotch Rose (25,099), Rob Roy (22,740), Royal Forth (25,022), Scotland's Pride (25,100) — the bull which carried the first prize and challenge cup as a yearling at the Royal Northern Society show last surtimer— Lord Byron, got by Champion OF England, and Allan, after Forth. Forth is so well known as to require nothing now to be said in his praise. He is certainly, as Mr. Cruickshank is wont to describe him, one of the wonders of the world. Although kept as bare of food as possible, his broad, level bulk, and firm, compact touch, undergo no change. Nothing, either, will disturb the placidity of his temper ; and the quiet dignity that reposes in his noble head, which carries such a weight of honours, is quite a study. Champion of England, though not such a perfectly developed bull as Forth, is fully as valuable as a stock-getter, and is never out of condi- tion. In the catalogue he is described as *more valuable in the pastures than to send to a show-yard ; he was remarkable a.s a calf for quality, substance, and fine hair ; he has throughout continued so ; he is from a fine milking tribe, and his produce, which are very numerous, partake of the character of their sire, and are undoubtedly of the right sort for a rent-paying farmer." Scotch Rose and Rob Roy are fresh importations into the stud, having been purchased this year — the former from Viscount Strathallan, at the Duke of Slontrose's sale, after the well-known Scottish Chief, winner of 15 prizes and a number of challenge cups, two of which were valued at 100 guineas each. IJoth bulls are of superior quality, and Bob Roy is already an extensive prize winner. " The Messsrs. Cruickshank commenced their annual public sales of bull calves in 1843, with seven or eight animals, and continued them till 1884, every October, the numbers gradually increasing till they reached about 30. About as many more, however, have been usually sold by private bargain, and as large a number as 80 has been sold in one season. Until this year, few heifers have ever been sold, the heifer calves being generally reserved, with the exception of a few of the less valuable, to keep up the supply of females in the herd. This year, however, there was a largo surplus stock of them, and 26 were offered yesterday. In the years 1865 aud 1S66 there was no public sale, the experiment being tried of exposing animals by private bargain on a certain day or days ; but it did not prove satisfactory, and the public auction was resumed again last year (the time being altered, however, from October to March). After the sale last year, Mr. Longmore, Rettie, succeeded in purchasing a grand roan calf, after Prince Imperial, scarcely 11 months old, and which Mr. Cruickshank had reserved, for 150 guineas, the highest price ever received at Sittyton for an animal. Previously Magnum BoxfM, in 1853, had kept the lead at 110 guineas. The biggest purchase ever made by one gentleman, however, was a lot of 10 heifers, taken by Mr. Majoribauks, at 1000 guineas ; Earl Clanoarty, Ireland, followed suit by taking five at (350 guineas; and another gentleman four at 400 guineas —handsome prices, certainly." At the sale of tho Thornington herd 32 cows and heifers realised altogether 1110/. 18s., or an average of 34/. Ik. 4rf. per head. 17 bulls made 503/. 19s., or an average of 33/. 3s. 6rf. per head. At tho Broadlands annual sale of young stock at Iluntly last week some capital prices were realised — one, for a yearling bull, as high as 72 guineas. Tho total proceeds of the sale amounted to 470 guineas- giving an average of fully 30 guineas a head for the bulls, and about 23 guineas a head for the heifers— a very satisfactory result. METROPOLITAN FOREIGN CATTLE MARKET BILL. Before the Commons Committee on this Bill during the past week, it was decided that no more English farmers should be called, unless it was thought necessary at a subsequent stage of the proceedings. This was a judicious decision, as quite enough for all practical purposes had been proved. The butchers, in fact, only confirmed— unless it was when they proved more than was necessary — the important and conclusive state- ments of the salesmen whose evidence we gave. A few trade facts, however, are interesting, although some of them have no bearing on the Bill. Mr. Blackmore, of Newport Market, Soho, said, offal is contracted for, and it goes to the tripe boilers. His goes to Maiden Lane, Islington. If he were in the tripe trade he should prefer having animals killed at one market to having to collect offal at different slaughter-houses. No butcher retails his own oflal. It goes to sheep's-head and trotter shops. The parts the tripe boiler buys are worth 8s. from a lOO-stone bullock. This, we may remark, disposes of the outcry about the loss the poor would suffer from slaughter-houses being in one place out of town. The value of all the offal (head, heart, skin, tail, pluck, loose fat, tripe, feet, and tongue) of a 100 stone bullock is about 3/. As an instance of the way in which trade is unsettled by present restric- tions, this witness said, within a short time he offered 20/. a head for a lot of oxen, and on the next Monday he had to give 24/. for them. On another occasion he offered 30/. each for a lot, and on the following Monday bought them at 27/. It would be, be continued, bene- ficial to carcase butchers if a foreign market was established. We are losing a supply of English cattle. He had received a letter from a feeder to say he should drop his cattle down at Southall Market to-morrow (Wednesday) for him to look at. He should go, as he had bought beasts from this farm regularly. These local markets were very unsatisfactory ; there might be 100 cattle and two or three butchers, or there might be 10 or 20 butchers and 5 or 10 cattle. Sir James Elphinstonesaid the restrictions required through British and foreign stock being mixed were a loss to the Aberdeenshire farmers of about 2/. per head. This discouraged production. To Mr. Milner Gibson Sir James said : I deny there will be any inconvenience inflicted on the public by this Bill. On the contrary, I believe it will have just the other effect. To Mr. Goschen he said : If the foreigner sends animals here, ho must do so subject to our police regulations. The present Orders of the Privy Council regarding slaughtering cattle at outports ought to be made statutory. Occasionally suffered from pleuro-pneu- raonia. Foot-and-mouth disease is not common. Two heifers he bought at the Battersea Royal meeting had it on arriving in Scotland. Every beast for the three miles through which they walked was attacked. Professor Strangeways described the public market and slaughtering arrangements at Edinburgh. These were established in 1850. The Chairman of the Butchers' Association says the butchers of Edinburgh have gained by these compulsory practices. Public slaughtermen are employed by contract ; blood is sold by auction once a -year; tripe is cleaned and boiled in the inclosure ; a tallow and hide market is also held there, and a boiler is provided for boiling down dis- eased animals. Would decidedly not allow foreign and English animals to be mixed. The only obstacle he saw to this system working in London was, there would be two separate markets. Professor Strangeways agreed with the statement made by Sir James Elphin stone, that the rinderpest had been carried by a south- west wind to farmsteads 20 miles apart, as it was his opinion that it would be conveyed fay wind. Mr. Richard Walsh, an Irish commission agent, described the practice which had kept Ireland free from rinder- pest. He himself regretted that the Bill was not general, and all respectable dealers are in its favour, while every farmer would gladly put his own cattle under restrictions in case of disease. The evidence against the Bill is a complete failure, when fully considered. Mr. Brewster, importer of sheep and cattle from the Continent, was over-anxious. The first part of bis evidence was in favour of present restrictions as against a water-side market and slaughtering. It was subsequently against these restrictions, on the ground that importation had been decreased by them. A table of prices was then put in to substantiate this view ; this, however, was an unaccountable blunder, for the diagram showed at a glance that before the restrictions prices in the metro- politan market had steadily risen, while since the restrictions they had greatly decreased. How this complete pyramid in the form of a diagram to illus- trate the rise and fall in prices between 1802 and 1867, could have been taken by Parliamentary agent, counsel, chairman of the markets' committee, and others, to indicate what might be expected by the consumer under this Bill, is " one of the things which nobody can understand," Mr. Brewster afterwards admitted that a reduction of Is. Id. a stone in the price of foreign meat had taken place since 1865, just the period during which the effect of present restrictions has been felt. Ho also said the foreigner would lose because ho would have fewer customers, and the home producer would gain, because ho would have more customers. On this Lord Robert Montagu asked :— Do butchers usually prefer to go to a cheap market or to a dear market to buy? A Whitecbapel butcher was next called, but the only telling point he made was the incon- venience and expense two markets would be to men who wanted part foreign and part British animals on the same day. But with direct raiUvay communi- cation, and the fact that it is cheaper for a man to go to 300 sheep, the quantity he kills, than it is to convey the sheep U miles for him to inspect, this will be more of an imaginary hardship, or a disturbance of acquired habits, rather than a difficulty which it will be costly and hard to overcome. THICK AND THIN SEEDING. Extracts from the Diary of a Fidgety Farmeu. 1 MAY say that it would not be altogether a mistake to class me with those vacillating people who cannot make up their minds until convinced by long expe- rience— who are continually "worrited" by doubt and despair— who whilst an experiment is in progress are wishing it were over, and continually teasing their friends with " what do you think will be the result ? " In fine, I dare say I am one who will never give to tho world a new idea, nor shall I be found amongst those who aid progress by the expense of their time and capital. It may be said that some will call me a " poor creature," but what care I ? Talk of posterity, " what has posterity done for me ?" If I can get through life as my father has done, is not that enough ? It has been said that the prosperity of a country is the sum of the prosperity of each of its inhabitants, and if I take care of myself, and let everybody else take care of them- selves, am I not doing my best to make the country prosperous ? You may guess what a state of mind was mine during the winter and spring of 1866-07, when — " Auuttst 15. — Mr. Newcome called, recommended mo to try a little of Hallett's Pedigree Wheat; said since he had commenced on his new farm he had grown it, that he approved of it, and that he felt sure it would suit my land. Mr. Newcome sows half-a-bushel per acre. N.B. If the Wheat suits on the farm next mine I don't see why it should not suit here ; this is no experiment, only I must not sow it so thinly as Mr. Newcome does." " August 16.— Wrote to Mr. Hallett for 1 bushel Red Pedigree, and 1 bushel Hunter's White." " August 30,— Received the Wheat from Hallett, with instructions for sowing. ' If drilled in September, 4 bushels on 10 acres.' Bless my life, this would never do. 'If drilled in October, 4 bushels on 8 acres.' This is just what Newcome does. Mem. ; Try J of a bushel per acre sown in October." " Oct. 26.— Sowed Spinny Hill with Wheat, drilled Hallett's Hunter's White, | bushel per acre ; Hallett's Original Pedigree, i bushel per acre; Old Lammas, 3 bushels per acre." "Nor. 1.— Farmer Slocuaa called, told him of my having sown the Wheat. He seemed quite surprised at my having sown so early, and said in his neighbour- hood it would be ruinous to sow before November. I said I thought it wrong too, that my father before me had never thought of sowing Wheat before November, but Newcome had called, and said if I only sowed early and thin, I should not regret doing so. ' Wo shall see,' said Slocum ; ' but take my advice aud don't be too fond of ti-ying these new-fangled notions. New- come has not been long here, and he does not under- stand how to farm in this country as well as we do.' I wonder, is Slocum right; I hope I have not made a mistake. I wish I had sown the Pedigree Wheat a little thicker— just a little, so that I might not be a laughing stock for my neighbours during next spring." "Noil. 1().— Wheat coming up nicely. Hunter's White strong; Pedigree ditto, but both very thin; Lammas just the right way. I am sure it is quite thin enough. I wonder which will be best. I am almost certain tho thin-sown Wheat will not do. On examina- tion I find the larks are pulling up the Wheat plants by thousands ; how can three-quarters of a bushel per acre stand this ? I hope we may have a severe winter, so that the larks may die of starvation." " Nor. 30.— Why, the thin Wheat seems drooping and very weak. Here I must enter my protest against galloping over AVhcat. To-day the hunt in full cry went diagonally over my Wheat field, and what chance for thin-seeding now." " Dec. 5.— The hunt again to-day, and after the three past wet days they have made a mess of it." " Dec. 24.— Some of my friends walked over the farm. ' What have you here ? ' said one, pointini' to my thin- seeding. ' Pedigree Wheat,' said I. ' "R ell,' said he, ' pedigree may be all very well in horses ; we can see that the thin, wiry blood-horse has more life and spirit than the cart-horse, but I don't think the rule would apply here. This is certainly thin enough, but it does not seem to have much life. Plough it up.' And so said half-a-dozen. ' Plough it up, and sow your seed in a proper manner, like your neighbours.' ' n ell, I said, ' my father and I have been here for 50 years, and we always sowed our Wheat in a reasonable time, and put in the right allowance of seed, and never agam shall I be caught with scientific farmers like Newcome —I'll do as my father did before me." t r j * glass span-roof case, on the principle of Mr. Wells ground Vinery. Around this house, and inside this case, is fixed a flow and return hot-water pipe in con- nection with the boiler or hatching apparatus to supply the chickens with the proper warmth. Ihis long case is also divided into several compartments, each capable of rearing from 15 to 20 chickens. 362 THE GAKDENEES' CHEONICLE AND ACtRICIILTURAL GAZETTE, [APEIL 4, 1868. After much experience, I find it most impor- tant to prevent over-crowding, as chickens in a young state are inclined to nestle closely, in groups, that the strong will trample down and smother the weakly. By having the glass case made in two parts, so that one flap will turn over the other, the attendant is enabled to have easy access to take out the slates that form the bottom, to wash and aerate them, and by having two sets of slates no time is lost. All the water given to the chickens is by self-supplying fountains. A box of sand or coal-ashes is also placed in the case for the chickens to clean themselves. The feeding should be in separate compartments, the chickens to be fed at regular times about once in three hours for the first fortnight after that once in four hours will be suffi- cient. JJetween the regular feeding-times, cut hav and straw, mixed with a small quantity of tail Wheat and broken Rice, is a good thing to employ them upon to scratch ; also a turf containing roots and insects, turned the mould side uppermost, is abo what they like. I make no use of any cover for them to retire under, finding that after a day or two they will not use such if they had it ; if the artificial climate be such as they like, as regards warmth and light, they have no desire to go under, and are more healthy without. In this small space, by the aid of artificial warmth, glass, and assistance to the hens (100 by the pens), I could rear 200 chickens in this way, healthy, in the spring and summer months. When I say spring and summer months, I mean as the days increase and nights decrease. Then rearing will be daily better and be less expensive, and the poultry sooner able to take care of themselves, light being as important to young forced chickens as to young plants. I proved this in my winter months' experiments by being able to grow flesh on the bodies faster than the legs could carry them ; they could be drawn up in the same way as a bad horticulturist forces plants with too much heat and too little light. This being a fact, I consider artificial hatching and rearing of poultry or game should, to make the best of it, be confined to that part of the year I have named. I do not believe in any of the plans or systems I hear of or see, that say either rearing or hatching by artificial aid can be carried on all the year round with advantage. Much assistance may ho given to rearing poultry in various ways in this climate, but it will he com- plete folly to expect more, because eggs can be hatched in many diflerent ways, as I have proved they can, such as by placing them in sand, in cotton wool, in top contact with heat, and in a case or box, as shown by my note-sheet. By circulating warmed fresh air through this box, and upon this plan, and all at one time, I have hatched the eggs of sparrows, black- birds, thrushes, water hens, game, and poultry, and was able to rear all of them at the same time, but not together as regards rearing ; for it must be taken into consideration that my object was the accumula- tion of information about heating and ventilating generally— to know to what degree of perfection I fould make a self-reguiating current of warmed^ fresh air circulate at various temperatures, in imitation of climates, indoors, when the air of this climate was too cold and damp to be comfortable out-of-doors. Having studied most of the systems in use for horticulture, it is reasonable that I should meet with less difficulty in earring out such experiments than would a person never so employed, and who could not be expected to devote so much attention to the matter. The climate I desire to make is that best suited to the Vine, as cultivated in this country by our best Grape growers, as that comes nearest to the requirements of artificial incubation ; and a combination of the two, if properly managed, is the one I would recommend, if it is desired to rear exotic birds, or poultry, or game, on a more ex- tensive scale than what I explained in my experiments. In general conversation I fref|uently hear it stated that hatching the eags is simple enough, but rearing is the more difficult part. Were I to engage with any person to take part in both, and allowed to take the part I liked, I would sooner attend to the rearing after the chickens were hatched, as it will he not so troublesome or "so uncertain as a rule. Much more has hitherto been said and written about hatching than rearing ; but with glass, warmth, venti- lation by warmed air, and plenty of space to prevent overcrowding, rearing would not be found difficult at all ; and if I were allowed to try this experiment upon an extensive scale, in a suitable place with a few hot-water pipes, some of Wells' ground Vineries, and a sufficient supply of wire, such as gamekeepers use for placing before coops as they hatch game, I fancy I could undertake to rear all the chickens, game, or rare exotic birds that all the incubators in London, or 10 miles round Charing Cross — ay, or 20 miles round — will pro- duce. They are all hatched by steam, warm air, top contact, circulating warm air, &c. Land Steti-ard. SUTTONS' HOME-GEOWN MEM SEEDS, CARRIAGE FREE. JlESSUS. SUTTONS' FARM SEEDS are saved from selected and fully developed Rooty, and mv:iriably pro- duce heavier Crops than Sfads saved according to the ;eneral practice. §u1itons' Selected Mangel "Wurzel Seed Cheaper by the cwt church, Rom- ford, Essex. Oct. 0, 1807— " The crop of Yellow Globe admired. TUero W beit x\,\\ m ou is nothing equal W ne ghbo irhood FromQuKS. A Waliler Esq Ty] ill Uo e, U jorl '* I had a splendid crop of Mangel from your scod of last year." SUTTONS' SELECTED MANGEL WURZEL, Per lb.— s. U. For Ih — s. li. GOOD YELLOW GLORB 1 0 SUTTONS" ELVETHAM „ ORANGE GLOiiE 1 fl. LONG RED ..13 ;: &^RED^ :: lo\ .. selected orange " LONG YELLOW. 1 o' GLOBE .. ..Id STRATTON'S RED GLOBE, Is. M. per lb. Suttons* Selected Yellow Globe. This is the result of many years' careful selection, and possesses the desirable qualities of being very froe from roots, with smill top, and beautiful shape. It is a very heavy cropper, and thrives well m all soils. The roots of this remarkably floe Mangel vary from palo yellow to orange, and it is the best Globe. Price is. Od. per lb. Ohoiiper by the cwt. ^ _^^_ Suttons' New Yellow Intermediate, from your Inter- Strcet, Sulton, mediate Manei seed Inst year." From Mr. W. Bakce, Fostecl Court Farm, Egham. Oct. 12.1S67.— "Ibegtoinform you that your Intermediate Mangel seed turned out very superior, and obtained the '\— .nation, bo- ■ KrUei- than Aiu-d G, ISO;. —"The Yellow Intermediate Mangel seed I had from you turned out re- markably good, producmg clean roots and little greens, which I approve." ordinary crop SUTTONS' NEW YELLOW INTERMEDIATE, Price 2s. Gd. per lb., cheaper by the cwt. This la a most desirable kind, beautiful in slfape, superior ii quality, and very free from rootlets. From the symmetrical form of the roots, and the leaves bein) very small, this variety may be allowed to stand closer in the row than other Mangels, hence it produces a greater weight per acre It may be pulled and trimmed with half the labour of other kinds. ^ U T T 0 N S' Notices to Correspondents. Land Dbaisaiie : D A It. Laud may be well dniiued though'it dries patchy in siiriug ; tbi.s may be owing to a variability In the compofiition of the boU, itr to tbe former existeneo of occasional peat deposits in the ticld from stagnant water; it may be well drained, though after heavy rains you find at the lower ends of tbe furrows the sands and silt washed down and deposited, evidencing a flow of water over the stirface ; this will often occurafter showers on land which is thoroughly dry, either naturally or artificially ; it may I'c dvjiinod suffi- ciently, though water shonldstand 12houi> dli ; tun in ibe footmarks of hoi-ses; iu ordinary clay il , :'-■ i. i^t puddling or breaking of the surface wih i::v. * i.i ■ i i,ii M I \Ll.s, 4, 5, 8, and 10 feet high, 7 to 12 feet i nrLUiiikiL'nie — hundreds PORrb^rAL LAUREL, 4 and 6 feet higb, 7 and 8 feet r „ MAGNIFICA or NOBILIS ROBUSTA, the finest stock in the trade, all seedlings, 2 to 4 leet high „ LASIOCARPA, hundreds of plants, 4, 6, G, and 7 feet high, all ABIES DOUGLASII, 6, «, 7. and 8 feet [seealings „ OKIENTALLS. 4. 5, C, 7, to 10 and 12 feet ; 7 to 20 feet in cl IHE PAXTON GARDEN MANURE is the most . economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known for Vegetabli T^ ii LONDON MANUKJi COMPANY (Establish ED 1840) Have now ready for delivery in di'y fine oondltlon, CORN MANURE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED Bf>NES. for Dressing Pasture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Also Genuuio PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA ex Dock WarohoiLso; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, FISHERlf SALT. &c. E. PuRsea, Secretary. Offlc -- '- - ■ - - - . 116, Konchuich Street. E.G. Patent Garden Manure. /":i.RlFFIN, MORRIS, and GRIFFIN have been VT persuaded to offer their celebrated GARDEN MANURE, in Canisters, to suit the convenience of small consumers. This Manure is suitable for all kinds of Garden Produce, also for Roses, Fuchsias, Geraniums, and every description of Flowers. Full dii-ections for use with each Canister. May be had of every Njrseryman and Seedsman, in Ca nistora at Is. each. Ceres Works, Wolverhampton. __^ Henry Kichardson, Manure Works, York. ESTABLISHED 1824. MANURES, specially compounded for GRASS LAND, and conPdently recommended : Pasture, £H per ton ; Meadow, £8 10s. per ton, cash. SPECIAL MANURES also carefully compounded for CORN, POTATOS, TURNIPS, and other crops. Prices lower than usual this year, DISSOLVED BONE, guaranteed entirely from Bon containing 31 per cent. Phosphate, made soluble, and 13 per cent. Phosphate, neutral, £6 IOjj. per ton. cash. DISSOLVED RONE ASH, 38 to 40 per cent. Phosphaio, made soluble, £0 per ton. cash. PERUVIAN GUANO, NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA. POTASH SALTS, RAPE and RUBSBN CAKES, both for Manure and Feed ; LINSEED and COTTON CAKES, Ordinary and Decorticated, all of best quality, Lists on application. Manure Works, York. LAWES' MANURES were the first Chemical Artificial Manures manufactured and introduced, and have been in use for 27 years. The supply for the present season is now ready for delivery, at the Factories, Deptford and B'irking Creeks, all in first-rate condition. LAWES' PATENT TURNIP MANURE. DISSOLVED BONES. LAWES" SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES' WHEAT. BARLEY, GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES, CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. Dr. Voelckev has inspected and sampled a bulk of 10,000 tons at Mr. L.\\vKs' Factories. Tuo report c.iu be obtained on application : " ,\:i Mii-^ s.iinplti^ .■u)p(::Lrr(l to In: cnu:illv dry, uniform in character, and !; . i.,.| I ..i 11 ..;> ir;..>i-r the bulk at Mr. Lawks' M'. 1 i- - ! ... ,. ill.' . .|. ■.liiiate nowsentoutn-om the b.i:i ■ I , . ■! , ■ '■■- ■...lI Manure, and is in excel- nfwro PINDS CKMBRA, 0,7, t beautiful plants rhododendron's.'— Wehave 40 acres of land in one piece filled almost exclusively with Rhododendrons. A more healthy and beautiful stock cannot be desired. STANDARD RHODODENDRONS.— Some of the finest plants to be found in any nursery, many are 20 to 40 yeai-a old plants will adopt the much wiser, and always more satisfactory course, of seeing and Judging for themselves. We solicit an inspection and invite comparison with any other similar nursery stock in the kingdom. The Knap Hill Nursery is upwards of 150 acres in extent, and con- tains an enormous and very superior stock of the ordinaiT sized EVERGREENS. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, &c. A PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATAIiOGUE will bo forwarded free on application to Waterek & GoDVRET, Knap Hill Nureery, Woking, Surrey. The Nursery Is readily reached by Tram, 40 minutes from Waterloo to Woking. Conveyances are always to be had at the .Station, ODAM.S'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. T HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— loll, Fenchurch Street, London. Western Counties Branch- Queen Street, Exeter, l!;sh Branch— 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. DiRECTOBS. Cliairjiion — John Clayden, Littlebury, Essex. DeputU'Chairman — John Collins, 265, Camden Road, Holloway Euward Bell, 48, Marine Pai-ade, Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot, Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex. Charles Dorraan, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hildersham. Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross. Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, 60. West Smithfleld. idanaging Director — James Odams. Bajifccrs— Messrs. Bametts, Hoares, & Co., Lombard Street. z. — "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company. Its members are cultivators of upwards of 50,000 acres of land vhich has been for years under management with manures of theh- -._-. lequently the consumer has the best guarantee Chemical M.anures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, John Bennet Laivks. 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.G. ; -l-L Eden Quay, Dublin; and Market Square, Shrewsbury. rpOBACCO TISSUE fur Fumigating Greenhouses. -L Will Destroy Tbrip, Red Spider, Green and Black Fly, aud Mealy Bug ; and burns without the assistance of blowing, and is entirely ticc from paper or rag. Price 3s. Gd. per lb., carriage free. A reduction in price for large quantities. To be had of Messrs. Roberts & Sons, Tobacco Manufticturers, 112, St. John Street, Clcrkenwell, E.G., of whom copies of Testi- monials may be obtained ; and of all Seedsmen and Nm-scrymen. SIMMONDS'S WONDERFUL SOLUTION for Destroying Worms in House Plants and Lawns, 10s. per gallon (1 to 80 gallons of water). For Green-Qy on Rose Trees, Scale, Thrlp, and American Blight : \s. Qd. per pint. T. SiMMONDs, 2, Somerset Terrace, South Fields, Wandsworth. Used by many of the leading Gardeners since 1859, gainst Red Spider, Mildew, Thrips. Green Fly, and other Blight, Winter Dressing for Vines and Fruit Trees. Has outlived many preparations intended to super- Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY By Royal Appointment. To Her Majesty by Specia February, DAY, SON, AND HEWITT, Original and Sole Proprietors of the STOCK-BREEDERS- MEDICINE CHESTS fordisordersinHorses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, and Lambs. No. 1 MEDICINE CHEST No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST Sixteen different kinds of com- pounds, admirably arranRed, with Complete Guide to Farriery, The Extract, Gaseous Fluid, Red Drench, and Red Paste, with Shilling Key to Farriery, f^ Every Stoekowner should send for Day, Son. & Hewitt's roBK on Farriery. Large Edition. 2». 6d., or freo by post for 33 tamps. Small Edition, Is., or free by post for 13 stamps. Address, Day, Son, & Hewitt, 22, Dorset Street, Baker Street, London, W. FHE TANNED LeTtHER COMPANt' t, Worl TANNERS, CURR1ER^ ntU'Id, _ J MANUFACTURERS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS ti.r MACHINERY. PRIME STRAP and SULE BUTTS Pnce Lists sent free by post. ASPHALTE ROOFING FELT. One Pfuuy per Square Foot. CROGGON AND CO., MANUFACTORERS, ( 31, Bread Street, )l„^j„„. I o.i, New Earl Street, j 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. INODOROUS FELT FOR LINING EOOFS AND SIDES AND IRON HOOSES Price One Penny per Square Foot. CEOGGON AND CO., / 34, Bread Street, I ■, , i G3, New Earl Street, ( '^""'l'"'- .50, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. DRY HAIR FELT FOR COVKRING STEAM lilllLERS. PIPES, ETC., OK VARIOUS TUICJKNESSES. CROGGON AND CO., MANUFACTURERS, (34, Bread Street, It „„.!„., { 6.3, New Earl Street, r™'^™- 59, George Square, Gla-igow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. IMPORTERS OF SHEET ZINC OF BEST BRANDS. CROGGON AND CO., I 34 Bread street, U,^i„^_ \ 63, New Earl btreet, J 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ZINC AND METAL PERFORATORS. CROGGON AND CO., r 34, Bread street W^^jon. I 63, New Earl Street, j 69, George Square, Glas'_'nw ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED ATEI) SHEET IRON, OF EVERY , HOME USE AND FOR EXPORT. CROGGON AND CO., (34, Bread Street, lT„„aon {63, New Earl Street, / ^°'"'°°- 59, George Square, Glasgow ■, 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON HANUFAOTURED GOODS OP EVERT DESCRIPTION CROGGON AND CO., (34, Bread Street, lT„„aon { 63, New Earl Stn.et, ) i-»"1™- 59, George Square, Glas!;..iv , 2, (ioreePiazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON CISTERNS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., n-l. Bread street U„„^„„_ ( 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. CHURCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BUILDINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., / 34, Bread Street, 1 j ^ 163, New Earl Street, j r'"'°°- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUBBER FLOOR CLOTH. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread street U,^i,^_ I 63, New Earl Street, J 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS OF II'iUSKS. luACIMIOUSES, ETC., TO I'REXENT DAMP. CROGGON AND CO., I 34, Bread street U^^^^^ I 63, New Earl Street, / 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PORTLAND CEMENT OF BEST QUALITY, lOO lbs. to the BUSHEL. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, ( London 163, New Earl Street, p™"""- 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PLASTERERS' HAIR SUPPLIED BY CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, t j , (63, New Earl Street,)^™'''"'- 59, George Squ.are, Glasgow , 2, Gi.n-e Piazzas, Liverpool. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, IIY CROGGON AND CO., I '^.B^J street . L„„don. I 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas. Liverpool. GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING. CROGGON AND CO., 1 34, Bread Street, j L^njon. 1 63, New Earl Street, / 59 George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Apbil 4, 1868. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWEKS FOR 1868. Letters Patent, dated 12th August, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS and SON for Important Improvements in Lawn Mowing Machines. UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN, AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL AND MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL NOBILITY GREAT BRITAIN. PARIS UN IVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867, NEW HAND MACHINE. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, io PRESENTING their PRICE LIST of L.YWN JIOWEItS for 186S, beg to mtiinate that Ihey arc the ONLY FIRM, out of all the other EXHIBITORS of LAWN MOWERS at the UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION of 1867, Avhom the JURY HAVE DEEMED -WORTHY to RliCEIVE a MEDAL. A. S. A.ND SON are gratiHed to fiod that the RELATIVE MERITS of their MACHINE have been so PROMINENT and CLEAR to the JURY that they have PASSED OVER the "HONOURABLE MKNTION" and the "BRONZK MEDAL," and AWARDED to A. S. Axu SON the lUGHEST PRIZE THAT HAS EVER BEEN GIVEN to a LAWN MOWER at ANY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. PRICES, INCLUDING CARRIAGE TO ANY RAILWAY STATION OR SHIPPING PORT IN THE KINGDOM. By a Lady 1 0-inch Machine £3 10 0 12-inch Machine 4 10 0 11-inch Machine 5 10 0 By a Boy SHANKS' NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE for 1868. Easily Worked 16-iuch Machine 19-inch Machine 22-inch Machine 2-I-inch Machine Easily Worlied £6 10 0 By a Man 7 15 0 By a Man and a Boy l^l I \By Two Men SHANKS' NEW PATENT PONY and DONKEY MACHINE. Width of Cutter. 2o-inch Machine £12 10 0 28-inch Machine 14 10 0 .. .. 30s. „ aO-uich Machine 15 15 0 .. .. 30s. ,, Silent Movement, 12s. Qd. extra. Boots for Pony, 2"2j. per set. ; Ditto for Donkey, 18s. per set. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE. 30-iuch Machine £19 0 0 36-inch Machine 22 0 0 42-inch Machine . , , , , , . , 26 0 0 48-inoh Machine 28 0 0 . . . . 40s. „ Silent Movement, 20s. c.^tra. Boots for Horse, 26v. per set. 305. 40s. Patent Double-edged Sole Plate, Wind Guard, and Self-Sharpening Revolving Cutters — important advantages, possessed hy no other Lawn Mowers. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IF NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED. A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and Wind Guard, made very great alterations and i mproveaients in their Machine. They have had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six mmths. These trials have been so successful as to enable A. S. and SON to offer a Machine which far excels any other that has ever yet been offered, whether for ease in working, certainty of action, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, Leactenkall Street is the only place in London loh&re intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose frovii a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines. AU sizes kepi there, whether for Eorse^ Po-iy^ or Hand Power. Apbil -1. 1808.] THE GATJUKNEES' rMONTCLE AND AGl^TCTILTIIT^AI, (rAZETTR LAWN MOWERS, GREEN'S PATENT | SHANKS' PATENT SAMUELSON'S PATENT BARNARD'S PATENT. DEANE & CO., 40, KING WILLIAM ST., LONDON BRIDGE. Horticultural Tools, &c. LAWN MOWING MACHINES. 4ii., 60s., 70s., 90s . 140s. GARDEN 11ARR0W.S, Wciod and Iron 2l« .-ind "Os ''■^SE^'S ENGINES, Gnlvnniaod Iron. Prlces,5.is.,isi>».,78s., 0Oj.,IOOs..lIO». GARDEN ROLLERS, £1 10s., £1 14s., £2, £2 7.«, od , f ■> IzJ. Od.. £3 2«. Oli. Sl'EEL DIGGING FORKS. SPADEs! SCYTHES. 4c GREENHOUSE SYRINGES »nd GAJIDEN PUMPS WIRE NETTING and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK GARDEN SKAT.S and CHAIRS. FLOWER STANDS. Cost-iion and Wire STRAINED WIRE FENCING and IRON HURDLES. New Illustrated Hortknltitral Catalogue iiost free on application. DEANE AND CO., 40, KING WILLIAM STREET, LONDON BRIDGE, E.G. THE AUTOMATON LAWN MOWER. PlUCE.'i OF THE AUTOMATON MOAVEl!?. 10 inches £3 10 12 „ 4 10 11 „ 5 10 16 „ 6 10 18 7 10 20 „ 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 HPor W-aterlng Gardens. &o.-BeBt Make Only. ANCOCK'S INDIA- RUliliER HOSE -PIPES, r„. , JI','?,''.J''"' «TOP.COCKS, SeKEADERS. JETS, and HAND- BRANCHES complete. Internal Diameter. J Inch. I Inch. lOd. OcJ. lid. I Inch. I 1 Inch. lOd. Is. M. 1>. 1>. td. No. 3 Is the most semccablo, and recommended. Larj-er Sizes for FIRE ENGINES and PDMPS. .See Price List HOSE.REELS |Gal,anl,cd Ironl for the above at .^T. and 40s eth. TUBING, with Flange for cxcludli.B draunhts through Doors, Windows, and Glass Q application. J»i Lt» Works, -....o i^i.it x.An,;o,,ii. Vulcanised India Rubbei 200, Goswell Road. nnd^o^weM Mews. London, E.C Bee-Hlves. '^'^%,3k'''^^ MEDAL.S AwAansn to GEO. NEIGHBOUR AKD .SONS. Ar TH« Pah.s Ei,„u.i,o» of 1807. Tns o»lv Ekolt.u erMs e-Hi Free Delivery to all the principal Stations in England. E. AND S. guarantee these Machines to perform their work perfectly, and if not approved of, they may be returned, Carriage Paid, within a month. Those sold last season gave Ihe greatest satisfaction. Illustrated nd numerous Testimonials on UPWARDS LisI application. SOLD THE FIRST SEASON, 1867. RANSOMES AND SIMS, ORWELL WORKS, IPSWICH. ■VTEIGHBOUKS' IMPROVEI) COTTAGE liEE-'HivE i-r,l= "^ originally introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR *»n SONS, »orkiDg three bell-glasses ; is neatly and strnngly made of straw ; it has three windows in the lower hive. This hive will be found to po.«Bess many practical advan- tages, and 13 more easy of management than any other bee-hive that has been intro* duced. Price complete, £1 15s. Stand for ditto. 10s. M. THE LIGURIAN or ITALIAN ALP HUE being much in repute. G. N. and Sons supply Stocks of English flees with gonuino Italian (which will shortly " "uollv yellow Italian Alp Bees), at £3 5s. each. An Italian Alp Queen, with of other Improved HiVeo, v*im sent on receipt of two stamps. soMoa 4 So.Ns, 1:7, High Holbom, W.C. ; or ^^^rrP^''^^^^'^' ^-.t Clayton Square. lO, King street. Dublia : EnuoinsoK eet. Glasgow: Austix & McAslak, SAMUELSON & CO.'S ' PATENT LAWN MOWING AND ROLLING MACHINES. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. TO BE OBTAINED OP SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA. WORKS, BANBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE : 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE, E.C. AGENTS : -Messrs. TANGYE BOTHERS and HOLMAN, 10, LAURENCE POUNTNET LANE; Messrs. DEANE and CO , London Bridge • Mescrs DBAT TAYLOR ASP CO., London Bridge ; Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD. 63, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughoSt the Kingdom GEEEN'8 PATENT SILENS MESSOR, OR NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that thev hare no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the KEEPrao of Lawns in the HIGHEST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the nu of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have earned off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved to he the beat, and carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. T. GREEN & SON warrant every Machine to giro entire tatisfaction, and if not approved of can bt returned unconditionally. ILLL.sUt.l 11:11 I'lilCE J.I.STS FREE OX APPLICATION. T. G. AND SON have a large quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments ; also various other kinds of HORTICULTURAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. Saving very extensive Premises in London, we are in a position to do all kinds of Repairs there, as well as at our Leeds Establishment. THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. THE OARPENERS' CffRONICLE AND AGMGULTURAL GAZETTE. [ApbiL 4, 1868. JOHN WAKNER & SONS, BRASS AND BELL FOUNDERS TO HER MAJESTY. HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS, 8, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.G. WABNEES' (No. .568i) AMEKICAN GARDEN ENGINE, OR FIRE AMNIHILiiTOR, Is complete in itself, or can be used to draw from a Pond or Tank, price £2 2s. 6 ft. Suction Pipe and Rose, extra, 12s. No. 42. -WAHNERS' PORTABLE PUMPS, With Improved Valves for Liquid Manui'e . . . . £2 l!i 0 . Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, per foot, 2.s. or!. No. 35. J. W. AND SONS' GOODS MAT EE OBTAINED OF THE TRADE GENERALLY AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES 3.5. WARNERS' I'ATENT CAST-IRON LEFT PUMPS. 2J inches diameter ., ..£18 6 3 „ „ .. ..210 3i „ „ .. ..260 4 „ „ .. .. 2 14 0 SHORT-BARBEL DITTO, FOR SINK.S, I'LANT HOUSES, *c. No. 37.— 21 ins. diameter . . £1 1 0 Ditto, with 15 feet of 1^-in. lead Suction Pipe attached, £2. No. 42. WARNERS' (No. 647 1) GARDEN ENGINE. HOLDS SIX GALLONS. Is light, portable, and easily worked by a lady or cliild, \n-he £2 IQs. These small, but powerful, Engines are strongly recommended to be kept on each floor of a gentleman's mansion, to be used in case of Fire. They should be kept tilled with water, and then are always ready for use. WARNERS' AaUAJECT. Useful for every variety of purpose, in Water- ing or Washing Flowers or Trees in Gardens, Conservatories, &c. ; also for Washing Carnages or Windows, Laying Dust, &c. Price, complete . . . , . . £1 10 0 Small Size for the hand, as an ordinary Syringe, I85. WARNERS' BEST BRASS SYRINGES. No. 0, 9.S. Gd. : No. 00, 12s. ; No. 1, lis. 6d. ; No. 2, 12s. 6d. ; No. 3, 1,5s. No. 4, Read's, ISs. 6^;. ; No. 5, 16«. 6d. ; No. 6, 16s. 6d. ; No. 7, 7s. 6d. No. 0'57a Disc Syringe possesses important advantages, 9s. "■jITa, in lion Tub. WARNERS' GARDEN ENGINES, WITH REGISTERED SPREADERS. These En gines are much improved in construction, are less likely to get out of order, and more easily repaired than others. No. 547a. Strong ENGINES, in Galvanized Iron Tubs, well painted inside and out. 10 Gallons . . .£2 19 0 I 24 Gallons . . £4 19 0 16 Gallons .. 3 14 0 28 Gallons .. 6 10 0 PATii»T ANNULAR-SAIL WIND ENGINB. SELF REGULATING. For raising W.ater fi'om Wells of any depth, and forcing itany height by means of single, double, or treble barrel pumps, is especially adapted for the supply of water to gentlemen's mansions, farms, schools, dnion workhouses, asylums, &c. The larger sizes are recommended itl place of steam engines for Water Works in small towns and vUlagcs, as after the tirst outlay the water is raised free of further cost. These Engines are also adapted for threshing, grinding, chaff cutting, pulping, JSrc., as well as pumping water for the supply of stock, and purposes of irrigation. J. W. Vater Tank." Disraeli. Iron Cisterns. BRABY AND CO. having laid down extensive and Improved Machinery tn their new range of buildings, Ida WniBP, DEPTtOBD, nre now prepared to supply WROUQHT-IRON TANKS. GALVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality, at reduced prices, and ;\t very short notice. F M._ LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. Euston Iloftd, London, F^ HEATING BY HOT WATEE. SHANKS' IMPEOVEl) WROUGHT-IRON BOILER. This Boiler is made on the principle of the Saddlo and Tubular combined. The Tubes, Fire Box, and Shell- plates are all of Wrought-iron, and consequently are not liable to break from expansion and contraction of the metal, as Cast-iron Boilers are. The Tubes are placed in the Fire-box, and so arranged as to expose a veiy large effective heating surface to the direct action of the fire, the advantiige of which is obvious. There is no brushing or cleansing of Tubes requii-ed in this Boiler. A. S. AND SON have no hesitation in saying that their Improved Hot-water Boiler is the most efi'ective and thi most economical yet introduced. Prices on application. SHANKS' IMrROVED HOT-WATER VALVE. Tbi.^ Valve is perfectl\- w.iter tight, very simple, anii _ I costs less than the Valves at — ^^^ -" present used for eftectual!\ ^.■' — ^ — shutting ofi' Hot-water. A. S. AND .^(.LN \viii ix' -lad t^ luniisii llwir Improved Boilers or Valves separatch, ur to liinush j Estimates for Frectiug Hot-water Apparatus complete in any part of the country. HORTICULTURAL BUILDINGS IN IRON OR WOOD. Catalogues containing Designs of Houses, &c., will be forwarded on application. Special Plans and '. for Kanges of Houses to be erected in any part of the country will also be furnished. A. SHAI!?KS AND SON, DENS IRON WOKKS, AUBROATH, N.B. -; and 27, LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON, E.C. GUMMING & EDMONDS, HORTICULTURAL BUILDERS AND HOT-WATER ENGINEERS, LILLIE BRIDGE, PULHAM, LONDON, S.W, (Acljoining West Drompton Station, AVcat London Railway.) Fountain for Sale. TO BE SOLD, a FODNTAIN, in Stone Cement, of tho linost quality and workmanship, and In perfect condition. Subject, tliiee Dolphins on rllnths, supporting a Shell holding a Nerchlivitli a Fish. Height of tho whole, u ft. 7 in. ; width. 5ft. 4Tn. Height or IJolpLlua, 4ft. liln. Diameter of Shell, 6 ft. Height ol Nereid, .1 It, 1 Id. It cost upwards of £1:10 ; to bo Sold for £36, To be seen on application to tho Gardener, Glasshayes, Lyndhurat, THICK'S NEW INCUIiATOK and HEARING .M'PARATUS for POULTRY and GAME. I'atronlaed by inn L( ii MACHINF, eomplete VlllpiolUl,!. I Addiosi Ml r tthowing whether an egg I i Kontish Town, N.W. M^ rOHN trlUbOJN, JuN begs to announce that he is Addresa Mr. Joun Qii for the i-ORMAlION of PCTBLIG PAHKs" f out the samo by Contract or otherwise. 1., Siirroy Lane, Battui . S.W. Estate Improver and Landscape Gardener. JOSEPH NEWTON, 74, Oxford Terrace, W., the Author of "PicturesquePlans for Making New Parks, Grounds, Open Town Spaces. Sc," now offers his AID as AGENT or GENERAL MANAGER to Gentlemen contemplatinff Alterations. No charge made for Consultation, His many Works can be referred to in England, Ireland, &c. ; also his Picturesque Views for Planting, 80 often favourably reported on by the Press, can also be seen at W. liuU's Establishment for New Plants, King's Road, Chelsea, W. PK12E Ga'mE~"C0CKS for SALErWmners of Cups or Frizes at tho following Shows:— Brighton, Basingstoke, Salia- buay, Beverley, Hastings, Bury St. Edmund's, Southampton, Spalding, Wlsbeach, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Manchester, Weston-super- G Farm Poultry. RET DOKKING EOWLS, of purest breed, in any , 3 and early maturity. BRAHMA-POUTRA. CREVECCEUR, and LA PLECHE FOWLS, for constant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on application. John Baily & Son. 113. Mount Street, London. W. w To Maricet Gardeners and Others. ANTED to KENT, about ONE ACRE of good LAND, suitable for a Trial Ground. Tho neighbourhood of Peckham or Claphai T' To SeMsmen and Florists. 0 BE SOLD, SHOP, liltEEiNHOUSES, FORCING- HOUSES, STOCK complete ; established 20 yei To Florists and Seedsmen. TO BE DISPOSED OF, on advantageous terms, one of the oldest ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES in the West-end, doingan excellent Trade in Plants and Flowers, Bouquets, &c. Capital i D, Queen's Road, Bayswatei To Nurserymen. TO BE SOLD, in consequence of the Death of Mr. Jacob Brundrit, the STOCK and BUSINESS of the old-estab* liahed NURSERY, at Stretford, near Manchester, which has been sucQessftillv carried on by Mr. Brundrit's family for more than a century. The Stock comprises Evergreens, Fruit and Forest Trees, Deciduous Shrubs, Thorn Quicks, &c. There is a commodious Dwelling-houae, Greenhouse, Dutch Pit, Frames, Packing Sheds, and all large number nnually. Tho Nursery for doing a first-rate business. There I- _ Fruit Trees, the fruit of which yields a good I. :- _L_._^ J. j^gfgg jQ estent, and ia held under Sir Humphrey De Trafford, Baronet, at a moderate r The Whole will be Sold at a Valuation, and offers a fiue opening for an energetic man. Immediate possession may be had. Apply to Mrs. Jacob Bbundrit, Stretford, near Manchester. SaUs 3bg auttto«4 SALE THIS DAY AT HALF-PAST TWELVE O'CLOCK. Carnations, Picotees, and Gladioli. MR. J. 0. STEVENS beps to announce that he is instructed to SELL by AUCTION, at bis Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C., on SATURDAY, April 4. at half-paat 12 o'clock precisely, the FIRST PORTION of the choice and extensive stock of CARNATIONS, PICOTEES, and GLADIOLI of the well-known firm ot Messrs. Youell A Co., of Great Yarmouth, and sold in consetjuence of the death of one of the members of the firm and dissolution of partnership. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Cboice Poultry and Pigeons. MR. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C , on TUESDAY, April 7, at half-past l2 o'clock precisely. SPA3SIS1I. BUFF and GROUSE COCHINS, WORKINGS. GAME, HAM- BURGHS, BANTAMS, and other sorts of PpuUry. Also a consign- ment of choice PIGEONS from tho Continent, consisting of Black, White, and Red Barbs, Trumpeters, Turbits, Runts, and other virioties. On view the Morning of Sale and Catalogues had. M' CONSERVATORIES AND HOTHOUSES Specially designed to meet the various requirements of Horticulture, and adapted to anj- situatioii. Manu- factured by the aid of Stcam-Fower Machinery. Glazed, Painted, and Fi.xcd complete. GARDEN BOXES, PIT LIGHTS, VERANDAHS, AND GLASS STRUCTURES Of every description, executed on tlie shortest possible notice. Designs and Estimates free on application. Conservatories, Hothouses, Mansions, Churches, Schools, PubUc Buildings, Warehouses, &c., heated by Hot Water on the most approved and economical system, nith GUMMING & EDMONDS' PATENT TUBULAR ARCHED SADDLE BOILER, Described in a lleport of the Royal Hoiticullural Society, as being "very etfective and economical," and also awarded the First-class Certificate at the Bury Horticultural Show, July, 1867. On view the Momlng of Sale, and CatAlogaes had. SAl.K I I IRh'i'-CLASS CARNATIONS, I'ICOTBES, and PINKS, >f 1 ilii.l, Dwarf, and Climbing UOSKS of the leading varieties, < I. ,1 ]!;irdy American Plants, Selected Fruit Trees, Choice A/.iliM indica in tlower, and Camellias, Verbenas, Fuchsias, ciui.iumma, Dahlias, io. MKSSKS. PROTHEROE and MORRIS will SELL by ADCTION the above, at 38 and 39, Gracochurch Street. City, on THURSDAY, April £1. at 1 o'clock precisely. On view Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had of the Auctioneers and Valuers, Lejton!,tono, N.E. Banbury, Oxon. : CARMicnAEL's Worn ]\i FN^i;s. rr. \i;icf: Mr. Cam el. I by 51 r. Barrows, \ ■ ITLi V! I.E STE.UI ENGINES, NINE n.cfnl s.cnnd.band I'OKTABLE I norte-iiitwer ■ SIX Jlrst-class Now and G .M ICllIVEs STEASlCDLTIVArORS. tablep-. ijVaat mills, mortar E.NGINES, from 4 to Sccrjnd-h.andTHr.ESlII WINDLASSES. SAW Catalogue's of Sale to be had ot tho Works, or of the Auctioneers, 38, Cannon Street, Birmingham. THE GAPJ)E:nERS' Cil"R()NICt.E A^"t) AGiJCUi-TUKAT, G.\ZETTE [Apeil -1, 18C8. Messes. GEOKGE GIBBS & CO., Seedsmen, 25 AND 26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W., BEO TO ANNOUNCE, THEIR STOCKS OF NEW GRASS SEEDS BEING NOW GLEANED, THEY ARE PREPARED TO EXECUTE ORDERS TO ANY EXTENT, AS UNDER. MEADOW AND PASTURE GRASS SEEDS. MIXTURES for PERMANENT MEADOW and PASTURE. — For Light, .5. ./. l[pilium, and Heavy Soils, allowing 2 busheU of Grass Seeds and 12 lb. of Small Seeds to each acre per acre, 30s. to 32 0 MIXTURES for PERMANENT JlEADOn' and PASTURE. — A Cheaper Mixture, omitting the finer sortg of Grass Seeds, but allowing 2 bushels of Grass Seeds and 12 lb. of Small Seeds to each acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . per acre, 26.?. to 28 0 MIXTURES for PARK or FIELD L.VWNS.— Allowing- 2 bushels of Grass Seeds and 12 lb. of Small Seeds to each acre . . . . per acre 38 0 MIXTURES for IRRIGATION or W.\TER MEADOWS. — Allowing 2 bushels of Grass Seeds and 12 lb. of Small Seeds to each aie ., .. ., .. .. .. .. .. per acre 30 0 MIXTURES for TWO or THREE YEARS' LAY or ROT.ATIOy CROP- s. , which will entitle the Member to free admission during all the days of the Exhibition (and also two friends' lickeU of admission to B Pines. S. WILLIAMS begs to auuounee that he can supply all the best kinds. Prices on application. Victoria and Paradise Nupciery, Upper Holloway, London, N. PINES, to be disposed of bv Private Contract. 00 FRUITERS | 108 SUCCESSION, strong 100 SUCCESSION, smaller. Apply to J. pEEn, ECfra Nursery, Brixton, S., near the Church. B~ OYAL ASCOT or PERPETUAL.— To "have new GRAPES from thia wonderful Vine In January, February, and Mftrc'i, now ajid next month iii the time to plant ttiem. Fine young growing CaneP. now, 42s. each ; in May, 31s. dd., 423., and 63s. each ; m June, 2\a.j 42s., and 03s. each. JouN STANDign, Royal Nursery, Ascot, Berks. MRS. NICHOLSON can now 'supply plants of all STRAWBERRIES worthy of cultivation on the most liberal terms. Many French Seedlings of great merit can now be sent out ' DES ofai . ^. escliffe. Yarra.— March 2fi. w EBB'S PRIZE COB FILBERTS, and other PRIZE COB NUTS and FILBERTS. LIST of these varieties from Mr. Wkbh, Calcot, Reading. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GARDEN SblEDS, INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON. 1802, was awarded to luta Carteh & Co., 2^7 and 23=t, High Ilolborn, London, W.C. James Carter A Co., ^37'and23g. kigli Holborn. London. W.C. c Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. ARTE K C 0. E I New Seed Warehouse, 237 & 238, High Holborn, London. CHARLES TURNER'S COLLECTION of the above is NOW in FINE BLOOM, to which he invites an inspection. The Royal Nurseries, Slough. Cinerarias and Primulas. FANB A. SMITH beg to announce their splendid • COLLECTIONS are NOW in BLOOM, from which they g»tber the Sued offered to their customers. An mspectlon solicited. H Hollyliocks, Hollyhocks. MINCHIN has u quantity of strong healthy plants t of the above, cnnsifiting of the best kinds. List of prices orianulicatiun. The Nurseries, Hook Norton, O.'con. WEBB'S NEW GIANT POLYANTHUS, Florist I'^ower, and GIANT COWSLIP SEEDS; also Plants of all the varieties, with double PRIMROSES ol different colours ; AURICULAS, both Single and Double ; with every sort of Early Spring Flowers. LUt on application. — Mr. Wei , Cabc Reading QPLENDID NEW TROP^OLUM, O MRS. TREADWELL. — For particulars of this beautiful bedding variety, see former Advertisements, March 28 and April 4, in the Gardeners' Chronicle, or may be had on application. Plants_65. eiichj 4:;s. per doz. The usual discount to the Trade. F.'& A, t^uiTH. The Nu !3, West Dulwich. S.E. British Fern Catalogue. "pOBERT SIM will send, post iree for six XX stamps. Part I. (British Ferns and their varieties, 36 pages. Including prices of Hardy Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- TIVE CATALOGUE of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS, No. 7. WANTED to PURCHASE, CEREUS GRANDI- FLORDS.— Any person havrng a plant of Cereus grandiflorus, ol several years' growth, in good and healthy condition, may hear of a purchaser on application to Mr. J. Fraseb. of Aylesbury, Bucks. Notice. PURCHASERS of LARGE QUANTITIES of FARM or GARDEN SEKDS will be supplied liberally by Sdtton & Sons. For prices apply (stating quantity required) ' Sdtton & Sons. Koyal Berkshire Seed Establis it, Reading. New Catalogue of Soft -wooded and Bedding Plants, Florist Flowers, &c. CHARLES TURNER'S DESCRIPTIVE LIST Is now ready, and will be sent on application. The Royal Nursurit:s, SlnuKh. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. I AMES FAIRHEAD and bON, Seed Growers and Meecbants, 7, Borough Market, and Braintree, Essex. Special prices on appllcitioo. s Seeds of First Quality. TEPHEN BROWN'S NliW DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with II lustrations, sent free on application. Stephen Brown, Seed Grower, Sudbury, Sufifolk. w Genuine Garden Seeds. I. CUTBUtSU AND SON'S (JATALOGUE of the abOTe la now ready. Post free on applicatioo. HighRate Nurseries. London, N. AWATKIN8, Ni'iLSEBTMAN, Bishop Stortford, can . supply HUMEA KLEGANS, extra fine, in 13-iDch pots : also COLKDS filBSONI, VEITCHII, and VERSCHAFFELTII. Apply Male Aucuba Flowers. TNG. STANDISII is now ready to send by post a dozen G REEN HOLLIES.— A large quantity of Green Hollies, from 1 to 2i feet, very fine and well rooted. For price and sample apply to M. A. Lakf, The Nursenea, llnrtKewater. FURZE SEED. — A few sacks Furze Seed, growth of 1867. T. JoNFB k SoN9, General Seed Merchants, 83, Grand Parade. Cork. OR HEDGES.— AMERICAN "ARBOR-VIT^, 4 to 6 feet, at 50s. per 100 ; 6 to 6 feet, 84s. per 100 ; 6 to T feet. lOOi. per 100. D Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. DUTCH BOX.— 200 yards of extraordinary fine Box to be Sold Cheap, Apply, Mr. Tdcrlino, Royul Standard, Merton. Surrey. ^ELLINGTONIA GIGANTEA (the Mammoth Tree)", tor Avenues and Parka, very handaorae, well furnished specl- mena. frequently Transplanted, 2 to 21 ft., 'dis. per dozen ; 3 t<. 4 ft., 30$. per dozen, A reduction made when taken by the 100 or 1000. JtrcBAHD Smith, NuraerTiuan and Seed Merchant, Worcester. Wholesale Catalogue. GEORGE JACKMAN and bUiN'S PRICED and descriptive CATALOGUE of HARDY NURSERY STOCK for 1867 and SPRING, 166S, can be had free on application. Wuking Nursery, Surrey. Just Puhllshed. WM. PAUL'S LIST of SEEDS containe a selection of the beat NOVELTIES in VEGETABLES and FLOWERS, the choicest and most approved older sorta, freo by post on application. cl'b Nurseries and Seed Warehouse, Wnltham Cross, London, N. New Roses for 1868. JOHN ERASER, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries, London, N.E., boRS to offer fine healthy plants of the best NEW ROSES for 1868. A DESCRIPTIVE LIST may be had on application. Wi 1 cultivation. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES now ready. , Wood it Son, Nurseriei, Maresfield, Uckfleld, Sussex. w Dwarf Eoses In Pots for Bedding. By the Dozen, Hundred, or Thousand. Woodlands Nubbeht, MAREsriELD, Ucrfibld, Sussex. M, WOOD AND SON have a very extensive and magniflcent Stock of the above to offer CATALOGUES free on application^ THRIlE THOUSAND Hne healthy TEA and PERPETUAL DWARF ROSES, in pots, of all the best leading varieties. J. W. Todman, Eltham Nursery, S.^^ New Roses, &c. WM. PAUL'S SPKINO CAI'aLOGUE of NEW ROSES, NEW TARIEQATED, BEATON'S, and ZONAL PELARGONIUMS, Ac, is novy ready, and will be forwarded post free on application. Walthain Cross. London, N. Agricultural Seeds. WAITE, BUKNELL, HliliOINS, and CO.'S AGRICULTURAL SEED CATALOGUE for this Reason is now published, and will be forwarded j«r post on application. Wholesale Seed Warehouse, Southwarlc Street, London, S.E. (late of 181, High Holborn). To Improve Meadow Land. RICHARD S.MiJH'S iMlXTUKE of the finest GRASSES and PERENNIAL CLOVERS (8 to 12 lb par acre, at M. porlb.J, If sown early, will causeuvHluable crop RicHAiiD Smith, Seed Merchant. W, K Grass Seeds for Permanent Pasture. ICHAKI) SMITH'S MIXTURES of tlie finest PEKENNlAi GRASSES and CLOVERS are carefully made ) suit all kinds of Soil. PRICED LIST o RicriABD SuiiB, Seed M NATURAL GRASSES : their Names and Derivations ; Quality, Produce, Elevation, Situation. Soil, Use, Peculiarity, Season, Growth, Inci-ease. Time of Flowering, Price, 4c. Free for one postage stamp. RiodARD Smith, Seed Merchant, Worcester. PARIS, [The SILVER MEDAL for GRASSES and 1867. I GRASS SEEDS was Awarded to SUTTON i SONS, Royal Berks Seed Establisbraeut, Reading. SUTTONS' PERMANENT GRASS SEEDS, 21s. to 32s. per acre, carriage free. SOTTONS' MIXTURES for 1, 2, 3, or 4 years, 10s. Gil. to 22s. per .ere, caniage free. SuTTOK & Sons, Reading, Berks. New Striped Japanese Maize. SUTTON AND Sons can supply Seed of the above beautilul Ornamental Foliage Plant in packets at Is. each, post free. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Re tding. Furze or Gorse (Ulex Europaeus). SUTTON AND SiiNS huve a tine stock of NEW SEED. Also, all other kinds of AGRICULTURAL SEEDS at very modeiate prices, as see SUrroNS FARM SEED LIST (jratis and post free). Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. D lOKl.NSO.N'S 1TALL\aN RYE-(iRA6S SKEU.— Agriculturists wishing to be supplied :vre requested to apply n 'Pu-.D iiT-.v-niT^n., Rniliir Moir Pari/ r Ki.iw.i.fnn TT....ta 34s. per quarter for less. CLOVER SEED, first quality only, home growthT. Market price on application. Louis Van Hocttc, Nurseryman and Seedsman, Ghent, Bel^ura. IVINEST LAWN MIXTURE, is. per lb., composed of JL only the most suitable Grasses and Clovers. James Dicrson & Sons, 102, Eistgate Street. Cnester. Farm Seeds of Genuine Quality. JAMES DICKSON and SONS' FKIUED LIST will be forwarded, post free, on application. fO!d Established Nursery and Seed Busniess), 102, Ka^ttcate Street, and Newton Nurseries. Chester. SUTTONS' HO.ME-GROWN FARM SEEDS. Prices and particulars on application. THE"L0NG-8TANDER LETTUCE.— Fine.Trisp, and excellent, stauds longer without runnioK than any Lettuce extant. Packets. Is. each. Price to the Trade on application. Stephen Brown, Seed Grower, Sudbory, Suffolk. GIANT ASPARAGUS PLANTS, very stroog.— Three years, 2s. Gd. per 100 ; 203. per 1000. Ditto, four years, trans- planted one year, very strong and cheap, per 100 or per 1000. Apply for price. Cuarles Shillinq. Hill Nursery, Wincfafleld, Hants. GIANT ASPARAGUS'PLANTS, the 'best that money can procure, 2«. 6d. per 100. — Tliis delicious vegetable does not require half the expense usually incurred in planting it. Sea Richard Smlth'b SEED LIST for 1608. Extra strong SEA KALE, 2s. per dozen. " " Nurseryman, Worcester. S^ H. 4 F. Sh . Wisbech. POTATOS, SEED.— Dalmahoy, early rounil ; Asbleaf Kidney, Lemon improved Kidney and Fluke. Also a consider- able quantity of small ones suitable for Seed, very cheap. Price on application to H. k R. Stirzaker, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. ATKkSON'S BLU E TOTATOSrO*. per cwt. for cash". Henkv MiNcniN, The " ^ . -. . , Hook Norton, Oxon. E & Son, Seed Merchants, HuddersQeld. B^ Messrs. Bldkdei.l & Paluer, 3, Portland Street, Southampton. EWISHAM SWEDE, the finest Tariety of Purple-top J in cultivation. Special prices on application to James Fairbead t Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E^ njRNIf, SWEDE, and MANGEL CROP, 1867. Speci.ll prices to the Trade on appllcatio I Faii 0 & Sus. 7, Borough Ma , S-E. CABBAGE. — Special quotations for all the leading varieties from James Fairhead i Sov, 7. Borough Market, S.E^ /■lARROTr Aitr: White and Yellow Beli-K N, 7, Borough Market. S.E. EXTRA strong SEAKALB PLANTS, 6.!. pVTOO, 60s. per 1000; strong Z-jr. ASPARAGUS PLANTS, 3s. Od. per lOU, or 30s. per 1000. M. Cleall, Nurseryman, Homsey, Middlesex, N. Sang's Fifeshlre 'sreUow Turnip. CHARLES SHAKl'i; and C(I. have a pure and true stock of SANG'S PIFESniRE YELLOW TURNIP to offer to the Trade. Price on application. To the Trade.— Home-grown Turnip Seeds. CHARLES SHAKl'K ami CO., Skkd Cjbowers, Sleaford, have to offer TURNIP SEEDS of all the leading kinds, grown from fine selected stocks. Speoial^prices sent on application. to'tiie Trade^Hbme-grown Mangel Seeds. /-IHARLltS SUARIE AND CO., St.el^ QrowbRS, Ky Sleaford, have to offer MANGEL SEED =■',«",'•'■» Jf^'"* kinds, grown from lino selected stocks. Special prices sent on application. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [APfilL 11, 1868. NEW ZO?^AL PELARGONIUM, EGYPTIAN QUEEN.— This splendid variety, which was awarded the First Prize flt the RoynlHorticuUuralSociety'sShowat South Kensington i_ *!. '---nn oC 1867, and is decidedly the best Bicolor 2onal yet ill^ bo ready for sending out on the 1st May. Orders are executed in strict rotation. Single lnth< exhibited. now belnjt honked, and' will plants, price 10». Cd. GYNEKIUM ARGENTEUM (PAMPAS GRASS).—!' .___ ,. , . conspicuni; specitnetis, large, for centres of bed " * " ; smaller flowering p: " ' * r pliinting. 2ls. per 100, Bd. ; good plai pla, 1 Gardener:^ Clironicle, page 211. Is. Qd. each, 12s. TRITOMA UVARIA QLANDIFL0RA._1«'. 6d. eachj 9s. to 12s. Ser dozen. UM AURATUM (the Golden-rayed Lily of Japan).— ItOMARIA GIBBA. — Hardy greenhouse Fern ; the most handsome oflate introductions. 2j». 6rf. to 3;*. 6d. IiASTREA OPACA.— Hardy Japanese Fern; admirably adapted for cool greenhouse or sheltered Fernery, very line. 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. BEDDING PELARGONIUMS, strong plants, in 3 and El-inch pots, m cold frames, Excellent, Stella, Christine. Mont Fordi, Herald of Spring, Cerise Unique, Tom Thumb, and Madame Vaucher, at 2.^. 6d. per dozen. Brilliant, Bijou, Flower of Spring. Flower of the Day, Gold Chain, at 2s. 9d. per dozen. Old plunts of each kind, shaken out of pots, at same price. Mrs. Pollock and Indian Yellow, &s. per dozen. CRYSTAL PALACE GEM— An extraordinary improvement on Cloth of Gold and Gold Chain, being a far superior colour, of dense habit and rapid growth. Half-price of Ir^st year, viz., 9s. per dozen. Apply. T. L. Mavos, Lugwardine, Hereford. _ Becl^'s Seedling Pelargoniums. Q GLENDIWNING and SONS are now offering for ^-J • the first time the 12 beautiful, new, and distinct PELARGO- NIUMS raised by Mr. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Beck., Esq., of Iskworth, which were awarded numerous Certificates at the various Metro- politan Snows. DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may be had on application. Chiswick Nurseries, London. W. Choice Bedding Geraniums. THOMAS PESIKIDGE can now supply strong Plants in 60-sized pots. MRS. POLLOCK. 4s. per dozen [ ITALIA UNITA -is perdi SUNSET, 7s. per dozen I ' ' /^^ . k-t^t, . . '. ^, LUNA, 7s. per dozen , ._ Terms, Cash. Greenway Nursery, U.\bi2dge, Middlesex. Notice to the Readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle i^EO. SMITH'S DESCKIPTIVE CATALOGUK, VJ containing Select Lists of SHOW, SPOTTED FANCY VARIEGATED, and ZONAL GERANIUMS, inciudint the choicest of Bronze, NoscRay, and Double varieties: also FUCHSIAS VERBENAS, PETUNIAsf'DAHLI .\S in different classes CHKY-' SANTHEMUMS. and BEDDING PLANTS in great variety now ready, in exchange for one postage stamp. Tollington Nursery, Hornsey Roaa, Islington, London, N. J New Zealand Nursery. St. Alban's. Herts. WATSON'S beautiful BEDDING PELARGONIUM * ^■^^,?t^*'^?v "^"^ '■^'''^y ' colour of [ndian Yellow ; fine truss, apd habit of Lord Palmerston. Price bs. each : 36s oer doz to the Trade MISS WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1 The Two have received 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money. Fine New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN Ripe in April. PlantsreadyinNovember, 6a. each; SGs.perdoz to the Trade DESCRIPTIVE LIST sent on appl EG. HENDERSON and SON'S NEW PLANTS • (Omitted from the general Advertisement of March 28). NEW ZONAL GERANIUM QUEEN of ROSES.— A very beauti- ful variety in the rose-coloured section, as an improvement upon ly expanded ; remarkably 10s. (W. First-class Certificate, ell distinguished in the group by its remarkably NEW BEDDliNG DAHLIA LITTLE'BOBBY (Raw" growth and -_ with the wl r belts, and for sepirate groups o PRINCE of WALES.— A magniflc M.Iuteus section, golden-yellow groun'H colour, with a remark margin. A very beautiful and growth, variety. nservatory culture i ir atter-bloom. A } ' with larger flowers, of good form, than i 3s. Gd. NEW MIMtJLUS, COCCINEA PLORB PLENO.— An intermediate double-flowered variety, between M. cuprea and the *'hose-in- hose" section, with flowers double the size of the former, and a 'icolour. By its free blooming habit, intense colour, valuable addition to its tribe, .'ello- ' ■ ■■ '■ • well adapted for spring decoration ; garden culture in succession. 3a. 6d. Wellington Nursery, St. John's Wood, London, N.W. pOUNTESS of KELLIE is the finest light-coloured vy Gold and Bronze PELARGONllJM ever offered. For Opinions of the Press see our large advertisement (d. 343, April 4), or our new Florist Flower Lst, free per post. DowNiE, Laibd, & Lainc, Stanstead Park Nursery, Forest Hill. London, S,E. ; and Edinburgh. Fine Tricolor Geraniums. WOOD AND INGRAM beg to offer the following T. , . J- *'"° varieties for 18s. ;— LADY CULLITM, SOPHIA DaMARESQUE. EASTERN BEAUTY, SUNSET, MRS.BENYON MRS. POLLOCK, GOLD PHEASANT, ITALIA UNITA, SILVER STAR, QUEEN'S FAVOURITE. THE COUNTESS, and GLOW- WORM. The Nurseries. Huntingdon. W^ Fine Zonal Geraniums of 1867. OOD AND INGRAM beg; to offer 20 fine varieties, including LADY CONSTANCE GROSVENOR, DUCHESS of SUTHERLAND, MRS. LAING, KING of NOSEGAYS, &c.. for w ^„^ Fine Flowering Pelargoniums. OOD AND INGRAM beg to offer extra Ad Spotted, and_Fancy varieties, strong plants, in 5-mc ■ e Nurseries, Huntingdon. , per dozen PELAEGONIOJIS.-Strons, healthy, bloomiiK- plants iD 4i mcU pots. Sbow, Spotted, and Faocy. 12 chofce named ?J;,' 't'°J. '^•' '" ""' ^'^- ^'"° " «<">???*S^*^'^ ?9"^ Pelargoniums. OALTMAKSH and SON will send out on the wT;.. !.?L.° n5,"fi '^t" ^""""'•'S splendid Seedlings, to both which iiSet^rsp^eSfsto''^ir^VS''l' ^' "'" ^°''" Horticultural " ""„? •'.?7S-£™'."'?.,?f '«"/ ereen, with a broad well deSned ) scarlet, portion of -. .- ... « bright carmine »\.T^it"*V;^°'^"""'"'°'^.. y ^ °*^^P margin of clear ;i;;-.;t.kir, T ".'' '}" green portion never intrudes; habit remarkably robust and vigorous. SUNRISE -Centre green, with bright red and claret zone of medium ''^'- },>^\'-'<^'S'r' bei„g Tem^rkMy bro.ad and of a clear canSS yellow, changing to sulphur. The habit of the plant is very com- pact and close-jomted resembling that of the Tom Thumb section. The Sliver Knightian Medal was awarded to the Collection con- taining those varieties. They were also included in th« rnii?..i,°„„ of Six New Varieties, to which Iho F rst P ,ze S.i awarSed at S Society's Grand Provincial Show at Bury St SiS? in Tnlv Also in the Second Prize Collection of Six New Varieties at toe Special Pelargonium Show on the 17th of September Strong established Plants, 21s. each. The usual Trade discount Moulsbam Nurseries. Chelmsford. ZONAL GERANIUMS, NEW FUCHSIAS &c - 100 floe ZONAL GERANIOMS, of the best rliserrBeatonT Paul's. Bull's. Smith's, 4c.. in 60 varieties for ills '^°"°'' "• 12 select new FUCHSIAS of 1867 fir 0° *"'="='. 'o" 30s. 12 select new ZONAL GERANIUMS of 1867 for C- 12 se ect new CHRYSANTHEMUMS of 1807 fo" 4,' 12 select new VERBENAS of 1867 for 3s ' 'fCSL^-'iillfeffSrsT'"^''™"^- <■-'« '■^■■■'y. -0 a= 12 fine varieties JAPAN EUONITUUS for 6s. " ■Ziil':'"'l'^"' "^"""' ^"'■^ "'"-^ ■=''■"■1 GERA.NIUMS, laPOA TRfviALIS ARGENTEA ELEGAvqiSii.„n >r n 12DACTYL1S GLOME RATA ELlfcANSvi Lilai'l'.^.'' f?' ^''' S^LTui«VE^^.?l?lt1S'^''--r™ la^ioLA^^o^gS^pKo. JsflE?^^'-"'- MTOSOTIS IMPERA^RICE ELIZABE'TH 6d 12 GAZANIA SPLENDKNS VAlflEQATA ,lli.'^S¥':-J>^ QR-BCA, 2s. oi UA.6aiMia SfLENUKNS VARIEQATA 4. " "dSaitt^^it^oSt'^F^^-^™' '"-'"-=- b.-and Thoroughly Estahllshed and Hardened-off Bedding Plants. WOOD AND INGRAM beic to oft'er extra strong and * * bushy plants, in single pots, of the following, which cannot f^n to go on well and give entire satislaction :— VERBENAS, best bedding varieties, in 2i-ipch pots, extra bushy plants, '2s. per dozen. rper dozen S^t'^i';?.t^'"-*^ AUREA FLORIBUNDA, In S-inch pots, 2s. ed POA TRiyiALIS AROENTEA ELEGANS (Variegated Meadow pjantg^ ^;.?^'" '^"^.'^i, ch pots, lo ixVLUaa llii& JijIjElLrAP'-'' ivnr. Grass), in 2i-inch pots, '2s. 6d. per dozen. i^uBELIA MISS MORPHY, beat white, very compact grower in 2i-lnch rots, 2.*. etl. per dozen. GERANIUM CHRISTINA, in 3-inoh pots, 2s. Sd. per dozen A ;;co'1''.!!SI.^°^.-S'"''''"?^°°»'' '" S'nch pots, 2s. to 3«. per dozen. AGERATUM CCELEStInOM NANDM, thj very best bedding variety, in 2t-inch pots, 2s. 6i/. per dozen. IRESINE HEKBSTlI.in2t.inchpots,2s. 6d.perdozen RnMFA^ii^''B'?A»F'F°i'-^^^- '" 2'-"'"' »<"=• 3»- per dozen. HUSIEA ELEGANS, splendid specimens, in lu-inch pots, 2 to 21 ft high, and clothed with fine foliage. 3s. M. each, 30s. per dozen Tlio Nurseries, Huntingdon. New Nosegay, Zonal, Gold and Bronze Pelargoniums. DOWNIE, LAIRD, and LAING, FLonisTS to the QrEEN. have much pleasure in offering the following splendid NOVELTIES. Plants ready first week in May, 1868. NOSEGAY SECTION. COUNTESS of ROSSLVN. — Bright violet pink, with a glowlnir carmine shade, flowers smooth and of great substance, large bold truss ; very effective and distinct. First-class Certiflca at Royal Horticultural Society, Crystal Palace, and Brighti 7s. 6d. each. EMELINE.— A delicate and beautiful shade of blush pink pips .t™,t .„H = ,h 1 e^sg (,.^s5^ excellent habit: extra Royal Horticultuial Society, Regent' BEAUTIFUL COLOURED DRAWINGS by Mr. AnnnEws, of NOSEGAY GERANIUMS ECLAT anS without any exaggeration of flow- „ , ... ^ . .„ 18 Penny Postage Stamps each. Also Sve new FUCHSIAS i """ ' ' exchange for 18 Penny Postaee Stamps. ) for Plate.: . ___ ^„. Geo. Smith, Tollington Nursery, Hornsey koad. IslingtonrLondon, N. QPECIAL OFFER of PELARGOljIUMS. ^ ' Per dozen.— s. d. I Per dozen.— s. d. BICOLOR SPLENDENS.. 6 0 GOLD PHEASANT 0 0 MRS. LONGFIELD .. 6 0 MRS. POLLOCK .. .60 BEAUTY ofOULTON .. 9 o| CRYSTAL PALACE GEM 0 0 The above are very strong Plants, and beautifully coloured. Casbon & Sou, Gravel Walk Nureery, Peterborough. J.'y^ Geraniums, Geraniums. PADMAN, Providence Nursi-rv, Boston Spa, orkshiro, can supply the following GERANIUMS (package . , _ MLSS KINGSBURY 0 GOLD LEAF 3 PINK STELLA 2GLOIREDEN ANCY.dble. 3 SUNSET I 6 MRS. POLLOCK I 3 ITALIA UNITA N.B. For any of the above kinds not required others of equal value wilUie substituted. CATALOGUES free on application. S"^ P E R B VaTieGATED PELARGoInIUM 8~ .SOPHIA CUS.iCK MRS. BASS EDWINIA FITZPATRICK SILVER STAR TWILIGHT ITALIA UNITA COUNTESS TYRCONNELL QUEEN VICTORIA GLEN EYRE BEAUTY ITALIAN BEAUTY LADY CULLUM Remittance requested. For equal value can be substituted. Casbon & Son, Gravel Walk' Nursery, Peterborough. F. New Tricolored Geraniums. SaMITH have now completed and filled a m House, 100 feet lone, with the most extensive and e every day, plan ARIEL t reduced pricei f be had in strong IMPERATRICE EUUENIE MONARCH PRINCE of WALES PRINCESS of WALES QUEEN of the FAIRIES QUEEN VICruRIA A few fioe specimens of most of the above for exhibition and other purposes. Prices on application. The Nursorits, West Dnlwicli, ?i.E. KNSIQN METEOR ANTAGONIST DEFIANCE GRANDIS L'EMPEREUR LOUISA SMITH MEMNON Choice Variegated Geraniums. Maoy in this collection 8 Centurion Circlet I Countess of Tyrconnel Goldfinch Italia Unita Kenilworth Lady Cullum Longfleld Rainbow Rosette Rosy Gem Snowflake i Socrates I Stella alba Socrates [(bedder) Gaiety i ;; Pollock" General Longstreet Neatness Golden Harkaway - Picturatum 12 varieties from the following, purchi Sunset Tbe Countess The Empress Topsy 1 Venus Walthain Gem Yellow Belt Zlngara iser'a selection, OOj First-class Certificates Park, and Crystal Palace. 7s^ (>d. ROSE STELLA.— Rosy piak, shaded with violet. largi First-class _ , introduced , .„ "Stella," much more compact .., , „ ..^..^^ «, v.,ai,iu..u sliade of colour, and have been pronounced as great acquisitions Iff orange d striking large comi)act Certificate at Regent's Park. &s. each NOSEGAY FLORIBUNDA. -Clear pale orange scarlet, very smooth compact globular truss, the pips of great substance, with as many as 133 on one truss ; contmuea a long ttme in bloom ; a magnificent pot plant. First-clasa Certificate at sjai ge and full, vigorous habit ; a bold a t been exhibited, 7s. 6d. ej m, shaded with violi dwarf compact habit. Regent's Park. 7s. 6d. ea'ch. THE SULTAN.— Brilliant scarlet, shaded with smooth petals, large truss, dwarf habit; a 317 broad t excellent s THE RIGHT HON. G. HARDY.-Vivid orange scarlet, with a fine glowing shade of colour, having lar^e and well-rounded trusses excellent habit, free blooming, pale zonate foliage ■ a sup'6rl> variety. First-class Certificate at Crystal Palace and Brighton and Certificate at Royal Horticultural Society. 7*. Sd. each ZONAL SECTION. ■y fine form and seraph""'" """J' """'"'"""z TT„.„r\,r" " smooth, of great substance, dTstinctdarlt ^^..„v« .=,w^^ « uuo exhibition variety. First-class Certificate, Royal Horticultural Society. 7a. 6rf, each. The set of 10 for £3. Special offer for quantities. GOLD AND BRONZE SECTION. '*"' * '" ' right golden yellow, with light -_-„jtred, habit vigorous and com- ; efifective bedder. This is decidedly the MISS EDITH. — Blush, suSused with substance, dwarf free compact habit. Orange salmon, large white centre, pips large and Society. First-class Certificate, Royal Caledonian Horticultural Societv, Sept. 1867. 15s. each. MRS. JOHN TODD.— Leaves soft golden yellow, with a pale ^. vigorous and compact habit, Que bedder. 10k, Gd. ea___ KENTISH HERO— Leaves large, of a light greenish yellow, with a broad zone of dark hronze, vigorous grower ; a very distinct and striking variety. 10s. 6{t. each. The above were awarded First Prize as the best three Gold and lironze v.irleties, shown in Class 4, at the Grand Special Show held a 1 September 17, 18ri7. Kensmgton, ^. ^ , The set'of three for 3U in.wlri'' °L^^''^''^i K*" ^^^ above being limited, early orders are n^ ™.ii 1 .-,1 . _. i-QtatjQQ j^g received. the several ,, . -s they will be executed Ihe above weie the admiration of all who 1 Shows last year. For Opinioi ; of the Pre, Metrnpo! ^^_. ^ „. New Florist Flower List, free by post. Stanstead Park, Forest Hill, London, S.E. ; and Edinburgh Caroline Lonfield Castlemilk Duke of Edinburgh Edwinia Fitzpatrick Glen Eyre Beauty Jock o' Hazeldean Justicia [ Lady Cullum I Light and Shadow Road Nursery, St. John's Wood, Loudon. Emerald E. Q. Henderson Electric Wellingtor ^ ' Bedding Plants for the Million. JAMES HOLUKK can supply Scarlet and Variesated GERANIUMS, CALCEOLARIAS, VERBENAS. DAHLIAS, SALVIAS. FUCHSIAS. HELIOTROPES, GAZANIAS, AGERA- TUMS, CUPHEAS, K(ENIGIAS, LOBELIAS. &c., strong plants, eight dozen for 2u«., or four dozen f.ir lus. Gd. Hamper with extra plants gratis. Also 30 PELARGONIUMS, distinct sorts, for 16s. cash. Crown Nursery, Reading. PLUMS, and CHERRIES. 'Extra strong' VINES ancl FIOS 'in' fhuting condition for forcing. See Richard Smith's FRUIT LIST, post free for 3 stamps. Rici J Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. The Nurseries, Barnet. Herts. CHARLES CORN WELL bpgs lo call the attention of Gentlemen and others engaged in Planting to his large STOCK of the following, which are offered at a low price, the ground being required for other purposes:— CEDRUS DEODARA, 4 to 12 feet ; Araucaria imbricata, 2 to 6 feet ; Arbor-vitie, American, 6 to 8 feet ; Cedars. Red and White, 4 feet ; Crj-ptomeria japonica, 4 to 8 feet ; Cupressus Lawsoniana, 2 to 6 feet ; Cupressus sempervirens, 3 to 5 feet ; Junipers, of sorts, 3 to 5 feet ; Taxodium sempervirens, 6 to 10 feet ; Irish Tews, 0 feet ; Thuja gigantea, 4 to 6 feet ; Tnujopsis borealis, 4 to 7 feet ; Thuja Lobbii, 4 to 0 feet ; Thuja aurea, 2 to 4 feet ; Wellingtonia gigantea. 4 to 6 feet ; Pinus cembra, 5 to C feet ; and Pinus excelsa, 8 feet. The above have been kept constantly removed, so that they are all perfect specimens. Also all other kinds of Evergreen and Flowering Shrubs, of all sorts and sizes; ' '^ - - ■'■ ^ • . ., .,„^g ^^ ^^ descriptions. Standard THE GOLDEN VARIEGATED WELLINGTONIA — For full particulars of this fine tree see Gardener^ Chronicle of February 8 and 17. Received First-class Certificate from the Royal Horticultural Exhibition of 1867. the Grand Manchester Opin: 3 variegated VVellingtonia. ~ ' ' i whole. " R. Hartland exhibited t .._, The variegated parts, which seemed equal to a third of t _ were of a bright golden colour." Scottish Gardeiier, September, 1866! "The Golden Variegated Wellingtonia is a capital subject for planting, the markings being such as to render it really handsome, while Its growth is healthy." Gardeners' Chronwle, January 12, 1867. ' The beautiftil Golden Variegated variety of the Mammoth Tree of California is a striking and deservedly prized variety" . . . "its golden spray glittering in the sunbeam ; and if ever the distinctive characters of a plant seemed fixed, they are in this instance." Irish Farmer^ Gazette, November 2, Ksts?. Tbe plants are plunged out-of-doors. Firstsize, 2-yr.,I4tol6mche3 £6 5 0 Second size, 1-yr., 9 to 12 inches 2 2 0 Thirdsize. thisyeai's. 4to6inche3 .. .. 110 Chromo-Jithograph, by Day & Son, post free for 25 stamps, and one Apbil 11, K68.1 THE GARDENERS' CnRONICLE AND AGRICULTUIUL GAZETTE. 371 NEW PLANTS FOR 1868. B. S. WILLIAMS, VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY. UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. HAS MDCH PLEASURE IN OFFERING THE FOLLOWING NEW PLANTS, WHICH WILL BE SENT OUT THE END OF MAY. AZALEA NE PLUS ULTRA. Flowers iibout 3 iiichee across, wliitc, beautifully splashed and mottled with salmon ; petals of great substance and rich glossy surface. llabit robust, free- branching, and a most profuse bloomer. The finest Azalea extant. Price 31s. 6d. AZALEA HERO. Flowers good shape and substance; colour delicate salmon pink, upper segments profusely spotted ; habit moderate, free-branching and compact, — llie most important feature for an exhibition Azalea. Price 21s. ADIAWTUM EXCISUM MULTIFIDUM. This is one of the handsomest and most useful of its genus ; the fronds are quadripinnate ; the pinnx deeply cut, giving it a very graceful appearance. From 12 to 18 inches in height, and rich dark green in colour ; stipes and racks black ; the apex of the frond is frequently divided into several branches, thus forming a beautiful tassel, some 2 or 3 inches long. This will evidently become one of the very best for Bouquet or Wardian Cases. Price 21s. GLOXINIA SEMI-DUPLEX MARGINATA. Flowers about 2 inches across, throat white, with a blue circle shading to rose, and pure white margin, outer row of petals same colour ; a most beautiful free- flowering erect variety, and is evidently the type of a new section. Price 10s. 6d. each. GLOXINIA NE PJ.US ULTRA. A drooping kind, of great beauty ; flowers medium size, of good substance, produced in stout stalks rising well above the foliage. Flower white, with crimson throat, shading oil' to carmine ; base of the throat beautifully netted, and spotted with calamine. Price 10s. 6d. each. GERANIUM LADY LONDESBOROUGH. Of the golden-leaved section. Leaves perfectly round and flat, about 4 inches in diameter ; centre light green, marbled, surrounded with a brilliant circle of scarlet- flamed crimson on a dark ground, evenly margined with yellow; each character well defined ; habit vigorous, adapted for conservatory or bedding purposes, possessing all the good qualities necessary for a Geranium. Plants the end of May, Price 21s. GERANIUM (ZONAL) PRINCESS DAGMAR. A cross between Madama Vaucher and Beaute de Suresnes, partaking of the habit of the former and eelipsijig the good qualities of the latter, having the upper petals half white. Price 78. 6d. GERANIUM STAR of the NORTH. A cross from Indian YeUow, fine horseshoe leaf, good habit; colo shaded on 3 ellow ground ; petals large. A distinct Koscgay flower. Price 7s. 6d. GERANIUM (ZONAL) AZELLA. Flowers bright rosy crimson, upper petals purplish rose, radiating from the centre; large and compact truss; strong, free-growing variety; leaves slightly zonate. Price 5s. GERANIUM FIRE KING. Flowers most intense vivid sciirlet, of fine form and good substance, produced in jc trusses well above the leaves, whieli are light green in colour ; habit excellent. Price 5s. FUCHSIA MRS. BALLANTINE. Tube and sepals bright scarlet, of good substance, broad and well reflexed ; corolla large, well expanded, pure white and very double ; habit good, free-branching, with bright glossy leaves, — a feature much required in white Fuchsias. Price 7s. 6d. FUCHSIA MONSTROSA. An extraordinary flower of the Double section; petals an inch broad, of perfect shape and great substance, arranged so as to form two separate corollas; tube and sepals carmine scarlet, well reflexed ; corolla deep flaked with fiery crimson ; habit good and free. Price 7s. 6d. CHRYSANTHEMUM GOLDEN AUTUMNA. A sport from the well known Autumna, and for general usefulness the best old Pompone Chrysanthemum. The cuttings were obtained in 1866, and have since proved constant. The great advantage of this kind is the profusion of flowers, its dwarf and neat habit, and comes into bloom several weeks earlier than most other kinds. It is of a rich golden yellow, and being dwarf in habit may be used for bedding purposes, so as to enliven the Flower Garden several weeks longer than the ordinary bedding plants. Price 5s. ■WEATHERILL'S SOLANUMS. S. HYBRIDUM RIGIDUiM.— Of close compact free-branching habit, light green leaves, berries bright rich orange, large and round. S. HYBRIDUM AVEATHERILLI.— Habit erect and vigorous, yet free-branching ; dark green leaves, broad and crisped ; berries cordate, bright orange scarlet in colour, and produced in clusters. Very distinct. S. HYBRIDUM DENSUM.— The most compact and dense-growing variety. Height about 9 inches. Berries bright orange and yeUow, very large and perfectly round, generally produced in threes. S. HYBRIDUM PROFOSUM.— A medium growing variety, rather erect, with broad dark green leaves; hemes bright scarlet, produced in clusters, about five to seven. S. HYBRIDUM MACROCARPUM.— Moderate growing, of free-branching habit; beri*ies bright orange red, very large. S. HYBRIDUM UNDULATUM.— Habit more erect, with light green undulated leaves, and oval scarlet berries. Price 5i. each. B. S. WILLIAMS, VICTORIA and PARADISE NURSERY. THE GARDENERS' CMOMCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 11, 18f8. H New Seeds from Demeraxa. OOPER AND LU. hiive just received a small consign- desirous of adding good subjects to their collections. Tbe Seeds are quite fresb, and recently gatbered. ASCLEFIAS CURRASAVICA, brilliant scarlet and yellow flowers, 2 feet high, Itf. per packet. CLITORIA CCERULEA, lovely azure blue Pea, very Inrge flowers, climbs abuut 6 feet, Is. per packet. CONVOLVULUS DISSECTUS ?" The Noyeau Vine." white flowers, and very ornamental foliage, Is. per packet. MIMOSA ? red, 3 or 4 feet high, most exquisite foliage, Is, per packet. LONG CHINA BEAN.— Pods 2 to 4 feet long, and delirious cooked ft & Co., t 1 Mercha: , London. W.C. w New Petunia Gazelle. WHITEHOUSb;, beins the raiser nety, offers tbe above, strong plants.! also Ave other i i Nursery, Park Road, Harborne, ; list accompiioy each r Birmingham. AMBROISE VEKSCHAFFELT, Nursekyman, Ghent, Belgium, begs to ofl'er, carriage free : — TROP.«OLUMAZURE_UM(theTrueBlue).flnebulbs,p. doz.,£lls. Vegetable, Agricultural, and Rower Seeds, MISCELLANEOUS HARDY BEDDING PLANTS, SWEET VIOLETS, &c. ROBERT PARKER begs to announce that his CATALOGUE, containing select DESCRIPTIVE LISTS of tDe finest kinds in cultivation of the above-uamed, Is now published, and will be forwarded to applicants. The stocks of Seeds have all been procured from the best posuible sources ; all are warranted genuine, aud are offered at the lowest pos^iible prices. Intending purchaseis are requested to compare the prices with those of other houses. — Exotic Nursory, Tooting, Surrey, S, Valuable Collection of Siove Plants, &c., for Sale. TO BE UISl'OSED OF, by Private Contr:ict, a Choice COLLECTION of STOVE and ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS, consisting of ail the latest introductions, in the finest possible condition, a valuable collection of Cacti and otber succulents, together with a few Orange Trees, one a very beautiful plant bearing fine eatable fruit. Also a well-built SPAN-ROOF STOVE, 24 feet by 14, with Hot-water Heatii.g Apparatus, com plote ; and a smaller one, 12 feet by 8, attached, containing ilie Cacti' A ■ - - ■■ ' - " — r.,. „ . ■Wn Superb Double Hollybocks. WILLIAM CHATER begs to remind the admirers of this beautiful Flower, that now is the time for planting to Insure fine blooms and spikes next summer. A DESCRIPTIVE enson, of the finest ] js. B very finest named v 12 sepai-ate named > varieties, from good show flowers, 7a. Cd. ; Mixed packets, 6s. and 28. Cd. lAM CuATEB. Nurseries, Saffron Waldei 1 cultivation :— , extra fine, 10s.: 3, 12 separate named Roses, Dahlias, and Hollyhocks. JOHN HAKKLSON begs to inform his Friends and the Public that bi3 stock of the above is exceedingly large and fine. Catalogues now ready. The DAHLIAS will be disposed of entirely to mane room for other plants The new ROSES of the present season, 31 (corner of GRASS SEEDS, AGBICUXTURAL SEEDS, KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, FLOWER SEEDS. Catalogues forwarded post free to any address on application. H. LAURENTIUS, HORTICULTURAL ESTABLISHMENT, LEIPZIG, GERMANY, BEOS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HIS NEW GENERAL CATALOGUE OF PLANTS, No. 39, With Plain and Coloured Illustrations, pp. 198, 8vo (a Priced List of Plants— 908 Genera, and 6122 Species and Varieties— cultivated in his Establishment), is now Published, and "will be forwarded Post Free on application to MESSRS. BETHAM and BLACKITH, COX'S QUAY, LOWER THAMES STREET, LONDON, E.G. WHO SUPPLIED the GRASS SEEDS for the PARIS EXHIBITION? MESSES. COURTOIS, GERARD, & PAVARD, 24, KUE DU PONT NEUF, PARIS, Beg to inform their numerous Patrons and Customers that no Foreign House whatever had anything to do with Latino Down the Grass Seed for the Reserved Garden of the Paris Exhibition of 1867. The portion in front of the Porte de Trouville was sown by Messrs. COURTOIS, GERARD, and PAVARD; that on the right was supplied by Myssre. Vilmorin & Co. ; and the left-hand side by Mons. Paul Tollard. The outside portion of the Reserved Garden only was laid down by an Eujjlish House. Messrs. COURTOIS, GERARD, and PAVARD consider it to be their duty to themselves and their fellow-towns- men to make this statL-ment, owing lu the erroneous impression conveyed by the Advertisements of a London House. pHARLES TURN KK has much pleaauro in offering Vy the following 13 VERBENAS, which are the production of Mr. C. J. Perry, find formed tho ctiter fatituroa In t-io colle.tlons which took tho First Prlze.s at 21 of tho pHnclpal Showt durinir the iicludlnK tho Ruj!.l Harttcultural, Royal iio\ COURTOIS, GERARD, and PAVARD, SEED MERCHANTS and FLORISTS, 24, RUE DU PONT NEUF, PARIS. GARDEN AND FLOWER SEEDS OF THE BEST QUALITY. CATALOGUES forwarded Post Free on application. CryBt il ppxlnce. Thirty awarded to thube flrio Seedling' HERCULRS.-Dcop roso. v. )rtilia»toH havo also been nd distinct, rlDg .lerfect form. J. C. WARD.— Violot. with whlto eyo, and djvrk ring round the evoj very distinct. JAMES BIRBECK.— Shaded pink, dashed with violet; a beautiful flower, of picellent properties. JAMKS DAY.— Deep mulberry, with whito ove; distinct and good. JOHN WILSON.— Scarlet, dashed wlthvlolot ; an excellent variety for all purposes. LITTLE CLARA.— Flesh colour, with white eye, and crlinaoa ring 9 ; very pleasing. I purplo centre, of largo truss, of excellent form ; Plants ready 1st May, 3s. 6d. ouch. Tho Reti 2U. figured m the " Floral Miigazlne," Coloured I'latos of 3 hid for 13 stamps. Tho Royal Nu nos, SlouRh. New Seedling Plants for 1868, offered for Sale by BENJAMIN W. KNIGHT. Klohist and Seedsman, 67, High Street. Battle, Sussex. The following Novelties are now offered for the first time. They have all been carefully selected, and are of sterling merit in their respective classes. Plants readv to send out the beginning of May, 180R. NEW VERBENA. CONSTANCE {WoooFORn's).— This superb variety was raised bv Mr. T. Woodford, Gardener to tiie Earl of Wmchelsea, Eiustwoll Park, Astiford, where it w.os bedded out last season, and proved to be one of the most effective scarlet bedder«. It btiing one com- plete miss of dazztinc; scarlet ; it is also a first-class show flower, tho pipa being of immense size, of good shape, and the t First-class Certlflcate at the Royal Horticultural Society, Sept. 17, 1867. The tnllowing is from the OardeTiers' Clirom'cle report of Crystal Palace Show of September 10 :— " Verbena Constance (Knight's) was represented bv a boxful of good trusses from the open ground. It is of a bright dark scarlet colour, with a small lemon eye. m the way of Perry's Mazeppa. but darker in hue, and quite distinct ; the pip's are large and very Qne, and it is altogether a first-class T variety. the additional nendation of beinc a fine bedding V Verbena Constance, !ven a stain in them, were produced hert iward Ihey deserved. The Gardeners' Clironicle of De-^ember 7, in its report of the new rarieties of the season savs, " Lastly must be noticed that fine kind named Constance, shown by Mr. B, W. Knight, of Battle, and which received two First-class Certificates. bright shade of d.iik scarl flowers produced were frcim the open It I tho bedding kind, and one that c u'-questionabiy a fin Plants readv to send out Isfc week in Hav, 5fl. each. NEW VARIEGATED GERANIUM. MRS. VIDLER (Knioht'b) — This fine vahetv is similar in habit to Bijoxi, but of stouter growth and firmer leaf, deep green broadly margined with white, bloon even, constant i great substanca of leif it will \ Obtained First-class Certificate a . . Obtained First-class Certificate at St. Leonard's- 1867. Good PUnts, lus. 6d. each. NEW VERONICAS. ELEGANCE (KMani's).— This superh variety is of a deep ama- ranth blue, changing to blush white, good spikes of bloom, dwarf habit, flowering in great profusion, continuing in blonm fnr a Inng period ; a fine plant lor pots, or for autumn border light blue and white, changing to pure white, large spikes of bloom produced in gic it l>rariisHHi all through the Autumn; a very superb and useful variety either (or nots or the open border. 6«. each. NEW TUBE-FLOWERF.D ANTIRRHINCIM. RELIANCE (Kmgut'j) -Mm'/Ii^ r-=v ^Mik, fme long spike of tuhe- Uke flowers, very eft /ct . , n i, ■ i t, i|uito a gem. as. oach, MEW /.- ■■,,,■■ I ;. \ MUMS. ADVANCER (Kniout's) i , nEionse tnuss, good zoned leaf, extra fine for puts, -i m n .; . I :,j time m bloom. 5s ea«h. CALYPSO (Knight's).— Ricli iiuij ui;tugu acarlot, good truss, fine round slmpe, very supurii. is. e:ich. EFFECTIVE (Knioiit's) —Rosy salmon margined with pink, white eye, large tmss, fine shape, good zoned leaf, verv fine. .55. each. ETTY (Knight's).- Rosy cerise scirlet, fine round pip and good truss, dark zoned leaf, very superb, fis. each. FAUST (KNiGnT's}.—Deep crimson scarlet, fine round shnpe, estra large flowers, good truss, zoned leaf, a most splendid variety. Is. frf. each. GAIETY (Knight's). — Magenta scarlet Nosegay, free bloomor, fine bedder. bs. each, MISS PRIM (Kniqut's).— Deep pink, white eye, zoned le 1, frea bloomer, extra fine, f MADONNA (Ksight's).- zoned leaf, a very s . NELL GWYNNE (Kniqhts).— Cerise salmon pink, light centre, good truss, fine shape, proluse bloomer, very fine. bs. oach. PSYCHE (Ksioht's}.— Magenta rose veined with scarlet, fine Large truss, good free bloomer, extra supei b. 5s. each. PILOT (KNiQHT's).—Brilliant scarlet, fine shape, large trus-s, zone 1 leaf, a moat superb variety. 5a. each. PLUTDS (Kmoht s}.— Crimjion scarlet, good shape, large truss, very effective, bs. each. PHIDIAS (Ksioht's).— Bright pink, white centre, fine shape, good bs. each. 3ined, Nosegay habit, useful bedder. bs. each. lariet, large pips, fine zoned leaf.ROod tru'^s. fine free bloomer SCARLET CIRCLE (Knight's).- Bright sea truss, perfect round shape, one of tbe Is. fid. each. SPARKLER ( K !t I GHTS).— Magenta, light eye. truss, zoned leaf, a very superb vancty. 6s. e«»;L TITANIA (Knigbt's).— Brilliant scariet, very free excellent bedding vanety. 6a. each. VESTA (Knight's).- Bright pmk, fine shape, fre One. bs. each. COLOSSUS (Ks produced, eined with red, good . jyv superb variety. lO.* M. each. EFFECTIVE (Kniout's).— Carmine scarlet tube and sepals, sepala well rofleied, corolla crimson purple, expanded ^ la crinoline, large ar-d good. Is. 6d. each, ,, „ j ,..^':.,... .,." __._._, m.-u J 1.- ; f.(^^ well rcflexed. SNOWDROP (Kn V effective, close habit, very largo pun ._ _,. Tube and sepali ..^.... o- r- ._.jllft, habit close and ahort-joluod, free bloomer, a very ni varietv. 7s. 6d. each. . , _ WHITE PERFECTION (KMoiii-s),-Tubc. imd Kl-ils ™;^,^"'""l"°; sepals rtflexiiig quite back lo the t..bo. showmg » largo noble pure white corolfa, uDstamed, having no «'»?l'" "r.*"'"'' ~ common In «hite corollas. This Is tno gem or the seaafn, anH no collection wiU be complete "jtbo>lt thU '"{"'>';•''«''. Habit dwarf and compact, very shoryomted, a free bloomer ; will make a go jd show plant. I0». id. each. 374 THE GAEDENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGEICULTUEAL GAZETTE. [apeil 11, : GENUINE SEEDS, CARRIAGE PAID. B. S. WILLIAMS, SEED MERCHANT and NURSERYMAN, VICTORIA and PARADISE NURSERTj UPPER HOLLOW AT, LONDON, N. COMPLETE COLLECTIONS KITCHEN GAEDEN SEEDS, TO SUIT GARDENS OF VARIOUS SIZES, lOs. 6d., 21s., 4Ss., 63s., 84s. each. NEW AND CHOICE YEGETABLE SEEDS Per pncket, — s. d. ORANGEFIELD DWARF PROLIFIC TOMATO 1 6 WILLIAMS' ALEXANDRA BROCCOLI ..26 DAVIDSON'S ECLIPSE BROCCOLI .. ..16 DIGSWELL PRIZE ENDIVE 10 WILLIAMS' MATCHLESS RED CELERY ..10 NUNEHAM PARK ONION . . Is. dd. and '2 6 LEE'S GIANT ORACH (SPINACH) .. ..10 MALVERN HALL MELON 16 WILLS' OOLTON PARK HYBRID MELON ..10 WILLS' GREEN PINE-APPLE GEM MELON 1 6 STUART AND MEIN'S NEW HYBRID PRIZE MELON, GOLDEN QUEEN 2 6 GIBBS' MATCHLESS BORECOLE .. ..10 JL\RSHALL'S PRIZE PARSLEY .. ..10 TELEGRAPH CUCUMBER (true Woolley's varietv) ^ ^ SHARMAN'S UNIVERSAL CUCUMBER 2 0 NEW AND CFLOICE FLOWEE SEEDS. WILLIAMS' SUPERB STRAIN OF PRIMULA. B. S. W. can with confidence offer his superb Strain of Primula as being the finest in cultivation. Per packet.— s. d. EED 2s. 6d., 3s. 6d., and a 0 ■WHITE 2s. 6i«., 3s. 6(^., and 5 0 MIXED 2s, 6d., 3s. 6d., and 5 0 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (Neill's extra choice Strain) 3s. 6d. and 5 0 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (Saved from James' Sti-ain) 2s. 6rf. and 3 6 CINERARIA (Wcatherill's extra choice Strain) 3s. ed. and .0 0 POLYANTHUS (the Prize Strain).. Is. 6 -. ome secluded nook or quiet corner. ' What ! gra,' -digging ? ' Well, some- thing like it, and for the sake of convenient illustra- tion, we will for a few sentences keep up the illusion. We must first carefully reconnoitre the ground: its surface, its substance, its position should be thoroughly examined. The surface ought to be good, its substance massive or deep, and, if possible, solt, and its position isolated and secluded, or capable of being made so. Satisfied on these points, the ne.xt proceeding is to break ground, or turn the first sod. This is pre- liminary to a general skinning of tbe surface. The whole of the top and best soil is to be peeled ofr, and bodily removed out of the way. If the ground is extensive, the skinning may be done piece- meal, to save the heavy labour of removinR the whole of the surface soil at once. Well, then, the next point is the size of the grave. This resolves itself mainly into questions of space, labour, or capital. Size is not a material element to the enjoyment of our new sensation. One general principle will help us to determine the proper relative size under any given cir- cumstances. It is intended to dig a grave, aud erect a monument at the same time. The two processes pro- ceed simultaneously. Every spadeful removed to increase the depth of the one is added to the height of the other, cnnsequcntly the area of the grave must not greatly exceed that of the base of the monument ; m other words, only about one-half of the ground must be excavated. . ., ,. " Similar considerations will determine the question of depth. Neither is any particular depth essential to the eniovment of our new sensation. It may be lo, zu, SO, or 500 feet. One or two general facts may, ho"«»e''. be stated- the most important being, that taking tne natural surface as our starting point, the apparent depth of our grave is always double the real depth. It 376 THE GARDENEES' CMOXICLE AND AGEirUT.TTTEAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 11, ascends above, as much as it descends below the natural level. Again, the deeper it is the more etfective and lasting the work will prove, and the more power- fully the new sensation produced will thrill us. We now approach the vital question of form. Our grave must have no form, in the sense of being formal. The more erratic, grotesque, and varied the outline the better. It must neither be square, round, elliptical, nor regularly zig-zagged. nor curved; but it must he of all forms in general, and of none in particular. Here a sheer precipice, there a yawning abyss ; further on the stony dry bed of a furious mountain torrent, and again a gentle undulation ; a bold promontory succeeded by a water-scooped recess, or a rugged ravine. The form must change at every step of progress, and no two parts of the side should be alilie. The changes of configuration should be, now sudden and abrupt, aud then natural and ensy; here violently coutractin^, and there softly melting into one another. Diversity as opposed to monotony must be everywhere apparent, and an active construc- tive talent will press almost every line and form of nature and art into its service. " After the form comes the lining. This is of two parts, a hard bony skeleton and a soft covering sub- stance. The first will consist of the stones met with daring the digging, the second of the surface soil that was peeled off for this especial purpose. The stone linings may be placed irregularly here and there, or more regularly as supporting shelves or terraces. At places it may be covered over, at others permitted to crop out like castellated rocks. But the upper lining of good soil should cover the greater part of the surface with an elastic padding, varying from G inches to 2 feet in thickness. After operations have fairly commenced much labour may be economised by applying the surface lining as we proceed. Excavation aud furnishing should proceed together. Ne.\t comes the mode of access to the grave we have dug. Most graves are approached from the top ; this must be reached, by a winding defile of a greater or less depth, from the side. The entrance should be retired and modest, enticing us in by the charm of insinuating curves, rather than by any revelation of the character of the place within. As a rule, too, there ought to be two entrances— an inlet and outlet, as this grave is not made as a quiet charnel-house, but as a charming resort for the enjoyment of the living. And this lands us at our last point— the use of our so-called grave ? The answer dispels our illusion, and brings us back from fellowship with the dead, to companionship with life. Tor all that I have described is the foundation for our sub-alpine gardening. It is the bony skeleton that we are now about to clothe with the charming life of a rich and beauteous, though it may be humble, vegetation. It is, as it were, a little recess near to the mighty Alps, and if we have felt the presence of the great mountains near to us, and been inspired by their overwhelming grandeur, then our miniature representations of the great originals, how- ever small, will not be either ridiculous or contemp- tible. The great point is that for the effective exhibition of alpine and most dwarf herbaceous plants we must have an irregular, an unlevel. an uueven base, and that the construction of this base in harmony with Nature, and, therefore, in accordance with the highest prin- ciples of art, would prove a new sensation of thrilling pleasure to most of our readers. We shall reserve the best means of furnishing these sub-alpine exotics till another opportunity." Now that the Eoyal Horticultural Society is about to organise on a smaller scale something of the same kind, it may be well to lay before our readers the following particulars relating to the establishment of a School of Arbobicultube in Paris, to which the public is admitted gratis. The "Revue Horticole," from which journal we borrow what follows, says that so far as practical instruction is concerned. Professor Ddbeeuil has been commissioned to establish at Saint Maude, in the Pare de Vincennes, under the direction of MM. Alphand and Dancel, two fruit gardens, an orchard, a nursery and a vineyard. The two fruit gardens are finished and are used at this time for purposes of practical instruction. This school has had such a success already that no less than 500 (sic) auditors attend every Sunday. The instructions given by M. DuBEEUiL are thus arranged :— 1. Theoretical instruction every Wednesday and Saturday at half-past 7 in the evening, at the "Salle de la Societe d'Encour- agement, rue Bonaparte." This course has been going on since the 15th of February. 2. Practical instruc- tion every Sunday at half-past 7, at the " Boole pratique de la Ville de Paris k Saint Maude, porte Daumesnil (Chemin de fer de Vincennes et Chemin de fer de Ceiuture, station du Bel-Air)." This has been in opera- tion since the 23d of Pebruary. M. Dubeeuil, more- over, gives in the same establishment, every Sunday at at half-past 9, practical instruction in the culture of fruit trees, specially intended for gardeners, lastly, M. DuBEEUiL commenced, on the 14th of January, at the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers, his course of lectures on Arboriculture. These lectures are given every Tuesday and Thursday, at 1 p.m. AVe are requested to announce that the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society has determined to offer to public competition, by auction, at Stevens' Rooms, the splendid collection of twelve New Htbkids of CoLEUS, raised in the Society's Garden, and of which descriptions will be found in another column. The sale will take place on Wednesday, the 22d inst. This step has been wisely adopted for the purpose of allowing these valuable novelties to be speedily distributed by the trade throughout the country, so that the public generally may be able to acquire and enjoy a set of the finest decorative plants which have recently been obtained. The reports which we have received from France of the method of Pbeseevino Geapes by inserting a portion of the stem, to which the bunch is attached, in water hermetically sealed, which has been practised by Monsieur Rose-Chaemeitx, of Thomery, have not been favourable, and the condition of those exhibited on the 17th of March was certainly not such as to recommend it strongly. Several of the berries were mouldy, and the two or three which were tasted proved watery and insipid. If it is proposed merely to keep them three or four weeks, we see no advantage in the plan over hanging the bunches when cut in a dry house, where it is not convenient to leave them on the Vine; but if months are to be substituted for weeks, the matter is different. A certain portion of charcoal is mixed with the water, which would certainly have the effect of absorbing any noxious gases, as sulphuretted hydrogen, which might arise from any organic matter originally contained in the water, or by exosmosis from the branch itself. We may therefore assume that pure water is imbibed by the shoot, which will replace that which passes off by evaporation. It will, however, merely replace water, and not anything else which may be given off, or which may pass from above into the water. Matters are therefore in a very different condition from what they were when the shoot was attached to the Vine. Not only was the ascending fluid then some- thing more than water— containing, that is, more or less nutritive matter, but there was a supply of elaborated sap to nourish the fruit. There is nothing of the kind when the shoot is placed in water, but there is sure to be some waste of nutritive matter already deposited ; it is therefore almost inevitable that however plump the berries may remain, there must be some loss of saccharine and other matters, on which the excellence of the fruit depends. We should be surprised, there- fore, if the method could really supply Grapes in perfect condition. The observation made at the meeting on the want of success which attended the plan, was made on the authority of the first pomologist in Great Britain, and who was an eye-witness to the results of the system in France, but we should be most happy to find that the success in other hands is greater in practice than in theory. M. J. S. The use of Green Glass at Belvoir, is alluded to by the Editor of " The Gardener," in the last number of his useful Journal. The special instance is a long span pit full of greenhouse plants. Azaleas, Epacris, and of which all the glass was shaded green by being washed inside with what painters call green dis- temper powder mixed with butter milk. Two lights were allowed to remain uncoloured. The plants vvhen placed in the pit were all in about the same condition, and were all treated alike. Those under the coloured glass at the expiration of some mouths had greatly the advantage in " health, growth, and general appearance" over those grown under the plain glass. This is quite in accordance with the experience gained at Kew, as lately recorded in our columns by the Director. We have much ]>leasure in supplementing our necessarily condensed report of the recent Show at Ghent by the announcement that the Gold Medal of Honour, given by her Majesty the Queen of the Belgians, and offered to the foreign exhibitor who should contribute most to the splendour of the Exhi- bition, was, on the proposition of M. Linden, awarded to our countrymen, Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea. The Gold Medal, offered by the King, in a similar way, to the Belgian cultivators, was awarded to M. Ambeoise Veeschaffelt, whose contribu- tions to the Show were not only numerous but highly meritorious. In a recent number of the " Pharmaceutical Journal" Mr. Daniel Hanbuey is reported to have made some remarks, at a meeting of the Ph; ceutical Society, on the Cultdhe of Jalap. One plant, or a single tuber, was planted in the garden in June, 1866, it grew very vigorously during the summer; it remained in the open ground during the winter of 1866-7j and when dug up recently it was found that the original tuber had increased to such an extent that there were 6 large tubers and 24 small ones— in all 30 tubers. The plant produced flowers in late summer. Mr. Hanbuey remarks that the plant grows much deeper in the open air than under glass, and that with a little protection it stood the winter with impunity. As the flowers were produced as late as November, no seeds were formed. The attention of our Australian friends should be called to this fact, and, indeed, it would appear as if the culture might profitably be carried on even in this country. Probably the non- production of seeds would in this case be advantageous, rather than the reverse. So destructive are Cockchafees in France, that legislative enactments are sought at the hands of the Government with a view to the destruction of the pests. The larvae attack not only herbaceous plants, such as cereals, vegetables, &c., but also trees and shrubs. As larvae they eat the roots, as beetles they destroy the foliage, so that both agriculturists aud horticulturists suffer greatly from the ravages of these insects, to which in various stages the names of Sanneton, Vers blancs, and Turcs are appUed. M. Rafaein, in the " Revue Horticole," records a case of Bpd Vaeiation or Spoet, which should be borne in mind by those who pin their faith on the doctrine of the invariability of plants raised from cuttings. In IHtiG, at La Muette, a Pelargonium (zonale-inquinans race) with pale rose-coloured flowers, was observed to bear a branch, all the flowers on which were of a deep red colour. Cuttings were taken from this sport, from which 20 plants were raised, which flowered in 1867, when it was found that scarcely two were alike. 'Thus while some bore rose-coloured flowers like those of the original plant, others had red flowers, like those of the sport; others again had red and rose-coloured blossoms on the same plant and even in the same truss. Nay more, even the petals partook of the parti-coloured nature, for in the same flower were petals of a rose, or a red colour, or of a blended hue. Unfortunately, neither the name of the variety nor its genealogy are given, so that we are unable to say positively whether this was a case of reversion or no. A contemporary, in remarking on the active support given by the highest personages to the recent Horticultural Exhibition at Ghent, asks — "Will the time ever come when in England we shall see the Royal family and those high in authority giving such warm and practical aid in the advancement of Horti- culture, and placing it in the same high position amongst the art exhibitions as it holds in Belgium ? " No one can be insensible of the value to be attached to support of this kind ; nor, considering the national importance of our art, is it too much to expect that the undoubted benefits which flow from patronage in the highest quarters should be freely accorded to our great horticultural gatherings. We are glad to mention, in association with this question, that Hee Majesty honoured with her presence Mr. W. Paul's recent Exhibition of Spring Flowers at South Ken- sington, and was pleased to express herself highly gratified therewith. ■ The Otasgoio Serald states, and correctly, we believe, that Mr. Clarke, the Curator of the Royal Botanic Gabden, Glasgow, tendered, on the 10th ult., a letter of resignation of the office of Curator to the Board of Directors, which oflice he has filled for the last 16 years. • Among other recent important Gaeden Changes, we Snd thatMr. Taplin, who succeeded Sir Joseph Paxton in the management of the princely gardens at Chatsworth, has retired, and is succeeded by Mr. Thomas Speed, who for some years past has been gardener to Sir E. S. Walker, at Berry Hill, Mans- field. Mr. Speed will be known to the London plant growers as the person who some years back, in connec- tion with his brother, then residing at Edmonton, stood in the fore rank of exhibitors at the Chiswick and the Royal Botanic Society's Shows, con- testing the "pride of place" successfully on many occasions with their large collections of stove aud green- house plants. Since then, at Berry Hill, he has won for himself a proud position as a fruit grower. Backed by such experience, and a quiet unassuming manner, we venture to predict that he will make his mark upon the gardening of Chatsworth. Mr. Taplin, we hear, goes to manage a large nursery esta- blishment in New York. We understand that the Anniversary Dinner of the Gakdenees' Royal Benevolent Institution has been fixed for Wednesday, the 24th of June, and that M. T. Bass, Esq., M.P., will preside upon tho occasion. NEW HYBRIDS OF COLEUS. Amongst the subjects which have been successfully brought under the influence of the cross-breeder at the Chiswick Garden, a prominent place must be given to the genus Coleus, on which Mr. Bause has practised with results which are in every way satisfactory. A considerable number of hybrid novelties of this family has been raised, and a selection from these was exhibited on Tuesday last, at the meeting of the Floral Committee at South Kensington, where the plants attracted much attention. The plants operated on in this case were the following :^C. Verschaffeltii was throughout the seed-bearing parent. This was fertilised by C. Veitchii, by C. Gibsoni, aud by C. Blumei, and the offspring there is abundant evidence that true crosses have been effected. The novel forms which have been produced range in two series, the one having flat crenated leaves, as in C. Veitchii, and the other having inciso-dentate frilled leaves, as in C. Verschaf- feltii, so that some follow in this respect the mother and some the father plant. The best of the forms, so far as yet developed, are the following :— PLANE-LEAVED SERIES. 1. C. Berkelevi (Verschaffeltii x Veitchii) : leaves 0T,>t8 acute, regutarly crenate, the surface, both above aud beneath, a rich velvety chocolate-purple, the tips of the crenatures only being green ; stems green, slightly speckled and clothed with purplish down, the nodes purplish. A beautiful and richly-coloured plant, in which nearly the whole surface is of a velvety purple hue, which is well displayed, from the flatness of the foliage. 2. C. Marshallu (Verschaffeltii x Veitchii) : leaves ovate acute, crenate, rich chocolate-purple, the base of the midrib and the crenatures green, so as just to form a narrow green margin ; stems green, st^iined with purple at the nodes. This has a more apparent green edge than C. Berkeley!, and is tho plane-leaved counterpart, as to colouring, of C. Bausei. 3. C. Saundersii (Verschaffeltii x Veitchii) : leaves ovate acute, crenate, deep chocolate-purple in the centre, some- what mottled and of a pale bronzy tint towards the edge, which has a broadish band of green broken through with purplish bronzy reticulations ; under .surface blotched with purple in the centre ; stems green, blotched with purple. The broader mottled green and bronze margin brings this near to C. Veitchii, to which it is, however, far superior in beauty. It may be considered as a very much improved form of that plant. 4. C. Dixll (Verschaffeltii x Veitchii) : leaves ovate acute, crenate, dark chocolate-purple in the centre, feathering out through the broadish bright green margin, which is nearly an inch wide, the crenatures narrowly purple-edged ; imdor surface similarly coloured ; stems green, blotched with A very brightly-coloured and effective sort, from the strong contrast between the rich green and purple. It is probably 5. C, of the finest of the whole RucKERi (Verschaffeltii x Gibsoni) : leaves ovate acute, late, deep purple throughout on both surfaces ; stems Apeil 11, 18C8.J THE GAIIDENEES' CmONICLE AND AGEICULTUrvAL GAZETTE. 6. C. MuRRAYi (\'^erschaffeltii X Gibsoni) : leaves ovate Jicute, crenate, green, pinnutely marked, along the principal veins with bars of dark purple, which sometimes eoalcaco, the rest of the surface showing through from beneath the purple reticulations, which are evenly and strongly marked on the under surface ; stems pm-iile. This is a more regularly and more fully coloured form of C. Gibsoni, and therefore an improvement on it. PRIIXED-LEWED SERIES. I O^crschaffeltii x Voitchii): leaves broadly '. C. Bai-s acute, ir late -purple margin ; u stems gre dentate, sub-undulate, of a rich velvety choco- green towards the base and at the extreme ider surface slightly blotched with purple : , purplish at the nodes. A fine distinct-looking plant, richly coloured, the dark colour nicely relieved by the slight green margin, which lightens up the whole plant. 8. C. ScoTTii (Verschaffeltii X Gibsoni): leaves cordate ovate, acute, inciso-dentate, the teeth, as in the other varieties of this series, forming a kind of coarse frill to the leaf, bnght green, everywhere traversed by deep purple veins, here and there coale'scing into blotches, the under surface similarly marked, but of a brighter colour ; stem purple. A very distinct and elegant plant, having the markings of a deep tint of purple, but well relieved by the green spaces between the dark-coloured reticiilatiuns. This and the precei- iug will probably prove to be the best of the f rillod-leaved series. 9. C. Clarkii (Verschaffeltii x Gibsoni) : leaves cordate ovate, aeuto, inciso-dentate, sub-undulate, green above, with the edge of the teeth purple, and showing through the dark purple venation with which the under surface is almost everywhere marked ; stem purple, mottled with green. One of the darker tinted sorts, having the raarkiogs of the reticulated character. 10. C. Batemani (Verschaffeltii x Gibsoni): leaves cordate ovate, acute, inciso-dentate, sub-undulate, deep purple above and beneath, here and there very slightly mottled with green ; stem purple. This variety maybe regarded as the incised counterpart of C. Ruckeri, having almost self coloured, deep purple leaves. 11. C. WiLsoNi (Verschaffeltii x Veitchii) : leaves ovate acute, inciso-dentate, of a rich velvety chocolate, shaded with purple, the base of the leaf and the teeth slightly tipped with the same colour ; under surface freely mottled with purple ; stem green, mottled with purple. A very elegant mottled coloured, frilled- leaved sort, qiiite distinct from any of the foregoing. 12. C. Ri:EVKaii (Verschaffeltii X Bluraci) : leaves ovate acunnuate, inciso-dcntite, frilled with coarse wavy teeth, green, mottled with bronze and purple, sparingly dotted towards the base, and laid on in close reticulations and patches towards the edge, the centre being deeply tinted and entirely of a dark colour, and the teeth green, with narrow purple edges ; stem green, blotched with purple. Tbis, as tne cross would load one to suppose, is a much less deeply coloured plant than the majority of those pre- viously noticed. Now that coloured-leaved plants are applied to so many uses in ornamental gardening, wo cannot but regard these new hybrids of Colcus as most valuable acquisitions both for indoor and outdoor purposes, and they will doubtless not be long in making their way into the hands of cultivators. "We may therefore heartily congratulate M. Bause on the result of his labours in this direction. The plants, as elsewhere mentioned, will be put up for competition among the trade, for distribution throughout the couutry. T. M. METEOROLOGICAL TABLE FOR THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 31. 18G3. Observed at Weybridge Heath, Surrey. Lat. 51' 21' IS" N. ; long. Oh. Im. 46s. W. 150 feet above mean sea level, on the Lower Bagshot fine sand.— By W. F. Harrison, Esq., F.M.S. sand. Soil and subsoil £•3 s? «v 8, •s •3 = s-S Mean tempera- ture of the earth. ■3 it •3S a " . ■» Wind. °'i ■0 Bais-. h •D li 3 1 if is Is il l| f.s ! i .g M '""us sag ■i 1 ae If Relative propor- tion of ^1 ii. It il °*^ 1 1 1 lis II a » gag N. E. S. W. 1 g E s m ;^ « s a s s s S a 13 o & 3 a <• s K s n z, < Inches Inches. Grains. Grains. Grains. 1 30.0(i0 02*.V6 22".5 40".25 18M8 3S'.i6 U'.2S n:ii 41°.55 so-.s V0M8 32\3o 42'.04 40\C2 .225 2.87 U.0 80 551.3 1.8 10 ' 21 11 3.4 B.li I HAVE just been reading M. Du Breuil's work* on " The Scientific and Profitable Culture of Fruit Trees." He is Professor of Arboriculture in the Imperial Con- servatory of Arts, in France, and is consequently an authority deserving the most respectful attention. His instructions and illustrations on the important arts of grafting, training, and pruning, are full and explicit- All the best, and some rather uncommon modes of grafting or training, are most minutely explained and admirably represented by woodcuts. Many of the modes described for the induction and continuition of fertility are likely to jiromote these objects, and are as good, or better, than most of those generally adopted. The full practical details enable any one to follow out M. Du Breuil's instructions with ease, and there are few fruit growers that might not peruse this work with less or more profit. It is in the discussion of principle chiefly that I think the Professor occasionally leads astray. There are also a few practices he recommends of very doubtful utility, and others that I think are seriously injurious. The work as a whole being so good, it seems a pity that it should contain any error in either theory or practice. Probably fresh light might be thrown on some of the following points, or the obscure or doubtful passages, or prescriptions of practices that are now exploded, could be eliminated from future editions. In the chapter on general principles of training, page 25, an espalier tree is represented with one side well developed and the other exceedingly weak. Then follows the advice, "to cut the strong side short back, and allow the weak side to grow long." The reason assigned is, " that the sap is drawn by the leaves, and, therefore, in suppressing upon the most vigorous parts the greater number of wood buds, we deprive those parts of the leaves that the buds would have developed, and in consequence the sap flows there in less abund- ance, and the vegetation is diminished." The contrary effect is said to take place upon the weaker shoots, resulting in an abundant vegetation. At page 28, the opposite theory to the above is stated thus ;— " The sap develops the branches much more vigorously upon a branch cut short than upon one left long." It is evident, proceeds the author, " that if the sap acts only upon one or two branches, it makes them develop with much greater vigour than if it is divided among 15 or 20. If, therefore, we desire strong wood we must cut close back, and trees exhausted by excessive fruitfulness have their vigour quickly restored by close pruning for one season." Exactly so; and I submit that the author, who advocated the apparent contra- diction, has not cleared it up by his subsequent expla- nation. The contradiction is real and not apparent, and seems to have arisen from confounding two opposing theories of leaf action. In the first case, leaves are spoken of as being endowed with the power of pumping up an unlimited supply of sap, the quantity raised being regulated solely by their number. Even the question of the size of the leaves, neces- sarily a vital one, seems wholly ignored. The more leaves the more sap, and vice versa. In the second case the sap is no longer under the control of the leaves, but the leaves are at the disposal of the sap. A limited quantity has to fill so many vessels ; hence the fewer leaves the better they are filled, and vice versa. Now, I submit that such a ringing of changes on the active or passive powers of leaves IS not worthy of a Professor of Arboriculture, and moreover that the latter theory, and not the former, is the true explanation of the thoroughly established fact, that the closer the head of a healthy tree is cut in, the smaller in fact its area. PEUIT TEEE CULTUEE. the stronger invariably will be its succeeding growth ; consequeutly the practice with the irregularly deve- loped tree should be just the reverse to that prescribed by M. Du Breuil ; or it would be still better and safer practice to cut the whole tree well back and make a fresh start. Most of the prescriptions that follow for the deve- lopment of weak shoots and the depression of strong ones are excellent. On page 27 the following occurs, upon which I would earnestly crave fuller informa- tion :— " We soften all the green parts on theweak side of the tree with a solution of sulphate of iron. ^ This solution, in the proportion of 2-1. grains to a pint of water, applied after sunset, is absorbed by the leaves, and powerfully stimulates their action in drawing the sap from the roots." At page 37 the same solution is recommended to be applied to the fruit. " Apply it only when the fruit is cool ; repeat the operation three times, viz., when the fruit have obtained a fourth part of their development, when they are a little larger, and again when they are three parts grown. This solution excites their power of absorption, and they draw to themselves a large quantity of sap which would other- wise flow to the leaves, and they then become larger fruit." All this seems very mysterious. Has any one tried the sulphate of iron in England, and what is the rationale of its action ? And how can it stimulate the drawing functions of fruit or leaves? Another mode of developing the strength of weak, and depressing the energy of strong shoots, is to bring forward the weak side from the wall, and keep the strong side close to it, so that the weak wood may be strengthened by the action of the light over its whole surface. In our climate this mode requires to be practised with caution, lest the shoots lose in nurturing heat more than they gain through strengthening light. Then follow full instructions for inducing fruitful- ness, consisting in the usual pinchings, twistings, and breakings of the shoots, the delay of winter pruning until the young shoots are li inch long, and the following extraordinary methods :—" Apply to the larger branches a certain number of Girardin's side grafts." These grafts are described and woodcuts given of them at pages 17 and 18. They consist of a fruit bud with a small piece of wood attached to its base, which is to be inserted in the side of a barren branch towards the end of August, to develop its blossoms the next spring. For the mode of performing the operation I refer to the work itself (p. 18). The object of inserting these fruit buds is not chiefly, nor at all, I presume, to obtain the fruit they may yield, but to teach the tree, as it were, to become fruitful. For example : " These fruit spur- grafts, when fruiting, will absorb a considerable part of the superabundant sap. We shall see from this time a considerable number of flower buds form themselves upon the tree. This method is only to be employed for passive fruits." This plan of leading trees into fruitful ways by showing them how to do it, is of the highest practical and physiological interest; and I hope many of your readers will favour us with their ideas, or better still, experience, if they have any, on this most interesting point— the forcible insertion of fruit-bearing buds into barren trees, and the effect such buds have upon the future fertility of such trees. The following advice is to be wholly rejected, as altogether uncalled- for, and necessarily injurious; — "In the month of February make an annular incision with the hand- saw, near the base of the stem, rather less than a quarter of an inch in width, and suSiciently deep to penetrate the exterior layer of the wood" (p. 32). Again, at page 36, the following recipe is given for the enlarge- ment of the fruit :— " Make an annular incision upon the fruit-bearing branches at the time they expand their blossom. The incision must not be wider than 3-16th3 of an inch." The author goss on to say that all fruits ripen the better and become larger for such incision, and that stone fruits, and Vines (!) especially, are the better for the operation. To all which I would emphatically reply, " Don't do it." The same advice, " don't," applies to the next prescription : — " At the spring of the year uncover the foot of the tree in such a wa,v as to expose the principal roots throughout nearly their entire extent, and allow them to remain in this state during the summer!" (p. 34). This reminds me of another recipe for fertility that I have seen somewhere, which ran thus : — " Uncover the principal roots throughout the winter ! ! " The following among others are offered as modes of increasing the size of the fruit :—" Graft some of the finest branches of vigorous trees with the Girardin side- grafts. This kind of graft produces an effect similar to the annular incision. The fruit is always larger than upon the other branches, the cause is doubtless the same." I should be extremely grateful to have the fact confirmed, and the cause evolved or made clear. At present it is no clearer than mud how the addition of a strange grafted fruit can by any possibility increase the size of the fruit formed on the branch itself. When additional mouths added to families tend to fill the bread-basket, then likewise may this ingenious specu- lation take rank with demonstrated facts. "Support the fruits during their growth, to prevent them stretching or twisting their foot-stalks. The weight of the fruit hanging upon its stem stretches the sap vessels and diminishes their diameter. When the fruits are supported, the sap penetrates more freely, and their size is augmented accordingly." Plausible in theory, as would be the assertion that the weight of the hammer contracts tlie muscles, veins, or arteries of the blacksmith's arm, and checks the circulation of the blood and the development of power. But the converse is the fact in both instances. If sap can be drawn by any force, it can, and is, by the weight of the fruit : such weight being doubtless one of the modes employed by Nature for insuring a constant and a plentiful supply of food suitable for the fruit. " Keep the fruits in their normal position during the entire period of their development— that is, with their fruit stem lowermost." There must be some mistake here. It seems, however, that the author was all astray about the weight, and consequently overlooked the fact that the normal position of the majority of fruits is stem uppermost, for he goes on to add that " the sap acts with greater force when it flows upwards; a vertical position therefore of the stalk causes the sap to ascend more easily and in greater quantity, and the fruit will become larger :" extremely doubtful, and not borne out by experience. Once more : as a means of increasiug the size of the fruit, " graft, by approach, a small shoot upon the peduncle or fruit spur, to which the fruit is attached, when it has attained a third part of its size. It has been found that consequent on this operation the fruit becomes larger, doubtless because the graft draws to the peduncle a larger quantity of sap." Quite as likely to draw sap from the stalk of the fruit, provided the union could be efl'ected in time to have any other etifect upon either but that of weakening both. While such are what I consider the blemishes in Professor Du Breuil's work, nothing can be further from my inten- tion than to di-parage the work itself. It is full of usel^ul information, especially on the grafting, pruning, and training of fruit trees. Its great deficiency is m everything relating to their actual culture. Ihe soil is dismissed in less than two pages ot vague generalities, manuring in about hall a page (see pages 213 and 211) He recommends as manure crushed bones, rotten rags, waste wool, hair, or leathers; 3T8 THE GARDENERS' CHEONICLE Am AGEICULTUIUL GAZETTE. [Apeil U, 1863. "These form powerful inauures decompose slowly, and the effect is greatly prolonged." Strong feedins!, these. In fine, it is a book to teach skilful manipulatioa of the top rather than a scientific trentment of the entire tree. Everywhere we are confronted with the skilful trainer and e.xpert pruner, rather than led by the accomplished grower. A supplementary work is still needed to do for the roots what M. Du Breuil has upon the whole done well for the stems and branches. Excelsior. THE LADIES' GATIDEN.-No. I. Be it known at once that I am not going to invade the territory of the gardener proper, but rather to show ladies that there is a corner of the garden where they may reign supreme, and which, when once set going, they can conveniently manage themselves ; providing their own plants, and sometimes even naming them if they will ; making their own laws and breaking them at pleasure. I think I may also venture to add that this "corner" will become the most popular of all the garden. Every garden, to be quite perfect, should have its botanical quarter; its rockeries for alpine plants and graceful Ferns; its beds of Pinks, and Cyclamens, and Saxifrages; its graceful nooks and corners, where each plant is allowed to follow its own inclination without too great a fear of pruning scissors and knives; and where everything that is not a weed, is allowed to grow without let or hindrance. Will the lady readers of the Qarcleners' Chronicle like to follow me as I lay out before them the different portions of this botanical treasure-house, and speak of the various plants most likely to Qourish there, and of the how and where to obtain them ? The first difficulty that seems to present itself is, how to choose a site for this garden. It should be in some snug hitherto neglected spot, some- where amongst trees, though not beneath them ; some spot to which the light and warmth of the sun can have free access without falling in direct rays. Most gardens, especially old-fashioned ones, have such a quarter : perhaps one or two old trees will have to be sacrificed ; so let it be, the dug-up roots will be useful for some portions of the Fernery, and a part of the trunk, lying in picturesque fashion, will form a seat, about which Primroses and Polypodium vulgare may cluster. The more aspects that can he obtained for a botanical garden the better, for alpine plants and Ferns are oapricious things to deal with, and while one will revel in the morning sun, another chooses the evening sun. If possible there should be a supply of water close at hand, a running brook which may be kept captive in a pool for Water Lily or Osmunda, an old well, or even a ditch. The late autumn, or winter, is the best time for making the garden, for other garden work is slack, and some little outlay in labour and materi.d is necessary — an outlay that will be repaid a thousandfold in the pleasure that the garden will bring. Pur the Fernery it will be requisite to have rocks and drainage; the latter composed of any old stones or bricks that maybe lying about (I have just bought a cart-load of suoh material for 6d., and have made a rockery large enough for about a hundred Ferns at the cost of 10s.), and peat or old leaf-mould : the same material will be necessary for alpine plants, while the more hardy wild plants will grow in luxuriance any- where. For the planning the botanical garden, the ladies' taste must be alone paramount, and she will, in this instance, have the pleasure of planning, suggesting, and ordering, for others to execute ; and she must bi'ware of giving indistinct orders, or of giving too many at once. Like a good general, she should take exact account of the forces at her disposal, and of the work she has to accomplish with them. Eut before the laying out of the actual garden the aj'proaches to it may be made ready. AVe will suppose there is a pathway, the border of which has to be plauted. I would border the path with the blue April- flowering Forget-me-Not (Myosolis sylvatica) with Lilies of the valley (Convallaria majalis), some with plain and some with variegated foliage, backed by the tall bending form of Convallaria multiffora, and the more rare Polygouatum, the " Solomon Seal " of our woods and thickets ; while in the open spaces I would have Anemone nemorosa mingled with the blue A. apennina and the pink A. hortensis, the " wood Anemones " of England, Switzerland, and Italy, with h?re and there a Trollius europKUs (the old-fashioned "Globe flower"), that yellow m.ay not be wanting to r(lieve the pink and blue and white. Nearer the trees and amidst the debris of decayed leaves, I would have a little bank of Cyclamen hederil'olium (to be found wild in Yorkshire, at the Lakes, in Devonshire, and many other places) with the Cyclamen europaium of I'lorence and Rome, should we have wandered about those places. Further still from the pathway I would have the fragrant Coltsfoot (Petasites fragrans) inter- mingled with the variegated Tussilago Farfara. These, with many another wild plant, collected during happy tours in foreign lands, as well as in England, I would bring to border the approaches to the " botanical quarter." I fancy I see them in my mind's eye even now— a block of dark grey stone, or a pictu- resque fallen tree here and there, offering a home for Moss and Lichen ; for trailing Lysimachiaor Wahlen- bergia; for clustering Polypody or nestling Maiden- Utiir : or it may be, if the situation be very happy, that 3, tuft of Parsley Fern may be persuaded to live and fl.>uriih between two blocks of stone, lying, as it were, carelessly by the fallen tree ; but for this great triumph we must have a good depth of peat earth and an open .sky above. We will pass no wild plant unheeded by, but gather it, study it, and fiuallv give it a home in "our own botanical quarter." We will have Bilberries (Vacci- num Myrtillus), and Cowberries (V. Vitisidffii), if we can find a bit of heathy ground ; and Wortleberries (V. uliginosum), and Cranberries (V. Oxycoccos), for the bogs ; and if we are fortunate enough to command a pool or a little pond, we will have the fair white Water Lily (Nymph»a alba), floating on the water, while huge Osmunda regalis shall grow up by the side, with the pretty variety cristata, and perhaps the North American spectabilis and interrupta also. We will not have the golden Water Lily (Nuphar lutea) ; no, nor yet the rare Nuphar pumila; for the hirge white Lilies, gazing for ever up to heaven, read us a lesson of purity that should be unbroken by other thoughts. Perhaps in this fairy garden we might have two pools of water, or at least a little ditch, where we might grow the yellow Lilies and the golden Saxifrage. Hound about our ditch we may have the true Forget- me-Not (Mj;osotis palustris), which we find by so many brooksides everywhere; and contrasting with the rich blue we will have the golden, feathery blossoms of Narthecium ossifragum, and, if we can coax it to live, the slender-stalked Pinguicula, which, in one or other of the species (vulgaris, grandiflora, alpina, and lusita- nica), we may collect in bogs in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Many another lovely bog-plant may be brought to the humble ditch, and here, also, in good peat earth, we should plant Lastrea Thelypteris and montana with Blechnum Spicant— only the species however; we must keep the rare varieties to show off in the Fernery, which I hope to make by-and-by, and towards which we are making the approaches so beautiful. And very beautiful they may bo made with Honey- suckles and Roses, with wild plants of every lovely form, and every varied hue. We will not be content with the common Woodbine (Lonicera Periclymenum) alone, but we will hunt in woods till we find the rare Lonicera Xylosteum, which Professor Babington tells us is to be found in Sussex ; and Lonicera Caprifolium : while we will have Roses everywhere— not gardeners' varieties, though they are grand and beautiful as heart can desire— but Roses of every true species, which we will search for throughout England, or wherever we may go, bringing them home to deck our bower. Always something to look for, something decoying us out into the fresh, healthy air, where, with Nature and Nature's God, we may hold pure and true converse, which will bring nothing but peace to our hearts and lives. Anthi/llis. l^onxt Cori-£spouO£»ce. Mowing Machines.— We have a 43-inch machine, made by Shanks & Sou, which was purchased in 1851. From that to the present time (17 years) it has been in nearly constant use throughout the summer season. To give an idea of the work it has performed I may state that three sets of knives and as many steel plates have been worn out, and we have the fourth set now in use. Within the last seven years I have had the more recent improvements added to it, and the quality of its work is now nearly equal to a new machine. The patent delivery apparatus worked well for a short time, but we soon found a tendency to become clogged, by the Grass being drawn into the cast-iron caps which cover the rollers that run along the horizontal bars. To obviate this I had the rollers and roller-caps removed from the sliding plate, and substituted three pieces of iron, shaped thus— T. These are screwed on to the sliding plate, and the cross or top pieces being trian- gular in form slide along the horizontal bars instead of the rollers. They are much lighter, do not clog, and are in every respect preferable to the rollers. From oft-rep?ated trials of comparison between this and the original method of emptying the Grass by hand, I find the following advantages : we can perform rather more than one-half additional work in the same time, and this with greater ease and comfort to men and horse ; and we are now enabled, with the addition of a 19-inch machine by the same makers, to mow nearly 50 acres of lawn fortnightly, and discontinue the use of scythes altogether, except along river banks and places where the machine cannot work. I have tried other machines by the principal makers, but find none equal to those of Shanks &. Son. Thomas Challis, The Gardens, Wilion House. Deutzia gracilis.— When well flowered it is scarcely possible to conceive a more beautiful object than this valuable shrub— its cultivation, too, is simple in the extreme. Young wood of it strikes freely in heat, and it withstands vicissitudes of heat and cold better than most things; it can be bloomed in CO-sized pots, and in that form is valuable for table decoration. I endeavour to secure as early and strong a growth as possible, and never use the knife. My largest-sized plants are in 24-sized pots, and they are loaded with bloom from the soil to the very extreme points of last season's wood. John EdJinijton. Wasps and Flies in Vineries.— During a period of warm weather here, about the beginning of last October, wasps and flies made a determined attack upon a late house of Black Hamburghs, but with the assistance of common ga.'den nets, triple-folded, thrown over the ventilators, and by means of a persistent use of beer bottles, we completely circumvented them. The bottles were half filled with sour beer and sugar, and hung about 4 feet apart, in rows, along the back and front of the Yinery inside, and along, opposite the ventilators, outside the nets, so that every facility was afforded them for getting in the way of the beer first. In less than two days I think every wasp inside the house had found its way into the bottles. The flies were not so easily caught, but in a short time they too were got under by the same means. I noticed, how- ever, that when the wasps were caught, much less damage was done to the Grapes than before ; therefore I blamed them for breaking the berries in the first instance. After they were caught inside the house we had little further trouble with them, for, their ingress being checked by the nets, and the outer row of bottles being temptingly convenient for them to enter, it was rarely that either a wasp or fly sought to pass them, and it was astonishing how soon they were filled. After the damaged berries were cut out, no further had effects followed ; the Grapes kept well, and the last bunch was cut about the middle of January in a sound, plump condition. It is curious that, although our cool house of Alicantes, Lady Downes', and Muscat Hamburghs was not in any way protected, neither wasps nor flies seemed to come near it. Let me advise your correspondents to use the sour beer and sugar without stint. The wasps will forsake everything else for that mixture, and the flies also, although the latter do not seem to have the sharp instinct of the wasps in finding out what is good for them. The bottles we use are made for the purpose, and are well adapted for trapping them. They are heart-shaped, about 2 inches wide at the mouth, and once the insects get in they rarely get out again, as, in their efforts to escape, they keep buzzing round under the shoulders of the bottle till they drop into the liquor: open jars are not nearly so effective. The bottles ought to be made of clear glass, and when filled, if any of the beer has been spilled on the outer surface, they should bo wiped perfectly clean. If this is not done, the wasps will keep creeping ever the outside without going inside at all. J. Simpson, Woriley Hall. Broccoli.— I find Veiteh's fine Early Spring to be a valuable Broccoli, and evidently distinct from other early varieties. It is very compact and white. It was the first cut here this season, but was, however, only a few days ahead of Carter's Champion, which is another most useful early kind. These two I have found this season to be the earliest amongst a considerable number of sorts which I sowed last spring, and I can confidently recommend them as being worthy of extended cultivation by those who have to furnish a good Cauliflower or Broccoli nearly every day in the year. John Edlington, Wrotham-Park. Odontoglossum Hallii.— I have at the present time a plant of this Odontoglossum bearing throe flower spikes, which have produced 10, 8, and 5 flowers of large size and fine colour, and as they are now at their best, the plant has a truly charming appearance. I have also two other small plants of the same species in flower, one of them being darker in colour than the large plant, but not so fine in form. On comparing them with luteo-purpureum, to which it is evidently allied, I find a great difference in the ground colour of Hallii, which is a bright yellow, the sepals and petals being covered with many small spots of a bright chocolate colour ; while in luteo-purpureum the blotches are much larger, and the ground colour is not so bright: the lip of Hallii is distinct in shape and keeps a pure white, with a few spots near the column, while in the other species the lip soon assumes a yellowish hue. Among some Lycastes flowering in the same house, I have some plants of Skinneri bearing two flowers on a spike. W. Swan, Qr. to T. Jones, Esq , Manchesler. Moss Eoses on Manetti.— At Rushton I had two plants of Lane's Moss on Manetti. They grew G feet high, and were laden with flowers from the base to the summit. I do not remember having any other Moss Rose on that stock. All the strong-growing summer Roses, such as La Ville de Bruxelles and Madame Zoutman, do grandly on the Manetti stock. No bad grower of any family is suited to it. W. F. Radclyffe. Moss Roses will grow and flower on the Manetti equally well with Hybrid Perpetuals or any other kind of Rose. They bloom indeed on it as freely as when on their own roots; but like all grafted or budded dwarf Roses they should be worked sufficiently low to enable the scions to form roots of their own, which they will do freely, and soon become strong plants. I have worked many of both common Moss and other named varieties on the Manetti, and I have always found them to succeed well. John Charlton, Floral Gardens. Briqhton Road, Tnnhridge Wells. Botanical Descriptions. ^How would your facetious correspondent " S. B. H." describe suoh a botanical puzzle as Dalechampia or Cochliostema, so as to make himself intelligible to botanists or even to florists ? How would he distinguish between some 200D Seneoios or Solanums ? Perhaps he would ejaculate something about cramhe bis coda, and hie off to the Kale yard. P. Cabbage and Broccoli Refuse.— Will you allow me to inquire of the large market gardeners who supply [ Loudon and other large towns with Cabbages and Broccoli, in what way they dispose of the waste leaves and the stalks and roots of those plants ? In many a small garden I see them left either in the beds for a time, or lying in heaps— a nuisance, or at best a I dissight— and then when dry enough they are buried. I have recently found the stalk of the Broccoli to be ! very useful in two ways. I want to know if others know this ? Henri/ Motile. Lady Downes' Seedling Grape.- Your correspondent "Mr. Bryan" asks (see p. 351) whether this Grape will set well or not in a cool vinery. According to my experience it does set well in a cool Vinery. We have it here in such a situation, along with Royal Muscadine and Black Hamburgh, all of which are now breaking without fire-heat, and Lady Downes' has set very well for these last four years, and has been good up to March. I would not, however, recommend planting a late Grape like Lady Downes' along with Hamburghs and Muscadines for this reason, the former will be in flower at least three weeks before the latter, and then syringings and dampings must be withheld. On the contrary, I would put her ladyship in a Vinery by herself, or with such sorts as Barbarossa and the Black Alicante. W. T. Claijdon, The Gardens, Longstow Hall 1 have never found this variety a bad setter in a late house, nor had any mishap with it in the way of April U, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 379 scalding when proper ventilation is maintained during the colouring process. It is a variety that we cannot dispense with until we get a better flavoured sort, with the same late-keepinp; properties. With me at the present time it is plump and Rood, and I expect to keep the latest till the end of April. On cutting eight bunches, and the same quantity of West's St. Peter's, the other day, I could not help comparing the two varieties in their present state. The Lady Downes' were plump, with a nice bluish-black bloom on thetn, with tne flesh firm and juicy; the West's St. Peter's were nearly gone to the raisin state, but still juicy and high-flavoured. It is the strong short stalks on the berries of Lady Downes', and the firm flesh, that makes it the best late-keeping variety with which X am acquainted. As a characteristic mark it generally shows a shoulder nearly as large as the bunch. These I clip off in the late-keeping house as I find that small compact bunches always keep the best. Tfilliam TiUeril. n'elbecJc. Pinning Hyacinths. — "Censor" complains (see p. 3i5) of the reprehensible practice of facing a Hyacintli by the use of pins, resorted to by one or more exhibitors at the late Liverpool Show. I was one of the judges of Hyacinths there, and was, I believe, the first person who detected the use of the pins. " Censor," in alluding to their use in Dahlias at a Scottish exhibition, writes at random when he alludes to "pinning back the petals of the Dahlia in order to fet size and symmetry of bloom." " Censor " ought to now that by doing this the symmetry of the flower, so essential to be preserved, would he wholly destroyed. The pins were used to keep the petals of fully-blown flowers of the Dahlia in their place, for the probability is they would have cast their petals before tne judges decided on the merits of the flowers but for the use of pins. I should undoubtedly dis- qualify any stand of Dahlias when such a practice was resorted to, but in the case of the Hyacinths at Liver- pool such a step could not be justified, and therefore they could not honestly "and boldly disqualify the stand on the ground of the employment of the wires," any more than you could disqualify Dahlias, Carna- tions, Pinks, ic, because they had been dressed. We examined the plants to see if any additional flowers had been pinned on to give length and closeness of spike, as I have known done, but we could not find it had been done : if we had, disqualification would have followed. I felt that the matter could safely rest in the hands of the very able committee for another year, feeling sure that they would prohibit the use of wires. The exhibitors of those stands where wires were used are evidently unacquainted with a much simpler and less laborious plan of facing a Hyacinth without the use of pins. I would, much as I condemn the practice, rather see it adopted than the practice of tying-in two, and even three spikes so closely together as to lead the judges to believe what they saw to be a malformed spike. This was done in several instances, purposely to deceive the judges. Let the committee look to this another year, and enforce the tying out separately of every spike. I would place Those who have property usually live on one-fifth of their income, and put by the rest. They thus provide for their children, and yet can remain quiescent, taking life easily, and spending their days in an agree- able state of "dolce tar niente." By such persons horticultural expenses are considered an extravagance, and those foreigners who indulge in them are thought to bo all but demented. They understand paying labour for planting and irrigating Orange trees, Cabbages, Peas, or Wheat, because there is a return— a profit on the transaction; but to spend good money on Roses and Jasmines, unless to make perfumes for sale, passes their comprehension. Thus my Aientone neighbours think I am preparing for the erection of a large house, and nearly all the masons in the country have applied to me for my patronage. They cannot understand any one makinij a mere flower garden for pleasure on the mountain side, a mile or two from the town, so I am asked building prices for the all but worthless land around me, and thus I find it diUicult to extend my domain as I should wish. The soil is a lime soil, formed by the break up of the oolitic limestone rocks which form the skeleton of the country. It is rich in the mineral elements required for vegetation, but poor in humus— m the organic con- stituents; thus requiring manure to bring out its powers, which with the addition of the latter are con- siderable. The climate is a peculiar one horticulturally, and may be described in a few words. From the beginning of April until the end of September, or the beginning of October, there is no rain at all— scarcely a shower. The sky is clear, the sun ardent, the light intense, the heat varies from 7-r to 84°, and is nearly the same by night and by day. Between September and April about 35 inches of rain fall, the greater part about the autumnal and vernal equinoxes. From the middle of December to the middle of February the night minimum is about 11° Fah., the day minimum about 54', in the shade. Two or three times in the winter the thermometer goes down for a night to 38°, 30°, 31°, or even 32' in exposed situations, at the mouth of ravines and torrents, on the sea shore, but it never freezes in other or less exposed localities. These low temperatures of mid-winter are reached by a gradual fall of the thermometer in autumn as the days shorten, aud rise in spring as they increase in length. The entire region is protected by an amphitheatre of moun- tains nearly 4000 feet high, from north-north-west and north-east winds. Thus we are like plates in a plate- warmer before a kitchen fire — videlicet, the sun ; or like fruit trees on a south wall. Such are the data on which the vegetation of the district is based : long droughts with a high temperature in summer, all but tropical rains from the south-west in autumn and spring, dry sunny weather in winter, with, for two months, a night minimum temperature of 42° or 44°, and no frosts. Such climatic conditions must be peculiarly suited to the Olive, the Lemon, and the Orange tree, for they cover the hill sides, and constitute I may say its sole agricultural produce. The Olive tree thrives in immediate proximity to the sea, and ascends the moun^ no restriction on the number of spikes to each plant— tain side from the shore for 1500 feet. The Lemon tree but a judge, if he knows his work, will always select for does not seem much to mind the influence of the sea the finest spikes. I send you this explanation in con- sequence of your editorial remark, " that the practice should have been marked by disqualification ;" and I am quite sure you will now think that the judges knew what they were about. William Dean, Bradford Nursery, Shipley. Foreign Correspondence. WiNTEE Gakdening on the Genoese Ritieea. — Being one of those whom the cruel fates send every winter with the swallows to the South of Europe, after many peregrinations in search of an El Dorado, I some years since pitched my winter tent at Mentone, 20 miles south-east of Nice, at the foot of the Mari- time Alps. There the love for horticulture pursued me; so two years ago I purchased three terraces on the mountain side, each a few hundred feet long, some 12 or 15 feet broad, and 300 feet above the sea level. The aspect is south-west, and the protection from all north winds complete. I had always been struck by the utter neglect of horticulture in the South, and was grieved to think that around me all the precious sunshine, light, and heat was turned to so little horti- cultural account. Nature, in these southern climes, is left pretty much to herself, as regards flowers, and it is surprising to see what floricultural wonders she does produce unassisted. A couple of years' study and practicehavetaughtme many things.and it has occurred to me that a few gardening notes, although from a mere tyro, may not be without interest to your readers. I wish also to stimulate some of those who reside at Cannes, Hyeres, Nice, and elsewhere in the South, to enter the lists, and tell us a little about their horti- cultural labours. Firstly, I think I have found out why horticulture is so utterly neglected in the South of Europe, and in warm countries generally. Mere ordinary gardening — the cultivation of common garden flowers — is attended with great expense, owing to the absolute necessity of summer and even winter irrigation, if any degree of excellence, or if certain results, are to be obtained. In climates where, as on the Riviera, it does not rain from April until October, where the rain falls tropically, in cataracts, at the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, and where often in midwinter there are droughts of six weeks' duration under an ardent burning sun, constant watering becomes indispensable. Thus additional labour is required, and a heavy expense entailed nearly all the year round, in addition to that of the ordinary work of the garden. On the other hand, southerners of the higher and middle classes are thrifty and economical, have few „__. _.„_- ^ > . outlets for activity, and are at the same time indolent. | January cold of continental Europe), but of the breeze, but is healthier and more vigorous when sheltered from it, or when a few hundred feet above it. But the Orange trees do not at all like the sea breeze, or the salt spray carried with it. These trees have to be protected, if near the sea, by large walls, or by a belt of Olive trees. In the gardens, such as they are, mostly, if not entirely planted as adjuncts to the villas built for strangers, many flowers and plants will thrive and blossom, more or less, all winter. Thus, the following grow like weeds, and even stand the summer drought with little or no irrigation : — Aloe, Cactaceaj in general, Mesembryanthemum, Iris, Maritime Squill, Cineraria maritima, Rosemary, Thyme, Wallflowers, Stocks, Carnations, Marguerite, Geranium, Pelargonium, Mari- gold, Arabis Silene pendula. Primula (common and Chinese), v iolets ; spring bulbs— Crocus, Snowdrop, Hyacinth, Ranunculus, Narcissus; Hepatioa, Roses, Chrysanthemums, Salvias of many kinds. Lavender, Erica mediterranea. Nasturtium, Habrothamnus elegans, Lantana, Abutilon, Datura Stramonium, Linum trigynum, Sparmannia africana. Petunia, Mig- nonette, Cyclamen, Camellias, Azaleas, Calla a;thiopica, Bignonias, Begonias, Cineraria, Verbena, Cytisus, Cistus, and many Australian Mimosse and Acacise. These plants can all, or nearly all, rest in the warm dry summer without being injured thereby. They are all, or nearly all, perennial in this climate. They start into life with the autumn rains, flowering more or less early in the winter or spring. They are all now in flower in my garden (March 15), and many have been in flower since Christmas, or before. Indeed, we are now, in a floricultural point of view, about at the first week in June in England, but that only in the most sunny and protected regions. Most winters, in England, paragraphs appear in the newspapers, from residents in the more favoured regions of our island, giving lists of the flowers still blooming in their gardens. It may be remarked, how- ever, that these lists never appear after Christmas, or the end of December at the latest. The fact is that in England November and December are generally rainy, and not very cold months ; although the weather is very often damp, foggy, cold, unfavourable to human health, it does not actually freeze so aa to destroy vegetable life. The hard frosts of winter, in most years, commence about Christmas or the week after, and then the autumn flowers are all destroyed to the ground, and no such floricultural triumphs are possible. On the Riviera, on the contrary, after Christmas, if there has been sufficient rain, vegetation takes a start and rapidly gains ground under the influence, not so much of a higher night temperature (for we feel the increasing length of the day, of the ardent light and sun of an unclouded sky. The increased length of the day is scarcely suffi- ciently estimated in calculating the effect of tempera- ture on vegetation. I was much struck by its action last summer in England; the days were more than usually cold and rainy until August, and the thermo- meter at night often went down nearly to the freezing point, and yet vegetation progressed much as usual, each plant and flower coming to maturity about at the usual period. Evidently the increasing length of tho day, and the decreasing length of the night, were favouring and advancing vegetation. Thus on the north shore of the Mediterranean, although in December and January, the days are generally days of warm ardent sunshine, they are so snort, say 9 or 10 hours only, compared to the cold nights of 14 or 13 hours, that vegetation receives a great check. Ferns, although there is no frost and no cutting north winds, remain rather stationary, with some brilliant exceptions how- ever, during these months. All the above mentioned plants have been tried in the gardens of this part of the world, and have been found adapted to the soil and climate. They survive the summer heat and drought, and require merely common care, with artificial irrigation in autumn, if the autumn rains fail, as they have done the last two autumns, to thrive and flower in the open air. I must, however, except Carnations, Azaleas, and Gardenias, which require an artificial soil. Chesnut leaf- mould is used instead of peat, which is unattainable in this dry, sunburnt region. I have commenced my garden with the above already well-known plants to secure vegetation, hut I am ambitious. I wish, and moan to try, many of the flowers belonging to the lower latitudes of the southern hemisphere, which flower naturally in the winter, and which we cultivate in winter conservatories. I am persuaded that the winter heat is sufficient to flower many of them in the open. Probably this has been attempted at Cannes and else- where, and, if so, I shall he glad to know what has been done. Last November I planted in the open air, in an artificial prepared soil, some Chorozemas and Kennedyas, which have passed through the winter in good health, and are now flowering freely. I applied at the same time for some Epacrises and Cape ELeaths to a leading house at Marseilles, but they had none, and could not find them for me. Nor do I discover them in the various catalogues from Marseilles and Hyeres that I have received. Yet I think they would do in such a climate, which must be very similar to that of the Cape of Crood Hope. I planted some Gardenias in the open Camellia bed 18 months ago, and they grew like Gooseberry bushes, flowering very freely in May and June, too late, however, for my wants. I have, there- fore, transferred them to a conservatory, which I have] ust built — the first, I believe, erected on the coast between Nice and Genoa, and shall see if, with its assistance, I cannot get them to flower in April before I return to England. I have a few remarks to make about each of the flowers and plants enumerated, which may be of use to amateur gardeners like myself, transplanted to the South and groping in the dark, but must reserve them for another communication. Henry Sennet, M..D. Societies. Royal Horticultural; Aprill.—i. Bateman, Esq., F.R.S., the Chair. Several donations of plants, Ac, to the Society ere announced : 20 candidates were elected Fellowa, and one Society, the Harrowgate Horticultural, was affiliated. Th» .^rd3 of the Floral and Fruit Committea were then announced, and Mr. Wilson, the Chairman of the latter, remarked that at the last meeting there was a fine collection of Apples, which gained the 2d prize, and that Mr. Cox, of Redleaf, who exhibited them, had sent a letter which should have arrived along with the Apples, but did not, Informing the Committee tliat they had been preserved in cork dust. Preserved in this material they were found to maintain both their good appearance and flavour. Mr. Wilson added that he had tried the same material with Pears, and reported that tho fruit so kept was very much better than when otherwiso preserved. The Rev. M. J. Berkeley, being then called upon by tho Chairman, said that at the last meeting a very pretty plant was exhibited under the name of Cyperus Lacourii, and received a Second-class Certificate, but he had since found that the plant was very widely distributed over the world, being found both in the East and West Indies, and in the Society Islands, and that its proper name is Kyllingia mono- ceph.ala. He then congratulated the meeting on the fine hybrid varieties of Coleus which had been raised by M. Bauso at the Chiswick garden, and pointed out a curious specimen of OdontogloBSum gloriosum, in which the flower had two distinct lips, aud some Stocks exhibiting a malformation similar to that which is so frequent in Roses, all the flowers producing a new spike in place of a pistil. A species of mould which had all the appearance of a sea-weed, and which Agardh had called Phycomyces nitons, was next exhibited to the meeting, and Mr. Berkeley said that having developed itself on barrels of grease in a storehouse in London, he had received some of it, and being successful in fruiting it, had found it to be Mucor Phycomyces, which has a very disastrous effect on grease by exhausting all fatty matters. Examples of the effect of fungi on woods were then shown, and among others a section of a trunk of an Elm tree showing the mycelium on one side, and on the other the fungus developed ; also a piece of 0.ak wood, In which the course of tho mycelium could be very distinctly traced. An example of eremacausis was hkcwiae shown. In which tha wood had made great progress towards being converted into carbon. At the last meeting, Mr. Berkeley proceeded, Mr. Wilson Saunders had made some observations on tha very Interesting subject of raising Orchids from seed. The late Mr. Joseph Henderson, one of the moat acute observers with whom he had ever been acquainted, h.ad found at first no trace of an embryo In this class of plants, but ono was eventually developed amidst a mass of cellular tissue, and consequently its rudiments must have been there. Mr. Henderson believed that tho seedlings of many Orchids wera in the first instance parasitic. Beer has lately shown that this is the case with Goodyera repens, which is parasitic c He (Mr. Berkeley) would adv' " '""" '"""" At the ..= > ^.^-...j, ..™... all who might ba of trying the growth of Orchids from foreign seed to sow a portion of tho seed on wood covered with Moss. At the last meeting there was also a bunch of Grapes, kept by pl^nnf the footstalk in water, the French plan, and the opinion 380 THE GAEDENEKS* CMONTCLE ANT) AGKTCULTUEAL GAZETTE. [Apbil U, 1868. I condemnatory of the proceeding, the ^ iced to be vapid aud insipid. Borne observatioDS on this matter will be found in another column. Jlr. Berkeley concluded by remarking, with reference to bypocaust heating, that some doubts had been expressed whether noxious gases might not escape into houses heated by that method, but Mr. Wykeham Martin had informed him that it was utterly impossible for anything of the kind to take place. Mr. Bateman st^ited that he had a Erievance to bring before the meeting. It so happened that some 10 or I'J years ago he had introduced from the Continent a perfectly hardy ever- green Bamboo cidled Bambusa Metake, a kind which would attain the height of 14 feet, and which no amo\int of frost affected. Great, however, was his dismay la^t spring to find that his plants were covered with what he termed brown pro- cesses, and that they had by no means a healthy look. This he at first thought was the effect of the winter, but afterwards ho found that it was an attempt at flowering. On returning from the Continent this year he had found the flowering still going on, a circumstance which gave him some annoy- ance, in;ismuch as the plants thereby lost much of their beauty. In fact, no other person's plants, so far as he was aware, had taken similar liberties. Mr. Wilson Saunders then said that the Bamboo in question was flowering very freely with him, aud that it had thereby lost a portion of its beauty. He would advise Mr. Bateman to cut his down ; fresh leaves, he added, would spring up. Mr. Bateman Si^id he would put it to the vote that Mr. Saundei-8 should bo called upon to cut dovm his plant first. Mr. Saunders replied that he had already tried that, and with perfect success. In reference to Orchids exhibited, Mr. Bateman first referred to Odontoglossum luteo-puiTDureum from the Bishop of Win- chester's gardener, Mr. Laiu-ence, adding «h passant that the Bishop had found i eUef and solace during his late severe illness among his Orchids, and expressing a hope that at these meet- ings he might soon be found occupying his wonted place. Among other Orchids, Messrs. Veitch's collection stood in the first rank. The plants of which it consisted were natives of all quarters of the globe, but Africa, including Madag'ascar and the Mau- ritius, he thought on this occasion bore the palm. Especially noticeable among the Africans was Angraacum citratum, which two years ago was shown in a very small state, but which was now much improved. Passing to India, where, in Nepal and the adjoining districts, the head-quarters of the beautiful Dendrobes are fixed, we had, he said, a Dendrobium Falcnneri, which Messrs. Veitch were not allowed to carry off from a Liver- pool auction for less than 70i., indicating the value which is still set upon Orchids in this country. With regard to the Peruvian EpidendrumpaniculAtum,itwasnot very striking lastyear, and even now its vigour was far from being equal to that of wild speci- mens ; but what would it be when it formed one dense panicle of lilac flowers, of which that on the plant before the meeting could only be considered a branch? An Anguloa from Peru, with a curiously- join ted lip, was then noticed as remarkable for the movements of that part of the flower when touched ; but among splendid plants the place of honour was certainly due to an Odontoglossum pulchellum from Mr. Pilcher. Mr. Bateman then took some exception to the Floral Committee's having passed over Nasonia cinnabarina, which not only forms tufts of brilliant vermiUon flowers, but is moreover a useful cool Orchid. A noble lord in his own county, Lord Shrews- bury, or rather his gardener, had sent a collection of cut Orchids, some of which were to be presented to her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, and others were to be distributed after the meeting. Among them were Dendro- bium Wardianum, which was at one time confounded with D. Falconeri. Mr. Rucker exhibited Odontoglossum trium- phans, which Mr. Marshall had also bloomed with 12 flowers on a spike, O. Hallii was flowering very finely with Mr, Rucker, and from his (Mr. Bateman's) own garden camo Bletia Sherrat- tiana. Messrs, E. G. Henderson had sent a fine exhibition of Trichopilia suavis, from Costa Rica, and Mr. Wilson Saunders a very interesting group of that peculiar race of Orchids which he delighted to cultivate. Oncidium macranthum, from Lord Londesborough's gardener, Mr. Richards, was also noticed, Mr. Bateman remarking that this Oncidium had been intro- duced ^30 years ago by Messrs. Veitch, but had been lost through not being kept cool enough. Through the enterprise of the same firm it had, however, been re-introduced. Mr. Bateman added chat he had seen dried specimens of it with 40 or 50 flowers in a spike. Mr. Bateman next offered some remarks on Dahlia imperialis. About the beginning of last November he reached Cannes, where the cUmate is so mild that plants from the Cape, Australia, and Mexico may be successfully grown in the open air. On entering Mr. Woolfield's beautiful garden he caught sight of a plantat a distance of 50 or 60 yards, with large French white flowers, which he at first took to be those of a white Lily, but when he reached the plant he found it to be a Dahha. Ho was told that it was Dahlia imperialis, which had beenintro- duced from Mexico, in 1863, by a collector named Roezl. When at Cbatsworth, many years ago, be was shown by the late Presi- dent of the Society, the Duke of Devonshire, aDahlia, which was stated to grow 30 feet in height, and of which great expecta- tions were entertained. It had, liowevepj been lost. This was 25 or So years ago, and whether the present plant was the samt or not he could not say. Mr. Salter, of Hammersmith, how- ever, had visited (in 1866) the nursery of M. Hubert, at Caunesi had there seen it growing 18 feet high, and had introduced it into this country. When he (Mr. Bateman) had exceptional frost, such as did not occur at Cannes once in four or five years, had curtailed its beauty, of which, however, some idea might be formed from dried specimens which were exhibited, and of which the flowers measured nearly a span across, these being produced in branched panicles of great size. Having with him a copy of Pritzel's " Iconum Botani- carum Index," ho found that Dahlia imperialis was figured ir Kegel's "Gartenflora,' 'where there is long German account of it, for a translation of wliicb he was indebted to Miss Richards, and a portion of which he would read : — " We openly confess that we read our friend Roezl's first account of this new Dahlia with a somewhat incredulous smile, and perhaps the same may happen to many a reader of flu'wers, with a pyramidal, hundred-blossomed, candelabra- shaped inflorescence appears to belong, judging from what we have hitherto known of Dahlias, to fairy world. In truth, Dalilia imperialis appears to be new to the scientific world, for wis cultivated several specimens last year in the Botanical Garden at Zurich, and brought them into blossom, and convinced ourselves that it did not belong to either of tho species described in the ' Prodromus,' or in ' Walper's Reper- torium.' Roezl's short aud convincing information read somewhat like the following: — 'This new Dahlia, which is imposing even as a leaf plant, will make as great a sensation a9 the first single Dahlia did. It blossoms on pyramidal flower stems with from 150 to 200 large, white, bell-ahaped nodding flowers, Uko a Yucca or a giant white Lily. I consider it the most beautiful and valuable of my importations. It will, I hope, completely justify its proud name of the Emperor Dahlia, even in Etiropeau gardens ;' and as we (Messrs. Roezl & Besserer) place our entire confidence in it, we try, by representing it at its first blossoming, to make it known.' At the same time as this information, which excited our curiosity aud expectiitiou the highest degree, wc received at the end of May of last ^ _ar (1862), a large chest with about 200 tubers, pretty much like the ordinary DalUia tu bers, but of a longer, more tapering shape. As the season was already pretty well advanced, they were all immediately planted in the open ground, in groups and beds in the garden, and a large number, on account of want of space, in a poor unmanured Potato field. All the tubers threw out well, several three or four tubers, which, even to the strongest, were immediately broken off, and took root more quickly and with greater certainty than tubers of the ordinary Dahlia planted at the same time for comparison, which sufficiently convinced us that D. imperiaUs would support itself and spread rapidly, even if it did not ripen seed. The specimens planted in the garden soon reached the height of 5 to 6 feet, whilst those in tho poorer ground were from 3 to 4 feet. The stately growth, the large, elegantly double, almost triple pinnate, gladsome green leaves make at least as beautiful a leaf-plant as the most beautiful of the Wigandias, Solanums, and Nicotianaa at present so highly prized. Singly, in the Grass, with well-manured ground, the D. imperialis will figure in the first rank as a leaf plant even before its flowering time commences, as it does not lose its lower leaves. As soon, however, as it unfolds its flower panicles, richly covered with large white Lily-bells, it will far surpass the most beautiful of the ornamental flowers which are at present so much liked. We ought not to, neither will we keep silent, that last year (for our impatience can be well understood) we had to wait long, but too long, before wo discovered the first buds. Not before the middle of October did the longed-for buds show themselves ; but now, as if by enchantment, several specimens, the most luxuriant as well as the poorer, were covered with buds ; the top as well as the side-branches produced whole bunches of buds. There was no longer any doubt that Roezl did not exaggerate when he spoke of 150 to 200 flowers on a panicle, for on our strongest specimen we could show a still larger number of buds." These, however, were nipped by the frost, and as to Dahlia imperialis ever taking its place as an out-door plant, continued Mr. Bateman, the idea was absolutely preposterous. It must, therefore, be grown plunged in a tub out of doors in summer, and moved into the conservatory in September. He presented the Society with tubers of it which he had brought from Cannes, and ho hoped that under Mr. Eyles' or Mr, Barron's care they would produce flowers before tlie end of the year. Major Trevor Clarke said that two years a?o he had pur- chased a packet of seed, said to be that of Dahlia imperialis, and whether the continental nurserymen had "done" the English, or the English had "done" him, he did not know ; but the produce was a common Dahlia of the most abominable description, and he could only say, Caveat empto Mr. Bateman stated that the Society was nov of the true D. imperialis. Floral Conwiittee.—The awards made on this were numerous, the display being one of a very brilliant description. Messrs. Veitch exhibited a charming collection of plants, chiefly Orchids. A Special Certificate was awarded to that firm for Angriecum citratum, alluded to above ; a First-class Certificate for Pandanus gramineus ; and a Special Certificate for the general collection of Orchids. Mr. Davies, Ormskiik, furnished a hybrid Azalea, called odorata, profusely covered with very ornamental white flowers ; it received a First-class Certificate. Messrs. E. G. Henderson contributed Primula elatior. Golden Prince, a beau- tiful spring decorative plant, with large deep yellow trusses of bloom ; itdeservedlyreceivedaFirst-class Certificate, asdidalso a variety of Trichopilia suavis, called splendens, akindin which the spotting is much more brilliant than is usual in the case of T. suavis. Mr. Williams exhibited a fine specimen of Imanto- phyllum miniatum, for which a Special Certificate was awarded. Mr. Baxter, gr. to C. Keiser, Esq., received a First- class Certificate for Amaryllis Othello, a very dark red variety, smooth in outline, and good. A Special Certificate was also awarded him for a collection of seedlings, some of them very promising. Mr, Turner, of Slough, was awarded Second-class Certificates for seedling Auriculas, giey-edged. Col. Champ- neys ; and green-edged. Competitor ; among Selfs, King of Crimsons had a First-class Certificate ; Jessie, one of the Second-class ; aud Princess, a deep purple, a First-class Certi- fioate, A Special Certificate was, moreover, awarded for a collection of show Auriculas, and also for a collection of Selfs. Mr. Trussler, gr, to R. J. Kay, Esq., received a Special Certificate for a box of cut Camellias, Mr. Greeu, gr. to W. W. Saunders, Esq., a Special Certificate, for a collection of plants of considerable botanical interest. Mr. W. Paul received a Special Certificate for a charming collection of cut Roses, among which were fine blooms of Lord Macaulay, Black Prince, Gloiy of Waltham, Lady Suffield, and the new Tea Rose, Madame Margottin. He also exhibited some small plants of Rhododendrons beautifully in flower ; they were grafted last September, the flower-buds being then formed, kept in a cool place till spring, and then received a little heat. He had hkewise a collection of Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums. Mr. Pilcher, gr. to S. Rucker, Esq., was awarded a Special Certificate for the remarkably fine specimen of Odonto- glossum pulchellum, noticed above, which had much larger flowes than usual ; and Mr. Earley, gr, to F. Pryor, Esq., DigsWell, had a Special Certificate for a basket of cut flowers of the pale blue Thunbergia Harrisii. Messrs, Smith, of Dulwich, received a Second-class Certificate for Cineraria Pandora, and a Special Certificate for a colleccion of Cinerarias and another for Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums. Pansies came from Mr, Bragg, sufficiently good to receive a Special Certificate. Mr. Moore, gi\ to the Earl of Shrewsbury, sent a beautiful collection of cut Orchids. Mr. Mann, of Brent- wood, had some nicely flowered plants of his Zonal Pelargo- nium, Lord Derby, which is doubtless one of the finest Zonals in cultivation. Messrs, Paul & Son sent a collection of spring flowers. Messrs. E. G. Henderson had Dianthua Mouseux and Zonal Pelargonium Curiosity : also the new Orchid, Nasonia cinnabarina, to which allusion has already been made. Mr, Kinghorn furnished cut flowers of his beautifully- striped Azalea Lizzie, whichmaintains its first-rate character. Orchids came from the gaiden of the Society, as did also a charming group of new kinds of Coleus, to which special attention is directed in another column. Fruit Coiumittte.—'Mr. W. Hallett, of Cossington House, Bridgwater, sent two braces of Cucumbers, one named Cos- sington Hero, the other HaUett's Perfection. Mr, 8. Brister, Whitton, near Hounalow, exhibited a seedling Apple; and Mr, Whiting, of the Deepdene, sent specimens of Wilcova and WUcove Improved Broccoli. Mr. Calver, gr. to Sir H. G Cottei-ill, Bart., Garnons, Hereford, contributed a bunch of Lady Downes' Seedling Grape, which, however, arrived too late for tho meeting. It was in capital condition, exceedingly well kept, the berries being large and finely coloured— just a little shrivelled— while the flavour was rich and excellent. uJ Royal Caledonian' Horticultural: April I. — The exhi- bition, which took place in the Music Hall, was unusually conspicuous for the absence of specimens of inferior cultiva- tion, and for the presence of a large and gay assemblage. We do not remember to have seen such an imposing number of visitors at any show in connection with the Royal Horticul- tural, barring always, of course, tho Great International display of 1865. The day was unusually propitious for both exhibitors and visitors. Hyacinths and other Dutch bulbs usually form the staple articles of all spring exhibitions, but they were completely eclipsed in this instance, in point of numbers, by Azaleas and Rhododendrons, and the many miscellaneous collections con- tributed by the various nurserymen in Edinburgh, In point of quaUty the Hyacinths exhibited by Mr. James Cowe, gr. to Captain Hope, Luflness, and Mr. James Henderson, gr. to J. Christie, Esq., Millbank, and some few others, were nearly equal to the best contributions of former years, but tho general lot could not be reckoned so good, nor the numbeia contributed at all on a corresponding scale of magnitude. The best in Mr. Cowe's stand of 18 were Von Schiller. Lord Macaulay, Alba superbissima, Charles Dickens, and Koh-i- noor— all magnificent in style. Mr. J. Jones, gr. to Captain Bolton, Bangholm Bower, and Mr. Cameron, gr. to S. Hay, Esq., Trinity Cottage, had good assortments, the best being Solfaterre, Marie, Gigantea, Alba superbissima, Grand Lilas, Koh-i-noor, and Miss Altken, an uncommonly good white. In the Class for 12, Mr. Henderson had Grand Lilas, Lord Macaulay, Von Schiller, Mont Blanc, and others. Mr. Kerr, gr. to A. B. Shand, Esq., Glcncorse ; and the Secretary, Mr. Young, had vei-y good lots. In the Class for P, Mr. Thos. Brunton, gr. to Dr. Woodj Brae Lodge ; Mr. A. Douglas, gr. to John Cowan, Esq, Mr. Jas. Mitchell, gr, to Sir D. Uaird, of Newbyth, placed after the order in which they are named. In the classes, both for gardeners and amateurs, of sixes, there were a good few competitors— Mr. A. R. Glen, gr. to John Wood, Esq., Rosehall, and Mr. John Fraser, gr, to Jas. Hope, Esq., of Belmont, having the best among tho gardeners ; and the Secretary, Mr. Young, the best among amateurs. The Messrs. Carstairs k Sons had the only exhibition lot among nurserymen. Narcissus and Tulips were not a large display, but some of the lota were good. The N. gloriosa superba, Bazelman major, aud Grand Monarque, in Mr. J. Jones's and in Mr. Currie's assortments, were very striking. Tulips were better competed for, Mr. Henderson, Millbank, and Mr, Colin McFarlane having fine potfuls of Rose tendrc, Tourneaol, Imperator rubrorum. Yellow Pottebakker, Wapcn Von Leyden, and Vermilion Brillant. Roses in pots were a great improvement in what are gene- rally seen north of the Tweed, Mr. Henderson's plants were very) neat, and full of lar^jo well-developed blooms; Victor Verdier, General Pelliasier, and Le Grand were among the best. Cinerarias made a magnificent display, occupying a table right across the hall. The whole of tho plants staged were exceedingly creditable to all concerned. Mr. Colin McFarlane, gr. to David Anderson, Esq., of Moredun House, took first position with the Wrestler, Sunset, aud Duchess of Cam- bridge, Mr. Henderson following him hard with the Wrestler, Solferino, and Fire Queen. The best in other kinds were Brilliant, Eclipse, Queen Victoria, and Mrs, Smith. Mignonette in standard, bush, aud pyramidal form was a large exhibition in itself, and attracted a host of admirers. By far the best, however, were a couple of plants from Mr. Alexander Grant, gr. to Mrs. B. H. Blythe, Braeside. How they could have been produced in such faultless condition was an object of wonder and admiration to the most experienced gardeners of the country ; the fiowers were not only good, but the foliage was the picture of the grossest health and durability. Azaleas, as above mentioned, were largely contributed. With very few exceptions they were far too formal, and what aggravated that mistake was the want of the green spray of Ferns and Fem-like plants interspersed among them. The most prominent plant in the hall was a very well-managed Criterion from Mr. J. Gordon, gr., Niddrie House, who was also successful] in some of the other classes with semidoublea Maculata, Gem,_aud Alba magnifica. Mr. Paterson, gr.. Mill- bank, had nice "plants of Model, Alexander II., Distinction, and Criterion. The same grower had also a good miscellaneous assortment, comprising Dendrobium Walnchianum, a good plant of Erica Spenceriana, a very fine Acacia eriocarpa, Tre- mandra eriei/olia, Phajusj grandifiorus, and some good Azaleas. Some other Azaleas, in 8-inch and y-iucU pots, were little pictures of colour, such as Criterion, Duchesse Adelaide da Nassau, Iveryana, Model, and a particularly striking plant of Alexander IL, in Mr. Cowe's group. Camellias, both as plants and as cut blooms, were a veiy fine exhibition, Mr. James Henderson had an unique plant of Reine des Beautes, under the name of Mrs, Abby Wilder, Ifi WIS loaded with bloom of the most beautiful character, and shows distinctly its relation as a sport to the name with which Mr. Henderson distinguished it. Frostii, in the same lot, was superb. Those from Mr. Reid, gr. to Chas. Dalrymple, Esq. were also very praiseworthy. Mr. Henderson also took the leading position in the stands of six blooms, with Candi- dissima, Storyii, Mrs. Abby Wilder, Jubilee, Amabilia, and Countess of Orkney, all in superb condition. Mr. Pirie, gr. to the Earl of Rosslyn, Dysart House, wq^ 2d, with Jeffersoni, Saccio nova, Comte de Paris, Archiduchesse Marie, aud Old White, Mr. Alexander Adie, of Rockville, Linlithgow, had a good lot for exhibition. Rhododendrons came in splendid style from Mr. Thoa. Methven, Stanwell Nurseries. They were large, finely-formod^ well-bloomed plants, that attracted no little attention, con- sisting of Grand Arab, Caucasicum pictum, Camille de Rohan, Antagonist, Florence, a very fine shaded white ; and Princess. This gentleman had also a miscellaneous collection of plants : the most conspicuous among them was a large Thamnopterl^ Nidus, in extra condition, a lot of Rhododendrons and Azaleas of sorts, and about 100 Hyacinths in very good style, &c. Peter Lawson & Son put up some fine plants for the decora- tion of the large orchestra and for the ante-room, consisting of the rarer and more valuable Palms, several good Dracaenas, and Ferns, which formed a valuable feature as a background to the great masses of Rhododendrons, which confronted them. R. ciliatum from that firm was Rrand, both in point of cidtiva- tion and inflorescence, although the more common aorjii seemed a Week fully past their best ; R. campanulatum acu- minatum is a beautiful variety. Downie, Laird, & Laing had contributions of a miscellaneous nature, comprising Rhododendrons, Azaleas, the handsome Clianthus Dampieri, and many interesting things. Carstairs & Sons had a table of miscellaneous bard and soft- wooded plants, not the least interesting and useful among \*hich was the handsome Kalmia latifolia. Drummond Bros., George Street, had a large and showy lot of Dutch bulbs, Azaleas, hand bouquets, Amaryllis, Hoteia japonica, &c. Among rarities wa have first to note a very handsome Cape bulbous flowering plant contributed by Mr, Methven, named Lachonalia tricolor. It is a dwarf subject, not unlike the Dog's-tooth Violet infoliage and stature, but f.ar more succulent, and although having distinct spots all over the surface bf tlie leaves, less prominent than the species to which it is likened. The flowers are densely arranged in a pendulous form on ad upright spike, and look hose-in-hose ; and as they are shaded yellow they are very effective, Downie, Laird, & Laing had their new bronze Pelargoniums^ Gountess of Kellie, Kentish Hero, and Mrs. Todd. All are acquisitions in their dads, but the first-named one is the gem, having the belting most distinct and nearly as solid as the eye of a Pansy. Mr. Pirie had also a very good form of the samg class, named Mrs. Maynard, which had a First-class Certificate, It is a very fine leaf, standing bold and flat. Lament & Mitchell had a First-class Certificate for a ver^ beautiful Amaryllis named Dawsonii- a variety which far eclipies Ackermani pulcherrlma in point of form, ha« equal Apeil 11, ises.J THE GAT^DENEES' CTTOONTCLE ANT) AGETCnETU'RAL GAZETTE 381 substance, and a fine glowing crimson colour, with a white band from centre to base of the segments of the pcriiuith. A variety of Rhododendron, liko Falconcri in foliage but not so large, was exhibiteil by Mr. Jas. Aitken, Murrayflt.ld Houao. Tbo flowers and flower-trusses are vory attractive, and it seems to be a useful sort by its free blooming properties. I-Yuit was not a large but it was a creditable exhibition. Lady Downes' Grape came in two handsome bunches from Mr. Temple, gr., Balbirnie, Markinch. The berries were quite plump, and the fruit altogether tempting. White Tokay came in a wonderful state of pre.servation from Mr. A. Anderson, gr. to the Earl of Stair, Oxenford Castle, as did also good Straw- berries and a dish of the Cape Gooseberry. Mr. Thomson, gr. to the Duke of Buccleuch, Dalkeith Palace, showed a capital dish of laigo fine Strawberries. Pears, consisting of Uvedale's St, Germain and very good Glou Morceau, came from Mr. Anderson, as did also some good Apples, consisting of Cellini, RoyiU RnssL't, and Yorkshire Greening. Mr. George Smith, gr. ti) Will, McPio. Esq., Clermiston, had the best disk of Cellini, imt, h Mi-nnn. and Excellent. Th(_- }iL^L ir.i>, ^ .1 a^.^ortments of Vegetables came from Mr. Tciiipl>, Ai\A ii'-'wi .Mr. .Smith. Mr. Melville, gr. to the Earl of RosL'bcriy, U.diucny Park, had 12 sorts of Variegated Kale of all colours, which were very attractive. ■AfKssRS. L.vNE & Son's ExriiniTios of Spring Floweeino Plants.— This is now being held in the gardens of the Royal Ilorticidtural Society at South Kensington, and is certainly well worth inspection. The Eastern Conservatoiy Arcade is wholly occupied with gay flowering plants, entirely supplied by that firm, who, moreover, deserve credit for the tasteful and effective way in which they are arranged. Roses, among which are several well-bloomed plants of that gem of yellows, Marechal Kiel, occupy a circular dais near tho centre of the exhibition, while right and left of this fine display of the Queen of Flowers arobi-illiant banks of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, both dwarfs and standards, Deutzias, and other plants of a more miscellaneous character, associated with Aucubas, loaded with bright coral- coloured fruit ; the charming Thujopsis dolabrata which Messrs. Lane state is perfectly hardy ; and other gems equally worthy of attentive examination. Nobody, therefore, who has the opi^ortimity should miss seeing this excellent exhibition. 5:e: w. April. Of the Air. Of the Earth 1 Mai. 29:530 Min. 65 61 57 37 31 3; S1.5 1 foot deep. 48 50 50 2 feel deep. H 45 45 18 Thurs. 2 Friday 3 Sunday fi Mood. 6 so'.ioi 29.971 29.97S 29:385 :oo Averaae 29.971 29.806 BJ.I .33.1 4R.1 19 0 15.7 oil April : _ ; - 5 - e -Hazy and OTercast . cloudy ; fine at night. —Overcast ; very flne ; clear and fine. -Overcist ; hazy ; slightly overcast ; very flne. -Clear and fine ; very flne ; flne at night. — Cloudy ; slightly overcast ; fine ; very flne. Mean temperature of the week,l b-lOdeg. above the average. 55^ III Eh No. of Years in which it Quantity of Rain. Prevailing Winda. April. 8 8 1 9 1 10 9 7 8 7 5 3 e 3 5 ^f^ Sunday. .12 Thurs. !J6 Friday ..17 Satur. ..18 56:$ 36.6 33.8 359 1G.3 16:7 16:3 27 17 17 15 16 0.56 In. 0.15 9 3' 2 io| S ( 9: 1 1 The highest temperature during the above period occurred 18th, IWl-thenn. 77 deg. ; and the lowest on the 15th IBU'i 2 J deg, Notices to Correspondents. Ghent Exhibition. At p. 350, col. a, in reference to Conifers, read: "The 2d prize was obtained by M. Auguate Van Geert, whose plants were not much inferior to the former." Read also, "The Gold Medal was awarded to M. Narciase Gaujard. Fuchsia : W J Watson. A very marked variety, of the golden-leaved series, which appears to us to differ in hue, and also in the red-tinted stems, from the other golden- leaved sorts already in cultivation. Being, as you say, of dwarf compact habit, it should make a good bedding plant. Names OF Plants: W Phillips. 1, Pteris aquiliiia ; 2, a young Cystopteris, probably dentata ; 3, Asplenium Adiantum- nigrum. — J A P. Primula denticulata, and Scopoliacamiolica. — Old Subscribe}; Henfreya scandena. — C F. It ia impossible to name plants, in an ordinary way, from leaves only. 1, Arundo Donax variegata ; 2, Pittosporum Tobira ; 3 and 8, indeterminable Fuchsias ; 4, apparently Tecoma australia ; 6, Siphocampylus bicolor ; 6, Fuchsia corymbiflora. 9, Ber- beris Aquifolium ; 10, Berberis Darwinii ; 11, Pothoa argyrea. We have for once broken through our rule to name but four subjects only at one time. Correspondents should not be unreasonable. Pansies : // Hooper. The yellow bedding variety named Sunset is a fine showy sort, the flowers fully 2 in. in diameter, brightly coloured, with a clear dark eye. Being, as you say, a free bloomer, it will make a good showy bedding variety. Alexander the Great, white bedder, ia also very promisinj?. New Colour, a peculiar shade of reddish purple, would make a pretty bed if the habit is suitable. The fancy varieties are very showy, but we have seen flowers of better quality. They indicate very vigorous growth. Pelargonidms : T Casboii. The forms of Gold and Bronze Pelargoniums are almost endless. So far as we can judge from the samples sent, you are ab'eady surpassed. It is, however, fully early to judge of the merits of these things. The sport is interesting, but of no value. Communications Received.— Stuart & Mein— J. A.— R. D.— W. Heale— Antbyllis-ll. D.-G.— J. A.— T. R.— D. T. F.— Apeil 11, 18G3.1 THE GAl^DENEBS' CITRn^lOLE AKB AGETCTJLTTmAL GAZETTE. 383 Messes. GEOKGE GIBBS and CO., 25 AND 26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W., Beg to announce they are now prepared to execute Orders to any extent for Laying Land Down to Permanent Meadow and Pasture, witli their BEST JIIXTURES OF GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS, To suit various soils, which they can supply at 30«. to 32s. per acre, allowing 2 bushels of Large Heeds and 12 lb. of Small Seeds to each acre. MIXTURES of GRASS and CLOVER SEEDS for Renovating Old Pastures. Quantity required per acre, 6 lb. to 10 lb. Per lb., U. MLXTURES of the FLNEST SORTS for Lawns, Croquet Grounds, Bowling Greens, iie. Per lb.. Is. 3d. Italian Rye-grass, per bush.— «. d. GIBBS' IMPROVED EARLY 6 0 FINE HEAVY IMPOKTED 7 0 Perennial Rye-grass. PACEY'S "HEAVY SEED" .. .. 6s. to 6 6 EVERGREEN Ditto 7 0 Clovers. Perlb._». d. FINE ENGLISH RED 9((. to Oil FINE ENGLISH WHITE is. to 1 3 FINE ALBIKE HYBRID .. .. Is. 6rf. to 1 9 TRUE COW GRASS 10 RED SUCKLING 13 JELLOW TREFOIL 4rf. to 0 5 Bromus Sclirsederi. THE NEW FORAGE GRASS 16 Buckwheat, or Brauk. por buah.-s. a. ENGLISH SEED 7 0 Carrot. LARGE WHITE BELGIAN 13 LARGE YELLOW BELGIAN 13 LARGE RED ALTKINGHAM 2 0 SCARLET INTERMEDIATE 2 0 LONG SURREY', or ORANGE 2 0 Cabbage. CHAMPION OX, "fine" 3 6 LARGE DRUMHEAD 2 6 ENFIELD MARKET 3 6 Swedes. Perlb.— ». d. THE ASHCROFT 13 MATSON'S PURPLE-TOP 14 SKIRVING'S 12 GIBBS' PURPLE-TOP 14 EAST LOTHIAN 12 Yellow Turnips. GIBBS' GREEN-TOP HYBRID 16 GIBBS' PURPLE-TOP HYBRID 16 GREEN-TOP YELLOW SCOTCH .. ..13 DALE'S HYBRID 13 Common Turnips. GREEN GLOBE 10 RED GLOBE 10 ■WHITE GLOBE 13 GREEN TANKARD 13 RED TANKARD 13 WHITE TANKARD 13 Y'ELLOW TANKARD 13 GREY STO.NE 10 EARLY WHITE STO.NE 10 ORANGE JELLY 16 Mangel Wurzel. From fixk Selected Roots. YELLOW GLOBE 16 RED GLOBE 10 LONG RED 16 LONG YELLOW 16 Parsnip. GIBBS' LARGE CATTLE 16 HOLLOW CROWN 16 Kohl Rabi. LARGE GREEN 2 6 LARGE PURPLE 2 6 Lucerne. FINE IMPORTED 10 Furze. FRENCH and ENGLISH 2 6 Holcus saccharatus. CHINESE SUGAR GRASS 13 Rape, or Cole. ESSEX SEED 4rf. to 0 5 Special quotations for large quaniilies. PRICED CATALOGUES OP AGRICULTURAL, GARDEN, and FLOWER SEEDS, Forwarded Post Free on application to GEORGE GIBBS and CO., SEEDS.MEN, 25&26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W CARTER'S PRIZE MEDAL FARM SEEDS, HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. c^or &xGcUc)i&& of giccolUj/. ■^^a-ris, 7 SO 7. JAMES GAPvTER & CO. Had the honour of supplying the GRASS SEEDS that produced in the Grounds of the late Paris Exhibition the beautiful TURF so nniversally admired by Eyiglish Visitors^ and described by the Correspondents to the London Journals as being of eitraordimirg merit. JAMES CARTER & CO.'s was the only Englisll House to which was AWARDED a PRIZE MEDAL for GRASSES in GROWTH. NO OTHER ENGLISH HOUSE ti'hatcver supplied Grass Seeds for tlie use of the Imperial Coniinissioiicrs. Carter No. 10. Foi No. 11. ]• No. 12. Fo) s Grass Seeds for All Soils, from 21s. per acre. Clay S0U3, 301. to 311. per acre. Poor Clay Soils, 32s. to 33f. per acre. High-Lvinst Clay Soils, 34s. to 35». per aero. Alluvial Soils, 30s. to 34s. per a Limestone Soils, 31s. to 34s. pt Old or New Sandstone Soils, 28s. to 30s. per n LiRht Chalk Soils, ■.;7s. to 28s. per acre. Brushy Limestone Soils, 283. to 2i)s. pel' tieio. Sandy Soils. 29s. to 30s. pel Water Meadows, 24s. per a Moory Soils, 23s. to 25s. per a Mossy Soils, 21s. per acre UTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for PASTURES, ^21s. to 32s. per acre, cavrlago fr^. UT'i'ONS' GRASS "seeds fo^ PARK GROUNDS, ' Ids. per husliel, caniage free. UTTONS' GRASS SEh;DS " fo"r"~ CRICKET ' GROUNDS, IS,*, per bushel, carriage free. _ UTTONS'' ^ grass" SEEDS "for" CEMETERIES, ' IRfl, per biiBhel, carriage free. 8 "UTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for CROQUET GROUNDS, Is. per lb., or 20#. per bUBhel, carriage free. Sow three bushels per acre. _ Royal berks Seed Establiabment, Keadtng. LU'CE'RNE'(ane~new fresh-imported'Seed).— This is a most useful plant as Green Food for Horses. It should bo sown In April, in drills 12 inches apart, and may be cut four or five times a year. It should be hoed after each time of cutting, and manured every spring. It thrives in any soil, but especially in chalky land. „ . ., J n,. ,^ Price Is. perlb. NS, Readin?, Berks. Quantity required pei MESSRS. THOS. RIVERS and SON be^ to offer to Agriculturists the CALIFORNIAN OAT GRASS, or SWEET UROMK GRASS, a native ol the North-Westem t;oa.st of North America. It diifura from the Kangaroo Grass of Australia (Bromus SchriBderi) In being swoet and succulent, making good Hay. It attains a height of about 2 feet; its oat-like seeds weigh about 201b. per bushel, aud are eaten ^eedily by all kinds of Stock. In rich deep soils it may be cut for lorage three times during the summer, and produces two crops of seed, the first ripe in July, the serond lu September. The produce hero has been, for the first crop, at the rate of 20 quarters per acre. It haa been under cultivation (our yeara. Is perennial, perfoctly hardy, and very early, giving good feed In March and April. T. R. & Son have given as above their experience ot the Grass as grown in deep soila in the south-east of England ; and they flatter themselves that this new forage plant will prove of valu (juite worthy of a trial. Sold tn peck bags of 6 lOs. per bag. Prepayment i ;, Sawbridge worth, Herts. 'ing, 1 correspoiide The Improved Stubble Swede Turnip. MR. JOHN RIVERS, the raiser of tlie STURBLE SWEDE, now offers the above, which by selection has become hardier than the original root, It is sweeter and earlier than any other Swede Turnip, and may be sown with aiivantage fr^m April till July. Sold in b!ig9 of 4 lb. each, at G*. per bug. Wholesale price given on application. Bonks Hill, Sawbr id ge worth. CARTER'S IMPERIAL. HARDY SWEDE. Is. 4d. per lb. The hardiest and best in cultivation. Si'EciAL Estimates fok lauoe quantities. CARTER'S PRIZE SWEDE and TURNIP SEEDS, from 1*. to Is. 6(/. per lb. C.\RTEK'S PRIZE MANGEL WURZEL, from ij. to 2s. 6d. per lb, '^00 " Carter's lUuatnitod Farmer's Calendar," Gratis and Post Free. CARTER'S RENOVATING MIXTURES for IMPROV- ING DECAYED PASTQRES, 9d. per lb , 80s. percwt. CARTER'S GRASSES and CLOVhRS for Alternate Husbandry — For ON'E TEAR'S LAY, 12s. Od. to 13*. 6d. per acre. For TWO YEARS' LAY, 17». Oci. per ocre. For THREE YEARS' LAY, Zgt. per acre. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL FOR SEEDS, LONDON, 1862. Buyera of Genuine Farm Seeds should see " Carter's Illustrated Farmer's Calendar," containing a Practical Treatise on the Laying Down of Grass Lands, and other valuable information, forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER and CO., Seed Farmers, 237 & 238, HIGH UOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY of ENGLAND. LEICESTER MEETING, 1868. STOCK and IMPLEMENT PRIZE SHEETS are now ready, and will ba forwarded on application to H. HALL DARE, Secretary. 12, Hanover Square, London, W. €i\t ^gricttlttttal (Bajette. SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1868. The discussion which followed at the Parmers' Club, on Monday last, upon the reading of Mr. Speaking's paper on Compulsorj' Education, developed with considerable force the diffi- culties and the injustice which must attend any such enactment as Mr. Fawoktt has proposed. The Rev. Prebendary Bhereton urged the im- policy of any scheme which should introduce the idea, especially among the largest class in the country, that men have a right to anything but what thoy earn. Mr. Westoomb discussed the details of school management and school main- tenance of the kind proper for country districts. Mr. James Howard had no fear that Government had, as Mr. BRERETOff had said, been going too fast ; he believed that farmers could not expect to escape their share of the cost of education in country districts ; he did not see that the sectarian or religious difficulty in the way of Government action was insuperable ; and he proposed a scheme by which a Central Edu- cation Board might deal with the whole subject throughout the country, and yet leave ample scope for local liberty of action. Mr. Edmunds, of Rugby, pointed out that State action was necessarily uniform throughout the country, whereas the education of the people must always bo a variable thing, dependent on local or class circumstances. Sir G. Jenkinson, with a good deal of irrelevant discussion, declared that the word "compulsory" meant going to prison as the alternative of going to school ! On this point we presume that Sir G. Jen- kinson is misinformed ; and on some other points as well as this it appeared to us to be sufficiently obvious, from the experience of Monday evening, that a class or one-sided meeting does not present conditions under which the whole truth is likely to be elicited. Mr. S. Sydney, Mr. CoussMAJCER, Mr. C. Howard, Mr. Trethewy, and others, shared in the conversation which ensued, and a great deal of useful practical criticism was brought to bear on the education which countrv boys and girls receive : no one however daring to face the difficulties of a scheme which should enforce such au 384 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICFLTTIRAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 11, education aa is admittedly desirable upon careless or unwilling parents. Of course no such penalty as imprisonment lias ever been imagined to be necessary. A fine, to be levied upon any employer of an uncertificated child under a certain age, would be the guarantee enacted. Such a child must have a certificate of having attended school so many hours during the previous week, or month, or other term to be adopted, before he or she, if under 13 }'ear3 of age, can obtain employment; and the penalty of evading this provision ■will fall on the employer. "We imagine, however, that the real difficulty in the way of legislation, supposing it to be desirable, is presented by the wages question. If the bread-winner of a family earns only 2s a-day, any hindrance in the way of an extra 4d or 6d. — the wages of his child — is an unjustifiable cruelty. Meanwhile, great progress is being made, without the artificial urgency on which so many are now insisting ; and we believe that tho Eev. Prebendary Bkeketon has been recalling to our minds a great and wholesome check upon the ciuTent sentiment on this subject, in his recent addresses on the relations of earning and learning. At a meeting of the Midland Farmers' Club last week, Mr. J. Ford, the President, read a paper, in which the difficulties now in the way of tenant-farmers were contrasted with those of 30 years ago, when he began fanning. Rents and payments of all kinds were then moderate — prices of agricultural produce were remunera- tive— excessivepreservationof game was unknown — poor and county rates were moderate — and police and some other e.xpenses were unknown. We fear it is rather a delusive picture. But if memory has been at fault, the actual current o.xperience of the day can hardly be untrust- worthy. What, then, is Mr. Ford's account of the present ? It was formerly supposed thai any one might make a farmer, and men with little or no capital engaged in agriculture ; but tho tenant- farmer of the present day is a man of different calibre, of some education, and of considerable capital. And his chief difficulties may be expressed in one — the difficulty of obtaining a farm at all. A farm, however, being secured, then comes the question of rent, which should also be a question of value, though he was afraid it seldom was. Rents must come down, was the universal cry when, 20 years ago, the great change took place in oui- commercial code ; but rents, instead of coming down, had been materially raised ; taxes and other payments had been almost doubled ; the wages of agricultural labour had been increased ; the value of agricultural pro- duce had suffered a fearful depreciation ; and the tenant-farmer had on all occasions been sacrificed to the foreigner on the gratuitous assumption that he could not feed the million. Thus diseases amongst his flocks and herds had been introduced, and had spread universal death and destruction throughout the land. But there are other difficulties, of a more domestic and not less serious kind. The present system of tenure thwarts tho profitable invest- ment of capital. The teims of agreement with tho landlord are partial, and hampered by unreasonable conditions. The house and farm- stead are often small, badly arranged, and inadequate to the necessities of tho present day. Cottages are insufficient. The labourer is still forced to travel miles to and from his work; and he is deprived of his beer by the Malt Tax. Then game inflicts a vast amount of damage, and the tell-tale keeper, creeping about as he must at all times do, assuming more aii's than his master, is a nuisance. A\1io pays the poor, the county, the police, and other rates ? Not the millionaire, the fundholder, the mine owner, or the landlord. And who is going to be saddled with the cost of educating the poor, and of main- taining and repairing tho highways of the country ? Mr. Ford proceeded to consider the possible remedies and alleviations within the farmer's reach, as regards the difficulties thus enu- merated. In the first place he must depend chiefly upon his own exertions. He must not undertake a larger occupation than is commensurate with his means. ■ He should be cautious and punctual in business, as well as methodical in his arrangements. Under whatsoever system his tenure may be, he should be careful that it was one of recipro- city,— that whilo the landlord receives a fail- rent the tenant is not crippled by obsolete and one-sided restrictions. He was a decided advocate for a lease, although some persons maintained that a tenant-right was all the farmer required. Many persons expressed their sm-- prise that tho English tenant-farmer should trust so implicitly to others, and that tho commercial principle is not more gonei'ally brought to bear upon agricultural matters. But great changes are now taking place, and tho farmer is getting more alive to his position and interests, and is now agitating for tho alleviation of his difficulties. In order to bring this about he should join such clubs as this, and endeavour to make himself acquainted with current events. The establishment of Chambers of Agriculture is the first and most important check upon the downward movement which for so many years had been going on in agriculture. Tenant-farmers should also striv for a better representation of their interests in Parliament, viz., by men of their- own class Sui'ely the very idea of their being represented by their landlords is in itself absurd. Tenant- farmers aro now prepared to take their part in the great questions of tho day. They are also willing to bear their fair share of the people's burdens, but no more. Mr. Ford's paper, which we have thus epito- mised, was itself a very clever and suggestive portrait in miniature. The subjects he enume- rated well deserve the attention of Farmers Clubs; and we cannot doubt that ho is right when he gives it for his opinion that the esta blishment of Chambers of Agriculture all over the country, and the influential voice in public matters which farmers will thus obtain, will be of the greatest possible service to them in t'nose directly professional particulars to which he draws attention. There was no market in Mark Lane yesterday, it being Good Friday. On Monday supplies were limited, and prices without alteration. — At the Cattle Market, on both Monday aud Thursday, the supply both of cattle and sheep exceeded the demand, trade was dull, prices were lower, and a clearance could not he effected. ■ A pamphlet has been published by a Naval Officer, under the title of " Sanitary Siftmgs," * in which the various plans of filtration through artificial beds, deodorisation and precipitation of organic matter, and the irrigation systems are described and cDn- deinued, and other plans for mitigating the evils arising from the escape of putrid matter into air and water, and for preventing their formation, are discussed. The author thus at length shuts himself and his readers up to the conclusion that the Earth System is the only possible remedy which shall meet all the difficulties of the case, and retain all the advantages of an economical, agricultural or horticultural use of valuable fertilising fcecal matter. " It is objected that the requisite amount of earth for the effective employment of the Earth System is so great as to render its application in large places impossible. But for this idea there is no foundation in fact. The idea arises from estimating the quantity necessary for a whole year, whereas the earth might be changed and returned in less than three months. So that less than a fourth of the quantity generally estimated by opponents of the system would suflice. It is also objected that proper care would not be taken by the poor, nor would they pay for the change of earth, but this would be undertaken gladly by a company, or by the parish authorities, and the manure would well repay them, and doubly so the latter, as it would give work to a class of the poor the parish have now to support in idleness, while the process would secure that supervision ! which is now so fatally neglected. The over-estimate of the quantity, aud of the difficulty of obtaining suBioient earth, vanishes before a moment's thought. I'or the larger the place the greater is the area on which it stands. The market gardens therefore of each would almost supply e.arth enough if kept rotating. It is also stated ' as a final, and perhaps a fatal, objection to the introduction of this system in towns of great magnitude, that it no more affects the evils of river pollution and ill-ventilated sewers than anything most foreign to the matter. The refuse of water- closets forms but a minor portion of what we term sewage : the household refuse, the scourings of market- places, stables, slaughter-houses, knackers' yards, the refuse matter of tanneries, hospitals, and innumerable sources of pollution still remain to be dealt with.' This is a fallacy contradicted by the facts as given by the objector, who says, ' water-closets were still in futurity ; manufactures by steam power had but arisen from their infancy, and What was sent through the miserably incomplete systems of drainage then extant was in fact little else than the household drainage, and a portion of the rainfall. So slight an admixture of sewage in the huge volumes of our rivers, was there- fore comparatively harmless; and up to a very recent period their waters, with a few exceptions, such as the clothing districts of the West Riding of Yorkshire, were clear and pure, abounding in lish.' Now this last is the condition to which the adoption of the Earth System would restore things— ' London : E. dj F. N. Spon, 43, Cbaiing Cn indeed rather better, for all the rainfall would be drained into the sewers." The great diffi- culty in the way — one not considered in this enumeration, is the domesiic household difficulty. When that can be got over by a resolute house- keeper there can be little doubt that Mr. Moule's Earth Closets will supply a very valuable manure in an inoffensive manner, which can be turned to good account most easily in the case of detached houses and institutions, cottages and villages. Mr. Alex. Jemmett, who occupies land near Binfield, Berkshire, has been good enough to submit to us the book in which he keeps the records of the annual cash transactions of his farm. A thin folio volume contains on 12 pages the pay lists of labourers for 12 months. From pages 13 to 19 we have sundry lists, such as memoranda of dates ofsowing the different fields— an inventory of implements— a record of corn threshed and sold. Pages 20 to 67 include a journal showing the daily employment of the labourers during the several months, and a monthly inventory and balance of the stock and corn accounts. Pages 68 to 76 contain the cash account ; and pages 77 to 81 the ledger and balance sheet. Prom the records con- tained in the previous pages there is, in pages 85 to 105, an account compiled against each field. Pages lOG, 107, contain the annual stock account, and in page 108 there is a recapitula- tion of the field accounts, squaring the whole details thus collected with the farm balance-sheet on a previous page. The whole gives a more particular .account of the farm- work than is generally kept; but there cannot be a doubt that great professional advan- tages would be derived from the detailed knowledge which the tenant would thus have constantly before him of every part of his occupation and his business. And it must not be supposed that any great amount of labour is involved in the attention which Mr. Jem- mett's account-book will require. A weekly half hour will keep anything abreast of the date ; and half a day at the end of the year will suffice to bring out the annual result, with all the lessons which every part of the year's proceedings teaches. SHOETHOENS. The LiTTLEBnRY heed is to be sold on May 7, before which time our readers will have a report of it laid before them. Meanwhile we may state that it is announced as having been very carefully reared for several years by Mr. Clayden, chiefly from the two cows, I)iaiia 2d, and lied Rose : the former traces directly back to Miss Fortune, bred by the Rev. 'I'hos. Harrison, from the same family as the celebrated bull FiBBT (1040) used for many years by Lord Althorp at Wiseton ; the latter was a grand-daughter of Modesti/, descended from the Cleasby stock, the subsequent sires being 3d Ddke of NoETHnJiBERLAND (3647), and Horatio (10,355) Two-thirds of the pedigrees given in the catalogue are entirely of these good old sorts. More recently animals of the fashionable "Blanche," " Flora," "Frill," and " Sylph" tribes have been introduced, and the remainder includes several capital specimens of these admired families. The sires formerly used inherited largely the blood so success- fully cultivated by the late Mr. Jonas Webb, and after the dispersion of the Babraham herd, Costa (of pure Knightley blood). Lot 1, was purchased, and has since been in service ; and the cows and heifers are served either by him or his son Littlebdey, Lot 2. la raising this herd the great_ object has been to combine all the essential characteristics of the Shorthorn with good milking properties. Many successful entries have been made at the Agricultural Shows held in the counties of Cambridge and Essex. At Mr. Ltthall's sale of Shorthorns on Thursday of last week, at Bingley Hall, Birmingham, the cows and heifers sent were not as a rule equal to the bulls. Many of them were in very low condition, the fact being, as Mr. Lythall stated at the commence- ment, that the reason many were parted with was that the owners were unable to keep them any longer. The sale opened with six or eight old cows from Lady Pigot's and Mr. Wiggins' herds, which made from 22 to 35 gs. Lot 9 was a well-bred five-year-old cow of good quality^ from Sir R. Peel's, and was secured by Mr. Simmons for the Rev. C. W. Holbech at 42 gs., which was the highest figure reached for any female ; and nothing else worthy of note appeared until Lot 17, Coronet, a pure Booth heifer, two years old, and already the dam of a calf. This was a red heifer of good form and quality, and went cheap to Captain Turberville at 38 gs., the same gentleman taking JSmpress, a very clever red yearling heifer of Mr. Pawlett's, at the same figure. The bulls were mainly of a very good stamp; and some persons were of opinion that it would be an advantage to confine the sales in future years to young bulls only. There was little disposition to purclKise those above 18 months old, and the first two or three went .at very little if anything over their value to the butcher. Of the 16 entered for the prize there was little diffi- culty in selecting the two best, but between the two many good judges differed. Wethink that having only to look which was the best animal and without any pe- digree to refer to, that the decision of Messrs. Doig & Harris in favour of Lady Pigot's RosoLio, in pre- ference to Captain Oliver's calf Lord of the Lake, was doubtless correct. Both gentlemen have had long experience in adjudication at important shows, and it is pretty well known that if there had been any leaning in favour of other blood, that the young one would, all other points being equal, have been the victor. But in one great point, viz., the shoulders, he fell off, and there were uo deficiencies in the level, deep-grown Apeil 11, 18CS.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 385 EosoLio to equal tUis one. For the third prize there were several that ran very close, and we think low complaints would have been made had one of Mr. Curtler's commended bulls, or one or two others of Mr. Game's, instead of the selected one, stood in Iho place of SiE Robert Napieb. Altogether 31 bulls out of 37 sent were disposed of for 1074^ 3s., or an average of very nearly 35^. each ; and of these— Messrs. Q.^rne's 6 uvcr.aged . . . . £4lt 7 0 Mr. Curtler's 3 „ .. .. 47 5 0 Mr. Woodwards 0 „ . . . . 34 13 0 ^ Mr. Woodward's six bulls were well descended, with Rood hair upon them, and level tops ; and were sent in fair store condition. . Nos. 12 and 35 of Mr. Curtler's were straight, pro- mising young bulls; and his third, Count Fogoa- THOBPE, a good scion of that well-known tribe, having perhaps the best hair of anything in the hall. The highest figure given was 891. is. for Captain Oliver's calf before alluded to, which went into Wales to Captain Turberville. A straight, good-looking, five-montbs-nld calf of Mr. Sheldon's was secured by the Rev. R. 15. Kennard at 25 guineas. The sale commenced at 12.30, and the whole of the 60 animals wero sold under three hours, and removed by ■! o'cloiik. The arrangements generally gave satis- faction, and as an experiment the sale may be regarded as a success ; and we have little doubt that Bingley Hall will become as well known as the great spring mart for high-class Shorthorn bulls, as it is in the autumn for Shro])shire sheep. The Judges were Richard Doig, Escj., Lillingstone Hall, Buckingham, and Thomas Harris, Esq., Stoney Lane, Bromsgrove. [We abridge the above report from the MicUand Counties Serald.] No. 9.— Stateme>'t ( BRITISH AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS, 1807. [We conclude this week the publication of tho oflicial Tables.] TUE Estimated Average Yield i.n Imperial Bushels per Statute Acre of : iHoUand (in 186.5). Belgium (ii Whc.it :- Summer . . Barley : — Winter . . Summer , , Oats . . Rye . . . . Beaus and Peas Bushels. 22.08 Bushels. 20.10 22.60 3.5.32 29.10 40.37 24.57 22.17 Austria (in 1366). Bushels. 23.31 Bushels. 1.5.18 16.42 (1805) 21.05 12.81 15.12 No, Grc.it Britain . . Ireland Total United Kingdom ■) (including Isle of Man V and Channel Islands ) Russia in Europe (exclu- sive of Poland and Finland) Russia in Asia . . Sweden* Norway Denmark Proper Prussia H.anover Wurtemburjj France . . Spain Italy* Austria Switzerland United States* } Average "v of I 1859 to f 1863 ) 1807 1803 1860 1804 1861 ISGO 1803 1836 1807 1864 18CG 1867 - I 2,028,000 1,924,354 952,158 1,193,801 6,111,994 949,179 974,917 3,102,387 1,270,893 1,257,049 14,197,360 5,816,800 1,689,875 1,703,814 1,874,052 19,329,030 2,211,927 703,656 2,039,983 l,088,0i6 683,485 33,281,592 22,054,967 11,040,339 16,673,459 446,400 32,796,797 680,000 380,165 95,997 381,512 3,257,531 554,056 263,504 921,456 519,000 458,413 3,240,403 4,264,817 3,8 i,731 Estimate Returns. t Results of Census of 1866 not yet known. It were difficult to imagine anything more ruinous to the permanent welfare of the labouring classes than the modern system of combinations, for the purpose of controlling the labour market. It is laying the axe to the root of the industrial tree of tho United States of America, and, but for the unlimited resources of the agriculture of the Union, the manufactures of all the large towns of the States would have been prostrated before now. In England it is fast throwing the manufacturing industry of the country into the continent of Europe— an increasing amount of the capital of the kingdom being invested in the improvement of foreign States, the abnormal and ruin-spreading movement threatening eventually to stint the growth of population. Such are its general results. In its working details it is no less suicidal and ruinous, although for a time its untimely fruits look favourable to the bewitched eye, and prove equally palatable to an abnormal taste ; but from first to last it IS nevertheless a poisoned cup, and, drink it who may, its baneful consequences are fatal. There is no class of the working public for which strikes and combinations are worse adapted in their working details than agricultural labourers. True, a well organised strike in seed-time or harvest, if widely extended over a large area of the provinces, would take the farmers somewhat by surprise, but now that any amount of machinery and steam-power can be brought into action in a few days' notice, any labour- combination of this kind will be far less severely felt, if felt at all, taking all things into account, than it would have been some years back. Thus it is a universally acknowledged fact that many times the amount ol steam-power and machinery ought to be in use than what is now actually in operation, so that if a strike were to effect a ten-fold increase of such, the sooner it takes place the better for the country, generally speaking, although those who had to put their hands into their pockets might in the outset have good reason to grumble and complain. The few strikes, however, which have actually taken place in agricultural districts have not even had the force and eflect of producing such a desirable result as the imme- diate employment of field-labour saving machinery and steam-power— wry faces, with an extra out pouring of grumbling, being the only noticeable result; LABOUR COMBINATIONS, STRIKES, &c. stimulus to the adoption of steam cultivating appa- ratus— sowing, mowing, and reaping machines. By means of. improved implements and machinery a great deal more farm work is now done, with fewer farm labourers than formerly, taking the year all round ; while at the present time there is a strong movement in favour of more machinery, apart altogether from the impetus given to this movement by these labour combinations and strikes ; and looking at the rapid progress of discovery, each exhibitor of agri- cultural implements showing several new inventions in every branch of farm mechanics, all trying to out- rival each other, it is manifest that our pioneers of progress are determined to effect an accelerated speed in the abridgment of labour for the future. In this movement of abridging farm labour, the intelligent reader will perceive that lower wages to agricultural labourersare neither advocated nor realised, much less the employment of fewer hands in agricul- ture. It is right that the understanding should be perfectly clear and explicit on both these point-! before entering farther upon the details of our subject, for it is now an universally acknowledged fact that the abridgment of labour by means of machinery, i. e., the doing more work upon farms with fewer farm labourers, is only the transfer of labour from the farm to the implement manufactory and the mining dis- tricts, so that without going farther into self-evident details, it follows that the abridgment of labour by machinery, practically speaking, means the employment of more skilled labour on the farm, indirectly, by machinists, &c., at twice and three times the wages of the old antiquated smock-frock peasantry, while those of the agricultural labourers who have the natural talents, and are, by industry and perseverance, quali- fying themselves for using advantageously to their employers the various machines used at the different seasons are actually receiving considerable advances in wages for the increase of skilled labour they thus perform. To this increase of wages the labourers who work our steam ploughs, sowing, hoeing, mowing, reaping, and thresning machines are justly entitled; and perhaps to a greater increase than what they in some few instances are paid, partly owing to the narrow- minded policy of masters, but more owing to the strong objections which agricultural labourers have to any At the same time after-thoughts are producing one of their number receiving much higher wages their fruits, for there cannot be a doubt that the than themselves. few strikes just referred to have given a healthy I Equality of wages may have been tho primitive rule in Paradise. It does not take a very great stretch of the imagination to arrive at this conclusion, but outside facts speak for themselves, for the reverse of this rule is the experience of all past ages ; and judging from the past and present, it is raauilest that the farther tho various industrial classes into which the human race is being subdivided press mecha- nical improvement, the greater will be the divergency from this golden rule of equality. With this golden rule begin tho anomalous dogmas of these labour combinations. True, it is not laid down that all trades and employments are to have equal wages, for the golden rule is only meant to apply to the members of each industrial sub-division ! But so far as argument goes, it certainly "ap- proaches to something like an equivalent theory," for had Nature ever intended equality of wages for any one craft, she would unquestionably have first given equality of handicraft, as to the daily performance of an equal quantity and quality of labour by the members of each craft ; but this latter equality, doubt- less for wise purposes. Nature has not given. Hence the practical conclusion against tho rule of equality of wages. The next craft combination dogma that merits con- sideration has reference to the number of hands employed in each trade or subdivision of industry, say, for the sake of argument, agricultural labourers. Thus, if there are a sufficient number of grown-up trained hands upon the farm, no more apprentices, or boys and firls, are to be taken into the work by the farmer, labourers may marry and rear children as hitherto; children may grow up into youth, and youth into fiill age, but until the old members die off the labour list of the farm the young ones must remain idle at home, as all doors to other trades are similarly closed by the same apprentice rule. To make wheels wear evenly and gear smoothly there must, according to a well-known mechanical rule, be a " hunting cog," but in the numerical rule of these labour coinbinations hunting cogs form no part of their machinery. It has already been shown that the adoption of improved machinery is annually reducing the number of hands employed in agriculture, which rather points to a rule the adverse of this of the hunting cog. The best ploughman on the farm has, for example, four sons — tlie eldest has a taste for his father's occupation, and his parent is accordingly anxious that he should be brought up under his own eye to take his place when he himself becomes unable to follow his team. _ His employer is equally anxious to take the promising youth as an apprentice, to be trained by his father. The second son has similar promising talents to those of his elder brother, and his father and employer are equally anxious that he also should become an appren- tice, but the taking in of these two promising youths would have for its effect the shunting of some smock- frock dunce at a siding. All this is natural on the part of the employer, employed, and his two promising boys ; but it is contrary to the numerical rule of the Union, and therefore it must not be done, under the paiu of an immediate strike, in which the father of the two boys would be compelled to join ! The two young boys wish to enter the building trade, for which they have each a talent, and several offers from builders, but the ban of the Union has bolted the door inside, and so they must remain outside. It were difficult to imagine a system more unnatural, unjust, and anomalous in its consequences— unnatural, because it would require Herod the "retrarch, who slaughtered the innocents of Bethlehem, or the Pharaoh who knew not Joseph, at the head of affairs to carry it out into practice; unjust, because it prohibits parents training up their children to those employments for which they are naturally qualified, or the foreman or overseer of any gang fulfilling the duties of his office which he agreed to discharge, and for which he is paid, in training the apprentices under his charge; anomalous, because the labourers in protecting them- selves in the field, so long as they are able to work at their several occupations, sacrifice their wives and children at home, while they make no provision either for themselves in old age when unable any longer to follow the teams or any other employment, or for their employers, who are thus left eventually without trained hands for any employment on the farm ; and also because it makes no provision for natural talent, or for a surplus population. There are other trade union dogmas equally untenable which might be exposed did our space permit, but quite enough has already been said to show the objectionable character of such combinations, and how unsnited they are for agricultural labourers. For other occupations they are no less injurious in their consequences, both to the present and rising generation. Nobody need be much surprised at our labouring . population being puzzled out of their wits at times to find the daily necessaries of life for themselves and their families ; and that the turmoil and perplexity of present emergencies should occasionally conceal the consequences of the future. The force of competition in business leaves masters scarcely less surrounded with perplexing difficulties relative to the quantity, quality, and price of labour. Thus if the demand for labour exceeds the supply, the employed and employer are seldom at much loss how to act. But when labour is allowed to go on multiplying year after year without any permanent provision being made for the surjilus, and when the supply exceeds the demand, it is then not so easy for either master or servant arriving at a satisfactory conclusion. Hence the short time and other expedients adapted for the mutual interests ol both parties. . -r .™ The demand for agricultural labour is more uniform than that of most other occupations, but it is otner- wise with the supply, which is liable to increase above the demand, and also to bo affected by railways and other public works, the supply being reduced whea THE GARDENERS' CmONICLE AND AGHICULTimAL GAZETTE. [Apbil 11, such works are commencing, but increased when they are finished. The consolidation of small farms and the employment of more machinery have also, for nearly a century past, been steadily reducing the demand for labourers on the one hand, while they have been annually increasing the supply on the other ; con- sequently had it not been for the adaptation of the agricultural classes to colonisation and the immense emigration of the surplus annually, the state of the labour market in our rural provinces would have been long before this period in a very depressed state. As it is, the colonial demand has greatly relieved the home supply of surplus agricultural labour. But highly adapted as our rural population is for colonisation, there is, nevertheless, a large number drafted into our manufacturing and commercial towns from our provinces ; thus proving that the force of the natural laws of talent and adaptation for manufac- turing, commercial, and other pursuits, is stronger than the social and corporate ties that bind the majority to the craft employment of their parents and ancestors. It further proves that no arbitrary rule can be safely laid down as to what occupation the members of this or that family should adopt with the greatest promise. It is, however, very problematical if the past disposi- tion of the surplus population of our rural districts can be accepted as a safe rule of guidance for the future ; for hitherto much prejudice has existed in the minds of many against our colonies, whereas such pre- judices are now annually disappearing. The boundless resources of our colonies ought to engage more of the attention of our ill-paid and unemployed agricultural labourers and farmers' sons than they have hitherto done or even are now doing, not only as regards their own future welfare, if settled in a colony, but also the benefit of those they leave behind in the mother country. Low wages and the occasional want of employment for days and even weeks in succession, only form a fractional part of the hardships experienced by a permanent or continuous surplus population ; for the idle and half-starved at home always eat off their own heads in a thousand ways which it would be impolitic to mention. It would be no easy task to draw a life picture of one agri- cultural district all in full and well-paid employment from the one year's end to the other, and which has been iu the enjoyment of this prosperous state time out of date, in contrast with another district in the very opposite condition. Apart from the many saddening considerations incident to fallen humanity, the buoyant spirit of the former add energy and renewing strength and elasticity to both body and mind ; whereas anxiety of mind, disappointment and grief consume the very flesh off the bones of the latter, so that what proves a nourishing diet to the regular and well-fed family would be devoured as an unsatisfying morsel by the half-starved and pinched one. Let the reader go from the one cottage to the other, as we have done, and he will find that, in nine cases out of ten, this is no exaggeration. No doubt the removal of our half-idle surplus to our colonies, as thus suggested, would increase wages at home, and hence the annual expense of the farmer for manual labour; but on the other hand, poor-rates would be reduced to an extent which we own would do more than balance the account. To this must be added the advantages arising from the extended use of machinery, so that the final balance would be in favour of the mother country, even in the limited pecuniary view thus taken, But farmers themselves have as much need of colonial relief as their labourers, as a healthy emigration of farmers* sons would reduce the present abnormal competition for farms. A more healthy state of agricultural emigration than now exists would ^further have a tendency to relieve the other classes now sufl'ering severely from the pauperising effects of a greatly increasing surplus population. It would also give a stimulus to the safe and profitable investment of capital both in the mother country and her colonies, thereby increasing the home demand for labour, and thus giving more employment than at present, while it would have the further salutary ett'ect of doing away with labour combinations and their ruinous consequences. W. B. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. The British, or rather the English, farmer, has a peculiar dislike to answering the questions of an official. It is an ignorant prejudice, but it has a foundation in traditionary reason. He learned from his father, who learned it from his grandfather, that in the days of that departed respectable top-booted gentleman the Government made many inquiries, which were generally followed by new taxes. The then exciseman wished to know, not only how much beer was brewed, but whether the farmer made any candles, or soap, or bricks, or tanned any hides, and ■whether he had paid duty on all the salt he used. Then, too, the parson of those deeply regretted times was curious as to the yield of every crop, for he took his tithes in kind. Now farmers— who, as a rule, read little, and think the more of the past -still very often look on the parson as their natural enemy, and on the Government as a malicious powerful fiend that Berved them an ill turn 19 years ago, that makes them alone of all producers pay a tax on produce, and is on the look-out to impose on them another. Therefore they detest the name of statistics. Besides, the English farmer is usually a tenant-at-will, paying a low rent as a compensation for a nominally precarious but practically permanent tenure. Teuants-at-wiU labour under the delusion that they can keep their position and their profits or losses from the calculations of the landlord's agent — an ostrich-like delusion, but very firmly fixed. For all these reasons the farmer has hitherto dis- played a rooted aversion to anything like agricultural statistics, and has successfully resisted attempts, even endorsed by noblemen considered " farmers' friends," to collect the sort of agricultural information which is furnished annually to the Governments of the United States and of the Australian colonies, as well as to all the Governments of Continental Europe. 'Ihus, when cattle were dying off at the rate of some thousands a week, we positively did not know, within a couple of millions, more or less, how many cattle, sheep and pigs there were for the British meat-eater to fall back on when the foreign trade in live cattle was entirely stopped— that foreign cattle trade which in 1881 brought us as many animals as have since perished by the plague. One indirect result of the cattle plague was to obtain official, although non-compulsory, returns of the numbers of horned stock, sheep, and pigs in Great Britain ; Ireland having for several years been the subject of an annual statistical inquiry. The English tables are now before us. They are not very satisfac- tory, for the inquiries were conducted by the offlcers of the inland revenue, and it is amongst the traditions of that office to afford no more information than the law requires. Nothing, therefore, is given but the bare figures of the return, which are thrown, as though grudgingly, before the public, like the pieces of a child's puzzle, to be put together as we can. We are not told how many schedules were distributed,* how many defaulters there were, or the number of owners, or the estimate of stock unreturned. Neither are we informed of what is equally important — the particulars of the breed of the stock, and whether they were stores or fat stock. In some counties lambs were embodied with sheep ; other returns in the colder counties were made before the lambs were yeaned ; but intelligible notes for the useful reading of the naked statistics do not appear. The number of cattle before the outbreak of the rinderpest in Great Britain, excluding Ireland and the islands, has been estimated at nearly five millions. The return falls short of that number by some 6000 ; but this first voluntary census may be wrong by that number either way. The rinderpest, up to October, 180(3, had by the plague or the poleaxe destroyed over 200,000 head, or something like five per cent, of the average stock— a serious loss, not easily to be replaced, especially under the restrictions which have become indispensable to guard the country against a second introduction of tlie disease. The sheep of 18(58 were counted at over 23 millions, and the pigs at two millions and a half. Sheep, although not absolutely free froni rinderpest, suffered to the extent of less than 8O0O. We have not included the live stock of Ireland in these figures, because the sea-passage that divides the green island from England makes the importation just as diflicult as from Holland and North Germany, and more difficult than from the Channel ports of France. But Ireland, although still understocked, for want of capital and confidence amongst graziers, makes a very respectable display in the statistical tables. The cattle amount to 3,505,000 (we throughout quote round numbers) ; the sheep are only a very little more numerous than the cattle, and the pigs reach 1,300,000. A. writer in the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society has given us the area in acres and the popula- tion of the principal Continental States and of the United States, and shows the proportion of live stock ofeaohkindto each hundred acres of area and each hundred of population. According to these tables, Holland and Belgium— butter and cheese exporting countries— stand highest in proportionate number of cattle to acreage, but rather low in the proportion of their total stock to the number of their population- Belgium being, as compared with the United Kingdom, as 50 to 130, our inferior number of cattle being made up by the superior number of sheep. On these tables Professor Rogers, of Oxford, has constructed a theory that the number of live stock iu Great Britain is decreasing, in consequence of the tendency of small farms to be amalgamated into large ones. AH existing evidence is opposed to this theory, and is in favour of the assumption that there is a steady increase in the quantity of live meat produced on every acre of land occupied for farming and grazing in the three king- doms-more especially in Scotland and England, the countries of large farms. Indeed, a very little con- sideration will show that the naked figures of these comparative tables give the least possible information of any useful kind. Thus Ireland, from its moist climate, is essentially a Grass country : indeed, it is now often called " tho natural home of the shorthorn," the most profitable meat producing breed in the world. Within the recollection of middle-aged men of the present generation, the cattle of Ireland were of the unprofitable, slow-growing, long-horned, thick-skinne(i breed. These have been superseded, on nearly all but high mountain ranges and the poorest wastes, by the Shorthorn and its crosses. In nearly all the grazing counties of Ireland, for the last 20 years, the Long- horns were year after year turned into oxen and exported, the breeders resorting to imported Shorthorn bulls only. The steady sale of lean stock to English graziers assisted the change. The consequence is, that not only is Ireland stocked with the modern breed, but it has become the country on which English graziers chiefly rely for the young stock, technically stores, which they grow into beef. Now, if we were to judge only from figures, we should decide that Ireland was better supplied with live stock than Scotland, and was even better farmed, while the exact reverse is the fact. Scotland has very little beef- feeding pasture as compared with Ireland— although Scotch Turnips are the very best in the world — but what she has is grazed by the choicest beef-makers. All her good land is well stocked ; but an enormous percentage of the acreage of Scotland is irreclaimable waste. 'The primest joints of metropolitan markets ' Thia relcia to the previous returns. are of Scotch beef. Valleys, and moorland, and mountain tops, that formerly fed such half-starved wild cattle as Rob Roy " lifted," are now more profitably given up to sheep— Cheviots and Blackfaces, both migrants from England. Again, since easy conveyance and good markets, with the spread of root cultivation, have led the Scotch to fatten a great number of their beeves at home on Turnips, English graziers have been obliged to look more to Ireland for their supply of store cattle, horned manure makers, and consumers of root- crops ; while until the outbreak of the rinderpest, not only did the dairies of the metropolis depend largely on Holland for milch cows, but Norfolk and other feeding counties began to draw "stores" from the Continent. On the other hand, neither the climate nor the genius of the Irish people is so well suited to the growth of sheep, although there is no doubt that whenever Ireland becomes really tranquil, the number of long- wooUed sheep— than which no animal is more profit- able—suited to the climate will be largely increase(l. The peasant-farmers of Ireland contribute next to nothing to the stock of beef-producing animals, and nothing to that of mutton. The export to England is drawn from the great farms of tlie grazing districts. The comparisons of the number of cattle anci sheep in Great Britain and in France or Germany are, to say the least, very unprofitable, because the first elements of comparison are wanting. It is like the early Japanese trade of exchanging gold for silver by weight. In France, for instance, in 1862, there were nearly 6,000,000 cows and 8,000,000 of other cattle, 11,000,000 in all, for a population of 37,000,000; while Great Britain, with not quite 5,000,000 cattle, had a popula- tion of over 23,000,000 to feed. Yet meat (much more largely eaten by the English than by the French) is not dearer in England than in France, where the best cuts of horseflesh fetch 5d. a lb. The reason of this great power of meat consumption in Great Britain is to be found in the fact that we grow meat, while in France and Germany, with the exception of limited areas which grow beef for England and Paris, they allow skin, bone, meat and muscle to exist for the purposes of the dairy or harness, or both combined. It may be assumed that every head of horne(l stock included in our statistical returns is either a dairy cow or a beef-making animal, and that on an average it produces twice as much of the best joints of beef as the Freneh animal, because it comes to the butcher at half the age, and fattened, thanks to root and cake, on one- fourth of the area. Normandy and Brittany have recently sent us a few Shorthorn crosses, equal to those from Warwickshire or Yorkshire. The balance in weight and quality of British sheep and pigs, taking early maturity into consideration, is still greater. We have no doubt that the ordinary cultivated acreage of England and Scotland produces four times as much beef, mutton, and pork annually as the same acreage in France or Germany, excepting always the exceptionally well-cultivated farms in Prussia, equal to, and exceed- ing ia extent, our greatest West Norfolk farms. We have it on the high authority of M. Le Play, the Chief Commissioner of the French Exhibition, that the efforts of the French Government, carried out most judiciously for more than 40 years, to improve the meat-making live stock of France, have proved, as far as the peasant proprietor is concerned, of no more effect than " water poured on sau(l." 'The peasant- proprietor cannot afford to buy, nor to feed, nor to use a beef-making beast : he wants muscle, not flesh. As for sheep, he has neither the space for a crop of roots, nor the money nor the inclination to find tho essential corn or cake for winter food. But although, in the absence of complete agricul- tural statistics, all the evidence is in favour of a great increase in the meat-producing powers of this couutry, founded on the increased use of artificial manures, still tlie fact remains that the supply is not equal to the demand created by increased population, and still more by the improved condition of a population that expects to eat fresh meat where their fathers, more poorly clad, were compelled to be contented with a little bacon, or a little of the salted boef of a worn-out dairy cow. We are constantly, so far as London and thegreat towns of England are concerned, largely depen- dent on the foreigner. Our first foreign supply was drawn from Northern Europe, from parts of Denmark, from Germany, and from Holland. Spain and Portugal sent and send us a limited number of fat bullocks, magnificent animals, dove-coloured, meek-eyed, with enormous branching horns— chiefly working bullocks, fatted on Indian corn, producing " meat mottled like marble, and nearly as hard," cheap, nutritious, and tough, but of great value for soup and stews, if only our labourers' wives knew how to cook. About two years ago the French began to ship a number of their best oxen to us, chiefly Normands crossed with Shorthorns. The year before the cattle- plague one English cattle-salesman remitted lO.OOOZ. to France, the purchase-money of fat bullocks for one season. Sheep came to us from Germany and Holsteia in enormously increasing numbers ; many Merinoes, which furnish a large quantity of small tough joints at a very low price. The North German exporters, whose centre is Hamburg, send thousands of excellent animals called Dutch sheep, which are crosses from good English Leicester and Cotswold rams. Flocks of pure and of crosses of Downs aie also kept in the largest towns in sandy Prussia. It not unfrequently happens that one-third of the live stock exhibited in the metro- politan market is foreign. At the time the cattle- plague broke out, railways having been opened up to Eastern Europe, we had tapped the grassy plains of Poland and Hungary, and had even one importation from Russia. Our salesmen were in communication with the cattle-dealers in Berlin and Vienna, and the grey cattle with straight long horns, which are sup- posed to be the descendants of Oriental cattle brought by the first Tartar invasion into Europe, were to be Apeil 11, 18CS..1 THE GATJBENERS' CHRONICLE AND AfiHTOULTUEAL GAZETTE. 387 seen ia tUe streets of Loiulou These wore, no doubt, directly or iuJiroutly, the cause of all our woes. All the Year Round. WHEAT SEED AND POTATO SET3. The Potato sots being buds or eyes in pieces of what botanists would call underground stems, are, in reality, plants immediately emitting true roots feeding upon whatever is set before tham or rather below them, and forming tissue, having much less regard for the place they have been in than (or the one they are in now ; and although mealy (starchy) Potatos are best for food, the mealy sets are duller than the waxy ones : for the starch is useless for growth until it has got malted and its character ohinged, hence the unripe or waxy one has the advantage of being a smarter follow to make a start, and hence the crack Potato growers gi-oen their Ash-leaved Kidney Potato sets, or as we might say. malt them, to help them on their journey. Tlie Potato has two strings to its bow: by its ;ipples it can and does propagate itself, and by its tubers or underground stems ; but the normal form of the Potato tuber obtained from seed is only a worth- less " chat," less than a ^Valnnt, yet no one can deny that this is Nature's genuine Potato. We oomi now to the subject in hand— the seed Wheat. When we look at a full-grown specimen, we find it is full of sweetness, its leaves and stalks are sugary, and in this state it is a perfect corn plant ; but in order to propagate its species another class of machinery has to be set in motion, for the corruptible sugar and gum must bo ctchanged for the iude- struotible or incorruptible starch, so tliat the Mummy Wlieat may grow and reproduce itself after a thousand years. A single grain of Wheat vegetating on a dung- hill in the open field will produce the finest sample of a Wheat plant on the farm, but it will not propagate its species or ripen fine seeds, for it is deticieut in some of the ingredients essential to that end. The same may be said of all Wheats grown on lands peculiarly marked, as peat soils, chalky soils, sandy soils, and clay soils, for in these the samples will be more or less marked by the excesses or deficiences of the soils in which they have grown. There is tlierefore a normal standard, not only in shape, but in size and weight, for whoaten seed when grown to perfection ; and it will be marked with fine lines and a fair com- plexion, claiming our admiration. I have seen a wisp of wheateu straw so rich in its golden yellow colour, and so finely finished, that you could read the history of the farmer's harvest by that sample of his wheateu straw: for truly does Homer say— " Ffooi the stvibble you ii:ay guess the gr.iin." Nature's perfect Wheat plants will be exceedingly beautiful, and flower freely, and reproduce the species. Thi farmer's perfect Wheat must have a gnod skin, and weigh heavily ; and to be right with the corn market and secure the highest price he has, no doubt, overshot the mark for seed Wheat by getting more starch than gluten, or rather by disarranging the reproductive system. In double flowers, from the Rose to the Daisy, the monstrosity is petted, and the disarrangement of the parts, whether by accident or design, it is our interest to keep up : but, alas ! for breed- ing purposes they are all childless ; and I am a^ked to prove, if I can, what it is that effects this disarrange- ment. Is it the want of nitrogen? This is a cleverly devised question, and I will try to answer it. I say it is cleverly devised, because wo find that nitrogen, or azote, the principle of nitre or saltpetre, in it-i gaseous sta,te, is particularly active in the malting or germinat- ing of grain ; indeed this powerful agent is rather capricious, and likes to work in spring best : and this is so well known to nurserymen and others, who get their living by raising seedlings, that many berries and other seeds have to be buried a whole year, and after that they will start the following spring, but not at any other time. The sap wood in trees and the soft wood and their leaves have always an extra share of nitrogen ; and as this gas is said to occupy four-fifth? of the volume of our atmosphere, it is quite an easy and a plausible aS'dir to lay great stress upon its action on plants. When saltpetre is diluted with water, and this brine applied to meat, it reddens it — when brown paper is dipped in this water and dried it becomes touch-paper, and will take fire with a spark from a fiint and steel, yet a candle will not burn in nitrogen gas. We are quite certain that nitre reddens all animal substances to which it is applied, and we have good reason to suspect that it greens all vegetable substances, but not in the same way that soda greens them when diluted with water, but dry ; hence m the residuum of all the green parts and the working parts of plants, as leaves, bark, sap wood, and soft wood, when experimented upon, this salt is always found just where we should have expected to find it in excess; but, mark well, it is not found in heart of Oak or other hard wood, except- ing in mere traces. In short, we may say of nitrogen that it does not do the hard finish to plants of any kind, howover much it may aid in the rough work of the vegetable laboratory. Glycerine, the sweet principle of fat, causes old seeds to vegetate vvonderfully, and seems to grease the wheels of nitrogen in the malting process of germination, yet no one would say that seed Wheat was short of glycerine. In the case of what your correspondent terms the plethoric Wheat, it is not the want of nitrogen, but the excess of clear starch that has altered the proportion, and of this there can be no doubt, because we have the increased weight of the grain to guide us in coming to the conclusion. Now, although practical conclusions can hardly be arrived at from one or two experiments, yet I mnst state that I once found the starchy part of Scarlet Runners so much altered by the nature of the manure applied to the plants, that I suspect the same law holds good with other starch- producing plants. Charcoal and night-soil so altered the character of the Hunucrs that they only reached a height of 3 feet, and began to llowor freely and set fruit certainly to double the extent that any liunners had ever done with me before. 13ut I think I hear some one say that plants could not get any support from charcoal ; I do not say they did : I merely state the fact ; and when I see the veritable fliutstone skinned of its silex to burnish the wheateu straw by some unseen agency, perhaps by electricity, I need not bogle at its chipping a trifle off a burnt stick when it wanted anything in the carbon line. In watching the growth of plants one sometimes gets a nibble at an idea, but as it is held only by a single hair it is not easily netted. I have never doubted that the elements essential to good cultivation are much more simple than we have generally supposed them to bo, so that by using the ruins of a former world of animal and vegetable substances, much order, life, and beauty will spring up like the honey in the charnel-house of Samson's lion. lu Persia and in the East Indies the nitre of commerce is got from marl on the bare sides of hills exposed to the northern and eastern winds, and when this marl has been leeched the liquor will crystal- lise on evaporation into genuine saltpetre, and when Buonaparte could not get this salt for his gunpowder manufacture from India, he constructed nitre beds at home, and by layers of earth, lime, and offal, often turned to the air, he got the necessary nitre. But what concerns us most is this, that his principle of action has taught agriculturists and Grape growers the immense importance that such nitre beds are to field orops and to Vine borders. As nitrogen occupies four- fifths of the volume of our air, and three-fourths of its weight, and as it is apparently ever ready to fall in with the earth's substances, few plants are likely to suffer from want of it, as the wind brings it in torrents ; and it is only by considering the nature of things a little that we come to see what an important agent the wind is in fetching and carrying. Everything is given to us by weight and measure, and few would believe how accurately every item is put in to make the neces- sary foi-mula by which we live,— light, heat, rain and wind abjve ground, and all sorts of chemicals acting under ground; but yet upon the whole the balance is wonderfully even, and the same that hath been is now and is likely to continue. From the scrupu- lous nicety of Nature's workings, it is pretty clear that when she has a fine sample of Wheat it is starched heavily for long keeping, such as for the Egyptian granaries of the olden time, not for immedi- ate use; the normal quality would no doubt be best calculated for the work of reproduction. Prom this reasoning I do not admit of deficiency of any useful ingredient in ordinary grain nor want of nitrogen, and the great point gained in the change of seed is to prevent the propagating of error : for most soils and situations have their failings, and it never can be wise to encourage an enemy or to allow the seed to be exposed to the same baneful influences from generation to generation. As to what influence the seed has upon the future crop it is almost a hopeless task to enter upon, but I will give a fair sample of the inquiry that is necessary. The Wheat, as is well known, is increased by seed, and its flower is apetalous ; the petals of the Rose, that are so fair and so fragrant, are, in the case of Wheat, awanting ; and yet the Wheat has a flower after its own fashion : for if you look closely into the matter you will see a pair of slippers, on a very small scale indeed, hanging out from the head of Wheat by a thi-ead so extremely slender that we may safely say they are suspended by a hair. Now, if we could cut a good slice off the end of this hair, and rear it on end on this paper, we should require a good light, and I for one should require spectacles to see it at all : yet it has holes in it, and fluids pass freely upwards and down- wards, to and from the slippers above named, for each Wheat seed. Barley-corn and Grass-seed are propagated from generation to generation after this fashion, and on no other manner ; and upon this slender thread depends the future of all grains and Grasses. Whatever is conveyed from one generation to the other has to be sunned in these slippers, and mysteriously slid through the very narrow holes in the filament above-mentioned to impregnate the milky sac of seed. A certain space of fine weather too is essential to the success of this vital flitting from the old world on to the new. On this slender thread has hung since the world stood the bread corn of all nations ; and whoever would relate to his fellows the tale of how seed-corn of this year stamps its image upon the seed-corn of the next, must examine the workings through these exceedingly small open- ings : and the cross section of a hair (a hair's breadth) is the platform upon which the merry dances have to be viewed. A. Forsyth. power for Wheat, in all 32 acres. An average daj^'s work of such work by my tai;kle is 7 acres ; therefore, in live days these 32 acres will be done. The cost of a day's work, including men, coal, &c., with interest, and wear and tear, is Us. ; therefore, the average per acre for smashing is Gs., to which must be added two scufHings by horses, at 2s. per acre, which gives a total of lOi. per acre for a seed bed for Wheat, on land that would cost at least ll*. per acre for ploughing by horses. —In the next place, fields 1 and4of heavyland, and3, 4, and C light land, will be riilge-ploughed and subsoiled from 10 to 12 inches deej) at one operation by steam power for roots and Beans, in all 65 acres. An average day's work of such work by my tackle is four acres, therefore in 14 days these 55 acres will be done, and as the average cost of a day's working is 42^., the average jier acre is 10s. Oii. No other operation will be needed here for either roots or Beans, therefore 10*. (id. per acre is the cost of a seed-bed for those crops. Now let us try the cost on my heavy land on an average of four years against horse work. Take my four fields to represent the four years first under steam culture :— Total Cost. Cost, per aero. No. 1. Wheat. .1 smashing, Os. Oci. ; 2scufaings, 4s., £0 10 0 No. 2. Beans ..!• ,, 10 6 — „ „ 0 10 8 No. 3. Beans .,!• „ 10 6 — „ ., 0 10 6 No. 4. Wheat.. 1 ,, 6 0 2 „ 4«. 0 10 0 Total for four years Now calculate them under horse-work: ^omc (CovresponUcncc. steam Cultivation. — [Mr. Smith, of Woolston, has addressed a letter to the Council of the Royal Agricultural Society, from which we make the following extract. He refers to a former letter, in which he proposed that ho should work his steam- tackle on his own farm under the time-keeping of a Commission, if they would send one. Not having received any reply to this proposal, he jumps to the conclusion that they have tossed his "communi- cation " on one side, and he writes as follows :— ] Look to your own published reports, worked out by your own Commissioners, upon the question of steam cultivation. They show that the contract-working system is rotten at the core, and that private working, when worked out by your prize tackle, costs for mixed work 27s. per acre, and therefore never can pay. Now, for the evidence I offered to give to a Commission. —In the autumn my fields Nos. 2 and 3 of heavy land, and No. 1 of light land, would be smashed by steam Cost. No. 1. Wheat . .1 ploughing, 14s. ; — No. 2. Fallow.. 3 „ 38s. 2 No. 3. Beans ..1 „ 14j. — No. 4. Wheat after fallow — 0 14 0 0 0 0 Total for four years £i 10 0 The operations by steam-power, at a cost of 11. Is. per acre for four years, will work the land from 10 to 12 inches deep, and keep it clean for ever. The operations by horse-power at a cost of SI. 10s. per acre for four years will work the laud 5 inches deep, but they will not keep it clean. As to my produce under steam culture, the total produce of lour years under horse culture was 85 Ijushels of Wheat and Beans, or of other corn of equivalent weight per acre. The total produce of four years under steam cultivation is 140 bushels of Wheat and Beans per acre. Therefore the total increased produce is 55 bushels in four years, or an average of nearly 14 bushels per acre per year. I shall use some artificial manures to keep lip this production. A fold was used under horse culture. This shows that steam power can beat horse power in depth, cost, and produce. I'bere is a vast quantity of land in this country the produce of which could be nearly or quite doubled by a judicious application of steam power to its culture. This poor heavy clay land of mine is in character like a vast lot running through this county and a long way on into Oxfordshire, to say nothing about other districts ; the present produce of which is not, on an average of years, over 85 bushels of Wheat and Beans, or an equivalent of other corn by weight in four years, per acre. Tet with a judicious application of steam power, with some assistance from manures, I know that its total produce in four years could be raised, and continued, up to 140 bushels. [We need not add Mr. Smith's concluding paragraph.] High Farming.— I have taken "J. B. M.'s" advice, and have again looked at what he wrote at p. 218, and have taken the three years' average cost and return of stock, thus :— Average of Three Years. Half labour account £199 17 6 Corn, cake, malt-comb, and bran purchased . . 405 2 4 Com and hay produce of farm, at market prices 209 17 8 Horse food purchased from farm.. .. .. 119 17 8 Horse food purchased elsewhere 38 12 8 Interest of stock purchased, and use of engine 100 0 0 Meat, wool, poultry, eggs and milk sold (a age of three years) £1072 7 10 Leaving a balance of £.)9 18 8 to be accounted for, in other words, the sum the manure cost being, as over 60 acres, at the rate of 20s., and 7s. 6ii. as over the whole available lUO acres of the farm. At the same page he asks. Can anybody with these figures before him doubt that a farmer ought to fat cattle? or question the superiority ofhome made over artificial manures? Will " J. B. M.," or any of your readers say, what they would consider a good fair dressing of home-manure ? Would 15 or 20 tons or loads be such a dressing? if so, what is the cost on the field, assuming the manure to be of a reasonable good quality, and the cartage a moderate and fair distance from the home- stead ? and how long is the good effect of such manure to be depended upon, or will show itself in the returns from the field? If he or any of your readers will kindly answer the foregoing two questions, I vvill then submit a proposition, which if favourably received by him, and I hope a goodly number of our brother farmers, might be the means of instituting a series of experi- ments, as to the real and relative values of artificial i manures. WestJndian. If'Westlndian," whoseems ■ to take an interest in the calculations 1 put forward i under this heading, and also to be sorely puzzled at the ' figures, could refer to the articles in the A'jrlcultural I Qazette of the summer of 18G4, from which they were I extracted, he would see what I avoided repeating this I year in greater detail, that what he calls my theory is ' simply following out to their conclusions the several experiments which had been so fully reported by Messrs. Lawes, Reiset, and Voelcker in the Jou'-na of the Royal Agricultural Society, by which t^ef Ji»d shown how far Nature would assist the farmer m ■ Means a ridge-ploughing and subsoiling at one operntton. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTUKAL GAZKTTK [Apkil 11, 18C8. producins corn crops, and how far the farmer had it in his power to assist Nature. I reproduced the table this year in confirmation of what I was anxious to pjOTe— niJTOiJostoMr.Mechi'sbalance-sheet— thathigh fanning would pay. Omitting fractions, my figures are right. I do not reckon the value of meadow-hay 60 high as Clover-hay. I reckon the whole of the nitrogen in guano applied as dressing to he productive, but about half of it when consumed in food. I also reckon the fallow crops consumed, together with purchased food, as productive of the subsequent corn crop,anddividethisamongtheacresinwhitecornaccord- ingly. No. Ihas two-thirds in corn to one-third in fallow, and therefore the natural produce of corn two years running out of three is estimated at 24 bushels, instead of 32 in alternate years. I hope this explanation will Eolve " West Indian's" difficulties. If he is a farmer, and will furnish me with his system of cropping and feeding, and the number of acres sown, I will show him what return he ought to get in corn for sale. If he is not, the abstract theory will be of little use to him. My object has been to prove to practical men that it pays better to cultivate a little land well than to take a larger quantity and only half do it ; and what is beneficial to the occupier must also be of permanent advantage eventually to the landlord, the labourer, and the public. I hope to show that the same reason-- ing will apply to Grass land, and lead to the like conclusion. J. H. M. The Peck of Wheat per Acre sown the second week in November looked like a fallow all winter, but is now, after hoeing, branching abundantly, and my labourers predict that it will be as good or better than the rest of the field sown thickly with 1 bushel per acre. Every vear I sow half an acre with half a peck of Wheat,"in the midst of a thicker sown crop, putting it in the same day and under the same circumstances in the various fields, as they come in rotation. By this means I arrive at safe conclusions, and I wouhl strongly recommend my agricultural friends to follow my example by thus experimenting on a small and un- injurious scale. It would abolish many prejudices, and they are bound, for their own interests, to ascertain the most profitable quantity of seed. My four years trials have resulted in 53, 57, 3G, 3U bushels of Wheat per acre, the two .first good Wheat years, the two latter unfavourable. I still continue to drill 4 pecks of Wheat, 6 pecks of Barley, 8 pecks of Oats, as my general sowing— a trifle more on the light land ; but I am getting more and more convinced that.^with high clean farming and the drill, wo may, in Essex, reduce our Wheat to 2 pecks. On light lands we need, not fear wireworm, if we use G bushels of salt per acre about February, or early in March. By having our drill cups and wheels arranged like those of Mr. Hallett, at Brighton, we can put in very small quantities of seed. It does amaze me to read that 7 bushels per acre of Oats are still sown in Scotland, and that there sowers pride themselves upon putting in only h\ bushels ! I presume that this is done broadcast and the measure a Scotch acre. I am .satisfied, however, that such a system can never result in such crops as we 'generally grow on this farm, say from 8 to 13 quarters of black Oats per English acre. J. MecM, April, 1808. Composition of a Sample of Silesian Beet. Polp sent i Mr. James Dl-ncan, 9, Mincing Lane. ■Water "7.10 ♦Albuminous compounds (flesh-forming matters) 1.93 Mueilage and soluble pectinous matters .. 1-75 Lactic acid 56 Soluble mineral matters .S3 Insoluble mineral matters .. .. .. 1.76 Crude ceUular fibre 1C.07 100.00 * Containing nitrogen . . . . 309 AuGVSTUs Voelckeb. 11, S-ilisbury .Squ.are, Fleet Street, EC, March 26, 1S6S. Foreign Correspondence. Cologne : Solet Belle J'ue, April 7.— The rent of land in Holland and Belgium is very high — 12?. to IGl. per hectare, and they grow Mangel to a large extent. I am trying to find out the best system for the extraction of sugar, and hope to erect the factory at Lavenham on the very best system. Enclosed is a copy of an analysis which may prove interesting to you. /. Duncan. P.S. The two Mangels received from Bark- ing, one grown with sewage, the other without, were almost exactly of the same composition. Both con- tained 88 per cent, of water, and 5 per cent of sugar. Composition or Three Mancei,s sent by Mr. James Duncan, 9, MiNciNO Lane, EC. ■Weight of root . . "Water Sugar Pectin extractive, and other soluble organic matters Albuminous compound Crude cellular fibre . . Mineral matter (ash) . . Large RoundGlobe Orange. 51b. 2J0Z. 89.45 4.59 .48 • 1.59 2.63 1.26 Largo Long-root Orange. 3 lb. 10 oz. 87.28 6.52 .40 1.21 3.11 1.43 Small Long-root Orange. 2 1b. 80 81 7.08 .36 1.24 3.12 1.39 IPO. 00 100.00 100.00 * Containing nitrogen .255 .194 .201 AUGUST'U& VOELCKER. 11, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, E.O., Miirch 28, 1868. I Composition of Two Varieties of Mangels Grown a Lavenham, Suffolk, Orange Orange Globe. Long. ■Water 86.82 8.5.30 Sugnr 7.79 9.01 Pectin extractive, and other soluble organic matters . . .33 .35 ^Albuminous compounds (flesh-forming matter) 1.08 .97 Vegetable fibre and pectiuous matters (insoluble in water) 2 85 3.10 Mineral matter (ash) 1.13 1.21 100.00 100.00 ''Containing nitrogen .174 1 .15 AUODSTUS VOELCKER. 11, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, B.C., March 27, 1808. Farmers' Clubs. CESTRiL: April 6. — Would Compulsory Education Promote the Interests of Agriculture— ^Lt. John B. Spearing, Benham Lodge, Reading, read the follow- ing paper on this subject : — When I mentioned to our secretary in December last that I thought the educational question would be an interesting one to discuss at this Club, I had no idea it would have become so popular, or that it would have been so fully ventilated ere this, so much so that we may be inclined to suppose it has been well nigh exhausted, and little remains to be said on it ; but education happens to be of a very flexible nature— the more we press it the more it expands. Instead of all taking a similar view there seems to be a great diversity of opinion as to what education is and and what it is not; what part the State ought to take in promoting or enforcing it, and how and by whom the expense should be borne: whether it should beof a purely secular nature, or deeply mixed with religious instruc- tion; or, again, whether it should be of a more neutral character. We have had before our notice, amongst many others. Lord John Russell's views in the House of Lords, a national conference on education in Man- chester, a Royal Commission issued for Ireland, a conference in Liverpool, where Mr. Lowe propounds his views; a meeting of the National Society at Tunbridge Wells, where the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Oxford give their ideas ; Mr. Bright at the Birmingham meeting of artisans expresses his opinion ; a conference on national education at Willis's Rooms in London, where certain resolutions are passed. Again, immediately Parliament opens Mr. Foster is very eager to press his views before the public, and more recently still we have the Govern- ment measure proposed by the Duke of Marlborough. I will not trespass on your time by repeating what they have said, or what particular systems they have propounded, but beg of you to bear with me a few minutes, while I take an agricultural view of the question, and make, first, a few practical remarks on the present system of education, its capability of improvement so as to meet the requirements of the age; and secondly, to show some of the objections to compulsory education, and how it would affect the agriculturalpopulation of this country and the interests of agriculture generally. The Pbesent System of Education. In speaking of the present system of education, I will not stop to question whether education in any form is desirable for the agricultural labourer or not ; I know there are some farmers, even in the present day, who are totally opposed to it, and assert that the less learning the agricultural labourer has, the less cunning he is, and the better servant he makes. This indifference or objection may arise either from the want of a better and more extended system of educa- tion amongst those farmers themselves, or from the absence of any good result, produced under the present system, upon those who may have come under their immediate notice. Suffice it to say it is generally allowed that a certain amount of education is desir- able, even necessary; and that every English boy and girl should be taught how to read and write correctly, and thoroughly understand the first rules of arithmetic. Now is not the present system of voluntary education, with the assistance derived irom the State, sufficient for this purpose, more especially in country districts and agricultural parishes ? The grants of the Privy Council (taken from the " Statistics of Education," by W. L. Sargant, Esq.) began with 30,000^. in 1839, rose to 100,000^. in 1846, touched their highest point, 813,442?., in 1861, and (under the Revised Code) declined to 508,463?. in 18R6. The work done for this money is partly shown in the following Table : — IT^. Parliamen- lltM tary Grants, £263,000 396,921 451,213 541,233 663,000 806,920 798,167 813,442 774,742 804,002 693,038 636,806 508,463 Number of Schools Inspected. 3825 4800 5179 6398 6641 6586 7272 7705 461,445 537,685 571,239 626,696 761,027 601,401 884,234 919,935 918,029 992,185 98-2,485 1,021,899 1,039,183 Number present at 645,905 700,872 821,744 1,028,690 1,040,310 1,076,4.32 1,110,357 About 1,250,000 children are under the direct influence of the Privy Council and their inspectors, at a cost of about 12s. a head, including the annual charge for building. We spend three-quarters of a million a year on education. In Prance the State expenditure is about 1,000,000?. In the United States (in 18 Northern and Western States) a dollar a head of population is expended on 18i millions of free people. If the results at present attained are not all that could be desired, let us look into the system, and see if there are not more defects and errors in the appli- cation of the machinery than in the machinery itself. There are in England and Wales 13 training colleges for schoolmasters, viz., Battersea, Cheltenham, Caer- marthen, Carnarvon, St. Mark's College (Chelsea), Chester, Culham, Durham. Exeter, Peterborough, Saltley, Winchester, and York and ri,ipon. There are also 13 training colleges for schoolmistresses, viz., Brighton, Bristol, Cheltenham, Derby, Durham, Hockerbill, Lincoln, Norwich, Ripon, Salisbury, Truro, Warrington, Whitelands (Chelsea). At these colleges schoolmasters and schoolmistresses are trained and prepared for their future duties; the instruction they receive there is really good, all that could be desired if the pupils remained long enough, but this they seldom do. After they are able to pass just the minimum amount of examination required, they go out to take charge of schools, still continuing their studies so as to pass higher examinations from time to time, which enables them to obtain reniovals to better schools with increased salary. What is the result of this ? The children learn by rote, and get a certain amount of book learning, and rules are forced into their minds without any explanation whatever of their principles ; while the teacher's minds are engaged in their own studies, instead of giving their sole atten- tion to their pupils— trying to gain an influence over them, and make learning as easy and agreeable as pos- sible. We need not be surprised, then, that the result of such instruction should be unsatisfactory, and I believe it is in a great measure to be attributed to the ' cause I have here named ; there is no hope of its being different until the pupil teachers pass every exami- nation that can be required of them before entering on their duties in a school, after which time their advancement should entirely depend on the results ! that are produced on the examination of their pupils. ] If this alteration were made in our present system, I feel sure we should have more satisfactory results, and on this the proportion to be allowed to each school out of the Government grant should depend ; we could then look for a great increase in voluntary subscriptions. As to the amount of religious instruction that should 1 be included in any system of education, or whether secular teaching is all that is requisite, I leave others to decide, but for my own part I cannot conceivi how any one who has really seriously considered the matter, or who has the welfare of the lower classes at heart, could be satisfied with any .system of education that was not based on strict reli- : gious principles and deeply mixed with it; any I other plan of teaching would be only the name ' without the reality, the shadow without the substance. Secular teaching has not proved satisfactory either in Prance or America, where it has been tried, nor is it likely to do so here. By all means let every deaomi- [ nation have their schools, and let them be entitled ' according to the results they produce to a fair share of ' the Government grant, but never let us sacrifice 'religious instruction, particularly at a time and iuan age when there is every tendency toward? infidelity. Of all the evils and losses we are subject to from having an ignorant, simple-minded, uneducated class of labourers to deal with, they are few and trilling compared with what we have to dread from those who, possessing a certain amount of secular knowledge, unmixed with any religious principles, fear neither (Jod nor man, but sin with a high hand, and commit crimes which we shudder to contem- plate. Next, as to the age when education should cease— or rather when children, particularly boys, should be taken from school in order that their earnings should contribute towards the maintenance of the family. Now, I think at 11 or 12 such may be done without damaging his prospects in after-life, and should he be one of a very large family, a little younger would be of no very serious consequence. From my own observation I have generally found that a boy's principles are for the most part formed at 11 or 12 years of age, and if he is not truthful, honest, and well- disposed at that age he is not so at 14 or 15_. If he remains at school he only becomes more unprincipled and more unmanageable, besides the bad efl'ect his influence has over those with whom he associates. Such a boy loses nothing by being put early to work, and the world to him may prove the best school ; and should he early commit crime and fall into sinful habits, there is more hope of reclaiming him than there would have been had he remained longer at school, become more hardened, and attained a greater age before he faced the realities of life On the other hand, most boys who are well disposed, have an opportunity of keeping their minds from rusting, and adding a little to their stock of learning, either in night schools or elsewhere. Having made these remarks on the present systein of education, and its capability of meeting all the require- ments of the age, I certainly think the time has not yet arrived when we should be justified in abandoning it, and adojiting another system that has not been tried in this country, and cannot be recommended for the results it has produced in any other part of the world. If we did so we should be like the farmer who purchases a very perfect and complete set of machinery to do almost everything he requires on his farm, but finds in applying It that it does not quite meet his expecta- tions, and do of its own accord everything he expected; he therefore abandons it, and, at a considerably increased cost, purchases another set, which is calcu- lated to do more, but to his regret discovers that that which was wanting in the first is doubly so in tht second, and that it was not the machinery that was at fault, but his want of perseverance and mechanical skill in applying and working it. CoMPULSOKT EDrCATION. A considerable number of persons have of late heen seized with a sort of infatuation, and seem to hi.Td ApbiL 11, 1868.] THE GAKDENERS' CHKONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 389 jumped to the conclusion that nothing but compulsory education, to be paid lor by compulsory rates, levied for that purpose, will meet the want of the times ; and we have reason to believe there are many of our members of Parliament who are prepared to support a Bill in the House of Commons to that effect. I believe I am correct in saying that the asricultural interests are nearly unanimous in theiropinion that such a measure is wholly uncalled for: that there is nothing in the present state of the country to warrant such an un-English proceeding; and that they will use every effort in their power to oppose its introduction, or being carried into ;law. I cannot help thinking that the persons who conceived such apian must have done so while strolling through the streets of some of our crowded towns or cities, where numbers of little objects of misery and crime came under their notice, and the idea struck them how easy it would be to compel such to attend schools, and how very much more beneficial the instruction received there would | be to them in after - life than thus wasting their time in idleness, dissipation, and vice. Bo that as it may, it is nut my business this evening to speak of education in towns, but more particularly of that in the country. I cannot fancy that such persons could at the same time have been very well acquainted with country life, or known much of the habits and tempers of those who live in rural and secluded situations, or the dilUculties that lie in the way of compelling them to do that for which they have no inclination. How do they propose to get over these difficulties, and persuade parents who are not very much im- pressed with the advantages of education (and would think worse of it if it was forced upon them) to send their children to school, when living, as many do, a mile or two from the schoolhouse, with roads for nearly half the year almost impassable. Do they propose employing extra police to enforce attendance, and thereby considerably increase our county expendi- ture, which already bears too heavily on the agricul- tural interest, from the rates being based on the present poor-law assessment, to which a great amount of wealth in this country contributes nothing at all ? Or in the case of refractory parents and children, do they propose after the first or second offence to inflict some punishment, and if so, what is the nature of it to be ? Are our prisons or reformatories to be the receptacles of these culprits? if so, we have a fair prospect of more expenses still. I cannot think that the promoters of this new scheme anticipate going to this extremity; if they do, they will find that their new and expensive machinery will not do the work they calculated upon, and will have to reconcile them- selves to the lact that the ignorant, self-willed, obstinate lout who does not know the value of educa- tion, and will not avail himself of it, must still remain the ignorant, self-willed lout. There will also be a considerable number, not so refractory and self-willed, who will obey the law (not so much from conviction as from the fear of offending), from whom we have no right to expect any satislactory results from forced instruction ; these will be something like the servant who was compelled by his master to go to church against his w;ill, congratulat- ing himself, that, though he was obliged to go, yet he was not obliged to pray when he got there, and there- fore he would take care to avail himself of the little freedom he possessed. In speaking thus strongly against the system of compulsory education, I would not have you suppose that I impute to any who have proposed or advocated it anything but good and proper motives ; but I must say that in all I have heard or read on the sub- ject there is not one argument to convince me that any great change is required, or that such a plan can be practically carried out with any moderate prospect of satisfactory results, to say nothing of the extra cost, ■which, I gather from a paper recently read at the Here- fordshire Chamber of Agriculture, is computed to amount to about 3,01)0,000/. per annum for 2,000,000 of children, or a rate of Sd. in the pound on 93,633,403/., the present annual value of rateable pro- perty in England and Wales. Having undertaken to call yourattentionasagriculturiststothis subject. Heel lam bound to point out what I consider to be some of the defects of the system which many have advocated and would like to see introduced ; also the necessity of weighing the matter thoroughly before we abandon one which cannot be said to have been fairly tried as yet, and certainly does not show any signs of failure. It is not my preseut object to make ourselves so well satisfied with the present voluntary system as to fancy nothing more remains to be done, or that we may relax our exertions ; what is wanted is more countenance from agriculturists generally, andincreased subscriptioijs, with a more liberal grant from the Privy Council, and help to those schools in small parishes, which cannot aflord to employ certificated masters and mistresses. These wants are proposed to be supplied in a great measure by the Government Educational Bill now introduced, wherein education is encouraged but not made compulsory. Should this Bill, however, pass in its present form, the practical result will be that our present church day-schools will become places of secular teaching only, and must be entirely separated from the parish church and the church Sunday school. This will, I fear, very much imperil the voluntary efforts that are now enlisted in support of elementary education, and tend to reduce the subscriptions. If this cautious and conciliatory way of dealing with this delicate part of the question meets with the general approval of the agricultural body, I shall be surprised, and the more so ifit works as well as some predict ; though I hail with satisfaction the announcement that it is iutended to appoint a Minister of Public Instruction, also the proposition of placing all evening schools on the same footing as other schools. I have studied to make this paper as short as possible. and have for that reason introduced but few statistics or quotations, because I know there are many in this room who are more qualified than I am to express their opinions on the subject; I hope, therefore, to hear a better discussion than could bo expected had I tres- passed longer on your time. I trust what is said here may not be said in vain, and I feel sure that, however much we may differ on some points, we shall be pretty unanimous in our opinion that compulsory education would not promote the interest of agriculture. The Quarterlt/ Journal of Science. No. XVIII. April, 18Ij8. John Churchill & Sons, New Burling- ton Street. The current number of this very interesting quarterly periodical contains articles on Nitro-Glycerine, Patent Concrete Stone, Amber, Sir John Herschel, and Siluria, besides a discussion of the relations of the State to Science Teaching and the Quarterly Chronicles of the several Arts and Sciences. Among these, as our readers know from our frequent references to the work, stands agriculture first, not more by alphabetical than intrinsic right; and we quote the substance of what the chronicler has to say on the Agricultural History of the Early Part of 1868 :— " The need of extending the benefits of education to the children of agricultural labourers, the importance of defined relations between landlord and tenant, the necessity of continued legislation about the home and foreign cattle traffic, the limits put by the nature of the living things which the farmer cultivates to the enterprise of tbe agriculturist, the theory of land drainage, the relative values of our leading breeds of cattle, the cultivation of the Sugar Beet, the extension of the co-operative system, the improvement of the Irish butter manufacture, the activity of Farmers' Clubs and Chambers of Agriculture— these are some of the subjects which have occupied the attention of agriculturists and agricultural readers during the past quarter. If we take the last subject first, it is that we may point out with what promptitude, activity, and force all these topics are now brought under the notice of the farmer as soon as their importance is established or even suggested. " With all that lack of union and organisation which distinguishes agriculturists, when on any political question their voice or influence is desired, there is yet no occupation or profession in the country like theirs f ir such a frank and constant discussion by its members of the principles and methods of their business, as one witnesses at the meetings of Farmers' Clubs all over the country. Of this a few examples will suffice. The paper lately read by Mr. Bone, of Eingwood, before a Hampshire Agricultural Society, may bo named as one. He discussed what he called the staple improvements of land : meaning thereby the permaueut improvements of which the soil itself, apart from the mere current management of it, is capable. Among them is the improved texture which is conferred by the application of marls to sands, the processes of burning and draining clays, and the use of lime and chalk on bol.h sands and clays. A very able and exhaustive treatise on what may be considered rather the landlord's than the tenant's interest in the soil was thus laid before a meeting of farmers, who were told a great deal of useful information, l^or which they have to thank the geologist and chemist. Several of the tenant farmers present related facts within their own experience, which not only proved the value of the processes Mr. Bone had recommended, but illustrated the cost of them, and therefore the need of a certain tenancy for a term of years, which alone would justify a tenant in incurring the expenditure involved. The relations of landlord and tenant, on which so much of the fertility of the soil is thus shown to depend, are the subject of constant discussion before similar societies in all parts of the country. At the Hexham Farmers' Club— which has just lost its founder by the death of Mr. John Grey, who perhaps more than any other man in the country was trusted by all parties as the best exponent of these relations — the subject has been lately re-discussed under the guidance of Mr. C. G. Grey, who has suc- ceeded his father in the management of the large estates of the Greenwich Hospital in the North of England. An elaborate lease was laid before the Club for its approval, in which the style of cultivation was limited rather than defined ; and among other parti- culars, a list of unexhausted manures was specified, for which at certain rates the tenant was to receive repay- ment on giving up the land. For lime applied during the last year of the lease, the outgoing tenant was to receive the full price paid at the kiln— for bonedust one-half the bill — for guano one-third. The faults appear to us two-fold:— There is too much detailed instruction as to what, under penalty, the tenant shall and shall not do ; and there is not a sufficiently detailed account of the repayments which are due to him provided he maintains good and energetic management till the close of the term. Many, at least, of those improvements to which Mr. Bone referred appear to have no place in Mr. Grey's schedule of repayments. " We may, however, find some explanation of this in another Farmers' Club discussion. At Maidstone, some weeks ago, a very interesting paper was read by Mr. Robertson, ' On the Agricultural Differences between the North and South of England,' in which it was pointed out that in the former it was the almost invari- able practice of the landlord himself to undertake the expenditure iuvolved in permanent improvements of the land. Thus the late Duke of Northumberland laid out more than half-a-million of pounds during his life- time in the improvement of his Northumberland estate; and of this 200,000/. was spent on drainage, ,5 per cent, being charged upon the tenant for the outlay. Other differences in management are of course explained on the ground of climate ; and here we come upon those limits to agricultural enterprise resident in the very nature of the plants and animals which are its object, which some reckless innovators disregard— to their loss. The cultivation of Mangel AVurzel in the south is one of those specialities of management which are explained in this way ; and the supe- riority of the Turnip crop in the north is another; and both of these dillerences were commented on by Mr. Robertson, who urged on the attention of the Kentish farmer the compensating oppor- tunities and possibilities which a southern climate places within his reach. The Farmers' Clubs of Ireland are in no respect behind those of England. At Athy, Ballymahon, and other places, many very excellent agricultural essays aro read every year, on subjects whose discussion cannot fail to be of service to the Irish fanner. Mr. W. Davison lately read a paper on the ' Waste Lands of Ireland ' at the former Club, wherein land drainage, for which Government aid is offered, was described and recommended, along with the subsequent cultivation of Rape and other green crops ; and the granting of long leases, for the encour- agement of tenants with capital, was urged upon the landlord. As to the ultimate advantage of the process to all concerned, he quoted an instance where land, the property of Mr. La Touche, worth 5*. an acre, had been let, after 1800/. had been spent on 140 acres of it, at 22s. an acre to a tenant, who was shortly afterwards offered 400/. for his interest in it. It is the relation of landlord and tenant, after all, which is at the bottom of all agri- cultural energy and enterprise. " The Morayshire Farmers' Club, which has hereto- fore taken the lead in introducing many agricultural improvements, was lately addressed by Mr. Geddes, of OrblLston, on the vexatious cropping clauses in leases, which often hinder the full use by the tenant of both his capital and his intelligence. He stated it as matter, not merely of opinion, but of fact, which bad arisen within his own experience, that land, however well cleaned and manured, tires of the same continued round of crops which the lease prescribes ; that those who have most liberty of action in regard to the culti- vation of the land obtain the most produce and maintain the highest fertility, and are thus most serviceable to the country, the landowner, and them- selves. He pointed out the Lothians as an example of the profits arising to everybody from liberal cropping clauses in agricultural le.ases. Elsewhere there is as good a climate and soil, originally as fertile, and where freedom and scope in the management of the land is given to the intelligence and enterprise of the tenantry, a larger capital will be attracted to the work of cultivation of it, larger produce will be obtained from it, and larger rents will be given for it. "At Cirencester, the other day, a very interesting lecture was given by Professor Wrightsoo, of the Boyal Agricultural College there, before the Chamber of Agriculture, on the use to be made of books by practical farmers. He declared, from personal experience, that much time is lost in agricultural education from the student resident on a farm receiving no such preliminary instruction as books would give him, but being suffered to wander from field to field to gather such information as unassisted observation might give him. At the Central London Farmers' Club, steam cultivation, the risks of the foreign cattle trade, the policy or impolicy of a com- pulsory system for the education of country children, the advantages of the American cheese factory over the ordinary English dairy management, the influences of railways upon agriculture, and the undeveloped power of British agriculture, are among the subjects named for discussion during the year. The Chambers of Agriculture are engaged with the impolicy of the turnpike system, and the impending legislation on that, on the foreign cattle traffic, and on rural educa- tion. It is plain, we think, tliat the agricultural world is in this country alive to the many interests involved in its failure or prosperity." The Paper proceeds to relate what has been done towards the reintroduotion of the Beet Sugar manufac- ture in the country, and what has been done in con- nection with co-operation in agriculture ; and it refers also to various essays and discussions which have appeared or been reported in our agricultural journals. It concludes with a reference to recently published agricultural statistics, and to Mr. Caird's discussion of that subject before the Statistical Society. Journal of Agriculture. April, 1868. 26, Cookburn Street, Edinburgh. The number for April of this monthly periodical contains a continuation of Mr. Scot Skirving's inte- resting paper on Bird Life in the Shetlands — a paper on the Geological Origin of the Present Scenery of Scotland, and a short essay on Snails, all of which have the barest right to a place in an agricultural journal. Then follows a report of Mnjor Cochrane's lecture on Land Tenure and Tenant Right before the Staindrop Farmer's Club, and a dozen pages divided between the Veterinarian and the Shorthorn breeder. We see it is announced that the Journal is to be enlarged with the next issue of it. This will enable a due attention to that extra-agricultural discussion which now almost fills its pages, and yet leave room enough for those more strictly professional papers on which alone its title can be justified, but which have during the current volume hardly commanded the attention they deserved. We quote the following passage from the description and history given of a celebrated Shorthorn herd, that of the late Marquis of Exeter :— " There are some capital buildings close to the house, where a few of the cows are lodged and milked but the majority of the Shorthorns are kept at the dairy farm, llio residence of the bailiff. Mr. Noon, from Mr. Champion's, was the first manager; but he succumbed to the same malady as the. illustrious Daniel Lambert, who was " bred and fed just outside THE GARDENERS' CHEONICT.E AND AGl^ICUT.TURAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 11, the park gates. His successor was Mr. Cattle, whose brotner managed at Belvoir, and he was followed by Mr. Clarke, from Fawsley, for whom the present farm residence, a pretty Gothic, but incommodious, cottaRe was built. When he departed, an old and faithful servant of his lordship, Mr. Sharp, who had charge of the woods, took the farm management, and under him and his son Spencer, who was unhappily killed on the premises two years ago, those periodical sales were first started in 1851, and conducted by Mr. Strafford. Previous to 1867, 11 sales took place ; about 30 animals were offered on each occasion, the number of females being a little larger than the males, and a respectable paying average has been the result. The first four, up to 1855, were low, in accordance with the times, but in 1856 the average was nearly 30^, and in 1858 the highest, of 37?. 9s., was obtained for 30 head. These sales were well attended and supported both by the tenantry and the adjacent farmers ; and it would be diflficult to calculate the benefit they have been to the neighbourhood. The best evidence is, however, in the good beasts that are seen for miles round, and the improved character and quality of the stock sent to the markets and fairs. When the herd was finally sold last year, the 43 animals averaged 13?. Gs. 9<7. each, and amongst them was the Uh Duke of Thorndale. This bull, of pure Duchess descent, was bought by Capt. G unter, and will undoubtedly prove an invaluable acquisition to the Wetherby herd." Farm Memoranda. TWEEDSIDB, ROXBUEGIISHIHE : April 1. — The favourable weather we have had since the third week in March, allowing the seed to be sown in good order, has been quite reversed in the west of the county, where there has been rain almost every day for a long time, putting their heavy lands into such a soaked condition that no seed could be got in till last Monday, when a start was made on a great number of farms, and should the land harrow as well there as it has done in the east of the county, the seed of another year's crop will be got in, if not as early as could be wished, at least in good condition. Grass has been growing rapidly for two weeks ; it now affords a capital bite for ewes and lambs, which is freshening them up wonderfully. The lambing season is half over; there is an abundance of lambs, and as yet they are keeping healthy. Fat cattle are getting well reduced in numbers; they have been selling well at the different sale-rings, as are also store cattle, which promise to bring higher prices than last year. The Turnips are getting scarce, and this is forcing the fat hoggs sooner into the market than usual ; they have risen very much in price during March, and are leaving a fair profit in the hands of the feeders for their keep. Grass parks have been letting at a reduction of from 5 to 10 per cent, on last year's rents, though the hard frost and fall of snow we had on Wednesday drove down the hill farmers, who in some cases carried up the rents even higher than they were last season. Those parks, of which every estate of any size has a number, extending from 100 to 400 acres, are let every year by auction, bringing from 3/. to 6/. per acre, and. with these high prices lor a year or two back there lias been no pay got out of them. S. Miscellaneous. Action against the Earl of Moray for Oi'erstociing of Game.— This was an action in which Mr. George Syme, residing at Couston, in the parish of Aberdour and county of Fife, tenant of the lands of Meikle Couston and Muirton Park, in the parishes of Aber- dour and Dalgety, as also of the lands of Chester and Kirk Park, Hattonhead Park, and Barns Farm, also in the said parish of Dalgety, is pursuer ; and the Bight Hon. Archibald George, now Earl of Moray, and the Hon. George Philip Stuart, brothers of the late John Stuart,Earl of Moray, trustees and executors appointed by, and acting under the trust-disposition and deed of settlement of the said John Stuart, Earl of Moray, are defenders. The issue sent to the .jury "■ Whether, during the year 1865,. the said John Stuart, Earl of Moray, had upon the said lands, or any part thereof, an unreasonable and excessive stock of game, beyond what existed thereon at the dates of entering into the said leases respectively — to the loss, injury, and damage of the pursuer?" Damages were laid at 270/. Mr. Balfour, in opening the case for the pursuer, stated that the action was raised at the instance of Mr. Syme against the executors of the late Earl of Moray, for the purpose of recovering damages in respect of injury done to bis crops in consequence of an unreasonable and excessive stocking of game. By the law of Scotland, as the jury were aware, an agricul- tural tenant had no right to kill the game on his lands without leave of the landlord, so that a tenant had not power to protect himself against the ravages of game as he could against other destructive vermin. So long as the game did not exceed a reasonable and fair average stock he could not complain, and although there was more than the usual average stock, yet a tenant might not have a right to complain, provided that stock had not been increased since the date of his lease. But if, after letting the lands to a tenant for the purpose of raising crops — for the beneficial enjoy- ment of these lands as an agricultural subject— the landlord increased the stock of game, whether by active preserving or failing to kill them down, then he was liable to the tenant for the damage done to the crops by that excess over what was reasonable, and what existed at the date of the lease. That was what they said the Earl of Moray had done under this issue.. Mr. Balfour concluded by stating the nature of the evidence which would be prod need in support of the pursuers case. After evidence had been given, the pursuer's counsel said the explanation of the whole case was that they had in the neighbourhood of these fields ornamental plantations, which served as covers, in the immediate vicinity of the mansion-house. If it had been an inhabited house, with an earl for its occupant, and filled as an earl's house commonly was, especially at the shooting season, there is no doubt the game would have been shot down every year, so as to keep it within a reasonable amount ; but, unfortunately, Doni- bristle was burned down, and it was uninhabited. The late earl, in late years, did not shoot at all. He was apparently never out once for many years, and the game was really left to keepers to shoot for the market, and was not attended to. Although 270?. was claimed in the issue, the jury would understand that the claim now made was, in accordance with the testimony of Mr. Christie and Mr. Home, 243?. 14s. 3rf. The odd money, 27?., was put in in order to cover extra damages to Potatos, but he did not persevere with that. The Dean of Faculty, in addressing the jury on behalf of the defender, said that the amount of damages claimed was exorbitant. He was not prepared to admit, and the pursuer could scarcely say, that the whole of the loss of 243?. was due to hares and pheasants only, wood- pigeons and rabbits had their share in causing the loss. Again, it was clear that the tenant, in order to make out his case, must prove that the stock of game in 1865 was greater than it was when the leases were entered into, and it ought to be kept in mind that they were dealing with the home farm in the centre of the policies. If a tenant chose to bargain on that footing with the landlord, he was as an honest man bound to carry it out. At all events, it was enough for him to say, that in 1859 there was a large and exorbitant stock of game, and that Mr. Syme took the fields in that knowledge. The jury retired, and after an absence of about an hour, returned a verdict, finding unani- mously for the pursuer, and assessing the damages at 197?. Agricultural Progress of Irelatid.— This subject was thus represented by Lord Mayo in the House of Com- mons:—In 1841 there were 13,000,000 cultivated acres in Ireland, while in 1801 the number had increased to 15,400,000. It has been said that the effect of the changes which have taken place during the last few years in Ireland has been to convert almost all the land into pasture. But, in 1819, 5,500,000 acres of land were being cultivated under the plough, whereas in 1860 the number of acres so cultivated had increased to 5,900,000. Since then, owing to three or four bad seasons, there has been a decrease, and last year there were only 5,500,000 of cultivated acres, being the same number as in 1819. But if you go to the value of stock, which is the real test of the wealth of a country like Ireland, which is so well adapted to the rearing and production of stock, you will find a most remarkable imjirovement. In 1841 the value of the live stock was estimated at 21,000,000?., and in 1866 at 50,500,000?. I venture to say that in no agricultural country in Europe, consider- ing the vicissitudes of that period, will you find that so extraordinary an increase has taken place. Again, take the live stock per square mile ; the same authority (Mr. Thorn) gives the value as friO?. in 1841, 853?. in 1851, and 1028?, in 1861— figures which show a steady increase. One of the principal products of the south of Ireland is butler. In 1831 Cork market received 244,000 firkin? ; in ISH, 219,000 firkins; in 1851, 306,000 firkins ; and iu 1867, 470,000 firkins. Quantity represents only half the story ; but take the increase in ?rice, which indicates a remarkable increase in wealth, n 1851 the highest price of butter at Cork was 90s. ; in 1861 it was 118s. ; in 1867 it was 127s. So much for agricul- ture. A remarkable illustration of the increase of wealth among the agricultural classes is the steady rise in the value of land, in almost all the counties of Ireland, during the last 50 or 60 years. The rental of the county of Cork was in 1779, 250,000?.; in 1818,200,000?. ; and in 1867, 920,000?. I have ascertained from the very best authorities that pretty nearly the same increase of rent has taken place in all the other counties of Ireland; that increase lias not been sudden, but steady and gradual, and I believe it is due to the larger quantity of land brought under cultivation, and the general improvement of the condition of the agricul- tural population. The general condition of the people is, however, the point on which most stress is laid. It is said that possibly farmers, landowners, and traders may be improving their position, while that of the poor is getting worse and worse. One great test of the condition of the poor is the rate of wages. The description given of the labouring classes by Bishop Doyle in 1825 stated that theaveragewagesof a labour- ing man were scarcely Sd. a day. In 1836 a Royal Commission estimated the number of persons out of work and in distress at 585,000, and their dependants at 1,800,000. In 1841 in the county of Kildare the wages were from 4s. to 5s. a week ; they are now 8s. In Armagh the wages in 1841 were 6s. ; they are now 9s. At Castlereagh, in the county of Roscommon, the wages were, in 1811, Is. a week ; they are now 8s. In Killarney, county of Kerry, they were 5,?., and are now 7s. I do not mean to say that the rate of wages is by any means what it ought to be, but I believe a yearly gradual increase is going on in the rate of agri- cultural wages in Ireland that has tended much to the improvement of the country. SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS FOR ALL SOILS. PARIS, 1867. A PREMIER PRIX SILVER MEDAL. SUTTONS' GKASS SEEDS, PREPARED FOR EVERY DESCRIPTION OF SOIL. Buttons' iSIixture for Permanent Pasture. BUTTONS' BEST JIIXTURE, 28s. to 32,?, per acre. SUTTONS' GOOD IIIXTUKE, 24s. to 26s. per acre. SUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE, 21s. per acre. Suttons' Mixture of Clovers and Bye -Grass for 1 Year's Lay. BEST QUALITY, 12s. 6d. per acre. Second quality cheaper. Buttons' Seeds for 1 Year's Lay. BEST QUALITY, IBs. 6d. per acre. Second quality cheaper. Suttons' Seeds for 2 Years' Lay. BEST QUALITY, 17s. Gd. per acre. Second quality cheaper. Suttons' Seeds for 3 or 4 Years' Lay. BEST QUALITY, 22s. per acre. Second quality cheaper. Sf)r.i'ial Es t given for large quantities. Separate Natural Grass Seeds, ca great variety. ■efully cleaned, in All Goods Carriage Free. Five per Cent, allowed for Cash Payments. Notices to Correspondents. Barley: (?Hie;7a asks ua to inform hira.wbetlier,..by ! friend informs him it is done at St. Ives, Huntingdon- shire. fWe cannot imagine it to be done Jit St. Ives, Hunts, or anywhere else.] Sbkatcm : For " compost," in p. 360, col. a, read " comfort." What Mr. Meohi desired to say was, th.at "Custom is a tyrant not easily got rid of, but time, book learning, and rising rents will induce or compel a greater economy of | animal food and eomftn-t." DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF GRASSES, Gratis and Post Free. SUTTON A2fD SONS, SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN, READING, BERKS. April 11, 18C8.] THE GARDENERS' CITRONICEE AND A(iRICUjjnr(AL GAZETTE. New & Superior Farm Seeds. TO THE QUEEN. TTIRANCIS Jj "01,1 H-i .\ ' \i'; rn'i olidTlio" I'l.l PItlrKn IM FAKM sin Ml-: R(,t;ir, CllllH :■'■'''':':' UlUKSON & SONS, The I'.irehouse, IOC, Bastgato Stroat, .LOVERS, RYE-GRASSES, and :i„ ftml other ROOT-CROP SEEDS of most lit ot the different varieties of TURNIPS, ; A. D. & Sons have for many years devoted , care, and their Seeds of these are of very Superior and high-class character. Speoial estimates for very large quantities. Orders amounting to £2 value (Grain, Potatos, &c., excepted) will be delivered Carriage Free at the principal Railway Stations in the Kingdom. LEE'S GIANT ORACH, or SUMMER SPINACH, sow in MARCH and APRIL. Thi8 now and valuable variety of Orach possesses immense produc- tive powers, combined with a delicious piquant flavour, quite distinct from all other varieties, rendering it a great acquisitiou as a Summer Spinach of the highest class. The plant is of rapid, vigorous growth, and attains a height of 6 to 7 feet, with numerous branches, yielding a constant supply of large dark green leaves throughout the Summer months. The Fruit Committee of tho Royal Horticultm-al Society awarded a Fimt-clasa Certificate to Lek's Giant Orach, after partaking of a dlsli of this most useful Vegetable. Per packet, with instructions for cultivation. Is. 4) the desirable qualities of „ , and beautiful shape. It is a very heavy cropper, and thrives well in a!l 8oils. Tho roots of this remarkably fine Mangel vary from pale yellow to orange. Price U. Gd. per lb. ; much cheaper by the cwt. Carriage free. Good YELLOW GLOBE (ordinary good quality), Is. per lb. ; cheaper by the cwt. For prices and particulars of SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN FARM SEEDS, see SUTTONS' ILLUSTRATED FARM SEED LIST, gratis and post fiee. SuTTiiN & Sons, Seedsmen to the Queen, Reading, Berks. The West of England Bedding Plant Establishment. Ch ■ Bt THOMAS SAMPSON. Proprietor of the Preston Road Nurseries, Yeovil, Somersetshire, has much pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of the above Plants is now ready, and can be had free on applicution. T. S. is proud to say his stock is roost unique and extensive, numbering upwards of 200,000 Plants,— by far exceeding any establish- ment in the West of England lor quality and quantity, and are offered at such low prices as cannot fail to give the fullest satisfac- tion. Orders executed in rotation after the 20th of April. An in- spection is respectfully solicited. Plter Drcmmokd, Manager. Special Offer of Mangel Wurzel, &c., to the Trade. ALFRED LEGERTON, Seed Merchant, 5, Ald^ate, London, E., offers the undermentioned, all fine Samples and good Stocks -.— MANGEL, YELLOW GLOBE. fiOs. per cwt. „ RED GLOBE. hOs. p ORANGE GLOBE [] „ LONG RED, 60«. pei ELVETH-YM LONG RED, 52s. Crf. per cwt. LONG YELLOW, 65s. per cwt. TUKNIP, GREEN GLOBE, 2K per bushel. bTRATTON GREEN ROUND, 21s. per bushel. BED TANKARD, 24«. per bushel. ivp «r STUBBLE, 2.Ss. per bushel. RAYNBIRD, CALDFrOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, AMI COMPANY (Limited), L Lane, E.G. ; or Basingstoke, application. Prize -- ■ ■ - ad Corn and Seeds." I Medals, 1861, The West of England Seed Establishment. THOMAS SAMPSON, Prestou Road Nurseries, Yeovil, Somersetshire. MANOEL. SWEDE, TTTRNIP. and other AGRICULTURAL SEKIl.s oC Mi,i ].r^t. i,.i:.)it.v :,ui[ vm'iotios. fiud off«rcdin large und siiiiill ■|||iii''i . i' I'liii ■■■ .■.iiii]».1l' with ;iiiy rtj^pectablo house l>l:"Mi ■--(■hi: I !>l.i;l, (111- .NEW PURAGE GRASS, J. > 1- w:'. ihi-ii' ','■;■■■ M.h. .(nil 11- tho winter mniitbs, when Italian and otlui' Kyc-)^r;isses nru comparatively dormant. All kinds of stock eat it freely. The seeds or grams are us large as Oats, and a heavy crop Is produced. Immediately this is cut another green crop shoots from tho roots. Constant mowing or grazing is the great secret of success in cultivating this Bromus ; ana if seed is nos required, it should be mown or grazed as soon as 10 or 12 inchet high, and by this moans four or five crops will be proriuced in a year, March, April, May, August, and September arc the best months lor sowing, and it may be drilled like Oats at the rate of 40 to 50 lb. per White Belgian, Long Red Surrey, Red Intermediate Carrots. <;;UTTON AND SONS c;in supply tine New SEED of V3 the above, at very moderate price.s, which may be had on application, Sutton & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. ALUUN'S NEW WUNDER CLOVEU.— This new Clover is valuable as a cliange on Clover-sick lauds, and pccially for its capability of enduring Drought M The Best Swede In Cultivation Is SUTTONS' CHAMPION SWEDE, price Is. id. per lb., cheaper by the bushel. Carriage ft-ee to any railway station. Lowest price per bushel on application. From Mr. J. W. H*i.sE, Secretary to the Sidbury, Sidmouth, Sal- combe Regis, and Branscoiabe Agricultural Association. October^, 1867. — "At the annual meeting of the above Associa- tion, huld at Sidbury, on the 2M inst., your Champion Swede again took the lat prize for Swedes, against 13 competitors with other sorts." From Mr. W. UunDEN, Coombe Ka/nes. March 18, 18G7.— " 1 gained the 1st prize at the Winft-ith Farmers' Clui) «1th your Champion Swede this season. Others also gained prizes with seeds had ol you." From Henry Cantrell, Esq., Baylis Farm, near Slough. May 2, 1SC7.— " I ubtaiued the £5 5s. Silver Cup. given by G. J. P.ilmer, Esq., Dornej Court, last October, with your Champion Swedes, and they were grown after a crop of Italian Rye-grass." Mr. Cintrel! bus al.so obtained H.K.H. the late Prince Consort's 20 Guinea Cup this se ison. SUTTONS' PKICED CATALOGUK of SUTTONS' HOME- GKOWN GRASS. MANGEL WURZEL, and TURNIP SEEDS may be had gratis and post free. All Goods carriage free except very small parcels. Five per cent, allowed for cash payment. SoTTOS St Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. k 0 I C E SELECTED SEEDS, (ree by post. Per packet— a. d. BROCCOLI, SNOWS WINTER WHITE 10 CABBAGE, LITTLE PIXIE 0 6 CAULII'LOWER, ERFURT EARLY DWARF 10 CHERVIL, NEW PARSNIP 0 6 CUCUMBER, SMITH'S FINE FRAME 10 ENDIVE, DIGSWELL PRIZE 0 6 LEEK, HENRY'S PRIZE 0 8 RaPHANUS CAUDATUS INEW LONG-PODDED RADISH) 1 0 ASTER, TRUFFANT'S SUPERB FRENCH, 12 val-5., mixed 1 0 „ CURYSANTHEMUM-FLOWEBED, 12 vars., mixed. 1 o STOCK, IMPROVED LARGE-FLUWERING, 12 vara., mixed 1 0 CALCEOLARIA, Choice 2 6 CINERARIA 2 6 CLIANTHOS D.AMPIER1I 2 0 LOBELIA SPECIOSA 0 6 PRIMULA FIMBRIATA, mixed 2 6 VIOLA CORNUTA 10 LUTEA 16 RioBARD Smith, Nurseryman and Seed Merchant, Worcester. JAMES CARTEK, ' DUNNKTT, and BEALE, 238, High Holboru, have a surplus Stock of the undermentioned sorts of PEAS. Samples and lowest price on application. SANGSTKR'SNo. 1. ADVANCE. WOO 1.1 FORDS. CLIMA.'C. McLEAN'S EPICUREAN. HARRISON'S PERFECTION. DICKSON'S FAVOURITE VEITCII'S PERFECTION. IMPROVED SCIMFITER. McLEAN'S WONDEltFUL. BURBIDQE'S ECLIPSE. CHAMPION OF ENGLAND. ALLIANCE. AUVERGNE. NE PLUS ULTRA. FAIRREARD'S SURPRISE. BRITISH (JUEEN. EXCELSIOR. EARLY EMPEROR. PRINCESS ROYAL. T 0 POTATO PLANTERS and OTHKKS.-Thu undermentioned varieties can be had by the cwt. or ton, vl«. :— Kidney Vahihtils. Round VarietiSs. OLl) ASIILEAFltrue) YORK REGENT OLOaCE-STERSniRE l^^^r^J ^.IHP MILKY WHITE WHITE ROCK VICTORIA FORTY-FOLD FLUKE I SKERRY BLUE Terms cash, Prices on application to G. WiNFiKLD, Seed Merchant and Grower, Gloucester, Splendid Stocks. FINE FLUKE PUTATOS, at 4.s. per bushel of 56 lb., or £7 per ton for the lot. New 4 lb. S bushel Sacks, 1«. Gd. each ; New bushel B;igs. '.>«i. . Gk receipt of Post-ofBce order tho above )u Great Northern Railway. Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. To Farmers, Gardeners, and Otbers. EXCELLENT CABBAGE PLANTS (Stocks not to bo surpassed) can be supplied as follows :— ENFIELD MARKET, at 2s. per 1000: Tme DWARF EARLY NONPAREIL, at 2*. per 1000; ROBINSON'S CHAMPION (True), at 'Is. per 1000; DRUMHEAD (True), at 2s. per 1000; THOUSAND HEADED* at 2*. per 1000; RED DUTCH, for Pickling, 2s. per 1000. A Remittance or Reference to accompany all Orders. FiiEDK. Gee, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. Market Gardens, Biggleswade. Bedfordshire. RICHARD WALKKR can supply the following:— GREEN KOHL RABI SEED, 9d. per lb. ; WALLFLOWER PLANTS, at 'is. 6 cost of carrinRe. Genuine PERUVIAN GUAKO direct from the Importers. NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, and other Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, Joun Bennet Lawes, J, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin : and Market Square, Shrewsbury. Henry Klcbardson, Manure Works, York. M £8 IDs ESTABLISHED kSlil. ANURES, specially compoumled for GRASS LAND, tly recommended: Pastui'e, £Sperton : Meadow, SPECIAL MANURES also c.irefully compounded for CORN, POTATOS, TURNIPS, and other crops. Prices lower than usual this year. DISSOLVED BONE, guaranteed entirely from Bone, containing 31 per cent. Phosphate, made soluble, and 13 per cent. Phosphate, neutral, £6 10«. per ton. cash. DISSOLVED RONE ASH, 38 to 40 per cent. Phosphate, made soluble, £6 per ton. cash. PERUVrAN GUANO, NITRATR of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, POTASH SALTS. RAPE and Lists , Manui© Works, York. THE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATR OU BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— 109, Fenchurch Street, London. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. Ii -sh Branch — 10, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Directors. OiairTiian — John Clavden, Littlebury, Essex. iJepiiCi/'Chairman— John Collins, 265, Camden Ro.td, IloUoway E.ward Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot. Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexhara, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grisball Grange, Essex. Charles Dorman, 23. Essex Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hildershara. Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross. Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, 60. West Smithfleld. Managing Director — James Odams. Ba nfters— Messrs. iJarnetts. Hoares, & Co., Lombard Stro^-t. Solicitors — Messrs. Kingsford k Dorman, 23. Essex Street, Strand. Auditor— 3. Carter Jonas, Cambridge This company was originally formed hy, and is under the direction ot agriculturists : circumstances that have justly earned for it another title, viz. — "The Tenant Farmerd* Manure Company." Its memtiers are cultivators of upwards of 60.0U0 acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the consumer has the best guarantee for the genuineness and efficacy of the Manures manufactured by this Comp-my. PaTticuiars will be forwarded on application to the Secretary, or may be had of the Local Agents. C. T. MACAnAsi, Secretnry. Chief Offices— lOa. Fenchurch Street, Loudon. E.C. FlIfE"an"d~c"OAliSE"WHITEl^Nn. th7best"YENT and other PEAT, fine LOAM, SANDSTONE, SPAR. 4c — Sample'' at the Exhibition Arcade, Royal Horticultural Gardens, South Kensington, London, W, Priced List and all requisite infitrmation may be obtained from W. SaoRT, Horticultm-al Depot, Reigate, Surrey. TH E GROUND TOBACCO, reported on by Mr. Barron, in the la^t issue of the Gardeners* OirunicU, may bo had in Hall-crown Canisters on application t • Hknr7 Angkl, Johnson's Court, Fleet Street, London, E.C. T0BACCO~~l'"lSSUE for FumtgaTing~~Gre^^nh7us^. Will Destroy Tbrip, Rod Spider, Green and black Fly, and Mealy Bug ; and burns without the assistance of blowing, and is entirely free from paper or rag. Price 3s. Gd. per lb., carriage free. A reduction iu price for larRe quantities. To be had of Messrs. Roberts & S.ins, Tobacco Manufacturers, 112, St. John Street, Clerkenwell, E.G., of whom copies of Testi- nionl.ils ni;iv bo obtHJncd ; nnd of all S<'edsmen and Nurscrvmen. Used bv manr of the leading Gardeners siace 1869, against Red Spider, Mildew, Thnps. of from 4 to 16 ounces as a Winter Dressing for Vines and Fru.t Trees. Has outlived many -paratlons Intended to super- Sold Retail by Seedsmen, m boxes, Is., 3s., and 10s. 6d. Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (LiMlTKn). By Royal Appointment. To llor Majesty bv Special C^p^^Cwa To the Prince of Wales, by ",, dated 27th Dec, X^^'iJ^c Special Warrant dated 10th February. 1800. DAY, SON, AND HEWITT, Original nnd Solo Proprietors of the STOCK-RREEOERS' MEDICINE CHESTS for disorders in Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST The Extract, Gaseous Fluid, Red ^ith Drench, and Red Paste, with Shilling Key to Farriery, Complete Guide to Farriery, Price, £6 6s. " ' Price. £2 10s. Cd. Carriage paid. Carriage paid, C^ Every Stockowner should send for Dat. Son. & Ukwjtt's WoHR on Farriert. Large Edition. 2^. 6d., or free by pofet for 33 stamps. Small Edition, Is., or free by post for 13 stamps. Address, Dat, Son, & Hewitt, 23. Dorset Street, Baker Street, London, W. Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNOH AND COOKE'S AVARRANTEU PRIZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that vou eet them. Observe the mark SAYNOR, also the Corporate Mark, Outaih in consequence of i DUTY FREE. GROUND TOBACCO FOR HORTICULTURAL PURPOSES. IMPORTANT. — Mr. Babkon, of the Chiswick Garden, reports that it is the best kemei destroying Greenfly and Thrips on the young shoots of Roses, Peach Trees, &c., th.it he has ever tried, his Letter in the Gardeners' Chronicle for April 4, 1868, page 354. MANUFACTURED IN BOND BY THE RICHMOND CAVENDISH COMPANY, PAISLEY STREET, GREENOCK STREET, and ROBERT STREET, LIVERPOOL. ^^ Agents Wanted throiighoui the Kingdom, THE CHEAPEST AND BEST INSECTICIDE. DUTY-FREE TOBACCO. BY HEK majesty S ROYAL LETTERS PATENT, ANT) BY PERMISSION OF THE HOX. BOARD 01" CUSTOMS. POOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, POR THE TREYENTIOX AND DESTRUCTION OF BLIGHT AND OTHER DISEASES IN PLANTS. SOLD BY NURSERYMEN, SEEDSMEN, AND FLORISTS, In Tins at Is., 2s. 6d., and 5s. Powder Distributors, 3s, 6d. & 3s. 6d. each. SELECTION EROM TESTIilONIALS. " To Mr. PooLtv. " Sir, — I have this day enclosed the stamps for the Tobacco Powder. I did not send before, as I wanted to give it a trial. 1 find it the best and cheapest thing of the present day ; as I can now walk through my stoves, and give a dUjt with your powder over my Roses, &c., and return in half-an-houi, and find the Pests dead and Plants clean. I think It will be tho finest thing ever Invented for out-of-door Roses and Peach Trees. I should advise every sentle- man to give it a trial.— 1 am, yours, ic, *' K. Tuain, *' Gardener to Walter Williams, Esq., " 25th February, 1368." " Worthy Park, WincUcstor." " Mr. POOLET. " Sir,— I oncloso stamps, amouut of bill. I b;3g to state that I am quite satisflod with tho Powder, it most etfeotually cleanses tho Plants of insects. Send an India-rubber bottle, and tho same quantity of Tins as before. "In ' 2Gth Februiry. 183S." i Sir, yo ' Rob r Wah " Tho Rosory, Ipswich. " Mr. PoOLET. *' Sir,— I have tried the Tobacco Powder, and find that it killa most of the insects ; but the Plants were very bad, and the Powder was only shaken over the tops. X think it wants a little force to drive it under the leaves. The India-rubber bottle you mention will be just the thing, then I believe it will destroy all. Tho bottle, or mach ne, should be on a small scale. " I am Sir. yours truly, " Wm. Wilson, " Gardener to Lady M uy Iloare, " 3J M.irch, 18(13." *' St,^pIchurst House, SCaplchurst, Kent." " Dkah Slit,— Piease to send me four Tins at 5s. each of your nioit useful Tob.icco Powder. I have tried it with both the Green and Black Fly and Thrip. I find if the Plants are damp nothing kills those pests so well as the Tobacco Powder. I intend giving it a good trial this season on the Pear and Cherry Trees. " I am, Sir, yours very truly, *' B. Moans, " Gardener to W. B. Tyringham, Esq., " l^th March, 18C8." " l^ewport Pagnell." " Mr. PooLET. " Hadlow, near Timbridge, August 6th, 1867. " Silt,— I have had 5 cwt. of your Tobacco Dust, for killing tho Vormin in IIops ; and, as 1 think it certainly relieves the Plant, I should be glad if you would send me 10 cwt. more, with as much despatch as you can manage, as time is now of great consequence. Your immediate attention to the above will much oblige, "YouiB truly, "F. Moncilton," ' ** Alton, Hants, August 2tst, 1667. *' Dear Sib,— We are happy to inform you, that we have applied the Tobacco Powder to various portions of our Hops, wherever they were attacked by Fly. We found that by applying half cwt. of it per acre, two mornings iu succession In alternate alleys, it had more efl'ect than when we applied 1 cwt. at once. We are quite satisfied with the result, the Lice were destroyed, and in a fuw days the Hops that had been most foul were cleanest. " Wo are, yours, " A. C. S. & U. Cuowlet." SOLE MAXUrAtTUllER, T. A. P O 0 L E Y, BUNDED WAREHOUSE, SUSSEX WHARF, WAPPING, B. Agents required in Towns tvhere nof already appointed. April 11, lSf.8 ] THE GAPvDENERS' ClIT^ONICLE ANT) AGRIGIILTUIIAL GAZETTE. APPARATUS, PRIVATE PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER FOR HEATING CONSERVATORIES, HOTHOUSES, CHURCHES, TUBLIC BUILDINGS, RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TKUSS lices to state that the immense number of APPARATUS annunlly Designed and Erected by hira in all parts of the kingdom, and for the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGTON and CHISWICK, with unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design, superior materials, and good workmanship : while the great advantages obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over estimated, consisting of perfectly tight joints with neatness of appearance; EFFECTS A SAVING OF 2.5 PER CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected compared with other systems ; facility lor extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints ; can be erected by any Gardener; an ordinary size Apparatus erected in one day, and PERFECTNESS of DESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials, with Saddle Boiler, delivered to any Railway Station in England, anl Erected at the following prices. Erection beyond 2.5 miles off London, railway faro for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works, TWO FOUR-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. size ol House. Appnnitua Complete. Erection. [ Size of House. Apparatus Complete. Erection. 20 feet by 10 feet .. £9 0 0 .. £2 0 0 50 feet by 15 feet .. £17 10 0 .. £3 0 0 30 feot by 12 feet .. 1115 0 .. 2 10 0 7.5 feet by 1.5 feet .. 20 0 0 .. 3 0 0 4U feet by 16 feet .. 15 0 0 .. 2 15 0 i 100 feet by 16 feet .. 26 0 0 .. 3 5 0 Bath and Gas Work erected in town or country. The Trade Supplied. Horticultural Buildings of every description from Is. &d. per foot superjicial, inclusive of Brickwork, Price Lists, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S. TEUSS, C.E., Consulting Hokticultural Engineer, &c., Sole Manufacturer, FRIAR STREET, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — The City Offices are now Removed to the Manufactory^ Friar Street. THE AUTOMATON LAWN MOWER. Prices op the AUTOMATON MOWERS. 10 inches £3 10 UPWARDS ,, 4 10 0 ,, 5 10 0 ,, 6 10 0 „ 7 10 0 J, 8 0 0 Free Delivery to all the principal StatioDs in England. E. AND S. guarantee these Machines to perform their work perfectly, and if not approved of, they may be returned, Carriage Paid, within a month. Those sold last season gave the greatest satisfaction. Illustrated Lists and numerous TestimoniaU on application. SOLD THE FIRST SEASON, 1867. RANSOMES AND SIMS, ORWELL WORKS, IPSWICH. M OULE'S PATENT EARTH CLOSETS.— On view operation at the Offloe of MOlTLE'.S PATENT SKWAGK of TOWNS and VILLAGES on the DRY EARTH .SVSTEM. — This Company li prepared to make arrangements for doaling with the Drainage of Towns on the Dry Eaith System ; Including the disposal of Slnlc -water. Slops. Ac. *" '"^ —'-'- . ■■ Manager, ^9, Bedford Street, Agricultural Co-operatlon. COUNCIL. The Utght lion. W. Cowper.M.P. W. MorrisoD, Esq., M.P. Thos. Hughes Esti., M.P. James Beal, Esq. E. Vanaitturt Neale, Esq. Fred. Pennington, ERq. Edwd. Owen Greeumg, £sq., Manufiicturod CATTLi^ FOOD at coat price, upon tbe Co-operative System. Au Invest- ment of £1 .ind upwards (bearing interest dividend) constitutes Merabersliip after Election by Council. No further liability. Rules and all inforiuatiuu post free on receipt of two Stamps, or by personal application lo the Offices of the Association. Edward Owen Grelnino, Managing Director. Offices :— 29, Parliament Street, Westminster, S.W. ; and itsc memberEj), TRADE DISCOUNTS. The following are the Profits gained by Members ;— Linseed Cukes, guaranteed absolutely pure Cotton-seed) Cake' ■ ' ■ ■ ■ ..-.." ^ . I Meal ; aniTnll other Feeding Stuffs . Patent Dog Cake3 {pl^c/nt. Peruvian Guano, pure na imported ; Nitrate of Soda, pure ) and unadulterated ; Ground Bones, free from mixture, f 10 to 15 and KUnrantetjd English; Superpbosphutes ; and all T Per Cent. other Manures of the best makers and qualities . . } Clover Seeds, uncoloured s and reliable ; Turnip Seeds, genui unmixed; Grass Seeds, > !(■♦„-»« :/'■ Gatdeuandall c Steam Eogines, Steam Ploughs, Cultivators and Imple- 1 mints. Portable and Fixed Tbresbing Machines . . J Ploughs, Harrows, Hollers, Cultivators, Drills. Horse Hoes, . Carts, Waggons, Reaping and Mowmg Machines. Haj-| Mowe aud Machmes of every known Ma Iron Flurdles, Gates and Coatiiiuoiis Fences, Strained") Wire and Rope Fences, Wire Netting, Stable Fittings, f 10 to 30 Pumps, Tanks, Paints, Domestic Machmery, Heatmg fPer Cout. Ai-paratus, &c } A Full Catalogue will shortly be published, meanwhile Prices can at all times be obtained. The Society is prepared to receive Samples and Prices of unadul- terated Si^ed, Manures, and Feeding Stuffs. Edvard Owen Grsesino, Managing Director. 29, Parliament Stroet, Westminster, S. W. 4, Warren Street, Manchester. Croquet Grounds. /^REEK'S PATENT NOISELESS LAWN MOWERS V_T are warranted to be the best for Mowing and Rolling CROQUET GROUNDS, anu are worked witn far gre.iter ease than any other. T. GiiEEN *■ Sow h.ive upwards of 1500 LAWN MOWERS In stock at their Leeds and London Establishments for Horse, Poay, 1 Hand-power. All Orders are executed on the day they are received. Price Lists and Drawings free on application. Smlthfield Iron Works, Leeds, and 64 and 65, Blackfriars Road, London, S, N.B, — Green's Lawn Mowers have proved to be the best, and hava carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. SAMUELSON & CO.'S IMPROVED LAWN MOWING MACHINES. EVEET MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. Delivered Free PRICES. t any Railway Station in Great Britain. Cutting 10 inches wide Cutting 12 inches wide Cutting 14 inches wide Cutting 16 inches wide Cutting 19 inches wide Cutting 22 inches mde Cutting 25 inches wide Cutting 30 inches wide Cutting 36 inches wide £3 10 0 4 10 0 5 5 0 6 0 0 6 10 0 7 10 0 12 0 0 15 0 0 Great improvemtnl \ i Lawn Mower suggests I I lit f n J L ;irs, in regard to all those small but important points of superiority which the practical working .\luk foi elegdnoe t f appearanLL li^litncbs of didll and eflociency in working they cannot bo excelled. They possess the following advantages;— 1st. Motion is given to the Cutting Apparatus by toothed gearing which experience has proved to be by far the best method of driving. 2d. The whole of the Driving Wheels are on one side of the Machine and are covered with a guard, preventing damage to Shrubs and Flowers when mowing round the tdges of beds. 3d. All the smaller working parts of the Machine are made of Malleable Iron, and are not liable to break. I^» Illustrated Price lists, Free by Post on application. SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA WORKS, BANBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE : 10, LAURENCE POUNTNET LANE, E.C. AGENTS : — Messrs. TANQYE BROTHERS and HOLMAN, 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE; Messrs. DEANE and CO., London Bridge; Messrs. DRAY, London Bridge; Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD, 63, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughout the Kingdom. THE GATIBENFT^S' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTnRAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 11, 1868. GEEEN'B PATENT SILENS MESSOE, OR NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. THOMAS GREEX and SON, in mtroducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the keeping of Lawns in the HIGHEST STATE of PERTECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN irOWERS are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried off every Prize thiit has been given in all cases of competition. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved to he the best, and carried off every Frize that has been given in all cases of competition. T. GREEN & SON ivanant every Machine to givo entire satisfaction^ and if not approved of can b unco>tditionally. IlLUSTliATLB lEICE LISTS FBEE ON AI'PLICATIOjST. T. G. AND SON have a largo quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments; also various other kinds of HORTICULTURAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. Having very extensive Fremises in London, we are in a position to do all kinds of Repairs there, as well as at our Leeds Mstahlishment, THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. JOHN WAENEE & SONB, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.C., BRASS and BELL FOUNDERS to HER MAJESTY, HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS No. 35. WARNERS' PATENT CAST-IRON LIFT PUMPS. 2'; inches diameter . . £1 8 ( No. 37. SHORT-BARREL DITTO, inches diameter No. .547a. GARDEN ENGINE. 28 Gals. . . £5 10 .. 4 19 .. 3 14 .. 2 19 ILLUSTRATED and PRICED LISTS of Garden Engines, Swing Rarrows, Aquajects, Syringes, Rubber Hose, and Fountain Jets sent on application. Nc 30 WARNERS CRYSTAL PALACE FIRE ENGINE, or PORTABLE FORCE PUMP. With this compact, portable, and generally useful Engine, one man will throw from 15 to 18 gallons of water per minute to a height of 50 feet All its working parts are of brass, the barrow of wrought iron ; easy access to the valves is gained, and the workriianship throughout is substantial. Not only will it be found most useful in cases of Fire, wherever a supply of water can be obtained, but also for Watering Lawns or Fruit Trees. Price on Barrow, with Branch Pipe, Spreader, Unions, and Suction Rose, £6. IJ-in. 2-ply Rubber Suction Pipe, per foot, 2s. 2d. Ij-in. ditto Delivery Hose, \s. id. Crystal Palace. Sydenham, March 2, 1867. in stating that I was present at a trial of your -- = . was much pleased with its eflictency and simplicity. The Punjp throws out a steady jet of water to a beiuht of 50 leet with very little labour. The Pump we have is well madeiVery simple in its parts, and not likely, I think, to get out of order. The advantage of this pump is its being very portable. Besides being a good Fire Engine, it will make an excellent Garden Engine. " 1 remain, gentlemen, yolirs obediently, the Crystal Palace Company." Messrs. Wa "Genti , „. ._,_. small Crystal Palace Fire Engini -I leel great plei No. 42. WARNERS' PORTABLE PUMPS, With Improved Valves for Liquid Manure, £2 15*. 2-in. Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, per foot, 2s. 5d. No. 579\. SWING WATER BARROW. 50 Gals. 38 „ 30 „ 20 „ ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, held at BURY ST. EDMUND'S, 1867. — A SILVER MEDAL was Awarded to JOHN WARNER AND SONS' CHAIN PUMP. This Pump, from the entire absence of Valves, is especially adapted for the use of Builders, Contractors, and Farmers WIND ENGINES, ADAPTED FOR PUMPING, CHAFF-CUTTING, GRINDING, &o. JOHN WARNER and SONS beg to inform the Trade and the Public generally that they have purchased the Patterns of the WIND ENGINES manufactured by the late firm of Messrs. Buiiv & Pollaud, of South Wiirk, and are prcpaved to estimate for the erection of such Engines in any part of England. They have also to state that a Patent has been recently taken out for a novel and great improvement in the construction of Wind Engines, and that they have the exclusive right of Manufactm-ing the same. WATER WHEELS, WATER RAMS, DEEP WELL PUMPS FOR STEAM, HORSE, OR HAND POWER. Apbil 11, 1868.] THE GAEDENERS' CmONICLE AND AGRICULTUEAL GAZETTE. W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON and WIRE WORKS NORWICH, MANUFACTURER of IMPROVED MACHINE-MADE WIRE NETTING at greatly reduced prices. Galvanised after made. ILI.USTKATEU CATALOGUE with prices free on application. 100 Yards and upwards, carriage paid to any Station. "plT S. JTOUI.TUN'S 36-gaUon BwTNCj WA'TEK V;trd should be The above ia vorv chojip, ; kinds. No GiiniiJn, Fanii, St:ilili'. or without oue. Two or more tubs can bo 1 sninU ftdditionnl cost. A lad can easily work it ; but if reqmred tc travel lonp distaocea over rough ground, a pony can be attached. The wheels and cairiaRe are wrought iron, and the tub oak. A Firat-closs Certificate was awarded to this article at the Manchester Show last year. Carriage p.iid to any Statimi in KiiL;]:iiid. ... and cheapest For Couveymg and Distri- buting Liquid Manure it is invaluable. A pump can be attached for Emptying Cesspools, &c. As a Drinking Trough for Cattle, and for many other Farm purposea, it is i " " '"" ' ~ ' " ' are arranged to turn back out of tl cipal Hallway Stations in England, To hold 100 gallons, price £9. | To hold 140 gaUons, pnce £10. To hold -^00 gallons, price £12. Galvanised IRON PUMP, and 10 feet India-rubber Suction Pipe, price £3 l(l«. Spreaders, 15s. each. The 140 and 200 gallon Carta are best suited for one horse. Rose Lane Iron and Wire Works, Norwich. w a Carriage, a largo quantity of Liquid c With two Tanks carted in a short time, one Taiik bei"og 'filled while conveyed away. The Tanks can be set down and left in the flelds for Cattle to drink from. Carnage paid to all the principal Stations To hold 80 Gallons, price £8 Extra Tank, £3 10s. ,. 100 ., £9 „ £3 15s. Valve and Spreader for ditto, price 20s. w. S. BOULTON'S SWIJNG WATER BAKKOW. Thlaartick Barrow, advertised above, but the Tank and uaeAil. Two Tanks can be had with one Carriage. Carriage paid to any Station. To hoid 18 Gallons, price £1 15s. ) To hold 30 Gallons, pnce £2 5s. LIQUID MANURE, with Price £2 bs. Powerful GARDEN continuous stream, an ^ — — ■"«" •.«/ «. Water Barrows described above. Carriage paid to any Station. Price £2 5s. All orders must be accompanied with good reference. Illustrated Catalogue c with any of the W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON AND WIRE WORKS, NORWICH. Wire Work for Gardens and Conservatories. riRE WORK for ROSERIES, SUMMER IIOUHKS, GARDEN IKlltDEU- E R S, FKNriNli, .SdSl-END- I NK i; .\ s K KTS, AViAi;ii'S:uLa riiEA- S.\M'U1KS. ARCH- WAYS, T u r; L L I s WORK fur CREEPERS, TEMPLES, ORNA. MENTAL WIRE FLOWER ijTANDB, kc. r.WTON'S STRAW- BEKILV CRINOLINE, fnr preserving Straw- Illustrated Catalogue: , Practical Wire Worker. 2a, Porto- bello Terrace, Netting Hill Gate, W. Bee-Hives. TWO SILVER MEDALS awarded to GEO. NEIGHBOUR and SONS, AT TUB Paris Exhiritiun of 1SG7. Tnt onlv Esolish ExiiriiiTORs WHO obtained a Silver Med*l for Uee-Hives. NEIGHBOURS' IMPROVED rOTTA(iTi: BFE-HIYE, as originally intioduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR and SONS, working tbreo bell-glasses; is neatly and strongly made of str.aw ; it has three windo' the lower hive. rhis hive will be found to ssess many practical advan- bce-hive that has been intro- duced. Price complete, £1 153. ; Stand for ditto, 10s. Grf. THE LIGUKIAN or ITALIAN ALP Bt-E being much in repute, G. N. and I for uniting to full dired Black Stocks. £1 each, ENGLISH BEES.— Stocki Swarras may be obtained ., London, W. Liverpool ; James Cutuhe Manchester : J. Wilson, 60, King Stn of other Improved Hives, ' receipt of two stamp-. OR & Sons, 1:;7, High Holborn, W.C. ; 10, Dame Stre Adsi "Every Cottagu snould be provided with a Water Tank." Disraeli. Iron Cisterns. FBRABY AND CO. having laid down extensive and • Improved Machinery in their new range of buildings, Ida Wdahf, Deftford, are now prep.ared to supply WROUGHT-IRON TANKS. GALVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality, at reduced prices, and a M i LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. CAKSUJN'iS AWTI-CURROSiON R Al N T, Patronised by the Nobility and Gentry, is extensively iisod for all kinds of OUT-DOOR WORK, and is proved, after a test of 70 year.q, to surpass any other Paint. It is espeoiallv applicable to Iron, Wood, Stone, Brick, Corapo, and is the only Paint that will efiectually resist the rays of the sun upon Conservatories, Green- houses, PYames, &c. Is twice as durable as genuine White Lead, so simple in application that any person can use it. Per cwt WHITE, LIGHT STONE. BATH, and LIGHT PORTLAND COLOURS 30s. LEAD, CHOCOLATE, RED. PURPLE, BROWN, and BLACK 2(5^. BRIGHT GREEN, DEEP GREEN, and BLUE 423. Prepared OIL MIXTURE for the ANTI-CORROSION. OILS, TURPENTINE. VARNISHES, BRUSHES. &c. 3 cwt. Free to all Stations in England and Wales, and most Ports of Ireland and Scotland. Patterns and Testimonials sent post free. Walter Carson & Sons, La Bello Sauvage Yard, Ludgate Hill. London, E.G. Caption. — All Casks should bear the Trade Mark. No Agents. Oil Faint no longer Necessary. Their advantages are— Portability, not Fixtures, removable at pleasure, no Woodwork or P.^rtitions to impede Ventilation or breed Vermin, Hay Ruck dispensed with as unnecessary, increased width and depth of Feeding Troughs, Water Cistern, and Patent Drop Cover to prevent over-gorging. Cleanly, durable, and impervious to Infection, being all of Iron. Prices of Fittings per Cow, 66s. Prospectuses free of Cottam & Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsloy Street (opposite the Pantheon), Oxford Street, London, W., where the above are exhibited, together with several important Improvements in Stable Fittings just secured by Patent. G ROUND TOBACCO, DUTY FREE. Richmond Cavendish Company, Paisley Street. Liverpool. See page 392 of this week's Oardeiiers' Chronicle. JOHN GIBSON, JUN., begs to announce that he is prepared to rurnish PLANS and ESTIMATES for LATINO OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other Residences, or for the 'FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Gibson, jun., Surrey Lane, Battersea. S.W. HICK'S N^W^INCUBATOK and REARING APPARATUS for POULTRY and GAME. Patronised by the Nobility and Gentry. 100 EGG MACHINE, complete £7 0 0 200 EGG MACHINE. ., 10 10 0 The OVASCOPE or EGG-TESTER, for showing whether an ogg PRIZE GAMK COCKS for SALE, Winners of Cups or Frizes at the following Shows ; — Brighton, Basingstoke, Sails. bu.iy, Beverley, Hastings. Bury St. Edmund's, Southampton, Spalding, Wisbeach, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Manchester, Weston-super- Mare, and Cambridge. For price apply t SlllD .Mat; w, Chilton, Stowmarket. T^H''<'**'.^.^'l''***>g;;<2Z' HILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and is used cold. It is used Id the grounds at Windsor Castlo, Kew Gardens, and at the seats of many hundreds of the nobility and gentry, from whom the most flattering testimonials have been received, which Hill & Suitb wUl forward on applicntloD. i'-rom lh£ Right Hon. Lord Gbkenock, Wood End, TJiirsk. Lord Greenock haa seen the Patent Black Varnish made by jsrs. Hill & Smito, applied with success, and has heard it highly ommeiided by friends who have tested it extensively." . old in CASlis of about 30 Kallout> eacn, at la, tt({. per gallon, at the Mao'iJFhctory, or Is. Sd. per gallon paid to any Station In the kinsdom. Apply to Hiu. & Smith. Brierly Hill Iron Works, near Dudley, and !. Cannon Street West, £.C., from whom only It can ba obtained. G Farm PoiUtry. KEY DORKING i<0\VLS, of purest breed, in any Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most, productiv 3 and early maturity. well stocked with Seed. Business attached, and many other good To Seedsmen and Florists. TO BE SOLD (cause, sudden death of Proprietor, who has been 20 years establishing the concern), SHOP, GKEEN- HOUSES. FORCING HOUSES, and STOCK complete. Me! Street Within, E.C. ; Ron ', Seedsmei TO BE DISPOSED OF, on advantageous terms, and may bo entered upon immediately, an OLD ESTABLISHED NURSERY, eligibly situated, adjoining a large and important town, surrounded by an excellent neighbourhood, and having every facility for carrying on an extensive business. — Addre^sS, G. H., Mr. Cooper, Seed Merchant. 152. Fleet Street, London, E.C. To Florists and Seedsmen. TO BE DISPOSED OF, on advantageous terms, one of the oldest ESTABLISHED BCSINESSES in the West-end, doing an excellent Trade in Plants and Flowers, Bouquets, &c. Premises comprise large Shop and Conservatory, with every c" ilo, ,E, late Ho: 5 Road, Bayswatei Sales l>j> Sluctiou. Importation of Orcbids from New Grenada. "lyTK. J. 0. Si'iiVJiNSwill SELL by AUCTION, at believed. To Nurserymen and Amateurs of New and Rare Plants. MR. J. C. STEVENS has the honoui- to announce that he has beeu commissioned by the Council of the Royal Hoiticultural Society to oBer lor SALE by AUCTION, at hia Great Kooma. a8. King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, on WEDNESDAY, Aprils^, at half-past 12 o'clock precisely, a magnificent Collection of 12 entirely new and distinct varieties of HYBRID COLEUS, raised in the Society's Gardens at Cbiswick, and which attracted so much admiration at the Meeting of the Society on the 7th inst. Descriptive Catalogues are now ready, and may be had on appUca- ..- T .. .. — T,.^..-..,.__^. ... . and Valuer, 38, King M^ New Terrestrial OrcUlds. KIUMS ; two blue-flowerod DISAS, collected by an eminent amateur cultivotor ; CVRTOFTEBA FLAVA, a very rare and beautiful Terrestrial Orchid from tlie Dortli of India, producing large yellow flowers approaciilug tile .size of Plralteoopsis, as many as 30 flowers being counted on one stem. For further detailed partlculaiB see OuvLleiiera' VhronicU of March 21, page 294. On view the Morning of Sule, and CAtalogues had. Banbury, Oxon. Important Sale at Messrs. Harrows & Carmiohael's Works, UAsnoRV. MESSRS. CLARKE and HARROWS will SELL by I'UHLIC AUCTION, on EASTER TUEsDAlf, Ani'il H, at 12 ..'Clocit. m consequence of the death of Mr. Cannicbael. and rc.aratorv to new partnership arrangements by Mr Barrows, 'WENl'V-O.VE valuable New tORTABLE STEAM EN01NE.S, ,r,.m 3 to 25 horsepower ; NINE useful Second-hand POKrABLfc ^=~°'-"ff;dVa"kL^iAGS.T^i?i'Nll^j.15F^^^ Second-hand TaRBSIIlNOMAi;Hilortant Imiwovements in Lawn Mounng Machines. UNDER THE PATRONAGE HER MOST GBACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN, AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL AND MOST OF THE PBINCIPAli NOBILITY GREAT BRITAIN. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867. NEW HAND MACHINE. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, in PRESENTING their PRICE LIST of LAWN JtOWERS for 1868, beg to intimate that tliey are the ONLY FIRM, out of all the other EXHIBITORS of LAWN MOWERS at the ITNIVERSAL EXHIBITION of 1867, whom the JURY HAVE DEEMED WORTHY to RECEWE a MEDAL. A. S. AND SON are gratified to find that the RELATIVE MERITS of their MACHINE have been so PROMINENT and CLEAR to the JURY that they have PASSED OVER the "HONOURABLE MENTION" and the "BRONZE MEDAL," and AWARDED to A. S. and SON the HIGHEST PRIZE THAT HAS EVER BEEN GIVEN to a LAWN MOWER at ANY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. PRICES, INCLUDING CARRIAGE TO ANY RAILWAY STATION OR SHIPPING PORT IN THE KINGDOM. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE for 1868. Easily Worked I By a Lady 10-inch Machine £3 10 0 12-inch Machine 4 10 0 14-inch Machine 5 10 0 By a Boy Easily Worked 16-inch Machine £6 10 0 By a Man 19-inch Machine ., ., .. .. .. 7 1-5 0 By a Man and a Boy 22-inch Machine 8 10 0 I „ », ,, 24-inch Machine ^ q f, \By Tu,o Men SHANKS' NEW PATENT PONT and DONKEY MACHINE. width of Cutter. 26-inch Machine £12 10 0 28.inch Machine 14 10 0 .. .. 30«. „ SO-inch Machine 15 15 0 .. .. 30j. „ Silent Movement, 12s. &d. extra. Boots for Pony, 22«. per Bet. j Ditto for Donkey, 18s. per set. SHANES' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE. Width or Cutter. 30-inch Machine ,, ,, 36-inch Machine 42-inch Machine 48-inch Machine 30s. Silent Movement, 20s. extra, £19 0 0 22 0 0 26 0 0 .. ,. 40s. „ 28 0 0 .. .. 40». „ Boots for Horse, 26s, per set. Patent Double-edged Sole Plate, Wind Guard, and Self-Sharpening Revolving Cutters — important advantages, possessed by no other Lawn Mowers. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IF NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED. A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and Wind Guard, made very great alterations and improvements in their Machine. They have had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six months. These trials have been so successful as to enable A. S. and SON to oflier a Machine which far excels any other that has ever yet been oS'ered, whether for ease in working, certainty of action, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, Leadenkall Street m i?te only place in London where intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines. All sizes kepi there, whether for Horse^ Pony, or Hand Power. Editorial Commonlcatlona should be addressed to " The Editor ; " AdvertUementa and Biuineas Letters to " The Publisher." at the Offce, 41, "Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London, W.O. Printed by James Matthbws, at the Office of Messrs. Bai.DB a rt, Evans, & Co.. Lombard strept Precinct of Whi' * ' "" ' ' ' -. - ^- - ... . . --i ^....,;...-i l_ »i. n Offlce.No. 41, WcUingtoa Street, Parish of St. Paul's, CoTent Warden, In the said County.— Sato aDAi, April 11,1868. t of whitefriars. City of London, la the Co. of Middlesex, and Published by the said fucia Mattbsws, at the THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 16.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATUKDAY, APRIL 18. I Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, Gd. A^ricuB Phulienarlum 401b Afcrlculture. Continental ....413 c An^rota, Tegetatlon of ilQa Beet, Gccd of sugar 412 6 Bo-ike noticed 408 f— 417a wedish iVil Brow\nc".'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'. in • INDEX. Hyoclntba, exhibiting 407 6 Kale, "Woburn 4"7 <• Lubourers, agricultural 114 o Lactometer UHb Mowinvr machines -to? b Myosotis alpestris J'"' f Nomci\clature,botanlcal,405 a, 406 b Education , agricultural, 415 a - 417 Js. per dozen. The Nnrserie*;. HuntitigdoD. BecH's Seedling Pelargoniums. SGLENDIJSNING and SONS are now offering for • the first time the 12 beautiful, new, and distinct PELARGO- NIUMS raised by Mr. Wiggms, Gr. to W. Beck, Esq,, of Isleworth, vrhlch were awarded numerous Certificates at the various Metro- politan Snows. DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may be had on application. Chiswick Nurseries. London, W. EAUTIFUL COLOURED DRAWINGS, by Mr. Andrews, of NOSEGAY GERANIUMS ECLAT and GRAND DUKE, taithfully represented by measui-einent of full size, and without any exapgeration of flower and size, in exchange for 18 Penny Postage Stamps each. Also five new FUCHSIAS in one handsome Plate, in exchange for 18 Penny Postaee Stamps. Geo, Smith, Tollington Nursery, Hornsey Road, Islington, London, K. NEW ZONAL PELARGONIUM, EGYPTIAN QUEEN.— This splendid variety, which was awarded the First Prize at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show at South Kensington In the autumn of 1367, and is decidedly the best Bicolor Zonal yet exhibited, will be ready for sending out on the 1st May. Orders are now being hooked, and will be executed in strict rotation. Single plants, price 10.*. Gd. GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM (PAMPAS GRASS). — For aingle specimens, large, ior centres of beds or conspicuous places, 2s. Gd. ; smaller flowering plants. Is. Gd. ; good plants, Gs. per dozen ; for cover planting, 21s. per 100. ARUNDO CONSPICUA.— A noble rival of Gynerinm, very much admired ; SCO Gardeners' Cfironick, page 211. is. «rf. each, 12s. TRITOMA U'VARIA GLAUCESCENS.—Tbis is the proper time to plant Tritonia to ensure a splendid autumnal display of this Korgeous border plant. Is. each, 6s. to Q-f. per dozen. TRITOMA UVARIA GLANDIFLORA.— K firf. each, 9s. to 12s. Ser dozen. UM AURATUM (the Goldon-raycl Lily of Japan)— No. 1. Strong flowering bulbs 2s. 6d. No. 2. Larger „ „ 3s. Gd. No. 3. Exti-a „ „ Us Od. No. 4. Extra extra „ 7s. Gd. LOMARIA GIBBA.— Hardy greenhouse Fern ; the most handsome of late introductions. 2.s\ 6(/. to 3s. Gd. LASTREA OPACA.—Hardy Japanese Fera ; admirably adapted either for cool greenhouse or sheltered Fernery, very tine. Is, Grl. each. 12.1. per d-^zen, James Carter &, Co., .-mju.! Merchants and Nurserynion, 237 and 238^High_lfolboru, Lourlrm. W.C. New Nosegay, Zonal, Gold /Mga.?^ and Bronze Pelargoniums. /^IX />Sffl4\y\0WNIE, LAIRD, and } XJ LAING, Florists to the EN, have much pleasure in offerinK the following splendid NOVELTIES. Plants ready flrst week in May, 1868. NOSEGAY SECTION. COUNTESS of ROSSLYN. — Bright violet pink, with a glowing carmine shade, flowers smooth and of great substance, large bold truss ; very effective and distinct. First-class Certificates at Royal Ilorticultural Society, Crystal Palace, and Brighton. 7s. Gd. each. EMELINE. — A delicate and beautiful shade of bUish pink, pips stout and smooth, immense truss, excellent habit ; extra. First-class Certificates at Royal Horticultural Society, Regent's Park, and Crystal Palace. 7s. Gd. each. ROSE STELLA.— Rosy pink, shaded with violet, large truss, dwarf free-branching habit ; a moft excellent variety. First-class Certificates at Royal Horticultural Society and Crystal Palace. 73. Gd. each. The above three varieties completely eclipse all other pink Nosegays ever introduced ; they are equal in size of truss to "Stella," much more compact m habit, each being a distinct shade of colour, and have been pronounced as great acqmsitions by all who have seen them, COUNTESS of STRATHMURE.— Bright glowing orange scariet, truss large and full, vigorous habit ; a bold and striking variety. This fine sort has nob been exhibited. 7s. Gd. each. COMET.— Bright cherry crimson, shaded with violet, large compact truss, dark zonate foliage, dwarf compact habit. First-class Certificate at Regent's Park. bs. each. NOSEGAY FLORIBUNDA. — Clear pale orange scarlet, very smooth compact globular truss, the pips of great substance, with as many as 133 on one truss ; continues a long time in bloom ; a magnificent pot plant. FirsUclasa Certificate at Regent'e Park. 7^. Gd. each. THE SULTAN— Brilliant scarlet, shaded with crimson, very broad smooth petals, large truss, dwarf habtt: a most excellent sort. 7s. Gd. each. THE RIGHT HON. G. HARDY.— Vivid orange scariet. with a fine glowing shade of colour, having large and well-rounded trusses, excellent habit, free blooming, pale zonate foliage ; a superb variety. First-class Certificate at Crystal Palace and Brighton, and Certificate at Royal Horticultural Society. 7s. Gd. each. ZONAL SECTION. MISS EDITH. — Blush, suffused with rose, very fine form and substance, dwarf free compact habit. 63. each. SERAPH. — Orange salmon, large white centre, pips large and smooth, of great substance, distinct dark zonate leaves ; a fine exhibition variety. First-class Certificate, Royal Horticultural Society. 7s. Gd. each. The set of 10 for £3. Special offer for quantities. GOLD AND BRONZE SECTION COUNTESS of K EL LIE. —Leaves bright golden yellow, with light chestnut zone, shaded with bright red, habit vigorous and com- pact; a fine and most effective bedder. This is decidedly the finest ot the light coloured Gold and Bronze varieties ever offered ; awarded First-class Certificate by Royal Horticultural Society. First-cla&s Certificate, Royal Caledonian Horticultural Societv, Sept. 1867. 15s. each. MRS. JOHN TODD.— Leaves soft golden yellow, with a pale bronzy red zone, vigorous and compact habit, fine bedder 108. Gd. each. KENTISH HERO.— Leaves large, of a light greenish yellow, with a broad zone of dark bronze, vigorous grower ; a very distinct and striking variety. 10s. Gd. each. The above were awarded First Prize as the best three Gold and Bronze varieties, shown in Class 4, at the Grand Special Show held at Kensington, on September 17, 1807. The set of three for Sis. The stock of several of the above being limited, early orders are requested, as they will be executed in strict rotation as received The above were the .idmiration of all wlio siw them at the several Metropolitan Sbows last year. For Opiuioiid of the Presi, see our New Florist Flower List, free by post. St instead Park, Forest Hill, London, S.E. ; and Edinburgh. GERANIUMS.— Choice Show varieties, strong plants, in 7-inch pots, 6fls. per 100 ; Zonal vanettes. strong plants, 30s. per 100. BED of GOLD (Marten'sI and MRS. MURPHY (Usher's), are two of the finest gold bedding varieties grown. MRS. POLLOCK. 50s. per 100 I BIJOU IMPROVED. 20s. per 100 JANE, 2».«. per 100 [2Ss, p. 100 EMPEROR, 20s. per 100 COUNTICbS of WARWICK, BEATON'S SILVER NOSE- CLOTH of GOLD, 25s. per 100 GAY, 25s. per 100 GOLDEN FLEECE. 25s. per 100 I MRS. MILFORD, 30s. per 100 Martin & Son, 7, Market Place, Hull, and Cottlngbam. New Bronze ZonaTGeraniums! M^ GERANIUM MISS MURPHY (Usuer'sj.-A very large flat gold leaf, 7 inches across, withbrone zone, quite distinct, and ma;gni- ficent bedder -, the flower also is good shape, and a beautiful magenta colour. 5s. each, 30s. per dozen. BED of GOLD (Maktis's).- The leaf of this is bright gold colour and pea green, with a bronae vandjked zone; lor bedding purposes it cannot be excelled ; it is very conspicuous at a distance, being glaring and distinct. 53. each, 30s. per dozen. ALPINE AURICULA, very clioice, from the finest flowers, 2s. Gd. per packet. New Zealand Nursery, St. Alban's, Herts. J WATSON'S beautiful BEDDING PELARGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready ; colour of Indian Yellow ; flne truss, and habit of Lord Palmerston. Price 5s. each ; 36s. per doz. J Geraniums, Geraniums. PADMAN, Providenoe Nursery, Boston Spa, Yorkshire, can supply the following GERANIUMS (package 1 VIRGO MARIE I 6 MISS KINGSBURY ncluded) for 3 LA GRANDE C GOLD LEAF I 3 PINK STELLA I 2GLUIREDEN ANCY,dble. 3 SUNSET I 6 MRS. POLLOCK I 3 ITALIA UNITA N.B. For any of tbe above kinds not required others of equal value will be substituted. CATALOGUES ft-ee on application. XT A E I EG AT ED FE L A^K G 0 N I U JI ST BEAUTY of OULTON I CANARY BIRD I ITALIA UNITA SOPHIA DUMARE.SQUE MRS. BENYON KENILWORTII GOLDEN PHEASANT LADY CULLUM COUNTESS INTERNATIONAL | NEATNESS | PICTURATA The 12 varieties, in strong plants, for 21s. If any of tiiem are not required, others of equal value will be sutistituted. Remittances requested from unknown correspondents. Address Alfrep Fryer, Nurseries, Chatteris, Canibrldzeshire. F New Tricolored Geraniums. AND A. SMITH have now completed and filled a Specimen House, 100 feet long, with the most extensive and beautitui collection in the world, which b ARIEL DAWN ECLIPSE ENSIGN GEM UNIQUE IMPERATRICE EUGENIE MONARCH PRINCE of WALES PRINCESS of WALES QUEEN of the FAIRIES QUEEN VICTORIA A few fine specimens of most of tbe above for exhibition and oth< purposes. Prices on application, ME TEG R ANTAGONIST DEFIANCE GRANDIS L'EMPEREUR LOUISA SMITH ) MEMNON The Nurseries, West DiUwich, S.I STECIAL OFFER of PELARGONIUMS. Per dozen. — s. d. 1 p*jr HosMn.— s. d. BICOLOR SPLENDENS.. 6 0 GOLD PHEASANT ..GO MRS. LONGFIELD .. G 0 MRS. POLLOCK .. ..5 0 BEAUTY of OULTON .. 9 oj CRYSTAL PALACE GEM 9 0 The above are very strong Pluats, and beautifully coloured. Casbon Si SoM, Gi.ivel Walk Nm-sery, Peterborough. 'UPi^Ki; VAKIKGATED PELARGONIUMS. kJ SOPHIA CUSAClv EDWINIA FITZPATRICK SILVER STAR TWILIGHT ITALIA UNITA COUNTESS TTRCONNELL QUEEN VICTORIA "l GLEN EYRE BEAUTY PERILLA I a Remittance requested. For a equal value c — *" * -*■--- Casb ELECTRIC L'ELEGANTE BEAUTY of OULTON MRS. BENYON BEAUTY of GUESTWICK ITALIAN BEAUTY LADY CULLUM OBEKON iry, Peterborough. Choice Variegated Geraniums. EG-. HENDERSON and SON oft'er 12 Varieties of • the following, their own or purchaser's selection, for 21s. Many in this collection are very strong plants :— Mary Amy Goldfinch Italia r Italia Unita Centurion Circlet I Countess of Tyrconnel Crown Diamond l Crystal Palace Gem Kenilworth Lady Cullum Lady of Shallot Ligbtnlnfi: Little Pet Lydia „ M. Button „ Pollock Neatness Picturatum Rainbow Rosette Rosy Gem Snowflake Socrates [(bedder) Stella alba mavginata Stella sulphm-ea mar- ! gmata (for pots) Sunset The Countess The Empress Topsy I Venus Waltham Gem Yellow Belt Zingara the following, purchaser's selection, GOs. ; tf & SoN'a selection, 42s. Eastern Beauty Caroline Londeld Castlemilk Duke of Edinburgh Edwinia Fitzpatrick Electric Wellington Road Nu Jock o' Ilazeldean Justtcia Lady Cullum Light and Shadow . John's Wood, Londoi New Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums. SALTMARSE and SON will st-nd out ou the 1st of May tbe following splendid Seedlings, to both which First-class Certificates were awarded at the Royal Horticultural Society's Special Show in May last :— CROWN JEWEL.— Centre of leaf green, with a broad well defined zone, the greater portion of which Is of a bright carmine approaching to scarlet, surrounded by a deep margin of clear yellow, into which the green portion never intrudes ; habit remarkably robust and vigorous. SUNRISE.— Centre green, with bright red and claret zone of medium size, the margin being rem-vrkably broad and of a clear canary yellow, changing to sulphur, The habit of the plant is very com- pact and close-jointed, resembling that oi tbe Tom Thumb section. Tho Silver Knightian Medal was awarded to the Collection con- taininc; these varieties. They were also included in the Collection of Six New Varieties, 1 Society's July. Also in the Second Prize Collection of Six New Varieties at Special Polargoniuio Show on tbe 17th of September. Strong established Plants, 21«. each. The usual Trade discoxmt. Moulsham Nurseries, Chelmsford. PELARGONIUMS.— Stronjr, healthy, blooming plants, in 4J inch pots. Show, Spotted, and Fancy, 12 choice named for 8s. ; 25 for 16s. ; 50 for 323. Also a good assortment at 60s. per 100. Eight varieties scented-leaved for 68. EHTNCHOSFERMUII JASMINOIDE.S, fine blooming plants, 18s. per dozen. ROSES, Red Fairy, fine plants, full of bloom-buds, Os. per dozen. PHLOX NELSONl (in pots), full of bloom- buds, Cs. per dozen ; H. 4 R. Srii 0 condition, 4s. per d 1 above an applicatioi R, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. ZONAL GERANIUMS, NEW FUCIiSlAS, &c.— 100 fine ZONAL GERANIUMS, of the best raisers, Beaton's, Paul's. Bull's. Smith's, tec. In 50 varieties, for 308. 12 select new FUCHSIAS of 1867 for 6.s. 12 select new ZONAL GERANIUMS of 1867 for 6s, 12 select new CHRYSANTHEMUMS of 1867 for 4s. gold leaf and gold brotiSe zoned GERANIUMS, very fine, fr 12s. 12 POA TRIVIALIS AKGENTEA ELEGANS (Silver Grass), for 3s. 12 DACTYLIS GLOMERATA ELEGANS VARIEGATA for 3s. PANICUM VARIEGATDM, Is. I COLEUS GIBSONI, 6rf. COLEUS VEITCHII, Cci. „ ATROPURPUREA, Od. •" "2 IRESINE F 2 AUBRIETl MTOSOTIS IMPERATRICE ELIZABETH, 6(J. 12 GAZANIA SPLENDENS VARIEGATA, 4s. 12 IRESINE HERBSTll AUREA RETICULATA, 2s. Oil. 12 Variegated Ivv-leaved GERANIUM L'ELEGANTE, Gs. 12 AGERATUM PRINCE ALFRED; this is the deepest blue and dwarfost haliit out : 3.^. 12 LOBELIA BLUE KINO, one of the best dwarf varieties, 3s. 12 Golden Feather, PYRETHRUM PARTHENIFOLIUM AUREA, T, Nurs. , Battle, Sussex. Choice Bedding Geraniums, THOMAS PESllilDGE can now supply strong Plants in 60-sized pots. MRS. POLLOCK, 4s. per dozen I ITALIA UNITA. 7s. pevdozen SUNSET, 7it. per dozen ' ' ' "" • "-■^^ ■ LUNA, 78. per dozen Terms, Cash. Greenway Nursery, Usbricige, Middlesex. Notice to the Readers of the Gardeners' ChTozilcl^ /'^.EO. SMITH'S DKSOKlPTiVE CATALOGUE, VT containing Select Lists of SHOW, SPOTTED. FANCY, VARIEGATED, and ZONAL GERANIUMS, including tho choicest of Hronze, Noseffay, and Double varieties; also FUCHSIAS, VERBENAS, PETUNIAS. DAHLIAS in different classes, CHRY- SANTHEMUMS, and BEDDING PLANTS in great variety, now ready, in exchange for one postage stamp. ToUington Nursery, Hornsey Roaa, Islington, London, N. Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, "London, N. WILLIAM PAUL'S NOVELTIES for 1868, now fii-st offered for sale, and raised or Introduced by this Establish- ment ; ready for delivery in May. NEW GOLDEN VARIEGATED PELARGONIUM. RED ADMIRAL.— Leaves green, with black and crimson scarlet zone, the crimson scarlet colour predominating ; a most beautilul variety, free, hardy, and very effective. First-ciass Certificate from the Roya! Botanic Society. Price 2l3. each. NEW SILVER VARIEGATED PELARGONIUM. PRINCE SILVERWINGS.— A seedling between Mrs. Pollock and Variegated Stella, the leaves green, with white edges and black and red zone; quite a new style of variegated Pelargonium, being the first of the Va-riegated Stella race with the red zone ; exceedUigly beautiful. Price K.t. Gd. each. NEW SILVER-EDGRD PELARGONIUM. SNOWDROP,— Leaves prreen, hroidly edged with white ; freo, bai-dv, and very effective. Price Ts. Gd. each. NEW BRONZE AND GOLD PELARGONIUM. OSSIAN.— Leaves yellowish green, slightly zoned, flowers dark blood colour, tnisses large, compact, and well formed, prot 2s. per 1000; RED DUTCH, for Pickling, 2s. per 1000. A Remittance or Reference to accompany all Orders. Fhedk. Gee, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. The Improved Stubble Swede Turnip. MR. JOHN RIVERS, the raiser of the STUBBLk SWEDE, now offers the above, which by selection has become hardier than the original root. It is sweeter and earlier than any other Swede Turnip, and m:iy be sown with advantage from April till July. Sold in bags of 4 lb. each, at 6s. per bag. Wholesale price given on application. Bonks Hill, Sawbridge worth. .Schrsederi) 1 A New Forage Grass. sweet and succulent, making good Hay. It height of about 2 feet ; its oat-like seeds weigh about 20 lb. per bushel, and are eaten greedily by all kinds of Stock. In rich deep soils it may be cut for forage three times dunng the summer, and produces two crops of seed, the first ripe in July, the second in September. The produce here has been, for the first crop, at the rate of 20 quarters per acre. It has been under cultivation four years, is perennial, perfuctly hardy, and very early, giving good feed in March and April. T. R. k Soi» have given as above their experience ot the Grass as grown in deep soils in the south-east of England ; and they _.__ _..__. .^; f forage plant will prove of value and 1 peck bags of 51b , with instructions . per bag. Prepayment is requested from unknown Nurseries, Sawbridge worth, Herts. New & Superior Farm Seeds. SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN. and The " Upton " Nurseries, Chester. Climate, and of very superior quality. Fine Samples of all the CLOVERS, RYE-GRASSES, and NATURAL GRASSES, clean and free from weeds, at market rates. Samples and Prices on application. TURNIPS, MANGEL, and other ROOT-CROP SEEDS of most select .Stocks. To the improvement ot the different varieties of TURNIPS, MANGELS, ac, F. 4 A. D. & Sovs - special attention and care, and thi Superior and high-class character. Special eiitimates for very large quantities. Orders amounting to £2 value (Gram, Potatos, be, excepted) will be delivered Carriage Free at the principal R-iilway Stations in the Kingdom. for many years devoted ■ Seeds of these are of very First B Second size, 1-yr., 0 to 12 inches 2 2 0 Third size, this yeai-'s, 4 to 6 inches . . . . 110 Chromo-lithograph, by Day & Son, post fVee for 25 stamps, and one sent to each purchaser. RiuHAUD Uaeitland. The Loagh Nurseries, Cork. — March 0. Agricultural Seeds. WAITE. BUKNELL, HUGGINS, and CO.'S AGRICULTURAL SEED CATALOGUE for this season is now published, and will be forwarded per post on at-pljcation. Wholesale Seed Warehouse, Southwark Street, London, S.E. (late oflBl. High Holborn). __^ L0ISK-CUAU~V1ERE, Seed Grower, Nvrseryman^ and Florist, 14, Quai de la M^gisserie, Paris. Eighty-four Gold and Silver Medals in the Exhibitions of France, England, Belgium, and Prussia (Gold Medal, Universal Exhibition of 18671. By appointment Seedsman to the Emperor. All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS can be supplied, including — GREEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET (true seed). RED-TOP „ „ „ IMPERIAL Lowest price for cash on application. The most complete collection of GLADIOLI. CATALOGUES on application. Whlte^^Belgian, Long Red Surrey, Red Intermediate Cairots. SUTTON AND SONS can eupply fine New SEED of the above, at very molerate pnces, which may be had — application. Sutton & Sons, Seed Growi LUCERNE (fine new fresh -imported Seed).— This is a most useful plant as Green Food for Horses. It should be sown in April, in drills 12 inches apart, and may be cut four or five times a year. It should be hoed after each time of cutting, and manured every spring. It thrives in any soil, but especially in chalky land. CJuautity required per acre, 2ii lb. Price Is. per lb. Sutton & Sons, Readintc, Berks. M ALDON'S NEW WONDER CLOVEK.— This new r-stck lands, and Price Is. per lb, , foliage lie wnite Clov . , cheaper by the cwt. Sutton & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. THE PAXTON GARDEN MANURE is the most economical and powerful FortillBor ever known for Vegetables, B'lowera, Fralt Trees, Griwts Lawns, &c. It is inodorous and portable. To bo had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manulkcturera, Williams t Co., late Alexandur & Co., 2i, James Street, Old Street, E.C. Agents Wanted In every Town where none have been appointed. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITHO-PIIOSPHATK for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED RONES. ODAMS'S SUPKHPHOSPHATE of LIME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. "IHE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief OiBces— 100, Fenchurch Street, London. Western Counties Branch — Queen Street, Exeter. 1'. "sh Branch — 10, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Robert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford, Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex, Charles Dormau, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hilderahara, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross. Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, 60, West Smithfield. Mana^ng Director — James Odama. Bankers— Messrfi. Bametts. Hoares, & Co., Lombard Street. Soluntors~-MeasTs. Kingsford & Dorman, 23. Essex Street, Strand. Auditor— J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. This company was originally formed by, and is under the direction oJ agriculturists : circumstances that have justly -■«■■- i.._- title, Its for it another The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company." imbers are cultivators of upwards of 50.000 acres of land, years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the consumer has the best guarantee for the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures manufactm-ed by this Compai Particular nay be bad Chief Offices — 109, Fenchurch Street, Loudon. E.C. THE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (Established 1840) Have now ready for delivery in dry fine condition, CORN MANURE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUA^UO MANGEL .ind POTATO MANURES. Also Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA , Fenchurch Street. E.C. BROMUS SCHR^DERI, the NEW FORAGE GRASS, is invaluable, especially during the winter months, when Italian and other Rye-grasses are comparatively dormant. All kinds of stock eat it freely. The seeds or grains are as large as Oats, and a heavv crop is produced. Immediately this is cut another green crop'shoots from the roots. Constant mowing or ^zing FINE and COARSE WHITE SAND, the best KENT and other PEAT, fine LOAM, SANDSTONE SPAR, &c.— Samples at the Exhibition _Arcade, Royal Horticultural Gardens, TOBACCO TISSUE for Fumigating Greenhouses. Will Destroy Thrip, Red Spider, Green and Black Fly, and Mealy Bug ; and burns without the assistance of blowing, and ia entirely free from paper or rag. Price 3s. 6d. per lb., carriage free. A reduction in price for large quantities. To be h.id of Messrs. Roberts & Sons, Tobacco Manufacturers, 112, St. John Street, Clerkenwell, E.C, of whom copies of Testi- monials may be obtained ; and of all Seedsmen and Nurserymen. The Cheapest and Best Insecticide. DUTY-FREE TOBACCO. .OOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for the Prevention and Destruction of Blight nnd other eases in Plants. Sold by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, In Tins at Is., 2s. M., and 5s. Powder Distributors, 2s, 6(/. and 3s. 6d. each. SELECTION FROM TESTIMONIALS. " Sir,— I find it the best and cheapest thing of the present day as I can now walk through my stoves, and give a du^t with your powder over my Roses, Ac, and return in half-an-houv and find the Pests dead and Plants clean. I think it will be the finest thing ever invented for out-of-door Roses and Peach Trees. I should advise every £entleman to give it a trial.— 1 am, yours, &c., " R. Tuain, " Gardener to Walter Williams, Esq., " 25th February, 1868." " Worthy Park, Winchester." tofs a cultivating this Bromus ; nowQ or grazed as soon four or five crops will be j March, April, May, August, and Septembi sowing, and it may be drilled like Oats "' and if seed is not s 10 of 12 inches roduced in a year, e best months lor it may be drilled like Oats at the rate of 40 to 60 lb. per Price Is. 6a. per lb , cheaper by the cwt. Carriage free. )N & Soss. Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading, Berks. AWES' N U R E GIANT ASPARAGUS PLANTS, the best that mor can procure, 28. 6d. per 100.— This delicious vegetable does require half the^^x^enae^ usually incurred in planting it. , half the __^ ._ chard Smith's SEED LIST for 1868. Extra strong SEA KALE, 2s. per do: Smiti Nuj Worcester. ^ the first Chemical Artificial Manures manufactured and introduced, and have been in use for 27 years. The supply for the present season is now ready for delivery, at the Factorlea, Doptford and B irking Creeks, all in first-rate condition. CONCENTRATED CORN and GRAS^ MANURES. Dr. Voelckor has inspected and sampled a bulk of 10,000 tona at Mr Lawes' Factories. Toe report can be obtained on application ; Ho ktat,>s_ equally dry, unifonn in character, pected the bulk at Mr, Lawes Works, I'can certify that the'feuperphosphato now sent out from the bulk is a dry, well-made, superior Artificial Manure, and is in excel- lent condition for delivery." Market Gardens, Biggleswade. Bedfordshire. RICHARD WALKER can supply the following: — varying according t „-. GREEN KOHL KAbI SEED, 9d. per lb. ; WALLFLOWER 1 Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers. PLA^'TS. at 2«. 6d. per 100; East Ham, Enfield karket. Robinson's ' NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, and other Champion Drumhead CABBAGE PLANTS. RED DUTCH Chemical Manures. PLANTS, and many other sorts, aU at Is. 9d. per 1000 ; Snow's I AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. CAULIFLOWER PLANTS. U. 6d. per 100. All selected stock. Address, John Besnet Lawes, 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, Terms, Cash. E.C. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin : and Market Squnre, Shrewsbury', 5iR,— I bag to state that I am quite satisfied with the Powder ; it most effectually cleanses the Plants of insects. Send an India-rubber bottle, and the same quantity of Tins as before. " I am Sir, youi^, &o., " Robert Wabd, " 26th Februiry. 1868.'* " The Rosery, Ipswich." " Dear Sin,— Please to send me four Tins at 6s. each of your most useful Tobacco Powder. I have tried it with both the Green and Black Fly and Thrip. 1 find if the Plants are damp nothing kills those pests so well as the Tobacco Powder. I intend giving it a good trial this season on the Pear and Cherry Trees. *' I am. Sir, yours very truly, " B. Mohbs, " Gardener to W. B. Tyrtngham, Esq., ^ •' 25th M'U-ch, 1868.'* " Newport Pagnell." '* Alton, Hants, August 21st, 1867. •' Dear Sir,— We are happy to inform you, that we have applied the Tobacco Powder to various portions of our Hops, wherever they were attacked by Fly. We found that by applying half cwt. of it per ncre, two mornings in succession in alternate alleys, it had more effect than when we applied 1 cwt. at once. We are quite satisfied with the result, the Lice were destroyed, and in a few days the Hops that had been most foul were cleanest. " We are, yours, " A. C. S. & H. Ckowlbt. Sole Manufacturer, T. A. P O O L E Y, Bonded Warehouse, Sussex Wharf. Wapping. E. Agents required In Towns I not already appointed. THE (URBENERS' CHRONICLE AND A6RICTTLTURAL GAZETTE, [Apeil 18, 1868. D OBSONS' PRIZE SEEDS. CALCEOLARIA, unequalled. Is. 6d., 28. 6d., 3s. Qd., and 65. CINERARIA. Is., 2s. 6d.. and 6s. PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA RUBRA. 2s. 6d. and 6s. ALBA. 2s. 6rf. and 63. niuxed. Is., 2s. Gci., and 5s. I Sons, Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth, W. Bedding Pla&ts for the Million. JAMES HijLUEK can supply Scarlet and Variepated GERANIUMS, CALCEOLARIAS. VERBENAS. DAHLIAS, SALVIAS. FUCHSIAS. HELIOTROPES, GAZANIAS. AGERA- TUMS, CUPHEAS. KCENIGIAS, LOBELIAS, Ac. strong plants, eight dozen for 20s., or tour ^ozepfV -- - - " Established 1S06. THOMAS HANDASYDE and DAVIDSON executing Orders for HERBACEOUS and ALPINE PLANTS of every descnption. Prices to the Trade on application, TuoMAS Handastde & Datidson. Nurserymen, Seedsnn Florists, 24, Cockbum Street, Edinburgh. Nurseries Glen, Musselburgh. RAYNBIRD, C ALD ECOTTTb AWTREErDOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited), CoRS, Seed, Mandbk, and Oilcake Merchants. Address, 80, Seed M.-u-ket, Mark Lane, E.G. ; or Basingstoke. Samples and Price.s post free on application. Prize Medals, 1861, for Wheat ; 1802. for "Excellent Seed Cora and Seeds." Those requiring showy kinds of Flower Seeds, and who are not well acquainted with the t ' selection to us, and ' worthy of cultivation. 1. The best 10(1 sorts (hardy, half-hardy, and tender) £110 2. The beat 60 sorts ditto ditto 0 10 6 3. The best 3G sorts ditto ditto 0 7 6 4. The best 24 sorts ditto ditto 0 6 0 6. The best 24 sorts (hardy sorts only) 0 6 0 PRICED CATALOGUES gi-atis and post free on applicition. " & Sons, Royal BerkshU'e Seed Establishment, Reading, OOPElt AND CO., Seed and Plant Merchants, Covent Garden, London, W,C. H ing gracefulness of its dep( and distinct beauty of the foliage. beneath, whilst the leafstalk is of a yellow col' lay, Bs. each. Orders now booked. PALMS for the Decoration of Consei-vatones and Apartments. Beautiftil young specimens, at very low prices. New List of these and many other really choice and desirable rarities may be had H New Seeds from Demerara. OOPER AND CO. have just received a small consign- of fresh SEEDS of the undernoted choice aud desirable Plants. They recommend them to the attention of Amateurs who are desirous of adding good subjects to their collections. The Seeds are quite fresh, and recently gathered. ASCLEPIAS CURRASAVICA, brilliant scarlet and yellow flowers, 2 feet high, is, por packet. CLITORIA CCERULEA, lovely azure blue Pea, very largo flowers, climbs about 6 feet. Is. per packet. CONVOLVULUS DISSECTUS? "The Noyeau Vine." white flowers. and very ornai ■-•'■-'; — ■■ ■--■• IMOSA . Is. per packet. LONG CHINA BEAN,— Pods 2 to 4 feet long, and delicious cooked as a French Bean ; grows about 4 feet hii{h. Is. per packet. Early applications are requested. Hooper & Co.. Seed Merchants, Coveut Garden, London, W.C. PAKIS AWAEDS." Having carefully investigated the Claims of our respective Houses in reference to the Awards of the Jurors of the late Paris Exhibition, we find the following to be the correct Awards : — MESSRS. CARTER and CO. arc the ONLY ENGLISH HOUSE to whom the SILVER MEDAL was AWARDED for GRASS in GROWTH. Messrs. Sutton & Sons are the only English House to ^yhom the Silver Medal was Awarded for Garden Seeds and Sample Specimens of Grass and Grass Seeds. (Signed) SUTTON and SONS, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. April 7th, 186S. (Signed) JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 & 238, High Holbom, London, W.C. PAEIS AWAEDS." Having carefully investigated the Claims of our resi^ective Houses in reference to the Awards of the Juroi-s of the late Paris Exhibition, we find the following to be the coiTect Awards ; — MESSRS. SUTTON me the ONLY ENGLISH HOUSE to whom the SILVER MEDAL was AWARDED for GARDEN SEEDS, and SAMPLE SPECIMENS of GRASS and GRASS SEEDS. Messrs. Cai'ter & Co. are the only English House to whom the Silver Medal was Awarded for Grass in Growth. (Signed) JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 & 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. April 7th, 1868. (Signed) SUTTON aud SONS, Royal Berkshu-e Seed Establishment, Reading. BUTTONS' GEASS SEEDS FOE ALL SOILS. G6n6rali *' Groupe IX., Classe 86. " Commission Impfiriale, PARIS, 1867, MEDAILLE D' ARGENT qui voi a £-tC- dt'cernt'c. 'Jo joins a ce DiplOme le rule " ' mentions qui \ H& attribu^; Partiels ouve 31 Octobre, d^cisioD d^tinltivQ du Jury luter- uational, UN PREMIER PRIX- GAZONS, '* Recevoz, Monsieur, I'assurance, Ac, " Le Constiller d'Etat, "Coramissaire Gfinfiral, (Signed) " F. Le Play. "M, Sutton, Gr. Bretagne," Translation. "Universal Exhibition, 1867, " Group IX., Class 85. " Offices of the Imperial Commission, "Sir,— I have the honour to send vou tbe Diploma of the SILVER Medal, which has been awarded which" have boon aw^iidod 1 J.OU in ibe 'Sectional Competitions, opeu from 1st April to 31st October, and which assisted the Internalional Jury in their final deiiision. A FIRST PRIZE- GRASSES. "Receive, Sic, &c., "Le Ooiiseillerd'Ktat, " Commlssairo Q6n6i'al, (Signed) "F. Le Play. "Mr, Sdtton, Great Britain." THE PREMIER PRIX SILVER FOR GAKDEN SEEDS, GEASS AND MEDAL GRASS SEEDS, fAS AWARDED TO SUTTON & SONS. SUXTONS' GRASS SEEDS PREPARED FOR EVERY DESCRIPTION OF SOIL. Suttons' Seeds for 2 Years' lay. BEST QUALITY, 175. 6d. per a..-re. Second quaUty cheaper. Suttons' Mixtures for Permanent Pastures BUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE, 2S.s. to 32s. per acre. SUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE, 24s. to 26s. per acre. SUTTONS' CHEAPEB MIXTURE, 21». per acre. Suttons' Seeds for 1 Year's Lay. BEST QUALITY, 13s. 6d. per acre. Second quality cheaper. Suttons' Seeds for 3 or 4 Years' Lay. BEST QUALITY, 22s. por acre. Second quality cheaper. /Special JEsti mates given for large gtiatiiities. SEPAHATE NATURAL GEASS SEEPS, carefully cleaned, in great vai'iety. All Goods Carriage Free. 5 per cent, alloicedfor eas PRICED DESCRIPTIVE LIST of GRASSES gratis and post free. SUTTON AND SONS, SEEDSMEN to the QUEEN, READING, BERKS. 1^ ( CORNEB "of GRASS SEEDS, AGRICULTURAL SEEDS, Trade M& much sought after. It far eclipses all the forms of C. labiata and its co-species 0. speciosis- sima that have yet been bloomed, measuring quite 8 inches across the petals, which are from 3 inches to 4 inches in width individually. Gorgeous as is the fine soft tone offiesh uponthesepalineaudpetalinesegments, it is completely eclipsed by the extraordinary labellum, whiohforms a perfect circle ; and the exquisite amethyst colouring, which is so conspicuously prominent, fixes it upon the mind in a way not easily forgotten. It is by far the finest flower of its kind in Mr. Dawson's rich collection, in which along with several others it has recently bloomed ; and to the spirited importer, Mr. Stuart Low, we have dedicated the plant. It may be entitled to specific distinction upon the same grounds as C. Bassetii, Dawsoui, Luddemanniana (Ech. fil.), and several others, but all are varieties of the one great labiata type— speciosissima being clearly most entitled to specific distinction as the original form of the small-leaved spring and summer flowering species, and with it, therefore, it is here ranked as a variety. J. A. ^^_^^^^^^^^^^ FEUIT PROSPECTS. I HAVE made a pretty general examination to-day (April 14), of our fruit prospects, and have to report as follows, viz :— Pears.— MXoom very abundant on all varieties. Flowers large and healthy, but fully two-thirds destroyed by frost on the night of March 24, when the thermometer fell to 19". Some of the earlier varieties on dwarf pyramids and espaliers were then in full flower, such as Louise Bonne, Doyenne d'Ete, &c. Of these scarcely a blossom escaped ; others whieh were then only in bud did not suffer so severely. This present week is again exceedingly trying for the blos- soms, the latter being much excited by intensely warm sunshine during the day, with the nightly occurrence of from 7' to 8° of frost, and biting easterly winds. Under these circumstances I find a little more injury done every night. The relative effects of frost on different varieties, under exactly the same conditions, are worth notice. For instance, on walls, Beurre Ranoe, Beurre Diel, Beurr^ d'Aremberg, are all much injured, while Glou Morceau, Marie Louise, and Napoleon are but slightly hurt ; again, on pyramidal trees the same result occurs — Marie Louise, Jargonelle, Henri Capron, Eliza d'Hi^yst, Bon Parent, &c., are scarcely touched, while Comte de Paris, Simon Baivier, Millet de Nancy, and Notaire Mindt are nearly all destroyed. I may also mention that it is dwarf-trained trees which have suffered most severely, tall orchard trees being but slightly hurt— the nearer the ground, in fact, the more severely have trees suffered. A spring like this would be fatal lo low cordons. Apples. — Bloom abundant ; considerably injured when in bud from the same cause as that which affected Pears, especially in the case of dwarf pyra- midal trees. It may be worthy of remark that Apple blossom is much more tender than that of the Pear. Apples in the bud state are just as easily destroyed as full-blown Pear blossom ; and both are more tender than Peach blossom. ArniL 18, ISeS.] THE GAEDENEES' CnRONICLE AND AGEICULTURAE GAZETTE. P/khw.— Blossoms abundant ; nearly all destroyed on dwarf trees, and slightly injured on tall standards. CTcmes.— Dloom abundant ; greatly injured, espe- cially on dwarf trees. Oooseberries.— Show abundant; about one-tbird destroyed. Slack CKcran^*.— Quite three-fourths destroyed, two and three berries only being left to form the bunch instead of ten and twelve. Sed Currants breaking very badly ; wood-buds appa- rently injured by frost; bunohes very short and un- healthy, and injured by frost. It may be here remarked that in the case of Red Currants it is the basal flowers on the bunch that are the first to suffer, whilst in the case of Black Currants it is generally the points that are first injured. Peaches promise well ; in short they are not at all injured, even where they have been unprotected. Apricots very scarce, destroyed by frost. Strawberries very promising, and, should the weather prove favourable, there will doubtless be an abundant crop. My report, it will be seen, therefore, is not encour- aging. Let us hope, however, that other districts have not suffered so severely as the Valley of the Thames ; there may, indeed, even here, considering the great abundance of blossom, be yet enough left to form on the whole a decent fruit crop. It is sad, however, to find our expectations of a bountiful yield of fruit thus destroyed, while one short month ago they were so bright. A. Barron, Royal Sorticullural Society's Gardens^ Chiswicfc. NEW LILIPUTIAN PELAEGONIUM. The accompanying woodcut represents two examples of a new race of dwarf-habited bedding Pelargoniums, raised in Saxony, the stock of which has passed into the hands of Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son, of St. John's Wo^d. These novelties are said to be as free growing as the ordinary larger bedding varieties, and to have foliage of diminished size, propor- tionate to their dwarf habit, but flowers equally large with those of the ordinary kinds. Their small size, free compact habit, and abundant bloom, should make them useful plants for the edges of flower- beds, or for ribbon borders, while the colours, consisting of various shades of scarlet and rose-colour, are just those which come in useful in bedding com- binations. The Liliputians are repre- sented in Pig. 2 of the annexed woodcut. Fig. 1 indicating the comparative size of the ordinary bedding varieties. mi^'tis ; Gonn. Bleii'llingc), for a form arising from cross- fertilisation in a species. .3. Limu (sport ; Germ. Spiolart), for a form originating from a loaf-buj or from any other organ, and propagated by division. Art. 28. Botanists who have generic names to publish show judgment and taste by attending to the following recom- mendations ; — (1.) Not to make names too long or difficult to pronounce. (2.) To give the etymology of each name. (<.) Not to dedicate genera to persons in all respects strimgers to botany, or at least to natural history, nor to persons quite unknown. Alt, ;i7. Hybrids whose origin has been experimentally duMiotiHtrated are designated by the generic name, to which is a?ts give their attention to cultivated species, they fitid no diffieailty in designating certain leading forms as races or subspecies, and others less important as varieties or subvaricties. As a case of this, we may mention the paper on Brassica by De Candolle (Trans, of the Hort. Sue, vol. v.), rewarded in 1821 by the Horticultural Society of London, and recapitulated, under a strictly botanical form, in the "Systema," vol. ii., p. 583. In this work races are named in Latin, ttirps, but the word proles appears to us better to indicate- propagation by heredity. It conforms itself likewise more readily to the addition of tuh, which has the advantage of designating a subrace. Another very remarkable work is that on Wheats, by Louis Vilmorin ("Essai d'un Catalogue des Fromcnts," pamphlet, 8vo, 1850). Its value as to essential points is evident, but the author has designated the principal forms of Triticum vulgare, first by the term varieties, and then by that of sections. Would it not have been better to call these essentially hereditary forms, races, and subraces, the word section having already another signification iu botanical works ? The important work of Dochmal on fruit treest offers a still stronger example of this kind of mistake. Genera are there divided into tribes, and species into genera. What would bo said of an army having its companies divided into regiments or battalions ? or of a countiy, if certain parishes were to think proper to divide themselves into provinces or counties ! or of a town, if its streets were to be called quarters ? Matters would evidently be improved were agriculturists and horticulturists to adopt the terms used in botany for the chief subdivision of species. With respect to extreme forms of cultivated plants, they do not require to be limited. In many cases they are so numerous, so slight, bo uncertain as rcg-irds origin, and so often complicated by hybridisation, that a regular and satisfactory arrangement cannot be expected. Certain species are sought after by amateurs on account of the infinite variety of their shades, spots, size of petals, &c. Many forms spoken of are ephemeral, or very nearly so. They either pass away of themselves or because fashion changes. To vcgulato tliL; iioiiicnolatuvc of these many thousand garden producti'iii J v.- . il 1 In I ; impossible as to classify tho stuffs that m;iiini * i; 1 ! ' i.o and name every year. The words Hi;r.||j', . I L used in horticulture, have tho rtdvauta^'.', fi 1, 1 i- i;, .ii.iwn; secondly, of designating the important I,u l i lLi^h urigin ; thirdly, of not being too precise as to the dugrco of fixity and importance of their characters, which .are always slight. The words alluded to are easily translated into I.,atin by satuf and Iusm found in all dictionaries. Tho English word sport {hmtg) can easily bo introduced into tho French tongue, where it is already more or less known, its shortness, moreover, rendering it con- venient. SpUlart in German corresponds to liiitn$. It may be further observed that sports and seedlings some- times become hereditary, and then Uike the name of race, or subraco. Sports and seedlings may be crossed, their half- breeds propagated by grafts, cuttings, &o., having all the appearance of sports. There results an almost inextricable complication, interesting in a physiological point of view, but which cannot possibly be subjected to a regular method of classification. Let us then do what we can to have the chief divisions of cultivated species assimilated to tlaose of sponta- neous ones. This would be gaining a great step in the jiresent state of things ; and one of which horticulturiats would bo quite as sensible as botanists. 28. (4.) By dedicating genera to grand personages who are strangers to botany, even to illustrious learned men who have taken no interest in natural sciences, you flatter persons who are oftentimes in no way obliged to you for your attention ; you do not encourage young botanists, who are pleased at a distinction reserved for botanists ; and, perchance, you may shock national or religious susceptibilities that have surely nothing to do with science. Thus the idea of naming the greatest of trees Wcllingtonia is doubly to be regretted. In the first place, it has been found that the genus cannot be distinguished from Sequoia, which has necessarily been retained ; and then the name of Wellingtonia has called forth a viaeless synonym— Washingtonia; in imitation of whioh every nation might have set to framing a name from that of its favourite hero. 40. The system we recommend for cultivated plants (Art. 14 and 40) may be recapitulated as follows : — (1.) Adopt for the principal modifications of species the names and forms in use for uncultivated, species, that is, class subspecies, varieties and subvaricties according to importance ; say, where possible, which are habitually here- ditary (races, comparable to subspecies), which are less constantly so (subraces, varieties), which are rarely so (subvaricties) : employ for all these degrees, as well as for their half- breeds, Latin -adjectives, as in tho case of ordinary species. (2.) For modifications of a lower kind, the uumlier of which is unlimited (seedlings, half- breeds of low degi'ce, sports), take names from modem tongues, entirely different from Latin ones, such as horticulturists aie in the habit uf applying. By means of this double combination the chief modi fi cation. s, interesting to general natural history, are brought into connection with scientific forms, whilst at the sime time the innumerable unimportant modifications produced in gardens bear distinctive names. In books there will be no longer a possibility of confounding them with botanical species. This is a necessary precaution ; horticulturiats, for the sake of abridging, being wont to drop the names intervening between the generic name and that of the seedling or sport. Instead of saying Brassica oleracea, acephala, vulgaris, viridis, Cavalier, expressing thus completely the relations of the Cavalier Cabbage with other species of Brassica, they must needs say Cavalicr.Cabbage. If, instead of Cavalier, there was such a name as grandis, they would infallibly call it Brassica grandiP, and it might then very well be taken for a spontaneous species. This source of ambiguity must be avoided henceforth. There are, however, already such unluckly names as Rhododendron papilionaceum. Camellia planipetala, &c., that seem as if they belonged to species, and that will insinuate theoiselvesinto botanical works, Wbat they represent would be vainly sought either in nature or in herbaria. These g.ardcn products are factitious ; let them be treated as such, and do not let us be exposed any more to confound plants of this kind with those that are spontaneous. Moreover, after a few years fashion changes. No one then cares anything about these innumerable horticultural creations that have been the delight of amateurs. Where are the two or three thousand Dahlias of this or that catalogue issued 30 years since ? Most of them no longer exist ; their names are forgotten. It is fortunate that the greater number were named after some celebrated general or lady, ratber than by a Latin name that would have been prencrved in books. expressive, but mtftis has over it the advantage of being intelligible in several tongues. The term mule, as applied to the mixture of varieties or races, is in constant use amongst English florists, but is too obviously erroneous to be sanctioned by scientific writers. Translator. t " Der fiichere Fllhrer in d. Obstkunde," 4 vols. 8vo. Nuremberg, 1855-60. See vol. iv. pp. 201, 213, Ac. THE GOLDEN CHAMPXOX GRAPE. In the interests of horticulture it is well to notice particularly any novelty of first-rate importance offered in commerce. In the matter of Grapes, especially, there is so general a desire manifested and often expressed to be put in possession of the "latest intelli- gence "as to the condition and promise of any cpn- spicuous seedling that has come within the observation or crossed the palate of the "knowing" pomologist, that one need scarcely offer an apology for craving space to touch upon the "present condition and future prospects" of the Golden Champion. While at Dalkeith the other day the writer had an opportunity of seeing it growing under a variety of circumstances — on its own roots, as well as worked on the Hamburgh, Muscat, and Lady Downes'. In some instances it was considerably advanced, in others it had been pressed forward a stage in the routine of forcing; while some of the stronge'* samples were just moving with a minimum amount of fire heat. In every instance— and there is abundant room for comparison in the numerous Vineries at Dalkeith— it was the most robust in point of constitution, the freest as a bunch producer, and the most showy in point of size of bunch of any of \U compeers; and that is no small raced of praise. Two of the more P/oMinent Muscat houses that have recently been remodelled, are extraordinary in point of "shows .JP'^'^^ ^z*""®^^? than has ever been seen at Dalkeith before ami yet withal several of the Golden Champion grafted m 406 THE GARDINFIIS' CHRONICLE AND AGRTCIIITURAT, GAZETTE, [Apbil 18. 1868. tUe house are far mure eouspiuuous tlian l.liey : this, too, with an unusual lensth of cane left for fruiting and propagating purposes, which has a oonsiderable depre- ciating tendency upon the size and "show" of the bunches. In a comparatively embryo stage of develop- ment the bunches were peeping from their leafy envelopes, as large and prominent as the inflorescence of Timothy Grass (Phleura pratense), which comparison wiUgivea belter idea than anything short of adiagram of what may be estimated as to their eventual propor- tions. This was no isolated instance, no mere gathering up for the sake of writing a sensational notice, but met the eye wherever it wns grown. In a Grape of the dimensions of the Golden Cham- pion, where even the Canon Hall is to it in relative size what the Black Hamburgh is to the Canon Hall, the first question to occur to the practical mind will bo, is it a free setter? Have not the flowers that unfortunate disposition to shy off, rendering the apparent show abortive in results? No! emphati- cally no! In a house of forced Hamburghs, where the berries were getting well towards the point of stoniiig. it was as full and symmetrical as the best of them, and Mr. Thomson, to whom particular imiuiries were addressed upon this point, has not the slightest mis- giving about it. In the Lady Downes', or latest house, where there is 1 particularly exuberant plant ramifying upon the extension principle, the Golden Champion shows its gigantic proportions unmistakeably, and one sees its adaptability for hite work. The house had just been shut up, and those who have from time to time seen the fine produce taken from that plantation of Vines, can bear testimony to its merits ; but this alien seedling, which Mr. Thomson introduced by the process of grafting, heals tln-m all iu fertility, and for the plastic way in which it eviilently accommodates itself to the various degrees of forcing compatible with success, which the horticuliurist practises. Not having seen the Vine in the earlier stages of its growth, but having tasted its produce more than once, I was induced to visit the establishment from which it emanates, to see if it was really an acquisition all through. The above comments are suQi iient evidence of my appreciation of it as a most desirable Vine to cultivate; and, if my p:date be anything of a judicious censor, I ought to say that every berry is a most delicious mouthful, fit not only for the gods, but for the goddess Pomona herself! A. [We cm, from our own experience, endorse the nbove opiuion as to the qualities of this new Grape. Eds.] SPRING G.VRDENING. To conibiuo a winler and spring garden has always appeared to me an insuperable difficulty. In conuectin),' tlie tvro Hcasons, you must make up yaiir mind to h:tve Ulaukd in the one or blots iu the other. My umleratan ling of u winter garden is from the end uf Nuvenber to end of Fubruaiy ; and of a spring one from March to end uf Vlay. Also th tt it is the wish and intention of tbe owner of tb« flower garden to have i display, and to have tbe beds the very best tbe situation and jjoll admits of, in each of these seastms It is out uf the ques- tion to do without Aconites, Snowdrops, and Crociisea iu the winter beds, and to eiidnre the f I'iing Grass of the two latter plants is eqimlly out of the question in the spring garden. A true gardener cannot see even nciitii'i.ss and tlliness iu the barbarou-* practice uf cutting off the leaves, and no one can iidmire lumps of plaited Croeus-grass. What, then, is to be done? I say, keep these seasons sepa- rate in the flower garden beds, siiid make up your mind at imce to three beddings-unt in tbe ye.ir. What a spring sardeii c in and ou^bt to be in Marcb, I saw for the first time at Uelvuir three weeks aif : One groat ^idvuntage to xis in Scotland, if winter and spring gardens fairly come tu bo cuusidere I as nuich ;i necessity as the present ordinary summer bedding-out idre;nly is, will be, that wo need not have the same shurt- sigh ted impatience to bed-out in May. In average years, and of course I acii thiuk- incf of the hundreds of medium-sized gardens, whore there is not an unlimited supply of anything, fro. n heads and Uand^, to pots and mats, and un proper place to harden off tbe bedding stuff in average years, I say wo do nut; gain in ihe end, either iu trouble or time, by bu-diiiuH-out before the first days of Juno. I never knuw huw people wU.. live all the year round at tbeir own hoiiu can endure tbe empty fluwer beds Under their windows all winter and spring ; anyway it makes them recklessly rampant to have them tilled iu May. Cold east winds and hot suns are not taken into CLtiisideratiim ; but as the bedding-out is "ver in England, or at tbe real larj^e places in the ueighbourhoud, all small gardens aro to follow suit. Another, and perhaps the greatest, gain frnra sprin;^ gardena, and tbe empluyment of hn-ly plants, will be in tbe improvement of tb« pres nt f^eneratiun uf y.iun:< ^ardeuers : their knowledge of berba{;ei>us out-duur plants i.-n truly (cplir- able, and iu Bjotland this used not tu be the ease. The bedding-out system has clubbed their faculties, an i really made them no better than cutting inn-Lines. Tue lies tu employers from this ignorance is very trying, Gu.jd and rare plants aro destroyed and replaced, and lust agaiu. AU her- baceous (the word is rather wide) plants are expei-.tel to tear up Or divide the same way ; the sp luo en t.-i smack. thruiiL'h the crown or tap roots uf a slowly nicreasing plant, exactly as If it wevo a lump of Gardener's G irter, tir Astei- It is far tuu much to expect, with such ignorance, the honest acknow- ledgment of it. Tbere a-e g.tud hupes uf a young man when he suggests lifting tbe wbule plant care- fully, as its nature and conatructiun are unknuwu to him, and then seeing how best to do A little b<)tanie.il knowledge and an eye, which would observe tbe Stoncerups on tbe wall, anti Souseleeks on the cottage roofs, wuul I ■-a^'e m uiy a valuaiilu succulent indoors from tbe wrelclie 1 soakin,^s aud death inflicted on them. This may all suuu I exa.-geration tu owners of large places, where there is a g fid furcm m fm- Lai;b depart- ment, and a first-rate man at tbe he i i ■■■ t I , iMit ii ia pe - fectly true in the average size 1 ,1' :, n i a JJ;)j to 1 of the large. It is not a tiin<- i > i i '»jdi i^ ill when the gardening tide ii fairly an i . ui 1 in tne right, outof-door-plaiit direetiun. r>;..i;. 1 ,..i. u perceived symptoms of carrying out the lieddiug tsystem vnu. tucspr^nr garden in this respect, viz.. an iiiciuati.n ti- ci cum-.ciii)B Mie variety of plants emi loyed, and n.ercli increan.. tU'j qua i it of a Umited list. Now, fur the i ia,s,s ut gar lell^ tbis i.- a f a il mistake. The only limits ah ail Ibe th ise i-f a^il and .-itu itio . One of the many comforts uf a a. nail g..rdcn i-, tliit a uiruiip of half-a-dozen plants tells, and lias the cff-ct require I, nay even three, or one possibly. Hitlier.o. in my travels, it b ts never boon in the largest places that I have seen the gieatcst variety of plants, or bad to linger longest— putting aside glass and bedding stuff ; but I believe tbi.i will in a few years be no longer a t'ue remark. Mr. Fleming, in his "Spring and Winter Gardeninsr," says -"In dark redciiloured leaves we have as yet no match foi tbe summer Porilla ; " and Mr. Thomson, in his " Handy-book uf the Flower Garden," — "Spring is certainly deficient in dark-foliaged plants," but the Plautago major, fob purpureis, named by the former, and the dark-lcLived Ajuga by the latter, are not to be compared in usefulness, earUness, or beauty to tho Houchera (authorities differ aa to its specific name), leaves of which I enclose. (A plant with pretty chofolate-red leaves. Eos.J We use it the whole year round, indoors as well as out. For ei^ht weeks past the leaves have been in tho condition now sent. Dy summer these leaves lose the reddish colour, and have a most beautiful shaded and metallic lustre, pa'ticularly visible when planted so that the sunlight shines through them. We had a border last season, 2) yards long, with three rows of plants ; every other plant in these three rows was this tieuchera. and I tided it with every colour, and all variegations, and it suited in every ca.se. For single plants in the mixed borders it is most useful, and there was a bed edgod with a double row of the following ; — Arabia albida van, SLlone Schafti, Heucbera, and Viola cor- nuta, which hid an excellent effect. It is invaluable for mixing with cut flowers, lasts long in water or sand, and is very useful for Mr. March's glasses. This is a plant seldom seen out of botanic gardens, and never fur decorative purposes. Belnif perfectly hardy, and having no fault here at least, I am anxious that it be quickly known. I had the pleasure of giving it to Mr. Ingram the other day, who at once saw he required it. Since writing the above I have read with much interest, in the Gardeners' ChronicU (p. 347), the true account of Belvoir and the Kales there. It is a pity that " doctors differ as to soil," particularly when there is only a fence between their l.^nd — soil and situation identical. .Mr. Thomson. I believe, judges from what he heard and saw here : he does not grow variegated Borecoles hlnxself. Mr. Robertson's nursery marches with our piece of land, and only last week we were discussing the point of rich or poor suil. Neither convinced tho other. I ended by saying "Let people try for themselves both plana, aud judge for themselvos ; " he, " Your soil Is richer than you think." The natural weed of the land is Spurrey : we dare not trench, as the wretched yellow sand, full of iron, IC inches below the surface, would then be brought up. Our Potato crops keep well, and have very little disease, and the tubers are always more or loss affected with scab. The name of the neighbouring farm is Windlestrawlee, not suggestive to a S-otch ear of a rich soil ! The eighth of an acre, which we set aside for the variegated Kale, generally gets vegetable compost merely, with a sprinkling of farmyard manure, and never has the heavy dungings nor drainings from the byro which our kitchen garden crops must have on the opposite side of the farm. This winter it has got a heavy liming and fresh soil, as out of the 150(> to 2000 plants required to fill the beds, not a dozen were nnclubbed; and from tho stunted small condition of the plants we could not fill all the beds in our usual way. In some instances I had to put half-a-dozen plants togethf r to make a respectable head. Still Mr. Robertson's remark, when he came in December to see how wo were loukin^i-, was, " You are as good as ever ;" aud I euclose Mr. Gorrie's favourable notice nf the garden in January. Mr. Robertson has personally taken greater interest in the vai legated Kales than any other of the Edinburgh nursery- men, and saves his own seed, but growing in rich soil did not enable him to fulfil his ongigomeDt to fill certain beds in one of the public gardens iu r)Iiuburgh this winter. Rich soil can easily make large handsome specimens, but I cannot a^mitthat it brings out tbe culours of weakly variegated plants. It does no barm to a plant to make known its faults anil failinj^a ; quite the contrary. Mr. Ingram told me that he has to bo cautious in tho use of the Kales, and keep tbem back frum the principal walks, owiu< tothe moistaud shady situation of the gardens. Certainly I never knew the advantages of our dry unsheltered garden for growing in perfei;tiun tho Kales so sensibly as when atandin^j before tbe "effective mass of purple Kales " at Belvoir. Mr. Ingnim was preparing for their removal, and no beauty or colour or form cuuld make up for their offensive smell. A fox which had happened to cross tho path was refreshing after it. In small gardens the decaying leaves can be easily removed of cuurae, but it was a cuuncer balance this winter to the stunted plants and continual gales that I had only once to piek over tho beds. Keen as I am about Kales, I cannot like them in conjunction with flowers ; why, I do not exactly know. They do not look so well to my taste when the early bulb edgings come into bloom, even although there are broad divisions of foliage between them. Still that is a m itter of taste, and Crocuses are tho latest flowers that need be associ- ated with them. P. /. //., Wardie Lodge, Ediuhargh, April 10. 5?Dme CoiTCsponaencc. The New Coleus. Name! Name!!!— The nomen- clature qut'Sbioa turns up a^uiu, in a somovvhat mvkward furiu, ia relation to the new Coleus alluded to III your last issue. As tliere recorded, it is ex[)ressly stated that C. Berkeleii and the other forms meutioned are hybrids, and their parentage is duly ^iven^ but in Ihti course of a liitle while these names willf^et into the calaloi^ues, perhaps even will find their way into butaniual works, and we may be quite sure that the yi nealogical data will uDt be always repealed, so that tiiaie will then be noihiu'.^ to prevent the ingenuous tyro, who may not happen to possess the Gardeners' Chronicle of April 11. 1363, f'roin considering the plants named as genuine species,' turned out of Nature's mint, without the co-operation of M. liause, or other hybridist. But this is not all. ill AI. De CandoUe's code we are told that known liyhrids are to be designated by the generic name, to wliir.h is to be added a uonibinatioa of the specitie iiani"^s of the two species Iroin which they are derived, the iiam^- of the species that has supplied the pollen briing placed first (not following tlie rule courteous ' place aax dames" but rather the rule grammatical, the inaiculine is more worthy than the feminine) ; so that if we adhere to M, Do Canlolle's suggestion, as in Coiu-ressadopted, th« uometiclature of Coleus Berkeleii ibuve-mentioned should be Coleus Veitchio-Verschaf- feli.ii. To say nothing of the uncouth cumbrousness <»r .such a name as that, there is this fatal objection to it, that the next hybrid on the list, *' C. Marshallii," owes its origin to a crosn between the self-same parents t lat produced Berke'eii. X> *m. lierkelems and Doin. M ifslialliu-iarecleady twin b utbers, arcorfe« amio, and ti l.)il.)vv the CiMd'iib'iiti plan would be to have one appj latioQ for two plants. As if this were not bad enough we hud Mr. Wilson Saunders, Mr. Dix, M. Biuse himself, and Mr. Wilson, or at any rate the plants that are named after them, all derived from the same parentage. Coleus Veitchio-Versuhuffcltii has evidently a good deal to answer for. Clearly then, in this case, obedience to the law laid down in Paris is impracticable. The case might be met by the universal adoption of the sign x before the name ; thus, x Coleus Berkeleii might be taken as evidence of the hybrid origin of the plant so named (we hope no one would imagiue, from the sign of the cross prefixed to his name, that our excellent coadjutor had joined the Church of Rome !). To this plan, however, there is this objection, that the Can- dollean code, Art. 37, expressly says that the prefix X to a single specihc name is to indicate a hybrid of doubtful origin. Now, no one could insinuate that the plant C. Berkeleii was of doubtful origin, because its birth is duly attested and registered. More could not be done were it the reverend gentleman himself whose pedigree was in question. As there are, therefore, manifold objections to all the plans above proposed, as widl as the one actually adopted, we are led to ask \\ hy the florists' plan of nomenclature was not adhered to in this case? No one could have mistaken such names as Coleus M. J. Berkeley, Coleus Wilson Saunders, for the names of species, no infraction of recent statutes would have taken place. If no information were thus conveyed, at least nobody coiald be led astray as to the nature of the plants in question. As this cannot now be carried out, pray impress upon cataloguers the necessity of writing the syllable hybr. after the name; thn«, CoIpus Berkeleii, hi/br. Registrar. Myosotis alpastria. — Of all the beauties of tho spring, I pronounce this to be the most beautiful. Coming into blossom in the open ground in the middle of February, it throws the blue of the Violet and the more exquisite ccerulean of the Venus' Navelwort entirely mto the shade. Iu colour it extends over a wide range, from the exquisite blue of the lovely palustris to the deep pink of a blushing red rose. Some plants aro wholly blue, of the deepest shades; others are blues of lighter colours, while some are entirely pink or red, but the majority have pink and blue intermixed, blended or shaded oflf in the most capricious or regular manner, all on the same roots. At times we have here a blue branch and there a pink one iu the most violent contrast, and again the two colours merge, blend, or melt almost insensibly into each other. There is another curious fact about the colouring: all the plants that seem to have been stunted in their growth are wholly of a deep pink or red colour, without a shade of blue. Such dwarfed plants bear possibly a proportion of 10 per cent, to the entire stock, and their colouring is uniformly pink or red. How they came to assume their stunted, dwarfed form is at present as much a mystery to me as their radical difference of colour from the others. All grew side by side on the same ground : all received exactly the same treatment; and yet the^e marked diffdreuces of habit and colouring were developed. I commend this matter to the attention of the profound genius of Mr. Berkeley, or to that of the new Scien- tific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, and will be pleased to forward specimens partaking of both characteristics to either Mr. Berkeley or the Committee, or both, if desired. Possibly a few remarks upon the culture of this lovely Myosotis may be acceptable here. I received the plant originally from my brother, Mr. Robert Fish, of Putteridge Bury, Luton, Beds, some two or three years ago. It was planted in our Fernery, and attracted my notice last spring by the earliness and beauty of its blo.s.soms. It was torn to pieces about the middle of April last year, and every little branch planted on rich soli. About the end of August these branches had become little dense compact tufts. These tufts were agam taken up, separated, and replanted on a rich border fully exposed to the sun. Once more the plants grew and developed into fine healthy tufts, averaging from 6 inches to 1 foot across. At the end of January th^y were observed to be knotted all over with blossom buds. A couple of dozen of them were potted, placed into a gentle warmth, in which they expanded their blossoms in about 10 days, and have continued till now, the 26th of March, to be the most beautiful and delicate colour in our conservatory. The neatness of habit, profusion of blossom— literally sheets of exquisite colouring, and effectiveness in bouquets, raise this humble plant to the first rank of usefulness and beauty as a forced flower, if such a modicum of heat as these received deserved the name of forcing. The general stock of plants remained in the border on which they grew until the middle of February, when numbers of them were dotted about in the Fernery, among Aconites, Snow- drops, Violets, and Primroses, with the best eflect. More recently the entire stock has been transferred to a small suh-alpine garden in connection with the Fernery. Here they have been planted iu masses ia contrast with other spring flowers, and they still far exceed allothers in beauty. Since their removal to their new quarters they have been covered with snow, battered by hail, and twice nipped with six degrees of a cold black windy frost. The only effect of this biting treatment that I have observed, is that the flr)Wtirs become a little more suffused with pink. The plant itself seems quite hardy, and apart from its value as an early decorative plant of the highest order of merit, it will surely be welcomed by thousands of youth "ul readers as indeed a treasure of the very dearest kind. as it will extend the vivifying reign of the magcal Forget-me-not into the cold bosom of winter itself. D. T. Flsh,FR.H.S. Bronze and Gold Zonal Pelargoniums.— My opinion of these as pUnts for conservatory decoration diflers from that ot Mr. Wills, as I Qnd that they lose much of their leaf beautv ia the winter months and have a Apkil 19, 18GS.] THE UAHDENERS' CIIIIONIOLK AKI) AGRlCULTmUL GAZETTE. 407 sickly hue, and when (in summer) under glass tliey do not assume that rich colour of foliage which they do when planted out and fully exposed to bright sun- shine. It is the same with the variegated zonal, and in many of the latter I fear we have not suflioient vigour of growth for them to become serviceable as bedders. It is of the first importance in breeding either of the above to select a vigorous-growing green sort, having a large thick leal, and a zone well- defined and well in, so as to give plenty of leaf margin for colour. So satisfied was I of the importance of this, that I have been as particular in selecting the green parent as 1 have been in the selection of the variegated varieties to cross with it, and the result is I have succeeded in raising from a zonal seedling of my own one of the best marked and most vigorous variegated zonals I have yet seen. I send you one of the green leaves with this, in order that you may see that it is of great substance, and with it a leaf just breaking into variegation, and another of perfect marking bred from it, tlie stems of which measure IJ inch round, 60 that you may judge of its vigour. I shall be glad of your opinion of its merits. J. Shejspard, Or. to J. JSeniers, Esq., Wol version Park. [A brightly-coloured golden variegated zonal, apparently one of a vigorous constitution, and likely to prove a valuable acquisi- tion. Eds.] Hybrid Coleus.— The interest attaching to these remarkable plants would be much enhanced if M. Bause or some other competent person would let us into the secret of their production. For instance, according to the pedigree published at p. 37G, several of these forms were obtained from precisely the same cross. If this be so, I should be not a,', little curious to know how such diverse results were obtained. Coleus, like most of the Labiatie, has two sets of stauiens, long and short. Is there any difference in the result, according as the pollen is taken from the long or the short stamens ? Now that we are looking for the establishment of a Scientific Committee, we shall assuredly not remain satisfied with the success, great as it is, of a practical hybridiser ; but we shall want to know a little more of the how, why, and because, with the view ultimately of eliminating the uncertainty which at present attends such operations, and of producing, so far as may be possible, a wished- for form at will. This is taking the cui bono view of the question, but in a scientific point of view (a cui bono matter also, but less directly) there are numerous points of interest which we may e.xpect a scientific society to look into, though we could hardly e.tpect such attention on the part of the man of business who has to look to immediate results ; but how much trouble and labour he might be saved if the Society could unravel some of the many mysteries attendant upon hybridisation. As a means of augmenting revenue, the sale of the Coleus may be justifiable and expedient, but the Society will earn more lasting grati- tude if it follow the course here suggested, or an analogous one. Mistiis. Scillas. — I send you a bulb, with its flower, of Scilla verna, at least I think it is, although it is not nearly so vernal as Scilla bifolia. I have for some 50 years been a cultivator — no, not a cultivator, for they detest culture— of Soillas, and in the language of florists I am a Scilla lover, and can boast of a most abundant stock of the following species and varieties : — 1, Scilla bifolia, the earliest of all ; 3, S. bifolia rubra, the next earliest, and a very pretty pink gem it is ; 3, S. bifolia alba, the latest blooming of the three varieties : this is generally on the point of fading when that glory of the far north, S. sibirica (the Siberian Violet— it really has a delicate perfume early in the day), puts forth its abundant azure blossoms. Scilla verna, the rather insignificant flower of which, and a bulb, I now send, with another species which has long been here under the name of S. amoena, with its pretty white eye, put forth their flowers just as those of S. sibirica are failing. What a splendid show I have had of the last-named species I two beds, in the aggregate some -ID feet long and 4 feet wide, have been masses of bloom, and most brilliant. They have occupied their present position about 10 years, and have never been disturbed; the only culture they have received, if it oau be called so, has been to give them a surface dressing of rotten manure and mould, towards the end of May, from 2 to 3 inches in depth, and then to plant between the rows varie- gated and scarlet Pelargoniums, which form a charm- ing successional crop. The beds of S. bifolia and other species of Scilla are treated in the same manner ; they seem to flourish under this treatment, for the bunches of bulbs number from 10 to 20 in each group, and annually increase in size. The soil they are growing in is of a stiff, dark, clayey nature, resting on hard, calcareous clay ; and this reminds me of what I have read, that some of the desert plains in Northern Syria are of hard clay, which in February and March are covered with the gay flowers of numerous bulbous plants, and in May and during the summer are so hard and sterile as to be true deserts, without a flower, or tree, or shrub. I have seen the like of this picture here, for some 40 years since or more a large piece of ground, some 30 rods in extent, of the stiff dark soil I have mentioned above, was devoted to the culture of bulbs— perennial bulbs, as we used to call them; they consisted of all the varieties of Fritil- larias. Crown Imperials, Persian Irises, Hyacinthus monstrosus (the Feathered Hyacinth), H. Muscari, winter Aconites, Colohicums, double and single, and many other old-fashioned bulbous flowers. The ground was never dug, and as far as my memory serves me, they existed undi-sturbed for 30 years or more, every season coming forth with undiminished vigour. 1 remember particularly one bed of Persian Iris, GO feet long, in which every plant was a mass of flowers, and then there were beds of the varieties of Irispumila, the white, yellow, dark blue, and light blue, which annually were most brilliant and beautiful. Anemones seemed also to like this pure undisturbed soil, for I have never since seen such magnificent beds of the varieties of the double scarlet. Well, in Juno anrl July I was always reminded of what I havo read about the hard Syrian deserts, for then the bulb ground here was bare, dusty, and desert-like. T. R. [Tour StjiUa verna is S.italica. 2. is S. amceoa. Eds.] Mowing Machines.— Six years ago I took charge of a jilace at which the lawn had been newly laid, not with turf but with seed, and a wretched, coarse, weedy affair it was. The seed had not been obtained from one of our great seed houses, but from a local establishment, and its product seemed to be about as unfit for a lawn as possible. So thin was the bottom that no satisfac- tory work could bo made with the mowing machine, and it was always necessary to run the scythe over it afterwards. At a favourable season, however, some road grit was obtained and lightly dressed over the surface. A mixture of fine Grass seed and Clover was sown over it, and .as it came up pretty well an improved appearance gradually came over the lawn, and in a year or so the bottom had become so much finer tliat the scythe could be dispensed with altogether, and so great has been the improvement since that it was the subject of the highest commendation of all who had been con- versant with its former state. Well, I do not think that this great change could possibly havo been brought about solely by scythe cutting ; I attri- bute to a judicious and careful use of the mowing machine the chief of the credit for the improvement produced, and it has satisfied me beyond the possibility of a doubt that for the production of good work com- bined with ease, facility, and cleanliness, a good machine will always beat the scythe. The machine with which I produced such satisfactory results was one of Shanks' IG-inch hand machines for a man and boy to work, but although I had such good reason to be satisfied with what it bad done I had many faults to find with it, and these I will detail : first, it was very noisy, so much so that when visitors have stepped in at the house the machine has had to be stopped, because of the annoyance. The motive power is con- vej^ed to the knives through numerous cog-wheels, and it is the action of these that makes the clatter : I consider the production of much noise in any machine to be a radical defect. Then, in consequence of the multiplicity of cogs and spindles, the motive power required to work it was much greater than was necessary, making it very hard work indeed. For the same reason also there was a greater liability to derangement in the machine, consequently entailing a greater expense in the repairs. The manner in which the joints and oil holes are left exposed to the action of dirt or grit is also a great drawback, and in spite of continuous oiling produces much greater wear of material than is necessary, the spring required to be used to throw oflf the knives is also too complicated, and should be made if possible self-acting. Indeed, makers cannot too closely study the combination of simplicity, strength and utility in the production of their machines. These are the chief faults I have to find with Shanks' machine; it has, however, its merits. When properly set I have never seen its work sur- passed ; the material is stout and strong, the knives especially being of a strength and thickness that con- trasts favourably with those of many other machines, and I have found them clip a stone to pieces without injury. I also like tbo stiff iron pull better than the usual one of rope, I have found that it helps to keep the machine much more steady in its work, and is of much service where only one person is work- ing it, as the operator can back it and pull it at will. A very difierent machine from this is Birnard's, of Norwich ; this is the simplest in construction I have met with, the motive power being conveyed through friction by the use on eitber side of india-rubber bands fixed round small driving wheels, with flanges, so as to retain the bands in their proper places ; these, again, are closely boxed in, so that the axles are quite protected from grit and injury. This machine is very noiseless in its working, and is driven with compara- tive ease. The bands require renewal about once in the year. The chief objections I have to this contrivance are the thinness of the knives, which are soon broken or bent, and the width of the box projections on either side these prevent the machine doing its work nicely close up to flower beds without damage to the edgings ; in other respects I think it to be a good midline. These are the only two mowers which I have personally worked, and I have spoken of them as I have found them ; it is for others to do the same in relation to their machines. Practical gardeners are the best judges in this matter, because the every-day use of them assists in the discovery of merits or defects more speedily and effectually than can bo done in a mere comparative trial. Tliere is just one other matter in relation to the working of hand-machines to which I wish to advert : it is the customary practice when mowing a lawn to cut backwards and forwards in straight lines. Tbis mode of working produces many unnecessary stoppages, and also leaves behind it the very objectionable appearance of marks of the machine's course upon the Grass. The invariable practice with me when I commenced mowing was to start all round the outside edge of the lawn, and so keep working in circles, cutting out bods, trees, or other obstacles, as they came in the way, and thus gradually contracting the space to be mowed until all was cut. The advan- tages of this mode of cutting are, that you may keep on driving until the box is full, and in no case are the objectionable markings left behind. I have always found lawns so cut look much neater and more pleasing to the eye than others managed on the straight line fashion. A. D. Exhibiting Hyacinths.- Tour correspondent, Mr. W. Dean (see p. 379), thinks that pinning tlie pips of a Ilyacinth spike is a very small olTenoe, while pin- ning a Dahlia bloom is an unpardonable sin. My opinion is that the former is much more censurable than the latter, inasmuch as pinning the pips of a Ilj'acinth spike is an attempt to impart finish and sym- metry by artificial means, when such could not bo attained, though it ought to bo. by good cultivation, whereas pinning the florets of a Dahlia interferes in no way vyith the quality of the flower, but enables an exhibitor to stage his blooms in as good condition .50 miles from homo as he could do at home, and on that account I think that while there is no tenableargumentia favour of pinning Hyacinths, the question as to whether or not it should be done to Dahlias admits of dispute. There are, however, in Hyacinth showing other and equally bad practices, carried on at least in the West of Scotland, One of the chief properties of a good Hya- cinth is to have short, stiff, erect foliage ; another is to have a dwarf, stout footstalk, and at Glasgow show, to secure these qualities, it is a very common practice to repot the Hyacinth intended for competing on tlio day before the show, putting the bulb on the very bottom of a pot, and while filling the pot with soil great care is exercised in keeping the foliage in proper position, and a good supply of water is applied to prevent flagging. A similar practice is carried on with Tulips, Polyan- thus Narcissi, Lily of the Valley, &c. In these, one of the principal requisites being to have a profusion of bloom, competitors ransack perhaps a dozen of pots, and take all the best of the lot to make up one pot. So common has this become, that the committee (who are mostly competitors themselves) have actually sanctioned the practice, and have inserted the following in the prize list viz., " Bulbs not necessarily shown in the pots in which they were grown, but must be entire." It is astonishing and almost incredible that a society of such importance and influence should lend itself to such an utterly unworthy proceeding. In doing so the Society, instead of encouraging good cultivation, offers a direct premium to all sorts of artificial and sleight-of-hand tricks, Perhaps your opinion, or that of some of our leading southern growers, on this subject would raise the standard of horticultural morality in the North. Scotch Rustic. Hedge Knives. — In 1Sj5, in consequence of infortna- tion from your correspondents (pp. 53J and 5G3), I procured from Mr. Sanderson, of Duuse, a set of the best hedge knives, and have used them ever since. A neighbour now .asks me to get a set for him. I write to Mr. Sanderson, and ray letter is returned to me by the Post Office, marked "dead." I must, therefore, ask your northern correspondents who know how to out hedges, to tell me where those who best practise the art have found the best tools since the death of Mr. Sanderson, of Dunse. Di^s. Stillingia sebifera.— I hive some seeds of this plant. Will you kindly favour ma with somo informitioQ as to its nature, and the proper mode of sowing and rearing it? Dis.9. [A stove plant, of very easy culture. Eds.] Triteleiauniflora. — Docultivatorsgrowthis beautiful spring flower? If not, let them gat it. In the autumn of 1363 I obtained a few bulbs of it, and planted them in an exposed situation, using a soil composed for the most part of scrapings from a granite road. Last spring I got one or two flowers from a few of them ; but this spring they give me bloom after bloom with an exquisite tint on a white ground, as delicate and charming as a spring flower can be well conceived to be. The bulbs should remain in the ground undis- turbed, they could therefore be planted in patches as desired. The Triteleia can also be grown in pots in a cold pit. Strong bulbs of it will bloom freely, and mike an ettective display. E. W. Woburn Perennial Kale. — A short time ago we wrote you regarding the Woburn Kale, since which we have had many inquiries respecting it, and wa therefore offer the following notes for general informa- tion :— We consider the Woburn Kale likely to prove the basis of a new tribe of " Perennial Variegated Kales." The Woburn has been crossed with the common variegated Kale, but it remiins yet to be seen if the hybrids possess perennial properties, and that they will preserve their colours all the season through. Mr. Melville exhibited these hybrids lately before the Committee of the Riyal Horticultural Society, and we understand from him that he intends to do so again during the ensuing summer. Should he be able to do so, it will prove that they have not the same tendency to run to seed which the old sort has. We extract the following description of the Woburn Kale from the " Farmer :"— " Perennial fringed or Woburn Kale. — A handsome many-branched woody- stemmed variety, 5 to 8 feet in height, with finely and very deeply-fringed and curled dark purplish-green leaves; it lasts from five to ten years, if secured against injury from winds and unusually severe frosts ; pro- duces flowers and seeds very sp.aringly, and as these last are apt to yield spurious plants, it is usually pro- pagated by planting cuttings of the stems and branches. It is a very effective ornamental variety, and, according to the 'Hortus Graminous Woburnensis,' not inferior to the best kinds of greens or Kale for both the table and farm purposes." Stuart .?• Mein, Kelso. Yellow-leaved Savoy. — The yellow-leaved Savoy which your correspondent refers to (p. 321) is well- known in Germany as the Blumenthal (not " Bloe- meodaal"). We havo grown it for some years for kitchen use, and find it an excellent vegetable. It occurred to us that its clear, bright yellow colour might be imparted to the pure white variegated Kale, so as to get the latter with the yellow hue. We hybridised the two, and the enclosed leaves will show the result. It is curious how the coloured sort should havo come amongst them. Stuart Sc Mein, Kelso. [There is a decided tinge of yellow in many of the leaves sent. Lds. J Wasps and Files in Vineries. — In reference to Mr. J. Simpson's sensible letter on this subject at p 373 I may add that I had intended to reconimend the capture and destru;tion of the flies outside by 408 THE GAUDMERS' CMONTCLE AND AGEICUTTimAT. GAZETTE. [Apbil is, 18G8, the use of bottles as described by him. We adopt the system extensively on our fruit walls, and bottle pecks of flies and wasps in consequence. Placed outside near to Vineries a good many of the flies will flnd their way into them ; but upon a balance of chances I came to the conclusion that the bottles did more harm in such positions by acting as decoys to the passing flies, than pood, by the numbers that they allured to a miserable death by drowning; whereas inside I never found the bottles of the slightest use in the presence of good Grapes. The flies seemed to have come for them, and have them they would — sweet, sour, or sugared beer notwithstanding. For all other positions, excepting the inside of Vineries full of ripe Grapes, I highly approve of Mr. Simpson's bottles, and have used them with destructive force on these greedy pests for years. D. T. Fish, F.R.H.S. Nothing IS more easy than this if proper means be adopted. Your correspondent (see p. 350) just hints at the kind of protection i am about to describe more definitely, after some years' experience of its iierfect success. The essential article is galvanised iron gauze, through which no fly can enter. My chief Vinery is Sir J. Paxton's patent, which is formed of two ventilating doors which fold back, or are propped open partially as may be required. The sheets of gauze are fastened permanently on the inside and across the opening of every alternate door, either of the upper or lower half of the roofs. When the Grapes are nearly ripening, all the ventilators are kept permanently closed to which the gauze has not been fixed. The gardener must take care to keep the door closed after him thenceforward. In the house to which I have referred I have never found wasps or flies, nor have I seen any Grapes damaged since the gauze was fixed, some years ago. The lowest ventilators are mere square openings in the wall on which the roof rests, with doors ■which open outwards; these openings have a gauze covering over the frame on the inside. Though this protection is efl*ected at the least cost and trouble in the roof I have described, I see no difficulty in its application to any ordinary roof with sliding sashes, and where once placed it will last for years, and need never be moved. Charles Lawrence, Cirencester. Purple Hoses. — We want true purples. We have maroon and plum purples. Schismaker, which on expansion is a true slate, is a pure purple before expansion. I have it here; it is a very curious Rose. The only other summer Rose here is Madame Zout- nian, still one of our best white Roses. It Is an improved Comte Plater. W. F. Eadcli/ffe. New Hybrids of Coleus.— A catalogue, announcing the sale of these beautiful novelties, has reached me, and 1 trust I may be allowed to say that in its present form it is not satisfactory. To disperse this fine collec- tion will be to mislead the public, and so far as the Royal Horticultural Society is concerned, to depreciate the value of their property ; for the value of the plants will certainly be very much reduced in the estimation of each purchaser, who only secures a portion of the stock, whereas purchasers would be much more inclined to ofl'er a large price for the whole collection put up in one lot, if they were assured that the whole of the surplus stock of seedlings remaining beyond the 12 varieties to be sold, would either be destroyed, or sold to the purchaser of the collection at a nominal sum. There is nothing unreasonable in the clause that the purchaser of one or more of the varieties will have to present to the Royal Horticultural Society a plant of each on its first distribution. My present object is to suggest that the Council of the Society should either put an advertisement in the Times newspaper on Monday the 20th, or furnish Mr. Stevens with instructions to forward a circular at once to all , the persons most likely to purchase this beautiful set of plants, announcing that the whole would be offered in "one lot." This, I am sure, would prevent much confusion, and be the means of their realising a much larger sum than they will do if oflfered singly. J. Wills, F.R.H.S., Ashhurnham Park Nursery^ King's Road, Chelsea, S. W., April 15. Pears.— Certainly "Pari Passu's" standard of quality in Pears is a very high one, but as it entirely (or nearly so) agrees with my own, I of course think him a most excellent j udge. The exceptions I have to his standard are— first, that he excludes the Seckel, which in some seasons is so unapproachable in flavour as to deserve to remain in the list, notwithstanding its want of size; and the Beurre Ranee, which, from the Vicar of Whalley's garden, far surpasses any other Pear of its season which I have had the pleasure of tasting. If I may be allowed to give a hint to one who is such a judge, and if, unlike me, he has a chance of a good many years before him, I would recommend to him to try a cross between the Marie Louise and the old Swan Egg. I think if the flavour of these two Pears could be judiciously blended, the result would be the produc- tion of a Pear which, for flavour and piquancy, would far excel all Pears hitherto brought out— at least such is my judgment. T. (?., Clitheroe. Societies. Glasgow and West of Scotland Horticultural: March 25.— The opening exhibition of the season was held as usual in the City Hall. Quantities of specimen plants were tabled, which, along with the numerous and varied hues of Hyacinths and other Dutch bulbs, produced a very imposing tout ensemble. The orchestra and galleries were on this occasion much more freely decorated than usual, from a judicious combination of fine-flowered specimen plants. The Azaleas, Camellias, Deutzias, and varieties of Ferns that could bear individual inspection, were set at intervals in fine samples of pottery, furnished for the occasion by the Garnkirk Co. Confronting these was a table of miscellaneous plants, from Messrs. Austin & M'Aslan, among which were several good Azaleas, Khododendrons, and several plants of Cinerarias and Dutch bulbs. Interspersed among these again were capital repre- entationa in fire clay of stumps of trees, suitable for Ferns and Club Mosses, from J. q., of Viewpark, Bothwell ; Mr. Boyd, gr. to T. D. Finlay, Esq., of Easterhill ; Mr. Jas. Graham, gr. to Sir A. L. Campbell, Garscube ; Mr. James Forbes, gr., Beechwood ; and Mr. George Russel, Mount Vernon. Tlie whole of the plants contributed by tttese gentle- men were very profuse in blossom, and being all medium- sized, had a freshness about them not often seen in Lirge specimens. The best sorts were Criterion, Alexander II., Model, Roi Leopold, Perryana, Empress Eug<5nie, Chelsoni, Alba magnifica, and Beauty of Europe. An attempt was made to vary the usual pyramidal formation by offering a set of prizes for bush specimens, and there were a considerable number of entries in response, but the varieties had not the same effect as when seen in handsome undulating pyramids. The Azalea is as much e^i deshabille as the Fuchsia when trained in any other way than that of a pyramid. In general collections of plants there was a considerable falling off in point of the larger and rarer specimens, b\it a general neatness pervaded the whole of the tables, which seemed to give satisfaction to the thousands of visitors. The most meritorious collections were those of Mr. P. M'Kenzie, nurseryman ; Mr. Neil Campbell, gr., Cathcart ; and Mr. Alex. Walker, gr. to Thos. Bill, Esq., Merrylee House. In the first-named coUection were several specimen Azaleas, along with some of the newer varieties in small plants, the best of which were Donna Maria, a rather good-looking carna- tion variety ; Papilionacea, a good shaded red ; and the showy Madame Verschaffelt. These, along with Camellias, Ferns, and a few of such Orchids as Lycaste Skinneri, Odontoglossum maculatum, Dendrobinm aggregatura, and Odontoglossum Insleayi, had a very good effect. Mr. Campbell had a very showy table, consisting in good part of soft-wooded specimi such as some of the best Cinerarias and the best fimbriated Primroses, which made a good frontage to some Heaths and Azaleas of larger dimensions. Mr. Walker had a very fine specimen of the most useful of all the spring flowering Acacias— Drum mondii, in excellent flower, and a noble plant of an Orange in fruit— a pyramid some 7 feet high, and of adequate proportions, and several things of less importance. Orchids were limited in point of numbers, but the plants exhibited by Mr. Allan Henderson, gr. to A. G. Kldston, Esq., of Newton House, were large and well-managed plants. Fhalsenopsis amabilis had some eight leaves and a very long branching raceme. Oncidium luridum guttatura was an extra fine form of that species, and a moat effective plant as so shown. Vanda suavis and Phalsenopsis Schilleriana were both good plants, all from the same grower. Camellias, shown by Mr. Walker, by Mr. James Buchanan, gr., Lochbrae, and by Mr. Boyd, Easterhill, were all medium- sized plants, in better bloom and in better condition than we have ever seen them in Glasgow. The sorts were all choice, and the plants were a general theme of remark. Sarah Frost, Fimbriata, Saccoi nova, and a variety after the character of Lady Belhaven, were the beat. Rhododendrons were admirably bloomed, although some of the surta were not of the finest character. Mr. Boyd, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Graham took position among a host of exhi- bitors. The other miscellaneous hard-wooded plants were showy, but do not call for any special remark. In sof t- wooded plants, Cinerariaa were conspicuous. Those fromMr. Neil Glass, gr. to J. G. Bolton, Esq., Carbrook, Larbert, and from Mr. Neil Campbell were extra weU grown and bloomed plants : the following varieties were the most pro- minent:— Oracle, a large flower, with a striking white disc ; Purple Perfection, Duchess of Sutherland, Fire Queen, and Midshipman. The fimbriated Primroses were in great masses, each bloom as large as a five-shilling piece, and reflecting much credit on Mr. James Forbes and on Mr. M. Campbell, gr,, of Cauldslie Caatle. The Dutch bulbs were a large and most interesting display, The 1st and 2d prize Hyacinths, in all the classes, were fully superior to the beat efforts of former years. In the Nursery- man's Class, Mr. P. M'Kenzio, Gordon Street, had the best, and Messrs. J. & A. Cairncross, Hamilton, the 2d. The best out of both these, stands were Macaulay, Charles Dickens, Angelina, Baron Von Tuyll, Grandeur & RIerveille, Cavaignac, Howard, Koh-i-noor, Mimosa, Vesta, Lord Wellington, Von Schiller, Ornament of Nature, and Prince Albert. In the Gardeners' Class of 12, Mr, Glass, Carbrook, had by far the best in point of cultivation and arrangement, They were exhibited in rather large-sized pots, but the spikes of bloom and the broad healthy foliage were conspicuous above all others. His varieties were what we have chronicled again and again— Mont Blanc, Grandeur Jl Merveille, Von Schiller, Lord Wellington, Alba superbissima, Gigantea, Baron Von Tuyll, in both white and blue, Alba maxima, Grand Lilas, Ma&aulay, and Charles Dickens. Mr. John Wilson, an amateur residing in the suburbs of Glasgow, took 2d position here, and 1st in the open class of sixes, Ist in tho amateurs' classes, and lat for glass Hyacinths, showing the possibility of successfully competing against gardeners with no end of accommodation and a pure atmosphere. His sorts, with the exception of Emmeline, Mrs, Beec'her Stowe, Robert Steiger, Mirandoline, and Ornament of Nature, were the same as in the first collection. There was really nothing first-rate among novelties, nothing to beat the standard varieties which almost every grower staged. SolfateiTe was shown in one or two lots, but it was in monstrous condition, not even a fit companion for Madame Hodgson. Mr. Boyd, Easthill ; Mr. Gibson, Hamilton ; Mr. Forbes, Beechwood ; and Mr. Buchanan, Lochbrae, were the most successful competitors in addition to those named above. Tulips made a very grand display, and had many admirers throughout the day. Mr. A. Mclntyre, Hamilton Crescent ; Mr. Walker, and Mr. Agnew, Coatbridge, had particularly fine lots. Vermilion Brillant is one of the most showy ; Victoria, White Pottebakker, Tournesol, Imperator Rubrorum, Wapen Von Leyden, and Standard Royal are such as any one might grow. There were about a dozen of bulbs in a 10-inch pot, all neatly aiTanged and grown, so that the foliage was all that the initiated in these matters could desire. Nor were the Polyanthus Narcissi one whit behind, Grown much after the samo fashion, and ranged along in threes on one of the side tables of the hall, they presented ar unusually striking effect. Mr, Stevenson, View Park ; Mr, Agnew, and Mr. Buchanan were the winners, having Bazelman major, the largest and the best of the white sorts Gloriosa supei-ba ; Newton, one of the very best of the yellov cups ; Grand Citronnler, and Lord Canning. Amaryllis were contributed in considerable numbers, but placed as they were in the darkest part of the hall they did not produce corresponding effects, Mr. Boyd, Easterhill, had the best lot ; then followed Mr. John Grant, Port Glasgo' and Mr. Joseph Fleming, gr., Eastwood Park. The best we Clytemnestra, a large white with a slight marking of soft purple lines ; Striata, a variety very much in the way of Diadem, but not quite so effective ; insignia, after the order of Quartermaster, but finer in both form and substance ; For- mosa, a good shaded crimson interfused slightly with white ; Crocea grandiflora, Cleopatra, out of condition, and several others of less note. The Amateur's Class of the Scotch schedules, which corres- ponds with the Cottager's Class of the English schedules, was very well supported throughout. Many of them had excellent Hyacinths, TuKps, and Crocuses, and one could easily judge of tho interest that was created on overhearing animated groups discussing the awards which the jury had voted. Besides Dutch and other bulbs these persons contributed a great variety of plants, such as Camelli-aa, Azaleas, Acacias, Perns, Club- mosses, and almost everything that the pure horticulturist brings forward in the classes specially allotted to him. A very well filled Wardiau case was exhibited by Mr, Jamea KeUar, of her Majesty's Customs, which received a Label of Commendation. Extra awards were voted to Mr. M'Millan, gr. to the Right Hon. Lord Blantyre, Erskine House, for a dish of StrawbeiTies and a collection of vegetables : and also to Mr. Campbell, gr. to W. C. Stirling, Esq., of Castlemilk, for a very superior dish of French Beans. A most commendable exhibition of dried Grasses and Fei-ns, amounting to upwards of 500 sorts, was made by Mr. Alexander Watt, foreman gardener at Gariicube. So far as we were able to examine them they appeared to be accurately named. Notwithstanding the unsuitability of the weather, the rain falling fast throughout the day, the attendance of the elite of Glasgow and vicinity was much larger than on any former occasion, and the takings at the door, independent of sub- scribers' tickets and what is sold previously in the seed shops, were fully a quarter larger than on any previous open- ing exhibition. This is mainly due to the exertions of the Secretary, Mr. Hugh Campbell, who takes every opportunity of keeping the interests of the Society before the ear of the public. It may not be out of place here to note that the Directors of the Society have proved it to be to the interests of the exchequer which they cater for, to retain the services of a Secretary at a fee of 130/. per annum, with the necessary offices to can-y on the work. This fact is the most eloquent illustration that we can present of the progress of horticultural taste among the masses, and is worthy of the consideration of corresponding societies in all great commercial centres. ENTOMOLoaiCAL : March 16. — H. W. Bates, Esq., President, In the chair. Amongst the donations to the Society's library was the commencement of a new entomological periodical by the Baron Von Harold. A Lepidopterous caterpillar from Brazil was exhibited by Mr. F. Smith, received from Dr. Peckholt ; it lives in numerous societies, and forms nests on trees as large as a man's head. It was not stated, however, whether this caterpillar spins its cocoon within the nest, and consequently it could not be determined whether it was that of a butterfly or a moth. Mr, Stainton made a communication relative to a memoir by Dr. Hartmann on three kinds of moths, Grapholitha inten*uptana, and a Trochilium and Gelcchia, which he had reared from swollen twigs or galls on Juniper bushes in the neighbourhood of Munich. Mr. Bates gave an account of a proposed general catalogue of Coleopter- ous insects on the eve of publication by the Baron Von Harold. Mr. Smith read a paper originally published by members of the French Academy in 1713, and subsequently in the " Guardian " by Addison, giving a very circumstantial account of the economy of ants, which the writers stated had been observed to lay up stores of grain for food. The account was so marvellous that Mr. Smith was incredulous as to its truth, considering it was either entirely fictitious or that a small amount of fact had been ingenuously woven into a pretty story. He commented on tho general loose style of observa- tions adopted by many French writers on natural history, mentioning, for instance, M. Fabre's account of the trans- formations of the bee parasite Silaris, it which it was stated that the young larva, as soon as hatched, swam about on the surface of the honey stored by the bee, whereas it was well known that the latter only stores up the pollen of flowers. Notices of 33ooits» Dktionnaire de Pomologie. Par Andre Leroy. Vol. I., large 8vo, Cuts. (Leroy, Angers ; Williams & Nor- gate, London). The first volume of this remarkable compilation is now before the public, containing descriptions and accurate outlines of 389 varieties of Pears from A to C only ; it is of the largest 8to size, of 615 pages, and every page full of matter interesting to those who would like to know the shape and quality of every known Fear, whether good or bad ; it is said that it will require two or three more volumes of the same size to complete the hi.story and descriptions of Pears, likely to amount to nearly 2000 varie- ties. Besides the accurate outline given of every fruit, we have— 1, the synonymes ; 2, descrip- tion of the tree ; 3, its fertility ; 4, its culture ; 5, description of the fruit ; 6, its maturity ; 7, its quality, divided into three classes— first, second, and third; 8, history of the variety ; 9, observations. These are all given with great care, and much research has been employed to make the history and description of every sort perfect. To give an instance of this, we may men- tion that three of the large pages of the book are devoted to an outline and description of our Vicar of Winkfield Pear (Poire de Cure). The space occupied by the lengthened notice given to every sort may be judged of by the number of pages required to describe 389 varieties. The descriptions given to each tree are too long and monotonous, but the history, culture, and observations will be found interesting to the Pear lover. Disappointment will often be felt when, after looking at a grand figure, and reading a long description of the tree and its fruit, we come to its quality, and find it to be second or third, and consequently not worthy of cultivation or notice ; still, as a dictionary must contain a number of obsolete words, we presume that M. Leroy felt compelled to insert obsolete Pears, or Pears that ought to be in that category. This is, indeed, the stumbling-block to all the French and Belgian pomologists, for in the " Jardin Fruitier de Museum" of M. Decaisne, a work of high art, there are many varieties of fruit, figured beautifully and described carefully, that are not worthy of cultivation. This is also the case with "Le Terger" of Professor Mas ; one looks at the figures with admi- ration, and admires the care with which they are de- scribed, till the fatal word comes after quality — deuxiime. Now, we have no occasion at the present time to culti- vate any fruit of second-rate quality, unless as a market fruit, and consequently such varieties should not ArniL 18, 1863 ] THE GART)]^NErxS' CrmONTOLE AND ACTETCnLTTTEAL GAZETTE. 409 occupy valuable space, but merely have a line or two to denote their existence. We are almost inclined to regret that M. Leroy had not contined himself, in his accurate and lengthy descriptions, to first-class Pears only, amounting in the volume before us to 218, the greater number of wliich are not first-class in England, and giving a sort of index expurgatoHus of the second and third-class sorts of Pears, with a very short description of each. The book reminds us of what could be done in England with our national fruit, the Apple, of which it is calcu- lated we have some 2000 varieties. A dictionary of our Apples, with full descriptions of each variety, would, with care taken in describing the shoots, the buds, the flowers, the leaves, &c., occupy several volumes, but it is questionable if they would meet with many readers. The truth is, and we must candidly acknowledge it, we are fatigued with too many names in pomology and floriculture; and it should be the endeavour of every cultivator and author to lessen the evil by careful selection, so that a lover of gardening may arrive as quickly as possible to a knowledge of what he ought to plant. The nomenclature of the " Dictionnaire de Pomolo- gie " seems unimpeachable, and much care and research seem to have been employed ; but it is quite probable that some of the clever pomologists of Belgium will question the accuracy of some of the names given : for instance, Beurre Ranee is made Beurre de Ranee. We have but few English Peal's, consequently there is no room for criticism. The only error we can detect is in relation to our well-known variety, the Autumn Bergamot, or York Bergamot, which is made identical with the Bergamotte d'Automne of France; it is, however, very distinct, and this will account for the observation made in the " Dictionnaire," that it is very inconstant in its ripening period, often keeping till December and January, whereas our well known sort is strictly an autumn Pear. The outline of Gansel's Berga- mot, p. 239, seems incorrect, it is so totally unlike the grand specimens we so often see in Covent Garden. The historical notices attached to the descriptions of many of the above varieties of Pears will be found of much interest by the Pear amateur. Catalogues Received. — J. Salter's Descripiive Cataloffue of Chrysanthemums^ &c. : the list of hardy variegated plants in this catalogue is probably the most complete one to be met with. A. Forsyth's Descrip- tive Catalogue of CkrysanfAemvms, &c. : this contains a succinct, practical treatise on the culture of Chrysan- themums for exhibition. O. Eaiolings' Catalogue of Dahlias contains the best standard varieties. 11. Hooper's Descriptive Catalogue of Florists' Floivers : rich in Pansies, &c. Of Foreign Lists the following are before us -.—J. W. Vestal's (Cambridge, Ind.) Select Catalogue of New JPlaiits : Mr. Vestal specially offers Sweet Potato plants. linage et Schmidt, Fxtrait du Catalogue General, pour I'annee 1868. S. Jamain, Fxtrait du Catalogue General ; confined to Roses. C. Huher et Cie., Catalogue de Vegetaux. Groeneioegen Sc Co., Catalogue de flantes Nouvelles et Mares : contains be- sides novelties a good list of officinal and useful plants. A. Verschaffelt, Prix Courant pour Printemps . et Ete, 1868. nimorin-Andrieux et Cie., Supplement aux Catalogues : contains the new spotted Gloxinias. Florists' Flowers. Thanks to Mr. Turner the Aueicula yet holds a prominent position at our spring shows. When old James Hogg, an enthusiastic florist, said that the Auricula had but few rivals to contend with, he had not at that early period foreseen the many subjects that have sprung up to compete with it. Tet people hung about Mr. Turner's Auriculas at South Kensing- ton the other day, and admired them as they deserved to be admired, though it must be confessed that the newer forms of the improved alpine varieties had the greatest share of public favour. Nor is this to be won- dered at, inasmuch as they are much more lively and attractive in appearance than the grotesque forms of the show flowers. Colonel Champneys (Turner), the fine new grey-edged flower of last year, was not so good as when last seen ; but there are times when the Auri- cula grower has to mourn over an inconstancy he cannot escape. Competitor (Turner) is a new green- edged flower of great size of pip, but rough and crumpled, and forming an irregular truss. It has some good points, and very possibly may be seen again in better condition. In a collection of show kinds that were scarcely up to the mark of his usual quality, Mr. Turner had Glory (Taylor), a very fine white- edged variety, the paste and marking superb, and with the farina or powder distributed over the foliage. Conqueror (Popplewell), also a white- edged variety; Countess of Dunmore (Lightbody), ■white edge ; General Neill, one of Mr. Traill's fine green-edged flowers- Lady Jane Grey (Dixon), grey edge; Perfection (Bone), and Union (Warris), also grey edge, were all noticeable for their good qualities, and are already in commerce. Two newer, or at least rarer flowers were Bright Phcebus (Wild), the ground colour purplish black, the paste white and smooth, and narrow grey edge ; and Unique (Dickson), apparently a green-edged flower, with a ground colour of dark crimson, and smooth white paste. Really the dis- tinctions of colour on the edges of the flowers is hard to understand, as in some instances a white and a grey- edged flower greatly resemble each other; the wonder is, why the distinctions should be maintained, as they are more artificial than real. Possibly, because of the expression of this opinion, the writer will be classed among the " old humdrum, ignorant, conceited blind noodles who do little, and noodles who know little ; " this superb piece of pleasantry actually came from the pen of a fine old Auricula grower of the last generation. Mr. Turner came out in force with Alpines, thnuttli these also were destitute of the fine finish that last year's flowers had. Of these, Princess, in very fine condition, Jessie, Landseer, Selina, and Sparkler were of last year's batch. Jessie was also very fine, the colour on the broad edge of the large pips had become a rich purple, the pips were nearly of a size, and formed a good truss. The following of Mr. Turner's alpines were quite new :— Minnie, rich dark ground, with edge of violet, and large golden paste; Admiration, purplish crimson ground, and pure yellow paste ; Mabel, in the same way, but the ground colour of a brighter hue, and the paste not so large ; Sovereign, rich dark ground, with a slight margin of buff, bright yellow paste; Dazzle, a bright-looking flower, with a rosy-buff edge and yellow paste; Brilliant, a handsome and rose- looking flower, the base of the petals dark, with a broad edging of reddish maroon, yellow paste ; Meteor, fiery- red ground, with bright yellow paste, pip large, and very showy ; and Seraph, crimson violet ground, edged with pale violet, small white paste— a showy flower. Of self Auriculas, of which Mr. Turner had some good examples, there were Blackbird (Spalding), Prince Alfred (Turner), not quite so dark as the foregoing, and with smaller paste ; Alary Gray (Spalding), in the way ofPrince Alfred, but brighter on the edge ; Eliza(Sims), with more rose mingled with the dark purple ground, and therefore paler ; Eclipse (Martin), brighter still, but having a ruby crimson edge ; Mrs. Sturrock (Martin), not quite so good as Eclipse, as shown; Metropolitan (Spalding), having an attractive bright rosy violet ground, paler towards the edge ; and Canary (Turner), a bright yellow flower, somewhat rough, and having a large open eye. But yellow selfs appear to be scarce, and this must he regarded pretty well as the highest outcome of their improvement. A charming yellow Polyanthus, named Golden Prince, was shown on the 7th inst. by Messrs. E. G. Henderson. As a decorative plant for the spring garden it will be of the highest use, as the individual pips are bold and striking, the trusses large, and very freely produced. It admirably supplements some of Mr. W. Paul's pretty spring-blooming varieties. New Cinerarias came from Messrs. F. & A. Smith — about 30 varieties, a few of 186", the rest yearlings. The best was Pandora, a large flower, with a margin of broad rosy purple and white ground, and pale disc. Had the disc been dark, it would have added to its value. Other good flowers were Circe, broad violet- rose margin, white ground, pale disc, a bold but rough flower ; Magenta, a dark magenta self, with a light disc ; Mrs. Lazenby, a large flower, white ground, dark disc, and broad rosy purple edge; and Gem, white ground, dark crimson edge, with inner ring of violet- rose, and dark disc. The yearlings represented flowers that can be obtained from a packet of good seed, and that is a thing by no means diflicult to obtain. One is ready to ask, why did Mr. Mann peril the reputation of his fine zonal Pelargoniums, Lord Derby and Christahel, by sending to London young plants from a warm house, each of which had a truss of big, overgrown, irregularly-shaped flowers? By the time the Scientific Meeting closed they simply looked wretched. Mr. Stevens, of Ealing, had some young plants of his fine variegated zonal Pelargonium Mrs. Stevens, finely marked ; and Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing, had a new golden and bronze zonal named Mrs. Maynard, that appears to promise well. Two light Azaleas, seedlings from Blanche and Flower of Spring, were shown by Mr. Squibb, of Godstone, one pure white, the other slightly marked with thin flakes of scarlet. Both were free-blooming, but not in advance of existing light kinds. A variegated Azalea sport from Model, the pale green foliage edged with white, was shown by Mr. Swanborough, but surely no one wants a variegated Azalea, as just when the foliage would be at the best, it would be hidden by the flowers. A collection of English and Fancy Pansies in cut blooms, from Mr. Bragg, of Slough, were quite charm- ing, in such good condition at this season of the year, and the fine weather has helped to bring them on very fast. Some cut blooms of Mr. Kinghorn's fine Azalea Lizzie, white, with bright rosy carmine stripes, were of very fine quality ; and Messrs. F. & A. Smith had cut blooms of their new Tropteolum Mrs. Treadwell, which will no doubt soon be exhibited. S. D. Hives and Stjpees. — Tour correspondent, Mr. S. B. Pox, in his directions for the management of improved hives, lays great stress on the import- ance of removing all supers, whether furnished or not, at the close of the honey season, in order to put the stocks in the best condition for passing through the winter. I have no doubt that, as a rule, it is good practice to follow his advice, but I have seen several instances in which hives which have had their supers left on from one season to another have been remarkable for strength and forwardness. I know two instances in point at this moment ; A gentleman, owing to business engage- ments last autumn, left a super on one of his stocks, at that time thinking there was little or no honey in it. On removing the super this spring, for the purpose of inspecting the interior (if the stock box, he finds that there are about 1.5 lb. of honey in it. The stock itself is the strongest in his apiary, the combs being well supplied with broods of all ages, and stores. Another gentleman, who is very successful with his bees, obtaining more honey and swarms than any one else in his neighbourhood, always, as a rule, leaves on his uncompleted supers. His hives are usually remarkable for their strength and activity in early spring. His practice is : during the honey season, directly a full super is taken off, an empty one is substituted, and is allowed to remain on the st.i.k lliriiii(,'h the winter, with whatever comband hcmiy iii;cy Ik> worked in it. Ho never troubles himself abiiul I'xiMiiiniiig his hives in thespringorshifting bees and combs into clean hives : the most he ever does, may bo to give them a clean floor-board occasionally. I .should feel much obliged if Mr. Fox would kindly favour us with his reasons for the advice he has given. R.F. Garden Memoranda. Me. W. Dean's, Bradford Ndrsekt, Sitiplet, YoHKsnutE.— In apparently one of the least inviting suburbs of Bradford did Mr. W. Dean settle down, in the autumn of 185", to form a nursery business in Yorkshire. The spot is immediately contiguous to the collieries, and within the range of the smoke of some of the factories along that portion of the Valley of the Aire; the atmosphere also is peculiarly humid. These conditions being hostile to the cultivation of a general out-door nursery stock, glass structures have been pretty extensively erected, and in these a general collection of plants is grown. It is not intended to give a full report of the contents of the houses, but merely to glance at a few salient points noticed on the occasion of a recent visit. In the stove, which contained an interesting and healthy lot of plants, were some good specimen pans of Coccocypselum metallicura, one of M. Linden's new plants of a year or two ago. It is a fitting companion to Fittonia argyroneura; and, though somewhat at rest, it was indicative of considerable effectiveness in the stove, when its character became better developed through growth. Some seedling pans of Bertolonia margaritacea were worthy of notice ; for, though the diminutive plants were only developing the second pair of leaves, those formed had all the character of a specimen plant. Mr. Dean, finding that the plant after a year or two's growth, has a tendency to pro- duce leaves without that handsome dotting of white spots on a dark olive-green ground which makes it so attractive, treats it as an annual, by allowing it to seed, and sowing what is obtained in the early part of August. It seeds freely, but it is found necessary to assist fertilisation by the use of a camel's-hair brush. In a small house devoted to exotic Ferns, was a noticeable seedling of considerable merit. It looked like the result of a cross between Lomaria gibba and Blechnum corcovadense, and having mucb stouter fronds than L. gibba, the leafleted portion stronger and broader also. It is shortly to be produced at a meeting of the Floral Committee. The magnificent new Dipladenia amcena, the entire stock of which is in the hands of Mr. Dean, will also be seen in Loudon before long. It has already been noticed in our columns, and promises to be one of the most con- spicuous new plants of the year. The value of the Double Chinese Plum as an early flowering plant was here strikingly apparent. Some dwarf bushes in pots were literally loaded with pure white blossoms, and the fact that it remains in flower for a considerable time is an additional recommendation in its favour. Some Ixias in pots, in one of the cool houses, were remarkable for the healthy and robust habit they pos- sessed. Cultivation in pots is the only condition under which they can be bloomed at all satisfactorily in this district ; but, judging from what was seen here, the same mode of treatment should be followed in every part of the country. Those under notice had been potted into 5-inch pots about the end of October ; the compost used was a mixture of sandy loam and leaf mould, the latter in good proportion, from 10 to 12 bulbs being placed in a pot. From the first they had been kept in a cool house, for on no account must they be placed in heat. They will flower during the summer, according to the earliness or lateness of the variety. When seen the plants were from 6 to 8 inches in height, with foliage of a bright lively green, stout, compact in growth, and promising to produce fine heads of bloom, Pansies arc a special feature of Mr. Dean's business. They are grown in great quantities, and comprise all tbe newest kinds, both of the English and Fancy, or Belgian sections. Seedlings are also grown to a large extent, and the Bradford nursery is especially famous for the fine Fancy varieties it has put into commerce. They are wintered here in cold fVames. Long pits, each of 12 lights, were filled with them, and several other frames were occupied in a similar manner. This locality appears to suit them remarkably well, though they are much later in blooming hero than in the south. It used to be Mr. Turner's plan, at Slough, to sow his Pansy seed in the summer, and transplant to the blooming beds in the open ground in the autumn. At Shipley, sowing is not done till the beginning of the year, for under no circumstances could the plants live through the winter in the open ground, and all the frame accommodation is required for the named kinds. The seedlings, however, make rapid growth when transferred to the open ground, and flower early enough for their merits to be noted. The beds of named sorts are during the summer objects of some interest to Pansy fanciers, as the new kinds are obtained and compared with ihe older sorts, and their merits or demerits ascertained. Mr. Dean has just registered an improved fumigator (see page 404) for destroying insects on plants, the great recommendations of which are simplicity, dura- bility, and ett'ectual action. It was tried in two or three of the houses on the occasion of the visit which gave rise to this notice, and each was completely filled with smoke in about a tenth part of the time usually required in the old way of fumigating. A fly-wheel, acted on by a small cog-wheel placed on the exterior of the machine, turns with great rapidity some revolving fans within, which send a current ol air upward into a funnel-shaped receptacle contammg 410 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 18, the tobacco paper, or whatever else may be employed for the purpose. A dease and coatinuous column of smoke, having a diameter of G inches, the width of the mouth of the funnel, rises, and speedily fills the house, and in the case of the trials referred to was entirely free fromanydeloteriousa^ent— some excellent tobacco- paper, which was obtained, it is believed, from Leeds, beinj used. It is simply necessary that two or three red-hot cinders or pieces of lighted wood should bo placed at the bottom of the funnel ; on this a few pieces of comparatively dry tobacco-paper, to secure rapid ignition, and then the remainder of the paper should be quite moist, to prevent flame. The current of air can be regulated at pleasure. It; cau be used from the exterior of the house, as the operator can stand outside and place the pipe of the machine connecting it with the funnel through a small opening into the house, there- by avoiding any annoyance from smoke. There is a fumigator extant worked on much the same principle, but modified in this way, that the heated smoke is drawn down from the funnel through the chamber occupied by the revolving fan, and is then forced through a tube placed in front of the machine. This also was tried on the occasion referred to, and was several minutes longer in filling an equal-sized house, while the arrangement which necessitates that the heated smoke and particles of ashes should pass through the fan-chamber is very defective, as it soon corrodes the metal-work, and injuriously affects the action of the fan. Finally, it may be stated, that when about to use the improved fumigator, care should be taken that as little dust as possible be placed in the funnel with the heated cinders or lighted wood. IS, W. Miscellaneous. Vegetation of Pungo Andongo, Angola. — It would by far surpass the space allowed me to give here a detailed account of the highly interesting flora of the rock district, I shall therefore only point out a few oi those genera which, in a prominent degree, characterise the vegetation of Pungo Andongo. Amongst these the numerous succulent plants take the foremost rank mostly of the order of Aloes, Orchids, Euphorbias, Asclepiads, and even of Labiates, associated with Rhipsalis Cassytha, Giirt., the only cactaceous plant hitherto found really wild out of the American conti nent. These overgrow the rook walls in every direction, often up to their summits, in the most variegated form, and generally associated with Cis- soidese and fragrant Verbenaces;. The prettiest Ferns,, some with gold-coloured fronds, grow abundantly over the crevices, whilst the gorgeous Musa ensete, and the beautiful tree Fern, Cyathea angolensis, Welvv.,* embellish the margins of the numerous streamlets. The meadows on the mountain slopes make a richly variegated display, with the blue and red flowers of diflerent Commelynaceoe and Indigoferas, profusely interspersed with many white or orange blooming Cyperaoese.t whilst the clifls are adorned with various species of Gladiolus, curious H^ernodoracere, resembling Vellozias, and the superb Gloriosa abyssinica, with its profuse and gorgeous blossoms. In the wide woody ravines, the entrances of which are decorated with climbing Hugonite, grow the peculiar Monodora ango- lensis, the mimosa-leaved Parkia, in company with other strange tree forms of ViolaceK, Sterculiacea;, and Apocynacea;. In narrow ravines the botanist is surprised by pretty Begonias, strangely shaped Dorstenias, and several elegant pigmy Piperacea;. But the greatest variety is otfered by the shrubs of the underwood in which Leguminous, Acanthaceous, Verbenaceous, and immense numbers of Eubiaceous plants, with the very pretty Ancylanthus ferrugineus, are often half smothered by climbing Asclepiadese. An incredible number of slender soft Grasses thrive luxuriantly in the meadows in the side valleys, which is the immediate inducement to cattle-breeding in this part of the country, excelling therein all other districts of Angola. Along with these occur several larger Gramineifi, near the brooks in the neighbouring forests, where a species of Bamboo occurs 31) to 40 feet high, with such thick stalks that the natives manufacture out of them drinking vessels and snuff-boxes. Among a great number of interesting cryptogamio plants, I shall only mention a gigantic Agaric which I found growing in the neighbouring Panda woods, distin- guished by the immense size of its head, which some- times measures more than 3 feet in circumference, as well as by the delicate flavour of its flesh. Even the beds of the brooks glitter with a dark green turfy cover, formed by a few species of Podostemacea), those interesting Phanerogams which some Liverworts so closely resemble. JDr. Welwitsch,in" Mm ray's Journal ofTrallel and Natural Risiory." ffiavDeii ©perattoniEf. {For the ensuing week. ) PLANT HOUSES. Plants of vigorous habit will now make good pro- gress in regard to growth ; pay every attention, there- fore, to training and regulating the young shoots as they advance in size. Creepers, especially, will need such attention, for if these are not aided in time they become very impatient of restraint, and never grow so freely as when trained in the nay in which they should progress, when young. Dwarf bushy plants, on the contrary, will need the occasional pinching back of the grosser shoots, for the purpose of equalising all as to length of growth. Continue to pot plants which are past flowering as soon as they are ready for that operation. "* Hooker, Synopsis Filicura, p. 22. t There are four or five species of Aaclepias, all having more r less the appearance of white or yellow-headed composite During the prevalence of hot sunshine any which have been fresh potted, and especially such as may have had their balls reduced, will need shading. Place a few plants of Kalosanthes in increased heat ; this will cause them to flower much earlier, and thereby extend the season of their usefulness. Give double and other Petunias their final shift into their flowering pots ; stake them out carefully and pinch back all leading shoots should bushy plants be needed. Thus grown they are adverse to shading in any form. Pot on Fuchsia cuttings as soon as they are well rooted ; give them during their earlier stage a free open com- post of one part loam to two of leaf-mould, and a free supply of sand. They delight in a warm moist heat, both at top and bottom, and thrive apace frequently syringed, with moderate shading. Voin^ Mimulus (tova out-door borders, where planted last season ; M. macu- losus and M. cupreus make very showy pot plants for conservatory decoration. Pot on likewise Ageratums, Cupheas, Heliotropes, Tropaolums, &c., all of which will be useful in the shape of good-sized plants a month or two hence. Put in the last batch of Chrysan- themum cuttings, and should large specimen plants be needed and room can now be aB'orded pot off the earlier struck ones. Place each in a small pot in free'open rich soil. Aflbrd/'oiiJosei abundance of manure water at the time when they commence perceptibly to enlarge their flower buds. Do this in conjunction with a good surface syringing, as frequent as is compatible with the requirements of other inmates of the same structures. Should any signs of mildew show them- selves, dust flowers of sulphur freely over the foliage, or syringe well with a solution of Gishurst compound and soft soap, intermixed and slightly strained previous to use. Attend particularly to root-watering of all such hard-wooded plants as Azaleas (Indian), Ericas, Fpacris, and others. Slight negligence in this respect, especially at this season, when the plant has to undergo so great a strain upon all its energies, will be sure to exhibit itself in the form of secondary symp- toms, whether in the reduced energies of the sufferers generally, or in a dearth of floral beauty. FORCING HOUSES. In places where Vines and Fines are grown in the same structure, it will be a good time now to introduce rods of the former which have been kept packed up outside during the winter months. In regard to such an arrangement some little amount of caution will be needful in order to push all on successfully together. The Vines lately introduced will not, for instance, require so much heat as is habitually given to Pines ; hence a slight reduction must be made. Even the proper amount of shading during the time the sun shines the hottest, must receive strict attention for a time. A mean temperature of about G3' by night, with from G5' to 70' by day, will be found as good a medium as is possible under the circumstances. Keep the Pines rather drier for a time, and no check will befal them. Succession Pines will now be making good growth. Abundance of air must therefore he afforded them, duly to aid in the formation of good sound plants. Once the roots begin to occupy the fresh soil in which they are potted freely, and to " feel " the inner sides of the pots, manure water may be frequently applied. Many are the prescriptions given for the manufacture of liquid manure, but I have found few materials better than sheep dung, soot, and a little guano, mixed well together, allowed to settle down until it is quite clear, and then using the bright liquor at a temperature of not less than GO'. Of course the liquid will need to have warm water added in quantity suflicient to raise it to such a temperature. As regards Peach and Nectarine houses. Cherry, and in fact. Orchard-houses and their trees in general, little can be added to what has already been said. Continue the necessary " stopping," for the twofold purpose of equalising the sap throughout the whole extent of the trees, and of affording a greater supply of the needful support to the fruit in process of forming. Few things are more beneficial to all such trees than night air judiciously allowed. A little constantly, when; the nights are not too cold or frosty, will be of much benefit, and tend materially to enhance the value of the crops and general tone of the trees particularly. Immediately the last batch of plants placed into forcing pits or houses, to hasten their blooming season, has been removed, refill the structures with any variety of plants which have need of assistance in the matter of forming fresh growth. Indian Azaleas, as soon as they have done flowering, will, indeed, need such a place in order to duly perfect their wood and flower-buds. Freshly potted Camellias, in like manner, will succeed better in such temperatures, after having been fresh potted, than if allowed to make their growth finally in a cool house. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Proceed with the operation of disbudding Peaches and Nectarines, as individual trees may need it more or less according to the development of growth, which in warm situations will doubtless now be very rapid, and especially should warmer weather succeed, such as we are at present experiencing. Be on your guard as regards aphis pests of every form. These gain a lodg- ment in an incredibly short time, and by the very process of injury they entail upon the tender young foliage, so entrench themselves within its curled-up deformities as to be almost beyond the sight of super- ficial observers. Prevention being better than cure, this state of things should never be permitted. I recom- mend syringing the whole of each tree with a strong solution of Gishurst compound ; about half an ounce to tlie gallon of water, with an equal quantity of soft soap, will be ample. This I recommend as a preventive ; and in addition, should actual fly exist, if a little of the powdered tobacco recently added to our list of destruc- tives be evenly dusted into their hiding places whilst the leaves, &c., are moist, a sure check will have been placed upon their depredations. The addition of soft soap, as advised above, I hold to be an essential ingredient, as, by its soft nature when held in solu- tion, it tends much to aid the whole in seekin" out and entering remote chinks and crannies, likely to be the birthplace of the pests which it is our aim to destroy. I have before advised the application of liquid manure to all Straioberry plantationsintended for fruit- ing ; this will continue a necessity should dry weather continue. Those who have given their beds a mulch- ing as lately advised, will have stayed somewhat the excessive evaporation of the past month or two, and will doubtless reap an equivalent for the outlay ; though even in such cases, if the weather continues without rain, it will be necessary to have resort to arti- ficial waterings. Finish trenching the necessary space for fresh plantations intended to be made with old forced plants. Add abundance of manure, and if but lately trenched, tread the ground over firmly before planting, being mindful not to bury the crowns too deeply. KITCHEN GARDEN. Presli beds of Aspargus in process of formation should have the "young stuff" planted without further delay; be careful not to injure the tender young growths issuing from the crowns in the operation. Make the main sowing of Broccoli, not omitting such good late varieties as Cattel's, Williams' Alexandra, &c. Sow another bed of Early Horn Carrots to suc- ceed those now showing through the ground ; and should any symptoms occur in beds previously sown, thrawing doubt upon the likelihood of any given sort germinating successfully, sow again imme- diately, and so endeavour to fill up the gap to tho best of your ability. Repeat main sowings of Peas, Broad Beans, &c., as frequently advised, a3 soon as former sowings show through the ground. Earth all up that are a few inches high, for the twofold purpose of keeping them from the too open attack of birds, and of affording an additional security against cold winds and actiial frosts. If not already done, make the main sowings, as advised, of Beet, Scorzonera, Salsify, &c., as by the time they appear above ground we may, it is to be hoped, experience a nice period of warm and growing weather. Give the main beds of Asparagus a good salting. Inde- pendently of the uses of salt as a manure, if dusted over the bed now it will destroy innumerable small slugs and other insects which prey upon the young "blades" as they push through the ground, often to their no little injury. Prepare a bed with slight fermenting material for " pricking " out the main sowing of Celery upon; old material now needing removal from the Seakale bed will do admirably, as it will by lying closely together be likely to engender just such a slight heat only as will suffice for the purpose. w.f:. STATE OF THE -WEATHER AT CHISWIOK, NEAK LONDON, For the Week ending April 15 , 18G8. as observed at the HoiticiUtural Gardens- IT 19 20 A B^HOUETEa. Te«fe,»t.«.. Wind 's. ■ 9.W. N.w; April. Of the Air. orthe&u-th ■f Max. 29;992 29.960 30:392 Min. 52 50 56 65 53.0 Min. 26 37 Mean 38;o 350 5L0 1 foot deep. 48 47 47 deep. 4S.7 " Thurs. 0 Friday 10 Salur. U Sunday 12 Mond 13 Tuesd. U Wed. 15 29.'9i5 29.867 30/216 '.m 00 .00 Averase 29.920 DUG April 9-Overca3t, cold wind; slightly 10 -Clear and fine i very fine; tine; very dark at night. 11— Overcast, fine; overcast; fine, cold wind, 12-Cloudy; overcast, very dull ; fine, but cold a 13 - Overcast i clear and tine ; slightly ght. fine. — U -Cloudy; very fine, cold wind ; fine a — 1,5 -Fine, hazy ; clear and fine ; very fine at nignt. Mean temperature of the week, 5 deg below the average STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CUISWICK, During the last 42 years, for the ensuing Week, ending April 25, 18ii3. i-SS'?"i No. of Greatest Prevailing Winds. The highest temperature during the above period occurred on the 19th, lB51-thenn. 77 deg, ; and the I 18 deg. 1 the 21th 185i-then Notices to Correspondents, Clematis and Verbena Disease : R H. It is very difficult to answer such a question as yovirs without personal observa- tion. It is clear your Clematis and Verbenas have both suffered from the same cause. As far as we can judge from the specimens, they have probably suffered from nocturnal radiation, either from over-ayringing, as you suggest your- self, or from abstraction of moisture by the deposit on tho glass when there was no syringing. M J B. Names of Plants: P Mason, Cyanotis vittata. — T S R. 1, Hardenbergia ovata ; 4, Selaginella Martensii ; 5, Fa,biana imbricata ; 6, Fritillaria Meleagria ; 8, Koniga maritima vaiiegata; 2, 3, 7, undeterminable without better specimens. — F B. 1 and 2, varieties of Oncidium Cebolleti, supposing them to come from the West Indies or the Spanish Main ; 3, an Epidendrum that we have seon before, but forget its name, and as you have not assisted us by giving us either the habit or habitat of the plant you must excuse us spending some four or five hours in searching for it among the 300 or 400 species of the genus. It is quite worthless.— Consiaa( Snb»criher. 1, Amelanchicr Botryapium ; 2, Kerria japonica flore-pleno; .3, Leucojum sestivum; 4, Rhamnus Alatemua. — / S, Maidenhead. Prunua Padus. Pelargoniums: H D. We cannot, without further knowledge of the facts, suggest why your Zonal Pelargoniums lose their leaves as suon as they are half size. There must be something very wrong to cause them to do this. Is there no escape of gas from a flue or furnace? or have they been caught by frost, or watered with any deletenous mixture ? Vine Leaves: R W, The warts on your leaves are very com- mon, and seem to depend upon some bad uondition of the roots. M J B, Apeii, 18, 1868.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE 411 Messrs. GEORGE GIBBS and CO., 25 AND 26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W., Beg to announce they are now prepared to execute Orders to any extent for Lajing Land Down to Permanent Meadow and rastuie, witli their BEST MIXTUKES OP GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS, To suit various soils, which they can supply at 30s. to 32s. per acre, allowing 2 bushels of Large Seeds and 12 lb. of Small Seeds to each acre. MIXTURES of GRASS and CLOVER SEEDS for Rcnovaliu!; Old Pastures. Quantity required per acre, 6 lb. to 10 lb. Per lb., Is. MIXTURES of tho FINEST SORTS for Lawns, Croquet Grounds, Bowling Greens, &c. Per lb.. Is. 3rf. Italian Rye-grass, rev bush.— », a. GIBBS' IMPROVED E.\RLY 6 0 FINE HEAVY IMPORTED 7 0 Perennial Rye-grass. FACET'S "HEAVY SEED" .. .. 6s. to 6 6 EVERGREEN Ditto 7 0 Clovers. Foiib.-s. d. FINE ENGLISH RED 9rf. to Oil FINE ENGLISH WHITE Is. to 1 3 FINE ALSIKE HVBRID .. .. Is. G,/. to 1 9 TRUE COW GRASS 10 RED SUCKLING 13 YELLOW TREFOIL 4./. to 0 .5 Bromus Scbreederi. THE NEW FORAGE GRASS 1 G Buckwlieat, or Brank. Pci- uuaii.-.i. <(, ENGLISH SEED 7 0 Carrot. LARGE WHITE BELGIAN 13 LARGE YELLOW BELGIAN 13 LARGE RED ALTRINGHAM 2 0 SCARLET INTERMEDIATE 2 0 LONG SURREY, or ORANGE 2 6 Cabbage. CHAMPION OX, "fine" 3 6 LARGE ERUMHEAD 2 6 ENFIELD MARKET 3 6 Swedes. PerlO.— s. li. THE ASHCROFT 13 MATSON'S PURPLE-TOP 14 SKIRVING'S 12 GIBBS' PURPLE-TOP 14 EAST LOTHIAN 12 Yellow Turnips. GIBBS' GREEN-TOP HYBRID 16 GIBBS' PURPLE-TOP HYBRID 16 GREEN-TOP YELLOW SCOTCH .. ..13 DALE'S HYBRID 1 ; Common Turnips. GREEN GLOBE 1 ( RED GLOBE 1 C WHITE GLOBE 1 ; GREEN TANKARD 1 ; RED TANKARD 1 ; WHITE TANKARD \ i YELLOW TANKARD \ c GREY STONE 1 C EARLY WHITE STONE I C ORANGE JELLY 16 Mangel "Wurzel. From fine Selected Roots. YELLOW GLOBE 16 RED GLOBE 16 LONG RED 16 LONG YELLOW 16 Parsnip. GIBBS' LARGE CATTLE 16 HOLLOW CROWN 16 Kohl Rabi. LARGE GREEN o Q LARGE PURPLE '. . . ..26 Lucerne. FINE IMPORTED 10 Furze. FRENCH and ENGLISH o g Holcus sacoharatus. CHINESE SUGAR GRASS 13 Rape, or Cole. ESSEX SEED.. .. 4rUo 0 6 Special quotations for large quantities. PRICED CATALOGUES OF AGRICULTURAL, GABDEN, and FLOWER SEEDS, Forwarded Post Free on application to GEORGE GIBBS and CO., SEEDSMEN, 25&26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W CARTEE'S PRIZE MEDAL FARM SEEDS, HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. c^or ea>oe'li&?vc& of fua^liiy. JAMES CARTER & CO, Had the honour of supplying the GRASS SEEDS that produced in the Grounds of tho late Paris Exhibition the beautiful TURF so universally admired by Emjlish Visitors, and described by the Correspondents to the London Jouraals as being of extraordinary merit. JAMES CARTER & CO.'a was the only Englisli House to which was AWARDED a PRIZE MEDAL for GRASSES In GROWTH. NO OTHER ENGLISH HOUSE whatever supplied Grass Seeds for the use of the Inrpvriiil Commissioners. Carter's Grass Seeds for All Soils, from 21s. per acre. No. 1. For Clay Soils, 3<)s, to 31s. per acre. No. 2. ForPoorClay Soils, 32». to 33s. per acre. No. 3. For High-Lvlne Clay Soila, 34s. to 35s. per aero. No. 4. For Alluvial Soils, 30s. to 34s. per acre. No. 6. For Liiiiestono Soils, 31s. to 34s. per acre. no Soils, 28s. to 30s. per acre. 3 30s. per a r Moory Soils, 23s. HARDY SWEDE. BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for PASTURES, 21s. to 32s. par acre, carriage free. BUTTONS' GR^SS~SEEDS Y^T^PARK GROUNDS, ^ _ lOs. per busliel, carriage free. (J UTtONS' GRTsS seeds Ui CRICKET >^ GROUNDS. 18s. per bushel, carriage free. CUTTUNS' GRASS SEEDS for CEMETERIES, ^^ 18.5, per lm.shL'1. caniayo Tree. ■iago free. Sow three bushels SEEDS for CROftUET ' GROUNDS, Is. per lb., or 2(js. per bushel, carriage free. Sow three bushels r Royal Berks Seed EstabliHlimont, Reading. SHOW, " Ai tides for Domestic purposes. Terms and conditioDs may bs obtalbed Company, Barford Street, Islington, N. tho Offlces of tho Is. 4d. per lb. The hardiest and best in cultivation, Special Estimates for large quantities. CARTER'S PRIZE SAVEDE and TURNIP SEEDS, from Is. to Is. 6(/. per lb. CARTER'S PRIZE MANGEL WURZEL, from Is. to 2s. &d. per lb. See " Carter's Illustrated Farmer's Calendar," Gratis and Post Freo, CARTER'S RENOVATING MIXTURES for IMPROV- ING DECAYED PASTURES, 9d. per lb , 80s. percwt. CARTER'S GRASSES and CLOVERS for Altem.Ue Husbandry — For OnIi; TEAR'S LAY, I2s. C,!. to I3s. 04 per aoro. For TWO YEARS' LAV, 173. Cii. per acre. For THREE YEARS' LAY, 22s. per acre. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL FOR SEEDS, LONDON, 1862. Bu3'ers of Genuine Farm Seeds should see "Carter's Illustrated Fanner's Calendar," containing a Practical Treatise on the Laying Do^vn of Grass Lands, and other luable information, forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to JAMES CARTER and CO., Seed Faumers, 237 & 238, HIGH HOLBOKN, LONDON, W.C. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY of ENGLAND. LEICESTER MEETING, 1868. stock and IMPLEMENT PRIZE SHEETS are now ready, and will bo forwarded on application to H. HALL DARE, Secretary. 12, Hanover Square, London, W. ?Cfie ^srtcttltural r a comprehonsivo scheme of natioD»l_ educr tion ; the scbuuls to be subsiJised partjy iioiu ^uv '■"■y'"^ Treasury Mid p..rtly from local t*^'^''™ v""" '°,'f''l'^''o,, SI paid ioiiitly by the owner and occupier. That alt ^f^J^J^ nl ced ' nrter the present Committee of Council on Education ^JZh i Jbh^k shoTitd be styled the Board olfd^^^'or, T:^^ otry be divided into educational dwtricts, which m»- y. . . ...-i^j „« ^^^^air,n niiffht ream". ilU' 416 THE GAT^DENERS' CREONTCT-E A^J) AGPIOUT.TURAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 18, 1868. an Educational Board be appointed for each district, charged with the management of the schools, including the appoint- ment of masters and mistresses, and other duties to be defined. That any acts of the Local Board should be subject to a reference to the Central Board. That the Loud Boards should be required and empowered to provide proper and adequate school accommodation in parishes or places where such does not exist. That in the event of the Local Boards failing to provide the necessary schools and accommodation, the Central Bo.ird shall cause such to be provided. That the Local Boards be elected by the several parishes in the same manner as is adopted in the election of Poor -Law Guardians ; that all justices of the peace residing in the educational district shall be ex-officia members of the Local Board. That the Local Boards shall appoint for each school or parish 'School Visitors,' whose duty it sh.all be to report to the Local Board any improvements or alteriitions which they may deem desirable. The Visitors may be selected from members of the Local Board, or from the clergy, ministers, or other residents in the parish, or from .my adjoining parish. Ladies should be also appointed or invited to act as Visitors for girls' schools. In aparish or place where sufficient school accommodation already exists, such parish or place should be exempted from the general school rate of the dis- trict ; and if such schools are supported without Govern- ment aid, although they may have received a grant tow.ard the building, then they shall be exempt from the authority or government of the Local Beard. That Local Boards should be empowered to negotiate for and (subject to the approval of the National Board) conclude the purchase of any existing school within their district, whether belong- ing to private individuals or otherwise possessed. That in the appointment of teachers to the existing denominational schools, the teachers shall belong to the same church or deno- mination as the schools to which they are appointed. That the Local Board shall, subject to .an appeal to the National Board, determine the curriculum of the schools, except so far as relates to religious instmction. That the reading and reciting of the Holy Scripture be the sole religious instruc- tion, except as hereinafter provided. That a portion or por- tions of Holy Scripture be read, and prayers offered at the commencement of the school and at its close. That, in order that no distinction should be drawn by the State between the various religious bodies, all parents shall bo : required, when making application for their children to enter any school, to fill up a form of application, in which it shall set forth whether) they desire that their children be instructed in the religious teaching of the school, where it may be practised, beyond the reading of the Scriptures ; and to meet the case of the Secularists, the same form shall contain a column in which the p.arents can signify their wish that their children shall not receive any religious instruction, nor attend prayers, or be required to be present during the reading of the Scriptures. The .above provision, I conceive, would meet the difficulties of Churchmen, Wesleyans, Baptists, Roman Catholics, Jews, and Secularists. All would have the same liberty, and this whatsoever school their children might be about to enter. I am opposed to compulsory education, beciuse I believe in a free country like England it could not be enforced. I believe if children were not permitted to engage in agricultural labour until 10 years of age the object would be secured, and there would be no need of any com- pulsory measure." Mr. Edmunds (Rusby) said one speaker remarked that if tlie State interfered, it must interfere for all. True ; but the question wanted looking at as gentle- men who lived in the country would like to look at it —from a Church of England point of view. In country parishes they required schools of a different kind from those in the towns, and he maintained that in such places schools were likely to be better managed under the clergy and other influential inhabitants than they could be through any State action. A great deal had been said about the proselytising of children. That was not such an easy matter as some persons seemed to imagine. He had learnt, on the best authority, that those who had attempted to proselytise boys had found it the most difficult task that could possibly be attempted. A boy would, generally speaking, especially if he belonged to the middle classes, remain of the same religion and the same politics as his father. If anyone tried to make him a Tory or a Radical, he was not likely to succeed. It was when the boy grew into the young man of one or two- and-twenty, and began to think for himself, that he was apt to be influenced by the opinions of others ; and then the school had, of course nothing to do with the matter. He did not agree with what the lecturer had said about boys being educated and thereupon becom- ing mischievous. Although a little knowledge may be a dangerous thing, ignorance was still more dangerous. The sectarian feeling was a difficulty in the way of education ; but there was, as Mr. Howard justly inti- mated, such a thing as the religion of the Bible. He (Mr. Edmunds) would not have schools in which religion was not taught ; but he would have schools in which all should hear the religion of the Bible — that is to say, the Bible should bo read, so as to prevent in future such exhibitions as had been made by boys, or rather young men of IS or 20, who had scarcely ever heard of a God or a Saviour. Every boy should at least be taught reading, writing, and arith- metic ; and he would then be able, at all events, to read the Bible for himself. Sir G. Jenkinson was an advocate for education ; but he was also in favour of looking at the subject reasonably, and he could not overlook the fact that, if there was to be compulsory education, there must also be penal measures to enforce attendance. He agreed with the last speaker that it would be better to encourage all to do their duty in the districts in which they resided. If the country generally would adopt some such rule as was sanctioned the other day by the Chamber of Agriculture of Gloucestershire— if the farmers all over England would make a rule among themselves only to employ boys or young men who had been taught to read and write, or who had been in the habit of attending school up to a certain age— more would be done, he believed, to encourage good educa- tion than would be done by means of a rate. Mr. H. Tbethewt said the general tenour of the discussion that evening turned upon the education of boys. Now, his opinion was that they were beginning at the wrong end, and that they ou^ht to think first of girls as the mothers of future families. It was of very little importance what principles were instilled into the minds of children, unless they had a good example before them at home. And by whom was the greatest influence exercised at home ? By the mother, and not by the father. It was the mother who tended and reared the child from the earliest infancy. Daring the school period, and up to the time when the child left school, the father was almost always away from home, and consequently it was the mother whose influence was the most powerful. Diflicult as it no doubt was to educate boys, it was still more diflicult to educate girls, and they might depend upon it that that was the principal source to which they must look for the ultimate success of their efforts. The. best training which could be given to one who was to hi a labourer's wife— for it was the education of labourers that they were principally discussing— the best training which he could conceive of for the future mother of a labourer's children was that she should be in the first instance a good domestic servant. If they could only accomplish that object they would be supplying a want which was very severely felt in the present day, and at the same time be laying a foundation for the better education of the children hereafter. Mr. S. Sidney (London) said— Their chairman himself struck the key-note of the discussion when he said, in effect, that if they did not set about educating the people, the people would educate themselves. Nor would the education thus obtained be such as that Club desired. Penny and halfpenny papers now [ penetrated into every village in the kingdom. These ^ papers were read, and the multitude picked up lessons from them ; and if they did not educate the boys and girls of this country in habits of industry and in good ] principles, they would hereafter have cause deeply to regret their neglect. He was glad to find the Club a little in advance, on that occasion, of the state of things ; some time ago. He had not heard any gentleman say | that evening that he approved generally of education, but that the best man he ever had on his farm could neither read nor write. He did not, indeed, see how anyone who has been in the habit of travelling about the country, and putting a few questions to agricul- tural labourers, or to any other class of persons who earned their living by hard labour, could be satisfied with the present state of education. He ventured to say, at the risk of offending some of his friends present, that the state of education w.as, he would not say disgraceful, but most lamentable. As to the manner in which education should be carried out, he was not in favour of compulsory education, because he knew very well that unless the people were numbered and ticketed, as people on the Continent were, for the purposes of conscription, it would be impossible to carry out compulsory education. They all knew that a good thing was worth what it cost. If they wanted to secure a good education they must be willing to pay for it; and even if there should be some addition to local taxation, it might be compen- sated for by their being saved from their being surrounded by a large number of discontented unedu- cated labourers. Mr. L. A. ConsSM.iKER said — The giving a man an education which was unsuited to his station in life, or to the circumstances in which he was placed, did him more harm than good. To give a man an educa- tion which would not adapt him for the fulfilment of his duties, but which would merely make him discon- tented with his station, was not the way to benefit bim. He was for educating according to the station of life in which persons were placed. The present system was to give children aknowledgeof the sciences —a kind of knowledge which he objected to, in the case of the labourer, because it was of no earthly use to him afterwards. A purely secular education, or an education separated entirely from religion, was, in his judgment, a very dangerous thing. He agreed with Mr. Trethewy that the education of girls was more important than that of boys, since the character of the family depended more upon the character of the mother than of the father. Mr. W. Eve {S, Union Court, Old Broad Street) said he concurred in the views of Mr. Sidney. As regarded the question whether it should be voluntary or compulsory, he thought a midway course would be best. If farmers were not allowed to employ boys until they had gone through a certain routine of education, the effect would be that parents would be compelled to send their children to school. In parishes where neither the clergyman nor the squire nor the farmers were doing anything to promote education, there must be some system of compulsion brought to bear, and the nation would not bo satisfied without it. Mr. Tease said— As one of the largest employers of agricultural labour in Hampshire, he might speak with a little authority. Most of his men worked at piece- work ; their accounts ran on sometimes for three weeks, sometimes for a month, and they could bring them to him well made up. They would know if they were being paid a halfpenny too little, or were not properly dealt with. One speaker said that in certain parishes the voluntary system would, if the clergyinen were backed by the squire and one or two leading farmers, be quite sufficient. He thought so too. He knew nothing whatever about the dark slums of town ; they were very bad, no doubt, but he had no personal knowledge of them: but if Mr. Sidney would come and visit him in Hampshire, he would feel great pleasure in showing him agricultural labourers who were not " brutish," and who were receiving something like \5s. or 16s. a week. Mr. C. Howard (Biddenham, Bedfordshire) said— It seemed to be a general tendency of those who were unconnected with agriculture to tell farmers what were the requirements of their labourers. Such persons always seemed to know more about the farmer's business than he did himself. Now he knew some- thing about those who were employed in other branches of industry as well as those who were employed in agriculture, and, although he was not prepared to defend the stite of the agricultural labourer's education, he had yet to learn that it was very far behind that of other classes of labourers. Mr. (i'oussmaker and other gentlemen, who seemed to have learnt their Church catechism uncommonly well, had said a great deal about the state of life in which God had placed men. How could anybody know, when a child was born, what was the state of life he was coming to ? Did their chairman's parents, he would ask, know when'.he was born that he would become a member of Parliament ? Let them educate children in the best way they could, so as to be able to fill any situation in life creditably. Some of the gentlemen present were doubtless born with silver spoons in their mouths, but others might not have been so fortunate. They might depend upon it that as a rule the best educated men on their farms were not the men who constantly visited public- houses, or applied to the Union, or found their way into gaols. He spoke after some degree of experience in this matter. He had taken some interest in educa- tion in the village in which he lived, and he would state positively that the best men on his farm were men who had some educational advantages. He thought Mr. Spearing made a rnistake in advocating a very high standard for teachers in rural schools. The Government would, in his (Mr. Howard's) opinion, do well to give some assistance where there was not a properly certificated master or mistress in a village. In a village like his own they could not come up to the sum required by the Government for a certificated mistress. What was the consequence ? Why they lost the Government aid and of course the young person in charge of the school, and who conducted it very satisfactorily, had but a miserable salary. He was not in favour of compulsory education. He thought Parliament should say that uo boys should be allowed to work in agriculture, or any other branch of industry, under 10 years of age, and then leave the matter to right itself; the children would in that case in time be sure to find their way to school. He could not go beyond that. The CuURMAN s:iid : In bringing this discussion to a close, I will confin ■ myself to a very few observations. My own opinion r -^peoting education is that the present system shou '1 be encouraged and developed. I I believe that the Bill of the Government will very much increase the benefits which are already conferred • by the State aid. Mr. Charles Howard says that in his parish — he might have said in three parishes out of four in the rural districts— there has been hitherto no \ aid on the part of the Government. The Government Bill provides that if the number of scholars is less than G5 in a certain amount of population, there Government aid shall be granted, supposing the ' scholars to pass a satisfactory examination. Now I contend that that is the right direction to move in. If a district cannot afford a certificated master, if it can only afford a dame to instruct the children, sup- posing the children to pass a satisfactory examination, the Government should not, I contend, inquire t who has been the teacher, but should be willing to pay for the results. I entirely object to what has been ! termed the compulsory principle. In the first place, I j am quite sure that it would destroy all the benefit of the voluntary efforts that have been made. But I would add this — that I think that, in the case of a dis- trict whicii has shown that it is not willing to establish a school, a certain amount of pressure should be brought to bear upon that district by the Govern- ' ment. By all means encourage the building of schools, and let the Government say to a district j which can afford a school, and has not got one, " We I will make you help us to build a school out of the rates." In such cases, however, the burden ought not to fall on a particular class, the occupiers of real pro- perty. Night schools are, in my opinion, of very essen- tial service ; and I was glad to hear them referred to this evening. I am convinced that, in order to keep up education, in order to improve the education of young lads, night schools are almost indispens- able. To indirect compulsion I have no particular objection : I agree with Mr. Charles Howard that it might be well for Parliament to declare that no boy should work under a certain age, but I think it would be much better for it to declare that no boy should work unless he could read and write. That may appear a rude way of stating my view on the subject, but I would rather have compulsion in that way than in the form of a direct compulsory attendance at school. With regard to religion, I do not think that the simple reading of the Bible is religion. Of course the Bible is the foundation of all religion, but unless you build something upon the mere reading of the Bible you can never give a cliild a good religious education. As to leaving the religious instruction of the child to any one who pleases to give it, the result of that will probably be that a portion of the children will be cared for by some zealous person, and the rest will be left without any religious education at all. I was asto- nished to hear Mr. James Howard say that England is the worst educated Protestant country in the world. Mr. J. Howard : I did not say that ; it was a quotation from one of the leading journals of the day. The Chairman : I believe statistics would prove that all Protestant countries, except Prussia, are behind us in this respect. Then, with regard to the difference between town and country, all I can say is that, what- ever may be the opinion of the three gentlemen who have spoken to-night of the low state of agricultural education— and they all live in towns — those who live in the country ought to be the best judges. However badly-educated labourers in the country may be in some places, there are back slums of London, Man- chester, Bristol, and all the great towns, which are the hives of a swarming population, where thousands of children are so ignorant, so degraded, and so thoroughly wretched, that a comparison between such places and Apbil 18, THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. ■117 the country would bo i;''eally in favour of the rural districts. Mr. Speaeinq briefly rei>liod; after which, on the motion of Mr. R. Marsh, seconded by Mr. H. Trethowy, a cordial vote of thauks was accorded to him. The Education of the Agricultural Poor. BeinR an Address delivered by Captain Maxse, R.N., at a meeting of the Uotley Farmers' Club. Chapman & Hall. The Rev. Prebendary Brereton rightly pointed out, at the last monthly meeting of the London Farmers' Club, that it is a mistake to call any class who main- tain themselves " the poor." The poor are those of all classes who are struggling, unable to maintain them- selves in their class. It is the children of the agricul- tural labourer of whom Captain Ma.Yse speaks in this pamphlet. Nevertheless, the opening sentences do, to some extent, justify its title; for he speaks almost im- mediately of the evidence which exists at every board meeting at the Union of the semi-pauperised condition in which too many of the class exist, so that "the steady mustering at the Union, after one fortnight's hard weather, is sufficient to illustrate the semi- pauperised, thriftless, and indigent condition in which they exist." Captain Maxse's first subject is the advantage of education to labourers. If tliey were able to read, he says to the Botley Farmers' Club, " the late able paper upon deep cultivation, which was read at your last meeting, would by this time have passed through the hands of a number of intelligent labourers, whose lives are spent in handling, turning, and watch- ing the soil, and whose opinion it might be most valuable to enlist upon the subject, certainly whose interest it is highly desirable to excite : but you might as well present them with a scroll of Sanscrit hierogly- phics—and yet their mother tongue ! " " I do not for one moment pretend that the fact of a man being able to read will eradicate a vicious pro- pensity ; but, while it will never implant one, it may direct, and assuredly will direct some, to a path of reform; and it must benefit the mass by enabling a number to rise. So long as a body of men are doomed to perpetual drudgery, and have no hope of ever raising themselves, it is manifest that all motive for industry, patience, and fidelity is destroyed ; a labourer, however honest and industrious, who is ignorant of the main language (that of reading and writing) in which the business of life is transacted, is condemned to the dreary level in which he began life. Lacking what I have called a sense, he is partially paralysed ; his sphere of action is inexorably limited. Those who wish him well and would raise him, who desire to avail them- selves of his manual labour combined with a position of trust or superintendence— necessarily involving a knowledge of letters and numbers — are powerless. How often we hear it said of some good labourer, 'The worst of it is, he is no scholar ' — the scholarly attain- ment in request being, perhaps, to decipher an invoice of drain pipes, or sum the production of a dairy. *' But besides the mechanical value to be obtained by education, it must be borne in mind that there is a moral one not less important. Children are taught other things at school besides reading and writing. They are taught to be honest, clean, and industrious. Their characters are formed. Early seeds of good are implanted, bearing an incalculable crop to the nation." The influence of education in diminishing crime, in saving criminal expenses, in diminishing pauperism, and thus in saving expenses, is then discussed and vin- dicated. And then comes the question of compul-ory education and its cost. That is already borne for the most part outside of the parent and the child ; it is better that it should be distributed evenly over the whole rateable community rather than be borne, as now, only by a few ; " I would put this to every man's sense of justice, ' Why should the burden be borne by the willing horse ? ' Would it be right that the rates or the taxes should be borne by the clergy and the benevolent alone? We agree that this would be a monstrous injustice. There is none less in leaving the education of the poor in their hands. We do not think so, because we do not realise our neglect." The objections to compulsory education are not greater than " those which we may expect to encounter in all human schemes of reform. To surmount them is the condition of progress." " It is said by some that we have no right to compel a parent to send his child to school ; that such is an encroachment upon his liberty. Now this, surely, is admitting an incapacity to submit to obligations for the general good, and is interpreting liberty a« license . . . English law is of course, essentially protective ; but it is no less protective of the community than it is of the individual. The latter cannot hope to preserve rights at the expense of the former. Men who are wanting in their faculties become a burden on others, and ignorance, as I have shown, is the fruitful parent of tlie main evils from which society suffers. The logical result of the non- compulsory theory is that we acquiesce in the right of some to generate criminals and paupers." W e are taking extracts here and there for the pur- pose of presenting, as perfectly as an abridgment can, the very able argument of the author :— "The following extract I take from an excellent essay upon Popular Education by Mr. C. S. Parker:— In Saxony, it is said, there is not one child to be found who has had no schooling. The penalty for non-attendance is fine or imprisonment. At first the authorities had to fight against the negligence of parents ; hut soon the advantages and salutary results of a general and enforced attendance at school con- vinced even the recalcitrant. The present generation of parents, educated under the new law of 1835, never dream of withdrawing their children from its bene- ficent control. Thus the actual enforcement of penalties may bo said to he at an end.' " " There are scruples about interfering with parental responsibility. But I maintain that private benevo- lence has already, and with most encouraging results, to a considerable extent superseded this. And if it had not, we have to inquire whether experience iiroves we can rely upon parental responsibility for the fulfil- ment of its duty in this respect. We know we cannot. I now come to what has properly been regarded as the gravest objection to compulsory education. It is said, ' Is it just to oblige poor people to make a sacri- fice of their already limited bread-producing power, however beneficial the object of doing so may be for society, or even for themselves ?' It is pointed out they will suffer in two ways. The mother will be detained from out-door earning to mind the house and baby, while the elder child, who now relieves her of this office, is taken to school. Again, the direct earnings of the children will have to be sacrificed. I confess there is some apparent hardship here. But the first loss may be entirely repaired by liberal encou- ragement of infant schools, the importance of which in connection with primary schools has been amply testified. I would urge their establishment not less than I would urge compulsory education. The spread of them in France has been very great recently, and with the happiest success. They are also to be recom- mended as cheap, from the fact that they have mis- tresses, and as being quite free from all religious ditticulty. The major hardship may be much miti- gated by requiring attendance to be regular (that is, daily), up to the age of 10 only. I may in parenthesis, perhaps, call your attention to the recent vote at the Chamber of Agriculture in favour of forbidding the employment of children up till nine years old. After 10 (until 12) the attendance might be required to be only a certain number of times in the year, which the parents might be allowed to select according to their own convenience." " If, notwithstanding such measures of mitigation, there remained a residue of hardship, we must hope for charitable eflbrt to alleviate cases of distress; though admitting the worst — that some additional hardship must be entailed— I believe parents would resign themselves to it contentedly, even though they had previously lacked sufficient fortitude to exercise the necessary self-denial to provide, under the voluntary system, for their children's welfare. It is my belief that'if you were to poll the poor people of this land upon the question of compulsory education, we should find a large majority in its favour ; that is, they would like to have removed from them the temptation of sacri- ficing their children's interest to their own need, which always partly arises from their own impro- vidence." " Finally, we have the religious difficulty. According to my view we have a very simple escape from it. I have been contending for the discharge of a duty upon the part of the State, strictly limited. The question of providing religion for children is quite apart from it. I cannot conceive myself that in a country of religious equality it becomes the State to assume the functions of a Pontiff. It is for her to observe strict neutrality— to insist upon the children being taught to read, write, and cipher, without any condition being imposed as to religious teaching. This should be plainly known and vigorously enforced in all National schools; and I think the result would be that the religious difficulty would vanish, and religious teaching would continue very much as it does now, with this difference, that it would not be embodied in the State instruction. A morning and evening prayer might be drawn up : solemn, reverential, and fervent — whicli would obtain the approval of those who, in theological matters, are the fiercest opponents. These might be offered up daily. I would limit the offiinal religion to this, and restrict all other religious teaching to certain hours and Sundays, allowing the children to be claimed at these hours by their parents or spiritual pastors. " I say all we require in this matter is a little humility and tolerance. I do not believe that we shall ask for this in vain in Protestant England — the land of toleration and rights of conscience ; but if we do not meet with this spirit, public opinion must not be the less firm. Elementary education must be insisted on, irrespective of all interests and impracticable con- sciences, If religious denominations undertake to provide this upon the condition of teaching certain tenets, let them continue to do so and continue to be respected ; but let such enterprise be perfectly inde- pendent of, though I would not deprive them of exist- ing grants the great national scheme of securing to every Englishman his birthright of A B C." Captain Maxse concludes with remarks on the exist- ing unfairness in the incidence of certain taxes— the rectification of which would reconcile agriculturists to their share in the ne»v educational tax which will have to be levied. The pamphlet ought to be read by both parties to the controversy; and we especially recommend it to those of our agricultural readers who imagine that this new idea of compulsory education for the children of their labourers is one more weapon out of the armoury of the enemy. €6e i^ouUri? ¥arO. Ms. Bagshatv's Poultky Yasd. — Formerly Mr. Bagshaw reared a large number of turkeys, but the demand for geese so increased that he confines his Christmas business to the latter birds, still, however, continuing a general trade throughout the year. In the course of 12 months he produces from 60,000 to 70,000 fowls, of which about 30,000 are ducks, prin- cipally of the Norfolk species. About the last week in October the "buying-up" is the first preparation for the Christmas sale, more than one-half of the number required being obtained from Holland, and the remainder from various parts of this country. The fatting commences about the middle of November, and the largest number fatted at one time is 12,000— the number fatted this winter. The food on which the fowls are fatted is Barley-meal and brewers' grains, the former being ground by Mr. Bagshaw himself, so that he may not be exposed to the adulteration which this commodity frequently undergoes ; and the quan- tity of food required is about 00 coombs of Barley- meal and 60 coombs of grains daily. The manure from such an immense number of fowls, fed upon such a description of food, is very valuable, and frequent applications for the sale of it are made; but as Mr. Bagshaw holds a farm close by his poultry-yard, he prefers to make use of it himself. It takes about six days to make preparation for the market, and about 100 dressers are employed in the work, but as the birds are not drawn before they are sent to market, the giblets are bought with them. Of those killed for Christmas, some 4000 are sent to the goose clubs, and the rest are forwarded to the markets at Leadenhall and Newgate, where they are sold on commission. During Christmas last no less than from 70 to 80 tons weight were sent away from Norwich by rail, the geese averaging in weight from 9 to 16 lb. Last year some weighed as much as 22 Ih. ; butas a rule the birds were not so fine this year. The feathers realised from the lot of 12,000 amounts in round numbers to 4000 lb. ; the quills and waste feathers being kept separately and sold by themselves. Norfolk Chronicle. Gajes.— Prevention is better than cure. Gapes are not to be feared by any one having the slightest pretensions to know aught of poultry. Unnatural treatment, and keeping the little ones on ground which is poisoned by numbers having been on it before, is the cause. I never had a case of gapes or any disease, because I know how to prevent it, and preven- tion is better than cure ; but my method of prevention is not to examine the top of the head or search under the wing. Women of an age more mature than mine may gossip about disease and doctoring ; but common sense and simple observation prove clearly that if grown poultry are not crowded, and have a comfortable roost, with a healthy range, they will not he more liable to roup or any other disease than wild fowl or game, and practical knowledge has proved to mo that there is no disease at all which young chickens can be subject to, when improperly managed, that can attack them if they are kept on some portion of the premises where the older fowls have no access. If I have not been able to stop the hens having young broods from bringing them round to the resort of the elder fowls, I use small coops about 2 feet square, 2 feet high in front, with spars, and 8 inches high behind, which gives the boards on the roof a good slope ; put a board in front, and button it fast at night, which keeps out vermin, for though there is no Bottom to the coops, by moving them daily I never knew an instance of a rat or skunk scratching under. Men- tioning bottoms, it may be as well to say that if any one talks of putting chickens on anything but the ground, he knows nothing about rearing poultry: even in cold spring weather, that is the proper and natural place for them. If very wet, a little straw till it is drier again will be all that is necessary, and if the coops are moved every day, the right way is to place the dry straw, or any substitute, on the ground, and then move the coop on it. It is folly to think that white- washing roosts, or giving this mixed in the food, or put in the water, will prevent disease, if the soil on which they live is stained by excrement. Any animals suffer most from the effluvia arising from the dung of their own species, yet many times soft food is thrown to chickens to which dung will adhere. Poisoned soil, as much as by limited range, or too great numbers kept, is the chief cause of gapes. So says a correspondent of the "Cultivator" (Albany, U.S.). Roup : X Y Z. Roup shows itself first by loss of spirits in the bird ; it is followed by positive dejection. The fowl stands with its tail on the ground, its head sunk in its feathers : it makes a harsh croaking noise, its face begins to swell, the eyes close, and it refuses food : it gapes continually. The treatment is, to purge freely with castor oil, afterwards to use Baily's piha, and to feed generously. Bread and ale should be the principal food during convalescence. A pill of camphor, the size of a g.xrden Pe.a, may be given every other day. Farm Memoranda. Messes. Buttons' Teial Geounds at Reading. —The Reading Firm have lately taken 30 to 40 acres of the deep dry loam formerly in the occupation of Mr. G. Shackel, lying between the Great- Western and South-AVestern Railways on the eastern side of the town ; and this area is now being laid out, principally for the purpose of growing their stock seed ; though also for the purpose of testing all the different kinds of garden and farm seeds which are offered to the trade, and by them and others to seed buyers. The operations of one of the largest retail seed dealers in the kingdom are of some public interest, and the following particulars therefore properly find their place in our columns. The plan adopted by Messrs. Sutton in providing tho very large tonnage of agricultural seeds which passes through their hands is as follows :— Take for example their Champion Swede. This was a selected root 25 years ago, obtained from one of theu- customers who was a grower of Skirving's Swede. It was a large and well formed root, with less of coarse neck than one often sees in Skirving's sort. Its seed, sown for many years, retained its character, which has thus long been perma- nent In order nevertheless to ensure this permanence. 418 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND A6RICITLTURAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 18, 1868. some cart-loads of the best and truest roots of the kind, grown in the neighbourhood of E-eading, have been every year selected from the field of a customer and transplanted hitherto into land hired and culti- vated for the purpose, but now into their trial grounds ; and there the stock seed is grown with which the growers are supplied, with whom contracts are made for the seed which is sent out in the follow- ing year to customers. Messrs. Sutton, therefore, are not the growers directly of the seed with which their customers are supplied, but they take special and personal care of its parentage. 'We thus saw, the other day, large plots of Champion Swede, and (as far from it as possible on the 30 acre piece) of green round Turnip, also of Mangel AYurzel, not to speak of 80 or 90 different sorts of Peas, 24 kinds of Beans, 20 sorts of Kidney Beans, and many plots of Onions, Leeks, Kales, Cabbages, and other culinary plants including a great many sorts of Potatos. There is a broad road made through the middle of the ground, and some 140 species and varieties of the Grasses known to agriculture are grown in plots on each side of it. A stream crosses under the road, midway, dividing the land in the other direction ; and alongside of this is a deep and well-tilled border in which the specimeu roots are grown with which the stand is adorned at agricultural meetings. Of course they are grown with every aid to development that can be used. The stock seeds are sent out to growers in Kent, Surrey, Essex, Herts, and Bedfordshire, and thoir fields are continually under the inspection of Sir. Martin Sutton during the growth of the crop. The several kinds grown are thus cultivated far apart from one another, and the roots used for the purpose are selected as thoroughly true of their kinds. Swedes and Turnips are dug up in the autumn, and transplanted at once, at intervals of 3 feet and 1 foot. Mangel "VVurzels are pitted, and planted out in March, about 3 feet by 15 to 18 inches — some 10,000 roots being used on an acre. The crop of Mangel seed varies from 21_ bushels per acre in good soils and seasons, to 14 or less in unfavour- able circumstances, down to utter failure. Last year the season was e.xtremely unfavourable, and 2 or 3 owt. per acre was often all that proved good. There IS a similar scale of the produce in the case of the Turnip. In bad cases it often happens that the seeds- man, between whom and a small grower there may have been many years of business relationship, has to bear the whole immediate brunt of the misfortune, the latter repaying the advances which the former makes when a profitable season comes round again ; and thus a mutually profitable relationship is maintained for years, based originally on knowledge of character. As regards the more bulky and ordinary seeds of agriculture, of course Messrs. Sutton cannot take the special care to which we have been referring. They purchase Clovers and Grasses from farmers with whom they have long been in the habit of dealing. Besides some thousands of quarters of Perennial and Italian Rye-grass, they also dispose of a very large tonnage of special natural Grasses ; these, on the other hand, are almost wholly imported from Germany. They are grown in meadows there, children being employed to cleanse the swathe from interlopers of other kinds, as the ripened Grass is cut ; so that a natural meadow in which, for instance. Crested Dogstail Grass is prevalent, shall have all other kinds taken out before that seed is threshed. We inquired particularly as to the locality and details of the special industry which provides many of the varieties of Grass seeds with which English farmers are thus supplied ; for example, as to how an order for some tons of such a seed as Festuca ovina or Festuca rubra is executed ; but the original growers of these seeds are not known. The order is executed through a German house, and they procure the seed in parcels from correspondents in the country, to whom the several kinds are brought, it is believed, often in very small quantities at a time, hand-picked by children in meadows and along roadsides, as indeed it used to be in this country long ago, for the provision of the small quantities which local seedsmen then disposed of. Perhaps some of our German correspondents may be able to give our readers some information on this subject. It is interesting, in looking back through the sales of a number of years, to notice fiuotuations consequent on the market price of agricultural produce. Thus low prices of grain a few years ago led to a sudden demand exceeding the average by 20 tons of Mangel, and 600 bushels of Swede seed in 1865, There is also some interest in examining the comparative sales of different varieties of the same general class of plants ; though of course here the experience of any one firm (naturally pushing the sale of its own sorts) cannot represent the general demand. In the case of Clovers, for every 100 of broad Clover, 60 of Dutch, 60 of Trefoil, 8 of Alsike, 13 of Cow-grass, 4 of Perennial White Clover, and 14 of Trifolium (incar- natum?) are sold. Then again as to Turnips: for every 100 of Suttons' Champion Swede, 6 of Hardy Purple Top," 12 of " King of Swedes," 3 of " Giant Tankard," 5 of " Hardy White," and 1 or 3 of " Golden Melon Swedes " are sold. And for every 100 bushels of Swedes (7 kinds), about 60 of common Turnip (15 kinds) are sold. Of Mangels, again, the sales of different sorts stand to one another thus— Orange Globe, 100; Ked Globe, 8; Long Red, 22; Long Yellow, 12 ; Yellow Intermediate, 25 ; Red Interme- diate, 2. We had the pleasure of walking round the thoroughly well-organised premises in which Messrs. Suttons' extensive business is oonducted, and noticed many a clever device by which the security of parcels and particulars to which reference has been already made, that agricultural readers can be supposed to be interested. Westee Ross : April 13. — In the months of January and February the fall of rain in the north was un- commonly great. The soil was so thoroughly saturated that it could hold no more, and every new fall of rain , either lay in pools on tho level ground, or vv.i,shed down the steeper fields, carrying along both soil and manure, and doing much damage to fields, roads, and bridges. In March, however, there was such a con- , linuance of drying winds, that before the end of the month there was abundance of dust, and the sowing of Oats was well-nigh completed in first-rate condition ; and since that time the weather has been so genial that the earlier sowings are appearing above-ground. The sowing of Barley is now being proceeded with, and on the earlier farms is already completed. Should this fine weather continue for a few days, the whole breadth will be sown in a state thoroughly satisfactory. Potato planting has also been be^un, and will be carried out on a larger scale than it has been in this ciuarter for years. A few years ago, there being no demand from tho south, Potatos wore so abuudant that they were bought at 24s. per ton, and a large pro- portion of them was given to cattle. Since that time, however, disease has been more prevalent in other quarters, and prices have been tending upwards, until this year they rose to an uncommon height. Hence the general inclination now prevalent to lay down a larger breadth. There has been little disease in the north for many years. Both autumn and winter-sown Wheat is looking well, and is sufliciently advanced for this season of the year. As the weather is more genial it is starting ofi^ earlier than usual. Grass is rapidly advancing, and looking bcauti fully green. It would soon afford a sufficient bite for cattle. The sheep have nearly all left the low country for their hill grazings. On the whole there have been fewer deaths than usual, both on the hills and in the lowlands, and had the rainfall in the early spring been somewhat less, a finer season could not have been desired. Considering the present high price of grain, the price of sheep and cattle is as high as might reasonably be expected. At the markets we have already had there has been a good demand for cattle, both fat and lean, and, although for grazing sheep there has as yet been little demand, fat have been selling well. Altogether this has been one of the most prosperous years the arable farmers in the north have had for a long time. The cereals, although not yielding largely, and although the quality was not fine, the yield has been fair, and the prices highly remunerating; whilst Turnips fetched a high price for sheep wintering, Potatos an exorbitant price, and stock are selling well. As I write the Arjricultiiral Gazette of the 11th inst. has come to hand, and in order to mitigate somewhat Mr. Mechi's amazement at Scotch folly in thick seeding, I may say that in this northern county I have for years seeded the imperial acre with 3 bushels of AVheat, 3 bushels of Barley, and 4 bushels of Oats, and as I have this season risked an acre of Wheat with \\ bushel, and an acre of Barley with 2 bushels, I will, by-and-by, be able to tell the result, which, I doubt not, will he pretty satisfactory. A few weeks ago I examined, with the deepest interest, Mr. Mechi's balance-sheet for the year, and was glad to see that for once he wa- able to show a decent balance in his favour. But t reach it, what an outlay ! and to show it, what i world of figures ! For a canny Scotchman there i-^ by far too great a risk. A not uncommon change in the price of produce would make his favourable balance dissipate into thin air. I happen to rent a small farm, about half the size of Mr. Mechi's, quite distinct from the farm on which I reside, which last year, without steam-engine, without liquid manuring apparatus, without, in short, one-tenth part of Mr. Mechi's out- lay, showed a balance in my favour of 71. Ws. pel acre, including rent and profit. To reach a profit greatly less, and much more uncertain, Mr. Mechi has to move heaven and earth, and for many to follow in his steps is an impossibility ; whilst on my plan a profit some- what similar may be had, year after year, without fuss or bother, or dislocation of any sort. SUTTONS' HOME-GROWN FARM SEEDS CARRIAGE FREE. The best Globe Mangel in cultivation. SELECTED l5. Qd. pov lb. soils. The roots of this remarkably fine Blangel v.iry from pale vel k to oraDge. Price Is. fJd. per lb. ; much cheaper by tlie cwt. Cirrui Per Ib.-s. d. Per lb - GOOD YELLOW GLOBE 1 0 SDTTON'.S MAMMOTH - - - LONO YELLOW .. ., SELECTED ORANGE GLOBE STRATTON'S RED MOTH LUNG RED . The best Swede in cultivation. In 1837 Notices to Correspondents. Gas Watee : Bystock. It is of very vaiioua strength. Applitd in wet ■weather, it will not need dilution ; but we will give an answer next week. Havmaking : A. In 1851 the whole cost at Frocestcr Court in mowing, making, carrying, ricking, thatching, ovLr 12i acres, was 7s. 6(^. per acre. In 1852 the cost over exictlj the same extent was 8a. M. per acre. In 18-56 the wh< Ic cj&t of mowing and making (including " thatching and all," was 8s. an acre the whole cost over 154 acres was G\l., or about 8s. an iicrta In 1859 the mowing machine was used in addition to the hay-tedder and horse-rake, and the whole cost of manual labour, in movrfng, making, carrying, ricking, and thatching 170 acres, was only 6s. an acre. The quantity of beer ind cider consumed is about two gallons per acre during the whole process. Lactometer : R C ie?fw. A tube of glass divided into 100 equal parts, and provided with a scale counting from 100 downwards, is to be filled with milk up to 100, and in a few hours the percentage of cream can bo read off. A stand of such tubes vdll enable you to read off the quality of the niUk of as many lots. Milk : H 0. The produce of a cow is dependant on her indi- vidual character even more than on her breed and condition. A cow may give only 4 or 5 up to 8 or 10 quarts a-day, and even more, at four months from her coming calving. And this maybe said of an Ayi-shire as much as of any other breed. The average yield of butter for milk is 1 lb. for 10 or 11 quarts, It may be 1 lb. from 8 quarts just after calving. 14 quarts towards the time for calTing again. On agam reading your question, it does not appear tu us whether your four months from calving means that the cow has been four months in milk, or that she is within , , , „ -, , - 11- - J 1 four months of coming to her milking again, tke oertamty of their proper delivery ajo ensured, seeds: Broadiwv. We hope to hav&a report of your seeds But it is less in trade details of this kind, than in those I shortly. CHAMPION 1.5. id. per lb Forp:irticnlar.soIotlicrGENUlNE FARM SEEDS, see SUTTONS ILLUSTRATED FARM SEED LIST, gratis and post free on applica- tion. All goods carriage free, except very small p ircels. 6 per cent, allowed for cash payments. SUTTONTMfD SONS, SEEDSMEN TO THE QUEEN, READING, BERKS. Apeii 18, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, ASPHALTE ROOFING PELT. One Penny per Square Foot. CEOGGON AND CO., MANUFACTURERS, I Si.Bmul Street, Uondon. ( 63, New Earl Street, J 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. INODOROUS FELT FOR LINING ROOFS AND SIDES AND IRON nOCSES Price One Penny per Square Foot. CEOGGON AND CO., I 34, Bread street K„^a„„. ( 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. DRY HAIR FELT FOR COVERING .STE.VJI BOILERS, PIPES, ETC., OF VARIOUS THICKNESSES. CEOGGON AND CO., MANUFACTURERS, / 34, Bread Street, 1 r „„,,„,, 163, New Earl Street, f^™''''"- 59, George Square, Gla.sgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. IMPORTERS OF SHEET ZINC OF BEST BRANDS. CEOGGON AND CO., J 3-4, Bread Street, \ 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. [ London. ZINC AND METAL PERFORATORS. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, ) ^ „„ i«„ (63; New Earl Street, ) ^™'^°°- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool GALVANIZED FLAT AND CORRtUiATKi' SHEKT IKON, OF EVERV DESCRIPTION, FOR HO.ME U.SE AND FOR EXPORT. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, 1 y „ ,„„ (63, New Earl Street, 1^™''''°' 9, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, GALVANIZED IRON MANUFACTURED GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION CEOGGON AND CO., j 34, Bread Street London. ( 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON CISTERNS OF EVERV DE8CHIFTIUN. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, 1 , „„ ,„„ \ 63, New Earl Street, ) I-™*™' 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. CHURCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BUILDINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., / 34, Bread Street, ) j , Us; New Earl Street, j ^™'^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Livei-pool. KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUBBER FLOOR CLOTH. CEOGGON AND CO., / 34, Bread Street, 1 ^ „„,,„„ 1,63; New Earl Street, J^™"^""- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree PLazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS OF HOUSES, COACH-HOUSES, ETC., TO PREVENT DAMP. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, I j „„ ,„„ I 63; New Earl Street, j^°°'l°°' 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PORTLAND CEMENT OF BEST QUALITY, 100 lbs. to tha BUSHEL. CEOGGON AND CO., ' 34, _Bread_Stree_t, ) London. 59, George Squa I 63, New Earl Street, J 2, Go Ls, Liverpool. PLASTERERS' HAIR SUPPLIED BY CEOGGON AND CO., f 34, Bread Street, I t „,„,„„ 1 63; New Earl Street, } ^°"''™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, BY CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, ] i , \ 63, New Earl Street, / ^°°'""'- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas. Liverno GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING. CEOGGON AND CO., I 34, Bread Street, ) . , 163, New Earl Street, } I'™""" • 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. "Evory Cottage should be provldod with a Wator Tault." liisraeli. Iron Clstema. FBRABY AND CO. liaving laid down extensive and . Improved Machtnery In tbelr Dew range of buildings Ida Wharf, Dkitfobd, are now prepared to supply WROUGHT IRON TANKS. GALVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality at reduced prices, and at very short notice. LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. C^ Cover to prevent over-gorging. Cleanly, durable.nnfl impei infection, being all of Iron. Prices of Fittings per Cow. 605. Prospectuses free of Cottam Sl Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street (Opposite the Pantheon), Oxford Street, London, W., where the Agricultural Co-operatlou. COUNCIL. The Right Hon. W. Cowper, M.P. W, Morrison, Esq., M.P. Thos. Hughes, Esq., M.P. James tJeiil, Esq. E. Vansittiirt Neale, Esq. Fred. Penningcon, Ksq. Edwd. Owen Gioening, Esq., Managing Director. OtJPPLIES its Meraben Co-operative System. An invest- ment of £1 and upwards (bearing interest dividend) constitutes Membership after Election by Council. No further liability. Rules and all information post free on receipt of two Stamps, or by person.'U application to the Offices of the Association. 4, Warren Street, Manchester. Full Profits credited to Members. Half Profits to the Public (non- members). TRADE DISCOUNTS. The following are the Profits gained by Members :— Linseed Cakes, guaranteed absolutely pure Cotton-seed) Cakes ; decorticated and uodecoi-tic it«d Rape Cakes, I 5 to 10 for feeding, best quality (and for tillage); Palm Nnt fPer Cent. Meal ; and all other Feeding Stuffs } Patent Dog Cakes {pe"Se'nt. Peruvian Guano, pure as imported ; Nitrate of Soda, pure ) and unadulterated ; Ground Bones, tree from mixiuro, [^ 10 to 15 and guaranteed English ; Superphosphates ; and all 1 Per Cent. other Manures of the best makers and qualities , . ) Clover Seeds, uncoloured and immixed ; Grasa Seeds, "i i= ..,, r>n new and reliable; Turnip Seeds, genuine and good ; ^ „„ ,. ':. Garden and all other Seeds j rer uenc. Steam Engines, Steam Ploughs, Cultivators ondlmple-l 10 to 20 munts, Portable and Fixed Threshing Machines . . J Por Cent. Ploughs, Harrows, Kollers.Cultivatora, Drills Horse Hoes, , Carts, Waggons, Reaping and Mowing Machines, Hay- ^. . „. makers. Horse Rakes, Chaff Cutters, Mills, LawnLp^ p "^ Mowers, Sewing Machines, Stoves and Cooking Ranges, [ *®^ '-'Siit'- andMaohmesof every known Maker f Iron Hurdles, Gates and Continuous Fences, Strained") Wire and Rope Fences, Wire Netting, Stabte Fittings, ( 10 to 30 Pumps, Tanks, Paints, Domestic Machinery, Heatmg fPer Cent. Apparatus, &c J A Full Catalogue will shortly be published, meanwhdo Prices can at all times be obtained. The Society is prepared to receive Samples and Prices of unadul- terated Seed, Manures, and Feeding Stufls. Greesimo, Managing Director. , Vestmins* — ^' "'' Warren Street, Manchester. Ill, Parliament Street, Westminster, S.W. REGISTEKKl) SliLF-AUTINU HAND SKKB- DRILL.— By simply turning a screw, this Drill can at once be adapted for sowing Mangel Wurzel, Barley, Wheat, Sainfoin, Tares, Rape^^ Turnips, Car- IX, and Carrot lb is an in- valuable implement for the Market Gar- dener, and to all who possess a Kitchen Garden ; and for the will be lound )r the purpose of filling up the places "here the Horse Drill nns missed. Full directions sent with each Drill. On lipt of stamps or and Manufai of the Cham- Haymaker, Bury Idmund's, a Drill .pplying this useful "i Windsor. ■rdcners' Chronicle and AgricuUural Gazette of Dec. 7, 1867, ug the noveltioH in the Implement Department of the Implement Manufacturer, Bury St. Edmund's, Suffolk.' Wire Work for Gardens and Conservatories. '■IRE work: w\ Iir RDER \ I N I RS I bND II 1 LLI S CI LLIERS ORNA \l WIRE I ^TU,Db &c I WION S STRAW I!E1 IIY CRINOLINE, 1 r I resemu^ Straw ) Lrrles from blugs, con "-^ with tha soil, 8upor is moist ire, aod thor nuisances 111 istrnted Catalogues or Ilorticu tural Wire VVork free on appllca. R. HoLLiDAT, Practical Wire Worlier, 2a, Porto- bello Terrace, Netting .STANDS, HANGING BASKETS, 4 4 rcot 0, bv 8 feet 3 hisb Twisted Wire, 4 leot e, by 8 feet 3 hiah Square Coluums, 4 feet 0, by 8 feet 3 Ijigh. SUSPENDING BASKETS. 2 feet 9 inches in diameter . . . . 20*. each. I foot 10 „ „ .... 15s. eacb. Made with Insida Basket, eitber painted or galv.\nised. SEED GUARD, 18 inches by 18 inches, gaWanised, Is. each ; or 2^ with 4 ends (carriage paid), for 24s. Bd. ; Extra End Pieces, 4d. eacb, STRAWBERRY GUARDS, 2tf(,r21»., for kooiiii« Strawbcrriei from Slugs, Damp, Slc. Illustrated Lists free on application. Walter Fo-x & Co.. 32, Cbicksand Street, Osbom Street, White- chapel, N.E. OU Paint no longer Necessary. HILL AND SMITH'S P.ITKIST BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish is an excellent substitute for oil pamt on all out-door work, and is mily two-thirds cheaper. It may be appbed by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and is used cold. It la used In the grounds at Windsor CaaUe, Kew Gardens, and at the Be'''V..SJ!i hundreds of the nobility and gentry, from whom the most flat""?* testimonials have been received, which Hill * Smith will lorwaru ou application. „ Fr^i J. A. Tatlor, Esq., SIrauham Cmr'- your Inquiries. 1 ben to inlorm you 1 1 i your Black ■• In answer to your Inquiries, i nee to miorm you . ,.-^ /™ -- Varnish an eMOllent substitute for oil paint upon iron J"°J^^ out of doors, and have found the.iron Barrow »ithappMa» essential in applj-ing the VarniBli to lines of foo«>"S- ' "^porior tj recommend the Bl.ack Varnish for all 0>'t'lo°r Zi'to^pbod with anything I have vet used for the purpose, ajid it can no iH-i- great economy by careful labourers ^, ,. ea ver iMllon, at t»» Sold in casts of about 30 ga ions each. '^}i^{J^J^e togdom. "»">^-.'^XL'l-|iW''="rri'X'Sm"orWo^^°nlar DndlefaDd I Street W^E."" from whom only it can be obUinod. THE GAEDENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 18, 1868. SAMUELSON & CO.'S PATENT LAWN MOWING AND ROLLING MACHINES. EVERY MACHINE "R^ARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. TO BE OBTAINED OF SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA WORKS, BANBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE : 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE, E.C. AGENTS :- Messrs. TANGYE BOTHERS and HOLMAN, 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE; Messrs. DEANE and CO., London Bridge ; Messrs. DRAY, TAYLOR AND CO., London Bridge ; Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD, C3, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughout the Kingdom. GREEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOR, OR NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the KEEpraa of Lawns in the HIGHEST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can bo worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GEEEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved to he the best, and carried off every Prize that has Icen ffifcn in nil cases of competition. T. GREEN & SON icarrant every Machine to giva entire satisfaeiion, and if not approved of can be returned unconditionallif. iLi.r-^jp III /> iJirr jists feef o^ iiPLir I2in\ T. G. ANdSON have a largo quantity of LA'VN'N MOA\ CRS in stock it their Letdq and London Ebtiblishraents, aho various other kinda of HOHTICULTCKAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. Havitig very extensive Premises in ZondoHy we are in a jyosition to do all kinds of Repairs there, as well as at our Leeds E'itablishment* THOMAS GHEEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKERIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. No. 49. GARDEN ENGINES, of all sizes, in Oak No. 5ib. THE CASSIOBDEY FIRE EXTINGUISHEE, as Right Hon. the Earl of Esse.K. No. 44. WROUGHT-IRON PORTABLE PUMPS of all sizes. No. 4. CAST-IKON GARDEN, YARD, or STABLE PUMPS Galvanized Iron Tubs. designed for (he THE IMPROVED SELF-ACTING HYDRAULIC RAM. This useful Self-acting Apparatus, which works da^ and night without needing attention, will raise water to any height or distance, without cost for labour or motive power, where a few feet f.ill can be obtained, and is suited for supplying Public or Private Establishments, Farm Buildings, Railway Stations, &c. No. 37. DEEP WELL PUMPS for Horse, Hand, Steam, or other Power. No. 63. PORTABLE IRRIGATORS with Double or Treble BaiTels for Horse oi Steam Power. No. 46(7. IMPROVED DOUBLE ACTION PUMPS on BARROW for Waterin" Gardens, &c. "^ No. 49«. GALVANIZED SWING WATER CARRIERS, for Garden use. No. SO and 54„;„,., („/..„ • , f ^i n t v, jf,- < v -t.^ I^articulais taken ui any part of the Country. Flans and hsiimates furnished. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES CAN BE HAD ON APPLICATION. Apeil 18, 18C8.] THE GARDENERS' CIIRONKJLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE JOHN WARNEE & SONS, BRASS AND BELL FOUNDERS TO HER MAJESTY. HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS, 8, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.C. No. 42. WARNERS' PORTABLE PUMPS, With Improved Valves fur Liquid Manure . . . . £2 15 0 . Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, per foot, 2s. 5rf. No. 35. J. W. AMD SONS' GOODS MAY BK OBTAINED OP THE TRADE GENERALLY AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES :— Xo. 42 35. WARNERS' PATENT CAST-IRON LIFT PUMPS. 2J inches diameter . . ..£186 3,, „ .. ..210 3i „ „ .. ..260 4 „ „ .. .. 2 14 0 BHORT-BARBEL DITTO, FOR SINKS, PLANT HOUSES, &c. £1 1 0 No. 37.— 2J ins. diameter Ditto, with 15 feet of IJ-in. lead Suction Pipe attached, £2. WARNERS' (N(i. 547 1) GARDEN ENGINE. HOLDS SIX GALLONS. Is light, portable, and easily worked by a lady or child, price £2 10s. These small, but powerful, Engines are strongly recommended to be kept on each floor of a gentleman's mansion, to be used in case of Fire. They should be kept filled with water, and then are always ready for use. WARNERS' (No. 568J) AMERICAN GARDEN ENGINE, OR FIRE ANNIHILATOR, Is complete in itself, or can be used to draw from a Pond or Tank, price £2 2s. 6 ft. Suction Pipe and Rose, extra, 125. WARNERS' AaUAJECT. Useful for every variety of purpose, in Water- ing or Washing Flowers or Trees in Gardens, Conservatories, &c. ; also for Washing Carriages or Windows, Laying Dust, &c. Price, complete . . . . . , £1 10 0 Small Size for the hand, as an ordinary Syringe, 18s. WARNERS' BEST BRASS SYRINGES. No. 0, 9s. 6s;. ; No. 00, 12s. ; No. 1, lis. 6d. ; No. 2, 12s. 6il. ; No. 3, l5j, No. 4, Read's, 18s. 6a. ; No. 5, 16s. 6d. ; No. 6, 16s. 6d. ; No. 7, 7s. 6d. No. 557a Disc Syringe possesses Important advantages, 9s. No 547, in Wood 547a, in Iron Tub. WARNERS' GARDEN ENGINES, WITH REGISTERED SPREADERS. These Engines are much improved in construction, are less likely to get out of order, and more easily repaired than others. No. .547. Best ENGINES, in Wood Tubs. 24 Gallons ..£6 10 0 | 14 Gallons . . £5 10 0 No. 547a. Strong ENGINES, in Galvanized Iron Tubs, well painted inside and out. 10 Gallons ..£2 19 0 I 24 Gallons ..£4 19 0 16 Gallons . . 3 14 0 28 Gallons . . 5 10 0 PATENT ANNULAR-SAIL WIND ENGINE. SELF KEGUL.ATING. For raising AVater from Wells of any depth, and forcing it any height by means of single, double, or treble barrel pumps, is especially adapted for the supply of water to gentlemen's mansions, farms, schools, union workhouses, asylums, &c. The larger sizes are recommended in place of steam engines for Water Works in small towns and villages, as after the first outlay the water is raised free of further cost. These Engines are also adapted for threshing, grinding, chaff cutting, pulping, &c., as well as pumping water for the supply of stock, and purposes of irrigation. J. W. & Sons naving purchased the patterns of Wind Engines manufactured by the late firm of Messrs. Bury & Pollard of Southwark, can undertake any repairs connected with existing mills. No. 579i. WARNERS' WATER BARROW Made of strong Wrought Iron, Galvanized and painted inside and out. ' This is an extra strong article, witb cros! two moD, suitable for Nu«ery Grounds, &c. WATER WHEELS, WATER RAMS, DEEP WELL PUMPS FOR STEAM, HORSE, OR HAND POWER. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTTOAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 18, 1868. For Watering Gardens. &o.— Best Make Only. HANCOCR'S INDIA- BUBBER HOSE -PIPES, fitted with STOP-COCKS, SPREADERS. JETS, and HAND- BRANCHES complete. Price per Foot. Size. Internal Diameter. i Inch. 1 1 Inch. i Inch. 1 1 Inch. No. 1 No. 2. .. .. No. 3. .. .. ad. M. Sd. 9i lOti. lid. lOlJ. Is. Od. U. 1.1. id. No. S is the most serviceable, and recommended. Larger Sizes for FIRE ENGINES and PUMPS. See Price List. HOSE-REELS (Galvanised Iron) for the above, at 42s. and AGs. each. TUBING, with Flange for excluding draughts through Doors, Windows, and Glass I Rubber Works, Illustrated Price Lists on application. James Lyne Hanco ee. Goswell Road, and Goswell Mews, London, E.G. Horticultural Glass WareHouse. THOMAS MILLINGTON and CO., 87, BisbopSRace Street Without, London, E.G. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOUSE GLASS as supplied to Her Majesty, the Nobility, Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leading Horti- cnlturists of the United Kingdom. ORCHARD-nOUSE SIZES. 3rds. ?9 f'y ?? . J-Per 100 feet -j — 20 by 13 ) 20 by 14 VP ^Oby 15 \ 2ubvl6-' (21 { I 4th8. . 14s 3rf . 19sG(J 18s ed 18s6(/ 205 0d 22s2cl]25sed\26s6a 13s 3d 14« 6d 17a 3rf lOa Od 2y by 16 SMALL SHEET SQUARES, 15 oz., per 100 feet. Id. in. 'In. In. I in. in.lin. In. I 4tbs. i 3da. I 2nds. ( Best. ?iby4il lihl 6l| l|bf 6)1 till Ii}\l2^3d\l3s3d\lils0d\m0d Per 100 feet. W by 8 112 by 9 |12i by 10(I14( by lOi 10tby8112tby 9113 by 10 r "- ■' 11 by 9 la by 9 131 by 10) I Illby9t|l2 by 10 ll4 by 10 |H LARGE SHEET SQOARES, 15 03., per 100 feet, in. in. 4tlis. I Sds. 23 by 16 24 by 16 20 by 17 22 by 17 24 by 17 20 by 18 22 by 18 luu leei. I by 101 1 by 10 ( by 11 j- by 11 ) 161 by 101 14 by 12 16 by 10 ,14) by 121 141 by 111116 by 12 15 by 11 161 by 121 151 by 111 1 16 by 12 16 by 11 1161 by 121 21 by 11 Il7 by 12 13 by 12 (IS by 12 The above Prices 23 by 13 18 by 14 22 by 14 24 by 15 24 by 18 ; IbM l&!6d ISs «<2 20s Oci I quantity of .any nly for the Sizes stated ; other Size be required, a Special Price will be given. SHEET GLASS. In Sheets for Cutting up, averaging from 6 to 0 feot supor. 15 oz. I 21 oz. 4th8quality, per SOO feet else, 38s. 4ths quality, per 200 feet case, SHEET GLASS is made only in the following substances, 15 oz. HARTLEY'S "IMPROVED ROLLED ROUGH PLATE In l-8th in.. ,1-16th in., l-4th in., and ."l-Sth in. .substances. BRITISH PLATE GLA.SS for Windows and .Silvered for Looking Glasses, Coloured Gla.ss, Glass Shades, Striking Glasses, &c., &c. PAINTS, COLOURS, VARNISHES, &c. STUCCO PAINT, 24«. per cwt. This Paint adheres firmly to the walls, resists the weather, and is free from the glossy appearance of Oil Paint, resembling a stone .surface, and can he marie any required shade. It is mixed with rain or pure river water. _WH1TE ZINC l>ilNT,_36s. por_cwt. One hundredweight of jiure of Paint is extensively used for all kinds t. ._ .ions, on Brick, Stone, Compo, Iron, Iron Budges, Conservatories, Greenhousus, Jfcc, and is easily laid on by any ordinary workman. Prepared Oil for ditto 4s. per gallon. Per cwt — s. d. | Per gallon.— s. 4. GENUINE WHITE LEAD 32 0 LINSEED OIL .. ..3 4 SECONDSWHITELEAD r ~ "' GROUND PATENT DRY- ERS,3rf.to4id. per lb. „ OXFORD OCHRE, 3d. ..BURNT do., M. to sit. GREEN PAINT, all shades. BLACK PAINT, 24s. 1 RED PAINT . . 28s. 1 DISTEMPER BRUSHES. LINSEED OIL PUTTY, 8s. to 9s. per cwt. FlneOAKVARNISH,10«.tol2 0 „ CARRIAGE c , 12s. to 14 10s. I >12 0 Knotting lo o Patent GOLD SIZE ..10 C „ BLACK JAPAN . . 12 0 GLAZIER'S DIAMONDS and TOOLS MILLED LEAD and PIPES OLD LEAD Bought or taken in exchange. JAMES PHILLIPS AND 0 0. beg to submit their prices as follows ; — GLASS for ORCHARD HOUSES, As supplied by them to Mr. Rivers, to the Royal Horticultural Society, and to most of the Nobility, Clergy, and Gentlemen of the United Kingdom. Each Box contains 100 feet. The prices only apply to the sizes stated. Squares 20 by 12, 20 by 13, 20 by 14, 20 by 15. 16 oz. to the foot. 21 oz. Fourth quality . . . . 15s. orf lOs. 6i by Tjl " ^^s. Gd. 10 by 8 lOibySi .. 13s. Gd. Boxes 23. each returnable at full pnce. ;. Sheet Glaas. PAINTS of various colours, ground ready for SHEET and ROUGH PLATE GLASS, SLATES of aU sizes. tRlTISH PLATE, PATENT PLATE, ROLLED PLATE, CROWN HEET, HORTICULTURAL, ORNAMENTAL, COLOURED, an « T. M. Evans, Manager. Covent Garden. W.C. SKWAGE of TOWNS and VILLAGES on the DRY EARTH SYSTEM. —This Company is prepared to make arrangements for dealing with the Drainage of Towns on the Dry Eaith System ; including the disposal of SlnK-water, Slops, &c. Applications to be made to tho Manager, 29, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Caution to Gardeners.— Wlien you ask for SAYNOR AND COOKK'S WARRANTED PRIZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that Ton cet them. Observe the mark SAYNOR. also the Corporate Mark, Obtain Wauiianted, without which none are genuine. H. & C. regiet having to caution Gardeners and others, but are cnmpolled to do so, in consequence of an imitation, of common quality, having been sold for the genuine one, and which has caused many complaints to be made to them of Knives which were not of their make, all of which are warranted both by Sellers and Makers. S. & C.'s PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are the te^t and the cheaoest in the market. Paiton Works, Sheffield. Established upw.-irda ofl25 years. NEIGHBOURS' liMPROVED COTTAGE BEE-HIVE, as originally introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR akd SONS, working three bell-glasses ; is neatly and strongly made of straw ; it has three windows in the lower hive. This hive will be found to possess many practical advan- tages, and IS more easy of management than any other bee-hive that has been intro- duced. Price complete. £1 los. ; Stand for ditto, lOs. &d. THE L I G U R I A N or ITALIAN ALP BKE being much in repute, G. N, and Sons supply Stocks of English Bees with genuine Italian Queens (which will shortly have wholly vellow Italian Alp -). .U £,n ,?.-■. each. 149, Regent Street, Lmdon, W, An Ictliiii _ ]p (^ueen, with lor uniting to K\«;Llsli l!EES.— Stocks and Swjirms may be obtained A newly-arn inged Catalogue of other Impr >ved Hives, with Clayton Squire. 16, Buchanan Street. A GRICULTURAL and HORTICULTURAL PRIZES. A Pamphlet of Prices, iflnstrated with 300 Lithogi-aphic Drawincs of Silver Epergnes, ~" ■ .SUmds, &c., have been prepared for the Bank of England. €t WANTED to RENT, on Lease, a FEW ACRES of GOOD LAND, with a COTTAGE, for Horticultural purposes. Apply by letter, Btating terms, to A. H., 23, Princess Slroot, StaiiiTortl Street. BlackfHars Road. London, S. To Seedsmen and Rorlsts. TO BE SOLD (cause, sudden death of Proprietor, who has l.Don 20 years establishing tho concern), SHOP, GREEN- HOUSKS. FORCING HOUSES, and STOCK complete. Mes.srN. Kkaskr, Goad, & Rdtfobo, Seodsmon, ttc, 82, Blshopsgato To Florists and Seedsmen. ^0 BE DISPOSED OP, on advantageous terms, one of - the oldest ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES In the West-end, ingan excellent Trade In Plants and Flmvors, Brjuquets, &c. "'"''•"" ""Tiprise largo Shop and (V.Ti^crv;itnrv, wltti nvorycon- To Seedsmen, Nurserymen. Maritet Gardeners, and Others. TO BE LET, by Tender, a SMALL FARM, in Dedham Vale, containing 38 Acres or thereabouts, of rich Arable and Pasture Land, together with Two Cottages and Outbuildings thereon, situate within two miles of the Araleigh Station on the Main Line of tho Great Eastern Railway, and adjoining Lands In the occupation of, and under cultivation for seed-growing purposes by, 1 firm of Messrs. Carter fit Co., Soeds- the eminent and well-km A'Plan of the Estate can be at the Offices of Mr. .Tonw De; , _ . _ . Great James Street, lltdford Row, London, where sealed Tenders are to be sent, on or before the 10th day of May, 1808. ' ■ I accept tho highest or any 4 to 10 ounces a^ : Winter Dressing for Vines iim Fruit Trees. Hasoutlived mnin preparations intended to super Sold Retail by Sced.'^raen, ii boxes, Is., 3R.y and lOa. Cd, Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (LraiTED). By Royal Appointment. To Her Majesty by Special MEDICINE CHESTS for disorders i and Lambs. No. 1 MEDICINE CHEST To tho Prince of Wales, by Special Warrant dated loth February. 180(5. D HEWITT, f the .STOCK-BREEDERS' Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, Sixteen different kinds of com- pounds, admirablyarranged, with Complete Guide to Farnery, Price, £0 Cs. Carriage paid, f^ Every Stockowner should send for D, " " Large Ed'" " "-■ No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST The Extract, Gaseous Fluid, Red Drench, and Red Paste, with Shilling Key to Farriery, Price, £2 ICs. 6d. Carriage paid. . & Hewitt'8 free by post for 33 OUT GROUND attached to Mai Villa or other for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or J carry out the same by Contract or othi M AGENT ggd'yALUER.— Address, 308, Fiii\iam Road, S.W. improvement of Landed Property. MR. ROBERT SMITH, of Emmett's Grange, South- molton, Devon, (the Author of the Royal Agricultural Society's Prize Essays on "The Improvement of Grass Lands," "Tho Management of Sheep," "The Reclaiming of Waste Linds," " Irrigation and Hill-side Catch Meadow.s," as also of the " Papers on Designs ffT Labourers' Cottages," "Buildings for Small Farms," "Hints to Young Farmers, &c.), having Removed, m conjunction with Lis Son (at the expiration of a 20 years' Lease on Exmoor) to Harford House, Chow Magna Bristol, March 25, ' SHORTHORNS: EDENHRIDGE HERD.— The fine BULL "PATRICIAN" (2'1.738). one of the purest bred Sires 3 the country, havmg joined this Herd from Milcote, ' ■ • ■ Also to be SOLD, SYLPH and CLEOPATRA tribes. three young BULLS, descended from tho PRIZE GAME COCKS for SALE, Winners of Cups or Prizes at the following Shows :— Brighton, Basingstoke. Salis- buay, Beverley, HaatinRS, Bury St. Edmund's, Southampton, Spalding, Wisbeach, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Mauchester, We&ton-super- Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING i'OWLS, of purest breed, in any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive BRAHMA-POUTRA. CREVEClEUR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, tvr constant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on application. John Bajlt & Son, 113, Mount Street, London, W. Salts 5g Auction. To Nurserymen and Amateurs of New and Rare Plants. ME. J. C. STEVENS has the honour to announce that ho h.is been commissioned by the Council of tho Royal Street, Covent Garden, LondOD, W.C. M^ blue-flowercd l>l ■; CYRTOrr I Orchid from i approaching tho ■- Onv ?the Morningof Sile, andCrttaloi s had. Stove and Greenhouse Plants at Hlghgrove, Reading, Ber^s. MR. J. C. STEVENS has rtceived instructions to SELL by AUCTION, at the Gardens, Highgrove, Reading, Berks, on THURSDAY, May 7, at half-past 12 o'Clock precisely, a FURTHER PORTION of the COLLECTION of PLANTS formed by thr. spe.'i lOgll nndy, Esq., comprising a Choice Collectio: ', HEATHS, FERNS, and a variety of other Plants, all in good health ; alf^o the THREE A t lie day prior and morning of Sale, and Cata- anluns, and of Mr J. C Stkvess, Horticul- Valuer, 38, Kinj.^ Street, Cov..iit Garden, W.C. Important & Extensive Sale of Established Orchids. MR. J. C. S'lEVKNS (HoKTKt-LTX'KAi, Auctioneer and Valuer, of 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London.) begs to announce that he has been favoured with instructions to olTer for SALE by AUCTION, on the Premises, Pendlebury, Manchester, the well known collection of ESTABLISHED ORCHIDS, offered In consequence of the death of the late J. A. Turner, Esq. This is by far the best collection of Ordudaceous Plants ever offered to the Public. The specimens are very numerous, and in excellent health, sting of all the best knownspecies and varieties in cultivation, The Pendlebury. without privately. The late J. II be Publicly Sold, on the Premis -ve, and without a single plant being Turner, Esq., quite unique. All the plants are correctly named and warranted true to the descriptions given. Orchid growere cannot do better than enrich their collections by the addition of «ome of these specimens, and those commencing the cultivation of Orchids have a nire opportunity hero offered them to purchase such kinds that will not disappoint, for, with the exception of a few specially mentioned in the Catalogue, all have flowerad, and their quality can be guaranteed. The present collection, which in eludes many extremely fine specimens, have carried off all the principal prizes at the Man- chester Exhibitions, where the competition is very great, for no other place can equal Manchester for the number and extent of its Orchid collections. Caretul Packers will be in attendance, and every assistance rendered towards their safe packing, in order that they may reach their destinations without the slightest check or Injm-y. The Sale will take place in the Whit week, and during the Great Horticultural Exhibition in the Botanical Gardens, Manchester. Show and Fancy Pelargoniums, Scarlet and Variegated Ger- aniums, Roses in pots, and other Plants in Bloom ; choice Hybrid Rhododendrons, Kalmias, Climbers (in pots). Verbenas, Fuchsias, Calceolarias, Lobelias, and other Plants for Bedding, Dahhas, &c. MESSRS. PROTHEROE and MORRIS will SELL bv AUCTION tho above, at 38 and 39, Gracechurch Street, 'WEDNESDAY, April 22. at 1 o'Clock precisely. , N.E. t the Rooms, Valuable Stock GOLD anrl > and RAIii;i Kent.— Bromley. FRE.SCII and ENGLISH PRIZE POULTRY, with sot .1 1. Portable Poultry- houses, Hot-air Apparatu:^. \\i :,.!.'. i i. Water- Cisterns and Troughs, Patent Incubators, Steam-boiler f._.r Steaming Roots, Office Fittings, and Efiects. MK. EDWARD MANSELL is instructed to SELL by AUCTION (in sepaigte Lots to suit Amateur Breeders), on tho premises of the National Poultrv Company (Limitea), Bromley, near BickKy Railway Station, on WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY, April 22 and 23, at 12 for 1 o'Clock precisely, the whole of tho V.-iluable, Choice, and Well-selected STOCK ot PRIZE POULTRY, I, Loporide! Also in Li of Poultry-ho stock of Poultry a : birds of tho purest s Catalogues may I abovo Railw.iv SXations . . . Auction Mart, Tokenhouso Yard, E. Auctioneer, Belgrave Square, < , on the promises ; at the rt Hotel, Bromley ; at the THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 18, 1868. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWERS FOR 1868. Letters Patent, dated 12th August, 1867, Jiave been granted to A. SHANKS and SON for Important Impr-ovements in Lawn Mowing Machines. UNDER THE PATRONAGE HEB MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE aUEEN, AND MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL NOBILITY GREAT BRITAIN. AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867. NEW HAND MACHINE. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, in PRESENTING theii- PRICE LIST of LAWN MOWERS for 1868, beg to intimate that they are the ONLY FIRM, out of all the other EXHIBITORS of LAWN HOWERS at the UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION of 1867, ^yhom the JURY HAVE DEEMED WORTHY to RECEIVE a MEDAL. A. S. AND SON are gratified to find that the RELATIVE MERITS of their MACHINE hare been so PROMINENT and CLEAR to the JURY that they have PASSED OVER the "HONOURABLE MENTION" and the "BRONZE MEDAL," and AWARDED to A. S. and SON the HIGHEST PRIZE THAT HAS EVER BEEN GIVEN to a LAWN MOWER at ANY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. PRICES, INCLUDING CARRIAGE TO ANY RAILWAY STATION OR SHIPPING PORT IN THE KINGDOM. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE for 1868. £3 10 0 Easily Worked 10-inch Machine . . 12-iiich Machine 4 10 14-rnch Machine 5 10 0 By a Boy \ By a Lady 16-mch Machine 19-inch Machine 22-inch Machine 24-inch Machine £6 10 0 7 15 0 8 10 0 9 0 0 Easily Worked By a Man By a Man and a j \ By Two Men SHANKS' NEW PATENT PONY and DONKEY MACHINE. width of Cutter. 25-inch Machine 28-inch Machine 30-inch Machine £12 10 0 .. 14 10 0 .. .. 30s. „ 15 15 0 .. .. 30a. ,, Silent Movement, 12s. 6d. extra. Boots for Pony, 22s. per set. ; Ditto for Donkey, 18s. per set. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE. 36-inch Machine 42-inch Machine 48-inch Machine Silent Movement, 20s. £19 0 0 22 0 0 .. .. 30s. „ 26 0 0 .. .. 40s. „ 28 0 0 .. .. 40s. „ Boots for Horse, 26s. per set. Patent Double-edged Sole Plate, Wind Guard, and Self-Sharpening Revolving Cutters— important advantages, possessed by no other Lawn Mowers. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IF NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED. A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and Wind Guard, made very great alterations and improvements in their Machine. They hay. had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six months. These trials have been so successful as to enable A. S. and SON to offer i M achine which far excels any other that has ever yet been offered, whether for ease in working, certainty of action, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B. LONDON OFFICE and SHOW ROOMS, 27, LEADENHALL STREET, E.G. 27, Leadenhall Street is the only place in London where intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from 160 to 200 Machines, All sizes k^pt there, whether for Morse, Pony, or Hand Power. s and Business Letters to " The Publisher." at the Office, i\, Wellington ! , ,, , , , ,/)iiibard Street, Precinct " ' "" ' - ' >- '-^^ -"■ ■■ Office, No. 41 , Wellington Street, Parish of Bt. Paul'i, Covent Garden, in the said County.— SATHBOiT, April 1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 17.— 1868.J A Newspaper of Rural Cconomy and General News. SATURDAY, APRIL 25, (Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, Gd. Agriculture, Continentiil . AiitbTlllB vulnurnrin Aucut>as, fvrtilUutloii or 43tt Lniiil, staple Improvement of . 444 b 4J3 c Market ColGusi'S.Lybriil ,432 c-43i i Committee, Scientific, 431 r-iZi 6-435 c Cows, sewnRed Grusa for 442 i Dendrologiti, Prof. Kocli's.... 432 ( FBnncra' CIuIib Fern frunds, prestr Files on Gnipi^s ... Ftuit prospect llRtbof/. Garden, sub Alpine Gas-watpr.stri'iiRtl Grape, Strawberry Gras!4, sewnRod Hyacinth pinn LabeU, cheap . Soils, clay .. Soil chair .. keeping 441 i Persons wishing to send the Gardeners' Chronicle by Post, should order the St.vmped Edition. R^ Tickets up to Mat 10, \s. ; after ibat day, ba. ; and on the days of t Exhibition, 1$. m. each. pi Schedules, ' tS" Special Prizes offoreli for'RHODODENDRONS. GREAT "national HORTTCULTURAL EXHIBITION, 18C8. MAY 29 to JDNE 6. NOTICE is UEKEBY QIVEN mat all rersoDS who intend to tnko part in this Exhibition, must signify thol Intend to CO undersigned. BRUCE FIKDLAY. Bot:inic Gardens. Manchester G^ THE SOUTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE HORTICUL- TURAI, SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION aid ROSE SHOW will bo held at NEWARK on JOLY 2; and Four Sllier Cups, ROBINSON, Secretary, Wmkburn, Southwell, Notts. To be Seen Gratis. G^ . WtBB's, Calcot Gardens, Reading. F Clnerarlaa and Primulas. AND A. S.MITH beg to aunounee their splendid The Nurseries, West Dulwich, S.E. 1 Q<^Q —All the best NEW ROSES XOUO. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES 1 Wy. Wo' Itivation. CATALOGUES now ready. , MaresQeld, UckSeld, Sussex. w Dwarf Roses In Pots for Bedding. By the Dozen, Hundred, or Thousand. WooDLi»D8 NuRSEar, Mabisfiild, UciriiiLD, Sussex. M. WOOD AND SON have a very extensive and maKniflcent Stock of the above to offer. CATALOGUES free on application. New Engllsli Rose Miss Ingram. CHARLES TURNER begs to announce that this popular NEW ROSE will be rearty In May next, at T». 6d. each. Early orders will ensure good plants. The Royal Nurseries, Slough. New Roses, &c. WM. PAUL'S SPRING C.Vl'ALOGnE of NEW ROSES. NEW VARIEGATED, BEATON'S, and ZONAL PELARGONIUMS, Ac, la now ready, and will be forwarded post free on application. , Waltham Cross, London, N. New Roses for 1868. JOHN ERASEK, Lea Bridge Koad Nurseries, London, N.E., boijs to offer floe liealthv plunts of the best NEW ROSES forl8C8. A DESCRIPTIVE List may be had on application. New Catalogue of Soft -wooded and Bedding Plants, Florist Flowers, &c. CHARLES TUR.NEH'S DESCRIPTIVE LIST is now readv, and will be sent on application. The Koyal Nurseries, Slnugh. Bedding Plants from 2s. per dozen. J SCOTT'S CATALOGUE of the above is now ready, • and win be found one of the most useful. His Collection U known throughout the West of England as the beat. Merriott, T.iunton, Somerset. /-10UNTESS of KELLIE is the finest light coloured \J GOLD and BRONZE PELARGONIUM ever offered For description, see our GENF.RAL CATALOGUE, post free. Dowwix, Liiap h L*iso, Forest Hill. London, S,E.. and Edinburgh. w Choice Zonal and Tricolor Pelargoniums, COCKS begs to offer as above, in finest varieties, Autumn-Rrnwn Plants, lii CO-stze pots, 100 for 308. ; 50 for _._ .'LANTS I Old Nuiierles, DomDgton, Spalding. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GARDEN SEEDS, INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON. 1802, wai awarded to iMM C.tKTKR k Co., 237 and 83j. High Holborn, London, W.C. , 1'37 !»n(I 23S. Hif MEDAL I Awarded to . London. W.C. C 23; 4 233, High Holborn, London, W.C. Tji VERY G ARD EN REQUISITE Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. I AMES FAIRHEAD and SON, Seed Growers and ' Mkecbants, 7, Borough Market, and Braintree, Essex. Special prices on iipplication. M. iory, Feckham, S.E. H Genuine Garden Seeds. I. CUTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above is now ready. Post-free on applicatloo. Higbgate Nurseries, London, N. ARDY SPUING FLOWER ROUTS.— TRADE and other CATALOGUES on application to S. Ware. Halo Farm Nursery, Tottenhani, Middlesex, N., close to tbe Railway Station, G. E. Line. H AUDY BORDER PLAN'IS by the Thousand.- TRADE and other CATALOGDES on application to OS. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenbam, Middlesex, N. ROCK PLANTS in great variety.— TRADE and other CATALOGUES on appllcntton to Thos. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenbam, Middlesex, N., close to tbe Railway Station, G. E. Line. H AKDY FLOWER ROOTS for SHRUBBERY BORDERS.— TRADE and other CATALOGUES on appll- s. S. Wahk. Hale Farm Nursery, Toltenham, Middlesex, N. ALPINE PLANTS, a Large Collection.— TRADE and other CATALOGUES on application to Taos. S, Wahk, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenbam, Middlesex, N. H^ , S, Ware, Hale Fal-m Nursery, Tottenham. Middlesex, N, OUIS EOJEMPL E it; HoimcuLTEUK^Tfue des , Nancy, France, offers GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM "" * to francs each, or 65 francs per dozen. Tropaeolum Cooper's Defiance. THOMAS METHVEN has a Large Stock of this magniflcent BEDDING PLANT. Leith Walk Nurseries, Edinourgh.— April 25. Polemonlum Cceruleum Varlegatum. THOMAS M HTHVEN has at present a verv fine stock ofthe above Invaluable flower garden DECORATIVE PLANT. Leith Walk Nurseries, Edinburgh.— April 26. Calceolaria Ambassador (Sang's). "IHOMAS METHVEN has a large and fine STOCK of . this much prized CALCEOLARIA. Leith Walk Nurseries, Edinburgh.— April 25. Male Aucuba Flowers. JNO. STANDlSH is now ready to send by post a dozen AUCUBA BERRIES for immediate sowing. Male and female Plants, with variegated and plain leaves, originated from seeds grown in this country. Price 2s. 6d. per doz. Address, AooUDA, Post-office, Ledbury. A FUCHSIAS, and BEDDING PLANTS, carefully selected for Amateurs' Choice Collections. HOUFER & CU.'S LIST as above Is now ready, and be had on application. Hooper 3t Co , Coveot Garden, London, W.C. GOLDEN^CHAMProN "GRAPE.— Orders "are" now being Booked for this extraordinary Grape. See Advertlaement March 14, pa^je 268. Price 21 1 42s. each. N & Sons, Fulham Nursery, S.W. ROYAL ASCOT or PERPETUAL.— To have new GRAPES ft-om this wonderful Vine in January, February, and March, now and next mouth Is the time to plant them. Fme young growing Cane, now, 42*. each ; in May, 31s. Qd., 42s., and 638. each ; In June, 219., 42d., and d3«. each. JonN STANDtsB, Royftl Nursery, Ascot, Beiks. ORFOLK ISLAND PINES. — F^S~ALE7^"PAIR of well-grown Plants. 17 ft. high, perfectly healthy, in extra- N J pots. For particulars apply Mr. MoasE, original Nursery, Epsc DAHLIAS, VERBENAS, TKOP^OLUMS, ZONAL and NOSEGAY GERANIUMS, and all descriptions of BEDDING and ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, from an Immense stock, at low prices. C. E. ALLEN'S CATALOGUE on application. Shacklewell, near London, N.E. Spring Catalogue. WOOD AND INGRAM respectfully announce that their DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE of TRI- COLOR and ZONAL GERANIUM.S, PELARGONIUMS, DAHLIAS, HOLLYHOCKS, FUCHSIAS, BEDDING PLANTS, DAHLIA IMPEKIALIS.— The most beautiful novelty of late years, and one of the noblest plants known. See Mr. Bateman's remarks at p. 380 of the Oardentra' ChronicU, April II. Tubers shortly ready for distribution, price 5s. each, 50«. per doz. Hooper & Co.. Covent Garden, London, W.C. Notice of Removal. WAITE, BURNELL, HUGGINS, and CO., Seed MiRCUASrs, 181, ILgh HOborn, London, WC, have now REMOVED to their NEW PREMISES In SODTHWARK S'l REET, S.K., where m future all comuiuidcationB are to bo GIANT ASPARAGUS PLANTS, the best that money can procure, 2s. 6d. per 100.— This delicious vegetable does not -nquire half the expense usually incurred In planting It. Sea ra strong SEAKALE, 2s, I KD Smith, Nurseryman, s EED POTATOS. — All the finest varieties, at very moderate prices. U. & F. SiiARPK. Wisbech. c Sang's Flfesblre Yellow Turnip. IIARLES SHAKPK and CO. have a pure and true To the Trade.— Home-grown Turnip Seeds CHARLES SHARPK and Co., Seeu Growers, Sleaford. have to offer TURNIP SEEDS of all the leading kinds, grown from fine selected stocks. Special prices sent on application. To the Trade.- Home-grown Mangel Seeds. /^HARLKS SHARI'E and CO., Seed Growers, V,-' Sleaford, have to offer M.\NGEL SEED of all the leading kinds, grown from due selected stocks. Special prices sent uu SUTTONS' CHAMPION SWEUE, the hardiest and best in cultivation. Lowest price per bushel on application. SuTTOM & Sows, Seed Growers, Reading. HE HARDIEST SWEDE, LAWHEAD GREEN- TOP. A select stock is oflfered by JAMtsDiCKsos & Sons, lOli, Eastgate Street, Chester. if ANGEL WUKZEL, best selected stocks. \1. PRICED LIST on application. James Dicason & Soss, 102, Eastgate Street. Cheater. )URPLE-TOP YELLOW SCOTCH" TURNIP. Price on application. James Dickson & Sons, 102, Eastgate Street, Chester. KIARLKT RUNNER BEANS, 1S66, good growth, J at 148. per bushel. Reference or remittance from unknown correspondents. Jaues Fairiieao & Son. 7, Borough Market, S.E. LEWISHANL SWEDE, the finest variety of Purple-top in cultivation. Special prices on application to James Fairhead & Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E. nnURNIPrSWEDE, and ilANGEL~CR0P,"l8Gf. _L Special prices to the Trade on application to James Fairuead & Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E. CABBAGE. — Special quotations for all the leading varieties from James Fairhead & Sow, 7, Borough Market, S.E. C~^ARROTr~Aitringham, "White and Yellow Belgian. J Special prices forwarded on application to James Fairukao & Son. T. Borough Market. S.E. BLUNDELL'S CATTLE MELON SEED~n^~on SALE. Seed for an Acre, 10s. Apply t Mes^ . Blun L&P, R, 3, Portland Street, Southampton. Mangel Wurzel. JOHN PERKINS, Sen., begs to offer Seed of the above, growth of 1867. fr^m carefully selected stocks. YELLOW GLOBE. I0(i. per lb. ; LONG RED, 9d. per lb. ; cheaper by the cwt. Address John FeRK,iNS, Sen., Seed Warehouse, 52, Market Square, Northampton. w Agricultural Seeds. AITE. BURNELL, HUGGINS, and CO.'S AGRICULTURAL SEED CATALOGUE for this season is published, and will be forwarded per post on application. • ' ' ■■ '" ' '- ■ "■ It, London, S.E. (late PARIS, I SUTTONS' GRASS SEKDS lor ALL SOILS. 1867. I The PREMIER PRIX SILVER MEDAL for GAR- DEN SEEDS, GRASSES, and GRASS SEEDS, was Awarded to SUTTON AND SONS, Seedsmeh to the Qcees, Reading, Berks. BUTTONS' GRASS SKEDS for PARK GROUNDS, O Ids. per bushel, carriage free. SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS ~fbf CRICKET GROUNDS. 18.*. per bushel, carriage free. SEEDS s UTTONS' CEMETERIES, GRASS 18s. per bushel, carriage fie ^tJTTONS' grass" SEEDS for BOWLING GREENS, O 18s. per bushel, carriage free. SUTT6NSnjRASS~SEEDS"fof"GA"RDEN'T,AWNS", Is. per lb., or 20d. per bushel, carriage free. Sow three busheLa per acre. BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS lor CROQUET O GROUND.S, Is. per lb., or 20s. per bushel, carriage free. Sow three bushels per acre. Riiyal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. ^ SUTTONS' PERMANENT GRASS SEEDS, 21s. to 325. per acre, cnrriage free. SUTTONS' MIXTURES for 1, 2, 3, or 4 years, 10s. O-i. to 22s. per acre, carriage free. Slttos i Sons, Reading, Berks. ^ Grass Seeds for Permanent Pasture. "pICFTARD SMITH'S MIXTURES of the finest ' ■ '"" " ) carefully made PRICED LIST ( W Season, OrowLb, Incret i Merchant, Worcester.^ i and Derivations ^ n. Soil, Uso, Peculiarity, CLOVER SEED, first quality only, home growth. Market price on application. Loois Van Hodttii:, Nuraerymnn and Seedsman. Ghent. Belgium. "pwICKINSON'S ITALIAN KYE-GKASS SEEU.— -L' Agriculturists wishing to bo supplied to Mr. Tuos Stanhbiooe, Biubff, Ne~ "" Present pavment, Sos. per quarter 1 Sis. per quarter for less. ■equested to apply Park, LymlDgton. Hants. 6 quarters or upwards; THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Apeil 25, 1868. SEEDLING VERBENA BRILLIANT.— Colour a very bright scarlet, with a large clear white eye. Habit dense and dwarf, Eke Purple King. Strong plants are now ready, at 18S. per dozen j single plants, free by post, for 2s. Gd. A liberal discount to tbe Trade. NuNN & HoiiDAY, St. Augustine's Nursery, Norwich. SEEDLING VERBENA LADY BOUGHTON, pure white, with crimson eye, each pip larger than a shilling ; goud habit, and fine trusser. does uot discolour out-of-doors lilto other sorts. Plants ready end of April, ISs. per dozen. Clrculara on application. The usuiil discount to "" '" Samdel Cos, Seed Merchant, M Superb Double Hollyhocks. WILLLAM CHATER begs to remind the admirers of this beautiful Flower, that now is the time for plantine to Insure fine blooms and spikes next summer. A DESCRIPTIVJ-: CATALOGUE, with aTreatiseuponitsCultivation, willbe forwarded upon the receipt of one postage stamp. Strong healthy plants, that t' the finest named \ 1 IL'A-. Seed saved from the very finest named varieties in cultivation ;— COLLECTION No. L 12 separate named varieties, extra fine, 10s. : No. 2, 6 extra fine varieties, 6s. ; No. 3, 12 separate named varieties, from ROOd show flowers, 7s. Gd. ; No. 4, 6 named ■varletie8,_4s. Mixed packets, 5s. and 2s. 6d. William Cba' , Nursi I, Saffron Walden. S'^ Those requiring showy kinds of Flower Seeds, and who are not well acquainted with the sorts, are respectfully recommended to leave BBlection to hs, and we will supply those we know to be really worthy of cultivation. 1. Ihe best 100 aorta (hardy, half-hardy, and tender) jEl 1 o 2. The best 50 sorts ditto ditto 0 10 6 3. The best 36 sorts ditto ditto 0 7 0 4. The best 24 sorts ditto ditto 0 5 0 5. The best 24 sorts (hardy sorts only) 0 5 0 PRICED CATALOGUES gratis and post free on application. No. 1. A COMPLETE COLLECTION to produce an excellent display durmg the entire Summer and Autumn £2 2 0 No. 2. A COMPLETE COLLECTION, do. do. . . !! 1 11 G No. 3. A COMPLETE COLLECTION, do do. 110 No. 1 A COMPLETE COLLECTION, do. do. .. " o 15 0 No. 6. A COMPLETE COLLECTION, do. do. . . 0 10 fl PRICED CATALOGUES gratis and post free on application. SoTTQw &SoNs, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. Extra Choice Seeds for Present Sowing. ROBERT PARKKR begs to offer the undernamed, all of which are warranted to be of the finest possible qualities. Per packet — s. d ASTERS, in six finest kinds, mixed seed ..0 6 BALSAMS, Camellia-flowered, finest mixed . 0 6 CALCEOLARIA, herbaceous, finest mixed.. .. "20 CINERARIA CRUENTA, finest mixed "20 MYOSOTIS STLVATICA (Cliveden variety) , . 0 6 PORTDLACAS, double-flowered, finest mixed 1 n STOCK, INTERMEDIATE WHITE .. .. .', " 0 0 ,, ., SCARLET ' 0 6 PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA, finest mixed .. 2 6 V .. KERMESINA SPLENDENS .. „ 2 0 WALLFLOWER, double German, finest mixed . . . . 0 0 ZINNIA ELEGANS FLORE-PLENO, finest mixed 0 6 PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES, containing'Select Lists of Agricultural, Flower, and Vegetable Seeds, Spring Bedding Plants, Greenhouae, Hardv, and Stove Plants, are published, and will be forwarded gratis to applicants. Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S.W. "PAEIS AWAKDS." Having carefully investigated the Claims of our respective Houses in reference to the Awards of the Jurors of the late Paris Exhibition, we find the following to bo the correct Awards ; — MESSRS. CARTER and CO. are the ONLY ENGLISH HOUSE to whom the SILVER MEDAL was AWARDED for GRASS in GROWTH. Messrs. Sutton & Sons are the only English House to whom the Silver Medal was Awarded for Garden Seeds and Sample Specimens of Grass and Grass Seeds. AprU 7th, 1868. (Signed) (Signed) SUTTON AND SONS, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. JAMES CARTER and CO., 2.57 & 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. PAKIS AWARDS." Hating carefully investigated the Claims of our respective Houses in reference to the Awards of the Jurors of the late Paris Exhibition, we find the following to be the con-ect Aw.irds : — MESSRS. SUTTON are the ONLY ENGLISH HOUSE to whom the SILVER MEDAL was AWARDED for GARDEN SEEDS, and SAMPLE SPECIMENS of GRASS and GRASS SEEDS. Messrs. Carter & Co. are the only English House to whom the Silver Medal was Awarded for Grass in Growth. April 7th, 1868. (Signed) (Signed) JAMES CARTER and CO., 237 & 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. SUTTON AND SONS, Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reailing. BEAUTIFUL NEW LOBELIA, LITTLE GEM. The best Testimonial in favour of this most desirable novelty is the FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE which was A.\\ ARDED to the raiser by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1867. Tlie flowers are pxure white, with a clear well-defined blue margin, habit very compact, and blooms in a dense mass, lasting throughout the season. LITTLE GEM will prove itself one of the most effective and best bedding or edging plants of the year, and is very suitable for pot culture. PETER LAWSON and SON have much pleasure in introducing the above, and will send out Plants eaily in May. Price Is. each, 9s. a dozen, 50s. a hundred. SPECIAL PRICES TO THE TRADE, AND PER THOUSAND, ON APPLICATION. EDINBURGH and L O N D 0 N. — AprU, 18G8. VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. B. S. WILLIAMS Begs most respectfully to invite his Putrons and the Public geuerally to visit his Nursery, which at all times contains much to interest, but more especially at the present time, when the AMARYLLIS, AZALEAS, ANTHURIUMS, AND ERICAS ARE IN FULL BLOOM. The SPECIMEN FLOWERING and FOLIAGE PLANTS, which will be exhibited at all the principal Shows this year, al'e to be seen to advantage in the Large Conservatory and other Sho>v Houses. The ORCHID HOUSES, PALM STORES (to which many new and interesting Plants have of late been added), NEW HOLLAND HOUSES, FERN HOUSES, AZALEA HOUSES, &c., are replete with Plants which, by the interest and instruction they will afiord, will well repay a visit. The COLLECTION of MEXICAN PLANTS at this Nui-sery is unsurpassed in Great Britain, with the exception of the one at the Kew Gardens. SPRING CATALOGUE OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS • will be issued early in May, Post Free to all applicants. CARRIAGE AND OMNIBUS ROUTES. Carriage Route from West End is through Albany Street, Regent's Park; Park Street, Camden Town ; Kentish Town Road ; and the Junction Road. Omnibus Routes: — The "Favorite" Omnibusses from the Bank, and London Bridge Railways; Victoria Station, Charing Cross, and Westminster; Brompton, South Kensington Museum, PiecadUly, and Regent Street, arrive at and start from the entrance of the Nursery every seven minutes. B. S. WILLIAMS, VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. NEW FUCHSIAS, 1868 H. CANNELL WILL BE PBBPAEED TO SEND OUT AFTER THE 1st of MAY, EIGHT OF MR. BANKS' FUCHSIAS, THEY ARK CHOSEN FROM TWO-TEARS' SEEDLINGS, AND GUARANTEED BY H. C. TO BE THE BEST LOT EVER SENT OUT. Thefollo\rtaKl8 t H. Cankell.— Tbe blooms The followiug is tbe opin dark fiowers. " H. Can; The following Testimoniala will convey some faint idea of these greatly improved Fuchsias : — opinionof the EdilOT of t,he Gardeners' Chronicle:— l leathery substance, and gorgeous colours have anything to do with relative merit, the varieties nt were remarkably fine, some of them magnlBcent, especially the ^ere represented are of great value, and must displace many Of the very best in cultivation. Some of the Editor of the Oarden.rs' Magazmt :- of the flowers apread over a space 3 inches m diameter, and yet are symmetrical. Qnely proportioned, a finer lot of single Fuchsia blooms, and if gigantic aize, I and as finely finished as they are huge in aize." The Set for £4. See H. C.'s *' AMATEUR'S and NURSERYMEN'S t'LORAL GUIDE," with full particulars of the above and other valuable New Florist Flowers, and contaming a great deal of valuable information on the above Bedding Plants, &c., free for 3 stamps ; and the first chapter on the Art of Gardening, and the Natural Requirementa of Plants, and how to grow them to the highest perfection. ^ FUCHSIA NURSERY, WOOLWICH, S.E. The Nursery is open io the Doeki/ard Station, Inspection is invited. Usiial discount to the Trade, Apbil 25, 1868.] THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. CAETEK'S LIST OF NEW AND CHOICE PLANTS FOE 1868, ALL NOVELTIES WILL BE READY TO SEND OUT ON 15th MAY, EXCEPTING WHERE OTHERWISE OFFERED. IMPORTANT NOTICE.— Jambs Carter & Co. havo the honour to announce that they hnvo puichaaod, of the Council of the lloyal Horticultural Society a magniQcent set of Four entirely new and distinct varieties of Hybrid Coleus, Kaised iu the lloyal Ilorticultuial .Society's Gardens, at Chiswlck, and which attracted ao much admiration at the Meeting of the Society on the 7th April. From the Oardetiers' Chronicle of April H, 1808. *'Nkw HYuarDs of Coleds.— Amongst the subjects which have been succeaafully brought under the influence of the cross-breeder at the Chiswick Gardens, a prominent place must beglvon to the genus Coleua, on which M. IJause has practised with results which are in every way satisfactory. A con- "^ ^.^. number of hybrid novelties of this family has been raised, and a selection from these was exhibited on Tuesday last, at tho Meetlop of the Floral Committee at South Kensinpton, where the plants attracted much attention. The materials operated on in this case were the following — C. Vorschaffeltii was throughout the soed-bearinR parent. This was fertilized by C. Veitchil, by c. Olbsnni, and by C, Blumei, and in the offspricg there Is abundant evidence that been eflTected. The novel forma which have been produced raoKe in two scries the one having piano crenated leaves as In C. Veitchii, and the other having inciso-dentate frilled leaves, as in C. Verschaffeitii, sothnt. snniflf«iinti,„i this respect the mother and somo the mther plant. Tho best of the forms, eo far i the following :- Plane- I acute, I COLiEUS DlXIl (a hybrid between 0. Verschafieltlt and C. Gibsoni;.— Leaves dark chocolate purple in the centre, feathering out through the broadish bright gL _ _ Which 13 nearly an inch wide, the crenatures narrowly purple edged ; under surface similarly coloured ; (.terns green, blotched with purple. A very brightly coloured and effective sort, from the strong contrast between the rich green and purple. It is probably one of the finest of the COLEUS CLARKEI (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeitii and C. Gibsoni).— Leaves cordate ovate, acute, inciso-aentate, Bub-undulate, green above. vr\lh tho edge of the teeth purple, and showing through tho dark purple venation with which the under surface is almost everj-where marked ; stem purple mottled with green. One of tho darker tinted sorts, having the markings of the reticulated COLEUS WILSONII (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeitii and C. Veitchii).— Leav. dcutato. of a rich velvety chocolate, shaded with purple, the base of the leaf auu i.uh i,b«l.u anguwy iippea with the same colour, under surface freely mottled with purple ; stem green, mottled with purple. A very olegant mottled colom-ed frill- leaved sort, quite distinct from any of the foregoing. COLEUS REEVESII_ (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeitii and C. Blumei). " ivavy teeth, green, mottled with bi in close reticulations and patches Inciso-dentate, filled '... dotted towards the base, : being deeply tinted and entirely of a dnrk colour, and the teetti~greei stem green, blotched with purple. This .-is the cross would lead c Bi,uiu Bieou, uiotcnea wicn purpjc. This, as the cross would lead o deeply coloured plant than the majority of those previously noticed. ite acuminate, and purple, sparingly the edge, the centre irrow purple edges ; >,« ^^Z tliat coloured-leaved plants arc applied to so many uses in ornamontal gardening, we cannot but regard these new hybrids of Coleus as most valuable acquisitions both for indoor and outdoor purposes, and they will doubtless not be long in making their way into the hands of cultivators. We the result of his labours in this direction." may therefore heartily congratulate M. B.iuse t^" The above descriptions batim as given by the Royal Horticultural Society. The Set, one plant of each of the four sorts, for Sis. Cd. Each, per plant, 10s. Cd. New Variegated Geraniums for 1868, Sent out by Cakteu & Co. We strongly recommend Egyptian (jueen, Goliah, Dr. Primrose, and Snowdrop, aa being most distinct, free-growing, and useful Bedding Geraniums, and respectively the best ol their class. We offer the set, one plant of each of the four varieties, for 28s. Gd. ^^^^'^^ QUEEN (MoKHis)— Golden Bronze Zone. This splendid ,, , l-irst Pnze at the Royal Horticultural Society's Show at South Kensington, .^ „uo jiu^v, mi, and is decidedly the best blcolor zonal variety yet exhibited, will be ready for sending the arst of May; orders are now being booked, and will be executed in strict rotation. Description : darkest bronze zone yet seen, on bright golden yellow ground ; leaves of extmordinaiy fiubatance, consequently resisting sun and rain ; form of leaf round, and surface flat ; habit, dwarf, bushy, and very hardy; was planted out last season with all the older golden bronze-zoned varieties and stood the variable sea-son better than any. Will be exhibited at all the London Horticultural and Botanical Societies' Shows in London this season Figured in "Floral Magazine' for January. 1868. Plates (by Andrews) may be had, Is. each. Single Plants, price IOj*. Ud. each. Special prices when six, twelve, or more are taken. GOLIAH (MoBRis)— Tricolor. In this wo offer a desiderata long wanted in tricolora, viz., a strong vigorous habit, fit either for conservatory pillar work, for greenhouse pot culture, or for out-door planting, with a thick fleshy foliage, and bsbit as hardy aa old Trentham Scarlet, or Tom Thumb anri fl= fro,. ,« „.^,..h i» .^ |jj.g ^jj ^j. j^prris's strain, of fine circular form of loliage, and has a 1 bright green centre, bloom Intense dark scarlet. Price 2U. of chocolate, flaked with brilliant scarlet,; DR. PRIMROSE |Mo the pme white v pleasing c is).— An intermediate tint between the deep gold .atinnc nf 4 peculiarly beautiful pr' ' — " y guiuuit >d.i'iegated timuKiua huu •ji a (ici^uiitLiiy ueauiiiui primrose hue, making a moat distinct and favourite foliage bedding plants, and has been most successfully usod of sterling merit." Price 5s. each. iiswick ; also at Battersea Park and the Crystal Palace. We can confidently recommend ;aia to give groat satisfaction. We hare worked up a large stock to be enabled to send price which may insure Its early general introduction; it will undoubtedly supersede of the older varieties. First-class Certificate Royal Botanic Society. Price 6*. each ; New Miniature Nosegay Geraniums, Sent out by Cabteh & Co. EDWIN (Mo; useful for the' margins of BQiali ^ a flat siirlHce freely studded with 'large truBsea'of bloom, well rinsed A tu in la turo Nosegay variety, with a peculiar emerald green-tinted foliage, most bloom orange ttuaned with crimson ; habit very dwarf, forming ibovo tho foliage. Price New Miniature Nosegay Geraniums, Seut out by Caiiter & Co. irk, nearly black, very broad zone, extending almost to the npact, flower bright rosy scarlet, and very free bloomer. New Double-flowered Geraniums for 1888, Raised by Mons. Lemoine, of Nancy. First Prize at the Paris Exhibition, 1867. the Paris Exhibition, 18(i7. Price 10s. 6d. each. ink).— A double species of the well- i flrst-class beUder. First Prize at New Zonal Geranium for 1868, Sent out by Carter &c Co , and highly recommended by tliera. EPHRAIM (Oliver).— A splendid bedder, which we havo proved three yeais. It has fiW the good qualities of G. Excellent, blooms mucb larger and higher colour, of a bright cerise, flushed witU crimson. See following of many testimonials to its quality. Price 3s. Qd. each ; 30». per doz. rom Mr. Rouert Boi 0 :— "I saw a bod of (J very highly pleaded, i: , Gardener to the Right Hon. the Earl of Tankerville, Chillinghai jr'8 Ephraim Goranium at Eallngton Park list September, with whit having seen anything in colour or habit to equal it." From the i planted out thi tioQ of every on , Mr. Oliver, Gardener to the Right He ion, and it was decidedly the best bed of Gi New Variegated Ivy-leaved Geraniums for 1868. L'ELEGANTE (Conninqbau).-. with broad band of creamy wh id beautiful. DUKE OF EDINBURGH (Cankell).— This pos most remarkable ; its growth is as free as the its class. Having a large stock of this, we art 13s. oar dozen. The set of two plants, .re white than any other kind, and is I, and is certainly the mo.st effective of i X^i^Qt of each, for 63, New Zonal Geraniums for 1868. TRIUMPHANS (Salter).— A fine new bedding Geranium of the zonal scarlet class, of vigorous com- pact habit, throws its flower stalks erect above its foliage ; trusses are large and abundant, scarlet with white eye, foliage dense green with horseshoe markings, a great improvement on all bedders of this class; has been tho admiration of all who have seen it, and considered by them the finest 1 i,„j.. I stands sun and rain well, a great desideratum in all bedders ; third yoar it has been proved. Price 3a. Od. . per dozen. CARMINATA (Salter).— A splendid new bedder, of fine habit and t salmon, profuso bloomor, stands the weather well, fine loliage, witl fine and distinct, will give general satisfaction to all growers. AU of the varieties of this colour previously sent out have been delicate in habit, and lose colour after rain ; this has proved by far the best for two years. Price 38. 6d. each ; 30s. per dozen. New Lobelias for 1868. LOBELIA QUEEN of WHITES (Fit speciosa habit of growth, bardines! to the blue variety so well known as a general bedder;~it has pure i the Blightest shade of any colour, and has under trial continued in full blooi froat, and is by far the best white we have yet seen. Each, 2s. Gd. ; per dozen, 18s..; per 25, 30*.; per 100, 10&«. LOBELIA PAXTONl QUADRICOLOR.- An exceedingly interesting and beautiful plant for not culture, a free grower and bloomer, the light Ca>ubridge blue with the white of the flower blending with the diverse tints of the foliage, which varies from pure white to deep reddish chocolate ; has a very pretty effect either as a trained pot plant or for hanging basket decoration. Price 38. 6d. each. New Double Petunia. NEW DOUBLE PETCTNIA PRINCESS (Hioos).— The largest flower, the deepest colour, the freest grower we have yet seen ; blooms profusely, otten each 12 inches in clrcumftronco ; colour richest imperial crimson, substance very great, will keep for a week in water, conaoquently most useful for cuttings. price aa. Qd. each. PRICES OF THE ABOVE TO THE TRADE ON APPLICATION, JAMES CAETER & CO.'S CATALOGUE OF BEDDING AND OTHER PLANTS , !^^ '"' P"'''i«'i<' pots, of the following, which c ' slactioi:- ;s, in 2i-i [per dozen, CALCEoXARtA AUREA FLORIBUNDA, In 3-inch pots " " ' VERBENAS, best bedding i UA1jI;E-nyon, , bedder ; the i also is good shape, and a beautiful Gold i'heasant, Ss." per dozen; Cr)stal Palace Gi colour. 6s. each. 30s, per BED of GOLD (Martin's).- The leaf of this is bright gold colour and pea green, with a bronze vatidjked zone; for bedding purposes it cannot be excelled ; It is very conspicuous at a ary choice, from the finest flow . U. SPECIAL OFFER of PELARGONIUMS. Per dozen. — s. d. I Per dozen.— s. d. BICOLOR SPLENDENS.. 6 0 GOLD PHEASANT -.6 0 MRS. LONGFIELD .. 6 0 MRS. POLLOCK ,. ..5 0 BEAUTY of OULTON ,. 9 0 | CRYSTAL PALACE GEM 9 0 The above are very strong Plants, and beautifully coloured. Casbon & Son, Gravel Walk Nuraery, Peterborough^ s UPERB VARIEGATED PELARGONIUMS. stantly s i off i slightly : Price 3s. Cd. brightest and best of the lil Price 5s. each. MODEL.— Flowers fine scarlet, substance ; habit first-rate a i and flowers average size, B 3s. 6d. each. vers bright lilac, with white blotch on the produced in great abundance, leaves plain ; the ; coloured bedding Pelargoniums. othj perfectly circular, great 3s plain. The finest of very effective. Price PCEAN.— Flowers : substance, trus flri-t-cKsa lor pots, vases, or beds. Price 6 RAINBOW,— Flowers soft scarlet, with yellowish tinge on u] rosy tinge on lower petals ; leaves plain. Price 5s. each, ROBIN HOOD.— Lower petals light purple, edged with lake, upper petals magenta crimson ; novel, beautiful, and an exquisite irlet; free, very effective; leaves Price 38. Gd. NEW PHLOXES. BEAUTIFUL.— Flowers pure white, with clear and dietinct purple SOPHIA CUSACK EDWINIA FITZPATRICK SILVER STAR TWILIGHT ITALIA UNITA COUNTESS TYRCONNELL QUEEN VICTORIA LELEGANTE BEAUTY of OULTON MRS, HENYON BEAUTY of G0E3TWICK OBEKON 425, Remittance requested, equal value can be substi Casbon & Son, Gravel Walk Nursery, Peterborough, ~New~Trlcolored Geraniums. FANT> A. SMITH have now completed and • Specimen House, 100 feet lone, with the most exten beautilul collection in the world, which an Sunday excepted. The following varieties plants, at reduced prices ;— be had in strong ARIEL DAWN ECLIPSE ENSIGN GEM UNIQUE METEOR A few flnt purposes, '. IMPERATRICE EUGENIE MONARCH PRINCE of WALES PRINCESS of WALES QUEEN of the FAIRIES QUEEN VICTORIA ANTAGONIST DEFIANCE GRANDIS L'EMPEREUR LOUISA SMITH MEMNON of I pplicatio t of the above for exhibition and othe .West Dulwich. 3.E. Choice Variegated Geraniums. G, HENDERSON and SON offer 12 Varieties of Ir own or purchaser's selection, for 21s. very strong plants : — XLJ • the following, Many in this coUectio eye, large, and of periect form, robust babit. First-class Certificates froni i.'Ultural and Royal Botanic Societies. Price CONQUEROR,— Flowers pure white, with di-st large, form perfect, foliage broail and fine, tbe Royal Horti' ct deep red eye, -- spikes often 20 In. The plant is of dwarf stout habit, '^•--'- -'- s Certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society. Price 6s. each. V* These have been pronounced by every one who has seen them to be the two most beautiful varieties ol this flne out-of-door plant ever introduced. NEW ROSES. All the best kinds, fine healthy established plants. Ss. 6d. each, Crown Diamond Crystal Palace Gem Gaiety General Longstreet Appleby Hall Beauty Beauty Supreme Caroline Lonfleld Oasttemilk Dake of Edinburgh Edwinla Fltzpatrick Emerald E. G, Henderson Electric Goldfinch Italia Unita Kenilworth Lady Cullum Lady of Shalloi Lightning Little Pet Lydla „ M. Huttc ,. Pollock Neatness Picturatum Eaotern Beauty Fair Annie Glen Eyre Beaut Rainbow Rosette Rosy Gem Silver Chain „ Nosegay Snowflake Socrates [(bedder) Stella alba margliiata Stella sulphurea nsor- ginata (for pots) Sunset Tbe Countess The Empn Topsy CALCEOLARIA^, : Zonals, ' Sunset, Silver Star, Silver Cloud, Golden Globe_(^ Yellow Dwarf. en ; Cr)stal Sunset, Ts."; Mrs. Pollock, 6s. " ach. ivfsoN, Hereford. Choice Bedding Geraniums. THOMAS PESIRIDGE can now supply strong Plants in GO-sized pots. MRS. POLLOCK, 4,1. per dozen SUNSET, 7s. per dozen LUNA, 7s. per do I REBECCA, 68. per dozen Terms, Cash. Greenway Nursery, Uxbridge, Middlesex. New Zealand Nursery. St. Alban's. Herts. J WATSON'S beautiful BEDDING PELARGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready; colour of (ndiau Yellow; flne truss, and habit of Lord Palmerston, Price 6s. each ; 30s. per doz. to the Trade. MISS WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1. The Two have received 10 First-class Certificates aud Extra Prize Money. Fine New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN, Ripe In ApnL Plants ready in November, 6s. each; 3Cs, per doz. to the 'Irade. DESCRIPTIVE LIST sent on applicatlon- ORCHIDS for SALE.— A Gentleman having a valuable Collection of establUhed and healthy Orchids, ia desirous of Disposing ot them by Private Sale, in one Lot. They consist of some 900 plants of the newest and rarest varieties, includiiiE about 150 AERIDES and SACCOLABIUMS, about 160 CATPLEYAS and L.en universally admired at the Floricultural Met tings. They are ■ such a character as must please every admirer of tho Verbena. VERBENAS for 1908. ACHIEVEMENT (EcKfORD)— Coriso dashed with crimson, with 'oxtraflne ._, ., le, with' white eye ; very novel. ring, clear yellow eye. 6s. IMPERIAL PURPLE (EoKFonD).— The finest purple In cultivation, beating all the purple heddera ever yet aent out ; e:ttra flue. 6«. The Set, 20*. to the Trade. COLESHILL (Eckford).— Intense scarlet, with lemon eye, pips largo, very smooth, one of the finest Verbenas. Firsl-clJiss Cortlflcate at the Royal Horticultural Society. Is. UMPIRE (Eckford).— Large cerise purple, the largest Horticultural Society. EARL of RADNOR (Eck ; very showy. Certificate at the Royal pleasing, Most beautiful clear rosy scarlet. GRASS SEEDS, AGRICULTURAL SEEDS, KITCHEN GARDEN SEEDS, FLOWER SEEDS. Cntalngucs forivarded post free to any address on apph'rafion. , all having given great satisfaction. These will be i aoztin to the Trade. Afiuecolie. " New Calceolaria, Matchless. HENRY WALTON baa much pleasure in bringin-r before the notice of the Public this new and beautiful CALCEOLARIA, MATCHLESS. Flowers very large, of fine form and substance ; colour rich crimson claret, habit vigorous, producing Immense trusses of flowers throughout the season. H. W. feels assured that this variety will give general satli- fact ion, and like Garibaldi, introduced by him a lew years since, will prove to bo the most distinct and beautiful variety ever introduced either for bedding purposes or pot culture. This variety is unequalled by any other Calceolaria known; it was exhibited at my Nui-sery through the summer, and was universally admired. Several of out- leading Horticulturists who saw it pronounced it to be one ol the finest plants of the season. Plants ready May 1, "s. 6rf. ; usual to the Trade. TESTIMONIALS, John Wills, F.R.H.S., Huntroydc Park, near Bwnih>ii, Lancash ire. -I consider yiur new Cal. eolaria. Matchlo;,', the t^e t ye^ befo-ethe puhl.c notice. The flowers are large, of fine fnrm and substance; the habit of the plant is good; it is well suite! either for bedding purposes or for cultivating in pots for cooserva- torv decoration. It is invaluable, producmg as it does for stveral months in succvssion immense clusters of rich crimson claret flowori of fine form and substance.— I am, Sir, yours very truly, " Mr. Hemry Walton." " Jons Wills. From Robert Neill, Rivington, iiear Charley. Lancashire. "Sir,— 1 consider your new Calceolaria, *Matchlo>s' beauty iu every respect — the finest-formed s BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS FOR ALL SOILS. Imperial Announcement. *' Exposition Unlverselle de 1867, "Commissariat G£'n^ral, " Groupe IX., Classe 85. "Commission Imperial' PARIS, 1867. 'MoN MEDAILLE D'AROENT afL^decern^c. " Je joins i CO DiplAmo des Friji et i entions qu: £t6 attribu^s duns les Partiels ouver ts du ler 31 Octobre, et qui ont motiv6 ]: d€cision definitive du Jurj' Ini oational. UN PREMIER PRIX- GA20NS. "R€cevez,'Monsieur, I'assuranco, &■ " Le Conseiller d'Etat, ■■Coramtssaire Gfinferal, (Signed) "F. Le Play. "M. ScTToi*. Or. Bretagne." Translation. "Universal Kxh'bitlon, 1867. "Group IX., Classes. " Offices of the Imperial Commission, *' Paris. "Sir,— I have the honour to send YOU the Diploma of the SILVER MEDAL, which has been awarded ■' 1 subjoin to this Diploma a state- f the Prizes and Commcnd.i- hich have been awarded to he 'Sectional Competitions,' open from 1st April to .list October. and which assi.'ited the International Jury in their final decision. A FIRST PRIZE- GRASSES. " Receivo, Sc, ic, " Le CoDseilier d'Etat, '* Comniissaire G6n6ral, (Signodl '■ F. Ls Play. " Mr. Sutton, Great Britain." THE PREMIER PRIX SILVER FOR GAEDEN SEEDS, GKASS AND WAS AWARDED TO SUTTON & SONS. MEDAL GRASS SEEDS, . perfect profusi'n To s xquisite — a beautiful quailed by any I rNE ,ve already t Bedding Plants. THOMAS METHVEN has now, and will have all tile Bedding-out Season, a jaraie Stoolc of all tbe lea linj; Beiiinc- out Plants, emhracinB VERBENA.S, CALCEOLARIAS, UEBA- NIUMS, DAHLIAS, LOBELIA SPECIoSA, Sc. Very large Stocks of Verbena Crimson King, Calceolaria A abas- sador (Sang's), Tropc-eolum Cooper's Defiance, Polemoniuni ctera ^um Lcith Walk Nurseries, Edinburgh, April 2.5. Hardy Bedding Plants. ROBERT PAltlvtK begs to offer the unilernamed, all of wliich can be supplied in strong healthy plants :— 1 er doz.— «. rf. CHKIRAMHTUS ALPINCS 4 0 HESPERIS MATRONALIS ALBO-PLENO (Double White Riiokct) 4 " LITHOSPERMUM FKDTICOSDM :i " PANSY CLIVEDEN BLUE 4 0 MAGPIE 0 " „ PURPLE 4 o WHITE I'J II YELLOW 4 II GREAT EASTERN 12 0 SEMPERVIVUM CALIFORNICUM 0 (I TRITOMA GRANDIS UVARIA GLAUCESCENS. . vioLa calcarata „ CORNUTA Special quotations may be had if required, by the ino, luantities. Exotic Nui-sery, Tooting, Surrey. S.W. 12 BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS PREPARED FOR EVERY DESCRIPTION OF SOIL. Suttons' Seeds for 2 Years' Lay. BEST QUALITV, l^s. ed. per acre. Second quality cheaper. Buttons' Mixtures for Permanent Pastures SDTTOXS' BEST IIIXTURE, 28s. to 3'2j. per acre. SUTTONS' GOOD MIXTURE, 24s. to 'iSs. per acre. BUTTONS' CHEAPER MIXTURE, 21j. per acre. Buttons' Seeds for 1 Year's Lay. BEST QUALITY, 13s. 6d. per acre. Second quality cheaper. Buttons' Seeds for 3 or 4 Years' Lay. BEST QUALITY, 22s. per acre. Second quality cheaper. W O 0 D T E 0 K r E Strorg Plants : — CLEMATIS. Jackraanni, Stanuisbii, Rubro. vtolacea, Cylindhca, Florida flore-pleno, Chandlerii. Viti- . Florida, Is. each, i ' the 12 for IVIES. Variegated and Tricolor-leaved and others, 12 of the finest in cultiratiOB for 1 GERANIUMS. 12 of the finest Zonals of 1S67, for Special Estimates given for large quantities. SEPARATE >fATURAL GRASS SEEPS, carefully cleaned, in great variety. All Goods Carriage Free. 5 per cent, allowed for eash payments. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE LIST of GRASSES gratis and poet free. SUTTON AND FONS, SEEDSMEN to the QUEEN, READING, HEPKS. dozen for lOs. 6.1. 12 of the finest Zouals of 1867, for bedding dozen for lOs. Gd. TRICOLOR^EAVED and other VARIEGATED GERANIUMS The following beautiful kinds, tho 21 for 2ls. ;— 1 SOPHLA DDMARESQUE 3 ITALIA U.VITA 1 BEAUTY of GUESTWICK 1 ALBION CLIFFS 3 CRYSTAL PALACE GEM 1 COMMODORE NUIT 1 FLAMBEAU 3 MRS. P. J. PERRY 1 EDWINIA FITZPATRICK 2 SUNSET [DAVID i 3 VARIEGATED LITTLE 2 MRS. LONGFIELD | IJflnestNEW VERBENASoflSdrforpotoulture .. ■• ? " W finest NEW VERBENAS for bedding " " Or the 24 lor lOs. 6d. For Adtertisement of CHOICE SPRING FLOWERS, »c.. sec Gardenerg- Chronicle for March 2». page 31(1. n.-,utrc A CATALOGUE 01 CHOICE NEW PL.ANTS for 18(1,. ROSES, _ _ — . — .. . ... — on application. Castlo Hertlndhntii. ilo rU'IiLvl""". Ksspx. THE GARBENEES' CimONICLE ANT) AGEICULTTmiL GAZETTE. [Apbii, 25, 1868. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.-i SHOW of ROSES and SPRING FLOWERS, SATDRDAY, | April IS, ] AWARDS of the JODGES. Class 1.— 9 ROSES in Pots, distinct^ (Ni 1st Prize, Mr. Wm. Paul, Paul's Nursei 2d Messrs Paul & Son, the Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, N., jEl 10s. 3d, Mr. C. Turner, Royal NuiBeries, Slough. Bucks, £1. Class 2.-6 ROSES in Pots, distinct. {Amateurs.) Ist, Mr. J. James, Gr. to W. F. Watson, Esq., Isloworth, £2. 2d, Mr. A. Wiltie, Gr., Oak Lodge, Kensington, W., £1 10.*!. Class 3.— 12 NEW ROSES of 1806, or 1867, in Pots, distinct. (Open.) iBt, Mr. Wm. Paul, £2. „ x „ , ,. . j 2d Messrs. H. Lane & Son, Nurserymen, &c.. Great Berkhamste.id, Equal 2d, Messrs. Paul ii Son, £1 10s. [Herts, £1 lOii. Class 4.-R0SE. single specimen in Pot. (Open.) Ist. Messrs. Paul S Son, 16s. f2d, Mr. Wm. Paul, 10s. Class 5.-6 CINERARIAS, distinct. (Open.) Ist, Mr. J. James, £1 10s. ^^ -m r, 2d, Mr. G. Fairbaim, The Gardens, Syon House, Isleworth, W., £1. 3d, Mr. R. Marcham, Gr. to E. Gates. Esq., Bydorp House, Han- weU, W., 16s. Class 6.-6 CALCEOLARIAS, distinct. (Open.) 1st, Mr. J. James, £1. Class 7.-6 AMARYLLIDS, distinct. (Open.) 1st, Messrs. Jas. Veitch t Sons, Royal E.^olic Nurseries Chelsea, £1. 2d, Mr. B. S. Williams, Nmseryman, Upper Holloway, N., 16s. Class 8.— 12 CAMELLIAS, cut blooms, 0 kinds. (Open.) 1st, Mr. Wm. Bull, Nurseryman, Chelsea, b.W., £1 10s. 2d, Mr. A. Wllkie, £1. „...,•,, t, .. i j 3d, Mr. T. Trusaler, Gr. to D. J. Kay, Esq., High Leigh, Hoddesdon, Herts, 10s. Class 10 3 CAMELLIAS in Oower, distinct. (Amateurs.) Ist, Mr. A. Wilkie, £1 10s. Class 11.-6 CYCLAMENS in Sower. (Amateurs) tl6». let Mr J Wiggins, Gr. to W. Beck, Esq, Worton Cottngo, Isloworth, 2d, Mr. G. Fairbaim, 10s. | 3d, Mr. J. James, 6s. Class 13.-MISCELLANEO0S COLLECTION of PLANTS in flower. (Open.) 1st. Mr. A. Wllkie. £1 10s. | 2tl. Mr. B. S. Williams, £1. " 1 2d Mr H. M. Kettlewell, Osborn Park Gardens, 1 otters Bar. N., £1, Equal 2'd, Mr. H. M. Kettlewell, 3d, Mr. t". S. Ware. Nurseryman, Hall Farm, Tottenhai EXTRA PRIZES. Mr. C. Turner, for Collection of Auriculas, £1 lOs. Mr Wm. Paul, for Collection of Cut Roses. £1 10s. Mr J James, for Collection of Auriculas. £1. Mr Wm. Bull, for Collection of Plants, £1. Messrs. Paul & Son, for Collection of Roses in Pots, £1. Mr J. Wiggins, for Collection of Cyclamens^ 15s. , N., 10s. Splendid New Hybrid Coleus, raised by the Royal Horticultural Society. JW. WIMSETT has the pleiisure to announce that he . has secured two of the most distinct and beautiful varieties of COLEUS. raised by M. Bause. of the Chlswick Horticultural Cirdens. The two following varieties will prove inTaluable for bedding purposes, and will produce a grand effect m all bedding arrangements witi Wills' splendid Bronze and Gold Pelargoniums The beautiful shades of green and purple in Coleus Muirayi will fonu a splendid combination ofcolour when surrounded by margins of the beautiful Bronze and Gold Pelargoniums of which Her Maiesty the type- and the rich chocolate purple of Coleus Marshallu will ■ ■ ^"utitully with the Bronze and Gold Polargoamms. splendid varieties will be ready the first week in All orders booked in strict rotation. C. MARSHALLU (VerschaJfeltii x Veitchii): leaves ovate acute, I contrast Plants of thi July. crenate. rich chocolate purple, the base of the midrib and the crenatui-es green, so as just to form a narrow green margin ; stems green, stained with purple at the nodes. Thislias a more apparent green edge than C. Berkeleyi, and is the plane-leaved counterpart, as to colouring, of C. Bausoi, Each 10s. 6d. C MURRAYI (Verscliaffeltii X Gibsoni) : leaves ovate acute, crenate, green, pinnately marked along the principal veins with bars of dark purple, which sometimes coalesce, the rest of the surface showing through from beneath the purple reticulations, which are evenly and strongly marked on the under surface; This is a more evenly and more fully coloured form of C. Gibsoni, and therefore an improvement on it. Each 10s. 6ri. Ashbumham Park Nursery, Kmgs Road, Chelsea, London. S.W. PLENDID N K W TROPiE 0 L U M, MRS TREADWELL.— For particulars of this truly beautiful bedding variety, see our Advertisements in the Oardmers' Chronicle, March -28 and April 4. Full description and testimomala per post on applicati , The Nurseries, West Dulwich. S.E. EstabUsbed 1806. THOMAS HANDASYDK and DAVIDSON are executing Orders for HERBACEOUS and ALPINE PLANTS of every description. Prices to the Trade on application. Thom'as Handasvde & Davidson, Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Floruts, 24, Cockbum Street, Edinburgh. Nm-series at Bmnstain Glen, Musselburgh. ^^____ Bedding Plants for the Million. JAMES HDLUER can supply Scarlet and Variegated GERANIUMS, CAI.CE0LAR1AS, VERBENAS, DAHLIAS, SALVIAS FUCHSIAS. HELIOTROPES GAZANIAS. AGERA- TCMS, CUPHEAS, KOENIQLAS, LOBELIAS, Sc, strong plants, eight dozen for 2US., or four dozen for 10s. fid. Hamper with extra plants gratis. Also 30 PELARGONIUMS, distinct sorts, for 16s. cash. Crown Nursery, Reading^ New Japanese Cbrysanthemums for 1868. JOHN SALTER begs to announce that he is sending out bis NEW SEEDLING JAPANESE and other CHRYSANTHEMUMS, PYRETHRUMS, Sc. CATALOGUES receipt of two stamps. Versailles Nursery, William Street, Hammersmith Road (near Kensington Railway). New Cbrysanthemums. ADAM FORSYTH is now sending out several FIRST- CLASS SEEDLINGS, all of which were greatly ndmired at the Metropolitan Shows last year. Likewise GEORGE'S NEW BEDDING TRUP.EOL(JMS. For full description and opinions of the Press, see Catalogue, which is now ready. A. F.'s COLLECTION OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS includes all the best varieties for exhibition and bedding purposes. Orders executed in rotation. Brunswick Nursery. Stoke Newington, N., London. NEW PLANTS. WILLIAM BULL, F.L.S., BEGS TO ANNOUNCE THAT HIS NEW CATALOGUE IS NOW READY. ESTABLISHMENT for NEW and RARE PLANTS, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. MAGNIFICENT NEW VARIETIES OF SEEDLING COLEUS. MR. WILLIAM BULL HAS RAISED BY CAREFUL in'BRIDISATlON Up-WARDS OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY BEAUTIFUL NEW VARIETIES OF THIS EXCEEDINGLY USEFUL AND ORNAMENTAL TRIBE. A dozen splendid and distinct Tarietles have been selected, and will be sent out for the first time in July next, Price, 6 Guineas for the Dozen, These new COLEUS are of the most diversified character. In some the leaves aie so strikingly cut or serrated that it gives them a fringed appearance, while, in contrast to this, others are almost smooth ; the colours are of the richest description, embracing in the different varieties many shades of glowing red and rich dark crimson, some shot with purple on a rosy leaf, others blotched with crimson on a green ground, while others, again, have green leaves margined with crimson, and, vice t^ersu, crimson margined with green, and some are blotched with crimson on an olive ground. The leaves of some of the varieties are quite flat, while others are of the old Verschaffeltii shape. They present a great variety in the colour of the stems, being respectively green, crimson, and purple. The uiltity of the COLEUS is so well-known for ornamental purposes, whether for bedding or decorations where coloured-leaved plants are desired, they are grown so easily, and make such fine specimens in so short a time, that the merit of the varieties now offered can scarcely be over-estimated. Mr. "^VILLIAM bull will be happy to show these NEW HYBRID COLEUS to visitors to his Establishment. ESTABLISHMENT for NEW and RARE PLANTS, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. MAGNIFICENT NEW HYBRIDS OF COLEUS. RAISED AT THE GARDENS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. MESSES. VEITCH & SONS Have much pleasure in announcing that at the Sale held on the 22d inst. of the above splendid Plants, they purrhascd SIX OF THE FINEST AND MOST DISTINCT VARIETIES, I C. BERKELEYI. For full descriptif C. SAUNDERSII, | C. EOCKERII, | C. BAU C. SCOTTII, aDcl C. BATEUANII. of which, see Gardeners' Chronicle of April 11, 1868, pages 376 and 377. MESSES. VEITCH and SONS intend distributing these magnificent NOVELTIES during the ensuing Summer at the following Prices, and will be glad henceforth to book Orders, which will be executed strictly in Plane-leaved Si C. BERKELEYI C. SAUNDERSII C. KUCKEEI . . . . 15s. Od. .. 10 6 .. 10 c Or the Set of 6 varieties together, 42s Frilled- leaved Series. C. BAUSEI . . . . 15s. Orf. C. SCOTTII .. .. 10 6 C. BATEMANII .. 10 G ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, CHELSEA, S.W. NEW HYBRID COLEUS. ADAM FORSYTH'S CATALOGUE for 1868 is now ready, and will be forwarded to all applicants for one st,arap. It contains a select List of New and choice Chrysanthemmns, George's New Tropseolums ; New Double, Variegated, Zonal, and other Geraniums ; Dahlias, Verbenas, Fuchsias, and Miacel- laneous Bedding Plants; also a Practical Treatise (with Illustra- tions) on the Culture of the Cnryaanthemuni, Brunswicll Nursery, Stoke Newington, London, N. Trade price onapplic H. & R. STiBRi&ER, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. !^ i'he NEW GENEKAL CATALOGUE, No. 81,' and a Sped- men Number of the " Illustration Horticole " can be obtained free by applying to Ambroise Verschaffelt, Nurseryman, Ghent. Belgium. TAKE ORDERS TOR E. a. HENDEESON & SON HAVE jrUCH PLEASTTRE IN ANNOUNCING TO THEIR PATRONS, THAT THEY ARE PREPARED 1 SELECTIONS OF THESE BEAUTIFUL NEW BEDDING PLANTS. They consist of hybrid varieties from the hardy sections allied to C. Verschaffeltii, Gibsoni, &c. Chosen from upwards of 150 select seedling varieties, and of which the undei-named seven kinds were the most distinguished for their brilliant and effective colours. The features of many varieties recently sold predominate too mucb in green ground tints to be siiitable for garden decoration. In addition to their distinct features, they are vigorous in growth, retaining their picturesque leaf-tints throughout the summer and autiunn months. Their varied forms show beautiful and effective varieties in the style of C. Verschaffeltii, with remarkable compactness ; others .again resemble the last named, with a densely rich-coloured undulating leaf margin, whilst others partake of the C. Gibsoni habit, with a dwarf robust growth, combined with a deep rich claret-coloured foliage. A further section of these new forms exhibit leaves of a pea-green ground, with rich chocolate-crimson margins. Amongst them will be found C. Vietchii, with a brilliant dark crimson leaf-centre, as seen in the Verschaff'eltii form, with a hardy constitution and growth resembling that of Gibsoni. A very distinct form is also recognized by its narrower pointed leaves, with a rich crimson centre and elegantly spotted green margin. C. HOOKERI, 1 C. MOOREI, | C. HENDERSONI, C. MASTERS!, | C. BENTLEYl, | C. VAN HOUTTEI. Early Orders are solicited, as the stock will be sent out directly a sufficient value in orders is to hand, and in time to admit of their being bedded out the present summer. E. G. HENDERSON ANn SON also announce that they still have a few splendid strong fruiting sized VINES in pots to spare. Amongst the first noTelties of the season for bedding, they also beg to call attention to the new VIOLA CORNU'TA ALBA, pure white; DAHLIA WHITE BEDDER, surpassing all other white varieties lor bedding purposes, and effective belts, 4o; UULUEN- LEA\!-ED ARCHANGEL, the brightest gold-leaved perennial bedding plant; NEW LILIPBTIAN ZON^^L GERANIDMS In oolo^^ with neat and elegant habits of gi-owth, adapted for miniature designs and unique fairy groups; DOUIiLE-t LOWbKLD ZONAL GERANIUM for bedding, MADAME ROSE CHARMEUX Tom Thumb growth. And many other Srst-class novelties Will appear m the DESCRIPTIVE SPRING CATALOGUE to be pulisbed in May. WELLINGTON NURSERY, ST. JOHN'S WOOD, LONDON, N.W. C. CANDOLLEI, Aphil 25, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' OTTRONTCLE AND AGRTCULTUEAL GAZETTE. BARR & SUGDEN, THE METROPOLITAN SEED, BULB, AND PLANT WAUEHOUSE, 12, KING STKEET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. becomes fatDter, Ere, however, the battle-Hflld to quietly burnish their nmiour for the Rutumn campaigu, we joia with our co'n/i-ires the NursorymoD, who are now entarimr the fleld, In ooutributiiig our (jitota to the novelties of Tho readers of the Qarden- familiar with the Inquiring too minutely Wno? we strongly suspect tliat whoever supplied the seed of the bumble herb which our illustnition Is meant to represent, their minds at the time must have been flxed in contemplation upon the golden fruit-bearing trees of the gardens of the Hesperldes ; and seeing that we are living in the iron age, the raising of a plant bearing Silver Medals must be regarded as no small achievement; and as the mystery stilt remains unsolved— xobiiae. contribution of seed produced this remarkable Grass— it is not at all surprising that there should be so many claimants for the honour, and more particularly for the possession of a plant, the commercial value of which is no doubt felt by them to be even greater than the prestige of its introduction. The Japanese Q,ueen of Lilies. A Correspondent of the Times has the foUowing remarks regarding this most magnificent of modern floral introductions : — " Lllium auratum. this golden-rayed Queen of Lilies, is the most beautiful of the Lily family. It is perfectly hardy, and for the adornment of the flower garden, tho conservatory, and tho sitting room, it is unrivalled. The whole English floral world, on its introduction, was jubilant with delight, hailing its advent as an astronomer would the discovery of a star of the first magnitude ; and in ever? city in Europe and America it has received ovations such as would have been dear to the heart of the most ambitious prima donna or the most successful conquering hero. LILIUM AURATUM, Flowering Hoots, each 2s. 6(i., 35. M., 6a. 6d., Is. tf(i., and 10s. Qd. ■ also a few very large Roots at special prices. The Gladiolus, The same wi-iter who dilates so eloquently on the Lillum auratum thinks " we have a fine illustration of Darwin's Theory of Selection In the Gladioli, varieties of Gandavensis. The type, G. natalensis," he observes, " in our opinion of modem beauty, is as remarkable for its ugliness as those at present in cultivation which now take rank at our exhibitions are for their exquisite beauty. Tne parent flower is by no means an agreeable combination of brick red, green, and yellow, while tho children graduate in almost imperceptible shades, fi-om the purest ivory white to tho most fiery red, the deepest - the colours. The price has ceased to be a hindrance to its occupying a place even in the garden ot the peasant, it is but a question of management in the succe°sional planting to po-.sess a display of these brilliant and beautiful flowers from the first day of July to the "' -e few families, where company is ; of bright-coloured flowers to fill 1 November and December. Here, at a trifling outlay, me want can be fully supplied " For the largest and most magnificent collection of Gladioli ofi'ered bv anv house in this country, see BARR & SUGDEN'S GENERAL SEED CATALOGUE, I'D. 67. 68. 6y. 70. and 80 ; there each rarioty is fully described, and the prices, varying from 2d. to 10s. 6rf. eacn ; fine assortments, suitable for any garden, 3«. 6d., 4s. 6d., &r. 6d., 7s. 6d.. Os., and 12s. per dozen ; 308., 4:i8., 50s,, 60s., 70s.. 80s., and ilOa. per 100. Fine Mixed, 10s. fid. to 17s. 6rf. per 100 ; Is, 6d, to 2.*. 6d. per dozen. Choice Mixed, consisting of unnamed varieties, 25». per 100, 2s. 6d. per dozen. Home-grown Seeds, PUHE AND GENUINE — SO FAR AT LEAST AS IT IS DESIRABLE TO HAVE HOME-GROWN SEEDS. BARR AND SUGDEN'S LAWN GRASS (regarding the superior auality of which numerous testimonials might be quoted) is a rst-class mixture lor laying down a Lawn, a Bowling Green, or a Croquet Ground, and for renovating the same. 20s. per bushel, BARR "and*^ SUGDEN'S PERMANENT PASTURE GRASSES and CLOVERS, of the finest quality ; sufficient for Lajing Down The following are very Choice Seeds. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA.— Thisstrainis remarkable for superbly fringcl flowers, which are large, of great substance ; alba, rubra, and mixed ; each, is. 6d. nnd 3s. Od. per packet. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA NEW CRIMSON SHADED MADDER. — A most beautifully fringed, large flowered, and distinct variety ; itn. 6d. and 3«. 6d. per packet, BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA NEW STRIPED— Beautifully fringed, large-flowered, flowers white, stnped red ; 3s. 6d. and fc. 6d. per packet. BARR'S COVENT GAKDEN PRIMULA, PERN-LEAVED.— This is a superb class ; flowers very handsome, and foliage remarkably namental ; alba, roses, and^mixed ;_each. 2s^Gd. and^3s. 6d. pkt. come perfectly true from seed. BARRs International prize calceolaria, the finest strain in cultivation ; 2s. 6d. and 3s. 6d. per packet. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN CINERARIA, 2.*. 6rf. per packet. MIMULUS maculosa and DUPLEX, each, Is. per packet. ZONAL and NOSEGAY PELARGONIUMS, embracing ull the newest kinds. Is. and 2s, M. per packet. PELARGONIUMS, saved from vei7 choice varieties, 2«. 6d. per pkt. CARNATIONS, saved fVom very choice varieties, 2s. fid. per packet. PICOTEES, saved trom ver>- choice varieties, 2s. 6d, per packet. Showy and Beautiful Flower Seeds. In Collections, 2s. Cd., 3s. M., 6s. M., 7s. 6d., 10,s. Od., Ihs., 21s., 30s., 42s., and C3s. THOMSON'S STYPTIC, in Ss. bottle , and lOs. jars. m"doUg'aLL"s" p'H6st'HAflc""MANURE, in U. and 28. 6d canisters ; in bags, 6s, 6d., lOs^ 18s., and 35s. PERUVIAN GUANO, pure; CtJtfA PETRE. pure; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, pure; CRUSHED BONES, and DISbOLVED BONES : each of these Manures made up in canisters, Is BARR AND SUGDEN. EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE LE JUEY INTERNATIONAL DECERNE UNE MEDAILLE D'AEGENT A CARTER. ( Londres. — Grande-Bre tagne. ) AGRICULTURE ET INDUSTRIE GEOirPE IX.-CLASSE 84.-GAZONS. Fuii, In 31 Ootobra lSfi7. le conseiller d'etat, commissaiee i;enekal. LB MINISTRE, VlCE-PEEStDENT DE I A COMMISRIOtl IMPEKIALE. EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE 1867 A PARIS. COMMISSARIAT GENERAL. Groiipe ]x. Classe 84. COMMISSION IMPERIALE. Paris, h 31 octohre 1867. J*ai rhoiinatr de vous adresser h Dipl&me dc la ^W{zbct\i(z^ d' is sov\u::\ SOLANUMS lately oxlul-n Mr. Weatberill. of Fincliir^ for the Collection, For lull inents. Seeds sown now wil Price per pucket, 2s. IW., ; the packets bear B. S, Will; B. S. WjLLiAus, Victoria i London, N. in announcing •CK of HYBRID ■ h . ! . ~;^i.i!il CertiQcate ,11 tu .,■ ii ... |,i. , i..'i. l:irv'e Advertlfle- irodnco i*l;mtH l^r Winter Decorations. . <) rooms, but also of a strong muster of chemsls. No horticulturist needs to be reminded if the services which chemistry and physics may render to horticulture. The presence at the meeting of such men as De la Etje, Voelcker, Gilbert, and Abel may be taken as an earnest that such important questions as the action of light on vegetation, the investigation of the chemical properties of soils, of the atmosphere, or of manures, will not be neglected. These and many others which might be mentioned are matters which the chemist or physicist is competent to deal with, but which could not be undertaken by tho botanist or horticultiu'ist, without such aid. Nor will the obligation be all on one side. For the full elucidation of many a chemical problem, the aid of the horticulturist and physiologist is required. Co-operation is the order of the day, and any one who will glance down tho list of members and vice-presidents of the new Committee will see that while co-operation is secured by the good will of the members, another great principle, that of the subdivision of labour, is also provided for. All the great results of modern, civilisation have been brought about by this division and combination of labour. So far good ; the names of the members of the new Committee are sufficient guarantee that what is done will be done well. It rests with horticulturists of all degrees to do their part. To the intelligent horticulturist not a day passes 432 THE GAEDENERS' CHrvOMCI^E AND AGRirUl.TrRAL G;\ZETTE. [Apbil 25, 18f8. •without some observation of interest being made, some subject for inquiry, some matter on which information is needed suggesting itself. What better channel for recording ascertained facts, or what better source of information than a Committee so constituted? But, it maj- be said, unless you hare a good whip the team will not run together well. The Society has anticipated this objection. With a secretary so alive to the requirements of horticulture as Mr. Berkeley, and one possessing in so large measure the con- fidence and esteem both of scientific and prac- tical men, there ought not to be any great difficulty in controlling and co-ordinating the action of the new Committee. A large proportion of the work and responsibility must of necessity rest on the secretary. Fortunate is it for the Society that they have an official so competent for the task as their botanical director. Mr. Berkeley -n-ill find his hands in no slight degree strengthened bj' the vice-chairmen. It would be hardly possible to find three persons in their respective departments more admirably adapted, by special knowledge and business habits, to fulfil the offices they have undertaken than Mr. De l.v Eue, Mr. Wilson Saunders, and Dr. Thomson. To the list of the Committee, strong as it is already in men of the first rank in science, as it is in practical horticulture, are to be added, we believe, the names of some of our leading entomologists. We trust that geology may find a representative. Assuredly the different quality of the same fruit or the same timber, or even the same Eose, as grown on different soils, is a matter of no trifling moment to gardeners, and one that requires for its full explanation the co-operation of experts in many branches of knowledge. Mr. Berkeley's address, which wo print in another column, sets forth in very general terms what is the purpose of the Committee. Of course the matters mentioned by Mr. Berkeley are to be considered in the light of suggestions merely, which may or may not be adopted hereafter — matters upon which the opinions of all interested in scientific horticulture will be thankfully received. For our own part we shall very wiUingly aid the Committee in any way that we can do so : our columns shall, with due limitation, be open for the publication of such of the proceedings as may be of sufficient general interest, and we shall bo pleased to give our correspondents the opportunity of stating their views on the matter. At present we very strongly urge upon the Society to do its part in the matter of what Mr. Berkeley' calls "minor experiments," minor, we presume, only in this sense, that they do not absolutely require for their performance any greater staff or more elaborate apparatus than the Society already possesses. Minor experiments, forsooth ! why, these are the very matters which so urgently require investigation — which are of direct, immediate importance to practical horticulturists, and which can be investigated under the Society's auspices at so little cost or trouble. "Major" experiments must be done by the philosopher in his laboratory, the botanist in the herbarium, the student in the library, but the so-called minor experiments can be done in the garden under the superintendence of, and with the co-operation of, the already existmg practical staff. So far as is possible, routine work, however admirable, should be confined to those details which scarcely admit of any other than mechanical treatment. The Society must feel its great responsibilities as an educational body, and as an exemplar to the vast body of horticulturists less favoured than itself. > it can be done well, it ousht never to We resume Mr. Fish's description of his SuB-ALPrNE Garden, from p. 376 : — " Before furnishing our sub alpine garden with plants it must, if possible, be enlivened with water. But unless the sweet murmur of the stream, the welcome splash of the waterfall, or the proud roar of the mountain torrent can be commanded, the great charm of water had better be dispensed with. Formal basins, stagnant ponds, regular lakes, and that abomination of all abominations, the little fountain squirting forth at once its imbecile stream of water and ridicule over the whole affair, must be avoided. The loss of water is an irreparable loss ; it breathes the spirit of life and murmuring admiration over all : but better, infinitel.v better, to dispense with water altogether than to introduce it in formal jets and stagnant pools, begetting in our minds at the same instant an intense longing for what ought to be, and an unutterable loathing of what is there. Nothing in relation to landscape scenery requires so much the genius of a great master mind as" the introduction and dispo.sition of water, and unl be done at all. " As to the actual furnishing of our little hills, a good deal will depend upon their magnitude and height. The vegetation of high mountains is arranged in zones, extending all the way from the regions of perpetual snows or Ijarren rocks to the tropical vegetation in the valleys at their feet. There are what we may term the Lichen, the Moss, the Pine, and the shrub zones, whereas plants of different degrees of hardiness hug the sides closely all the way from base to summit. "If the hills are lofty it may be well to exhibit a barren zone of out-cropping rocks on their summits, to be succeeded by a zone of Fir trees, followed with masses of Furze, Broom, Heaths, or Rhododendrons, Descending from these again, or ascending through them by a winding path, zones of alpine plants may be planted, and thus some of the features of alpine scenery might bo enjoyed on a small scale at home. But as a rule, and unless Nature provides us with an undulating surface, we must confine our sub-alpine gixrdening to shrubs and herbaceous plants chiefly, with it may be. Pines to crown our loftiest peaks. Shrubs alone would produce splendid results. Few scenes could look richer than irregular and uneven surfaces such as I have described, tastefully massed with Berberis, Ehododen- drons, or Heaths. But even if our sub-alpine grounds are too limited to admitof shrub furnishings, they may yet be clothed with charming variety, and adorned with dazzling beauty. Such are the very spots for the effective display of what are properly termed alpme, and, indeed, all other dwarf herbaceous plants. A^ hole hosts of Arabises, Anemones, Alyssums, Aubrietias, Campanulas, Cerastiums, Drabas, Daisies, Gentians, Hepaticas, Linarias, Myosotis, Phloxes, Primulas, Saxifrages, Sedums, Veronicas, and Violets, are wait- ing to be raised on such banks or hills, that they may the more effectively display their charms ; while, among bulbs. Cyclamens, Orchises, Scillas, Crocuses, Snowdrops, Anemones, and other dwarf bulbs, all exhibit themselves with more grace when disposed over hills or dales. It is perfectly astonishing how the irregu- larity of ground heightens the beauty and enhances the gracefulness of these and indeed most other plants. " When to the charm of the undulated base is added the further one of massing such plants together in irregular groups, the sensation they inspire is not only new but one of the most enrapturing kind. 1 have recently formed a garden of this description. The ground is clothed with the simplest materials. Beginning at one end there is first a mass, in full flower, on a bold projection, of Myosotis alpestris, followed by a group of Phlox setacea on a receding valley ; then a group of a green Saxifrage not in bloom, next one of double white Violets, succeeded by double blue. A patch of Aubrietia brings us up to the winding entrance. On the further side a sharp ridge is covered with single white Violets, then a narrow strip of double blue, succeeded by a bold curved line of the white Arabia. On the under side of this line is a large mass of Myosotis alpestris, on the upper another of common Primroses ; then follow masses of Arabis, Saxifrage, Alyssum, Aubrietia, and Violets, again succeeded by the Myosotis, Primroses, Arabis ; winding up with a batch of banging plants down the face of a steep ridge of Omphalodes verna, and the whole merging into Ferns, &c., that run along the other side of our sub-alpine garden. It is impossible to conceive of anything more beautiful than these masses of lovely flowers clothing their mountain beds with a patch- work carpet of delicate colours in the middle of JIarch. The chief charm consists in the bre.adth and irregular outlines of the masses. A single Violet or Primrose is beautiful and pleasing, but a group of either thickly set together, covering an area of 3 or 4 yards, thrills one's soul with gladness, and imparts an entirely new estimate of their ornamental power. A good deal has been written against the bedding-out system ; but so far as the opposition has been directed against the massing together of many plants of one kind, the objec- tions are without force. The massingsystem is Nature's own mode of exhibiting her floral beauty. It is broad, massive, exuberant, like Nature, and in striking contrast to the thin, narrow, meagre, ghost-like effects produced by the mixings and the dottings of man. Instead, therefore, of giving up the massmg of our flower beds, it would be wiser to inquire into the pro- priety of carrying the same system into our mixed borders as the likeliest means of relieving them from the neglect and contempt that they have but too often merited. " Nothing, perhaps, could give such a powerful stimulus to the cultivation of our best herbaceous plants as the formation and furnishing of sub-alpine gardens on the grouping system, while their culture could hardly faily to reveal cheap, healthy, fresh sources of pleasure, and to impart new sensations to most of your readers." Thomas Moore, F.L.S. : J. Bussell Reeves, F.R.S. ; Sigismund Rucker, F.L.S. ; Lieut.-Colonel Scott, RE., F.L.S. ; Herbert Spencer, Dr. Voelcker. Geo. F. Wilson, F.R.S. ; Fred Welwitsch, M.D , F.L.S. The subject announced for discussion at the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, on 'Tuesday, the 5th May, is one in which all Orchid growers feel a painfully keen interest, viz., "Spot in Orchids." Communi- cations and specimens having reference to the nature, cure, or prevention of this malady, are earnestly requested, and may be sent to the Rev. M. J. Bkkkeley, the secretary to the Committee, at the Society's Office, South Kensington. Among other subjects named for early discussion, is that of the Nomencl.itcbe of Plants. The interesting and valuable set of 12 select Hybrid Coleus raised in the Chiswick Gardens, which were, as announced, submitted to public compe- tition last Wednesday at Stevens' rooms, realised very handsome prices, amounting in the aggregate to about 390/. Messrs. Veitch & Sons, who were the Largest buyers, secured six varieties, all of first-class character ; while Messrs. Carter & Co. bought four of the remainder, and Mr. Wills the other two. Messrs. Veitch's lot consisted of— Berkeleyi, 40 guineas; Saundersii, 26?.; Ruckeri, 40 guineas; Bausei, 59 guineas; Scottii, 36 guineas; and uate- manii, 49 guineas. Messrs. Carter's were— Dixn, 49/. ; Clarkei, 10 guineas ; Wilsoni, 14 guineas ; and Reevesii, 5 guineas. Those purchased by Mr. \'V ills were Marshallii, 25 guineas ; and Murrayi, 25 guineas. Being rapidly propagated, there is no doubt that these beautiful foliage plants, which may be expected to prove valuable additions to our materials lor bejlding out, as well as elegant subjects for specimen plants, will be soon within reach of those who wish to acquire them. They will be the plants of the season, yielding a new sensation for plant growers, and afresh stimulus to hybridisers. We understand that Prof. Koch's " Dendro- LOOIA," on which he has been engaged for several years, is now passing into the printer's hands. \^ ith the view of making it more applicable to England (an English translation being more than probable), he is anxious to obtain information as to the hardiness of the diSerent trees in the open air in this country ; and as one means of doing so (subject, of course, to proper verification), he is desirous of procuring as many English nurserymen's lists of hardy woody plants as possible. These may either be sent to Andrew Murray, Esq., 07, Bedford Gardens, Kensington, ^Y., who will forward them, or direct to Karl Koch, Professor of Botany in the University of Berlin. The next exhibition of the National Tulip Society is appointed to take place in the Manchester Botanical Gardens, in conjunction with the Great National Horticultural Exhibition, on the 29th of May. The schedule of prizes extends to U classes, with from four to six prizes in each, except in the case of single blooms, for which there are 10 prizes offered in each of the six divisions of Feathered or Flamed Bizarres, Roses, and Bybloemens. Subscriptions in support of the show are invited, and subscribers are particularly requested to forward "their names and addresses to the treasurer (Mr. S. Baelow, Stakehill, Middleton, Manchester,) as early as possible. It is hoped that all growers of the Tulip will exert themselves to make this exhibition worthy of the very favourable circumstances under which it will be held, for the Great National Horticul- tural Show will draw together all the best florists and horticulturists in England, and at least 50,000 people may be expected to see the flowers. If the matter is taken up with spirit, and a fine show of blooms ex- hibited, there can be no doubt that a great impetus will be given to the cultivation of the Tulip. We observe that according to one of the rules, the judges shall adopt as the basis of their decisions— purity, correct marking, symmetry in form, uniformity in size, and dissimilarity. ■ We learn that Mr. Barron, of Elvaston Nur- series, Borrowash, Derbyshire, who has had great experience in transplanting, has this week moved a Cedar of Lebanon, upwards of 50 feet in height, with branches some 40 feet in diameter, and a stem at a foot from the ground 6 feet 2 inches in circumference, from Hornsey to Acton, by means of one of his large trans- planting machines. The tree is to occupy a conspi- cuous position on an estate belonging to the Birkbeck Building Society. The following is the list of members of the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, as at present constituted. The addition of other names, of geologists, entomologists, &c., is con- templated :—CAa8V)»a!n.- TbeDukeofBuccleuoh.K.G. rire-Chairmm: Warren de la Rue, F.R.S.; W.Wilson Saunders, F.R.S.; Thomas Thomson, M.D., F.R.S. Secretarti : Rev. Al. J. Berkeley, F.L.S. Members : Frederick Augustus Abel, F.E.S. ; J. G. Baker, F.L.S. ; James Bateman, F.R.S. ; G. Bentham, F.R.S. ; Professor Robert Bentlev, F.L.S.; Geo. E. Blenkins, Major Trevor Clarke, Charles D.arwin, M.A, F.R.S: Rev. Joshua Dix, Robert Fortune, Professor Edward Frankland, B. T. Brandreth Gibbs, Dr. J. H. Gilbert, F.R.S. ; James Glaisher, F.R.S. ; I. Anderson-Henry, Robert Hogg,LL.D.,F.L.S.;Dr. Joseph HookerJ'.R.S. ; J E. Howard, F.L.S.; Geo. William Johnson, William Marshall, Maxwell T. Masters, M.D. ; John Miers, FLS • Giles Munbv, F.L.S.; Andrew Murray, F.L.S; E.H.S. SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE. [The foUowing adflress, by the the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, the Secretary, was read at the first meeting of the Scientific Committee, on Monday last. Eds.] As this is the first meeting of the Scientific Com- mittee of the Horticultural Society, it seems advisable that the Secretary should offer some observations on its objects, and the best means of carrying them out effectually. It is above all things necessary that we should perfectly understand the position in which we are placed as a Committee, and the more especially as its members are not necessarily Fellows of the Society. The Society, it must be remembered, is not exactly in the same position as most other learned societies, with the exception perhaps of the Zoological Society. Though the income is large, it is not simply available, as in other scientific bodies, for purely scientific objects. The funds applicable to publication are necessarily limited, and it is to this cause especially that the dis- continuance of the first series of the Journal, and the occasional appearance of the new series, are attri- butable, and not to any lukewarmness or narrowness of views on the part of the Society. If the history of learned Societies were to be accurately APBIL 25, 1868.] THE GAEDENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGEICULTUEAL GAZETTE. 433 traced, we should find that the appearance of their Transactions has for the most part been irregular, and in consequence the publication of important papers has freniiently been seriously delayed, and for this amongst other reasons the Comptes Eendits of the meetings of the French Institute was projected, to enable authors of valuable memoirs to register their discoveries, or in other words pour prendre date. It must not, therefore, be assumed that our Journal can be published oftener than once or twice a year, or under the most favourable circumstances more frequently than once a quarter; but as reports will undoubtedly appear in our leadinR horticultural papers, no unwillingness on the part of authors to present memoirs at our meetings need on this score be anti- cipated. The object of our meetings, as stated in the number of the Proceedings just published, is to promote and encourage the application of physiology and botany to purposes of practical culture, whether of plants or trees, or shrubs, and^to originate experiments which may assist in the elucidation of such questions. The terms, it is clear, are sufficiently large to include everything which can come within the scope of a Botanical Com- mittee, and are by no means to be confined to what may strictly be termed physiology or biology. Morphology as well as vital action will occasionally come before us, questions of correct nomencla- ture, information of general horticultural or more purely botanical interest, botanical geogra- phy—in short, everything which does not fairly come within the compass of the Floral and Fruit Committees. The several horticultural directors will naturally bring before us any matter of interest which may occur in the fruit or floral departments, or which may suggest itself at Chiswick, such as hare usually been laid before the Society at its Tuesday meetings ; doubtful plants will be presented to us for determina- tion, subjects which require elucidation will be mooted, and occasional papers read in accordance with the especial objects of the Committee. Not only is it hoped that individual members of the Committee will help us, but the co-operation of the Fellows of the Society in general, and indeed of men of science, whether members or not, is earnestly invited. As regards purely physiological matters, it is highly necessary that we should set out with a distinct understanding. It is easy to suggest experiments, but we must at the same time appreciate the difficulties which attend them. Any expectation that the Society itself can at once enter upon a large series of delicate experiments would only meet with disappointment. We ourselves cannot fail to appreciate at once the difficul- ties of the subject, but it is necessary also that the members of the Society, and the horticultural world in general, should equally realise the true state of the case. The successful conduct of purely physiological experiments requires an innate love of the necessary research, unwearied labour in the pursuit., uninter- rupted leisure, and a rare combination of tact and talent, patient of failure, yet confident of ultimate success, at once free from prejudice, and ardent in the pursuit of the especial object of research. It must be a labour of love, or it will lead to nothing. The Society trusts that the establishment of this Committee may inspire some of its members with the requisite zeal, but it must at once be clearly understood that it would be impossible for it as a preliminary step to organise a staff purely for such a purpose. It would be almost hopeless at the present moment to find a person competent for the leader of such a staff, even at a large salary; several assistants would be requisite, perfect instruments and a chemical laboratory, while the person who might be great in one direction would be almost useless in another. Such investigations must to a great extent be carried out, in the first instance at least, by private individuals, but the Society would not be backward in giving pecuniary assistance where there was a reasonable prospect of important results. Minor experiments would indeed immediately come within the scope of the Society, as the reciprocal influence of stock and graft, the modifications pro- duced by different stocks, varieties in the mode of culture, the influence of diflerent kinds of manure, and indeed a host of other matters meteorological, physiological and practical, which may tend to the promotion of scientific horticulture. There is also another direction in which the Com- mittee might be extremely useful, and which would at once be acceptable to all our members, and to all lovers of horticulture. It is frequently a com- plaint that plants in collections are so badly named that the correct appreciation of what may be called their botanical attributes, in contradistinction to those which are simply floricultural, is at present very imperfect. This arises in great measure from the want of useful manuals, from which the necessary information can be obtained. When the number of plants under cultivation was comparatively small, the Hortus Kewensis was available for the more scientific gardeners, but though there are some praiseworthy exceptions, such as Loudon's Arboretum, the cultivator is for the most part compelled to pore over mere cato- logues, which can give him onlyan empirical knowledge, while as frequently he will fall into error. It is believed that the publication of a series of manuals, judiciously selected, would be highly calculated to nro- mote a general love of scientific botany where there is at present mere floricultural knowledge, and the more so as the desire of raeredisplay seems on the wane, while an appreciation ;of elegance of form and foliage, and delicacy and variety of structure, is daily increasing. Each volume might be complete in itself, while if the plan were well carried out a series of publications would be produced, highly honourable to the Society, and of great importance to horticulture. The sug- gestion, I would observe, originated with a member of our Committee, who has the power and the will at once to aid in the realisation of such a scheme ; and when I mention Dr. Hooker as its originator, it will assuredly be evident how materially it might be promoted by the staff at the Herbarium and the superintendents of the different departments in the gardens at Kew. Suppose, for instance, we were to undertake a volume on Conifers, for which Gordon's manual is now quite in- sufficient, another on herbaceous plants more usually cultivated, another on rock and alpine plants, or, to descend to especial genera, one illustrating Dendro- biuin, Epidendrum, and Oncidium. What a boon would such volumes be to our members. The scheme moreover, with the aid which has been promised, might be carried out at a comparatively small expense, and with a degree of speed and correctness which would be quite out of the power of any individual. The C'ommittee will of course be prepared to receive suggestions as to any other plans or modes of action which may be thought advisable, but it is absolutely necessary that such suggestions should be submitted in writing, that the terms may be distinctly understood. Their ultimate adoption will of course rest with the Council. SUBTEOPICAL SHRUBS AND TREES. Youa remarks on subtropical gardening (see p. 264), and the reception of a letter from a friend, have sug- ge>ted some thoughts on the above subject. There are many handsome trees and shrubs that are nearly but not quite hardy, that would add immensely to the richness and variety of our landscapes. Take for illustration Rhododendron arboreura. Magnolia grandi- flora, Brugmansia suaveolens, or any of the Fuchsias, Myrtles, or Oleanders, as standards in sheltered places, say 50 feet high and 20 feet through,— what a wealth of tropical beauty and overpowering aroma of tropical odours they would diffuse among our quieter and less sensuous products. And these are merely samples. There is scarcely a class of tropical plants, from the height of the Cedar of Lebanon down to the tiniest XIoss, that would not enrich or sweeten our English lindscape, if there was any mode of rendering them hardy enough for the purpose. Within the range of the two classes of plants that you specially advert to. Ferns and Palms, we possess an inex- haustible abundance of tropical gems, of the grandest and most graceful forms, if they could only endureexpo- sure to our climate. I do not believe in what is cafied acclimatisation. I commend the whole matter of the pretended art of making plants hardier than their origin.al constitution, to the attention of the new Scientific Committee about to become so useful a branch of the Royal Horticultural Society. At present I believe, notwithstanding the authority of great names, and the weight of apparent facts, that the^ whole matter resolves itself into one of climatic variations of different altitudes in tropical coun- tries. We began by treating all tropical pro- duce, no matter where grown, as tender, and when we discovered that many tropical plants would endure a temperate climate, we proceeded to glorify our skill as successful acolimatisers ; whereas any little credit we deserved was that of being wise enough to learn that climate is as much an affair of altitude as of latitude or longitude, and that in turning many of our tropical plants out of our stoves into the open air we simply restored them to their natural tem- perature instead of imparting to them a new or a hardier constitution. But the plants adverted to in this communication are not supposed to be quite hardy. It therefore follows that if they are to be luUy developed in our climate in all their regal luxuriance, dignity, and grandeur, they must either be endowed with new constitutions, or protected from an excess of cold. Rejecting the first as impossible, let us inquire into the practicability of adopting some efficient mode of protection. Protecting processes have long been adopted with more or less success. My first recollections of rare tree growing arc associated with straw band wrappings and careful thatchings of Spruce or other boughs. Some of the Pinnses used to be thatched up a certain distance, and a moveable hood of^ Spruce boughs, tied to strong hoops, provided for the top during the winter. The great drawback to all opaque coverings is, that while they keep out the cold they likewise increase the tenderness of the plant. In vegetable, as in mental life, darkness and imbecility are almost synonymous. Opaque coverings are hardly more useful in excluding the cold, than injurious from shutting out the light. While intense cold endures, the tree or shrub is sal^e in the darkness ; but the transition from darkness into light is an ordeal of the most trying kind, under which numbers of plants perish. What is wanted, then, is to exclude frost and to admit light. This can only be elfected by the use of glass. Two objections at least meet us at once, the expense, and the difficulty of erection. I submit that neither of these is now insuperable. Glass is cheap, and glass houses are portable. By the abolition of putty as a fixing medium, and by adopting uniformity of sash bar and size of glass, the erection or removal of glass houses becomes almost as easy as the opening and the shutting of a door. I enclose a simple sketch of a hexagon-shaped glass protector on Beard's patent principle, which seems admirably adapted for the protection of tropical trees and shrubs. This sketch represents a house 3j feet in diameter and 10 feet high, with ample ventilation at top and bottom. Plants under such shelter would enjoy all the light provided by our wintry skies, and immu- nity from severe cold, while on sunny days they might be kept cooler by the employment of a free draught, than they would be in the open air. Such protectors would keep out from 5° to 10° of cold, and if provided with a straw cowl over the summit during very severe weather, doubtless hundreds of our tropical productions would pass the winter under them unharmed. This extra covering, if adopted, would only be needed during intense frosts. Such glass protectors would form a striking contrast, amid garden scenery, to the cumbrous and unsightly protecting expedients of straw mats, boughs, &c , that we have to trust to now ; and in summer they could readily be used for the culture of Grape Vines or other fruits. The framework consists wholly of enamelled iron, resting upon a ground plate of the same metal, kept firmly down to the earth with iron anchors, or hooks, a foot or more in length. For trees with long bare stems the bottom space might be filled in with wood, which would be warmer than glass ; but, of course, glass would be introduced as far as the leaves extended, so as to give the foliage the full benefit of the light. When all danger of spring frost is over, it is only necessary to weigh anchor, and remOTe the glass vessel piecemeal to fresh waters ; build and launch her afresh (the no"k of a few hours), take a fresh tack, and return in a few months with a valuable cargo, all the space being stowed, from deepest hold to loftiest truck, with luscious Grapes. All this is, I believe, quite prac- ticable. But the chief point now is to commend these gh«s protectors as a meins of preserving semi-tropical trees orshrubs of every size in England, and thus of inde- finitelyenrichingthe grandeur,and adding to.the charm- ing variety of the English landscape. The great point in the management of^ glass protectors would be a cool regimen. If the sun were suffered to shine on them without the ventilators being opened, or if the latter were not of sufficient area to keep down the tempera- ture, premature excitement would ensue, and this would ruin all ; but with ample ventilation and plenty of light, a medium temperature would be secured favourable to the preservation of tropical life ; and my strong impression is that numerous trees and plants would pass through our ordinary winters under such protectors that we cannot now grow permanently out of doors bv any of our present arrangements. D. T. FM,F.E.U.S. Fruit Prospects. — The fruit garden at Chiswick ahvays aiipcars to me to be in an unfortunate position : the frosts both in winter and spring are almost invariably more severe than they are 10 to 20 miles to the north and north-east of London ; and the garden, enclosed by walls, and lying to the west of enormous masses of houses, has a higher day temperature than we have in the above-mentioned district, consequently the blovsoms of early-flowering fruit trees are apt to suffer heavily by spring frosts. On the morning of the 2,jth of March the register of my thermometer stood at 22°, on the 2Gth at 23', on the 27th at 24°, but the blossom bud:! here, being some 10 or 12 days later than those at Chiswick, received no injury, and on the ',1th inst. the Plums were nearly in full bloom ; on that day we had furious storms of hail and rain, which turned the petals of those flowers that were fully open and exposed brown, but left plenty uninjured. On the night of the 12th inst, we had from .5° to 6 of frost, which destroyed a portion of the Plum blossoms, but as the earth and air were quite dry, it did not do the mischief expected, and, m fact, left a very large proportion of the flowers 434 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [Apbil 25, 18C8. in a healthy promising state. The blossoms of Pears vpere not sufficiently open to receive injury ; it is quite astonishing to observe the power of the closed corolla to resist frost. The Pears are to-day (April 20) in full bloom, and it is gratifying to observe how few of the germs of the fruit are injured ; this is easily discovered by taking a penknife aud cutting the flower across just below the calyx ; if the centre, the incipient core, is black, the flower, although its petals may be in full beauty and apparently uninjured, is ruined. In enclosed gardens, as Mr. Barron states, standard trees sometimes escape the effect of a spring frost, partly owing to the upper parts of the tree, some 12 or 15 feet from the surface of the earth, being e.iposed to cold currents of air which rush over the walls and thus retard the blossoms, aud partly owing to the higher temperature at that height, when we have still hoar frosts during which the temperature near the surface of the earth is lower than at the above height. In wind frosts this is not the case in enclosed gardens, and consequently standard trees suffer more than dwarfs under such circumstances; it is, however, very rarely that a frost severe enough to kill the blossoms of dwarf trees allows those on standard trees to go scatheless. I know from long experience that it is very rare indeed. It would be of much interest to fruit culti- vators if the Eoyal Horticultural Society would direct Mr. Barron to erect a pole, 15 feet high, so as to be easily lowered, with registering thermometers attached to it at different heights, say one at 3 feet from the earth, one at 6 feet, one at 9 feet, one at 12 feet, and one at 15 feet ; and then in the morning after one of our spring frosts (I fear we have yet many to come before the 1st of June), to take an accurate account of the amount of frost at the difl'urent heights. This would not be an expensive experiment; the five minimum thermometers required would not cost more than 3*. 6d. each. It is to be regretted that the dwarf and trained trees at Chiswick were not protected from frost ; they are so easily made safe. We ought to look at the Chiswick Garden as a model fruit garden, in which the best modes of cultivating and protecting garden trees should be shown to the public. The low cordon Pear trees mentioned by Mr. Barrow can be protected at a very small expense. The trees, I shaped, should be ijlanted in rows 1 1 inches apart row from row, and trained within 9 or 10 inches of the surface of the soil; a ridge made of i-inch boards, made in the form of the ground Vineries, and 3 feet in diameter at its base, would cover both rows ; this should be placed over the trees in March, April, and May during our spring frosts, and remain over them night and day nhile the frosts are rife, which is rarely more than three or four days : if longer, it will be necessary to give air "by placing the southern side of the ridge on some bricks, to tilt it up. It is surprising the amount of frost this simple contrivance will resist. If the ridges are painted of some quiet colsur they do not disfigure the garden. When May is past they "will have done their work, and may be removed to close quarters. I have employed ridges of glass, and under them my double-cordon Pears are full of fruit, fully set, and swelling rapidly ; but if my glass ridges had not been covered with a mat on the 11th and 12th of this mouth, I should have lost my Pears. There are many methods of protecting garden trees of all shapes, aud it is to be hoped that we shall soon see active measures taken at Chiswick to show the public the most preferable methods of cultivating fruit trees in suburban gardens ; and I hope to see the day when our numerous clever artisans will have some days towards the end of summer appropriated to them at Chiswick, under sound regulations, so that they may go and see how their gardens may be made fruitful. A person should be appointed by the Society to give a plain lecture at a certain hour each of the days devoted to the admission of those who wish to learn cottage fruit culture. M. Dubreuil is doing something of this kind in France, and his lectures are, I hear, well attended by numerous artisans and others intere;ted in fruit culture ; but he goes largely into the numerous moJes of training described in his books, and which are familiar to his hearers. I am inclined to think this would not be sound practice with us'; our artisans and suburban gardeners have not sufficient knowledge of fruit-tree culture to comprehend a lecture on training, but if they could be invited to Chiswick, and see a model garden of, say, Apple trees full of fruit, and told the kind of stock they should be grafted on to make them fruitful, and a few simple rules, as to pruning, root-pruning, and removal, given to them, they would, I think, quickly see the advan- tage of growing their own Apples, which are really a necessary to the working man. Some kind of hardy Plums may be cultivated with as much facility as Apples, and are almost as useful to a family. Pears in England must be cousidered a luxury for the working man, and owing to our uncertain climate cannot be recommended to be planted to the sameextent as Apples. An offer has been made to the authorities at Alder- shott of some hundreds of Apple trees for the soldiers' gardens, and it is hoped that some gardens will be enclosed for their reception. If the Royal Horticul- tural Society will appropriate a portion of their exten-- sive garden at Chiswick to a model suburban fruit garden, they will confer a great boon, and deserve the gratitude of a very numerous class. Observer. Fruit of all kinds looked very promising up to the 12th and 1.3th April ; hut a very severe frost and cutting north wind on the night of the 12th and morning of the 13th blighted our hopes to a great extent. Apri- cots are very abundant, and where protected are an extra crop ; where they are unprotected they are nearly all destroyed, even the young shoots are scorched. Pears were in full bloom at the date just named, and although much injured will produce a fair crop. Apples show well, and as yet are apparently quite safe. Of Cherries the bloom is abundant, but early sorts are much destroyed ; late kinds are appa- rently safe. Of Plums on walls more than one-third of the bloom is destroyed ; where, however, it has been protected it is safe. Gooseberries show well, but nearly half are destroyed. Of Black Currants about one-third are destroyed. Red kinds show but indiflerently, the wood-buds are injured by birds and frost. Peaches promise well, and where they have been protected they are safe ; where unprotected, nearly all have been destroyed. Strawberries are very promising, aud apparently will be an abundant crop. The late severe weather with us has been as follows :— April 9, stormy with showers of snow, frost 2" ; April 10, stormy, cold north wind, 3'; April 11, stormy and cold, 6'; April 12, clear sharp frost, north wind, 7' ; April 1.3, clear sharp frost, north wind, 10' ; April M, clear day.just freezing; April 15, clear day, 5' ; April 16, mild day. The readings were taken at 7 a.m. ; thermometer 2 feet from the ground. David Lumsden, JSloxholm Ball, Lincolnshire. Gooseberries with us have suffered most ; about four-fifths of the entire " show" are safe, however. I believe Bed and White Currants have received similar injury, whilst Black Currants seem to have wholly escaped. Pears, with an excess of bloom, will be a fine crop if severe weather does not ensue. The same remark applies to Cherries, whilst Plums upon high grounds look moderately promising, though they have suffered more or less in valleys. Apricots are a fine crop, three-fourths in fact must be removed in the process of thinning, which latter operation is in an advanced stage. Last year I had the unpleasant satisfaction of having rightly predicted in your columns a scarcity of Apples. This season some slight injury has befallen both Pears and Apples, but the petals have entirely escaped, whilst the more delicate and imme- diate fructifying organisms, the stigma and stamina, have alone in many instances suffered. One fact in connection with Apples is, that the beautiful little variety, Sam Young, of which we have a large standard tree, was a full week in advance of such varieties as Keswick Codlin in expanding its blooms. It seems, moreover, wholly uninjured by frost, and is thus equal in degree of hardihood to the good old Dredge's Fame, another variety which indicates no perceptible injury. William Earley, Digsioell, Herts. Mushroom Spores.— In an article treating of Fungi which appeared at p. 404, there is a statement to the effect that " the spores of certain Agarics will not germinate until they have passed through the stomach of some animal." Being no botanist, I do not know upon what evidence that statement may rest ; but I am willing to accept it as an explanation of my entire want of success in attempting to raise Mushrooms direct from their spores, without animal intervention. To test the matter, however, critically, I propose " to ask the question of Nature;" and, if the answer be favourable, to found upon it what I believe will be a new process for the production of Mushrooms. Allow me in the first place to describe a pleasing experiment bearing upon the question, which was shown to me by Mr. Nasmyth (of steam-hammer celebrity), who had it, I believe, from Sir John Herschel. Take the pileus or cap of a Mushroom, or of any other member of the Agaric family, place it with the crown upwards upon a clean plate of glass, and allow it to remain for four- and-twenty hours. The spores will be deposited upon the glass in millions, arranged in radiating lines, repre- senting the gills, and forming, in fact, a beautiful picture of the Mushroom superposed. To gain an idea of the number and minuteness of the spores, they must, of course, be viewed microscopically. Being thus in possession of means for obtaining the spores, I pro- pose to let them be ingested by a horse along with his food, consisting of Oats and chopped hay, upon which Mushrooms have been allowed to shed their spores. Under this regimen, we know that a horse must swallow more of these spores than all the horses in Europe could swallow by accident ; and it strikes me that we ought thus to obtain a material that would generate the true mycelium direct, «6 oyo— po>se3sing probably superior properties to the mycelium of commerce, which is nearly propagated without the generative act proper to plants. The spores of Mushrooms are produced in such numbers, on account perhaps of the great difficulty that must exist in finding their proper " nidus," pro- bably not one being swallowed by cattle in a million produced. It is not easy, therefore, to conceive the degree or extent of fertility which ought to follow the use of the material I have described in spawning Mushroom beds, provided the " stomach theory " be well founded,— of which, I presume, there can be little doubt. The subject, I hope, is hoivever possessed of sufficient interest to attract the attention of scientific men. Geo. S. Cundell, Clapham. Triteleia uniiiora.— Before "going in" for a new thing I like to know all about it, and if this cannot be ascertained, I would at least wish to know the best of it, and the worst of it. Your correspondent "E. W. " has done well in recommending growers of hardy spring flowers to obtain bulbs of this lovely liliaceous plant- as a pot plant it is charming. I would not, if I could, presume to occupy your space by telling all about it, but I may, perhaps, be permitted to mention, for the information of those unacquainted with it, that each bloom has a perfume much resembling and quite equalling a dozen of the sweetest Violets ever grown — so much for the best of it. No»v for the worst of it : only just squeeze or bruise in the slightest degree any part of the plant, and if you don't perceive a strong smell of onions, it is a pity ! Garlic is mild to it. W. T. The Triteleia is one of our best early spring- flowering bulbs, either for greenhouse decoration or for ornamentation out-of-doors. It is easy to cultivate, and if grown for the greenhouse about seven bulbs placed in a 48-size pot will be sufficient ; they should be potted about the same time as the Hyacinth, and should have similar treatment— that is, they should be plunged for a short time, in order to induce the forma- tion of roots, before being taken into the house. They will begin to throw up tlieir flowers about Christmas, and will be subjects of general admiration for several weeks, during which they last in beauty. Where there is not too much convenience for growing flowers indoors, and they are required through the early spring months for gathering, a bed grown in a warm corner of the kitchen garden will be found very useful, as will also an early spring bed on the lawn. The flower- stalks are about 6 inches in length, and the flowers measure from 1 to 2 inches in diameter, according to the strength of the bulb ; if the plants are left in the ground, and not disturbed, the flowers will be all the 1 larger. J. P. I The New Colens. — The question raised by your corre- I spondent " Registrar " (p. 400), how to name garden I hybrids, is no doubt a very important one, and it is to be regretted that no better answer to it than has yet appeared is forthcoming. By " Registrar's " own I showing, the well-meant dictum of M. De CandoUe is I so utterly absurd in its practical application, that it is totally out of the question; and even if learned i botanists agreed to call a series of different plants by I the one name Coleus Veitchio-Verschaffeltii, as in this case they must, no common-sense horticulturist — and it is the horticulturist whose genius produces, and whose skill cultivates such plants as those under dis- cussion—would follow them. The proposed alterna- tive of writing *' Coleus Miles Joseph Berkeley," " Coleus William Wilson Saunders," and so on, is scarcely less objectionable, such names being cum- brous and awkward, imposing too much trouble on the busy men who have to write them, whether it be in the routine of business, or in discussions on pro- fessional questions, and who, I am convinced, while they can write " Coleus Scottii " in place of " Coleus Henry York Darracott Scott," will never consent to adopt the latter form. And, after all, why should they ? How many of the thousands of garden names are any real trouble to the botanist ? Very few indeed ! Even if they were more frequently so, why should the convenience of the botanist only be considered in the matter ? Gardeners have no more time to waste or to spare than they, and they are not the sort of men to lay their necks meekly under the car wheels of any scientific Juggernaut. Your corre- spondent observes, that ater a while these names will find their way into botanical works ; but if they do, it will be through the agency of botanists themselves, and it will be for them to take care to mark them in any way they please to prevent misunderstanding. Further: it might be asked by what right C. A''eitchii, C. Gibsoni, C. Versohafl'eltii, C. Blutuei, &c., are to rejoice in Latin names, while these are denied to the equally well-marked plants designated C. Bausei, C. Scottii, C. Dixii, &c. ? True, the former are imported plants, while the others are undoubtedly of garden origin ; but after our recent experience with Cattleyas, Odontoglossums, &c., who is to determine that the imported subjects themselves are not mere seedling sports. Indeed if one might speculate on probabilities, it seems more than likely that they are of this cha- racter. After all, the fact remains that these maligned names are current ; they are already disseminated to the four quarters of the globe, and if I mistake not they will abide so long as the plants themselves maintain the favour of the public, and when they lose that both plants and names may be consigned to oblivion. ^ If the botanists wish the horticulturists to fall in with any general scheme for the sake of uniformity, they must find some plan much less cumbrous than any which has yet been proposed. The best, I think, would be to adopt some uniform termination for all names apfilied to seedling plants. The way in which entomologists use the termination "ella" illustrates what I mean. The adopted word must, of course, be quite distinct from the " ana," " ii," " oides," or " opsis," now so commonly used in botanical terminology, and no doubt our linguists could find us some short appropriate useable word, which would answer the purpose intended. Antipodes. The fitness of the names propounded in your columns for the new hybrids of Coleus having been questioned by some of your correspondents, it may be said in their behalf that such names were selected because the other familiar forms of the same genus— Blumei, Verschaf- feltii, Gibsoni, Veitchii, are all named in the .same way, after individuals. It is not necessary to dwell on the impossibility of adopting the parental style of termi- nology, for that has been already shown to be utterly inadmissable; but I must protest against the use of such unwieldy or inharmonious names as Coleus Wilson Saunders, Coleus Duchess of Devonshire, or such like, for plants which are not yet familiar enough to admit of dropping the generic name, nor numerous enough, or of such a character as to be grown in col- lections, as are such plants as Auriculas, Fuchsias, Pe- largoniums, &c. It is not to be supposed that these Coleuses will ever be grown in that way. They will be grown, here and there, one or two of them, according to individual preferences, either for bedding purposes or as pot specimens, but in a certain sense they must be isolated. I must further claim for the proposed names equal consideration with such as Potentilla Russelliana, Hopwoodiana and Menziesii, Erica Ca- vendishii and Neillii, Azalea Danielsiana, and many others, which pass unquestioned. They are, more- over, in possession of the field, and possession is nine points of the law. T. M. Peaches and Nectarines.— I have read with interest the article of " Excelsior " (p. 377), and there are two observations made by him with which I cordially agree, namely, that if a Peach or Nectarine tree is very weak, or much injured on one side, and very healthy and strong on the other side, " it is best and safest to cut the whole tree well back and make a fresh start," Apeil 25, 1S68.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GA/ETTE 435 and that we " need a work on root pruning." We read much about tlie balance of trees, but little is said about the balance betivcen the heads and roots of trees. They answer to each other, as face answers to face in the glass. Mm'uovor, as regards Peach and Nectarine trees out of doors, more protection must be given to them in severe winters, and during and for some time after the developing of the leaves and blossoms. " The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the tree," and it is impossible to keep Peach and Nectarine trees in health, if at any time whilst sap is active, demolitions from weather, insects, or other causes are permitted. The condition of Peach and Nectarine leaves out of doors (I do not speak of them under glass), is generally barbarous. The young tender leaves of these trees are, at their first development, more tender than the blossoms. To preserve them, and also the blossoms, they must be kept "dry" ; for it is moisture that gives frost power. The walls here have been only up two years ; and I have 66 Peach and Nectarine trees, with first-rate unblistered foliage, and abundance of well-set fruit, just "slipping their shirts." These kinds of fruit trees degenerate from inattention to their roots, and specially their foliage and skin— the first and second lung. I have had a few greenfly and thrips on mine, but they are hand-killed every day, and syringed early enough to get dry before night ; then 2-reet "scrim" curtains do the remainder. Some of the curtains run on iron rods horizontally top and bottom. I think of doing all my walls this way. Some of the scrim, of the same width, is fixed in the form of a coping ; I gave iht per yard for it. It is paperer's canvas ; wide gipsey tape should be sown on the edges, where the rings are sown on. As regards the discrepancy liointed out by " Excelsior," it is probable that it arises from mistranslation. The late Dr. Lindley once told me that " no one but a gardener could properly translate gardening French." I will not refer to other parts of the article, because it is out of my depth. Pear trees on Quince bushes and pyramids are now in fine bloom. They have hurdles or boards placed over them, and seem, as yet, uninjured. IF. F. Radchjffe, Okeford F!h,.,u„e. Mowing Machines. — I have much pleasure in corro berating all that Mr. Challis says (n, 373) upon the good hard-working properties of Shanks' mowing machine. We have had a 36-inch machine in constant use here for 15 or more years, on rather uneven ground, and with the densest crops of strong Grass, and it is still, or was until it went the other day to have its second new set of knives put in, as efficient as ever. Neither have I had any change made in it from the first, no patent delivery, nor any new-fangled changes ; although, from the estimate that Mr. Challis makes of the saving in timeefleeted by his skilful improvements, I think I must follow his example. Our machine is in daily use from the beginning of April till the beginning or middle of December, and I know of no other that would have stood the rough hard usage to which it has been subjected. Z>. T. Fish, F.R.KS. The Strawberry Grape of Australia. — What is the Strawberry Grape Vine of Australia ? We have a plant under that name, but cannot find it in any of the Catalogues ? T. U. Jasminum azoricum.— Can any one help me to obtain plants of the true Jasmiuum azoricum ? I have tried in the trade, but have been unsuccessful. A plant called by the name, but with yellow flowers, is sold by the nurserymen, who appear to have entirely lost the original, which is figured in the " Botanical Register" (Vol. I., plate 89). It grows wild in " Madeira and has been known in the Dutch gardens from 1693, and in the English from about 1724. No plant presents itself more constantly in our greenhouses than this, the bright lively hue of its evergreen foliage, the fragrance and long succession of the bloom, render it a favourite with all gardeners. It is multiplied by offsets and layers with ease, but is in such general request that the nurserymen tell you that, let their stock of plants be ever so large, they never have one too many." Such is the plant, which appears now, only 50 years after, to be e.xtinct. Our fine old garden plants disappear to make room for ribbon borders and Variegated Kale ; our greenhou.se plants for anything ugly and expensive enough to catch the fashion of the day. The flowers are produced in large bunches and are pure white. Subscriber. ■What is Berberis toluacensis? — I have lately received a plant so named from a leading nurseryman, but the only information he can give concerning it is, that he thinks it comes from Mexico. In general appearance it is somewhat like one of the numerous varieties of B. Aquifolium which are now sent out under different high-sounding names. J.J. [We do not know the plant thus named. Eds.] Scientific Committee. — Amongst other things we want a scientific investigation into the nature, quality, character, and influence of the various soils which are spread so variously over this country. One soil will grow an Oak to a girth of 25 feet in a given number of years, another to 20, 15, or 10 feet. One character of soil will give us tough Oak, another the opposite. In an ironstone district near here the Oak timber shakes, that is, the concentric layers separate when the tree is felled, owing to the iron taken up by the roots. We have much to find out as regards the properties and uses of many of our subsoils. I know some land for which the owner was offered 2000Z. per acre; it possesses a vein of sand good for casting purposes. Will investigation into the nature of soils fall within the scope of the Scientific Committee. W. I. [We presume so. Eds.] Undue Dressing of Florists' Flowers.— Mr. W. Dean, I think, might have stood sponsor for a better cause than the pinning of Hyacinths. His whole rejoinder (see p. 379) is simply begging the question. The end, unfortunately for the pinners, does not justify the means, therefore the condemnatory editorial verdict, that " the practice should have been marked by dis- qualification," must be confirmed. Once cede that pinning is admissible, and we shall have Hollyhocks and Hyacinths, Antirrhinums and Gladiolus, mani- pulated upon and pinned up in gigantic style. Those most artful in handiwork will triumph, and the best examples of cultivation will be at a discount. Something of the kind was once perpetrated _ at Edinburgh exhibition, but either the operation was performed loss clumsily than at Liverpool, or the judges had not the faculty of discernment so largely developed as Mr. Dean has, or the modus operandi was more novel (as it occurred about eight or ten years ago), for the trick was only discovered when the auxiliary pips lost their consistency long after the judges had given in their awards. It was looked upon as an artifice, and censured accordingly in some of the public prints, and a better system, it is to be hoped, prevails now north of the Tweed. At Liverpool, how- ever, we have similar practices in vogue, and this time supported by one of the judges. It therefore becomes all those interested in the art of cultivation to ceusure the process, in case there may be some individuals who practise the deception, and insist upon receiving an award— quoting Liverpool as a precedent. Dressing is admissible in all florists' flowers to the extent only of arranging any disordered floret or pip, as the case may be, of setting it as horizontally as you please, and of cutting out any supernumerary pips which may inter- fere with the contour of the spike. No one can object to this any more than to the thinning out of the small spray of Azalea shoots, or the disbudding of Camellias or Azaleas. That is a perfectly warrantable pro- ceeding. The moment however any one resorts to gumming or pinning florets to flowers, or flowers to a spike, it resolves itself into a trick quite as reprehen sible as the ruse of the farmer who exhibited an Ayr shire cow about two years ago, having many excellent points, but sadly deficient in the caudal appendage. An excellent one was improvised for the occasion, and so nicely was the whole adjusted as to escape the observa- tion of the judges, and the animal was led out of the ring triumphantly carrying off the first premium. " Scotch Rustic's " remarks with reference to Hyacinth showing in the west of Scotland shows the necessity for carefully guarding against artificial treatment and manipulation. It is the introduction of the thin end of the wedge, the bye-law quoted — " Bulbs not neces- sarily shown in the pots in which they are grown, but must be entire ;" and it is to be hoped that the West of Scotland Committee will erase it from their schedule. Hyacinths can be, and are, grown quite unexception- ably in comparatively small pots, both as regards spikes and foliage. Anything that has a tendency to further the art of cultivation ought to be encouraged, anything that has a tendency to open the door to trickery should not only be discouraged but condemned. Censor Secuudus. Variegated Cabbage. — As the variegated forms of the Scotch Kale have recently been the subjects of comment as bedding plants for the winter months, I cannot help calling your attention to a variegated form of the Cabbage that in point of attractiveness forms a formidable rival to the Kales. There is a plant of it growing in my brother's garden at Old Shirley, South- ampton, the leaves of which are heavily edged to the extent of fully one-third with a pure cream colour. The habit is very robust, and for decorative purposes it excels in value the variegated Hydrangea. It has wonderfully improved upon the form in which I exhi- bited it a year ago, and I now indulge the hope that the common garden Cabbage in this attractive varie- gated form will yet do good and acceptable serviee in the winter garden. My brother finds that it comes perfectly true from seed, so there is every probability of perpetuating its present character. Richard Dean, Ealimj. W. Veitch's Spring White Broccoli.— Permit me to corroborate Mr. Edlington's statement (see p. 378) respecting this Broccoli, which we commenced cutting the second week in March, and have continued to do so up to this time. Some of the heads were 10 inches in diameter, perfectly close and globular. It came in a week before any other sort which we grow, amongst which are the following :— Welcome, Dilcock's Bride, Elletson's Mammoth, Sulphur, Adams' Early White, Dalmeny May, and Cattell's Eclipse. I may add that the two last are not yet showing signs of coming in. M. Clayton, Kackwood Gardens, Basingstoke, April 20. Flies on Grapes.— Your correspondent (see p. 212) should have light wooden frames made, which will fit to but not impede the opening of his door, and such lights as he may find it necessary to open, which he should cover with wire gauze (Toile metallique), and he will find that he will not only exclude wasps, flies, &c., but that the air in passing through the wires will be thereby much softened. I use iron netting, about 3 to 4 millimetres square. St. Omer. Old-fashioned Planta.-Althoughthesway of fashion in floriculture is generally admitted, I doubt very much if the extent to which newly-introduced plants have superseded those formerly grown is fully recog- nised. With a view of informing myself somewhat on this matter, I have been examining and comparing the best lists of plants of the present time with those published 30 or 40 years ago ; and as the taste for growing hardy flowering plants is evidently reviving, I send you the result of a comparison between E. G. Henderson & Son's "Catalogue of Herbaceous and Alpine Plants, adapted for general garden decora- tion," published in 1865, with a list published in 1831 of hardy plants, which had been proved to do well in the Botanical Garden at Hamburgh, each catalogue containing about 2200 plants. The Hamburgh list has a special mark aflixed to those plants (about one-half of the collection) which are recommended as deco- rative, and of these I find that there are no less than 487 species regarded at that time as ornamental, which are not to be found in Henderson's list. Doubtless a few of these may be known now under some other name, and some may here had their "nose put out of joint" by a showy relative, for whom novelty has possibly done more than real merit, It is more than probable that many of these old-fashioned plants might be found in some remote parts of England and on the (Continent, where respect for the tastes of ancestors has prevented the destruction of what more modern ideas may have regarded as weeds ; and that amongst them are many things which in these days of hybridising would bo worth experimenting upon. Henderson records 16 species of Aconitum ; the Hamburgh list contains 24 ; and of these 18 are not in Henderson's list. Henderson records 43 species of Camnanula, the Hamburgh list gives only 28, and marks 19 as bein" decorative, of which 19 there are 10 not named in Henderson's list. And .so on. When space will permit, lists of these, Mr. Editor, are at your service ; meanwhile I will con- tent myself with remarking that these figures have convinced me that there must be very many of these old-fashioned plants, not now generally known, which are worthy of re-introduction, if they can only be found ; and th.at cultivation and hybridisation will produce out of them materials for bedding and group- ing, which will exhibit much more charming combina- tions than Geraniums and Calceolarias have ever efl'eoted. W. T. Eood.— Will some of your correspondents in various parts of the country kindly state what square area is intended by gardeners when they use this word. Hereabouts it variously means 5V square yards, and 8 square yards. B., Birmingham. Kamie Plant.— The annexed paragraph I cut out of the Public Ledger of April 17. Not knowing the plant alluded to, nor finding that others do, I make free to beg that you will print it in the Gardeners' Chronicle, when perchance we may learn some- thing about this apparently important matter. Fredt. Scheer, Stafford Souse, Northfleet. " Ramie a Substitute for Cotton. — The Southern press has had much to say about the Ramie plant, the culture of which has been commenced in Louisiana. We have received a pamphlet on the origin, propaga- tion, culture, and cleaning of Ramie from Mr. Lefrano, of New Orleans. This plant, it appears, was originally found in the Island of Java, where its fibre, which is said to closely resemble Sea Island Cotton, has long been used by the natives in the manufacture of cloth in a primitive way. About 10 years ago the plant was introduced into Mexico by a distinguished botanist, and thrived so well that its cultivation was last year attempted in Louisiana, and, it would seem, with entire success. The principal conclusions established by the Louisiana experiments are:— That the plant can be very easily cultivated in both the alluvial and upland soil of the South-western States ; that its fibre is as strong and as fine as that of Flax or Cotton, and that it is worth in Europe double the best Sea Island Cotton, and four times the best Upland ; that it may be made, in the climate of Louisiana, to yield four crops a-year, each crop of more pounds to the acre than in any ordinary yield of Cotton ; that it is not liable to be destroyed by the caterpillar or other agencies so commonly destructive to Cotton; and that it requires but little labour after the grou nd is prepared, and will extend its roots and propagate itself almost indefinitely in any direction that may be marked out lor its growth. It is said that a few mills in France and England have secretly introduced the fibre by mixing it with Cotton for superior tissues, such as lace fabrics. But the quantity thus used has been light because of small supplies, consequent upon the difficulty of extracting the fibre in India. The natives of that country, in lieu of proper machinery, have been accustomed to extract the textile from the ligneous plant by a primitive and slow process ; but it ap- pears that a machine for extracting and clearing the fibre has been invented and patented, and that they are aft'orded at the moderate price of 225 dollars at New Orleans. The Commissioner of Agriculture at Wash- ington has examined specimens of cloth made from the Ramie fibre, and testifies that they ' fully indicate that superior goods can be manufactured from this valuable plant.' It is said Manchester and New York houses are calling in advance for all that can be produced at the South, and are ready to furnish capital for its culture ; and it seems altogether probable that a suffi- cient supply will be afforded this year to enable manu- facturers to test it on a large scale. Should the enco- miums which have been bestowed upon it be fully realised, its introduction into our Southern States can hardly l^ail to be attended with consequences of vast importance. The present price of the fibre in Loui- siana is said to be about 60 cents, but it is thought that it can ultimately be afl'orded at 25 cents, and perhaps less, in which event it will assuredly be cheaper than Cotton. It is possible the accounts we have received may be somewhat overdrawn, and it will be well not to be over-sanguine till further developments shall have been made. This plant may prove to be a source of great wealth, and, to this end, it is to be hoped a fair trial will be afforded." AV/y York Shipping List. Labels for Borders. — Many an amateur must have had his ])eace of mind disturbed by this matter of labels ; many a good plant has been lost from not having its whereabouts distinctly marked. Labels to be stuck into the ground may be classified in various ways : they may be divided into the cheap and the dear, or the clumsy and the neat, or the durable and the perishable, or the convertible and the incon- vertible, by which latter I mean labels that have been used for a plant that you no longer grow, and cannot be used for any other. Of this description are tne enameled iron labels with the names indelibly printed on a white ground-very nice for those who can afl-ord to buy them, but too "P™"'e for most people. Next to these, for dura- 43G THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAD GAZETTE. [Apeil 2a, lS6i<. biiity of material, may be ranked the ziuc labels, but here agaiu price interferes with their being ordered in any quantity, of such a substance that they shall not bend. Very durable are the stakes used by many nurserymen, with a smooth surface cut slautingly upon the upper part, if that portion which is to go into the ground has been charred, or dipped in tar or anti- corrosive paint; Hazel is commonly used for this purpose, but Hickory is the best; their appearance is, however, too clumsy to admit of their use in a private garden. Lastly, we come to the Pine labels, which are commonly sold at the seed shops, and which, if you will take the pains to give them a couple of coats of painty may last two or three years, but are scarcely worth that trouble, since they are too thin to stand any rough treatment without breaking. I have tried labels of almost every kind; and 1 send you a sample of the sort which I am now using, and which appears to me to combine all the qualifications of length, size, durability, convertibility, neatness, and cheapness, more than any other. A piece of Pine, 16 inches long, by three-quarters of an inch square, will make two labels, if a diagonal saw-cut be made from a mark at G inches from one end to a mark at 6 inches from tlie other end : you thus obtain two square sticks, 10 inches long, each of which has one end wedge-shaped for 4 inches. The wedge-shaped end, being the part to go into the ground, has been twice dipped into anti-corrosive paint to the extent of 6 inches, leaving 4, inches of the wood clean. One great advantage of having four surfaces to write upon will be apiireciated by the amateur, who gets a plant given to him under one name, subsequently finds out that friends have it under other names, and wishes to preserve all this information with the plant until the true one is obtained. Por instance, a friend sends me an autumn Crocus, and I plant it and label it : an old man, looking over my collection, remarks that he is glad to see such an old favourite as Amaryllis lutea tliere; I put it down. Next day my neighbour tells me that he has just had the very thing given to him under the name of Oporanthus luteus. I am bothered, but I put it down. Lastly, a friend, of botanical attainments, informs me that the plant has been known under both these Latin names, but that, according to the latest corrections in nomencla- ture, it should be called Sternbergia lutea. Glad am I, then, to have four surfaces upon which to record all thi.i, ray label bein" only large enough to write one name in a bold hand upon each side. It may be useful to amateurs to know that the stuff which gardeners smear on wood labels before writing on them is white lead rubbed up with linseed oil- in fact, white paint without any turpentine in it. I adviso that a little colour, red or brown, bo mixed with the white lead and oil, whereby the labels will be rendered less attractive, and less like tombstones in miniature, while the legibility of the VFriting will not be impaired. These square labels have been prepared for me by a firm in Bishopsgate Street "Without, who with conveniences for sawing and planing by machinery are enabled to make them and dip them twice in paint for 35s. per thousand, which is less than a halfpenny each. W. T. Vegetable Marrow.— I herewith have the pleasure of sending to you the best sketch I could make of a very singularvariety of the Vegetable Marrow (as I am informed by my relative, who has recently sent it home from Gibraltar). He informs me that he found it in the garden of a Spanish acquaintance, at St. Uoque, a small town not far from the Spanish lines. It came from Cuba, where it is very highly prized as a vegetable, and is used as we do the Vegetable Marrow plant in England. Its appearance is very singular, bemg about the size of a large Lemon or Citron, of a dull yellowish colour, the surface broken up into ridges and covered with short sharp spines of rather a brighter yellow colour. Prom an orifice, that appears somewhat in the way of the double Cocoa-nut from the Seychelles, proceeds the vine, and just imme- diately below the vine the root fibres strike into the soil. It remained dormant forabout 10 days,and having now apparently recovered its transit, is beginning to shoot vigorously and enjoy the warmth of a Vinery. W. B. E. [Prom the sketch sent we have no doubt that the plant you mention is the Choco or Chayote Gourd, commonly grown in the West Indies, Madeira, &c., and samples of which may now and then be met with in Covent Garden. The seed germinates while still within the fruit, and what is more remarkable, the latter remains and forms a quasi-tuber. Pull details anda sketch of the Gourd are given in our volume for 1805, p. 51. The scientific name of the plant is Sechium edule ; its culture is of the easiest. Eds.] Eiccia fluitans (see p. 205).— Last June this plant was found by W. W. Beeves, Esq., P.R.M.S., in the neigh- bourhood of Broxbourne, and he has kept it alive evor since in his aquarium. Again, later in the year I was in company with that gentleman in the neighbourhood ot the Virginia Water Station, where he again found it growing on a moist bank by the side of a running stream. Iho latter specimen was in a very fine con- dition, and may turn out to be another variety, and not Huitans, but at present that cannot be determined. N. Burgess, llackney lioad di.imeter ; Beauty of Waltliam, fresh and bright : Je.in Goujon, beautiful red ; Caroline de Sansala ; Victor Verdier, with about 20 blooms aud expanding buda ; I.ouiso Odier, rose : Madame Damaizin, salmon ; and CiSline Forestier, the last in fine couditiou. Messrs. Paul & Son wcreplacodSd with Francois Lacharme, Anna Alexieff, Prof. Koch, John Hopper, Charles Lawaon, with about three dozen blooms ; Madame Villermoz, Souvenir d'un Ami ; Madame de St. Joseph, well flowered : and Ci§line Forestier. Mr. Turner, of Slough, who was 3d, had an excellent collection, in which Victor Verdier, ManSchal Niel, Celine Forestier, and Madame Palcot, were remarkable for the number of blooms with which they were decorated ; the others were Leopold Hausburg, purplish crim- son : Charles Lawson, John Hopper, Anna Alexieff, and Madame V. Verdier, all of which were also in good condition. In the Amateurs' Class the best 6 came from Mr. James, gr. to W. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth, .and a 2d prize w.as awarded to Mr. WUkie, Oak Lodge, Kensington. For the best single specimen Me-ssrs, Paul k Son took the 1st prize with President, and Mr. W. Paul was 2d with Comtesse de Brossard, with very Large straw-coloured flowers. Mr. Turner had Madame Bravy, with upwards of 20 blooms and partially-expanded buds. In the class for 12 new Boses, first put in commerce In 1806 iind 1807, there was likewise a keen competition. The 1st prize was awarded to Mr. W. Paul for Mademoiselle Annie Wood, with large and finely-shaped red flowers, something like those of Senateur Vaisse ; Souvenir de Monsieur Boll, large, bright rosy crimson ; Madame Rival, piuk ; jradamc la B.aronne de Rothschild, large and fiiu . in It .. ' .i one of the finest acquisitions of the prescnl ■ . \ i rosy crimson, shading off to peach ; Aiitnin ; ' violet-shaded crimson; Charles Verdici'. i - . . i m u Scribe, large, brilliant red ; Gloire de Moiitj.i.Li=i. , .M.i.lul.:! Nonin, silvery rose, not expanded ; Tea Madauio M.irgutti pale ^ buff yellow, very fine ; and Monsieur Furtado, lomo shading off to a paler colour, an improvement ou Celine Forestier, and a most decided acquisition. Prizes were also awarded to Messrs. Lane ifc Son, and to Messrs. Paul & Son. The former had beautifully flowered plants of Mdlle. Annie Wood, Madame Riv.al, rosy peach; Charles Verdier, pale rose, with a salmon rose centre ; the beautiful Madame M.argottiu, Antoine Dueher, Madeleine Nonin, Frangois Treyve, crimson scarlet; Horace Vemet, velvety dark crim- son ; Paul Verdier, fine, bright rosy crimson ; Thorin, bright rose : Madame George Paul, dark crimson, shaded with violet purple ; and Tea Bouton d'Or, small, lemou coloured. Messrs. Paul S' CnEOMCLE AND AGRTCULTUEAL (iAZETTE. 437 re tlj I O chd M sb 11 pi f p; I tl 1 1 0 dinnry 1 0 this u. vaf ty w bo boa t s rr t 1 cf b pe 1st t wb t 0 f tb «ils. Next b btna tybii fine J How buttboUfe,hth s 1 t he d d not cons de it to I "W th eg-u-d to One dium \1 1 b U t aff ded an example 1 t 1 havu g be mo eonj ned t th the B h p of Wm heste tl t sepals the s w tho t .^, genus Dendrobium, and am ng then -,.:, tlio Australian D. Tattoniannm, named after Lord Egerton of Tatton, which, though not tho most remarkable plant of its family, stiU its flowers were agreeably fi-agrant, and would last at least two months in perfection, if the plant was properly growu. Hecause D, speciosum also comes from Australia, and would succeed in a greenhouse temperature, people must not suppose that D. Tattonianum would do with tlio same temperature, for the former came from tho south, the latter from the north of that islaud-continont, and from within a few degrees of the equator. I.il. Cape bulbs, it wanted a good roasting for half Dj. year, then with plenty of heat and moisture it would send U[i its beautiful racemes. Messrs. Veitch's new Dendrobium lasioglossum, from India, he would for the present merely mention. After noticing some cut blooms of Dendrobiums from hi'^ own eHi.lou, among which were the white vai-iety of Den.linl inin II .'il. , sometimes misnamed D. Wallichianum, nnd I' I' I I I. :t species producing noble racemes of buff 11 ' I i iii.iiu long in perfection, Mr. B.ateman directL.i ii: hli II ''■ a Hplendid specimen of Oncidium bifo- liura, with a si .ike 2 feet 4 inches in length, shown by Mr. Mills, gr. to Ur. I'attison, and which, he said, would have astonished Orchidgrowers 30 years ago. This did best in a dry cool situation. Of Odontoglossum luteo- purpureura several examples were shown, and, he remarked, in a cool house it did well to mix with other Orchids : and of Odontoglossum triumphans, that the specimen from Mr. Marsh.all was deserving of particular attention. Mr. Batemau next produced to the meeting a small specimen of the pretty Cypripedium concolor, with two flowers, which he believed to he the normal number the plant produces. The genus Cypripedium was rem.arkable for its different tmts, .rud included C. caudatum, which produces long string-like appendages, which grow at the rate of 2 inches a-day until they attain 2 feet in length, was specially noticed. To those who did not wish to grow a large collection of Orchids, he could recommend this genus, of which there were .about 20 species av,ailable, and all could be easily gi-owu. One might have at least eight of these in flower .at the present time. A beautiful flower of a Cattleya from Mr. Rucker was then exhibited by Mr. Batemau, but he said that it was only one of m.any varieties of C. labiata, between which, C. Mosshe, .and many so-called species the line could no longer be drawn. As a further insUince of the diversity of colours which Cattleyas assume, he exhibited two flowers from plants sent home in the same pot by Mr. Woir, one being white, the other particoloured. Passing to other subjects, Mr. Batemau said he observed that some Disas and Satyriums were to bo sold at Stevens', and he would just warn those who might be purchasers of them, not to treat them like Disa granditlora, which is a swamp plant, while these .are totally different, .and should be treated like Cape bulbs. He remem- bered beiug told by the late Dr. Lindley that no Orchids were comparable, as regards brilli.ant colouring, with these Disas and Satyriums, and th.at among them were blues, yellows and many other striking tints. With regard to the Batemau Challenge Med.alfor Orchids, he hadorigm.ally offered it to any exhibitor who should bear away the palm in two consecutive years, and had no idea he should have been called upon for a fiesh modal so often, but as Mr. Veitch and Mr. Anderson had each carried it off without .anything approaching to real competition, he must make a fresh arrangement. At first he thought to handicap these two exhibitors heavily, so as to afford others a chance, but the .an-.angement which he should adopt would probably be this ; Next year before Easter the marks should be for the exhibition of Odontoglossums, and after Raster for that of Cypiipediums ; but thf competitors must also have gauied a few certificates at the Tuesday meetings fur the present year, the object being to give these displ;iys as much assistance as possible. Another matter which he had to mention was tho memorial to the late Mr. Skinner. Last year ho had had promises of about lOOl. for the purpose, but the sum yet p.aid in to the treasurer fell very far short of that amount, and, to borrow an expression from the moituary column of the Tihtes, " Friends will please to take this intimtltion," He handed the money over to Mr. Wilson S.aunders, and as soon as a sufficient .amount was rcceiveil, orders would be given for a neat granitt memori.al fountain, to be erected in the Carden of the Society. Mr. I3atenian concluded by observing th.at .at the next meeting, on the oth of May, he intended to call attention ti Mcspilus j.aponica, which had (many yeai-8 ago) borne fruit both .at Biddulph Grange and at Lord Bagot's, and of which, though tho quality of the fruit obtained had been good, the quantity w.as small. Mr. Savuidcrs said that with regard to the memori,al to the late Mr. Skinner, the money in h.and was about 401., and he should bo glad to receive any subscriptions not paid to Mr. Batemau. Floral Committee. — Messrs. Veitch furnished on this occasion fine collection of Orchids and otherplants, fr t 1 To th r t la s Co t fi to s 1 & lb apU nmul no I nolu d 0 da'lpe ILttit. L d & L ng had a sn all gr up f Z 1 f the G Id B ze so t f whl U 1 1 tl I turn tU 1 te b w fl It i vith I la Ce t fi ate fo One i un pul s hilo \ I f 01 totl S3 n t mpha s was w Id I 1 t I t 1 M W 11 an P ul w aw Id 1 t 1 C t fl te f M d m 1 B onne do R th oh U a new p lo s 1 o y p nk Ro of g eat lo - Ins M 8 Sn th of D Iwi h sent Van gated Z 1 PI o n wh h we e aw ded a Spe lal C t fi t . M PltSn hbtd nUgipfFtll to t wh h Sp 1 1 t fi t w w d d M Sh tt g . t J B t an E q e d Sp Icetfi tef a y fine sp ko of D nd 1 m D Ih n m M B t , gr. t C ke se , E q D 1 ume e d a Special Certificate for a collection of Amarylhds, among which a dark crimson variety, of fine form, named Rembrandt, was aw.arded a First-class Certificate. Mr. Stone, gr. to J. Day, Esq., Tottenham, received a First-class Certiflcate for Saccolabium curviflorum luteura, and a Speeial Certificate for a small collection of Orchids. Mr. De.an, Shipley Nurse- ries, Bradford, was awarded a First-class Certificate for r nii'irW "itilia major, a very fine Fern, to which attention has ii., I I I. II directed; Messrs. E. 6. Henderson, a Special 1 I f.ir good specimens of BUndfordia, also for a nice , , I! 11 1 ( irchids. Mr. Green, gr. to W. W. Saunders, Esq., .\ n iw.ii li 'la Special Certificate for , an interesting collection of plants. Mr. Stevens, Baling, sent a double white Petunia named Excellent, two variegated Pelargoniums and variegated Ivy-leaved Pelargonium. Mr. Mills, gr. to Dr. Patterson, St. .lohu'a Wood, sent a fine specimen of Oncidium bifolium, which was awarded a Special Certiflcate. Mr. Kmghorn exhibited a small specimen of his striped seedUng Azalea Lizzie, which still shows that it well deserved the First-class Certificate which at a former meeting was awarded it. Fruit Com.atttee.-A. prize was offered on this occasion for the best three dishes of dessert Apples, and was won by Mr. Cox, of Redleaf, who sent Formosa Pippin, Golden Harvey, Golden Knob andanother collection consistingof Court of Wick, H. Sevan Fox. Beehives : A B. The internal capacity of the box yon describe is much too small, and the 8li.ape, 9 inches by 10 inches, and 12i inches deep, is very objectionable. The six openings in the sides of a Nutf s hive for communication with the side boxes are horizontal, and graduate in size from about IJ inch at the uppermost, to about 8 inches at the lowest. If the collateral system is used at all, a half-inch opening extending the whole length of the side at the bottom, and another slit, say a third from the top, of 9 inches in length, is a preferable method. These openings may be closed by slides of stout zinc. Miscellaneous. Dinner and Presentation to Mr. Hose, late Gardener at Floors Cai^Ze.— These, says the Kelso Chronicle, were given to Mr. Rose as a token of respect and esteem from a few friends on the occasion of his departure from Floors to enter upon the office of Head Gardener at Frogmore, vacant by the retirement of Mr. Ingram. The testimonial consisted of a purse of sovereigns and a gold watch and chain. Among those present was Mr. Knight, late of Pontchartraiu, who has been appointed to be Mr. Rose's successor. ffiarUcit ©perationg!. {For the ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. Cape Pelargoniums, the earliest of which will now be more or less in flower, must not be allowed upon any account to suffer from want of water in warm dry weather, and especially many will require watering twice a-day, if the pots are well filled with roots. An occasional watering with weak liquid manure will also be of much benefit to them, as will likewise be a nice moistening overhead with clear water up to and about the time the first flowers are expanding. Dash it gently against the foliage, being careful not to do so too forcibly, or so as to cause any of the branches, by the extra strain upon them— already bent down to the utmost in training— to snap off. Pot and push forward Gesneras, Gloxinias, and summer- flowering stove annuals, such as the lovely F.rofic Ipomceas, the most beautiful of which is I. bona no.\, " the monster moon flower," which expands at night, and diO'uses a delightful fragrance all around. I. Quamoclit, and I. coelestina are each equally beautiful, though they vary much in size, especially varieties of the former. They will all flower in 24-sized pots, and do not need as much room as is generally considered necessary to grow and flower them well. Keep pushing shoots of Stephanotis, Dipladenias, Ipomea Horsfallice, &c., well in hand. If these are not tied and kept in place as they advance, they are likely to receive a check when done at a later date. With Bougaini'illeas great caution will be needed in this respect. In some of the varieties young shoots will scarcely bear bending at all, without break- ing. In regard to Greenhouses, properly so called, those in fact in whichfloweringplants are not retained, it will be well to keep the atmosphere more largely surcharged with humidity than heretofore. This is done by free sprinklings overall internal surfaces, walks, side walls, &c. Alford abundance of fresh air on all favourable occasions ; and should easterly or cold north winds predominate, see that the air is given on the sheltered side when a further addition to that aflbrded at the apex of a structure is requisite. The fact must not be overlooked, that a frequent system of surface-sprinkling may at times be the means of deceiving the practitioner as to the actual state of moisture of individual plants at the root. Hence it will be essential to ring each pot occasionally with the knuckle, in order to become 'satisfied as to its condition. The routine advised will induce a quick free growth ; prune, pinch, and train there- fore as needed, and by fumigation, &c., endeavour at the same time to keep all thoroughly clean, in order that the growth made may be the best of its kind. Where further supplies of plants of Libonia Jloribunda are needed, it will now be well to pinch off all the flowers upon a few of them. By that means a more plentiful supply of cuttings will be formed, and should be made quick use of, as few plants are better adapted for cool greenhouse culture and for flowering abundantly through the greater portion of the winter than this. FORCING HOUSES. This will be found an excellent time in which to plant young Vines out finally. Pushed on in pots, the roots will be active, whilst some amount of growth shall have been made above. Induce the roots to lie well for eventually furnishing the border, whether inside or out, without in any way injuring their more tender fibrils. Press the soil over them firmly with the foot ; a few inches only will be necessary to start with. Well water them in, so as to settle all quickly, when a wheelbarrowful or two of hot stable litter may be placed neatly over them ; shade the top for a few days, and slightly sprinkle it occasionally. Stop both the leading shoot upon young Vines bearing their "maiden" or second crop of fruit as soon as it approaches the top of the rafter, and the laterals con- stantly at the second leaf, sub-laterals at the first, &c. Do not crop too heavily ; half-a-dozen bunches will be ample, if due success is to be anticipated in future. As the sun gains ascendancy, and bright periods exist, it will be found impossible to keep the atmosphere of the fruiting compartments in Pineries too moist by the use of legitimate and rational means. I can only, therefore, advise assiduous labour and the liberal use of all admissible aids. Air of course must be afforded liberally, though as regards " fruiters " freely swelling fruit I am opposed to giving any at the front lights, or air-holes, for the simple reason that by giving it in this manner a current of air rushes through the main body of the structure, and absorbs and carries ofi' all internal humidity in its course. Rather shade the plants slightly, therefore, when the sun is hottest, and so retain this atmospheric moisture, so essential to the well-being of the plants. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Apricots will need attention as respects thinning out the fruit, and the removal of any decayed fruit spurs which happen to exist upon the trees. In thin- ning always remove the lesser fruit found to congre- gate freely together, and do not attempt to thin them finally for some time to come. Many vicissitudes may befall them yet before the process of " stoning" has been carried to a successful issue. Let me repeat my warning concerning insects. Aphis pests, &c. "Blister," too, I fear is likely to be very prevalent this spring upon Peach and Nectarine trees. The deformed leaves, if not too numerous, had better be removed, as the enlarge- ment of the bladder-like deformity cannot fail to be supported at the expense of the roots. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Warm sunny days and cool nights are said to induce a fine Auricula bloom ; we may therefore anticipate a good display of this very beautiful flower this season. The blooms as they expand will need a little shading when the sun is brightest, both for the purpose of keeping them from being scorched, and of insuring greater lasting capabilities. Nothing is better for the further- ance of this latter object, or, indeed, for the display of all the beautiful colours of which a plant or flower is possessed, than a good staple awning of canvas. Satisfy yourself that no aphides have found a lodgment about the plant ; if they have, remove them carefully with a soft brush pencil. Choose from amongst your seedling Polt/anthus those alone which have the necessary properties, for the twofold purposes of seeding for future progeny, and for perpetuation by division. There is one rule, strictly adhered to by old florists, namely, the fact that the colour of the " lacing " should in all instances exactly correspond with that of the centre. Top-dress Eanunculuses with well-decomposed cow dung, after having first moved the ground around the plants well with the hoe. Those who have delayed transplanting Carnations, Picofees, &c., beyond the time I have recommended, will not have a good dispky of young " stuff" this spring, as the present weather is anything but propitious for them. Give these, as well as beds of Pinks, &c., a surface dressing with sifted leaf-mould, or other well decomposed and pulverised manure. Tulips are sadly in want of warm, genial showers. Those who go to the little extra trouble and expense of protecting by means of " awnings," as recommended above, will be saved the mortification which others are sure to feel unless more genial weather come, and that shortly. Sow seeds of Mi/o.iotis at once for flowering next spring, if blooming them early is desirable. Mr. Fleming informs me that his are already up ; the same might be said of Silenes. Propagate Pansies where needfill. Side shoots taken ofi' and placed under hand-lights, properly shaded, will strike freely. Continue to pot off rooted cuttings of Dahlias, harden them off by degrees, and, if required, place more cuttings in to strike. KITCHEN GARDEN. Cardoons should now be sown. The best way to perform the operation is to sow them in patches along rows. The patches should be from 6 to 7 inches apart, and three or four seeds will be ample in each patch. The rows should be about 4 feet apart where more than one is needed. Lettuces of sorts. Cabbage included, may now bo sown generally. Where delayed thus long. make without further delay the main sowings of Beet, Scorzonera, Salsifi/, &c. Transplant Chamomile if a good free plant exists, otherwise it will be better to wait awhile until further growth has been made upon the old roots. Rhubarb will now be very generally pushing up flowering stalks. These it is almost needless to assert should be wholly taken off at the ground line immediately they show, unless, indeed, in a few instances where seed-saving is an object. Sow such Herbs as Thyme, Burnet, Winter Savory, Chervil, Purslane, &c., where a further supply of any of them is required. Each will thrive well sown in the open ground after this date. Asparagus will be coming in pretty freely now, and it will therefore be necessary to keep it cut regularly. To allow any of the most forward shoots to grow beyond what is really necessary for the purposes of cooking, is to impoverish the plants to an unnecessary degree, which in effect will be at the expense of weakening very materially all succeeding growths upon the same plants. Seakale plantations which may not have been used in the ordinary way for culinary purposes, should be gone very carefully through, cutting down each plant to the ground line if of sufficient strength to form during the summer two or three separate crowns. This will be needful also with the view of maintaining the plants dwarf, and to somewhat counteract their seed-producing efforts. W.E. Thurs. 16 Friday 17 Satur. 18 Sundayl9 MoDd. 20 Temps..., o»E. It Of the Earth Wind Mai. Mln. Max. Mln. Mean Ifoot deep. 2 feet 13 30.OSO 61 50 45 X W ■a 29.877 3(1 46(1 51 ■a »7 4:1 50(1 28.637 29.(16 28.991 .52 5 51 4H •m 29.70S 6» 4.5 ,54 s m_ 29,7(5 29.154 6.05 43.7 52.1 50 7 47.5 S.W. —Overcast; dull,i 19 -Overcast, cloudy ; rain , rou^h aod stormy. 20— Very stormy ; boisterous and showery ; yen 21— Overcast, high wind; showery; cloudy. -, fine ; very c dflQC. .h aod sto s and showery ; — Stonny and overcast ; cloudy ; dark and stormy. Mean temperature of the week, i 6.10 deg. above the average, STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CUISWICK, luring the last 42 years, for the ensuing Week, ending May 2, 1868. April ^a-^ it Tears in which it Greatest Qu.intity of Kalo. Prevailing Winds. z "1 ■"! Ik Sunday.. 26 Mou. ..27 Tues. . ,28 Friday '.'. I Satur. .. 2 58.0 5!»fl 61.0 62.5 37:2 39.0 39'2 47.1 48:5 60.0 IS 17 17 16 0.53 In. 0.31 0.51 0.72 11' 3 8 2 6! 6, 5; 1 4; 7 7 4 5 5: 6' 4 6 5 9 2' 4 9117 6 5 » 21 3 7; 6 5 4 8 8 4 5 '; 4 2 4'lO10 ll 5 7 4, 2 The highest temperature during the above period occurred t 27th, :-"' ^ "" '-- --" —- ' — -^- 18 deg, . 82 deg. i and the lowest on the 29tli 1861 -therm. Notices to Correspondents. AuoUEAs: W p. The flowers of the female plants are fit for fecundation when they are fully expanded, and the stigma is still fresh and glistening with moisture. The males are fit to use aa soon as the anthers burst and the pollen ia rearly to fall out ; but the pollen may be kept in a close, dry box until the stigmas are in a fit state, if gathered when at the stage indicated above and kept quite dry. Auctiba berries should be sown at once. They mostly lie some months in the ground before they vegetate. Books: M Phipps. Glenny'a "Handbook to the Flower Garden " is such a book as you indicate, and would probably answer your pui-pose. Conifers : A i'. Retinospora obtusa, pisifera, and lyco- podioidea, and Thujopsis dolabrata, laetovirens, and Standishii, are hardy. Retinospora squamosa and Widdring- tonia cupressoidea are said to be tender. Chamaicypaiis pisifera is the same as Retinospora pisifera. We cannot decipher the other name you mention. Ferns : Young Gardener. The best way of preserving Feni fronds Is the same as that by which you should preserve any other plants, i. e., gather them when dry, press them flat and firmly between bibulous paper, change the papers frequently until they are dry, or else use ventilating boards between them ; glue the dried specimens on to sheets (half- sheets) of good cartridge paper, not too large in size, and preserve the sheets in portfolioa, or in paper covers in a press, according to the quantity. If you put them in a book you cannot readily arrange further acquisitions in their proper places. Fruits : T S M, We presume our con-espondent means to ask what countries the fruits he mentions are natives of. The Fig is reputed to come from Asia Minor, the Apricot from Armenia, the Plum from the Caucasus and Asia Minor, and the Peach from Persia, Syria, &c. GvMNOGRAMMA : }V Wilsoii. The silvery Gymnogrammaa have been known occasionally to produce portions of the frond of a golden colour. Names of Plants : J P M. Omphalodea verna.- (? F. Scilla amoena (true).— i> D. Epimedium pinuatum.— 3/ S. Hajmanthus multiflorus.— J £. Anemone apennina, Nar- cissus pseudo-Narcissus flore-pleno— IVanfie Lodge. Heuchera americana.— JIf A Wool. We are unable to determine the Willows sent, there being no inflorescence, while the leaves are of a form common to many. Pear Blossom Disease : R 0 S. Your Pear blossoms have a very common disease, the cause of which ia unknown. It is, however, far more common on the leaves than on the fruit. We have never seen it attacking the fruit-stalks with such virulence before. It probably depends on some peculiar condition of the atmosphere, as it does not recur annually, and if so, it is beyond the cultivator's control. M J B. Pelargoniums : T Casbon. A rich scarlet, but, so far as can be judged from the specimens sent, not materially different from others already known. Polyanthus : Z Z. The variety you send is commonly sold in Covent Garden Market under the name of Jack. The calys here partly assumes the character of the corolla. The liquid colouring matter, which is generally confined to the corolla, is here developed in the calyx also. Variegated Brocloli : B d- S. As a hardy variegated orna- mental plant this is interesting, but as a culinary plant it is worthless, ApbiL 25, 18G8.] THE GAEDENEES' CHRONICLE ANT) AGKICULTURAL GAZETTE. Messrs. GEOEGE GIBBS and CO., 25 AND 26, DOWN STREET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W., Beg to announce they are now prepared to execute Orders to any extent for Laying Land Down to Permanent Meadow and Pasture, witii their BEST MIXTURES OF GRASS AND CLOVER SEEDS, To suit vaiious soils, which they can supply at 30s. to 32s. per acre, allowing 2 bushels of Large Seeds and 12 lb. of Small Seeds to each acre. MIXTURES of GRASS and CLOVER SEEDS for Renovating Old Pastures. Quantity required per acre, 6 lb. to 10 lb. Per lb.. Is. MIXTURES of the FINEST SORTS for Lawns, Croquet Grounds, Bowliug Greens, &e. Per lb.. Is. Sd. Italian Rye-grass. Poibusb.-s. ii GIBBS' IMPROVED EARLY GO FINE HEAVY IMPOKTED 7 0 Perennial Eye-grass. PACET'S "HEAVY SEED" .. . . Gs. to 6 G EVERGREEN Ditto 7 0 Clovers. Porlb.— s. (i. FINE ENGLISH RED 9./. to Oil FINE ENGLISH WHITE Is. to 1 .■! FINE ALSIKE HYBRID .. .. Is. 6d. to 1 9 TRUE COW GRASS 10 RED SUCKLING 13 YELLOW TREFOIL M. to 0 o Bromus Schrasderi. THE NEW FORAGE GRASS 16 Buckwheat, or Brank. I'^r busii.— s. ,i. ENGLISH SEED 7 0 Carrot. LARGE WHITE BELGIAN 13 LARGE YELLOW BELGI.\N 13 LARGE RED ALTKINGHAM 2 0 SCARLET INTERMEDIATE 2 0 LONG SURREY, or OR.VNGE 2 6 Cabbage. CHAMPION OX, "fine" 3 6 LARGE DRUMHEAD 2 6 ENFIELD MARKET 3 6 Swedes, rorib.-». a. THE ASHCROFT 13 MATSON'S PURPLE-TOP 14 SKIRVING'S 12 GIBBS' PURPLE-TOP 14 EAST LOTHIAN 12 Yellow Turnips. GIBBS' GREEN-TOP HYBRID 16 GIBBS' PURPLE-TOP HYBRID 16 GREEN-TOP YELLOW SCOTCH .. ..13 DALE'S HYBRID 13 Common Turnips. GREEN GLOBE 10 RED GLOBE 10 WHITE GLOBE 13 GREEN TANKARD 13 RED TANKARD 13 WHITE TANKARD 13 YELLOW TANKARD 13 GREY STONE 10 EARLY WHITE STONE 10 ORANGE JELLY 16 Mangel Wurzel. From fine Selected Roots. YELLOW GLOBE 16 RED GLOBE 16 LONG RED 16 LONG YELLOW 16 Parsnip. GIBBS' LARGE CATTLE 16 HOLLOW CROWN 1 C EoM Babi. LARGE GREEN , . . ..26 LARGE PURPLE 2 6 Lucerne. FINE IMPORTED 10 Furze. FRENCH and ENGLISH 2 6 Holcus saccharatus. CHINESE SUG.iR GR.VSS 13 Rape, or Cole. ESSEX SEED 4rf. to 0 5 Special giiolations for large quantities. PRICED CATALOGUES OF AGRICULTURAL, GARDEN, and FLOWER SEEDS, Forwarded Post Free on application to GEORGE GIBBS and CO., SEEDSMEN, 254 2(3, DOWN STEEET, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W. CAETEE'S PRIZE MEDAL FARM SEEDS, HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. c^or exceUenyGo of (j ^^coris, 7867. JAMES' CARTER & CO. Had the honour of supplying tlie GRASS SEEDS that produced in the Grounds of the late Paris Exhibition the heanliful TURF so uniecrsaUy admired btj English Visitors^ and described by tlie Correspondents to the London Journals as beii'i/ of cxtraniduinrij nwrit. JAMES CARTER &' CO.'s was the only English House to which was AWARDED a PRIZE MEDAL for GRASSES in GROWTH. NO OTHEK ENGLISH HOUSE wliatem- supplied Grass ,Smls for the use of the Imperial Coaimi&swncrs, Carter's Grass Seeds for All Soils, from 21s per acre No. 4. F r \ No. 6. For L estono S No. 6. For O d or New b nd No. 7. Fur L tht C ^ k hu No. 8. For Brosby L moaton. No. 9. For S ndy «o Is 2^s 1 No. 10. For W-ite Meadows No. 11. lor Moory So s "Z No, 12. For Mossy So Is 1 HARDY SWEDE. Is. 4d. per lb. The hardiest and beet in cultivation. Special Estimates for lahgb quantities. CARTER'S PRIZE SWEDE iind TURNIP SEEDS, from 1«. to 1,9. &d. per lb. CARTER'S PRIZE MANGEL WURZEL, from I*, to 2.V. Qd. per lb. See "Carter's Ilhistnitod Farmer's Calendar," Gratis and Post Freo. CARTER'S RENOVATING MIXTURES for IMPROV- ING DECAYED PASTURES, 9//. per lb , 80^. percwt. CARTER'S GRASSES and CLOVERS for Alternate Husbandry — For ONE YEAR'S LAV. 12.^. Gd. to 13*-. M. per acre. For TWO YEARS* LAV, 17*. 6d. per acre. For THREE YEARS' LAV, 22s. per acre. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL FOR SEEDS, LONDON, 1862. Buyers of Genuine Farm Seeds should see *' Carter's Illustrated Farmer's Calendar," containing a Practical Tre;itise on the Laying Down of Grass Lands, and other valuable information, forwarded Gratid and Post Free on application to JAMES CAHTER, and CO., Seed Farmers, 237 & 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C MALDON'S NEW WONDER CLOVER.— This new Clover Is valuable as a change on Clover-sick lands, and especially far ila capability ot enduring Drought la summer. It la slendor in the stom and full-igo as compared with tho Rod Clover, White Clover In habit, but a heavier cropper. LUCERNE (fine new fresh-imported Seed).— This is a most useful plant as Uroen Fooil for Horses. Usiiould be sown in April, in drills 12 luches apart, and may he cut four or five times a year. It should be hoed after each time of cutting, and manured every spring. It thrives in any soil, but eapoclally in chalky land. QUTTONS' IMPROVED ITALIAN RYE-GRASS.- O Tho earliest and most productive in cultivation. I'rlco Oa. Ot/. per bushel ; cheaper by the 6 quarters. Carriage free. J-Jxlracl/roiii a Letter from W. Hope, Esq., to the Editor of the "Standard." vl j)r« 20;. adors interostod in the Sowage Companj'a Far !2d inst., they will see the Second Crop of Italian Rye-gra-ss of thla seaaOD cut on our plot, the Fust Crop of which was cut on the 12th of last month. This plot was sown with seed supplied by Messrs. Sdtton & Sons last April, and was cut five times last season. Iq the end of the week another plot will be cut for the second time this year, which was cut seven times lost season. It is also grown from Lecture delivered by Alfred Hughes, Esq., late of Thorness, Isle of Wight, Mr. nughoa said :— "I always reserve a portion of Oat land to lay down with Suttons' Improved Italian Rye-grass, the moat reliable plant 1 have come across for some years for Ewes and Lambs in the Spring. When I tell you that I pub it in in the spring, and dressed it aiter harvest with guano, and that ia the autumn, when my Sheep fed it ofl!, it was up to their knees, and that 1 fed it off again this spi-lng with Ewea and Lambs, I think you will agree that this ia a crop of very great value. The Italian Rye-grass which is sold bv Sutton, of Reading, Is a most astonishing vigorous plant ; indeed, 1 never saw anything to equal it in tho course of all my experience." Sutton & Soxs have a floe stock of their Improved Italian Rye- grass, which is a very different and superior article to much that is sold as Italian Ilye-arass. Present price, Gs, 6i/, per bushel, cheaper in large quantities Carriage-free in quantities of 8 bushels and upwards. Quantity required per acre, if sown alone, 3 bushela. Royal Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. ORSE SHOW, AGRICULTURAL HALL, LONDON, MAV 30, 1S(J8. — SPACE TO LET in the GALLERIES for the EXHIBITION and SALE of the same class of GOODS ss are sold during the Smitnfield Club week, and useful Articles for Domestic purposes. Terms and conditions may be obtained at the Offices of the Company, Barford Street, Isliogton, N. THeIsATH imd WEST of ENGLAND SOCIETY^ POULTRY SHOW will toko place at FALMOUTH In tho WHITSUN WEHK. ENTRIES CLOSE on MAY 1, after which d;iy no Fees or Cjrtificatea will be reccivtd, J. GOODWIN', Secretary. SOCIETY of ENGLAND. LEICESTER MEETING, 1868. STOCK and IMPLEMENT PRIZE SHEETS are now ready, and will bo forwarded on application to H. HALL DARE, Secretary. 12, HanoTor Square, London, W. file ^sticttltural iSajette. SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 186S. Notice has often ere now been taken in tkis Journal of attempts to prognosticate the weather of tho coming season. If but little regard has been paid to such predictions, it must bo attri- buted to the fact of their authors abstaining for the most part, if not altogether, from au ex;)osi- tion of the grounds on which their calculations are made. The time is for ever past for Science of her own accord to wear the guise of mystery ; and so long as any of her professed votaries appear in such a garb, their utterances, even if they happen to come true, will never be looked upon by the world at large as more than happy guesses. It will in all probability be a comparatively long time before all the causes ai-e satisfactorily ascertained which govern meteorological pheno- mena. In the tropics, indeed, and some other parts of our globe, where a great regularity is observed in the phenomena connected with the weather, tho causes and the law of their opera- tion can be explained with great certainty : it is quite different as soon as you arrive at the atmospheric complications — tho results of the constant struggle " of cold, hot, moist, and dry — four champions fierce " — which are to be found in the higher temperate regions — especially when in addition, as in our own case, the eflects of an insular climate are introduced. The causes at work may indeed be taken for granted as known, but the immense variety of combinations of which the varying elements are susceptible, is as bewildering as the movements on a field of battle appear to the private com- batant, and perhaps in the end will be found ever to elude reduction to known law. lint though the law which governs the results which Wd witness may be long before it is fully appre- hended, it is by no means impossible that it may be partially discovered to us— so far, at least, as relates to the succession of phenomena, to show 440 THE GAr.DTlNET^S' CTTRONTCLE AM) AaETrrT-TlTRAL GAZETTE. 1 [Apeil 25, that certain results 'usnally or invariably attend on certain other results. Now, though such partial revelation of a law docs not rise above the level of empirical knowledge, yet it will not be subject to reproach iu the judgment of any sensible person, if it is based on scientific observa- tion, and the grounds upon which the inferences rest are openly displayed for criticism, and are shown to justify the conclusions drawn from them. Such is the case, in a communication lately made to the Meteorological Society, by G. D. Burn- ham, Esq. , which exhibits much diligence in the laborious examination of the Greenwich observa- tjpus, extending over a period of 97 years, as well as great acuteness in detecting the law which, in certain cages, appears with consider- able certainty to announce the character of the coming season. They are given here at length as likely to prove of considerable interest to the readers of this Journal, and worthy of being put to the test by their own further observation : — 1. When the mean temperatures of the first three months of the year have been so nearly uniform that their range has not exceeded l^f,', the following summer has been invariably characterised by extraor- dinary heat. 2. iVhen the mean temperatures of all the months from November to March inclusive are above the average, the succeeding summer is always above the average also. 3. The same holds good almost always if the same condition holds as above, November being omitted. 4. The same holds good when the means from November to March {January excepted) are all above the average. 5. There is one other infallible rule for summer. When the mean temperature of June is below that of May, or when the difference between tbem is not more than 7-lOths or 8-lOths of a degree, the rest of the summer is remarkable for low temperature. With regard to winter, the following laws are observed ; — 6. When the monthly means of July, August, and September have not exceeded IJ" in their range, the mean temperature of the succeeding winter has always been below the average. 7. When the monthly means from May to Sep- tember inclusive are below the average, the succeeding winter is so also. 8. When the monthly means from February to November are several times nearly uniform, and when, in addition, the monthly means, and the dillerences between the monthly means, have contributed to uniformity eight times or more, the succeeding winter is severe, and generally very severe. 9. When from February to October inclusive two couples of months have been nearly uniform, or when three successive summer months have been nearly imiform, or five or six months have been distinguished by nearly uniform means, the succeeding December and January have been generally below the average. 10. When the mean temperature of December is more than 3° above that of November, the remainder ofthewinter— i.e., January,February, and March— will always have a mean temperature above average. Isis, On Wednesday evening Mr. W. A. Gibbs, of Oillwell Park, Sewardstone, read before the Society of Ai'ts a Paper " On the Cultivation of Sugar Beet, and the Manufacture of Beet Sugar." He recommended that, the root being long and taper by nature, a deep and somewhat looso and light soil should bo preferred for the growth of it ; and — solid constituents, rather thau watery bulk, being the measure of its value — that a well- drained subsoil and absence of forcing manures are needed. Again, seeing that tho per-centage of sugar is in the inverse ratio to the size of the root, such species of seed and such mode of culture should bo adopted as will result in the smallest rather than the largest roots. This fact is so important that it will be well to note the difforenco obtained by careful analysis : it was to the extent of 13 per cent, of sugar in roots of h lb. each, as contrasted with G per cent, in roots of 4 lb. and upwai'ds. The Silesian White Beet seems to bo tho species most in favour ou tho Continent, and is now recommended for adoption here. It is recommended to sow tho seeds in a sheltered place about the end of February or beginning of March, and to trans- plant to tho fields in May. Tho after-culture consists simply in .surface hoeing. As to tho mode of manirfacturo, Mr. GriBS referred to three modes adopted abroad. The first is, rasping the fresh roots, pressing out tho juice and treating it iu tho same way as the juice of the sugar cane, and this is the only method that has been imitated — and very badly imitated — in this country ; but there are two other modes in practice — the one finds most favour in France, and tho other is very generally practised in Germany. The French plan is to slice the roots thinly, and then steep them in hot water, passing the liquor thus obtained over continually fresh quantities of tho sliced roots until the syrupy extract is sufficiently strong for final evaporation and crystallisation. One great disadvantage of both the rasping and steeping is that the exti-action can bo carried on only during five or six months of tho year — say, from mid-October to tho end of March, because after this latter date the roots rapidly deteriorate. This circumstance leaves a largo portion of the machinery and plant idle and useless for the remaining six months of tho year, and involves the necessity of discharging the greater number of the workpeople at the end of each season, and collecting others again in the following autumn. It is true that arrangements for obtaining large bodies of men for temporary and iluctuating work aro quite possible, as, for example, in harvesting, draining, and other rough labour ; but still, in a manufacture requiring some amount of practical skill, it cannot but be a dis- advantage, especially at the outset of a new undertaking, where the men lack training to their work. It would seem, therefore, that if some means of dealing with this manufacture can be adopted, by which the work may be carried on regularly through the whole year without let or hindrance, such a mode of opera- tion would have much to recommend it. Accordingly, wo find that in Germany an elaborate system has been in practical operation for many years, whereby the roots are dried in kilns and preserved for use all the year round, In one large establishment — that of Sohetjtzen- burg's, in Gallicia — 14 such kilns, costing 000/, or GOO?, each, have been erected within a circle of seven leagues around tho central factory, the object of this distribution over so large an area being to reduce the heavy cost of cartage, which upon a root containing fully eight-tenths of its weight of water is very considerable. Mr. Gibbs thereupon proceeded to develop his plan of drying by hot air, which ho described last harvest-time in our columns as regards its applicabilitjf to harvest work, but which seems equally well adapted to tho pm-pose which the German example recommends to us in connec- tion with the Beet sugar manufacture. " A great many farmers thi'oughout England now possess either fixed or portable engines, and every year adds to that number. What is to hinder them from turning these engines to good use for some additional months of the year, by applying them to the drying of any crops of Beet-root that they may choose to grow ; and thus either sell such dried roots at a remune- rative price to the sugar factories, or, if failing to obtain a satisfactory price, retain them as a most valuable and concentrated food for stock ? Such a method of dealing with this manufacture, in its first stage, would have tho following important advantages ; — 1st. It would dispense with tho necessity of risking upon the experi- ment heavy and irretrievable sums for new buildings, costly plant, and elaborate machinery. 2d. It would, if portable engines were employed, enable the farmer to dry off his roots on the field in which they were grown, and to reduce his cartage home from 100 tons to 20. yd. It would further enable him to di'y the leaves both of Beet-root and Mangels into valuable and storable forage. 4th. It would give additional and profitable use to his engine, and furnish him with an apparatus which, with some slight additions, would enable him to dry his hay or Wheat m wet .seasons." These are the points to the discussion of which the latter portion of Mr. Glbbs' interesting paper was mainly directed. It is very probable that the first, second, and fourth of them will be found trustworthy, rewarding those who, in the faith of them, shall attempt to carry out Mr. Gibbs' ]ilans. We do not think that the third of these points is likely to prove of much service, for the leaf, as long as it is green, is feeding the root, and should not bo removed from it ; and when withered it is no longer nutritious, " In the course of the discussion which followed ]\Ir. Gibbs' interesting paper, tho difficulties in tho way of Mr. Dunc.VN's enterprise at Laven- ham were pointed out by Dr. Voelcker, who dwelt upon the need of a drier autumn than we generally possess in this country for the development of the sugar in the Beet-root ; and by others, who referred indignantly to the diffi- culties which the Excise interposes. Some of the details of the cultivation of the plant, which has been already described in these columns, were also referred to, and it was pointed out that though large roots were to be avoided, a large crop is not at all undesirable. One pound on every square foot amounts to nearly 20 tons an acre ; and by growing a thick crop of small roots we can realise a very handsome tonnage, which, at 18s. a ton, tho price which Mr. DunCjUJ offers, will well repay the farmer. — - The value of Wheat has been well maintained during the past week. It was decidedly higher last Monday, and good Talavera White Wheat is now worth U.S. a bushel. The supply of Cattle and Sheep in the Metropolitan Cattle Market has somewhat exceeded the demand, and last week's rates were coni- manded only by the choicest qualities. On Thursday trade steady, Monday's prices maintained. Lamb trade good— Veal less in demand, with lower prices. The Committee on tho Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill resumed its inquiry on Tuesday. Mr. Gebhabdt was examined by the Committee at great length. This witness and his brother salesmen have certainly made a strong effort to defeat this Bill, and so far as harmony of opinions goes, they deserve credit for the result of their consultations. Those opinions, however, evidently emanate from the nar- rowest and most selfish views. The whole body of metropolitan cattle salesmen have so long had a heavy annual pull at John Bull's purse-strings, that any proposed change frightens them out of their propriety. They do not seem to apprehend that this is both a national and international question, and that the main object in view is to prevent the dissemination of diseases; nor do they seem to be able to rise so far superior to their prejudices as to be able to perceive that whatever may be good for the cattle of this country must be good also for the foreign producer. According to their evidence, the foreigner now has a commercial interest in pre- venting the maximum production of British stock ; iu other words, a premium is held out for contaminating British animals with infectious diseases. But although these witnesses are so anxious — probably it is because they are over-anxious — they defeat their own ends. If they think it will serve their object, they will give positive opinions on the laws of political economy ; the interest of the British producer— who, it is assumed by them, does not know his own interest as regards diseases; traffic in the London streets, and any other question which can be raised by counsel to complicate this inquiry and excite prejudices in the minds of the non-agricultural members of the Com- mittee and the House of Commons. As a specimen of this line of evidence, it is said the present restrictions are ample as well as fair to the foreigner^ but to carry this Bill out would be to act unfairly towards the foreigner. The result of this, they say, would be to • lessen the foreign supply by at least one-half. This they one after the other persist in, although it has been shown again and again that both prices and foreign supplies have largely decreased, and are still declining under the present restrictions. When Mr. Gebhaedt, as a foreigner, was asked to account for these data, he said the price of meat in Belgium and France had become equal to English prices, for trade was so good in those countries, and there were so many labourers out of employ in this country, that, while prices had fallen here they had risen there, consequently the Continental animal trade had been diverted. As a matter of course, we may say it is a question of prices regulated by demand ; so will it be iu the future, whether compulsory slaughter be enacted or not. Mr. Gebhardt repeated his view of this matter, i. e., this Bill— it w,as "'protection' under a cloak!" Mr. B.iKEE, a Government contractor, also gave evidence of the length to which men will go when they fancy their own interest is being assailed. Said Mr. Baker: — " It revives animals to rush them along on a railway iu an open truck after they come out of the hold of a vessel ! " When he was asked whether it was likely to give them cold, he said " No ! " The force of prejudice and supposed self-interest could certainly go no further than this. We do not doubt, however, but that such extravagant assertions will have their proper weight with the Committee. — Yesterday, Mr. NicnOLLS, of Norwich, and other gentlemen, gave professional evidence strongly in favour of the present restrictions, which forbid English and other cattle being taken out of London when they have once entered the metropolitan district. The Manchester Local Committee, presided over by Mr. D. R. Davies, appointed to secure the visit of the Royal Agricultural Society to that town in 181)9, held a meeting on Tuesday Iwt, when it was announced that the guarantee fund for meeting all the charges connected with the meeting already exceeded 7000/. A deputation, to be accompanied bv Lord Egeeton, the Earl of AVilton, the Earl of Elles- MEHE, the Hon. Algernon Egerton, M.P., and others, was nominated to attend the Council meeting on the Otli of May, on which day the place of the meeting for 18G9 will be determined. — - Mr. Bailey Denton calls attention in the Times to the probable deficiency of spring water during tho coming season owing to a deficient rainfall duriog autumn and winter. He has long advocated for the London water supply the compulsory and imme- diate storage of the surplus waters of the upper Thames and tributaries, when in a proper condition to be collected, and he now refers to the circumstances of tho past winter season, to show why this storage should be compulsory and immediate, and not dependent on the will of tho water companies. The following is an extract from his letter :— " We all know the truth of the saying that tho ' winter's rain is the summer's gain,' and a careful examination of the way in which the rainfall of the last six months has been distributed will explain on what grounds a reduced summer's supply is now to be expected, and how possible it would have been to have had iu store AruiL 25, 18CS,] THE GARDENERS' CITRONICLE AND AGRICULTUllAL GAZETTE. 441 a sufficiency to meet a scarcity. Of the mean rainfall of the Thames basin during the past winter, which, accordiuR to the best records I can collect, amcmntod to ll'i inches, the falls of October, November, and iMaroh were toRother '2\ inches below the average amount of laiulUU due to those months, while llie aggregate fall of fJecember, January, and February amounted to 1| inch above. There has, therefore, been ij inch loss rain during the past winter than the average would give. This difference of quantity would in itself be something, but its influence on the subter- ranean supply will be small (compared with the circum- stance that nearly the whole of the deficiency occurred in the months of Oetobor and November, which it has been ob.«erved form together the period upon which Uie subterranean supply is most dependent for its roplcnishment, it being found that if the ground bo not wfU satiualed in the beginning of winter, any amount of rain falling after Christmas fails to restore the equilibrium. This, no doubt, is partly due to the increasing activity of spring evaporation and the reviving demands of vegetation. The excess of rainfall in January, which was rather more than 1 inch beyond the average, did something to counter- act the remarkable dryness of November. It rendered the rivers turbid, and their waters unfit to drink— so bad, in fact, was the supply in this quarter of the metropolis that its condition could hardly be worse. The moan rainfall of January within the Thames basin was about 3| inches, and of this a very large proportion passed away to the sea or covered the valleys in floods, (i'lio excess lasted long after the more turbid waters were gone, and this excess, being unoljjectionable in charai'tor, could have been stored to render us free of the deficiency which the declining springs and reduced streams already foretell. If I am right, I venture to submit that we should not allow years to transpire before provision is made, and that it should he deter- mined whose duty it is to make it."— It should be added that the copious rainfall of the past week will do something to make up for the deficient storage, and restore the balance. Much the greater part of it has no doubt been absorbed by the land, and a com- I)aratively small proportion will be wasted. At the next meeting of the Central Chamber of Agriculture, which will be held at the Salisbury Hotel, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, ou Tuesday. Hay 5th, at 11 a.si., the business to be transacted will include the consideration of the steps to be taken by the Council with respect to County Financial Boards, and the provisions of Mr. Wyld's Bill; also the dis- cussion of the following resolutions submitted by the Somersetshire Chamber— (1). " That the ta.vation now levied under the name of ' Poor Rate,' to the extent oi ne.arly 10,000,000 annually, be.ars unfairly upon ineome arising from real property." (2). " That the exemption from the rate of income arising from personal property la unjust, and therefore requires the early and serious consideration of Parliament." A resolution of the North Cheshire Chamber, upon equalising the distribution of tlie Cattle Plague Com- pensation Fund, will also be received. On Monday the Taunton Local Committee re- ported to a public meeting, held in the town, that at a conference with the special committee of the Council of the 15ath and 'West of England Society, the latter, after consenting to pay 2l:i/. as compensation to the Local Committee for expenses incurred by making pre- parations for the show at Taunton in ISilO (now aban- doned in favour of a combined exhibition of the Bath and West of England Society and Southern Counties Association at Southampton), expressed a strong wish that the Society should receive an invitation to hold its meeting for 1870 at Taunton. The Local Committee promised to support such an application to the Society at a public meeting in due time. Wo have received from Mr. W. Hudson, of Chase Cliffe, Derby, an account of his " soil chair," which is, however, simply a description of Mr. Moule's " earth closet." The " powder flask " device, by which a charge of earth is discharged at will from the store behind the seat, is one of several contrivances, covered by tlio patent of the Earth Closet Company, which they have abandoned. A much better plan is now adopted, by which the necessary quantity of earth is not merely dropped at each operation, but " chucked " out, so as to spread itself in the manner best calculated to accomplish the end which it is intended to serve. SHORTHORNS. TnE Ltttledurt SnoRTnoRus.— As will bo seen by our advertising columns, Thursday, the 7tli of May, is likely to prove very attractive to our Short- horn breeders, who in large numbers will be induced to leave their homes, to witness the dispersion, by Mr . Strafl'ord, of the well-bred and valuable herd of Mr. Clayden. The name of Mr. Clayden is as well known in the agricultural world as that of any man connected with this important branch of our industry. He has on all occasions taken an active lead in matters which concern the welfare of his brother agriculturists, and has consequently won a very large amount of their respect, a fact which will be clearly established by the large number that will visit Littlebury on the day of sale. Mr. Clayden is not only a man of mark about home, but he is also a leading member in the councils of our National Agricultural Societies, for which his good sense and business habits eminently qualify him. As a judge of stock at the Royal, Smithfield, and various local show s, his services are frequently called into requisi- tion. The late Mr. Jonas Webb and Mr. Clayden were bosom friends, the firmness and consistency of whose friendship may be compared to that of David and Jonathan. At our national shows they were inseparable. All those of our readers who have been constant attendants at those meetings must have observed that when they saw one of fhcso worthies tho other would bo very near at hand. It was doubtless owing to Mr. Jonas Webb that Mr. Clayden lir.4 acquired his tasto for Shurthurus— their views upon stock generally running in the same groove. We well remember seeing these friends at the Stratton Park Sale in 1850, where Mr. Clayden made one of his first purchases in Bed Rose, a heifer by Colonel Towneley's HoR.iTio (10,355). Diana 2d was also bought at the same sale by a neighbour of Mr. Clayden, whoso property she ulti- mately became. It is to these two cows, " good old sorts," that Mr. Clayden owes 30 of his herd. Besides these two animals Mr. Clayden purchased from Mr. G. Wythes Oaieli/, by Lord Althoep, of Spencer blood. At tho Stockwood Park Sale in ISilO Flirt, by KiRicLEViNOTON (11,039), Was added to the Littlebury herd, as were also Blanche Sd, of Kirklevington origin, from Mr. Sartoris, of Rushden, and Suii/, by Lord OF THE Harem (10,130), one of the Charmer tribe, bought as a calf at the Sarsden Sale in 1801. It is from these .animals that the Littlebury herd is chiefly descended. We believe Mr. Clayden farms upon the whole nearly 2000 acres of land, a very small portion of which is pasture, and to this circumstance is attribut- able the dispersion of the herd. Mr. Clayden observes, in writing to a contemporary, " Mine may truly be called a breeding herd, having quite outgrown my pastures. I have determined to sell them all in the most bond fide manner, and without tho slightest reserve. I do thi in iireference to offering a part only, but I shall not retire from the practice of breeding, and there are many animals I shall dispose of most reluctantly." From a recent inspection of the herd we are enabled to confirm Mr. Strafford's remarks in his "notes" at the commencement of the catalogue ; wherein he says, " In raising this herd the great object has been to combine all the essential characteristics of the inire Shorthorn with good milking properties, and besides being regular breeders the animals are in robust health and excellent condition." Not one word too much. We were particularly struck with the evidence of milk, and the nice breeding state of the animals; they have not been pampered, and purchasers will consequently expe- rience fewer disappointments than at many Shorthorn sales. For our readers' guidance and information we will now proceed to notice some of the leading animals in the various yards in which we found them. The first yard contained Lots 1 to 13 inclusive. Among them may be specially mentioned BriUiant, the dam of four calves, a daughter of Mr. Bolden's May Duke (13,320), a stylish massive cow, and one which will secure a very strong competition. Daphne, the dam of six calves, is a great good cow, and has a bag like filling the pail. Diadem, tho dam of Littlebury (24,.341) is a grand-daughter of Great Duke (12,973) ; she is a cow of great substance and good quality, and reminds us very much of Ruby, a splendid cow, by Great Duke (12,973), sold at Mr. Robinson's sale in 1301. Lady Bird is the dam of five females in the catalogue, she has bred as yet no other gender ; she is a rare milker, and is a good old style of cow. Rosette, also the dam of six calves (four heifers and two bulls), is a cow of deep frame on short legs, and also shows milk. Lady Braybrooke is the only female out of 10 which her dam bred for 3Ir. Clayden ; she is a stylish deep-fleshed cow, with a good bag. Ruby, of Charmer blood, by Lord op the Haeeii, is a rare short-legged cow, owing doubtless much of her sub- stance to her sire ; she might, however, be bigger. She is, unfortunately, not now breeding, but there is no reason why she should not be in a little time ; her last ca\{\s Rarity 2rf, calved in May, 1807. Sunshine and Oaiefy are for their ages blooming cows of good old style ami character. The second yard contained Lots 14 to 19 inclusive. The heifers which will command most attention aro Fame, Honeysuckle, Damask, and Lady Oxford — the latter, a heifer by the 400-guinea bull Lord Chancellor, has just produced a heifer calf, the first of Littlebury's, which speaks well for his getting. Fame is the dam of Florid, Lot 30, one of the best yearlings ; Damask is also dam to twin heifers. Harpsichord and Harmony, by Costa, "as much alike as two Peas;" the latter, however, has the better touch. No. 3 yard contains six heifers by Costa, all of which show the good service rendered to the herd by this bull ; although white, ho has not only got good colours, but his pro- duce present rare backs and loins, with good well- sprung ribs. The gems of this yard are Hajtpines.i, Lady of the Olen, English Lady, and Rarity, the latter was the prize calf at the Braintree Show, and although not equal in appearance to some of her com- panions, she will, in all probability, command from lovers of the Knigbtley sort a great deal of attention, and, we trust, a long figure. The 4th yard contains Dame Littlebury, one of the " plums " of the herd, and own sister to Littlebury ; Rosetfa, a very pretty, stylish heifer, and Lady Archdale, with good touch, bidding fair to make a fine cow. The heifers in the 5th yard most worthy of notice are Lady Louisa Florid, already referred to, Lady of the Olen id, and Sunset, out of Sunrise, a cow which Mr. Clayden sold to Mr. Savill, of Ingthorpe. The remainder of the heifer calves we have noticed with their dams, with the exception of Dewdrop by Costa, a calf of great promise, and decidedly the " beauty " o f her yard. Mr. Clayden was very fortunate in his purchase of Costa (21,187) ; ho is own brother to Mr. Leney's celebrated bull Kniohtlev, and was bred by Mr. G. Graham. Ho is a fine old bull, very active, and a wonderful getter, about 30 in the catalogue being placed to his credit. His son Littlebury, whose trim, and altogether such an animal as Mr. Clayden may be proud of Tho more noticeable of the young bulls aro Maumiiin, a good thick-bodied animal; l>ciiiiMiK Tin; V.u.u; (;i:nkiivl Costa, a youug bull of gouilliair and quality; Kniii N Uonii, and Nauob. The whole iif the bulls arc in very goud couditi(iU, and will nodoubt rondorvaluahle service to theirpurchasers. Littlebury is but little more than an hour's rido by rail from from London, and about half an hour from Cambridge ; Audley End being the station for visitors from the .south, and Chesterford for those from the north, from wdiich places Littlebury is about two miles distant. Wo sincerely hope Mr. Clayden may have a fine day, spirited biddings, and altogether a most satisfactory sale. • ■ We have to announce the arrival of six calves to the Kingscote herd within the past four weeks, five bulls and one heifer, by 3d Duke op Clarence (23,727), all equal to expectation. The don of tho family is a rich roan bull calf, from Poppy Juice by 2d Earl of Walton (17,072). There arc also two by Lord Red Eyes (24,459), strong, good-looking calves, with plenty of hair. There are two by 2d Earl op Walton (19,672); they, like the former couple, are one of each sort; the heifer, which is from Oeorgina the Gth, by 4Tn DUKE op Oxford (11,397), is very much like her dam, which is a grand specimen of her tribn, and one of the best milkers in the herd. Three of the bull calves, by the 3d Duke of Clarence, are already sold, and leave Kingscote next week. AYe see it reported in the Farmer that tho Inchbroora herd, the property of the lalo Mr. William Stephen, Inchbroom, near Elgin, was disposed of by auction last week. This herd originated in a pair of in-calf heifers, bought of the late Captain Barclay, of ITry, in 1831, supplemented from time to time by animals from the herd of Sir William Stirling- Maxwell, of Keir; Mr. Douglas, Atlielstaneford ; Mr. Cruickshauk, Sittyton; Mr. Shepherd, Shethin ; the Duke of Richmond, Gordon Castle, Fochabers, and others. Thirty-five cows were sold, which brought an average per head of 481. Nine 2-year-old heifers brought an average of about 40Z. each, and eight 1-year-olds realised an average of '2Sl., while five bulls sold at an average each of SSI. 12s. ON KEEPING REARING STOCK IN THE HOUSE. I BEfl cordially to thank Mr. Thompson for the detailed replies which in your Number of the 4th inst. ho gave to my question. His mode of cultivating Rape, so as to render it available for early spring feed, is most ingenious. It is new to me, and a large and most enlightened Lincolnshire occupier, to whom I showed the article, said it was so to him. I intend to give it a trial, as I can see no reason why it should not succeed here as well as in Cumberland. I have never been able to obtain a sufficient growth of Trifolium incarnatum to pay for the expenses of culti- vation. Even if it were possible to do so, it would scarcely be advisable to attempt the growth of such a crop on our strong land, where early autumn ploughing and the exposure of the ground to winter frosts is necessary for the future success of Mangel or Swedes. I have occasionally grown Rye on my Wheat stubbles, as early feed for sheep, but though undoubtedly a convenience as coming in at a season when keeping of all kinds is scarce, I do not recommend it as a regular practice, at least on strong land. AVith regard to tho main point of discussion, I am disposed to admit that breeding and growing animals might be housed to a greater extent than they are at present, provided all old-fashioned, close, low- roofed cowhouses were pulled down, and lofty buildings, properly ventilated, so as to he cool iu summer vet sufficiently warm iu winter, were substi- tuted. Yards well sheltered, and either partially or wholly covered, ought to adjoin the cowhouse. And here I may take the opportunity of correcting a mis- print which occurred in my last article on this subject. I stated that " many cowhouses iu Cheshire and else- where, aro far too close," &c., instead of which the sentence, as printed, stood " many cowhouses in this herd." Every cowhouse ought to have a gangway in front of the heads of tho cows, so that they may not breathe against the wall. The ventilation ought to be well rai.sed above them, and it should be within the power of tho attendant to prevent, when necessary, any wind from blowing directly upon the animals. Many cows are annually lost after calving in consequence of the construction of too many cowhouses in the Midland Counties, which have large open spaces, some- times even down to tho ground, which there is no possibility of closing. The plan of animalsstanding with their heads towards each other is much to be deprecated, even where its evils are mitigated by ventilation, and by a wide gang- way between tho two rows of beasts. The improve- ment of buildings is a subject well worthy the atten- tion of landlords. On very many farms the want of proper accommodation prevents the tenant from keep- ing as much stock as he would wish. Until the desired reformation of buildings is accom- plished, I must still hold that exposure to the vicissi- tudes of weather is a lesser evil for breeding stock than the tenderness produced by too luuch warmth. In tho case which I related in my last paper, the cows I purchased were not suddenly turned out to rough it in the fields, as Mr. Thompson* supposes but w-ere carefully fed and housed for some time after 1 naa them, and gr.-idually prepared for summer g"zing- Another case occurs to my mind of a herd of Short- portrait appears in the last volume of the "Herd horns kept in some buildings and 5 araswuuiu feook," is a very fine young bull, and will most certainly town, and fed upon .every luxury |?^f 'S°f"" f„"tL meet with considerable favour; he is in beautiful rally well, wereadmired.andnheneihibitedirequenny 442 THE OAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICITLTTTEAL GAZETTE [Apbil 25, 1868. won prizes. But in too many instances, wlaen tliey passed into tlie liands of others, they fell off so lament- ably as hardly to be recognised for the same animals. In contrast to this, and as refuting the idea entertained by many persons respecting the tenderness of \\e\\- bred animals, I have at different times during last ■winter seen some half-dozen Shorthorn cows and heifers of the highest pedigree, the property of Mr. Meakin, of Shobnall Grange, near Burton, which have been kept without even a bed, in an open and not over dry field I can testify that they are perfectly healthy, and look as well as can be desired for breeding cattle. Although Sir. Meakin has adopted this treatment from necessity, owing to the inadequacy of his buildings, nevertheless, to use his own words, while he has lost several animals that have been housed, he has not lost one, either old or young, that has run out during the winter. The one drawback to pure - bred Shorthorns, namely, the frequency of sterility among them, may probably be principally ascribed to the artificial manner in which they are housed and fed, I find among my ordinary dairy stock scarcely any cows which do not breed regu- larly ; among my Shorthorns such cases have con- stantly occurred, especially among those which have been exhibited, or those which I have purchased. Some have not bred at all, others have produced only one or two calves. Shorthorns more hardily nurtured, and those which I have bred myself, are as fertile as cows less well descended. Thus, my cow Flounce Gth, by IjOKD OF THE Manok (16,43i), born in ISOl, has produced six living calves at single births, besides milking largely. " O si sic omnes," every breeder will join me in wishing. The number of cattle which Mr. Thompson keeps is certainly very great in proportion to his holding, say 39 beasts of all ages on 55 acres. I believe that one beast on every 10 acres, and one sheep per acre, is considered good stocking, and above the average throughout the kingdom. My holding is about 210 acres, and my average number of beasts of all ages (including sucking calves) is 50. Although this much exceeds the propor- tion above alluded to, it is far from reaching Mr. Thompson's mark, according to which I ought to keep nearly 150 beasts. I observe, however, that Jlr, Thompson makes no mention of sheep, and I therefore conclude either that he does not keep them, or that he has only a few, and those only for a short period. I keep a breeding flock, and as I hold an annual sale of Shropshire rams, this implies that the sheep occupy no secondary place on my farm. My average number at this time of year is 200, and at this moment I have besides 145 lambs. If these are estimated as equal to 30 beasts, my farm may be con- sidered as maintaining 80 beasts, besides horses and pigs. This is still not much more than half the number which, on Mr. Thompson's scale, it ought to keep, and in order to effect even this, a considerable outlay in cake, corn, &c., is necessary. There can be no question, therefore, that a system which effects so much is well worthy of the careful study of agricul- turists. Willoughbt/ Wood, Holly Hank, Burton-on- Trent CONTINENT.U, AGRICULTURAL NOTES. (Contiiimd/romp. 414.) Rtissia. — The crop of the past season was very prolific within the districts of Berdiansk and Mariopol. On many farms the yield was even larger than in 18('i6. In the interior, the results were very partial. On the whole, however, the harvest has nearly, if it has not quite, equalled that of 186t), and the peasants are con- sequently in a state of prosperity. A large stock of grain still remains on hand in the interior, and it is certain that, if war does not break out to disturb commerce, the export trade in grain will he very active this spring, even though prices in Europe may, as it is to be hoped, go back to reasonable limits. Barley was in demand principally for the United Kingdom. The trade in it would have been larger had the supply met the demand ; but though the price offered per quarter at the beginning of the year exceeded by 19 per cent, the liighest quotation of the previous year, and later the difference went up to 67 per cent., yet only about five cargoes could be collected. The whole attention of cultivators is taken up by TVheat, and other cereals are only sown when the ground is unfavourable for that grain. Considerable activity was given to the trade in Rye by the demand in Holland and Belgium, where it is largely used to make spirits. In 1866 only a small cargo was expected, whereas last year upwards of 50 vessels were loaded with it. In Linseed there was a considerable falling off in the sales; in fact very little was brought to market. The cultivation of this plant is rapidly declining, and probably it will soon cease to be grown at all. The cattle disease has been very fatal this year ; about 50 per cent of the animals attacked have died. The malady appears to have been more extensive and fatal amongst cows than amongst oxen. No effective remedies have been found against the disease. The stricken animals are separated from the healthy ones, covered with cloths to keep them warm, and are left to chance. These are the only preventives and remedies adopted. From Taganrog, another Russian port, it is said hard "Wheat was in good demand during the early part of last year, and fine qualities, which were scarce, eagerly sought after. Purchases of this description opened in January at the excessively high rate of 13 silver roubles per chetwert, or fully 53s. per quarter on board. It was assumed at the time that no advance could take place thereon under any circumstances, but before the close of the month about 58*. per quarter had been given ; and the same free-on-board cost was submitted to in February and March. A decline of about 2s. per quarter became observable in April, and by July prices had fallen back to about 50j. per quarter on board, under which superior qualities were not procurable up to the closing of the navigation, although an abundant harvest had m the interim come forward. Inferior descriptions of hard "Wheat ranged from 425. to 46*. per quarter on board until the end of May, when a drop of from 2s. to 3s. per quarter took place. The price from June to the termination of the season was from S-'s. to 42s. per quarter free on board. Ghirka, or soft "Wheat, was firmly held, and but little obtainable at the re-opening of the navigation last season, when from 39s. to 425. lid. per quarter was paid for inferior descriptions. The superior kinds, shipped principally to France, realised at the same time about 44s. 6d. to 49s. per quarter free on board. Prices did not give way until the middle of June, when the bulk of the inland supplies had come forward. In J uly 38s. were quoted for inferior, and 45s. per quarter, free on board, for the better qualities, since which prices con- tinued to creep up until the closing of the port by frost. Exceptional fine weather prevailed during the entire autumn, which permitted tlje crops in this neighbour- hood to be well harvested, so that the produce of last year's harvest, which has not yet come to market, will probably be brought forward in good condition. The hard "Wheat generally is of full weight, but deficient in colour; Ghirka unusually heavy, fine in grain, and superior to the production of many preceding years, equal, in fact, to best Mariopol and Berdiansk. Much has been conjectured and said of the efl'ect which the projected railways, when completed, will have on the Russian corn trade, the diminution likely to take place in the cost of transport, and the com- paratively low prices whereat British markets can then be suppliedwith cereals. It has been stated even that Russian "N'Vheat might be delivered in England at 30s. per quarter. Those who venture to hazard such an opinion can know little of the subject on which they treat, still less of the obstacles to free intercourse, and lack of resources existing in the inland dis- tricts of Russia, where made roads are unknown, capital scarce, and the Administration venal. Railways will no doubt afford the means of con- veying more rapidly to market produce grown on hands contiguous to the lines, but this can only be a very small portion of the aggregate supplies, and a short distance from railway stations will, at certain seasons, suffice to act as an insurmountable barrier. Indepen- dent of this, it is well known that conveyance of grain by rail is a very expensive expedient in all parts of the world, and certainly not likely to be less so in Russia than elsewhere; but however efficient may be the railway service, and however low the rates of trans- port, the productive powers of the country will not soon be increased materially thereby. All surplus produce is now exported ; to increase supplies sufficiently in ratio to affect prices will necessitate more extended industry, an augmented population, and also a much wider breadth of culture. These advantages will doubtless accrue to Russia in progress of time ; that is, however, no reason why prices should become very sen- sibly reduced; experience,indeed, would rather indicate a contrary tendency. The qusmtity of grain now grown in Europe is greatly in excess of what was the case 15 years ago, nevertheless it is not found that the increased production has depressed prices, a proportionately larger consumption having maintained the equilibrium. However this may be, British markets incur little risk of being inundated with grain from Russia. The United States are by far more capable of bringing about such a contingency, by the energy, skill, and commercial enterprise, enjoyed by that people. The Rye crops of 1886 rendered very ample returns ; those of last year, although less abundant, proved to be full average, which circumstance, com- bined with an unlooked-for active foreign demand, brought the article into prominent notice, and ship- ments suddenly assumed a notable importance. The depot that had accumulated during last winter was more considerable than usual at this place, but did not attract attention until the month of April, when purchases opened at %is. per quarter free on board. An advance equal to 3s. per quarter succeeded the first sales, whereat the market was speedily cleared. Supplies that subsequently came forward met with ready buyers at the free-on-board cost of 26s. per qr., which rate was maintained after the new harvest had come round. As the season advanced the prices of from 31s. to 33s. per quarter, free on board, were readily obtained for whatever could be collected for autumn shipment. Most of the produce of surrounding dis- tricts having been absorbed, the supplies of next spring and summer are expected to be scanty, as the require- ments of Northern Russia are likely to turn in that direction a considerable portion of what would other- wise have been brought hither from that quarter. In the spring of last year Barley was demanded, but the quantity offered for sale inconsiderable, and held at the proportionate rate of from 19s. to 20s. per quarter on board. During the summer months an advance of 2s. per quarter was experienced. Since the harvest prices have ruled at first-mentioned quotations. Although the result of last harvest is not complained of, little appeared for sale ; transactions were languid, and the exportation exceeded, to a trifling extent only, that of 1866. Oats, which enjoyed so much favour in 1806, were during the past season entirely neglected. The quantity brought forward for sale was restricted, and the last crops unproductive. It should not be inferred that the large production of grain in these parts for the last two years is attributable to any improved system of cultivation. In this portion of the empire land generally is unexhausted and exceedingly fertile, requiring nothing but adequate moisture and tolerably good husbandry to ensure abundant crops. The deep-furrow plough of Messrs. Ransome & Sims has been found very effective, and is extensively employed ; other improved implements for cleaning or pulverising the soil are likewise made use of on many of the well-organised estates, where attention is paid also to a proper selection of seed. But beyond such ordinary solicitude towards amendment no movement is apparent, nor do any efforts seeni to be made to obviate the acidity of the climate by plantation of trees, or throwing dams across ravines and declivities, for utilising the water that runs to waste during the moist seasons of the year. Steam threshing machines now in common use, although of much service as a substitute for manual labour, and preparing more speedily grain for market, do not tend to increase pro- duction. The emancipated serfs are peaceably settling down, and their labour will in the course of a few years sensibly increase the volume of agricultural productions. (To be ContiniKd.) ON SE-WAGE GRASSES FOR MILCH CO"n^S. Feoii time immemorial succulent herbage of rich pastures has been accounted suitable food for milch cows, and to this old rule Grass forced forward by sewage to the highest state of luxuriance is found by experience to be no exception. Prejudice has conjured up innumerable objections to the contrary, but in no example where the sewage had been properly applied has experiment detected any injury to the health of the cows, or quality of their milk. In point of fact, the reverse in both cases has been the result. Just now, when a great many large towns are com- pelled to prevent their sewage flowing into rivers, and when prejudice is opposing its utilisation in the growth of Grass or any other product of the land, other arguments on both sides demand a hearing. If the reader will take the trouble to examine Grass when thus forced forward by town sewage, or by the liquid from the dunghill, cattle-yards, or kitchen sink- er by any liquid manure whatever, he will find it in the highest degree of health, perfectly clean and free from the filth on which it is fed. The fact of its rapid growth proves, if proof were needed, the degree of health which it enjoys. How, then, are we to account for the strong prejudices which haunt some people's minds relative to the wholesomeness of Grass thus grown ? AVe once had an agricultural pupil who could not eat duck's eggs, because he one day saw a duck eat something ! " (a frog) — and the arguments against the giving of sewage Grasses to milch cows are, we aver, of a kindred character. True, the analytic chemists tell us that Grass thus forced forward contains much " crude matter," especially that portion of it towards the bottom, which is less or more etiolated when the crop is allowed to grow rank, as is generally the case before it is out. But what is meant by crude matter? Do not all plants which grow rapidly and luxuriantly contain much crude matter ? Is not all the food of plants crude matter before it is elaborated into the organism and juices of the plant? Farmers, and perhaps we should add most town's people also, are familiar with the fact that if they eat faster and more in quantity than the stomach digests, much crude matter remains for a time with themselves. And just so is it with plants when supplied with an overflowing abundance of food, for they also eat faster than they digest, and perhaps take into their mouths what, in a less luxuriant state of health, they would not do. They are often stimulated to do so by the changeable nature of the weather. Thus when a continuance of bright sunshine is fol- lowed by close, warm, muggy weather, through which the rays of the sun cannot pierce, the former stimu- lates the roots to absorb a large quantity of sap, while the latter more or less checks the work of elaboration. Hence the presence of crude matter in the sap, which otherwise with bright sunshine would not exist. But just so is it with the luxuriant herbage of all rich pastures in changeable weather of the above kind. It is not however to be inferred from this that we are advocating the daily consumption of food containing an excess of the crude matter in question, for the argu- ment at issue is a comparative one of a twofold charac- ter ; first, healthy Grass cannot be said to be unhealthy food, or rather healthy sewage Grass has never yet been proved unhealthy food for milch cows ; and second, the quantity of crude matter which cows daily consume when fed on sewage Grass is less than the quantity of crude matter contained in the extra quantity of water which they drink when fed on dry or less succu- lent food, such as the ordinary food in large towns. In other words, if farmers and town dairymen will examine the large quantity of water which a milch cow daily consumes when fed on the ordinary kind of food, and see how much crude matter this water and food contains, and compare it with the larger quantity of water contained in sewage Grasses, which goes far to supply milch cows with the water they require, they will soon find ample grounds for changing their opinions against sewage Grasses. The arguments on the other side which merit notice are generally traceable to the mismanagement of sewage Grasses one way or another. Thus, if large quantities of strong unfiltered sewage is ap- plied to the land in the heat of summer the Grass will be forced forward rapidly, and for a short time after the application gaseous matter, noxious to animal life, will be emitted from such land in quantity sufficient to injure the health of cattle if turned m to graze upon it. If dry, scorching weather follows the application, the decomposition of the sewage matter left on the surface of the land amongst the effete stubble roots of the Grasses will be checked, and if a heavy shower of rain precedes the mowing of the Grass for stock, a rapid decomposition of such surface matter will immediately take place, emitting also much noxious gases, so that if the newly-mown Grass is allowed to lie in the swathe for a short time it will be tainted, thereby inducing a rapid ferment or other change, thus converting healthy Grass into un- April 25, 1 C8.; THE GARDENERS' CHEONICLE AND AGRICUETUIIAL GAZETTE. 443 wholesome food. Agivin, if sewage as it comes from the sewer is applied to tbo Grass when too far grown, so as to besmear it with the solid matter which it contains, much of the lower portion of the Grass, or, what amounts to the same thing if the Grass is cut too high at one time and too low or close to the ground the next, much noxious matter of a very injurious character may in this manner be given to stock. Careless mowers and horse- men may trample much of the Grass into the ground when it is moist and soft, thereby producing a similar result. And if the newly-mown Grass when carted to homestead, or even hovels, is allowed to he too long in the cart, or in heaps, less or more harm will be pro- duced Now in all these cases the health of milch cows, and the quality of their milk, will assuredly be injured, but it would be something worse than prc.iu- dice to attribute the loss thus sustained to the Grass forced by sewage, for the injury arises, not from the Grass, but from the sewage itself and from other similar sources of mismanagement. In dairy farming much has been said about cleanli- ness in the cow-byre, milk-house, and scullery, but by far too little has been said about clean food for milch cows. And this applies with tenfold force to the food of tbo cows when fed on the forced herbage of sewage farming, or of farming of any land producing luxuriant Grass, "if the growth is uniform, and the crop out and given to the cows before it has sustained any injury, the golden rule of cleanliness is easily carried out into practice. With this all who have had any lengthened experience in the indoor feeding of stock on green food must be familiar. But how seldom does the Grass grow up equally, and how much more seldom is it out before it has sustained any harm at the bottom ? land. Inexperience alone can lead any one to suppo.se that the best mode of working such laud is to work it as little as possible. There are three great means available for the culti- vation of the soil, viz., manual, horse, and steam power; and as every a'.;riculturist is not possessed of a steam plough, which, however admirable in its working, is not adapted for every farm, you must choose betwixt horse power and manual labour. Now, if any one supposes that hand labour is cheaper than that of horses, or that it is more elUcient, cither on light or heavy lands, he will speedily be undeceived. If you do not work your land thoroughly for every crop, you will find the outlay for hoeing, &o., will be furrows in every Held are clear. It requires some time before one unaccustomed with clay soils learns to look after these things as he ought to do. "We have heard some jeer at sight of the water-furrows in a Wheat field, and have sometimes been led to infer from their supercilious remarks that such a practice was entirely at variance with the most approved mode of modern husbandry. But as they are entirely out of their own element, wo will content ourselves with the reply that water-furrows are not intended as a substitute for under-drainage, but merely for the purpose of carrying off an overflow of surface water. Lime liberally, once at least in every nine years, and if you prefer to apply it in smaller quantities and at „reater than if you had prepared thegrouad thoroughly ; shorter intervals, if your laud is in low condition, apply before you nut in your crop, while the worst is, that , a good dressing at first to bring it into that condition in the land uiider such treatment will become iini)o- which you wish it to be maintained. Farm-yard verished and overgrown with dirt, even although you , manure is the best that cm be obtained for heavy land, should be able to keep down the weeds upon the The more straw and roots grown, and the greater surface. The owner of every clay farm of 300 acres and I number of sheep or cattle kept upon a clay farm, while upwards in extent would do better justice to his land, | adding to the manure heap, will tend to the produc- with more profit to himself, were he to introduce ' tiveness, the lightness, and the healthy condition of steam cultivation, which, considered in every respect, the soil. must be recognised as peculiarly adapted for the One of the most absurd practices to be met with in cultivation of heavy laud. You can then stir your modern farming is that of selling off the straw and land to any depth, and while avoiding the trampling of other produce without consuming them upon the land, it by horses, you have ample opportunity of turning it , No artificial manure can supply the want ""-' ♦'■» nd the up in autumn, and leaving it exposed to the beneficial action of the winter frosts. If horses must be employed, cultivate dry and deeply, and you will cultivate well result of following out such a system generally leads to a decrease in the farmer's capital, and to a much greater deterioration in the land itself. We fear we have already encroached too far on your To aid in efficient and speedy cultivation, it is ' valuable space, and shall therefore draw our present requisite that you pay particular attention to the implements you employ. See that your ploughs are strong, and capable of turning a deep, high-crested Such is the fact iu this respect, that mismanagement : furrow, which you will find a great improvement upon may not inaptly be termed the rule, and cleanliness the the common flat furrow usually turned over by the old exception wooden ploughs when you come to harrow down. ' The successful application of sewage to the land, and ; The harrow, also, is deserving of your attention, and the best mode of using the produce in the feeding of perhaps more so than any other agricultural imple- milch cows— are practical questions which experience ment now in use. Messrs. Howard aud other maker: remarks to a close, but with your permission shall have much pleasure iu resuming this subject at some future time, and in endeavouring to point out what we con- sider the most profitable rotation of crops and the most suitable method of cultivating those best adapted for farming on heavy lands. J. Scott, April 13. will doubtless eventually solve to the satisfaction of practical farmers and all parties interested, but as yet only a few engaged in sewage farming have had their labours crowned with success. There is, however, in the few successful examples sufficient to stimulate the can supply you with a plough fit for any kind of wor ?l?omc Con-espontfencc. Farm Accounts.— Your correspondent dating exertions of the unsuccessful, for it is an established the frames, even although secured by means of a stop but even their patent zigzag iron harrows are neither i " Wester Ross, April 13," has given an instance of the so simple, strong, and durable, and thoroughly adapted good results of ventilating farming matters in the for every description of work as they ought to be. i pages of your Journal. He says, " In order to mitigate The nut-and-screw system of fastening the teeth into ' somewhat Mr. Meohi's amazement at Scotch folly in law in physical science that one experience properly performed determines a question, while blunders, however numerous, can never establish the contrary. At the same time it must be admitted by the most successful that much improvement lies ahead, both in the application of sewage and in the conversion of its produce into milk. Hence the general encouragement to persevere in both departments of the work. B. PE ICTICAL HINTS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF CL;i.Y SOILS. The first lesson to be learnt by the lisht-land farmer •when he becomes entangled with a clay farm, is to keen his horses off' the cultivated ground when it is not dry enough to be worked without injury by the trampling of their feet. If clay soils are worked when not sufficiently dry, the land becomes poached, and very few experiments I The teeth are wholly of wrought iron, and taper are required to prove that where this is the case the towards the point, so that they fit exactly into the guard, does not answer every description of land in fact, the only place they are adapted for is upon a loose and friable soil, free from stones and every other hindrance to their easy passage over the surface of the ground. If you have not a blacksmith at hand, and are not prepared to repay the original cost for repairs and fresh teeth during the first two or three years they are in use, I could never recommend you to purchase an article of this description. The best harrow we have ever seen in use is one made by a common black- smith, and which not undeservedly is becoming of general use in many of the best-farmed districts in the south of Scotland. It is both simple and strong, and is so contrived that it works efficiently, both as a break and seed harrow. It consists of two four-beam iron frames of rhombic form, so that although the bars are really straight, it acts on the same principle as a zigzag harrow. Into the bars the tine holes are wrought. crop never thrives. You may manure as you will, your after-management may be as skilful as it is possible to conceive, but if you don't prepare your land properly beforehand, and see that your crops are put in dry and as they ought to bo, be sure you will never make a successful farmer of heavy laud. There is always a suitable seed-time for every crop, and if you embrace these opportunities you will seldom fail iu having your crops put in in good condition. When a fall of rain occurs, heavy soils are more easily rendered unfit for working than light lands, and they likewise require longer time before you can commence work upon them agaim, while everything connected with the working of the latter is more tedious and expensive than upon free soils. Autumn cultivation is of the utmost importance if you wish your land to be easily worked in spring, and in such a state that you are able to take advantage of every opportunity which presents itself for putting in your crops at a proper time, and of advancing the general work of the farm. Too many horses are the wurst stock a farmer can have on hand ; but upon clay farms it is in most cases essential to keep one or two more than are really required for the straightforward working of the land; and although there is truth iu the old saying, that " unless you keep a horse ■ irking he will eat his head off," you must remember that the horse is the farmer' frame, and while they never lose, they are so strong thick seeding, &c.," and continues, " I have risked an acre (Scotch?) of Wheat with \\ bushel, and an acre of Barley with 2 bushels, and will by-and-by be able to tell the result, &c." I hope he will by-aud-by give us the result; but it is to the latter portion of his com- munication I wish to draw attention. He writes — " I happen to rent a small farm, about half the size of Mr. Mechi's, quite distinct from the farm on which I reside, which last year, without steam engine, without liquid manuring apparatus, without, in short, one-tenth part of Mr. Mechi's outlay, showed a balance in my favour of 71. 10s. per acre, including rent and profit ; " and concludes—" whilst on my plan a profit somewhat similar may be had, year alter year, without fuss or bother, or dislocation of any sort." Now, Sir, I for one would most heartily thank him if he would give us in your columns an outline of his plan or mode of pro- cedure on his farm. One-tenth of Mr. Mechi's outlay ! Mr. Mechi's outlay was in 1837, the year he refers to, at the rate of lU. I5s. &d. (see p. 1G2) per acre. If he has produced the results he states, viz., 7l. 10s. per acre, for rent and profit, from a capit-al of 1Z._ 13s. (Sid. per they never break. The couplings of these harrows are j acre, his name and method of farming deserve to bs alike sim])le and complete, aud everything about the; so satisfactory, that although wo have used them for known to the agricultural world. West Indian. Air Drainage.— Let Mr. Meohi turn to page 275 of three seasons, during all that time they never caused a your Paper, he may there find my letter upon the bottle ploughman to lose five minutes upon them after i question, and if he reads it carefully he will_ find that entering a field. j my words convey identically the same meaning his do The subsoiler should be in general use upon every ' \^ iijs note intended to correct me. I have told him and clay farm. It is the implement by which to effect a I jjr. Denton that air shafts to drains are of no use, permanent improvement in the character of the soil, and I have told them right. William Smith, WooUton, Bletchlei/ Station, Suds, April 20.- Circumstances have prevented my seeing Mr. Smith's remarks on the theory of drainage (in reply to mine). I would merely ask him if he does not think the air would be as effectually prevented from escaping through the joints of the tiles by 5 feet of puddle, as it would be if confined in a leaden pipe? T. Q., Clitheroe. Anthyllis vulneraria (Lady's Fingers).— I observe there is not in the index to the volume of your Crosskill's clod-crusher will be found of use in reducing the surface of your ground when preparing for roots, or if you are obliged to harrow before it becomes of a pulverous state. We have met with a field this year which was not ploughed up till the latter week of March, and then seeded with Oats. After a few days' exposure to the sun, every particle of moisture seemed absorbed, and the furrows became so hard that the harrows produced no visible effect. After a day's harrowing, the seed being almost wholly uncovered, I ■ Journaffor 1837 .any reference to this plant; but there instantly put the crusher upon it, and by crushing and i is an article by Dr. Voelcker on its coiupositionand harrowing iu turn I had at length — thanks to Crosskill nutritive value iu the Journal of the Eoyal Agricul- — the satisfaction of leaving it in a condition which j tural Society of England for last year, p. 581. It may when I began I scarcely dared hope to attain. This | interest some of your readers to know that I find it shows the necessity of autumn cultivation, and you ! mentioned as a first-rate forage plant in a book pub- may be sure that in future no efl'urt on our part will lished in 1750 by William Ellis, farmer, at Littlo be spared to accomplish the ploughing of our ground ; Gaddesden, Hertfordshire. He says also that the first for every crop so that it shall be exposed to the ' Duke of ]3ridgwater, who died in 174J, was such an best friend. Always treat them well, and endeavour if [ atmospheric influence of the winter months. j admirer of this Grass, which grew in his meadows, possible to have them in good condition, so when One of the greatest drawbacks to successful farming that he would recommend its excellent virtues toothers, necessity calls they are capable of stretching a point, in the south of England are the hedge-rows and , Some of your readers who live near Little Gaddesden and by so doing they will do more for you than you quantities of underwood surrounding every field. They | or Ashbridge Park, where the plant appears from my have ever done for them. Horses are subject to the ' only serve as a harbour for game, and as in few instances laws of Nature like everything else, and if they are not I the ground withiu is thoroughly drained, the wet more than a match for their work, the work will not surrounding the headlands of the fields keeps them in be long in mastering them. There is nothing to be ' such a state that the least trampling renders them gained by pocketing a few pounds, if it is at the expense I incapable of being cropped. By grubbing up these Cn».iAtii»;e quantities of MANGEL WURZEL and TURNIP SEEDS will be liberally treated by MESSRS. SU'rrON. Apply, stating quantitia^ required, to Sdtton a .Sons. Royal berks Seed Establishment, Reading. Furze or Gorse (Ulex Europseus). SUTTOK AND SONS have -a tine stock of NEW SEED. Also, all other kinds of AGRICULTURAL SEEDS at very moderate prices, as see SUTTONS' FARM SEED LIST (gratis Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. Wmte Belgian, Long Red Surrey, Red Intermediate Carrots. OUTTOX AND SONS can supply line New SEED of O the above, at very moderate prices, which may be had on ap plication. SuTTox & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. AYNlilUD, CALUKCOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited), Cork, Seed, Mascre, and Oilcare Merchants. Address, b9. Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.C. ; or Basingstoke. Samples and Prices post free on application. Prize Medals, 1851, for Wheat ; 18B2. for " Excellent Seed Com and Seeds." Covent Garden. NOW READY, ULOBE ARTICHOKE PLANTS, 21s. per 100, packages tree. All orders must be accompanied with Post-ofllce oidera, payable to Joiiw Gainks, Herbalist and Seedsman, Covent Garden Market, London, W.C. __^__ ALFRED LEGERTON, Wholesale Sked MERcnANT, B. Aldgate, London, E., offers in fine Stocks, GREEN GLOBE TURNIPS, at 205. per bushel RED TANKARU „ at 20s. „ Special quotations fjr other kinds of TURNIP, SWEDE, MANGEL, and all AGRICULTURAL SEEDS, upon application. Seed Fotatos. WOOD AND INtiRAM beg to offer the following, which may be rslied upon .is true : — Per Bushel of 561b.— ». d. WALNUT-LEAVED KIDNEY (Sutton SSona'Stock) 6 0 EARLY HANDSWORTH 6 0 DAINTREE'S fSEEULlNG 3 0 MARTIN'S GOLDEN GLOBE 4 0 PRINCE of WALES 5 0 JACKSON'S KLDN EY 4 0 EARLY SHOW 3 6 MYA'PPS PROLIFIC ASnLEAF 4 0 RIVERS' ROYAL ASQLKAi' 6 0 UENDERSOA'S PROLIFIC 4 0 The Nurseries, Huntingdon. Splen^d Stocks. FINE FLUKE PUTA106, at -is. per bu.shel of 56 lb., or £7 per ton for the lot. New 4 lb. 8 bushel Sacks, Is. 6d. each ; New bushel B;ig3, 'Jd. each. On receipt of f ost-offlce order the above will bo delivered frte on Great Northern Railway. Fbedr. Gke, Seed Merchant and Growur, Bij^gleswade, Beds. To Farmers, Gardeners, and Others. EXCELLENT CABBAGE PLANTS (S-.-k-- nnf to surpasseil) can be supplied as follows :— EN M i I i ^ M \ i: K" at 2s. per lOOO ; True DWARF EARLY M'M j i , per lOOO; ROBINSON'S CHAMPION (fnui. i DRUMHEAD (True), at Z-t. per lOlH) ; THuTsa m^ iiimii at 2s. per 1000, RED DUTCH, for Pickling, Zs. [i«r bvu. Remittance or Reference to accompany all Orders. Fbllr. Otfc, Sued Merchant, and Grower, bit,'gleswade, Hcds. Market Gardens, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. RlUHARD WALKER cun supply the following GREEN KOHL RABl SHED, 9d. per lb. ; WALLFLOWER PLANTS, at 2». Cd. per I(K); East Ham, Enfield Market, Robinsun's Champion Drumhead CABBAGE PLANTS, RED DUTCH PLANTS, and many other horts. all at 1«. 9d. per IWO ; Sn CAULIFLOWER PLANTS, Is. 6d. per 100. All selected stock Terms, Cash. ^HE PAXTON GARDEN MANURE is the most . economical and poworful Fortillaer ever known for Vegetables, It is inodorous a the Manufacturers, rpUE LONDON MANUKE COMPANY J_ (EsTAULI.«lHKnl840) Have now rea*iy for delivery m dry Qne condition, CORN MANDRE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Also Gonume PERUVIAN GUANU, and NITRATE of SODA X Dock Warehouse; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, FISHERY SALT. 4c. E. Pdrskb, Secretary. Offices, 116, Fenchuroh Street.^jC. LAWES' MANURES were the first Chemical Artificial Manures manufactured and introduced, and have been in use for 27 years. The supply for the present season is now ready for delivery, at the Factories, Deptford and Barking Creeks, all in flrst-rato condition. LAWES* PATENT TURNIP MANURE. DISSOLVED BONES. LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES' WHEAT, BARLEY, GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES, CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. Dr. Voolcker has inspected and sampled a bulk of 10,000 tons at Mr. Lawks' Factories. The report can be obtained on application : He states— ., - , •* All the samples appeared to be equally dry, unifonn in characterj and finely prepared. Having inspected the bulk at Mr. Lawes Wfrks, I can oertii> that the Superphosphate now sent out from the bulk is a dry, well-made, superior Artificial Manure, and is :n excel- lent condition for delivery.'^ These Manures can be obtained of Mr. Ti awes, or through the appointed Agents in all parts of the United Kingdom, at prices varying ■- ' ' -*■ :-■ ; to cost of c PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers. NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, and other Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, John Bennet Lawes. 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. : 22. Eden Quay, Dublin: and Market Square, Shrewsbury. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOaPHATE for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ^HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR PLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— 100, Fenchurch Street, Loudon. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch— 10, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Dl HECTORS. CJiairiacn — John Clavden, Littlebury, Essex. Deputu-Chairman— John Collins, 255, Camden Road, HoUoway Edward Bell, 48, Marine Par.ade, Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot, Herts. llobert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. ? Webb, Hildersham, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross, Lincoloshire. Charles J. Lacy, 60, West Smithfleld. Managing i>ireci:or— James Odams. t agriculturists : circumstaticos that have justly earned for it another of Ihclr hnsthe best guarantee and^ efficacy ol the Manures manulacturcd by Chief Offices— 100. Fcnc T Warranted Genuine. OBACCO PAPER, 10(f. per lb. Wm. Dodoson, 29, Lady Lane, Leeds. Agent. POOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for Destruction of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. See large Advertisement, Sold in Tins, price Is., 25. 6d., and 5s. The Garden Repository, 32, James Street, Covent Garden, W.C. TOBACCO TISSUE for Fumigating Greenhouses. Will Destroy Thrip, Red Spider, Grtien and Black Fly, and Mealy Bug ; and burns without tho assistance of blowing, and is entirely free from paper or rag. Price 3s. Cd. per lb., carriage free. A reduction in price for large quantities. To be had of Messrs. Roberts Sl Sons, Tobacco Manufacturers, 112, St. John Street, C'terkenwell, E.C, of whom copies of Ttsti. monlals may be obtained ; and of all Seedsmen and Nurserymen, G ly, and other Blight, .solutions of from 1 to 2 ounces the gallon of soft water, and frnm 4 to 16 ounces as a Dressing for Vines and Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (Liuitbd). To Her Majesty by Special By Royal Appointment. ^c To the Pnnce of Wales, Warrant, dated 2nh Doc. dated lOth February, 1866. Tk A yV ' SOnT and HEWITT, D Origins and Solo Proprietors of the STOCK-BREEDERS' MEDICINE CHESTS for disorders m Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, No. 1 MEDICINE CHEST No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST The Extract, Gaseous Fluid, Red Drench, and Red Paste, with Complete Guide to Farnory. Shilling Key to Farriery, Price, £6 6*. Carriage paid. (^ Every Stockowner should send for Day, Sow, & Hewitt's Work on Fabbiert Largo Edition. 2*. 6d., or (Vee by po«t for 33 stamiw. Small Edition, U., or free by post for 13 stamps. Address, Dav, Sou. ft Hewitt, 22, Dorset Street, Baker Street, London, W. FINE nmi COARSE WHITE SAND, the best KENT and other PK vr, Fmo l.oAM. SANDSTONE, SPAR, Ac- Samples at tho l'...i,.i.ir...., .\ir>.i,-, Ruyal Hoiticultural Gardens, Dies at tt South Kuiisitu Pricerl List The Cheapest aud Beat Insecticide. DUTY-FREE ToHACCO. pOOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for the Prevention and Destruction of Blight and other Dlseasea la Plants. Sold by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, In Tins at 19., 2s.Gd., and 6a. Powder Distributors, 2s. 6d. and 3s.Qd. each. SELECTION FROM TESTIMONIALS. "Sir,— I find it the best and cheapest thing of tho present day; 03 I can now walk through my stoves, and give a dust with your powder over my Roses, &c., and return in half-an-houv and find the Pests dead and Plants cloan. I think It will bo the finest thing ever invented for out-of-door Roses and Peach Trees, I should advise every Kontleman to give it a trial.— I am, yours, &c., " R. Thain, " Gardener to Walter Williams, Esq., " 25th February, 180S." " Worthy Park, Winchester." " Sib,— X bog to state that I am ([uite satisfied with the Powder ; it most efleotually cleanses the Plants of insects. Send an India-rubber bottle, and tho same quantity of Tins as before. *' I am Sir, youiTi, &c., " Robebt Ward, " 2Gth Februiry. 1868." '• Tho Rosery, Ipswich." " Dear Sir,— Please to send mo four Tins at 65. e.ich of your most useful Tobacco Powder. I have tried it with both the Green and Black Fly and Thrip. I find if the Plants are damp nothing kills those pests so well as the Tobacco Powder. I intend giving it a good trial this season on the Pear and Cherry Trees. " I am, Sir, yours very truly, " B. Moans, " Gardener to W. B. Tyringham. Esq., " 25th March, 1808." " Wewport Pagoell." " Alton, Hants, August Slst, 1807. "Deab Sir,— Wo are happy to inform you that we have applied the Tobacco Powder to various portions of our Hops, wherever they were attacked by Fly. Wo found that by applying half cwt. of it per acre, two mornings in succession in alteroate alleys, it had more cft'ect than when wo applied 1 cwt. at once. We are quito satisflod with the result, tho Lice wore destroyed, and in a few days the Hops that had been most foul were cleanest. " We are, yours, *' A. C. S. & H. Cuowlet. Sole Manufacturer, M T. A. P O O L E r, Bonded Warohouso, Suaaos Wharf, Wapplng, E. AgQnt3 required lu Towns where not already appointed. OULE'S PATENT JiARTH CLOSETS.— On view operation at the Offlca of MOULE'S PATENT ^1.^.11 .TYMPANY. LIMITED, a), Bedford Street, T. M. Evans, Manager. UbWAUii of TOWNS and VILLAGES on the UET O EARTH SYSTEM. —This Company is prepared to malie arrangements lor dealing with the Drainage ot Towns on the Dry Ealth System ; including the disposal of SioK-water, Slops, &ii. Applications to be made to the Manager, 29, Bedloid .Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Stamps, Agricultural Co-operation. COUNCIL. The Right Hon. W. Cowper, M.P. w. Morrison, Esq., MP. Thoa. Hughes, Esq., M.P. James lieal, Esq. E Vansittart Neale, Esq. Ered. Pennington, Esq. Edwd. Owen Greening, Esq., Managing Director. •SUPPLIES its Members O and the Public with IMPLE- MENTS and MACHINES by the best Makers, and with Unadul- terated_ SEEDS^ MANHBES, "An I ..iterest dlTidendl constitutes Membership after Election by CouncilT No farther liability. Rules and all information post free on receipt ' ■— " ir by personal application to the Offices of the Enwiao Owen Gaisiiilio, Managing Director, umcea :— 20, Parliament Street, Westminster, S.W. ; and 4, Warren Street, Manchester. „,.,,, Full Piolits credited to Members. Half Profits to the Public (non- members). TRADE DISCOUNTS. The following are the Profits gained by Members :— Linseed Cakes, guaranteed absolutely pure Cotton-seed 1 Cakes; decorticated and undecortic it«d Rape Cakes I 6 to 10 for reeding, best quality (and for tilLage] ; Palm Nut fPer Cent. Meal : and all other Feeding Stuffs J ( 16 to 20 Patent Dog Cakes t Per Cent. Peruvian Guano, pure aa imported; Nitrate of Soda, pure 1 aud unadulterated ; Ground Bones, free from mlnture. (10 to 16 and guaranteed English; Superphosphates; aud aU I Per Cent, other Manures of the best makers and qualities . . .; Clover Seeds, unooloured and unmixed ; Grass Seeds, l jg ^^ 3g new and reliable; Turnip Seeds, genuine and good ; Vp^^ (,,jm_ Garden and all other Seeds • ■•.' Steam Engines, Steam Ploughs, Cultivators and Imple-1 in to 20 ments. Portable and Fixed Threshing Machines . . / Per Cent. Ploughs, Harrows, Kollera,Cultivators, Drills, Horse Hoes, , Carts, Waggons, Reaping and Mowing Mach nes. H.ay- ,..' T,° r,..i.«a I'linfl" nnit.pra Mills. Lawn VPer Carts, waggons, tveapmg auu luuwms i,i«.-u y..... — .. 16 lo lio makers. Horse Rakes, Chaff Cutters, Mills, Lawn V p,,,. gent. Mowers, Sewing Machines, Stoves and Cookmg Ranges. I and Machines of every known Maker . . ■ ' ' ' Iron Hurdles, Gates and Continuous Fences, Stralneci l WirlMd Rjpe Fences, Wire Netting, Stoblo Fittings, ^ W -, „. rumps:T.Inks, Paints, Domestic Machinery, Heating j Per Cent. A^'rull'catarogue'w.ll shortly be published, meanwhile Prices can at aU times be obtained. „„... samnles and Prices of unadul- The Society is prepared '"„"'"'" i;"»f terated Seed. Manures, ^''■^^'^"g^^^„ Managing Director, "^"lo^p-arul^ent Street. '"»'£"«'«'■ ««^- 4 Warren Street, Manchester. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [ApBIL 25, 1868. s W'8 TIFFANY. For Samples and Prices apply to BAw ft Co., 20. Oxford Street, Mnocbester. G ARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in ^roat variety of pattema and nmteriftis, the plainer sorts being e-ipocially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and once put down incur no further labour and expense, as do "prown" Edgings, con- seqnentlv being much cheaper, GARDEN VASES, FOUNTAINS, &c.. In Arti- Cbelsea, S.W. ; Kiogatand Road, Kingsland, N.E. Stone, in blue, red, and buff colours, and capable of forming a variety of designs. Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS of more enriched designa SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above addresses— 14 J. per Ton. or U. 3d. per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf. Oil Paint no longer Necessary. ■^n w^.;«^T*v*-s^;7'i::^i7 HILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Vamtsh is ar excellent eubatitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is full) two-thirda cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and is used cold. It is used In the Srounda at Wind-sor Castle, Kew Qardens, and at the senta of man? undreds of the nobility and gentry, f^oi I will forward o testimonials have been received, which Hti application. From CnAS. E. B. Smedlet, Esq., The Grange, near Boston. " 1 have much pleasure in giving you a reply to your inquiriesnbout the Black Varnish I have had from you for the last two years. It has answered my expectations fully, and as far as 1 am able to judge it 1b the best material for preserving iron fencing, gates, and other wood work exposed to the air ; and I can with safety recommend it as the best and cheapest article that is yet out. Wishing you every success.'' Sold in caslCB of about 30 gallons each, at U. 6d. per gallon, at the ) Street WeHt, E.C. from v G GRAY'S OVAL TUBULAR BOILER. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, Class IX., No. 2119. Me. gray begs to call the attention of the Nobility, Gentry, Nurserymen, Gardeners, &c., to his NEW OVAL TUBTJLAP, BOILER, Acknowledged by praetical judges to be a great improvement on every form of Tubular Boiler yet introduced. It has proved itself superior to all other Boilers for quickness of action and economy of Fuel, doing its work with one-third less the amount required by any other. Extract from Report in Gardeners' Chronicle 0/ Internalitmal Exhibition, May 24, 1862, page 476. " The uprlghc form pf Boiler Is usually made on a circular plan, | rather than a square, it seems feasible that the Boilers OD the OTal but the OTal form given to Mr. Gray's variety of it is said to be rlan should bring the tubes more completely within range of the preferable in consequence of its bringing the tubes in closer contact bumiDg f\iel ; and this being bo, the change, though a slight one, with the fire. The usual form of a furnace being a parallelogram 1 is no doubt an improvement. ^^ They are made of all sizes, which, with prices, may be had on application, JAMES GRAY, HORTICULTURAL WORKS, DANVERS STREET, PAULTON'S SQUARE, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. PARIS EXHIBITION, 1867 — GOLD MEDAL. CLAYTON, SHUTTLEWORTH, & CO., At the Great Triennial Trials of THE ROYAL AGRICULTDEAL SOCIETY OF ENGLAND, held at Bury St. Edmund's, July, 1867, received the following Awards ; — For Single Cylinder Portable Steam Engine, The FIRST PRIZE of £25. For Double Cylinder Portable Steam Engine. The FIRST PRIZE of £25. For Horizontal Cylinder Fixed Engine. The FIRST PKIZE of £20. For Doiible Blast Finishing Threshing Machine. The PRIZE of £15. Also the SOCIETY'S SILVER MEDAL, for Adjusting Blocks for Machines. The duty performed bv all C, S. & Co.'s Engines on this occasion, considerably exceeded that of any others. C, S. & Co. refer with pleasure to the fact that the duty of their "COMMERCIAL" or SINGLE VALVE ENGINE, at Chester, so long ago as 18.38, was not equalled by any "ordinary" Engine at Bury. CLAYTON, SHUTTLEWORTH, axd CO., LINCOLN ; and 78, LOMBARD ST., LONDON. THE AUTOMATON LAWN MOWER. Croquet Grounds. REEN'S PATENT NOISELESS LAWN MOWERS warranted to be the best for Mowing and Rolling CROQUET G BOUNDS, ana »re worked witn far greater ease than anv other. T. GnKiii s SoK have upwards of 1600 LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments for Uorse, Pony. dOLkey, and Hand-power. All Orders are executed on the day they are received. Price Lists and Drawings free on application. Smithfleld Iron Works, Leeds, and 54 and hh, Blackfriars Road. London, S. N.B. — Green's Lawn Mowers have proved to be the best, and have ! carried off every Prize that has been gven in all cases of competition. Prices of the AUTOMATON MOWERS. 10 inches £3 10 4 10 14 ,; 5 10 0 16 ,, 6 10 0 18 ,, 7 10 0 20 ,, 8 0 0 Free Delivery to all the principal Stations in England. R. AND S. guarantee these Machines to perform their work perfectly, and if not approved of, they may be returned, Carriage Paid, within a month. Those sold last season gave the greatest satisfaction. Illustrated Lists and numerous Testimonials on application UPWARDS OF 1000 SOLD THE FIRST SEASON, 1867. RANSOMES AND SIMS, ORWELL WORKS, IPSWICH. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWERS FOR 1868. Letters Patent, dated 12th August, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS and SON for Important Improvements in Lawn Mowing Machines. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWERS RECEIVED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL OF THE PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867, THE ONLY AWARD GIVEN FOE LAWN MOWERS. Shanks' Patent Laum Moivers c(re all fitted ivith Double-edged. Sole Plates, Wind Guards, and Self-Sharp)ening Revolving Cutters — advantages, possessed by no other Laum Mowers. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON beg to intimate that although the demand for their NEW MACHINE is very large, and greatly in excess of any former year, lliey can execute Orders immediately on receipt, having always a large stock of Machines ready for delivery, boih at their Works, Arbroath, and at their Warehouse, 27, Leadenhall Street, London, E.C. Every Machine warranted to give ample satisfaction, and if not approved of can be at once returned without any expense to the buyer. Illustrated Circulars, containing full particulars, sent free on application. ALEX.A.NDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.R., 2 7, LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON, E. C. 27, leadenhall Street is the only place London where intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of fri All sizes kept there, uhether for Horse, Pony, or Hand Power. 150 to 200 Machines. ■ ApBIL 25, 18G8.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 449 SAMUELSON & CO.'S IMPROVED LAWN MOWING MACHINES. EVEIIY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. Delivered Free to ai Cutting 10 iDchea wido Cutting 12 inches wide Cutting 14 inches wide Cutting 16 inches wide Cutting 19 inches wide Cutting 22 inches wido Cutting 26 inches wide Cutting 30 inches wide Cutting 36 inches wide Great improvements h n t bim m idi, in tliise Miihuus duim„' thi 1 ,st few j ears, in regard to .all those small but important points of superiority which the practical working of a Lawn Mowei suggests , Mhilc for elegance of appe irance, bghtness ol draft, and efficiency in working they cannot be excelled. They possess the following advantages :— Ist. Motion is given to the Cutting Apparatus by toothed gcariug, which expeuenee has proved to be by far the best method of driving. 2d. The whole of the Driving Wheels are on one side of the Machine, and are covered with a guard, preventing damage to Shrubs and Flowers when mowing round the edges of beds. 3J. All the smaller working parts of the Machine are made of Malleable Iron, and are not liable to break. 1^ JUustratei Price lists, Free by Post on application. PRICES. y Railway Station I 1 Oreat Britain. .. f,3 in 0 4 10 0 5 5 0 6 0 0 6 10 0 7 10 0 1'2 0 0 15 -0 0 18 0 0 SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA WORKS, BANBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE : 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE, E.C. AGENTS :— Messrs. TANGYE BROTHERS and HOLMAN, 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE; Messrs. DEANE and CO., London Bridge; Messrs. DRAY, London Bridge ; Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD, 63, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughout the Kingdom. JOHN WAENEE & SONS, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.G., BRASS and BELL FOUNDEBS to HER MAJESTY, HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS. No. 35. WAENERS' PATENT CAST-IRON LIFT PXTMPS. No. 37. SHORT-BARREL DITTO, FUR SINKS, PLANT HOUSES, 4c. £1 1 2\ inches diameter , No. 547a. GARDEN ENGINE. 28 Gals 24 „ 10 „ 10 „ .. £5 10 .. 4 19 .. 3 14 .. 2 19 ILLUSTRATED and PRICED LISTS of Garden Engines, Swing Barrows, Aquajects, Syringes, Kubber Hose, and Fountain Jets Bt-ut on application. No 39 WARNERS' CRYSTAL PALACE FIRE ENGINE, or PORTABLE FORCE PUMP. "With this compact, portable, and generally useful Engine, one man will throw from 15 to 18 gallons of water per minute to a height of 50 feet. All its working parts are of brass, the barrow of wrought iron ; easy access to the valves is gained, and the workmanship throughout is substantial. Not only will it be found most useful in cases of Fire, wherever a supply of water can be obtained, but also for Watering Lawns or Fruit Trees. Price on Barrow, with Branch Pipe, Spreader, Unions, and Suction lioae, £6. 1^-in. 2-ply Rubber Suction Pipe, per foot, 25. 2d. 1^-in. ditto Delivery Hose, 1*. ^d. Messrs. Warncb k Sons. Crystal Palace. Sydenham, March 2, 1867. *' Oentleuln, — I teel great pleasure Id slating that I waa present at a trial of your small Crystal Palace I'lru Engine, and was niucL pleased with its efflciency and siDipUclty. Tbe Pump throws out a steady jet of water to a heiRht of 60 Jeet wltb very I'ttio labour. The Pump we have is well made, very simple In its parts, and not likely, I Ihiuk, to get out of order. The advantage of tUis pump Is Its being very portable. Besides being a good Fire Engine, it will make an excellent Garden Engine. " I remain, gentlemen, youra obediently, " Edwin Robt, Engineer to the Crvstal Palace CompaDy." No. 42. WARNERS' FOBTABLE PUMPS, With Improved Valves for Liqilid Manure, £2 1.55. 2-in. Flexible Kubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, per foot, 2s, bd. No. 579J. SWING WATER BABBOW. 50 Gals, 38 „ £5 12 3 17 2 13 2 2 No. 579J. ROYAL AORICULTURAL SHOW, held at BURY ST. EDMUND'S, 1867. — A SILVER MEDAL was Awarded to JOHN WARNER AND SONS' CHAIN PUMP. This Pump, from the entire absence of Valves, is eapecidlly adapted for the use of Jiuilders, Contractors, and Farmers. WIND ENGINES, ADAPTED FOB PUMPING, CHAFF-CUTTING, GBINDING, &0. JOHN WABNER and SONS beg to inform the Trade and the Public generally that they have purchased the Patterns of the WIND ENGINES manufactured by the latff firm of Messrs. Burt & Pollaed, of Southwark, and are prepared to estimate for the erection of such Engines in any part of England. They have also to state that a Patent has been recently taken out for a novel and great improvement in the construction of Wind Engines, and that they have the eiclusire right of Manufacturing the same. WATER WHEELS, WATER RAMS, DEEP WELL PUMPS FOR STEAM, HORSE, OR HAND POWER. THE GAEDENERS' CMONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [APEIL 25, 1868. Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for ITNOR AND COOKE'S WAERAKTED PRIZE ' PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that vou net them. Observe the mark SAYNOR, also the Corporate ^ark, ObTAiN S^ D, without which S. 4 C. regret having to caution Gardeners and others, but npelled to do so, in consequence of an imitation, of Paxton Works, Sheffield. E.stablished upwards of 126 years. Glass for Garden Purposes. AMES PHILLIPS and beg to submit their REDUCED PRICES as follows PROPAOATINQ HYACINTH and FLOWER DISHES. 6 Inches diameter . , . . Is. Oti. | 9 mches 0 12 inches diameter .. Hyacinth Dishes are intended to coutair L/\CTOJIETERS, for Testing the Quality of Milk. WITH OPEN TOPS. F FKENCH BELL fiENCH BELL GLASSES GLASSES (CLOCHES A JARDINS). much and so successfully used by Frencli Horti- supplied, upon the receipt of a remittance, as under iipty packages to be returned) 6foria* 6d. 20 for 75.1. 6(/. I payable to Jaues F. _ , will have prompt attention, Bee-Mves, &c.— Bee-hive Factory, WuERt: KYERy KIND OF HlVE, &C., CAN BE UAD ChEAP AND GoOD. FRANCIS'S NEW CORK HIVES, COTTAGE HIVES, OBSERVATORY HIVES, cheap WOODBURY HIVES, Major Munn's Patent Hives, Hive Stands, Sc. ; Dr. Coster's cheap Frame Hives, Vis. 6d; Tansy-leaved Phacelia (the great Bee Plant), post.tree. Is. Price List free ; with 20 Photographic Illustrations, 4a. H. Fkamcis, 61, Great Russell Street (facing the British Museum). Bee-Hlves. ' TO GEO. NEIGHBOUR and SONS, workiug three bell-gl; NEIGHBOURS* IMPROVED COTTAGE BEE-HIVE, as originally introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR and neatly and strongly made ol straw; it baa three windows in the lower hive. This hive will be found to possess many practical advan- tages and IS more easy of management than any other bee hive that has been intro- duced. Pr ce complete, £1 15s. ; StiDd for ditto, 10*. 6d. THE LIGURIAN or ITALIAN ALP BKE beinj; much in repute, G. N. and Sons supply Stocks of English Bees with genuine Italian Queens (which will shortly have wholly yellow Italian Alp Bees) at £3 3^. each. An Italian Alp Queen, with full directions for imiting to Black Stocks, £1 each. ENGLISH BEES.— Stock.s and bwarms may be obtained London Agents for HAJITLETS IMPROVED PATENT ROUGH PAINTS of various colours, ground ready for «f Jt^l^^ ^^"^ ROUGH PLATE GLASS, SLATES of all sizes, BRmSH PLATE, PATENT PLATE, ROLLED PLATE, CROWN SHEET, HORTICULTURAL, ORNAMENTAL, COLOURED, and every description of GLASS, of the best Manufacture, at the lowest terms. Lists of prices and estimates forwarded on application to James Phillips ft Co., 180, Bishopagate Street Without, E,C. Horticultural Glass Warehouse. THOMAS MILLINGTON and CO., 87, Bishopsgate Street Without, Loudonj E.C. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOUSE GLASS as supplied to Her Majesty, the Nobility. Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leading Horti- f the United Kingdom ORCHARD-HOUSE SIZES. In. In. I 4tha. I Srds. 20 by 12 , C15 oz. 14a 3d 15* 6d Per 100 feet-{ ■ (.21 oz.\l9s Gd •>23 2d 26a 6d 2nds. j Best. 18s 6d 20a Od "Every Cottage should be provided with a Water Tank." Disraeli. Iron Cisterns. FBRABY AND CO. having laid do\vn extensive and • Improved Machinery in their new range of buildings Ida Wharf, Dkptford, are now prepared to supply WROUGHT-IRON TANKS. GiXXVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality at reduced prices, and at very short not,ii;e. LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. /"(OTTAM'S PATENT PORTABLE UNITED yj cow FITTINGS. of other Improved Ili^ on receipt of two stamp?. & Sons, 127, High Holborn, W.C. ; i Street, London, W. Dame Street. Glasgow : Austin & McAslan, Their adv pleasure, no , Hay Riick dispensed ecessary. increased width infection, being al! of Iron. Trices of Fittings per Cow. 658. Prospectuses free of CorrAM & Co., Iron Worlss, 2, Winsley Street pposite the Pant] ' ^..r— ., c._--^ t__j... ,^ bove are exhibited, in Stable Fittings ju 6 by J SMALL SnEET SQUARES, 15 oz., per 100 feet. ..in. In, I in. In. (in. in. I 4ths. | 3ds. i 2nds. , Best. OlbyitI 71 by 6l| 81 b| cj 9| by ?,} |l2s3i|li'3d|l6sOii|l8sOl.i as the 3C-paIlon Barrow, advertised above, but the Tank is Gaivauwed. It is strong and usyfui. Two Tanka can bo had with one Carriage. Carriage paid to any Station. To hold 18 Gallons, price £1 l&f. | To hold 30 Gallons, price £2 &s. Price £1! Sn. \ lo-feet India-rubbei Powerful GARDEN and CONSERVATORr ENGliNE, throws a continuous stream, and is well adapted for use with any of the Water Barrows described above. Carnage paid to any Station. "W. S. BOULTON, OSE LANE IKON AND WIRE WORKS, NORWICH. 0 N, Wellingtou Pottery. A C. WILLIAM XV. (104, Gallowgate, Glasgow. FLOWER POTS of superior make, with Cut Bottoms ; ORCHID rOT.S, HANGING OIICHH) POTS, and ORCHID SLABS, of (ipproved Pattorna, us usud bv some of the most successful Growers ; tlrnanientnl Flowur V.-iKca, Fern Vahos, and Tazma, Round and Square Seed PanSj Ciucus Pots, Rhubarb and Seakale Covers, Pro* parting Pots, Snail Traps, Ac. Prico Lists and Illustrated Catalogue on application, A LT E R " F 0 X 1i"n d C OTT^ManiifacUireTs^Tf CROQUET noRDEUING, WIRE ARCHES, FLOWER STANDS, HANUINC, UASKETS, ic, kc. w WIRE ARCH. Galvanised after manufacture. 33£. each, carrlago paid. , by S feet 3 high . . 36^. each are coluuiua, 4 reot 6, by 8 feet 3 high. . 44s. each „ SUSPENDING BASKETS. 2 feet 9 Inches in diameter .. ., 26s. each. 1 foot 10 „ „ .... 15s, each. Mado with Inside Basket, either painted or galv.xnised. . 4d. each. rriage paid— for keoping Illustrated Lists free on application. Walter Fox & Co., East London Iron and Wire WorkSj 32, Chicksand t East London Iron and Wire Works, Osborn Street, Whitechapel, N.E. JOHN GIBSON, JuN., begs to announce that he is prepared to Furmsh PLANS and ESTIMATES for LAYING Improvement of Landed Property. MR. ROBERT SMITH, of Emmett's Grange, South- molton, Devon, (the Author of the Royal Agricultural Society's i'rize Essays on "The Improvement of Grass Lands." "The Management of Sheep," "The Keclainaing of Waste Lands," " Irrigation and Hill-side Catch Meadow.s," as also of the "Papers on Designs for Labourers' Cottages," " Buildings for Small Farms," "Hints to Young Farmers, &c.), having Removed, m conjunction with his Son (at the expiration of a 20 years' Lease on Exmoor) to a more central Railway position, desires to maHe it known that his Office lor general Surveying, Engineering, Architectural, Laud and Commission Agency Business will, in futm-e, be carried on at Cbew Magna, Bristol. Mr. Smith continues to assist Landowners with his advice as to Loans for Permanent Improvoments, as also on the best mode of carrying them out, or, he will undertake the completion of an entire scheme for this purpose. Harford House, Chew Magna Bristol, March 26, 1868. N.B. A few choice "LITTLE llORSES," COBS, GALLOWAYS, and PONIES, always on hand. SHORTHORNS; EUENBRIDGli H£HD.~The fine BULL " PATRICIAN" (24,73^), one of the purest bred Sires in the country, having joined tnis Herd from MUcute, where his dam was sold for 346 guineaa, is AVAILABLE for the use of Breeders of PURE SHORTHORNS to a limited extent. Terms on appUeatiou to the Bailiff, Red Hill, Edenbridge, Kew. G Farm Poultry. KEY DORKING FOWLS, of purest breed, in any Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive breed known. Improved NORFOLK TURKEYS, large, hardy, and good breeders. and early maturity. BRAIIMA-POUTRA. CREVECa!:UR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, for laye: Priced Lists and Estimates on apphcatlon. John Bailv i Son. 113. Mount Street, London. W. To Seedsmen, Nurserymen, Mariiet Gardeners, and Others. rt^O BE LET, by Tender or by Private Contract, on -L Lease for not loss than 10 years, a hMALL FARM in Dedham Vale, containing 38 Acres or thereabouts, of rich Arable and Pasture Land, together with Two Cottages and Outbmldings thereon, situate within two miles of the Ardleigh Station on the Main Lino of the Great Eastern Railway, and adjoining Lands in the occupation of, and under cultivation for seed-growing purposes by, the eminent and well-known firm of Messrs. Carter St Co., Seods- A 'plan of the Estate can be seen, and I'Ull particulars obtained, at the OtBces of Mr. John Dknt, Land and Estate Agent, No. 34, Great James Street, Bedford How, London, where sealed Teudora before the loth day of May, 1868. LARGE NURSKRY.— To bo SOLD, the GOODWILL, STOCK, and INTEREST In Tenancy of a large Nursery near Liverpool, comprising 00 Acres. Apply t AsTRui* CAaiBs, Accountant, Cook t , Liverpool. TO BK LET. as u NURSERY, an advantageous spot, In a most eligible situation, In very high condition. Abundantly Stocked.— For i)articular8 apply, by letter, to JAUts CuAWFoiti), High Beoch, Esses. To Nurserymen, Seedsmen, FloristsT'&ci TO BE DISPOSED OF, in :i leaaint;- thoroughfare near the City of Loudon, an ESTABLISHEU RETAIL SEED SHOP, now doing a good Trade. Goodwill, Fixtures, and .Stock, £100. This 18 a gdnuino concern, parted with solely in cousoquenoo ot the present Proprietor having ano>'her business. For further particulars 'apply to Mr. C. GKtATUEAD, 27, Red Lion Square, Ilolbom, W.C. Sales Iig Auction. Flist-class Carnations, Plcoteea, Pinks, &o. MESSRS. I'ROTHKUUE ani> MORKIS will SELL by AUCTION, lit 38 un.l 3'J, Gracechurch Stu ' " INDICA. and ROSES i Show Scarlet, Varieccatod, and Peckham, Surrey. MESSES. PROTHEROE and MORRIS are instructed byMossra. T. W nashwnrwj 4 Cn., to SELL by AUCTION on the I'remisea, (iuoeii'.H Ucad NurM'rv, I'odtl.u.i, Siinev. i:l,,sB to the Peckham .Station, "i- il.- -; -r i I, . !■ i Im •, -n i'lM i:sliAY, April 30, at 11 for I ' iluICE BEDDING ami GUi;i ; ■ I , -i of 3000 Geraniums, including .Mi-. I.l.i k li.i ..i i lu.jtieB; 2000 CalcCDlaria auruii, Luuu \'^ilj^ii;i.-.. uu'-.'j I....bu.i.L-. , 'jii mtitivs ot Ileiiotropes, Tropasoluio, Dactylis, Alternanthera, Variegated Cobteas, &c., witli 200 fine Felargoniuma in pots ; lilcewise a few Stove Plants ; Liliuni auratum, Chrjaanttiemum (Sensation), May be v aAlo M OrcMds. R. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, on WEDNESDAY. April 29, at half-past 12 o'clock precisely, a Collection of ORCHIDS, the property Of a Gentleman recently deceased, incluomg a very fine lot of ONCIDIUM CRISPDM, aUo CA'ITLETAS, L/ELIAS, ZVGOPETALUMS, &c. These plants were imported last autumn by their late owner, and have not been bloomed ; they are mostly just startinjc into growth. Also a fine Collection of LYCASTE SitlNNERil, mostly in Uower, including some very fine varieties, and a few other Established Orchids. On Wew the Morning of Sale and Catalogues had. Important Sale of Orclilds. ]\/rK- J. C. STEVENS wil! SELL by AUCTION, at iVX his Great Rooms, 38, King Stioot, Coveut Garden, W.C, on WEDNESDAY, May 6. at half-past 12 o'Olock precisely, au Impor- tation from Assam of the following choice and rare ORCHIDS :— Deudroblum Falconerl, Beveral fine specimens in the finest con- dition ; Dendroblum Wardianum, Devonianum, Tnunia (species perhaps alba, perhaps Bensonii — buyers must judge for themselves) : Dendrobmm Farnieri, &c. Also a small collection of establisUeJ Orchids, including /Erides Shrtederi, Cvpripediuiu l;evigatum, Ada amanlKic.i, Odoiitoglossum nojvium, &o. uu view the Morning of S.ile, and Cataloguos had. [*Stove and Greenhouse Plants, at Highgrove, Reading, Berks. MR. J. C. STEVENS has received instructions to SELL by AUCTION, at the Gardens, Highgrove, Reading, Berks, on THURSDAY, May 7, at half-past 12 o'CTock precisely, a FURTHER PORTION of the COLLECTION of PLANTS formed by the late J. J. Blaudy, Esq., comprising a Choice Collection of specimen AZALEAS, HEATHS, FERNS, and a variety of other Greenhouse and Stove Plants, all in good health ; also the THREE HOUSES in which the Plants a They will be on view tne day prior and morning of Sale, and Cata- logues had at the Gardens, and of Mr. J. C. Stevens, Horticul- tmal Auctioneer and Valuer, 3S, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Important & Extensive Sale of Established OrcMds. MK. J. C. SiEVENS (Horticultural Auctioneer and Valder, of 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London,) sisting of all the The ( celient health, _.__etiesin cultivation. collection will be Publicly .Sold, on the Premises, at Peiidlebury. The late J. A. Turner, Esq., was a most shrewd and carttul buyer, being ever anxious to purchase the best varieties only, by which means this collection has become very quite tinique. All the plants are correctly nnmod the descriptions given. Orchid growers < n the Catalogue, all have flowered, and their quality relied upon. Tue present collection, which includes many extremely fine specimens, have carried off all tho principal prizes at the Man- chester Exhibitions, whore the competition is very great, for no other place can equal Manchester for the number and extent of its Orchid collections. Carelul Packers will be In attendance, and every assistance rendered towards their safe packing, in ordor that they may reach tlieir destinations without the slightest check c The FIRST PORTION will be Sold on TU"iiSDAY and WEDNES DAY, June li and 3, during the Great Horticultural Exhlbiti tho Kingsland Road, near Dalston Railway Station. Masof iRt- MR. A. RICHARDS will SELL by AUCTION, on the Premises, 605*, Kingsland Road, on TUESDAY, May 5, at 1 o'clock, without reserve, the extensive STOCK, Including a pair of highly ornamented Urns, 7 feet 6 inches high ; three examples of Bailv s " Eve at the Fountain," figures of Eve, Mercury, Mora, ., Ceres, Infant Hercules, Begi^ar Boy, Rustic and Grotesque Littlebury, near Saffron Walden. iKPoaxANT Salk of SuoKTaoBNKD Cattlb and Sof tudown Raus. MR. STRAFFORD begs to announce that he is Instructed to SELL by AUCTION, without reserve, on THURSDAY, May 7. at Littlebury, near Saffron Walden, Essex, the entire HERD of SHORTHORNED CATTLE, belonging to John Clayden, Esq. It comprises about 60 Head of Bulls, Cows, and Heifers, that have beon bred for a considerable period pnncinally from the fine old tribes of the Rev. T. Harrison and Messrs. May- nard; more recently the "Sylph," "Frill, and " Blanche " famUles have beon introduced, of which there are now several members. The sires formerly used inherited largely the blood cultivattd so successfully by the late Mr. Jonas Webb, of Babraham. purlnjt tho last tlireo seasons Costa (21,487). own brother to "fa^nlghtley. has been in service, and this bull, as well as his son Littlebm-y i/^-m. are now being used. Also will be oflferod 25 Pure .^ouChdojra RAMS^ of vdrlo^ We3, that are bred from the Flocks of Messre. Ridge and Tmner, and by First-class Tups from If^'^rai'^"'-. , ^^ ._ llr. CLiioiB, M Littlebury, near Soflroa TV aldon, IiMei. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE ANB AGRICULTURAL GAZETTK fAPBIL 25, ISfig. GEEEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOE, OR NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. PATRONIZED BY HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN ON THIRTY-EIGHT DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES. THE KING OF THE BELGIANS. THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH. THE EMPEROR OF RUSSU. AND MOST OF THE NOBILITY, CLERGY, AND GENTRY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz,, the keeping of Lawns in the HIGHEST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. THEY ARE THE ONLT MACHINES IN CONSTANT TJSE AT THE ROVAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETrS GARDENS, SOUTH KENSINGTON THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS. REGENTS PARK THE CRYSTAL PALACE COMPANY'S GARDENS, SYDENHAM BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDENS MARLBOROUGH HOUSE THE HYDE PARK GARDENS THE WINTER PALACE GARDENS. DUBLIN THE DUBLIN BOTANIC GARDENS THE LIVERPOOL BOTANIC GARDENS THE LEEDS ROYAL PARK THE HULL BOTANIC GARDENS THE BOTANIC GARDENS. BRUSSELS THE SUNDERLAND PARK THE PRESTON PARK AND IN MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL PARKS, SQUARES, ETC., IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATEiNT LAWN MOWERS have proved to be the best, ati carried off every JPrize that has been given in all cases of competition. T. GREEN & SON warrant every Machine to gU'ti entire aatisfactim, and if not approved of can be returned uncwiditiwtalli/* PRICES of HORSE, PONY, and DONKEY MACHINES, including Patent Self-delivery Box; Cross Stay complete; suitable for attaching to ordinary Chain Traces or Gig Harness. PONY AND DONKEY MACHINES To Cut 26 inches Leather Boott'for Fony,'i2a. £13 0 0 1 <: n i\\ Leather Boots for Donkey, 18s. 30 17 0 0 To Cut 30 inches „ 36 „ .. HORSE MACHINES. £21 £21 0 0"\ 24 0 of "'0 0? 0 oj Leather Boots for Sorse, Both the Horse, Pony, Donkey, and Hand Machines possess (over all other Makers) the advantage of Self-sharpening. The cutters being steel on each side, when they become dull or blunt by running one way round, the cylinder can be reversed again and again, bringing the opposite edge of the cutter against the bottom blade, when the Machine will cut equal to new. Arrangements are made that the cylinder can be reversed, by any inexperienced person, in two or three minutes. HAND MACHINES. To Cut 10 inches ..£3 10 0 Suitable for a Lady „ 12 „ .. 4 10 0 „ „ „ 14 „ ..5100 Suitable for One Pirson 16 „ .. 6 10 0 „ „ To Cut 18 inches ..£7 10 0 Suitable for One Person. „ 20 ,,..800 Suitable for Two Persons. „ 22 „ .. 8 10 0 „ „ >, 24 „ .. 9 0 0 „ „ Packing Cases are charged at the following low rates, viz. :— for the 10 and 12-inch Machine, 3*. ; 14 and 16-inch, 4j. ; 18 and 20-inch, 6». ; 22 and 24 -inch, 6». Parties providing themselves with Lawn Mowers are recommended to purchase the cases in which to stow them away, when not in use, to prevent them from getting damaged ; if returned, two-thirds will be allowed fur them. The above MACHINES are made from the best materials, and of superior workmanship ; are delivered Carriage Free to all the principal Railway Stations and Shipping Poits in England. Every Machine is warranted to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of, can be returned unconditionally. ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS FREE ON APPLICATION. T. G. AND SON have a large quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments ; al?o various other kinds of HORTICULTURAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GaIDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. Moving very extensive Premises in London, we are in a position to do all kinds of Repairs there, as well as at our Leeds Establishment. THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 64 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. Editorial Conununicatlooi should be addrassad to ■' The Editor/' AdT«rtliements and Business Letters to " The PubUsber." at the Office, 41, Welliiifftop Street. Coveat Garden, LondoQ, W.C. IKedbfjTi«a Matthbwb, at the Office of Messri. BftiJiacBT. Ev*vs, & Co . Lombird Street, Precinct of WhitefrUra, City of Landoa, in tbe Og. of Middlesex, aad Fublubed by the «aid **i Ofice.No. U, WeUingtOB itreet, Parish of tit. Paul's, Coveut Uardeu, in the said GouQtr.—tJAToaOAT, April 3d, la^S. nm aiATTBiWa, at the THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 18.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, MAY 2. (Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, 6*;. Agrriculture, Continental .... 471 « — topics 467 & AUEtralian fruits 465b Beet sugar 471 BURhts 480 c Books noUced 467 6— 473a Bread, Birch barlt 471 c Onbhage.Tarie^ted 462 c Cabbage leaf Clips 463 b INDEX. Qnipe spot ! 466 t Hor^s^ow 4681 Hyacinths, pinninir 463 a Jaeminum ozoricum 462 ( Labourers. agricultural 468 ( Laurel blossom 462 ( Lawn Grasses 466 ( Coleus, golden 460 i - namesof 462 o Colour.effect of gason 460i Drainage, air 471 ( Dropmore 464 i strong land 472 i Lilacs, effects of gas-light o Markets Mowing machines Myosotis.Tarietiei of Oak, decaying Orchids, spot in Peaches and Nectarines Pel argon ii Pine-appK . Plants, epidemics u Sciadopi^a, apparent leaves of 460 b Sewage a Sheep di] _. Society, Botanical, of Edin- — Royal Horticultural i Fersons wishinp to send the Gardeners* Chronicle by Post, should order the Stamped Edition. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, SOUTH KENSINGTON. W. NOTICE.-A MEETING of the FRUIT and FLORAL COM- MITTEES will be held on TUESDAY NEXT, May 5, at II lor half-past precisely. tS" JAMES BATEMAN, Esq., F.R.S., will delivera LECTURE on the LOQUAT. at 3.30 p.w., in the Council Room. Royal" horticultural' s~ociety, SOUTH KENSINGTON, W. THIRD SPRING SHOW".— EXHIBITION of EARLY AZALEAS and SPRING FLOWERS, SATURDAY, May 9. Doors Open at 2. Band of the Royal Horse Guards Irom 3.3iJ. Tickets now ready at the Music Sellers. New English Rose Miss Ingram. CHARLES TIIRNER begs to iinnounce that this popular NEW ROSE will be ready In May next, at 7-''. C<(. each. Early orders will ensure good plants. The Roval Nurseries. Slough. ^ WM. PAUL'S SPRING CATALOGUE of NEW ROSES. NEW VARIEGATED, BEATON'S, and ZONAL PELARGONIUMS. &c., is now ready, and will be forwarded post free on application P\r i Nurseries, Waltham Cross, London, N. New Roses for 1868. JOHN FRASER, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries, London, N.E.. bogg to offer flne healthy plants of the best NEW ROSES for 1868. A DESCRIPTIVE LIST may be had on application. —All the best NEW ROSES in cultivation. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES now ready. Wm. Wood & Son, Nurseries, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Sussex. M~^~AriYERY'S~Sm:ECT^PRINGCATAXOGUE • of PLANTS can now be had. post-free, on application. Hanover Nursery, Peckhani, S. E. Tropseolum Cooper's Defiance. HOMAS METHVEN has a Large Stock of this magnificent BEDDING PLANT. Lelth WalkNur.sorie3, EJinbvirxh.— April 25. Verbenas, Verbenas. WITTY and SON have mucli pleasure in offering the above by the Dozen, Hundred, or Thousand. The Nurseries. Cottingbam. 1868.- rpi VE K B E N A S —Purple, White, and Scarlet, strong healthy plants in pots, at \s. &d. per dozen : Small Plants, fo. per 100, or £2 lOs. per 1000. Package Included. Terras cash. Philip Ladds, Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent. rolemonium Coeruleum Varlegatum. THOMAS METHVEN has at present a very tine stock of the above invaluable flower Harden DECORATfVE PLANT. Leith Wall* Nurseries, Edinburgh.— April 25. Calceolaria Ambassador (Sang's). THOMAS METHVEN has a lar^e and tine STOCK of this much prized CALCEOLARIA. Leith Walli Nurseries. Edinburgh.— April 2o^ CALClOLATtiTs^^AUREA" "FLOKIBIINUA PRINCE of ORANGE, in or out of pots, in any quan Price on application. DillistuneA Woodthorpe, Sible Iledingham. Essex. 1KYSTAL PALACE.- HOW of the SEASON will idules, with List of Prizes, o; I. WILKINSON, __, , _SS' Special Prizes offered for RHODODENDRONS. ?:jrREAt NATIONAL flOKTICULTUKAL EXHIBITION, 1 MAY 29 to JUNE ( btatlDg the cla: I which they Intend I G REAT NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 1868.— Gardeners will be admitted by Tickets follows. First day 2s. 6d. each ; second and remaining days la. each. Applications for WEST of ENGLAND ROSE SHOW.— This EXHIBITION (Open to the United Kingdom) is fixed to talie place in the SHIRE HALL, HEREITORU, on FRIDAY, June 26. £130 offered in Prizes. All communications to be addresiied to the Hon. Secretary, Rev. C. H. BULMER, Credenhlll Rectory, near Hereford. Street, Birmingham. ENTRIES CLOSE Ju To be Seen Gratis. 'LAY of GIANT POI GIANT COWSLIPS, with FLORIST FLOWER, and New OARIBALDI POLYANTHUS (IJ acre), to be seen in all their beauty and magniticence, at Mr. Webb's. Calcot Gardens, Reading. Genuine Garden Seeds. WM. CUl'BUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above is now ready. Post-free on application. Highgate IVurserles. London, N. Genuine Agricultural and Garden Seeds. JAMES FAIRHEAD and SON, Seed Growers and Mebobants, 7, Borough Marliet, and Braintree, Essex. Special prices on application. c Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. A K T E R C 0., cinerarias and Primulas. AND A. SMITH beg to announce their splendid COLLECTIONS are NOW in BLOOM, from which they gather the Seed sent to their Customers. An inspection solicited. The Nurseries, West Duiwlch, S.E. F. New Spring Catalogue. SMITH be? to announce that their DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE of TRICOLOR, BICOLOR, and ZONAL GERANIUMS. PELARGONIUMS, BEDDING PLANTS. 4c., is now ready, and will be sent frei application. The Nurseries, West Dulwich, S.E. F. the way ot ZONAL and TRICOLOR GERANIUMS, DAHLIAS, FUCHSIAS, and BEDDING PLANTS, carefully selected foi Arnateura' Choice Collections. HOOPER & CO.'S LIST as above is now ready, and be had on application. Hooper& Co., Covent Garden, London, W.C. C>6UNTESS ofTiELLIE isHSe^finest^light coloured J GOLD and BRONZE PELARGONIUM ever offered. For description, see our GENERAL CATALOGUE, post free. DowsiE, LAian Jt LAisQ,,Fore8t Hill. London, S.E., and Edinburgh. /^lANT ASPABAGCS PLANTS, the best that raon VT cau procure, 2s. 6rf. per 100.— This delicious vegetable does r require half the expense usually incurred in planting it. S Richard Smith's SEED LIST for 1808. Extra htrong SEA KALE, 2s. per dozen. RioHARn Smith, Nurseryman, Worcester. Walnut-leaved Kidney Potato. JAMES DICKSON and SONS can oft'er a fine lot of the above. Price on application. 102, Eostgate Street, Chester. SCARLET RUNNER BEANS, 1866, excellent ijrowth, at 10s. Oi. per bushel. Special Quotations lor TURNIP, MANGEL,and ail or.her AGRICULTURAL SEEDS.uponappllcatiou 3ERTON, Seed Merchant. 5, Aldgate. Lonfton, K. AD & Son, 7, Borough Market. S.E. B EAUTIFUL VARIEGATED KALE, garden, tf'i. and Is. per packet. , Nurserymen, Dundee, N.B Market Gardens, Biggleswade. Bedfordshire. RICHARD WALKER can supply any quantity of ROBINSON'S CHAMPION DRUMHEAD CABBAGE PLANTS, selected stock, at Is. 'Jd. per 1000, on receipt of Poat-ofllce LEWISHAM SWEDE, the finest variety of Purple-top in cultivation. Special prices on application t" Jauks Fairqead k Son, 7, Borough 1867. arket, S.E^ URNIPrSWEDE, and MANGEL CROP, Special prices to the Trade od application to Jamks Fairuead k Son. 7, Borough Market. S.E. CABBAGE.— Special quotations for all the leading varietiea from James Fatrhead & Son. 7, Borough Market^.E^ CVARROT. Altringham, White and TelW "Belgian. J Special prices forwarded on application to James Fairhead a. Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E. HE HARDIEST SWEDE, LAW HEAD GREEN- TOP. A select stock ia offered by James Dickson & Sons, 102, Eostgate Street, Chester. best selected stocks. James Dickson & Sons, 102, Eastgate Street, Cbester. )URPLE-TOP YELLOW SCOTCH TURNIP^ Price on .ipplication. Jasies Dickson & Sons, 102, Eastgate Street, Chester. H Choice Zonal and Tricolor Pelargoniums. \\T COCKS begs to oiFer as above, in tinest varieties Fhloz Lotils Grell. WITTY AND SON, having a tine stock fine PHLOX, are prepared to send them out i pnce, by the Dozeu or Hundred. The Nursorios, CottinRbam. New Catalogue of Soft -wooded and Bedding Plants, Florist Flowers, Sc. CHARLES TURNER'S DESCRIPTIVE LIST Is now ready, and will be sent on application. The Hoyat Nurseries, 91ough. Bedding Plants from 2s. per dozen. J SCOTT'S CATALOGUE of the above is now ready, . and will be found one of the most useful. His Collection Is known throughout the West oJ| England as the best. Marriott, T.iUntou, Somerset. 237 i 2M, Aigh Holborn, London, W.C. EVERY GARDEN jTk^Q UISITE kept m Stock at CuTKE's New Seed Warehouse, 237 & 238, High Holborn, London. THE ON ITY ~IMrfZ"E MEDAL for GRASS in GROWTH, PARIS, 1867, was Awarded to _James CAitTER k Co., 237 and 233, High Holborn, London, W.C. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GARUEN~SE^EDS; INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON. 1862, was awarded to jAMts Ca«teb 4 Co., 237 and 233, High Holborn, London, W.C. YEWS WAJ^TED.— The Advc^rtii^Ts^in^'^^iilt^oflt Wei.. __. .„;„„, rooted stuff. Address, stating price, & O^ A. H., 5. IlarwQod Terrace,' *Fulham, S.W. 1 healthy Orchids, la desirous of . „ .... , in one Lot. They consist of some 900 plants of the newest and rarest varieties, includine about leOAERpFS and SACCOLABIUMS, about 1;W CATTLEYAS and Disposing of them by Private Sale, in o Extra Strong Bedding Plants. WITTY AND SON have much pleasure in offering the above In extra stronR Plants at reasonable prices. They have no besitition in stating that there are no stronger plants to be found in the Trade, and have no doubt will give great BatUtactlon to purchasers. The Nurseries, CottlnKhnm. Bedding Plants for tlie Million. J AS. POUNCE can supply Variegated GERANIUMS. CALCEOLARIAS, VEKBfcXAS, DAHLIAS, FUCHSIAS, HELIOTROPES, and TROP.EOLUMS, all strong plants of selected sorts, hardened off. 8 dozen for £1, or 4 dozen for 10s. Qd. Package, Stc, included. Address, Church Lane, Uendon, N.W. GOLDENCHAMPION 'GRAPE.— Orders being Booked for this March 14, page 258. Price 2l9. and 42^. each. OsBORN 4 Sons, Fulham Nursery. S.W. Lincoln slilre Red Round Turnip. AND F. SHARPE oHer a fine stock of the above, I grown from transplanted bulbs last season. Price low. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. Green Bound or Norfolk Turnip. HAND F. SHARPE have a true stock of the above • Turnip, grown from selected bulbs and of 1807 growth. Price very reasonable. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. T"0"tlK''TlUDE 'and OTHERS —Spl^ndid"^itock EARLY SIX-WEEK TURNIP, new Seed, flne sample, at 25s. per bushel, or 8d. per lb. Terras cash. Fredk. Gee, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. Green-top Swede Turnip. "^ HAND F. SHARPE can supply tht- Trade with a • splendid stock of the above Turnip, grown last soa.sOQ from transplanted bulbs. Price very moderate. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech, To the Trade.— Home-grown Turnip Seeds. CHARLES SHARPE ani> CO., Seed euowEBS, Sleaford, have to offer TDRNIP SEEDS of all the leading kinds, grown from tine selected stocks. Special prices sent on application. To the Trade,— Home-grown Mangel Seeds. /CHARLES SHARPE and CO., Seed Growers, KJ Sleaford, hav« to offer MANGEL SEED of all the leading kinds, grown from tine selected stocks. Special prices sent on application. Elvetliam Long Red Mangel Wurzel. and F. SHARPE have a verj' tine stock of the above, I grown last season irom selected bulbs. Price very moderate. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. Notice to Large Growers. ~^ PURCHASERS of lar^e quantities of MANGEL WURZEL_and TURNIP SEEDS will be liberally treated by "I. Apply, statinc Quantities reauired. to , Royal H Covent Garden. ULOliE AKTICHOKE PLANTS, LRges free. All orders must be accompanied with Post-offlce orders, payable to John Gaines, Herbalist and Seedsman, Covent Garden Market, London, W.C. ROYAL ASCOT or PERPETUAL.— To have new GRAPES from this wonderful Vine in January, February, and March, now and next month la the time to plant tnem. Fine young p-owlng Can©'', now, 42s. each ; in May, 3U. 6d., 42a., and 63#. each ; m June, 21s^ 42^., and 63a. each. John Standish, Royal Nursery, Ascot, Berks. b BE DISPOSED 0"F,"~several ORANGE' TREES in tuba, including fine specimens 8 feet high bv 20 feet in circumference. AUu a good plant of ARAUCARIA CUNNING- HAMII, 12 feet hlgb. To view or for further particulars. Addroas, C. R., Mlcbeldever Station, Hants. & Sons. Seed Growers, Rending. LOVER SEED , ~ tirsF Market prii lity only, home growth. application, iryman and Seedsman, Ghent, Belgium. PERMANENT GRASS SEEDS, to 323. per acre, carriage free. 4 years, 10*. W. to 223. per .- ft Sons, Readir , Uorks. Agricultural Seeds. „^ ,„ WAITE. RURNELL. HUGGINS. and CO.'S AGRICULTURAL SEED CATALOGUE for this season la LOW publishe'l. and will be forwarded per post on application. WiiolcBale Seed Warehouse, Southwarlt Street, Londoa, S.E. (late of 181, High Holborn). 454 THE GARDENERS' OHRONTCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 2, 1868. Genuine Seeds, Carriage Paid. "D 8. WILLIAMS, Seed Mekohant * and NuBSERTMAN, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper I oUoway, LoDdoa, K. NEW AND CHOICE FLOWER SEEDS. WILLIAMS' SUPERB STRAIN OF PRIMULA. B. S. W. can with confidence offer his Superb Strain of PRIMULA as being the finest in cultivation. Per Pacltet.— s. d. RED 2s. (iti., 3jf. 6d., and 5 0 WHITE 2tt. tid., 2s. 6d., and 6 0 MIXED 2». (W., 3s. Bd, and 5 0 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (Neill's extra choice Strain) 3s. (W.and 6 0 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (saved from James' Strain) lis. 6d. and 3 6 CINERARIA (WeatherUl's extra choice Strain) 3s. Oi and 5 0 POLTANTHUS (the Prize Strain) Is. Cd. and 2 C CYCLAMEN PERSICUM (Wiggins' Prize Strain) Is. ftt, 2s. 64, and 3 (1 BALSAM (Williams' Superb) Is. 6if. and 2 0 GENTIANA VERNA (this is the most beautiful of all the species for borders) 10 LILIUM AURATUM 10 GERANIUM "LE GRAND" Is. (i<(. .and 2 6 ASTER, DWARF VICTORIA, white (very beautiful).. ..10 „ FRENCH P.EONV-FLOWERED 0 0 „ CHRYSANTHEMUM-FLOWKRED 0 6 STOCK (Autumnal-flowering) 0 6 „ (DwartlO-weelil 0 0 „ (Brompton Scarlet) / The two best Scarlets iu i . . 1 0 „ (Scarlet Intermediate) I cultivation. J . . 1 0 SWEET PEA (New Invincible Scirlet) 0 0 CONVOLVULUS CUPANIANUS (a pretty creeper) .. ..10 CLARKIAPULCHELLA (dwarf white) 0 0 LUPINUS HTBRIDUS ATBOCOCOINEUS (the most showy Lupine ever latroduoed) , ,,00 WALLFLOWER (Saunders' dark variety) 10 SOLANU.M (Weatheriir.s Hybrids, see full description in previous Advertisement) .. .. 2s. 0*^., 3s. 6(i., and G 0 VIOLA LUTEA (yellow flowered Violet) 1«. Oii., 2s. 6 baa hitherto been ii flowers above the foIiaKe. I have now offeriDg it with the same erect, conspici satisfaction of style as the other lunds. of this la limited tUid year. Price &s. per packet. Geohue Clarrk, Nurseries, Streatham Place, Brixton Hill, S. ; and Mottingham, Kent. H New Calceolaria, MatcMess. ENRY WALTON has mutli pleasure in bringiug and substance ; colour rich crimson claret, habit vigorous, producing Immense trusses of flowers throughout the season. H. W. feels assured that this variety will give general satisfaction, and like Qaribold], introduced by him a lew years since, will prove to be the most distinct and beautiful variety ever introduced either for bedding j)urpo8es or pot culture. This variety is unequalled by discount to the Trade. TESTIMONIALS. From John Wills, F.it,.K.S., HuiUroydn Park, ihtar Biuniley, Lancaah ire. " Rib,— I consider your new Calceolaria, Matchless, the bobt yet brought before the public notice. The Sowers are large, of fine form and substance ; the habit of the plant is good; it is well suited either for bedding purposes or for cultivating in pots for consetva- tory decoration. It is mvaluable, producing aa It does for several months in succession immense clusters of lich crioLsoD claret Qowers of Que fomi and^ubatance, — I am, Sir, yours very truly, "JonM Wills. r CTioricy, Laaicashira. ,—\ consider your new Calceularia, 'Matchlots,' a perfect beauty la every respect — the fiaest-formed self I ever beheld ; tha colour, too, is exquisite— a beautiful crimson chu'et, and for size and profusion of bloom unequalled by any 1 ever beheld. — I am. Sir, yours very truly, " Robekt Neilu ' supply early application should be made, ; orders hava already been recelred, NEW TRICOLOR PELARGONIUM, COUNTESS OP CRAVEN. TO THIS SPLENDID VARIETY WAS AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE At the Special Exhibition of Tricolor Pelargoniums, held at South Kensington, on the 17th of September last; at the same time it was awarded a First-class Certificate by the Floral Committee. After having received the above awards, we think it useless to say more than that the habit of the plant is very free, leaf round and flat, has an even and well-defined margin of golden, yeUow, with a rich crimaon and bronze zone, encircling a deep green centre. Plants ready 1st of May next, 21s. each. TRICOLOR PELARGONIUM, QUEEN VICTORIA. THIS FINE VARIETY WAS ALSO AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE At the above-named Exhibition, as the best Tricolor in commerce, and at the same time received a Firat-i Certificate from the Floral Committee. Strong Plants now ready, 7s. 6d. each. SPLENDID NEW SCARLET VERBENA, SHAKESPEARE. This is uudoubtcdly the finest Searlet Verbena ever offered. Truss and pip exceediDgl)- large and smooth, of a rich range scarlet, strong free habit. Was awarded a Fust-class Certificate by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horti- ultural Society in 1866, and would have been sent out last spring but that the stock was nearly lost in the winter. Plants ready last week in April, 5s. each.. PERKINS AND SONS, PARK NURSERY, COVENTRY. BEAUTIFUL NEW LOBELIA, LITTLE GEM. The best TesSmonial in favour of this most desirable novelty is the FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE which was AWARDED to the raiser by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1867. The flowers are pure white, with a clear well-defined blue margin, habit very compact, and blooms in a denae mass, lasting throughout the season. LITTLE GEM iviU prove itself one of the most effective and best bedding or edging pUnta of the year, and is very suitable for pot culture. PETER LAWSON and SON have much pleasure in introducing the above, and will send out Plants early in May. Price Is. each, 9s. a dozen, 50s. a hundred. SPKCIAL PRICES TO THE TRAXIE, AND FEB THOUSAND, ON APPLICATION. EDINBURGH and L O N D O N. —April, 1868. SPLENDID NEW BEDDING LOBELIA, TRENTHAM BLUE. ARE MESSES. VEITCH & SONS NOW SENDING OUT THIS MAGNIFICENT VARIETY. Price, Is. 6d. each ; 15s. per dozen ; £5 per 100. The usual discount to the Trade^ and Special Prices for large quantities. The following Testimonials in favour of this fine variety cannot but be satisfactory to all purchasers ; ■' Osinaston Manor, Derby, Feb. 26, 1868. "Dear Sir,— Your Lobelia Trentham Blue is, io itiy opinion, tho very best of the section to which it belongs, being deose, vigorous, and compact in habit, and so ^ee in producing its beautiful Sorcelaln blue flowers as to i^peedlly become a complete mass, othing could look more charming than It did in the flower garden at Trentham last year, both in beds and vases ; the latter it so com- pletely hid that one could scarcely tell what it was growing in. " I am, dear Sir, yours truly, F. Harrisok, " Mr. STtvEHs." " Gardener to F. Wright, Eaq." " St. Dunstan's. Regent's Park, Feb. 2lJ. 18C8. " Dear Sir, — Your Lobelia Trentham Blue I think is a great advance, being such a beautiful colour, and branching at every joint until it is one mass of densely crowded wood and bloom, filling the beds so evenly and den.s6ly as not to leave the slightest trace of where the branches spring from, and la:jtlDg through the seusuu better than any other uf the family. *' 1 am, yours tnilv, C, Penny, " Mr. Stkvens." " Gardener to H. H. Gibbs, Esq." " Hawkstone, Feb. 20, 186& " My dear Sir,— The erect style of growth and branching habit of your blue Lobelia, with Its persistency to form a bluut cone in what- ever position planted, places it far In advance of all others I have seen, whose great defects tare their prostrate habits and tendency to leave a blank in the centre of each plant. Its adaptability for window and balcony boxes is also of the flrst order. " D. JuDD, Gardener to the Right Hon. Viscount HilL" "Mr. Stkvbns." " Ingestre Hall, Feb. 22, 18G8. " Dear Sir,— I must congratulate you upon your Riislng such a " -^ ■ ■ vat * I remain, yours very truly, W. Puipi-a, •' Gardener to the Right. Hon. the Earl of '* Mr. Stevens." " Shrewsbury and Talbot. " *• Keele Hall, Feb. 29. 1S68. " Dear Sir,— I am pleased to find you are sendinc out your beautiful Lobelia Trentham Blue ; from its colour, free nowering and good habit, it camaot &il to give .■satisfaction— nothing in its way could be Beheve me, dear Sir, Youre truly, W. Hill. *' Gardener to 1^. Sneyd, Esq." " Alton Towers, Feb. 24, I8ii8. " Dear Sir,— Although so very late In the senflon when I saw the Lobelia— in faot, at the time Speoiosa was got quite weedy— the then splendid appearance of your variety left an improi'iiou I shall not soon forget ; it posfiosses every requisite aa a first-olass bedding plant, compaetneas, and not the least of Its peculiarities iB its exquisitely rich colour— telling at an immense distance, in faot as far as the eye can reaoh. " I am, dear Sir, faithfully youi-a, W. Moore, * Gardener to the Right Hon. the Earl of Shrewsbury. " Tatton Park Gardens, Feb. 2G, 1808. " Dear Sir,— When at Trentham last autumn I was much struck with your Lobelia Trentham Blue, which possesses a sturdy branch- " Dear Sir,— The blue Lobelia vi _ was certainly the Quest by far of the Speciusa type which I have ever met with, having every guod quality to recommend it ; such a pro- lusion of bloom, depth of colour, and luiuriauce of growth, without ■ weediness. I particularly admired 1 I window .„. , "and also as margms for vases. •' J. W. Laueenck, Gardener to the Right Rev. " Mr. Stevens." " the Lord Bishop of Winchester." " Tortvporth Court, Feb. 26, 1868. " Dear Sir,- You may remember how greatly 1 admired, when on a visit to Trentham last autumn, your new seedling Lubelia Trentham Blue, owing to its rlgoroua habit, and profusion of flowers of a deep blue colour. 1 consider it to be a flraVcloss bedder. It has, m my opinion, no equal among Lobelias, and will fill up in the flower garden a deficiency that has long ' *■-''* ' Mr. Stsveks." " Tours truly, Alex* I robust habit and prolusion of bloom cannot fail to giv* it a foremost poaltioo amongst c " 1 ftin, dear Sir, yours trulj , "Mt Ststkhs." "Gardener to Rt. Uo very effective the seedling Lobe " Mr. Stevens." The following Nurserymen, having ordered their supply direct from Messrs. V. and SONS, true to . Earl of Lichfield." supply it Mr. W. Barnes, Camberwell, Loudon Messrs. Backhouse & Son, York „ Burgess It Kent, Stoke-on-Trent Mr. Benary, Erfurt, Prussia „ H. Cannell, Woolwich „ B. Cant, Colchester Messrs, Carter & Co., High Holbom, London Mr. E. Coo Una. Derby ,, J. Cranston, Hereford „ K. Dean, Bi^dford, Yorkshire Messrs. Dilllstone & Co., Siblo Hedingham „ Downie, Laird, St Laing, Edinburgh; and Sydenham, near London Mr. J. Frasor. Lea Bridge Road, Loyton Messrs. Garaway & Co., Bristol „ E. G. Henderson & Son, Wellington Road Nuraery, St. John's Wood „ A. Henderson & Co., Piue-aiPple Place Nursery, Edgeware Road , Low & Co., Upper Clapton Messrs, Lucombe, Plnce, & Co., Exeter Mr. T. Milan, Denoaster ,, J. Nelson, Bristol Oaborn ft Sons, Fulhi'' „ Wood & Ingram, liuntingdou r. C. Turner, Slough „ K. T. Veitch, Eieter „ B. Williams. BoUoway „ Wimsett, Chelsea ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. Mat 3, ims.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ANT) AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. VICTOllIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. B. S. WILLIAMS Begs most respectfully to invite his Patrons and the Public generally to visit Uis Nursery, which at uU times eoatoins much to interost, but more espooially at the present tiiue, when the AMARYLLIS, AZALEAS, ANTHURIUMS, AND ERICAS ARE IN FULL BLOOM. The SPECIMEN FLOWEIUNG and FOLIAGE PLANTS, which will be exhibited at all the principal SI10W8 this year, :u'e to be seen to advantage in the Largo Conservatory and otlier Show Houses. Tile ORCHID HOUSES PALM STOVES (to which many new and interesting Plants have of late been added), NEW HOLLAND HOUSES,' FERN HOUSES, AZALEA HOUSES, &c., are replete with Plants which, by the interist and instruction tliej- will iUford, will weU repay a visit. The COLLECTION of SLEXICAN PLANTS at this Nursery la unsurpassed in Great Britain, with the exception uf the one at the Kew Gardens. SPRING CATALOGUE OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS will be issued early in May, Post Free to all applicants. CARRIAGE AND OMNIBUS ROUTES. Carriage Route from West End is through Albany Street, Regent's Park; Park Street, Camden Town; Kentish Town Road ; aud the Junction Road. 4 Omnibus Routes :— The " Favorite " Omnibusses from the Bank, and London Bridge Railways ; Victoria Station, Charing Cross, and Westminster; Brompton, South Kensington Museum, Piccadilly, and Regent Street, arrive at and start IVom the entrance of the Nui-sery every seven minutes. B. S. WILLIAMS, VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. GRASS SEEDS, AGBICtrLTURAL SEEDS, KIICHEN GARDEN SEEDS, FLOWER SEEDS. Catalogues forwarded post free to any address on application. BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS FOR ALL SOILS. Imperial Announcement. ' Exposition UnWerselle de 1867, "Commissariat G^n^ral, " Groupe IX., Classe 86. "Couamis-sioQ Imp^riale, "ParU. PARIS, 1867. VDue adres^e r le DiplOme de In MEDAILLK D' ARGENT qui vous a ttO dfccernO *' Je jolus a ce DiplOiue lo relevi' des Prix et uontioDS qui vous nut 6t6 attribufis dans les Concoiu's Partiels ouverta du ler Avrll 31 Octobre, et qui out motive In decision dtfijiitive du Jury later- national. UN PREMIER PRIX- GAZONS. " KeocTez, Monsieur, I'assurante, &e,, *' Le Conseiller d'Etat, "Coinml83alre Gfint-ral, (SlKDOd) " F. Le Play. " M. SuTTuN, Or. Brotagne." t> Offices of the Imperial Commi:> "Paris. "Sir, — I have tlie honour to vou the Diploma I subjoin to tbis Diploma a atute- inent uf the Prizes and Cuiumeudii- tloDB wh]ch have been awarded to jouinthe 'Sectional Conipetitiona," open from Ist April to 31st October, uQd which assisted the International Jury in their final decision. A FIRST PRIZE- GRASSES. " Receive, &c., &c., " Le Coniieiller d'Etat, " (Jommissaire G^n^ral, (Signed) " F. Le Play. "Mr. ScTTON, Great Britain." A New ChryeantliemuinB. DAir FORSYTU is now sending out several FIRST- ' * ' ) greatly iwlmlred r' riKhlllNU TIUIIMCIimMS )iy, tiWko NewingtoD, N., LoDdoD. THE PREMIER PRIX SILVER FOR GARDEN SEEDS, GEASS AND WAS AWAKLED TO SUTTON & SONS. MEDAL GEASS SEEDS, SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS PREPARED FOR EVERY DESCRIPTION OF SOIL. Buttons' Mixtures for Permanent Pastures. SUTTONS' BEST MIXTURE, L'Ss. to 32s. per acre. BUTTONS' GOOD .MIXTURE, 24s. to 26s. per aero. SUTTOUS' CUEAPER MIXTURE, 21j. per acre. Buttons' Seeds for 1 Year's Lay. BEST UUALITY, 134. 6d. per acre. Seoond quality cheaper. Suttons' Seeds for 2 Years' Lay, BEST QUALITY, 17s. M. per acre. Second quality cheaper. Suttons' Seeds for 3 or 4 Years' Lay. BEST QUALITY, 22s. per acre. Second quality cheaper. Special Estimates given for large quaniitieSt SEPARATE NATURAL GEASS SEEDS, carefuUy cleaned, in great variety. AU Goods Carriage Free, 5 per cent, allowed for cash pttyme^its. I PRICED DESCRIPTIVE LIST of GRASSES gratis and post free. SUTTON AND SONS, SEEDSMEN to the QUEEN, HEADING, BERKS. ADAM FOilSYTIl'S CATALOGUE for 1868 is now ready, atid wUl be forwarded to all applioauts for one Htoup. It contains a Bolect List of New and choice C'll^yHautheIuuuJ^, Oeorj^e'B New Tropaiulunia ; New Double, Variegated, Zouai, and other Qeraulums; Dahlias, Verbenas, Pucbaiaa, and Mlscgl. laneouu Ueddink' Plants: also a Practical Treatise (with lUlwtra- tloas) on the Culture of the Cbrysantbeiuuni. Brunswick Nursery, Stoke Newlngton, London, N. New Japanese ChrysantliemumB for 1868. JOHN SALTER bejs to announce that he is now sending out his NEW SEEDLING JAPANESE and other CIIRVSANTIIEMUM.S, PVUETHKDMS, 4c, OATALOOUES on receipt of two stamps. Versailles Nursery, William Street, IlammerBuiith Road (near Koiislnyton Railway). Established 1806. THOMAS UANDASYDE and DAVIDSON are eiecutluii Orders for HERBACEunS and ALPINE PLANTS 01 every description. Prices to the Trade on application. TiiuUAS IlANDABvnE 4 DAVinBus', NUTservmen, Seedsmen, and Florists, 'ii, Cookbuin Street, Edinburgh. Nurseries at Brunstaiu Glen, Musselburgh. Bedding Plants for the Million. JAMES Hdl.DKK i;in supply Scarlet and Varierated GERANIUMS, (AI.UEdLAHIAS, VERBENAS, DAHLIAS, SALVIA.^, I'lIt'lI.SlA.S HELIOTROPES, GAZANIAb, AGEBA- TUMS, CUPHEAS, KCENIOIAS, LOBELIAS, tc, atrouK phints, eight doKeu lor 2ils., or four dozen for Ula. M. Hamper with extra plants gratis. Also SO PELARGONIUMS, distinct sorts, for 168. caah. Crown Nuraery, Reading. Bedding Plants. THOMAS METHVEN has now, and will have all the Beddmg-out Seajion, A large SLock of all the leading Bodding- out PliinU. embracing VERBENAS, CALCEOLARIAS, UEHA- NIUMS, DAHLIAS, LOBELIA SPECIO.SA, Sc. Very lar^'e Stocks of Verbena Crimson King, Calceolaria Ambas- sador (sang's), Tropueoluin Cooper's Dehauce, PolemoQium cifiruleum voriogatiun. Leith Walk Nurseries, Edinburgh, April ffi. 60,000 Bedding Plants. W COCKS begs to otter 2.j,0U0 (hue Autunm-grown • Plants, m Cl^slzo pots) TOM TIIQMB, PUNCH, STELLA, CHRISTINE, MADAME VAUCHER, BIJOU, *■■■" •■"" POLLOCK, ITALIA DNITA, and Autumn-grown CALCEOLARIAiS ; ,.., u.„«u, JANE, MBS. other GERANIUMS i 6,«I0 6,000 VERBENAS ; 6,000 PETUNIAS ; 5,000 LOBELIAS, and 5,000 HELIOTROPES, GaZ ANEAS, &c., at extremely low prices. PRICED LISTS free. Old Nurseries, Donington, Spalding. The 'West of England Bedding Plant Establlsluuent. CUEAP BenniMi A^D orUEB Plakts. rpHOMAS SAMPSON, Proprietor of the Preston X Road Nurseries, Yeonl, Somersetshire, has much pleasure iu announcing that hla CA'TALOGUE of the above Plants is now ready, and can be bad free on application. 'r. S. is proud to say bis stock is most unique and extensive, numbering upwards of 1100,000 Plants,— by far exceeding any establish- ment in the West of England for quality and quantity, and are offered at Buch low prices as cannot fail to give the fuUest aatisl'ac- tlon. Orders executed in rotation after the liOtb April. An inspection is respectfully solicited. Plteb Dao-MMown, Manager. Hardy Bedding Plants. r) OBERT PARKER begs to offer the undernamed, all \j of which can be supplied in strong healthy plants :— ^er doz.— .*. d, CHEIRANHTUS ADPINUS 4 0 UESPERIS MATRONALIS ALBO-PLENO (Double White Rocket) . ' " LITUOSPERMUM EKDTICOSUM PANSY CLIVEDEN BLUE „ MAGPIE .. „ PURPLE .. WHITE „ „ YELLOW .. „ GREAT EASTERN SEMPERVIVUM CALlfORNICUM .. TBITOMA GBANDIS „ U VARI A GLAUOESCENS. . VIOLA CALCAllAIA CORNDTA 4 0 Notice of Removal. WAITE, BUKiNELL, HDGUINS, and CO., Seed Mehcuants, isl, High ID'Ibom, London, W.C.. have now REMOVED to tnen- NEW PREMISES In SOUTUWARK STREET, S.E., where m futuio all commumcatlons are to ba addi'essetl Extra Choice Seeds for Present Sowing. I>OBEUT PAUKEll begs to otter the undernamed, all \i of which are warranted to be of the finest possible qualities. Per packet — s. d. ASl'KRS, in six finest kinds, mixed seed 0 AMS, Ciunellia-llowered, tinflat mixed 0 0 CALCEOLARIA, herbaceous, flnest mixed 2 0 CINER.VRIA CRDENTA,flnest mixed 2 0 MYOSOTIS SYLVATICA (Cliveden variety) 0 0 POKTUL^iCAS, double-flowered, flnest mixed 10 STOCK, INTERMEDIATE WHITE 0 6 „ „ SCARLET 0 8 PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBBIATA, flnest mixed .. .. i 6 KERMESINA SPLENDENS.. ..20 WALLFLOWER, double German, flnest mixed 0 li ZINNIA ELEGANS ELORE-PLENO, flnest mixed .. ..0 0 PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES, contaming Select Lists of Agricultural, Flower, and Vegetable Seeds, Spring Bedding Plants, Greenbouae, Hardy, and Stove Plants, are pubbshed, and will be forwarded gratia to applicants. Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S.W. ILLIAM KOLLIbSON and SONS beg leave to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and Trade that the following NEW PLANTS are now reodv for sending out :— RHODODENDRON FRAGBANTISSIMUM, 2H. and 3I». 6d., according to the size, with beautiful large white flowers stained with pink, and most deliciously sweet scented. A Flmt-Ql&ss CertiDcate was awarded by the Hortloultural Society. JUNIPERUS EXCELSA STRICTA, Siberia, lus. M.— Thhi neat, elegant, and perfeotly hardy shrub also received from the Royal Horticultural Society a Flrst-claas Certlflcate. NEW DOUBLE-FLOWERING ZONAL PELARGONIUMS. EMILE LEMOINE.— The umbels of this fine double varietyare ofa deep flesh colour, shading to crimson in the centre, and are quite large " those of the single Zonal Pelargoniums, awarded a Flrat-closa Prize at the Imperial Horticultural of France. Price lOs. flti. MADAME LEMOINE.— A J flow it beautiful double Zonal Pelar. Umbels immensely large, each producing about delicate pink colour ; a very abundant flowering awarded the First Prue at the Exhibition Price 16ti. variety. It Unlverselle, Pans, lost summer, rrice los. ?OM POUCE, or MADAME ROSE CHARMEU.\-.-The Uowera o this fine variety are remiukably double, and consequently last a long time In bloom. It was raised irom the well known laiouriie Tom Thumb, the flree-flowerlng character in vvhlch it imiy partlclpatea. Colour, beautiftil crimson scarlet. ;"»'"" awarded a Prize at the ElhlblUon Unlveraelle, Paria. 10». U. Theusualdlscountallowed to the trade. .^j.p,j NBA CATALOGUE of NEW and SOFT- WOODED PLANTS 'will be forwarded, post pali on application to The Nursenea, Tooting, London, S.n . THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [May 2, 1868. SPLENDID NEW TROP^OLUM, MRS. TREADWELL.— For particulara uf this truly beautiful bedding variety, see our Advertisements in the OariUners' Chronicle, March 2S and April 4. Full description and testimonials per post on application. Plants 68. each, 42«. per doz. The usual discount to the Trade, F. 4 A. ! , The Nurseries, West Dulwich, S.E. GEO. M. F. GLENNY, JuN.'s, FLOWEK SEEDS for PRESENT SOWING ;-l2 Hardy ANNUALS, Is. M. ; 12 Half- hardy and Tender ANNUALS. Ij. 8ii. ; CALCEOLARIA, CINE- RARIA, PINK, PICOTEE, CARNATION, I'RIMULA SINENSIS, FIMBRIATA, GERANIUM and VERBENA from the best strains, each Is. Id. per packet. Post free. rAddress, 41. Carlton Road. Kentish Town, N.W. CHARLES TURNER begs to recommend FUCHSIA BLUE BOV. beautiful double, 7s. 6d. each ; ZONAL PELAR- GONIUM PIONEEK, fine salmon, 7s. 6d. each; TRICOLOR ditto MRS. TURNER, very strong grower, 16s. each ;also the set of 13new VERBENAS, 42s. ; full descriptions of which, and many other New Plants, will be found In bis GENERAL SPRING CATALOGUE, now ready, post free. The Royal Nurseries, Slough, WeatbeiUl's New Hybrid Solanums. BS. WILLIAMS has grcit pleasure in anno\inc.ing • that he has secured the whole of the STOCK of HYBRID SOLANUMS lately eshiblted before the Floral Committee by Mr. Weatherill, of Flnchley, who was awarded a Special Certificate for the Collection. For full particulars see previous larjfe Advertise- ments. Seeds sown now will produce Plants for Winter Decorations. Price per packet, 2s. 6d., Ss. 6d., and 6s. None genuine unless the packets "^ ^' "^ ' .-.,-. B. S. Will London. N. A BARGAIN, £1 Is., parkin;; included.— 2 varieties CALADIUMS, 2 var. CROTONS, 1 LOMARIA GIBBA, 2 var. ADIASTUMS, 3 new FUCHSIAS, 3 MRS. POLLOCKS, 2 var. ORCHIDS, 1 ALOCASIA MACRORHIZA VARIEGATA. A few Lots of the above now otfered, good plants, by WiLLiAU Ahuitaoe & Sou, Seed and Plant Merchants, Huddersfield. British Fern Catalogue, ROBERT SIM will send, post-free for six postage stamps. Part 1. (British Ferns and their varieties, 36 pages. Including prices of Hardy Elotlo Ferns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- TIVE CATALOGUE of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS, No. 7. Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E. RIMULA^FmBRlATA. — Six superbly frin^ged varieties, produciog immeuse flowers, mixed. Is, 6d. and '23. Gd. per packet ; superb dark Red and White do., separate, Is. Gd. and 'is. Gd. per packet. CALCEOLARIA, of the moat superb quality, Is. aod 2a. 6(i. perpkt. ; Jaue»' IntenuitioDal do.. Is. abd2.>i. did Dwarf do,, exceedingly handsome and useful, 's prize), Is. and 2s. 6rf. per packet. CINERARIA (Sc( J. Scott, The Seed Stores, Yeovil, Somerset. ROSES, strong blooming plants, in Pots — 12 Choice named Hybrid Perpetuals, 9s. ; 25 varieties, ISs. ; 60 varieties. 38s. ; luO varieties, 72s. 12 Cboics named Tea-scented and Noisette, 12^. ; 24 varieties, 2is. 12 Varieties of China, Bourbon, and Fairy, 8s. Trade price on application. H. & R. STiRRAK.tR, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. New and Good Roses. JOHN HARRISON begs to inform his friends in the Trade that he can supply fine plants of all the best NEW ROSES of 1867, at l'2s. to 18s. per dozen, including Countess Jaucourt, Countess Turenne, Madam Martin de Besse, Madame Margottin, kc. The above have now tine wood, fit for immediate Budding or Grafting. The New Rose of the present year, fine plants, 24s. per dozen. North of England Rose Nursery, Darlin^on. J. Geraniums, Geraniums. Z. PADMAN, Providence Nursery, Boston Spa, Yorkshire, can supply the following GERANIUMS (packajje included) for £1 : — 3 LA GRANDE I 4 VIRGO MARIE i 6 MISS KINGSBURY ti GOLD LEAF 3 PINK STELLA 2GL0IRE DE NANCY.dbl. 3 SUNSET I fi MRS. POLLOCK | 3 ITALIA UNITA N.B. For any of the above kinds not required others of equal value will be substituted. CATALOGUES flee on application. | T/^ A R I EG A T E~D ' PE L A R G 0 N I U M S. i GERANIUMS, Show, Spotted, and Fancy.— Strong healthy, bloominir plants, in 5-inch pots. 12 choice named distinct 8ort.s for Ss. ; 26 ditto for iGa. ; 60 ditto for 3Us. A really good Selection of named, in two of a sort, at 60s. per 100. Trade prioe on application,. H, &, R. Stirzaker, Skerton Nurseries, Lanoaster. LADY CULLUM ITALIA UNITA KENILWORTH COUNTESS GOLDEN PHEASANT \ IjAUI \JVL.L.uai i INTERNATIONAL | NEATNESS | PICTURATA The 12 varieties, in strong plants, for 21s. If any of tbem are required, others of equal value will be substituted. Remittances requested from unknown correspondents. Address Alfred Fryer, Nurseries, Chatteris, Cambrideeshirt SPECIAL OFFER of PELARGONIUMS, O Per dozen — s. -mch pots, at S.t. pe" dozen The Nurseries, Huntingdon. _ Thoroughly Established and Hardened-off Bedding Plants. WOOD AND INGRAM beg to offei- extra strong and bushy plants, in single pots, of the following, which cannot fail to Ro on well and give entire satislactio-i ;— VERBENAS, best bedding Tarietles, in 2i-lnch pots, extra bushy plants, 2s. per dozen. [per dozen. CALCl!,OLARIA AUREA FLORIBUNDA, in S-lncb pots, 28. fid. POA TRIV[ALIS ARGENTEA ELEGANS {Variegated Meadow Grass), Id 21-inch pots, 2k. 6rf. per dozen. LOBELIA MISS MURPHY, best white, very compact grower, in 2i-ineh pots. 2j». 6rf. per dozen. GERANIUM CHRISTINA, in 3-inch pots, 2s. 6rf. per dozen. „ Various fine bedding Zonal, In 3-inch pots, 2s. to 3«. per dozen. AGERATUM CO'XESTINUM NANUM, the very best bedding \ariety. la 2t-lnch pots, 2s. fid. per dozen. IRESINE HERBSTII. in 2HncUpot9, 2s. 6d. per dozen. AUREA RETICULATA, in 2i-lnch pots, 3s. per dozen. HUMEA ELEGANS, splendid specimens, in Id-inch pot-s 2 to 2\ ft ■■ ■"*'* "" ~ "' ■ , 3(ia. per dozeu. New Zealand Nursery. St. Alban's, Herts. J WATSON'S beautiful BEDDING PELARGONIUM • EXCELSIOR, now ready ; colour of Indian Yellow ; flno truss, and habit of Lord Palmerston. Price bs. each ; 36s. per doz. to the Trade. MISS WATSON, ready August 25 ; MRS. DIX, May 1. The Two have received 10 Fii-st-class Certificates and Extra Prize Monev. Fine New TABLE APPLE, ST. ALBAN'S PIPPIN. Ripe in Apnl. Plants ready in November, 5s. each; 36s. per doz, to the Trade. DESCRIPTIVE LIST sent on application. r/ONAL GERANIUMS, NEW FUCHSIAS, &c.— ZJ 100 fine ZONAL GERANIUMS, of the best raif-ers, Beaton's, Paul's. Bull's. Smith's, *c.. in 50 varieties, for 30s. 12 select new FUCHSIAS of 1867 for 6s. 12 select new ZONAL GERANIUMS of 1367 for 6s. 12 select new CHRYSANTHEMUMS of 186T for 4s. 12 select new VERBENAS of 1867 for 3s. 3 varieties of new JAPAN OSMANTHUS, quite hardy, and aa fragrant as a Jasmine, for 6s. 12 flue varieties JAPAN EUONYMUS for 6s. 12 fine varieties gold leaf and gold bronte zoned G-ERANIUMS, very fine, for 12s. 12 POA TRIVIALIS ARGENTEA ELEGANS (Silver Grass), for 3s. UDACTYLIS GLOMEKATA ELEGANS VARIEQATA for 3s. PANICUM VARIEGATUM. Is. I COLEUS GIBSONI. 6rf. COLEUS VEITCHII, 6(i. , ATROPURPUREA. 6d. 12 IRESINE HERBSTU AUREA RETICULATA. 2s. Gd. 12 Variegated Ivy-leaved GERANIUM L'ELEGANTE, 6s. 12 AGERATUM. PRINCE ALFRED ; this is the deepest blue and dwarfest hanit out ; Sn. 12 LOBELIA BLUE KING, one of the bPst dwarf varieties, 3s. VJ Golden Feather, PYRETHRUM PARTHENHi-OLIUM AUREA, 6s. B. W. KNrr.HT, Nunserrnian. Battlfl, Susses, New Nosegay, Zonal, Gold and Bronze Pelargoniums. DOAVNIE, LAIRD, and LAING. FLORihTs to the ' QuF-EN, have much pleasure in offering the following liplendid NOVELTIES. Plants ready first weeic in May, 1868. NOSEGAY SECTION. COUNTESS of RO.SSLYN. — Bright violet pink, witU a glowing bold truss ; very tjffective and distinct. First-class Coriificates nt Royal Horticultural Society, Crystal Palace, and Brighton. 7-''- 6cf, each. EMELINE. — A delicate and beautiful shade of blush pink, pips stout and smooth, immense truss, excellent habit ; extra. First-class Certificates at Royal Horticultui-al Society, Regent's Park, and Crvstal Palace. 7s. 6d. e.ach. ROSK .STELLA.'— Rosy pmk, shaded with violet, largo truss, dwarf iVcc-braiiching habit ; a most excellent variety. First-class Certificates at R-oyal Horticultural Society and Crystal Palace, 7s. Gd. each. The above tbree varieties completely eclipso all other pink Nosegavs ever mtroduced ; they are equal in size of truas to "Stella," much more compact m habit, each being a dtstlnct shade of colour, and have been pronounced as great acqmaitions by all wbo have seen them. COUNTESS of STRATHMORE.— Bright glowing orange scariet, truss large and full, vigorous habit; a bold and striking variety. This line sort has not been exhibited. 7s. 6d. eacb. COMET.— Bright cherry crimson, shaded with violet, large compact truss, dark zonate foliage, dwarf compact habit. First-class Certificate at Regent's Park. 6s. each, NOSEGAY FLORIBUNDA. — Clear pale orange scarlet, very smooth compact globular truss, the pips of great substance, with as many as 133 on one truss ; continues a long time la bloom ; a magnificent pot plant. First-class Certificate at Regent's Park. 7s. Qd. each. THE SULTAN.- Brilliant scarlet, shaded vrith crimson, very broad smooth petals, largo truss, dwarf habit; a most excellent sort, 7s. 6d. each. THE RIGHT HON. G. HARDY.— Vivid orange acariet, with a fine glowing shade of colour, having large and well-rounded trusses, excellent habit, free blooming, pale zonate foliage ; a superb variety. First-cIass Certificate at Crystal Palace and Brighton, and Certificate at Royal Horticultural 'Society. 7s. 6d. each. ZONAL SECTION. MISS EDITH. — Blusb, suffused with rose, very fine form and substance, dwarf free compact habit. 5s. each. SERAPH. — Orange salmun. large white centre, pips large and smooth, of great substance, distinct dark zonate leaves ; a flue exhibition Variety, First-class Certificate, Royal Horticultural Society, la. Gil. each. The set of 10 for £3, Special offer for quantities. GOLD AND BRONZE SECTION. COUNTESS of KELLlE.— Leaves bright golden yellow, with light chestnut zone, shaded with bright red, habit vigorous and com- pact; a fine and mobt effective header. This is decidedly the finest ot the light coloured Gold and Bronze varieties ever offered ; awarded First-class Certificate bv Royal Horticultural Society. First-clas.4 Certificate. Royal CaledonLan Horticultural Society, Sept. lS(i7. 168. each, MRS. JOHN TODD.— Leaves soft golden yellow, with a pale bronzy red zone, vigorous and compact habit, fine bedder. The above v Bronze ' held at KensingLon_j^ for 31s. The stock of several of the above being limited, early orders f NEW TRICOLOR PELARGONIUMS, CROWN JEWEL and SUNRISE. — A Coloured Drawing, by Andrews, representing a leaf of each of the above splendid varieties, strong plants. Saltm, V. Mou , Chelmsford. New Bronze Zonal Geraniums. MARTIN AND SON, Ni'RsKTiYMEN, Cnttingbam and Hull, beg tn offer as under, which are of first-claas excellence, and cannot be surpassed, GERANIUM MISS MURPHY (Ushir's).— A very large flat gold leaf, 7 Inches across, with brone zone, quite distinct, and magnl- flcentbedder; the flower also la good shape, 6». each, 30s. perdoz. BED of GOLD (MAnTiN's).— The leaf of this is bright gold colour purposes cannot be excelled ; it ts very > distance, being glaring and distinct. Ss. each, 3 ALPINE AURI(;ULA, very choice, from the flues per packet. for bedding ispici I at I /^ FRANIUMS, Show and Freneh Varieties, Stron<; VX Plants, 508. per 100 ; fine Show Varieties of Zonals, 30s. per 100, strong Plants. Also — Gold Leaf . . Italia Unita.. Twilight Reined'Or .. St. Clair Burning Bush Mrs. Lennox Glowworm . . Culford Beauty Countess of Warwick Cloth of Gold Golden Fleece Improved 11 0 I Emperor Fontainebleau ., .. 0 0 Silver Nosecay ,. .. 4 0 Annie Williams .. ,. 6 0 Mrs, Melford .. .. 4 0 Silver Chain 6 0 Special price given by the 100. Martin & Son, 7. Market Place, Hull. PELARGONIUM EBOK (Bronze Zonal);-Highi^ recommended for its fine constitution, habit, form, and marking, for which it is unsurpassed, 10s. Gd. For full descrip- tion see Catalogue. PELARGONIUM FLAMBEAU (Variegated Zonal),— Exceedingly rich in colour, and close m habit. Has been tested and proved an excellent bedder. 7s. Gd. For description see Catalogue. ARTEMISIA STELLERIANA,-This we believe will prove to be one of the best silver foliaged bedding plants ever introduced. For full description see Catalogue, 9d. each, Ss, per dozen, 50s. per 100. Just ready, Jas. BAoanoDSE 4 Son's CATALOGUE of STOVE, GREF.NHOUSE, and BEDDING PLANTS — including FERNS, ORCHIDS, ic, sent free on application. York Nurseries. Choice Tricolor and Bronze Zonal Pelargoniums. JiilLCOMBE AND SON beg to offer sironn plants, at • moderate prices, of all the best varieties, including LUCY GRIEVE, LOUISA SMITH, IMPERATRICE EUGENE, LADY CULLUM, Sophia Cusack, Sophia Dumaresque. Compactum. Peril la. Lady Palmerston. Queen Victoria, Queen of Tricolors, Golden Ray, Beauty of Ca'derdaie, Rev, Mr. Radclyffe, Princess Alexandra. Ac. NEW ZONAL, NO.SEGAY, and DOUBLE GERANIUMS. BEDDING PLANTS in great variety. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE sent free on application. Nursery and Seed Establishment, Rorasey, Hants. E Choice Variegated Geraniums. G. HENDERSON and SON offer 12 Varieties of the following, their own or purchaser's selection, for 21a. Many in this collection are very strong plants _ Amy Goldfinch Queen Mary Annie Williams Beauty of Questwiok Joson Rosette Oulton Kenilworth Rosy Gem Bicolor splendens Lady Cullura Silver Chain Brilllantissima Lady of Shallot Bronze Queen Lightning Snowflake Butterfly Little Pot Socrates [(bedder) Canary Bird Luna Stella alba n.arginata Centunon May Queen Circlet ginata (for pots) Countess of Tyrconnel Meteor Sunset Crystal Palace Gem „ Longfleld The Empress Topsy 1 Venus Waltbam Gem Cupid „ M. Hutton Gaiety .. Pollock General Longstreet Yellow Belt Golden Harkaway Plcturatum Zingara 12 varieties from ,he following, purchaser's selection, 60s. ; E. G. Henderson & So r.s selection, 42s. Applebv Hall Beauty Eastern Beauty Lucy Grieve Beautv Supreme Fair Annie Moire Antique Caroline Lonfield Glen Eyre Beauty Mrs. E. Constable Cistlemilk Gloworm „ R. Wvnn Duke of Edinbureh Golden Ray Princess of Wales Edwinia Fitzpatrick Jock o' Hazeldean Sophia Dumaresque Emerald E- G. Henderson Lady Cullum Wassand Hall Beauty Electric Light and Shadow Wellington Ro ad Nursery, St. John's Wood. Loudon. 1 September 17, 1867. ■equested, as they will be executed The abovt; were the admiration of all who Metropolitan Shows last year. For Opinions of the Press, New FJoriEt Flower List, free br — *■ Stanstead Park, Forest Hif NEW SHOW FANCY PELARGONIUMS, GOLD, BRONZE, and TRICOLOR GERANIUMS, CINERARIAS. AZALEAS, &c, Ueauty of Calderdale, Beauty of Ribblesdale. Princess Alice, Model, Glowworm, Beauty, Firebrand, Perilla. Sophia Dumaresque, Sophia Cusack, Edwina Fitzpatrick, Countess of Tyrconnel, Lady Cullum. The above set of 13 for 40s.. hamper and package included. Beauty of Oulton. Crystal Palace Gem, Gaiety, President Lincoln, Neatness, Luna, Circlet, Italia Unita, Empress, Sunset, Variegated Stella, Glowworm, Beauty, Countess of Tyrconnel, Edwina Fitz- patrick. 12 for 18s,, or the set for 23s., hamper, 4c., included. New Show PELARGONIUMS.— Archbishop. Beauty of Windsor, Betrothed. Congress, Favourife. Golden Button, International, King of ^'lowers. Lord Lyon. Miltoo, Mongine, Perfection, Turban, William Hoyle, Charles Turner, and Progress. Purchaser's selection of 12 for 24s. ; H. W.'s selection of 12 for 20s-, or the 16 for 303., hamper and mat included. CINERARIAS, flrst-clnss named sorts, strong plants, just coming into flower, 8s. to 12s. per dozen, hamper and package free. New Zonal GERANIUMS.— Duchess of Sutherland, Intematiooal, Lady C. Grosvenor, Alba floribunda nana. Miss Martin, Sir F. Kelly, King of Nosegays. Mrs. Laing, Sambo, Blue Bell. Crimson Queen, Dr. Hogg, Glory of Waltham, Kingfisher. Lilacinum, Memnon, Omen, Purple Queen. Troubadour, Waitham Nosegay, Excelsior, Distinction, Maid of Kent, Andromeda. 12 of the above. In strong plants, for 12«., or 24 for20?„ hamper, &c., included. Older varieties of Zonals at 6n. to 8s. per dozen; 12 fine Show Geraniums from 88. to 12s., or 25 for ISs.. hamper included ; 12 fine Fancy Geraniums from 8«. to 128., or 26 for 18s., hamper included; 12 Luna, strong plants, 8s. to Vlt. : 12 Glowworm, 18s. ; 12 Beauty, 18s. ; 12 Gaiety, 8s. to 128. ; President Lincoln, 98. ; 12 Circlet, Os. Cheaper by the loo. New AZALEAS, Fascination, Andersonii. Charmer, and Vivid, 7s, 6rf. each, or the 4 tor 2l8. AZALEAS,— H. W. begs to call special attention to his specimen and hrm. A liberal allowance to Amateurs, where the Set Is taken. Salisbury, April 18. To the Trade, CALCEOLARIAS.— A UREA FLORIBUNDA, HAMPTON COURT, YELLOW PRINCE ol ORANGE, ««. per 100. GERANIUMS.— TOM THUMB. STELLA NOSEGAY, CHRIS- TINE, MADAME VAUCHER, IOs. perlOO. The above are strong plants out of Store Pots. GERANIUMS.— MRS. POLLOCK, fis. per dozen ; SUNSET, 12s. per dozen ; ITALIA UNITA, 12a. per dozen— in Pots. Good plants Samdel Co\, Nurseryman and Florist, Bullring, Ludlow, Salop. F> M. STARK offers (amonff many rare and showy t • Plants) the following PERENNIALS of special interest :— CAMPANULA CELTIDIFOLIA. — A showy species from the Caucasus, with ncu purple blue flower. Is. Gd. fur tVf-ili '-■r 'In^'i bouquets. Is, 6d. 'Hill l;.^ M \r.i.iINATA. — From Western America, flowers ■ '^-i, and pure white; scented like a Magnol'a. 6«. II 1 I 1 1' >\\\CZH. — A neat spreading species from J tnan. I, 1 . '. ■[■ . iiiLeolate, with clusters of yellow flowers. Well ii:..iiji.,liv.i i...^.vivork. -^s.Gd. i receipt of a Post-office Order for Qs., a plant of each will bo , carriage free. Special offers of these and others to the Trade. Y'ork Road, Trinitv, Edinburgh. W Wonersh Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. VIRGO AND SON beg to announce that their of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds is this f and Catalogues of which c 25,000 Hazel, 3 to 6 feet 60,1100 Spruce Fir, 2 t Plnua Austriaca. id well-grown, s application : — I re en Holly, transplanted. Berberis aqulfoUa RAYNBIRD, CALDECOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLINQ, AND COMPANY (Limited^, Corn, Seei Address, 89, Seed Market, ilark Lane, E.C. ; or Basingstoke. Samples and Prices post free on application. Prize Medals, 1861, for Wheat ; 1862, for "Excellent Seed Com and Seeds." LOISE-CHAUVIERE, Seed Grower, Nurseryman, and Florist, 14, Quai de la M^Risserie, Paris. Eighty-four Gold and Silver Medals in the Exhibitions of France, England, Belgium, and Prussia (Gold Medal, Universal Exhibition of 1807). By appointment Seedsman to the Emperor. All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS can be supplied. Including — GREEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET (true seed). RED-TOP IMPERIAL Lowest price for cash on application. SUTTON AND SONS can supply fine New SEED of the above, at verj- moderate prices, which may be had on application, SoTTON 4 Sons, Seed Growers, Reading Mangel Wurzel. ^ ^ r .1. JOHN PERKINS. Sen., beps to offer Seed of tbe above, growth of 1867. from carefully selected stocks. YELLOW GLOBE. lOd. per lb. ; LONG RED, 9rf. per Ih ; cheaper by the cwt. Address John Perkins, Sen., Seed Warehouse, 52, Market Square, Northampton- TEE GARDENERS' CHROMCLE AM) AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 2, 1868. MAGNIFICENT NEW HYBRIDS OF COLEUS. KAISED AT THE GARDENS OF THE KOTAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. MESSES. VEITCH & SONS Have much pleasure in annnuncin;; that at the Sale held on the 22d inst. of the above Bplendid Plants they purchased SIX OF THE FINEST AND MOST DISTINCT VARIETIES, ™.- C. BEEKELETI, | C. SAUNDERSII, | C. ROCKERI, | C. BAUSEI, C. SCOTTII, and C. BATEMANII. For full description of whirh, see Gardeners' Chronicle of April 11, 1868, pages 376 and 377. MESSRS. VEITCH and SONS intend distributing these magnificent NOVELTIES during the ensuing Summer at the following Prices, and will be glad henceforth to book Orders, which will be executed strictly in Plane-leaved Series. C. BERKELETI . . 1.5.!. Orf. C. SAUNDERSII .. 10 6 C. RUCKERI . . ..106 Frilled- leaved Series. C. BAUSEI .. .. 155. 0-;. C. SCOTTII .. .. 10 6 C. B.iTEMANII .. 10 6 Or the Set of 6 varieties together, 4Ss. ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, CHELSEA, S.W. NEW VARIETIES OF COLEUS. WILLIAM BULL, F.L.S., Has much pleasure in announcing that the following magnificent varieties will be ready for distribution in ^ ATTRACTION BEAUTY CHARM CRIMSON VELVET DISPLAY ELEGANT GAIETY GEM GRANDEUR LUSTRE MATCHLESS MARVEL NONSUCH PERFECTION RENOWN SPANGLE SPARKLER SUNBEAM Price 10s. 6d. each. Mr. W. B. has succeeded by careful fertilisation in raising upwards of ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY BEAUTIFUL NEW VARIETIES Of this exceedingly useful and ornamental tribe, from which the above have been selected to put in commerce. They are of the most diversified character. In some the leaves are so strikingly cut or serrated that it gives them a fringed appearance, while, in contrast to this, others are almost smooth ; the colours are of the richest description, embracing in the different varieties many shades of glowing red and rich dark crimson, some shot with purple on a rosy leaf, others blotched with crimson on a ereen ground, while others, again, have green leaves margined with crimson, and, vice versa^ crimson margined with green, and some arc blotched with crimson on an olive ground. The leaves of some of the varieties are quite flat, while others are of the old Verschafleltii shape. They present a great variety in the colour of the stems, being respectively green, crimson, and purple. The utility of the COLEUS is so well-kno^VIl for ornamental purposes, whether for bedding or decoration» where coloured- leaved plants are desired, they are grown so easily, and make such fine specimens in so short a time, that the merit of the varieties now oifered can scarcely be over-estimated. Mr. "WILLIAM BULL will be happy to show these NEW HYBRID COLEUS to visitors to his Establishment. ESTABLISHMENT for NEW and RARE PLANTS, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. SPLENDID NEW HYBRID COLEUS, RAISED BT THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. J. W. WIMSETT HAS MUCH PLEASURE IN ANNOUNCING THAT HE HAS SECURED TWO OF THE MOST DISTINCT AND BEAUTIFUL VARIETIES, Raised by M. Bause, of the Chiswiek Horticultural Gardens. The two following varieties will prove invaluable for bedding purposes, and will produce a grand effect in all bedding arrangements ^vith Wills' splendid Bronze and Gold Pelargoniums. The beautiful shades of green and purple in Coleus Murray! will produce a splendid combination of colour when surrounded by margins of the beautiful Bronze and Gold Pelargoniums of which Her Majesty is the t5T)e ; and the rich chocolate purple of Coleus Marshallii will also contrast beautifully with the rich bronze and gold shades of the Pelargoniums :— C. MARSHALLII (Verschaffeltu of the midrib and tc ' groen margin Veit^-hii) . This has Md IB the plane-leaved counterpart, green, stained with purple apparent green edge than C Be Each 10*. 6rf., or Six for bhs. Gibfioni). C. MURRAYI (Verschaffeltii Leaves ovate acute, crenate, green, principal veins with bars of dark purple, nuii.u auuioi,iiiiD^ -..uaiosi^s, the rest of the surface showtDg through from beneath the purple retlculatioDS, which are evenly and Btrongly marked on the under surface ; stems purple. This is a more evenly and more fully coloured form of C. Gibsoni, and therefore a great Improvement on it. Each 10.-!. 6rf., or Sis for 655. In consequence of the plants being large, and the ease and rapidity with which they can be propagated. J. W. WiMSETT will be able to supply plants of each variety by the dozen, 50, or 100, on the 1st of June, N.'B. All Orders booked and executed in strict rofation. ASHBURNHAM PARK NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.W. COLEUS TELFORDI (AUREA). THE BEAUTIFUL NEW GOLDEN -LEA VED COLEUS. Leaves ovate acuminate, and deeply serrated on the edge, bright golden yellow, with crimson blotch in the centre of each leaf ; the plant has a very neat habit and moderately vigorous style of growth. This beautiful variety will prove invaluable for cross-breeding purposes and for conservatory decoration. No collection of stove plants will be complete without it. J. W. WIMSETT has much pleasure in announcing that he has secured the whole of the stock of this, the most distinct and beautiful of all the varieties of Coleus ever offered. This fine variety haft been perpetuated by Mr. Peter McPhail, in the gardens of C. Telford, Esq., of "Wcdmore Lodge, Bromley, Kent. It is a sport from C. Blumei, Plants will be veady for sending out on the Is/ of June, and all Orders will be booked in strict rotation. Each 10s. 6d., or Six for 65s. BARR & SUGDEN, THE METROPOLITAN SEED, BULB, AND PLANT WAREHOUSE, 12, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. becomes fainter. Ere, however, the combatants retir( battle-field to quietly burnish their armour for the autumn campaign, we join with our confreres the Nursenmen, who are now enterine the field, In contributing our quota to the noveltiea of ictc are familiar with the J . __ __jently with the query:— Who supplied the Oraaa Seeds for the Parts Exhibition ?" Without inquiring too minutely Who? we strongly suspect that whoever supplied the seed of the humble herb which our illostration is meant to represent, their minds at the time must have been fixed in coutemplation upon the golden fruit-bearing trees of the gardens of the Hesperirtes ; and seeing that we are living in the iron age, the raising of a plant bearlog .Silver Medile must be regarded as no small achievement ; and as the mystery still remains unsolved— whose contribution of seed produced this remarkable Grass— it is not at all surprising that there should be so many claimants for the honour, and more particularly for the possession of a plant, the commercial value of which is no doubt felt by them to be even greater than the prestige of its introduction. The Japanese Queen of Lilies. A Correspondent of the Times has the following remarks regarding this most magntflcent of modern floral Introductions : — " LUlum auratum, this golden-rayed Queen of Lilies, is the moat beautiful of the Lily family. It is perfectly hardy, and for the adornment of the flower garden, the conservatory, and the sitting room, it is unrivalled. The whole English floral world, on its introduction, was jubilant with delight, hailing its advent as an astronomer would the "iscovery of a star of the first magnitude; and in every city '" Europe and America it has i been dear to the heart of the m most successful conquering hero. LILIUM AURATUM, Flowering Roots, each 2^. 6rf., 3s. 6(f., 6^. Bd., 7s. 6d., and 10s. Qd. ; also a few very Urge Roots at special prices. The Gladiolus. The same writer who dilates so eloquently on the Lillura auratum thinks "we have a fine illustration of Darwin's Theory of Selecti quotea) i BARR ANn SUGDEN'S PERMANENT PASTURE GRASSES and CLOVERS, of the flnest quality; fiiifflcient for Laying Down an Acre. 31s. The following are very Choice Seeds. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA.— ThiFstralnisremarkable for superbly fringe 1 flowers, which are large, of gieat substance; <. fi(j. imd 3s. 6rf. per packet. BARR-S COAJ-ENT GARDEN PRIMULA NEW CRIMSON SHADED MADDER. — A most beautifully fringed, large flowered, and distinct variety ; 2s. 6d. and 3s. Gd. per pricUet. BARR'S C6VENT GARDEN PRIMULA NEW STRIPED.- Beautifully fringed, large-flowered, flowers white, striped red ; 3s. 6d. and 5s. Gd. per packet. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN PRIMULA, FERN-LEAVED.— This is a superb class ; flowers very handsome, aad foliai^e remarkably ornamental : alba, rosea, and mL^ed : each, 2s. Gd. and 3s. Gd. pkt. BARR'S COVENT GARDEN DOUBLE PRIMULA.— Pui-e white and rich cannine ; each, 2s. Gd. and 3s. Gd. per packet. These perfectly ti PELARGONIUMS, eaved from very choice varieties, 2s. Gd. per pkt. CARNATIONS, saved from very choice varieties, 2a. 6d. per packet. PICOTEES, saved Irom very choice varieties, 2s. 6d, per packet. Showy and Beautiful Flower Seeds, In Collections, 2s, M.. 38. 6d.y 68. 6d., 7s. Gd., 10s. 6(1., Ifis., 21s., SOs., 42s., and 63s. ASHURNHAM PARK NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.W. Wholefiale and Retail Agents for the following :— STANDEN'S GARDENER'S and AMATEUR'S FRIEND MANURE, in Is., 2s. Gd., 6s. Gd., 10s. 6d., and 21s. canisters. FOWLER'S INSECTICIDE, in Is. Gd., 3s., 5s. 6d., and 10s. jars. THOMSON'S STYPTIC, in 3s. bottles. M'DOUGALL'S PHOSPHATIC MANURE, in Is. and 2s. Gd. canisters; in bags, 5s. Gd., 10s , ISs., and S.'is. PERUVIAN GUANO, pure: CUBA PETRE, pure; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, pure; CRUSHED BONES, and DISSOLVED BONES ; each of these Manures made up in and 2S. 6d BARR AND StTGDEN. Mat 2, I.] THE GAT^DENERS' CITRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, 459 CARTER'S NEW PLANTS FOE 1868. JAMES CARTER & CO. Have the lionour to announcii that they have purchased nf the Counill of the Koyal Horticultural Society A MAGNIFICENT SET OF FOUR entirely new and distinct varieties of HYBRID COLEUS, Raispd in the Eoyal Horticultural Society's Gardons at Chiswick, and which attracted so much admiration at the Meeting of the Society on April 7. From the Oardmers' ClironicU, of April 11, 1808. "New Hyiirids or Cole us.— Amongst the subjects which havo been successtully broiight under the Inftnenco of tbe cross-breeder at the Chiawick Giirdun, a prominent place must be given to tbe genus Coleus, on which M. Bause has practised with results which are in Kvery way satisfactory. A considerable number of hybrid novelties of this family has heen raised, and a selection from these was exhibited on Tuesday last at the meeting of the Floral Coniuiittee at South Kensington, where the plants attracted much attention. The raaterials operated on in this case were ibe followmg:— C. Veraohat- ' ■ ■ .... .. Tbia was fertilised by and in the offspring I have been effected. __ . ige In two series, the ) having pLjine crenated leaves, as m C. Veitcbii, and the other having incisu -dentate frilled leaves, as in C. Verscbafleltti, so that some follow In this respect the mother and some the father plant. The best of the forms, so far as yet developed, are tbe following:— PLANE-LEAVED SERIES. COLEUS DIXIl (a hybrid between C. Verscbaffeltii and C. Gibsoni). 1 purple. A very brightly coloured and effective sort, froi FRILLED-LEAVED SERIES. COLEGS CLARKEI (a hybrid between C. Verschafleltil and C. Uibsoni). — Leaves cordate ovftte, acute, inciso-dentate, sub- undulate, groeu above, with the edge of the teeth purple, and showing through the dark purple venation with which the under surface in almost everywhere marked ; stem purple, mottled with green. One ot the darker-tinted sorts, having the markings of the reticulated character. chocolate, shaded with purple, tbe base of the leaf and the teeth slightly tipped with thu same colour ; under surface freely mottled with purple; stem green, mottled with purple. A very elegant mottled coloured frill-leaved sort, quite distinct irova any of the foregoing. COLEUS KEEVESII (a hybrid between C. VerachafTeltli and C. Blumei).— Leaves ovite acuminate, inciso-dentite, filled with coirou wiivy teeth, green, mottled with bronze and purple, sparingly dotted towards the base, and laid on in close reticula- ttoD» Sknd patches towards tbe edge, the centre bemg deeply tmted and entirely of a dark colour, and tbe teeth green, with 7 purple edges: stem green, blotched with purple. This, \ to suppose, is a much less deeply tt tiiose previously not' " Now that coloured-leaved plants are applied to so many uses in orsamental g^irdeuing, we cannot but regard these new hybrids of ColeUB as mo.st valuable acquisitions, both for iu-door and out-door purposes, and they will doubtless not be long in making their way into the hands of cultivators. We may therefore heartily conRratu- late M. Bause on the re.sult of his labours in this direction." (^" The above descriptions are verbatim as given by the Royal Horticultural Society. JAMES CARTER and CO. are in a position to offer these splendid Novelties for delivery on July 1. As the number of plants will be limited, orders will be registered and expouted in strict rotation. The Set, one plant of each of the four sorts, for 31«. ^d. Each, per plant, 10.s. 6rf. Prices of tlie above to the Trade on appUcatmi. JAMES CARTER & CO.'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE Is now ready, containing complete Lists of New and Choice Stove, Greenhouse, and Bedding Plants; also Coloured representations of the following New Geraniums — Egyptian Queen, Emile Lemoinc, and Madame Leraoine, and may be had Gratis and Po.st Free on application to CASTER'S GREAT LONDON SEED WAKEHOUSE, 237 & 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. SEEDS for PASTURES, acre, carriage free, StJTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for PARK GROUNDS, \Qs. per bUHliul, carriage free. QUTT0N8' GRASS SEEDS" for CRICKET kj GROUNDS, 18a. per bushel, carriage freo^ SUTTONS^ "GIIaSS SEEDS for CEMETERIES, Ifi.-f. per bushel, carriage free. S~ ufrONS'^GRASS SEEDS for BOWLIN^REENS, 18s. per bushel, carriage free. SUTTONS' GRASS SEEUS for CKUUUET GROUNDS, 1.S-. per lb., or 20^. per bushel, carriage free. Sow three busihols per acre. Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. VERBENA LADY EOUGHTON.— This splendid white Verbena, with crimson oye, each pip larger than a shilling, beautifully fragrant. Immonse truss and good habit — for Pots or Beds fluperiorto all other whites, is now ready to be sent out, in good Plants, 18s. per dozen. The usual Discount to the Trade. I, and Flonst, Bullring, Ludlow, Salop. SEEDLING VERBENA LADY BOUGHTON, "pui-e white, with crimson oye, each pip larger than a shilling ; good habit, and flna trusser, does not discolour out-of-doors like other sorts. Plants ready end of April, 18.'-'. per dozen. Circulars on application. The usual discount to the Tradi Sam /^RAND . Cox, Seed Merchant, Niirseryman, and Florist, Ludlow, HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIUN at LEICESTER, In connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 16 to 23, 1868. Amongst various Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP {copy of the famous Cellini Cup) VALUE £21. will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS" CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows :— Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish ■ each -.—Grapes, Melons (2 fruits). Strawberries, Goosebernea, Currants, Cherries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 18671. Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, ^.le basket or bundle of each :— Peas, French Beans (or Scarlet Runners), Broad Beans, Cauliflowers. Cucumbers (brace), Summer Cibbages, Early Carrots, Turnips, irtichokes. Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatos, or Mixed Saladlug. This Prize will be ooen to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners," of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetables of Iheir own growing; any article otherwise obtained will disqualiiy ttie exhibitor. In awardinc these Prizes tho following Marks will be allowed for the several subjects produced, according to their individual merit :— Grapes Melons (2 fruits) Strawberries Gooseberries Cherries Raspberries Apples of 18G7 (Any 6 of the above 8 subjects). French Beans Broad Beans Cauliflowers Cucumbers (2) Summer Cabbages Early Carrots Turnips Globe Artichokes Onions Spinach Rhubarb Potatos Mixed Salading (Any 8 of the above 14 suhiects). HATURDAY, MAY 2, 1868. MEF.TVOS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. May 4— Entomnloeical r Royal Horticultural (Fruit and Floral ,) Couimitteeai. at South Kenfiiojtton .. 1 nitfo (Sticntitic Committee) ( Ditto (Gfnerai Meeting) . — 7-Liiint'an ( Koyal Horticultural (Show of Early , — 9< A/alcas and Spring ' C .Suutli KCDfiiogton .. The decoration and embellishment of tlie Wild and semi- wild Places ln PLEAisuRE Grounds and large rural gardens, of the wide and comparatively bare belts of Grass that wind in and around shrubberies in nearly every large conntry place of residence, of the turfy walks through adjacent woods that form the outlying portions of the Grass lawn, or of the avenues between lines of Ooniferfo and other ornamental and stately trees, is being well illustriited in divers parts of the country, and presents a plea- sant and charraing feature of that system known as .Spring Gardening. Tliere are also to be seen in many large demesnes long lines of gravelled paths winding in and about extensive shrubbery f rounds, the barrenness of which is being relieved y the introduction of common plants to relievo the monotonous effect these shrubbery borders too often present. There are many flowers specially adajited for this particular function — that of beautifying and enlivening the "carpet of rising and unshaven verdure" that clothes the earth in the spring time in the pleasure ground, the bordered wood walk, and the verges of tho adjacent woodland, as well as tho more unpretentious and isolated shrubbery walks. There need be no attempt at foi-mal planting, no endeavour to impart an appearance of artificial arrange- ment. The process of planting in the first instance should be so managed as to develop a semi-wild, unstudied beautj' as tho prevailing feature, lending attractiveness to spots requiring some such addition to fill up the outline of natural beauty. Once planted, many of these flowers soon become naturalised, and so flourish and propagate themselves readily ; nurtured by the .soft sheltering Grass or screened from frost and nipping winds by the decaying leaves from tho trees, and the copious underwood of the shi-ubbory, they find a congenial location and thrive with native luxuriance, and furnish a bright and glorious illustration of tho rich pro- digaUty of the opening spring season. Among the flowers so well adapted for this purpose may bo mentioned, as prominently use- ful and singularly gay, the improved forms of the common Primrose. In great variety these are now to be met with here and there, and they are con- tinually being produced in new and varjang forms of attractiveness. At the seat of the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle, Derby, ' these Primroses aio most extensively used, and can be seen growing quite wild in the shrubberies, and cropping up hero and there, and almost every- where in the pleasure grounds, so rapidly do they propagate themselves by seed when once estab lished. These Primroses commence blooming about or soon after Christmas, and in the more sheltered nooks and corners even earlier ; and continue to flower for a considerable period. Probably as many as 20 or more distinct shades of colour can be distinguished, the deepest coloured being of dark crimson hue ; the palest as " pure as the driven snow." All possess more or less bright yellow or pale orange centres, large and striking, and adding a kind of brilliancy to the diverse hues of ground coloui' surrounding the centres. Some of these flowers are quite novel, inasmuch as the colours are compounded of salmon, pale buff, and fawn-coloured tints ; a few of the most distinct in character are singularly distinct, and generally the flowers are very large in size and stout in textui:e. Possibly the decayed leaf soil into which they root so freely, and fed by which they grow so luxuriantly, largely assists this fine development, for it can be often observed in ordinary shi'ubbery borders that flowers of the common yellow Primrose will produce very fine blooms if the decaying leaves be dug in about their roots. At CUveden Mr. Pleming is also gradually introducing these parti-coloured Primroses into the margins of those superb grassy walks that radiate in various directions from the mansion, and on to the sloping turf banks that skirt some of the fine walks about the woodland, and this with the best effect. With these there are associated sundry other plants that bloom early, and form a succession of flowering periods, commencing with the Snowdrop and terminating with the later flowering Scill.as. Several varieties of Narcissi make a charming display, especially the double Daffodil; so does the pretty wood Anemone, the white-flowering wood Oxalis, the charm- ing pale violet Anemone appenina, and the Scillas, such as nutans, ainoena, and the varieties of S. campanulata. With these are blended the Primroses, and most otfoctually do these .simple agents discharge their lowly trust, as ministrants of varying beauty emanating from the great and liberal hand of Nature. Some beautiful forms of the Oow.slip may lie added to the foregoing. They, too, can now be had rich with some of those excellencies that make the Polyanthus so popular. Bound London can bo seen growing a very fine form of the cul- tivated Cowslip, with large claret-crimson flowers — produced on large trusises in great pro- fusion. Some of tho Cowslips of the fields are by no means to be despised as spring decorative plants. In the neighbourhood of Harrow, for instance, can be found growing in the woods and meadows a form of this well-known plant, the centres of the flowers of which are distinctly marked with orange ; the eye of tho flowers has some of tho properties associated with tho florist's ideas of perfection. Transplanted to shrubberies and such-like places, and subjected to higher conditions of cultivation than those which surround them in the meadows, the plants soon gain great strength, and produce numberless trusses of flowers, that lend a grace and simple beauty to the locality in which they mature their native loveliness. The importation of Foreign Pine-apples, especially from the West Indies, has long been a matter of public notoriety. Recently Ainca 460 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 2. 1868. and South America have added to our stores of this fruit, the Pines from Brazil being generally of large size, 3 to 5 lb. weight, well matured, and brought over in good condition, some which we have tasted within the last few weeks being really excellent in every respect. More recently a new candidate, the Azores, has put in a claim to our custom, and certainly with a prospect of deserving it, inasmuch as the fruit is not only large and of excellent quality, but is conveyed in a fresh and perfect state. The first batch, which was brought into Liverpool in January, conveyed in the pots in which the plants had been grown, was so fine, that the lot, upwards of 50, was sold wholesale to one pur- chaser, at .30.5. each. Since then some smaller lots have been sent to Liverpool, and two or three parcels to Hull, the last consignment realising, according to size, from 12s. to 25s. each. We can have no better criterion of the quality of the fruit than the price realised, a price which argues that fruit which can be steamed over in from 15 to 21 days from port to port, must, especially in the winter season, enter into formidable competition with our home-grown produce. The fruit from St. Michael's, not imported in pots, were each packed in a separate cradle : that is, the stem was placed and made fast in a hole in the centre of a board, of sufficient diameter to clear the circumference of the fruit ; then a corresponding piece was placed above the crown of the fruit, and the two were connected together by laths or thin strips of wood, placed sufficiently far apart to allow a free circulation of air, and yet so as to prevent the fruit from being bruised. Thus packed the fruits come to hand in capital condition, but not so good as those which were brought upon the plants. Connected with these Azorean fruit we may give a little history. Nearly 20 years ago, when Mr. Peter Wallace went out to take charge of the gardens of Signer JozE de Canto, Ponta del Grardo, St. Michael's, he took with him from Chatsworth a few dozen of small suckers of difl'erent kinds of Pines. These, under glass, with dung for bottom heat, throve with great luxuriance, and in due time Mr. Wall.\ce sent home an account of 12 of the Pines he had cut from the little suckers, the smallest Queen weighing 5 lb. 2 oz., the largest 8 lb. 4 oz., with Jamaicas and Montserrats of proportionate size, and Cayennes and Providences of 12 to 14 lb. each.* The other day we saw a smooth Havannah Pine from St. Michael's upwards of 4 lb. in weight, swelled perfectly flat, and bright, and of that peculiar golden amber colour for which this Pine is remarkable when thoroughly matured. Four pounds is however a remarkable size for this variety of Pine, which here, in this country, is so small as not to be considered worth cultivation. It must be remarked that the Pines we have just spoken ot, were grown under the protection of glass, but Mr. W.\llace stated that the glass was used more as a means of protection from the heavy storms to which the country is liable, than to secure additional warmth. Indeed, to use his own words, " the lights were pulled off' in the morning, and on fine days were not returned until the evening, so that the Pines were in reality in the open air." He, however, atti'ibuted much of his success to the nice bottom-heat and the ammonia-laden atmosphere with which he was enabled to surround his plants at night, and the moist, almost tropical atmosphere, and bright, uninterrupted light to which they were exposed throughout the day. One could not covet more suitable conditions, and therefore we need not be surprised at the splendid fruit which is now being sent over. What with these fine Pines, Valencia Melons second. The idea has been long in embryo, but at last it appears likely to yield good and profitable results :—" As an example that Pine-Rrowing is progressing in other countries as well as Britain, a friend writes us from the Azores that he cut, in 1851, ' a Cayenne Pine, weighing 12 lb. ; five Trinidads, averaging 8 lb. each ; and twelve Moscow Queens, 6 lb. each (one over 7 lb.). The only accommodation I have for growijig them is a dung-pit, 12 lights long. As soon as the fruit is cut, which is about the end of August, the plants .are taken up, the bed refreshed, or renewed, and the strongest .suckers are planted out, and by growing them Late into the winter, which this climate admits of, and keeping them a little later at rest in the spring, I expect to start even a better lot than I had last year.' This is gratifying intelligence ; and considering that St. Michael's is only 14 days, if the wind is favourable, from England, would not Pines pay there as a commercial specula- tion ? for if cut just as they began to ripen, they would be in prime condition for the table when they got to this country." — Gartien Cfim.panifm, 18.'i2, p. 60, of really good quality at Christmas, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Algerian, and Hungarian Grapes, new Potatos from the West Indies, and fresh vegetables from almost every temperate cUme, John Bull is threatened with a plethora ot the good things of this life. But still they come, and still the produce of our extensive and ex- tending forcing gardens is consumed, and we ask " for more." This is a good sign, as it shows that so long as trade and commerce remain prosperous, so long will the luxuries of life, more especially those produced in the garden, realise a remunerative price. Connected with the discussion now being carried on relative to Pine cultivation, the preceding facts are very interesting; so much so, that with the superior atmospheric condi- tions, and the facilities for cultivation, it is a question whether it would not be better to con- fine our home labour to the growth of summer Pines, and trust to other lands for winter fruit. Do what we may, we cannot command Pines of really first-class quality between October and May. We have not light enough to give flavour — ■ and what is more insipid than a badly grown Pine ? — while our most perfectly matured summer Pines are not superior to these winter fruit from the little islands of the Azores. ■ As this sheet is passing through the pre-ss, we have received the following communication from Professor De Candolle, and which, in anticipation of the ensuing meeting of the Scientific Committee, we deem advisable to bring under the notice of our readers at once : — *' I see by the Gardeners^ Chronicle of the ISth and 25th of April that a discussion has arisen concerning my pamphlet on the laws of Bota- nical NoMENCLATUEE. In the remarks at pp. 406 and 43-4 there are some observations which .seem to me to be just, but the writers do not appear to me to have well understood that the tendency is to restrict rather than to e.xtend the use of compound names for hybrids. The committee of the Congress at Paris improved upon my original draft ; for instance, it has made this proposal ; that a compound name [such a« Coleus Veitchio-Verschaffeltii] is to be used only when the two parents from which the hybrid originates have been ascertained by direct experiment (Art. 37). The oriein must be certainly known (Art. 39). [This is said to be the case with the new hybrid Coleus.] In this manner the employment of compound names is considerably restricted, especially if it be borne in mind that the experimental evidence must be unimpeachable. It must be a matter of certainty that the hybrid is not brought about by the action of insects or of the wind, and that every pre- caution has been taken to prevent such agencies from conveying pollen to the mother plant. The result of the rules established by the Paris Congress, if pro- perly carried out, will be to abolish all the compound names hitherto used in the case of (supposed) hybrids in wild plants, such as Salix, Cirsium, &c., and also a number of garden names for hybrids, in all cases where the parentage is uncertain or open to doubt. I hope to address some further observations on this subject, and especially some improvements in my laws of nomenclature, to the newly established and exceedingly well constituted Scientific Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society." According to the above letter of M. De Candolle the new Coleus would be entitled to the compound epithet if theirorigiifbe entirely free from doubt; hut there still remains, as was pointed out by our correspondent " Registrar," p. 406, the facli that many of the hybrids are believed, and are stated to have originated from the same parentage. Pre- suming this to be the case, it is clear M. De Can- dolle's plan cannot be carried out with reference to them. We entirely agree with our correspondent, " Mistus," p. -to", that it is incumbent on the Society to publish both the method in which the hybrids were produced, and all the evidence that there may be in support of the opinion, that these very different look- ing plants have identically the same parentage. The Society should have no trade secrets; and it is the more necessary that this matter should be cleared up, as the plants have been publicly distributed and names given to them with its sanction and authority. At the meeting of the Botanical Congress in London, 1866, Professor Dickson stated his opinion that the apparent leaves of Sciadopitts vbrti- ciLLATA were, strictly speaking, branches. Professor Dickson's paper is printed in the Report of the Congress, p. 124. The opinion therein expressed derives striking confirmation from some observations and figures of M. CARSifeRE, in the last number of the " Revue Horticole." M. CARBiiiBE shows some of these quasi-leaves dividing into two, one of the sub- divisions again subdividing, and bearing, not only a little bud, but a whorl of leaf-like organs of the usual form. Dr. Dickson's case is complete. "W e have now to record the existence of a Golden Coleus. Unlike the Chiswick plants, which are hybridised seedlings, this last acquisition is a sport, wliich was taken fi-om C. Blumei, in the course of last summer, by Mr. McFHAiL.gr. to C. TELFOHD.Esq., of Bromley. The leaves resemble those of C. Blumei, except that the green is exchanged for a decided yellow tint, like that of the so-called golden-leaved Pelar- goniums. Hence it will form a fine contrast with the rich dark-coloured sorts now in cultivation, and will be a most important aid to the hybridiser in forming new combinations. The variety, which has been named Telfordi, has we understand passed into the hands of Mr. WiMSETT, by whom it will shortly be sent out. The sport was first observed last June, when one-half of one of the leaves was seen to have taken on this goldent tint; this leaf, with the eye at its base, was taken off, and struck, and the result has been the production of this beautiful variety, which is quite fixed, all the plants, and there are several of them, being exactly alike. Here is a fact showing the influence of artificial light in the production of green colouring matter. Some Lilacs were placed for forcing in a heated cellar, partially lighted with gas. Those leaves that were exposed to the light became green, as if they had been in the open air, while the remainder were etiolated. The fact is recorded by M. Eemens, in a recent number of the " Revue Horticole." — ■ A correspondent has suggested to us that it would be very desirable to state what are the dis- tinctive characters of the various Mtosotis now so abundantly grown. We shall be happy to render assistance in this matter, but we may say that there is some doubt as to whether there are three or only two distinct species, grown in gardens under the names M. sylvatica, alpestris, and montana. M. sylvatica and M. alpestris are distinct, but M. montana may be a myth. If any of our correspondents will kindly furnish us with specimens of what they grow as montana we should be indebted to them. If possible, fruiting specimens should be sent. EPIDEMIC DISEASES IN PLANTS. [The following questions and answers relate to a sub- ject in which both horticulturists and agriculturists are not a little concerned. It is desirable to state that the questions were in the first instance put by a distin- guished physician (Dr. Milroy), who is particularly interested in epidemic diseases in man, and who was anxious to obtain information as to the nature and spread of analogous diseases in plants, and which might throw light on similar maladies in the human subject. The answers have been furnished by our excellent con- //•f re the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, whose knowledge on such matters is, it is generally acknowledged, greater than that of any other mycologist. Eds.] 1. Q. What are the most frequent blights or epiphytes known in this country ? And what are a few (if any) of the most remarkable epiphytes whicb occur, from time to time, on the continent of Europe, but which have hitherto not been observed in this country ? A. The most frequent epiphytic blights in this country are some of those which attack cereals. PucciniaGraminis under its different forms is perhaps the most frequent of all, especially if Trichobasis Rubigo vera be considered a form, which is often so abundant as to cover a person walking through long Grass with orange-coloured dust. Ustilago segetum is almost universally diffused, and Tilletia caries was as common as mildew (Puccinia Graminis) before the proper remedial measures were used. Perhaps next in frequency is Aregma bulbosum, to be found on every Bramble bush, while scarcely a patch of Thlaspi bursa pastoris is to be found without Cystopus candidus. Amongst moulds, Peronospora infestans, which is so widely and generally dispersed in our Potato crops, though possibly of foreign origin, cannot be passed over in silence ; while one or two species of Brysiphe, as for example the Hop mould, are almost universal. There are very few epiphytic Pungi on the Continent which have not been observed in this country, nor can I point out one which is of any important influence on agriculture, except a minute species on the Chick Pea. Rust appears to be much more an object of dread on the Continent than with ourselves, though it is sometimes destructive to our finer varieties of Wheat. A rose coloured Penicillium was extremely injurious some years since at Paris, from its being developed in a few hours on the " pain de munition. This has, I believe, not been observed in this country. Puccinia Prostii, Duby, may bo mentioned as one of the most remarkable continental forms. 2. Q. Presuming that certain blights or vegetable maladies [like certain human diseases liable to become epidemic] are more or less permanent or persistent in their recurrence from season to season, or from year to year, after the fashion of endemic diseases in man, are such blights liable to be occasionally much more widely spread and more destructive than ordinarily ? In other words, are certain enphytes apt at times to become epidemics ? A. Undoubtedly certain vegetable blights are liable to be much more widely spread in some years. Take mildew (Puccinia Graminis), for instance, and it is at once evident that in some years the Wheat crops are almost free from mildew, while in others, especially in fen districts, they are materially injured. Barley is generally free, but in bad mildew years it is sometimes attacked. Peronospora infestans spreads more rapidly than usual in wet weather by means of its zoospores, though since its first occurrence, or rather its first observation in 1845, we have never been free from it. Hop mildew is another case in point, as also Pea mildew and Grape mildew. 3. Q. Are epiphytics usually preceded, or accom- panied, by any atmospheric or meteorological peculiari- ties ? — as to temperature ? to wind or marked absence of wind? to thunder? to rainfall, excessive or deficient? And do they generally arise and prevail most at one determinate period of the year ? Do different epiphytes often prevail in a district at the same period ? A. Comparatively little is known of the history of epiphytes. 'The more generally known are never entirely absent, and require certain atmospheric con- ditions for their general diffusion. A damp air, and Mat 2, 1SG8.1 THE GAEDENEES' CnEOMCI,E AND AGETCULTURAE GAZETTE. 4G1 not a very low temperature, seem to bo most favourable. Some species, however, are peculiarly prevalent in hot weather, the degree of saturation of the air perhaps not having been expressly observed. Excessive rainfall would in all proba- bility be injurious to most, and even with the zoospore of the Peronospora infestans, moderate con- tinued rain would be most favourable, except perhaps in the case of thunderstorms. Peronospora infestans seldom makes its appearance till August, and Wheat mildew is rarely in perfection very much before harvest time. Most epiphytes have their proper season of growth like other Fungi. Dry weather seems to suit Hop and Pea mildew better than wet weather. I am not aware of any observations tending to show that the same year is equally favourable to different epiphytes, whether, for example, mildew is m)re prevalent on Wheat, when Peronospora attacks Potatos most exten- sively, the Erysiphe Hops, or Oidium Vines. I doubt whether exactly th ; same climatic conditions affect the different epiphytes. _ -J. Q. Is the development and spread of epiphytes influenced by topographical conditions, (a) as to the elevation, actual and relative, of the district? (b) mineralogical character or quality of the soil ? (c) humidity or dryness of the soil aid subsoil? (rf) abundance of, or freedom from, weeds ? (e) extent o f wood or forest in the neighbourhood ? &o. A. The development of epiphytes is certainly influ- enced by topographical conditions. Wheat mildew is far more common in fen districts than in uplands. Ustilago segetum is, however, as well developed in Bengal as in Europe. Humidity of air has more to do with their prevalence than humidity of soil. Some epiphytes are peculiarly prevalent sometimes on very dry soil, while plants of cereals on dunghills are seldom free from parasites. I do not think weeds promote epiphytes, but the neighbourhood of woods, inducing increase of humidity, may be expected to favour their development. I have not observed, however, this to be the case, and the parasites on trees and shrubs are not, I think, more abundant in woods than in hedge- rows, 5. Q. When an epiphyte is first discovered in a boality, does it invariably appear at, or about, the same time in adjacent fields, or in fields more or less distant —say, by several miles— from each other? And in respect of the affected fields, does the disease usually appear at first in several distinct spots or patches in a field, with intervening spaces free for a time from any trace of it ? A. Our epiphytes are for the most part so abundant and so widely diffused, that in favourable years their occurrence is almost simultaneous. Take the Potato mould, for example, and though there may be especial spots where it is more virulent at first, a search through a neighbouring field is pretty sure to show that it is not so isolated as might at first have been suspected. In Wheat mildew I have no hesitation in saying that if you find it in one spot you will find the whole crop affected. This is not the case with smut, which is very partial ; but as it depends upon the spores of the preceding year, which are blown about by pre- valent winds, it may very possibly happen that one part of a field may be free, while another where the spores settled may be attacked. The spores of mildew are not spread abroad by the wind so widely, and with bunt, if the grain has not been steeped, it will be pretty general over the whole field : where the AVheat has been properly dressed, a few grains may have escaped the influence of the steeping, there may be isolated plants in a field attacked by bunt. These Wheat parasites, however, are not infected from each other, contrary to vvhat Shakspeare says in "Macbeth." With the Potato disease. Vine mildew, Hop mildew, &o., on the contrary, the conidia or zoospores of the same year may spread the evil as rapidly as aphides. (To be Continucil.) SPOT IN ORCHIDS. As spot in Orchids is to form the opening subject for discussion before the recently appointed Scientific Committee, you may probably allow me space to state a few observations thereupon. It will be in the recol- lection of many of your readers that I furnished some various examples of spot for the Rev. Mr. Berkeley's inspection, and commented upon them, in common with that distinguished mycologist, in the Gardeners' Chronicle, No. 7, 1865. The practical deductions which I had been able to form from constant observation upon the affected plants, and the scientific investiga- tions and consequent inferences of the authority already named, singularly agreed. We were at one with reference to classifying them in different forms. The point in which it was important to elicit infor- mation more particularly, resolved itself into the nature of the disease, so as to be able to arrive at some curative or preventive mode of treatment. Mr. Berkeley con- sidered at that time that the variability of the disfigu- ration was due to different diseases, and was unable, even with microscopic assistance, to detect the slightest trace of Fungus in some of the forms commented upon. In the worst form, however, he attributed the affection to Fungus, and gave a very lucid description, both in the Gardeners' Chronicle and in the Journal of the Boyal Horticultural Society (vol. i., p. 27), of its position and effect upon the leaves. Since then I have continued my observations and investigations upon the living plants, and I have had abundant opportunity, both at Meadow Bank and elsewhere, of taking cognisance of results among a variety of genera and species ; and I find that much of what was hypothesis with me in 1865, as to the kinds of spot and their mode of action, is demonstrable in 1868. The first and worst form to which I shall again advert, is totally distinct in its character and conse- quences from any other of the subsidiary forms. There is a capital representation of it in the Journal already ref^erred to, as exemplilied by a leaf of Odonto- elossum citrosmum, showing the action of the Fungus in an incipient stage when it is beginning its devastating work among the tissues. In the same leaf, towards the extremity, the work of devasta- tion is complete, and the disease is making rapid progress in a zigzag line. Unlike any of the other forms, the invariable tendency of this disease is positive destruction and inevitable death in the parts affected. Fortunately, in thecase of some plants that havea robust constitution, timelyamputation and remedial treatment may save the individual. No one unacquainted with it, however, can have the slightest idea of the industrious way in which it propagates and insinuates itself upon a territory which it has once inhabited, and from which it has been summarily evicted. It takes posi- tion firstamong Phalajnopsis, someSaccolabiums, Pesca- torea cerina, and some of the AVarsoewiczellas ; and when it does so, it may be characterised as a " galloping consumption," preying upon every vestige of vitality until the plants are destroyed. It is first observable in the half developed leaves by the various shades of green becoming discoloured, and although its pro- gress evidently proceeds from a common centre, it is so rapid that in a few days its destructive influence spreads over the entire leaf, and the work of destruc- tion runs apace on an irregular line, as shown in the Journal by the diagram, to which I have referred. The foxy hue is combined, when the part is squeezed between the finger and thumb, with something of a putrescent odour, which is positively nauseous, and frequently oozes out of its own accord, like some of those poisoned sores in the body with which the pathologist has to deal. Corrective measures can be applied in the one case with fortunate results, but all these cankerous spots have hitherto refused to yield to any application of skill on the part of the vegetable pathologist. Once let indentations be formed, and the lamina and cellular tissue be injured, and we are all helpless in providing means for repairing what was lost. But I intimated that there were exceptional cases, where robust constitutions, or probably less succulent material, were proof against its most serious inroads. This is a point of some importance to note, for several growers confute the hypothesis mainly upon the plea that the rule of death is not absolute ; and, moreover, they fail to distinguish any points in common with the purely concentric spot and that form upon which I am now discoursing. They estimate indeed rightly upon the latter plea, but in the former they have uot made use of the proper power of discrimination, else they would have watched the progress of the disease, noted its tendencies, and if its attempt at total destruction was fruitles.s, it only yielded, like all defeated combatants, to a superior power of endurance. Looking at the plant, certainly it would be a tough struggle for this baneful parasitic Fungus, after having destroyed the leaf or leaves of Odontoglossuin citrosmum, to attempt to subdue the pseudobulbs on the same devastating principle. We have strong hopes of those races which are fortified with additional nutriment from thosecurious reservoirs of Nature compressed into so many quaint forms, which excite the surprise and curiosity of the novice, and our hopes in the majority of cases are sustained. The pseudubulbous race, and those that come under the category of a'istichous-leaved plants, stand on a totally different footing. The disease revels at the expense of the latter, the balance between roots and leaves is overthrown, and no auxiliary channel is pro- vided for recruiting energies that are fast succumbing to a determined foe. It would seem at first sight, by that process of reasoning, that all distichous- leaved plants attacked would perish. Of course the reader will understand that I am proceeding upon the supposition that the plants are growing in an unhealthy medium, and left very much to the fortune of circumstances. Anon I shall discuss curative measures, meantime I am treating upon the disposition of the disease. I never saw the grosser-growing Vandea; infested with this form, which I intend to designate as putrescent spot. Some of the smaller- growing Vandas, such as V. alpina, V. cristata, V. Boxburghii, and V. ccerulea, are very subject to it however, but it is rarely fatal in its consequences with either of these individuals, any more than it is with Aerides Fieldingii or A. afUne. It may and does disfigure, in a greater or less degree, the plants for life. In all the cases quoted an attentive observer will find that although chlorosis ensues in all the forms, it is never attended with anything like putrescence except with the one in question. In its mildest form it invariably leaves an ugly olive-brown blotch, without the slightest semblance of irregular indentations or multitudinous pits which characterise at all times the concentric spot. If it be very malignant it generally attacks the upper tiers of leaves, which requirein cases of that kind to be sacrificed to save the plant. The concentric spot is a very common form. It is to be found frequently on Dendrobia, as D. densiflorum, Farmeri, and all partaking of the habit of that species. It is also frequently to be seen on Cattleyas, Lselias, Zygopetalums, especially of the crinitum section ; Burlingtonias, Odontoglossums, Oncidiums, especially O. Lanceanum and ampliatuin ; and in fact I don't know a single genus without one or more of its repre- sentatives being liable in some measure to be attacked. In some few oases, such as in Oucidium Lanceanum and Camarotis purpurea, it acts so malignantly as to be in time fatal to the plant. As a rule it may bo looked upon more as a skin plague, than an enemy that is satisfied with nothing short of death. But it is a lilague co-ordinate in its character with leprosy. It dis- figures life without destroying it. The check upon exuberance and plethoric growth is favourable to the production and development of inflores- cence, but it is like beautiiul habiliments upon an uncomely person. The eye and the sense traiued to beauty and fitness longs to .sever the connection, and for once the gardener, wedded to his vocation, permits the operation not only without compunction but with a full sense of relief. It assumes a variety of subordinate forms, but the concentric line.s, whether regular or irregular, are never wanting where it is present. The diagram of the leaf of Dcndrobium densi- florum, in continuation of Mr. Berkeley's article on Spot (vol. i., p. 28 of the Journal), is a life-like repre- sentation, and in my opinion is identical with the black spot to which Mr. Berkeley referred. "It differs," says Mr. Berkeley, "in forming suborbicular spots simulating some old encampment, with a central area and three or four concentric branches. Sometimes the regularity of the lines is deranged by two or more of the spots originally touching each other. The spots do not in general completely penetrate the leaf, though something of the concentric arrangement appears on the other^ side." The difference, which is only a difference in degree, must be ascribed, in ray opinion, to the character of the family and species which it infests. It acts very differently on the succulent leaves of Vanda gigantea and Oucidium Lanceanum on the one hand, and the thin, almost transparent, leaves of Zygopetalum crinitum on the other. In the former case there is regularity of feature, in the other, dis- similarity. In no case, however, are the spots so purely orbicular as in those found on the Dendrobia. In the . succulent leaves the concentric arrangement does not penetrate in all cases to the lower surface ; in the thin leaves it does in all cases. The progress of the leprosy appears to be arrested in the one case; it completes its operation in the other. Time, of course, is requisite to finish the work, but given that, and in no single case have I seen it incomplete. This fact opens up a point for inquiry and analysis. The third and last independent form of spot, I have always looked upon more as a physiological weakness than a disease. It is often seen present in ill culti- vated specimens, destitute of chlorophyl to begin with, and with their leaves and pseudobulbs in a state of desiccation. It is common to Vandas, Aerides of some kinds, Oncidiums, Odontoglossums, and only rarely to Cattleyas. It might be called, for the uonce, the indefinite spot. It is the opposite of concentric, running in indefinite lines. It is the least ugly of them all, and, as a rule, plants can be grown to rid themselves of it entirely. This is partly the case, too, with the concentric spot; but it is insidious, and I am not sure but it ought to bear the character of being infectious. . So far as practical observation has gone, I cannot assert so much for the indefinite spot. It is occasionally found in company with the concentric spot, but the latter is its master to all ends and pur- poses. The latter, too, are far more closely allied than either of them with the putrescent spot, and unless for scientific purposes might be fused together. There are one or two other kinds of leaf infection, apart altogether from disease. One is brought about by fumigation ; another by the raids of insects ; a third is either a modified form of the concentric spot, or it is a sort of rust, after the same kind as that to be seen occasionally in Graperies ; a fourth is caused by sun burns; and a fifth by incorrect cultivation. The first is often more fatal than a mild .form of disease, through the clumsy modus operandi of fumi- gation. If the plants be in too moist a condition, or cultivated upon the coddling principle, insufficient ventilation and superabundant heat, they are certain to suffer under the best system of applying smoke. If, however, flame escapes into the atmosphere from the fumigating pot, some of the plants will sufler, however well cultivated. A proper attention to fumigation is one of the greatest points in successfully managing a collection. Among insects that are directly injurious, there are none so much so as the grey-coated thrip. They mul- tiply, if not to the numerical proportion of the aphis, to an alarmingly approximate ratio ; and, infinitely small as they appear to the naked eye, they are busy intruders, leaving marks of discoloration behind even after they have been subdued, which is by no means an easy pro- cess. Nothing so much disturbs the equanimity of an ambitious gardener as to be chargeable with careless- ness, or want of perception in detecting these little marauders in time. Diseases are difficult to prevent, oftentimes impossible to subdue and annihilate, as we have seen in the history of Orchid growing, but the first of the leaf affections on which I have discoursed can be avoided, the second overcome, if the operator would always have before his eyes the proverb " Procrastiuation is the thief of time." The third affection is common to Cypripediums in places where the atmosphere is stagnant, surcharged with moisture, and primed with artificial heat. This affection ought probably to be referred to one or other of the diseases, but it is scarcely ever present unless when these disagreeable and impractical concomitants ars unknowingly cat«red for. The fourth and fifth affections— the one by sua burns, the other a constitutional derangement brought about by inanition— are uot to be dwelt upon at present. It was desirable that they should all be enumerated, in order to give a clear perception of what the writer conceived to be diseases, and what are not. The constitutional weakness referred to here, is that shown by the leaves of many plants either under- potted or in an unhealthy medium, and having a portion at the extremity quite dead. This much must be said, however, in favour of the practical gar- dener, that it is not easy in an artificial medium to command unexceptionable health. To come now to remedial measures, the length of this paper suggests that my words should be few, but the meaning unmistakeable. For putrescent spot, 1 know no antidote powerful enough to do battle success- 462 THE GAEDENEES' CllEOMCl.E A^"D AGEICULIUEAL GAZETTE [May 2, ISGS. iully agaiust it. Let the pliysiolosist and the pathologist study this, examine, " sound," and analyse if need be, so that by their united wisdoni we may eventually get a prescription of some healing value. The best preventives 1 have found for barring its entrance is in a free circulation of heated air, a proper administration of heated water both for root and atmospheric purposes, and the indulging the limited area in which the plants were growing with a judicious amount of sulphurous acid vapour. A proper applica- tion of these things will do a great deal of good. I don't hold them up as panaceas, but I invite all to think of them who have not adopted the plan in its integrity, and to estimate the precepts for what they are worth. It is worth notifying that the putrescent spot has never been seen by me in any of the cool houses. 1 have never been very sensible of the beneficial effects of sulphur, when applied either to subdue or prevent the concentric spot. I attribute any success that I have had in arresting its progress more to a good system of aeration, a proper system of diet, including both the requisite pabulum and moisture, and a proper dis- position of the plants themselves with reference to light, than to any scheme for circulating sulphurous acid. If I be right in my deductions, then the theory of Mr. Berkeley as to disease other than parasitic Pungus must be sustained; if I am wrong, I am delighted to have so learned and industrious a «ai'(rH< in company. 1 now leave the matter, with the facts promulgated, to the Scientific Committee; merely stating that they have been verified by observation and practical experience. James Anderson, Meadow Bank. a^omc (jTorvfsponttcncc. The Names of the new Colens.— I entirely agree with your correspondent, "Antipodes," as to the desirability of seeking and adopting some uniform termination to indicate known garden varieties, and am even disposed to prefer the use of a Latin termina- tion, if such can be found, for the reason that the name under such circumstances would be as intelli- gible to Continental horticulturists as to British gardeners. So far, then, I am vnot ery far off from the " Antipodes," but there are other points on which I must beg leave to join issue with him. I venture to remind him that there is a very considerable differ- ence between Coleus " Colonel Scott" (as I proposed), and Coleus " Henry York Darracott Scott : " tne one appellation is generally known, the other is known to but few ; so again any reader of the Gardeners^ Chronicle would know the signification of "Coleus M. J. B." almost as well as if the name were given at length. I do not stay at the moment to inquire by what right Coleus Veitchii, and the others named by your correspondent, rejoice in Latin names, because as a " registrar " of botanical novelties, I have a right to assume, till I find to the con- trary, that those names are valid, and were given by some competent person, and in conformity with the usual practice of botanists. To be sure I have misgivings that the names in question are some of them incorrect; for instance, Coleus Verschafi'elt/!. The terminal /(, we are told in all the text-books, implies that the plant so named was discovered, or botanically described, by the person whose name it bears. If the second name is given as a compliment, or as a recognition of service rendered, then the termination ana is the one which the text-books direct us to use.and, indeed, is the one in general use. "Whether we ought to write Coleus A^erschaffeltii, or Verschaf- feltianus, then, depends on the circumstance whether M. Verschaffelt's name is associated with the plant merely ou complimentary grounds, or for other reasons. Applying this principle to the new Coleus, if " Anti- podes" or " T. M." insist that these should have Latin names, at least they should so far conform to general usage as to write Coleus Saundersianus, Coleus Scottianus, &c., when it would be immediately seen that the name was a complimentary one ; and if they added the syllable hyhr., but little inconvenience would arise. As matters now stand, the foreign bota- nist, unacquainted with the names of British horti- culturists, might fairly imagine that Mr. Saunders or Mr. Wilson and the other gentlemen were botanically connected with the plants. To say, as "Antipodes" does, that botanists must find out for themselves the true meaning of these names, is not quite courteous. It is as if " Antipodes" were to appropriate my umbrella, and then, on my endeavouring to ascertain its fate, to politely inform me to look for it I " Antipodes," in his somewhat unreasonable fear that the botanists will drive about in Juggernaut cars over the necks of the gardeners, overlooks the fact that it is the gardeners' own fault if they are over-ridden. Nobody wants to over-ride them, but it they get in the way after due caution given tuey surely cannot claim compensation. But "Antipodes" will no doubt admit, on considera- tion, that in this case there are two ways open— there are rules of the road, or if you will, turnpike gates on both roads ; he who travels by either road must obey ita rules, and pay its tolls, and if he change from one road to the other he must, for the common benefit of his fellow travellers, obey the rules of the road he elects to use, else he certainly runs a chance, not only of taking off his neighbour's wheel, but of getting "spilt" himself. If, instead of keeping to his proper side, he is " all over the road," he must take the consequences. To drop metaphor, the plain issue is this: the termination ii has a definite signification, understood by all who have to deal with plant records. The termination ana has also a definite meaning ; to employ these syllables in any other than the prescribed way is to mislead and confuse. It is but a sorry thing to refer to other cases where similar errors have been committed. If a precedent be bad we are not obliged to follow it. Unluckily, in this case, as it appears to me, a bad precedent has been followed, and see what is the result 'i Why your advertising columns of last week show an increase of seven or eight badly-framed names to the list. What have De Candolle, or Bentley, or Masters to do with Messrs. Henderson's new Coleus ? in all probability the gentlemen in question never heard of them before. Certainly as botanists they would take it no compliment thus to be credited with an acquaintance with things of whose very existence they were not previously aware. Of course the intention of those who gave the names was first to distinguish their plants from others, and next to compliment the persons whose names are used. In the latter case, from inad- vertence no doubt, the nomenclators have gone the wrong way to work, and have turned what was intended as a genuine compliment into an equivocal one, and at the same time made use of a form of expression, to the use of which they are not entitled, and which is well calculated to produce no little confusion. Take the name Coleus Scottii : now it is known to the present generation, at least of British botanists, that the learned and gallant Colonel has not entered the lists as a descriptive botanist, and therefore, objection- able as the name Scottii is, there is not the same objec- tion as there is to the use of the terms CandoUei, Moorei, Murray!, because the gentlemen bearing these names are well known as descriptive botanists, and to associate a ge- neric name with them would assuredly lead in the future, in this country and abroad, at once to the inferences before alluded to. Clearly some of M. De CandoUe's rules cannot be applied in this case ; but there is no reason whatever why another of his rules — that, viz., which urges the desirability of keeping botanical names as distinct as possible from those used to deno- minate garden varieties,sports,cro5s-breeds,&o. — should not be carried out strictly, to the great advantage both of botanists and horticulturists. Rei/islrar. Pears.— I wish that our never-ending list of Pears could be sifted into something reasonable and intelli- gible. Another evil, too, requires a remedy, viz., that of nurserymen copying descriptions of Pears from authors of no authority, without the least knowledge of their properties themselves, or whether they are suited for north or south. I have been much interested with the remarks of j;our correspondent " Pari Passu" on Pears, but as varieties differ so much in different soils and situations, I am of opinion that no one grower is justified in making such a sweeping condem- nation as he has done. I agree, however, that really good kinds are confined to a very small number, espe- cially for the north of Yorkshire. " Pari Passu " speaks in glowing terms of Beurre Superfin ; and another correspondent (see p. 75) speaks of it as being a January Pear of first-rate excellence fjrown in the North Riding of Yorkshire. AYith me in the North Riding it ripens early in October. As a melting Pear the quality is hardly second-rate. My fruiting tree is not grafted on the Quince, but three times grafted on the Pear, and it is growing against a south wall. I am trying it on the Quince. " Pari Passu" speaks rather lightly of Glou Morceau, but this variety, grown on a south wall and three times grafted, is excellent both in size and quality, and never fails to furnish a crop. Fruit of Marie Louise, twice and in some instances three times grafted, grow to a large size on a south wall. This Pear is a special favourite here, and we gather it at difl'erent times, in order to prolong its season of use until January. Beurre Ranee is useless, but Louise Bonne of Jersey is first-rate in any situation, either on a wall or on an espalier, and it never fails to produce a crop even in had seasons. Winter Nelis and Josephine de Malines are generally good, and in dry seasons excellent. The two latter, like Easter Beurre, Beurre Diel, Duchesse d'Angouleme, and the other half-melting Pears, should not be left on the trees after the pips begin to turn the least brown, as long damp autumn nights spoil their flavour and increase their grittiness. Beurre Diel, if left on the tree too long in the North never ripen.s, but turns quite turnipy. From the glowin^ description given of Rivers' Prince Albert Pear in your columns I was induced to buy a young tree, and not being satisfied with one tree, I cut the branches from another on a south wall, and grafted it, so that in three years I had a fine bearing tree. Year after year I grew quantities of this Pear, but I have never found one eatable. I tried them in a high and low temperature after gathering, but all to no purpose ; the tree has, therefore, been grafted with something mor( useful. Your Paris correspondent cannot be practi- cally acquainted with the growth of the Pear in the North, or he would form a different opinion regarding its marketable value. In travelling about I meet pretty generally with fine Pear trees of various sorts, suitable to the climate, commonly called summer Pears. Those, in fine seasons, or say once three or four years, bear prodigious crops, and the consequence is that the fruit is not worth the labour of gathering it ; especially in the month of September, when labour is scarce and labourers are earning 1?. per week and their meat, those early Pears often fall a prey to birds and wasps. I have been here about 20 years, and have tried my hand on about 50 different sorts of Pears, and I can only fix on one really good, and likely to be profitable to the northern grower on a standard for late autumn use, that is, Louise Bonne of Jersey. Beurrd Diel is a good bearer in a fine season, but it requires a warm temperature after gathering, in order to have it only second-rate in the North. Farmers and cottagers, too anxious to keep pace with the times, have planted their standard Marie Louise Pears and other winter kinds, but in this climate they are doomed to disappointment. Many people who have detached houses, with a fire-place at the end, are alive to the value of heat, and have planted a useful autumn Pear with good results. I can assure your Pans cor- respondent that our summers are too short, and the temperature too low, to grow good winter Pears in the North without the aid of walls ; and, to use a Yorkshire phrase, he may as well try to turn the stream up bank as attempt it. William Culcennell, Thorpe Ferrow. Common Laurel Blossom.— I have never seen the common Laurel so covered with bloom as it has been this spring. The atmosphere has been perfumed for some distance by it, and now I see a second crop of bloom coming out on many trees on the points of the shoots; and at the axils of the leaves, where young shoots might be expected, are in many instances spikes of bloom. Htj. Mills, Enys, Penri/n. [ We have observed it blooming very freely in many places. Eds.] Kood. — Permit me to inform your Birmingham correspondent (p. 435) that in the southern counties, the area 5i square yards is called a pole, rod, or perch, rod being the term most commonly used; a rood, though not generally used, is always considered to denote 40 rods, or a quarter of an acre. John Charl- ton, Floral Gardens, Tunhridge Wells, Kent. I should think that when your correspondent "B.," Birmingham, says that 8 square yards are called a rood, he means 8 yards square, which represent 61 square yards. Here, in North Derbyshire, 7 yards square, or 49 square yards, are called a digger's rood. S. S., Matloci. In Dorsetshire and in the West of England a rood is the fourth part of an acre, or 40 poles (a pole is 161 feet square), which are also called " lugs" and " perches." W. F. Radelyffe. When gardeners and our workmen in this neighbourhood talk of "roods" they generally mean "rods." A statute rod is 5i yards; a Lancashire rod 7 yards 4 a Cheshire rod 8 yards. It follows, therefore, that a statute acre is 4810yards,a Lancashire acre 7840 yards, and a Cheshire acre 10,240 yards. Tyro, Ashton-under-Lyne. My Ground Vineries. — I have never seen a greater promise of fruit under these cheap and simple struc- tures than this season. My favourite Vine, the Trentham Black, now some six or seven years old, extends to a distance of 45 feet, and is showing at least 200 bunches. My next favourite, a Black Hamburgh, extends to 30 feet, and is equally crowded with its show of fruit, so that much thinning will be required. It is strange that this ingenious mode of growing Grapes has not been adopted in the south of France ; early Grapes might, by the aid of ground Vineries, be sent to Paris in July, and Muscats in August. The French Vine growers must have seen them figured and described in our English periodicals, yet I cannot hear of any move- ment in France as to their being employed. If the invention had been French instead of English, how we should have worked at it. This dulness on the part of our neighbours is very odd, and perhaps arises from national conceit; they wish to be thought the most perfect fruit gardeners in the world, and consequently they will not adopt a foreign idea. The Italians, who, as a rule, are far behind the French horticulturists, have ground Vineries in use on an estate near Florence, and by their aid they produce very early Grapes of the finest quality, and far superior to those grown in the open air. T. S. Jasminum azoricum.— A year or two ago this plant was, and doubtless still is, cultivated in quantity for the flower market by M. Andre Martin, Horticulteur, Place Navarino, Boulogne-sur-Mer. To your " Sub- scriber's " description (see p. 435) may be added that the fragrant flowers are larger than those of most Jasmines, if not the very largest. Many of " our fine old garden plants which have disappeared to make room for ribbon borders and variegated Kale," are still to be met «ith in the flower markets and greenhouses of the north of France and Belgium. The Flemish population especially are exceedingly fond of flowers, and they are, moreover, exemplary in the steadiness of their affections, not transferring them to every passing novelty. F. S. D. Peaches and Nectarines on the same Tree.— We have here at the present time a Peach tree with Peaches and Nectarines growing on the same branch. Both kinds of fruit are of the same size, and from their appearance I feel confident that they will come to maturity. A. Donaldson, Lalimer Gardens, Chesham. Variegated Cabbage. — I can to some extent cor- roborate Mr. Dean's statement in reference to variega- tion (see p. 435). In a quarter of Shilling's Queen, which is a most excellent Cabbage, there is one plant beautifully variegated, somewhat similar to those mentioned by Mr. Dean. I purpose trying if this variegation will come true from seed ; if so, I am sure the produce will be of advantage to those who employ the Brassica family for winter decoration in flower- fardens. /. Edlington, Bar net. Mr. R. Dean, of laling writes (see p. 435) respecting a variegated Cabbage, which it is considered will be a rival to some of the Kales, the leaves of which are edged with cream colour to the extent of one-third of the leaf. I, too, have got a dwarf Red Dutch Cabbage, which is striped distinctly with creamy-white, similar to a Carnation ; this I have again crossed with the proli- ferous white Kale. And I have the hariiy Fearnought Cabbage nicely variegated with white ; this I have again crossed, also a quantity of variegated Savoys, from the dwarf Golden Savoy. These are of all "shades" of colour, and I hope that by sowing at a proper season they will not be so liable to run to seed so quickly as our " variegated Kales." The latter can be kept much longer fit for standing by taking their tops off, and thus preventing their flowering. William Meh'ille, Dalmeny Park. Bottling Grapes.— I have practised the French method of preserving Grapes in bottles of water for the last three or four years, and I may say that it ha? answered perfectly. We have just finished some Lady Downe's Seedling that were cut off with about 6 inche? ot the stem attached, and which were placed iu bottlei of water containing a lump of charcoal. The bottles, sealed water-tight and placed on fruit-room shelves, were looked over once a week, and any decaying berries cut out. I enclose part of a bunch cut the first week in January. Where a quantity of bedding-plants has t j May 2, 1868.] THE r.Ar.PKNl'liS' CITT^ONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 463 be wintered, with limited convenience in Vineries, it is a great advantage to have the Grapes off, also a great relief to the Vines. AVe find no difficulty in keeping Grapes very creditably three or four months. On the other hand, with attention, flre-heat, ventilation, and shading, they keepbetter on the Vine. Some of your corre- spondents are complainingof Lady Downe's Seedling not setting well : with us it sots freely enough, and I never e.tperienced any scalding as some complain of With regard to flavour, my employer considers it the best late black Grape. We find it and Alicante keep the best. The latter is much better flavoured in the months of January and February than earlier. We have had Grapes all the year round for the last eight years, and until we get a better than Lady Downe's we cannot dispense with it. Mrs, Pince and Madresfield Court will both, doubtless, prove good keepers; the former is a strong grower, and to all appearance has a good constitution. As the proof of the pudding is in the eatin!", I enclose you samples of Lady Downe's and Black Alicante, cut this day (April 21), also part of a bunch of Lady Downe's, preserved in bottles. }f^. Sill, Keele Hall, Staffordshire. [The bottled Grapes of the Lady Downe's variety were richly-flavoured, but less juicy than thosewhiclihadbeenkepton the Vines. The quality, however, was very good. Of the two sorts which had hungon the Vines, Alicante was the better flavoured, but Lady Downe's wa-s the fresher ; indeed, the foot-stalk of the berries in the latter were still freen, while in the Alicante they were dead. Eds.] Ir. Tillery says, " With regard to the French system of keepin" late Grapes in bottles of water, I think it would be an advantage to gardeners who have only a limited number of Vineries or plant houses. They could then cut their house of late Grapes in January or February, and be better able to find more room to preserve their bedding and other plants in severe winters," Let me ask, is not this a great advantage ? Mr. Tillery says that he is not put to such " shifts." So much the better ; but many clever gardeners are put to " shifts," and with very limited means are obliged to keep the kitchen going with vegetables, the dessert plates full, and the conservatory gay with flowers. If the French system would permit such gardeners as I speak of (and I know there are hundreds of them) to out their Grapes two or three months sooner than usual, it will, to say the least of it, do no harm. When the Grapes are cut and stowed away, the Vines can be pruned and cleaned, and the house, or houses, used for many purposes. I have been growing Grapes for 2" years, and all my experience has taught me that the sooner we can prune a Vine the better chance we have of a good crop. I have tried many experiments in the same Vinery, the conditions being the same except as regards the date of pruning, and the result has ever been in favour of the early pruned Vine, John A. Waison. The crop of which the accompanying Grapes form part was cut and bottled on the 24th of December last, and has furnished a daily supply till now. The Vines from which they were then out are now in full flower; this says some- thing for the bottling system. My lady, who is some- thing of a connoisseur in fruits, has never found fault with their flavour. Qiiercus. [This sample was shrivelled though sound in the berries, with the stalks mostly dry and withered. The flavour was tolerably good in the Muscats, but in the Lady Downe's was gone, and replaced by a smatch of mouldiness. The latter sort we have just tasted, infinitely superior, fresh cut from the Vine, at Welbeck. Eds.1 Lapped and Butted Glass Roofs.— As many opinions have been expressed upon the subject of lapped and butted glass for roofing, and as I have had some practical demonstrations of results in relation thereto that may be useful, I have ventured to state facts that may throw some important light upon this disputed question. In the year 1865 I had fixed in the Botanic Gardens here, one of Beard's patent glass house.s— the first, I believe, erected : it had a butted glass roof, and was much admired for its novelty and lightness, and the butted roof seemed one of the most perfect I had ever seen ; there was no drip. Some six months after its erection I discovered a drip from two or three places, which had never occurred before. Subsequently, in erecting two other houses of the same patent manu- facture, I had them of lapped glass, so that I have now wintered and summered both principles. It had often seemed to me to be strange that a butted glass roof, so elegant in appearance, which had stood from four to six months without any drip, should have shown signs thereof; on closer examination I observed a fine green vegetable deposit growing on the under side of the glass along the butted junctions, which, after a certain amount of drying by the sun, forms a conductor of the water and occasions the drip ; here was the secret. Feeling satisfied on this point, I ordered the inner part of the glass roof to be thoroughly washed and cleaned ; It was a perfect success, and at once restored my roof to its original perfection and beauty, and I have now to mourn over the mistake I have made in allowing two houses since to be put up on the dirty lap system, instead of being butted, marring much of the beauty of these valuable houses. These facts may perhaps throw some light upon the important question of butts and laps. Eolert I'ettit, lessee of the Botanic Gardens, Bury St. Edmund's. Pinning Hyacinth Blooms, — The reprehensible practice of pinning Hyacinth flowers on the spikes, as practised by an exhibitor at the late exhibition of the Liverpool Horticultural Society, has been justly cen- sured by yourselves and correspondents; but I fear, from what has been said, it may be inferred that such practices are sanctioned by the Committee. Such is not the case, I, as president of the Society, was present during the judging, and you may imagine my surprise when I got my first intimation of the evil, through the medium of the articles which have appeired in your paper. Had I been consulted by the judges at the time, I should certainly have recommended them to disqualify the collections so operated upon. It is true that no rule exists prohibiting such a practice, nor would it be possible to frame laws that could not be more or less evaded if exhibitors were so inclined, which I regret to say is too frequently the case, thereby reducing the truly enobling science of horticulture to a level with tricks of the turf The Committee have been very painstaking in meeting cases of the kind which have come under their notice, and amongst others the objectionable pr,actice alluded to by your correspondent, " Censor Secuudus," of repotting Hyacinths and other bulbs in order to hide defective culture. J. Ti/erman, Botanic Gardens, Liverpool. Just a word to "Cen.sor Seoundus." I did not "stand sponsor to pinning the Hyacinths " at Liverpool, neither didljustifyit. If 'C, S," had read my remarks carefully, ho would have seen that. I said at the time that wo could not disqualify on that ground, and I repeat it. Not a pip was added by the pinning, or we should certainly have disqualified. I further stated that the matter may be safely left to the Committee for prevention another year, and I am quite sure it will be done. " Censor Secundus " evidently dislikes to give his name, so I am ignorant whether I know him, but I can safely leave my reputation as a judge in the hands of those who know me. William Dean, Bradford Nursery, Shipley. Wireworms.— I have a new Vine border, not yet planted, which is very much infested with wireworms, brought with the soil of which the border is made, which was fresh loam from a pasture. Great quantities of the worms in question have been caught by burying Potatos cut in two below the surface. Can any of your correspondents suggest a more successful method of getting rid of these troublesome pests ? W. T. Fruit Crops in Lancashire,— On looking over my trees the other morning I found that all my fruit crops are perfectly safe at present. Therefore if we get no more frost and cold winds, we shall have abundant crops. Peaches and Nectarines have set well under screens or blinds, which may be drawn up and let down in the same way as common window blinds. Pears are a very good crop. Apples show abundantly, and I think I never saw better Gooseberries and Currants ; Strawberries, too, are very promising. AH kinds of garden produce, in short, are looking well, Eingleader Peas are in flower, Potatos are up and quite in leaf under screens, which I shall remove in about a fortnight. Our farmers grow large breadths under screens in this part of Lancashire, and the produce meets with a ready sale in Manchester and in Liverpool. 11. Hepburn, Gr., Scaresbrick Hall. Vegetable Phenomenon, — The accompanying Cab- bage leaf was taken from a garden in AVickhambreaux, belonging to Mr, Hewson, and no one who had seen it could recollect ever having seen such a one before. The following lines feebly suggest how Virgil, Horace, or Ovid, would have accounted for the lusus : the sober botanist will probably say something more to the purpose :— " Come hither, ye men, who grow all that is green. And say was there ever such Cabbage-leaf seen ? A Cabbage-leaf's face is quite plain we all know, But on this crests .and cups are beginning to grow ; Whate'er could induce this one Cabljage to swerve So far from its path ? What purpose to serve ? Every tree has its favourite nymph, poet's say ; If so, then each Cabbage-stalk possibly may. And what if the nymph that inhabits this plant Did fancy her dwelling too plain and too scant. And, tripping abroad dui-ing some sunny hour. She did steal the sweet pollen from some sleepy flower ? Then shedding the dust in her little parUrre, A cup grew up here, and a crest appeai'ed there : The crests are her forests, her valleys, and mounts, "While the small cups are goblets, the large bathing-founts, And after each sunset the pearliest dew Trickles into her vessels anew and anew. Whole hosts of bright dryads are anxious to le,am By what art a plain leaf to a grove they may turn. Now gardeners and poets, examine my theme, And say — is it real or only a dream," Wm. Warman, Canterbury. [The cup thus poetically introduced, after the fashion of Erasmus Darwin, to the notice of "sober botanists," is one that cheers but not inebriates ; indeed Columella or Cato, we forget which at the moment, recommends Cabbage as a remedy for a too free use of the wine-cup. Be this as it may, the formation of leafy crests and cups and pitchers is not of very unusual occurrence in Cabbages and Lettuces, and is an evidence of exuberant growth dependent on too free living ! EdsJ Fern Queries.— AVhy is Onoclea sensibilis called sensible or sensitive ? A fine plant, kept in my study all last summer, did not manifest that quality, that 1 could discover. The same plant in the open ground is now sending up robust fronds with as little regard for atmospheric influences as the male Fern andLastrea dilatata. It is interesting to note the circumstances in which Ferns are analogous to flowering plants. There are annual Ferns {three, I believe) ; there are climbing Ferns also. Are there any really parasitic Ferns, not epiphytal, but as true parasites as the Mistletoe and the Dodder ? I have reason to think that Asplenium Trichomanes has a tendency to feed at the expense of other Ferns, having found it unusually vigorous, inextricably entangled with the roots of Lastrea Filix-mas and Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, Unfortunately the specimens were beyond my reach when the idea of parasitism occurred to me, E. S. D. [The fronds of Onoclea wither rapidly when cut from the plant. If Asplenium Trichomanes is parasitic, it must frequently be parasitical on bricks. Eds,] Ramie, — I have no doubt of the Ramie alluded to by Mr, Scheer (p. 435), and concerning which he inquires, being the Talee Ramee of the Malays, the China Grass of commerce, the Rhea of India, and the Boehmeria nivea of botani.sts. Nothing in the quota- tion from the Neuj York Shipping List indicates that the fibre is produced in the seed pod, as in the case of cotton, but the allusion to the " diflioulty of extracting the fibre" strengthens the supposition that it is rather of the nature of Flax, 'fhe correspondence in name, the silky character of the Rhea fibre, and its market value, all lead to the conclusion that Ramie is the "Nettle" above named, M. C. Cooke. Fancy Pelargoniums.— The foliage on nearly all my specimens of Fancy Pelargoniums is becoming blemished. I do not notice any insect upon them, but he leaves appear cankered. The first appearance is a small red spot, which increases until it eats a large hole or holes in the leaves, which then become dis- coloured. My gardener seems at a loss to find means to arrest this disease. I shall feel much obliged if you could give me any information as to the best remedy to be adopted, /, G. [I imagine that "J. G.'s" plants are suffering from a severe attack of the disease known as "spot," I think it to be produced in a great measure by a close, damp, and cold atmosphere, and injudicious use of manures, especially those of the nature of guano, &c, I would advise " J. G." to try the effect of a perfectly dry and warm atmosphere, with abundant ventilation day and night ; to place the plants as near the glass as possible, and avoid crowding ; to water with pure warm rain-water, and not to give manure in any form. I would remove the spots as soon as they appear with a sharp knife, which may prevent infection. H. Bailey,, jun., Shardiloes.'j Auricula Shows. — A cynical critic thus writes to a contemporary, in reference to certain of the objects exhibited at the flower show in the Royal Hor- ticultural Garden at South Kensington, on the ISth ult. :— " At the very time when all the Auricula growers in and about Loudon would have been thankful to have competed, positively the Society offers no prize, and Mr. Turner sends his 100 plants to be shown in the Miscellaneous Class for perhaps 10s. or 15s, ; and on the 9th of May, when ho and many southern growers will have repotted their plants, the prizes are ofiered," Now, it so happens that last year prizes were oflTered for Auriculas on the 16th of April, and while of the result the same scribe, in the same publication, remarks : " A poorer lot I have not seen staged for some time ; Mr, Turner's were as usual the best, but he must have been hard up, &c,," the reports of the show on the 7th of May state that " the Auricula bloom, so far as it has been seen at the London shows, may be said to have culmi- nated at the special show at South Kensington on the "th inst, ;" "on this occasion Mr, Turner staged a very fine lot of the show varieties," So much for the question of date--^, the fitness of which, as any sane person would allow, depends on the nature of the season, which cannot be known beforehand. Then, as to the 10s, or 15$, prize, the writer must either have stated what he knew to be false, or he did not take the trouble to ascertain the truth, as he might have done merely by glancing at your advertising columns of last Saturday, when it appears that prizes for Auriculas were awarded to the amount of 40s. to Mr. Turner, and of 20s. to Mr. James. To state this, however, did not suit the sensational object of the commentary in question, the animus of which is only too evident. Auricula. [It would seem desirable in future to include these pretty spring flowers in both the April and May shows. They are deserving of all reasonable encouragement, and as the facts show, either April or May alone may be wron", as the season may prove to be either late or early. It is much to be regretted that florists should lower themselves by the squabbles in which they seem so ready to engage. Eds.] Broccoli, — At p, .378 1 have given my opinion regard- ing the good qualities of Carter's Champion and Veitch's fine Early Spring Broccoli, which I apprehend the samples I send will more than corroborate. Champion is a first-class Broccoli, and is deserving of extended cultivation. The head of Veitch's fine Early is small, but it is compact. I have cut! far larger heads earlier ; the Old Sulphur is a good kind, coming in late— a circumstance which makes it valuable. A late Broccoli is of equal value with an early one, filling as it does an important gap before Cauliflowers are ready to cut. Dilcock's Bride is another distinct useful Broccoli, hardy and compact. Knight's Protecting is still unequalled for general purposes, and I doubt whether we yet have a kind superior to it— it is one of the hardiest, and a variety in which the most depend- ance can be placed, Chappell's Cream is another kind, which if true no gardener will err in planting. Mammoth I find to be rather delicate ; Miller's Late White, loose, and badly coloured ; Wilcove, especially A^'eitch's variety, is really good and late, /, Edlington, Wrotham Park, Barnel. [The examples of Broccoli with which you have favoured us, are all that could be desired, especially Knight's Protecting and Carter's Champion, which are unusually large and fine. Carter's being much the whiter of the two, Eds,] Mowing Machines, — Your correspondents, in refer- ring to Messrs, Shanks' horse mowing machines, speak only of those made 12 or 15 years ago, I can also bear testimony to the excellence of those machines, but it would assist purchasers if those who are using the machines of a much more recent dale would also give their experience of them, E. K. Societies. Botanical of Edinburqh : March 12.— The President in the chair. The foUowingcommunicationswereread ;— I, Obituari/ Nutii-e of Mm Badu, and the 2d prize by Sir Roger Palmer. Several Palms and handsome Tree Ferns, which were sent by Mr. T. Bewley (not for competition), ^were placed in this tent. The collection of fruit was limited, but some fine Pears were shown by Sir George Hodson and Mr. J. J. Isacke. The vegetables were creditable, especially those sent by Mr. Herbert Mander.s, Mr. John Barlow, and Sir George Hodson ; :iiid Mr. C. Cobbe exhibited some large early Potatos. On the }).irteiTe to the north of the gardens, an oval pavilion hid been erected for the Roy.al and Viceregal party. The I'psidc ^-as driped with pink and white altem.ately, h.and- imcly r:irp "tod. ,and furnished with cabinets and girandoles. \ .scs f.f lovrlv tlnvir-, lilled the pavilion with delicious per- / unci, anil In i-lil ciH ,) tlio s;cner:il effect of the arrangements. -\ nia.^iiilli'Liit ).,.,ui|nr.i i,f Urehi'is, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, i,'..seLnnls, jirii^, f;,- , i.voscnted by Messrs. Campbell, was Ij luded to the Princess of Wales by the Duke of Leinster, and accepted by her Royal Highness with evident pleasure. The general arrangements reflected very creditably upon the assiduity and judgment of Mr. Ambrose Balfe, the secretary. excess of moisture that causes disease in most cases." But the evil is not owing to excessive moisture, nor to want of fresh soil, although it may be aggraTated by these causes. In proof of this I will state a few facts that have come under my observation. I grow many thousands of Gladiolus bulbs every summer, the soil in which they are planted being almost all sand. Until about si.? years ago the land liad never been cultivated, unless, perhaps, by the native Indians. The Baritan River, abounding in fish and oysters, rolls within a few hundred yards of us, and has doubtless furnished food to the Red Man for many a hundred years. In fact, near the river, at the food of every hill that sheltered them from the prevailing winds, the Indians must have had settlements or camping-grounds, for oyster shells are found in quan- tities not only near the surface but deep in the ground. But if they tilled the soil, it must have been in years long gone by, for no white man about here ever saw a native Indian, or ever heard of any one who had seen one. In clearing the laud for cultivation, we cut down a small forest, consisting chiefly of Scrub Pine (Finns inops) and the common Cedar (Juniperus communis), both of which are almost altogether confined to sterile soil. The ground was then thoroughly ploughed, and planted with Indian Corn, well manured in the hill with stable manure. The following season a part was laid out for a kitchen garden, and planted with the vegetables in general use. In this soil, and with such preparation as this, for three years past I have made my Gladiolus beds: and though always in the same place, no finer flowers could be desired, and no healthier bulbs could possibly be wished for than 1 have had. The summer of 1806 was extraordinai;ily hot and dry, the thermometer several times showing more than 100', in the shade : the summer of 18G7, on the contrary, was the wettest and the coldest known in New Jersey for many years ; and yet at the end of each season, so entirelydifferent.my Gladiolus bulbs showed no sign whatever of disease. From this I conclude that want of fresh soil and excessive moisture are not the causes of the mischief. In further proof of this, I may state that last winter I planted a quantity of Gladiolus seed, which yielded me in the spring about 15.000 little bulbs of the size of Peas. Allowing these a rest of six weeks or two months, I planted them again in July in seed pans. But I suspect they wereputtoo grow again to soon, for although a few sent up their little blades two weeks or so after having been planted, many of theiii lay in the ground two or three months before showing any sign of life— in i^iict, those that started first grew and matured their bulbs during the time that the last were lying dormant. As the little bulbs were planted not much more than an inch apart, I found that in trying to take out those that had come to maturity I could hardly help dis- turbing the others, and so in a good many of the pans I left them all alone. The mature bulbs did not rot or become diseased under the copious waterings the pans were receiving, but most of them have again started into vigorous growth, and, strange to say, in almost every case I notice that the spawn is shooting up just as readily as the small parent bulb. In short, the smallest of the family, hardly bigger than the head of a pin, seems to have started about as soon, and is growing just as thriftily as his companions. So among all these thousands absolutely confined to soil that is filled with their own roots, not one shows any indica tion of anything but the most vigorous health. I will now merely notice one other assertion that seems to me somewhat singular, viz., " that large bulbs invariably split into two or three spikes." This is very different from my experience. From certain varieties I always expect two or three spikes, and these varieties have generally rather small bulbs. With me, Calendulaceus makes the largest bulbs, which some- times measure as much as '4 inches in diameter. And this variety almost always produces only a single stem, while, on the contrary, ;Bmma, James Carter, Othello, Osiris, Rembrandt, and some other small-sized bulbs, have generally from two to five spikes. I do not, of course, mean that a small bulb is more likely to have several spikes than a large bulb of the same variety ; but what I do mean is that the size of a Gladiolus bulb is no indication whatever of tlie number of spikes it may produce. I find that Achille, Brenchleyensis, Ceres, Eugene Domage, and Comte de Morny, for instance, seldom have more than one spike, and that Charles Dickens, Fulton, Meyerbeer, Madame de Sevigne, and Milton, generally do ; but why there is this difference, is more than any of us can tell.^ At a college dinner party once, somebody said he had heard it remarked that a bit of old cheese dropped into foaming ale, would cause the foam to subside. They all set themselves to work to find out a reason for this, but none was found quite satisfactory. At last, one young fellow who was not particularly noticeable for the brilliancy of his ideas, said he knew the reason of it perfectly well— it was some peculiar property in the cheese. The difference in the number of the Gladiolus spikes admits of no better explanation than this, you may depend. Oeorge Such, South Amboi/, Nem Jersey, U.S.A. Florists' Flo'wers. The Gladiolus.— I am under many obligations to youroorrespondents for all that they have written regard- ing this beautifill flower. And yet it seems to me much remains to be learned before we can state with certainty what is the cause of that disease, of which cultivators have complained so bitterly. In an article, at page 181, the writer says he is persuaded that one of the most important safeguards is " planting the bulbs in fresh soil each season ; " and afterwards he says that " it is instincts the bees would very soon be making the usual preparations for swarming. This will therefore be the proper time to put supers on such stocks as it is desired to prevent from swarming, provided they are in the prosperous condition just described. In the Mid- land and Northern counties, doubtless the season is hardly so far advanced as with us, and an allowance of perhaps a fortnight or more must be made accordingly. jMy remarks, therefore, must be taken to apply to the district with which I am the most familiar. Apiarians who desire their bees to throw off natural swarms, should lose no time in procuring hives suitable for the purpose. I would strongly advise them not to make the very common mistake of clapping their valuable prime swarms into foul, old, dilapidated straw hives, or butts as they are here called, while the poor, feeble little second and third swarms, doomed to perish before the following spring, are honoured with new domiciles. Let the valuable first swarms be hived into perfectly new hives, if of straw; or into suitable wooden hives, taking care, if they have been previously in use, that they are in a proper condition, and thoroughly cleaned out. If second and after swarms issue, unite two or three of them into one receptacle; a strong, prosperous colony is established, and the result will amply repay any supposed loss arising from the diminution of stocks in the apiary. As soon as the swarm is tolerably well settled in its new home, which will be in the course of ten minutes or a quarter of an hour, let it be at once removed to the stand in the garden which it is to permanently occupy. Much saving of time to the emigrants is thereby effected. The hives need not be daubed or dressed inside with the nasty messes u.sually employed, in the belief that the bees are thereby induced to settle quietly. They do no good whatever towards effecting the object desired, and only cause the bees infinite trouble in ridding their hive of all such extra- neous matter. If anything is used, a little honey or moistened sugar may be rubbed in, but it is totally unnecessary. Let tlie newly-hived bees be well shaded from the effects of a hot sun ; many swarms become discontented and desert their new habitations from neglect of this simple precaution. In some parts of Ireland it is the custom, when a swarm has fairly settled on the bough or other place selected, to throv/ a sheet or cloth round about it to ward off the rays of the sun ; in this state the bees will remain clustered until the evening, when they are hived an hour or two before dusk. This fact proves that if protected from the glare and heat of the sun, bees are les.s disposed to again take wing. When my swarms alight in a position unfavourable for being speedily secured, I always, if possible, place some shading over them, to give me ample time for making the required preparations. If the weather continues to be fine after the emigrants have been hived, it is not advisable to administer any food ; but if, as too often happens, cold, wet weather sets in immediately afterwards, a moderate supply of sugar-syrup, given daily until an improvement takes place, will be of immense service to them, enabling them to proceed uninterruptedly with the construction of combs, promoting the laying of eggs by the queen, and supplying the larvce with the food necessary for their development. By this judicious treatment, when fine weather again sets in, the hive is in the best con- dition for taking the fullest advantage of it, whereas if it has been neglected, a great deal of lost ground will require to be made up, and the best of the season will have gone by before the bees will have become suffi- ciently populous, or have made enough progress towards filling their hive with combs, to be able to store up large suppUes of honey for future consumption. I must leave the subject of supers until nfext week. S. Sevan Fo.v. Presext Management.— Climate and situation have of course great influence on the present condition of the bees. In the south, or rather south-west of England, the spring has, on the whole, been a favour- able one. Hives are therefore in a very forward state, and we may expect swarms to be tolerably abundant after the 12th of May. Some stocks that I have had an opportunity of examining internally have an immense quantity of brood, sealed and unsealed, while drones have been flying in and out for two or three weeks, so I conclude that if left to follow their natural Garden Memoranda. Deopmoke, THE Seat of the Hon. G. M. FoKTESCUE, Maidenhead, Bucks.— It is in the beginning of summer that the great beauty and charming features of this fine place are most striking ; for it is then that the woods are filled with banks of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Kalmias of all colours and forms ; the borders with myriads of Roses, and the flower beds embroidered with white, azure, crimson, and gold. Early summer is the season, too, when the Pine woods are fragrant with balsamic exhalations, when new foliage is ornamenting the Fir trees, and when wild flowers, with which both bank and glen are adorned, look freshest and most pleasing. Such will be the condition of Dropmore a few weeks hence. But how lovely a spot is it even now, despite of wind and rain ; how verdant are its lawns, how varied the land- scape, with Windsor Castle as a magnificent object in the middle distance ; how gay the flower garden and parterres ; and above all things, how rich the health of the beautiful Pino trees thjt flourish here in unrivalled vigour, uotwithstandiiig that the soil is naturally uncongenial to them. A visit to these celebrated grounds will satisfy the most incre- dulous, that Nature must acknowledge the supremacy of Art, and that it is more often the good taste and wealth of a proprietor, and the skill of a gardener, that form a modern paradise, than all the so-called advan- tages of air and soil. Under their magic influence a bleak hill-side and a sterile heath become all that can delight the senses, and in their absence a fertile valley falls back into a desert. The soil here is not what may strictly be termed jjeaty, nor at all what is commonly regarded as appropriate to American plants, and yet by the good management of Mr. Frost the Rhododendron and Azalea have to a large extent displaced the Black- thorn and other wild bushes in the woods of Dropmore, springing up in thousands among the herbage. Even the finer varieties of Rhododendron succeed here admirably, and Camellias are growing well by the side of Laurels in the shrubberies, while under the leafy May 2, 18GS.] THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 465 shade of lofty Beeches are annually planted out in summer Fuchsias of various kinds, which by attention and ase have acquired the stature of little trees. But wild Nature is by no means banished fromeven the ornamental grounds at Dronmore ; on the contrary, masses of common Brake, IJlaokberry bushes, and Sweet Briar, embowered with thousands of Boursault and De Lisle Roses, through which the sunbeams shed a ruddy and broken glow, crop up here and there in striking contrast with the dressed ground ; and to this mutual blending of Nature with Art the great charm belonging to the grounds under notice may be attributed. Among the more striking objects that attract the visitor is the glorious specimen of Araucaria imbricata, for the symmetry and beauty of which these grounds have long been famous. It is now 50 feet in heiglit, and it stands the hardest frosts without injury — not a leaf nor a shoot is discoloured. This is planted on a slightly raised mound, consisting wholly of artificial soil, near a piece of ornamental water, and on acconnt of its formal foreign aspect forms a strange contrast with other trees of more graceful habit with which it is associated. Abies Douglasii, too, here rears its head to I ho lu.'ight of !)5 feet ; and its branches, with which it is feathered to the very ground, cover there an area of fi," feet. This has borne cones in abundance, from which thousands of young plants have been raised. This splendid tree grows on the lawn, and was planted about the year 1830. The finest Deodar here was planted in October, 1831, and its present height is 50 feet 3 inches. The girth of the trunk at 3 feet from the ground is 8 feet, and the diameter of the branches 40 feet. Picea nobilis, planted in 1835, is now 41 feet 7 inches in height, and the girth of the trunk at 3 feet from the ground is 4 feet 6 inches. Taxodium semper- virens, planted in 1845, is 40 feet in height, while the girth of the trunk near the ground is 5 feet G inches, and the diameter of the branches is 23 feet. Wellingtonia gigantea, planted in 1859, is now 18 feet 0 inches in height, while the girth of the trunk near the ground is 4 feet 4 inches, and 3 feet up it is 2 feet 8 inches. I'inus e.xcelsa, planted in 1839, is now 60 feet 7 inches in height, while the girth of the trunk is 4 feet 8 inches, and the diameter of the branches 21 feet 8 inches. Finns insignis measures Gl feet 8 inches in height, with a girth of trunk of S feet, and a diameter of branches 36 feet 9 inches. This was onlyl foot 6 inches in height when it was planted in l'i39. P. monticola is 52 feet G inches in height, while the girth of the trunk at 3 feet from the ground is 4 feet 6 inches, and the diameter of the branches is 28 feet. This was planted in 1835. P. Benthamiana, planted in 1813, is now 27 feet 8 inches in height, with a girth of trunk 2 feet 4 inches, and a diameter of branches 9 feet G inches. Abies grandis, raised from a cutting and planted in 1847, now measures 30 feet 6 inches in height, while the girth of the trunk is 2 feet 10 inches, and the spread of the branches 14 feet. A. taxi folia (Loddiges) is 40 feet 9 inches in height, with a girth of trunk 3 feet 8 inches, and a diameter of branches of 27 feet. Abies Alborti, 1 foot 6 inches high when lihntcd in 1861, is now IS feet 6 inches in height, with a girth of trunk of 9i inches, and a diameter of branches of 12 feet. A. Pinsapo, planted in 1813, is 32 feet in height, with a girth of trunk of 2 feet 8 inches, and a diameter of branches of 20 feet. A. Menziesii, 2 feet high when planted in 1841, is now 43 feet 6 inches in height, with a girth of trunk of 3 feet 9 inches, and a spread of branches of 20 feet. This was in the first instance raised from a cutting. Cryptomeria japonica, IV foot high when planted in 1847, is now 41 feet in height, while the girth of the trunk is 3 feet 7 inches, and the^ spread of the branches is 22 feet. These selec- tions will serve to indicate the kind of treat lovers of Coniferse may expect to experience at this fine place. The only trees lost during the last two winters have been Cupressus torulosa, one Deodar, and two plants of Pinus insignis. It is doubtful, however, whether or not frost killed the Deodar, as others closely associated with it were uninjured. In the winter of 1836-67, Cupressus macrocarpa had only a branch or two slightly iiijured ; but in many places, as is well known, it was killed outright during the trying weather to which it was then subjected. As regards culture of Conifers, Mr. Frost's practice is to top-dress with old potting soil, the refuse of the llower garden when well rotten, or some mixture of that sort. This applied occasionally he finds to greatly i raprove the trees. In planting he always digs the hole in which the tree is to be put 3 feet deep, and fills up •i feet above the ground level. There is therefore li feet of soil, which leaves the plant on a knoll, and by supplying material for top-dressings, the knoll in time gradually slopes oS' to nothing. The -ubsoil at Dropmore is for the most part a rocky gravel, and before planting as many as 50 cartloads of liad material are sometimes removed from one hole, ;ind replaced with a still larger amount of rough sods obtained from the road-sides or elsewhere — "the rougher the better," says Mr. Frost, who adds that " under these conditions the trees keep in exceedingly line health." As to planting he has done that at all times of the year; but he prefers October, or early March, to any other period for the operation. From what is called the " Stub Mount," a magnifi- cent view of the surrounding country can be obtained, and there is also what is termed the' " Beech Mount," a gentle eminence just sufliciently overspread with Irees to afford an agreeable canopy of delightful foliage ; and carpeted as it is with closely-shaven soit luos.iy turf, it is certainly, during warm bright weather, ime of the most charming spots about Dropmore. This of itself forms a garden, in which the various llowers with which in summer the clumps are filled can be inspected with comfort. The beauty of this Mount is also greally heightened by Mr. Frost intro- ducing here and there at the proper season noble standard Fuchsias with clean stems, 5 and 6 feet high, and with heads thickly studded with blossoms, 6 and 7 feet through. Those are potted up in autumn, pruned in like standard Rose trees, and wintered in a cool greenhouse. Large Scarlet Pelargoniums are similarly treated, and their effect in connection with the sylvan scenery just alluded to is certainly grand in the extreme. At few places is the decoration of beds and borders with half-hardy summer plants carried further than it is here. Even the walls of the mansion itself are covered with flowers, which being under a verandah with moveable lights in front, can be kept secure in winter. A neat flower garden on Grass lies in front of the house, to the west of which is an extensive herba- ceous ground, a little rock garden constructed with much taste by Mr. Frost, and other features of much interest. The woods about this beautiful place are also pierced with walks and drives miles in extent, and there is, moreover, what is called the " Cedar Avenue,' a Grass- covered carriage road, with a row of noble Cedars of Lebanon on each side of it. This drive is 50 feet in width, and the trees stand some 25 feet asunder. They should, however, have been wider, as their branches arc beginning to interlace and spoil one another. But it is not merely by fine trees, rich woods, and the gayest of flower gardens that Dropmore is dis- tinguished ; the glasshouses may likewise be pointed to as producing excellent examples of good cultivation, botu in the shape of fruit and pot plants. As a hybridist, too, Air. Frost has been wonderfully suc- cessful, especially in reference to Azaleas, of which numbers of fine sorts have been produced by him, and now occupy a prominent place in most collections of that showy genus. It may also be mentioned, that to the glasshouses already in existence a long range has recently been added, in which are to be grown Peaches and Nectarines, Strawberries, and fruits of that descrip- tion. In short, since the estate has fallen into the hands of the present sjiirited proprietor, many important improvements have been made in it, and others we understand are contemplated. It is also satisfactory to know that, as in the late Lady Gren- ville's time, Mr. Fortescue liberally permits^ the grounds to be shown to respectable visitors at all times, except on Sundays, when they are entirely closed. Miscellaneous. Fruit Qrowing at Melbourne. — Amongst the fruit often shown by Mr. Carson are those of the Citrus tribe, whose cultivation he has made a special study. A largo quarter is furnished with trees of this kind, planted at ample distances, the soil being otherwise uncropped and perfectly clean.^ As no mulching was to be seen, this mode of mitigating the efi'eots of drought is, we presume, not found necessary. The health of the Orange trees generally is excellent; just now, when in full bloom, they are a sight worth going to see ; the dense masses of waxy white blossoms con- trasting finely with the bright shining foliage. It is evident that unless thinning were liberally carried out after the fruit has set, the trees would be killed by their excessive burden. Few of them show rank or extravagant growth; they have, on the contrary, grownhealthilyandevenlythroughout— aconditioudue, doubtless, to judicious stopping. Mr. Carson has on principle encouraged a lateral extension of the branches, taking care that the lower ones extend beyond those above them, so that none are over-shadowed. The trees, therefore, are either dome-shaped or pyra- midal, according as the natural habit of each will permit. This principle he has also applied as far as possible to the Pears, Apples, and fruit trees generally. Amongst the Oranges is a fine symmetrical specimen of the Siletta ; there is one also of the Cluster, which resembles the St. Michael, and others of the Poor Man's Orange, and the Parramatta Seedling. The Kum-quat, the smallest of the Mandarins, is also there, and doing well ; the Tahiti is weak, and means should be adopted to induce a more vigorous growth. With weak plants, the best plan is to bud or graft scions on young healthy stocks ; old stunted plants rarely do any good. The Maltese, or blood orange, is growing, as usual, the strongest of all. One tree is half sweet lemon, the other half Siletta. There is anotherSydneyseedling,namedthe 12-quarter Orange; it is said to be a very fine variety. The West India Lime is bearing and growing finely; and there are Shaddocks of an oval shape and bright yellow colour, a superior variety to the round one, which is also there. Mr. Carson would warn those who plant Oranges against setting them too deep in the soil. Some of his trees were thus planted, and it was not until they had been lifted and replanted that they made satisfactory progress. Amongst the original importa- tions .is the Perdrigon, the Plum which, when dried, is the grocer's prune or French Plum ; it is about to give its first fruit, Both Apricots and Plums have cropped prodigiously this season ; the same, indeed, may be said of Pears; the Apples (which are in bloom) promise equally well. One of the finest rows of Apple trees we remember to have seen is that of the Red Astraohan at this place ; they are excelled by only one tree in the garden, and that is a really splendid specimen of French Crab. This tree has a 3-1 1 stem and is 25 ft. in diameter, the branches throughout standing about a foot asunder; a finer specimen of the pruner's art could hardly be imagined. The Plums on light soils are usually much affected with red spider, and as this pest began seriously to interfere with the health and pro- ductiveness of the trees, active remedies were adopted about 18 months ago. The trees were freely cut in, and the whole of the bark was dressed with Gishurst compound at the rate of a pound to the gallon. The trees were further syringed on several occasions whilst in leaf, wit'n a much weaker solution of Gishurst. Jlr. Carson finds this the best remedy for all insect pests, I and especially for the American blight on Apple trees ; tho Oranges also get it whenever the presence of objectionable insects is observed. By English gardeners it is now employed to tho exclusion of all other things, and around Sydney it has been found invaluablo for tho diseases afi'ecting the Orange trees. Many of tho Pear trees at Clutha are fine pyra- midal or bush specimens, upwards of 25 feet high ; this for trees 12 years old is very satisfactory, ^^e must not omit mention of the fine specimens of Apple trees 10 years old from cuttings. Last year we had to mention a whole orchard on the Barrabools raised ia this manner, and these repeated successes show that Apples can be grown as well from cuttings as by graft- ing on .seedling stocks. Observing that it must be difficult to reach the centres of these large trees, Mr. Carson explained that a special ladder has been con- structed for the purpose ; it has a single leg, which ia inserted as far as possible amongst the branches, and then by using a hook to pull the branches nearer, the operator is enabled to prune or gather fruit as the case may be. On one experimental Apple tree 20 seedlings have been grafted to prove them. The north side of the garden fence is appropriated to Vines, of which there is also a quarter on the usual stake system. Those near the fence are of course trellised, but the trellis is very much sloped in order to permit the bunches to hang free, whilst they are shaded effectually by the foliage. The berries under such conditions would be likely to carry a fine delicate bloom. The Carolina Strawberry, which Mr. Carson imported, thrives better than any other kind in the Clutha soil ; there is a fine crop of large berries, many nearly ripe. The Chinese Date Plum, Diospyros Kaki, appears to be fairly established, but we would give it the benefit of a north wall if possible, for it is hardly likely to attain perfection without it. Australian Paper. ffiaiUcit ©jpcvationgf. {For the enauing week.) PLANT HOUSES. Gbaduallt initiate the inmates of all Orchid houses to a full growing period, by means of a good maximum warmth and an increase of humidity. Shading will, it is needless to remark, be constantly necessary during the warmer sun-shiny periods of the day. And owing to the warmth afforded thereby, and the higher range of temperature in the outer atmo- sphere, very much less fire or other artificial heat will be needed. An average temperature internally of 75° to 80°, with a corresponding decrease of from 5° to 10' at night will suit them well. As the large fleshy roots of many rarer varieties will now be pushing freely, keep a watchful look-out in order to ascertain quickly whether or not insects exist in the house. The best effort a plant is capable of may be cut short and spoilt indefinitely, should slugs, snails, or, what is even worse, cockroaches, be allowed to attack it. The latter are very partial to butter spread upon bread, which they consume with equal readiness if a little phosphorous paste be added ; this, therefore, affords a simple means for their destruction. Orchids which are in flower should be moved, if possible, into a dryer atmosphere than that in which they have been, and should receive the necessary amount of shading; thus treated they will last ranch longer in bloom tnan when allowed to remain in dense humidity. Keep the temperature of all conservatories, properly so called, at the lowest possible point commensurate with the warmth needful to keep all plants in health. By avoiding anything in the way of draughts, a goodly margin might be returned in this respect. Serbaceous Calceolarias, which are fast advancing to the flowering state, must be attended to as regards staking, tying, &c. Be very strict, there- fore at such a juncture not to allow aphis pests a lodgment on any of them ; they not only impoverish tho plant in regard to vigour, but so cause the flower spikes to become crumpled up as to spoil both their symmetry and beauty. FORCING HOUSES. Discontinue syringing Grapes as soon as they show symptoms of ripening, but continue the free use of the .syringe in houses not so forward, except where the Vines are in flower ; and by shutting up those which are swelling fruit early in the afternoon, secure a good maximum warmth of from 90' to 95°. Air should be given freely in the mornings of fine warm days. Increase it proportionately until the time of shutting up, and so induce a firm substantial growth during the subsequent growing period which follows the time of shutting up. Stop the hasty growing shoots of young Vines as soon as they have reached within a foot or so of the top of the rafters. Laterals upon the same must not be pinched back too closely at any time, as so doing might induce the fruiting buds at their base to push somewhat too prominently. It will be well to admit the sub-later.als upon all such young Vines to ramble away within moderate limits after the main rod, as stated above, has been pinched back. This should be done for the two-fold purpose of deterring more valued buds from growing, and to induce the formation of rootsin abundance preparatory more or less for next spring's campaign. In regard to Pines, many of the successions will, in all probability, now again need repotting and pushing on quickly, in order to form good staple growth, ready for the purpose of becoming thoroughly established at no very distant period as " fruiting stuff." Eight or nine months will at least elapse from the time when last "shifted" to that of " showing." Cherry trees ripening fruit should be kept a little drier than they have been, both as regards the atmosphere and the roots. Afford abun- dance of air also, an operation which conduces greatly to give them both good colour and high flavour. Peaches and Nectarines, having perfected their final swelling, will likewise be much aided iu the matter of flavour if a free and constant circulation of air be afforded them. 466 THE OAEBENEES' CMOMCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [Mat 3, 18GS. Bemove, moreover, for a like purpose any leaves which grow immediately over them, and which shade them from the direct rays of the sua. Later houses of this class should have but little artificial heat now, and that only upon dull cold days, and then just a little to keep up the required degree of warmth by night. Continue tying-in the necessary quan- tity of young shoots as they advance in growth, and, above all, insure to all perfect immunity from insect pests. Be careful not to allow too large a crop to exist upon young trees, or such as are deficient of vigour. Strawberries will now need constant and frequent attention, as regards root moisture. Indeed upon very hot drying days a good soaking twice a day will be needful, as— and this should always bo borne in mind— any defi- ciency in this respect materially affects the size of the fruit, causing it invariably to ripen off preoiiturely, and before it has finished growth. Figs in like manner should also be allowed more air when about to ripen. HARDV FRUIT GARDES. Proceed with the necessary thinning of Apricots with all possible dispatch. Already iu places the kernel is assuming consistency at an unusually early period. Do not force them, therefore, to undergo this process with more fruit than is absolutely needful to secure a good crop. Thin theshootsout upon theseandall similar wall fruit trees, to the necessary amount. Many strong young shoots— ill and too thickly placed upon Apricots, should be pinched ofi' just above the third or fourth leaf, others, which form at the apex of the shoots, may be just stopped at the tips only. Fasten to the wall any required for the purpose of occupying vacancies as soon as they are of sumcient size, and before they grow out of shape, and beyond bounds. I find it necessary to repeat my former advice regarding insects. Already — and it is early for such visitors, green and black fly are exceedingly numerous upon both Peaches, Cherries, &c. The so-called new system of destruction by means of tobacco-dust, or powder, is much recommended for his purpose ; but this, by the way, was much used some 20 or 30 years ago. Give "S^rawierr^ beds another sousing with liquid manure if possible. After the past rains, and now when they are in full progress, this will prove of inestimable benefit to them. Where not already done, thin out the " suckers " issuing from the base of Raspberries, leaving about four or five of the strongest best placed canes only remaining to each. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Pansiei, where cultivated with any degree of atten- tion, should now have a good surface dressing of finely- sifted, well decomposed leaf-mould. Hustle it in amongst the branches of all good sized plants, making it do duty at once as a "stay," to prevent wind-waving, and also to induce the plentiful formation of fresh sur- face roots. Place the necessary supports to tall-growing herbaceous ^\i\.n'!,5— Delphiniums, herbaceous Clematis, &c. Remove all flowers which have lost colour from plants of Oentiana. If left they impoverish the plants immensely in their effort to produce seed. This is one of the most lovely of spring-flowering plants. A row of G. acaulis here has been absolutely dazzling when the sun shone upon it. Immediately Auriculas cease to be pleasing and the flowers decay, remove the old stalks, &c. Place the plants in a cool, shady situa- tion, away from drip, and give the requisite amount of attention in the way of watering, &c. Too frequently inattention at this period is the cause of much failure and future ill-success in the culture of this quaint and interesting class of plants. Commence in earnest the hardening process with all plants intended for bedding- out, and flnish potting ofi', and all necessary anticipa- tory preparations, with the view of making a good start. Window boxes, vases— rustic and others- which are to occupy prominent positions anon, should now be furnished with the necessary plants, if means exist for their proper protection from frosts or other future harsh weather between now and the 20th of May. And here let me observe, that the above date is the only safe one, following which perfect immunity from frosts can be relied upon. Those, then, who " leave little to chance," should make all preliminary arrangements accordingly. KITCHEN GARDEN. Harden ofi' Tomatos, Capsicums, Vegetable Marrows, Gherkins intended for out-door ridges, &c., and prepare the necessary places for planting them out at an early date. Sow a further supply of Cauli- flowers and Cabbages for a succession. Earth up tlie former of these, which are now growing rapidly, and will therefore bo much benefited thereby. Tie up Lettuces, for the purpose of blanching, and transplant finally other seedling ones intended to succeed the latest autumn-sown ones. Continue earthing up suc- oessional plantings of Potatos as they push through the ground, primitively for the purpose of protecting them somewhat from frost, should such ensue, and to induce more freely the formation of roots. " Prick " out a successional batch of Celertj, and prepare the necessary trench for the reception of the earliest row where sufliciently large for the purpose. Celery trenches are always best prepared in dry weather, and If somewhat before they are wanted, all the better They are more easily supplied with the necessary dung during a dry period, and there is a chance that the latter may have a soaking of rain upon it before the time of planting, which by settling it down nicely makes it in a much better state for after progress than when the whole operation is undertaken on the " spur" of the moment. In regard to routine, I can but advise constant use of the hoe upon every favourable occasion. W. 'E. HINTS FOR AM.ATBURS. Is May, now-a-days, everybody's first thoughts are about baiding-out, what plants to use, and how to group them, There is a large number of amateurs whose means will not permit of their buying much, and who depend greatly on the chance of some of their wealthier neighbours having more than they want, and being able to give them a few of their surplus plants when their own bedding-out is finished. To their attention we would particularly commend the practice of plunging the pots in the ground instead of turning out the plants. Of course it is necessary to take care that the pots are large enough to admit of each plant developing a proper quantity of roots, otherwise there will not be a healthy development of branches, foliage, and flowers. If the size of the pot is judiciously chosen, with due regard to the habit of the plant, a greater display of flowers will frequently result where the roots are thus slightly pot-bound than would have appeared if the roots had been allowed to roam freely in the open ground. Most people must have observed tbe_ autumnal appearance of common Pelargoniums, which then produce an excessive proportion of leaves to flowers as the roots get more hold of the ground and spread more widely. Plunging the plants in pots would much check this undesirable development of too much foliage, and would prolong the period of flowering. Another advantage in the adoption of this plan, consists in the control which it enables one to exercise over the proper soil for the pl.ants to grow in. Around London, for instance, the soil of most gardens is a heavy clay, in which Chrysanthemums delight, but Carnations and Verbenas dwindle and die, because they want rich sandy loam to grow in, with certain proportions of leaf-mould and manure. Now by growing each plant in a foot of its own proper soil you may get them all to do well in close proximity by plunging the pots. A further advantage, and one of considerable import- ance_ to the more inexperienced amongst amateurs, consists in the readiness with which the position of a plant may be changed without disturbing its roots, a proceeding which is sure to check its growth for some time, and most probably to cause it to shed its leaves. If a plant is not looking well, or not flowering as expected, it may be from the place where it is growing being too hot, or too windy, or too shady, or too damp, and that a change to some other position is needed. With plants in pots such a change is at once efl'ected without injury, and without the loss of a season in their blooming. Perhaps the greatest advantage of this mode of bedding-out is the facility which it affords for arrang- ing and re-arranging over and over again, as different plants come into flower, and ou^ht in their turn to be brought more prominently forward. In most small gardens will be found some bed, or part of a border, which is especially under view from a sitting-room window, and which, therefore, is required to look well at all times. Such a place, if treated after the manner of a conservatory in its arrangement, can be made to look cheerful all the year round. In the winter, it can be ornamented with pot plants of Holly, Arbor- vitoe, red - berried Aucuba, Cypress, variegated Euonymus, and Christmas Rose. From time to time some of these will make way for Primroses, Saponarias, Forget-me-Nots, Hyacinths, Tulips, and other things, which in their turn must resign in favour of Pelar- goniums, Verbenas, Petunias, Lobelias, and so forth. As autumn comes on, Tritomas, Gladiolus, Michaelmas Daisies, German and China Asters, will be asking for room to exhibit their beauties; and thus a pleasing and varying succession may be constantly maintained, without submitting to the necessity of waiting (as in the case of Crocus, Daffodil, Jonquil, &c.) until the leaves are brown before it is safe to remove the plant. The same plan is applicable to many kinds of annuals, which if raised in pots could be arranged to produce effects in grouping, in combination with half-hardy plants, which would be utterly impossible if the seeds were sown in the ground in the usual way. In this way can amateurs, by raising two-penny packets of seeds in pots, exhibit arrangements in bedding-out which may rival, if not surpass, any combinations hitherto produced ; and, while the orthodox mode of bedding-out is not susceptible of any change after the plants are once in the ground, the plan of plunging the pots admits of constant variety in the combinations, and with proper management ensures a display of bloom almost all the year. A word of caution must however be given in the matter of watering ; for the soil in a plunged pot is liable to get dry, and consequently the roots of plants in pots run a greater risk of being prejudicially affected by hot weather than they would have done if they had been planted out. Constant attention to watering in dry seasons will therefore be indispensable. This risk may, however, be very materially reduced by sinking the pot until its edge is level with the ground, and afterwards hiding the rim of the pot with a sprinkling of Cocoa-fibre, which not only has a particularly neat appearance, but has also the great advantage of keeping the surface (and therefore the body) of the soil damp by preventing evaporation. Finely sifted ashes are nearly as good in this respect, but their black colour is objectionable. W. T. Thp hit^hcst temperature du ^^ >■ N the 6tli 186d-tbena. Sr.\TE OF THE WE.ITH Elt AT CH SWICK, NE.VU LONDON, For the Week ending April 29. 18i8. luobserved at tlie Horticullnral Gardens. B^ROUETER. TtaEBaiTonE. Wind April. Of the Air. Orthe Earth .3 Max. Min. .Max. Min. Mean 1 foot 2 feet 1 nsrs 29 51i 00 41 5'0 51 48 00 Friday 21 29,511 29.174 53 51.0 53 ,10 450 53 S.E.' I'.K-Sd. 2H 29.919 » Wed. 29 Average Jl 30-061 30.015 ^ 46 414 51,5 51 48,8 N.W. 00 Mcaa teiiipot lid flue ; very mild at night. Notices to Corresj)oudeiits. BooK^ : T W T. Glciiny'.s " llau Unj .Ic to the Fruit and Vegetable Gariien." and " CuthiU on Market Gardening." Decayimo Oak: W K S, who has an old Oik upon his lawn, which he fimls to be perfectly hollow, and who aska how be may arrest further decay, is recommended to clear out all the debris, and fill up the hollow with concrete containing a portion of lime. Ferns for Wardiam Case ; Subscriher. Twelve good exotic Ferns for a Wardian case are— Adiantura cuneatum and aetulosum, Aspleniuin Colenaoi and Heniionitis, Notho- chUena Marantte and flavens, Todea superba, Gleichenia dicarpa, I^astrea glabella and Sieboldii, Pteria serrulata cristata and cretica albo-lineata. Or you may take, if you prefer them, any of the following : — Lomaria Germainil and dura, Cheilanthes frigida and elegans, Pteris scaborula, Mohria thurifraga, Nothochltena Eckloniana, Niphobolua Lingua, Onychiumjaponicum, Pteris calomelanos. Platyloma rotundifoliiim, Doodia media and caudata, Todea hymeno- phylloi^les, with any of the New Zealand or Chilian Hyraenophylleffl. Fios : S B. Next week if possible. Grapes : Anon. As far as we can judge from the Grapes in their present condition, the berries themselves ara spotted with that particular form of spot which is attributed to the Budden action of cold or heat on the tender ekin. The spots on the stalks are probably attributable to the same caii.^e, but we have not noticed them before. If wa are right in our conjecture, the evil has been produced by want of external protection, either at night or during strong sun- shine. M J B. Lawn Grasses : J P M. conditions you describe ture of 1 stairUs, Festuca duriuscula, and Poa ueraoralis AMES OF Planfs: a D B. The Maxlllaria (it is really a Lycaste) from Rio is different from any we have seen. You should send it when in perfection to some Tuesriay meeting at South Kensington. The odd looking Orchid from another correspondent is the old Goraeza (now Rodriguezia) recurva.— ff. It appears to be one of the less perfectly developed leaves of Olea lUcifolia. — J B, Clare. 1, Asplenium Adiantum -nigrum ; 2, Ceterach officinarum : 3, Scolopendrium vulgare ; 4, Aspleniura Trichomanes ; 5. Asplenium marinum ; 6, Adiantum Capillus-veneris.— -^ i\ No doubt Retinospora dissifei-a is a misnomer. The sprig sent is R. pisifera.^i^ / H. Funkia undulata fol. variegatis^ introduced from Japan in 18H. — PC. Pinus insignia and Pinus radiata are, in our opinion, the same thing. A cluster of cones has been gathered, of which two were radiata and three insignia. A distinction ia by some still sought to be made, and as the form of cone of radiata is the more developed form, and occurs more frequently in trees growing in a more southern latitude, there may be some slight climatal difference. The specimen sent is a good typical insignis. P. Salzmanni is undoubtedly the same as P. pyrenaica. M. Henri Vilmorin, who possesses the type of the original Salzmanni, assures us that he has carefully comp.ired it after visiting Pinus pyrenaica In its native habitat, and is positive that they are the same. Notwith- standing the apparent difference between your recent specimen of Salzmanni and the older one, taken from Vil- morin's tree, we are inclined to think they may be the same (P. pyrenaica). P. pyrenaica, P. austriaca, and P. Pallaaiana, are all so nearly identical with P. Laricio that they can hardly be called different species. They are climatal forms of the same tree, and although extreme forms can be shown distinct enough, others from the same forests can be picked out perfectly identical, with the characters of any or all of the other three. The habit of the trees (of which you say nothing) is one of the best characters for di.stinguishing them. A M. — Narcissi's. Nos. 25, 100, are Narcissus minor. Nos. 42, 29, .^2, 28, are Narcissus odorus. — PC. 1, Anemone nemorosa ; 2, Ranunculus Ficaria.— P C. 1, Narcissus Jonquilla; 2, Anagyrts foetida ; 3, Caltha palustris, fl.-pL ~ F B. Abutilon (Sida) vitifoUum, Cav.— ir Luke. 1, Masdevallia ; 2, Garden Fuchsia ; 3, Coronilla glauca; 4, Aloysia citriodora. —iTssca;. 1, Sparmannia afri- cana : 2, Coronilla Emerus ; 3, Trifolium repens, var. ; 4, Lotus discolor ; 5, Santolina Chamtecyparlssus. Pansies : Sarniana. Your seedlings are probably showy varieties, suited for mixed planting, but they are scarcely definite enough in colour to class with what are called bedding Pansiea. They were, however, much crushed and withered when they reached us, so that we may not have much in the style of Countess of Kellie,' f judge from memory— perhaps not quite so yellow. It is a very good sort, but the time to test its merits will be at the Special Pelargonium Show at Kensington on June 16 liBEs : Brano. The flowers are much deeper coloured than any we have previously seen, and the variety is well worth increasing and introducing to general cultivation. It might be called atrorubena. 'abiegated Strawberry: T Foote. Thero is a variegated Strawberry closely resembling yours to be sometimes met with in cultivation. Whether it be exactly the same or not we cannot say ; the history of yo'urs might decide this point. '^iNE Leaf Excrescences : F. The affection in your Vine leaves is very common, and does not appear to be injurious. The precise cause is unknown. We have seen it occur in potted Vines, when the roots were in bad condition from some neglect in watering, but we are not certain that this condition induced the warts on the leaves. — if B. The same remark applies to your case, but the leaves have suffered, in addition, either from heat or cold. M J B. Woodlice: R B. Lincoln. Try the effect of continued appli- cations of boiling water, poured with care round the edges of your Mushroom bed, so as not to injure the crop. In some c:ises thia remedy has proved perfectly succcsaful. Received.— J. R. J,— E. S. D.— M. C. C — V.-D. T. F.— T. R.-Q. M.-P, A. W . - J. Mat 2, 1SC3.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 467 CARTER'S GENUINE EARM SEEDS, HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. <^'or ex6&U&nc& of (jiialifi/. '^aris, 7S61'. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS in GROWTH. Cai-ter's Grass Seeds for All Soils, from 21s. per acre. No. 1. For Foitilo Cliiy li^oils. 'Ms. to 3ls. per aero. No. 2. For Poor Clay Soils. 3.^j{. to 345. per acre. No. 3. For niKh-LvrazClaySoils, 34s. to,-i5.i-. poraora. No. 4. For Alluvlai Soils, 303. to 34s. per acre. No. 6. For Limestone Soils, 31s. to 34s. per acre. No. 0. For Old Sandstone Soils, 28s. to 30s. per acre. No. T. For Light Chalk Soils, 'ila. to 28s. per acre. No. 8. For Brashy Limestone " JAS. CARTER and CO.'S w.i3 the ONLY ENGLISH HOUSE that supplied GHASS SEEDS for the Paris Exhibition Grounds. CARTER'S IMPERIAL HARDY SWEDE, Is. 4rf. per lb. The hardiest and bes'- In cultivation. SKIRVING'S LIVERPOOL SWEDE, \s. 4i!. per lb. DEVONSHIRE QREV STONE TDRNIP, 1.!. CJ. per lb. CARTER'S PCTRPLE-TOP HYBRID TUKNIP, Is. ML. per lb. CARTER'S GREEN.TOP HYBRID TURNIP, Is. 6d. per lb. POMERANIAN WHITE GLOBE TURNIP, Is. M. per lb. LINCOLNSHIRE BED GLOBE TURNIP, Is. per lb. IMPERIAL GREEN GLOBE TURNIP, Is. per lb Speci il low quotations per bushel on application. CAR'TER'S FINE ITALIAN RYE-GRASS, as supplied to tho Metropolitan Sewage Company, 6s. Cti, per bushel. CUTTONS' Paris, 1807. GRASS SEEDS for ALL SOILS' Carriage Frco. BUTTONS GK Vs->'SEbDS''for»aU SOILS Messrg. Sdtton specially prepaie MIVfUKEb for every dcscnptiOQ free ; Cheaper ditto, 2!a, per acre, carriage free. [free. For 1, 2, 3. or 4 YEARS' LAY, 10s. 6d. to 22s. per acre, carriage SDTTONS' RENOVATING MlXrURE.— Sow 6 lb. to 12 lb. per price 9rf. per lb., cheaper by the cwt., carriago free. H^ 2s. 6d. per lb. The finest variety in cultivation. Special Estimates for large quantitie.**. SELECTED ORANGE GLOBE MANGEL, Is. per lb. SELECTED LONG RED MANGEL, Is. per lb. SELECTED RED GLOBE MANGEL, \s. per lb. CARTER'S CHAMPION ORANGE GLOBE MANGEL, Is. per lb. CARTER'S SELECTED LONG RED MANGEL, Is. 6VKDNES0\T,— Oj -Hanovcr Squsro Noon .orthorn Sale at Littlebury tMr. J. Clayden's ' It is a very difficult task, indeed, to produce a readable annual professional volume— and a half yearly volume of the kind is almost as hard a task as tho other. Tho longer the interval, no doubt the greater the accumulation of material ; and so far the problem may seem easier, but this is because it is not understood. It is not merely a valuable and trustworthy book that is required, but one that shall bo read. And the difficulty arises from the temptation to prefer that -which is considered of lasting value to that ■which happens at the time to bo of current interest. If tho book be not read it 'will, of course, be useless, whatever be its intrinsic worth ; but this is apt to be forgotten : and so an Editor appearing before his readers once a year is less likely to bo appreciated than if he appeared before them once a week. lie is tempted to forget that the accomplishment of his task depends upon his ability to reflect his readers on themselves — tho knowledge, even the preju- dices, and the judgments of the best of them on the others. A Journalist who depends upon constant corre- spondents is not so apt to make a mistake of this kind as one who, having to plan for himself the contents of his volume, takes the place of a teacher instead of that of merely President of a Mutual Improvement Society. Of the lo articles in the current part of the Agrioultui'al Society's Joui-nal, there are not more than four or five which como under the class to which recent public discussion has given a current interest likely to induce their perusal. Mr. Lewis' review of the recently published Agi'icultural Statistics is ono of them. Mr. Cm rd's pamphlet has given an immediate and t'i'lt value to tho Govorniiient agricultural returns which they would not otherwise have possessed ; and an arrangement of the immense mass of material hidden in unreadable columns of figures, exhibiting tho many useful lessons they convey, would be more likely now than perhaps ever previously to have attracted tho attention of agricultural readers. — Mr. IlAliR'X' Chester'.s account of the information on food collected by a laborious committeo of tho Society of Arts, is another example of the kind. His epitome of the evidence of a number of intelli- gent witnesses on this subject will be read by many outside the strictly professional agricul- tural world, and will do good if it shall direct to agricultural topics the efforts of a Society which never fails for want of a prompt attention to matters exciting special interest at tho time. — The farming customs of England have been under discussion before many of the local Chambers of Agriculture, and Mr. C.adle's report on this sub- ■ ject is likely to be the more generally studied on that account. — Mr. Den-ton's valuable report on land-drainage facilities will be consulted by many a land-owner still anxious to carry out tho greatest of all improvements of the soil. — A very useful letter on prizes to engine-drivers will, we are certain, be generally read, and will, we hope, lead to the adoption of a very useful example for the advantage of an increasing body of most serviceable agricultural labourers. — The short practical essays on ploughing-in green crops are very likely to be consulted, as imme- diately aff'ecting farm practice, and as being all of them contributed by good practical men. These are, perhaps, the only parts of the volume coming under the description which ought, we think, more or less to characterise the whole. "We may refer here to the short paper — the Report on the Trial of Fixed and Portable Steam-engines, at the Bury St. Edmund's Meet- ing last July, as an outrageous example of failure under this category. There is nothing whatever in this report that could not have been prepared within a day or two of the time when the authors of it were engaged, and yet it was not written till four months after the meeting. The "special arrangements " which are recom- mended in it ought to have included the appoint- ment of an official reporter, who shall take care that his work shall not fall upon ears which, by mere lapse of time, have lost all interest in his subject. The deficiencies in this volume, indicated by the rule of trying to satisfy the current interest in order to produce readable pages, are many of them to be lamented, because the subjects which have recently excited attention in the agricul- tural world are really of the most engrossing and important kind. Why, for example, do we not, as members of the National Agricultural Society, find in our annual Transactions some reference to the excitement on agricultural wages and on the condition of agricultural labourers generally throughout the country, to which Canon Girdle- stone's proceedings at Halberton, and the recent wUd meeting at Willis's Rooms have borne witness ? This is the very time for a full dis- cussion of the condition of the agricultural labourer, and great service would have been done by an exhaustive and impartial report on the subject. The topics which have engaged the attention of Chambers of Agriculture ought not to be lost sight of by the Royal Agricultural Society of England ; and ono would like to see in the pages of its Journal, if not a discussion of the policy of proposed agricultural legisla- tion, at least a statement of the facts and grounds, whether rightly appreciated or misconceived, on which many Bills afi'ecting agricultural matters are now seeking enactment. Whether the rule forbidding discussion of Parliamentary BUI3 be absolutely rigid or not, it is certain that the Agricultural Society could most properly and usefully publish the facts of the case as regards education, highways, cattle plague losses, and other things now under discussion before local Chambers. These Chambers and Farmers' Clubs should, indeed, bo the most useful editorial guide to the selection of subjects on which people are anxious to bo informed. We must add that the substance of the present volume includes many reports of great practical and scientific value, which wiU be usefully con- 468 THE GARDENERS' CHl?f)NlCLE AND AGRTCUETTTRAL GAZETTE. [Mat 2, 1868. suited by any who may be interested in the subjects of them. A county report — a very instructive meteorological essay — an account of recent experience on a large milk farm — and one of Dr. Voelcker's exhaustive discussions of the chemistry of manures, make up a volume which, if it is deficient in current attractiveness, main tains the character of its predecessors for sub stautial worth. A CLEAR head and a sound heart are great blesS' ings to anybody, and specially are they of service in a committee-room of the House of Commons. If the Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill should get safely back into the House (as we believe it will), the result will be due, in great measure, to a happy development of the above qualifications in certain of the honourable members, who are laboriously occupied in sorting and sifting the kernels of endence out of a huge bulk of chaff ; for some of the arguments cunningly reiterated against the Bill are amazingly specious and seductive. Thus, at the last day's sitting before the Easter holiday, Mr. Vernon HjVRCOTJRT put questions, and Mr. _ HermAjS'N Gebhardt, the salesman, answered as follows : — " Do you think that the separation of the market, placing the home cattle all together in one place, and placins the foreiRn cattle all tojjether in another place at a distance, would be a great injury to the foreign trade?" — "Yes, very much indeed, because I believe that we should lose all the retail buyers." " Is it the result of your experience in the trade, that the retail buyers would not come to such a market as that proposed to be created by this Bill ? " — " They could not come ; it is not possible for a man, living, perhaps, 12 miles off, to come there; that man would go to the live English market." " If in the English market he could buy a live beast and take it to his slaughter-house, whereas in the other market he could only buy a beast which must be slaughtered there, and which must be taken 10 or 12, or 5U miles, in your opinion he would certainly go to the home market and not to the foreign market ? " — " Certainly, because he would like to take a live bullock home." " The result would be that the competition would fall at the foreign market, and that consequently the prices would fall ? " — " Yes; Ishall beabletoprove that." *' It is suggested that it is an excellent thing for the consumer that the prices should fall at the foreign market ? "—"Yes." " Would not the consequence be that the foreign market would very soon come to an end?" — "Y''es." "The foreign producer would not send there ? " — " No." " And, consequently, the lower- ing of prices in that way, by imposing restrictions and disadvantages upon the purchaser, would inevitably compel the producer not to send to that market?" — "Yes; he would send to other countries." "Conse- quently, though the prices would momentarily drop, the producer would not send there, and consequently the price of the home market would rise?" — "Yes, because the buyers would go to the English market." Now, strong and substantial as the argument may appear, you have only to look inside to find it hollow as a drum. And it doe.s not by any means follow that the affection of butchers for their back-yard slaughter-houses (which, how- ever, are certainly doomed to but little longer existence) will ruin trade at the proposed foreign market, stop importation, and half-starve the London consumers. The retail bu3'ers (we are told), preferring to remove their purchased meat alive, will flock to I.slington market and shun the waterside abattoirs. Very good. What is the consequence ? If the wholesale buyers as well, who now attend the mixed market of say •JOOO bullocks, should still crowd the salemen's rows after 1000 or 2000 foreign bullocks had been abstracted, the competition would inevitably make prices so excessive that purchasers would ]uiy dearly for the privilege of domestic butcher- ing. That is, supposing the homo supply not to increase by 1000 or 2000 bullocks. If it did, of course the ab.sence of the foreign animals would Ipave the butchers and the public as well off as liffore. But we are taking for granted that the home supply is limited, though expansive, and that the metropolis cannot be fed without weekly I'onsignments of live animals from abroad. Well, if the present number of buyers come to Islington when the market has lost half, or nearly half its Mock, it is clear that not only will purchasers jiay dearly, but a largo proportion of the butchers must go ;iway without the supplies tliey need, or without making any purchases at all. Of necessity they must resort to the only other alternative, btiying in the separate foreign market, where (according to the argument) thoy are to find a market full of animals low in price, from want of competi- tion among buyers. Here they will get cheap sup- plies for their shop-boards, and can thus under- sell their brother butchers who are indulging in the luxury of killing on their own premises. But supposing that the wholesale butchers left the Islington field clear for the retail men and congregated in the foreign market. Prices need no longer bo excessively raised by competi- tion in the home market, and the cattle at the waterside would not lack customers. The utmost, therefore, that the ai'gumont amounts to is — that the homo market will be patronised mainlj' by retail butchers, while the foreign market will be frequented by the large carcase men. We do not assent to this view, but should it be so, what special disadvantage would it impose upon imported animals ? Most of the foreign cattle are now bought up by the wholesale men . And look at this piece of evidence from Mr, William Archer, a retail butcher, called as a witness against the BiU : — " Do you consider that the system of a separate market would completely destroy the retail butchers' trade in the market ? " — " It would be of no use ; he could not carry on his business if he went there, because the extra expense which it would cost him to go to and from the market for so small a quantity as he would require would be so great that it would drive the whole tr.ade to the wholesale butchers." " You say that the wholesale butchers would drive you out of the market, how could they do that ?" — " Because they could buy more largely than we could, and our expenses in going to and fro for so small a quan- tity would be so large that we could not compete with them." " Then the wholesale butchers would under- sell you?"— "They would not particularly undersell us, but they could buy the meat cheaper in the whole- sale market than we could : it would cost us more than it would them ? " " Do you not think that the con- sumer would get the benefi tof it ? " — " No." " Why ? "— " The lowness of the price of meat there would not con- stitute the price of the retail butcher, because he had better go to the English market; in fact it would be quite as much as he could do to compete in the English market." "You are quite satisfied that that would account for it ? " — " Yes." " Do you not think it possible that a very large increase of home stock might be thrown into the market ? " — " I think not." " The grazier's opinion is, that a very large increase of stock would be thrown in ; and, in that case, the poor would not suffer by an increase of price ? " — " But, as a rule, the foreign meat is cheaper for the poor people than the English meat; they get more for their money." "If a large increase of the home supply was provided, you would probably be able to obtain it to advantage ? " — " Yes," " And you would be able to sell it to the people at the same advantage as foreign meat?" — "It is never sold at the same price, because foreign meat, without any exception, is cheaper than English meat." " It depends entirely on the quality ? " — " Yes," The chairman summed up the controversy by saying, " I suppose that the question which we have to consider is, whether the inconvenience and loss to the retail butchers of London is a greater injury to the country than the incon- venience and loss to all the farmers of England." But throughout the whole proceedings, the opponents of the Bill persistently depreciate the importance of saving our home cattle from disease, and are determined that we shall not save them unless wo can manage to do so without hindering a single foreign ox or sheep from being landed in this country. This was suffi- ciently well illustrated by the speech delivered yesterday before the Committee by theii' counsel, Mr. Vernon H-tRCOiTRT, in which, disdaining fau' argument, he appealed to all the prejudices and passions of the London public: and "the unemployed poor," "East-end distress," "a moribund Parliament," and " the new body of electors," had to do duty in an attempt to dis- parage the motives and caricature the real and avowed objects of the promoters of the Bill. — The arrivals of English Wheat in Mark Lane yesterday were again limited, and the extreme prices of Monday were realised.— In the Cattle Market trade has been dull both on Monday and Thursday, though rather brisker on the latter day, owing to a diminished supply, — In the Wool Market there has of late been only a quiet demand, and the approach of the new clip renders buyers timid of going in too deeply. The annual Horse Show at the Agricultural Hall is announced for May .30. The entries will close on May 20. Horses must be at the Hall before 9 p,m, on Friday, May 29. 'The show will open and judging commence on Saturday, May 30, at 10 a.m., and the show will close on Friday evening, June (3. Forms of certificates are obtainable from Mr. Sidney, the Secretary, at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. Professor TusON, of the Royal Veterinary College, has issued the prospectus of a training insti- tution, patronised by a number of distinguished names in the scientific and agricultural world, which is intended to meet a want long felt by all agricultural and scientific teachers. Youug men come .as students to the lecture room so ignorant even of the terms used commonly in scientific teaching, that they are unable to take notes, unable to understand the simplest lecture —unable, therefore, to benefit by their attendance. The proposed College is founded for the purpose of supplying this want. It will be an institution in which youths intended for the professions of veterinary medicine and agriculture can be furnished with that preliminary, general, and scientific education which is essential to enable them to comprehend the technical terms employed in the various branches of medical and agricultural science, to follow the reasonings of lecturers and authors, and therefore to readily and thoroughly master the subjects which engage their attention while pursuing the advanced and professional courses of study taught in the Veterinary and Agricultural Colleges. There cannot be a doubt that the curriculum of^ study which the prospectus specifies will be a very desirable preliminary course for any intending agricultural or veterinary student, and we quite expect that the proposed Training College will prove successful. ^ Mr, Wtld's Bill for organising County Finan- cial Boards, giving to ratepayers a direct voice in the regulation of county expenditure, was lost in the House of Commons on Wednesday evening by a majority exceeding 100 in a house of 200. The whole subject has been referred to a Select Committee. The principle of the^ Bill was generally admitted to be sound ; but it was not so generally admitted that the result of enacting it would necessarily be economical. Mr. C. S. Read's speech may be taken as fairly expressive of the general feeling. He was glad that the House seemed disposed to assent to the principle that taxation and representation should go together. Allowing the Courts of (Juarter Sessions to levy a rate was as objectionable in principle as it would be to allow the House of Lords to tax the country. In this case the grievance might be described as a sentimental one, for he believed the magistrates managed the expenditure in the best possible way ; but on principle the elective system ought to be intro- duced. _ He objected to the Bill because it was permissive, and some of its details were objectionable ; but in the name of the farmers of England he thanked the hen. gentleman for introducing the measure, and if he went to a vote on the second reading he would support him. THE AGRICULTURAH LABOURER. Ateshike, — The cottage accommodation in this neighbourhood is rather indifferent, many of the houses having only one room, partially (temporarily) sub-divided. An improvement is, however, taking place, as new labourers' cottages are being built, where wanted, with double rooms. The general condition of farm labourers here is comfortable, they and their families being very healthy, and disease being uncom- mon. Considering the want of accommodation, the cottages are generally clean and kept in good order. The farm labourers in this district have all had a fair education, few or none of them being unable to read and write. And. W. Italsfon, Lagg, hij Ayr. Bedfordshire. — A head horsekeeper has 14?. per week, and is paid for overtime after 6 at night. He has the same in harvest as other men, with an allow- ance for Sundays. He has also "journey" money, besides beer for drilling. Under horsekeeper, a youth (18 years of age), lOs. per week, with overtime paid for, and other allowances as stated above. Other ploughmen the same as day labourers. A shepherd receives 14?. per week, with, in some instances, house and garden free. An allowance is made for each lamb, generally 2«. Grf. per score. The shearing is done by the shepherd, at Is. per score besides day's pay. He also receives the same in harvest as other men, with an allow.ance for Sundays. The day labourer gets 2s. per day. As much of the work as possible is let, when the men earn, especially in the summer, from 2s. U. to 2s. 8rf. per day at some operations. There are very few women employed in this part of the country, not even in hay time and harvest. I think it would be to the advantage of all parties if none were employed at these seasons. The men are generally paid double the ordinary pay in harvest, or il. 16s. for the month ; when the work is let the men earn considerably more. The cutting is generally done by the " piece," the carting by the day. Cutting and tying Wheat costs from 10s. to 14s. per acre, and beer according to crop ; these were my prices last season. Mowing Clover, from 2s. &d. to 3s. Gd., with beer (three pints per day). Mowing meadow Grass, the same. Rent'of cottages is very moderate — from 21. to 3/., with gardens. In almost every village allotments are to be found, and in many instances at most reasonable rents. In this parish most of the men have from 20 to 40 poles. Beer is an important item in our expenditure in this county: "small beer" is given all the year round ; ale is given for threshing, drilling, shearing, and other operations too numerous to mention. In haytime the men get from four to five pints per day, in harvest from four to seven. The beer costs the farmer for each man per week from Is. 6(i. to 2s., takinp the year through. There are great improvements taking place in the dwellings of our laljourers; a few years hence we hope the miserable hovels wo hear so much about will be things of the past. The condition of our labourers has greatly im- . proved, and will continue so to do, without the inter- ference of restless spirits, whose only object appears to be to set class against class. Charles Homard, Bidden- ham, near Bedford, April 13. Norfolk. — A good labourer will average the year round about 2s. 9rf. per day, and where he has one or two small lads employed on the farm their average wages will be from 18s. to 24s. per week. We have no real distress here; our labourers with their families are a respectable class, fairly dressed and generally tidy in their habits and appearance. The children are always sent to school as soon as they are able to take care of themselves, and we find it very difficult in the present day to get lads for scaring the birds and other light jobs on the farm. The women do not oare for working in the fields, and never do harvest work m May 2, 1868.] THE OAUDENERS' OllRONKlLE AND AOntCtlETimAL GAZETTE. 460 this immsdiate district. I farm 600 acres, and liavo only one woman wlio will regularly work on tho farm. Their position is progressing, and wages have a ten- dency upwards. W. Cubllt North Walsham. GLOucESTEKsninE.— Although bread is dear at prc- seut,our agricultural labourers, when in regular employ, are fairly off, and both sexes wear good clothing. Some cottages require improving, but chiefly they are com- fortable, and, besides gardens, have field allotments at moderate rents. Labour keeps getting dearer, and the usual amount of work formerly done in the day cannot be procured now ; the labourers generally get very independent and e.tacting, require many indulgences to retain them in employ, and the aid of machinery is every year more required. Increased moderate plain education, acquired .by night schools, or two years' early teaching, might be useful, but unless a boy begins farm work early, and is kept to it, he cannot be depended on to carry out the practical routine labour, turning his hand to anytliing as he becomes an adult. Stiles Rich, Didmarlon. Devonshibe.— Cottage and garden cost il. \2s. to .■5/. as, per year ; with large garden or a quarter acre allotment ground attached, Zl. 10s. to il. per year. Cottages have been much improved of late years, and where the structural arrangements are pretty good, it is wonderful the comfort which reigns within. No doubt this in a great measure depends on the domestic economy pursued. Of course there are individual exceptions, but, as a rule, form labourers' wives are the best managers in the world ; bs. in their hands always seem to do the work of lO*. spent by other people. Privy aooommodation is now to be found in connection with every cottage, and accommodation for a pig a.s well. Without this— that is, without the means of keeping a pig — success in life is deemed hope- less. A pig is the cottager's bank of deposit, where all fragments are gathered up, concentrated, and stored away that nothing may bo lost but something gained. Some lime since the question was asked " Will a pig l)ay ? " The cottager answers it will ; and feeling this, you might as well try to argue him out of his religious belief as to argue him out of bis belief in the necessity and importance of keeping a pig. The subject of labourers' cottages is a large one, and would demand more time and space than can be given to it at present. Labourers with families are usually supplied by the farmers they work for with Wheat at a price much under that of the market. Fire-wood, Potatos, straw, &o., are also sold to them at a cheap rate. P. Cowan, Tawstock Manor, Barnsla'ple, West Susses. — AVe have some very good cottages, with three bedrooms to each, with good gardens, and bakehouses with excellent ovens (the latter, I am sorry to say, seldom used, the labourers buying their bread from the town bakers). We have no gang system here : men and women seldom work together, save in hay- time and harvest. I see no ill effects from this; I believe it is with the idle iu the streets and lanes, and after work is over, that immoralities occur. I believe the beer-shop, and the making of railways and other public works, by congregating large numbers of men together, has very much lowered the morals of our young men. I still think that our fixed population of agricultural labourers are better to do, notwithstanding what has been said of them, about low wages, bad morals, and bad cottage accommodation, than any other labouring class in the kingdom ; and I believe a much greater proportion of them will be found attending some place of worship on Sunday than of any other like class : and this I take as one of the best proofs of their respectability and good conduct. Education is within the reach of all; we have plenty of schools in this neighbourhood, but all do not send their children. I should like to see all educated, the girls especially, as I believe the labouring man is often driven from his home by a scolding slattern of a wife ; eduoa- lion and good training is good for all, but I do not see how it is to be made compulsory. More cottage accom- modation is needed ; I have no doubt were there more cottages we should have more young men marry and settle, and become steadier and better men. On the whole, I think the farm labourers of this district as well-to-do as most, if not better. They are better con- tented and more settled than they were a year or two ago. J. Eames, Linch, Miil hurst. NoTTiNGHAJisHiKE.— The Cottage accommodation for labourers varies very much. Some dwell in houses built on the waste, paying a nominal rent ; but the houses are very miserable, consisting often of a single room on the ground door, and a loft over, accessible by a ladder. Others reside in houses built by contract in open villages. These are often sunk a step below the surface, and have single brick walls, cheapness being the principal consideration. Of late years the pro- prietors of considerable estates have built cottages, consisting of three bed rooms, and comfortable arrange- ments for living below stairs, at a cost of about 320/. a pair. The liability of the Union for the maintenance of the poor has removed the main objection to the erection of these cottages, and a comfortable house and good garden render the labourer, and especially his wife, desirous to retain their employment. Charles Pagit, Ruddiiigtoil Grange. JJoRSETsmiiE.— I cannot tell how to answer your question.s, as I pay my labourers so much in kind, by house, fuel, garden. Wheat for grist, &c. ; and I vary the weekly wages according to the ability of some of the men ; therefore it is impossible to say what their weekly wage is, as they are sometimes at daywork and other times at piecework, when they get just the same price, with their houses, as other people get for the same work, paying rent, and coming 3 or .3 miles to do it. The privileges to our farm labourers here are very great. I know some of my constant men at the present time would not take lis. per week for their privileges besides their weekly wages, to say nothing about what they earn when at piecework. I have 18 cottages belonging to the farm, and I have lived here 12 years, occupying this farm, and never received a shilling for the rent of any house. I agree with a man and his family— all that are able to go out to work— from April 6 to April 6. The boys, according to their size and capabilities, begin at about 2s., and rise a step annually. My lowest price in weekly wages to men is 8s., and highest 12s., except foremen. About six weeks before the end of the year wo talk about agreeing for another, and if we don't agree on terms, we each have a change on the Cth of April. On that day we send for tho goods of the new labourer without any charge. I give the house, garden, coals, furze to bake with, and some Potato land in the field, according to the size of the family at work, and Wheat at Bs. a bushel. A man and his wife get half a bushel a week to begin with, and as their family come out, if they are ever so young, they get a peck added weekly, and some more, according to agreement at the beginning of tho year. Some of my families get 2 bushels a week. We have tried several times to do away with privileges and pay more money instead, but tho labourers will not so agree. I don't know any labourers better paid ; they are well ofl' where they get on farms. I once had a man who left me and rented a house and got 5s. more ; told me afterwards that he was not half so well off. We pay for wet or heat ; our men never lose a day's wages if they come to work. . SEWAGE AS A FERTILLSER. I BELIEVE that there are no limits to the pro- ductive powers of our best English soils under proper culture, cro])ping, and judicious dressings; nor do I think our inferior soils bear or yield scarcely a tithe of the produce that may be got out of them by right management and plentiful manurings. We are all aiming to secure ample grain crops, and so far it has been a desirable, and perhaps the best, course to pursue upon such soils ; but there is a somewhat new feature iu agriculture rapidly gaining ground, and which will ultimately, as our population increases, be predomi- nant— I mean the production of meat. Fresh meat cannot be imported with that safety and prottt which attaches to grain and flour; hence it is iu limited supply, and is regularly rising in price. The cattle plague of 1865-6 gave the meat trade a very enhanced lift or impetus, which in the main has been sus- tained up to the present time with slight v.ariations, and there does not appear to be any immediate prospect of a serious reduction or return to low prices. In fact, the population of this country increases so rapidly, and the disposition of the inhabitants to consume animal food is more and more fixed and prevalent, that great difliculties arise, and will arise, to provide it for the consumption of the people, not to be met— no, not even by the novel introduction of horse flesh. The great aim will ere long be to produce as much animal food upon our farmsas possible, and to this end recourse must be had to frequent and liberal manurings, the supplies of which at this time are very inadequate for such pui'poses. What, then, should be done? Unquestionably a vast amount of valuable manure is allowed to pass away, and is utterly wasted every year. In a country of limited area like ours, and liable to serious political exigencies, not an atom should be lost, but every iota should he preserved and appropriated to promote the productiveness of our circumscribed soils. How is this to be done ? Why, every detached house should have its earth closet and sewage well ; every town its provisions for the collection and distribution of its sewage. There are but few localities where such an application of sewage could not be provided for— some few fields or wider areas which could be made available. In the vicinities of most towns highly suitable fields or districts might he laid out for the reception of the sewage of such towns, the produce thereof being advantageously returned in the shape of meat, milk, or provender, or in heavier root or other crops. Every town should have its sewage fields, and the large cities and towns their sewage farms. In this way the produce of the kingdom would be surprisingly increased, and by the applica- tion of the rich fertilising matters which are now passed away as useless nuisances. The machinery for achieving this great improvement in our town and field economy need not be very costly, and might be intrusted to Local Government Boards, and other parochial authorities. Every populous town of any importance has already its sewage works, of one kind or another. This sewage only requires diverting from its outfall to some course, or receptacle, or reservoir, from whence it can be applied to the land. Engineering science can readily overcome every diflSculty. If a natural flow cannot be attained, the pump will soon raise the liquid to any required height, when from the careful systematic irrigation or distribution of it over the soil wonderful results will follow. This has been abundantly proved in the many instances of its application throughout tho country, i. e., Edinburgh, Eugby, Croydon, Barking Creek Farm, Carlisle, Watford, Worthing, &c. Natural Grass yielding 15/. of milk per acre, unsewaged, will yield from 25/. to 36/. per acre of milk according to the tons of sewage used ; ana poor land thus sewaged will produce Grass worth from 25/. to 40/. per acre, and which has been sold from it in four to seven cuttings annually, and the weight per acre will realise from 40 to 70 tons. Italian Rye- grass is admirably adapted for town sewage application. It is also well adapted to produce corn and root crops. In Cabbage and like edible crops it has given surpris- ing results, but for the natural and artificial Grasses its well regulated flow is most profitable, as raising their produce, from about 11 or 12 tons per acre, the natural produce, to from 40 to 70 tons. The fruit of its application to poor sands, gravels, and porous soils generally is wonderfully great. The large proport on of the liquid sewage becomes absorbed in the soil, and to all tap-rooted plants it proves very beneficial ; and when, as is usual, in the course of time many thousand tons are applied, these soils are permanently improved. The laying out of lands for sewage irrigation is a bit of novel farm engineering, and only requires care and judgment. Every drain and carrier which takes the sewago for irrigation must be level, so that the sewage merely trickles over the side, and gradually trickles also over the surface to the next drain or carrier. These must all be kept carefully sized up and of even surface, or the sewage will be irregularly distri- buted, and may do more harm than good, as deluging one portion and missing others of the crop. It is very desirable that public attention should be called to this important subject, and I rejoice to find that our leading journals are taking it up and in proper spirit. The Government Commission of inquiry into the sewage of towns is a capital move in this direction, and I trust will result in urgent recommendations to numbers of the towns they will visit to utilise their sewage ; and if they would exercise their powers a little further, and point out to these towns the precise districts or fields to be beneflted, all tlie better : it would add greatly to the beneficial result of their inquiry. 0. F. HIGH FARMING.-No. IV. Though not immediately arising from our review of Mr. Meohi's balance-sheet, out of which these papers sprung, yet an article on high farming would not be complete without considering its operation on Grass land. I propose, therefore, in the present number to inquire how far the ideas I have ventured to propound will agree with the theory and practice of Grass-farming. On looking at the subject we are at once struck by two notable differences between this and arable farming, first as regards the produce removed, which is never completely defined like a corn crop, but cut for hay while in flower, or fed in its growing state; and secondly, as regards the return made in manure, for whereas in arable cultivation, as now practised, the whole of the straw and fallow crops produced are returned to the land, with the addition of some corn or cake, the whole annual produce of Grass is constantly removed in the mown hay, or a consider- able portion of it where fed, and nearly the whole in many oases where cows are turned out by day and brought in at ni"ht. The latter, perhaps, is the hardest used and the worst treated of any land (except a gentleman's lawn, mown and swept weekly). Let us therefore take this latter as our starting point, as we did in the case of arable, beginning with the unim- proved surface, for which the tenant agrees to pay rent to his landlord, trusting to a bounteous Pro- vidence for such an annual increase as shall enable him to make a living out of it. We must suppose that it is sufficiently fenced and drained, and that there is a road to it. We must also suppose that he is allowed to mow it once a year for hay, feeding the aftermath . How will the account of such acre so treated stand at the end of the year. There will h.we been removed say 1 ton of hay entirely, containing about 50 lb. ammonia, the same quantity of potash, and nearly the same of lime and other mineral substances.; there will also have been consumed in the after-feed about another ton, containing the same ingredients ; and if we reckon the proportion returned by the animals fed on this aftermath as before at one half of the amount consumed, we shall still find that there has been removed from the soil during the year no less than 75 lb. of ammonia, 75 lb. of potash, and the same of lime and other ingredients. I do not mention the carbon, as that seems to be derived from the atmo- sphere in practically inexhaustible quantities. Tho 75 lb. of ammonia is also supplied yearly by the rains and dews, this being the amount required for producing the annual crop of corn and straw which we have seen that unmanured arable land is capable of producing. The mineral ingredients, on the contrary, are not reproduced ; they existed naturally in the soil furnished by the disintegration of the natural rock or deposit from which the upper crust of the soil was formed, and must, under this treatment, in the course of years be a vanishing quantity, and will at some time or other become too little for the requirements of a crop, and will have to be renewed. But until so worn out we can calculate pretty well what the rent of Grass should be— it is this natural produce, less the expenses: on the one side the 1 ton of hay and the aftermath, on the other the h.arrowing, rolling, mowing, and makiu" a ton of hay, with the taxes, repairs of fencing, and interest of money. These items vary very much according to situation and quality of the land — they will probably not exceed 1/. per acre, and generally the aftermath may be reckoned as a full equivalent for them. This will leave the ton of hay to pay the rent, which will also vary, from the same causes, from about 50s. if consumed by dry stock on the farm, to 5/. if sold off to a stranger. This calculation will show how various must bo tho rents in different localities, and why Grass land is dearer rented than arable under similar circumstances ; the produce is less valuable, but the expenses are so trifling as to leave a much wider margin for profit. It will also help us to decide whether, and under what circumstances, it will pay to manure Grass land. For this purpose we may suppose that the amount of nitrogenous manure which would double the produce of corn, or increase it by 2 quarters, with the straw weighing about 1 ton, would also raise the hay crop from 1 to 2 tons. This would require on arable land the application of SO lb. of nitrogen, or upwards of 5 cwt. of guano. Such an outlay m the case of low-priced hay would be evidently a bad speculation, though I believe near towns with a market for hay at 5/. per ton it has been found to answer. Neither will it pay in general to draw oa 470 THE GAEDENERS' CmONICLE AND AGHICFLTUEAL GAZETTE. [Mat 2, 1868. cart-dung from . the yards. We must first purchase straw or rob the arable land to procure it. Add to this the expense of making, carting, and spreading, and the cost will nearly equal that of guano ; yet I believe the 801b. of nitrogen required to double the hay crop and restore the equilibrium between what is removed and returned may be supplied economically, partly by economising the food, partly by making the animals fed upon it manure the land themselves. It is a common practice to turn out animals wholly on the Grass as soon as there is a bite in spring, and to allow them about 1| acre each up to hay-time. The conse- quence is, they eat off the young shoots before they have grown ; they tread and spoil a great deal by walk- ing over and lying on it, and they frequently overeat themselves and bring on diarrhoea. -All this might be prevented by turning out for a few hours only, morning and evening, and giving a bait of dry food when they come in. A still better plan would be to tether them when out. They would then clear and manure each field as they weut, and the first fed would come in later for mowing. There is, I believe, no difliculty in this method, and the land so fed would carry double the stock through the growing months of May and June. During hay-time the rough Grass from under trees or round the outsides, which would not benefit the hay -rick, or make so easily as the rest, might be brought in night and morning, and distri- buted instead of dry food. Again, in the autumn, when tlie Grass begins to get poor, I would suggest ekeing it out with cake, malt-dust, or other cheap feeding stuff, which will induce the cattle to gnaw up all the rough places and clear the fields before they are brought in for the winter. During the whole season the manure dropped in the fields should be spread, and any left under trees carted to a heap to be afterwards thrown over the poorest places. A considerable heap would also have been made in the spring, while the cattle returned to their hovels at night. This should he carefully mi-xed with ashes, burnt earth, or any refuse not fit for the arable land, and spread over the mown land immediately after the hay is off; by this method I believe a very large increase in food and profit might be secured without robbing the arable, or even inverting the usual routine, whereby the latter gets all the dressing, and robs the Grass. How far arable land would be benefited by such extra stocking, we have shown at pp. 218, 274. We will therefore now speak of the Grass only, and inquire what advantages would arise from this management. First intheimprovementoftheland. Twocowsor beasts would have been kept on 3 acres— 1 pastured and two mown for hay. From the fed portion little or nothing is actually removed, and as Nature provides annually the 57 lb. of nitrogen required, we may assume that if the dung is collected and spread this portion will be rather improved than reduced in condition. Not so the two mown acres. The first growth is actually abstracted, and some equivalent must be returned for it ; but if during the winter and spring months ashes and refuse leaves and road scrapings have been c;ol- lected into a compost, the liquid from the yards run into and mixed with it, this will produce a mixture to sow broadcast out of a cart after hay time with mar- vellous results. And if the addition of a few bushels of malt dust or a few pounds of cake have been made to the later feed in autumn, this will be found to supply the annual deterioration, and not only improve the quantity but also the quality of the growth. A thicker bottom, richer colour, as well as heavier crop will soon show where this has been effectually carried out. Secondly, let us see how it will pay. We will suppose the usual stock has been one cow or beast to 3 acres, half fed and half mown alternately ; the Dr. and Cr. account would have stood thus : — i)/-.— Torent, tithe-s taxes, &c., ottSacres, at ■2(.,£6 0 0 To haymaking ..100 Profit c .e8 0 0 C)-.— By keep of one cow or beast for 9 months , . iS 0 0 But if, by care, the farmer manages to keep double the stock, see how it stands : — Dr.— To rent as before £0 0 0 Haymaking 1 10 0 Cost of carting and spreading manure . . 10 0 Extra keep— hay, straw, cake, or malt-dust 4 0 0 £V2 10 0 Leaving for profit on his ,1 acres * . . 6 10 0 -By keep of two cows or beasts, as before £16 0 By one ton of hay extra 3 0 This tallies very much with the result of keeping a double stock on arable land. We have the manure for nothing, and double the annual profits. We keep a better and more productive stock for the consumption of our neighbours, and increase the value of the land- all subject to the same requirements as before, by an in- creased capital and increased vigilance on the part of the farmer ; but if the benefits of the improved practice are forthcoming, these ought not to be wanting. I have for the sake of greater simplicity confined myself entirely to the management of Grass land irrespective of any arable. Where, however, as is usually^ the case, the two are held together, and the Grass is treated as auxiliary and subordinate to the rest of the farm, the advantage of extra stocking it will be still greater. The fatting beasts will come into their straw yard or fatting boxes in much higher condition and make more immediate progress. Sheep penned * In addition to having a superior quality of hay to what he had before for his winter use or for sale. over the aftermath with artificial food will not only gnaw up the rough Grass regularly and dress the land evenly, but will cause a finer growth of Grasses for next year's crop. Where ashes are sown the Clovers increase, early maturity is secured, and with it a larger growth of after-feed. Sheep, too, may often be kept on Grass in wet weather, when they would be poaching arable land and deterioratin" themselves. These and many advantages are not easily reduced to figures, but each and all of them tend to enhance a practice which we have already seen to be highly profitable. J. B. M. ON FARM ACCOUNTS. iT the usual monthly meeting of the Cirencester Chamber of Agriculture, held on April 6, Mr. H. TovET, of Stanton, read a paper on this subject, from which we make the following extract :— How Faksi AcconNTS should be kept. What is a business account ? In its simplest form it is a record of all you receive and all you pay away, the difference between the total of each being your profit or loss, as may be. A friend of mine, a Wiltshire farmer, once showed me his father's farm accounts of some 40 years ago. They were kept in this way, and were a marvel of neatness and accuracy for those days. He valued all his stock every year, and placed the amount to the credit of the closing year, and charged the following year with the same. This would be far better than keeping no account at all, it gave an idea of the state of things, but still there would have been this defect, there was no analysis. We require the record of our transactions to be classified, so that we may at once 'ace our finger on a given item and decide, " this is too much," " that is unsatisfactory," " this crop has produced so much," " that class of stock has paid such an amount," and thus we are placed in a better position to reconsider the past, and can shape the future accordingly. I submit to you that the best account is one that is simple, comprehensive, and complete. Simple, that it may be easily kept and understood ; comprehensive, that every item of receipt and expenditure may be brought into account; complete, because the best kept account is the most satisfactory, and gives least trouble in keeping it. I think the mercantile systems of single and double entry cannot be strictly applied to farm book-keeping, inasmuch as the transactions of the farm cannot well be separated from each other, except for purposes of experiment, rather than the common account ; for instance, the Turnip crop being considered the foun- dation of the four-course shift, is not expected to return the whole of the profit on it, in itself alone, hut has to be considered as a preparation for the following crops of the course. It has been argued, too, in the same way as regards fatting sheep ; they act as manufacturers of manure as well as yielding mutton and wool, and part of their profit must be looked for in the Barley crop; for these reasons I submit to you, that for general purposes the farm account for each year must be con- sidered as forming one whole composed of parts so linked together that they cannot well be accurately separated. I will now endeavour to submit to you a system founded in principle on the mercantile double entry, and requires the use of the following separate books— day book, ledger, cash book, and farm account book, these form the account proper, as far as the yearly balance is concerned ; and I would recommend two others for reference, a farm journal and a cropping book. The foundation of all good accounts I take to be r/ie J*a?/ 5oii, because in it should be [entered at once and in the order of its occurrence every transaction of the busi- ness that requires to be made the subject of account, such as the buying and selling of com, stock bought, bred, or sold, bills and accounts paid, ifec. ; the mind is then at rest respect- ing it, it is registered, and each entry is posted to the ledger, cash book, and its appropriate division of the farm account book at leisure. This book is very valuable for reference, and in some cases is even good evidence in a court of law. The Zerff/er gives in detail imder every man's name the par- ticulars of which the cash book is a summary, and enables you to know at a glance how you stand with every person with whom you have dealt, whether you are indebted to him or he to you ; and in this book you should check your bank pass book, by giving your banker his debit and credit page, debiting him with all money paid to your account, and crecht- ing him with every cheque you draw, thus keeping your own account instead of adopting the way of those farmers to whom I have referred in the early part of this paper. The Cash Book records all money transactions entered from the day book, on the debit or credit side .as may be, the entries having attached to them the numbers of the folio of the day book and ledger with which they are connected, to facilitate reference. This book treats your cash-box as a customer with whom you .are doing business ; you credit it with all monies actually paid, and debit it with all really received ; even cheques on your banker should be treated as having passed through the cash-box, by debiting the cash account with them when drawn, and crediting it with the real amount paid. Cash should be balanced with scrupulous exactness ; I find it more convenient to do this weekly, and then if any miatike arises it ia the more easily detected than if left for a longer The Farm Account Book should be simple, and in it should be entered from the day book every item under its appro- priate heading, according to the system adopted, viz.. Labour. Seeding, Rent, Taxes, Bills, Artificials, Com consumed. Stock bought or sold, &c. Even turnpike and marketing expenses should not be omitted, bearing in mind that it is no use to enter one thing and omit another. The dressing and disposal of com should be carefully balanced as regards quantities, so that .any deficiency from theft or otherwise may be instantly detected, and as regards the account itself, it may be treated in two ways, first, by leaving it open until the whole year's produce is threshed and sold ; secondly, by making an esti- mate at Michaelm.as. or whenever you close your year's account of all unthreshed corn, both as regards quantity and value, and charging it to the next year ; and when the actual sale takes place, the difference between the estimate and the amount realised will add to or decrease the b.alance of that year, and it becomes a mercantile transaction between the two years, each year buying of that preceding it, and selling to the succeeding one. Both ways are open to objections, 1 simply state the alternative, leaving it for you to discuss it. A most important part of the farm account book is that apportioned to stock. All stock of every description should be valued to the debit of the account at the commencement of the year, and to the credit at its close. On this point a great difference of opinion exists, some think it should be valued at its true market value, others argue that each description and class of animals should be valued at one fixed medium price per head, according to the age and class, &v&Ty year, those only actually sold or bought appearing on the face of the account at the real trade prices. For those farmers who are constantly changing their stock, by buying and selling, probably the first method would be the best, but for those whose stock remain much the same at all times, who breed and sell out as a rule at a particular age, the latter has its advantages, as in this case the fluctuations in trade prices may cause a fictitious balance to appear. For ordinary purposes, the whole amount of corn, &c., consumed by stock may bo charged together in one amount in the balance-sheet, instead of to each description of stock sep.arately. 1 say for ordinary purposes, becau.se for purposes of experiment this mode would be too indefinite. Corn ground on the farm and consumed by live stock should be charged to the debit of the year in which it is consumed, and to the credit of that in which it was grown. Implements being an investment of money from which no profit is made by actual trading, may be charged to the capital account, and not to the ordi- nary expenditure of any one year — the tradesmen's bills for rep.airs showing the wear and tear, that is, assuming them to be always kept in good rep.air ; or they may be treated in the same way as stock, and valued to the debit and credit of the account year by by year. Old corn, hay unconsunied at the end of the year, or wool held over, should invariably be valued to the credit of the closing year, and charged at the same price to the succeeding one. The haUnce-sheet of course is a summary of the preceding;, accounts, the sum required to balance the account on the credit or debit side being the amount of profit or loss. I will say no more of the farm account book. There are so many published to choose from, that each person may suit himself. These four I have mentioned from the account proper, and will be found most convenient in separate books, not mixed up with each other. As books of reference two others will be found very useful, a farm journal and cropping book. The farm journal partakes of the nature of a diary, being a record of experiments, with the dates, and observations on the different operations of the farm, in fact of anything bearing on ' the business to which it may be interesting to refer .at a future time. The term " cropping hook " speaks for itself ; it is a register^ of the cropping of each field, and of any particular cultivation which it may be necessary to record, with observa- tions thereon. Perhaps the number of separate hooka I have mentioned may give the idea of compUcation. In practice, I do not think it will be found so ; the methodical keeping separate of things which differ, tends to simplify what would otherwise be perplexing. My own experience points to this : on no account mix any of these books together. Nor will this system cost much time ; keep your day book accurately, and post off the different accounts at your leisure, and I believe that an hour a-week will be sufficient on an average-sized farm to keep all clear. In the foregoing remarks 1 have not men- tioned family and housekeeping expenses ; these should be as strictly recorded as those relating to the business, and any produce consumed in the house should be charged to the housekeeping account, treating the f.irm as seller and the house as buyer, so that each is kept distinct. CoNCLUSIOIf. In summing up what I have said, permit me to - submit for your consideration a few general principles on which to form a system of farm accounts : -First : Aim at completeness and simplicity. Second : Enter everything daily, strictly, and in the order of occur- rence in the day book. Third : Keep each year's trans- actions strictly to its own account, produce consumed on the farm being charged to the credit of the year in which it is grown and to the debit of that in which it is consumed, and whatever is used in the house charge to the credit of the farm and to the debit of the house : and whatever is unsold or unconsumed at the end of the year value and charge to the credit of the closinR year, and debit the succeeding one with the same. Fourth: Take account of every penny, whether of receipt or expenditure, omitting nothing either of cash or stock however small. Fifth and last : Balance cash scrupulously, for herein lies the test of accuracy. Gentlemen, I have endeavoured to place before you a few crude ideas on the subject of farm accounts, but before I sit down I will with your permission notice some difliculties that have been raised. I heard it publicly J stated only last year that farmers cannot comprehendl account keeping on a definite system, and are incapable! of carrying it out. I admit there are many grades of 1 intellect amongst farmers as well as other classes, but you will surely agree with me that the real difficulty lies, not in the want of capacity, but in the want of will, from imbibing the notion that it involves more trouble than is necessary ; if this be so, and if I have shown that accounts are essential, surely we as a class will not allow this stigma to rest upon us. I hope better things of the present race of farmers. I remember that it was cast upon us some time since by an English writer on agriculture, that our " heads were as thick as the clods we cultivated," but I think they are hardly so thick as to make us neglect an essential means of success, for the want of a little trouble and application, when we are once convinced of its utility. Another difliculty has been mooted— that it would consume too much time. This I submit to you is a fallacy ; the secret lies in method and punctuality. The small portions of time, odd half hours and the like, which are too often wasted, if used would suffice for a considerable quantity of book-keeping ; economy in time is economy in money. We do not consider our workmen waste tiieir time when they grind their scythes or sharpen their sickles, why should we grudge the time that is required for accounts? True, one is prospective and the other re- trospective, but they are both means to an end. I will notice one other objection, and I have done— it is this, that commercial accounts are not applicable to the farming business ; I have for a long time used, and this evening have tried to explain, a system which nearly approaches it ; the principle is the same, and I have proved it successful, I do not say perfect, far from it, but as this is a subject to which too little attention has been given, tliere is no reason why closer investigation should not perfect it^ at any rate we can adopt the principle, and adapt it each to our own peculiar cir- cumstances. Let " Onward " be our motto, and diffioul- Mat 2, 13C8.] THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 471 ties will vanish before steady perseverance. Possibly you will not a(;ree with me in all the views I have expressed ; be it so^ minds differ as well as tastes, but I trust that in the discussion which will follow the right way may be shown, mental friction being the best process by which to elicit truth. Discussion. Professor Wrightson ssiid : It ia quite true that we do adopt a system of farm aocouuts at the CoUe^jc. I have thought a good deal upon the subject, aud I don't see any very prent difficulty in a farmer, from year to year, seeing how he stands in his business— as to whether he has advanced or gone back in money matters : yet I see a con- siderable difficulty in coming to a conclusion as to whether his sheep are p.aying, as to whether his pigs are losing, or whether his cows or fatting cattle arc doing best. A complete system of farm accounts, looked upon as perfect, even if it was rather complicated, ought to give us such a result as this. Now, with regard to the first point on which I have to speak, where you can get a satisfactory result I believe it is easily done. For instance, there is the amount of money owing to us, the amount which we owe, the state of our b.anker's book, and so on, and they ought to give a man some idea as to whether he is going b.%ek. wards or forwards in the matter. I have not yet been able to see how a miin is to arrive at a satisfactory result with a less complicated system to en.-ible him to lind out what is the condition of any one account —his sheep account, for instance, or what his horses have cost. The chief difficulty seems to behere— th.at in taking such a circumstance as a sheep account you have the whole of these cultivated upon the root crop, to which Mr. Tovey alluded, and it becomes a question how much the sheep ought to be debited with the crops on which they are fed, and the same with respect to Grass. There is no doubt that the cultivation of the root crops and the green crops was undertaken particularly with the view of affording food for sheep ; and you will require to separate the expense of the root crops in such a way as to give the proper share to the green crop, and the proper share to the sheep for which they were grown. One plan might be adopted by which this would be simplified very much. I believe there is a market v;due for roots eaten upon the pre- mises. In some districts fanners generally feed their home stock on Turnips, and there is id- or Ct^. a-week ; 1 have rather an idea that in his accounts the farmer might debit bis sheep at 4(f. a-week, and he might estimate in this w.ay so that his account would have two sides to it. Upon the credit side you would have all s-ales of wool and mutton, aud on the debit side all purchases In the shape of stock. And we also take all food purchased specially for sheep. Then you have gr.iin debited. Turnips d.-bi ted at id., 5<;.,or6ti., accm-dingtothe season of the year. There is another point, indeed more than one, which will be requii-ed to make up a debit and credit side to the account. In the first place there is labour. Now it struck me that labour ought to be divided, and a journal kept of the labour on the farm, so that the different amount of labour expended upon the different branches of the business might be analysed. This is how we do at the College. We have a labour journal, which is filled up by a b,ailiff every evening. What eveiy man has done is put dnwn in that journal, and theu at the end of the wll . v:]i.i ... .ill an analysis of weekly labour is made — cattl ■, . i i tiin crops, green crops, dairy farming stock wi .1 iii.>ur expended upon it, everything is included. Ih ;. i- ,ii ununt for each, and at the end of the half-year these entries are made into the journal. The sheep account is on the credit sitie ; the food purchased, including gi*,ain and green crops, and labour of the shepherd, placed against it. We debit the sheep valuation at the commencement and credit it at the end, aud then give a complete account. The Chairman said : I think with regiird to debiting sheep, it is all very well for the College, but I can hardly think it is necessary for ordinary farmers, nor do I think we need trouble ourselves about the id. or 6d. per week for Turnips, as men- tioned. What a farmer has to deal with is rent, rates and t.axes, labour, tradesmen's bills, implements, horses, and sundries, I generally value my sheep at so much every year, cows the same, putting down cows two years old at so much. If you adopt that every year you reap the advantage of the market for that year. Mr. W. J. Edmunds said : Ever since I began farming I have kept a labour account, and I can tell from the entries what every man who has been in my employ has done every day for the last 25 years. TVe have for some years used a farmer's account book ; there is an account kept of the stock of different kinds, cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses, aud we make an entry week by week. We can see whether our stock has increased or decreased. For the last two or three years we had no farming .account book, for I had a system of my own, and I keep weekly accounts. I have not kept a debtor or creditor account or a ledger account, and therefore I have not been able to tell what stock has lost and what has gained. I don't think we can have a better thing than the pass book, for you have your goings out and your comings in. If you take the value of stock, say ewes at iSs. each when they may be worth more, it seems wrong, and supposing your stock is better, then you must raise the price of them, so that the question of valuation becomes a somewhat difficult one. Mr. Smith, of Biljury, was called upon, and said he had been brought up in the old-fashioned style, not taking much heed of accomits. All the stock he took was to see at the end of every year whether he had as many ewes, rams, pigs, &c., and if he felt satisfied he had the same number on his farm, that was all he troubled about. Stock fluctuated, and so long as ho had got the same number of cattle upon the farm, he did not much mind. The CHA1R5IAN said they were very much obliged to Mr. Tovcy for bringing this subject, which was an important one, before them. He knew an instance in that neighbourhood where a fanner got a considerable reduction from his rent entirely because he had got a cash account to show that he had lost money. It was David L.ane, who lived at Poulton, and his accounts were kept by Thomas Brown. He went to his landlord and .«aid he had lost money, but was not believed until he had brought his cash book, and that revealing the truth of his statement, he got his rent reduced. He had to move, " That it is desirable that aU agriculturists should adopt as perfect a system of farming accounts as circum- stances would admit." He thought they would all agree to who own from "000 to 8U00 sheep each. Four to five shepherds, ami si.t to eight dogs, are generally sufficient for a flock of 1000 slieeji. The wages of the shepherds are moderate. The head shepherd receives, food included, about It/, per annum, and his assistants from 6Z. to 8/. each. The dogs, generally from the Balkan breed, are excellent guards, and show great sagacity aud accomplishments. On the approach of winter great numbers of sheep are removed from the mountain pastures into the plains and valleys in provinces of Adrlanople, Gallipoli, and Rodosto, where they are rarely housed. When the ground is covered with snow, they are fed on hay, straw, and Barley-meal —the latter mixed with salt twice a month. The Adrlanople sheep suffer from insects and foot- rot, and other epizootic complaints, the most fatal of which are the " relebek " and the " tchitchek." The " relebek," very similar to the rot, is engendered in very wet season.s, and is diflioult to cure ; the " tchit- chek" is a sort of light variola. It is less prevalent than the relebek, and its ravages can be partially, if not permanently, arrested by the process of inocula- tion. An experienced shepherd, on detecting the pre- sence of this contagious malady in his flock, imme- diately jierforates the ears of all the sound sheep with a large silver needle, previously rubbed over with virus procured from the infected animals, which he takes care to separate from the flock. One male is kept to 20 females, and in some instances to as many as 50. The lambing season begins in January in the lowlands, and late in February in the Balkan districts. The shearing takes place in May. A shearer can out about 50 sheep a day, and some fast shearers have cut as many as 100, but the usual average is dO. Tlie two prominent breeds in the vilayet of Adrlan- ople, and which are considered by the natives as distinct breeds, are known as the " Kiyirjik " and the " Karabash ;" the first bears some affinity to the demi- Merinos, or to what the French call Metis, and are very much more appreciated than the latter, which are black-faced, and are represented as not unlike the sheep in Macedonia and Thessaly. The wool of the Kivirjik is far more esteemed than the Karabash wool ; the latter is coarse, whereas the former is long, soft, and elastic, and twisted into ringlets. This latter description of wool stands high in the French markets, is considered superior to all the other wools exported from Turkey, and is classed next to the Merino and Metis fleeces. This breed of sheep are esteemed for the quality of their mutton and aptitude to fatten on a small quantity of food. From the districts of Keir- nabat and Aides, in the province of Slimnia, the butchers who furnish meat to the imperial household receive their supplies. No special trouble is taken by the Adrlanople farmers to improve or keep up the character and purity of the breeds. They consider 11. for a good ram a very exorbitant price. They estimate their profits in a favourable season at about 20 per cent, per annum on the capital they invest in sheep husbandry. The milk of the Adrlanople sheep aud goats is rich, and yields a fair quality of butter and cheese, large supplies of which are annually exported to Constan- tinople, where also some 250,000 sheep and lambs from these districts are sent overland for local consumption. CONTINENTAL AGRICULTURAL NOTES. (.Concluded from p. 412.) TuEKET : AuEiANOPLE.— The rearing of sheep is extensively carried on, and is one of the principal and increasing sources of wealth in the vilayet of Adrlan- ople, which contains large tracts of rich soil and luxuriant pastures.admirablyadapted for this important branch of industry. The plains aud valleys of Thrace, and the slopes of the mountains which surround it nearly on all sides, are occupied by innumerable flocks ol sbeep. Most of these sheep are owned by small prop ?tors ; there are some rich farmers, but not many llf?ome Con-espoutfeuce. Beet-root Sugar.— ^yhilst thanking you very warmly for your condens.ation of my paper on this subject, I would ask permission to advert to one point which I had not made sufficiently explicit in that paper. The dried leaves of the Mangel, which I subjected to Br. Voelcker's analysis were not pulled from the roots whilst growing, a practice which you justly condemn as opposed to all the laws of growth and development, but were taken from the field where they had been cut ofl' from the gathered roots, and where they had lain for eight or nine days exposed to the action of the weather. Notwithstanding this exposure, and the necessarily imperfect result which attends all first trials of new processes. Dr. Voelcker's analysis showed them to contain a higher proportion of nitrogen and flesh-forming constituents, and a lesser proportion of woody inert matter than is to be found in the best hay ; and we proved that store stock, sheep, and milch cows consumed them in the dry state very eagerly. Of course I do not mean to recommend the giving of this or any other kind of food by itself, but I believe, and Dr. Voelcker agrees with me in this opinion, that in judicious combination with hard and constipating food, such as Bean-meal, Locust Beans, or Cotton-cake, it would be a very valuable adjunct to the "Farm Larder." I may appeal to your own authority in asserting that any and every wholesome vegetable pro- duct that can be made to subserve the double purpose of first feeding the animal and next feeding the field, obtains from that double purpose a double value. That the Mangel or Beet leaf is a wholesome food, I believe no farmers will deny, but, coming at a time of year when Grass is plentiful, and generally overcharged with moisture, and when consequently more wet food is not wanted, it has hitherto been wasted simply because it could not be saved. If it could be preserved for winter use when all kinds of food take a heavy pull upon the pocket,and when all kinds of stock are eager to receive and able to digest almost anything they can get, I think it would save the haystacks very consider- ably. I have endeavoured to indicate experimentally that a means of preserving this product exists ; analytically, that it is worth saving ; and practically, that it is worth eating, when saved ; and if any two or three experienced agriculturists will join me in carry- ing out some experiments on an extended scale, I think we shall be able to do the country some good service. To show that there is a sufficiently large quantity of this produce grown to justify extended experiment, I will ask attention to the fact that in Essex alone in 18C6 27,205 acres were in Mangel. Now, if we take 20 tons per acre as an average crop of roots, and 1 tons per acre of leaves, that will give 27,295 x 1 = 109,130 tons ; these leaves containing fully 17 per cent, of dry fodder, tho 109,180 X 17 and divided by 100 shows a result of 18,5G0 tons of valuable food added to the stores of the couutry ; estimating that value at only 3/. per ton, and taking the cost of drying at the suppo- sitiously high price of 30s. per ton, this gives a nett money saving of 18,560 tons at 30s.=:27,810/. per annum for this one county of Essex only. A further exami- nation of these calculations will show that the gain to a farmer will be as nearly as possible an additional nett return of 11. from every acre which ho devotes to this crop ; this, in many parts of the country, would pay half, and in some the whole rental of the land so used. William A. Oihbs, Oillwell Park, Sewardstone, Wood- ford, N E. Air Drainage.— If " T. G., Clitheroe," will dig a drain 5 feet deep, 2 feet wide at the top, and 4 inches wide at the bottom, then lay his 4 inch tiles in it, and theu " puddle" the 5 feet groove full of " puddle," such a drain would not, I believe, prevent the escape of air so effectually as a leaden pipe would, inasmuch as water falling upon the natural or unpuddled soil on each side of the puddled drain would pass through it and creep in at the bottom of the drain, and thus creep under the puddle ; therefore air would escape by the unpuddled roundabout road when forced by pressure. To make the puddle complete so as effectually to prevent an escape of air, the drain must bo dug 0 feet deep, 2 feet 4 inches wide at the top, and as wide at the bottom ; then let a foot of clay be well puddled in at the bottom ; then lay the tiles upon the puddled clay, passing them up the centre of the groove, and then puddle the drain full to the top. In this way you will have encased a drain on a foot of puddle at the bottom and up two sides, and with 5 feet of puddle over it ; and in this way I think " air would be as effectually prevented from escaping through the joints of the tiles as it would be if confined in a leaden pipe." A puddled surface would represent Mr. J. Scott's caso (needing water furrows) in your paper this week. Water ought to pass through the land, not off it. He is wasteful to let water flow away without passing it through the soil. If he will not accept my evidence on the subject, let him apply to Dr. Voelcker. William Smith, Woolston. BletMen Station. Famine Bread in Sweden. —Most sorrowful accounts have recently been published of the famine in Eastern Europe, and in the A'lricuUaral Gazette of April 18th appeared a notice of a coarse description of bread to which the poor in many parts of Sweden had been compelled from sheer hunger to have recourse. In the paragraph alluded to, it is said " the flour is apparently in considerable part the straw ground fine along with the grain. 'Phe bread is declared to be made from Moss and bark of trees along with Oats." There is no doubt but that the bread is made from the material it professes to be, and the flour possibly has very little grain indeed mixed with it, but may be almost entirely powdered park. Unhappily, in some countries such food is not so uncommon as one would desire to see. The inner bark of the White Birch (Betula alba) which contains a very small quantity of farinacious matter, is used in Lapland in times of great scarcity and famine for making into a rough kind of bread or cake. For this purpose the bark is ground or broken into a coarse powder, and this is either used alone or mixed with a small quantity of Rye, Oat, or Wheat flower as circumstances allow. In North-west America, Birch bark is likewise used for a similar purpose ; the bread however is much coarser in appearance than that made in Lapland. In Finland, when other food is not availalile, the natives are compelled to faU back on a combination of Pine bark and Moss, both being ground and mixed together. Specimens of the above kinds of food are contained in the museum at Kew, and, to say the least, they look the reverse of tempting. John S. Jackson. Sewage as Manure. — We seem now to have become aware, that if the sewage of towns is not applied to the land it will pollute the water we drink aud poison the air we breathe. The wasting of food for plants, by letting manure run into rivers instead of putting it on the land, makes the question properly a double one, and the Board of Works is in this matter like two distinct agencies to an estate : the one agent has to see to the drainage of the land, the other has to cultivate and manure the land. I made about 20 dif- ferent experiments with soil and sewage manure about 20 years since, when superintending the improvements of an estate, both for horticultural and agricultural purposes ; for I found in all my experiments that the only way to deal with house sewage successfully was to apply it to the land, and the best land to apply it to was poor clay soil, the top and subsoil deeply broken up, with thorough drainage. I could thus put the sewage into the land ; and through the drainage system, even in dry weather, it was not offensive. Persons using sewage too strong in hot weather, both farmers and gardeners, have, I know, sufl"ered from not carefully minding how to properly apply it. My experiments lead me to think that poor clay, well broken up and drained, has an affinity for all the ammonia and other gases in the sewage, and will retain it when it has been once well mixed with it, and will not afterwards part with it to air or water ; and when the water comes from the drains, if the land is properly manured, it will enter the rivers fit to drink, as all the elements excepting pure water are retained on the land. Ihis you will find not to be the case in using it oii sandy, or gravelly soil, or even on soil of a rich vegetable nature, except "it abounds with clay also. I consider althougu poor land or gravelly soil can be highly improved by the application of sewage over the top of the land as regards shallow and fine rooting plants, yet for pur- 472 THE GARDENEKS' CHEONIGLE AND AGEICULTURAL GAZETTE [JIat 2, 1S06. poses of plant culture and permanent land improve- ments, as well as for preventing the pollution of the rivers, we must use it in that soil that has an affinity for all the elements of what sewage contains. But towns differ in the composition of their sewage, and a town full of chemical works is not unlikely in time to poison the land, as it now does the water ; and in that case it will poison the crop, for plants live, feed, and die, and are as easily poisoned as cattle or fish. And if the Commission to inquire into the pollution of rivers treat all the sewage of towns as if it were house sewage, they will find much difficulty in inducing farmers or gardeners to apply it to their land. To be safe, there- fore, for agricultural purposes, no chemical waste from factories should be allowed to he mixed with the sewage to be utilised upon land. Lattd Sfeward. Tiptree Live Stock Balance Sheet. — Further details being desired, I have much pleasure in fur- nishing them : — Attendance on stock (men and boys), equ.il to two men for one ye.ir at Ml £80 0 0 Horse labour, equal to one horse for one year . . 35 0 0 Feeding the chuff cutter, equal to one man for half a year 20 0 0 £135 0 0 Cost of 25i acres of green and root crops consumed bystock* 137 10 0 £272 10 0 Deduct balance in favour of live stock as per pub- lished account .. ., 114 5 3 £158 4 9 This is the cost of manure produced by making 7021. worth of meat, wool, milk, and poultry. To make this quantity of meat, &c., the live stock con- sumed 550/. of cake, corn, bran, malt combs, hay, and feeding stuffs, in addition to the 25i acres of root and green crops. Something for interest of capital should be added to the above cost of manure. Then comes the alUimportant question— Is this 15SZ. 4.s. 9rf. worth of animal farm manure worth more or less in its composi- tion and in its results than 1581. 4s. 9d. laid out in artificial manures ? Which system would produce the most money in crops ? My experience is strongly in favour of the farm manure (unwashed and unwasted), but as I do not get enough of it, I supplement it with Peruvian guano and salt at a cost of about 701. per annum. Superphosphate of lime or bones show no result on this farm, there being, I suppose, already enough in the soil. II we take either Dr. Voelcker's or Mr. Lawes' estimates_ and opinions, the difference in cost of the feeding principle is very considerable.f The corn I use in feeding is almost all Bean raeal, the cake principally Rape, Linseed, and some Cotton ; also bran and malt combs ; roots only about 301b. per each bullock daily. The manure from the consumption of the 550/. of purchased food may, according to Mr. Lawes' table, be At more th.an one-third of its cost, or about. . £200 0 0 From the consumption of 25J acres of green and root crops, more than 75 0 0 £275 0 0 We have, besides, the advantage of a manure contain- ing all the elements of the food of plants (see Liebig), while in guano there is a want of certain alkalies, &c., so that in fact in certain cases guano has acted as an exhauster of the soil. No such result as I have attained could be obtained by the too ordinary mode of allowing animals to roam over their food unsheltered from atmo- spheric vicissitudes. The great want of agriculture is more manure — much more manure— and I have proved, at least to my own satisfaction, that there is no way of restoring fertility to our exhausted fields so cheap and effective as by the feeding of live stock with food not produced by my own farm. Growing food on one side of a farm and feeding it on the other, adds nothing to the mineral elements of the soil. It is only " robbing Peter to pay Paul," but it is not so when food pro- duced elsewhere leaves its residue in our land. The 70,000,000/. of eatables and drinkables imported annually from foreign countries, added to cur home produce, ought, on this principle, to greatly enrich our soil, but it does not, for most of it goes down our sewers to poison our rivers. We are only just begin- ning to think about utilising those precious and costly streams of life-preserving elements, which we have at hand at small cost, and we have been very reluctantly brought to this step in the right direction by the force of sanitary, not agricultural, considerations.— It thus appears that there is a charge of 1/. per acre over the whole farm for the manure produced from the consumption of 667/. of purchased food, and the produce of 25' acres of green and root crops. The real question at issue is— Do we get, by the use of this manure, an addition to our crops of the value of 1/. per acre ? I am satisfied that I do, and much more than 1/. It is, in fact, the key to the profit of the farm, without it I could not derive a profit from this poor land. When we consider that an addi- tion to the crop of either 2i bushels of Wheat, 4 of Barley, or 5 of Oats, would more than pay this II. per acre, there need be little doubt about the result. /. J. Mechi, April. 18fi8. Ireland and Belgium. — I have read with much interest the two letters on this subject by your corre- spondents " B." and " An Irish Landlord." '" B." seems * Green and root crops consumed: — 6 acres of Mangel, 1 do. of Swedes, 3 do. of Cabbage, 9 do. of Italian Rye-grass, 51 do. white Turnips, after Peas picked for London market ; 1 do. Tares ; total, 25i acres. The after-math of Clover and pasture, t .Mr. Lawes' e.'^tiraated value of the manure obtained from the consumption of 1 ton of Decorticated Cotton cake .£<; 10 0 ,, Rape cake 4 18 0 „ Linseed cake .. .. .. .. 4 12 0 „ Malt dust 4 .f 0 „ Beans 3136 to say that the chief reclamation of waste lands iu Ireland has been done by the small farmers. " An Irish Landlord " says no, and gives as his reason for so saying that the Irish small farmers are ignorant of land reclamation. He qualifies his statement, it is true, by going behind the period of the first appearance of the Potato disease, now some 23 years ago. It was since then that Liebig, when in Ireland, was asked in what part of the world had he seen the most profitable farming ? His answer was " in the wilds of Connaught;" and when asked for a reason he replied, " In no other part of the world had he seen so great an amount of the true wealth of nations, the food of man, produced under such unfavourable and adverse circumstances." The spirit of improvement was, no doubt, caused by the ravages of the Potato disease, but only on the estates of landlords who, in improving their "rights," forgot their "duties," both to them- selves, their heirs, and the kingdom at large. True it is, the chief reclamations _ of level lowlands have been done by landlords, in many cases with decided advantage, but in not a few at considerable loss, from the works having been very imperfectly done; so that if the Irish farmer could be justly accused of ignorance of such matters, so could those in^ many cases employed in setting him examples. Still, despite all these drawbacks, there have been and are tenants, both Irish and Scotch, laudably engaged in reclaiming, and by improved means profitably cultivating their farms when held at a fair rent and secured in the same holdings by fair leases. I know Ireland as well and as long as either " B." or " An Iri.sh landlord ;" and whilst to some extent agreeing with the latter as to the Irish tenant's ignorance, I am prepared to subscribe to the doctrine of " B." A late professional engagement took me over the greater part of Ireland. For the present I will select two counties at somewhat extreme points—north-east and south- east—Down and Wexfonl, said by Mr. Pim, M.P. for Dublin, in an admirable book he wrote 20 years ago, to be two of the richest counties in her JIajesty's domi- nions, and this for the following reasons, — that in proportion to their acreage and population they pro- duced the greatest arnouut of human food, as a conse- quence of there being few large, or what is called grazing, fUrms in one or the other. I have lately been in both those counties, and I am proud to be able to tell you that, according to my estimate of wealth, Mr. Pim's remarks still hold good, but somewhat different in degree, in these favoured counties respectively. Down appears to have suffered little if anything by emigration, the small farms appear to be much improved in cultivation. The growth and sale of Flas, and the linen manufactures, helped to assist that; so far, then, here is a proof at home with us to justify "B.'s" recommendation of the Belgian system ot farming, not only in regard to Flax and other crop culture, but in the breeding and feed- ing of stock. In that department, too, Down has improved even in the small farms, where there is still great room for improvements, with a certainty of decided profits. In proof of this I have seen milch cows and store cattle valued, fairly I should think, in Down at 20 to 30 per cent, higher than such would sell for iu Smithfield, Dublin. On the large and medium-sized farms in Down both the tillage and stock breeding and feeding have vastly improved. Wexford appeared to have suffered by emigration, not so much because she had no linen manufactures, as because Flax-growing and the manufacture of linen do not, to any appreciable degree, exist there; but both were attempted and proved failures, from the cupidity of some and the ignorance of others, who had long since attempted both. But let the Belgian system of husbandry be adopted in Wexford, and I will venture to say Wexford will soon gain far more than she has lost. If Wexford has lost by emigration more than Down did, she has gained more by the improvement of her stock on farms of all sizes, and in none, comparatively speaking, more than in the case of the small farmers, where the landlords do their duty in introducing a superior breed of sires for their tenants' use, and otherwise fairly encouraged them. Some of your Irish readers may say that one of the causes, indeed the chief, of Down's great prosperity, is what is called "tenant right." Granted, but let me ask in turn, is there no tenant right allowed in Wex- ford ? There is, and has been from time immemorial on many estates, especially those of resident proprietors. Strange to say, that although there are several other counties in Ireland as well adapted for it as either Down or Wexford, those are the two counties distinguished for Bean culture. Well, if Down beats Wexford in Flax culture, Wexford beats Down by chalks in Bean culture. One other fact, and for the present I have done with my notes. The subject I allude to has little in common, I believe, with Belgian liusbandry, but the example I am about to cite is nevertheless worth the attention of farmers and land proprietors in all parts of Great Britain. Lately when in CJork I had the pleasure of meeting and being more or less associated with an eminent Scotch farmer, whose farm I had known many years before he had ever seen it. When I first knew it its actual value to an ordinary but good rent-paying farmer as a dairy farm was considered more profitable in Grass, at the ord- nance valuation. What rent does it pay now when judiciously cultivated by a regular course of cropping? Just ('ouble that. Some may say there is nothing very singular in that, but no one will say that the following circumstance is not a singular one in Ireland, or perhaps in England or Scotland also. The tenant is not hampered by any of those unwise restrictions or clauses which would bind him to this, Ihat, or any other mode of cropping, or the disposal of this, that, or any other crop. He is not trespassed on by gama nor hampered by Game Laws ; he is merely bound to pay this high rent and keep the laud and houses in fair tenantable order, such as the landlord gave them to him, due allowance to be made for the perishablencss of materials. But the most singular matter of all, there is neither road, private or public, lane, farm road, river, stream, or fence, whether boundary or inter- nally, measured in his rent-paying acreage. Yet still he pays double the rent the land was worth to an ordi- nary tenant when its improved culture commenced. Some may say this must be an extraordinary man, or possessing extraordinary advantages over other men farming such lands. All I could see or hear of extraor- dinary about him and his farming were these, and nothing more. He is an intelligent, unassuming man, possessing neither arrogance nor self-sufficiency, bigotry nor intolerance. In a word, he possesses common sense. If all men iu Ireland possessed the foregoing qualifications, or even a fair share of them, we would soon see this country, whether to a greater or lesser degree farmed as Belgium is, a source of great strength instead of being a source of weakness to England. Fingal, Dublin, April 11. Farmers' Clubs. Wenlock : ImprovemenU in the Management of Strong Land.— At the late quarterly meeting of this Society, Mr. John Shukeh, of Heightley Hall, Chir- bury, read a paper on this subject, from which we take the following extracts, some of them corroborating Mr. Scott's hints in last week's paper : — ARBiNGEMENT OF FIELDS AND FENCES. The first thing that strikes me as requiring attention, and indeed a stepping-stone to draining and all future improvements, is a good arrangement of fields and fences. In travelling through the country one cannot help feeling annoyed to find, even in these days, so many of the old style of zigzag unsightly-looking fences. Many hundred acres of valuable land are thus taken up in growing brushwood, only productive of rabbits, birds, and vermin ; and this class of stock we can conveniently dispense with. The manual labour on these old tortuous fences is nearly twice as much as it would be under a better arrangement. For, besides the additional distance, the nooka and corners, which the plough cannot reach (incase of arable land), get overgrown with bushes, &c., and the ditches, instead of carrying the water away, are filled with stagnant water in their hollow crooked parts, which leak into the adjoining field, thereby doing much damage. The difference in horse labour on these shapeless fields is still more apparent. A team can as easily plough and [ work one acre in one field as three-quarters in another, but say the difference is only one-sixth and this alone ' would give about 5s. an acre annually. In making ' alterations, the first consideration is the size of fields and their position ; and, after giving this pirt of my subject careful consideration, I have decided to give a certain number of fields to each farm, varying in size according to the extent of arable land. Thus, under GO' acres arable, eight fields ; 126 acres, 10 fields ; and over this quantity 12 fields. Care should be taken to make ' each field easy of access from the homestead, so as not 1 to pass through one field to another if it can be avoided. If the soil is variable, it would be advisable to get the fields as much of a class as possible, as this would be found much more convenient for working and cropping. DRilNAGE. The next thing to be done is thorough drainage. The nature of the under soils must be closely observed, in order to ascertain the proper depth of cutting. If a t-feet deep, or even a little more, you get through the bed of clay into soils of a more porous or brashy nature ; or if the clay appears jointy and like to draw fairly, then I should say 4 feet deep and 10 yards apart. But if the clay runs deep and of a very stiff tenacious kind, I should recommend 3 feet deep and 7 yards apart ; although in giving this opinion I am aware I am treading on delicate ground, as few persons believe in anything but a 4-feet drain. But I think it just as rational for a surgeon to supply the same medicine for all diseases as to drain all soils, arable and pasture, one uniform depth. The expense of both systems is very much alike — viz., wheu 7 yards apart there will be about 106 rods to the acre, and this at Gd. per rod amounts to 21. 13s. : cost of the pipes, including a share to mains, 21. V2s. 6d. ; making 5/. 5s. 6d. The 4-feet cutting 10 yards apart would be about 87 rods at Od., 3/. 5*. Sd. ; pipes, 21. is. 2d. ; making 5/. 9s. ad. In the former case the extra cost of pipes is more than counterbalanced by the greater amount of labour in the latter. This does not include the hauling of the pipes, and to this or almost any other class of draining should be added superintendence 7s. 6rf., pipe-laying 6s., emps, &c., say 3s. Gc/. ; making an average total of something like 6/. -Is. an acre. Main drains should be run as straight as possible, and when going through or near to fences I should strongly recommend the use of socket pipes, jointed together with the Roman cement, to prevent roots, Ac, getting through into the pipes. All Ash, Willow, Alder, and Wych Elm should be grubbed up within several yards of the drains. There should be as few mouths or emps as possible, and these at a point (as far as the field will admit) where the water will most readily clear itself away. The last pipe should be a cast-iron one, fitted with a swing gate. CnLTiv.iTioN OF Stkong Land. I am strongly of opinion that the proper working of strong land, wheu the soil is dry, is really of more advantage than manure. As a rule, four days a week is as much as a strong land farmer can successfully work his land ; and for this reason it is necessary he should keep a good strength of horses, so as to make the best possible use of all favourable weather. The all-powerful steam-engine is the power required to assist the strong Mat 2, 1868.] THE GAT^DEXErvS' rMOMCLE AND AOTlTrFTTTTT^AL GAZETTE. 473 land farmer in smashing up and pulverising with heavy implements our stiff clays when the weather is favour- able, thus reducing the number of horses and leaving them only the lighter kinds of works. But I regret to see, from tho Royal Society's report of last year, and other trustworthy sources, that, on the whole, steam applied to the cultivation of land has not produced so good results as could be wished for. Still, when in good hands, it is spoken of satisfactorily. Before going through tho yearly horse work, I may mention that a good collection of implements is a great advantage in working clayey land. The rolls, harrows, cultiva- tors, etc., should be of the most improved make, strong, and likely to deal successfully with rough work. The ploughs in particular should be those which cut a high-crested or pointed furrow, being far better for working than a flat swampy one. Some farmers will do as much work with seven horses and eight men as others with nine horses and ten men, and in this way greatly economise labour. The course of cropping for the poorest soils, which are considered too stiff and cold for growing any root crops, will bo the following— eight, ten, or twelve rotations— which I shall suppose are the number of field.?. Rotation for eight years: 1, fallow, dunged; 2, Wheat ; 3, Peas or Tares ; 4, Oats ; 5, Beans, dunged ; 0, Wheat ; 7, Clover, limed ; 8, pasture. — Rotation for ten years : 1, fallow, dunged ; 2, Wheat ; 3, Peat or Tares ; 4, Oats ; 5, seeds, limed ; (J, pasture ; 7, pasture ; 8, Oats ; 9, Beans, dunged ; 10, M''heat. — Rotation for twelve years : 1, fallow, dunged ; 2, Wheat ; 3, Peas or Tares ; -1, Oats ; 5, seeds, limed ; 6, pasture, to be ploughed up about July or August, and well worked ; for 7, Wheat ; 8, Beans ; 9, Wheat ; 10, Oats ; 11, seeds, limed ; 12. pasture. In each of these cases we should get more than half the land in grain crops. The courses, however, are well varied, and the land derives the advan- tage of rest in pasturage, which refreshes it more effec- tually and durably than any course of manuring. In these rotations I havekept in view the convenienceof working. On the bettor class of strong land, likely to pay for ploughing, I should suggest the following courses : — Rotation of eight years — 1st, Wheat ; 2d, Turnips ; .3d, Barley ; 4th, seeds ; 5th, Oats ; 6th, Beans ; 7th, Wheat; 8th. seeds. — Rotation of 10 years : 1st, Wheat; 2d, Peas or Tares ; 3d, 0.ats; 4th, seeds; 5th, W^heat; 6th, Turnips; 7th, Barley; 8th, seeds; 9th, Oats; 10th, Beans.— Rotation of 12 years : 1st, Wheat ; 2d, Peas or Tares ; 3d, Oats ; 4th, seeds ; 5th, Wheat ; 6th, Turnips; 7th, Barley; 8th, seeds; 9th, Oats; 10th, Beans ; 11th, Wheat ; 12th, seeds. The crops in these rotations are varied, and the horse-work conveniently divided between spring and autumn : with proper manure these courses should be successful. For one year'sseedsthefollowingrai."cturewill be generally found sufficient:— One bushel Rye-grass, 10 lb. Red Clover, 4 lb. White Clover, 2 lb. Alsikes. In this rotation the Turnip crop will require much attention, so as to get the soil well worked. The better plan, on this land, is to finish working and sow a little at a time, in pre- ference to getting the old field ready first. The crop should be cleared off in NoveraJ)er, if the weather is at all favourable, or afterwards when the laud is tolerably dry. It will greatly injure the field for coming crops if they are carted in very wet weather. It should be ploughed as soon as circumstances will permit, in order to get the benefit of spring frosts, this being a wonderful assistance in procuring a fine tilth for the Barley crop and seeds. The meadow and pasture land, after draining, will be found more sound and safer for carrying sheep. But to bring about much real improvement in quantity or even quality of Grass, it will require further assistance in the shape of manure. Farm-yard dung, carted about December, and well worked in spring, will be found most beneficial ; but this probably could not be spared in large quantities from the rest of the farm. Raw or boiled half-inch bones have produced most satisfactory effects in improving the herbage after draining on this class of land. The boiled bones act quicker, and for this reason would probably be preferred. About 6 or 7 cwt. per acre put on about April, chain harrowed and rolled, would be a fair dressing, and produce good and lasting results. Three or four cwt. of boiled bones and one and a-half cwt. of nitrate of soda will produce good and early keep. I have mentioned before a mixture of marl and lime, or marl and dung, as making up a good compost for pasture land. This should be chain narrowed in spring with a few of the finer Grass seeds. I again recommend everything likely to form manure, when properly mixed, to be carted to the heap. This can be done in frosty weather and odd times, when neither men or horses are very valuable. It will be seen, that in my rotation of crops there is, in all cases, more than halt the arable land in grain crops, in some cases two-thirds. With so much of the land under grain, and so little under Turnips and green crops, it is impossible to make good manure from the straw alone. The produce from the extra acreage should be converted into food for the stock on the farm— part in its natural state, and part exchanged for cake, bran, and other feeding stuffs— to be mixed with cut straw. Bean haulm, &c. This will be found to improve the stock, as well as manure, and ultimately lead to more successful farming. Seport of the State of Agriculture in Belgium. Addressed to the Commissioners of National Educa- tion in Ireland. By Thomas Baldwin, Superin- tendent of the Agricultural Department of National Education. Alex. Thom, 87, Abbey Street, Dublin. We gather from this very interesting and instructive famphlet that its author was commissioned by the rish Education Board to visit Belgium and draw up a report on such parts and features of its mral economy as are especially instructive to Irish agri- cultural readers. The result is a report occupying but a few pages, which, however, contains more of well digested and well packed agricultural information than we have seen elsewhere in volumes of very much higher pretension. The statistical account of the country is no doubt obtained from public documents ; the chap- ters which describe (with tho ail of engravings) the houses and offices of Belgian farmers, their economy of manures, the crops grown by them, and the rotations in which their crops are taken ; the Flax culture of the country, its live stock, its agricultural schools, and the condition of the several agricultural classes, are written from personal observation, and are thoroughly practical and good. Throughout there is kept in mind the relation of the Irish farmer to the subject under discussion ; and we have in consequence a publication which the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland will do well to distribute as widely as possible. We should have been glad to have seen— what may perhaps be attended to in another edition — all the weights, areas, and quantities of foreign produce given in English terms ; hectares and kilogrammes are not readily compared with acres, cwts. and lbs. A little more of the elaborate pains taken in tho description of Flax culture might also well have been bestowed upon some other crops and practices. We quote the following passage from the account given of the Belgian agricultural labourer :— " The condition of the farm labourers of Belgium is in unison with that of the other agricultural classes. They have good cottages, to which are invariably attached pieces of ground varying from 20 perches to 2 acres. The rate of wages has risen of late, as it has done in our own country. The labourers of Belgium are better paid than those of Ireland, the average rate, according to my notes in different parts, being 8s. a week in Belgium for able-bodied men, and in Ireland 7s. " It has been recently stated by a gifted writer on the state of Ireland that the Belgian labourer is the worst paid in Europe; and a more recent writer says he is also the worst fed of all European labourers. "I took great pains to inform myself on these points. I should like to see the pay and the food of the Belgian labourer improved. In England the farm labourer receives higher wages and more nutritious diet. But I maintain that the Belgian is as contented and happ^ as the English labourer, and in every respect he is far in advance of the Irish labourer. " The gardens attached to the cottages of the Belgian labourers are a source of profit and domestic comfort. They are cropped with the greatest skill and care, and produce vegetables for daily consumption as well as for market. The work is performed by the labourer during his leisure hours, supplemented by the labour of his wife at intervals during the d.ay. " In addition to the common table vegetable there are in every garden potherbs for flavouring soup, which is so universally used. In many cases Hops are grown for profit, and Tob:icco is very generally raised for home consumption. There is in Belgium a vast number of small breweries in which cheap beer is produced. The poor man can after his day's work sit at his own fireside, drink his pot of this b^sr, and smoke his own tobacco, which keopa him fiom the public-house. " It has been already observed that the diet of the farm labourer and small farmer of Belgium is frugal. They consume very little fresh meat— quite as little as the people of Ireland ; but then every peasant and small farmer in Belgium kills his own pig and eats his own pork at least once a week ; others use it twice or three times, or oftener, according to their means. " The following may be taken as a fair statement of the diet of a good farm labourer or small farmer in Belgium: — " Breakfast.— Rye-bread, very generally with butter, and coffee (with milk). " Dinner, generally about noon — Pork at least once a week, with Potatos and vegetables. " On the other days those who dine in their houses (such as all the small farmers and farm labourers whose cottages are close to the tields in which they labour) use Potatos, which are dressed in rich dripping ; and very often soup made of vegetables, butter-milk, and a little flour or meal, with potherbs to flavour it. In addition I observed that hired farm servants, who were dieted by the farmer, were permitted to eat as much Rye-bread, covered with dripping, as they wished. " At 4 o'clock I found that labourers ate a piece of Rye-bread, on which was usually spread dripping. In winter this ration is not used. " Supper was served generally at 8 o'clock, and varied more than any other meal. At one time I found it to be the same as the breakfast ; but more usually it consisted of Potatos dressed in dripping. " This, as will be seen, is not very nutritious diet. It would not suffice for a hard-wrought English navvy or farm-labourer ; but the Belgians, though incessant and continuous in their industry, do not go through the same amount of physical fatigue, nor do their muscles undergo the same amount of wear and tear as the English. The guidance of a plough in the sti9, hard, and rough soils of Great Britain consumes far more muscular energy than the guidance of the little one-handled plough in the free and light soils of Belgium. Most operations of tillage are more laborious in Great Britain and Ireland than in Belgium— a circumstance which must be borne in mind in any comparison of the dietary of the two countries. " In Ireland the farm-labourers and small farmers live largely on Potatos. They rarely use flesh-meat of any kind, and bread is by many of them little used. The small farmer who keeps a cow or two uses milk. I am inclined to think more milk is used in Ireland than in Belgium; but a vast number of Irish peasants use little milk, and want the variety of food so common among the poorest in Belgium." mt JDoultiB Yarir. Paris Poultey Show.— Those of our readers who attended the great Concours Agricole in the Palais d'Industrie in 1855 will be pleased to find that the seed there sown has abundantly fructified, and that very successful poultry shows are held from time to time in Paris, also that they arc well attended, and the quality of the specimens shown improves, Tho meeting we have now to notice opened on the 19th ult,, and concluded on the 2fith. The first day and the following the visitors were few, but afterwards the number of them daily increased. The tickets showing how the honours were divided were affixed on AVednesday morning, and in the afternoon the Show was crowded. The best known French breeds, such as Crcvecoeur, La Fleche, and Houdaus, were well represented, both as regards number and quality; but as regards uni- formity of birds composing the various pens, it seems that the Crevecceur is the bird among the French fowls on which most dependence can be placed in breeding. Twenty-seven pens of good La Fleche fowls made, even for France, a large class ; the birds of Messrs. Simier, Bocquet, &c., were very handsome, and attracted great attention. The Crevecceurs were stronger in numbers, and will, we think, after all, become the principal favourites among us. The hens were very square, meaty-looking birds, giving one the idea of an excellent fillet, and a good out on the breast ; the cocks very large, upstanding birds. The prize pens were soon sold, at prices that must have highly pleased the exhibitors. The Houdans, of which so much has been written and said among us, were very well represented ; but the first glance at the pens showed that the difliculty in obtaining good cocks is not confined to our importers, but is just as great among the breeders for exhibition in France. Hardly any of the cock birds shown would have been called good by us ; the hens were better, but would put one strongly in mind of one of the large Dorking classes at our earlier Birming- ham shows, before attention had been given to matching as to colour, comb, and size. One thing, however, is to be noticed, that however lax as to shape of top-knot, comb, and colour the exhibitors show themselves, they seem all, with one exception, to be strongly in favour of the fifth toe, and to look on a four-toed bird as degenerate and only tit for the pot-aii-feu. The other French breeds mustered very badly. The race du Mans sent only two pens, which gave one a strong idea of Black Hamburghs. The Courtes-pattes, which with us were known as Dumpies, Creepies, or Bakies, were represented by a few good specimens, one pen especially ; it was purchased at once for England. The far-famed breed of La Bresse was asked for by many visitors, and many were the expressions of dis.ippointment when the curiosity was gratified — insignificant, undersized birds, such as one would expect to find in any higgler's coop. In assigning them a pedigree, one would be inclined to call them the produce of an indifferent pencilled Hamburgh and old-fashioned light-coloured Dorking, and even then they do either parent but little credit. In grey Dorkings the competition was small — only eight pens : Messrs. Baily, of London, took 1st. Spanish are not favourites in France, indeed the breed is but little known ; M. Bocquet won the ouly prize awarded in the class. Hamburghs, the prizes divided between Messrs. Baily, Bocquet, and Beldon. The Dutch fowls, called "Breda," contributed three pens. The Game class was a curious one, and exhibited curiosities in dubbing that would have certaiuly been wondered at in England, although we think they would uot be admired. Cochin Chinas are evidently favourites, but a great point here is one of which we are .not fond ; every French exhibitor, without exception, cultivates the vulture-hock, and his next important point is size. Of this breed there were black, white, buff, grouse, and cuckoo specimens shown, some of them immense birds. With the exception of one pen of English birds, all the Brahmas were light-coloured, single-combed, vulture-hooked birds. The Padoues showed a great falling off in quality and numbers. It seems very difficult to keep up the quality in this breed. The silvers were the best, and the golden the worst of all the varieties ; the blacks passable, but none would have been considered good. Of Bantams there was a good muster, golden, silver, black, white, game, cuckoo, Japanese, silky, &c. TurkeySj as may be supposed at this time of year, mustered in small numbers, but the quality of the black ones left little to be desired. The Guinea fowls, as usual, attracted attention only by the noise they made. Peafowl in fine plumage were the admired of all admirers among the ladies and children. The Pheasant class contained a pair of very handsome pure versicolors, Chinese, Kalecge, and other varieties. The class for " diveres races " was remarkable for a splendid pair of Curassows, a pair of little Bustards, three-year- old birds, in full plumage, and Wonga Wonga pigeons ; also a very curious Quail. Of Pigeons, the principal fancy seemed tobeforRunts, for which the 1st prize was given to a pair of black, by no means the best. There was little among the other classes to call for special notice. The Geese were small in number, but great in variety —Toulouse, Sebastopol, Egyptian, Canada, Eernicles, and Brents. The same remarks apply to the Ducts, ot which by far the best pen was that lo which the judges gave the prize ; it contained a drake and three ducks- Labrador. The Rouens were few in nuniber, and not matched at all for colour, beak, or size. The arrange- 474 THE GAEDENEl^S' CTTRONTCLE A^^D AGT^TOULTTTRAL GAZETTE. [Mat 2, 1868. ments of the exhibition were excellent, and the birds generally in a state of health that spoke volumes for the management. Farm Memoranda. Hampshire: April — ^ye will first refer to the fall of Down lambs, as the lambing season is now brought to a close, and we are pleased to find that it has been on the whole satisfactory, more particularly as regards the grazing districts, where the number of Iambs produced is above the average, and generally very healthy, except in a few cases, where we have noticed the epidemic or foot lameness prevails. Many of the earliest have been sold, and others are fast coming to maturity, the weather on the whole having been very favourable, and Swedish Turnips being still in abundance. The flocks of Down ewes and their lambs on the chalk -hill farms are upon the whole going on favourably, and the fall of lambs and numbers saved will again be rather over the average, although in the early part of the lambing season some rather serious losses occurred by premature birth, the cause or causes of which has been the subject of much comment and difference of opinion amongst flockmasters, and we must say there is plenty of room for the diverse opinions prevailing. Our own opinion, after a lengthened experience in these matters, leans towards the epidemic as the most prevalent cause, for although similar losses did occur before the epidemic first made its appearance in 184'2, yet it was nothing in comparison to the extensive and heavy losses, both in ewes and lambs, which have taken place in some seasons since that time, and particularly within the past 15 or 16 years ; but before the epidemic and foot lameness was known losses of this kind could generally be traced back to insuflioient or irregular feeding, bad usage, careless shepherding, and accidental causes. Some of these causes probably have in late years been in opera- tion as previously, but we have had in our own flocks, and seen so many instances on numerous farms, where the ewes have been apparently healthy, yet they would commence casting their lambs prematurely, and this has often gone on until some hundreds of dead lambs had fallen ; as soon, however, as the ewes have fallen lame, the epidemic finding issue at the feet, the lambs have come healthy and strong, showing, in our opinion, that internal fever was the cause of the mis- chief. No doubt, however, exists, that these losses are often aggravated by careless management and insuf- ficient treatment. For curing the foot lameness different remedies and treatment have been in use, but generally speaking these remedies are too caustic, and often repel the irritation in the foot back into the system, thereby seriously affecting the constitution, and in the case of fat animals resulting in great loss of condition. The following remedy applied to the feet in the early stage of the complaint we have found invariably effective. Recipe : Ointment— 3 oz. nitre, 3 oz. blue vitriol, 3 oz. gunpowder reduced to the finest powder, and mixed with 4 lb. of hog's lard.— In referring to the spring seed time, we consider it has been very satisfactory; the ground has worked kindly where sufficient tillage has been done, and a fine surface obtained. A large breadth of spring corn is brairded, and promises well ; indeed it is only the early sown that can be depended on to produce grain of good quality, whether of Barley or Oats. The early kinds of Peas, as also Beans, were planted in good season, the month of February having proved unusually favour- able. We find that there has been a diminished breadth of Beans and an increased breadth of Peas planted during the last few years ; it is found that the climate of Hampshire, particularly near the sea-coast, is unfavourable to the Bean crop, but generally good for the Pea crop, especially the early varieties. With good Wheat selling at 80«. per quarter, the appearance of the growing crop seems of more than usual importance, and up to the present time there is a prospect for a good average crop. Some of the Wheat has lost plant through the attack of slugs and wire- worm where sown out of Clover lea, but upon what we term Wheat land, the strong soils, the growth is very promising ; anything occurring to reduce the Wheat crop below an average, or followed by a wet harvest, would be a serious matter with so small a quantity of corn in the hands of either growers or merchants. It is by no means improbable that the harvest may be difficult, for on referring to past seasons we find that the Wheat has not sprouted in harvest fields since the year 1860, and when it is considered that on looking back for 40 years that the Wheat crop has been damaged by growing in sheaf some five or six times during that period, we may fairly calculate that such damages will occur again before long, as the seasons fairly estimated are merely an irregular repetition of each other. Joseph Blundell, Southampton. An Ideal Small Fakm. — In order to see what intelligent industry may do on a small farm of 20 Irish acres, farmed on the Belgian principle, I will make the following calculation ; and as all farming must begin in the brain, I have tried so to arrange the farm that it will appear thus on paper :— 4 acres for green crops, 2 for Potatos, and 2 for Turnips, said 4 acres to be followed by a crop of Oats, and laid down with Grass and Clover ; two acres of lea broken for Oats, making in all 6 acres of Oats. Tlie lea Oat land to be succeeded by a crop of Flax. Sow an acre of Vetches in the spring, to be used by the cattle in autumn or harvest, and have 4 acres of Grass and Clover, two for house feeding the milch cows and two for hay, and keep the remaining 5 acres in pasture, thus making 20 acres. Keep four milch cows, and feed them in the house, winter and summer, on two acres of the Clover and Grass, which should be cut as soon as the scythe will catch it. By the time it is once cut over it will be ready to cut again, and the fanner will now have four acres of a second cutting — the two acres cut first for the cattle and the two that were cut first for hay. After these four acres have been cut over a second time, then turn on the acre of Vetches in the autumn, which will last until the winter feeding of straw and Turnips be introduced. Rear four calves on the four cows, and keep them until they are two years old, which can be grazed on the five acres of pasture, with the calves and horse occasionally. Give tlie four calves the autumn and winter run of the four acres out over for the cattle ; but by no means permit any stock of any kind to run on the new Grass and Clover, else there will be a disappointment in the following crop being as early as desired. Winter the cows on the straw and Turnips. Give the hay with a change occasionally of straw to the horse and young stock, and let the calves in winter have a few Turnips. Let the six acres of Oats be carefully cut before it is too ripe ; a little green, when there is some sap in the straw, which will leave it sweet for the cattle. Dra\\ the Oats out of the stocks into the yard, which should be stacked on good stands, and thatched as soon as the stacks are built. By no means stack in the field, as the straw will be injured le.ss or more by the rain, and, of course, lose its sweetness. The Oats should be threshed just as the cattle use the straw, in order to have it sweet and fresh. Keep four pigs, which can bo fattened on the milk of the cows in summer, with some Potatos, and occasionally fed on Vetches. The 1 2 acres of Potatos will be quite sufficient for this and the use of the family. Allowing two tubs of butter made on each cow, with the calf reared ; 15 barrels ol' Oats to the acre, at an average of 12s. per barrel ; Flax, at an average of 20i!. per acre ; four two-year-olds, at 101. each ; and four pigs, at 5?. per pig, the result will stand thus :— 6 acres of Oats, at 13 barrels to the acre, average price 12s. per barrel £54 0 0 •2 acres of Flax, at 20(. per acre 40 o 0 4 cows, produce two tubs to each cow, at 3/. pertub 24 0 0 4 pigs fattened, at SI. each 2000 4 two-year-olds, at 101. eark 40 0 0 Total £178 0 0 Out of this sum we make the following deductions : — Rent of farm at 2;. per acre £40 0 0 Fences on the same .. .. .. .. .. 200 Servant man at 1«. per d ; also Farmer of January 16, 1867. In sealed packets, Is. tid. and 2s. Gd. each. None genuine unless the packets bear our name and address. Edinburgh Seed Warehouse, 3, Hanover Street, Edinburgh. FORSALE,^! surplus~8tock of 'SEED~POTATOS, ftc, &c. Hyatt's Prolific Potatos .. 3s. Gd. p, bush, ., 13s. p. sack of 16 stone. RcKents 3s. Od. ,. ..10s, „ Red Bog 3*. Od. „ ..10s. „ Prince of Wales .. .. 4». OU 15s. Webb's Imperial Kidneys,. 4s. Ort. Forty-foMs . . ■ - • Veitch's Perfectio; Large Purplo-top Altri James' Scarlet Interm Yellow Globe MaoRt 6d. ; per cwt., £iO«. CARROT SEED. lb.— s, rf. I Perlb.— s. d. ham 1 0 Long Orange or Surrey ..13 irmiidiiito 1 0 | Large White Belgian ..0 9 ,opet. selected stock, nett growth of 18C6, per lb., , liidl's Wostbury Swede, nett growth of 1867, bushel of 50 lb.. 35s. Large Green Kohl Rabi. lb.. Is. 3d. ; per^wt., 120». "White Mustard, los. 6d. per bushel of M lb. ; per bushel, 40s.. Field or Sheep Parsley, 4id, per lb. Asparagus Plants In any quantity, 3-yr., 2s. per lOO, 15s, per 1000 ; 3-yr., Js. 6d. per 100, in-t. per 1000. Bushel Bags, ;>'/. each ; new 4 lb. 4 bushel sacks. Is. id. Remittances to accompany orders. Christmas Quincev, Seed Grower, &c., Peterborounh. FINE and COARSE WHITE SAND, the best KENT and other PEAT, fine LOAM, SANDSTONE SPAR, Ac— Samplei at the Exhibition Arcade, Royal Horticultural F W. SaoRT, Horticultural Depot, Reigate, SuiTey. IBRO'US PEAT of first-clHss qiKility for OrcMtl^ Heaths, American Plants, and all potting "pnqioses, may be obtained by application to Mr. Thomas JEt-str. I-arniiigham Wood, near Farningham Station, Kent. It is dispatched by the London* Chatham, and Dover Riilway in trucks of 10 yards, to most Stations in the Kingdom, or fetched in carts from the Wood. It is extensively used and appreciated in the principal Nurseries, and in the RoyaJ Parks and Gardens. Price .5.s". par cubic yard, loaded at Farningham fetation. Warranted Genuine. 0 B A C C 0 P A P E R, lOrf. per lb. Wm, Dodoson, 29, Lady Lane, Leeds, THE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (EST&SLISBED 1840) Have now ready for delivery in dry fine condition, CORN MANURE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dre.4slng Pasture Larula SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Also Gonmne PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA ex Dock Warehouse; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, FISHERY SALT, Ac. E. PoRSEH, Secretary. Offloi --- - ■ • - - - , 116, Fenohuroh Street, B,C, ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOWPHATE for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DLSSOLVED BONES. ODAMS'S SUPERPIKISPIIATE of LIME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GDANO. THE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited), Chief Offices— 109, Fenchurch Street, London. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch— 40, Westmoreland Street. Dublin. Directors. CJiairmon — John Clayden, Littlebury, Essex. Deputi/'Cli airman — John Collins, 255, Camden Road, Holloway Edward Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brighton, Richard Hunt, Ktanstead Abbot, Herts, Robert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfolk, George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford, Samuel Jonas, Gnshall Grange, Essex. Charles Dorraan, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hildersliam, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross, Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, flO, West Smithfleld. Managing Director — James Odams, .Banters— Messrs, Bametts, Hoarea, £ Co., Lombard Street, So ;«:i(ors— Messrs. KingsfoM & Herman, 23, Essex Street, Strand, Atidilor~J. Carter Jonas, Carabridgo. This company was originally formed by, and is under the direction ol agriculturists : circumstances that have justly earned for it another title, %'iz.— "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company." Its members are cultivators of upwards of 3O,0UO acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the cimsumer has the best guarantee Chief Offices— 109, I' Street, London, E.C THE PAXTON GARDEN MANURE is the most economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known for Vegetables, Flowers, Fruit Trees, Grass Lawns, &c. It la Inodorous and portable. To be had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, Williams , late Alexander & Co., 22, James Street, Old Street, E.C. Agents "Wanted ii 3 been appomted. LAWES' PATENT TURNIP MANURE. LAWES- DISSOLVED BONES. LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES* WHEAT, BARLEY, GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES. LAWES" CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. These Manures can be obtained of Mr. Lawes, or through the appointed Agents in all parts of the United Kingdom, at prices varying according to cost of carri:i^e. Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers, NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, and other Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, John Bknnet Lawes, 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E,C. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin ; and Market Square, Shrewsbury. The Cheapest and Best Insecticide. DUTY-FREE TOBACCO. pOOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for the Prevention and Destruction of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, In Tins at Is., 2s.6rl., and 55, Powder Distributors, 2s. 6rf. and 3s. 6d. each. G Winter Dressing for Vines and Fruit Trees. Has outlived many preparations intended to super- Wholesale by Mngnl- PRICE'S PATENT **®'^- CANDLE COMPANY (Limited). Her Majesty's Gardener, who uses FOWLEH'S (iAiU)ENERS INSECTICIDE, Says "It Kill kill iinv insect that it comes into contact with without injury to the plant." This invuluable prepai-ation will be found to be Simple, EfQcacious, and Harmless in destroying and preventing all the v.irious Insects .and Blights infesting Plants and Trees. May be applied by dipping, syringing, or sponging, and tiv tho most inexperienced. Sold ,b> Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Chemists throughout the kingdom, in jars. Is. 6d., 3«„ &s. 6d , and 10*. each. Testimonial from the hlKheat Professional and Amateur Authori- ties mny be obtained of the Manufacturers, G. and T. t'owLrs, Brighton. LoNuos AoENTs :— Bafclay & Co. ; Barr & Sugdon ; Beck, Hender. son A, Child ; T. Brtgdeu ; Butler, McCulloch & Co. ; J. Carter & Co. ; H. Clarke 4 Sons; Oharlwooi A Cummins; Cooper & Co.; S, Dixon & Co. ; B. J. Edwards ; J. Fairbead & Son ; Flanagan & Sou ; W. Hooper ft Co. ; Hurst A Son ; Q. B. Kent A Co. ; Peter Laweou A Son ; Lewis, Ash & Co, ; H. Low A Co. ; Mather & Co. ; Mmiei-, Nash A Nash ; H, Potter ; J . Veltch A Son ; J. Wrench A Son ; B. R. Willianw, Wholesale and Retail. SELECTION FROM TESTIMONIALS. "Sin,— I find it the beet and cheapest thing of the present day; as 1 can now walk through ray stoves, and give a dust with your powder over ray Roses, Ac, and return in half-an-hom and find the Pests dead and Plants clean. I think It will be the finest thing ever invented for out-of-door Roses and Peach Trees. I should advise every gentleman to give it a trial.— 1 am, yours, Ac, " R. Tuain, " Gardener to Walter Williams, Est]., " 25th February, 1868," " Worthy Park, Winchester." " Sir,— I beg to state that I am quite satisfied with the Powder ; it most effectually cleanses tho Plants of insects. Send an India-rubber bottle, and the same quantity of Tins as before. " 1 am Sir, youi-s, Ac, " Robert Ward, " 26th Februiry. 1868." " The Rosery, Ipswich." " Dear Sir,— Please to send me lour Tins at 6s. each of your most useful Tobacco Powder. I have tried it with both the Green and Black Fly and Tlirip. 1 find if tho Plants are damp nothing kills those pests so well as the Tobacco Powder. 1 intend giving It a good trial this season on the Pear and Cherry Trees. " I am. Sir, yours very truly, " B. Moans, " Gardener to W. B, Tyrmgham. Esq., " 2rjth March, 1SB8." " Newport Pagnell." *' Alton, Hants, August 2lst, 1867. " Dear Sir,— We are happy to inform you that we have applied the Tobacco Powder to various portions of our Hops, wherever they were attacked by V\y. We found that by applying half cwt. of it per acre, two mornings in succession in alternate alleys, it had more effect than when we applied 1 cwt. at once. We are quite satisfied with the result, the Lice were destroyed, and in a few days the Hops that bad been most foul were cleanest. " We are, yours, " A, C. S. & H, Cicowlkt. Sole Manufacturer, T. A. POOLE Y, Bonded Warehouse, Sussex Wharf, Wappiug, E. Agents required in Towns where not already appointed Agent. POOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for Destruction of Blight and other Diseascfl In Plants. See largo Advertisement. Sold in Tills, price la., 2h. 6d., and fts, The Garden Repository, 32. James Street, Covent Garden. W.C. TOOGOOD'sTiVlPROVED BLIGHT COMPOSITION. introduced in 1650, has been mauuiaoturod under W. Toogood'b sole directions smce that period. He hiis made great Improvements in It, and by roducinic the price 25 per cent., it Is one of the cheapest and has always been the most efficacious remedy From Mr. Cin:n.;iiEii, Oardener arui Stcxcard to the Kl^lit IIou. Lord Northbrook, S/rattuu Park, Deoembir 1), 1807. " After some years' use of your Blight Com- position, I have no hesitation m confirming J^'roni Mr. WnAtE, Gordejier to the Right Hon. Lord Rivera, Bashniore, December lu, 1807, "After 13 years' use of your Composition I find it to answer upon everything I applied it, fully conflnning tho teatfmonml I gave in 1854, whieh wa^ my greatest trial upon Peaches. • Cherries, and CMcumbera." Mr. TiLLTARD, Oardener to the Right Hon. the Earl of Y"arborough, wrttw, March 12, 1807 : — "Please send me 18 gallons of your Blight Composition. I have used it ior the last 16 years, and should not like to try a season without it." Mr. E. Sage, Gardener to Lord Howe sayn :— " Will you please send us 16 gallons of your Blight Composition. I I have reduced the price, ; nd I feel assured that that you r make another reduction, Gishurst ' will be used by practical r From Mr. S. Snow, Gardener to tlie Countess Cowpor, Jl'rcst Park, December 12. 18iS7. " After 13 years' constant use of your Blight Composition, 1 flud it a most effectual remedy for destroying insects on Peaches, Cherriea, and Roses, without injury to growth.' , From Mr. W. Fowle, Gardener to Sir H. St. John Mlldmay, Bart. other dressing so destructive I perfectly harmless to the trees." From Mr. W. Leaver, Gardener to H. P. Delm)s Ksq., Cams Halt, December 12, 1807- " I have used your Blight Conipohitiou for scvor.al years with the most satisfactory results. I find it more effective in destroying blight than any compound I have used." Froiii Mr. Rutland, Oardener to J. Kelk, Esq., Jientley Priory, "Haviug used your Blight Composition 1 From. Mr. Futchkr, Gardener to H, Brouncker, Esq., Moorto-^ Souse, December 4, 1867. "I have used your Blight Compo^iition for Spider with great effect. It lar snrp:isst " '■ '-^ ■ t should do so at onCo. V, Oardener to U. S. Singleton, Esq., Bazeleij House, Decemiiei- 6, 1807. Ln highly recommend your blight Composition. Ha^-ing used J years on Wall Trees, Melons, and Cucumbers, 1 find it a most cith the greatest succi the quickest and m( 3 for des'troying' blight that Uaa ever come to hand." ■fc Mr. Coates, Oardener to C. Castlemau, Esq December 7, 1H07. 1 much pleased with your Blight Compositio , which I found From Mr. Perct, Gr. to Mra. General Robbins, Castle Mallwood, Dec. 7, 1867. "The opinion i gave of your Bimht Composition in November, 1855, IS strengthened by 13 yeara' use of it. It is the best Blight Composition in use, and it is safe use l anyhow." From Mr. Hooker, Gardener to Capt. Gordon, Hamble, Dec. 8, 1867. " I am very pleased to be able to apeak in favour ol" your Blight Composition, having used it for some years, and always found it t , lifa without injuring fruit well for the destruction of i or foliage." Messrs. Cdtddsh A Son, the eminent Nurserymen, say:— "It is the best thing for the purpose i appear t - ■ - - '^•-- [■ 10 yei e young foliage like ' Gishurs' 1 find, and t This i; I Mr. Kne Front Mr. Hawkins, Or. to Mrs. Porcher, Ueckjleld,. Dec. 9, 1S67. " 1 beg to say that, after lu years' experience, I consider your Blight Composition to be the best ever uflerod to the public. It far exceeds anything I have ever tried, and should be in the nands of every gaidener who has a Fruit Tree, Vine, Cucumoer, or Melon under his charge." From Mr. Dawes. Gardener to J. A. Seawell, Esq., Marelands Park, December 12, 1867. *' What 1 said in favour ot your Blignt Composition in 1854 Is still my candid opinion. It killed all the fly with tho first dressing, and and plants healthy ana scrong, particularly Calceo- s and Cinerarias. ' Extra strong, 3s. per gallon (sutBcient to make 4 gallonji fit for use). 10 gallons and upwards carnage free Lu London. May be obtained of the principal Seeasmen ana Nui-surymeu in the Trade. Siiuiples and prices of TOOGUOD S PRIZE SWEDES, wliich gamed tho late Lord Palmer.stou's in-Aurt; t'lr^o lur .•>i;veral years consecutivelv ; alsu of his OSBORNE MANGEL. wLiicli was .iwarded its Fourth Annual Prize at the Bjiley Cmb, forsupL-rior shape and quality. W. ToooooD, The Queen's Seedsman, Southampton. By Royal Appointment. D 3o To the Pnnce of Wales, by ~5« Special Warrant dated lotii C^^ Februarj'. 1806. AY, SON, AND HEWITT, Original and Sole Proprietor of the STOCK-BREEDERS' MEDICINL CHESTS for disorders in Horses, Cattle, Calves, Sheep, aud Lambs. No. 1 MEDICINE CHEST , No. 2 MEDICINE CHEST Sixteen different kinds of com- The Extract, Gaseous Fluid, Red pouuds.adiiiimblyarranged, with Drench, and Red Paste, with Complete Guide lo Farriery, Shilling Key to Farriery, Price, £6 C'*. Price, £2 lOs. 6rf. Carriage paid. | Carriage paid. e^ Every Stockowner should send for Dat, Son, A Hewitt's Work on Farriery. Largo Edition. 2s. Gd., or free hy post lor 3:J stamps, bmall Edition, 1»., or free by post for 13 stamps. Address, Day, Son, A Hewitt, 22, Dorset Street, Baker Street, London, ^.__ F~~ RENCH BELL GLASSES, FRENCH BELL GLASSES (CLOCHES A JARDINS), LOCHES, s ,pty package) dully 1 supplied, upon the receipt ot 5 fur 19« pQ|, q^^jj. Garden and all other Seeds J Steam Engines, Steam Ploughs, Cultivators and Imple- 1 10 to 20 ments. Portable and Fixed Threshing Machines . . J Per Cent. Ploughs, Harrows, Kollei-s, Cultivators, Drills. Horse Hoes, « Carts, Waggons, Reaping and Mowing Machines. Hay- ic *•,, 9= makers, Horse Rakes, Cbafl" Cutters, Mills, t-i^n J- pir Cent Mowers, Sewing Machines, Stoves and Cooking Ranges, I and Machines of every known Maker I Iron Hurdles, Gates and Continuous Fences, Strained "J Wire and Rope Fences, Wire Netting, Stable Fittings, {_ 10 to 30 Pumps, Tanks, Paints, Domestic Machinery, Heating i Per Cent. Apparatus, &c } A Full Cntalogue will shortly be published, meanwhile Prices can at all times bo obtained. The Society is prepared to receive Samples and Prices of unadul- terated Seed, Manures, and Feeding Stuffs. Edward Owen Gbeenino, Managing Director. 29, Parliament Street, Westminster, S.W. 4, Warren Street. Manchester. THE TANNED LEATHER COMPANY. Armit Works, Greenfield, near Manchester. TANNERS, CURRIERS, and MANUFACTURERS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS for MACHINERY. PRIME STRAP and SOLE BUTTS Price Lists sent tVee by post. Warehouse: 81, Mark Lane, London, E.G. ASPHAIiTE ROOFING FELT. One Penny per Square Foot. CEOGGON AND CO., MANUFACTURERS, / 34, Bread Street, ( , „ ,„„ Us; New Earl Street, P<""^™- .59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. INODOROUS F£LT rOR LINING ROOFS AND SIDES AND IRON HOtlSES Price One Penny per Square Foot. CEOGGON AND CO., /34, _Bread_Street, U„„j„^. \ 63, Xe 59, George Square, G Earl Street, ) sgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. DRY HAIR FELT FOR COVERING STKAM BOILERS, PIPES, ETC., OF VARIODS THICKNESSES, CEOGGON AND CO., MANUFACTURERS, ( 34, Bread Street, 1 r „„j ., I 63, New Earl Street, }^°°'^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. IMPORTERS OF SHEET ZIMC OF BEST BRANDS, CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, i 63, New Earl Street, J J London. 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ZINC AND METAL PERFORATORS. CEOGGON AND CO., {r3;SrE!r^reet,}l'°°^°- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, GALVANIZED FLAT AND CORRUGATED SHEET IRON, OF EVERY DESCRIPTION, FOR HOME USE AND FOR EXPORT. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, (t„„j„„ (63; New Earl Street, l^™'^™- 9, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, GALVANIZED IRON MANUFACTURED GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, | t„„j„„ i 63; New Earl Street, f ^™''™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Lirerpool, GALVANIZED IRON CISTERNS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO.; ( 34, Bread Street, 1 t .. i „ (63; New Earl Street, ) L™''™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. CHURCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BUILDINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CEOGGON AND CO., (34, Bread Street, It „„,!„., (63; New Earl Street, l^™''''"- )9, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. e: T. ARCHER'S "FKIGI Pfltroniaed by ber Majesty the Queon, DOM O." — ) Dake of North. KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUBBER FLOOR CLOTH. CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, 1 y „„ , „ 1,63; New Earl Street, j^™'^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS OF HOUSES, COACH-HOUSES. ETC., TO PREVENT DAMP. CEOGGON AND CO., (34, Bread Street, It™,!™ (as; New Earl Street, ) ^™'*™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool, PORTLAND CEMENT OF BEST QUALITY, 100 lb.s. to the BUSHEL. CEOGGON AND CO., (34, Bread Street, )t„„j„„ I 63; New Earl Street, r''^'^^''- 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, LiverpooL for the &78tal Palace, Roynl Zoological and Sir Joseph I' Societv, &c. PROTECTION from the COLD WINDS and MORNING FROSTS. " FRIGI DOMO" NETTING, White or Brown, made of prepared Hair and Wool, a perfect nou-conductor o( heat or cold, keeping a fixed temperature where it is applied. It la adapted for all Hortl- cultiUTil and Floriciiltural purposes, for Preserving Fruits and iJ'lowers from the Scorching Raya of the Sun, from Wind, from Attacks of Insecta, and from Morning Frosts. To be had in any required lengths. " FRIGI DOMO " NETTING, 2 yards wide, 1b. Qd. per yard run. "FRIGI DOMO" CANVAS. Two yards wide Is. 9rf. per yard run. Four yards wide . . Ss. 6ti. per yard. An improved make, 2 yards wide . . In. 9d. per yard. An miproved make, 3 yards wide . . 2s. &d. per yard run. Elisba ibuMAs Archer, Whole and Sole Manuiacturer, 7, Great Trinity Lane, Cannon Street^ City, E.C., and of all Nurserymen and Seedsmen throughout the Kmgdo: than Mats 1 covering. PLASTERERS' HAIR SUPPLIED uy CEOGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, (t„„j„„ (63, New Earl Street, p™''™- 59, Georje Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, BY CEOGGON AND CO., f 34, Bread Street, I t„„,i„„ I 63, New Earl Street, ) ^<>^^°^- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING. CEOGGON AND CO., I 34, Bread Street, ^T««^.^„ i 63; New Earl Street, } ^''°^*='^' 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. FOWLER'S PATENT STEAM PLOUGH and CULTIVATOR may be SEEN at WORK in every Agricul- tural County lu England. For particulars apply to Joan Fowler & Co., 71, Comhill, London, E.G. ; and Steam Plough Works, Leeds. C^ n. Hay R»ck dispensed with as unuecessary, mcreaaed width (opposite the Pantheon), Oxford Street, London, W., ^ Cottam's Iron Hurdles, Fencing, and Gates. COTTAM'S HURDLES are raade in the best manner, of Fuperior Wrought Iron, by an improved method. Illustrated Price Lists, on application to Cottam & Co., Iron Works, 2, Winsley Street, Oxford Street, London, W. REGISTERED SKLF-ACTING HAND SEED- DRILL.— By simply turning a screw, this Drill can at once be adapted for sowinR Maneel Wurzel, Barley, Wheat, Sainfoin, Tares, Rape, Turnip.s, Car- rots, Flax, and Carrot Seeds. It is an in- valuable implement for the Market Gar- dener, and to all who possess a Kitchen Garden ; and for the Farm it will be found useful for the purpose of filling up the places where the Horse Drill has mi.sscd. Full directions sent Butt, Pa- tentee and Manufac- turer of the Cham- pion Haymaker, Bury immediately, price 12s. 6rf. The 'jardeners' Chronicle and Agricultural Oazetle of Dec. 7, 1867, in noticing the novelties in the Implement Department of the Birmmgham and Smithfleld Cattle Show, says:- noveltles we may refer to a vi Hand Drill, as much a Garden j workiriR man, and brought out .i. « vu-..^ •""■■ -j - Implement Manufacturer, Burv St. Edmund's. Suffolk. ■ Oil Paint no Longer Necessary. TMPROVED BLACK VAUMSH.— Forpreservinglron J_ and Wood Fencing, Gates, Farm Implements. &c. Sold in casks of about 30 eatlons each at Is. 3d. per gallon, carriage paid to any railway station in England or Wales. A sample cask of 10 gallons forwarded (carriage paid) on receipt of Post OfRco Order for 17s. 6d. No charge for casks. Manufactured only by Charlton Fain, 10, Richard's Villas, Lavender Grove, DalstoD, London, N.E. Testimonials on application. Oil Paint no longer Necessary. H'^^*^**:^t'^ii'l^^*''''»^^!>^ H ILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH —- — for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and is used cold. It is used In the & rounds at Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and at the seats of many undreda of the nobility and gentry, ft-om whom the most flattering testimonials have been received, which Hill & Smith will forward on From Richard Hemmiko, Esq., Bordesley Park, Worcestershire. " Gentlemen,— I have great pleasure in stating that I highly send the whole by the same conveyance as before." aL.ld in casKs of about 3U ga.Uons uacn, iit le. td. per gallon, at the Manufoctory, or U. Sd. per gallon paid to any Station in the kingdom. Apply to Hill 4 Shith, Brierly Hill Iron Works, near Dudley, and 22. Cannon Street West, E.C., from whom only it can be obtained. May 2, 18C8.J THE GARDENERS' dTRONICLE AND AGRICUI-TURAL GAZETTE. ■177 JOHN WAENEK & SONS, I BRASS AND BELL FOUNDERS TO HER MAJESTY. HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS, 8, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.C. J. W. AND SONS' GOODS MAY BE OBTAINED OF THE TRADE GENERALLY AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES : No. 4; 35. WARNERS' PATENT CAST-IRON LIPT PUMPS 2h inches diameter . £1 8 6 . 2 1 0 . 2 G 0 • 2 14 0 SHORT-BARREL DITTO, FOR SINKS, PLANT HOUSES, &c. No. 37.— 2| ins. diameter .. £1 1 0 Ditto, with 15 feet of IJ-in. lead Suctio Pipe attached, £2. No. 42. ■WARNERS' PORTABLE PUMPS, With Improved Valves for Liquid Manure . . . . £2 15 0 2-in. Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, per foot, 2s. 5i/. WARNERS' (No. 5680 AMERICAN GARDEN ENGINE, OR FIRE ANNIHILATOR, Is complete in itself, or can be used to draw from a Pond or Tank, price £2 2s. 6 ft. Suction Pipe and Rose, extra, 12s. WARNERS' (Ni.. r,17 i:) GARDEN ENGINE. HOLDS SIX G.A.LLONS. Is Ught, portable, and easily worked by a lady or child, price £2 10s. These small, but powerful. Engines are strongly recommended to be kept on each door of a gentleman's mansion, to be used in case of Fire. They should be kept tilled with water, and then are always ready for use. WARNERS' AaUAJECT. Useful for every variety of purpose, in Water- ing or Washing Flowers or Trees in Gardens, Conservatories, &e. ; also for Washing ; Carriages or Windows, Laying Dust, &c. WARNERS' BEST BRASS SYRINGES. Price, complete £1 10 0 ! No. 0, 9s. 6(f. ; No. 00, 12s. ; No. 1, lis. 6(f. ; No. 2, 12s. 6<;. ; No. 3 15». SmaU She for the hand, as an ordinary' No. 4, Read's, 18s. 6rf. ; No. 5, 16s. 6rf. ; No. 6, 16s. 6rf. ; No. 7, 7s. 6rf. Syringe, 18s. No. 557a Disc Syringe possesses Important advantages, 9s. Nu -.4 W 11 I, nTub. WARNERS' GARDEN ENGINES, WITH REGISTERED SPREADERS. These Engines are much improved in construction, are less likely to get out of order, and more easily repaired than others. No. ,547. Best ENGINES, in Wood Tubs. 24 Gallons .. £6 10 0 | 14 Gallons .. £5 10 0 No. 547a. Strong ENGINES, in Galvanized Iron Tubs, well painted inside and out. 10 Gallons ,. £2 19 0 I 24 Gallons .. £4 19 0 16 Gallons .. 3 14 0 28 Gallons .. 5 10 0 PATENT ANNULAR-SAIL WIND ENGINE. SELF REGULATING. For raising Water from Wells of any depth, and forcing it any height by means of single, double, or treble barrel pumps, is especially adapted for the supply of water to gentlemen's mansions, farms, schools, union workhouses, asylums, &c. The larger sizes are recommended in place of steam engines for Water Works in small towns and villages, as after the first outlay the water is raised free of further cost. ■These Engines are also adapted for threshing, grinding, chaff cutting, pulping, &c., as well as pumping water for the supply of stock, and pmyoses of irrigation. J. W. & Sons having purchased the patterns of Wind Engines manufactured by the late firm of Messrs. Bury & Pollard of Southwark, can undertake any repairs connected with existing mills. WARNERS' WATER BARROW Saves a Gardener's time in Watering with the Water Pot. Made of strong Wrought Iron, Galvanized and painted inside and out. To hold 20 Gals., wheels 13 i 30 „ 38 „ .50* ^ This i3 ) , high £2 2 0 „ 2 13 0 „ 3 17 0 5 12 0 strong article, with " suitable for Nurserj" Grounds, &c. WATER WHEELS, WATER RAMS, DEEP WELL PUMPS FOR STEAM, HORSE, OR HAND POWER. 478 THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [May 2, 1868. GARDEN" BORDER EDGING TILES, in great variety of patterns and materialH, the plainer sorts being especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as ' they harbour no Slugs aad Insects, take up little rooui, and once putdown incur no further labour and expense, as do "Rrown" Kdgings, cou- seQnently beine much cheaper. GARDEN VASES, FOUNTAINS, &c., in Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and In great variety of design. F. & G. RosHKB, Manufacturers, Upper Ground Street, Blackft-iars, S. ; Queen's Road West, Chelsea, S.W, ; Kingsland Road, Kingsland, N.E. Sole Lsndon Agents for FOXLErs PATENT GARDEN WALL iiRICKb. Illustrated Price List free by post. The Trade supplied, ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors, Balconies, Ac, aa cheap and durable as Stone, in blue, red, and biiff colours, and capable of forming a variety I enriched designs ..**.^^ v.»j-ly to J. SuAW & Co., 29. Oxtord .Street. Manchester. Croquet, Cricket, and Garden Tents. BENJAMIN EUGINGTON'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE of 11AR(JIIEES and TENTS for CROQUET CRICKET, ARCHERY. &c., forwarded post free on application. Temporary Rooms on Hire for Ffites, Balls, Dinners, &c. Bo p-irticular to address Hkn.iamin Edginoton (only), 2, Duke Street, Loudon Bridge, S.E. No other establishment^ I made only in the following substances, 15 c 210 BRITISH PLATE GLASS for Windows and Silvered for Looking QIassea, Coloured Glass, Glass Shades, Striking Glasses, &c., &c. PAINTS, COLOURS, VARNISHES, Sc. STUCCO PAINT, 24s. per cwt. This Paint adheres firmly to the walls, resists the weather, and is free from the glossy appe.arance hundredweight and a-half of White Lead and six gallons of Linseed Oil. Special Drvers for this Paint. IMPROVED ANTLCbRROSlON PAINT, 28s. to 343. per cwt. Anti-corrosion Paint is extensively used for ail kinds of work in exposed situations, on Brick, Stone, Compo, Iron, Iron Bndgea, Conservatories, Greenhouses, &c., and is easily laid on by any ordinary workman. Prepared Oil for ditto 4a. per gallon. _ Per cwt. _ -- - GENUINE WHITE LEAD 32 SECONDS WHITE LEAD 30 GROUND PATENT DRY- ERS. 3d. to 4td.per lb. „ OXJFORD OCHRE, 3d. to 4id. per lb. RAW UMBER. 4id. to 6d. per lb. [per lb. „ BURNT do., 6d. to 9d. GREEN PAINT, all shades. LINSEED OIL .. .. 3 BOILED OIL .. .. 3 TURPENTINE .. ..3 LINSEED OIL PUTTY, FlneOAK VARNISH,10s.tol2 „ CARRIAGE do., 12s. to 14 „ PAPER do. 10s. to 12 „ COPAL 16 BLACK JAPAN . . 12 0 GLAZIER'S DIAMONDS and TOOLS DISTEMPER' BRUSHES. exchange. The above are Net, for Cash, and as such cannot be booked. Lists of any of the above on application. J^ ~A U E S P H I L L I P S " aTn D beg to submit their prices as follows :^ GLASS for ORCHARD HOUSES, Aa supplied by them to Mr. Rlvors, to the Kojal Horticultural Society, C 0. 1 most of the Nobility, Clergy, and Gentlemen Kingdom. Each Box contains 100 feet. The prices only apply to the Squares 20 by 12, 20 by 13, 20 by 14, 20 by 16. the United IS stated. the foot. Fourth quality . . . . 16s. od 19s. Cd. Third ditto 17s. Od 22s. 6d. Seconds 188. 6d 26s. Od. English 20s. Od 278. Od. The above prices Include the boxes, which are not returnable. HORTICULTURAL GLASS. Stock sizes, lO-oz., in lOO feet boxes, boxes Included. These prices only apply to the sizes stated. 11 by 9 12 by 9 13 by 9 13 „ 11 14 „ 11 14 ., 12 15 „ 12 15 „ 11 18 „ 12 19 „ 12 16 „ 12 16 „ 13 17 „ 13 20 „ 12 16 „ 14 20 „ 13 18 „ 13 17 „ 14 18 „ 14 20 „ 14 16 „ 10 V 13 6 }'^ SMALL SHEET SQUARES. In 100 feet Boxes. 6 by 4 6iby4i 7 by 5 7i by 6n ,9,0^ 8 by 6 8i by 6^ 9 by 7 9* by 7i / * ' ^^- ^• 10 by 8 lOi by 8i . . IZs. 6d. Boxea 2s. each returnable at full pnce. Painted aud Gliized with l6-oz. Sheet Glass. London Agents for HAHTLETS IMPROVED PATENT ROOGH PLATE. LINSEED OIL, Genuine WHITE LEAD, CARSON'S PAINTS, PAINTS of varioufl colours, ground ready for use. SHEET and ROUGH PLATE GLASS, SLATES of all sizes, BRITISH PLATE, PATENT PLATE, ROLLED PLATE, CROWN, SHEET, HORTICULTURAL, ORNAMENTAL, COLOURED, and ©very description of GLASS, of the best Maniifacture, at the lowest terms. Lists of prices and estimates forwarded on application to James Phillips ft Co. , 160, Bisbopsgate Street Without. E.C. Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland. Tho Irish Faniiei->i' Oazttic Challenge Cup, value 60 Guineas, "for the host Colloctton of linplemonts suited to tbe Agriculture of Ireland," wfis awarded three times in Bucoession to, and is now the property of THOMAS Mckenzie and sons, Macuink and ISIPLEUEMT MAMUFACTDAERsand lui-oHTnas, Sesd andMANURl:: MSROUAKTS, &C. f^fit^ ^^ \XT 1 „...„= /S'l. Dawson Street, Dublin ; Offices and Warehouses. | .| Camden Quay. Cork. ^ . -nr 1 f Pine Street, Cork ; Cores Iron Works, ^ ^^^^ Quay. Dublin. Experimental Farms, County Cork, 400 acres. N.B. Agents for all the principal Agricultural Machlne-makera In Europe and AmeriJa. Sole Agents in Cork (county and city) for Lawes celebrated , 34, Dawson Street, Dublm (01), Bee-Hlves. TWO SILVER MEDALS awarded to GEO. NEIGHBOUR and SONS, AT TUB Paris ExniaiTUiN of 1867. Tuk only English EXUIHITOKB WHO OBTAINED A SlLVER MeDAL FOR BeK-HiVES. NEIGHIJODllS' IMPROVED COTTAGE BEE-HIVE, as originally intrnduted by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR and SONS, workiug three bell-glasses ; is neatly and strongly made of straw ; it has three windows iu the lower hive. This hive will bo found to possess many practical advan- tages, and 13 more easy of man.igement than any othe bee-hive that has been Intro duced. Price complete, £1 ISs. Stand for ditto. 10*. Gd. THE LIGURIAN or ITALIAN ALP BEE being much in repute, G. N. and Rons supply Stocks of English Bees with genuine Italian Queens (whici . _ £3 36'. each. An Italian Alp Queon, with full direclions for uniting to Black Stocks, £1 each. TTiOH UTSVOSAL, an OLD ESTABLISHED SEED J.' JlllwlNlCSS. iinving a large connection, and the BUSINESS ofa SM.VLL NURSERY, well stocked with the choicest Fruit and Oruaiiiuntiil Trees, Shrubs, and Plants (the glass about 3000 feet) ; may bo purclmsod very advantageously, either separately or togethei . IIu iiiiute. I[H|uir( , Loadenhall Street, Loi Valuable Collection of Stove Plants, &c.. for Sale, TO B1-: DISmSKIl Ml', L, ]•,;■,, ,1, ('.;,!, r I. :i clinic COLLECTION ct- h^'l ■ 1 ■■ 1 .■.■>■; 1 .I'M I-M.IAG PLANTS, PELARGO consisting of all the I dition. A valuable 1 together with a lew ( TS, ■ Hi.' Wrackleford Ho i-.'riutifiil plant, IIUUIJ' STOVK, [nplete; and a riiQ Gardener, M Sales tg Sluctiou, Periodical Sale of Poultry and Pigeons. R. J. C'. STKVKNS will SELL by AUCTION, at (,i-. ,iy.-,t i;..n,ns, j^, Kmg Street. Ooveut Gurdon, W.C, on -;| 1 \ 'i 'm.i ;it half-p;ist 12 o'clock precisely, without lAKTRIDGE COCHINS, the property of disposing of a portion of his Breeding a-ds i ,e, and Catalogues bad. Important Sale of Orchids. MK. J. r. STl';VI':>;s will SELL by AUCTION, at hi3(!n:r 1: I UK street, Coveat Garden, W.C, on ■ [' LHt 12 o'clock precisely, an Impor- 11 WEDNESD tation from A Dendrobiuin t .1 dition ; Dendri ORCHIDS:- the finest con- Devonianum, Thunia (species ■ ■ ' " " mselve.s) : tablished hovigatum, Ada yErides ShrLBderi, Gyp amantiacA, Odontoglossum utuvium, ic. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalojjuca had, of other Improved Hives, with Drawings snii Prices, sent on receipt of two atamps-. Address, Geo. Nku;eiiiour & Sons, 137, High Holbom, W.C. ; or 149, Regent Street, London, W. Ai;knts : — Liverpool : James CuTHBtiti, j^ \ytaj Manchester: J. Wilson, 50, King Street. Dublin Brotueus, 10, Dame Street. Glasgow : Adstin 16, Buchanan Street. __^^_^__ Clayton Square. McAslak AGRICULTURAL and HORTICULTURAL PRIZES. A Pamphlet of Prices, illustrated with 300 Engravings of Cnpa, Goblets, Tankards, &c,, will be forwarded gratis and post free on application. Lithographic Drawings of Silver Epergncs, Flower Stands, 4o., have been prepared for the use of Committees and otners requiring Presentation Plate, and will be forwarded for inspection on application to the Goldsmiths' Alliance (LiinTEn), Manufactur- ing Silversmiths, 11 & 12, Comhill, London, E.C. j opposite the Bank of England. M R. A. CHANDLER (of the late Firm of Chandler ' Sons, Nurserymen, VauxhaU), HORTICULTURAL "ulham Road, S.W. AGENT .-md VALUER.— Address, OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other Residences or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Gibson, jun,, Surrey Lane, Battersea. S.W. Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING FOWLS, of purest breed, in any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive breed known. Improved NORFOLK TURKEYS, large, hardy, and good breeders. AYLESBURY and ROUEN DUCKS. Imported BELGIAN HARE RABBITS, for size and early maturity. BRAHMA-POUTRA, CREVECCEUR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, for constant layers. Prl^ced Lists and Estimates on appUc ' JOH 113, Mount Street, London. W. To Nurserymeu, Seedsmen, and Florists. PARlNt-KSHir.— A Person possessing a Capital of from £2000 to £3000, can enter as Partner in a very Old Estab- lished London Firm, where a large and profitable business is doing. Apply by letter to F. Stanley, Esq., Solicitor, 22a, Austinfri London, E.G. None but Principals r their Solicitors treated with. LARGE NURSERY.—To be SOLD, the GOODWILL, STOCK, and INTEREST Ui Tenancy of a large Nursery near Liverpool, oomprlsing 90 Aures. Apply to Astrup Cariss, Accountant, Cook Street, Liverpool. To Florists, Seedsmen. &o. TO BE DISPOSED OF, in a leading thoroughfare, and oppo-sito two Railway Stations, un OLD-ESTABLISHED BUSINESS, together with Long Lease, seven Greenhouses, Pits, and about 1 acre of Ground. — Apply to U. CuiLu, Uletiliciin Nursery, Rye Lane, Peckham, S. To Maricet Gardeners, or a Uentleman requiring a Summer Retreat. TO BE LET, a very prodviclive PIECE of LAJ^D, of about TWO ACRES, enclosed by a 14-fe6t New Brick Wall. and laid out in the most approved manner as a Vegetable Garden, well stocked with Choice Fruit Trees, including Vineries and other Forcing Houses, Ac, together with a MODtRN VILLA RESI- DENCE, suitable for a small family. The situation is admirable, having a full South aspect, is within 8 miles of Aberystwith, and close to a tirst-class Station on tho Cambrian Railway, and 10 minutes' walk of the Sea, where the Bathing ia perhaps finer than any otner part of the Welsh Coast. Apply to Mr. E. C. Moohe, Hirrhos Hall, Welahpoot Stove and Greenliouse Plants, at Hlgligrove, Reading, Berks. MR. J. C. STEVENS luis r^ct^ived instructions to SELL by AUCTION, at the Gardens, liiKliKtovo. Reading, Berks, on THURSDAY, May 7, at half-pa.st 12 ..■( lock precisely, a FURTHER PORTION of the COLLECTION of i'LA NTS formed by the late J. J. Blandy, Esq., comprising a Choice Collection of specimen AZALEAS, HEATHS, FERNS, and a variety of other Greenhouse and Stove Planta, all in good health ; also the THREE HOUSES in which the Plants are contained. They will be on view tue day prior and morning of Sale, and Cata- logues had at the Gardens, , ■ " " - ^ <> tm'al Auctioneer and Valuer, Orchids just Arrived in fine Condition. MR. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at hisGi-tat Rooms, 33, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, on SATURDAY, May 9, at half-past 12 o'clock precisely, a valuable collection of ORCHIDS, just Imported by Mr. J. Linden, of Brussels, comprising fine healthy plants of the following well-known varieties : — Odontoglossum Phalronopsis Oncidiura superbiens „ Pescatorea „ cucuUatum majus „ triumphans Anguloa ClowesU Schltmil „ caudatum Odontoglossum rosei ,, phalionopsis Valuable Collection of Establlslied OrcMds. MR. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, on WEDNESDAY, May 13, at half-past 12 o'Clock precisely, firat-claas Established ORCHIDS, beirg part of the collection of Wentworth BuUer, Esq., of Strete Raleigh, including fine plants of the foliow- Masdevallia coccinea Nanodes medusie Dendrobium bigibbum „ Macarthia3 „ infundibulum „ Falconerii ,, Wardianum Pieione hxrmilis „ Wallichii Vanda cceralea Schilleriana „ Lowil Caianthe Veitchli &c., 4c. All the above are in the finest possible condition. On view tho Morning of Sale, and Catalogues bad. Important £& Extensive Sale of Established Orcblds. MR. J. C. S'lEVKNS (Horticultural Auctioneer and Valulr, of 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London,) Bby offered to tho cellent heaRh, iisting of all the best knownspecies and' varieties la cultivation. The entire coUectioit will bo Publicly Sold, on the Premises, at Pendlebury. The late J. A. Turner, Esq., was a most shrewd and cartlul buyer, being ever anxious to purchase the best varieties only, by which means this collection has become very extensive and quite unique. All tbe plants ai-e correctly named and true to the descriptions given. Orchid growers ciinnot do better than enrich their collections by the addition of some of these specimens, and those commencing the cultivation of Orchids have a rare opportunity hero oB^ered them to purchase such kinds that will not disappoint, for, with the exception of a few specially mentioned in the Catalogue, all have flowered, and tbeir quality can be relied upon. Tne present collection, which includes many extremely fine specimens, have carried off all tbe principal prizes at the Man- Chester Exhibitions, where the competition is very great, for no other place can equal Manchester for the number and extent of its Orchid collections. Careiul Packers will be in attendance, and every absistance rendered towards their safe packing, in order that they may roach their destinations without the slightest check or injury. Tho FIRST PORTION will be Sold on TUESDAY and WEDNES- DAY, June 2 and 3. during tbe Great Horticultural Exbibition in the Bot;inical Gardens, Manchester ; and the CONCLUDING PORTION in JULY. _ _ _______^_^_____^__^___ Fiist-class Carnations, Plcotees, Pinks, &c. JilSSKS. I'UOTHKKUE and MOKKIS will SELL by AUCTION, at as and 39, Gracechurch Street, Cltv, on MM>\V, Muv '.>. a choice collection of CARNATIONS, I Kl>, HiMl IINKS, from a celebrated grower ; AZALEA ChohJe Sardy M , GLADIOLUS Silver Hall Hursery, Islewortn, Middlesex. To UtMl,l!ME». Fi.oniaTS, Gabdeners, Deileks, iNO Othebs. MK. WOODS will SELL by .AUCTION, by order of Mr. Cooper, on THORSDAY; May T. at 'i?, f?,';^,?.£'°°'^ at tbe above l5ur«iy. a lino assortment of 2U,0f-( ;rHE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 19.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, MAY 9. (Price Fivepence. (STAilPED EdiTIOX, G(/. AcTicuIturp, Italian . 35 r . W Harflen, the Indie LiiWBon. Mr. M. A. Lelpsic Botanic Garden . . l>e Candolle'a Timber, prpservation of 49f) i Vepetable Marrows 490 Weather predictions 490 i TWENTY Ene ZONAL GERANIITMS of 1867 for 12*., orlOforCi. Wood & Ikgram, Tlia Nuraerles, Huntingdon. w 12 Fine Tricolor Geraniums for 18g. OOD AND INGRAM beg to ofler the following: — Lady CuHum, Sophia Dumiuesque, Eastern Beauty, Siinaot, Bonyon, Mrs, i-ollock. Gold Ph" urite, the Countess and Glow- Tfie Nurseries, Huntingdon. Italia UniU, SUvi O ERANIUM GLOIllE DE NANCY (6ne double), V^ good plants, in 4-inch pots, Is. Od. per dozen, package included GERANIUMS, nice young plants of Show, Spotted, and Fnncy, Ir 3i and4-lnchpots,25for9fi. ;60forl7«. : 100 for 32s., package included, H. A R. Stirzaker, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. Persons ichlnufj to send the Gardeners* Chronicle b;/ Post, should order the Stamped Edition. EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY— The Exhibitors at the Stiows of the Roval Horticultural Society arc invited to meet the COUNCIL on TUESDAY, Mav 19. to discuss tho Question ot the appomtinent of Judges at tht) Society's Shows. Thu Meeting will be held in the Council Room nt half.past 1 o'Clock, and It 13 hoped that all intending Exhibitors will mike a point of being present. Bv order of the Council, James Richards, Assistant Secretary. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK.-SUMMRR EXHIBITIONS : PLANT.S FLOWERS, and FKUIT. LAST DAY tor the 4,^. Tickets, and the Fellows Privilege Packets ior £5 5.s- , Satunl.iy next. May IG to be obtained only at the Gardens, and of the Society's Clerk Austin's Ticket Office. St. James's Hall, Piccadilly, by Vouchers from Fellows of the Society. c G KYSTAL PALACE.— The GREAT FLOWER ;^ ^HOW of thP SEASON will be hold on SATURDAY', May 23. OS" Special Prizes offered for RHO DODENDRONS. :t RE A T NATIONAL H~0 RtTc UX tIjkaL EXHIBITION, 1SG8. MAY 29 to JUNE 6. NOTICE la HEREBY GIVEN take part in thin Exhibition, mus stating the classes in which they G REAT NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. ISCS.-Oardeners will be admitted by Tickets ,,,.... ..^» ^ o. cj „„.L ^ ^^^ remaining daya U. each. Applications for these Tickets must be made c 'T'llK CHKLMSFOED and ESSEX GRAND X HORTICULTURAL SOCIETrS MKETINO (Open to All England), will be held at Chelmsford, on JUNE 2i and 20 ' " New Variegated Ivy-leaved Geranium, L'Elegante. lA/M. CUNNINGHAM can now supply strong plants y V of the above beautiful GERANIUM from 9s. to 12.^. per dozen for cash. Special prices for larger quantities on application Usual allowance to the Trade. The Forge, Burton-on-Tront. Geraniums^ TTUSSET AMI SON beg to oHlt strong healthy plants AX of the unrtername'I, at 2s. per doz.. Us. per ino:— Bijoii Shotteshani Pet, Stella. Minimum. Lady Rokeby, Shrubland I'et Madame Vaucher, acl Toin TIninib. _ Mile End Nursery, Eaton, Norwich. rjlRlCOLORPELAKGONIUMSby^the dozen, .50, or 100, ineo, 48, or32-pots; 16 choice sorts lor Is., package Included. High Road, Lewishani, S.E. d ffered. /COUNTESS of KELLIE is the tiiiest light coW Vy GOLD and BRONZE PELARGONIUM ever offered For dcscriptloi , LAiriDi L«, w Choice Zonal and Tricolor Pelargoniums. (JOCKS begs to otter • ■ ■ • Autumn-grown Plants, . ; or 2S for 9s. 04.. Dackage included. PRICED LIST of BEDDING PLANTS fre Old Nuraerles. Donmgtou. Spalding. A FEW of the BESr of EVERYTHING in the XX way ol ZONAL and TRICOLOR GERANIUMS, DAHLIAS FUCHSIAS, and BEDDING PLANTS, carefully selected to; Amateurs' Choice Collections. HOOPER i CO.'S LIST as above is now ready, and be had on application. Hoopers Co . Covent Garden, London, W.C. J Cheap Plants. ACKSON'S ONE GUINEA HAMPER rontains TEN DOZEN well assorted PLANTS for BEDDING, many of them c THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GARDEN NKDDS INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1802, was Jamss C»aTEn & Co., 237 and 233, IIIghHolborn. London, W.C. EVERY GARDE N RE Q U I STTE kept In Stock at CAUT^n s New Seed Warehouse, 237 & 23«, High Holborn, I..ondon. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. A H T E R AND CO., Seed Farmers, Merchants, and NcRSEnvMyx 237 4 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. ' J.i>,'5-^?^??„4f??'='^""'^ a,nd Garden Seeds. AMES FAIRHEAD and SON, Seed Gkoweus and Mercbants, 7. Borough Market, and Bralntroe, Eases. Special prices on application. MA. IVE'rY'S SELECT SPRING CATALOGUE • of PLANTS can now be hftd, post-free, on apNlicatioii Hanover Nursery, Peckham, S. E. W,^ ^ Genuine Garden Seeds. M. CUTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above is now ready. Fu!,t-fiee on application. HighKtito Nurseries. London, N. BUTTONS' CH.1MP10N S WE i;]^."th7"h:iTdieir^ to best iQ cultivation. Lowest price per bushel on application Sutton S Sons, Seed Growurs, Readinc. CirrrONS- imperial GUEEN globe, the henvie=it *0 White-Qeshed Turnip in cultivation. Lowest price var bushel on appIic^itiOQ. ^ Sutton &. Sons, Seed Growers, Readintr, SCARLET RUNNER BEANS ^t Refer prices. above, lis. of 1SU7, forwarded ■ 3ipt of I'oflt OfBce order. Half the New Catalogue of Soft -wooded and Bedding Plants C Florist Flowers, &o. HARLES TURNER'S DESCRIPTIVE LIST is now ready, and will be sent on application. The Royal Nuraerles, Slough. J Bedding Plants from 2s. per dozen. SCOTT'S CATALOGUE of the aboye is now ready, , Fruits, and Vegetabl Prizes, amounting in value appl Four .Silver Cupa. and other .O.UC L.J ooarly £2uO. Schedules mav be had P. EDWARDS, Actuig Secretary, New Street, Chelmsford. ENTRIES CLOSK June 1 BIRMINGHAM RoW SHO^TTulYT^dlj^^^^r Prize Lists apply to Mr. A. FORREST, Secretary, Cherry Street, Birmingham. ENTRIES CLOSE June 27. nPHE SOUTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE HORTICUlT- +, u^H''^ .^^SS'^'^'^ EXHIBITION and ROSE SHOW will be held at NEWARK on JULY 2; and Four SUver Cups, for Plants, Fruit, and Roses, will be awarded, with numerous ?f^^,il'^S- Schedules may be obtained on application to Mr. ROBINSON, Secretary^mkburn^outhwell. Notts. WM. PAUL'S SPKING^^C.vnLOGUE of NEW PI-. A JSPJ^.'^'iJ'P^r VARIEGATED, BEATON'S, and ZONAL J'tLAKGONIUMb, ic, is now ready, and will be forwarded post free on application. ^ bNu 33, Waltham Cross, London, N. New Roses for 1868. JOHN FRASER, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries, London, tf N.E,, bega to offer line healthy plants of the best NEW ROSES forlSOj. A DESCRIPTIVE LlS-f may be had on appllcatlom --- -" ' -^ *.i cultivation. - - DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES now ready . Wood & Sow. Nurseries Maresfield, Ucktleld, Sussex. Roses, In Pots, on own Roots. rpHOMAS HANDASYDE and DAVIDSON have a X large stock of the above. Prices to the Trade on application Tbouas HANDA8VDE It Davidsou, Nurserymeh, See<£imen and tlonsta, 24, Cockbum Street. Edinburgh. Nurseries at Musselburgh ncluding F Roses and Bedding Plants. IFTEEN THOUSAND ROSES, in pots, all the neweat and m'.st esteemed varieties. . „ .f"-"?' BEDDING PLANTS, comprising every variety. All the above. In flne clcanhealthy condition, will be SOLD cheap. C&l'AS^OOUEii on application \,o B. WnirnAii, The Nurseries, Reddish, near Stockp&rt. CONSUL SCHILLER, Hamburg, begs to inform nil lovers of pRCHIDS that he la still inclined to part with his well known COLLECTION of about 2700 PLANTS either in one lot or separately. Apply to Consul_ScHiLLER, Hamburg. HENRY' GODFREY, NrRSERiinAN, StourtridgeThas to offer to the Trade small Variegated HOLLY, at jE6 per 1000. HENRY GODFREY, Kuksekyman, Stourbridge 1 a large quantity of GREEN HOLLY to dispose of in si varying from Itolift., lito2ft., and 2ito3ft. All stout w rooted plants. Prices may lo had by enclgsing a stamped directed envelope , .,, 11 be found one of the most useful. His Collection known throughout the West of England as the best Merriott. Taunton, Somerset. BEDDING PLANTS, of first-class quality (an immense stock), well established in eood sized nofa onH nQ-fo.,,!.. hardened off. DESCRIPl Trade pri£e on application ^ good sized _ pots, and perfectly hardened off DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, ivitii prices, gratis Trfiii.1 ..rice 00 application. f . B H, i R. Sti^bzaker, Skerton Nurseries. Lancaster. Bedding Plants for the Million^ UNCE can supply Var P*J^.-''c9itA-RlAS._ VEkBfcNAS, DAHLIAS, FUCHSIAS II strong plants of selectei' dozen for Ws. Gd. Package , N.W^ W Extra Strong Bedding Plants. ITTY AND SON have much plea.sure in ofi'ering the above in extra strong Pionta at reasonable pricea. They t there are no stronger plants to he doubt will give great satisfaction to a, Cottingham. TAS. POUNCE can supply Variegated GERANIUMS, '/ CALCEOLARIAS, VEKBfcNAS, DAHLIAS FUCHSIAS HELIOTROPES and TROP^-OLUMsl all atrong pSnts ofseleita above ) hesitation in stati found in the Trade, and h: LEWISHAM SWEDE, the finest variety of Purple-ton in cultivation. Special prices on application to James FAmnEAU li Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E. TURNIP, SWEDE, and MANGEL CROP.^ISGt". Special prices to the Trade on application to James Faihhead & Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E. CABBAGE.— Special nuotations for all tho lieadln"' varieties from ° _ Jameb FAiiiHEAn t Son. 7, Borough Market, S.E. CARROT, Altringham, White and^'enow^Belgian. Special prices forwarded on application to Jasies Fairiieaos Son, 7, Borough Market. S.E. BEAUTIFUL VARIEGATED ^ KAL'e; suitable for winter decoration in the dower garden. 0^. and is. per packet. W. P. La . Nurserymen, Dundee, Is. per 1 1, NiB Walnut-leaved Kidney Potato. TAMES DICKSON and SONS can ofl'er a fine lot of t^ the above. Price on application. 11^2, Eastgate Street, Chester. THE HARDIEST SWEDE, LAWHEAD GREEN- TOP. A select stock is offered by James Dickson & So.vs, 102, Eastgate Street, Chester. MANGEL WURZEL, best^ selected stocks. PRICED LIST on application. James DicitsoN & Sons, 102, Eastgate St. eet, Chester PURPLE-TOP YELLOW SCOTCH TURNIP. Price on upplication. James Diceson S Sons, 102, Eastgate Street, Chester. purchasei-s. Phlox Louls^GrelL ITTY ANT) SON, having a tine stock of the abov< flne PHLOX, are prepared to send them out at a reaaonahli pnce, by the Dozen or Hundred. Verbenas, Verbenas. WITTl AND SON have much pleasure in ofi'ering the above by the Dozen, Hundred, or Thousand The Nuraeries, Cottlngham. VERBENAS— Purple, White, and Scarlet, stronp healthy plants in pots, at Is. Gd. per dozen ; Small Plants Pun LOBELI.V SPECIOSA, in Pots. Is. 6rf. per dozen Terms cash. Package included. PniLipLiADns, Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent. WANTED, two dozen b""" Send ph( BLUE ANAGALLIS send unco to Wooo 4 Ino Tropteolum Cooper's Defiance. ' '""' ' Largc^ Stock of this THOMAS METHVEN magnlflcent BEDDING PLA'nT. Leith Walk Nurseries. Edinburgh.— April Polemonlum Coeruleum Variegatum. THOMAS METHVEN has at present a very fine stock of tbo above invaluable flower garden DECORATIVE PLANT Leith Walk Nurseries, Edinburgh.— AprU 26. Calceolaria Ambassador (Sang's). THOMAS METHVEN has a large and fine STOCK of this much prized CALCEOLARIA. Leith Walk Nurseries. Edinburgh.- April 25. W Calceolaria aurea florlbunda.— Special Offer. OOD AND l.NGKAM offer fine bushy Autumn- struck plants of the above, in 3-inch pots, at i&t per 100 or f 7 per 1000. Tho Nurseries, Huntingdon. ' Lincolnshire Red Round Turnip. HAND F. SHARPE ofler a fine slock of the above, • gl-own from transplanted bulbs last s.^ason Price low Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. Green Round or Norfolk Turnip. F. SHARPE have a true stock of the above from selected bulbs and of 18G7 growth. H.^ AND Turnip, gi' Pnce very reasonabi Seed Growing Eatablishment, Wisbech Green-top Swede Turnip, AND F. SHAKPE can supply the Trade with a splendid stock of the above Turnip, grown last season from H. H transplanted bulbs. Price very moderate. ^ Seed Growing Efltablishment, Wisbech. Elvetham Long Red Mangel Wurzel. AND F. SH AKPK hiive a very tine stock of the above, grown last seaaon from selected bulbs Price very moderate Seed Growing Kstablishmeut, Wisbech. TO the TRADE and OTHERS —Splendid stock EARLY SIX-WEEK TURNIP, new .Seed, fine sample at 26s. per bushel, or 8d. per lb. Terms cash. ' Fredk. Gtt, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Bods. To the Trade.— Home-grown Turnip Seeds CHARLES SHARPi-; anp Co.. Seeu 0s. per 100 ; flne Show Varieties of Zonals, 303. per 100, strong Plants. Also— Per doz.— ^. d. \ Per doz.— >s. rf. Sunset 12 0 j Miss Kingsbury Golden Nuggett .. Virgin Queen Gold Leaf . . Italia Unita .. Twihght Reined' Or .. St, Clair . Lennox Glowworm . . j Culford Beauty . . 6s. and 8 0 12 6 ' Countess of Warwick 6 0 I Cloth of Gold 6 0 I Golden Fleece 1 Improved . . Silver Chain DO, Emperor Fontainebleau .. .. HO Silver Nosegay .. -. 4 « Annie Williams .. .. 6 0 Mrs. Melford .. .. 10 Silver Chain 6 0 Special price given by the 100. Maktiw & Sok, 7, Market Place, Hull. _ Choice Variegated Geraniums. G. HENDERSON and SON offer 12 Yarieties of the following, their own or purchaser's selection, for 21a. E Brilliantisfeinia I Bronze Queen Butterfly Canary Bird Centurion i Circlet I Countess of Tyrconnel Crown Diamond ■ Crystal Palace Gem | Cupid Gaiety 9 very strong plants : — Goldfinch Italia Unita Kenilworth Lady CuJlum Rainbow Rosette Rosy Gem Little Pet „ M, Huttc „ Pollock Neatness Picturatum 12 varieties from the followmg, purchaser' E. G. Heni>ekson & Son's selection, 42s. Appleby Hall Beauty ■ Eastern Beauty Beauty Supreme i Fair Annie Caroline Lonfleld Glen Eyre Beau Castlemilk ! Gloworm Doke of Edinburgh ' " ' " " " Edwinia Fitzpatrick Snowflake Soci-ates [(bedder) Stella alba marginata Sunset Tbe Countess The Empress Topsy 1 Venus Waltham Gem Yellow Belt Zingara selection, CI); Emerald E. G. Henderson Electric jock o' Hazeldean Justicia Lady Cullum Light and Shadow ellington Road Nursery, St. John's Wood. Loudon. r/ONAL GERANIUMS, NEW FUCHSIAS, &c.— /i 100 fine ZONAL GERANIUMS, of the best raisers, Beaton'" Paul's Bull's, Smith's, 4c, m 50 varieties, for 30s. 12 select new FUCHSIAS of 18G7 for 6s. 12 select new ZONAL GERANIUMS of 1867 for 6s. 12 select TRICOLOR MRS. TURNER, very' strong grower, Ifis. each ;ftlso the VERBENAS. 42s. ; full descriptiona^of which._and ts. will be found " " *"' ready, post free, of 13 now „ _ _ _ ther New his GENERAL SPRING CATALOGUE, The Royal Nurseries. Slough. H Florists' Flowers. FUCHSIAS. CANNELL has a splendid lot af free, healthy Plants, in small pots, of all the best, both old and new, and will send the best 12 in cultivation up to 1868 for 8«., and the 12 varieties that took 1st prize at the Royal Horticultuml and Botanic Gardens last season for 5s. Qd., package included, and every particular how to show, grow, and get the 1st prize for the same. VERBENAS. Exhibition varieties, with large Auricula eye, " scented,' and beautifully striped. H. Cannell haa a splendid lot of fine healthy plants, in small pots, of all the best in cultivation up t^ '" will send the 12 best for 5s., second t ^ __ 1868, and ..u. „^^« — w .- .— , 3s. Gd., package included, and every particulai- how to grow, show, and get the 1st prize, &c. PELARGONIUMS. H. Cankell has a splendid lot of fliio Jiealthy young Plants of aU the best up ' "" "" """'' ' •"—"-• ' •■ '^-""'" i8, and will send 1 dozen best Green Zonals i IStJS for 8s.. second best for 6s., package Included, the above, if shifted into 6-inch pots, will make a fine display thrnugii the summer, and all the new and best bedding plants equally reasonable. PYRETHRUM GOLDEN FEATHER, Gs. per dozen. H. Casnell, Fuch.sia Nursery, Woolwich. Plants to compensate for di.stant carriage. See H- Cansell's " Floral Guide," tor Three Stamps. ^ "^ ~~To^ Tulip Growers and Others. „„„^ FOR SALE, upwards of liOO tine BULBS of SHOW TULIPS, NOW in BLOOM, with Nest of 10 Sliding Drawers for Bulbs, enclosed by folding panel doors. Can be seen by applying to A. A. James, Nmseryman and Florist, Chapel Road, Lower Norwood, Surrey, S. _ _ _ New Verbenas. JOHN KEYNES begs to thank his Friends fur their continued patronage. He has again tbe pleasure of oflering VERBENAS to their notice, such as lie irasts will continue to give that general satisfaction he has hitherto realised. The Verbenas are the production of Mr. Ecktord, and they have been universally admired at the Floricultural Meetings. They are of such a character as must please every admirer of the Verbena. VERBENAS for 1868. ACHIEVEMENT (EcKEoau),- Ceriso dashed with crimson, with lemon eye, large, of extra fine quality. 5s, ISA KEY (EcKFORD).— Violet rose, with white eye ; very novel. 5s. LORD DERBY (EoiiFOEn),- Bi-illiant scariet, with lemon centre; very flne form, fis. '"■; (ECKFORI. __ very flne. Horticultural Gardens. CAROLINE SMITH (Eck ford).— Rosy lilac, clear yellow eye. 5s. ring, clear yeiiow eye. i IMPERIAL PURPLE (Eoi beating all the purple bedder JAPAN OSMANTHUS, quite hardy, and j a Jasmine, for 6s. JAPAN EUONYMUSfor&J. >s gold leaf and gold bro: . zoned GERANIUMS, I 18s, per doz, For descriptions i i Roi>( doa. Older kinds, Catalogue. For other NOVELTIES, as Variegated Pelargoniums, Camellias, &c,, see Spring Catalogue for 1808, forwarded posL-free on application. liipoKTABT.- AU letters snould be addreaaed- Wii . Waltham Cross, London, N. 12 POA TRfviALIS ARGENTEA ELEGANS (Silver Grass), for 3s. 12DACTYL1S GLOMEBATA ELEGANS VARIEGATA for 3*. PANICUM VARIEGATUM, Is. I COLEUS GIBSONL CJ. COLEUS VEITCHII.etZ. ., ATROPURPUREA Od. LE0MONTlI,6d. 12 IRESINE HERBSTII. 2s. Gd. 12 VIOLA CORNUTA, 2s. Gd. \ 12 AUBRIETIA GR-^CA, 2«. Gd. MYOSOTIS IMPERATRICE ELIZABETH, ed. GAZANIA SPLENDENS VARIEGATA, 4*. a the deepest blue and 12 LOBELIA BLUE KING, one of the best dwarf vuj .o.,i«., o*. 12 Golden Feather. PYRETHRUM PARTHENIFOLIUM AUREA, Cs. B. W. Knioht, Nurseryman, Battle, Sussex. The finest purple _ Per yet sent out ; ■ The Set, 203. to the Ti-ade. ith lem< of the flnesi; Verbenas. CertihcaTe'at the Royal Horticultural Society, UMPIRE (Eoi ' " " '" "'"' Certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society. tiflcate at the Roval horticultural Society. 88. per dozen to tho Trade. The four Verbenas of 18G0 have proved to be of first-rate quality, t They can now be had fine plants, and consist of i JOHN KEYNES I MR. GLADSTONE [ KING CHARMING ISA ECKFORD Many testimonials respecting these flowers have been received b} . Mat 9, 186a] TITE GAIiliENERS' OHR()M(^LE ANT) AGEICULTUEAL GAZETTE. PRIMULA FIMBRIATA. — Si\ superbly fringed Tarleties, producing iuimonse Qowoi-s, mixed, \s. Ud. and 2s. Od. nor packet; superb dark Red nnd Wbito do., separute, !••>■. tW. and 3i. Qti, per packet. CALCEOLARIA, of the most superb qurUity, Is. and 2a. ur pkt. ; James' latematioDiil do.. Is. and2.'{. M. [lerprickot ; Scott's spleu- did Dwarf do , ©xceodfngly handsome find usoftil, an, W, por pkt. CINERARIA (Scott's prize), Is. iinil is. 6A por paoket. For other oboioo Seeds aeo former AdT«rtis«oieote or S£ED CATALOanS free on application to J. ScuTT, Tlio Seed Stoies, Voovil, Somerset. RUSSELL'S PYRAMIDAL rRIMTTLAS. — This magmQceut strain atUl malDtams Ita character aa the finest in oultlvation. New Seed, urlce lis. Htl. per packet. PRIMULA KERMESINA—Tho Rreat fault of this brilliant ook>ur«d rarltity bos hitherto been its indisposition to throw tt: Thes ) the t'oUaKO. I have b with the same erect, consplcuoiia stylf c of this 1b limited this year. Pi-lco 5s. j Clahkk, Nurseries, Streatham Plivce, I satisfaction of s the other kinds. : packet. T/'ERBENA LADY BOUGHTON.— This splendid white V Verbena, with crimson eye, each pip larger'than a shilling. Important Notice. MESSRS. SUTTON are oompylled to remind their Customers that they have no appointed Amenta for the SALE of their GENUINE HOME-GROWN SEEDS. The ftioilitlee offered by them in sending goods carriage free from their Wai-ehouso in Reading, render such appomtnients uuneo6s3ar>'. Royal Berks Seed EstabliBbmeut. Reading. TAMKS VEITCH and SONS have the pleasure to tJ announce that their SOFT-WOODED and BEDDING I'LANT CATALOGUE for the present season, comprising a List of the best " " " selection of the must approved kinds ' general cultivation, application , aud will be sent post free i Samuj: Ludlow. :, Cox, Seed Merchant, Nurseryman, and Florist, Bullring, Weatherlll's New Hybrid Solanums. BS. WILLL'VMS has great pleasure ' ♦ that he has secured the whole of the STOCK of HYBRID SOLANUMS lately exhibited before the Floral Committee by Mr. Weathenll, of Finchley, who was awarded a Special Certiflcate for the Collection. For lull particulars see previous large Advertise- ments. Seeds sown now will produce Plants for Winter Decorations, price per packet, 2.n. 6d., 3s. Gd,, aud 6s. None genuine imlesa the packets ' " "' ^" ' ' - ' ' - B. S. WiL London, N. WILLIAM ROLLISSON and SONS be- leave to inform the Nobility, Gentrv, and Trade that the followinc NEW PLANTS are now ready for sending out :— RHODODENDRON FRAGRANTISSIMUM, 21s. and 3U. Gd., accordmg to the size, with beautiful large white flowers stained with pink, and most dellciously sweet scented. A first-class Certiflcate was awarded by the ilorticultuml Society. JUNIPERUS EXCELSA STRICTA, Siberia, 10s. 6irec(or— James Odams. BoTifcCT-s— Messrs. Uametts, Hoares. & Co., Lombard Street. SolicUors—Ue&STS. Klngsford & Dormau. 23, Essex Street, btranU. Aiulitor—J. Carter Jonaa, Cambridge, This company was originally formed by, and is under the direction ot aericultm-ists : clrcuinstauces that have justly earned lor it another title, viz.— "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company. Its' members are cultivators of upwards of 60,000 acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures ot their own manufacture, consequently the consumer has the beat guarantee for the genumeness and efficacy of the Manures manufactured by this Company. Paiticulars will be forwarded on application to the Secretary, or may be had of the Local Agents. C. T. Macadam, Secretary. Chief Offices — 100, Fenchurch Street, London. E.C. THE PAXTON GARDEN MANURE is the most economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known lor Vegetables, Flowers, Fruit Trees, Grass Lawns, &ic. It is inodorom and portable. To be had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, Williams & Co., late Alexander & Co.. 22, James Street, old Street, E.C. Agents Wanted in every Town where none have been appointed. ^ aT^ es' manures. These Manures are now ready for delivery. LAWES* PATENT TJRNIP MANORE, LAWES' DISSOLVED BONES. LAWES" SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LaWES' WHEAT, BARLEY. GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES. LAWES' CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. These Manures can be obtained of Mr. Lawes, or through the appointed Agents In all parts of the United Kingdom, at prices varying according to cost of carriage. Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers. NITRATE of SODA. SDLPHATE ol AMMONIA, and other Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, John BENNtr Lawes. 1. Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin ; and Murket Square, Shrewsbury. TIFFANY. , New and Repaired "TannedNetting, Cotton Netting. Fngi Domo, Cotton Bunting, a for Blinds, &c. For Samples and I'rlce List applv*" °— ' " rr^ANNED NETTING, ia large or small quantities, for X Seed Beds, and for the Protection of Fruit Trees from Frost, Blight, Birds, or as a Fence from Fowls, Ac, Id. per square yard ; 7s. ii(i. per 100 do., 3&s. per 500 do. Price to the Trade on application Remittances to accompany all orders. CUH i Qcif , Seedsman, tc, Peterborough^ TANNED GARDEN NETTING, for Preserving Seed Beds, Fruit, Strawberries fVom Frost, Blight, Birds. &c., and as a Fence for Fowls, &c. One yard wide, Ud. ; 2 yards, 3d. j 3 yards, 4*rf. : and 4 yards, Gil. per yard, in any quantity, may be had at Chas. Wrioht & Co.'s, William Street, Newark. on-Trent (late 37ti, Strand, W.C.). An allowance to Nurserymen. NETTING for FECIT TREES, SEED BEDS, RIPE STRAWBERRIES, &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the above from Frost, Blight, Birds, 4c., 2 yards wide, 3d. per yard, or 100 yards. 20«. ; 4 vards wide. 6d. per yai-d. or 60 yards, 20s. NEW TANNED NETTING, suited for any of the above purposes, or as a Fence for Fowls, 2 yards wide, 6rf, per yard; 4 yards wide. Is. per yard ; 5-inch mesh, 4 yards wide, Is. 6d. per yard. Can be had in any quantity of „ „ Eaton & Delleb, 0 & 7, Crooked Lane, London Bndge, E.C. Garden Netting. SETTING for the _ TULIP c6ve'\iS and GREENHOUSE SHADES, SUN BLINDS. 4 MARQUEES, " "' " '" """■"" TENTS, and FLAGS for FETES. FLOWER West End Show-moms, 18, Piccadilly, W. 'i Co., (Tent Makei - . - ) the Hoyal Family, 48. THE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (Established 1S40) Have DOW ready for delivery in dry fine coadttlont CORN MANCRE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Landa SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANDKES. Also Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA ex Dock Warehouse ; SULPHATE of AMMONIA, FISHERY SALT, ic. E. Fdbsek, Secretary. Olllcea, 116, Fenchurch Street, E,C, BROWN'S FLORAL SHADING, for Shading Plant! under Glass from the Sun, and protecting the Bloom of Wall Trees from Frost Sold by Nurserymen and Seedsmen. No. 1. 38 inches wide, 20 yards long, at is. 6d. per piece. No. 2. 38 „ „ 20 „ „ 43. lod. per piece. „ „ la. extra stout LLEs Brown, Qreenheys, Manchester, New and Second Hand. MANUFACTURERS of SEATS, VASES, and other articles, for the use or decoration of Gardens and Pleasure Grounds, desirous of EXHIBITING SPECIMENS of their GOODS, may arrange to do so, on most advantageous terms, by communicating with R. H. Verteoans, Promenade Gardens, Malvern. Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNOR AND COOKE'S WARRANTED PRIZE PRUNING and BDDDING KNIVES, see that you net them. Observe the mark SAYNOR. also the Corporate Mark, Obtaih Warranted, without which none are genuine. , .. _ S. & C. regi-et having to caution Gardeners and others, but are compelled to do so. In consequence of an imitation, of common quality, having been sold for the genuine one. and which has caused many complaints to be made to them of Knives which were not of their make, all of which are warranted both by Sellers and Makers. S. & C.'s PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are the best and the cbeanest in the market. Paxtbn Works. Sheffield. Established upwards of 126 years. Glass for Garden Purposes. AMES PHILLIPS ani> CO. beg to submit their REDUCED PRICES as foUows:— PROPAGATING Samples on application to Chj ^CK cloth¥,' w . \ 9 inches diameter . . ..10 12 inches diameter .. .. 2s. 6d. Hyacinth Diehes are Intended to contain a number of Roots 3edded in and covered with Moss, inytoad of the common Hyacinth LACTOMETERS, for Testing the Quality of Milk. E. ■OICK CLOTHS, with Poles and Pulleys complete. ADDRESS BEN,TAMIN EDGINGTON (only), J\. 2, Duke Street. London Bridge, S.E, ARCHER'S "FRIGI DOMO,"-i ilsed by Her Majesty the Queen, the Duko of > 12 inches Northumberland for Syon House, His Grace the Duke of | 14 ,^ Devonshire for Chiswick Garaer.a, Professor Llndley for the , ,« Horticultural Society, and Sir Joseph Paxton for the Cryttal Palace, Royal Zoological Society, &c. PROTECTION from the COLD WINDS and MORNING FROSTS. " FRIGI DOMO" NETTING, White or Brown, made of prepared Hair and Wool, a perfect non-conductor of heat or cold, keeping a fixed temperature where it is applied. It is adapted lor all Hitrti- cultural and Floricultural purposes, for Preserving Krult-i and Flowers from the Scorching Rays of the Sun, from Wind, IVoti T Warranted Genuine. OBACCO PAPER, lOd. Wm. Dodgsom, 29, Lady Lane, Leeds. Agent. POOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for Destruction of BHgbt and other Diseases in Plants. See large Advertisement. Sold In Tins, price Is., 2s. 6d., and 58. POWDER DISTRIBUTORS, 28. 6d, and Zn. 6d. each. The Garden Repository, 32, James Street, Covent Garden, W.C. By Royal Letters Patent. rpOB.VCCO TISSUE destroys Thrip, Red Spider, and X Mealy Bun, by Fumigation ; price 3s. 6d. per lb. TOBACCO PAPER price Is. 6d. per lb. TOBACCO RAG price 28. per lb. TO U ACCO SMALLS price 3«. 6d. per lb. TOBACCO POWDER price 35. 6d. per lb. Attacks of Insects, and from Morning Frosts. To be had in any required lengths. "FRIGI DOMO" NETTING, 2 vards wide, U. Od. per yard run. '■FRIGI DOMO" CANVAS. Two yards wide 1«. 9d. per yard run. Four yards wide . . 3b. 6d. per yard. An improved make, 2 yards wide , . Is. 9rf. per yard. An improved make, 3 yards wide . , 2s. Sd. per yard i ~ .isex Thomas Ahcf ' ■ - • -- - - - - ity Lane, Cannon S' Seedsmen throughout the Kingdom. " It is much cheaper than Mats as a covering." ANNIHILATOR to all INSECT LIFE, such as Red Spider. Green Flv, Thrips, Mealy Bug, Scale and Ants, and all Mildew and Blight' on Vegetation. An excellent Dressing for Vines, Peach Trees, and the Walls for Fruiting Trees, Ac. A thorough Cleanser to the Hot and Greenhouse, as a Diainfectant HUM Destroyer of Vermin. Sold in boxes, price Is. and 2s. 6rf. To be had of all N'urserymeu and Seedsmen. Wholesale of E. T. Abchkh. 7, Great Trinity Lane, Cannon Street, London, E.C. rviHE~ TANNED LEATHER COMPANY^ Jl Armlt Works, Greenfield, near Manchester. TANNERS, CURRIERS, and MANUFACTQRERS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS for MACHINERY. PRIME STRAP and SOLE BUTTS Price Lists sent free by post. Warehouse : 81, Mark Lane, London, E.C. Mr. H. Fbrrabee, Agent. ready for u .. _ . . GLASS, ; _ BRITISH PLATE, PATENT PLATE. ROLLED PLATE, CROWN. SHEET, HORTICULTURAL, ORNAMENTAL, COLOURED, and every description of GLASS, of the best Manufacture, at the lowest terms. Lists of prices and estimates forwarded on application to Jaiiss Phillips ft Co.. 180. Bishopsgate Street Without. EC. CO. Horticultural Glass Warehouse. THOMAS MILLINGTON an 87. Blehopsgaie Street Without, London, E.C. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOUSE GLASS as supplied to Her Majesty, the Nobility, Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leading Horti- culturists of the United Kingdom. ORCHARD-HOUSE SIZES. .. price I7s. Qd. To b'j liad of Messrs Kosii^RTs & Sons, Tobacco Manufacturers, li, I^t .T'hn Street, Clerkenwell, E.C. . .. - . all Seedsmen and G in solutions of from 1 to the gallon of soft water, and of from 4 to 16 ounces as a Wmter Dressing for Vines and Sold Retail by Seedsmen, u loxes, Is., 3»., and 10«, 6d, Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY Her Majesty's Gardener, FOWLER'S GARDENERS' INSECTICIDE, says "It will kill any insect that it comes into contact with, without injury to the plant." This invalujible preparation will be found to be SIMPLE, EFFICACIOUS, and HARMLESS In destroying and iireventing all the various Insects and Blights infesting Plants and Trees. May be applied by dipping, syringing, or sponging, and by the most inexperienced. Sold by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Chemists throughout the kingdom, in jars, Is. dd., 3s., ts. 6d., and 10s. each. Testimonials from the highest Professional and Amateur Authori- ties may be obtained of the Manufacturers, G. AND T. FOWLER, Brighton. London Agents :— Barclay &. Co. ; Barr ft Sugden ; Beck, Hender- son ft Child ; T. Brigden ; Butler, McCulloch ft Co. ; J. Carter ft Co, ; H. Clarke ft Sons ; Charlwood ft Cummins ; Cooper ft Co. ; S. Dixon ft Co. ; B. J. Edwards : J. Fairhead ft Son ; Flanagan ft Son ■ W. Hooper & Co. ; Hurst ft Son ; O. B. Kent ft Co. ; Peter Lawsou ft Son ; liBwis, Ash ft Co. ; H. Low ft Co. ; Mather & Co. ; Minler, Naahft Nash; H. Potter: J. Veltch & Son ; J. Wrench ft Son : B. S Williams, Wholesale and Retail. Wellington Pottery. ■W I I A 0 N, J\^» 604, Gallowgate, Glasgow. FLOWER POTS of superior make, with Cut Bottoms ; ORCHID POTS, HANGING ORCHID POTS, and ORCHID SLABS, of approved Patterns, as used by some of the most successful Growers ; Ornamental Flower Vases, Fern Vases, and Tazzas, Round and Square Seed Pans, Crocus Pots, Rhubarb and Seakale Covers, Pro- pagating Pots, Snail Traps, ftc. Pnce Lists and Illustrated Catalogue on application. GARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in preat variety of patterns and material}^, the plainer sorts neing especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and once put down Incur no further labour and expense, as do "grown" Edgings, con- sequently bemg much cheaper, GARDEN VASES. FOUNTAINS, ftc. In Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and in great variety of design. F. ft G. RosHER, Manufacturers. Upper Ground Street, Blackfi-lara, S. ; Queen's Road West, Chelsea, S.W. ; Klngsland Road, Kingsland, N.E. ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors, Balconies, ftc, as cheap and durable as le, red, and buff col ours, and capable of forming a variety I enriched designs . In bli of designs. Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS of than the above, WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies. Larders, Kitchen Ranges, Baths, ftc. Grooved and other Stable Paving Bricks of great durability, Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall Copings, lied and Stoneware Drain Pipes, Slates, Cement, ftc. To be obtained of F. ft O. Roshf.r, at their promises as above. CILTER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above *-^ addresses — 14s. per Ton, or Is. 3<(. per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf, yuantities of 4 Tons, Is. per Ton less. FLINTS, BRICK BDRRS or CLINKERS for Rockeries or Orotto Work. F. & G. Robber Addresses see above. N.B. Onlera promptly executed by Railway. 20 by 13 V 20 by 13) fl5 ( 20 by 14 VPer 100 feet.^ 20 by IS 1 121 t ■ -6-' Srds. 2Qds. | Best. 15s 6d 18s6ci 20s0(j 22s 2(< 26s 6(1 26s ep p ' , Garden and all other Seeds j rer ^bul. Steam Engines, Steam Ploughs, Cultivators and Imptc- 1 10 to 21 ments. Portable ana Fixed Tbreshing Machines . . / Per Cent. Ploughs, Harrows, Kon6rs,Cultivntors, Drills. Horse Hoes, , Carts, Waggons, Reaping and Mowmg Machine: " makers. Horse Rakes, ChatT Cutters, Mills, Mowers, Sewing Machines, Stoves and Cooking F and Machmes of every known Makei Iron Hurdles, Gates and ContlnuouB Fence.s, Strained 1 Wire and Rope Fences, Wire Netting, Stable Fittings, f 10 to 30 Pumps, Tanks, Paints, Domestic Machmery, Heating I'Per Cent. Apparatus, &c ) A Full Catalogue will shortly be published, meanwhile Prices can at all tmies bo obtained. The Society is prepared to receive Samples and Prices of unadul- terated Seedi Manures, and Feeding Stuffs. NO. Mana^ng Director. nes. Hay-1 Is. LawnU : Ranges, p Green's Patent Noiseless Lawn Mowers. rpHOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their found to meet all the requirements for which they i viz. :— the keeping of Lawns in the highest state of perfection. They are the simplest in construction, least liable to pet out of order, and c;in be worked with far greater ease than any other Lawn Mower extant. Green's Patent Liwn Mowers have proved to be the host, and have carried off every prize that has been given in all cases of corajie- tition, and in proof of their -superiority upwarUs of 44,000 have been sold smce the year 1856. They are the only Machines in constant use at Buckingham Palace Gardens i The Winter Palace Gardens, Marlborough House Gardens Dublin Royal Horticultural Society, I The Dublin Botanic Gardens South Kensington j The Liverpool Botanic Gardens The Royal Botanic Gardens, | The Leeds Royal Park Regent's Park , The Hull Botanic Gardens The Crystal Palace Company's The Botanic Gardens, Brussels Gardens, Sydenham I The Sunderland Park The Hyde Park Gardens i The Preston Park And in most of the principal Parks and Squares in the United Kingdom. HAND MACHINE. Suitable for a Lady. To cut H inches .. £3 •Suitable lor Ono Person. to ordinary Chaise Trai To cut 18 inches Suitable for Two Persons. Leather Boots for Horse, 26a. lily be worked by a Donkey, th Both the Horse, Pony, Donkey, and Hand Machines possess (over all other nitikers) the advantage of self-sharpening; being steel on each side, when they 1 one way round, the cyllnoer can be ing the bottom edge of the cutters agnmhi, i-u« the Machine will cut equal to new. Arranger the cylinder can be reversed by any Inexperienced person in twu or three minutes. Every Machine is warranted to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of can be returned at once unconditionally. The above Prices include Free Delivery to all the principal R""!- way Stations and Shipping Porta in England. AH Orders oxecutttu on the day ihey are received. T O. & SoK have ten times more Lawn Mowers in Stock at their Establishment. A4 and 65, Blackfriars Road. S., than any other firm w L S. WILLIAMS, Seed Merchant and NuBSEETMAif, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, U Bolloway, Londoa, N, NEW AND CHOICE FLOWER SEEDS. WILLIAMS' SUPERB STRAIN OF PRIMULA. B. S. W. can with confidence offer his Superb Strain of PRIMULA as being the finest in cultivation. Per Packet.— s. d. RED 2s. Od., 3s. 6d.. and 6 0 WHITE is. 6d.. 3s. 6d.. and 5 0 MIXED 2s. 6d., 3s. !><*., and 5 0 CALCEOLARIA. HERBACEOUS (NeiU'e extra choice Strain) 3s. 6rf. and 5 0 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (aaved from James' Strain) 2s. 6d. and 3 6 CINERARIA (Woatherill's extra choice Strain) 3s. Od. and 5 0 POLYANTHUS (the Prize Strain) Is. 6d. and 2 6 CYCLAMEN PERSICUM (Wiggins' Prize Strain) Is. 6d., 2s. 6d., and 3 6 CARNATION, from prize flowers 10 PICOTEE, from prize flowers 10 HOLLYHOCK, from best named sorts 10 GENTIANA VERNA (this ia the most beautiful of all the species for borders) 10 LILIUM ADRATUM 16 GERANIUM "LE GRAND" 1«. 6d. and 2 6 STOCK (Autumnal-flowering) 0 6 „ (Brompton Scarlet) ( The two best Scarlets in \ .. 10 „ (Scarlet Intermediate) 1. cultivation. J .. 1 0 SWEET WILLIAM (Hunt's Auricula-eyed) .. 6d. and 1 0 WALLFLOWER (Saunders- dark variety) 10 SOLANUM (Weatherill's Hybilds, see f\iU description in previous Advertisemont) .. .. 2s. 6d., 3s. 6d,, and 6 0 VIOLA LUTEA (yellow flowered Violet) Is. Gd., 2s. 6rf., and 3 13 VIOLA CORNUTA (Purple Queen) 6tf. and 1 0 „ „ (Mauve Queen) 6d. and 1 0 GLADIOLI ROOTS. Named kinds, 48., 6«., Bs., 10«., 12s. per dozen. ENGLISH GROWN SEEDLING GLADIOLI. B. S. WrtLTAMS can strongly recommend these Seedling Gladioli. BeinR all Seedling Roots, they oan be warranted to flower strongly, and will produce blooms possessing colour and qualities perhaps entirely new. For masses and borders those were much used last se»Eon, and gave great satisfaction. Price per dozen, 6s. ; per 100, 40s. Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper HoUoway, London, N. Notice of Removal. WAITE, BUKiNELL, HUGiilJNS, and CO., Seed Mkrchants, 181, H'gh Holbom, London, W.C, have now REMOVED to their NEW PREMISES in SOUTHWARK STREET. S.E., where m future all commtmicattoDs are to be addressed, Hardy Bedding Plants. ROBERT PARKKK begs to ofter the uudemamed, all of which can bo supplied in strong healthy plants ;— CHEIRANHTUS ALPINUS ' 4" o' HESPERIS MATRONALIS ALBO-PLENO (Double White Kocket) 4 0 LITHOSPERMUM FKUTICOSUM !' 0 PANSY CLIVEDEN BLUE 4 0 „ „ MAGPIE 6 0 „ „ PURPLE 4 0 „ WHITK in 0 „ „ YELLOW 4 0 GREAT EASTERN 12 0 SEMPERVlVUM CALIFORNICUM 6 0 TRITOM A ORANDIS 18 0 UVARIA GLAUCESCENS 12 0 VIOLA CALCARATA 4 0 CORNUTA 4 0 Special quotations may be had if required, by the 100, or in larger quantities. Exotic Nm-sery, Tooting, Surrey, S.W, Bedding Plants. ARCHIBALD HENDtDRSON'S DESCRIPTIVE find PRICED CATALOGUE of BEDDING PLANTS Is now ready, containing all the novelties of the past two years. The stock is in fine condition ; for extent and vigour unsurpjissed. Purchasers are respectfully invited to inspect the Stock at Lion Nursery, Whitehorse Road, Croydon. Special offers will be made for Inrge quantities. Catalogues to be had gratis, and post free on application. Bedding Plants for the Million. JAMES HOLDER can supply Scarlet and Variegated GERANIUMS, CALCEOLARIAS, VERBENAS. DAHLIAS, SALVIAS, FUCHSIAS, HELIOTROPES, GAZANIAS. AGERA- TUMS. CUPHEAS, KGENIGIAS, LOBELIAS, &c., strong plants, eight dozen for 208., or four dozen for 10s. 6rf. Hamper with extra plants gratis. Also 30 PELARGONIUMS, distinct sorts, for 16s. cash. ^ Crown Nursery, Reading. Bedding Plants. THOMAS METHVEN has now, and will have all the Bedding-out Season, a large Stock of all the leading Beddlng- out Plants. crabracinK VERBENAS' CALCEOLARIAS, GERA- NIUMS, DAHLIAS. LOBELIA SPECIUSA, Sc Very largo Stocks of Verbena Crimson King, Calceolaria Ambas- sador (Sang's), Tropteolum Cooper's DeQancu, Polemonium coeruleum variegatum. Leith Walk Nurseries, Edinburgh. April 2.1. 50,000 Bedding Plants. W COCKS begB to ofter 25,000 (fine Autumn-grown • Plants, in 60-aize pots) TOM THUMB, PUNCH, STELLA, CHKISTINE, MADAME VaUUHER, BIJOU, JANE, MRS. POLLOCK, ITALIA UNITA, .and other GERANIUMS; 6.000 Autumn-growu CALCEOLARIAS ; 5,000 VERBENAS ; 6,0(10 PETUNIAS ; 5,000 LLiBEHAS, and 6.000 HELIOTROPES, OAZANEAS, Jtc, at extremely low prices. PRICED LISTS free. Old Nurseries, Donington. Spalding. The West of England Bedding Plant Establislinient. THOMAS SAMPSON^ Proprietor of the Preston Road Nurseries, Yeovil, Somersetshire, has much pleasure in announcing that his CATALUGUE of the above i'lants Is now ready and can be had free on application. T. S. IS proud to say his stock is most unique and extensive, numbering upwards of 200,000 Plants.— by far exceeding any establish- ment in the West of England for quality and quantity, and are offered at such low nnces as cannot ftiil to give the fullest satisfac- tion. Orders executed in rotation after the 20th April. An inspection is respectfully solicited. Peteh Drohuohd, Manager. GOLDEN CHAMPION GRAPE. This extraordinary Grape (a notice of which appeared in this Paper in December last), is a SEEDLING raised by Mr. Thomson, of Dalkeith. In constitution it is equal to the Black Hamburgh ; it sets freely under the same treatment, ripens earlier, and will keep in condition, when ripe, as long as that favourite variety ; the bunches are large and well shouldered, berries larger than any Grape known, flavour new and peculiarly rich. Fruit has been submitted to many competent judges for their opinion ; and Testimonials, fully corroborating what we say of it, may be had on application. The Grape mil be Exhibited during the season. Orders are now being booked, and we propose to send VINES out in September Price 21s. and 42s. each. The usual Discount to the Trade. xt. OSBOEN AND SONS, FULHAM NURSERY, LONDON, S.W. BEAUTIFUL NEW LOBELIA, LITTLE GEM. The best Testimonial in favour of this most desirable novelty is the FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE which was AWARDED to the raiser by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1867. The flowers are pure white, with a clear well-defined blue margin, habit very compact, and blooms in a dense mass, lasting throughout the season. LITTLE GEM will prove itself one of the most eifectivo and best bedding or edging plants of the year, and is very suitable for pot culture. PETER LAWSON and SON have much pleasure in introducing the above, and will send out Plants early in May. Price Is. each, 9s. a dozen, 50s. a hundred. SPECIAL PRICES TO THE TRADE, AND PER THOUSAND, ON APPLICATION. EDINBURGH and L 0 N D O N. — AprU, 1868. MAGNIFICENT NEW HYBRIDS OF COLEUS. SIX FIRST PRIZES Were awarded on .5th inst., by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, to the splendid Varieties^ purchased by MESSRS. VEITCH & SONS At the Sale held at Messrs. Stevens' on the 22d of April last. For full description of which, see Gardeners' Chronicle of April 11, 1868, pages 376 and 377. MESSRS. VEITCH and SONS intend distributing these magnificent NOVELTIES during the ensuing Summer at the following Prices, and will be glad henceforth to book Orders, which will be executed strictly in rotation: — Plane-leaved Series. C. BERKELETI . . 1.5.!. Od. C. SAUNDERSII .. 10 6 C. RUCKERI.. .. 10 6 Frilled- leaved Series. C. BAUSEI .. .. 15s. Orf. C. SCOTTII .. .. 10 6 C. BATEMANI .. 10 0 Or the Set of Six Varieties together, £2 2s. ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, CHELSEA, S.W. PORTABLE COLOUR-SLIPS. TO AID IN FORMING CORRECT AERANGEMEI^TS IN COLOUR PREPARATORY TO PLANTING FLOWER-GARDENS. In depicting the finest outlines of beauty in flowers, when relatively viewed in aggregate groups as a work of art, the importance of properly arranged colours in flower-garden groups, beds, and belts, can scarcely be oven-ated ; and in consequence of the repeated instances in which a mis- arrangement of colours (omng to a defective selection of plants), intended to produce a given result, has destroyed the narmony of the whole throughout the season, E. G. HENDERSON and SON have had prepared a series of Coloured Slips, 27 in number, ropi'esenting over 70 popular bedding-plants, whereby all cultivators may form a temporary arrangement of colours preparatory to planting, according to the reputed theory of colours, or to individual taste, and by which the purchaser may select the requisite colours from the List of Plants accompanying these specimen colours. The assistance thus given will be found applicable to the most limited gardens, as weU as to the greatest in extent. Each Specimen Coloured Slip will be found to correspond in number with those attached to the accompanying List of Plants. A Packet of the Coloured Slips will be forwarded on receipt of six postage stamps. The Catalogue forwarded post free on receipt of four postage stamps. E. G. HENDERSON and SON respectfully the publication of their NEW SPRING CATALOGUE, Containing descriptions of the most popular and On are the following : — VIOLA CORmJTA .ndon, where it was cleaned from the raw material sent from India ; the marketable value of this fibre was 2.S. Qd. per lb,, being equivalent to 2l50f. per ton." At Trinidad Mr. Prestoe reports to the Colonial Secretary that the plants thrive 1 in the Botanic Garden, and with a very trilling cxperisu the stock nii^bt be increased to niaiiy thuiiKiuiUsiu a few weeks. (■..M>.iii.itiiM' tliu freedom with which it grows, there seems tu i. ii,i,i .p why tbo plant should not bo most 8uccessfull\ ' ■ ii ''■■■ i "!■ island. In the Bihamasit is stated" n ii n.lchmatearo quitoinisuitciltoit. Andros Island i , > i, li' i 1 1 he only likely lociilily, and doubts are expressed a.s tu its sinruss there. I'Vum [.agus a luqui-iitiou I'oines for seeds of the plant to bo nt. win n every cire is promised for a trial, which it i« Hnl ]\\ the Governor, says, I' liiiKjria nivea will grow - ixing indigenous to the tlKui^,'lit will prusr In the M;uritli there can bo : i . . readily, twM-|.,,, island. One 111 L.. I. .., 1, .. \ . r , , Lin-(t its cstabliabmcnt is thc.hirge amunuL l.i L.qni a lii.v.nLid in the sugar manufac- tvire, su that it is not [ rububle that the larger proprietors will take the matter up with any spirit. Amongst the smaller planters, however, many of whom are natives of Bengal und perhaps acquainted with its mode of culture, it is lilcely to prove a valiiablo resource. Mr. Home, the sub-director of tho Mauritius Botanic Garden, says that only a few plants were growing in the garden at the time the despatch was received, but that steps were immediately taken to increase the number. Mr. HLme also proposes to set apart a portion of the garden fui the especial cultivation of fibre-yielding pUmta, with a view uf testing their commercial importance. In the Straits Settlements there seems little chanoe of csUiblishing its cultivation " unless," we are told, *' the Government first show that the experiment is likely to succeed, by tbemselves cultivating a small experimental patch of ati acre, or thereabouts, in extent, as was done by the Indian Government both iu the case ot Tea and Cinchona." The most encouraging and interesting report is from Queensland, and is contained in a letter from Mr. Walter Hill, Director of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, to Sir G. F. Bowen, the Governor. The following is an extract from Mr. Hill's letter : — " 1 received plants of the ' China Grass ' so far back as in 1S55, frum the late Sir W. J. Hooker, of the Royal G.inieii.s, Kew ; about a quarter of an acre of the Brisbane Butaiiic Gardens was for two years devoted to their special cultivation ; they nourished vigorously and required com- paratively little care in their preparation or preservation. Tlicre being .at the time no very tempting demand in tl>e European markets for the fibre, and there being no machinery or appliances In the colony for exti-actintf it, and fiuding that the plant had attained an exulierance and tenacity of growth which was gradually encroach'nir upon more ground than could be properly spared, I caused it to be removjd to tho border on the hank of the river, where it can now be seen growing in a very thriving condition. Some of the fibre, however, was sent home to the International Exhibition in 1862 ; and as, I believe, there are now means in this colony for extritcting it on a more extensive and systematic scale, 1 have lately been contemplating the desirability of again setting ai>art a portion of ground for the exclusive cultivation of the plant, in the hope of being able to give a more practical illus- tration as to the quality of the fibre producible in Queensland, and also with a view of stimulating others to embark in the enterprise." Johii R. Jackson, Kew. {To be Contiaaed.) i^omc CotresponOcircc. Pears.— Tlie comparative hardiness of Pear-bloom is a subject so little understood, andyet so important (espe- cially in seasons when frost is so unduly fasbionable as now), tbat perhaps you may think the following few dis- jointed yet accurate observations wortby of insertion. In the hrst place, it does not follow that because the bloom of any particular sort of Pear is early, that tberefore it incurs more peril than the flowers of a later kind. Ca/eris paribus, it would do so;- but Nature provides certain of the more venturesome ones, either with more operculum, or with stouter anthers, or wit'i more contractile power to exclude cold than others. And here I would ask those who have studied the subject with the required nicety, whether the death- blow from fro>t descends upon the anthers, or upon the female organ ? I am inclined to think that the latter is tlie case; but without longer observation I dare not speak too positively. Before beginning my notes upon the different behaviour of ditferent kinds under hardship, let me notice the common idea that an early Pear must consequently be an early bloomer. Than this there can be no greater mistake. If anything, the reverse is the case. Our first Pear to blouin this year, independently I mean of the force of situaHon, was the Easter Beurre. Our last were BsUe Ju ie and Marie Louise, both comparatively early. At least a month intervened between the acme of flowering of Easter Beurre and Marie Louise. Now as to comparative hardiness and the circumstances of trial. We had about ten frosty nights during the Pear-bloom : the three most torturing were, March 2t and 25, 9' of frost; April 11 and 12, 6'; April 13 and 11, 5°. Eaiter Beurre nas wide in bloom before March 24, yet has set, and rarrits almost every fruit. Louise Bonne was semi-open March 21, in or beyond full bloom April 12. Si arcely one is left on 150 pyramids about 5 feet high ; my especial delight must be perfectly fallow this year, and they always have been "frost-fallowed." Marie Louise was scarcely in full bloom on the 12th of April.yet avery few may stand ; Leon le Clerc, mid-season in bloom- ing, has not set a fruit, even upon the walls. Remember, I am speaking of standard trees, e.xcept where otherwise specified. Buchesse d'Angouleme, cotemporary iu bloom with the last, has failed even more disgracefully because I have so many trees of it ; there is not ono fruit left, whether on trained or standard trees. Beurre Superfin, sub-late in blooming, has set fruit very sparsely, except upon the walls. Loyennd du Comice, a shy bloomer, has set nearly all it showed. Seckel (whose pinky buttons of bloom, a novice might have taken for Apple-flower) has set tolerably well. Hessel, rather forward, has yielded much to the ice-nip Doyenne d'Elu, mid-season in bloom will give me small chance of trying this year whether it equals Citron. Citron des Carmes, quite early in bloom, carries its trusses fairly. Swan's EsJg, rather late m bloom, had so much scape or opercle, before the flowers opened, that people at a distance thought the tre^ were in full foliage, and cried " What a phenornenon ! The bloom with this encouragement has defied the cold. Williams' Bon Chretiens have bloomed so badly this year that they escape blame for not setting. Ulou 490 THE (lAKDENKRS' CITKOMCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [May 0, 1S68. Morceau, ralUer early in flower, has set very well. Beurre Clairgeau hasset very feebly; Conseillera laCour not at all : the bloom is very tender, as well as very early. Chaumi ntel has defied all frost; Morel has suffared considerably ; Beurre Hardi has set well, and so has BrowQ Beurr6 ; Jargonelle has done its best to preserve a few fruits ; Beurre Diel has not stood out, but Josephine de Malines is a stayer. I could dilate upon 50 others, but it would be too wearisome, there- fore a few words only. To " T. 6.," of Clitheroe (see p. 408) many thanks for his hint; to Mr. Culverwell (see p. 462) thanks also, qualified with the remark that t made no "sweeping condemnation," but fairly told my soil and clime, and admitted the more than feminine variability of Fears. My only object was to save others from rash and costly experiments. Beurr^ Superfin on the Pear stock may, for all I know, be worthless, as Louise Bonne is here; on the Quince the latter is good with us, but I do not believe it capable of ever being quite first-class, according to my high standard. It is never truly buttery. As to picking late Pears before they part freely, the sole result with us is that they shrivel and pucker. Easter Beurre cannot hang too long here; 10' of frost do not hurt it. I think that Mr. Culverwell is wrong as to the possibility of cold nights making Pears gritty. The grit in Pears is quite independent ( fventure to submit) of atmospheric influences. It is caused by excess of silica [and lignin], which some varieties assimilate too kindlyl An unripe Pear is not a whit more gritty than it would be when ripe, although of course it is harder. In other words, the "grit," in the sense in which I use the word, is insoluble by saccharine fermentation, just as is the lignosity of some base-bred sorts. All Pears near the ground are gone, whether on wall or standard. So much for cordons. Pari Passu. Preservation of Timber by Steeping it in Lime Water. —In the number of the Royal Agricultural Society's Journal just issued, I read with much intereit Mr. A. B. Denton's account of the practice of Mr. Barton Burroughes in reference to soaking home- grown timber in a solution of lime water with a view to its preservation, and the more so as I well remember, when a boy at school, now nearly 30 years ago, seeing the very same process in lull operation on the estate of the Earl of Tankerville at Chillingham, Northumber- land. There must on that estate be abundance of data to prove the value or otherwise of the practice. The person who at the time was agent for his lordship has long been dead, nor do I know who now holds that office, but if this should meet the eye of Mr. Bowie, who has for many years, and so ably, managed the gardens at Chillingham, he will doubtless be able and vi'illing to tell your readers the state of preservation of timber steeped 30 or more gears ago in lime water, and also whether the practice is still followed on Lord Tankerville's estates. W. J. M. Mowing Machines.— Having seen in your Paper various articles on the merits of different grass-cutting ■ machines, I will give you my opinion on one made by Messrs. Barnard, Bishop, & Barnard, which I use to out a lawn of about three-quarters of an acre. The knife is 10 inches wide, and one man easily works the machine, but then the Grass is cut every week, and therefore does not grow very long. It works noiselessly. The revolving motion is communicated to the knife by means of a friction-wheel covered with vulcanised india-rubber; there is, therefore, no wear caused by the action of two surfaces of iron, as in the case of oog wheels and endless bands used in other machines, which appear from what I have heard to be very liable to break or stretch, and cannot be easily repaired in the country. On the other hand nothing can be simpler than to replace the india- rubber ring in Barnard's machine by a new one when worn out, which will most probably happen in from 9 to 12 months. This invention aj^pears to me to pos.=ess an advantage in having the front rollers placed in front of the box for catching the Grass, thus giving more space for the Grass to rise to the knife than IS usual in most machines, where the front rollers are placed close to the knife. The distance, however, is an objection in confined spaces, or amongst flower beds, as when the front rollers get otT the Grass the height of the knife from the Grass is disturbed and uneven work is the result, but this will not apply to any but very small spaces. The box for catching the Grass is rather small, Daisies are nearly all sent flying over it, and some of the Grass also. The means for raising and lowering the knife, and for setting it to the fi.'sed edge, are simple and effective. Some means ought, however, to be devised for protecting the lubricating holes. In all machines the main point to be looked at, in my opinion, is the manner of communicating the motion to tbe^ knife, and this appeal's to me to be done more simply in Barnard's than in anyother. 3. As "E. K." (p. 463) wishes information as regards mowing ma(;hines, I beg to say that I have bought Green's 11-inch machine. It is light, simple in con- struction, noiseless, and does its work first-rate. I got it from London, and the cost of the box and carriage amounted to "s. V,d. The head-masters of King's Bridge and Brutou King's School, the Eev. Messrs. Middleton, saw it at work here, and were much pleased with it. The machine should be set by the maker; it should be used when the Grass is dry, and it should be oiled and kept in a dry place. W. F. Radduffe, Okeford FHzpahe, Dorse/. There can, I think, be but one opinion as regards tlie dura- bility of Messrs. Shanks' machines. Eleven years ago I purchased one (19-inch), which has been "at work, more or less, every season since. The knives and sole- plate have been twice replaced, but beyond these the other parts of the machiue remain as good as ever. Its greatest fault is, it is " heavy to pull." Last year I purchased another (24-inch), a very great improvement on the old one. The workmanship is excellent— light »Bd yet strong. The machine is comparatively easy to work, and it does its work better than any machine with which I have yet met. J. Donald, Hampton Court. Shanks' mowing machine has beea u^ed here for many years. The first one which we had lasted 20 years, and three years ago I got his new and improved one, which does its work remai'kably well. We have a great breadth of lawn, but we find not the least difliculty in keeping it in order with this machine. I prefer it to the implements of any other miiker, because it is strong and does its work so well. J. Rust, Fridge Caslle. Tunbridiie Wells. Cordon Training.— Mr. Barron reports (see p. 404) that a "spring like this would be fatal to low cordons;" but why ? let me ask. I have examined the fruit trees of some of the largest gardens within a radius o: 30 miles of where I write, since the frosts of the 12th and 13th ult. ; and though I am sorry to say that the damage done in every case is serious, I do not find that the blossom within a foot of the ground has suffered more than that in any intermediate distance up to •30 feet. So far from cordons being " fatally" injured I found at Welbeck, where Mr. Tillery has planted them extensively, having imported some blooming plants for the purpose of the imme- diate proof of the system, they were not injured at all. But these trees, though unprotected, were peculiarly situated, and therefore I do not put them forward as any proof of the superiority of the system. Cordons, however, admit of being trained in situations where no other fruit trees could be trained, and hence they offer the means of growing fruit in places previously entirely void of it. One gardener, an observant practical man, remarked, " I could find, with out diminishing my present garden space, room for 500 cordon trees, and if each only produced me two fruits that would be 1000— a grand help where the old trees are worn out, and young ones are not yet come into bearing." I claim no special superiority for cordon training beyond that of large produce in a limited space, but if by it we can grow the fine specimen Apples and Pears which we now import from France at an exorbitant price, I do not see why we should not do so, and at the same time thank your Paris correspondent, who has so strenuously forced the fact upon our attention. The growth of choice fruits in the open air seems to become yearly more and more precarious. Perfect protection appears to be our only safeguard, and certainly no system of training can afford greater facilities for protection t'aan the cordon. Give it a fair trial say I, and condemn it when it is found wanting. P. A W.. Nottingham. Coleus Names.— As "Registrar" has again brought up this subject, I would add that unless a new uniform termination, not likely to be confounded with thai of names already in use, is forthcoming— and this is what I should prefer — the best alternative would be, ndopt the termination ana now in frequent use. When a genus or species becomes popular and seedlings multiply, as in our florists' flowers, then by all means let them liave popular or fancy names, but let us have the first removes sonamed that they may keep up so to speak, some connection with their parent .species. T. M. I regret that "Registrar" should have thought my remarks uncourteous, I was but standing up for my order, which in this discussion seemed to be somewhat superciliously, if not rudely pushed aside. Unfortu- nately I cannot discover the parallel in the case of the umbrella, though perhaps in this lies the sum and substance of our differences. If the case really be, as if I were appropriating " Registrar's " umbrella, he must claim some property in something which has come under discussion— and this I presume (for I see nothing else to which his claim can possibly apply) is the right of naming these plants. Now here I join issue, and say that in the entire discussion of this question, from the Paris Congress until now, there has been on the part of the botanists an assumption of right to dictate names, and a virtual denial of right to " gardeners " to bestow names, which I, as a gardener, cannot for a moment submit to. Prom the botanical Olympus the gods have looked down upon us, and com- manded us to hear and obey ! But the laws we obey must be just. Kow I willingly allow that botanists should deal as they see best with botanical names— the names, that is, of genera and species: it is quite proper that they should have the settlement of these; but I claim for gardeners (and I use the term in its widest sense— including nurserymen) the full right to deal as ihey please with the names of garden varieties, under whichever of the technical terms employed by botanists the plants may happen to rank. Each parly has, I maintain, full rights in its own field of labour ; and hence, if a mutual understand- ing is to be come to (and I hold this to be most desirable) both parties must be duly consulted. For all the rarer and higher races of varieties, I decidedly pre- fer names with some uniform termination (hence, necessarily, Latin or Latinised), and if the ana already in use is the best that can be got, I don't object to it, but let a better and altogether new termination be found if possible. As the Scientific Committee is to discuss this question, I suggest that when a decision has been arrived at, in the spirit above indicated, an IndexexpurgatoriusshoaXA be published— that is to say, all known erroneous names coming under this category should be brought together in a catalogue, and the cor- rected names printed along with them. Antipodes. [We think our correspondent misunderstands the |)oint raised by " Registrar." No botanist would wish to dictate to his fellow labourer, he would simply wish, for the avoidance of confusion, that a distinctive set of names should not be used otherwise than for the particular purpose for which they were contrived. Horticulturists unquestionably should have the right to name their productions, but not to employ for this purpose the terms used by botanists to signify some- thing else. We think that in such cases as the Coleus a Latin termiuation is desirable, but it should not be either ii or ana. The evils of the misappropriation of these terminations are well seen in such books as " Sweet's Geraniacea:," &c. At any rate the Scientific Committee will do good service if it come to some generally acceptable decision on this matter. Eds.] Edible Winter Vegetable Marrow.— This fine variety of Marrow, which is somewhat generally grown in this neighbourhood, rarely seems to be appreciated for its special character— that of a winter vegetable. It is so very nice when cooked in a green state, that beyond saving one or two for seed it is seldom to be found after autumn. Its special peculiarity is in the flesh, which, when boiled, more closely approaches to Marrow in its consistency and softness than that of any other of the family; it is neither stringy nor watery, and, in short, it may be called mealy. The flesh is yellow in colour, and the fruit is somewhat egg-shaped ; the plant is a strong grower, and fairly productive. To the poorer classes a stock of well-ripened fruit of this Marrow must be a great acquisition. There are lew cottage allotment gardens in which the Marrow does not occupy a prominent place, because of its useful- ness, and the high estimation in which it is held by the fimily. Some two or three fruit are allowed to ripen for seed, and in the winter these are suspended in some prominent place in the house, where they are dis- played to the eyes of admiring visitors as trophies of the skill of the householder. In most cases, however, the sorts grown will prove to be some of the long green or mottled kinds — sorts that have nothing but size to recommend them. When the poor man's stock of "taties" is gone, then the Marrows are used, and prove exceedingly welcome! But how hard and tough their coats are ! You have to use a chopper to penetrate them. And when the fruit is cut in two, and the seeds are scooped out, portions of the flesh are cut away from the hard coating and cooked as required. In the edible Winter Marrow the coaling of the largest fruit is as easily penetrated with a knife when ripe as when it is green; and if portions are cut off and boiled solid, the skin will peel off not thicker than a, mere film. I am fully persu ided that, of all the varieties of this useful veiietable for winter cooking, this is the best. A. Dean, Old Shirley. Variegated Kales. — I have just received from Messrs. Stuart & Sleiu a selection of leaves of varie- gated Kales, so strikingly handsome in appearance as to well deserve a notice. They seem to come from a dwarf and compact growing stock ; not one of them was as big as my hand, and the smallest was as highly developed in character as the largest. The crested form of a majority of the leaves was especially notice- able, but the crest was not at the extremity of the leaves merely, but on both sides as well, like the feathered floret of a Tulip. The crest was composed of a double and even triple row of small leatlets, as handsome and as nicely curled as the choicest gar- nishing Parsley. The whole of the body of some of the leaves was of a pure creamy white colour, fringed with a pale green hue, in other instances with a deep green, and sometimes with a hue of green blended with purple. Some had this ground colour of creamy white dashed with green, and a broad crested fringe blotched with white and green ; again, some leaves were heavily tinged with purple, others with a more roseate hue, but had a fringe wholly green ; while some had the green fringe intermingled with purple. Some of the leaves were wholly of a delicate violet purple hue. A hs^ leaves were enclosed with them so small in size, and yet of such definiteness of character, as to suggest that a miniature strain had been created, suitiable for forming an edging to what would seem to be the larger-growing kinds. Richard Dean, Ealing. Growing Winter Pears.- One of your correspon- dents somewhat unjustifiably informed your readers that I could not have taken into consideration the difference between the climate of Paris, and that of the south of England. Such remarks hardly call for a reply, but in a note in last Saturday's issue from Mr. Culverwell, of Thorpe Perrow (see p. 402), it is remarked that he can assure rae of the impossibility of growing winter Pears away from walls in the north, and that 1 might as well try to turn the stream uphill. How did Mr. C. get po-ssessed of this idea? He cannot surely have read me as those who venture to publicly criticise should read. Nothing can be less liable to anything but wilful misrepresentation than those parts of my letters from Paris, devoted to the Pear ; it is therefore useless lor me to inform Mr. Culverwell, but I may remind your impartial readers that I never directly or indirectly recommended " winter Pears to be grown away from walls in the north," nor promul- gated any idea even remotely allied to that ; that instead of advising people to grow Pears without walls, I have counselled their more abundant use, and described a way in which in many districts they may be most cheaply made; that I have recommended every inch of wall to be taken advantage of, and pointed out how by very simple and inexpensive means we may reap great advantage of wall space now utterly useless and naked. I think, as I have before stated, that in districts favourable to the Pear we may attain results with the choicer kinds of winter Pears such as we have never yet attained, and chiefly by growing them on walls well protected in spring, and on the improved kind of espalier which I described. To save myself to some extent from such misrepresentations as those referred to, I have been obliged to throw my observations into the form of a book, and in that I have replied to the strictures of the Rev. Air. Berkeley on the French mode of keeping Grapes, and endeavoured by the aid of illustra- tions and greater space to put it, the cordon system, " sub-tropical gardening," both with tender and hardy plants, salad culture, and many other matters of interest, both to the fruit and vegetable grower as well as the ornamental gardener, in a clearer light. Mr. Rivers accused me in one place of saying that by \ May !), 18C8.] THE GAr.DENEl^S' cnKONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. " mere skill " we can improve the culture of the Pear — I assert emphatically that we can, and by the employment of this despised agent, " mere skill." As my 2-lth letter from Paris contained an explanation of the chief ways to accomplish this end, I need not repeat them here. I do not think they could have been stated in a plainer way. Not one person has objected to my proposals as stated in that letter — almost totally devoted to iho Pear— yet some have not been slow to adopt the course which I have been obliged to notice in the case of Mr. Culverwell. W. Robinson. Epilobium angustifolium, or Rosebay Willow Herb.— I am surprised that this plant is not more generally known and cultivated than it is, as a dinner vegetable. It is, I am told, indigenous, and plentiful in some woods and moist places. It forms a favourite article of diet with the country people in certain districts of England, and the young shoots are little, if at all, inferior to Asparagus when boiled ; therefore they are a cheap substitute for it. I have never met with the plant, to my knowledge, in this quarter (South "Wales), and I will thank you to inform me if it can be grown in gardens [easily], and whether or not it is worth being so cultivated? Perhaps some one of your readers, who may have tried the experiment, will obH^ingly communicate the result of his experience, and if favourable, where the plants are to be obtained ? /Subscriber, Whitlaiid. Hops as a Vegetable.— The tender, blanched shoots of Hops, taken oil' about 1 ^ inch in length, just as they begin to appear above ground, are largely used and much esteemed as a vet?etable on the Continent, though seldom seen at table with us. Subscriber, Wldtland. Haricot Beans.— Why White Haricot Beans, con- sumed in such quantities on the Continent, should be so despised in this country I cannot understand, for they are really very nice when plainly boiled and served up with butter and pepper, as practised in Prance ; and when made into soup in the same way as we do dried Peas, they are said to afford more nutri- tive qualities even than these. Subscriber, Whitland. Tiffany. — I had a Peach tree covered with blossom- buds on a south wall, and was anxious to protect it from frost. Hearing and seeing much about tiffany, I invested 9*. in a piece, and covered my Peach tree among others. The consequence is that the tiffany so encouraged blight that the tree is utterly ruined, and I shall have to replace it next autumn. Now it appears to me that tiffany is suitable only for shading, and that it ought not therefore to be advertised as a protection from frost. I spoke to a gardener since, who has a large wall of Peach and Nectarine trees, " Oh ! " he said, " we never use tiffany, it is worse than labour wasted, it encourages blight." Another market gardener has a long south-west wall covered with Pears, Nectarines, and Apricots. I asked his experience m reference to the matter, which is this; ** I used tanned netting, 1 inch mesh, over some trees, others were unprotected.^ None were injured by frost; but those without netting are slightly damaged by blight. The covered ones are perfectly free so far as the netting reaches ; below that they are blighted." Now we have had some sharp frosts. It follows then that inch tanned netting, which is very cheap, protects trees from frost and blight. Tiffany, which is much more expensive, encourages the increase of and perhaps induces blight. I should like to hear what Mr. Fish has to say as regards tiffany. I feel convinced that it has cost me Sis. plus a good crop of Peaches, and the tree itself. T. W. Embothrium coccineum. — I think that I may venture to assert that this is one of the most beautiful hardy-flowering shrubs which has ever been intro- duced into this country. A few days ago I had the pleasure of seeing one in fuU flower, growing in the open shrubbery, in the pleasure grounds of G. Williams, Esq., Scorrier House, Cornwall. It is about 14 feet high and 30 feet in circumference, with upwards of 500 corymbs or heads of flowers of the most brilliant vermilion colour imaginable, each corymb producing from 20 to GO flowers. There is at Scorrier a magnifi- cent collection of Rhododendrons now in bloom, but they are all eclipsed by the rich colour of the Embo- thrium. Although this plant was sent out under the name of Embothrium coccineum, I am inclined to think that it is Telopea speciosissima. J. Mitchell, Tremorvak, Truro. [This description sufficiently agrees with Embothrium. Eds.] Fruit Crops.— In this locality (North Middlesex and South Herts) orchards are without exception one mass of blossom, especially Apples. Plums, I think, will be a fair crop, although it is rather premature to judge yet. A good portion of the bloom was partially injured during the recent frosts, particularly in low exposed positions. Pears are safe, and an abundant crop, Cherries, too, are finely set and swelling off nicely, Apricots and Peaches are generally good, but the cold biting east winds which we are now experiencing are telling a tale upon the foliage in the shape of blisters. I trust there will soon be a change in the weather, otherwise I fear that the Apple blossom will be injured to some extent. All Peach walls should be pro- tected, and with glass. John Edlington, WrotJiam Park, Barnet. Scientific Committee of the R.H.S.— Every well-wisher of the Horticultural Society must rejoice in its last great step forward. It is much for it to have collected together such a scientific phalanx, to be devoted to the illustration of the philosophy of plant life in health and disease. The Society hitherto has chiefly recorded results. It has paid for skill in a concrete form— as plants, flowers, or fruit. It has also done something to explain the why and because of things. But now it seems to have written across its gates, to all seekers after the science of horticulture and its hidden treasures, *' Inquire within." And looking at the list of names, one has confidence that something, yea, everything good, may be had for the asking. And this is juat what has long been wanted— H sort of Itoyal Society devoted to horticulture, where we may confidently carry our doubts and darkness, and have them cleared up by ni«n whose attainments in their special walks title them to unbounded confidence. To this Committee, w discoveries about tho phenomena of life, the mysteries of structure, or tho influences of disease, will be taken with as much confidence as a now truth in science is laid before tho Royal Society. The importance of every discoveiy will be weiKhod, its jilacc a-H^ij^'iiud, itH merits canvassed, its value asse.s.si.'i. Hi.], ii III ,y 1.1 . i: ■ ] .nicusions exposed. Tho great merit ^i M ■ ,,,, ,,i i,, i i!,, if, will be able to speak with autliniii I, . I mean nothing disrespect- ful til pi'' '"I I'll i,..]-it !■■ \'\ 1 1 lis expression ; but it is well known thiU, nuw Liiu uuiy iinLUurities on great questions con- nected with horticulture, questions that relate to the entire circles of the sciences, many of them, are the editors and staff of the horticultural journals— able men, clever men douhtle.^s their own special walks, but they would be tin' tnsi to confess that many points that are agitatiiiLr li iii.ii turists at the present day, relating to tho pou< i i i: and tho forces of Nature, the laws of form, cul". and the rules of the highest art, had better bo disi n ■ 1 !>. such a committee, than be dogmatised upon solely' by them- selves. This is emphatically among horticiUturists an age of inquiry. The rago, not only among plants, flowers, and fruits, but also in men's minds is, who shall show or teach us any- thhig new ? And for this reason the formation of this com- iiiitlcc is most opportune. Two things are requisite to give it the fullest measure of success — completeness in itself, and regularity and frequency of utterance. Looking through the list of names I miss Tyndall and Herschel, our first men, pro- bably, upon light and heat. Neither do I see any artists. It would be well to add some of our best painters, and a word-painter like Ruskin. I also miss the name of Hunt, who has done good service by his experiments upon coloured glass. Doubtless other names will suggest themselves to many. It would facilitate suggestions if the names of tho present members were given with their special science attached. Surely the importance of geology would suggest thi,- desirableness of proposing such a man as Sir Charles Lyell or Professor Ansted. To inspire perfect confidence the com- mittee must be complete in the sense of including a repre- sentiitive of every science that has any relation to horticultm-o. And then it should speak to us with frequency and authority. I confess to a feeling of gi*eat disappointment with that portion of Mr. Berkeley's address that referred to the publications of the Royal Horticultural Society. Unless the Journal of the Society can appear regularly at least once a quarter, itmayjust almost as well be wholly suppresed. It seems the difficulty is entirely one of funds. I submit that it is not respectful to scientific men to ask them to co-operate in the advancement of the highest branches of horticulture, and at the same time inform them that we cannot aflford to publish their valuable contributions, unless in a fitful and, as it were, accidental manner. Tho prompt and reg-olar publication of the papers read at the meetings will give a zest and interest to the proceedings of the Committee that nothing else can impart. In fact, without this regularity and certainty of publication, the Com- mittee will probably languish and die. I look upon publication, certain and complete, as the first necessity of its existence, the source of its usefulness and the very breath of its life. Mr. Berkeley's remark, that the Papers would appear in other journals— the Gardenerx' Clironirle, for instance— is a very good argument why the Journal and the Proceedings of the Royal Horticultural Society should both be given up, but is no excuse at all for their irregular appearance. Surely without any very heavy outlay the Journal and Proceedings might be amalgamated and sent out in a respectable form once 'a quarter, like any other quarterly journal. Unless this can be done they may as well cease to appear, as no one cares to re-read an account of events six or nine months old. These reasons were forcibly stated by the editor of the Agricultural Gazette last week (p. 407). His remarks are also especially applicable to the Scientific Committee. Its utterances must be promptly and readily made known, for it is in the meeting together of head and hands — science and pi-acticc -through some common medium of intercommunion, that the highest advantages can be gained. In reference to the Society's pubUeations, the fault has not only been in the delay, but in the absolute un- certainty of publication. This is a matter of such urgent im- portance as to demand the immediate attention of the Council as well as of the Scientific Committee. The option before the Society seems to be the amalgamation of its two pubhcations into one, and the regular issue of their "Transactions" once in three months, or their suppression altogether. The latter would be a lesser evil than the present mode of " hope deferred making the heart sick," and chronic disappointment when the enatic visitors arrive. A Fellow of the R. H. S. of tho nomenclature of plants, especially of garden plants would bo taken into consideration, and the fyllowing letter from M. Do Candolle was laid on tho table : — I find (says tho learned Professor) from the Gardaiern' Chronicle that your Committee, which has been so happily coueeiveii and judiciously constituted, is about to occupy ii If V. i! ii \ Im iiuinenclaturc of plants. Allow me ti> address . i ■ . 'Imus, not with the intention of support- ingtlii' ii ': ! I I lid before tho Congress at Paris in 1867, fortliiy ii. Lh ■III Mil agreeable to the principles recognised by Kiigli.Hli lji>L:im.sLH, but to render certain details moru perfect, and tu prevent certain inconveniences, especially in what concerns the nomenclature of cultivated species. I may remark first that it is always more easy to propose 1 i>een shown, although the specimens were very far from being of so large a size as that species was known to attain. This was one of the best of the edible Agarics ; it differed from the common Mushroom in having white gills, and wits commonly to be found in Grass fields about the 2uth of April, coming up after rain. This year it did not appear till after the heavy rains of last week. It was nearly allied to the Mouceron, a kind much esteemed by the French, and which they preserve for winter use. After referring to a passage in a letter from l>r. Livingstone to Sir Roderick Murchison as to the value of Fungi as food, Mr. Berkeley said he had just received a letter from Professor Fries, one of the greatest authorities on the subject, who had sent him a proapectus of a new work on Hymen omyeetcs, a ctaa.s of Fungi which afltord excellent nourishment, hi Sweden and Norway edible Fungi were used ulong with flour in the shape of bread, and must certainly l>e better than the inner bark of trees, which was sometimes used there for the same purpose. In ct»nnection with this, Mr. Berkeley observed that at the time the Potato disease broke out, Silesian Beet had been recommended for mixing with flour for bread, find it answered the purpose very well, only tho bread made with it contained little lines of treacle, which were produced in the process of baking. As an article of feod he hoped the Mushroom tribe would not be so much neglected as it bad been. After stating that four dishes of Mushrooms— two from natural and two from artificial spawn— sent by Mr. W. Ingram, of Eclvoir Castle Gardens, exhibited scarcely any difference, Mr. Berkeley added that he had recently received a letter from Mr, Harry Chester, of which the purport was a hope that the Koyal Horticultural Society would take up the subject of Fungi as food, and get analyses of them ; and Mr. Berkeley said that in addition to the prize which had been already offered by a friend for edible Funguses in September, a second prize would be given from another source ; and it might therefore be hoped that there would then be an excellent display, not only of esculent but also of poisonous Fungi. A Fungus belonging really to the genua Uredo, to which a great many Funyi had been improperly referred by botanists, w;is then noticed, and a drawing of it exhibited. Mr. Berkeley next referred to Scilla campanulata, of which a specimen double the size he had ever seen before was sent by Mr. Cox, of Redleaf, who informed him that the causes of its presenting such an unusual degree of development appeared to be its being grown in very rich loam, and the roots never having been disturbed. Anopteris glandulosus was then said to remind onevery muchof aClethra, and to be nearly allied to Escallonia; and in conclusion Mr. Berkeley pointed out a case in which Auricula stamens had been developed into leaves, and in which the ovules were entirely naked. Attempts bad been made to raise plants from the latter in another Primula, but had entirely failed. Mr. Bateman said, that before offering bis promised remarks on the Loqu:it, he would call attention to some beautiful Clematises raised by Mr. Noble, of Sunningdale; also to two remarkable species of Gum trees (Eucalyptus), from the beau- tiful gardens of C. J. Woolfield, Esq., of Cannes, on the shores of the Mediterranean, where no trees seemed to have such a rapid growth, this amounting to 8 or 10 feet in a single year, and some of them were 50 or 60 feet high. Not only did they produce flowers, but seeds as well. With regard to the Orchids shown, his (Mr. Batemau's) remarks would on this occasion be brief. The first he would refer to was a very pretty species of Epidendrum from Mr. Rucker, which, though it had neither been fijjured nor exhibited before, had been named E. iuversum by Di*. Lindley many years ago. It possessed pretty rose tints, was agreeably fragrant, and being, moreover, a cool Orchid, It would, no doubt, become a favourite. Next, there was the Trichopilia suavis, from Mr. Woodward, of Ewell, and which was perhaps the most perfect specimen of that plant shown at any meeting. In a nice collection from Messrs. E. G. Henderson, there was Dendrobium infundibulum, which now vindicated its character as being distinct from the D. formosum, shown by Messrs. Veiteh. It. too, was a cool Orchid, flowering beauti- fully with his friend, Mr. Wentworth Buller, under cool treatment. Attention was also directed to a remarkable Onci- dium from the collection of Mr. Day, sent under the name of O. concolor, but of which the clear pale yellow flowers were certainly not those of the species commonly called by that name ; to Saccolabium ampullaceum, from Messrs. Rollisson ; and to cut spikes of an accidental variety of Cattleya citrina, from Messrs. Lee, exhibiting a rich orange tint Instead of the ordinary lemon colour, and which was more beautiful than the common form. Turuing next to Messrs. Veitcb's collec- tion, there were in it the buff-flowered Lselia grandis, a fine kind of easy culture ; the Ceylon Dendrobium MacCarthiae, which had formed the subject of one of his lectures last year, and of whichnotaword too much had been said initspi-aise ; but fine as Messrs. Veitcb's specimen was on the present occasion, the plant in time would be found still more beautiful. As regards an Epidendrum allied to paniculatum from tho same firm. It was still flowering weakly, but when stronger the spike would be something like a bunch of Lilacs, only the flowers would be richer in colour. A pretty new white Dendrobium was shown by Mr. Williams, and it possessed the additional merit of being sweet-scented ; and in a collection which should be nameless, there was a Cypripedium, called biliorum, which exemplified the folly of"^ naming plants from what were mere accidental deviations from the normal state, for not a single stem was now two-flowered. Dr. Lindley made a similar mistake in giving to an Oncidium the name of uniflorura, whereas the plant now never pro- duces fewer than two or three blossoms on a spike. TJie lust Orchid to which he would direct attention was Den- drobium thyrsiflorum, of which Mr. Marshall had brought a beautiful cut spike. Turning to the Loquat, Mespilua (or, more properly), Eriobotrya japonica, the Nc'ilier du Japon of the French, and of which there was in the room a large specimen brought from the Society's conservatory, Mr. Bateman observed there was this difference Ijetween the Floral and Fruit Committees, that while the former had to deal with entirely new forms, the labours of the latter were much more monotonous, being chiefly confined to new varieties of old forms, although at the present meeting there was an exception. If we supposed a horticulturist who died 100 yej^rs ago to revisit us and accept an invitation to breakf<*st at some pleasant suburban villa, almost everything would be new to him among the flowers in the conservatories and parterres, and among the shrubs and trees in the grounds. He would, therefore, pro- bably expect equally delightful surpiiaes among the fruits of which he would presently have to partake at his host's hos- pitable board, but in this he would be disappointed. There would be Peaches and Pine-apples, very fine of the kind ; Grapes, and Figs, and Strawberries, and ao forth, but of all these he would have partaken Ijefore. New fruits there would be absolutely none, unless his host happened to grow the Pui-ple Granadilla or the Banana in his stoves ; but these were quite exceptional cases. To be sure if he bad visited Sion ten years .ago, he might have tasted the Mango- steen, and if here to-day he might have indulged in Eugenia Jarabos, or the Rose Apple, but these opportunities, like angel's visits, were few and far between. Our own Queen, in whose reign the Mangosteen fruited, had only tasted it once, whereas King Charles, to whom the first Pine-apples^ were presented, feasted upon them again and again. All this was very strange and disheartening. There were plenty of excel- lent tropical fruits, but nobody, except of course Mr. Huilett, has ever tasted them in this country. From time to time a tropical fruit was produced in the garden of some wealthy amateur, and after the fact had been duly chronicled, it was half a century before we heard of it again. This was the case with the Longan and Litchi, the Mango, the Blimbing, (fee., and then with the Loquat, to which he would at present confine his remurks. The Loquat, a native of Japan, and first mentioned by Thunberg in hia work, " Flora japonica," published iu 1784, is, according to Mr. Fortune, to whom he (Mr. Bateman) was greatly indebted for some valuable memoranda, "a common fruit tree both in China and Japan, and its fruit is highly esteemed by the natives of both countries. There is a single-seeded variety which is most valued. The cultivation of this tree extends from south to north over 7" or 8° of latitude In Chinar— that is, from Canton in the south, to Nahkin in the north. The climate between these lines of latitude differs very consider- ably, particularly in winter, the northern part being much colder tbiui the southern ; but in all parts the summers are very warm— indeed, the thermometer in tbe shade frequently rises above 100" Fnhr. in the north at Shanghae, while I nover knew it higher than 92" in Macao or Canton." The tree, continued Mr. Bateman, also succeeds in the Botanic Garden of Saharunpore, and had extended along the islands along tbe coast of tbe Mediterranean. He had met with it in every garden iu Camies, scenting the air iu November and December last with ita agrceublo aromatic flower ; and here, an exceptional frost notwithstand- ing, it had sot abundance of fruit, which were not rip© before he was obliged to leave. Such is the estimation in which it is held, that quantities were preserved at Grasse (some of which Mr. Bateman exhibited). He could csiU on the noble President as a witness to ita merits, he hating partaken of an omelttte au N^flUrduJaj>on{3a;p%rio6& Medlar), nnd pronounced it excellent, Mr. Fortune, from the fact of the different climates in which the Loquat flourishes, waa of opinion that it might be easily cultivated in an artificial way in countries like our own, where tbe climate is not suitable to its require- ments. "What, then," said Mr. Fortune, "are those require- ments? I believe them to be rest in winter, and particularly a hot summer and autumn. This rest in winter may be given by cold or by dryness, or by both combined. In proof of this I may mention that the tree succeeds admirably in the noith-west provinces of India. I met with it in the Government Garden at Saharunpore in as fine con- dition as it is seen in China or Japan. Further, I believe it succeeds perfectly in the south of Europe, in the north of Africa, and iu tbe islands of tho Mediterranean. In all those countries it has the two essentiils — namely, a cool or dry winter, and a warm summer and autumn. " In the latitude of London the Loquat is all but perfectly hardy. A tree growing against a south wall, and without any protection whatever, used to be in the garden of the Society at Cbiswick 20 or ,30 years ago. This treo rarely produced any biusaoms, and never fruited. For this it wanted something more than our northern climate could supply. What that .some- thing is I have already indicated in describing tho climate of ita native country and of those other countries in which it is found to be at home. Give it the temperature and the rest it receives in any of those coimtries, and this tree will not only flower freely, but also produce an abundance of fruit in due sea- son," In a book which had been kindly lent him by the Linnean Society, the " Jardln de Malmaison, ' edited by M. Veuteuat, and published at Paris on the 30th Germinal of the year xi. of the French Republic, corresponding to our 30th of April, 1803, there was a figure of the plant in flower ; butit had been figured before that by Thiinberg, and indeed the plant itself was introduced into England by Sir Joseph Banks in 1787. This work, however, came to us under circumstances of pecu- liar interest, for there was an interesting letter from M. Ven- tenat, written by desire of Madame Bonaparte, afterwards the Empress Josephine, to Sir James Smith, President of the Linnean Society, begging hia acceptance of a copy of t\xv work, and regretting that as almost all the plants at Maluiaisaii had come from England, there was nothing that would be new to him. A hope was, however, expressed that as orders had been sent out to all countries of the globe to collect plants and seeds, she should be able to do better by-and-by, (This hope was frustrated by tbe battles of Nile and Trafalg.ir, which placed the empire of the seas entirely in the power of England.) Allusion was also made to a very choice herbarium formed by Madame Buonaparte, and m which she took a lively interest, and to which it was hinted any addition would be most welcome. Sir James, with true English gallantry, in reply, offered to the illustrious lady his sincere acknow- ledgments, and promised 10 send anything that could be spared, either dried plants or seeds, that would be likely to interest her. To proceed with the subject of the Loquat. It did not appear to have fi-uited at Malmaison. This, however, was reserved for the county with which he (Mr, Bateiii:iii), Wixs connected— Staffordshire, for on February 3, 1819, a letter from Lord Bagot was read before the Horticultural Socirty, in which an interesting account was given of the flowcriiiL; aii'l fruiting of the plant at Blithfield, and high testimony t<. its merit. Sir William Coke, who was on a visit to Lord Bi^^^iit. h iil been in the habit of eating large quantities of it in t'rylon. but never tasted any so good as Lord Bagot's. The tree which fruited was wintered out-of-doors and then taken in October and plunged in the tan bed in the stove. Mr. Batemen believed that he was the next to fruit it about the year 1827 ; but it was turned out at once in a corner of a tan bed bricked off. It flowered freely, but the fruit did not set well, only a dozen were produced, but these were delicious, juicy as a Grape, with the colour of the Apricot, and in flavour a combination of b^th. Afterwards, the larger the tree grew the fewer were the fruit ; there were only five iu the second year, and none in the next, and becoming tired of this the tree wa^s grubbed up. Perhaps if the flowers had been artificially fertilised more fruit might have set, ]jut there were no bees or insects to do it here as at Cannes. Mr. Loudon also mentioned one or two instances of fruit having been produced, but between that time and this, a period of 40 years, Mr. Bateman said he had only heard of it some three or four times. Tbe fruit was occasionally to be seen in Covent Garden Market, but it was very bad. At Malta the sailorstouchiugthero made themselves ill by gorgingthemaelves with the fruit, which they call ICill-johna; but these were not fair examples, and we might assume that when properly ripened it was an excellent fniit. The only question Is, how to obtain it. The plant, Mr. Bateman added, is nearly hardy. There waa a fine plant of it against a wall in the garden art; Chiswick, but it was killed by the severe winter of 1837-38, and it never flowered. No doubt at one period tbe tree requires great heat, and that a rest either by starving or roasting is also required. Mr. Forture recommends " a cool and dry winter, and a warm summer and autumn ;" but here we are met by the difficulty that not only as hitherto artifi- cially cultivated, but as acclimatised in Provence, the tree always flowers in the winter and ripens fruit in the spring. Either, therefore, this constitution.il peculiarity must be changed and overcome, or means must be found to make it set its fruit more freely. Its vrinter flowering^ though a difiiculty, is also an advantage, as flowers and fruit are at that time specially desirable. Mr. Bateman concluded by Inviting sug- gestions on the subject, at tho same time he was himself of opinion that the best chance of succeeding would be found in turning out the plant in a house with moveable sashee which might be removed during the summer, and replaced as wintur approached and the plant showed flower, a good stove heat being of course maintained. Mr. Saunders believed the Loquat to be a very wholesome fruit, indeed, as much so as the Peach, which would have produced evil results if partaken of, as sailors were apt to do, in excess. With regard to the Eucalyptus, if the leaves were broken they would be found very aromatic, for they contain a powerful essential oU. The trees were fast-growing, and the wood of nearly all the species was very strong, durable, and heavy, sinking in water. Some of them grew upwards of ■2J'd feet in height. Mr. Berkeley had drawn attention to a remark- able specimen of Scilla campanulata, and he would just add that all spring flowers had developed themselves this season in an unusual manner. Floral Committee. — lAr. Noble, nurseryman, Sunningdale, contributed on this occasion the charming collection of seedling Clematises above alhided to ; two of them were especially fine —one white, the other blue suffused with pink, and all of them forming valuable additionsto oxir hardy w.all pLants. A3 they were unnamed, the Committee were unable to tward them Certificates, which some of them Justly deserved. Mr. Williams, Holloway, furnished a curioiirf Nldularium. called atrosangulneum, which was awarded a First-ctuss Certificate ; Gocos WeddelUana, an elegant Palm, also had a First-class Certificate : and Maxlllaria luteo alba a Second-class, while a Special Certificate was awarded for the collection. Messrs. Smith, Dulwlch, received a Special Certificate for a collection of plants, consisting of fine specimens of Erica vittata and aud seedling Azaleus. Among the latter, Sir Robert Napier Mat y, 1868.] THE GAi;ni:Xi:KS' CintOXK^LE and AGlUrULTUKAE GAZETTE. 4S)3 was awardud a First -i-las.'* Certificate, onftccountof itn bi-illiaiit criniRon-SLVivk-t rul.^in-. Mr, .r. l[...i-r, -rv. to 1^. U'rii^lit, Es^., Griivcllv Hill. i;ininiit,'|jn,i, .-ml nd -|m-, i,,,riis nf ( )ivLi.U. Mr. Winisril, \slll.UII,li 11,1 I'.nl, NUI»U, -.,1,1 lill,rx:iIlll.lr^Mf tllC Bronze /.ui.il ErUr-umuhi., Ti i:i, ■,■■.-, ! ,.Mi.s,i \irtnri:,. H,?r Majesty, A.iiLiiritiui,, n,,.! r-,i.; ■ |-,-'-m'. M,.^m's. K. O. Hendui-suri U:u\ .v.tJIui ^ m ,. I .'■■■. -.1 i '.■[.■irgoniums, and :i mukiH Inn hr.tutn.il ■■ w, I,. . , Mr. Tantoii, niir.seryrn.iii. hp-imn, .■..!.■ ,■■ ...;1 : I ,i srhanaultia bilob:i." I'..lv..,li h.h Ai.lv-l':u> li:AM;niLha, illld Borniii 1 .■ii;',i,, I I i;-i,|., ClaphuMi, sent cut spoei- jnens - i i ;!■ i i ircly seen in flower, and Lselia prajsiM, i: , ' \'linton Castle, came four Cine- rarias. I I. I II nniiiHhed Vanda tricolor meleagiis aad c I. i: liollissoui ; and from Mr. Nelson, Bristol J , ui- Lomaria, supposed to be a hybrid betw. ^ I ! ( I ilichnumcorcovadensc, the same variety as tli.1t . iii' i; I I , Mr. Dean at the last meeting. Mf. Moore, gr. to tbe ti/irl nf Shrewsbury, received a Special Certificate For a small collection of Cut Orchids. Messrs. Veitcheshibited young plants of the Society's hybrid Coleuses, viz., C. Bausei, C. Saundorsii, C. Borkeleyi, C. Batemani, and C. Ruckeri. to each of which a First-clasa Certificate was deservedly awarded. Aphelandra chrysops, with bright yellow flowers, from the same firm, also bad a First-class Certificate, as had likewise Scutellaria Mocciniana, a handsome greenhouse plant, bearing terminal clusters of bright scarlet flowers. Begonia Huttoni, with pale buff flowers, had a Second-class Certifi- cate ; Primula cortasoides striata, a charming viiriety of amcena with more white in the eye than usual, received a First-class Certilu-ate ; Cyrabidium Huttoiii, a kind with Spottc' I ■ ■■! . '■■!, ;i Fir.st r\: > . ■!■ ,■ <:i/h . I ■,! , ,■ ■ ■■ .. ■ ■, -■.■;,t acquisili..ii, .i l'iiMrl.,v^ i vniL^'.tlr : K|,i, iri,< in im ],.ini.-ii!Li- tuin, a l-ir.st-rla.ti.s Certiticate ; and l.jelia f^T^tndis, a curious buff-coloured variety, a .Second-clas.-j Certiticate. A Special Certificate was movcover awarded Messrs. Veitch for their collection of Orchids, one fur a collection of Amaryllids, and another Special Certificate for miscel- laneous plants. Mr. Turner, Slough, furnished a collectinu of Tulips, to which a Special Certificate was awarded, also a smaU collection of Auriculas, selfs and show ilowers, for which he likewise wa.osition of the Potato uppermost." Ill liie SlU paragraph i\I. Chatel says : " When the Potatos are destined for use, it is necessary above all to see that they are not taken in while thoy are wot." Florists' Flowers. The rear-guard of that " beautiful and fascinating " flower, the Aubicitla, appeared iu public at South Kensington on Tuesday last, as Mr. Turner was able to bring a few varieties, the remains of his great collec- tion. The Auricula season has been an exceptionally fast one ; the flowers came into bloom much earlier this year than is usual, and it is doubtful if any can be preserved to compete for the prizes at the Third Spring Show of the Royal Horticultural Society. A fine new white-edged variety was staged by Mr. Turner on this occasion, viz., Mrs. Meudall. The ground colour is dark, the paste pure white, the pips fine, and there were 13 expanded pips on the truss, each pip being finely formed, smooth and regular. The foliage had that white powder peculiar to the white-edged flowers, and its appearance indicated an excellent habit. Earl Grosvenor, a fine old white-ed„ flower, was shown in ^ood condition, the white edge contrasting so well with the dense black ground; Miss Giddings and Richard Headly, two grey-edged flowers, were also in good condition ; Lancashire Hero, green edge, was very fine indeed, the pips being of great size; and Lycurgus (Smith), another green edge, though small, was in good condition. It is some- what peculiar in Lancashire Hero, perhaps so in other green-edged flowers, that on this occasion it was quite a white-edged flower, and it might so happen that it could be shown in the two classes, as green and white edge. The last of the Alpines came also on this occasion Wonderful, a largo and striking flower, was very fine, the ground colour is velvety crimson, distinctly margined with bright rose, and clear smooth yellow paste ; and Novelty, quite a fancy flower, and as changeable as a chameleon, as, when it opens, the pasto is of a deep sulphur colour, but with age it changes to white : the ground colour, when the flower is young, is quite black, and edged with bufl", but this margin changes to deep violet as the pips age. Both are valuable additions to these useful plants. Well and truthfully did Mr. Turner once write of the Auricula : — " The limited space required for its cultivation, the little time consumed in its propagation, and the beauty of its general coutour, render the Auricula one of the most valuable of the whole range of the florists' flowers that an amateur can turn his attention to. Cineraria Herbert (Turner) is a nicely formed flower with a medium purple edge, the colour being some- what washy as it is termed, and with a nice dark disc. The habit was inditferent, and there are several good flowers of the same type already in cultivation. Countess of Eglinton, a violet-purple edged flower with a dark disc ; and Little Gem, a rosy crimson- edged flower, very much like old Optimum, from Mr. Rae, of Eglinton Castle Gardens, are inferior flowers when compared with the fine strain Messrs. F. &, A. Smith furnished at a meeting of the Committee a short time ago. Azalea Sir Robert Napier, from Messrs. F. & A. Smith, is the deepest coloured variety yet seen. It is of a bright deep red hue, the flowers small but very striking. It appears to be a kind that will much improve by cultivation, and in earnest of this was the high award made to it by the Floral Committee. A. Featherstoni, from Mr. Featherston, of Leeds, is in the way of Stella, but neither so good in colour, or so well formed; it also lacks tbe fine marking on the upper segments of the flower that Stplhi iio.ssesscs. Pansies were in force, Mp.;srs. Uooprr, Hrigg, inid Shenton representing the groin'is. and itr. Kiii;;sl"ii the amateurs ; the Silver Medal fur i I bloouis was vvnn by the former. Mr. Hooper had also some now kinds, especially in the way of Fancy flowers, but they were a ^ yet out of character. English raisers of the Fancy Pansy must look to their laurels, as Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son have some very fine things in bloom that they have obtained from the Continent. The flowers are large, smooth, highly coloured, and all are novel and striking. Mr. Hooper had some plants of his white bedding Pansy Queen ol England, which appeared to be much more robust in growth thau the Cliveden White variety, while the flowers are certainly superior to it. Should this prove the case, it will supply a want much needed by spring gardeners. Mr. Turner had a stand of Tulips, quite charming in their way, and the company admired them va-tly. Of Bizarres there were George Hay ward, of which there were several blooms, generally very fine and pure ; it is a striking feathered flower ; Everard, feathered and flamed, very fine ; Lord Raglan, a somewhat heavy feathered and flamed flower ; Dr. Homer, a fine flower with a very slight dark feather ; Henry Groom, feathered and flamed ; Sir J. Paxton, feathered and flamed, very fine; Shakspeare, a heavy feathered and flamed flower; Sheet Anchor feathered and flamed; Polyphemus, a feathered flower ; Sir C. Campbell, a light feathered flower, fine and pure ; Milton, feathered and flamed ; Caliph, a pure and beautiful variety, feathered and flamed ; Owen Glendower, in the way of Everard, but not so heavily marked ; and Glory of Abingdon, heavily feathered and flamed. Of Roses there were examples of Sarah Headly, a heavily feathered flower ; Lady Stanley, Aglaia, Duke of Sutherland (Gibbons), and Couutess ofBlessington, allfeatheredand flamed flowers, Bybloemens were represented by that fine variety Duchess of Sutherland, slightly feathered and flamed ; Adonis, General Barneveldt, Maid of Falais, and Vicar of Radford, all feathered and flamed, the last a heavy looking flower ; and Proteus, a heavily flamed flower, with a slight feather. Really these Tulips are very gorgeous, and it is well that they should be occa- sionally shown. Gold and bronze Zonal Pelargonium Princess Louisa Victoria, from Mr. John WiUs, has a green leaf ground, with a broad, even, and striking reddish chestnut zone, and an excellent habit. It promises to be a good addition to this class, though they are getting as numerous, and, it must be added, as confusing, as the variegated zonal varieties. B. D. Present Management : Supees. — Depriving hives, that are not intended to be allowed to throw off swarms, may at once, if sufficiently populous, be afforded extra accommodation. With the Stewarton hive this is often, at first, given by adding a nadir, or hox below all ; which, as the honey season becomes further advanced, is to be followed by the super. With the majority of the various kinds of hives, and in districts where the chief honey season is in the early part of the summer, I think it is advisable to commence operations by allowing access to boxes or glasses placed above the stock. I have never in a single instance found the addition of a nadir of any capacity conducive to the subsequent successful filling of a good-sized super ; but on the contrary, with hives so manipulated, which at the beginning of the season, had been the most promising in my apiary, I have had the miserable satisfaction of finding myself in possession of supers only perhaps two-thirds filled with combs, the majority of which were unsealed, while at the same time stocks originally less populous, differently treated, afforded very large supers, completely filled and sealed. I find it best to defer adding super accommodation until the stock exhibits unmistakeable signs of being crowded with bees. I usually wait until they cluster somewhat about the entrance, or on hot evenings show pretty thickly on the alighting board, giving evidence of their strength by indefatigable fanning, accompanied by humming loud enough to be heard at a considerabla distance. At such times I find that the bees will frequently ascend, from thick clusters, and commence comb-building operations in the course of a few hours. Still to the inexperienced apiarian I would advise that, in the matter of additional room, he should err rather in giving it too early than iu delaying doing so too long, or perh.aps royal cells may become so far matured as to render it more than probable that the bees will persist in sending off a swarm. Box supers that have been previously used should be thoroughly cleaned inside and out, but leaving, if pos- sible, any clean and properly placed worker-celled comb that may be on the bars or upper surface. Bell-glasses should be cleared of all wax, and cleaned out with hot water. If much bedaubed with propolis a little spirits of wine will quickly remove it. To induce the bees to work, I make a support in the form of an inverted cross, the horizontal arm lying about 3 inches from the bottom. The vertical portion passes through the hole in the centre of the glass on which it rests, supported by a piece of wire. Previous to its insertion two to four fragments of clean worker-celled comb are thrust on to the horizontal piece of wood, no other means of fastening being required, as the bees will soon securely attach them to it. Or if it is desired that the combs should radiate from the centre, like the spokes of a wheel, a single round piece of wood, of about 1 inch in diameter, the depth of the glass, is supported from the centre. Several small, thin pieces of comb are attached on edge to the stick, as regularly all round as possible, and towards the top. Of these two methods I pivfer the first. 494 THE GAimEXKllS' CliEONICLE AND AGEICULTCRAL GAZETTE. [Mat 9, 1868. Avoid very large central apertures for communica- tion ; or if the hive has such, use a thin adapter with narrow slits, or with a smaller round hole. Let the glasses be well covered up with cloths or flannel, especially during the first fortnight, or until considerable progress in comb-building has been made. Octagon glass-boxes with moveable bars are, in my opinion, the best and most remunerative supers that can be used. Guide combs are easily attached ; and when the bars .have been once loaded with comb, it is only to leave, when cutting off the honey, a margin of two or three cells deep, and there is the best of guide comb ready to be added to. I have previously given, in the pages of this periodical, a description of these supers, and of the system of their management, but shall be happy to repeat the same if desired by any new reader. Those boxes also require to be protected by warm coverings. Square wooden supers, with loose bars, are worked in the same way. These are usually made rather shallow, to admit of being added to as may be required, either above or below, with boxes of the same diameter, but of any depth to please the owner. If placed underneath the super first given, the additional one need not have any bars to allow each of the combs to be carried down in one piece. If put on above, of course bars will be required. These boxes do not need any protection beyond the ordinary hive case and roof. I think them to be the best supers after the octagonal glass boxes that can be used, atfordiug large supplies of honey, and being exceedinglyeasy of management. The means of communication is afforded by a narrow slit, almost the entire length of the super from front to back, and close to both of the two sides. This plan seems to lessen the probability of the queen's ascend- ing and breeding among the upper combs. These boxes should always be used in connection with moveable adapting boards, in which the apertures above described are to be cut. S. Beimn Fo.v. Miscellaneous. Orchid Sales. — Some Orchids imported from Assam, and sold the other day at Stevens's, realised the fol- lowing prices, viz., a fine plant of Dendrobium Wardianum, Wl. 18s.; D. Falconeri, 35/. 14s.; otlier lots of these two Dendrobes, from 5/. 5s. to 20/. In a small collection of established Orchids, which was also sold at the sametime, a fine plant of Aerides Schroderi, in flower, fetched 28/. 5s. ; and an example of Cypri- pedium lievigatum, 14/. lis. Altogether, 222 lots, established and imported, fetched 507/. 10s. (ffiaiDcit ©peiations. (For the ensimifi iveeh.) PLANT HOUSES. Where Heath and JSpacris houses exist much labour will at this season, and henceforward during the in- coming dry summer months, be needed, to keep all the inmates i-ight as regards a nicely studied sufficiency of water. It is very generally known that an excess of moisture, of moderately long duration only, is sure to be injurious to any of these plants, and vlee-versd, if any become really dry throughout from want of water, it will be a difficult matter to restore perfect health again during the present season, if indeed it may be possible to do so at all. I refer more especially to speci- mens of -.uoderate size and upwards. lu regard to younger plants, there may be instances in which they would not suffer so much, though similar negligence will certainly influence them injuriously sooner or later. Two points I have ever kept in mind, amongst those instilled into my memory when first I undertook the charge of a house of Heaths and Epacrises, and they are significant, viz., never allow the surface of the ball contained in each pot, or the pot itself, to become green, whether from Mosses or other causes ; and upon no account permit loose soil to lie washed about ou the surface of such balls. The former is a too certain sign of excessive moisture at the root. The latter oftentimes leads one astray in regard to such also, through the fact that loose soil always retains more moisture than any other, espe- cially such as is rammed down so firmly as that in which the roots are placed. Though not an advocate of over- potting, I nevertheless consider it always better to give a plant a shift into " a size larger" pot than to have it constantly drying up, and being frequently subject to extremes of wet or drought. Cockscombs, Amaranthus licolor and tricolor. Balsams, Italian Tuberoses, and similar subjects, should now be pushed on quickly in forcing-houses or pits, where a maximum heat of from 75' to 80° is maintained, and with frequent sprinklings to induce abundant humidity in the air. Cockscombs and Balsams must be kept up close to the glass— the latter especially. No shading should be given. They require frequent shifts as they advance iu growth. A small shift at a time is best. Sink some portion of the main stalk below the soil in the operation of potting, it will root freely, and will beside show eventually a less spindling base. Greenhouses and conservatories should now have a little air allowed at night. Those pits in which late struck bedding stuff is being grown on, must also have a plentiful supply. FORCING HOUSES. In regard to early Vineries, from any of which the fruit has been cut, do not in consequence neglect the Vines, but on the contrary aid them by every possible means in their efforts to form good sound wood for the ensuing season. With this end in view give the foliage a good sousing with clear tepid water, by the aid of the syringe, at least three or four times a week, and until the leaves are duly ripening oil'. Alford a little night air constantly also if possible. I would here advise all who have the production of early Grapes at heart to plant forthwith for this purpose th Royal Ascot, which will prove beyond cavil a good variety for such a purpose. Bo not neglect the roots of Vines which are planted in inside borders, in regard to watering, &c. To those not thoroughly initiated in the practice, some three or four large pots of water may seem ample for such a purpose, though such an infer- ence cannot be deduced from a careful study of the wants of the plants. It should be borne in mind, there- fore, that from the time the last crop commenced colouring no water has been allowed, and that the soil in consequence, even if previously watered, is likely to be rather dry in parts. Choose therefore a favour- able opportunity, and after having first placed a sprink- ling of soot over the surface of the border, give it from 40 to 80 pots of water. I have before urged the fact, that soft rain-water should always be given, and that the "chill " should if possible be taken oft' it. Pi nes must now be attended to with the utmost regularity in regard to watering also. If any check be forced upon them, through inattention in this wise it will in all proba- bility be at the expense of forcing them prematurely into flower. Of course if any hitch occurs in regard to those earlier plants, which should be now showing, it will then be necessary to withhold water, thereby to induce them to show. It should be understood however that this is done only at the expense of size and quality. Where a scarcity of "suckers" is likely to exist it may be advisable now to retaia some of the old fruiting plants, and by placing them in a hot moist position forceasupply of them. Give such plants frequent and liberal supplies of liquid manure. Melon plants, produced from seeds sown a few weeks ago, as advised, may now be shifted into pots a size larger than those in which they now are. This will forward them some- what; giving them, when turned out shortly into pits or frames which now contain early Potatos, bedding stuff, etc., a better opportunity of fruiting well during what will then be left of the more lengthy days, &,o. Peach and Nectarine trees, having nearly finished to swell their fruit, should not receive quite such liberal syringings as they have done over head, that is if the foliage is in a healthy state and free from insects. A drier atmosphere than that in which the earlier growth was made is far preferable for the production of flavour, and should be always maintained when possible, in view of such facts as the above suggest. The necessary waterings at the root must not, however, be overlooked. A little guano sprinkled over the border previously will be of use at this, the time of final swelling. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. All necessary foresight must now be brought into play in regard to forming the necessary Strambernj runners, for the purpose of growing good early plants for forcing next year. Old plants intended to produce them should have a good mulching with well decayed manure, and be occasionally well watered with a strong liquid manure. Secure " runners" from such plants only as show plentifully for fruit. Pear trees attached to walls, it will be seen, are in most instances now pushing large quantities of breast wood ; though the practice is customarily followed of allowing this to remain until such time as the wood at the base has become well hardened, I advise it to be removed by occasional pinchings back, to be commenced forthwith, for nothing can be gained by allowing useless shoots to drain away the best resources of the trees. When they are removed towards autumn, it is then too late for the eyes at their base to form flower-buds, whereas if a system of pinching back— summer pruning, in fact, be followed, the hope is that a more perfect reciprocity will exist between the roots and branches : a circumstance which willinduce the less constantformation of masses of superfluous wood, which require removing annually, the practice in itself entailing upon each tree the necessity of constant repetition of duly balancing all its in and outgoing resources. Especially needful will this system of summer pruning be with young trees which have not yet furnished the spaces allotted to them. Thus only can due encouragement be given to the final shoots to grow freely, and to quickly furnish the places for which they are intended. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. The two beautiful varieg.ated forms of Poa irivialis and Baetylis glomerata should now be looked carefully through. It is to be regretted that they have each a great tendency to drop their variegation, and to revert to their weedy normal form. The better plan is, iu such instances— and theyare numerous, I fear— to shake all the soil from each tuft ; remove the green wholly, root and all, and repot separately into small pots with not over rich soil. Commencjj hardening off by moder- ate exposure nightly, when it is not anticipated any frost will occur, all plants intended shortly to be bedded out. Finish potting off Amaranthuses, and all late struck cuttings. If it is only possible to keep them in separate pots a fortnight, much benefit will accrue, by simply affording full play to the air around them. I again caution all who have not a supera- bundant supply of " bedding stuff" against beginning to " bed out " until perfect immunity from frost may fairly be anticipated. The " 20th of May" we admit almost universally to be a safe date; the fact being that rarely has any frost which injures been experienced after the 18th of this month. A few hardier subjects, such as Centaureas, Cineraria mari- tima. Calceolarias, and the like, might be placed in about the latter date, which will aid somewhat in bringing to a close the final planting out, and give all the chance of a more simultaneous start in combination. KITCHEN GARDEN. Top the earliest Peas when in full flower, and early podding is a desideratum. Continue to earth up advancing crops of Potatos, which should at this season be done effectually, as a protective precau- tion against any frost which may ensue, as well as for assistance in tuber forming. The earliest sowing of Dioarf French Beans will likewise be showing through the ground, and should be well earthed up in like manner, and for a similar purpose. A slight sowing of Walcheren and Cattell's Broccoli might again be made for a successional supply. Turnips should also be sown again for a like purpose. I advise steeping some part of tho seed for half an hour io lukewarm water before sowing — especially in dry weather ; it will come up at different times, and so give a better chance of an ultimate crop. Hoe and thin out the earliest bed of Onions, and run the hoe between rows of all similar seed beds as soon as the plants show well above ground. Stirring the soil around young seedliog plants has an almost magical efl'ect in regard to the aid it affords in inducing a speedy growth. W. E. STATI OF THE WEATH EK AT CHISWICK, NE.\H LONDON, For the W ekendinsMaye. IS KS.asobserved at the Horticultural Gardens. TEMfEHATUaE. Wind Apra and ll B»RO«BTEa. Of the Air. Otthe Earth 1 Max. Min. Max. Mia. Mean Ifoot deep. 2 feet deep. 7 30 145 30.0!1 59 46 .'i2,5 53 49 N.W. .00 10 30.175 29.831 II n 30.067 a« Wed. 6 O 30.124 3U.036 65.7 51.2 54 3 Averaee 29.929 0,00 April 30-Fine, cloudy ; cleur and fine ; Hoe, cloudy. — 4— Hazy; fine; bright sunshine ; flnebutuold. — S-Ovcrcast; cold wind; hazy; tine ; very cold wind. — 6— Cloudy i tlno but dull ; clear and fine at oiRht. Mean temperature of the week, 6 lOdeg. above the average, ||p.l||g. 4aH U^ a^ in 51 3 62 3 dl.ti 61.7 38.H 14 63.0 40.4 51.7 16 659 422 5*.l e hixhest temperature during the above period { . 86 deg. ; and the low 1 the 15th, 18dO-therui. Notices to Correspondents. Cowslip: WR. A fine sample of a Giant Cowalip, a true Cowslip in every respect, and differing from the common sort in that the habit is very much, and the Howers moder- ately, magnified, while the colour is of a deeper orange- yellow than ordinary. Insects : G D. The insects which have appeared in large quantities in your Vineries are not a variety or species of Thrips. They are the small hopping Podura funetaria, bred in damp vegetable soil, and which sometimes collect in garden walks, &c., in little patches like a pinch of gun- powder. W. — S A., Biriiiiaffham. The insects sent are males and females of a foreign species of cockroach (Blatta), which has been imported with plants into your stove-houses. Lay down bits of wood for them to run under, and then throw scalding water over them whilst concealed there duriiig the day. — J T S. The small beetles which have eaten off your young Peas are the striped weevil (Curculio lineatus). Water the young plants, and then dust them over carefully with soot or lime, which is unpalatable to the insects, which are most difficult to destroy from their close resemblance in colour to the earth, and their habit of falling down and counterfeiting death when alarmed. — A Subscriber. The insects sent are not wireworms, but larvre of the common " daddy long-legs," three-parts grown. Repeated waterings with lime and gas-tar water may perhaps drive them from the plants, but they are very diflrcult to kill. It may bo worth your while to employ children to kill the perfect insects when they appear in numbers, and so save your future crops.—// T W. The insects on your Plum-trees In Eocs are female scale insects (Coccus sp.), each laden with undreds of eggs. They should be crushed with the thumb and the bark uf the trees well washed with nearly boiling soap-suds,— .4 P. The beetles which are committing so much mischief by gnawing off tho young buds of your Apple and Plum trees are two kinds of weevils, Otiorhynchua notatus and Merionus obscurus. We know no better plan to destroy them than to lay sheets under the trees by day, and then visit them some time after dark when the insects have left their hiding places and began to feed. By shaking the trees smartly the insects will fall on the sheets, and may readily be destroyed by crushing them, or dropping them into scalding water. If. [The absence of our entomo- lojiical referee in Italy and Bavaria has delayed some of the .ibove answers to the present time.] LoHELiA : / Morgan. Your Lobelia is sufficiently pure to bo effective, and if, as it appears to be, it is of good habit, it will be useful as a dwarf bedding plant. We should recommend you to send it to Chiawick, that it may be tested and reported on under conditions which will show how far ita habit will recommend it. Names OF Plants; T R. Your Scillas are— l,Scilla campanu- lata, of which S. patula is a slight modification ; 2, S. cam- panulata-camea ; 3, evidently a larger form of i ; 4, ycill;i nutans, sometimes called S. non-scripta, but there is sn much confusion as to this latter name that it is best to abandon it, as hardly two authors agree as to what is S. non - scripta ! D T F. Myosotis sylvatica, blue and white, and M. alpestris.— 7" C, Wilton Ho, Myosotis sylvatica, M. alpes- tris (not M. montana). — R H Chine;/, Ssq. 1, Oncidiuin divarjcatum ; 2, perhaps O. pubes (you should describe tho habit and tell the habitat); 3, Maxillaria tenuifolia ; 4— ri, poor varieties of Lycaste Harrisoni.— yPtHt. YourOncidium may be one of the varieties of O. Baueri, but it is impossible to do more than guess without more infonuation than you Names of Fruits : Wtdtoa. 1, Apparently Cluster Golden Pippin ; 2, Nonpareil Ruaset. Pansv ; J CM. A rich dark mulberry-coloured variety, and one which, if of a vigorous free-biooining habit, woull be usL-fal in spring gardening as a dark self-cjloured bedJiug COMMDNICATIONS RECEIVED. -X. C. C.-W. B.— H. B.— D. T. F, —J. F. -W. BuU. Mat 9, 18C8.1 THE GAEDENEES' CHEOMCLE A^^D ArTETCTITTTlEAT, GAZETTE. 49S CARTER'S GENUINE FAEM SEEDS, HARVESTED ON THEIR OWN SEED FARMS. <^or oxcollcnoo of i^uoyltlf/. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS in GROWTH. Carter's Grass Seeds for All Soils, from 21s. per acre. No. 1. For Fortilo Clfty h r Clay Soils. 33s. to Z\s. per a No. 6. For LtmeBtoae Soils, Sis. No. 6. For Old Siindstoiio Soils, 28s. to 30s. per a No. 7. For LiKht Chalk Soils, -ils, to L'8s. per ac No. 8. For Bnishy Limestono Soils, 28s. to :ii)s. p No. 9. For Saudy Soils, 29s. to 30s. per acre. No. 10. For Water Meadows, 'l\9. per acre. " r Moory Soils, 23s. to 25s. per acre. SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for PASTURES, 21s. to 32s. per acre, carringe ft-ee. SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for PARK GROUNDS, 10.^. per buHhel, cairliige free. SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for CRICKET GROUNDS. 18«. per bushel, carriage free. UTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for CEMETERIES, 18s. perbiishcl, canlage free. SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for BOWLING GREENS, 18s. perbusbel, carriage free. S'i GRASS SEEDS for GARDEN LAWNS, )r 20s. per bushel, carriage free. Sow three bii-shela SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for CROUUET GROUNDS, Is. per lb., or 20s. per bushel, carriage free. Sow three bushels per aero. Royal Berks Seed EstablishmeDt, Re.idlng. No. 12. For Moasy Soils, 21s. per i JAS. CARTER and CO.'S was the ONLY ENGLISH HOUSE that supplied GRASS SEEDS for the Paris Exhibition Grounds. CARTER'S IMPERIAL HARDY SWEDK, Is. W. per lb. The hardiest aud bes* in cultivation. SKIRVING'S LIVERPOOL SWEDE, l.s. id. per lb. DEVONSHIRE OREY-STONE TURNIP, Is. lirf. per lb. CARTER'S PURPLE-TOP HYBRID TURNIP, Is. Gii. per 11,. CARTER'S GREENTOP HYBRID TURNIP, Is. IW. per lb. POMERANl.AN WHITE GLOBE TURNIP, Is. 3?.— Present, Lord Walsingham, Vice-President, in the Chair; the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., the Duke of Rutland, KG., the Earl of Shrewsbury, Lord Berners, Lord Bridport, Lord Cbesham, Lord Kesteven, Lord Tredegar, Lord Vernon, the Hon. H. G. Liddell, il.P.. Sir E. Kerrison. Bart., Sir Massey Lopes, Bart., SI. P.. Sir A. K. Macdonald, Bart., Sir T. Western, Bart., M.P., Mr. Baldwin, .Air. Barnett, Mr. Bowiv, Mr. Beamston, Mr, Cantrell, Mr. Clavden, Colonel Chal- loner, Mr. Clive, MP., Mr. Davies, Mr. Dent, M.P., Mr. Druce, Mr. Edmond,=, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, Mr. Hassall, Mr. Holland, M.P., Mr. Hornsby, Mr. Hos- kvns, Mr. Hutton, Mr. .Jonas, Colonel Kingscote, M.P., Mr. Milward, Mr. Pain, Mr. Randell, Mr. Read, M.P., Mr. Rigden, Mr. Sanday, Mr. Shuttleworth, Mr. R. Smith, Mr. Stone, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Torr, Mr. Turner, Mr. "Webb, Mr. "Wells, Major "Wilson, Mr. Jacob Wilson, Professor Simonds, and Dr. Voelcker. The following new members were elected:— Adams, James, 0.xton, Southwell Allen, Jo.seph, jun., 19, Seymour Street. Leicester Arnold, George, jun., Doltun, North Devon Bailey, Edward, Leicester Raines, John, Knighton, Leicester Bilker, Willi;im, Moor Bams, Atherstone Baralett. A. C, Thirsk Bent, Thomas, Qneniboroush, Leicester Bitbrev, W. Silvester, 38, Hastings Street, Leicester Blow, W. Wootton, Tavistock Hotel, London Bolton, J. Adams, M.D., Campbell Street, Leicester Bonn.all, John, Grantham Brand, Joseph 8., Leicester Briggs, William, Elford Park, Taraworth Britten, Thomas, Little Billing, Northampton Carson, .I:niv -- A , I,-! Hc-IIc Sauvage Yard, London Cartwri 1' ' hv '' I ' IV, Leicester C.irtwii , . I luii^ton Pillar, Dunston Check). u: '. 1 .1 :. House, Knighton, Leicester Clark, G. N'. ., i , 1:.-1„i-,m- Place, Tunbridge Wells Coocb, John, Harkstone, Northampton Corbett, Thomas, Perseverance Iron Works, Shrewsbury Devas, Horace, Spomion Hall, Derby Everard, Wdham, Narborough Wood House, Endcrby, Leicester Everett, Francis H., Bridgham, Tbetford Filgate, Leopold G. P., Lissvenney, Ardie, Louth Gardener, John, Twycross, Atherstone Gibbs, William A., Gilwell Park, Sew.irdstone, Woudfnrd Gibsone, John, Rotherby, Leicester Guff, William, Can-iglea, Kingstown, Dublin Gunnell, Thomas, Milton, Cambridge Harding, Charles, Knighton, Leicester Harris, Edward, Hocking, Folkingham Herbert, Thomas, 86, Welfoi'd Road, Leicester James, Thomas, Shushions Manor, Church Eaton Lacey, Robert, Hoton, Loughborough Lieusley, Thomas, Doddiugron. Lincoln Lombe, H. Evjuis, Melton Hall, Wymondham M'Alpin, J. W., Leicester Mudford, Joseph, Hoe Fields, Thurlaston, Hinckley Mynors, W. C. T., Elford Lowe, Tamworth Nethercote, H. Ormond, Moulton Grange, Northampton Noon, Charles, The Laurels, Leicester Norreys, Lord, Wytham, Oxford Nuttall, Tbomas, .Manor House, Beeby, Tjeicester Painter, Robert, 18, Gallowtree Gate, Leicester Parr, Herraon, Barton, Nottingham Rutberford, Thomas, HothBeld, Asbford, Kent Scott, William, Normanton Turville, Hinckley Sketchley, William, Great George Street, Weymouth Straton, George W., Aylestone, Leicester Thomson, T. Harrower, Leicester Warner, Edward, Bury Street, Stowm.arket Wilshere, IJ. W., The Frythe, Welwyn Woodroffe, W. S., Nornianton-upon-Soar, Loughborou^'h Wynne, Owen S., Peuiarth, Towyn Finances. — Majr-General Lord Bridport presented the report of the commit'ee, from which it appeared that the secretary's receipts during the past month had been examined by the committee, and by Messrs, Quilter, Ball, & Co., the Society's accountants, and were found correct. The balance in the hands of the bankers on April 30 was 3243/. \\s. The committee have again considered the financial condition of the Society, and although at the present moment there is a large balance in hand, which is usual at this period of the year, and required to meet the expenditure of the annual meeting, yet the invested capital of the Society has gradually diminished since July, 1865, when the capital was 21,027/. 19.s. Id., and it now stands at 10,027/. 19». Id. stock in the New 3 per Cents. The committee, therefore, beg leave to call the serious attention of the Council to the fact, that the capital has lessened at least 3000/., after taking into considera- tion the money expended for the show-yard plant, or an annual loss of 1000/. ; it follows, therefore, that some means must be adopted to add to the numbers of the Society, or the Council must resolve on a diminution of expenditure. The report was adopted. JocBNAL.— Part I., Vol. IV., 2d series, was laid on the table. Mr. Thompson, chairman, reported the recommendation of the committee that a reprint of Airs. Somerviile's article on Poultry be made, and sold at a cost of 'Id. each. This report was adopted. Leicestek Meeting.— sir. Thompson, chairman, reported that the tender for refreshments in the show- yard, made by Messrs. "Waldram & Crane, of Leicester, had been accepted. The surveyor reports that possession of a sufficient portion of the show-ground has been obtained to enable the contractor to make satisfactory progress ; that no obstruction or hindrance has been experienced, and that no doubt exists but that the works will be completed in ample time for the Show. It is recommended that the general meeting of the Society shall be held on Saturday, the 18th July, at 11 AM. A request made by the Leicestershire and Waltham Agricultural Society to be allowed to pass their members into the show-yard by tickets to he purchased of the Royal Agricultural Society of England had been acceded to, the details to be arranged by the Finance Committee. JIajor "R'ilson was unanimously recommended as the Steward elect of Implements. The surveyor was authorised to put himself in communication with the Midland Railway Company's engineerj to arrange the details of the accommodation required for the unloading of heavy machinery in the show-yard. This report was adopted. Education. — Mr. Holland, ?.I. P., chairman, reported that 18 candidates entered tor the Society's honours and prizes; that 12 of these were present at the examinations, and that in the ooinion of examiners who haveassisted on foriner occasions, the coie petition has been superior in its nature to that hitherto experienced. Notwithstanding this, the committee are unable to classify the competitors, nor can they grant any certificates of merit, because the terras approved by the Council require that every candidate should satisfy the examiners in the following subjects, viz. : — In the Science and Practice of Agriculture; in Land- surveying, or in Mechanics as applied to Agriculture; and in Book-keeping: consequently to pass in Book- keeping is essential to success. In this subject, how- ever, no one candidate had succeeded in obtaining even the minimum fixed by the examiners, who report : "All the candidates came under the category of 'not passed.' " The committee, therefore, confine themselves to the recommendation of the following prizes being awarded to the undermentioned candidates as having shown respectively the highest merit in each subject named : — The Science and Practice of Agrixnlture. — Simon Hewena Walton, Famicorn.le-Farm, Whichford, Shipston, \tH. Mechanics. —thnmtia John Elliot, Wilton, Sali.sbury, lOi. CheniistrT/,— George Kent Walton, Long Comptou, Warwick- shire, 10^ JiotanTf.~Richa.Td George Scriven, Castle Ashby, North- ampton, 10^ Geoio(/y. — Ditto, iil. Veterinarif Scii .ice. — Robert Brydon, Bumcastle, Lauder. N.B., 5i. : T. J. Elliot, 5(. Lan'l Slirvei/infi.-.lohn Joseph Harle, Haydon Bridge, Nor- thumberland, 51. Book-keeping. — No award. This report was adopted. Committee of Selection.— Mr. Thompson, chair- man, reported that Mr. Lawes having intimated his intention of resigning his seat at the Council, the committee had resolved that it be recommended to the Council that Mr. Lawes' resignation be not accepted. The House List of Members of Council to be recom- mended for re-election having been considered, it was resolved that the small number of members of Council in District A (Durham, Northumberland, and North and East Ridings of Yorkshire) be pointed out ; and the name of Mr. Thomas Christopher Booth, of Warlaby, Northallerton, recommended to fill one of the vacancies caused by the retirement of members of Council by rotation. This report was adopted. House List.— Agreeably with the bye-laws the Council arranged by ballot the following election-list, to be recommended by them for adoption at the ensuing general meeting on the 22d inst. ATTENDANCES (fKOM THE AUOU.ST MrETI.KT., IN 1866, TO THE Present Time). Amos, Cbarles Edwards, 5, Cedar's Road, Clapham Common, Surrey. Bartbropf, Nathaniel George, Haches- ton. Wickham Market, Suflolk. Booth, Thomas C, Warlaby, North- allerton. Bowly, Edward, Siddington Ho., Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Clive, George, M.P., Perrystone, Ross, Herefordshire. Davies, David Reynolds (elected Dec. 5, 1866), Mere Old Hall, Knuts- ford, Cheshire. Devonshire, his Grace the Duke of, Holker H.all, MiUiethorpe, West, moreland. Dnice, Joseph, Eynsham, Oxford. Edmonds, William John (elected Feb. 5, 1868), Southiop, Lechlade, Gtoucestershii-e. Gibbs, B. T. Brandreth, Halfmoon Street, Piccadilly, London, W. Hassall, William (elected May 1,1867), Bubney, Whitchurch, Salop. Holland, Edward, M.P., Dumbleton Hall, l^vesham, Worcestershire. Hornsby, Richard, Spittlegate, Gran- tham. Hoskyns, Chandos Wren, Harewood, Jloss, Herefordshire. Hutton, William, Gate Burton, Gains- borough, Lincolnshire. Kesteven, Ixtrd (elected April 3, 1867), Caswick, Stamford, Lincolnshire. Lawes, John Bennett, Rothamsted. St. Alban's, Herts. Macdonald, Sir .-Vrchibald Keppel, Bart., Woolmer Lodge, Liphook, Randall, Charles, Chadbury, Evesham, Worcestershire. Read, Clare Sewell, M.P., Honingham, Thorpe, Norwich. Richmond, his Grace the Duke of. Goodwood, Chichester. Sanday, William, Holmepierrepoint, Notts. Shrewsbury and Talbot, Earl of, Ingestre Hall, Htaffordshirc Shuttleworth, Joseph, Hartsholme Hall, Lincoln. Wells, William, Holmeswood, Poter- borough, Northamptonshire. Mat 0, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICUI/rURAL GAZETTE. 501 Country JIkkting of 18tj9.— The report of the committee appointed to inspect the various sites offered to tlie Society at Liverpool, Manctiester, aad Preston, having beeu read, the Council were favoured by the attendance of deputations from the above towns : — Liverpool J)epultilioii, — Messra. Graves, M.P., Laird, M.P., Plm, M.P,, ToUomacho, iM.P., ^Udorman Hubback, Robert- son Gladstone, John Grant Morris, Robson (Borough Surveyor), Ttiomas Baiues, and Sir Philip Eiiertnn, Burt., -M.P. Mimrliesler Drjmlnliim.—tho .Mayor of .Alanchostor and Town Clerk ; Mayor of Salford and Town Olurk ; tlio .Mayors of Ashton- undor-Lyne, Bolton, Rochdale, Stoekport, and Stalybridge ; Sir James Watts, Kt.; Joseph Whitworth, Esq.; Oldham Whitaker, Esq. ; J. W. Maduro, Esq. ; J. H. Law, Esq. ; Mr. Henry Nield, Mr. W. T. Pownall. The deputation was accom- panied and introduced by tho Earl of Wilton, Earl of Elles- mere. Lord Egerton of Tatton, Hon. Algernon Egerton, M.P. : Hon. Wilbraham Egerton, M.P. ; Right Hon. T. M. Gibson, M.P. ; Thomas Dazley, M.P. ; Jacob Bright, M.P. ; E. W. Watkins, M.P. ; John Piatt, M.P. ; John T. Hibbert, M.P. ; Thomas B. Potter, M.P. ; Edmund Potter, M.P. ; R. N. Philips, M.P. ; John Cheetham, M.P. ; Lieut.-Col. Gray, M.P. Preston Seputatwn.—Tho Mayor of Preston, Miles Myres, Esq. ; the Earl of Bective, M.P. ; Lord Kenlis ; Colonel Wilson Patten, M.P. ; Hon. F. A. Stanley, M.P. ; Sir T. Fermor Hoskoth, M.P. ; Mr. W. Lowther, M.P. ; Lord Frederick Cavendish, M.P. : Mr, PHelden, M.P. ; Mr. W. M,arshall, M.P. ; Mr. Greene, Whittington Hall ; Mr. Dawson Greene, Whittington Hall ; Mr. R. Assheton Cross (Chairman of Quarter Sessions of Lancaster) ; Mr. W, J. Gamett, Quern- more Park : Rev. J. Shepherd, Birley ; Mr. George Moore, Whitehall, near Wigton ; Mr. J. P. Foster, KiUhow, Cumber- land ; Mr. T. Townley Parker, Rev. L. C. Wood, Mr. Drewry, Mr. Thomas Pair, from the Coimcil of Royal North Lancashii-e Agricultural Society ; the Mayor and Town Clerk of BLack- burn ; the Mayor of Lancaster : Mr. Alderman Edmund Birley, Mr. Councillor CattonUl, Mr. Councillor Gilbertson, Mr. Ascroft (Town Clerk), Preston : and Mr. Garlick, Borough Stow.ird. These gentlemen having communicated lo the Council the fullest local information connected with their respective districts, and having answered satis- factorily the inquiries made of them by the Council, the Chairman expressed to them the best thanks of himself and the Council for their kindness in having attended the meeting that day, and for the deep interest they had evinced in promoting the objects of the Society. The deputations having withdrawn, the Council pro- ceeded to the consideration of the particular locality best suited, under all circumstances, for holding the country meeting next year; and, after some discussion of the respective advantages of each position to which their attention had been called, it was decided in favour of Manchester by 25 votes, against 18 for Preston, no vote being given for Liverpool. Mr. Torr having moved that the Society hold their country meeting in 1870 in the district comprising the counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hamp- shire, Kent, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and Sussex, it was seconded by tho Earl of Shrewsbury, and carried. Farmers' Clubs. Central : Mat/ 4. — Incidence of Local Taxation. — Sir G. Jenkinson, Bart., opened the discussion on this subject. The following are extracts from his address :— I consider that no hardship presses with greater injustice than the present system of levying county rates for the maintenance ot the poor and other charges, which are imposed only upon tho owners and occupiers of land, although I assert that by all the rules of justice and common sense, all other decrip- tions of property ought to be equally liable to bear their proper share of such burdens. So much has been written and spoken, and such a mass of figures have been adduced since my printed notice of it appeared in December last, that it will not be easy to say much that has not already been said, and this especially applies to the figures which have been quoted from various returns. A very able paper was read by Mr. Arthur Startin before the Midland Farmers' Club at Birmingham, and 1 may perhaps avail myself of some extracts from that paper ; but as that, and many other documents of the same nature, have appeared in print very lately, I shall deal less with figures and quotations than I should have done some months ago, which, by shortening my paper, will give the company present more time to discuss this subject in all the bearings which have been presented to their view by the various persons who have so lately enlarged upon it. The first distinct and positive enactment to enforce the collection of a poor-rate appears to have been passed in the 43d year of Queen Elizabeth, and it was then enacted " that all persons should pay according to their abilities to the wants and necessities of the poor." Now there is no limitation here of such payment being confined to real property, to the exclusion of funded and other property. Xo doubt a great change has come over all property since that salutary law was passed, and a vast amount of funded and other pro- perty, as I shall show presently, has grown up and exists now which did not exist then. Society itself has also changed vastly, and thus this anomalous state of things has gradually crept in, which results in the injustice which 1 am bringing to your notice this evening. Taxable Property. Mr. A. Startin, in his valuable paper before the Midland Farmers' Club, says that the income beneath the charge to income-tax is no less than 318,000,000/. m England and Wales; and if that be added to the sum which is charged to the income-tax, it will be seen that only about one-sixth of tho income of the country is now assessed to the poor-rate. Surely no one can justify such a remarkable anomoly, and in connection with this fact it must be noted that the burdens on land have enormously increased since the poor-rate was imposed upon that class of property— and those burdens are increasing and likely still more to increase- reckoning the maintenance of turnpike roads, w-hich now falls upon parishes by the extinction of the trusts gradually taking place ; and at the same time it must be borne in mind that the land itself on which all these burdens are imposed cannot increase or fluc- tuate in the same manner that other property does. It is clear, from an official return obtained by Sir M. Beach, that only one-third of tho property chargeable to income-tax in England and Wales is rated and subject to local taxation, i. c, one pound in every three ! There is another class of property, which is a source of vast wealth in England and Wales, but which is not rated to the relief of tho poor, and to which I feel bound to allude shortly : I mean the mineral wealth of the country. Iron Mines: There were in England and Wales, in 182", 266 furnaces, producing 653,500 tons ; these had increased in 1818 to fi23 furnaces, producing 2,008,200 tons of iron. The quantity of iron of all kinds, manufactured and unmanufactured, exported in 1852, amounted to 1,035,884 tons, besides 25,289 tons of cutlery of the declared value of 2,601,697/. Add to this the extension of tho railway system, and the vastly increased use now made of iron in the building of all kinds of ships, and you may form some idea of the amount and value of property in iron mines. Well, ought not this class of property to contribute to the maintenance of the poor ? I refer next to the copper mines of Corn- wall. These were wrought but with little skill or effect till towards the year 1700. I pass over the intervening time till 1854, when I find there were exported of brass and copper manufactures 1,851,089 cwts., of the value of 1,761,878/. Tin : Cornwall is also the great seat of the tin mines of England. A century ago the average produce of our tin mines hardly exceeded 1500 tons : it may now be estimated at about 5000 tons a year. The statistics of lead mines are equally important. To go to another part of the country, to another class of property and trade, I would only recall to your recol- lection the Cotton famine in Lancashire, which occurred during the late American war, and which threw upon the poor-rates of that district a burden which they were wholly unable to sustain. I must now mention generally, but as shortly as possible, various other classes of property which to a great extent escape being rated to the poor, or any other local rate. Foremost amongst these is the public debt of the country, which amounts to 780,000,000/. Suppose the case of a man who is the owner of an estate, and who has a sum of money to invest, say 10,000/. If he invests his money in the Funds, or other security of personal property, he has to pay the income-tax, and nothing else, for the poor or any other local rate. If he invests it in improving his estate, and in making land worth only 205. an acre worth 40s. an acre, by draining and otherwise, he has to pay not only all the original burdens on such land for poor-rates, &c., besides income-tax, but ho has also to pay an extra amount of all such burdens, in addition to income-tax, on the increased value of his land ; and this must act as a strong preventive against any man with a large family investing his spare income or other money in improving his land to the e.xtent he would otherwise do if he were allowed to reap the reward of such invest- ment, without being doubly taxed for his enterprise ; and this actually results in an injury to the State, besides inflicting an injury also on the mass of the people by diminishing the productiveness of the land, and therefore curtailing the source of the food neces- sary for the support of the rapidly increasing popu- lation. Is Local Taxation Equitable? I shall content myself with quoting to you the opinions of others on this point. And as a specimen of many testimonies on the subject, I will read to you the memorial adopted by the Board of Guardians of Honiton. The following memorial has been adopted at a meeting of the Guardians of the Honiton Union, Devon : — " To tho Honourable the Commons of Great Britain and Ireland in Parliament assembled,— The memorial of the Guardians of the Poor of tho Honiton Union .showeth that, by the Act passed in the 43d year of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, all descriptions of property were made liable to bo rated fur the relief of the poor, which your memorialists submit was a fair and equitable adjustment of the burden ; but by subse- quent statutes passed from time to time all personal property has been, and is, relieved from its share of this heavy tax. That, with a alight exception, the whole of the maintenance of the poor, including the expense of the county lunatic asylums, is now charged on the real property, which is also subject to hea\'y charges for the highways, gaols, and militia, and to three-fourths of the expense of the constabulary force. That the owners of personal property are aa much interested in the maintenance of these establishments as the owners and occupiers of real property. Your memorialiata submit that these are grievous and unfair burdens on a particular class, which have been increasing of late years to a great extent, and therefore pray your honourable House not to pass any further measures restricting the operation of the Act first above mentioned, but to enact that all kinds of property, whether real or personal, shall contribute a fair and just pro- portiou of tlie expense and maintenance of the national insti- tutions, and thereby afford some rcHef to the most heavily taxed portion of the community ; and your memorialists will ever pray." The next thing I will read to you is the notice of a motion to be brought forward in the House of Commons by Sir Massey Lopes, as follows :— " That inasmuch as the local charges on real property have been of late years, and still are gradually increasing, it is neither just nor politic that those burdens shall be levied exclusively from that description of property." That notice appeared in the Times of April 21st. I sincerely hope that motion will be carried, and that it will be well supported by all the county members, and that it will be followed by some practical result. No other cla.ss is so heavily burdened with taxation and other charges as the landed interest ; and it behoves both owners and occupiers to unite, and demand from the Legislature some mitigation of the oppression which real property labours under, especially as addi- tional local taxation is looming in the future, viz., the maintenance of turnpike roads, and compulsory educa- tion. If a man buys an estate, which is termed " real property," and gives 50,000/. for it, the charges upon it, in the shape of poor-rates, highway rates, and other local taxation, commence at once, in addition to income- tax ; but if a man put his 50,000/. into the Funds, or any other security of a personal nature, he will not in that case be called upon to pay one farthing towards the exigencies of the county at large, such as the main- tenance of the poor, &c., in respect of that property at least. I cannot persuade myself that such a system is either reasonable or equitable. I will illustrate my argu- ment still further by the following case which was noticed in most of the public journals in January last. In the beginning of the present year, 800,000/. British Three per Cent. Consols belonged to a Mr. Crawshay, who lately departed this life. A transfer of this property took place ; no expensive conveyancing stamp duty was required, a mere power of attorney was sufficient, and the whole transaction was accomplished in less than half-an-hour ; but let it be borne in mind that the late Mr. Crawshay was never called upon to pay a penny for local rates assessed upon the above funded property. Now. I will tell you a contrast to this system, a contrast whica I think is well worthy of imitation. Within six hours' sail from the English shore are situated the Channel Islands. In those islands every person who is worth about 100/., and has property of any description, is taxed for local expenses ; no matter if the property is vested in the British, French, or other Funds; even the ships on the sea are not exempt. I will confine my observations to Guernsey : the whole amount of pro- perty belonging to individuals was lately assessed at 3,896,500/. ; from this amount the direct taxes are raised, and no distinction is made as to whether the property is real or personal ; all is taxed and contributes to the common weal. The injustice of such a system, which exacts nothing except income-tax from the owner of 800,000/., producing him an annual income of at least 25,000/., whilst the payment of poor-rates is frequently exacted from poor people hardly able to maintain themselves (and I regret to say that many such cases have been brought before me as a magistrate, by summonses for non-payment), is too flagrant to require further argument or comment from me. The Kemedy. This I shall state in a very few words. It is, com- bined action of the agricultural classes, and a united and determined pressure on the Government of the day by means of your county members, to which end men must be sent to Parliament who are capable of efficiently advocating the interests of the class they have to represent. The example set to other counties by the county that has sent your chairman to Parlia- ment is well worthy of imitation, and if farmers hope to be able to hold their own against other classes, which are sure to be well represented in the new Parliament to be soon elected, they must exercise more independ- ence in the selection of their representatives than has been the case sometimes in times past. I pass now to the fifth and last head of my subject, and this, in my opinion, is the key-stone of it, viz., to contrast the position of an occupier of a farm under the existing system of local taxation with what it would be under such a change as I advocate, and see how his position would be affected pecuniarily by such a change. Now, I will suppose the case of a man occupying a farm of say 300 acres at 30i. per acre. First, let us take his rates and taxes under the present system. Two rates in the year of 1.?. or 13rf. or 14rf. each, is a very low average, and that amount is usual in the district where I live, say 2s. Sd. in the pound. Suppose the rent of 450/. to be assessed at say abovit 30 per cent, less on the average, that would reduce his rent on which he would have to pay his 2s. 3d. rate to about 320/., and his rate on that would amount to an annual charge of 36/. To this must be added his property-tax (schedule B), at 6d. in the pound on half his actual rent ; that would amount to 5/. 12s. 6rf. Now, before I proceed further to calculate ray friend's taxation under my proposed system, I must show what that system would be, and for this purpose I must revert to my income-tax return previously read, and see the amount raised by a Gd. income-tax, and next the amount raised by the rales on the rateable property throughout the country. By a reference to that return I see that a 6rf. income-tax for the year 1865 produced 7,985, 7('3/.; and for the same year the total amount raised by county rates was 7,811,014/. These figures may vary in totals from year to year; but it is plain that a (id. income-tax extra would cover all the charges now borne by real property only. I would propose, therefore, to abolish quite, or nearly so, all local taxation as at present imposed by poor-rates and other rates, and to impose instead thereof an additional income-tax of, say 6!^. By this means the farmer with 300 acres, as above shown, would cease to pay his 36/. for poor-rates, and he would pay instead thereof his extra income-tax on Schedule B, as shown above — viz., 5/. 12s. 6d. It is plain, therefore, how very greatly, and, I must add, justly, the agricultural interest would be benefited by the alteration I have proposed. And who, I ask, could reasonably object to such an equitable readjustment of taxation? All the poorer classes in towns, as well as in counties, would in like manner be benefited ; and it would be only the very rich holders of funded and other personal wealth who would be called upon to pay a larger amount of income-tax, and to contribute something towards the maintenance of the poor of the nation, a clear and undoubted obligation which many of them noiv escape almost entirely, so far as regards their personal property, now exempt. The following passage from a North Wilts paper states the case forcibly :— "During the last quarter of a century great changes have taken plaJe in England, and besides the wonderful detelop- ment of real property, personalty baa accumulated to the 502 TPTE GAEBENERS' CTTROXICLE AW AGTiirULTURAL GAZETTE. [May 0, 1868. extent of nearly six hundred millions, not one penny of whicli is assessed to poor and local rates, only one hundred millions of real property being so assessed. The personal property consists of Consols, shares in mines, railways, ships, manufactories, and other commercial enterprises. This is a class of TO^th which is continually accumulating, and is assessable only to income-tax, escaping, however, .all poor .and local rates. Let us give one or two iliustrations, by way of ex.araple. A f^^mer occupies, say, 1000 acres in a parish, which wc win assume are assessed to the poor-rate .at an average of 40.«. per a?re. Presuming tho poor and high- way riites to amount to in. in the pound per annum — and this is a low estimate — he will pay 2007. per year on that one rate alone, in addition to income-tax. In the same parish resides a man whose property is in the funds, or some commercial undertaking. Now, a capit.al house and grounds can be ob- tained in the country for lOOi., and the owner of thousands of pounds of funded property would disburse only '2"l, in poor- rates, paying of course income and assessed taxes in propor- tion to his liability under those heads. Look at the injustice of this course. The duty of maintaining the poor devolves as much upon tlie holder of funded property as the farmer ; the benefit of good roads, police establishments, asylums for the insane, refuges for the poor, places of confinement for crimi- nals, are shared alike by both men, yet the richest man of the two pays just one-tenth of the amount disbursed for those Surposes by his neighbour. Further, unpropitious weather, eficient crops, cattle murrain, or other contingencies incident to farming, may materially affect the income of the farmer, while the owner of Consols or shares in established imdertak- ings is free from such risks. Ther« is yet another {i*peet from which we may view the injustice of this mode of assessment, A farmer may have money in Consols, but, anxious to develop the resources of his land, and thus add to the national pro- perty, he draws, say, 1000^ from the Funds, and sinks it in manure and farm buildings. While in the Funds he only paid income-tax, he increases the value of his farm and has to pay income-tax and poor-rates to the amount of is. in the pound additional. Precisely the same state of things applies to the local taxation of towns. Traders .and manufacturers are rated to the maximum for the maintenance of the poor, sanitary improvements, the formation of streets, the provision of Uffhts, and other appliances for social comfort and happiness, while owners of wealth arising from personal property pay only on the assessments of their priv.at)e dwellings, which are rarely rated beyond 100/. or 200t. per year. The above remarks have fairly described the rise and progress of local r.ating, and the unfair mode of assessment which prevails eonsequentupon the greet alterations in the nature of property, caused by the development of the resources of the n.ation. The remedy which we suggest is tliat personal wealth shall be liable to local rates in the same proportion as real property. There is really no hardship in this, and it is gratifying to find men of ; recognising the irapoi-tance of the m.attcr." the healthiest and the strongest Rrowing. Tho distance between the thinned plants will vary from 13 to 18 inches in the case of the ' long ' or Carrot-shaped varieties, to 18 to 24 inches in the case of the ' globe ' or the Turnip-shaped, the distance between the rows or the drills themselves being from 21 to 27 inches. The after culture consists mainly, if not altogether, in stirring the soil between the drills by hand or horse- hoe, and maintaining a ceaseless warfare against the weeds. " One word of advice in conclusion, upon the practice of stripping the plants of their leaves during their growth, the leaves being used as cattle food. The one word of advice is— 'don't.' Leaves are an essential part of the plant economy, and being there, arc assuredly needed there, and there alone. Verbum sap." Farm Memoranda. Mebse of Beewickshiee: Man 2.— In striking contrast with last year, our spring has been one of the earliest, driest, and most boisterous in our time. Of late the weather has been more broken by rains, which have retarded the sowing of Grass seeds and the planting of Potatos. Pield work is not so forward as might have been expected, and where fallows have been stirred, it has not always beea to advantage, at least on the stronger soils. But the closing days of last month, when it blew a gale, have improved such land. Barley was sown in the end of February ; Oat-sowiug was general by the middle of March, nor was it then interrupted for a single minute. The braird is fine, and the last sowings of Barley will soon be up. AVheat is very strong, and perhaps too thick, and the breadth greater than usual. Young Grass was plentiful for the ewes at lambing on the 1st of March, and ha.s afforded a full bite to cattle for a fortnight past. Lambs are numerous, through few being still-born. Our ewes have hitherto been healthy ; but this week a number were suddenly seized with inflammation of the udder (" garget "), which has been seldom fatal in our previous experience, and were at once carried off by a scour which left no time for treatment. Hoggs are scarcely so good as last year, but they are like to make more money, both for mutton and wool. Swedfts, which were our only root crop worth mentioning, have In the metropolis the injustice is even greater than in 1 suffered in the pit from this mild weather, but the few the country. " Landowners of fabulous wealth," says i cattle still on hand can be finished off with the help of the Saturdaij Hei-ieu; "who own the freehold of huge ' cake. Enormously bulky though the straw crop was, tracts of London— property so valuable that it almost it does not bulk "largely in the muck-midden. The defies calculation— pay nothing at all ; while the July growth was too sudden to have any " bone " in it. occupier of the poorest hovel in Bethnal Green has to Corn markets are a small affair now. Oats are less iu scrape together, out of his weekly earnings, the most disproportionate assessment to the cost of the Thames Embankment, or the approaches to Covent Garden." I have shown the origin and date of the existing poor- law, the declared object of which was, that everyone should contribute according to his ability, ;'. p., the ability of all real property. I have shown that real property, as Itind is called, was then almost the only class of property available for being made liable by enactment to maintain the poor of the nation. But that is no reason why such an injustice should be perpetuated by the Legislature, and patiently endured By the owners and occupiers of land, when^ nearly three centuries later, a mass of funded ana other demand this week, but the supply is not excessive. J. T. Miscellaneous. jSome-made Superphosphate, — I use a ton of finely ground bones, costing last year 45 dols., testing the bones invariably with sulphuric acid to see that I am not cheated in them. Hsaf a ton of proof (GO') vitriol, costing 45 dols. the half a ton. A. ton of unleached hard wood (Oak and Hickory) ashes, costing 16 cents per bushel. A ton of woods mould or fine well rotted barn-yard manure. The ton of bone is watered in a vat by pouring on a ton of water by the bucketful, and invested property has been gradually accumulated, ! stirrmg with a large wooden hoe until the whole mass tvhioh wealth pays nothing tow.ards the poor of the I of bone is thoroughly dampened. I leave it for two or country, although it exceeds very considerably the ! three days thus wetted. Next I pour in the half ton annual value of the property which alone is rated for of vitriol, mixed with half a ton— an equal bulk say the relief of the poor. I have shown what I think would prove a remedy, and, I will add, an equitable remedy, for this great and palpable wrong ; and I have shown also how this remedy should be brought about by the combined efforts of the class to which my audience belongs. I have also shown how the interests of that class would be affected in a pecuniary manner by the remedy I have suggested. Hcbictos. The Journal of AaricuHare. Mav, 18G0. 150, Fleet Street. of water. This mixture is made in the bucket^ and is worked by the bucketful at a time in with the previously wetted bone. It takes two men two days, with wooden hoes or drags (such as are used for cleaning away snow) to thoroughly saturate the bone with the vitriol. I then leave the mass alone for two days, by which time the whole has become a mass of pulp— all the bone being completely dissolved, so as to crumble between thumb and finger. I next work in the ton of ashes by the bucketful, taking care that it becomes thoroughly and evenly mixed with the pulp. Lastly, I work in the tons of woods mould by the bucketful in the same way. The fertiliser is then finished, and fit for use in a week at farthest, when it is dry. It will be necessary, before using it, to pass it through a cob crusher or iron mill, or to pound portions of it in a trough — a work that requires little time and labour, otherwise it will be too lumpy in drying. The vat I use is made of 2-inch pine plank There are several good paragraphs in the current number of the Journal upon crops available for cattle soiling, descriptive of the cultivation of Rye, Vetches, Mustard, Chicory, Lucerne, Sainfoin, Mangel Wurzel, Cabbages, Kohl Rabi, and Rape. It is getting too late ui.i.u5. iuo .»» j. .^a„ .o ui,....u „. _-.„„„ ,,.....,..„„.., ■now to plant Mangel Wurzel, which ought to be in and 1 caulked with tow, and pitched over the seams, the up by the middle of May, but there are some useful ! bottom of which sets on three pieces of ■'i-inch scantling, words on the subsequent cultivation of the plant, which : notched so as to receive it, and kebed or wedged tight, we may extract for the still possible benefit of our \ It holds four tons of the fertiliser when completed. Its readers. The writer says :— i cost is mainly that of the plank, tow and pitch " Transplanting the crop is by no means the practice ; required, and perhaps a day's labour of the man putting it together. I use it in the winter in mixing in this country, although it is the practice in many districts of Continental countries. AVe have great faith in it, not only because it is a practice which is in reality the one requiring the shortest time, but because by it the strongest plants can be secured to plant out ; and further, which is certainly a most important point in the case of a plant so susceptible of frost as is the Man- gel, transplanting is, under ordinary circumstances equivalent to a much earlier harvesting of the crop than can possibly be secured when it is raised from seed sown in the end of the present or the beginning of the succeeding month. If this practice is adopted, tlie seed should be sown in seed-bed in the manner recommended for Cabbage, Beet, and Kohl Rabi, already treated of. The plants taken for transplanting should be of the strongest kind to be met with in the seed-bed, and they should be taken and transferred to the rows or the drills or ridges in the field as rapidly as possible. If the seed is sown iu the spring in the usual practice, the great point is the thinning after the plants have come well up. This thinning requires to be done with the greatest care, so that one plant only be left in the soil, and that cut hay, straw. Mangel Wurzel, and crushed corn, for horses," horned stock, and sheep. It pays for its cost 10 times over every year in saving of .stock food. The whole cost of this fertiliser — transportation of the materials to my farm and labour in composting included— is not more than 30 dollars per ton. Pound per pound it goes as far and acts as well with me, on .any crops, as say 30 dollars per ton commercial fertiliser I can buy. [The dollar is nearly 4.v. Id. English currency."' W. D. Wallace, in the " Albatiij Country Oentleman." High Farming. — If the old axiom that the man who makes two blades of Grass to grow where one grew before is a public benefactor, then it must be true that the man who makes one pound of meat for export worth as much as two pounds is also a benefactor. I am very glad to observe that the letters I recently wrote in your paper, backed up as they were in your leading columns, have drawn public attention to the more profitable manipulation of our surplus meat than rendering it down fortallow.'and I hope our stock owners will reap the benefit from the change. I now desire to call your attention and the attention of the public to another subject, which affects an equally important class of producers, viz., our farmers. I propound this question for consideration : " Has not this colony reached a point which would make a higher style of agriculture desirable from that generally practised?" In the last number of the Mark Lane Express received by the present mail,Ipereeive a correspondence between Alderman Mechi, of Tiptree Farm, and some other gentlemen, as to small farms not remunerating the holders. Now, although the worthy Alderman cannot know much practically about large farms, his own farm being only between 100 and 200 acres, he is an authority to be relied on in such matters as are confined to small holdings. His argument is that the reason why so few small farms pay is because the tenants do not lay out more than 6?. to '71. an acre upon them in manure and cultivation ; but, he says, if they laid out double or treble that amount then they would pay. To a great extent my own observations in Britain bear out that argument. When I returned to Britain, after a residence in Victoria of some 20 years, nothing struck me so much as the different methods of farming to what prevailed when I left. Instead of a few acres of stunted Turnips, which were raised from the manure saved in the farmyards, there were fields of 100 acres grown by artificial manures ; and this is the only style of farming that does pay. My brother, at TillyfouT, ties up from 300 to 400 head of " commercials," as he terms them, to mark them as distinct from his breed- ing stock, and sells them off during the winter at prices averaging between 307. and 407. a-head. Now, but for artificial manures this would be quite an impossibility. My father, who was as great an enthusiast about cattle as my brother, looked for his profit chiefly to grazing, and laid out the best portions of his estate in Grass, and merely made the Turnips in the winter a preparation for the grazing in the summer. But my brother's course is just the opposite ; the best land is in Turnip crops, and the cattle are taken off the Grass and fattened on the Turnips, with cake and com for the last dip. It seems to me that in the agricultural districts of Victoria some attempt at an improved system of cultivation is desirable, as the soil is becom- ing exhausted, and there appears no proper means being used for recruiting and reinvigorating it. I am happy that some, or at any rate one member, of the present Ministry (Mr. Bindon), takes a laudable interest in this subject, and would no doubt do any- thing in his power to remedy the growing evil, which, if not checked, will pauperise a large class. I merely desire to draw public attention to the subject, hoping you and your readers will follow it up. In some dis- tricts of Victoria, even at the present time, a better style of farming would pay, as witness the profit which is made in Belfast, and probably other districts, by laying the land out in Lucerne for feeding sheep ; 1 acre will carry as many animals under artificial Grass as 10 acres on the same land with only the natural Gra-sses and weeds of the country. If the artificial manures could be found handy, it would pay every agriculturist to use them ; and this brings me to my second point— have we not any of those fertilising substances at home in our own country ? I have been informed that valuable animal and mineral deposits do exist, even in Victoria, which would be of incalculable value in reanimating and fer- tilising the soil, and I think that the subject might be investigated ; and, if such substances really do exist, they should be turned to account without delay. Perhaps, then, some of your many readers could enlighten us on the subject through your columns. In England the refuse and blood from the slaughtering establishments are utilised for manure, and the com- panies for making this compost have paid enormous dividends, and there is little doubt the sewage will soon be used as a fertiliser. Thomas M'Combie, 116, Collins Street West, in the " Melbourne Economist," quoted in the " Marie Lane Express.'^ Our Eood Prospects.— the Kwip.s contains acommu- nieation from Mr. Kains Jackson, showing the .available data bearing upon our food prospects between now and the commencement of the next harvest. The general conclusions are as follows :— 1st, In the United Kindom, in Prance, and in almost all countries, the seed time promises, from its great success, universal plenty. 2d, Navigation has commenced this season at an un- usually early date, even the Sea of Azoff being now telegraphed as open. 3d, Current prices, even if reduced 10s. per quarter, would be still high enough to command existing stocks wherever they could be found. 4th. The other countries which have com- peted with England are one or two months nearer to harvest than we are. Already Egyptian Wheat of the new crop is offered for future sale, and may probably be shipped in June. Algiers, Southern Italy, Spain, and California, &c., will know enough of their prospects at the end of the same month to affect by telegrams the English markets; and the moment buyers shall know there is safety in the future, the vaiue of grain will fall iu Mark Lane, although two or three months must elapse before the new corn can arrive. T/ie Fanner. Agricultural Progress.— Ki a late meeting of the Dorchester Farmers' Club, Mr. Damen congratulated his hearers as agriculturists upon having risen in the social scale. In that rise the agricultural labourer, in his opinion, had participated, in a greater or less degree. All classes had moved upwards, .and the agricultuial labourer had certainly made progress. He was Ijetter fed, better clothed, and better housed than when he (the speaker) was a boy. Work was now more plentiful, and the labourer was more deserving of consideration than at that time. The labourer had emerged from a state of servitude, and could now sell his labour in the dearest market. The poorer classes during the continental war, in the early part of this century, were very badly off. Great distress Mat 9, 1868.1 THE GAEDENEI^S* CnRONTCLE A^^D AOrJCULTUr.AL GAZETTE. 503. existed. A poor old woman at Broadwinsor, where he was born, told him that she had to walk every week to Bridport for a bushel of black Barley, for which she paid 11^., and upon which she and her family had to live for a whole week. Times ware then very bad, and he hardly knew how the people survived them. If the same distress now existed there would be some reason to complain." Notices to Correspondents. Agriculturax Imports, Tsuee Months, IW Jt Quantities* Imported Articles. No tons L.iinb3 , Swine and Hogs . . . . ,, Ashes, Pearl and Pot . . . - cwt. Bones 1 '4 4 1 4 062 64 7 U' i (1 6,J2a l,4Si 12,394 10,643 118,397 19,984 34,942 ■iOSO? 58,6811 04,3.'i5 46,163 26,937 31,949 43,278 7,764 9,467 1,190 1,246 5,787 42,627 4,407 15,992 Oil Seed Cakes . . Pot.itos Provisions— Butter Cheese I-'ish, cured or salted Meat, frcsli or sligbtlv salted — Beef Pork Me,it, salted— Bacon and Hams „ Beef ,, Pork, salted ,. Meat, not otherwise dcscribe!. ^ March 18, 1867.—" I gained tlie 1st prize at the Wlnfrith Farmers' _... „, ...... ^^^^ Others also gained t obtained n.R.H. the late Prince Consort". TURNIP SEEDS for PRESENT SOWING. BUTTONS' RED PARAGON, or IMPROVED LINCOLNSHIRE RED GLOBE. Is. per lb. A particularly free-RTowing Turnip, which has been fomid to t July, for early SUTTONS' IMPERIAL GREEN GLOBE. 1.5. pov Ih. This .should be sown for the main crop, instead of the commor Green Round Tiirnip, being a heavier and more nutritious kind H. R. H. the late Prince Consoi-t's Prize Cup has again been awarded to Suttons' Imperial Green Globe Turnip, grown by our customer, J. H. Clark, Esq., Altwood House, Maidenbead; besides numerous other Cups and 1st Prizes in other parts of the kingdom. OLD GREEN ROUND, Is. per Ih. POMERANIAN WHITE GLOBE, Is. Zd. per lb. TANKARDS, of sorts, \s. ,Srf. por lb. BUTTONS' SHORT-TOP SIX- WEEKS, \s. U. per lb. Jjowcai Price per Bus^iel on application. BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for ALL SOILS, 10,5. U. to ?,-2s. pcT .acre. For particulars of the above and other Farm Seeds, see SUTTONS' FARM SEED LIST, Gratis on application. AIL GOODS CARRIAGE FREE. a per cent, allowed for cash pa;imc>ils. SUTTON AND SONS, SEEDSMEN TO THE QTJEEN, READING, BERKi5. W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON and WIRE WORKS, NORWICH, MANUFACTURER of IMPROVED MACHINE-MADE WIRE NETTING at greatly miufed prioeB. OalvaniBecl after madt;. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE with prices free on appUcation. 100 Yards! and upwards, rarriap:!' paid to any Station. WE~BOlJLlONS 3G gallon ^SWiNU" WAtER • BARROW without c. small additional cost. A lad can easily work it ; but if required to travel long distaaces over rough ground, a pony can be attached. The wheels and carrla(;;e are wrought iron, and the tub oak. A First-class Certfftcate ■was awarded to this article at the Manchester Show last vear. Carrlago paid to any Station in England. Price £2 r.s. f Price, with two Tubs, £3 '.is. Spreader and Valve, 15s. extra. Rose Lane Iron and Wire Works, Norwich. The above is by far the strongest, most < „..., .enient,and cheaiwst Implement of the kind jet intioduced For Conveying and Distri- buting Liquid Manure it is invaluable. A pump can be attached for Emptying Cesapools, 4c. As a Drinking Trough for Cattle, and for many other Pann purposes, it is most useful. The shafts and lias are arranged to turn back out of the way. Carriage paid to the prin- cipal Railway Stations in England, To hold 100 gallons, price £9. | To hold 140 gallons, price £10. To hola 200 gallons, price £12. Galvanised IRON PUMP, and 10 feot India-rubber Suction I'lpe, price £3 XOa. Spreaders, 15ff. each. The 140 and 200 gallon Carts are best suited for one horse. Rose Lane Iron and Wire Works, Norwich. With two rruiks to ono Carri:igo, a hux'o qnantity of Liquid can carted in a short time, one lYmk being filled while the otbei conveyed away. The Tanks < ' ' ' ..-.....*. w To hold 80 Gallons, price £S Extra Tank, £3 \t)s. „ \m ., £lt ,. £3 l&t. Valve and .Spreader for ditto, price 20s. S. BOULtoN^^WISG WATERTJARKffW. I principle as the 36-pallon i GalvaniKed. It Is strong be had with one Garriace. Carriage To hold is OaTlons, price £1 lbs. | To hold 30 Gallons, price £2 5A»D Patented b» tub late Si« Joseph PaJtok. Illustrated Circulars, witu lull particulars, sizes, and prices, free on application to IAN & Morton, 7, Pall Mall East, London, S.W, OT--\VATER APPARATUS, of every description, _ axed complete in any part of the country, or the materials, ,, lk>ilera. Pipes, &a, dehrered to any station. Estimates on application. J. Jones & Sons, 6, Bankside, Southwark, London, S.E. H H 0 T - W A T E R CASH PRICES. PIPES. PIPES ELBOW TEBB 2-incb. 3-inch, per yard u. od. Is. (id. 2 C 10 0 3 C 4 0 13 0 No credit will be given when Pipes, Scaromvolcedatthoaboreprices. J. JONES AND SONS, C, Bankside, Southwark, London, S.B. .,:,','^S „^',\ ""'". ""■"^ !"' °''^*' '>'"* <■<"■ 0«liT«y at country stations, will be sent on application. v . j TO BE SOLD, Cheap, a VATORY, 62 feet 8 Inches 1 make an excellent Peach House „. „ descriptions of Horticultural Buildings J. Lewis's Horticultural Wo IRON DOME CONSEK- :, 9 feet 4 Inches wide. Would Covered Way. And all other I Hiil, Middlesex. Cucumber and Melon Boxes. Onn CUCUMBER and MELON BUXKSanU LIGHTS, p -W. ""?." "'' '"'*' materials. Glazed with stout Sheet Glass Painted four times, complete, ready for immediate use, packed and sent to all parts of the KiDgdoni. TTOTHOUSES, CONSERVATORIES, &c., Erected J-i and Heated on the most approved new and economical principj^es. Reference to the Nobility, ^entrv, and the Trade in most England, Ireland, and W.iles. I, 353, Old Kent Road, London, S.E. Before you Order a Haymaking MacMne, WRITE FOR ILLU.STRATED CATALOGUE OF HE CHAMPION HAYMAKER, ^}°^. .'??_^.'''.!°?"^ liBhtness of draught, simplicity and of the Col F'').^>3'''^ PATENT STEAM PLOUGH and E.?°^S'l?l^fn'Kai°^S,^Ss': "°- "■ '^°"'^"' '""'""'■ TRON HURDLES St. Pancraa Iron Work Colnpany,'o"d St^Panc'rii'liJadt Lon^^^^ To Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Builders A Very Handsome ELLIPTICAL IRON ROOF, with £i- 26 02. Plato Glass covering an area of 80 feet bv 33 feet, suitable for a Conservator.v, Sc, recently taken down from the Horao Repository, now Royal Amphitheatre, Bolboni, must be SOLD ^PPlj' at CaoFi's LJvery Stables, 279, Whitechapel Road, E. Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland Tbe Irish fj,"miV Gazel/e Challenge Cup, value 60 Guineas "for the best Collection of Implements suited to the Agriculture of Ireland,' was awarded three times in succe.ssion to and iq now the property of ' "^^ rriHOMAS McKENZIE and SONS, Machine and JUscbYnts"*" "'''"'''*"°"" ^°'""''°'"'"''' ^'""' ■""'Makhbi! Offices and Warehouses, {^' J?,J' Ceres Iron Works, ■ Sole Agents in Cork (county and city) for Lawe; N.B. A s.amplo from each parcel of Seeds ; and all N celebrated «.o. Asampio irom each parcel of .Seeds ; and all New Imple Publ ^ actual experiment before being submitted to the V A short Treatise on •• The Culture of the Turnip," bv a Pi-ac tical Farmer, post free on applieaUon. "The Rolling stock of the Farm, a convenient handbook or all the most useful Farm Imnle ments, price Is (by post U 3ii.|, to be had at all the railSav bookstalls in Ireland, and at Tuosias McKenzie 4 Sons' Offices ■' ^- '- - particularly requested that all orders may be addressed & Sons, 34, Dawson Street, Dubbn (or), H For Watering Gardens, &c.— Best Make Only "ANCOCK'S INUIA- RUBBER HOSE- PIPES Ctted with STOP-COCKS, SPREADERS, JETS, and HAND- BRANCHES complete. Internal Diameter. I Inch. f Inch. 1 inch. Is 4(1 No. 3. .'.■ .'.j No. 3 is the most serviceable, and lecommended Larger Sizes for FIRE ENGINES and PUMPS See Price List BOSE-REELS (Galvanised IronI for the above a • TUBING, with Flange fir excluding draughts through Doors, Windows, and Glass /^ ^ Plans and Estimates n-ee on application. Descriptive Book fiillv illustrated, post free for 20 stamps, from the Author and Pateutea Jams Cbanston, Aichitect, BIrmmgham. ai."ui.w. Works : Highgate Street, Birmingham. hinbt J. Qrowtagl^ Manager, 1, Temple Row West, Birmingham. Greenhouses— Heating Apparatus. HnI^Js^™""^'' „."Sgf''' ORCHARD HOtr.SE STRAWBERRY EXHIBITION Pll'ENT SUN- HOri^F? ^**?'^,^35S-^ BLINDS* FROST .,S-0_'J.»4l= / ' , «, 1^ PROTECTORS •\ w th various ' % I atented Improve- 1 ents in the 7 CONSTRUCTION FORCING HOUSE- ORCHID HOUSES WALL-TREE COVERS GREENHOUSES CUCUMBER and MELON HOUSES ^EN1'ILATI0N Hb ATING SHADING Hb ATING SHADINL OPENING GEAR rriHE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL AWARDED for Our New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE THE NOVELTY is cheap, duiable, easily fixed, does not require painting, i^ adapted presm^daT^'t^lit" 'o'\'„"f ' P^?f ="■' '""'Sated gouse of't'he present aay. Jrrices:— 20 it. lonir, £10 to £10 iiin - S9 o jn- t^ £29 18s. J 40 ft., £18 to £36; 04 « , f 27 12» to f M If 2i'. m fY £34 to £66 OS. ; 104 fL, £43 12s. to £84 10s. Span Ro^fs'double pn^e' ?■?."? te °"'' "ew Patent WALL-TREE COVER are now solicited. They save their cost in one season. Prices with iiin, glass, 8»., 98., 10s., and 12s. per foot run '^"'^ "'™'- ""■" l'"'"'. to wn?u?^''''n *^ T "! P"-cmineDt, and have pleasure m referring to works in all parts of tho kingdom which have Eeen executed by li (^reful persona attention is given to all orders; and frotn OM immense practical elpenence, we are willing to guarantee tl.S Bmldings left to our arrangement shall perfectly a?S"erthl pur' poses for which they are intended, without'^rear of disappointment Our Patented arrangements may be seen " en modSle " and evoW if.n.T.iot,«.. ..v........... ... I .1.. ..™ - r.*^ iiiuueio, ana every r London Office. 0, Sloane Street, S.W. Information obtained at - Postal address. Anchor iron w'orks,"choTnMford° ^z^'s^,s:i;Vi^^^sr'- '■''=°'==^' -" ^--^ Ciitalogues, Estimates, or I'tiins on application. Midland Steam Power Horticultural and Hot Water Works, Loughborough. i»u rn ca i\ TUB lui L T u r TMENT At tlie rsccnt tzreat Meet ufe (1 thQ Ro^al Agricultural Soaety of England at Bury St Edmunds the Mark Lane Express, of July 29, 1867, under the above heading, says:-" One of the simplest, strongest, and most T H-'^fl?iTT*^.'?*R '°^^.^^^°^ we have seenis that made by JQSIAH Lb. BUTT, of Bury ht. Eomund's, «nd which he has christened not vam-glonoualy ' The Champion.' " Price £16, delivered. JUustPated Catalogues free by post on application. conteintnK prices, reports fVom practical fanners who have used these Machines and a few Practical Hmts on Hjiymaking, REAPER KNIFE REST. For firmly holding Knife of Reaper or Mower, during the pro- cess of sharpening, and obviates the many dangerous practices in Is very portable. No farmer ought to be without oue. On receipt of Post- office order for lis. a Rest will be forwarded. KEG i:s'l i' '; Ki) SELF-ACTING SEED DRILL. □i- T %■ .MESSENGEKTlinifland Steam 1 andVal?e°fiSSrr;°""' ^-S'""'"'^'.. Hot-Water App. ^mo°dTafo'^?lS Srr o MSxtS'L°{ira5''""' «^- Forcing Houses fs partfculariyliccessmi """'"'"S »"<' Ventilating op?nTh?w"h^le°rro?lULJil^,nru\VtZ''S's;£VeS'^ iU^|^-Lidplf-^»SsSS cSckel """^ "''°"' '"= ™P''>™1 principle not'^^hiS T. G. MrasciieEB's Valve (single or double) is efrectlva ,lmnl» easy to work, and as durable as tlie pipe to wh ch it " attlc'ned "^ ' Designs and Estimates supplied fSr all ktads oi" liortk^tural Klnde"d. S^"^'"" """-wer the purpose for whichXTy Hi n applicatio Vulcanised India-Rubber Works, 1 Goswell Mews, London, E.C, Bee-Hlves. '^"^S^S^'^^'^ MEDALS awARtEn to GEO. NBIQHBOIJB »»d feONS, AT THE P«Bis E.^nimTioN OF 1867. The o»lv E^oI.lsH NExaiBUiuia wuo oorAiSEn A SicvEB MsoAL roB Bbe-Hites EIGHBOURS- IMPROVED COTTAGE BEE-HITE " ""Cpiilly introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR ' bell.gl Drawings and Pru leatly and strongly made of oti-aw ; it has three windows in the lower hive. This hive will be found to possess many practical advan- Stand for ditto, lo's. 6d. ' ' THE LIGURIAN or ITALIAN ALP BEE being much in repute, G. N. and Sons supply Stocks of English liees with genuine Italian (Queens (which will shortly have wholly yellow Italian Alp Bees), at £3 3s. each. An Italian Alp Queen, with full directions for uniting to "'--'- '^'-'•■,£1 each. BEES.—Stocks "- - may be obtained heretofore. A newly-arranged Catalogue of other Improved HiTes, with .... .. .. . ..J ...jiple and ap- _., . ,.. a Garden as a Eaiui tool, the '."'"li"""" "' " " ""iiug man, and brought out in a cheap form hv Mr Lb Kcit, Implement Manufaoturer, Bury St. Edmund s, Suffolk." J031AH Lk Butt has had the honour of supplving this useful Implement to her Majesty's Farm and Gardens at Windsor. Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogues of tho above Machines con- taining Prices and Testimonials, post free, on application to Josiah Le Bdtt, Patentee and Manufacturer, Bury St. Edmund's, Sufldlk. A GRICULTUKA h and ■CX. HORTICULTURAL PRIZES A P.-imph]et of Prices, iUustra Brothers, 10, Dam 1(3, Buchanan Street. 10, Dame Street. Glasgoi 12, Clayton .Square. . Dublin : EniioNDSoK Adstin & McAsLAN, Oil Paint no longer Necessary, Flower Stands, So., have been prepared for the use of Committees and others lequiiing Presentation Plate, and will be forwarded 1^ inspection on application to the GoLDsuiTHs' AbLiAhcE (LiMiTEol, Manufactur- ing Silversmiths, 11 i 12, ComhUl, London, E.C ■ opposite the Bank of England. triLL AND SMITH'S PATEJNT BLACK VARNISH X. J- for preseiwing Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish is an fiJ .1"°^ '"^"'"ute for oil paint on all outrdoor work, and is folly reom?ea nomfxT/-^, ,v ""^^ *" JPf'"" "^ "" '"''^^ labourer, ™^ .? Hv y^ "i"'"™™*. "Dd IS used cold. It Is used In th grounds at Windsor Cast o T*Bw nQ,.HaT,o ««j „» *,.. ..... « lu yu of many .-.1-..^^ ..V .jji.viu(^ ui tuimimji, ana is used cold. It grounds at Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and at the i hundreds of the nobility and gentry, from whom the i a lf"t" '"°" "^"^''"^ "hich Hill 4 Smith ■■^'h'.H.T'ii'^; ^"ff," ^^V ^'"" ^'"«' """■ -B""*"'. 3"ori»),i,r. to betheT^Sf I,™Hii't°^\,'^'S/°'' P"* P=^«» and consider It I ih1„u ,?^ ' T?l"° '^'? ''J'*' "^"S "f ""8 I'i'"! 1 liave ever seen. 1 thmk it might bo applied with still greater advantage to iron fSe5-" " P"""' '""' '"" "^ mtention so to employ it ™ Sold m casks of about 30 gallons each, at la. 6d. per gallon, at tha Manufactory, or Is. 8d. per gallon paid to .any Statiorm toe Sn^oT 2, {.Mmon Street West. E.C., from whom only it can be obtatoed. HaV 9, 18G8.] THE GAKDENERS' CHEUNICLE AND AGRICULTimAL (lAZETTE. 507 Just Fiiblishod, price Cn. JOURNAL of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETV of ENGLAND. No. VIL. Vol. 4, Part 1. contaioiDg- Statistics— Population, EmigraUoii: Meteorology; Food, Prioea, Import of Grain; Sales of Untiali Wheat, Prices of Corn; Pauperism. On the Farming of Westmoreland, Prize Essay, by Crayston Webster. On theTcmperalure of the Sea, andiCsIuHtionce on the Climate and Agriculture ofJ,he British Isles, by NicholttS Whitley, F.M.S. The Food ,._, ^ , , On Land Dminage and Improvcnmnt by Loans, Prize Essay, by J. Bailey Donton. The Farming Customs and Covenants of England, Prize Essay, by Cloiiieiit Cadlo. On the Solubility of Phosphatio Materials, by Dr. Voelcker. Keport on the Stuam Engine Trials at Bury St, Edmund's, 1807. Statistics of Live Stock and Dead Meat, by Roberc Herbert. Prizes to Engine Drivui-s. by W. Wells. On the Use of Home-grown Timber, when prepared with a solution of Utne, by A. Bailey Denton. The Agricultural Returns oriS6i> and 1807, by James Lewis. London : John Murray, Albomarlo Street, W. A Third Edition, ealarged, poat O'eo, 13 stamps, of VINE and FRUIT odor GLASS, with carefully prepared Lists of I-Yutts and Vegetables, and Plans of Glasshouses, Hii ")y S. Heremaw, Chatsworth. AN & Morton. 7, Pall Mall East, Loudon, S.W. OWERBY'S ENGLISH BOTANY, No. 61, price 05., is Now Ready. Prospectuses and specimens gratis. London : Roukrt Hardwicke, 192, Piccadilly, W. KS on BOTANY. R. A.M., M.D., Professor of Botany in the University of Edinburgh, and Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic S' Wo E By J. H, MANUAL of BOTANY; an Introduction to the Study of the Structure, Physiology, and Classification of Plants. Crown Svo, pp. 700, with SiO IltUhtrationa, price 12s. Grf. CLASS-BOOK of BOTANY, being an Introduction to the Study of the Vegetable Kingdom. Svo, pp. 1114, with 1800 Illustrations, price 31s. Gd. BOTANIST'S COMPANION ; or, Directions for the use of the Microscope and for the Collection and Preservation of Plants, with a Qlossai'y of Botanical Terms. Crown 8vo, 2s. Gd. OUTLINES of BOTANY.'ncw Edition, Eevised and Enlarged, designed for Schools and Colleges, illustrated with nearly 600 Woodcuts, pp. 712, price 5s. FLORA of EDINBURGH, bein- a list of Plants Found iu the vicinity of Edinburgh. Fcap. Svo, with Map, price 3g. 6d. Edlubui'gh . A. & C Blacu. ; London : Lonquan & Co. Now Ready, tlie following Publications, liv K S. WILLIAMS, F.U.H.S. E 0 i: (: H IB - G U 0 W E R • 8 MANUAL. (h ■ . I'i : Interleaved Copios.Gi-. : by post, Cs.Gd. I I . :iic above work, nnicli enlarged— about 100 li i I L I i. I, making in all 260 pages — conLainiug >:. .. < 1 700 species and varieties of Orchidaceous I'l ■■■! '■■ I.' N t" be worth growing, together with Notices ir Liiiii.''s 01' Flowerint;, and mos^ approved modes of Treat- also. Plain and Pi-actioiil Instruocions rel.ntiD.c to the General )rchids ; and remarks on the Heat, Moisture, Soil, Seasons ? the several species. Price 5s., by post 5s. Gd. SELECT FERNS and LYCOPODS, BRITISH and EXUTIC, comprising Descriptions of 90fi choice species and Tarietiea, accompanied by Directions for their Management in the Tropical, Temperate, and Hardy Fernery ; with Illustrations PublishRd and Sold by B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, London, N. rHE ONLY RELIABLE WCtRKS on GARDENING, are those by GEORGE GLENNT, F.R.H.S. ' Mr. Gi.ENNv is so great an authority on all matters relating to ivorka with much ' tako a spade in hand, and, under the 3 a little Eden around him. They are , price that they may be possessed by any one who desires to be instructed by them," — Glasf/ow Herald. "Thoroughly prnctical in their nature, containing plain mstruc tions in a clear and comprehensible form," — Sun. g ^j CULTDRE of FLOWERS and PLANTS .. 6 C" CULTURE of FRUITS and VEGETABLES. . 5 6 GARDENER'S EVERY-DAY BOOK .. .. 5 fi HANDBOOK to the FLOWER GARDEN .,5 0 MANDAL of PRACTICAL GARDENING .. 5 C HANDY BOOK on GARDENING .. .. 1 o' PROPERTIES of FLOWERS and PLANTS .. I Oi PROPERTIES of FRUITS and VEGETABLES I Of "'?* FARMING for the MILLION 1 o) ■^'^■ GARDENING for the MILLION 0 C postage W. London; Hoclstoh & WRr.jur, 05, Paternoster Row, E.G. QCRIM CANVAS for Shading, 1 to 2 yt O Bags, Sicks, Tarpaulins, Horse Cloths. :^o wide ; Seed -_, ^«t^, ^.^^^o, Tarpaulins, Horse" Cloths, i^ose Bags. Tanned Netting.Ropes, Lines Twines, Ac, supplied at the lowL-st possible 1 application. Oil Paint no Longer Necessary, TMPROVED BLACK VARNISH.— ForpreE .. X and Wood Fencing, Gates. F.arra Implomonts. &c. Sold in casks of about 30 Eallons each at Is. 3d, per gallon, cirriage paid to any railway station in England or Wales. A samulo cask of 10 gallons 3ipt of Post Offlua Order for iTs. forwarded (carnage paid) ( . ^. _ No charge for casks. ManuRicture'd only by Fain, 10, Riohard'a Villas, Lavender Grove, Dolston, Testimonials on application. London, N.E. SCHWEPPE'S MINERAL "WATERS.— By Special Appointment to Her Majesty and H.R.H. the Prlnco of Wal Every bottle is protected by a label havinx narna and trade mark. London, Liverpool, Dorby, Briatol, Glasgow, Malvern. TOHN GIBSON, Jun., bega to tmnounce that he : Rosidencos, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS u. GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. John Gihson, jun., Surrey Lane, Battersea, S.W. THE OVASCOPE. or EGG-TESTER, for sh^wii^ whether an Eeg will produce a Chicken. Price, 2^. Gd. by i)oat. THICK'S New INCUBATORS and REARING APPARATUS, for Hatching and Rearing Poultry and Game without Hens. £7 and £10 10s. complete. Full instructions to purchasers. Apply to William II. Tnica, 188, Weedington Road, Kentish Town For particulars apply to Duncan Cannadv, High Beech, Es: FLORIST and SEED SHOP, nicely fitted up ; estab- lished some years ; excellent JobWng connection ; locality good. An opportunity for a vouiig beginner. A. B., Gardmers' Chroniote Office, W.C. OLD ESTABLISHED NURSERY and SEED BUSINESS known as the late FAIREAIRN'S NURSERY. Jauks Ovlr, 116, High Street, Clapham, Surrey. To Nurserymen, Seedsmen. Florists, Sec. TO BE DISPOSED OF, in a leading thoroughfare near theCity, anESTAHLISOED RETAIL SKED SHOP, doing a good Trade. GoodwilJ, Fixtures, and Stuck, £lo'>. This is a genuine concern, parted with suluiy iu conswjueuco of iho present Proprietor having another buamus-s,— For funlier paiticulurs apply to Mr C. Greatuead, 27, Red Lion Siufiie. Holh,.,rii, W.C. Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING FOWLS, of purest breed, in any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive - , and early mattirity. BRAHMA-POUTRA, CREVEC east side of London, and the of the health of his family may be purchased very advantag( Situated at a market town, - proprietor offers them solely ■ requiring a warmer climate. Inqui: Messrs. Hurst St Son, Seedsmen, 6, Lcadenhall Street, London. Valuable Collection of Stove Plants, &c., for Sale TO BE DISPOSED OF, by Private Contra.n, a choice COLLECTION of STOVE and ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS, PELARGONIUMS, and other GREENHOUSE PLANTS consisting of all the latest introductions, in tbe finest posaible con- dition. A valuable Collection of CACTI and other succulents ; together with a few ORANGE TREES, one a very beautiful plant, bearing fine eatable fruit. Also & well-built SPAN-ROOF STOVE, 0.4 .■„=* K,. n ^itii Hot-water Heating Apparatus complete ; and a ,n^.-..L_., ,,.__,_. . . 5 the Cacti. „, .. . . ,-..--. /INZER, The Gardener, Wrackleford House, near Dorchester, Dorset. To Market Gardeners, or a Gentleman requiring a Summer Retreat. TO BE LET, a verv piuduLtive PU-XE of LAND, of about TWO ACRES, eiiclosod by a ll-feet New Brick Wall, and laid out iu the moat approved manner aa a Vegetable Garden,' well stocked with Choice Fruit Trees, including Vineries and other Forcing Houses, Stc, together with a MODhRN VILLA RESI- DENCE, suitable for a small family. The situaUon ia admiiable. having a full South aspect, is within of I the , Hir a powerful Tonic and general Api safe under any circumstances; and'thons-'inds of bear testimony to the benefits to be derived from bottles at Is. lid., 28. 9d., and Us. each. Karm and the Buildings t rown of Warwick, and containing 100 Acres c The Land has been prepared, i " , BorougliofWarwick.— ToFarmers,Graziera.&Otliers fMMOMTTP PTTT<5" ... 1„*^^ ti ! 'oMen SHANES' NEW PATENT PONY and DONKEY MACHINE. Width of Cutter. If with Patent Delivering Apparatus 25-inch Machine £12 10 0 .. .. 2-5s. extra. 28-inch Machine 14 10 0 .. .. 30s. „ SO-inch Machine 15 15 0 .. .. 30s. ,, Silent Movement, 12s. 6d. extra. Boots for Pony, 22s. per set. ; Ditto for Donkey, 18s. per set. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE Width of Cutter. 30-inch Machine ,. ,, 36-inoh Machine 42-inch MacMne 48-inch Machine SUent Movement, 20s. extra. £ia 0 0 22 0 0 26 0 0 28 0 0 .. .. 40s. „ Boots for Horse, 26s. per set. 40s. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IF NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED. A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and Wind Guard, made very great alterations and improvements in their Machine. They have had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six months. These trials have been so successful as to enable A. S. and SON to offer a Machine which far excels any other that has ever yet been offered, whether for ease in working, certainty of action, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B,; 2 7, LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON, E.G. 27, Leadenhall Street is the < ' place in London where intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines. All sizes kept there, whether for Morse, Fony, or Hand Power, Fd'torialCommunicatloiifl should beaddreased to ■' the Editor ;" Advertisements and Budiaess Letters to" The Publislier, " at the Office, 41, Wellington i PrintfJ by Jame,s MktTHEws.at theOaice of Measrs-BaiDBrtnY.ETtNs, & Co .Lomba ' _ . . -- _ - .^-.^- -, .. Office, No. 41, WelUngtoa Street, Parub of »t. Paul'a, Covent Uardta, In tbe said County.- ■ ..-'P'^ THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 20.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, MAY 16. /Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, G^?. Rooks notlooil . Broccoli, Suttur China Onus '- Dos tax y Edinburgh Koytil Botanic Ji'iA b, S2S a, S30h Euphorbia amygdaloides ....5192 Farms, Irish 529 ( Fanners and elections ,. Farnipni' Clubs Lime, application of.. St.Petcrsburyhcxhiliilion .. filh.i Society, RoyRl Horticultural . 520 h — Urusaela Royal Horti- Laiiilloril liberality :iriilnr,limf-woter steeped .. 518 r ruinips. land for hik a iVaKPs, ntiricultural 52K/i iVoather ivibdom iiVth Fersoris wishing to send the Gardeners' Chronicle by Post, should order the Stamped Edition. R°^ HORTICULTURAL SOCIETT, SOUTH KENSINGTON. W. The Exhibitors at t'le Shows of the Roval Horticultural Society nro Invited to meet the COUNCIL on TUESDAY, May 19, to discuss the question of the appointment of Judges at the Society's Shows. Tliu Meetins will be held in the Council Room at hall'-past 1 o'clock. tending Exhibitors will rnnLe a point of SOCIETY, J^OTAI ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOUTH KENSINGTON, fl NOT1CE.-A MEETING of the FRUIT ami FLORAL COM. rill he held on TUESDAY NEXT, May 19, at 11 o'clock '"■'"RALJ.IEETING at 3. horticultural" society, SOUTH KENSINGTON, W. The GREAT SUMMER EXHIBITION ooecs oo JUNE 2. and Three following Days. Band of the Royal Horae Guards daily. Tickets now ready at all the principal Librarians and Music Sellers, or at the Gardens. OYAL botanTc socTEty^s "gardens, REGENT'S PARK— The FIRST SUMMER EXHIBITION of PLANTS and FLOWERS this senson will take place on WEDNESDAY, May 27, and THURSDAY, May 28. All Plants for Eithibition will be required to remain at the Gardens up to 6 o'Cloclc on Thursday evening. May 28. The value of the Prizes tjas been increased, to cover the Exhibitors' expenses of the second day. -- _ COUNCIL and OFFICERS for the ensuing Yoar. _ London, May 12, 1808. GEORGE BUSK, Secretary. GREAT NATIONAL HORTICULTUITaL EXHIBITION, 1SC8, MAY 29 to JUNE 5, to be held in the Gardens of the Botanical and Horticultural Society, Manchester. Charges for admission :— Firstday, 10s. 6d. each ; Second day, •^. 6i. each ; Whit Monday and remaining days. Is. each ; Subscribers to the Botanic Gardens free each day. Annual Subscription :— Family, C10UNTESS of KELLIE is the finest light coloured J GOLD and BRONZE PELARGONIUM ever offered. For description, see our GENERAL CATALOGUE, post ll-oe. Dow.NiE, LAinn & Laino, Forest Hill, London, S.E., and Edinburgh. dozen, package included GEliANi(GMS,'nice young plants of Sliow, Spotted, and Fancy, In 31 and 4-incb pots, 26 forils. ; &0forl7s. ; 100for32s., package included. H. i R. SiiBZAREa, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. Over StocK. CHOICE TRICOLOR ami oilier GERANIUMS by the dozen, 50, or 100, in 00, 4S, or 32-sized pots ; IC choice sorts lor 21s., package included. G. Walslimo, Nurseryman, Hieh Koad, Lewisham. S.E. Geraniums. HUSSEY AND SON beg to otter strong healthy plants of the undernamed, at 2s. per doz,, 14s. per 100 :— Bliou, Shottesham Pet, Stella, Minimum, Lady Rokeby, Shrubland Pet, Madame Vaucher, and Tom Thumb. Mile End Nursery, Eaton, Norwich. New Vajlegatea Ivy-leaved Geranium, L'Elegante. ■Y\/'M_._CUNNINGHAM__c™ now supply strong plants for cosh. Special prices for larger quantities on application. ullnn'nTir!^ tn t.hn Tmrtu T The Forso, Barton-on-Trent. WENTY tine ZONAL GERANIUMS of Wood & In 12 Fine Tricolor Geraniums for 188. WOOD and INUKAM bei? to otter the following : — LiidyCuIlum, Sophia Diimaiesque, Eastern Beauty, Sunset, Mrs. Benyon, Mrs. i'oliocic. Gold Pheasant, Italia Unita, Silver Star, Queen's Favourite, the Couutesa and Glow-worm. Tlie Nurseries, IluiitingdoD. Choice Zonal and Tricolor Pelargoniums. W COCKS begs to otfer as above, in finest varieties, • Auturan-grnwn Plants, in OO-size pots, 100 for 30*. ; 50 for 10s. G(^ ; or 25 for y». Gd., packai^e included. PRICED LIST of BEDDING PLANTS free. Old Nurseries, Doniugtou, Spalding, New Tricolored Geraniums, FAND A. SMITU will forward a COLLECTION of • LEAVES of their splendid varieties b\ 18 stampa. The Nurseries, Dulwlch, S.E'. 1 receipt of G^ lEAT NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 1S68,— Gardejiers will be admitted by Tickets ^^„ f,..., J o- -J u. _. ^^^^ remaining days day 2g. Od, each ; SPALDING HORTICULTURAL FETE-FLOWER, FRUIT, *c., SHOW.-Tho ANNUAL EXHIBITION will take place on THURSDAY', Juno '25, 1808. Silver Cups (with the option of Cash) are offered for Roses, Fioe-folisged Geraniums, Specimen Plants, Ac. Schedules of Prizes may be obtained on application to GEO. F. BAJIRELL, Hon. Sec;, Spalding riMiE CHELMSFOED and ESSEX GRAND X HORTICULTURAL SOCIETrs MEETING (Open to All England), will bo held at Chelmsford, on JUNE 25 and 20 next for Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables. Four Silver Cups, and other Prizes, amounting in value to nearly £200. Schedules mav be had on application to Mr. P. EDWARDS, Acting Secretary, New Street, Chelmsford. ENTRIESJJLOSE June 15. ovrooi,, "^EST _of JXGLANlTTtOSE ~ SHlnv:^ pii > 20. £130 offered in Prize) B EADING HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY - The SPRING SHOW will bo held on THURSDAY, June 4 (by I'Tilr 5. j'''W''„'" ""' Abbey Ruins, Reading. A MiUtary "J" .»ttend. 1 lie Show will bo open to the holders of Sub- „r ..SI"'; \° '^'J^"' ""'' '" '""o ^t""" »t < o'clock on pay- ■S! "• ^Schedules of Prizes and Tickets may be obtai.iod of CHARLES COLLINS, Hon. Secretary Tropaeolum Cooper's Defiance. rriHOMAS METHVEN ha., a Large Stock of this ■ magniflcent BEDDING PLANT. 18, Edinburgh.— April 25. Leith Walk Nursei THOMAS MLIHVEN has at present a verv tin . k, .. ' present a very fane stock ...^aUiable liowcr irardon DECORATIVE PLANT. I Walk Nurseries, Edinburgh.— April 25 Calceolaria Ambassador (Sane's) nPHOMAS METHVEN has a large and fano STOCK of -L this much prized CALCEOLARIA. Leith Walk Nurseries, Edinburgh.— April 25. F. New Spring Catalogue. AND A. S .M I T H beg to announce that their DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE of TRICOLOR, BICOLOR. and ZONAL GERANIUMS, PELARGONIUMS, BEDDING PLANTS. &c., is now ready, and mil be sent free on application. The Nurseries, West Dulwich, S.E. Genuine Garden Seeds. WM. CUTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above is now ready. Post-free on application. Highgate Nurseries. London. N. New Catalogue of Soft-wooded and Beddiug^Plants, Florist Flowers, &c. CHARLES TURNER'S DESCRIPTIVE LIST is now ready, and will be sent on application. 'The Royal Nurseries, Slough. Bedding Plants from 2s. per dozen. T SCOT'T'S CATALOGUE of the above is now ready, Merriott, Taunton, Somerset. BEDDING PLANTS, of first-class quality (an immense stock), well OKtablisbed in good sized pots, and perfectly hardened off. DESCRIPTIVE CAT.ALOGUE, with prices, gratis. Trade price on application. H. & R. SriRZAitsa, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. Cinerarias and Primulas. FAND A. SMITH beg to announce their splendid . COLLECTIONS are NOW in BLOOM, from which they gather the Seed sent to their Customers. An inspection solicited. The Nurseries, West Dulwicb, S.E. Calceolaria aurea florlbunda.— Special Offer. WOOD AND INGRAM oH'er tine bushy Autumn- struck plants of the above, in S.inch pots, at 15s. per lou or £7 per 1000._ Tho Nurseries. Huntingdon. LOBELIA SPECIOSA, in Pots," UTwV "per dozenT Teniis cash. Package Included. Philip Lados, Nursery, Bexley Heath. Kent. VERBENAS— Purple, White, and Scarlet, strong healthy plants in pots, at Is. fid. per dozen, package included. PiiiLiF LAnos, Nursery, Bexley Heath. Kent. Old Cheshunt Nurseries— Tea Koses In BloomT PAUL AND SON invite an insjiection during the ensuing week of their TEA ROSE HOUSE, now full of Flower ing Plants. The POT ROSES will be also just opening their Blooms, and worthy of inspection. Old Chesbunt Nurseries, N., one mile from Chcshunt Station, G.E.R, New Roses for 1868. JOHN FRASER, Lea Bridge Road Nurseries, London, N.E., bogs to offer flno healthy plants of the best NEW ROSES for 1868. A DESCRIPl'lVE LIST may bo had on application. ROYAL ASCOT or PERPETUAL.— To have new GRAPES from thia wonderful Vine m January, February, and March, now and next inoutlt is the time to plant them. Fine yuuiig pruwlng Canef. now, 4i;. each ; m May, 31n. (W., -ISs., and UJn. ciich ; Koynl Nursery, Ascot, Berks. 7o„»Sr. GOLDEN CHAMPION GRAPE.— Orders are now being Booked for thia extraordinary Grape. See Advertisement May 9, page 480. Prico 21s. and 4'2s. each. OsnoaN & Sciss. Fulham Nuraory, S.W. Cheap Hants. JACKSON'S ONE GUINEA HAMPER contains TEN DOZEN well assorted PLANTS for BEDOING, many of them w Notice of Removal. AITE, BURNELL, tlUGGlNS, and CO., Seed 181, Hi(fh Ilolbom. London, W.C. ' , London. W.C. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GARDEN SEEDS, INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1802, waa awarded to " MKS Cabter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. V E R Y GARDE N R E QuTsTt E ER'a New Seed Warehouse, 237 & 238, High Holborn, London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. ARTER AND CO., SExn Fariiebs, MERcnAnis, .and NuRSEavjiEM, 237 H 233, High Holborn, London, W.C. EAUTIFUL VARIEGATED KALE, suitable for winter decoration in the flower garden, tid. and ]s. per packet. W. P. Lairo & SiscLAin, Nurserymen, Dundee, n!b. TO the TRADE and OTHERS —Splendid stock EARLY SIX-WEEK TURNIP, new Seed, fine sample, at 253. per bushel, or 8d. per lb. Terms cash. FaKna. Gee. Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. To the Trade and Others. SCARLET RUNNER BEANS, good growing, fine sample. Cash price, 7s. Od. per bushel. FaxDa. Gee, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade. SCARLET RUNNER BEANS at low prices^ JAiiEs Faiehead i Si.N, 7. Borouoh Market, S.R HXTE GLOBE TURNIP, crop" fsS?, select stoek^ Price on application. Fairhead & Son, 7, Borough Market. S.E. w EniNE STOCK, DEVONSHIRE GREY - STONE TURNIP, 1807. Price reasonable. James Fairueao i Sow, 7, Borough Market, S.E. GREEN-TOP SWEDE, good stock. Price low. James Fairuead 4 Sos. 7, Borough Market, S.E. LEWISHAM SWEDE, the finest variety of Purple-tup in cultivation. James FAiRUEAn & So», 7, Borough Market, S.E^ THE HARDIEST SWEDE, LAW HEAD GREElT TOP. A select stock is offered by James Dickson & Soss, 10'2, Eastgato Street, Chester. s >URPLE-TOP YELLOW SCOTCH 'TURNIP. Price on application. LsoN k Sons, lO'i, Eastgato Street, Chester. UTTONS' CHAMPION SWEUE, thTliardiest and best In cultivation. Lowest prico per bushel on application. Sdtton & SONI 1 Growers, Readini;. SUTTOWS' IMPERIAL GREEN GLOBE, the heaviest White-fleshed Turnip in cultivation. Lowest prico per bushel on applici)tioD. SuTTOM & Soxs, Seed Growers. Readlnj;. To the Trade.— Home-grown Turnip Seeds^ CHARLES SHARPK anh CO., Seeu Growers, Sleaford.haveto offer TURNIP SEEDS of alltho le.iding kinds, prown from flno selected stocks. .Spcoi;il prices sent on application. To the trade.— Home-grown Mangel Seeds! /CHARLES SKARfE and CO., Seed Grower?, V7 Sleaford, have to offer MANliEL SEED of ail the leading kinds, grown from floe selectt;d stocks. Special prices sent on application. " Lincolnshire lie abound turnip! HAND E. SHARPE oltcr a line stOL-k of the above, • grown from transplanted bulbs last season. Price low. Seed Growing Esttabllshmsnt, Wisbech. Green Round or Norfolk Turnip. ~~ HAND E. SHAKPE have a true bIolU of the above • Tamip, (jrown from selected bulbs and of ISC? growth. Price very r ble. 1 Growing Estiblishment, Wisbech. H Green-top Swede Turnip. AND F. SHARPE can supply the Trade with a splendid stock of tho above Turnip, grown last season from transplanted bulbs. Prici 1 Growing Establishment, Wisbech. 1 .Q^Q —All the best NEW KOSES in cultivation. XOLIO. DESCRIPnVE CATALOGUES now ready. Wm. Wood & Son, Nurseries, Maresfleld, Uckfleld, Sussex. Roses, in Pots, o^ ownRoots! ^^~ THOMAS HANDaSYDE and DAVIDSON have a large stock of the above. Prices to the Trade on application. TnouAS Uandastdk & Davidbok, Nursei7mon, Soedsmon, and Florists, 24, Cockbum Street, Edinburgh. Nurseries at Musselburgh. WM. PAUL'S SPKING CATALOGUE of NEW ROSES,_ NEW VARIEGATED, BEATON'S, and ZONAL PELAHGONIUMS, Ac, la now ready, and will be forwarded post fcee on application. 9 Nurseries, Walthmn Cross, London, N. Elvetham Long Red Mangel WurzeL Hand F. SHARPE have a very tine etoek of the above, • grown last season irom selected bulbs. Price very moderate. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech, PARIS, I SUTTONS" GRASS SEEDS for ALL SOILS. 1867. I The PREMIER PRIX SILVER MEDAL for GAR- DEN SEEDS, GRASSES, and GRASS SEEDS, waa Awarded to SUTTON AND SONS, Seedsmen to the Queen, Reading. BerKa. UTTONS* PERMANENT GRASS SEEDS, 01, »rt 32s. per acre, carriage free. ' for 1, 2, a, or 4 years, 10*. &!. to 22s. per & Sows. Reading. Berks. CLOVER SEED, first qualitv only, home growth. Market price on application. LoDis Van Hodttc, Nurseryman and Seedsman, Ghent, Bolglum. THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE AND ArTPvTCFLTUEAL OAZETTE [Hat 16. 1868. New Chrysantliemuins. A pAM FORSYTH is now sending out several FIRST- XlL CLASS SEEDUNQS, all of whicb ware greatly admired at tbe Metropolitan Shows last year. Likewise GEIORQE'M JIEW BEDDING TRuP.^.OH;MS. For full description and bpiniops of ttie Press, sea Catalogue, which is now ready. A. F.'s COLLECTION OF CHRTSANTHEMUMS includes all the best varieties lor exhibition and bedding purposes. Orders executed in rotation. Brunswick Nursery, Stoke Newington, N., London. New Japanese Chrysantbemums for 1868. JOHN SALTKK be^a to announce that he is now sending out bis NEW SEEDLING JAPANESE and other CQRVSANTHEarUMS, PYRETHRUMS, &c. CATALOGUES on receipt of two stamps. Versailles Nursery, William Street, Ilammersmith Road (near Kensington Railway). Double I^etliruma. JOHN SALTER be^s to announre that his large COLLECTION of these beautiful SUMMER FLOWERS is NOW in FULL BLOOM. The Gardous are open every day except Sunday. Versailles Nursery, William Street, Vale Place, Hammersmith, W, (near Kensington Railway). UPLENDID NEW TKOP^ULUM MRS. TRKAD- O WELL,— For particulars of this truly beautiful bedding variety, see our Advertisements in tbe "Gardeners' Magazine," March S8 and April 4. Full description and testimonials per post on applica- tion. Plants 5s. each, 42«. per doz. The uaual discount to the Trade. F. & A. Smith, The Nuraeries, Wet.t Dulwich, S.E. VERBKNA LADY BODGHTON.— This splendid white Verbena, with crimson eye, each pip larger than a shilling, beautifully fragrant, Immense truss and good habit— for Pots or Beds superior to all other whites, is nowre.ndy to be sent out, in good Plants, 183. per dozen. The usual Discount to the Trade. Circulars on application. Samcel Cox, Seed Merchant, Nurseryman, apd Flonst, Bullring, Ludlow, Salop. Extra Clioj.ce Cineraria Seed. LUCOMBE, PINCE anb CO., bej;; to call attention to their unsurpassed strain of CINERARIA SEED, saved this year from the Unest flowers. The Seeds, which were obtained from cheir own strain, and also from the best growers in the kingdom, from which the plants have been raised, have this year been tho admiration of all who have seen them. Sola in packets, at 2^. (id. each. The usual allowance to the Trade. Exeter Nursery, Exeter. H]E""'TEKSlC(rL^Gr(iANTEUM"Fn)^tBUNUA, SUNFLOWER, native of Abyssinia, tbe Seeds of which have b^en sent to the Advertiser by a gentleman, Naturalist and Botinist out with the expedition. It grows in almost any soil, in heii;ht from 15 to a) feet, the flowers being the size of 10 inches in diameter, varying in colours. No gardenshould be without it. Sent to any part, in packets, on receipt of 7 postage stamps and a directed envelope. Address Mr. Sevmodr, 24, North Street, Manchester Square, W. Extra Choice Seeds for Present Sowing. P>OBERT PARKER begs to offer the undernamed, all ^ of which are warranted to be of the finest, possible qualities. Per packet — s. d. CALCEOLARIA, horbaceovis, finest mixed l> li CINERARIA CRUENTA, finest mixed 2 6 MYOSOTIS SYLVATICA (Cliveden variety) 0 6 STOCK, INTERMEDIATE WHITE 0 0 ,, SCARLET 0 6 PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA, finest mixed .. ..2 0 KERMESINA SPLENDENS .. ..2 6 WALLFLOWER, double German, finest mixed .. .. ..0 6 PRICED and DESCKlFnVE CATALOGUES, containing Select Lists of Agricultural, Flower, and Vegetable Seeds, Spring Bedding Plants, Greenhouse, Hardy, and Stove Plants, are published, and will be forwarded gratis to applicants. Exotic Nursery. Tooting, Surrey, S.W. T7" E y N E S ' NEW D aTh L I A S, IS~6 s". 277 HEBE (Rawlisos).— Light, regularly and evenly tipped with rosy lilac, deepening to purple ; high close centre. A decided improvement of Umpire, hitherto the first of its clas.-?. The flower of the season, 3 feet, lOs. fir/. First-class Certificates: — Royal Horticultural Society; Crystal Palace — the only places exhibited. 278 CONSTANCE (Ketnes). —Blush, fine form, very constant. 4 feet. 10«. Gd. First-class Certificates :— Devizes ; Trowbridge. 279 CAROLINE TETTERELL (Keynes). — White, tipped deep lilac, very fine, flrst-cluss, 4 feet, M>k. iW. First-class Certificates: — Salisourv Horticultural Society ; Dorset; Sherborne; Royal Horticultural ; Shepton Mallett ; Royal Horticultural ; Trowbridge, Money Prize ; Bishop Auckland. 280 PURPLE GEM (Goodwin).— Bright purple, finest form, 4 feet, 108. 6d. First-class Certificate :— Bishop Auckland. 281 LADY DERBY (Keynes).— Blush, heavily tipped with purple. One of the sranacst sQow flowers yet ofl'ered, 4 feet. Ids. 6rf. First-class Certificates;— Royal Horticultural Society; 'i*row- bridge ; Sherborne; Devizes; Salisbury. 232 SIR GREVILLE SMYTHE (KETNES),-Bright crimson purple, finest form, constant, S feet, 10s. 6d, First-class Certificates :— Royal Horticultural Society; Shepton Mallett; Troworidge; Shernorne ; Salisbury ; Tamiton. 283 MRS. UODDS (Kevnes).— White, lightly tipped purple—one of the cems of the season— unqualified praise wherever shown. 4 feet. 10s. 6d. First-class Certificates :— Royal Horticultural Societv ; Crystal Palace; Bishop Auckland ; Salisbury; Sherborne ;"Taunton. 234 ROSY QUEEN (Kevnes).— Light pm'ple, equal to Lord Derby in foriu, of a most pleading colour— a first-class variety, 4 feet, 10s. 6d. First-class Certificates :— Crystal Palace; Salisbury. 235 MISS TURNER (Kevnes).- White, heavily laced with bright purple— a most splendid addition, like Mrs. Trotter, 4 feet 10s. (Jtf. First-class Certificates : — Taunton ; Salisbury ; Blandford ; Devizes; Sherborne; Ti'owbrldge, First Prize in the Money Class. 286 YELLOW BOY (Keynes).- Pure deep yellow, yery large and very constant, 2 feet, lus. 6d. First-class Certificate :— Crystal Palace. 287 MEMORANDUM (Cb UHca).— Light ground, tipped with rosy Iliac, very prettv. clearincolour. Took a First-class Certificate at the Royal Horticultural bociety— the only place it was exhibited at. 3 feet. 10s. fid. 238 TIFFANY (Keynes).— Light fawn, very constant, 8ho\v flower. 4 feet, 10s 6d. sr.W FANCY DAHLIAS. 190 W()M>! i;) M 1.. i:,).— Lilac with purple stripes and flakes, V'-i t liower, 3 feet, 10s. Od. Fir-i '-.:— Salisbury Horticultural Society; Di-i./. - ■ i: v.i I I'ltifulturat ; Dorset. 191 LEUfAi:uK^s.i (Kkvnes). — Lilac, spotted and striped with criiiison— one ol the finest flowers in cultivation, always ready, a feet. 10s. 6ri. First-class Certificates :— Salisbury, Trowbridge ; Crystal Palace ; Roval norticultmal ; Dorset. 102 CHAMELEON (Kevnes). — Lilac, striped scarlet; very fine iomi, 4 feet, 10s. 6d. First-class Certiflcate3:—Taunton; Crystal Palace. 193 SPARKLER (Keynes).- Puiple, lipped white— by fur tho best in its closs, 3 feet, \0s. 6d. First-class Certificates ;— Taunton ; Shepton Mallett. 194 GRAND SULTAN (Keynes).— Buff, striped very much with bright red — a wonderful flower, 4 feet, 10«. Gd. First-clas,'< Certiftcates :— Devizes ; Trowbridge ; Dorset 19n VICEROY (Keynes), —Kosy lilac, criin^Mi stnpes, perfect form very constant, 3 feet. 10s. Qd. Firit-class Certificates : — Trowbridge ; Royal Horticultural Society. A liberal allowance to Amateurs, where the Set is taken. Salisbury, April 13. MAGNIFICENT NEW HYB^IDgl OP COLEU|. SIX FIRST PRIZES Wei-p awarded on 5tb inst., by the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Spciefy, to the spl^did Varietiea purchased by MESSRS. VEITCH & SONS At the Sale held at Messrs. Sterens' on the 22d of April last. For full desciiptioa of which, see Gardeners' Chronicle of April 11, 1868, pages 376 and 377. MESSRS. VEITCH and SONS intend distributing these magnificent NOVELTIES during the ensuing Summer at the following Prices, and ^vill be glad henceforth to book Orders, which will be executed strictly in ■~ Plane-leaved Series. Frilled- leaved Series. C. BERKELETI . . 1.5,». Od C. SAUNDERSII .. 10 6 C. RUCKERI . . ..106 Or the Set of Six Varieties together, £3 2s. C. BAUSEI .. . . 15s. Od. C. SCOTTII .. .. 10 C C. BATEMANI .. 10 6 ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, CHELSEA, S.W. VICTORIA AND PAE4DISE NURSERY, UPPER HQLLOWAY, LONDON, N- B. S WILLIAMS Begs moat resj)ectf\iUy to invite his Patrons and the Public generally to yisit hi :ontains much to interest, but more especially at the present time, when the Nursery, which at all times AMARYLLIPS, AZALEAS, ANTHURIUMS, AND ERICAS ARE IN FULL BLOOM. The SPECIMEN FLOWERING and FOLIAGE PLANTS, which will be exhibited at all the principal Shows this year, are to be seen to advantage in the Large Conservatory and other Sho v Houses. The ORCHID HOUSES, PALM STOVES (to which many new and interesting Plants have of late been added), NEW HOLLAND HOUSES, FERN HOUSES, AZALEA HOUSES, &<-., are replete with Plants which, by the interest and instruction they will afford, will well repay a visit. The COLLECTION of MEXICAN PLANTS at this Nursery is unsurpassed in Great Britain, with the exception of the one at the Kew Gardens. SPRING CATALOQUE OF NEW AND RARE P|_ANTS will be issued early in fifay, Post Free to all applicants. CARRIAGE AND OMNIBUS ROUTES. Carnage Route from West End is through Albauy Street, Regent's Park; Park Street, Camden Town; Kentish Town Road ; and the Junction Road. Omnibus Routes: — The "Favorite" Omnibusses from the Bank, and Loudoi} Bridge Kailwaya; Victoria Station, Charing Cross, and Westminster; Brompton, South Kensington Museum, Piccadilly, and Regent Street, arrive at and start from the entrance of the Nursery every seven minutes. B. S. WILLIAMS, VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. PORTABLE COLOUR-SLIPS. TO AID IN FORMING CORRKCT ARRANGEMENTS IN COLOUR PREPARATORY TO PLANTING FLOWER-GARDENS. In depicting the finest outlines of beauty io flowers, wheu relatively viewed in aggregate groups as a work of art, the importance of properly arranged colours in flower-garden groups, beds, and belts, can scarcely bo overrate4 ; and in consequence of the repeated instances in which a mis-arrangement of colours (owing to a defective aelecfi^on of pla^ts), intended to produce a given result, hns destroyed the harmony of the whole throughout the season, E. G. HENDERSON and SON have had prepared a series of Coloured Slips, 27 in number, representing over 70 popular bedding-plants, whereby all cultivators may form a temporary arrangement of colours preparatory to planting, according to the reputed theory of colours, or to individual taste, and by which the purchaser may select the requisite colours from the List of Plants accompanying these sj)ecimen colours. The assistance thus given will be found applicable to the most limited gardens, as well aa to the greatest in extent. Each Specimen Coloured Slip will be found to correspond in number with those attache^ to t;he acpopipanying List of Plants. A Packet of tk"- Coloured Slips will be forwarded on receipt of six postage stamps. The Catalogue forwarded post free on receipt of four postage stamps, E. G. HENDERSON and SON respectfully announce the publication of their NEW SPRING CATALOQUE, Containing descriptions of the moat popular and Ornamental Garden Plants of the season, amongst which are the following: — DOUBLE-FLOWERED TOM THUMB GERANIUM, MADAME ROSE CHARMEUX (Tom Pouce).— The most unique bedding plant of tho season. A double-flowered variety of Beaton's bqat form of Tom Thumb, known as Crystal Palace Scarlet. Habif. of growth densely compact and' dwarf, GOLDEN-LEAVED ARCHANGEL (Lamiuni aureum). — The richest golden-leaved bedding perennial plant. Style of growth neat, dwarl, and compact, CHRYSANTHEMUM BEAUTT of ST. JOHN'S WOOD.— A first- claas competition flower in its symmetry and outline, so perfect as not to require dressing for exhibition. (RecelvedaFltBt-cIass Certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society.) DOUBLE ROSE-COLOURED ZONAL GERANIUM, MADAME LEMOINE,— One of the finest plants yet Introduced to gardens, and the first instance of a really double flower in its colour. Equally tine in itg^abit, colour, truss, form, and substance. GERANIUM QUEEN of HARVEST.— Stylo of Christine Nosegay, with larger trusses, dwarf branching habit, and profusion of bright rose-pink bloom. A fine bedding variety. The Catalogue contains 60 designs of Flower Beds ment of plant groups. NEW LILIPUTIAN ZONAL GERANIUMS. — A new and re- markiibl^ aectiou of Zouals, with dwarf dense lilliputian groffth. and miniature foliage, having brilliant scarlet, rose, and cftrmlae coloured 'bloom, equal in size to the larger bedding varietlee. An unique group. NEW WHITE B12DDINU DAHLIA, WHITE BEDDER.— The flnest of white-flowoied bedding Dahlias, by its purity of colour, profuse bloom, and effective character. lety for garden perennial ^ ^ _^., ^ brilliant ^cariet blopip and densely comp^vct habit of T. Tom Thu™ti. I aid to amateur cultivators and others in the arrange- TBOP^OLUM STAR of FIRE. — A charming .., -- „ decoration, with small miniature foliage, and the perennial growth of T. Lobbi, combined with the profiisi WELLINGTON NURSERY, ST. JOHN'S WOOD, LONpON, N,W. Mat 16, 1868.] TTTE TtAI^TONEPS' CTTR0^7^LE AND AGETCnTTTTEAf, nAZETfR su BEAUTIFUL NEW LOBELIA, LITTLE GEW. The best Testimonial in favour of this most desirable novelty is the FIRST-CLASS CEETIFICATE which was AWARDED to the raiser by the Floral Committee of tlie Royal Horticultural Society in 1867. The flowers are pure white, with a clear well-defined blue margin, habit very compact, and bloopis in a dense mass, lasting throughout the season. LITTLE GEM wall prove itself one of the most eftectivc and best bedding or edging plants of the year, and is very suitable for pot culture. PETER LAWSON and SON have much pleasure in introducing the above, and mil send out Plants early in May. Price Is. es.o)i, 9s. a dozen, 50s. q, hundred. SPECIAL PBICES TO THE TRADE, AND PER THOUSAND, ON APPLICATION. EDINBUBGH and L ONDO N.— AprU, 1868. 20,000 ROSES in POTS NOW EEADY. PAUL & SON, The Old Nursekies, Cheshunt, N., Beg, now that removal of Roses from the ground is out of the question, to offer, speciallj-, DWARF ROSES IN POTS FOR SUMMER PLANTING. HYBRID PEEPEXaAL EOgES, on own roots, of finest older varieties, 12s. to I6s. per dozen. TEA ROSES, on own roots and on Manetti, to plant from May to August, ISs. per dozen. NEW ROSES of 1867, Paul & Son's selection of the best, 18*. per dozen. NEW ROSES of 1868, Paul & Son's selection of varieties, 42«. per dozen. With the new Eoses, which have mostly bloomed with them, they are much pleased, and recommend them with their own new English Seedling Rose, herewitli described, Hybrid Perpetual, Duke of Edinburgh (Paul & Son). A seedling raised here by us ; is of rare beauty of colour, rich crimson scarlet when forced, finely and deeplv shaded; in the wav of \avier Olibo or Duko of Wellington. Flowers large, of good shape, and tine petals. Plant's oj strong vigorous habit and hardy, having withstood the winters of 1866. Exhibited and much admired at York and Crystal Palace Shows. Coloured Plate by Andrews for 1.3 stamps. Plants, ready in May and early June, 63. each. PRICED LISTS of NEW EOSES and GENERAL ROSE and other CATALOGUES free ty post. SPLENDID NEW HYBRID COLEUS, EAISED BY THE EOYAL HOE TICULT DEAL SOCIETY. J. W. WIMSETT HAS MUCH PLEASURE IN ANNOUNCING THAT HE H.\S SECUHEU TWO OF THE MOST DISTINCT AND BEAUTIFUL VARIETIES, Raised by M. Badse, of the Cliiswick Horticultural Gardens. The two following varieties will prove invaluable for bedding purposes, and will produce a grand effect in all bedding arrangements with Wills' splendid Bronze and Gold Pelargoniums. The beautiful shades of green and purple in Coleus Mun-ayi will produce a splendid combination of colour when surrounded by margins of the beautiful Jiropze and Gold Pelargoniums of which Her Majesty is the type ; and the rich chocolate purple of Coleus MarshaUii wUi also contrast beautifully with the rich bronze and gold shades of the Pelargoniums ;— C. MAESHALLII (Verschaffeltii x Veitchii). , green margin; stem green, stained with purple at the Each 10». 6rf., or Six for 56s. ■gonium C. MURRAYI (Verschaffeltu x Gibsoni). Leaves ovate acute, creoate, green, pinnately marked along the principal veins with bars of dark purple, which sometimes coalesce, the rest of the surface showing through from beneath the purple reticulations, which are evenly and strongly marked on the under surface ; stems purple. Tliis is a more evenly and more fully coloured form of C. Gibsoni, and therefore a great improvement on it. Each 10s. 6rf., or Six for 60a, In consequence of the plants being large, and the ease and rapidity with which they can bo propagated, W. WiMSETT will be able to supply plants of each variety by the dozen, .50, or 100, on the Ist of June. K.H. All Orders hooked mid exec strict rotation. A8HBURNHAM PAKK NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.W. COLEUS TELFORDI (AUREA). THE BEAUTIFUL NEW GO L D EN -L E A VED COLEUS. Leaves ovate .acumiiiate, and deeply serrated on the edge, bright golden yellow, with crimson blotch in the centre 01 each leal ; the plant has a very neat habit and moderately vigorous style of growth. This beautiful variety wiU prove invaluable for cross-breeding purposes and for conservatory decoration. No collection of stove plants will be complete without it. = » r j ,i;=f;f;*Y'jY^'^EfT'''<-^?f .'?"'''' pleasure in announcing that he has secured the whole of the stock of this, the most distmct and beautiful of all the varieties of Coleus ever offered T , J^"^ ^""i ™"^'^ has been perpetuated by Mr. Peter M,cPhail, in the gardens of C, Telford, Esq., of Wedmore Lodge, Bromley, Kent. It is a sport from C. Blumei. ' p > -i . Flanis mill be ready for sending out on the 1st of Jme, and all Orders tvill be bookei in strict rotlfiion. Each 10s. 6d., pr Six for 65s. Wo have now to record the , Dr. Ho-g and Mr. Moore thus speak of the beauty Hardeners' Clu-oiiicU, May 2, 1SR8,— .,„ u,no uu^v lo recora tue exUtsnce of a Qolden Coleus. Unlike the Chlswiok plants, which are hybridised seedlings, this last acquisition is a sport, which w.ns taken ft-om C. Biumel in the course of last summer bv Mr. MoPhail Onrdener to C. Telford, Esq,, of Bromley, those of C. Blumei. exce'pt that th yellow tUit, like that hence It Will fomi a t varieties now In cultivat hybridwer in forming ne i-called Golden-leaved Polftrgonipli and will be a The variety which lias been understand, passed into the hands of t out. The sport v named Teirordl„u,„„ ■""( "» understand Mr. Wimsett, by whom it will shortW b. nrat observed hiat June, when one half of to have taken on this golden tint This 1l_ Thf. ntV;,!"!^ f '"' '"™'.l'v »°,^ the result has be'enTh'e pr'oductlon of a?e several ,itl,Zh>''' "'"°'' 'f, ""i^? '^^■'^^ "'o P""^'. >"1 'Hero are several oi itieni. being exactly alike " and ust-fuincas of this fine variety : — "99, St. Georg«'a Road, May 1, 1868. '*X>&KB. Sifl, — I cODKratulate you on having got the New Golden Coleus, whicb will make a capital basle for hybridising. I do not think there is any tall golden bedder, and, if so, this will intro- 4uce quite a new feature." The following is from Mr. T. Moore :— " Cholaea Botanic Gardens. April 20, 1SQ6. " Dear Sir,— The Golden Ooleus Telfordi aurea wIU be a Y.xiuable acquisition by the side of the other novelties, and probably stUi more , ^ .^„^.tj ^^o. Vftluable for crossing." eulti^al"tyoTthe'ahr„ll™ "^'^'^ '" "^ '"""'*"'■'' ^^^'yty the Floral Committee of the Hoyal Horti- Com^tufofthlTyfl^cultLf^^c^^^^^^^^^ "^™^^'"' '° '"' ^'^'i^"' ™™'>- "^ »'"' ^'""l NEW PELARGONmMS ond''!dJ^°'^Knvn.?°.ST'T??'"S DESCRIPTIONS and PRICES of WILLS' splendid NJiW PELAKLiONrOMS and other NOVELTIES, is now ready, and will be forwarded Post Free on application. ASHBURKHAM PARK NURSERY, KINjG'S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.W. Bedding Plants. , , THi)\l \- li:i;i\IN'S (late Marsh & Pebkins) has gi. I , (1, ling slroDg, well-established Plants of the abo\r. I , . AlJl,- I ii I I .- I 1,11 HD CATALOGUE may bo had. post free, on appht .;,.:. L.I Ij, Ijiipory, Northampton. Bedding Plants for tlie Million. JAMES HOLUElt can supply .s.arlet and VarieRated OEUANIDMS, UALCEOLAKlAS, VEEUENAS. UAHLIAS, SALVIAS. ICJCIISIAS, nELIOTItOPES, GAZANIAb. AGERA TOMS, C'UI'HE;VS, KIENIGAS, LOIiELIA.S. ie., strong plants. rfourldozon for 10». Uii. " "■ PELARGONIUM.S, distil Crown Nursery, Reading. 50,000 Bedding PiantsT W COCKS begs to oiler 2.'i,000 (fine Autumn-srown . Plants, m Ou-slzo potsl TOM THUM B, PUNCH, STELLA, CHRISTINE, MADAME VAUCHEB, BIJOU. JANE, MRS. " — ■ ' '■ ■"'■■■■■ '-- -"•- ""RANIOMS; 6.000 SRBENAS ; 6,«U0 UELIOTROPBS, .ZANEAS, if,, at fxiri-ijiclv Inw prices, PRICED LISTS ft-ee. old .NuiNurirs, I 'uiiington. Spaldiug, Bedding Plants, Bedding Plants. 08EPH WES'l'LiKY invites special attention to the Trade and intending Purchasers to his magnihcent collection ot Inspec- ;, Tropieoln vi'ted. CATALOGUES sent free on application. Special prices to the Trade for quantities, packed on liberal terms. The Floral Nursery, Bllsworth^ Bedding Plants. AECllti. HENDERSON'S DESCEllTIVE and PRICED CATALOGUE of BEDDING PLANTS IS now ready, containing all the novelties of the pitst two years, Ttic stock is in fine condition; for extent and vigour unsurpassed. Purchasers are respectfully Invited to inspect the Stocli at Lion Nursery. Whitehorse Road, Croydon. Special offers will be made for large quantities. Catalogues to be had gratis, and post frpo on application. Tte West of England Bedding Plant Establlsliment. CUB»r BeOIMNO ihD OTHEB Pl.»STS. THOMAS SAMPSON, Proprietor of the Preston Road Nurseries, Yeovil. Somersetshire, has mucb pleasure in announcing that his CATALOGUE of the above Plants is now ready, and can be had free on application. T. S, is proud to say bis stoclc Is most unique and oxtensi"^ ieding any estabiish- l quantity, and are > give the fullest s^tj,srac- beiing upwards of 200,000 Plants.— by far e ment in the West of England for quality : offered at such low nrices as cannot fill to g , tion. Orders executed in rotation after the iiOth April, inspection is respectfully solicited. Pi;TEn DausiMoNn, Manager. Bedding Plants. THOMAS METHVEN has now, .and will have all the Bcdduii!-"Ut St^ison, :i lai-Re S[,.,c|[ of all the leading Bedding- out Plants emiiraoini; VERBENAS, CALCEOLARIAS, GERA- NIUMS, DAHLIAS, LOBELIA SPECIU_SA, ac Very large Stocks of Verbena Crii sador (Sang's), Tropic variegatu for Leith Walk Nurseries. Edinburgh, April 26^ ^__ NE HIIiNDREl) TllOU.SANli BEKDING PLANTS —Fine healthy plants of nil tlii< most dtsir.iblo varieti' summer decoration of tlic Fi.jwer Oardeij, l"r i.rices, whic very moderate, see DESCIUPTIVE CATAI.iiGUE, forwi upon application. Jaues Dickson & Sons, Newton Nurseries, Chester. VIOLA MONTANA (Mr. Tyerman's). ) strong plants, 4«. per dozen, „ LUTEA i or 26s. per 100. „ CORNUTA, MAUVE QUEEN. 1 ?«, M. per dozen, or PURPLE QUEEN,/ l&i. per 100. James Dickson & So:fs. Newton Nm-aerles, Chester. The West of England Bedding Plant Establishment. QAMPSON'S COLLECTION of BEDDING PLANTS, O including 10 dozen of the following strong, established, potted plants, for 2l,s. Basket and packing included. CHRTSANTHEMUMS DAHLIAS FUCHSIAS OAZANIA GERANIUMS, scarlet legated VERBENAS VIOLA FROSTED LEAVED and VARIEGATED PLANTS AMARANTHOS ACUVRANTHUS PERILLA. tc, Preston Road Nurseries, pink HELIOTROPES LOBELIAS Thomas Samfson, F.R.H.S,, 4 Teovil, Soiuersetshire. Roses and Bedding Plants. FIFTEEN THOUSAND ROSES, in pots, including; all the newest and most esteemed varieties. 00.000 REDDING PLANTS, comprising every variety. AH the above, in fine clean healthy condition, will be SOLD cheap. CATALOGUES on application to II, Whitham, The Nurseries, Reddish, near Stockport^ ROSES, strong blooming phants, in Pots — 12 Choice named Hybrid Perpetuals, Os. ; 25 varieties, l&i. ; 69 varieties, SUs. ; 100 varieties, 72j*. 12 Choice named Tea'Scented and Noisette, 12s. ; 24 varieties, 34^. 13 Varieties of China, Bourbon, and Fairy, 8s. Trade price on application. H. & R. STiKZAKKn, Skertou Nurseries, Lancaster. Notice. DILLISTONE AND WOODTHOEPE'S BEDDING PLANT LIST is now ready. In it is offered every description of useful Bedding Plants, by the dozen or hundred, at the very lowest prices, free on application. gS" Special offers to the Trade, and for large quantities be; CALCEOLARIAS. GERANIUMS, VKR- !VS, Ac, by the thousand. Muopo Nursery, Sible Iltdiiigham, Essex. May the Best Time for Planting HoUles, &c. CWIIll'EUOUSE, Brcreton Nursery, near Rugeley, • ha* to offer a Large Stock of Well-grown Specimen Plants of GREEN HOLLIES, S to 4 feet and 4 to 6 feet ; also YEWS the same sizes, fine furnished Specimen Plants, with many thousand Hollies and Yews. It to 2 and 2 to 2\ feet. Pi-lces (reasonable) on application as above. Weatherill's New Hybrid Solanums. BS. WILLIAMS has gnat pleasure in announcing . that he has secured the whole ol the STOCK of HYBBIU SOLANUMS lately exhibited before the Floral CommlUeo M Mr. Weathenll, of Fincbley, who was awarded " ' -«in«iui for the Collection. For full particulars s ments. Seeds sown now will produce Plants Price per packet, 2». 6d,, 3*. 6d.. and 6«. the packets bear U. S. Williams' name and addrc... „„„„_,_ B. S. Williams, Victoria and PanvilBo Nurser)-, Upper Hollowaj London, N. 512 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [May 16, 1868. C HOICK BEDDING PELARGONIUMS.— Lady CuUum, Sophia Casack, Sophia Dumaresque. Sunset. Italia Uoita, Luna, Quadricolor variegata, Golden Cerise Unique, Beautede Suresnes, Gloire de Nancy, Rebecci, Sir Joseph Paxton. The 12 varieties m good plants for 2l8. Remittances requested fioni unknown cotTespondents. Thomas Pestridoe, Greenway Nursery, Uxbrldgo Middlesex, W. F^NE ^RIC6LOR~~ixnd~^lC0L0 K G^KANicTMS; 12 lor lbs., package included: — Italia Unita. Gold Pheasaui, Bronze Shield, Canary Bird, Mrs, Charles Barry, Mi-s. Benyon, Sunset, Silver Star, Silver Cloud, Golden Globe, Yellow Dwarf. Gold Pheasant, S«. per dozen; Crystal Palace Gem, 7s.; Italia Unita, &s. ; Sunset, 7s. ; Mrs. Pollock, C;*. New Zonals, cue of each, 7a. CALCEOLARIAS, 3^. Terms cash. Geo. Davison, Hereford. SPLENDID TRICULOK,"' liHONZE; "aud ZONAL GERANIUMS. 16 for £1. pack included, all good plants, viz. :— Lady CuUum, Sophia Cusack. Mrs. C. B^rry, Beauty of Calderdale, Vandyke. Bloolor Splendens, Mrs. Lonpttold, Duchess of Sutherland, Surrey Rival, Autocrat, Lord Lyon, La Vestale, Mr. Banks, Memnon, N eW tricolor pelargoniums, crown JEWEL and SUNRISE. — A Coloured Drawing, by strong plants. Saltmj being executed in strict rotation aud 1 1 & Son. Moulsham Nurseries, Chelmsford. GERANIUMS, Show, Spotted, and Fancy.— Strong healthy, bloomlne plants, In &-lnch pots, 12 choice named distinct sorts for 8s. ; 25 ditto for Itis. -, 60 ditto for 30s. A really good Selection of named, In two of a sort, at 60s. per 100. Trade price on appUcition. H. k R. Stikzaecr, Skerton Nurseries, Lanoaster. BecJE's Seedling Pelargoniums. SGLENDINNING and SONS are now offering for • the first time the 12 beautiful, new, and distinct PELARGO- NIUMS raised by Mr. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Bech., Esq., of Islewortb, Certificates i . the I Metro- DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may be had on application. Chiswick Nurseries, London, W. GERANIUM LORD DERBY— Now sending out for the first time. This magnificent Zonal Pelargonium &ir sur- passes any yet offered. Intense scarlet, of a very bright shade, large and of fine form and substance, trusses fine and freely produced'; foliage dark, with a well-defined dark zone ; habit excellent. First- class Certificate at Royal Horticultural, Botanic, and Crystal Palace Societies, and Special at Bury St. Edmund's in 1867. Plants, well hardened off, 10s. 6d. each ; a few larger size, 15s. and 20s. each. To Paul's Nurseries, Waltbam Cross, London. N. WILLIAM PAUL'S NOVELTIES for 1868, now first offered for sale, and raised or introduced by this Establish- mont ; ready for delivery in May. NEW GOLDEN VARIEGATED PELARGONIUM. RED ADMIRAL.— Leaves green, with black and crimson scarlet zone, tbe crimson scarlet colour predominating ; a most beautiful variety, free, hardy, and very effective. First-class Certificate from the Royal Botanic Society. Price 2Is. each. NEW SILVER VARIEGATED PELARGONIUM. PRINCE SILVERWINGS.— A seedling between Mrs. Pollock and Variegated Stella, the leaves green, with white edges and black and red zone; quite a new style of variegated Pelargonium, being the first of the Variegated Stella race with the red zone ; exceedingly beautiful. Price 10s. M. each. NEW SILVER-EDGED PELARGONIUM. SNOWDROP.— Leaves gi-een, broadly edged with white ; free, hardy, and very effective. Price 7s. 6d. each. NEW BRONZE AND GOLD PELARGONIUM. OSSIAN.— Loaves yellowish green, slightly zoned, fiowei-s dark blood colour, trusses large, compact, and well formed, produced in great abundance, dwarf habit. Price 6b'. each. NEW DOUBLE PELARGONIUM. COTTINGTON or DOUBLK TOM THUMB. — Flowers scariet, sometimes quite double, at others only semi-double, with large black blotch on upper petals, stands the weather well, the flowers lasting a long time in condition ; quite new In style, and very beautiful. Price 6s. each. NEW BEDDING PELARGONIUMS (Beaton's race). Tbe following New Zonal and Hybrid Nosegay Pelargoniums have bean selected from several thousand Seedlings raised from the stock of the late Mr. Donald Beaton. Any 12 varieties from this group ol 16 may be selected by the purchaser for £2 2s. :— AURORA— Flowers salmon, with conspicuous white eye, flowers and truss very large, fine form and nabit, leaves darkly zoned Price 63. each. CHIEF JUSTICE.— Flowers dark velvety scarlet, colour very rloh, fine compact truss, leaves plain. The finest dark scarlet yet 'ery free, and gorgeous as a bedding variety. Price es and I, Que habit, and blooms prolusely, leaves finest, especially suitable for largo beds. Price 3s. Gd. each. EMPRESS.— Flowers salmon, shaded with purple, large, good form and substance, large trusses ; a firat-rate kind, either for pots, vases, or beds ; leaves zonate. Price 33. Gd. each. EVENING STAR.— Flowers magenta rose, of a colour particularly soft and pleasing, trusses large, and produced '" quantities; a small bed of it grown here last sui Geraniums, Geraniums. JC. PADMAN, Providence Nursery, Boston Spa, • Yorkshire, can supply the following GERANIUMS (package included) for £1 :— 3 LAGRANDEI 4 VIRGO MARIE I 6 MISS KINGSBURY 0 GOLD LEAF 3 PINK STELLA 2GL0IRE DE NANCY,dbl. 3 SUNSET 1 6 MRS. POLLOCK | 3 ITALIA UNITA N.B. For any of the above kinds not required othersof equal value will be substituted. CATALOGUES free on application. 'VrA"RlEQATED~"GERA"NiUMS for BEDDING'. Per doz.— 3. d. MRS. POLLOCK .. ..6 0 MRS. BENYON .. ..9 0 SUNSET fl 0 SOPHIA DUMARESQUE 48 0 LUNA . BICOLOR SPLENDENS BEAUTY of OULTON . GOLDEN TOM THUMB In strong plants a 0 Per doz.- ITALIA UNITA .. PICTUKATA BURNING BUSH .. RAINBOW SILVER CHAIN .. QUEEN of QUEENS . . 0 MARY ELLEN Choice Tricolor and Bronze Zonal Pelargoniums, JELCOMBE AND SON beg to otier sirons plants, at • moderate prices, of all the best varieties, including LUCY GRIEVE LOUISA SMITH, IMPERATRICE EUGENE, LADY CULLUM. Sophia Cusack, Sophia Dumaresque, Compactum, Perilla, Lady Palmerston. Queen Victoria, Queen of Tricolors, Golden Ray, Beauty ot Culderdaie, Kev. Mr. Radclyffe, Princess Alexandra, 4c, NEW ZONAL, NOSEGAY, and DOUBLE GERANIUMS. BEDDING PLANTS In great variety. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE sent free on applicatloi Nursery and Seed Establishment, Romsey, Hants. p E L A R G 0 N rUM N 0~V E LTI E S 1 TRIOMPHE DE LORRAINE L'ELEQANTE DUKE of EDINBURGH 6s. Casboh & Sox, Gravel Walk Nursery, Peterborough. SUPERB VTRIEGATE ~— — SOPHIA CUSACK EDWINIA FITZPATRICK SILVER STAR COUNTESS TYRCONNELL 2 QUEEN VICTORIA FAME.— Flowers fine deep oi-ange, trusses and flowers average size, leaven plain. Price 3s. Gd. each. LILAC RIVAL.— Flowers bright lilac, with white blotch on the upper petals, produced in great abundance, leaves plain ; the brightest and Debt, of the lilac coloured bedding Pelargoniums. Pnce 6s. each. MODEL.— Flowers fine scarlet, smooth, perfectly circular, great substance ; habit first-rate and free, leaves plain. The finest of scarlets for beddmg. Price 3d. Od. each. MURILLO.— Flowers deep blood crimson ; very effective. Price 3s. Gd. each. PCE AN.— Flowers substance, tru flrft-clasa for pots, vase's, or beds. Price '63. each. RAINBOW.— Flowers soft scarlet, with yellowish tinge on upper, and rosy tinge on lower petals ; leaves plain. Price 6s. each. ROBIN HOOD.— Lower petals light purple, edged with lake, upper petals magenta crimson ; novel, beautiful, and an exquisite bedding variety ; leaves slightly zonate. Price 6s. each. SUI^AN A. -Flowers rosy red, large, good shape; good habit, free. „ . I of perfect form, robust nabit. First-class Certificates froiu cultural and Royal Botanic Societies. Price 6s. ™^... CONQUEROR.— Flowers pure white, with distinct deep red eye, rarely exceeding li ft. in height. Firat-class Certificate from Royal Horticultural Society. Price 5s. each. %" These have been pronounced by every one who has seen them to bo the two most beautiful varieties ot this fine out-of-door plant ever introduced. NEW ROSES. All the best kinds, fine healthy established plants, 3s. 64. each. 363, per doz. Last year's novelties, 2s. Qd. to 33. each. 24h. to 30s. per doz. Older kinds, l^s. to l%s. per doz. For descriptions see Rose Catalogue. For other NOVELTIES, as Variegated Pelargoniums, CamelliaH, Ilc, see Spring Catalogue forlStis, forwarded post-free on application. luFOBTART. — All letters sQouId be addressed — William Pall, Waltham Cross, London, N. D PELARGONIUMS. MRS. BASS ELECTRIC L'ELEGANTE BEAUTY of OULTON MRS. BKNYON BEAUTY of GUESTWICK * ITALIAN BEAUTY LADY CULLUM OBERON Remittance requested. For any varieties obtected to othersof equal value can be substituted. Special offer to the Trade. Casdon & Son, Gravel Walk Nursery, Peterborough. New Bronze Zonal Geraniums. MARTIN AND SON, Nurserymen, Cottingham and Hull, beg to offer as under, which are of first-class excellence, and cannot be surpassed. GERANIUM MISS MURPHY (Usher's).- A very large flat gold leaf, 7 inches across, withbrone zone, quite distinct, and magni- ficent bedder ; the flower also is good shape. 6i. each, 30s. perdoz. BED of GOLD (Martin's).— The leaf of this is bright gold colour and pea green, with a bronze vandjked zone; for bedding purposes it cannot bo excelled ; it is very conspicuous at a distance, beinp glaring and distinct. f>s. each, 30s. per dozen. ALPINE AURICULA, very choice, from the finest flowers, la. M. per packet. Varietio.s, Strong GERANIUMS, Show and Fi Plants, 50s. per 100 ; fine Show Varieties of Zonals, SOs. per loo, strong Plants. Also — Per doz.— s. d. Per doz. — s. d. Sunset 12 0 > Miss Kingsbury .. .. 6 0 Golden Nuggett .. .. ^ .. . Virgin (Ju. Flower Spring Gold Leaf . . Italia Unita . . Twilight Reiue d'Or .. St. Clair Burning Bush Silver Chain . . Fontalnebleau Annie Williams Silver Chain . . Lennox 0 Glowworm 12 0 Culford Beauty .. .. 4 0 j Mrs. Pollock . . 6s. and 8 0 I Jane 4 0 Countess of Warwick . . 4 0 Cloth of Gold .. .. 3 0 Golden Fleece . . . . 3 0 I Bijou Improved E. 4 0 4 0 . . 6 0, Mrs. Melford . . . . 40 6 0 I Special price giyon by the 100. Martin & Son, 7. Market Place, Hull. Choice Variegated Geraniums. G. HENDERSON and SON offer 12 Varieties of the following, their own or purchaser's selection, for 21. Many in this collection a Crown Diamond Crystal Palace Gem Gaiety General Longstreet Golden Ilarkaway Italia UniU Kenilworth Lady Cull urn „ M. Hutton „ Pollock Neatness Picturatum Rainbow Rosette Rosy Gem Silver Chain ' ,, Nosegay ' Snowflake Socrates t(bedder) Stella alba marglnata The Countess The Empress Topsy 1 Venus la varieties from the followhip, purchaser's E. G. Hendekson & Son's selection, 42». Eaatern Beauty Caroline Lonfleld Castlemitk Duke of Edinburgh Walthai Yellow Belt Zlngara selection, 60s. Edwlnin Fltzpatrick Emerald E. G. Henderson Electric Jock o' Hazeldean Justicla Lady Cullum Light and Shadow Wellington Road Nursery, St. John's Wood, Loudon. yONAL GERANIUMS, NEW FUCHSIAS, &c 12 select new t'UCHSIAS of 1867 for 6s. 12 select new ZONAL GERANIUMS of 1867 for 6s. 12 select new CHRYSANTHEMUMS of 1867 for 4s. fragrant as a Jasmine, for 5s. very fine, fnr 12s. I zoned GERANIUMS, 12 POA TrTvIALIS ARGENTEA ELEGANS (Silver QroAa), for 3s. 12DACTYLIS GLOMERATA ELEGANS VARIEGATA for 3s. PANICUM VARIEGATUM, Is. I COLEUS GIBSONI, 6d. COLEUS VEITCHII, tW. „ ATROPURPUREA, 6d. ,. LEOMONTII,6ti. ' '■ ' ""•'" ■ 12 VIOLA CORNUTA, 2s. Od. , .- ..^. ».v.^* MYOSOTIS IMPERATRICE ELIZABETH. 6d. 12 GAZANIA SPLENDENS VARIEGATA, 4s. 12 IRESINE HERBSTII AUREA RETICULATA^^ 2«. 6d. 12 Variegated Ivy-leaved GERANIUM L'ELEGANTE, 68. 12 AGERATUM PRINCE ALFRED; this is the deepest blue and dwarfest habit out : 3s. 12 LOBELIA BLUE KING, F New Trlcolored Geraniums. AND A. SMITH have now completed Speclmea House, 100 foet lone, with the most beautilul collection In the world, ■ Sunday excepted. The following v plants, at reduced prices :■ ARIEL DAWN ECLIPSE ENSIGN GEM UNIQUE ME'fKOR A few fine purposes. Prices IMPERATRICE EUGENIE MONARCH PRINCE of WALES PRINCESS ot WALES QUEEN of the FAIRIES QUEEN VICTORIA ind filled a extensive and n view every day, ow be had m strong ANTAGONIST DEFIANCE GRANDIS L'EMPEREUR LOUISA SMITH MEMNON of r TheNi apphcation. t of the above for exhibition and other . West Dulwicb. S,E. To Purchasers of Trlcolored Pelargoniums. J WATSON, New Zealand Nursery, St. Albiin's, ia • now sending out hU two unrivalled TRICOLOR PELAR- GONIUMS, MISS WATSON and MRS. DIX. They were awai-ded 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money within the year 1867. Price, good plants, in nice colour, 3ls. Cd. each ; extra size, for specimens, 42s. each. Usual Trade allowance or Special Contract. When taken in quantity one Plant grati.s In every six.— St. Alban's, May 6. Thoroughly Established and Hardened-off Bedding Plants. WOOD AND INGRAM beg to offer extra strong and bushy plants, in single pots, of the following, which cannot fall to go on well and give entire satistaction : — VBRBENAS, best bedding varieties, in 2i-inch pots, extra bushy plants, 2s. per dozen. [per dozen. CALCEOLARIA AUREA FLORIBUNDA. in 3-lnch pots, 2s. 6d. POA TRIVIALIS ARGENTEA ELEGANS (Variegated Meadow Grass), In 2i'inch pots, 2s. 6rf. per dozen. LOBELIA MISS MURPHY, best white, very compact grower, In 2i-inch pots, 2s. 6d. per dozen. GERANIUM CHRISTINA, In 3-Inch pots, 2s. Qd. per dozen. „ Various flne bedding Zonal, in 3-inch pots, 28. to 3s. per dozen. AGERATUM CCELESTINUM NANUM, the very best bedding \ariety, In 2i-inch pots, 2s. 6d. per dozen. IRESINE HERBSTII. In 2i-inchpots, 2s. 6d. per dozen. AUREA RETICULATA, in 2i-inch pots, 3s. per dozen. HUMEA ELEGANS, splendid specimens, in lO-inch pots, 3 to 4 feet high, and clothed with fine foliage, 3s. Gd. each, 3tis. per dozen. The Nurserie'i, Huntingdon. New Pelargoniums. Now Sending Out for the First Time. JOHN MANN, The Nurseries, Brentwood, Esae.'c, begs to draw your attention to his New and Distinct, BEDDING PELARGONIUMS, which have been admired by all who have seen them, also very highly noticed by the Press. Plants now ready. ZONAL SECTION. CHIEFTAIN.— Bright scarlet, pure wbito eye ; truss largo and full, foliage dark green with welt defined zone, habit excellent. 6s. each. COMPACTA MULTIFLORA.— Vivid scariet. with large white eye : trusses large and abundant ; foUiigo distinct zonate, dwarf compact habit. 6s. each. CHRISTA BEL. —Rosy salmon, suETused with violet, smooth and of good substance ; distinct, dark zon.ite foliage, habit excellent. Second-class Certificate at Royal Horticultural Society. 7s. Gd. LORD DERBY.— Intense scarlet, of a very bright shade, large, and of fine form and substance ; trusses fine and Ireely produced ; foliage dark, with a well-defined dark zone; habit eiicelient. First-class Certificate at Royal Horticultural, Botanic, und Crystal Palace Societies, and Special at Bury St. Edmund's. This magnificent variety far surpasses any yet offered. 10s. QU. a foliage, vigorous a NOSEGAY SECTION. BARON.— Crimson scarlet, shaded with violet ; size, tine form and bubstance ; foliage bright green, with Vandyke zone; admirably adapted for vase, pot culture, and decorative purposes; habit excellent. 6s. e^ich. The set of Ten for 60s. The stock of some of the above being limited, early ordera are requested, as they will ba executed ii * ■ ■— -- • 3 London. John Mann, the Nurseries, Brentwood, Essex. Wonersh Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. WVIKGO AND SON beg to announce that their • stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the imdernientioned kinds is this season very extensive aud well-grown, samples, prices, and Catalogues of which can be obtained on application : — 26,000 Hazel, 3 to 6 feet fio.uno Snruco Fir. 2 to 4 feet ore, 3 to 4 feet Horse Chestnuts, 3 to 4 & 6 to 7 ft. iooo Quick, transplanted, IJ t Berberis aqu ious Shrubs, A large stock of strong STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES, APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, and DWARpvpHAlNKD do^ New and Rare Orchids. J LIN DEN offers the following species, at very • moderate prices (a considerable reduction when quantities are ordered) i— "' ' Oncidlum macranthum hasti- ,, nubigenuni.var.Phalaanopsis ,, cucullatum, var. maculaium N::^ S. -WILLIAMS REED MERCHANT niid NURSERYSIAN, VICTOKIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N, n. S. W. has muoh pleasure In Rubtnltttng the following LIST OF FLOWER SEEDS, which are Bpoclally rocommendod for their beauty and superior qualities : — Per packet s. rf PRIMOLA (WrLLiAMs' superb Strain),' Red, White, or Mixed, 2s, G4., 39. Gd., and 6 I CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (NelU's extra choice Strain) 3s. 6(t, and 6 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (saved from Jamci,' Sti-aln) 2s. 6rf. and 3 CINERARIA (Weatheiill's extra choice Strain) 3s. erf. and 5 „ (from choice named sorts) .. ,. ].^. orf. antl 2 POLTANTHUS (the Prize Strain) ].?. Od. and 2 CYCLAMEN PERSICUM (Wiggins' Prize Strain) 1,<. 6rt., 2s. 6d.. and 3 CARNATION, from prize Bowers I PICOTEE, from prize flowers 1 PINK (double fringed) I HOLLTHOCK, from best named sorts 1 GENTIANA VERNA (this is the most beautiful of all the species for borders) 1 LILIUM AURATDM 1 OERANIUM "LE GRAND" Is. Grf. and 2 STOCK (Autumnal-flowering) 0 „ (Brompton Scarlet) . The two be.st Scarlets in ^ ..1 „ (Scarlet Intermediate) ( culUvahon. 1 .. 1 SWEET WILLIAM (Hunt's Aurioula-eyed) .. M. and 1 WALLFLOWER (Saunders* dark variety) 1 SOLANUM (Weathcrlll's Hybrids) .. 2s, 6rf., Ss. 64, and 6 VIOLA LUTEA (yellow flowered Violet) Is. Sil., 2s. 6d., and 3 British Fern Catalogue. "POBERTSIM will send, post-lree for RUSSELL'S PYRAMIDAL PRIMULAS. - This magnificent strain still maintains its character as the flnoflt In cultivation. New Seed, price 2s. Oit. per packet. PRIMULA KERMESINA.— The great fault of this brilliant coloured variety has hitherto been Its indisposition to throw its flowers above ihe foliage. I have now, however, the satisfaction of offering it with the same erect, conspicuous style as the other kinds. The stock of this Is limited this year. Price 65. per packet. GsoBoE Clarilk, Nurseries, Streatham Place, Briitou Hill, S. ; and Mottlogham, Kent. _^^_ Agricultural Seeds. WAITE, BURNELL, HUGGINS, and CO.'S AGRICULTURAL SEED CATALOGUE for this season Is now published, and will be forwarded per post on application. Wholesale Seed Warehouse, Sonthwark Street, London, S.E. (late oflSl, High Holborn). RAYNBIRD, CALDECOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, AUD COMPANY (Limited), COBK, Seen, Masurs and O.lcasb MsncMAKis. Address, 89, Seed Market, Mark Lane, B.C. ; or Baslngstoko. Samples and Prices post free on application. Prize Medals, 1851, for Wheat ; 1862, for " Excellent Seed Com and Seeds." RAYNBIRD, CALDECOTT, BAWTREE, DOWLING, ANn COMPANY, Limited. CORN, SEED, MANURE, and OILCAKE MERCHANTS, CHIEF OFFICE, BASINGSTOKE ; London Address, 89, Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.C. Samples and Prices post fVee on av-pllc itlon. Prize Medals; 1861, for "Wheat;" 1862, for "Excellent Seed Com and Seeds." R VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. Superb New Late Grape. MES. PINCE-S BLACK MUSCAT.— The Public are respectfully invited to nn Inspection of tbU re:\lly fine late Grape. Tho re*l Muscat flavour, so rarely obtained, is unraiatakcable ■1 this valuable late-keep:np Grape. LoroMBK, PiNrE, & Co. Hnuso to alt who can comi forwarded hy Po.^t up^n appl fprent rlei Testimonials of its i I showiDp the ■ fvillbe Grass Seeds for Permanent Pasture. ICnAKD yMlTH'S MIXTURES of the finest PERENNIAL GKA.SSES and CLOVERS are carefully made to suit all kinds of Soil. Price 2\is. to 30s. per acre. PRICED LIST on application. RioHAnD Smitb, Seed MercQant, Worcester. NATURAL GRASSES: their Names and Derivations; Quality, Produce, Elevation, Situation, Soil, Use, Peculiarity, Season, Growth, Inorea-so. Time of Flowering, Price, Ac. Free for one postage stamp. Richard Smitu, Seed Merchant, Worcester. FIBROUS PEAT of first-class quality for Orchids, Heaths, American Plants, and all potting purposes, on appli- cation to Mr. Thomas Jessop, J amingham Wood, near Farninifhini Station, Kent. It is dispatched by the London, Chatham, and Dover Riilway in trucks of 16 yards, to most Stations in the Kingdom, or fetched in carts from the Wood. It is extenbively used and appre- ciated In tho principal Nurseries, and in the Royal Parka and Gardens, Price 5s. per cubic yard loaded at Farnineham Static" FINE and COARSE WHITE SAND, the best KENT and other PEAT, fine LOAM, SANDSTONE, SPAR, 4c.- Samples at the Exhibition Arcade, Royal Horticultural Gardens, Soutu Kensincton, London, W. , . , Priced List and all requisite infomiation may be obtained from W. Short, Horticultural Depot, ReiRate, Surrey. ^ LOISE-CHAUVIERE, Seed Grower, Nurseryman, and Florist. 14, Qnal de la MfRieserie, Paris. Eighty-four Gold an-1 "■■ England, Belgium, an of 1S67). By appointment Seedstnan to the Empi All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICDLTDRAL SEEDS be supplied, including — GREEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET (true seed). RED-TOP IMPERIAL Lowest price for ca-sh on application. The most complete collection of GLADIOLI. CATALOGUES on application. EAST LOTHIAN SWEDE TURNIP.— For SALE, 40 Bushels of the above, of flrst-clas.f stock. Apply to Smith & Simons, Seedsraen, Gl.isgow. East Lothian Swede Turnip Seed. LAMONT AND MITCHELL, Seedsmen, beg to offer the above fine variety, saved from selected and full-grown Bulbs, at Sfi.*. per bushel. Warranted true. Carriage paid to any Railway Station in the kingdom. Seed Warehouse, 3, Hanover Street, Edinburgh. To the Trade. SHARPE'S IMPROVED LARGE PURPLE-TOP SWEDE. pHARL'ES SHAUPE and CO., Seed Growers, V^ Slealnrd, have to offer Seed of the above named first-class SWEDE. It ha.s been tested In all parts of the United Kingdom, and has proved itself the heaviest cropper and best quality of any Swede in cultivation. Special prices on application, Sleaford.— April 2^, 1868. DRUMHEAD CABBAGE PLANTS, strong Trans- rlanted, 2fl. M. per lOOO. PERKINS'S Cf)NQUEROR SWEDE.— A very heavy cropper, and can be confidently recommended as the best Swede in cultiva- tion. Is. per lb. SPECIAL LIST of TURNIP SEEDS on application to TnoMAs Perkins, 42, Drapery, Northampton. Terms Cash. L The "Wardie Lodge Variegated Kale. AMO:ST AND MITCHELL heg to intimate that they are now prepared to send out Seeds of this fine strain for the first time. Miss F. J. Hope having kindly presented them with her surplus stock, carefully saved, and which she now considers worthy ot being offered to the public, L. & M. are authorized to state tbat this IS the only Seed she has ever given to any Nursery or Seeds- man, or to which she has ever authorized her name to be at' ' ' The Seed la directly saved from the plants noticed in tho of January 2, 1867, and Oardentrs' Chronicle of March 0, 1867. There is no plant equal to these KALE for Winter Decoration, mde notices by Mr. McNab, Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh: Messrs. W. Thompon, Dalkeith Palace Gardens ; M. D. Thomson, Archerfleld ; and Messrs. Oorrieand Dean, inVa^ Gardeners' Chronicle of January 21 and 30, 1866; the dardentr of March, 1865; the Farmer of January 17, 1866 ; also Farmer of January 16. 1867. In sealed packets, 1«. 6d. and 25. 6d. each. None genuine unless the packets bear our name and address. Edinburgh Seed Warehouse, 3, Hanover Street, Edinburgh, DAWES' HORTICULTURAL MANURE is proved by analysis to be the hest Fertiliser ext^ nt for FJowors, Voge- LAWES' MANURES. These Manures are now ready for delivery. LAWES' PATENT TURNIP MANURE. LAWES' DISSOLVED BONES. LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES- WHEAT, BARLEY. GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES. LAWES" CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. These Manures can be obtained of Mr. Lawes, or through the appointed Agents In all parts of the United Kingdom, at prices varying according to cost of carriage. Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers. NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, and other Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address. John Be»net Lawes. 1. Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin ; and Market Square, Shrewsbury. THE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (Established 1840) Have DOW ready for delivery in dry fine condition, CORN MANURE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Also Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA ex Dock Warehouse; SULPHATE of AMMOMA, FISHERY SALT, 4c. E. PuRSEa, Secretary. Otfices, 116, Fenchurch Street, E.C. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ODAMS'S SUPERPHOSPHATE of LIME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. T HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANT (Limited). Chief Offices— 109, Fenchurch Street, London. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch— 40. Westmoreland Street. DubUn. Edward Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brightoi Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot, Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexham. Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Grishall Grange, Esses. Jonas Webb. Melton Ross. Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, 60. West Smithfleld. J^anaginQ Director — James Odams. tfessrs, BArnetta. Hoares, & Co., Lomt jssrs. Klngsford & Dorman, 23. Esaex £ Auditor— J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge This company was originally formed by, and is under t of agriculturists : ■ The Cheapest and BeBt Insecticide. DUTY-FREE TOBACCO. "pOOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER. lor the Prevention and Destruction of Blight nnrl other Diseases in Plants. Bold by Nureeryraen, Soedsnien, and Flori«ts, In Tins at U., is, fld., and bs. Powder Distnbutors, 28. 6d. and 3s. Gd. each. " I find it exceedingly useful for killing the Aphides on Rosea and other Plints."— Gko. Etles, Superintendent of tho Royal Horticul- tural Gardens, South Kensington, May 7. 1868. i that havejustly , viz.— "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Compan; Its members are cultivators of upward vhich has been for years under manufacture, cunsequently the for the genuineness and efBciicy ol this Company. of land, tnt with manures of their nier basthe best guarantee ilauurea manufactured by the Secretary, o ,„^ ^ C. T. Macadam, Secretary. Chief Offices— 100, Fenchurch Street, London. E.C. Sole Manufacturer, T. A. P O O L E Y. Bonded Warehouse, Sussex Wharf, Wapping, E. Agents required In Towns where not already appolpted. ^OOGOOD'S IMPROVED BLIGHT COMPOSITION. introduced in 1860, has been manufactured under W. Toouood's sole directions since that period. Hehasma^lo great improvements in it, and by reducing the price 25 per cent., it Is one of the cheapest and has always been the most cflflcacious romody extant i From Mr. Churcber. Gardener and Steward to the Right Hon. Lord Northbrook. Stratton Park, December 9, 1867- "After some years' use of your Blight Com- position, I hav'o no hesitation ^ . in October, 1 most invaluable Composition." of I From Mr. Wuai.e. Gardener to the Right Hon. Lord Rivers, Bushmore, December 10, 1867. "After 13 yeirs' use of your Composition I find it to answer upon everjiihing I applied it, fully confirming the testimonial 1 cave in 1854, which was mypreatesttrlal upon Peaches, Cherries, and Cucumbers." Gardener to the Right Hon. the Earl of Yarborough, writes, March 12, 1867 :— "Please send rae 18 gallons of your Blight Composition. I have used It ior the last 16 years, and should not like to try a season without it." Mr. E. SAtiF, Gardener to Lord Howe sfly.s- .— *' Will you please send us 15 gallons of your Blight Composition. 1 see you have reduced the pnce. and trust that you may some day be able to make another reduction, and_ I feel assured that no ' GIshurst ' will be used by practical men." Fro7n Mr. S. Ssow, Gardener to the Countess Cowper, Wrest Park. Decembn-n, 1867. , « ^ j. *• ARer 13 years' constant use of vour Blight Composition, 1 nud It a most effectual remedy for destroying insects on Peaches, Cherries, and Roses, without injury to growth." From Mr. W. Fowle, Gardener to Sir H. St John Mlldmay, Bart. DogmersfieUt Park, December 7, 1867. "I have used your Blight Composition for 10 years, and find no other dressing so destructive to Aphis npon Wall Trees, and yet perfectly harmless to the trees." From Mr. W. Leaver, Gardener to H. P. Delmo, Esq., Cani.s Ball, December 12, 1867. *' I have used your Blight Composition for several years with the most satisfactory results. I find it mortf effective in destroying blight than any compound I have used." Frovi Mr. Rutland, Gardener to J. Kelk, Esq., Bentley Priory, December 10, 1867. id your Blight Composition for several ye, ' Having i admirably, and particularly for Wall Trees. I think it invaluable." From Mr. Fi tchkr, Gar(tener to H. Brouncker, Esq., Monrtovm Hon-te, December 4, 1867. "I have used your Blight Composition for Green Fly and PvOd Spider with great effect. It far surpasses any Gishurst, and those that have not tried It should do so at once," From Mr. Gregory, Gardener to H. S. Singleton, Esq., Bazeley House, December 6, 1867. " I can highly recommend your Blight Composition. Haring usei it for 13 years on Wall Trees, Melons, and Cucumbers, 1 find it a most valuable remedy." From Mr. Dowling, Gardener to S. Smith, Esq., BrooktmuUt, December 7, 1867. " I have used your Blight Composition with the greatest suoccsa for many years. If properly used it is the quickest and most effectual means for destroying blight that haa ever come to hand." J^'rom Mr Coates, Gardener to C. Castleman, Esq., Glassliayes, December 1, J867. "I am much pleased with your Blight Composition, which I found very effective." From Mr Percy, Gr. tu Mrs, General Robbins, Castle Mallthood, Dec. 7, 1867. "The opinion I gave of your Blicht Composition m November, 1855, Is strengthened by 13 years' use of It. _It is the best Blight Composition in use, and It is safe used anyhow." From Mr. Hooker, Gardenrr to Capt. Gordon, ■ff«'"j)fo, Dee. 8^ " I am verj- pleased to be able to speak '" ' ' " Composition, having used r well for the destnictton of i favour of your Blight years, and alwa>-s found It to , life without injuring fruit appear to injure the young foliage like ■ Gishurst' does. This is our experience after 10 years' trial." From Mr. K^ELLER, Gr. to Wyndham Portal, Esq., UTahhan^r .— •* 1 find your Composition most efficacious in destroying Blight, and I think it we)l worth a trial by anyone wishing to destroy that insect." From Mr. Hawkins. Gr. to Mrs, Porcher, Heckfield, Dec. 0. 1867. " I beg to say that, after 10 years" experience, I consider your Blight Composition to be the best ever offered to the public. It far exceeds anything I have ever tried, and should be in the hands of every gaidener who haa a Fruit Tree, Vine, Cucumber, or Melon under nis charge." From Mr. Dawes, Gardener to J. A. Seawell, Esq., MareUtnda Park, December \2. \mi . " What I said In favour of your Blight Composition in 1851 is atiil my CHudld opinion. It killed all the fly with the first C — "'"" """ Extra strong, as. per gallon (sufficient to make 4 K*"on8 fit for use). 10 gallons and upwards carriage free to London. M^ be obtained of the principal Seeasmen «»'^Niiraerymen In Uie iTMe. Samples and i-rices of TOOGOOD'S PRIZE SWEDEb, wnicD ga?Jed^he late /-^d P..,m-gS"^«E^^^^^^^^ ^«TiS^ ftTSri^iil^rPi^Jra^tThrB^St^e?* club, for superior -bape and quillly. ^ ,r„j,j„„„^ Tho Qinen'. Seedsman, Soulhamrttin, THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [Mat 16, 1S68. NEW PLANTS FOR 1868. JAMES VEITCH & SONS BEG TO ANNOUNCE IHAT THEY ARE NOW SENDING OUT THEIR SPLENDID NOVELTIES. Abutilon Thompsonii. very disitoct and pretty variegated foliage plant. The ground colour of the leaf is a bWgbt 3 shaded and mottled with yeliowj in many cases having quite the appearance of Mosaic It will form & very useful companion to tho well-fe _ plant of easy culture, and requires to be grown i developed. It has received Two Prizi Society, July 2, 1867, and the other i a distinct variegated foliage plant ; one from the Koyal Hoa*tioultar3l the Koyal Botanic Society, July 3, 1867- Price 7s. 6d. each. Adiantum concmnum latum. ) indicates, the well-knoWD A. c tspects. I having the fronds much , decorative plant or for Thts beautlfal variety resembles oinnum. The plant now offered differs, however, from the older kind, DTOBder, of a more erect habit, and stronger growth. It will prove an exceedingly valuable variety, either for growing a cutting from, being also a very fine exhibition kind. It requires a good stove. It received a First-class Certificate from the Floral Cammltteo of the Royal Horticultural Society, •'■'■v_2I. 1867 ; and was awarded a similar Prize at the Royal Botanic Society's Show, held July 3, 1807. <=_ -_.. ^jjfQ^gjj ,,m. jy[j. peavce, from Mun Price lOs. 6rf. each. Alocasia intermedia. This is, without doubt, the finest hvbrtd Alocfisia ever raised, and was obtained in om- own establishment from the A. longfloba, fertin.sed with the pollen of A. Veitchii. It is a plant of nuble appearance, being of very free growth, whilst its magniflcent leK^es have already attfuned a length of 32 inches, preserving at the same time all the beautiful coloiir of the A. Veitchii ; in fact, it is a splendid form of that Species. A specimen plant now growitig here has no less than VZ to 14 of these magnificent lenves. It was .iwarded tbc Silver M6dat (First Prize at tho Exhibition of the Royal Hort.i cultural Society, hold June 4, 1867,) as the best" Garden Hybrid" then exhibited, receiving at the same time aFirst-clftas Certificate ; and it was Awarded a similar Prize at the Royal Botraic Society's Show, June 19, 1867. Ptiti, good young plants, 31*. Gd. ; extra strong, 42s. dach. Alocasia Jenningsii. Begonia boliviensis. considered a most remarkable novelty. It has also been frequently shown in Lon-ion, both last season and this spring, attracting very great attention. It has received numerous First Prizes. A woodcut of it was published in the Gardeners' Chronicle of May 23lh. 1867 ; and it has also been figured by Dr. Hooker in the " Botanical Magazine " for August, 1867, tab. 561)7 ; also in the " Floral Magazine " Caladium Chelsoni. A distinct seedling vanety, raised by ourselves. It IS of the C. bicolor splendens atyle. The ground colour of the leaf is vi'hole surface and veins being suffused with very brilliant red, blotched with c time so glossy ;ia to have quite a transparent .ippearanci nt out, and which we cannot too r select bis collection. 1 width, are produced very abjoin the nccompsnying ' Rotanical Magazine" of Thelflaves, whicha freely. The gi-ound colour is of a beautiful Klai It in number, according to tho size of the leaf, ai contest. As an exhibition plant it n nothing can be more handsome o beatifcifol plants. We exhibited this splendid novelty a " ■ ' "■ ' ' - - ■ • g j^jjg (jgg ^ ^ 1 tho Royal Botanic Society. Ancylogyne longiflora. This is a beautiful Acanthad, and we think we cannot do better than ! description, nublished by Dr. Hooker, when he figured the plant in tho 1866, tab. 6588 :— " A most beautiful plant, with something of the inflorescenoe of Russellia juncea, introdtteed by Messrs. Veitch & So^fs froto Guayaquil, where it was discovered by their intelligent and most active collecftor. Mr. Pearee. It' ... - - .■ . s are upright ; ers are nearty rie dark green, r less blotched t the Royal Botanic Society's Exhibition, hold July 3, 1867, Croton interruptum. irded a First-class Mr. John Q. Vi This is a finely marked red variegated variety, very graceful in habit, forming an excellent companion to the yellow variegated C. irresulare. The plant is named from the peculiar forms assumed by Its foliage ; indeed, we know of no plant of so varied a leaf character. Wbilst some of the leaves are of the ordinary shape, in othuM's the mid-rib forms at the tip a prominent horn, as in the Scolopendrium coroutura. Other leaves again have only a portion of the laminse. there being sometimes an interruption of 2 to 3 inches, whilst otuers assume a decidedly ■ " — ■ - _ . _ . j^gfjgg ^jj length, are very dark green, the mid-rib being bright 1 form, Thu leaves av s exceedingly effective, both as an exhibition variety, or for decorative purposes, being .h. 1 last year, receiving First Prizes from both the Royal Horti- Davallia parvula. „ , finely divided very freely on ii creeping rhizome, which attains a length < addition to all collections of dwarf-growing and beautiful Fer It was received by uS frool Borneo, whore it was foafid 6y Mr. T. Lobb, and it cdhsequently fl form a valuable John G. V, Retinospora filicoides. ovt beautiful and very distinct hardy Conifer,, introduced by i 1 Japan, through c rMr Croton irregulare. A flue variety, perfectly distinct from any other in cultivation, of excellent habit, very and rich colouring. It derives its name from the leaves assuming a groat variety of forms — in fact, no branch can be said to be perfectly similar, some assuming a droopinK form whilst others s some again are broader than others, and some are deeply mdented or jagged, whilst otiier smooth-edged. The average length of the leaf is 9 toioinches. Theground colour is with a broad golden band through the centre, m addition to which the leaves are moi and spotted with yellow. Kxhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society's Exhibition, July 2, I8G7, this pla First Prize, and was very much admired. pri^bably the most beautiful of any of the varieties yet imported. The fo'.iage i bright green, very dense, and having an exquisite Fern-like character; the habit of the plant is escffl- lent. and being perfectly hanty, we are confident that as it ' .. ■. . <•-■. . plage in the most select c&llcctions. Price, good plants, 21^. ; extra sizjd ditto, 42s. F known it < I great favourite where ( . ■equired for making edgings and borders of green in conservatories, flower stands, Jto, s exhibited before the Floral Cununittee of the Royal Horticultural Society, July 2. 1867 ; and Selaginella Foulterii. at the Royal Botanic Society's Show, July 3, 1WG7, and c claiis-Ctjrtificata. THE FOLLOWING NOVELTIES WILL BE SENT OUT AUGUST 1. This beautiful hardy clfniber will supply a A miniature foliagcd Virginian Creeper, strongest Ivy, and producing in great pronisioi canncj; fail to command gre-^t attention. ■ ngly rapid growth, requir Ampelopsis Veitchii. ant lotia; experienced in this valuable class of plants. rtiich clings to any building with tho tenacity of the its dense foliage, of a glossy green shaded with purple. ,_,___ liling. and from earliest sprihg it produces its beautiful purple-tinted leaves so thickly as to form the most perfect coating wherever It is planted, the young shoots being quite purple. The leaves are sometimea (fivided into three parts, and are sotne- tittes entire, fti aatiimn turning red similar to the old kind. Price 7s. 6rf. each. Begonia Veitchii. bloura of large size, and being hardy. The following descriptions of this wonderful plant will convey the best idea of its character and habit :— In the " Botanical Magazine " for September, isr.7, tab. ^663, Dr. Hooker says ;— " Of all the spociw of Begonia known, this is, I think, the finest. With the habit of Saxifraga ciliata, immense floWers of a vivid vermilion cinnabar red, that no colourist can reproduce, it odds the novel feature of being hardy iu certain parts of England at any ^ate, if not in all. It was discovered hy Messrs. Veitch's collector, Mr. Pearee, near Cozco, in Peru, at aft elevation of 12,600 teet, and the plants grown in Mr. VEixcif's establishments have already given proof sufficient of their hardilioodj by withstandmg a temperature of 25 deg. Fahr. with absolute impunity. " UnwillinK as I am to pronounce on the probable or possible adaptation of exotic plants Co an English climite, I cannot but believe that in the south-western counties, and in the south of Ireland, tho Begonia Veitchii will certainly prove one of the moat ornamental ot border plant j." In the Gardenerif Chronicle of July 13, 1867, page 734, we road :— " It is difficult to imagine a more vivid colour than the flowers (2 to 2\ inches in diameter) of this superb species present. Which are further amongst the largest of the genus, and sweet scented. It was flowered by its introducers, Messrs. Veitoh, in the onen air, having withstood the severity of last winter with perfect Impunity ; and hence promises to bo one of the greatest acqmsitions to our gardeuH Clematis John Gould Veitch (double blue floWered.) We cannot valuable addition to our hardy cl large size (.iveraging 4 inches in diameter), and of a beautiful lig. well when planted out of doors, and when grown iu pots it is plants gtown by us this spring having bad pauded i mported direct froni Japan, and will doubtless be moat extensively grown. We exhibited this splendid plant at the International Ei:h'ibltioh at Paris in 1867 ; &nd again at the lited, we shall be glad to book- orders during the Price 3Ls. &/. eaoh. Dracsena regina. A magnificent white variegated kind, iuva It is a plant of excellent habit, the leares sized averaging 6 inches in width. In the sn the edge of the leaf, but as they increase in si fully one half of the leaf is of a beautiful cr-eati striking contrast, and giving the plant a charai variegation Show As a decorative jilant i tself by a white lina at id, and in larger plants the green, producing a altogether unique. 11 prove invaluable, bsing of a very robust habit, and standing the change of temperatiiVe well, and for exhibition nothing can possibly be finer. We consider this at Its Having been s South Sea Islands. that baa been . , , __. , species. Begonia Veitchii resembles B. cinnabarina, bat " "" ' ' " " I group, ' ■fid for many years. Begonia Veitchii r» llfferent habit, and resembling A- saxifrage, oft 1807; and at Ghent, t the above greatly admired. . ; s few extra size. USa. Messrs. J. V. and SONS wiU be pleased to forward, Post Free, their " M'W iLLtf^TfUtED DESCitlf'TlVE CATALOGUE," of the above, irtid many otbef N'OVELTIES sent out hy other Houses ; and to enable Purchasers to judge of the merits of the Plants offered by them, a very carefully and accurately prepared Engraving' tff eftch is given . ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. May 16, 1868.] THE GAKDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 515 CARTER'S NEW PLANTS FOR 18f)8. JAMES CARTER & CO. Save tfie tcmour to announce that they have purchased of the CouncU of the Koyal Horticultural Society A MAGNtFICENT SET OF FOUR entirely new and diatin(;t varieties of HYBRID C0LEU9, Raised in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gftrdcfis at Chiswiek, and \vhich attracted so much admiration at the Meeting of the Society on April 7. troth the GarderUrs" aironicle, of April 11, 1808. " Neiv HvuRiiSs t>v ColeX's,— Amongst the snfejCc'ts wliicli have been successfully brought under the influence of the tross-broedor lit the Chiswick Garden, a promiuent pliico must bo givgn to thu genus CdleUS, on n-hicB M. Bauso has practised with results which iiro in every wav sritiifiictory. A considerable number of hybrid novelties of this faniilv has ^een rBised, and a selection fprni these was eshmitp.] on Tut-'sday last at the uioeting of tb^ Floral Committee at South Kensmetori. where the plants attracted much attention. The nin'oruils operated on rn thfs cfise were the following: — C. Verschaf- t\.'itii W1.S throughout the seod-boArins parent. This was feitiilsed by ■ ■" ■ " ■. by C. GibsQni, and by C, Blumei, and in " "" plane crenated lei The t C. Vettctii, and tlie other 3 C. Ve'rscbafleltil, so that and^^me the father plant. J frilled .leaves, as •es^ect th6 moth ^ J, so far aS yet developed^ Are the following:— PLANE-LEAVED SERIES. COl/SuS DlXIl (A hybrid between C. Verschaffeltil and C. Qibsoni). FRILLED-LEAVED SERIES. COLEDS CLARKEI (a hybrid between C. Verschafteltii and C. Gibsoni). CO'LKUS WILSONI (a hybrid between C. Verschnffeltii and C. fiybWd between C. Verschaffeltii and C. Veitchii). COLtUS REEVESII ( Blutnei/. Wo may therefore beartilv conyratu- late M. Bause on the result of his labours in this direction." JAMES CARTER and CO. are in a position to offer these splendid Novelties for delivery on July 1, As the number of plants will be limited, orders will be registered and executed in strict rotation. The Set, one plant of each of the four sorts, for 3l5. Qd. Each, per plant, 10*.6rf. Wew Variegated Geraniums for 1868. ''scful BeddinR Gei-anninis. and i^spcctively the best of their'class. wo offer the set, one plant of each of the four varieties, for 283. Gd. cultural Society's Show a^ South KensinRton, in the autu: 1867,and is decidedlvthe best bicolorzonal variety vetexhibited, will be ready for sending oOt on the Ist of Mav. Orders are now being booked, and will be executed in strict rotation. , Description :~Darliest brone zone yet seen, on bright golden yellow grouiid ; leaves of extraordinary substance. con&eQnently resisting surt and rain ; form of loaf round, and surface flat ; hrfbit dwarf, bughy, and very hardy. Was planted oat last season with an the older colden bronze zoned varieties, and stood the variable season better than any. Will be exhibited at all the London Horticultural and Botapicftl Societies Shows in London ,^. ^. ^ ,. .. Plural Magazine" for Jinuary, 1868. GOLIAH (MoHBis), Trie wanted in tricolors, i , conserv'atory pillar worlc.'for ifrfienhons^e pot culture, or tor out- door planting, with a thick fleshy foliage, amd habit as hardy ni old Trentham Scarlet, or Tom Thumb, and as free m urowth. It rormof foil „ . of dhocolat . bnght green centre,' blooif DR. PRIMROSE (Morris).— An fnteViAedfate tint between tie deep Jojqqn variegated varieties and the pnre white vitrfegations', of a peculiarly beautiful primrose hue, making a most distinct and pleasing contrast with othor favourite foliage bedding plants. SNOWDKOI'l timeliest hat) stve seasniis t>y the falser, by ouraelVi;s, and at the Horticuftural Qardeii, ChihWick. also at Battersea Park .and the Crystal Pit1,iice. We can confldently recomnifind this a.s certain to give great satisfaction. Wp have worked up a largo stock to he uttabTciS to sefid it out At a price which may ensure ita early general introduction ; it win undoubtedly supersede a number of th^ older varieties. First-class Certifleftte Royal Botimc Society Price &(. flach ; 363. per dozen. ROYAL HOETICULTURAL SOCJETY,— snow of EARLY AZALEAS and SPRING FLOWERS, SATURDAY, May ft, 18GS. AWARDS of the JUDGES. Class '2,-6 AZALEAS, distinct. (AtnateurBj . 1st Prize, Mr. A. Wilkie. Gr., Oak Lodge, Kensington, W., £2. 2d, Mr. T. A. fcitoel, Marleaford Lodge, Hammersmith, W., XI lOs. 2d, Messrs. J. Dobaon & Sons, Woodlands Nursery, Isleworth, W., £1. ClaS3 4.— AZAI.EA, single speciraeti. (Open.) Ist, Mr. A. Wilkie, 153. Class 7—8 AURICULAS, 2 ofeach class, distinct. (Amateurs.) 1st, Mr. J. JameS, Gr. to W. F. Watson, ESq., Isleworth. £1 10.t. CLXf^s 8.-0 ALPINE AURICULAS, distinct. (Open.) Ist, Mr. J. James, £1, Class 9— 12 ALPINE PL/VNTS. 1st, Mr. John Salter, Versailles Nm-sory, William Street, Hammer- smith Road, W.. £1 I0«. 2d, Mr. T. S. Ware, Hall Farm Nursery, Tottenham, N., £1. Cla>(s 10.— 6 POLYANTHUSES, distinct. (OpeA.) 1st, Mr. J. Jameg, £L [worth, lfi«. 2d, Mr. J. Wiggins. Gr. to W. Beck, Esq., Wort6n Cottage, I>;le- .. Class 11.— 6 RHODODENDRONS, 3 kinds. (Open.) 1st, Mr. A. Wilkie, £2. Class 12.— RHODODENDRON, single specimen. (Open.) 1st, Mr. A. Wilkie, 15s. | 2d, Mr. T. A. Steel, 10s. Class 13.— 8 PANSIES in Pots, distinct. (Open.) Ist, Mr. J. James, 16s. 1 2d, Messrs. J. Dobsonit Sons, lOs. Class 14.— 0 Pots of LILY of tho VALLEY. 1st, Messrs. Reeves, Bros., Nurserymen, Norting Hill, £1 10;;. ■'d Mr Jaines Auuu.st, Gr. to the Rev. A. H. Bridges, Beddington, 3d; Mr. A. Wilkie, los. [Surrey, £1. Class 16.-MI3CELLANEOUS COLLECTION of PLANTS. fex I Piis Upfier Hollo- _ _ [*ay, £3. MeWrs'. F. &'a. Smith, £2' | Mr. A. Wilkie, £1 lOs. Mr. J. James, for 0 Calceolarias, £1. jated Plants, ifo. Mr. T. S. Ware, for Collection of Platits - " "~ Collection of Foliage Plants, 16s. Mr. J. Salter, for Collection of Hardy Varit „.. T. S. Ware, _ „ Messrs. Reeves, Bros., for Collection of Plants, 16s. Mr W. Bartlett, Shaftesbiu-y Road, Hammersmith, W., forCollection Mr. J. James, for 6 Cinerarias, 10s „ „ _, , _„ [of PI; Mr. B. B. Shenton. Nurseryman, Biggleswade, Bedford, for Stand of Mr. J. James, for Stand of Pansios, 7s. (irf. [Fansies, li).s. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery. King's Road, Chelsea', sent a very fine Group of Plants, not for competition. GRAND HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHO'V^ of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 16 to 23, 1808. Amongst various Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cup). VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS' CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES; to bo made up as follows : — Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish of each :— Grapes, Melons (2 fruits). Strawberries, Goosebernes, Currants, Cherries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 1807). Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, one basket or bundle of each :— Peas, French Beans (or Scarlet Runnei-s), Broad Beans, Cauliflowers, Cucumbers (brace), Summer Cabbages, Early Carrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatos, or Mixed SalaUing. This Prize will be onen to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners," of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetables of theiT own groioiny ; any article otherwise obtained will disqualify the exhibitor. In awarding these Prizes the following Marks will be allowed for the several subjects produced, according to their individu^il merit :— Grapes Melons (2 fruits) .Strawberries Gooseberries Currants Cherries Raspberries Apples of 1867 (Any 5 of the above 8 subjects). French Beans Broad Beans Cauliflowers Cucuciibers {'2) Suiniiier Cabbages Early Carrot.^ Globe Artichokes Onions Spinach Rhubarb Potatos Mixe4 Salaning . . ... ^ ■ , , . (Any 8 of the above 14 suDiects), SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1S6S. MEETING FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. r Royal Horticultural (Fruit arid ^orat \T lo) C-oimAitteesi.nt South Kensington .. 1 May i-i< jfi^Q r:*cientific Committpp) i Ditto (General Meeting) JAMES CARTER & CO.'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE Is now ready, containing complefo Lists of New and Choice Stove, Greenhouse, and Bedding Plants; also Coloured representations of the following New Gef-irtiiiiin:* — Egyptiari Que**, ferdle L*rnOine, and Madume Limoine, and may 6e had Gratis and Post Free on application to CARTER'S GREAT LONDON SEED WAREHOUSE, 237 & 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. Isr OUT last isea'6 a questicm of no slight im- portance to fruit growers was raised. We allude to the cotaparative Hardiness or Pear Blossoms, a subject, as our correspondent rightly remarked, but little understood. In truth,' the matter is a very complex one ; the attendant circumstances are so diversified, that the inferences drawn from tho action of frost on one kind of Pear would very possibly not be substantiated by the phenomena observed in ariother. Not to speak flow of the different con- stitutional pe'culiafities pertaining to various plants, or of the differences in exposure or other external cu'cumstauce, we would here allude specially to the form and structure of the flower itself. The petals in some fruit blossoms (we do not here confine our remiirks to Pears), are flat, in others they form a vaulted dome over the stamens in the interior, in some the skin of the petals is charged with waxy non- conducting materials, in others the surface is raised into miuute hairs, so as to form a sort of felted texture, which must have something of the same properties. From these and other cir- cumstances which we need not detail, it is pretty evident that the petals, among other functions, act the part of preservatives against cold, shel- tering the more delicato and important organs within. The different actiou of frost on partially expanded blossoms, as contrasted with those that are wide open, supports this view of tho question. But from what has been already said, it is clear that each case must be separately in- vestigated— the structure of the particular flower, the position and degree of development of the organs at tho time of injury, as well as the external climatic influences. With the view of eliciting information from some of our fruit growers, we will briefly state the result of our observations ou the blossoms of Pears, Apples, and Peaches, which have boon recently injured by frost. It should be premised that in tho instances we are about to mention the blossoms were fuUy expanded, that in most of tho flowers tho anthers were commoucing to open, and the pollen was partially shed. In all these flowers it will be remembered that the petals and the stamens are attached to, or, to speak more correctly, spring from a thickened yellowish rim, which lines the interior of the calyx, and which by botanists is known as the disc. It is the common point da depart for the sepals, the petals, and the stamens ; as to its exact morphological signi- fication, there is some diSerence of opinion among botanists, but this is of no moment for our present purpose, as it is acknowledged on all hands that this so-called disc is an organ of no mean importance in the conformation of the flower. In it diuring the early stages of the development of the blossom great vital activity is manifest, as it is the centre, so to speak, whence the other organs of the flower, the pistil excepted, spring. This being the case, we were not surprised to find that this was the portion which, in the flowers we examined, was evidently the one first blackened and disintegrated by frost. Not only was it the first part to be affected, but generally it was the only organ injured, and in every case it was the one most severely affected. When the source whence the stamens and anthers derive theii- supplies of nourishment is thus destroyed, the last-named organs Speedily perish in their turn. Next after the disc, the stigma was the organ most liable to be injured by frost, but scarcely ever was it injured by itself, far more frequently it shared the same fate with the disc. As to the anthers they were never injured with- out the disc being simultaneously atfected, and in aU cases seemed to resist the actiou of frost more perfectly than the other organs of the flower, not even excepting tho petals. Our readers must take these observations for what they are worth ; the flowers examined were few in number, derived from two gardens only, so that we 1-ecord them as sUght coutributions to the very scanty stock of information that we yet possess on this matter. We may just add the record of another expe- riment, which, so far as it goes, tends to show the comparative hardihood of the anthers and the pollen. In the course of some experiments devised for another purpose, we apphed a fine spray of ether to some Ci-ocus flowers. "When applied for some time, the spray destroyed the vitality of the outer parts of the flower, and also of the filaments of the stamens, but the anthers and the pollen required a much longer application of the spray before they were destroyed. It is difficult in this case to elimi- nate the corrosive or caustic effect of the ether, from the effect produced by the intense cold consequent on its evaporation ; still in eithet case the fact of tho superior powers of resist- ! auce possessed by the anthers and tho pollen, was equally manifest. This superior power of resist- ance in the fertilising material, affords matter for speculation both to the practical horticulturist and the philosopher^^ . We find irt the eurrent tiumber of the "Horli- culteur Frani-ais " a criticism on the Names of some new Ipomceas from Japan, on which we shall have occasion to Speak at another time, as the p ants are eminently worth notice for their variegated foliage aiio other particulars. Tho plants in a"';^»'<'JV„^'|" "J. number, have been imported by MM- Hubee of Ilyeres, and in their catalogue .are called by »uch pre- Linnea^ epithets as the following -Ipomoea grandt- aora alha vMa carminea foh,^ apjentm-marmorafu!. Our present concern solely lies with the preposterous names given to the plants, and «e translate M. 516 THE GARDENERS' CHRONK^LE AND AriRirULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 16 1868. Hebincq's just criticism, without pretending, how- ever, to reproduce the witty style in which our confrc're's remarks are penned : — " I have always con- sidered those dedicatory names as absurd which render the names of plants ridiculous. What shall we say to tuch names as these : — Rose Mr. Frantjois Herincq, Camellia Madame la Yicontesse Anna de Schinitzburk, Tulip Mademoiselle Tabontraiu ! ! Un Camellia Madame (a Camellia is masculine in French), line Rose Monsieur (Rose is feminine). This is the height of absurdity. [Fortunately in England we are not so much bothered with genders as our French friends.] But inthe face of Latin names some metres (yards) long (pardon- able exaggeration), like those applied to the Ipomneas of M. HuBEE, I must say I prefer the name Tulipa Mademoiselle Vabontrain to that of Ipotncea hederacea grandiflora afrocarminia infv-s alba foliis argenieo- marmoratis. Remember that if you can. If all plants had such names, I pity the horticultural botanists who make science consist of a repertory of the greatest possible number of names that can be crammed into the bony case that contains their poor brain ! Unfortunately this tendency to the use of unreasonably long names has already attained dis- heartening proportions. I beg horticulturists to abandon this system^ which will eventually end in the destruction of horticultural commerce, as it is not every one who has an hour to spare for the transcrip- tion of a single name of a plant in writing an order to his nurseryman. And where is the mouth that could ever pronounce such a farrago of names ? Tell such a name to a lady. She will run away at full speed, crying ' shocking ! ' because she will imagine that you are speaking of .something naughty, since you use the language of Vihgil, which alone defies modesty ! " Our friend " S. R. H." will, we are sure, endorse the remarks of M. Heeincq, unless indeed in the impu- tation east on the bard of Mantua and the tongue he spake. Can any of our cor- respondents tell us anything of the OniGiN of SIigno- NETTE? It is generally attributed to Egypt or Syria. MuELLEK, who wrote a monograph of Resedacefp, suggests that it may occur in the mountains between Algeria and Egypt; but it is believed that neither he, nor any other recent botanist, ever saw a wild specimen. M. BoissiEE, our best au- thority on Levant plants, merely remarks that it has been indicated as occurring in Syria and Egypt, but that no indigenous specimens have been gathered there. — — "We extract the fol- lowing notes from a commu- nication relating to the Inteenational Flowek Show of 1860, at St. Peteesbueg, by Herrn Jaegeh, one of the com- mittee, to Kegel's " Garten- flora":— "The Show will be opened or according to the Russian calendar), and will continue open till 31st (19tL) May. A Botanical Congress will sit contempo- raneously. "Prizes to the amounts of 150, 75, 50, 25, &c., silverrubles a ruble is 3s. 2d.), will be offered in the principal classes. " In order to admit of any additions to, or deviations from, the plan now submitted on approval, a final and binding pro- gramme will not be compiled before the sprinp: of 1869. [This is a most praiseworthy and advantageous arrangement, as ample time will be thus secured to discuss the suggestions of intending exhibitors and others.] Special facilities will be ensured for the journey to St. Petersburg, and also for the conveyance of objects destined for the exhibition. Persons wishing to take part in the Show, and desirous of effecting any alterations in or additions to the following programme, either in their own or in the general interest, should signify such wish before J.anuary 1, 186S. [1868 is doubtless an error, and should be 1869.J Letters should be addressed to the ' Garten b.augesellschaft,' St. Petersburg. " The programme comprises 192 numbers or prizes, namely : 1—9, for new ornamental plants ; 10 and 11, for new economical plants ; 12—34, various plants, among others, Japanese flower- ing and fine foliage plants, alpine and arctic plants, Ac. ; 35—38, Ferns ; 30, Lycopods ; 40 and 41, Cycads ; 42—46, Conifers ; 47—52, Orchids ; 53, Aloes ; 54, Cordylines, Yuccas, Ac. ; 55, bulbs and tubers (in the widest sense), arranged in families and kinds : 64—72, Agaves, Bromeliacepe, Marantace.^, Musacew, and Aroideffl ; 73and74(8 ?), Screw Pines and Palms : 79, Bamboos ; 80, Oaks ; 81, Ficus ; 82, specimen plants of Laurels (Bays); 83—125, parterre plants and collections of plants in flower, including Cactaceffi. Ilex, Begonias, Magno- lias, Rhododendrons, &c. ; 126-128, bouquets: 129-148, fruits ; 149—168, vegetables ; 169—190, objects of garden industry and scientific accessories of horticulture ; and lastly, lOl and 192, two prizes for the best contributions to the embellishment of the exhibition, open to all bloom naturally before the summer, and are difficult to force. "No. 5&. Tulips and Fritillarias ; 57 and 58, Hyacinths; : 61, Narcissuses and Jonquils. Foreign exhibitors these classes would be obliged either to the bulbs cultivated in St. Petersburg, or send them there in March to keep them back. I here miss the so-called Cape Bulbs, which flower about this time. " No. 80. Quercus. Only evergreen species should be admissible, for oven if an assortment of deciduous ones were forced on, the young leaves would suffer too much from carriage. Only through extraordinarj' exertions would it be possible to bloom 25 different Gesneriacea) by the 17th of May. " No. 117. It is exceedingly doubtful whether 50 varieties of hybrid largo-flowering Pelargoniums could be brought into flower by the middle of May, as it Is well known that little c,in be effected in this way with artiflcial heat." IThiadoes not apply to England at any rate, as any of our growers, wo believe, would undertake to have them in flower by that time.] "No. 186. A collection of injurious and useful garden insects, with enlarged drawings of the smaller ones, and directions for their destruction, is a novelty in a programme. Still more is 187— a collection of living and stuffed birds, pro- fitable or otherwise in a garden : and 188, collection of nest- building materials for the domestication of useful birds in a g.irden." New Plants. Aeistolochia Duchaeteei, sp. n. (Sect. Gi/mnolohus, § 2. Hexandrce, Bchrire. in DC. Prod, xv., part 1, p. 470). Caule volubili lignoao ; foliis longe petiolatis, amplis, sub- coriaceis, late ovatis, cordatis, acuminatis, pedatim 5 nerviis, nervis subtus vix prominentibiis (floribus pedunculatis, pedunculis fasciculatis e trunco orientibus, Andrei; perian- thii glabri utriculo cylindraceo, elongate, tubo refracto, erecto, quam utriculo dimidio breviore, tenuiore ; limbo late the 17th of May (5th May margines involuto s nervis prominentibus v.ilde notato. Aristolochia Duchartrei, A;iiiri, Le Mouvaaenl Horticok de 1867 (1868) : vide la/ra. We are indebted for the flowers of this, as we believe hitherto undescribed species, to M. Linden, in whose collection the plant flowered for the first time during the last year. It was found in the Upper Amazon by Mr. Wallis, M. Linden's energetic and successful collector. Like most of the Aristolochias, it is a climb- ing plant with a woody stem. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, the petioles being somewhat shorter than the leaves themselves. Stipules The leaf-blades are smooth, thiokish in texture, broadly ovate, cordate, acuminate, pedately 5-nerved, 5-6 inches long, 4-5 inches wide. The flowers are stalked and arranged in tufts springing from the old wood. The perianth, of a pale dirty-brown colour on the outside, consists of three distinct divisions— a lower cylindrical portion called, to adopt the nomenclature of M. Duchartre, the utriculus, and which is cylindrical, an inch and a half in length, directed downwards, lined in the interior with fine hairs, the points of which are turned towards the style. The utricle curves abruptly at the extremity, and is sur- mounted by a shorter and more slender portion— the tube, which is directed upwards in a direction nearly parallel to the utricle. The third portion, or the "limb," is at the extremity of the tube. Its greatest diameter is about an inch and a half, its outline ovate or roundish, notched and cordate at one y of the classes of course it' would belm'poss^ble'for ! extremity, and terminating in a short point at the foreigners to compete, as must always be the case at inter- | other. In the young state the margins are so much objections should^ only be made to infolded as to close the central orifice or throat which leads to the tube, and even in the adult state they national meeting; arrangements independent of climate, which^would exclude intending exhibitors.] " In the matter of details, I shall confine myself to a few remarks, and I believe I am .acting in conformity to the wishes of the Committee by communicating them at the present time. "No. 3 '. A collection of 30 v.arieties (or species?) (arten), shrubs with variegated foliage. These, perhaps, might not be remain partially rolled inwards, thus rendering the limb concave; the inner or upper surface of the limb is of a jiale brownish or creamy colour, and is marked with dark bright spots of a brown colour, while on the outer or lower surface the divergin; fully developed by the Soint^d tTofe aTd' cTnTenuent?; I ^^^^ «"d v^' ^^^^ " prominent network Quite at unqualified for competition. The same may be said of No. 31, ' tne.base _^of the utricle may be seen the column, con deciduous trees and shrubs with variegated leaves, " No. 32. Foliage plants for the open air (out of pots) :.^rcely be so far advanced as to .admit of a decision. sisting of six stamens, closely adherent to the style, which latter terminates in six ovate lanceolate lobes. t Ovary, sulcate smooth. Fruit .... This plant approximates (so far as can be ascer- tained from the figure and description given in Humboldt, Bonpland and Kunth's Plants ^Equi- noct. t. ii. p. 147, tab. 115) to the Aristolochia gUu- cescens of the last named authors, but diflers in the much greater length of that portion of the perianth here called the tube, and in other particulars. Mr. Fitch's drawing conveys an accurate notion of the form of the leaf and of the flower, and is suflicient to show that the plant is very different from any other species of the genus in cultivation in this country. We have only to add that the flowers partake of the evil odour common, in greater or less degree, to all the species of the genus. M. T. M. The above description, and the cut accompanying it, have been completed for some months, but have not been previously published owing to the pressure on our space. Within the last few days, in order to make sure that the species was really undescribed, we sub- mitted our figure and description to M. Duchartre, the learned monographer of the Aristolochiaceso in De Candolle's " Prodromus." In reply to our inquiry, M. Duchartre has been obliging enough to send us the following letter, showing that we have been in a measure forestalled by M. Audr^, and in particular in our intention of attaching the name of M. Duchartre to the species, provided it turned out to be un- described. We subjoin M. Duchartre's letter :— " I venture to assert that the Aristolochia, of which you were good enough to forward me the description and figure, difi'ers from any that I had under observation at the time I was preparing the monograph for the ' Pro- dromus.' I cannot, however, assert that it is unpub- lished, for in spite of some difference between your description and another that 1 have now before me I may say that your plant is iden- tical with one described by M. Andre in his work called ' Le Mouvement Horticole de 1867 : Paris, 1868.' At page 61 of that book is the following pas- sage : — ' Aristolochia Du- chartrei.—M. Linden exhi- bited in the Reserved Garden of the Champ de Mars, this new Aristolochia, which ho received a short time since from the Upper Amazon, from his collector, M. Wallis. It is a pretty species, which we believe to be new, and hitherto un- named. Our description, taken from the living plant, is as follows: — A climbing shrub, the old wood covered with corky bark, and striated with longitudinal ridges ; annual shoots cylindrical, of a glaucous blue ; leaf-stalk twisted {.tourmente), cylin- drical, blade orbicular, cor- diform, mucronate, glaucous, 15 c.m. wide ; flowers very numerous, springing in tufts from the old wood, and borne on short peduncles provided with small cadu- cous green bracts wider than long, acute ;at the point ; special pedicels twisted like the letter S, partly brown, partly pale green ; corolla (?) twisted like a Turkish pipe, with a distended tube abruptly bent upwards; limb erect (a pavilion dressc verficalement), ,6 c.m. wide, orbicular, notched at the base, shortly mucronate at the apex, of a creamy white colour, spotted with spots or radiating "iigrures " arranged with considerable regularity, well defined as to colouring, and producing a very pretty effect. It' is an elegant stove plant, and is notice- able for its i)rofuse production of flowers, and the quaintness and grace of its flowers.' " So far M. Andre. M. Duchartre continues : " As you have only seen a leaf and some flowers of this species you were not able to judge of the habit of the plant, nor of the inflorescence, which appear to me to be very similar, as indeed in other particulars, to Aristolochia leueo- neura, Lind. Cat. DC. Prod, xv., part 1., p. 477, Bot. Mag. 1864, t. 5420. M. Andre's work above mentioned has so recently been published that you could hardly have seen it." EARLY SPRING FLOWERING SQUILLS. Some time since a question arose as to the correct nomenclature of these beautiful little vernal jewels, a question of some importance, not only botanically, but commercially. What's in a name, when the thing is so beautiful ? some may say, but if a customer orders one thing and is supplied with another, as happens very often, he is not likely to be well pleased ; nor does the conscientious vendor at all like the idea of having his reputation for fair-dealing impugned, it may be very unjustly, because he may happen, quite innocently, to send out a plant under a wrong name. With a view to clear up the nomenclature of some of the above-named plants, we have examined living specimens in various gardens, our own included, as well as others obligingly furnished us by Messrs. Osborn and othercorrespondents. The dried specimens in the Kew herbarium have also been examined, and compared with the published figures and descriptions of various authors. The main interest attaches to a correct reply to the question, what is Scilla precox? If we turn to books we find a Scilla prajcox of Willdeuow and a Scilla prsecox of Sweet. If we turn to trade catalogues and nursery Mat 10, 186S.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 517 gardens, we find great confusion. One nurseryman supplies under the name praicox. S. bifolia, another S. araoena, another S. sibirica. One nurseryman says boldly, "I consider prajcox to be a name only," but it is not with him iiox et preterea nihil, for he Roes on to say "it (the name priccox) is useful for making up a collection of spring flowering gems." As our corres- pondent does this apparently in good faith, and without the slightest intention of doing anything that is not upright, we do not mention his name, trusting that the hint here given may be sullioient to show thai such practice is not justifiable. Ana now, to use the words of Parkinson, "We will digest under severall sorts as neare as we can, that avoiding confusion by enterlacing one among another, we may the better put every sort under his owne kinde." We may remark, however, that the following observa- tions refer exclusively to the early spring flowering kinds, and not to such as S. campanulata, italica, vernn, or nutans, which are rather the heralds of approaching summer than of spring. 1. Sulla bifolia, Luin. : Bot. Mag. t. 746; Kanth, Eanui. iv. 316; Redouts, Lil. t. 254. Bulb ovoid. Leaves 2—3, spreading, recurved, Imear lance- sbiiped, channelled, torminatin)? in a short, blunt, cylia- dric;U point. Scape or comraon flower-stalk as lon^ or longer than the leaves. Bracts minute. Pedicels spreadinjr, lower ones longer than the upper ones. Flowers 5—Q, blue. Segments of the perianth oblong, obtuse, spreading. We take this to be the type, the nearest to the wild form, intended by Liniiseus and the older writers. There are in gardens several varieties of it, differing in the size and colour of their flowers, in the period of their blooming, ifec. It is a matter of opinion, whether oi no these which we hei*e treat as vaiiiities should be considered as species. For our own part, we consider them as varieties of one species, for three reasons— first, that they all have certain characters in common, characters of too alight moment to be of value as generic distinctions, but available for specific purposes. Among them we may mention, as easily appreciable by tlie gardener, the blunt cylindrical point to the leaf. Other species have a blunt thickened point to the leaf, but none have ic so well marked as S. bifolia, wherein it is sometimes a quarter of an inch in length. All the varieties have this character. Next, the several varieties run one into the other, so that, in the dried condition at least, it is not possible always to discriminate them. Thirdly, the extenbivo geographical range of the plant in a wild state (from Russia to Greece) would lead us to expect numerous variations. There are other reasons of a technical nature which would induce us to consider these as all forms of one variable species -reasons which it is needless to enter into here, the more so as if any one incline to adopt the opposite opinion, there is nothing to prevent him from so doing. We tiike first that variety which expands the earliest, and to which, therefore, the name precox is well applied, a. Sciu^ bifolia var. pr.ecox.— S. prsecox, WiUdenoio ex Kuntk, Enum. iv. p. 316; Sweet, Brit. Flower Ganlcn, V. t. 141 (?J; Sckott, Bot. Zeit. 1S51. S. bifoUa major, HoTt, Osboni. This differs from the type, as before stated, in its earlier expan- sion ; about London this season, it was in bloom a fortnight earlier than the true S. bifolia. It has larger flowers of a deeper blue colovir than in the last named, and the lower flower-stalks are after a time so much lengthened as to form a flat-topped inflorescence (botanice, a corymb) Too much stress must not, huwcver, be laid on this character, as all the varieties of bifolia mure or less possess it. There are speci- mens in the Kew herbarium from Pallas, collected probably in the Caucasus. No name is attached to the specimen, but there is a memorandum in M. Planchon's handwriting, " Scillae bifoliai proxima." The plant is not very common in gardens. We have had it ourselves in cultivation for a few years, having received it under the name of bifolia. This is the plant that was exhibited recently by Messrs. Osborn as S. bifolia major, a very good appellation were not the plant already christened and registered. There is a white-flowered form of this plant in some gardens. &. SCILLA BIFOLIA Var. CARNEA, Kiilltk, EllUDl. iv. 316 J Bot. Mag. t. 746. This resembles the type in all respects, save that its flowers are of a pale flesh-coloured tint. It seems to be the Hyacinthus stellatus flore rubente of Parkinson, who thus speaks of it ; — *' The diiference in this from the former (bifolia) is onely in the flowers, which are of a faire blush colour, much more eminent then in the others, in all things else alike." «. SciLLA BIFOLIA var. ROSEA — S. TOsca, Leh.iianji, Lulrx Sem. 1828 ; LmniFa, v. 384 ; Kiuith, Eaum., iv. 317. S. bifolia var. y taurica, Regel, Gartmfiora, 1800, t. 307 (?). This differs from the preceding in the larger size of the flowers, and in the more globose form of the bulb. This last character, however, is not to be depended on. This plant may be the plant spoken of by Parkinson as ''Hyacinthus stellatus praecox flore suave rubente, the early blii>»b-(^oI(>iirpd nt^rry Jacinth," which, he continues, "ia veryrari', 1ji t \ ■ ) ■, ii. i^ mf. his flowers being as large as the first of tin i i, ;iLt above alluded to as S. bifolia prjecox), anl r than the blush of the other kinde (our liit.ii . i .. ij^ d . iho leaves and rootes diflfer not from the last recitel Jacinth." We believe Kegel's var. taurica is the same plant with blue flowers. (/. SCILLA BIFOLIA Var. ALBA, Kunth, Eiiuia. iv. 316. Differs from the type only in its white flowers. Parkinson says of this :— " The buddes for flowers at the first appeare a little blush, which when they are blowne are white, but yet retaine in them a small shew of that blush colour." He goes on to say:— "We have another whose flowers are pure white, and smaller than the other, the leaves whereof are of a pale fresh greene, and somewhat narrower." This latter is the commoner variation of the two. t. SCILLA BIFOLIA Var. CANDIDA. We propose this name for a pure white-flowered variety, the flowers of which arc as large as those of our S. bifoUa prascox, or of the var. rosea, of which indeed it might be considered as the white-flowered representative, but that it flowers later. It is perhaps the H. stellatus pnecox flore albo of Parkinson. 2. Sctlla sibirica, Amir., Bot. Rep. t. 365. (1604); Kunth, Enum. iv. p. 318 ; Van Iloutte, Flore des Serves, xvi. t. 1677. 8. amcena, Redouts, lil. t. 130, S. amoena, (3 sibirica, Bot. Majf. 1025 (1807) ; 8. cemua, Redouttf, Lil. ad not. ad fol. 298, nee tab. aSOO) ; nee Hoffni. et Link ; Regel, Gartenflora, 1865, p. 322, t. 488. S. azurea, Ooldb. ex Kunth, loc cit S. uniflora, Willd. Herb. S. praecox. Dona, Hort. Cantab.{f) nee. Willd. Bulb roundish, the size of a chestnut, with a dark rind, giving off four or more erect, or somewhat spreading, flat, strap- shaped leaves, slightly thickened at the poiiit ; common flower-stalks one or two, flattened, striated, scarcely so long fts the leaves. Flowers 2—4 or even 6, rarely solitary, on abort stalks, horizontal or nodding, bell-shaped, ultimately spreading widely, of a pale clear blue colour, rather more intense along the central nerves of each segment of the perianth. The list of sjTionyms will show the confusion that has reigned as to this beautiful species. Tart of this confusion is duo to Redouts, who in 18u7 figured uur present plant as S. amoena. but after a time (in 1800), finding that he was in error, he named it S. coniua. He docs not seem to liavo been aware that Andrews had in 1804 already figured and described the plant as S. sibirica. This latter name, then, clearly has priority; morcuvor, it is the name under which the plant is best known in British gardens. Wo have seen it in gardens and catalogues undur the names of pnecox and amcena. It flowers a little later than bifolia, but before S. amcena, and is one of the most luvcly nf all spring flowers, admirably adapted for spring beds. Suiiic doubt.s have been entertivined as to the correctness of the namo sibirica, it having been stated that the plant does not occur in Siberia. Whether this bo so or not wo cannot determine, but we have seen specimens gathered by Pallas near the river Volga, but in what part of its course is not stated. k.i any rate the head-quarters of the species would appear to be in Persia, Asia Minor, about Erzeroum, &c. Varieties with larger flowers than ordinary, and others with solitary blossoms are represented in herbaria, and wo have seen similar illustrations in British gardens, but they are so similar in all other respects to the type that no one can look upon them as any other than trifling variations. a. Scilla sibirica var. askenula, — S. amoenula, Bot. Mag. t. 2408. To this form we refer some plants which are smaller than S. sibirica, with more ovate bulbs and paler flowers. But that the plant is well figured in the Magazine, and is known in at least a few gardens, we should not have deemed it worth while to retain this as a distinct form. 3. SniLLA AMQiNA, Liiiii. ; Redouts, Lil. t. 298 ; Bot. Mag. t. 341. Bulb ovoid or roundish. Leaves numerous, spreading, strap- shaped, acute, 10 — 12 inches long, J inch wide; midrib prominent on the under surface. Scape erect, shorter than the leaves, compressed, two-edged, striated, purplish above. Flowers 3—6, dark indigo blue, in a loose two-sided clustor, horizontal when expanded. Pedicels erect, curved at the apex, bluish, i to J inch long, springing from the axil of a very minute whitish bract. Perianth 6-parted, nearly 1 inch across when expanded ; segments spreading horizon- tally or even reflexed, lanceolate acute, slightly concave at the apex ; midrib prominent, inner segments slij^htly broader. Filaments dilated and whitish at the base, blue above ; one-third shorter than perianth ; anthers blue. Ovary p>de yellow, oblong; style blue. A native of Central Europe, the Tyrol, &c., and an old inha- bitant of our i^ardens. Its flowers are not so nodding as those of the preceding, they are also flatter, not so bell-shaped, and of a darker blue, while the ovary, as Parkinson's sharp eyes detected, is of a yellowish-gi-een colour, thus giving to the flowers the appearance of a yellow centre or "eye." It flowers (in the south of England) in Apiil, following close upon sibirica. The species above mentioned have all this character in common, that the bracts at the base of the pedicels are very minute, whereas in S. verna, 3. campanulata, S. italica, and the later flowering kinds, the bracts are often as long as the pedicels themselves. These species, moreover, are better known, and their synonyms less confused, hence it may not be necessary to allude to them at any further length. M. T. M. PEARS. Although your correspondent, " Pari Passu," seems a tyro (rather oldish perhaps) in Pear culture, and appears to be strugi^ling with an adverse fate, or rather, a most unfavourable site for Pear culture, his communioatiofis are always interesting. Still one cannot help feeling a little impatient with his attempts to lower the standard of such Pears as GIou Morceau, Beurr6 Ranoe, Winter Nelis, and several others, only because he has not found them to be of high quality when gathered from his own trees. The GIou Morceau when well grown has a most peculiar and grateful flavour, and its flesh is so buttery and melting that I have often exclaimed, when eating a large specimen, "how delicious!" at every slice. It is true that in some soils and on the Pear stock it is apt to be insipid. The same may be said of Beurre Ranee ; it requires skilful culture, and a proper stock. With regard to the Louise Bonne, it is one of the most exquisite of Pears when a specimen is sagaciously selected ; the same may be said of Williams' Bon Chretien and Marie Louise. What is this sagacious selection ? may be asked. It is not taking the largest and fairest, but those that are a little crooked, and have two or three or more black spots on their rinds. These inferior-looking slightly deformed specimens are always particularly piquant, reminding one of the sharpness of intellect of those of our race who are afflicted with slight deformit.v. Why these black fungoid spots should influence in so marked a manner the flavour of some kinds of Pears is to me, I confess, a mystery ; I only know from long experience that it is invariable. It is just one of these questions that should be placed before the Scientific Committee at South Kensington. As to the comparative hardiness of the blossoms of Pears it may perhaps be stated with some confidence that those with slender footstalks are tender ; this is very apparent with Marie Louise, Winter Nelis, and many others : while those with short stout foot- stalks, such as the Swan's Egg, the Autumn Bergamot, Beurre Capiaumont, and its congener Beurre Clairgeau, the perry Pears, and many others, are hardy. With respect to the blossoms on standard Pears bear- ing fruit better than those on low trees, my experience this season is in direct contrast to that of " Pari Passu." A fine row of standard Marie Louise Pears, some 30 years old, and many trees of the same age of Williams' Bon Chretien, have had all or nearly all their blossoms destroyed by the frosts in April, while many hundreds of low pyramids and bush trees have set quantities of fruit— those of Louise Bonne in particular, in many instances outnumber the leaves of the tree. The trees of Marie Louise did not blossom till 10 days after those of Louise Bonne, which had a great portion of their flowers open on the 11th and 13th of April, when the frosts were so severe. I recollect looking at the closed blossom buds of the former and thinking they were safe, and at those of the latter with great apprehension. When shall we be able to under- stand the action of frost on fruit blossoms? Tour correspondent is correct in thinking the stigma the most vulnerable part of the flower, and more particularly so with stone fruits ; in the blossoms of the Pear the anthers so thickly encircle and shelter the stigmas that it seems dillicult to believe that they can receive injury, yet, as with Cherries, Plums, and other stone fruits, the protrudmg end is often killed when petals and anthers continue seemingly to enjoy their life for many days after the fatal injury. " Pari Passu," I fear, has shocked the feelings of Mr. W. Robinson by his quasi anathema : " So much for cordons." Mr. Robin- son seems not tohave forgotten his enthusiasm on seeing cordon Pear trees for the first time, in France, in 1867. I can quite believe that he felt, and thought of, our English methods of Pear culture with great contempt. If I had not had long experience in Pear culture, and judged my cordons by the eflects of this spring, I should be inclined to say, " No more cordons;" but I can see that with the extreme care that English gardeners must take with their fruit trees to guard against our untoward springs, how cordons of Pears may be grown. My own experience is as follows :— I have 10 two- branched garden Pear trees on Quince stocks some four years old, planted on a south border, with a dense bush hedge at back ; these trees have been carefully trained and pruned in summer by pinching in their young shoots ; in short, they have been treated with skill as far as training goes, but feeling that the site was so sheltered and favourable, I did not protect them. I wished to see what the trainer's skill could do, without our English mode of guarding against our climate. The trees came into bloom a little earlier than my pyramidal Louise Bonnes. The blossoms were very large and perfect, and seemed un- injured by the frost, but all or nearly all have dropped, so that on ray 40 double cordon trees I have not 20 Pears. This case seems to me to be mere skill (iu training) versus climate, and the latter has beaten. My second case of cordon training is as follows : — I have 10 double two-branched cordon Pear trees on Quince stocks four years old ; they have been under summer pinching, the most simple of all modes of training, and are growing under glass ridges, or ground Vineries, and trained to iron wires. These trees are within 15 yards of my unprotected cordons in front of the bush hedge, and growing in the same kind of soil, without any extra manure or cultural care ; the eflect of the improved climate is perfectly marvellous : every blossom set, and the Pears are now as large as a small nutmeg, so bright, so clear, and so thriving that one can never believe they are the same kinds that are under the mere skill of training. The truth is, no skill in training can, to use a plain expression, beat climate. Still, who would think of giving it up ? I have about 200 yards of wire fencing, to which are trained diagonal Pears and other trees. When in full blossom they were delightful; now, alas ! they look barren and desolate, and as if they envied their brethren under the ground Vineries. One day our fruit gardens will be fully fur- nished with fruit houses for all choice fruits, and ground Vineries for Pears and other fruits will be everywhere, and strained wire fences for diagonal cordons will also be popular, but they must have glass protectors, either temporary or permanent. There is no doubt but that our climate is cooling down very gently, and that in a thousand years — more or less — an Apple grown in the open air in an English garden will be looked upon as a great rarity. The method of training cordon Pears at the foot of walls.seems based on the mention made in your columns, or in those of a contemporary, of a method of growing Hamburgh Grapes at the foot of walls, the Vines resting on a pavement of tiles, with lean-to lights, 7 feet by 18 inches. This method of growing Grapes may be seen at Sawbridgeworth, where it has been practised for some years, and there is no doubt that Pears and Apples would do well trained in the same posi- tion, and if with lean-to lights placed on bricks, they would produce fine fruit ; but the method is not to be compared to that of growing them under glass ridges, which cost so little and do so much. As to their cost, I learn from Mr. Rivett, of Stratford, Essex (I fear he does not advertise enough), that a ridge \i feet long, 2 feet 6 inches wide at base, can be bought for U. 13s. This width will suit one row of cordon Pears. The next size, 3 feet wide at base, and II feet long, costs 21. l.s. ; this will hold two rows of cordon Pears, or rather two cordon Pear trees ; and I have no hesitation in asserting that two such trees in our climate will far exceed in their products one of the most artistic trees of the French school of training, in the open air. I do not say this, because I object to their fantastic and often pretty modes of training, but from a firm conviction that training skill is useless to us in England unless a climate is also created. I am now alluding to choice varieties of Pears and Plums and other choice fruits. With the Apple no anxiety need be felt, train it as you will : but I believe there is no such straight- forward honest way of growing Apples in English gardens as the bush form, on English Paradise stocks; and I may also add that the occasional removal of garden fruit trees, even wall Peach trees, as recom- mended by Mr. Thomson in the last number of the " Gardener." is an operation of the utmost importance incur cool English climate; the custom is truly English, and is now becoming widely spread. Obsermr. RAMEE FIBRE, OR CHINA GRASS. {Concluded from p. 489.) The Boshmeria nivea is indigenous to China, India, Sumatra, Ac, attaining in favourable situations a height of 8 or 10 feet. In China a great amount of care and attention is given to tho cultivation of the plant and the preparation of its fibre. Tho seeds are gathered before the appearance of any frost to injure them. After being dried they are stowed away in a jar or basket mixed with sand or dry earth ; this jar or basket is covered with straw as a protection from frost. When the planting season comes round the seeds are tested by immersion in water, the imperfect ones floating at the top. A loose dry soil is best, and the situation should be near a THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat IG, 1868. stream or canal : the ground well broken and manured, nnd divided into beds about eight yards long and one wide; these should be afterwards finely raked and watered, and left for a night, the raking and smoothing to be repeated on the follow- ing day. The seeds are then mixed with a little dry earth, and sown broadcast with the earth, after which the beds are swept over lightly with a broom, which distributes the seeds equally, and smoothes the suface of the bed at the same time. Just before the plants make their appearance above the ground a temporaiy framework is made over the beds, and matting thrown over to protect them from the sun's rays during the monthsof June and July. The mattingis moistened by day and removed at night, so that the plants may receive the dew, and is entirely removed when the plants are about 2 inches high, and when 3 inches high they are transplanted in rows about 4 or 5 inches apart. The field is watered in dry weather three or four times a day until the second decade, when watering every tenth day suffices. In November and December the field is spread about a foot thick with manure, to protect the plants from cold. In March the manure is removed, and the ground watered in dry weather as occasion requires. In the third or fourth year the stems are ready for cutting, though they are sometimes cut in the second year. To plant the roots they are cut into pieces, and put into the ground in May, at a distance of about 18 inches apart; the plants grown in this way are ready for cutting in the second year. When once the plants get established, the Chinese obtain three crops in a year. The stems are cut about an inch from the ground, and in a month or two they are up 7 or 8 feet high, and ready to yield another crop. The first cutting usually takes place in June, and the third and last in Sep- tember or October. It is from the latter crop that the finest fibre is obtained. After each cutting the plants are covered with manure and watered. The first operation after cutting is to remove from the stems all the leaves, which is carefully done by women or children. The stems are then taken to the house, where they are soaked in water for an hour ; they are then broken in the middle, which loosens the fibrous portion, or bark, and separates it from the actual stem ; the finger nails are then inserted between the bark and the stem, and passed from top to bottom, by which one-half of the bark is peeled off ; it is then soaked again in water, and scraped with a rudely-made knife about 2 inches long, inserted in a handle of twice this length. " This rude implement is held in the loft hand ; its edge, which is dull, is raised a line above the index finger ; strips of hemp (or fibre) are then drawn over the blade from within outwards, and being pressed upon by the thumb, the pilous portion of one surface and the muci- laginous part of the other are thus taken off. The Hemp then ' rolls up like boiled tendon.' After being wiped dry, it is exposed to the sun for a day, and then assorted, the whitest being selected for fine cloth." After this it is partially bleached by boiling it and then drying it in the sun. The individual fibres are now tediously and carefully separated by the finger nails, which operation is usually performed by women and children. So dexterous are they in this work that when separated the fibres are exceed- tngly fine and soft. These are afterwards made into balls, and submitted to frequent soakings and washings in water in which lime, or the ashes of Mulberry leaves, is placed, for the purpose of still further bleachiiig. They are sometimes, how- ever, simply exposed to the dew and sun. During the bleaching it is necessary to keep the fibre quite dry, as moisture is said to give to it a dark colour, and conse- quently to lessen its value. The foregoing description of the mode of rearing the plants and preparing the fibre is gathered from the " Proceedinsfs of the Agri- Horticultural Society of India," much of which has been reprinted and forwarded to the colonies as a guidance to those employed in its future cultivation. The great drawback to a more general use of China Grass iu England has been its extreme brittleness, so that no machinery could be found suitable for weaving it, and to adopt hand- weaving as the Chinese do, in this practical age and country of ours, was, of course, quite out of the question. Therefore, though China Grass, as regards its appearance and strength, was very tempting to manufacturers, they were unable to work it, and bo quantities remained stowed away in the warehouses of the various British ports. A further proof of the estimation iu which manufacturers held the fibre is the fact that some sot themselves seriously to work to invent or improve machines capable of working the material, and it is only within the past few years that a discovery has been made that by treating the fibre in some chemical manner it can be worked by machines, and made to resemble the best mohair. At present, however, the material is not used alone, but always in combination with cotton, the warp being of cotton, and the weft of China Grass. It is said that for articles "requiring a stiff, strong, and cool texture, combined with a glossy, silky appearance, it is found that the prepared China Grass makes the very best material." This fibre, then, which has been struggling on for so many years to obtain a place in British commerce, seems now destined to become that important article of trade that Sir W. Hooker foresaw 16 years since. It is very probable that the China Grass of commerce is not alone the produce of Boehmeria nivea, but that the fibre of other species is imported v/ith it. Nearly all the large growing Nettles furnish fibre of more or less value, and notably amongst the Indian species that ferocious looking plant known as the Neilgheny Nettle (Urtica heterophylla) ; its fibre, which is exceedingly strong, is so like wool that merchants can scarcely distinguish it except upon a close examination. The plant is very widely distributed over the East Indies : the sting, however, is so severe, that the natives are compelled to boil the entire plant before extracting the fibre. This, as well as other species, might likewise be found worth cultivating in our colonies. John R. Jackson. Keic. igomc CorresponJJcncE. Filling the Flower Garden.— Almost every one now-a-days has his fling at the modern system of bedding-out. One declares it is saudy, another that it is glaring, a third that it is " loud," a fourth that it is Tulgar; while those who have not cauaht up any of these deprecatory adjectives fancy they have given the system its death-blow when they slyly insinuate that most gardeners are in a dangerous state of scarlet fever. Now in the face of all this adverse criticism it requires some courage to declare that, take the modern bedding-out system for all in all, we shall never see its like again, and have certainly never seen its equal before. Amidst a worthless heap of adverse criticism, the primary fact seems to be ignored, that a flower garden should be set apart for thedisplay of flowers. If it is to be converted into a greenery, a Kale-yard, or a place for the vulgar exhi- tion of great meaningless masses of coarse foliage plants, sub-tropical or otherwise, then let us boldly call It a leaf garden at once, and at least find a place some- where for our lovely flowers to exhibit their beauty by themselves, undwarfed by such companionship^ and unhidden by such overshadowing coarseness. Every- thing is beautiful in its time and place : and there is no plant that can be made to endure our climate but may, with proper management, become an object of beauty somewhere. But surely this can be no reason why all kinds of plants should be thrust into a garden devoted specially to the cultivation and exhibition of flowers. For instance. Ivy is a pretty plant, but, in the name of common sense, what fitness or congruity can there be in a broad band or complete bed of Ivy in a flower garden on Grass ? On gravel it might be U5eful, to extinguish or tone down the glowing fire of bright flaming colours, but on Grass such arrange- ments are simply preposterous. And yet this is one of those things about London that has been be.spattered with praise. Why, a bed of Grass would be infinitely better, and the two greens together are simply meaningless and unbearable. Again, a forest of Cannas near to water is a grand sight, and so possibly may be a wood of giant Solanums; but heavy masses of them, either as centres to beds, or as whole beds mixed, or serving as contrasts to flowers, are often just so much available material out of place. They either hide or overpower the flowers, or prevent that nicety of design and expression which it is the highest art of ;the colourist to secure. As distant backgrounds they may at times be highly serviceable, but as prominent foregrounds, filling the eye with leaf to the exclusion of blossom in a flower garden, the very statement of their effect proves them to be gross mistakes. 'Whatever may be the case in towns or in large flower gardens, on gravel or stone, or where dwelling houses or sculpture fill the distant horizon — as a rule there is always an abundance of green in the country as a set-of or relief to the most brilliant colours. The green base of gardens on Grass, miles of green fields, and massive acres of waving boughs and trembling leaves of every variety of tint and every grace of form, constitute the natural framework of those pictures of floral beauty that should be found in every flower garden in the country. And it would just be about as legitimate to place the frame as a conspicuous object in the centre of a beautiful painting, as to convert our flower gardens into mere displays of green or piebald patchwork of so-called fine foliage plants. With the blue sky above, and the green Grass beneath our feet, and the broad masses of foliage all around us, and the leaves of the flowering plants themselves, there can be no lack of toning down or cool setting for our brightest colour. Therefore, I fearlessly recommend that the flower garden should continue to deserve its name, by being chiefly, if not wholly, filled with flowers. My next advice is equally emphatic: that, as a rule, each bed should be filled with a mass of a distinct and separate colour. I have no objection to a little of the carpet and pincushion bedding, that you have so graphi:jally described in your leader last week. A few beds filled in this man- ner are very charming, but a whole garden so filled would lack distinctness and variety. The mixing of flowers in gardens is something like the mixing of paints in painting, or of thoughts in writing. The outcome of either is a blemishing weakness of tint, tone, or thought, without either strength or power. This thought is beautifully expressed by Anthyllis" in her Ladies' Garden " last week. She advocates keeping as much as possible the diflerent species distinct, "and the making of our gardens like a well written volume, where each page shows evidence of separate well-digested thoughts, clear and distinct in themselves, yet adding their tinge of colour- ing to the whole book." Exactly so ; and this is what a mixture, overpowered with masses of verdant green, can never effect either in books or gardens. Purity of colour in the garden is like clearness and precision of thought in a book, the first element of strength arresting attention, exciting emotion, and imparting durability to our most pleasing impressions. In your number for March 28 you draw a somewhat unfair inference in favour of a mixed bed at the expense of a well-filled flower garden on the massing style (see p. 331). Now it is obvious that the charm of the bed so vividly described by you consisted wholly or mostly in the contrast it afforded to the large flower garden so near to it. Occupy the whole space with a series of such beds, and present any one bed superbly filled with bedding plants, and I believe the verdict given would have been speedily reversed. Every one would have fallen down and worshipped this one bed of beauty, but spread over the whole area of the garden, it would have been designated a coarse, monotonous, and it may be insipid mixture. No ; while admitting any style of beauty iu its proper place — and there is in most gardens room enough for all— I enter my strongest protest against greens and mixtures in flower gardens. If gardens are to become, as they ought to be, strains of loftiest music and poems of the most exquisite beauty, it can only be by each bed giving forth its own distinct, clear ringing note, and every line its own emphatic sound. A Practical Man. [Our correspondent will see that we did not purpose to interfere with the present colour effects of summer bedding, except to the degree in which they would be toned down by the underlying carpeting. How far this may be carried with advan- tage is matter for intelligent experiments, which we hope to see fairly made. Eds ] Suttons' Reading Giant Broccoli.— We have sent you a sample of our Reading Giant Broccoli, and will be glad to have your opinion of it. Sutton ,^ Sons, Reading. [An enormous head of a sulphur-coloured sort, which measures between 3S and 31 inches in circumference, being only some 2| inches less than the largest head of which we have any record. Its diameter over the crown, from one side of the stalk to the other, is over 23 inches. Eds.] Abies Albertiana.— The following is the height of two trees of Abies Albertiana growing at The Cairnies, in Perthshire. The seed of these trees was sown in March, 1853. One measures in height 29 feet 6 inches ; diameter of ground covered by branches, 22 feet 'J inches ; girth at bottom, 2 feet 4 inches ; at 3 feet from bottom, 1 foot 11 inches. The other measures in height 26 feet 3 inches ; diameter of ground covered by branches, 23 feet 9 inches; girth at bottom, 2 feet 9 inches ; at 3 feet from ground, 2 feet ; circumference of branches, 81 feet. Elevation of site above level of sea, G35 feet. Soil naturally peaty. Wm. Forrest, Or., The Cairnies. Perthshire. Preserving Timber by Steeping it in Lime Water. — I have much pleasure in complying with the request of "W. J. M." (see p. 190) in regard to this subject. In the erection of the greater part of the buildings on this estate between 30 and 40 years ago home-grown timber of various sorts, but more particularly Scotch Fir, was largely made use of; and for several years part of the timber for such purposes before being used was put to steep in a large tank amongst lime water. Much of the timber so treated is at the present day (to all appearance) as sound as when first put up, whereas timber of the same sort and quality, grown in the same plantation, and employed in the erection of similar buildings (but not so treated) is fast going to decay. That system of treating timber here before using it, has now for many years been given up, but for what reason I know not; possibly doubts might have been enter- tained as to the beneficial eSects of the practice. R. Bowie, the Gardens, ChiUingham. Protection of Fruit Tree's.— At p. 491 " T. AV." says " he would like to hear what I have to say as regards tiffany ; " I therefore hasten to place my opinion at his disposal. I regret so far that it is only an opinion, as I have never used tiffany, neither am I at all likely now to try the experiment. It is a singular coincidence that on the very day that the Oardeners' Chronicle appeared containing " T. AV.'s " letter, a gentleman complained to me of a similar case of ruin, from the same cause. His verdict was emphatic against all pro- tection for the future. Every part of his trees covered were bare of a crop, and almost wholly destroyed by curl and aphides, while all portions left uncovered were healthy and laden with fruit. So striking was the contrast, so great the injury, that his conclusion was " no more protection of any kind, from this time forth." I am not yet, however, prepared to endorse this opinion. As I, however, hinted in a recent short notice ol' Beard's patent glass protectors, I have a strong dislike to opaque protection of any kind ; and this is the reason I have not used tiffany. The thinnest linen bunting, or coarse muslin, is the thickest substance that ought ever to be employed ; and no material closer in its texture than a quarter-inch meshed woollen net should remain permanently over the trees night and day. All such material as bunting should be removed in the day time, unless in snow or hail- storms, and during sharp, piercing, windy frosts. The objection to thicker substances or to any materials of close texture is, not only that they keep out the light, but that they create draughts. The former is an evil of the first magnitude. Light, clear and unobscured, is the first great necessity of young and tender vegetation. It gives compactness to the new growth, hardness of structure, power of endurance, that enables it to hold its own and to make progress in the midst of insect foes and climatic difficulties. Every ray of light obscured in; the spring is virtually a new devouring power placed in the mouths of insects, and a fresh engine of destruction given to the attacking force of a volatile, erratic, and hostile climate. For it matters not to the plants whether we endow their natural adversaries with new force, or weaken their power of resistance. And yet how cultivators would stare if any one should advise them to adopt artificial methods of strengthen- ing insects, and furnishing them with a few more fearers or grinders, or rendering our spring weather more capricious, harsh, and ungenial than it is. But such courses could scarcely prove more foolish and disastrous than any method that robs plants of their vital power and developes within them an unnatural tenderness. Every ray of light obscured renders the plant an easier victim to insect pests, and opens up the very citadel of its life to the inroads of cold. It renders the plant the easier to be eaten, the more liable to be chilled or frozen to death. Hence we find that opaque protectors, in exact proportion to their thickness, and consequently to the amount of light they obscure, are favourable to the generation and strengthening of insect life. They foster these in a much faster ratio than the protection they afford fosters vegetable life. By keeping the latter tender it is the more readily consumed ; and there is a marvellous law of reciprocity between the consumption of vegetable and the produc- tion of insect life, — the faster the plants are consumed the more rapidly the insects increase. Hence what- ever favours rapid consumption tends of necessity to something akin to spontaneity of multiplication. There is likewise another reason for this excessively rapid production of insect life beneath opaque coverings. It seems often to be overlooked in discussing the question of protection, that whatever excludes the cold will like- wise keep in the heat. But the full effect of this general rule upon wall treesisseldom recognised. When opaque coverings are left down over the trees on bright days, the heat that gradually accumulates beneath them is excessive. The addition of this confined caloric acts as a stimulant upon the tree, and quickens it into an etiolated growth. The young shoots become drawn and tender, and, as we have alrendy seen, this condition is one of great danger. It originates in the exclusion of light, but it is further aggravated by an excess of heat. -But neither does the evil of that excess end here. The heat that weakened the growth of the tree strengthens the life of the insects to the very utmost. It thus not only prepares their food, and pre- sents it to them in the best form for their consump- tion, but it furnishes them with strength and a good ■•ppctite to turn their food to the best account in Mat le, 1868J THE OAKBENERS' CMONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE the enlargement of their size and the multiplication of their numbers. Another great evil of covering with such textile fabrics as tiffany is, that they create draughts. Only extended practice can reveal the extent of the evils arising from sudden currents or eddies of cold air sweeping along under sheets of such material. The thicker they are the more injury they seem to inflict in this way. Unless one takes his station on a March day beneath canvas or tiffany shades, it would be impossible to measure the cutting force of the wind— a force that is mightily increased by the presence of the cover- ing. It is this experience that has destroyed my faith in anything like cloth protectors. All that I have advanced about their induc- ing weakness in plant, and strength in insect life, is strictly true. But these are not more, and perhaps hardly so important as the fact, that they ofteu increase the force of the moving air at the very time, and on the very spot, when and where we wish to temper its harshness and tame its wildness into a soft-breathing zephyr. And it is these sudden gusts of hard cold air rushing in at bottoms, ends, or sides of opaque shades that complete the work of destruction left unfinished by the attacks of insects, an excess of heat, or the exclusion of light. The plants may have been coddled for days and weeks, and all at once they are exposed to au arctic blast, sweeping along like the sliivering breath of an iceberg between the canvas and the wall, and shrivelling with the cold chill of death every tender leaf or fruit that comes within its reach. And thus by a wintry wind of our own creation our fruit prospects have often been destroyed, for it is one of the greatest evils of opaque protectors of anything like closeness of texture that they create draughts where there was none, and increase the force and violence of all natural winds. Any substance that is well nigh im- pervious to the air and of any appreciable area, hung across the front of any wall or other barrier, by disturb- ing the balance of atmospheric temperature between the volume of air impinging upon its two opposite sides naturally and of necessity disturbs the equilibrium formerly existing in the undivided atmosphere, and causes a new current or movement to be estab- lished. The strength of the current will mainly depend upon the degree of penetrability of the dividing medium. If the substance is wholly impene- trable the current will be strong ; if it is slightly penetrable the current will be weaker ; if it is pene- trable over its whole surface the current underneath will be reduced to nit. Now upon these facts the whole theory of the successful use of opaque coverings depends. Only such materials must be employed as are suffi- ciently permeable to render eddies and cutting draughts impossible, and yet of sufficient power of resistance to exclude severe frosts. Now many kinds of netting fulfil these two conditions. They sift the air through their whole surface, and thus break or moderate its force by fining down as it were its sub- stance or quality.^ They entangle the cold air in their delicate meshes, intercept and keep back hoar frost, moderate to a great extent the fierce glare of the sun, while they scarcely sensibly obscure his vivifying, strengthening light. For these reasons reticulated fabrics are the best of all opaque protectors, and the only ones that ought to be employed. I will reserve the best mode of applying them with effect for another opportunity. I). T. Fh/i F.S.S.S., May 11. Abutilon striatum.— I send you some flowering branches of Abutilon striatum, which were gathered in the conservatory of J. H. Buchan, Esq., The Grove, Hanwell. Mr. Venner, the gardener, informed me that he planted out the tree about nine years ago, when it was no bigger than his little finger. The trunk is now fully 12 inches in circumference. The conservatory is about 14 feet high, and it is necessary to cut away all the top shoots, or they would force themselves through the glass ; this induces the plant to throw out side branches, and this young wood blooms in a profuse manner, as the accompanying specimens indicate. The flowers can be counted by hundreds, and can be had all the year round. Where a large quantity of cut flowers is required, such a tree as this is invaluable. The flowers appear to be unusually fine and well- coloured, much better in every respect than those taken from plants usually cultivated in pots. JS,. I). [One of the finest of all shrubs for a greenhouse con- servatory. Eds.] Fruit Prospects.— In this locality (North Notts) the prospects of a good fruit season are now much increased, for the late blo-ssoms of Pears, Cherries, and Plums have set well. The weather has been favourable since the severe frosts in the middle of April, and at the present date I believe that the Apple orchards have seldom been known to present such an abundant and healthy bloom. The lowest temperature that occurred here in April was on the 12th and 13th, when there were 8° and 9' of frost respectively. All the Pears on the walls, and bushes and pyramids in the borders, were in full flower; and although some kinds were more injured than others, there is plenty of fruit set on most kinds for a full crop. Like " Pari Passu " (see p. 489), I find that it is not always the earliest sorts of Pears that flower first. I have marked a few of the best setting kinds in a long row of pyramids on Quince stocks, and they are all from 6 to 9 feet high. The Easter Beurre in this row was one of the earliest flowering kinds, and has set plenty of fruit ; Beurr^ Langelier, another early flowerer, has set well; the Vicar of VVinkfield, early flowerer, plenty of fruit set ; Van Mens L^on le Clero is bearing an excellent crop, ditto Beurr6 d'Amanlis; Josephine de Malines has likewise plenty of fruit set. The latest flowerers were Marie Louise, Williams' Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne, Noveau Poitou, Citron des Carmes, Susette de Bavay, and Doyenne d'Ete. AU these sorts are well set, with the exception of Louise Bonne, but some trees of it on a fruit trellis are loaded with young fruit. A lot of Marie Louise on the Pear stock trained en guenotiille, are at the present time in full flower, and I expect heavy crops from them. Beurre d'Amanlis Panachoe, Beurr^ Superfin, Winter Nells, Beurre^ Clairgeau, Marie Louise, Glou Morceau, Brown Beurrd, British Queen, Gansel's Bergamot, and Suffolk Thorn, on south walls, have set plenty of fruit ; and other sorts of Pears on east and west aspects have likewise cropped well. The only failure is in the case of Plums and Cherries on an east aspect, and in that of some! standards in the borders, I have a lot of im- ported cordons of the best sorts of French Apples, such as Calville Blanche, Belle Dubois, Beinette Grise, 11. du Canada, and some of the largest crowing of our own sorts, such as Mere de Menage, Warner's King, and Northern Spy, all on the French Paradise stock. These having been planted on the bottom of a south wall are now out of flower, and have set plenty of fruit, though they had no protection during the frosty weather in April. A great quantity of small double and single cordons of Apples and Pears, some on the French and some on the English Paradise stock, have likewise been planted on the bottoms of walls, and some on the lower wires of a long fruit-tree trellis. Many of these little trees are in flower, and some set, and the late frosts have not hurt them in the least. I think, therefore, that the cordon system will answer well in filling up the bottoms of bare walls, and pro- duce some of our finest fruits ; besides these little trees can be easily protected. William Tillery, May 11. Plants suitable for Beds.— Would you kindly inform me the name of a plant, of which I send specimens, and of which the beauty can only be imagined, unless seen in quantities, as it is grown here. Ithas been in flower for two months. Could not this be used successfully for the centres of spring beds ? As it is evergreen it would be very effective combined with Anemones, Wall- flowers, &c. P. F., Maidstone. [It is Euphorbia amyg- daloides (almond-leaved Euphorbia), a native plant, which, on account of its fine golden hue, is used advan- tageously at Belvoir for border decoration. Eds.] Camassia esculenta.— This has been well termed a " beautiful hardy bulb," for it is a most attractive feature in my garden just now. It grows about 18 inches in height, and yields a spike of pale bluish- violet flowers. It is perfectly hardy, as it stood the severe winter of 18137 without protection and without injury. It|is also a good thing to grow in pots, but either way it is a valuable, though somewhat old-fashioned showy decorative plant, having been introduced from N.W. America about 1827. It derives its specific name from the edible properties of the bulb, and it is said to be eaten by the North American Indians under the name of Quamash. It is growing in the strong clay that prevails in this district, and without any shade from the sun. That it thrives well would be admitted by all who saw it. I think it is one of those things that should be left undisturbed for a consider- able time together. Richard Dean, Faling. Eriobotrya japonica.— Perhaps one reason why this fruit is so seldom seen, is that a bad o;* shy fruiting variety is in cultivation. Of the common large white- fruited sort, and the small brown-fruited kind, the latter is much the finest flavoured and most prolific, and the large white the most beautiful. Another cause of not fruiting may be the use of improper stocks, as most of the plants in this country are worked on some species of Mespilus. The Eriobotrya proved perfectly hardy for many years as a shrub, unprotected, in the Botanic Garden, Belfast, but it never flowered. The plants do best kept dry and cool from October to April ; then strong heat and light will throw them into flower at once, when it is advisable to fertilise the blossoms. Large quantities of Loquats are produced in the Azores, where, when they shed their fruit it falls to the ground, and young plants come up in abundance. I imported the white and brown fruited varieties some time back to this country, but as they were left in hands which did not appreciate them, I presume they are lost. Thoma.^i Skorlt, Cumberland. Variegated Roses. — As the subject of variegation is at this time of especial interest, I have enclosed two sprigs showing a curious tendency in that direction in the Eose. In 18G3 I crossed Louis Odier, Bourbon Per- petual, with the old striped summer Eose, York and Lancaster ; the result gave two seedlings, one having the smooth foliage of the Bourbon type — the centre of the leaves being occasionally variegated with a lighter green colour ; the other seedling, from which the sprigs I send are taken, has more the character of the summer Rose, and its young shoots have every season come like those enclosed, which, as you will observe, are of a creamy pink and sulphur tint, but this year the trees have a more striking appearance than heretofore. The flowers of both seedlings are pink, without showing any disposition to become striped. Hitherto, as the growth and season have extended, the shoots have lost their variegation and gradually acquired their usual green hue. The early foliage comes the same on the original as on worked plants, which are in different situations, but all how- ever being dry, highly drained, and well exposed. It would almost seem that there is some connection between variegated foliage, and striped flowers. Although I have occasionally seen signs of variegation previouslj; on the foliage of the Eose, I have never observed it in the variety commonly known as the York and Lancaster, nor of the character of that in the specimens sent. Perhaps this circumstance may be turned to account by some of your readers, as tending to tlirow light on the origin of variegation. T. L., Stamford. Plant Nomenclature.— yome of your 'correspondents haviiii: ) ' ■ ' i 1 , 1 illy to tlie names recently given to the .seedliii ' I nil induced to send a few remarlcs on the a i :, . pLmts generally, and of the Coleus in partii^aliL. 1 : j Liiiiiijicial purposes, and In endeavouring coustaully ti.' pio^cnt aomothiug new to the horticultural public, 1 have Ijcen for some years in the habit of making experiments in the hybridisation and fertilisation of many of our popular phints. I designedly use both terms, for it is the confusion or misapplication of these that often leads to con- siderable difficulty, and has done so in this particular case. For the Coleusoa which have been oper.ated on are not hybrids, but varieties. If they had been true hybrids there would only have been one distinct type between each of the parents, the typo or hybrid partaking more or less of the character of both. The very fact of there being so much diversity in the character of the seedlings conclusively proves that they are varieties, and not hybrids, and being such ought only to be distinguished one from the other by garden names ; or perhaps it would be better to call these names horticultural, in contra- distinction to botanical, and this I have done with my own varieties. Not only are these Coleus varieties, but varieties very far removed from original species, shown in scarcely two of the seedlings coming alike after fertilisation ; so far removed are they, that it is more than probable that if a plant of Coleus Verschaffelti, was carefully fertilised with its own pollen, the seedlings raised would give varieties almost ad libitum, and if two varieties are co-mingled as seed bearers, colours and varieties can be developed in any particular direction. Such, however, is not hybridising, but fertilising. The greatest difficulty in hybridising is to find species, or to determine what .are such, and Mr. Darwin has rendered good service in showing how reduced their number is, Foi-merly it was con- sidered by some botanists that the horticulturist, by hia hybridising experiments, distorted plants, and by so doing created confusion for the botanist ; but on the contrary, his experiments have a tendency to prove what plants when in- troduced are species or merely varieties, for I have always found that by fertilising two plants, if both are species, they produce a hybrid of one invarialjle character, no matter what number has been raised ; such fertilisation has proved in the result to be true hybridisation. On the other hand, if one of the parents has been a species, and the other a variety, the offspring from the fertilisation has. although varying, more or less of resemblance one to the other, due to the fact that one parent has been a species, the variation being caused by the influence of the other parent. But if two y,arietie8 are fertilised, as has been the case with the Coleus in question, then the markings and diversity of the offspring within certain limits are indeterminable. Although two species are nocessaiy to produce a hybrid, and such hybrid is of one uniform character, still varieties sometimes have such marked features that they can be perpetuated true without variation by fertilisation. On the other hand a species will not by fertilisation produce varieties. The mis- take has been an original one of botanically naming the introduced Coleus, and treating them as species when they were only varieties. But this shows the great difficulty then: is in first naming introduced plants, for who is to determine whether the introductions be species or not? Williaiti Biitf, C'hehea, May 7. Since writing the above I have seen M. De CandoUe's remarks in last week's columns, which in a great measure coincide with my own ; I do not, however, see any necessity for recognising half-breeds ; anything after a hybrid is a variety, and as regards sports, they are merely variations, no matter whether originating from a bud, tubercle, or any other organ, and being such must be con- sidered mere varieties, being probably always thrown off from hybrids, or, as is more likely, from varieties ; in fact, they are generally a reversion to either one or the other of their ancestors, somtimes partaking of the character of both. W. B. [Our correspondent confuses varieties and variations, which in a botanical sense are distinct things. Again, a varietj' is not necessarily the offspring of a hybrid, or of any cross fertilisation. £ds.] Foreign Correspondence. Gaedenino Notes on the Genoese Eivieea ( Continued from p. 379). — On arriving at my Riviera garden at Mentone in October, 1 am able to form a pretty correct idea of the manner in which the plants have stood the influence of the scorching heat of summer. Six months of blazing sunshine, which so heats the ground that if the peasants touch it bare- foot the soles of their feet are burnt, without clouds or rain, barring a very exceptional shower of half-an- hour's duration, are calculated to test the idioayncracy or peculiar constitution of any plants. My garden is peculiarly trying, for it is in an angle of the limestone rock, south-east and west, and exposed to the full power of the sun all day long. My gardener, a peasant from the neighbouring village of Grimaldi, in whom I have instilled quite a passion for the art, rather quaintly tells me that in midsummer it is a furnace—" C'eit comme d'enfer. Monsieur." The plants that stand this sun heat and drought the best without any irrigation, are the plants which are natives of the country and which in it find their natural habitat, the conditions most favourable to their existence, such as Thyme, Rosemary, Cineraria mari- tima, Lavatera, Iris, Scilla maritima. Juniper ; also the Cactacea; in general, the Aloe, the Mesembryanthemum. They still, after all this roasting, look perfectly well and flourishing. All these plants, however, have very long fibrous roots, which they put into the crevices of the rocks all but any distance in the search for moisture, and probably find it. But there is one garden flower which appears to rival them — the Geranium and Pelargonium. It is positively marvellous how well these bear the heat and drought ; they thrive in the rockiest, warmest, driest part of the garden, and at the end of the summer, when even Aloes are drooping for want of moisture, they are all right : they have merely lost the greater part of their leaves, and are ready to start into full luxuriance as soon as they are watered. My gardener tried an experiment last summer. He had several large Aloes, well established, and planted in the warmest regions, in a foot or two of soil, iu comers on the rock. He left them entirely without water all summer, as also Geraniums and Pelargoniums in the same locality. When autumn arrived the Aloes appeared to have nearly succumbed, for their thick leaves fell flaccid, and appeared partly withered, whilst the Geraniums and Pelargoniums, also left to them- selves, were all right and flourishing, beating their companions by a long way, 1 must add that wfien the Aloes were watered they soon filled up their leaves, pricked up their heads, and in a couple of weeks were as healthy and as good-looking as any m the garden. No doubt this is the way they meet such trials ana misfortunes in their own country, lue Geranium flowers all winter sparsely, and prolusely t)y March. The choicest Pelargoniums become large 520 THE GARDENEIiS' OHKONICLE AND AGRTCULTIIRAL GAZETTE. [May 16, 1868. bushes, and flower sparsely iq MarcU and profusely in April; iu the open, in sunny, sheltered spots. From this may be drawn the moral that in our own country, they may be planted iu the driest plaoes, and safely left to Nature. The Aloe, Squill, and Iris may be put in the same category. They seem to carenothins; at all for sua roasting and scorching. The Urge bulb of the Squill, the root of the Iris, may be pulled up and left in the blazing sun for weeks, and yet onoe planted and watered they will start and grow as if nofehing had happpued. Another feature connected with them is that they are what my gardener calls " des manqe tout,'' that is, they take complete possession of the soilarouud, and starve out everything else. If planted in little, or indeed in all but no soil, they thrive and do well, bub attain no great size. If, however, they are planted in a border with a good depth of the lime soil of the country, they start into vigorous, determined growth, throw out strong roots in all directions, and smother all other vegetation. The Aloe especially seems determined to have the border all to himself. He sends out roots 10, 15, or more feet long, and at the end of these roots appear new plants, which if left to themselves would soon vie with their parent in hungry desperation. We have been obliged to take up the Aloes, the Irises, and the Squills, which we had placed as edgings, and put them on the top of a wide wall. Some of the Aloes we have put " in prison," as Antoiue, the gardener, says, — that is, we have built small nooks and corner terraces for them against the rock, and have put them there by themselves, as in a penitentiary, where they can do no harm to anything else. I have left one large fellow in 10 feet of soil to do as he likes, and it is a pleasure to see the vigorous manner in which he is growing. lie has at least doubled his size within the two years that he has occupied his present site. The same remark, but in a minor decree, may bo made with regard to all the other plants that are natives of the country. The Cineraria maritima, planted in a border with plenty of soil, instead of being^ as usual here, a small shrub growing out of the crevices of the rocks, becomes in a year or two a huge bush, as does the Lavatera, a '^Qry pretty mountain Mallow. We get good plants of Cineraria maritima by pulling them out of the crevices of the limestone rocks after heavy rains, which have reached the roots and loosened them. I dare not say where, according to Antoine, these roots go to, but they certainly go a long way, for they sometimes come out several feet in length. The Thyme and Rosemary also ^row with wild luxuriance when planted ^.s an edging to the borders, so as even to a-stonish the natives of the country. The Thyme, as a dwarf dense abrub, so covered as it novv is with flower that the leaves can scarcely be seen, is really beautiful. As I sit writing these lines in a Fern srotto or summer-house over- looking the sea and the Mentone amphitheatre, it scents the air, and is covered with real wUd " Ligurian bees." Different species of Mesembryanthemum also grow without care or irrigation in the warmest regions, hanging down the sun-burut walls and rocks In huge verdant festoons, like rivers of verdure. They require however a good supply of earth for their roots on the other side of the wall. They are beginning to flower now (March), and will be in full flower by the beginning or middle of April. The scarlet variety is more especially grand when covered with thousands of flowers, which make the wall, or rock, or bank one glowing mass of scarlet. There is a flower at the axil of every fleshy leaf. All sorts of Caotacese flourish in the same vigorous manner, exoent that they can live, like the Aloe, on an infinitessimsl supply of earth ; tbey appear only to want something to hoiu on by. I presume that a large pro- portion of the species of this family would survive liere iu the open. The Opuntia, or Frickly Pear, soon becomes a grotesque kind of tree on the Riviera, as in Corsica, Sicily, and Southern Italy ; hut it is not much cultivated on the Ligurian ooast. Hoses, hybrids. Teas, Bengals, Banksias, CentifoUas, begin their spring flowering in March, and flower freely in April and May, as they do with us in June and July. If not allowed to exhaust themselves, kept at rest during the hot months, and watered from September, the hybrids and Teas make a new growth, and flower freely again in autumn, October, and November; sparsely throughout the winter, especially the Teas, in warm sheltered situations. In such localities the Bengals and monthlies flower freely, the Teas sparsely all winter, so that there are always Eoses for the bouquets even in midwinter. The Lemon tree does not seem much to mind the influence of the sea breeze, but is healthier and more vigorous when sheltered from it or when a few hun- dred feet above it. But the Orange trees do not at all like the sea breeze, or the salt spray carried with it. These trees have to be protected, if near the shore, by high walls, or by a belt of Olive trees. In the gardens, suob as they are, mostly if not entirely planted as adjuncts to the villas built for letting to strangers, many flowers thrive and flower more or less all winter. Thus the following flowers grow like weeds, and require little or no irrigation in summer :— Habrothamnus elesans, Sparmannia africaua. Migno- nette, Camellias, l)atura Stramonium, besides many Australian winter-fioweriu« Acacise and Mimosge, Cy- tisus, Cistus, Richardia ^thiopica, Uiguonia, Begonia;^, Cineraria, Petunia. These plants can all, or nearly all, rest in the warm dry summer weather, without being injured thereby. They are all, or nearly all, perennial iu this climate. They start into active life with the autumn raius, flowering 'more or less early in the winter or spring. They are all now iu flower iu my garden (March 15th), andmauy have been in flower since Christmas, or before. Chrysanthemums I find in full f^lory on my arrival in October, They continue fiowermg until Christmas. There is one large white species, of a trailing habit. which is perfectly beautiful: it covers the ground with lovely white flowers, and looks like a bridal bouquet. Very soon appears the Linum trjgynum, which thrives and flowers like a Gooseberry hush. The soil and climate must be just what it requires, for it grows readily from cuttings without care, forms vigorous plants without manure, and bears myriads of liand- some yellow flowers, which continue until March, by which time every branch and twig is covered with seed pods. One of the winter-flowering plants which does the best, and flowers the most freely, is the Habrothamnus elegans. It grows as a bush some 10 or 15 feet high. IS in flower by autumn, bears myriads of flowers all winter, and is doing so still. . ^^^. Ageratum has also been in flower all winter, and is still flowering freely in the driest and rockiest parts of the garden. It grows to a good-sized bush, and is one mass of bloom. Senry Sennet, M.D, {To be Coiitinued. Societies. RovAL Horticultural, Ma// 9 (Third S-pnng Shoir). — CoUeotiona of miscellaneous plants constituted the principal feature of this show, which, owing to an absence of Roses s,ad the presence of comparatively few Azaleas, was by no means so atti active as its predecessors. Mesai-s. Veitch contributed a remarkably fine group of plants, not for competition, con- sisting of the golden-striped Sanchezia nobilis vuriegata ; Ma- ranta Veitchii, one of the finest of the handsome genus tu which it belongs ; Alocasia Jenningaii, with black leaves, edged ^nd broken up into patches with pea-vr^ea ; Abutilou ThoQipsoni, with leaves blotohed and mottled with gold ; Azaleas Stella and Murie Vervaene ; Primula oortu^oides amtena: Davallia parvula, a finely cut-leaved little Fern; Cypripedium caudatum, with five fine fiowers, having tails up- wards of a feet in length ; Nepenthes Raffiesiaua, with ten huge pitohera ; Anbbin-ium SeUeraerianum, with ten brilliant scarlet spathea, fully expj^nded ; jind lastly, the new Cc*leuscs, to which First-class Certificates were awarded a,t the last meeting of the Floral Corawttee. Jleasra. Lee sent, likewise not for competition, a collection of plants, in which were good examples of Heaths, Orchids, Azaleas, Briostemons, Yucca quadricolor, andCordyKneindivisa; and Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Mr. Wilkie, and Mr. Reeves had extra prizes for miscel- laneous collections ; Mr. Bartlett fori^numherof potsof ^otoia japonica ; and Mr. Jame-s for fine herbaceous Calceolarias, as well as for Cinerarias. An extra prize was also awarded to Mr. Salter for a large collection of hardy variegated plants. Among them were Bet^ chflensis, with violet crimson shaded stalks, or wonderful brilliancy ; several Punkias ; Spiriea Ulmaria, with the centre of the leaflets striped and blotched witb gold ; Lily of the VaUey, with leaves striped with white; Hemerecallia Kwansapleno-variegata with long white-striped leaves; Sedum Sieboldi variegatum ; S. Fabarium v9.riegatum, yellow, edged with green, and Trifolium repena rubrum, with chocolate foliage narrowly lac«d with green. Mr. Ware also received an extra prize for a pretty coUeetion of herbaceous plants, in which were several with ornamental foliage, the pretty white phlox Nelsoui, the well-known Phlox aetaceus, Aubrietias, LitUa spernRum frutlcosum, with intensely blue flowers ; Ti-illium grandiflorum, Dodecatheon elegans, Iris pavonia, and others. Mr. Williams, of Molloway, received an extra prize for a collection of miscellaneous plants, among which were Clero- dendron ThomsonEe Balfourii, loaded with showy blossoms ; Saocolabium retusuta, Cypripediums, and other Orchids ; Aphelexes, Heaths, lUiostemous, AmarylUds, Genetyllis Hookeri, Franciscaacalycina, and a good example of Anthurium Schcrzerianum. Mr. Bull had a similar aw^rd for a collection in which were seyeral new Coleuses, the best apparently being Gem, chocolate with a green edg«, and Crimson Velvet, reddish chocolate, both richly coloured varieties. Among his other plants w^e, noticed a fine specimen oi Cibatium resale, a charming pair of varieejated Aloe-leaved Yuccas, a beautiful mass of Trichomanes radicans, Anemia lineata, a faintly striped variety of Anemidictyon Phyllitides, and Dracaena Banksii hi flower bronze and gold zonal Pelargoniums, Azaleas, and a pretty striped Petunia, called Herald. The bfist collection of 12 Alpine jilants cam« from Mr. Salter, of Versailles Nursery, Hammeismith ; it contained Smilaclna bifolia, with small heads of wl^ite fiowers ; Saxifraga Aizoon and S. hypnoides minor, the latter a pretty, dwarf, moss-like plant ; Arenaria balearica, with little white atar-shaped blossoms ; Aubrietia deltoidea variegaba, Sedura glauoum, Semperviviun Pattoni, and S. arachuaideum. Mr. W-ire, Tottenham, who v?as 2d, bad, aloiug with other things, various Saxifrages, among which was granulata plena, with large double white flowers. Messrs. F. i- A. Smith, Mr. Watson, and Mr. Sbenton sent variegated zonal Pelarguuiums of the tricolor and gold and bronze sections. Mr. Manu, Brentwood, fiirnished his splendid scarlet-flowered variety called Lord Derby ; also trusses of The Baron, a showy crimson scarlet Nosegay. A coUoction of Gioxinias cam© from Mr. August, Bcddington ; and from the Society's Garden at Chiswick came a collection of Palms, Draceenas, Pandanada, and other plants with ornamental foliage, and the new Caladiums raised by Mt. Banse ; also Authurium Schei zerianum, omameuted with seven fine scarlet spatbes. Of Azaleas, Mr. WUkie, Oak Lodge, Kensington, had well-bloomed plants of Criterion^ Stella, Concinna, Marie Verva,ene, EulaUe Van Geert,, and Rubens. For these a 1st prize was awarded, and Mr. F. A. Steel, Hammersmith, was 2d. In the nurserymen's class Messrs. Lee deservedly received the 1st prize for Azaleas, which coBsisted of Duke of Devonshire, Extranei, Leeana, Petunisefiora, Marie Louise, and Victoria. Messrs. Dobson b Sons tools the 2d fo-izo with Murrayanum, Bouquet de Flore, Iveryana. Model of Pevfeo- tion, DelicaU, and Due de Nassau. Tbe only exhibitor in the class for single specimens of Azalea was Mr. Wilkie, who had a 1st prize for a white-flowered kind, forming a fine pyramid, about 7 feet high, and covered with bloom. In the class of Rhododeadrona Mr. Wilkie received a 1st prize for half-a- doaen standards with large heads covered with fine trusses of flowers, likewise a similar award for a fine standard Rhododendron. Mr. Steel, Hammersmith, was 2d with a small but well bloomed plant of the variety of Rhododendron called Purpureum grandiflurum. Of Auriculas, the only exhibitor was Mr. James, gr. to W. W. Watson, Esq., Isleworth to whom a 1st prize was awarded for show varieties, and another for half-a-dozen Alpino Auriculas. Of Polyan- chuaes, both Mr. James and Mr. Wiggins, gr. to W. Beck, Esq., Isleworth, sent well-grown finely-flowered plants, 1st and 2d prizes being awarded in the order in which the names stand. Of Pansies in pots, Mr. James, who was awarded a 1st prize, had a beautifully- flowered set. Messrs. Dobaon took the 2d prize ; and Mr. Shenton, Biggleswade, and Mr. James, had extra prizes for stands of cut blooms. Prizes were also offered for Lily of the Valley. Mr. Reeves, Ladbroke Nursery, was lat with masses in excellent bloom ; Mr. August, ot Bedding- ton, being 2d, and Mr- Wilkie 3d. TUK UoYAL HoitTi,CDLT;t.^RAt. OF Brpssels, imder the Presi- dency of M. lo Comte de Ribaucourt, held ita 91st exhibition, in the Botanic Gardens oi that city, on April 26, and two following days. The show, although not so large as th^t recently held in Ghent, proved a decided success, upwards of 60 exhibitors having responded to the invitations of the schedule issued by the Society. Punctually at 2 p.m. on the 2Uth ult. their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians vrlved to open the exhibition, and wevp received and conducted through the building hy the of&cers of the Society. On reaching the gorgeous bank of Orchids fr^m England^ their Majesties seemed enraptured, and Mr. R. Warner, tho exhibitor, having been presented, and very graciously received by their Majesties, explained to them the peculiarities ol those plants which more p^tiovilarly attracted their M^eaties' attention. After a minute inapoetion of the whole display^ the Royal party left, and the exhibition was declared open. In Orchids the display was great, M. Linden staged a collection, not for competition, among which were some fipe examples of Vanda auavis, V. tricolor, tricolor aurea, tricolor ciunamoraea, and several others ; Warscewiczella discolor, MesospLnidium sanguineum, with spikes upwards of 2 feci lung, and loaded with its pfetty waxy red flowers ; a Bnr- lingtouia with flowers of the same colour, called carnea ; the pretty Oncidium nubigenum, the curious and handsome O. serratum, and a very distinct species named O. nanum, with thick fleshy leaves, the flowers having the sepals and petals light brown, with chocolate-colonred spots, »nd the ftp bright yellow ; several Cypripediums and Dendrohiums, tha Fox-brush. Aerides. the curious Masdevallia eivilis, and tha small but brilliantly-coloured Nasonia cinna,barina. Among tho Orchid competitors, Mr. R, Warner, of Broomfield, neai* Chelmsford, stood pre-eminent, exhibiting in 6 classes, obtaining seven prizes, and staging na fewer than 64 plants, many of them vast specimens, producing a magnificent effect, arranged as they were in a continuous bank, and occupyii^g fully one-half tho space set apart for this class of plants. Thei libend manner in which Mr. Warner responded to the sche- dule, the many extremely valuable specimens which ho senfc ov«r the Channel, and the admirable condition hi which they arrived at the Eithibition, reflect the greatest credit upon him, and may be taken by other groweraof these plants us a lesson, showing what can he done by a combination of enei^y and public spirit. In the class for 25 Orchids, Mr. Warner obtained the Gold Medal and Ist prize. In this group we noticed a magnificent specimen of Trichopilia crispa, soro» 2 feet in diameter, with dozens of its lovely flowers , a flnei vigorous plant of Cypripedium villosum, with eight remarlt- aUy fine flowers ; C. barbatum Warnerianum, a beautiful variety, with small leaves, and a profusion of very large flowers ; fine examples of Phalsenopsis amabilis, grandifto^a^ SchiUeriana and rosea ; Lycaate Skinneri grandiflora, with many flowers of great size and beauty ; a good Dendrobium aaoamum, and a \fariety of D. nobile, oaUed superbvim ; such a remarkably fine-coloured and well-flowered plant as thia latter has pr-obably neyer before been exhibited. There wera besides remarkable examples of Vanda suavis and insignis, a good Aerides Fieldingii, Ljelia elegans Wameri, and soma Calanthes, Oncidiums, and Odontoglossums. In the Class for 15 Orchids, the same exhibitor carried off the Gold Medal and 1st prize, with a superb Saccolabium retuaum, Cypripediuina villo3um,hir8Utissimam,audbavbatumaupQrbum ; Phalasnopsia amabilis, grandiflora, aud SchiUeriana ; \ajida suavis, t^ycaste fulvescehs, and Stiuneri deUaita ; an immjrOU^> Civth'i-.,/ r: (.'.-■ .V' I ,■.,■..,,; .r' t'r HriliA Mn^fUin : til I'-li ■■' :i ■■.'. ■ ■■■.'' I .■.■.■.. .'■■-■ ■■'■.-.''■("■■- cf') nondcvi-ipt ,■(,-. ! . . .. '. . ,■. \-v W. Baird, M.D.— -. . ,'■.. r. ..■ of Plantt. By Jiv.nr< liiuLai-ui, K^.^. Thii i'^yrr rr\.it^A ti> experimeuta with tbo I'arsnip, Pastiiiaca sativa ; tUo CaiTot, Caucus Carota (or maritima) ; the Beet, Beta niaritima ; and tho Kadish, Raphamis caudatus. In tho case of tho Paranip, a process of selection carried over "somo years,"— how many waa not stated,— resulted in producing the Student Parsnip from the wild plants o( our hedffo-banka. Trials oominenced at the same time with the wild OiUious Carott^ yielded no result, but the maritime form of the plant (? D. muritima), \mdQr garden cultivation, yielded in ono season some roots which were fleshy, well-flavoured, and tender. Tho experiment was at this stage interrupted, but has been recommenced. The wild Beet was said to be Boon alTected by cultivation, mid seed yielding after two generations roots moi-o flosby and with fewer ei\")WTis than in the wild state. In the caee of the curiuus Hat-tailed Radi.'^h, twiothor plant upon which experiments wore tried, no apeciflo difference could bo traced between it and the common garden Radish. It is fully admitted, ribserved tho author, that our garden Radish has been derived from the sea-side form of Raphanus, and its edible roots, differing from a long taper to a broad bidboid shape, are but varieties of the cultivated type. In these the root only has been considered, fn the Java Kadiah the curious pod issought to be made still more so, and as without selection from well- formed, well-llavoured rooted kinds, their roots would degenerate into woody sticks, so when the pod is the desidera- tum, its length oanonly be arrived at by careful selection from plants with the longer pods, " The importance of care in selecting for experiments of this kind will be obvious, as at first any change will be but slight, and thus it is that those not used to such inquiries, or who attribute s\icc68a to ohaiioe hybridisation and the like, tell us that they have sown the seeds of a wild Parsnip, or Carrot, or Beet, and they have just grown Parsnips, dm-ots, and Beets wild as before, and nothing more ; but let such be observant of even so slight a change as a Uttle less hairiness in a Parsnip, or Carrot leaf, or a little more succulcncy in the leaf of a Beet, and for want of more striking indications of change choose such for future experi- ment, and in time much greater changes may be wrought in this direction than naturalists are at all prepared for." April 16.— G. Bentham, Esq., President, in the chair. H. CoUinson, Esq., and S. Hurrell, Esq., were elected Fellows. The following papers were read:— 1. Note on the Structure of Genista tinctoria, aa apparently (Affording facilitiea for the intercroasing of disiiact fiowers : by the Rev. G. Henslow. On a previous occasion the author described a peculiar feature in the flower of Indigofera speciosa, when the flower was touched, in imitation of an insect thrusting its proboscis to the base of tiie calyx. In this case the expanded part of the keel dropped vertically, and the wings having lost the support fell laterally, so th\t the ofHmene and pistil were exposed. A somewhat simil. r j lii.ntv was now described to obtain in the i: ■ ■ !ii-.ta, only in this the clawa of thewingpct il il : : wrll as those of the keel petal. - — 2. Onthf Va,. ■.,,... ; . Annular Diva-gencesi Of thf leaves of IkLiantkim tab:n'M,'orth-"\yest America, Himalaya, Chili, Tas- mania, and the Caucasus, and all in so advanced a state as to afford a just idea of the port and character of the future tree. With excellent taste these novel- ties are made to occupy the foreground of a former boundary screen of forest trees and shrubbery on the west, and a like foreground, backed by a similar mass of trees and shrubbery, on the east; the ground so planted having been formerly occupied by an orchard of unsightly unproductive trees, which, on the northern slope, are already swept away, and on the southern rise are fast giving place to the extension of the Arboretum in that direction. Altogether, the change already wrought is as complete as it is admirable, insomuch that an old "Caledonian" will here, as in some other parts of his Garden, scarcely know his whereabouts Scoliiiian, Miscellaneous. Forthcoming Exhibitions of Provincial Horticultural Societies.— those marked with a * are in union with the Royal Horticultural Society :— Alnwick, Sept. 3 • *Alton (Stafford), July 9, Sept. 3 ; Bath, May 13 and 14, Sept. 9; Bicester, Sept. 8 ; *Boston, July 3 ; Bristol and Clifton, May 21, June 25 ; *Buckingham, July 28 ■ Burntisland, July U, Sept. 12; Burton (Chester), Aug. 20- Cambridge, May 20, June 25, July 22 Sept. 16, Nov. 18 ; Castle Douglas, Sept. 3 ; Clay Cross, Aug. 11 ; Colchester and East Essex, May 20, July 8, Sept. 9; County of Gloucester and Cheltenham', May 6, June 10, Sept. 2; Crioh, Aug. 5; Denny and Duuipace, June 6, July 11, Sept. 12; Dun- dee, Sept. 3, ■!, and 5; Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle-on-Tyne, August 5 ; East Cumber- land, Aug. 26; Ellon, Aug. 12; Ealkirk, Aug. 28; Glasgow and West of Scotland, June S, July 8, Sept. 9 ; Halifax, June 2 ; Haltwhistle, Aug. 16 and 17 ; *Harrogate, Sept. 3 ; Hexham, Sept. 2 and 3; Ipswich, May 28, July 7, Sept. 10; Leeds, June 10, 11 and 12; Leslie Cottage Gardening, July 18; *Lincoln, May 27, Sept. 9; *Loughborough July 29 ; Lowestoft July 9, Aug. 37 ; *iilanchester. May 29 to June 5 ; *Merthyr Tydvil, July 30 ; New- burgh District Gardening, June 19, Sept. 10; Penning- hame and Minnigaff Cottage Gardening, Aug. 31 ; Beading, June 4, Aug. 27 ; Rochester, Chatham and Strood, June 16; Royal Caledonian, June 10, Sept. 2- Royal Horticultural of Aberdeen, July 28 and 29 Sept. 23; ditto of Ireland, May 21, July 2, Sept 3,' Nov. 26 ; *Royal Jersey, May 13, June 17, Oct, 14^ Nov. 18 ; Royal Oxfordshire, May 7, June 16, July 30, Sept. 16; *St. Ann's Amateur (Nottingham), July 6 and 7 ; S.affron Walden, June 10, Sept. 9 ; Sevenoaks Sept. 2; Shotley Bridge, Aug. 29; *South Notting- hamshire, July 2; *Spalding Flower, Fruit and Poultry, June 25 ; *Staffordshire. July 23 ; *Tauntoa Deane, Aug. 13 ; Todmorden, Aug. 22 • *Under- cliff (Isle of Wight), June 3; Westoe, Sept. 16 and 17 ; Wiltshire and General Arboricultural and Horti- cultural (Salisbury), Aug. 26 and 27 ; Workington Sept. IS ; * Worksop, Sept. 3. ' (SarUcn ©pcrations. (For the ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. At or about this date it is customary with gardeners who have under their charge a variety of houses or pits, &c,, to move many of the least delicate and tender from amongst Stove plants into any places in which it IS possible to keep a more subdued or intermediate temperature than that needed for more tender exotics. In illustration of what has just been stated, I may instance Begonias, especially those grown for their ornamental foliage, independently of others pushed on for winter decoration. Ferns, of the less tender kinds especially, should now have a cooler atmosphere, as may also Ardisias, Bougainvillea?, Centradenias, Dracaenas, Hibiscus, Rondeletias, Amaryllids, AUamandas, and a host of similar plants. The increased temperature which should now be insured to all exotic stoves, even with a plentiful and proper supply of moisture, will be inducive of a great increase of insect pests, especially in places where mealy bug is permitted to exist. Nobody, however, who possesses a warm stove should rest one moment in company with such pests. Incessant use of the finger and thumb is alone to be depended upon, m so far as my experience goes, 1 may suggest the use of " Fowler's Insecticide " as a destroying agent of much merit when used against other pests, though fortunately I have had no oppor- tunity of testing its merits in this wise myself. Where a stock exi.sts of TuberncEinontuna aoranaria, it may be well now, with the view of prolonging the extent of its flowering season, to place some in a little extra warmth, both top and bottom. This is a showy flowering plant, and one which has not that amount of attention which it deserves. Continue " shifting " Fuchsias, Balsams, and the like, as frequently as they need such attention, which will be readily known by observing when the roots "feel" the inner sides of the pots; unless, indeed, any are intended for an early display, when no further potting should be afforded. The former must be frequently pinched back; this is done by nipping out the extreme tips of each shoot with the thumbnail, with the view of inducing the formation of a more bushy and free flowering head or growth generally. As soon as Tuberoses push leaves freely from the apex of " the tuber," they should be watered frequently. Keep them in a densely moistened atmo- sphere, for the purpose of inducing free growth and of warding off attacks of red spider, to which they are liable. The beautifully variegated variety of Greek T'aterian (Polemoniutn cceruleum variegatum), inde- pendently of its unsurpassed beauty as a "bedding" plant, will if potted on now and grown for purposes of indoor decoration form handsome plants, and amply repay any additional trouble undertaken on its behalf Start the latest batch of Fuchsias into growth by placing them in a warm moist atmosphere, potting them flrst into small-sized pots, in a free open admixture of sandy peat and leaf-mould, and pruning them back well into firmly matured wood. Petunias, which are now flowering in pots, should receive frequent waterings with good strong liquid manure. Be particular that no aphides gain a lodgment upon them, as they quickly injure them irretrievably. Place the main batch of Indian Azaleas into a good brisk moist heat as soon as they have done flowering. Pinch back all strong shoots which are likely, by the formation of a too robust growth, to draw unduly upon the roots for support. FORCING HOUSES. Vineries in which fruit is now ripening should be run up to a good maximum warmth, by the heat of the sun, say 91° or 96' ; and if permitted again to fall below 70' at night no harm will accrue thereby ; indeed better flavour may be reckoned upon. And for this reason no fire will be needed in such structures upon nights following bright hot days, and when it is possible to secure so good a body of sun heat, which, boxed up, is readily retained until the morrow. Take care to stop, tie, and thin, active Vines in late houses. In performing this latter operation, always bear in mind the fact that late-keeping Grapes require more thinning out than any others. If required to hang through the autumn months late into winter, air should be per- mitted late in the season to pass freely between the berries, otherwise damp and consequent decay will quickly find a lodgment therein. Independently, however, of this, I would caution gardeners against allowing too heavy crops to remain. Few things injure more, what would otherwise be a lengthened and well reaped success, than this, in part commendable, anxiety to secure good crops. Pincj,-.— Attend to former directions as regards general routine. Get ready a sufficiency of soil for the purpose, at an early date, of shifting all that need this operation. In regard to Peach and Nectarine houses, should a dull, sunless, or wet period ensue, it will be well to keep just a slight warmth in the pipes in houses where the fruit has made a final swelling, and is about to ripen. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Peaches and Nectarines in this department should now be gone very carefully over, any not having been thinned out finally should have this operation finished forthwith. Certain trees, it is more than probable, will also exhibit upon some portions of their outer surface symptoms of canker. This disease, doubtless, ca,used in part by frosts and excess of moisture in winter, will, if not stopped, quickly insinuate itself into the very heart of a branch, Ac, to its almost certain destruction. In all such instances remove the gum which oozes out of the wound, make a clean incision with a keen-edged knife across the wound, so as to, if possible, remove the cankered portion, and afterwards apply " Thomson's Styptic " to the wound, or in lieu, sever a Potato in two, and rub the wound well over with the pulp, adding afterwards, if the injured parts are large, a coating of fresh cow-dung. This little operation, which does not take longer in performance than is needful for its description, simple as it may appear, is calculated to be of much benefit to the trees. Should this dry period be of longer duration, it will be necessary for all who have Peach and other borders confined to rather small places, and especially if with abruptly terminal slopes, to examine them carefully, and if need- ful, to give a good soaking of water. Roots invariably suffer by a wet, damp autumn^ much more after the continuance of a rather dry spring than when a greater and more continuous uniformity of moisture exists throughout the growing period. If delayed so long, let me again advise the removal of all superabundant suckers from Raspberries ; three or four will be ample position, or near the base of a north wall. Finish beds intended for Dahlias, and in doing so bear in mind the fact that they can hardly be over rich for such gross u n Where not already done finish digging up all other flower beds, and make every necessary prepara- tion lor immediate action in regard to duly furnish- ing them with the necessary " bedding stuff." Plant out 10-week and other spring-sown Stocks as soon as they are fit for that purpose. Spring-struck cuttings ol Pansies should also be planted out into a partially shaded border. KITCHEN GARDEN. Plant out at the base of south and south-east walls Toniatos and Chilis, if they have been properly hardened off. Spring-sown Lettuces, Cauliflowers, and similar plants, pricked out of seed beds, and pushed forward quickly, may also now be planted out finally. Continue to earth up Scarlet Runners and Dwarf French Beans as they advance in growth. This will be the more needful as a protection against frost. Make another sowing of each at once, as a security against disappointment, should those already "through" get injured. Sow again the usual fortnightly supply of Peas, Beans, Sec. ; sow, in fact, frequently in such quantitiesasare likely just to suffice. Frequent hoeings will now be needed to keep all clean and neat at this period. W. B. ^ STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CHISWICK. JTOAK LONDON, Forthe Week ending May 13. 1868. asobserredat the Horticultural Gardens. a> Bahometeb. TE»,„.TeK,. ~" May. P or the Air. Orthe Earth Wind 1 Max. Mln. Ma,. Min. Mean 1 foot deep. deep. Thurs. 7 ]4 29 977 29.801 66 ?H 47 0 29.810 1 29.711 29.708 m Sundayio 29.755 29.722 67 29.815 ■M 30.1G3 30.072 70 54 0 55 N.W. .00 Avemse 29.885 29.795 69.3 36.9 53.1 54.3 52.1 ols -Hazy ; clear and fine ; fine . - Fine ; cler and fine ; very 9 -Overcast; cloudy; deoseh 8 - Fine ; cler and fine ; very tine ; clear. O-Overcast; r and cloudy ; clear and tine. r and flne; ov , „„^. — 12 -Cloudv ; densely overcast ; very flne . clear. — 13— Fine, brieht sunshine ; clear and flne ; flne, very dark Mean temperature of the week, 2 deg. above the average. STATE OF THE ■WEATHER AT CHISWICK, During the last 42 years, for the ensuing Week, ending May 23, 1868. Ssi l"(i No. of Greatest Quantity or Baio. PrevaUing Winds. ^.TOP HYBRID TURNIP, Is. M. per lb. POMERANIAN WHITE GLOBE TURNIP, Is. 3<;. per lb. LINCOLNSHIRE RED GLOBE TURNIP, Is. per lb. IMPERIAL GREEN GLOBE TURNIP, Is. per lb. Special low quotations per bushel on application. CARTER'S FINE ITALIAN RYE-GRASS, as suppll»d to tli Metropolitan sewage Company, 6s Gd per busbel HARDY SWEDE. Is. 4d. per lb. The best kind in cultivation. Special Estimate.s for large auANTiTiES. SELECTED ORANGE GLOBE MANGEL, Is. per lb. SBLECTEU LONG RED MANGEL, Is, per lb. SELECTED RED GLOBE MANGEL, Is. per lb. Carter's 'Warden Orange Globe Mangel, 23. 6d. p. lb. CARTER'S CHAMPION ORANGE GLOBE MANGEL. '2s. per lb. CARTER'S SELECTED LONG RED MANGEL, Is. Od. per lb. CARTER'S ELVETIIAM LONG YELLOW MANGEL. Is. M. p. lb. CARTER'S IMPROVED RED GLOBE MANGEL, Is. 6ichm;ul, Stranraer. NORTHUMBER- r 17s. 15s. 143. Is. 17s. 9d. 73. 6i(. 17s. to ISs. is. ed. is. e,i. Is. to Hauling of 4 tons LAND 2s. 6d. of coals 8 15s.« 18s. to 26s. 16s. & 163. Is. is. 2s. to 38. AU by machiiie AU by machine All by machine Rent-free Beer at harvest (carting) Jacob Wilson, Won.l- house Manor, Morpetli. 9 16a. to 18».' 12s. 6(i.» 2s. 9d. to 3s. ed. l3. 24s. to 28s. 128. to 158. 10s. to I63. 3s. to 53. 3s. to 6s. 2;. to 51. Thos. P. Dods, Anick Grange, Hexham. YORK 10 14s. and overwk paid 15s.' 14s. 53. 2;. extra Is. 6((. All by machine All by machine AUby machine 31. to ei. Beer ; bread & cheese and .ale for overhoiu-s John Outhwaite, Biin- esse, Catteriek, York.-ili 11 SI. to 18i. with lodging and rations 133. ed. 12s. to 13s. 9ii. 21s., and rations 4s. 4s. 31. 10s. to il. Ale in harvest Peter Stevenson, K;iiu- ton, nearThirsk. LINCOLN .. 12 9s. weekly board wages 12s. to 14s.l» 13s. ed. to 158. Is. to Is. 2c(. 148. to 163. 3s. to 4s. 2s. to 23. 6d. T. Aitken, Spalding. 13 15j. 48i. per year 153. Is. 20s. 10s. to 128. 2s. 6((. 2s. to 33. ed. il. to 51. Francis Sowerby, Ayles- bury, Grimsby. NORTH LINCOLN 14 13s. 13s. 13s. 6s. ed. 21s. lOs. to 18s. 28. 6d. to 3s. ed. 3s. ed. to 63. il. to 51. Beer in harvest Alfred S.Ruston.Aylesljy House, Chatteris. SOUTH LINCOLN . . 15 16s. "(•) 16s. 2s. M. Is. 3d. Doubled Doubled 10.S. to 18s. 3s.to3s.6d. 48. to 58. 31. to 51. Less beer given than formerly John Algernon Clarke, Long Sutton, Lincolu-^. LINCOLN .. 16 lOf. to 16(. and board. 18s. to 19s. 2s. ed. Is. a., with board 15s. 10s. 3s. ed. 38. erf. to 5s. 51. 5s., with land Beer in harvest W. F. Marshall, Braii- ston. LANCASHIRE 1? 16s. ed. to 18». 18s. to 21s. 16s. 6c(. to 18s. Us. 18s. 12s. 63., with machine 6s., with machine Is. to Is. 3rf. Beer in harvest George Drury, Holker. CHESHIRE .. 18 14s. 12s. 18.S. to 20s. 15s. to 20a. 33. 3s. 6rf. il. Beev in harvest time Wm. Palin, SUpIefu.J HaU. W. B. Bumham, Tho 19 15s. to 16«. 15s. to 18s. Is. 2d. to 20s. Is. e,i. 10s. to 14s. 3s. M. to 43. 6rf. to 51. to 10;. Some beer in harvest l3. 4.(. 4s. 68. Cottage Farm, Spil.,]. near Chester. NOTTS 20 20;., with j-ationa 15s. to 208. 15s. Is. 5 weeks' rations 58. to 12s. 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. 3s. to 4s. 21. to il. Beer W. Chouler, Jun., Soutli Muskham, Newark WARWICK .. 21 13s. 12s. Us. & 12s. 8.(. Doubled Doubled 10s. to 153. 2s. 6d. 3s. 52s. to 3;. John Baldwin, Stl-atforJ- on-Avon. J. H. Burbery, The 22 14s. 14s. 13s. 18s. to 22s. lOs. to 163. 33. to 50s. to 51. Beer always 3s. ed. Chase, Kenilworth HEREFORD.. 23 10s." lls.12 10s. 9ii. per 2». ed. to Is.w AUby All by AUby 50s. to 5(. Coals hauled from T. Duckham, Bayshaui 8 hours 38. 6ii. machine machine machine pit Court, Ross. HUNTINGDON .. 24 14s. 14s. 123. 9rf. 25s. 9s. 8s. ed. to 10s. 2s. 6rf. to 3s. 3s. 6rf. to 4s. erf. 50s. to 4!. IDs. Peter Purves, Brampton. BEDFORD .. 25 14s." 14s. IS 2s. 4(. 168. 10s. to 14s. 2s.to33.6rf. with beer 2s.toSs.6rf. with beer 2!. to 3(. SmaU beer aU the year ^^ C. Howard, Bedford. OXFORD .. 26 12s. to 14s., 12s. to 15s., 12s. to 14s. 48. ed. to 9s. to lOs. 28. ed. to 3s. erf. to 21. 10s. to Beer or raaltaUowed Saml. Druce, Eynsham, with cottage with cottage 5s. 6d. 3s. ed. 4s. erf. 4(. lOs. in harvest Oxford. 26i 14s. to 15s. 16s. to 17s. Us., and piecework Sd. to Is. 3s. 4i;. Is. e 15s., & extra for lambing 15s. Double Double 12s. to 18s. 4s. ed. to 58. 6d. 4s. to 4s. erf. Free to ploughmn Wm. Manser, near Ramsgate. SUSSEX 53 14s. ed. to 16S.31 15s. to 18s. & gratuities 13s. 2s. 6ci. to 3«. 6ci. Is. 6.!. Us. to 15s. Ss. 3d. 3s. 9rf. to 48. erf. Is. 6d. Much piece-work, beer in harvest J. Scott Hayward, Fol- kington. 54 14s. to 15s. 153., and house 13s. to 143. 218. 12s. to 15.1. 3s. ed. 4s. 6rf. to 5s. 2s. Beer in hai-vest WiUiam Rigden, Hove. WEST SUSSEX .. 55 15S.3S 16s. 2s. Bd. 3s. 6c;. and 3 quarts lOs. to 15s. is. and 2 quarts 38. ed. and 2 quarts. Is. to 2s. erf. J. Eames, Linch, Mid- hurst. HANTS 56 12s. 14s. 12s. 5s. Man and wife 36s. Man and wife 36s. 10s. to 12s. 3s. 3s. 6rf. to 48. 28. Beer in harvest W. C. Spooner, South- ampton. H. Haynbird, Basing- NORTH HANTS .. 57 12s. and 2i. 12s. and it. 12s. 9d. 38. 10s. to 123. 8s. ed. to 48. to 5s. 2(. 10s. to to 6!. to 6!. is.ed. 3i. 10s. stoke. DORSET 68 9a. 9». 8s. 48. ed. 12s. 6s. 158. per week 158. per week 16s. per week Cottages are free Cider 4 pints per day 38 John Pope, Symonds- bury. DEVON 69 12s., 3 pints 158., & many 123. 3s. ed. All by AU by AU by Is. to Cider daily. R. Hexham Watson, of eider perquisites macliiue machine machine Is. 6d. Dorsely, Totnes. 60 10s.« l2s. to 148. 1 2s. and Sd. to lOd. 3s. id., with 10iZ.tol3.2J., 63. to 8s. ,& 2s. 3d. to 3s. 3rf. to 2!. 12s. to P. Cowan, Tawstock lls.8d.,beer beer and board 1 gaUon 2s. ed. 3s. 6rf. 31. 6s. Manor, Bams,";iple. CORNWALL . . 61 123. 123. and 3i. 103.tol2s., 9d. Meat .ind Meat and 88. to 10s. 2s. ed. 3s. 6rf. 31. 10s. 1 quart in summer. J.Wms,Southpetherwyn, Launeeston, CornwallJl per year Wheat at73 drink drink OAERMARTHEN .. 62 12». to 15s. .... 12s. to 13s. Is. As usual As usual 36. 33. 6rf. 3i. to it. .... John BurneU, LlaneUy. Mat 16, 18GS.] THE GARDENERS' CIIROMCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 627 The following explanatory uotes are rel'erreU to on the preceding page : — 1 With 6i bolls (of 140 lb.) oatmeal, and 1 ton Totatos ; 3 to 4 imperial pints milk a-day ; cottage and garden free. Unmarried men, money and meai same. Coals and house provided. ^ Head shepherds have hoviso .ind garden, cow keep, and 6i bolls meal ; young shepherds got their bed and board in the house. ^ Head married ploughmen, 6J bolls meal, 4 bolls Potatos, i gal. sweet milk daily, free house and garden, coals carted ; single ploughmen lodge and get their meat in the house. * Wages in money, from 18/. to '2-2t. ; oatmeal, 5 to G loads ; free house and garden, coals carted free, SiC. Equal to an average wage of about 'idt. *(') The same as ploughmen, with, sometimes, cow keep. ^ 120 to 130 imperi Ale is given for threshing, drilling, shearing, and other operations too numerous to mention. In hay time the men get from 4 to 5 pints per day ; in harvest from 4 to 7 pints. The beer costs the farmer for each man per week from la. Gd. to 2s., taking the year through. ^' Extra 21. for the lambing season, 2?. for shearing sheep, '21. for hay and harvest. ^ Including house-rent, beer, and sundry perquisites. " Ditto. *> It. for lambing, Gii. for every double couple, 2«. Gd. per score for clipping sheep, GU. per score for all sheep taken to market, and cottage. ^' Table beer, 3/. at Michaelmas, Is. for every load of corn drawn out, and house rent. ^ House rent, 3/. at Michaelmas, .and U. a head for every double couple bred up. ^ Harvest money and cottige rent free, *• With cottage, and 71. for the harvest month. ^ 4s. a week for beer during six weeks' lambing time ; 20s. per 100 lambs. No harvest wages. *^ 20s., with one or two pints of ale per day, in lambing season. 1 '. per head for all lambs reared more than number of ewes set, and paid by the score for shearing. " With free cottage and garden, valued at 2s. to 3s. per week. Wet time paid for ; and in case of a month's sickness no deduction made. =* Extras ; 40s for harvest. Is. per load for delivering the com to the miller, &c., and cartage of fagota and m.anure : making a total of 38/. to 39/. per year, besides drink. ''^ With 3/. for harvest, house and garden rent free, and Is. or l.T. 6c/. when out with com. Under men, 6s. to 9s. per week and 1/. at Michaelmas. *i Our ploughmen are mostly single men, hired by the year : wages 12/. tol4/., with board and lodging.s. SI And 20s. to 30s. in harvest. ^" Good cottage and garden free. ^ There is some peculiarity in the amount of wages paid in this locality ; the regular Labourers on the farm have their cottages and gardens free, and Wheat (either in proportion to their families or the number of workers) at os. per bushel. The shepherds and carters have in addition Potato land, also free. Changes are seldom made— men working for one master or on one farm all their lives. Cottage accommodation indifferent, education not first-rate. s* Cottage free, or the same wages with firewood found, coals drawn home, Potatos ditto, manure drawn, and other assistance given in cultivation of their allotment ground. <: 1= ™ ^Ijy board and lodge in farmhouse, have in money 5 e/. to 10(. ■ 12/. a yeai THE MEADOWS OF AVOOD GREEN. By GlLE.S MUNBT. (CatuuMl from p. 499.) AnIhoTnnthum odoratum, L. (Sweet-scented Vernal Grass).— The delightlul fragrance of new-mown hay is derived from this species, but it does not appear to be relished much by cattle. Sinclair says that the pro- portional value or nourishment contained in the autumn Grass exceeds that of the first Grass of the spring as 9 to 7. It flowers as early as the middle or end of April, and is remarkable in having only two stamens whereas all the other British Grasses possess three. It is common in every meadow and pasture throughout England. /lolous avenacem, Scopoli (Oat-like Soft Grass).- Ihis plant was referred to the genus Avena by I^innteus, but has smce been made the type of anew genus by Palisot de Beauvais, and called by him Arrhenatherum, a name adopted by modern botanists, i his is one of our very common Grasses, and seems to affect particularly the borders of fields and ditches where it sends up flowering stems to the height of nearly 5 feet. It is coarse and bulky, and Curtis says that probably 3 tons per acre of its hay might be obtained in clay and strong loam. It is remarkable for its aftermath producing flowering stems nearly as abundant as the first crop. It contains more bitter and saline matter than other pasture Grasses, and on this account sh(mld not be cultivated without a large admixture of other Grasses ; indeed Low, in his " Practical Agriculture," advises that it should not be cultivated at all. Sinclair mentions an awnless variety, which appears to be barren. With this plant I am unacquainted. Schrajder mentions a variety with bulbous roots under the name of Holcus bulbosus, but it is probable that it is only a state due to the aridity of the soil in which it grows ; and the same re- marks may be applied to it as to the Phleum nodosum previously mentioned. It flowers about the end of June, and appears to be universally distributed over Europe and the Mediterranean shores, and has been introduced and naturalised in the United States of America. Holcas lanatus, L. (Meadow Soft Grass).— We have now under consideration a Grass which should be rather considered a weed than a pasture plant, and is excessively common in all situations, whether in meadows, pastures, or on road-sides. On rich and poor soils it is equally abundant. Cattle of all kinds seem to dislike it, as it is found untouched when all the neighbouring Grasses are closely cropped. This may possibly arise from the woolly hairs which cover the leaves. It ripens its seed before hay harvest is gene- rally begun, and owing to their lightness, which causes them readily to bo dispersed by the wind, the plant is extensively propagated. It is easily distinguished from the following species by its fibrous, not creeping, root, as well as by the remarkable curved awn inclosed in the flower, aud not externally visible, and which is bent in the shape of a fish-hook ; this awn is not repre- sented by Sinclair in his otherwise excellent plate of this species. Indeed nearly all the plates of his work, though admirable delineations of the Grasses they are intended to represent, are very deficient and incorrect in the analytical details of the species. The Meadow Soft Grass is known in Scotland by the name of York- shire Fog ; it flowers in the beginning of July, and is found all over Europe as well as North America. Holcus mollis, L. (Creeping Soft Grass).— This Gr.as.s, which is less common than the last-mentioned species, ought rather to be considered is a weed, since its widely extending creeping roots are very difficult of extir- pation. Its leaves are, if possible," more repugnant to cattle than those of the Meadow Soft Grass. It delights in sandy soils, and in such situations the roots will grow several feet in as many months. The roots afford a certain amount of nutritious matter, and are eagerly grubbed up by pigs. It flowers in July. Lolium perenne, L. (Rye-grass or Ray-grass).— This plant is found is every meadow about Wood Green, and is one of the most commonly cultivated Grasses It is a very variable species, and Mr. Wbitmore in 1823 possessed as many as 60 varieties. Its foliage is much relished by cattle, and is very nutritious. Sinclair says of it, that if the produce and nutritive powers of Rye-grass be compared with those of the Cock's-foot Grass, they will be found inferior in the proportion nearly of 5 to IS; and also inferior to the Meadow Foxtail in the proportion of 5 to 12, and inferior to the Meadow Fescue in the proportion of 5 to 17.* There is a variety of this Grass of compara- tively recent introduction, having a more luxuriant growth, called Italian Rye-grass, which is naturally biennial, but by being cropped or mown before flower- ing may remain several years in the ground, and seems to be most universally cultivated at the present time. It grows naturally in most parts of Prance, in Italy, and in the north of Spain, but is not found wild in Great Britain. An annual variety, called Lolium multiflorum, is very common in the south of Spain and North Africa, and is found in moist places on the borders of irrigated kitchen gardens, and flourishes in such situations during the hottest months of the year, when every other tender natural produce is dried up by the heat of the sun. It is eagerly sought after and carefully gathered by the peasants for the purpose of feeding their mules and horses. The common Rye- grass flowers at Wood Green about the middle of June, but plants of some years' duration will flower as late as the end of July. Jlromus mollis, L. (Soft Brome-gr.ass).— This species is found more or less in all our meadows, and when it abounds it is a sure sign of a poor or exhausted soil. It flowers about the middle of May, and as its seeds ripen before hay harvest commences, it is thus able to propa- gate itself abundantly, unless kept down by the luxuriant growth of better Gras.ses. Another species of Brome grass (Bromus sterilis) is more generally found by road-sides and on hedge-banks. This is seldom touched by cattle: it covers the meadows in many parts of Algeria, and the ripe seeds, armed with the long sharp awns of the husks, are particularly troublesome to horses, as they insinuate themselves between their gums and teeth, and form large masses in their cheeks. A third species of Brome-grass (Bromus asper) is only found in hedge-bottoms and shady places : it is common at Wood Green, but never finds its way into the meadows. Alpena Jlavescens, L., Trisefum Jlavescem, Pal. (Yellow Oat-grass).— This Grass is abundant in our neighbourhood, and seems to affect dry elevated situa- tions. It is plentiful in the hilly meadows of the Alexandra Park. Curtis says, "it affects dry soils, is rather early, and tolerably productive : bids fair to make good sheep pa.stures." Its produce is not very great, and it is rather deficient in nutritive qualities, but it always is found in the best natural meadows. Sheep appear to be particularly fond of it. It flowers about the middle of July, and is found in all countries of temperate Europe. The genus Trisetum was separated (nnn .Vicna by I'alisot de Beauvais, on account of th,. iiilriinr glumelleji being terminated by two aciilp jioiiiLs or sctic, and by the seed being smooth and not furrowed, as in Avena. (70 lit Conlinv.id.) * The Rev. G. Swayne, author of " Gramina Pascua," pub- Ii.shed in 1811, observes that the beat Grasses are Alopecurus pratcnsis, Poa trivialis, Dactylis glomerata, Cynosuius cris- tatua, Pestuca duriuscula, Festuca pr.atensis, Avena Haves- cans, and, above all, Lolium perenne. POULTRY MANAGEMENT. [The following is an abridged report of the very intorostinK proceedings of the Food Committee of the Society of Arts published in their Joura.al last Friday, relating to this subject, which was brought under their notice at one of their meetings last month by Mr. George Manning.) Mr. G. Manning said :— Of late years poultry has fallen into neglect, and this kind of meat can now be procured at such prices only as to render it an expensive luxury rather than a reasonable portion of daily food. On the part of the farmer it is said :— 1. That poultry stock does not pay. 2. That even if it did pay, it is too unimportant to engage his attention. .3. That it damages the stackyard. 4. That it is injurious to the crops. On the part of the consumer it is urged:— 1. That the retail price of poultry is such as to place it out of the list of daily foods. 2. That even if it can be produced at reasonable prices, it is a poor substitute for butcher's meat, and does not contain sufficient animal nourishment. If poultry keeping does not pay, and under existing circumstances in the majority of cases it probably does not, the reasons are to be found in the following facts:— 1. That no attention is paid to the choice and management of stock. 2. That food is irregularly and wastefuUy administered to it. 3. That no regard is had to the roosting, and particularly to the laying places of hens. -J. That the demand is restricted by the market system. 5. That farmers' wives have ceased to be hen-wives. Bbeeds and Management. With regard to the choice management of stock in poultry, we find on farms generally mongrel bred birds, which, from continued in-breeding, have deteriorated in size and stamina. The average weight of barn-door fowls sold from farm- yards is 3J lb. From this must be deducted 3 oz. for feathers and 12 oz. for offal before they become food. The game-cock, as bred for the pit, rarely exceeded 4S lb. ; but by crossing with the Malay they may be brought to 6 lb. or 7 lb. in weight. Dorkings, when not inbred, but well and carefully fed as chickens, will reach to 71 lb. as pullets, and to 0 lb. as cockerels ; higher weights, such as 10 lb. for hens and 12 lb. for cocks, can be obtained, but these are exceptional. Dorkings, however, are not suited for cold clays and damp soils. Of food birds, besides Dorkings, the game and the large Surrey and Sussex fowls (which last always command a high price), there are the Brahmapootra fowls and the Houdan, or French Dorking, well adapted for use. Of these the Dorking and Surrey fowls are, beyond all question, the best for the table, in delicacy and weight of flesh ; the game the most savoury, although deficient in size; the Brahmapootra not so delicate in flavour as the others, but hardy, weighty, and easily fattened; the Houdan having the good without the bad qualities of the Dorking— precocious and small-boned,being non-sitters, and almost uninterrupted layers of large eggs. The Brahmapootra seems to be a useful stock on which to build other varieties. Of these, the cross with the Dorking is most strongly recommended; and a cross with the Houdan produces table chickens of a fine size. At the last Chelmsford and Essex Poultry Show, the birds which took the 1st and 2d prizes for dead poultry, trussed as by poulterers, but not drawn, were —the one 13 lb. 12 oz., the other 13 lb. 10 oz., the pair at five months old. They were the direct offspring of a Brahmapootra cock bird and Dorking hens. For stock it would be a better plan to put a Dorking cock with Brahmapootra hens, and the pullets ol this union with Dorking cocks in no way related to the ancestors of the pullets. Very hardy and weighty table birds may thus be produced. By answers to inquiries, and by reference to the books of a farm, including the last six years, I find that the average price paid by higglers for barn- door fowls of the average weights first mentioned is 2s. for coop- fed and Is. Sd. for yard-fed birds. The cost of feeding and rearing the prize birds at Chelmsford was probably very little, if at all, more than that of raising the others. With regard to feeding, our system of leaving chickens to shift for themselves until such time as they are ready or wanted for the coop is all wrori" No attempt at after-fattening will increase frame if the feeding of infancy has been dis- regarded. Again, the indiscriminate emptying of apronfuls or sievefuls of grain in aheap on the ground, whilst it serves to gorge the powerful, leaves chickens and weaker birds to starve, picking up here and there a grain, whilst sparrows and small birds have a large share in the feast. I see that Mr. Mechi published last month the results of an experiment in the cost of feeding a single hen, shut up, and without access to any food hut that which was given by hand. The result shows that 5 lb. of Barley, at the average of Id. per lb. (or -10.5. the quarter), will make 1 lb. live weight of poultry food, worth 9d. per lb. I say it is quite practicable to feed poultry more cheaply, and consequently to sell them ch'aper, than shown by this method — that is, supposing thorn to be at larne ; but I am sure Mr. Mechi will pardon me for saying that I think this statement of feeding in confinement is rather low, a circumstance which may arise f.oiu the fact that the bird pined at first. I have tried the same experiment with two pens of birds. con>isliug of a cock and two hens, confined for a long time to separate but very small wired pens. I tried it in March bust year, and in the month just ended, and I found that my birds consumed about 3^ pints to his 2^ pints in the week ; but then I dare 528 THE GAEDENERS' CHEONTCT.E AM) AOriCUETURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 16, 1838. say the Barley I used was of foreign srowth, and of much lighter bulk. Birds having a free run would cost very considerably less. I must not occupy your valuable time with the details of what is necessary for the housing of birds, and for their places of laying and incubation. It will be enough to say that they should be, what they are seldom in farmyards, namely, cleanly, convenient, and attractive. A hen's nest should be on the ground, if there is no danger from rats, for laying and also for hatching ; and the roost should be low, particularly when the birds are heavy. I believe the sore and injured feet, which are not unusual in large poultry, are often caused by their ju rap- ing down almost perpendicularly from a high roost. Fowls will always choose the highest perch, probably because it is the warmest, and when this is in a large open shed, as a cartlodge, they have room for some length of flight before reaching the ground, but in a sjaall poultry-house they come down very heavily. If the perches are arranged in steps one above the other, they will jump them one at a time until they reach the highest, but they will not come down that way. I do not approve of artificially warming the fowl-house ; it should be well built, and brick is better than wood, being warmer and more easily^ cleaned : but I think if the introduction of hot-air pipes is allowed it must produce such a warmth that on going out into the cold air the fowls are apt to got chilled, and to have an attack of the " roup." On the point that the demand for poultry is restricted by the market system, I would call attention to the fact that poultry produce stands at a costly rate to the consumer, and a poorly remunerative one to the producer, by reason of the irre- sponsible middlemen through whose hands it passes before it reaches the retail seller. Again, in its perishable nature the producer is liable to much loss in a dull or a glutted market. In this matter I would venture to suggest the establishment in London, and the great towns of the United Kingdom, of wholesale markets, either apart from or in connection with the meat markets, subject to police and other regulations, to have sales by auction, so that no part of the con- signment need be returned to the producer, or destroyed as unfit lor food ; to extend the same principles of markets and sales to other towns in the kingdom on their market days. Simplify the market system, and improve the means of production ; you will then remove the consumer's first objection, viz., price. MiEKETING AND VaLTJE. The second objection, as to nutriment, is answered by the fact that, as a flesh-forming food, poultry is more nutritious than beef. It is only inferior to beef as being less fattening, for it contains a little less water, a fraction per cent, less albuminous matter, and a greater proportion of salts. To the remaining objec- tions urged by the farmers, that poultry damage the stackyards, I have little hesitation in saying that this is a mistake where stacks are set upon frames, and birds regularly and judiciously fed. The other, namely, that poultry damage the crops, will, I think, receive a conclusive and practical answer from Mr. Mechi. Mr. Mechi keeps 300 head of poultry, which have free access to the fields near the homestead, and he finds that they do more good than harm. With regard to the system of sales by auction, this plan has already been adopted by Messrs. Broome & Co., meat and poultry salesmen in Newgate Market. Taken in connection with the statements of the weight and the cost of rearing barn-door fowls, it may be useful to place side by side the prices quoted in Newgate and Leadenball Markets at two periods of the year, which "will represent plenty and scarcity of produce. Sept. 21, 1S07. Mar. 27, 1868. Surrey fowls per couple . . 10a. to 12s. .. 10s. to 12s. „ chickens ,, Ss. 6cl. to 73. .. 6s. to 8s. Barn-door fowls ,, 4s. 6d. to 6s. .. 5s. to 7s. Mr. Mechi is now getting 7s. Od. a pair wholesale for chickens. It is impossible at present to procure any trustworthy information with regard to the home produce and the consumption of birds and eggs in this country. It has been variously and vaguely estimated. The story of our imports, however, is a startling one:— In 1849 we imported 98,000,000 of eggs; in 1866, 438,878,880 ; in 1867, 397,934,520. The cause of this reduction in last year's imports I am not prepared to give. The price of English eggs jer hundred in New- gate and Leadenhall Markets varies from 6s. Gd. to 13s. ordinarily in the seasons ; the difference between the prices of English and French eggs being, for the most part. Is. per hundred. The Custom House return of eggs and poultry imported in 1866 (the totals, except in the case of eggs, not being yet made for 1887) gives the following details :— Erjos. Imported from Great hundred. Hamburgh 16,630 Belpum 151,733 Prance 3,359,302 Spain 80,055 Channel Islands 31,840 Other parts 17,764 3,657,324 hundreds. Long himdred 120 438,878,880 eggs. PurLTKT. Imported from Value. Holland £16,815 Belgium 97,082 France ^0,210 Other parts 4,864 £174,971 Value of eggs (at 6s. 6d. per 120), 1,188,630Z. ; total value of eggs and poultry imported in 1866, 1,263,601Z. If the foreigner can undersell us in our own markets in eggs, and can send a very large amount in value of poultry into this country ; if our own egg-s, in spite of this competition, maintain invariably a higher price, it is beyond question that there is— at all events in our own production— a demand unsatisfied, and a profitable source of food neglected. The Chairman — Before proceeding any further with the discussion I will read a letter wliich we have received from Mr. Mechi, which is as follows:— " Tiptree Hall, near Kelvedon, Essex, March 21, 1868. " My dear Mr. Foster, — I am not often in town, but hope to be 60 in a week or 10 days, and will endeavour to meet the Committee. My experience teaches me, 1st, that there is an abundant dem.and for poultry in our markets, even at the present estraviigant prices ; that while poultry sells at fully ad. per lb. live weight, the best beef and mutton only sell at 4'd. per lb. live weight (5s. per stone of 8 lb. nett dead weight) ; that it costs no more to pioduce lib. of poultry than 1 lb, of meat ; that poultry are the farmers' best friends, consuming no end of insects and utilising and economising all waste grain ; that they should h.ave free access to pasture and to our other fields near the homestead ; that care should be taken as to their breeds, as in sheep, bullocks, and pigs ; that first crosses, having regard to the demands in the market, are advantageous : that the manure from poultry is of fir.st-rate quality. My poultry (about 300) have free access to my corn- fields at almost every period of the year. Of course, poultry, like sheep, bullocks, or pigs, must be well and properly fed if they are to be well developed in size and condition. I don't know that I could say more than this to the Committee. " Yours faithfuUy, " J. J. Mechi. " P. Le Neve Foster, Esq." Mr. Manning— I have not tried the experiment of having a moveable poultry house, which can be taken from field to field, but I should think it would be very successful. The only objection is, that the poultry are left unprotected. My attention has been principally directed to poultry kept in small places, and I don't think it can be carried on profitably in that way, because all the food must be purchased ; you must then sell at fancy prices. If a considerable number are kept in a confined place, there must be some arrangement for changing the soil, which in most cases would occasion a difficulty. I kept three Cochin China fowls for about three months in a small space about 4 feet X 4 feet, with a little hut behind for roosting : but then I had the droppings continually removed and the soil constantly dug up. The prices paid to the producer by the higgler are 2s. for a coop-fed, or Is. 3d. for a running fowl, weighing on an average Si lb. I see no reason why poultry should not be sold by weight. I think it would be a very great improvement if all provisions were required by law to be sold by weight. The size and weight of the eggs from a Spanish and a Hamburgh fowl are very dilt'erent, but they are all sold at so many for a shilling ; and a retail dealer told me that he allowed a good customer to pick out which he liked. I have used Indian corn for fowls, and it answers very well, but just at present it is very dear. You cannot always keep to the rame kind of food, whatever it is. In Sussex they use a good deal of bruised Oats ; I have used a mixture of bruised Oats, Rice, and toppings, with success. I doubt the advan- tage of feeding fowls with meat; the kind of flesh which a fowl picks up naturally is very different to anything we could give them. I am certain that no experiments have been made on a large scale in this country to feed poultry on horseflesh mixed with fari- naceous food, but I cannot say what has been done abroad. Graves and other animal food have been given to force the laying of hens, but I believe the tendency is to wear out the hen very quickly. An old hen may be made to eat very well by boilinsr her first, and then roastingher. I keep breedingfowls about three years, then I sell or eat them. The eggs are not so good for breeding from the first year as the second and third ; in the fourth year they begin to lail again, according to the constitution of the bird. The best breed for cold clay soils is the Brahmapootra or the French sort, the Houdan. I think a cross between the Brahmapootra and the Dorking gives the most useful bird for farmyard purposes. The Brahma has a good deal of the Cochin China in it; it lacks breast a Uttle, but not so much as the Cochin ; and when crossed with the Dorking it produces a very fine bird, with all the hardihood of the Brahmapootra and the meat pro- perties of the Dorking. If the soil is good, no bird would answer better for a cottage than the Dorking. Lime must be supplied, of course, if it is not naturally present in the soil where birds are in confinement. I have had no experience with ducks, geese^ or turkeys. I think poultry keeping would be carried on more successfully on a large scale than by individual cottagers. On a light soil I should prefer a pure Dorking, taking care not to inbreed ; if it were not a light soil I would have a cross between the Brahmapootra and the Dorking ; in all cases I would have the Dorking, either pure or crossed. If you require only eggs, you may dispense with a cock-bird altogether ; for breeding you should not have more than eight hens to a cock, and if breeding for exhibition or fancy purposes, the number should be still further reduced. I don't think the eggs are quite so palatable where the hens run alone. I think it would be well if in poultry exhibitions there were more classes for farmyard poultry, and if, as has been done at Chelmsford, dead poultry were included. The Hamburghs, Spanish, and French varieties produce most eggs, but they never sit. I believe the most dehcate-tiavoured bird of any for the table is the Dorking. I can quite imagine that there may be an ■ impression in France that the Houdan is superior, but ! I should attribute that to a national feeling. The ■ Houdan produces very early chickens ; but the earliest I are the Cochins ; they are very hardy, and can be reared ! even in the snow. I cannot say exactly why cheap j poultry are always bad, but a fowl that has been i fattened will keep longer than one that has not. I , have not experimented on artificial hatching, and speak only from observation and information on that question. The difficulty is in rearing the chickens. I believe Mr. Schroeder, at Rickmanswortb, is trying it I on a large scale. Colonel Stuart Wortley has invented a new iqcu'oator. The great difficulty is in rearing chickens from them fit for the market. This is the opinion of the salesmen. What are Farmers to do at the next Electron T— Farmers, as a body, are poor politicians — in fact, as tenants-at-will their policy has been to repudiate politics altogether, because in letting a farm the land- lord often, or generally, understands that the tenant is chosen because ho can be depended upon at the day of election ; and it is notorious that Tory landlords have all Tory tenants, and Whig landlords have AVhig tenants. There are, happily, a few exceptions to this rule, and tenants have acted as men without suffering for their honesty — yes, for their honesty. I have seen tenants looking most dolefully go and vote for the bread of their families, but wholly against their own convictions. It is ridiculous to suppose that in this reading age tenant farmers are behind their fellows. The are many yet left of the stubborn old school certainly, but the great bulk of them are men of intellect and intelligence. They have their daily papers, their Farmers' Clubs, their Agricultural Associations, their Chambers of Agriculture, their market ordinaries, and a hundred other means of gaining and diffusing knowledge, and thousands of them are as well up to- the wants of the times as the Prime Minister himself, which, perhaps, is not saying much. Well, I ask, what are they to do for the future ? Every tenant of a 12(. holding is now entitled to a vote. Is the agent still to present his lordship's compliments, with a hope, or that his lordship will be pleased if Mr. Bull will vote for Mr. Dundreary, or are tenant-farmers to stand up for their own independence ? Tenant-farmers have an immense property at stake in the country, and is all to be represented by a class who hold themselves altogether above them ? I say this is wrong. "Why, there is nothins so wondrously grand or costly in attending Parliament. You may go up to vote, live where you may ; no man need be at very costly charges in his attend- ance. If " the tea room " is costly, there are plenty of hotels close at hand and cabs in abundance. Farmers think no man uviuef his 10,000/. a year ought to go to Parliament, at least from a county. He will find under a reformed Parliament many men of far less means there ; and I can't see why tenant farmers should not be there too. I want a representation of the people from amongst the people themselves. It is by no means necessary that those splendid houses in which Parliament meet should be attended only by the great and the rich. We want sensible, clear- headed, clever men, of talent and business. We have such there now — we want many more of them, and less of men who vote as they are told, and obstruct opposing speakers when desired to do so. Farmers are now true capitalists ; they find good returns from great outlays, and landlords of comprehensive views are yielding to these most satisfactory inroads into old customs. Liberal covenants are becoming general — produce is rapidly and greatly increasing — labour, however abundant, is all employed, and more required to fulfil all the farmers' engagements. There is not a class of men in the kingdom who have done so much to promote the country's weal during the present cen- tury as the farmers, and still they are kept down — still they are looked upon as an inferior order of British society- still every burthen that has been and can be laid upon land is kept there. Our landlords have failed to remove them, nay, have permitted more to he placed there — the succession duty, for instance. Why should not income help to maintain the poor ? 326,000,000/. is assessed to income-tax, 110,000,000 only rated to the poor— is that fair? We want men in Parliament who will rectify this, who will prevent the poor man's privations in the restricted labour of his wife and children, who will look closely to prevent the recurrence of cattle plague and other foreign diseases — in fact, who will in every way watch over and guard our agriculture, and protect us from the aggressions which other interests will seek to impose upon us, and none but true practical men will satisfactorily do this. 0. F. Farm Seeds.— Upon this subject permit me to make a few remarks to " A Victim." His first question was lucidly and beautifully answered three weeks ago in the leading article (p. 411)— "But nett seed is just honest seed." Surely such an explanation, brief and definite, is enough for all practical intents and purposes. We do not want the languor of those who listen to twice-told tales, but would rather appeal to those high authorities mentioned by "A Victim" for infor- mation as to what constitutes seed in commerce which is not nett seed. The article referred to above (p. 411) states : " It {i. e., nett seed) is the seed which was grown last harvest time;" I would add, or any other harvest time, for I deem it just as possible for a seedsman to hold nett seed of 1864 or 1865 growth as oi 1867. The pristine qualities of the seed are there, but impaired, and in some oases destroyed, by age — nett seed is not adulterated by time. If I were to ask "A Victim" whether he regards the individual from whom he obtains his weekly or monthly supplies of tea and sugar as his tea or sugar trader, or whether he considers Chang-chi-Fow, of Quang-tung, and M. St. Louis, of Mauritius, ofliciate in those capacities, he would smile at my simplicity. If I were to ask him whether a corn-factor is the grower of the corn, or he who buys and sells it as a business, I should perhaps be informed my questions were ridiculous; they would be no more so than such as " Who are the seed trade ? Are they the growers ? Are they our large seedsmen ? " Such questions deserve not a reply ; let the hopes we cherish for information from Messrs. Lawson, Sulton, &o., be realised by their informing us how to detect the adul- Mat 16, 18fi8.] THE GAKDKNJ'US' (CHRONICLE ANP AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 529 t^riited article. I have no doubt they have certain tests whereby tliey detect the presence of the intruder in any lots olTered to them by unprincipled growers. I have arRUod the matter strongly with my seed trades- man, whom I thorouchly believe to be a nett seedsman ; he says that farmers themselves run down the price to such an extent that it is impossible for a trader to supply ;in honest seed and live ; if so, 77tes fr^res^ where is the root of the evil ? Judsing from my experience, roaring,', foaming torrents are never so well as the quiet Rliding stream for good fishing. A Lincohmhire Farmer. The Use and Abuse of Green Food and Roots.— More than 20 years ago 1 s.aid that early green food was either food or jihysic. according to the mode in which it is administered. That remark of mine is as true as daylight. I cannot too strongly protest against the common practice of giving an unlimited supply of pur- gative young spring Tares, unmixed with other and drier food. Just look at the stable or cattle shed under such a system. One would almost declare that each animal had received a strong purgative dose, and so they 'really have, for it is only physic in another form ; all this is going on while we are complaining of farming being unprofitable. Another agricultural delinquency (for morally it amounts to that) is the turning a lot of horses, cattle, or sheep into a strong piece of Clover for exercise as well as physic. It appears to me like a piece of agricultural insanity and suicide. I feel so strongly on this point of wasting food, thnt I am bound to express myself plainly. Custom is a tyrant, and it will take some hard fighting and a good many rounds before we can knock down and do away with the wretched " lurniug-out" system. It should be called a turning out of the breeches pocket and of the money it contains. I was led to these remarks, first, by seeing how our own green crops were to-day prepared; and, secondly, by seeing seven horses turned at large into a fine field of young Clover, to drag it down by walking so many miles daily over it, and to prevent its growth by sleeping and dunging upon it. All this must be altered if we are to farm with the best results, at advanced rents. To-day we are cutting up young succulent Tares into J-inch lengths, mixing them with fine cut hay and straw chaff, so that the animals shall have food, not physic. The hay and straw are cut into J-inch lengths. It is only those who have practised this who can know how much stock an acre of Tares will keep. Then wo see huge loads of Tares and Clover brought into the yards to be picked over and trodden under foot, and as they got old and tough they now and then kill a horse or a bullock by flatulence and inflammation. Any man who sits down without preju- dice to calculate the cost and merit of the two systems will rise with a strong conviction that the turning nut and non-cutting up system is an unne- cessary, dangerous, and most wasteful process. Steam power, or even horse-power, makes child's-play of cutting up. One of my men used to cut up occasion- ally 1(30 bushels per day, but the time is approaching when a little upright or portable steamer, something larger than a tea-kettle, will do all that is required in the cutting up of green food. The same remarks apply in degree to roots. We never give our bullocks more than half a bushel (.30 lb.) daily, pulped and mixed with hay and straw, chaff, and other dry food. A man must be employed specially to cut up and mix the food ; the ploughmen won't do it. It is a hard matter to get them even to mow and bring home the Tares and Clover; they like to turn their horses out and see no more of them until wanted for work next morning. /. J. Mech!, Mai,. Farming Cnstoms and Covenants of England.— Such is the title of an Essay to which a prize has been awarded by the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and which is published in the last number of the Society's Journal. Living in Warwickshire, I natu- rally turned to the account given of my own county, and what do I find ?— a hasty, meagre, concise, and imperfect description, summed up in 11 lines. Now, when I turn over the pages of your Agricultural Oazette I always find something worth reading, and generally very accurate. But really I cannot see the advantage or use of the Royal Agricultural Society publishing such Essays as the one I have above alluded to, unless they are given in a more correct and com- prehensive manner. If they are intended to be of any service to the public, or to the readers of the Society's Journal, they are at leajst entitled to more space and consideration, and should not be jumbled together in a few hasty and imperfect sentences. I have no knowledge of the writer of this Essay, or of the contributors to it, nor have I the pleasure of knowing the gentlemen who awarded the prize ; but I cannot help saying, that if we are to have no better matter in the Journal than we have had of late, the sooner it is discontinued the better. It is incumbent on the managers to provide more trustworthy information than is here given, and to take care that the various subjects which are treated on should be given, so as not only to impart sound intelligence and information, but be placed before the agricultural public in a manner creditable to the Royal Society and its Journal. J. F., Warwick. Farmers' Clubs. StaINDHOP: The General Application of Lime for Agricultural Purposes. — Ki a late meeting of this Club, Mr. MoRLEY Headlaji read a paper on this subject, from which we make some extracts. He said ; — The use of lime in agriculture is almost coeval with agriculture itself, and i.s indeed, the basis of all tho- rough agricultural improvements, for without a proper admixture of lime no soil, however rich in vegetable and ammoniacal matter, can produce either the quan- tity or quality of any crop which it is capable of doing when a.iudicious application has been made. Lime is not to be regarded simply as a manure to bo applied at any time, and in any quantity, but as an alterative to render the vegetable and organic matter existing in the soil, either naturally or by the addition of farm- yard and other manure, soluble and fit for the nourish- ment of plants ; for this reason, it should never be looked upon as a substitute for manure. Mode of Application. In the North Riding of Yorkshire there is a large quantity of land, or so-called Grass land, to which no lime has ever yet been applied. A great deal of this laud being saturated with water has only grown a sour coarso herbage, which stock refuse to eat, unless abso- lutely compelled to do so. Much of it is, however, being rapidly improved, and the first step to be taken is to get rid of the water by thorough drainage ; the next is to give a liberal top-dressing of lime, and in this case I think the first application should not be less than 6 or 7 tons per acre, and I think the best mode of application is to place the hot shells or clods of lime in small heaps of about 10 or 12 to a cartload, and to slake it and get it spread on the land with as little delay as possible, in order to get the full benefit of its causticity to destroy the Rushes, and bents, and noxious vegetation which has been generated by the w.ater so long stagnant in the soil. The result of this will soon he apparent in a closer and sweeter vege- tation, which the stock will readily consume. In any moorlands or unimproved lands that have never before been limed, that may be broken up for tillage, I should recommend a large dose iii the first instance, such soils being mostly full of inert vegetable matter, and the lime hastens the decomposition of the sod and has a great effect in destroying wire-worm or other noxious insects that frequently appear in such cases. On tillage lands in regular course of cultivation that have been previously limed, I think it is most essential that a farmer should ascertain, supposing he has never limed the land himself, how recently and in what quantities his predecessor had used it, or better still, that he should ascertain by some analysis what quantity of lime there is in the land, and then apply such a dressing as may seem necessary to restore the proper proportion to the soil. My own feeling is, that a moderate quantity, say 5 or 6 tons an acre, applied at intervals of eight or nine years, is safer and more bene- ficial than a heavy dose more rarely ; but as I said before, it should be as an assistant to and not as a substitute for manure. I do not, however, consider it desirable to apply the lime at the same time as the manure, for lime, if it comes into immediate contact with farmyard manure or guano too rapidly liberates the ammonia for the soil to retain it, and there is, therefore, a risk of some being lost. There are few crops which are not improved greatly in qiiality by the application of lime, but I think that Wheat is the crop to which, especially on clay lands, it is most beneficial. The best mode of applying lime before a Wheat crop is on a bare fallow; but then in a properly drained and properly farmed country wo do not want any bare fallow. It should be applied in as fine a state of powder as possible, and be lightly ploughed in and well harrowed and mixed with the soil as dry as the weather will permit, and to effect this (failing the bare fallow) it is best to apply it previous to the Turnip crop; but the difficulty in this is, that the time for getting it on is very limited, and there is a risk of delaying the sowing the Turnips. It may be well applied to a Wheat crop on a Bean or Pea stubble, the lime having been prepared ready for use by being laid up in heaps of three or four loads in each heap during the summer previously, which heaps should be lightly covered with sods or soil. As soon as the stubble has been scarified and cleaned the lime, which will be then in a state of fine powder, should be spread from carts evenly over the surface. The land is then ploughed and the Wheat sown either with a drill or ou a seed seam formed by using the land pressor. The lime in this state will be ready to act on all manures previou.sly applied to the Bean crop or preceding Turnip crops, which may be still inert in the soil, and when after the Wheat crop the land is more deeply ploughed for the succeeding Turnipcrop thelime is to a certain extent thrown back more to the surface. I have noticed a practice has much increased lately of laying a top-dressing of lime on to Clover stubble before ploughing up, either in the autumn for Wheat or in the winter for Oats. I have never yet tried it myself, but it seems to possess advantages as affording a convenient season for applying the lime, and also for working the land after the crop in the same manner I mentioned when following Beans or Peas. LisiE Composts. I have not yet alluded to the formation of lime com- posts.'which are in point of fact the manufacture of a specific manure by a judicious admixture of sods, road scrapings, refuse vegetation ; even Couch Grass, and that still more objectionable weed, the knot or bulbous- rooted Whicken Grass, are rendered useful by this process. The whole is carefully mixed with a proper proportion of quick lime, and the lime assimilates the mass and rots the vegetable matter, rendering it highly fertile; and when it has been properly mixed, and been turned over two or three times, the lime has done its duty, and may then be applied, not for the purpose of acting mechanically on the soil of the field, but with its accompanying vegetable matter which it has rendered soluble, as a specific niaunre available for the immediate use of any crop to which it may be applied ; and I believe that a properly prepared com- post of ibis description may be applied in the rows for a Turnip crop with the greatest possible advantage. I consider that the application of lime is beneficial on all soils, but the quantity required for clays and strong soils is more than for the lighter lands, as it acts mechanically in lightening the land and rendering it more friable and easily worked. I have, however, had so little personal experience on the lighter lands that I can only state what I have read of and been told. I have 4 acres of very strong land let out in allotment gardens to labourers, in lots of one-quarter and one- eighth of an acre, none exceeding the former. Many of these men have great practical experience in the management of land, and I find they mostly prefer a good dressing of lime every fourth or fifth year, which is applied at this time of year very dry, and dug in when the Rotates are planted. Of course each year they apply a considerable quantity of manure, which renders the land capable of carrying this larger dose of lime; they say the lime makes the Potatos healthier, more abundant, and of better quality. Disrcssiox. Mr. Hawd(in Raid Gr.as8 land should be drained before apply- ing lime, but ho thought eight tons too much. He used from four to five tons, and then a eimil.ar quantity in a few years after, as the lime soon works down into the soil, even as far as 6 or 8 inches. Sour Grass required lime, and even after it had been .applied ten years they could see it greener and earlier, and tho cattle ate it better. It also improved good Grjiss land. In breaking up land they would use the magnesian lime, but on worn land the mountain. He applied his lime to Clover leys, as it acted on the roots, and also destroyed the larvas of the grubs, &c. White Clover always came after the mountain lime was used. M.agnesian lime was best for composts. Mr. Wilson said he was a gre.at user of lime. He thought it better doing so than buying artificial manures, and it did more good. Ho would take water out of the Grass land and lime it : if tough, ho would apply it hot. Sometimes he let it lay in heaps all winter, and then laid it on. He did not think there was much difference in the qualities of limestone. He recom- mended using lime as much as possible. Mr. F. Hodgson used the magnesian lime and got benefit from it. He thought it better for Oats than Wheat, particularly on the freestone. Mountain lime was good for Grass. Ho used 3 tons of magnesian, and 5 to 6 tons of mountain lime. Mr. Bell would not throw magnesian lime overboard. He thought it good on rough Grass. It was an alterative more than a manure. Ho intended trying lime on rough Grass this year. P.art mountain and part magnesian should be properly spread in powder, at the rate of not more than 3 tons per acre of magnesian. Magnesian was a good decomposer on newly ploughed out land. Report to llie Walton Local Board on the Sewage of the District and Disposal of the Sewage of Walton and West Derbi/ btj Irrination. By G. W. Goodison, C.E. Albion Office, 5, Union Court, Castle Street, Liverpool. In so far as this is a merely local report, descriptive of ])articular circumstances, it cannot be expected to have much interest for the general agricultural reader. But beyond the special description of a suburb of Liver- pool which it contains, there is an appendix occupying two-thirds of the pamphlet, in which are collected a series of " Facts in Sewage Farming " of very great general interest. Among the places referred to are Barking, Croydon, Chelmsford, Norwood, Bury St. Edmund'.s, Edinburgh, Carlisle, Rugby, Mansfield, Watford, Worthing, &c., and in a continuation of tho discussion, the general subject of sewage treatment, with the view to the extraction of an agricultural profit, is considered. To take an illustration where, from the character both of the neighbourhood and the soil — the one covered with good houses and the other a stiff soil— the diffi- culties may be supposed to have been the greatest, we have at South Norwood an example of great success— the tenant of the land being so gratified with his farm, that ho has offered to repay the Board the whole expense of the work on the condition of their granting him a long lease. The farm is 33 acres in extent, and it receives the sewage of about 10,000 persons, and the purification seems all that is requisite. Forty to 50, and even 60 tons of Grass per acre are grown— 15 feet 7 inches of Grass are groivn in total height in the year, six cuttings being taken. The uuder-drainage originally carried out is now dispensed with, and the water, after enriching the land, flows immediately into a water- course ; and at the junction the stream from the farm was, says the reporter, when he saw it, much cleaner and purer to the eye than that flowing down the brook. The Norwood example— no longer an experiment — may very well be quoted as an encouragement to the authorities of inland towns who are in difliculties in connection with this subject; and it is so quoted in Mr. Goodison's pamphlet, which ought to be well studied by borough engineers, town surveyors, and suburban farmers. Farm Memoranda. Irish Farms.— In my letter of the 11th ult., recently published in your pages, there is an error of the press, by which I am made to say, the spirit of improvement shown by the small farmers of the reclaimable lands of Ireland "was caused by the ravages of the Potato disease," whereas it was checked on the part of the small farmers, in all but exceptional cases. AVherever good landlords performed their duties, and found no difficulty in obtaining the fair rent fixed on those im- proveable lands, farms are quadrupled in value to the tenants during their 21 or 31 years' lease, after which another valuation will be made, and a fair increase added to the landlord's rent-roll. Of these facts, I could cite many examples coming under my own professional notice in the wilds of Connaught. where Liebig saw the management he so much praised. And, singular to say, the improvements 1 now more especially allude to are on the properties of non-resident proprietors, whereas the condition of the properties of some philosophers who seek to be looked upon as patriots and philanthropiste is to use an Irishism, " retrograding progressively. 530 THE GAEDENERS' CHEONICLE AND AGEICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 16, 1868. On one of the estates I allude to, tenant right to the full extent exists. It consisted in round numbers of 100,000 Irish acres ; of these I have valued for rent- paying purposes many thousands of acres, and at the time I made these valuations— a few years after the Potato disease had cleared off neighbouring estates- many thousands of the small farmers, whose holdings at the time were, and in many cases still are, howling wildernesses, when not a tenement was made waste on these 100,000— at that time there were not 13 farms that would average 50 acres each, nor were there on the Whole 12 ploughs, 12 harrows, 12 carts, no, nor 12 horses, worthy of the name ; yet I doubt if there was an estate in her Alajesty's dominions on which the rents were more punctually paid. If any tenant from any cause became a defaulter, or wished to emigrate, he had full liberty to sell his interest in his farm to the highest bidder on the estate ; and amongst such bidders there were and would still be found small farmers ready to pay for such interest sums which would astonish any man not acquainted with the country. Thus far for one estate, and now for a few words regarding another, belonging to an absentee proprietor in the same county. This noble proprietor visits his estates at least once each year. His object iu doing so is to distribute prizes to the farmers for every species of improvement, whether on the lands, the little farm-houses and otlices, improved stocli, crops, and cropping ; whilst his lady does the same to the tenants' wives and daughters for every species of domestic economy, including native manufactures from home-grown produce of wool and Flax. I have myself been professionally engaged in inspecting all these things, and adjudicating on their respective merits. I have now lying before me one of ray printed reports, published at tlie time in your Irish agricultural contemporary. One fact out of the many it contains, corroborative of the^ opinibns of your correspondent " B.," but negativing to some extent the assumption of your other correspondent, "An Irish Landlord," may suffice for all impartial readers. On one of these small farms there was a deep peat bog, resting on a calcareous subsoil. This bog when fairly valued a couple of years pre- viously was set down a-s worth but 2s. Ci/. the Irish acre. The owner drained it (but not perfectly), burned the coarse surface, limed part, and gravelled other parts, had Potatos planted on it, and of their produce h« sold to a neighbouring gentleman as "seed " for his tenantry, at the rate of 20 tons to the acre [Irish], which at the low price of 2s. 6rf. perowt., produced 50/. an acre. I measured the land, saw the seller's account, and the purchaser's receipt of and for the produce. I saw, moreover, as fine a crop of Oats, and growing with it as good Italian Bye-grass and Clover, and in another part as fine crops of Turnips and Mangel Wurzel, as I ever saw growing any where, except for the silly purposes of show. I will not now say more on bog reclamation by the small farmers in Ireland than that these improvements, and greater produce, cost the landlord not one penny beyond the proportionate share of the instructor's salary. The landlord had two such instructors on his estates, whose labours I also had to test with (he view of awarding to the most deserving Si splendid silver cup presented by the landlord. Let me now return from the western wilds of Connaught to the south-eastern "model county" of Wexford, cursorily glanced at in my former letter. Since that letter was written, Wexford has fully proved herself worthy the name of " model county," by her progressive movement in farm stock breeding. Your readers may remember seeing that the highest prize and 155?. cup were jjiven at the late show of the Royal Dubhn Society to Mr. Meadows for his yearling bull. This tells well for Wexford, and further strengthens Mr. Pirn's estimate of her material wealth, to which I can add a few other facts regarding the small farmer's stock. There is a town in Wexford called Enniscorthy, one of the best inland towns in Ireland. That town and its suburbs belong to a non-resident landlord, on whose property there exists ample tenant right, and a respectable class of farmers : some of their holdings are small compared with those on other properties in Ireland, but not generally so small as are those on the estates of someneighbouriug resident proprietors, whose thrift in many respects would gladden the heart of your correspondent "B.," as bearing out his views on Belgian farming. Some few years back I was favoured by the inspection of the shipping account of one steamship owner in Wexford, whose weekly shipments of poultry to Liverpool averaged 50 tons, then valued much below its present value of 50/. a ton, at 13,000/. There wis another steamship belonging to another company plying weekly to Bristol ; and assuming that its freight in poultry was of equal value, the amount shipped from not more than one-half of that county— one- fourth, the south-western division, having gone via New Ross, and shipped from Waterford ; and another one-fourth, the north and north-western division, having been sent to Dublin — we may safely calculate on the sum of 52,000/. being received for the poultry of the small farmers in that county. This sum for a county, which is not large, is now an important item, for it is probably one-ninth of the rent actually paid for the lands of Ireland. Fingal. HOUDANS V. BBAHMAS AND CREVECtEURS. — A correspondent writes as follows :— In common with a great many of your readers I keep poultry, not unsiic- cessfally, but yet am not altogether satisfied with the results attained. I was doing well with Brahmas and Crevecceurs, when I was persuaded to try Houdans. I have yet to find that I have done better. It is held that the Houdan is a hardier bird ; such may be the case, but my others never failed in health, and the eggs from the Crevecffurs were larger than are those of the Houdan. Will any of your correspondents who have had experience of the two breeds kindly enlighten Reuben. Do Poultry Pat?— Last week I got a return, whole- sale, of \\\d. per lb. live weight for my poultry. I am getting 4^rf. per lb. live weight for the best beef, that is OS. per stone of 8 lb., nett dead weight. I am satis- fied that it requires no more food to make a pound of poultry than a pound of meat. Commend me to poultry and birds as the fanner's best friends. J. J. MechL May. Chickens Dead in the Shell: W L. Your complaint that your chickens are found fully developed but dead in the shell, ia a very common one, and we should recommend you always to damp the eggs daily with tepid water duiing the last week of incubation. A broody hen should be tested four or five days on the nest before she is iutrusted with valuable eggs. Packinp, Eggs: R D. The be.s't mode of packing eggs for travelling is in small baskets made like those the ivine mer chants use for ono or two bottles ; each egg should be thoroughly wrapped up in moss, and placed in the basket Small end downwards. Table Bie^ds: Lily. Where you intend to keep one breed of fowls only, we should recommendyoutohava pureDorkingq, fespecially if you wish the table to be well suppUed, Crevecceurs are excellent layers and table birds, but Are 1 -Sitters. SUTtONS' HOME-GROWN FARM SEEDS. The best Swede in cultivation is Miscellaneous. C'ompuJsortj Education. — I should be glad if some of those enthusiastic supporters of rapid marches in this direction will explain what is to be done in the followius instance— a case under my own observation at the present time. A labouring man has seven children, six girls and a boy. The boy is about 10 or 11 years of age, and is the oldest of the family. He is now paid 3s. (>rf. a week, feeding cattle. The man has 12*. a week — the nominal day wage of the district ; when at piece-work of course earning somethinjj more. This Zs. Qd. just keeps the family exchequer going— in the man's own words, " it's just the difference between living and starving." Now the difficulty in this case is not the imputed tendency of the "bucohc" mind, nor is it the apathy of the farmer, or the disinclination of the parent to send the boy to school. He would be glad to do so; possibly he could pay the id. a week which the Leeds clergyman considers as due to the child, the State, and the community at large for that purpose ; but how is he to replace the 3«. Grf. he would be short of every Friday night? You may Set the policeman to carry the boy off, body and soul, to the school-room — you may fine the man and fine the master, but you are none the nearer to a solution of the question, as it afleots the family income. You may adopt the alternate day, the half-day, or the system of so many hours in the week, but you cannot enforce employment on the master, who may, and in many cases will, dispense with the boy's services rather than have him on and off by legislative enactment. Herman Bidden, Plai/ford, Ipswich. Steam Threshing Machines. — It appears that Mr. Pettitt, of Fordham, near Colchester, a farmer, and the owner of several steam threshing machines, was employed in December last by Mr. Goodey, of Pittock's Farm, Chappei, to thresh some agricultural produce ; that the machine was on Mr. Goodey's premises on the 12th December that the men left off work between the hours of 11 and 13, and were seen by a passer-by to be placing fuel in the furnace of the engine for the next day's consump- tion ; that shortly after two o'clock a neighbour observed the tarpaulin which covered the engine to be on fire; he gave an alarm, but the fire, having com- municated with the straw, spread very rapidly, and upwards of 500/. worth of corn and other produce was | destroyed. Mr. Goodey was only partially insured, i and received from the insurance office about 100/., and a further small sum for damage to his furniture. Considering that his loss had been sustained through the negligence of Mr. Pettitt's servants, he applied for compensation, but Mr. Pettitt considering he was not liable, they agreed to submit the matter to arbitrament. The reference was opened at Colchester on the 3d inst., and a number of witnesses were examined on both sides. The arbitrators have since made their award — that the fire which so broke out upon the premises of Mr, Goodey, at Chappei, did occur through the negli- gence of the servants of Mr. Pettitt while acting in his employ, and they thereby determined that Mr. Pettitt should pay to Mr. Goodey the sum of 3.57/. 7s., as a full compensation and recompense for the damage which they found to have been occasioned by the sard fire. Mssex Standard. Lowest price pel" bushel on applieatioii. fraili Hr. .T. W. H.isE. Secrllarii lo the Sidlmrtl, Kiilmonth, ffal- comhe Regis, and Branscnmbe Agricultural Asxoclatkin. OctQba- as, 1807.—" At the annual meetinff of tbe above Asaocia- tion, helfl .u Sirfbury, on the 22d inst., your Champion Swede again, took tbo l*it (trize for Swedes, against 13 competitors with other sorts. ' From Heurt Castrell, Esq., Baylis Farm, near SlOilflJL May 2, 1867.—" I obtained the £r, 5s. Silver Cup. given by G. J. Palmer, Esq.. Dorney Court, last October, with yoiu* Champiort Swides, aiirf they were grown alter a crop of Italian Rye-gr.iss." . Mr. Uantreli has also obtained H.R.H. tho late Prince Consort's 20 Guinea Cap this season. Notices to Goirespondents. Agricultural Productions of Persia: C E F. Too lato for this weet. Cattle Food: Rfiund]ia ! London. ( 63, New Earl Street, ) 9, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON MANUFACTURED GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., ( 31, Bread Street, t London \ 63, New Earl Street, } ^o""™- 69, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED IRON CISTERNS OF EVF.RY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., I 31. Bread Street London. ( 63, New Earl Street, ) 69, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. CHURCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BUILDINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., l«H"^"^^TlV , (London. i 63. New Earl Street, J 69, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUlliSKll FLniiR CLOTH. , CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread street U„„d„„. I 63, New Earl Street, ) 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS OF HOUSES. COACH-HOOSES, ETC., TO PREVENT DAMP. CROGGON AND CO., f 34, Bread Street, ) t^^^.^ \ 63, New Eari Street, / London. 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PORTLAND CEMENT OF BEST QUALITY, 100 lb. to the BUSHEL. CROGGON AND CO., [ London. ( 34, Bread Street, ( 63, New Earl Street, / ■" 59, George Square, Glasgow; 2. Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PLASTERERS' HAIR SUPPLIED BY CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread street U„„don. \ 63, New Earl Street, / , George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Livefjiool. Price Lists, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S. TRUSS, C.E., Consulting Horticultural Engineer, &c., Sole Manufacturer, FRIAR STREET, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — Tlie City Offices are now Removed to the Manufactory, Friar Street. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, HY CROGGON AND CO., f 34, Bread Street, I . „„don \ 63, New Earl Street, / L™"""' 89, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas. Liverpool.- GALVANIZED WIRE NETTING. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, I London, i 63, New Earl Street, ) ,.,....,, 69 George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTDRAL GAZETTE. [Mat le. ises. UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN. CLARK & HOPE, (LATE CLARK,) HOBTI CULTURAL BUILDERS, MANUFACTUEEES OF HOT WATEE APPAEATUS, COPPER AND WROUGHT IRON SASHES, SKYLIGHTS, CASEMENTS, HAND GLASSES, VERANDAHS, ETC. Steam I'ower irachinory and Spacious Treraises enable CLARK and HOPE to offer First-Class Work, whether in Wood or lletal, at extremely low prices, and execute Orders with promptness. ESTABLISHED A.D. 1818. DESIGNS AND ESTIMATES UPON APPLICATION, EXPERIENCED WORKMEN SENT TO ANY PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. 5 5, LIONEL STREET, BIRMINGHAM. BOOK OF DESIGNS, Plain, Is. 9d. ; Coloured, 2s. 9d. ; Post Free. Or, Is. 6d. and Ss. 6d. at the Works. In submitting to the notice of the Public cur Book of Designs for Horticultural Buildings, &c., we beg respectfully to state that our Establishment — which has now been in existence for nearly half a century— has been extensively patronised by Her llajesty the Queen (all the Metallic Hothouses at Frogmore aud Osborne having been executed here) and by a large number of Noblemen and Gentlemen, whose testimonials to our skill in the construction of Horticultural TVorks of a thoroughly efficient and durable nature, are most gratif3ing and satisfactory. j The Designs comprise Buildings adapted to even;' department of Horticulture, and include Metallic and Wooden Conservatories, Span-roofed and Lean-to Vineries, ! Greenhouses, Stoves, Palmhoupes, Orangeries, Tree Covers, &c.— several of them having been in operation for many years. Mat 16, 1868.1 THE GAEPENERS' CHEONICLE Am AGPJCTTTTTIRAT, GAZETTE. JOHN WARNEK & SONS, BRASS AND BELL FOUNDERS TO HER MAJESTY. HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS, 8. CRESCENT, CRIPFLEGATE, LONDON, E.G. No. 35. J. W. AND SONS' GOODS MAY BE OBTAINED OF THE TRADE GENERALLY AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES :— 35. WARNERS' I'ATENT CAST-IRON LIFT PUMPS No. 42 2J inches diameter 3 „ 3i „ £18 6 2 1 0 2 6 0 2 14 0 SHORT-BARREL DITTO, FOR SINKS, PLANT HOUSES, iic. No. 37.— 2i ina. diameter .. £1 1 0 Ditto, with 15 feet of IJ-in. lead Suction Pipe attached, £2. No. 42. -WARNERS' PORTABLE PUMPS, With Improved Valves for Liquid Manujp . . . . £2 15 0 Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, In 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, per foot, 2». 5il. WARNERS' (N... .->17 h) GARDEN ENGINE. HOLDS SIX GALLONS. Is light, portable, and easily worked by a lady or child, price £2 10s. These small, but powerful. Engines are strongly recommended to be kept t each floor of a gentleman's mansion, to be used in case of Fire. They should 1 kept filled >vith water, and then are always ready for use. WARNERS' (No. 568^) AMERICAN WARNERS' AaUAJECT. Useful for every variety of purpose, in Water- GARDEN ENGINE, I ing or Washing Flowers or Trees in Gardens, ' Conservatories, &c. ; also for Washing Carriages or Windows, Laying Dust, &c. Is complete in itself, or can be used to OK FIRE ANNIHILATOR, draw from a Pond or Tank, price £2 2s, 6 ft. Suction Pipe and Rose, extra, 12* Price, complete £1 10 0 Small Size for the hand, as an ordinary Syringe, 18s. WARNERS' BEST BRASS SYRINGES. No. 0, 9s. 6d. ; No. 00, 12s. ; No. 1, lis. 6d. ; No. 2, 12s. 6rf. ; No. 3, 16s. No. 4, Read's, 18s. 6d. ; No. 5, 16s. 6d. ; No. 6, 16s. 6rf. ; No. 7, 7s. 6d. No. o57a Disc Syringe possesses important advantages, 9s. WARNERS' GARDEN ENGINES, WITH REGISTERED SPREADERS. These Engines are much improved in construction, are less likely to get out of order, and more easily repaired than others. No. 547. Best ENGINES, in Wood Tubs. 24 Gallons . . £6 10 0 | 14 Gallons . . £5 10 0 No. 547a. Strong ENGINES, in Galvanized Iron Tubs, well painted inside and out. 10 GaUons .. £2 19 0 I 24 Gallons .. £4 19 0 16 Gallons.. 3 14 0 | 28 Gallons .. 5 10 0 PATENT ANNULAR-SAIL WIND ENGINE. SELF REGULATING. _ For raising Water from Wells of any depth, and forcing it any height by means of single, double, or treble barrel pumps, is especially adapted for the supply of water to gentlemen's mansions, farms, schools, union workhouses, asylums, &c. The larger sizes are recommended in place of steam engines for Water Works in small towns and villages, as after the first outlay the water is raised free of further cost. 'Ihese Engines are also adapted for threshing, grinding, chaff cutting, pulping, &c., as well as pumping water for the supply of stock, and purposes of irrigation. J. W. & Sons having purchased the patterns of Wind Engines manufactured by the late firm of Messrs. Bury & Pollard of Southwark, can undertake any repairs connected with existing mills. No. 5791. WARNERS' WATER BARROW Saves a Gardener's time in Watering with the Water Pot. Made of strong Wrought Iron, Galvanized and painted inside and out. To hold 20 Gals., wheels 13 in. high £2 2 0 ,, 30 „ „ 20 „ 2 13 0 „ 38 „ „ 24 „ 3 17 0 „ .50* „ „ 24 „ 5 12 0 • This 19 an oxtra strong article, with croM handle for two men, suitable for Nursery Grounds, &c. WATER WHEELS, WATER RAMS, DEEP WELL PUMPS FOR STEAM, HORSE, OR HAND POWER. 534 THE (URBENEER' CmONICLE AND AGI^TrTnTFRAL GAZETTE. [May 16, 1S68 Oil Paint no longer Necessary. HILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Vamlah le an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and is used cold. It is used in the grounds at Wijidsor Castle, Eew Gardens, and at the seats of many hundreds of the nobility and gentry, from whom the most flattering testimonials have been received, which Hill t Smith will forward on appUi^tiQQ. From Major Rt. Bell, SanAhoe, Northumberland. " I have much pleasure in saving I have known your Black Varnish to be used for some time by friends of mine, and they all speak highly of it. which has induced me to get the quantity I have ttom you. That I have used looks remarkably well." Sold m casks of about 30 gallonB e^ch, at la. 6d. per gallon, &t the Manufactory, or Is. 8d. per gallon paid to any Station in the kingdom. Apply to Hill & Smith. Brieriy Hill Iron Works, near Dudley, and 22. Cannon Street West, E.C.. from whom only it can be obtained. STANDARD GARDEN PUMP AND PORTABLE FIRE ENGINE. (C. W. ORFORD'S PATENT.) SOLE MANUFACTURERS, R. HARCQURT & SON. This article was invented expressly to obviate the many directs iBnidcntal to the usual India-rubber and Leather Valves. THE VALVES BEING ALL OF BRASS, CANNOT BE AFFECTED EITHER BY CLIMATE OR BOILING WATER. And it is acknowledged by all who have used it to be the article of all others least liable to derangement, most perfect in its action, and, from its very construction, most durable. For Price Lists, &c., apply to the Manufacturers, MESSRS. HARCOURT and SON, 2-l?>, ilOSELET STREET, BIRMINGHAM ; or to their LONDON WAREHOUSE, BISHOP'S COURT, OLD BAILEY, E.C. ; AND OF ALL IRONMONGERS. Can be fitted with Lever Handles if ordered. CONS$)BVATORIES, GREENHOUSES, FIIAM^S. THE ONLY PAINT TH.VT SUCCESSFULLY STANDS UPON THE APOVE TEVISG CARSONS' OBIGINAL ANTI-CORROSION PAINT. TRADE MARK. CONSEaUENTLY LARGELY USED BY THE NOBILITY AND GENTRY, ALSO THE LEADING HORTICULTURISTS. IT IS EQUALLY ADAPTED FOR ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF EXTERNAL WORK. TRADE MARK. 1^" Three Civt. Free to any Station or Port in the United Kingdom. PREPARED OIL MIXTURE FOR THE ANTI-CORROSION PAINT. OILS, TURPENTINE, VARNISHES, BRUSHES, Ac. s, the Offices of the Managing Director. 29, Parliament Street, Westminster, S.W. ; and members). TRADE DISCOUNTS. The following are the Profits gained by Members :— Linseed Cakes, guaranteed absolutely pure Cotton-seed) Cakes ; decorticated and undecorticited Rape Cakes, (_ 6 to 10 for feeding, be.st quality (and for tillage) ; Palm Nut l Per Cent. Meal ; and all other Feeding Stuffs j eatent Dog Cakes {pe"cent. Peruvian Guano, pure as imported ; Nitrate of Soda, pure ) and unadulterated ; Ground Bones, free from mixture, f 10 to 16 and guaranteed English; Superphosphates; and all fPer Cent, other Manures of the best makers and qualities . . ) Clover Seeds, uncoloured and unmixed ; Grass Seeds, "j lei-o^ new and reliable; Turnip Seeds, genuine and good ; J- pi*.^^ " Garden and all other Seeds j rer (..ent. Ste.im Engines, Steam Ploughs, Cultivators and Imple-) Hi eHoea J Per C^nt. Portable and Fixed Threshing M PloUKhs, Harrows, Rollers,Cultivators, Drills, 11. Cart«, Waggons, Reaping and Mowing Macli: makers, Horse Rakes, Chaff Cutters, Mills, Lawn V p" "X"". Mowers, Sewing Machines, Stoves and Cooking Ranges, j ^^ ^eitxi. and Machines of every known Maker / Iron Hurdles, Gates and Continuous Fences, Strained! Wire and Rope Fences, Wire Netting, Stable Fittings, ( 10 to 30 Pumps, Tanks, Paints, Domestic Machinery, Heatmg (Per Cent. Apparatus, &c j A Full Catalogue will shortly be published, meanwhile Prices can at ail times be obtained. The Society is prepared to receive Samples and Prices of unadul- terated Seed, Manures, and Feeding Stuffs. Edward Owen Gbeesiso Managing Director. 29,Pariiament Street, Westminster, S.W. 4, Warna S^eeb, Manobester. Warranted Genuine. TOBACCO !• A r E K, LOd. per lb. Wii. DoDusoN, 2y, Lady Lane, Leeds. By Royal Letters Patent. _ TOBACCO T16SUE destroys Thrip, iied Spider, a^d Mealy 13uc. by Fumigation ; price 3s. 6d. per lb. TOBACCO PAPER price Is. Gd. per lb. TOBACCO RAG price 2*. per lb. TObACCO SMALLS price 3s. Gd. per lb. TOBACCO POWDER price 3s. Gd. per lb. TOBACCO LIQUOR pric^ Is. per gallon. OUT-DOOR FUMIGATOR .. ., price m. 6d. To be had of Messrs Robkrts & Sons, Tobacco Manufacturers, li:i, St. John Street, Clerkenwoli, E.G. ; and all Seedsmen and Nurserymen. G Used by many of the leading Fly, and other Blight, in solutions of from 1 to 2 ounces to the gallon of soft water, and ot from 4 to IG ounces as a Winter Dressing for Vines and Fruit Trees. Has outlived many preparations Intended to super- Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (Limited). JOHN GIBSON, JUN., begs to announce ttiat Ue ia prepared to Furnish PLANS and ESTIMATES fbr LATIKG OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and VIU^ or other Residences, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or othem-lae. Address Mr. John Giusun, .juii., Surrey Lane, Battersea, S.W. Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING FOWLS, of purest breed, in anj numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productivi AYLESBURY and ROUEN DUCKS. Imported BELGIAN HARE RABBITS, for ^ ^. BRAHMAPOOTRA. CREVEC(EUR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, nd early maturity. FLORIST ; lished some . An opportunity for a ng begin A. B^ Oardeners' Chronicle Office, W.C. FOR DISPOSAL, the LhiASE and G'66"DWILL"of the OLD ESTABLISHED NURSERY and SEED BUSINESS known as the late FA I RB A I RN'S NURSERY. 116, High .Street, Claphi^m, Surrey. TO BE LET, as a NURSERY and SEED BUSINESS, 2 ACRES of GROUND with 400Q feet of Glass Ground and GKiSfl. in high condition ; a Ten-roomed House, with good Cellar The whole de'ightfullv situated. For particulars apply to James Crawford, High Beech, Essex. TO BE DISPOSED'OF, on advautageous terms, ami may be entered upon immediately, an OLD E.STABL1SHED NURSERY, eligibly situated, adjoining a large and important town, surrounded by an excellent neighbourhood, and having every facility FOR DISPOSAL, an OLD ESTABLISHED SEED BUSINESS, haying a large connection, and the BUSINESS ofa SMALL NURSERY, well stocked with the cljolbest Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, and Plants (the glass ^bout 3000 feet) ; may be purchased very advantageously, eitherijeparately or together. Situated at a market town, on the ^t side of London, and the proprietor offers them solely on accoimt of the hejUtU of ma family requinng a wanner climate. Inquire qt Messrs. Hurst & Son, Seetjsmen, C, Laftdgnball Street, Loiicjon. Valuable Collection of Stove Plant3r&ic.7fbr"fiale. rpo BE DISPOSED OF, by Private CWtract, a clioioe X COLLECTION of STOVE and ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS, PELARGONIUMS, and other GREENHOUSE PLANTS consisting of all the latest introductions, in the fmest possible con- dition. A valuable Collection of CACTI and other succulents • together with a few ORANGE TREES, one a very beautiful plant, bearing fine eatable fniit. Also a well-built SP * " """" .."-.--'" 24 feet by 14, with Hot-water Heating Apparati smaller one 12 feet by 8, attached, containing the Cacti' Apply for further particulars, to Mr. Winzer, The Gardener, Wrackleford House, near Dorchester, Dorset. Borough of Warwick.— To Farmers, Graziers, &; Others QEWAGE FARM TO LET.- The LocaP Bo^rd of O Health for the Borough of Warwick are prepared to receive "■'^"'^ ' """ us of taking from them the Sewage TENDERS from Persons Farm and the Buildings ^ , ^ ,.. containing 100 Acres of Land, or tlie^e^boi^ti * "n tbo most approved methpd, - n. situate at Qog Brook, adjoining th( Tlir L;ind' TiTs'^V.' the rcepti^.n of the Sewage flowmg fmm the^town of Warwick'^ whicli cnnt.'iiii.s a population of upwards of Ten Thousand Persons. The Works have been laid out under the direction ol" Mr. Baldwin Latham, C.E., of Westminster and Croydon, the Engineer for the Board; and theSewage will be punipedfrom the Works of the Board. ;an be procured on application t Sales J)g auction. SALE THIS DAV, AT HALF-PAST TWELVE O'CLOCK Choice Orchids.— Important Sale. MR. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, L,>rt,T^^}^9^^^^ Rooms, 38, King street, Covejit Garden, W.C SATURDAY. May 16. at half past U o'clock precisely, an Imp. tlon of OKOHIDS from Moulmein, including SACCOLAB GIGANTEUM, eplendid plants; DENDROBIUM LASEOGLOS SUM (named by Prof. Reichcnbacli), porlectly new, sweet-scented UM Dendrobium Pamhll „ Dalhousianum. All in the ffnest poasible' condition. Also a small Collection of very select Established ORCHIDS, the property of a Gentleman, containing thefoUowlng choico kinda, viz,: albo soQgujneum Cattleya Dowii „ labiata „ Triansei Cypripedium villosum „ hirsutlssimum Dendrobium formosum „ DevonUmum •I agg^egatum majus Aerldes Lsrpeutse „ Fieldingil Lowii Saccolabium guttatum Ada aurantiaca Odontoglossum nsevum Oncidium Kraraerl „ nebulosum libigenum ,, Alexandra) &c., &c. Sale, and Catalogue^ had. Imported Orchid?. MR. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W C , on >VEDNESDAY, May 20, at half pa^t 12 o'clock precisely, without roseiwe, an importation of rare O'DONTOGLOSSTJM.S. UROPE DIUMS, ONCIDIUM PAPILIO. and other ORCHIDS, jUst " from an entirely now district of New Grenada, and coin- On v sbeiit F the M.,iT i Catalogues had. M Established and Imported Orchids. R. J. 0. STEVENS will SELL his Great Rooms. 3:^. King Street. Cn: iialf-paj .\rf"rj(t\. ;it SATURDAY, Ma of Established ORCHIDS, FERNS, AN.3-J ' PLANTS, &c., the property of a Gentleman ; ::■- m.i- ',j [.■■!,: iiKtb,sea ol ODONTOGLOSSUM PdAL.ENOPSlS, Irum Ic. to YM Muund Bulbs in a mass. Just imported and in fine health. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Important & Extensive Sale of Established Orchids. MR. J. C. STEVENS (Horticultural Auctionber and Valuer, of 3S, King Street, Covent Garden, London,) begs to announce that he has been favoured with instructions to offer for SALE by AUCTION, on the Premises, Pendleburv, Manchesier. the well known collection of ESTABLISHED ORCHIDS, offered In consequence of tlie death of the late J. A. Turner, Esq. This is by far the best collection of Orchidaceous Plants ever offered to the Public. The specimens are very numerous, and in excellent health, consisting of all the best known species and varieties in cultivation. The entire cillection will be Publicly Sold, on the Premises, ut Pendlebur^. The late J. A. Turner, Esq., was a most slirewd and carelui buyer, being ever anxious to purchase the best varieties only, by which means this collection has become very extensive and quite unique. All the plants are con*ectiy named and true to the descriptions given. Orchid growers Qannot do better than enrich their collections by the addition of some of theae specimens, and those commencing the cultivation of Orchids have a rare opportunity here offered them to purchase such kinds that will disappoint, for, with the exception of a few specially mentioned • -..1 v.„... a J ..^j ^w_.„ — ..._ ___. ^g other place can equal Manchester for the number and e Orchid collections. Careful Packers will be In attendance, and every as.si!itance rendered towards their safe packing, in order that they may reach their destinations without the slightest check or injury. ' The ENTIRE COLLECTION will be SOLD on TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDAY. June 2. 3. and 4, during the Great Horticultural Exhibition in the Botanical Gardens, Manchester. M and Novelties of the presf] ESSRS. PROTHEROE and MORRIS are directed by Mr. Oubndge to offer the above, without reserve, on the \, Church_Walk_Nurseryj_Albioij Road, Stoke Newington, on and of the Auctioneers, Leytonstone, Essex. Homsey, Middlesex. IMPORTANT SALE of about 25,000 BEDDING P^^ANTS MESSRS. PROTHEROE and MORRIS are instructed by Mr. Cleill to SELL by AUCTION, on the Premises, Homsey Nursery, close to the Hornsey Station, on the G. M. E., on THURSDAY. May 21, at 11 for 12 o'Clock precisely, about 25.000 BEDDING PLANTS, consisting ol 70u0 Geraniums, including Mra Pollock, Cloth of Gold. Stella, and other leading kinds j 200D Calceolaria aurea and Kayii, 3000 Verbenas of sorts, 3000 Double White and Scarlet Intermediate Stocks, 4000 Lobelias, Heliotropes, Coleus, with a choice variety of plants indispensable for Bedding' imrnnsfo ■ liUpwice, a collcctlon of Soft-woodcd and Hardy Climbers, the Premis !s, and of the Auctioneers and Valuers. Tottenham. IMPORTANT SALE of 40,000 choice GREENHOUSE and BEDDING PLANTS, including an Extensive and Valuable Assortment. MESSRS. PROTHEROE and MORRIS are instructed by Mr^ John Mailer to SELL by AUCTION the above, the Premises, Brunswick Nursery, Tottenham, Pre: FRIDAY, May 22, " days prior ; and of the Auct: for 1 o'CIock precisely. ** the Sale, and Catalogues hade eers, Leytonstone, Essex. itbe M First-class Bedding and Greenhouse Plants. ■ESSRS. PUOTIIKliOK and MORRIS will SELL Pj _ AUCTKiN, at .(•<, (;racechurch Street, City, SATURDAY, M.ay 23, at J ck precisely, a large and choice the Rooms, and of the Auctioneers and Valuers, Leytonttoae. Essex, N.E. Shepherd's Bush, Middlesex. HOPEGOOD'S EXOTIC NURSERY, close to Shepherd's Bush Station on the Metropolitan Railway, three miles from the MarOla Arch. 3(1/100 choice PLANTS in Pots, suitable for Bedding or ijther purposes. " MR. DUCKWORTH will SELL by AUCTION, on WEDNESDAY, May 20, at 10 for 11 o'CIock, on the Premises in convenient Lots, without the least reserve, by order of the Proprietor, the Lease having expired, and the ground being wanted for building purposes. The PLANTS comprise VAKlEGATKD ■" ' "•••■- " - ,|,,j.j._ jj^g Mitford, Golden Cnain, "' '" '"" f the Day, Cen.so Brilliant, and mapy PELARGONIUMS _ _ Cloth of Gold, Queen ol Quo Unlaue, Tom Tbumb, Ivy-l , „, ^, , ZONALS :— Mrs. Wm. Paul, Donald Beaton, Christine, Black Dwarf, Lord PalQierston, Cybister, Stella. Helen Lindsay. Tom Thumb. Punch, Fireball, Madame Vaucher, ijrs. MillmgtoQ. Trentliam Rose, Richmond Gem, Rival Stella, Wiltshire Lass. Rollisson's Unique, Rose Randel. VEflBENAS :— Purple King, Lord Kaglan, &C. Fuchsias, Salvias, Ageratums, Heliotropes, viola comuta. Lobelias, Miss Murphy, and numerous others. In case oi unsettled weather, buyers will be allowed 14 days to clear away their lots. The whole of the Greenhouses and Buildings will be sold befora Michaelmas. May bo viewed the dav previous and Morning of Sale. Catalogues to be had on the Premises ; at the Inns in tho neighbourhood; at fthfl County ChrtmicU Office, 1, Dorset Street, Saliaburj Square. B.C.; and of Mr. DocawoBiB, Estaw Agent, i£«uey-Bamel. 536 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. LMat 16, 1868. GKEEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOE, OK NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. I PATRONIZED BY THE KING OF THE BELGIANS. THE EMPEROR OP THE FliENCH. THE EMPEROR OF RUSSIA. AND MOST OF THE NOBILITY, CLERGY, AND GENTRY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN ON THIRTY-EIGHT DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ajo, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the keeping of Law.ms in the HIGHEST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold since the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eiilogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. THEY ABE THE ONLY MACHINES IN CONSTANT USE AT THE ROYAL HOETICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GARDENS, SOUTH KENSINQTON THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, REGENTS PARK THE CRYSTAL PALACE COMPANY'S GARDENS, SYDENHAM BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDENS MARLBOROUGH HOUSE THE IIVUE PARK GARDENS THE WINTER PALACE GARDENS, DUBLIN THE DUBLIN BOTANIC GARDENS THE LIVERPOOL BOTANIC GARDENS I THE LEEDS ROYAL PARK AND IN MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL PARKS, SQUARES, ETC., IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE HULL BOTANIC GARDENS THE BOTANIC GARDENS, BRUSSELS THE SUNDERLAND PARK THE PRESTON P.4RK HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved to be the best, a/iil carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. T. GREEN & SON warrant evert/ Machine to givo entire satisfaction, and if not approved of can be returned unconditionally. PRICES of HORSE, PONY, and DONKEY MACHINES, mtludiug Patent Self-delivery Box, Cross Stay complete; suitable for attaching to ordinary Chain Traces or Gig Harness. I HORSE MACHINES. £21 0 0\ n . \ Leather Boots for Horse, '26s. 30 0 Oj PONY AND DONKEY MACHINES. To Cut 26 inches £13 0 0 \ I To Cut 30 inches 28 H 0 0 ( ^^^^^^ Boots for Donkey, 18*. ,, 36 „ ,, " " I Leather Boots for Pony, 21s. , 42 „ 30 „ 17 0 0; I '' ^8 " ;| Both the Horse, Pony, Donkey, and Hand Machines possess (over all other Makers) the advantage of Self-sharpening. The cutters being steel on each side when they become dull or blunt by running one way round, the cylinder can be reversed again and again, bringing the opposite edge of the cutter against the bottom blade when the Machine will cut equal to new. Arrangements are made that the cylinder can be reversed, by any inexperienced person, in two or three minutes. ' HAND MACHINES. To Cut 10 inches . . £3 10 0 Suitable for a Lady „ 12 „ .. 4 10 0 „ „ „ 14 ,, .. S 10 0 Suitable for One Person „ 16 „ .. 6 10 0 To Cut 18 inches . . £7 10 0 Suitable for One Person. 20 „ .. 8 0 0 Suitable for Tioo Persons, Packing Cases are charged at the following low rat«3, viz. :— for the 10 and 12-inch Machine, 3s. ; 14 and 16-inch, 4s. ; 18 and 20-inch, 5«. ; 22 and 24-inch, 6s. Parties providing themselves with Lawn Mowers are recommended to purchase the cases in which to stow them away, when not in use, to prevent them from getting damaged ; if returned, two-thirds will be allowed for them. The above MACHINES are made from the best materials, and of superior worlonanship ; are delivered Can'iage Free to all the principal Railway Stations and Shipping Ports in England. Every Machine is warranted to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of, can be returned unconditionally. ILLUSTRATES PRICE LISTS FREE ON APPLICATION. T. G. AND SON have a large quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds .and London Establishments ; also various other kinds of HORTICULTURAL and AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK of every description. Haviny very extensiec Premises in London, we are in a position to do all kinds of Repairs there, as well as at our Leeds Establishment. THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. Kditarial Commaniciitiolls should be addressed to ■' Tlie Editor i" Ailrertitemaiits and Business Letters to " The Publisher," at ttre Olllce, 41, Wellington Street, Covcnt Garden, London, W.C. B-,„».Hi„.T.„a« «. .,,,.. nm... „f «„... n , Evivs, S Co, Lombard street. Precinct of Whitetriars, City of London, in tlie Co. 0( .Vliddlose^, and PuOlisSed bj- tile said ,May l(j, ISiJS. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 21.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, MAY 23. f Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, Gd. Agri»""^ '" enounce that hi« large NOW^i'Vn7l m V AGRICULTORAL SEED CATALOGDE for this season la --v published, andwiU be forwarded per post on application. ^ ... _ .. f...... ic Street, London, S.E. (late Calceolaria aurea florlbunda.— Special Offer. I'er tine bushy Autumn- 1 .3-lnch pots, at i&s. per 100, or _ untingdon. _ SPLENDID SaESaM, GLENNY'S IMPROVED, lias distanced the Germans, and a few mixed packets are left, 13 stamps each. PRIMULA, CINERARIA, AURICULA, PETUNUV. VERBENA, equally In advance, 13 stamps each.— Fulham, .S.W. British Fern Catalogue. ROBERT SlM will send, post-tree for six postagt stamps. Part 1. (British Ferns and their varieties, 30 pages Including prices of Hardy Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DE3CRIP TIVE CATALOGUE of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS, No. 7. Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E, Green Round or Norfolk Turnip. ANT) E. SHaRPE have a true stoek of the above Turnip, grown from selected bulbs and of 1867 growth. Pnce very reasonable. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. H. Green-top Swede Turnip. HAND F. SHAliPE can supply the Trade . splendid stock of the above Turnip, grown last se transplanted bulbs. Price very moderate. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. ■ith a Early Slieep Feed— Mustard and Rape. SUTTON AND SONS can supply good new Seal of the above at very moderate prices, wtiictimay be had on application. Sutton & Sons, Seed Merchants, Reading. PARIS, I BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for ALL SOILS. 1S67. I The PREMIER PRIX SILVER MEDAL for OAR- DEN SEEDS, GRASSES, and GRASS SEEDS, was Awarded to SUTTON AND SONS, StKDssiEN to the Qoben, Reading, Berks. BUTTONS' PERMANENT GRASS ' SEEDS, 2l8. to 328, per acre, carriage free. SUTTONS* MIXTURES for 1, 2, 3, or 4 years, lOs. 6d. to 22*. per acre, carriage free. « & Sons, Reading, Berks. CLOVER &EE1>, tirst quality only, home growth. Market price on application. Loois Van Hoctte, Nurseryman and Seedsman, Ghent, Belgium. _ Grass Seeds for Permanent Pasture. RICHARO SMITH'S MIXTURKS of the finest PERENNIAL GRASSES and CLOVERS are carefully made to suit all kinds of Soil. Price 268. to 30fl. per acre. PRICED LIST (.n application. RioQARn Smith, Seed Mercuant, Worcester. ATURAL GRASSES: their Names and DeriTations ; Quality, Produce, Elev.iti Season, Growth, Incrnr •' '" in. Situation, Soil, Use, Peculiarity, ) Smith, 1 Merchant, Worcester. 538 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AfiRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [May 23, 1868. ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND BEDDING PLANTS. — Fino healthy plants of all the most desirable varieties for sumuiBi- decoration of the Flower Garden. For prices, which are very moderatd^ «eo DESCRIPTIVE CATALOUUlfi, Ibrwarded upon apphcatioU. s- & Sons, Newton Nurseries, Cheater. VIOLA MONTANA (Mr. Tje LUTEA ■ "'" " '■} COKNUTA, MAUVE QUEEN. PURPLE QD BEN,/ 165. perluo. Jam£S DicKaow & Sos.s. Newton Nuiseiles, Chestor. .'s), 1 strong plants. 4s. per dozen, ■ lias, per 100. 6d. per dozen, or Bedding Plants. THOMAS METHVEN has now, and will liave aU the Bedding-out Season, a large Stock of all the leading Bedding- out Plants, erabracmg VERBENAS, CALCEOLAKIAS. UERA- NIUMS. DAHLIAS, LOBELIA SPI^CIUSA, &c ' Very large Stocks of Verbena Crimson King, Calceolaria Ambas- sador (Sang's), TropiBolum Cooper's Defiance, i'olemonium cceruleum variegatum. Leitli Walk Nu *8, Edinburgh, April 25. Notice. ~ DILLISTONK AND WOODTHORPE'S BEDDING PLANT LIST is now ready. In it is offered every description of us6i\il Bedding Plants, by the dozen or hundred, at the very lowest BENA.S, &c., by the thousand. Munro Nursery. Sible Hedingham, Essex. Ct^OYOov, Bedding Plants. ARCHI>. HENDERSON'S -^^ DESCRIPTIVE and PRICED CATALOGUE of BEDDING PLANTS is now ready, containing all i the novelties of the past two years, I The stock is in fine condition; foi- ixtent and vigoui- unsuipassed. Purchasers ilrq respectfully invited to inipect the Stock at Lion Nursery, Whitehorso Koad, Croydon. Special offere will be made for large quantities. Catalogues to bb had giTltis, and post free on ai)plication. The West of England Bedding Plant Establishment. THOMAS SAMPSON^ Proprietor of the Preston Road Nurseries, Yeovil, Sonic rsetabiro, has much pleasure In announcing that his CATALOGUE of the above Plants is now ready, and can be had free on application. T. S. is proud to say his stock is most unique and extensive, numbering upwards of 200,000 Plants.— by far exceeding any establish- ment in the West of England for quality and quantity, and are offered at such low prices as cannot f ul to give the fullest satisfac- tion. Orders executed in rotation after the 20th April. An inapeetion is respectfully solicited, Peter Drummosd, Manager. The West of England Bedding Plant Establishment. SAMPSON'S COLLECTION of BEDDING PLANTS, including 10 dozen ot the following strong, established, potted plants, for lils. Ba.sket and packing included. VICTOHIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. B. S. WILLIAMS^ Begs most respectfully to invite his Patrons and the Public generally to visit liis Nursery, which at all times contains much to interest, but more especially a{ the present tone, when the AMARYLLIDS, AZALEAS, ANTHURIUMS, AND ERtCAS AIIE IN FULL BLOOSI. The SPECIMEN FLOWERING and FOLIAGE PLANTS, which will be exhibited at all the principal Sliows this ye:u-, are to be seen to advantage in the Large Conservatory and other Sho ->• Houses The ORCHID HOUSES, PAL-M STOVES (to whiih many new and interesting Plants have of late been added), NEW HOLLAND HOUSES, PERN HOUSES, AZALEA HOUSES, &c., are replete with Plants which, by the interest and instruction they will aiibrd, will well repay a visit. The COLLECTION of MEXICAN PLANTS at this Nursery is unsurpassed in great Britain, with the exception of the one at the Kew Gardens. SPRING CATALOGUE OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS will be issued early in May, Post Free to all applicants. CARRIAGE AND OMNIBUS ROUTES. Carriage Route from "West End is through Albany Street, Eegent's Park; Pai-k Sti-eet, Camden Town; Kentish Town Road ; and the Junction Road. Omnibus Routes:— The "Favorite" Omnibusses fi-om the Bank, and London Bridge Railways; Victoria Station, Charing Cross, and Westminster; Brompton, South Kensington Museum, Piccadilly, and Regent Street, arrive at and start from the entrance of the Nursery every seven minutes. AGERATUM TROPiEOLCMS VERBENAS VIOLA FROSTED LEAVED and VARIEGATED PLANTS FDCHSIAS GAZANIA GERANIUMS, scarlet ,, variega HELIOTROPES LOBELIAS I Thou»9 Sampson, F.R.H.S., So. Yeovil, Somersetshire. Beddliig Plants.— Special Offer. THOMAS PERKINS (Lue Maksh & Perkins)' offer fine strong and iiealtby Plants, turned out of pots, of the foilowiug, wnlch cannot fail to give satisfaction :— GERANIUM BIJOU, variefjated, IM. per 100 BISHOPSTOWE RIVAL, 12«. per 100 riNEDONKNSIS. Us. per 100 HELEN LINDSAY, 16s. per 100 IVl'.LEAF, pink, 12s. per 100 MANGLESn. variegated, 12s. per 100 ,, PRINCESS ROYAL, 15s. per 100 BALM, golden leaved, 12s. ner 100 CALCEOLARIA AUREA FLORIBUNDA, 123. per 100 GAZANIAS, best sorts, 12s. per 100 IRESINE HERBSTII, 16s. per 100 ,, AUREA RETICULATA, 16s. per 100 18s. per 100 LOBELIA SPECIOSA, deep blue, good strong plants from pans. PETUNIA COUNTESS of ELLESMERE, 12s. per 100 ,, from finest mixed seed, 12s. per 100 SALVIAS, scarlet, vjs. per 100 N.B. Please address, Thomas Perkins, 42, Drapery, Northampton. ^May the Best Time for ftlantlng Hollies, &c. Cf WHITEHUUSE, Brercton Nursery, near Kugeley, J • has to offer a Large Stock of Well-grown 'Specimen Plants of GREEN HOLLIES, 3 to 4 feet and 4 to 6 feet ; also YEWS the same sizes, fine furnished Specimen Plants, with many thousand Hollies and I'ews, 1§ to 2 and 2 to 24 feet. Prices (reasonable) on B. S. "WILLIAMS, VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. PORTABLE COLOUR-SLIPS. TO AID IN FORMING CORRECT ARRANGEMENTS IN COLOUR PREPARATORY TO PLANTING FLOWER-GARDENS. Each Specimen Coloured Slip will be found to correspond in number with those attached to the accompanyi 13 o 1" ants. A racket of the Coloured Slips will ie forwarded on receipt of six postage stamps. The Catalogue foriparded post free on receipt offou E. G. HENDERSON & SON RESPECIFnLLY ANNOUNCE THE POBLICAttOtt 6f THEIR NEW SPRING CATALOGUE, Containing descriptions of the most popular and Ornamental Garden Plants of the season, amongst which are the following. The Catalogue contains 60 designs of Flower Beds as an aid to amateur cultivators and others. VIOLA. CORNDTA ALBA.— Pule white. , NEW LILIPUTIAN ZONAL GERANIUMS In colours, with neat DAHLIA WHITE BEDDEB.-Surpassibg all other white varieties I »"" el=S>n' 'i'"'"' "< K'""'', adapted for miniature designs and for bedding purposes and ofi^ectivo belt", Sc. umtiue tairy groups. GOLDEN.LEAVED ARCHANGEL.-Tbe brightest golden-leaved DO0BLE.FLOWERED ZONAL GERANIUM.-For bedding. perennial bedding plant. ' MADAME ROSE CilARMEUX.— Tom Tliumb grovrth. NEW HYBRID COLEUS. The most distinguished for their brilli.mt and effective colours. The featm-es of many varieties recently sola predominate too much in green ground tints and heavy colours to be suitable for garden deeoratioil. WELLINGTON NURSERY, ST. JOHN'S WOOD, LONDON, N.W. I HAAGE & SCHMIDT, Eepukt, Petjssia, BEG TO ANT^OUNCir THAT TitEY ARE WOW SENDING OUT FOR THE PlHST TIME THE FOLLOWING HIGHLY tNTERESTlWG NOVELTY- New and Rare Orchids. LINDEN" offers the foilowiug species, at very moderate prices (a considerable reduction when quantities are ordered) OdoQtoglossum „ Pescatorei ,, triumpbani Oncidimn macranthum hasti- „ nubip6num,Tar.Ptiftl!eD0pals „ cucullatum, var. maculatum Nasonia cinnabarina Mesospinidium sauguinonm Ua-Uii Polycycnis barbata ;ristatum -r-^ -f ■ ■ « Also the finest Cattleya yet introduced— C. ELDORADO (First EstabUBliment for tie Introduction of New Plants. J LINDEN olfers the following first-rate Novelties : — • THE MAIDEN-CROWN MAliANTA (Maranta virginalis. Linden). 24a. 6d. FICUS DEALBATA (Linden).— This noble plant was considered the most remarkaole novelty exhibited last year at Paris. 42s. GONNERA MANICATA (Linden).- Perfectly hardy; leaves com- ;ircuml"eronce. los. Od. ,— Exhibited for the first time ac raris last year. Jfloweis 3 inuhes across, of the purest azure blue. Fine looking plant. •JI». POLyCAltPA MAXIMOWICZl North Japan, i'u-st-i a flue Plum. 21a. Dichorisandra mosaica „ undiita Echites rubrd-venosa Eranthenmm igneuin Maranta ilhiBtris „ Le£relleana Wallisi .. ,, Lindeni Pbilodendron Lindeni OPUNTIA RAFINESQUIANA. (One-tenth natm'al size.) OPUNTIA KAFINESQUIANA (Engelmann).— This is the only species of Cactus hitherto Known which with- stands our severest winters without any protection whatever ; the more remarkable because of its being a species of the Indian Fig, which otherwise occurs only in warmer climates. The plant forms a prostrate, spreading mass of obovate, flat, thick joints, which are dark green, perfectly smooth and spineless, flowering in July very handsomely, bright j'ellow, producing an abundance of red, fleshy fruits of a flavour very similar to Gooseberries, dfelicious as preserves. Cfaildren are extremely fond of them. It is a native ot the Mississippi valley, Illinois, MissouH, Wisconsin. Its close habit of growth renders it well adapted for edgings, for which purpose we have employed it, looldng extremely neat throughout the year, the more so in winter, not changing colour or being aflected in any way by .any degree of frost, if the soil is well drained and no stagnant moisture allowed to remain near the plants. Plants sent free to London at the following rates :— One Plant (joint), 3S. ; Two Plants, 5s. ; Six Plants, 12s.; Twelve *lail*S, VSS. MAT BE HAD ALSO FROM MESSRS. JAMES BACKHOUSE ajstd SON, YORK ; and MESSRS. HOOPER and CO., COVENT GARDEN MARKET, LONDON, W.Cf. I itlAT 2i3; isf68:.] THE GAEDENERS' CTIRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. RUSSELL'S PYRAMIDAL PRIMULAS. — This iimRuiflcoiit strain still maintainB Itfl character as the finest In oultivHtion. New yowd, iTlre if. Gii. per packet. PRIMULA KERMKSINA.— The great fault of this brillinnt coloured variety has hitherto been its indisposition to throw its flowers above ihe follnKe. I have nov?, however, the aatlsfiotlon of ofl'erinK it with the same erect, conspiououa at.yie as the other kmdfi. The stock of this 1» Umlted this year. Price 6s. per packet. GEniKJE Ci.i.RK.8, Nurseries, Streatham Pitwe, Brixton HUl, S. ; and Mottmghain, Kent. ___^_^___ __^— ^^- PRIMULA FIMliRlATA.— Six superbly fringed varieties, producing: inimcDse tlowei-s, mixed, Is. Gd. aod 2s. 6d. per packet; superb dark Red and White do., separate. Is, GU. and CALCEOLARIA, of the most superb quality. la.andSs. Crf. psi-pkt.; James' latomationiit do., Is. and2.N-. tW. per packet ; Sclitt's splen- did Dwarf do., uXitoedinnly handsome jmd usetUl, ^.{Jd. perpkt. CINERARIA (Scott's pruo), Ls. and 'Js. Od. per packet. For other choice ifoeds aee former Advertisement; CATALOGUE free on application to J. SooTT, The Seed Stores, Yeovil, Somerset, SEED To the Trade. SHARPE'a IMPROVED LARGE PURPLE-TOP SWEDE. CHARLES SHAUPK and CO., Seed Ghoweks. Sloftlord, have to olfor Sood of the above named flrst-clasy SWEDK. It has been tested iu all parts of the United Kingdom, iid baa proved itself thu heaviest cropper and best quality of any Perpetual Flowering Tree Carnations. EDWARD PERKINS. Sen., begs to otter a lar^c stock of fine healthv plants, in Pots, of the above desirable summer and winter flowering, Tree Carnations, strong plautij, from l^^ to IS inches hii?h. The Scarlet Fluke and the Bright Scarlet SELF CARNATION, 12fl. per dozen. , hardy, and proof PVRETHRUM GOLDEN^ FEATHER, 12,s-, Gd. per 100. GERANIUMS, bedding varieties, strong plants of all kinds worti buying, 128. Od. per 100. Lenmmgton Nursery and Seed Establishment, opposite the Londo: and North-Western Railway Station, Leamington, Extra Choice Seeds for Present Sowing. ROBERT PARKER be^ to offer the uadeniamed, all' of which are warranted to be of the finest possible quaUtles. Per packet — s. d. CALCEOLARIA, herbaceous, finest mixed 2 0 CINERARIA CRUENTA, finest mixed 2 I3 MYOSOTIS SYLVATICA (Cliveden variety) 0 0 sn'iH^.k lMTl."^HMKnTA'PM "WPTTTT.- (I fi PRIMULA SINEN^SIS FIMBRIATA, finest raised ., ..2 0 ,. „ KERMESINA SPEENDENS .. ..2 6 WALLFLOWER, double German, finest mixed 0 C PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES, containing Select Lists of Agricultural, Flower, and Vegetable Seeds, Spring Bedding Plants, Greenliouse, Uardv, and Stove Plants, are published, and will be forwarded gratis to applicants. Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S.W. Cheap Autumn-grown Plants. GEORGE DAVISON oflers at 2s. per dosien :— AGERATUM (dwarf). AMARANTHUS MELANCHOLIC0S Colous, Calceolaria, Cuphea, Gazania- splendens and vaiiegata^ Onaphalium lanatum, Kueniga, Ireslne Herbstii and aurea retictuatn Lobelia Iblue), Nierembergia gracilis, Perilla, and Viola com ita it Gd.: GEKANIUai Brilliant, Indian Yellow, Imperial Cm son Kingsbury Pet, Orange Nosegay, Stella, Scarlet Gem, Tom Thumh and Shrubland. 3^, per dozen : Alma, Countess of Warwick, Mangles Chrlstme, Donald Beaton, Cybister, Mrs. Wm. Paul, and Spitfire 5s. per dozen: Crystal Palace Gem, Gold Pheasant, Gloire de Nam-v ■■ ■ Umta, Sunset, Zonal and Zonal Nu:,egay (one of eat-h by utaurea i: White Cross. Hereford. Wonersh Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey W VIRGO AND SON beff to announce that their • Stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the underraent oned kinds is this season very extensive and well-grown, samples pr ces and Catalogues of which can be obtained on application : — 10,000 Green Holly, transplante 1 li to 3 ft. Horse Chestnuts, 3to4& 5to7ft Commoa and Portugal Laiu'el Berberis aqulfolia APPLES. PEARS, PLUMS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. LOISE-CHAUVIERE, Seed G-ro-w-er, Nursekyjian and Florist, 14, Qiiai de la Mfittisserie, Paris. Eighty-four Gold and Silver Medals in the Exhibitions of France Ehgland, Belgium, and Prussia (Gold Medal, Universal Exhibitl d of 1867). By appointment Seedsman to the Emperor. All kinds of VEGETAJ3LE and AGRICULTURAL SELDb can be suppUedr Including— GREEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR KEET (true seed) RED-TOP IMPERIAL „ „ „ Lowest price for cash on application. The most complete oollootion of GLADIOLL CATALOGUES on applicatioa. DRUMHEAD CABBAGE PLANTS, strong Pin planted, 2s, iid-ver 1000. PERKINS'S CONQUEROR SWEDE.— A very hea\T cropptr f can be confidently recommended as the best Swede in cutti SPEClAJi LIST of TURNIP SEEDS on appUcation to TaoMAft PKBSjKa, 42, Drapery, Northampton. Terms Cash. Suttons' Grass Seeds FOR ALL SOILS. QUTTON AND &ONS f^ huva oFlTT nn KSnVT o^itiQ qT each Of which are mixed expressly to suit the soils for which they are intended. Price 2ls. to 32s. per acre. eirriago f^ee, SoTTOK te So.-ra, RoyaJ Berkshire Seed Establishment, Reading. PREMIER PRIX, PARIS, 1807. SUTTON AND SONS, Seedsmen to the Queen, Reading, Berks, Invite inspection of their extensive Stand in the Show Yard, whitih will be lound to contain a large collection of GRASSES, GRASS SEED.S, FARM SEEDS. GARDEN SEEDS, &.C., to which was awarded a jPremier Prix Silver Medal at the Paris International Exhibition, 18G7. Also superior specimens of AGRI- CULTURAL ROOTS. Orders will be received at their Stand for TURNIP SEEDS for present sowing, at very moderate prices. All Goods carriage free, except veiy small parcels. Five per cent, allowed for cash payment. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES gratis on application, or post; ftee. SuTTOM A Sons, Royal Berks Seed Establishment, Reading. c ^AKTBK'S GENUINE FABM SEEDS. SEIHVING'S LIVERPOOL SWEDE, U. id. per lb. DEVONSHIRE GHBy-STONE TURNIP, Is. M. per lb. CARTER'S PURPLE-TOP HYBRID TOHNIP, 1». Gii. per lb. CARTER'S OREKN.TOP HYBRID TURNIP, Is. 6.(. per lb. POMEllANIAN WHITE GLOBE TURNIP, Is. 3(i. per lb. LI'NCOLNSHiaF RED OLOBE TURNIP Is per lb IMPBIIIAL GREFN OIOBb TUIIMP 1« per lb •special low luobations per bu^bel on applicatioo HAROr SWEDE. is. 4fi. per lb. The best kind in cultivation. Special Estimates for large quantities. Buyers of Gtmiilne Farm Seeds should see "CARTER'S ILLUS- TRATED PARMER'S CVLENDAR," containing a Practical Treatise on the Laying Down of Grass Lands, and other valuable mformation, forwarded Gratis and Post Free on applicatioa to James CARTza & Co., Seed Fanners, 237 and 23SI, High Holborn, W.C. cation to Mr. Tuouas Jkssop, l^anungham Wood, near FammRham Station, Kent. It is dispatched by the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway in tnick.H of 16 yards, to most Stations in the Kingdom, or fetched in carts from the Wood. It is extensively used nnd appre- ciated in the principal Nurseries, and in the Royal Parks and Gardens. Price 58. per cubic yard loaded at Famingham Station. BEAUTIFUL NEW LOfiELM, LITTLE GEM. A wJnn^''^'J^l'™°'"'''"*'*™"'°^'l^™''st desirable novelty is the FIRST-OLASS CERTIFICATE wliich was tt "'"""^ *'''^ ^'°''"' '^°'°™''^^ °f "i« I'oy^ Horticultural Society in 1867. ./', 5"^°'!* '"'*' ?'"■'* wliStc, with a clear well-defined blue marrin, habit very compact, and blooms in a dense mansj lasting throughout the season. j i ■ LITTLE GEM mil prove itself very saitable for pot culture. of the most effective and best'bedding or edging plants of the year, and is Plants I-AWSON and SOIT have much pleasure iii introducing the above, and arc now sending out Price Is. each, 9s. a dozen, 60s. a hundred. SPECIAL PRICES TO THE TRADE, AND PER THOUSAND, ON APPLICATION. EDINBURGH and LONDO If.— Api-U, 18C8. L.wvKs' r \ I 1 \ r I ru.Nir manure! l.AH !■■.>■ Ill -. i!,v 1.1 1 i:u.VES. LAWK.s M'n;i;||||ii-,|||I.\TE OF LIME. i">S',S'*i WllEA r. BARLEY, GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES ^•^.y"='''.,'^^'*'^'*^'''"A''''*Ll CORN and GRASS MANURES. I heae MauuroB can be obtained of Mr. Liwis, or tlirouKli tbo appointed AKents in all parts of tlie United Kuicdoni. at prioQB varying accordlnn to cost of carriage. „S?,';'!',5V, I'KllUVIAN UUANO direct ftom the Iraportein. NITRATE of SODA, SULPII^VIE of AMMONIA, and other CUemiciil Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. 1. Adelaide Place, London Bridge, 1 Marl Cr Square, Shrewsbury. rHE LONDOK MANUSE COMPANY (EsTABLisuBn 1840) Have now ready for delivery in dry fine condition, CORN MANURE, tor Spring U«e DISSOLVED BONES, for Dro,ssing Paatoro Land, SUPERPHOiSPHATESofLIME PREPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Aino Gonmne PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA ■ AMMONLA, FISHERY SULPHATE Omces, 116, Eenchu " ODAMS'S N ODAMS-S .N OD^VMSS l> K. PijBSKR, Secretai7. T ji'Kia'llMSi'UATE of LIME. ;lta'AiLhD PKRUVIAN GUAiTO. HE PATENT NITRO-PiiOSPHATE OR BLOOli MAJEURE COMPANr (Limiteaj. Chief Offices — 109, Fenchurch Street, London. Weetei-ii Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter Irish Branch— 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Robert Leeds, West Lexhaio, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Statniord. Samuel Jonas, tin»hall Grange, Essex. Charles Dornaan, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Thoniaa Webb, Hildersham, Cambndgeahire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross. Lincolnshu-e. Charles J. Lacy, do. West Smithfield. Managing Director — James Odama. Bonfteri— Messrs. Bametta, Hoares, & Co^ Lombard Street. So iici(ors— Messrs. Kingslord & Dorman, 23, Esses Street, Strand Auditor— J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge, This company was origmaUy termed by, and is under the direction ol agriculturists : circumsUnces that have justly earned fdr it another title, viz, — "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company," Its members are cultivators ol upwarda ot ou.tkiO acres of land whitih has been for years under management with manures of their manufacture, consequently the consumer has the best guarantee efflciicy ol the Manures manutactmed by applic ch Street, London, E.(. D AWES'S ilUU'iiCULTUUAL MAI^UKE is proved ■iia Lo ln.> tliL' HIST I uitiliser extant for Flowers, Vege- I'l-cus, l.;iwiis, \i- [\, be had of mosL Seedsmen, lu Testimonials s THE PAXTON GARDEN MAmiRE is tiie most economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known for Vegetables, Flowers, Fruit Trees, Grass Lawns, &c. It la inodorous and portable. To be had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, WiLLiAus & Co., St. Peter's Road, Islington, N, Agents Wanted in every Town where none have been appointed. Tlie Cheapest and Best Insecticide. DUTY-FREE TOBACCO. pOOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, lor the Prevention and DestrucCfon of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nursferytnen, Seedsmeuv afld Florists, ] In Tins at iR., 2*. 0(f., and 5*. j Powder Dlstnbutors, 23. &d. and 38. 6d. each'. •' I find It exceedingly useful lor klUing the Aphides on Roses and other Plants."— Geo. Eyles, Superintendent of the B^yol Horticul- tural Gardens, South Kensington, May 7, ISS-S, Sole Manufacturer, T. A. P O O L E Y, Bonded Warehouse, Susses Wharf, Wapplng, E, Agents required in Tu^vns where not already appointed. Her Majesty's Gardener, FO"WLER'S GAKDENEKS* INSECTICIDE; says " It will kill any insect that it comes into contact with without mjury to the plant," This invaluable prepai-atlon will be found to be SIMPLE, EFFICAOIOITS, and HARMLESS In destroying and preventing all the various Insects and Blights infesting Plants and Treoa. May be applied by dipping, sj-ringlng, or sponging, and by the most inexperienced. Sold by Nur.ierymen, Seedsmen, and Chemists throughout tno kingdom, in jars. Is, tit/., 3a.,&*. Od., and lUs. each. * *t, -i Testimonials from the highest Professional and Amateur Autnon- ttes may be obtained of the Manufacturers, G. AND T. FOWLER, Brighton. LosDoN AoEiiTS :-Barclay & Co. ; Barr & Sugden ; Beck, Hendor- son ft Child; T. Bngdeu ; Butler, McCulloch & Co.; J. carter « Co. J H. Clarke k Sons; Chariwood ACuiumlns; hooper A Co. ,». Uixon & Co. ; B. J. Bdwiirda: J- Fairheftd « Sou; ^*»«f^ * ^^° ,• W. Hooper & Co. ; Hurst * Son ; G. B. Event & .^%-^^,^\ s^inie? & Son ; Uws. Ash & Co. ; JK Low 4 Co. ; Mather A Co^ Mtnler, NmU *^'a«ii V H. I'otteP ; J . Veitch SfOon ; J. Wrench & 6on ; B. b. WUliamB. " ' \v'hoiesalo and Ketutl. 540 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 23, 1868. Agent. POOLEY'S TOBACCO i-OWDER. for Destruction of J- Blight and other Diseases In Plants. See large Advertisement Sold in Tins, price Is., 2s. ed., and 5». POWDER DISTRIBOrOttS, 2s. M. and 3jy. 6d each The Garden Repository. 32, James Street, Covept Garden. W.C. A Real Boon to Nurserymen and Gardeners HSent for 12 stamps, and stamped directed envelope. OW to ll.^KE and APPLY a LIQUID to KILL GREEN-FLY almost instantly, and without the slightest inrary to the most tender Plant. The cost being only 2)ii. per Jallon. K. H. Baud, 2, Ordnance Road, St. John's Wood, London W G tTsed by many of the leading Gardeners ainca 1659, against Red Spider, Mildew, Tbripa, I Fly, and other Blight, Sold Retail by Seedsmen, boxes, Is., 3a., and 1 t. 6d. Wholesale by PRICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY (Limited). Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNOR AKD COOKE'S WARKANTfii) PRIZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that you eet them. Observe the mark SAYNOR, also the Corporate Mark, Obtain Warhantkd, without which none are genuine. S. & C. regret haTing to caution Gardeners and othera, but are . do f many compla ■) be made to them of Knives which \ )KiZii MEDAL (jAttitEiN SEATS. GARDEN SEATS, waa awarded by the Royal Agricultural Society of England at Bury, 1867, to ALFRED WRINCH, Ipswich. lUuatrated Catalogues post free. Goods of 20fi. value free to London Green's Patent Noiseless Lawn Mowers. THOMAS UREEN and SON, in introducinff their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present seasonf beg to state that they have no novelties to report. The fact is, that after the severe teats their Machines have been subjected to since they added their latest improvenienta, four years ago, they have been found to meet alt the requirements for which they are intended, viz. :— the keeping of Lawns in the highest state of perfection. Patent Lawn Mowers have proved I off every prize that has been given ii n proof of tl ■■ a the year 1856. They are the only Machines in constant v, , and in proof of their superiority upwai-da of 44,uu() bave been Buckingham Palace Gardens Marlborough House Uardena Royal Horticultural Society, South KenuiDgton The Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park The Crystil Palace Company's The Winter Palace Gardens, The Liverpool Botanic Gardens The Leeds Royal Park The Hull Botanic Gardens The Botanic Gardens, Bnmflels The Sunderland Park The Preston Park of the prmcipnl Parka and Squares In the United HAND MACHINE. Suitable for a Lady. To cut 14 inches . . £6 li .. 16 » .. 6 1' Suitable lor One Person. IMceB of Horse, Pony, and Donkey Machines, including Patent t A. SMITH have now completed and fillea a • Specimen House, lOo feet lone, with the most extensive and beautilul collectibhln the "world, which are now on view every day, Sunday excepted. The following varieties can now be had in strong plants, at reduced prices : — ARIEL t IMPERATBICE EUGENIE DAWN I MONARCH ECLIPSE i PRINCE of WALES PRINCESS of WALES QUEEN of the FAIRIES QU-EEN VICTORIA ENSIGN ANTAGONIST DEFIANCE GRANDIS L'EMPEREUR LOUISA SMITH MEMNON fine specimens of most of the above for exhibition and other purposes. Prices on apphcation. CATALOGUES now ready. ^ "^^ ViiPcoiHuo Woat. Tlnlwinb. S K. METEOR TheNu To Purchasers of Tricolored Pelargoniums. J WATSON, New Zealand Nursery, ht. Alban's, is • now sending out his two unrivalled PUtlGOLOR PELAR- GONITJMS. MISS WATSON and MRS. DIX, ^hey were awarded 10 First-chisB Certiflcates and Extra Prize Money within the year 1867. Price, good plants, in nice colour, 31s. Gd. each , extra size, for specimens, 42.^. each. Usual Trade allowance or Special Contract. When taken in quantity one Plant gratis in every six.— St. Alban's, May fi. Geraniums, Geraniums- JC. PADMAN, Providence Nursery, Boston Spa, • Yorkshire, can supply the following GERANIUMS (package included) for £1 :— 3 LA GRANDE 1 4 VIRGO MARIE I 6 MISS E:1NG>SBURY 6 GOLD LEAP 3 PINK STELLA 2GL0IRb: DE NANCy.dbJ. 3 SUNSET I 6 MRS. POLLOCK | 3 ITALIA UNITA N B For any of the above kinds not required others of equal value will be substituted. CATALOGUES free on applic;ition. p E L A K G^O^ I 0 m" novelties. GLOIUE DE NANCY | TRIOMPHE DE LORRAINE TRIOMPHE THUMESNIL | TRTOMPflE ' iOji. dfi. L'ELEGANTE DUKE of EDINBURGH Casbon & Son, Gravel Wnlk Nursery, Peterborough. I SILVER GEM 1 PELTATUM ELEGANS Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, London, N. WILLIAM PAUL'S NOVELTIES for 1868, now first offered for sale, and raised or introduced by thia Establish- ment ; ready for delivery in May. NEW GOLDEN VARIEGATED PELARGONIUM. RED ADMIRAL.— Leaves green, with black and crimson scarlet zone, the crimson scarlet colour predominating ; a rao.st beautiful variety, free, hardy, and very eff'ective. Jirgt-Clasg Certificate from the Hoyai Botanic Society. Price 21,5. each. »NEW SILVER VARIEGATED PELARGONIUM. riUNCE SILVERWINGS— A fieedling between Mrs. Pollock and Variecated Stella, the leaves green, with white edges and black and red zone; quite a new style of variegated Pelargonium, being the first of the Variegated Stella race with .the red zone^ exceedingly beautiful. Price 10s. 6d. each. NEW SILVER-EDGED PELARGONIUM. SNOWDROP.— Leaves green, broadly edged with white ; free, hardy, and very efl'ective. Price 7s. Gd, each. NEW BRONZE AND GOLD PELARGONIUM. OSS I AN.— Leaves yellowish green, slightly zoned, flowers dark blood colour, trusses large,, compact, and well formed, produced in great abundance, dwarf habit. Price 5s. each. NEW DOUBLE PELARGONIUM. COTTINGTON or DOUBLE TOM THUMB. — Flowers scariet, sometimes quite double, at others only semi-double, with largt "r'oin the stock L this group of very beautiful. Price 5.s. each NEW BEDDING PELA The following New Zunnl m.i been pelected from several th-i of the 'ate Mr. Donald Benton i6 may be selected by the pill' I. ' < ■- — AURORA.— Flowers salmuii. ^Mh r.'ij^.pii'iinus white eye, flowers nnd truss very large. Quo form and habit, leaves darkly zoned. Price 6/1. each. CHIEF JUSTICE.— Flowers dark velvety scarlet, colour very rich, fine compact truss, leaves plain. The finest dark scarlet yet raised ; very free, and gorgeous as a bedding variety. Price 3j. M. each. COMET.— Flowers yellowish scarlet, trusses and flowers of medium size, fine habit, and blooms profusely, leaves zonate. One of the finest, especially suitable for large beds. Price 3s. Cd. each. EDWINIA FITZPATRICK SILVER STAR TWILIGHT ITALIA UNITA COUNTESg TYRCONNELL QUEEN VICTORIA MRS. BASS ELECTRIC L'ELEGANTE BEAUTTY of OULTOK ITALIAN BEAUTY LADY CtjLLUM OBEKON Thoroughly Established and Hardened-off Bedding Plants. WOOD AND INGRAM beg to offer extra strong and bushy i>lant3, in single pots, of the following, which cannot CALCfcoLAi«A AUREA FLORIBUNDA, in S-inch pots, 2s. ed. POA TRIVIALIS ARGENTEA ELEGANS (Variegated Meadow Grass), in ■2i-inchj)ot3j_2s. 6d. per dozen. IRESINE"HERBSTli,in2i-iDchpot3,as.6rf. per dozen. AUREA RETICULATA, in 2i-inch pots, 33. per dozen. HUMEA ELEGANS, splendid speoimeus, in lO-inoh pota, 9io 4 feet high, and clothed with fine foliage, 3s. 6d. each, 3t>s. per dozen. The Nurseries, Huniingilon. Choice Zonal and ^icolor yelargoniums. UOCKS begs to offer as above, in finest viirieties, Auturan-grnwn Plants, in 60^ize pots, 100 for 308. ; 50 for I6s. M. ; or 25 for 9s. 6'i., pftokage included. PRICED LIST of BEDDING PLANTS free. Old Nurseries, Doniugton, Spaldit w. CHOICE BIDDING PELARGONIUMS.— Lady Cullum, Sophia Cusack, Sophia Duraaresque, Sunset, Italia Unita, Luna, Qoadricolor variegnta. Golden Cense Unique, BeautC- de Surcsnes, Glolre de Nftncy, Rebecca, Sir Joseph Paxton. The 12 varieties in good plants for 21s. Remittances requested from unknown corresoondents. Thomas Pestridoe, Greenway Nursery, Uxbrldge Middlesex, W._ r^ ERANiUM LORD DERBY— Now sending out for Flrst- class'^OertiflcAte at Royal Horticultural. Botanic, and Crystal Palace Societies, and Special at Bury St. Jidmund's in 1867. Plants, well ' - - ' '-ti, 15,s. and 20s. each. To ■equtsted. Carriage paid 3 Nurseries, tircntwood, Essex. '"' New Variegated Pelargonium, Ofthe TRICOLOR or QUa-DRlCOLOR SECTION (named, by kind pennis&ioD), MRS. BEllNERS. ROBERT REA, Nurseryman, &c., London Road, Ipswich, has much pleasureiu offering the above most beautiful variety, feeling confident that it will be found a mo^t valuable acquisition to the Flower Garden, eitlier for beds or ribbbi 3 London. John Mann t Son, Gravel Walk Nursei?, Peterborough. ARIEGATED' GBRANIUMS for BE'dDING'. Perdoz.— s. d. i Perdoz.— «. d. ITALIA UNITA .. ..9 0 V MRS. POLLOCK MRS. BF SUNSET MRS. BENi'ON MARY ELLEN BICOLOR BPLENDEEJS . BEAUTY of OULTON .. - . GOLDEN TOM THUMB . G 0 MOUNTAIN of SNOW In strong plapts at the above prices for cash. Remittances requested from unknown correspondents. Address Alfred Frter, Nurseries. Chatteris. Cambridgegh New Bronze Zonal Gerajiiums. .....^=?-„ .^^ -^j^j^j.- offer as lender, which are of first-claas excellence, and cannot be surpassed.' GERANIUM MISS MORPEY (UsnEa's).- A very large flat gold leaf, 7 inches across, with brone zone, quite distinct, and magni- ficent bedder ; the flower also IS good shape. 6s. each, 30s. perabz. BED of GOLD (Martin's).— The leaf of this is bright gold colour aad pea green, with a bronze vandjked zone ; for bedding purposes It cannot be excelled ; it is very conspicuous at a distance, being glaring and distinct. 5s. each, 30s. per dozen. ALPINE AURICULA, very choice, from the finest flowers, '.Js. 6d. per packet. ^_^____ EMPRESS.— Flowers salmon, shaded with purple. Large, good form and substance, large trusses ; a first-rate kina, either for pots, vases, or beds ; leaves zonate. Price 3s. 6rf. each. EVENING STAR.— Flowers magenta rose, of a colour particularly soft and pleasing, trusses large, and produced in enormous quantities; a small bed of it grown here last summer was con- stantly a mass of flowers ; leaves slightly zonate. Price 3s. 6d. FAMt;.— Flowers fine deep orange, trusses and flowers average size, leaves plain. Price 3s. 6t/. each. LILAC RIVAL.— Flowers bright lilac, with white blotch . upper petals, produced i brightest and 1 ~' "■' Price 58. each. , MODEL.— Flowers fine scarlet, smooth, perfectly circular, great substance ; habit first-rate and tree, leaves plain. The finest 'of scarlets for bedding, Price 3s. Grf. each. MURILLO.— Flowers deep bloud crimson; very effective. Price &^. Qd. each. , , PtE AN.— Flowers rose, shaded with lake, large, fine form and BubBtance, trusses large and abundant, leaves darkly zonate; flr^t-cl-iss for pots, vases, or beds. Price 5s. each. RAINBOW.— Flowers soft scarlet, with yellowish tinge on upper, and rosy tinge on lower |»etals ; leaves plain. Price os. each. ROBIN HOOD.— Lower petals light puiple, edged with lake, upper petals magenta crimson; novel, beautiful, and an exquisite bedding variety ; leaves slightly zonate. Price 6s. each. SULTANA.— Flowers rosy red, large, good shape; good habit, free. I scarlet ; free, very effective; leaves VIRGINIA.— Flowers fresh pink ; very effective, leaves zonate. Price 3s. 6d. each. NEW PflLOXES. BEAUXIFUL.— Flowers pure whito, with clear and distinct purple eye, laiKe, and of perEect form, immense spike, and fine dwarf robust nablt. First-class Certificates from the Royal Horti- cultunil and Royal Botanic Societies. Price 6s. each. COJfQUEROR.— Flowers pure white, with dihtinct deep red eye, tn.ro'fl. form nevffifit. foliace broad and fine, th'e snikes Often 20 in. GBRANIUMS^ Show and Erench Varieties, Strong Plants, 50s. per ItK) ; fine Show Varieties of Zonals, 305. per 100, strong Plants. Also— be the t s Certificate from t > has seen them to > moat beautiful varieties of this fine out-of-door plant ever introduced. NEW ROSES. All the best kinds, fine uealthy established plants. 3s. 6rf. each, 'Vis per doz Last year's novelties, 2s. 6d. to 3s. each, 2-is. to 80s. per doz. Older kinds, l.is. to ISs. per doz. For descriptions see Row Catalogue. For other NOVELTIES, as Variegated Pelargoniums, Camellias, Ac, see Spring Catalogue for 18Ga. forwarded post-free on application. Important. — All li Perdoz.— s. d. Golden Nuggett . . . . 6 Virgin Queen . . . . i Flower Spring . . . . 4 Gold LeaJ" 4 Italia Unita 12 Tml.ght 13 Reiue d Or *> St. Oair 6 Bumlng Bush Silver Chain.. Miss Kingsbury .. .. 6 Mrs. Lennox .. .. ^ Glowworm 12 Cutford Beauty .. ., i Countess of Warwick Cloth of Gold Golden Fleece 0 I Bijou Improved the Ipswich Horticultural Society i week in Juno, at 21s. each, with the usual discount t Notice. WATERER AND GOL)FHh;V beg to announce that the AMERICAN PLANTS at Knap Hill are now in great beauty, f^nd piay be seen daily, ^a a display ol flowers it is the must extensive of its kind Eiigland afford.s. Their Exlilbitiun at the llorticultural Gardens, South Kensington, wUl be on VIEW DAILY on and afcer the 26th inst. The Nursery is readily reached by Train to Woking Station, where capital conveyances may be depended on. ^_ __ COLEUS, in eight Varieties.— The following Coleus— Veitchii, Gibsoni, Bloomei, atropurpurea, Leoraonti, VerschaffelLii, aurea marginata, and marmorata^can now be sup- plied, in good plants, at 6d. eich, 4s. per dozen, 20s. per lUO ; Iresiue Kerbstli. and aurea reticulata, at IDs. 6d. per 100 ; Lobelia spocioaa, strong, at 10s. Gii. per 100 ; Golden FeatUer, 2.5s. per 100; '--■'" splendens, iiOs. per lUO. B.'W- Kmcbt, Nurseryman, Rattle, Susses. a 0 I Emperor Silver Chain..' .. .. 6 0 Silver Nosegay Mrs. Melford Special price given by t M & Son, 7. Market Place, Hull. 1 100. Choice Variegated Geraniums. EG. HENI>ERSON and CsON offer 12 Varieties of • the following, their own or purchaser's selection, for 21s. Many in this collection are very strong plants ^my Goldfinch . J. .,,..,. I Italia Unita Eeuilworth Lady Oullam Lady of Shallqt Lightuing Queen Mary Rainbow Rosette Rosy Gem Silver Chain Butterfly Canary Bird I Centurion' ] Circlet I Countess of Tyrconnel Crown Diamond Crystal' Pfllaoe. Gem , Gaiety 1 Appleby Hall Beauty Beauty Supreme Caroline Lonfield Casttemilk Duke of E(jinburRh Edwinia Fitzpatrick Emerald | E. G. Henderson | Electric LydJa Jiay Queen M6teor Jlrs. Benynn „ Lonfifleld „ M. ftutton ' PoUook Neatness Picturatum e following, 8 selection, ^s. Eastern Beauty Jair Annie Glen Eyre Beauty Gloworm Golden Ray Jock o' Hazeldean Justicia Lady Cullum Light and Shadow Snowflake Socrates [(bender) Stella alba niarglnn,t,a Sunset The Countess The Empress TopsJ [ Venu Waltham Gem ' YelTow Belt Ztngara selection. Mrs. E. Constable ., R. Wynn Prmcesis of Wales Sophia Dumaresque Wellington Road Nursery. St. John's Wood, Loudoi MAGNIFICENT NJEW HYBRIDS of COLEUS.- Six First Prizes were aw.irded on 5th inst., by the Floral Commit''-" "' Mi- Huval Hoiticultural Society, to the spleudid varietic.-. rm . Ii i-i'l i..' M'-:' ■ \" i rnn & Sons, at the sale held at Messi.s -■■ - '*ii"' '*8^i f**"" ''^"' deacriptiou of which" S.I' ■ . I -M'l'ii il. 1808, pages 370 and :i77- Mgy^P^ \ V -i.v- IN ii distribuLing these magnificent Novelties .ium,K Lho cucr.i.u- ^uiuuier at the following prices, and will be gl;id Lencoforth to hook orders, which wiU be executed strictly m rotation :— Plane-leaved StRrEs I Prilled- leaved Seriks. C. BERKELEYI .. .. 15s. Od. C. BAUSEI Ibs.Od. UflAUNDERSlI.. .. 10 6 C.SCOTTII . .. .. iO 6 C.RUCKERi 10 6 ICBATEMANI .. .. 10 d Or the Set of Six varieties together. £2 2s. Royal Exotic Nursery. Chelsea, S.W. ^ NewcErysantliemums. ADAM FOR&YTfl is now sending out several FIRST- CLASS SEEDLINGS, aU of which were greatly admired at the Metropolitim Shows last year. Likewise GEORGES NEW BEDDING TRupjJlOLUMS. For full description and opinions of the Press, see Catalogue, wnich is now ready. ,.„,,^ , ^ A F's COLLECTION OF CHRY-SANTHEMUMS includes all the 'best varieties for exhibitioii aind bedding purposes. Orders executed in rotation. ■.-, r ^ Brunswick Nursery, Stoke Newmgton, N., tendon. New Fuchsias. HCANNELL is now sending out fine plants of seven • varieties of Mr. Bants' NEW FUCHSIAS. Some of them are now in bloom, ana are truly grand. They will certainly disphice neariy all the old varieties in uuitivation See the extraordinary testimonials, from the very highest authorities, in H. C. a Catalogue. Tne Seven for j£3 lOs. ™. , . . Fuchsia Nursery, Woolwiah. Newand CUoice^ower Seeds, Free l)y Post. BS. WiLLlAMi^, Weed Merchant and Nukshby- • MAN, Victoria and Paradise Nmhery. Upper HoUowaj, *B s"w has much pleasure in submitting the following LIST of FLOWER SEEDS. -which are specially recommended for their beauty and superior qualities: — Per packet. — s. rf. PRIMULA (Williams- superb Strain), Red. ■WTiite, or Mixed 2s. 6a., Ss. od.. and o 0 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (Neill's extra choice ^^^ ^ ^ CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS "(saTeci from James' Strain) '2s. 6d. and 3 6 CINERARIA (Weatherili'sextni choice Strain) 3s. 6(i. and 6 0 (from choice named sorts) .. .. l£. ba. and 2 G POLYANTUUS (tue Prize Stniin) . . . . . . Is. 6d. and 'Z ti gyfeLAMENPERSlCUM (Wiggins' PnzeStm.n)_^^^^^^^^ ^ ^ CARNATION, from prize flowers 10 FICOTEE, from prize flowers 10 PINK (double fringed) 1 " HOLLYHOCK, from best named sorts .. .^■, /■„ ■■ ^ " GENTIANA VEKNA (this la the most beautiful of all the species for borders) 10 LILIUM AURATUM .. ■- •; } 6 GERANIUM "LE GRAND" Is. Gc/. and 2 6 STOC K I Autumnal -flowering) . . . . ..Ob (Bromptuu Scarlet) ( The two best Scarlets In > .. 1 o " (Scarlet Intermediate) i cultivation. J .. I 0 SWEET \VILLI AM (Hunt's Auricnla-eyed) .. 6d. and 1 0 Wallflower (Saiiuders' dark variety) ■• i iJ SOLANUM (VVeatUeriU's Hybrids) .. t!s. 6rf., 3^-. 6rf., and 6 0 VIOLA LUTEA (yellow-fluwered Violet) Is. 6d., 2s iid and 3 i. Victoria and Paxat^se Nursery, Uj^er Holloway, London, N. Mat 23, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 543 CARTER'S NEW PLANTS FOR 1868. JAMES CARTER & 00. Have the honour to announce that they hfive purchased of the Coviticil of the Koyal Hort^culturf*! Society A MAGNIFICENT SET OF iPOUR entirely new and distinct varietie.s of HYBRID COLEUS, Kaised jp the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick, and which attracted so much admiration at the Meeting of the Society on April 7. From tho Oanieners' Gltronicle, of April 11, 18fi8. "New Hthrids of Colkds.— Amongst the subjects which have been succossftilly brought underthe influenoe of tbe crosa-breeder nt the Chtawick Ofirden, a prominent place must be given to the genus Col ens, on which M. Bauae has practised \dth results which are in every wav satisfiiotory. A considerable number of hybrid novelties Tho Teliii was tlJroughont the seed-hearins parent. This wns fertilised by C. Veituhii, by C. OibsoDi, and by C. Bluniei, and in the offspring there is abundant evidence that true orosses have been effected. The novel form.s which have been produced ranpe In two series, tho one having plane crenated leaves, as in C. Veitohii, and the other having inoiso -dentate frilled leaves, as in C. Verschafleltii, so that BOmo follow in this respect the mother and some the father plant. The best of the forms, so far as yet developed, are the following :— ' PLANE-LRAVED SERIES. COLEUS DIXU (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeltii and C. Gibsonl). Gfbsoni), COLEUS WILSONI (a hybrid between C. Vergchaffeltii and C. Veitchii). COLEUS HEEVESII (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeltii and C. Blumeif. ** Now that col on red. leaved plants are applied to so mauv uses in ornamental gardening, we cannot but regard these new hybrids of Coleus as most valuable acquisitions, botli for in-door and out-door purposes, and they frill doubtles.'; not be long in making their way into the hands of cultivators. We may therefore beartiW congratu- late M. Bause on the result of his labours in this direction." JAJtES CARTER and CO. are in a position to offer these splendid Novelties for delivery on July 1. As the number of plnnts will be limited, orders will be registered and executed in sti'ict rotation. The Set, one plant of each of the four sorts, for 31s. 6d. Each, per plant, 10s. 6d. New Variegated Geraniums for 1868. S^* We strongly recommend Egyptian Queen, Goliah, Dr. Ptlmiose, and Soowdrop, as being most distinct, free-growing, and useful Bedding Geraniums, and respectively the best of their class. We offer the set, one plant of each of the four varieties, for 28s. 6d. will be ready for sondiDg out on the 1st of May. Orders a being booked, and will be executed in strict rotation. Description :— Darkest brone zone yet seen, on bright golden yellow ground ; leaves of extraordinary substance, consequently resisting sun and rain ; form of leaf round, and surftvce flat ; habit dwarf, bushy, and very hardy. Was planted out last season with all the bidet- ifolden bronze zoned varieties, and stood the variable seafon better than any. Will be exhibited at all the liondon Horticultural and Botanical Societies Shows in London this season. Figured in "Floral Magazine" for Januarv, 1SC8. Plates (by Andrews) may be had. Is. each. Single Plants, price 109. 6ti. each. Special prices when six, twelve, or more are taken GOLIAH (Morris), Tricolor.— In this we offer a desiderata long wanted (n tricolors, viz., a strong vigorous habit, fit either for COD9eryator7 pillar work, for gi-eenhouse pot culture, or for out- dqor planting, with a thick fleshy foliage, and habit as hardy ns old Trenlham Scarlet, or Tom ThXimb, and as free in urowth. It is like all Mr. Morris's strain, of fine circular form of foliage, and hfts ^ deejt golden yellow margin, broad zone of chocolate, flaked ^Dd has be^p niost successfullv used for two sterling '* Pnce 6a. eacli. SNOWDROP (Goonj).— The purest white margin, the freest grower, the best habit of any vet seen ; has been grown for three succes- Kive seasoTiB by the raiser, by ourselves, and at the Horticultural Garden, Ghifwick, also at Battersea Park and the Crvhtnl Palace. Wo can confidently recommend this as certain to give great satl^fucti'-^n. We have worked up a large atook to be enabled to send it out at a price which may' ensure its early Price 5». each ; 30s. per c JAMfiS CARTER ^ .CO.'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE Is now ready, containing con^plete Lists of Kew and Choice Stove, Greonhou^e, and Bedding Plants; also Coloured repreeentations of the following New Geraniums — Egyptian Queqn, ifmile Xemoine, ajid Mad^e Lemoine, and may be had Gratis and Post Free on application to CAHTE&'S GREAT LONDON SEEB WAKEHOUSE, 237 & 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. THOMTSON TESTIMONIAL FUND. Amount already advertised in Oardmers' Chronicle, £307 17 C Charles Attwater, Farm Lane, Ilnnunersmlth .. .. 0 fl C R. P. Gleudinnlng, Turnoaoi Green, W Ill T. B. Tillery, Tho Gardens, liurworton Hall, Bridgnorth, Roya hy Mr. James Ricuaiids, 0 K 1 1 c u L'rLTk" aT \ i; :\ to bo held in the 1 .Suciuty, Manchester. . each ; Second day, 'is. (id. , l,t. oaoh ; Subscribers to ai Subscription ;— Family, ; Individual, £1 l-t., admitting on all c line Bands of the fith Innlskillen 1 .„_- Infantry will be in attendance each da^. Cooper Street, Manchester. HENRY WHITWORTH. Sec. National nne Arts Exhlhrtioii at Leeds. LEEDS HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETY.— Under tho distinguished _patronage of the principal Nobility, Clergy, and Gentry of the West Ridlngiot the County of York. By the kind permission of the Right Worshipful the Mayor (A. Fairbalra, Esq.), their FIFTH GREAT EXHIBITION of PLANTS, FLOWERS, FRUITS, and VEGETABLES, will be and return them ^ree if they remain the property of the exhibitor. The Committee undertake to receive Boxes of Fruit, Cut Flowers, and Vegetables for Exhibition. The Committee provide Assistants and Horses for Exhibition Vans coming by Rail ; alflo covered Spring Vans to convey Plants, &c., between the Railway Station and the Exhibition Grounds. Schedules with Forms ot entry forwarded on application. WOTirE TO Ex n I niTOKs.— Entries to be made on or before JUNE 3. Cross Gates, near Leeds. JAMES BIRBEOK, Secretary. GRAND HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION at LEICESTER, in connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, .rULY 16 to 23, 1868. Amongst various Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cup). VALUE £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of the GARDENERS* CHRONICLE ani> AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for the best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows : — Of FRUITS, any Five of tbe following Eight kinds, one Dish of each :— Grapes, Melons (2 fruits). Strawberries, Gooseberries, Currants, Cherries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 18671. Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, ope basket or bundle of each :— Peas, French Beans (or Scarlet Runners), Broa(l Beans, Cauliflowers, Cucumbers (brace), Summer Cabbages, Early CaiTOts, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatoa, or Mixed Salading. This Prize will be onen to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners," of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetables* v( their oum growing; any article otherwise obtamed will disqualify the eshibiior. In awarding these Prizes the following Marjts will be allowed r^r the several subjects produced, according to their individual merit :— Currants Cherries Raspbei Cabbages Early Carrots Turnips Globe Artichokes Onions Spinach Rhubarb Potatos Mixed Salaaing (Any 8 of the above 14 subjects). Good. Medium. 6 3 3 2 3 3 I 2 a 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 SATUHDAY, MAY 23, 1868. MEETINGS FOR THK ENSUING WEEK. Mo«nAT. May 25— Llnncan CAnnivcrsary) 3 p.m. WECNEgpAT, — 27 (Royal Hotimic (First Summer Exhi-f 2 p.m. Tbursd»,t, ~ 281 bition) \ I" am- Fhidat, — 29 Kjjj^pjjpgfgj. (;^ational Horticultural F»,o.T, Juno sj Exhiblnon)^ Some one, we tMnk one of tho Brothers HjVbe, in his "Guesses at Truth," compares all works of genius to the famous blaokbii-d pie of the nursery rhyme. It was only when the pie was opened, that the birds began to sing. Where- upon, doubtless, a strange commotion would instantly take place among those whose only idea of pies of any kind was, that they were made to be eaten, and nothing more. Some were frightened at the music, and ran away, and as an excuse for their conduct declared ever after that tho pie smelt vilely. Many who remained, only watched theii- opportunity to transfix the birds on their forks, and carrj' them to their mouths. Sing, indeed I this might be all very well in tho woods, but what right had baked blackbirds to sing ? Were they not baked especially for their dinner? The lung alone could appreciate the dainty dish, and doubtless he was ravished with the sweetness of the music. It is very much like this with oirr ilower gardens. Many take fright at our high ideals of flower-picturo making : no sooner do they hear the first strain of colour-music than they run away. They cannot understand it ; they are either colour ignorant or colom- blind, and they attemj)t to cover their weakness, or gloss over their want of apprehension, by blaming the flowers. Just as tho vocal pie had a questionable smell, so the garden is pro- nounced to have a blinding glare of colour. whereas, how often the fault is not in the garden but in themselves ! But a more numerous class look at gardens solely through utilitarian spec- tacles. Point out to them a lovely mosaic of ilowors, an ex(|uisite harmony of dyes, the strongest contrast of many-coloui'ed beauty and the softest blendings of harmonious hues linking themselves by imperceptible gradations into each other, like the dulcet strains of distant music, rising and falling Uke the gentlest ripple of tho tide on a glassy .sea, and they will stand, knife in hand, and speculate how many basketfuls could cut, how many vases or jars stuffed full, how miiny bouquets made up out of the material of this concrete poem, that has stirred our souls like martial music, or soothed our hearts like the trill of the nightingale on a moonlight night, as it pours forth its softest notes on the still sweet air of a sleeping world. But the.se, knife in hand, are just like the hungiy guests around the vocal pie. What right indeed have flowers to sing; were they not planted, made, forsooth, expressly to bo cut and converted into money, .just as blackbirds were made to be eaten ? But there are some kings and more queens who can hear and appreciate the music without words that floats over flower gardens, and steals into and entrances the souls of those who are oi rnjmort with the high art embodied in our modern method of filling them. They possess the key that opens up all its hidden beauty, and the garden is just like the fabulous pie. UntU it is opened, no melody is heard, no enrapturing beauty seen ; but no sooner is it opened by sympathetic hands, and loving, tender, susceptible hearts, than at once it begins to sing ; and in this it resembles all other gi-eat works of genius — such as a'thrUling poem, or an entrancing picture. These, like our gardens, are dumb, unless in tho presence of those who have eyes to see and ears to hear their hidden depths of melody or beauty. Hence for the due appreciation of a well filled garden, an educated eye, aciiltured intellect, and a pure heart are needed. These are the keys that unlock all its different wards, and enable us to enjoy to the full the pleasant sights, sweet perfumes, and softer than iEolian music that may be seen or enjoyed within. Four things at least are necessary to the enjoyment of the beautiful — the presence of beauty, an eye to discern it, an intellect to estimate its worth, and a heart to bo properly impressed with its charms. And it is in no spirit of cynical fault-finding, but rather in one of sadness, that we add, that doubtless the fii-st of these is far oftener present than either of the other three. Beauty is much more common than the eye that can see, the intellect that can measure, or the heart that can properly receive or be properly impressed with its loveliness. Our gardens must be looked at soberly and reverently, in a spii-it of grateful admiration, if we would reap from them a full generous revenue of pleasm-e. Looked at as other works of art, theu- beauty of design, their exquisite lights and shades of colour, tho perfection of their individual parts, the breadth and massive gran- deur of their united wuuie, will affect us like the glory of a golden .-,1 nset, or the peaceful stillness 'of a starlight night. Throughout every form, and in every line of beauty, we can trace the workings of thought, and are thi-illed by the power of genius, whUe it may, nay, it must be, that we derive new and higher inspirations from Him who is at once the author and finisher of beauty, as well as of all our highest, purest, noblest pleasures. In the early volumes of the Gardeners' Chrouide, and also at intervals in later years. Dr. LiNDLEY did his best to explain the leading doctrines of the Mokphology of Plants. To him more than to any other botanist, perhaps, is duo tho populai'isation in this country of the notion propounded by Wolff, by Linn.-eus, by GoETiTE, and De Caxdolle. lia spite of some amount of ridicule and adverse criticism, the Professor was .amply able to hold his own, and no one doubts now that he was a most successful upholder of tho notion, that all the varied forms, all the diverse organs that one meets -n-ith in flowering plants are in essence mere modifica- tions either of the stem or " axis," or of the leaves attached to that axis. It Is quite ^mue- cnssary to go into the arguments on this head. Our present object is to show how this nobon, which has fol- some time been eon.sidered ..uito orthodox— a settled resting-place— must probably in its turn bo displaced by some wider generalisation. The more the 644 THE GAEDEXERS' CMONTOLE AKI) ACT^TrFTTTmAT, GAZETTE. [May 23, 1868. subject came to be considered, the more difficulty -was experienced in distinguishing between the leaf and the axis. And so at last it has become apparent that the only point of distinction between the two is that the summit of the leaf soon ceases to grow, and never forms a bud, while the summit of a branch lengthens, and is generally terminated by a bud. But it is not certain even that these, which appear sufficiently well marked J)oints of distinction, are really absolute. Not to go into details -which would be out of place here, we may state that the notion of the intrinsic identity of leaf and stem has been graduaUy gaining ground among some of our botanists, and that of late both Mr. Dakwin and Ml'. Herbert Spexcer have expressed them- selves in favour of the notion. Quite recently M. Casemir De CjIXDolle has*, by a series of indenendent observations, come to the same conclusion. M. De Cakbolle's inferences have been drawn from the examination of the course and distribution of the woody and vascular cords which pass from the stem into the leaf-stalk, and thence break up in the blade of the leaf— from an examination, in fact, of the venation of the leaves. Here, again, we may be permitted to refer, m passant, to the labours of Dr. LiNBLEY, the one of all our botanists who laid the greatest stress on the necessity for the systematic investigation of the immense diversities in the venation of leaves, and fi-om which he foresaw that great advantage would accrue. The pages of this Journal and of the "Botanical Register " bear ample testimony to this. To return to M. Casimir De Candolle, we may state that the general conclusions at which he has arrived .are — that the leaf is a branch, the summit and upper or posterior portions of which become after a time atrophied, or cease to grow. Moreover, a leaf, like a branch, is not a simple organ — it does not represent unity — it is a compound organ of many "aggregates," as Mr. Spexcee would call them. Supposing this theory to be ti'ue, it will offer an explanation of many botanical puzzles, and put an end to many a morphological discussion. For our own part, without pledging ourselves to details, we may express our opinion of the general correctness of M. De Canbolle's views, having ourselves, from the consideration of the structure of the leaf- stalks in large numbers of plants — from the many intermediate forms between leaf and stem that may be found by those who look for them, and from the investigation of very numerous cases of malformation — been long ago led to form conclusions similar to those of M. Casimir De Candolle. Amongst other plants whose structui'e gives support to this opinion, we may mention some of the Variegated Kales, with which our corre- spondent, Miss Hope, has taken such pains to embellish oui* gardens in the dreariest of seasons. It may in the minds of some add another source of interest to these gay Cabbages, to find that not only in superficial colour do they please the eye, but that they are also attractive to those who look beneath the surface, by reason of their singular structure, and the important deductions that may be derived from it ! At the second sitting in January of the Garten- bauverein (Horticultural Union) of St. Petersburgh, the Committees for the Inteenationai. Exhibition were chosen, each Committee beinij at the same time empowered to admit any other members of the Union whose co-operation might be useful. The Committees at the beginning of February were constituted as follows ; — Section 1. Congress CommiUee. — PresirJent r E. RejfeL Secretary : Herr Rosanow, Physiologist, Imperial Botanic Garden. Members : Professor Beteknw, G. Buck. Professor Taminzin, State (_'ouncillor Gemet, Professor Merklin, State CovinciUor Ruprecht. Section 2. Working Committee (EUaboration of Programme, Management, and Correspondence). — President : State Coun- cillor Maximowicz. Secretary : HeiT Otzolig. Members : State Councillor Woikensteia (Secretary of the Union), E. Ender (curator of the Botanic Garden), HeiT Karasewii;sch, General Kinowitsch, Privy Councillor Klingenberg, State Councillor Posemkowslti, Herr Petlin, General Mandelstem, and E. Regel. Section 3. Committee for the Construction and Arrangement of the Shows. — President : A. Rochel, nurseryman. Secretary ; State Councillor Kasatschok. Members ; Herr Bergemann, State Councillor Gromuw, Herr N. Gratschew. Herr F. Gratschew, Herr A. Sewerin, foreman Botanic Girden ; Herr Sokolow, engineer and architect : Herr Stegemann, nursery- Garden ; State Councillors Borbek, Saposchnikow ; Councillors I of Commerce Herr Siesmeyer, Herr Treffurt, customs officer ; HeiT Stock, manufacturer. Dr. E. Kegel was deputed to take the chair at the sittings of the united sections. The final programme will be published and distributed in May. "VVe understand that the Manchester Na- tional HoKTicrLTUEAL SHOW promises to be a very great gathering, fully half as large again as that of last year. The entries are very numerous. In the great open class of 16 stove and greenhouse plants, two exhibitors have entered; in the group of 20 plants, three ; and in the group of 10 Azaleas, three. In Amateurs' classes there are four entries of 16 Orchids, eight of 10 Orchids, and ten of 1 Orchid ; three of 6 Azaleas, six of 8 foliage plants, six of 6 stove and greenhouse plants, six of 8 Ferns, nine each of 6 show and 6 fancy Pelargoniums, ten of 10 zonal Pelargoniums— alto- gether in the 24 Amateurs' classes one hundred and thirty entries. The Nurserymens' classes are not quite so full, but there are four entries of 12 Orchids, four of 10 Pot Hoses, five of 20 Pot Roses, five of 4 Tree Ferns, seven of 12 Hardy Rhododendrons, eight of 20 Hardy Conifers — in all one hundred and nine- teen entries in the 29 classes. In the 1.5 classes for Fruit, &c., there are fifty entries. With this support, and taking into account the kind of material which is always forthcoming at Manchester, the Show cannot fail to be a great attraction to the holiday folk, and a great treat also, if the skies are propitious. Councillor Muchortow. Secretary : State Councillor Mzeke- witsch. Members : Gener.al Baranow, Herr Auguste, Herr Dahler, Herr Makler. Stite Councillors Pritsche, F. von Herder. Curator of Botanic Garden ; Herr Hoeltzer, foreman Botanic FIG CULTURE.-No. V. Fig Souses.— As has been already stated. Figs will grow anywhere ; the lighter and more airy the jdace in which they are grown, however, the better and more abundant will the fruit be, therefore Fig houses should be of a light description, where the plants can have full benefit of the direct rays of the sun. There should also be ample means of ventilation at command, and likewise a fair amount of piping to keep up the required temperature during cold weather, and to assist in ripening the fruit of late varieties. At Chiswick, until lately, the house usually devoted to Figs in summer was very dark, having been glazed with very small squares of glass, accompanied by very heavy wood- work. Those who had seen Figs growing on slopes in sunny France recommended the taking out of every second sash-bar, and the reglazing with large squares, which being done made the house as light again, and the improvement in the appearance and quality of the Figs was very apparent. V'V'hen Figs are cultivated in pots there is this advantage to be gained, viz., that when the plants are at rest in winter and early spring the house can be cleared and used for any other purpose, when house accommodation is always much wanted. In winter the plants may be stored away in any place where they can be safely protected from severe frost. It is very important to guard against this, as, besides injuring the young fruit, the shoots them- selves are veryieasily destroyed when unprotected ; after having taken the trouble to rear up a fine tree it is tantalising to have it cut down and almost spoiled, as although Figs will always push from the old stem or roots, they never make the same fine fruitful plants again. A Vinery, or some such place, is a very suitable place in which to start Figs into growth in spring ; the plants may remain under the Vines until they get into full leaf, when they must be removed to their summer quarters. At Chiswick the Figs remain in the great Grape conservatory all winter, and up to the beginning of June, when they are placed in the Fig-house, properly so-called. Temperahire and Ventilation.— "WhWe in a growing state Figs delight in a close, moist, warm atmosphere. In order to start them into growth a temperature of 50* by night will be suflfloient, or if obtained by fire-heat less than that will do ; as the plants advance, gradually increase it to 65' or 70°. During the summer very little fire-heat will be required, as by closing the house early in the afternoon a very high temperature may be maintained by sun-heat alone. By day the tempera- ture, if by sun-heat, may be allowed to rise to 90', 100', or even higher, keeping the atmosphere very moist by frequently syringing all over the plants, leaves, paths, &c., even in the bright sunshme. I have never remarked that any injurious effects followed syringing in this manner, but rather the contrary, the plants seem to revel in it ; the warmer and moister the atmosphere is, the better the plants seem to thrive. Red spiders, the great scourge of Fig trees in a dry atmosphere, cannot draw a single breath. It is astonishing to see how finely and rapidly the wood and fruit progresses when subjected to this treatment. Litle air need be given when the plants are growing, but when admitted shut up early in the afternoon, so as to avoid the necessity of fire-heat ; fire-heat is very seldom used here, except in very cold nights, and to assist in ripening the fruit of the later varieties. When the fruit is ripening air must be admitted more freely, and a drier and more bracing atmosphere obtained. Figs and indeed for that matter all kinds of fruit, are much improved in flavour by having a brisk, bracing atmosphere surrounding them while ripening. Tke Enemies of the Fig.— the enemies of the Fig are various, difficult to get rid of, and injurious to the plants and fruit too if any of them are allowed to get established in a house. I speak more particularly of red spider, thrips, mealy bug, and scale. The two first — red spider and thrips — are most commonly to be found in dry heated atmospheres. If the syringe is freely used among the plants, taking care to get at the under sides of the leaves, andamoistatmosphere is maintained, such as Figs require, red spiders will easily be kept in check; if, however, they once get established, it is difficult to get rid of them. Flowers of sulphur dusted over the plants, and constant syringing, are the best remediesand preventives. Thrips are very injurious to the young shoots and fruit of the Fig ; they feed upon them to a great extent. I have seen whole crops destroyed by these ravenous pests. They are also very difficult to subdue. I have found strong and repeated fumigations of tobacco mixed with a few green Laurel leaves prove an effectual remedy ; Fowler's Insecticide is also very efficacious. Mealy bug and scale are most destructive pests in the Fig house. It is easy to keep clear of them, but when once introduced it is very difficult to get rid of them. In the close, moist atmosphere of the Fig house they multiply so rapidly that there is no possibility of getting rid of them, except by repeated and careful washings with some soapy mixture, and in the winter by painting the stems all over and thoroughly cleansing the house before the plants are introduced. Selection of Varieties. — In Figs I think variety is especially required, in order that in the Fig house there may be found fruits suitable and agreeable at all times, and to all tastes. There is amongst Figs abundance of variety to be found, whether we have to judge and select them by their size, colour, flavour, hardiness, fruitfulness, or season of ripening. I shall now attempt to give a selection of the most prominent forms of the various varieties, choosing them from the foregoing points, as follows : 1. Size. — Well, some Figs are very large, while others are very small ; and some prefer the one, some the other. Grosse Verte and Brunswick are the two largest Figs we have fruited here. I have seen very large fruits of Castle Kennedy exhibited, but I have not yet fruited this variety. Black Provence, Trois Recoltes, and De Lipari are the smallest. 2. Colour. — It may be said of a Fig, as of a well-known animal, that a good one can never be of a bad colour. Fancies dilfer, however, and some Figs are by their colour and appear- ance much more tempting than others. There is a great range of variety in colour amongst Figs, some are so pale they are termed white, others so dark they are called black. There are, however, none of them either white or black ; one of the palest colouriHl Figs is De la Madeleine, which is of a clear pale yellow ; another is the White Marseilles, which is pale green ; Col de Signora Nera, Bourjassotte Noire, and Jllack Provence, are pretty good examples of the dark- coloured varieties— dark violet they may be called. Of green-fruited sorts, the most striking is D'Agen and (iro.sse Verte; of tawny, Brown Turkey, Brunswick, and De I'Archipel; and, lastly, the striped-fruited Fig (Figue Panachee), which is really very hand- some and striking, being beautifully striped with deep green and pale yellow. 3. Taste or Flavour.— This is always a ticklish subject, taste is so subtle, and varies so much; our own individual tastes, too— the one day we like one thing, the next day something else, just as our health, or i)ei'haps, our temper, may stand affected. Some prefer what they term mildness in the flavour of fruits, this to mo is mawkish insipidity. I prefer briskness in Figs- sugary lusciousness, which is found in well-ripened fruit of such varieties as Col de Signora Blauca, Grosse Verte, Bourjassotte Grise, and sometimes, although not quite so constantly, in White Iscbia and Black Provence. Again, Figs themselves vary much in flavour, according to situation or conditions under which they may be growing. Herein lies the charm of growing a number of varieties in the same house. Some of the higher - flavoured sorts require a deal of heat and bright sunshine to bring them up to full perfection. It may happen that these conditions cannot be fulfilled, the weather may be dull and sunless, and more heat may be required than can be given conveniently ; then some of thesecond- rate sorts may surpass the better ones in flavour. The little White Ischia is very fickle in this respect, the fruits of to-day are excellent, of three days hence watery and tasteles*. Bourjassotte Grise is the most constantly good variety under all conditions that I have found : White Marseilles second, although never very rich. Hardiness.— This is a point of the utmost importance; it is exceedingly important to discover what are the varieties most suitable for cultivation in the open air in this country. I have not yet had time to prove much in that respect. The county of Sussex, as IS well known, is famed for its Fig trees. In the gardens at Arundel Castle the White Marseilles, called there White Genoa, succeeds admirably as an open standard. I have eaten some exceedingly good fruit of that variety grown on these trees, and I am told that in some of the warmest seasons they ripen ofl' two crops of fruit, but this is unusual. The Black or Blue Ischia is the next hardiest variety that has been proved ; then, on walls, Lee's Perpetual or Brown Turkey, and Brunswick. These four constitute the whole of the stock of hardy Figs that I have met with in this country. I have said hardy, the word being generally used, yet it is not quite applicable in the sense I wish it to be understood, in speaking of Figs suited for open- air cultivation. It must be borne in mind that our seasons are far too short to allow of the Fig producing more than the first crop of fruit, almost all the fruits that ripen out-of-doors in this country are produced on theshootsoftheformerseason'sgrowth. It will, therefore, I think, be found that all varieties that produce their fruits in this manner will prove suitable for open-aircul- tivation. I know of only three others that are possessed of this property of "first bearing" (as it is called in the Fig countries), which I can recommend for cultivating in the open air; they are — Grosse Monstreuse de Lipari, De la Madeleine, and Grosse Violette de Bourdeaux, all of which bear a good first crop. Fruit- fulness.— As a general rule, the smallest varieties are the most prolific. Of these. White Ischia, Black Provence, and (Eil de Perdrix bear fruit as profusely as an ordinary Gooseberry bush ; some others, again, although they may never seem so laden with fruit at any one time, yet, through bearing continuously, produce an immense quantity during the course of the Mat THE GAEDENEES' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTK 546 season. 01" these the most prohiineat is, perhaps, lirown TurkeyorLee'sPerpetual,and White Marseilles. Season of Bipeninj;.— In order to keep up a rich and varied suppl.v of the choicest fruits, the varieties must he selected according; to their various seasons of ripening, 80 as to avoid having a glut at one time, and a scarcity at another. Assuming, then, that it is deter- mined to devote a house for the cultivation of the Fig in pots, according to the method I have attempted to describe, limiting the collection to GO plants, the following is my selection of varieties, which will (supposing them to be started in March) keep up an almost continuous supply of ripe fruit from the end of June to Christmas. They are put into groups giving a .supply of varieties suitable for each month. July : White Marseilles, De la Madeleine, Grosse Mnnstreuse de Lipari, and Lee's Perpetual. August: White Marseilles, Lee's Perpetual, Versailles, De Lipari. September : White Ischia, Grosse Violette de Bordeau.x, Black Provence, Grosse Verte, Bour- jassotte Grise, Col de Signora Blanca, De I'Archipel, and the second crop of White Marseilles and Lee's Perpetual. October ; White Ischia, Black Provence, Grosse Verte, IJourjassotte Grise, Col de Signora Blanca, and Col de Signora Nera. November: While Ischia, Grosse Verte, ;Lee's Perpetual, D'Agen. December: White Ischia and D'Agen, which is the latest of all. A. F. S. THE LADIES' GARDEN.-No IIL I WILL, then, suppose that all who are interested in our botanical garden do possess at least as much information as may be gleaned from the famous little book I have mentioned, so that I may continue planting the Ferneries without staying to tell of the nature and character of Ferns in general. I will bes;iu with the rockery which commands the least shade. In this I would plant the varieties of Polypodium vulgare (one of most good-natured and free-growiug Ferns we have), and some good specimens of Aliosorus cri?pus, with the other species of Polypo- dium for the more shady portions of the rockery. The two former species will flourish in the full rays of the sun, provided they have good drainage and plenty of water. Care must be taken that all Ferns be watered late in the evening during the hot summer days, and that the water used, if not rain water, be exposed to the action of the air for at least 24 hours before using. Aliosorus crispus, or Parsley Fern, should be planted on the very top of the rockery ; if bits of slate debris be mixed with the peat earth, the Fern will be all the better pleased ; large stones or rocks should be placed around on all sides. Amongst British Ferns, Aliosorus crispus stand alone as a genus, having but one species, and that species having no variety ; it is a Fern well worth studying from the peculiarity of the formation of the iudusium which covers the sorus ; it has two sets of fronds, barren and fertile, and is very local in ] its choice of habitats, but when it takes to the soil it increases most rapidly. The portion of the rockery which has most shade I would devote to Polypodium Dryopteris (the Oak Fern) ; P. Phegopteris (the Beech Fern) : and P. Robertianum (the Limestone polypody). This latter species (?) is supposed by many botanists to be P. Dryopteris under a varied form— I cannot call it a variety; the ground on which they form this opinion seems to be that though in England the two species appear sufficiently distinct, yet iu other parts of the world (the Himalaya mountains in particular) the two Ferns are connected by intermediate forms which merge into each other. These three last-named species have no permanent varieties; they have creeping rhizomes or under- ground roots, so that it is well to keep them apart from all other Ferns ; they will grow in the sunshine, but their chief beauty lies in the delicate colouring of their fronds, which the hot sun soon spoils, therefore it is better to choose as much shade for them as can con- veniently be given. Thus arranging this first rockery, it will be noted that we gather into one place all the species belonging to Polypodium, together with Allasorus crispus, which belongs to the same tribe, though not to the same genus. I have said that the varieties of Polypodium vulgare will grow anywhere— and so in truth they will, though in some conditions they grow much more rapidly than in others. I have noticed one peculiarity about them, they always increase towards the sun, it is as though they hasted to meet him on his rising. It would not be possible for me to enumerate all the known varieties of P. vulgare, but I will speak of a few which I have in cultivation, and which I consider amongst the most beautiful which have as yet been discovered. And lirst on the list is the noble cambricum, with its rich full fronds of delicate green, having the pinnae all slashed and cut into long, thin, finely rounded lobes ; the apex of the frond is usually blunt and contracted; this, and the absence of the golden fructification (which is the glory of the species) are the only drawbacks to this most beautiful variety, which, although called the "Welsh Polypody" has been found iu several places in England, and in Ireland. This Fern may be met with anywhere, and it is well worth many a patient search, for it would be a great triumph to gather a specimen for one's-self. Most like cambricum in general characteristics, though differing from it iu size and outline, is the lovely variety pulcherrimum, a wild form, and worthy of a good place in every collection. After pulcherri- mum (though before it in beauty) comes omnilacerura, a very sharply cut edition of cambricum, from which it differs in nearly every respect, while preserving a certain amount of resemblance. Next to omnilace- ruui I would put sL'inilacerum, which is, as it were, a lialf-finiahed cambricum; indeed, so strongly does semilacerum resemble the Welsh Polopody, that for several years I expected some fine plants (found at Chudleigh, in Devonshire) would grow into cambri- cum; but, alas! for Mr. Darwin's theory, it did no more than develop its own peculiar structure more per- fectly. Both these latter varieties have fructification. Besides the group of slashed forms of vulgare, there is a crested or ramose group, and amongst these are some lovely forms, which wo must by all means have in our botanical quarter, By far the prettiest of this section is multiftdo-cristatniu, the apex of the frond being branched and crested in a wonderful manner, the rest of the frond being only, as it were, a narrow rib of green attached to each side of the rachis. The variety cristatum has both frond and pinna) branched at the apex ; this is an interesting variety, but it never grows to any great size. Then there are bifidum, having the apex of the lower pinnaj divided ; Morleyi, an Irish form, and much like cristatum: multiforme, uncertain in its crested peculiarities ; and Elworthii, also of irregular development. In addition to these I cultivate acutum, with sharply drawn-out pinnse, which are always perfectly plain; alternatum, like acutum as far as the long drawn-out pinn;« go, hut unlike in these pinnas being somewhat crenated; auritum, having an ear-like projection on the lower pinnse; deltoideum, triangular-shaped ; mar- ginatum, with the margin of the pinna? very prettily jagged ; prsemorsum, crenatum, Monkmanni, serra- tum, ovatum, and several other beautiful forms, for the most part found by myself or by my own imme- diate friends. I have named only wild varieties, and for each of them I would form a separate tiny home by placing pieces of different shaped rock around them, so as to form irregular squares. These compact enclosures are a great additional beauty to the Ferns, and the eye is better able to dwell on each minute form. The great peculiarity of the species P. vulgare, and its attendant varieties, consists in the young fronds showing themselves very late in the spring, and retain- ing their fresh green appearance through a great part of the winter. To make up for the late appearance of the young fronds it is well to border this particular rockery with wild plants, mingled with masses of Asplenium Trichomanes, which grows profusely both in sun and shade, provided always it is well supplied with good porous peat earth. In the corners I would plant the beautiful Devonshire variety of the Wood Sage (TeucriumSoorodonia, var. crispum), with its leaves so prettily fringed and quilled ; next to this I would put a little compartment filled with Cyclamen, and then the different species of Sedum, with their purple, white, and yellow flowers, mingled here and there with a brilliant patch of Cyclamen or a tuft of A. Trichomanes. We can bring Sedum Rhndiola from the mountains round Llyn Ogwen, in Wales; Sedum dasyphyllum, with its gay little flowers of white and leaves of reddish hue, from Dartmoor ; and the amber S. Forsterianura, from Shropshire: and by placing the plants with an eye to the effect of the colouring of the flowers, a very pleasing result may be produced. All the plants that I have named will grow well in sunshine. The Cyclamens will perhaps be better for the shelter of a rock, just to catch the direct rays of the sun, and the roots of the Sed urns must be watched, that they do not interfere with the Ferns growing above them. Anlhyllui. 2fome CorrcsponUeuce. The Filling of the Flower Garden. — I concluded my last letter by comparing a well-filled flower garden to strains of loftiest muvv mU.-Ii il i.t I hi LUM.! 1 11. 1 attention on the v""' '■' ' l'-" i ' '"''' Mr, SIKM ;il Is I that the Romans occupied Britain. It is now about 19'2'A years ftinco Britain eamo under the wide-spread grasp of the (■oinMHrMiH i.r tbo world. Before five years have elapsofl we -Il Jl din . iiiier Apples from the dwarf Pm-adise cordons u; M^ I' ilian wo have any evidence ever exiBted in I i; i: ,, : I ilhise grown on the fruit borders will also prove .,. :.. ■ I 'li fur ..ur 'M.iLd cliuiatc" and the. gloomy With ruf^ard to Iho . and plai'iiig a little way insifle i i ... |. ! i: < ■' fruit ffardons, " Pari Passu's " ri'inim;-. .iriMni.i .iii. ni i-n, Itia worthy of note that Messrs. Rivers, J'lllury, and your Nottingham con-espondent differ completely from " Pan Pa 88U " about the low trees losing their fruit. A fearful frost occurred over all northern France near the end of last May— so hard that I saw the leaves of Magnolias burnt up with it, yet aomo of tho examples of horizontal cordons in the localities where this occurred were models of fertility. My first visit to Newstcad Abbey was rendered additionally interesting by find- ing the gardener, Mr. Anderson, preparing to largely plant tho cordon as an edging. He calculated that if he only gathered one fruit from every yard run of his edgings it would amply repay him. With careful pinching to equalise the sap and secure a regular development, ho may calculate on much more than that. Is there anything to prevent us selecting hardy as well jis first-rate Apples for this phase of cordon cultivation? But assuming for a moment— what is unlikely— that the cordons would usually perish from being bo near the ground, may I ask what is so easily protected? As Mr. Ran-on remarked to nie, a few branches of common evergreens would protect them efficiently. Next, I come to deal with the most iaiportAnt subject of all in connection with the cordon system. *' Observer " recommends the ground Vinery for the cordon. No objection can be urged against its useful adoption here and there, and necessarily to a limited extent, but I havo a much better and simpler method to propose, and should probably have never mentioned cordons did I not see some more practical use for them than buying a ground Vinery to protect every one or two little plants. We are continually complaining of the climate, but rarely take any pains to save ourselves efficiently from its ravages, I have long been of opinion that if there be any one thing which we do not do well, it is the protection of our wall fruit trees. My recent tour in the midland counties and in Yorkshire has confirmed this opinion. Frequently, walls of valuable trees ^ are not protected at all, and generally where protection is applied it is inefticient. Is it any wonder that many gardeners say they do as well without protection as with it, when there is an open space usually left between the covering and the top of the wall, so that the cheerful kind of draught that Mr. Fish describes goes on, and every drop of rain or sleet that falls settles on the unfortunate flowers, and renders them an easy prey to the night's frost and bright sun of the morning that follows it? A very little skill and ordinary judgment will suffice to get a splendid result without "cieating any climate " but what we are at present blessed with — on the whole an excellent one for fruit growing and gardening. Supposing that the wall is perfectly covered with good trees, and the naked spaces at the bottom also covered, as recommended, then I say — cover the border with cordons in parallel lines, and trained on tightly strained galvanised wires ; plant it with the very choicest kinds of Apples, and the best Pears that yield most readily to this system, and protect both wall and border efficiently. The cordons will settle for ever what is best to do with the fruit borders, and will, where properly trained, form quite an attrac- tive ornament to the garden ; they may be attended to simul- taneously ^vith the wall trees : they will not shade the wall in the least degree ; and, finally, their fruit will be almost equal, and in some respects superior, to that which may be gathered from walls, in consequence of the ground heat. So arranged, there would be such a precious collection on and near the wall, that it would be the interest of even the humblest amateur or gardener to devise some simple and thoroughly efEective mode of protecting all. In many cases a slight extension of the protection now given to the wall will suffice to cover two or three rows of cordons, and where a border of the ordinary width is planted with them, there will be no difficulty in protecting all efficiently, and thus rendering ourselves independent of the climate. As I believe that in time it will be found that other fruits will become amenable to this phase of cordon training, so I look forward to a day when the crops of choicer fruits in British gardens will not be li.ible to destruction, when the ground will not be over- shadowed by trees, and when every 100 feet of the well- managed and protected wall and fruit border will be equal to even a good specimen of the orchard-house, while the garden will be beautified In a high degree. The border should generally be mulched early in the summer with littery manure, especially on light dry soils, and by the time the fruit would ripen in the autumn the summer rains would have pre- pared the surface of the mulching. Here, at all events, are distinct statements, and if any reader will discuss them on their merits it will give rae great plea- sure. Leaving this proposal aside for a moment, the question of protection for walls bears upon this matter of skiU versiis climate. The adoption of the wide temporary coping that I described— tarpaulin nailed on very light cheap frames, 18 inches wide, or so, and supported by iron rods ,inserted under the permanent coping— would alone work a grand change for the better in the garden fruit culture of this covmti-y. It would prevent radiation to a great extent, and thereby save the crops : It would save the flowers {on south walls especially) from cold rains and sleet, which render them such an easy prey to frost if they do not directly injure their powers of fructification ; and finally it could be taken away when the fruit was past all danger, permitting the trees to be cleansed by the summer rains, and the wall to be covered in all its parts with healthy wood, which would not be the case if a permanent coping of like breadth were employed. At present our method of exposing the finer kinds of Pears on walls is generally calculated to lay them open to the full severity of the frost, even more so than is the case on a standard tree. Adopt the temporary coping, and our crops of winter Pears and other wall fruit will be much improved. Of course another kind of temporary coping might be found to do as well, and one of glass would do better. Let nobody sup- pose that I wish to recommend cordons for orchard purposes. The more I see of the London market gardens, the more I am convinced that the way of growing standard trees in them, without sacrificing an inch of the space beneath is, bearing its object in view, superior and more economical than any mode of growing fruit at present in use in private gardens. They secure some kind of crop no matter what the season, and if they thinned the branchlets and buds there would be little left to desire, " Observer" remai-ks that the time will come when an Apple grown m the open air in Britain wilf be looked upon as a great rarity. His accuracy of calculation in defining " a thousand years more or less "is so scientific that one must pause to consider it. What a prospect for " our kings to be ! " When did the change begin? Has the cUmat« been gradually cooUng since the days of the Romans ? by whom, we are told, "the Apple wa", in all probability, introduced into Britain." We have, doubtlesa, little reason to confess our Apples inferior to those eaten by those who first made roads for us. We know how steadily the laws of Nature work : according to "Observer's" theory, the Apple ought to have deteriorated considerably durmg the nearly 500 years ,1 a... I may seem eulli:. . i .r>l'in.s, and so 1 am ; but the fact that almost , . ! ,: mt in the country, including some of those uIj. I . .i i: , 1 i;inco and say that what can be done around I'.ui-, i.i n^-A .ipplicable to this country, is opposed to my views, id surely a sufficient antidote. A few years will decide the question, and if it be the failuro that some predict there will not be any difficulty in fixing on the person who caused tho public to goto such expense and trouble about it. But instead of speaking dubiously, I am anxious to put it on record that oven in the'days when Mr. Rivers plea- santly ridiculed the system, talked about its tripping one over into the Cabbages, &c„ and being at best "only fit for small gardens," and almost every other Briti.sh gardener condemned it, I wrote that no method of fruit-growing ever invented offered us such advantages for saving our crops of fruit from spring frosts, and for growing the finest fruit in the open air at little or no sacrifice of space. Wm. Rohbison, May IG, 18(j8. Societies. Royal Horticultural, May 19 {Scieaiijic ComtaUteiA— Dr. Thomson, F.Il.S., in the chair. The minutes of the_ last meeting having been read and confirmed, Dr. Welwitsch exhibited an interesting series of specimens in Orchids and other plants, showing the existence of "spot" of various kinds in plants, growing under natural conditions, in Angola. He remarked that the same disfigurement and disease took place in the wild as in the cultivated plants, but not to so great an extent. He further considered that in the case of plants cultivated in hot-houses, the evil effects, as manifested by the formation of spot, were due to overcrowding, on the same principle that scrofula and tubercle were specially rife in large communities of mankind. Mr. Berkeley, on the part of Mr, Wilson Saunders, exhibited a leaf of a recently imported Orchid, having upon it a well marked "black spot." This was a confirmation of Dr. We!- witsch's views as to the occurrence of the malady in wild plants. Ultimately it was agreed to request the co-operation of botanists and cultivators in India and elsewhere as to the occurrence of this disease under natural conditions. Mr. Berkeley exhibited some curious excrescences projecting at right angles from the leaf of a Pear, and formed by the larva of a species of Coleophora (Tiueid*). The subject of the Nomenclature of Garden Plants w.as then discussed, and M, de Candolle's letter(see Gardeners' Chroniclp. p. 491) was read. In the discussion that ensued it was thouf^ht by the members that the suggestion of M. de Candollo would be too complicated for adoption by gardeners, and compilers of garden lists and catalogues. Ultimately it was agreed tbat a sub-committee, consisting of Dr. Thomson, Dr. Hogg, and Mr. Moore, be appointed to draw up a report on the subject of garden nomenclature, and to lay the same before the Committee for discussion at a future meeting. Dr. Welwitsch then drew the attention of horticulturists to the desirability of attempting the culture of some of the tropical species of Loranthus on Fig, Orange, or other trees, on account of the great beauty of their flowers. Mr. Miers objected that the species were peculiar to certain plants, and that this would constitute a difficulty. On the other hand. Dr. Thomson and Dr. Welwitsch affirmed that there were several species of Loranthus which were not more restricted in their choice of plants whereon to grow, than our own Mistleto. Mr. Berkeley suggested that it might be necessary, in order to secure the germination of the seeds, that the latter should have pas-sed through the alimentary canal of some bird. He attributed the frequent want of success in the culture of Mistleto from seed, to the fact, that the benies were gathered when in an immature state. When gathered in February the seeds were not slow to germinate. It was announced that at the next meeting, on June [2, the subject of the Coccidae would be considered. Meeting of Exhibitors. — The Coimcil having invited exhi- bitors to meet them at half-past 1 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the appointment of judges at the Society's forth- coming shows, a number of the principal exhibitors attended. The chair was taken by J. Clutton, Esq., on the part of the Council. Among exhil)itors present were Messrs. W. Paul, Turner, Lane, Keynes, G. Paul, Wills, T. Osborn, Barr, C. Lee, WilUams, Dobson, Bull, Watson, Cutbush, Spary, Waterer, &c. A desire was expressed by Mr. Turner, Mr. Bull, and the exhibitors present generally, to afford every assistance and support to the Council. Mr. Keynes objected to the same judges being appointed every year ; Mr. Lane to their being appointed by exhibitors. Mr. Barr thought that the judges ought in all cases to be men who h.ad been either successful exhibitors or cultivators. Mr. Wills objected to this, inasmuch as exhibitors might have friends ; he con- sidered that the Council should select whatever men they might think best. Mr. W. Paul said that it was almost impossible for awards to give universal satisfaction. The competition for prizes in many cases was very close, and not every prize was won in a canter. Exhibitors watch narrowly the development of points of beauty in their own plants, and endeavour to annihilate defects, and in consequence they know all the meritorious points of their own plants, but not those belonging to the productions of other e.\'hibitors. Hence they are naturally inclined to consider their own best. Neither exhibitors nor bystanders were such good judges as judges themselves, who have leisure to examine carefully what is set before them. The judges should be honest, efficient, cultivating men — men who did not do right for appearance sake, but because they were so constituted that they could not act otherwise. Errors of judgment might occur, but he had never seen, except on one occasion, a case of dishonesty at an exhibition.— It was ultimately agreed, that lists of persons onsidered qualified as judges should be sent in to the Council on or before the morning of the •26th inst. General Meeting.— J. Russell Reeves, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair. After a list of donations bad been read, 10 new Fellows elected, and the awards of the Floral and Fruit Committees announced, the Rev, M. J. Berkeley commenced his observations by remarking that at the last meeting he had called attention to the "breaking" of some Tulips which he had grown in his own garden, and said that he had since had confirmation of tho view which ho then held- namely, th.at as "breeders" they had broken in consequence of being planted late— in January instead of m November, as they had been in previous years. Every one knew how difficult it was to break breeder Tulips— indeed, it sometimes took 20 years to do so, and the cause of breaking was a mystery. To induce breakin?, recourse was had to change of soil, to change of locality, and to various composts, among which many nostrums had been recommended, particularly smithy dust. Sometimes, also, crossing the flowers had been practised to bring about that result, but the cause remained a problem still unsolved. A curious point with re^rii^d to his seedling Tulips was that there was a dark brown Hput at tho base of each petal, and that had vanished in tho breaking, giving \>\aw to a brilliant scarlet feather, which he had ascribed lu li,. , . il. ■, hi [dug through tho red. On examining the petal . : i ii Ih.ho found that the coloured cells were miji i' ' i ' niticular, and that betweiMi twi. lay.TH -if il,, ::,,-. ■.■.:.■ intermediate colls. rIMiri , iilh, I^ .■.■.I.MiiI. ....■..!'.■■ ■■ .,h II Litlrf prnduccd tho '■Ml'i ,..■ . :■. ■ ■! ! ,., .,. ■ •■„ 1, ,d to.alludo . ,..■ ■,.,,!■■.:. , . |. 'r ,. 'live to fruit tree, and these swellings wore covered with adventitious buds, and he produced specimens of Rosa arvcnsis and an Elm similarly affected, tho whole tree in the latter Ciise being covered with adventitious buds, which, in consequence of their decomposition, acted most injuriously. Mr. Berkeley next read a letter from the Rev. A. Rawson, of Bromley, in Kent, with reference to an Orobanche which had come upon a plant of Madame Vaucher Pelargonium, bedded out two years ago. The letter stated that the plant had been preserved, and that tho Orobanche had this year been voiy showy; also, that this Orobanche — O. ccerulea — which usually occurs on Hemp, as far as known does not grow naturally in the neighbourhood, Mr. Berkeley added, that ho had been informed by Mr. Hally, of Blackheath, that an Orobanche, not O. coerulea, grows occasionally on Pelar- goniums. A pretty golden-leaved Oak, called Quercus Con- cordia, exhibited by Messrs. Lee, was then noticed ; and it was stated that at Sir Hugh WilUams', at Bodel- wyddan, there was a large tree of Quercus sessiliflora, which presents a similar appearance, and forms a prominent feature in a lovely view. Attention was next directed to hybrid Pelargoniums between the scarlet and Ivy-leaved kinds, and it was stated that Mr. Wills had endeavoured to produce such for 16 years without result, but at last he had succeeded in raising hybrids. One of them, between an Ivy- leaved Pelargonium and Mrs Pollock, had a leaf like the former, but spangled like a diseased Orchid. An extremely curious specimen of Sweet William, sent by Mr. Wilson Saunders, with the leaves forming a cup round the bud, which was blanched in consequence, and a Pelargonium, proliferous from the centre of the trusses, having been pointed out as examples of abnormal growth, Mr. Berkeley read a letter from Mr. D. Wooster on the subject of the exhibition of Fungi in the autumn. In this letter Mr Wooster expressed his opinion that Fungi are of great importance as an article of food, and th.at not only have the public much to learn on the subject, but many prejudice's to get rid of. As an instance of the latter, he related that when on a visit to a large landed proprietor a few years ago, he found in that gentleman's woods a large group of a beautifully tinted and elegant Co|>rinus, and much astonishment and alarm were caused by his proposing that these Mushrooms should be cooked. It was only on his giving the assurance that he had often eaten the species with perfect safety that they were prepared, and all who tasted them pronounced them most excellent and delicate in flavour. Mr. Wooster added that he had received aletterfrom a gentleman, an excellent authority on the subject, in which reference was made to Mr. Berkeley's discourse on Fungi at the meeting of the Society of Arts on the previous Wednesday ; and the writer remarked that he considered two species not mentioned by Mr. Berkeley were among the best as food— namely, Ae-aricus atraraentarius and A. comatus. "Floral Committee.— A seedling Pansy, named Welbeck Black, of which notice is taken in anorher column, was shown, and is certainly the darkest-coloured variety yet seen ; it is most intensely black, without the lease shade of purple. Messrs. Rollisson furnished a collection of plants, which was aw.arded a Special Certificate. Among them were Gymnogramma chrysophylla cristata, Oncidium sessile, Cattleya Aclandire, and several others. Mr. Wimsett, King's Road, exhibited plants of Coleus Marshallil, C. Telfordi, and C. Murrayi, several zonal Pelargoniums of the Gold and Bronze section— viz.. Empress Eugenie, Admiration, Little Golden Christine, and Little Golden Spread Eagle, From the same exhibitor likewise came some hybrid Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, which after many years' persever ance Mr. Wills has succeeded in producing. A Special Certifi- cate was awarded the collection. Mr. Salter, Hammersmith, exhibited a collection of Pyrethrums, of which notice will be found in another column. A Special Certificate was awarded them. Mr. Fry, Manor Nursery, Lee, sent a seedling Verbena, named Dr. Livingstone, a good scarlet. Mr. Tillery furnished a plant of a Variegated Zonal Pelargonium, a sport from Imperial Crimson, which being of dwarf habit, may be useful for edgings. Mr. Turner, Slough, exhibited sevei-al seedling Pelargoniums, of which some account will be found under the head of Florists' Flowers. Mr. Williams contributed a seedling white flowering Pelar- gonium ; also Arachnanthe muscifera, a curious white Orchid, which received a First-class Certificate, and other interesting plants, for which a Special Cortitiaite was given. Messrs. Downie, Laird, &. Laing sent four fine specimens of Gold .and Bronze Zonal Pelargoniums, and Mr. Tanton, Epsom, various seedling Gloxinias. Messrs. P. &■ C. Smith, Dulwich, contri- buted a large collection of plants ; among them was Tropaolum Mrs. Treadwell, Variegated Zonal Pelargoniums, and seedUng Azaleas ; a Special Certificate was awarded the collection. Mr. Shrubsole, gr. to the Rev. C. Oxenden, Barbara, Kent, sent a pale blue seedUng Lobelia, called Oxendenii ; also a small plant of Silver Variegated Zonal Pelargonium Bride of Barbara. Mr. Ware, Tottenham, furnished a large pale salmon- coloured Clove Carnation, with blossoms somewhat confused in form. Messrs. Lee, Hammersmith, exhibited Asplenium Trichoraanes Harovii, and .an Oak, named Quercus Concordia, with pale yellow foHage. Mr. W. Paul sent cut specimens of Silene pendula and S. pendula pulcherrima ; also several Varie- gated Zonal Pelargoniuras and a small cut-leaved scented Pelargonium Little Gem, with small but gay rose-coloured flowers. Mr. Dobson, Isleworth, exhibitedabrilliantcullectionof Pelargonium Magnet, which was awarded a First-class Certifi- cate. It is free flowering, of compact habit, and has bright crimson flowers blotched mth black in the top petals. Mr. Watson sent a small collection of his Variegated Zonal Pelar- goniums. Mr. Green, gr. to W. W. Saunders, Rsq., brought fine specimens of Schizanthus pinnatus aplendens, for which a First-class Certificate was awarded. Also a small white Orchid, Orchis fusca, and a collection of Alpine plants, in which there were the true Scilla vema, Trientalis europsea with white starry flowers, and the scarce Trillium sessile. A Special Certificate was awarded the collection. Fri'it Committee— X prize was offered on this occasion for the three best dishes of Strawberries, for which there was only one exhibition, consisting of Oscar, Sir-Han-y, and Sir Charles N.ipier. Sir Harry and Oscar wore large and of fine flavour, while Sir Charles Napier was rather deficient in the latter respect. Tho 1st prize was awarded Mr. Barnwell, gr. to J. Fleming. Esq., of KUkerran, Maybole, N.B. Mr. Standish showed a good dish of Sir C. Napier. A 1st prize was awarded to Mr. Mills, gr. to Lord Carrington, Wycombe Abbey, for a dish of very fine Elton Cherries. The same exhibitor had^eo equally handsome dish of Black Tartar^n «; Circassmn. Te^^. cr. to tho Duke of Newcastle, at ^""mber Mr iQzi gr. to tho Duke of Newcastle, at cimnuer, obtained IsfWs for exceUent dishes of Royal Geoije Peaches and Brugnon Nectarines ; the fruit was very tine, ana the Nectarines especially were del""""" '" , flavour, Mr. W. THE GARDENERS' CRl^ONICLE AND ACtRTCULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 23, 1868. Roberta, gr. to Lord Cranworth, Hulwood, Bromley, sent a small, greeu, oval Melon, which, however, w.is very deficient in flavour. Mr. B. S. Williams sent fruit of a new hybrid Melon, which w;is grown in a small pot on the back shelf of a Vinery. It is said to be 12 to 14 days earlier than any other known kind, a visrorous grower, and free setter. The flavour was good, but the fruit was not suflBciently ripened. Messrs. Harrison & Sons, Leicester, sent a seedling Apple, named Annie Elizabeth, raised from Bess Pool. It is a large ovate yellow fruit, and remarkable at this late season for its firm solid flesh, but the flavour was rather passed. Mr. Lomas, of The Willows, Tooting, sent two handsome Cucumbers of the variety called Rollisson's Telegraph, which, however, had been kept too long, and were rather pale in colour. Notices of Boofts. Select Ferns and Lycopods, British and Exotic : comprising Descriptions of Nine Hundred Choice Species and Varieties. By B. S. Williams, F.Ei.H.S. London: Published by the Author. Small 8vo, pp. 313, with Illustrations. Though Fern books are numerous enough, yet a good book on Exotic Ferns, which should be both descrip- leut rae for this occasion. It was taken on Mount Wellington, Tasmania, and shows the peculiar manner in which the plants grow, and that they are sufficiently hardy to withstand a severe snow-storm. Some of the trees represented are upwards of 20 feet in height," Fern growers, Mr. Williams observes, often make great mistakes by keeping their plants in too high a temperature. " A little practice and forethought will soon obviate this. First, the native country ol'a parti- cular Fern must be learnt, and then the part of the country in which it is found growing. If at a great elevation, even in a tropical country, it will require cool treatment, and if low down in a similar latitude, then a stove temperature. Thus, Asplenium alternans is a native of the East Indies, but if you give it stove treatment it will soon lose all its vigour, and turn white, and if examined you will find it smothered with thrips and scale, because the house is too hot ; for, being found high up in the hills in its native country, it requires only temperate treatment. The same thing occurs with any temperate Ferns, if put into tropical heat, but only give them proper practical gardening, forsook the pruning-knife for the pen, and in order to qualify himself for his self-imposed task of horticultural scribe, visited most of the principal gardens of Britain and Ireland, and last year betook himself to Paris with a view of seeing how things were managed in France. The results of a sojourn of nearly a year in that country are given in the present volume. Mr. Robinson has shown himself to be a diligent and accurate observer, although occasionally he seems, not unnaturally, to have looked through rose- coloured spectacles, and has, it may be, with more boldness than judgment set himself in opposition to the views of practical men of larger experience than his own. His main object was to see in what points French gardeners were superior to British horticultu- rists, not to depreciate the one at the expense of the other, but to show in what matters each might learn from the other. In this point of view he has suc- ceeded. Graphic descriptions of modes of procedure in the cultivation of plants, in road making, wall build- ing, fruit preservation, &c., have been brought under the notice of British readers, together with notices tive and cultural, was a desideratum, until the appear- ance of the present handy volume, which entirely supersedes the " Hints on the Cultivation of Ferns " published by the same author a few years since. The want is now well supplied. The author tells us he has endeavoured to make the work as plain as jiossible, and in this attempt he has so well succeeded that it may be recommended as a trusty guide to the most inexperienced, as well as a useful remembrancer to the more accomplished cultivator. It not only deals in plain statementSj but it is brief and practical. Essentially a horticulturist's book it does not trespass at all on the domain of the botanist, but confines itself to popular descriptions of the species selected for recommendation as objects of cultivation, these descriptions being accompanied by general and special j information on such points as bear on the treatment proper for the several plants. Thus there are chapters on Pot Cultivation, Soils, Tree Ferns, Filmy Ferns, Basket Ferns, Fern Houses, Fern Cases, Fern Shades, Propagation, Insects, &o., all fnll of practical informa- tion adapted for the amateur cultivator. The chapter on Tree Ferns is illustrated by a bold engraving of Tree Ferns in sit A, after a snow-storm, of which the following description is given, and which we here reproduce ;— " The annexed illustration of Picksonia antarctica is taken from a photograph kindly treatment, and success will follow." What that proper treatment is, it is the object of the book to show, and we think it is made clear to the comprehension of the veriest tyro. In the descriptive part of the volume the genera are arranged alphabetically, a chapter being devoted to each, commencing with some general remarks on the characteristics or treatment of the whole group, and following on with brief popular descriptions of a selection of the most ornamental of the species and varieties which it includes. The volume is well printed, and nicely got up. It seems to have been read with especial care, for we notice but few errors of the press, and these unimpor- tant, a circumstance which renders its contents all the more valuable since they are the more trustworthy. Indeed, we have no hesitation in stating that it is the best garden book on Exotic Ferns which has yet appeared. OJeanings from French Gardens^ t^'c. By W. Robin- son, F.L.S. Warne & Co. Square 8vo., pp. 29), with numerous Illustrations. There is the less necessity for us to give a lengthy notice of this Utile volume as the subject-matter of it has to a large extent already appeared in our own columns, and in those of the Times and The Field. Mr. Robinson, after a lengthened apprenticeship to of mplemonts ind numerous other matters that cini ot ful to be ol service Had the author been CO it nt t) exprc s lis own view a hltle le = posi- tively, and waited tut time and larger experience had convinced him that some of his opinions must be modified, and at the same time had shown his opponents that others of his opinions were correct, he would not have exposed himself, as he has, to such an amount of hostile criticism. As it is, he has had to run the gauntlet of ridiculous misrepresentation, and of a style.of criticism for the bitterness and acrimony of which there is no excuse whatever. We regret to see here and there in the present volume evidences of the same tone which has already evoked so much scathing comment ; but whatever may be the immediate result, we have no doubt whatever that Time, the softener, will show that British gar- deners have much for which to thank the author of the present volume. There are certain departments of horticulture in which the French have of late years taken enormous strides, such as sub-tropical gardening, the decoration of public places, parks, &c., in their cities, the training and management of fruit trees, and other points, which are alluded to in the volume before us. In the matter of fruit culture, setting aside all differences of climate, there is no doubt whatever that we do Mat 23, 18C8.J THE GARDENERS' CITRONTCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. not avail ourselves of our opportunities to anything like the same extent that wo misht do. To the Rreat body of our labourers fruit is all but unknown, to the rich even it is a luxury. If Mr. Robinson succeed in excitini,' public attention to this matter, he will have done nood service to his follow countrymen, no matter whether the actual method he recommends be found in practice profitable or the reverse. In his warm advocacy of the introduction of well-selected hardy plants into our gardens, Mr. Robinson has likewise earned the thanks of all those who are anxious to escape from the wearisome monotony that is often a too marked characteristic of our gardens. By his extensive acquaintance with the more effective sub-tropical, herbaceous, and Alpine plants, Mr. Robinson 's ui ji position to give weight to his advocacy, and will be the means of furthering that tendency to a more catholic and, at the same time, more discriminating style of gardening which is now happily making its appearance. We have only to add, in conclusion, that the present work is nicely got up, and copiously and prettily illustrated^ Florists' Flowers. The contribution of new Fancy Pelargoniums made by Mr. C. Turner to the meeting of the Floral Committee on tho 19th inst., consisted probably of one of the very finest lots Mr. Turner has ever had in his Eossession. First-class Certificates were awarded to East lynne, Fanny Gair, Leotard, and Princess Teck. East Lynne has flowers of fine form,stoutand smooth. Fanny Gair is a very pretty light flower, the pale lower petals having a band of bright rose and a white margin; the upper petals rose, dashed with violet towards the pale centre ; good habit, and free-blooming : this variety has considerably improved since seen last year. Leotard also bad developed into a finely shaped smooth flower, having gained the rounded outline and smoothnes^s which it lacked when shown in 1867. Princess Teck is a beautiful and delicate light flower, having pure white lower petals, with a small blotch of lively pink on each, and violet rose upper petals margined with white: habit good, making an excellent exhibition kind. Brightness and Marmion, flowers of last year, were also shown on this occasion ; the former has a particularly bright appearance, and will tell as an exhibition flower ; the latter is in the way of Leotard, but of a much deeper colour, there being more dark in the rose. Agrippa, Mrs. Mendall, and Vivandiere, were shown for the first time; the former is a pretty light variety, with a pink blotch on the lower petals, the upper petals deep violet pink : an attractive flower, but rough as shown. Mrs. Mendall is also a light flower, the lower petals blotched and slightly suffused with rosy pink, the upper petals pale pinkish rose, broadly bordered with white; the habit good. Vivandiere is a fine dark -coloured variety, the lower petals dashed and stained with dark on a violet-rose ground, the upper petals glossy dark crimson rose, edged with pale violet rose. A First-class Certificate was also awarded to a fine large flowering Pelargonium named Troubadour, a seedling of Mr. Foster's, and shown by Mr. Turner. When seen at one of the Royal Botanic Society's Shows last year it was considered to be much inferior to that fine variety. Emperor, by the same raiser. It has now developed into a splendid flower, singularly bright and attractive in appearance, free blooming, and of good habit. The lower petals are pale carmine, the upper petals of a deeper hue, with a small dark blotch rayed with fiery orange ; the flowers large, smooth, and of fine form. A very useful-looking white-edged Pelargonium, named The Bride of Barham, was contributed by Mr. Shrubsole; the leaves pale green, broadly edged with white; good close habit, and a promising bedder. May Queen, in the same way, was shown by Mr. Turner, being one of the fine varieties of this character raised by Messrs. Windebank & Kingsbury, of Southampton. In the report of the new florists' (lowers produced at the meeting of tho Floral Committee on the 5th inst., it should have been stated that First-class Certificates were awarded to Mr. Turner's new white-edged Auricula, Mrs. Mendall, and the two new Alpine varie- ties, AVonderful and Novelty. In the way of Pelargoniums, some new hybrids of an interesting character were shown by Mr. J. Wills, of the Ashburnham Park Nursery, Chelsea. The mauve- coloured Ivy-leaved Pelargonium peltatum elegans, was the seed parent; the pollen parent, an intense scarlet-flowering zonal variety, named Banner. For 16 years Jlr. Wills had laboured to effect this cross and had operated on many thousands of flowers without success, until within the past two years. The hybrids partake of the Ivy-leaved habit, but are much more compact in growth, with firm stout leaves, while the flowers, some of which are of a bright magenta hue, have also improved in shape and substance. Mr. Wills is still further operating on the new forms he has created, and hopes to obtain a distinct class of Pelar- goniums. Baskets of two dwarf-growing golden- foliaged kinds were shown by Mr. Wills, one of Golden Christine, quite dwarf and compact in growth, said to have been found to be an excellent bedder; and Little Golden Spread Eagle, another of a similar character, obtained from Beaton's Nosegay variety, Spread Eagle, crossed with Golden Fleece. Mr. Thomas Church, of Luton Lodge, Plumstead, also sent leaves of an Ivy-leaved variety, pale green, marked with yellow, and said to have been obtained from peltatum elegans, crossed with Mrs. Pollock ; in this the leaves had a diseased appearance. Mr. Church also sent some very fine leaves of a golden yellow hue, which, if perpetuated in the form sent, will prove to be one of the very finest of the Cloth of Gold section yet seen. A truss of bloom from a variegated zonal variety was shown by Mr. Church, suggesting that trusses of bloom of the finest quality can be obtained from the varie- gated-leaved Pelargoniums as well as from the ordinary zonal kinds. . Messrs. Dobson & Sons produced a batch of their valuable large-flowering Pelargonium Magnet.^ It was awarded a First-class Certificate by Uie Floral Committee as a first-cla.ss market and decorative variety. The habit is close and bushy, and fine heads of bloom crown compactly grown plants. Messrs. F. & A. Smith had three new Azaleas, viz.. Rose of Surrey, pinkish rose, a small flower of good shape; Southern Cross, bright deep salmon rose, with large flowers ; but neither bad first-class properties. Clove- scented Tree Carnation Beauty of Tottenham, shown by Mr. Ware, resembles Souvenir de Malmaison, and is supposed to be a seedling from it. It has more colour in the centre of the pale flesh-coloured flowers, and it appears to bloom abundantly. Lobelia Oxcndenii came from Mr. Shrubsole, gr. to the Rev. C. Oxenden, Barham. It is one of the dwarf free- blooming kinds, the flowers of a pale blue, with small white centre. It is in the way of pumila elegans, but not quite so good. A First-class Certificate was awarded to Mr. Green, gr. to W. Vf. Saunders, Esq., for a fine and showy variety of Schizanthus pinnatus named splendens. It has bluish-violet flowers, with a dark centre, and was obtained by careful selection. Sileue pendula pul- cherrima, a deep-coloured variety, the flowers and calyx both being of a darker hue, and consequently more attractive, a plant well worth looking after by the advocates of spring gardening, was shown by Mr. W. Paul, and it is also imported from the Conti- nent under the name of S. pendula ruberrima. Verbena Dr. Livingstone, from Mr. Geo. Fry, Manor Nursery, Lee, is one of those fine orange-scarlet flowers, with a crimson ring round a lemon eye, that abound just now. It is a capital variety, and promises to make an excellent bedder. Probably one of the darkest Pansies vet raised was sent to this meeting by Mr. Tillery, of Welbeck. It was called Welbeck Black, and shortly stated to be a seedling bedding kind; the flowers were somewhat thin and rough, but intensely dark, quite a glossy black. As only the flowers were shown, no idea could be formed of the habit of the plant, or its adaptability for bedding purposes. Mr. Salter, of Hammersmith, had a capital stand of cut blooms of double Pyrethrums, some of which were very handsome, the dark and light colours being equally attractive. The flowers were large and full, like those of a Chrysanthemum, despite the hot and dry weather that has so long prevailed. S. D. That beautiful tribe of spring blooming plants, the Eaely Flowering Tulips, has been represented this season by a few kinds that may be termed_ new ; for if not strictly new in regard to the order of time, they are certainly new to English growers, and as such have a common interest with other novelties. In regard to the exact age or pedigree of many of the best of the Early Tulips we are altogether in the dark, and so it happens that it has become the usage with our bulb dealers to catalogue as new a Tulip they may not previously have seen, but which may have been already in some one else's list. In the absence of any reliable data by which the age of certain flowers can be determined, it is best to fall back on rarity, and accept as novel at least those varieties with which we have but recently become acquainted. The single flowers will first be noticed, as they form a much larger and more interesting section than that of the double kinds. In the way of white self flowers. Alba Regalis should be noted. There is no doubt that growth has much to do with the development of this variety, and under high cultivation it comes very fine indeed ; the colour is creamy white, slightly flaked with pale yellow, and when in good condition the flowers are large, globular, and bold. Princess Helena is a pure silken-white variety, the flowers large, full, and of fine shape; it has undoubted quality, and was shown by Mr. William Paul at South Kensington in superb condition. Of yellow selfs there are two well worthy of notice : Chrysolora, a deep but yet bright hue of yellow, large and fine ; and Buttercup, deep yellow, distinct from the foregoing in colour, the flowers of good size, but having narrow-pointed petals, which give it an ill-shapen appearance. In the way of violet and purple self flowers. Queen of Violets is a soft pale rosy lilac flower, of good shape, and very pretty. Van der Neer is one that can be highly recommended— not new certainly, but so flne as to deserve a place in every collection. It is a fitting companion to that fine variety Proserpine, being of the same size and build, but different in colour, as it has quite a deep shade of dark violet ; actually, it is in the way of MoliSre, but very much superior to it. That it is somewhat rare, even in the trade, may be inferred from the fact that Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son exhibited it this season as a new variety. Deeper still in colour is Berangaria, which maybe best described as of a dark violet puce shade, sometimes slightly feathered and flamed with white. This broken character is most apparent when cultivated in pots, for out-of-doors it is a self flower. It grows dwarf, and though the flowers are under-sized, it is valuable for its hue of colour. Deepest in colour of all these violet self flowers is Wouvermann, which is, in fact, of the darkest violet, but it is not nearly such a finished flower as Van der Neer, though its advent to this country was heralded by rumours of a brilliant reputation. Of Proserpine, a somewhat old but very fine flower, all that need be said is that it stands unrivalled in its peculiar glittering silken violet rose hue, and that it will come as fine when bedded out as wljen grown by Messrs. Cutbush or Paul in pots. More than that, it is no doubt perfectly true that many of the very best of the early-flowering Tulips will come finer when planted in the open air than when cultivated in pots, even for show purposes. Of deep rose or crimson self flowers, Joost Vau Vondcl must lie classcKl as one of the very finest. It is ficarci'lv a sill' ll.iw.r, lliimgh popularly classed as one. The ground colour is of a rich rosy crimson hue, and up the centre of each petal there is a pale flame shaded with violet, and this will sometimes run out towards the edges of the petals. This also comes very fine out- of-doors. Sunbeam is of a deep rose shade, a flower of the same style and build as Cramoisie Superbe, but darker; it is a very good flower indeed, and was very well done at the Liverpool spring show. Prince Alfred is a deep silken rose flower, but entirely distanced by Proserpine in regard to size and shape ; it is however deeper in colour than the last-named. Grootmeister, a somewhat old but very pretty and bright light rose- coloured flower, flaked with white, vyas shown at Liverpool as a light rose-coloured self, in which form it was very attractive : perhaps it is not regarded as a distinct variety, but the flower may have a tendency to come as a self. Rose Luisante was very finely shown Ijy Mr. W. Paul at South Kensington; it was so deeply coloured as to have the appearance of a dark Proser- pine without the violet : it is a splendid flower, and should be in all collections of Early Tulips. The buff self-coloured Tulips, hitherto almost exclusively repre- sented by Thomas Moore, have this year a good acces- sion in Comte de Melbourne, though the name suggests that it might have originated years ago. It is of a buff ground colour suffused with reddish brown, and may be regarded as a dark form of Thomas Moore, than which it appears to be much dwarfer in growth. Feathered, flamed, and striped flowers, as well as some remarks on new kinds, will, we hope, have atten- tion shortly. Quo. How TO Breed Puke Queens.— Since the publi- cation in our last of the letter of the Rev. Henry de Romestin, relative to the discovery of M. Koehler, I have seen a communication from a Scotch gentleman, describing a process which so nearly approximates to that of M. Koehler, and which is stated to have been successfully carried out by a friend of the writer, that I do not think I should be justified in receiving the 10*. M. (to be forwarded to M. Koehler) from any one desirous of becoming initiated into his secret. Next week I hope to be able to give a description of the plan by which our countryman secures the purity of his Ligurians, and I can only now say that, from its simplicity and apparent feasibility, I wonder that some of our first apiarians have not thought of it long ago. S. Sevan Fox. Abtieicial Swahms, — As a contrast to the account you gave of the state of matters in your apiary some weeks ago, I may mention that not a single drone can yet be seen in the middle of a fine day to be coming i'rom any of my stocks in four straw vats, which I am anxiously watching to drive swarms from, and they arc remarkably strong. . As the window of one of my two box hives has now to-day for the first time become warm to the palm of ray hand from top to bottom, I am going to give it a super. It has been warm for the last five or six days to the back of my hand, but that is sensible to a less degree of heat than the palm. Drones appeared from the hive first on tho 11th inst. No crowding about the entrance whatever as yet. Of course it will not do to drive for artificial swarms till drones are abundant. -1. ^. , ., [Yours must be a late district for one so far south, or your hives are not quite up to their proper standard of strength for the period of the season. Your hive on which you planted a super seems hardly to have been ready for the addition. We should have deferred putting one on for a short time. Some of our hives are working well in their supers, and honey has been very abundantly carried in for many days. It will be quite safe provided the stocks are sufficiently populous to drive now for artificial swarms, as by the tune the young queens are ready to take their wedding flight there will be an abundant supply of drones arrived at maturity.! Garden Memoranda. Messrs. Carter & Co.'s Nursery, Perry Hill, Sydenham.— Perhaps no establishment of a similar character has made such rapid growth during the past four or five years as this nursery, which has become an important ramification of the extensive business of Messrs. Carter & Co., who in addition to being seed growers and seedsmen are- also now nurserymen on a Though nursery stock of a very general character is cultivated here, it is pre-eminently a great centre for the production of what is denominated soft-wooded sturt'. The higher order of bedding plants, such as Coleus, Alternantheras, Centaureas, Heliotropes, vano- gated Pelargoniums— and, for sub-tropical work, such as Cannas, Castor-oil plants, &c.— are grown here in such immense quantities that the numerical strength of some of them can be computed almost by thousands. To look through the propagating houses of this depart- ment is an interesting sight indeed ; and the immense number of cuttings daily placed in the striking pots can only be approximately realised by those well conver- sant with a business of this character and extent. Of foliaged plants for bedding purposes Cannas form a conspicuous feature, both in regard to their number and their variation, quite suggesting tuo impression that sub-tropical gardening must be exten- sively followed about the country. The handsome little Alternantheras likewise abound, especially parony- chioides, spathulata, and versico or, the former being the best for general soils : also the two kiuJ» of IreMnB I. Herbstii and and it^ variety au.rc<)-reticulata the marking of the latter being quitostriking m the young ooO THE GATJDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 23, 1868. staae of srowth. The ordinary forms of Coleus, such as Verschaffeltii, nigricans, marginata, Gibsoni, Veitchii, &e., Centaurea ragusina,' ^yninocarpa, &c., also abounded in an intermediate house, while the propagation of the examples of the last-named genus was still being vigorously prosecuted. The fine foliaged Solanums also were to be seen, and are in considerable demand. The ordinary forms of out-door bedding plants, such as Pelargoniums, Heliotropes, and such-like, are very extensively propagated. It was computed that one house contained 8000 dozen favourite Pelargonium plants. In a long frame were to be seen, a short time back, a large number of store pots of cuttings of bedding stuff almost ready for potting off, and computed to contain 1000 dozen, consisting of Lobelias, Gazauias. &o. Then, in a more advanced state of growth, and hardened off ready for sending out, were 24 frames of bedding stuff, in the main Pelargoniums ; these frames being covered at night with mats, to protect from possible injury by the cold. Each of these frames con- tained 2000 plants in pots, and comprised numerous bedding Pelargoniums, in excellent condition, and apparently quite ready for their summer quarters ; and such better kinds as Crystal Palace Gem, one of the ClothofGoldsection,and probably unri vailed asabedder; and Snowdrop, a close-jointed vigorous growing silver- edged variety that promises to bean effective and desir- able bedder also. In the way of a good common bedding plant, Messrs. Carter have made an admirable selection from Tagetes signata pumila, in the form of a dwarf- groiving bushy strain, the which they propagate by cuttings to keep it true. Of new bedding plants to be sent out this spring Messrs. Carter & Co. hold the stock of Lobelia Queen of Whites, a white bedding Lobelia highly recommended for its capital habit and freedom and perpetuity of bloom. Its appearance in a growing state is much in its favour; it has a strong wiry-looking habit, and the leaves are much rounded : in this respect differing from the L. speciosa section. It is also of moderately dwarf growth. Another new variety is L. Paxtoni quadrioolor, a variegated foliaged kind that will be very useful for basket-work in a conservatory, but will not do for bedding purposes. The variegation is compoundedof red, white, and green. The following uevv Pelargoniums are also to be sent out thisspring ;— Goliah,agood-looking well-coloured varie- gated zonal, having the appearance of a useful bedder ; Arab, Zebra, and Egyptian Queen, three varieties in the gold and bronze zonal section, the last-named a striking and handsome example, with an excellent habit; Dr. Primrose, one of the Golden Chain type, but with an edging of clear primrose, good habit, and very promising; Snowdrop, a good white-edged variety; Carminata, a well-marked dark zonate-leaved variety, with a habit like Smith's Excellent, and producing p.ile carmine flowers ; Ephraim, cerise, vvith dark zonate foliage, and excellent habit; and Triumphant, also with the habit of Excellent, flowers brilliant scarlet, with white eye. All these are said to be first-rate bedding varieties. A very fine double-flowered Petunia was well worthy notice. It is named Princess, and produces not only large but full blooms, of a deep magenta crimson hue, some of which measured fully 4 inches across, and were also richly fragrant. The habit is excellent, it is very free blooming, and will be very useful for conservatory or house decoration. The new Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, L'Elegaute and Duke of Edinburgh, were also being rapidly propagated, and of the latter there was a considerable number ready for sale. It is a great de.al like the old Mangles' bedder, with the addition of the Ivy-like foliage. Of new variegated zonal Pelargoniums Messrs. Carter & Co. have a splendid batcli, including some fine kinds of last year and a considerable quantity of seedlings, many of which had already broken into character, while others were passing through the period period of change. la the stovehouse is planted a huge specimen of Tacsonia Van Volxemi, which passes through a glass division into a cool house, and there blossoms abun- dantly. Exotic and the hardier kinds of Ferns are somewhat extensively cultivated by Messrs. Carter & Co. The hybridisation, or at least the crossing of them, is a feature of their cultivation that Messrs. Carter & Co. have been prosecuted with marked success. In an adjoining house was to be seen a large quantity of Camellias con- sisting of the leading kinds, that had just been worked. Nothing could bo more healthy in appearance than these plants, the young growth being strong and vigorous. Vines, too, are a chief feature of the business, and in one house could be seen a great batch of the new Grapes Mrs. Pince, raised from eyes. The foliage of this variety is marked by a purplish tint, and the leaf is out, as it were, in so peculiar a manner as to present a feature quite novel in character. In the out-door department, spring blooming Alpine and herbaceous plants were in some instances quite gay with flowers. Not the least interesting feature to many visitors to this establishment during the summer will be the spacious trial ground for vegetable seeds Messrs. Carter & Co. have formed adjacent to their nursery. It is on an extensive scale, and already the trials were far enough advanced to be a feature of some interest. In this ground Messrs. Carter & Co. not only test the value and correctness of the various stocks of garden seeds from which they draw their supplies, but all new varieties and novelties are also grown for trial. In the matter of Peas alone, the number of samples sowu for trial is something remark- able, as it is the custom of this firm, and indeed of all the London wholesale seedsmen, to sow a sample of each quantity of any given sort they may obtain for the purposes of sale. This is done that, in the case of any complaint as to the non-purity of the stock of any variety, they should possess a reliable record of their own experience of the sample in question. A succes- sion of visits to this trial ground during the summer could be made the means of obtaining a considerable amount of useful information on many matters of interest connected with the cropping of a vegetable garden, and the relative value of the several subjects generally used for the purpose. S. (Sailitn: ©perationsf. (For the ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. As plants, uo matter in what department, cease to grow actively, endeavour gradually to afford them more light and air than previously. This will tend materially to mature the young growths, render them better able to stand through the adverse winter months, and bloom more freely in the ensuing season. Less shading will therefore be required, and a greater abundance of air — night air especially — luust be given ; this, of course, without running any unnecessary risks in the way of too low temperatures, &c. These remarks apply now especially to Camellias. Where not done sooner, this will be found a good time in which to pot the above-named plants ; indeed, some of our best growers recommend this operation to be per- formed just at this time, when the apex of the current young shoots is readily discernible. I have before advised that they be potted in yellow loam of thorough good heart, the herbage upon whichshould be onlypartly decomposed. Let it be well chopped up and rammed down pretty firmly. Keep all greenhouses, and especially those structures which are treated as_ inter- mediate houses, well watered and frequently sprinkled, syringing all the inmates which are in active growth once or twice on all favourable days. This is a good time in which to strike cuttings of Oleanders. They strike very freely, and are plants which need very little cultural attention; hence, they are essentially amateurs' plants. There is one thing, however, which we habitually overlook in regard to their proper treat- ment. Being fond of moist situations, they need a good maximum warmth during the summer, and abundance of moisture, root moisture especially — indeed they luxuriate when standing, at such a period, in overflowing pans of tepid water. Previous to potting any which have ceased flowering, it will be advisable to cut them well down; plunge them slightly in bottom heat^ if possible, and induce them to " break " freely. This done, pot them into an admixture of sandy lo.am and well-decomposed cow-dung. They only need keeping dry and particularly cool during winter, and starting in a slight heat in spring to insure abundance of bloom. All young plants grown on at the present time, for the purpose of making specimens at a future date, should have every symptom of flowering removed as often as it is exhibited, and at the earliest possible moment. Continue to "shift" these, and all other things which need such assistance. FORCING HOUSES. Thin the berries vvith all dispatch in the later Vineries, bearing in mind that two or three days now make a great difference in their size, «tc. We stop the laterals when a few inches in length. Be careful not to keep houses in which Grapes are colouring too hot, andscrupulously observe to have adry night atmosphere. Do not, moreover, dash water too frequently, if at all, in course of syringing, against any berries which have perfected their process of stoning. Remove any long- standing litter from outside borders attached to early Vineries, leaving only a few inches of the more decayed and decomposed debris as a surface mulch- ing where the inmates may not have yet ceased fruit-bearing and growing actively. Pi/ies which are needed in fruit and ripe from October on through the early winter months, should now be examined. Any which are progressing favourably in this respect should be shifted if necessary, turned out wholly into a pot, or have a nice surface-dressing of chopped loam and a little well-decayed cow-dung. Give them careful and uniform waterings. Syringe occasionally, and so induce a thorough healthy tone of growth, which is the certain progenitor of fine large fruit. Those Peach- houses in which there are some symptoms of fruit- coiouring should have ample warmth, whether artificial or otherwise, as well as plenty of air; a mean temperature of 06° to 03° will be needed at night, with a corresponding amount of warmth by day. Keep a slight heat in the pipes on dull days, so as to insure at the same time a good supply of air. Now that the " bedding stufl'" is out of the way, any spare frames or pits which have previously been filled with it, should be appropriated to Melons and Cucumbers, to the extent needed. To do this the better it will be necessary to turn over any fermenting material they may contain, adding in all cases where possible suffi- cient fresh material to insure a good brisk and con- tinuous heat. Tread it down moderately firm, placing under the middle of each light the necessary soil- that for Melons, strong primitive loam alone. Good turfy loam, with well decayed manure well intermixed, will suit Cucumbers admirably. Seeds of either sown a week or two ago as advised will have now formed nice plants, and may be planted out at once, as uo time should be lost, the season being rather far advanced already to insure the ripening of a thoroughly good crop. Tilt the lights at the back for a time, to give free egress to any steam which m.iy arise, and shade slightly by day when the sun is hottest; con- tinuing in this way with regard to both until all danger is past. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Figs attached to walls should have the points of the stronger shoots pinched out as soou as sufficiently ad- 1 vanced to insure the formation of two or three good leaves, to act as accessories to the swelling fruits ; by this pinching we induce the more abundant forma- tion of fruit. There is a good show for fruit upon all out-door Figs this season. Hence every attention should be given to aid the crop in ripening off well. "Tack in "the more robust and longest shoots upon Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, &c. They are far ad- vanced in growth already, and should this operation not be done quickly, where not already performed, some danger will exist of possible injury, through heavy storms, whether of rain or wind. Examine all grafts, and should the outer covering of clay, &c., have become detached or much cracked, it will be desirable to renew it without delay. HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Immediately we are favoured with rainy weather, great activity will be needed iu the matter of planting out finally, transplanting, &c., all such things as Asters, Stoc/cs, Convolvulus, Tobacco, seedling Petunias, Poly- anthus, Pansies, Nemophilas, Nolanas, Striped Maize, Salvias, seedling Pinis, and a host of similar subjects, which could but fare badly if placed out direct into the open borders whilst the present very fine, yet for such things rather dry, period lasts. Good service might likewise be done by placing into spare frames, or pits in shady places, cuttings of such things as the Trentham blue and yellow Pansies, preliminary for an early display in the ensuing spring. The latter of these is a most useful and beautiful variety, aud one deserving of a corner, or indeed of a more prominent situation in every garden. KITCHEN GARDEN. Take advantage of the first showery day to transplant all seedling plants in need of such assistance, and plant out finally any early sown Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, or Savoys, &c., that are sufficiently large to handle, and to grow out of harm's way, in regard to slugs and other depredators. The first row of Celerij should also be planted out without further delay if plants sufficiently large are at hand. Should this dry weather continue any further length of time it will be necessary, when Peas, Beans, Radishes, suocessional Lettuce, and Turnips, with some other things are sown, to drill-sow them all, ana when sown to water them well in before returning the soil into the drills and over them. The hoe should, I scarcely need add, be kept freely going, as any ground which remains unmoved during this dry period will quickly display, by force of weeds in plenty, the ill-gain which invariably accrues to bad management. Jr. B. §1 I u 25 TEap«„AT<.«K. S. S.E.' E. N.W. May. BiHOKETEa. Of the Air, Of the Earth ^ Max. w.an 30.076 29!91S Mln. Max. 72 75 71 S7 Min. 38 16 U 42.1 Mean 55.0 00.3 6o!o 65.5 1 foot deep. 57 57 67 57 1 2 feet deep. 53 53 63 61 65 53.5 Frldnj 15 Satur. 16 Sunduyt? Tuosd. 19 Wed. 20 29!9e8 30.017 29:857 00 Average 29.999 0.00 May 14— Cloudy dull. cloudy; flneatnight. ?tine atniffht. rstarliuht. I, Iieavy clouds, iiidtlneatmslit. Meau temperature uf tbc week,5 9-10 det;. above the avem STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CHISWICK, During the last 42 years, for the ensuing Week, ending May 3 — 20 -Cluiidy, fine ; very fine ; clear a II i ^Si eo- No. of Years in which it Greatest Prevailing Winds. ^i^ Sh auantity ofttain. « Zl J1 -f^ 67.5 ,56 ■: U 0.51in. 9 7 1 S 11, 3 1 410 647 4 13 4 2 11, 5 66.3 56 6 22 .1 3 12' 3 3 07.8 hi; '.'. 15 0.97 0 »: 5 2 0.97 68.0 44 8 56.4 17 0.34 3 b|6 3 4 10< 41 4 Wed. . 28th, 1817— themi. 91 deg. ; und the lowest.on the IWsi, iaU7, a Notices to Correspondents. Address: Hortus. We cannot give you the address of Mr. Jones, late of Bradshaw Gardens. Cucumbers: IV H. A well grown, handsome white-spined Cucumber, of crisp flavourj very like Telegraph, and equally good. Insects : J F S. The weevils you have sent, which are so destructive to your Roses, Cydonias, Plums, aud other wall fruit, eating off leaves and buds, are tbo Otiorhynchus atro-apterus. We know no other remedy against their attacks than is given in our recent " Answers to Correspon- dents." iV. Names of Plants://" J. Aquilegia canadensis.— jl/ />, Both specimens are Saxifraga Aizoou, the flowers of which are commonly spotted (3. intermedia is different).— G. Erio- botrya japonica.— S/'i/iaw. Ribes aureum. — W Rayson. 1, Neottia Nidus-Avis; 2, Plagiocula asplenioides. — C Palmtf. Rhamnus catharticus. Paxton's Botanical Diction ary ; W T. Prom a recent announcement you will see that this is likely to be issued early in the ensuing month. Peach Trees : M A L. A very luxuriant shoot ia apt not to be so well matured as one that is smaller and of slower growth. The size of the pith is determined at the time when the shoot first makes its herbaceous growth. WALi.Fi.n/. r:i : ' n ir Your Wallflower is what Do Candolle callcil ' !!■ ir .;i! ! I - ' Iiriri var. gynantherua. The petals are miu-h I.;' ■ n-^iiril, and the stamens replaced by ciirp. ! , uo t^vo rows of carpels, the ordinary a ij\s outside consisting of metamorphosed ceijtr;i.l \j stamens. Com; TNioATiONs UECEtvyD.-C. D. (with thflnks)— H. J. S.— r.-E. H. KreUige.-J. F.-J. A — E. U S.— C. E. l-".— W. R.-U. G. R.-B. Findlay.-A. S. Mat 23, 18C8.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE S51 CARTER'S COLLECTIONS OF PLANTS. For tbc convenience of those of our Customers who have not the time or inclination to make out their own selection of Plants, wo submit the undermentioned Col- lections at a most reasonable rate, to which wc respectfully invite attention ; and we confidently hope that the liberal manner in which the selections are made will induce the favour of a considerable extension of obliging orders. We have bestowed great care in the arrangement of the sorts ; none but good healthy plants will be included, and those varieties have been chosen which are most calculated to procure an effectivo display. Carter's Royal Kensington CoUectiong. Comprising onlv v^irletii'S of Ornftiiioiit; Beddtn« Pliitita whlcU liiivo been usdd KensmgUm Gardens during tlie past auminor and aututi No. 4. Price 17s. Gd., basket and packing included. CO PLANTS-30 ORNAMENTAL- FOLIAGE PLANTS ; 30 FLOWERING PLANTS, to consiat of 4 Plants ol Altornanthera 4 Plants of Geraniums i „ Gnapbaliums B^mbusn Coleus Ciianaa 4 „ Fuchsias All finest standard vaiie and 1 Lobelia speciosa t)u Fop description of above, 4 „ Heliotropes 4 „ Iresino 4 „ Lobelias 4 „ Petunias 4 „ Verbenas ;s ; also 1 Coleus Veitchii, 1 do. Gibson!, a of Whites, r Illustrated Catalogue. Carter's Royal Kensington Collections. No. 0. Price 32*-. Gd., basket and packini,' incluihd. 120 PLANTS-CO ORNAMF.NTAL-FOLIAGE PLANTS; CU FLOWERING PLANTS, to cut 4 „ „ Veitchii 8 „ H . „ CHniiaa 8 „ 8 „ Dahlias ' 8 „ 8 „ Fuchsiiw S „ All finest standard varieties; also 2 Geraniums Mrs. Pollock, and 4 Lubolia speciosa Queen of Whites, new, uxtra. For description of above see our Illustrated Catalogue. SUTTONS' IMPROVED ITALIAN RYE-GUASS, the earliest and most productive in cultivation.— Thlf Barkiiii;, in 1 llrst t " LinHrt iccesi at the Metropolis Sewage Company's Farm, Seven heavy cuttings wore obtalnod in 1807. The i obtiiinod March 12, the second April 2'i. both off (is. per bushel, cheaper in larger quantitlr" carriage free, Quiintity required per acre, throe bushels. Sutton & Sons, Royal Berks Seed EfitabHshment, Heading. H' OIISK ^ SH(i\V, "agricultural HALL, LONDON —OPENS the d.ay after the Oaks, SATURDAY, May 30. Adniis.sion, Ilalf-a-Crown. H~ ORSE SHOW, AGHiCULTTjRAL HALL, LONDON— SATURDAY, May 30, MONDAY, June 1, and Four Following Days. HORSE SHOW, AGUICULTURAL HALL, LONDON. — THOROUGH -BRED and ROADSTER STALLIONS, HUNTERS (in four classes), PURE-BRED ARABS. PARK HACKS, WEIGHT-CARRYING COBS, LADIfc-S' HORSES, CHARGERS. PHAETON HORSES, in Pairs ; PONIES, in Single and Doablo Harness. 1)RSE SHOW, AGRICULTURAL HaXL, LONDON.— AdralssioD, Opening Day, Half-a-Cro^vn; other H NORTaUiMliEKLAIVU ACiUlt'ULTUKAU OUUlfcl i'. — Tbe ANNUAL SHOW of the abovo Sociotvwill be held nt COKNHILL. on TnUltSDAY, July 23, when £410 and Five Silver Cups will be uwarrled in Prizes to Cattle, Horses, Slieep, Swine, and Implements, ENTRIES CLOSE JULl 1. Prize Siieets, Certificates, and other information may bo had on application to the Secretary, Mr. JACOB WILSON, Woodhorn BATH nncl WEST of ENGLAND SOCIETY, for the ENCOORAOE- MENT ofAGIUCULTOBE. ARTS, MANU- FACTURES, and COMMERCE. EsTAni-isUED 1777. J',«rau-n.R.Il.TuE PaiMOE of Wales, K.G. J'/i-MilriK— Sir .1. T. II, Duckworth, Bart. The .\NNUA1. E.KIIIHITIUN of .STOCK, roULTRV, IMI'LEMKNTS, WORKS of ART, and HORTICULTURAL SPECI- MENS will tul;e place at FALMOUTH, On JUNE 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, 1S68. JOSIAH GOODWIN, Secretary. Carter's Crystal Palace CoUections. No- 7- Price Ids., basket and packing included. 60 CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the most eifective varieties used at the above now celebrated bedding place, and so admired by the tens of thousands of visitors every year. 4, Terrace Walk, Bath. 4 Plants of Ageraturn 4 Plants of Heliotrope 4 Caleceolarias Iresino DaliliJis Lobelias Petunias 4 Stachys QeraDiums Tropajolum 4 „ Guaphaliura 1 New White Lobolia speciosa Qu en of Whites, and L'oloua Ve tchii. All finest standard varieties. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections. Ko. 8. Priee 30.?., basket and packing included. .20 CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the most euttve varieties used at the above now celebrated bedding; place, d so admired by the tens of thousands of visitors every year. 8 Plants of Geraniums 8 8 Gnapbalmm 8 8 Heliotropes 8 8 8 4 8 Dahlias Fuclislas Echeverlaglauca Gazanias 8 8 S 4 8 ;; Lobelias Peri lias Petunias Tropseoium Verbenas Inol ■linB New White Lobeli \ species Qu en of Whites, and 2 Coleus Glbsoni. All finest Stan ard varie tics. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections, No. 9. Price 605,, basket and packing included. 260 CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the m( effective varieties used at the above now celebrated bedding pla and so admired by the tens of thousands of visitors every year. 18 Plants of Ageratum 10 Amaranthus 16 Gnapbalium Hi Calceolanaa 16 „ Heliotropes 10 Cineraria mari- 16 „ Iresino 16 Cerastium [tima 16 „ Lobelias Dahlias 16 8 8 8 Eeheverla glauca 8 Stachya (rare) 8 „ Tropreolums Gazuniaa Verbenas Including New White Lobel All anest Stan dard varieties. •»• Aiitj of the above forwarded im^nediatehj on 7'eceipt of Post-office Order. JAMES CARTER & CO.'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE Is now ready, containing completo Lists of New and Choice Stove, Greenhouse, and Bedding Plants ; also Coloured representations of the following New Geraniums — Egyptian Queen, Eniile Lemoine, and Madame Lemoine, and may be had Gratia and Post Free on application to CARTER'S GREAT LONDON SEED "WAREHOUSE, 237 & 238, niGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. pOYAL AGRICULTURAL •^ SOCIETY of ENGLAND. LEICESTER MEETING, 1868. ENTRIES of STOCK, BUTTER, CHEESE, and WOOL CLOSE on JUNE 1; and ail Certificates received after that date will bo returned to the Benders. H. HALL DARE, Secretary. 12, Hanover Square, London, W. Elie ^grtcttltural (Saiette. SATURDAY, MAT 23, 1868. A seedsman's catalogue will tell you to a few ounces the precise mixture of Grass and other seeds for procuring a pasture on a light, heavy, chalky, sandy, wet or dry soil ; and books tabulate systematic rotations of cropping for every kind of arable, and all peculiarities of climate. Rigid formulip, too, may be laid down with regard to live-stock husbandry ; in one place you may dairy, in another graze big oxen, in another breed lambs, in another buy all your stores and sell them fattened. Now all such general rules are to bo varied from and accom- modated to particular farms or districts; and when an authority says that sheep breeding must be practised only on regular sheep land, and that it cannot bo successfully conducted upon rich natural pastures, the dictum should be accepted with limitations : in fact, some good practical information is desirable upon this very points where you may, and where you should not, make a breeding ilock one of the main resources of a farm. There is a large tract of fine alluvial land in one of our eastern counties, well drained, and lying under a dry climate, where sheep-breeding has been followed for very many years. The ewes are tupped and lambed upon old pasture, and the lambs suckled— and to a large extent also weaned — upon old pasture, tho proportion of Clover or two years' seeds being very small. Undoubtedly, lambs were a better business there at one time than they seem to be now. Tho losses are often excessively heavy, and the flockmastors can scarcely believe some of the hill-countrymen, who boast their large falls of lambs, carried through a summer without any serious ditficulty from the all-prevalent " scour- ing." Of late years iU-luck has visited particular neighbourhoods, with what the shepherds, seeing it for tho first time, suppose to be a new malady. Lambs at ten weeks to throe months old begin to do badly ; their fleeces look drj' and "penny," and abound with ticks : they " nab " or bito their wool ; they sutler from obstinate diarrha-a : they die suddenly. In their stomachs are found large pellets of wool ; in their smallintestinesarequantities of tape-worms. Last Monday, on a farm well known to us, a lamb died suddenly — so suddenly that it was found with its mouth full of fresh Grass just as munched o(f the sward ; the bowels were highly distended with gas ; a large clot of wool had passed tho first stomach, and the smaller intes- tines were full of tape-worms. Last year tho same farmer lost more than 20, and a neighbour of his lost more than 50 lambs, affected in this way. What is the cause ? Where is the remedy ? Last year the season was moist and growing, tho Grass was ovor-abundaut, and the ewes were being well fed also with cake and corn. This year, however, tho season is dry, tho Grass is scanty, and the ewes are in low condition. Tho lambs' coats swarm with ticks. Is it the irrita- tion of these vermin that makes the lambs bite and swallow wool, and is it this indigestible mattor that induces diarrha'a and develops tho worms ? or is it tho tape-worm that brings ou tho scouring, makes the lambs sickly, and their skins irritable ? Ticks were not so abundant last year as they are now. On tho farm of which we speak dipping has been resorted to, after the death of two lambs in two days, to try if the malady begins outside. If this fail, two local remedies are to be tested. Each lamb in the whole flock is to have (after fasting) a dose of a quarter of an ounce of common salt in water, to be repeated on the third day ; and some of the lambs are to swallow quids of tobacco soaked in turpentine. The salt should be a good medicine, for it was tried, apparently with good effect, last year, and the remnant of a smitten flock of lambs having been driven to a tidal salt marsh last year immediately improved in condition. The turpentine, too, has reason on its side, and experience has proved its value as a remedy. If the young flock does not turn over a new leaf, Mr. Hexry Wood's Morton flock medicine is to have a trial ; and some of the lambs are to be dosed with cod oil (not cod-liver oil), as recommendeil by Mr. Brady Nicholson, the very successful flockmaster of Garforth, near Leeds. It may be that the old pastures of the locality have gradually become so enriched with cake -feeding and good grazing management, that they are no longer suitable for rearing lambs upon. Two alternatives are open to the farmer. He may give up sheep breeding altogether, as many of his neighbours have done. But for the last two or three years hoggets have been bought in so dearly, that tho sheep graziers have not done well, though tho present season will tell better in that respect, in spite of the moderate prices expected for wool. The other coui-se is to adopt a stronger and Iiardier sort of lamb. The ewes of tho district (Lincolns) are not likely to be changed with advantage : they are on their native soil, and winter well. But South-down, Oxford- down, or, what are thought still better, Hamp- shire-down tups (good big sheep, black on face and legs), are used by many farmers, and the lambs have been found to grow wonderfully fast, and to be less subject to the afflictions that destroy so many of the pure-bred lambs. How- ever, in the present fine season several flocks of even these hardy lambs have been attacked with scouring, worms, and sudden death ; and besides that, the market just now is so bad that bidders cannot be found except for extremely good lots and heavy lambs are being sold at 25s. to SOs. a-head. The question remains still virtually unanswered : " AVhat are the occupiers of that Grass land (too good for young sheep, but not good enough for fattening heavy steers) to do under the circumstances ? " /. A. C. ■ The very forcing weather throughout the week has caused ihe fufl io the cora trade on Jlonday to be followed with increasing heaviness. Tho weather has also had a depressing effect on the meat traile. Beasts, however, are not quoted beneath Mon- day's prices. Sheep and Limbs are more numerous, and prices have scarcely been maintained. Veal, how- ever, is inquired after at late rates. Wool barely commands recent prices. — Potatos in warehouses are superabundant, considering the weather and tho large supply of new ones. This has caused sales of old stock to bo forced, and prices therefore to fall. The Annual Meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of England took plnce yesterday, at their rooms in Hanover Square. The attendance was of tho most meagre kind. The business to be transacted was, however, but little beyond a formal character. Mr. Tno.\Ii>30N, the President, occupied the chair. The names of the other gentlemen present will appear m tho course of tho few remarks we have to make, fieneral Hood proposed his Royal Highness the Peinceof Wales as President for the coming year, in doing which the General made some remarks wlucli were as commendable for their appropriateuess as for their brevity. Sir Walteb Stielino seconded tho THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND ACtRICULTHRAL GAZETTE. [May 23, 1868. motion, which was of course unanimously affirmed. The Trustees were then re-appointed, and Vice-Presidents re-elected. Mr. Hall Dare, the Secretary, then read the report, the adoption of which was proposed by Mr. Neville Geanville, and on being seconded by Mr. Fitch, it was unanimously approved. Mr. Neville Granville asked whether it was advisable to continue the educational examinations, which he subsequently characterised as a failure. He then passed to the loss of Mr. Feeee, of whom he spoke feelingly, from having known him as a school-fellow and a companion at college, and having always found him to be a hard- working practical man. The Chaikiian entered at some length into the educational question, in reply to Mr. Ge.inville, thinking it right that a great institution like the Royal Agricultural Society ought to do some thing towards solving the present popular question of middle-class education. The experiment had not yet been fairly tried. Dr. Ceisp argued that it should be taken up by Govern- ment. This view led him to the lloyal Veterinary College for an illustration. He theo described the system of education in Prance as being far more efficient. Six years training in various branches were there required, while in this country six or twelve months often sufficed, and the veterinary profession is often followed in this country by blacksmiths, cobblers, and farmers who had received no previous educa- tion. Sir Geoege Jenkinson introduced the subject of shoeing horses as worthy of notice, and then took up the educational question. Mr. Dent, M.P., followed. The Eeportitself, much of which appeared in the AgriojiHural Oazeile on the 9th inst., page 500, contains nothing of a pressing character, and we there- fore defer it till we can give it complete, in connection with a full report of the official and discursive pro- ceedings. Mr. Bailet Denton's paper, " On the Con- dition of the Agricultural Labourer," which he read before the Society of Arts on Wednesday last, will be found to be an elaborate and well-timed addition to our agricultural literature. The large and well- arranged collection of facts and data, and the arguments based on them, not only elicited frequent applause from the members and strangers present, but they provoked an unusually animated discussion after- wards. AVith the St. James's Hall meeting fresh in our memory, and not having forgotten some other platforms whereon this question has been much belaboured for doubtful purposes, it is with more than ordinary pleasure that we point specially to this well- considered and suggestive treatise on a great social subject. The leading points of the paper will be found on another page. The discussion which subsequently followed was ably taken up by the Rev. J. G. Ste.itton, author of a pamphlet entitled " Friendly Societies v. Beerhouse Clubs," and some other essays bearing on the subject ; by Mr. Read, M.P. ; Mr. James HovTAED (Bedford), Mr. J. K. Powleb, Mr. C. Ween Hosktns, Mr. S.i5l. Sydney, and Sir Geoeoe Jenkinson. If Mr. Bailey Denton's paper, and the opinions which the above gentlemen expressed on its more salient points, be taken as a basis for future deliberations, there is no doubt that the practical solution of this question will be surely, if not rapidly, We must supplement our last week's reference to the Degree in Applied Science, proposed by the University of Edinburgh, by adding that they intend also to institute a Degree in Veterinary Surgery, open to qualified students of all the veterinary schools iu Great Britain who comply with the regulations laid down for such Degree. All candidates for examination for such Degree must be 21 years of age, and have obtained, by examination, a Veterinary Diploma or License from some recognised teaching or licensing body in Great Britain. This diploma or license will be accepted as satisfactory evidence of the candidate's general education, and of his acquaintance with the groundwork of his profession, and will exempt him from the preliminary and the " Bachelor's " examina- tions required in the other sections of the Department of Applied Science. Candidates will be also required to produce certificates of attendance upon at least three out of the following list of classes in the University of Edinburgh :—l. Anatomy; 2. Institutes of Medicine (Physiology); 3. Surgery; 4. Natural History ; 6. Botany ; C. Agriculture. Candidates thus qualified will be admitted to examination for the Degree of Master of Veterinary Surgery (C.V.M.). The examinations in all the abovesubjects, in their applica- tions to V3terinary surgery, will be both oral and written, and be held at the close of the winter session. They will be conducted by the University Examiners on the respective subjects of examination, assisted by an Examiner appointed by the Council of the Veteri- nary College of Edinburgh, and an Examiner appointed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Messrs. Caeter ask us to state that the great crop of Italian Rye-grass grown on the Barking Sewage Farm was grown partly from seed supplied by themselves and partly from seed supplied by Messrs. Sutton. A letter published in the Times had mentioned the latter only as supplying the seed of certain plots from which a groat crop had been cut ; and it is quite true that equal crops had been taken from other plots where Messrs. Caeter'.s seed had been employed. They quote accordingly a letter from Mr. J. C. MoETON on the subject, stating that " the great Grass crops on the farm at Barking were due simply to sewage irrigation, and anyone having true Italian Eye-grass seed from any seedsman can with our command of sewage realise our experience." On Tuesday evening, in the House of Commons, Mr. ACLAND called attention to the inconvenience attending the want of an authority specially charged with the duty of considering questions affecting agri- culture and the food of the iieople. He moved for a Select Committee to inquire into and report on the functions of the various Government offices n-ith respect to questions relating to agriculture, with a view to organising one department for the due consideration of such questions, responsible to Parlia- ment. Throughout the different departments they were paying 70,000i. a-rear for the schemes of offices connected with agriculture, and to consolidate them into one department would probably be ecouomical. If it was too late this session to appoint a committee, he hoped that during the autumn the Government would issue a Royal Commission to inquire into the question. Mr. Clake Sewell Read seconded the motion, and after a brief conversation, in which Mr. GoscHEN, Mr. M'Lagan, Captain Caenegie, Mr. Newdeoate, and Mr. Whalley joined, Mr. Haedy said that the present state of things, which was very unsatisfactory, was owing to the action of Parliament, which session after session had been creating new local authorities, which impeded one another and paralysed the action of the executive. He explained the confusion which existed in dealing with sanitary questions, and such visitations as the cattle plague, owing to the conflicting jurisdic- tions of the local authorities, but he was afraid that there would be no real remedy until the country was fully aroused to the fact that the general welfare was of more importance than what was called local self- government. The attention of Government had already been directed to this question, and it would not be lost sight of. We presume from this that we shall by and by have a " Minister of Agriculture ;" not, we hope, to take local work out of local hands, but to act as the ear and mouth of the Central Government in its relations to the vigorous local and departmental manage- ment, which will still retain the acting and responsible authority. The following are among the subjects which Mr. Acland specifies in a lately published letter to Lord Foetescdb, on this subject, as proper to be classed under the superintendence of a separate department of the Central Government :— " 1. The whole fiy.stem of inUnd communication by road .19 distinguished from railways and canals. 2, The extension of cheap railways into agricultural districts where railways can only pay indirectly, as a permanent investment, to those locally interested. .3. The better arrangement, with a view to local convenience, of the districts into which the country is now divided for poor relief, highways, administration of jus- tice, .assessed and other taxes. Under this head may be included the rectification of parochial boundaries. 4. The m.anagemeut of entire river basins (incorrectly called by some persons w.atersheds). (a) With a view to drainage and iiTiga- tion. (6) For the better application of town sewage, (c) As a matter of health in town and country. Under this head would fall the mode of dealing with vested interests in mills and navigation : also the complicated sy.stem of sewers man- agement under local Acts or customs. 5. The operation of the Inclosure Commission .and Tithe and Copyhold Commission. C. The oper.ition and powers of speculative companies for tho improvement of land, formed under private Acts of Parliament. 7. The regulation of markets, weights, and measures, and statistical records of prices, and other agricultural facts. 8. The improvement of the veterinary profession. 9. The improvement of the technical education of persons concerned with land." Mr. Acland adds— It is plain that the laws which regulate the succession to landed property, and the employment of capital and labour in its cultivation, are likely before long to be seriously discussed. Mr. PusEY vainly endeavoured, 2.5 years ago, to induce Parliament to deal with a portion of this great subject —namely, security for agricultural capital. He con- cludes with two general remarks— (1). That the object to be aimed at is not so much to strengthen central power, as to give a practical direction to local self- government, and to lay the basis of sound legislation by collecting accurate information. (2). That his pro- posals involve no appreciable increase of public burdens, imperial or local, and oBer the hope of economy in various directions. The Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill has been stripped at length of many of the incum- brances with which it was loaded by opposing counsel. The Committee were amiable enough to allow evi- dence to be called in support of the area of twelve miles for choosing a site in. This was done to give the Dagenham Dock Company an opportunity to plead their cause. Three witnesses were called for this end on Tuesday. In their evidence there was nothing but twaddle, which had been repeated over and over again. Wehave condemned this Dagenham Dock scheme from the beginning. The Committee cleared the room to consider the amendment which involved this quest- tion, and they decided unanimously to insert in the clause before them, " Not further east than Barking Creek." This was a quietus for the Dagenham Dock Company, which might have been safely given at the first. Me. Vebnon Haecouet, however, is doing all he can to make the Bill a dead letter, and we regret to perceive he is backed in every possible way by Mk. Milnee Gibson. Yesterday the Committee was harassed for two hours on a point which was out of order. This was comprised in the attempt to neutra- lise the Bill by leaving to the Privy Council the same power as they now possess. Supposing, for example. Me. Milnee Gibson should ever get back again to the Board of Trade, we all know where the present consideration for homo stock would soon be. The same risks and dangers which caused the Bill to be pressed on the Legislature would be again incurred, "ft e rely on the good sense of the Committee and the House to declare in favour of a water-side market, and of no foreign animal leaving it alive. The Southampton Committee for securing the meeting of the Bath and West of England Society at Southampton in ISiJ'J are exerting themselves to obtain the required funds. At a meeting which was held at the Audit-house on the 13th inst., the Mayor (Alder- man Stebbing) in the chair, it was announced that only 1000^. had been raised. On this situation the Hampshire Independent thus comments : — " Very fortunately the Committee has obtained a slight exten- sion of time within which to give the formal invitation and guarantee, for had it been necessary to decide at this meeting, as was supposed last week, the whole thing must have fallen to the ground. We sincerely trust the remaining 600/. or 700/. will now be forthcoming, for the sub-committee having rather under-estimated the expenses, fully 1700/. must be found. We are glad to see that the townspeople have subscribed in goodly numbers this week, and if landowners, agriculturists, and tradesmen who have not subscribed will only in their respective positions do their duty, an immense gathering will assemble here next year, and vast infor- mation be obtained, not alone in agriculture, but in the arts, sciences, and commerce, whilst the numerous visitors will be able to sojourn in our beautiful town and neighbourhood, as well as visit the Isle of Wight, where railway accommodation will greatly cheapen and facilitate excursions." The " British Medical Journal " informs us that Captain Fisheouene, R.N., lately read a paper before the health department of the Social Science Association on the dry earth system of sewerage. He first pointed out the great expense incurred in applying the water system of sewerage,and the utter impossibility of preventing the gases, arising from decomposition of the sewerage, from entering the houses, poisoning the air, and bringing disease. He stated that Professor Voelckee" has repeatedly analysed theclarifiedwaterof sewerage after it has undergone the purifying influence of irrigation, and in the majority of instances has found such water, though clear and free from smell, almost as unfit for drinking, cooking, and washing purposes as it was in its filthy condition." The dry earth system, as opposed to the water system, is inexpensive; the evacuation is immediately covered with earth, fermen- tation is prevented, ammonia is fixed and retained by the earth, and no injurious gases or disagreeable odours whatever are given ofl' to injure the health or annoy any one. The same earth can be used several times, and the lauthor passed round a bottleful that had been through a closet four times ; it was dry and had no other smell than that of the earth. Its value as manure was estimated at from il. to 61. a ton. In the discus- sion which followed, Mr. Rawlinson and other engi- neers defended the water system, without, however, disparaging the earth system. The defects of the former system they ascribed to bad engineering and defective construction. The water-closets and drains ought not to entail expense on the householders, nor need there be any escape of foul air into the houses. Irish gentlemen and farmers who have an ordi- nary share of patriotism and self-respect, will do well to exert themselves to suppress the practices— of which the following is a specimen — which have done so much injury to the Irish butter trade:— "On Wednesday last a butter factor was fined 2/. by the Lord Mayor of Dublin for selling butter fradulently made up. The plaintiff in the case, a provision dealer, finding that his customers complained loudly of the excessive salti- ness of the butter which he sold to them, had a sample of it analysed by Dr. Cameeon, the City Analyst. The result of the examination proved that the butter contained in 100 parts the following : — butter, 62; water, 5; salt, "33— total, 100. This butter when offered for sale was coated with a rather thin layer of the pure article, by means of which the purchaser was deceived, though we think he acted foolishly in not having pierced the butter. The defendant intimated his intention to appeal from the decision of the Lord Mayor, on the ground that as he was only the agent or factor in the sale of the adulterated article, he was not liable for the fraud. The duty of settling this point of law will therefore devolve upon the Recorder ; and if he decide against the plaintiff, we do not see how actions can be sustained against the agents for the sale of adulterated oil-cakes or artificial manures." This report we take from the Irish Fanners' Gazette. As we have frequently heard of similar cases, and know that London butter merchants have made this practice of " loading" butter a subject of comment iu their circulars, we earnestly call upon every Irish dairy- man and dairy woman interested to begin at once to set his or her dairy in order. Although there is no better milk in Europe than is yielded in Ireland, London dealers have ceased to look to Cork, Queenstown, and Wexford for first-class butter, and now rely on Fries- land and France for any supply they may need beyond the limited quantities made in Cumberland, Dorset, the Vale of Aylesbury, and other Enslish districts. Several pence per pound are now lost by Irish dairy- men in the price they receive for their butter, and this solely from the manner in which confidence has been lost in the quality of the .article they produce. The Scottish North-Eastern Railway received, so long ago as 30th December, 1865, from Messrs. D. & T. Smith, cattle dealers at East Haven, eight cattle to be conveyed to Newcastle. These cattle were despatched at a little past 2 P.M. on the same day to Perth, and ought to have arrived there in time for the South train, which would have reached Newcastle next day. They were, however, too late, and were not despatched till the day following, and so reached New- castle two days later than they would otherwise have done. In an action brought against the Company, which was decided only the other day in the Dundee Sheriff's Court, the judge found that the damage received by these cattle, owin^ to and during this delay, amounted to 3/. a head, in which amount, with interest and expenses, he pronounced the Company to be liable. A Jlid-Lothian correspondent of the Edinburgh Courant writes in the following favourable terms of the present prospects beyond the border ;— " Vegeta- Mat 23, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 553 tion is unusually forward, and altosether agricultural prospects are at this date more favourable thau they have been for several years past. There is a regular and vigorous braird of corn, though in some instances browned by recent frosts. Wheats and Grasses are lu.xuriant for the season, and outlying stock are in capital condition. Store sheep and cattle markets have been well supplied. .Store sheep have been in dull demand. Cattle have been in request at high rates. Fat stock of all kinds command high prices. —The reference hero made to cattle is additional testi- mony against the opinion we have heard expressed in more than one feeding county, that we should be overdone in a year or two with store cattle. When we come to consider the way in which consumption has been decreased by the badness of trade, and the straitened circumstances of many of the middle as well as of the lower classes in towns, the depression in the live stock and meat trade which frequently occurred during last year would appear to have been only temporary, and not conclusive evidence that it arose from a large increase in the numbers of the neat stock of the kingdom. On the contrary, we believe that, if the prices of both stores and fat stock do not range high as a rule for the time to come, it will be because the consumptive means of a large number of people have not improved. On these grounds we would not check but cncnumgo the breeding and rearing of store stock, and particularly of cattle. ■ • We regret to announce the death of Mr. P. H. Fhere, on Tuesday of last week, at Paston House, Cambridge. Mr. Fkeke had for the last eight years edited the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and the courage, perseverance, and ability v.'ith which, under the pressure of unusual difficulties, ho suc('essfully discharged the duties of his oHice, had long since won for him the cordial esteem of agricultural readers. OUR LIVE STOCK. Mk. Strafford announces the approaching sale of the valuable herd of Shorthorns belonging to Sir Curtis M. Lampson, Bart., which will take place at the Home Farm, near Crawley, Sussex, on Thursday, June 4. The herd consists of 30 bulls and females, chiefly descended from Kirklevington blood, as well as other good sorts bred from the herds of Messrs. Hall, Mavnard, and (Shepherd. Captain Gunter's 2d Duke OK AVETnHKiiv ('21,018) is now in service. Also on Wednesday, June 17, 50 head of valuable and high- bred Shorthorns, the property of John Harward, Esq., of Winterfold, Kidderminster, will be disposed of. The animals have been bred and selected with great care from the well-known stocks of the Duke of Devonshire, Earl :Ducie, Messrs. Bowly, Rich, and Maynard, and other eminent breeders. 3d Duke OF Clauo (23,729) is now in service. Catalogues of both the above herds are now in preparation, and will be ready shortly. Beyond the announcement that Mr. Barnes, of Westand (Ireland), has sold seven yearling bulls since the commencement of the present year, at au average of 90/. each, we are unable to add any Shorthorn news of interest. The delights of stock farming are, however, not entirely confined to the sarans of the the Herd Book; and fascinating as the study of illustrious pedigrees may be, there are animals of lower pretensions which are of perhaps equal importance. After all, fitness for the butcher's knife is the ultimate end, and high blood must be only looked upon as one qualification for more rapidly bringing an animal to this goal. Good breeding must be supplemented by good feeding, and it is difficult to a.ssign the relative importance of these two items in producing young, well-fed beef. This reflection leads us to the consideration of the feeding of cattle ; and since the season of winter feeding is gone, and the grazing season has fairly set in, a few remarks on this subject may be interesting. The successful and profitable occupation of Grass lands is not so easy as the uninitiated might imagine. The purchase of the best kind of stock, and the subsequent management of the grazing grounds, require much forethought. It has frequently been said that to manage Grass land to the best advantage reriuires more judgment than the management of arable land ; it is therefore somewhat puzzling to observe the too frequent carelessness which characterises the occupants of Grass land in one particular at least, and that is the state of the fences. Instead of judicious changes from pasture to pasture, the cattle roam from field to field unchecked, and the only use of the hedges appears to be to add to the picturesqueness of the scenery, and to offer a most expensive and cumbrous shelter to the animals. This system must be wrong, and it is entirely contrary to ideas of progress and economical feed- ing. The present tendency of agriculture is palpably opposed to it, and seems to incline more in the direction of securing the full amount of produce by cutting the herbage and carrying it to animals kept in sheds. This at least seems a commendable plan in the case of cultivated forage (Tops, and the use of the fold to restrain sheep to a certain area of Turnips or Grass appears to point in a similar direction. How then can such an improved method of using cultivated crops be reconciled with the ordinary plan of stocking the whole of the Grass laud, as though it were one field V In the Mark Lane Express of the 18th inst. a description is given of the method of summer grazing adopted by Mr. Dumbrill, of Ditchling, within nine miles of lirighton, and rather more than one from Hassock's Gate station. Mr. Dumbrill's late father commenced the system of grazing wliich is now carried on so successfully. The plan pursued may be called the tethering system, and acting upon it Mr. Dumbrill is able to keep a stock of 25 Jersey cows from April 10 to after hay-making, on from 8 to 10 acres of fair meadow land. The plan pursued is thus de- scribed :— "Each cowhasaleather-headed halter, with a chain lead of 4 feet ending in a T. This is fastened to 12 feet of chain belonging to a stump or stake of 18 inches, which is fastened in the ground. Thus each cow has a radius of IC feet to work on. When the Grass is short they are sometimes moved 12 or 13 times a day, and about as many inches each time, so as not to tread their food." So that a row of cows progress over the pasture like so many mowers. " The same field may be grazed over three times in the season." If insects are troublesome the tethering is done in the evening. The whole system is supplemented by the growth of Vetches and other fodder crops. Such a plan presents a pleasing contrast to the too usual mode before alluded to. The following remarks, taken from Mr. Wilson's " BritishF.arming," mayserve as rules to be remembered in the grazing of land:— (1) Never stock land until genial weather is fairly established. (2) Never allow the Grasses to run to seed, nor parts of a field to be eaten bare, and others to get rank and coarse. (3) Duly spread about the droppings of cattle, remove stagnant water, and extirpate tall weeds. (1) Some time about midsummer make a point of having the pasture eaten so close that no dead herbage or " foggage" shall be left on any part of it. (5) Adapt the stock as regards breed, size, con- dition, and numbers, to the actual capabilities of the pasturage. (6) Secure to the stock at all times a full bite of clean, fresh-grown, succulent herbage. (7) In moving stock from field to field take care that it be a change to better fare— not to worse. W/fpp.— The fatting tegs ought by this time to have been disposed of, and the resources of the farm applied to the development of lambs. This, of course, applies to farms where a ewe flock is kept. The question as to the time of weaning lambs is important, and flock masters should remember that it is quite possible for lambs to remain too long with their mothers. A few well-directed experiments upon the best age to wean would be most useful ; those instituted some years ago by Mr. Paulett indicated a considerable advantage from early weaning. THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. TlPTREE Haw,, Kelvedon, Essex, Matj 23, I80S. Sir, — As the originator of this much-required charity, I am overwhelmed with correspondence and applications for support of particular candidates for admission, who number, I am sorry to say, 122. I am induced to ask the favour of your inserting this letter and statement of circumstances, as it is quite impossible for me to act so unjustly as to support cases from counties where there are scarcely a handful of sub- scribers, while other counties have nobly done their duty, and abundantly responded to my original appeal. The annexed list will confirm my statement. I quite believe that one and the principal cause is a non- knowledge of the existence of this charity, for our British yeomen are noted for their hospitality; and when they know, through your columns, that such an Institution exists, they will no doubt readily support it. I also believe that our landholders will feel a pleasure in relieving those candidates who were once their tenants. Oa the 17th June we elect— 8 male pensioners, at 2G?. per annum. 3 married do., at 40f. per annum. 12 female do., at 20/. per annum. All particulars and lists of subscribers may 1 obtained of the Secretary, Mr. Charles Shaw, ti Charing Cross, London, S.W.— I am. Sir, Your obedient servant, J. J. Mechi. To Ike Editor 0/ the " Ageicuetural Gazette." Acres. II Scotland 18,944,000 5 Irel.-ind 20,177,446 1 Wales 4,762,200 6 England. Bedford 296,320 85 Berks . . 481,280 219 Bucks 472,320 177 Cambridge .. 548,480 253 Cheshire 673,280 Cornwall 851,200 1 974,720 3 657,920 9 1,654,400 45 Dorsetshire . - 643,840 46 702,080 2 981,120 ; 045 Gloucester . . 805,120 i 188 H.anipahiro . . 970,470 1 643 Herefordshire 552,320 14 Hertfordshire 4U3,2uO 263 Huntingdon. 238,080 222 Kent .. 990.480 391 Lanca-shire . . Leicestershire Lincolnshire Middlesex . . Monmouth . . Norfolk Northampton Northumber- land Nottingham . . Oxfordshire . . Rutland Shropshire . . Somersetshire Staffordshire Suffolk Surrey Sussex Warwickshire Westmoreland Wiltshire Worcester Yorkshire . . ROTATIONS FOR LIGHT AND HEAVY LAND. We need not here do more than allude to the neces- sity for a rotation of crops. It is well known that when any kind of plant is grown in a soil it abstracts such parts of that soil as are required to afford it nourishment, and thus the soil becomes deteriorated. But if there be a rotation of crops requiring ditt'erent minerals, the fer- tilitj; of the soil may be prolonged. And the practical considerations involved are not less important, for the more exhausted a clay soil becomes by frequent cropping or otherwise, its comminution becomes less, and the soil closer, so that unless some means are adopted to restore its fertility and to increase its pulverisation it will eventually become sterile. When a deep soil is superficially exhausted it may bo imiirovcd by tlie subsoil being brought to the surface, which will mix with and replace that which has been exhausted by the preceding crops. The various ada])ta- tions of soils render it impossible for any one to deline a single course of cropping which will be found applicable to every district or to every soil. Nor is it desirable that it should be otherwise, because every district, every farm has a history of its own, and if you trace these histories you will find that there is often sufficient diversity in the character of adjoining fields to sever every link of connection between the two, and much discrimination must frequently be exercised before you arrive at a safe conclusion as to the course most suitable to adopt even on a single farm. On light lands allowed to remain two or three years iu Grass the six-course shift is usually observed, and upon heavy clay soils kept under constant tillage, although the rotation must necessarily vary, it is not requisite that it should extend over a greater number of years. On an average clay soil in good condition, the following course iu most cases may be successfully applied, viz. — Isl, Oats ; 2d, Roots ; 3d, Beans ; 4th, Wheat; 5th, Rape and Seeds; 6th, Grass, mown or fed. A catck crop may also be taken after Oats and after AVheat, such as Nimble-white Turnip, Winter Vetches, Rape, or Trifolium incarnatum, any of which can he got off the ground in time for roots. Every crop, cereal as well as root, should he drilled, so as to admit of the horse-hoe being freely used ; and by frequent stirring of the soil and keeping it clean, you will induce a healthy and vigorous vegetation. Wheat plants sown in autumn derive special benefit from the stirring of the soil in spring ; and even Oats and Beans sown in early spring may be stirred with advantage after they have taken root and are fairly above ground. When sown broadcast the harrow may be used for this purpose, but when drilled you are enabled to keep down the weeds. When preparing for Oats the ground should be ploughed up in autumn, and left to ameliorate by the winter frosts, so that the surface may be loose and friable when you come to sow in spring. Immediately on the land being cleared of Oats, it should be well dunged and ploughed previous to the catch crop being put in, which ought also to be fed upon the ground. Lime should then be applied, the land deeply cultivated, and harrowed and turned till you have sufficient mould for the si)eedy germination and successful culture of the Swede or Mangel. The ground may then be thrown up in ridges, 2" inches apart, and if the subsoil is not sufficiently loose employ a subsoiler to open it up before the ridges are resplit. About 6 cwt. of artificial manures should he given, say 4 cwt. of guano and 2 cwt. of superphosphate. Thick seeding should be avoided, and if you steep your seed in damp sand for two or three days previous to sowing it will both multiply and quicken its germi- nation. From the time of thinning, the drill grubber should be kept in constant use until the leaves of the plants begin to meet between the rows. A few acres of Cabbages may be profitably substituted for Swede or Mangel. The ground for this crop must also be deeply cultivated and well manured. If the roots are not consumed upon the land, 4 or 5 cwt. per acre of artificial manure should be applied for the Bean crop. The land must be iu a friable state when the crop is put in, which may either be drilled on the flat or light ridges, of 2 or 3 inches in depth, thrown up by the plough about 16 inches apart, the Beans and manure sown broadcast, and the ridges harrowed down. If the Bean crop has been well hoed and kept clean during summer, after it is harvested, the ground luay be stirred with the cultivator, preparatory to seeding with Wheat. When the Wheat is reaped, let the ground be again well dunged and ploughed for the catch crop ; after which, prepare it for being immediately sown with Rape and seeds. The Rape could then be cut as green food for stock, or fed on the ground, and with more benefit than otherwise to the crop of seeds for the following year. On inferior soils in low condition, and especially such as have been brought into that state by years of neglect and inadequate cultivation, it is very difficult at once to follow the rotation we have sketched with anything like satisfaction. Land in this condition requires some alteration before any system can be successfully adopted, and even after this has been effected, the improver must lay his account with years both of expense and of untiring supervision on his part, before he succeeds in again bringing a farm which has been once impoverished and exhausted into a state of profitable culture. A case of this kind would justify a bare fallow more than at any other time. And although the summer fallow should never be practised where a green crop can be substituted for it, the advantage of it must be admitted, but at what au enormous cost is it purchased, when by proper cultiva- tion and manuring the useful Swede or Mangel can be made to take its place. It is often desirable to retain a considerable portion of clay land under pa.sture, owing to the difficulty experienced in carrying it through a successful course of tillage ; and the fine meadows to be found even on the stillest clays show that where a good bed of Grass can be obtained, it is not the least profitable method of farming heavy land. The nominal expenses incurred in pastural farming go far to raise the profits above an average return Irom arable lands. By frequent mowing, however, the pasture may become so thin in the bottom, and tne finer Grasses die out so through late cutting, ttiac instead of enormous profits, it is just jmssible to imagine there may be none. You must not, tl>e«fore, suppose that you can reap crop after crop on Grass ffd, either mown or fed, without its deterioration, unless you 554 THE GAEBENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 33, 186?. return to the soil in the shape of manure some of the ingredients extracted from it as food for plants. Those taken from it by a crop of hay can be best restored by the application of manure made by the consumption of the hay itself, as it must contain such matters as are most essential to its growth. If the pasture is thin, the farmyard manure should be applied in autumn, or early winter ; and before the Grass begins to shoot in early spring a slight cast of Grass and Clover seeds should be given, and the ground afterwards well harrowed and rolled. By proper management even the most tenacious clays may be successfully laid down to Grass; and where— as on many of the home farms of " merrie England," surrounding the mansions of their noble owners, it is often wished to retain the original and, withal, picturesque appearance, it is at once the simplest and the most remunerative method of farming, u here tillage is followed, let it be tillage, and let everything give way before its sweep; but where this gigantic hedgerow has to be spared, and this portion of coai- paratively rough ground to be left undisturbed, it is much better to lay the whole down to Grass. It is sur- prising what demand there always is for good meadow, park, or Grass land, and the annual letting out the summer grazing of fields under Grass is an easy and certain method of profitable returns. In preparing land for laying down to permanent pasture, a liberal and judicious treatment must be adopted; but the first sle-) towards improvement, either in pastural or tillage farming, is the thorough drainage of the land. After this has been accom- plished the land should be put through a restorative course of cropping, and well limed previous to being laid down. The most expeditious mode of at once enriching the land, and having it sown out in Grass, is to take two root crops in succession, both of which should be fed on the ground by sheep. In working for the first root crop a good dressing ot farmyard manure should be applied previously to the ground being deeply ploughed and subsoiled in autumn. After the winter exposure sufficient tilth will be found ■when you come to prepare the soil for the reception of the seed. From 5 to C cwt. of artificial manures should be allowed, and the ground only worked when in a dry and friable state. The roots should also be fed off in dry weather, and as the sheep clear the ground it should be immediately ploughed to receive the full benefit of their manure. Lime .should then be applied, after which if the ground be deeply stirred by the culti- yator, and a good dressing of bones and guano given, you may safely calculate upon a good Turnip crop. This should also be consumed upon the ground in dry weather, the land immediately ploughed, and, if the season is not too advanced, seeded with Rape and a upon it too, ....^ --. r " r „~„, ^f .t„,-iiif, good mixture of true Grass and Clover seeds. You or Mangels. The greater frequency of ceases of .ten^^^^^ may thus have your pasture established before winter, | among pure-bred Shorthorns, than among ordinary and while reaping a winter crop of Rape, it will prove j stock, I should be inclined to attribute to the^greater two-fold advantage, by the protection and shelter it tendency of the former than of the latter to lay on fords to the young Grass and Clover plants during fat," that has been induced by long and careful selec- ' ' ■ . - - ijjgj^ of parents by breeders, with the view of pro- moting this tendc-ncy ; and to overfeeding (a frequent cause of barrenness), rather than to the artihcial manner in which they have been housed. The few cases of sterility that occur among pure-bred bhort- horns not overfed, are amply compensated for by their early maturity and the facility with which they can be prepared for the butcher. Ordinary dairy cattle that I have kept in the house have been as fertile as the same kind of stock kept on neighbouring farms fed out- of-doors in the usual way, and have been much freer from disease than these have been ; for whilst pleuro- pneumonia and foot-and-mouth disease have been raging on the adjoining farms, my cattle, in consequence of" their isolation, have entirely escaped. Provi- dentially, the cattle plague has not visited this district. Mr. Wood is right in his supposition, that I do not keep sheep. These being of a more active and mer- curial temperament than cattle, would probably not brook confinement so well. Yet it is possible that by •udicious selection of parents, and by graduaUy inuring them to it, a race of sheep might be bred adapted for the system. A. Thompson, The Cross, Whitehaven. some. By thus deflecting the air, a low cow-house may be well ventilated without cold currents striking the cattle. In further illustration of this principle, I may refer to an article by Mr. Mechi, at p. 273 of .your volume for the present year, and in which he mentions two oases of ventilation, one of which, as described by him, is, according to this principle, wrong, and the other right. The first case he mentions, and which is wrong, is one of his own cattle-sheds, ventilated^ by louvre-boards in the roof. " The current of air," he says, " enters through the louvre-boards, and is driven to the very floor of the shed," and consequently must strike the backs of the cattle ; thus having the same fault as the school-room before mentioned, and showing either that the ventilators in the roof are too capacious or that an insufficient quantity of air is admitted from below, for the current ought not to be downwards but upwards. The' other case Mr. Mechi mentions, is that of a gentleman's mansion ventilated by a gas-light in a chimney. This light heats the chimney and causes an up-current, which draws off all the impure heated air from the rooms of the house through openings in the ceilings. The ventilation in this case is on a right principle, the current being upwards. Very simple and inexpensive but effective ventilators may be made in the roofs of cattle-sheds by means of large slates, raised at their low edges and resting upon two rafters ; and light may be admitted through large squares of glass, laid fliit on the roof, like slates, and also resting on two rafters. For fattening animals rather dark houses are best. Air may be admitted at the upper half of a doorway, the door being divided horizontally through the centre into two parts ; and at the side windows opening on pivots or hinaes, so as to give the current an upward direction. Where cow- houses have lofts over them, ventilators of a simple construction may be made close under the ceilings. Pipe-draining tiles and perforated zinc are useful for ventilators. It is an excellent arrangement to have doors or windows on more than one side of a cow-house, so that those on the side on which the wind blows strong may be closed, and the others open. ^ By allowing the cattle abundance of air, and not feedin" them too luxuriously, they will not be so tender as Mr. Wood fears they will be. It is not very surprising that the Shorthorns mentioned by him, "kept within a town, and fed upon every luxury,' should become so tender as to fall off' after passing into the hands of other persons, and receiving different treatment. I can confirm what Mr. Wood asserts as to the general hardiness of well-bred Shorthorns, and I can testify to the little nicety they manifest as to the delicacy of their food, feeding, as they do, with 'gusto upon Wheat straw, and thriving th the addition only of a few Turnips affords t the earliest stages of their growth. J. S. ON HOUSE-FEEDING. Permit me to return once more to this subject, as it has occurred to me that although Mr. Willoughby Wood is disposed to admit the advantages of house- feeding, not only for fattening, but also breeding and rearing cattle, yet his requirements, with respect to house accommodation, are so large, that they might possibly deter some persons from commencing the system, who might do so if they believed that a small preparatory outlay on their farm-buildings would suffice ; for no doubt many agriculturists would, in respect of the constitution of their farm-liuildings, like many politicians in respect of the constitution of the State, readily submit to a moderate reform, but would dread a sweeping revolution. I beg, therefore, to say, that however desirable may be the accommodation proposed by Mr. Wood, I do/not consider it essential to house-feeding. Lofty mansions, well-sheltered yards, partially or wholly covered, may be regarded as the luxuries, not the necessaries, of house-fed cattle, and can only be enjoyed by those that have rich masters. Buildings, however low and humble, that can be made comfort- able, be well ventilated, and, I may add, lighted (for both light and air are essential to perfect health), and an open yard, lane, or other space of ground for daily exercise for half an hour or so in seasonable weather, are, in this respect, the only necessaries. With regard to ventilation, I conceive the proper principle to be, to admit from without the necessary quantity of air at as low a level as it can be conveniently made to pass above the cattle, without the cold current striking them, and when this air has become impure and heated, to afford means for its escape at as high a level as the house will allow ; and the cold_ fresh air must be admitted at the low level in sufficient quantity, that after gently mingling with the air inside, it may force the heated air through the ventilators at the high level, and so prevent the descent from them of cold air upon the cattle. To illustrate this principle, I may mention that I recently had occasion to attempt the improvement of the ventilation of a school-room. Complaints were made that the ventilators in the ceiling admitted cold air, that descended upon the heads of the children, and gave them colds ; and that when any of the windows (which are sliding) were open, the cold current upon the children was too strong. I therefore caused a square of glass to be taken out from each window, and fixed in a frame, and replaced so as to open and shut by means of hinges at the lower edge, and the sides being closed when open, the air from without was admitted over the top only,and so deflected over the heads of the children; and being in suflicient quantity, it stopped the downward current.and rendered the air inside the room agreeable and whole- THE AGRICULTURAL LABOURER. (Concluded from p. 497.) SUREET.— Ploughmen average 13s. per week, with free cottage and garden, valued at 2s. to 3s. per week. Wet time paid for, and in case of a month's sickness no deduction made. Shepherd receives 14s., with free house and garden; day labourer, 2s. 6d. to 3s. per day; women. Is. per day in winter. Is. id. to Is. 4rf. in spring and summer for eight hours' work. In harvest time, horsemen 11. for their harvest over their regular wages ; other men 3s. 6d. to 4s. per day. Women, Is. 6d. to 2s. for nine hours. Piece-work : Wheat mostly " fagged," 10s. to los. per acre. Barley mowing, 4s. to os. ; Oats, 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6rf. ; Clover, is to Os.; Meadow, 6s. to 7.?.; Turnips and Mangel hoeing, 7s. to 9s. ; Potatos, 3s. 6d. to 5s. Cottages rent free. Perquisites, Is. a day in time of carrying hay and corn in lieu of beer— a substitute only requiring one trial to be generally adopted. The amount at first sight looks high, but taking into consideration the discontent often arising from bad quality, short measure, and above all the time they take to drink it, and the vexation at seeing one's men come home staggering at night, when, if a word is said by a master, often ends in high words, I consider it a fair sura. I have adopted it now lor nine years, and have never had to hnd fault with a man during harvest. They drink what beer they require and buy a bit of meat with the remainder, which enables them to rise next morning with a " stamen " in them that will lick all your beer. \\ here reaping machines are used, the horsemen are allowed to tie corn by the acre— my own men during the 10 to 14 days tying earning 6s. to 8s. per day, which makes them work with such a will that I reciuire only two extra hands for my harvest of 27 acres of corn. In conclusion, I think your inquiry a good one, as the moro thisquestionis sifted the true position of theagricultural labourers will be found on the whole much better than some of our agitators imagine. The labourers here are contented and happy, so much so that I have the same tenants in my 12 cottages that I had 12 years ago. . East Sussex.— Although the Sussex women do not often work in the fields, yet they earn a good deal of money in other ways. The wives of two of my men average 5s. per week through the year either from washing or charing, and as they each have one boy at work their income is 23s. per week after paying their rent for cottage and good garden to support three people. Some few of us too have paid the difference between Is. 3(;. and the actual price of flour per gallon, allowing that quantity to each member of a familv, and as it has now been at Is. 7d. for some weeks, and two of the men have four children, making with their wives six in family, I am paying them 2s. per week extra; but as this is not a general thing, and I hope will soon cease, I did not insert it in the circular. With regard to the vexed question of educa- tion, it appears to me that Professor Fawcett and his friends take too confined a view of the subject. It may seem ridiculous to them, but I maintain that after a boy can read and write and can calculate the wages coming to him, employment in a stable or a well- ordered farm is the best school he can be sent to. I would make him attend the Sunday school till he was 12 years old, but at 10 he ought to be able to read and write, and at that age he is better employed driving horses, or something like it, than learning things that will never be any use to him. The constant employment will teach him discipline and tact. Even in this small village, which I have known for nearly 20 years, I can trace the career of all the young men during that time, and in nearly every instance my theory has been borne out. Nearly every one who commenced work as boys driving horses or oxen, and were thus kept out of mischief till they had acquired steady habits, both from precept and example, can be cited as having been really educated. Some have become station-masters on railways, others obtained situations as gardeners, &c., but nearly all doing well ; while, on the other hand, boys who were kept at school longer than usual, when sent to work merely at chance jobs have generally turned out badly. They have difficulty in getting employment, and rarely retain their situations more than a month or two. Several of my acquaintances have had boys from the workhouse ; they have been highly educated, can read and write well, know the capital town of Japan, and being 12 or 13 years old ought to have been able to earn their living; but I believe in nearly every instance they have been found so useless as to be sent back as not earning their keep. Mr. Fawoett's scheme, I see, is to keep boys at school till they are 13. One of my carters has five children, the eldest just seven years old ; by the time he is 12 his father may safely calculate he will have 10 mouths to provide for : will it not be cruel to forbid him sending his two elder children to work, and to draw 9s. a week for them? I observe another Professor proposes that the boys shall be sent to school on the farm on alternate days ; but I think few farmers will take a boy on those terms. Another Wiseacre writes that boys are not much wanted in the winter. I am aware that in many parts of England the land is so light that a pair of horses can easily work it; but in the Weald of Sussex the clay "is so tenacious that, except in the summer when stirring, it is useless to try to plough with a pair of horses, and even if it could be done, the treading of the near horse in the furrow would do more harm than the saving— indeedafter October horses tread right through to the depth of 6 inches. AVe must therefore have buys to drive till we can get steam ploughs, unless we emplov grown-up men. . ScFFOLK.— The rent of cottages is 21. 10s. having three up-stair rooms, with garden. Perquisites: in harvest time from 2 to 3 pints of beer per day when carting. Besides the regular wages any man employed on our farm, having two children or more unable to work, is allowed 6d. on every stone of flour that he consumes; also for those that have children attending the village school we pay the 1. 6rf. per week. In harvest time the men receive 12s., women 6s. ; and at piece-work men receive 15s. per week. Cottages are free. Cider given, 4 pints per day. There is some peculiarity io the amount of wages paid in this locality ; the regular labourers on the farm have their cottages and gardens free, and Wheat (either in proportion to their families, or the number of workers) at 5s. per bushel ; the shepherds and carters have in addition Potato land, also free. Changes are seldom made, men working for one master or on one farm all their lives. Cottage accommodation indifferent, education not first-rate. John Pope, Symondsbtiry. Cornwall. — Ploughmen receive 12.s. (if in the house, with board, washing, and lodging, from 12^ to 14^ per annum) ; shepherds, 12.? per week, with cottage and garden, worth 3/. per annum ; day labourers, from 10s. to 12s. per week, with Wheat for the use of his family, at 7s. the imperial bushel, the market price of the Wheat beiiv.* now 10s. per bushel; women, 9rf. per day. The g"iieral custom in this neighbour- hood is that all the labourers have their meat and drink in addition to their weekly wages during harvest. Cost of cutting and tying Wheat, from 8s. to lOs. per acre; mowing Clover, 2s. &d. per acre, with cider or beer ; mowing meadow Grass, 3.?. 6(i. per acre, with cider or beer ; rent of cottages, 3/. 10s. per annum, generally with a garden. A quart of beer per day during summer, pint in winter, with Wheat at Is. jier bushel (now worth 10s.) About 2 bushels per month is the average supply, which makes the wages 13s. 6rf. per week, exclusive of cider. Labourers are fully employed at the above rates, and oftentimes, if an extra man is wanted, he cannot be got, never for less than 2s. 6^!. per day. I consider the labourers of this distri ;t to bo better off than in many others. I have been a farmer for upwards of 60 years ; of course I have seen many changes. I rejoice to find the labourer is better paid for his work than formerly. It would be very pleasing if he did appreciate his present advantages. Jno. Wilh, Southpetherwyn, Launceston, Cornwall. one-third of a full crop. Prom England, where the crop was likewise short, there was a consider- aljle demand, but this could only be in part supplied from Bavaria, as the great deficiency of the Hop harvest (not less than 40,000 bales as compared with the quantity produced in the preceding year) and the con- sequent high prices prevented any great activity in the trade with that country. It is also to be observed that the very high rate of freight charged on Hops on the Bavarian railways, renders it difficult for the growers to compete with those of the neighbouring countries. At the commencement of the season the prices varied from 61. 16s. to 11. 13s. 6d. per English cwt. ; but as the shortness of the crop became evident, a considerable rise took place, so that about 9/. 8s. was paid for the ordinary, 10/. lis. for middling quality, and as much as 15/. 3s. for the best description of "Spalt Hop.s." Altogether both growers and dealers have reason to be satisfied with the result of the year's trade, as the prices reports reached Bavaria of the Hop harvest having turned out very deficient in England ; and the English market being that to which the Bavarian exporters look more particularly, and that which exercises the greatest influence on the Hop markets of Bavaria, the result was that prices opened at Nuremberg at a higher rate than might have been expected in the face of so abundant a crop as that of 1807 was known to be ; and for some time the better descriptions of Hops, which alone are purchased for exportation, were held at prices varying from 90 to 100 florins per Bavarian cwt. But it appears that but few buyers for foreign, and especially for English account, presented them- selves at Nuremberg, and this circumstance, added to the fact, which soon became known, that in the neigh- bouring States of Wurtemberg and Baden, and in the Province of Upper Austria, the harvest of Hops had also proved very abundant, had the effect of gradually reducing the prices, and they have now reached the were good and fluctuated but little, and the entire unprecedentedly low scale of from 30 to 40 florins per stock was cleared off." Bavarian cwt. (45s. id. to 00s. od. per English cwt.) for As regards brewing, it is said "the reduced earnings ordinary Hops, and 50 to 70 florins (75s. 6d. to 105s. Od. of the working classes and the interruption in the per English cwt.) for the superior descriptions, and a regular means of conveyance, which greatly hampered very large proportion of the crop still remains in the the export trade, were the causes of considerable I hands of the growers or dealers. The average price of diminution in the regular trade in beer. On the other [ the whole crop, taking one quality with the other, hand, a large demand sprang up for the supply of the may be assumed at about 50 florins per Bavarian cwt., army during the war, and the brewers were thus able and at this rate the value of the estimated total pro- to clear off their large stock of 'summer beer,' which duction of Hops for the year 1867 would be about from its weak quality does not keep, and which without | 14,000,000 of florins, or 1,166,407/. sterling." this timely demand would probably have remained; (To be Coniimud.) on hand till it was spoiled. In the expectation of ' — an increased demand this year, some of the prin- ~i ,., y, cipal brewers have increased their establishments S^OlltC COVVCSpOnOCnCC. '"'ln"the''province of Upper Franconia " the harvest I^"'' Agricultnre.-I think there is a very simple only yielded about one-third of a full crop. At the "^f P'f ??'»" "f ^.O"'' ™";,>'PO"dent Iingals difficulty commencement of the season it was believed to have about his friend, near Cork, who made twice the rent been more productive, and prices opened at from i "fl^'^'arm, viz., that when well farmed by a man who 6/. 16.?. to 9/. Is. -id. per English cwt., according to the knew his business the land was worth twice the rent, quality; but as soon as the result became known they I Relieve this is the explanation of a great many rose from 9/. Is. U. to 11/. 6s. Sd. per cwt., and would undoubted facts m Ireland. No one, I suppose, doubts no doubt have gone still higher had it not been that 'I'at the ordinary farmmg there is simply execrable, the scar.uty and high prices 5f Barley and the general \}^^ f" many years rents in a great majority of cases dulness in all branches of trade, caused by the political ' have been paid with perfect regularity and even ease ; events of the summer, prevented any great activity in : ?a'i "H®„'''°1'5 certainly in better condition now than the beer-brewing establishments. , itwaslOor 20yearsago. HowisthispossibIe,ifthe)and '■But notwithstanding the small yield of the crop, the '^ °°K''°F''H r""";^ ^^""^ 'Cerent? Again, how is it Hop-growers had no reason to complain, as the defici- Pos-^^ible that landowners on all sides should be making ency was made good to them by the great increase in P^'A's much beyond the former rent of their farms by the prices. It was also a profltable year to the de.ilers." , occupying the land themselves, paying all the time for During the Prussian occupation the local consumption very costly superintendence and large outlay in arti- of beer was very considerable. The extent of the fi"'*! and feeding stuffy unless the land was really export trade, on the other hand, fell far below that of ! "'or* more than the old rent? Again, what other the previous year. " Prom Kulmbach only 100,000 . possible explanation is there of the fact that through eimers (about l,412,.50o gallons) were exported, against I all Ulster tenants pay each other 10 and 12 years 15,000 eimers in the previous year. At Ilaf the total Purchase of the rent as tenant-right ? That they quantity of beer brewed was 90,637 eimers, of which 1 ""'ght '?'' .S" for a short time, or here and there, and 17,658 were for exportation." I lose by it is possible; but it is simply impossible, unless In the Bavarian Palatinate it pays them, that they should go on for generations, ■ " ■ ■ ■ _;^(jgr HOPS. AGHicuLTtJEE is a Word with a very comprehensive meaning. Every civilised nation has its peculiar branch of husbandry : in the south of Europe the V^ine pre- dominates, the States of America a few years back could boast of being nearly alone in the cultivation of Cotton, — these, and many other branches of culture, are united under the one general head of Agriculture, With us agriculture has a wide scope, though the most important and characteristic branch is undoubtedly our corn crops; this, indeed, is the true type of British husbandry, and has been the theme of many a poet, and the subject for many a painter. But besides the grain harvest, England has another and important product in the Hop. A Hop garden, when the Hops are fine and plentiful, is a very beautiful sight, and in some degree suggests to the mind the Vineyards of the south of Europe ; it is in fact, an English apology for the Grape, for though Hojis are grown in large quantities in Bavaria, Belgium, and the States of America, from which countries we annually receive quantities of greater or lesser degree, they are essentially a British produce, inasmuch as English Hops are not only finer, but better in quality, and in conse- juence fetch a higher price in the market. Judg- ing alone from the quality of ales brewed in England as compared with those of the Continent, the S.lm must certainly be awarded to British-grown ops. Bavarian Hops are well-known to have a strong, rank flavour, and are said by English brewers to impart this flavour to beers brewed ivith them. Much of the Bavarian beer sold in Pari<, at least during the past Exhibition season, seemed to be devoid of anv aroma at all : perhaps this may have been the result of an extraordinary consumption of beer in the French capital— the Hop crop of the previous season, which we shall presenlly see was below the average, being insufficient to meet the demand. From a report of Her Majesty's Secretary of Legation on the commerce of Bavaria, we find that the Hop harvest of 1366 throughout the whole of the several provinces was scarcely up to the average, either in quantity or quality, though to compensate this the growers realised good prices. In the province of Central Franconia, it is stated that '' the Hop harvest was a very late one ; and though of fair quality it was most unsatisfactory in point of quantity, the yield having b^en only iu uuo xja.,.^^.,^u 1 <>,..„. ,iu.„o this crop was but a .. ., , • ^ ; „ -,■«■- middling one, both in point of quantity and quality, i and throughout a number of counties doing The nrices varied from 5/. 6s. to V. Us. per English cwt. the Famine, when it did not pay them, the value of In the Palatinate, the cultivation of Hops increases tenant-right at once declined and rose again when but little, although in latter years it has been a profit- times mended Ouce^ more ; tenant-right M.R s are able crop. In the neighbouring French province of ' very fond of abusing those who buy land in the Es^tates Alsatia, on the other hand, this branch of cultivation is largely on the increase, and whole districts of what was but lately marshy meadow, or poor sandy Wiiste land, now give good returns. The weather was very un- favourable for beer-brewing in the year 1366, and the fear of an outbreak of the cholera, which raged during the summer in several districts of Northern Bavaria, interfered with the usual consumption of this beverage in the Palatinate. Court and raise the rents largely. They call them land sharks, yet all the time not a word is ever said about the tenants, whose rents are thus raised, failing in consequence, and being forced to leave their farms. If^ such was the case often, it is a topic on which enough is certain to be heard, so it is plain the increased rent is paid, and the tenants get on as well as before. I wonder if people will ever u«-e their common sense in judging of Irish questions. I do not wish to discuss ' In the districts of Zweibriicken and Homburg the ■ the F'ax question with your correspondent further breweries employed 70,000 centners (123^ lb. avoir dupois each) of malt, and 70,000 lb. of Hops, with which they brewed 9500 Bavarian hogsheads of beer. Nineteen breweries at Spires consumed 23,000centners of malt, and .330 centners of Hops, and made 0773 Bavarian hogsheads of beer, valued at 557,620 florins (46,463/. sterling). Most of the breweries at Spires have latterly increased their production of beer. The largest of them brewed last year 2002 Bavarian hogs- heads, and consumed 11,600 centners of malt, and 130 centners of Hops. Fifteen breweries at Pirmasens produced 1300 hogsheads ; 12 breweries at Landau, 3781 hogsheads ; 7 at Bergzabern, 900 hogsheads ; and 5 at Annweiller, 1224 hogsheads of beer." From a report of the Bavarian Hop harvest of 13G7, it seems that the extent of land under cultivation ha-; been steadily increasing for the last four years, bein than to say, that in my experience what land in Ireland wants to make it pay, is more putting into it, not more taking out of it. There is not a bad farmer who does not well understand how to whip the soul out of the best of land in- the shortest possible time, and to encourage him to apply another scourge in the unhappy soil would appear to most men a very Irish proceeding. I have no practical knowledge of the North of Ireland, but I can sayof the South, that whilst I have never yet known a good farmer to grow Flax, I have seen plenty of bad one's do so, and with an unvarying result. An Irish Landlord. Agricultural Education. — It appears an extra- ordinary thing, that of the 12 young men who presented themselves for examination for the prizes of the Royal Agricultural Society, not one should succeed in obtain- in book-keeping even the minimum number of in 18i37 not far short of 70,000 Bavarian acres. "The ■ mirks required by the examiners. And the more increase in the yield was, however, out of all proportion remarkable, because it is understood that several of to the estimated increase of land planted, the crop of 1867 being generally acknowledged to have been not only the largest ever known in Bavaria, but so large in proportion to the ground under cultivation as to be quite exceptional, and such as may, perhaps, never again be produced by the same extent of land. " The aggregate annual production of Hops in the whole kingdom during the 10 years previous to 1867, has been on an average about 120 Bavarian cwt. (123| lb. avoirdupois each); the most abundant year having yielded about 150,000 to 160,000 Bavarian cwt., and it was assumed that about 225,000 Bavarian cwt. was the maximum quantity that the average extent of land under Hops could produce in the event (never known to have occurred) of every Hop district in the country producing a full crop. " In 1867 the yield is calculated to have reached 260,000 Bavarian cwts., or more than double what has generally been considered a good average crop, and considerably more than the estimated maximum pro- duction of the land cultivated. The market value of Hops has, as a matter of course, been greatly affected by the abundance of the harvest of 1367. " At the commencement of the present Hop season. these young men had already passed a satisfactory examination before the Board of Examiners of the Highland Society of Scotland, where book-keeping is one of the subjects of examination. We cannot sup- ]>ose that all these men are deficient in the principles of book-keeping, nor that the examination at Edin- burgh is a farce. How is it, then, that all the candi- dates come under the category of " not passed ? " Correspondent. Farm Accounts.— I fear the remarks in the opening paragraphs of Mr. Tovey's paper on Farming Accounts, read before the Cirencester Farmers' Club, as repro- duced in your Agricullurul Oazelte o(\ast week, would lead many farmers, practical or otherwise, to doubt whether a svstem of farming accounts can be esta- blished, so as to show at once and fully when and for what the large sums paid away for labour, Ac. are expended ; in fact, in his own words, to show where the rhoe pinches. I do not see why there should be guesses in the matter. He says-" I fear the farmer can hardly keep such accounts as will show him the exact amount of his prosperity, at any given time, without a va.st amount of trouble. V^ by should it be more so than in any other business ? True, we cannot 556 THE (lAEBENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRTCULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 23, 1868- (say in Jul}) tell what may be the worth of a field of corn at harvest, or the value of the corn when threshed; no more can any person in any other business tell the value of any article he has bouaht until he comes to offer it again for sale in some shape or other ; prices may (from causes over which he has no more control than the farmer has over the weather) have risen or fallen ; in such a sense we of course cannot tell what may be the worth of our property, but we can surely brought home to them before the judge, must end in their conviction as common felons." And "Let us hope that the conscience of some of them may be startled into life by an ugly phrase of this kind coming thus abruptly into collision with the everyday employment of their phrase 'nett seed,' from which the whole rascality is neces^sarily inferred." Who are these rogues? Having argued the matter strongly with his seed tradesman, he tell tell what it costs us to produce it. It is no har3 i him the farmers themselves run down the'price to matter for a farmer to give an account of his out- , such an extent that it is impossible that a trader can goings. I am assuming there is a will to do so, and j supply honest seed and live !— a rather startling I am sure he cannot complain for want of time. On admission. Why, an average crop of Mangel at Grf" the Friday night, say he pays away five pounds in , the lb. will produce 3.3;. lis. per acre— observe an wages, &c., what difficulty can there be, or what ! average crop at Gd. Tres-bien, mes frferes v'otre vast amount of trouble would it entail, that should ] grcuetier est bien obligeant. A Victim. ' prevent him from giving an e.xact and correct daily _ ' account how and for what this sum has been spent? i _ . . He can point out what fields have been attended to, ' oocieties. how much spent in attendance on stock; in fact, I Arts: Mai/ 20.— Ont/ie Condition of the Agricid- placing on record every penny spent, what for and \ tural Labourer.— Mr. J. Bailey Denton i-ead a where, he can, so to speak, balance his accounts with j I'aper on this subject, prefacing it with a reference to accuracy and ease, monthly if not weekly ; he can place ' "le fact that the agricultural labourer will be the only to account of each and every field every penny spent on ] operative class under the new Reform Bill which will it, or received for it. By inspecting bis granary or be excluded from voting -their uneducated, dependent, store he can debit or credit the live stock witii the [ ^nd scattered condition being the reason why the several quantities and value of each article used and • country has tacitly allowed a distinction to be made consumed or received ; he can, in fact, keep before his | between the wage-paid labourer of the factory and the mind's eye every item of expenditure or otherwise ' wage-paid labourer of the farm. The following are affecting his farm. All this " vast amount of trouble " j extracts from Mr. Denton's Paper :— may be summed up in this, regularity in keeping the records of the farm abreast of the date, requiring not a COTT.VGES. quarter of an hour daily. Alex. Jemmetl] Murrell Hill i ^y^'' average rent of farm labourers' cottages at the Farm Binfield Berks | present moment may be fairly stated to be rather under Labour in Herefordshire.-In these days of penny ! ''''^° °^,''- ^^- '"f^: P^'' >^^''^- "l^'?'' '« ,'«^' '■''.*°. *'• ^ newspapers and cheap travelling it must be obvious ' ^'f'l"'' .^.'^'^'•™' >^ quite as much as the majority of that there are some redeeming points in a low wages' I "''1 e^'s'iif cottages are worth, for most of them have district, or the men would not stay. Many employers , ,• ""^ bedroom, and are wanting in those accommo- in t.hio nn.,.,t„ =oii ti,„ wi.„„» ..t. _ «... J __:... I dations Which are essential to decency and comfort. igs havebeen, and may still bebuilt,forabout constructed of plaster and thatch, without regard to substantiality, and 4/. a year, therefore, may be considered a full return, if such dwellings are admis- sible at all. But if we have reference to those cottages which, under the influence of sanitary reform and sound estate economy, are taking the place of the miserable hovels which all well-thinking people condemn, we shall find that their average cost is IGOl. each, or 320i. the pair, exclusive of the site on which they stand. This site, which would cost lal. more, would make the fee-simple value of the whole 175^. We all know that every speculator employing capital in house building, looks for .something like 7 per cent, after paying insurance and doing repairs. If, therefore, a farm labourer paid for his occupation the rent in money which a speculator would demand, the payment, instead of Is. Gd. or 2s. which he still continues to pay, would be 121. os., which closely approximates the rate- able value fixed as the qualification of a county voter, while it exceeds thatof the lodger in boroughs. But it is not in money wholly that the farm labourer pays for m this county sell the men Wheat at a fixed price, I cf, 'hnl^Ti , , some sell them flour. I do not profess to do either t ^uZ-bdwellings but in consequence of the high price I have this year ^"tAr f°I spared them Wheat at 8s. per bushel (C2 lb.), being something like Is. to I5d. below market-price. Of course the men never lose time. I endeavour to pay them according to what they are worth. T. Duck- ham, Ross. Direction Posts.— If any evidence were wanting of the necessity for waywardens, it would be found in the miserable and often entirely illegible condition of our parish direction posts. It appears as though the natives consider that every stranger knows the local topography as well as themselves. Of course one can summon the surveyors, but that is a disagreeable alternative. All direction posts should be of cast iron, the letters also cast with them. I have one that cost only 50s. 20 odd years ago, and it seems likely to last another century or two. It is boy-proof as well as weather-proof; and no rotting at its junction with the earth. It generally happens that the letters are obliterated where four roads meet, and where ra.iny a stranger ' .- .. ■ • , , . . stranger must be sadly inconvenienced. I need not go ha i„,nr„„ H^ wuo.iy inau uie larm aoourer far Jrom my own home for an illustration of thfs. '^^^'^rlZTs^'^oZ'^:.^'^l^\t.^., the I farmer has command of the services of the cottager. A farmer having good cottages at his command can select the best workmen as his daily labourers. More- over, he can keep them, which is not the case with the miserable hovels that generally exist; and as newly-built cottages are now usually placed so as to reduce to a minimum the distance the labourer has to walk, whereby time and sinew are saved, the advantages to the employer are, in the aggregate, equal to the difl'erence between the return due to the condemned hovel and that due to the improved cottage, and thus, in point of fact, the farm labimrer receives in a better home an equivalent to increased wages. J. J. Ma Compulsory Education.— Perhaps you will accept the enclosed extract from a letter I have recently ad- dressed to a contemporary, as a sufficient reply to the question put by Mr. Biddell:— "I will now address myself shortly to your direct question as to ' How a man, whose family extends to six or seven, can spare three or four breadwinners to go to school, and yet manage to find them bread ? ' My reply is, first, that the reform of an entire class cannot be sacrificed to the compassion excited by those few cases of individual hardship which may be incurred in the steps necessary to accomplish it ; secondly, that these cases of hardship maybe reduced to a minimum by requiring attendance at school to be regular (in the sense of being 'daily ') up to the age of ten only. After ten, and until twelve. Wages. It appears to me to be a fallacy to suppose that the the attendance might be required for a certain \ labourers of one district are as good workmen as the number of times in the year, which the parents can be allowed to select according to their own con- venience ; and, thirdly, I would propose that aggravated circumstancesof distress, occasioned by school demand, should be relieved (out-door) by the parish. This sounds like an additional burthen on the rates; it is, however, but a temporary one, and it is applied with the object of permanently relieving them. I am aware, nevertheless, that I touch here upon one of the most serious obstacles to compulsory education, the idea of which is associated with the prospect of an additional rate, and this is a matter upon which agriculturists are justly sore, for anything more unfair than the present mode of levying the poor-rate it is impossible to conceive." Fredk. A. Maxse, Roily Sill, South- ampton^ Mail 19. Farm Seeds.— The closing remark of "A Lincoln- shire Farmer" to my inquiries last week will bear repetition:— "Judging from my experience, roaring foaming torrents are never so well as the quiet glidin"- stream for good fishing." Just so; it is from this quiet inquiring stream I expect to get a satisfactory answer, and not from Mr. Chang-chi-Fow, of Quan"- tung, or of Mr. St. Louis, of the Mauritius- but either gentleman could tell me whether the article I am purchasing at the retail shop is in quality the counterpart of that sold in the colonial markets. But sir, it is the Messrs. Chang-chi-Fow of our English counties who can tell us if they adulterate the seed at home ; yes, even with a " nett " seed of 18(34, or any year previous to that. My questions, he remarks deserve not a reply. Let us see what the leading article he refers to at p. 411 s.ays:— "And the fine gentlemen who arrange among themselves every spring time what percentage of admixture shall "be sent out with the season's produce, whatever care they ma.v profess to take that there shall alwavs bs sufficient living seed to produce a crop, are simply rogues ; and their conduct, when it shall have been labourers of another, and that for the services of each, when applied to the same object, the same money should be paid. Still, it can only be on such grounds that the proposal lately enunciated for the formation of unions, even though "established on principles strictly defensive," among agricultural workmen, can be supported. Considering that combinations ol^ work- men are injurious in degree as ignorance prevails, and that the want of education is the special characteristic of the agricultural labourer, I can anticipate only the worst results from unions among them, ,ind am quite at a loss to comprehend how any national benefit can arise by encouraging them. With respect to the wages of the farm labourer, it has been ray duty forthe last 17 years, when reporting on the agricultural operations of the General Land Drainage and Improvement Company, to inquire into the standing wages of every locality in which works have been executed. In addition to these inquiries, I have recently made others, and have obtained such reliable information that I believe I am perfectly justi- fied in stating that the present average weekly wages of the farm labourer, excluding extra allowances at hay-time and harvest, and all payments for piece- work and overtime, as well as the value of various perquisites in the shape of beer, milk, fuel, ka., to be as follows : — s. d. North-E.-i9tem district 14 e' Nortb-Weatern diatriet 14 0 Mid-Eaatern district l:j 0 Mid-Western district 11 0 Midl.ind district (exclusive of Middlesex) . . 10 9 S'luth-Eastera district .. .. 12 0 Mid-Southern and South- Western districts . . 10 3 These figures include shepherds and horse-keepers, but do not include the wages of bailiffs, where they exist, nor of other special employes, nor the earnings of labourers' wives and children. They include, however, beer and cider when they form the daily regular allowance in lieu of money, but not otherwise. The mean weekly day-labour wages of able-bodied men throughout the whole of England may be taken at 12s. Gd. To this must be added the additional gains by occasional piece-work,* extra payments at hay-time and harvest, when double the ordinary wages are frequently given, independently of the increased allowance of beer or cider. In the aggregate, the actual income derived from these employments is equal to from 2s. to is. a week, according to the custom of difl'erent districts. Where piece-work can wholly take the place of day- labour, a labourer may earn 25 per cent, more than by day. The retail value of the beer and cider supplied to each labourer as his allowance, at hay-time and harvest, when employed in drilling and machine threshing, and when it forms an item in piece-work, if spread over the whole year, would amount to from Is. to 2s. a-week, according to locality. With these addi- tions to his direct-money wages, the labourer gains from 15s. to ICs. per week, taking the mean of En-gland. But besides this aggregate, the agricultural labourer gets other advantages which are unknown to the in- dustrial labourer living in town. The rents of the dwellings of town operatives varies from 4s. to 6s. a- week, some having very good dwellings for these rents, while others are obliged to pay as much for lodgings only. Comparing these figures with the Is. Gd. or 2s. paid by the agricultural labourer for cottages equally as good or better than the dwellings of the town operatives, the difference must be regarded as a gain to the former. The town operative seldom, if ever, has the advantage of a garden whereby he may grow Potatos and vegetables. His outlay for these essential articles of food is often great, particularly if he has many children to provide for. In fact, the ordinary payment for Potatos and vegetables by a mechanic, with a wife and three children, living in a town, is stated to be 2s. Gd. a week. An agricultural labourer, if he is fortunate enough to have— what he ought invariably to have— a rood of garden ground as part of his occupation, which he may cultivate after he has done his wage-paid work, will grow upon it vegetables sufficient to yield him a return, after payment of rent and for seed, at least U.. a-year, which is rather better than Is. Gd. a week. I am assuming in this estimate that he has time and strength sufficient to do all the labour that is required to cultivate it, and that he is careful in storing the refuse of his dwelling— that is. the ashes, sewage, and waste, so that he may avoid any payment for either labour or immure. Thus it will be seen that from his house and garden the agricultural labourer gains advantages equal to from 2s. to 4s. per week, which, if added to his money returns, will raise his wages from 15s. or IGs. to 18s. or 20s. a week, independent of what his wife and children rnay make, and which frequently adds 25 per cent, to his income.! I have said nothing about the gains of gleaning, which have been estimated at 1^. Is. \Gd. to 40s. ; nor about the difference in the cost of bread, meat, milk, &c., in the country compared with what it is in towns; nor of the benefit an agricultural labourer is said to derive from the keeping of a pig, as I am doubtful myself whether anything is fairly gained by it; neither have I estimated the great advantage of pure country air in securing the health and strength of the labourer and his family, though all these have a money value which should be considered. Education. The state of education among agricultural labourers was truly indicated by the Iloyal Commissioners appointed in 18131 to inquire into the state of public education in England, when they said that in the British army, which is chiefly made up out of the agricultural class, out of 10,000 soldiers examined in 185(3, more than one-fourth could not write, and more than one-fifth could not read, while in the British Foreign Legion, raised in 1855, four-fifthsof the Italians and 97 per cent, of the Germans could both read and write. Those, however, who are brought often into contact with the English farm labourer, as I happen to be, require no statistics to prove the almost total absence of education that exists among them. I am content to express my conviction that primary educa- tion at school — consisting of reading, writing, and arithmetic— is essential as the basis of improved prac- tical knowledge. To confine our efforts, however, to elementary school learning would, I contend, fail in the object we all desire. Technical— that is, practical— edu- cation must be associated with primary school teaching. In agriculture I believe the term has never been used; but perhaps in no calling is technical education— if by I * The advantages gained by the adoption of piece-work in tlie pliiee of day-labour are stated by one of our leadiiicf farmers, Mr. Charles Howard, of Biddenham, to be : — 1. The work is done more expe litiously, at the proper time, and with leas supervision on the part of the employer. 2. It is le^s expen- sive than day-work, and payment is made for only the work done. 3. The labourer, finding hia wag-e is regulated by the quantity and quality of the work performed, is more indus- trious, and exercises more skill in what he does ; and 4. By placiujf biiiher wages within reach, the temptation to leave ■m-work for other occupations is lessened. t Mr. PurJy, in his valuable paper in the Jovirnal of the Statistical Society of London, on the rate of agricultural wages, illnstrat-.es the a-^sistance a labourer derives from the work of his wife and children by adoptinEf Dr. Kay's figarea, given in the same journal, which show the income gained bjr upnrarda of 500 families of different sizes in Norfolk aod Suffolk to be aa follows : — 1 1 Conditions. Average annual income. S6 63 1C8 1-211 92 44 15 Single men £25 0 0 Children above 10 One child above 10 . . Two cbiHren above 10 Three children above 1ft Four children above 10 3 4 6 e 7 32 4 0 3.5 4 0 40 5 0 45 6 0 50 9 0 Mat 23, 1868. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGKICULTURAL GAZETTE. 557 that term we express practical education— more required. I will endeavour to make this understood. There is not a farmer in ; the country who, be he engaged in sheep farming or in dairying, in tillage, or in mixed farming, does not know the superior value of a labourer well acquainted with special duties. Take, for instance, a shepherd : the wage of a good shepherd is Ifts. a week, besides perquisites ; and I venture to say that at this moment there is hardly any other description of agricultural service in which there are fewer capable men. A good shepherd is one of the most difficult men to obtain, and the loss to individual farmers, and to the country generally, from the want of them is very great. Again, good horse-keepers are almost as difficult to obtain as good shepherds. From my own experience I can say that the difference between a good horse- keeper and a bad one is not to be measured by the simple difference between scanty and liberal wages. Any one accustomed to horses knows immediately, by the appearance or the touch of their skin, whether the man in charge of them knows his business; and he will confirm my opinion, that any difference in wages will be more than counterbalanced by the saving in the corn which the horse will consume, and the service obtained from them when well attended to compared with that when he may be indifferently treated. The same remark will apply to the tending of neat stock. Speaking from my own experience, I have found that cattle under the charge of a man who thoroughly understands them, will fat quicker, and in every respect do much better with less food, than with a man who, from attempting indiscriminately all the duties of the farm, is master of none. In the minor matter of poultry, I have known many pounds lost by the want of proper treatment of them; and many a labourer's wife with a small plot of ground, who has brought intelligence to bear, has raised more poultry in a year than has been produced from a farm of several hundred acres. If this be admitted to be the case with live stock, it will be unnecessary for me to point out the advantages of employing men in the use of implements who have taken pains to understand them. The loss sustained by farmers from the careless treat- ment of costly implements is great. Pew labourers know how to adjust them if they get out of order, and one who thoroughly understands the steam-engine so as to take charge of it when ploughing land or threshing corn is indeed a prodigy in their parish. And why should we dread the purchase and use of steam- engines on our farms, on the ground that we have not a labourer who could take care of them, when tuition in youth would supply the omission ? It is true that ray (riend Mr. Howard, of Bedford, now and then undertakes to tutor a farm labourer in the manage- ment of the engine, if he is generally assured of his lutelligence. This circumstance, while it shows how an mdividual difficulty may be overcome, must go some way to prove that technical education is to be attamed in the lowest grade of agriculturists, as in the more refined artisan class. It would be tedious to pass through all the branches of a farmer's business, to show how technical knowledge in the labourer would apply. There is hardly an operation in tillage that would not be done better if the operator had early understood it. Take the simple operations of plough- mg, ariUing, and sowing ; is not a good workman worth 1». or 2s. more per week than a bad one ? The same observation applies to hedging, ditching, draining, and thatching, in which there ' is no comparison between an expert man and an unpractised one. I have myself sent miles for a thatcher and hedger. How, then, are these practices to be taught in youth ? I will do my best to explain. I would suggest that those children who attend school for the limited time determined upon, should when earning their food and clothes by labour, be placed in a situation to obtain fundamental practical knowledge on the farm ; not by placing them indis- criminately one day to do one thing and the next another, merely to meet the convenience of the moment, but by putting them for a sufficient time under the shepherd, or the horse-keeper, or the stock- keeper, or the dairyman, or the engineer, or the hedger and ditcher, or the thatcher, that they may learn, as far as such labourers can teach them, the duties of their future calling. The only difference between the present system and that which I would suggest would be, that youths employed on a (arm should be so systematically engaged that they should early learn, by a species of apprentice- f' JC\ "o ' "'}" ^0 practically taught upon it ; and that the shepherd, the dairyman, or the engine-man, as the ca«e may be, with whom he should be placed, should receive a bonus for teaching him all he knows. In order to be assured that these teachers deserve their bonus, the youths should at certain periods, undergo examination, and, where i't be practicable, be made to compete with other youths for prizes. All that would be required in the way of national district, or outside aid, would be the provision 01 qualified examiners, and the means of paying the teachers their fees, and the youths their prizes. Already we have throughout the country, in the autumn, matches in ploughing, ditching, and draining, and the interest that the labouring men take in the .strongly against the prevailing excessive use of it. It is the bane of the farm labourer. In those counties in the west of England where cider is drank instead of beer, the impoverished condition of the agricultural labourer is even worse than where beer prevails. His inferiority in work is mainly to be attributed to the bad character of the cider, and the excessive use made of it. There is some proof of the injurious influence of ex- cessive drinking, in the fact that in all the worst paid districts— where labour commands the lowest wages, and where those wages are more than the labour is worth— the publican and beer-seller bear a far larger proportion to the number of agricultural labourers than is to be found in those districts where the wages are higher and where the labour is more valuable. We often hear mentioned the low rate of wages in the county of Dorset, and comparisons are made with the wages ruling in other counties. When we turn to the statistics giving the occupation of the people in the population returns of the last census, we find that whereas in Lincolnshire, which I select as the best cultivated county in England, the number of agricul- tural labourers is 52,871, and the number of people living by the sale of beer is 1317, in Dorsetshire the number of agricultural labourers is 19,33i. and the number of persons selling beer and cider is 582, show- ing a proportion in the former case of one beer-seller to 40 agricultural labourers, and in the latter, one beer- seller to 33 labourers. The proportion in Lincolnshire is much too high ; but what is to be said of Dorsetshire, where the labourers, earning only two-thirds of the wages of Lincolnshire, support a larger proportion of beer and cider sellers? The figures given, too, do not fully represent the real state of things as regards the extent to which the beer and cider is drank in Dorsetshire, a.s in that county a great deal of cider is given in lieu of money wages, whereas in Lincolnshire no such practice prevails either with respect to beer or cider. But I can illustrate this important part of the question by stating a case, within my experience, which can hardly fail to exhibit the fact that low wages and inferior work, with attendant pauperism, are associated with a preponderating use of beer or cider. In the year 1852 I had the control of some extensive drainage works in Dorsetshire, and at that time the agricultural money wages of the district ranged from 7s. to 9s. a week. Impressed that such pay was inconsistent with suitable labour, I imported into the work some north-country labourers from North- umberland, practised in draining, to afford an example for such local men as chose to enter the trenches and dig by the piece. I guaranteed to the northern men a minimum of 18*. a week, although I could command the^ services of as many Dorsetshire labourers as I desired to employ at half that price. The result showed that I was right in bringing high-priced competent men amongst low-priced inferior ones, for as soon as the Dorsetshire men knew what the north-country- men were getting, and saw the character of the work executed by them, they applied all their energies in imitation. At first they drank more beer, thinking that by such means they could do more work. They soon saw their error, and it was both amusing and instructive at the same time to see how struck they were when they found that the northern men had for their dinners good meat and bread, while they were living on bread, tobacco, and miserable beer or cider. It was by very slow degrees that the Dorsetshire men realised the truth that butchers' meat was more strengthening than bad beer. Eventually, by the example afforded them, the " technical educa- tion " given them by the Northumberland men, and by the effect of improved food, the despised Dorsetshire men were enabled to earn as much as their teachers, and it was not long before I actually removed them into the north of England, where the ruling weekly wages were double those of Dorsetshire, to compete with Yorkshire men in the work they had learned. Means of Improvement. 1. Benefit Societies.— li the earnest interest of the superior classes in a parish could be manifested by taking apart in the management of benefit societies very great good would attend them, and it would no longer besaid that out of the 23,000 friendly societies, which exist in England and Wales, there are not 20 solvent. All persons who have given their attention to the matter concur in objecting to the meetings of friendly societies at public-houses ; and if the superior classes would really take an interest in them, the practice would be discontinued. " Sometimes," says Mr. Tidd Pratt, " the club is sold with the good-will of the house." Beer-house clubs are indeed a great abomi- nation. Several existing societies are excellent precedents for the establishment of others. The Essex Provident Society has enrolled between 9000 and 10,000 members, and has a capita! of between 70,000^ and 80,000/. ; and the Hampshire Friendly Society has upwards of 3000 members and a capital of 35,000/. The Hitchin Friendly Institution, established in 1828, is, perhaps, based on as good a foundation as any in the country, as every member who insures against sickness is also compelled to insure for a pension in old age, an object declared by Mr. Hawkins, its founder and great sup- porter, to be of " vital importance if the wage-paid competitions may be taken as some proof that, under I classes are to be taught the advantage of respectability proper control, competitive trials may be extended to ; iu providing for themselves when past work without farming youths engaged in various agricultural duties. | application to the parish." 2. Garden Allotments, under a provident system of The Beee-Shop. management, by which a labourer, having allotted to At nrosont tlio !,„.,. u ■ . management, oy wnicn a laoourer, naving aiioit it ov'^d ™'^,'di ,V,n ^J'^f:VLtEf^J^L'^ »!=« h™ - ™od of land, may pay. during his (ctive 1 improved condition of the agricultural labourer The quahty of the beer and cider sold in the lowest-waged districts IS the worst. The beer is never genuine The quantity drank m the hay and harvest time would surpnse many of my hearers. I cannot speak too rent more than sufficient to satisfy the landowner, but which it is quite worth the labourer's while to pay, to secure the profit which the gardening of a rood of land will give. In the majority of cases a landowner who would not let a single rood of land to the labourer. would let a plot of many acres to the parish authorities, and would be quite satisfied in receiving sav 2/. an acre, tithe free, which is equal to M. a pole or lO.t. a rood. If the labourer paid Ci/. a pole, or 1/. a rood, he would be paying double the average rent that would satisfy the landowner, and if the surplus was invested through the same agencv as that of the Post-oflice Benefit Societies, it would accumulate so as to provide the rent of the land after acertain number of years, wherebythe labourer in his later days would hold the land rent Iree. 3. J illage Sospitals and Infirmaries, enabling the labouring class who have lived a worthy life to gain proper medical advice and nursing at home, are work- ing well where property managed, and are fit objects lor benevolent co-operation. 4. Co-operative Societies, for reducing the cost of provisions and preventing extortion on the part of London tradesmen. Without entering upon the question of whether such societies are desirable or beneficial for those they were originally intended to assist, it is quite certain that a modification of them may, with great advantage, be carried out in villages for the supply of food and clothing to the labouring population in rural districts. There is no doubt that the small wages of the agricultural labourer are much reduced by tribute to the local tradesmen ; and with so little to spend as the labourer has, it is indeed desirable that that little should purchase as much as it can be made to do. One condition would be para- mount, and that would be, that ready money should be the only means of purchase ; but as this requirement would produce provident and careful habits, it could not eventually militate against success. [Pressure on our space obliges us to defer until next week our report of the discussion which followed the reading of Mr. Denton's paper.] West Kent Chambee of Agricultuee: Count;/ Financial Boards (Mr. Wyld's Bill).— At a recent meeting of the East Kent Chamber of Agriculture, Mr. HoDSOLL introduced the subject of County Financial Boards. Mr. Wyld's Bill had been read in the House of Commons, and referred to a select committee. It was, therefore, of extreme importance that they should give their views on the subject, so that they might be communicated to the Central Cham- ber, and through them to the House of Commons. What the Bill is. The Act is permissive. A Board of Guardians could adopt it, and then they had to send a declaration to the Clerk of the Peace that they had done so, and he would then communicate with every other Board in the county, who would determine whether they would adopt the Act or not. If a majority of the Boards gave their assent to the adoption of the measure, the magistrates would be bound to adopt it. The Board would be then constituted of equal numbers of ratepayers from the Boards of Guardians and of magistrates, who would be elected by Courts of General or Quarter Sessions. The pro- perty qualification was 60/. a year. Provision was made in the Bill for the Board to have entire control over the expenditure. The Board has also power to make county rates, and a public audit was to take place, at which any ratepayer, not a member of the Board, was allowed to attend. The resolution which he suggested the Chamber should adopt would be to the effect — "That this Chfimber is of opinion that County Financial Boards should be established, and the Chamber having observed that Mr. Wyld's Bill had been referred tx> a Com- mittee, they trusted that the Government would bring in a s.atisfactory measure." Mr. G. White seconded the resolution. The Chairman (Mr. C. Whitehead), while he did not object to ratepayers having a voice in expending the money so realised, pointed out the inconsistencies and cumbrous character of Mr. Wyld's ISill, and then explained the causes for a recent increase in county rates. Gentlemen were too apt to attribute it to lavish expenditure, and want of care on the part of the magistrates, who were administrators of the county finances. They did not consider that so many new things were required by the Government now-a-days. A new system of treatment was introduced in our prisons. An entirely new sort of accommodation was required. The same thing happened with regard to lunatics. The whole system was completely changed. Lunatics were now living in comparative luxury ; he might almost say in palatial residences. Whilst all this was being required by Government, the area of the county rate remained unchanged, and the rate was still collected from land and houses. There were those who thought that as the area of expenditure was enlarging and increasing, other kinds of property than those now assessed should contribute to the police rates, and the maintenance of prisoners and lunatics. Although he was a magistrate himself he had not the slightest wish to keep out the ratepayers from a participation in the management of the county finances. If the rate- payers only knew what a very arduous and difficult task it was, and how much time was swallowed up in the performance of the duties, they would not be so very desirous of taking a share in the work. The county magistrates, who were the administrators of affairs, were men of leisure, who had not much else to do. They were also quite as much interested in economy in the county rates as the ratepayers. He (the Chairman) was speaking without bias in any direction. Most of the magistrates were direct payers of county rates, as many of them occupied farms them- selves. Increase of rates also tended to lower rents, therefore magistrates, who were landlords, were more directly and vitally interested in economy than the ratepayers. With regard to the increase in expendi- ture, he would remark that the Government now came 558 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [Mat 23, 1868. down upoa tbe Guardians of TJnioQs, and said that workhouses were no longer fit for their purpose. They were intended as receptacles for the able-bodied poor, but now the state of things was entirely changed, and they were required to be hospitals for the sick and aged. Therefore every union house throughout the land is required by Goveniment to totally change its system of management and its style of building, involving very large expense on the guardians, which they could not prevent any more than the administrators of county finances could prevent au increased expenditure in their department. The resolution was unanimously carried. Local Taxation. Mr. HoDSOLL said — Local taxes were levied almost exclusively on real property — that was, land and houses and buildings thereon, and was not extended to personal property, which was four times in magnitude to that of real property. He considered that with an increase of local taxation should come an extension of the area which bore the burden. They, as a Chamber, were called upon by the Central Chamber, in consequence of the movement which had taken place in Somersetshire, to give their opinion upon the subject, before the meeting which took place on the 5th of May. He did not douljt what their opinion would be. Personal property had vastly increased during the last 50 or 100 years. Fortunes had increased, owing to the extension of manufactures, to colossal dimensions. Every kind of personal property j had increased, and it seemed to him, therefore, an| unfairness that the poor of this country should bei maintained by the owners of one description of pro- perty alone. The position of the country was widely altered from the time when the Poor-law was first introduced, and he thought they could fairly ask the Legislature to put the rates on every description of property, real or personal. Not only was there the question of providing for the poor, but there was also the question of lunatics, and other common charges, such as registration, vaccination, medical fees, and police rates. All these matters were of recent date, and had found their way into the county rate and thence to Boards of Guardians for payment. PjiopEETT NOT Rated. Projjefty in the hands of mortgagees, shipping, fisheries, metallic mine?, and timber were exempt from every description of local taxation, and indeed not more than one-third — he should say one-fourth — of the property of the country now contributed to local rates. The income-tax ixssessraent amounted to 350.000,000/. annually, while the real property of the country only amounted to about 95,000,000/. If the local taxation was based on the income-tax assessment, it would reduce the unjust incidence of the poor-rate to one-fourth of its present burden. He asked them why that injustice should continue ?— why should they, because they, invested their property in a particular calling, support the poor, and provide the oountv rate, and all the rest of it? Why should the holders of 800 millions of funded property contribute nothing to the support of pauper lunatics ? Why the people of this country had so long submitted to that state of things he could not think. He thought it could only be because it had never fairly been brought before them. EftUiTAiiLE Suggestions. There were several ways in which persons enjoying ipopflies from other sources might be made to contri- bute. In the first place there was the income-tax assessment. If all incomes were assessed, instead of only land, the rates would he reduced from 3.?. in the pound to 6d. He thought they could not do too much to make a movement to call upon the Legislature to alter the present state of things. Another way which had been suggested was to abolish altogether all local taxes, and then to make the income-tax the medium through which counties, under the direction of financial boards, should receive an annual amount equal to the average of the last three years of the county expenditure, and any supple- mentary requirements beyond that grant to be made up by a county rate. Another way, which Mr. Reader, their Secretary, who had been engaged in union business all his life-time, was very much in favour of, was that all charges now paid out of the poor-rate, with the exception of the in-door and out-door relief of the poor, and county rates (not forpolice purposes), should be paid out of the Consolidated Fund. That was a com- promise which he thought might possibly be adopted. Mr. Hodsoll then illustrated his argument by some local statistics, after which he proposed this resolution i — " That it is the opinion of this Chamber that the burden of local taxation falls unjustly on real property alone, and that incomes arising from personal property of every description should also bear their fair proportion. This Chamber therefore earnestly requests the immediate attention of the Legislature to this important subject, and considering the great increase of local taxation under the head of poor-rate, now amounting to nearly lO.OOO.nooi. annually, this Chamber would submit that the expenditure for the maintenance of lunatics, for salaries, and all other common charges— registration, vaccina- tion, medical fees, and police r.ate— should be rep.aid the several unions from the Consolidated Fund, in the same manner as a moiety of the salaries of the medical officers and the entire salaries of the schoolmasters and schoolmistresses is now done, which would leave the o\it-door and in-door relief ch.arKe and county rate (not for police puri^oses) upon the present assessment." The Rev. R. Cobb said he thought the process by which stock-in-trade and so on could be made to con- tribute to the poor-rate would be too inquisitorial to be carried out. He entirely agreed with Mr. Reader that there were many incidences of taxation which now fell on the landed interest which should come out of the Consolidated Fund. If they asked for that they would be asking for something practical. It was done now in many instances, as in the education of the poor and medica,l salariesj and he thought they might widen the area of their demands with some probability of success. Mr. Hodsoll, in reply to the remarks of Mr. Cobb^ said he had said not one word about stock-in-trade, but it was originally intended thst it should be included in the assessment, and it was only by an annual Act of Parliament that it was excluded. What he went for was the assessment of income, returns of which were nqw_ given every year to the Income-tax Com- missioners. The Cjl.iiBJiAN, in putting the resolution, said in his opinion there was an obvious injustice in the present system of taxation in the country. There was a manufacturer, say, enjoying his 10,OOOZ. a-year, and his assessment on which he paid to the relief of the poor was 700/., or perhaps less, and he might be em- ploying 300 workpeople, all of whom were liable to come on the poor-rate. Then he would take in opposition to that, as shelving the injustice of the present arrangement, a farmer who had an assessment of 700/. a-year and his profits would not be 1000/., and who wouW not probably employ more than 20 labourers. He thought those two cases would show more clearly than any other argument which could be brought forward the injustice of the present system of taxation. He most cordially agreed with the resolution. The resolution was then unanimously carried. Seet-root Sugar. By Arnold Baruchson. E. Wilson, Royal Exchange. The following is the full title of this pamphlet : — " Beet-root Sugar : Remarks upon the Advantages derivable from its Growth and Manufacture in the United Kingdom; together with a description of the Rise, Progress, and Present Position of that Industry on the Continent of Europe, and some Practical Directions to Agriculturists and Manufacturers for Conductinj! it Successfylly." The contents of the work fully justify its title. Its three chapters give the history of the manufacture, a full description of the cultivation of the crop, and a detailed account of the process of sugar extraction from it. It is the middle one of the three to which agricultural readers will turn with greatest interest— though the others, also, are valuable as justifying the attempts now being made to reintroduce the cultivation of the crop. Mr. Baruchson describes the sorts of Beet-root culti- vated—the details of oultivation — and the method of harvesting and storing the crop. In fact any one acquainted with ordinary farm-work will find in his chapter on this subject all the information needed to enable hitn to start and carry on successfully the culti- vation of the crop. We extract a passage in which, after describing the details of land preparation and seed sowing, the author proceeds to give such instruction as may still (during and after the end of May) be avail- able for the guidance of any of our readers who have commenced Sugar Beet cultivation : — " Hoeing should commence as soon as the plants are above ground. Many farmers repeat this twice, instead of re-ploughing ; using for that purpose, and for sowing, the machines, of which there are several patented in Germany and France, as well as here. " AVeeding is commenced when some strength and firmness has been attained by the plant, and requires to be managed with care. In removing the super- fluous plants the strongest mn.st be left. This is followed by the second hoeing, and this loosening of the soil allows the young plants to grow and flourish, covering the field with their leaves. "At the third hoeing or ploughing, which takes place early in August,_ the chief object is to beware that the top of the root is covered, the saccharine being by that time in course of formation. After this, nothing should be done to the plant till the harvest commences, which it does in the latter end of September or in the commencement of October. The readiness of the roots for gathering is known by the change which takes place in the colour of the leaves, the dark green becoming yellow and drooping. To remain some little time longer in the ground would not injure them ; but it is not wise to delay beyond November, as frost setting in would be destructive to their quality. They are simply dug up with a spade, laid in a row, and carefully deprived of their leaves. " As the roots are collected, haste should be made to manufacture the Sugar, for exposure to light and air seriously injures the saccharine matter. It is, there- fore, important that the works be near the farms, as is much the case abroad ; and that, if circumstances pre- vent the extraction of the sugar being at once com- menced, the roots be covered with soil, or placed in cool, dark cellars, mixed with ashes or coal-dust. In order to obviate this necessity, attempts have been made to preserve the roots by slicing and drying in kilns, so as to keep them till a favourable time for manufacturing them arose. This system was patiently tried by the late M. De Morny on his estate. The result, however, was not satisfactory. Not only was considerable extra expense thus incurred, but the sac- charine quality was found to have deteriorated ; and the process has been generally abandoned in France, though still partially coptinued in Germany.* The alternative of covering the roots with eartli, when the manufacture cannot be at once proceeded with, is, The author has recently had his attention drawn to a tr;Lvclliiig eui/iue, with drying cylinders and hot Itlast, patented liy Jlr. W. A. Gibbs, of Gillwcll Park, Woodford, which promises to bo exceedingly valuable in drying agricul- tural prodTiee on the land itself before being housed. This machine is described in an interesting paper on the present subject, read by Mr. Gibbs before the Society of Arts, and reported in No. "aOv'J of its Journal. consequently, the one in general use. When left, as they sometimes are, in the field throughout the winter, they are piled in heap j of 3 or 4 tons, and covered with earth from 0 to 12 inches deep, which is increased to 2 or 3 feet when the frost sets in. The heaps thus formed are about 45 feet long, 4 feet broad, and 3 feet deep. But this delay, if continued beyondiUecember, diminishes the saccharine as much as 1 or even 2 per cent. ; hence, the manufacturing season is usually almost over by the close of that month." We cordially recommend Mr. Baruchson's pampye,t to our readers, as the most complete and practical guide to Sugar Beet cidtivatiou that we have or that they can require. Farm Memoranda. Abeedeenshiee Faem : Jlfa!/.— The last fortnight has been cold and dry with occasional frosts at night, so that the crops have not grown so fast as could have been wished, and there are heavy complaints of grub destroying the braird after lea. Some farmers we have heard of have been trying hellebore snuH' on them, and some trying heavy rollers ; some one thing, some another ; but if warm growthy weather should set in, it will soon he out of their reach. The weather has been all that could be desired for the clearing of land for Turnips— a great contrast to last year, when it could scarcely be got cleaned at all, the consequences of which will be felt for years to come ; but this year there can be no excuse for any one, as the winter was open, and farming operations could be kept well forward, ready to take the advantage of the weather suiting. A good commencement has been made in the sowing of Swedes, and we have seen some brairded, but sowing will only become general this week, some giving one sort of manure, and some another, but the most popular is dissolved bones and Peruvian guano. Cattle are mostly all at Grass, and considering the cold weather there is mostly a full bite to be got, which is fully a fortnight earlier than has been for some seasons back, as many farmers in the upper districts never calculate on having Grass before the 15th Jl^y- Roups of Grass parks and displenish sales are of daily occurrence, and for good Grass, and good stock, good prices have been realised. A good few of our hiring markets fall this week, and some are past. Wages much about the same as before, say from 10/. to 12/. for capable horsemen— that is, for six months ; of course bed and board is also furnished. The cleaning of Turnip land and sowing Swedes will be the principal work of the farm for the next fortnight. /. A Small JJaiet Farm neae London: BnUer- malcing in Small Dairies. — The number of cows kept rarely exceeds five. In the winter they are kept in a well-littered yard, with sheds for shelter in severe weather. Their food consists of Mangel Wurzel, oil- cake, and meadow hay, given in sufficient quantities to keep them in good condition; to half feed them is considered an extravagant waste of their produce. Their first change in the spring consists of cut Tares, brought into the yard; the oilcake is then discontinued, but a little hay is given until the Grass is sufficiently plentiful to turn them into the meadows. If these meadows are near home, the cows are brought there to be milked ; if the distance is a mile or more, the man generally takes his milk-cans there in a cart, milking the cows in the field. The milk, wlien brought to the dairy, is strained through a fine hair-sieve into tin receptacles. These are round in form, about 22 inches across the top, 14 inches at the bottom, and 6 inches in depth, measuring the slanting sides ; they have .two handles for the convenience of removing them. They should be filled only to within about 2 inches of the top. The milk is allowed to stand for 12 hours, and is then taken to a copper filled with hot water. The tin is then placed iu the opening of the copper, with the bottom of the tin in the water, and there it remains until the milk is scalded, but must not be boiled. I am unable to give the degrees of heat. By practice they can tell when the milk is hot enough ; the cream then generally presents a rough appearance. It is then taken back to the dairy, and remains there fVom 13 to 24 hours before it is skimmed. An old-fashioned square churn, turned by a handle, is the one in use, and the time of churning seldom exceeds a quarter of an hour, unless the weather be cold, and then it will perhaps be au hour. The butter is never made up by the hands. Wooden slices are always used for this purpose, and the most rigid clean- liness is practised in every respect. The milk scalded in this way produces more and a richer cream than if left in the general way, and is quite thick when taken from the milk. The milk also treated in this manner will keep sweet 12 hours longer, and is much sought after by the housekeepers in the village. The butter is sold in its fresh state, and meets a ready sale, and commands the highest price in the neighbourhood. I should state that in size the pans are made so as to suit the top of the copper. I can speak from experience of the good qualities of all (he articles I have mentioned say butter, cream, and milk. The Oroeer. Wfjt ^oulti'i) Yarlr. Me. Meohi has mooted an important question {vide last week's number) in bringing before the agri- cultural world the relative cost of feeding bulloi^s and chickens and their returns. The poultry stock has so seldom been considered of suflicient import- ance to figure on the farmer's balance-sheet, that there is yet much to be learned by all of us as to the beat mode of feeding and bringing our birds to market on the most advantageous terms. At present the demand for, almost always exceeds the supply of, first-class table poultry, consequently the price is always too high May 23, 1868.] THE GAPvDENEES' OHT?ONTCLE ANT) AGETrUT/rFBAL GAZETTR to enable it to become " people's food." If increasoil attention bo paid to its production, and the promised facilities of the new markets become realities, then poultry from being a delicacy may become a staple article of consumption to our middle class. To attain this end tlie cost of its pro- duction must be small. There is no difliculty on a farm, however situate, in providing for a stock of poultry commensurate with its size, and the absolute cost of keep for the breeding stock, where there is stack-yard, threahinu-floor, and pig-trough, is very small. The difficulty hitherto experienced in this country has been to get the farmer to think that his poultry could be made to pay, and to make the experiment. In many cases when attempted it has been thrown up in disgust and disappointment, because, the stock selected having been indifferent, and its treatment bad, or to say the leiist faulty, tlie produce has been meagre, expensive, and unsatisfactory. No evil can be thoroughly remedied until its source and origin bo ascertaiuea. The principal difficulties in the way of the farmer seeking to make his poultry profitable have hitherto been— in the first place, the low quality of the material, or original stock ; and in the next, the lack of attention bestowed on it. All who have kept poultry, or who have sojourned in farm- houses where the poiUtry-yard is tolerated, will have observed this. There appears to be no via media : either you find a poultry-yard where every bird is a pedigree fowl and dicorv like an old soldier, or you see a collection that would make unhappy any worthy who undertook to solve the problem of their genea- logical descent. Another point, and a strong one is, the attendance generally accorded to the poultry stock. This is one of the great causes of failure, and one that is easy of remedy. Let all care of poultry be as much as possible under the constant supervision of the principal. The food is important in every way, but more especially in the manner of its administration. AVhere the birds thrive and pay you will see none lying about. The rough tailing corn, will all grind into good meal for chickens, and the birds do well on it. If the master or mistress take an interest in the poultry equal to that evinced generally for other produce, there need be, we think, but little fear as to the more general, though gradual, adoption of feathered stock. The American J^ricidturist for the current month gives some curious examples illustrative of Mr. Darwin's work "On the Variation of Animals and Plants under Domesticity." It gives drawings of the lieads of the Spanish and Hamburgh fowls, in which the principal characteristics are directly opposite ; it also shows a series of sketches of the great variation in the formation of the skull and beak of the various breeds of domestic pigeons, commencing with the wild Roc pigeon, and ends with the exaggerated: Bagadotte of the Germans. The same journal gives an idea to fowl fanciers who have but little space in which to indulge their whim. A clever writer, Mr. Mabbitt, gives particulars o,f his summer poultry house, with an engraving. The pen is a hexagon in shape, very much like a bell-glass. The poultry house is suspended like a meat-safe in the centre, so that the birds get the advantage of the entire area, and at roosting time have to mount only about 3 feet to find open house with perches, &c. This arrangement is said to answer well in the United States. An Inquhrr would thank any one who could give the results of 3 or 4 yeans" crossing between the crey Dorking cock and Brahma Poutra ben. "Inquirer" having fairly tried the Houdans, finds no difficulty in rearing pullets to great per- fection, but great difficulty in rearing, purchasing, or im- porting a good cock bird. Is such generally the ease ? Lily {vidf. last number), if resident in a wet or cold district, recommended to keep the pencilled Brahma Poutras, as and amply Notices to Correspondents. Ar.RicuLTi'RAi. Waoe.-! I At p. 626, col. B (GloucestershivG), instead of "12s. and 3(.," it should be Vis., with hoimcj and garden equal to 3(. ; II. for lambing; 1,<. Orf. per sw.rc for shearing; and Grf. per day beer-money in harvest work. [This represents the wage of the shepherd.] In cul. (i Professor Wrightson was quoted as giving the amount paid for cutting and tying Wheat in his neighbourhood as 4=. «-/. to .5,^. per acre, whereas the actual prictjs paid are from '.'... to 12.t., according to the bulk of the crop. The figures given by him are the prices usually paid for tajiing up Wheat after reaping machines, and not for cutting and tying wheat. Building Material '. C E F writes as follows : — " I should bo much obliged if you could recommend anything to apply to a house built of porous sandstone to keep the damp from penetrating the walls. It should be something to apply on the exterior, so as to render the atone non-absorbent, and should be at least moderately inexpensive, as I want to apply it to cottages ,as well, some of which are built of rough stone, with a Large proportion of mortar. I should also ije ghid if you could give me any information about creosoting timber to preserve it from decay, as is now done, I believe, with the bottoms of Hop-poles in Kent almost univeradly! I wish to know what the substance used is, and whether there is any better method of preserving wooden posts for wire fences, and whether Alder thus treated would answer for- posts." [Can any of our readers retate anything on this subject from personal experience Z] Italian Plaster: Subucribcr. If you will furnish us with references to the back Numbers and pages in which the matter originally appeared, we shall have much pleasure in domg the best we can to fully answer your question. White Specks and Lines in Hasi; a Correspondent writes asfoUows;— "I had lately an exceedingly weU-flavourod home-fed and home-cured ham, entirely spoiled by what looked like groups of haU-a-dozen or more white threads hero and there drawn through it. I fancied tbev were groups of maggots, but my housekeeper satisfied ine this was not the case, as the flesh around %vas sound and un- broken. Whatever the white specks and lines were, they must have been in the living animal. The hitul wis destroyed, of course, but I find all the bacon had been e iti'n and found very good before the stjite of the h;»n]s was noticed. Can any Correspondent tell me wh^t tliis wlp^ GRAY'S OVAL TUBULAR BOILER. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, Class IX., No. 2119. Mr. gray bogs to call tbo attention of the Nobility, Gentry, Nurserymen, Gardeners, &c., to Ma NEW OVAL TITBUIiAR BOILER, AcknowlcdseJ by practical jiulgo-^ to be a great improvement on every form of Tubular Boiler yet introduced. It has provi-d itsulf superior to all other Boilers for quickness o/ action and economy of Fuel, doing its wof jt witp one-ithird less the amount retjuired by any other. Extract from Meport in Gvlrbbnebs' CimoNroLE oj International Exhibitmiy May 24, 1862, page 476. '• Hhe upright, form of Boiler i8 usufilly Biacte on a circular plan, I rather than a aquare, it seeraa feasible that the Boiler* on the oval but the ovfil form given to Mr. Gbav'b variety of it Is said tn bo plftn should briuK the tubes more completely within range of the preferable In consequence of tta bringing; tlio tubes in olotior contact buminf^ fuel ; and this being so, the chauge, though a alight on«, with the Are. The usual ibrna of a furnace being a i»arallelognim 1 is no doubt an improvement." ^^ They are made of ail sizeSf which, with prices, may be had on application. JAMES GRAY, HORTICULTURAL WORKS, DANVERS STREET, PAULTON'S SQUARE, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. HOTHOUSES FOR THE MILLION, ARE SUBSTANTIAL, CHEAP, AND EASILY FJXED. SPAN-ROOF PLANT HOUSES, of well-seasoned Eed Deal, Glazed and Painted three coats, \vith oomplete VenHlation all over Roof, Water Gutters, and nocessan- Ironwork, put on lail jn LONDON, GLOUCtBIISii, COVENTKy, PLVJIESTONB, PAISLEY, or ABERDEEN, 10 to 16 feet wide inside, at 16s. to S4s. p»r foot run ; Glazed Eftds or Divisions, froai £3. ILLUSTRATED CIECULABS, with full particulars, Sizes, (in4 Prices, Free on application. This system of Building has been extended to form l.irge WINTER GARDENS, covering a great area, at a cost ; the produce of which, in a few years' time, would almost, if not entirely, repay the original cost. Gentlemen about to form Now Gardens can be advised the best method of arranging these Glass Roofs for all Horticultural purposes, and as Boundaries in place of Walls, combining elegance with utility. As abeady so erected by us, they are economical substitutes for walls, ensuring the production of much larger and better crops of fruit. Estimates given far every description of BortieuUural Building, and far Beating Apparatus complete. HEREMAN and MORTON, 7, PALL MALL EAST, LONDON, S.W. substance is, and how to avoid c sit? PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS, FOE HEATING CONSEEVATOEIES, HOTHOUSES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE EESIDENCES, £TC., WITH TRUSS'B PATENT T7NIVEBSAL FLEXIBLE AND X''!/< ^''^" Stre(t. THE GARDENEES' CITEONICLE AND AGRICULTUEAL GAZETTE. [Mat 23. 1868. HOT-WATER APPAKATUS, of every description, flied complete in any part of the countrj', or the materials. viz., Boilers, Pipes, &c., delivered to any Station. EstunaCos on application. J- Jones & Sons, G, Bankaide. Soutliwark, London, S E H PIPES No credit will be given when Pipes, &c., are invoiced at the above prices J. JONES AND SONS, 6, Baokside, Southwark, London, S.E. for credit and for delivery at country w. Heating by Hot Water. HOLLANDS, Iron 31. Ijankside, S.E. 2-incb. H. Od. 1 6 2 3 2 3 10 0 3- inch 4ioch HOT. WATER PIPES.from stock-per yard ELBOWS for diuo . . . . '. each TEES SYPHONS ; THROTTLE VALVES IS.Cd 2 3 3 e 3 I. 11 6 2s Od 2 9 4 6 4 6 13 0 Estimates givec, sjid orders by post puDctuall7 attended to the Greenliousea— Heating Apparatus. CONSERVATORIES DUBLIN ORCHARDHOUSE FINERIES KXIUHITION PATENT SUN. BLINDSi FROST PROTECTORS, FORCING HOUSES /^(^^^^''^Sil Patented Improve. ORCHID HOUSES « ^w^^^^iss^ll . «.H1 . .. •• WALL. TREE COVERS GREEN HOnSF;S CUCUMBER and MELON HOUSES THE ONLY PEIZE MEDAL Various Improvements Application of WROUGHT.IRON Our New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE. THE NOVELTY, n th. CONSTRUCTION VENTILATION BEATING SHADING OPENING GEAR AWARDED for the Ventilation, Construction, and Horticultural BuildinRB. 1S65. is cheap, durable, easily fixed, does not require painting, is adapteJ for all purposes, and is the most perfectly ventilated house of the present day. Prices:- 20 tt. long, £10 to £19 lOs. ; 32 ft., £15 to £29 183. ; 40 ft., £18 to £36 ; 64 ft., £27 12s. to £54 3s. 6d. ; 80 ft.. £34 to £G6 63. ; 104 ft.. £43 123. to £84 10«. Span Roofs, double price. Orders for our New Patent WALL-TREE COVER are now Bolicited. They save their cost in one season. Prices, with 16-oz. . 10s., and 12s. it, and have pleasure m referring In HEATING I works in all parts of the kingdom which have Careful personal attention is given to all orders; and from'our penence, we are willing to guarantee that immense practical Buildings left to o poses for which they arrangement shall pei-fectly ^^ intended, without fear of disappointment. Our Patented arrangements may be .„, Information obtained at our London Office. 6. Sloane Stree Postal address. Ancnor Iron Works, Chelmsford ■, Hot-Water Eng I, Patentees, and general on application. CRANSTON'S PATENT BUILDINGS for HORTICULTDRE. " Dry Glazing without IMtty." Glass without Laps ' Ventilation without Moving Lights Highly Commended by the Royal Horticultural Society, South JOHN WEEKS AND C 0., HORTICULTURAL BUILDERS HOT-WATER APPARATUS MANUFACTURERS. H. LASCELLES* MACHINE-MADE MELON LIGHTS. Each. 6 ft, by 4 ft. Lights, 2 ins. thick, unglazed £0 5 0 „ „ Primed and Glazed with 16 oz. Sheet 0 11 0 with stout Portable Box, not 1 ai plication Descriptive Book fully vJ. Or. Plans and Estimates free ... ^ , _, IjluBtrated, post free for 2u stamps from the Author and Patentee " Architect Btrmmgham irks . Highgate btreet, Birmingham, ■AOE, Manager, 1, Temple Row West, Birmingham. TO BE S0LD7Cherp,~a^nKoN"D0ME" CONSER- VATORY, 62 feet 8 inches long, 9 feet 4 Inches wide. Would make an excellent Peach House or Covered Way. And all other descriptions of Horticultural Buildings to be seen at J. Lewis's Horticultural Works, Stamford Hill, Middlesex. TRON HURDLES (Silver" Medaf oF~the Royul JL Agricultural Society) : SHEEP, 3s. 6d. ; CATTLE. 4s. 2d. ; OX, 5s. lid. List by post. GATES and FENCl NQ of evtsrv description. St. Pancras Iron Work Company, Old St. Pancras Road, London, N.W. Painted Painted four coats, a Handleii on. . Packed and Delivered Railway Van 10 0 3 ft. by 8 ft., Double Lights, do 2 15 0 GREENHOUSES. Per ft. super. Woodwork only. Prepared and Fitted - - - Primed and Glazed with 16 oz. Sheet ..00 „ Delivered, and Fixed with Ironwork ..01 „ Painted four coats, two oide.^, ready for use 0 1 Finsbury Steam Joinery Works, 121. Bunhill Row, E.C. A Pamphlet of Prices, illustrated with 3(i0 Engravings of Cups, Goblets, Tankards, Ac., will be lorw^irded gratis and post free on application. Lithographic Drawings of Silver Kpergnes, Flower Stands, &c., have been prepared for the of Committees and others requiring HORTICULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS. This Vu READ'S NEW PATENT HYDRAULIC SUCTION PUMP. is highly approved by the NobUity, Gentry, and by the principal Horticulturists, &c., throughout also by bliii'ley Hibberd, Esq.. i'.K.H.S., the late Professor Lmdley, and many others connected the Kingdom; with Horticultu K. READ has also a large assortment of GARDEN ENGINES, MACHINES, and SYRINGES, upon the most approved principle. Manufactured by the Patentee, RICHARD READ, 35, REGENT CIRCUS, LONDON, W. iS" DRAWINGS POST FREE. UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN. CLAKK & HOPE, (L^.TE CL^RK,) f ~^_ _ HORTICULTURAL BUILDERS, ^ ^/ U'^^nIT^s^'^^^^^^ '" ~ AND MANUFACTURERS OF '""^^""' ' HOT WATER APPARATUS, COPPER AND WROUGHT IRON SASHES, SKYLIGHTS, CASEMENTS, HAND GLASSES, VERANDAHS, &c. steam Power Machinery and Spacious Premises enable CLARK and HOPE t offer Firat-Class Work, whether in Wood or Metal, at extremely low prices, ud execute Orders with promptness. ESTABLISHED A.D. 1818. DESIGNS AND ESTIMATES UPON APPLICATION. EXPERIENCED WORKMEN SENT TO ANY PART OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. 5 5, LIONEL STREET, BIRMINGHAM. BOOK OF DESIGNS, Plain, Is. 9d. ; Coloured, 2s. 9d. ; Post Free. Or, Is. 6d. and 2s. 6d. at the Works. In submitting to the notice of the Public our Book of Designs for Horticultural Buildings, &c., we beg respectfully to state that our Establishment — which has ■ now been in existence for nearly half a century— has been extensively patronised by Her Majesty the Queen (all the Metallic Hothouses at Frogmore and Osborne having been executed here) and by a large number of Noblemen and Gentlemen, whose testimonials to our skill in the construction of Horticultural Works of a thoroughly eflicient and durable nature, are most gratifying .and satisfactory. The Designs comprise Buildings adapted to every department of Horticulture, and include Metallic and Wooden Conservatories, Span-roofed and Lean-to Vineries, Greenhouses, Stoves, Palmhouses, Orangeries, Tree Covers, &c.- several of them having been in operation for many years. Mat 23, 186S.] THE GAKDENERS' CHEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTJl M OULE'S PATENT EARTH CLOSETS.— On view opomtloii at th6 Office of MOULE'S PATENT SEWAGE of TOWNS and VILLAGES on the DRY EARTH SYSTEM. — This Company Is prepftred to make armiigements for dealing with the Drainage ol Towns on the Dry Eaith System ; including the disposal of Sink-water, Slops, Ac. ApplicatiouH to be made to tbe Manager, 29, Bedford Street, Covent Garden, W.C. ___^ FO W LER' S PATENT STEAA[ PLOUGH and CULTIVATOR, may be SEEN at WORK in every AgrlcvU- tuml County Iti Eugland, For particulars apply t E.C. ; and Steam Plough Works, Leeds, & Co., 71, Comhlll, London, AGRICULTURAL CO-O PRIZE REAPING and MOW- ING MACHINES, UOKSE RAKES, HAl'MAKERS, and ail kinds of IMPLEMENTS. Prospectus, &c., on appllc.i- tion to E. O. Greening, Manag- ing Director, 29, Parlianiout Westminster, S.W. ; 4, Warren Street, Manchestor ; and at the Horse Show, Stand L'- in the Galleries. "BTery Cottage should be provided with a Water Tank." Dismeli. Iron ClBtems. FBRABY AND Co. having laid down extensive and • Improved Machinery In tholr new range of buildings, Ida Whabf, Deptford, are now prepared to supply WROUGHT-IRON TANKS, GALVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality, at reduced prices, and at verv short notice. JC LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. I Road Lou ion MACHINES, at SHED 11, STAND 61. ^HE CHAMPION HAYMAKER which for strength, hgbtness of draught, siropi c ty and efflcienoy, ih uucquallod. dJUli Edmund's, the Mark Lane Express, of July 29, 1867, under the above beading, saya:— "One of the simplest, strongest, and most efficient HaymakingMachines wehave seenis that made by JOSIAH LE BUTT, of Bury ot. Eamund's, and which he has christened not vain-gloriously 'The Champion.' " Price £15, delivered. Illustrated Catalogues free by post on application, containing prices, reports from practical farmers who have used these Machine^, unu a few Practical Hints on Haymaking. OWER or REAPER KNIFE REST. For firmly holding Knife of Reaper or Mower, during the pro- cess of sharpening, and obviates the many dangerous practices in Is very portable. No Farmer ought to be without one. On receipt of Post- office order for 15.s'. a Rest will be foi-warded. »HE UKGISTKRED SELF-ACTING SEED DRILL. By simply turning a Brass Screw, tbis DrUl can be inntantly adapted for Sowing " able lor nllmg up gaps where the Hi Dnll has missed in either Barley, Turnips, or Mangel Wurzel, and for sowing these equally ap- plicable. of Post-office order for 12s. Gd. a Drill will be furwarded. Gazette o{ Dec. 7, 1867. in nollcmg the novel- ., , ties in the Implement the Birmingham and Smithfield Cattle Sbow. says : — ■^°- novelties we may refer to a very simple and ap- much a Garden as a Faim tool, the In a cheap form by Mr. parently efficient Hand Drill nvention ol a working man, and brought" „ „, . Lk Butt. Implement Manufacturer, Bury St. Edmund^s. Suffolk. J03IAH Le Burr nas had the honour of supplying this usefi implement to her Maiestys Farm and Gardens at Wind.sor. Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogues of the above Machines cor talnlng Prices and Testimonials, post free, on application to Josia Le Butt, Patentee and Manufacturer, Bury St. Edmund'a, Suflolk W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON and WIRE WORKS, NORWICH, MANUFACTURER of IMPROVED MACHINE-MADE WIRE NETTING at greatly reduced prices. Gjilvjinisod after made. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE with prices free on application. 100 Yards and upwards, carriage paid to i Tlu' :Ui'->\r iv \,iv .h-.tp, and invaluable for caiTying liquids of all kimlN Ni. liat.l.'ii, I'luin, Sttible, or Kitchen Yurd should be witLuut uutj, Tw LI vi iiiurt) tubs can be bad with one carriage, at a small additional cost. A lad can easily work it ; but if required to travel long distances over rough ground, a pony can bo attached. The wheels and carriage are wrought iron, and the tub oak. I Price, with two Tubs, £3 'is. Price £2 f . Spreader and Valve, Rose Lane Iron and Wire Works, Norwich. ent and beapest For Conveying and Distri- many other Farm purposes, it is most "iisefiil." The shafts and lids are arranged to turn back out of the way. Carriage paid cipal Railway Stations in England. To hold 140 gallons,j)rice £10. _ I To hold 200 gallons, price £12. lee Spreaders, 15«, each. The 140 and 2ini gallon Carts are best suited for one horse. Rose Lane Iron and Wire Works, Norwich, w. i largo quantity of Liquid c With two Tanks to ouol „ . .^ , ^ _ carted in a short time, one Tank being filled whil conveyed away. The Tanks can be set down and left in the fields for Cattle to drink from. Carnage paid to all the principal Stations in Eugland. To hold 80 Gallons, price £8 Extra Tank, £3 10s. „ 100 „ £9 .. £3 l&i. Valve and Spreader for ditto, price 20a. 'S. BOULTON^B "SWING " WATER BARROWS w: This article is constructed on the aaiu' Barrow, advertised above, but the Tank i and useful. Two Tanks can be had with i paid to any .Station. I Carriage. Carriage To hold 18 Gallons, price £1 15s. | To hold 30 Gallons, pnce £2 6s. PORTABLE PUMP for WATER or LIQUID MANURE, with Galvanised body and folding stand. Carriage paid to any Station. Price £2 6s. I 10-feet India-rubber Suction, £l 10s. Powerful GARDEN and CONSERVATORY ENGINE, throw3 a continuous stream, and la well adapted for use with any of the Water Barrows described above. Carnage paid to any Station. good roference. Illustrated Catalogue on application. W. S. BOULTON, KOSE LANE IRON AND WIRE WORKS, NORWICH. THE TANNED LEATHER COMPANY. Armlt Works, Qreenfleld, near Manchester. TANNURS, CORKIERS. and MANDFACTUREBS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS lor MACHINEKy. PRIME STRAP and SOLE BUTTS. Price LlHta sent free by post. Wiirehouso; ai. Murk Lime, London. K.C. . Mr, IL Fkhrahkk, AKent^ For Watertng Gardens. &c.-Best Make Only. HANUOCR'S INDIA- RUliBEK HOSE-PIPES, fltted with STOP-COCKS, SPREADERS. JETS, and HAND- BRANCHES complete. ' """■^"^ PaioE pBR Foot. Size. Internal Diameter. i Inch. 1 Inch. i Inch. 1 Inch. No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 8'armers^ Gazette Challenge Cup, value 60 Guineas, "for the best Collection of Implements suited to tbe Agriculture of Ireland." was awarded three times In succession to, and la now the property of THOMAS McKENZIE and SONS, Machine and Implement Mandfactdrers and Importers, Seed and Manure , &c. omces and Warehonses, { = J; ^^^^%X:?^t'''' ' ceres Iron Works. { |X'cS[.ry','S^ j. Experimental Farms, County Cork, 400 acres. Agents for all the principal Agricultural Machine-makers in Europe and America. bo e Agents in Cork (county and city) for Lawes' celebrated * • V abort Treatise on " The Culture of the Turnip," by a Prac- cal tarmer, post free on application. "The Rolling Stock of tbo Fan a convenient handbook of all tbe most useful Farm Imple- price Is. (by post Is. 3d.], to be had at all tbe railway '■ "■ " " " " >N3' Offices. lay be addressed , 34, Dawson Street, Dublin (or), Camden Quay, Cork. Cottam's Iroa Hurdles, Fencing, and Gates. COTTAM'S HURDLES are made in the best i of superior Wrought Iron, by an improved method. Illustrated Price Lists, on application to Cottau it Co., Iron Worlcs, 2, Wmaley Street, Oxford Street, London, W. C The I pleasure, no Woodwork or Partition Hay Rack dispensed with In Stable Fittings Just secured by Patent. , removable at Oil Faint no longer Necessary. HILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Vamlah Is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and la fully two-thirda cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and Is used cold. It Is used in the grounds at Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and at the seats of many hundreds of tbe nobility and gentry, from i ^ ^ flattering testimonials have been received, which Hill * Smith will forward on application. _, J'Tom the Right Hon. Lord Greenock, JTood End. Thtrak "Lord Greenock has seen the Patent Black Varnish made by Messrs. Hill & Smith, applied with success, and has heard it highly recommended by friends who have tested it extensively, Soltl in caakfl of about 30 gallons eaoti, a& 1«. tW- per Ralion, at the Manufactory, or Is. 8d. per gallon paid to any Station In the kingdom- Apply to Hill * Smith. Brteriy Ultl iron Works, near Dudley, and 22, t^nnon Street West. K.C., from whom only It oan be obtained. 562 THE GABDENERS* CHEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [M£Y 35, 18BS. to Gardeners^. AS STONE 18 now often pi'eferred to BOX EDGING, WQ refbr Gardbners who niav intend to visit tHo Royal Botanic Gardens, to a large quantity of hucH \7ork which We auppllBd for new Promenade Gardfeos in t'Oe Middle Walk of the Park,byorder ol the First CoiumiHaioner of Works ; also to the Stone Eilj^iiig of tht) Royal Horticultural Society, Soutu Kenstnpton. These Edgings and Stone Flower Beds hanag now been Axed some years and passed through several severo wlntei-s, offer the moat satisfactory assui-ance of the superiofity or our material over Terra Cotta. ,Ad8tin, Seblet, & Co., aianutacturers of the Artlfluial Stone iaMntarl 1826 by tiio late EeUx Auatin, 301* to 3r6, Euston Road, Regent's Park, N.W. *»* The stock of Vases comprises about L'oO dlffertiut kinds. _ Glass for Garaen Purposeff, JAMES PHILLIPS AvND CO. beg to submit their REDUCED PRICES a^ follows :— raopAGATmo 2 luches in diameter CUCUMBER 24; Inches lonn THE IMPROVED GERMAN BEE HIVE, Patented, affords the moat perfect control of, and insight into, the economy of Bees o( any Hive ever invented. See Papers on Agri- Bee-mves, &c.— Bee-hive Factory. Whebe kvmy RiNif OF Hive, Ac, can be had Good awi* Cheap. TTlKANCrS'S NRW CORK HIYKS (AVrnxlbun- system), JJ COTTAGE HIVES, OBSERVATORY HIVES, >VOODBURT H'PRAW BAR-FRAME hive, 15S. KTajor Blunn'H Piitept IlWe, Hive Stands. Dr. Foster's cheap P^ame Hives, 12s. and 10s. Gd. Tansy-leaved I'haeelia (the preat Bee Plant), post tree. Is. Price List ftee ; with 20 Photographic IlluBtratlons, 4d. H. Francis, 61, Great Russell Street (lacinB the British Museum). London Agents for HARTLEY'S IMPROVED PATENT ROUGH PLATE. LINSEED OIL, Genuine WHITE LEAD, CARSON'S PAINTS PAINTS of various colours, eroiind ready for use, SHKET and ROUGH PLATE GLASS, SLATES of ati sizes BRITISH P^ATE, PATENT PLATE, ROLLED PLATE, CROWN SHEET, HORTICULTURAL, ORNAMENTAL. COLOURED, ami every description of GLASS, of the best Mauufaotme, at the lowest terms. Lists of prices and estimates forwarded on application to Jasies Phillips S. Co., 1m>. R^hopsgate Street Without, E.G. , , Horticultural Glass~Wafeliouse. rpHOMAS MILLING Ton and OO., J- 87. Bishopspnte Street Without, London, E.G. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOUSE GLASS aa supplied to Her Maiesty. the NobiUty. Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leading Hortl- 3rds. 2nds. i Beat. 15s 6d 18«6tf 20sO<2 20 by 13/ fl; 20 by 14 vperlOO feet-I- SO by 151 |.'2 iOibyie-' SMALL SHEET SQUARES, 15 oz., per 100 feet. In. in.lin. In. [in, in.|ln. in. [ 4th5. i 3ds. I 2nd8. | Best. SlbHll nil 6i| ',b^ ?,! liZ ?,}h3.i[l3,346,0ci|lS.0 .. 4Ss. 3ds „ „ 4 ??»■. ••■ ,• Oas. 2d8 „ „ 6 I only in the fouowing substaacoSi 13 o SHEET OL&SS i HARTLEY'S IMPROVED BOtLfiD ROCG» PLATE in l-8th in.. 3-lCth in., l-4th in., and 3-8th in. substances BRITISH PLATE GLASS for Windows and Silvered for Looking Glasses, Coloured Glass, Glass Shades, Striking Glasses, &c., &c. PAINTS, COLOURS, VARNISHES, 4c STUCCO PAINT, 2Js. per owt. This Piilnt luiherea Brmly to the walls, resists the we.^ther, and is free ttom the glossy appe.aniiice of oil Paint, resembling a stone surface, and can be made any required shade. It is mixed with rain or pure river water WHITE ZLNC PAINT, 36«. per owt. One hundredweight of pure Zinc Pamt, with three gallons of Linseed Oil, will cover as much a.s - - hundredweight and a-half of White Lead and sijt gallons of extensively used for all kinds of work in Brick, Stone, Compo, Iron, Iron Bridges, ^ ..... by any ordinary Anti.oorroBion Point exposed situations, Conservatories, Greenhouses, , ^ workman. Prepared Oil for ditto 4a. per gallon. Per owt. _s. d. GENUINE WHITE LEAD32 ( SECONDS WHITE LEAD 30 ( GROUND PATENT DRY- ERS. 3d. to 41* per lb. ;, OXFORD OCHRE, 3d. to 4ia. per lb. RAW UHBER, 4iii. to Sd. per lb. Iper lb. ,, BURNT do., 8d. to 9rf. OBEEN PAINT, all shades. LINSEED OIL .; ..3 4 BOILED OIL .. ..3 0 TURPENTINE .. ,.3 0 LINSEED on, PUTT^, 8s. to 9!!. per GWt. FineOAKVARl»ISn,H)s.tol2 0 „ CAKMAGE do., Pis. to 14 0 .. PAPER do. los. to 12 0 COPAL IB 0 , ID 0 BLACK PALNT, 24s. to 36 0 RED PAINT . . 28». to 36 0 dLAZIER-S DIAMONDS TOOLS MILLED LEAD and PIPES OLD LEAD Bought or taken th DISTEMPER BRUSHES. exottange. The above are Net, for Cish, and as such cannot be booked. Lists of any of the above on ^application. i^NOTTING Patent GOLD SIZE „ BLACK JAPAN 12 Bee-Hlves. TWO SILVER MEDALS iwiansn to GEO. NEIGHBOUR akd SONS, AT THE Paris Exbibition ov 1867. The only Enolish ExBIUlTOns WHO OUTAINED A SiLVEB MedaL FOR Bee-HiVES. NEIGfHBOURS' liMPROVED COTTAGE BEE-HIVE, aa originally introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR am) SONS, working three bell.glaases ; is neatly and strongly made of straw ; it has three windows in the lower hive. This hive will be found to possess many praotical advan- tages, and is more easy of management than any other bee-hive that has been intro- Pnc'e complete, £1 15s. ; .Stand for ditto, 10s. 6d. THE LIGURIAN or ITALIAN ALP BEE being much in i-epute, G. N. and Sons supply Stocks of Engllteb Bees with genuine Italian (Jueens (which will shortly have whollyyellow Italian Alp Bees), at £S 3s. each. An Italian Alp Queen, with t\i]i directions for uniting to Black Stocks, £1 each. Drawings and Price Address, Geo. Ni _ _ _ 149, Regent Street, London. W Agents ;~Liverpool ; James Ci'tiiber' Manchester : J. Wii,soN, 50, ICing: Stree Brothers, 10, Dame Street. Glasgow 15, Buchanan Street. of other Improved Hives, reoslpb of two stamps. « Sons, 127, High Holbom, W.C. ; McAsl. The Gold Dledal Awarded to ■\TrOODS, COCKS KDGE, and WARNER'S VV (of Stowmarketl celebrated IRON HORSE GEAR, at tho great Show at Toulouse in France last week. Makers of the IMPROVED STEAM ENGINES, which i-equire no fixing. 1 horse-power jE40, and 2 horse, £60. s HAW'S TIFJ?ANT. For Samples and Prices apply to J. Shaw & Co.. 29, Oxford Street, Manchester. ' Garden Netting, JSSi^!i'^'^^?1™'* *™ CO. supply TANNED 'J NLrilNOlortlia Protection of Fruit Trees 14 Mr souare vard Anv .pMUtitJ- of TIFFANY, SCrS CANVAS S^TITtTp COVE as „„i GREENHOOSE SUADESTSuW' BLINDS 4o iimW^.'^"' ^^"Hi .'S? ^^^3 "" FETES flSwer bHOWS^&c. West End Show-imoms, 18, Piccadilly W |Lo^ng°Lanr3mThSeM,''E.c!^'°' """'" '" '"= ""''»' ^^'' ^«' NETTING for FRUIT TREES, SERD BEDS, RtPE STRAWBERRIES. 4o. TANNBli NETTING fbr proteetinB the above from Frost, Blight, Birds, ic, 2 yards wide, .W per yard, or ley yards, JO..-. ; 4 yards wide, 6-grower. BEAUTY of FORM in the j;LOWfiR GARDEN.— BTow we may of Hardy Plants aluu , __ their arrangement, aspect, and any necessary details as to procurabta Kinds and of thosa. culture. Com pi of the may be raised from seed. Salad Culture in Winter & Spring. Oleander Culture. By a Parisian "' ' "^ --.- _ 1. r^- , Cultivator, The Public P.-vrks and Gardens of the City of Paris. Culture of the Orange. By aii Horticultural Implements and Appliances. Aspariwus Culture in F La Muette ; Walls, tho Great Niu-sery Garden ot the City of Paris. [ St Co., BtJdtord' StreOt, Covent Garden, W.C - Mat 23, 1868.] THE CtARDENERS' CETRONICEE AND AGWCULTITRA F, HAZETTE. 663 ENTIRELY NEW SERIES. THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE. Price One Shilling, be published on Tuesday, the 26tli inst. PREFACE. NOT IN SOOIRTY. Chapter I Introduces Mr. Bailey and the Stranger CONTENTS : OUR TWO FIRST SOBSCRIBERS. CROQUET. „ IV.— Glances at the History of St. Patrick Smith, v.— The DuKo's Urae- LEi-M.P. MUSIC IN VANITY FAIR. MY LAST SESSION. CELADON. AMONG THE I'ICTURES. Part I. COURT COSTUME AS IT WAS, IS. AND OUGHT TO BE. LORD UEORGE BENTINCK : a Stable I'lafment. -Mr. Nicodemufl OoBtord at Homo, '„ Scene 3.— At St. Goorgo's Square. NOTES AND INCIDENTS. CORRESPONDENCE OF SYLVANDS URBAN:— On Strikes— Heraldic Anomalies— Bad Writing — The Rive Terrace. 4c. — M. Gaaperim— J. Crawliird- Samuel Bentley, &c. BRADBURY, EVAUS, and CO., 11, BOUVERIE STREET, E.C., And Sold at all Booksellers, and by all Newsagents. EVERY SATURDAY, OF ANY BOOKSELLER OR NEWSAGENT, PRICE THREEPENCE. £tu:h Half-yearly Volume complete in itself^ v)ith Tiilc-Vage and Index. THE ATHENJIUM JOURNAL OF ENGLISH AND FOREIGN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE FINE ARTS, Contains : REVIEWS of every important New Book. REPORTS of the Leai-ned Sooietiea. AUTHENTIC ACCOUNTS of Scientific Voyages and Expeditions. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE on Subjects relating to Literature, Science and Al-t. CRITICISMS on ART. MUSIC and DEAM'A. BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES of distinguished Men. ORIGINAL PjiPERS and POEMS. WEEKLY GOSSIP. MISCELLANEA, including all that is likely to interest the informed THE ATHENi€UM la SO conducted that the reader, however distant, is, in respect to Literature, Science and Art, on an equality in point of information with the best-informed cii'cles of the Metiopolis. Suhscriptivnfor Twelve Months, 13s. ; Six Mont/is, 6s, 6d, If required to be sent by Post, the Postage extra. Office for Advertisements, 20, WELLINGTON STREET, STRAJl^D, LONDON, W.C. Just published, price Is., post free, PERMANENT PASTURES: their Formation and Improvement. By M. H. SurryN, F.R.H.S.,&c. Contents:— How to Prepare the Land— How to Sow the Land— Sowing with or with- out a Coru Crop— The best Sorts to Sow— The Alter Manatjement— The Breaking-up of Grass Land— The Improvement of faatures— The Manures most Suitable. To which is added Notes on the Leading Grasses and Clovers, from personal observation ; and 20 beautiful Illustrations of the most useful limds. " It will not do to let Grass come of itself in order to good pasture. If you want to grow the right sorti of plants you must sow the right sorts of seed, and you cannot do better than procure and read Mr. Sutton's paper on Laying-down Grass, which you will get b^ sending to his address at Reading."— .^ll/ricu Wurai Gazette, Essential to Timber Growers, Mercliaiits, Builders. Contractors, &c. Post Svo, reduced to 3s. Gd., HORTON'S COMPLETE MEASURER, showing the . Measurement of unequal-sided, square, octagonal, and round Timber and Stone; also the Measurement of Boards, of Glass, and of Standing Timber, with just allowances for the Bark on all kinds of Trees, and proper deductions for waste in hewing, London : William Tego, I'uncras Lane, Cheapside, E.G. A New Work on Bees and Bee-Hives. Second Edition, now published, crown kvo, price as., postage 4d., THE APIARY; or, BEES, BEE-HIVES, and BEE- CULTURE, with numerous lUxistrationB. By Alfred Neighbour. Geo. Nuohuogr & Sons, 149, Regent Street, W., and 127, High Holbom, W.C. ; Kent & Co., Paternoster Row ; and all Boolcsellers. PROFESSOR LINDLEY'S INTRODUCTION to BOTANTl', 4th Edition, with Corrections and Additions, Two Vols. 8vo, with Sis Copper Plates and numerous Wood Engravings rs, GaEKN & Co., Paternoster Row, E.G. Latest Editions of Maunder's Popular Treasuries. In fcp., with 900 Woodcuts, 10s. cloth, or I'M. Ci'. calf MAUNDER'S TREASURY of NATURAL HISTORY; or. Popular Dictionary ot Animated Nature. Sixth Edition, revised and corrected, with an extendM Supplement, by T. SPKNCKaCoiiHOLD, M.D.,F.L.S. MAUNDER'S TREASURY of KNOWLEDGE, 10s. Gd. MAUNDER'S HISTORICAL TREASURY, 10a. MAUNDER'S BIOGRAPHICAL TREASURY, 10s. Gd. MAUNDER'S TREASURY of GEOGRAPHY, lOs. 6d. MAUNDER'S SCIENTIFIC and LITERARY TREASURY, 10s 6d AYRE'S TREASURY of BIBLE KNOWLEDGE, 10s. 6d. LINDLEY & MOORE'S TREASURY of BOTANY, 2 Parts, L'Os. London : Longmans, Grken, 4 Co., Paternoster Row, E.G. ELECTRICITY IS LIFE.— SELF-ADJUSTING CURATIVE and ELECTRIC BELT. Sufferers from nervous debility, indigestion, weakness, Ac, can now cure thomselvcs by the only ^' Guaraaiteed Remedy" in Em-ope. protected by Hor Maje&ty"a Great Seal. Free for One Stamp by H. James, Esq., Medical Electrician (to the London Hospitals) Percy House, Bedford Square, London N.B.— Medicine and fees superseded. The Best Remedy for Indigestion ~~~~^~ -VTORTON'S CAMOilILK PILLS^ an? confidently ^ii ri'HS'''-"^^^^^^^ '" I-digestion. persons their »L — iT ""*• "'^^ thousands of ;r~,A -"■-----■"— ,Vj' n® bcnofita to be derived from . bold in bottles at Is. IJd.. 2s. Hd., and Us. each, in every the Kingdom. Laitios.— Be sure to ask for " NORTO' r bear testimony i PIT T ^" Z, A ^r^' J^r^'' '*"™ '■*' ^^ for NORTON'S PLLLS, and do not be persuaded to purchase the various itnlt&tions SCHWEPPE'S MINERAL WATERS.— By Special Appointment to ITer Majesty and H.R.II. the Prince of Wales. Every bottle is protected by a label having name and trade mark. Manufactoriesat London, Liverpool, Derby,Bristol,G!asgow,Malvern. ROWLANDS' MACASSAR OIL.— This" elegant and' fragi-ant Oil is universally In high repute for its unparalleled success in promoting the growth, reatonng, preserving, improving, and beautit^ing the Human Hair. It Is patronised by Royalty and the Aristocracy of Europe, wliilst its introduction into the Nursery of Royalty, and those of the Upper Classes, is a sufficient proof of its merits. Price 3.^. ed^Ja., 10s. Qd. (equal to fpur small), and 2I«. per bottle. Sold at 20, Hatton Garden, and by Chemists and Perfui S^- Ask f 'Row is' Macassar Oil.' Sauce.— Lea & Perrins* WORCESTERSHIRE SAUC E.— This delicious Condiment, pronounced by Connoisseurs "THE ONLY GOOD SAUCE," is prepared solely by Lea & PEaaiNs. The public are respectfully cautioned against worthless imitations, and should see that Lka & Perrins' Names are on Wrapper, Label, Bottle and Stopper. Ask, for Lea & PERarNs" Sadce. •,• Sold Wholesale and for Export by the Proprietors, Worcester ; Messrs. CaoasB & Blacrwell ; Messrs. Barclay & Sons. London, &c., and by Grocers and Oilmen universally. ^in¥eford's" " FLliiD "magTnesiX^ The best remedy for Acidity of the Stomach, Heartburn, Headache, Gout, and Indigestion ; and the best mild aperient for delicate constitutions, especially adapted for Ladies, Children, and Infants. DiNNEFORD & Co., 172, New Bond Street, London; and of all Chemists throughout the World. CORNS and BUNIONS.— A Gentleman, many years tormented, with Corns, will be happy to afford others th« mfijr- ~"*' — jjy ^hich he obtained their entire removal in a short period, E. A. PUIG, Ornamental Rock Worker. Ferneries of all kinds, internal and external, artistically designed and executed. 21. Grove Terrace, Grove Road, St. John's Wood, N.W. JOHN GrBSO.N, JuN., beg:8 lo announce that ne ia prepared to Furmsh PLANS and ESTIMATES for LAYING OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other Keaidences, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. Joqn Giuson, jun., Surrey Lane, Battersaa, S.W. G Farm Poultry. REY DORKING FOWLS, of purest Breed, in any BRAHMA POUTRA. CREVECOiUR, and LA FLECHE FOWLS, for constant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on apphcatlon. John Bailt & Son, 113, Mount Street, London. W. PARTNERSHIP.— Wanted a WORKING PARTNER in a thriving Nursery 4n miles from London. C:ipital required, £400. Business done last year, £7*)(i, Apply. B., 46, PatslniJI Road, Ki/nti«h Town, N.W. To Market Gardeners, or a Gentleman requiring a Summer Retreat. TO BE LET, a very productive PIECE of LAND, of about TWO ACRES, enclosed by a 14-feet New Brick Wall, and laid out in the most approved manner as a Vetjetablo Garden, Well stocked with Choice Fruit Trees, including Vineries and other Forcmp Houses, ic, together with a MODERN VILLA RESI- DENCE, suitable for a small family. The situation is admirable, having a full Soutll aspect, iS within S miles of Aberystwith, and close to a ftrst-class Station on the Cambrian Railway, and 10 minutes' walk of the Sea, where the Bathing is perhai>s finer than aMany other part of the Welsh Coiat Apply to Mr. E. C. MooRE, Hirrhos Hall, Welshpool. ^0 BE DISPOSED OF, the LEASE of a FLORIST'S . BUSINESS (the Proprietor retiring), within a short distance of vent Garden. The Nursery consists of about IG.OOO feet of Glass. T. Brioden. Seed Merchant, f>2. King William Street, City. FOK DISPOSAL, the LKASE and GOODWILL of the OLD ESTABLISHED NURSKKV and SEED BUSINESS known as the late FAIKKAIHN'S NURSERY. Jameh Ovkk, 110, High Street, Ciapham, Surrey. FLORIST and SEED SHOP, nicely tittcd up , eatab- lished some years ; excellent Jobblne connection ; locality good. An excellent opportunity for an active man, with a small capiial. A. B., Gardeners' Cfironiele Office, W.C. TO BE DISPOSED OP. in consequence of failing health, a SMALL BUSINESS in the FLORIST And GRAPE GROWING line ; about 2000 feet of glass. 5 miles Irom London, In a vastly improving neighbourhood, a few --'--' ■ ■■ - Stations, numerous Trains to all parts. I Director apply tn X. Y. Z , Fn,r, i iJllcu, ' walk from three r particulars, >wt;r Norwood, Surrey, S To Nurserymen, Seedsmen, Florists, &c. TO BE DISPONl-:]) OK, in ;i l.-adiu- tlinn>u-;hfare near tUeCity, an ESTAHLlSHED RETAIL SEED HHOP, doing a good Trade. Goodwill, Fixtures, and Stock, £100. This Is a genmne .-J _;^> >,,_;^ consequence of the present Proprietor further parti ' >, 27. Red Lion Squ TO BE LET, most respectable APARTMENTS, in an Eleven-Roomed House, with Cellar, standing in the midst of a pretty little Pleasure Ground, delightfully situated in the mont pleasant spot in the neighbourhoon of London. For particulars apply to Jamkb Ckawkord, High Doech, Essex. To Florists, Seedsmen, &c. TO BE SOLD, the AVHOLE, or that PART on which the FLORIST BUSINESS is carried on, together with the GREENHOUSES, PITS. GOODWILL, Ac, and about Three- quarters of an Acre of GROUND. Can be had for a term ofSSyeara. There are two Railway Stations opposite. It is situate on the High Road, and 3i miles from Covent Garden. The present Proprietor having other business to attend to. R. Childs, Blenheim Nursery, Rye Lane, Pockham. Borougli of Warwick.— To Farmers, Graziers, & Others QEWAGE FARM TO LET.- The Lo.-al Board of *0 Health for the Borough of Warwick are prepared to receive TENDERS from Persons desirous of taking from them the Sewage Farm and the Buildings thereon, situate at Gog Brook, adjoining the Town of Warwick, and containing 100 Acres of Land, or thereabouts. The Land has been prepared, in the most approved method, for the reception of the Sewage flowing from the Town of Warwick, which contains a population of upwards of Ten Thousand Persons. Plans of the Farm may be seen at the Office of the Engineer, , Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, Westminster; or at my itQce, in Warwick ; and fuither particulars and conditions of Letting an be procured on application to mo. Warwick, May 4, 1 Salts fi^ attctton. SALE THIS DAY AND SATURDAY NEXT, AT 1 O'CLOCK. Flrat-class Bedding and GreenUouse Plants. MESSRS. PKOTHbiROE and MORRIS will SELL bv AUCTION, at 38, Gracechurch Street, City, THIS DAY. and SATURDAY, May 30, at 1 o'Clock precisely, a large and choice assortment of tho above. On view the Morning of Sale. Catalogues had at the Rooms, and of the Auctioneers and Valuers, Leytonwtone, Essex, N.E. Pyrgo Park, near Romford, Essex. MESSRS. PROTHEROE and MORRIS are directed to submit, for unreserved SALE by AUCTION, on the Premises, Pyrgo Park, Attebower, Avering, Essex, about four miles from Romford Railway Station, on the Great Eastern Railway, on TUESDAY, June 2, at 12 o'Clock (the Proprietor having gone abroad, and the Estate being now for Sale), the WHOLE of the valuable collection of GREENHOUSE and STOVE PLANTS, including Boine remarkably handsome specimens in a high state of cultivation ; also about 7000 fii-at-class BEDDING PLANTS of the usual miscel- laneous assortment. On view the day prior to Sale. Catalogues had on the premises, aud of the Auctioneers, Leytonstone, Essex. SALE by AUCTION, at the Victoria Nursery, Tranmere Park, fiirkenhead. on TUESDAY NEXT, at 12 o'CIook pre- cisely, ot a Choice Collection of FOLIAGE PLANTS, ORCHIDS, FERNS, &c. Catalogues may be had on application to Mr. Bullkn, on the Premises ; or from Messrs. Walker & Ackerley, Auctioneers, Church Street, Liverpool. SALE THIS DAY, AT HALF-PAST TWELVE O'CLOCK. Establislied and Imported OrcMda MR. J. 0. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C., ou SATURDAY, May 23, at half-past 12 o'Clock preciselv, a Collection of Established ORCHIDS, FERNS, ANJECTOCHlLUS. STOVE PLANTS, &c., the property of a Gentleman ; 20 magnificent masses ol OU0>ITOGLOSSUM PHAL.*;N0PSIS. ftom 16 to 130 sound Bulbs in a mass, just imported aud in hne health. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalo^os had. Amberstia nobUis. MR. J. C. STEVENS wUl SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rooms, 3S, King Street, Covent Garden, W C, in the COURSE of a FEW DAYS, FIVE PLANTS of AMHERSTIA NOBlLIS,jiiBt arrived in a Wardian Case from Moulmeln. On vI6* the MonUhg" of Sale, and Catalogues had. Important & Extensive Sale of Established Orcblds. MR. J. C. STEVENS (Horticultural Auctioneer and Valuer, of 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London.) begs to announce that he has been favoured with instructions to ofler for SALE by AUCTION, on the Premises. Pendleburv, Manchester, varieties only, by which means this collection has become extensive and quite unique. All the plants are correctly named and true to the descriptions given. Orchid growers cannot do in the Catalogue, all have flowered, and their quality relied upon. The present collection, which includes many extremely fine specimens, have carried off all the principal prizes at the Man- chester Exhibitions, where the competition is very groat, for no other place can equal Manchester for the number and extent of its Orchid collections. Carelul Packers will be in attendance, and every assistance rendered towards their safe packing, in order that they may reach their destinations without the slightest check or injury. The ENTIRE COLLECTION will bo SOLD an TU^DAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDiAY, June 2. 3. and ■*, durtugtbe Grent Horticultural Exhibition in the Botamcal Gardena, Muichenw. THE GAEPENETIS' CMONICLE AKI) AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 23, 1868. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWEKS foe 1868. Letters Patent, dated 12th August, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS and SON for Important Improvements in Lawn Mowing Machines. UNDER THE PATRONAGE HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE aXJEEN, AND MOST OF THE FRIKTCIFAL NOBILITY GREAT BRITAIN. AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867. NEW HAND MACHINE. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON haye for some time past been making tie BEVOLVING CUTTER of their MACHINJiS SELF-SHARPENING, that is, with steel on both sides of each blade, so that when the Cutter becomes blunt by running one way, it can be reversed, thus bringing the opposite or sharp edge of the Cutter to act against the Sole Plate. In addition to this, A. S. and SON have made the SOLE PLATE or BOTTOM BLADE of their MACHINE for the Season of 1868 with TWO EDGES— . one in front, as usual, and one in reserve at the back; when the front edge gets worn down, the plate has only to be unscrewed and the unused edge brought to the front. It will be seen at a glance that this arrangement enables the cutting parts to last twice as long as in other Machines, where the single-edged sole plate must be entirely renewed when the edge is worn down. A. S. and SON have also introduced a WIND GUARD into their MACHINE for this Sea«on. Every Gardener knows that in mowing during the prevalence of wind a considerable portion of the mown grass escapes the box, and is thrown to one side. The Guard here referred to effectually prevents this occurrence. PRICES, INCLUDING CARRIAGE TO ANY RAILWAY STATION OR SHIPPING PORT IN THE KINGDOM. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE for 1868. Easily Worked i Easily Worked 10-inch Machine £3 10 0 i „ , , 16-iuch Machine £6 10 0 Sy a Man ,„.,„,. , ,„ A \^y<^L'"'y 19-inch Machine 7 16 0 By a Man and a Bon 12-mchMachme 4 10 0 ) 22-inch Macliine 8 10 0 I „„ 7,„,„ „ . U-inch Machine 5 10 0 By a Boy | 24-inch Machine 9 0 0 (-«y-'""^"«' SHANES' NEW PATENT PONY and DONKEY MACHINE. £12 10 0 28-uich Machine 14 10 0 , . . . 30j. „ 30-inch Machine 15 15 0 .. .. 30s. ,, Silent Movement, 12s. &i. extra. Boots for Pony, 22s. per set. ; Ditto for Donkey, 18s. per set. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE. 36-inch Machine 42-inch Machine 48-inch Machine If wit £19 0 0.. ti Patent Delivering App . 30s. extra. 22 0 0 .. . 30s. „ 26 0 0 ., . 40s. „ 28 0 0 .. . 40s. „ Boots for Horse 26s. per set. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IP NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED. A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and Wind Guard, made very great alterations and improvements in their Machine. They have had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six months. These trials have been so successful as to enable A. S. and SON to offer a Machine which far excels any other that has ever yet been offered, whether for ease in working, certainty of action, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B.; AND 2 7, LEADENHALL STREET, LONDON, E.G. 27, Zeadenhall Street is ihe only place in London where intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose from a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines. All sizes kept therCy whether for Eorse^ Pontj^ or Hand Fower. HBhoald be addressed to •' The Editor ;•* Advertlaeraents and Business Letters to" The Publisher." at the Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, Londo Printed by James Matthews, at the Office of Messre. BRuiBCTRy. Evins. U Co . Lombard Street, f reciiict of Wnitefriar*. City of London, in the Co. of Middlsses, and Publiatied by t Offlce.No. 41, Wellington Street, Parish of tit. Paul'*, COTent Garden, in the gjiid County.— S*tdbd»,t, May 23,1888 I JttfBS MATTBBwa, at the UaAmIl. '^.U-i THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 22.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Hconomy and General News* SATURDAY, MAY 30. f Price Fivepence. I Stamped Edition, 6*/. Agriculture, Minis Aphides 674 . Buds, flower and leaf . Clemittis Standifthi Cliveden in spring.. Orysfal I'nliU'L* show Fern spores, light PIoriBta'flow Flower gardi FIoriBta" flowers, seedllns .... 577 (i Gladiolus spawn Grain dn'insr. artificial . IlyncinthH nt Liverpool . icultural, 680 a— 5H Meadows, Wood Green Manchester exhibition Naples, temperaturp at PapeT slips, coloured t;ardcn,. ;rops of .171 1 Protection, fruit-tree . Society, Royal liotanic 67« n — Koyal Agricultural .... 6S3 t Sunflower, Abyssinian 672 \ Temperature and direction of branches 672 t Thrips 574 < Trade lists 676 < , 6S3a Weatber, hints fur hot 583 ( R OTAL SOCIETY, HOETICni.TURAL SOUTH KKN'SINRTON, W. Tho RREAT SUMMER KXHIBITION oneus on JUNE 2, and Lree following Days, band of tbe Koya'I Horse Guards daily, ickela are now ready at all tbe principal Librarians and Music 11 .„. ' the Gardens. OYAL YORTICIILTURAL SOCIETY, R SOUTH KENSINGTON, W. NOTICE.— A MEETING >.f tlie FRUIT and FLORAL COM- MITTEES will be held on TUESDAT NEXT, June 2, at 11 o'Cloct precisely. ME S S K S r^W ATE REE^ and GOD FEEY ' S^M AG N I- FICKNT DISPLAY of RHODODENDRONS under tbe Monster Tent at the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens. South Kensington, are NOW in FULL FLOWER. Admission to Public dally as per Papers. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kegent's Park. JOHN WATERER'S RHODOIlKNURONS tit the above O.irdens »re NOW on VIEW DAILY. Orders for AdmlB. slon can be obtained from Fellows of tlie Society. Admit tsnce can also be obtained at Wathrlr's Gate, West of the Botinic Gardens, Sundays and Wednesdays eicopted. r\ RYSTAL PALACE.— GKE,\T ROSE SHOW, ENTRIES CLOSE 0 w Street, York. lUIGHTON 1 JUNE II JOHN WILSON, Secretary. BUIGHTON and" SUSSEX HORTJCni.TORAL and FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GRAND ROSE SHOW will be held on THURSDAY, June 25, at the Royal Pavilion Rooms and Eastern Lawn. Prizes are otfered in 15 Classes Schedules to be had on application to the Secretarv. 96. St. James Street ; or. ^E. SPARY, Superintendent^of the Exhibition, Queen' Brightol c EDW. CARPENTKR, SecreUry. rill be held as usunl, Ist or 2d week in Stiptombor. N.B. The Autu: H KSTKR H ORTICHJJ^TFkAL SOCIE'TE^^fh SUMMER SHOW (Open to all Comers), will bo held In Bpacioufl Marquees on the Roodee, on WEDNESDAr. July 1. Frizes, value £105. will be competed for. Schedules of Prizes and all particulars may be had on application to the Acting Honor.iry SecreUry. Mr. F. ARTHUR DlCKbiON, I06,Eastgate Street.Cheater. GRA^D SHOW of RUSES^and CUT FLOWERS~iii tho Grounds at Burghley House, near Stamford, JULY 9 PtMron— The MARqns of Exkter. PrtsidCTir— Rev. M. J. Bkrkeley. F.L,S. Prizes amounting to £loO, several Silver Cups, and Special Prizes otTered by the Marchioness of Exeter, Lady Evelyn Aveland, Lady Lilford, lion. Mrs. Bertie, and Rev. J. B. Reynardson. The Rules, with Schedules and further special prize additions, may be had of the Honorary Secretaries ; or of Mr. Johnson, Bookseller. Stamford. THE K K T F 0 R D and NORTH N i 1 T T S HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.-The flrat EXHIBITION of FLOWERS. FRUITS, and VEGETABLES (open to all competitors) held in the Town Hall, Retford, on AUGUST 20 and 2l! " t Prizeof £10 will be elveu for Prize of £20, eSective group of 20 Plants, 10 Foliage and the best , 10 Flowering, with other Prize^ be had on application to the Secretary, w Mr, S, JONES, East Retford. Exhibition of American PlantsT ATEKKR AND GflUFlua' beg to auDounce that "' "' ""■"" " KoapHill are now in great I of i 1 kind England affor' of fli The large Standard and this and last year other Ruododendrnna planted in Rotten R- were supplied by Wateker A Godfhev. The Nuisery Is readily reached by Train to Woking Station, where capital conveyances may bo depended on. Kn^Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey. ARAUCARIAEXCKLSA foTSALE.-Two MTJi^fi^^^t Specimens of the above, very hands -'ine and" IS feet. E. Morse. Original Nursery, Ep! and well matched, about G OLDEN CHAMPION GRAPE.— Orders are now being Bookedfor this extraordinary Grape. See Advertisement ROYAL ASCOT _. ._ GRAPES from this wonderful Vi March, now and next month Is the time to plant STu'nl, 2'if, Va'idlL'^S^^ '" ""'• ^"' ""'• «»■■ -" »^' JoBN St, PERPETUAL.— To have new January, February, and Fine young i*». Roval Nursery. Ascot, Berks. "R LACK PRINCE STKAWBERRIES, ripe in the wbouTKR''a'nd"&:LO?fpLiNTs" =»0SHROOM SPAWN; dSpOs'e'S'of: *'BL/;^.~"i°J-"Jf-.--'-^'"'^^ CUTHILL, to be Apply to Mabv < New Catalogue of Soft -wooded and Bedding Plants, Florist Flowers. &c. CHARLES TURNER'S DESCRIPTIVE LIST Is now ready, and will be sent on application. The Royal Nurseries, Slough. BKUDING PLANTS, of first-cUss ouality (an i stock), well established in good sized pots, and perfectly hardened off. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, with prices, gratis. H. & R. STIHZAK.ER, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. EDDING PLANtsroflcood~quality7^^eire"8ta^^^^ In 3-lnch pots, and thoroughly hardened off. from Is. 6d. per dozen. John Luit, Nurseries, Battle, Sussex. w c. w Genuine Garden Seeds. M. CUTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above is now raadv. Post-free on application. Highgate Nurbcries, London, N. Calceolaria aurea florlbunda.— Speclail Offer^ OOLl AND INGRAM otter tine bushy Autumn- struck plants of the above, in 3-inch pots, at 16*. per 100, or The Nursories, Huntingdoi G DaWla Vice-President. EO. KAWLINGS can supply this noble variety. F New Spring Catalogue. AND A. SMITH bes: to annnunce that their DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE of TRICOLOR, ' The tin . West Dulwlch, S.E. w ANTED strong: or Specimen Plants of the New TRICOLOR ZONALS. A. B. C. Cardfners' CTironicie Office, W.C. WiNfY""finen20Ni;L" GERANIUMS" ori867 for 128., or 10 for Cs. Woon & Ingrau, The Nurseries, Huntingdon. w 12 Fine Tricolor Geraniums for IBs. OOD \ND INGKAM beg to offer the following:— Lady CuUum, Sophia Dumaresque, Eastern Beauty, Sunset, enyon, Mrs. Pollock, Gold Pheasant, Italia Uuita, Silver New Variegated Ivy-leaved Geranium, L'Elegante^ "yrrM. Cunningham can now supply strong plants h. s. . .. . ... J the Trade.— The Forge, Burt Specimen Pelargoniums. CHARLES TURNKR having decided not to grow tbe-ne planU for exhibition after this season, begs to offer his entire Collection of Specimens (Show and Fancy), which are unrivalled in variety and quality. PRICED LIS r may b j had on application. The Royal Nurseries. Slough. Choice Zonal and Tricolor Pelargoniums. W COCKS begs to oft'er as above, in finest varieties, • Autumn-grown Plants, In 00-size pots, 100 for 30s. ; 50 for 16s. 6d. ; or 25 for 9s. dd.. package included. PRICED LIS'T of BEDDING PLANTS free. Old Nurseries. Doniogton. Spalding. BecU's Seedling Pelargoniums. SGLENDINNINO and SONS are now offering for • tho first time the 1'2 beautiful, new. and distinct PELARGO- NIUMS raised by Mr. Wiggms. Gr. to W. Bkck, Esq., of Isleworth, which were awarded numerous Certificates at the various' Metro- politan Snows. DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may bo had on application. Chiswiok Nurseries. London. W. Fsonles and ins. JOHN SALTER begs to announce that his splendid Collections of P.EONIES and IRIS aro NOW in BLOOM. The Gardens are open every day except Sunday. Versailles N ursery, William Street, Valu Place, Hammersmith, W. (near Kensington Railway.) large Double Pyrethmms. JOHN SALTER begs to aiinonnce that _ COLLECTION of these beautiful SUMMER FLOWERS NOW In FULL BLOOM. The Gardens are open every day except Sunday. Versailles Nursery, William Street, Vale Place, Hammersmith, W. (near Kensington Railway). TSOLEPIS GRACILIS, airdTrCOPODiUM~Dl!:NTi; X CDLATDM. floe plants, very cheap. A good Collection of BRITISH FERNS. GEOBot: LOWK, the Nurseries. Blomflold Road. Malda Hill. W. British Fern Catalogue. ^ ROBERT SIM will send, post-tree for sii postage stamps. Part I. (British Ferns and their varieties. 30 pages, including nrices of Hardy Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- TIVE CATALOGHE of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS, No. 7. Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E. Roses In Bloom "PAUL AND SON beg to announce that their ROSES I JUST COMING INTO FLOWERj there will be a good 1 Q<^)>i —A" tlii^ best ^E\V KOSh,S in cultivation. J-OUO. DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES now ready. Wm. Woon it Son, NurBorlei, Mareafleld, Uckfield, Sussex. Rosesrin Pots, on'owiTKootsr WM. PAUL'S SPRING (j.U'ALOGUE of NEW ROSES. NEW VARIEGATED. BEATON'S, and ZONAL PELARGONIUMS, Ac, la now ready, and wiU be forwarded post IVee on appli. , Waltbani Cross. London, N. Roses and Bedding Plants. FIFTEEN THOUSAND ROMKS. in pots, including all the newest and m'^st esteemed varieties. 60.000 BEDDING PLANTS, cumprisins every variety. above. In fine clein healthy ciudltioii, will be SOLD cheap. I application to r Stockport. PARIS, I BUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for ALL SOILS. 1867. I The PREMIER PRIX SILVER MEDAL tor GAR- DEN SEEDS. GRASSES, and GRASS SEEDS, was Awarded to SU'IT'ON i»n SONS, Si;sn»MEK to tbe Queen, Reading, Berks. SUTTONS'" PERMANENT " "GRASS ^SEEDS,^ 21s. to 32s. per acre, carriage free. 3, or 4 years, 10s. (W. to 2'2«. per s' & Sons, Reading, Berks. ^ Early Sheep Feed-Mustard and Rape. (iJUTTON AND SONS can supply good new Seed of the O above at very moderate prices, which may be had on application. Sutton & Sons, Seed Merchants. Reading. Grass Seeds for Permanent Pasture. RICHARD SMITH'S MIXTURES of the finest PERENNIAL GRASSES and CLOVERS are carefully made Rici it, Worcester. NATUKAL GRASSES : their Names and Derivations ; Quality, Produce, Elevation, Situation, Soil, Use, Peculiarity, Season, Growth, Increase. Time of Flowering, Price, &c. Free for one postage stamp. Rioharo Smith, Seed Merchant, Worcester. T HE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS in GROWTH, PARIS, 1807, was Awarded, to James Carter k Co., '.J37 .and 238, High Holbom. London. W.C. THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GARDEN SEEDS, INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1802, waa awarded to Jaues Carter & Co., 237 and 238, High Holbom, London, W.C. Tji VERT Caktkr's New Seed Warohoui REQUISITE c GARDEN " 238, High Holbom, London. Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. A R T E R AND CO., Seed Farmers, Merchants, and Nursertuen, 237 4^238^ High Holborn, London, W.C. RATNBIRD, CALDECOTT. BAWTRER DOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited), for Wheat ; 186'2. for "Excellent Seed Corn and Seeds." Agricultural Seeds. WAITE. EUKNELL. HUGGINS, and CO.'S AGRICULTURAL SEED CATALOGUE for this season is now published, and will be forwarded per post on application. Whulesale Seed Warehouse, Southwark Street, London, S.E. (lata of lyl. High Holbom). Notice of RemovaL WAITE, BURNELL, IIUGGINS, and CO., Seed Mebohants. 181. High Uflborn. London, W-C. have Dow nil. MI.'UJ PWI,'--'"— ■ " SUTTONS' CHAMPION SWEDE, the hardiest and best in cultivation. Lowest price per bushel on application. SoTTON & SoMs, Seed Growers. Reading. SUTTONS' IMPERIAL GREEN GLOBE, the heavi^ White-fleshed Turnip In cultivation. Lowest price per bushel on application. Sutton & Sons. Seed Growers, Reading. TO the TRADE and OTHERS.— Splendid stock EARLY SIX-WEEK TURNIP, new Seed, fine sample, at 265. per bushel, or 8d. per lb. Terms cash. Fredr. Gee. Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. To the Trade and Otliers. ~ SCARLET RUNNER BKANS. good grooving, fiue maniple. C.ish price. Is. Oti. per bushel. FiiEDE. GtE. Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade. WHITE GLOBE TURNIP, crop 1867, select stock." Price on application. Jamks Fairukad s. Son, ?, Borough Market. S.E. INE STOCK, 'ITkVONSHIRE' GREY - STONE TURNIP, l&cr. Price reasonable. tfEs Faikhead i Son, 7. Borough Market, S.E. F G^ LEWISHAJl SWEDE, tbe finest variety of Purple-top in cultivation. r r James Fairhead & Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E. to the Trade.— Home-grown Turnip Seeds. CHARLES SHAUPK ami (;o., Seed iiK0\VER8, Sleaford, have to offer TURN 1 P 8EED.S of all the leading klnda, growu from floe selected stocks. Special prices sent on application. To the Trade.— Home-grown Mangel Seeds. /"IHARLES SHARl'E and CO., Seed Growers, V^ Sleaford. li.ave to offerMANGEL SEED of all the leading kinds, grown from fine selected stocks. Soecial prices sent on application. Lincolnshire Red Round Turnip. Hand F. SHAKPE offer a fim^ stock of the above, • grown from transplanted bulbs lust season. Price low. Seed Growing Establishment. Wisbech. Green Round or Norfolk Turnip. AND P. SHARPE have a true stuck of the above Tumip, grown from selected bulbs and of 1867 growth. H Greeu-top Swede Turnip. HAND F. SUARPK can supply the Trade with a * splendid stock of the above Turnip, grown last season from transplanted bulbs. Price very moderate. Seed Growing Eatablishiiient, Wisbech. _ DRUMHEAD CABBAGE" PLANTS, strong Trans- planted, la. 6rf. per 1000. . , PEftKINS-S CONQtJEROK SWEDE.— A very hc.ivy cropper, and can bo confidently recommended as the beat hwedo lu cultiv*. ^ ^'special list of TURNIP .SEKDS on application to Thomas Pehki-o, A'l, Drapery, Northampton. Teruu. Cash. 566 THE rxAKBENEHS' CMONTCLE AND ArTpJCFTTFTtAT, OAZETTE. [Mat 30, 1868. New Tricolor Geranium, Louise Smith, FAND A. SMITH with confidence recommend this as • the best variety yet sent out for planting out-of-doors, being of exceedingly tree and vigorous habit, beautiful in colour, and quite superior to any for the purpose. Strong plants now ready at reduced pnces. Special quotations tor quantities. NEW CATALOGUE now ready, and may De_had on application. The Nurseri , Dulwich, S.E. New Tricolored Geraniums. FAND A. S.\aTH have now completed • Specimen House, 100 feet lonir, with the moa beautilul collection in the world, which are now on Sunday excepted. The following plants, at reduced prices : — be had in strong IMPERATRICE EUUESIE ANTAGONIST MONARCH DEFIANCE PRINCE of WALES GRANDIS PRINCESS of WALES L'EMPEREUR QUEEN of the FAIRIES LOUISA SMITH QUEEN VICTORIA MEMNON A lew line specimens of most of the above for exhibition and other purposes. Prices on appbcation._ CATALOGUES ARIEL DAWN ECLIPSE ENSIGN OEM UNIQUE METEOR The Nur I. West Dulwich. S.E. s UPEKli VARIEGATED PELAKGUNlUMiS. MRS. BASS ELECTRIC L'ELEOANTE BEAUTY of OOLTON MRS. BENTON BEAUTY of GUE3TWI0K ITALIAN BEAUTY SILVER STAR TWILIGHT ITALIA UNITA COUNTESS TTBCONNELL I QUEEN VICTORIA GLEN EYRE BEAUTY CAROLINE LONGFIELD ; requested, in be substit N & Son, Gravel Walk'Nu :ry, Peterborough. New Variegated Pelargonium, Ofthe TRICOLOR or QUAliRlCOLOR SECTION (named, bv kind permission), MRS. BERNERS. ROBERT KEA, Nurseryman, &c., London Road. Ipswich, ha-s much pleasure in offering the above most beautiful variety, feeling confident that it will be found a most valuable acquisition to the Flower Garden, either for beds or ribbon borders. It IS of dwarf branching habit, with bright shining, perfectly flat leaves, round and smooth at the edges ; the centregreen, surrounded by distinct bronze and crimson zones, margined with clear bright yellow, forming four distinct colours, the green in no instance break- ing through to the margin. The flowers scarlet, round compact trusses, on stout erect stems. It received a First-class Certificate at the Ipswich Horticultural Society in ISGli. Strong plants, the second week in June, at 21s. each, with the usual discount to the Trade. w Paul's Nidrseries, WaltHam Cross, London, N. ^ILLIAM PAUL'S NOVELTIES for 1868, now first offered for sale, and raised or introduced by this Establish- ment ; ready for delivery in May. NEW GOLDEN VARIEGATED PELARGONIOII. RED ADMIRAL.— Leaves green, with black and crimson scarlet zone, tt.e ciimson scarlet colour predominating ; a n beautiful variety, free, hardy, and very effective, Firat-c style of variegated Pelargonium, „ ted Stella race with the red zone : exceedingly beautiful. Price 10s. 6t(. each. NEW SILVER-EDGED PELARGONIUM. SNOWDROP.— Leaves prwen, broadly edged with white ; free, hardy and very effective. Price 7a. 6rf. each. NEW BRONZE AND GOLD PELAUGONIUM. OSS I AN.— Leaves yellowish green, slightly zoned, flowers dark blood colour, trusses large, coni{jact. and well formed, produced in great abundance, dwarf habit. Price 5s. each. NEW DOUBLE PELARGONIUM. DOUBLE TOM TH DM 8. - Flowers scarlet, ■double, with large COTTINQTON sometimes quite double, black blotch on upper petals, stands' the weather well, the flowers lastmg a long time in conditiou ; quite new in style, and Tery beautiful. Price 5s. each. NEW BEDDING PELARGONIUMS (Beaton's Wice). The foUomng New Zonal and Hybrid Nosegay Pelargoninms have been selected from several thousand Seo'llmg^ laised from the stock of tfae late Mr. Donald Beaton. Any 12 varieties frum this group ot 16 nn^ be selected by the purchaser for £2 2s. ;— AUROHA.— Flowers salmon, with conspicuous white eye, flowers __j .„... Yery large, fine form and habit, leaves darkly zoned. 3s. 6'/. each. COMET.— Flowers yellowish scarlet, trusses and flowers of medium ■ :e, fine habit, and blooms profusely, leaves aomite. One of the ';or large beds. Price 3^. 6d. each. , shaded with purple, lai-ge, good form lea ; a first-rate kino, either lor pots, Tiiaca, xjc bcds ; leavBs zonate. Price 3j*. 6d. each. EVENING STAR.— Flowers magenta rose, of a colour particularly _. _ ^ . produced m enormous } slightly zonate. Price 3s. Got. FAME.— Flowers fine deep orange, trusses and flowers average size leaves plain. Price 3s. iiU. each. LILAC RIVAL.— Flowers bright lilac, with white blotch on the upper petals, produced in great abundance, leaves plam ; the brightest and best of the lilac coloured bedding Pelargonimus. MURILLO.— Flowers deep blood crimson ; very effective. Price 3s. Gd. each. PCE AN.— Flowers rose, shaded with lake, large, fine form and substance, trusses large and abundant, leaves daikly Bonate; firs-t-class for pots, vases, or beds. Price 5s. each. RAINBOW.— Flowers soft scarlet, with yellowish tinge on upper and rosy tinge on lower peUls ; leaves plain. Price 5s. each. ROBIN HOOD.— Lower petals light purple, edged with lake, upper petals magenta crimson ; novel, beautiful, and an exquisite aTTr^^^ '"8 variety ; leaves slightly zonate. Price 5s. each. SUIT .\N A. —Flowers rosy red, lai^e, good shupe; good habit, free. Price 3*. Gd. • ficarlet ; free, very effective ; leaves VlftGJNIA.— Flowers fresh pink ; very effective, leaves zonate. Pnce 3f . 6ci. each. NEW PHLOXES. BEAUTIFUL— Flowers pure white, with clear and distinct purple eye. large, and of periect form, immense spike, and fine -iwarf robust habit. First-claAs Certificates from the Royal Horti- cultural and Royal Botanic bocieties. Price 5s. each CONQUEROR.— Flowers pure white, with distinct deep red eye largo, form perfect, fohage broad and fine, the spikes often 20 in m circumferenoe at the base. The plant is of dwarf stout habit, ''? «^«e?.ding 1| ft , in height^ Fu-st-clsBs Certificate from the ho b ilul varieties of this fine o . „„„. ,,.„m, •Ter introduced. NEW ROSES. All the best kinds, fine he.iltliy established plants, 3s. Gd, each 36s. per doz. Last year's novolLies, 2*-. Gd. to 3s. each. 21s. to 30s per doz. Older kinds, lis. to 18s. per doz. For descriptions see Rohe Catalogue. For other NOVELTIES, as Variegated Pelargoniums, Camellias Ac, see Spring Catalogue for 18G6, forwarded post-free on application. LupoariWT,- All letters snould bo addressed- William Padl, Waltham Cross, London N. PORTABLE COLOUR-SLIPS. TO AID IN FOKMING CORRECT ARRANGEIIENTS IN COLOUR PREPARATORY IT) PLANTING FLOWER-GARDENS. Each Specimen Coloured Slip will be loiind to correspond in number with those attached to the aocompauying iJ£t 01 1 touts. ^ Facket of the Coloured Slips will be forwarded on receipt ofeix postage stamps. The VatcUogue forwarded post free on receipt offom-pollage tlaitnpt, E. G. HENDERSON & SON ItESPECTFULLY ANNOUNCE THE PUBLICATION OP THEIR NEW SPRING CATALOGUE, Containing descriptions of the most popular aud Ornamental Garden Plants of the season, amongst which !ire the following. The Catalogue contains 60 designs of Flower Reds as an aid to amateur cultivators and others. VIOLA. C0RNUT4 ALBA.— Pure white. . NEW LILIPUTIAN ZONAL GEEA NIUMS.— In colours, with neat DAHLIA WHITE BEODER.-Snrpusaing .ill other white varieties ""? eleg«nt habits of growth, adapted for miniature designs and for bedding purposes and effoctlve belli, ic. unique fairy groups. GOLDEN-LEAVED ARCHANGEL._The brightest golden-leaved DOOBLE-FLOWERED ZONAL GERANIDM.-For bedding. perenniat bedding plant. ' MADAME ROSE CHARMBUX.— Tom Thumb growth. NEW HYBRID COLETTS. The most distinguished for their brilliant and effei^tive colours. The features Of many varieties recently sold predominate too much in green ground tints and heavy colours to be suitable lor garden decoration. WELLtNGTON NURSERY, ST. JOHN'S WOOD, LONDON, N.W. VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLO WAY, LONDON, N. B. S. WILLIAMS Begs moat respectfully to invite liis Patrons and the Public generiilly to visit his Nursery, which at all times contains much to interest, but more especially at the present time, when the AMARYLLIOS, AZALEAS, ANTHURIUMS, AND ERICAS ARE IN FULL BLOOM. The SPECIMEN FLOWERING and FOLIAGE PLANTS, which will be exhibited at all the principal Show.-* this year, are to be seen to advantage in the L;irge Conservatory and other Sho^v Houses. The ORCHID HOUSES, PALM STOVES (to which many new and interesting Plants have of late been added), NEW HOLLAND HOUSES, FERN HOUSES, AZALEA HOUSES, &c., are replete with Plants which, by the interest and instruction they will afford, will well repay a visit. The COLLECTION of MEXICAN PLANTS at this Nursery is unsurpassed in Great Britain, with the exception of the one at the Kcw Gardens. SPRING CATALOGUE OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS will be issued tarly in M;iy, Post Free to all applicants. CARRIAGE AND OMNIBUS ROUTES. Carriage Ilouto from "West End is through Albany Street, Kegent's Park; Park Street, Camden Towa; Kentish Town Rcmd ; and the Junction Road. OnmibuB Routes: — The "Favorite" Oolnibusses from the Bank, and London Bridge Railways; Victoria Stjition, Charing Cross, and Weatmiuater ; Bromptou, South Kensington Haseunl) Piccadilly, and Regent Street, arrive at and start from the entrance of the Nurdery every seven minutes. B. S. WILLIAMS, VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWaY, L0!^D0N, N. HAAGE & SCHMIDT, Ebfurt, Prussia, BEG TO ANNOtJNCE THAT THEY AKE NOW SENDING OtTT POE. THE t'IRST TIME THE FOLLOWING HIGHLY INTERESTING NOVELTY. OPUNTIA RAFINESQUIANA. (One-tenth natural size.) OPUNTIA RAFINESQUIANA (Eno-elmann).— This is the only species of Cactus hitherto known which with- stands our severest winters without any protection whatever ; the more remarkable because of its being a species of the Indian Fig, which otherwise occurs only in warmer climates. The plant forms a prostrate, spreaaing mass of obovate, 8at, thick joints, which are dark green, perfectly smooth and spineless, dowering in July verj' handsomely, bright yellow, produoing an abundance of red, tieshy fruits of a flavour very similar to Gooseberries, deUcious as preserves. Children are extremely fond of them. It is a native of the Mississippi valley, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin. Its close habit of growth renders it well adiipted for edgings, for which purpose we have employed it, loolcing extremely neat throughout the year, the more so in winter, not changing colour or being att'ected in any way by any degree of frost, if the soil is well drained and no stagnant moisture allowed to remain near the plSBta. Plants sent free to London at the following rates :— One Plant (joint), 3s. ; Two Plants, 5s. ; Six Plants, 12s.; Twelve Kants, 18s. MAY BE HAD .\I.SO FROM MESSRS. JAMES BACKHOUSE and SON, YORK ; and MESSRS. HOOPER and CO., COVENT GARDEN MARKET, LONDON, W.C, Mat 30, 1868.1 THT^ rT\ET)ENEl^S' OHT^ONTCT.E A'^J) ArTl^TOUTTUT^AT, PtI/ETTR JEAN VEESCHAFFELT'S NUKSERY, GHENT, BELGIUM. JUST IMPOKTJiD, DIKECT FROM MEXICO, IN MOST SPLENDID CONDITION :- LiiELIA MAJALIS, fine masses, 30 to 50 bulbs each. Price £2 2i'. each. PILOCEREUS SENILIS, a magmficeut lot of fine healthy Plants. Young Plants, 12s. 6rf. each ; Ditto, larger, from 21a. to i2s. Ciiuh. Early Orders are respectfully solicited by JEAN VERSCHAFFELT, 134, FAUBOURG DE BKUXELLES, GHENT, BELGIUM. 20,000 ROSES in POTS NOW READY. PAUL & SON, The Old Nueseries, Cheshunt, N., Beg, now that removal of Koses from the ground is out of the question, to offer, specially, DWARF ROSES IN POTS FOR SUMMER PLANTING. HYBRID PEKPETDAL KOSES, on own roots, of finest older varieties, 12j. to 15.«. per dozen. TEA KOSES, on own roots and on Manetti, to plant Irom May to August, 18s. per dozen. NEW ROSES of 1867, Paul & Son's selection of the best, 18s. per dozen. NEW ROSES of 1868, Paul & Son's selection of varieties, 42s. per dozen. With the new Roses, which have mostly bloomed -with them, they are much pleased, and recommend them with their own new English Seedling Rose, herewith described. Hybrid Perpetual, Duke of Edinburgh (Paul & Son). A seedling raised here by us ; is of rare beauty of colour, rich crimson scarlet when forced, finely and deeply shaded; in the way of Xavier'Olibo or Duke of Wellington. Flowers large, of good shape, and fine petals. Plants of strong vigorous habit :md hardy, having withstood the winters of 1866. Exhibited and much admired at York and Crystal Palace Shows. Coloured Plato by Anduews for 13 stamps. Plants, now ready, 5s. each. PRICED LISTS of NEW ROSES and GENERAL ROSE and other CATALOGUES free by post. COLEUS MARSHALLII, C. MURRAYI, and C. TELFORDI AUREA. J. W. WIMSETT tt*B UrUCH PLEASUKE IN ANNOUNCINQ THAT THE ABOVE SPLENDID NOVELTIES ARE NOW READY FOR SENDING OUT. COLEUS MARSHALLII. Undoubtedly the finust of aU the varletiea in cultivation. This splendid novelty has been awarded three Fii-^t-class Certiticates, by the Royal Horticultural Society, the Crystal Palace Company, and the Koyal Botanic Society, and has been universally admired wheie- «ver It bae been exhibited. Each 10s. 6d., or Six for 55s. COLEUS TELFORDI AUREA. The beautiful new golden-leaved Coleus. This novel and line variety has been awarded First and .Second-class Certificates by the n. It is also a tine addition to our llno-le Each 10s. G(i., or Six for 56s. COLEUS MURRAYI. This fine variety is also ixjady for Bending out. Each 10s. 6il., or Six for o5s. One Plant of each of the Three fine 'Varieties for 27s. ASHBURNHAM PARK NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, LONDON, S.W. J. Wills, F.R.H.S., Manager MAGNIFICENT NEW HYBRID COLEUS. RAISED AT THE GARDENS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. MESSES. VEITCH & SONS INTEND SENDING OUT ON AND AFTER JUNE 15tH NEXT, Their Six splendid Varieties, wliich have beeu awarded — FIRST PRIZES at the Exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society, May 5, 1868. FIRST PRIZES at the Exhibition of the Crystal Palace Company, May 23, 1868. FIRST PRIZES at the Exhibition of the Royal Botanic Society, May 27, 1868. Orders are noto being booked to be executed strictly in rotation. Plane- leaved Seiiea. C. BERKELEYI .. ISs.^d. C. SAUNDERSn .. 10 6 C. KUCKERI.. .. 10 G Fiilled- leaved Se: C. BAUSEI .. 'C. SCOTTir .. C. BATEMANI Or the Set of Six Varieties together, £2 2s. To Purchasers of Tricolored Pelargoniums. T WATSON. \, . /, ,i;,nd Nursery, St. Alban's, is ' • iK.vv ^, T,,u unrivalled TKIUOLOR PKLAR- loNlUMs, Ml \i . iiiil MRS. DIX. They were fiwnriiea " ■ Prize Monoy within tho year . 4i:>;. olour, 31a. Gd. eacti ; oxtra s I, for E L A R (i 0 N 1 U M NOV K I. T 1 E S . GLOMlli: RK NANCY TRIOMPHE TllUMESNlL N, Gmvol Wrtik Nursory. Poterborough. Per doz.— s. Per Uoz.— fl. d. \ MRS. POLLOCK .. .. fi 0 ; ITALIA UNITA MRS BENi'ON .. .. 9 0 PICTQRATA SUNSET B 0 nURNlMi lU'SK SOPHIA DUMAREStJUE 4S i> K.A!NH'>W LUNA U II -IIA j'.i; III \i\ BICOLOR SPLENDENS . C ti "i i . ,■ KE BEAUTY of OULTON .. Si n I \ i: , I I I i N' GOLDEN TOM THUMB . 0 o .M- M M a i N ni s: In strong plants a f^ KRANIUM LORD UERBY— Now sendiiiic out for VT the first time. This magnificent Zonal Pelargonium far sur- passes any yet offered. Intense scarlet, of a very bright shade, larKe and of flne form and substance, trusses tine and freelv produced; foliage dark, with a well-defined dark zone ; habit excellent. First- class Certificate at Royal Horticultural, Botanic. aiiirr>^y. S.W. New ana Choice Flower Seeds, Free by Post. 'Vy S. WILLIAMS, Sfxd Merchant .4iid Nuit:iEKy- _! ^ • MAN, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper iloUoway, L.ind..u. N. B. S. W. has much pleasure in submitting the tollowing LIST of FLOWER SEEDS, which are specially reconunended for their beauty and superior qualities :— Per packet.— s. d. PRIMULA (Williams' superb Strain),' Red. "White, or Mixed, 2s. 6ci., 3s. Gd., and 6 0 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (Neill's extra choice Strain) 38. 6d. and 5 0 CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (saved from James' 2s. Off. and 3 3.1. ad. and 6 Is. Od. and '^ ..Is. 6d. and 2 is. GU., ^i. 6d., aud 3 CARNATION, from prize flowers 1 PICOTEE, from prize flowers I PINK (double fringed) \ HOLLYHOCK, from best named sorts 1 GENTIANA VERNA (this is the most beautiful of all the species for borders) * LILIUM AURATUM •■ •; .* GERA.NIUM "LE GRAND" K. W. and J STOCK lAutumnal.flowerlng) .-. "^ " 1 „ (lin.mptnu Scirlot) ( The two best Scarlets m 1 .. i t-,-,r ■■■ lir . r I'i- (; ■'■ '' cultivation. ■' *• . Tf;i I'mM \ 1 ' \ ■ ■ ^ - ■ - ''-KSCENS SWl ROYAIt EXOTIC NURSERY, KING^S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. iVl., and 6 Violet) U. Gil.', ■ia.M., and _ 8 6 :in': (iari^knkiis' cHRoxirLE and ArTRicumiRAL gazette. [May 80, 1868. O^ . of tbe Flower Garden. For prices, which are very moderate, see DESCKIPTIVE CATALOGCE, forwarded iipoQ applicati ij & yoNs, Newton Nurseries, Chester. VIOLA MONTANA (Mr. T>' l strong plants, 4s. per dozen, / or 2os. per lOU. PURPLE QUEEN. } I6s. per 100. :iN & Sons, Newton Nurseries, Chester- Bedding Plants. J SCOTT, Memott, Somerset, offers 160 Plants, • purchasers' selection, from the following, basket and packing included :— Calceolarias, Gem, Sparkler, and Prince of Orange; Chrysanthemums, 100 sorts; JJahlias, 100 sorts ; Fuchsias, 100 sorts ; Geraniums, 30u sorts ; Heliotropes, 12 sorts ; Lobelias, Miss Murphy, Splendida (Scott's), Speciosa, and Paxtonii ; Lantauas, 20 sorts ; Mimuius ; Petunias, mixea; Pentstemons, liO sorts; Salvias, Tropaeolums, Kooni^as, Perillss, Amar»nthus, Achyranthus, Alter- nautheras, Ageraumis, Convolvulus, ^.MAuriiianas, Nieremberglas, Viola coinuta, Aubrietias, and Daisies. With many others, from' the largest, best grown, and fiiiest Collection in the West of England. Bedding Plants. A KCHD. HENDERSON'S -^ DEaCUIPTIVE and PRICED CATALOGUE of BEDDING PLANTS IS now ready, containing all novelties of the past two years. stock is in fine condition; for / extent and vigour unsuri^assed. Purchasers are respectfully invited ,o inspect tbe Stock at Lion Nursery Whitehorse Road, Croydon. Special offers mil be made for large Catalogues to be had gratis, and post free on application, The West of England Bedding Plant Establislinient. Cbeaf Bedding and other Pl&k' THOMAS SAMPSON, Proprietor of the Preston Road Nurseries, Ye ~" " -■ ■ - - in announcing that his CA ready, and can be had free on application, T. S. is proud to say his stock is most unique and extensive, numl)erini!upwardsof200,000 Plants.— by far exceeding any establish- ment in the West of England for quality and quantity, and are offered at such low prices as cannot fail to give the fullest satisfac- tion. Orders executed in rotation after the '.iOth April. An inspection is respectfully solicited. Petkr Dbcumond, Manager. The West of England Bedding Plant Establlslunent. OAMPSON'S COLLECTION of BEDDING PLANTS, O including 10 dozen of the following strong, established, potted plants, for 2ls. Basket and packing included AGERATUM CALCEOLARIA CU RY SAN THEMUMS DAHLIAS FUCHSIAS GAZANIA GERANIUMS, scarlet „ vai-iegatec HELIOTROPES LOBELIAS Thomas Sampson, F.R.H.S., Yeovil, Somersetshire. Wonersli Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO AND SON be? to announce that their • stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds is this season very extensive and well-grown, samples, prices, and Catalogues of which can be obtained on application : — LINDM PETUNIAS SENEUIO TROP^OLUMS VERBENAS VIOLA FROSTED LEAVED and VARIEGATED PLANTS AMARANTH US ACHYRANTHUS 25,000 Hazel. 3 to 6 feet 60,u00 Spruce Fir, 2 to 4 feet 20,000 Sycamore, 3 to 4 feet 100,000 Quick, transplanted, li to 2 feet Pftiua Austriaca, 1 to 2 f»et And other v 10,000 GreenHol I y, transplanted, li to 2 ft. Berberis aqu Arbor-vitiiB rious Shrubs. A large stock of strong STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES, APPLES, PEARS. PLUMS, and DWARF-TRAINED do. Valuable Collection of Stove Plants, &c., for Sale. TO BE DISPOSED OF, by Private Contract, a choice COLLECTION of STOVE and ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS, PELARGONIUMS, and other GREENHOUSE PLANTb Hatest introductions, in the finest possibli bearing hne eatable fruit. Also a well-built SPAN-ROOF STOVE 24 feet by 14, with Hot-water Heating Apparatus complete ; and a smaller one 12 feet by 8. attached, containing tbe Cacti. Apply for further particulars, to Mr. Winzer, The Gardener, Wrackletord House, near Dorchester, Dorset. New and Rare Orchids. LLNDEN offers the following species, at very moderate prices (a considerable reduction when quantities are ordered) ; Odontoglossum PhalJenopsis „ Pescatorei „ triumphans Oncidlum macranthum hasti- ,, Dubigenum.var.PhalsenopsiB „ oucuTlatum, var. maculatum Nasoma ciDoabarina Mesospmidium sanguineum Polycyonis barbata Helcia sanguinolenta Also the finest Cattleya yet Introduced— C. ELDORADO {First EBtabUshment for tbe Introduction of New Plants. J LINDEN offers the loUowing first-rate Novelties : — . THE MAIDEN-CROWN MARANTA (Maranta virginalis. Linden). 24«. tJd. PICUS DEALBATA (Linden).— This noble plant was considered the most remarkable novelty eihibited last year at Paris. 42*. GCTNNERA MANIC ATA (Linde.v).— Perfectly hardy; leaves com- pletely developed Jive metres in circumference. 10s. Gd. TILLANDSIA LINDENI (Morrkn).— Exhibited for the flret time at Paris last year. Flowers 3 inches across, of the purest azure blue. Fme looking plant. 21*. POLYCARPA MAXIMOWICZL— Hardy ornamental fVuittree, from >T„_.t. r I.V _..^ ornamental plant, and said to produce North Japan. First-n Anthurium reKale . . 8.d. .. 10 t> Uarnnta iUustria s.d .. 10 6 Bignoyia oruata Cissufl argentca Wallisi . . .. 10 6 ..6 3 ., Lmdeoi .. Echites rubro-venoaa ..6 3 „ roseo-picta .. 9 : Eranthemum igneum ..2 0 Philodendron LmdenI .. 10 t Usual discount to the Ti'ade. Royal Zoological anc Horticultural Gardens, Brussels.— May 15. To tbe Trade. SHARPE'S IMPROVED LARGE PURPLE-TOP SWEDE. CHAKLES SHAUPE and CO., Seed Growers, Sleaford, have to ofi'er Seed of the above named flrst-class SWEDE. It has been tested In all parts of the United Kingdom, and has proved itself the heaviest cropper and beat quality of any Swede in cultivation, bpeclal prices on application. Sleaford.— AprU 26, 1866. SUTTONS' IMPROVED ITALIAN RYE-GRASS, the earliest and most productive in cultivation.— This was wn with great success at the Metropolis Sewage Company's Farm, BarkiDg. in 1867. „. ___ obtained in 1S67. Tb . . „ obtained MurcU 12, the second April 22. both off the same piece. Price (is. per bushel, cheaper in larger quantities, carriage free. Quantity required per acre, three bushel: heavv cuttings v --" "urcU12, tt. bushel, cheaper in la: ed per acre, three bus Sons, Royal Berks Seed Establ'shment. Reading. Suttons' Grass Seeds FOR ALL SOILS. AND SONS 1 hand some of" each of the leading kinds of C U T T 0 ] Price 21js. to 32s. per a Carriage free. STAND No. la. s PREMIER PRIX, PARIS, 1S07. UTTON AND SONS. Seedsmen lo the Queen. Readini^, Berks, invite Inspection of their extensive Stund in CULTURAL ROOTS. Orders will be received at their Stand for TURNIP SEEDS for present sowing, at very moderate prices. All Goods carriage free, except vei-y small parcels. Five per cent, allowed for cash payment. PRICED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES gmtis on appUcatlou, Sdtton & Sons, Royal Herts Seed Establishment, Reading. The best Swede in cultivation is PURPLE-TOP SWEDE. From Mr. J. W. H^lse, Secretary to the Sidbury, Sidmouth, Sal- combe Heffis, and Branscombe Agricultural Association. October 28, 1867-—" At the annual meeting of the above Afiaocla- tion, held at Sidbury, on the 22d inst., your Champion Swede again took the 1st prize for Swedes, againit 13 competitors with other sorts. " From Mr. W. Bodden, Coombe Keynes. March 18, 1807.—" I gained the 1st prize at the Wlnft-ith Farmorh' Club with your Champion Swede this season. Others also gamed prizes with seeds had of you." From Uenbv Cantrell, Esq., Baytis Farm, iiear Slough. May 2, 18fl7.— " I obtained the £6 6«. Silver Cup, given by G. J. Palmer, Esq., Domey Court, last October, with your Champion Swedes, and they were grown after a crop of Italian Rye-grass." Mr. Cantrell has also obtained H.R.H. the late Prince Coniort's 20 Guinea Cup this season. Sutton ft Sons, Seedsmen to the Queen, Reading, Berks. LOISE-CHAUVIERE, Seed Grower, Nurseryman, and Florist, 14, Quai de la Mfegisserie, Pans. Eighty-four Gold and Silver Medals in the Exhibitions of France, Kngiand, Belgium, and Prussia (Gold Medal, Universal Exhibition of 1667). By appointment Seedsman to the Emperor, All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS can be supplied, including— GREEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET (true seed). RED-TOP IMPERIAL Lowest price for cash on application. The most complete collection of GLADIOLI. CATALOGUES on application. C ARTEK'S GENUINE FARM SEEDS. SKIRVING'S LIVERPOOL SWEDE, Is. id. pei- lb. DEVONSHIRE OREY-STONE TDRNIP. Is. 6A per lb. CARTER'S PDRPLE-TOP HYBRID TURNIP, Is. ed. per lb. CARTER'S GREEN-TOP HYBRID TURNIP, Is. 6J. per lb. POMERANIAN WHITE GLOBE TURNIP, Is. 3d. per lb. LINCOLNSHIRE RED GLOBE TURNIP, Is. per lb. IMI^RIAL GREEN GLOBE TURNIP, Is. per lb. Special low quotabioas per bushel on application. HAROy SWEDE. the Laying Dowa of Grass Lands, and other valuable , forwarded Gratis and Post Free on application to EttA Co., Seed Farmers, 237 and 238, High Holbom, W.C. PROPAGATING.— SILVER SAND, in small quan- tities, delivered free. J Ndnn, Agent, 44, Lloyd Street, corner of Cooper St., Mauchestar. The Garden Repository, 32, James Street, Cuvent Garden, W.C. Tbe Cheapest and Best Insecticide. DUTY-FREE TOBACCO. pOOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for the Prevention and Destruction of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, In Tins at l8., 2s. Orf., and 5s. Powder Distributors, 2i. 6d. and 3^. 6d. each. '• I And It exceedingly usefhl for killing the Aphides on Roses and other Plants."— Geo. Etles, Superintendent of the Royal Horticul- tural Gardens, South Kensington, May 7, 1868. Sole Manufacturer, T. A. P O O L E Y, Bonded Warehouse, Suaaox Wharf, Wapping, E. Agents required In Towns where not already appointed. By Royal Letters Patent. TOBACCO TI8SUE destroys Thrip, Red Spider, and Mealy Uuk, by Fumigation ; price 3s, 6d. per lb. TOBACCO PAPER price Is. 6d. per lb. TOBACCO RAG price 28. per lb. TOBACCO SMALLS price 3«. 6d. per lb. TOBACCO POWDER price 33. Od. per lb. TOBACCO LIQUOR price Is. per gallon. OUT-DOOR FUMIGATOR .. .. price 17*. 6d. To be had of Messrs Roberts & Sons, Tobacco Mauufacturert 112, St. John Street, Clerkenwell, E.C. ; and aU Seedsmen and KurHrymea. Mat 30, IS'iS.] THE GAEDTINERS' rTTEONTHLE AND AGETriTLTTTl^AL GAZETTE. T HE LONDON MANURE COMPANY (KSTARLISHEDISW) Have now ready for delivory m dry fine condition, TinR Use If Presslni SUPERFHOSPHATES of LIME I'REPARED GUANO MANGEL and POTATO MANURES. Also QoTiume PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA ix Dock Warehoi ' "■'""""" SALT, 4c. Offlces. 116, Fenchviroh Street. E.C. ODAMS'S NITRO-rnOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. THE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offlces— 100, Fenchurch Street, London. Western Counties Branch — Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Emnch— 40, Westmoreland Street. Dublin. DinrcTORS. Chairmnn — John Clavden, Llttlobury, Essex. Depufi/-a>airman—.ioiiB Collins, 265, Camden Road, HoHoway. Edward Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brighton. Richard Hnnt, Stanstead Abbot, Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexh-^m, Norfolk. Ueorge Saville, Ingthorjie. near Stamford. Samnol Jonas, Grishall Grange, Essex. Charles Dorman, 23. Essex Street, Strand. Thomas Webb, Hildersham, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross. Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy. CO. West Smithfleld. Managing Director — James Odams. BrtJitfl's— Messrs. Bametts, Iloarea, & Co., Lombard Street, SoHctfors— Messrs. Klngsforrt & Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. AwHtnr—J. Carter Jonas, Cambrldgo. This company was originally formed hy, and is under the direction o( ap-icultnri-sts : circumstances that have justly earned for it another title, viz.— "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Companv." Its members are cultivators of upwards of 50,000 acres of land, which has been for years under management with manures of their own manufacture, consequently the cimsumer has the best Ruaranteo for the genumenoss and efficacy ot the Manures manufactured by I application to the Secretary. „ C. T. Macada! " - -- Chief OfBces— 109. Fenchurch Street, London, E.C. C. T. Macadam, Secretary. DAWES'S HORTICULTURAL JIANURE is proved by analy.sis to be the best Fertiliser extant for Flowers. Vege- tables, Fruit Trees, Lawns, Ac. To be had of most Seedsmen, in Sixpenny packets ; and of the Manufacturer. W. Dawes, Spon Lane, Smethwlck. Testimonials sent on application, enclosing one postage stamp. THE PAXTON GARDEn"n[ANURE is the^most economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known for Vegetables, Flowers, Fruit Trees. Grass Lawns. &c. It is Inodorous and portable To be had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, Williams tt Co., St. Peter's Road, Islington. N. Agents Wanted in every Town where none have been appointed. _-___—__ ...^ ^ . Thefe Manure^ ._ _ LAWES* PATENT TURNIP MANURE' LAWES* DISSOLVED RONES. LAWES' SUPERPHO.SPHATE OF LIME. LAWES' WHEAT. BARLEY. GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES LAWES" CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. These Manures can be obtained of Mr. Lawes, or through the appointed Agents In all parts of the United Kingdom, at prices A N U R E ready for delivery. varying n Gemiir _ _ _ _ _ NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE Chemical Manures. AM ERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, .(ohw Bennet Lawes, 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge, E.C. : 22. Eden Quay, Dublin ; and Market Square, Shrewsbury. G Used by many of the leading Green Tly, and other Blight, in solutions of from lto2ouncej to the gallon of soft ' of from 4 to 16 ou Wmter Dressing for Vm^ Wholesale by Magnl- PRICE'S PATENT "^''- CANDLE COMPANY rpANNED NETTING, in large or small quantities, for J_ Seed Beds, and for the Protection of Fruit Trees from Frost, Blight, Birds, or ns a Fence from Fowls, Ac, Ul. per square yard : 7«. fld. por 100 do., 35s. per 600 do. Price lo the Trade on Remittances to accompany all orders. Christmas Qoincey, Seedsman, Ac, Peterborough I applicatioi Garden Netting. JOHN EDGINGTON and CO. supply TANNED fi NETTING for the Protection of Fruit Trees, \d. "per square vard. Anv quantity of TIFFANY. SCRIM CANVAS, ic. ; TULIP COVERS and GREENHOUSE SHADES. SUN BLINDS, &c. MARQUEES, TENTS, and FLAGS for FETES, FLOWER SHOW.S, ic. West End Sbow-rnoms. 18, Piccadilly, W. John Edoivoton fi Co., (Tent Makers to the Royal Family, -JS. Long Lane, Smithfleld, E.C. Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for JAYNOk AND (JOOKK'S WARRANTl-^lJ PRIZE 7 PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, nee that von net them, mark SAY NOR. also tlio Corporate Mark, Ohtaiw lANTKi), without which none are gen ( C. regret having to caution Gari ellea to do so, in consequence of ty, having been sold for the genuine one, anf complaints to be made to them of Knlvea 1 of which are warranted both by Sellers and Makens. BaDDING KNIVES are the best and ) and othorn, but are mitttlon, of common wliicb haa caused S. AC'S PRUNI le cheanest in the market. Paxtbn Works, Sheffield, Estahtlfihcd upwards nf 126 y NETTING for FRUIT TREES, 8EEIJ BEDS, RIPE STRAWBERRIES, &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the above from Frost, Blight. Birds, &c., 2 yards wide. 3rf, per yard, or 100 yards. 20,«. ; 4 vards wide. M. per yard, or 60 yards, 20«. NEW TANNED NETTING, suited for any of the above purposes, or as a Fence for Fowls. 2 yards wide. 6d. per yard; 4 yards wide, \s. per yard ; ]-inch nie.sh, 4 yards wide. Is, Gil. per yard. Can be bad in any quantity of Eaton k Deller, 6 & 7, Crooked Lane. London Bridge, E.C. Sa A W~' S T I F F A N f! For Samples and Prices apply to J. Shaw & Co., 29, Oxford Street. Manchester. BROWN'S FLORAL SHADING, for Shading Plants under Glass from the Sun, and protecting the Bloom of Wall Trees from Frost. Sold by Nurserymen and Seedsmen. No. 1. 38 Inches wide, 20 vards long, at 4.i. flrf. per piece. No. 2. 3S „ „ 20 „ „ 4s. lurf. per piece. No. 3. 39 „ „ 18 „ „ 7s. extra stout. Samples on application to Charles Brows, Greenbeys, Manchester. ET. ARCHER'S "FRIGI DOMO."- • Patronised by Her Majesty the tiueen. the Duke of Northumberland for Syon House, His Grace the Duke of Devonshire for Chiawick Gardens, Professor Lindley for the Horticultural Society, and Sir JDseph Paxton for the Crystal Palace, Rojal Zoological Society. Royal Gardens, Kew, &c. THE BEST SHADING IS "FRIGI DOMO" NETTING, White or Brown, made of prepared Hail and Wool, a perfect non-conductor of heat or cold, keeping a Qxed temperature where it is applied. It Is adapted tor all Horti- cultural and Florlcultural purposes, for Preserving Kruits and Flowers from the Scorching Rays of the Sun, from Wind, from Attacks of Insects, &c "FRIGI DOMO" NETTING, 2 vards wide. Is. M. per yard run. "FRIGI DOMO" CANVAS. Two yards wide Is. Orf. per yard n Four" yards wide 3s. fid. per yard. An improved make, 2 yards wide . . Is. 9d. per yard. An improved make, 3 yards wide . . 2». 8d. per yard run. Elisha Thomas Ahcheb, Whole and Sole Manufacturer. 7, Great Trinity Lane, Cannon Street. City, E.C, and of all Nurscrymcit and To Gardeners. A S STONE is now often prelerred to BOX EDGING. XX we refer Gardeners who may intend to visit the Roval Botanic Garrlens, to a large quantity of such work which we suiiplu-d for tbo new Promenade GarUens in the Middle Walk of the Park, by order of the First Commissioner of Works ; also to the Stone EdRlng of th" Royal Horticultural Society, Soutii Kensington. These Edgings and Stone Flower Beds having now been fixed soma vears and passed through several severe winters, offer the most satis'f of the superiority of our material over Term Cotta. Horticultural Glass Warehouse. THOMAS MILLING TON and CO., 87. BishopsgBte Street Without. London, E.C. NEW LIST for ORCH^VRD- HOUSE GLASS as supplied to Her Majesty, the Nobility, Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leadmg Horti- culturists of the United Kingdom. ORCHARD-HOUSE SIZES. 3rds. 2nds. | 20 by 12 . 20 by 13 ) 20 by 14 V 20 by 15 J Per 100 feet ^ (•15 ( (.21 < HZd lOsOd 158 6d 18s fid 208 Od 128 2d 25s 6d 26s fir! )z., per 100 feet. I 4tlis. I 3d8. I 2nd8. ; Best. 128 3rf 13s 3d 168 Od I8s Od rer hki reel. 10 byS 112 by 9 1121 by lOiiUi by 10* ) 101 by 81 121 by Oi U^ '^y '^^^ '^ ^7 1" \ U by 9 13 by 9 ISibyloji:: by 11 f Uiby9ill2 by 10 In bviolu bv U J LARGE SHEET S<.iUARES In. In. in. in. 15ibylOiU by 12 Seedsmen throughout the Kingdoi ANNiniLATOR'to nil INSECT LIFE, Puch as Red Spider, Green Flv, Thrips, Mealy Bug, Scale and Ants, and all Mildew and Blight on Vegetation. An excellent Dressing for Vines, Peach Trees, and the Walls for Fruiting Trees. &c. A thorough Cleanser to the Hot and Greenhouse, as a DISINFECTANT and DESTROYER of VERMIN. Sold in boxes, price is. and 2s. Gd. To be bad of all Nurserymen and Seedsmen. Wholeialo of E. T. Archkr, 7, Great Trinity Lane, Cannon Street, London, E.C, i^n' ^A. HAAGK'S^^VVOOD GAUDKN STICKS and ' • TALLIE.S, commended by the Royal Horticultural Society, acknowledged to be the neatest, cheapest, and beat Training Sticlts and Tallies made. The above can now be had. of all sizes, Wholesale, of Betiiam & Blackith, Cox's Quay, Lower Thames Street, Lonaoii, E.C. ; and Retail of the principal Seedsmen and Florists. Price Lists on application. 1 16 by 10 ,141 by 121 : Hibviii 16 by 12 15 by 11 151 by 121 151 by m IB by 12 16 by 11 !l61byl21 21 by 11 [17 by 12 13 by 12 1 18 by 12 | Tho above Price; 13s 3d 148 6d 17s 3d 10s 0 othi only for the Sizes stated ; if a quantity of any eqnired, a Special Pnce will be given. SHEET GLASS. In Sheets for Cutting up. averaging rom 6 to 9 feet super. For Watering Gardens. &c.— Best Make Only. HANCOCK'S INIKA- RUBBER HOSE- PIPES, fitted with STOP-COCKS, SPREADERS, JETS, and HAND- BRANCHES complete. Prioe per Foot. No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. \ Inch. I Inch. I Inch. 1 Inch. Her Majesty's Gardener, FOTVLER'S GARDENERS' INSECTICIDE, says " It will kill any insect that it comes into contact with, without injury to the plant." This inv.ituable preparation wtH be found to be SIMPLE, EFFICACIOUS, and HARMLESS, In destroving and preventing all tho various Insects and Blights infesting Plants and Tree.-f. M.iy be applied by dipplnii, ayringing, or {■ponging, and by the most inexperienced. Sold hy Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Chemists throughout the kingdom, in jars. Is. fid., 3s., 5s. 6d., and 10s. each. Testimonials from the highest Professional and Amateur Authori- ties may be obtained of the Manufacturers, G. AND T. FOWLER, Brighton. LoNDoiT Ar.cNTS :— Barclay & Co. ; Ban- & Sugden ; Beck, Hender- son & Child ; T. Bngden ; Butler. McCulloch & Co. ; J. Carter 4 Co.; H.Clarke k Sons; Cbarlwood A Cummins; Cooper 4 Co. ; S. Dixon & Co. ; B. J. Edwards; J. Fairhead & Son; Flanagan & Son ■ W. Hooper a Co. ; Hurst 4; Son ; G. B. Kent & Co. ; Peter Lawson i & Son ; Lewis, Ash & Co. ; H. Low & Co. ; Mather 4 Co. ; Minlor Nash 4 Nash ; H. Potter ; J . Veltch 4 Son ; J. Wrench 4 Son ; B. S. Williams. Wholesale and Retail. ~ LASCeIlES" JrA^INE-MADE MELON LIGHTS. Each ft. by 4 ft. Lights, 2 ins. thick, unglazed £0 6 0 lod. U. lOd. I Wd. Is, I l5. 4d. No. 3 is the most serviceable, and recommended. Larger Sizes for FIRE ENGINES and PUMPS. See Price List. HOSE-REELS (Galvanisiid Ironl for the above, at 42,s. and \Gs. each, TUBING, with Flange for excluding draughi through Doors, Windows, Cases. I \} } Illustrated Price Lists on application. V^. •: --t;. ':,, " .'■.— -^ James Ltke Hancock, Vulcanised IndiaRubber Works, 2C6, Goswell Road, and Goswell Mews, London, E.C. TO BE SOLD, Cheap, an IRON DOME CONSER- VATORY, 62 feet 8 inches long, 9 feot 4 Inches wide. Would mnke an excellent Peach House or Covered W-'iy. And all other descriptionK ol Horticultural Duilrttngs to be seen at J. Lewis's Horticultural Works, btamfura Hill, Middlesex. 4ths quality, per 300 feet case, 3R9. 4th8 quality, per 200 feota 21 oz.. 2fioz.. 32oz.,36i HARTLEY'S IMPROVED ROLLED ROUGH PLATE in l-8th in., 3-lOtli in., l-4th in., and 3-8th in. substances. BRITISH PLATE GLASS for Windows and Silvered for Looking of Oil Paint, resembling a stone surface, and can be nunie any required shade. It is mixed with ram or pure nvcr water. WHITE ZINC PAINT. 3fis. per cwt. One hundredweight of pure Zinc Paint, with three gallons of Linseed Oil, will cover as much as one hundredweight and a-half of White Lead and six gallons of Linseed Oil. Special Drvers for this Paint. IMPROVED ANTI-CORROSION PAINT, 28s. to 34«. per < SECONDS WHITE LEAD ; GROUND PATENT DRY- ERS, 3d. to 4id. per lb. „ OXFORD OCHRE, Zd. to4i(l. per lb. RAW UMBER. A\d. to 6d. pel ■■ 28s. to 60 0 LINSEED OIL .. BOILED OIL TURPENTINE .. LINSEED OIL PUTTl', KNOTTING , Patent GOLD SIZE .. 10 0 „ BLACK JAPAN .. 12 0 GLAZIER'S DIAMONDS and TOOLS MILLED LEAD and PIPES OLD LEAD Bought or taken In exchange. booked. C:i ARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in ereat T variety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts Toeing especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and once put down incur no further labour "grown" Edgings, con- F. 4 G. RosHKR. Manufacturers, Upper Ground Street, Blackft-iars, S. ; Queen's Road West, Chelsea, S.W. ; Kingsland Road, Klngsland, N.E. GROUND BRUSHES. DUSTERS. I SASH TOOLS. DISTEMPER BRDSfHES. The above are Net, for Cash, and as such c Lists of any of the above on application. TAMES PHILLIPS and" CO. tJ beg to submit their prices as follows :— . GLASS for ORCHARD HOUSES, As supplied by them to Mr. Rivers, to the Royal Horticultural Society, and to most of the Nobility, Clergy, and Gentlemen of the Unltea Kingdom. Each Box contains 100 feet. The prices only apply to the sizes stated. Squares 20 by 12, 20 by 13, 20 by 1 10 c J tho foot. 15.1. Orf \9H. M: hird dilto .' 17«. Od 22«. 6rf. econds 1R«. fid. 268. Od. Inglish 2ii«. Od 27». Od. ■ above prices Include the boxes, which are not returnable. HORTICULTURAL GLASS. Stock sizes. 16-oz., in ItHi feet boxes, boxes included. These prices only apply to the sizes stated. with stout Portable Box Painted Painted four coats, 6 ft. by 8 ft., Double Lights, do. GREENHOUSES. Woodwork only, Prepared and Fitted Primed and Glared with'lS oz.' Sheet ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors. Balconies, 4c., as cheap and durable aa Stone, in blue, red, and buff colours, and capable of forming a variety of designs. Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS ol more enriched designs than the ahove. WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Larders, Rltcheu Ranges, Baths, 4c. Grooved and other Stable Paving Bricks of great durability, Dutch and Adivmanttne Clibkers, Wall Copings. Red and Stoneware Drain Pipes, Slates, Cement, Ac. To be obtained of F. & G. Robber, at their premises as above. 11 by 9 12 by 9 13 by 9 ' 1^ „ 10 14 „ 10 1.1 „ 11 14 „ 11 14 ., 12 16 „ 12 15 ., 11 18 „ 12 19 „ 12 16 „ 12 10 „ 13 17 „ 13 20 „ 12 16 „ 14 20 „ 13 18 „ 13 17 „ 14 18 „ 14 20 ,. 14 4ths. 14bv 9 •. «. d. IS „ 10 5-13 a 3rd8. SMALL SHEET SQUARES. In 100 feet Boxes, et by \\ 7 by 6 7* by fij > SjbyOfl 9 by 7 H* by 74 / 10 by 8 liMbySi Boxes 2s. each returnable at ftill price. Painted iind GlJized with li^o/,. Sheei HARTLEY IMPROVED PATENT Delivered, and Fixed with Ironwork " o „ Painted four coats, two sides, ready for use 0 Flnsbury Steam Joinery Works, 121. Bunhlll Row. E.C SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above ' addresses — 14a. per Ton, or li>. 3d, per Bushel ; 2«. per Ton extra I for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf. ' Quantities of 4 Tons, Is. per Ton less. i FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS for Rockeries or Grotto Work. F. 4 G. Rosber. — Addresses see above. N.B. Orders promptly oxecuted by Railway. ROUGH PLATE. SHEET and ROUGH PLATE GLA caTTK-T noRTTPni TtlRAL OKNAMl"'N XAIj. COL.OU Kfcli, fv^e^deVc^rPpSIi Of GL^^S.^'of t"e bes. Manufacture, at the lowest terms. Lists of prior- - -• -' — — f^rtrnrrt^rt on annl nat^s forwarded on application t c Co., ISO, Blshopsgato Street Witnout, E.C. 570 THE GARDENEES' CHEONICLE AND AGETCULTTTEAI. GAZETTE. [Mat 30. 1868. THE GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. The TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL wUl take place at tbe LONDON TAVERN, BISSOPSGATE STREET, LONDON, on WEDNESDAY, June 24, ls68. PreMdent of the Day— M. T. Bass, Esq., M.P. Board of Stewards. George Child. Esq.. Chairman. The Rev. S. Reynolds Holes Edward Hulland, Esq., M.F. Henry Huagins, Esq. W. S. Johnson, Esq. Henry G. Bohn, Esq, Robt. Broadwater, Esq. C. W. Swinfon Broun, Es J. B. Brcwne. Esq. Wentworth Buller, Esq. Samuel Mendel. Esq. Thomas Moore. Esq. Damd Niclmlson, Esq. W. J, Nutting. Esq., jun. J. A. Ratford, Esq. Geo. Gtlson Richardson, Esq. J. Spode, Esq. Harry J. Veitch. Esq. James Veitch, Esq. Fredk^Wigan, Esq, _^ jt o'clock precisely. Tickets, 2ls. each. Ladies Tickets tor the Gallery, 7s- ed., for wbom a Handsome Collation 18 provided, Edward R. Cdti.eb, Secretary. H, Tavistock Kow, Covent Garden, W.C. New Varieties of Coleus. W for DISTRIBUTION. Trice 10s. Ort. each, oraCoUeotion of 6 Varieties for Two Guineas. Establishment for Now and Rare Plants. King's Road. Cbelsea, S.W. C^ 8 B. W. Kmght, Nurseryman, Battle, Sussex. PLENDID NEW TROPJiOLLTM MRS. TRKAD- O WELL.— For particulars of this truly beautiful badding variety. Plants S-t. each, 42*t. per The . Smith, The Nu . We.,t DnlwH 3 Trade. S.E. Cibotium Princeps. AVANGEER'I. .Ni usKKYM.v^, (ihent, Bfl^ium, hn.= • pleasure in ■lli.Tiii;; in ttio I'ntiie sti>ut .voung i'lants ol the noble TREE FERN, ClHOTIi M I'lllNCEPS. at 3()«. per dozen, or 50 plants for £1. Delivered carnage free in Loi.don. Reference required Irom unknowo correspondents. Agents, jMessrs. li. biLitERRAD, 5, Harp L^ne. TowerStroet, London. VENTS" FLY-TRAPS (DION^A" MUSCIPULA).— Just received from Carolina, several hundreds, in good con- dition, 70S. per 100 ; from India a COLLECTION of WOODS, 70 at U. each ; and 90 from Japan, 6d. each. W. C, can forward the Views of Collectors going ai'mad, W. CuTTKB, Naturalist's Aeent, SS, Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury. jMew (jnrysanttieinums. ADAM FORSYTH is now sending out several FIRST- CLASS SEEDLINGS, all of which were greatlv ndmired at the Metropolitan Shows last year. Likewise GEORGE'S NEW Brunswick Nursery, Stoke Newington, N.. London. Perpetual nowering Tree Oarnatlons. EDWARo PERK1.\S, -Se.v., \n-gi m ortlr a large Stock of fino healthy plants, in Pots, of the above desirable iiiniiner au'i winter flowering. Tree Carnations, strong plants, fiMu la to isiin;hushinh. The Si- irlet Flake and the Bright Scirlet SELF CARNATION, 12s. .Lu PYRETHRUM' GOLDEN FEATHER, lis. Gd. per 100. GERANIUMS, bedding varieties, strong plants of all kinds worth buying, V.i3. tid. per 100. Lt^nmington Nursery and Seed Establishment, opposite tbe London and North-Western Radway Station, Leamington, UPERB NEW LATE GRAPE, * IMRb. FINCE'S BLACK MUSCAT.— The Public are respect- * Testimonials of its i RUSSELL'S PVRAiMlJJAL ^RIMULA^. — This magnificent strain still maintains its character as the finest in cultiviition. New Seed, orice 2s. Gd. per packet. PRIMULA KEliMESlNA.— The great fault of this brilliant coloured variety has hltberto been its indistK>sition to throw its flowers above the foliage. I have now, however, the satisfaction of offering it with the same erect, oonspicuons style as tbe other kinds. The stock of this is liiuiteri this year. Price 5a. per packet. Gei)r«e Clarrk, Nurseries, Streatham Place, Brixton Hill, S. ; and Mottingham, Kent. F ELTON AND HOLIDAY beg to otter the toUowin^ very choice NEW FUCHSIAS, all of their own raising:- LADY SALE. — Pearl white tube, and sepals ot good substance corolla rich lavender purple. The graceful shape of this flowe: ____.__._ .. qujjg tii.stinct from any of the existing varieties reflexed ; bright plum purple corolla ; exceHent habit, and i JOLLY.— Fine strong plants of this White Fuchsia, sent ox. F. & H. last year, at 2s. Gd. each. This will be found l indispensable to any colle^tiou ot Fuchsia>i for inauy years. G Cheap Autumn-grown Plants. EORGE DAVlhO-N nriVrs at ■>*. per dozen: Gnaphalium lanatum, KteQigi, Iresine Herb^ Lobelia (blue), Nierembergia gracilis, Penlla, and Viola cornuta. •i; 6d. : GERANIUM Brilliant, Indian Yellow, Imperial Crimson. Kingsbury Pet, Orange Nosegay. Stella, Scarlet Gem, Tom Thumb. BEAUTIFUL NEW LOBELIA, LITTLE GEM. The best Testimonial in favour of this most desirable novelty is the FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICiTE wUoli was AWARDED to the raiser by the Floral Committee ot the Royal Horticultural Society in 1S67. The flowers are pure white, with a clear well-defined blue margin, habit very compact, and Mooms in a dense mass, lasting; throughout the season. LITTLE GEM will prove itself one of the most effective and best bedding or edging plants of the ye.ar, and ^ very suitiible for pot culture, I'ETER LAWSON and SON' have much pleasure in introducing the above, and are now 8«94\ng out Plants. Price Is. each, 9s. a dozen, 50s. a hundred. SPKCIAL PRICES TO TBE TRAJ>E, AND PER THOUSAND, ON APPLICATION. EDINBURGH and LONDON.— April, 1868. BOYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK. FIRST SUMMER EXHIBITION this season of PLANTS and FLOWERS, \yEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 18C8. LIST OF LARGE GOLD MEDAL. ■. B. Peed. Gr.to Mrs. T. Tredweli, St. Jotin's Lodge, Lower Nor- wood, lor 12 Stove aud Greeuhouse Plants. '. C. Peuny, Gr. to H- U. Gibba, Ksq., St. Dunstan's, Regent's Park, for 15 Exotic Orchids. for la Stove and Greeohouse Plants. '. CbailesTiu'uer, NurseiTman, Siougn, for 8 Greenhouse Azaleas. ■. C. Penny, Gr. to H. H. Gibbs, Ksq., St. Dunstan's, Regent's Part, for 8 Greenhouaa Azjiieag. ■. W. P;iul, Nurseryman. Waltliam Cross^ for 10 Roses. ■. W. Wiiaon, Gr, to W. Marshall, Ksq., Ciaybdl, Eafield, for 15 Exotic UrcQids, a. Peed, Gr-^to Mrs. T- Tredweli, St. Jotius LodgQ, Lower Norwood, for 10 Foliage aud Flowering Plants. ■. B. S. Wiiliains, Nurberyman, HoUoway, for 10 Foliage and Flowering Plants. issrs. J. Jacksou & Sods, Kingston, for 8 Cape Heaths. ■. B. Peed, Gr. to Mrs. T. Tredweli, St. John's Lodge, Lower Nor- wood, for 8 Cape Heaths. -. S. Glendinning, Nui'serymaa, Chtswiclic, forS Greenhouse Azaleas. ■. A. Wilkie, Gr., Oak Lodge, Kensington, for 8 Greenhouse Azaleas. ■. J. Fraser, Nurseryman, Lea Bnage Road, for l) Peiarijoi AWARDS. SILVER MEDAL. Mr. A. Wilkie, Gr., Oak Lodge, Keosiog Mr. C. Rhodes, Nurseryman, Sydenhai 3 Greenhouse Azaleas. 9 PelargoB . B. Fa ■, Esq., Cluwer Manor, Windsor, for ■. Isaac Hill, Gr. to R. Hanhury, Esq., Ware. Herts, for 15 Exotic Orchids. '. Charles Turner, NurserymaQ, Slough, for 10 Roses. LARGE SILVER-GILT MEDAL. ■, W. Kemp, Gr. to the Duke of Nordmmberland, Albury Park, Guildford, for 12 Stove aud Greenhouse Plants. '. R. B.ixinduir, Nursuryman, Guiidtord, for 10 Stove and Green- house Plants. ■. J. Ward, Qr. to F. G. Wilkina. Eaq., Leyton, Esse.^ for G Stove Heaths. ■. J. Ward, Gr. to F. G. Wilkina, Leyton, Esies, for 8 Cape Heaths. ■. B. S. Williams, Nurseryman, HoUoway, for 8 Greeunouse Mr. G. *^ii , Gr. Sir J. H. Goldsmid, Bart., Regent's Park, Slough, for 6 Greenhouse Azaleas. for 8 Greenhouse Azal Mr. Charles Turner, Nuison Mr. W. Gedney, Gr. to Ue?. W. Eilia. Hoddeadon, Herts, for 15 Exotic Orchids. Mr. B. S. Willinnis, Nurseryman, HoUoway, for G Exotic Orchids. Mr. G. Younfi. Gr. to W. U. otone, Esq., Leigh Park, Havant, Mr. Charlei Mr. J. Ward, Gr. Pelargoi , Nur.'eryiuau, Slough, for y Pelargouu o F. G. Wilkina, Eiy., Leyton, £««», for 0 LARGE SILVER MEDAL. Mr. C. Rhodes, Nurseryman, Sydenham Part, Kent, for 10 Stove and Greenhouse Plants. Mr. A. Wilkie, Gr., Oak Lodge, Kensington, for 6 Stove and Green- G. B Mr. C. Park, for Greenhouse Azaleas. Mr. John Fraser, Nurserymau, Lea Bridge Road, for 6 Fancy Pelar- Mr. Windsor, (>r. to R. Ravenhill, Esq., Forest Hill, Walthamstow, for G Fancy Pelargoniums. SILVER-GILT MEDAL, Mr. J. Brockwell, Gr. to Mrs. T. Honry, Bush Hill, Edmonton, for 6 Stove and Greenhouse Plants. Mr. A. Wdtie, Gr, O^k Lodge, Kensington, for 10 Foliage and Flowering Plants. Mr. G, Fairbairii, Gr. to the Duke of Northumberland, Syou House, Isleworth, for 6 Foliage Plants. Mr. B. S, Williams, Nurseryman, HoUoway, for 8 Cape Heaths. Mr. W. Kemp, Qr. to the Duke of Northumberlai ' * "■ Guiiaford, for 8 Cape Heaths Mr. G. Wheeier, Gr. to "" " " ' for G C^vpe Heaths. Mr. W. Gee. ' " Mr. J, h Mr. Wi Mr. J. Bume' for (i E: Mr. W. Tay Albury Park, F. H. Qoldsmld, Bart.. Regent's Park, Mrs. Beiufoy, South Lambeth, for 8 Greenhouse ■, Gr. to J. Philpott. Esq., Stamford Hall, for 6 Green- P.irk, Kent, for 6 j Orchids. Mr. G. Fail-bairn, Gr. to the Duke of NorthumWrlaod, Syon House, Isleworth, for 6 Exotic Orchids. Mr. A. Wilkie. Gr., Oak Lodge. Kenaingtoa. for 12 Etotic Ferns. Mt:ssi-s. Dobsou & Sons, Nurserymen, Isleworth, fbr 6 S'anoy Pelargoniums. Mr. D. Donald, Gr. to J. G. Barclay, Esq., Knofet'8 Green, Leyton^ E-»8ex, for 6 Fancy Pelargoniums. Mr. J. James, Gr., for C Calceolarias. SMALL SILVEH MEDAL. T.iylor, Gr. to J. Yates, Esq., Lauderdale Bouse, Highgate, Messrs. Downie, Laird, 4 Ltiing, Nurseryman, Forest Hill, for ■66 Pausies. Capt. Clarke, Muidart, Parkhill, Koss-shire, for 24 p.,^nsiefi. " "' Bartlel " ~. ., . . , Paul, : Pots. Mr. T. S. Ware, Nurseryman, for Collection of Herhaceous Plants. BRONZE MEDAL. Mr. W. Honper, Nurseryman. Btth, for 36 Pansiea. Mr. E. F. Kingston, Miliiia Barracks. Bath, for 24 pAnsies. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing, Nurserymen, Forest Hill, for Bos of Mr. J. James, Gr., for 12 Pa 1 Pots. C.Turner, for Cullt FIRST-GLASS CERTIFICATE. Mr. Bull, Nurseryman, Chelsea, for Coleus Gem. Mr. Bull, Nu Mr. Bull, Nu Mr. Bull, Nu ,n, Chelsea, for Maran Enceph.ilaitos Mackaii. , for Lomaria intermedia. Mr. Bullj Nurseryman, Coelsea, for Ficus dealbata. Mr. Bull, Nutseryman, Chelsea, for Rbouhala aurea. Mr. Bull, Nurseryman, Chelsea, lor K.nceptialartos gracilis. , lor K.n , for Geonoff nacrocarpav. Messre. J. Veitch & Sou, Chelsea, for Nepenthes bybrlda. Chelsea, for Dendr( ' " la. for Lomaria J. Veltca & Son,' Chelseai for P'lcksonia Him. Messrs. J. Veitch & Son, Cbelsea, for Liudsio* sp>;i:ies. Messrs. J. Veitch & Son, Chelsea, for Areca Maueri. Messrs, J. Veitch & Son, Cnelsea, for Rbaplus humilis. Messrs. J. Vtsitch & Son, Chol-sea, for Coleus Berkeley!. Messrs. J. Veitch & Son, Chelsea, for Coleus Ruckeri. Messrs. J. Veitch & Son, Chelsea, for Coleus Sa^llld6^3i^. Mes-srs. J. Veitch & Son, Chelsea, for Coleus Scofctii. Messrs. J. Veitch & Son, Chelsea, for Ale Messrs. J. Veitch* Son, Chelsea, IorNiphobolu3lingu;;"corTmbiforuiQ. Messrs. J. Veitch & Son, Chelsea, for Ketinospora fliicoides. Mr. J. VV. Wimsett, Nurseryman, Ashburnhara, for Coleus Marshallii. B. S. Williams, Upper Hoiloway, for Cibotium regale. B. S. Williams, Upper HoUoway, for Cibotium spectabile. B. S. William'^, Upper lioUoway, for Asplenium aurlculatum. B. S. Williams, Upper Hollowav, fjr Cocos Wedleliaua. Mr. Mapplebeok, Smitbfield, Birmingham, for Polystichum angular^ acrocladon. [ndum. Mr. Mapplebeck, Smlthfleld, Birmingham, for Polypodium multi- Mr. J. Jennings, Shipton-on-Stow, Nurseryman, lor Cupres'aus macrocarpi variegata. Nursery n: Mr. James Carfer, Seedling Geranium, Mrs. Dunnett. Mr. Charles Turner, Seedling Geranium, Leotard. Mr. Charles Turner, Seedling Geranium. East Lynne. Mr. Charles Turner, Seedling Geranium, Vivaudi^ra. Mr. CQarles 'IHirner, Seedling Geranium, Belle of the Seas Mr. Charles Turner, Seedling Geranium, Troubadour. Mr. Charles Turner, Seedling Geranium, Princess Teck. Mr. Charles Turner, Seedling Gemnium, May ijueen, Mr. Charles Turner, Seedling Geranium, Madlle. Nilsson. to W. Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, Fulham, Orchids. ■. to J. Yates, Esq., Lauderdale House, Highgate, for vi Exotic Ferps. Messrs. J. Dobson &, Sons, Nurseryman, Isleworth, for 9 Pelar- gqniums. Mr. CbarlesTnroer. Nuraervraan, Slough, for 6 Fancy Pelargoniuing. Mr J. Bailey, Gr. to T. S. Drape, SUardilufls, Amer«ham, for 0 Fancy J. Godfrey, Gr. to j. Anderson, Esq., Mount Aucklr^rycker, Wraya- bury, Bucks, for 6 Roses. SILVER MEDAL. Mr. T. Burnett, Gr. to W. Terry, Peterborough House, FiUUam, for . Wilkie, Gr.,' Oak l.odge. kenslngton, for 6 Cape Heaths. Voitch SL Son, Chelsea, for Vanda Bensonii. I Messrs. Veitch & Son, for Areca monostaciiya. I Messrs. Veitch & Sou, for Glnxlnia Junies Grav. I .Mr. B. S. Williams. TJpper HoUoway, for Mlltouia species. I Mr. B S. Williams, for Nasonia cinnabyrina, Mr. B. S. Williams, for Maxillaria Turnerl. Mr. B. S. Williams, lor Arachnauthe musoifera. I Mr. B. S. Williams, for Promomea speciois- ' Mr. Mapplebeck, Smithfleld, Birmingbam, for Lastrea filiX' fohoaa. Mr. Mapplebeck, for Lastrea fllix-raa.s. Mapplebeokii. I Mr. W. Nye, for Geranium Maid of Honour May 30, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRTCTILTITEAE GAZETTE. sn CARTER'S NEW PLANTS FOR 1868. JAMES CARTER & CO. Have the honour to announce that they have piircliased of the CnuTioit of the Royal Horticulturnl Society A MAGNIFICENT SET OF FOUR entirely new and distinct varieties of HYBRID COLEUS, liaised in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens nt Chiswiok, and which attracted so muoh admiration at the Meeting of the Society on April 7. From the Gardeners' Oironiclt^ of April 11, 18(>S. *' Nkw HinRiDS OF CoLEDS. — Amongst the subjects whlcb have heon suocesfiHilly brought uudertho influence of t^e cross-broedcr at the Chiswick G.irtlen, ;i promment place must be giveii to tlio geuus feltii waa tfirouyhout the seed-baarine parent. This was fert! C. Veitchli, by C. Gibsoni, and by C. Bluniei, and in the ofTsprini; there is abundant evidence that true crosses hjive been effected. The novel forms wl^ich have been produced range in two series, the one having plane cronaLod leaves, as in C. Veitchii, and the other having incisn-dcntate frilled leaves, as in C. Verschafleltil, so that some follow in this respect the mother and some the father plant. The best of the forms, so fnr as yet developed, are the following:— PLANE-LEAVED SERIES. COLEUS DIXTI (a hybrid between C. Verschaflfeltii and C. Gibaonl). FRILLED-LEAVED SERIES. COLEUS CLARKEI (a hybrid between C. Verschafleltii and C. Gtbsoni|. COLEUS WILSOXI (a hybrid between C. Verschaffoltii and C Veitchii). COLEUS REEVESII (a hybrid between C. VerschafFeltii and C ^umeij. '•■Now that coloured-leaved plants are applied to so many uses in OTMmeDtal gardening, we cannot but regard these new hybrids of Coleus ^ motit valuable acquisitions, both for iu -door and out-door purposes, nnd they will doubtles.s not be long in making their way luto the hands of cultivators. We may therefore beartilv congratu- Itt^o i^. Bause on tUe result of his labours ip this direction." ^AMES CARTER and CO. are in a position to offer these splendid Novelties for delivery on July 1. As the number of plants will be limited, orders will be registered and e.xecuted in strict rotation. The Set, one plant of each of the four sorts, for 31.s. Qd. Each, per plant, lOs. 6f/. Ifew Variegated Geraniums for 1868, EGlPTiAN QUEEN (Morris), Ooldm Jirone ^lic— This splendid variety, which waa awardea the First Piize at the Royal Horti- cultural Society's Show at South Kensington, in the autumn of 1867. and is decidedly the best bicolor zonal variety yet exhibited, will be ready for sending out on the 1st of Mav. Orders are now being booked, and will be executed in strict rotation. Description :— Darkest brone zone yet seen, on bright golden yellow ground ; leaves of extraordinary substance, consequently resisting sun and rain ; form of leaf round, and surfiice flat ; habit dwarf, bushy, and very hardy. Was planted out last season with all the older tfoldon bronze zoned varieties, .and stood the vaiiable se.-Lson better than any. Will be exhibited at all the I/indon llorticulturul and Botanical Societies Shows in London '" Fmuriid in "Floral Magazine" for J-'inuary, ISCS. QOLIAH (IJoHniH), Tricnlor.^lu. this we offor a desiderata long wanted in tncolors, viz., a strong vigorous habit, flt either for conservatory pillar work, for greenhouse pot cultiire, or for ov"-- door planting, with a thick fleshy foliage, and habit as hardy niH Tronthnm ^^..-igt. Or Tom Thumb, af"* ■"■ *" — '- "• is's strain, of fine circ\ ellow margin, broad z et, ai ■ dark scarlet. Price 21s. DR. PRIMROSE (Mobbis).— An intermediate tint between the deep guUien variegated y.'irlutics ^nd the pure white variegation.^, of a peculiarly beautiful primrose hue, makii ^,„™,^e, ^„,^..™u ....^1 other favourite foliage beddinn plants and has been most successfully used for two aea.sons and is " of sterling merit." Price 5s each. ' SNOWDROP (Goode).— The purest white margin, the freest grower the best habit of any ^et seen ; has been grown for three succes- sive seasons by the raiser, by ourselves, and at the Horticultural Garden, Chiswick, also at Battersea Park and the Crystal Palace. Wo can confidently recommend this as certain to give great ^fttisfictiou. We have worked up a large stock to be enabled to se^id it out at a price which may ensure its earlv geileril iutroduclon ; It v^" '•'>'i"">^t"'ti > ■- - - the older v-ineties. First- PncB OS. e{ich ; 3Gs. per d JAIVIE5 CARTER & CO.'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE Is nov ready, containing copipletc Li.sts of New and Clioice Stove, Greenhouse, and Bedding Plants; aUn Coloured representations of the following New Geraniums — Egyptian Queen, Emile Lemoine, and Madame Lemoine, an^ may be had Gratis and Post Free on application to C^HTER'S GREAT LONDON SEED WAREHOUSE 237 & 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. * National Fine Arts Exhibition at Leeds. LEEDS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.— Under the distinguished patronage of Cbo principal Nobility, Clergy, and Gentry ol the West Riding of the County of York. By the kind permission of the Right Worshipful the Mayor (A. Piurbairn, Esq.), tbeir FIFTH GREAT EXHIBITION of PLANTS, FLOWERS, FRUITS, and VEGETABLES, Thf I .'niiniUot uihioitake to receive Boxes of Fruit, Cut Flowers, and Veyietiil'los lur Mxhihition. The L'oiiiniitteu pro\id6 Assistants and Horses for Exhibition V.ins coming by Rail; also covered Spring Vans to convey Plants, &c., between the Railway Station and the Exhibition Grounds. Schedules with Forms ol entry forwarded on application. GRAND HORTICULTURAL EXUIBITIUN at LEICESTER, In connection with the SHOW of the ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, JULY 16 to 23, 186S. Amongst various Special Prizes, A SILVER CUP (copy of the famous Cellini Cup), VALUK £21, will be offered by the Proprietors of tne GARDENERS' CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE for tho best COLLECTION of FRUITS and VEGETABLES, to be made up as follows : — Of FRUITS, any Five of the following Eight kinds, one Dish of each :— Grapes, Melons (2 fniits), Strawberries, Gooseberries, Currants, Cherries, Raspberries, or Apples (of the crop of 18071. Of VEGETABLES, any Eight of the following Fourteen kinds, one basket or bundle of each :— feas, trench Beans (pr Scarlet Runners). Broad Beans, Cauliflowers, Cucumbers (brace). Summer C ibbages. Early Ci^rrots, Turnips, Artichokes, Onions, Spinach, Rhubarb, Potatos, or Mijed Salading. This Prize will be onen to Competition amongst Amateur or Professional Gardeners," of all grades, for Fruit and Vegetables of iheij- own growing; any article otherwise obtaiified wiU disquatify the several subjects produced, according to their individual Grapes Melons (2 fruits) Strawberries Gooseberries Cherries Raspberries Apples of ISfi" (Any 5 of the above 8 subjects), French Beans Broad Beans Cauliflowers Cucumbers (2) Summer Cabbages Early Carrots Globe Artichokes Onions Rhuijitrb '.'. '.'. '.'. '.'. Potatos Mixed Salaaing (Any S of the at)i)vol4 subjects) Efit Olartrenetg'Cliromcle. SATURDAY, MAY ZO, 1868. MEETINGS FOR THE ENSUING "WEEK. Monday, June 1— Entomological 7 p.m. Tdesday, — 2) Weonesdat, — 3[ Royitl HorticuItuHil (Greiit Summer Ex- THUBS1.AY, — 4( hibition) at South Kensington .,' ',. 1 p.m. FalDAT, - 51 Tuof^nAT. — 4— Linnean 8p,m. —* — ^ In' many localities scarcely any crop can be more certain than a Crop or Plttms, in others, often ■within a few miles, no crop can be more uueertaiu. The treatment may be identical, or the culture, where the crop fails, may be the best, but still, year after year, failure more or less complete continues to be the rule, and a fair or good crop the exception. The trees may be clean and healthy, their culture, as far as can be discovered, faultless, and yet they fail to yield fruit. All goes well up to tho setting period, or a fortnight beyond it, and then tho baby Hums catch tho jaundice, become yellow, and drop off. The trees are clothed with a perfect sheet of blossom ; this in due time falls like a shower of snow-flakes, and the whole tree is covered with green Plumlets from top to bottom. Nothing can look more promising. The leaves are clean and healthy. The young fruit are green and vigorous ; theii' stalks are strong, firmly attached to the branch, and their verdure throughout shows that a good flow of sap is established along their conducting channels. Eeporting upon them in this condition, every tyro in fruit growing would note, " Plums an extraordinary yield." But wait. There is many a slip between the cup and the lip — and a great many more between these Plumlets and those luscious fruits that are needed to adorn the dessert and gratify the palate. A week has passed away. We take another look at the Plums. A wonderful change has taken place. A fruit here and there has started into growth, and left the main crop far behind them. Still the latter are green, and will surely overtake the others. Never I It is all over with the small ones. Look more narrowly, they are not so green as they were. The grassy juicy green has been exchanged for a pale lemon hue. The tiny fniit are also slackening their hold of the branch, the slightest movement will detach them. Examine them again at the end of another week. They have become yellow and will faU ofT with the first breath of wind. The crop has gone, and left us but a sparse sample, to tantalise us with a sense of our heavy loss. Now we want the assistance of all our fruit-growing readers to point out tho cause of this loss, and to discover some efficient means of preventing it. The first step towards a remedy consists in tho discovery of the cause of disease or death. Why, thou, do these Plumlets drop off? This question might easily be answered if the entire crop disappeared, but this is seldom tho case; a few generally go forward on the straight highway to perfect maturity, while the majority utterly aud completely fail. And thus, while all have been exposed to the same influences, placed under identical conditions, if we say that cold has chilled the embryo fruit, why is it that a few not more protected than the others escape ? If we attribute the failure to imperfect impregnation (for which there often seems good reason), how is it that a flower here and there has been per- fectly impregnated, while others beside tliem were passed over f The weather that prepared pollen for the one flower, might surely have prepared equally vital and as readily accessible pollen for the others ? These difficulties of finding an easy solution of the dropping of the young fruit are increased by the fact, that often, within a very short distance, the general failure in one place is reversed for constant success in another. And these opposite results are often observed so near to each other, that no percep- tible difference of soil or climate can be accepted as accounting for them. Culture, heat, and cold seem identical ; yet here there is a regular crop year after year, and there, within a short distanoe.there is as regularly a failure. And as if those contrarieties of experience were not enough to cut at the roots of any general conclu- sions as to the cause of either success or failure, we have the additional difficulty that one variety of Plum will constantly fail, while another shall prove as continuously fruitful ; and sometimes those varieties that will carry their fruit best in one position will throw them all ofi' in another. Tako the commonest and best of all Plums, for instance — tho Green Gage, generally a good bearer : wo know gardens where it has not borne a full crop for these ten years ; while in the same garden the Jefferson seldom fails. How- ever, this matter of some varieties bearing more freely than others is more easily explained than the other causes of the fruit falling off'. For doubtless, whether it be owing to differing degrees of consti- tutional hardiness iu the trees themselves or their blossoms, some Plums are naturally more fruitful than others. Such varieties as Reine Claude do Bavay, Poupart's Perdrigon Violette Hative, and Jefferson, among dessert — and Pond's seedling, Victoria. Pershore, Orleans, Nectarine, &c. , among kitchen Plums — generally bear well ; on the contrary, few of the Imperatrices ever bear freely. But it is not to such differences as these that we wish especially to advert. Taking, as it were, the natural qualities of varieties into account, the point we are anxious for more light upon is the reason why in one locality the same plant should carry its crop through, and in another close at hand it should throw it off : and, more im- portant still, whythis throwing off at all ? Neither is the question one of barrenness versus fertility. That the trees are fertile is proved by the abun- dance of their blossoms. It is wholly a case of miscarriage, and we are strongly of opinion that the chief remedies for it are efficient protection and skilful artificial impregnation. But we invito the attention of all our readers to the subject. It will be remembered that Cherries suffer in the same way, but not to an equ^l extent as Plums. The National Exhibition which opened yesterday in the Botanic Garden at Manchester, proves to bo a remarkably fine one in every respect. Cotton- opolis is the very stronphoH of plant growers, and it was therefore to be expected that examples oChigh-cIass cultivation should abound. As a matter of fact, we have not seen for a longtime past such a fine display of stove and greenhouse flowering plants : niaanificent bushes of such sterlinR subjects as Genetyllis tulipifora aind Hookeriana, i)racoiihyIlum gracile, Acropliyllum venosum, Boronias, Heaths, Aphele.xis. &c., abound; while the e.ttraordiuarv Sarracenia.s produced by Mr. Baines, are alone worth travellini; any distance to see. Other foliase jilants and Fern.s arc well repre- sented, and the tents are pl.nvinK with Azalca.s and Rhododendrons, and redolent of Rose.s. Of Orchid.s also, the exhibition is a remarkably line one. \\ e shall notice the objects exhibited in greater detail next week 572 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [Mat 30, 1868. meanwhile any of our readers who may pay a visit to the National Show will find abundant material for their admiration. The gardens, owins to the late fine weather, are looking well. Manyof our readers will doubtless remember the interesting article on the Change in the Direction of the Branches of Tubes and Shrubs effected by low degrees of temperature, by Prof. Caspary, which appeared in a former volume. At a recent sitting of the botanical section of the Russian " Naturforscher- versammlung," H. N. Schelesnow communicated the result of his investigations to discover the cause of this phenomenon. Experiments were commenced early in 1865. and continued once every two months until June, 1867, and were confined to the admeasurement of the quantities of water contained in the wood and bark, at all seasons of the year, in some of the various trees and shrubs observed to have been affected by altera- tions in temperature. Some clue seems to have been found to the differences in the degree of susceptibility of dissimilar subjects. We append the figures. The branches of Larch gave in spring an average of 48 per cent, of water, in summer of 47 per cent., in autumn of 49 per cent., and in winter of -IS per cent. ; thus a general average of 48 per cent. The branches of Birch afforded 45 per cent, in spring, and 36 per cent, in summer, autumn and winter, an average of 38.25.0. In the Larch the quantity of water increases from the base to the summit from 1 to 10 per cent., and in the Birch to 7 per cent. A longitudinal section through the pith of the branches of the Larch shows that its upper half is firmer, and contains from 0,5 to 8.0 more water at all seasons than the under. In the Birch the lower half is smaller in circumference and firmer than the upper, and contains during the greater part of the year an equal amount of moisture; but in April it is from 1 to 2 per cent, richer in water. The bark of the upper surface of the branches of a Larch containing 37 per cent, of water is usually drier than the wood ; the difference rises to 10 per cent. In the under half of the branch the excess of moisture in the wood only reaches to 6 per cent, more ; indeed the bark may sometimes be a trifle moister. In a Birch containing 17 per cent, of moisture the proportioa is reversed, and the bark may have 20 per cent, more water than the wood. M. Schelesnow expres.sed his intention of publishing something further on this subject. At the same sitting, M. Borodin, speaking of the effect of Light upon the Germination of Fern Spores, demonstrated that the influence of light was indispensable. The greatest importance is attached to rays possessing little frangibility. Blue light acts in the same wayasdarkness. If germinatingsporesof Allosorns are taken into a dark place antheridia are developed. The speakers also entered upon the discovery of Prof. Fanitzyn on the effect of light upon the setting down of the grains of chlorophyll. The phenomenon is very general among the higher Cryptogams. Where several layers of cells lie above each other, light acts upon the periphery. In the dark the chlorophyll settles upon the partition walls of the cells, hut if exposed to light on the free walls. If chlorophyll produced in the darkness is exposed to the light, only the more refrangible rays act upon it. The influence of yellow light is analogous to that of complete darkness. Chemical rays appear to be ineffective. M. Tinirjasew suggested the investi- gation of the very transparent spores of Marchantia polymorpha, in which the chlorophyll is developed anterior to the bursting of the " Exin." M. Borodin remarked that he could readily distinguish the transi- tion of the fatty matter into starch in the spores of Aneimia Phyllitidis, but he had never seen the development of chlorophyll. M. Eosanow inquired if the spores enlarged in the dark, and was answered in the negative. He observed that the sporangia of Pilobolus crystallinus soon burst on being brought into the light. M. Rdprkcht proposed that the spores of Cystopteris fragilis, a Fern growing in dark places, should be examined. M. Musset concludes, from an examination of more than four hundred examples, that the Form of the Trunk of Trees is elliptical, the long axis of the ellipse being directed from east to west. The same thing happens in the case of the branches. Now since the centri fugal force developed by the rotation of the earth deflects from a vertical line every falling body, and the same cause influences the direction of the currents of water, it does not seem imreasonable to suppose that the same cause may affect trees also. As the result of a series of researches on the Pro- duction and Absorption of Nutritive Matter (starch) within the Tissues of Trees, M. Arthur Gris finds that the starch stored up in the branches becomes dissolved and utilised as the flowers expand, and this whether the flowers precede the leaves in their expansion, or the reverse. The solution of the starch begins in the cells at the ends of the branches and procueds downwards but to a short distance only. The store of nu'ritive material is replenished later in the season, when the fruit ripens. Some time since a statement was made that the Berries of the Aucuba were poisonous. The state- ment was not supported by any very good evidence, but as it is highly desirable the pomt .should be definitely ascertamed, we shall be greatly obliged if any of our Correspondents can state their experience in the matter. The Japanese Ipomceas, on the nomenclature of which we had occasion to speak lately, seem, from the account given in the " Horticulteur Fran(;ais," to be worth attention. Of the eight kinds mentioned, three have variegated leaves and white flowers, with lilac or carmine spots. The other five, which are not variegated, have three-lobed leaves, and their flowers are various, — some white, with a rose-coloured centre, others carmine, edged with white, or with clear azure blue, while one is semi-double. They are annuals, and have been imported by MM. Huber, of Hy^res. M. Grin, says the " Revue Horticole," has just demonstrated the possibility of Transforming Flower-bods into Leaf-buds in cases where flowers are produced too abundantly. All that it is necessary to do, according to M. Grin, is to remove the pistil from the flowers just as they are about to expand. We wait for further details, which, we hope, may be soon forthcoming. What is Iberis gibbaltarica? We put this question, as it appears that two or three different species are grown under this name, and it is desirable to ascertain which is the real Simon Pure. We sh^l be obliged if any of our Correspondents will furnish iis with a spray of what they consider to be the plant so named. The specimens should be gathered as the seed-pods ripen, the distinctions between the species being dependent on variations in the pod. Will any correspondent inform us of the nature of the " Vebsicol giganteum floribunda Sunflower," native of Abyssinia, &c., the seeds of which are to be had, so says the advertisement, on receipt of seven postage stamps? Perhaps Mr. Seymour, of 24, North Street, Manchester Square, will favour us with a few particulars respecting this to us unknown plant, and also state the authority for the very peculiar name attached to the plant. Messrs. E. G. Henderson have issued a series of slips of paper, coloured to correspond with various bedding plants,and thus allowthepurchaser to make her combinations on paper, in her boudoir, before taking the field. The slips will be useful for the intended purpose. lous, whether the species be new. We have the greatest conhdenoe that it is so. The anther isquite novel and very remarkable. It is uncommonly long and depressed igulate, nearly in the shape of some grenadier's bearskin cap, such as Napoleon's soldiers wore at the Beresina, bearing, in lieu of hair, numerous shining icicle-like processes, and appended to a very long cuspidate process of the column. It is one of the numerous recent Bur- mese introductions of Messrs. Veitch & Sons, and the flowers now produced having travelled in the form of minute buds over the sea, we may have a sincere hope that in future the flowers may even become more showy. No doubt the Dendrobes are jealous of the successes of the Odontoglossums, and bring forth a formidable army of new and beautiful champions. As to ourselves, let us enjoy both- the palm of victory standing meanwhile in doubt. B. O. Rchb.f. New Plants. MiLTONIA FESTIVA. Affino MiltoniK Bpectabilis, Lmdl. ; bracteis a vaglnls reraods, arguto carinatia, acutis ; sepalis tepalisque oblongis, illis obtusig, his acuti.i, labello cuneato flabeUato beno acuto, carinis in basi geminls suplnis velutinis, interjecta carinula breviori, venia radiantibua pubenilis, columnae alia semi- ovatia crenulatis, apice acutissimia.— Pedunculus biflorus. Flores speciosi illis Miltoniffi speetabilis iequimagni. Peri- Ronium ochroleucum. Labelhim cameo parpureum, venis undecim radiantibus a basi in discura. Carina media flava. Columnie alse atropurpurew. A new and showy Miltonia ! Imagine a two-flowered M. speetabilis, with narrower ochre-coloured sepals and petals ; add in lieu of the blunt and broad apex of the lip an acute one ; imagine the whole lip purpHsh, with eleven dark radiating streaks, and take longish very acute bracts— you'll have the plant. It is an old friend of ours, having been sent to us as early as 1865, by M. Liiddemann, of Paris. Tet we were not disposed to write on a single (two-flowered) withered peduncle, and it was put aside among our numerous doubtful Orchids, and labelled as " Miltonia, a hybrid." If mere conjectures may be permitted, when preferred merely as such, we would venture to ask whether it is not a mule between Jliltonia speetabilis and flavescens ? The bracts and the apex of the lip, and the colour of both sepals and petals, are those of M. flavescens ; the other organs have the characters of the corresponding parts of Miltonia speetabilis. The Liiddemannian flowers do not turn red when dried, as do the flowers of M. flavescens. We are indebted for a glorious two-flowered inflorescence to our excellent correspondent and friend, Stuart Low, Esq. We will now add some Miltonian remarks. The large flowered Miltonia flavescens, the M. stellata. only represented by Baron Descourtils, never seen by the lamented Lindley. nor by the writer of these lines, has just anpeared in the Royal Exotic Nursery of Messrs. Veitch & Sons. "Then we may also allude to the Miltonia rosea of M. Lemaire {Illustration Horticole, 524). Is it a showy variety of Miltonia speetabilis radians, Eohb. fil ? Is it a parallel case to one of the greatest vegetable wonders of the century, the wonderful Anemone (Hepatica) angulosa of plate 443, so wonderfully superior to any Hepatica angulosa we ever saw, either wild or cul- tivated ? Is it some mule ? Our plant has a totally different anterior part of the lip, different calli, different column-wings, different colour, and the bracts distant from the sheaths. Now, as to Miltonia cereola (Lem., /. c, tab. 446), we candidly acknowledge we have never seen a Miltonia Regnellii having a bluish hue to the lip, that species always being more purplish or violet. The blue repre- sented is of the dull hue po.ssessed by the Up of some varieties of Vanda Roxburghii. M. Lemaire has well pointed out that his plant had an apiculate lip, ours an emarginate one. And when writingthese lines we have our original types at hand, all with emarginate lips. Since that time we have seen many living specimens, and have dried 32 flowers — now also in our hands,— ana these bear more apiculate than emarginate flowers, so that we cannot help believing the M. cereola to be a synonyme of M. Regnellii. H. G. Sckb.f. Dendbobium crtstallinum. ffine Dendrobio Bensonse, Rchb. fil ; caulls teretis culi vaginia nigromaciilatis ; racemis bifioris, mento brevi obtuso ; sepalis tepalisque lon^oribus angustioribus, labello bone ungpiiculato, flabellato,obtuseiicuto, ante basin utrinque iniplicito, unguis centre pilosulo, limbo postico denticu- lato, anthera elongata depressa papulis uncinatis deorsum versis crystallinis tecta. Another glorious Dendrobe, bearing noble flowers ; one of the allinity of Wardianum and Bensonse, the modern lion among Eudendrobia. It has stout stems, covered with old whitish striated sheaths, marked with trans- verse blackish bars, as in Restrepia elegans, but larger. The flowers r lemind us in their toumure of those of D. tortile. Both sepals and petals are milk-white, with warm purplish tips. The lip, too, has the same purplish apex and a fine orange disc. All the colours are very bright Our readers will perhaps he incredu- ILLUSTRATIONS OP SPRING GARDENING. Cliveden. It is characteristic of the genial position of Clive- den, that the spring bedding stuff should come into bloom very early indeed; and particularly is this true of the terrace garden, which occupies a more southerly aspect, every way conducive to early flowering. This terrace garden is formed of two divi- sions, the severance being effected by the Orangery ; but both divisions lie close under the front of the mansion in a spot so screened from the rigours of winter that it may well be termed—" fair scene and wonderful repose." In the subjoined plan can be seen an outline of the design of one division of the garden, as it was a few weeks ago, when it may be said to have been " mantled with flowers." Singularly enough, the aggregate of bloom was made up in the main by the contributions of such simple subjects as Daisies and Pansies, the former especially being particularly showy. The general adaptability of .'-pring gardening for all places, whether large or small, is therefore manifested in this, that the subjects employed to effect so excellent a display at this season of the year are homely in their character, easily obtainable, and can be increased at the will of the operator at a very small outlay. No. 1 represents a bank of Ivy, which forms a kind of battlement to the parterre, and is raised slightly above the broad gravel walk fronting it. No. 2 is formed by a line of Arabis lucida variegata, growing very nicely and compactly, and No. 3 a fine of Aubrietia purpurea, these two running parallel with the Ivy. The series of circles forming a chain border was a charming piece of this pleasant and attractive garden. The front angles (No. 4) are filled with variegated Aubrietia, the corresponding angles (-I-) behind the circles with Bellis aucubDefolia fl.-pl. rubro. The exterior outline of the chain was formed in the front (No. 5) by Aubrietia deltoidea, and the corresponding tracing on the back of the circles with Aubrietia grandiflora (9). This Mr. Fleming finds to be the best of all the Aubrietias for spring work, inasmuch as it is such a con- tinuous bloomer, in which respect it is superior to A. grseoa. The outer circle of the series (No. 6) was formed of Arabis mollis variegata ; within this a ring of the double red Daisy, No. 7 ; a circle of the double white Daisy, No. 8 ; and the central clumps forming the centre of each series (No. 9) were filled with Aubrietia purpurea grandiflora. Behind the chain border a broad band of A. purpurea grandi- flora ran parallel with it, and the dense mass of this pale violet hue was an admirable relief to the gayer coloured blossoms of the Daisies forming so much of the chain. No. 10 was filled with the fine large white Double Daisy, which is usod with so much effect at Cliveden. It starts from one extremity as a line, but diverging towards the centre of the garden it again converges, and forms a line to the other extremity. At the point of divergence a kind of elongated crescent-shaped panel is formed (No. 11), which was filled with the Double Red Daisy. The confluence of these two hues of colour had a remarkable effect, as the blooms of the Daisies were so freely produced as to almost hide any sign of the foliage of the plants. In a like manner No. 12, planted with the Cliveden Yellow Pansy, also widened at the centre, and enclosed a much larger panel (No. 13), planted with the dark blue Cliveden Bedding Pansy. Behind these were straight lines of the Cliveden Purple Bedding Pansy (No. 14), a pale flowering Pansy (No. 15), almost white, said by Mr. Fleming to have resulted from a cross between the white show Pansy Great Eastern, and one of the strong-growing Fancy varieties, the latter of which has infused into the seedlingflowera strength of constitution much needed in a white bedding Pansy; and a back- around of dark single Wallflower (No. 16) against the back wall (No. 17). The corresponding division was a duplicate of this in every respect, and the two masses, of colours, of various hues, had a most telling effect when approached from any portion of the grounds. No one could look upon these borders without being struck with the great value of the bedding Pansies as securing an early bloom, and especially was this the case with the blue variety, which, when planted out moderately early in the autumn, will flower throughout the winter, especially in a position protected by some shelter. All the subjects used in these borders were pre-eminently earlyblooming plants, nothing was employed in the way of bloom that would not appear quite by the beginning of March, if not earlier. Along some of the fine woodland walks Mr. Fleming had formed some beds of Polyanthuses, particularly charming just at the time when this visit was made; so kindly sheltered by the rich umbrageous foliagejust being clothed upon in the brightest green leaf drapery and rioting in a generous leaf soil, they had developed heads of blooms of large dimensions and of rare quality. Mi.Y 39. ISH ] THE GARDENERS' CFTRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 573 Beds of pretty-coloured Primroses alternated with these, and dotted about the grassy sward were Nar- cissi, Snowdrops, wild Anemones, and many other vernant flowers, which had already unfolded their blossoms, or were preparing to do so. A second visit was paid to Cliveden about the middle of May, and the ribbon border under the terrace wall was found to be still remarkably gay and effective. Herein lies the value of Daisies in a system of spring firdening, as not only do they yield a prolonged loom, but also the growth of the Daisies is of such a character that it never overlaps the plants formin|f the row on either side of them in the border, and so preserves the pattern, as far as they are concerned, unimpaired. The Daisies were still masses of bloom, but the sun was beginning to tell on the Aucuba-leavea variety, which more particularly requires shade in very hot weather. The white Cliveden Pansy had done remarkably well, despite the burning sun and dry weather ; some baskets of spring flowers in the lower terrace walk were edged with this Pansy, and had formed immense bunches of bloom, fringing with a delicate beauty the parti-coloured flowers crowning the rich verdure that grew so luxuriantly in the baskets. Ascending the steps that lead to the upper terrace garden at this point, and looking away towards the line of the "silvery Thames," that "proudly and next in succession to which ^vf^rn the beautiful red Silene peudula, and blue Furget-me-Not arranged alternately. In the Duke's Garden were some pretty small beds, quite rich in their simple beauty. One was filled with a dwarf growing rosy pink Pyrethrum, edged with white Pansy, the former just in full bloom. Two small kidney-shaped beds had in the one case transverse sections of blue and white Pansy edged with the double crimson Daisy ; the other, with the same edging, had similar sections of the blue and white Pansy. Another bed, somewhat late in blooming in consequence, had a body of rod and white Viscarias edaed with a mixture of red and white Daisies. Another kidney-shaped bed, and a very attractive one, had Aubrietia delloidea purpurea, edged with white Daisies. Several of these beds had begun to fade, owing to the prevalence of hot weather, still enough of colouring remained to show how beautiful this delightful spot had been. Cliveden is ever a pleasant spot, but pleasantest of all is a visit in the " happy spring time," when one's eyes can feast on a scene — " Fresh with the dews, with sunshine bright. With singing birds and b.ilmy flowers, Creatures of beauty and delight," — and learn how by tlie aid of a few cottage flowers, blended and arranged with rare artistic skill, a floral The white and black thrips are common to Azaleas and several other hard-wooded exotics, and are found often among such soft-wood plants as have been mis- managod,suchasPeIarRoniums,Fuohsias,Cinerarias, &c. They seem to be generated and prevail m high tempe- ratures, for one scarcely can pull through the season a collection of Gloxinias or Achimenes without their presence. The same remark is applicable to Hippe- astrums and Liliaceous plants requiring artificial heat. Among Ferns they are very common. Their system of action is more gregarious than that of the small reddish- grey thrips, and more similar to that of aphides, with which they often keep up the most intimate com- panionship. Their operations have much the appear- ance of the "spot" malady. Of course the mischief at first is superficial, the green leaves being covered over with white blotchesof irregular outline. The insects seem to gnaw away at the epidermis, like a quadruped selecting its food in a field, first at one paten then at another, as if one portion of the leaf was more delicious to the tinj; palate than another, until death, as represented in the case of the cognate species, ensues. Slight black orbicular excrescences may be observed on examination, but they are the larva; of the insect. Looking at and closely watching tlie operations of the insect in question, and of the aphides upon a common field of pasture, the thrips completely cuts the ground from beneath the feet of the aphis, and but for the plentiful IG ^ ■ '^^^^^wwmmm^^^mM^miM^^^mA u grandly, silently and deep," winds towards the sea, the eye travels over the extent of the great garden in front of the mansion, in extent something over .3 acres. When the series of beds in this garden are at their best, at this season of the year, the sight is one long to be remembered, the grand effect being heightened by the naagnificent woodland scenery in the background. Looking down on these beds at this distance, and at such an elevation, they resemble a set of large and vari-coloured gems inlaid on an immense emerald ground. These beds, IS in number, are formed in two parallel lines of eight beds each, in collateral pairs ; each bed is of the shape of a right-angled triangle, with the acute angles scooped out, thus each pair of beds forms a square, with a longitudinal grassy walk between them, running from right to left, or from left to right. At the southern extremity, and divided from the before- mentioned series of beds by a sloping bank of turf all round, there is formed a separate garden— which Mr. Fleming well describes as " similar in shape to a soup- plate," with the same broad green terrace walk sur- rounding the bottom part, and forming the furthest point of the garden seen from the mansion. The whole of the beds of the first series have edgings of Evergreen Privet, or else common Spruce Fir, a foot high, and of about the same breadth. The circular beds of the soup- Elate fashion are traced with low Evergreen Privet edges also. Crocusses, Tulips, and Narcissi ate planted in all of these beds, and when in bloom have beneath them a carpet of hardy biennials, or annuals to succeed them in flower. This spring the two lines of beds were planted in duplicate of those running parallel with them on the opposite side, and consisted of Alyssura saxatile, edged with Viola cornuta ; Silene pendula rubra, edged with Cerastium tomeutosura ; another, and one of the prettiest and most charming beds of the whole series, had Limanthes Douglasii, yellow, broadly edged with white, mingled with the red and white varieties of Silene pendula. In others were the blue and white Forget-me-Not, with an appropriate edging, &,,, „,„^ ,„„ .,,^,- eflective an agent of destruction to the insect pests, ] recurring lines of this plant, and its two or three usual owing to the quantity of smoke that intermingles with , companions. Then for a change, suppose the ribbon the pure tobacco from the fabric. But it is iu the , is partly planted thus-OOOO, with Arabis variegata, taking fire that the danger lies, and when the house is ] or any other appropriate edging plants that would tolerably full, it is not easy for the operator to avoid | bear clipping into form, and one good plant of Cen- Ihe contingency. taurea in the centre of each circlet, and the rest covered All very tender plants should be fumigated in a lofty ! with rows of some dwarf plant, say Altemanthera, house. .You may fumigate such things as Azaleas at , Lobelia, Harry HieoverPelar^onium.orsomevariegated certain periods of the year with a very ordinary quality ! plant different from the edging ; here the Centaurea of tobacco-paper, without injury, in a confined atmo- plants would stand out clear in outhne, and would make sphere; and the same remark applies to many New 1 "■'^ imposing effect, still forming a line, but with much Holland plants, some of the Orchideffi, such as Vaudas, | moreinterest added in the .samespace, such as yourcorre- Aerides, and even Phalsenopsids and Saccolabiums. ; spondent should term softened music. Then therows of All these may with impunity be practised upon in that ; Pelargoniums, &c. may come in again behind, while the way, but if some Odontoglots, Oncidiums, Lycastes, ; angles give us niches for other little pets. It was also Anguloas, especially when they are making young remarked that some plants were unsuitable for massing growths, almost any of the Ferns, Gloxinias, Fuchsias, in the flower garden ; still, we must iu some instances were so treated, not one single individual would escape ; liave those from old associations, as by some no garden without some mark of disfiguration. The best way . in summer is considered perfect without them. Take certainly to avoid bad consequences is to convey them . Asters as one illustration ; they are seldom seen, to a lofty house, of a cool temperatui-e, and shade them • for reasons easily understood, but let us consider for days from sun influences. Do this and you may , them our summer Tulips, and make them play a fumigate for three successive nights, and incur but a ; similar part, by giving, for their time only, a brilliant small percentage of damage. Fortunately, the Vine feature, which when gone does not leave a mere blank, is not subject to insects, unless it be red snider, ' Beyond this, in their improved forms they command else it would be almost an impossibility to carry on individual attention ; but the richest summer bed we fumigation with tobacco, without a sensible amount of , li^d, or indeed that I have seen during the last two injury beingproduced. There is more in the study how to summers, was Tom Thumb and Tagetes as a carpet, engender a proper condition of plant-life than some , with the Asters of various colon rsj-esting on the top- people imagine. I have seen houses of plants coddled , sufficiently rich to form in fact, as it did, one of the to that degree that I would not upon any considera- nios' handsome chintz patterns perhaps ever seen, tion have incurred the responsibility of advising their , There is more interest in this mixture than there fumigation ; far rather would I in that case have called could have been in the high-toned music of Tom to aid all the insecticides in the market, trusting to ""' ' " " patience and praying for a lynx-eye in behalf of the guardian who was expected to do the job. One has only to try such a hardy, beautiful Primrose as the Primula cortusoides amoena, after having been for some time grown in the greenhouse conservatory, in an atmo- sphere of smoke, in order to attest the accuracy of the foregoing observations as to coddling. What is really wanted for everybody is first-rate tobacco-paper and a fumigator sufficiently powerful, with a little fanning, to keep up an uninterrupted volume of smoke, without causing the paper to be ignited. With regard to the former, there is too much adulteration in the market, and our nurserymen vendors can scarcely be held responsible for it. If there were such a thing as an emporium to which we could look for a genuine article, there is a fortune to be made in that simple article, the demand being co-extensive with the progress of gardening. Give us that, and we could put up with the tubular sheet-iron pot, content with improvising a very simple receptacle, so long as we had an innate satisfaction that the smoke that was issuing from its mouth, would suffocate the insects, without injuring the plants. J. A. Filling the Flower Garden.— "A Practical Man," at g. 51S, takes up the same strain as those who, he says, have a Uing at summer flower gardening," by having a fling at your remarks (see p. 4S7), which he either has not read in the same light as others, or which he pos- sibly misunderstands, i agree with some of his remarks : but have we not had enough of the system as it is, and IS it not time we were looking about for little changes and improvements ? I do not condemn the plants, but I do condemn keeping to one idea ; and I hold that pro- perly mixing a bed requires a greater amount of care and skill than planting each bed with one sort, and perhaps an edging around it. Agaiu, effect is wraderfully increased by getting from certain mixtures a tint of rare colour that no one plant can give. We may go further, and take a hint from Nature. A Tulip in a wild state stands above a carpet as rich as we can put in a garden; and our common Blue Bells, and the stately Orchis, begin to expand their early blooms upon a carpet rich with more lowly but not less lovely colours; moreover, they do not leave a barren waste when Nature has exhausted their beauty. It is, therefore, evident that we may learn a little from such comparisons. Some plants are by their peculiar habit unfit for massing without help ; others. Thumb, or of Tagetes by themselves. I must agree with respect to putting Cannas, &c., in centres of flower-beds, but there are very few gardens where such liberties can be taken ; and where this has been done in the isolated cases I have seen, it was to form a screen to a seat, or a division to beds separating walks; but they are charming in dells and in irregular masses : indeed the less formality connected with them the better. This leaf- gardening is, at all events, the best foreign importation we, are likely to make as an addition to British flower gardening. Instead then of being satisfied with our present system, I believe the more we try to bring out its defects the more we are likely to gain. For example, with all that has been written about colour- ing, how little we know of its true merits. To plant flaming masses of scarlet in different shades does not require much skill, but to tone them into harmony does. Here again the material is often at fault, and this explains how eagerly a perpetual blooming plant is sought after; even weeds are found useful. A Fushing Man. 1 do not wholly object to what may be termed the ring system of planting circular beds, provided the rin;;s are thick or massive enough to fill the eye with one colour at a time. Few beds could be more effective than the centre of a circle filled with a good mass of yellow Calceolaria, followed by a broad band, three rows deep, of Perilla, succeeded by a zone of the same width of Pelargonium White Lady, wound up with blue Lobelia or Purple King Verbena, or a centre of White Lady ; 2d, a band of Scarlet Pelargonium, such as Spread Eagle ; 3d, a band of Lucy Grieve or Lady Cullum, finished up with a massive edging rim of white Verbena or blue Lobelia. Another examply for a large circle : centre of Stella ; 2d, yellow Calceolaria ; 3d, broad edging rim of Iresine Herbstii. Neither is it necessary wholly to ignore carpet bedding out. Carpets are good and enjoyable things in their place, but that is no reason why every sjiace should be carpeted, nor why they should all be of two or more colours ; so one carpet bed in a flower garden, such as the late Donald Beaton's shot silk bed, which was a groundwork of Verbena venosa, as a cushion in which to stick pins of Mangles' Variegated Geranium, may be quite admirable by way of variety, although highly objectionable as a mode of filling the entire garden. Another carpet, equally beautiful, would be a rich groundwork of Centaurea, filled in with plants, a little taller, of Iresine Herbstii ; another, still more delicate, would be a ground-work of Pelargonium Variegated Dandy, or Lady Plymouth, filled up with Altemanthera variegata, and bounded with blue Lobelia ; another is Mangles' Variegated with Iresine ; another, yellow Calceolaria with Coleus VerschaffeUii ; another, Cerastium with the old Verbena Melindres; another, blue Lobelia and Cerastium ; and yet another, the la^t, white Verbena and Criitison King, regularly distributed through it. On the principle, too, of giving examples of all styles for the sake of variety, panel-filling of beds or borders may be admissible. These are generally bounded at front and back with several continuous lines, of different colours. Thus, a large space is devoted to a ground colour of any one thing, such as Cerastium, C'eijtaurea, Campanula carpatica, Viola cornuta. Lo- belia speciosa, Sanvitalia procumbens, and any coloured Verbena. The only conditions of importance about the ground-work are that it should be dwarf, should cover the ground, and be a uniform distinct colour. Thus a front line may be planted of Ceras- tium, a second of Lobelia, and a third of Golden Chain Geranium ; then a ground-work, say C feet wide, of Purple King, with large panels of any desired shape, at regular intervals, of Mrs. Pollock Pelargonium, yel- low Calceolaria, or White Lady Pelargonium ; then a row or two at the other side of dwarf Calceolarias fol- lowed with the Coleus or Perilla, and wound up by a mass of white Dahlias. Or the ground- work might be crimson, with panels filled with white Centaurea, or White Lady Pelargo- nium, or white Verbena. Or the ground-work could be yellow and the panels blue, black, or red, such as blue Heliotrope, Viola cornuta, or Lobelia, or the dark Coleus marmorata, Perilla or Iresine, or a flaming Scarlet Pelargonium. But as a rule I see no advantage in this panel-planting over straight lines. We never tire of the rainbow, and I see iio reason whythe straight lines of a ribbon border should be considered vulgar or common any more than curved ones, or why the panelling should be more artistic than that regular flow or easy blending of colours which parallel bands of them exhibit in ribbons. Hence my last example at present will be a ribbon border, which I am just planting. It is bounded on each side by a gravel walk and a stone edging. Hence first line next walk will be either black coal or black-leaved Oxalis Acetosella; 2. Cerastium tomeu- tosum ; 3. Iresine Herbstii, kept dwarf; i. Golden Chain Pelargonium; 5. Purple King Verbena; 6. Flower of Spring Pelargonium; 7. Calceolaria auran- tiaca ; 8. Perilla; 9. Cineraria maritima; 10. Agera- tum mexicanum; 11 and 12. Two dense rows of Stella Pelargonium ; 13. White Dahlia floribuuda nana ; 11. Salvia fulgens. Another : all the rows up to No. 5 the same as in this, then the sixth row yellow Cal- ceolaria ; 7, Stella Pelargonium. A Practical Man. Thrips and Aphides on Wall Trees. — Hand kill and syringe, and take off the leaves curled like the brim of a wide-awake hat. The insects get behind the folds, and syringing is then useless. The Peach and Nectarine leaves here are excellent, but the above pests give me a deal of trouble. Mind, the leaves are the first lung, and the skin is the second lung ; if the first lung is seriously damaged, the second lung must suffer. Hence you see the skins of wall trees speckled and ring- streaked like Pharoah's lean kine ; and then you hear the sensible question, why do my Peach and Nectarine trees degenerate ? Do not kill ants, they are deadly enemies to thrips and aphides. W. F. Eadchjffe. Pears. — I perceive that on several points your c9rrespondent " Observer " differs from me, and dissents from my conclusions. He is wrong in sup- posing that I try to " lower the standard" of Glou Morceau, &c. Still more does he err in stating that I decry these Pears from my own samples only. Twice I have said that Glou Morceau has been taste'd by me from soil and clime most favourable, but it never struck the mark ; it has always a flatness and looseness of texture, which may suit some palates. The stock for Beurre Ranee is, I believe, the wild Pear only. It does not succeed on the Quince. I have had it from Sawbridgeworth, and doubtless the right stock is known there. All I can say is that never yet, after buy- ing, as well as growing it, have I tasted a Beurre Ranee above the rank of a second-class Pear. Winter Nelis is som 'times good, but never quite first-r.ate; Josephine de Malines always beats it in size, appearance, and quality. Then why should we plant these inferior sorts ? Louise Bonne is very good, as again and again I admit; but never yet was it quite first-rate, to a very critical palate, nor will it ever be so. The texture of Louise Bonne {grow it where and how you will) is not close and velvety. Without this perfection Pears may be refreshing, delicious, and all th.at, but they cannot be the cream of cream. As for Williams' Bon Chretien ever being a most exquisite Pear, I must dare to suggest that "Observer's" palate is gratified with a coarse aroma, if he finds it even tolerable. The texture is often decent, though with grit towards the centre, and the juice is pretty copious (if you gather the fruit un- ripe), yet it is a penally to eat more than a little slice. The Pear has a " yellow " taste ; I cannot expre.ss my meaning more clearly. De gustihus, &c. As for the Pears with the little black spots, and their blemished excellence, I will not presume to deny but what Nature may compensate them for the Mushrooms they have produced her. AVith us the spots become great cracks, and the Pear itself a split billet. The "fun- goid spots," beyond all doubt, do influence the flavour, and, at least in this soil, make it as bad as can be. " Observer " appears to me to have observed to good effect, and to give us value for many of his notes and queries. Your leading article on the hardiness of fruit blossom (see p. 515) is a great boon, although founded on partial, but strictly accurate, inspection. It sets one on the right track of ob- ■serving, which is the only thing required by an ignoramus (though not quite a tyro) who would watch things. I cannot endorse " Observer's " dictum as to long-stalked Pears being more liable to the frost- blow; neither do I quite understand how Swan's Egg SUt 30, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. caa be called a sliurt-stilked Pear. Surely the true old sort has quite a long stalk for a Pear of that size. It is most instructive to observe where and how the frost has worked. In some kinds the reproductive orKaus were left, apparently quite sound, and a ring of the foot-stalk was frozen. The four worst sufferers here have been Louise Bonne, Loon le Clerc, Marie Louise, and Duchesse d'Angouleine; and all these four divide the petals more than some other kinds do. I am quite sure that fatal harm occurs often before the bloom expands. [No doubt.] Our soil and site are not at all unfavourable to Pears; on the contrary, we have shown the handsomest English Pears in Covent Garden. Pari Paxsu. Clematis Standishii.— The spring flowering Clema- tises are now at their best, whether on poles or on trellis work. Having some few years back tried C. Jackmanui for bedding purposes with complete success, I thought I would try a bed of C. Standishii. This was done about 18 months ago, by planting them in rows 18 inches apart. They are now in full bloom, and all who have seen them within the last 10 days have been much delighted with the eft'ect which they produce. I have to-day counted in the space of a square yard 118 expanded flowers, besides several unopened buds. "When it is taken into consideration that these spring varieties commence and lihish flowering belore ordinary bedding plants begin, I think it would be a great acquisition m a gentleman's flower garden if certain beds were judiciously selected and planted, each with one sort. For example take the four cardinal points :— North bed, C. Standishii, beautiful violet blue ; south, C. ccerulea grandiflora, an azure purple ; east, C. Fortunei fl.-pl., largo double white ; west, C. Helene, white with straw centre. Besides, there are several other varieties from which selections might be made ; this would enliven the garden some six or eight weeks before ordinary bedding plants would come into flower, and would accustom the eye to the " gay and glittering flower garden when in its highest state of perfection." At first thought several would say, W hat ! have four blank beds throughout the summer ? By no means. The spring Clematises having finished blooming by the middle of June, all that should be done is to cut off the flower-stalks {leaving the bed covered with foliage), to prune back the young wood, and use the beds on the "carpet system," by plunging potted Pelargoniums, &c., between the rows of Clematis. O. J., Jiin., Woking Nursery. Echeveria metallica and Dwarf Succulents.— Your recent remarks on Mr. Gibson's arrangement of little succulents and Echeveria at Battersea remind me that at Berry Hill, a place always distinguished by good taste and management, Mr. Rogers had last season one very distinct arrangement, in which Echeveria metallica was the most conspicuous plant, associated with it being such dwarf things as Alternanthera paronychioides, dwarf variegated plants, and succulents in the form of lines of the little Sedum glauouni (hispanicum of some). The fine Sempervivura cali- fornicum was also used with good effect in this arrange- ment, and should be generally employed, as it is very hardy. By the way, the pretty and useful Echeveria secunda, and E. secunda glauca, are hardy in some places. Mr. Rogers had also some very chaste and attractive combinations of these Echeverias with very dwarf flowering plants and variegated Pelargoniums. E. metallica does well in all parts— Mr. Bennett had it very strong at Osberton. V. Laburnum Sports.— I send a few branches of pink Laburnum for your inspection, and beg to ask if you have known of any former cases of sporting in like manner ? We have two large trees, which present a curious appearance; some of the branches are alto- gether yellow, others, again, are partly pink and partly yellow. There is one long pink branch with three or four racemes of yellow at its extreme point; others, again, have a cluster on the top of a straight stem, like the specimen sent, with lilac flowers. I shall be glad to know if this is usual with this variety. Gardener, Oreat Doods, Eeigate. [Pine specimens of the very curious Cytisus Adami, concerning which so much has been written. The account given by the raiser was that a bud of Cytisus purpureus wa? worked on C. Laburnum. The bud did not push for a long while, but, when it did, it produced shoots, some having the characters of C. purpureus, others of C. Laburnum, while others were intermediate. Eds.] Protection of Fruit Trees.— Having briefly adverted (p. 519) to the theory of protection; to a few of the evils incidental to its excessive use, and to the most suitable materials to be employed, I will proceed to notice the best mode of its application. Before doing so, however, I wish to express the hope that all opaque protectors may speedily be discarded in favour of glass ; for we need not simply protection against cold, hut likewise, and even more urgently, an increase of heat, ■without any loss of light. I quite agree with every word that "Observer" ha-s so well said (p. 517) upon the importance of improving our climate. Notwith- standing all that Mr. Robinson has said, in the Ti)nes (May 14), and elsewhere, upon the importance of skilful training, all of which is important, I cannot for a moment agree with his seeming conclusion, that any skill in moulding a tree into form can prove a match for an ungenial climate, or that our climate is equal to that of France. Neither is it necessary to accept " Observer's" theory, that the earth is cooling down— a theory, by the way, which is not sustained by recorded facts. It is obvious that we require a higher class of fruit than those that contented our forefathers, and hence chiefly the outcry against our climate. It will do its old work as well as ever, and even ripen Grapes that would have astonished the monks of the olden time; and with such a forcing spring as we have had in these eastern counties this season, it would be impossible to believe that our cUmate is cooling down. It is much more i)robable that many of the fruits now grown are of a more delicate constitution than older varieties. With higher quality we have got greater tenderness. AVhile, therefore, gladly adopting every improvement in form, every lesson in cultural skill that can be learned from the French, or any other nation, strenuous measures must likewise be adopted for the amelioration of our climate, for I am thoroughly convinced that, in the race of fruit growing, to use " Observer's" trenchant words, climate is more than a match for skill. Neither does Mr. Robinson by any means ignore the importance of improviug our climate, for he strenuously advocates protection, and points out in his book, and elsewhere, how generally it is employed by the French growers. But he assumes that with similar protection and equal skill, the British ought to prove a match for the Continentalgrower, making little if any allowance for the natural differences of climate. In this possibly he has made a mistake, which may readily be forgiven for the valuable hints upon, and the stimulus which he has given to, fruit culture. To place us on an equality with the French, we require more ellicient protection. And this greater efficiency can only be secured by the employment of glass. Where they find a thin semi-opaque covering sufficient to ensure a crop, we require one of glass ; and for certainty and quality of produce glass protectors are needed for all our best fruits. " Observer " also points out a good mode of employing it, and I can add my testimony, from actual inspection, to the perfect success of this mode of fruit growing, at Sawbridgeworth and other places. Still, I believe that cheaper glass protectors are needed, and that such will soon be offered to the public, possessing likewise greater protective power than the glass ridges hitherto employed. But while all this glass is preparing for use, our present fruit trees on walls, or near the ground as cordons, must be protected by other means. I have already intimated that only retiform fabrics should be used. As to the mode of applying them, a very good system was pointed out by Mr. Wm. Hudson, at p. 321; only the temporary or permanent bracket which he recommends to be fixed under the coping, ought to be extended to double the width, that is 18 inches. The front edge should also be turned back thus ' — . The bracket ought likewise to have a fall from back to front, of from 2 to 6 inches. Then a couple of Beard's patent roof bars should be run along at top and bottom of the brackets, and be fixed or bolted to them. These would receive and hold tightly squares of 21 or 26 oz. to the foot sheet glass, 30 inches or 3 feet long, and 18 inches wide. This would complete the most important part of the protector, furnishing the tree with an impervious and yet transparent head-dress. Beneath this trans- parent coping, and 4 inches from its front edge, wires or rollers are fixed, for the reception of the netting or other textile fabric. The working gear must be so arranged that they can be rapidly drawn to one side, or rolled up and down at pleasure. By being hung beneath the overhanging glass they are kept dry, while the distance of a foot or more from the wall prevents all injury from friction or forcible contact of the blinds against the trees during high winds. This comparatively wide interval between the trees and their protectors likewise prevents the loss of heat directly by conduction, a matter of great moment at times when heat is invaluable. By suspending the covering parallel with the walls, all those acute angles are got rid of that favoured extremes and irregularity of temperature, rather than the husbanding of a genial warmth. Another great advantage arises from this disposition of the protecting material. The greatest loss of heat is not from the horizontal surfaces, but froni the vertical sides of walls ; for although heat radiates from bodies in all directions in straight lines, yet virtually the loss of heat from walls is more a vertical than a horizontal loss. Hardly has the heat left the walls when it begins to assume a vertical direction, and make tracks for the open sky, where it is speedily lost in uncomnensatory space. And not only is there a loss of heat in this way, but there is an inroad of cold from the same quarter ; hence the common expression, that the frost falls in straight lines, is literally true, though the language may not be scientifically^ correct. The open sky is so cold that, compared with the warm wall, it may be said to radiate cold, and not heat. Hence, the cold air comes down with the ruthless force of an iceberg upon our tender trees. I must reserve my opinion as to the best means of obviating this till my next communication. D. T. Fish, F.S.B.S., May 18. Early Peas. — I find that Suttons' Ringleader is much more forward than any other variety this season, as on former trials I have grown it by the side of Dickson's First and Best, Daniel O'Bourke, Dillistone's Early, Suttons' Early Improved Champion, and other reputed early varieties, and I find it quite 10 days in advance of all others. These trials have been made on shallow soil on a cold clay subsoil, at a high elevation on the Chilteru Hills. I find it to be the best early and late Pea in cultivation ; I gathered Peas in the second week in November last season, when it was not attacked by mildew. James Ratty, Or. to Cotterill Scholefield, Esq., Turville Park, Bucks. [We have received numerous other letters to the same effect, room for which in future can only be found in our advertising columns, unless, indeed, they contain some- thing more than a eulogy of one special kind. Eds.] The Late Liverpool Hyacinth Show.— "A Well- wisher of Fair-play " has dragged into the discussion the subject of awarding prizes to unnamed collections, and although I am in a position to fully justify this, it has nothing whatever to do with the point in dispute. The question really before us is, should the prize or prizes have been withheld from the collections when small wires (torturing, the " Well-wisher " sensationally calls it) were used, or should they not ? So I again repeat, that as the so-called " pinned " collections would have taken the same prizes if they had not been pinned, it would have been manifestly unfair t-> have disqualified Ihem because each bloom had been propped up or "faced" with almost invisible bits of wire. I never flinch from doing justice to friend orfoo when judging their productions, and I beg to express m,v sense of the misrepresentations of the various critics who have, through your columns, wilfully or ignorantly misrepresented my doings. Mr. Tyerman, in your number of May 2 (p. 463), should havo made himself better acquainted with facts. His statement as regards " the reprehensible practice of pinning Hyacinth flowers on the spikes, as prac- tised by an exhibitor at the late exhibition of the Liverpool Horticultural Society," is simply untrue. I distinctly stated in a previous communication that not a pip (or flower) was added, or " pinned" on, and that no attempt was made to deceive the judges by adding even one pip to the spike; had there been, disqualification would most undoubtedly have followed. No one ever supposed the committee "sanctioned any malpractices," and Mr. Tyerman, even as the " President of the Society," should have been content with my remark, that the matter may be safely left to the committee for another year. There was no rule to prevent the use of the pins, so we had no rule to enforce disqualification. Mr. Tyerman says, "had he been consulted by the judges, ikc." If he had been near us at the time the subject would havo been named to him, as it was to the secretary and oiio or two of the committee who happened to be near just then, but any recommendation he may have given to disqualify would not havo had the slightest weight with me, as I could not sanction a wrong. Ho expresses surprise at hearing nothing of the case until the discussion of it in your columns. Does it not strike Mr. Tyerman that if the matter in dispute had been such a great evil, as he terms it, that he woul.l have heard something of it before he got his " first intimation of the evil through your paper?" Tli ; whole affair is " a storm in a teapot," and should never have been made the subject of a newspaper contro- versy. I have now, I hope, done with it. Il'illia.ii Dean, Bradford Nursery, Shipley, Yorkshire. Societies. Crystal PiLiCE Show : May 23. -This was in all respcc^ts an e.^ceUent exhibition ; Roses, Azaleas, and Pelargonium i were all th.at could possibly be desired, and there were larg : masses of stove and greenhouse plants, Orchids, and miscel- laneous subjects. Of stove and greenhouse plants in flower there was a magnificent exhibition. In point of perfection in growth. Indeed, the specimens were for the most part all th.it could be desired. Mr. Peed, gr. to Mrs. Treadwell, Lower Norwood, took the Ist prize in the Class for 16 ; Mr. Donald, gr. to J. G. Barclay, Esq., Leyton, came 2d with another very nne collection ; Mr. Kemp, gr.to the Duke of Noi-thumberland, Albury Park, Guildford, was 3d ; Mr. G. Wheeler, gr. to Sir P. H. Goldsmid, Bart, Regent's Park, was 4th. In the Nurserymen's Class for 10, Mr. Wilhams, of Holloway, took the first position. Mrs, Glendinniug & Sons, of the Chiswick Nursery, were 2d; Mr. Baxendine was 3d, and Mr. Rhodes, Sydenham Park Nursery, 4th. In the corresponding class for amateurs Mr. Peed took the 1st prize ; Mr. J. Wheeler, gr. to J. Philpott, Esq , Stamford HiU, Mr. .Wilkie, Oak Lodge, Kensington, and Mr. Kemp, were respectively 2i, 3(1, and 4tb. In the Class for 6 plants, Mr. Ward, gr. to F. G. Wilkins, Esq., Leyton ; Mr. Carr, gr. to P. L. Hinds, Esq., Byfleet ; and Mr. Wilkie, took prizes in the order in which they are named ; whilst equal 4th prizes were awarded to Mr. Woodward, gr. to Mrs. Torr, Ewell ; and Mr. J. Wheeler, Stamford Hill. Of mixed collections of fine-foliaged and flowering plants, the successful exhibitors were Mr. Williams and Mr. Young, gr. to W. H. Stone, Esq., M.P., Havant, who were severally let and 2d ; Mr. Peed and Mr. Tauton, Epsom, to whom equ.il 3d prizes were awarded ; and Mr. Gell, gr. to Mrs. Beaufoy, South Lambeth, who was 4th. Orchids were very attractive. Mr. Penny, who was 1st for 20, had a fine example of the beautiful Odontoglossum Alex- andra, O. Pescatorei, which it very closely resembles, and nasvium maj us, richly speckled; Oncidium Barcodes, one of the handsomest Oncids exhibited ; O. crispum, Saccolabium curvifolium, Phalsenopsis grandifloi"a. Cypripedium barbatum superbum and villosum, Lajlia cinnabarina, always very effec- tive by its colour, especially when the specimen is fine ; Calanthe vestita, Vanda tricolor superba, and others. Mr. Gedney, gr. to the Rev. W. Ellis, Hoddesdon, was 2d with an interesting collection, in which were tho pretty Chysis Limminghii, Vanda teres, Vanda suavia, Calantho masuca grandiflora, Cypripedium Lowii, villosum, and Stonei : a finely-coloured Cattleya citrina, C. superba, and CChysis briictescens. In the Nurserymen's Class for 10, Mr. Williams, who took the 1st prize, had Cattleya citrina with 11 flowers, fine Aerides, Saccolabiums, Odonto- glossum citrosmnm, and Cypripediums. Mr. Bull, who Wiis 2d, had a good Trichopilia tortilis, Cattleya citrina, and Cypripedium Lowii. For 12 Orchids, Mr. Wilson, gr. to W. Marshall, Esq., Enfield, w.a3 1st, with a remarkably fine collection, in which were Cypripedium caudatura with li flowers, and C. villosum with 13 flowers : Ltelia grandia, con- spicuous by its nankeen flowers ; Dendrobium nobile, D. densiflorum album, with fine spikes of its white and orangu flowers : Eriopsls rutibulbon, Odontoglossum luteo-purpureum, and O. citrosmnm. Mr. Young, who was 2d, had in his collection the brilliant orange-scarlet-flowered Epidendnini vitellinum, some excellent Oncidiums, Aerides, and Odontn- glossums. Mr. Peed was 3d, and Mr. Burnett, gr. to W. Terry, Esq., Fulham, 4th. New plants were slaown in considerable number by Messrs. Veitch, Mr. Bull, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Wimsett, but nearly all of them have been noticed in previous reports. First-cla-ij Certificates were awarded to Messrs. Veitch for Colcus Saundersii, Scottii, Bateraani, and Bausei ; AlocMia Jen- niugsii, Dracjena Macleayi with very dark reddish olivo leaves ; Dracaena regina, with large leaves margined with p.do yellow : Dracasna Moorei and Chelsoni, Retinoapora filicoidos, and Fi-anciscea calycina major. Mr, Bull had similar awards for Cibotium regale, with the stem covered with brownish yellow down like a chignon ; Encephalartos gracilis, and Coleus "Beauty;" Mr. Williams for Cibotium speotabile, Za iiia Ghellinckli, and Cooos Woddeliana; and Mr. Wimsett fur Coleus Marshallii. Heaths were numerous, and many of the specimens were very flne, though in kind very nearly the same as in previous years. In the Class for 10, Messrs. Jackson, of Kingston, were 1st. In the coUection of Mr. Rhodes, who was -d, vMre several fine specimens of favourite kinds ; Mr. w imams, wno was 3d, also contributed some good specimens ; and Irom 576 TEE GARDENEES' CHBONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 30, 1868. Messrs. F. & A. Smith came a collection to which a 4th prize was awarded. In the Amateurs' Class for 8 Mr. Peed took the first place in the prize list, and Mr. Ward the 2d. The 3d and 4th prizes went to Mr. J. Wheeler and Mr. Kemp, The prizes for C plants went to Mr. Ward, Mr. Peed, Mr. G. Wheeler, and Mr. Carr, who each exhibited well-yrown plants in good bloom. Azaleas, as a whole, were magnificent, though not so large as have been shown on previous occasions. Mrs. Glendinning & Sons had the best eight in the Nurserymen's Class. Mr. Williams was 2d with a nice group of pyramidal cloaely -trained pLants. The best eight in the Amateurs' Class came from Mr. Carson, gr. to W. R. G. Parmer, Esq., Cheam ; Mr. Penny, gr. to H. H. Gibbs, Esq. ; Mr. Gell, and Mr. G. Wheeler being the other successful competitors. For six Mr. Penny was 1st with several well-grown plant ; Mr. G. Wheeler, 2d ; Mr. Wilkie was 3d ; equal 4th prizes were awarded to Mr. J. Wheeler and Mr. Woodward. In the Nm-serymen's Class for 6, Mr. Turner and Mesf=rs. Lane took equal 1st prizes. Messrs. Lane sent Advance, with large rose-coloured flowers with a crimson blotch, Vaiiegsta, Semiduplex maculata, Lateritia, Cbelsoni, and Magnificent. Of Rhododendrons in pota, the only exhibition came from Messrs, Lane. Of PcLargoniums admirable collections wet-e shown both iii the Amateurs' Class and in that of nurserymen. In the former Mr. Nye, gr. to E. Foster, Esq., and Mr. Ward, gr. to F. G. Wiikins, Esq., were equal lat. Mr. Turner and Mr. Fraser ran one another very oloaely. The same exhibitors again showed Fancies, platits, which wore admirably bloomed, and contained the usual kinds. In the Amateurs' Class Mr. Donald was Ist ; and Mr. Weir, gr. to Mrs. Hodgson, was 2d. In the Class for 10 Roses in pota not larger than 13 inches across there was a keen competition between Mr. Tumor and W. Paul, to whom equal priaoe were awarded ; Messrs. Paul & Son were 3d, with a nice collection ; and Messrs. Lane &. Son, 4th. In the Class for 12 Roses, Messrs. Paul & Son were let, Mr. Turner was 2d, Mr. W. Paul was 3d. Among miscellaneous subjects, Messrs. Carter & Co. exhi- bited at the end of the Palace next the late trapical depart- ment a mixed collection of plants, consisting of Orchids, stove and greenhouse plants, and various subjects with orna- mental foliage. The whole being very neatly arranged, formed a very attractive termination to that end of the building. Messrs. Paul &, Son contributed five boxfuls of cut Roses : Mr. Turner a collection of Roses in pots, Azaleas, and Lilium auratiim ; Mr. Bartlett, of Hammersmith, Hoteia jap mica, and standard Fuchsias ; Messrs. Ponsford, Brixton, a collec- tion of hardy Ferns; Mrs. Glendinning & Sons, excellent pans of Anaectochils ; Messrs. Walfcliug, Perkins, Wimsstt. P. & A. Smith, Downie &l Co., and W. Paul, variegated zonal Pelargoniums ; Messrs. Downie & Co., and Mr. Bragg, Pansy blooms ; Mr. Gardener, Eatington Park, Stratford-on-Avon,' Elnige Nectarines and Royal George Peaches, and Mr. Sclater, gr, to the Earl of Pembroke, three di&hes of Cherries. Royal Bot.\nic : May 27 and 28. — Owing to the noble examples of Azaleas, Roses, and Pelargoniums which were shown on this occasion, this exhibition was more than ordi- narily striking; stove and greenhouse plants, too, were present in great numbers, and there were likewise some admirable collections of Ferns and other plants remarkable for the beauty of their leaves. In the Class of 12 stove and greenhouse plants, Mr. Peed showed nearly the same collection as that which he produced at the Crystal Palace. Messrs. Donald, Wheeler, and Kemp also showed in this class, and were awarded prizes in the order in which their names stand. In the Nurserymen's Class Mr. Williams had several beautiful examples of fine exhibition plants ; Messi's. Glendinning, were 2d. Well-managed groups also came from Mr. Baxendine and Mr. Rhodes, while in the Amateurs' Class of 6, Messrs. Ward, Wilkie, Brockwell, and Burnett showed small masses of finely-grown plants. Of groups of fine-foliaged and flowering plants, Mr. Williams had an admirable selection. Groups of 6 fine-foliaged plants were shown by Messrs. Pairbairn, Williams, and Taylor, and contained some exceed- ingly well grown plants. Cape Heaths were shown in beautiful condition in the Nurserymen's Class by Me-ssrs. Jackson, Rhodes, and Williams, and in the classes specially set apart for amateurs by Messrs. Peed, Ward, Kemp, J. & G. Wheeler, and Wilkie. Ferns, as a whole, were unusually fine, especially those con- tributed by Mr. Williams, to whom the Ist prize was deservedly awarded. Azaleas, especially Mr. Turner's plants, were *' mountains of blooms," but we may remind Mr. Turner that crinolines are out of fashion ; Mrs. Glendinning & Sons were 2d, Mr. Williams was 3d. Among Amateur exhibitors of 8 plants were Messrs. Penny, Wilkie, G. Wheeler, and Gell, and among those which showed 6 plants were Messrs. Turner, Penny, J. Wheeler, andWilkio, Of Orchids there was a fine bank of well-grown plants, which, if Vfe may judge from the number of admirers which constantly clung to them, were unusually attractive. Among Mr. Penny's collection of 15, to which the 1st prize was awarded, were certainly some wonderfully well-bloomed plants, in the first rank of which may be placed Cattleya Mosslaj, bearing an unusual amount of showy blossoms ; Lycaste Skinneri. and its paler variety, called Delicata j a grand Cypripedium villosum, and a fine variety of the Bearded Lady's Slipper, the beautiful Oncidlum sarcodes, and the much more handsome Odontoglossum Alexandra and Pescatorei, the orange Saccolabium curvifoUum, and one or two Dendrobes and other skilfully managed plants. The gem .among the 1.5 plants shown by Mr. Wilson, gr. to W. Marshall, Esq., Enfield, was Cypripedium caudatum, a magnificent specimen ; but many others were also equally well grown. Among the latter may be men- tioned Odontoglossum nebulosura candidulum, Cattleya .MoB-sise, and one or two Cypripediums. From Mr. Hill, gr. to R. Hanbury, Esq., came Dendrobium primuUnum, Cattleya lobata, and Skinneri, Phalienopsis Luddemanniana, the somewhat rare Chysis Limminghii, Miltonia stellata, and the beautiful Dendrobium Devonianum. Mr. Gedney, gr. to the Rev._ W. Ellis, of Hoddesdon, contributed Aerides Veitchii, bearing a fine branching spike of lovely blossoms ; the Indian Saccolabium ampullaceum, Cattleya Mossiag, Saccolabium curvifolium, Cj-pripedium Stonei, and villosum and others. Collections of 8 Orchids came from Messrs. Young, Burnett, Wheeler, and Fairbaira, and groups of G from Messrs. Williams, Bull, and Rhodes. Among these we noticed Den- drobium, Dayanum, Odontoglossum citroamum, various Cypripediums, Oncidium leucochilum, with a long well- flowered spike, the showy yellow Oncidium sessile, sphace- latum and ampliatum, the Foxbrush Aerides, Epidendrum vitellinum, Vandas and Chysis. Roses formed, as they generally do in May, one of the most prominent features of the exhibition; Mr. William Paul's 10 plants especially were unusually fine. They consisted of Laeha, Beauty of Waltham, Cbas. Lawson, Madame Ck-mence Joigneaux, M. Alfred de Rougemont, Louis Odier, Juno, Victor Verdier, S&nateur Vaisse, and Jean Gougnn. From Mr. Tuiner, who was 2d, came Mar^chal Vaillant, Souvenir d'un Ami, Victor Verdier, Celine Forestier, Vicomte Vigier, Anna Alexieff, Juno, Conilc^se de Chabrillant, Genoi.d Jacqueminot, and La Reine, all in fine condition. Messrs. Paul & Son. wl.o were 3d, had Celine Forestier. Nephctos. Coupe d'Hcbe, PaulPerras, Madame ViUermoz, Victor Verdier, Louis Odicr, Juno, and Paul Ricoaut. Messrs. TeiTy and Godfrey showed well iu the Amateurs' Class, in which were fine examples of Vicomtesse Decases and La Rhone. In an attractive group of small Roses in pots, which was shown by Mr. Wm Paul, we noticed two or three fine examples of that beautiful yellow Rose, Mar^chal Niel, which has proved itself to be very hardy aud a favourite with everybody. Pelargoniums formed a bank, an equal to which it would be difficult to find; for not only were the plants large and finely grown, but they were in the best condition possible as regards bloom, Mr. Fraser, who deservedly stood in the foremost rank on this occasion, had Coenilescens, Sanspareil, Lilacina, Madlle. Patti, Conqueror, Desdemona, Celeste, Empress Eugenie, and Festus. From Mr. Turner, who was 2d, came Lilacina, Beacon, Fair Rosamond, Rose Celestial, Cyrax, Spotted Gem, Desdemona, Mary Hoyle, and Pericles. Messrs. Dobson, who were 3d, had I^eotard, Maid of Honour, Land- seer, Constance, Regina formosa, Belle of the Ball, Favourite, Rosette, and Purity. Mr. Nye, gr. to E. B. Poster, who was lat in the Amateurs' Class, had beautiful examples of Desdemona, Etna, Pericles, Miss B. Coutts, Empress Eugenie, Madlle. Patti, Garibaldi, Conqueror, Royalty, and Favourite, the last a pretty light kind with a dark top, and with spots on all the petals. From Mr. Ward, who was 2d, came P«riclcs, Jlose Celestial, Desdemona, Garibaldi, Con- queror, Patroness, Fair Rosamond, Lilacina, and Madlle. Patti. Among Fancy kinds Mr. Fraser had magnificent plants of Miss in her Teens, Lady Craven, Lucy, Helen Beck, Roi des Pantaisies, and Clara Novello, the last literally a mass of bloom at least 4 feet across. Mr. Turner, who was 2d, had Countess Waldegrave, Lucy, Delicatum, Undine, Acme, and Ann Page. Messrs. Dotwon, who had neatly grown, but comparatively small plants, were 3d. In the Amateur's Class, Messrs. Windsor, Bailey, Donald, and James received prizes for Fancies, in the order in which their names stand. Among the sorts were Godfrey Turner, Lady Craven, Undine, Madame S. Dolby, Mrs. Ford,*Ellen Beck, Ann Page, Evening Star, Lucy, Neatness, and Roi des Fant;iisies. Of Seedling Pelargoniums and others not mentioned in this report some account will be given shortly. Of new and rare plants Messrs. Veitch had a large collec- tion, from among which the following were selected for Certificates, viz. ;— Gloxinia James Gray, one of the erect flowering kinds ; Alocasia Jenningsi, which has already been described in our columns ; Coleus Ruckeri, Berkeleyi, and Bausei ; a large flowered variety of Oncidium bifolium, Nipho- bolus lingua corymbifera, a fine Japanese sort ; Lomaria ciliata, and a Bornean species of Lindssea, the handsome Retinospora filicoides, a hybrid Nepenthes, Areca, Baueri, and raonostachya, the graceful -looking Paudanus gramineus, Cyathea Cunningham!, and Dicksonia Hillii, and Raphis humilis. Mr. Bull had also a large collection of new and rare plants, among which Certificates were awai'ded to what he terms the Chignon Fern,'viz., Cibotiura regale ; also to C. spec- tabile, Encephalartos gracilis, and Mackaii ; Hydrangea ja)ionica rosea-alba, a promising plant, but on this occasion not in perfection ; Coleus Elegant, a green-leaved kind, edged and blotched with chocolate ; C. Nonsuch, a brown-leaved kind, edged with green ; C. Gem, a small leaved sort, with a neat, unbroken margin of green ; C. Gran- deur, pale green, mottled with brown ; and C. Beauty, brown, with a narrow green edge. There were, moreover, in this collection Lastrea floridaua. a robust-growing kind ; Lomaria intermedia, the Central American Oyrtodeira Cliontalensis, a variegated variety of Capressus macrocarpa, Ficus dealbata, with tolerably large leaves white on the underside ; the silroiy- marked Maranta virginalis, Dieffenbachia eburnea, with creamy-spotted longish-shaped leaves of no particular beauty ; Rhopala aurea, and Geonoma Seemanni, a handsome plant with pretty ribbed or rather corrugated foliage. From Mr. Williams came Cibotium regale, Cocos Weddcliana, a hand- some species ; a sti'aw- coloured Miltonia, with a white lip streaked with reddish brown ; a singtilar little yellow Promensea, blotched and spotted on the throat with reddish brown ; the small-flowered Nasonia cinnabarina, Maxillaria i'nrneri, Asplonium auriculatum, and Arachuanthe musifera, with pale cre.amy-coloured flowers. Prom Messrs. Jackson came Encephalartos cycadsefolia, a hoary-looking plant, which, mixed with bright green vegetation, cannot fail to have a striking appearance. Among miscellaneous subjects were various Calceolarias, Pansier, Gold and Bronze Zonal Pelargoniums, and other florists' flowers, of which notice will be taken hereafter. Also collections of hardy herbaceous and alpine plants from Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Mr. Ware, both of whom showed examples of the singular-looking Arvira crinitum. Mr. Bartlett had, as usual, Hoteia japonica. From Mr. Wimsett came beautiful examples of Coleus, especially Telfordi aurea, which even in a small state has a striking effect. We may add that Mr. John Waterer's magnificent exhibition of American plants is now in full beauty, and that it is wel' worth seeing. Of some of the more important varieties of both Azaleas and Rhododendrons which it contains, somo account will be given shortly. American Show at South Kensington.— The gorgeous show of Rhododendrons and other American plants fur- nished by Messre. Waterer & Godfrey, of Knap Hill was opened to the public on Wednesday last. It occupies, as usual, the monster tent in the eastern annexe, but on this occasion the whole interior has been totally changed, and instead of formal banks ascending in regular gradation from the centre to the sides, the whole is now thrown into an irregular scries uf elevations and depressions after the fashion of the gi-eat exhibition of 1866, and, as a consequence, the great canvas roof being proportionately dwai-fed, the effect is very much improved. As floral exhibitions these grand displays of Rhododendrons and Azaleas aie really enchanting ; and we think the actual display is, on this occasion, very much superior to all the previous shows held in these gardens. No one who is fond of flowers, and can find opportunity to see this show, should fail to do so during the next week. It is impossible to mention all the fine sorts which are exhibited. Those who are at all interested in the selection of meritorious varieties should either visit the tent, or the Knaphill nurseries for this object, but we may refer to a few recent kinds of striking beauty which cannot fail to command admiration. Thus, Caractacus is a rich purplish crimson, with splendid truss, foliage, and habit ; H. H. Hunnewell, a very dark rich crimsom, also forms a splendid truss ; H. W. Sargent is crimson, an enormous trusser, with the Catawbiense habit, and altogether a magnificent hardy Rhododendron ; James Bateman is a clear rosy scarlet, of the most perfect shape and habit ; Mrs. John Clutton, with flowers of the most exquisite shape, is certainly one of the most beautiful hardy white Rhododendrons in cultivation, remaining, it is said, longer in bloom than any other variety ; Mrs. Milner is a rich crimson, aUoi,'etber a first-rate kind ; Purity is a handsome white, with faint yellow eye ; Sir Thos. Sebright ia a very_ distinct rich purple, with large bronze blotch, and one which remains a long time in flower; and Stella is of a pale rose, with an intense chocolate blotch on the upper petal, a free bloomer, and probably the best of its class. These arc all seedlings raised at Knaphill, and, like the other varieties bred iu that establishment for many years past, are remarkable for their free habit, fine bold enduring foliagu, and close flower trusses. Of older Sorts we noticed the following in fine bloom : — Alarm, a beautiful sort, in which each petal is edged with , the centre being white ; Album elegans, blush, changing to white ; Concessum, clear pink, with lighter centre ; Everestianum, rosy lilac, spotted and fringed, an excellent free-blooming sort ; Fastuosum flore pleno. lilac, producing immense trusses of double flowers, and remaining a long time in bloom ; Lady Eleanor Cathcart, pale rose, spotted with chocolate, beautiful under canvas ; Lord John Russell, a pale rose, intensely spotted ; and Onslowianum, a delicate waxy blush, with yellow eye. In the Knap Hill collection will be fotmd, besides these, numerous other choice varieties, and especially a series of splendid new hardy Azaleas, remarkable for their increased size and Improved qualities, and of which we shall have some- thing to eay on a futuri Notices of Books. Catalogues RECEn'ED.— JE. G. Henderson Sc Son's Catalogue of Jiedding and Soft-icooded Plants^ illus- trated by woodcuts of Pelargoniums Madame Rose Charmeux, Princess of Wales, aud Reticulatum, the former described as a double-flowered Tom Thumb ; Petunia Lady Monorieff and Verbena Cherry Ripe. F. 4' ^. Smith's Retail Catalogue of New and Choice Flants. Carter's List of Bedding Plants, S(c., illus- trated with plates of Pelargoniums Egyptian Queen, and Madame Lemoine aud Emile Lemoine, the two latter double-flowered varieties, and the first one of the gold aud bronze section. Elcombe S( Son's List of Select Flower Plants. T. Sampsons Catalogue of Jiedding Plants. C. Turners General Spring Cata- logue for 1868. Scott's Ftotver Garden Annual Directory. J. Stewart 4' Son's Catalogue of Flo7-ists' Flowers. X>reghorn 4' Aitkin's Catalogue of Florists' Flowers and Bedding Plants. F. C. Seineman's (Erfurt) Illuslriten Oeneralcataloq, numerous wood- cut illustration.s. B.S. Williams' Catalogue of New and Bare Plants, Spring, 1808, contains Wcntherill's new Solanums, among other iuteresting novelties. Florists' Flowers. The Dahlia, a Decorative Plant.— How true is your remark (see p. 1266, 1867) that the Dahlia is not made the most of, and how apparent must this fact be to all, who are in the habit of seeing the Dahlia grown, or rather allowed to exist, as it gsuerally is in both private and public gardens. If we take the trouble to observe, we find old roots planted year after year without the least regard to colour, habit of growth, or height; and as the buff or brickwork-coloured sorts are gene- rally the most hardy, these predominate. These are allowed to grow, without proper ties or stakes, until the wind breaks away what ought to be the most orna- mental portion^; immediately after which some huge stakes are applied, to which the remaining lanky stems are tied, and the unsightly support is at once crowned with an inverted flower-pot. All I think will agree with me, that this picture is not in the least over- drawn. Now, as I have been a successful grower of this fine autumnal flower during the greater portion of my life, I intend to state how it should be grown in order to ensure a continuous and gorgeous display of bloom during summer and autumn. I also wish to give, here- after, a list of varieties most suited to the purpose, with the colours, habits of growth, &a., belonging to them, arranged according to their various heights. In the first place, no divided roots ought to be planted, as these invariably produce such strong shoots, that they rarely come into bloom until late iu the season, added to which the height of the plant is con- siderably increased, the lower branches, if any, are too much elongated, and the flowers have not the same smoothness and beauty as those furnished by plants which are struck in the spring. There is no diffi- culty in procuring plants of this description, as all cultivators for show purposes propagate Dahlias from cuttings, consequently they may be obtained from all nurserymen. These plants should be planted at least 3 feet from each other, about the last week of May or first week of Juno ; the latter I prefer, as on more than one occasion my entire collection has been severely damaged during the latter days of May. The , soil should only be moderately good, but made as reten- tive of moisture as possible— any thing short of clay will suit them. At the time of planting neat, straight sticks, about 3 feet long, should be inserted in the ground, and to these the young plants should be carefully tied. They should be occasionally watered, until they have grown sufliciently to shade the ground, when watering may bo dispensed with, unless the weather be so hot and dry as to cause the plants to suffer. In about a month or sis weeks side shoots or laterals will be emitted from the main stem ; these should be carefully tied out to neat stout sticks, about 2 feet high. Not a lateral should be removed, as these produce the best flowers, and prevent the plants from having the usual leggy appearance which they often have. About five short sticks to each plant will be necessary ; if properly placed, they will cause the plant when tied out to be as circular as a well-grown greenhouse plant. Nothing more will now be required but to look the plantation over occasionally, aud tie any branches to the stakes that may have grown out of bounds. No flower pots need be placed on the stakes, which ought to be all hidden frona view by foliage by the time they are well iu bloom. The sticks should be made of Nut, Ash, or any wood that will retain the bark, as such are al\va.ys less obtrusive than white or painted ones. They will also last for years if taken care of. I must again repeat the necessity for the lower branches being all left on the plants, as by that means they not only become well furnished with blooms from the bottom to the top, but are considerably decreased in height, and therefore much handsomer in appear- ance ; the blooms are also not so liable to he damaged by wind. The habit of the Dahlia of late years has been con- siderably improved, and instead of having plants 8 or May 30, lf68,l THE TrAT^PENFES' CITRONICLE AND ACtETCUT,TUT^AT, HAZETTE. 677 10 feet high, as used to be the case among the collec- tions grown for show, the majority are not over 4 feet ; and the graceful habit of some when laden with blonm^ from the base to the summit is most pleasing. It li:i- often been a matter of astonishment to me, that « ii li all the oiii>abiUties of this plant for decorative purposes, and the si'eat demaijd that exists for llowers, both in and out-of-doors during the autumn months, that more has not been made of it, seeing that the care required ia its cultivation is far less than is bestowed upon many less eflective plants. I am convinced that a mistaken idea, with rouard to the necessary care required, together with errors usually committed in its cultivation, are the main causes of its non-popularity. Charles James Perry, The Cedars, Castle Bromwich. The spring of 18G8 will doubtless be longremem- bered by growers of plants for exhibition. Weeks of sunshine, with on some days almost a tropical heat, preceded the first great flower show which was held at the Crystal Palace on the 23d May. The Roses, to which these remarks will be confined, were for the most part magnificent specimens of horticultural skill as far as regards cultivation ; but, alas ! the ceaseless sunshine and hot air alluded to above had told sadly on the freshness and beauty of the flowers. Those who saw the Roses at South Kensington on the 18lh of April, and those at the Crystal Palace on the 23d of May, would, I think, on instituting a comparison, award the pahn to the former. The plants at the Crystal Palace wore of course larger, and produced a finer eCToot en masse ; but the fleeting, though crowning beauty of a Rose — freshness — was absent. In making this remark I do not point at any individual, for there was but little difference in freshness in the competing collections. No Rose plants under any management could retain their freshness during such weather as we have experienced during the first 20 days of May. You might shade or put them out of the sun to retard the period of flowering, but this carried beyond a certain point would detract from the beauty of the colours, and you could not put them out of the hot air. Nevertheless Roses were there in abundance, such as the cultivator had been able to produce under these trying circumstances. Of large Roses in 11-inch pots there were four collections of 10 plants each. Anna Alexiefl', Souvenir d'un Ami, and Madame Villermoz, all in one collection, had each above 100 blooms ; Caroline de Sansal was also a magnificent plant, and Victor Verdier was very fine. There were two plants of the pale yellow Celine Forestier shown in beautiful condition, the one a round bush, the other a pyramid. Vicomtesse Decazes was as good as I have ever seen it, the flowers of large size, full, and beautiful in colour, and better in shape than usual. One plant of Juno attracted universal admiration, the flowers were so full and clear in colour, and their shape perfect. There were but three collections of small pot Roses, each collection consisting of 12 plants. One of the prettiest was Serairamis, the flowers blush, with deep pink centres ; Madame Alfred de Rougemont, white, was also in beautiful condition, the plant being literally covered with flowers ; Comtesse de Chabrillant had also some dozen of handsome flowers, all that could be wished for, both in colour and shape ; Monsieur Neman, blush, and Antoine Ducher, crimson, were both very fine, and are doubtless flowers which will be often met with in the future ; Madame Fillian, pink, maintained the high character it has already acquired, the flowers being so fresh in colour, and the petals so smoothly rounded ; Mareohal Niel was shown with three expanded flowers of large size, and iine both in shape and colour ; Maurice Bernardin, Framjois Louvat, and Marie Baumaun were the three best dark Roses ; JIadame Roussett was grand as a full deep pink; Madame Margottin was shown, but the flowers were not sufficiently expanded ; President and Alba Rosea were good ; and a small plant of Catherine Guillot was conspicuous by its symmetry and the number of its flowers. There were a few boxes of cut Roses, but the sorts were not numerous. Among Hybrid Perpetuals Frani^ois Lacharme, Charles Lefebvre, Exposition de Brie, Senateur Vaisse, Mdlle. Marie Rady, and Due de Rohan were the best. Of Tea-scented there were good flowers of Rubens, Vicomtesse Decazes, Jaune d'Or, Madame Villermoz, Devoniensis, and Mar^chal Niel. Before closing these remarks, I would impress on the Crystal Palace Company the necessity of securing the best qualified men obtainable to act as judges, if they desire their shows to retain the position they have hitherto done. Men should not be chosen for this high oDice because they can write or talk fairly ; they should be practical men, and if possible, first-class cultivators, men free from prejudice, gifted with the judicial mind, and above all things men of high honour. William Paul, PauVs Nurseries, Waltham Cross, If. The Miiy show at the Crystal Palace is invariably the main occafiion of SeedliDg Pelargoniums coming out in anything like force. Messrs. Turner, Nye, and Wiggins, contributed each a batch of new kinds. First-cLiss Certificates were awarded to Troubadour (Foster), which, though not shown in such good condition as when before the Florcal Committee, is yet a very beautiful soft flower, the peculiar glowing carmine hue stamp- inff it as an improvement on Mary Iloyle, and one or two others of a like character. The same award to Lord Ronald (Foster), with pale lilac-pink lower petals, medium dark blotch on top petals, lit up with a livi^bt r.rani^'c Vir.t.lcT, aiv! edged with violet rose : imf ttr-st rli^-^ is sIi-i-ati, I p-in- .y-M" rough on the upper petals. l>Mt riii;iiiil\- ,i liiMini-in^ < i",,, ful looking flower. Seci.iu.l cla-s t Vriiiicitc,-. w^r.j uw.ti.k.i to Rosalind (Beck), having ciirminu salmon lower petals, with conspicuous white centre ; dark blotch on top petals bor- dered with fiery orange, and margin of salmon-rose, the lower petals deeper coloured than those of Troubadour, and having hotter top petals : a finely-formed and smooth fl.jwer, quite worthy of the highest award ; and to Nonpareil (Turner), viith pale Ulac lower petals, stained with dark under a bold white throat, rich dark top petals, with well-defined manrin of bright rose : a good and promising flower, that will u.i doubt receive a higher reward. Other flowers of the large-llowerinij M|^ v.-itt^ feiy orange, and margined with rose on the uppi I ' I ■ I I li were not so good as in the case of RosaUnd, a I I 1 1' lid flower with a conspicuous throat ; Maid of II I I i,-ter), in the way of Lord Ron.ald, by the same t II . I, iiiil ji il'jr in the bottom petals, the flowers also larger, and witli more white in the throat, the top petals not so well marked as in the case of Lord Ron.ald but yet in flower is quite dLstinct from it, flowers large and bold ; Envoy (Turner), warm rose lower petals slightly pencilled with crimson, white throat, fine dark fop petals, with nan-ow ridge of rose, a very good and promising flower ; Olivia (Beck), a nice cheerful- looking variety, with warm orange-rose lower petals, stained with deep orange about the wliito throat, dark top petals broken into with fiery orange, and naiTow rose margin ; Sylvia (Beck), pme white lower petal, medium dark blotch on the top petals bordered with fiery carmine, and broad edge of white, too small as shown ; Jessica (Beck), also a light v.anety, but the lower petals suffused with pink, and better top petals than Sylvia, flowers small and rough : Juliet (Beck), another light flower but with more colour, the lower petals beint,' pink dashed with violet, dark top petals margined with fiery orange rose, also rather rough as shown ; and Isabella (Beck), violet- pink lower petals, slightly stained with dark, dark top petals, broken into and edged with lively rose, a medium-rizod flower. Two spotted flowers were also shown — one, L.ady of the Lake, with fiery orange spots on a rose ground, also blotched and stained with dark, dark top petals edged with rosy pink, white throat, a large and bold but somewhat rough flower ; the other. Hector (Beck), bright violet rose lower petals, blotched .and pencilled with dark, dark top petals, broadly but irregularly edged with bright deep rose, a medium-sized but showy flower. Of Fancy Pelargoniums Mr. Tui-ner was the only contri- butor. First-class Certificates were awarded to Princess Tcck (shown in excellent condition, and described Last week) ; Leotard, both very fine and beautiful, the fine hue of carmine rose contrasting well with the showy white throat and edge ; Fancy Fair and Belle of the Season, lilush lower petals with a spot of violet rose on each, and slightly veined with the same, rose upper petals dashed with violet, good shape, and very free blooming, the habit not so good as the others. A Second-class Certificate was awarded to East Lyune, which had aged considerably since seen at the last meeting of the Flor.al Committee. Other flowers in Mr. Turner's batch ware Victor Hugo, crimson rose, rayed with deep violet in the upper petals, the lower petals dashed with violet, pure white throat, and faint pale edge, a fine dark tlower tliat will pro- bably be seen in better condition ; Marmion, bright deep rose, a fine hue of colour, the throat white, and edged with the same, flowers large, but rough : Excelsior, with soft rose lower petals, veined and edged with white, glowing crimson rose upper petals, white throat, a very pretty medium-sized flower, with a good habit ; Brightness, still very pretty and bright, but to some extent supplanted by Leotard, which may be described as a finely developed Brightness, though distinct from it ; Lord of the Lsles, a very pretty hue of colour, pale violet rose lower petals, the violet more apparent towards the edge, the upper petals a little darker, the violet being of a deeper hue, white throat, and narrow edging of the same, flowers small, wanting smoothness, good habit ; Asrippa .and Mrs. Mendall, described last week, the last-named the best, the flowers larger, better marked, and darker, and promising to be seen in much Ijotter conditions ; Lady Dorothy Neville, a pale rosy carmine-coloured flower on the top petals, which are narrowly edged with white, pale lower petals, having a kind of crescent of bright pink under the throat, and broad pale margin, small and rough ; and Cinderella blight pink suf- fused with lilac, white centre and edge : as the flowers .age the colour deepens round the throat, bu '. i-Comes paler towards the edge : a small but pleasant flower ot good form and habit Messrs Downie, Laird, & Laing came out in strong force with gold, bronze, and zonal Pelargoniums, and were awarded seven First-class Certificates. The vaiieties were Beauty of Kent, yellow leaf ground, with broad bright chest- nut zone, fine foliage and habit ; Magnificent, in the way of Countess of Kellie, having a bold broad chestnut zone, not so dark in colour as the foregoing ; Miss Maynard, broad onauge broDze zone, on a yellow leaf ground, fine habit and foliage ; Stanstead Beauty, pale yellowish bright green leaves, with broad dark bronzy zone, the leaves large, striking, and of good shape, habit good ; Black Knight, bright green leaves, with a darker and bn>ader zone than Stanstead Beauty, the edge of the leaf having more yellow, fine habit : and to Mr. F. Hohler and Mrs. Lewis Loyd, two varieties in the way of Beauty of Ribblesdale ; the leaves of the former when young arc pale green, changing to yellow as they age, iiTegular shaped leaves and zone, habit good ; the effectiveness of this variety is much diminished by the young green leaves showing themselves above the older-coloured foliage ; the latter has a p.ale yellowish leaf ground, with narrow zone of chestnut, ch.angiug to bronze with age, habit indifferent. The high award given to the last-named varieties is to be regretted : actu.ally it was bestowing a premium on retrogression. Gem of Yellows and Signer Mario, from the same exhibitors, were in the way of Countess of Kellie, but not so good. Prince Silver Wings, from Mr. W. Paul, is a variegated zonal variety, quite novel in character, and promising to be an effective bcdder ; the leaves open yellow, with naiTow orange zone, changing with age to an irregular, narrow, bronzy and pale carmine zone, the edging of the leaves becoming of a pale primrose hue. Messrs. Perkins & Son, of Coventry, had baskets of theu- two new varieg.ated zonal varieties. Countess of Craven .and Queen Victoria : as well as splendid trusses of Verbena Shakespeare, well deserving ofnotice as an exhibition kind ; Countess of Cravcu has a remarkably free and compact habit, the leaf-colouring is well preserved, .and it has all the characteristics of a first-class bedder ; Pet of the Flock, from Mr. John Mann, of Brentwood, is a miniature variegated zonal variety, with a pale carmine and bronze zone, and primrose edge, the habit is good, and it promises to be a useful edging plant to large beds. A basket of Mr. Mann's Lord Derby the admiration of everyone ; it i the flowers appeared to surpa--- time during last year, while th "What it may accomplish as a be i to say that " ly desir.able. be proved. As .... exhibition kind it must be almost witliout a rival for the rich ijrilliancy and splendid shade and substance of the flowers. Lobelia ccerulea corapacta, from Messrs. Downie, Laird, Si Laing, has a profusion of bright violet flowers, with white centres ; the hue of colour makes it bright and effective, and having a close compact habit, it is likely to prove a good bedder. Petunias, Display, Essential, and Charter are pretty striped kinds of Mr, H'i!r« "train, well marked, and of good form; :^lo,l,.-i i I 1.1,1 1 ,| losy crimson and white, some parts quite ,i,,il., , , j : I lit ; Tropseolum Malvina, with largo .and .si,, 111 , .loured . flowers, should prove a good lieliei . To , I j t I deeper or.inge hue, that pales with age, the flowers siiiall and inferior to others in cultivation. B. P. Gladiolus Spawn. — It was stated in a contem- porary some coujile of months ago that spawn of the Gladiolus could be brought to flower the first year. I would therefore much like to know if any of your readers have ever done this, or seen it done ? In short, I doubt the statement altogether. I have tried to effect the operation, and this is the second years' growth of the sjiawn, but as yet there is only a single leaf from the bulbs, which indicates that there is no hope of flowers this year. Davie Bihble, Dundee. How TO Breed Ppke Queens. — Last week I alluded to the fact of the publication of a discovery- very analogous to that of M. Koehler, by a Scotch apiarian. I have now great pleasure in supplying your readers with the details of the discovery. The following letter appeared in the pages of a con- temporary :— " As many of the readers of our Journal may not be in a position to purchase the discovery of Mr. Koehler, I think they might in the meantime try the plan of an apiarian friend of mine for preventing his Ligurians from crossing. It is this. As soon as a young queen is hatched out in a nucleus box, a number of pure Ligurian drones are selected for her companions, and confined along with her in the box for two or three days. Then, on the afternoon of a fine day, when all other drones in the apiary have gone to rest, and the queen is judged ready to take her wedding flight, the hive is opened. As might be expected, the queen and her companions immediately avail them- selves of their liberty, and a pure breed is secured. Should the first tour prove unsuccessful, the hive is again shut up, and not opened until the following afternoon." M. /., LocJcerbie. The foregoing plan is so very nearly allied to that of M. Koehler, that I, in common with Mr. Woodbury, deemed it desirable to decline receiving any more names of subscribers of Ws. 6d. each for the secret of the German discoverer, though at the same time feeling very sorry that he should so soon have lost the chance of receiving a little pecuniary benefit for his plan. I have no doubt that the course of proceeding recommended by " M. J.'s " Scotch friend will be found to fully answer the purpose intended. It is strange that while feeding the young swarm and the stocks containing pure Ligurian drones, for the purpose of inducing the young queen and the pure drones to fly out earlier in the day than the drones of the generality of hives would ordinarily do, has been more than once recommended, the apparently equally simple mode of inducing them to go abroad after the usual time of flight should have been completely overlooked. In addition to the directions given by "M. J.," I would suggest that the bees confined in the nucleus should be supplied with a little artificial food, just prior to their being allowed their liberty. I think this would stimulate both queen and drones to take flight. I shall hope to hear of favourable results from any of our artificial queen-rearing friends who may be disposed to try this experiment. S. Sevan Fox. Fecundity of the Queen Bee. — In a paper read by Mr. Desborough before the Entomological Society on the 4th May, he makes the following extraordinary statement. To quote from the published report of the meeting :—" The author had succeeded in ascertaining that in certain cases the queen bee will survive and deposit eggs, during not fewer than six seasons, whereas the worker bees only live about eightmonths. Asingle queen had produced as many as lOS.OOO eggs, which would be about 20,000 a-year ; but the greatest amount of eggs was deposited during the first two years of her life, only about 15,000 being laid during each of the last three years." With regard to the longevity of the queen bee I have little to say, except that I do not believe, as a rule, her existence extends to more than four years. In all my experience I have never known the life of any to exceed that period of time. The workers may, and do live about eight months during the late autumn, winter, and spring, but on an average, during the summer, their lives do not exceed three or four months. But it is with respect to Mr. Desborough's statement as to the fecundity of the queen thai I must take entire exception. A healthy, vigorous queen, at the head of a strong and prosperous colony, in a well- proportioned hive, instead of laying only 108,000 eggs in the course of her life of— according to the author — six years, will lay much nearer 100,000 eggs in one season. I have myself had hives in which I have been quite certain that the queen has laid at least 70,000 eggs in a single year; and I have had and heard of other hives in which I have no doubt that the numbers far exceeded that amount. I have also had occasion to notice that the fertility of a queen is most abundant in the third season of her life, a great change for the worse taking place in her fourth or last year. It appears to me most probable that Mr. Desborough has drawn his inferences from observations of a colony domiciled in a glass observatory hive. It must be obvious to every one that bees under such circum- stances must be labouring under very great disadvan- tages, their energies are cramped in every way, and the breeding powers of the queen, as well as the work- ing powers of the ordinary bees, cannot have full scope for their development. S. Sevan Fox. Miscellaneous. T!ie Flower 5jr3 ■'! ■'0 9 '4 29 751 70 4,'i 57 5 5S 55 S.W. .00 « 65 ,17,0 Sun day 24 4(1 ,53 5 M s.w m 70 Wed. 27 5 30.067 30.031 73 37 65.0 00 Averaae 29.823 29.723 67.1 41.4 51,3 5-7 53.5 0 50 21— Clear and fine ; very fine ; overcast at ni^ht- 23-Cloudy. densely overcast; very dark ; shower; 21— Cloudy . rain ; heavy show — 27— Very fine ; clear and flue ; tine at niglit. Mean temperature of the week, 1 deg. below the average STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CHISWIClt. During the last 42 yeara, for the ensuing Week, ending June 6 it ?5^ sis 53S No. of Years in which it aained. Greatest Quantity Prevailing Winds. May and June. 2 a ■A ^■« I'i Sunday 31 70.3 45 0 57,6 16 O.lSitl. 2 w I 3 5 0 5 2 57.5 10 0.87 1 68.4 1.02 Friday .. S 71,5 47,4 e highest temperature during the above period 1816 -therm. 90 deg. ; and the lowest on the 3th, : Notices to Correspondents, Elms, Lime-s, &c. : C S. Yovi hud better defer tho priming of the trees you mention until after the fall of the leaf ; small supernumerary branches may, however, be cut off now. Names of Plants; A C. We see nothing in your specimens to distinguish them from Dendrobium Pierardi or cucullatum, as the largervai'ieties are called.— .R W. Aikanna tinctoria. — EL S. Saxifraga stellaria (common form); Myosotis collina(starvedspecimen).— ff i). Cytisus Laburnum var. purpureum.— / V. Ixora alba.— ff Af. Centaurea ochro- leuca, Lamium Orvala. New Zealand Flax; A Young Botanist. 1, Phormium tenax, nat. ord. Liliaces ; 2, next week. Tacsonias : F W B. There are at least haU-a-dozen species of Tacsonia in cultivation, and they are all fine showy plants, of largo growth, suitable for conservatories. Three of them have rosy pinlc blossoms, and of these T. pinnatistipula and T. mollissima havo tho flowers long-tubed, while T. san- guiuea has the tube short. The other three have the flowers of a rich crimson or bright red, and of these T. Van Volxemii has the flower-tube very much elongated, while T. manicata and T. Buchanani have the tube bat slightly developed. Variegated Feverfew: Jl/, Fdmonton, sends us leaves of a plant so Called, said to be perfectly hardy, and to be a perfect " mountain of light." It is certainly very pretty, and quite worth attention. It is not altogether new, but we are surpristd that in these phyllo maniacal days it has beea 30 long overlooked. Vine.? : Theor. One of the wild American Vines — most prob- ably Vitis odoratissima, the fruit of which is worthleas, having a strong foxy taste. Communications Received.— A Subscriber from the com- mencement.—Princess Teck(next week).-H. E. R.— R. J. —J. B., Dorset.— Tho Sec. Quekctt Microacop. Club. Mat 30, 1868,] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRTCULTURAL GAZETTE 579 CARTER'S COLLECTIONS OF PLANTS. For the convenience of those of our Customers who have not the time or inclination to make out their own selection of Plants, we submit the undermentioned Cnl- lections at a moat reasonable rate, to which we respectfully invite attention ; and we confidently hope that the liberal manner in whii^h the selections are made will induce the favour of a considerable extension of obliging orders. We have bestowed great care in the arrangement of the Borts ; none but good healthy plants will be included, and those varieties have been chosen which are most calculated to procure an effective display. Carter's Royal Kensington Collections. Comprising oriW eties of Oman havt) been u. ^ensiuKtOD Gardeas during tbe past s No. 4. Price 17*. 6(/., basket and packing included. m PLANTS-30 ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGE PLANTS ; 30 FLOWERING PLANTS, to consist of 4 Plants ot Alternanthera 4 Plants of Oernnin 4 „ Bdnibusa 4 „ Lobelias 4 „ Petunias 4 „ Verbenas Alt finest standard varieties ; also 1 Coleus Veitchii, 1 do. Gibsonl, and 1 Lobelia speciosa Queen of Whites, new, extra. For description of abose, seo our Illustrated Catalogue. Carter's Royal Kensington Collections. No. 5. Price 32*. 6(/., basket and packing included. 120 PLANTS-CO ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGE PLANTS; 60 FLOWERING PLANTS, to consist of 8 Plants of Alternanthera 4 ,, Rambusa 8 „ Cerastium 8 ,. CMlceolariaa 4 „ Coleus 4 ., „ Veitchii AH finest standard varieties ; also 2 Geraniums Mrs. Pollock, and 1 Lobelia speciosa Queen of Whites, new, extra. For doBCription of above see our Illustrated Catalogue. Farm Poultry. /:j.RET DORKING FOWLS, ot purest breed, in any Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largsst and moat productive BRAHMA POUTRA. CRKYECUiUU, and LA FLECUE FOWLS, for confitant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on application. John Bailt & how, 113. Mount Street, London. W. _____ rfrnWoYASCOPET^^EGG-rKSTER] io7"tcaling the X fertility of Eggs, and wliutlior uew or stale, Ac. Price 2s. Qd. THICK'S New INCUBATOKS and REARING APPARATUS, for Hatching and Rearing Poultry and Game without Hens. £7 and £10 10s. complete. Apply to William U. Thick, 1K8. Weorlliigton Road, KontibhTown. ORTdUMBERLAND AGRICULTURAL SUCIKIT. —The ANNUAL SHOW of the above Society will be held at COKNHILL, on THUHSDAY, July 23, when £410 and Five Silver Cups will bo awarded in Prizes to Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Swlno, and Implements. ENTRIES CLOSE JULY 1. Prize Sheets, Certificates, and other information may bo had on application to the Secretary, Mr. JACOB WILSON, Woodhorn Morpeth, ATU Carter's Crystal Palace Collections. No. 7. Price \5s., basket and packing included. 60 CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the mt effective varieties used at tlio above now celebrated bedding plai and ao admired by the teng of thousands of visitors every year. 4 Plants of Ageratum 4 „ Caleceolarias 4 Plants of Heliotropo 4 „ Carastium Lobelias 4 „ Fuchsias „ Petunias 4 „ Qiizanins „ Staohys 4 „ Geraniums „ Tropjeolum Verbenas 4 „ Gaaphnllum Including 1 New White Lobelia speciosa Queen of Whites, anc 1 ColeUB y«itchli. All finest standard varie ties. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections. No. 8. Price ZOs., basket and packing included. CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the effective vari ties used at the abo and 80 admired by che tens of thousands of visito rs every year. 8 Plants of Amaranthus 8 Plants of Geraniums Calceolarias 8 Gnaphalium Heliotropes 8 Dahlias 8 8 Fucbsi.as 8 .. Perillas * » Ecbevoria glauca (rare) 8 Petunia.'? Troproolum Gazanias 8 Verbenas Including New White Lobel a speciosa Queoa of Whites, and 2 Coleus GtbsonL All finest Stan iard varieties. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections, No. 9. Price 60^., ba.sket and packing included. 250 CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the most '"' ' ' .... ^ celebrated bedding place. effective varieties used and so admired by the 16 Plants of Age: Amaranthus Calceolanas Cineraria marl- Cerastium [tima of thousands of visitors every j IC Plants of Goraniums 16 „ Gnaphalium Lobelias Penllas Petunias Stachys 6 ,, Verbenas loclQ-iing 4 New White Lobelia Bpocioaa Queen of Whites, and 4 New Gold BroLze Geraniums. All finest standard varieties. * Any of the above forwarded immediatchj on receipt of Foft'office Order. JAMES CARTER & CO.'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE la now ready, containing complete Lists of New and Choice Stove, Greenhouse, and Bedding Plants ; also Coloured representations of the following New Geraniums — Egjptian Queen, Emile Lemoine, and Madame Lemoine, and may be had Gratis and Post Free on application to CARTER'S GREAT LONDON SEED WAREHOUSE 237 & 238, HIGH fiOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. B^ MENT ofAORfcULTURE, ARTS, MANU- rACTURES, and COMMERCE. ESTiDLisniD 1777. Patron— U.V..il. Tm PaiKcs of WiLEi, K.O. i'lciiiifnt— Sir J. T. B. DuoswoaTi!, Bart. The ANNUAL EXHIBITION of STOCK, POULTRY, IMPLEMENTS, WORKS of ART, and HORTICULTURAL SPECI MENS will take place at FALMOUTH, On JUNE 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, 1S68. JOSIAII GOODWIN, Secretary. 4, Terrace Walk, Bath. "DOTAL AGRICDLTUKAL SOCIETY of ENGLAND. LEICESTER MEETING, 1868. ENTRIES of STOCK, BUTTER, CUEESE, and WOOL CLOSE on JUNE I; and all Certificates recoired after that date will bo returned to the sender!. H. HALL DARE, Secretary. 12, HanOTer Square, London, W. Wfxt ^flrtcttlttttal ^K^tiit, SATURDAY, MAY 30, 1868. MEETINGS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. SiTunOiT, May 30-Horse Show, at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. MosDAT, June I (Annual MectinR of Hath and West of Eujiand " The University of Edinbm-gh intends to con- fer the Degrees of Bachelor and Master of Agri- culture (Agr.B. and Agr.M.) on all who may bo found deserving of such distinctions." We have now before us further information on this important subject, and learn that agriculture, engineering, and veterinary surgery form three sections, in each of which Degrees will be granted. Before any candidate can graduate in agriculture he must satisfy the University examiners as to his general attainments, by undergoing a somewhat formidable preparatory examination, unless exempted by the possession of certain stated qualifications. The following is the published programme : — " The candidate who has passed successfully this examination may present himself at the next exami- nation for his Degree of Bachelor of Agriculture. For this examination the candidate must produce certi- ficates of acquaintance with practical agriculture, and is required, with the view of specialising his studies, to profess one, and not more than one, of the following groups of subjects, with their practical relations to agriculture: — A. Natural Sciences — Botany, Geology, and Zoology; B. Experimental Science— Chemistry, and Physics; c. Mechanical Science — Mechanics and Engineering. The certificates of the Royal Agri- cultural Society, the Highland Society, and the Royal Agricultural College, will bo accepted for practical agriculture. " Successful candidates who have thus acquired the Degree of Agr.B. may at the next period of exami- nation, provided they have attained the age of 21, proceed to the e.xamination for the Degree of Master of Aj;riculture (Agr. M.). For this Degree the candidate will be required to submit to a searching examination on one of the following subjects, in its special relation to agriculture: — A. Agricultural Chemistry — organic and inorganic ; B. Agricultural Mechanics— Machinery and Implements; c. Engineering (Civil) — Surveying and Draining, &c. ; D. Natural History — Botany, Geology, &c. ; E. Animal Physiology— breeding, rearing, &c., of animals. The e.xaminatioQ3 for Degrees will be conducted by University examiners, and an examiner appointed by the Highland Society." Although wo might feel disposed to criticise the plan of examination adopted by the Edin- burgh University, we cannot but rejoice in the fact that the University is about to recognise the importance of our profession by inviting agricul- tiu-ists to share in her bonfits. It is true that an agricultural Degree is far from being a new idea, or even a new fact, but we record a decided step in advance when announcing that a learned University proposes to grant such a Degree. Such an inducement to study the theory and practice of farming will, wo hope, be of benefit to the country at largo, for in the case of farming, as in surgery, the distribution throughout the country of men holding a degree certifying a sound knowledge of their profession, must exert a good influence upon existing practice, and thus indirectly increase that important item in a country's welfare, the food of tho population. To make them graduates of a great and loarnod Society will also act beneficially in improving tho status of many of those who aro engaged in promoting the interests of agriculture. And wo may at tho same time express a sincere conviction that such a Degree judiciously granted will not tend to lower tho dignity of the highly educated body of men who grant it ; but that it will intro- duce a now and vigorous oloinont calculated to redound to the good of not only tho recipient but of thoso who bestow it. It is gratifying also to observe the effect of the enlightened condition of Scotch agriculture in thus securing tho grave attention and approval of so august a body as tho Edinburgh University. And conversely the presence of the University in the centre of Lothian farming must be recognised as one of the causes of the enlightened condition of the Scotch agriculturists. So that the granting of University membership to those who satisfy its examiners must be looked upon less as a new relation.ship than as adapted for more closely cementing already existing ties. The advantages of a Degree of Agriculture are manifold. It implies a good elementary educa- tion, a satisfactory knowledge of those sciences which aro considered to bear tipon the advancement of agriculture, and an intimate knowledge of both the theory and practice of farming. With these solid benefits, it confers tho elevating privilege of being one of a body of men who have been ever distinguished as pioneers of progress. And, lastly, we can think of nothing better calculated to release agriculture from the thraldom of feudality and the burdens of unequal legislation. It is true that one objection may bo raised against granting a University Degree in an industrial pursuit, such as farming, on the ground that hitherto such distinctions have been given only as certificates of liberal education or high scientific attainments. Agriculture is, however, so pre-eminently important, and embraces within its cii'cuit such numerous and diversified kinds of knowledge, that it may well claim an exceptional place amongordinary mechanical pur- suits, and demand to be put in the same category with engineering, medicine, and surgery. Wo have alluded to tho previous existence of agricultural Degrees in this country, and in considering this subject it would be unpardon- able to pass them over in silence. The Highland and Agricultural Society have long granted a diploma to agricultural students qualified to pass their annual examinations held in Edin- burgh. The Cirencester College for a period of 25 years has also granted a diploma or certificate of membership to students who, having passed through the prescribed course of study, have satisfied examiners of their proficiency, not only in the science but tho practice of agriculture. The degrees conferred by these two last-named bodies have been of great benefit to thoso who have obtained them, although of comparatively recent institution. The graduates constitute an over-increasing muster-roll of men who will becomo yearly more Important in tho agricultural world. Professors Coleman and Tanner, Mr. Jacob Wilson, Mr. C. S. Bigoe, Professor Wrightson. and Mr. Swanwick known in tho Highland and Agricultural Society as a hard-working and accurate experimenter, are members of tho Cirencester Agricultural College : upwards of 100 other gentlemen have also graduated at tho same institution. The only fear wo entertain is that agriculturists will not avail themselves in sufficient numbers of this great boon held out to them by the University of Edinburgh. Tliero certainly has been a great amount of apathy displayed hitherto in taking advantage of existing opportunities of a similar kind, but wo sincerely hope that, as knowledge becomes more valued, the tests and stamps of its possession will be more appreciated. Mark Lane lias been so influenced by the hot forcing weather, and the refreshing rains which have faUen, that no business whatever, beyond what was 580 THE GAEDENERS' CERONIGLE AOT) AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 30, 1868. required for immediate consumption, has been done during the week. The lower quotations of Monday have therefore scarcely been sustained at later markets. Home correspondents all agree, however, in describing rick-yards as nearly or quite empty ; thus, it will be near work to span the interval between the pre- sent time and a full supply of the new crop. The weather will probably cause a variation of a shilling or two up or down during the next two months ; but, although we do not advise any one to put himself out of the way to hold his corn, we cannot point to any reliable grounds for concluding that English corn will decline much in price this side of a full British supply. — -The beef trade is getting more active in nearly all the provinces. At Manchester good qualities are quoted TIJ. and 7ld. per lb. ; Derby market supplied a similar rate ; Birmingham affords fully 8rf. per lb. for good beasts ; in the western markets quotations are also higher than thoy are in London. "What then becomes of the outcry about the Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Hill, which the foreign dealers say was designed to check importation. If trade generally revives, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer says it is doing so, animal food will rise rapidly in price. Mutton con- tinues to be a dull sale, and remains below beef in price. Lambs never came better to hand, scarcely an " open coat " appearing in the market ; the trade, however, is not brisk, which arises, probably, from the commercial panic having reduced the number of dinners given by companies and their governors, directors, and secretaries. The AVool Trade is unsettled, from factors being unable to form any clear opinion as to which way prices are likely to turn. New Potatos and Peas are becoming plentiful, for a few of each are beginning to appear on street barrows. If this weather lasts, we anticipate that ne.xt week they will be as abundant as was ever known. Old Potatos are, of course, scarcely inquired after. The Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Market Bill was returned to the House of Commons on Thursday last, when it was Reported to be Printed as Amended ; subsequently, it was re-committed for Monday, June Sth. The additional points which were agreed to by the Committee "upstairs" on Thursday — when they finished off their protracted work, were— (1.) The Corporation is to be allowed 14 days after the passing of tbe Bill to determine whether they will undertake the building and management of the market ; failing this, the business will revert to the hands of Royal Commissioners, who will then complete the works and make necessary arrangements for controlling the importation and slaughtering of foreign animals, (i). If the Corporation decide upon adding the new market to their Corporate affairs, they are to be allowed one year for the purpose of acquiring a site. This time appears excessive, but powers may be required to enable them to take possession of land which may be refused them by its present owner or owners ; or too high a price may be set on any plot or plots which may be offered, and at the same time be considered convenient. In such a case power for compelling the vendor to submit to arbitration would be necessary. This power is not given in this Bill, and should any obstinacy or jealousy be developed, which is more than likely, seeing the contending parties are so many, a Bill which would contain the ordinary arbitration clause would have to be intro- duced into Parliament ne.xt Session. (3.) These preliminary points being satisfactory, the Corporation IS to be allowed two years to complete the market in. Thus, it will have been perceived, three years will have to run before any material alteration can be made in the sale and distribution of both English and foreign stock in the metropolitan district. AVith reports from several parts of the country of an increase of pleuro-pneumonia, we need not add that during this time the greatest possible responsi- bility will devolve on the Veterinary Department of the Privy Council, and on the Privy Council themselves. Indeed, every one in authority, who is vested with power under the Orders of the Privy Council, will fail to do his common duty unless he exercises his utmost vigilance to prevent any wilful or reckless trading that will endanger healthy cattle. Farmers, too, may voluntarily do much for their own safety ; and wherever any suspicion of traffic iu diseased animals by unprincipled persons is excited, they will do well to exercise their ingenuity in ascer- taining if there be any fair grounds for alarm. If this be established^ neither time nor pains ought to be spared in putting the properly qualified authorities in motion to warn offenders; and, if this be not sufli- cient, to punish them with the utmost severity which the present laws and Orders iu Council will allow. -; — The Royal Agricultural Society's Meeting at Leicester will not be honoured with the presence of his Royal Highness the Peincb of Wales, as was confidently anticipated. His Royal Highness's Secre- tary has replied to an address from the Mayor and Corporation of the town, declining their loyal invita- tion, on the ground that his Royal Highness's previous engagements would prohibit a visit to Leicester during the week of the Koyal Agricultural Society's Show. The Veterinary authorities of Scotland recently made a formal application to the Government for a Veterinary Charter for Scotland. We are informed by the Farmer, a Scottish agricultural authority, that tbe Lords of the Council have declined to accede to the petition of the Scotch Veterinary Professors. The Rev. Canon Girdleston'e, unable to be present at the discussion ol Mr. Baily Denton's paper on the Agricultural Labourer, has since written to the Secretary of the Society of Arts to state " his conviction that, notwilhstanding many plausible statements to the contrary, made chiefly by interested parties, agricultural labourers in all parts of England- some more, some loss, but all to a great extent— are in a far more depressed condition than any other class of workmen. It is proverbial," he says, " that there is no cue, however liberal in opinions, who would seriously propose to trust the franchise to poor Hodge, as ho is called, until he has, by some process or other, been made much more of a man than he is at present. I am inclined to think that the most likely instrumen- tality for his improvement consists of a system of registration, and removal from low-paid to better-paid districts, and the formation of mutual aid and protec- tion societies, strictly guarded by rule against aggression and violence. If a central committee could be formed in London of those interested in the subject to promote and set on foot the above, and to push forward all such questions as that of education, improved dwellings, better administration of Poor-law, &c., something practical might result. But I fear the class is at present too depressed to be in a condition, without extraneous aid, to help themselves." Mr. Tomline, M.P., has written to the Shropshire Chamber of Agriculture in condemnation of the pro- posal to appoint a Minister of Agriculture. He says : — " The proposal of a Government department, pre- tending to do for you the work which you are learning to do so well for yourselves is the most dangerous step of all. It is attractive, and holds out to active men the prospect of salaries and places. Yet it is useless. A^ secret hoard can do nothing but grant favours. You ask for none, you expect none. You are not powerful enough to obtain an)'. It maintains mystery : your desire is publicity, not only for your own satisfaction but for that of other classes in towns who will gradually become your friends as they find out that you are working for them. Instead of a new Board, I hope to see our Chambers striving to do away with the Board of Trade. The statistics it collects are better collected by the Customs ; commercial treaties, which are con- trary to the principles of Free Trade, are better managed by the Foreign Office. The new business it creates for itself— railway inspection, watch- ing the wind and weather, inspecting lime juice and oysters, employing attorneys to give their opinion on shipwrecks— is better let alone. These useless duties are established to multiply places and salaries. Secret Boards strike at the power and independence of Parlia- ment. They have their favourites, listen to their prayers; introduce, and, by the discipline of party, carry measures which are sought by single classes. Parliament cannot resist. Hence, in a great measure, arises the extravagant expenditure which has become a danger. You are united to reform and diminish rates; may 1 venture to hint that it is within your duty, also, to refoinu and diminish taxation, and ask you not to assent too readily to the formation of new departments, which will h»ve neither the power nor the wish to act for you so well as you do for yourselves." Mr. BiGNALL, of Loughton, Stony Stratford, writes to us as follows on the Iamb disease referred to in last week's leading article : — " Having formerly suffered severely from the disease among my lambs referred to by ' I. A. C.,' I lose no time in acquainting you with what I believe to be an unfailing remedy, at all events it has answered well in my case, as in place of losing from 40 to GO lambs in a season, my losses of late years have been little more than nil. The disease, I believe, owes its origin entirely to the land having been what is termed over-sheeped year after year. Where this is the case worms will generally be found in the lambs, sometimes tapeworms, sometimes small threadworms by thousands. I have seen a heap of them as big as a nut turned out of the intestines. Lambs in which these exist, in the madness caused by the agony or irritation which they endure, nab or bite them- selves, and are apt to get the wool thus torn off into their stomachs. If ' I. A. C will fast his lambs every second or third night for a week, and drench them on the following morning with a tea-spoonful of spirits of turpentine in three table-spoonfuls of milk for each lamb, shear the ewes and dip the lambs, I will under- take to say that iu a fortnight be will hardly know them. Three doses will be ample, and probably two might suffice. My own practice is, every season as soon as I hear a Iamb begin to husk (which is nothing more than an effort to cough up the worms), or see two or three lambs dirty, to get them all up and dose all round, and the result is eminently satisfactory. In a day or two afterwards we generally discover dead worms in their droppings. I have also during the last few years sown a breadth of mi.xed seeds to lie for one or two years for grazing. This has enabled me to keep the flock thinner on the Grass land, and also to increase my cow-stock. It has also had the effect of making the old sward more healthy, and I believe I grow quite as many or more quarters of corn on a reduced acreage owing to keeping the sheep more on the ploughed .and Cattle straying and lying about on highw.ays have recently been the subject of an irajjortant legal consideration and decision. Last June Mr. Lawrence, a farmer at Hatfield, was summoned by the Herts police for allowing IG sheep and 12 lambs to be in tbe high road contrary, as they alleged, to the Highway Act of 1864. For this offence Mr. Lawrence was fined a penny per head, or 2s. 4d., and 16s. 6d. costs. Upon this decision Mr. Lj whence requested that a case for a Superior Court might be granted. This was done, and the law touching the question raised was fully argued a few days since before the Court of Queen's Bench. The interpretation of the Act referred to by the judges who formed the Court is so clear and con- clusive that we give their decision in full, as reported by a legal contemporary : — " Blackburn, ight both in thi I* lying, or depasturing of s. 74, was the wandeiing, straying, t cattle on a highway ' without a keeper.' That section repealed by the 27 and 28 Vict., c. 101, s. 25, which instead thereof enacts that if any horse, sheep, &c., is at any timo found straying on, or lying about any highway, or across any part thereof, the owners shall be subject to certain penalties : with a proviso STHving rights of pasturage on the sides of any highway ; and in this section the words of the repealed section ' without a keeper' do not occur. It seems clear that by this alteration of tbe language, the Legislature meant to create another and diflerent oflfence by the latter enactment, and that under it the offence is complete when cattle are found ' straying on or lying about any highway, 'whether with or without a keeper. " JIellob, J. — I am of the same opinion. The Legislature seems to have advisedly omitted the words • without a keeper' from section 25 of the latter Act, and this must have been done with the intention of altering the law .is it stood under the repealed enactment. 1 think, therefore, that upon the proper construction of section 25, tlie respondent is entitled to judgment." Thus it will be perceived the decision of the county magistrates was confirmed. On the whole we may congratulate the agricultural interest on the termina- tion of this case, as it will stand as a precedent, which cannot be mistaken. Occasional inconvenience will happen to farmers who have " green lanes " or wide green swards open to the high road, but the cases when the safety of a farmer's stock will not more than coun- terbalance any loss which may bo sustained from their inability to feed off road-sides, will be few and far between. Contagious diseases have been greatly dis- seminated by the circulation of stock along roads. Small cattle dealers generally fix on a centre for their operations where commons or " greens " and wide roads are near. Here animals which have fallen lame from disease and driving are placed under the charge of a boy, to crawl about for weeks, perhaps, past the ■ fields in which the healthy cattle and sheep of neighbouring farmers are confined. In some parishes animals are frequently sent about at a " snail's pace," that they may feed by the wayside under an excuse that they are being driven somewhere. Now that! we are in earnest about rules for governing the importa- tion of foreign cattle, this decision, as it will influence the home trade, is most opportune. If it do no more than keep unprincipled cattle dealers within due bounds, any loss which farmers are likely to sustain under this decision will be more than returned to them in the more uniform health of their stock. At a recent meeting of the Cork Farmers' Club, the secretary read the following analysis_ of a guano which had been offered for sale :— Moisture, 19.5 ; organic matter, 14,0 ; insoluble phosphate of lime (bone earth), 18.2; soluble phosphates, a trace; sulphate of lime and alkaline salts, 20.3 ; s.ana, 27. G ; total, 100.0 ; ammonia, per cent., 1.00. These figures were obtained by Dr. O'Keepe, of Fort AVilliam, who, upon these results of his examination, declared the stuff to be worth 3Ss. a ton, whereas Peruvian guano, which it professed to be, was worth 13?. a ton. OUR LIVE STOCK. The Farmer of the 20th inst. calls attention to the fact that since the removal of the restrictions imposed upon the transit of cattle daring the late visitation of rinderiiest, pleuro-pneumonia has become prevalent to an extent greater than for some time past. Such a statement deserves the consideration of all owners or purchasers of stocky and may well occupy the attention of our Chambers of Agriculture and Far- mers' Clubs — bodies which are fast becoming the mouth- pieces of the too long silent agricultural public. We are glad to notice the share of attention devoted to the important subject of the summer grazing of live stock. In last week's impression we gave a short account of the tethering system of grazing pursued by Mr. Dumbril, and since then this important subject has been further enlarged upon by the leading agricultural journals. The Mark Lane Express insists upon the importance of shed feeding upon cut Grass and forage crops during summer. These " should be daily mown and supplied with great regularity, care, and cleanliness." " Tbe lairage for the tied-up beasts may be straw, dry earth, ashes, or other absorbing substances applicable for future manurings." Whatever plan may meet with the approval of English agriculturists, we are convinced that the present system of allowing cattle to roam unrestricted from field to field cannot be persisted in if the most has to be made of our pastures. The eighth volume of " The American Short- horn Herd-Book " lately came to hand. The general character of the work is so well known to all Shorl- horn breeders on this side of the Atlantic, that it is unnecessary to describe it at length. The present volume consists of nearly 000 pages, and records the pedigrees of American Shorthorn bulls, from No. G3S1 in the seventh volume, to No. "433; and of about ISIOO cows and heifers. It also contains 10 or 12 portraits of animals, all, with one or two exceptions, exceed- ingly well executed. The work altogether is got up in the usual neat and creditable style. It is published by Lewis F. Allen, Esq., Black Rock, Buffalo, New York, price 6 dols. by express, or 6 dols. 50c. by mail, postage paid when sent. The book is one which no Shorthorn breeder in the United States, or even in Canada, if extensively engaged in the same line, can well afford to be without ; and Mr. Allen is entitled to the hearty thanks of the admirers of that valuable race of cattle for his industry and perseverance in continuing to publish so many volumes. Canada Farmer. The following note, by a correspondent of the New York Turf, Field, and Farm, will be read with interest by English breeders who have sent pedigree stock across the Atlantic ;— " Fat bullocks have not much of the symmetry of form and for it. The offence created by the S and 6 Wm. IV., c. 50, | grace of movement of fast horses, yet, nevertheless, Mat 30, 18C8.] THE GAllDENERS' CimONICLE AND AGRICULTUEAL GAZETTE. 681 they lire worthy of consideration, and we cheerfully recognise their claims. Mr. Jno. B. Sheeman, super- intendent of the stock yards, and one of the proprietors of the Housh IIouso and Dexter Park, has eight steers that are probably the best ever in one man's hands ut a time. Those of our friends who visit Dexter Park, during the trotting meeting in June, or the races in July, had bettor take a look at these mammoth oxen, as an opportunity of seeing such an accumulation of living beef will not be likely to ever happen again. The two largest are of the celebrated Patten breed. They are a deep red, and with bone and tendou enough to sustain a still greater load of fleiih ; and, in their present condition, look as if they could pull, without other assistance, a ' 24-inch breaker.' Their weight is 6300 lb. Four great Durhams— from three-quarters to seven-eighths of that blood— weigh nearly 12,000 lb. ; and two more of the same stock weigh 5000 lb. Nearly every stock breeder of prominence in the North-west has seen them, and all pronounce them the best in the world. Mr. SiiERM.iN intends feeding them till the coming Christmas, and we will endeavour to keep them in remembrance, so as to write a befitting epitaph." Sheep— Mr. Villar, of Cheltenham, has given pre- paratory notice of several important sales oiCotswold rams. Mr. \Vm. Hewer's sale will take place at North- leach on July 22. This well-known sheep stock needs no recommendation, Mr. Hewer having been for many years a noted breeder of Cotswolds. Referring to the account of sales last season we find that Mr. Hewer realised an average of 20/. Is. lid. upon 50 rams, and that the highest price was 67 guineas. Mr. S. Fletcher's rams will be sold at Shipton, near Cheltenham, on July 25 ; those of Mr. E. Handy, of Sierford, on July 31 ; and those of Mr. T. Porter, of Baunton, on August 3. The sale of Mr. William Purves's Border Leicesters came off on Saturday the 16th inst. at Linton Burn- foot, Kelso. The prices realised were as follows :— For gimmers and single lambs from 3/. 6s. to 71. 10s. ; gimmers and double lambs from 5/. 2s. Gd. to 6/. 15s. ; young ewes and single lambs, 61. ; young ewes and double lambs, 5/. to 71. 2s. 6d. ; four-year .old ewes and single lambs, 5?. 10s. to 6(. ; yield (barren) ewes, 3/. fis. to 3/. Its. ; ewe hoggs from 3/. 12s. 6d. to 6/. 5s. The rams brought from 3/. 10s. to 16/. 10s. a head. The " Cultivator and Country Gentleman" (U.S.) of the 30th ult. gives an account of experiments upon the relative feeding qualities of Leicester and Jlerino sheep. The experiments were instituted by Mr. Jurian Winne, Albany, and the following figures indicate the result arrived at : — Feb. II), 1863.— CD coarse wools (Leicesters) weighed 88T0 lb. March 20, 16C8.— Do. do. do. .. 9878,, Clin in 46 days 1008 „ Total cost of food (hay, grain, oatmeal, roots, (tc.) for the 46 days, 174.4.3 dols. Feb. 10. — 61 fine wools (Merinos) weighed. . 6909 ,, March 28.— Do. do. do. . . 7386 „ Total cost of feed as above, 144.78 dols. In brief, the Leicesters showed twice the ability for laying on flesh to that possessed by Merinos. The experiments by Lawes and Gilbert, conducted for several years on considerable numbers of sheep, showed that in the case of the principal English breeds, although the use made of a certain weight of food consumed varied, yet the quantity of food eaten was the same in all sheep of equal weight, irrespective of breed. Thus a Cotswold of 150 lb. live weight would consume twice the weight of food that a Cotswold or Sussex Down of 75 lb. would consume. The following Table gives some of the leading facts brought out during the investigation :— is lit for a farmer," but this old adage begins to lose its popular currency where it used to bo freely spoken— a inaxiui the very opposite taking its place— viz., agri- culture embraces a more extensive range of science than any other employment; and accordingly the more enterprising, intelligent, and better educated of the agricultural body are becoming more fiimiliar and better acquainted with the dilTerent branches of science than the generality of the other branches of industry, and hence better qualified to discuss the great soientiHc questions of the day, upon which the whole frame- work of society rests. Thus, as agriculture has been termed a parent art, so the science of that art may, with equal propriety, be termed a parent science. This is saying a great deal for the educated few, and we only wish the same could be said for the many ; " they are, however, far behind who dare not follow." Hence the growing desire for scientific culture throughout the length and breadth of the land. The fact that agriculture embraces so many different branches of science will ever render it ditlicult for the majority of farmers to acquire a thorough knowledge of them. And besides the question of expense, and the ,length of time required to master so many branches of science, there is a third difficulty experi- enced, often of no mean magnitude, viz., the absence of that natural adaptation to one or more of the different branches of science in question, so essencially necessary to a successful issue. As Burns says of students at '* They g.ang in stirks, and come oot asses, And syne they think to climb Parnassus By dint o' Greek." So may be said of young farmers, who think to acquire a knowledge of the science of agriculture^ with- out the natural talents for mastering the different branches of which it is composed. True industry and perseverance will do much, but we need not waste many words of detail in this direction, as they (indus- try and perseverance) can never make up for natural adaptation. There is however one consolation to this, for those who are deficient of scientific talents have often greater acquirements for practical imitation in the art, so that as they fall behind in the former they make up in the latter, not unfrequently keeping a-head of their more scientific companions and neighbours. It will thus be seeti that the scientific education of the farmer is comprised under three divisions, viz., the first embracing a thorough knowledge of the elements of the dilferent branches of science ; the second, the apjilication of those elements ; and the third, the various manipulations of the art itself, or the labours of farm practice, a knowledge of which is usually acquired during an apprenticeship. A very short notice of each of these three divisions will suflioe to show how agricultural students stand relative to a scientific education. It will also in some measure help to solve the knotty problem of discord which at present exists a-s to the best means of acquiring a jiroper education in the different provinces of the kingdom. Opinions are now wisely excluded from the solution of questions in physical science, all admitted data being determined by experiment, everything not so determined being set aside for future inquiry. It follows, therefore, that no diversity of opinion ought to exist on any of the above three divisions of education. It is otherwise as to how the three divisions themselves ought to be taught, and if we mistake not much of this latter diversity of opinion arises from some misconception or other relative to the nature of the former. Hence the conclusion arrived at above. The elements of the science of British agriculture are many, and one of the greatest of our present short- Classes of Average food consumed to pi-oduce 100 lb. increase in livG weight. Average food consumed per head weekly. Average food consumed per 100 lb. of live weight per week. Oilcake. Clover hay. Swedes. OUcake. Clover hay. Swedes. Oilcake. Clover hay. Swedes. ■5.3°" Cotswold Hampshire Sussex .. Leicester Cross breda lb. 260 294 314 263 264 lb. 219 269 304 251 252 lb. 3608 3941 4086 8761 3761 lb. oz. 8 1 8 0 6 3 5 14 6 14 lb. oz. 6 14 r 0 5 14 5 9 S 9 lb. oz. 113 4 106 10 79 1 84 0 83 0 lb. oz. 5 4 6 6 6 6 6 0 5 0 lb. oz. 4 9 4 13 5 2 4 8 6 12 lb. oz. 74 4 71 7 68 14 67 14 70 10 lb. oz. 3 2 2 12 2 2 2 3 2 3 lb. oz. i 14 1 11 1 13 1 14 Eeference to the foregoing Table will show — (1.) The amount of food of good quality required to lay on 100 lb. of increase in live weight ; (2.) The amount required by sheep of various breeds per week ; (3.) The amount consumed per 100 lb. of live weight weekly : and although there is considerable diversity in the difl'erent races with regard to the first two series of figures, in the third they will all seem to be much alike. Columns I and 5 show the gain per head per week and per 100 lb. weekly, and if the fifth column bo compared with the third it will be seen that although in sheep of equal weights the amount of food con- sumed is pretty uniform, yet the effect of breed is shown in the use they make of it. SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION. " There is a growing desire for scientific culture throughout the civilised world. In our schools and universities a movement in favour of science has begun, w-hich, no doubt, will end in the recognition of its claims, both as a source of knowledge and as a means of discipline." So says Dr. Tvndall, Professor of Natural Philosophy, and just no\v the saying comes home with telling significance to the agricultural public. In other words!, there is a growing desire amongst farmers to obtam a thorough knowledge of the science of farming in all its branches. At no very recent date it was a common saying that " any dunce comings in scientific and practical teaching is a want of that respect due to simple elements, and the rudimentary po.sition which they hold in forming the science of British husbandry as practised in the differ- ent provinces of the kingdom ; simple things, for example, are taken for granted as known by everybody, and hence are passed over in our teaching, not being taught at all, although these same simple things, when linked together, form the science which we thus pretend to teach. And this, too, is not the most objec- tionable view that requires notice, for instead of teaching the elements of science, rules are deduced from elementary data. These rules are strung together in our cla.ss-books, committed to memory by boys, who leave school under the notion that they have acquired a thorough knowledge of the science of farming. Under next head wo shall see how far short they fall of such attainments, for, although the book rules thus taught are capable of being successfully carried out, and in point of fact are so carried out, they are perhaps in nine cases out of ten not the rules that ouglitto be appHed, or that are applied, as the case may be, on the farm or in the district in question. In other words, in nine ca.ses out of ten book rules do not form the applied science of successful farm prac- ticp, successful examples being the exception. The elements of the dillVrent branches of science should be so taught to and learned by the agricultural student as to qualify or enable him to make rules for himself— rules adapted to the peculiar requirements of the farm practice of the district in which he farms or intends to I'arm. At most of our universities and national schools the simple elements of the different branches of natural philosophy, &c., are thus taught, being so far as practicable illustrated by exiieriment. The lectures of Dr. Tyndall referred to at the com- mencement of this paper may be quoted as an example. Those of our readers who have attended such lectures, or who have read them so far as published, must have been struck with the careful attention paid to the simple elements of the different branches of natural philosophy, as taught at the above national seminaries, and the important position which every simple element occupies in the experiments performed. Just so is it in teaching the science of agriculture, for unless the student is sufficiently grounded in the elements of the different branches, how can he discover those elements when he enters upon the other two courses of his education, viz.. the application of those elements, or the position which they occupy in the farm practice which he himself carries out, or which he may see carried out when serving an apprentice- ship? An enumeration of the different branches of agri- cultural science, with the elements comprised in each branch, is, of course, beyond the limits of this notice. The second head of our subject— the Application of Science to British Husbandry — is an inverted expres- sion ; what is directly meant being the science of farm practice, or a scientific exposition of the different modes of farming in the kingdom. Thus every prac- tice has its own science ; and^ what the agricultural student has to learn is the science of each practice, whether it be good or bad, so as to be able to distin- guish the elements of the one from those of the other, so far as the footprints of discovery lead the way in the march of improvement. In the olden time poets were amongst the chief teachers of every art. Thus Virgil, in his time, strung his lyre to the tune of Italian husbandry, as Pindar sang of Greek farming long before the Georgics of the Roman poet were taught on the fertile plains of the Po and Tiber ; and the poetical mode of express- ing the scientific data of farming ha.s not yet wholly been given up, at least in some of our provinces, much to the botheration of non-poetical talents. In other words, the inverted method of expression referred to in the preceding paragraph is, if we mistake not, creating a goodly amount of misconception at the present time as to what the science of agriculture really is, and how it can best be taught. Thus not a few appear to think that science is a grand theory which all ought to learn and all carry out into practice— one grand theory, with a very few limited variations as to soil and climate. On this soil, for example, the agriculturist ought to farm so and so — on that, so and so. Thus the grand theory runs from one end to the other, being com- prised of a series of carefully concocted book-rules — deduced, as already stated, from the elements of science. We need not repeat what has already been said under the previous head, that no greater mistake can be fallen into than to cram the minds of agri- cultural students full tooverflowing with such theories as the science of improved practice, for the farmer who can read the science of his own practice is sensibly aware of how much the science of one year's practice dilfers from the science of any of its predecessors. The sum of the whole matter may be resolved into a plain question : What is the difference between the education of a scientific and non-scientific farmer ? The former learns to read the scientific elements of his daily prac- tice as he goes along, the latter imitates his predecessors, or teachers, as beavers imitate theirs in the con- struction of their citadels in the river where they reside. One or two familiar examples of the elementary science of practice will suffice for illustration. Thua the geography, geology, and mincrology of any one farm is soon learned, viewing these branches, as they are too commonly viewed, in a general light. It is, however, otherwise when the student enters carefully and practically upon the study of their respective elementary details, for the staple soil under cultivation is often very diflereut from the subsoil, the former or both being chiefly composed of drifted material. A general description of such drifts may be taught in schools or in books, and are so taught, but all such teaching falls short of the scientific requirements of the age, for much detail is left out which can only be determined on the spot — wliat its geology or mineralogy really and truUy is— before any satisfactory conclusion can be arrived at relative to the chemistry, fertility, and adaptation of such a soil for this or that mode of cropping, &o. In illustration of the elements of the other branches under this head, many works might be quoted, did our space permit, such as those on natural philosophy, &j. But at the same time it must he confessed that our college lectures and books on the different branches of science under this head fall far short of meeting the present and future requirements of agricultural students, for they require class-books written expressly for them, different in their elementary detail from those now in use. The labours of the farm under the different seasons of the year exemplify much elementary science, chiefly in connection with mechanics, chemistry and physiology, and geometry. Although it is not abso- lutely necessary and seldom advisable that a farnier should hold his own plough, or perform the manipula- tions of any other branch of labour, yet every farmer should learn the whole, so as the better to be able to teach tliem to his own sons and labourers, iliis branch of farm practice is generall.v learned by imita- tion and experience. But although both tne mind and muscles, alias the head and hands, require trammg, 682 THE GARDENEES' CMONICLE AND AGBICULTimAL GAZETTE. [Mat 30, 1868. and are often successfully trained with very little knowledge of science, yet the latter greatly facilitates the physical training process of the muscles, and the faculties and powers of the mind. Many of our labourers have naturally fine talents for rneohanics and geometry ; the manner they work the various machines upon the farm and handle the implements proves the former, and the exactness and nicety with which they plant out Cabbages, &c., prove the latter. In such cases Nature supplies what education denies ; but the want of a scientific education is never- theless a serious loss to the hard-working man, a loss which often entails upon him in youth much extra physical and mental exertion that makes him sooner an old man than he otherwise would be. Again : in the management of the dunghill and in the manuring of the laud, and also in the harvesting of crops aud in the management of cattle, much knowledge is exem- plified in chemistry and physiology, when mutual talent makes greatly up for a limited education. Many farmer's sons are included in this class of labourers; and when parents and masters have a knowledge of science, the former are daily learning of the latter, and will learn more and more as scientific education progresses. Much more, however, is demanded at the present than oral tuition on the farm, very few farmers being yet qualified thus to teach theirsons aud labourers the science of agriculture. W.B. THE MEADOWS OP WOOD GEEEN. Bt Giles Munbt. (Concluded from f. 527.) Sordetim pratense, Huds. (Meadow-barley Grass). — This is not a very common species in our meadows, but it is found frequently near the Southgate Railway tunnel. The same objection may apply to this Grass as well as the Soft Brome-grass, namely, the long sharp awns, which are apt to injure the mouths of cattle. Otherwise this is considered a nutritive Grass, and produces its leaves early in spring. It is perennial, and flowers in July. Another species of Barley Grass, Hordeum murinum ; is found by road-sides at the foot of old walls, but it is not eaten by any kind of cattle. Cj/Hosvrus crislaUis, L. (Crested Dog's-tail Grass). — This Grass, which is found in all our meadows, is exten- sively distributed over the temperate parts of Europe. Although it is found in nearly all the best natural pastures, yet it has but little to recommend it. The roots strike deep into the soil, and on this account it is able to resist drought better than many other Grasses. The flowering stalks are hard and wiry, and remain untouched by cattle. The leaves are not produced very early in the spring, and the flowers show them- selves about the end of June. Agroxtis vulgaris, L. (Fine Bent Grass). — This species has been described by Roth under the name of Agrostis capillaris, and Hudson and Curtis have retained that name, but as Linnajus' appellation has the priority of date, we have thought proper to adopt it. The Fine Bent Grass is very abundant in all our meadows and pastures, and although the lateness of its flowering (beginning of July) is a drawback to its place in a well-oonstituted meadow, yet it possesses considerable nutritive properties. It forms a great proportion of the natural clothing of the Downs in Sussex, and would make an admirable lawn, as it bears the scythe well, and has great capabilities of resisting drought. It is found in nearly every country in Europe, in the United States of America, where it is called Red Top, or Herd Grass, and also shows itself sparingly in the eastern provinces of Algeria. A. alba, L. (Marsh Bent Grass).— Under this species I shall include the A. palustris and A. stolonifera lati- folia of Sinclair, the last of which was cultivated and greatly recommended by the Rev. Dr. Richardson about 50 years ago, under the name of Fiorin, and was so much valued about that time that the Earl of Hard- wicke, then President of the Cambridge Agricultural Society, ofl'ered premiums for its cultivation. Dr. Richardson, in 1810, produced 9 tons per acre of hay made of Piorin Grass ! as mentioned in " Curtis on British Grasses," 6th edition, p. 81. Fiorin, like many other things, seems to have had its day, as we hear little or nothing about it at present. There is also a third variety of this species, called by Linnasus A. sto- lonifera, which is however considered by all modern authors as a variety of Agrostis alba. I have not observed the Marsh Bent Grass in the neighbourhood of Wood Green, where, or in the marshes of Totten- ham, I have no doubt it exists. It is perennial, and flowers in the end of July. Aira caspitosa, L. (Turfy-hair Grass).— This Grass is common in neglected pastures on a moist clay soil, and aft'oots the borders of dry ditches on the edges of meadows. It forms large tufts or tussocks, and as the Grass is of little use as food for cattle, it may be con- sidered as a weed, usurping the place of more useful Grasses. Sinclair sajs, "cattle sometimes crop the ends of the young leaves ; but in all the instances that have come under my observation, it appeared to be from supreme necessity." The flowering panicles are very handsome, rising to the height of 4 feet, and are frequently used in a dry state for ornamenting flower vases. Thisspecies has been made the type of agenus called Deschampsia, by Palisot de Beauvais, a genus which seems to have been formed more for the convenience of dividing the numerous one of Aira, than from any remarkable characters, as its principal distinction seems to be the relative length of the glumes to the glumelles or calyx and corolla, and the seed being free and not furrowed. Sir James Smith, in his " English Flora " points out its affinity to the genus Arundo, from the hairs which surround each floret. This species afl'ects a very wide range, as it is found in every country in Europe, and the United States of America, but does not seem to cross the Mediterranean, as it is not found in Algeria. It flowers aboat the end of July. Aira llexuosa, L. (Wavy Mountain-hair Grass). — This is not a common Grass in our neighbourhood, as it prefers a sandy soil to our stiff clays. It is of very little use in an agricultural point of view, but it has been recommended to be sown on barren heaths covered with Whins, after these have been eradicated. It flowers in July. Brixa media, L. (Quaking Grass). — This is found more or less abundantly in all our meadows. Although acceptable to all kinds of cattle, it is too insignificant in produce to be of much use in agriculture. It is perennial, and flowers about the end of June. Triiicuin repens, L. (Common Couch Grass, Quicks). — This Grass is abundant everywhere, and although eaten readily by cattle, its long tracing roots form a serious obstacle to its cultivation, as it usurps the place of more valuable Grasses. As every joint of the root is capable of reproduction, it is no small pest to the farmer in arable land, and it is so tenacious of life, that fire is usually resorted to as the only effectual means of destroying it. In the warmer countries of Europe its place is taken by the Cynodon dactylon, which possesses similar tracing roots, and is equally injurious to the farmer. Having now enumerated all the Grasses with which I am acquainted in the neighbourhood of Wood Green, I will slightly touch on some plants found in our meadows, and which belong to other natural orders. Medicago lupuUna, L. (Trefoil Medick). — This plant is found here and there in our neighourhood, but it would seem to be more at home in lighter soils. It is frequently cultivated in France, but always with an admixture of Grass seeds : it is particularly relished by sheep. The other, species of Medicago, of which Lucerne is one, seem to be absent from our meadows They are all very nutritive, and constitute a large proportion of the hay crops in Algeria. Lotus cornieulatus, L. (Bird's-foot Trefoil). — This plant is universally distributed throughout Europe, but is not very common in our meadows, as it delights in a lighter and drier soil than our clay lauds. It contains more bitter and saline matter than the Grasses, which abound more in saccharine and mucila- ginous elements, and is consequently a valuable addition to a well-constituted pasture. It flowers about the middle of June. ricia sepium, L. (Bush Vetch).— The Bush Vetch sometimes finds its way into our meadows, but it grows chiefly in hedges, supporting itself on the branches of bushes by its entwining tendrils. Its herbage is greedily devoured by cattle, and especially by horses and oxen. The nutritive matter of this Vetch consists almost entirely of mucilage and sugar, according to Sinclair : the bitter extractive principle which exists in the Bird's-foot Trefoil being in a less proportion. It flowers about the middle of May. Jlcia satii'a, L. (Common Vetch, Tares).— This plant belongs rather to arable culture than to meadows, and is too well-known to call for any remarks. It is sown along with Oats, and is cut in early spring to be carried to the Loudon market as green fodder. Tri folium pratense, L. (Common Red Clover).— The same remarks may apply to this plant as to the last, but the Red Clover is found more or less in all our meadows. A nearly allied species to the present one is the Trifolium medium or Cow Grass, which is however easily distinguished by its zigzag stems and creeping root. The common Red Clover flowers about the end of June. Trifolium repens, L. (White Clover, Dutch Clover). ■ — This Clover is found in nearly every pasture in Great Britain : like the Bird's-foot 'Trefoil, it is best when combined with the Grasses, as although all kinds of cattle seem to have a predilection for it, yet it is apt to produce disease, especially among sheep, if they are fed entirely upon it. FARMING ACCOUNTS. Apropos to Mr. Mechi's balance-sheet— for making free with which I have already begged his pardon— the subject of farming accounts has lately occupied a pro- minent place in the columns of the Agricultural Gazette, and, I presume, in the minds of its readers. I have read with much interest the various lectures and discussions on the subject, and am induced now to add one more stick to the bundle, because it appears to me that one principal object in keeping accounts— viz., the improvement of our system from year to year by past experience — has been to a great degree lost sight of. Accuracy in setting down each item of expense, and apportioning each day's work to its proper head- ing, is no doubt very desirable for future reference; but few, I apprehend, have the patience to do this regularly ; some perhaps lack the skill ; and the best accounts, under whatever form kept, if once let go in arrear, are worse than useless, and have often proved a disappointment instead of a help at the year's end. Now the great object of keeping good accounts appears to me to be, not so much to discover whether our system as a whole pays or not — our banker's book, or the money drawer in our desk would answer this question— but to enable us to trace with accuracy what iiart of our management is successful, and what part, if any, has failed in any particular year,— to ascertain whether we make or lose money either by stock, by grass, or by corn-growing. And these are questions which I find in my own experience, and as I gather from that of others also, are not so easily answered except through a well-kept system of accounts. For this purpose all our items of receipt and expenditure should be entered regularly in a day- book, and in such a manner as to be easily referred to and separated when the different accounts aro made up. This should be done periodically, charging each crop or each field with the charges and receipts which actually belong to it, and showing by the balance which has or which has not come up to tlie required standard. Of this method I have drawn out a table as an example, showing at a glance the different heads under which the items would be easily distributed in the majority of cases ; what proportion of the general expenditure should be credited to each field or number of fields under the same crop, per acre, aud the pro- bable profit derived from each. I have purposely kept the standard low, as being thus more easily compared with the actual experience of practical men than with the higher expectations of the theorist : — AnnttiU Digest of Accounts, sttoioinff balance of profit or luxs under eacli crop, per acre, reduced from daij-ttooi: Dr. 1st. Pasture, la. £ s. d. Rent !ind fixed expenses, per acre ,. ,.200 Fencing and attendance 10 0 Bilauce profit 10 0 Cr. By bcist and sheep fed 2d. Me Rent and fixed expenses, per a Labour, haymaking, ifec. Ashes and i £4 0 0 4 0 0 ..£32 0 0 Interest and insurance on ditto . . ..300 Keep of ditto, Grass, hay, roots, and corn cut down 32 0 0 Ditto, Cake and purchased food . . ..200 Attendance, troughs, hurdles, &c 3 0 0 £72 0 0 !-third food, £3 : 72 0 0 By sales, £64, by dung = o 1. Dn. 4th. Fallow Crops. 3 a. Rent and fixed expenses, per acre . . . . £2 10 0 Two ploughings, seed hoeing, and labour (exclusive of fallowing) 2 10 0 Balance profit . . . , . . ..100 Cr. £0 0 0 To 20 tons Swedes 6 0 0 Dr. To rent .and expenses as above .. ..£2 10 0 Labour, sowing, and harvesting . . ..400 Balance profit 1 10 0 By 4 qr. Beans (less seed) Dr. To rent and expenses Clover seed and haymaking, &c. Balance profit . . By Clover, hay, and after-feed . 1. Dr. 5th. Corn Crops. 3 a. Rent and fi.xcd expenses, per .acre . . . . £2 10 0 Labour, ploughing, and harvesting, includ- ing previous fallow and cleaning land .. 2 10 0 Expense of converting them into manure and carting 200 Balance profit 3 0 0 Cr ^'^ " " ' By Wheat, 4 qr. (less seed) 10 0 0 2 and 3. Dr. Rent and expenses as above £2 10 0 Labour and cleaning as above 2 0 0 Expense of converting straw into manure, as above 200 Balance profit 1 10 0 Cr £8 0 0 By crop of Barley or Oats (less seed) . . ..800 Balance of profits on 8 acres, £12. The following explanation of the Table may perhaps be requisite : — Under the head of fixed charges I have included rent, tithes, taxes, and other necessary outlav over which the tenant has little or no control, and which recur every year, and may be thrown equally over the whole farm, or at any rate over the arable : these are, repairs of roads, fences, and premises ; blacksmith's and other bills for wear and tear or re- newals, and interest on the horses' cost with their renewal. The horse keep I charge in the labour account (deducting a portion of this item for the value of their dung). There are also wet days, holidays, and other lost fractions of time, which must be borne equally by the arable land. Beyond this share I avoid throwing auy charge upon the fallow crops that do not really belong to them. It is a fallacy to charge them with the summer fallow where rendered necessary by frequent corn growing, or with the manure which they do not consume, but rather incorporate for the use of the next white crop. It is equally a fallacy to credit these corn crops with the value of the straw they produce, unless they are also debited with the whole amount of the manure provided for them in previous years. I therefore take the whole loss incurred in wintering stock and making this manure as applicable rateably to the corn growing, and have assumed it to be about 1/. per acre, or one-third of the food consumed in the yards. The other II. per acre is the expense of turn- ing, carting, &c. Distributed in this manner, each field or crop bears its own burthen, and reaps, or should reap, its own profits ; if it does not, it will appear at once where the error or misfortune lies. If the day- book is properly posted up, the balance-sheet of any crop can be taken out and examined at once, and any serious deviation from the standard can be detected, and Mat 30, 1SG8.] TnE GAEPENEPS' CHRONICLE AND AfiRTCFT-TTrnAL GA7ETTR 5S3 perhaps controlled. Not tUat any two or more years can ever be exactly alike. In one year the farmer will make more than Gs. a ton of his Turnip break, his manure will consequentlv be cheaper, or even made for nothing. He will then charse less to his Wheat crop, which may bo fetching a bad price. Again, where corn is high he can alford tolay out morenioney on his stock, seeing that it will repay him again with interest. Should all the balances fall below the standard he has set up for himself, ho will probably find comfort in the assurance that the fault is in the times and not in his management, or he may be enabled to see how by some slight alteration, such as breeding his stock instead of buying it, ho may curtail his expenses and bring them within his receipts, while without this assistance he might have been tempted to increase his acreage of corn in the vain hope of increasing his income without havin" first increased the productive power of his land. All farming is but a system of balances. Nature, ever bounteous and punctual in her payment, .will honour our checks with interest as long as there is any balance in her hands ; but woe to the man who attempts to overdraw her. It is only by keeping some such account as I have described against each field that we can make sure what amount stands to our credit there, and that we can feel assured how far we may draw with safety upon her. We saw in our former remarks on high farming, what she required to preserve an equilibrium. He only will be successful who keeps the necessary balance in her hands, and knows how and when to use it; and an accurate system of accounts will greatly conduce to this knowledge. J. B. M. HOPS. (Concluded from j,. 555.) In England many varieties of Hops are known in commerce, such as Goldings, Whitebines, Jones's, Grapes, Colgates, itc, and each one is used for particular kinds of ale : thus, for instance, Goldings are of a superior quality and choicest flavour, and are princi- pally used for pale and strong ales; Whitebines nave a fane flavour and strength, and are used chiefly for keeping ales; Jones's are used for a similar purpose; while Colgates and Grapes are of a coarser, stronger flavour, and are mostly u^ed for the rougher descrip- tion of ales, and also for porter and stout. The well-known aroma of the Hop is due to a peculiar active principle called Lupulin, which is con- tained in the yellow resinous substance covering the seeds and the lower ivirt of the scales. This yellow resin, which appears to the naked eye like so much fine dust, i.? alwnys taken by the buyers as a proof of good quality. H^ips likewise contiin a volatile oil and a bitter iiriuoiple, in the proportion of about 10 per cent. It is to this principle that the agreeable bitter taste of our best ales is due. Besides the use of Hops for brewing, Hop flowers have been recommended and used for stutnng pillows for the purpose of aiding sleep ; the Hop also at one time had a place amongst medicinal plants, but its chief use now is in brewing. The plant, which is now known to botanists Humulus lupulus, L., seems to have been known to Pliny under the name of Lupus salictarius. Whether the plant is indigenous to this country is a question difficult to solve. We find, however, that its cultiva- tion with us dates from 1524. Though not actually cultivated previous to this time, the plant and its pro- perties were well known, for in the reign of Henry VIT. the growing of Hops was prohibited, and even in the time of Henry VIII. brewers were forbidden to use them in the brewing of ale. So strongly was the use of Hops opposed by the people in the early part of the 16th century, that numerous petitions were presented to Parliament on the subject, praying that their intro- duction might be strongly prohibited, under the plea that they " would spoyl the taste of drink and endanger the people;" and it was not till 1552 that certain privileges were allowed by the legislature to Hop- planterSj and land was in some places set apart for the cultivation of the plant. Most agriculturists, who have studied the historical part of their profession, will recollect in Tussers' "Five Hundred Good Points of Husbandry " the following quaint lines on the culti- vation of the Hop : — " Choose soil for the Hop of the rottenest mould, Well doonged and wrought as a garden plot should ; Not far from the w.iter, but not overfloune, This lesson well noted is meet to be knowne. The sun in the south, or else southlie and west, Is joy to the Hop as a welcommed ghest; But wind in the north, or else norticrly-east, To Hop is as ill as fray in a feast. Meet plotfora Hop-yard once found jis is told, Make thereof account as of jewel of gold : Now dig it Tt Ani^TrrTTmAL CA7ETTE. [Mat 3ft, 1868. UttjtCiDS. Worfcmen and Wages at Some and Abroad ; or, the Effects of Strikes, Combinations, and Trades^ Unions. By J. Ward. Longmans, Green, & Co. Agricultural labourers are notinoluded in the company of workmen whose strikes and combinations are here described. The history of this subject in all the various trades and manufactures of the country is here given by Mr. "Ward. Cotton, silk, pottery, iron, stone, and wood— workers in all these have at times combined against employers, and with great distress, both borne and inflicted, have attempted in vain to achieve a better result than that to which the ordinary opera- tions of demand and supply between employers and employed had led. Builders, engineers, carpenters, and operatives of all kinds have thus endeavoured, both by standing unions or by occasional strikes, to obtain a better wage for labour than the circumstances of the trade or manufacture naturally yielded, and in the long run they have failed. We are now for the first time promised a corresponding effort in behalf of agricultural labourers, but the analogy of all past experience condemns the attempt. And though no direct history of such an attempt is given in the book before us, we may well recommend it to the study of countrymen, both working men and farmers, as containing the best possible lessons for both on the general subject of the relations which exist between thern. We extract a passage, which well declares the leading lesson to which the author leads his reader : — " When the causes which regulate the price of labour ^re thoroughly understood, the folly and injustice of workmen attempting to fix the rate of wages will, we feel assured, be no longer practised. It will be obvious, then, even to the meanest understanding, that the workmen might as well take out a writ of ne exeat reijno against the wind, or attempt to stop the flowing of the tide, as to determine what shall be the wage for which he will give his daily labour. Nor can legisla- tion fix the rate of wages ; it can secure the freedom of each individual workmen, and that is all it can do. The seller of w article will endeavour to obtain a high price for it, which the purchaser will only give if he be unable to obtain it for less. Labour, no doubt, is the most important object that man has to buy or to sell ; and each will naturally make the best bargain he can during the disposal of it, and no law or intimidation ought to restrain either party engaged in the transaction. "The really sound and legitimate mode of raising wages, and improving the condition of a people, is to proiuote and encourage the increase of the general wealth of the country, by every means which legis- lative science points out as best suited to that end ; and at the same time to remove obstructions, and give facilities to the moral and intellectual improvement of the working classes. By these means capital will be increasing with the natural growth of the population, while the labourers, with better habits, will be less prone to reckless improvidence, and cpnseciuently not so likelj' to outrun the increase of capital. The policy of a distinguished statesman, a sentence of whu.ie speech on the important subject of labour heads this chapter, evidently points in the direction we have faintly indicated; and we can only hope that Mr. Gladstone will live to see the object at which he aims fully realised in the general contentment and well- heicg of the working classes." T'le following is the sentence to which Mr. Ward ji-i - I eferred : — ' Hear in mind the full and absolute right of all individuals, employers and workmen alike, to bring to marHet the commodity they have to (Jispose of, whether it be labour or capital, in the best terms in their power, as long as, and ovAy as long as, they exercise their own rights without prejudice to the rights of others." Labourers are more abundant than we have ever known them to be hereabouts. The breaking up of the financial companies, and consequent stoppage of railway enterprise, has thrown back a vast quantity of agricultural labour upon the land, and there is likely to be no lack of men for some years to come. Farmers may make their minds very easy about Canon Girdle- stone and his strike movement. into good manure. Although this statement only exhibits how autumn tillage may be effected by animal power, yet it cannot compete with steam culture, because it is not so advantageous as regards either time or effect. Josepli Btinnlell, Southampton. Farm Memoranda. NoKTH-WEST Bucks.— Since oqr last we have been favoured vfith one of the finest springs within our mcmv buff Ooch sin Brahma lo tra h tl grey have s pplied tl 1 1 le ' " " tggs ' D t 1 III R ( \ c rrespoudent writes as follows in w s (, i ~ n doing \^ell with Lr&ve eur why d I jo I k (or Ho dans The C ivecu; r is 1 r^e better fl bl \ f vl a 1 lly good layer ind 1 1 i that sh ^ s f blood tl n the Ho dan A poultry keeper for n any > ears and very fond of the pursuit, I have had HouJans ever since 185ti ; but have yet to find that their merits outweigh those of the CrSvecceur." fldmo tie Crcfero^or. Miscellaoeous. Dri/ing Grains by Artificial Heat.—'l\\\i modem practice is one to which London and Burton brewers may advisedly direct their attention. During the cattle plague brewers' grains were so great a drug, that they were carried down the Thames in barges and thrown into the sea. In this case the ordinary course of afi'airs was reversed, for superabundance was here the mother of invention. As grains could be obtained for nothing when there were few cows in London, and delivered within reasonable distance free of charge, two enterprising young men (Messrs. Milburn and Baxter, of Ruston Street, Hoxton) set up a system of drying apparatus which would, at a small expenditure for fuel, have the twofold effect of making these mate- rials easily portable, and freeing them from that liabi- lity to rapid decomposition which destroys them as food for stock in a few hours when they are left as they come from the mash-tun. The cost of this process, on the scale at present carried out by Messrs. Milburn and Baxter, is about 3s. (5rf. to 4.s. per ton. A set of ap- paratus after their model, but Ou a more extensiw ' scale, would reduce the cost. Their apparatus, ^o^- ! Mat so, ]868.] THE GATIDENERS' rnEONTOLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 58Y ever, iilthoii};li small, are most, complete and effective. Six uyliuilers, l(i feet loiij; by .'i feet (1 inches diameter, lie in a parallel position on the ground floor. These are covered with a steam jacket, the space between the inner and outer covering being 2 inches: thus, great heat is rapidly and readily imparted to the wet materials to excite the moisture present, which is at once carried off by a slight blast of air which has been heated and rarified in a pipe con- nected with the lurnace of the steam-boiler. In the cylinder are revolving arms holding scoops or buckebi, which gather up the grains at the bot- tom, and scatter tlif m gradually ai the top, whereby they are exposed as they fall to the current of raritied air mentioned. The leeding takes place at the end where the blast enters, and so simply is this conducted, that for a whole day, without any alteration of the maohiuery, the grains are discharged from the cylinders " at the exact moment when they are per- fectly dried. They then fall into a trough, and are raised to the second floor, or above the feeding room, where thej aru ready for weighing off, or where they may remain for any length of time perfectly safe from injury by fermentation or heating. As these cylinders and the revolving scoops inside are exactly horizontal, the progress of the materials out of the heat as described is at first sight somewhat mysterious, but when it is considered that with every revolution of the elevating scoops the grains become more " feathery," it is not difEcult to conclude that the slight blast to which they are subjected, would convey them a few inches more from the end at which they entered. It is by this ''feathery" movement that the above mechanical accuracy of feeding to suit the process of dryiiii! cju be attained. If the grains be very wet, the regulator of the feeding hopper has only to be set a trifle closer. AVith the price of these dried grains we have nothing to do, as this is a matter that will adjust it-elfin the course of trade. This much, however, we may say; Messrs. Milburn and Uaxter have turned out 30 tons in a dried state iier week since last Sep- tember, and before the flush of grass during the last week or two, two agents, one in Kent and one in Suflblk, disposed of the whole of them at 0^ ])er ton. One merit of this feed is, the purchaser knows what he is buying, and he can soon ascertain its feeding value. As a corrective in the turnip-fold, and on Rape and rank Grass and Clover, it is undoubtedly of con- siderable value ; while for growing stock it is nutri- tious, since the process of brewing does not extract the albuminous and phosphatic compounds which go to form bone and muscle. On these grounds we think this method of utilising more completely a refuse which is now much wasted, is worth fuller consida- ratiou by both stock-breeders and brewers. Aijnctdiural J'roduction.i of Persia. — Persia con- sists of various climates, not in consequence of difference of latitude, but from its situation. The greater part of the country is far above the level of the sea, which gives an extraordinary power to the action of the sun's heat on vegetation. No manure is used. The earth is simply scratched with a very primitive plough. A little water and sun are sufficient to give excellent harvests. In the greater part of the country the climate is very dry ; in some parts it scarcely ever rains. Water is particularly precious, and subter- raneous arrangements have been made for it to the plantations. Irrigation is employed, and almost all the land is not only cultivated but fertile. Even the most beautiful parts of Prance do not surpass some of the laud, wiiich, nevertheless, does not require much labour. The principal agricultural productions are corn; Barley grows in considerable quantities and is very cheap. A good harvest produces sufficient for three years' consumption. Bread is usually sold at Teheran for about 10 centimes the kilogramme. Grapes are excellent and very abundant. The Vine grows wild in the Caspian provinces, yielding Grapes which, though not good to eat, serve to make very agreeable wine. The wines of Chiraz and Ispahan have a well-merited reputation. Some of the Aderbaidjan wines, and the light wines of Hamadan deserve to be known. A species of Grape without stones, which is eaten fresh, but which is also dried in great quantities, creates a great commerce under the name of kichmich. All our European fruits are found in Persia. Amongst the more special of its productions may be named the white Mulberry, the Souzistau Dates, wild Rhubarb, which is eaten fresh, and a kind of sweet Manna, &c. The neighbourhood of Ispahan is said to be very fertile and well cultivated ; a great quantity of fine fruit is produced there. As the ancient capital it is one of the great centres of artistic industry, and it contains many public buildings. The Persians con- sider that everything necessary to the comfort and happiness of man can be found there, and havp a proverb, Isfahan nesfc djehan, or Ispahan is half the world. Le Moniteur Unirersel. Notices to Correspondents. CmilSE Factories : Cor. 5lr. Niiholls, ,,t Chippenham, com- petent to give an opinion, tbtis states th ri.'lM^i.in :it which he h'os ..irrived :—" Americ:ins .md t Hiiiir.- t, ji,^, quantity and quality into consiiienitiuii, SI r 1 i. cheese they havcbeensenOingt^our markLt, 1 , i . i. , r be a doubt about this being the only ineth . 1 iii i n m^ whereby good cheese can be universally produced. Tliero is much said in England about cheese-making, and prizes have been very commonly awarded to those who exhibit 1 cwt. of cheese. I do not see that this system is calculate 1 to be of any sati-f,. ti i, t,, il,„,u y,ijo award such prizes, neither is it a en i- '.itor who may be successful inreceiving th.j j.i I i, .: that many dairymen may select 1 cwt. uf ;;.. . I I loft of 3 or 4 tons; still thatisnot satist.iL;..!.,. ,. l,,, it is essential that all shouM be uniformly so to be bcuctieial to both dairyman and cheese- factor, and until the factory principle is strictlv carried out this difficulty will exist.' CoMMtTxiCATioNS Rkceivf-d.— J. A. S.— W. C. Too late for ASPHALTE ROOFING FBJ-T. One Penny per Square Foot. CEOGGON AND CO., MANUFACTUKliKS, f 34, Bread Street, I , „„,,„„ 163, New Earl Street, j^*""^""' 5!), George Square, Glasgow ; '2, (lorce Piazzas, Liverpool. INOBOROUS" FELT FOR LINING ROOFS AND SIDES AND IRON HOUSES, Price One Penny per Square Foot. CROGGON AND CO., (34, Bread Street, It „„.!„„ i 63, Nevv Earl Street, f ^'^^'>^- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. DRY HAIR FELT FOR COVERING STEAM BOILERS, PIPES, ETC., OF VARIOUS THIljK.NESSES. CROGGON AND CO., MAKUFACTUREKS, f 34, Bread Street, I , „„ ,„„ (6.3, New Earl Street, (London. SO, George Square, Glasgow ; '2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. IMPORTERS OF SHEET ZVSLG OF BE.ST BRANDS. CROGGON AND CO., I 34, Bread Street, tT„„j„„ 16.3; New Earl Street, ) ^'""^''°- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ZINC ANB mETAL PERFORATORS. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, I t „„j„„ I6.3; New Earl Street, 1^°°'^™- 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2. Goree IMazzas, Liverpool, GALVANIZED IRDGATKIJ SIlKKT IB FOR IKJME USB .VXII CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, | t„„,„„ I 63, New Earl Street, j '-o""™' 9, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, (.lore- Piazzas, Liverpool, GALVANIZED IRON MANUFACTURED GOODS UF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., ( 31, Bread Street, \ 63, New Earl Street, ) .59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, (.Ton^e Piazzas, Liverpool, GALVANIZED IRON CISTERNS OF EVERY DESCRII'TION. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, I x „„j„„ )63, New Earl Street, ) ^''"''•"'- 59^ George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. CHURCHES, CHAPELS, SCHOOLS, AND IRON BUILDINGS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. CROGGON AND CO., /34, Bread Street, (t„„^„„ ) 63; New Earl Street, j London. 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. London. KAMPTULICON OR INDIA RUBBER FLOOR CLOTH. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, I ■, „„ ,„„ 1 63, New Earl Street, } ^^don. 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. ASPHALTE FOR PAVING BASEMENTS UF HOUSES, i:i lAl'II-HODSES, ETC., TO PREVENT DAJl I'. CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, I r^,;i - i 63; New Earl Street, \ ^^''°'^''°' 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. PORTIONS CEDENT OF BEST QUALITY, 100 lb. to the EtlSHEL. CROGUON AND CO,, \li' S'-«^'i street, (London. \ 63, New Earl Street, f ^ 59, George Square, Glusguw; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. .59, Georg' PLASTERERS' HAIR SUPPLIED BY CROGGON AND CO., ^.63; N-rwEarrstreet, (London. , Glasg 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GLUE, OF SUPERIOR BRANDS, BY CROGGON AND CO., ( 34, Bread Street, I -r „„ ,„„ i63;NewEai-lS,reet,l^™''<"'' 59, George Square, Glasgow ; 2, Goree Piazzas, Liverpool. GALVANIZED WIRE NETTIWQ. CROGGON AND CO., I 34, Bre.ad Street, It™ J™ i63:NewEarlbtVeet,}T^''"^™' 9, George Square, Glasgow; 2, Goree Piazzas, Lirerpool, A GRICULTURAL CO-OPERAT r ON— About '20 per cent, saved off riUZE KRAPING antl MOW- ING MACHINES, HORSE RAKKS, HAYMAKERS, and nil kiHdn of IMPLEMENTS. rroapectus, Ac, on appMcft- tlOQ to E. O. GnEtNixo, Manag- ing Director, 20. Piirliament Street. Westmiaater, S.W. . 4, Wurren Street, Manchester ; und at tbe Horae Sbow, Stand '22 in the Galleries. "Every Cottage should be provider! with a Water Tank." Dixraeli. Iron Cisterns. FRRABY AND CO. having kid down extensive and • Improved Machinery In their new range of bulldlngB Ida WiiARP, Dkftkord, are now prepared to supply WROUGUT-IRON TANKS, GALVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality at ri!dm:t;d prictss, and at very short nutice. LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland. Tho Irish Farmers" Ga::elte Challenge Cup, value 50 Guiiiea,t, "for the best Collection of Implements 8mte{i to tbe Agricniture of Ireland," whs awarded three times in succession to, ana is now tlie property of THOMAS McKE>'ZrE and SONS, Machixe and iMPtEMtMMASCFJCTDRBHS.indljlPOBTEES, SeED andMsHUBC MEBCnAKTS, SC, omces and Warehouses, { ^^; ^ZZl^'^X.-Col^'" '' Cores Iron Works, { ^'J^^^S'^ry.'DSbui. Experimental Farms, County Cork, 400 acres. Agents for all the priui.ipal Agricultural Macblne-makors in Europe and America. Sole Agents in Cork (county and city) for Lawes' celebrated N. B. A sample from each parcel of Seeds; and all New Imple- meiita tested by actual experiment before being submitted to the *,* AHbort Treatise on " The Culture of tho Turnip," by a Prac- tical Farmer, post free on application. *' The Rolling Stock of the Farm," a convenient handbook ot all the most xiseful Farm Imple- ments, price la. (by post is. 3d.), to he bad at all the railway bookstalls in Ireland, and at Thomas McKenzie & Sons' Offices. ife^ Uis particularly requested that all orders may be addressed in full, Thomas McKrnzik & Sons, 34, Dawson Street, Dublm (or). Camden Quay, Cork. P> EGISTERED S ELF- ACTING HAND S EED- X) DRILL.— By simply turning a screw, this Drill can at once be adapted for sowing JLmiiel Wurxol, Barley, Wheat, Sainfoin, Tares, Rape, Turnips, Car- and Carrot is an In- luable implement r tbe Market Gar- a Kitchen Garden ; and for tbe it will be lound useful for the purpose of filling up the places where the HorsB Drill b;is missed. Full directions sent with each Drill. On pt of stamps J to Pd- aud Mauufac- of tho Cham- Haymaker, Bury ■ » Drill .11 III'- ii'.iiour of supplyii ..., . iMiL, and Gardens at Wmusor. j/titit, and Agricultural Gazette of Dec, 7, will useful Tho L _ ., ^ ... 1887, in noticing the novelties in tho Implumont Depart- m«iit of the BirmmgtiBm and Smithfield Cattle Sliow, Biys:— "Among the other novelties we mav refer to a very simple ana ap- paioutly efficient Ham! Drill, as much a Garden as a F.u m tool, the luvontiuu oi a working man, and brought out in a cheap foi-m by Mr. Lt HuTT, Implement Maimfuoturer, Imry St. Edmund's, Suff^jlk." lllustratud and Descriptive Catalogues of the aliove Machuios, con- taining Prices and Testimonialh, pont free, un application to .Iosiau Lk Butt, Patentee and Manuficturor, Bury St. Edmund's, SuUolk. Oil Paint no longer Necessary. nx*^"'''^'*^:^^/^^*-^^^^-^;:^^ HILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixing or thinning, and is used cold. It Is used in the . . „. ■ ,,.1.. ., .„^-_^„- ---■ -t the seats of many ..^, I the most flattering ivhich Hill & Smith will forward on rrom J. A. Taylor, Esq., Strensham Court. " In answer to your inquiries. 1 beg to inlorra you I nnd your Black VandHh an excellent substitute for oil paiut upon iron and wood out of doors, and have found tho iron Harrow with apparatus essential In applying the Varnish to lines of fencing. '" " ""■" Black Varnish for all out-door anything I have yet used for the puruose. and iL gieat ecfjnoray by careful labourerw," Sold m casks of about 30 galloaa eac Manufactory, or is. Sd. per gallon paid «ppl)'^' rith \s. 6rf. per gallon, at tho Apply to Hn 22, r nly It c 5S8 THE GAT^PENRIIS' CnRONICLE AND AGEICULTURAL GAZETTE. [Mat 30, 1868. CONSERVATORIES, GREENHOUSES, FRAMES. ■ THAT SUCCESSFTJLLT STANDS UPON THE CABSONS' OEIGINAL ANTI-COEROSION PAINT, AN-n IS CONSEQTOXTLT LARGELY TSED BY THE NOEIHTY AND GENTRY, ALSO TflE LEADING HOUTICULTURISTS. TRA IT IS EQUALLY ADAPTED FOR ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF EXTERNAL WORK. eg- Three Cwl. Free to any Station or Port in the United Kingdom. PREPARED OIL MIXTURE FOR THE ANTI-CORROSION PAINT. OILS, TURPENTINE, VARNISHES, BRUSHES, &c. ^}'^^ ''""^^ '^">' ^"'^ "•"'>' "•■»>'™' "'■^'''inP: attention, will raise water suited for funnlvrntpuhl^rilrT P"^''"' ^here a few feet fall can be obtained, and is suited lor supplying Public or Private Establishments, Farm Buildings, Railway Stations, &c. No. 49. GARDEN ENGINES, of all sizes, in Oak ll 1 "^IfrZpiS.^,^:-^ Se^rTreMet-ef-Horse or I T ''■ ^^^^^'^ ^^^^^^^ °^ ^ ^^ ^ °- ^ ^ No iR„ Tv.ptfnvvn'■■T^nT,.T n ^"^ ''^*- THE CASSIOBURT FIRE EXTINGUISHER, No. 46ff. IMPROVED DOUBLE ACTION PUMPS !..->,. t,._ .._„.., ,.„____ No. 49«. GALVANizED SWING WATER CARRIERS, for Garden use No. 50 and 5ia. FARM and MANSION FIRE ENGINES of every description No. 38. PORTABLE LIQUID MANURE PUMPS, onLegs,.witVFLtle lucUon BARROW for Watering I Right Hon, the^EVri or Esse.^. I No. 44. WROUGHT-IRON PORTABLE PUMPS of all sizes. No. 4. CAST-IRON GARDEN, YARD, or STABLE PUMPS. Galvanized Iron Tubs. designed for the No. 395. IMPROVED HOSE REELS for Coiling up Long Lengths of Hose foi WATER WHEEL™ "^WARMINg'TpPARATUS '"BATHT'''nH^^^ '^r a «"\v?nC?f '"'>"'' f" '^'/"'l°?A'T,^r'^' *^-' ™n'Pri«''K PUMPS, TURBINES, HYDRANTS, HOSE PIPES, &c., &c. ''^'1^^°' -"^^Wh, DRYING CLOSEIS, GAS TVOHKS, Apparatus for LIQUID MANURE distribution, FIRE MAINsJ Particulars taken in any part of the Country. Plans and Estimates fumishtd. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUKS CAN BE HAD ON APPLICATION. Mat 30, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. M OULE'S PATENT EAKTH CLOSETS.— On view operation at the Offlcn of MOULE'S PATENT SEWAGE of TOWNS and VILLAGES on the DRY EARTH SYSTEM. —Tbis Company Is prepared to ninko arraligoinents lor dealing with the Uniintigo of Towns on the Dry Cottam's Iron Hurdles, Fencing, and Gates. COTTAM'S HURDLES are maJe in the best manner, of superior Wrought Iron, byan improved method. Illustrated Price Lists, on application to Cottam & Co., iron Worlis, 2, Winaiey Street, Oxford Street, Loudon, W. C^ H ly K- i,K. di-.pcii'ietl HORTICULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS. READ'S NEW PATENT HYDRAULIC SUCTION PUMP. This Pump is highly approved by the Nobility, Gentry, and by the principal Hortieultiuista, ic., throughout the Kingdom; also by bhirley Hibberd, Esq.. i^'.iC.H.S., the late Professor Lindley, and many others eonaeuted with Horticulture, &c. E. KEAl) has also a lai-ge assortment of GARDEN ENGINES, MACHINES, and SYRINGES, upon the most approved piinciple. Manufactured by the I'utcntee, KICHARD READ, aS, REGENT CIRCUS, LONDON, W. LIS" UUAWINOS POST FREE. PAXTON'S REGISTERED STRAWBERRY CRINOLINE. The contrivance is by the late Sir Joseph Paxton, who, after testing them for one season in his own Gardens, Rock Hills, gave his approval of their usefulness. The right to Manufacture them was transferred to B. HOLHDA.Y, PRACTICAL WIRE AVOKKER, 2a, PORTOBELLO TERRACE, NOTTING HILL GATE, W. Illustrated Catalogues. G^RDKN ARCHES, ARCADES, VERANDAHS. ORNAMENTAL tl-NCING. TRELLIS WORK for CREKPKRS, I-LOWER STANDS, bUbPENDING BASKETS, AVIARIES, PHEASANTRIES, 4c. E\ ery description of Wii'eAVork forGardena, Conservatories, &c. Annexed are a few of the Testimonials received upon the piactical use of Paxton's Strawberry Crinoline, invented by the late Sir Joseph Paxton, Rock Hills. Sydenham :~ " Feraiehuret, Shipley, near Leeds, February 26, 1868. Sib, — In reply to your letter, asking my opinion of your Straw- berry Crinolines, I cousider them a firbt-rato idea. They keep the ■ away from the wut and slugs, and materially assist in brinniiig a maturity a large proporti^ \ered by the leaves, that send you an order for a 1' Mr. R. HOLLIDAY." gets 1 about a week.- 'Edwa »Sal^ "March 17, 1808. "1 have had the Strawberry Crinoline in use during the fruiting season of the pas', year, and I can candidly affirm that they are invaluable for all the purposes for which Mr. Holliday, the maker, recommends them. " Jno. H. McEliioy, " Correspondent of the ' Gardeners' Magazine. >rfc,mK Infection bemg all of IroD Prices of Fittm^s per Cow ProhpeotQses free of Cottasi & Co.. Iron Works, 2, WiOJ-ley Stree^ (opposite the Pantheon), Oxford Street, London, W., where the j above are exhibited, together vrtth sevenj important Improvements j In Stable Fittings Just secured by Patent. *' St. Andrew's House, Hertford, February 14, 18C8. Sir,— I have used the Strawberry Crinolines with which you supplied me last year for one season, and I cousider them extremely uselul for the purposes for which they are intended. They keep the fruit from the soil, and uxpuse it more freely to tlie sun.— Your obedient Servant, "Jno. Marcu.vnt, Jud." "Mr. R. HoLLiDAY, 2A,PortobelloTeiTace, Netting Hill Gate, W." " February 13, 1808. your Strawberry Crinolines in the middle ,._. ^ , __>T, and wo pub them all to use without delay ; and I have groat pleasure to say they were the means of Baviiigagreat weight of fruit from perishing, it belnn a very wet keeping them clean from hoi' less 1 gut them "Mr. R;Hol: I slugs, which ia :r all the uaeful- "J. Pkaksok." SAMUELSON & CO.'S PATENT LAWN MOWING AND EOLLING MACHINES. EVERY MACHINE WAfiRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. TO BE OBTAINED OP AGENTS TAYLOR AND CO., London Brid; SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA WORKS, BANBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE ; 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE, E.C. Messrs. TANGYE BOTHERS and HOLMAN, 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE; Messrs. DEANE and CO., London Bridge ;_ Messrs. DRAY, Mr. THOMAS BRADFORD, 63, Fleet Street, E.C. ; and all respectable Seedsmen and Ironmongers throughout the Kingdom. PERFECTION IN GARDEN ENGINES! FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE OF MERIT, MANCHESTER HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION, 1867. BAMFORD'S REGISTERED (No. 1552) " MODEL " GARDEN ENGINE. The Inventor has great pleasure in offering this GARDEN ENGINE to the Pubhc for the third season. Many Improvements, which have been suggested by experience or otherwise, have been added. In combination with increased strength and new design in several parts. Although in competition with so many new forms and varieties, which have been Drought out to meet the requirements of the public, none have so thoroughly succeeded as an article of utility in every class of Horticulture. ^ , ^ , ,j Being complete in themselves, they do not require a separate vessel to hold water and in not wetting the feet are preferable to the Uydropult and other Engines of Its kind. Their style and small amount of friction renders it easy for a Lady to use them, as evmced by numerous Testimonials. That the principle is a great improvement — which, however, cannot be fully explained i „„^ adv'ertiseme'nt— is sliown by its success when exhibited at the National Horticultural Exhibition, Manchester, along with other apparatus of this description, thus proving their superiority, and making them worthy of the approbation which has been accorded to them since their Introduction. CERTIFICATES. From W. Thombom, Esq., Bead Qardener to His Orace the Duke oj Buccleuch, and Ediior of the " Oardener." " Dalkeith Park, February 28. 1868. '* Sib —I like the Engine I had from you last year very much indeed. I use it constantly in our houses. It Is so convenient in size, and can be placed In any position in a house, so as to apply water at every angle. " Mr. Henry Bamford." " I aui, yours obediently. W. Thomson." hrom Mr. Andeew Dice., Oardener to tlie Bt^ Hon. Lord Vernon, and contributor tot "^Gotlane Gardener." Sudbury Hall, March 3. 186fi. ne to give your ' Model ' Garden Engine answers all my expectations. Its liKht- Hothouses and Pits, and doubtless will, _ Uiersede the Syringe and Hydropult i Its'constant 'and powerlul action enables the operator to ge amount of work (more efficiently) i be tak'en up in the use j)f either the Synnge ( " SiH —After having had sufficient t. - t •- n fair trial, I am pleased to inform you it answers all my expectations. Its linht- uesa and size render it moat valuable when it becomes ti Plant Houses, through a ledlngly uselUl for Peach Trees o The Th0 " Modtl" simplest and moat Garden EngitiC w effective aj i j t the only one iha stream of liDtuiuKij «=«.».. .". ..™ the open walls. It Is so manageable It I o taken conveniently, when necessary. Into positions which would be very incon- venient or impossible for Larger or Two-Wheelod Engines, is so easily worked that It might be useti by a lady, —^" dl charge a powerful ' the spot. i the flexibility of the tube enables you a a powerful stream of water forwards or backwards without e I have, theiefore, no hesitation in saying that e ring f^om -without au Engine of this klud. GARDEN OR HOTHOUSE ENCrlNE, ith air vessel, capable of throwing from .30 to 50 feet. Galvanised Cistern, India Kubber Tube, and Brass Spreader. No. 10, to hold 10 Gallons, £3 5s. ; No. 14, to hold 14 GaUons, £3 17s. Sold by all respectable Ironmongers, and the Manufacturer, HENRY BAMEORD, MARKET PLACE, UTTOXETER. ILLVSTRATEI) PRICE LISTS OX AFFLICATIOX. 50O THE GARDENEES* ORfiONlCLE ANT) AGPiniTT.TtTBAL PtAZETTE. [May 30, 1868, THE IMPROVED GERMAN BEE HIVE, Patented, affords the most perfect control of, and insight iDto, the ^f „„„ D,-., 'nvented. See Pajwra on Agri- economy of Bees ot any H_ _ _ ._ culture in Lafid and Water, 1867 and 18f^" Address, Cbarles Thomas, Post Office, Pangbi "OEE-HIVE FACTORY, where every kind nf flive, -.L *5-''=*V*^^*'*'*^°'*'*'''^*'^®*''—^'"P^*>*'©d COTTAGE HIVES, with three Bell Glasses for taking the Honey without hurtJoK the Bees, strong and ornamental. 20;* ; WOODBURY FRAME HIVES '".Straw, 15s., also in Cork. Wood, and Glass. Major Munn's Patent Hi?e ; Dr. fosters cheap Frame HWes, 10s. tij. and 12a. Od. ; Tansy - leaved Phaceha (the great Beo Planl), by post Is Price List free ; with 20 Photographic Illustrationa, W. H. Framcjs, 61, Great Russell .Street (facing the British Museum). Bee-HlVBs. ^^2^^^^^^^^ MEDALS AWARDED TO GEO. NEIGHBOUR and SON&, at thk Paris Exuibition of 1807. Tat; only Enolish tXUIBITORS WHO OBTAlUBD A SiLTfiR MeDAL FOR BkE-HiVKS. "I^EIGHBOUKS* IMPROVED nrrTAHR IJKE-HIVE, -L^ as ongioally introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR ANr 1 neatly and strrmgly made oi straw ; it has three windowt the lower hi\ SONS, working throe bell-gl Stand for ditto, lll«. (id. THE LIGURI AN or ITALIAN ALP BILE beine macb in i-epute, G. N. and Sons supply Stocks of English Bees with genuine Italian Queens (which will shortly have wholtvyellow ItalianAIp Bees), at £3 3^. each. Au Italian AJp Queen, with ftiU directions for uniting to Black Stocks, £1 each. ENGLISH BEES.— Stocks and Swarms may be obtained as heretofore. A newly-arranged CataloeUo ^ , „ of other Improved Hives, with Drawings and Pnces, sent on ri ' ""' Address, Geo. Nkiohhour & 149, Regent Street, London. W, Aqknts :— Liveroool : James Cdthuert, 12, Claj Manchester : J. Wilson, 60, King Street. Dublin Dame Street. Glasgow : Austin 16, Euch TRON HURDLES (Silver Medal of the Hoyal -4- Agricultural Society) : SHEEP, 3s. 6d. : CATTLE. 4s. M. ; OX, 5s. Urf List by post. GATES and FENCIXG of every descnptiod St. Pancras Iron Work Company. Old St. Paucras Road, London, N. W. TO BE SOLD, a Bargain, an PscelfentrSHANKS' PONY LAWN MOWING MACHINE, with Self-delivery Appiratus ; cuts 3ii inches. Lowest price, £lo ; is nearly us good as Mr. Wblkeh, Victoria Iron Works, York. T Green's Patent Noiseless Lawn Mowers. HOMAS GREEN and SON, in inlrodueinff their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season beg to state that they have no novelties to report. The fact is, that after "" ' " ' Machines have been subjected to since they They the keeping of Lawns in ttie highest state of perfect]' ""■"*''" "-nplest in construction, least liable to e worked with far greater ease than any other Lawn order, and Mower ext Green's Patent Liwn Mowers have proved to be the best, and have carried off every prize that has been given in all cases of compe- tition, and in proof of their superiority upwai-da of 44,you have been sole smce the year 1856, They are the only Machines in constant use ftt Buckingham Palace Gardens The Winter Palace Gardens Marlborough House Gardens -. . - Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington The Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park _ _ The Cryabnl Palace Company's I The Botanic Gar'di Gardens, Sydenham i The Sur^derland Part' The Hyde Park Gardens i The Preatnn Park And in most of the principal Parka and Squares lb the United Kmgdom. #n.*S^.V,i!"irJ«n.n S 10 0 - — . ., -- ., ..900 Suitable tor One Person. Suitable for Two T Prices of Horse. Pony, and Donkey Machtnes, including Patent ^elfor Side Delivery Bos ; Cross &tay complete ; suitable for attachmg to orfllnarj' Chaise Traces or Gig Harnebs i— lORSE MACHINES. 0 I To out 30 mohea . . £.il 0 0 « us „ . . 15 0 0 ,, 311 „ . . 24 0 U y SO ., .. 17 0 0 „ 4a „ .. 27 0 0 Leiirbher Boots tot Donkey, I8«. ,, 48 „ . , 30 0 0 •• „ Pony, 223. Leather Boots for Ilorse. 2Gs. l^e 26 and 28 Inches can easily be worked by a Donkey, the 80 itiches by a Pony, and the larger sizes by a, Horse ; and hs the Machtnes make no noise in workinK. the most spirited animal can bo jrop^yed without feai- of Its ninning away or in any way damaging tiotb the Horse, Pony, Donkey, and Hand Maobines possess (over nil other makers) the advantage of self-sharpening; the outtera belbg liteel on each side, when they become dull or blunt by running tme way round, the cylintier cnn be reversed again and again, bring- Ihgthe bottom edge of the cutters against the bottom blade, when the Machme will cut equal to new. Arrangements are made that the cylinder can be reversed by any inexperienced person in two or three minutea. Every Machine is warranted approved of can be returned DEANE & CO., 46, KING WILLIAM ST., LONDON BRIDGE. Horticultutul Tools, Stc. I \\rv MowiifG Machines. 42«,, sos., ?us., 90s . moj tARDEN HARROWS, Wood and Iron, 215. ana 26s. P,^J^R5:5 J^NUINES, Galvanised Iron. Prices, 55«.,66».,78«.,i)O».,l00s..U0,.. (.^pnfW Hcrrnoci .„, „>, £114, £3 f2 7». 04, £2 1&. (ki ' « lis. OiJ. & VPDEV bKATS and CHAIRS. ILOWBR STANDS, CMWron and Wire. STRAINED WIRE FENCING and IRON HURDLES. SHANKS' PATENT nOT-WATER FITTIKOSforOREENUOnSES, CONSBRVAT0RIES,4c. Ileane's New Illustrated HorticiMural Catalogue post free SAMUELSON'S PATENT on application. Discount 5 per ceut. for cash payments over £2. Established a.d. 1700. DEANE AMD CO., 46, KING WILLIAM STREET, LONDON BRIDGE, E.G. LAWN MUWhllS. (HtEEN'S PATENT B A K N A K 1) • S PATENT. THE AUTOMATON LAWN MOWEE. PR1CE.S OF THE AUTOMATON MOWERS. 10 inches £3 10 „ 4 10 „ 5 10 „ 6 10 „ 7 10 „ 8 0 R. AND S. guarantee these Machines to perform their work perfectly, and if not approved of, they may be returned, Carriage Paid, within a month. Those sold last season gave the greatest satisfaction. Illustrated Lists and numerous Testimonials ou application. UPWARDS 1000 SOLD THE FIRST SEASON, 1867. RANSOMES AND SIMS, ORWELL WORKS, IPSWICH. STANDARD GARDEN PUMP AND PORTABLE FIRE ENGINE. lUEKOK and MUURIS wiU SELL i>i by AUCTHlN. at 35, Uracechurch Street. City, THIS Di\ 1', and SATUhDAT, June 6, at I o'Olock preciseVi', a ial^e ohd i Auctioneers and Valuers, Leyti . Essex, N.E. : Sal: Bei NO Pl. MESSRS. PROTKEKOK and MORRIS wUl SELL by AUCTION on the Premibes, Pergo Park, aaverh.g Atto Bower, Essei, ou TUESDAf, Juno 2, at 12 o'Clock prec-isely, without rtsurve, the w hole of the valuable Collection of STOVE and GRKEN- llOUSK PLANT'S, mcludiug aomo magniticent Exhibition tpec- mens, as well as desirable Plants tor Conservatory Decoraiion ; t.omo chiunilng exaraplts of Orchids; Tfimarkably well-grown yLtaina Indica, Tibout 4 feet by 3 feet ; Double CamelUM, 2 to 4 feet ; temh hanusuni" specimen show, Fincy and French; Pelargo^ams, sw) ■* et, profusely in flower, and in beautUuI condition ; a cnoite assori. ent of «yyo ■bedding Plants. „ - _j ..^ «. u .- « Mav be Tlewed pnSr to S»l«. dOalognes obtained Mi fte Prtmifci^ and of the AucuonotrBa" ""' i-.r-.-i.".- .•^^-i I Valuent, LejtouMivue, Etattx. THE GAI^T^ENKKS' CIIE0NIGT,E AND AflRICULTUKAL GAZETTK [Mat 30, 1868. JOHN WAKNEE & SONS. BRASS AND BELL FOUNDERS TO HER MAJESTY. HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.G. No. 35. J. W. AND SONS' GOODS MAY BE OBTAINEB OF THE TRADE GENERALLY AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES • 35. WARNERS- PATENT CAST-IRON ^7 No. 42. WARNERS' PORTABLE PUMPs",' ^" With Improved Valves for Liquid ManurL- . . . . £2 1.5 0 LIFT PUMPS. ches diameter . . ,.£18 SHORT-BARREL DITTO, FOR SINKS, PLANT HOUSES, ic. No. 37.— 2| ins. diameter .. £1 1 0 Ditto, with 15 feet of IJ-in. lead Suction Pipe attached, £2. 2-in. Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, per foot, 2s. 5rf. WARNERS' (No. 547 b) GARDEN ENGINE. HOLDS SIX GALLONS. Is light, portable, and easily worked by a lady or child, price £2 10s. These small, but powerful, Engines are strongly recommended to be kept on each floor of a gentleman's mansion, to be used in case of Fire. They should be kept filled mth water, and then are always ready for use. i WARNERS' (No. 668!) AMERICAN GARDEN ENGINE, OR FIRE ANNIHILATOR, Is complete in itself, or can be used to draw from a Pond or Tanli, price £2 2s. 6 ft. Suction Pipe and Rose, extra, 12s. WARNERS' AQ,XJAJECT. Useful for every variety of purpose, in Water- ing or Washing Flowers or Trees in Gardens, Conservatories, &c. ; also fo Carriages or Windows, Laying Dust, &c. Price, complete £1 10 0 Small Size for the hand, ae an ordinary Syringe, 18s. WARNERS' BEST BRASS SYRINGES. , 9s. 6rf. ; No. 00, 12s. ; No. 1, lis. 6(;. ; Jio. 2, Us. 6d. ; No. 3 ISs. . 4, Read's, 18s. Bd. ; No. 5, 16s. Gd. ; No. 6, 16s. 6rf. ; No. 7, 7s. 6d. No. o57a Disc Syringe possesses important advantages, 9s. 547a, in Iron Tub. WARNERS' GARDEN ENGINES, WITH REGISTERED SPREADERS. These Engines are much improved in construction, are less likely to get out of order, and more easily repaired than others. No. 647. Best ENGINES, in Wood Tubs. 24 Gallons .. £6 10 0 | 14 Gallons .. £5 10 0 No. 647a. Strong ENGINES, in Galvanized Iron Tubs, well painted inside and out. 10 Gallons .. £2 19 0 I 24 Gallons .. £4 19 0 16 Gallons .. 3 14 0 28 GaUons .. 5 10 0 PATENT ANNULAR-SAIL WIND ENGINE. SELF REGULATING For raising Water from Wells of an\ depth, ^nd forcing it any height by means of single, double, or treble barrel pumps, is especially adapted for the supply of water to gentlemen's mansions, farms, schools, union workhouses, asylums, &c. The larger sizes are recommended in place of steam engines for Water Works in small towns and villages, as after the first outlay the water is raised free of further cost. These Engines are also adapted for threshing, grinding, chatf cutting, pulping, &c., aa well as pumping water for the supply of stock, and purposes of irrigation. J. W. & Sons having purchased the patterns of Wind Engines manufactured by the late firm of Messrs. Bury & Pollard of Southwark, can imdertake any repairs connected with existing mills. WARNERS' WATER BARROW *! Saves a Gardener's time in Watering with the Water Pot. Made of strong Wrought Iron, Galvanized and painted inside and out. Tohold20Gals., wheelsl3in. high £2 2 ( ,, 30 „ „ 20 „ 2 13 ( „ 38 „ „ 24 „ 3 17 < ,> 50* „ „ 24 „ 5 12 ( WATER WHEELS. WATER RAMS, DEEP WELL PUMPS FOR STEAM, HORSE, OR HAND POWER. e Kddrwsed to ■' The Editor ; " Advert! , ,„ttheOttlL-e of Muiira BftotanHv. Et».mh. i „„„„->. -v.ot-i nw^^mi.. Offlce.No, 41. Welliui^abtre«t, Parish o< tit. l*aal't,CorMtt1iardea, lo the said County .—tiATDkCAViMaj 30, or vv bite friars, City of London, i e Omce.fl, Wellington Streec. Coveat Garden, London, W.C. ; Co. of Middlesex, and Published by t 1 JaMB9 M&TTBKWa, I THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 23.— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, JUNE 6. (Price Fivepence. (Stamped Edition, Crf. ApripulturalBenevoleutlDSti- Agricultiinil litbuurers Collectors, Morren c Corn, ne\T treftt Indtnn Daliiia 1 I.'. ( 1,1. \. t-, 699fc— eooi hraii-[,.-.-i»"ti-»lion COO t GiiitlLiuM-s' lluviil Benevolent Institution 598 i Genoese Rivieni 603 a Grafting, Potato 598 ( Gropes, betting 601 i Hayerop 607 i Horseshow 6U i Hyacinths at Liverpool 601 ( Kewon Whit-Mondav 599a Labourcps.aKricultural 608(1 Ladies' caiat'n 599 A Lee,Mr.J.N 603n Lindley libi-ary 599 a Pruning, varieties produced by t Itbododendrons, Mr. J. Wa- Roscsof 1868!'.'.'.!'..".'.*.".'.'.'.!'.'.! ( — wbite ( Society, Manchester I — Itoyat Horticultural — 598 c-C — Royal Agricultural — 607<:-6lli-( — Bath Agricultural t Soil exhaustion t — fertility ( stock. inHuence of, on scion.. S Strawberry, variegated ( Wasps ( Wheat, Australian ( 1^" Fersons wis)ii)ig to send the Garlenehs' Chronicle by Post, should order the Sta-Mped Edition. MESSRS. W.VTERER and GODFREY'S MAGNI- FICKNT DISPLAY of RHODODENDRONS under the Monster Tent at the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, South Kensington, are NOW In FDLL FLOWER. Admission to Public dally as per Papers. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK.-AMERICAN PLANTS.-Tbo EXUI- BITIOiV will be OPEN nil NEXT WEEK. Admission as on ordinary days, and by Tickets, 2s. Cd. each. Gates open at 9 o'clock. Band wilt play on Wednesday at 3.30 to 6 o'clock. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S GARDENS, RF.GENTS PARK.-NEXT GENERAL F.-YHIBITION of PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRDIT, WEDNESDAY and THURS- DAY, June 17 and 18. 'llckets to be obtained only at the Gardens ■ niid of the Society's Clerk, Austin's Ticket OfBoe, St. James's Hall Piccadilly, price 5.^. ; on the days of the Exhibition, fs. M. aach /•CRYSTAL PALACE.-The GREAT SHOW of V^ ROSES, RHODODENDRONS. &e,, SATDRDAV, June 20 ENTRIES should be FORWARDED to ai, juuo .lo I. WILKINSON. Supenntendent. KIGHTON '^A SUSSEX HOETICULTUitAL and FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY'S GRAND ROSE SHOW will be held on THURSDAY, June 25, at the Royal Pavilion Rooms and Eastern Lawn. Prizes are offered in 15 Classes Schedules to be had on application to the SEcaETAar, 96, St. James Street ; or. E. SPARY, Superintendent of the Exhibition, Queen'a Graperies, Brighton. EDW. CARPENTER, Secretary N.B. The Autumn will be held as usual, 1st or 2d week in September. Exeter Open Rose Show. THE DEVON and EXETER BOTANICAL nnd HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY will hold a ROSE SHOW (Open to All England). ,w,,vu j.^^,... i^u,5,.,uu,, ,u wuuccnuji YtiLU their Summer Horticul- tural Exhibition, at Exeter, on THURSDAY and FRIDAY, June 25 and 26. Schedules of Prizes may be obtained on application T. W. GRAY, Esq., Honorary Secretary, Qu, - ■ - " L Street Chambers, WES^T^rflENGLAND RGSl^^SHOW:— This EXHIBITION (Open to tho United Kingdom) Is lixed to take place In tbe SHIRE HALL, HEREFORD, on FRIDAY June 26. £130 offered in Prizes. The Rev. S. Revnolds Hole and Rev. C. P. Cleaveb Peach will kindly undertake the oBlce of Censors In the Nurserymen 8 Classes. All communications to be addressed to the Rev. C. H. BULMER, M.A., Credenhlll Rectory, Hereford. pHESTER HORTICULTURAL SdciETY.^^he \J SUMMER SHOW (Open to all Comerj), will be held in BuacioQs Marquees on the Roodee, on WEDNESDAY, July 1 Prizes, value £105, will be competed for. Schedules of Prizes and all particulars may be had on application to the Acting Honorary Secretary, Mr. F. ARTHUR DICKSON, 106,Eastgate Strfet,Che3ter. THE SOUTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE HORTICUL- TURAL SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION and ROSE SHOW will be held at NEWARK on JULY 2; and Four SUver Cups, tor Plants, Fruit, and Roses, will be awarded, with numerous other Prizes. Schedules may be obtained on application to Mr EqBINSON,_Secretary,JWinkbiirn, Southwell, Notts J„„ Eoyal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park] OHN WATERER'S RHODODENDRONS at the .i„„°.^„°„'SP*;?°"'i;''J? N°?',?" ■^'f ^ DAILY. Orders for Admis- sion can be obtained from Fellows of the Society. Admittance can also be obtained at Watebeb's Gate West of the Botanic Gardens, Sundays and Wednesday! ■ ' The Eoses at the " Old " Cheshunt Nuraerlea ARE NOW FINELY IN BLOO.M. PAUL AND SON respectfully SOLICIT an INSPECTION. atTl'.° " 9'^ " Nursonea, Cheshunt, N., One Mile from the Cheshunt Wtatlon of Great Eastern Railway. Trr^,, . „ Roses, In Pots, on own Roots. HOMAS HANDASYDE and DAVIDSON have a large rtock of the above. Prices to tho Trade on application. iriiMj^.^^o. o"??'*'^"^..^ Davidson, Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists. 24, Cockbum Street, Edinburgh. Numenes at Musselburgh W.. T,.T,T.„ New Roses, &0. *i'nJ,i4^¥^^w FK™» CATALOGUE of NEW PELAROONfuMs'^Tc^^''"^''^^? °' BEATO.N'S, and ZONAL Trfe on applSi"'- *'• " '""' "'■''• "»'' "'" ^' '■'"■"'^^ P-' Pace's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, London, N. Trrnxn^^S ^f^,,?'^.^^"^^' Tottenham. HOMAb S. WARE begs to iuform his Friends, in BLOOM '°The"o'?,?od'"'i'° '° general that his ROSES are NOW J.re Close to the Station. Trains fr'im SSfo a"^, ahort'^fnto^^s'' Omnibuses from Rojal Exchange to the Ulgli Cross. intofis. Genuine Garden Seeds. WM. CUTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the above Is now ready. Post.free on application. Highgate Nurseries. London, N. New Catalogue of Soft -wooded and~Beddlng Plants^ Florist Flowers, &c. CHARLES TURNER'S DESCRIPTIVE LIST la now ready, and will be sent on application. The Royal Nurseries, Slough. New Spring Catalogue. [fl AND A. SMITH beK to announce that the F DESCRIPTIVE PRICED CATALOGUE of TRICOLOR, BICOLOR, and ZONAL GERANIUMS, PELARGONIUMS, BEDDING PLANTS, 4c., Is now ready, and will be sent tree oi application. The Nurseries. West Dulwlch, S.E. F New Cineraria Seed. AND A. SMITH beg to announee that their SEED of the present season Is now ready. They are tbo only Firm J obtained a First-class Certificate for Cinerarias In 1SG8. Dahlia Vice-President. C^EO. HAWLINGS e.in supply this noble variety. > Romford.F:. )HILIP LADDS is now sending out 21 varieties of NEW VERBENAS of 166S. Free by post for Us. Terms i Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent, S.E. 1868— New 'Verbenas-1868. )ERRY'S NKW VERBENAS, and COX'S LADY BODQHTON. 10s. 6»". and distinct PELARGO- NIUMS raised by Mr. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Beck, Esq., of Isleworth which were awarded numerous Certificates at the various Metro- politan Snows. DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST may bo had on application. Cblswick Nurseries, London, W. Viceroy of Egypt. /^ WALKLING now offers for the first time this new ^^ • and beautiful Bronze Zoned GERANIUM, and can with confidence recommend it as tho best of its class yet in commerce for Bedding or Out-door purposes. A Leaf from Plant for four New Tricolor Geranium, Louise Smith. y^ AND A. SMITH with confidence recommend this as X • the best variety yet sent out for planting out-of-doors being of exceedingly free and vigoroua habit, beautUui in colour and quite superior to any for the purpose. Strong plants now ready 'at reduced prices. Special quotations for quantities. NEW CATALOGUE now ready, and may be had on application The Nurseries, Dulwlch, S.E. Paul's Nurseries, Waltham Cross, London. N TX/M. PAUL'S NEW VARIEGATED, ZONAL, and V V BEDDING PELARGONIUMS (Beaton's race), ROSES ic m now ready for delivery. For particulars see Advertisement of SPRING CATALOGUE for 166S free by post on application. Important.— All letters should be addressed William Fapi., Waltham Cross, London, N. C0LEU8, in eight Varieties.— Tho" following Coleus-^ Veltehli, Gibsonl, Blumei, atro. purpurea, LeomontI, Vorschaffeltii, aurea marginata, and marmorata— can now be sup- plied, in good plants, at Od. o\cb, 4s. per dozen, 20s. per 100 ■ Iresiue llerbstli, and aurea reticulata, at 10s. Gd. per 100 ; Lobelia speclosa strong, at 10s. Od. per 100 ; Golden Feather, 25». per 100 ; Gazanto . Nurserymap, B.attle, Sussex. BLACK PRINCE STRAWBERRIES, ripe in the open ground. May 26 : best MUSHROOlf SPAWN . CUCUMBER and MELON FlAnT.S. ora.vn. The LEASE. 4c., of the late JAMES CUTHILL, to bo DISPOSED OF. His five Pamphlets. Apply to Mary Cc , Denmark Hill, Camberwell, S. R' OYAL ASCOT or PERPETUAL.— To have new GRAPES fl-om this wondor(\il Vine in January, February, and i-_. ^ Fine young , Vis. each ; in May, 31s. M., 42«., and 635. ' March, growlog Canei r. ,.... •", 4„. Paeonles and Iris. JOHN SALTER begs to announce that his splendid f Collections of P.t;oNlES and IRIS are NOW in BLOOM Tho Gardens are open every day except Sundi ■■—TV, Willis Railway.) 1 Street, Vale Place, Hammersmith, W. Double Pyretlirums. JOHN SALTER begs to announce that his large COLLECTION of these beautiful SUMMER FLOWERS Is NOW In FULL BLOOM. The Gardens are open every day except Versailles Nursery, William Street, Vale Place, Hammersmith W. (near Kensington Railway). .•■uii.u, To the Trade and others. QCAELET RUNNER BEANS, good growing, fine >^ Famplo. Cash price, 7.*. (It/, per bushel. Fnunit. Gek, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade. TO the TRADE and OTHERS.— Splendid stock EARLY S1.X.WEEK TURNIP, new Seed.'nne samolo at 2fi». per bushel, or 8d. per lb. Terms cash. i -^i "" FREna. Gee, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. CTi^u?no^o*,??-;r,?,?™8-Srown Turnip Seeds. HARLEb bHARPE and CO., Seed Gkowees. Sloaford, have to offer TURNIP SEEDS of all the leading kinds, grown from Una selected stocks. Special prices sent on application. . -^ xi'''.''.,^'l?o*'??,®.'n?S™^-^°'^^^^''Sel Seeds] pHARLES bHARPE and CO., Seed Growers V.-' Sleaford, have to offer MANGEL SEED of all the loadlOB kinds' grown ft-om Hue selected stocks^__Specialj)riee3 sent on application.' QUTTONS' CHAMPION SWEllETlheTiardiest and ►— ' best in cultivation. Lowest price per bushel on application. ^"^^'"' & Sows, Seed Growers, Reading. H 'UTTONS' IMPERIAL GREEN GLOBE, the heaviest ' White.fleshed Turnip In cultivation. Lowest price per bushel application — Scttos a Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. I Lincolnshire Redllound^Turnipi and F. SHARPE offer a fine stock of the above. • grown from transplanted bulbs last season Price low Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. Green Round or Norfolk Turnip. AND F. SHARPE have a true stock of the above • Turnip, grown from selected bulbs and of isej growth very reasonable. I Growing Establishment, Wisbech. H Green-top Swede Turnip. AND F. SHARPE can supply the Trade with a • splendid stock of the above Turnip, grown last season from transplanted bulbs. Price very moderate. '•'■"""''"' ^"'^'"^ '™™ Seed Growing Establishment, AVisbech. D Special Offer to the Trade. EVONSHIRE GREVSTO.NE TURNIP, 24s. per bushel ; GREEN GLOBE TURNIP, 21«. per bushel AGRlCULi;URAL MUSTARD, One aaiipio, IU». per bushel. DWARF ESSEX R.APE, lOs. pSr bushel \LrnEn Leoerton, Seed Merchant, 5,Jl.ldgate, London, E HITE GLOBE 'TtlRNIP, crop 1867,"Slecrsto^ Price on application. James Faihuead s. Son, 7, Borough Market. S.E. :j^INE STOCK, 'DEVONSHIRE GKEYSTONE JUIINIP. lS(i7. Price reason.ible. ^ ' " 7. Borough Market, S.E. w /':j.KEEN-TOr KWEUE, good 8to"ck; Price low y^ Jamks Fairuead & Sos, 7, Borough Market, S.E. JjEWISHAM S WEDEjhe^firiest varietfof Pilnile:^^ Jame^ FAinaEAD k Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E. D„r,,?.9 J'*''™^''^' Gardeners, and Others. RUMHEAD CATTLE CABBAGE PLANTS, extra fine and well rooted, c.iroinllv ...i.-VflH ;.. ....«.„.. .,„j j-i._. .. S.WELLAND, Surrey Gardens, ^_ Market Gardens, Biggleswade and delivered Godalming, Surrey. ICHARD WALKER can supply any quantity of LABRA.GE PLANTS, U. <>d. per lOOl) ; WALCHEREN CAULI- SPROUTS, 'crf? pe"! To the Traded SHARPE'S IMPROVED LARGE PURPLE-TOP SWEDE nHARLES SHARPE and CO., Seed Growers, swii-ni? T^ 1,. T '» "ffsr Seed of tho above named nrst-clasi SWEDE. It has been tested in all parts of the United Kingdom t'i.H ■ Proyetl '.'self the heaviest cropper and best quality 5f an^ Swede in cultivation. Special prices on application J "' auy Sle.^ford.— April 2.^ 1868 o, HTT???''' Sieep Feed-Mustard^HdRSiii^ QUTION AND bONS can supply good new Seed of the KJ above at very moderate prices, which may be had on application Sutton & j^os3,^ed_Mercfaants, Reading. PARIS, I SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDSlbTAUTSorL^ ^ 1867. I The PREMIER PRIX SILVER MEDAL for GAR SUrrSN^AN^ •sSS^'f ''^' »■"' °S'''5? SEEDs"t!i'iwarded^t''o SUllON audSONS, Seedsmeu to theQiiEEN, Reading, Berks ril H E O N L Y P R I Z E^ ME^iTaI: X for GRASS In GROWTH, PARIS, 1807, was Awarded to _ lMes CAaTER A Co., 237 and 238, High Holborn. London W C T^,^,.."'*'^^ ''^'^"^ WEUAL for GARDEN bEEJJ^ J- INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON 1802 waS awarded to ' ' **^ _ James CABTEn 4 Co., 237 and 233, High Holborn, London W C "FTveTTy garde n irE ulJl sTte J-* . ^, kept in stock at Ea s New Seed Warehouse, 237 S 238^ High Holborn, London. C Genuine Garden and Agricultural S^ds7 AKIER AND CO. Seed FAaiicns, Meechasts, and Nl-bservmeu 237 * 238, High Holboru, Loudon, W.C. ' Notice of Removal. AITE, BURNELL, HUGGINS, and CO., Seed Du.r,,^.,,."?.™.'"'"' '*'. "'el> Holborn. London, W.C . have cow Kt-MOVt-U to 'heir NlSw PREMISES In SOUTHWARK STREET S.E., where in future all commumcatlona are to be addressd. W.Tmx. .„ Agricultural Seeds. AITE, BURNELL, HUGGINS, and CO.'S AGRICULTURAL SEED CATjVLOQUE for this season is T>ow published, and will be forwarded per post on application. V, holesale Seed Warehouse, Southwark Street, London, S.E. (late 0fl81, High Holborn) , . . RAYNBIRU, CALUECOTT. BAWTREE, COWLING, A»D COMPANY (LImltodI, Corn, Seed, Manure, and Uiwake Mebcdants. Address, 8y, Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.C. ; or Basingstoke. Samples and Prices post free on application. Prize MedaU, U^l, for Wheat; 1862, for "Excellent Seed Corn and Seeds." THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTtTRAL GAZETTE. [June 6, 1868. Biitlsli Fern Catalogue. ROBBRT SIM will solid, [..isi-fice for six postage stamps. Part 1. {British Ferns and their varieties. 36 paees, IncludioK prices of Hardy Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- TIVE CATALOGUE of BRITISH and EXOTIC i'ERNS, No. 7. P'oot'a Cray Nursery, S.E. Clbotlum Frluceps. A VAN GEEET, Nurseryman, Ghent, Belgium, has • pleasure in offering to the Trade stout young Plants of the nobis TREE FERN. CI BOTH' M PRINCBPS. at 30s. per dozon, or 50 plants fur £4. Dolirered carriage free in Loudon. Reference required Irom unknown correspondents. Agents, Messrs. R. Silbekhad, 5, Harp Lane. Tower Street, London. AKTUUR H&NDEKSOX and CO. have to offer extra flue strains of tho following Choice Seeds, free by post : — CINERARIA, blue varieties, mixed, 3s. 6^^ CINERARIA, light varieties, mised, 3s. CI. CINERARIA, dark varieties, mixed, Sx. lUl. CINERARIA, mixture of all colours. 2.s. baa hitherto been its i[idi9;->osition to throw its flowers above the foliage. I have now, however, tho s.atisfiction of oCTering it with the s^ime erect, coaspiuuons stvle as the other kinds. The stock of this is limited this year, George Clarke, Nurseries, Streatl Mottingham, Kent. , BrixtoQ Hill, S. ; and LOISK-CHAUVIERE, Seed Groavek, Nuksehyman, and Florist, 14, (juai de la M^gisserie, Paris, Eighty-four Gold and Silver Medals in the Exhibitions of France, Kugland, Belgium, and Prussia (Gold Medal, Universal Exhibition of 1S67). By appointment Seedsman to the Emperor. All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS can be supplied, including — GREEN-TOP WHITE SUGAR BEET (true seed). RED-TOP IMPERIAL Lowest price for cash on application. The most complete collection of GLADIOLI. CATALOGUES on application. SUTTONS' IMPROVED ITALIAN RYE-GRASS, the earliest and most productive in cultivation. — Thia was sown with great succes.s at the Metropolis Sewage Company's Farm, Barking, in 1867. Seven he.ivy cuttings were obtained in 1867. The fli-st cuttings were obtained March 12, the second April 22, both off the same piece. Price 6s. per bushel, cheaper in larger quantities, carriage free Quantity required per acre three bushels SoTTON & Sons Royal Berks Seed EstabI shment, Reading The best Swede in cultivation is BUTTONS' CHAJIPION Carriage free to any railway station. Lowest price per bushel CD application. October 28, 1867.—" At tiic anuuiU meeting of the above Asaooia- tion, held at Sidbury, on the ^2d inst., your Champion Swede again took the 1st prize for Swedes, agaiust 13 compotitors with other sorts. From Mr. W. Buddkn, Coombe Keyiies. March 18, 1867.—" I gained the 1st prize at the Wmfrith Farmers' Club with your Champion Swede this season. Others also gained prizes with seeds had of you." JfYom Henry Cantrell, Esq., Baylis Famu nmr Slwugh. May 2, 1867.—" I obtained the £5 6s. Silver Cup, given by Q. J. Palmer, Esq., Dornej Court, last October, vnth your Champion Swedes, and they were grown aitur a crou of Italian Rye-grijss. Mr. Cantrell has also obtamed H.R.H. the late Prince Consort s 20 Guinea Cup this season. SoTTos &, Sons, Seedsmen to the Queen, Reading, Berks. GOLDEN_CHAMPION GEAPE. This extraordinary Grape (a notice of wliicli appeared ia this Paper in December last), is a SEEDLING raised by Mr. Thomson, of Dalkeith. Inconstitution it is equal to the Black Hamburgh; it sets freely under the same treatment, ripens earlier, and will keep in condition, when ripe, as long as that favourite variety; the bunches are large and well shouldeied, berries larger than any Grape known, flavour new and peculiarly rich. Fruit has been submitted to many competent judges fiir their opinion ; and Testimonials, fully corroborating what we say of it, may be had on application. The Grape will be Exhibited during the season. Orders are now being booked, and we propose to send VINES out in September next. Price 21s. and 42s. each. The usual Discount to the Trade. OS BORN AND SONS, FULHAM NURSERY, LONDON, S.W. NEW PLANTS FOR 1868. JAMES VEITCH & SONS DKO TO AN.NOUNCE THAT THEY ARE NOW SENDING OUT THEIR SPLENDID NOVELTIES. ABUTILON TflO.MP,SONII, Price 7«. Qd, each. ADIANTUM CONCINNU.M LATUM, Price 10*. &d. each. ALOCASIA INTERMEDIA, Price, good plants, 31s. M. ; extra strong, 42s. ALOCASIA JENNINGSII, Price 21s. each. ANCYLOGTNE LONGIFLORA. Price 10s. 6rf. each. BEGO.\IA BOLIVIENSIS, Price 10s. 6f/. each. CALADIUM CHELSONI, Price 10s. Gd. each. CROTON INTERRTJPTUM, Price 21s. each. CROTON IRREGULARE, Price 21s. each. DAVALLIA PARVULA, Price 10s. 6rf. each. RETINOSPORA FILICOIDES, good plants, 21s. ; extra sized ditto, 42s. each. SELAGINELLA POULTERII, Price '5s. each. THE FOLLOWING NOVELTIES WILL BE SENT OUT AUGUST 1. AJIPELOPSI.'j VEITCHII, ^ CLEMATIS JOHN GOULD VEITCH, Price 7s. Gd. each. BEGONIA VEITGHII, Nice plants, 21s. ; extra size, 63s. each. Double blue flowe Price 31s. Gd. each. DRACiEMA REGINA, Price 63s. ; a few extra size, 10.5s. For lull descriptions see Gardeners' Chronicle, May 16, 1868, page 514. <"- Messrs. J. V. and SONS will be pleased to forw.ard, Post Free, their " NEW ILLUSTRATED DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE," of the .above, and m,any other NOVELTIES sent out by other Houses ; and to enable Purchasers to judge of the merits of the Plants otlcred by them, a very carefully and accurately prepared Engr.aving of each is given. ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. B. S. WILLIAMS Begs most respectfully to invite his Patrons and the Public generally to visit his Nursery, which at all times contains much to interest, but more especially at the present time, when the AMARYLLIDS, AZALEAS, ANTHURIUMS, AND ERICAS ARE IN FULL BLOOM. The SPECIMEN FLOWERING and FOLIAGE PLANTS, which will be exhibited at all the principal Shows this year, are to be seen to advantage in the Large Conservatory and other Show Houses. The ORCHID HOUSES, PAL.M STOVES (to which many new and interesting Plants have of late been added), NEW HOLLAND HOUSES, FERN HOUSES, AZALEA HOUSES, &c., are replete with Plants which, by the interest and instruction tbey will sillbrd, will well rep!iy a visit. ,•„.!.•.• •.!.»»,.. The COLLECTION of MEXICAN PLANTS at this Nursery la unsurpassed in Great Britain, with tue exception of the one at the Kew Uardens. SPRING CATALOGUE OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS Is now ready, Post Free to all applicants. CARRIAGE AND OMNIBUS ROUTES. Carriage Eoute from West End is through Albany Street, Regent's Park; Park Street, Camden Town; Kentish Town Eoad ; and the Junction Road. Omnibus Routes —The "favorite" Omuibusses from the Bank, and London Bridge Railways; Victoria Station Charin'' Cross, and Westminster; Brompton, South Kensington Museum, Piccadilly, and Regent Street, arrive at and start from' the entrance of the Nursery every seven minutes. B. S. WILLIAMS, VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. June 6, 1868.'| TTTT; fi a "RDENKl^S' rHRONTOT.E ANT) AOTlTCTTTTrT^AT, GAZETTE. OPABIS (IDAMS'S NlTRO-r OIJAIIS-S inssoi,'. ODAMS'S-SUPERPIIOSPIIATI? of LIMB. ODJMS'S PREPAUED PERUVIAN GUANO. MAKUFAOTDRED '^T-G^^^ISrV O' 1HE PATENT NITRO-PIIOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANy (Llraltea). Chief Offloss— 109, Fenchurob Street. London. Weatoi-n Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter. Irish Branch— 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Kdwapi Boll. 4S, Marine Parade. Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot. Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexhaiu, Norfolk. George Saville, ingthorpe, near .Staiiiford. Saniuol .lonns, Grishnll Grange, Esses. Ohnrltts Dormaii, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Tbonin£ Webb, Hildersham. Cambridgeshire. Jonas W.-bh, :\Ielton Roj^s, Lliii-olnshire. Its ri). I .irs of upwards of ;t(>,(JoO acres of land, which ti:i t i r. 1 1 vi I., under management with manures of Lhclr own niannliu'ture. c. >nseqnentl.v the cnnsumor has the best guarantee for the genuineness and efficacy o( the Manures manufactured hv this Conip.iiiy. Paiticulars will be forwarded may bo had of the Local Agents. " C. T. M.. Chlef UrBccs— lot), Fenchnrch Street. London. E.C. TU K L U W U u iN MAN UK E COM PAN Y (ESTABLISBED 1840) Have now ready for delivery m dry fine condition. CORN MANDRE, for Spring Use DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing P.asture Lands SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME PREPARED GUA.VO MANGEL .and POTATO MANURES Also Genume PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA ex Dock Warehouse: SULPHATE of AMMONIA, FISHERY SALT, »c E. PoasER. Secretary, omccs, 110, renchurch Street, E.C. LA W"E S'" M A N U^R E S. These Manures are now ready for delivery. LA WES' PATENT.TURNIP MANDRE LAWES' DISSOLVED RONES. LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME f^.'^i^S; WHEAT. BARLEY, GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES LAWKS- CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANITRES These Manures can be oltoined of Mr. L.iwes, or through the appomted Agents in all parts of the UoitoJ Kingdom, at prices varymg accordnig to c.st of carri^igc. „ 'i.'S"""' PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers. NITRATE o( SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, and other 1HE PAXTON GARDEN MANURE is the most ■ Vegetables, md portable. •S, W.I.1.1AM3 A^;L,. \\ . I . i ivhere none have been appointed. PVIli.Nl u;.\-. il'il;r[Cni,WRAiniANIIRE COM^A"'Y''"i'i ' WOLVERHAMPTON MANURE yet produced f<. to wholesale prices, &c., inquire of the t a, Chui-chbridgo. Cannock, Staffordshire, AGENTS WANTED. The Cheapest and Best Insecticide. DUTY-FREE TOBACCO. pOOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for the Prevention and Destruction of Bliglit and othoi Diseases In Flants. Solil by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, In Tins at Is., 2s. Gd., and 5s. Powder Distributors, Ss. dd. and 3s. 6d. each. *' I find it exceedingly useftil for killing the Aphides on Koses and other Plants."— Geo. Eyles, Superintendent of the Royal Horticul- tural Gardens, South Kensington, May 7, 1803. Cb Miiui AMERICAN' Addi E.C. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dub: :i other CAKES at market prices. s. 1. Adelaide Place, London Bridge, and Market Square, Shrewsbury. Sole Manufacturer, T. A. P O O L E Y, Bonded Warehouse, Sussex Wharf, Wapping, E. Agents required In Towns where nob already appointed. BROWN'S FLORAL SH-ADING, for Shading Plants under Glass from the Sun, and protecting the Bloom of Wall Trees from Frost. Sold by Nurserymen and Seedsmen. No. 1. 38 inches wide, 20 yards lonp, at 4s. fid. per piece. M 4s. lOd. per piece. „ 7s. extra stout. owH, Greenheys, Manchester. No. 2. 33 JEAN VERSCHAFFELT'S NURSERY, GHENT, BELGIUM. PILOCEREUS SENILIS, a magnificent lot of fine healthy Plants. Young Plant-s, Us. B(/. ctcli ; Ditto, larger, from 21s. to 42s. each. Early Orders are respectfully solicited by JEAN VERSCHAFFELT, 134, FAUBOURG DE BKUXELLES, GHENT, BELGIUM. PORTABLE COLOUR-SLIPS. TO AID IN FORMING CORRECT ARR4N0EMENTS IN COLOUR PREPARATORY TO PLANTING FLOWER-GARDENS. ir-rAa^iUKi io ListofPlanr'™™ '^"'"""^ ^"'' '"" "" ^""'"^ '<> c-'^^POid in number with those attached to the accompanying A Packet of the Coloured Slips will he forwarded on receipt of six postage stamps. The Catalogue forwarded post free on receipt of four postage stamps. E. G. HeI^^ERSON & SON EESPECTFDLLY ANNOCNCE THE PUBLICATION OF THEIK NEW SPRING CATALOGUE, o,v> .i;°'i''^}^° descriptions of the most popular and Oruamental Garden Plants of the season, amongst which are the following. The Catalogue contains 60 designs of Flower Beds as an aid to amateur cuuSe and other! DAHLI t^Wm/p^Bt "ifrfpp '^'' """■ , i ^'''" LILIPUIIAN ZONAL OERANIUMS.-In ooIoutb, with n«at for beddiM ™L?»^??n^'i'^**?'TT",?S all other whlto varieties "n" "lep'nt ""bits of growth, adapted for minlatme desrgtis and lor oeaaing purposes and effective belts, &c. unujue lairy groups. "''perMn^a?be'^Sin<,'i,l'»?f^'"^^^-■''''° ""e^^t golden-leaved DuUBLE-FLOWERED ZO.VAL GERANIUM.-For bedding, ai oeuamg plant. ' MADAME ROSE CHARME0X.-Tom Thumb growth. q,, . ,. ,. . ^ , NEW HYBBID COLETJS. pred^^Lrt^sr^e^^r^^^;Si;^^^^^ WELLINGTON NURSERY, ST. JOHN'S WOOD, LONDON, N.W. TRAINING STICKS AKD TALLIES. COMMENDED BY THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. BETHAM & BLACKITH STRONGLY RECOMMEND EXrilWTORS OF FLOWERS, AMATEUR AND PROFES.SIONAL, TO USE HAAGE'S STICKS AND TALLIES, HetaU oTaU Seedten'aJdFion'r™'"' """ "'^'^ ""^ »''™'"""'' -" "'-1' -'" be had Wholesale of them, and Used by mauy of the leadioK BETHAM ^^ BLACKITH. COX'S QUAY, LOWER THAMES STREET, LONDON, E.C. Wholesale by Mfigni- PRICE'S PATENT CANDLK COMPANY (LiMITKD) PAX^c)^ ^ CRIN Pixton wb Rock n 1 I RED STRAWBERRY nt,o 3 by the late &r (oseph 0 e season a h a own Girdone the r use ulnesa The nght to B H LL DiY r t W k "A Portobello Terrace Netting H II Gate, W 11 strated Catalogues &AFIJKN ARCHES ARCAI FS VLRANDAHS ORNA MENTAL FENCING. Tl ELI lb W RK. for tREEPERS FLOWER STANDS, SUSPENDING BASKETS, AViARIEs! PliKASANTRIES, &c. Every description ol_Wire Work for Gardens, Conservatories, &c. To Gardeners. AS STONE is now nfi..;: |„. im iv,! jo^BOX^EDGlNG, rProrr nnde r.fthePiirk.by rol invente'l 1821) bv tho l^i Regent's Park, 5f.W. •,* The stock of Vi '':;[.ARDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in great ety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts being especially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as they harbour uo Slugs and Insects, take up little room, and once put down incur no further labour and expense, as do "grown" Edgings, cou- sequently hemp much cheaper GARDEN VASES, FOUNTAINS, &c.. In Arti- ficial Stone, of gieat durability, and hi great vW. ; Kingsland Road, Kingsland, N.e! O RNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors. Balconies, Ac, as cheap and durable aa ;, in blue, red, and buff colours, and capable of forming a variety Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS of I enriched designs than the above. WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Larders Kitchen Ranges, Baths, &c. Grooved and other Stable PaviuK Bricks of gieat durability, Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall Copings, Red and Stoneware Drain Pipes, Slates, Cement fltc To be obtained of F. & G. Roshub, at their premisua as above. QILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above kJJ addressei^Hs. per Ton, or I5. 3rf. per Bushel ; 2*. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf Quantities of 4 Tons, Is. per Ton less i-'LINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS for Rockeries or Grotto Work. F. & G. RosriER.-Addresses see above. W.B. Orders promptly pxecuted by Railway, OU Paint no longer Necessary. rriLL ANB SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH n '"'^5 Preservmg Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varnish Is an exceUent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary hibourer, requires no mixmg or thinning, and is used cold. It Is used In tho grounds at Windsor Castla. Kew Gardens, and at the seats of many ds of the nobility and gentry, fi-om whom the moat flattering applirntton From nob Hill & Smith will forward fl . E. JJ. r, Esq., Tlie the Bt: answered _.._, ,.., , „ Is the best material fur preser^nng rk exposed to tho air'; and I Bt and cheapest article that is yet ' ManuiactoiT, or ia, 8rf, Apply to Hill A SMtrn. Brtcrh ii Cfinnon Street Weit, E.C.. froi Wisbiog you ovory succeaa." paid to any Station tit the klngdonu — I Iror. WorKtt, O'-ar Dudley, and THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTK [June 6, 1868. SUPERB NEW LATE GRAPE, MRS. PINCE'S BLACK MUSCAT.— The Public are respect- lully invited to an inspection of this really flue Late Grape. The real Muscat flavour, so rarely obtained, is unmistakeable in this valuable late-keeping Grape. LucoMBE, PiNCE, & Co. will have groat pleasure in showing the : TeslimoDials __ forwarded by post upon application. Fine Planting Canes now ready to send out at 21s. each. Exeter Nursery, Exeter, willt MAGNIFICENT NEW HYBRIDS of COLEUS.— Six First Prizes were awarded on 6th ult., by the Floml Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, to the splendid varieties purchased by Messrs. Veitch k Sons, at the sale held at Messrs. Stevens' on the 22d of April last, for full description of which see Oardaiera' Oironicle of April 11, 18CS, pages 370 ami 377. Messrs. Veitch & Sons intend distributing these magniflcent strictly m rotation :■ Plan Fril; C. BAUSEI .. .. C.SAUNDEUSil .. .. 10 0 C. SCOTTIl .. .. C. KUCKERl 10 0 |C. HATEMANI ., Or the Set of Sis varieties together, £2 2^. Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, S.W. Wonersli Nursery, near Guildford, Surrey. W VIRGO AND SON be? to announce that their • stock of TREES and SHRUBS of the undermentioned kinds is this season very extensive and well-grown, samples, prices, and Catalogues of which can be obtained on application : — ~ 0,000 GreenHolly.tranaplanted, H to 2 ft. Berberis aquifolla ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. GRAND SUMMER FLOWER SHOW, JUNE 2, 3, 4, and 5. AWARDS OF CLiss 1.-9 GREENHOUSE AZALEAS, distinct. (Open.) lat. Mrd. S. GleudinniDg •- '^ — " ■"'-^ ■- -■- 2d, Mr. S. M. Caraon, G.. Cheam, Surrey, £10. 3d, Mr. C. Turner. Royal Nursery, Slough, £7. , 9''*,^/ 2^6 GREENHOUSE AZALEAS, distinct. (Nurserymen.) 1st, Mr. C. Turner. £9. \ j i 2d, Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria Nursery, Holloway, N., £0. Class 3 --6 GREENHOUSE AZALEAS, distinct. (Amateurs) 1st, Mr. C. Penny, Gr. to H. H. Gibbs, Esq.. St. Dunatan's, Regent's Park. N.W., £9. ' * 2d, Mr. S. M. Carson, £6. 3d, Mr. A. Wilkie, Gr., Oak Lodge, Kensington, £3. Class 4.-15 GREENHOUSE AZALEAS, in Pots not more than 12 i (Open.) STANDARD MORELLO CHERRIES, 1 DWARF-TRAINED do. Bedding Plants. J SCOTT, Merriott, Somerset, offers 150 Plants, • purchasers' seleotion, from the following, basket and packing included :— Calceolarias, Gem, Sparkler, and Prince of Orange ■ Chrysanthemums, 100 sorts ; Dahlias, 100 sorts ; Fuchsias, 100 sorts ; Geraniums, 30u sorts ; Heliotropes, 12 sorts ; Lobelias, Miss Murphy, Splendida (Scott's), Speciosa, and Paxtonii ; Lantanas, 20 sorts ; Mimulus ; Petunias, mixed; Pentstemons, 20 sorts; Salvias, Tropajolums, Koeni^as, Perillas, Amaranthus, Achyranthus, Alter- nantheras, Ageratums, Convolvulus, ^Mauritianas, Nierembergias, Viola cornuta, Aubrietias, and Daisies. With many others, from the largest, beat grown, and finest Collection in the West of England. Clioice and New Bedding Plants, &c. HCANNELL hus a tine stock of the following • PLANTS :— Golden Feather, 4s. to Gs. per doz. ; Lobelia Pumila elegans. Indigo Blue, and White Lady, 3a. per doz. ; Coleus Verschaflfeltii. 4s. per doz. ; Viola lutea, 3s. per doz. ; Attemanthera jaronycbioides, is. per doz. ; Antennaria tomentoaa, 3s. per doz. ; Dactylis ^lomenita fol. var,, clumps, Santoiinaincana, 4s.'par 3a. per doz. ; GeraniumsG " ■- per doz. ; Flower of Spring, 3s. per doz, ■ TropKol' Golden Chain and Golden Fleece, 4». per doz - - '^'--ver of Spring,3s. per doz, ; Tropseolum r jScarlet), the two best dwarf varieties in cultivation, 2s. Gd. per doz. ; Fuchsia Golden Fleece, 12s. per doz. (See H. C.'a " Amateur'.s Guide," containing a great deal of valuable nfomiation on Bedding Plants, &c., free for three stamps. Fuchsia Nursery, Woolwich. Bedding Plants. A ECHO. HENDEESON'S -^^ DESCRIPTIVE and PRICED CATALOGUE of BEDDING PLANTS 13 now ready, containing all the novelties of the past two years. The stock is In fine condition; for extent and vigour unsurpassed. Purchasers are respectfully Invited to inspect the Stock at Lion Nursery Whitehorse Road, Croydon. Special offers will be made for large quantities. Catalogues to be bad gratis, and post free on application. Cheap Plants. L Offer of Bldding Plakts. -^.^-^-^ T^ILLI STONE and Woodthorpe, in 'c,'^i^^*\ -L^ order to make a clearance, offer any xtt' the 'n^^, following good Autumn-struck PLANTS at Is. 6d. l!f\ _»)i r,pr /ifi'7Pn or 10s. per 100, excepting those priced : — Ageratum Prince Alfred Arabis albida variegata Chrysanthe' , Coleus Verschaffeltil , ^, Dahlias, Show, Fancy, & Pompon I Senecio elegans -r» B . . ... Tropasolums, sorts I Petunias, white, i Fuchsias, good Gaillardia pi eta white, scarlet, pink, purple, and Violacornuta Amaranthus melanchoiicus Perilla nankinensis A, Purple Quel „ Herbstil Lantanas, named kinds Maize, New Striped Japanese Geraniums, Zonal and Nosegay, "" * nciuding the new kinds of 160? the lOo' forSOs'.* 60 for 10s. Mun Post office 3 plant of asort, B New and Clioice Flower Seeds, Free by Post. S. WiLLIAMS, Seed Meuchant and Nuksery- Viotoria aad Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, s much pleasure in submittinR the toilowing LIST of FLOWER SLEDS, which are specially recommended for their beauty and superior qualities:- Per packet - PKIMULA (Williams' superb Strain), Red. White, or Mixed, " ' i., 3s. 6(J., and 1st, Mei 2d, Mr. C. I'urner, fS. Class 5 — 9 ROSES, distinct, in Pots not more than 13 inches ii diameter. (Open.) 1st, Mr. W. Paul, Paul's Nm-series, Waltham Cross, N., £12. Class 0.— 0 ROSES, distinct, in Pots not more than 13 inches i diameter. (Open.) Class 7.-6 NEW ROSES, not s any sized Pot. (Open.) t larger than 10 Incbe: previous to 1865 o .D anv sizdd Hnf. (n lat, Mr. W. Paul, £3. Class 8.— 12 ROSES, distinct, i indiamet^.. ...,,_„., 1st, Mr. W. Paul, £6. Class 9.-3 SHOW PEL ARGONI CJMS, distinct, in Pots not largal Fi-as . Mr. 0. Turn 3d, Messrs. J. Dobson & Sons, Woodlands Nurseries, Isleworth, £4. Class 10.— 6 SHOW PELARGONIUMS, distinct. In Pots not larger than 8 inches in diameter. (Nurserymen.) 1st, Mr. J. Eraser, £6. 2d, Messrs. J. Dobson & Sons, £4. Class 11—6 SHOW PELARGONIUMS, distinct. In Pots not larger than 8 inches in diameter. I Amateurs ) 1st, Mr. W. Nye, Gr. to E. B. Foster, Esq., Clevror Manor Windsor, £6. 2d, Mr. J. Ward, Gr. to F. G. Wilkins, Esq., Leyton, £4. Class 12.-6 FANCV PELARGONIUMS, distinct. In Pots not (Nurserymen.) lari^er than 8 inches i: 3d, Messrs. J. Dobson & Sons, £2. Class 13—6 FANCY PELAIIQONIUMS, distinct. In Pots not larger than 8 inches in diameter. (Amateurs ) Ist, Mr. D. Windsor, Gr. to J. R. Ravenhlll, Esq., Walthamstowo, £6. Class 14.— C ZONAL PELARGONIUMS, dlstlnct-Nosegay and , . .. , „ Variegated sorts excepted. (Amateurs.) 1st, Mr. J. Catlm, Gr. to Mrs. Lermitte, East End, Finchley £0 2d, Mr. D. Windsor, £4. j> ■ 3d, Mr. J. Weston, Gr. to D. Martineau, Esq., Clapham Park, £2. Class 15.-G ZONAL PELARGONIUMS, distinct— Nosegay and Variegated sorts excepted. (Nurserymen.) 1st, Mr. J. Fraser, £0. f . j i Class IT.-SPECIMEN PELARGONIUM, of any kind. (Open ) 1st, Mr. J. Fraser, £2. « »- » 2d, Mr. W. Nve, £1 10s. 3d, Mr. C. Turner, £1. Class 18.— 4 FUCHSIAS, distinct, in Pots not larger than 13 inches in diameter. (Nurserymen.) 1st, Mr. O. Osborn, Manager, Kay's Nursery, Finchley, £4. 13 inches in diameter. (Nurserymen.) orn. Manager, Kay's Nursery, Finchley, x.t. 2d, Messrs. August & Wright, Nurserymen, Haverstock Hill, £3. 4 FUCHSIAS, distinct, in Pots not larger than 13 inches In diameter. (Amateurs.) Surrey, £2. 20._SPECIMEN STANDARD FUCHSIA. (Open.) Cl choice CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (saved from James' Stmin) 2s 6d and 3 CINERARIA (Weatharili's extra choice Strain) " 3.i.' 6rf.' and 6 named sorts) . . , . is. 6d. and 2 . . Is. 6d. and 2 Strain) CARNATION, from prize flowers . 1»- 6i, 2s. 6i, and 3 PICOTEE, from prize flowers .. .. 1 PINK (double fringed) 1 HOLLYHOCK, from best named sorts 1 GENTIAN A VERNA (this is the most beautiful of all the species for borders) 1 LILIUM AURATUM J GERANIUM "LE GRAND" Is Gd and 2 STOCK (Autumnal-flowering) ' . o „ (Brompton Scarlet) f The two best Scarlets In' ill „ (Scarlet Intermediate) t cultivation. J . 1 TRITOMA UVARIA QLAUCESCENS . 1 SWEET WILLIAM (Hunt's Auricula-eyed) .. Od. and 1 WALLFLOWER (Saunders' dark variety) .... i SOLANUM (WeatheriU'B Hybild.sJ .. 2s. Od., 3«. OA, and 6 VIOLA LUTEA lyollow-flowerod Violet) Is. 6d., 2s. ed., and 3 Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper Holloway, London, N, 6 0 1st, Mr. J. August, £2. 2d, Mr. G. Osborn, £1 10s. Class 21.-<1 HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIA'S. (Open ) Ist, Mr. J. James, Gr. to W. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth, W., £3. Class 22.-3 POTS of LILIUM AURATUM, in Pots not more than 10 inches diameter. (Open.) 1st, Mr. W. Bull, Nurseryman, Chelsea, S.W., £3. 2d, Mr. C. Turner, £2. Class 23.-12 EARLY PINKS, In Pots, three or more tarieties. (Open.) Ist, Mr. C. Turner, £2. 2d, Mr. J. August, £1 lOj. 3d, Mr. George Turner, Portland Road, Notting Hill, £1. Class 24 — 12 EXOTIC ORCHIDS, distinct. (Open.) Treadwell, St. Johns Lodge, Lower Class 25.-10 EXOTIC ORCHIDS, distinct. (Nurserymen.) 1st, Mr. B. S. Williams, £12. Class 26.-6 EXOTIC ORCHIDS, distinct. (Amateurs.) 1st, Mr. C. Penny, £9. 2d, Mr. T. Burnett, Gr. to W. Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, M.P., Leigh Park, , (Nurserymen) 1st, Mr. W. Bull, £9. -SPECIMEN EXOTIC ORCHID. (Open.) 1st, Mr. C. Penny, £3. 2d, Mr. J. May, (5r. to P. W. Butt, Esq., Arlo Court, Cheltenham, £2. 29.— 12 STOyE or GREENHOUSE PLANTS, distinct. 3d| Mr. A. Wilkle, Or., Oak Lodge, Kensington, £10. Class 30.— 6 STOVE or GREENHOUSE PLANTS, distinct. (Nurserymen.) 1st, Messrs. s. Glendinning & Sons, £T. 2d, Mr. B. S. Wllllims, £5. 3d, J. R. Tanton, Nurseryman, Epsom, SuiTey, £4. Class 31.-6 STOVE or GREENHOUSE PLAHTS, distinct. ( Amateurs.) 1st, Mr. B. Peed, £7. Equal 1st, Mr. J. Ward, £7. 2d, Mr. T. Burnett, £6. 3:1, Mr. A. Wilkie, £4. Extra, Mr. J. May, £2. Class 32.— SPECIMEN STOVE or GREENIIO'OSE PLANTS, Ist, Mr. B. Peed, £3. (Open.) 2d, Mr. A. Wilkie, £2. 3d, Mr. J. May, £1. GREENHOUSE ERICAS, dls6lcGt, (Open.) THE JUDGES. Class 34.— SPECIMEN 1st, Mr. A. Wilkie, £3. Class 35.-12 AMARYLLIS, distinct. (Open.) Ist. Mr. B. S. Williams, £4. ;age: 1st, Mr. G. Falrbaim, Qr. to the'Duke"of Northumberla'ud, Slon House. Isleworth, £10. 2d, Mr. W. Taylor, Gr. to J. Yates. Esq., Lauderdale House, High- gate, £7. 3d, Mr. B. S. Williams, £5. 4th, Mr. J. Burley, Albert Nursery, Pembrldge Place, Bayswater, £3. Class 37,-6 FINE FOLIAGED STOVE or GREENHOUSE PLANTS, distinct— including Variegated Plants. (Amateurs.) Ist, Mr. W. T.iylor, £7. I 3d, Mr. G. Falrbairn, £3. 2d, Mr. J. May, £5. I 4th, Mr. G. Young, £2. Class 38.-6 CALADIUMS, distinct. ((Dpen.) 1st, Mr. R. Smee. Gr. to W. U. Stone, Esq., M,P., Dulwlch, £5. 2d, Mr. G. Fairbalrn, £3. | 3d, Mr. A. Wilkie, £2. Class 39.-3 ANTHUBIUMS, distinct. (Open.) 1st. Mr. B. S. Williams, £3. Class 40.-1 PAIR of GREENHOUSE YUCCAS or BEAU. CARNEAS, Sc. (Open.) 1st, Mr. WUliam Bull, £4. | 2d, Mr. B. S. Williams, £3. Class 41 1 PAIR of DRAC.ENAS or CORDYLINES. (Open.) 1st, Mr. B. S. Williams, £4. | 2d, Mr. G. Fairbalrn, £3. Class 42.-6 AGAVES, distinct. (Open.) 1st, Mr. B. S. Williams, £4. 1st, Mr. G. Young, £1. 2d, Mr. J. May. £3. ^ . • Extra, Mr. C. Smith. Gr. to C. Walton, Esq., Manor Houso, E-ist Acton, £1. Class 40.- 0 STOVE or GREENHOUSE FERNS, distinct. (Nurserymen.) E3. r varieties, distinct. 3d, Mr. J. Carr, £2. Extia, Mr. C. Smith, £1. Class 43.— 1 PAIR of TREE FERNS. (Open.) 1st, Mr. B. S. Williams, £0. CL.1SS 49.-20 HARDY VARIEGATED ALPINE and HER. BACEOUS PLANTS, distinct. (Open.) 1st, Mr. John Salter, Versailles Nm'sery, William Street, Hammer- smith Road, W.. £3. 2d, Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham, N.. £2. 3d, Mr. O. Turner, Jun., 18, Katharine Boad, Notting Hill, W., £1. Class 50.-6 NEW PLANTS, of any description. In or out of flower, distmct. (Open.) 1st, Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, Silver Flora Medal. 2d, Mr. W. Bull, Bronze Medal. Class 61.-1 NEW PLANT, shown for the first time In flower. (Open.) Ist, Mr. Wm. Bull, for Laslandra macrantha. Silver Flora Medal. 2d, Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Rhododendron sp., BrouzeMedal. Class 52.-1 NEW PLANT, In or out of flower, not found in commerce. (Open.) Ist, Mr. W. J. Cross, Gr. to Lady Ashburton, Melehet Court, Romsey, Hants, for Actlnopterls radiata. Silver Flora Medal. 2d, Mr. W. Bull, ' ■ - r Laslandra macrantha. Bronze Medal. Cla; 1st, Mr. B. Peed, £6. 2d, Mr. J. Ward, £6. 3d, Messrs. F. & A. Smith. Nurseryir I Extra, Mr. B. S. Williams, t2. •, Dulwlcli, i3. 1st. Messrs. Veitch St Sons, £4. 2d. Mr. W. Bull, £3. 3d, Mr. J. Burley, £2. 4th, Mr. T. Parsons, Falrlawn, Turnham Green, £1 10s. 5th, Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nursery, Tottenham, £1. 6th, Mr. J. Salter, 10s. Extra. Mr. William Paul, for Miscellaneous Collection of Plants, £1. Extra, Messrs. Paul & Hon, Old Nurseries, Cheshuut, Herts, for Collection of Cut Roses, £2. Extra, Mr. C. Turner, for Collection ol Cut Roses, £1 10s. Fruit. Class A.— PINE APPLE, any variety. 1st, Mr. G. Ward, Gr. to T. N. Miller, Eso., Bishop Stortford, £3. 2d, Mr. G. I'oung, £2. 3d, Mr. P. Mlddleton, The Gardens, Wynnstay, Rhuabon, N. Wales, £L Class B.— GRAPES, BLACK, Single Dish. t, Mr. T. Bannerman, Gr. to LordBagot, lilithlield Hall, Rugely, £3. , Mr. G. Sage, The Gardens, Ashridge Park, Berkhamstead, £2. , Mr. E. Aedy, Turner Road, Lee, Kent, £1. Class C— GRAPES, WHITE, Single Dish, i, Messrs. J. Standiah jc Co.. Royal Nursery, Ascot, Berks, £3. , Mr. H. M. Kettlewell, The Gardens, Osborn Park, Potter's Bar,£2. , Mr. G. Osborn, £1. Ist, Mr. G. Sage, £3. I D.— PEACHES, Single Dish. , Mr. W. Lynn, Gr. to Lord Boston, HedsorPark, M.aidenhead, £3. , Mr. J. Tegg, Gr. to the Duke of Newcastle, Clumber, Worktop, £1. Class E.— NECTARINES, Single Dish. ;, Mr. W. Lynn, £3. , Mr. W. Gardiner, The Gardens, Eatlngton Park, Stratford-on- Avon, £2. , Mr. J. Cagder. Gr. to J. S. Leigh, Esq., Luton Hoo Park, LutOD, Bedford, £1. Class G.— FIGS, Single Dish. ;, Mr. G. Fairbalrn, £1 10s. , Mr. G. T. Miles, (ir. to Lord Carrlngton, Wycombe Abbey, High Wycombe, Bucks, lOa. issH.—CHEBRIES, Single Dish. __, „ .'l 3d, Mr. W. Lynn, I Class I.— STRAWBERRIES, Single Dish. 1st, Mr. J. Douglass, Gr. to F. Whltbourn, Esq., Loiford Hall, Ilford. Essex, £1 10s. 2d, Mr. G. Young, £1. 3d, Mr. G. Fairbalrn, 10s. Class J.— MELON. GREEN-FLESHED. 1st. Mr. G. Young, Leigh Park. Havant. £1. 2d, Mr. J. Maokay, The Gardens, Benham Park, Newbury, Berks, £1. Class K.— MELON. SCARLET-FLESHED. 1st, Mr. J. B. Whiting, The Ijwpdeue, Dorking, £1 10s. 2d, Mr. J. Cadger,*! June 6, 1868.J THE GATiDENERS' CMONICLE AND AGPJCULTURAU GAZETTE. 597 ■pELAIlGONIUM NOVELTIES. GLOIRE DE NANCY I TRIOMFHE DE LORRAINE TRIOMFIIK TlinilESNlL I TRlOMrUE lOs. Gfi. L'ELEGANTE I SILVEa GEM DUKE of EUINnURGII PELTATDM ELEGANS CUrERU VAIUEGATED PELARGONIUMS kJ SOPHIA cnsACK EDWINIA PITZPATRICK SILVER STAR TWILIGHT ITALIA UNITA COUNTESS Ti'RCONNELL QUEEN VICTORIA MRS. BASS ELECTRIC L-ELEGANTE BEAUTY of GUESTWICK ITALIAN BEACTY ■el Walk Nursery, Peterborough. -VTAHIEGATED GERANIUMS for BEDDING. ' Per doz, — .*. MRa POLLOCK .. ..6 MRS. BEN VON .. ..9 SUNSET 11 SOPHIA DUMARESqCE 4S Per doz.- ITALIA DNITA .. PICTURATA BURNING BUSH .. RAINBOW SILVER CHAIN .. (jUEEN of QUEENS .. LUNA BICOLOR SPLENDENS . - - -, - , BEAUTY of OULTON ..HO MARY ELLEN GOLDEN TOM THUMB. C 0 MOUNTAIN of SNOW pliiiits at the above prices for cash. To Purchasers of Trlcolored Pelargoniums. J WATSON, New Zealmd Nursery, bt. Alban's, is • now sending out his two unrivalled TRICOLOR PELAR- GONIUMS, MISS WATSON and MRS. DIX. They were awarded 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money within the year 1867. Price, good plants, in nice colour, 31s. Gd. each ; extra size, for Bpecimens, 42s. each. Usual Trade allowance or Special Contract. When taken in quantity one Plant gratis in every six.— St. Alban's, May 6. New Variegated Pelargonium, Of the TRICOLOR or QUADRICOLOR SECTION (named, bv kind permission), MRS. BERNEKS. ROBERT fiEA, NUE.SEUYMAN, &c., London Road, Ipswich, has much pleasure in offering the above most be.autifui variety, feeling confident that it will be found a most T.aluable It's"! leaves, round and smootii at the edges ; the centre green, surroanded by distinct bronze and crimson zones, margined with clear bright yellow, forming four distinct colours, the green in no instance break- ing through to the margin. The flowers scarlet, round compact trusses, on stout erect stems. It received a First-claps Certificate at the Ipswich Horticultur.al weak in June, at 21s. each, with the usual dis Strong plants, the s 1 the Trade. Extra Choice Seeds for Present Sowing. ROBERT PARKblR begs to offer the undernamed, all of which are warranted to be of the finest possible qualities. Per packet — s. d. CALCEOLARIA, herbaceous, finest mixed 3 0 CINERARIA CRUENTA, finest mixed 2 6 MYOSUTIS SYLV ATICA (Cliveden variety) 0 6 „ „ &UAKL.r.T .. PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA, finest mixed KERMESINA SPLENDENS WALLFLOWER, double German, finest mixed . . PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES, con 0 6 taining Select 3, &i»i'ing Bedding Stovo Plants, are published, and Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S.W. CARTER'S NEW PLANTS FOR 1868. JAMES CAKTER & CO. Hare the honour to announce that they have purchased of the Council of tho Royal Horticultural Society A MAGNIFICENT SET OF FOUR entirely new and distinct varieties of HYBRID COLEUS. Raised in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick, and which attracted so much admiration at tho Sleeting of the Society on April 7. Opuntla Rafiuesqulana. LOUIS VAN" HOU'iTK, ^uusEUYMAN and Seedsman, Gheot, Belgium, possessinp the largest stock on the Continent of this novel and remiirkable plant, is enabled to offer it at 6s. per half-dozen, or 10s. per dozen plants, free in London. First-r.ito for rockwork ; may remain uncovered during the whole of tlie winter, the severest frosts not in anyway affecting it. Also well ripened SEEDS, 25 for 2s. Gd., fi-ee in London, by prepayment at Messrs. R. SiLHERRAD & Son's, 5, Harp Lane, London, E.G. The FLORE DES SERRES will shortly contain a Coloured Plate of this extraordinary novelty. The Trade supplied. From tho Gardeners'' CltronicU of April 11, 1868. 9 —Amongst the subjects which havo ... _ . . jitics of this farailv has been raised, and a selection from these was exhibited on Tuesday last at the meeting of the Floral Committee at South Kensington, where the plants attracted much attention. Tho materials operated on in this case were tho following :— C. Vewihaf- feltit was throughout the seed-bearin? parent. This was fertilised by C. Veltchii, hy C. Gibsont, and by C. Blumel, and in the offspring there is abundant evidence that true crosses have been effected. The novel forms which have boon produced range in two series, the one having plane cronaied leaves, as in C. Veitchii, and the other having inciso-dentate frilled leaves, ns in C. Verse haflel tit, so that some follow in this respect the mother and some the father plant. The best of the forms, so far as yet defeloped, are the following :— PLANE-LEAVED SERIES. COLEUS DIXIT (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeltii and C, Gibsoni). FRILLED-LEAVED SERIES. COLEDS CLARKEI (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeltii and C. Gibsoni). COLEUS WILSONI (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeltii and C- Veitchii). COLEUS REEVESII (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeltii and C. Blumei). sitions, both for in-door ess not be long in making their way Into the hands of cultivators. We may therefore hoartilv congratu- late M. Bause on the result of his labours in this direction." ■ JAMES CARTER and CO. are in a poaition to offer these splendid Novelties for delivery at once. As the number of plants will be limited, orders will be executed in strict rotation. The Set, one plant of each of the above four sorts, for 3U. 6f7. Each, per plant, 10s. Qd. C. MARSIIALLII (Verschaffeltii x Yeitchii). Leaves ovate acute, crenato, ricli chocolate purple, tho base of tho midrib and the crenatures green, so as just to form a narrow green margin; stem green, stained with purple at the nodes. Each, lOs. Grf. C. MURRAYI (Verschaffeltii x Gibsoni). Leaves ovate acute, crenate, deep purple throughout on both surfaces ; stems purple. Each, 10s. 6i. Splendia New Bedding Lobelia, Trentham Blue. i\r s^ I 'iich, \bx. per dozen, £6 per 100. « iviLh tcstlmoui-ils post frco on application. Kxutlc Nursery, Chelsoa, S.W. 0 F F"E R "to "the T K A"i3T '—*. d. Pf r 100-fl. d 16 0 I Geranium Lady Plymouth. . ^0 ( Cyrutbrum Golden Feather 20 0 Arabis varlegata Hedura carneum variegatum 20 0 Gnaphallura lanatum Isoleplfi gracilis and arRcntea 2S Ol Poatrivlalls argentea Lycopodii '" ■-•-•• New Clirysanitieniums. ADAM FORSYTH is now sending out several FIRST- CLASS SEEDLINGS, all of which were greatly ndmirod at the Metropolitan Shows last year. Likewise GEORGE'S NEW BEDDING TROP.^0LDMS. For full description and opinions of the Press, see Catalogue, which is now ready. A. F.-a COLLECTION OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS includes all the best varieties for exhibition and bedding purposes. Orders executed in rotation. Brunswick Nursery, Stoko Newington. N.. London. THE GARDENEKb' KulAL. liii^iM:. \vji.i:.AM' INSTITUTION. The TWENT'Y-FIFTH ANis iViiKbAllY FESTIVAL will tnke place at the LONDON TAVERN, BISHOPGATE STREKT, LONDON, on WEDNESDAY, June 24, IS68. President of the Dm/— M. T. B.vsb, Esq., M.P. Board nf Steward.-. Tho UiKht II The Riglit IImtl Tho \\:\v,\i L, Thell-ii Herbert J. Adams, Esq. Wra. Banbury, Esq. M. A. Bass, Esq., M.P. James Bateman, Esq. " nry G. Bohn, Esq. - luld, M.P. The Rev. S. Reynolds Hole Edward Holland. Esq., M.P, Henry HupglDs. Esq. W, S. Johnson, Esq. Alexr. McKenzie, Esq. Fredk. Ledger, Esq. John Lee, tsq. Samuel Mendel, Esq. Thomas Moore, Esq. David Nicholson, Esq. W. J. Nutting. Esq.,juu. J. A. Ratford, Esq. Geo. Gllson Richardson, Eeq, Edwd. Eccms. Esq. J. Spode, Esq. — •"■■" " Harry J. Vciuch. Esq. James Veitch, Esq. John Foster,' Esq. " Fredk. Wigan, Esq. J. S. Gower, Esq. B. S. Williams, Esq, Robert Hanbury, E^q, G. F. Wilson, Esq. Dinner upon Table at Six o'Clock precisely. Tickets, 2t.!. each. Ladles Tickets for the Gallery, 7s. Gd., for whom a Handsome Collation is provided. Edward R. Cdtleb, Secretary. 14, Tavistock Kow, Covent Garden. W.C. Perpetual Flowering Tree Carnations. EDWARD PERKINS, Sen., begs to offer a large Stock of fine healthy plants, in Pots, of the above desirable summer and winter flowering, Tree Carnations, strong plants, from 12 to 18 inches high. The Scarlet Flake and the Bright Scarlet SELF CARNATION, 12s. .iTow PYRETHRUM GOLDEN* FEATh'eR.'ks. 6d. per 100, GERANIUMS, bedding varieties, strong plants of all kinds worth buying. U's. Crf. per 100. Leamington Nursery and Seed Establishment, opposite the London and North-Western Railway Station, Leamington. Cheap Autumn-grown Plants. GEORGE DAVISON offers at 2-?. per dozen:— AGERATUM (dwarf), AMARANTHUS MELANCHOLICUS, Coleus, Calceolaria, Cuphea, Gazan'^a splendess and vartegata, Gnaphalium lanatum, K„,.,..=r,„„„r4-i, A • T^- e^i. yery fine Exhibition may confidently be looked for, and IHE recuirenceof the Anniversary Dmnerof the ■ mdeed we shall not be surprised if tlie united efforts of Gardeners Eoy-AX Benevolent Institution, j the two Societies, should result iu a monster Show, such which takes place on the 24th of the present ^^ ^^ not hitherto been witnessed in the provinces. month, under the presidency of M. T. B.vas, In a recent number of the " Botanischo Esq., M.P., reminds us of an annually returning Zeitung," Dr. HiLDEBEiNn calls attention to some duty, that of appealing to the profession and experiments he has recently made on Potatos, with to the public, for support to an institution referfQce to the Influence exercised by the Stock ou that has already wrougL, and is still working, ^TZn pfe'^Tofatt.tl t'l T^J^^^tZ a large amount of good, m alleviating the cut the eyes out of some coloured tubers and inserted wants of horticulturists who have been over- i tliem into white ones, and that the astonished workmen taken by disease or distress. It is the old | brought him some checkered tubers in the autumn old story. There stand, as suppliants thos.> ' "'^"='^*ey'iad found amongst the bulk of unieoloured who have been assailed more nr le^s fievcolv : 5°®"' Dr. HlLDEBEiND thought it worth while to con- bv r1,W» .^1 i „7 ' Tl ?l • It f^l ''"'=' * *'"''*'" experiment last spring, although he by disease and want, with their attendant : strongly doubted the accuracy of the above statement Ills, seeking tor compassionate sympathy, and , For this purpose he experimented on a sort of Potato asking for help to lighten, if not wholly to i whose elongated tubers were of a reddish colour and remove, the burden of their sufferings : and this ron.sb-skinued.andona second sort with round smooth always must be so, for the poor, we are !!'"'''' '"j'f'iv To niake sure of the purity and con- f^i.i oi,„ii „„. 4. i' ir 1 1 ,^ stancy of both sorts, a number of each was panted, a 1 told, shall never cease out of the land. Our of which, both white and red, produced tubers exactly appeal is made to those who have been blessed j similar to the parent sets. At the same time by exemption from distress of a like nature. ! Dr. Hildebhand carefully extracted the eyes from These ought to feel, and we have no doubt many ^"^'^ °f 'l^e "''»'''« tubers, and replaced them by others at least of them will feel, bound to lend their aid. : ",' out from the red ones, fastening them in with slips Wo need bring forward no new ^arguments to :l^:::^'^:^f^Z^Vjl,Z^:,:Z!^,^ obtain supjiort for the Gardeners Benevolent.' and planted failed to root, and only two, one white There exists the evil: that is undoubted; and ! and the other red, were reproduced. When these ware from the very fact of its existence we may feel I dug up in the autumn he found among the tubers of certain that an aiipeal to the British public to I ^•^°^ ijlf "'■ ,*ome of which were like one parent and step forward and help to aUeviate it wiU'never be Sractl''r^SL°en Tf,fi"nvn''-"'rh» '°*f "?f !»'^ '? "^ „.,,i,, ;„ ;„ 7)„i +!,„„ „,„ ,, ,, ; cuaraoter between tue two. The one obtained from iSut, then, who are they that | the white tuber budded with eyes from a red one was ' particularly well developed. This was longish in shape. made in vain should help ? First and emphatically, gardeners should help I resembling the red tuber at one end not only in colo'ur themselves. Of the hundreds upon hundreds I '"^'■^'^° '° l'^"?''^''" ^'^';''^'^?- , ^'™'?,'',''s end the red of a-ardenerq acittered thrnnMionf th„ nm,„f,-^ r"-'""""^ ^"'^''=''®'^ to about the middle of the other- ot garaeneis scattered thioughout the country [ „,se q^itg sn^ooth Potato, then a zone of white with the names of but a small proportion are recorded i red stripes, and at the opposite end it was quite white on the subscription list of their own Benevolent j like the stock into which eyes from a red tuber were' Institution. Now, admitting the generally ■ ■ - limited means of gardeners, and all the excuses that may be founded thereupon, this is not creditable to them as a class. It is said that the gods help those who help themselves ; and gardeners may depend upon it that this is cer- tainly true of philanthropists, who must be , , looked to as the' source of that outside support ^™"'° '^''""f ""^ "J^^/' ^""^^f ."'i"' ^yes of a which such institutions as this always finSit a 'r^ser^^LXeZe^^JTeZLt.l^msJZ' necessity to invoke. Let gardeners but do their '■- -■ - -■ ■ ■ ...',., ~ J. part, and then the benevolent public may bo faii-ly pressed to help them promptly and freely. But if gardeners ought to support their own Institution, the claim falls even more forcibly on the employers of gardeners, and for this reason, that as a class, gardeners are so much under- paid for the duties they are called upon to per- form, that they are on that very account utterly unable, iu many cases, to make that provision for " a rainy day," which it would bo their wisdom, and in thousands of cases their desire to do, if they could. The least then that any employer of gardeners can do, who feels that he comes under the above category, is to support liberally an institution which will assist his aged or disabled servant, should the many chances of human life prevent him from having the satisfaction of doing this himself. Many, however, of the employers of gardeners, including those to whom the fore- going observations do not apply, will, we are sure, engage in this good work, from a far higher motive. And then everybody who delights in doing good should lend a helping hand in a work of this character. There is a satisfaction attending every step made in such a direction. The whole community can bo brought within the range of obligation to the gardening profession — commer- cial or otherwise. The gardener supplies the masses of our well-to-do people, with an impor Thus the tuber had at one end exactly the characters ol' the red sort— of the inserted eyes; at the other end those of the white sort— of the stock ; whilst the middle part showed a blending of the characters of both, with a slight pre- ponderance however of the red colour— therefore more of the characters of the tuber whence the eyes were derived. The tuber whioh_ was taken from the root white respects it . , jnly exoep- tmu, that the character of the white one of the bud predominated. Besides these two tubers tliere were others on each root exactly like both parent sets, which were unfortunately neglected in th"! surprise of the moment to be submited to a closer inspection or to be preserved. It will be interesting to observe what further change takes place, whether they will behave in the same manner as Cytisus Adami, and produce tubers partly of the red type and partly of the white type, and others of a blending of the two. It is quite evident that they originated from a non-sexual union of the two sorts, between which they are intermediate, and they most clearly exhibit the influence of the stock in altering the nature of the inserted bud. It stdl remains questionable whetlier the tuber-blend- ings before us were formed through exceptionally favourable circumstances, or whether they are easily produced in this way. It is possible that very advan- tageous unions might be effected by this procedure. Mr. Teail has also raised several sorts of Potatos non-sexually, of which we find the following account in Mr. Daewin's book:— "In 1867 Mr. Teail made a statement before the Botanical Society of Edinburgh (and he has since communicated further particulars toDr. HiLDEBEAND), to the effect that some years pre- viously he had cut about 60 blue and white Potatos in half through the eyes or buds, and having removed the remaining eyes, carefully bound the white halves with those of the blue. Some of these unions produced blue and some white tubers, and the tubers of about four or five plants were regularly speckled with the colours of botti. In the latter we may conclude that a stem was formed by the divided eyes of the two varieties, and as tbe tubers arise Iroiii the enlargement of underground branches their speckled colour gives a clear proof of an intimate blending of the two sorts. I hive repeated this experiment with the Potato and tant portion of their daily food, and to his I HyaoinUi on a large scale, but without suocess. June 6. 1868.] TTTF rj\T?r>TVi^T>Q' r'T^no^'T^T 'P; ANr> AnPTrrriTFPM f^^ZFiTK. 699 We see that the mode of union adopted by Trail differs from that of Dr. Uildebrand, as he hound the lialves of different eyes together. The method of the Doctor, however, appears to be the simpler one, and by repetition of the experiment would probably be the more successful. As befor' mentioned, the whole matter, although the prin- cipal point appears to have been solved, requires more accurate investigation, especially with regard to the manner in which the inserted eye and stock grow together. Attention should also be directed to the parts above ground to ascertain whether any corre- sponding change takes place in the foliage and flowers. Under the form of a Report on Stove Plants as exhibited at the late Paris Exhibition, Professor SIORREN gives an excellent resume of several points connected vvith the history of horticulture, its import- ance and its progress, including under the latter head a comurehensive summary of the labours of the self- denying body of collectors in all quarters of the globe, from the time of K^empfer, Thcinberq, Osbeck, and Kalj!, to the era of Pearce and AVallis. There is very little about the Paris E.xhibition, but there is a fund of information in a condensed form on the points wo have above indicated iii Professor Moreen's brochure. Any one who wishes to form an idea as to what is the extent of our obligations to the " collectors " should read this interesting pamphlet. Mr. SiMMONDs' Report on the Peoducts of Forest Cultivation as exhibited in the Paris Exhibition is to a great extent a catalogue raUonne q[ the articles exhibited. We should be glad if Mr. SiMMONDS or some other competent person, would supplement the information, here afforded, with a general sketch of forest management in various coun-- tries, and with the means taken to secure competent officials. At a late meeting of the Linna;an Society a Paper was read from Mr. B. Clarke, " On the Production of Varieties by Pruning, &c." The author thinks it may be desirable to bring the subject under notice without delay, as it will give the American far- mers an opportunity of commencing the experiment this year. He infers from exiieriments he has made, that a peculiarity in the growth of a plant produced by pruning, is in some degree communicated to the offspring of the first year ; that by repeated pruning, always in precisely the same mode, a new variety is soon produced ; that the variety being produced, can- not perhaps be kept up without the aid of pruning, but that in the ease of Indian Corn, there would be no difliculty in keeping up the variety, because the agri- cul^uri.^t could set apart a portion of his crop for .«eed annually, and prune that part of it in the most advis- able manner, which is supposed to be by removing the male flowers of every other plant in a row some time before flowering, but at a period which experience must determine. The following extract will show the nature of Mr. Clarke's proposal :—" The plan proposed for the increase of the productiveness of Indian Com is as follows : The whole of the male flowers are to be cut off by cutting the stem across, a week or fortnight before the first flowers would begin to open, and the female left to be ferti- lised by other plants close at hand : this would, if repeated three years, it may be expected, pro- duce a variety having only half the usual quantity of male flowers ; and if so, there would be a propor- tionate increase of flowers on the lower part of the stem, which it may be confidently expected would be female, i.e., an increase in the number of spikes of females, or cobs, as they are called when matured. If the plants left for the purpose of effecting fertilisation had the upper half, or two-thirds of the male inflo- rescence removed before the flowers opened, the variety, if produced, would take a shorter time by a year or two. One plant having all the male flowers removed, placed between two having the upper half or two-thirds of them removed, would, it is believed, be the better way of making the experiment in the iirst place. If the male flowers were removed very early bj; splitting the sheathing leaves open, the experiment might perhaps be less successful as regards utility, in consequence of the growth of the plant being checked, but varieties departing further from the original type might be expected. In one of the plants so treated, the upper spike of female flowers produced a quan- tity of male flowers at its apex. Supposing, then, that the increiise of female flowers amounted to only one- fifth, this would be, for the United States alone, an increase of produce amounting in value to more than 20,000,000/. per annum." Wp have authority for slating that the Visi- tors to Kew Gardens on Whit-llonday far ex- ceeded in number any previously recorded, being 30,777. The conduct of the crowd was uniformly excellent ; and the salutary regulation, that forbids smoking in the 75 acres of Botanic Garden (but allows it in the 300 of Pleasure Grounds), was cheerfully obeyed. This statement is in all respects most gratifying. Professor Ofdejians, of Amsterdam, is engaged on a work on General Botany ; those parts of it which relate to Vegetable Physiology and Morpho- logy, have already appeared ; the systematic portion will shortly be issued. The same author proposes to distribute collections of the flowering and flowerless plants of the Netherlands. The Trustees of the Lindley Libhaey having now attained their legal status, are, a.s we learn, de- sirous of calling the attention of horticulturists and botanists to the excellent nucleus they already possess, and to solicit assistance in the way of funds or pre- sents of books to increase the value of the Library, and to perfect the necessary arrangements for making it available as a free library to all students of Horticul- ture, Botany, and collateral subjects. We hope to be in a position to give further details shortly as to this, the abiding souvenir of a great horticulturist and botanist, and of an eminently successful Exhibition and Congress. In the meanwhile, any presents should be addressed to the Trustees of the Lindley Library, care of the Royal Horticultural Society, South Ken- sington, W. ___^^^^^^^_^ New Plants. Mtosotis dissitifloea. Balcer : sp. n. IJicanis, foliis ligulato sp;itbuliti.j, r^ ii.Mil.Mi i>.ti.>l:itis ut in caulinis, clougatis, pilis bieWbiis ;:' ■ i'^'' -, i ' - t.. )i;itentibua vel .adprcssia ve«titis ; raoemis ( i i, .lis, pcdi- ccllisarcnatini ascnndentibus v.l ^h i ilyco rluplo 1 tri]iln luiiL-ioiilnia ; calyci, I i- pili- ubadpl icatis laucuulatis lul.-j tiipl.j longi iilu tubo quadruple excedeiito ; nuc ulis [It is .,uLisr,j.;Luij to have the doubt as to the so- called Myosotis montana cleared up, as will be seen from the above description. Mr. J. G. Baker, a highly competent authority, to whom the specimens were referred, considers that the plant originally introduced by Mr. Atkins, of Painswick, from Switzerland, is a hitherto undesoribed form, to which he gives the name Myosotis dissitiflora, the specific name being given in allusion to the comparatively great dis- tance between the flowers, which confers on the inflorescence a loose habit. As it is by far the finest of the cultivated Porget-me-Nots, it is to be hoped that it will speedily come into more extensive cultiva- tion. For spring gardening it is specially desirable, owing to the early date at which it begins to flower. In order to afford a means ofcomnarison, the technical description of the two other species most usually grown are subjoined, while a more detailed description of the throe forms, from the pen of Mr. Baker, is given in another column. Eds.] Myosotis sylvatica, EhrJi,. Biennis, foliis ligulato-spathulatis radicalibus petiolatis ut in caulini8, elongatis, pilis p.atuUa vel erecto-patentibua graci- libus dense vestitis ; racBinis fiuctiferis, elongatis, pedicellis gracilibua divergentibus oalyco mquantibus vel paulo lougio- ribns ; calycis tubo pilis horizon taliterpatulis .ipice uncinatis vestito : segmentia ligulato-lanceolatis tubo duplo vel sub- triple longioiibus, coroUai limbo patulo tubo triple excedente, nuculis facie supeme carin.atis. Myosotis alpesteis, Schmidt. Perennis, feliia anguste ligulate spathulatis radicalibus petio- latis ut in caulinis pilia rigidis erecto-patentibua dense vestitis ; racemis fructiferis brevioi-ibus, pedicellis craaaiori- bus erecto-patentibus, calycem aiquantibus, calycis pilis patulisvel ascendentibus, segmentis lanceolatis tubo triple lengioribus ; corollaj lirabo patulo tubo quadruple excedente, nuculis facie nullo medo carinatis. Odontoglossum Andeesonianum, S. a. Rchb.f.sp.n. Recedit ab Odonteglosso crispo, Liud., colurana ac callerem indole, ab Odontogle.sso pra?,stanti, Rcbb. fil. ; labelle pan- durato, apiculato. Pseudobulbus ligulato pyriformis, cos- tatvis. Folia similia illis Odontoglosai Lindleyani. Plores illis Odontoglossi crispi Lindl, bene minoris. Sepala et petala ovate eblenga acuta, crispula, alba ocbreleuca irrorata striis cinnamomeis. Lal>ellura a baai cuueata pandu- ratura antice angustius, serrulatum, apice apiculatum,_ b.aai xanthino ocbroleucum, autice lacteum striis maculiaque cinuameraeis. Columna antice utrinque sub fovea angulata. Here is, once more, one of the doubtful Odontoglots so troublesome to the orchidologist. At first sight it recalls both Odontoglo.ssum crispum and Od. praistans, as it did to Mr. Anderson. At length you make out some technical difference, since you feel it is neither the one nor the other, and so you rest satisfied. After all, the gay flowers are very pretty, and somewhat of a new shape, and since no one understands or knows its origin, we must have for it a positive name, leaving it to some hungry Eastern writer to propose a compound one. We propose to name it Odontoglossum Andersonianum,in honour of Mr. Anderson, the happy winner of the Bateman Challenge Medal. The flowers have the milky-yellowish white of Odontoglossum cris- pum, and bear some very broad, cinnamon, longitudinal stripes. The lip appears pandurate, the margins not being visible, its apex acute, and both margins wavy and toothed ; the colours are the same, yet the base of the lip is of a nice yellow, while the column is quite brownatitsanteriorpart. It is oneof Mr. Blunt's New Grenada discoveries^iniroduced to Mr. Stuart Low, who sentittoT.Dawson,Esq.,ofMeadowbank. S. O.Bchb.f. THE LADIES' GARDEN.— No. IV. Theee are shady corners in every garden— corners where plenty of light and air can come, but where only wandering sunbeams enter, penetrating, perhaps, through the glinting foliage of the huge Ilex or towering Elm, while excluding the full piercing rays of the raid-day sun. In this part of the botanical "arden I would build a noble rockery, with good space allotted for each future inhabitant, where they may throw up undisturbed from the centre, tall, fair fronds, with more spreading ones beneath. This large rookery I would border daintily with Aspleniums, choosing the species and varieties that are most easy of cultivation. A Fern-grower will soon begin to discover that, as a whole, the genus Asple- nium is the most intractable, the most difficult to manage of all British genera. Many of the species indeed seem to be fast dying out. Take for example A. germanicum— the tiny Fern about which centres so much of argument— it is only rarely met with, and that in very small quantities; A. septen- trionale, too, is very scarce ; and of A. fontanum one asks " is it indeed a British Fern at all ? " A. vinde, though more widely distributed in Britain— growing in large tracts in Wales, at the lakes, and in Scotland— is yet almost impossible to cultivate in any out-of-door rockery. I can only just keep it in life, and to do this with perhaps two or three plants, I have to sacrifice a dozen. A.Ruta-nmraria is even worse than viride, but not being a rare Fern I generally treat it as an annual, plant fresh roots every year, and allow it (not being able to hinder it) to consult its own time about dying. Then A. lanceolatum, one of the prettiest of the Asplenia, ia no sooner planted than it is eaten by slugs ; and A. marinum, the beautiful sea Spleonwort, shares the same fate. These two la.st species have several pretty varieties, one— microdon — seeming to be an inter- mediate between them. All these Ferns grow well under cover, but it is advisable to have a plant of each i n the rockery, to make our botanical quarter as perfect as is possible. But the genus is not coraiiosed entirely of these delicate species; it happily contains several hardy ones, of which we will compose our border. A. Adian- tum-nigrum is quite hardy, and it can bo found in many varied forms, some obtusely pinnulcd, some acute, some rigid and stumpy in growth; some elon- gated and wavy ; but there is (as far as my experience goes) no Fern upon which cultivation works such marvellous changes as upon Adiantum-nigrum, and though I have found some of the best so-called varieties, I know of none which I dare venture to assert to he true and permanent, yet I gather all I find and plant them, noting from year to year how time deals with them. A. Trichomanes is very tractable in cultivation, and it possesses several lovely forms, which continue per- manent after many years of trial. Amongst these there are oristatum, with crisp little tufts at the apex of the miniature frond ; ramosum, with tiny forks ; Mouleii, with sharply serrated pinnules, giving a lovely character to the entire frond ; andincisum,a sort of invisible beauty about which one hears a great deal but seldom, alas ! sees it. All these that I have named |are true, wild varieties, which might at any time be found in a pleasant morning ramble. In planting all the varieties of Trichomanes care must be taken to place them in close proximity to rock. They have the prettiest habit of throwing oiit the tongue-like fronds to creep up and about the stone. They increase very rapidly, forming dense masses of green so dark that it is well to divide the varieties by tufts of A. Ceterach (designated by many botanists as Ceterach offioinarum). This easy- growing Fern has in its early youth fronds of the palest green lined with silver, which, as summer advances, changes to a golden brown which fringes round the green, giving the frond on the outer side a peculiarly prettv look. There are several varieties of A. Ceterach, but I have only found one (crenatum). These three last-named species are free-growing, shade-loving Ferns, and, planted together, form a very pretty border. But all this time I nave not said a word about the lovely species (one only) for whose especial setting off I have built this large Fbrnery in the shady nook. It is a species belonging (according to some bota- nists) to the genus Athyrium (other botanists include it under Asplenium), and it is the fairest, the most graceful of all English Ferns. Athyrium Filix-fcemina comes before us attended by a train of three or four hundred varieties, clustering around her like maids of honour round their aueen ; and if the whole truth has to be spoken, I am bound to state that in very many instances the maids of honour eclipse their queen both in beauty and grace. I have not space to tell of all this host of beautiful forms, but I will choose out such as would confer honour on any court, however lovely the fair mistress presiding over it might be. Pre-eminently beautiful is plumosum. There are several sub-varieties of this most exquisite form, but the best of all is the one found at Axminster, in Devonshire, by the late Mr. Swynfen Jervis. I have a part of the original plant, and nothing can exceed the grace of its lace-like, feathery fronds. It is a large Fern, and must have plenty of space to show itself off, and, in the summer time, plenty of water too. It is well to place near this form the original plumosum (Moore) found in Yorkshire, and to be bought of any Fern-growing nurseryman. The crested group of Filix-foemina is very good ; from amongst the larger forms I would choose multi- fidum, very symmetrical and graceful, and corymbi- ferum, with fuller pinnules, and perhaps smaller crests. These larger varieties of A. Filix-foemina should be planted at thetop of the rockery, the smaller forms being placed near the Asplenia. The crested group of the smaller forms belonging to the species is headed by Victoria— one of the most singular forms imaginable, and yet with its peculiarity of shape preserving both symmetry and grace. The pinnae of Victoria;, almost immediately after they leave the mid rachis, divide into two branches, each branch richly crested and growing at an acute angle, the upper half of the double pinna crossing the lower half of the pinna immediat^'ly above, thus forming a perfect net-work of interlacing iireen. The apex of the frond terminates, like the pinnae, in a full crest. This beautiful form was found in Stirlingshire. But it is not the crested group of A. Filix-fcemina that wins my highest admiration, I like rather those exquisitely chiselled forms that seem as though each tiny pinnule had been stamped out separately. A Crested Fern (however pretty it may be) has always the appearance of a monstrosity ; one hardly looks to see it come up year after year in precisely the same form as it went to its winter's sleep, while the chiselled varieties would almost persuade you that they were original and ever-abiding creations. One of the prettiest of the small varieties is uncum, each pinnule bf'ing furnished with a hook (as its name imports). A sub-variety of this form has bfen lately found in Dartmoor, and named afU-r t^ f»'-'"'>^'?,lK ' uncum Bellairsia.. It is an exquisitely f^'-^'-f/''' f°^"^ In -peaking of A. Filix-foemina I am emharrashed wi ,h Hche while 1 tell in flowing terms of the beauty of one, reproachful looks seem to mf' ™e from another, and, aftir all. the great pleasure of the ladies 600 THE GARDENERS' CEIRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 0, 1868. garden consists in the searching for, and in the finding of new varieties for oneself. These will meet us at every turn. We have only in one summer's day to gather a frond of every specimen of Filix-fcemina we meet with, and subject them to minute examination and comparison. Hardly two alike ! What must be done ? We must divide them into groups, and finally choose tho.-ie with the most opposite characteristics, and in this way wo may begin our collection. We must not mind accumulating some rubbish at first; we can weed our garden from time to time, and by-and-by we should ask a good and kindly pteridologist to come and look at our store, to name the good, and also to tell us what to throw away. I need hardly say where A. Filix-fnemina is to be found, for it grows nearly everywhere, if only mode- rate shade and plenty of water are to be had. I have found my best varieties in Devonshire, but the Fern grows most profusely in Wales, and you can scarcely take a walk without lighting upon something " new and strange." AnthtjlUs. colour is only a distinction of degree, and at best is infinitesimal. In truth, Orchid nomenclature sadly wants revising. J. A. ORCHID GOS.SIP. YouE last issue relieved me from an embarrassment I had been looking up all the authorities at my command to find out whether two (to me) new faces had ever come under the scrutiny of botanical censor- ship, and to my surprise and delight I at once recog- nised the one as Jliltonia festiva, and the other as Dendrobium orystallinum, as christened in the Oar- deners' Chronicle of May 30, 1868. Professor Reichen- bach's diagnosis, as usual, is as graphic as it is exhaus- tive, and the veriest tyro would have no difficulty in identifying the plants. AVith reference to the Miltonia it may be useful to add that the specimen in the Meadowbank collec- ton was purchased at Stevens' rooms in December, 1S36, and labelled M. spectabilis. The plant is much more vigorous than the species to which it is allied, and is capable of producing an inflorescence of at least five flowers. We have two spikes, each five-flowered, and under cultivation it may throw spikes with increas- ing numbers of flowers. I had made up my mind, previous to reading the Professor's remarks, that the plant was a mnle, bearingsome of the characteristics of Cyrtochilum flavescens and of Miltonia spectabilis, and to see the same view taken by one of our I am I highest authorities. The labellum, in point of form, is the labellum of spectabilis, while the radiating lines in the 10 flowers which have come under my eye, to the talismanio number of 11, are after the order of Cyrtochilum flavescens. The sepals and petals partake of the same ochre colour as the last-named species. It IS a singular hybrid, altogether one from Nature's mint, brought about of course by insect .agency. Both species are evidently indigenous to the locality, and hence this mule, which will be known ever afterwards as M. festiva. This other fact may be mentioned as showing the indisposition of a mule readily to depart from the normal form of one of the p.arents. As is well-known, M. spectabilis has a peduucul.ar inflores- cence, with one flower on its apex, and if in a good state of cultivation, two flowers are occasionally pro- ducible; C. flavescens, on the contrary, produces racemes 2 feet high, with numerous flowers. The mule (M. festiva) h:is clearly departed from the spec- tabilis type with its simple peduncles, and the flowers are crowded together on the apex of the spike, and consequently are not seen to the same advantage ; it is, in fact, a compromise between a spike and an umbel. The white angular bracts are singularly con- spicuous too, and it will be a matter of curiosity for all interested in hybridisation to know if there be many more of these mules out of the same batch. Probably, Mr. S. Low will inform us how he came by the plants which produced the two-flowered inflorescence which was submitted to, and has been named by Professor Reichenbach. The Dendrobium crystallinum in our case is a pure foundling. It is one of the fortuitous plants that occasionally are to be met with in the Covent Garden sale rooms, among those numbers in the sale catalogues that pass oS' as nondescript plants. All Orchidophi- lists have an eye to these things, and the writer hap- pened to select it among a lot of other Dendrobes growing naturally alongside of D. Pierardi, for they were wound up together, roots entwined with roots. To say that the flower is beautiful, is only meagre praise. It is a companion for D. Wardianum, D. Devonianum, and D. Falconeri. It is more nearly allied, however, to the former than the latter, having an entire labellum. It is far more constant in yielding flowers than any of the above species ; and in thisrespect IS equal toD, Pierardi itself. On a pseudobulb 2 feet long there are 1(5 splendid flowers, in 8 groups. Theypartake more of the colours of those of D. crepidatum, but the flowers are twice the size of those of that species ; and the warm pmk blotches that adorn the extremities of the petals and labellum are highlypleasing, while asoftshade ot the same colour pervades the margin of the sepals. 1 don t know whether the Messrs. Veitch & Sons have had an opportunity of flowering a specimen to any- thing like what it is capable of. From the Professor's remarks I opine that the flowers have been in bud in their passage homewards, but this much must be said for the species, that it is the first in point of prestige among the novelties of the year in the Orchid family and one of the chief of the clan of Dendrobes. Fortu- nate indeed are the possessors of a stock of D crystallinum. I quite coincide with Prof. Reichenbach as to the identity of Jliltonia cereola with M. Regnelli. They are identical in all respects, as I have proved over and over again with flowering specimens. The dissimi- larity in the formation of the labellum is only casual, for I have seen both apiculate and emarginate label- ums on the same plant. The distinction claimed for ON THE FORGET-ME-NOTS OF THE SYLVATICA GROUP. The Forget-me-Nots of the sylvatica group have latterly become so popular for decorative purposes that a large share of attention has been drawn to them, and we have, at the Editors' suggestion, compared the dried specimens at our command, with the published figures and descriptions, and with the living examples of the cultivated forms with which we have been favoured, in response to the invitation which appeared in the Oardtners' Chronicle a short time ago ; and we propose now to report the result of our researches. Of the sytvatica group, that is, excluding Myoaotis pjilustris, azorica, and arvensis, there are in our English gardens at pre- sent three plants, which are distinct enough to be regarded as species for .all garden purposes, though, as wo shall see pre- sently, the characters by which they arc distinguished from one another are all of subordinate importance in a botanical sense. Only two of these appear to be at all generally culti- vated, and, singular to say, one of the two docs not appear to be anywhere named or described, and we have no clear know- lodge of where it has come from. Th3 true M. sylvatica is familiar to every one. In the north of Engljind it is one of the commonest woodland plants, and there are now very few gardens up and down the country in which it is not to be seen. When brought into a garden it produces seed profusely, so that it very soon establishes itself. Many authors have stated it to be a perennial, but this is contrary to our own experience, for we have never seen it with any woody rootstock either in a wild or cultivated state, or known it to produce stems from the same root more than once. The plant is biennial, branch- ing above the surface of the ground, bearing usually several stems from the crown, which at the timoof flowering areabout a foot high, the central one erect, the others decumbent at the base, and sometimes it produces also barren tufts of leaves which do not send up a i3owering stem from the centre. The hairs of the lower part of the stem .are moderately dense and spread horizontally. The lower stem leaves at the time of flowering are generally about 2 inches long, between strap- shaped and spathulate, half .an inch broad, the point obtuse or sub-acute, the colour a dull gras.s-green, and both sides covered with fine short spreading grey hairs like those of the stem, the root-leaves being much longer, and narrowed gradually into a distinct stalk. The riieemes are finally 4 or 5 inches long the pedicels being entirely without bracts at the base, the lower ones erecto-patent or sub-patent, varying from as long to h.ilf as long again as the calyx. The calyx is an eighth of an inch deep, the Lanceolate teeth reaching two-thirds or three-quarters of the way down, tha hairs of the teeth erecto- patent, those of the tube horizontal and hooked of the rachis and pedicels nearly or quite adpressed' The corolla is lil.ac in bud, the limb a bright light blue and spreading quite horizontally when fully expanded, a quarter of an inch broad ; the eye usually bright yellow, with white rays ; the tube yellow, an eighth of an inch deep. The calyx ind nearly closed in fruit, the nucules being sllghtiv the face tow.ards the point. This plant Is universally diffused throughout Europe, and reaches Madeira, the Himalayas, and Kamschatka. The Indian M. pallens (W.all) Austrian M. decumbens (Host.), and Sicilian M. lithospermifolia (Guasone non Homem), appear to be quite the typical form - M. Lactea (Bonng. Prod. Fl. Monast., 56), to be only the not uncommonly cultivated state, with white flowers ; and M variabilis, Angells, though .admitted as a species 'by Koch' fteichenbach, and A. De CandoUe, to be a long-styled state' with rather larger flowers than usual. ' ' ;ilaO)«(rij (.Schmidt, Bohm. p. 26) has a black perennial oody rootstock, copiously branched below the surface of the ground, the branches covered at the base with the remains of the leaves of previous years, and each producing a stem or a b.arren tuft of leaves. The stems are suberect, and much shorter and stiffer than In the preceding ; the whole plant is more coarsely hairy, the stem leaves are narrower, and their hairs are denser and more rigid, those of the upper surface being often quite bulbous at the base The raceme when fully expanded is not moro than one inch and half, to three inches long, the pedicels are stouter and quite erecto-patent, hardly ever exceeding the calyx! which is deeper than in sylvatica, in fruit quite two lines long, the hairs denser but more ascending, and hardly any or none at all spreading horizontally and hooked at the point - the teeth more narrowed, and reaching quite three-quarters of the way down ; the limb of the corolla larger, four to five lines across, and a brighter blue, and the nucules not keeled upon the face. This is the plant figured by Smith in " English Botany" (t. 2.5.59), under the name ot rupicola, which grows wild at an altitude of from 1000 to 1300 yards between Lochs Tay and Rannoch, in the north of Perthshire, and at 850 yards on Micklefell, on the boundary line between Westmoreland and Yorkshire, where it flowers the first week in June. We do not think this is much cultivated in gardens, and amongst the specimens which we have received we can refer only one here. As be.aring upon its distinctness and behaviour under cultivation in the neighbourhood of London, we may quote what Mr. W.atson says about it in " Cybelo Britannica" (vol. ii., p. 272):— "By some botanists it is supposed to bean alpine state or variety of M. sylvatica, but I cannot say that the cul- tivation of it for a few years in my garden has much tended to convince me of the correctness of this view. As with many other Alpine plants, cultivated for a while in my garden, the necessarily frequent sprinklings with water in dry weather together -with the shaded situations in which the pLants require to be kept, cause them to bo so much attacked by slugs that they gradually become exhausted and die away although when preserved from these pests M. alpestrie flourishes well under such cultivation, and will attain a larger "'■'.^ than in its Highland home. Passing to the Continent i,.-„i, 1.-..1. ,_j ^ — ■ ij oojron give under though they say tho plants which Koch and Grenier this name appear to be the .same a_ , „ ^„^ nothing about the perennial rootstock ; and if so, it is also th".. M. suaveolens of Poiret, and M. auaveolens of Waldstein and Kitaibel. We cannot separate from this, except as trifling varieties, M. pyrenaica of Pourret, M. .alpina of Lapeyrouse M. nana. Smith {non VUlars), .M. olympica of Boissier, and M. modesta of Schott and Kotschy. It appears to be widely diffused amongst the mountains of Europe, reaching Armenia and Lake Baikal, and a plant from the Rocky Mountains and Arctic America is probaWy the same. .Some of the South European forms have the hairs of the calyx tube much more spreading than in the English one. ^f. Montana (M. Bieb. Taur. Cauc. iii. 116), as described, does not present any points of difference from sylvatica, and the author quotes sylvatica as a synonym, but what Koch, A. De Candolle. and Godron, founding their idea probably upon a Cauc;iaian plant distributed by Hohenacker, under- itand by this name is M. lithospermifolia (Hornem. Hfan. >. 173), which ia figured in Sturm's Deutschlands Flora part 42. Upon this wo do not venture to offer any decided opinion, but judging from the specimen just referred to it ia biennial, quite as tall as sylvatica, tho leaves narrow and acute, the hairs of the stem and leaves as weak as in sylvatica and more adpressed, the racemes finally 6 inches long, tho pedicels not moro than equaUing tho calyx, and the lower spreading almost horizontally ; the calyx two lines deep, the hairs of the tube almost entirely adpressed, and those of the teeth short, weak, ascending and inconspicuous ; the expanded corolla about four lines across. All the authors mentioned put it with alpestris, but to ua it seema nearer sylvatica, judging from a limited number of dried specimens .and from Sturm's figure. We come next to the third species or sub-species of the sylvatica group, which is now widely diffuaed in the English gardena. For thia, ,aa it appeara to be as easy to propagate as sylvatica, besides flowering earlier and being more striking in appearance, we predict a growing and permanent popularity. All the specimens which have been sent to ua have either not been labelled at all, or have been called "alpestris" or " montana," but it is not either the alpestris or montana of botanical books or collectioua. Under the name of montana it has been widely distributed by Messrs. Back- house i Son, but whether aU that there is in the country originated from them we cannot say. It appears to be a plant quite unknown to botanists. We cannot find it to be anywhere described or figured ; in fact we have already disposed of all the published names in the group, and we have not been able to meet with dried specimens which belong to it from any wild locality. We venture, therefore, to propose for it a new name, M>iU\lr. J uu^.-^J^i, witu .iguu>l example of Phaheiiopais LUddumauuiaua. A gruup uf tj CypriiJcdiums from Mr. Jones, included C. Dayii, C. Veitchii, &c. The corresponding Nurserymen's Classes were represented in this wise— 10 Stove and Greenhouse Plants : Ist, Mrs. Cole & Sons, who had Ixora amboinensis, Ixora coccinea, and Pimelea Hendersoni, very fine ; 2d, Mr. Wilhams, HoUoway, who had Stephanotis floribunda, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, and Dracophyllum gracile specially noticeable. 12 Orchids : 1st, Mr. Williams, who showed fine plants of Aerides odoratum delicatum, Dendrobium clavatum and nobile, Cypripediura Lowii, Laelia Brysiana, and Saccolabium guttatum ; 2d Mr. W. E. Dixon, Beverley, who had a fiue specimen of Cattlej a eitrina. Collections of MisceUaneous Plants were shown in both sections. In the Nurserymen's Class of 10, Messrs. Veitch & Sons, who were placed 1st, exhibited a splendid specimen of Todea auperba, together with fine masses of Anthurium regale and Scherzeriauum, Sancbezia nobiUa variegata, and Maranta Veitchii, and a grand Verschaffcltia splendida. Mr. Williams, who was 2d, had also a fine example of Todea superba, and a nicely grown mass of Pteris scaberula ; and Mr. Shaw, of Bowdon, who was 3d, had Theophrasta imperialis, Cycas Riuminiana, and the curiously formal Agave fililera. Groups of Agaves and Yuccas formed very interesting features of the show, Mr. Williams being 1st and Mr. Shaw 2d in both classes, the former with Agaves schidigera, gem- mipara, unlvittata, filifera major, medio-picta, and lophantha, and with Yuccas Stokesii, quadricolor, aloifolia variegata, and Beaucarneas recurvata and longifolia ; while Mr. Shaw's Agaves consisted of A. americana longifolia and its sub- variety variegata, A. coccinea, A. xalapensis, A. Ghiesbreghtii, and the common variegated sort. There were some very good examples of moderate-sized Palms, amongst which we noted as especially interesting, Pbajuicophorium seychellarum, Verschaffcltia splendida, Thriuax elegans, and Calamus dealbata, besides a good example of Chamferops. The 1st prizes in the respective classes were gained by Mr. Blake- more, of Pendleton, and by Mr. Williams. There were some good Ferns shown. Most conspicuous were the collections of 4 Tree Ferns, amongst which that shown by Mr. Williams was decidedly the best. It consisted of two fine tall handsome plants of Dicksonia antarctica, and well-matched plants of Cyathea dealbata and Dicksonia squarrosa. Mr. Shaw was 2d with an unequal lot, containing sume good specimens ; and Mr. Dixon 3d, with a very neat set, consistingof Dicksoniaa fibrosa and squarrosa, and Cyatheas medullaris and Smithii. The best group of 8 Stove and Green- house Ferns was sont by Mr. Baines, and contained fine examples of Cyathea princeps ; Dicksonia antarctica pendula, apparently a distinct variety with drooping fronds ; Gleichenia Speluncee Davallia tenuifolia, and Lomaria cycadifolia. The next collection, shown by B. G. Wrigley, Esq., contained a remarkably well-managed Davallia chairophylla ; and the 3d best, from W. T. Hobson, Esq., contained the rare Brainea insignis in good condition. For 12 Hardy Ferns, Mr. Craig, gr. to the Hon, W. G. Howard, Levens Hall, was 1st, with a neat group consisting mostly of handsome and scarce forms of British Ferns, and amongst others Athyrium Filixfoemina Howardije, Polystichum angulare gracile, Lastrea Filix-mas Barnesii, Lastrea dilatata Howardii, and Osmunda regahs cris- tata. Two or three other creditable collections were shown by amateurs, as also three collections of '24 kinds by nurserymen. We moreover noted two charming novelties, to which First- class Certificates were awarded, namely, Lastrea montaua Barnesii, an elegant narrow-fronded furm of the mountain Buckler Fern ; and Asplenium Trichomanes confluens, a thoroughly distinct and remarkably pretty form of Maiden- hair Spleenwort, These wt?re both shown by Mr. Craig. The Roses told of the heats to which they had been exposed, but under the circumstances were very creditable to the growers. Especially so were groups of dwarf bushes in small- sized pots which show how ordinary cultivators can, if tney will, enjoy in their greenhouses the queen of flowers. To have the grand specimens which take the lead at exhibitions, requires great skill and vast appliances ; but the little bushes of a foot high, with their eight or ten or a dozen blooms, can be had by every one who has a pit or a greenhouse, and brings a fair amount of intelligence to bear on the management of the plants. It is for this reason that we are always glad to see at the great shows, beside the monster specimens which show how far the cultivator's skill can reach, smaller examples, which bring the flower within everybody's means. We have continually urged the inviting of such plants in the case of Azaleas, Heaths, and Roses, and the principle might very well be applied in other cases — Pelargoniums, to wit. The prizes were all carried off by well-known names. Thus for 10 plants Mr. Turner was 1st, and Messrs. Lane 2d : forSplants Messrs. Paul & Son 1st, and Messrs. Lane 2d ; and for 20 plants (these being the small specimens above alluded to) Mr, Turner was Ist, and Messrs. Paul & Son 2d. Pelargoniums were one of the weak parts of the show. Mr. Turner had good collections of 10 show and 10 fancy varieties, but the few others were of indifferent quahty. There were some fair groups of zonals and variegated zonals, but as a rule the former were not well bloomed, nor the latter well coloured. Calceolarias were pretty well represented as to quantity, but excepting a group from Mr. Higiiett, gr. to C. Rowe, Esq., of Liverpool, were indifferent examples of cultivation. Hardy Rhododendrons formed rather a striking feature of the display, a remarkably fine lot having been sent down by Messrs. Waterer & Godfrey, of Knap Hill. Among these we noticed many varieties of great beauty, as Mrs. Milner, Mrs. Holford, Mrs. John Glutton, Lady Armstrong, James Btteman, Rembrandt, and Watererianum. Messrs. Lane & Son sent a considerable number of dwarf plants, and also covered the face of a high bank with a mixed group of hardy Azaleas and Rhododendrons and greenhouse Azaleas. Some of the best and most effective Gloxinias we have seen were shown, but our notes do not indicsite by whom. They were of the erect-flowered sorts, and formed a dense mass of bloom in the centre, some 12 inches over, with the leaves all brought to the outside, and radiating so as to form a green border. The effect was remarkably good, and the plants exceedingly well managed. New plants were fairly repre- sented. In groups of twelve Messrs. Veitch & Sons were pLaced 1st for a dozen fine things, including some of their new Crotons, Dracaenas and Begonias ; Mr. Williams 2d ; and Mr. Shaw, who had Bertolonia margaritacea nicely in bloom, 3d. Among the miscellaneous exhibitions, which came under tbia category, were the new varieties of Coleus raised at Chiswick, which under the forcing of the propagating pit did not shijw their true characters, but which nevertheless, in spite cf the remark in one of the local papers— "we mention them to point out that they were not worth buying— a host of weedy kin-ls, similar in character, were sure to be raised,"— will be Kood and useful plants of their class, whatever weedy forms may follow them, Alpines and herbaceous plants wore, m usual, not shown in a condition to give the public anything like a fair idea of theii worth and beauty. Generally the plants were miserable specimens of their kinds, and one exhibitor staged amongst other beauties, a poor thrift, with its long since dead and persistent flowers remaining on the plant. There was, however, one brilliant exception, and that was made by the Messrs. Backhouse, of York. Their group of 50 alpiuea and herbaceous plants, in point of novelty and finish, stood out from the others much as the Pampas Grass does among its northern relatives ; but even their collection might have been shown much more advantageously, if trouble had been taken to make individual plants into specimens. How much of the beauty of Lithospermum fruticosum can you see if several small plants that have been grown in thumb pots are gathered together the day before the show, and placed in a 32-si2ed pot? Of course, such beautiful dwiirf alpine plants as this may be grown into perfect specimens as well as any New HoUand plant, and until this is done the public have little chance of seeing at exhibitions what arc tUo beau- ties and capabilities of the more charming plants of northern and temperate climes. The Iberis that was shown under the name of I. coriacea, would, without staking or any great trouble, make a ball of snow above the pot, and hang down so as to obscure its sides— three cuttings of it stuck in a 32 pot, with a flowor at the apex of each, represented it at this show, and even then it was admired. If the same principle of exhibiting were applied to other kinds, say Ixoras and Pelar- gonium.s, what would become of our flower shows 1 Messrs. Backhouse's collection contained some exquisite novelties to the general grower, on which we hesitate nut to cumment. Primula sikkiraensLs, one of the most remarkable plants of its very interesting and beautiful family, has a leaf-develop- ment not so great as Primula denticulata, but when well grown it throws up strong flower-stems bearing numerous pale yellow fiowers vasiform in shape, the pedicels mealy, the blooms of an agreeable and peculiar perfume. Some of the stems bear a head of more than 5 dozen buds and flowers. It is perfectly hardy, loves deep, well-drained, and moist ground ; spots In the lower parts of rockwork suit it best ; and it begins to flower in May, and remains in flower for many weeks. It is a plant which, when plentiful, ought to be popular every- where. Sisyriuchium odoratissimum is a graceful and very distinct species, with slender grass-like leaves and stems, ascending from 1 foot to 15 inches high, each bearing from three to six flowers, nearly 1^ inch long, striped and flaked on the outside with dull brownish -purple on a white ground, the interior of the flower being veined and marbled in the same way, but very much more faintly. It has an agreeable and distinct perfume, and will prove worthy of cultivation, along with the much-admired relative, Sisyriuchium grandiflorum. Saxifraga stenophylla, which is one of the most minute and dense of its race, was shown in flower, the blooms greenish and poor, but the little cushions of flowers, about half an inch high, were pretty. Oxytropispyrenaica.isa verydwarf pretty species, with purplish flowers— a neat alpine ; Erodium macradenium, is a dwarf, distinct, and pretty kind, which flowers abundantly, but was in this instance past its best ; Silene rupestris, is a sparkling-looking little white species, attaining little more than 3 inches high when in bloom, reminding one of a dwarf 8. alpestris, and quite worthy of association with that beat of white May rock plants ; Erigeron Roylel, is a fine rigid Aster- hke flower, nearly 2 inches across, the stems from 4 to 9 inches high, the ray a dark lavender blue, and the disk apparently sprinkled with gold dust upon a dark ground; Aronicum scorpioides, has a stem not more than 5 inches high, and flowers from 2^ to 3i inches in diameter; Geranium cinereum, is a very dwarf kind, between 2 and 3 inches high, the veins deep lilac on a whitish ground, a charmingly-marked kind, worthy of general culture. Finally, Astragalus Hypoglottia alba is a really pretty variety, with nice paper-white flowers in large heads, nestling low amongst the very dwarf leaves. A rather extensive exhibition of small portable specimens of Coniferous plants was arranged on one of the terrace walks outside the exhibition house, and added considerably to the interest of the exhibition. Messrs. Lane & Son and Mrs. Cole & Sons took the 1st and 2d prizes. Wedding bouquets and head-dresses of flowers were among the mo5t interesting minor matters exhibited. Among wedding bouquets Mr, Stevenson gained the 1st prize, for one made up principally of Stephanotis and Gardenia, Mr. Delamere took the 1st prize for a head-dress, which also mainly consisted of Gardenia and Stephanotis. The prettiest wreath, however, to cur taste, was one of white Pyretbrum and blue Forget-me- Not, materials of the most simple character, but nicely put together, the result being chaste and elegant in the extreme. The sliow of the National Tulip Society was held in a separate tent, and notwithstanding the hot weather, which had carried off most of the southern and midland flowers, there was a rather extensive display. Fruit was shown in limited quantity. Mr, Te»g, of Clumber, took the lead for a collection of six dishes, and Mr. Tillcry, of Welbeck, the 2d place. The 1st prize for a Queen Pine-apple was given to T. A. Miller, Esq., of Bishop Stortford, who showed one of 61b. weight. The best Black Hamburgli Grapes were from Mr. Dixon ; the best black of any other sort (Black Prince) from Mr. Hill, Keele Hall; and the best Muscat of Alexandria, from Mr. Dixon. Some pot Vines, well grown, but with the fruit scarcely coloured, came from Mr. T. Statter, of Stand. There was a very good show of implements. better exhibition, than that which closed yesterday at South Kensington. Not only did tho Society's beautiful conservatijry and upper arcades teem with plants and fruit of the best pos- sible description, but also in considerable portions of the lower arcades, especially that on the west side, were stowed away multitudes of clioice treasures for which room could not be found elsewhere. Az.alea3 were present in great numbers, and for the most part in charming condition. As to stove and greenhouse plants their name was legion. Pelar- goniums, especially fancy kinds, were wonderfully fine, many of them measuring quite four feet in diameter ; and there were, moreover, noble groups of Orchids, Ferns, and other fine-foliagcd plants. Of stove and greenhouse plants, the best collection of 12 came from Mr. Peed, gr. to Mrs. Treadwell, Lower Norwood. Of these, all of which were still in excellent condition, ample notice has already been taken in our columns. Mr. May, gr. to P. W. Butt, Esq., Arle Court, Cheltenham, was 2d. In his collection were fine examples of Allamanda grandiflora. Erica jasminiflora, Phienocoma prolifera Barnesii, Ixora coccinea, loaded with bloom ; I. salicifolia, producing fine heads of orange fiowers ; a well-bloomed plant of Stephanotia floribunda. Azaleas, and the large-flowered Franciecea calycina. Mr. Wilkio was 3d. In the Nurserymen's Class, Mrs. Glendinning & Sons were Ist with a nice coUection, Mr. Williams 2d, and Mr. Tantnn, Epsom, 3d. In the Amateurs' Class for 6 Plants Mr. Peea was Ist with fine specimens of Clerodendron Balfourii ; DracophyUum gracile 4 feet across ; and Franciacea calycina. Mr. Burnett was 2a 60t THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE AND APtRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 6, 1868. with well-orrown plauta of Rhynchosparraura jaamiuoidi Stephanotis floribuada, Aphelexia macrantha rosea, and Acro- phyllum veno3um. Mr. Wilkie wa.^ 3d, and an extra prize was awarded to Mr. May. Mr. Ward, gr. to F. Q. Wilkins, Esq., furnished a remarkably fine Dracophyllum gracile and other well g^rown plants. Ur. Carr, gr. to P. L. Hinda, Esq., Byfleet, had a fine example of Rhynchospermura jasniinoidee. The 1st prize for the best specimen stove and gieenhouso plant was aw^arded to Mr. Peed for Acrophyllum venosmn, 4 feet high and little lesa in diameter, ita only fault being the want of the handsome red leaves which sometimes surmount the fiower spike, and which tend to set it off to so much advantage. Mr. Wilkie was 2d with the charming Dipla- denia amabilis ; and Mr. Slay 3d with Ixora coccinea. Among plants remarkable for the beauty of their leaves. Mr. Fairhairn, gr. to the Duke of Northumberland, at Siou, received a 1st prize for noble examples of Alocasia zebrina, with charmingly mottled anake-like leafstalks ; A. macrorhiza variegata, with huge leaves, splashed with white, sometimes to tbc extent of nearly one-half; Anthurium aciule, with shining bright green foliage, some 4 feet in length and 14 inches in width ; A. magnificum, with gi-eat heart-shaped leaves; and the bronzy-looking 4locasi^metallica, Mr. Taylor, gr. to J. Yates, Esq., Highgate, had a, second collection, in which were Encephafartoa Caffra, Cycaa circinalia, with a noble array of feathery foliage, issuing from the summit of a sturdy tnink ; Curculigo recurvata, with ribbed grasa- groen leaves ;and other well-grown plants. Mr. WUUams, vfho was 3d, contributed Croton angustifolium and others, Anthurium regale, Dracxnas, and other plants. From Mr. Burley, of the Albert Nursery, Bayawater, who was 4th, came the graceful-looking Rhopala De Jonghii, the variegated variety of Ar^lia japonica, with palmate leaveg tipped and otherwise blotched with creamy-yeUow ; Tree Ferns and Palms to which may be added the handsome Musf* vittata. In collec- tionaof 6 plants Messrs. Taylor, May, Fairbairn and Young took prizes in the order in which their names are mentioned. Conspicuous among Ferns were Oibotium ScMedei, Cyathea princeps, Smithii, and deaZbatiV, Dicksonia anta,rctica, Todea af ricana, Pteris tricolor and argyrea, Ijomarijv gibba, Marattia elegans, Gleichenias, and Alsophila contaminans. Amongst exhibitors of them were Messrs. Williams, Taylor, Young, May, and Wilkie. Messrs. Ivery, Mr. Salter, and others showed beautiful collections of hardy kindsj. Of Yuccas, fine pairs were contributed by Sir. Bull an4 Mr. Williarn.'j. the latter having tall specimens of the variegated Aloe-Ieaved kind, and beintt placed first ; he was also assigned 1st prizes for Agaves, a pair of Dracaena lineata, each about 10 feet in height, and for noble examples of Dicksonia antarctica, the trunk of one of which could not measure less than 12 feet in height and 18 inches in diameter— black and timewom. Among Caladiums we noticed some fine specimens of argyrites, bicolor splendens. Houllettii, Belleymei, Cannartii. Wightii, Chantinii, &c., from Messrs. Smee, Fairbairn, and Wilkie. In the class set apart for Anthuriums. Mr, Williams showed magnificum, acaule, and an unnamed kind with dark green leaves, for which a 1st piize was awarded. In the Class of 9 Azaleas, Mrs. Glendinning r^nd Sons were 1st with fine plants of Madame Miellcz, Eulalie Lateritia, Variegat-^, Prince Albert Victor, Gledstane^ii, Petuniteflora, Purpurea magnifica, and Gem. These plants were trained pyramidally, but by no means stitBy and cortainly very effectively. Mr. I'ursnn, j^t. tn W. R. (i. Farmer, :^^q.. Nonsuch Park, Chc.iiii, 'v.is -j.! with splendid specimens ■'i Sir C. Napier, Triuinph:nH, th..- . >1 i fhiiiese yolb " " :ordii. Broughtonii, Murray.in:!. Kx^uisite, Furmosa, and \pollo. Mr.Turnerw.as iM^vith Etuile dcGand, Irervana. Glory ■ ■f Sunninghill, Gledstanesii, Chelaoni, Mars, Leopold I., and [WO others. In the Nurserymen's Class, Mr. Turner stood Ist, -vitU iiiaonificent plants of Sir C- Napier. Optima, Gled- -'■-.. -1, ^^ r. ns]Q Miellez, Variegata and Brilliant. Mr. ^^ ■ ' .' i- In the Amateurs Class Mr. Penny, gr. ' ' ' I i ' -, Esq., Eegcnt'a Park, was awarded the Ist 11 j :. i I examples of Brilliant, Chelsoni, Iveryapa. ■ ijiu, :md ^ii Charles Napier. Mr. Carson, who was - 1, had a fine plant of Juliana, about 4 feet high. Mr. Wilkie, Oak Lodge, was 3d. Of plants in pota not exceeding 12 inches ni diameter, two fine collections were furnished, one by Messrs. Ivcry, the other by Mr. Turner, which respectively received 1st and 2d prizes. Messrs. Ivery's plants were neatly grown and finely bloomed. Duchesse do Nasst^u waa espe- cially fine; the others were Gem, President, Chelsoni, Extranei, Criterion, Charles Enke, pucd'Aremberg, Varieo-ati superba. Jlr. Turaer furnished Due de Brabant, Flower of the Day, Flag of Truce, Elegantissima, and some of those already named. ^lew plants were numerous. To Messrs. Yeitch v?aa warded the 1st prize for the best six in or out of flower. they consisted of Alocasia Jenningsii, Begonia _ ._ Orotxjii tricolor, a greendeaved kind with a hjcnd of ycllo f"he centres of the leaves ; Draciena Chelsoni and regina, and rhnnia Bensonim. Mr. Bull, who was 2d, ha4 Copiosma liaueriana vatiegata, Maranta virginalis, with silvery mark- ings : Curculigo recurvata, broadly striped with cream colour ; nalechampia Roezliana rosea. Enceph;dartos gracilis, and Cibotium regale. For a new plant shuwu for the first time in flower, Mr. Bull was 1st, with Lasiandra macrauthft, a Melas- tomad, with Large violet flowers ; and Messrs. Yeitch 2d, with a Rhododendron with bright yellow fiowers and long narrow leaves. For a new plant not yet In commerce, Mr. Cross, gr. to Lady Ashburton, waa 1st, with Actiniopteris radiata, a small ?ith fan-like leaves, which many mistook for those of a Mr. Bull was 2d, with the Lasiandra just Havant, 3d. To Mr. Bull was awarded a Ist prize for a collec- tion of 6 ; and for thtj best specimen Orchid Mr. Penny was Ist with C-ittleya Warneri, a beautjful variety of Mossiai(?). Mr. May was 2d with Aaridus Lindleyanum, bearing two branching spikes. Of Roses in pota Mr. William Paul was the only exhibitor. He obtained first prizes for pine plants in 13-ineh puts, for 12 in 10-inch pots, and for six new kinds sent out iu 18(35 and 1865. Coupe d'H^be, Juno, and Lfelia in the first-named class were remarkably fine. His six new kinds consisted of Black Prince. Fisher Holmes, Mademoiselle Mario Rady, Rose Perfection, Camilla Bernardin, nnd Prince de Portia. Mr. Paul's group of 12 also consisted of nicely-bloomed plants. Of cut blooms, 12 fine boxfuls were shown by Messrs. Paul & Son, and 10 by Mr. Turner. Messrs. Lee, of Hammersmith, furnished some promising blooms of new kinds. Amaryllids were shown by Mr. Williams ; tho best among them were Graviana, a fine scarlet streake4 witl^ white ; others were Ackermanni piUcherrima, Eldorado, &g. Pelarguninms, as we have already stated, were wont Globe, Clipper, Madame Vaucher, Eugene M . i m 1 i . ■■■t- lent. Mr. Windsor, who was 2d, contribu; . , ; i i, . M. Rendatler, Great Eastern, and Louis Rii^-.. I \i , \\ . ; n^ gr. to D. Martineau, Esq., was 3d. In the I'l l- . f..- N'in-.-.,'i \-- Mr. Fraser waa 1st with splendid plants df Ruse Ren- datler, Eugene M»iZivrd, Julea G6sa.r, Clippef-, Leonidas^ and Yeuillot. the section for PcLirgoniums shown for the beauty oi thoir foliage, Mr. Turner apd Messrs. F. & A. Smith received equ.al Ist prizes for fine coUeqtions. The former had Lady Cullum, Mrs. Turner, Sophia Dumaresque, Lady of Shallot, Princess of Wales, and May Queen. Messrs. Smith had Meteor, Banshee, L'Empereur, Miss Burdett Coutts, Exquisite, and Sunray. Mr. Jaines was Sd. Of Fuchsias, Mr Osborn, Finchley, had the best four in the Nurserymen's Class, Conspicuous among them was Vainqueur de Puebla with a double white corolla, and Conspicua with a single white corolla- Messrs. August ;..^™ f^^ „ n. Fern miniature Pal; named. For plants which came more immediately under the y.^^ of the Floral Committee, the following First-class Certificates ^..^ ...-„ *. ^'—-3. Ivery, Dorking, for two ne^ !., Athyrium Filix-fcamina gran otice } awarded, viz., to Me; ind distinct hardy Ferns, diceps pumila, and a variety of Lastrea dilatata. To Messrs. n.-irter for Colons Dixii. To Mr. Bull for Lasiandr^ macrantha, likewise for ColeusGem and C. Nonsuch. To Mr. Stone, gr. to J.Day, Esq., for Nanodes Medusas, a singular-looking Orchid, with a largo piirplish-crimson fringed Up. The Certificates awarded to seedling Florists' flowers will be noted on a future occasion. The bast six Heaths came from Mr. Peed. Mr. Ward, who was 2d, had also good examples of Fainieana, candidisstma, Lasomana, Massoui major, depressa, and Tricolor elegans. Messrs. F. & A. Smith were 3d. Mr. WUliams also showed in this class. The different exhibitions exhibited little or no novelty. Of Orchids, Mr. Penny had a fine collection of 12 Con- .^lucuous among them were Cattleya Mossi.-e, the beautiful adontogloasum Alexandra, with three spike'*- Cypripedii middle-sized, greenish yellow, oval, vrith a Froutignan flavour resembling that of Froutignan Ottone. It appears to be a very good early Grape, but the consideration of its merits was deferred till there should be a full Committee meeting. We may add that Messrs. Watorer <& Godfrey's exhibition o! American plants ia still in full beauty, and that no time ought to be lost in paying it a visit. Nothing approaching its magnificence has ever before been witnessed in London. Sci^nlijtc Committee, June 2.— Dr. T. Thomson, F.R.S., in the chair. Present : Messrs. W. Saunders, Bentham, G. Wilson, Welwitsch, Miers, Munby, Abel, Blenkins, Murray, Reeves, Pro- fessor Westwood, Drs. Voeleker, Gilbert, Hogg, Masters, and Rev. M. J. Berkeley, Secretary. In spite of the counter attractions of the Great Show, this proved a very interesting meeting. The business transacted was in brief as follows :-? The Secretary read a communication from Mr. Bull, relating to the nomenclature of garden plants, and of the new Coleus in particular. These he maintained were not true hybrids, but mere varietlea, and should not receive Latin names, such as are usually applied to species. With reference to the hotter point the opinion of the Committee was unanimous. As to the former, it was pointed out by Mr. Berkeley and others, thai the greatest v.ariation occurred sometimes in the products of hybrid fertilisation, go that no rule could belaid down on that head. Mr. Bentham remarked that, in all probability, the garden forms of Coleua were derived from Colcus Blumei, Benth. -Acommunicatioa was read from Mr. G. D. Pollock renting to the Scotch Fira attacked by insects, alluded to at a predoua meeting, and containing his opinion that thn trees were perfectly healthy before they were attacked by the insects, a point which, in the opinion of the committee, seemed open to doubt. Praf. Westwood gave an account of the manu'sr in which, according to M. Victor Andouin, the female insects of Scolytus attack the Elms by burrowing longitudinally, and depositing their eggs in the cavity so formed ; when the l.arvEe were hatched they also burrowed out at right angles to the original furrow, 80 that the sap vessels were cut throutih, and the trea ultimately died. A letter was read from Mr. George Maw re- lating to some proposed experiments as to the action of coloured light on the flavour and colour of fruit. Mr. Maw has kindly undertaken to carry out some experiments on this subject. Dr. Gilbert read a very interesting and important com> munication '' on the characters of growth by virtue of which one plant dominates over another." This had reference to an extensive series of experiments carried out by Messrs. Lawea ;*nd Gilbert as to the effects of various manures in augmenting and promoting the growth of cerUiin Grasses, and of checking and preventing that of others. We regret that we cannot reproduce the elaborate details given by Dr. Gilbert, which, however, we aie glad to say will shortly be made public. Suffice it now to say, that the results are of an extraordinary character, .and of great importance practically to the agricul- turist and horticulturist ; while the assistance rendered towards the explanation of tt^ replacement of one specie s by another under natural circumstances in the struggle for life is great indeed. Dr. Voeleker was enabled in a great measure to confirm the researches of Dr. Gilbert. He gave several illustrations wherein it was shown that the application of pertain manures induced the formation of leaves, othera of roots ; for instance, Dr. Voeleker was imderstdod to say that the application of nitrate of soda to mixt.'il li . n i, "i iho effect of destroying the Clover and of pmin n ;i! ,-th of the Italian Rye-Grass, potash and pin- li : i in conjunction ficilitated the growth of Clover, ii; n^r. ■-■ \-,13. siiii.ii^i, ^ Cm also submitted to the notice of the riuit CMiiiuiiitce exainples of the Early Ascot Grape, lUc buueh of which is medium-sized the desirability of organising in Gardens an exhibition of noxious with illustrations of their good or disseminating useful information exhibition is established in Paris. ^ .,_ the subject had already pccupie4 the attention of tho Council, who were discussing the feasibility of organising such an exhibition in conjunction with the authorities of tho South Kensingtou Museum. — —The subject of the Liudley Library was then brought forward, its object explained, f\nd thei assistance of members of the Committee requested Ip further- ance of the efforts of the trustees to establish a, firat-cla^ horticultural and botanical library, open to aU atudeuta under necessary regulations. Mr. Jobs Waterer's Show of RHODODENnBONS. — Thia, which as usual is held in the Royal Botanic Society's Garden^, Regent's Park, is nuw in full flower, and is well worth inspep- tion. The great mass of bloom, which consists of all shades of colour, from pure white to brilliant crimson, ia furnished by kinds generally well known ; but there are others to whicU attention may he usefully directed. Among these may be mentioned Duchess of Sutherland, white, with a rosy edge, fine in the truss, and altogether very beautiful ; l^ichael Waterer, crim.'^on scarlet, spotted in the upper petals, a brilliant late blooming sort ; Quaclroop, a, violet-shade^ rosy crimson, with a large tiriias; Mrs. John Penn, soft rose, with a light throat, and blotched in the upper petals ; Princess Mary, rosy lilac, with a whita throat, trusses large and conioal, foliage good ; Alexander Adie, remarkable for its fine colour, which is not unlike that of the Cactus speciosisaimus ; Henry Bohn, a ple;>3iug rosy- floweriid kind, with a pi^lu centre; Mrs. Thomas Longman, rosy crimson, with a pale centre, and blotched with yellow in the top petals ; Sir Jamea Clarke, dark crimson, shaded with purple ; and Notabile, in the way of Mrs. T. Longmans. Joseph Whitworth ia not yet in flower ; but to dark kinds it is a g^eat acqi^isition, aa ja also Tippoo Sahib, which bears very large trusses of flowers of a, rich reddisb bi-own. Among older sorts we noticed fine ma^si^a o| th:^t fine kind, Lady Emily Cathcart, the flowers of which put one in mind of those of a Pelargonium. Among whites. Exquisite is in great perfec- tion ; and altogether the exhibitiuu is now about at Its best. Notices of 33ooft6. England — a Wine-prodiicinfj Country ; being a Treatise on new patent Fruit-tree and Plant Protectors. By ^Vra. Edgcumbe Rendle (inventor of the tank system of heating horticultural buildings, &c.). Small -tto, pp. 71. Allan & Co., Stationers' Hall ^ ___ Court, London. 3t Frontiguaii I fbe U'tle volnnie befaya us, Tvliidi is elaborately and ; tho berries I handsomely got up, is a highly eulogistic treatise on the June C, isng.j THE GARDENERS' CTTRONTCT^E AND AGRTCTTLTUTiAE GAZETTE. 606 U3CS to which protectors, or, as they are not inaptly termed, " sun-traps," may be applied, the way to use them, and the beneficial results that may be expected to be obtained by their adoption. The advantages which these protectors brin^ within tlio reach ol all ohisses, as set forth in the preface, is " sufflcient protection Bsainst cold, without the heavy expenses ot the buua- ing and constant repairs of ordinary houses. .Ihe obTect of the author, who is also the patentee, is to brine the choice.st of fruits and flowers within the reach of all -, and so sanguine is Mr. llendle about the efficiency of these protectors, that he does not hesitate to express his belief " that a handsome profit would be realised by coverine acres of ground witu them," for the growth of Vines and other choioe fruits and earlv vegetables. What these protec- tors are like will be best understood by the aoooni- panying figure, which we here reproduce, and which is the form recommended for Vines. They are thus described ;— " The bottom is formed of common earthen- ware, and the simplest form oftheseprotectorsis ahuge drain-tile, two or three feet long, and a foot deep, without a top ; a groove is carried along of greater or less depth on each side— one of these grooves is also as deep again, or more so, than the other. Ihe use ot the.se grooves is to receive a sliding lid or sheet ot glass, and the reason why one of them is deeper than the other, is that it may carry the rain olf the gla^s roof, and convey it to one end. This opaque tile, with its glass roof, is the essence of the patent plant pro- tectors," which are, however, of various forms, some being upright, others made for hanging on walls, in order to protect the branches of fruit trees, &o., all ol which are fully described, with numerous illustrations, in the treatise under notice. These protectors are apparently simple and inexpen- sive, they may be easily removed and replaced when wanted, and that they will be found useful for protec- tion, and for assisting vegetation in its earlier stages, there can be no reason to doubt, but that they will do all the hundred and one things set forth by their paten tee we do not believe. That Grapesof very .good quality can and may be grown by means of some con- trivance of this sort, we have our- selves abundantly proven ; much may be gained by a judicious "bottling up " of the sun's rays early in the afternoon in these low cases, which secure a sufficient amount of heat to ward off the coldness of succeeding night. The loose squares of glass of these protectors are, however, objectionable, inasmuch as they will be liable to break, and everyone knows how awkward, and even dangerous to one's fingers, it is to handle portions of out glass. For certain purposes, however these protectors will aft'ord valuable assistance, such for example as the protection of our cordon fruit trees, for early Strawberries, early Salads, &c. We are, moreover, to have these protectors heated on some principle in which " it is proposed to dispense with hot-water pi|i6s, and make the air itself the carrier of its own heat." But how this is to be done is not very clearly shown. "What will our fortunate possessors of a Vinery say to the following :— " How often under present arrangements the produce of a large Vinery becomes a sickening drug ! Grapes cannot bo con- sumed while their quality is good. Wasps, rottenness, and shrivelling, seize them for a prey ; and instead of conferring pleasure, the Grape often becomes a source of worry and vexation to all concerned. Scatter the Vines through a dozen protectors, succeeding each other singly "or in pairs, and the same quantity of Grapes would prove a perpetual source of pleasure and happiness every day in the year, and all the year round." From what we have said it will be seen that there is very considerable similarity in some respect to the now well-known ground Vineries, from which it would appear that the notion for " protectors " has lieeu taken, and some ingenious and original modifications added, especially as to heating, &c. In one of the illustrations is exhibited a useful pro- pagating protector heated by means of a spirit or other lamp placed under a small cistern of water ; an inven- tion which we like, and which we recommend for the use of amateurs who are fond of rearing their own seeds, and have not the advantage of large glass struc- tures. Mr. Hibberd, it may be remembered, many years since proposed an apparatus for the like purpose. to prevent swarming. Now, as Mr. Thompson, in one of his first communications, tells us that he "com- monly uses nadirs beneath frame hives to great advantage," there must be some radical difference between the two localities to account for the opposite results of Mr. Fox's experience. And when nadirs act so injuriously beneath single boxes, it appears more than probable that they would be productive of precisely similar effects when used beneath a pile of boxes. As I stated, my experience with one strong stock in Stewarton's in the season of 1866, and with three of them, two of them being strong, in 18G7, was precisely the same as that stated by Mr. Fox— the supers were " two-thirds filled with combs, the majority unsealed." And the conclusion of last season, though the season itself was late, was very good in this locality. Plenty of honey was stored in these hives, but not in their supers ; instead of being in them it was in the body of the hive, and partly in the nadirs, although there was quite enough to have filled the supers and stocked the hives for winter. Again, on referring to Mr. Thompson s letter of July 7th, 1866, it will be seen that he speaks of a pecu- liarly abundant "honey harvest" as distinguished from the usual part of the spring and summer, in which they expect the hives to increase " upon an average of 7 or 8 lb. each day." It appears from his letter, that this means any really fine weather, which is rarer in Scotland than further south, for he says, " We have as yet had only two fine days ; the hives have in that time risen in weight 10 to 15 lb." or about the rate mentioned above. The rateof increase is altogether above what takes place in England, even in the most favourable weather, and makes it likely that their ordinary weather (in which the nadirs only are given) is equal to our best— the very opposite of the opinion that Mr. Thompson has ventured as to the relative value of the seasons the two localities. It would also acoount for a different arrangement of bives and boxes being necessary. Can the cause of it be a greater secretion of honey in the flowers on account of the moist climate ? Before I had experience of the Stewarton hives I supposed that this extraordinary increase was due to the enormous population got up by nadiring, but I am now inclined to doubt that much. Without giving up Stewartons wholly, I will, in future, certainlv plaoe'more reliance on other depriving hives in this part of the country (South Wales). A. B. P.S. Is it absolutely necessary to wait for the appear- ance of drones before commencing to drive artificial swarms ? None have as yet made their appearance from any of my stock in straw vats, although they are strong, and this is the 39th of May. I see, however, a few through the windows of my box hives and also issuing from them about the middle of fine days. According to custom, natural swarming should commence here within the next 10 days. It would be a great conve- nience if the valuable apiarian articles ol 1805, 1866, 1867, and the present year, were published in a separate form. TnE Use as Nadibs Condemned.— What Mr. S. B. Fox lately told us was the effect of adding nadirs below his hives, added to a review of Mr. Thompson's communications on the Stewarton hive and its work- ing, almost confirms the opinion that I expressed last November, that that hive, worked as such, is suitable only to Scotland. I presume that the following part of Mr. Fox's communication of May 9th, 1868, " I have never in a single instance found the addition of a nadir of any capacity conducive to the subsequent successful filling of a good-sized super," refers to the fulfilment of an intention he expressed after the close of the season of ISOG to try shallow nadirs beneath his stocks Garden Memoranda. Castiemilk, the Seat of Robeet Jaedine, Esq., M.P.— On the borders of Scotland, in a pictu- resque strath of Annandale, within a couple of miles of Lockerbie, is Castiemilk, the principal residence of Mr. Jardine. It is situated on an eminence, and from an agricultural point of view the site has been well chosen,quantitiesof aged trees of gigantic size being dotted in all directions around. The Beech m parti- cular seems quite at home in this locality, and many of the trees have been planted in groups with an Ash as a centre ornament. In all cases the Ash, so placed, has been starved and choked to death. It seems to have been a favourite scheme of planters of past generations to adopt the system of grouping, for it is by no means singular to see groups of various trees planted after the above fashion, but it is scarcely possible to select individuals of different species of anything approaching uniformity of growth. The stronger of course will always outgrow and outlive the weaker. However infinitesimal the proportion or ratio of growth may be, when we come to consider the effect of a hundred years upon the plants, it assumes palpable dimensions. Sycamores had been planted in groups, and the centre figure, whatever it was, had succumbed many vears ago. Limes were conspicuous as individuals ; and whether we may attribute this to the war of races, looking at the rapidity at which these plants grow, overpowering any individual within their circumference, or to the notion of the planter that thev were sufficiently elegant of themselves to form a proper object for the landscape, may be adjudged an open question. The Oak hail grown to ordinary dimensions, but not such as one would have expected, looking to it as a contemporary of the other trees named. The locality, however favourable for deve- loping the arboricultural ell'oct of the Lime, the Sycamore, anil the lioech, is quite the converse as regards the Oiil,. Th;it tree is infested with Lichens to an alarming degree; and consequently destined ulti- mately to decrepitude and deaih. The Spruce and the Larch appear to have been introduced at a much more recent date ; they are, however, stately, and the wood of considerable girth. Mixed as they are somewhat promiscuously over the grounds, in spring they give a tone and character to the scenery of the most pleasing kind. Only you require to be above or at least on the same level with their tops to be able fully to appreciate this. From the top of the tower the bird's-eye view is very enchanting, and all planters for beauty and effect from such a central object as a mansion, would do well to direct their attention towards this end. ■ Mr. Jardine has been acquiring land to a consider- able extent in Annandale, so that what was known originally as Castiemilk, is only a garden in comparison to the acreage of the estate. Like every enterprising proprietor of vast wealth and resources he is improving his farms, introducing plantations for shelter and elfect, draining, and carrying on earthworks in the more immediate vicinity of his own residence on a great scale of magnitude. Entrances and approaches both from the Annan and Carlisle roads, are either in progress or anticipation on a soale commensurate with the demesne and the Castle to which they lead. Flower gardens, and such other appurtenances befitting the residence are blocked out, and workmen, like bees, are excavating and remodelling to get the work completed with all speed. A new kitchen garden, about half a mile from the house, has been made, and forcing houses erected to an extent which shall be immediately particularised. They are placed upon a block of ground margining the river, and are so planned as to combine the useful with the picturesque. Three sides of the square have high brickwall3,theside ''■-■ ' f'-'^-JlLlJl fronting the houses " ■ " 0 "4" '''*y'*^~ a low one. The idea ^ • \^ ^ here was to open np the fine outline which the forcing houses present to view from the ap- proach drive in the distance; and an admirable concep- — — -_ _-__ _ tion it was, for "==^-"- ^~ - manyofourforcing ~L = -- erections are con- -T^SJ**"*"" cealed, being built up hen-coop like, and in truth in some instances it is absolutely necessary. The forcing bouse of bygone days was looked more to as an article that was fit to 'be seen for the fruit it contained than for any thing desirable to look at both externally and internally. There seems no reason other than that of economy why this normal state should be kept up, for it is quite clear that a garden architect can design a set of houses that, without introducing any article opposed to light or ventilation, shall combine elegance with utility. Coming to examine these houses in detail, we find that there are four Vineries, two Peach houses, and three plant houses, the centre and the two end houses of the range being returned to the front in span form, and making the ground exactly like the letter E, with this difference- that the'centre is the more prominent detachment of the three. The range is 250 feet. The spans have lantern roofs for ventilation, and the centre one has an octagonal front. The uniformity which is so objectionable in purely lean-to ranges is obviated here by the spans, and by the different widths and different angles of elevation of the sloping roofs, all of which are fixtures. It is necessary to have this devia- tion because of the plant houses. The Vineries and Peacheries do not require high front sashes, owing to the non-necessity of front paths ; hence the cause for the deviation, which, albeit, enhances, rather than detracts from a commendable and pleasing outline. The houses in the limb of the letter which represents their form are 16 feet wide, those that abut are .30 feet. The length of rafter for fruiting purposes is unusually long, for if to a 16-feet wide house we take cognisance of a wall 18 feet high, and a back span for ventilating purposes of 3 feet additional, we shall have a rafter something over 20 feet. This seems to the writer a very good provision, and must recommend itself to all such as value the cultivation of the Vine upon the extension principle. The only drawback is in having ventilators to open out northwards, as in the case in question, where in some localities at least boreal influences would insinuate themselves to the detriment of the plants, however carefully barred against in the way of careful management. The inside fittings are very neat and substantial. The forcing houses are provided with a neat pattern of a cast-iron path. Owing to the inside borders extend- ing to the back wall, this is commendable, for besides being pleasing to the eye, they present only mmimuni obstruction to light and moisture, and the tread of the feet only sliahtlv affects the mechanical condition of the border. The 'back walls are faced with cement and painted white, which, besides being clean looKing, is a capital preventive against tho propag.ation ana lodgment of insects. , . ., „„, .,. The plant-houses, besides having the usual side stages covered, have central raised borders ; these are simply 4-inch brick walls faced on both sides with '^ ' • • . , ;(ii suflicient coatings oi cement, and pain white lead. It is tainted over — -- -; ,- , cheap but an effective and good 606 THE (iAIil)ENFRS' CHRONICLE A^^D AGRICULTORAL GAZETTE. [June 6, 1868. looking bed, worthy of the attention of all interested in building. The paths are of stone, and inthelarger houses are 5 feet wide. This may seem an undue space to occupy for promenading, but it gives an increased idea of comfort. Narrow paths are not only an eyesore, hut sightseers are kept in perpetual trepidation for fear of sweeping down any of the small pots towards the edge of the shelving. Besides, comfort ought always to be estimated for, in preparing a plan for an ideal home, where beauty is a prominent feature. In a com- mercial establishment we seldom hope for such a thing, but in private country residences it is altogether a dif- ferent matter. The houses are all well heated, judging from the number of pipes over the surface, and are equally well supplied with water from tanks fitted in niohes and in out-of-the-way corners. These are all supplied by gravitation. The want of water is often keenly felt during a period of drought, and it is a wise plan to draw an employer's attention to the great additional comfort and security that may be gained by making ample provision at first for this commodity. Passing out of this range we find towards the back ample accommodation for storing fruit, growing Mush- rooms, conserving root vegetables, stoking, tool-sheds, and bothies. In the latter department some fore- thought has been shown to render the men comfort- able,—bedrooms for each individual, a large dining- hall, and a separate cooking department. The young men of the present day cannot too highly prize these and many other advantages their brethren a quarter of a century ago did not get, and could not hope to look for. In these days men were stowed away often into places where the wonder is health was not injured, and constitution radically impaired. All credit then to those who give an undivided attention to this subject, and make the housing of human beings at least as good in its way as the housing of horses. for which, at one penny each, the sum of Wl. lis. has been paid. The children of one family destroyed 4fi9, and those of another 361. The lowest number in the wasp "account " was U.— Couiifr!/ Paper. eSaiDcn ©perationg. {I^or the ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. Indian Azaleas will now for the most part have finished flowering, and, as I have before intimated, will require an additional amount of heat to that afforded in a general way by conservatory or greenhouse ma- nagement, in order to aid them in making a good growth. It may happen that in all instances means are not at command to shift them into other and vyarmer structures, hence I would suggest the de- sirability of altering for a short time the temperature of some cooler house, such as the above, more or less to suit them in this respect. Such a change, moreover, will benefit other inmates which it may be necessary to retain in the house, especially Fuchsias, Balsams in growth, Climhing plants, and other miscellaneous free- growing things. Nem Holland plants. Heaths, Epacris, and such like, I scarcely need add, must be removed to a sheltered position out-of-doors, or any similar cool airy place. Stove Climhing plants will now need regu- lar and judicious management. Stop where possible all strong shoots which may not be needed to fill in vacancies, and encourage by every possible means the development of small side shoots, or such as are likely to produce flower. Some few things, however, form an exception to this mode of treatment ; such for instance as Passifloras, upon which the finer shoots only require judicious "thinning out." One fact must be borne in . . „ mind in conjunction with the culture of these, and that Planted down in an oblong division reserved for the is, if they are not uniformly attended to in the more common operations of gardening— after all, esta- matter of training as they advance in growth, blishments must have their lumber department— are they become ruined irretrievably in regard two houses, each 100 feet long by 12 feet wide. These | to proper display for the whole season. Young Oar- 1 !__ 1. ..■• , . , , ,. . ,^ jjjjj ^^gi. pgjjgj when last shifted, may now are partly service houses in the meantime, which do duty for bedding out plants during winter, and yield space for the cultivation of Cucumbers and Melons in summer. One of the lengths does admirable duty for Pines, with Strawberries and French Beans on shelving near the glass. The houses are very good fur growingany of these plants, from being low, only high enough for men of the average height to walk erect. The Cucumbers were noteworthy both for size and for prolificacy. With reference to the former as a standard of guidance we noted Isa Craig, and the more prominent among the latter was Kirklees Hall Defiance. The whole of the garden operations have been super- intended by Mr. John Fortune, a young man who is making way for himself in the district. It is a pleasing duty at all times to recognise merit, and when we see it exemplified in other departments as well as in those that come under the immediate category of purely practical gardening, it is only discharging one's duty iii notifying results and ascribing " honour to whom honour is due." A. Florists' Flowers. The D\HiiA, .i Uecoeative Plant (continued /ram p. 577).— The following 36 varieties are selected, not merely for their effective colours, but for their graceful habit of growth and their free flowering qualities, which render them well adapted for planting in the flower garden, either singly or in masses. Chas. Jas. Perry, The Cedars, Castle Sromwich .— 3 groicing from 2 to Zfett high. Flainbeau, yellow, heavily tipped with deep scarlet ; a beautiful kind. Leah, goldeo yellow. Fanny Start, bright red and ftem (Pope), maroon and white : a very handsome flower. Sob Ridley, deep ciimson. Varieties groining fi Clara SirnonB, white tipped with deep violet. J'ino, lilac. Harriet Tetterell, white, heavily tipped with dark purple. Paradise Williams, bright claret. Lady Maud Herbert, primrose. Leoprdd, blush, striped purple. Queen Mab, red and white. Qem (Perry), velvety n; exceedingly bright. Dtearf Queen, purple tipped white. Vice-President, orange. Little Wonder, scarlet. Faust, dark maroon. Royal Purple, purple. (tein (Burbury), red and white. mi .3 to 4 feet high. Startler (Perry), very deep ma- roon, nearly black, with clear white tip : an effective kind. Miss Ruth, yellow, tipped Octoroon, dark purple and white stripe, on blush C/iairm«H,'clear buff, [ground. Mrs. Thornhiil, white laced Varieties groicing from 4 to 5 feet hij. Bird of Passage, white edged wilh pink ; very attractive. Charlotte Dorling, white tipped with rosy crimson : an excel- lent kind. John Pouell, deep yellow. Oeorge Wheeler, shaded silvery flesbxiry, rosy Ulac Lord D. , ■- Lord Pa scarlet. Miscellaneous. Destruction of n asps.-O-a the estate of Mr. F. Brockhole.'!, at Claughton Hall, near Preston, a great slaughter amongst wasps has taken place. The squire wishing to prevent or diminish as much as possible their ravages during the summer amongst his fruit ollered a penny per head on every wasp that was killed within one mile of Claughton. These for the most part would be female wasps which had survived the winter, and were preparing materials for their nests for the purpose of depositing eggs. The children of tenants and workmen on the estate, hearing of the profl'ered bonus, made a regular raid iipnn the wasps In the coulee of a month the number killed was 3,563 have another move into pots only one size larger ; this will encourage a good growth, and the formation of roots in abundance to carry them healthily through the winter. Afford older plants of the same class an occasional supply of liquid manure, and syringe frequently overhead. FORCING HOUSES. In instances where Vine borders are well drained, a free supply of water should now bo given. Continue stopping all lateral shoots except one or two near the apex, which should be allowed to grow, as a security against forcing other dormant buds to start. Keep up constantly a nice humidity in the house, and depend more upon the assistance given the Tines by this means than by actual syringings, in all instances where the fruit has nearly finished swelling. See that the latest Grapes are thinned out without delay as soon as they become sufficiently large for the opera- tion, bearing in mind the fact that a few days only of warm growing weather suffices to enlarge the berries very materially. Stop laterals, sub-laterals, &o., pretty closely during the first swelling after thinning. When the first swelling is completed it will then be well to allow the shoots to ramble away pretty freely. They thus create new roots, which tend much to invi- gorate the whole system of the plant, in a healthy point of view. In regard to Pines encourage by every possible means recently-potted plants in their efforts to re-establish themselves, by the aid of surface sprinklings in hot sunny weather, shading, and the like. Plants swelling fruit should have occasional supplies of properly-prepared liquid manure. Those Pines which are grown in houses under Vines should have their final shift somewhat earlier than others that have the full benefit of light, and a higher and consequently moister atmos phere. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Young Pear-trees, which were planted against walls last season, will now need particular attention. With the view of progressing duly with the preliminary shape of the tree, encourage a central or leading shoot to grow perpendicularly, and to act as a main or centre stem, from which in due time successive tiers of branches are to emanate in a horizontal form. Other branches, whether two or four exist, should be forth- with induced to grow in a horizontal direction, the distances between each tier should be at least three rows of bricks in the run. Much might be done at this stage to aid either of these horizontally-inclined branches, which may be weaker than its opposite neighbours, by tacking it in a more upright position. This will afford the sap an opportunity to flow more directly into it than it otherwise would do, and so readjust and equalizn the strength, which is so essential in all efforts to form a goodly shaped tree. The centre shoot will be likely to assume an unequal amount of vigour, and therefore when it has become 2 or 3 feet in length it should just have its point taken off. No injury will accrue by after breaking, if the length above is taken properly into consideration. As regards Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots, there is a fair prospect of a good show of fruit this season, hence it may be well to suggest that too many fruits or young shoots be not left upon any of these trees. The penalty incurred by the former of these is immatured wood, as a basis for the ensuing season's crop, caused by overcrowding; and the former, it is needless to say, prostrates the energies of the tree by placing an excessive tax upon its most vital energies. In unfavourable situations— places where alimited amount of soil only exists in any borders, and indeed others rose up to an angle with the walk, and sloping abruptly thereto, should, if this dry weather continues, have a good soaking with cle".r water. Frequent syringings over the whole foliage surface, I scarcely need add, prove very beneficial indeed, and should be resorted to upon every favourable opportunity. Dash the water into and amongst the foliage with moderate force. KITCHEN GARDEN. Take advantage of the first cloudy moist weather to sow a breadth of Turnips, as " part crop," for an early winter supply. It is advantageous to sow these in drill rows, as they then come up in thickish rows, and are more likely to withstand the ravages of the fly than when scattered broadcast over the ground ia the usual manner. If it be necessary to sow upon freshly dug ground, be particular to tread it well dowu in the rows before the seed is sown. Prepare ground for planting successional crops of Brussels Sprouts, a,ho Brocciili, Sai'ogs, &c. In light, stony lauds the soil is best if it is possible to allow it to lay for a month or so after digging, in order that it may settle down firmly. Since writing the above, an unprecedented storm has raged around us, though here in Herts we have had none of it, and we are sadly in want of rain. Those who, like ourselves, have not been favoured with any, must begin seriously to think about watering those things which are most in need of it. I do not advise, except in instances where-abundance of water exists and it is possible to supply copious and constant waterings, after once a start has been made, casual spatterings; for, as a too general rule, they do more rnjury by aiding the more powerful and scorching rays of the sun to burn things up the more effectually than otherwise. On the contrary, once things begin really to suffer perceptibly through dearth of moisture, effectual aid must be given in this wise if the crop is to be saved. Many things in this depart- ment, such as Radishes, Lettuces, &c., if they are to be grown, the former tender, and the latter to a reasonable size and crisp, must therefore, with a continuance of drought, be watered. Any further sowings of Peas, of the larger or taller sorts, should novy be supplemented with duplicate rows of early varieties, such as Sangster's. These latter often afford a good picking when others mildew off in the autumn, with little or no returns. Ne Plus Ultra is an excellent intermediate sort for autumn picking, producing good fair average crops to the last. W. E. STATE OF THE Forthe Weekending J WEATHEU AT CIIISWICK, NEAK LONDON, uno 3, 18S8, as observed at the Horticultural Gardens. 8 BiBOMETEa. Tehpe»»tdiib. Wind S-E. E. S E. S.E.' an"?'' Ofthe AU-. Of the Earth ■% Mai. 29'900 2S.9I6 29.962 MIn. 87 77 Min. 3S 51 36 43 Mean 67.5 56.0 1 foot 59 2 feel deep. 55 56 58 56.3 Thurs. 28 .s'uudiiySl Mood. 1 Tuesd. 2 Wed. 3 29:891 29.852 .00 .40 .00 .00 Averase 29.9>8 040 ■ry fine ; densely 0 lightning, andri 31 - Very fine ; exceedingly fine ; clear, rather" cold at ' —Hazy, fine; very flne, clear and tine at night. -Dull and hazy ; flne ; heavy clouds . overcASt. —Very flne ; clearand flne , very flne at night. in temperature of the week, 3 deg. above the avera STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CHISWICK, in ; cloudy. Mei During the last 42 years, for the ensuing Week, ending Ju oe 13 1868. June. Sunday.. 7 Wed! .'llO Thurs. ..11 Friday ..12 Satur. .13 III 7b;6 70.7 il 46.8 477 46-1 en. 596 586 59.6 No. of Vcars in which it Quantity ofKain. 0.53 In. :o.45 1.48 0 95 0.47 0.78 Z 1 1 2 1 W IE 16 nd 9 JO ^ s 15 21 20 1 2 The hishoat temperature du; Notices to Correspondents. LiLiUM AURATDM : J N H. The leaves sent look as though the phmt was in too rich or close a soil, and had received too much water. This plant does not usually bulb all up the stem, as yours has done, but occasionally bears an axillary bulb. Such bulbs may be taken off for propagation when they are sufficiently mature ; they are, however, true bulbs, not pseudobulbs, which are the bulb-like stems of Orchids. Melons : W P R will feel obliged if any of our correspondents will furnish him with the name of the best and earliest variety of Melon known, especially grecn-fleshed. Myosotis dissitifLora : Some of our correspondents having furnished us with specimens of various Forget-me-Nots cultivated by them, we take this opportunity of giving the correct names of the specimens kindly forwarded by them. T ChaUis. M. sylvatica and M. dissiiiflora, the latter under the name of montana, — D T F. Sylvatica under name of palustiis, dissitiflora under name of alpestris. — W T. All forms of sylvatica. —iJ D. M. dissititlora.— £" B, G H, T R, H E. All dissitiflora. under the name of alpestris or montana. Names of Plants : Ireland. 1, Lonicera Ledebourii ; 2, Spireea ulmifulia ; 3, Weigela rosea. — W M. 1, Hippuris vulgaris, the common Marestail — not Equisetum ; 2, Cares riparia. — Sub. Calamagrostia lanceolata. — A )V, Tradescantia vir- ginica.— C L. 1, Phygelius capensis ; 2, Fabiana imbricata. Rhododendrons : F R II S. Apply to Mr. Gibson, Battersea Park. Roses at the Crystal Palace.— In the remarks at p. 577, second paragraph, for " 11-inch pots," read " 13-inch pots." Tdi Grass. — Can any of our correspondents tell "A Young Botanist" what is the scientific name of the " Tui Grass " of New Zealand? We do not find the name in the index of Maori names of plants in Hooker's " Handbook of the New Zealand Flora." Vakieoated Zonal Pelargonium : Princess Tech. Apparently a well-coloured sort, but these are so numerous and so much alike, and so much depends on their habit, that we advise you to send it to the Special Pelargonium hhow at South Kensington on June IG, where, if it possesses any superior qualities, they will certiinly be recognised. The leaves sent look very promising. Communications Received. — J. H. K. — Professor Miquel, Utrecht.— Sikkim. -A. F.-H. S.-D.T. F.— R. D.-P. P. K. —R. B. A.— J. Hannam.— W. Payne, June 6, 1868.] THE GABBENET^S' OMONIOLE AND ^.GBTCULTITEAL G/^7ETTE. 607 CARTER'S COLLECTIONS OF PLANTS. For the convenience of those of our Customers who hare not tho time or inclination to make out their own selection of Plants, we submit the undermentioned Col- lections at a most reasonable rate, to which we respectfully invite attention ; and wc confidently hope that the liberal manner in whi.h the selections are made will induce the favour of a considerable extension of obliging orders. We have bestowed great care in the arrangement of the sorts ; none but good healthy plants will be included, and those varieties have been chosen which are most calculated to procure au eU'cctive display. Carter's Royal Kensington Collections. ConiDrisIni! onlv v.irlotics of Ornaraontia tollaged and Flowering Boddmil PianS which have boen used with such great oflect m KensiUKton Gardoos during tho past summer and aatumn. No. 4. Price 17s. 6d., basket and packing included. no PLANTC-SO ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGE PLANTS j ■M FLOWEKING PLANTS, to consist of 4 rl.inta ot Alternanthera 4 Plants of Geraniums 4 „ BiLiiihnsa 4 „ Gnaphaliums 4 ,, (.roristuiiii | 4 ^^ Heliotropes 4 ., C:ilcLul;iiia3 ^ 4 ^^ Iresine a " L'uui'i^s I * It Lobelias 4 " IJaliliiLs 4 „ Petunias 4 " i'uchsias ' 4 „ Verbenas All finest standard vaiiotics ; also I Colons Veltohii, 1 do. Oibsonl, and 1 Lobelia spociosa Queen ot Whites, now, extra. For description of above, see our Illustrated Catalogue. Carter's Royal Kensington Collections. So. 5. Price 3'2s. &/., basket and packing included. 8 Plants or All! I Plants of Ger.aninms Lobelias Iresine Petunias Verbenas All finest standard varieties; also 2 Geraniums Mrs. Pollock, and 4 Lobelia speclosa Queen of Whites, new, extra. For description of above see our Illustrated Catalogue. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections. To. 7. Price l'5s., basket and packing included. CO CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the F OWLEK'S PATENT STEAM PLOUGH and CULTIVATOR may be SEEN at WORK 1q ovory Agricul- tural County iu Eogland. For particulars apply to John Fowlkr & Co,, 71, Cornhlll, London, .C. ; and Stoara PlouRh Works, Loeda. on kJ EARTH SVSTEM. - .arrang8[iionts for dotillog ' nd VILLAGES on the DRY ( Company is prepared to make the Drainage of Towns on tho Dry EiiitlT System ; including the disposal of StnK-water, Slops, &c. Applications to be made to ttie Manager, 29, Bedford Street, Covent Garden. WC. I' RON H UKD LES (Si Iver Medal of" the Royal Agricultural Society) : SHEEP, 3s. fid. ; CATTLE, 4s. 2d. ; OX, 5». lid. List by post. GATES and FENCING ol everv description. St. Pancras Iron Worli Company, Old St. Pancr.^ Road, London, N. W. ORTtlUMBERLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY N^ -The ANNUAL SHOW of the above Society will bo held at COKNIIILL, on TIIURSDAY, July 23, when £410 and Five Silver Cups will bo awarded in Prizes to Cattle, Horses, Shoep, Swine, and Implements. ENTRIES CLOSE JULY 1. Prize Sheets, Certificates, and other information may be had on ?Hve Agricultural (5a?ette. SATURDAT, JUNE 6, 1868. leties used at the above now ce lebi's ted bedding place, red by the tens of thousands of v sito s every year. 4 Plants of Afteratum , 4 Plants of Heliotrope Caleceolanas Iresine 4 Cerastmm 4 4 Dahlias Fuch:>ia3 Petunias Stachys Tropteolum Ver>.ena,s 4 Gaaphahum 1 New White Lobelia speciosa Queen of Whites, and 1 Coleus Ve itchii. AU finest standard varieties. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections. Ko. 8. Prioe SO*., basket and packing included. 120 CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the i etiOh> u- ■i :it tho iitio ve liow celebrated bedding place. ed by di--- l-iis of thou^acids Of visitors every year. 8 Plants of Aiii;.L .i.thus 8 Plants of Geraniums 8 ,, Gnaphalium 8 „ Heliotropes 8 „ Lobelias 8 „ Perillas 8 (rare) Gazanias 4 „ Troureolum 8 „ Verbenas Including 2 Now White Lobelia speclosa Queen of Whites, and All an est standard varieties. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections, No. 9. Price 60s., basket and packing included. 260 CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the most effective varieties used at tho above now celebrated bedding place, and ao admired by the tens of thousands of visitors every year. 16 Plants of Ageratum Cerastium [tima Dihlias Fuchsias iLcheverla glauca Gazanias Including 4 Ne Lobelias Penlias Petunias Stachys All finest standard ^ Any of Vie above forwarded immediately on of Post-office Order. JAMES CARTER 86 CO.'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE I3 now ready. cont.lining complete Lists of New and Choice Stove, Greenhouse, and Bedding Plant-f ; and may be had Gratis and Post Free on application to CARTER'S GREAT LONDON SEED WAREHOUSE, 237 & 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. It ■will be seen from the report of last Wednes- day's Council meeting of the Eoyal Agricultural Society, that the Duke of Richmond, Earl Cathcart, Viscount Bridport, and others have had a task committed to them which will puzzle, and may baffle, all the ability that even they can bring together for its accomplishment. The question put for their solution is — How can the offices of Editor and Secretary of the Society be satisfactorily united in one person ? A resolu- tion that from the 1st of January, 1869, these offices " shall be held by the same gentleman " has been passed with startling abruptness ; and now the difficulties of carrying it into effect have to be encountered. We believe that a very short experience of them will teach the Council the advantage of giving the usual amount of consi- deration for the future to questions of this magnitude, before committing themselves to a course of action by a formal resolution. It is but a few weeks since the death of Mr. Pkerb, the former Editor of the Journal — the arrange- ments for the issue of the next volume have been very satisfactorily completed by handing the work over to Mr. Goodwin — and we can see no need for the precipitancy which has been exhibited, and which, moreover, is in curious contrast to all the precedents. Of course, the difficulties thus raised up are not insuperable, in any merely literal and immediate sense. There is many a man who will readily undertake the duties of Secretary along with those of Editor ; but it seems to us extremely unlikely that they will ever be satisfactorily discharged under such cii'cumstances. The fact we believe to be that the Council have been spoiled for the just consideration of their duties here by the long course of years during which Mr. PusEY devoted himself to tho unpaid Editorship of the Journal. His admirabFe success was no doubt partly due to unique personal qualifications for tho labour of love which he undertook. It is customary to attribute it in some measure also to the fact that English Agriculture was then an almost unbroken and untrodden field, of which tho fresh first-imits were thus at his command. But we incline rather to the belief that it was the great interest in agricultural subjects then recently excited by the hearty co-operation of members in the newly formed Society, that was his right hand in the matter. Agricultural progress is as rapid now as it was then, and there are as many agricul- tural subjects demanding discussion and decision. If only the members of the Society could be aroused into something of the enthusiasm of their first love, they would have the same interesting and satisfactory annual body of Trans- actions which they used to have. But this will never bo accomplished by a Council who are urgent only for economy and retrenchment. The only anxiety of the Societj' and its loaders ought to be to do good and useful work ; and in order to this, they must not fear expenditure. A dwindling membership is preceded by diminished individual interest on the part of the existing members; and the only way to re- arouse that interest is to prove, by prompt and energetic, even though they should bo costly, efforts, whenever emergencies occur, that the Society is living and efficient. Certainly a policy of retrenchment is not likely to attain this end. Tho Editor, whose salary it is desired to save, ought to be the very eye and nerve-power of the body, seeing and feeling everything in English Agriculture everywhere. Make him also Secre- tary, and you will no doubt save two or three hundred pounds per annum ; but you will tie him to a desk, and bmy him under a load of routine labour, which must both blind him and benumb him. Wo cannot disguise from ourselves, moreover, that the resolution to do this which has been adopted has a personal side which ought not to be forgotten. Whether or not Mr. H..VI.L Dare may feel himself equal to the new duties which are to devolve upon his office, we do not know ; but we may say that after he has done for many years good service as a most efficient Secretary, it will bo hard, not only on him, but on the Society, if a resolution, in itself to bo lamented, shall displace an officer whom we have all good reason to respect. The delicious perfume of flowering Grasses and Clovers reminds us onco more that the earliest crop, tho hay crop, is ready for harvest. Tho securing of a crop with which the bounty of Providence has blessed him must always be most important to the farmer ; and although con- scious of his practical skill in knowing both when and how to attain this desirable end of his anxieties, we submit to him the following remarks as applicable to his present pursuits. Grass, and in the general term we include Clover, is tit to cut when it is bursting into flower. In the case of permanent pastures where there e.xists a great diversity of graminaceous plants, the crop should be cut when the great mass of the Grasses are in bloom, and this is easily seen by the cloudy dust of pollen which rises from tho disturbed herbage. The reasons which may be urged for cutting at this period are satisfactory. In the first place, it is the stage in which the crop contains the maximum amount of nutritive material. The albumenoids become insoluble with age, and con- sequently less assimilable by animals ; and this is particularly true in the case of the lower portions of the plant, which readily become unpalateable. At the same time the woody indigestible fibre increases at the expense of saccharine matter and digestible cellulose, to the great injury of the quality of the hay. Secondly, the land is not exhausted to the same extent when the crop is cut comparatively early, as when it is allowed to stand for some time after flowering. The great difference between corn crops and forage crops is, that while the first ripen their seed, the second are only allowed to develop leaves and flowers. It is in the ripening of the seed that the greatest draw is made upon the resources of the soil ; hence a hay crop in which the Grass seeds have been allowed to mature has more resem- blance to a grain than a green crop. Thirdly, an early aftermath is always desirable as the drier season of the year approaches, and this is best secured by early cutting. Haymaking has been much cheapened and accelerated by the introduction of machinery in the form of mowing and hay-tedding machines. The first-named implement has been brought to perfection, and enables the farmer to cut heavy crops for little more than Is. per acre, which woiAd have cost him from 3s. to 5s. if cut by hand. The hay tedder cannot be used so generally, but must be restricted to the making of old land hay, or hay derived from the Grasses proper. Clover and other broad-leaved plants wlU not stand such rough usage, and should be mowed as little as possible, so as at the same time to secure their drying. Mr. rLvRRlsoN, late of Frocester Court, one of the few agricul- turists who has kept a rigorous account of expen- diture, states that he has been able to save 2s. 8(/. to 3s. per acre in the hay harvest by using the two implements, whose merits we have thus briefly discussed. In haymaking it should be remembered that hay may be over-made as well as under-made, a hint which might be borne in mind by some of our north country friends, who are apt to be too anxious on tho score of spontaneous combustion and black hay. " Sweating" in the stack ensures a sweet flavour and a heavy truss, while want of flavour and lightness are characteristic of over- made hay. So long as the weather is propitious tho work we are discussing is easv enough, but when much rain falls the difficulties multiply. We believe that Grass will turn more ram just aa left by tho scythe in unbroken swathe than in any other position, and if the sky is threatening it is safer not to thi-ow out or ted. In wet or 608 Tm CtAET»ENE1?S' CITRONICLTI and AGI^TCTTITITKAL GAZETTT;. [JtTNB 6, 1868, " catchy " weather, therefore, the swathe is better left alone, subject to examination from time to time. This policy may be persevered in until the return of fine weather, or until there is an indication of the swathe tiu'ning yellow below. At this juncture it must be turned. Id the case of heavy Clover crops, the drying of the crop may be accelerated by setting up portions of the swathe in ruckles or little heaps, in which position the wind finds an easy passage between every stalk. Another well-known plan lor hastening the securin!< of the crop is to stack with alternate layers of Oat straw. This prevents the stack from heating, and at the same time a pleasant flavour is imparted to the straw, which induces cattle to eat it with the hay. Maek Lane has been again influenced by this forcing weather, the heavy drop in the price of "Wheat on Monday being maintained. Oats are the only grain for which prices are firm. The heavy trade at tlie Copenhagen market has somewhat recovered, from the excessive supply on Monday having checked consignments. On Thursday only 690 beasts were in the market. Sheep, lambs, and calves have participated in this recovery of prices, Poultry was never so didicult to sell at this season. ■ Old Potatos are in excess of the demand. "We understand that Mr, J. N. Lee, well-known in the English agricultural world through his long connection with our excellent contemporary, Sell's Weekly Messenger^ is a ca.ndidate for the secretaryship of the Eoyal Agricultural Benevolent Association, which has lately been resigned, we are sorry to learn, by Mr. C. Shaw, who has held it since the foundation of the charity.; It is impossible that any one can unite more perfectly than Mr. Lee the personal and official qualifications which such a position requires ; and we heartily hope, in the interests of the charity, that he may receive the appointment which he seeks. Jlr, W. BoTLET, writing to the Journal of the Society of Arts, quotes his correspodent, the land steward of Lord Sondes, to the effect that any person who has known Norfolk for the last 20 years must willingly testify to the great improvement in the moral and social condition of the labourer which has taken place within that period, and is still going on. The causes which have led to this desirable result are improved cottages — the allotment system — the abolition of mixed gangs, and the practice, now becoming general, of keeping the children at school, boys until 12, girls to 1.3 or 14 years of age. The greater part of the land in the county of Norfolk is in the hands of large landowners, who, almost without exception, have in the matter of cottage improvement nobly done their duty. On several estates considerable sums have been annually devoted to the building of new and the remodelling of old cottages ; all the new oottages have two good rooms and pantry on ground floor, three bed- rooms on the chamber floor, with detached shed and convenience to each : in many cases two of the old cottages have been made into one. The alteration in the law of settlement and rating from parish to union rating will lead to cottages being erected where they are most wanted, viz., contiguous to the farm ou which the labourer is employed. The allot- ment or spade farm is, under proper supervision, a substantial benefit to the working man. Near Hexham and in adjoining parishes nearly every respectable married labourer has half an acre of good land for a yearly payment of 12s. (12«. including rent, rates, and all other charges). The rents are punctually paid, arrears being unknown; and when one of them be- comes vacant the applications for it are numerous, The large companies of young children of either sex working together under the odious name of gangs were pretty generally broken up and abolished long before legisla- tion on the subject was thought of, owing to the grievous immorality consequent on the system. Gangs are now only to he found in the fens, and on a few damp farms in West Norfolk; the work for which gangs used to be employed, such as picking Couch, weeding corn, cleaning root crops, &c., is now done as efficiently (although it may be more expensively) by women and girls, who prefer outdoor work and liberty to the comforts and restraints of domestic service. A good deal of summer weeding is now done by men — a few boys, as young as 10, are employed for a few weeks at bird-keeping, spending the rest of the year at school —but, as a rule, no children of a less age than 12 to 14 are put to any sort of hard work. Cottage rents are Is, to Is. M. per week, usually with good garden, Jlr. Botlet expresses the opinion that the con- dition of the agricultural labourer is chiefly to be improved as follows :— 1st, by practical education, pro- ducing prudent forethought and economy on lais part ; 2d, by piece-work where possible instead of day-work, the utmost employment being given by the farmer, who should be a man of skill, enterprise, and capital ; 3d, the tenant should require long leases, with very few restrictions, a sufficient number of substantial oottages for his labourers, with gardens attached to or near the same, large enough to grow sufficient vege- tables required for his family. He adds that amongst the many subjects of interest brought under notice during this session of the Society of Arts, few are of greater value than the one under review. It reminds him of an emphatic observation made to him 35 years since by the venerable and patriotic Earl of Radnob yhich ran thus : " I consider the Legislature is acting in its most legitimate capacity when legislating (or those who cannot do so tor themselves." -; — The goods trains ou our railways are already rapidly conveying many machines into our Grass land districts. During a recent journey through Cheshire and South Lancashire, where the Grass fields are full of either stock or crop, and sometimes full of both, we repeatedly noticed mowers, as either fellow travellers or waiting at the stations like ourselves for a train to take them. And the immense manufacture of the impleinents which has for several years been reported, is at length making itself apparent in the fields, where for long they seemed to be swallowed up without making any sign to ordinary roadside travellers. Mr. Howahd's machine, announced last year but not exhibited, has since been largely manufac- tured, and is now being oB'ered as possessing a number of advantages not previously combined in any one implement, which have been col- lected and connected by Mr. Howard during his recent trip to the American States. Among its leading features are its solid iron framework, which keeps every part permanently true ; its driving shafts moving in the same plane as the knives; its connecting rod, so arranged that it delivers a direct thrust to the knife; its smooth motion, owing to spur gear being used for rapid speed ; its cutter-bar being so attached to the framework of the machine by the " drag bar," that it is easily and perfectly controlled by a lever, close to the hand of the driver, while in motion. The finger-bar is hung in the rear of the driving wheels, which enables the driver to see obstructions before the fingers strike them, enables it to rise better out of furrows and over unevennesses of all kinds, and also admits of the machine being changed into a good self-delivery reaper. At the fifth annual festival, of the Royal Agri- cultural Benevolent Institution, held on "Wednesday evening, under the presidency of Viscount Enfield, M,P., it was stated that the balance of the last audit had been dill. ; that the income of the year ending Dec, 18G7, had increased this to 5979^. ; the expendi- ture of the year leaving a balance at bankers of 760J, The property of the Institution in Consols was stated to be 12,000?,, and in the 3 per Cents. Reduced, 8000/. "What are "Rose" Potatos? In the Canada Farmer we find the following: — "A Massaohussetts farmer has paid 300 dollars for a barrel of the Rose Potato for seed. D. S. Heffbon, of Utica, N,Y., has sold a New Jersey farmer 125 bushels for 180 dollars per bushel, or 10,000 dollars the lot." OUR LIVE STOCK. The Clonmore herd was dispersed on Tuesd.ay the 26th ult. The bidding was spirited throughout, and the proceeds of the sale amounted to little less than 1200/. The IFaterford Mail informs us that before the sale Mr. Jones expressed his willingness to give 20 gs. for the calf of every cow now iucalf toSiB Jaues or British Flag, the two pure Booth bulls recently in use in the herd. This offer was only accepted by one or two gentlemen. We add a list of the prices realised :— Name. Age. Purchaser. Price. Cow OR Heifbe. Years. Guineas. Peahen IS Lord Templemore . . 20 Va.utii 15 Mr, Aylward . . 5.5 Mori.M .. 4 Mr, Cook .. 80 Hiiaeinh'ii} . , 3 Mr. Smith . . 3C Hone'/suc/de 2 Lord Carrlck , . 38 Princess AIke .. 2 Mr. Fox 62 Eaiibi id .. 3 Mr. Lane 27 EiMji 3d .. 4 Colonel Fisher 30 RaMlie 2d .. 3 Mr, Ganly . . 32 OjJielinid.. 3 Mr. Briscoe . . 40 Lh'1,1 Hay .. 2i Mr, Fox 51 Tln'NuA .. 2J Ditto 50 Pi'hit of Strafim . 4 Lord Carrick . . 29 PMkniV2lh 3 Sir R.Paul .. 58 a«ceniess 2d 3 Captain Richards . , 23 arirf,;,.:ss 3d 2 Dr. Condcll ,. 25 H,,,i,iir,H,ih.. 8 Captain Richards . , 36 Ir.i.t M .'. e Ditto 24 s„iuni,, .. 8 Colonel Mollen 20 i..(lLi-ii .. 13 Robert Mor.an ,610 Bri,l,:miaid2d .. 8 Mr. Fox Gs.25 The L>:d!i .. 2 Lord Carrick.. 21 Lilae Tiriff.. 3 .Marquis of Waterford 0„ve,;its3 .. 1 LordCanick,. 13 LiUa3d .. 4 Mr. Ganly . . 20 Bessborongh Gth . . I Months. 3 Captain McCraith .. 16 Eiidh, ith .. Mr, Smith . . 12 H.immlcio .. 5 Miijor St, George . . 24 Icni.llr .. 10 .Mr. Smith ,. 32 SuU:lil;l2d 3 Mr. Gregory . . r Bulls. Tears. Emilids .. H Mr. Mehon . . 21 RO.VDEV . . Mr. Cleary . . 19 The Hosier 2 Months. Mr. P. W. Power . . 20 Blue Jacket . . 10 Lord Bessborough . . 37 Sailor ,, Dr. Condell .. 10 M.VR1NE .. 7 Michael Power 4 Dor-roR . . e Mr. Osborne .. 31 Tin; Fi„U!.. 3 Mr. Smith . . 24 RorKI.ANDg — Mr. Strange . . 3 ~iTR.\l'KAN , . G Mr. Ganly . . 6 Davji. 3 Mr. Bowers . . 15 Victory , . 6 Mr. O'Neill . . S "We hear good news of Mr. Sheldon's herd at Brailes House, Shipston-on-Stour, "Warwickshire. Although 40 head were sold about 9 months ago, there are still 39 females and 4 bulls, only one addition to the herd by purchase having since been made, viz.. Harebell, a grand cow, bought at Mr. Adkin's sale. Mr. Sheldon has been fortunate in having a large preponderance of heifer calves ; a few weeks ago a very good oue by Mr. Robarts' (late) bull. Grand Dfee IGrn, out of one of his most favourite cows, America, by Maemaduke, out of Asia, by 2d Grand Duee, America is the dam of the bull now using, Duke of Brailes, by 4th Duke of Thobndalb, and also by the same sire of Antoinette, who lately produced a very good bull calf by Grand Duke 15th. Some good heifer calves have also lately arrived, out of four pure Knightley cows, whose blood seems to nick well with that of Duke of Brailes, who is very nearly a pure Bates, and looks of thorough Bates type. He is considercil by many to resemble his ancestor on both sides (grandfather on one side and great-grandfather on the other), the Duke of Glo'ster ; his oalvis are veiy good looking, and full of colour, being principally red with a very little white on the tail, and belly, and stifles. There is only one white cow in the lierd, and she is by 7th Duke of York, and goes back to a first-rate pure Knightley family, whence she gets her colour, but she breeds beautiful roans ; her name is Lady JSmily Iml, and she has a beautiful yearling roan heifer, and a very square rich roan bull calf, both by Duke of Dar- lington, a son of Duke of Geneva. Conntess of Barrington 2nd, from Duke of Devonshire's " Lally " tribe, has been breeding well, among others a good heifer. Grand Duchess of Barrington, by Grand Duk v. 7th, who has also lately bred a heifer calf to Lord Stanley, a son of Surmise 2nd (of the same family as several sold on Thursday at Sir C. Lampson's), a very good cow, with, however, the unfortunate proclivity to breed nothing but bull calves. The Farmer states, " on good authority," that Mr. (3arr, Staokhouse, intends shortly to settle in America, and that he will take his very superior herd of Shorthorns with him to the New World. Sheep. — "I. A. C.'s" remarks on a mysterious dis- ease attacking lambs, which appeared in our impres- sion of the 23rd ult., have drawn from the Veterinary Editor of the North British Agriculturist some obser- vations of considerable interest. " I. A. C," it will be remembered, spoke of the ill luck which has lately visited the breeders of Lincoln lambs in the alluvial districts of the east of England, The symptoms of dis- ease are described as appearing in the lamb when it is from 10 weeks to 3 months' old ; " their fleeces look dry and * penny,' and abound with ticks ; they * nab ' or bite their wool ; they suffer from obstinate diarrhoea; they die suddenly. In their stomachs are found large pellets of wool ; in their small intestines are quantities of tapeworms." The Veterinary Editor considers this stale of affairs results from "over sheeping," and he further tells us that in well-farmed districts, and these are the localities where the largest head of stock is maintained, " this evil is year by year becoming more and more evident. The pastures are saturated with the droppings of the heavy stocking of sheep which good cultivation enables the land to carry ; the Grass then becomes distasteful to the dainty taste of the flock, and contains, moreover, the seeds of various diseases, and particularly of bronchial filaria; and tapeworms," We are more accustomed to hear farmers exhorted to increase their sheep stock than warned from keeping too many, and yet it is perfectly true that overstocking is possible, and cases are not wanting to prove the fact. Even high farming, then, has its limit, either in the " lodged " crop, or the Iamb suddenly dying, as described by 'I. A. C," "with its mouth full of fresh Grass, just as munched off the sward." It is a lesson which has been learnt in the experience of many agriculturists, but one which has been too often overlooked by those of our town friends who never tire of urging the importance of high- pressure agriculture. ■ — - The lambing season ou the Scotch hills is stated by the Illustrated London News to have been a very remarkable one, and an old Cheviot shepherd of 50 years' experience says that *' there are more lambs this year than were ever seen in man's day." Last year was quite an average, and the increase is said to be fully 10 per cent.— in fact, but for abundant pasture, ewes would find it hard to bring up their twins. ON THE EXHAUSTION OP THE SOIL, AND THE RENEWAL OP ITS FERTILITY. [Read by Mr. J. .1. Mechi before the MidLand Counties Farmers' Club, at Birmingham, June 4.] TwENTT-ONE years ago I came on a visit to that eminent man, your near neighbour, the late Sir Robert Peel, who was himselfj even then, a great agricultural improver, and deeply impressed with the necessity for amending our agricultural ways. My speech on that occasion is recorded in my book. I well remember the celebrated "Tarn worth bull" being led out for our inspection, and I have no doubt that ho has left reminiscences profltable to the neighbourhood. By your invitation to me to come here to-day I take it for granted that, as agriculturists, you are dis- satisfied with things as they are, and are resolved upon further progress. I have great faith in your determi- nation in this respect, for I cannot forget the very recent beginning of your now great Birmingham Show, and how rapid and successful has been its development. This, aIone„convinces me that there must be among you some bright agricultural spirits. I remember dining at its inaugural meeting and subscribing to its funds. But while your busy Birmingham hive can supply Britain and the world abundantly with its wares, you fail to meet the food requirements of your neighbour- hood. Why is it that we cannot produce our own food in sutBcient quantity ? I have proved by my own farm, and by my uncontradicted statements, that we can more than do this, by the investment of greater intel- ligence and capital. But to do this we must add science to art, and learn to believe in science as our profitable helpmate. That has been for 23 years the opinion of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, for as I opened its annual volume I saw on the title- page " Practice with Science," and I accepted the motto in its full significance, because I saw on its Council your talented countyman— the author of " Talpa"— and others whom I knew could fully appre- ciate the meaning of that motto. But is that title recognised and acted upon by the bulk of British agriculturists ? I feel humiliated iu being obliged to say, decidedly not. "What does Baron June 6, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' OHRONTCtE AND AGMCTTLTTIRAL (UZETTE. 60& Liebig say of this in tlie preface to his last great work, " The Natural Laws of Husbandry," published in 18(13 ? " In the 16 years which have intervened between this work and the sixth edition of my ' Chemistry applied to Agriculture and Physiology,' I have had snilioient opportunity to become acquainted with all the obstacles which are opposed to the introduction of scientilic - teaching into the domain of practical agriculture. Among the chief of these may be reckoned the com- plete separation which has always existed between science and practice." What do I often read in the British farmers' own papers, and what do I too frequently hear from farmers themselves ? — "None of your theory and book farming for me, I am a practical man." But I am happy to be able to admit that the last 20 years have made some considerable inroad upon this feeling, and that there is growing, especially among the rising and better educated generation, a gradual but still too limited tendency to believe that science may hereafter be found to lend useful aid in the cheaper and more abundant production of food for the people. Let me say for myself that I am a book farmer ; that for more than a quarter of a century I have practised by the light of science ; that I have read and studied the communications of eminent chemists and agricul- turists who have thought it no disgrace to put into print their discoveries and experience. What benefits have not such men conferred. Long after they shall have passed away their knowledge will remain to enlighten and advantage their fellow creatures. I am a firm believer in the theories and principles of that great man. Baron Liebig. But can we wonder that the agricultural miud has been so cramped and narrowed, when we reflect that it was only the other day, in the history of our nation, when we had no roads, or such bad ones as to be hardly available, so that the agriculturist was, as it were, locked up in his own parish without educational resources or means of intercommunicalion, and therefore, as a natural conse- quence, largely impressed with the self-suflioienoy of isolation? But the schoolm.aster is abroad now: the steam__kettle has set everything boiling, and we are preparing to advance at steam pace. The mind and body are equally, and, consequently, in rapid move- ment, and, if I could come again in 190S, with some of my kind, hospitable and charitable farming friends, and then " take stock " of British agriculture, how greatly should wc not be astonished, and hardly believe that we were in the good old England of the present century. We are all slaves to circumstances, and if I find fault, it is rather with British agriculture than with the British farmer or landowner. Beg"ing pardon for this introductory digression I proceed to the subject of my paper. E.YHAUSTIOK. There is a natural tendency in man to exhaust the soil of its very small percentage of food for plants. This desire is too obvious to be denied, and it has caused the stringent restrictions in leases forbidding the sale of hay, straw, roots, and green crops. Man has to be protected against himself, for he is his own greatest enemy, when he proceeds upon a system of exhaustion without restoration, thus producing mini- mum instead of maximum crops. This spirit of spoliation arises from a want of knowledge and a mis- taken belief, or hope, that there is in the soil an inex- haustible store of plant food. In our Colonies and in the United States of America (whose Government has still 1,500,000,000 of acres of uncropped land to dispose of, withoutanyrestrictionsastocropping) the first settler finds a soil stored with an ample supply of plant food, which he believes will last for ever, so he goes on cropping and selling everything off his land, making little or no manure, which is either thrown into a river or left unused, and when a gradual but certain exhaustion of the plant food in the soil has proved to him that his crops are no longer remunerative, he seeks a new home in the unexhausted and unsettled fivr-west, taking his chance of the fever or ague, gene- rated by rich but undrained and uncultivated swamps, or lands reeking with decomposing vegetable matter. Good farmers in Britain can hardly realise the fact that the extensive and once fertile original settlements of America have been so exhausted by 80 years of constant cropping without manure that some districts will not grow Wheat at all, while extensive tracts produce only from 8 to 12 bushels per .acre,and often less. (See recent American statistics, also Baron Liebig, " Modern Agriculture," p. 230. ) The soil is like a school pudding, with a few plums in it, widely and very unequally scattered. Baron Liebig says at p. 113 of his "Modern Agriculture"— ' Chemical analysis has, with its rigorous methods, proved that of thousands of fields there is scarcely one which contains more than 1 per cent, of the ash constituents of plants (Clover, for instance) in a state suitable to the wants of plants." Many fields contain only one-fourth to one-half per cent.— some even less. Liebig points out that if this plant food (phosphate of lime, potash, and ammonia being the principal elements) were intimately inter- mixed and condensed on each granule of the soil, we should get many and better crops from our present store, but the plant food is, usually, not in this desirable condition, and therefore the chemist's analyses of our soil gives us no accurate knowledge of the quantity of plant food in it in an available condition. Ihe very finely comminuted condition of Peruvian giiano causes it to be very quickly used by the fibres ol plants, psppcially when applied with water or wa,shed into the soil by rains. This teaches us the value of an intimate admixture and comminution of the soil. When is a Field Exhausted? Liebig says "A field is not exhausted for corn. Clover, Tobacco, or Turnips so long as it yields remunerative crops without needing the replacement of those mineral constituents which have been carried away. It is exhausted from the time that the hand of mail is needed to restore the failing conditions of its fertility. In this sense, most of our cultivated fields are exhausted. The soil will be termed exhausted, in the agricultural sense, when the crops cease to he remunerative— that is, do not cover the expense of rent, labour, interest of mouey, &c." (See Liebig, " Modern Agriculture.") 1 wish you would read the Baron's lucid and original explanations of many things that now puzzle and perplex the British farmer, for instance, why you can grow Barley where you could not grow Peas or Clover; why bones, superphosphate of lime, nitrate of soda, or salt are very advantageous in some cases and useless in others. He, as it were, takes you down into the soil and shows to you the plant food, in what condition it is, and how the rootlets feed on it. I come now to consider the means of giving or renewing fertility — Dbainage. Natural or artificial drainage is one of the most important bases of fertility. No one would expect a plant to thrive in a flower-pot if there was not a hole at the bottom for the escape of surplus water. So it is with the soil. The fact appears so clear and indis- putable, that one would suppose it to be now generally admitted. Perhaps the want of means may prevent much draining, but I know that in my county there are a great many farmers, not deficient in capital, who do not even now believe in drainage on their strong loams (non-calcareous tile earths). 'Pwenty odd years ago I proved that they were mistaken. We must offer our tribute of thanks in this matter of draining to the late Mr. Smith, of Deanston ; Mr. Josiah Parkes, and Mr. Bailey Denton. Foremost and earliest in spring draining was the late Mr. BIkington, of your county, who received 500?. from Parliament in acknowledgment of the services he had rendered. I drained all my land 31 years ago, making it, as it ought to be, the first step in improvement. Every drain is perfect now. Probably if all the land requiring draining were to be drained, the cost would amount to from 40,000,000?. to 100,000,000?. Our best authorities agree that it would return 15 per cent, to pay for the G per cent, principal and interest of the operation,. and it can be done now on security without outlay. There is so much iron in some parts of your county that unless the pipes be small, and the flow consequently rapid, the drains get filled with it. I remember that prevented the success of Mr. Smith, of Deanston, draining for the late Sir Robert Peel. He used the old flat sole with a tile upon it. In consequence, the flow was wide, thin, and slow, and the ochrey iron matter had time to settle and accumulate. The 1-inch pipes put in by Mr. Josiah Parkes caused a much more rapid flow, so that the ochrey matter was carried out into the open ditches. By very deep draining I have converted a small bog into a sound, dry, profitable soil. I am sorry to see it recorded in the Society's Journal and elsewhere that on some estates it has been found necessary after drainage for the landowner to appoint regular inspectors of the ditches and mouths or outlets of the drains, which would, but for this, be choked up, owing to the neglect of the tenants. This ought to form a stringent clause in the lease, but I rarely hear of its being inserted. I heard that when parts of Cheshire were drained, and the rushes disappeared, the farmers complained that drainage had spoiled their cheese by doing away with the rushes. The fact is, the milk was so much improved by the new Grasses that sprung up that it was too fat, and the cheese would not " travel " safely but broke into pieces. Some knowing h.and remedied this, by skimming a little of the fat or cream off before making the cheese. In Suffolk they make butter first, and then cheese from the skimmed milk. This is called " Suffolk Bang." There is no fear of its not travelling safely, for it has been suggested that they should be used for paving stables. It is sold at about ihd. per lb., and is eaten sometimes with the fat of salt pork, to "get it down." I could enlarge very much on the advantages arising from drainage, such a.s greater and earlier crops, of better quality and easier ploughing, and increased temperature of soil and subsoil ; but most of you know all about it. I would not farm undrained heavy land if offered to me free of rent. Tillage. How important is that act ! — after drainage and before manure the most important. Baron Liebig writes (at p. 108 of his " Modern Agriculture : " "As the smallest portions of (plant) food cannot of themselves leave the spot in which they are held firmly fixed by the soil, we can understand what immense influence must be exerted on its fertility by its careful mechanical division and thorough intermixture. This is the greatest of all the difliculties which the agri- culturist has to overcome." This indicates the importance of first-class implements in perfect con- dition, instead of the imperfect, old-fashioned, and half-worn ones which we too frequently see. Tillage acts in various ways (as beautifully explained by Liebig). If we could see the half per cent, of available plant food in the soil, we should find it widely scattered, unequally apportioned, and insufficiently diffused— more in one place, less in another ; and as water cannot transpose it from one place to another, this must be done principally by cultivation. One cannot sufficiently appreciate the advantage of keeping the surface of our hard or stiff soils open and friable, thus permitting the operation of those natural laws so lucidly explained by Liebig (" Modern Agriculture," p. 49). After the crop is removed the soil is usually tied together by root fibres. It becomes of the highest importance that they should be well shaken out by cultivation, and thus easily decomposed by atmospherio action. I have found by practice the advantage of cross-ploughing my Clover leas before they are ploughed again for Wheat. It makes a considerable difference in the crop, and gets rid of slug and wireworm. I know many who do this, although the general opinion has been for only once ploughing, but it is erroneous, at all events on such soil as mine. Try an acre or two, and you will soon arrive at a conclusion. Comparative trials on a moderate scale are very advantageous ; they remove many prejudices and increase our profits. I always cross-plough after Beans. The good effects of tillage are well illustrated in a conservatory where plants or shrubs are pot-bound or tub-bound, and one wishes to avoid repotting. The pot or tub is generally found to be filled with one solid mass or network of roots, so tightly packed that water cannot enter among them. In that case I soften the surface with water, divide the surface mass of roots by cutting them to pieces, fork the surface to the depth of 2 to 6 inches— in fact fallow as deeply as I can, getting gradually deeper and deeper. The sickly plant soon revives, and makes new shoots in spite of losing one- fourth or more of its roots, many of which have, no doubt, been long since useless. AVhile fallowing I con- tinue watering from time to time with Peruvian guano and water (not too strong, about one-tenth of an ounce to the gallon). The result is a vigorously growing plant, where once it was pale, sickly, in fact almost dying. I have many such instances m my conservatory of the success of such fallowing, both with flowers and large Camellias, &c. Before leaving tillage, let us recognise those two great tillage lights— Jethro Tull and the lamented Rev. Samuel Smith, of Lois Weedon. Let us congratulate ourselves on the application of mighty and untiring steam to the cultivation of the soil. It may, however, be well to remember that, unlike the horses it has superseded, it makes no manure. Whv we should Mix the Undee Soil with the Top Soil. Chemical analysis has shown that the few inches of top or cultivated soil contain most of the money in our agricultural purse, each inch from the top containing less plant food than the one above it. This is because the surface soil has the power of arresting and fixing a large quantity of plant food, especially ammonia (some of which it gets from the atmosphere), phosphate of lime, and potash. The first inch (which, by-the-by, is 100 tons per acre of earth) gets the best chance of appropriation, and then come the next and lower ones, and as plants multiply their side fibres near the surface, we may comprehend why surface manuring is often found so beneficial,— at least I have so found it. Now, as the first few inches of top soil would taie much more plant food than we ever give it, we can readily imagine that the poor subsoil comes badly off ; in fact, we see by its appearance that although so close to the top soil it is cold, dense, pale, and unaltered, and altogether different from the friable and manured surface soil. Can we wonder, then, that the plants look well while in their early growth— rejoice in the good things of the top soil ? But when their main or tap root at the later stage of its growth descends into the cold empty subsoil, ought we to be surprised at the leaves looking bilious and queer? "Going to Halsted Fair" is the saying in Essex, because the fair takes place early in May ; and they also say sarcasti- cally that such plants forget to return. By following the first plough with another (without the breast) drawn by four strong horses, we break up the subsoil, and intermix it with the upper soil ; by which means it participates, with the surface soil, in the manure applied. It does not answer to bury the top soil and overlay it with the under soil. With certain soils, like mine, it would injure the crops for years. The improper physical condition of soil impedes the working of plant roots and fibres. The dense, unmoved, unmanured, and unaerated condition of the subsoil acts injuriously on those plants, such as Clovers, Turnips, and other deep-rooted plants, which depend upon the subsoil for their summer food. Hence the " going off" of our corn crops in May and June, just when they require the largest amount of food : hence the dying of Clover in the spring. Its roots get starved when they reach the empty, unmanured, unaired, and unwholesome subsoil. Clovers don't fail in the rich subsoils of gardens. Whenever I have thrown back the top soil and worked manure into the subsoil, I have been amply com- pensated. The field feels it for years. Both top and under soil should, if possible, be manured, for the roots of most of our crops descend several feet in drained soil. I know the case of a Parsnip descending 13 feet fi inches in a loose soil. It is because the subsoil has so Uttls plant food in it, that our deep-rooted crops can only be taken at long intervals. Wo cannot, to any great extent, manure the subsoil though the top soil; therefore they ought to be intermixed. Before I leave the question of tillage, permit me to say that I do not agree with those who condemn Essex heavy land farmers for frequently disturbing their land by cultivation. I am convinced practically, and especially by the scientific reasons given by Liebig, that the frequent separation and intermixing of the granules of the soil during suitable weather is beneficial, chemically and physically — a.ssuming of course that the laud is drained, naturally or artificially. HOEINO. Keeping the crops free ofweedsi.s, I know practi- cally, one of the best and cheapest methods of enlarging our crops. The last saving a farmer should resort to is that of hand or horse-hoeing. The neglect in this matter is painfully obvious, and robs the country of millions annually. Don't tell me of sowing thick to 610 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [June 6, 1868. smother the weeds. Every half-oroivn paid for hoeing does, I know, brings back 7s. Gd. The cultivation is worth the money, irrespective of weeds. I always horse-hoe my AVheats, Beans, and Peas once or twice with Garrett's horse-hoe (at about Is. per acre), and hand-hoe twice or even tlu'eo times, at a cost of about 7s. Grf. to 10s. for the hand-hoeing. Women afterwards hand-pick any weeds that have escaped the hoes. yVe know by the leaves of our flowers when there is anything wrong below ; so it is with our field crops, and as I came here by rail certain bilious- looking crops indicated an uncomfortable state of their roots, owing to want of drainage or food in the subsoil, or in consequence of weedy competition. Restobatiox and Eeplenishuent— Town Sewage. _ If selling off the crops from the farm causes exhaus- tion, bringing them (or their elements) back again, is the trne and obvious way of restoring fertility. The difficulty of doing this by town sewage is by no means great, as I know by 20 years of practical expe- rience, but I calculate that it will still be many years before landlords and tenants estimate its true value, and anxiously put forward their claims for those precious streams of the life-blood of the nation that would enrich their fields and increase their gains. Our foreign importation of eatables and drinkables is over 70,000,000/. sterling: much of this, as well as of our own produce, goes down the sewers. If all were applied to our soil it would greatly increase its fertility. Those who desire to know the effect of town sewage on every crop, should read Mr. John C. Morton's recently published report of his experience at the Lodge Farm, Barking, with 300,000 tons of London sewage (published in a 2s. pamphlet, by Warne & Co. Bedford Row, London). If these facts do not open the eyes of landlords and tenants to the advantage of using and paying for town sewage, my opinion of the English character must be a wrong one. It is a disgrace to our intelligence that the use of sewage should be forced upon us mainly by sanitary rather than agricultural considerations. I must congratulate your county that the town of Leamington should have assembled a Sewage Congress, due, mainly, to the indefatigable and praiseworthy exertions of one individual. I am glad to find th.at Birmingham is at length taking steps to utilise its sewage. This is also being done by many lunatic asylums, unions, prisons, reformatories, and public charities. It does seem like a national absurdity to pay millions for birds' dung from Peru, and yet waste our 0'A*n at home. But let us deal with the time and circumstances present. Let us admit that we waste our sewage, and that wo are not yet suflnciently educated (agricul- turally) to comprehend the physical and chemical con ditions of our soil and its requirements. Let us confess that we don't believe enough in the agricultural chemist. I am now going to tell you of what I call A Golden Maxim foe Fektilisino oue Exhausted Soils. Let your live stock consume, in proportion to each acre of your land, a large quantity of cattle food that was not produced on your own farm. Make, as it were, a farmyard or foldyard of your land, taking care that every particle of the manure, solid or liquid, shall go on to or into the soil. It is of little use to raise food on one side of the farm to be consumed on the other. That adds no mineral elements to the soil : it is like "robbing Peter to pay Paul," or taking money out of the right-hand pocket to put in the left-hand one— the stock of money is not increased. All our most successful farmers use plenty of cake, that was not produced on their own farms, but is the produce of foreign countries. Import cattle food instead of man's food. I know some first-rate farmers who invariably consume SI. worth of cake per acre per annum over the whole farm. Such people have always plenty of corn to sell. These remarks apply equally to Gra.«s lands. Take foul and exhausted Grass land, fold it closely with fattening sheep (not store animals), consuming plenty of cake. Beans, malt combs, bran, roots, and hay, and its poverty will suddenly disappear. Half the kingdom is in Grass land, and most of it is robbed and starved. That is a great arithmetical mistake— 1 mean subtraction instead of addition. I give this golden maxim as a practical farmer of 25 years, but if it is disbelieved or doubted, try an acre on each field. On this acre consume 61. worth of produce (cake preferred) that did not grow on your farm, and then keep an account of its produce for the next four years, and it will effect a most satisfactory change both in your mind and pocket. Remember, that when by draining and high farming you have destroyed the sour worthless Grasses, you inust re-sow with good Grasses and Clovers adapted to the altered and improved condition of your soil. We are far too sparing as to sowing new Grass seeds and Clovers on our pastures from time to time. PnECHASED Food wrsus Aetificial Manure. Having for 20 years used from 000/. to 1500/. worth of purchased food, as well as each year some guano &o., I am enabled to give you a practical opinion in favour of purchased food; and we have also in its favour Liebig, Way, Voelcker, and Lawes, so that we must give a decided verdict against artificial manures Except on the score of want of capital, or for its portability, it is decidedly disadvantageous as com- pared with the sheep-fold or under-cover-made manure, all of the animals of course being highly fed on a variety of rich food. With poor lean-stook-made manure, guano and artificials show to greater advantage, and they are always useful as auxiliaries when we are short of the best cattle manure, which we rarely have in sufficient quantity. In certain exceptional cases, such as Cheshire, where the one element wanting was bone earth, bones, or superphosphate of lime, have been found of immense advantage. Artifical manures and even guano are deficient in some of the necessary plant food : therefore it has been found, on some light lands particularly, that the land gets tired of guano, and that it has had an exhausting effect. Guano is certainly nearly 50 per cent, too dear m comparison with the best shed manure, and its price regulates that of other artificials. The building up of a plant is like the building up of a house— we must first know what materials are required, and then take care that they are all provided in a suitable condition and proper proportion. The want of any one of them wotild render all the rest useless, although they were present in superabundance. Given, in the case of house-building, slates, bricks, lime, sand, boards, nails, and labour, still they would all be useless by the omission of water, or any other one of the other materials. This is the great plant lesson enforced and explained by that great philosopher Baron Liebig, whose works will, in 19G8, be found in the library of every intelligent farmer. A ton of Peruvian guano costs 13/., and taking this as a standard, Mr. Lawes has given in the following table the value of the manure produced from tlie consump- tion of a ton of various kinds of food, 'i'his may be said to settle the question against artificials ; but then farmers must treat their manure as they do their guano— keep it free from rain-water. No farmer would think of scattering his guano over his farmyard and allow the rains to wash much of it away; but it is equally wrong so to treat his home-made guano. He should always leave half an acre unmanured, or try artificial manures on a small space, so as to form a correct comparative opinion as to their value. This is too seldom done. We ought also more fre- quently to submit our cake and artificials to the agri- cultural chemist, whose large experience would, for a very moderate consideration, spare an immense amount of_ victimising. This is one very obvious way in which science will benefit agriculture. My. Laites' Table, shoicing the estimated value of the manure obtained from the consumption of one ton of different articles of food, each supposed to be of good quality of its kind : — Estimated Description . Present market money value of 1 ton of each kind of food. last year (which you have no doubt seen) shows that my animals consumed — Of purchased cake, and Linseed . . £-i'>8 o 0 Corn (principaUy Beans and some Oats) .'.' .'.' 236 0 0 Malt combs . . . . . . . , _ _ ^ ] Coudimental food .. .. .'. '," " ■; Decorticated seed cake Not decorticated R.ape cake Linseed cake . M.alt dust Bran Lentils Linseed Tares Beans Peas Locust Beans Oats Wheat . . Indian Com Malt Bai ley Clover hay Meadow hay Oat ttraw Wheat straw Barley straw Potatos Mangels Swedish Turnips Common Turnips CaiTots . . Fresh cutmeadowG Ditto It,alian Rye-gras One ton of meat (best quality) sells for 7\d. per lb., or 5s. per stone of 8 lb.— say that it takes 8 lb. of corn or cake to make 1 lb. of meat. Itonofmeat .. .. ,. £70 0 0 8 tons of Rape-cake, at Gl. lOs. . . £52 0 0 Cost of carting, breaking, feeding out, 6.«. per ton 2 8 0 V.alue of manure . 39 4 0 £.')3 16 I So here we get 53/. ICs. worth of guano for nothing Verdict for the plaintiff. Take Linseed cake, 8 tons, at 11^ £88 0 ( Feeding out, b.c 2 8 1 1 ton of meat Value of r Take 8 tons of Beans, at 10/. per ton Grinding and feeding out 1 ton of meat Value of m 3/. 13s. 6c/ from 8 tons of Beaus, at £16 8 0 £80 4 0 0 0 0 £84 70 0 0 0 0 £29 8 0 Value of m.anure £15 8 0 All these calculations are founded on the estimate that it takes 8 lb. of cake or Beans to make 1 lb. nett of meat. Some people say 7 lb. will do it. Lawes says 5 lb. to 1 lb. hve weight. My live stock account of Also the produce of 255 acres of Grass and green an d root crops. After charging to the stock all the purchased food, the cost of producing the green and root crops, and all expenses of attendance (horse and manual labour), the balance or charge against the stock, or rather for the manure, was only 158/. 4s. M. In 1805 and 1866 the balance was still more favourable, because meat was dearer and feeding stuffs cheaper than in 1867. The manure from the purchased food alone is worth (according to Mr. Lawes' Table) about 240/,, besides the value of all the manure arising from the consump- tion of 255 acres of home-grown green and root crops, and a large quantity of straw used as food and as bedding. Altogether, we can fairly take the manurial value of the whole as 340/. against a loss of 158/. 4s. M. in feeding. I know also from experience that the farm manure greatly exceeds in effect the artificial manures. But you must not expect such favourable results as I get, unless you adopt my plan of economising food by comminution and variety, by giving it warm in winter, Ijy under-cover feeding of cattle, and folding of sheep in summer; and, not least, keeping the manure under cover, and doin" all the laborious portion by steam- power, which I have now used for over 20 years. My cattle never get more than half a bushel (30 lb.) of roots daily, pulped and mixed with much straw chafi', 12 lb. of Beanmeal and cake, 1 lb. each of bran and malt combs, \ lb. of crushed Linseed, and 1 lb. of condimental food. Roots and green food should only be used as salad with richer and drier food. They are expensive to grow, and the cost of them in handling and feeding out is great. A ton of cake worth 10/. will only cost half as much to prepare and give to the stock as a ton of bulky and watery roots, worth 10s. to 12s. When given in the usual large quantities, they are rather physic than food, taxing unduly the urinary organs, and keeping the bowels too relaxed, for they contain 88 to 90 per cent, of water— but we are not here to-day to discuss the feeding question. Cheese-making and milk-selling are sad exhausters of the plant food in the soil, unless the cows are largely supplied with supplementary food ; and the system of raising and selling half-starved lean stock starves the land, the landlord, and the farmer, except on very rich soils. As a rule, I say, tell me how much fat meat you make per acre, and I will tell you how much corn you grow, for corn is dependent on fat meat manure. Chalk, Lime, and Ammonia. Lime is a good servant, but a bad master ; lime (like earth burning) tends to render available the plant food in the soil which was before unavailable, owing to its improper physical or chemical condition. Lime adds little manure to the soil; it only cooks or prepares what there is in the soil, and gets it ready for the plant. The continuous use of lime, or rather its excessive use, without ample manuring, has in too many instances impoverished the land, the tenant, and the landlord. It appears to me that one of the most important uses of chalk and lime is to neutralise or destroy the vegetable acids in the soil. In Essex, on our stiff non-calcareous clays, we all know that where a wood or :fence has been removed from our heavy soil, no satisfactory crop can be got until the land is chalked, but I never heard any explanation of this except that the earth was sweetened. No doubt the land was sour, or rather the vegetable excretions— roots— were acid. Land that grows Sorrel will no longer grow it after chalking. To test the action of chalk, I scraped some into powder, and placed in a wineglass as much as would one-fourth fill it. On pouring on to it some vinegar a violent ebullition took place, boiling over the mouth of the glass. No such effect could be again produced with the same chalk and vinegar. Both alkali and acid were neutralised. The farmers say it is of no use chalking a second time— at least for 14 years. This appears to explain why it is so. I have often been found fault with for not chalking or liming sufficiently, but I do not find the need of it, because the quantity of ammonia produced by my stock feeding under cover, effected, as shown by the crop, the same purpose as the chalk. Convinced of this, I asked the opinion of an eminent chemist, and he stated thit ammonia was an alkali five times more powerful than chalk. Possibly it may be that the excess of ammonia in Peruvian guano acts favour- ably in cold sour soils, by neutralising or destroying acidity rather than as food for plants. I presume that the ammonia which results from the folding of sheep fed on rich nitrogenous food, such as cake. Beans, &c., which enrich poor heavy land pastures, neutralise the acids produced from the immense network of dead Grass fibres in the soil. Baron Liebig says that irrigating Grass-lands pro- duces the same effects as careful ploughing. It is easy then to understand the favourable effects of town sewage on Grass-lands, especially Italian Rye-grass, for such sewage superabounds in ammonia, which is considerably m excess of proportion to the other ingredients of plant food contained in the sewage. Salt. I consider salt a very important ingredient. Although scarcely a manure in itself (except for saline plants, such as Mangel Wurzel) it confers many benefits by dissolving and distributing the phosphates that are already in the soil. It attracts and retains moisture in light soils, and on such soils is of very great value as a top-dressing, by preventing the ravages of wireworm, I June 6, 1868.] THE GARBENEES' CIIEONICLE AND AGEICULTUEAL GAZETTE. 611 1 always sow six imperial bushels per acre oil my liglit- land Wheat and Barley before the wirovvorm acts— that is, before the plant appears above ground. 1 know some persons who uso as much as 5 cwt. per acre. I sow about i; cwt. per acre on heavy land (drained), mi.\ed with guano for Wheat and Oats. The ashes ot Mangel Wurzel contain much salt. An excess ol salt renders the land barren for a time. Burned Eabth. Our stiff plastic non-calcareous clay, almost free from vegetable matter, becomes, when burned, real bncK- dust and yet it is a most valuable fertiliser, iweuty years ago I burned an immense quantity with great advantage. Science teaches us the why of the where- fore. Hero it tells us that the hitherto una,vailablo elements of plant food locked up in our stiff clays become liberated by the action of fare, and rendered available for the feeding of our crops. But there is another and most important advantage. The physical condition of the soil is entirely changed by burning. The bird-lime, or putty-like soil, pre- viously almost impervious to air or water, becomes loose and friable, permitting the free circu ation ot plant roots, and making the land work so much easier, and leave the plough breast readily. There is no saler investment on stiff clays than burning the nasty sticl<- ing dense, unmanured subsoil— where coal is dear it must be dried by the atmosphere before burning, and is of course summer work. One old stump of a Pollard will start and burn 110 cubic yards. The most notable and successful instance of earth-burning on a large scale is that of Mr. Randall, near Evesham. He has continued burning, winter and summer, for 20 years. Coal-dust is tliere very cheap, and one ton v ! burn 20 tons of earth. You have no doubt observed the immense mounds of earth burned for ballast or road basis lor railways, or where new streets are being made, i Burned clay or brickdust is a capital manure for roots, owing to the alkalies in the soil being liberated by burning, especially so after being used as a bed for animals. It is a first-rate dry bed for sheep, a barrow- full daily to about 20 sheep. It must be kept dry under cover or thatch ready for use. This is Mr. Kandall's practice. When we have learned, as farmers, the value of straw for feeding purposes, wo shall burn more earth and use more sparred floors. I have my eye on many thousand miles of great' wide banks, mis-called fences, filled with worth- less pollards and straggling bushes, untrimmed and uncared for. I would burn the lot, and then they would become a source of considerable fertility to the soil. Now, they are robbers and impoverishers, and a breeding place for weeds and vermin ; in fact, a regular nuisance. We can't afford to grow wood on cornfields now. Land is too dear for that, and coals too cheap. We must go for our wood to the non-rented forests of Canada. The suggestions I have made necessarily lead us to consider the question of EiEM Capital. Perhaps one of the most useful lessons a farmer can learn is, " what is the most profitable amount of capital to invest per acre," for on this depends much of his success In a poor arable farm like mine, requiring much manure, I find 16/. not enough, and I should prefer from 20/. to 25/. This, I know, is very much above the usual amount estimated in the general opinion, which is 10/. per acre. Taking the whole country I do not believe it is so much as 5/. per acre. In my balance-sheet you will have seen how this 16/. was apportioned, the most important point being live stock 61. per acre. Is that too much on an arable farm ? No. I wish it could be 10/. per acre, as it ought to be, for the manure is in exact proportion to the live stock. In this respect no better confirmation of the sound- ness of the proposition, and no better e.\ample can be followed, than that of the agricultural labourer, with his one pig and his 20 rods of ground. That animal when fat is worth on an average 41. (say 8 score pounds of meat at 6c/. per lb.), so that the capital invested in fat live stock is 32/. per acre ! ! ! and as the manure exactly follows the meat made, he makes probably 20 times as much manure as the average of farmers. This is a great lesson. Can we wonder that the cottage garden is productive? I often hear labourers say, " If I don't fat a pig my garden becomes unproductive?" But then, how are we to get the capital ? Well, credit is capital, and profitable capital too (although it belongs to somebody else), in industrious, careful, capable hands. Here the labourer, again, gives evidence. He buys his lean pig for 1/. The miller trusts him with the three sacks of Barley-meal that fattens the pig, and here, at once, is the 32/. per acre capital in live stock. When he kills his pig he sells it, pays the miller, and has got the manure for his garden. Honest, industrious, capable farmeivs, having a lease, or an unchanging landlord, can go to the miller quite as well as the cottager does, and "ill find the rich cattle dealer accommodating " for a consideration," to which he is fairly entitled. The banker obliges the cattle dealer, and uses a portion of his customers' deposits for that purpose. Have not many of our self-made men in the City of London and in your busy emporium (Birmingham) begun with no other capital than industry, honesty, and ability ? Upon that sound foundation other people's capital has found a safe and profitable resting- place, so it is, or should be, in agriculture. Depend upon it, when agriculture is improved and so carried out as to become more profitable and less uncertain, canital will be readily found. But there must be " a will " and then there will be found " a way." I am bound in truth to say that it is the want of will and belief nither lliiin the wunt of means that retards agricultural progress. The belief in money-making rather than the desire for cheap locomotion opened our purses, and emptied them too, to the extent of 500,000,000/., in making railways. CONCITTSION. I have spun " a very tough yarn," but if on taking it to pieces you can find a few useful threads, my object will have been accomplished, and I shall ho much gratified. But as words without deeds do not carry their weight, let me invite a deputation from your Club to come and inspect my crops in July, just before harvest. You will then be able to judge practically of the results of my system. You will see 73 acres of Wheat which, judging from their present appearance, may compete with any crops grown on the richest land in the kingdom, although Tiptree Heath land is naturally notoriously poor. You will probably pro- nounce them to be amply thick, although only sown with 1 bushel of seed per acre, and (although this is no part of our subject) you will conclude that an immense waste of seed occurs in this country which might be avoided by a better style of farming. Even the peck of Wheat per acre may surprise you. lou will also decide whether the money spent in procuring the absence of weeds is remunerative. , ,i ,, , i You have had before you my balance-sheets (truthlul copies of my accounts), and have therefore the means of judging by an inspection of the farm whether this year, be the price what it may, the crops are likely to prove remunerative. Believe me when I say that my ■sole object in making these remarks, and giving you this invitation is, as it always has been and ever will be, a sincere desire to increase and cheapen the food and enlarge the sphere for employment of the British people, and concurrently to improve the farmers and landlords' profit, and the general well-being and well- doing of our common country. ■ , e ■ This, in my opinion, is, in a national point ot view, the most important of our duties. The stomach cannot wait. The food question acts for good or for evil on all other interests, which are, therefore, more or less subservient to and dependent upon its quantity and price— revolutionary and rebellious principles find little room in well-filled stomachs, but hunger breeds discontent and fosters crime. The margin for agricultural improvement is, in this country, immense. I have often stated, and that statement has never been contradicted, :that with skill and capital, our home- food supply (meat and bread) might be more than doubled. Tiptree Farm is a proof of this, because its average quality is much below that of the kingdom, while its produce is much more than double that of the country at large. I am no participator in a fear of foreign competition. Let us, therefore, be dissatisfied with things as they are ; let us apply our will (capital will speedily follow) to the better and cheaper feeding of Mr. John Bull. igomt drorwsponUcnce. The Koyal Agricultural Society of England.-;- . Whether the Royal Agricultural Society of England is really in a bad way, as the Mark Lane Express puts it, as an interpretation of the report last issued, or not, it has at any rate been not only spending its considerable ^ income, but has been dipping into its capital at the rate of 1000/. per annum for the last three years— a course of progression which, in the case of a young man, would certainly be designated as the road to ruin. In addition to this, we are told, its members diminish, its weekly discussions are miserably attended, and its annual meetings have become quite a farce. This is by no means a satisfactory state of things, or even a iileasing prospect to those old members who, although not in oflice, have stood by the Society through good report and through ill report so many years, and who can remember the vitality of its earlier days, when each new number of the Journal teemed with novelty and truth, when its monthly and weekly meetings were animated and interesting, when talent and intelligence were fostered and encouraged. and when subjects were debated in open council and not con- signed to the dark dungeons of small patronage- committees who can with impunity give a stab in the dark to all those whose opinions do not happen to run in the same groove as their own. Well, who is answer- able for this state of things— this dead-lock that has attended a Society ushered into existence under the most magnificent auspices, and which ought to have been as grand and successful in its mid-career as in its last days. Well, clearly the blame does not belong to those who have had nothing to do with the management of the Society or the election of its officers or its Council, but whose simple duty it has been to pay their subscriptions from year to year, and to hold their tongues. As one of this body, and as a very old member of the Society, I crave the right, however, of making a few suggestions by way of ventilation, and in the hope that on the advent of the Prince of Wales to the office of Pre- sident a new era may dawn on the Society s proceed- ings I would, then, recommend — (1). Such an alteration of the Society's charter as will enable it to entertain and discuss all questions of interest and importance to agriculture, and to provide for the election of the Council by the members generally. (2). A resignation of the members of the Council, with a view to a fresh election, and an increase of the number, so that fresh blood might be transfused. (3) Some members of the Council to go out of office annually, and not to be eligible for re-election for the space of a year. (4). The Council to be elected by the members, by means of voting papers (5). The appointment of judges and other officers to be made as much as possible in open council, and not by secret committees. (0). That the judges to be called upon to write a report of the .lepartment tbev raiy have judged, and invited to make aug^eslious. That on any complaint being made against them they should be called upon for an expla- nation, and should not be condemned without it. (7). That the appointment of secretary and editor should be vested in one competent individual, and thus at least one-third of the united salaries saved. (8). That seeing that the officers of the Veterinary College are paid for any services rendered to the Society, the grant hitherto made to the College should be modi- fied or rearranged. (9). That the sympathy of members should be invited by increased privileges. ( tOJ.That prize essays should be almost entirely discontinued, but literary assistance should be sought for and properly remunerated. (11). That prizes should be annually given to the most skill'ul labourers in each department of agricultural handicraft, and thus the technical education of working men stimulated and improved. (12). That prizes should not be repeatedly given to the same implement, but should be confined to new imple- ments or well defined improvements. (13). That the annual meeting of members should be differently arranged, so that the December meeting should be held in the Agricultural Hall, when members could con- veniently attend ; the May meeting on a Wednesday instead of a Friday ; and the July meeting on the Wednesday of show week, when members are largely present in the showyard. (11). The Council should discontinue their efforts to improve the breed of race horses, or resign such efforts to the sporting world, and thereby economise its income. (15). There being no plan for collecting subscriptions, as with many other societies, members get into arrears, and when called upon to pay several years, do so, and often resign at the same time. To obviate this, members should be invited to remit their subscription by post- office order, and to deduct the cost of the order from the amount. (10). Subscribers of 20 years' standing should enjoy some extra privileges, honours, or advan- tages. (17). The capital of the Society should be safely invested, but so as to bring a return of 6 per cent. By adopting these and other improvements, I have no doubt the number of members would increase, the income of the Society be economised, and vitality, now on the wane, speedily restored. S. The Cultivation of Beans in Buckinghamshire.— "J, Nisbet, Westwood Home Farm, Droitwich," has given in your Paper this week the "Cultivation of Beans in the Lothians." Just allow me to compare my system of working my land by steam-power for the growth of Beans. I will first show my system, and then compare the cost, &c. My practice is to plant Beans after Wheat. Last autumn, after smashing my Bean stubbles for Wheat, I carted all the manure I could scrape up to my Wheat stubbles for Beans and roots. In October, after spreading the manure on the Wheat stubbles, I set my steam-power ridging andsubsoiling-plough to work, ridging up these Wheat stubbles, covering in the manure, and subsoil- ing the land to a depth of from 10 to 12 inches at one blow, at a cost of 10s. Gd. per acre-4 acres a-day being an average day's work and the cost of a day's work, including men, coal, interest, and wear and tear is 2/ 25 The ridges were from 35 to 40 inches in width. These deeply and well shaken ridges lay from October to the first week in February, when the Beans were dibbled in by hand-labour, one row on each side the ridge, giving an average width between the rows of from 18 to 20 inches. As fast as the men dibbled in the Beans a pair of horses drew a single-tined subsoiler along each ridge, thus splitting the ridges to a depth of more than a foot and covering in the Beans at once. In March, just before the Beans came up, a harrow was drawn over them, clearing all the weeds that had grown from the ridges, and to some extent reduced the ridges. Since then the Beans have been well hand-hoed. I for- merly used a horse-hoe for Beans, but I never do now, for I found that by horse-hoeing I damage my Beans, and I know full well that since I have discontinued the practice of horse-hoeing for Beans I have averaged quite a quarter per acre more from that cause. 1 horse-hoe for roots, and that is all. Here is the result of my Bean farming this year on my steam-power worked land. One of the best practical farmers in this neighbourhood when passing them the other day_ said, " Master, that is the best field of Beans in England. I shall say nothing, but will go to the cost. Take the Lothian plan first;— Ploughed from 7 to 8 inches deep . . Per acre £0 14 0 Ridgo drawing nnd Bplitling .. .. ,, „ , „ Diilliiig ■■ '' - " £12 0 The Woolston steam-power system :— Ridging and aubsoiling 10 to 12 in. deep „ x.v iv „ Planting and subsoiling the ridges . . „ 0 s u Total £0 15 6 In both cases the manure, carting, and spreading would be the same, and the hoeing may be fairly fixed at the same The atmospheric influences from October to February will stand very much on iiiy side. The harrowings may be placed equal. My width of row, from 18 to 20 inches, is the be.st. 1 win in cost Os. Gd. per acre, and in depth of culture lull 4 inches, and my crop stands by the roadside to speak lor itself. This is a bit of actual practice-England against Scotland for steam-power against horse-power. Jf^ Smilh Woolslon, BlelcMey Station, Bucks June \. P .S L-t the judges of the Royal Agricultural bociety look at this. This is the implement that their judges turned their backs upon at Chelmsford in ISob. England will not be farmed by steam-power until it ^tg'S^Stur^arzducation.-As a m-'-er^of the Education Council of the .H.gWand A«r'CuUural Society I was equa ly s"'-P"^^^,„T Oa- "« ' to find !',"f "" T. r'rhe ™L\jlrrt" he" oe''nttxami;;ation ^^thrEoyariBHcultSr:! Society were able to pas. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 6, 1868. the examination in " book-keeping," altliough three out of the six who obtained special prizes had already passed successfully our Diploma Examination, in which " farm accounts " are included. On referring to the records of their respective examinations I find that Mr. Henry Walton was reported by the (two) examiners (1859), consisting of a public accountant and one of our leading farmers, as "very proficient;" that Mr. G. K. Walton (1867) obtained the full number ( 100) of marks ; and that Mr. Bridow obtained 80 per cent, of marks. Now "book-keeping" in Hanover Square, and " farm accounts " at Edinburgh, may possibly have a diSerent meaning, or different qualities assigned to them ; but on looking over the questions submitted by the examiner.s, I must say tlaat they do not appear to be beyond what every properly educated young farmer ought to be able satisfactorily to dispose of, provided sufficient time be given for consideration. One would be inclined to think, there- fore, that the examiners were perhaps a little too expectant, and took a too purely professional view of their duties; and this bore too heavily upon what we must, I fear, acknowledge to be generally a weak part in the agricultural economy. The only compensation we have for this reversal of our judgment is that four out of the six prizemen were Edinburgh students ; the only ones, indeed, that entered as candidates. W., Edinburgh, May 26. ugh Societies. ROYAL AGRICULTUR-iL OF ENGLAND. Monthly Council: Wednesday, June Z, 1868.— Present— The Duke of Richmond, K.G., President, in the Chair; Lord Bridport, Lord Kesteven, Lord Tredegar, Sir J. V. B. Johnstone, Bart., M.P. ; Sir A. K. Macdonald, Bart. ; Sir W. Miles, Bart. ; Sir H. Vane, Bart. ; Sir Watkin W. Wynn, Bart., M.P. ; Mr. Amos, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Barnett, Mr. Bowly, Mr. Cantrell, Colonel Cballoner, Mr. Davies, Mr. Dent, M.P. ; Mr. Druce, Mr. Edmunds, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, Mr. Hassall, Mr. Holland, MP. ; Mr. Hornsby, Mr. Hoskyns, Colonel Kingscote, M.P. ; Mr. Milward, Mr. Pain, Mr. Randell, Mr. Ransome, Mr. Sanday, Mr. Shuttleworth, Mr. N. C. Stone, Mr. Torr, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Webb, Mr. Wells, Major Wilson, Mr. Jacob Wilson, and Dr. Voelcker. The following new Members were elected :— Anderson, Charles G., Countesthorpe, Leicester Arabin, W. St. Julien, Englefield Green, Surrey Badoock, Rev. Thomas, Fleckney, Market Harbor Berridge, Thomas,, Sutton, Lutterworth Berry, WiUiam, 95, High Street, Leicester Bhicke, Rev. Wm. Strong, Willoughby, Lutterworth Bowden, W., jun., Prospect House. Cirencester Brierley, Harry, Church Lawford, Rugby Brook, Charles, Enderby Hall, Leicester Buriey, Wm. Robinson. Leicester Bui-ney, George, Milhvall, London, E. Catlin, Richard Edgar, Leicester Chamberlain, Henry B., Ivy House, Dcsford, Leicester Chapman, William, Apethorpe. PeteTbo:()U''h Clarke, John Sandei-s, Seatling Hall, Lutterworth Cooper, Alfred Allen, Leicester Crawford, Miss, Hill House, Famsfield, Southwell Dain, M. J., Leicester Davie!, Benjamin, Huyton, Chorley Duff, Alexander M., 37, Gallowtree Gate, Leicester Eckersley, James, Burnt House, Chorley, Lancashire Ellis, James, Glenfleld, Leicester Emberlln, Horatio Edwin, Oadby, Leicester Fletcher, George, The Friars, Leicester Fletcher, Wm. Hinton, Shipton OUiffe, Cheltenham Foster, John, Copson Lodge, Hinckley Fowke, Frederick Thomas, Lowesby H.-iU, Leicester Fowler, Robert, Leeds Foxton, George, Prebend Tenace, Leicester Furness, Rev. John Monteith, Oakfield, Rugby Gee, John, Welford, Rugby German, William, Measham Lodge, Atherstoue Gerrard, John, Adliugton, Chorley Godfrey, William, Borough Fields, Walton, Burton-on-Trent Goodacre, R. J., 22, Lower Hastings Street, Leicester Green, William, Leicester Grimston, Captain R. V. Sylvester, Leicester Hack, Matthew, Leicester Harcourt, Edward Wm., Stanton Harcourt, Witney Hardwick, Richard, Bowdon, Altrincham Harrison, Thomas, 3, The Crescent, Leicester Hartopp, Sir John, Bart., Four Oaks Hall, i^utton Coldfield Hassall, Thomas, Rearsby Rectory, Leicester Hawkes, Thomas, Tiverton Higginson, John, Humberstone Rojid, Leicester HUl, Abraham, St. George's, Leicester Hodges, Frank, Mayfleld, Leicester Hodges, George Henry, Stonjgate, Leicester Hodges, John Edward, Stonygate, Leicester Hodges, Thomas Willi.im, Mayfield, Leicester Hollingworth, John, Market Street, Leicester Hood, the Hon. Arthur W. A. Nelson, Cumberland Lodge, Hoskyns, Rev. Henry James, Bl.-iby Rectory, Leicester Howard. E. M., Great Witchingham, Norwich Howland, A, R , I.udesdon House, Th.ame Hubbersty, Wm. Philip, Wirksworth Innocent, Arthur, Kibvvorth, Beauchamp, Leicester Johnson, Wm. Henry, Old Hall, Braunstone, Leicester Jones, Juhu, 5I..rsy jiaiidy, Machynlleth, Merionethshire Mayman, T;t|, .m, ,-,, Drury Building, Water Street, OdlTmc^s ' ' I :, [Liverpool Overton. U.t ■' 1 1 , im^ I . icester Onston. II. A , iJu-bloe House, Great Wigton, Uicester Parnsh, Rich.ird, The UpUnds, Bridgnorth Parrott, John, jun., Norfolk Farm, Staines Pearson, Wm., North Kilworth, Rugby Pochin, R. G., Braunstone House, Leicester Potterton^ Wm. H., Boughton Grange, North.ampton Leicester Stratford Villa, Wobnm Road, Croydon s, Norton-juxt.i-Twycross, Sheepy, Atherstone W...OV,,,, Juhu, Leicester Saunders, Charles R., Nunwick Hall, Penrith Shipmnu, Robert M., Bredbuiy, Stockport Stone, Joseph C, Rowley Fields, Leicester Stone, Samuel, Glenfield House, Leicester Tate, Wm. James, St. Margaret's, Dunham Massey, Thorpe, William, Shenton, Nuneaton I Altrincham Tyiwbilt, Sir Hy,, Bart., AshwellThoi-poH«ll,>Vymonuham Whitaker, B. I., Hesley Hall, TickhiU, Rotherham Preston, J; Pugh. W , R itcUfi, Thomas, Norton-juxt.i-Twyci Willett, Geo. W., West House, Portknd Place, Brighton Wood, Ch.-ulosHenton, Thurlaston, Hinckley Wood, Rev. WiUiam Paul, Saddington Rectory, Market Worswick, R. W., Normanton Hall, Hinckley fllarboro' Finances. — Major-General Lord Bridport pre- sented the report of the committee, from which it appeared that the Secretary's receipts during the past month, amounting to 1135Z. Is. Gd., had been examined by the committee, and by Messrs. Quilter, Ball, & Co., the Society's accountants, and were found correct. The balance in the hands of the bankers on May 31 was 3508Z. 2s. id. The committee had heard with regret of the death of Inspector Bradstock, of the Metropolitan Police, who for many years rendered good service to the Society at their annual Shows, and desire to record their expression of sorrow, and suggest that the Secretary be empowered by the Council to convey their sincere sympathy to his widow. This report was adopted. Journal.— Mr. Thompson, chairman, reported that in cinsequence of the lamented death of their late Editor, it has been necessary to make temporary pro- vision for carrying on the Journal work, and, subject to the approval of the Council, the committee have made arrangements with Mr. Goodwin to bring out the next number. The committee recommended that a list of members be printed in the next number. The arrangements connected with filling up the vacant post of Editor having been the subject of much discussion at two successive meetings of the committee, at which considerable variety of opinion was expressed, it was finally resolved that the question should be referred to the Council for their consideration and decision. This report was adopted.— Mr. Randell having moved that in future the Secretary of the Royal Agricultural Society of England be also Editor of the Journal, was seconded by Lord Bridport, and supported by Mr. Milward, Colonel Kingfcote, M.P., Mr. Bowly, Mr, Holland, M.P., Mr. Jacob Wilson, and Mr. Torr ; and opposed by Colonel Cballoner, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Dent, M.P. The wording of the motion having been altered to "That after the Ist January, 1869, the offices of Editor and Secretary shall he held by the same gentleman," it was supported by Lord Bridport, and after a long discu,titgj' Sect. I. For the class of mo< machines, 5.'?. ; for one-horse machines, 501 Sect. II. For the class of hay-making machines, 30?. Sect. III. For the cLass of hay collectors, 13!. Sect IV Reaping machines ; I. For the class of reaping m.ichines with self-delivery, in she.if, clear of the horse track, 60(. ; '2. For the cla.ss of reaping machines with self-delivery, in swathe, clear of the horse track, 60^ ; 3. For the class of reaping machines without self-delivery, 30/. ; 4 For combioed reaping .and Grass-mowing machines, 301. ; 5. One-horse rc.ipers, 30(. Sect. V. For the class of horse-rakes, 301. Sect. VI. Waggons : The class of — 1. Piiir-horse waggons, 30(. ; 2. Other waggons, 201. Sect. VII. Carts: The class of-1. Sinole-horse carts. 201. ; 2. Two-horse carts, 201. ; 3. Hame.'.t carts, I5( : 4. Market carts on springs, 101. : 5. Liquid manure carta, lijl. Miscellaneous awards to agricultural articles and essential improvements therein (10 Silver Medals). This report was adopted. Education.— Mr. Holland, MP., stated that the committee recommended that the thanks of the Council be given to each of the Examiners for the service rendered, and that each of the nine gentlemen who are not members of Council be presented with the sum of 51. Of the 2ml. rjlotted tn education, 119/. 14s. 6d. has been expended ts follows, viz. 9 Examiners, at 51. each, 45?. ; awarded in prizes, 60/ • expended in printing and advertisements, 14/. 14s. 6d ■ 119?. lis. 6d. This report was adopted. Show-yaed Contract.- Mr. Randell, chairman, presented the following report from the surveyor :— " The Show-yard works at Leicester arc progressing very satisfactorily, and are fast approaching completion. The main entrances, and the whole of the Society's portable buildings are ready for use. The outer fences and gates are also com- pleted ; two-thirds of the cattle rheds, horse-boxes, and st.ables are also erected. Seed and model sheds complete, and the whole of the implement sheds, including those erected by the Society for exhibitors in machinery-in-motion yard, are in a forward state ; 7000 feet of the former, and the whole of the latter, are already completed. The fodder and nurse-cow sheds are also completed. The Local Committee are making great efforts to make everything complete, the levelling ah-eady done in the Show-yard is far more than asked for, and the roads and approaches, both from railway siding to receiving yard, and to the entrances for carriages and foot people, when completed (and it is ah-eady in a forward state), will be everything that can be desired. The railway siding is in a forward state, but the dock and platform accommodation is insufficient ; this I have pointed out to the local engineer, and orders have been sent him from Derby to increase it." It is recommended that the Royal Horticultural Society be asked to join in the expense of erecting a shed over turnstiles in the fence between the Show- yard and their grounds. One of the Society's turn- stiles, and one belonging to the Horticultural Society, being placed in such fence. The survei or having cer- tified that the contractor is now entitled to the sum of 2000?., the committee recommend the payment of that sum. The committee recommend that the surveyor go to Manchester, and prepare a preliminary plan of the Show-yard, previous to the next Council meeting. This report was adopted. Mk. Tore having called attention to the subject of refreshments in the Show-yard, it was referred to the Manchester Committee. Judges.— A committee, consisting of Lord Brid- port, Sir Archibald Macdonald, Bart., Colonel Kings- cote, M.P., Mr. Dent, M.P., Mr. Amos, Mr. BohIv. Mr. Davies, Mr. Druce, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, Mr. Randell, Mr. Milward, Mr. Sanday, Mr. Torr, Mr. W^ebb, Mr. Wells, Major AVilson, and Mr. Jacob Wil- son, were appointed to recommend judges of stock, implements, wool, butter, and cheese, whose report would be presented at a Special Council on the 10th inst. A suggestion to the Council made at the general meeting by Mr. Lewis Fytche (Mr. Miles' paper ou Horse-Shoeing contained in Vol. XVIII. of the Journal being out of print, that 1000 copies of the same be printed for the use of Members), was referred to the Journal Committee; and that by Sir George Jenkinson, Bart.,— That the Council will at any future show after the present year ofl'er a few prizes for village farriers or blacksmiths to compete for, in making, fitting, and nailing-on shoes on horses, both for hunters and for those used for agricultural purposes ; certain conditions to he specified, and inspection to be made of the work done by a properly qualified veteri- nary surgeon, by whom the principles to be followed and the faults to be avoided shall be pointed out to the various competitors, and the prizes for this class shall be awarded by a committee of, say, three gentle- men, specially appointed for that purpose, assisted, perhaps, by the veterinary surgeon above mentioned (this has been tried in Gloucestershire, and with very great benefit)— was referred to the Manchester Com- mittee. The Bath and West of England Aoeicul- TUEAL.— We are again enjoying the pleasure of a visit to the annual gathering of this old and unique Society. It is the oldest m the kingdom, dating from 1777, and established " for the encouragement of agriculture, arts, manufactures, and commerce," and truly the latter departments of the exhibition go near to exceed in public interest and estimation the osten- sible objects of an "agricultural society." Indeed, for the past two years it has been denuded of one of its principal agricultural attractions, i.e., the show of cattle ; and in 1866, when at Salisbury, the sheep and pig classes were also nil, the show being confined to horses, poultry, dogs, and grain, together with the art and manufacture departments. To make up to the Salisbury district for so defective an exhibition, the Society renewed their visit in 1867, when, with the exception of the cattle classes, which were again nH, it was a complete success. The renewal of the cattle show, and the knowledge of our comparative safety from cattle plague, has given this department more than its usually attractive and interesting feature. It is true the distance of Falmouth from the homes of some of our most valued breeds had a tendency to limit their numbers, but the rows of shedding filled with beautiful specimens in their respective classes has added immensely to the pleasure with which the whole show is regarded. Surely our legislators will do their utmost to prevent a recurrence, or rather a reintro- duction, of this dreadful pest, and not by delay, or by yielding to trade convenience, run us into imminent danger. The country ride lown to the place has many peculiar features. The state of agriculture down to Basingstoke is bad and uninteresting. Towards Salisbury it is better, and improvements are certainly manifest since the Royal Meeting in 1837; still more artificial aids in culture and manures would well repay the occupiers. From Salisbury to Exeter we noticed many specially improved farms, but they were excep- t onal. Tlie various breeds of sheep seen on passing lenoted dissa'i faction with old breeds, and the aspiring to something belter. The same remark would apply in part to cattle, but they chiefly were Devons, a few Herefords, and a very few Shorthorns. The crops of Sainfoin are fine, and the Grass pastures fair, but the corn crops are not very promising. Between Eveter and Plymouth we see less of agriculture, but fro a June g, iSfS.J THE GARPENEES' CmONICT,E AND AGPJCULTURAE GAZETTE. 613 Plymouth to Falmouth we pass throuRh, or rather oyer (for the lino of railway is very elevated), a beautiful country for scenery, the fields wofuUy small, but for the most part the grazing and farming before reaching the mining district is highly creditable. The railway ride is extremely beautiful ; the hills are high, narrow- topped, and steep, the valleys richly wooded, many to the hill-top, each having its little stream or rivulet, and all is spanned by viaducts of great height, oyer which we are continually passing, so much so, that about 30 per cent, of tho line is laid upon these viaducts, including that at Saltash. Falmouth itself is an old and crowded place, with very pleasing exceptions. The show-ground is upon tho best site, and presents a beautiful picture. 1'he sea-view, the shipping, the castle, the distant headlands seen from it, are exceed- ingly lino. Tho ground is set out with the usual taste of tho west country committee, and the provision made for the pleasure and amusement of visitors is certainly profuse. Tho inhabitants of the town and district have done much to promote the success of the meeting, and the sum raised in aid amounts to 27001. The entries of stock and implements are satisfactory, and, taking into account the isolated position of Falmouth, is beyond the expectation of the ollicials. 'We are delighted to see the long rows of shedding filled once more with cattle, and that of such a high order as to convey the idea at once that the cattle plague had not caused any degeneration in the breed of cattle. THE CATTLE SHOW. The Devons are, of course, in full force, and pre- sented a fine show of about 50 prime specimens. In Class 1, for the best bulls, exceeding two and not exceeding four years old, the 1st prize was taken by Mr. G. Turner's " Albert Victor," three years, six months, and two weeks old. His whole contour of frameisverycomplcte— good size, fineappearance, and of most excellent quality and beauty. His sire " Leotard," dam " Vandine." Mr. G. Mason takes 2d prize with a younger bull, of fine cylindrical form, but lengthy and rather narrow frame. There were only eight entries, but they received two prizes, one Highly Commended, and three Coramendeds. In Class 2, bulls not exceed- ing two years, Jlr. Walter Farthing takes 1st prize with " Master Arthur," bred by Sir A. A. Hood, Bart. He is a beautiful little fellow, with deep compact frame. Mr. J. H. BuUer takes 2d prize with a North Devon bull having a nice level frame, rather flat in rib. There is one Highly Commended and three Commended in this class, denoting high merit. In Class 3, best cow, Mr. J. A. Smith takes 1st prize with " Curly," a very pretty little animal, in good form, of superb quality; and Mr. W. Farthing takes 2d prize with " Lady," one year younger than " Curly," 15 stone heavier, and equally well formed, except her somewhat heavy tuts. Is this quite correct judgment ? Mr. J. A. Smith and Mr. J. Smith receive Highly Commendeds. In Class 4, in-calf heifers, Mr. J. H. BuUer receives 1st prize with a very good heifer, level in frame and compact throughout the flank, and thigh superior. Mr. G. Turner takes two prizes with " Lady Mary ;" she is somewhat smaller in frame, but rather long and slight loin. Mr. W. Farthing and Mr. G. C. Hambro are Highly Commended in this Class. Mr. Farthing's heifer has a capital bosom and full fore- quarter. In Class 5, heifers not exceeding two years, Mr. G. Turner receives 1st prize with " Duchess 6th," in every respect a little beauty. Mr. J. H. BuUer takes 2d prize with a North Devon heifer, with Larger frame but not so compact. Mr. Farthing is Highly Com- mended for " Miss Laura." Shorthorns. — In Class G— bulls exceeding two years and not exceeding four years— Lady Etnily Pigot takes 1st prize with " Charles le Beau," a capital roan, which took 1st prize in his class at the Dublin Spring Show. He is of fine cylindrical length and proportion, level back, capital head and coat, good flank and quarters, rather flat rib and girth rather scant. Mr. R. Stratton takes 2d prize with "James 1st," a very full-formed well-proportioned animal, capital ribs and rump, a good competitor for " Charles le Beau." Messrs. Hosken show a capital bull in this class, his fault being a high neck, crest or comb, and thin near the ears. In Class 7, bulls not exceeding two years, Mr. R. W. Pollard takes 1st prize with one of the best young bulls ever seen, his coat and hide perfection, and his form deeply cylindrical and even ; very compact throughout and handsome, colour dark red. Lady E. Pigot takes 2d prize with " Rosolio." He is a very superior bull, level top, and beautiful touch. The Earl of Radnor and Mr. Bolitho take Highly Commended in this class. In Class 8, best cow, Messrs. W. Hosken & Son take the 1st prize with " Rose-bud ;" she is a fine queenly-looking animal, well-formed, handsome and good colour. Lady E. Pigot takes two prizes with " Rosa Lea," a first- class cow of good frame and substance. Messrs. \V. Hosken & Son receive two Highly Commendeds in this class. In Class 9, heifers in calf, Messrs. W. Hosken & Son take 1st and 2d prizes : 1st, an excellent heifer in good lengthy form and deep, capital rump and thighs; 2nd, very good frame, neck thin stands high. Lady E. Pigot is Highly Commended for " Dame of Rosa Lea," whose frame is deep and long, loin and twist defective. In Class 10, heifers not exceeding two years, the Earl of Radnor takes 1st prize with " Darmstadt," a heifer of common character, with fair frame. Messrs. W. Hosken & Son take 2d prize with a very superior heifer, of fine form and quality, her thighs rather slight, and inclined to feel " patchy." Mr. R. Stratton receives a High Commendation with '■ Eva," a very pretty roan heifer. Herefords.—ln Class 11— bulls exceeding two years and not exceeding four years of age— Mr. Duckham takes 1st prize with " Reginald," a very superior animal, of great length and full proportions, in depth. substance, and beauty ; ribs too flat, underneath parts not heavy. Jlr. J. Rawlo takes 2d. honours with a very good animal ; only two entries. In Class 12, best young bull, only one entry, Mr. J. Rawle taking 1st prize. In Class 13, best cow, Mr. J. \V. James takes 1st prize, only one entry. In Class M, heifers in calf, Mr. James is again successful, only one entry. In Class 15, best yearling heifer, Mr. James again takes tho 1st prize. This being the_ first cattle show of any importance since "the stamping out" of the cattle jilague, wo have given a somewhat detailed notice of it, which must bo our apology for a scanty notice of tho other classes, however meritorious they may be. The following are the awards in the Cattle classes:— JUDGES. Cattlf..— Mr. WippoU, Barton, Exeter; Mr. R. B. Warren, Blandford. Dorset ; Mr. Savage, Oxford. Larch Pics and Long-wool Sheep.— tfr. William Sandy, ITolmo Pierrepont, Nottingham ; Mr. George Partridge, Bow, Devon. Small Pigs and Short-wool Sheep.- Mr. John Ford, Rushton, Blandford ; Mr. F. Budd, Hatch Warren, Basing- PoULTBY AND PiQEOSS.— Mr. Edwavd Hewctt, Spilrk Brook, Birmingham. Houses.- Mr. Henry Tyrrell, Brent, Devon ; Mr. Thurnall, Roy.stoli, Cambridge. Devon. Class 1. For the best Bull, 2 to 4 years oM.-25i., Mr. Goorgo Turner, Brampford Speko, Exeter; lOi., Mr. George Mason, Sliortlanend, Truro. Comranuded : Mr. Walter Farthing, Mr. W. Clark, and Mr. J. H. Duller. Class 2. For the best Bull under 2 years old.— 20f., Mr. Walter F.wthing, Stowoy Court, Bridgwater ; 10(., Mr. J. II. Buller, Creditor. Highly Commended : Mrs. Susan Trcmaine, Mr. W. Smith, Exeter. Commended : Mr. W. Farthing, Mr. R. Biokle. Class 3. For the best Cow in e.ilf (or m milk).-15J., Mr. John A. Smith, Bradford Peverill, Dorchester ; lOi., Mr. Walter Farthing. Highly Commended : Ml'. John A. Smith, Mr, James Tremaine. Cl ASS 4. For the best Heifer in calf (or in milk), under 3 years old.-15I., Mr. J. H. Buller; 10(., Mr. O. Turner. Highly Commended : Mr. W. Farthing, Mr. Charles Hambro. Class 6. For the best Heifer under 2 years old.— 10(., Mr. G. Turner; St., Mr. J. II. Buller. Highly Commended: Mr. W. Farthing. Shorthorn. Class G. For the best Bull, 2 and under 4 years old.— 2.5f., Lady Emily Pigot, Branches Park, Newmarket ; 10^, Mr, Richard Stratton, Bristol. Commended : Messrs. W. Hosken & Son. 7. For the best Bull under 2 years old.— 20?., 5Ir. Richard W. PoUar, Paignton, Torquay; lOi., Lady Emily Pigot. Highly Commended ; Mr. R. Stratton, Bristol : the Earl of Radnor. Class S. For the best Cow in calf (or in milk).— 1.5(., Mes.srs. Hosken i! Son, Hayle; 10( , Lady Emily Pigot. Highly Commended : Messrs. Hosken & Son. Glass 9. For the best Heifer in calf (or in milk) under 3 years old.— 16(., Messrs. Hosken & Son ; lOi., ditto, ditto. Highly Commended : Lady Emily Pigot. Class 10. For tho best Heifer under 2 years old.— 10(., the Earl of Radnor, Highworth. Wilts ; bl., Messrs. Hosken 6 Son. Highly Commended : Mr. Richard Stratton, Hereford. 11. For tho best Bull, 2 to 4 years old.— 25J., Mr. Thomas Duckham, Ross, Herefordshire ; bl., Mr. Joseph Rawle, Paramore, Hereford. Class 12. For the best Bull under 2 years old. — 20/., Mr. Joseph Rawle. Class i:). For the best Cow in calf (or in milk).— 15!., Mr. J. W. James, Mappowder Court, Blandford. Class 14. For the best Heifer in raU (or in milk) under 3 years old. — 15(., Mr. J. W. James, Blandford. Class 15. For the best Heifer under 2 years old.— lor, Mr. J. W. J.ames. THE .SHEEP CLASSES. Leicesters. — These classes are well supplied with excellent specimens of the breed. There were 28 pens of shearlings, Mr. J. B. Corner winning 1st prize with a handsome well-formed sheep of capital quality, Mr. J. Rosewarne taking 2d honour with a good shearling descended from Mr. Sanday's celebrated flock. In the Older Sheep Class Mr. F. Gould takes 1st prize with the ram which took 1st honour at Salisbury last year, and 2d honour with a sheep not before shown. In the Yearling Ewe Class Jlr. G. Turner takes 1st honour, Mr. Tremaine 2d do. The majority of these Leicesters were not quite to our taste— too much leg, too little neck. The Cotswold Classes were not numerously filled, Mr. J. Gillett and Mr. J. K. Tombs dividing the honours of 1st and 2d respectively in the Shearling Class, and Mr. Gillett showed a remarkably large sheep in the Old Sheep Class. We have not much to remark upon the Southdown Classes. The beauty and uniformity of frame wo usually see in the Shearling Class is less noticeable than usual. Mr. R. N. Grenville's sheep in the next class is a nice animal. The pens of ewes are good Hampshire Downs. These classes are poorly repre- sented. Mr. Rawlence takes 1st honours in both the Ram classes, and Mr. R. Coles 2d ditto in both. Mr. Raw- lence wins both honours in the Ewe Class, which go far to redeem the show of Hampshire Downs. In the other Down Classes the Oxfordshire Downs takes the lead, but Mr. H. Wood, a new exhibitor, take 1st honour with a capital pen of Shropshire Ewes. There were some capital specimens in the Somerset and Dorset Horns classes— ugly as they are. Mr. F. Danger's two-shear is a fine type of the breed. The Exmoors and Dartmoors always interest us ; they are excellent sheep for their purpose, and several are in good and correct form, and not too small. The Dart- moors in their wool (rather hairy) surprised us by their heavy fleeces. The Pig Classes are not equal to former years— many pens are empty— Mr. R. E. Duckering & Sons taking chief honours, both in the large and small breed classes— one a very large specimen. Some of the small breeds are very complete in frame. The following is the list of Awards :— Leicester. Class 16. For the best Yearling Ram. — \1l., Mr. James Tremaine, Polsue ; 6f . , Mr. John Rosewarne. Commended : Mr. James Burston Comer ; Mr. G. Turner ; Mr. Joseph Gould. Class 17. For tho best Ram of any other ago.-5(., Mr. Joseph Gould: .1(., ditto. Class 18. For tho best pen of 5 Yearling Ewes.— 10!., Mr. George Turner ; bl,, Mr. James Tromaino. Commended: Mr. James Burston Corner. Cotswold. Class 19. For tho best Yearling Ram.— 12!., Mr. John Gil- lett, Oaklands ; U,, Mr. John King Tombs, Langford. Class 20. For tho best Ram of any other ago.— 5!., Mr. John Gillett; 3!., Mr. T. Bealo Browne, jVndoversford. Class 21. For tho best pen of 5 Yearling Ewes.— lOf., Mr. John King Tombs. Southdown. Class 22. For tho beat Yearling Ram.— 12(., Mr. Ralph Ncville-Grenville, M.P., Glastonbury ; C!., ditto. Class 23. For tho best Ram of any other age.— 5/., Mr. Ralph Nevillc-Grcnvillo, M.P. ; 'il.. Sir William Throckmorton, Uart., Buckland. Class 24, For tho best pen of 3 Y'e.arling Ewes.— 10^, Sir W. Throckmorton, Bart. ; 5^, the Right Hon. the Earl of Radnor. Hampsbire Down. Class 25. For the best Yearling Rara.— 12?., Mr. James Rawlence, Salisbury ; U., Mr. Robert Coles, Wai-minstor. Class 26. For the bc.«t Ram of any other ago.— 5(,, Mr.J.amc8 Rawlence. Salisbury ; 3?., Mr. Robert Coles. Class 27. For tho best Pen of 5 Yearling Ewes.— 10!., Mr. James Rawlence. Other Down. Class 28. For the best Y'earling Bam.— 12(., Mr. John King Tombs, Gloucestershire; 6i., ditto. Class 20. For tho best Bam of any other age— 5?., Mr. George Wallis, Farringdon : 3(., dittO; 30. For the best pen of 5 Y'earling Ewes.— 10/., Mr. Henry Wood, Romsoy ; 5!., Mr. George Wallis, Farringdon. Somerset and Dorset Horn. Class 31. For the best YearUng Ram.— 12i., Mr. Henry Mayo, Dorchester : Gl., ditto. Class 32. For tho best Ram of any other age.— 61., Mr. Henry Mayo ; 31., Mr. Thomas Danger, Bridgwater, Class 33. For tho best pen of 5 Yearling Ewes,— 10/., Mr. Henry Mayo ; 5/., Mr. Thomas Danger. EXMOOR AND other Horned .MOUNTAIN (iu their wool). Class 34. For the best Ram of any age.— 10/., Mr. Edwin Maunder, jun., Molton, Devon ; 51., ditto. Class 35. For the best pen of 5 Ewes of any age.— 5i., Mr. Edwin Maunder; 3i., Mr. James Quartly, South Molton.. Dartmoor and other Moor (in their wool). Class 36. For tho best Ram of any age.— 10/., Mr. James Drew, Tavistock ; 5/., ditto. Class 37. For the best pen of 5 Ewes of any age.— 5(., Mr. James Drew. HORSES. The show of horses is by no means equal to former years, and very few good animals are found in the classes. The whole exhibition, inclusive of ponies, does not exceed 35 in number. The cart-horses are scarcely in character. We noticed in these classes horses more for the carriage than " the cart." We cannot specially notice one of true merit. In the classes for hunters there were some good horses. Mr. G. B. Battams takes the chief honours, 1st in aged hunters, 1st and 2d in 4-year-old hunters Class, auo 1st for hacks, which are an ordinary lot. The ponies always attract a good deal of attention, but there \va3 nothing worthy of especial note beyond the 1st prize pony, which is a very pretty animal of genteel type. The following are the Awards :— Horses for AriRicuLTURAL Purposes. Class 38. For the best Stallion, foaled before 1866.-23/. Mr. Henry Laity, Camborne; 15/., Mr. Edw. Brydges WiUyams, St. Columb. CLA.SS 39. For the best StalUon, foaled m 1806.-20/., Mr. Henry Hitchcock, Heytesbury. . „ , „, Class 40. For the best Mare and Foal, or in Foal, 151. Entries disqualified. , Class 41. For the best Filly, foaled in 1866. — 10/., 5!. No entries. Hunters. Class 42. For the best Mare or Gelding, foaled before tho January 1, 1864—25/., Mr. George Bland Battams, Kitworthy; 10/., Mr. James James, Newton St. Mawes. Class 43. For the best Mare or Gelding, foaled inl864. — 25/., Mr. George Bland Battams; 10/., ditto, ditto. Class 44. For the beat Filly or Gelding, foaled in 1865.— 15/,, Mr. Jeflery Michelmore, Berry Pomeiy, Totnea ; bl., Mr. Joseph Carne, Salom, Cbacewater. Class 45. For the best Yearling Colt or Filly, foaled in 1867. — IM., tho Right Hon. the Viscount Falmouth, Tregothnan ; bl., Mr. Henry Laity, Marazion. Highly Commended: Tho Bight Hon. Viscount Falmouth. Hacks. Class 46. For tho best Mare or Gelding, under 6 years old, under 15 hands high, to carry not less than 12 stone.— 15/., Mr. George Bl.and B.attams, Tavistock ; 5/., Mr. Michael Henry Williams, Tiedrea. Ponies. CLA.SS 47. For the best Mare or Gelding under 14 hands.— 8/.. Mr. John A. Smith, Dorset. Class 48. For the beat Mare or Gelding under 13 hands high —8/., Mr. Mark Guy, Wadebridge ; 4/., Mr. WilUatn Frederick Collier, Devon. Highly Commended : Mr. Jcffery Michelmore. Commended : Mr. A. C. WiUyams. PIGS. Large Breed. Cl\ss 49. For tho best Boar under 2 years old on Junel. \%^S.~bl., Messrs. R. E. Duckering & Sons, Lincoln; 3',, Cl.\ss 50. For the best Boar.— 5i., Messrs. B. E. Duckering & Sons ; 3/., Mr. John Widdicombe, Ivybridge. Class 51. For the best Breeding Sow in farrow, or exhibited with her litter.— 5/., Messrs. R. E. Duckering & Sons, Lincohi ; 3/ ditto. Commended : Mr. John King Tombs. Class 52 For the best pen of two Breeding Sows under 9 months of age.— 5/., Messrs. R. E. Duckering & Sons, Lincoln ; 3/., Mr. John King Tombs. Small Breed. Class 53. For tho best Boar above 1, and not exceeding 2 years old on Juno 1, 1868.-5/., Messrs. B. E. Duckering & Sons, Lincoln ; 3/., Mr. E. Coles, Somerset. Class 51. For the beat Boar not exceeding 1 year old on June 1, 1868.-5!., Measrs, R, E. Duckering & Sona. Class 56. For the best Breeding Sow "''^'■™%',°\1J,,V9 F with her litter.-5/., Mr. W. F. Colher, Devon ; 3/., Messrs. K. E. Duckering & Sons. Breeding Sows not ox- 6,S.— 5/., Mr. Thomas R. Comlsn, uevon; n., i>it!BBi»- ^'- -^- V^2 v.,^^r,f TiAdnar 56. For tho best pen of t' ceeding 9 months of age^on June^ Cornish, Devon ; Zl. Uiemy uommenaea ; iuc .>.««- o j«.»i, o^H 7 Commended : Mr. J. Sydney Davey. Redruth, and . Treraaine, Polsue, 614 THE TrATiDENERS' rFreOMCT,E AN]) AfiETriTTTFRAT, rrAZETTE, [JtTNB 6, 1868. Tho Dog Show does not constitute a part of the Bath and West of Eogland Show, but is entirely local. It must be pronounced a decided success, although tlae numbers are not great—!, e., 279, aooordinf? to cata- logue—consisting of setters, pointers, harriers, fox- hounds, greyhounds, retrievers, spaniels (including Clumbers), mastiffs, Newfoundlands, bloodhounds, sheep dogs, bull terriers, fox terriers, black and tan terriers. King Charles spaniels, Blenheim spaniels, and toy dogs. There are some fine specimens of the species. The fine old mastiff looked the picture of ma.iestic importance. The celebrated letter-carrier was ihere. The deerhound was there, a swift formidable animal. There were the most ugly and the most handsome of their kinds, the largest and the "tiniest"— Tiny, not bigger than a kitten and clothed in scarlet ; Rose, no bigger, in a glass case, wire top; some just fit for a lady's muff. The foxhounds were not fine; the New- foundlands are splendid creatures ; the bull terriers looked real " bad dogs." Shepherd-dogs in great variety. The Arts Department contains a very interesting collection of oil paintings, drawings, sketches, etc., nearly all originals, to the number of 373 ; the whole is well arranged and highly patronised. The manufac- turing department of this section of the show is exfleedingly good, and many curiosities are shown besides both old and of recent origin. The Marine baud, led by Mr. Winterbottom, was very effective, and had many listeners. The Floral and Horticultural Departments are beautifully and freely supplied. The exhibition is very attractive, and some splendid specimens of flowers and fruit are shown. To those uninitiated ingetting up these meetings it is a matter of wonder how all is got toge- ther in such order and beauty. THE IMPLEMENT AND MACHINERY EXHIBITIOJT. In this department of the Show there are the usual attractions and in considerable numbers, many of the exhibitors manifesting great energy in their contribu- tions. The Messrs. Howard, of IJedford, have a largo collection. Picksley & Sims have an extensive stand. Bansomes & Sims, Woods & Cocksedge, Richmond & Chandler, Carson & Toone, and others, have rather large collections of their well-patronised products. The stands and collections of agricultural seeds, roots, and Grasses shown by Messrs. Sutton k Sons, by J. Carter & Co., and Mr. L. Pontney, are truly wonderful, and do their respective houses great credit. They are worthy of a prolonged visit, as being highly instructive. It is impossible in our condensed report to do justice to such a satisfactory show ; we can only call attention to some things seen on passing along the many lines of sheds. Steam threshiug machines, by their various makers, are in considerable numbers, and from all our principal manufacturers. Our eye first caught a novelty for a farmers' exhibition, i. e., a steam propeller for " ploughing tne ocean." Can any of our clover machinists turn it to account ? Ruston & Proctor's eccentric (Chapman's patent) next met our eye, by means of which the steam may be cut offat any portion of the stroke. Clayton &Co.'s revolving liquid manure drill is a novel and very useful application of the drop drill. The growing samples of Grass seeds shown by Sutton & Sons, is very interesting ; graziers should examine such specimens. They have also a large collec- tion of dried specimens and seeds of all kinds. James Carter & Co. have also a splendid collection of Grasses and grain plants, admirably arranged. Their preserved Mangels are still fine and sound. Mr. Pontney has a like collection, in pots and bags, grown by himself. Picksley & Sims showed us their pretty (a proper word here) Grass-mower. It is very neatly and attractively made ; the fingers, though "delicate," are truly strong, and its simplicity m make and readiness in work was shown admirably in the field — none made better work in the trial field, and upon a good crop of Grass, sufficiently strong to prove capability. Mr. Brenton showed us his " Nonpariel " mowing machine. It is a business-looking machine, capable of good work; its driving wheels are rather high, which is rather advantageous : it made good work in the field. J. & F. Howard have a very extensive stand. We noticed more especially their new double-furrow plough for fallow light work, large shares for big furrows. Their chain harrow is a com- bination of a tripod-shaped tine, with steel links, and the hinder part the ordinary chain harrow ; very eB'ective. Their plough apparatus for raisinjj Potatos is well worth attention. Their Grass-mower is a well- made machine, provided against every contingency in work, is simple in construction, and cheap, and per- forms well with light draught. Their reaping machine we did not see in work, but it bids fair to excel. Their steam boiler (new patent safety) is a very valuable acquisition, " there being no risk of explosion ; " it gives economy of fuel, good circulation of water, and durable. Messrs. Kearsley showed their Grass-mower in work; it is a highly useful machine, and made fair work. J. L. Larkworthy & Co. showed many Excelsior ploughs, harrows, &c. ; Garton & Co. had an extensive stand, in great variety ; B. Boby, his usual screens, with many other very useful implements ; Jas. Tuck & Son showed us some novel stiles, in variety— they slide^aside to permit a passage ; Musgrave Brothers had a large stand of stable and cow-house fittings, &c. ; Plimsaul Brothers showed a great number of implements, tools, : &c. ; Carson & Toone had a good stand of their well \ Eatronised implements and engines ; Mr. Baker shows ' is corn-dressing machines, which for simplicity and i economy are unsurpassed. Holmes & Son have their | usual assortment of valuable machines, drills, &o. I Ransomes & Sims have a good stand of their 'well- ' known ploughs, harrows, lawn-mowers, mills, cutters, &c. ; their application of the plough to the turnwrist principle is admirable. Burgess & Key have their reapers and mowers. Bamlett shows his mower and his reaper : the former was in the field, and made fair work. The Reading Company have a nice stand ; their Grass-mower is a very attractive machine, and did its work admirably. The cutting parts are peculiar —a plate of sharpened steel is inserted in the finger, so as to make a regular scissors cut, ;'. e., " The Clipper Machine." J. Le Butt has a good stand ; his little hand seed drill attracted attention. The Beverley Ironworks Co. showed their Grass- mower in work ; it made fair work, the price low. Hawkes, Spencer, & Co. show their new chain corn drill ; the regulator is a capital contrivance. Their three-rowed drop drill is another good contrivance. Coleman & Morton show their cultivators and other useful machines. R. Hornsby & Sons have a good stand : their mower was tried in the field, and did fairly. R. and J. Reeve, as usual, show their liquid manure and other drills, &c. Cambridge and Co. have a good collection of rollers, harrows, chain harrows, &c. Page & Co., pipe and other machines. Woods & Cocksedge have a good collection in variety ; their one-horse works are approved. Garratt & Son have their drills and horse-hoes, and Richmond & Chandler have a good show of their usual character — cutters, breakers, gear-work, steamers, &c. Clunes & Davis' paragon harrows are upon the Howard principle, with flatbars"and peculiar fasten- ings—doubtful in work. Moule's Patent Earth Closet Company show their closets and sets of apparatus in variety. We have not space for much remark. We were struck with its simplicity and applicability, and the utility of such savings is unquestionable ; they ought to meet with almost universal adoption. J. Davcy showed us a turnwrist-plough, with a simple ada)ita- tion of parallel motion to the wheels. E. H. Bcuthall shows his varieties of mills, breakers, cutters, pulpers, &c. Samuelson shows reaping and mowing machines. His Grass-mower was exhibited in work, and per- formed well : price low. The exhibitors of steam- threshing machines were Holmes & Son, Parker & Son, Clayton & Shuttleworth, Reading Company, Brown & May, Marshall & Co., Hawken & Co., Ruston & Co., Humphries, Hornsby & Sons, Garratt & Sons, Cambridge & Co., and Beare. It is impossible to give a detailed account of the great variety of implements shown, or the exhibition generally. Our present imperfect report must therefore suffice. We fear the exhibitors will not reap a satisfactory harvest, although the visitors are more numerous than could be expected from the small population near. It is right that migratory societies should visit every locality at all adapted to receive them, but it is not always a profit- able course, the loss in one instance must be gained in another; be the issue what it may, the Falmouth district has done well. The Hokse Snow : Agricaltural Sail, Islington. This noble hall has been crowded by spectators during the past week; and we do not wonder at it, for a greater enjoyment than is afforded by the daily parade and display of the very noble classes of hunters, hacks, and ponies which have been collected here, can hardly be imagined. The interesting character of the exhibi- tion has been greatly enhanced during this, the fifth annual occasion of it, by the visit of a numerous Royal party. On Wednesday last the Prince and Princess of W'^ales honoured the meeting with their presence, and received a hearty reception by the large and distin- guished company present. Their Royal Hignesses were accompanied by the Crown Prince of Denmark and Prince Christian. A private box had been pre- pared, so that the Royal carria.ges could be driven into the Hall close to the entrance leading to the gallery in which it was situate. Shortly before five o'clock the Royal party arrived, when tliey were received by the Secretary, Mr. Sidney, Messrs. Clayden, James Howard, Shuttleworth, Leeds, and other directors of the Company. The leading features of the Show may be comprised in a description of this day's display. After a few rounds of harness horses, which included an excellent pair of grey cobs driven tandem, " Rapid Roan," a Norfolk trotter, and "Fire-away Shales," were trotted round the ring, making a great display of power, fine action, and speed. The former is an entire horse, and was bred by the Earl of Albemarle ; and we learn that the Prince of Wales admired his fine form, and has purchased him, with a view to breeding a team of his stamp for the Royal stud. The clever trotter, " Tele- graph," a chestnut cob of remarkable action, then made a few rounds in an American racing " machine." but he seemed to participate in the excitement of the visitors, and could not control himself to the fine trotting action for which he is celebrated, when he has room for plain sailing. The thorough-bred stallions then appeared in the ring, but as the most noted horses of the day cannot be expected to be shown at a confined place like a horse- show, this was not the most intfresting display of the day. To this view, however. Earl Spenser's chestnut "General Hess" and Mr. Merrick's compact and elegant brown "Idler " were noble exceptions. The hunters,'of which there were 4 classes,'numbering altogether 135, may be said to have been the principal attraction. There were some grand animals m all the classes. Lady Derwent, the 1st prize in the 2d class, is a light-weight hunting mare, endowed with the most perfect style of action, while her fine quality, strength, and appearance, are equally admirable. To this mare a Gold Medal was also awarded. The Prince of Wales' powerful and staid 5-year-old chestnut gelding " Knight of St. Patrick," was placed 2d in this cilass. " Voyageur," the 8-year-old dappled chestnut, which has taken various prizes on p.evious occasions, was here passed without any oflBcial recognition. Captain E. N. Heygate's " Mountain Dew," a black brown, and an old attendant and prize-taker at these shows, takes the 1st prize in Class 1, and she has also very beautiful and easy hunting action. The park hacks and ladies' horses of any height are a comparatively uneven lot; the dark cOiesnut mare " Quicksilver," the property of Sir E. C. Dering, Bart., being a very elegant exception. The weight- carrying park hacks and cover hacks and roadsters were generally good; and the animals in the class headed Arabs were a most interesting collection. The Prince of Wales' "Kaplan" has fine action, and '■ Le Vent," a golden bay, is in every respect beautiful, but his performing capabilities are more adapted for doing short journeys elegantly than for a "quick thing " or a long day. The 3d prize to these horses is one of the most perfect mares we have ever seen. The jumping over the artificial fences caused great amusement to the visitors. As a rule, this is the most that can be said of this performance in so confined a space, for the display is utterly unserviceable for any assistance it aflTords to the judgment or estimate to be formed of fencing power in the open. An exception, however, was an extraordinary pony, and an equally remarkable boy, the former being the propertv and the latter the son of Mr. T. C. Thomas, of High Street, Banbury. This pony was too late for admission as a competitor, or he would undoubtedly have met with a substantial acknowledgment of his merits. After the hunters had knocked the " fences" about considera'oly, this animal and its rider appeared on the scene, when they charged the 3 to 4 feet fences and several times cleared them in the finest style, on each occasion "bringing down the house," as they say in the theatres. Subsequently the little fellow, who is about 11 years of age, was led on his pony in front of the Royal box to receive the special notice of the Princess. The following is the list of prizes ;— LIST OF JUDGES. The Earl of Macclesfield, Viscount Combermere, Lord Kest even. Colonel the Hon, Charles Hay, Colonel Kingscote, C.B., M.P. ; Harvie M. Farquhar, Esq. AWARDS Class 1. Hctnters— Weight Carriers, equal to not less than 15 stone.— let prize, Captain E. N. Heygate, R.E. (Mouvtain Deir) ; 2d, Miss E. R. Fyler (Tiirmnnel) ; 3d, John Anstruther Thomson, Esq, {Bonlerer). Class 2, Hunters, without condition as to weight.— 1st, Edmund Hornby, Esq. {Laihi BerieeiU); 2d, His Royal High- ness the Prince of Wales (Knir/ht of SI. Patrick) ; 3d, Thomas Gee, Esq. {The General). Class 3. Hunter,?, without condition as to weight, and not exceeding 15.2 hands high,— 1st. Mr. Joseph Casson {CltHlon) ; 2d, William Jones Loyd, Esq, (Nutijoiime). Class 4. Hu —1st, ,.lai ,1. Dering, l;.ri ( ,'. 1,5,2 hands high 2d, Mr, WiUiam Moilcy (B; oM,— 1st, th.j L..i,l Somervillo 11 : I .,.y height. Mi • ; ili.,l,ueloy :..!. Li. Ml. . I 1,. \M|.y(AVj.ifr), WD KoAPSiKKs, not exceeding Thomas Winter Potter (Tommy)', ifii Dncliem) ; 3d, Captain St, Clair Ford (.Cheshire Phe,imi>ton Road, London, ■ through all respectable Ironmonger.^. Before you Order a Haymakins Machine, ■\\KITL loR ILLUSU AlLlJ C VPVIOuUL Ut 1 C II \ M 1 I O^ H V\ M V IvER, hioh f.tr sticnNtb, Iitlttne'-, nf driu^ht sunt lii^ity and T efficiency, is unequillod LLLl 9tront,cst and most iiit mile b\ JOSIAH hi. hit) christened not iehvered taining Illustnttd CitiUknes t te b\ I : repoi ts from practical tarniLrs who have used these Machines^ " ' ■ 1 Haymiking ind a few Practical OWER or REAPER KNIFE REST. For firmly holding Knife of Reaper or Mower, during the pro- csss of sharpening, and obviates the many dangerous practices in Is very portable. No Farmer ought to bo without one. pt of Post- ffice order for 15«. a Lest will be forwarded. SELF-ACTING Bv simply turning Rr,.=8 fecrew, this lu be iubtantly , for Sowing all Garden Seeds; ile for the Farm it the Horse Illustrated Catnl W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON AND WIRE WORKS, NORWICn. — ~-^ —---■--'■ ties In tiie'lmplenient Department of the Birmingham and Smithfleld *^*"'*.^"^"\^^apr "Among the other novelties ^ — nntly efficient Hand Drill. .. ..Xp leniiB'' *... ..I tool, the , in a cheap form by Mr. r Maje JoiiA: IIlustnUod^nd'Oescrii'tivL ' i talnlng Prices and TestlniouLiU, Le Butt, Patentee and Mamifnci ' ,11 application to Josi- y St. Edmund's. Suflolk, THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 6, 1868. JOHN WAENEE & SONS, CRESCENT, CRIPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.C., BRASS and BELL FOUNDEBS to HER MAJESTY, HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS. inches dimnete No. No. 35. WAENERS' PATENT CAST-IRON LIFT PUMPS. £1 SHORT-BARREL DITTO, FOR SINKS, TLAXT nOUSES, &c. inches diameter . . .£1 1 Ko. 54rA. GARDEN ENGINE. 2S Gals. . . £.5 10 21 ,, .. 4 19 le „ .. 3 U 10 „ .. 2 19 No. 42. WARNERS' PORTABLE PDMPS, With Improved Valves for Liquid Manure, £2 1.5j. 2-iii. Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 1.5 ft. lengths, per foot, .5(/. ILLUSTRATED and PRICED LISTS of Garden Engines, Swing Barrows, Aquajects, Syringes, Rubber Hose, and Fountain Jets sent on application. No. 3!>. WARNERS' CRYSTAL PALACE FIRE ENGINE, or PORTABLE FORCE PITMP. With this compact, portable, and generally useful Engine, one man will throw from 1.5 to 18 gallons of water per minute to a height of •50 feet. All its working parts are of brass, the barrow of wrought iron ; easy access to the valves is gained, and the workmanship throughout is substantial. Not only will it be found most useful in cases of Fire wherever a supply of water can be obtained, but also for Watering Lawns or Fruit Trees. Price on Barrow, with Branch Pipe, Spreader, Unions, and Suction Rose, £6. l^-in. 2-pIy Rubber Suction Pipe, per foot, 2s. Id. IJ-in. ditto Delivery Hose, Is. id. Messrs, Warner & Sons. Gryatal Palace. Sydenham. March 2, 1367 ...„ii nJfl'^'^l''', '¥' ^t?' Pl- ■ ■ inabled by your machine 1 prepared, with a rapidity and saving of expense only found in the neater than can be cut by the old method of ... ^ ._^g of the machines compared to hand labour, " "^ *' fours respectfully, John C. Stackv, Superintendent." liles daily, much action and u ' Tours respectfully, Jons Stab , Oardei JOHN CORNES, ILFORD BRIDGK WORKS, ILFORD, ESSEX. GRAY'S OVAL TUBULAR BOILER. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, Class IX., No. 2119. Mb. gray begs to call the attention of the NobUity, Gentrj-, Nurserymen, Gardenera, &c., to his NEW OVAL TUBULAR BOILER, Acknowledged by practical judges to be a great improvement on every form of Tubular Boiler yet introduced. It has proved itself superior to all other Boilers for quietness of action and economy of Fuel, doing its work with one-third leas the amount required by any other. Extract from Report in Gardeners' Chronicle oJ International Exhibition, Man 2-1, 1862, page 476. •The upright form of Boiler is usually made on a circular plan, | rather than a square, it sooma feasible that the Boilers on the oval form given to Mr. Gray's variety of It Is eaid to be plan should bring the tubea ] sequence of Its bringinR the tubes In clo.ser contact | burning fuel ; and this beln^ but thi preferabli , ^...^ ^^ ^^ ^. ^„„™^„ with the fire. The'uBUal form of a^furnaceVeing'a paralielog^^ Q doubt an improvement. ., completely within range of the , the change, though a alight one, 1^" They are made of all sizes, which, with prices, may be had on application. JAMES GRAY, HORTICULTURAL WORKS, DANVERS STREET, PAULTON'S SQUARE, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. ri;iME STRAl* and HOLK BDTTS. Price Lists sent ft-oo by post. Wurohouae: 81, Mark Lane, London, E.C. Mr. H. KgniiAiiKg. Apont._ FOlt the BEST LICiUID MANUKK CAKT, IMX'ROVED HOLLER and CLOD CHUSilER, plensni-L', m. 'W iKniwork or Part Vcrnhii, ILiy Unuk dispensed with !i.s unnecessary, increased width and depth of Feeding Troughs. Water Ciatem, and Patent Drop Cover to prevent over-gorging. Cleanly, durable, and impervious to Infection, being all of lion. Prices of Fittings per Cow. 55s. Prospectuses free of Cottam & Co., Iron Works, 2, Winaley Street (opposite the Piintheon), Oxford Street, London, W., where tbo above are exhibited, together with several important Improvements iQ Stable Fittings just secured by Patent. Green's Patent Noiseless Lawn Mowers. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, beg to state that they have no novelties to report. Tho fact is, that after the severe tests their Machines have been subjected to since they added their latest improvements, four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz, : — the keeping of Lawns in the highest state of perfection. They are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other Lawn Mower c * ' Green have car . .- - tition, and in proof of their superiority upwards of 44,000 have been sold since the year 1856. They are the only Machines in constant use at Buckingham Palace Gardens I The Winter Palace Gardens, Marlborough House Gardens Dublin Royal liorticultural Society, The Dublin Botanic Gardens South Kensington The Liverpool Botanic Gardens The Royal Botanic Gardens, The Leeds Royal Park Regent's Park | The Hull Botanic Gardens The Crystal Palace Company's The Botanic Gardens, Brussels Gardens, Sydenham The Sunderland ParK The Hyde Park Gardens I Tho Preston Park And in most of tho principal Parks and Squares in tho L'nited Kmgdom. To cut 10 inches „ 12 ., Suitable for a Lady. To cut 14 inches 16 „ Suitable for One Person, to ordinary Chaise Traces or Gig Harness : DONKEY & PONY MACHINES To cut 20 inches .. £13 0 0 16 0 0 „ 3a ir 0 0 „ 42 Leather Boots for Donkey, 18«. „ „ Pony, 22a. The 20 and 28 Inches can 30 inches by a Pony, and the larger s 30 0 0 Leather Boots for Ilorse. 26*. iy be worked by a Donkey, tha ._ . . irger sizes by a Horso ; and as the Machines make no noise in workine, the most spirited animal can bo employed without fear of Its running away or in any way damaging the Machine. Both the Horse, Pony, Donkey, and Hand Machines possess (over all other makers) the advantage of self-sharpening; the cutters being steel on each side, when they become dull or blunt by mooing one way round, the cylinder can be reversed again and again, bring- ing the bottom edge of the cutters against tho bottom blade, when tho Machine will cut equal to new. An-angements are made that the cylinder can bo reversed by any inexperienced person in two or itiro satisfaction, and if not londltlonally. , , , „ , the above Prices include Free Delivery to al' f,''^ P"°^'P*' ' ,Jh way Stations and Shipping Ports in England. All Orders executed on the day they are received. T. G. & Son have ten times more Lawn Mo' Establishment, 64 and 55, Blackfriai in London, that intending Purchnsei tTho' Works at Leeds. 918 THE GARDENERS' CTTROMCLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 6, 1868. H' liars, wiLti full particulars, ! I Morton, 7, Pall Mall East, w. Heating by Hot Water. HOLLANDS, Iron 31, ijankside, S.K 2-inch. is. Oi 1 C 2 3 10 U 3-lnoh. Is. 6d. 2 3 3 6 3 0 11 6 4-inch- HOT-WATER PIFES,from stock— per yard ELBOWS for ditto each TEES STPHONS THROTTLE VALVES ■2s. Od. 2 9 4 S 4 6 13 0 H OT-AVATER APPARATUS, of every description, fixed complete in any part of the country, or the materials, ■viz., Boilars, Pipes, ftc, delivered to any Station. Estimates on application. J. JoMES !l Sons, G, Bankside, Soutliwark, London, S.E. H 0 T - W A T E R CASH PRICES. PIPES 2-inch. 3-inch per yard Is. Orf. Is. fid .. .. each 10 2 3 2 6 ,30 2 0 .30 , 10 0 11 6 4 inch HPES .. .. ELBOWS .. .. TEES .. .. SYPHONS.. .. VALVES .. 2s 01 3 0 4 6 4 6 13 0 LASCELLES' MACHINE-MADE MELON LIGHTS Each 6fl. by 4 ft. Lights, 2in8. thick,unKtazed£0 5 0 ., Primed and Glazed with IGoz. Slieet 0 11 0 ,, with stout Portable Bo.\, not P.iinted 13 0 „ Painted four coats, and Hand'.eson 18 0 „ „ Packed and Delivered iu Rjiilway Van . . . . 110 0 0 n. by 8 fl.. Double Lights, do 2 IS 0 GREENHOUSES. Per tl. super. Woodwork only. Prepared and Pitted 0 0 0 Primed and Glazed with 16 oz. Sheet . . 0 0 9 „ Delivered, and Fixed with Ironwork ..010 „ Painted four coats, two sides, ready for use 0 13 Finsbury Steam Joinery Works, 121, BunhiU Row, E.C. CRiNSTON'S PATENT BUILDINGS for HORTICOLTDRE. " Dry Glazing without Putty." No credit will be given when Pipes, &c., are invoiced at the above prices J. JONES »»n SONS, 6, Bankside, Southwark, London, S.E. Price Lists, with terms for credit and for delivery at country Btationa, wiU be sent_on application. JOHN WEEKS AND C 0 HOBTICULTnRAL BUILDERS HOT-WATER APPARATOS MANUFACTUKEKS The Vineyard, G:ii GREENHOUSES, HOTHOUSES, CONSERVATORIES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, So. HOT-WATER PIPES at wholesale prices, Elbows, T Pieces, Syphons, and every other connection kept in stock. WROUGHT and CAST IKON CO.'JICAL, SADDLE, and IM- PROVED PEILLS BOILERS. IMPROVED and EXTRA STRONG CAST IRON TUBULAR BOILERS, with or without Water Bars. CAST and WROUGHT IRON PORTABLE BOILERS on STAND, lor use without brickwork. PATENT and IMPKOVED THROTTLE and other VALVES, -■ — Hid FURNACE WORK of every de- Greenbauses— Heating Apparatus. CONSERVATORIES PINERIES STRAWBERRY HOUSES VINERIES FORCING HOUSES ORCHID HOUSES WALL. TREE COVERS GREENHOUSES CUCUMBER and Desoi pt vo Book fully Autb r and Patentee , Architect, Blniimgham Works : Hlghgate Street, Birmingham. UsKBT J. Gkowtaqk, Manager, 1, Temple Row West, Birmingham. PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS, FOR HEATING CONSERVATORIES, HOTHOUSES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TKUSS with unrivalled s.atisfaction, is a guarantee for skUl of design, superior materials, and good workmanslup ; whUe the great advantages obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over -esUmated, consisting of perfectly tight joints with neatness of appearance ; EFFECTS A SAVLNG OF 2.5 PER CEN'r. on cost of Apparatus erected compared with other systems; faciUty for extensions, alterations or removals without loJ^y^^gX'P'^^JJJ,'! "'?'*} can be erected by any Gardener; an ordinary si^e Apparatus erected in one day, and PEKtEUliNlibb ol DESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials, with Saddle Boile^ deUvered to any Railway Station in England, and Erected at the foUoNving prices. Erection beyond 2o miles off London, railway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. TWO FOUR-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. Size 01 House. Apparatus Complete. Erection, l Size of House. Appai-atns Complete. Erection 20 feet by 10 feet .. £9 0 0 .. £2 0 0 50 feet by 15 feet .. £17 10 0 ..£300 30 feet by 12 feet .. 1115 0 .. 2 10 0 75 feet by 15 feet .. 20 0 0 .. 3 0 0 40 feet by 15 feet .. 15 0 0 .. 2 15 0 1 100 feet by 15 feet .. 26 0 0 .. 3 5 0 Bath and Gas Work erected in town or country. The Trade Supplied. MorticuUural Hui/dittffs of every description from Is. 6d. per foot superficial, inclusive of Brickwork. Price Lists, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T S TRUSS, C.E., Consulting Horticultural Engineer, &c., Sole Manufacturer, FRIAR STREET, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Otserve — The City Offices are now Removed to the Manufactory, Friar Street. STANDARD GARDEN PUMP and PORTABLE FIRE ENGINE. (C. W. ORFORD'S PATENT.) PRIZE llEDAL orchard house patent sun- blinds* frost protectors. Patented Improve- construction ventilation heating SHADING OPENING GEAR AWARDED for Various Improvements i the Ventilation, Construction, and ApDlication of WROUGHT-IRON to Horticultural Buildini^s. Our New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE, THE NOVELTY, is cheap, durable, easily fixed, does not require painting. Is adapts I for all purposes, and is the most perfectly ventilated house of the present day. Prices:— 20 It. long, £10 to £19 10s. ; 32 ft.. £16 to £29 18s. i 40 ft., £18 to £36 ; 04 ft., £27 I2s. to £64 Ssr. Oii. ; kO ft., £34 to £66 6s. : 104 ft., £43 12s. to £84 10s. Span Roofs, double pnce. Orders for our New Patent WALL-TREE COVER are now solicited. They save their cost in one season. Prices, with 10-oz. zlass, 8s., 9s., 10s., and 12s. per foot run. In HEATING we are pre-eminent, and have pleasure m refei-ring to works in all parts of the kingdom which have been executed by us. Careful personal attention is given to ali orders; and frcm our immense practical experience, we are willing to guaranteo that Buildings left to our arrangement shall perfectly answer the pur- pose., for which thoy are intended, without fear of disappoiiitnient. Our Patented arrangements may be seen " en module," and every '.nformation obtained at our London Office. 6, Sloane Street, S.W. Postal address. Anchor Iron Works, Chelmsford Dennis & Scrdbt, Hot- Water Enginners, Patentees, and geueral iRlZE MEDAL GARDEN SEATS. GARDEN SEATS, was awarded by the Royal Agricultural Society of England at Bury, 1867, to ALFRED WRINCH, Ipswich. THE IMPKOVED GERMAN BEE HIVE, Patented, aOFords the most perfect control of, and insight into, the economy of Bees of any Hive ever invented. See Papers on Agrl- Bee-Hlves. TWO SILVER MEDALS awaedeo to GEO, NEIGHBOUR »»D SONS, AT TBS Pabis ExBinmoN nr 1867. The oki-y Esolisb Exhibitors who obtained a Silver Medal for Bek-Hives. NEIGHBOURS' IMPROVED COTTAGE BEE-HIVE as originally introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR ■■•■ SONS, working three bell-glass ■ '" — "" '' • -•'" "'" management tha SOLE MANUFACTURERS, R. HARCOURT^& SON. This article was invented expressly to obviate the many defects incidental to the usual India-rubber and Leather Valves. THE VALVES BEING ALL OF BRASS, CANNOT BE AFFECTED EITUER BY CLIMATE OR BOILING WATER. And it is acknowledged by ali who have used it to be the artiide of all others least liable to derau(/ement, most ptr/ect in its action^ and, from itd very construction, most durable. For Price Lists, &c., apply to the Manufacturers, MESSRS. HAKCOURT and SON, 223, MUSELEY STKEET, UIRMINGHAM ; or to their LONDON WAREHOUSE, BISHOP'S COUET, OLD BAILEY, E.G.; AND OF ALL IIIONWIONGERS. (Ja?t be fitted with Lever Handles ij ordered. latly and strongly made of straw; it has three windows in the lower hive. Thi3 hive will he found to possess many practical advan- easy of any other been intro* Stand for ditto, THE LIGORIAN or ITALIAN ALP BH,E being with genuine Italian _ s (which will shortly whuUyyellow Italian Alp Drawings iiinl Pr Address. Geo. 149. Regent Street, London, W, Black Stocks, £1 each. of other Improved Hi vea, with receipt of two stamp.'-. & Sons, 1:^7, High Holbom, W.C. ; or Brothers, 10, 16, Buchanan Sti 10, Dame Street. Glasgow: Aosxis & McAslan, PAINT (PATENT METALLIC).— A saving of more than 50 per cent. In the fii*st outlay, besides being much mora durable than any other Paint known. Th«re is so much body in this Paint that one coating ol it Is equal to two tif ordinary Paint, thus reducing the coot to one-fourth. It is suitable for indoor Work oteverv kind, also Wood, Stone, Iron, Horti -cultural Buildings, ic, and can be had m any colours, at 6s. 0(4 per imperial Rallon, re-idy for use. Not loss than 4 gallons sold, and all orders must be prepaid, if 20 g illons are or.lered, 10 per cent, can be deducted. Packages free. Can be applied t.y unskilled labour. . TesUmonials forwarded when requested. Patent Metallic Paint Company, y. Bridge Street, Westminster. Directions.— It the Pamt should be too thick, add equal parts of Boiled Oil and Turpentine. Well stir and shake up before usmg. Keep the vessel well corked. Apply with a common paiutera brusti — » .. .1 „>. thinly as possible. June 6, 186S.] THE GAT^DENET^S' OMONTCLE ANT) AGRiriTLTnEAL GAZETTE. Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNDIt AND .'OOKK'S WAlUiANTKIi I'lUZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, seo tUat vou not tliom. Obeervy Iho mark SAYNOR, also the Corporate Mai'k, Obtaim Warranted, without wbich none are genuine. B. & C. ri3i,'rot liavlng to caution Gardeners and others, but are onmpolled to do sn, in consequence of an imitatioi quality. 1 sold r J gen which has caused f Knives which were not of ' warranted both by Sellers and Makers. liUDDING KNIVES are the best and Glass for Garden Purposes. AMES 1' II 1 L L 1 I' S AND CO. bug to submit their REDUCED PRICES as follows:— FROPAQATINQ . d. 31 Inches i 1 diamete s „ 4 ,. 5 „ 6 .. 7 i' 14 15 IG ir London Agents for HARTLEIT'S IMPROVED PATENT ROUGH PLATE. LINSEED OIL. Genuine WHITE LEAD, CARSON'S PAINTS, "" " ' ; round ready for use. bAS.S, 1 - ...„. ROLL,„„ .„».„.v,..,. SHEET. HORTICULTURAL, ORNAMENTAL. COLOURED, every de^criptlon of GLASS, of the best Manufacture, at the lowest terms. Lists of prices and estimat js forwarded on application to Jauss PniLLirs & Co., 180, Bisliopsgate Street Without, E.G. Horticultural Glass Warehouse. THOMAS M I L L I N G T 0 N and CO., 87, Blshopsgaie .Street Without, London, E.C. NEW LIST for ORCHARD-HOUSE GLASS as supplied to Her Majesty, the Nobility, Gentry, Mr. Rivers, and the leading Hortl- 20 by 12, 20 by 13/ fll 20by 14>■Pe^lO0reet^- 2O by 15 I (21 20 by 16 •" SMALL SHEET SQUARES, 15 3rds. I 2nds. 1 Best. 15sOd ISsOd 20s0d 2rf 25s6rf 2Cs6ti per 100 feet. In. in. m. in. [in in. I in. in. I 4ths. { 3ds. 1 2nds. i Best. 6 by4 1 7 by 6 8 by 0 9 by 7 1 12. 3d 13« 3d 16s Od l«« od 6Jby4ii 7Jby 5(| Bi by 6) 9) by 7)||i«ii<'|i««'|io»<«'|l8soo Per 100 feet. Il33 3d|l4s6dil7s3dlll)s0ii 16 bv 10 141 by 12t 14) bv 11) 15 by 12 16 by U 16| liy 12) 15) by U) IB by 12 16 by 11 IGi by 12) 21 by 11 17 by 12 13 by 12 !lS by 12 The above Prices 22 by 12 17 by 13 23 by 13 22 by 16 24 by 16 20 by 17 22 by 17 24 by 17 20 by 18 22 by IS lis 3d IBaed 189 6di20s0d 24 by 14 22by r 24 by 15 •e only for t other Size be required, a Special Price will be given. SHEET GLASS. In Sheets for Cutting up, averaging rom 6 to 9 feet super. B Sizes stated ; ifa quantity of any 15 ( 21 I 4tha quality, per30(lf«etcase, 388. Iths quality, per 200 feet c 3d3 „ „ 483. 3ds „ SHEET GLASS Is made 21 oz.. 260Z., 32oz., 360Z.. and 42'oz. HARTLEY'S IMPROVED ROLLED ROUGH PLATE In l-8th in.. 3-lOth in., Mth in., and 3-8tb in. substances. BRITISH PLATE GLASS for Windows and Silvered for Looking Glasses, Coloured Glass, GUa.s.s Shades, Striking Glasses, &c., &c. PAINT.S, COLOURS, VARNISHES, Sc. STUCCO PAINT, 24». per cwt. This Paint adheres firmly to the walls, resists the weather, and is free from the glcssy appearance of Oil Paint, resembling a stone surface, and can be made any required shade. It is mixed with rain or pure river water. WHITE ZINC FAllJT, 36a, per cwt. One hundredweight of pure Zinc Paint, with three gallons of Linseed Oil, will cover as much as one hundredweight and a-half of White Lead and six gallons of Linseed Oil. Special Dryers for this Paint. IMPROVED ANTI-CORROSION PAINT, 28s. to 34s. per cwt. Anti-corrosion Paint is extensively used for all kinds of work in exposed situations, on Brick, Stone, Compo, Iron, Iron Bndges, " ' ' " ' 'y laid on by any ordinary Conservatories, Greenhouses, &c., n workman. Prepared Oil lor ditto Per cwt s. d. GENUINE WHITE LEAD 32 0 SECON DS WHITE LEAD 30 0 GROUND PATENT DRY'. ERS. 3d. to 4id. per lb. „ OXKORD OCHBE, 3d. to 4)d. per lb. RAW UMBER, 4id. to 6d. per lb. [per lb. ..BURNT do.. 6d. to M. GREEN PAINT, all shades, 288. to 60 0 BLACK PAINT, '248. to 36 0 RED PAINT 288.1 i 36 0 GROUND BRUSHE.S. DUSTERS. I SASH TOOLS. DISTEMPER BRUSHES. The above are Net, for Cash, and LINSEED OIL .. BOILED OIL TURPENTINE .. LINSEED OIL PUTTY, „ PAPER do. 10s. to 12 0 „ COP AL 16 0 KNOTTING 10 0 Patent GOLD SIZE . . 10 0 „ BLACK JAPAN . . 12 0 GLAZIER'S DIAMONDS and TOOLS MILLED LEAD and PIPES OLD LEAD Bought or taken 1; Lists of any of the above on application. cannot be booked. MARQUEES .and TRNTS, Nc for LAWNS and GARDENS. Pari Sccoiid-h.in. 1 GARDENS.' Particulars on application I , 44. Tenter Street South, Goodman's Fields, neur tl /1 ROQUET TENTS of all sizes, elegant and durable. /"IIUCKET MARQUEES of best shape and superior V.V workmanship. BENJAMIN EDOINGTON'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE Post Froo on application to 2, Duke Street, London Bridge, S.E. No other establishment. ■p I C It CLOTHS, all sizes now ready, UECOND-HAND RICK CLOTHS, at reduced prices. O Apply early. r>lCK CLOTHS, with Poles and Pulleys complete. ii rrico List ireo by post. ADDRESS BENJAMIN EUGINGTON (oulj), X\. 2. Duko Street, Loudon Bridge, S.E. (^ H A W ■ 8 TIFFANY. O For Snmplos and Prices apply to J. Shaw & Vo., 29. Oxford Street, Manchester. TANNED GARDEN NETTING, for Preserving Seed Beds, Frxiit, Strawberries from Frost, Blight, Birds, &c., and aa a Fence for Fowls, &o. One yard wide, lid.; 2 yurds, M. : 3 yards, 4irf. ; and 4 yards, Gd. per yard, in any quantity, raay be had . VVr 3711, Str.-ind, W.U.). : & Co.'s, Willia 1 allow.inci i-Tre (late "^PANNED NETTING, in large or small quantities, for jL Seed Beds, and for the Protection of Fruit Trees from Frost, Blight, Birds, or as a Fence from Fowls, &c.. Id. per square yard; 7k. Gd. per 100 do., 3fis. per 600 do. Price lo the Trade on application, llemittanoos to accompany all orders. Christmas Quincet, Seedsman, &c., Peterborough. Gardeu Netting. KIUUNO-ION AND CO. supply TANNED X'] ; .;■ ". I '■ ■.toi;i,ion of Fruit Trees, la. persquare yard. COVKi; MAR'.H snow.- I the Koyal Family, 48, \tET"irNG"7v.f KRUlt TKEhlS, SEED BEDS, KieE Xl STRAWBERRIES. &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting neW Xl STRAWBERRIES. &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the above from Frost, Blight, Birds, &c., 2 yards wide, 3d. per yard or 100 yards, 20s. ; 4 vards wide, Gd. per yai'U, or 60 y.irds, 20s, TAN N KD N KTTINQ, suited for any of tbe above purposes, Fence for Fcwis. 2 yards wide, Gd. per yard ; 4 yards wide, ].*. per vard ; J-incb mesh, 4 yards wide, la. Gd. per yard. Can be had in any qu uitity of Eaton & Delleii, C & 7, Crooked Lane, London Bridge, E.C. GARDEN NETTING (at" Reduced Price), 'for "the Protection of newly-sown Seeds from Frost, Blight, and Birds ; also as a Fence for Poultry, Rabbits, and Slieep. Id. per squ ire yiird, carriage free, in quantities of 260, 500, or lOOo yards. SCKIM CANVAS, for Wall Uruit, Greenhouse Shades Tulip HAYTHORN'Sand WALLER'S NETTINGS, sample of material fieeonar.plicritioii. PERUVIAN GUANO, and every otlier kind of Artificial Manure m Stock. Be particular. Fbe»erh.-k. Edgington & Co., Marquee, Tent, Flag, and Rick Cloth ET. ARCHER'S "FRIG I DOMO."— • Patronised by Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Northumberland for Syon House, His Grace the Duke of Devonsluro for Chiswiclc. Garuons, Professor Lindley for the Hurticultnnl Society, and Sir Joseph Paxton for the Crystal PalacL', Rojal Zoological Society, Royal Gardens, Kew, &c. Tlie Best SUading is "FRIGI DOMO" NKTTING, White or Brown, made of prepared Hair and Wool, a perlect non-conductor of heat or cold, kei fixed teinperaturo whi cultu rching' Rays of tbe Sun, from Wind, Attacks of Insects, &c "FRIGI DOMO" NETTING, 2 yards wide, 1 uits and proved make, 3 yards wide . . 23. 8d. per yard run. Elisba Tuomas Aacnen, Whole and Sole ManufActurer, 7, Great Trinity Lane, Cannon Street, City, F, C, and of all Nurserymeo and Seedsmen thioushout the KinRdbm. For Watering Gardens. &c.— Best Make Only. HANCOCK'S INDIA- RUBBER HOSK- PIPES, fitted with STOP-COCKS, SPREADERS, JETS, and HAND- BRANCHES complete. Prick per Foot. Internal Diameter. No. lOd. lid. Is. Is, Id. No. 3 is the most serviceable, and recommended. Larger Sizes for FIRE ENGINES and PUMPS. See Price List. HOSE-REELS (Galvanised Iron) for the above, at 42s. and 46s. each. TUBING, with Flange for excluding draughts through Doors, Windows, and Illustrated Price Lists on application 'vCc TO BE SOLD, Cheap, an IRON DOME CONSER- VATORY, 62 feet 8 inches long, 9 feet 4 Inches wide. Would make an excellent Peach House or Covered Way. And all other descriptions of Horticultural Buildings ' s Horticultural Works, Stamfurd Hill, Middlesex. and V GRICULTURAL r\. HORTICULTUKAL PRIZES. A Pamphlet of Prices, illustrated with 300 Engravings of Cups, Goblets, Tankards, &c., will be forwarded gratis and post free on application. Lltboeraphic Drawing of Silver Epergnes, opposite the Bank of England. ROWLANDS' MACASSAR OIL.— This elegant and fragrant Oil is universally in high repute for its unparalleled success in promoting tbe growth, restoring, preserving, improving, and beautifying the Human Hair. It is patronised by Royalty and tbe Aribtocracy of Europe, whilst its introduction into the Nursery of Rovalty, and those of the Upper Classes, is a sufficient proof of Its merits. Price 3h. Gd., 7s., 10s. Gd. (equal to four small), aud '^' c ^ORNS and BUNIONS.— A Gentleman, many years tormented with Corns, will be happy to afford others the infor- on by which he obtained their entire removal in a short period. MECIII AND BAZIN'S DRSPATCn BOXES and PORTABLE WRITING CASES are fitted with Chubb's, ISriiinah's, mid other socura locks. OftKOa made to gentlemen's own requireinuntH without additional cost. Portable Dressing Caseti at 18j?. lid. ; cim be carried in the pocket. 112, Regent Street, W. Esiablished 1827. Catalogues post free. All iirticles reduced in price. The City Establishment is closed. UCinVKPl'K'S MINERAL WATERS.— By Special yj Appniutinent to Her Majesty and H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. Every hotllo is prntectod by a label having name and trade mark. Manuiactortos at London, Liverpool, Derby, Bristol, Glasgow.Mal vera. Sauce.— Lea & Perrlns' WORCESTERSIIIKK SAUC E.— This delicious Condiment, pronounced by ConnolRseura "TflE ONLV GOOD SAUCE.- is (.r^-piii,.! solely by Lea & PuBBiKS. ThopiiMi-rirnP"iv,->-tt.i"- i--- - , i ,,, ,t worthless Imitations, andsli'iiii -■ 11'' |,. > r , i v.- on Wrapper, Label, BottU'.l . -■ ■ -, . -S^ucB. *." ■^ "' ' J I'linetors, Worcester; Messr- I 1 ■■--,. I :i \' I. 'A I 1 I ■! i , w Jt Sons, London, Jtc, and by Ururer.s :l:h1 uiiiiieu uiiiv,t.i:i1 i y ■p L £ C T R I G I T Y ' ' " L 1 F E.— Li SELF-ADJUSTING CURATIVE and ELECTRIC BELT. Sufferers from nervous debility, mdigeation. weakness. &c., can now cure themselves by tbe only " Guaranteed Remedy" in Europe, protected by Her Majetty's Great Seal. Free lor One Stamp, ny U. James, Esq., Medical Electrician (to prepared to Furnish PLANS and ESTIMATES for LAVING OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other Kosidonces, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carry out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. Joon Gii I., Surrey Lane, Battorsea. S.W. Farm Poultry. GREY DORKING FOWLS, of purest breed, in any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive breed known. Improved NORFOLK TURKEYS, large, hardy, and good breeders. AYLESBURY ai,d KOUEN DUCKS. Imported BELGIAN HARE RABBITS, for size and early maturity. able a.rtnotshii>. I'ai ..^^ Grove Terrace, Noiting HJB, London, W. ANTED, at Michaelmas, within SOniilps'oTLondou, a SMALL HOUSE, with Garden, Orchard, Outbuildings, and ft-om 16 to 20 Acres of Land. Address, with full particulars, to Beta, 21, Rake Lane, Liverpool. To' BE UlSPOSED OF, the LEASE of a FLORIST'^S BUSINESS (the Proprietor retiring), within a short distance of Covent Garden. The Nursery consists of about 15,000 feet i.f Glass. T. BaioDEN, Seed Merchant, 52, King William Street, City. FOR DISPOSAL, the LKASE and GOODWILL of the OLD ESTABLISHED NURSERY and SEED BUSINESS known as the late FAIRBAIRN'S NURSERY. James Ovkh, 116, High Street, Clapham, Surrey. To Florists and Seedsmen. AN ESTABLISHED liUtilNKSS for OISPOSAL.— Present Owner retiring. M)un thorough faro. West End; capital Shop, and House at low rent. Takings over £500. Might be greatly increased.— Apply tn Mr. II. C. Wilson, 47, Maida_Vale, W. WELL-STOCKED, OLD- IM-I'' PURSER Yj pleasantly situated hall Street, E.C. Vmery, Greenhouses, and Frames ■ :iii important Station, with everv facility ash Purchaser it may be had on easy terms. i F. H , Mes-srs. Hurst & Son, Seed Merchants, G, Leaden- M Sales i>8 Auction. Clearance Sale -Stamford Hill. ESSRS. PROTDEROE and MORRIS are instructed by Thomas Oaskell, Esq. (who is leaving the neighbourhood), SELL by AUCTION, on the Premises.^ Retreat Cottage,_Qrc-~ tbe wh'deof 1 of the Season, and some remarkable lings of rare Stram ; aUo, fine BEDDING PLANTS, and a ty of choice blooming GREKNHOUSE SPECIMENS, consist- I splendid Azalea indica, 2 feet by 21 feet through ; Enostemons, On LShow, French scented Roses, Slc. the day prior to Sale. Catalogues had and of the Auctinneurs and Valuers, Laytoostone, N.J ;, of best v tbe premise: SALE THIS DAY, AT HALF-PAST TWELVE O'CLOCK. Orchids Just Arrived from Mexico. MR, J. C. STEVENS wLU SELL by AUCTION, at bis Great Rooms, 38. King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, on SATURDAY, June 6, at half-past 12 o'Clock precisely, splendid ma.-:ses of DELIAS, ODONTOGLOSSUMS, ONCIDIUMS, CAT- TLEYAS, &c., just arrived from Mexico, and including s lirges'j specimens ever imported NOBILIS from India, and an ii Borneo. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues bad. u lALE THIS DAY, AT HALF-PAST TWELVE O'CLOCK. Importation of Choice Orchids from Borneo. ■ . STkVE.nS will StLL by AUCTION, at !it Uoriins. 3S, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C, -iATLlRtJAY. June 6, an Importation of valuable M>, last arrived in fine condition from Boroeo. w iliL- Miiriiing of Sale, and Catalogues had. Kmg Street, Covent Garden, W.C. vv t.U!^ K-sfiV I.J une lu, at oalf-past 12 o'Clock precisely. First ESTABLISHED ORCHIDS, beiu^ the Collection of a Gent! consisting of fine healthy established plants of the newest rarest varieties. On view the Moroing of Sule, and Catalogues had. To Horticultural Societies and Rorlsts. Fine Orange Trees and Camellias at Potterell's, North Mlmms, midway between Hatfield and Potter's Bar, on the Great Northern Line. MESSRS. JACKSON .vnd SON are favoured with instructions to include in their SALE on FRIDAY. June 19, at 12 o'clock, without reserve. Nineteen CAMELLIAS very large, and of fine growth, and Fourteen magnificent OHANOE ^ K^^»» of great beauty; also about 300 PLANTS, various, including Ferns, ' UiSgues may be had one week previous to the t^o br port rfreel of Mr Jacrsos Auctioneer and Appraiser; Uitchbk X HAtioca ; and of Mr. jIvkbon, Land Agents and Auctioneers, Hert- ford, Wwe, and Biahop Stortford. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AflPTCUT-TTTRAL GAZETTE. [June 6, 1868. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOWEES foe 1868. Letters Patent, dated I2fh August, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS and SON for Important Improvements in Lawn Mowing Maclunes. UNDER THE PATRONAGE HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE aUEEN, AND MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL NOBILITY GREAT BRITAIN. AWARDED TUB FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867. NEW HAND MACHINE. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON have for some time past been making tl.o REVOLVING CUTTER of their MACHINES SELF-SHAUPENING, tlut is, with stuel on both sides of each blade, so tliat when the Cutter becomes blunt by running one way, it can be reversed, thus bringing the opposite or sharp edge of the Cutter to act against the Sole Plate. In addition to this. A, S. and SON have made the SOLE PLATE or BOTTOM BLASE of their MACHINE for the Season of 1868 with TWO EDGES — one in front, as usual, and one in reserve at the back ; when the front edge gets Tvorn down, the plate has only to be unscrewed and the unused edge brought to the front. It will be seen at a glance that tliis arrangement enables the cutting parts to last twice as long as in other Machmes, where the single-edged sole plate must bo entii-ely renewed when the edge is wora down. A. S. and SON have also introduced a WIND GUARD into their MACHINE for this Season. Every Gardener knows that in mowing during the prevalence of wind a considerable portion of the mown grass escapes the box, and is thrown to one side. The Guard here referred to ctTectually prevents thw occurrencp. PRICES, INCLUDING CARRIAGE TO ANY RAILWAY STATION OR SHIPPING PORT iN THE KINGDOM. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE for 1868. Easny Worked 10-inch Machine £3 10 0 ^ „ \By a Lady 12-ijich Machine 4 10 0 ) 14-mch Machine 5 10 0 By a Soy 16-inch Machine £6 10 0 By a Man 19-inch Machine ,, .. .. .. .. 7 15 0 By a Man and a Boy 22-inch Machine 8 10 0 1 n„ 7i„,„ i,r,„ 24-inch Machine 9 0 0 \S'J Two Men SHANKS' NEW PATENT PONY and DONKEY MACHINE. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE. Width or Cutter. It wltb Patent Delivering Apparatus 25-inch Machine £12 10 0 .. .. 25s. extra. 28-inch Machine 14 10 0 .. .. 30». „ 30-inch Machine 15 15 0 .. .. 30s. ,, Silent Movement, 12s. &d. extra. Boots for Pony, 22s. per set. ; Ditto for Donkey, I85. per set. Width of Cutter. If with Patent Delirenng Appiratoi 30-inch Machine £19 0 0 .. .. 30s. extra. 38-inch Machine 22 0 0 .. .. 30s. „ 42-inoh Machiuo 26 0 0 .. .. 40s. „ 48-inch Machine 28 0 0 . . . . 405. „ Silent Movement, 20s. extra. Boots for Horse, 26s. per set. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IF NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED. A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and Wind Guard, made very great alterations and improvements in their Machine. They have had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six months. These trials have been so successful as to enable A. S. and SON to offer a Machine which far excels any other that has ever yet been offered, whether for ease in working, certainty of action, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B. ; AND 2 7, LEADEN HALL STREET, LONDON, E.G. 27, Lmdcnhall Street is the onl}/ place in London where intending purchasers of Lawn Mowers can choose ft'OM a Stock of from 150 to 200 Machines, AlC sizes Icept there,, whether for Sorscy Pony^ or Hand Fower, Editorial Communications should be addre>sod to " The Editor ;" Advettiiementa and BUflinesa Letters to" The Publisher," at the Office, 41, Wetliagton Street. Coveot Garden, London, W.C. Printed by JniK9 Matthews, at the Office of MaMrt.BaxDBORY.EviNa, A Co .Lombard Street, Precinct of Whitefriara, City of LjQduu, in the Co. of Middlesea, aud Published by the iaid Jamis M4TTaiW",attne Office, No. II, Wellington Street, Pariili ol «t. raul'i, Corent Oarden, in \M/i wld County.— Said boat, June 6, 1868. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. No. 24..— 1868.] A Newspaper of Rural Economy and General News. SATURDAY, JUNE 13. ( Piice Fivepenoe. I Stamped Edition, Gd. I Ql'ALDING nORTTCULTnRAL FETE, FLOWER, V^ FRUIT, and POULTRY PtlOW. will take place In the Grounds I of AjBCOUghGe Unll on TUURSDAV, June 25, 1808. Silver Cupa . (with option of full tkIuo Iti cabb) ofTered for Roses, Foliage ! Qornniums, Specimen Plants, Ac. Tbo ancient and unique I Rardeng, with thoir remarkable groves of Yews, which have been ti-nino(i for centuries, will bo open for promenade. Band of the 1 Scots Fusilier Guards. Five tines of Railway direct to all parts of the kingdom. Schedules on application to GEO. F. BARRELL, Hon. Sec. Farmprs' Ulu Genoese Riviera G26 6 Harvest work prilR 63G A KnowlFS testiiuODial G3Sb Land exhaustion,. acattleon highways ( — lioUuiical, of EUiiiburKh (i3I n — Glasgow Horticultural . '^ 41 f# V ''^1' CARTER'S \\v ir^-'PERIA!-. HARDY SWEDE. Bedding Plants. J SCOTT, Men-iott, Somerset, offers 150 Plants, • purchasers' selection, from the following, basket and paclciDg Included ;— Calceol.arias. Gem, Sparkler, and Prince of Orange ; chs' '"" "" . .18.1 nd Paxtonii ; Lai Convolvulus, Mai BEDDING PLANTS. Over stock will be offered very cheap, consisting of— 4000 CALCEOLARIAS, in 3i inch pots.— Mis. White, crimson ; ■"- — of Or.ange. yellow; Sparkler, crimson with gold cap; Sardinia, superb gold cap. 3000 VERBENAS, in 2i inch pots.— Pnrple King, Crimson King, Defiance, Victoria, Champion, G^Sant des Battailles.Pink Perfection, Snowflake, White Perfection ; and many other gjod sorts. 300 GERANIUMS, in 4 inch pots.— Little David, Tom Thumb, Scarlet Globe, Adonis, Ratazzi, with a great variety of other sorts. The abitve in strong plants. Apply to H. & R. SxiRZARER, Skerton Nurseries, Lancaster. Opuutia Rafiuesqulana. LOUIS VAN HOUTTK, JSukseryman and Seedsman, Ghent, Belgium, possessing the largest stock on the Continent of this novel and remarkable plant, is enabled to offer It at Gs. per half-dozen, or lOs. per dozen plants, free in London. First-rate for rockwork ; may remain uncovered during the whole of the winter, the severest froits not in anyway affecting it. Also well ripened SEEDS, 25 for 2s. 6d., free in London, by prepayment at Messrs. R. Silberrad & Sok's, 5, Harp Lano, London, E.G. The FLORE DES SERRES will shortly contain a Coloured Plato of this extraordinary novelty. TUe Trade supplied. LOISK-CHAUVIERE, Seed GRoraR, Nurseryman, and Florist, 14, Quai de la Mfigisserie, Paris Eighty-four Gold and Silver Medals in the Exhibitions of France ^^i^",^' -S^lgium, and Prussia (Gold Medal, Universal Exhibition or 18671. By appointment Seedsman to the Emperor All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICULTURAL SEEDS < "* """plied, mclud'-- GREEN-T RED-TOP IMPERIAL „' ," " Lowest price for cash on application'.' Ihe most complete coUection of GLADIOLI CATALOGUES on application. TPTT ^^J^^^A®f T^^l^®^^* Biggleswade. ICHARD WALKKK can supply iiny quantity of r Autumn-sown ROBINSON'S GHaSiPIoN DnnMHiAn CABBAGE PLANTS, Is.^d. per 1000 ; wiLcUEREN CAUr T FLOWER PLANTS. U. ner loof Lar^e dLOBESAVUY PLANTS ^^OUTS Vrf^n??u,r s? BROCCOLI. Gd. per 100 ; BRUSSEL^ SPKOOTb. Gd^per 100. Stock tme, and can be waiTanted, Valuable CoUection of Stove PlantsT&c;, for Sale "0 BE UISPUSED OF, by Private Contract, a choice COLLECTION of STOVE and ORNAMENTAL For I ARF PLANTS, PELARGONIUMS, and otherGREENIiioSEPLANTl consisting of all tbo latest introdnctlons, in the finest pnsslBle con' dition. A yaluablo Collection of CACTI and other succulents • tonethor mth a few ORANGE TREES, one a very beautiful nlanf bearing One eatal.lo fruit. Also a well-built SPAN-ROOF STOVe! 24 feet by 14, with Hot-water Heating Apparatus complete i and a et by 8, attaci-'-^ — '-'-' — .^--i--.. '^ ^ ...tiler nart.inn Wracklclord Hoi R T ofGomiinoK.irm Seeds should" seb " CiRTEirS ILLUS- TRATED FARMER'S CALENDAR," com linni,' a Practical Treatise on tiie Laying Down of Grass Lan is, and otlicr valuable information, forwarded Gratis and Post Free ou applic ition to James Carter & Co., Seed Farmers, '237 and 2.)S, High Holboni^W.C. The best Swede in cultivation is f??»^ T HE LONDON MANURE COMPANY jESTABLISOED 1840) (any for delivery in fine conditioc, RE. lorSprinfi Use. PISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Linds. SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME. PUKPARED GUANO. MANGEL and POTATO MANURES Also Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO, and NITRATE of SODA -Dock Warehouse; SULPHATE of AMMONIA. FISHEtlY ^^ *•" E. Purser, Secretary. LA W E S^ M A N U K E Si , .„^ There Manures are now ready for delivery. LAWES- PATENT TURNIP MANURE. LAWES" DISSOLVED BONES. LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES' WHEAT. BARLEY. GRASS, and MANGEL MANURES LAWES" CONCENTRATED CORN and GRASS MANURES. These Manures can be obtained of Mr. Lawes, or through the appointed Agents in all parts of tlio United Kingdom, at prices varying according to cost of can-iace. Genuine PERUVIAN GUANO direct from the Importers. NITRATE of SODA, SULPHATE of AMMONIA, and other Chemical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAiCK.- Address, John Bennet La \w ■<. 1 E.G. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin ; .ihii Mtrki.c s.iuare,'Sbrewsbury. T' "HE PAXTON (i.\[;i)KN M .AXUKE~"is"The most- economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known for Vegetables, Flowers, Fruit Trees, Gmss Lawns, &c. It Is inodorous and portable. To be had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, William i Co., St. Pettr's Road, Islington. N. Agents Wanted in every Town where none have been appointed. PATEWT UKIJAN HURTICU LTURAL M AN Ub fi ' (prepared only by the WOLVERHAMPTON MANURE i COMPANY, Limited).— The most genuine and successful Manure ' yet prodnced for alt Garden and Greenhouse Plants, Shrubs, Fruit Trees, &c., warranted without adultemtion, and sold retail, canister, hy Mr. T. Brigden, King William Street, E.G.. and South- Eastern Railway Terminm, London Bridge, and all NureorjmeQ an as to wholesale prices, &c., inquire i , Churchbridee, Cannock, Staffordshire. AGENTS WANTED. , London Bridge, , ODAMS'S NITRO-PHOSPHATE for CORN. ODAMS'S NITRO-PHObPHATE for ROOTS. ODAMS'S DLSSOLVED BONES. ^HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD ' MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Irish Branch— 10, Westmoreland Street. Dublin. C/mirftifTi— John Glayden, Littlobury, Essex. Dtpui\j-V.htxirttian—io\\\i Collins, 255, Camden Rond, Holloway. " -- ^ . ^ Brighton. Edward Bell, 48, Mai Richard Hunt, St;instead Abbot, Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexham, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Gribhall Grange, Essex. Charles Dorman, 23. Essex Street, Strand. Tbomas Webb, Hildersham, Cambridgeshire, Jonia Webb, Melton Russ. LincoloshU*e. Charles J. Lacy, CO. West Smithfield. Managing Director — James Odams. jBnnlers— Messrs, Barnetts, Hoares, & Co., Lombard Street. Solicttoib -Messrs. Kingsford & Dorman, 23, Essex Street, Strand. Auditor— J. Carter Jonas, Cambridge. Ihis company was originally formed by, and ia under the direction ot agnculturibtb: circumstances that bavejustly earned for it another title Mz — * Ihe Tenant Farmers' Manure Company." Its niembeis are cultlvaLora of upwards of SO.uoO acres of land|( for the genuineness and efficacy ot the Manures manufactui-ed l^ t this Compiny Particulars will be forwarded on application to the Secretary, Ol Agent, POOLET S TOBACCO i'UWDER, for Destruction of (j Bl fcht and other Diseases in Plants. See large Advertisement. Sold in Tins, price Is., 2s. 6d., and 6s. POUDER DIbTRIBUrORS. 2s. Gd. and 3^. Gd. each. The Garden Repository, 32, James Street, Covent Garden, W.C. By Royal Letters Patent, TOBACCO TltiSUE destroys Thrip, Red Spider, and Mt-aly Bug, by Fumigation : price 3s. Gd. per lb. TOBACCO PAPER price Is. tid. per lb. lOBACCO RAG price 2a. per lb. lOLlACCO SMALLS price 3«. Od. per lb. TOBACCO POWDER price .38. 6d. per lb. fOBALCO LIQUOR price Is. per gallon. OUT DUOR FUMIGATOR .. .. price 17fi. 6d. Io be hid of Messrs Roberts & Sons, Tobacco Manufacturers, "' *-*. John Street, Clerkenwell, E.G.; and all Seedsmen and PURPLE-TOP SWEDE. .ay station. Lowest price per bushel on application. took the 1st prize for Swedes, against 13 compotitors with other si From Mr. W. Bddden, Coombe Ke>/iie! March 18, 1867.—" I gained the 1st prize i " ,our Champion Sh ' '" ' prizes with seeds had of you." From Hesrv Cantbell, Esq., Baj/lis Farm, near Slough. May 2, 1807.—" I ubt-Hioed the £5 5s. Silver Cup, given by G. J. Palmer, Esq.. Dorney CirUrt, last October, with your Champion Swedes, and they were grown arter a crop of It ilian Rye-grass." Mr. Cantrell has also obtained H.R.H. the late Prlnco Consort's liO Guinea Cup this se.ison. SoTTos & Soss, Seedsmen to the Queen, R -acling, Berks. -_. . G Used by many of the leading vnlenovs s net) 1 j't lurainst Mik uiv, Thripa, solutions f from her Blight, the gallon of sol water, and Sold Retail by Seedsmen, i 3XCS, Is., 3s., and lOs, Gd, Wholesale by Magnl- PRICE'S PATENT ^'^'^- CANDLE COMPANY Her Majesty's Gardener, FOWLER'S GARDENERS' INSECTICIDE, says " It will kill any insect that it cornea into contact witn, without injury to the plant." This invaluable preparation will be found to be SIMPLE, EFFICACIOUS, and HARMLESS, In destroying and preventing all the various Insects and Blights infesting Plants and Trees. May be applied by dipping, syringing, or sponging, and by the most inexperienced. Sold by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Chemists throughout the kingdom, in jars. Is. Cd., 3s., bs. Gd., and 10s. each. Testimonials from the highest Professional and Amateur Authorl* ties may be obtained of the Manufacturers, G. AKD T. FOWLER, Brighton. London Aoekts :— Barclay & Co. ; Ban- & Sugden ; Beck, Hender- son & Child; T. Bngden; Butler, McCulloch & Go,; J. Garter A Co. ; H. Clarke & Sons; Charlwood & Cummins ; Cooper & Co. ; S. Dixon & Go. ; B. J. Edwards ; J. Fairhead & Son ; Flanagan & Son ; W. Hooper & Go. ; Hurst & Son : G. B. Kent U Co. ; Peter Lawson k Son ; Lewis, Ash & Co. ; H. Low & Co. ; Mather & Go. ; Minie June 13, 18C3.J THE fiAl'DI-NKHS' PIII^OXICIE AND AGUKni.TUIfAL GA^^KTIE. The Cheapest aud Best Insecticide. DUn-l'UKE TOBACCO. ► OOLEY'S TOBACCO PO"^DER, lar the rrovoution and Destruction of Blight and other eases in Flints, SoM by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and FlorUts, In Tins at Is., 2*. Orf., and 5a. Tuwdcr Bistiibutors, 23. Gd. and 3s. Gd. eich. " I Hni It cxoeerlingly useflil for killing the Aphides on Roses and other Plants."— Gko. Evles, Superintendent of tho Royal Horticul- tural Gardens, South Kensington, May 7, 18C3. Sole Manufacturer, T. A. P O O L E Y, Bonded Warehouse Sussex, Wharf, Wapping, E. Agents required In Towns where not already appointed. DEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in great ty of r^ittniis and materials, tlio plainer sorts beiut^ --- cspccKiUy suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, ns Lhi'v iKiibour no Slugs and Insects, take up littl sequently being much cheapci. GARDEN VASES, FOUNTAINS, &c.. In Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and in gre:Lt variety of design. „ S.W. ; Kint!s1and Koad, Kingsland, N.E. H' II K AN&MOR ,h full particuUrs, sizes, and pric* , 7, Pall Mall East, Lonaon, aW. HOT-WATEH APPARATUS, of every description, fi.ted complete in any part of the country, or the matorials, Fiz., 13oilsrs, Pipus, &c., delivered to any Station. Estiraiitcs on application. J. Jones & Sonjj, 0, Bankside, SoutUwark, London, S.E. H 0 T - W PIPES. I 2-inch. I 3'inch. 4-incli. per yard 1.1. Od. ELBOWa each TEKS „ SYPHONS „ : No credit will be given when Pipes, &c. , are invoiced at the above prices. J. JONES AND SONS, 6, Bankslde, Southwark, London, S.E. Price Lists, with terms for credit and for delivery at country stations, will be sent on application. w. Heating \>y Hot Water. HOLLANDS, IivoN 31, Banksido, .S.E. Mekchant, HOT-WATER PIPES,fromstock— per y.-xrd ELUOWS ( TKES .SYPHOKS THROTTLE VALVES l-incli. 4-iiich. OltNAJIENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, n;ill-^. Corridors. B.ilcoDies, 4c., ns chciip and durable as Stone, iu blue, red, aud bulf colours, aud capable of forming a variety of designs. Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS ol than tlie above. ■WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Larders, Kitchen Ranges, Batlis, &c. Grooved .and ottier Stable Paving Bricks of great durubiiitv, Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall Copings, lied and Stoneware Drain Pipes, Slates, Cement, &e. To be obtained of F. & G. Roshkr. at their pre ^ SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above addresses— 14s. per Ton, or Is. 3d. per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton extra for delivery within tliree miles, and to .any London Railway or Wharf. IJuautities of 4 Tons, Is. per Ton less. iieday^ HOT- WATER APPARATUS Erected Complete, or the Materials Supplied for Heating rLill'HO.mral. GREENHOUSES, lubulai Bjller HOTHOUSES, CONSERVATORIES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, So. noT-WATER PIPES at wholesale prices. Elbows, y I'ieees, Syphons, .and every other conneition kept in stuck. WIIOUGHT and CAST IRON CONICAL. SADIlLE, and IMPKOVED PEILLS and ELLIPTIC UuILERS fi jm 4 t d IMPUOTED aii.l F.XTIH .vrRi.NC, CA.ST IRON lUBULAR BOILKI'.'i, niH, ..r v,:i|...i-' W ,».;■ I!r . fv 'ii c-la. od elch BLE BOILERS on "Every Cottage should bo provided with a Water Tank." Disraeli. Iron OlBternB. FBRAIiY AND CO. having hiid down e-ttensive and • Improved Machinery In their new range of buildings, Ida WiiABr, DtPTroiin, are now prepared to supply WROU0111°IRON TANKS, GALVANISED, or PAINTED, of superior quality, at reduced prices, an ' " ■■ -'.--'- " NEIGHUOURS' IMl'KOVEI) COTFADE IlKE-IilVE, as originally introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR *kd SONS, working three bell-glasses ; is neatly and slrongly made of Btr.aw; it has three windows In the lower hive. This hive will be found to possess many practical advan- that has been Intro* complete, £1 15«, j Stand for ditto, 10s. lid. THE LIGURIAN or ITALIAN ALP BHE being Drawings and Prices, sent on rec Addrcs.s, Geo. NmonBODa ft 1 149, Regent Street, London, W. Agents ;~Liverpool : Blaek Stocks, £1 each. ENGLISH BEES.— Slocks may be obtained 12, Clayton Square. Dublin: Edmo.sdsos Austin & McAslak, Before you Order a Haymaking Machine, WRITE FOR ILLU.STRATED CATALOGUE OF I HE CHAMPION HAYMAKER, which for strength, lightness of draught, siiuiiliclty and JOHN WEEKS AND CO., HOUrlCULTURAL BUILDERS HOT-WATER APPARATUS MANUFACTURERS. > at the Works, H. LASCELLES' MACHINE-MADE MELON LIGHTS. Each ft. by 4 ft. Lights, 2 ins. thick, unglazed £0 6 0 „ Primed and Glazed with 10 oz. Sheet 0 U 0 „ with stout Portable Cox, not Painted 13 0 ,, Painted four coats, and Handles on 18 0 „ Packed and Delivered in Railway Van . . . . 1 10 0 6 ft. by 8 ft.. Double Lights, do. .. .. 2 16 0 „ , . GREENHOUSES. Per ft. super. Woodwork only, Prepared and Fitted 0 u C „ Primed and Glazed with 16 oz. Sheet ..009 „ Delivered, and Fixed with Ironwork ..010 ,, Paintert four coata, two sides, readv for use 0 13 Finsbuiy Steam Joinery Work^ 121, Buuhill Row, E C rpHE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL AWARDED for JL Various Improvements in the Ventilation, Construction, and Application of WKODGHT-IRON to Horticultural Buildincs. Our New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE, THE NOVELTV, is cheap, durable, easily tlxed, does not require painting, is adaplei for all purposes, and is the most perfectly ventilated house of the present day. Prices:— 20 It. long, £10 to £19 10a. ; 32 ft.. £16 to £20 188.; 40 a., £18 to £36; 04 tt., £27 12^. to £54 a*. 6d. ; 80 ft., £34 to £ti6 6s. ; 104 ft., £43 12^. to £84 h)s. Span Roofs, double price. Orders for our New Patent WALL-TREE COVER are now solicited. They save their cost in one season. Prices, with Ifl-oz. Itlass. 8s., 9s., 10s., and 128. per foot run. In HEATING we are pre-eminent, and have pleasure in referring to works in all parts of tho kingdom wbich have been executed by us. Careful personal attention is given to alt orders; and from our immense practical experience, we are willing to guarantee that Buildings left to our arrangement shall perfectly answer the pur- poses for which they are intended, without foar of disappoiotuient. Our Patented arrangements may bo seen " en module," and every Information obtained at our Londor "*""" " -" — — - - ... Postal address. Ancnor Ir DESWfR&ScRouv, Hot-Water En norticulLural RuilUers in vVood or \ Catalogues, Estimates, oi ;t, S.W. Office. 0. SI )o Works, Chelmsford dinners, Patentees, and general Mangel Wurael, and for sowing theso seeds it is equally ap- plicable. On receipt of P.ist-ofBce order for \2s. Qd. a Drill will be forwarded. The dardeners' Chro- nicle and Agricallural - Oa^tic of Dec. 7. 1807, in QOiioing the dovoI- ties in the Implemeofc Department of tho Birmingham and SmithBeld Cattle Sl'o*. ^JJ™ =— "AmonLi tlio other novelties we may refer to a very *'*"(*''' *^, ,P' parently efllcient Hand Drill, as much a Garden as a !■ '" n»J«?'- "»" invention ol a working man, and brought o ut in a ch»p ronii O)' ^ lOOt Mam^acturer. Bury St. f^muodji. Suffolk^^ ImDlt uple and a tool, i 1 by Mr. r. i_^p,.^:ij^nd^i^..r^.^^^y sj. 5;'„i;ivi;;;,\«'^'°i^"M r Majesty's Farm ;md G^irdens iited r 1 De; 1" til- I free, on , Utiry St. MHchinos, con MJplicallon to Josi*] Edmund's, Sullolk. THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTK [June 13, 1868. Beck's 3ee.lt.ii(l,-,uT.il Mrcting) 3i'.M. TrE^UAI, — 11! 1 iJitto (Si)vci;ii l'ii/.e nutl Folaiyoniuui WLDStsDiT, —171 SIlow). lit South K.'nsinston .. .. 1 r.-i. ^VEDNE3nA7, — 17 I Koval Hotaiiic (General Exhibition off a p.m. Thursday, — 18 f Plants. Flowers. and Fruits) .. U»*-s(. &ATDRDAT, — 20— Crystal Palace Rose Show Noon wanted in tricolors, , ,. „ conseryatory pillar work, for Kreenhouse pot culture, 0 door plaQti[}g, with a thick fleshy foliage, and habit a dark scarlet. Price 21«. DR. PRIMROSE (Morris).— An intermodi.ite tint between the deffp golden variegated varieties and the pure white variegations, of a peculiarly beautiflil primrose hue, making a most distinct and pleasing contrast with other favourite foliage bedding plants. general introduction ; It will undoubtedly supersede a number of the older varieties. First-class Certlflcato Koyal Botinic Society. Price Ss. each ; 36*. per dozen. PRICE LISTS Gratis and Post Free. CARTER'S GREAT LONDON SEED WAREHOUSE, 237 & 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. Our columns liavo lately furnislied some use- ful hints on the Filling of the Flower Garden. But no sooner is it filled than it needs Culture, and the ultimate effects are almost as much dependent upon skilful cultivation as upon taste- ful filling. In many of those places where the highest possible results are obtained, tho culture of the flower garden may be said to be continuous. Unless when tho ground is mantled with snow, or tho beds are frozen through with cold, culture never coase.s. Neither does it cease then, for both of these unlikely aids to culture are powerful ameliorators or partial onrichers of the earth ; they are busily occupied in making a suitable root-bed for the congenial nourishment of our summer beauties, and their rough cold hands do much to leave that bed smooth, rich, and warm. The present fashion of having the flower garden always in flower, an endless wreath of floral beauty adorning the circling year, is, doubtless, most pleasant and charming, but it has some serious drawbacks. It hinders and prevents, and in extreme cases almost renders impossible, the proper cultivation of the earth itself; for nothing can compensate the earth for tho lack of its natural ameliorators — air, heat, cold, dews, winds, and rains. And in order for these to exert their full cultural or preparatory force, the earth must bo freely exposed to them in an uncovered state. That robe of winter and spring beauty may not bo very thick, and its charming beauty is irresistible to \is, but it warns ofl', with the authority of a king and the power of a giant, all the natural ameliorators and pul- verisers of the soil. Winds come with an attack- ing force sufficient to tear up or kill the flowers, as they sometimes do to oursorrow ; but they can perform no useful work among our covered beds, and BO they pass away to operate upon the naked unclothed earth elsewhere. Now, it is well known that a thorough preparation of the soil lies at the foundation of all good culture. And if we, in our devotion to a continuous exhibition of floral beauty, deprive the earth of the action of those natural agencies that were appointed to prepare a suitable tilth, or cripple their force. then we must, as far as possible, compensate tho earth for its loss. Having arrested the beneficent action of Nature we must eudoavoui' to reach the same end by moans of Art. It must, however, be borno in mind, that no moro manuring or enriching of the earth will do for it what theso natural amelio- rators would have accomplished. Doubtless, the more numerous tho crops that aro taken from the soil within a given lime, the more heavily it must bo replenished with manure, if its pro- ductive stamina is to be maintained. And flowers are really exhausting crops. Many of them, such as Verbenas, will take as much out of tho ground as a crop of Cabbages. And whero throe or four crops a year are yielded by our flower gardens — when, in fact, the cropping continues without cessation — it is highly important to dress frequently with well rotted dung, as well as to stimulate tho main summer and autumn crop with frequent doses of liquid manure. But our chief preparatory work should bo directed to tho improvement of tho texturo of flower beds. Tho most important action of the natural ameliorators of tho soil is textural. It is only necessary to note the diffor- ence between two beds, one of which has been roughed up for the winter, and the other has borne a crop of flowers, to be convinced of this. The two beds may be composed of exactly the same soil — chemically and geologically their earths are identical, but mechanically they are as unlike as possible. The aerated bed is sweet, friable, and soft as ashes ; the cropped bed is pro- bably sour and tough as a slico of poor cheese. Our flowers have neutralised tho beneficent action of Nature, and artificial means must be used to bring up the cropped bod to a tilth level with the uncropped. Theso means consist, in ordinary cases, of the addition of some fresh compost, of a nice friable character. In extraordinary instances the whole soil should bo removed, and fresh soil substituted for it ; in all, some moans should be adopted to compensate for the loss of tho ameliorating effects of natural agencies. Tho mere exposure of tho soil, even if timo could bo secured for it, will do little good now : if it is naturally adhesive, it will only make bad worse. The chief reme- dial measures that can bo adopted in summer are substitutionary. Another agent, however, that exerts a potent influence upon texture, is that of the proper application of liquid manures. These havo not yet assumed their proper place and power in flower culture. It is almost impossible to over- estimate their value, or to over-state their stimulating force. But they must always be applied clear and pure ; otherwise their choking- up^ disorganising infl nonce upon texture becomes so great as well nigh to counteract tho benefits derivable from their stimulating and feeding qualities. Presuming that tho roots of our plants have been placed in a skilfully-prepared and ri.ghtly- mado bed, wo hope to revert to a few important points bearing upon their immediate culture at an early date. We have already called attention to the manner in which tho Surplus Funds accruing from tho International Horticultural ExiiiDiTiON of 1866 have been appropriated. The subjoined official document affords us once again an opportunity of calling attention to the library which has been purchased by the Trustees with the remainder of the fund. This is intended to be the nucleus of a general horticultural and botanical library, which the Trustees are anxious to get together at South Kensington, for the free use of all comers under necessary regidations. The name and fame of our great horticulturist and botanist Lindley are commemorated by the purchase of his library, and by the fact that the collection is to bear his name. Moreover, it will bo maintained at tho site which is insepar- ably connected with his labours and exertions, and which was at the same time tho scene of the most important horticultural exhibition yet witnessed, and of tho most numerously attended, and, in some respects, most successful Botanical Congress that has yet been held. No doubt a memorial tablet or some such device will be placed in the library, in order that its relation to the Exhibition and Congress should not be for- gotten in the future. For tho present the site of tho library is in the gardens of the Koyal Horticultural Society, but it is probable that m course of timo fitting reading-rooms, as weU as a library wUl bo afl'orded in the rapidly rising 626 THE GARDENERS' CERONICLE Am AGRICITLTURAL GAZETTE. [June 13, 1863. Hall al .Scieuee. It must be remembered that the library, although for the couvenience of all parties deposited in or near to the garden of the Horticultural Society, is nevertheless not the property of the Society, but is vested in the hands of Trustees, whose names and mode of appointment are given belo-w, and who have no power to dispose of the books, &c., under any circumstances whatever. Such being the case, wo venture to support the application made by the Trustees, and to solicit assistance from those able to render it, so that the intentions of the promoters of the " luteruational" and tho " Congress," no less than of the Trustees who may be looked on as their lineal descendants, may be carried out, and that the advantages accruing from the undertakings alluded to should not be merely ephemeral, but persistent and progressive. For ourselves we look upon the scheme as a very important part of the project which in some shape or another has been floating in the minds of those desirous of promoting the advance of scientific horticulture and of practical botany, by the ultimate establishment of a com- plete school of horticulture and botanj' wherein those sciences may bo thoroughly well taught, and the best interests of science and practice promoted. Commercial horticulture may bo left to take care of its own interests : it is pretty sure to do that ; and it, too, will abundantly reap the benefits conferred by the Librarj' and by the other portions of the scheme, if they should ever take effect. It has been our fortune to be laughed at tis visionary and unpractical, for the views we have held on these points, but we may safely point to the " Intern.ational," the " Congress," tho "Scien- tific Committee," tho " Examination of Gar- deners," and now to tho Lixdley Libkahy, as evidence that the views we have always advo- cated have been shared by those best qualified to know tho requirements of horticulture, and the best means of fulfilling them. Wo take no special credit to ourselves for tho stops we have taken in promoting each and all of the above projects, but we point to them as evincing the truth that these, once so-called visionary schemes, are now accomplished facts. Let this be an inducement to all who have tho means, and tho will, to help forward the good work. Although for the present books are the main objects sought, yet the establishment of a museum, of a collection of portraits, of scores of things likely to be useful in popularising botany and horticulture, should also be borne in mind. Wo specially call on those who took part in tho " International" and tho Conjjress to contribute their share towards this abiding memorial of their former exertions. No doubt seme of our foreign guests, for whom we exerted ourselves, as wo ought to have done, with all the power and willingness we were capable of, will come forward to mark their sense of the courtesy shown them, and which, indeed, they have not been backward in evincing in their published reports. Before closing this article we would suggest, among other objects, the desirability of getting together a good dried collection of cultivated species, authentically named, to serve as a standard of reference. For many reasons, which we must not now stop to detail, we would con- fine this collection to cultivated species alone. Lastly, loyal Britons will surely follow the excellent example set them by the Queen, and help forward the Lixdley Library'. Appended is the official notice above referred to : — "Notice is hereby given that, the Committee _ of the International Horticultural Exhibition having offered to invest the balance of the profits realised by that Exhibition (over 1850/., after presenting lOOOJ. to the Gardeners' Benevolent Institution) in the pur- chase of books to form a library in connection with the Royal Horticultur. A showy, hardy, dwarf-growing, shrubby plant, introduced many years since, but probably lost. It has red stems, one to three feet high, ovate leaves, paler beneath, and large bright yellow flowers on ter- minal cymes. Native of Japan. Flowered at Kew. IlYPO.xrs ELiTA.— ^o^ Mag., t. 5690. HypoxidaoeK. A handsome and distinct greenhouse perennial, with a bulbous rootstock, numerous spreading, revolute, keeled, villous leaves, a foot and a half long, and numerous flower-scapes shorter than the leaves, bearing nodding racemes of large golden-yellow star-shaped flowers, two inches in diameter. It is allied to H. Rooperi, and, together with that plant, is well worth growing. Native of Natal. Flowered by IV. AVilson Saunders, Esq. POA TRIVIALIS FOL. ALBO-VITT.ITIS.— i^/ore des Serres, t. 1095. Graminaoeic. A very elegant dwarf perennial Grass, forming dense tufts of erect leaves, which are flat, and broadly margined with pure white. Thon'.;h :i v uiily "fa hardy species, it is most effective, and piMVr< 111 i«'i"i:t to its foliage to be a very useful decoriiMv' iilniii, n lirn grown in pots under glass ; the flowers an' iu-iL;iiirn'aat. A wild English variety. Introduced to gardens by Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Son. ROBUS E0S.EF0LIU3.— F/ore des Serres, t. 171 J. Rosaceie. A very interesting and probably a very useful stove shrub, with spiny stems, pinnate leaves, and white flowers, succeeded by brilliant scarlet fruit as large as that of the Raspberry. M. Van Houtte, who recommends it as supplying a profusion of beau- tiful fruit during the winter months, designates it the " savoureux framboisier de I'lnde," and adds, that the vigour of the plants is increased by placing them in the open air during July and August. Native of the Mauritius. Flowered by M. Van Houtte. RUDQEA M.1CB0PHYLL.I.— F/orerfes Serres, 1. 1720-1. Cinchonacea;. A noble stove shrub, admirably shown in the figure above quoted. It grows 6 to 8 feet high, with very large leaves, a foot to a foot and a half long, obovate-oblong,with a long narrow base, coriaceous, and of a deep green. The flowers are in globose terminal fascicles of 2 or 3 inches diameter, fleshy, and of a pure white, larger than, but not unlike those of the Orange. The plant flowers freely in the young state. " The magnificent heads of flowers," observes M. Van Houtte, " very large, and of a snow-white, would dethrone in nuptial ceremonies the blossoms of the Orange, if they only had its sweet aroma." Native of Brazil. Stapelta Plantii.— Bo<. Mag., t. 5092. Asclepia- dacetc. One of a curious race of greenhouse or dry stove succulents, once favourites with cultivators, but long since supplanted in the popular estimation. It is of spreading habit, with erect stout quadrangular fleshy pubescent branches, and large star-shaped hairy- surfaced flowers, of a dark brown colour, transversely barred with wavy yellow lines. Native of South Africa. Flowered at Kew. Teichocentbum albo-puepueeum. — Bot. Mag., t. 5683. OrchidaceK. A pretty dwarf stove epiphyte, with minute pseudobulbs, so that the plant appears stemless, thick oblong lanceolate leaves, and deflexed peduncles, bearing rather large flowers, of which the sepals and petals are bright brown inside, green outside, and the leaf is larpe subquadrate, two-lobed, white, with a pair of bright purple spots at the base. See our figure at p. 219 (1860). Native of Rio Negro, North Brazil. Flowered by "\V. Wilson Saunders, Esq. Viburnum plic.atusi tomentosum. — Neerl •' ' ' 51. Caprifoliaoeaj. This deciduous shrub. adapted for covering walls, having slender terete steins, deeply throo-lobed cordate leaves, and cymes^ of small green flowers, succeeded by small roundish berries of a pale porcelain blue. Native of China and Japan. Flosvered at Kew. Plant., j/iani., V. 01. ^^apniouacea!. luis ueciuuous suruo, with ovate plaited crenately serrated leaves, is the V. tomentosum of Thunberg, and of Siebold and Zuccarini, but is referred by Miquel to V. plicatum. It is very inferior to the plant cultivated under the latter name, having small heads of white flowers, of which only the exterior^ ones are sterile and enlarged, as in Hydrangea .japonica. Native of Japan. VlTI3 HETEROPHTLLA HUMULIFOLIA.— Soi, Mag., t. 5683. Ampelidece. A pretty hardy climbing shrub. PLUMS, PE.iRS, AND CORDONS, I Alt again induced to trouble you with some remarks on the fruit crops of this season, and parti- cularly the above, so much have I been disappointed. I left home the middle of May with great satisfaction, for all seemed so prosperous and promising. Pear trees of most kinds wore covered with fruit, which were the size of small acorns, and Plums with fruit thicker than their leaves, and about the size of the Pears. On dissecting both no defect could be found, and I felt assured that if the remainder of the month of May passed without frost, a magnificent crop of Pears and Plums was quite safe. The weather from the middle to the end of May was, as is well known, quite charming— tho poet's ilay. I returned from my little tour on the 30th, and having seen among my friends many trees nearly bare of fruit, I soon hastened to gloat over my own prospects, which I felt were sound. Alas ! to my discomfort ray Louise Bonne Pears were gone, and of my choice Plums nearly the same, there being left only a scanty crop on each tree, enough for an amateur, but not enough for a market' gardener. I never remember to have felt so baflled as to the cause of any failure in crops of fruit. I have frequently seen the effect of a spring frost, while the trees have been in full bloom, destroying and blackening tho germs ; and also the effect of frost in destroying young fruit when fully set ; but this season, in spite of the 5' to G° of frost which we had here on the 11th and 12th of April, just as the blossoms were on the point of opening, no injury could be! detected- the pistils were perfect, the anthers, well charged with pollen performed their office, the weather was dry and favourable, and all seemed as it should be Why, then, this species of paralysis m the trees, which strewed the ground with fallen fruit in 'which no insect or any visible defect could be detected? I have referred to my iournal for some light on the subject, and find the following entries :—' March 25, 1853 : U' of frost the clusters of blossom buds of Pears and Plums swelling and readv to burst." They were in fine bloom May IS. but although no frost injured the blossoms, they all dropped without setting their fruit. Again, I find in 1856 " March 31st : 1-1' of frost, the blossom-buds of Pear's and Plums swelling and ready to burst ; they blossomed freely, but all dropped without setting their fruit The trees seem paralysed." I find several entries in the course of 40 years to the same purport. This spring the clusters of blossom buds of Pears and Cherries were in a very forward state on the 25th of March, and on that morning I found 11° of frost reoistered. I confess that I felt some fears that mis- cluef was done, but they all vanished when I saw the blossoms so perfect and so beautiful. I am now inclined to think that severe early spring frosts bring on a kind of paralysis in the trees, which fail, when called upon by the fast swelling fruit, to give the necessary supply of sap. The subject is, I think, worthy of attention, and I hope to see it taken up by some of your experi- enced correspondents. I have been for many, many years a fruit grower, and I trust I may add a close observer of fruit trees, to an extent not usual with English gardeners, only because I have not only the experience of threescore years and ten, but have reaped some knowledge also from the traditions of my forefathers, who lived and learned fruit culture on the freehold estate I have now the great happiness of living on. It is only those who live on copyhold estates, subiect to fines at the will ot the lord," who can fully appreciate the freedom of a freehold. ^ , , ,- . It is now nearly a century and a-hall since my estate was made into a fruit garden, and since that period some two or three generations of fruit trees— except the Pear— have lived, and grown, and borne fruit and died, I have felt interested in the traditions of difl'erent kinds of fruits given mo by old servants, and have been enabled to give some reflection and attention to a subiect about which much has been written, and I fear but little learned, I allude to the cooling down of our climate,— not perceptible to the instruments of meteorologists, but felt by some of our choice kinds of fruits The mean temperature of England may not have varied to any extent perceptible by instruments, but we seem to lack the extremes ot temperature so necessary to the ripening of many kinds of fruits ; in other words, our winters have been warmer and our springs and summers cooler than they were at the comrnencement of the last century. I could relate cases in point given me by old men who spent the whole of their lives with my forefathers, but I prefer to quote from that curious old honest book "Langley's Pomona," published 1727 ; he gives his dates in old style, which [ have corrected to our present mode of reckoning. The kinds of fruit of which I now give the seasons when they rippned with Langley are such as are still well known Plums. The .laune Hative ripened in 1727 on a south-east wall, June 21 ; it now ripens on a standard the end of July, say about the 26Hi it would ripen on a south-east wall about July 10. The Green- gii'e ripened on an east wall August 11, it now ripens on°a wall with the same exposure about August 26. The Early Ann Peach ripened on an east wall July 22, it now ripens on a south wall the first week m August. The Noblesse Peach ripened on a south wall August 1 • it now ripens on a wall with the same aspect the last week in tho same month. The ''Minion" (Gros.se Mignonne) Peach ripened on a south wall, August 1 ; it now ripens on a like aspect the end of tho month. There are many other kinds ot Peaches, Plums, and also Pears, which ripened much earlier than the same sorts do at the present day. The record is curious and reliaijle to this extent, that leaving a margin for tho difference in the temperature of any particular summer in the early part of the last century, all our choice fruits ripeuod many days m advance of their present seasons, even in our warmest summers. This is a question quite worthy of attention, ami if in our next hot summer the ripening season 0/ tho old kinds of Peaches is noticed, we shall leam something on the subjcrt. I must now, Mr. Editor, gently complain of your allowing a correspondent to attempt to break into my incognito. Mr. Robinson has done me the high honour of coupling my signature with the name of Mr. Rivers ; I thank him for the compliment, but it is not par- liamentary. I anj now more than ever conviuced that we must depend upon glass to insure crops of choice fruit even in the south of England, when 1 look at the perfect success this season of my fruit- houses. From my Cherry-house I have gathered fine ripe Cherries ever since the 25th ult., and my immense crops of Apricots and Peaches are commencing to colour. My Plum trees are loaded with fine fruit, as are also my Pear trees, all owing to the fine climate given by glass. Cordon Pear trees, even at the foot ot a wall, cannot be trusted; they should have those lean-to lights which may be seen at Sawbridgeworth. I thought I had finished ray lament over the fallen fortunes of my trees, but it occurred to me to have a sort of forlorn look at my two-branched cordon trees trained near the ground. Now in relating the follow- ing facts, I have no wish to depreciate cordon trees, for under proper care they are charming objects; what I wish to guard against is the indiscriminate way in which they are apt to be planted, without skill and forethought, and under a system that will give ' plenty of trouble and care" (like the young wile ol Air. December) without any profitable result in fruit. On 40 two-branched cordon Pear trees, four to five years old planted on a bank with a sheltered exposure. I found one solitary Pear, and yet how beautitul they were while in bloom, almost compensating for the care bestowed upon them last summer. On 18 cordon Apple trees, six years old, in front o a brick wall and in fine health, I found 10 Apples These trees were also when in bloom quite beautilul as an edging. Last year, on the same trees, 1 bad six Apples, and in 1806 about two dozen, so that m three years I have had on trees that according to some enthusiastic calculations, should make the fortunes of English market gardeners, 40 Apples. This is really a serious fact, and deserves being closely looked into. Let us therefore " reason together (I allude to your correspondents), and try to hud 9Ut the cause of the failure of these pretty trees m giving their produce. . , . ,, ,, It is well known that if in winter, in the southern counties of England, or in the early spring months ot February and March, we have a fall of snow some 6 or 8 or more inches in depth, it rapidly subsides to a depth of 3 or 4 inches. If severe frost, as is generally the case, supervenes, the cold is more intense on the surface of the snow, and some 10 or 12 inches above it, than in any other position. Quoting from memory, 1 have found the thermometer resting on the surtace ot the snow to register from o to 0,° below one at from 4 to 5 feet from the surface ; so that a tree with its branches so far above the ground would not suffer the intense cold that a cordon tree, trained 9 inches from the ground, would. A tree some 3 leet trom the ground might have its shoots in a temperature ot o , while a tree close to the ground and not covered with snow or some other protection, would have its branches exposed to a frost some degrees below zero— a tempe- rature fatal to English fruit trees, on account of the lack of solidity in their tissue and of ripeness m their blossom-buds; and this is owing entirely to the mois- ture and mildness of our English weather towards the end of summer and autumn and early winter. In 1860 the bearing branches of Apple trees were so paralysed by the severe frost that their blossoms dropped without setting their fruit, and did not recover from the shock they received till 1861. In France this seldom or never occurs, so that cordons near the ground may be cultivated there with success, owing to their branches being hard and thoroughly ripe ■ in the United States and in Canada it is the same : so that Apple trees will bear a temperature of some 15 below zero without injury. It will, perhaps, be asked, how then are we to protect our cordon Apples, so as not to be liable to lose our crops for two or three consecutive seasons ? The reply is, they must be pro- tected in severe winters, when the snow doe.s not cover them, and also in March, when the blossom buds are swelling and severe frosts occur. We may then escape that paralysis which seems so fatal to our fruit trees. As to Pears and Plums, they must not only be protected in winter and early spring, but most carefully so when they are m bloom. It is diflicult to point out the most eligible modes ol protection ; there is doubtless a choice of materials, such as the branches of evergreens for winter and hay or some light material for spring protection, but the most efficient of all are glass protectors for spring, or a union of glass and boards, say for instance a ground \ mery- like structure, wide enough to cover three or four row s of cordons, made of half-inch boards, «" th'',"^"!^^' and glass on the south : their cost would be but trifling, and they would be most efficient. As many of your readers may 1°' ?il™ -^"Ser branches of evergreens for covering the trees. n J, ^er. ridges of half-inch boards may oe emplojoa wiin economy an'^^"™?.^; len-thily about cordon trees 628 THE GARDENERS' CERONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 13, lSf8. to a lack of wisdom in those wlio write without sound practical judgment. I have in the above advanced some facts that deserve inquiry. You are therefore quite at libert.v to give my name and address privately to inquirers. Observer. BOILERS. The following is a representation of a boiler (Fig. t) of Mr. Ehodes' construction which has been used for these four years past very successfully, and heats some 2G0O feet of piping ; it was only at first fixed temporarily / y. '4 , |-T-1 1 A / -^ ^/,/////////M'////////iC////A as an experiment, but it affords what are the great desi- derata in a boiler, viz., a large amount of surface exposed to the action of the fire, and the consumption of a small amount of fuel, considering the quantity of air to be heated in some 13 houses, which it effectually w^'lrms. The dead plates fixed above the tiers of pipes, when heated consume most of the smoke iu its passage but I also furnish an abridged desigu, in which there is not perhaps much originality, but which I believe to be on a safer principle than that of any boiler yet made, and the most important feature belonging to it is that it can be set in a very shallow space, while it presents a greater amount of heating surface than any boiler I have seen of a relative size. This refers to sketch 1; so far, however, as economy is concerned, the * flue-chamber boiler" is the best which I have ever seen worked, and when it is wished to lioat a large amount of piping with a small amount of fuel, Mr. Rhodes says that ho would never adopt any other principle than that now represented ; but he can see from experience that he can improve upon it in some minor details. The dead plates, marked E, aro important auxiliaries, both as regards a retort and conductor, and as a check to the heat too rapidly ascending the shaft. It will be seen that the upper tiers of lubes intersect towards the chimney, and the amount of loss of heat is so small, that myself and others, two years ago, when the boiler was at full work, thrust our arms down the chimney, which "was only about 1 feet from the top of the boiler, and felt no inconvenience therefrom, show- ing that the heat is nearly all economised and absorbed in its passage outwards. The great fault in most boilers is the large quantity of fuel which they consume, and this in many e.sta- blishraents is a very serious item. Any invention, therefore, which lessens this without decreasing the efficacy of the boiler, must be a great boon to horticul- turists. One of the contrivances now illustrated is termed the Horizontal Flue-Chamber Tubular Boiler ; each other, so that (he flame and smoke pass through the side pipes, as well as through the top pipes, in order to escape up the chimney. Mr. Rhodes will be much pleased to show the Boiler No. 1 in operation at his residence, Sydenham Park, S.E. William Heale. Horizontal Flue Chamber T^jbular Boiler. Fig. 1 represents the extreme front of boiler. Fig. 2. Inside of front and b,ack, showing number of tubes contained, with their positions. Fig. 3. Longitudinal side section, when completed. A. Fireplace. B. Apertures for cleaning. C. Sockets for return pipes (in front casting only). D. Flow pipe. F. Dead plates placed on top of tubes to conduct action of tire, and also to act as retorts. Arrows indicate the direction of the draught. "Abridged" Horizontal Tdbular Boiler. Fig. 4. Front and back inside, showing number of tubes. F. Fire-place. G. Socket for return (in front casting only). Fumigation.— Tour correspondent " J. A." (see p. 573), has very judiciously introduced this important operation to our notice. The rapidity with which insects are produced under favourable circumstances is truly marvellous, and it appears to me that the cause which tends to produce or rather facilitate the increase and development of insects, is a subject worthy of investigation by practical men ; I know from experience that excess of "temperature acts as a pro- mot«r of insect life. In our conservatory I can grow Roses up to May free from " red spider," but after that time I am compelled to remove them, ob account of the rapid increase of this pest. At one end of the same house I can grow such plants as Cinerarias and Calceo- larias, which will keep clean for a moderate period, but if they are removed to the warmer end of the same bouse they become at once infested. I have seen thousands of bedding Calceolarias perfectly free from " green fly " in a common frame out-of-doors, while every plant has been more or less attacked by it inside Vineries and greenhouses. I know some men of great capability who never can grow in perfection some of the plants just named, probably because their conveniences aro not adapted to the exact requirements of the plants, which are so soon spoiled by in- sects. Before I adopted the cool treatment in reference to Orchids, our houses were in- fested with scale and thrips; both in sum- mer and winter it was an incessant labour to keep these intruders within bounds, but now, under the cool system, we have very little trouble. These facts show to some ex- tent that increase of insect life may be checked by a careful study of the condi- tions which promote it. I think it very good practice in re- ference to fumigating to take things in time; for instance, in grow- ing largo quantities of Calceolarias, Pelargo- niums, Cinerarias, &c., it is an excellent plan to fumigate them be- fore any insects are seen on them. By this method plants aro never spoiled, and if attended to insect attacks may be kept within bounds. In establishments where a conservatory is kept perpetually gny it is very inconvenient to fumigate, because of the flowers which fall and fade from the effects of the smoke; besides this, the quantity of smoke, or rather the cost of it, is a consideration. "NVe have here what we call a "smoke-house," t. e., a house which we use for that purpose. Wo carefully look over our collection of plants, particularly in our show- house, and every plant indicating symptoms of aphis or thrips, is at once subjected to a good dose or two of tobacco smoke iu tho smoke house. I have tried several materials for purposes of fumigation, in fact, all that have been named by " J. A.," and others which he has not noticed, and for several years I have used nothing but the real twist Tobacco. In purchasing tobacco-paper you buy a saturated compound of water, brown paper, some dark substance like soot, and a trace of Tobacco. When burnt you get smoke and a disagreeable smell, but whether it is tobacco smoke, or that from a dirty brown paper, it is difficult to determine. I am acquaiuted with a gardener who was so doubtful about the killing pro- perties of tobacco-paper, that be determined to stay in his greenhouse during a fumigation, in order to see if the smoke really killed the insects ; now, if real Tobacco had been used in this experiment, the gardener in question could not have endured the operation for any great length of time without suffocation, while the cost of both is equal. I have employed " twist Tobacco " for 10 years, have fumigated all sorts of plants with it, and I have never experienced a single accident from its use. In some cases of damage from fumigation which have come under my notice, I have, judging from ap- pearance, supposed that too much red-hot coke had been used, and that the sulphurous acid set at liberty had caused the damage. In the operation of fumigation, there is not the slightest necessity for any person to remain in ;tho house during the process. First form an estimate of the quantity of Tobacco you require to fill your house, purchase some brown paper, make a solution of nitre ; into this dip your brown paper, then take the Tobacco, which has been unfolded from the twist, spread it over the touch paper a quarter or half an inch thick as you require strength; roll it up. If a fumigator, or tripod, or an old riddle is at hand, set the riddle on three pots inverted, light a piece of paper, and ignite the Tobacco roll in three places ; the fumes will gradually and efliciently fill the house, without any flame and without any further attention than is hero described. William Payne, The Gardens, Fir Vale, Sheffield. Wire worms.— In the autumn I made some Vine borders and planted A''ines. The latter not growing as they ought to have done, my gardener examined the roots and found them infested with wireworms. He sliced some Potatos and placed round the roots, and in a week he has has taken upwards of GOO wireworms. Still they seem as plentiful as at first. Can any of your correspondents suggest any other remedy which would be more efficacious and speedy ? if so I shall be obliged. Sithscriber S., Kesivich. Silene pendula ruberrima.— As so much has recently been said and written of the inconvenience resulting from the numerous garden synonymes, I was rather surprised to read in your columns (p. 547) that the above plant had been exhibited at the Royal Horticul- tural Society's meeting under a new name. That given by the introducers, Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux, & Co., of Paris, being thoroughly appropriate and descriptive, any attempt to change it is utterly unwarrantable, and June 13, 18G8.1 THE GAEDENEES' CHEONICLE A^■D AGEICULTUEAL GAZETTE. 629 deserves the reprobation of the Sociotj' which has taken charge of horticulture. Critic. [AVe beheve the plant was exhibited in tho name under which it had been received, and parUy for the purpose of learning if it was identical with ruberrima. Eds.] Tree Mignonette.— A magnificent specimen of this highly odoriferous plant was exhibited by W. Brook, Esq., at the Exeter Horticultural Society's Show held May 23d. It formed a beautiful pyramid, measuring a little more than ICJ feet in circumference and V, feet in height, thickly covered with bloom. This plant was raised from seed had of Mr. Veitoh, about two years ago, by Mr. Brock's gardener, Mr. Hugh Mollon, and has appeared twice in the exhibition tent. Mignonette, as is well known, is an annual, but Mr. Mollon believes it possible to prolong the life of his plant a year or so more, and perhaps for a longer period ; the plan adopted has been to remove all flower spikes when out of bloom, in order to prevent them from producing seed, *hich is sure to exhaust the plant, and cause it to perish, li. CM. , , . , ■ . Auricula Showing.— I would simply answer in reler- ence to the remarks made on this subject (see p. 510), that no northern exhibitor ever has shown at either the Royal Botanic or Royal Horticultural Society's spring shows, nor would they be tempted by the small prizes offered to do so; and as to retarding or advancing the bloom, I can hardly have been a grower for 30 years without trying my hand at that, and I can only say that there is no flower with which so little can be done. It must be remembered that in all flowers, where there is only bloom to work upon, it is a very different thing from those where successive blooms make the operation easy. Oidi/ a Clod. Parsley.— We have sent for your opinion a sample of each of our two new varieties of Parsley, which have been obtained by means of careful and long-con- tinued selection. The one called Carter's Champion had its origin in Myatt's Curled. Of the other, named New Moss Curled, we have about 3 acres, which are now in the third year of growth, but still the plants are only partially running to seed. We think, there- fore, that this sort might with propriety be called Perpetual Parsley. Both varieties have lost something of their proper colour through the long continuance of dry weather which we have had. Jas. Carter 4" Co., High Molborn. [Carter's Champion is a beautifully curled and useful Parsley. That called New Moss Curled is curled even to a greater extent than the kind just named, and it is also more compact in habit. It will, therefore, doubtless, be much prizedfor purposes of garnishing. Eds.] Protection and Climate.— Our excellent whip, Mr. W. Robinson (see p. 601) had better "ca canny" with his lash. The great art of whip-craft consists in dis- crimination. To forbear, should be a more pleasing duty than laying it on. Our friend takes me to task for a " seeming conclusion of his." Now, his letter is the highest proof of the wisdom of this cautious phraseology, for it is now apparent that it was only a seeming conclusion, and nothing more. Mr. Robinson has all along, it seems, admitted t'nat the French climate was better than ours, and he has never taught that any skill in moulding a tree into form can prove a match for an ungenial climate. He admits that the climate is better for Pears, and in his " Gleanings from French Gardens," p. 190, that they have a greater amount of sun for their Peaches than we have. Very good. There is no longer any controversy between us. The duty of British gardeners is plain. With less sun and a worse climate we are asked to beat the French out of our markets. That is an intelligible issue : it is an appeal to our skill, our pluck, I had almost said our patriotism; and it demands attention. Should we fail we can lose nothing, for the start was not equal ; should we win, our triumph will be the greater, when it is remembered that we were weighted throughout the entire race with a faulty climate. On these grounds I advise a careful trial of all Mr. Robinson's suggestions. I can speak with the authority of actual experience upon some of them. I have tried and succeeded with ground training 20 years ago. The only condition of success is, eflicient protection in tho spring. Atthat time I stretched a canvass over the top of a tree-covered border, within a foot of the trees, during their flowering period, and for three years never missed a crop. Such Pears as the Bon Chretien, Marie Louise, Easter Beurre, Gansel's Bergamot, were also pronounced by, those who ate them to be much better from the ground cordons, than the same varieties off walls. I may state that each tree had six closely spurred branches, that they were trained 18 inches from the ground, that the surface of the Pear border was concreted and blackened over; the surface of the Apples not; and that no crops were grown under them. The trees have been in other bands for many years, and the shoots been permitted to run up or round into vase or basket- shaped plants, but I believe the original base lines are still left. Nothing could succeed better than they did, and the only difficulty was to ward off the spring frosts. I have tried ground training elsewhere and found it to answer well, although the expense of protecting has been so considerable that I have well nigh relinquished it in favourof conical trees, which are, and have been for many years, my favourite mode of fruit growing. But there is doubtless room for both, and having great difficulty in procuring a constant crop of Plums here, I had used a Peach border for growing them on ground cordons two years ago, and have planted a number of Apples this year. But the great point of success consists in efficient spring pro- tection ; for, as I strongly pointed out to Mr. Robinson when here, it must never be forgotten that while we gain an increase of heat by bringing the trees so close to the ground, we likewise subject them to greater cold. In fact, about a foot from the ground is just about the distance where extremes of temperature meet ; it is the hottest as well as the coldest place. I write feelingly upon climate. I have held places now for a little over 20 years, and three times during that period most of our tender trees have either been crippled or wholly destroyed, and this, too, in spite of protection more or less complete. Our friend seems to labour under some misapprehension in tho matter of protection ; he speakcs and writes as if it were a practice of recent introduction. On the contrary, the Sractice may be called general throughout Iritish gardens. From Miller's time till now pro- tecting expedients have been advocated and applied. In that great repertory of garden lore, Loudon's "Encyclopaedia of Gardening," pp. 421 and 425, we have a lucid epitome of almost every method of tem- porary or permanent protection that has yet been prac- tised by ourselves or the French. I find that Miller, in his ancient day, recommended two temporary wooden copings for the wall, one at the top and another half way dovifn, to be hinged, and let down or set out hori- zontally with cords, at pleasure. 1 have used protection throughout the whole of my practice. The walls here were mostly fitted up on the Frogmore plan for the use of canvas rollers, nearly 20 years ago, by my predecessor Mr. Sniy ; and those not so provided were furnished with iron brackets, 2feetlong,atintervalsof 3 feetOinches for tho reception of slates. The only change that I have made in that arrangement is that I have removed the slates, and used temporary copings in their stead. We have two walls, each over GO yards long, provided with these iron brackets, which differ from those that I have already described in being C inches wider. A.s, singularly enough, they seem to have escaped the keen eyes of your correspondent, I have made one of them roughly describe itself on a sheet of paper, so that you a Part that leans against tlie wall. b Two feet deep for slate, or other temporary or permanent coping, c Turned up end to hold coping d. Crossbar of bracket, c Portion that goes through briek wall, and grasps hold on the other side, which is the only fastening of the bracket. may see what manner of thing it is. But notwith- standing all this care our best trees were mostly killed by the spring of 18G0 and this is, I believe, the chief reason why our friend did not see more fine trees in England during his recent tour. At intervals of something less or more than 10 years most of our best trees are crippled or destroyed by our climate, while in France they escape ; hence, chiefly, why finer trees are to be found in France than in England. Possibly the very same trees that delighted the late Mr. Loudon at Montreuil excited the enthusiasm of Mr. Robinson, while if we go back to any of the dear old places we have left to inquire of our favourites, "Oh, dead and gone," is the answer ; " this winter or that spring did for them." Provided, then, that those differences of climate are distinctly recognised, the necessity of efficient protection acknowledged— and there can be no further mistakes about Mr. Robinson's meaning upon either point — there is no other reason why we should not attempt to beat the French on their own ground, or at least grow much more and better fruit for ourselves. And I firmly believe that Mr. Robinson's letters and his interesting book may assist us in both, and I therefore thank him for them. There are two great obstacles that hinder us : one is our climate, the other a scarcity of labour. The energy and talent of British gardeners may match and master the world, hut these are often blamed when the fault— of but partial success, or acknowledged failure— lies solely in a lack of hands. Labour in France seems plentiful and cheap as Black- berries, in England it is scarce and dear as gold. Hence chiefly the superiority of the French in the manipulation and training of their trees, while their superior climate puts upon their work the stamp of durability. D. T. Fish, F.R.E.S., June 8. [We must, in justice to Mr. Robinson, state that that gentle- man is at present on a gardening tour through France and Switzerland, and consequently will not be able to reply to these letters for some time to come. Eds.] Amaryllis Imperatrice du Brezil.— This splendid Amaryllid has bloomed in the collection of Mr. Russel, of Mayfield, for the first time certainly in Scotland, and, to the best of my belief, for the first time in the country, unless Mr. Bull exhibited it at one of the meetings of the Royal Horticultural soon after its introduction. The flower-stem proceeds from the centre of the long leek-like bulb, bearing in this instance two flowers. Each flower has a tube about 8 inches long, with the perianth expanding abruptly, as in the case of all the Solandr:eflora section of Hippeastrums, and the segments, as expanded, having rather a distorted appearance. The colour is a richly toned shade of lavender, faintly interspersed with white; the expanded portion of the segments the richest in colour. The long stamens have the pecu- liarity of arching backwards, showing abundance of pollen, and the flowers even on this specimen, which has not yet attained the highest point of culture, stand well above the foliage. It is a delightful acquisition, the colour being very scarce among flowers in general, and Hippeastrums in particular ; reticulata, of course. is an exception, but much fainter in colour. Mr. Sorley, like all who have tried its cultivation, has found it a difficult subject, and as an experiment placed it out-of-doors during the summer of 18G7, wintered it afterwards in an intermediate house, and it has rewarded him not only with a spadix, but a promise of a good healthy con.stitution, which is really more the exception than the rule as regards this exotic. A. Wasps.— These pests to fruit promise to be very abundant this summer, judging from the quantity of females which have made their appearance so early. In the hothouses here and in a long range of a glasa cover of wall there have already been killed upwards of 40, which will make so many nests deficient in the neighbourhood. Ofl'ering a penny for every wasp taken at this period is an excellent plan of getting rid of them, as children" eagerly hunt for them when thus rewarded. In taking wasp nests I find coal or gas tar, poured into the holes at night when the wasps are all in, to be a certain mode of killing the entire colony. The old plan of trapping them in August and Sep- tember by placing one hand-light above another, and making some small holes .in the lower light to let them into the upper one, is also an excellent way of destroy- in" them, especially by the sides of walls or Vineries. A little sour beer or sugar and water placed in a saucer, in which may be thrown any bruised or over ripe fruit, will entice them in by hundreds. I have often seen the top hand-light covered with the dead bodies of wasps and flies to the depth of 3 or 4 inches ; and in warm summers, when a dozen or two of these traps are in use, thev soon reduce the depredators to a miniiuum. ini/iam Tiller!/, Welbeck. Stramonium as a Bait for Snails.— Having for many years grown Datura Tatula, both as a matter of experiment as also for medical purposes, I have yearly been much annoyed by the depredations of snails. These creatures attack the plants from their infancy until they are some feet in height, it being not at all uncommon to meet with a vigorous plant with its stem of more than an inch in circumference entirely eaten through in a single night. At present I have over an acre of Datura 'Tatula, which has only peeped above the ground for two or three days. Favoured by the recent rains, snails full grown seem to have come great distances to the spot, wading through some yards of Barley to reach the plants, some thousands of which have been totally destroyed ; but I have been well revenged for th& injury by this morning capturing over 3000 of these mischievous pests, which furnished a dainty meal to some young pigs.* Pigs allowed to roam about fallow fields are very destructive to slugs, snails, and the larva: of various insects ; but as a decoy for these pests in the garden or any confined space I know of no better device than that of sowing an occasional piece with seed of the Datura Tatnla or D. Stramonium, for though they are both highly poisonous plants the common snail eats them most greedily, and appears soon to get fat upon them. The French eat largely of the Roman snail (Helix pomatia), judging from the quan- tities exposed for sale in the markets ; but whether they would be wholesome as food if fed upon these somnolent herbs, I do not know. One thing, how- ever, is certain, that such is the effect of it on the human subject that both myself and assistants have suffered from curiously unequally contracted irides, nausea, and drowsiness. B. Judging at the Crystal Palace.— I quite agree with ilr. Win. Paul (see p. 577) that if the Crystal Palace Company are to maintain the high position which they have hitherto held, it is quite necessary that they should appoint men better qualified to act as judges than those which they have hitherto had. A glaring mistake occurred at their recent show in Class 26 ; in this class the schedule distinctly states that "it is intended for Seedling Pelargoniums, second year of blooming." The result of the judging showed that the judges appointed for this particular class were not capable of recognising the difference between a seedling of only a few months old, and others that had been raised in 1SG7, and propagated and exhibited in 1868, for they gave certificates indiscriminately to a collection of seedling plants which had only a few properly- developed leaves above the cotyledons, and which will never again show the same character which they presented on this occasion, after they have been grown and propagated another year. This is likely to mislead the public. The Royal Horticultural Society wisely guard against this serious mistake by withholding_ certificates from yearling plants. As one who exhibited in this class in accordance with the wording of the schedule, I must protest against this indiscriminate and injudicious way of awarding certificates to objects that have not assumed their proper character, and I shall consider it an injus- tice not only to exhibitors but to the public generally if the decision of the judges on this occasion is not publicly rescinded— the plants in question ought to have been disqualified, for the reasons just named. The judges were again at fault at the Royal Horticul- tural Society's great show. In Class 43 two of the collections ought to have been disqualified, and only a 1st and 2d prize given, namely, to Messrs. F. & A. Smith and to Mr. James. J. Wills, F.R.H.S. Sun-shades.— Can any one give me any information as to the use in this country of the sun-shades used iu France outside greenhouses ? They are made of strips of wood three quarters of an inch wide and a quarter of an inch thick, and laced together with wire joints, so that they fold or roll up ; the space open between the strips is about a quarter of an inch. 1 have never seen them in England, but at the late Paris Exhibition all the glass structures were protected with tnem. Canvas,, as used generally here, is unsightly, and reaaiiy torn by the wind ; these, paintedjreen, look well ; tne captured over 80aO full-grown \salaia 630 THE GARI)}1s1;KS' ClIEONICLE j\NI) AGIvICUl/nniAL GAZETTE, LJcNE 13, ises. width of each roll or blind is about 5 or C feet. T. J. P., Teiteiihall, Wolverhamplon. Scarlet Brompton Stock, — The accompanying speci- mens of this Stock, which ive have sent for jour inspection, have been kiohu en our seed farm at St. Osyth. They are a little i ist their best, having been carried off rather prematurely throuRh want of rain James Carter ^ Co., High SoJlorn. [The specimens in question were truly beautiful, the flowers bein large and double, and the spikes, on which they wer closely arranged, quite 18 inches in length. Eds.] Plums.— I am tempted to give you a little of my experience upon the Plum question, proposed for dis- cussion in your leading article (see p. S'l). The Plums of which I speak have been grown in pots, under glass, and they consist of upwards of 20 well grown bushes. Nothing could be less flattering than iny first essays, made about 10 years ago ; there were blossoms in profusion, and almost every one of them would set, but not one in a hundred would swell larger than a Barleycorn : almost all of them turned yellow, and dropped in the end of April. The symptoms, in short, were exactly what you have described. Con- sidering that the best Plums are all artificial creations I took a " wrinkle ' from the book of Mr. Darwin, and crossed my trees with the pollen of an indigenous blue Plum, of superior hardihood and potency. The result was quite surprising; every tree was in due course covered with fruit, and the process has been equally successful for the last six years. Upon many bushes, after thinning, I have upwards of 100 Plums, and few have less than 50; these last having been rather over-taxed in 1SG7. 1 may add that, in 1863 or 1864, my gardener was awarded a 1st prize for potted Plum trees by the Royal Horticultural Society. As to the reason why "in one locality the same plant should carry its crop through, and in another close at hand it should throw it ofl? or why the throwing off at all?" it seems to me that the experiment I have described answers the question. The difference is due to the absence or presence of potent pollen. I cannot say that I agree with you in thinking that fertility is proved by the abundance of blossoms: we have had abundance of blossoms on the Aucuba japonica for the last 50 years, but there was no fertility until the male plant was recently imported. With regard to the small abortive Plums, my belief is that they are mere ovaries containing inert ovules, upon which the cognate pollen has been impotent. In the open ground I have occasionally had showy crops of the Golden Drop Plum, the credit of which was due, I believe, to a Mussel Plum which the Golden Drop had for its next-door neighbour. There are two pre- cautions I would venture to recommend to the breeders of Plums. The poUen-beariug trees must be a little forced or retarded, so as to come into flower simul- taneously with the fruiting trees; they must also be protected from the bees, or the pollen will speedily disappear. An Amateur, Clapliam. Early Peas.— Is it generally known that Poynter's First and Best Pea is quite as early as Ringleader or First Crojj? "With me this season, at two distinct sowings, I find it to fruit as early as the above, and to be altogether a better Pea, as it is more productive both in the number and length of the pods, and more vigorous. /. C. Clarke, The Oardens, Cothelstone, Somerset. Versicol giganteum floribunda Sunflower. — In regard to your inquiry concerning the above pompously named Sunflower (see p. 572), permit me to say that its description, as given by the vendor of the seeds, has a great resemblance to a variety in rather common cultivation in some parts of southern Africa. A variety of the Sunflower is there used in some instances for the twofold purpose of dividing one sort of crop from another, and for the seeds, which are grown as food for the domesticated birds. And so gigantic and dense is the growth of the plant that it forms a very etfectual hedge, serving to retain the cattle upon certain necessary crops at will, to the certain protection of others, divided by this sort of annual hedge alone. The colour of the flowers upon this variety, I am informed upon very good authority, varies from a pale pink to that of a dusky brown, or dingy yellow. I refrained from writing last week, thinking perhaps that Mr. Seymour may have favoured you with some further particulars. IJ'illiam Earleij, Digswell. Floral Wreaths at Manchester.— The wreaths and head-dresses were shown in sets of three. The one you so much admired, made of Pyretbrum and Forget-me-Not, was one of the three exhibited by me, John Delamere, Ox'ton, Cheshire, June 8. Tui Grass of New Zealand (see p. GOO).— Some three years ago a friend in New Zealand sent me some seed of the Toi Grass, which I find to be the same as Arundo conspicua, and the plants from the seed are now throwing up flower-stems. Chas. M'Donald, Wood- stock Fark. Foreign Correspondence. PiSTOJA, March 31 : Vine and Fruit Tree Culture in ruicawy,- With regard to the cultivation of the Vine in Italy, I must observe that as Italy is divided longitudinally by the Appenines, she has two different climates and soils, one on the side of the Adriatic, and the other on the Mediterranean ; and on either side cultivation varies. And this is wholly dis- tinct from the cultivation of the valley of the Po, Consequently in speaking of the Vine culture of Italy, you must understand that it is always requisite to know of what particular part the speaker or writer is treating. Take Tuscany, where I am, for instance. This duchy is for the most part mountainous, with dry arid hills, the vegetation of which is Scrub Oak, then Chestnut higher up; and with both White Thorn, Heather, red and white, and undergrowth like that of the poorer parts of Sherwood. The greater part of the Appenines near Pistnja is of friable indurated clay, or a low quality of slate ; both of which crumble under the influence of sun, frost, and rain, and eventually are carried to the valleys, where they form a light loamy soil when well mixed with old manure— a soil which, having considerable depth, and receiving the drainage of the surrounding hills, retains enough moisture to produce during 10 mouths of the year six or seven different varieties of staple crops, viz , corn, wine, oil, rice, silk, hay, tobacco, not to speak , f root crops, and beans, peas, lupins, flax, hemp, which are but little patronised. The two severe months are August and September, when generally things are much " burut up " by the sun. Take the culture of the Vine. As a general rule the indurated clays produce a full-bodied sweet red wine|; the slates a thin, light-bodied, white wine— the former equal to the best Malvoisie, the latter like the light French Bordeaux, both consumed in the country, both manufactured in the rudest method by the farmers. So much for the wine, now for the Vine. A farmer intending to plant a Vineyard chooses one of the best producing Vines which happens to be within reach, and he cuts as many lengths, of from five to seven buds, as he thinks proper. These he sticks into the ground anywhere and anyhow (sometimes with order, sometimes without), close together, in March ; he leaves them there till October, by which time they have made roots ; and he then transplants them 6 feet apart in a vineyard, or 3 feet apart along the hedges of the dividing ditches in his fields or campos, which we should call small plots. I say dividing ditches, because here all farms are laid out as far as possible in squares or parallelograms, without hedges, each division having its small drains, all led to a main outlet, and that again to a torrent or stream. Within the four-sided enclosure are grown, in parallel lines, corn, &c., and Vines, the latter 3 feet apart, and intermingled at regular intervals with 01i\e trees, while the sides and tops of the drains that surround the "quarter" are sown with Lucerne, con- sequently farming here is market gardening on a large scale. When, therefore, the farmer intends planting his young Vine, he commences (generally a year previously) by opening a trench 1 metre cube ; and as the vneu throw out the soil the big stones are put on one side, and the earth and small stones on the other. When the time comes to plant he goes to the wood (and please mark, that patches of wood are left on all well-ordered farms), and cuts as many faggots of Broom and Heather as will completely cover the bottom of his drain, into which he has previously thrown the big stones to serve for drainage ; on the top of the Heather the small stones, on these the earth— generally very poor ; then the Vines are planted 3 feet apart, and immediately manured with one-year-old manure, — the manure being placed on the roots, and covered imme- diately with a top-dressing of such mould as he can get. Each year the lateral drain is cleaned, and the earth taken out applied, with manure, as a fresh dressing for the Vines, which are expected to be in full bearing the fifth year, at which peiiod they have attained a height of '1 feet, when they are stopped, and the main stem never allowed to grow any higher, as a general rule. The shoots are cut, according to circumstances, at from 2 to 4 feet, and the farmers are now beginning to adopt telegraph wire instead of the old system of poles to tie them to. Please to remark that no bearer is ever allowed to retain a straight line. They say if you want fruit you must check the flow of sap, and this is easily done by bending the branch. And what is more curious is, that the French system of cutting low, with numerous shoots from the stool, has not succeeded here. The reason the farmers give is, that the great heat and dryness of this climate, as compared with that of Prance, requires that the plant should have a safety valve, and this it has not if you cut the parent stem too low. They say if you do not allow from 3 to 4 feet for stem you get too strong a growth of young wood, whereas, by giving the sap 8 feet flow, with a curve, it has time to expend itself, and your Grapes hold less saccharine matter, which is an advantage in manu- facturing wine. The trench being'prepared, the young plants (now in their second year) are set 18 inches from the edge of the drain, and are allowed 18 inches of free soil for after manuring. The 18 inches along the drain are sown with Lucerne, and the side of the drain is also sown with the same, the roots holding up the earth; 18 inches are allowed, free from weeds, where the Vines are planted, and 18 inches inside the Vines, for passage, sownwith Grass seedsor Lucerne. But no ground islost, for the farmer sows white Turnips, or Cabbage, or white Beans, on the 18 inches which is allowed the Vines. No forest tree is allowed on a farm, and every inch of ground is cultivated with something. Baron Ricasoli trained manyof his Vines horizontally at about 18 inches from the surface. But you must bear in mind that his land is mostly broken stones at top, which retain and give back great heat. Where I am, the ground is now, by long cultivation, rich, and would retain too much moisture if treated Ricasoli fashion ; and, moreover, I am speaking merely of the Vines planted round each eampo, and not of the Vineyard. The Vineyard is trenched, fagotted, and drained, as in the campo, but the trenches are 1 metre (40 inches) wide and deep, and the Vines are 1 metre apart each way. set in quincunx, as they were in the days of Cicero. With regard to results, if Mr. Rivers could see the Vines in our Vineyards in bearing it would do his heart good. The bunches literally touch each other from top to bottom : and such bunches ! not a bad " granello " (berry) on a bunch— lustrous, round, jolly bunches, which delight the eye and explain the joy of the inspired writers in speaking of the glories of a Vineyard. Mr. Rivers' dilliculty is want of sun ; ours is want of water. As long as we have water we can grow anything, for we always have sun, and can always count on 0 to 7 per cent, for profit on capital invested in land. I have followed the precepts of Rivers' book with regard to treatment of fruit trees, and the result is, that at this moment I have Nectarines as big as Walnuts, and Peaches as big as Filberts in beautiful condition. My Peach trees are one mass of blossom (third year) from the top to the bottom, and people come from far and near to see them. The same of the Pears. The Apples don't seem to like the treatment so well ; but the Cherries, Apricots, Greengages and Plums, all succeed. It is a remarkable fact that the Italians have, since the days of Virgil, and probably before him, always treated Lemon trees a la Rivers, but never thought it worth their while to apply the same system to other kinds of fruit. The Lemon trees at present in my Lemon house (70 yards long) have certainly COOO Lemons on them. We sell them 14 for Wd. Our danger at the foot of the Appenines is frost just as the fruit is setting. The cold air from the hill rushes down into the warm plain, and if by accident a shower has fallen in the evening, and the wind comes from the North, the least drop of water, or heavy dew, is congealed in the cup of the flower, and it falls before the hot sun of next day. I have, therefore, run four slabs of deal, supported on posts (1 franc each), over and along one row of Peach trees in espalier, in order to shelter them from the heavy dews or violent showers which we may expect at this season, and I must say that it appears to have succeeded, for I see a great quantity of fruit set, whereas on other trees unprotected the blossom has scarce began to set. As soon as the fruit is set I un- screw the slabs, and leave the posts standing. To return to Vines. I ought to mention a very common practice here of propagating (propaginare) new plants from old vines; they dig down 2 feet forward and outside from the stem of the vine, then bend the stem into the trench, and secure it, leaving two eyes or three out of the ground ; and these trees will be in full bearing the third year instead of the fifth, as is the case if you begin from cuttings. I have adopted a new system of training vines on walls, at least I never saw it before. We had to repair several hundred yards of wall, so I chose about 100 of the best, and divided them into squares of 1 metre each, and at each corner of every square inserted an eye of iron in the wall. I then ran a galvanised iron wire from top to bottom, and another wire across, and tied the Vines to them clear of the wall 1 inch, so as not to harbour insects. I have run them 30 feet high, and expect, from the bunches I already see (for they are just formed), to have a fine wall show. My melon seed (obtained from England) took all the prizes, and people have scarce left me a grain— it was perfection, grown with a good water-fall on short terraces, and not much manure, but the best manure for melons is one-year-old grape skins and must, after the wine has been pressed. This manure, with 1 foot of earth over it, retains its heat for two months. With regard to Figs, we have about 30 varieties in Tuscany, but not more than two or three really good sorts. The best in Italy is the little Lombard Ciucchino, an ugly little green brown Fig, but in fact one mouthful of sugar. /. M. Societies. RoTAL HoRTictiLTUR.\L.— In our report of the great Show at Kensington, on tho 2d inst., we inadvertently omitted to draw attention to the miscellaneous group exhibited by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, to which the 1st prize was awarded, and which contained upwards of 40 plants. It \\ ill be seen from the subjoined list of some of the more important plants that the omission was of consequence, hence we take this opportunity of repairing it : — Nepenthes bybrida, Begonia bolivicnsis. Nepenthes hybrida maculata, Dichorizandra mos,aica, Cattleya Mossise, Vanda Bensoni, Abutilon Thompson! Dracaena regina. Nepenthes Rafflesiana, Dendrobium crystal- linum, Anthurium Scherzerianum, Dendrobium Dalhousi^num piganteum, Gymnogramma Peareei, Cattleya McMorlandi, D.avallia parvula, Adiantum concinnum latum, Caladium Chelsoni, Retinospora filicoides, Maranta Veitchii, Pendrobium Parishii. The six new Coleus exhibited by Messrs. Veitch were each rewarded with a First-class Certificate on this c Linnean: May 7.— G. Bentham, Esq., President, in the chair. Dr. W. C. H. Peters was elected a Foreign Member. The following papers were read : — 1. A brief account of tltc chief enenties destructite to tlie Colfce plant. By Surgeon John Shoi-tt. One of the most destructive was said to be the white Coffee borer {Perforator choavensis, Shortt : Cucujus Coffeo- phagus, Richter), which, though known for mfiny years, did not commit much havoc until 1867, some previous seasons of drought having deprived the insect of its natural food. Its destructive attacks then created quite a panic, and depreci- ated the value of much Coffee property. The habits of the insect.i are, according to the author, nocturnal in some instances, and crepuscular in others ; and as a remedy he sutrge-sts the use of lanterns, which attract the beetles, .and facilitate their being caught. " I recommended," he observes, " a good bright lantern to be hung up in different parts of the plantation, and they will attract not only the borer, but other hurtful insects ; and if coolies be stationed near the lights with hand nets, thousands of the insects could be taken and destroyed in a ni^ht. It was suggested that the sides of the glass should be smeared with honey, just sufficiently adhesive to retain the insect when it strikes against the glass." Tho next in order of destructiveness is called the red borer (Zeuzera yEsculi var. choavai), but this is not the larva of a beetle, but of a moth purely nocturnal in its habits. A third is the Curculio Cuffeophagus, the Coffee-fly of the planters, which feeds on the plant both in the larva .and perfect st.ate — the former on the pulp of the young wood, and the latter on the leaves. 2. On the Silticorm Oals of Xorttiirn China. By H. T. Hance, Ph.D., communicated by Dr. Hooker. Mr. Hanee obtained specimens of three kinds of 0.aks from the district of Newchwang, where the Oak silk culture is carried on, and these proved to be the Quercus mongolica of Fischer, the Q. dentata of Thunberg, .and what is supposed to be a June 13, 1868.] THE GARDENErxS' CirnONIOLE AND AGEtCHLTtmAT; 'GAZETTE. the first-named.— 3, Insects from /<) lithohit fho. me neio fornu of Z'alainl, icith a list of the iu:-<. By R. M'Lnchlon, Raq. rks variety of Trichojiterou species k-itou-i 4. X.-",^ Dr. IImmI:. r, "Incv.'l- -- :,,■, ■, |.; ., I .t,.| t),- Vil'i.- Mf vr,..N i.-V s|....-lliC charrti'tii- ,i i,, i,. . ,, ;, ni|.; - t.. ai--i m^iu. U iln' m.iur'-, uI iho Cuban Ju;^.-i.v.i.-, liuiu LUc^>iiuuyiijy wUuL uccuiuiumuis tln^'Ui. A glanco at ilxia sbowa that thcro is aomethiug wroiig— that many species have been established ou insufficient data. In the infancy of tho suienco the knowii specica were few, and could be well characterised by the habit flowers, fruits. &c., but a prominent mark of distinction less variable ehoiild be sought, and I have been surprised to observe how rarely tho number, form, or arrangement of the seeds is noticed ; yot tiK-y give most uxcellcut chavuctcra." 5. Nati-Ue Capcj-.sv.-. l.y r. M Ml i.v ,;,. r-,|., rni,M-i - ..r .h-rli|.t!..n.-^ uf f-v., Morio, . ' ■ ' . i:. !■.. Clarko. K-^.i. \\-- \.y T)i.' .^.niir, ,. /. ■ / ■■■.■' . - _ r";,'" ■■■■ with a VU-tc hi inr iiyi-iitrifH <;/ <■((; t,:/iis, ...;.. and renutrk-it on certain analotjits occarrmg doiii, iiicliuling notices of diseases con7iectcd Fungi. The substance of this paper at p. aboriginal modes of existence, and tho m.inufacturo is a marked feature in their domestic oconomy. The bark teased out is woven into blankets and cloaks, and is used for gun wadding. The wood splits easily, and forms boards for their lodges, and the trunks are hollowed out into their beautiful canoes. The twig.s are so tough as to be used together the det;icbixi pieces of the c; tho board.s of tho lodg ' " withes to v/ell as to bind to tho upright posts. Tbo Iuuvlh aifj smoked in times of tobacco famine. The I used to roof temporary houses, and is a common canoe scoops. The wood is almost indestructible ui and it is extensively used in the construction • other works in which durability i i- \ lic 1 in Hi might bo used much in railway might be easily wrought for 3 of tlio o.^t be ;iful tn Aiov '.(-■1" chair. Tin accovmts, fr.^m which it theSofioty Mil tlic ycLt lit of property in the aiuiuai kiiiii ith the gromtk of have already fumiahod 'A.—G. Bentham, Esq., Trcsidcnt, in tho read a general statement of the Society's it appeared that the balance in favour of that since the last a 10 Follows and one K'.m i m M. :■.]■■ l .■■! i- ■ i' -m.i'-v.iI five Fellows, while 24 new I . Il.'\\ -, ■•]\-- r^-ri.i u .Mi mi" r. .unl three Associates had been elected. At the ballot li>r Council and officei-s, Sir C. Bunbury, Bart.; W. Carruthers, Ksq. ; J. Gwyn Jeffreys, Esq. ; General Munro, C.B. ; and 9. J. A. Salter, Esq., were removed from the Council, and their places supplied by T. Doycot, M.D. ; Archibald Campbell, M.D. ; Cuthbort CoUingwood, M.B. ; D. Hanbury, Esq. ; and Osbert Salvin, Esq. The following officers were then re-elected, namely, G. Bentham, Esq., President; W. W. Saunders, Esq., Treasurer ; and G. Busk, Esq., and F. Currey, Esq., Secretaries. Tho President's address and the Secretary's obituary notices were then read, the thanks of the meeting being afterwards voted to both officers, with a request that the papers might be printed. June 4.— G. Bentham, President, in the chair. The President nominated J. J. Bennett, Esq. ; J. D. Hooker, M.D. ; Sir J. Lubbock, Bart. ; and W. W. Saunders, Esq., Vice-Presidents for the year ensuing. Tho following papers were read:— I. On the homologies of certain vutscks connected icith the shoulder-joint. By G. RoUeston, M.D. 2. Contributio^is to the History of Zamites gigas. By W. C. "Williamson, Esq. ; communicated by W. Carruthers, Esq. 3. On the muscles of the fore and hind limbs in the six-banded Armadillo. By J. C. Galton, Esq, ; communicated by Professor Rolleston. 4. The myology of the upper and lower extremities of the Oryctopxis capeasis. By the same. Botanical of Edinburgh : April 9.— Prof. Balfour in the chair. The following communications were read:— I. On the Genus Lophiostoina of British Fungi. By M. C. Cooke, Esq. ■ II. On the British Species of Delphinium. By Dr. W. R. M'Nab, Dr. M'Nab stated that while examining the Delphiniums in tht University herbarium, he had been led to the conclusion that there were three instead of two (D. Consolida and D. Aja British species as hitherto described, and he proposed that tho new species should be called Delphinium addendum. The following is the description :— Stem erect, about 1 foot high, sub-pubescent, branches erect, leaves multifid, racemes 2— T flowered, petals combined, spur longer than the calyx, pedicels longer than the bracts, ovary abruptly narrowed into a shoi-t style, follicle dnwny ; flowers blue, pink, orwhite ; Cambridge shire. Prof. Babington, we learn, doubts the validity of this species. III. Rejiort on the Open- Air Vegetal' the 2io}/al Botanic Garden. By Mr. M'Nab. Smce tho last raeetiug of the Botanical Society, March 12, vegeta- tion has gone on at the same rapid pace as it had done previous to that date. The weather since then has been comparatively mild. With the exception of the 15th, 23d, 24th, and 25th, when the lowest morning temperatures Indicated respectively 31°, 31°, 26°, 25% all other mornings, up to the present date (9th Api-il), ranged from 34° to 53°. Those herbaceous plants whose flowering I have been in the habit of recording up to the time of the April meeting, have all flowered dming March, as well as numerous others which I have not been in the habit of noting, many of these plants being fully three weeks earlier than their average time of flowering during previous years. Arboreous vegetation is also very far advanced, much more so than ia generally seen at this period of the year. Many Sycamores are in full leaf, as well as Thorns, Willows, Larches, &c., and many others are coming rapidly forward, such as Limes, Birches, Horse Chest- nuts, Sorbus, &.C. The snowy Mespilus is in full flower, as well as the Pyrus nivalis, Elms, Norway Maple, &c. Many specimens of the Ribes sanguineum, which showed their first flowers this year on the 9th of March, arc now past their best, white last year they only commenced flowering on tho 3d of April. The foUowipg Table, which exhausts my usual aimual list, will show the difference in the period of flowering this year as compared vrith last : — ,- e.n-tb. It l; very light. -. Slc. It ia HI erica, and IJrown also . ,ind photo- . .f the same ullingtonia) Ml Dougl. ; Abies Lambertiana, Menziesii (prtx Oregana, Nutt gigantea, Seqm utort-i; been observed this year. Amongst tbcm may be recorded Lilacs, Laburnums, Thorns, particularly Cratx'gi>8 prajcox and C. oxyacauthoides (the last mcutii)ued iKingin full flower on the 22d day of April), also tho perfumed Cherry (Prjjmua Mahaleb), double flowei-iug Cherry, Gean, Wistaria sinensis, Robinua, Caragana, numerous species of Cytisus, Azalea pontica, y) the Horse Chestnut, double. biii:;le, and .-^cailet Tlinins, I urd Cherry, S.'rvi. .-■ ti-.-. , IV, ..t .1. iiii n r ,1 i /.■i,i, [, .-, ;iiid K. pontiuum, i^l. i.' '. .: i:: :, i ,, ]■.■,;' iu flower, kind.s ili . i,, ■ , .■..:■.: m , :,nd in this part nt ; ■ i ,, n, i Uo beginniiM' Mf ,1 ,■ . M ■. I , ,:, :.u^. Mandragora vemalis . . , , Scilla buolia rubra Primula ciliata purpurata . . Anemone nemorosa . . Narcissus moachatus ., Fritillariaimperialis .. Saxifraga virginica physaloides } Pseudo-Narcissus. Adonis vemalis . . Omithogalum montanura ., March 18 March 18 March 20 March 20 March 20 March 21 March 21 March 22 March 23 March 26 March 26 March 28 April 9 Mar. 2.5 April 15 AprU 3 April G April 4 April 8 April 4 Apiil 10 IV. Miscellaneous Communications. Mr. Robert Brown presented and made some remarks on various articles which he had brought from Vancouver Island, Oregon, and other parts of North-west America, principally illustrative of the economic uses of Conifers, Ac. :— 1. A large mat of the bark of Thuja gigantea, Nutt. 2. Raw material out of which it is woven. 3. The same stained to form ornamental borderings, &c. 4. The same teased out and used as gun wadding, p.ads, &c. (All the above from Seshaaht Indians, V. I.) 5. Bottles covered with a woven sheathing of ornamental work, of tho roots of some species of Cyperus (Fort Simpson, B. C). 6. Indian sp^^ijns made of the wood of Pinua monticola, Dough (Queen Charluttc's Island). 7. Section of stem of Philadelphus micropehdus (Williamctte River, Oregon). 8. Ground Wokas (seeds of Nuphar advena, Ait.), used as food by the Indians near the Klamath lakes, Oregon, &c. Mr. Brown remarked that if we consider the varied uses to which Thuja gigantea is put. It might wcU be styled " the Bamboo" of tho North- western Indians. The bark is woven into mats embroider^'' Into lozenge-shaped spaces and borders, with bark uf Dougl. ; Finns ;lasii, Lindley ; Arbutus Ills monticola, Dougl.; Alnua ■nryana, R. Br. mss. ; Cactus &c. Mr.Gorricexhibitedspeci- of Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus, the Lent-lily or common English D:iffodil, from Mr. W. Huggate, gardener, Buxstead Park, Sussex, which differed considerably from the plant in cultivation under that name. 3. Mr. Alexander Craig-Christie exhibited a portable plant case, which ho had found service- able in conveying living plants from a distance. It consisted of a box with two uprights, one at each end, from which canvas was stretched to the margins of the box, thus foi-ming a sort of "Wardian case." 4. Mr. Charles Howie noticed the occurrence of Zygodon Stcrtoni, and Polystichura angulare, near Largo, Fife. 5. Mrs. Ross, of Pitcaithlie, sent a living specimen of Buxbaumia indusiata, which she had collected near that place. C. Professor Archer exhibited the following: — 1. Section of stem of Abies excelsa, from the district of Lower Tungoosk, 700 miles up the River Tungoosk, at the junction of the River Timour, near the Icy Sea, 70' N._ It exhibited 300 annual rings of growth. 2. Section of Finns Cembra, 302 years old, from the same place as the last. 3. Section of Fir from the banks of the river Petchora, 66° 25' N., age 95 years. 7. A specimen of Palisota Barteri, In flower, was exhibited from the Botanic Garden. It had been grown from West African seeds transmitted to the garden by Mr. Hanbury. M .i i i M . i ' ].■, in Perthshire, he had taken the m. i- n. m. i i ,1 -v. 1 il old L.arch trees growing in the neighbourhood. One trunk measured, at 2 feet from the ground, 21 feet 4 inches in eircumte-ence ; and at 4 feet, 17 feet 8 inches; diameter, 6 to 7 iBet ; and spread of branches from 40 to 50 feet. Another tree measured, at 4 feet from the ground, 13 feot 8 inches in circumference, and 4i feet in diameter. Jiine 3. fewer than objects invited in tho s, we have seen more tides staged were charac- Glasoow and West —The show itself was 540 difi'erent entries for the schedule. As regards huge specii prominent exhibitions, but thi terised by many good cultural points. The miscellaneous collections, occupying a given space upon a tabic, were exchanged in this instance for a set number of specimen plants, but the coitp Wail was not half so good or so satisfac- tory to the general visitor. It requires terraced banks, s\ich aa form the groundwork of the Regent's Park Exhibition, to give large plants a decided character. Where tables form the groundwork, miscellaneous groups, comprising Fems, flowcir- ing and other ornamental plants, artistically arranged, aro most generally effective and pleasing, As an instance of this, the miscellaneous table contributed by Pro- vost Russel, of Mayfield, Falkirk, completely outsjjone the corresponding tables of Mr. Couts, Ferguslie, Paisley, and Mr. Kidston, Newton House, and was surrounded with crowds of admiring visitors during the day. By the way, this exhi- bition collection of Mr. Russel's was his first effort, and it was really a praiseworthy one, meriting all the encomiiyna which were heaped upon it. It consisted, aimtuir ntlifn- tilings, of a beautiful pair of Dracsena australis in :l, i.il, r.nmd, along with great fine plants of Aucuba 1 1 1 !ii . ;l .. i-npini- ncntly conspicuous from their rich goldei I ■ : : :i ■ aud palo green margin; a fine Seaforthia cle^' iii -, ■ .iik.:it' 1 svith a good plant of Amaryllis Imperatrice du JSre.sLI, wbieh along with a superbly spotted variety of Odontoglossum citroamnm, received a First-class Certificate from the judges. Among the Orchids were particularly well managed plants of Saccolabinm guttatum giganteum and S. praimorsum, Aeridea Lobbii, Cattleyalobata, a large fine variety of Lselia purpurata, Odonto- glossum nsevium maj us, several moth Orchids, and fine examples of Vanda suavis, tricolor and teres. The richness of the colouring was relieved by several well chosen varieties of Ferns, not the least beautiful among which was Athyrium Goringianum pictum, with its handsome dark green arching fronds, with the midrib reddish towards base, and toning out to become almost white towards the extremity. Adiantum for- mosum, A. concinnum — a gem, and A. pedatum, were quite at home as Orchid companions, and so were the several excel- lent specimens of Todea superba, and hymenoi>hylloides (pel- lucida). The picture was enhanced by the introdi-iction of small plants of Calamus Getah, the beautifully cut Cupania filicifoKa, the fine habited Coprosma Baueri with foliage of green and gold and white admirably contrasted ; Bertolonia margaritacea, which always is seen to best advantage as a small plant ; the beautiful Sanchezia nobilis variegata, so very much enhanced by its golden ribs, &:c. To iHr. Thomas Sorley, the gardener, the meed of praise, both for good cultiva- tion and effective arrangement, is justly due. Mr. Wm. Dickson, gi\ to Thomas Cout'^, !-N'i . of F.^-uslio, obtained the premier prize of the day i-n- -]■ 1 ■■ !■ t ' mi-^ and also the best prize for Orchids. Besidi.^ ; i- , niiator had a very fine specimen Lataniaborboni ., I , ■ -..■- \ .'lium secheUarum, and some other good things, .^ll Ail tn ibuder- son, gr. to G. Kidston, Esq., of Newton HLHi.se, Caui)iusl.ang, run his opponent so closely that the judges had some difficulty in deciding. From this and other collections it is evident that the cultivation of Heaths is looking up again in tho west. Mr. Henderson had a tine Dendrobium densiflurum, a movo in the way of colour, Mr. James Forbes, gr. to Dr. Bucha- nan, Beechwood, had a very good lot of plants, also in the Fni- til ;.-■■■( Tji:'ii''-i --r I- ' -[ ■ ■ i I nuns there was a wonder- fnllv "1 \ ': i\ iv, gr. to Jas. R. Ueid, Esi]"., w .; , !■ , . ■ ! y.u\. Boyd, gr. to T. J7. Kiiil,i\- I -.| , ..t i.L.iiiLJMi, Ml. I iLjo Russel, gr. to J. Luiidie, k-^i., iMuvniL V^ii..^u . Mv. AichJ. Stevenson, gi'. to R^ Addie, Eaq., of View Park, Both well; and Mr. Thomas Hogg, gr. to David Tod, Esq., of Ironbank, Partick, being the more successful among the competitors. The chief plants were those to bo seen at every June exhibition throughout the country, very few novelties making their appearance. There were some excellently grown Heaths from Mr. Archibald Stevenson, Mr, Boyd, and Mr. Campbell, the latter grower taking 1st prize for best specimen, Azalem were furnished in quantities, the best coming from Messrs. Duncaq_ M'Farlane, Peebles; Jas. Forbes, and >Vm. Boyd. Criterion, Roi Leopold, I very ana, variegata, and Stanleyana seem to stand against the advanced season fully aa good as their compeers. Not tho least feature in importance Wiia tho variegated Pelargoniums. They too had their admirers, and thero is such a wonderful variety that little wonder the note-book and pencil of tho visitors were often resorted to. Mr. Campbell, gr. to W. S. Stu-ling Crawford, Esq., of Caatlemilk, again headed his competitors with an admirably-grown and stagert dozen of pLanta, Tho pyramidal feature WiW kept up, ana with such an ease that the whole were httlo pictures in miniature, and just the sort of thing that a fiiatidious hidy of taste would select for dj-^--""-*-"-^"! tjihle decomtion. Mr. John darker colour, stiinedlby steeplngiri^^'a mixture of "oil K Is remark^blo^^nT^^^^ pari! ha;rn;veTs;en lu^am:!.. to John Gordon, ^^otMi^f^^^^T^^^ Charcoal, and water. These mats are used in a variety of 1 so many of them in flower during the month of April as have I very fine assortment. Messrs. Dreghorn A- Aiticen, iuimar 632 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE Am AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 13. 1868. nock, had a showy group of their Variegated Zonal Pelar- goniums. Golden Feverfew in thumb pots, grouped in the front i-.uik of this exhibition, was most effective, fully as rich in the golden hue as the best of the gold ground Pelargoniums. Messrs. J. & R Thyne, of Woodside Nurseries, put up a very effective table of plants, consisting of Anthuriura Schcrzer- ianuin, with 12 of its glorious examples nf aroid inflorescence, castintj a brilliancy around. This was adj\idged worthy of the premium "for the moat meiiturionsly grown house plant in the exhibition." Alunj,' the ccutiii oi the t;iblo stood s-^veral tree Ferns, a varieg( Rosslyn, Lady Hastings, Prince Imperial, \ill ; M i , ; IVrlcction, embracing some of the old as wtll 'as. Mr. Andrew Brown, Cambuslan?, and Mi W ;. j ; i n . I -'inds of good flowers, compi-ising moat nf lii- - .'ir ! n^ -- i^-'i' ■[ Fruit was only iu>' i " l\ i ■ n^ .1. .nvl the quality not atall eqn!iUofort';.r ' ■ ,■ ■ . r/.ii n . Mi-. M'MiU:in. gr. tn caused by the boring into the stems of the trees by the larvae of a beetle belonging to the genus Clytus. This exhibition led to an e.xtended conversation, and it was resolved to form a Committee of the Society to report on the subject. ghtly meeting of other day at the I'resideut, in thu IV fine CattelFs Potatos. *Mr. 'Holder said that when he lived B ok hamsh e he sed to fill h's ( 'ts v'th v k nda of le es f r M I n ani ft ds to u e h u for Car oU d otl er e ly t 1 1 In th t w y he always s cceeded w 11 "M I t \ 1 the b t Melons heeehdwcgi n wte They w e t. u r 1! } f th 4 he f u 11 d t) I I I M 1 h h I d ff I II 1 B ht sh ws M II n T\ h h ho w h I II 1 f II the Id ubl h h c It t 1 111 h t 1 1 ut ty of n anu e and tan on vh ch they g ew ve y well The old st ff that came off Cucumber beds was also very good for growmg early CaiTots. Mr. Frost said he disliked using tan, but it was very useful for Pines and Radishes ; the latter grew, he thought, more quickly in it than anything else. Hegenerally mixed salt and lime with the tan, and he found it was an improvement; in using tan, how- ever, there was great difficulty in destroying worms, of which it favoured the increase. Lime water was a good thing for destroying them, but it often proved fatal to Azaleas, Rhodo- dendrons, and other plants. Mr, Davis preferred leaves to tan, but he found the latter very useful for early vegetables. He had also grown his bedding plants in tan with a mixture of maniu-e, and they had done very well. Mr. Haffeuden said that last year his tan produced a quantity of Fungus, but he mixed some salt with it and destroyed it. A very good sample of Sangster's No. 1 early Pea was shown by Mr, Gilbert ; and a discussion followed as to the best kind of early Peas, the general opinion being that Sangster's No. 1, Carter's First Crop, Dauial O'Rourke, and Essex Rival were the best sorts. Entomological : Mai/ 4. — H. T. Stainton, Esq., Vice- President, in the chair. Mr. Boyd exhibited a series of carefully preserved Caterpillars uf British Lepidoptera, and Mr. Triuien a specimen of the Emperor Moth, which had died in attempting to escape from the cocoon back- wards. Mr. McLachlan exhibited specimens of Anax mediterranea, of which great swarms had appeared in Italy, and Mr. Smith a larva of one of the Staphy- linidai, which had been destroyed by parasitic larv£e of a species of Proctotrupes, of which several of the pup* were fixed to the ventral surface of the victim. Mr, Stainton exhibited the first volume of the " Memoirs of the Academy of Paris, 1750," which contained a careful set of figures represeating the transformation of a moth, Antispila Riviilii, of which no other information had ever been obtained. Mr. F. Hmith exhibited specimens of several npeciea uf insects received from Dr. Cleghorn, Inspoct'i f T'l.n-U it Madras, which had proved very injurious, in. , ■ i . i pueies of Acheta, which eats off the youug >),■■■ i > i in.i. trees ; a similar account of the habits of a ^ !■ ■ i (ii> nuekiud of insect at the Cape of Good llupt; w.i.-, yivcu by Mr. Tnmen. A paper by Mr. Dcsborough was read ;]M-ii.lr.i in the endeavours to arrest the destruction, but il w.i-^ ;ill tiim au away. No situation was exempt from its r:iv;i„i. > UilN .'.lA v:ill(Wa aliki^ suffered, nor could any principlu l.-r tracuabk^ iu il- p'r.MDi rii,.u-; ;ittacka. Upon a close exaniinatiou of the ,ii . i : 1 il is fuund that the f.-ruiative layer inside the 1., i:: ,il turns black; the kaves then wither and 1 . 11 the b:nk is found to be full of small p>.-rfo- 1 my kind has ever been discovered in ; I i: I ! I t J, nor has any Fungus boen charged ■, , 1 1 i . ! ■ I .1 ■ ■ ; . I ; ■ ■ . ' . Its nature has been a mystery and a ] HI ■! v-. it 11 1 1; ■ 1 I 111' ' I -., who have, for the most part in vain, arrest it have pnjvud entirely unavailing. I have heard various suggestions offered, some of them of the wildest character to account fur the diseu\se. That which Mr. Josfe d Alme da j roposesis by far the most reasonable, and, in fact, commends itself to the judgment of the vegetable physio- log st It s that the trees had long been unnaturally forced, 1 y d ge g trenches too closely around their spongioles, and Vytoo r ch and long-continued manuring, by which heavy p t s t ue, were for a time obtained, but which at last h ted the tree, so that the premature decay, thus 1 ht n by inflexibla physiological laws, was incapable of b g rre ted by any after treatment. In conv sation with a gentleman who once cultivated N tmegs on a large scale, I was assured by him that he cr-ul I distmguish at least two forms of disease. In one of these it was deep-seated and radical. In many trees which he cut down for the purpose, he found that the central part of the main stem was turning black ; and this gave the first indica- tions of the onset of the disease, which was soon followed by the falling off of the leaves and the whitening of the branches. " With regard to the other form of disease, he distinctly traced it to the attacks of what, from his description, must have been a small black aphis, which perforated .the branches, and caused them to wither one by one. I find no two accounts to be precisely alike in respect to the manner of falling aw.ay of the trees ; but all agree that their destruction was rapid, certain, and irremediable. Many planters, both English and Chinese, whose whole estates were invested in Nutmeg pLintations, were thus reduced to ruin, and became absolutely penniless : and distress and disappointment everywhere prevailed. It is a curious fact that many of these abandoned trees, around which has now sprung up a thick jungle under- growth, have, since they have been thus neglected and left to themselves, recovered, and relieve the generally disDial pros- pect of bare branches and skeleton trees. T have myself seen these dark -green healthy trees in many situations where they are quite uncared for, even amongst tlie oldest plantations in the island ; and this fact seems decidedly corroborative of the idea that tlie disease was one of exhaustion and decay, arising from unnatural forcing. Another fact is significant, viz., that, while at Penang, where this cultivation, as described, was carried on with the greatest vigour and the greatest expen- diture, the destruction has been most complete and marked, while at Malacca, where the people were not so rich, and could not afford to manure the trees so highly, they have not suffered so severely as at Penang and Singapore. " At the present moment there is no such thing as Nutmeg cultivation, either at Penang or Singapore ; nor does it seem probable that the experiment will be again tried. Planters are now persuaded that neither the soil nor cUmate is favourable for their production ; and, as we shall presently see, other crops have fared but little better. The trees which still exist are neglected and abandoned by their owners, though they still yield Nutmegs. These aro gathered by any Chinese or Malays who take the trouble to do so ; and the few Nutmegs, iusignificant in quantity, which now find their way into the Singapore market, are obtained in this way — a clear gain to those who carry them there." It is evident that we have here a case for inquiry. Probably several things are mixed up together ; at any rate Mr. Collingwood's statements are hardly consistent one with another. A graduate of the University of Cambridge has rcceatly published and circulated a .supplementary chapter to his work, entitled — The Darwmian Ongin of Species Examined (Nisbet). The writer succeeds in demolishing Mr. Darwin very much to his own satisfaction, and, if slashing argument without much heed as to its basis be sufficient, his victory is complete. The author, who eviaces great argumentative powers, would give greater weight to his opinions were he to contrast his own recklessness of assertion with his opponent's candour and modesty, and specially were he to show that he could appreciate the value and bearing of the facts collected by Mr. Darwin, either with or without reference to the hypotheses based on them. The present author treats his subject with all the fierceness and dogmatism of an Old Bailey barrister, and with a sublime disregard of facts. The Darwinian hypotheses constitute a red rag, at which the critic rushes without for a moment considering how the red rag is woven. Of course he is justified in so doing if he chooses, but his criticism will be valued accordingly. From the columns of the Field Dr. Bree has reprinted a series of Popular Illustrations of the Lower Forms of Life (Cox). So far as the animal kingdom is concerned, these illustrations appear to us carefully and well drawn up. The chapter relating to the protophy ton is, however, singularly meagre and unsatis- factory. It will be new to many of our readers to find a grain of Wheat described as a protophyte ! What would a zoologist say if we called the impregnated ovum of a vertebrate animal a protozoon } Among new monthly publications we may mention the London Student {Churchill), of which three parts have appeared. This is conducted for the most part by old London graduates and students ; the aims, so far as we see, are to knifc together into one baud the now scattered alumni of the various London colleges, legal, medical, or what not, with the view of giving a tone more like that of the elder universities. It is an object, moreover, to enforce a high and at the same time practical standard of education in all its branches. These objects are so praiseworthy that we wish all success to the new venture. We trust it may be carried on in a broad, earnest spirit, destitute of priggishness or pedantry. Ouce iigaiu the Qentleman^s Magazine (Bradbury, Evan.s,& Co.,) makes its appearance in a new guise. The cloth of his coat is brighter in colour, and finer in texture, if not so substantial as heretofore. AVe have the gentleman in his e;isy chair, at his club, iu Vanity Fair, in the House, at the Academy, on the turf, on the croquet lawn, and in the cricket field. He furnishes us with notes and incidents of current life, extracts from Mr. Urban's now somewhat extensive correspondence, and an obituary of deceased worthies, among whom Lord Brougham and King Theodore occur iu curious approximation. i Florists' Flowers. Coming now to the feathered and flamed and striped TnLiPS, one of the prettiest is Monument, a somewhat tall, hut extremely showy variety, of a bright rose ground colour, flamed and striped with white. In cora- parisou with Cramoisie^Boyale, which it somewhat resembles, the rosy ground colour is of a paler hue ; it is a handsome and striking flower. Of yellow ground flowers, Byzantinus is a pretty variety ; the ground colour is pale yellow, flamed with rosy red: it is quite novel in character, but not a large flower. La Plaisaute is one of Messrs. Cutbush & Son's new flowers, of a .year or two ago; it is a yellow ground variety, the petals having a centre flame of pale rosy violet, and feathered with streaks of rosy red ; quite a novel kind, but small in size. The red ground flowers form the largest divisions, and contain some striking kinds. Duod'Alkamarisa feathered flower in the way of, and also having much of the size and build of, Keizerkroou, but with the ground colour of the Double Tournesol ; the edging is not so deep a colour, or so broad as in the case of Keizerkroou. Due de Berlin is a dwarf-growing variety edged with yellow, and may be best described as a single form of Tournesol, having just the same build, ground colour, and depth of edge. Brutus breeder is a supposed seedling from the old small bright red self flower of that name. It has a lively red ground colour, slightly feathered with deep yellow; the flowers are both tine and showy. Brutus rectified is the same type of flower, feathered and flamed with yellow, and forms an attractive kind. Due de Crillon is of a lively reddish crimson ground colour, flamed with bright yellow, somewhat loose in form, but dwarf-growing and striking. Duo de Holstein is of much the same build and shade of ground colour, but has not so much yellow distributed about it, and so bas a duller appearance, though quite distinct. Lao Van Lufkin appears to be entirely new; it is of a reddish pure grouud, edged and feathered with white ; quite distinct in character, and very good in quality. At Mr. Paul's show at South Kensington there could have been seen two flowers, having light ground colours, that were well worth notice. One was that very distinct and novel flower Cerise Gris-de-lin, but in this case heavily flaked with rosy crimson. It was in fine character, and appears to he eminently adapted for pot culture. The other was a newer flower, named Grande Duchesse de Eussie ; it was a flower of the same build as Fahiola, but instead of being flaked with violet purple, as in tlie case of the last named, it was flaked with silken rose, and was both pretty and novel. Of the newer forms of the early Tulips having white grounds, the palm must he given to Rosa Delicata, shown this season by Mr. "N^'illiam Paul ; it is splashed and feathered with rosy carmine on a white ground, and is dwarf, of good habit, very pretty, and an excellent variety for pot culture. Rose Applate, shown as new by Messrs. Cutbush & Son, is feathered with lively pink, and slightly flaked with rosy red on a white ground ; a somewhat small, but a very delicate and pleasing flower. Jaht van Rotterdam is flamed with pale June 13, 1868.] THE GAEDTINEI^S' OHl^nNTCLE ANT> ^GWCUETITEAL GAZETTE. 633 rosy violet on a white ground, but as shown required larger size to make it eflwlivo. Belle Lisctte is a variety flamed witli bright rose on a white ground, small in size, but very pretty. The double varieties of the early-floworini» Tulips increase by the addition of novelties but very slowly. The old Tournesol yet holds its own as one of the very best Double Tulips in cultivation, whether for i>"l culture or outdoor decoration. Then there ;iri Duke of York, a reddish crimson flower, edged wiUi white ; La Belle Alliance, a full double flower, of a deep violet purple ground colour, flaked with white ; and the Yellow Tournesol, a yellow form of the old flower of that name— all very fine for general purposes. To these can be added Imperator Rubrorum, deep red ; and La Candeur, white ; together with those two later flowering hut fine striped kinds, Mariage de ma I'iUe, and Couronne Imperiale, the former a very showy flower. Both the last named have the appearance of having been selected from the late mixed border kinds, as they possess the tall growth and late blooming qualities of the border flowers. Of the newer forms, the best are Salvator Sosa, pale flesh, flamed with rose, a delicate-looking but not very full flower ; Eossini, in the same way, but with not so nuich depth of colour ; Weenix, deep rosy pink, with a broiid palo edging, which changes to white towards the margin, a novel and pretty flower; Gris-de-lin, in tlie way of the single variety Cerise Gris-de-lin, but having more rose in the ground colour, and the edge almost white ; Couronne des Roses, a bright rose- coloured self variety; Couronne Pourpre, bright purplish crimson self— a good colour, but the flower i> deficient in substance; and Velvet Gom, dark red. sligl'tly edged with yellow. A popular writer once stated that he contended strongly and earnestly for the use of the tribe of early flowering Tulips in out-door spring gardening, because they are easily accessible, highly a.ttractive, and deeply interesting. Mr. Fleming, of Cliveden, and Mr. Ingram, of Belvoir, can bear testimony to their value for out-door decoration at that season of the year. Cultivated in almost any form, whether by filling a few pots merely, or by ma.5singtbem in beds on a large scale, or dotting them over beds planted so as to have a distinct ground colour, they take high rank among floral beauties. They are irresistibly attractive, being both beautiful and gorgeous ; and they rarely disapi)oiut the grower, as the simplest mode of cultivation sulfiees to develop their rich beauty. Let a collection be once obtained, and there is secured an agent that can perpetuate itself, year by year accumulating by the ordinary form of propagation, and extending itself by ever widening circles of added numbers. They are eUective when planted between rows of later blooming spring flowering plants, which form a succession to the Tulips. As soon as they have done blooming, the flower stem and a portion of the foliage can be removed with- out doing material injury to the bulbs, and the plants that succeed them soon cover from view such of the foliage as remains. The roots can be lifted at bedding- out time, with a little soil adhering to the roots, each sort can be iilaced in a paper bag, and stowed away on a dry shelf till November, ready for use again in the im- portant work of the spring decoration of the flower garden. Quo. The first Show of the Royal Botanic Society, held on May -7th, ;u>i3uaied to show couclusively that the new large flowt.iii,_ i'l ' I MTMs are not up to last year's average, with ill ) ; ii I one or two ijidividual tlowers, while it was 1 1 , 1 . i ■; iii:4ng toffether one of the finest lots of new Fan. V ['. I ii_'.i;iiuiiis the floral world ha.i ever seen. Of the fnruior, Troubadour (Uoyle) w.is awarded a First-class Certitic;ite. Those who say it is too much in the way of Mary Hoylc to be classed aa a distmct variety, had a good opportunitj' afforded them to compare the two flowers, as Mr. Johu Fraser staged afinely-Krown well-flowered example of it. The rough edge ou Mary Hoyle is entirely lost in Troubadour, while it also gains in point of colour and finish. Maid of Honour (Foster), awarded a Second-class Certificate, is a flower that found many admirers ; it reflexes a little too much, and the edges were slightly crumpled, or it would, no doubt, have received a higher award. Other flowers were Nonp.areil (Hoyle) described at p. 577 ; Sir Robert Napier (Hoyle), blight deep pink lower petals a soft and beautiful shade of kil..]-, .' u:. 114i.h ou upper petals, lit up with fiery oimu .li ■ i -, aud .slight edge of pink; Abyssinian ill :. ■ i I j,ii,k lower petals. d.ashed with orange and in. h ill ., , :., 1 u k, dark top putals, ■with edge of bright rose; Dr. I.i . Ii. -i Mr i 1 1.. ylu), salmon- pink lower petals, slightly suiln . I i h i l.r, and small dark spot on e.ach segment close t. lin ii, liiui dark top petals edged with pale rose; Env..y ( 1 uniM ». described last week ; Sir Robert Napier (Dobson;, a high-coloured stained flower, the lower petals fiery orange stained with dark, glossy dark top jietals, edged with rosy pink, pure silver white throat : a showy, but small aud rough flower : and Mere- weather, a spotted vai-iety, deep violet-pink lower petals, with dark spot on each, and also pencilled with dark, and havuig dark top petals, and a margin of bright ro.se. At the Royal Horticultur.ai Society's first Great Show at South Kensington on June 2, but few new Pelargoniums were staged. A First-class Certificate was awarded to Heroine (Poster), pink lower petals, with white throat ; dark blotch on top petals, lit np with a slight fiery hue : broad pale rosy pink margin, fine flower .and tru.ss, habit exceedingly good. Royal Bride (Foster) is of a beautiful hue of colour, but was not shown in the best condition. It is of a deep glowing carmine shade, with sm.all dark blotch on the upper petals, with broad rich crimson margin dashed with deep orange ; white tbioat, habit spare, the flower somewhat rovigh. It is a variety very likely to obbiin the highest award, .and the colouring is decidedly fresh and novel. Flower of the Day (Foster) is very like Heroine, but not quite so deep in colour, not such a finished flower, nor is the habit so good. Patrician (Foster) is .also in the way of Maid of Honour, but inferior to it, losing the fine hue of colour and hecomuig quite palo with ago. There were also shown Maid of Honour (Poster), not in quite so good condition as when seen at the Regent's Park ; Dick Turpin (Foster), violet-rose lower pot;ds, slightly pencilled with crimson, dark top petals, lit up with fieiy crimson, and slight edge of pink ; Lady of Lyons (Foster), clear pink, lower petals tinted ^vith carmine dark top petals, the blotch lit up with fiery carmine and edged with pink, a large and bold flower; The Prelate (Foster), BalnioD-plnk lower petals, euflused with orange and pencilled li i'l' I v-coloured flowers, aud will I"' '." i ii ii'. '' '' ' iiLds. Mr. Turner had a laiK'- "I ' I "I it. I .■ . i^i I ii,\- general consent it is ackii.K, |. i , .1 ?,, j„. th.- iuicsL lit^iit- Fancy Pelargonium yet raised, and this niiglit have also been said of both Mrs. Mendall and Agrippa, had Princess Teck not been shown with them. Mr. Turner also had Pink Perfection, bright violet-rose, with white throat and narrow white margin : a pretty and striking flower : the Hon. Mrs. Campbell, white lower petals, spotted as in the case of Belle of the Season : the same character of upper petals also, but with a broader pale margin ; Large flowers, and distinct from Belle of the Season in that the Lnound colour of the lower petals is whiter : Mr. .\i:ii I \\l:ii,, tls,., iu the way of Belle of the Season, but itisi. ill, , I, (rose spots there is a transverse bar of lai ! , !;■ , ,111.,' across the lower petals, bright rose upper ]„ I ,1 , m o _; in,. Twith white, brighter th.au Belle of the Season, liocauso having greater depth of colour : and Pink Perfection, with top petals like Lord of the Isles, but the lower petals have more white towards the edge, and, consequently, nob so much body of colour. Most of these were again produced at the Floral Committee on June 2, but accompanying them were three tlowers shown for the first time, viz , Excelsior and Formosa, nearly alik(\ br.fh having pale lower petals, with tracings of dark rn-,^ in snni« -^ises forming a band of colour, in others meri!\- i' : I ■■'\ ']:■■ ]>,ile ground; bright dark rose upper petals, I ,1 ,1 i;Il a pale colour, good hcabit, Excelsior l»!in ■, I , I' • ,,f t.ho two; and Lady ^ ' llisl ngto chaste aud on (Tu rge pyramidal shaped plant was shown, and the habit'is •y way suggestive of an excellent bedding kind, being short-jointed and compact in growth. Str.ange to s.iy. .Mr staged this plant at the South Kensington Show as a Variegated Zonal in CI i-s ; :, m 1, t : ui^er .still, the judges awarded him an equ.al 1 - : 1 I : M -is, F, aud A, Smith, though there is not t!io I i; 1 a zone on the leaves, Mr. W. Pivul also exhiil: I 1 1 Sui.wlrop, another ■I ■ V.meg.atcd lioin Messrs. fi-.ira Mr. C. 1 foliago, and iind Prince of good white-edged kind, :il , First-cl.ass Certificates • Zonal Pelargoniums, n 1 1 I Carter & Co, ; .and Mii.l Turner, both having vi : , 1 ml ■, fine haljits. Princess of \\ '' I Wales, .also from Messrs 1 . 1 , : , i i condition, and may bo <1 , ; , 1 1 First-class Certiflcitos -■■■•■ 1!-. nvnl i t,i Mr. J. W Wirasott, for two of !\lr. Wills' hylail Ivy-leaved Pelargo- goniums, viz,, Willsii, the flowers rose dashed with blue ; and Willsii coccinea, rosy red. The foliage of each is of a stiff, rigid character, Willsii having the largest foliage and the most Nosegay Pelargonium Fire King, from Mr. Turner, was awarded a First-class Certificate by the Flor.al Committee. It has large trusses of bright magenta-crimson flowers, the ges when fully expanded forming quite thirds of a large ball ; the foliage was good, the leaves being marked with an irregular narrow zone. It will m.ake a fine hue of colour for e-\;hibition purposes. Duchess of Sutherland, one of Mr. Fleming's new Nosegays, has been shown this season by Mr. Turner in fine condition, while as a bedding kind it is deserving of all praise. Pioneer (Turner) is a zonal v.ariety, with fiowers of a bright s.alraon-orange hue (hashed with violet ; a good flower, but of which there are already some excellent types. Rival and Viihant are from Mr. Bull's collection, the former a vivid deep orange flower of fine form, the latter something in the w.ay of it but paler in hue. Double Tom Thumb, from Mr. W. Paul, has semi-double irreguKar flowers of a bright orange-scarlet colour ; quite curious in its way, but apparently of little value beyond that. Exhibitors of the zonal Pelargonium should make a note of Leonidas, dark, yet bright orange-scarlet, excellent habit ; Jules Ci5sar, cerise, suffused with orange ; and Louis Veuillot, fine bright crimson dashed with orange ; three varieties shown by Mr, John Fraser at South Kensington on Tuesday last. They deserve to be much better known. At this show Mr, Salter had a lot of his double Pyrethrums in flower, grown in pots, in which they had succeeded much better than anyone would have been led to expect. Such kinds as BaiTal, Rubrum magnum, Madame Billard, a beautiful pale flower; Pulgens plenissimum, Rev. J. l)ix, &c., were the most noticeable : and of single flowers, Mars, bright deep rosy- crimson, .and Exiinium, pale rosy-crimson. It was pleasiint to see some cut blooms of Ranunculus both at the Regent's Park and South Kensington shows. Certainly they were small, and wanting in variety to make them thoroughly effective; hut it is worthy of notice th.at they are being exhibited once more. Some fancy Pansics from Messrs. Downie, Laird, &, L.aing, also produced at both shows, were marvels for size, stoutness of texture, and rich coloui-ing. A good many were seedlings, but of a very novel and striking character. The following named flowers would form a fine collection, distinct, handsomely marked, and highly coloured— viz.. Miss Melville, Amy, Mrs. R. Dean, Princess Alice (the two last named are beautiful light flowers), llaisy, Mrs, H. Nethercote, Tambouriue (a splendid flower). Prince of Wales, Pi-ineess Napoleon, Indigo, Harlequin, H. W. Adilir, Eole, Noemi Demay (a French variety, but well worthy notice for its rich golden hue), Oriana, and William Moffat. Rose Edward Morren, a hybrid perpetual variety, wasehown by Messrs. J. «fe C. Lee, who are distributing it. It is in the way of Jules Margottin, and of great substance, thou;;h not shown in good condition ; indeed, the fortunate raiser of both flowers considers it to be a great improvement on Jules Margottin. R. D. The TTse op Nadirs.— In reply to "A. B.," -who at p. 605 passes his condemnation of the Ayrshire system of nadiring stock hives, and refers to mc as having, at various times, expressed views which tend to the confirmation of his opinions, I would wish him to understand that, although my own experiments in that line have almost invariably proved unsuccessful, I do not, therefore, condemn the system as practised by the Scotch apiarians with the Stewarton arrange- ment of boxes. It must be remembered that the various compartments of these hives are extreiuely shallow, two or three being required to form a hive of ordinary dimensions, when at rest during the non-norking season. The addition of one of these shallow hoies below the pile already existing, is a very diflerent thing to that of raising a capacious stock- hive on the top of a nadir of equal size. My commu- nication of May 9tb. to which "A. B." alludes, does not refer " to the fulfilment of an intention I expressed il'ler the close of the season of ISGIJ to try shallow nadirs beneath my stocks, to prevent swarming." Various oircumstances prevented my carrying o.l that intea- iiun. Lithe first place, I had to remove my apiary, h. I'll a first-rale honey district in the country, into a niilhicdtowi] garden. Secondly, I am sorry to say that thi; ravages of the terrible disease known as foul bkood ruiued many of my most promising stocks, and frustrated most of my plaus and manipulations duriu" last summer. As to locality, I do think tiiat it exercises very great influence on the system of manage- ment most appropriate for each. The honey season in Devonshire commences early in May, aud extends, in a greater or less degree of abundance, over the space of three months ; while in Scotland it is much later in the summer, and, although considerably more profuse while it lasts, it continues hut for a very limited period. It may therefore be advisable, if not absolutely necessary, early in the season to frequently extend the breeding space of the stock hive, by the addition of nadirs, to render it in the best possible condition for taking advantage of the very short season when honey is so profusely abundant. I have never known one of my stocks in the most favourable honey harvest to realise 7 lb. or 8 lb. of honey in one day. I should think an increase of i lb. or 5 lb. in one day to be very good work. It is not always necessary to wait for the appearance of drones in any particular colony before driving out an artificial swarm. Provided there are drones flying out from other hives in the vicinity, there is no necessity for the stock which is to be operated ou to have any. Of course there must be in it a sufficient population, or it would he ruinous to deprive it of any bees. The absence of drones in any one hive at a lieriod when they ought to be numerous, usually shovrs weakness in population. It is probable that the hives to which " A. B." .alludes have a large quantity of drone brood approaching maturity; by the time his artificially-raised queens may be matured drones will be flying out in great numbers, so that he need not bo under any apprehension of there not being quite enough of them for his object. S. Betmn Fox. Fecundity of the Queen Bkk,— It is a pity that Mr. Fox should make so fierce an attack ou my Paper read before the Entomological Society 00 May -t, with- out seeing the Paiier itself, for the following quotation from the Paper will show that the statement is not an extraordinary one ;— " I annex a Table of the number of bees produced in the hive during the summers of 1855, 1856, and 1857, making a total, with the numbers shown in the last I'aper, to be 103,016 as the produce of one insect, and this from one kept in an artificial state. The numbers produced in a hive not so confined as the observatory hive must he very great indeed, and the comparative numbers bring us again to reconsider the duration of life in the queen bee." And I feel assured that Mr. Fox cannot have read the Table in page 19 of my Essay, published by the Society in the year 1853, whereby it will be seen that bis figures aud mine are not much at variance as to the number of bees produced in an ordinary hive, and therefore when he takes entire exception from false premises, I think I have a right to complain. The Paper will probably be printed by the Entomological Society in continua- tion of my former Papers on the same subject, and when the whole Paper is seen, I feel satisfied Mr. Fox will be candid enough to admit that he has been a little premature in his criticism. /. O. Desborough, St. Peter's Rill, Stamford. Obituary. " On the 4th inst., at St. Leonard's-on-Sea, Nathaniel Bagshaw "Ward, F.R.S., F.L.S,, of the Ferns, Clapham Rise, in his 77lh year." Were we to add to the above record the statement that he, whose death is thus announced, was one of the gentlest, kindliest, and purest of human beings, 'we should be stating no more than a hose of sorrowing friends could amply confirm, but which, nevertheless, would hardly justify us in laying before our readers anything beyond the mere intelligence that a good man bad gone to his rest. But the subject of this notice has special claims on the regard and veneration of all lovers of Nature, of all philanthropists desirous of amending the condition of their fellow-men, and specially of all importers and exporters of living plants to whom the "Wardian case" is as a household word, though possibly but few of them, unless personally acquainted with the inventor, have given more than a passing thought to the man to whom they are under such obligations. Under such circum- stances we have great satisfaction in being able to announce that in our next issue we shall publish a sketch of the life of this truly amiable naturalist from the pen of his son, and in consequence abstain from any further comment at this time. Miscellaneous. JlpiphjlluM iriiurntum. — When well grown, this plant is one of the most showy of the decorative stove plants which Honor in the dreary months of November and December. I had a collection of dif- ferent varieties in flower here, and most beautiful objects they were, mi.xed with other plants in a warm greenhouse. They range about 3 feet in height, and with the exception of about 6 inches at the top, tboy are a complete mass of flowers to the bottom of the pot. The young plants were procured from tlio JIe,^''<= »^ °» otter remedy— IK F R. The warts on your Pear leaves, so long .as they are confined to the leaves, do not seem to be injurious to tho crop. The cause of them is unknown.— ..4 F. It is a case of the common Pear blister, the cause of which is unknown. M rft °°' ■''''■"^^'' '" '"" injurious, except it attacks the fruit. Pinks: H Hooper, Lynmmbe Hilt, Bath. Your seedling Pinks area very good lot, though they had suffered on the journey to us. A few are very promising, such as Nos. 162 C78 '^7 95, .and 55. There was plenty of stuff in most of them, ind! the hot dry weather notwithstiinding, the lacing was good in some instances. The white bedding Pink promises to ba a good variety to cut from. The Carnations were thiu and poor. The best of the bedding Pansies are M.agpio a fancv flower straw ground, margined with bright blue aid largo dark blotches, a very showy flower: and Sunset, clear golden yeUow— two useful kinds, should the habits of tha plants prove as good as the flowers. Queen of England a white bedding variety, has large white flowers-too Largo, probably, to make an eSective bedder Plantains: TPP The only w.ay of clearing your lawn of these IS to dig them up, and to fill the holes out of which they have come with fresh soil or turf Squills; Faber. Urginca maritima (Seilla maritima of others) 13 the medicmal Squill. ' Communications Received.— Falstafl.—W. J —Nil — 'B 8 — S, R, H,-D. T. F.-J. Flemlng.-E. Cole. ' • "■ °- June 13, 1868.] THT^ GARDENERS' CMONTOLE ANT) AfiRTCirT.TTTRAL OAZETTR 635 CARTER'S COLLECTIONS OF PLANTS. For ■ tho conycnicnco of those of our Customers who have not the time or inclination to make out their own selection of Tlants, we submit the undermentioned Col- lections at a most reasonable rate, to which we respectfully invite attention ; and wc confidently hope that the liberal manner in wliieh the sidections are made will induce the favour of a considerable extension of obliging orders. ■We have bestowed great care in the arrangement of the sorts ; none but good healthy plants will be included, and those varieties have been chosen which are most calculated to procure an efl'ective display. Carter's Royal Kensington Collections. Comprising only v.irlotics of Oman Bodduiii I'liinta which hiivo boeil u! KonsinKlou Gardous during tho past s No. 4. Price 17s. Gd., basket and packing included. CO PLANTS-30 ORNAMENTAL-FOLIAGE PLANTS ; 30 FLOWEKING PLANTS, to consist of 4 rl.ints ol Alternanthera 4 „ llivUIlM 4 „ Fuchsias AU finest standard vaiietios ; also 1 Coli and I Lobelia spociosa y aeon of Whites, n For description of above, soe our Illustrated Cat alogi 4 Plants of Geraniums 4 „ Gnaphaliums 4 „ Heliotropes 4 „ Ircsine 4 „ Lobelias 4 „ Petunias 4 ,, Verbenas Veitcbii, 1 do. tiibsonl, RAYNBIRD, CALDECOTT, BAWTREE, BOWLING, AKD COMPANY (Liraitodl, Corn, Si^ed, Manork, and OiLcAitE Mkbcuants. Address, 80. Seed Marliet, Mark Lane, E.G. ; or Basiiigstoko. Samples nnd prices post free on application. Prize Medals, 1851, for Wheat ; lSli2. for " Excellent .Seed Coi-n and Seeds," T^ Birmingham Horse and Hound Show. T\T, lUKMroiH \M ,1,.; MTi)i,\xn counties ■r \ r i \ li:l ■:■•■.. 'i i:-r ' imvIES, FOX lor Excursion Trains aoo tho Bills and Time Tables of the varioi lompauies. JOHN U. LYTHALL, Secretary. Ofllcos, 39, Now Street, Birmingham. NORTHUMBERLAND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. —The ANNUAL SHOW of tho above Socletv will be held at COKNllILL, on TIIUKSDAY, July 23, when £410 and Five Silver Cups will bo awarded in Prizes to Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Swine, and Implements, ENTRIES CLOSE JULY 1. Prize Sheets, Certiflcatos, and other information may ba had on application to the Secretary, Mr. JACOB WILSON, Woodhorn Miinor, Morpeth. Carter's Royal Kensington Collections. N.i. .). Trice 32.!. 6il., basket and packing included. 8 riaiita of Alternanthera 8 Plaots of Geraniums 4 „ JJambusa 4 „ „ Golden bronze 8 „ Calceolarias 8 „ Gnaphalmtoa 4 „ Coloua 8 „ Huliolropea 4 .. „ Vcitchil 8 „ Lobelias 8 „ Iresmo 8 „ Petuniag 8 „ ruclisuia 8 „ Verbeniia ilso 2 Geraniums Mrs. Pollock, and Lobelia speciosa Queen ot Whites, new, extra. For description of above see ur Illustrated Catalogue. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections. No. 7. Price 15s., basket and packing included. CO CFIUICEST JJKDDING PLANTS, selected from the mo effective varieties tisod at tlio above now celebrated bedding pla( and so admired by the tens of thousands of visitors every year. 1 rtaata of Ageratum 4 Plants of Heliotropo 4 Ualeceolariaa 4 Iresino Tropsolum Verbenas 4 „ Guapbalium I New White Lobell speciosa Que )n of Whites, anc Colous Vci chii. All &nest stan dard varieties. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections. No. 8. Price 305., basket and packing included, 120 CHOICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the most 8 Plants of Geraniums 8 Calceolarias 8 Gnaphaliun 8 Cmoraria mari- 8 Heliotropes 8 Cerastium [tima 8 Iresine 8 Lobelias 8 8 Perillas 4 Ecbeveria glauca 8 4 Petunias Tropreolum Verbenas 8 Gazanias 8 Including New White Lobeli a speciosa Queen of Whites 2Coleus GlbsoLi. All finest stan iard varieties. Carter's Crystal Palace Collections, No. 9. Price GO.?., basket and packing included. 250 CHUICEST BEDDING PLANTS, selected from the most effective varieties used at ihe above now celebrated bedding place, 0 admired by the tons of thousands of visitors every 10 Plants of Ageratu AmaranthuB Calceolarias Cineraria mari- Cerastium [tima Dub lias Fuchsias Kcheveria glauca IG PlanUofGoi 16 „ Gnaphalium 16 „ Heliotropes 16 „ Iresino 16 „ Lobelias 1(J „ Perillaa 8 „ Petunias 8 „ Stachys Including 4 New White Lobelia speciosa Queen of Whites, and ' Any of the above forwarded immediately on receipt of IPcst'office Order. JAMES CARTER & CO.'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE Is now ready, containing complete Lists of New and Choice Stove, Greenhouse, and Beddine; Plants ; and may be had Uratis and Post Free on application to CAETEK'S GREAT LONDON SEED WAREHOUSE, 237 & 238, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C. (Cite ^grtcttltural (gazette. SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1868. Down at Palmouth tho other day we wore for some time engaged in an occupation like that of tho old Athenians — namely, in seeing or hearing of "some new thing." The search for novelties in agricultural mechanism did not, however, prove particularly successful, so far as tho number of inventions or improve- ments was concerned, — a fact to bo regretted when we consider the growing difficulty of the farmer, first to find and then to pay his m.anual labourers. For John IIodge is to have his mind cultivated, his drudgery lightened, and his income at tho same time increased ; and while tho man is to be refined and made more choice in the selection of tasks that he will or will not perform, his wife and eldest daughter are no longer to soil their fingers with stones or weeds, and his younger children are to spend most of their time over indispensable slates and books. Now, if at any time in our century, do wo need labour-saving machines in abundance, in order that the farmer may be able to set free a large portion of his juvenile and female hands, and to shorten the daily measure of toil exacted from his men. And it does seem reasonable to expect that, when mechanism is employed to brush boots, clean knives, sweep carpets, shell Peas, mince meat, peel fruit, sew cloth, make button-holes, &o., it might just as well advance a little faster in accomplishing hitherto strictly manual farm operations by means of a crank or a treadle. And does it not seem possible that, when neat and smart contrivances or arrangements, without any actual machinery, enables you to economise time in stoning a raisin, beheading an egg, &c., ingenuity (with- out wheels) might go much further than it has yet done in facilitating processes of the field, the barn, and the feeding house. Of course we could mention many small operations of the farm which have been aided by mechanical applica- tions, but there are certainly many tedious jobs at which our inventors might very well set their wits, with a view of lessening labour. Women spend no slight proportion of their lives, in some places, in picking up big scattered stones and pHiug them in heaps ; is it beyond possibility that a horse -pro- pelled tool — a sort of cross between a street- sweeper and a lawn-mower — should clear the surface of a field from loose fragments of rock in a thoroughly expeditious manner? Sometimes women are engaged for many days together in the tedious exercise of hand-picking seed Peas, the grains of -wrong colotu' being taken by finger and thumb out of a layer of grains spread on a table ; could not somebody who has seen a shapeless heap of needles quickly laid in rows with eyes or points together, devise a method of bringing such things as Peas more rapidly under the eye and at tho disposal of the operator ? One item of heavy expense in Potato growing is the unavoidable hand-riddling — tho sorting and selection of good, bad, and defective tubers, altogether independent of weight or size ; could not the Potatos bo brought with greater rapidity under tho eye and hand, than by the present slow and intermittent holding a riddle to be filled, shaking and tossing the Potatos, glancing over the contents of tho riddle, taking up and throwing aside objectionable specimens, and lifting and emptying tho examined riddle- ful, all done without any assistance from mechanical arrangement ? In planting Potatos, could not tho sets be dropped at regular intervals by a little apparatus fixed upon the plough, to be replenished with Potatos at every bout — thus dispensing with boys and girls from their long day's work in tho furrow ? The art of tho stacker is commendable, but it is tedious and expensive, notwithstanding tho bustle amidst which it is exercised : is it preposterous to imagine time gained and money saved by abolishing tho building of ricks altogether ? The web or rope elevator is already used for carrying up sheaves or forkfuls of hay or Barley ; could not the stream of hay or corn falling from the upper end of the machine bo so directed and conveyed as to fill up a spacious roceptaclo, without assistance from hands or forks ? and could not open ventilating walls (of wire-ropo mesh if you like, with plenty of interior ropo ties), and covers for roof and for walls too, if needful, bo constructed at a moderate outlay ? Uedge-clippiug is so costly whore there aro many miles of quick on a small farm, that wheelwork is sadly wanted for it ; and if a modi- fication of the reaping machine for the pirrpose has not been satisfactory, is that a reason why tho horse-clipping machino should not yield an idea very likely to bo practicable ? Throwing long or short farm-yard manure out of a cart, and spreading it along the bottoms of open ridges, takes a good deal of labour, and tho greatest watchfulness to get it done well ; cannot somebody scheme a muck-distributor that shall lay the good old stuff evenly along any number of rows as fast as a team can walk with \i? Pulling up Mangels or Swedes and throwing them into carts might, for anything we kuow, bo made less laborious ; and by mechanical arrange- ments a travelling receptacle might possibly be able to fillitself fromarowof roots.and "top " them into tho bargain. Even the youth- employing collection of surface-exposed Couch can hardly have received the help from mechani- cians that might possibly bo bestowed upon it ; and ideas to bo found in either woollen or other textile machinery may some day be applied to gathering the loose fibres and rubbish off the cloddy or fine surface of a field. But we are forgetting the very few novelties visible at the Bath and West of England Show. Many improvements in constructive detail were to bo seen. Thus, Howard's Bedford safety boiler is now made with the bottom or horizontal water-tubes longitudinal instead of transverse ; the ends can bo opened near the fire-door, and from thence their entire length can be cleansed of mud or of scale — if any can possibly be deposited in these boilers. — An apparently trivial change in the Bedford chain harrow is the bend- ing of the tripod points on one side of the harrow in the opposite direction to their pointing on the other side of tho harrow, giving another and more effective action in combing pasture land, tho tripod scratching being followed by the smoothing link action. — Ransojies & Sims have varied the shifting movement by which Skelton's turnwrist plough is set to a left-hand or right- hand furrow, giving greater stability to the framing and at tho same time an easier task to the ploughman in shifting. — Climes & Davies have brought out anew mode of fastening harrow tinea and beams together : each tine with an upper and lower shoulder is placed between two bearns, where the angles of their zigzags meet, and clips both beams so as to hold firmly against any strain, being fixed in its place merely by a short bolt passing horizontally through it. Any tine is slided out and removed without disarranging any other portion of the harrow. The principle is very similar to that of Larkwohtiiy & Co. 'a harrows, but somewhat differently carried out. — Tuck & Son's garden chairs havo seats of spring-steel formed in bows, so that they aro as pliable, elastic, and comfortable as chairs with stuffed bottoms, yet .ire durable and undamaged by wet. — IIawkes & Spencer exhibited a new arrangement for delivering different quantities of Turnip and Mangel seed from a drill-box, consisting of apertures in an inclined partition, with small ribbed or cogged barrels rotating close to them, the upward passage of the ribs stirring up tho seed. — Woods & Cooksedge make a ono-horso fixed steam engine, with upright boiler and every requisite fitting, weighing but 5 cwt. A good many churns have endeavoured to introduce charges of atmospheric air as .•''^P'^y as possible into a body of cream or milk, but Bradford's " counter-cun-ent " churn, exhibited first at tho Dublin Spring Show, and for the first time in England at Falmouth, cannot help 686 THE GAI^BENFRS' CRRONICLE AND AGRICULTORAL GAZETTE. acting thoroughly in this mauiier. The up-and- down plunger consists of two air cells open ouly at bottom, with a few dash-pieces, or slats', between them; the cells go down full of air but such is the peculiar direction otthe currents of cream produced by the ascent pt the plunger that a curd or eddy of cream instantly washes out the aii- from each ceU, both cells when reaching the top being full of cream; and du-ectly their mouths are raised above the general surface of the cream in the churn, fresh charges of air at once release the cream to take Its place 111 the cells ready for the next down- stroke. Ihis churn is remarkably rapid, and, '^"i. j'^' ^"™ '" ^'^ '"=t'°ii ; 'I'^'l is specially •well made, without a particle of metal in contact With the liquid. [June 13, 1868. The promoters of the Metropolitan Foreign (.attle Market Bill have great reason for the anxiety they are now feeling in regard to the probable fate of their measure. The only thing the I'lrst Lord of the Treasui-y— the professed leader, wo imagine, of the country party — thought proper to say in its defence, when the subject was referred to in Parliament a fortnight ago, was that tho measure was " in tho hands of the House." This indifference is more ominous than agreeable to men who have no party to Berve or manceuvre for. On the other hand, Mr. Gladstone expressed, at the samo time, his scepticism " in regard to the merits of tho Bill, and gave it as his opinion that the principle it involved was open to grave suspicion. One other light has this week been thrown on the progress of opinion and feeling in regard to 11 ft' '^^^ discussion in Committee of the Whole House was unexpectedly postponed from Juno 8 till June 15, and now again till Juno IS. During this interval the active secretary of tho Central Chamber of Agriculture has addressed the right hon. loader of tho Opposition, with a view to impress on him tho importance of the Bill and to ascertain the position which the right hon. gentleman intended to take when it should next be discussed in the House. This correspondence will be found in full in another r^ 'S",', '^^" '^° ""' ^^"^ tl"*' tlio advocates of the Bill need fear the opposition of the right honourable gentleman, if aU that ho desires is, that no " claim be made for the imposition of needless burdens on the public." For if there be one thing more clear than another, it is that nothing m this BUI can be fairly construed into an attempt at an "imposition of needless burdens." It is not proposed to keep a single animal out of the country, nor is it proposed to violate that perfect freedom of importation which has been established since 18-14. The importa- tiou of foreign animal food is now necessary, because London has increased to 3,000,000 of people, and the home supplies are insufficient. What this Bill says is, when foreign animals have perhaps been brought over half the Conti- nent of Europe, and across the German Ocean, lor the consumption of these 3,000,000 of people, then let them be sold and slaughtered on their reaching the nearest convenient wharf. Surely there would be nothing unfair in that proposi- tion even if the hardship of travelling did not develop diseases ; but as we know, and consumers know also, from the price they have had to pay for meat, that tho destruction of animals from the importation of infectious diseases, brought or developed by their long journey, has inflicted alarming losses on this country, it is surely the most imperative duty of the I>egisla- turo to ratify the terms of a Bill by which henceforth losses from these causes may be reduced to a minimum. As some proof of the importance of this question to the public, we may give some recent returns of our imports. The following are the nunnbers imported during the first four months ot this year and last year : — taken place aro, if anything, less discouraging. This may be taken to prove, that it is not the terms of a Bill which will merely regulate marketing that will have any influence in reduc- ing foreign supplies. The whole business is simply a question of price hero, and the number of fat animals that can be spared there. — : The Corn Market in London is again resulited by this contiauation of extraordinary weather.' Willi only a trifling home supply, and no sigus of large foreign consignments, the rise of Monday was scarcely inaia- taiued. The Meat trade is influenced by heavy suiiphes in addition to the great heat. Oa Thursday ISfiiO sheep were in the market. All animals are clieaper. Hops are described as being most luxuriant m Kent and Sussex, and their cleanness is also, with one or two exceptions, said to be general. Wool is moderately inquired after. This arises principally from the fluctuations in the Cotton market and the want of that buoyancy in trade which has been expected for a year and a-half. At the sales of foreign Wool, now going on in Moorgate Street, prices have been firm and biddings .spirited for Australian and Cape parcels. M. ScHWARTZE says, in his circular :—" Continental buyers especially operate largely, and will probably take more than half of the wools ofl'ered if they con- tinue their purchases at anything like the present rate." From this it would seem there are sound reasons for the non-revival in British woollen manufacturing Oxen, Bulla and Cowa Calvea Sheep and Lamba Swine and Hoga With tho exception of calves, it will be seen that^an enormous decline has taken place since 1807. Of beef it is much more than half, and of mutton and pork veiy nearly half. It will also be remembered that the greater foreign supply of 1807 occurred long after Parliamentary resb-ic- tions were in force, and that the restrictions under which the decreased supplies in 1868 have The Programme of the Leicester meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society has been issued, and we gather from it that from Thursday, July 9, till Tuesday July 14, the trials of ploughs and field implements and the preliminary trial of steam cultivators, will take place on farms in the parishes of Knighton and Ayle- stone, adjoining the railway, about a mile .south of the .Show-yaid. On Wednesday, the 15tb, the trial-yard for bnck and tile machines only will be open from 9 a.u till G P.M. ; admission, B-s. each person. On Thursday the IGth, the entire Shovr-yard will be open from 8 in ■the morning, at which hour the judges will commence inspecting the live stock, and making their awards- admission, 5s. each person. On Friday, the 17th, and Saturday, the 18th, the admission will be 2s Od each person. On Saturday, the 18th, the general meeting of tlie members will be held in the Show-yard at 11 o'clock On Monday, the 20th, and Tuesday, the 21st, the admis- >on will be Is. each person. Governors and members of the Society who have paid their subscriptions for the current year, will be admitted to the Show and trial- yards, during the time they are open to the public without payment, by tickets issued by the Secretary which are not transferable. Application for this ticket must be made at 12, Hanover Square, either by post or personally, not later than Wednesday, the 8th July • or on Thursday, the 9th, and afterwards, at the Secre- tary's office near the entrance to the Show-yard. The Society of Arts have awarded the Prize they had offered for the best Essay on Harvest Work and the possibility of artificial aid during it under un- propitious natural circumstances, to Mr. W. A. Gibbs of Gillwell Park, Sewardstone, N.E., the inventor of an artificial drying apparatus to which reference has been already made in these columns. The judges to whoni the competing essays were submitted were Messrs C. S, Re.4D, M.P., C. When Hosktks, and J. C. MoBiON. The award was unanimous. —-At the annual general meeting of the members of tlie Bath and West of England Agricultural Society at I'almouth last week, it was stated that there are at present on the books 69 life governors of the Society 101 governors, 551 members subscribing not less than 1/. annually, and 25.3 members contributiu" 10s annually ; total, 977. It was also intimated that the Society had, after mature consideration, resolved on amalgamation with the Southern Counties Agricul- tural Association, on the following terms :— 1. That the name of the amalgamated society be " The Bath and \V est of England Society (established 1777) and Southern Counties Association." ' 2. That the rules of the Bath and West of England Society be adopted as tho rules of the amalgamated society. 3. That in the united Council the vice-presidents and half of the Council (18) of the Southern Counties Association be added to those of the Bath and AVest of England -1. That the office do continue at Bath, and the officers of the Bath and West of England Society become those of the amalgamated society. 5. That the meetings of the Council be held at Yeovil. The union of these great provincial Societies seems to us to be a departure from the principle on which they were originally founded. The Bath Society, after- wards the " Bath and West of England," now takes in nearly half the island. It only needs that some enter- prising member should suggest a further union say with the Yorkshire Society— and the combined asso- ciation may very well take up its oflices in Hanover Square, and ofifer to conduct the business of the Eoyal Agricultural Society. The coming man may then perhaps appear, whose energy and ability shall qualify him not only for editorship and secretaryship, but for a dictatorship, which would save much money and take a load of labour from honorary departmental oOicers who would gladly escape responsibility Meanwhile, the Bath and West of England Council has announced that the financial position of the Society is satisfactory. The Eael of Caknaevon has been appointed to the office of President for the year 1869. - — A very handsome Testimonial, subscribed by agriculturists in all parts of the country, has been lately presented to Mr. James Knowles. aaent to Captain Gu>-teb, in acknowledgment oJ' his services as a promoter of the interests of Shorthorn breeders and through tbem those of the great beef-consuming' public. Mr, Knowles originally had charge of the late BarlBtTciE's herd at Tortworth, and since then as Captain GuNTEB's general agent, he has managed the herd of Duchesses" at Wetherbv. There can be no doubt that his services as breeder, judge, and sales- man have had a considerable influence in the mainte- nance of the purest strains of Shorthorn blood, and thus deserve acknowledgment. ■ The strictures we made a fortnight ago (p 5S0) on Cattle Straying and Lung on Highways, have a ready been amply justified by more than one exem- plification. The following case, which occurred at Long Stratton, Norfolk, we find renorted in the Norwich Mercury : — "On Tuesday, Juno 2d, Thomas M. Robinson, farmer and dealer, Moulton. was charged with .lUowing 15 sliecii tu lie upon a certain highway called Parker's Lane on the 27tb M w P. C. KlRKPATRicK said Le saw a boy in charge of a di-ovo of sheep, 14 or 15 of which were lying on the road in Paikcr's Lane. Several compl.aints had been made abont stock lying' on the highw.ays, and he had called defendant's attention to the fact of his sheep lying about the roads Defendant said he did not think the Line in question was a highway, and a horse and cart were aeldom seen on it It was his direct ro.ad from the turnpike to his field in Loni' Stratton. The Bench said the lane was a hic'hway Superin tendent Ward said he had heard that Jralcrs !mi^te II . illrr- 0 wished to ta-ent tbi; am-.! ti Willi \ riy authority to support it ■i.'.l.p. heso raliljits in any sl'u-^c tl> iLlukL liiiii - 1,.. ...iiiiMct., oxpressod u L- iinpli li, ill 1 : . 1 kUldowutho ■iibbila. the respondent it a court h'A' I I Justice \ViM ,, I I . ll boar, wbiek wluli liable fur its ;uN, '■ into the woods il its former master \\ had these been tanie ont.—Tho Chief Just respect, but it had i was not the owner i responsible. Tin i the lease, that In judgment must. II i i i , i . ii^ed." Tlie iuciJcULL' ul' Inral taxation v/as discussed before a gathering of members of Western Chambers of Agriculture, held during the recent Falmouth meeting, when it was resolved— " That the direct tax of 11 millions per annum now levied under the name of poor's rates bears unfairly on income arising from real property, and that the exemption of income arising from personal property is not only unjust but also impolitic and pre.iudical to the public interest ;" also "That, whereas the majority of ratepayers in towns are deeply interested in the removal of the exemption from poor's rate of income arising from personal property, means should be taken, through the medium of the several Chambers of Agriculture in the Western counties, for uniting their co-operation in this movement." THE FOREIGN CATTLE MAKKET BILL. [The followin" correspondence has taken place between Mr. .Tohn Ak-eruiin i lnl.^-, m .n !..i v nl llu' Ti nlid Chamber of CcutlMli li.n , Hi \,n'il;iii.-, - ih -Imry Hotel, Fliil Sli.1,1. i.iiuiiiiii, .liihi.i 1, |. in Belgium, Holland, Normandy, and many other paHs of France, and wherever there 01 JTance, ana wnerever luii.o ■- i'""''? ' " u „ industrial agricultural poor some advantage, such as 638 THE GAEDENEKS' CffRONlCLE AND AGMCULTtJRAL GAZETTE. [JtTNE 13, 1868. the keeping of poultry would be considered, these habits of economy and thought would insure the surest pledge of order and virtue among any people. Mode of Feeding. 1st at 6 A.M. ; 2d at 12 uoou ; 3d at 6 r.M. 1. Barley or Oatmeal ground line. 2. New milk if obtainable. Skim do. (boiled) with some sugar. 3. Meat broths— if milk is not procurable. 4. Pork lard, suet, or grease. 5. Boiled eggs for high feeding during the last three days. Time of feeding in coops for <:hickens 7 or 11 days; time of feeding by funnel large fowls or turkeys 21 days ; three times daily. From the evidence of Mr. JBrook, a Poultry Salesman, before the Food Com- mittee of the Society of Arts, as reported in their Journal. FOOD OF THE TOWN-FED COW. IIating got your cows well purchased, the point of next importance is to feed them properly. Their invariable food in London cowsheds is grains (brewers' or distillers' grains, the spent Barley or other grain after being well washed or " worked out " in the Erocess of brewing and distilling), with Mangels and ay in winter, and Grass in summer. When first the cow is received into the shed it is important that she be gradually accustomed to her new food. She should therefore receive during the first week little but green food. Grass, or Clover or Vetches in the summer, and Mangels and hay in winter, with bran mashes, into which grains may be gradually intro- duced, uiftil, as she takes to them, she may at length be treated as the others are. AVliat this management generally is, X take from the state- ments of two men, neither of them very large dairymen, but both of them successful managers. Mr. Sumpton, of Little Warner Street, Clerkenwell, who usually milks about 30 cows, describes his day's work as fol- lows :— The cowmen enter the shed at 1 a.m., and pro- ceed to milk. In the case of the wholesale milk trade, when the dealers who buy the milk do the milking, one good man suffices for 30 cows. The cowman then only helps if necessary at milking-time, and sees that the work is thoroughly done,* his main business being to feed and tend the cows. When not only milking, but serving the customers at shops and houses has to be done, three men are required for .30 cows. They begin milking at 4 a.m., and finish between 5 and 0. About a bushel and a half of grains is then given between each pair of cows, and they are partly cleaned out, and when the grains are done, a truss of hay {\ cwt.), is divided amongst 12. In the meanwhile the men have been serving the milk ; after which they have their breakfast (about 8 a.m.). After breakfast time a bushel of chopped Mangels, weighing 50 or GOlb., is given to each two cows, and the cows receive another truss of hay amongst 12. The cowshed is then cleaned out, and the cows are bedded and left. At 1 r.sr. milking recommences, and very much the same feed- ing as before is given. At 2.30 grains are given as before, followed by the same quantity of hay and then (and only then during the 24 hours) the cows are freely watered. They again receive a truss of hay amongst 12, and are left for the night. The grains are either brewers' or distillers' grains : the former are as much inferior to the latter in value as they are in price — the one at present costing Zd. to id. a bushel, and the other 8rf. and 9(f. In the case of cows in heavy milk — also in the case of those rapidly losing their milk, which must be sent to market as quickly as possible— it is common to give 2 or 3 quarts of Pea- meal mixed up with the grains morning and evening ; each cow thus receiving that quantity daily. And when the milking is coming to an end, for three or four weeks before the cow is sold, she may receive 2 or 3 lb. of oilcake in addition. A full bushel of grains, half a bushel of Mangels, one-third of a truss of hay, and 5 or 6 lb. of Pea-meal in the case of the fatting cow, are thus the daily ration in a London cowhouse. The grains at 25. a quarter, the hay at hi. a ton, and the Mangels at 20^. a ton, cost Is. id. a day, and with meal or cake the daily allowance may cost from \s. (jd. to Is. 9rf. per cow — IO5. to 12*. a week. In summer time the food is Grass with grains, and meal if necessary. Most cowkeepers, except the very smallest men, either have a small suburban (arm, or buy a few acres of Vetches, Clover, or Grass, and cart it in themselves. When it is bought daily at the cow- house it costs from \s. to 1*. 'id. a cwt. during the summer, and the cows receive about that quantity daily, given to them as fast as they can eat it, morning and evening, with their grains. Of course the proper feeding of the cow after she has been well bought is the very essence of the business of the cow-keeper. It is a proof of good management when she is so treated that no kind of food which she receives shall pall upon her taste The maxim is — never " overdo " a cow with any kind of food. Some cows are exceedingly greedy for distillers' grains, and they yield a very large quantity of milk upon them. But it is easy to " overdo " a cow with grains ; and she should be always stinted of her favourite food, or she will get sick of it, as I have seen often enough in the case of this very article— distillers' grains. _ The suburban cowkeeper, though more favourably situated than the London dairyman as regards the bulk of the food he consumes— the Grass, the Mangels, and the hay— is less favouriibly situated as regards grains ; and this disadvantage combined with the other, of distance from the consumer, is such as at least to * If he has any reason to suspect that a cow is not iiulked out, it is his duty to his master to "strip" her, for nothing injures a cow more than imperfect milking; andif hosucoecrlg in getting another htlU pint from her his master will gi balance, often to overbalance, any advantage he possesses over the town dairyman in respect of labour, rent, and cheaper farm produce. Going further afield, as for example, to Swindon, and beyond it, or to distant stations on the South-western and North-western rail- ways, you find that the farmer feeds his cows for London, just as he has hitherto done for cheese or butter dairying. Bringing them to the pail at all months of the year, so as to have a regular produce to meet his contract with the London dealer, he milks his cows out at pasture during the summer, and feeds them on hay and Mangels in the winter. Receiving 6\d. to 8rf. per imperial gallon for the milk delivered at the nearest station, and getting 500 to 550 gallons from his cow per annum, he receives 15Z. to 18Z. per annum for her produce, which is more than he can generally make of it in the form of cheese or butter, at the same time that he avoids all the cost of labour in the dairy. He runs, however, especially during hot weather, the risk of the milk souring on its journey, in which case it is thrown away on its arrival at his expense. Nearer London the management is almost exactly that of the London cowhouses. Mr. Sumpton tells me that he feeds his cows at his farm in Hendon parish exactly as he does his cows in Little Warner Street, only beginning an hour earlier, so as to give time to bring the milk in. No attempt is made to cool it for transmission this short journey, but it arrives warm au hour after milking, sometimes, however, tho worse in summer-time for even so short an interval. Mr. Panter, who manages Lord Granville's large dairy-farm at Golder's Green, upon the Finchley lload, thus described the management of his cows, in evidence before the Royal Commissioners on the cattle plague : — " We give about a bushel and a quarter, or from that to a bushel and half of brewers' grains to each cow, and about 15 lb. of hay, and about 30 lb. of M.angel Wurzel, with 4 lb. of me.al (Pea-meal principally), in addition to that feed in the winter. In the summer, Grass is given instead of hay and Mangel Wurzel. This mode of feedujg, though it damages tho constitution of a cow, is adopted in order to force the greatest qu.antity of milk which the dairyman can get. The gain more than covers all the loss ; at least it is supposed to do so. In our suburban district we give them more air, and feed them more on Grass in the fields. We do not feed them so heavily upon grains and artificial food as they do in London. We give them much more natural food. Some turn them out from .about July to October ; and some do not. The cows always lose condition by being turned out : that is inv.ariably the case. They lose milk, too, to the extent of a quart a day, unless the pasture is very good indeed." It is plain that the London cow management for milk production is certain to be followed wherever it can, if cows lose both fleshand milk when turned out to Grass. Mr. Balls, who manages the dairy farm at Oakington, near Sudbury, in the occupation of Colonel the Hon. W. P. Talbot, has kept from 80 to 100 cows constantly in stalls. They are milked at 3 and 4 a.m., and again at 1 and 2 p.m., and are fed exactly on the London plan, first on grains, a bushel between two, next with a little hay, then with a bushel of either Cabbages or Mangels, and then again a little hay ; in the afternoon grains and hay and water (they are only watered once a day), and again hay before night. The alteration in summer is a substitution of Grass for hay and Mangels. A small quantity (3 or 4 lb. a day) of meal is given along with grains in the case of cows nearly dry ; or rather this used to be given, for Jlr. Balls now declares that there is no profit in the attempt to put on extra flesh with extra feeding, so long as meal is so dear and meat so cheap. He con- trives, however, by careful purchasing to get cows which will put on flesh without extra feeding as they get dry. At Lodge Farm, Barking, where several cowhouses holding 60 cows a-piece have been built at intervals of 200 or 300 yards from one another, in the midst of 50 acres of land, which is being irrigated with North London sewage, and has been thus producing enormous crops of Italian Rye-grass, the rule of London manage- ment has been till lately carefully followed. A bushel of grains between two cows has been given immediately alter milking, and followed by a little hay (a truss amongst 10 or 12 cows). They were then watered freely, and afterwards .30 or 40 lb. of pulped Mangels mixed with hay chaff were given, and the cows were left. The treatment in the evening was exactly the same, except that a little hay was given when they were bedded up for the night. In this case distillers' grains were used ; and whenever the supply failed us the milk ran short at once. The yield dropped one- fifth, sometimes one-fourth, at the very next milking after the missing meal of grains, and brewers' grains were a very inefficient substitute for them. The quantity of milk would, however, gradually increase again under other feeding, as soon as the cows had taken cordially to the new ration, whatever it was, but in no case did it ever amount to the quan- tity which was quoted when they received their fill of distillers' grains. Latterly, partly owing to the cost and difficulty of obtaining these grains, and partly because it was desirable to test the value as cow food of sewage-grown Italian Rye-grass given by itself, the mode of feeding has been altered. Several cowhouses were supplied with Grass alone during the past summer, receiving nothing else whatever, and about Ij cwt. a day was the average consumption per cow ; and though the substitution of a bushel of grains for 1 cwt. of Grass was at once followed by an increased yield of milk, yet the latter was so much the dearer food that the balance of profit was against it as long as Grass was not valued at more than 18«. a ton upon the land. In winter we are giving Mangels, hay, and meal, without grains. In one shed at present 25 cows nearly dry are receiving 16 cwt. of Mangels, 7 trusses of hay, 100 lb. of Barley-meal, and 80 lb. of cake ; which is 70 lb. of Mangels, 8 lb. of hay (these are given as chaff and pulp), 4 lb. of Barley-meal, and about 3 lb. cake per fatting cow. In another shed, where 68 are being fed, 17 of which are freshly calved cows, and the rest are in about half milk, the consumption is 2 tons of Mangels, 12 trusses of hay, 7 trusses of straw (all chaffed and pulped and mixed), 56 lb. of meal, and 36 lb. of cake. This amounts to about 80 lb. of Mangels, and 16 lb. of mixed hay and straw ( with 3 or 4 lb. of meal and cake to a few of those most nearly dry or in heaviest milk). The 17 cows in full milk get 13 lb. of hay, 70 lb. of Mangels, 2 lb. of meal, and 2 lb. of cake a-piece, costing at current prices rather under 2s. a-piece. They gave at first on the average 3 barn gallons (= 16 quarts) a-piece, which are worth, delivered in London, Zs. id. I believe that, though productive of a great quantity of poor milk, distillery wash is not by any means a common article of food in London dairies. Its reputa- tion as a washy food may, however, have hindered my being told of its use. There is nothing, I believe, that more excites the milk secretion, and when given fresh along with other substantial food, no objection can bo made to its use.* In so far as the feeding of the cow belongs to this part of the general subject of town dairies— and of course it is the most important part of it — the only remark that need be made after what has been already said, is that the food must be always good of its kind, and regularly and punctually given. Faulty food soon shows itself in the quality of the milk ; and irregularity in feeding or any other disturbance of so sensitive a creature as a milch cow is sure to he followed by a diminished yield of milk. Swedes and common Turnips taint the milk ; and if given at all should be used either in small quantity with other food, or, what is better, cooked in a hot mash.f I have given Cabbages for months together to upwards of 100 cows without any particular care being taken to keep spoiled or rotten leaves out of the manger, but I have never found the milk tainted by them. To steam food which has any aroma belonging to it communicable to the milk is of course, as already said, the best way to make it harm- less. But though I have been over 60 Loudon and suburban cowhouses, I know of none where cow food is steamed or cooked, excepting only Mr. Dancock's shed at Brompton, and there the steaming goes merely to the manufacture of a gruel to be thrown over an uncooked food, as hay, chaff, or grains. It is never- theless certain that steaming food, wherever labour is not very costly, or where the existing hands have time to spare for the purpose without interfering with their efficiency elsewhere, improves its nutritiveness, and m,ay be confidently recommended. But the thing of all others, so far as my experience has gone, which is most important in order to the sweetness of the milk is, that the water given to the cows be clean and good. In one of the Lodge Fa.rm cowhouses the tank sunk for the reception of grains, large enough to hold two or three days' supply when firmly trodden into it, had not been built water-tight, and the leakage of stale grains escaped and tainted the well, at some little distance (in a gravel subsoil), from which the cows were watered ; and the milk of several milkings was utterly spoiled before the cause of tho mischief was discovered. It arrived in town during two or three days stinking of foul grains ; and there is not a more offensive smell. ' The foul water given to the cows was I believe the sole cause of the misfortune, for it ceased soon after pure water was supplied. Good food and water, regularly given, are thus essential parts of successful cow keeping. It should be added here that the proportion of soft and succulent dry food should he regulated with regard to the condition of the dung. If a cow becomes at all costive she loses milk at once. The dung ought to be rather loose than other- wise, in order to keep her in good productive condition. I need hardly say that quiet and gentle treatment of the cow is also au important point; and an ample interval of absolute rest between feeding and milking, during which the less she is disturbed the better, con- tributes materially to her productiveness at the pail. One of the things which most strikes a stranger who first enter a London cowhouse during winter is the warmth in which the cows are kept. Experience has proved that this, too, has an important influence on their productiveness. They stand very thickly on the ground — one to every 30 to 36 square feet ; the windows are closed and matted, and no thorough draught allowed ; and thus the shed is warmed. There is generally room enough overhead, and perhaps a tiled roof, which allows ample ventilation ; and thus, where the shed is kept tolerably clean, the air is sweet enough, as well as warm. Very little litter or other bedding is used. I havo been over large suburban cowsheds where none what- ever is used. The cows stand so close to each other that they cannot get across, and thus the dung and urino fall from them into the gutter behind them, from which it is cleared twice or thrice a day, and the lair— an earthen floor— is thus kept dry. At the Lodge Farm we have used sawdust. At present 8 cwt. is the daily allowance in two sheds containing 85 cows, and there were exactly 21 tons of dung removed from these two sheds last week, being three tons daily. Most of the urine runs into a tank, only a portion of it being retained in the litter that is used. Two or three bushels of sawdust are, in the first place, put under every cow, and thereafter one bushel daily is suliicient, as much being daily taken as fast as it gets soiled. The quantities amount to about 11 lb. per cow added, and 80 lb. of * It is, however, objected to the uso of distillery wash, and in a less degi-eo to that of grains, that the milk derived from their use as a food needs to be consumed at once, as it will "turn" more rapidly than the milk of Grass-fed cows. I know of no direct experiment on this point, and can only refer to tho impression which some milk dealers havo that thid t Here, too, attempts are made, by using saltjietro in tho water with which the cans are washed, and by putting a little in with the milk itself when they are filled, to get rid of any taint which it may possess. June 13, 1S(38.] THE GARDENEIIS' CIIROMCLE AND ACiPJCUETURAl; GAZI'TTE. 639 dung per oow taken ; so that we collect about "0 lb. per diem of the actual feces of tbo aniiual. I may on this refer to a letter received 12 years ago from Jlr. leller, of the Canning Park Farm, near Ayr, who kept 4S ot the small Ayrshire cows for a butter-dairy. Ho found that these cows yielded CO lb. of dung and IS lb. of urme every Hi hours. Taking their smaller size uito account, this agrees very fairly with our e.xuerienco at Lodge Farm." lie adds that the cows yielding most milk, at the same time yielded the most dung and unne ; which is not surprising, seeing that these are, m lact, tue debris of a manufacture, and must be greater or less according to the quantity of raw material which passes through the machine. Mr. Telfer's cows lay on a cocoa-nut matting, their dung and urine falling into an accurately-made gutter, which was cleaned out perlectly by a single draw of a drag made to fit the groove. In London cow-houses the rough causewayed floors are cleaued out with besom and spade into a dung-pit which the sanitary inspector requires to be emptied at intervals ; and the gutters in well-managed houses are washed down from the pail. J. C. Morion, i it the " Journal of the Agricultural Society of in^lancl. MB. REID'S CATTLE TRUCKS. It turns out that the beasts which have died at Langrig were killed. Their disease was the old one— (hat, namely, of starvation and infernal treatment. They had been overdriven, overbeaten, and overta.\ed. The horrors of the railway passage and the staves of the brutes who afl'ect the form of men, and who call themselves drovers, overcame their physical powers, and thev succumbed. Food, water, and breathing space have, with the absence of sticks and drovers, restored the remainder of the herd to sound health, and the promise of sooner or later becoming marketable. It was all nonsense about rinderpest being the matter with them, notwithstanding the opinion of half-a-dozen vetcriuaries. A worse affection, and one better known, was that under which they suffered. For while the operation of a subtle disease, which man, deferring to Ills ignorance, calls a plague, comes to an end some time, the cruelties under nhi' ii the brute creation groan are seeminsly perpetual. Tiiere is no moment in an ox's life which is not lillod-in with hard usage— unless, indeed, when re;. ming at his own sweet will and browsing in the (iti s or when under the care of some exceptionally kind keeper in the stall. Our market- places are very hells, out of which susceptible nature: gladly flee, while the existing system by which cattle are transported from one place to another seems to have been devised to inflict the maximum of exquisite torture with the minimum chance of redress. Days spent in trucks without water, flesh quivering under strokes going into trucks, and ribs echoing to blows going out of trucks, form only part of the miseries of these speechless and most foully-wronged creatures. Consider the action of sun and frost, of wind and rain, on beasts exposed in all weathers in confined spaces, where it is impossible they can either recline or sleep, get a handful of straw, or a drop of water ! Add to these torments the ceaseless knocking hither and thither of the cattle trains, the jerk now and the dash again, the roar of passing " expresses," and the soot of lazy locomotives, the dust of travel, and the discomforts of ever-accumulating excreta, and say whether an age which boasts of its discovery and its humane appliances is not .disgraced, infinitely disgraced, by this perpetual crime' against the brute creation? That modern philanthropists have not ceased to simper and cried out in indignation at witnessing the horrid cruelties daily done under their very eyes, is more surprising to us than their extravagant admiration of remote niggers. It only seems profane to express our sense of wonder that the miracle of Balaam's ass has not been repeated by an outraged heaven as a protest against the atrocities which are incessantly measured out by men to heaven's helpless and uncomplaining creatures. It is diflicult to recommend anything of a practical character under the circumstances. It seems to us, however, that the real railway reform wanted is less a mode of communication between passengers and guards— men can take care of themselves— than an Act by which railway companies would be compelled to use trucks for cattle after the desi!;n (failing a better) of Mr, Iteid, of Granton. The difliculties in the way of the oxen getting water in transitu are, by the present construction of trucks, all but insurmountable, To overcome these Mr. Eeid has, we believe, patented a design by which water can be supplied with com- parative ease. Its adoption would lessen greatly the fire of sufl'ering through which beasts going from one place to another are made to pass. But there is some- thing remaining to be done. Mr. Eeid's humane appliance deals only with cattle in trucks. Two- thirds of the outiages perpetrated occur when the cattle are in the market stance, or when being trucked or t;,ken out of trucks. Who that has witnessed either scene has not turned away from it sick at heart— faint almost ? AYe do the devil the justice of saying that we believe him incapable of cruelties like those inflicted by the underbred black- guards whom a strange provideuce has entrusted with the care of a much nobler creation. Oh. for some Nemesis to avenge this universal wrong ! Were there but in each of these herds, with their .-olemn faces and sad eyes, one animal of spirit to turn on his tormentors, and by one impalement vindicate his instinctive sense of right, it seems to us the cowards would give over. But no ; the spectacle we daily see is the more affecting in that all this wrong is endured with speechless ■patience, with voiceless and unredressing calm. How familiar the scene is, to be sure ! In the market here {Cupar) on Tuesday we saw four drovers beat five three-year-olds for minutes together, the design evidently being— if these drovers have either method or design in their empty heads— to get the beasts to stand within a space of ground Jack Falstafl' with his hose and doublets would have more than occupied. Remonstrance was of no use. The relief gotten for the poor creatures was but temporary, as the clatter of sticks on ribs, horns, and bones hut too surely indicated as wo left the market. It seems to us that owners of stock and salesmen are the parties to whom we— and let us ask our professional brethren to join us— in all the circumstances ought to appeal. No drover would dare to inflict the wanton injuries daily done were they but to give the word. It seems superfluous to point out that this vile abuse tends to lower prices by affect- ing the condition of the stock. Cowed animals never sell well, because their looks are against them, and this prolonged thrasliiii- u( bdiies, and horns, and skulls renders, for the ; '.imc^I ic ;i-uns possible, the victims of the cruelty dull, . lirilK--, and inactive. The selling animal is that ouc wliich comes into market with, from experience, nothing to fear, and with no exhaustion of travel or bad usage to recover from. It follows that it is to the interest of stock-owners and salesmen that the indisjiensable machinery for transporting cattle should not only include means whereby animals may be southern agriculturist continues to tolerate the presence of the huge, clumsy, useless barns. If tho northern farmer, with 10 or 15 inches more rainfall per annum, can sow and market his corn crop without these ponderous and costly erections, surely the southern farmers might do without them. In tho days of the flail I presume it was desirable that farmers should have the means of putting a stack under cover, but in these times, when the corn is usually threshed either by steam or horse-power, they are of little use on a farm. We have heard a great deal regarding the assumed superior condition of the north country agricultural labourer, and of the inferior position of the south country agriculturai labourer : there is certainly a great difference in tho wages paid. The average of the southern division does not exceed Us., wiiile tho average of the northern division will be fully 1 l.v. and 1.5s. a week. Here, again, I exclude Kent, as I know much more liberal wages are paid. It must, however, be borne in mind that the inliuence of manufacturing or mining enterprise has increased the agricultural labourer's wages fully 30 per cent. Since Arthur refreshed CH ra«fe but should be conducted with the , "ioung's tour, wages have advanced fully -10 per cent, m strictest regard to the prevention of unnecessary pain, the northern counties, whilst in the south they have An united representation from stock-owners in favour not advanced 10 per cent. I must say that, as far as of some such plan as that of Mr. Eeid would go far to my own experience extends, the north country labourer ensure its adoption, with a little care-small in com- is far better educated, more intelligent, and willing to narison with the boon we seek for the poor beasts— on adapt himself to any new system, than the agricultural the part of each would prevent the wanton cruelties labourer of the southern counties. The north country which convert our market-ulaces into something worse labourer is generally paid in money, but in some than that which the imagination ascribes to the pande -'-*--■♦= "-=" ■"■■> ^""^ '" '»-"' r,r^.l..''o Thp Mlnmno mouium of poets. Fifeslnre Journal. NORTH AND SOUTH. [A. very clever picture, contrasting northern and soutlaern agriculture, was drawn the other day by Mr. Robertson, before the Maidstone Farmers' Club, of which we give the s.ilielit points.] I AM not here to say that the south country fanning is superior, or that it is inferior, to the north. I pro- , _._ pose, rather, to draw your attention to some differences ' porridge, bread and milk; dinner, broth, meat, and in the practices in the farming of the northern and bread; supper, milk, bread, and porridge, '^'' *"•" districts they are paid in farm produce. The following is the allowance on a Northumberland farm :— Free cottage and garden, 21 bushels of Wheat, IG bushels of Barley, 12 bushels of Beans and Peas, 30 bushels of Oats, 1000 yards of drill of Potatos, grazing and winter keep for a cow, and il. paid in money. Generally, over Northumberland and Durham, agricultural labourers are paid l-l-s. or 15s, per week, with a free cottage and garden, with fuel in addition in many instauces. The northern labourer lives far better and cheaper than the ;outh country labourer. His usual diet is— breakfast. Of the southern farmers, with the view of affording food for further inquiry as to the why and wherefore of these differences. The agricultural practices common to certain parts of England must always differ; our soils differ; we have soils of all kinds, light and_ heavy, retentive and porous, rich and poor ; soils rich in lime, and soils deficient in lime; soils consisting almost of pure clay, and others of drifting sand. In one locality we may have an annual rainfall of 40 inches, while in another it does not reach 20 inches ; the one locality may be sheltered, and the other exposed. We may have too much heat in one locality, causing too rapid a development of plant life ; in another we may have such a low average temperature, that the culture of certain crops is unprofitable. We may be near a good market for selling our produce in its natural condition, or we may be located so far from a market that it is necessary to reduce all our produce into the least possible bulk. We may live in a district wdiere game is so abundant that it is useless attempting to grow green crops ; and last, not least, the character of our landlord, or the tenure under which we hold our land, may be such that it would be little short of madness to lay out capital to enable us to adopt our improved agricultural practices. I refer to the counties of Northumberland, Cumber- land, Westmoreland, Lancashire, and Yorkshire ; and of the south, of the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Somerset- shire, Wiltshire. The total area is 8,408,368 acres, and of the southern division 8,000,413 acres, a difference of 200,000 acres; for our purpose we this evening will assume that the area of the two divisions is the same. In the northern part there was last year 4,949,203 acres under cultivation, and in the southern 5,333,881 south country labourers I need say little. They are generally paid fully 30 or 40 per cent, less than the northern labourers ; are generally ill-educated, badly housed and badly fed ; they are generally resident at too great a distance from their work, in many cases having long distances to walk in the morning and evening, besides doing their day's work ; they live on very unsubstantial food, and are far too fond of cider, beer, and other slops. I have found task labour in the south, with wages at 10s. or 12s. a week, as costly as labour in the north, with wages at 15s. or IGs. a week. Manual labour savingmachines are muchmorecommou in the north than in the south, and are generally of a much better description ; light iron implements in place of the clumsy wooden implements of the south. The principal agricultural crops cultivated in the south are, with few exceptions, grown in the north. Hops, Sainfoin, and Lucerne are seldom met with in the northern district. Last year there were 1,148,963 acres in the north under cereals, being -IC per cent, of the whole area under arable culture. In the southern, division there were 1,563,067 acres under cereals, the proportion to the whole area under arable cultivation being nearly the same as in the northern division. We find a remarkable difference in the areas under the different kinds of cereals, the No rth. South. Wheat I5;ii-ley Oats Rye Acres. 434,623 237,148 409,903 7,234 j Percent, 37,8 20.6 40,0 1 ■' Acres. 72,1,486 411,288 416.637 9,1)56 Percent. 46,5 26,4 26,5 .6 1,148,963 \ 100.0 1,563,067 100.0 acres- in this calculation I include all permanent i "i ~ ; , \ T ~. 7^ ,, pastures"but exclude all hill pastures. In the north North country cei-eals are much heavier than south lo.percent,, or 2,435,730 acres, of this _area under f-^^.^r* '^"° Si'tL v-w°eiis'\^, "^t cultivation consists of permanent pasture, while in the south we have only 26 per cent, of this area thus occupied. There is considerable difference in the terms under which land is held in the north and south; in the heavier; south country Barley weighs from 52 to 53 lb. per bushel, whilst north country weighs from 55 to 66 lb. per bushel. It is found that the south country Barley always gives at least 5 per cent, more malt than the north country. Last year, 526,22" acres noTt-h leTsesTor-i-fand 2Tyears are common, whilst in of the northern division mre under green crop, whilst fte south the majorUy of farms are held from year to j 734,350 acres in the south were thus occupied ; the year, or under very short leases. The north country leases contain much more liberal clauses than the south country leases ; many of the south country leases contain most absurd clauses, only fitted for an anti- quated system of agriculture. In Kent I know there are many very liberal leases. There is great difference in the manner in which the northern and southern landlords treat their tenants. In the south the land- lord does little for the improvement of his property- he in most cases looks to his tenant to make any improvement in drainage, &c. In the north the usual plan is for the landlord to make all improvements in drainage, buildings, road-making, &c,, and charge the tenant at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum on the outlay. On the large estates of Earl Derby in Lancashire this is the usual practice ; the Duke of Northumberland does the same for his tenants. The northern tenants are fully conscious of the value of good drainage, good roads, and well-managed farm buildings, and readily pay the 5 per cent, charged on the sum spent on these improvements. As in the south, there is in the north large areas of land undrained— a standing disgrace to its owners— a large number of tumble-down, ill-managed farm buildings, and the cottages for the labouring class are generally anything but in a satisfactory condition. Bad and ill- ' trived as many of the north country farm buildings proportion to the area under cereals is about the same in both divisions ; there is, however, considerable difference in the areas under the different kinds of green crops, thus :— North. South. Acres. Per cent. Acres, Per cent. Potatos . . 111,902 21.20 66,994 7.7 Turnips .. 331,980 63.00 437,186 69,5 Mangels ,. 5,979 .11 72,882 9.9 Vetches . . "1 Cabbages.. \ 76,300 15.39 107,296 22.9 Carrots . . 1 626,227 100.00 734,858 100.0 I cannot understand why Potatos are not more gene- rally grown in the south ; I know there exists a strong prejudice against them, and that south country leases generally contain clauses prohibiting their cultivation to any extent. We are generally in the habit of look- ing upon the Turnip crop as a fallow crop : as grown in the north in drills varying from 27 to 36 inches wide, and well cultivated during the early growth of tfie crop, it is essentially a fallow or cleaning crop. ui., : ■ .. y Pl-iCOl,lM-. . , TtJ 5troot, UM ,1 I .^: i', ^\ plOi'TAiL'S r VII N I mt \e 111 ll e best m inner n p overt nictl oil t ted 1 J! Co 1 OD Wo Ls W bloy 1 I I vlllTinuld ^ rpHE IMPERIAL LWVN MOWER Sharpens itself, X Collects and Holla tho Grnss as it cuts, is the simplest and best Macliiiio, and aoes not get out of order. vou ask for :\Nri;i) PRIZE ■ tliat Tou eot them. I "lite Marlt, Ouuis quality, having I many complaint — ._ -- their mako, all of which are w.arranteU both by Sellers and Makers. S. k C.'a PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are th6 best and the cheaucst in tho market. i'axtnn Works, Sheflleld. Estiblished upwards 01126 years. WA L 1' K K F U X .1 X D U I)., jr-.inutactiircrs of (;ro()Uet bordering, wire arches, flower STANDS, HANGING BASKIiTS, Sc, &c. -id^ SiS^ij ut I proven ents Oil faint no longer Necessary H ILL AND SMITH'S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Vanush is ae excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is lulls two-tliirds cheaper. It may be applied by an ordinary labourer, requires no misins or thinuiue, and is used cold. It is used In the urounds at Windsor Castlo, Kcw Gardens, and at the seats of many hundreds of the nobility and Bontry, from whom the most flattering testimonials have been received, which Hul t Smitb will forward on "''/Trom'Bl'ciiinD Hemmiko, Esq., BordtsUy Park, Worctstershiri. " Gentlemen,— I have great pleasure in statin? that I highly approve of your Black Taniish, as a substitute for paint for farm buildings, barn doors, gates, and especially when the^^ood hjs^b^en previously painted " ' ' '■■>""''>"-'>-'" .iq tv r- ticular could be better. The same obaervatioi every description, such as iron hurdii Barrow with apparatiw for heating gn^ this par- face, than which nothing also applies to jroiiivoik ot WIRE ARCH. Galvi i feet 0, bv S feet 3 high 31-'- each, earn: Twisted Wii-o, 4 leet fl, by 8 feet 3 high . . 36s. each SquareColuinus, 4feet ti, by SfeetShigh.. 4Is. each SUSPENDING BASKETS 2 feet 0 inches in diameter , . , . 263. each. 1 foot 10 „ do I send me another, as well as a caskoftli' e of the property which I have in Warw M OULK'S PATKNT EARTH CLOSETS.— On view 11 operation at tho Offlco of MOULE'S PATENT EARTH fhOSET COMPANY, LIMITED, 2U. Bedford Street, Covciit, (;;inlcii. \V,C. T. M. Evans. Manager. UI-.WAlih ofTuWKS and VILLAOKS on the UUY O EARTH SYSTEM. —Tills Comp.iny is prepared to mako arrangeiuoiita lor dealing witb the I)ralnago ol Towns on tbo Dry Eaith System ; including the disposal of StnK-water, Slops, Ac. AppHcfttlons to be mado to the Manager, 20, Bedford Street, AUSTIN, SEELliY and Co., *boff respectfully to inform tho Nobility and Gentry that thoy hnvo now ready for Sale a iiumbor of TAZZE from f) to 8 feet in diamoterj^ac priceafrom six monthi f tho Royal HorLicuttural O.xrdeus is 11 foot V. Sold ui casks 0 is eacn, at la. lici. per gallon, at the paid to any Station in the kinedom. r 24s., carriage paid — for keeping application. „„ „ Iron and Wire Works. 32, Chicksand Street, Osborn Street, Whitechapel, N.E. THE PATENT FRUIT-TREE AND PLANT PROTECTORS. As STONE is now often preferred to BOX EDGING, we refer Gardeners who may intend to visit the Royal Botanlo Gardens, to a liirL'e quantity of such work which we supplied for the new Promenade Gardens in'tne Middle Walk of the Park, by order ot the First Commissioner of Works ; also m Mi ■ ^-r : ■ r. u-lui^ of tho Koyal Horticultural Society, Soutii K'Mi- ■, f n I - ■ [':dgin|i3 and The stock of Vases comprises about 250 different kinds. JOHN GIBSON, JuN., begs to announce that he is prepared to Furnish PLANS and ESTIMATES for LAYING OUT GROUND ottaehed to Mansions and Villa or other Residences, or for the FORMATION of PUBLIC PARKS or GARDENS and to carrv out the same by Contract or otherwise. Address Mr. Joun Gi'itsoN. jun., Surrey Lane, Hattersea, S.W. IGURIAN EKES.— Stocks and Swarms ot these beautiful and superior Bees, with fertile Queens, carefully selected from the most splendid str.ains of Liguriaus to be lound In Europe, and imported direct. Apply to Mr. Carb, Newton Heath, near Manchester. Faxm Poultry. GEET DORKING Ij'OWLS, ot purest breed, io any numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive breed known. Improved NORFOLK TURKEYS, large, bardy, and good breeders. ryO BE LET, a SMALL NUKSEIIY and SEED BUSINESS, in an e.\e'llent iocahly. A. B,, Post Office, St. Alh.an"s. Foil DISPOSAL, the LMASE and GOODWILL of the OLD ESTABLISHF.D NURSERY and SEED BUSINESS known as the late FAIKBAIRN'S NURSERY. . James Uveh, lUJ, High Street, Clapham, Surrey^ To Florists and Seedsmen. AN ESTABLISHED liUSINES.S f Present Owner retiring. Main thoroURhfa Shop, and House at low rent. Takings over £S increased —Apply to Mr. H. C. Wilson, 47, Ma;da Vi DISPOSAL.— End; capital Might be greatly , W. FOR DISPOSAL, a WELL-STOCKED, OLD- ESTABLISHED NURSERY, pleasantly situated in an Excellent Locality, with Vinery, Greenhouses, and Frames con- veniently arraueed, near an important Station, with every facility for Railway Traffic. To a Cash Purcb.aserit may be b.ad on easy terms. Address, F. H., Messrs. Hurst & Son, Seed Merchants, 6, Leaden- hall Street, EC. TO BR DISPOSED OF, with immediate possession, a FRUITERER'S. GREENGROCER'S, and COAL, with FLORIST and SEED BUSINESS connected. —Suitable to Gentle- S-alcs l>g Auction. M^ Orchids, Seeds, and Tree Ferns. U. bi'LVL.NS will --1 I I, i. MOTION, at M.. prising some ol tho liiiL-t ■. ■ I !■ i i-, .\<-. eicr imported; a Consignment 1'! . i : i.ii I ' i i . .\iNiiri>tia nobilis, from Moulme n ; l \ ' ■ ■■; l^ni-'ita- tion of Oichidsfrora Br.izLN , .' ,:i,. ' i < . l.r ^'.u'lh liom Japan and India, &c. On view the Morning of S.iie, and Catalogues had. Choice Imported Orchids. MR. 3. C. .'STEVE.N.S will SELl, l.y AUCTION, at l„sGreaH:.M„„ : , K ,, ■ -in.i. ■ ,,^r > , ,, ,1,„, W.C , on WEDNESDAY. .1' I ^ ' ' i ■ h . Imported INDIAN and .^i ■ i 1 I I 1 " ! i ■. ■ ■ ' :•' ■ ■ Eld'.r.iduspUndciis „ Uio Skinnerl labiata Trichopllla suavis speciossissiina 1 Cypripedium StomI Cypnpedium caudatum i-oseum, ftc. &c. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. To Horticultural Societies and Florists, Fine Or.angc Trees and Camellias at Potterell's, North Minn ,..^l> ,? hrtwecn Ilalfleld and Potter's Bar, ou tho Gr The Patentee is now m.-iking arrangements for the immediate delivery ot the most useful descriptions. Tile Engines, -with the necessary Patterns and Dies, arc being constructed, so that large numbers will soon be ready. The Prices will be very moderate, varying from One Shilling to Three Shillings per running foot, including Tiles, Glass, Wire-rope, &c., &c. Agents will be appointed throughout the country. Application should be made without delay. In laying out Vincyaids or large Vineries, experienced Workmen w ill be sent to superintend the work if desired. Orders can be forwarded at once, and will lie executed in strict rotation. For further particulars, apply to the Patentee, MR. W. E. RENDLE, C8, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W. Bulbridge Ram Sale. MESSRS. EWEK AND WlNST.lNLEY bog to notify that Mr. Rawlence's ANNUAL SALE and LETTING of RAMS and RAJI LAMBS will take place at Bulbridge, Wilton, on WEDNESDAY, July 29. .v « o„.i.„,..,= i. In addition to the many successes achieved by Mr. Rawlence as a competitor at the various Agricultural Exhibitions of former years, he has at the Bath and W\.st of England Society's Meetiog. at Falmouth, 1st Juno, this year, taken all tho IstPiizes for namp "''Aue?°on°md E^tateAgeney Offlees. Endless Street, Salisbury^ M5d?rFarm, Upper -Winchendon, Bucks. IliEAVES. f.;r THURS.IA J^ JU2_^3»._^^^^^^^^^ ^ THE GARPENEES' CllHOTs^ICl-E AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, fJcNE 13, isns. GKEEN'S PATENT SILENS MESSOK, OB NOISELESS LAWN MOWING, ROLLING, and COLLECTING MACHINES. PATRONIZED BY HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN ON TIIIUTY-EIGHT DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. n.R.H. THE TEINCE OF WALES. THE KING OF THE BELGIANS. THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH. THE EMFEROa OF RUSSIA. AND MOST OF THE NOBILITT, CLERGY, AND GENTRY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, have to state that they have no alterations to report. Since they added their latest improvements, about four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz., the keeping of L.iWNS in the HIGHEST STATE of PERFECTION. The unprecedented demand last season (upwards of 41,500 having been sold tinco the year 1856), together with the numerous letters of eulogium, are convincing proofs of their superiority. T. G. AND SON beg specially to note that their PATENT LAWN MOWERS arc the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with f;ir greater ease than any other ; and that they have carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. THEY ARE THE ONXY MACHIWES IN CONSTANT USE AT THE ROYAL nORTIOtlLTURAL SOCIETY'S GARDENS, SOUTH KENSINGTON I TnE HYDE PARK GARDEN.'? I THE HULL BOTANIC GARDENS THE ROl'AL BOTANIC GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK THE WINTER PALACE GARDENS, DUBLIN THE BOTANIC GARDENS.^BROSSELS THE CRYSTAL PALACE COMPANY'S GARDENS, SYDENHAM THE DUBLIN BOTANIC GARDENS \ THE SUNDERLAND PARK BUCKINGHAM PALACE GARDENS THE LIVERPOOL BOTANIC GARDE.NS j THE PRESTON PARK MARLBOROUGH HOUSE I THE LEEDS ROYAL PARK I AND IN MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL PARKS, SQUARES, ETC., IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HORSE, PONY, AND DONKEY MACHINE. GREEN'S PATENT LAWN MOWERS have proved to oe the best, and carried off every Prize that has been given in all cases of competition. T. GREEN & SON tvarrani every Machine to giva entire satisfaction, and if not approved of can be returned uncondii ionally* PRICES of HORSE, rONT, and DONKEY MACHINES, incluam^ Pitent Self dcUveiy Box, Cross Stiy complete; suitable for attaching to ordinary Chain Traces or Gig Haraess. PONY AND DONKEY MACHINES To Cut 26 inches £13 0 0 28 15 0 0 30 17 0 0 Leather Boots for Donkey, 18s. Leather Boots for Pony, 22s. To Cut 30 inches „ 36 „ ., HORSE MACHINES £21 0 0 21 0 0 27 0 0 30 0 0 Leather Boots for Morse, 26s. Both the Horse, Pony, Donkey, and Hand Macliines possess (over all other Makers) the advantage of Self-sharpening. The cutters being steel ou each side, when they become dull or blunt by running one w.ay round, the cylinder cm be reversed again and again, bringing the opposite edge of the cutter against the bottom blade, when tho Machine will cut equal to new. Arrangements are made that the cylinder can be reverscid, by any inexperienced person, in two or three minutes. HAND MACHINES. To Cut 10 inches ..£3 10 0 SuitaUe for a laiy „ 12 „ .. 4 10 0 „ „ „ U ,, .. 5 10 0 Suilal)lc for One Person „ 10 „ .. 6 10 0 „ „ To Cut 18 inches ..£7 10 0 Suitable for One Person. „ 20 ,,..800 Suitable for Two Persons. „ 22 „ .. 8 10 0 „ „ .. 21 „ ,. 9 0 0 „ „ Packing Cases are charged at the following low rates, viz. ;— for the 10 and 12-inch Machine, 3s. ; 14 and IG-inch, 4s. ; 18 and 20-inch, 6s. ; 22 and 24-inch, 6s. Parties providing themselves with Lawn Mowers are recommended to purchase the cases in which to stow them away, when not in use, to prevent them from gettmg damaged ; il i returned, two-thirds will be allowed for them. The above MACHINES are made from the beat materials, and of superior workmanship ; are delivered Carriage Free to all the principal Railway Stations and Shippijig Poits in England. Every Machine ia warranted to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of, can be returned unconditionally. | ILLUSTRATED PRICE LISTS FREE ON APPLICATION. T. G. AND SON have a large quantity of LAWN MOWERS in stock at their Leeds and London Establishments ; also various other kinds of HORTICULTURAL and | AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FOUNTAINS, VASES, PLAIN and GALVANISED WIRE NETTING, and ORNAMENTAL WIRE , WORK of every description. Saving very extensive Premises in London, ive are in a position to do all kinds of Repairs there, as well as at our Leeds Establishment. THOMAS GREEN and SON, SMITHFIELD IRON WORKS, LEEDS; and 54 & 55, BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S. Editorial Oommunic 8 should be addressed to "' The Editor ; " AdTertisements and I f.a.tonai vA.minunicaiiw..o suuu.u ul- «u«.l«^u ^-j a.... ^u.w. , /vu»t.TL.st:-.ie>.vs unu cusi.its* i._'tter8 to " The PubU-her." ttt the OfflcR. 41, Wellington Strppt, Covcnt Garden Ifn^o". J^'^- ,.„,«:. ^t t Printed by James Matthews, at the Office of Mesara. Bradbcrt, Evans. & Co.. Lombard Street, Precinct of Wbitefriirs, City of London, m the Co. of Miadlescx. and Published by tbe sfud Jauss jUATinaffa.ai l OfBcQ.No, 41, 'VV'ellington Street, PEUiah of bt.FBiU'i,CoTeQt Garden, in the said County.— Satobi>i,t> June 13,1669. THE GARDEN EIIS AGRICULTURAL GAZE No. 25.— 1S6S.] A Newspaper of Rural Bconomy and General News. SATURDAY, JUNE 20. (Price Pivepence. (Stajiped Edition, Gd. INDEX. Lblcs Alhci-tlftnn 057 c I Ouai V.t)yssiiiian pnrnsites fi,'>4 <■ H.uv; ^Kriciiltiin-, Irish C65a-e(>9 <■ Ini'i Agricultural Benevolent A^o- I l-i>it' ifcd , X tlic Cultivation, de(?p •■'■■ Fanncra, talking propen- sities of OTJ (1 ?ftnnprs' Cluba (i70 e — friends nnd foes fiKi; n Fems, liiucly G% r Flower cnrdens, filling 653 6 — culture in 053 b Pood, Btcnmed 672 a Porjrct-inc-Nots 6586 Fruit- tree protection £57 A 3nrdeners' Koynl UencTolent — ■■ eJ7fl a Clumpio , U33E Sutii'tv, Uuval Horticultural . C,->:) a — lloyal' liotanic m) ,i — Koj-al Caledonian eci n — lloyal Dublin Agricul- — Bath Aericnltural C(i5 n Statistics, onrricultural 6fU r Stock, our live 6(i5 6 StrawWrries at Chiswick Ciil) ft Vines, stopping 6Bi f Wnrd.late Mr. N. B 655/i "Weather and the crops GC3 6 Tersons wishing to send ike Gardeners' Chhomcle bu Tost, shotild order the Stamped Edition. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, SOUTH KENSINGTON', W. Tho GREAT ROSE SHOW, on TQESDAY, June 30. Band of ,ho Royal Horse Uutuds IVoiu Four. Tickets are now ready at all Dhe principal Libnu-ics, and at the Gardens. Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park. JOHN WATERKK'S KHODODENUKONS at the \J ahcra Gardens are NOW on VIEW DAILY. Orders for Admls- lion can be obtained from Fellows of the Society. Admittance can also bo obtained at Wateher's Gate, West of tbe BotriPic Gardens, Sundays ana Wednesdays excepted. f^RYSTAL PALACE.— The GREAT SHOW of KJ ROSES, RHODODENDRONS, &c., SATURDAl". June 20, ENTRIES should bo FORWARDED to I. WILKINSON, Supentitendent. 7. T. JACKSON, Zoological Society. Clifton. BRIGHTON and SUSfciEX HORTICULTURAL and FLORICULTDRAL SOCIETY'S GRAND ROSE SHOW will be held on THURSDAY, June 25. at the Royal Pavilion Rooms and Eastern Lawn, Prizes are ofTered in 15 Classes. Schedules to bo had on application to the Secretary, !)6, St. James Street ; or, E. SPARY, Superintendent of the Exhibition, Queen's Graperies. Brighton. EDW. CARPENTER, Secretary. Kntries to be given in on or before Monday, 23d inst. Boxes, ic.. If booked, conveyed as usual by the London, Brighton, and South- SPALDING HOHTICULTURAL FETE, FLOWER, FRUIT, and POULTRY SHOW, will take place in the Grounds of Ayacoughfie Hfill, on THURSDAY. June 25, 1S68. Sliver Cups (with option of full value in cabh) offered for Roses, Foliage Geraniums, Specimen Plants, &c. The ancient and unique gardens, with their remarkable groves of Yews, which have been ti'nined for centuries, will be open for promenade. Band of the Scots Fus'lier Guards. Five lines of Railway direct to all t»art3 of the kingdom. Schedules on application to GEO. F. HARRELL, Hon. Sec. WEST of ENGLAND ROSE SHOW.— This EXHIBITION (Open to the United Kingdom) Is fixed to take place in the SHIRE HALL, HEKEFURD, on FRIDAY, Junfl 20. £130 offered in Prizes. The Rev. S. Rkvnolds Hole, and Rev, C. P. CtEAVER Peaoh will kindly undertake the office of Censors In the Nurser)mcii's Classes. All communications to be addressed to the Rev. C. H. BULMER, M.A., Credenhill Rectory, Hereford. N.B. Date of Entry extended to Saturday, June 20. SOUTHAMPTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, in union with ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.— The SIXTH GRAND SUMMER SHOW of FRUIT. FLOWERS &c Kill be held on JUNE 27 and 29 in BANISTER'S PARK. Tho splendid Band of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and also that of the let Hants EnRineers. have been engaged. PRIZES to the amowitofONE HUNDRED and TEN FOUNDS. B IRMINGHAM ROSE SHOW, JULY 2 and 3.— For Prize Lists, apply to Mr. A. FORREST. Secretary, Cherry Street, Birmingham. ENTRIES CLOSE JUNE 27. RUGUY HORTICULTURAL and COTTAGE GARDENERS' SOCIETY. Prcdirffjtr— Tho Rev. Dr. Temple. The ANNUAL SHOW, open to all England, will take place at RUGBY on FllIDAV the 10th July. 180S, when Prizes will be offered in Class 5 for Plants, Fruit, Cut Flowers, and Vegetables ■ and Silver Cup. value £10, and Three Prizes of £4, £2, and £1, e — her Prizes for Roses; and Two Prizes of '"''-■ ■• oup of Cut Roses ; contalninst not less tha Kight Bouquets with Moss, Fern foliage, mixed or set up therewith, not less than four "colours to'be xised ii each bouquet. Entrieatobomade on orbefore July4neit. Schedule! of Prizee. and further particulars, may be obtained on application t( J. S. SAVAGE, or W. MASON, Hon. Sec. Rugby. PAUL AND SON respectfully SOLICIT INSPECTION. Station of Great Eastern Railway. M E Roses m Bloom. ITCUELL'S ii-nnwucd ROSKS are NOW in MAGNIFICENT Br.OOM. ^Pilt Dowu Nurserifs, Uckfield, Sussex. Roses at Hertford. P. FRANCIS AND CO. invite all lovers of ROSES INSPECT their large COLLECTION, t Northern find Great Eastern Railwuys dir I Rertrord. PHILIP LADDS is now sending out 24 varieties of NEW VERBENAS of 1808. Free bv post for Os. Terms cash. Nursery, Bexley Heath, Kent, S.E. w Genuine Garden Seeds. M. CDTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the e Is now ready. Post free on application. IHShgato Nurseries, London, N. New Catalogue of Soft -wooded and Bedding Plants, Florist Flowers, &o. CHARLES TURNER'S DESCRIPTIVE LIST Is now ready, and will be sent on application. To the Trade. A LSOPHII.A AUSTRALIS, and PTERIS SERRU- Xi. LATA POLYDACTYLA. A few good young plants, at Ss. per doz. J. H. Let, St. Johns Koad, Croydon, S. LOMARIA GIBBA, var. BELLI!.— This beautiful crested variety of Lomaria gihba can now bo bad of the under- named, price 2l9. and 42^-. each. The usual discount to tbe Trade. OsBoiiN & Soss, Fulham Nursery, London, S.W. JW. WJM8ETT is now senoing out the following • splendid new COLEUSES. decidedly the best of the whole series latelv sold by the Royal Horticultural Society :— COLEUS MAKSHALLII, 10s. Crf. each, or 6 for 655. COLEUS MURRAYI, 10,«, Gd. each, or 6 for 65s. COLEUS TELFORDI AUREA, the boauliful new Golden Coleus, 10s. Gci. each, or C for 55.?. Thesetofthreefor273. Ash burn ham Park Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, S.W. TEN THOUSAND SURPLUS STOCK of BEODING PLANTS.— Fine Autumn-grown plants of Tom Thumb. Punch. Stella. Cybister, Christine, and other Geraniums at £7 10*. per 1000; Bijou, Jane, and Flower of Sprlu? Geraniums at £8 10s.j)er 1000. Calceolarias, Yellow and Bronze, £7 per 1000; Verbenas, Petunias, Lobelias, &c., £7 per 1000, Cash to accompany orders. William Cocas. Old Nurseries, Donington, Spalding. GllRANIUMS.— Gloiro de" Nancy and Mrs^^PiUock; first-class plants, at 35. 6d. per dozen ; also surplus stock, fine plants, Christine,. Cybister, and Stella Nosezay, ,10s. per 100 ; Mrs. \V. Paul, Nimrod, Mods. G. Nachet, and Amy Hogg, 2s. per dozen. C. Butler, Nurseryman, ic , Wellington, Salop. Becic's Seedling Pelargoniums. SGLENDINNINO and SONS are now offering for • tho first time the Twelve beautiful, new. and distinct PELARGONIUMS raised by Mr. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Keck. Esq., of Isleworth, which were awarded numerous Certificates at the various Metropolitan Shows. DESCRIPTIVE PRICED LIST niav be bad on appIicatiOD. w Paul's Nurseries. Waltham Cross, London. N. 'AL PAUL'S NKW VARIEGATED, ZONAL, and BEDDING PELARGONIUMS (Beaton's race), ROSES, &c.. ore now ready lor delivery. For particulars see Advertisement of May 31. p. fififl. SPRING CATALOGUE for 1?GS free by post on application. Impiihtant.— Ail letters should be addressed William I'aul. Waltham Cross, London, N. Tricolor Pelargoniums, Crown Jewel and Sunrise. ^ALTMARSll AND SON are slill supplying strong O plants of tho above very splendid and distinct varieties, to which First-claas Certificates and numerous Prizes have been awarded, at 2\s. each, with the usual discount to the Trade, and Mouteham Nu ^fl, Chelmsford. V ARIEGATED PELARGONIUMS. LITTLE PET I SOPHIA DUMARE-SOtJE I LAUT CDLLCTM FONTAINEBLKAU ELEGANS . The above for 2I«. For substituted. Remittances requested from unknown LUCY GRIEVE Variegated stella I goldfinch not required others car ■>, Chatteris, Cambridgeahir Roses in Bloom. PAUL'S nurseries, waltham cross, n WM. PAUL'S ROSES are NOW in FULL BLOOM, inspection respectfully invited. Trains from Lond.m. Great Enatern Rallwav, to Waltham Station aQjoinlng the >urserieb) twelve times daily. Roses and Herbaceous Plants. THOilAS S. WARE begs to announce that he has a fine collection of the above now in BLOOM. An lusnec tlon solicited. The Grounds are open daily (Sunday excepted), *and To Furcnasers of Trlcolored Pelargoniums. J WATSON, New Zealand Nursery, bt. All).in's, is • now sending out his two unrivalled TRICOLOR PELAR- GONiniLS, MISS WATSON and MR.S. DIX, They were awarded 10 Flrst.cla£S CertiUcates and Extra Prize Money within the year 1807. Price, good plants, in nice colour, 31s. Gd. each ; extra size, for specimens, 4^. each. Usual Trade allowance or Special Contract. When talion In quantity one Plant gratis in every six.— St. Alban'a, May 6. GOLDEN CHAJIPION GRAPE.— Orders are now being Booked for this extraordinary Grape. See Advertisement May y, page 480. Price 21s. and 42s. each. ^OsDORN 4 Sons, Fulham Nursery, S.W. ROYAL ASUOT or PERPETUAL.— To have new GRAPES from this wonderful Vine in January. February, and March, now and next mouth is the time to plant thorn. Fine young growing Canep. now, 425. each ; in May, 31s. Od., 42»., and 635. each ; in June, 215^ 42s., and fl3s. each. John Stanoish, Roval Nursery, Ascot, Berks. UUPERB NEW LATE GRAPE, O MRS. PINCE'S BLACK MUSCAT— Tbe Public are reapect- lully Invited to an inspection of this really fine Late Grapo. The real Muscat flavour, so rarely obtained, is unmistakeable in this valuable late-keeping Grape. LucouBE, PiscE, k Co. will have great pleasure In showing tho House to all who can corae, or Testimonials of Its merits will be forwarded by post upon application. Fine Planting Cants now ready to send out at 2U. oacb. Esetor Nursery, Exeter. New Clirysantliemums. ADAM FORSYTH is now sending out several FIRST- CLASS SEEDLINGS, all of which were greatly admired at tlio Metropolitan Shows last yaar. Likewise GEORGE'S NEW BEDDING TROP^OLOMS. For full description and opinions of tho I'ress. see Catalogue, which is now ready. A. F.'a COLLECTION OF CHRY.SANTHEMUMS includes all the best varieties for exhibition and bedding purposes. Orders ILLTAK BARNES has a few hundreds of AZALEA STOCKS to offer, in the finest health, and fit for immediate w working. Price may be had on applicati- — Camden Nursery, Camberwell, London, S.E. BrltlsU Fern Catalogue. ROBERT SIM will send, post free for six pcst^ge stamps. Part I. (British Ferns and their varieties, 3C pa^'e", including prices of Hardy Exotic Ferns) of his PRICED DESCRIP- TIVE CATALOGUE of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS, No. 7. Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E. ANTED, a few SPECIMEN FERNS and SMALL FERNS.— Write particulars and lowest price for w Exchange Mi& Mri Dl: Mra. Pollock, W11.1.1AM AasiiTAOEi SoH, Seed RUSSELL'S PYRAJIIDAL "prImUL^AS. - This magnificent strain still maintains its character as the finest iu cultivation. New Seed, nrice &r. Ort. per pacitet. PRIMULA KERMESINA.— The great fault of this brilliant coloured variety has hitherto been its indisposition to throw its flowers above the foliage. 1 liavo now, however, the satlsfiction of olfering it with the same erect, oonsplcuO'is style as the other kiuds. Tho stock of this Is limited this year. Price 6s. per packet. Georok Clarkf, Niu-series, Streatham Place, Brixton Uill, S. ; and Mottingham, Kent. PR I MULA FIMBRIATA. — Six superbly fringe.! varieties, producing immense flowers, mixed. Is. Grf. and 2s. Oif. packet ; superb dark Red and White do., separate. Is. C(/. and s prize). Is. and '2s. Gd. per packet. J. Scott, The Seed t , Yeovil, Somerset. RATNBIRD, CALDECOTT, B.\WTREE, BOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited), Corn, Sked, Masuhe, and Oilcmie Merchants. Address, SU. Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.C. ; or jaasingstoke. Samples and prices post free on application. Prize Medals, 1851, for Wheat ; 1802. for " Excellent Seed Corn and Seeds " PARIS, I SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for ALL SOILS. 1807. I The PREMIER PRIX SILVER MEDAL for OAR- DEN SEEDS, GRASSES, and GRASS SEEDS, was Awarded to ..„. ^.T _ ...^.r., .. to the Queen, Reading, Berks. SUTTON AND SONS, Seei THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL for GRASS in GROWTH, PARIS, 1SG7, was Awarded to ■ MEs Carter & Co., 237 and 23S, IlighJIolboro, London, W.C. THE ONLY PRIZE JIEDAL for GARDEN SEEDif, INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1802, was iMES Carter t Co , 237 and 233, High Holborn, London, W.C. EVERY GARDEN REQUISITE kept in Stock at Carter's New Seed Warehouse. 237 & 233, High Holborn, London. c 237 and 238, High Holborn, London, W.C. WHITE GLOBE TURNIP, crop 1867, select Block. Price on application. JI^MNI rOCK, DEVONSHIRE GREVSTONE TURNIP, 1807. Price reasonable. Fairuead t .Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E. G^ EWISHAM SWEDE, the finest variety of Purple-top J In cultivation. JiMES Fairhead & SoM, 7, Borough Market, S.E. UTTONS' CHAMPION SWEDE, the hardiest and best in cultivation. Lowest price per bushel on application. SuTTO.-* & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. SUTTONS' IMPERIAL GREEN GLOBE, the heaviest White-fleshed Turnip in cultivation. Lowest price per bushel on application.— Sutton Sl Sons. Seed Growers, Reading. White Mustard and Rape. andF. SUARPE have tine clean saniples of the above Seeds, which they can offer to tbe Trade at very piices. Price on application. Seed Growing Establishment, Wisbech. H To the Trade and Others. SPLENDID STOCKS TURNIP STRATFORD GREEN, at 20s, per bushel ; EARLY SIX-WEEKS ditto, at 20». Bigclcfiwade, Beds. For Quality and Price not to be surpassed in the Kingdom. EXTRA FINE ROBINSON'S CHAMPION DRUMHEAD CABBAGE plants, ENFIELD MARKET ditto at 2s. Gd. per 1000, for cash. FREns. Gee, Seed Merchant and Grower, Biggleswade, Beds. _ Devonshire Greystone Turnip (New Seed). ROBERT 'I. VEll'OH is now li-irvtsting n splendid pure stock of this most excellent Turnip. It has been selected with great care, und has been proi.ounced ''7,="''°«"' ''''.7°nf,Vn collurists to bo superior to any yet seen in the County o[ uevon. The seed will be ready in n few days. Prici THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 20, 1868. PTRETHRUM GOLDEN FEATHER, the finest golden-leaved hardy perennial bedding plant, prodnced true from seed, is offered only by E. G. Henderson & Son. The ensuing month, until tlie last week in Julv. is also the best season for sowing Hendebso>s' fine strains of CALCEOLARIA, CINERARIA, and PRLMDLA SINENSIS, including the best varieties in each group. E. G. Henderson & Son also offer Seeds for the ensuing spring bloom of the true London RED and WHITE INTERMEDIATE STOCK ; also the finest White and Purple new Double viuieties of ALEXANDRA and ALBERT PROLIFIC INTERMEDIATE STOCK. The foregoing are the finest forma in each group or section. Fi"om the present date to the end of July is the most favourable period for sowing all ornamental hardy and tender biennial Plants. Wellington Nnrsory, St. John's Wood, London, N.W. Extra Choice Seeds for Present Sowing. ROBERT PARKER begs to offer the imdernanied, all of which are warranted to be of the finest possible qualities. Per packet — s, d. CALCEOLARIA, herbaceous, finest mixed 2 0 CINERARIA CRUENTA, finest mixed 2 0 MYOSOTIS SYLVATICA (Cliveden variety) 0 6 STOCK, INTERMEDIATE WHITE 0 6 PRl'itULA SINE^fsiS FIMBRIATA, finest mixed .'.' '.'. 2 0 KERMESINA SPLENDENS .. ..2 0 WALLFLOWEP^ double German, finest mixed 0 0 PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES, containing Select Lists of Agricultural, Flower, and Vegotahle Seeds, Spring Bedding Plants, Greenhouse, Hardv, and Stove Plants, are published, and will be forwarded gratia to applicants. Esotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S.W. By Royal Letters Patent. TOBACCO TrSSlTE destroys Thrip, Bed Spider, end Mealy 13ue, by Fumigation ; price 3«. Grf. per lb. TOBACCO PAPER price Is. Od. per lb. TOBACCO RAG price 23. per lb. TOBACCO SMALLS price 3». 6d. per lb. TOBACCO POWDER price .3s. 6d. per lb. TOBACCO LIQUOR price Is. per gallon. OUT-DUOR FUMIGATOR .. .. price irs. 6d. To be had of Messrs Roberts & Sovg, Tobacco Manufacturers, 112, St. John Street, Clerkenwell, E.G. ; and all Seedsmen and Nurserymen, D U T Y To Oaede F K E E 'abmees. Hop TOBACCO. rs, ASD OinEnl. allowed by tbo ORO0ND TOBACCO, for Gardeners, Farmers, and Hortlculturistg. HOP WASH, for the Hopbine and for Fruit Orchards. SHEEP WASH, for Dressing Sheep and Cattlp. Manuiaetured at the LivoriJOOl Bonded Tobacco Worils, Paisley Street, Greenock Street, and Robert Street, Liverpool. The Cheapest and Best Insecticide. DUTI-PKEE TOBACCO. pOOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for the Prevention and Destruction of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Florists, In Tins at Is., 23. Od., and 68. Powder Distributors, 29. 6d. and 3s. Gd. each. " 1 find it exceerlingly useful for kiUtog the Aphides on Roses and other Plants. "—Geo. Eyles, Superintendent of the Royal Hortlcul' tural Gardens, South Kensington, May 7, 1868. Sole Manufacturer, T. A. P O O L E T, Bonded Warehouse Sussex Wharf, Wapping, E, Agents required In Towns where not already appointed. G ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK. GENERAL EXHIBITION of PLANTS, FLOWERS, and FRUIT, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY, JUNE 17 and 18. LIST OF AWARDS, I SILVER MEDAL. j Mr. T. B.xnnerman, Gr. to Lord Uagot, BlithQeld, Rugby, for Black Prince Grapei Pork, for 16 Exotic Orchids. Regent'B Mr. J. Douglas, Gr. to F. Whitburn, Esq., Loxford Hall, for White Mr. D. Donald, Gr. for 12 Stove and Greouhouse . Mr. B. S. Williams, Nurseryman, Holloway, for 10 Stove and Green- and other Blight, in solutions of from 1 to the gallon of soft water, and of from 4 to 16 ounces as a Wmtcr Dressing for Vines and Fruit Trees. Has outlived many preparations intended to super- Wholesale by I'RICE'S PATENT CANDLE COMPANY Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNOR AND COOKE'S WARRANTED PRIZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that you act them Observe the murk SAl'NOR, also the Corporate Mark, Obtain Warranted, without which none are genume. S. & C. regiet having to caution Gardeners and others, but are compelled to do so, in consequence of an imitation, of common quality, having been sold for the gennineone, and which has ciiused many complaints to be made to theni of Knives their make, all of which are warranteiTboth by Sellers and Makers"' S. & C.'s PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES are the best and the cheapest in the market. Paxton Works, Sheffield. Established upwards of 126 years. Mr. J. Wheeler, Or. and Greenhouse Flan Mr. R. Taotou, Nurseryn Epsom, Surrey, for 10 Stove and Plants. Messrs. J. Jackson & Son, Kingston, for 8 Cape Heaths. Mr. B. Peed, Gr. to Mrs. Tredwell, St. John's Lodge, Lower Norwood, for 8 Cape Heaths. Mr. W. Gddney, Gr. to Rev. W. EUis, Hoddesdon, Herts, for 15 Exotic Orchids. Mr. Isiuic Hill. Gr. to R. Hanbury, Esq., Ware. Herts, for 8 and G; Mr. G. Fai IsleworLh, for 10 Eoli-.ge I'lants. Mr. C. Klioiles, Nurseryman, Sydenham Park, Kent, for Heath! Mr. J. Ward, Gr.toF. G. Wilki Heaths. Mr. A.Wilkie, Gr,, Oik Lodge, Kensington, for 0 Greenhouse Azaleas. for 8 Cipe Esq., Leyti K Lodge, L< G Exotic 0 Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, Fulham, loiloway, for 12 Exotic Ferns. Henry Bush, Wmchmore Hil' Mr. B. Peedj Gr. to Mrs. Tre'dwell, wood, for 15 Exotic Orchid; Mr. B. S. Willi-ims, Nurseryman, Holloway, for G Exotic Orchids. Mr. T. tiu for 8 Exotic Orchids. Mr. B, S. Williams, Nurseryman, Holloway, for 12 Exotic Ferns. Mr. J. Brockwell, Gr. to " " '" ' "' ' Ednionton, for G Fucli Messrs. Dobson & Sods, Is^oworth, for 9 Pelargoni Mr. J. Terry, Gr. Wilkins, Esq., Loyton, Essex, for 9 3 A, S. Parker, Esq., Youngsbury, Ware, Herts, and Greenhouse Pht Lodge, Ken.sington, for C Stove and foliage Plants. Vheeler, Gr. to j C:ipe Heaths. Phillpot, Esq., Stamford Hill, for Mr. J. Eraser, Lea BridEO Road Nurseries, for fi Fancy Pelargoniums. Mr. Windsor, Gr. to J. R. Ravenhill, Esq., Forest,, Walt hamitow, for 6 Fancy Pelargoniums. Messrs. Paul & Sons, Old Nurseries, Chesbunt, foi- 20 Roses. ;* Northumberland, Hyon Hon; Guildford, for 8 Cape Heaths L. Wilkie. Gr., 0.ik LiOilgo, Kensington, for C Cape Heaths. " '" " F. Qoldsmid, Bart., Regent's Park, Mr. G. Messrs Mr. J. Wheeler, Gr. to J. PhiTlpot.Esq., Stamford Hill, ifor 8 Exotic Mr. W. ^raylor, Qr. to J. Yates, Esq., Lauderdale House, Higbgate, Martineau, Esq., Claphara Park, for 1 Exotic Fei . for 6 Fancy Pelargoi Messrs. Paul & Son, Old Nursery, Cheshunt, Herts, for 25 Roses. Mr. B. R. Cant, St. John Street Nursery, Colchester, for 25 Roses. Mr. J. August, Gr. to Rev. H. Bridges, Beddington, Surrey, for 26 Roses. Mr. Chard, Gr. to Sir S. Bathurst, Clarendon Park, Salisbury, for 25 Roses. Mr. J. Hannan, Gr. to R. J. Crawshay, Cyfartha Castle, for Provi- dence Pine Apple. Mr. G. Ward, Gr. to T. N. Miller, Esq., Manor House, Finchley, for Queen Pine Apple. Mr. 11. Clarke, Gr. to Earl Cowper, Penshanger, Herts, for any kind Pine Apples. Mr. Henderson, Gr. to Sir G. H. Beaumont, Cole Orton Hall, Ashby- de-lft-Zouch, for Black Hamburgh Grapes. Mr. W. Mead, Gr. to Raikes Currie, Esq., Frimley Manor, Fam- borough, for Black Prince Grapes. Mr. W. Lynn, Gr, to Lord Boston, Hedsor, Maidonbead, for Black Prince Grapes, n. Lane & Sons, Great Berkhampstead, Herts, for White Muscad Mr. W. Russell, Gr. of Grape, jMn Russell, Worthing, Sussex, for any kind Mr. W. Lyni'i, Gr. to Lord Boston, Hedsor, Maidenhead, for Poaches for SILVER MEDAL. Mr. J. Burley, Albert Nursery, Pembrldga Place, Bayswatei 10 Foliage Plants. Mr. B. S. Williams, Hurseryman, Hollowav, for 6 Foliage Plants. Mr. G. Wheeler, Gr. to Sir F. Qoldsmid, Bart., Regent's Park, for 6 Cape Heaths. Mr. B. Peed, Gr. to Mrs. Tredwell, Lower Norwood, for 0 Green- house Azaleas. Mr. R. Parker, Esotic Nursery, Tooting, for 0 Exotic Orchids, Mr. A. " " • - - ^ .. ^ Mr. J. Mr. J. Barnes, Gr. to Lady Rolle, Blcton, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, for Queen Pino Apple. Mr J. Douglas, Gr. to F. Whitburn, Esq., Loxford Hall, Oxford, for "^y kind Pine Applf ' Nectarmes — 1 dish. SMALL SILVER MEDAL. Messrs. Ivcry & Son, Nursorymen, Dorking, for 12 British Ferns. Mr. J. August, Gr. to Rev. H. Bridges, Beddington, Surrey, for G Fu(;hhias. Messrs R. i", Francis, H erlford, for 25 Roses, cut blooms. Mr. R. B. Postans, Esq.. Brentwood, for 25 Roses, cut blooms. Mr. C. 'I\uner, Nurseryman, Slough, for 24 Roses, single blooms. Jlessrs. P.iul and Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, for 24 Roses, single Mr. C. Tumor Rayal Nursery, Slough, f._.r 24 Pinks. [blooms, Messrs. howtue. Laird, & L'ling, Syaenh;im, lor SG Pansies. Mr. E. F. Kingston, Militia Barracks. Batb, for 12 Pinks. Mr. H. D Adair, Edinburgh, for 24 Pansies. Mr. Wescott, Gr. to tne Duke of Cleveland, Ray Castle, Darlington^ for Providence Pine Apple. Mr. A. Grant. Gr. to N. Plucknett, Esq., Manor House, Finchloy, for Black Hamourgh Grapes. Mr. Lane, Gr. to j. Mills, Esq., Friern Barnet, for Black Frlnod ■ Mr. J. Bailey, Gr. to F. Drake, Esq , Shardeloes, Amersham, for White Muscadine Grapes. Mr. J. Drcn-ett, Gr. to Mrs. Cubitt, Denbies, Dorking, for any kind Mr. D. Pizzey, Gr. to Sir E. Perry, Pickerage, Fiilmer, Slough, for Mr. T. Bannerman, Gr. to Lord Bagot, Blithfleld, R.igby, for Greeil- flesb Melon. Mr. J. Crane, Gr. to Rev. — Deeds, BranOeld, Herts, for Scarlet- Mr. T. B- Hamburgh Grapi.,., Mr. Weir, forb Fancy Pelargoniums. Lord Bagot, Blithfleld, Rugby, for Black berries — two dishes. Mr. Hooper, Nurseryman, Bath, for 3G Pansies. CERTIFICATE. Mr. J. Day, Gr. to A. Seymour, Esq., Norton Hall, Daventry, for "^- (Bbick). .. am. Gr. to E. Oa (White). Messrs. A. llart Sc Son, Nurserymen, Guildford, for StrawbeiTie^^ two dishes. FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATE. Mr. W. Nye, Gr. to E. B. Foster, Esq., Clewer Manor, Windsor, fjr Messrs, Carter, Holborn, for Seedling Pelargonium Sir Robert Mr. C. J. Perry, Castle Bromwich, for Verbena Spot. Mr. C. J. I'erry, for Verbena Florence Fiddian. Mr. C. J. Perry, for Verbena Mrs. Perry. fpiirfflt Mr. W. Bull, Nurseryman, Chelsea, for Dracrena australis atropur- Mr. W. Bull, Nurseryman, Chelsea, for Polystictium cnstato-gracHe. Mr. W. Bull, Nurseryman, Chelsea, for Lastrea P.-m. crispo-cristata. Mr. W, Bull, Nurseryman, Chelsea, for Curculigorecurvat Mr. W. Bull, Nurseryman, Chelsea, for Strelitzia Nieolai. Mr. W. Bull Nurseryman, Chelsea, for Tbrinax graminea. Messrs. J. Vcitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Dendrobium cr^stallinum. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Drac^na Guilfoylei. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Croton aucubiefoUa. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Croton tricolor. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Thunia Beusoniie. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Gloxinia Mens. Brongniavt. Messrs, J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Gloxinia Voie lactea, Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Phorralum Cookii. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Gloxmia Prince Teck. Mr. C. Penny, Gr. to H. Gibbs, Esq., Regent's Park, for Cattleya Messrs. Carter & Co., Holborn, for Coleus Dijili. [Mossi.-B var, Mr. Bull, Chelsea, for Lasiandra macrantha. Messrs. Ivery & Son, for Polystichum angutare divisilobum Iverj- Messrs. Ivery & Son, for Athyrium F.-f. Girdlestonl. [anum. Messrs. Ivery & Son, for Athyrium F.-f. scopjeforme. Mr. E. J. Lowe, for Asplenium Adiantum ■nigrum, var. grandicep3 Mr. E. J. Lowe, for Asplenium marinum, var. imbrlcatum. Mr. K. J. Lowo, for Scolopendrium vulgare, var. Uemionitis. Mr. E. J. Lowe, for Scolopendrium vulgare, var. dichotoraum. Mr. E. J. Lowe, for Scolopendrium vulgare, var. formosum. Mr. E. J. Lowe, for Scolopendrium vulgare, v.ar, omnilacerum. Mr. E. J. Lowe, for Scolopendrium vulgare, var. Moorei. Mr. E, J. Lowe, for Scolopendrium vulgare, var. Hookeri. Mr. E. J. Lowe, for Scolopendrium vulgare, var. arestou, Mr. E. J. Lowe, for Scolopendrium vulgare, var. Fortune!. Mr. E. J. Lowe, for Scolopendrium vulgare, var. Claudanum. SECOND-CLASS CERTIFICATE. Mr, Bull, Chelsea, for Atbyrium F,-f. QssldeDte-excurrens LyelH Mr. Bull, Chelsea, for Acrocomia sclerocarpa. Mr. Bull. Chelsea, for Passiflora glauca. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Angrrocum falcatura. Messrs. J, Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Draciena iiijira-rubra. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Dipladenia boliviensis. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for Cattleya Chelsoni. June 20, 1868.] THE GARDENEllS' CHEONICLE AND AGRICtJLTIJRAL GAZETTE. DWARF ROSES IN POTS FOR SUMMER PLANTING. FEANCIS & ARTHUE DICKSON & SONS, "UPTON" NURSERIES, CHESTER, Have a verj' lavo stock of the above, in fine heulthy plants, including all the choicest varieties in cultivation, ns well as the KEW°EOSES of 1868. rUICED CATALOGUES fi-co by post on application. OUR ROSES ARE NOW IN FULL BLOOM, of which we respectfully invite an inspection. MAGNIFICENT NEW HYBRID COLEUS, RAISED AT THE GARDENS OF THE KOYAL HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. MESSES. VEITCH & SONS ARE. NOW SENDING OUT THEIR SIX SPLENDID VARIETIES, Which have been a\v.irded — FIRST PRIZES at the Exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society, May FIRST PRIZES at the E.xbibition of the Crystal Pahace Companv, May 23, FIRST PRIZES at the Exhibition of the Royal Botanic Society, "May 27, H 5, 1868. 1868. Plane-lcavcd Series. C. BERKELEYI .. Us. Od. C. SAUNDERSII .. 10 6 C. RUCKEEI . . ..106 Frilled' leaved Se: C. BAUSEI .. C. SCOTTII .. C. BATEMANI 15s. Od. 10 6 10 6 Or the Set of Six Varieties together, £2 2s. The following Firms having obtained the above splendid varieties direct from Messrs. Teitch & SoNf3, can supply them true to n.ame ; — Knigllt, Mr. B. W., Battle, Sussex. Ki-elactj, E. H.. & Son, IlEiarlem, Holland. Low, Huch, 4 Co.. Clapton Nui-seiy, Clapton. Lierval, M., Hoiticulteur. Paris. Lee, J, k C, l\Icssis., Nurserymen, Uammer- Burpess & Kent, Penkhull. Stoke-on-Trent. Cllbran, Mr. W,, Nursel7man, ^\'arrington. Carter, Dunnett, & Bea'.e. 237, High Holborn. Frost, Mr. B..i ■ Nursery, Maidstone. 1 Donn. Bristol. Holnian. Mr. J.. Burgess Hill. Su=.ex. Ilavam & Co., Messrs , 11, Rue Auber, Paris. Haage, F. .\.. M,. Erfurt. Prussia. Henderson ti Sou, E. G., Wellington Nursei?. North. M Rolllsson, Reeves, B Roemp! W.. Ma M. L., Nancv, I-'r-anee. le", Mr. W. B., Eirton Nursery, Torquay. Smith, F. 4 A., Dulwlch. Versehaffelt, M. A., Ghent. Verschattelt, M. J., Ghent. Veitch, Mr. Robert, Exeter. Wuhams, Mr. B. S., Holloway. "Wimsett, Mr., Asbburnham Park Nursery, Chelsea, Simth, F. & A., Me! ROYAL EXOTIC NURSERY, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. B. S. WILLIAMS Respectfully invites the Nobility and Gentry about to furnish their Conservatories, Greenhouses, Stoves, and Orchid Houses, to an inspection of his Stock of Magniticent Specimens, that are unequalled in thi3 country, consisting of TREE FERNS, DRACitNAS, PALMS, CAMELLIAS, AZALEAS, AGAVES, YUCCAS, CYCADS, BEArCAKNEAS, ARALIAS, AND ALL KINDS OF FLOWEKINa, STOVE, AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. Besides the LARGE CONSERVATORY, which is at all times of the year worth a visit, there are nineteen Houses, consistinR of ORCHID HOUSES, PALM STOVES (to which many new and interesting Plants have of late been added), NEW HOLL.VND HOUSES, FERN HOUSES, AZALEA HOUSES, &c., replete with Plants which, by the interest and instruction they will afford, will well repay a visit. The COLLECTION of MEXICAN PLANTS at this Nursery ia unsurpassed in Great Britain, with the exception of the one at the Kew Gardens. All New Plants that are worthy of notice are to be seen here. The Houses have all been erected within the last 4 years, and have been built to suit the requirementa of the plants, which is one of the surest roads to success in their cultivation. SPRING CATALOGUE OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS Is now ready. Post Free to all applicants. CARRIAGE AND OMNIBUS ROUTES. Carriage Route from West End is through Albany Street, Regent's Park; Park Street, Camden Town; Kentish Town Road ; and the Junction Road. Omnibus Routes:— The "F.avorito" Omnibusscs from the Bank, and London Bridge Railways; Victoria Station, Charing Cross, and Westminster; Brompton, South Kensington Museum, Piccadilly, and Regent Street, arrive at and start from the entrance of the Nursery every seven minutes. s VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. Foot of Highgate Hill. W'S TIFFANY. For Samples and Prices apply to 4w ft Co.. 29. Oxford Street, Manchester. RIZE MEDAL GARDEN SEATS. QARDEK SEATS, waa awarded by the Royal Agricultural Society of England at Bury, 1867, to ALFRED WBlNCn, Ipswich. lllastrated Catalogues post free. Goods of 20s. value free to London. PATRONISED 1ST HER MAJESTY THE CJUEEN, BROWN A S D NEW I'ATEST BB LAW.N MOWER, Gdauauteed to give r J. Trie NEW i:i; [.\ii;Nr l.vwn MOWER is Manufactured by J. B. Urown ft i" Hi Lnti'inii, ou tlieif own premises, and under their personal suiierititendenco. It ia worked by moans of geared or toothed wheels, is noiseless, and ia guaranteed to give perfect satisfaction in every rcKpect. PRICES (delivered free to any Railway Station in England) :— Size. Easily worked Price. 14- neh lli- 13-lnch 20- ncL ?4. mil J. B. BROWN . Offices: 110, Cannon Street, City, London, E.C. (Warehouse : US, Upper Thames Street. Manufactorv ; 24n. Xow Kent Ka.-i,). s.E. Green's Patent Noiseless Lawn Mowers. THO^[AS GREEN and SON, in iiilioducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS Ibr the present season, beg to state that they have no novelties to report. The fact ia, that after the severe tests tboir Machines have been subjected to since thoy added their latest improvements, four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz. :— the keeping of Lawns in the highest state of perfection. They are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out of order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other Lawn aiower extant. Green's Patent Liwn Mowers have proved to be the best, and have earned off every prize that has been given in all cases of compe- tition, and in proof of their superiority upwards of 44,U0O have been sold since the year ISoO. They are the only Machines in constant \ise .it HORTICULTURAL IMPROVEMENTS. READ'S NEW PATENT HYDRAULIC SUCTION PUMP. Tbis Pump is highly approved by the Nobility, Gentry, and by the principal Horticulturists, &c., throughout the Kingdom; also by Shirley Hibberd, Esq.. I'.K.H.S., the late Professor Lindlev, and many othera connected ■With Horticulture, &c. > ^ . Jt j E. READ has also a large assortment of GAKDEN ENGINES, MACHINES, ftnd STKINGES, upon the most approved principle. Manufactured by the Patentee, RICHAKD BEAD, 35, KEGENT CIR0U9, LONDON, W. £S^ DRAWINGS POST fllBE. Backlngbam Palace Gardens Marlborough House Gardens Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington The Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park The Crystil Palace Company's Gardens, Sydenham The Hyde Park Gardens Gardens, The Winter Dublin The Dublin Botanic Gardens The Liverpool Botanic Gardens The Leeds Royal Park HAND MACHINE. To out 10 InohM . . £3 10 0 „ 12 „ . . 4 10 0 Suitable for a Ladv. To cut 14 inchea . . £5 10 0 16 „ .. 6 10 0 Suitable tor One Person. To cut 18 inches 20 „ 22 „ 21 „ Suitable for Prices of Hoi-se. Pony, and Donkey Machines, including Patent Self or Side Delivery Box ; Cross Stay complete ; suitable for attaching to ordinary Chaise Traces or Gig Harnesr 28 16 0 0 17 0 0 24 0 0 27 0 0 leather Boots for ilorse, 26J. !ly be worked by a Donkey, tl 0 0 Leather Boots for Donkey. \Ss. „ „ Pony, 22s. The 26 and 28 inches can -..- , 30 inches by a Pony, and the larger sizes by a Uo; Machines make no noise in worbine, the most spirited animal can bo employed without feai- of its running away or in any way damaging the Machine. „ , . Both the Horse, Pony, Donkey, and Hand Machines possess (over all other makers) the advantage of self-sharpening; the cutters being steel on each aide, when they become dull or blunt by running one way round, the cylinder can be reversed again and again, bring- ing the bottom edge of the cutters against the bottom blade, when the Machine will cut equal to new. Arrangements are made loat the cylinder can bo reversed by any Inexperienced pereon m lwo or *'*Evcr^'Sl'achine Is wan-anted to give entire satisfaction, and if not approved of can be returned at once unconditionally. . , ^^^ ^The above Prices include Free Dclirerv to *'' f,*^^L'-'°'='PecSed way Stations and Shipping Ports in England. All Ordcri executea theday^the^arejeceived. ^ ^_^^ ^^^^^^ j^ stock at their more Lawn Mowers i " lad, S,. thn 1 select from. T. G. & Son ha' Establishment, 6 , in London, that intending Puroh:.i Having ;5"y-"ten8ive premises m^- i ^VKoSSoRl/^'iS.SmithEldlrJn Works, Leeds ; and 64 and 65, Bluckfiiars Road, London, 3. in a position to THE GARDtlNEES' CllI^ONICLl^ AKB AGBICITLTITRAL GAZETTE. [June 20, 1S63. ARTHUR HENDERSON and CO. have to offer extra fine strains of the following Choice Seeds, froo by post :— CINERARIA, blue varieties, mixed, 3s. 6d. CINERARIA, lifiht T " "' N B PRICED and DESCRIPIIVE CATALOGUES of FERNS, STOVE, GREENHOUSE, and SUMMER BEDDING PLANTS, can bo Imd freo by post oii application. The Nursery, Pine-apple Place, Maida Vale, London. Opuntia Rafinesquiana. LOUIS VAN HOUITK, Nvhsehyman and Seedsman, Ghent, Belgium, possessiiiR the largest stock on the Continent of this novel and remarkable plant, is enabled to offer it at 6s. per half-dozen, or 10s. per dozen plants, free in London. First-rate for rockwork ; may remain uncovered during the whole of the winter, the severest fi'orts not in any way affecting it. Also well ripened SEEDS, 25 for 2s. Cd., free in London, by prepayment at Messrs. R. SiLUEitiiAD & Son's, 6, Harp Lane, London, E.G. The FLORE DES SEHBES will shortly contain a Colomed Plate of this extraordinary novelty. The Trade supplied. s UPERB VARIEGATED PELARGONIUMS. SOPHIA CUSACK EDWINIA FITZPATRICK TWILIGHT LURLINE BEAUTr of GUE3TWICK DUKE of EDINBURGH QUEEN VICTORIA GLEN EYRE BEAUTY CAROLINE LONGFIELD MOIRE ANTIQUE LADY of SHALOTT VENUS ELECTRIC ITALIAN BEAUTY LADY CULLUM , Gravel Walk Nursery, Peterborough. ADOLPH STELZNER, Nurseryman, Ghent, Belgium, begs to offer the following rare and beautiful FERNS at very low prices, In fine plants :— LOMARTA CILIATA, 15s. per doz., £5 per 100 GYMNOGRAMMA PAHSONI, 15s. per doz., £5 per 100 „ LAUCHEANA. lOs. per don , £3 10s. per 100 „ „ GIGANTEA, 25s. per doz., beautiful novelty HTBRIDA SPECTABILIS, 25s. per doz. CIBOTIUM PRINCEPS, fine and strong plants, 20s., 30s.. and 40s. per doz., £7 to £10 per 100 PTERIS POLYDACTYLON. Lis. per doz. SEKRULATA CRIST AT A, 88. per doz., £2 10a. per 100 BRAINEA INStGNIS. 30.s. per doz. DAVALLIA TENUIFOLIA STRICTA, 8s. per doz., £2 10s. per 100 BLECHNUM BOREALE RAMOSUM, 12s. per doz., £i per 100 LATIFOLIUM, 12.'^. per doz., £4 per 100 CYHTOMIUM FORTUNEl, us. per doz., £3 per 100 LASTB.^';A DILATATA RAMUSA.Os. per doz., £3 per 100 „ INTERRUPTA.Cs. per doz., £2 per 100 SVE< Cheap Plants. , Offer or Bklmnq DILLISTONE AND WOUDTIIOKPE, in order to make a clear.ince, offer any of the \ following good Autumn-struck PLANTS at Is. Crf. '\-jJ per dozen, or 10s, per luO, excepting those priced : — Ageratum Prince Alfred Arabis albida variegata Calceolaria aurea lloribunda ,, Princo of Orange Celosias, in G varieties Chrysanthemums, in choice kinds Pampas Grass, strong " • " • "■ ■-" ' n *--i-.- ■-'-■',6, rose, and purple kinds of 1867, the 100 for 20s., Daisies, floe named Fuchsiaa. good sorts Oaillardia picta Heliotropes, sorts Iresine aurea reticulata „ Herbstii Lantanas, named kinrls , Maurauc Maize, New Striped Japanese Tropieoli Geraniums, Zonal and Nosegay, tnio to name, including the nev, i^..^^^ u. *v-",, 60 for lUs. Munro Nursery, Sible Hedingham. E; Post office orders on Castle Hedingh! Kew and Choice Flower Seeds, Free by Post. BS. "WILLIAMS, Seed Merchant and Nursert- • MAS, Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper HoMoway, London. N. B. S. W. has much pleasure in submitting the tollowing LIST of FLOWER SEEDS, which are specially recommended for their beauty and superior qualities :— Per packet.— .f Retinosporas, which served to set the \vl]..li' ..il ■., ni I ■■ iM'd advantage. (}. I', \w I: I ..|f.!i-ed a Special Prize for Lilies, which was will. '! I. 1 y, Bayswater, who sent several pots of Liliuni Mil duM, ii, ■ Titter, Martagon, common white, and Turk's Cap Lilies, ;md one or two others, Mr. Wilson himself also furnished cut spikes, to which the Floral CoramitCoa awarded a Special Certificate. Among New Plants were some fine things. To Messr.i. Veitch was awarded a 1st prize for the best 6 plants sent out in 1866 and 18G7 ; thoy consisted of Rotinospora pluaiosa, Sanchezia nobilis variegata, Anthurium regale. Maranta Veitchii. Nepenthe-^ hybrida maculata, and Daleehampia Roczli-i-ri v'^--- -x Mr I^'il! 'vi- ■"'■!, -.•i'-h Maranta roseo-picta, Ener|r!: ' :■■■■■ ■-■■' . \- ■■ M ■ -i,ric;3ii, Z-imia villos.i, Ecbii' 1' . lijuzliana rosea, ilr. Willi.nn ; ,.,Li , i I I, ., M. VeitehU,Gleiehenia Mic with Spb;tMut'yni3 liko Ic.ivcs, ami the now scarcely new Dipladenia amibUis, the latter with glowing rich rose- coloured flowers. For the best 6 New Plants sent out in 1868, Messrs. Veitch were again 1st with Be;,'onia bolivieusis, Alocasia Jenningsii, Retinospora fiUcoidcs ; Croton interruptum, with bright red midribs ; Davallia parvula, and Alocasia intermedia, with large metallic green leaves having a silvery hue. Mr. Bull was 21 with Cibotium regale ; Alocasia Jenningsii ; Cyrtodeira chon- talcnsis, with brownish leaves having a silvery band along thi? centre ; ebun Ma nta 'iualia fur the first time in flower in bolivieufiis fiom Messrs. Veitch ; bite llowera haviuj,' a yellow eye, ;ancc about the size of a half xblbited O^beckia virgata. Mr. Bull \ I 2d 'ith Lysimachia lubinioides, a dwarf plant with small white ncntal-folia-ed Plants . liko tho; of the hose-i catum, a small, dwarf, sw from the same firm, alsc M. VerschrtfEelt sent ag; trifasciata, which gained f Societies. Royal Horticultural: Junt 16 and 17 (Special Prize ami Pelargonium S/toic).-Ot " Tricolor " Zonal Pelargoniums, and others belonging to that section of this class of plants, there was a large diaplay on this occasion, and early in the morning of the first day much interest was manifested as to what sorts would be selected by the judges for prizes, as, with a few brilliant exceptions, ordinary observers declared that " they were all ahke." That, however, is not the case, as the following report will show. The prize for the best Ciolden Variegated Zonal Pelargonium not in commerce wna awarded to Messrs. E. G. Henderson, for Mrs. Grieve, evidently a free-growing kind, with lovely foliage, bearing a well-marked crimson zone, set off by a well-defined golden edge. To Mr. Stevens, of Ealing, was awarded the 2d prize for Achievement, a sort remarkable for the brilliancy of its colours, and by many thought to be quite equal to Mrs. Grieve. Good judges were, moreover, of opinion that of the two the latter would make the boat out-door bedding plant. Ettie Boale, from Messrs. Carter &. Co., of Holbom, was placed 3d. Like Achievement, it possesses great brilliancy of colour, and is altogether a highly promising variety. " Mann, of Brentwood, was 4th v/ith Masterpiece. The best Silver Variegated Zonal not in commerce was Mrs. John Clutton, contributed by Messrs. Lee. It has large leaves, a good white edge, and a dark zone, cheerfully lit up with red. Mr. Grieve, Culford, was 2d with Lass o' Gowrie, a kind with a broad white margin and dark crimson zone. Messrs. Carter were 3d with Princess Beatrice, a variety with smooth and altogether pleasing foliage. Mr. Turner was awarded -Ith prize 2d having been withheld, from Mr. Weston, who show leasuiingsome 4 feet acr Varionsspecial prizes were offered on this occasion fordifferent subjects by members of the Council, to which the Society added 2d prizes. For the President's prize for Azaleas none ! produced, the late hot weather having doubtless driven a out of flower. Another prize, which he offered for Roses, cleverly won by Mr. Wm. Paul, who contributed a beauti- ful group of fine specimens of now well-known kinds. A collection in small pots also came from the same exhibitor, to extra prize was awarded ; a similar mark of distinc- tion being conferred upon Messrs. Paul & Sons for fine boxfuls of cut bloom, among which we noticed some brilliant flowers of their new Roses called Duke of Edinburgh. Tho President offered moreover a prize for the 9 best cultivated Zonal Pelargoniums in bloom, which was won by Mr. Weston, gr. to D. Martineau, Esq., CLapham Park. A second collection was also furnished by Mr. Wheeler, gr. to Sir F. Gold- sinid, Bart., Regent's Park. A prize offered by W. Wilson Saunders, Esq,, for tlie best 10 cultivated Orchids was awarded to Mr. Williams, Holloway, who had charmingly flowered and well grown examples of Laelias, Epidendrums, Vandas, Oncids, Lady's Slippers, and Aerides. Another prize offered by Mr. Wilson Saunders was one for herbaceous plants, which was carried off by Mr. Ware, of Tottenham, who fur nished, among other things, Orchis maculata auperba, the purple flowered OxaUs spectabilia, the white blossomed Vf nica maritima alba, Statice maritima rubra, one or two pretty varieties of Pinks, the white Peruvian Squill, Foxgli Lilies, and other interesting plants. Mr. Wilson Saunders offered, moreover, a prize for the best display of bedding plants, in wooden boxes 10 inches square and 3 inches depth, and a happy offer it was, for it proved to be the mes of inducing Messrs. E. G. Henderson to bring from their rich treasures at the Wellington Road one of the finest collections of hardy ornamental plants ever perhaps contributed to exhibition, and to which the prize in question was justly awarded. It comprised some 1 00 speciesand varieties, consisting of Alysaum dentatum variegatum, Antennaria tomentosa, Aubrietia purpurea variegata, two kinds of Arabis, Ama- ranthus melancholicus ruber, Campanula Elatine, Coleus Telfordi aurea and others, Coprosma Baueriana variegata, Cupressus Lawsoniana argentea. Chrysanthemum Sensation, Centaureas, Cerastium, Cineraria maritima. Dactylis elegau- tissima, Dracsena terminalis, Eehoveria metalUca. glauca, and macrophylla ; Euonymus radicans variegata, E. japonica aureo- varicgata, Funkia marginata alba, F. undulata variegata. Fuchsia Golden Fleece, Gnaphalium lanatum, Gold- leaved Irish Ivy, Iresino Herbstii, Lobelia pumila Turquoise, Lamiura aureum, Oxalis corniculata, Perilla nankinensis, Poly- monium coeruleum variegatupi, Pyrethnim Golden Feather, Panicum variegatum, Pelargonium Cooperi, and others. lu kinds of Sempervivum, Santoliua incana, Sedum brevi- ftjlium, Silene alpestris, Saxif raga hirta, and others ; Tussilago Foremost among new Orn Croton Wisciiiuii, fi.-m M ■-■i with a habit ■ ■ .i '•■■ possible hue. i n i- lii i ■ > the true C. ani,'u.sLiiuuuiii. i Alocasia Chclsoui, with maguifi' of metallica. For the best New G-irdL-n S.^e Uiii- in flower, Messrs. Veitch took another Ist prize with a hybrid Cattleya called C. Chelsonl, a cross from Aelandia;, in which the colours resemble tho.se of the latter parent. Mr. Bull was 2d in the same Class with Ivydeaved Pelargonium Princess Thyra. Among plants which came more immediately under the notice of the Floral Committee, were 2 Gloxinias selected out of some two dozen varieties from Messrs, Veitch, which were awarded Secund-class Certificates, viz., Monsieur Brong- niart, an erect flowered sort, closely covered with minute purple spots ; and Bergerette, a soft rose aud white flower. Among the others were two with their flowers double, after " ' * " hcse Polyanthus. Ani:ra3cum fal- tly scented, delicate white Oicbid, ■eceived a Second-class Certificate I his variegated-leaved Passiflora First-class Certificate, Mr. Cara- way exhibited three varieties of crested Athyrium Fiiix- foemina, one the same as formoso-cristatum, another called scopseformo, and the third eucephalum. Both the latter received First-class Certificates. Mr. Green, gr. to W. Wilson Saunders, Esq., received a Special Certificate for a group comprising Cypripedium arietinum, a pretty aud hardy Lady's Slipper ; Callipsyche sp., abulbous plant with a singular pendent inflor- escence ; Primula sikkimensis, and Promensea stapelioides. Mr. Wm. Paul was awarded a Fxrst-class Certificate for a double Pelar- gonium named Madame Lemoine, a ro>e coloured flower, which will prove excellent in bouquet? ; and Messrs, Henderson also received a First-class Certificate for the same. Mrs. Cole I, Withington, sent a beautiful seedling Fern, Lomaria gibbacrispa, which received a First-class Certificate. Mr. Noble exhibited Spiriea palmata (Thunberg), a most graceful hardy perennial plant, with bright rosy clusters of flowers, for which a First-class Certificate was awarded. From Messrs. Veitch came Coffea bengalensis, aud there were several seed- ling plants, of which notice will be taken elsewhere. Mr. Sampson, nurseryman, Yeovil, contributed some inte- resting varieties of Pelargoniums. Among them were Andrew Murray, a useful sort for bedding purposes ; Golden Defiance, a good scarlet ; Rip Van Winkle, a mmiature, which will bo useful for edgings; Drummond's Stella, a fine kind, with lar^e bold trusses of flowers ; Duke of Edinburgh, Beauty of Preston, and Hero of Houndstone, also promising varieties. In the same collection was likewise a handsome double- flowered Petunia caUed Magnet. In the Class of Fiue-foliaged and Flowering Plants Mr, Williams was lat with a fine Croton variegatum, Dasyliriou acrotrichum, Latania borbouica. Yucca quadricolor, Pandanus ornatus, Dracasna lineata, a fine specimen of Pimelea decus- sata, an Ixora, and other flowering plants. Mr. Wilkie, Oak Lodge, Kensington, was 2d. In the class for tho best 12 Stovo and Greenhouse Plants Mr. Ward, gr. to F. G. Wilkins, Esq,, Leyton, had a 1st prize for a weU-grown collection, in which were good specimens of Dip laden ia crassiuoda, Aphelexis macrantha purpurea, Barnes's variety of Phoenocoma prolifera, the showy Kalosan- thes Phcenix, and some good Heaths. Mr. Wilkie was 2d. Mr. Tanton, of Epsom, had a 3d pidze for a collection in which the true Allamanda Henderson! was conspicuous, not only for the beauty of its flowers,':but also on account of the freedom with which they are produced. Among miscellaneous subjects, Messrs. Lee had a good group. The same firm also furnished Hemerocallis Kwanso, with leaves boldly striped ^vith white, a pretty dwarf gold-varie- gated Box ; Rhus glabra laciniata, with hansomely-cut leaves; Tropseolum polyphyllum, with showy yellow flowers, aud small glaucous foliage, and Acanthopanax variegata, with small leaves neatly marked with cream-coloured variegations. Messrs, Downie, Laird, &■ Laing sent Caladiums. Messrs. Veitch had Maranta roseo-picta, Dendrobium crystaUinum, and Begonia Veitchii. The same firm had, moreover, a collection of Delphiniums, which will be noticed elsewhere. Mr. Bull furnished new Coleuaes, Areca Baueri, and other plants. As regards fruit, Mr. Bates, of the Metropolitan Sewage Company, Barking, exhibited a basket of very handsomo fruit of British Queen Strawberry, grown under the influence of the London sewage, the flavour of the fnilt being inferior. Mr. Sinclair, gr. to R. Allison, Esq., Woolton Hayes, Liverpool, sent a seedling Melon, not of good flavour. Mr, Higgs, gr. to R. Driver, Esq , Crabwood, Southampton, sent fruit of tho Loquat, perfectly ripened and of unusually good flavour. Five new Fellows were elected. Scientijlc Committee, Jiuie 16.— A. Murray, Esq., i" the chair. The Secretary read a communication from Mr. Maw relating to the use of coloured glass vessels in c;irrying out experiments in the colouration of fruits, ifec, as alluded to at a former meeting. Major Trevor Clarke related the results of some experiments he had made on the effect of coloured light on Dahlias. He was understood to say thit yellow and ruby coloured glass blanched the flowers of Dahlias almost as effectually as tho complete absouc* of Ught ; deep blue glaw THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE AND AGRlClTLTtlRAL GAZETTE. rJuNE 20, 1868. on the other haod, heightened the intensity of colour ; plain uiicokmred tflsiss rendered the colour more delicate, while green trlass had an intermediate effect. He also alluded to annio experiments which had been carried out in Mr. Turner's nurseries at Slough with similar results. Mr. Murray called attention to the fact that Mr. Anderson-Henry bad suc- ceeded in producing a white Calceolaria, and had fixed the variation, at least for a time. It was ultimately agreed that experiments similar to those related by Major Clarke should be carried out at Chiswlck, under the superintendence of the Boai'd of Directors. Mr. Lee, of Cleredon, sent for examination some young Pears, showinsr the effect of frost on the blossoms. Mr. Berkeley, in referring to these specimens, stated that frost in most instuiccs attacked the sticrma first, destroying its vitality, and that subsequently the injurious effects became manifested in the ovules. He considered that the degree of injury depended on the extent of damage done to the stigma in the first instance. Dr. HoKg confirmed the statements of Mr. Berkeley. Dr. -Masters inquired of Mr. Berkeley whether he had not observed the disc lining the calyx to be blackened by frost in some eases before the stigmas. In some few flowers examined by Dr. Masters the disc was affected even when the stigma was uninjured. Whichever of these portions of the flower was first affected, the ultimate result would be the same. — ~ Dr. Hogg exhibited some monstrous flowers of Digitalis in which there was a fusion of several flowers into one nearly regular bell-shaped corolla, bearing a number of stamens of i-qual length ; within this was a great number of more or less imperfectly conformed flowers, forming a confused mass. Dr Ma-sters stated that similar malformations were common in the Foxglove, both in a wild and in a cultivated state. Ha had seen an instance in which a perfect raceme was thrust through a composite corolla of this kind. Descriptions and illustrations of similar malformations were to be found in many books. -Mr. Wilson exhibited some leaves of Orchids affected with an Acarus, which is stated to produce one of the forma of spot. Major Blenkins said that hitherto the specimens of spot examined by the sub-committee appointed for the purpose, and said to be produced by Acarus, were open to doubt. A conversation then arose upon Dr. Gilbert's communication at the last meeting as to the effect of certain mainires in developing the growth of certain plants, and interfering with or checking that of others. Dr. Voelcker said that farmyard manure, amongst its other valuable qualities, improved the mechanical condition of the soil and made it more retentive of moisture. He stated that being desirous of analysing the drainage-water from the various plot^ under treatment by different manures by Messrs. Lawes and Gilbert, he had no difficulty in collecting water from most of the plots, but could obtain scarcely any from those plots which were treated with farmyard manure alone, so that the drainage water, in this case, would seem to be retained in the soil, no doubt to the great benefit of the plants growing therein. Probably a great deal depemied on diversities in the quality of the soil. Farmyard manure was not, in all cases, the be.«t fertilising agent. Root crops, it was found, did better with artificial manure than with dung. Major Clarke inquired whether it were possible to make artificial farmyard manure. Dr. Gilbert stated that the experiment had been tried with sawdust'and other materials, but without success. In the course of a conversation that ensued, it was stated that Cotton-cake forms an excellent manure for Cotton, Hop bines for Hops, and Vine prunings for the Vine. Mr. Miers had remarked in Brazil the immense development which nitrate of soda gave to the Cotton plant. Major Clarke exhibited specinien.^^ of a Reserl;i. wliicli be considered might be the origin of },'.ir.l';i Mi imi. :•!■ , !■ ■■-' itrl that the plants in question formc't ■>! -V"'' have since aseeriained from Pri)fi->- ■' *''.■ ■i <'"■ i .' t.i is R. Phvteuma, a veiy commi^n If.ni-li ]>liMt, .|"i".';iii;^ materially from R. odorata.] Mr. Hceves cxhibite-l ripe fruits of a curious variety of Strawberry, in which the petals wore persistent, and formed a white ruff or frill around the base of the fruit. JuneiS (Ffuit Committee).^T}io Committee raet this day at Chiswick, G. F, Wilson, Esq., in the chair, for the purpose of examining the collections of Peas and Strawberries which have been grown in the Garden for trial this season. The past month has been imusually hot and dry, and plants of all kinds have in consequence suffered severely, especially Peas and Str.a wherries. Pe^s this season are little more than half their usual height. Early varieties flowered pretty well and regularly, the one variety succeeding the other in the usual way. Such, however, is the power of hot bright sunshine, that many varieties which were several days later in flowering than others became fit for use almost at the same time, so that proper comparison of the respective earliness of different sorts can scarcely be arrived at this season. The Committee found aa follows, and decided, 1st, that— Suttons' Ringleader, Carter's Fir.st Crop, which was received from Messrs. Sutton & Sons, and Minier, Xash, & Nash, earliest variety. DUlistone's Early of Hurst & Sons' Is synonymous with Ringleader, and is the oldest name; as, however, there are so many spurious stocks of this variety in existence, it would be better to do away with this name, and call it Ringleader, which is better known. Improved No. I (Nutting) is a very good stock of Ring- leader. Wheeler's First Early is an inferior stock of Ringleader. Suttons' Improved Early Champion ia a good stock of Daniel O" ilourke. Puynter's Early, Poynter's Earliest and Best, is the same as Daniel O'Rourke. Young's No 1 is Daniel O'Roui-ko. Dickson's First and" Best is a very good selected stock of Daniel O'Rourke. Taber'a Perieetion is Daniel O'Rourke with a little more haulm than usual. No. 1 and No. 2 (Wrench) are Daniel O'Roiirke. Improved Early (Stuart & Mein) is closely allied to Dickson's possible to judge correctly of the merits of the different kinds in that respect. The following observations were made :^ No. 2 (Nicholson) is a larger variety of, and an improvement on. Black Prince. Dr. Hogg is a great acquisition, the fruits large, of excellent flavour and appearance. No. 332 (Staudish) is a very handsome, large, and excellent sort, and a prolific bearer. No. 40 (Standish) is an exceedingly sweet and good variety, of fair size. Besides these there are many of Mr. Standish's seedlings of tho very highest promise ; they are mostly of large size, dark ' ir, and firm flesh , qualifications which will be exceedingly useful. Napolion III. (Gloede), is a remarkable Strawberry ; a most prodigious bearer, large, rather pale in colour, but sweet and pleasant in flavour. Royal Botanic: June 17 and 18 (Second Great Shoic).— Azaleas and Roses having suffered much from the hot dry weather which we have lately experienced, there was a paucity >f these showy plants at this exhibition, which rendered it less effective than usual ; but, on the other hand, Pelargoniums ! all that could possibly be desired, Stove and Greenhouse plants tolerably plentiful, and in good condition ; Ferns filling up shady recesses to advantage, cut Roses abundant and fine, id of Fruit there was a large display. In the class of 12 Stove and Greenhouse Plants the prize- takers were Messrs. Peed, Donald, Wheeler, and Kemp. The first of these had a charming Allamanda grandiflora, ijuite a mass of clear yellow blossoms ; Ixora coccinea, small in size, but with beautifully coloured compact heads uf bloom ; and other plants, of which notice has already been taken in our columns. Mr. Donald, who had capitally grown plants, staged a remarkably fine Wtatice imbricata, the pale salmon flowered Ixora amboynensis, the comparatively newand beautiful Dipla- denia amabilis, loaded with bright rosy crimson blossoms and buds ; Dipladenia splendens, Clerodendron Balfourii, Alla- mandas, Stephanotis, and other plants. From Mr. Wheeler very much like White Favourite. Buttons' Improved Tom Thumb Prussian. Multura in Parvo (Nutting) is a first-class Pea with a larger and fuller pod, and of about the same earliness as Little Gem. Sudhiiry Al Wrinkled is after the style of Multum in Parvo. Nutting's Early Seedling ia closely allied to Multum in Parvo. Nelson's Vanguar.l Is like an Early Climax. Early Emerald is closely allied to" Little Gem, Dwarf Waterloo is an excellent dwarf early Pea, allied to, but a great improvement on. Bishop's Longpod. Mr. Laxton's Peas of this season are full of wonderful promise, and are still open to the objection, that being of mixed quality, they will require very careful selection yet before being sent out. Alpha is a fine early variety, with a large curved pod. William I. proves to be the most handsome Pea in tho whole collection, a very distinct sort of the Prizetaker green maiTow class, with a tine large pod, as early a^ Daniel O'Rourke. If this variety will only retain this character it will prove a great acquisition. The later varieties will be examined at a future meeting. The Committee then proceeded to examine Strawberries, but the sun being so excessively hot and scorching, and the plants themselves having suffered much from excessive heat, the flavour was in many eases quite gone, which made it irr.- Heaths, Allamandas, and Everlastings. Mr. Kei furnished well grown and flowered Allamandas, Stephanotis, Rhynchospermums, Genetyllis tulipifera, the pretty little Hoya bella, with bunches of flowers looking like rubies set in frosted silver ; Heaths, and Everlastings. In the Nurserymen's Class of 10 Stove and Greenhouse Plants prizes were awarded to Messrs. Williams, Tanton, Glendinniug, and Rhodes, in the order in which the names stand. Mr. Williams contributed Hoya bella, in good con- dition ; a richly coloured variety of Ixora javanica called floribunda, and other plants, the names of which have often appeared in our columns. From Mr. Tanton came a fine bush of Kalosanthes macrantha splendens, a brilliant red kind, lit up and beautifully relieved with white ; the true Allamanda Herdersoni, still in fine condition ; a very fine example of the sweet-scented Stephanotis floribunda, loaded with flowers and buds yet to open ; and other equally fine plants. The other two groups consisted of the usual plants of which such exhibitions are made up. In the Class of 6 Stove and Greenhouse plants the fortunate exhibitors were Messrs. Ward, Wilkie, and Wheeler, who receiveil prizes in the order in which their names stand, Ward furnished a most beautiful Dipladenia amabilis, the large, highly-coloured, soft rosy-crimson flowers of^ which attracted general admiration ; his other plants, with the exception, perhaps, of Ixora javanica floribunda, were well known. Dipladenia amabilis and Stephanotis floribunda were shown in good condition by Mr. Wilkie, as was also Allamanda grandiflora. Mr. Wheeler's plants, though paratively small, were well bloomed, their names stand. From Mr. Fairbairn came a magnificent specimen of Thamnopteris Nidus, with healthy, bright green glossy leaves, at least 3 feet in length, radiating from common centre in the most beautiful manner possibl Alocasia macrorhiza variegata. Palms, a very fine Alocasia metallica, the mottled-stemmed A. zebrina, two kinds of Anthurium, a Dracaena, and other well-managed pLants. From Mr. Williams came Alocasia metallica, a fine plant of the variegated variety of Aloe-leaved Yucca, CordyUne indivisa, variegated New Zealand Flax, Pandanus utilis, jii fine con- dition ; Theophrasta imperialis, Croton angustifoliura, sc named in gardens ; Dion edule, and Palms. Prom Mr. Burley came Aralia Sieboldii variegata, the broad-leaved Dracaena brasiliensis, and others ; Rhopala De Joughii, Eurya latifol' variegata, a handsome bush, with leaves edged with yellow. Tree Ferns and Palms. In the Class of 6 fine Foliaged Plants, Messrs. Taylor, Fair- bairn, and Williams, were the successful exhibitors. Mr. Taylor's plants, among which were Littiea juncea, Theo- phrasta, Cycas, Yuccas, Palms, and Encephalartos, were not different from those which he has exhibited before. Prom Jlr. Fairbairn came Palms, Anthurium acaule, with unusually large deep green entire leaves ; Pandanus elegantissimus, Alo- casia macrorhiza variegata, and others. Mr. Williams furnished Caladium Lowii, with leaves of the deepest green pervaded by prominent ribs of a much paler hue ; Yucca aloifolia vaiie- gata, Palms, Cycas revoluta, Dracaena indivisa, and Croton angustifolium, the last without that glorious rich golden hue which a fine plant from the same exhibitor once exhibited. Cape Heaths were contributed in good condition by Messrs. Jackson, Rhodes, Williams, and Smith ; Messrs. Peed, Ward, and Kemp, also showed good specimens in the Amateurs' Class, while that devoted to 6 plants w-as well supported by Messrs. Wheeler & Wilkie. In these exhibitions were some very fine specimens of well-known kinds, to which little or no novelty has lately been added. The Classes set apart for Azaleas were, as we have already stated, furnished with plants but indifferently in bloom. The best came from Messrs. Wilkie, Wheeler, and Peed. Of Orchids there was the usual bank, in which we noticed but little novelty ; but of well known est-iblished kinds there was a fine display. The best group of 15 plants came from Mr. Penny, gr. to H. H. Gibbs, Esq., St. Dunstan's. It con- tained beautiful examples of the Phaius-like Thunia Ben- sonife, the still rare though by no means new Aerides Schro- dei ii, A. Lobbii, the showy Lselia purpurata, a charming variety of Oattleya Mossiae, Odontoglossum cordatum, the beautiful Uiindrobium M'Carthiae, a very fine plant nf one of the better varieties of Cypripedium barbatura, TrichopUia criapa, well furnished with showy blossoms ; the lovely Oncidium Bar- codes, a Vanda, and one or two other plants. Mr. Wilson, gr. to Wm. Marshall, Esq., was 2d; in this group we noriced Cypripedium Stonei and other fine Lady's Slippers, Lselia purpurata, Cattleya Mossite, the lovely Odontoglossum Alexandras, one of the best varieties of Saccolabium guttatum, the rich orange-blossomed La;lia cinnabarina major, and % good plant of the now rarely seen Barkeria spectabilis- Mr. Gedncy, gr. to tbe Rev. W. Ellis, who was 3d, contributed nlre plants of the pale Odontoglossum nebulosum, Aerides LarpentE© and Lobbii, the last with great branching spikes of highly coloured bloom ; the handsome Saccolabium retusum and guttatum, and Cypripedium Stonei. Mr. Peed also showed in this class. In groups* of 8 Orchids the best came from Mr. Hill, gr. to R. Hanbury, Esq., the Poles, Ware, who had the handsome Brazilian Cattleya Aclandiaa, with aix thowy blossoms ; Ltelia Brysiaua, a kind in the way uf L. purpurata, but with coloured sepals and petals ; various kinds of Aerides and Vandas. Mr. Burnett, gr. to W. Terry, Esq., Fulham, wiis 2d. His group contained Anguloa Clowesii, two kinds of Aerides, Calanthe Masuca, and other plants. Mr, Wheeler, gr. to J. Phillpot, Esq., was 3d. Among Nurserymen, Mr. Williams was 1st, with fine specimens of Aerides odoratunj majus, Lselia purpurata, a very dark, nearly black variety of Bearded Lady's Slipper, Vanda insignis, Anguloa Ruckeri, and Aerides Larpentre. Messrs. Jackson, of Kingston, who werfl 2d, contributed Aerides Liudleyanum, the larger variety of Saccolabium Blumei, Ltelia purpurata, Odontoglossum hasti- labium, Cattleya Mosaioa, and Cypripedium barbatum super- bum. In a group from Mr, Parker, of Tooting, we noticed Laelia purpurata with an unusually large amount of colour it^. its flowers ; also various Aerides and Oucidiums. Mr. Rhodes; also showed in this Class. There were several groups of Exotic Ferns, which are always attractive ; but especially so during the present hot weather, when a glance at their healthy, cool-looking, bright green leaves seems to have a refreshing effect. Messrs, Williams, Taylor, and Wilkie had the best collections, which, however, did not appejir to contain anything different from what we have often mentioned in previous reporta. British varieties were furnished in good condition by Mespra. Ivery, who likewise contributed some good new varieties,, such as, for instance, the rare Athyrium Filix-foemina Girdlestoni, and the tufted-growing scopaeforme, having le.avea so much curled as to resemble a good stock of the best selected Parsley. Several prizes were offered on this occasion by Fellows of- the Society. J. S. Budgett, Esq., offered two prizes for the- three best foliaged plants sent out in 1807. Of these the 1st was won by Messrs. Veitch, who furnished Acalypha tricolor, a plant which bears handsome, changeable-looking, bright red and brown leaves ; the silvery-mottled Dichorizandra mosaica, and the handsome yellow-veined Sanchezia nobilis variegata. Another group from Mr. Williams, Holloway, con- tained Anthurium regale, with large handsome leaves ; Miconia peruviana, a fine Meliistomaceous plant in the way of Sphrero- gyne latifolia, and tho narrow-leaved graceful -looking Cocos Weddeliaua. The 1st prize, offered by J. P. Gassiot, jun., Esq., for a collection of Pitcher plants, was won by Mr. Williams, who showed well-managed examples of Nepenthes Rafflesiana, Dominiana, Isevis, and Phyllamphora ; and different varieties of Sarraceuia Qava, variolaris, purpurea, and Drummondil. The prize offered by H. W. Peek, Esq., for 6 Palms induced Mr. Fairbairn to show plants of the Wax Palm, Cocos nucifera, Areca Baueri (the small Date Palm), the Cabbage Palm of the West Indies (Areca alba), and Livistonia borbonica. From Mr. Burley came Livistonia olivreformis, a fan leaved kind, and others. Mr. Williams furnished Corypha australis, the Chusan Palm, Thrinax elegans, Areca eapida, Livistonia Jenkinsoni, and Verschaffeltia aplendida. A prize offered by S. \V. Silver, Esq., for economical plants, brought together a large collection, in which were examples of the plan ts which pro- duce Cardamon seed. Camphor, Gamboge, Black Pepper, Sugar, Annatto dye. Rice, Rice piper, Aloes, Strychnine, Peruvian bai'k. Coffee, Tea of several sorts. Balsam of Peru, Arrowroot, Castor-oil, Cloves, Allspice, Cinnamon, Tamarind, and others, altogether making a highly interestmg exhibition. A prize offered by R. Marnock, Esq., for the best 6 new Roses of 1866-7-8 was won by Messrs. Paul & Son, who contributed the fine Tea Rose Madame Margottin, in good condition ; Horace Vernet, a beautiful crimson sort ; Charles Rouillard, a fine- variety, and one which seems to withstand hot weather well ; Charles Verdier, very beautiful, but in this bistance not. opening; well ; Alfred Colomb, and Princess Mary of Cambridge. From Messrs. Paul & Son also came collections of Roses in pots, which in the morniug of the first day had a fine appear- ance, but in the succeeding hours during which the show was open took on a faded appearance. Cut blooms of Roses, how- ever, made up for the loss of beauty in plants in pots, for, con- sidering the season, seldom have they been shown in finer con- dition than they were on this occasion by Messrs. Paiil & Son, Cant, Turner, Francis, Lee, and Cranston. Conspicuous among the different sorts shown were Alfred Colomb, Abel Grand, Antuine Ducher, Chas. Verdier, Duchesse de Caylus, Framjoia Trey ve, Horace Vernet, Mar^chal Niel, and Josephine de Beau- harnais, in Messrs. Paul's collection ; Madame Fillion, M. Moreau, Madlle. Jean Marix, Mrs. Geo. Paul, Triomphe de Rennes, and Devoniensis, in Messrs. Cant's lot ; Souvenir d'EHse Vardon in Mr. Turner's collection, and Marie Baumann and Xavier in the whole of the exhibitions. Messrs. August, PuUinger, Exell, and Postans showed good boxfuls in the Amateurs' Class ; and from Mr. Cranston came a charming boxful of M. Noman, a fine peach-coloured Hybrid Perpetual, but lacking in brightness, as here shown. In a collection of New Plants, shown by Messrs. Veitch, were Dendrobium crystallinum, the little white Angriecum falcatum, Cattleya Chelsoni, Gloxinia Gem, an erect flowered, red and white kind; Gloxinia Voie lactde, G. Monsieur Barillet violet and white ; G. M. Carcenac, G. Bergerett«, G. M. Broug- niart, G. Prince Teck, rosy lilac and white ; a dark-leaved fine- looking Dracfflna callednigra rubra ; D. Guilfoylei, Dipladendia boliviana, Croton tricolor, with gold striped leaves ; G. aucubie- folia, a name which speaks for itself ; Phormium Oookii, and others ; Iresine Lindeni, a beautiful dark purplish chocolate- leaved plant, was shown by M. Van Houtte. From Mr. Bull came Dracaena australis atropurpurea, a kind with long slender leaves having a dark purple stem ; Strelitzia Nicolai. a promis- ing plant ; the large purple-flowered Lasiandra macrantha, various fine varieties of Polystichum and Lastrea, Curculigo recurvata variegata, the graceful Thrinax graminea, and others. From Mr, Wimsett came Coleus Telfordi, C. Marshallii, and others, and some fine Zonal Pelargoniums and Verbenas. Mr. Low, of Highfield, received Certificates for various fine varieties of Scolopendria, and for two varieties of Asplenium marinum. From Messrs. Osborn came a variety of tho handsome Lomaria gibba ; Mr, Penny had a variety of Cattleya Mossiae called Lowii, with an exceedingly rich lip and delicately-coloured sepals and petals, Tbere were also vt other new plants, which have already been noticed by Pelargoniums were admirable. From Mr. Eraser, who was Ist, came a beautiful collection, in which were Guillaume Severyns, Ariel, Bacchus, Maiden Fair, a pretty white kind, spotted in the upper petals with crimson ; Lord Clyde, Maid of Honour, King .Arthur, Purity, and Leander, all in excellent condition. Messrs. Dobson showed some well-flowered smaller plants, to which a 2d prize was awarded. In tho Amateurs' Class, too, Mr. Nye, gr. to E. B. Foster, E3sq., showed some admirable plants, consisting of Desde- mona, Pericles, Conflagration, a very effective kind ; Pair Rosamond, Perdita, Mdlle, Patti, Belle of the Ball, Empress Eugenie, and Lord Clyde, all excellent. Mr. Ward, gr. to F. E. WUkins, Esq., was 2d with Viola, Caliban, Bacchus, Nestor, Lord Clyde, Perdita. Maiden Fair, Diana, Rosy Gem, all measuring from 2 to 3 feet across. In the class of Fancy varieties Mr. Eraser showed a beautiful collection, in which the plants were low and spreading, and loaded with bloom. In the Amateurs' collections prizes were awarded to Messrs. Windsor, Donald, and Weir iu tho order in which their names stand. Fuchsias were shown in fine condition by Mr. Brockwell, gr. to Mrs. Henry, Winchmore Hill, who had, among others, good specimens of Puritani, Wiltshire Lasn, Lord Elcho, Queen of Beauty, Emperor of Fuchsias, a fine double white petaled sort ; and Universal. Mr. Weston, gr. to D. ,TuNE 20, 1863. J THE GAKBENEKS* CHltONTCLE AND AGRICULTIIRAL GAZETTE. 661 Martineau, Esq., was 2d; and Mr. August, gr. to tho Rov. li. Bridges, 3d. Among theso woro good oxiimplea of Con- apicua, a fino whito pefcxled kind ; and Roderick Dhu, ft good dark sort. Fruit was plantiful, considering the season. Providence Pine-apples of considerable weight came from Mr. Hannau, gr. to R. T. Crawshay, Esq., Mr. Elston, gr. to 8. Lawrence, Esq., and Mr. Wescott, gr. to the Duke of Cleveland. A very fine Queon, weighing 6 lb. 6 oz., waa shown by Mr. Ward, gr. to T. N. Miller, Esq., and Mr. Barnes, of Bicton, also had a beautiful Queen, the weight of which was about 5 lb. 7 oz, Sir. Grant, gr. to G. Thiccnott, Esq., also showed a good Queen. Other varieties of Pine-apple came from Mr. Clarke, gr. to Earl Cowper, Mr Douglas, gr. to F. Whitburn, Esq., and Mr. Wallis, gr. to J. Dixon. Esq. Grapes, especially black kinds, were numerous, and they were for the moat part well coloured. Beautiful diabea of Black Hamburgh came from Mr. Henderson, Cole Orton Hall, Mr. Bannerman, gr. to Lord Bagot ; Mr. Lane, gr. to J. Miles, Esq. ; Mr. Jones, gr. to Lady Mills ; and Mr. Aedy, Lee. Many excellent dishes were also shown by other growers, to which awards could not be made. Of the Black Prince variety three beautiful bunches were contributed by Mr. Meads, gr. to Raikes Currie, Esq. ; and an equally fine dish waa aho furnished by Mr. Lynn, gr. to Lord IJuston. Than these it would ba difficult to find finer fruit of that kind. Messrs. Bannerman and Lane also both showed good bunches of Black Prince. Messrs. Lane & Son exhibited well grown and finely-ripened bunches of Buck- land Sweetwater. Mr. Doiiglas and Mr. Bailey, Shardiloes. also showed good fruit of this variety of Sweetwater. From Mr. Russell, gr. to F. Busby, Esq., came beautiful bunches of Golden Hamburgh ; but they wore scarcely ripe. From Messrs. Standish & Co. came Royal Ascot, both ripe and unripe, the latter being exhibited to show its perpetual bearing habit. The same grower also fui-nished ripe specimens of the Early Ascot Frontignan, which is stated to be very early, and which it is thouL,'ht will make a good out-door Grape. Chasselas Musque, tinely grown and ripened, came from Mr. Drewitt, gr. at tho l>(jnbii.-s ; and Mr. Pizzey, gr. to Sir E. Perry, had White Frontignan. From Messr.s. Ijane & Son came fine frviit of the Royal Muscadine. Vines in pots were shown by Mr. Perrett. Peaches were plentiful and in Rome instances fine; but a few of them wore unripe, and others had split atones. The best came from Messrs. Lynn, Sage, Rattr.iy. Hill, Ferney- haugh, and Whiting, the sorts being for the most part Royal George. Of Nectarines, Mr. Allen, gr. to Capt. Glegg. contri- buted an excellent dish, as did also Messi-a. Miles, Enstone, and Miller. Tho sorts were for tlie most part Elruge and Violet native. Cherries were good. The best dishes of ,a black sort (Tart.arian) came from Mr. Day, gr. to A. Seymour, E.sq., and Mr. Enstone. White kinds consisted for the most part of Elton, of which a good dish came from Mr. Enstone ; Mr. Kemp, gr. to E. H. lienthall, Esq., had Biggareau de Esperen. Mr. Marchara, gr. to E. Gates, Esq., also showed good fruit in this class. (StrawbeiTie^, OMnsiatino- (if llritish Queen, Sir C. Napier, La Constant, l>r, il >''. I'l -i l.^it, Keens' Seedling, Admiral Dundas, Sir J I' <' ■>>-. were shown by Mr. Douglas, the Metropolit;iii > ' ; my (who had very large British Queens, tlie res i It ■! -. '. i ■ irri^'ation), and Messrs. Hart & Sun, of Guilford. Melons were plentiful. The best green-fleshed sorts came from Mr. Weir, gr. to Mrs. Hodgson, Mr. Bannerman, and Mr. Simmonds, gr. to J. Smith, Esq. The best seemed to be a variety of the Persian and Bromham Hall. Messrs. Kemp, Crane, and Hannan, had the best scarlet-fleshed kinds, which were for the most part confined to Gem, and an improved variety of it. Of Figs some good fruit was shown, and we noticed a dish of Raspberries, and another of Vanilla from Mr. Bennett, of Osbertou. ^_^^^^ RoTAL Caledonian Horticultural: June 10. — This was upon the whole a good exhibition, better patronised by the presence of visitors than is usual in June. Flowering plants were particularly well done. Mr. Thomas Lees, gr. to the Earl of Haddington, Tynninghame, took 1st position with a fine grown Aerides Lindleyanum, with three of its gorgeous spikes, the largest 30 inches long ; Saccolabium guttatura, with six spikes in splendid health, grown upon tree stumps, and inserted for convenience of transit into great pots filled with sphagnum. Along with these was a magnificent Nerium splendens loaded with its rose blossoms (sec p. 657) ; several Ericas, the best of which was E. ventricosa magnifica, in dense blossom, liberally repotted, and yielding a profusion of largely inflated ruby flowers. Statice Rattryana was studded with ft very numerous lot of spikes, clad with mauve-coloured blossoms, which marks it out as one of the leading ahowplants, which has been withoutauthoritychangedtoS.profusain some English trade catalogues. [It has been figured and published under the lattername; not tho former. Eds.] The same grower also was placed 1st for stove plants, and for Ferns. Among tho former was one of the best managed plants of Calanthe veratri- folia wc havo seen, with uo less than 18 of its attractive spikesof pure white flowers. The plant had been freely treated as a terrestrial Orchid, apparently growing in lumpy peat and charcoal. I,?elia purpuratii was in good flower, and so was tho ch-tstely be lutiful L. purpurata Brysiana, with its pure white sepals and petals and its deep purple labellum. In Ferns very prominently stood out the handsome pendulous fronds, each from 3 to 4 feet long, of Asplenium flaccidum, or flexuo- suui of some. Grand companions to this, of the same family, were A. trapcziforme, characteristically named, and A. bul- biferum ; so were the Bird's-nest Fern (Tbamnopteris Nidus), the Hare's-foot Fern (Davallia canariensis), and Lomaria gibba. Mr. Thomson, gr. to the Duke of Buccleuch, Dal- keith Park, had also a very fine assortment of flowering plants. Ferns, and particularly of foliage plants. Pimelea decussata w.i.s G feet across, loaded with its deep pink blos- soms Cleroilendroii BaUourii was in extra fine trim, studded with snowy bracts, the crimson flowers peeping from their centres In such profusion as to astonish and delight the learned professor to whom the plant is dedicated. Erica florida is a very pretty distinct Heath, with its nodding eam- pauulate flowers, in any collection ; so ia the clear yellow E. t'avendishiana. Aerides odoratum purpurascens was very good in this collection, having five long spikes of its waxy- like blossoms. In Ferns Mr. Thomson had a splendid example of Blechnum brasiliense, Pteris umbrosa, Nuphro- lepis exaltata, and other good sorts. In foliage plants were magnificent plants of the parti-coloured leaved Hibiscus Cooperi, Crotou pictum and C. angustifoliuni, a mass of ^golden pendulous foliation ; the beautiful variegated Vmo (Vltia heterophylla variegata), elegantly trained so that the branchleta assumed a pendulous habit; and a noble plant of Theophrasta imperialis. Mr. Thomson took also the leading position in Heaths, with ciipital examples of aristaUi, one of the best of the hard- wooded sorts; a finely flowered depressa, not often seen in good condition north of the Tweed, and two excellent ventri- cosas. Azaleas but only limited in numbers, the best coming from Mr. McFarlane, King's Meadows, Peebles. Pelargoniums were veiy well shown by Mr. Cameron, gr. to Samuel Hay, Esq., Trinity Cottage ; and by Mr. J. Jones, gr. td Captain Bolton, Bangholm. Rose Celestial, Constance International, and lilacinum were the best varieties. Mr. A. O. Anderson had good collectIonn of miscellaneous plants and of Heaths. The nurserymen contributed largely to tho success of the exhibition. Messrs. Lawson &■ Sons had, as usual, the decora- tion of the orchestra with Palms, Pandanads, and effective foliage plants, which formed an agreeable background to the whole, as well as a table of new and rare plants in the body of the hall. Mr. Thotnas Methven had u good batch of Rhodo- dendrons, both in puts and as cut bhioms, and a good assort- ment of Heaths and plants of a misL-oUiineous character on more than one table throu'.,'hout tho hall. Drummond Brothers had a large assortment of plants of various kinds, conspicuous among which were many fine forms of Ferns, including Athyriura Pilix-foemina, in many of its rarest forms ; the pretty ruby-tinted Adiantura tinctum, and the rare and shaggy -looking Polystichum vestitum venustura, a charming subject among greouhouse Perns. Caratairs ife Sons had also their complement of articles in such things aa are generally sought for for window and table decoration. Downio & Co. had a charming lot of soft-wooded plants, chief among which wore fine and varied forms of the herbaceous Calceolaria, which casts a dash of colour among sombre collections. Dickson &. Co. had a large miscellaneous assortment of flowering and foliage plants, both exotic and indigenous^ and no prettier subject among them than the alpino Primula formosa, growing in a square pan, and literally studded with its soft lilac blossoms. Fruit was a good exhibition. Tho best collection was furnished by Mr. Thomson, Dalkeith. It consisted of Pines, Muscat of Alexaniiria .'Uid l!l:iik Huaburgh Grapes in pairsof bunches, splendidly-coL Hit .l.iiill ir^.^^'^izijii fruit of the Stirling Castle Peach, equally will m m i^' I riiuge Nectarines, and a finely-netted8i2eablefniiti.ftluj'Sii]K>rb" green-fleshed Melon. In the classes Mr. McOonnuchie, gr. to A. Smollett, E.sq., of Cameron House, Dumbartonshire, took 1st place with Buck- land Sweetwater, well grown, but scarcely matured ; Mr. John Laing, gr. to R. Cathcart, Esq., of Pitcairlie, taking 2d place. The same gi-ower had a 1st award for Hamburgha, whieh were not so well coloured or flavoured as those that came from Mr. Temple, gr., Balbimie, Markincb, which were placed *Jd. Mr. Laing also obtained leading positions for best- flavoured Grapes with well-matured Hamburgha. Mr. Wm. Thomson took leading positions for the special classes of Peaches and Nectarines, with the varieties already named ; Mr. C. McFarlane. gr. to D. Anderson, Esq., of Moredun, in both instances following him in rank. Beautifully large and well-coloured Strawberries came from Mr. D. Marshall, gr. to ML-is Henry, Kingston Grange; and Mr. Lockhart, gr. to R. Dundas, Esq., of Arniston, had also a good dish. Melons came from Mr. Neil, gr., Wemyss Castle; and from Mr. 'Thomson, Dalkeith— the latter having by far the finest fruit named Orion, with the richest aroma, although the former obtained the award with a sweeter but a less piquant-flavoured Jfolon, in the shape of a Persian green-flesh. Other fruits were shown, but less worthy of notice. The only Certificate awarded was to Mr. A. Anderson, gr. to the Earl of Stair, Oxeuford Castle, for a Nosegay Pelar- gonium, having large fine heads of bloom of a peculiar tint of purple. It is free blooming, and likely to become valuable for bedding purposes. Florists' Flowers. The Heebaceous Calceolaria ha>? now bpcome one of the most highly developed of the florists' flowers of the present day, though it is at the same time one most rarely seen. At the two recent great shows, viz., at the Regent's Park and at South Kensington, one of the most striking features was the Calceolarias exhibited by Mr. James, gr. to W. F. Watson, Esq., Isleworth. Whether the high order of culture they exemplified, or the profuse heads of bloom they bore, or the sur- passing richness and beauty of the flowers be con- sidered, it must be admitted that as a triumph of floricultural skill they stood in the front rank of the subjects produced on these occasions. It is to be regretted that their production is confiued to one grower, and it is to be hoped that others, seeing Mr. James's good works, will be induced to emulate him in time to come. In 1853 the late Mr. John Edwards, in writing to the Flonst, said: — "We cannot consider the Calceo- laria in its present state in any other light than that of an annual ; until an increased amount of shrubbi- ness has been infused into its constitution, we fear it cannot be looked upon as a safe subject to be classified, or rather elevated into the ranks of florists' flowers." At that time the very best strains of the herbaceous Calceolaria were of a tall-growing habit, so much so, that the process of "tying out" preparatory to being exhibited was a terror to exhibitors, and a day had to be consumed in getting a single plant into a proper state for stagin^at a show. At this time, also, Mr. Constantino, of Hillin^don, occupied a foremost place as a grower for exhibition, and those who remember the shows of that period will have a lively remem- brance of his plants, some of which have been known to measure 9 feet in circumference, but at the same time solid masses of bloom. Kinghorn and Major, Holmes and Stone, and others, were busily and suc- cessfully engaged in improving the flower: but all felt more or less the urgent necessity for the development of the " increased amount of shrubbiuess" so desired by Mr. Edwards. How best to obtain this dwarf growth had suggested itself to Mr. Constantino, who stated that by carefully crossing the soft-wooded kinds with the shrubby varieties having the harder wood and more wiry growth, that the desired habit could be obtained, combined with the large and fine flowers of the soft-wooded sorts. Mr. Constantine also predicted that varieties from crosses so obtained would prove to be more perpetual bloomers, that i.s, that the dura- tion of the period of flowering would be more pro- longed; a characteristic of the more modern strain of herbaceous Calceolarias, that has been abundantly demonstrated. Whether Mr. Constantine set himself to cross the two divisions of soft-wooded and shrubby kinds is not recorded, but certain it is, that the work was taken up by Mr. James, of Isleworth, about the time that Mr. Constantine made this prediction, with what results has been shown by the splendid exhibi- tions to which we have above referred. The work of crossing was commenced by Mr. James about 15 years ago. At that time the strain of her- baceous Calceolarias then in cultivation averaged about 4 feet in height, and large and unwieldy specimens , was the result. Taking some of the Khrubby kinds, Mr. Cole, of St. Alban's, and others, had been instrumental in producing, these were made the seed parents of a progeny that for afewyears produced small flowerson the dwarf habit of the shrubby kinds. Constant selections from the best flowers were again cro.ssed with the soft- wooded kinds, year by year the flowers so obtained became larger and more varied m the marking, without any material addition to the dwarf habit, and the highest outcome of Mr. James's process is a atram that Mr. Edwards, if he had lived, would have considered to be the very acme of Calceolaria production. To visit Mr. James, at Isleworth, at this season of the year, is to witnes.s a sight gorgeous in the extreme. Two houses are devoted by Mr. James almost exclusively to the cultiv.ation of those Calceolarias. In one are the seedlings of the past year— nice bushy little plants with excellent heads of bloom ; some of a later growth, only just expanding their first flowers. Rich dark colours preponderate, either as self flowers or else hand- somely spotted and reticulated with gold. If there was really any ground for the complaint made two or three years ago, that an undue proportion of light flowers came from Mr. James's strain, that complaint can no longer be made, judging from the prevalence at the present time of rich colours. It is in the specimen house, however, that the gorgeous masses of colours of these flowers may be said to culminate. Any one who has seen a house of specimen Pelargoniums, as they are grown at the Slough or Lfia Bridge Road nurseries, would be able to form some idea of the splendour of this specimen house, but with the addition of some of the most attractive and gorgeous hues of colour. In the yearling house could be seen hues of colour ranging from almost pure white through various shades of pale and yellow colour- ings to black crimson tints. The specimen house gives masses of the most striking colours allied to the best developed and most finished flowers. There were 12 particular specimen plants occupying the front of a, fine airy lean-to house, built specially for these Calceolarias. The plants were two years old and averaged 2^ feet in diameter, with a height of some 24f inches. Perfect masses of bloom literally covered each plant; one was particularly striking, the flowers being of a rich shinmg velvety crimson. The short, stiS*. wiry foliage of the shrubby section is almost entirely reproduced in these fine hybrids, and being so stiff in growth, only a little tying of the exterior shoots is necessary to keep them in their places, and so to form a shapely outline to the plants. One variety. Master Farnell AVatson, was raised some six years ago, but so great an advance did it mark, that Mr. James propagates it annually, and has used it largely for breeding purposes. These fine heads of bloom are not produced, as some suppose, by liberal feeding; on tho other hand Mr. James administers liquid manure but about twice in a season —an intelligent cultivable process accomplishes all he desires. Nothing can make a finer show; it seems as if the gorgeous tints of a bed of Tulips wore reproduced within doors. By dint of patience and careful selection Mr. James now obtains flowers with the cap as finely spotted as the rest of the flower. It is only recently that he has fixed this on his strain, commencing in the flowers slightly spotted, and so seeding till the characteristic was established. It is noticeable that a pure white flower h!is not as yet been obtained by Mr. James, though flowers of a pale sulphur colour have been reached, as if the white was not far distant. So good is the general character of the strain, that as au invariable rule only two or three flowers of a batch are rejected as unworthy of cultivation. Seed from the very finest flowers ia annually saved to produce a progeny for the succeeding year, the seed being sown in July, and treated by the ordinary method of raising the herbaceous Calceolaria. It is an important feature in Mr. James's strain that in consequence of the presence of the stiff, strong habit of the shrubby kinds, a corresponding hardihood ia obtained, and the difficulty of wintermg propagated plants is to some extent modified, and rendered more easy. They do not appear to be so susceptible of damp —perhaps the worst of all the ills that affects the herbaceous Calceolaria during winter— an attack that used to sadly ravage the more fleshy leaves of the old strains. Pity it is that these specimen Calceolarias are not more grown for exhibition purposes. The dwarf strain of Mr. James, and a something similar dwarf strain known as Dobson's, have become pretty well distributed ; and horticultural societies appear disposed to encourage the presence at their shows of such plants. In the pro- vinces they are much more grown than round London, but it is to be hoped that as other florists' flowers that were once popular, and which have since declined in popular favour, are again coming to the front, the same floral rejuvenescence is in store for the herbaceous Calceolaria. M. D. Sr^c glpiarj). Fecunditt and Dueation of Life or the Queen Bee. — From the report of the " ProceediriKs of the Entomological Society," which came under my notice, I think I was fully justified in taking exception to what was therein stated as the assertion and belief of Mr. Deshorough as to the fecundity and longevity of the queen bee. Nothing whatever in that report being hinted at, as to the observations having been carried on with the aid of an observatory hive, it would certainly appear as if the statement applied to queens and lii^fs in a purely normal condition. I will quote the extract to which my attention was drawn :— . "A paper by Mr. Desborough on the duration of liTs of the different members of the hivo wa,s read. Ihe author had succeeded in ascertaining thai in certain cases the queen bee will survive and deposit eggs during 662 THE GAEDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 20, 1868. not fewer than six soasous, whereas the worker bees only live about eight months. A single queen had pro- dui:p(l as many as 103,000 eggs, which would be about 20,000 a year, but the greatest amount of eags was deposited during the first two years of her life, only about 15,000 being laid during each of the last three years." The italics are my own, and surely any one reading the foregoing report would come to the conclusion that Mr. Desborough not only believed his imagined dis- covery of the duration of a queen's life to be beyond what is generally supposed, but that ho also estimated 108,000 eggs, her produce during those six seasons, as being something extraordinary in amount. Mr. Desborough must bear in mind that the report above quoted iias been read by many thousands, while the olEcial report as published by the Entomological Society, and his own pamphlet on the subject, will be read by scarcely as many scores ; it therefore would never have done to have allowed the public to imagine, because of the silence of apiarians generally, that the statements, as quoted, were correct in principle. I am glad, however, to find that Mr. Desborough in his paper does make allowance for the abnormal condition of the stock from which these observations were made, and am sorry that through an error or omission in the printed report, it should have appeared to me neces- sary to endeavour to correct what seemed to be so very false in fact. In my reply I stated that I believed the queen of a strong and prosperous colony laid nearly 100,000 eggs in a year, and that I had known instances in which queens had deposited at least 70,000 eggs in the same period of time. A " Devonshire Bee-keeper," writing in the columns of a contemporary, states that Dzierzon, the great German apiarian, " considers that (luring the period of a queen's existence, an especially prolific queen may lay more than 1,000,000 of eggs. No one who is acquainted with the internal economy of a strong stock will consider this as an over estimate. It is nothing unusual to see from 15,000 to 20,000 cells occupied by brood during certainly three months of the year, and when we add to this period the spring and autumn months, during which breeding takes place," * * * "and consider that during this protracted period the tenants of the brood combs are renewed every three weeks, we may form some idea of the enormous fecundity of the queen bee." Although from my own personal observations I have never seen evidence of a queen bee possessing the power of such an enormous fecundity as Dzierzon attributes to her, vet I am inclined to believe that I laid the estimate at much too low a figure. I have to-day driven out the entire bees of a nine-frame box to make a swarm. The whole of the nine combs, each 1.3 inches by 9, were almost com- pletely filled with brood and eggs, except about 2 inches in depth of each comb of sealed honey and pollen. Allowing the breeding space of each comb to be only 13 mches by 6 inches, and allowing for the extra space required by drone broods, I find that there are at this timo at least 30,000 cells occupied by brood and eggs. _ The breeding powers of the queen are greatly influenced by the space of combs which she has at her command, and in a contracted and ill-adapted recep- tacle like a glass observatory hive, it is evident that her powers cannot be fully developed. I have for more than 21 years kept bees in unicomb observatory hives of various constructions, but I never had a case in which a queen laid so few eggs as 20,000 a year, under the most unfavourable circumstances. Therefore I cannot but think that Mr. Desborough formed his estimate from observations of a glass hive oven more contracted in its breeding space than usual, having at its head a queen of peculiarly feeble procreative powers. I have already extended this paper to so great a length that I must defer until next week replying to a query of Mr. Desborough in another communication, as to how I can prove that a queen lives four years. S, Bevan Fox. the iucline on to the level, the rollers working out and being replaced after the fashion of those of a common mangle. Each tree was moved a distance of from CO to 100 yards over soft arable ground, without losing a pound of earth on the way. An incline was then made dovvu to the place where the trees were to stand. In the spring, previous to removal, the soil was dug out 6 feet wide and 5 feet deep, leaving a square ball of earth 12 feet by 12 feet. In this uew roots were formed during spring and summer— a circumstance on which success greatly depended. As soon as replanted, new fibres pushed into the fresh soil. Some idea of the importance of the operations carried out at this place may be gleaned from the fact that some 25,000 yards of soil were removed iu order to bring into view the River Tees. Some of the best of this soil was used to form a new kitchen garden and to improve the surface of the park and ornamental grounds; while the worst of the material was employed iu the construction of terraces. It may also be mentioned that ranges of glass erec- tions have been put up here by Messrs. Weeks, of Chelsea. The size of tho Hall has been doubled, and altogether the whole place has been greatly improved. Obituary. TVe regret to have to record the death of Dr. "Walkee Abnott, for many years Regius Professor of Botany in the University of Glasgow, the well- known coadjutor of the late Sir William Jackson Hooker, and of Dr. Wight. AVe hope at some future time to be able to present our readers with a sketch of the life of this distinguished botanist. Garden Memoranda. Neasham Hall, near Darlington, the residence of James Cookson, Esq.— This estate, tho birthplace of 80 many of our most celebrated race-horses, has recently undergone much alteration, under the direction of Mr. Newton. In the park stood several trees which had at one time been m a hedge-row, and which could not have been less than from 80 to 100 years' growth ■ by grouping some of these it was perceived that an ungainly straight line would be effaced, and a decided and marked improvement produced: and at a mar- jellously small expense, considering the magnitude of the operation, the moving was accomplished with entire success. One tree was an Oak of the common English variety, measuring 20 feet high, 36 feet wide 45 teet girth at bottom, and 4 feet at top of bole This was removed with a ball of earth weighing 10 tons- another, a Sycamore, stands 35 feet high, measures 44 feet across, has a bole of OJ feet in height, with pro- Pu- J °?*® Birth, altogether weighing IG tons A third, also a Sycamore, was larger still, being 43 feet by 44 feet, and weighing 17 tons. All these trees, now in their second year of growth, are flourishing and will of course improve year by year. As regards the modus operandi of moving, Mr. Newton constructed a Iramework of two pieces of timber, 12 feet ong joined together by means of two end pieces 6 feet in length the whole being secured by a strong plate of iron of triangular form, and four bolts, Th?s frame- work, so constructed could be separated and placed piecemeal under the tree. Iu the lir.-st place the soil was dug away, and a road formed; then the two long beams were inserted under the ball, one on each side Tun- nelling under the ball was next commenced,' planks shod with iron were laid down, and rollers put under the framework for the whole to run on Then bv means of a builder's crab, a double-block pulley, and theassistanceof eight men, the trees were moved up esaidcii Operations. (For the ensuing week.) PLANT HOUSES. The lovely Bisa grandiflora, and other terrestrial Orchids, will now be showing for flower, and should have frequent sprinklings overhead. Attend to the necessary tying-in of all stove and greenhouse plants as they advance in growth. Besides which, keep such varieties as Coronillas, Genistas, &c., pinched back and pruned well in, and after allowing them to stand a week or so, give any a shift that may need it. Pot Roses which have been forced, and which have done flowering, will need constant care in regard to water- ing, and the constant removal of all flower buds which may show, as soon as perceptible. Both with the view of economy of time and water, independently of the risk otherwise run of allowing them to become too dry at times, it is always better to plunge the pots up to the rims, whether in open borders or in any loose materials which be at hand. They should be freely exposed to the sun, for the purpose of ripening the wood well. And it is not judicious to water often, if, indeed, at all, with manure water, a practice often followed. Little can be gained by exciting either roots or branches to grow unduly ; the main object should _ as I have just said, to ripen the wood well, and to insure sufficient roots to start fairly into action, if need be, when they have undergone the necessary potting in or about next August. FORCING HOUSES. During bright sunshine great caution will bo needed to keep all Vine foliage from scorching. Give air freely before 8 o'clock, if need be, upon fine bright mornings. Give also abundant air to Pines which have been potted three or four weeks, and which are likely to have made good root progress. This tooether with good syringings with fresh tepid water at the closing hour, early in the afternoon, and with frequent walk, and other cool surface sprinklings, when air is on," will induce a good firm growth, likely to reward the cultivator with fine robust " shows " anon. This will be found a good time to turn out into open beds in pits any fine specimens which show first symptoms of flowering. Avoid at this, the principal growing season the overcrowding of any stock of suscessionals. It is only by extending by every possible means the few pri- vileges possessed under the necessary restrictions of so artificial a mode of culture, that anything like good success can be attained. It may be ativisable, there- fore, by the aid of additional fermenting material to make use of any other frames or pits which may be at liberty at this season, in order to aid in thinning out and so affording more room to everything. In the winter months, the need of closer packing together will not be nearly so much felt as now. All Pines which are making their final swelling previous to ripenin" will need very careful watering; a moderate supply every other day will, in the main, be ample. Too much moisture, or too much water, tends materially to derange the ripeningprocess,and to impairthe rich flavour which Pines well grown and efficiently ripened should possess. Some ol the most forward will now be ripening, when the above remarks will need the more careful attention still. To ascertain whether they are ripenin" or commencing to do so, it should first be known whether they emit a fragrant odour, and are assuming more or less a yellowish hue. Nor should they remain upon the plants when fully ripe, but be cut off and removed to a cool dry atmosphere, when not used at once. HARDY PRUIT GARDEN. Where not already done, let the final thinning pruning, regulating, and nailing of all the current young shoots upon Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines be concluded with all diligence, for already it has become fully late for such operations. Those, there- fore, who have not followed my earlier suggestions in this respect, will run the risk of having an unreason- able amount of wood growth, to the certain injury of the existing crop of fruit, both in regard to quality, and in many instances, quantity; for whenever stron" shoots are permitted to grow freely they absorb in the main what support the roots are capable of supplying, and the fruit receives little of it, being in many instances jerked completely off the tree through the want of more elaborated juices necessary to its further progress. Clear away, therefore, all ill-placed, ill-shapen sappy shoots, and select and nail in the best placed ones for the ensuing year. Do not overcrowd any, and should any tree have an undue quantity of stronger shoots at the apex than exists at or near the base, stop the former first, and encourage by this and similar means a more equal growth throughout. Apply these remarks likewise generally to Pear, Plum, and 'Cherrij trees M-pov. walls, and the two former when grown as espaliers. Be careful to supply young trees newly planted with sufllcient water to ensure constantly a genial moisture in the soil. Pinch back all shoots ujiou out-door Vines as they continue to form, to within one eye of the place where originally "stopped." HARDY FLOWER GARDEN. Thin out all annuals sown in the open borders which are too thick, and which need such attention. Remove all decayed foliage from hardy out-door bulbs, such as Jonquils, Tulips, Crown Imperials, &c. Take any up that are necessary, and store them properly away. This is the only proper time to transplant all such bulbous roots, when at perfect rest. Layer choice Carnations. Picotees, Pinks, &c., at the earliest possible date. Cut and trim Box-edgings, which is best done during moist and showery weather, and above all at this season keep all scrupulously clean and free from weeds in any form. KITCHEN GARDEN. Continue to transplant Celery from the nursery beds into trenches properly prepared. Transplant in like manner some of the Lettuces sown in May, as soon as weather will permit. Sow a full crop of Turnip seed for late autumn and winter supply. Allow Vegetable Marrows to ramble freely out of liand-liKlits or any other form of protection placed over them. Transplant May-sown Endive in a cool, partially- shaded situation. Hoe, and thin out the main crops of Parsnips, Carrots, &c., where not already done. Transplant Leeks, and keep Onion-beds scrupulously clean and free of weeds. Sow a sucoessional supply of Dwarf French Beans. Plant out Borecoles, Broccoli, Savoys, &a., as frequently as more ground becomes vacant. Make another sowing of Peas and Broad Beans. W. F. , Tc>,pt«. ...E. Wind NW'. N. Juiie. 1 Bl.OJ.BIEB. Of the Air. Orthe Earth .1 Mai. 30.155 30.18,1 sn.isi Min. Max. 86 81 85 Min. 50 05^5 65.0 Ifoot 60 63 63 2 reel deep. 57 57 .57 4 rt Thura. 11 Friday Vi Satur. 13 Sunday U Mond 15 Tuesd. 16 Wed. 17 30.118 30.135 30!082 .no !oo Average 30.109 82.J ' 18.0 000 June 1 l-c e.^r and flue ; o vercas ; fine clear atnis M. 1 very fine ; fine ; fine, and very clear. iively hot ; , inc; fine; fl U— Very fine; very hot; clear'and flae a 15-Cleiir and tine ; very fine ; fine, coiil air. 16— Ovpi'cast; hazy; overcast; flear and very fine. 17-Cloudy and overcast ; very fine ; clear and fine. Mean temperature of the week, 5 2-10 deg. above the average STATE OF THE WEATHEIt AT CHISWICK, tie last 42 years, for the ensuin ; Week, ending Ju ne 27, 1868. III 53H lit No. or Years in Rained. rerailing Winds. ^XS}f Hi 'W a" 0.58in iW. 4 736 \^i fii.'s 15 VA 1 2 1 3jl8 S 5 72.5 ___ 15 0.80 ' 4! 4 '2 2 3|i7 0 1 . 93 deg. ; and the lowest e Notices to Correspondents. Books ■ JM. ^ ^.i^*-'^^ Botany. The e.asie3t book for beginners ' J>o not trouble yourself now with Benthara's Handbook, the Linnean system. :SECTS : a, Belfast. Your " butterfly " is one of tho commonest of our native moths, Rumia cralaj^ata. the brimstone moth.—/ W. Your Mangel Wurzel leaves are small two-wingeti fly belonging to :medy than sharply r leaf is easilv seenl the finger .and thumb. W. Names OF Plants : J T. Hedya.irum coronarium.— ^ Smith. buaeda fruticosa, Spergularia marginata ScEDLiNO Flowers : Stuart J.- Meiji. Your striped Stock is an interesting variety, and if constant wUl doubtless prove .an ' acquisition, as will also your Wallflower, which is one of the darkest sorts we have ever seen. Strawberries : Mrs MA Salt, Bridgewater. Your Improved Goliah, when received, were spoiled and smashed into a jelly, the juice exuding throm-h the bo.x ; no opinion, there- fore, could be formed of its merits. Vines : A B. Grape cultivators, as a rule, desire to have as gre.it a return as possible from a given space, consequently the Vines are mostly planted just as closely together as wiU admit of th.it result. It has been found practically sufficient to stop the side shoots at "one leaf above the bunch of fruit, and the laterals that are produced from this at one ' leaf also ; .and when these attempt to grow amin thev aro generally pinched clean out, and so continued.' That 1b ' close pinching If however, you have 8p.ice for a greater extension of the side shoots, and a free development of tho ' leaves, your Vmes wUl be much beneflted thereby. It raattors little how or where good leaves are produced: ' whether from the first shoots or the laterals, two leaves aro ' better than one. The chief point is to get as much healthy, ' nfested by the la: he family Muscidaj. There is no better r ! the grub (wh.ise place on the leaf ': ^ properly-developed foIi.age as possible. Haines.— G.—W. K.— June 20, 13(18.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 663 THE GENERAL LAND DRAINAGE and IMritOVEMENT COMrANY. Thos. Cliapmm Gfo. Thoiiii ' John C. Col TheBt.Hon. Vii J. U Works of Dinina: Onibbliig. Road-m Liibourera' Cattrtgcf Henry Cnrrla, Esq. I exocuto tho worlds by thoir < from Ibeir own plans. The whole of tho outlay in tho i nifiy ba chai-^od on tlio Estate for a landowners to moet No iiivo&tigiitiou < li:iiclosing, Wood ii HutldiiiKS, and turns of Property, il, Eeclosi:iKtlcal. . Diiriioso to Laud- 1 ageats and THE LANDS IMPROVEMENT COMPANY, Incorporated by Special Act of PArliamont in 1863. To Landowners, theClergt. Estatk Aoent3, Survkyors, Ac, i« England and Wales, and im .Scotland. The Company advances Money, utiliinitcd in amount, for the following works of Agricultunil Improvement, tho whole outlay and expenses in all c.*se3 buing liquidated by a ront-charge lor 25 ye.U3. 1. Urriiiiago, Irrigation, and Warplug, Kmbanknip. Inclosing, Clearing, Roclnmation, Plaiiting, for any bonefioial purpose, Engines, or Mnchlnory 2. Farm Ro;id8. Tnimwaja «ii I the sea-coast ov on the banks of 4 The Erection of Farm Houses, Labourers' Cottages, and other - ■ - . . . ., irposes, and the improvement uses and other Buildings for ivistons of any ActofParlia- >n. In respect of any public or er iniprovomoiits, m.iy borrow , and charge the same with the tlie Rent-charges obtained bv of Laud Act, 1804. in respect of \v:\y or Canril Company, Landowners under tlie Impru i u their SuLscription of Sbarts m >i No Investigation of title is rn: strictly financial chamctur, du ik.u lull-huio »ii.u mo i execution of the Works, which are tontroUodonly by the Go Enclosure Comm' Apply t , Esq., Managing Director, 3, Par- LA W E S ' M A N U U E S. These Manures are now ready for delivery. LAWES' PATENT TURNIP MANURE. LAWES" DISSOLVED UOXRS. LAWES' SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. LAWES' WHEAT. BARLEY. GRASS, and MANUEL MANURE.^ LAWES' CONCENTRATED CuRN and GRASS MANURES. These Manures can be otitained of Mr. Lawes, or through the appointed Agents in alt parts of the United Kingdom, at prices Tarying accordhifi to cnst of (Carriage. TI Clieraical Manures. AMERICAN and other CAKES at market prices. Address, John Bennet Lawes. 1, Adelaide Place, London Bridge E.C. ; 22. Eden Quay, Dublin ; and Market Square, Shrewsbury. THE PAXTON GARDEN MANURE is the most economical and powerful Fertiliser ever known for Vegetables, Flowers, Fruit Trees, Grass Lawns, &c. It is inodorous and portable. To be bad of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, Williams k Co,. St. Peter's Road, Islington, N. Agents Wanted in every Town where none have been appointed. FOWLER'S PATENT STEAA[ PLOUGH and CULTIVATOR may be SEKN at WORK In every Agrloul- lural County lu England. For particulars apply to Jons Fowler & Co., 71, Comhlll, London, E.C. : and Steam Plough Works, Leeds. tRON HURDLES (Silver Medal of the Royal Agrlcultunil S.icletyl ; SHEEP. 3.*. fid. : CATTLK. 4.*. 2r(. ; OX, 53. Ud. AGRICULTURAL CO-OPERATI ON.— Abnut 20 per cent, sjivcd off PRIZE REAPING and MOW- IN<1 MACHINES, HORSE RAKKS, HAYMAKERS, and all kinds of IMPLEMENTS. Prospectui, Ac, on applica- tion to E. O. GitEKKiNO, Manag- ing Director, 29, Parliament Strcc t, Westminster, S. W, , 4, Warren Street, MaucUestor. CARTER'S GENUINE FARM SEKDS for PRESENT SOWING. Per lb.— s. d. CARTER'S IMPERIAL HARDY SWEDE, the best variety . 1 4 SKIRVING'S LlVEltPOOL SWEDE 11 DEVONSHIRE GRRYSTONE TURNIP 1 « CARTER'S PURPLE-TOP HYBRID TURNIP 10 CARTER'S GREEN-TOP HYBRID TURNIP 10 POMERANIAN WHITE GLOBE TURNIP 13 LINCOLNSHIRE RED GLOBE TURNIP 10 IMPERIAL GREE.V GLOBE TURNIP 10 Special low quotations per busbcl on application to James Carter & Co., Seod Farmers, 237 and 23S, High Holbom, London, W.C _^_^ Birmingham Horse and Hound Show. THE BIRMINGHAM and MIDLAND UorNTIF.S THIRD GREAT EXHIBITION of HUIlSlv^, PoNIKS. FOX HOUJNDS, CARRIAGES. 4c,, will l.o held in BINGLEY HALL, BROAD STREET, BIRMINGHAM, ou TUESDAY. WEDNES- DAY. THURSDAY', and FRIDAY. June 23, 24, 25, and 26. when Prizes to the amount of £015 will bo aw-irded. Admission, from 9 to 4 on I'uesilay, 6^. ; after 4 o'Clock, Is. On Wednesday, from 9 to 2, 2s. GU. ; after that hour. Is. On Thursday and Friday, Is. For Excursion Trains see the Bills and Time Tables of the various Companies. JOHN B. LYTHALL, Secretary. Offices, 39, Now Street, Birmingham. ^Iie ^sricttlttttal @a|ette. SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 18G8. MEETINGS June 23 ( ^ - oof THE ENSUING WEEK. Horse Show at Bingley Hall, Birminghai ODAMS'S DISSOLVED BONES. ODAMS'S SUPERPHOSPHATE of LIME. ODAMS'S PREPARED PERUVIAN GUANO. ^HE PATENT NITRO-PHOSPHATE OR BLOOD MANURE COMPANY (Limited). Chief Offices— 109, Feucburch Street, London. Western Counties Branch— Queen Street, Exeter, Irish Branch — 40, Westmoreland Street, Dublin. Directors. CTairmci/i— John Claydon, Littlebury, Essex. Deputu-Cliairman— John Collins, 255. Camden Roid, Holloway. Edward Bell, 48, Marine Parade, Brighton. Richard Hunt, Stanstead Abbot, Herts. Robert Leeds, West Lexhara, Norfolk. George Saville, Ingthorpe, near Stamford. Samuel Jonas, Gnshall Grange, Essex. Charles Dormau, 23, Essex Street, Stmnd. Thomas Webb, UiMersham, Cambridgeshire. Jonas Webb, Melton Ross, Lincolnshire. Charles J. Lacy, 60, West Smithfleld. AJanoffing Director — James Odams. 3 that have justly earned for it another Fiz. — "The Tenant Farmers' Manure Company." members are cultivators of upw.irds of 50,iioo acres of land, has been for years under managemunt with manures of their lanufacture, consequently the consumer has the bebt Kuarantco e (fcnumenesa and efficacy ot the Manures inanufactmed by umpuiy. -" be forwarded on application to the Secretary, or may be had of the Local Agt;i JtQc -109. Fencliu .E.G. tary. tiVhe LONUON MANURE COMPANY (EST.-.BLlSUtD 1840) Have now ready for delivery in flne condition, CORN MANURE. forSpring Use. DISSOLVED BONES, for Dressing Pasture Lands, SUPERPHOSPHATES of LIME. PREPARED GUAX ufflcea, 116, Fenchurch Street, E.C. E. T. ARCHER'S "FRIGI D 0 M 0."— FAtronised by Her Majesty the Queou, tlie Duke of Northumberland for Syon House, His tjiace the Duko of Devonshire for Chiawlck Garueiis, Professor Lindioy for tho Horticultural Society, and Sir Josepti P.ixton for tho Crystal Palace, Rojal Zoological Society, Royal Gardens, Kew, ic. . , The Beat Shading la "FRIGI DOMO" NETTING, White or Drown, made of prepared Hair and Wool, n perfect non-conductor of lioat or cold, keeping a fixed temperature where it is applied. It is adapted lor all Ilorti- cullural and !• loncultural purposes, for Preserving Kriilts and Flowers from the Scorching Rays of tuo Sun, from Wind, from Attacks of Insects, &c "FRIGI DOMO- NETTING, 2 yards wide, u. 6d. per yard run ^ .'•FRIOI DOMO" CANVAS. Two yards wide 1». !)(i. per yard run. r yards wide S». Cd. per yard. Eli Tuo ■^"*=n. Whole an^ Solo Manufacturer, 7, Great Seftdaineu throughout the Eingdi I Essex Agricultural Society, at Cheltns- A Wakefield corn-factor, referring to the drought as giving a firm tone to the market, said, in last week's advice, that " a shower will send us all flat again." Now, it is all very -well for a merchant to consult his barometer, and for speculation to flag or brighten according to the aspect of the sky. or the direction of the wind, or (for anj'thing we know) the degree of humidity or the proportion of ozone. But when weather influences are permitted to rule the market without any adequate reason — when prices are affected just by the cloud or sunshine of a single day, apart from information as to the condition of the crops over large areas of the country — we think that this watching of the atmosphere may be carried too far to be busi- ness-like ; that neither tho grower, tho dealer, nor tho miller shows hie wisdom in being as nervously sensitive to the state of the glass as a rheumatic old woman, and that tho tone pre- vailing in any one Corn Exchange had better depend on other causes than the fact that Mr. So-and-so has brought or has not brought his umbrella. Taking a broader view, we see no valid ground on which tho circumstance of a few drops of rain falling at Wakefield or elsewhere should restore full confidence in the growing Wheat crop, and maintain a normal rate of quotations, as if no drought had fallen with disastrous effect upon the whole of eastern England. That the prospects of the we.st, a week or two ago, were everything that could be desired, that the corn of all sorts was most promising, that early green crops were having a favourable time, that pasture was plentiful, and live stock doing well, wo had ocular proof by railway riding between London and Cornwall. But how fares it with at least a large portion of the eastern side of the kingdom I' A correspondent says, ' ' We are clean burnt up in Norfolk." They farm there on the four- course, and each course is a failure. Mangels and Swedes will not grow. The Barleys are either shooting into oar with so short a straw that the produce must be miserably deficient, or the plant is so poor that it would not ear at all, and is in many cases being eaten off by sheep. Seeds are parched up, so that the stock ai'e pining ; and the young Clovers for next year are dead or dying. And the Wheats, caring upon pitifully short stems, must, for a certainty, yield several bushels per acre short of an average. This description is applicable to large districts of Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Lin- colnshire, and Nottinghamshire, and indeed to a great area oast, north, south, and west of those counties. Tho heavy-land farmers are at their wits' -end for lack of water. Alike on the strong lands and on the mild alluvium of the feu and marsh land districts of Norfolk, Cambridge, and Lincoln, the drought has continued for so many weeks, and thehot sun anddrying winds havebeen so searching that a farmer of -100 acres will tell you ho has suffered a loss of 3l)U<. or UOO?. in six weeks. Wheats which had got splendidly through tho flattering season of " a growing April and a dry May," and never looked grander or healthier thau they did in the latter part of May, have now gone off so much as to be valued at several bushels per acre short of their former promise, tho ears (excepting on highly-manured Potato ground) topping a short straw, fed only by upright narrow spiky blades, instead of broad drooping flags, while the luxuriant colour has been succeeded far and wide by the white bloom of incipient mildew. Oats are bursting into ear when only a foot or so in height, and in some cases theyare being stocked to relieve the pastures. The young Clover and seeds are for the most part dead. Scarcity of Grass is ono of tho greatest inflictions. Meadows yield wretched swathes of hay ; and the ground is so hard and cracked, and the herbage so bare that it is doubtful if even a succession of heavy rains can now bring up the bullock pastures in time to save graziers from crowding half-fed beef upon the summer markets. Some farmers are giving straw, in addition to heavily expensive cake, to bullocks ill the field ; others are nightly shutting up the beasts in the farmyard, and supplying tliem with Pulse and chaff to eke out the Grass, and if not to aid in fattening at anj' rate to " till theii' bellies" and prevent their "going back," till showers perchance may fall. Potatos, grow- ing well nearly up to tho present time, cannot bo moulded up except with a mass of small dry clods ; ami indeed many farmers have been hardly able to get the big clods down by means of clod-crushing rollers with some of the rings removed for travelling between the Potato rows. The prospects of next winter awake the greatest apprehensions. With the exception of some few plots, luckily put ia very early, the Mangels are either in patches of gappy plant, with more than half the land bare, or else the seed has never grown at all ; and the question is, whether, when rain does come, tho seeds will germinate in time to produce a half crop. Swedes cannot be sown at all until heavy rains have burst tho large hard-baked clods which have laid tumbled about on tho Turnip land for many weeks without any possibility of mechanical reduction. If Swedes cannot be got in fill the end of this month, they will be so late as to bo of necessity a poor crop ; and what wUl farmers do, though next winter b3 in early spring, with a mere fraction of their usual store of these roots that will keep, or perhaps with scarcely any of them at all ? Watering stock is becoming a difficulty in the marsh country, even so early in the season ; but sheep on tho rich grazing lands are probably doing all tho better on the dry, scant herbage. " I.A.C," who complained of scouring and tape- worms ill his lambs, reports that after dipping the lambs, but without administering any medicine whatever, no further losses have been sustained ; but then, scarcely a drop of rain has fallen for many weeks, and there has conse- quently been none of that rank pasturage which may have wrought a good deal of the mischief. Good milk, good rennet, with good weather, being supposed. Cheese Making is simple, easy work ; but reverse theso conditions, or any of them, and they are seldom satisfactory together, and it becomes no easy matter. In the ficklo climate of England three conditions are affected everyday. Thus the weather, and the nature of the land, in the first place, influence botli tho quality of the Grass and the health of the cow ; these, in their tnrn, affect the quality of the milk before it is withdrawn from tho udder. And when in tho pail and tub it is assailed, on contact with tlio atmosphere, by a thousand forms of life, not to speak of noxious inorganic compounds. And if tho quality of the rennet be loss variable and fickle than that of the milk to which it is added, yet the influence of the weather upon the after work of preparing tho curd, which it pro- duces, and upon tho pressiag and drymg prooeasos, is all-powerful ; and whoever has had •64 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRTCULTURAL GAZETTE. [J0NE 20, 18B8. his hand at the work knows well the many crosses experienced, and the very considerable percentage of the cheese he makes which fails of reaching the primest quality. Generally speaking the quality of the pasture Grasses of this countiy, and the health of miloh cows, are favourable to the production of rich milk, but to this general rule there are many more exceptions than there ought to be. And to defective quality of Grass may be added the inferior quality of the water drank by milch cows. A proper supply of rich Grass and pure water forms the basis of successful cheese making, whether on the factory system or on the yet common plan of every farmer doing the best he can for himself. A proper supply means of course a regular supply, for nothing can be more objection- able than alternate over-feeding and starving. But a uniform rich growth of Grass all tlie summer through and a lino herd of milch cows feeding in the enjoyment of the highest degree of health, however pleasant to the eye, are far from common. The sight is indeed as rare and exceptional as it is agreeable. The great question now engrossing attention in the dairy districts is how best to obviate the exceptions thus referred to. How is Art to make up for the shortcomings of the farmer or the farm, aud even of Uame Nature herself ? Take the case of Grass, over luxuriant in wet weather or in irrigated fields : will Clover hay (ground shall we say, into meal as recommended long ago by Pliny ?), with the addition of a little Pea or Bean-meal, supplement what is naturally wanting in this dietary of the cows ? Again, when the pastures are burnt up, aud the Grass roasted and too dry, and, what is even worse, deficient in quantity, what are the best means for supplementing it, so as to satisfy the wants of a healthy herd of cows ? We never had cows giving richer milk than when feeding on the "roast meat" of July and August, provided they had enough of it, with good water and shade during mid-day heats. But how often are both these provisos, plenty and shelter, wanting in practice ? In probably nine cases out of ten. Hence the need of Vetches, Clover, Grass cut from irrigated meadows, or fertilised by the sewage of the homestead, to be given when at the command of the farmer. Very many, however, have no such provision for their stock, which shift as they best can upon their roasted pastures, with consequences which soon appear in the health of the cows, and the quantity and quality of their milk, often to a degree far more injurious than is generally believed. In the moist climate of Ireland the bite of Grass is richer in quality and more uniform in quantity than on our side of the Channel ; hence their larger pailfuls of fine rich milk, and the tine butter, which is, or may be, produced. But the moistnoss of the climate is not so favourable for the subsequent processes in cheese-making as generally practised. This latter, however, is doubtless subject to much improvement, for we believe that the sister country is capable of yielding finer cheese than either Somerset or Ayrshire, though the merits of our west country climate are attested by the Cheddar and Dunlop cheeses of the two counties just quoted. Milk in these districts is not only rich in butter and casein but also in those odorous and sapid pro- perties which give to a good Cheddar or Dunlop cheese its higher market value in competition with other kinds. In Scotland the climate is favourable for the growth of rich Grass and milk, but cheese-making generally gives place to the rearing of calves. The same remark applies to the north of England, as also to her breeding counties generally — only the autumn milk being converted into butter and cheese. In short, only a few districts of England are chiefly devoted to dairy farming, which sadly needs improvement in almost all of thrm. No doubt the health of cattle, especially of milch cows, has of late years been in a very low condition, the reverse of that required to yield rich milk. But this tells nothing as against our general argument in favour of a richer and more uniform dietary for milch cows than they now generally receive. The uniform quality of milk which we can thus obtain, will more than anything else facilitate the adoption of the so-called American factory system of cheese manufacture in our own dairy districts. The first and chief difficulty in the way of the factory system is to get a supply of milk of uniform quality. The collection of milk from different farms, under existing circumstances, I aud the pouring of all sorts into a large tub, will unquestionably fail to turn out the finest quality of cheese. In other words, the dairj'man who can from his own herd of cows make a cheese at one milking, let the cheese be largo or small, if he adopts the improved means adopted by the dairyman at the factory, will turn out to market a better cheese than the other, because his milk is better, being more uniform in quality. And we do not doubt that on inquiry being made it will be found that the best cheese sent us from America comes from the dairies of individual farmers. Many a good cheese is spoilt by thrifty dairymen pouring a dish of inferior or bad milk into the tub amongst the good. Indeed it may with truth be said that the mixing of different qualities of milk is the cardinal shortcoming of cheese-making in this country. Hence the aim of a successful dairyman to have his whole herd in equal health and working trim during the cheese-making season. IF. £. At Mark Lane yesterday, the higher prices of Monday were well supported. The extremely forcing weather of May, which enabled speculators to create a panic for a few days, has become very serious, from its continuance without an adequate supply of rain. Our previous satisfaction at the prospect of an early har- vest in this year of scarcity is now greatly lessened by the way in which crops are wasting as tbey stand. At Liverpool and Wakefield yesterday AVheat was a turn higher. The Meat Trade is heavy from this hot weather having wasted the feed till the supply is above the average, while the demand is less from people's appetite for meat being atfected by the heat. The accounts from the Hop-gardens continue to be very favourable. The Queen honoured Mr. M'Combie with a visit on Thursday of last week at his farm of Tillyfour, Aberdeenshire. Her Majesty wished to see what is, perhaps, the finest herd of polled cattle extant. For the purpose of inspection most of the black cattle were concentrated in Grass fields near the mansion-bouse. In one there were upwards of 70 cows and heifers, many of them being prize-winners ; among them Fann/, the 1st prize winner at Inverness ; Charlotte, the celebrated Paris cow, now 17 years old ; the Stirling prize cow, and the Pride of Aberdeen, a well-known prize-taker. These animals go to Aberdeen next month to seek the Gold Medals of the Highland and Agricultural Society. In another field were grazing 60 black bullocks, worth probably 30/. a head ; while elsewhere there were upwards of 100 of the same breed, worth from 22/. to 26/. a head. Mr. M'Combie's cross-bred stock, numbering 100, were at Cragievar, so that nothing hut polled Aberdeenshires were to be seen about Tillyfour. The Queen, accompanied by the Duchess of Athoie and Miss Macgregor, arrived at Tillyfour soon after 5 o'clock. Her Majesty drove in an open barouche, and alighted at the entrance to the mansion-house, where she was received by Mr. M'Combie and his sister, Mrs. Auld. In the drawing- room Hee Majesty inspected the cups and medals of gold and silver gained by Tillyfour. There were 14 cups and upwards of 100 medals, which were viewed with much interest, particularly the Albert Cup gained by Mr. M'Combie at Poissy, the last gift given by the late Prince Consort. Her Majesty then visited the herd of polled cattle, accompanied by Mr. M'Combie, and several times expressed her admiration of the animals brought before her. At the Annual Meeting of the Agricultural Benevolent Institution on "Wednesday, Messrs. John- son, Naish, Hudson, and Brown, retiring members of the Council, were re-elected, and Messrs. Ueddall, Baldwin and Donald Nicoll, were elected in the room of Messrs. Pain, Kigden, and Sanday, who also retired by rotation. After some other formal pro- ceedings, the Council proceeded to the election of pen- sioners. Sir Edward C. Harrison, Bart, M.P., in the chair. The following are the names of the suc- cessful candidates : — Male pensioners at 20/. per an- num—Edmund Painter, John Steel, Thomas Barnett, David Unthank, William Turvill, Charles Theedsam, Josiah Jerrard, and William Pingney. Married pen- sioners at 4-0/. per annum— AValter and Hannah Mans- field, Thomas and Hannah Hughes, and William and Anderson Des Forges. Female pensioners at Wl. per annum ; — Elizabeth Sandon, Jane Halls, Ann Harris, Ann Carter, Sarah Wheeler, Elizabeth Clarence, Sarah Brett, Mary Needham Brett, Arundell King, Eebecca Davie, and Eliza Jones. The following orphan children were also admitted :— Andrew Anscomb, Earl Spencer, Thorn Giddings, Edward M. Stanford, Annie Gearing, Louisa C. Grant, Elizabeth Back, Ann C. Fell, Ann Eliza Adams, Elizabeth Belliss, Sarah PoUey, aud Kate Spencer. The discussion of the Metropolitan Foreign Cattle Alarket Bill has been again postponed till the morning sitting of Tuesday next. Members of Parlia- ment will thus have had ample time to make them- selves master of the merits of this measure. We trust this has been done to the extent of a large majority of the House, for then we should have no misgivings in regard to the fate of the Bill. From all we hear, how- ever, we fear there are a large number of members who take it to be their duty, on the ground of party expe- diency, to oppose this first step in the better regula- tion of the cattle tratfic of this kingdom. The fallacies which have been invented, and the misstatements which have been so industriously circulated, for the purpose, it appears, of prejudicing the consumers of towns, that they may influence their representatives • show clearlyenough that this measure is being made one of the stalking-horses, which have been ridden so des- perately hard during the present Parliament. These subterfuges have been well referred to in the " leading journal " by the Secretary of the Central Chamber of Agriculture, a copy of whose letter will be found in another column. To the members, who are being misled, aud to the consumers of animal food, who are now being used for temporary purposes, we would give a finiil warning. If the flocks and herds of this kingdom be exposed during the next 20 years to the same dangers from foreign diseases as they have been during the last 20, the supply of animal food in this country will be so reduced that nothing but want of prosperity in our home industries can prevent the price of meat from rising enormously. This is an imperial question. To refuse this well considered request will greatly discourage breeding and feeding, and any loss from this cause will be the nation's loss. Agricultural statistics are about to be taken for a third time. The two previous attempts were of ^themselves valueless, from having been taken atdifl'erent seasons. The coming return will, however, bear fair comparison with last year. Next Thursday, the 25th, is the day for taking the live stock. - — A large gathering of farmers assembled at Winchester last Friday to witness a trial of mowing machines, instituted by the Hampshire Agricultursu Society. Seven machines competed, viz.. Wood's well-known American, the American "clipper mower," exhibited by the Reading Ironworks Company; Messrs. Hornsby's " paragon " mower, Mr. Samuelson's Eclipse, Mr. Keaesley's mower, and Mr. Howard's new British mower. After the machines had gone a few rounds it was evident to the spectators that the first prize would fall either to Wood's American or Howard's new British mower. At the completion of tlie plots the judges selected the two latter as the best, and ordered a second trial between them. The work of both was so perfect that they had great difficulty in coming to a decision. However, as the Americans finished the work in a few minutes less time, they placed Wood's first ana Howard's second, giving Messrs. Burgess & Key a 3d prize. The Fall Mall Gazette calls attention to the condition of the corn market. Some months since the prospects of our food supply were painted in somewhat gloomy colours. Now everything ap(>ears to be changed. The English corn market supports itself better, perhaps, than might be expected, and prices in Mark Lane have only receded step by step; but the downward move- ment has been more decided in Germany, aud it has been rough and violent in the Slavonic States, on the banks of the Danube, and in the ports of the Black Sea. The French markets have also presented of late a sharp fall, as will be seen by the annexed statement of the last averages per quintal recorded in each district as compared with a week previously : — Districts. ■*™™( North-west 40 40 .. 0 52* North 38 49 .. 1 23 North-e.ist 38 12 .. 0 48 West 41 66 .. 1 58 Centre 40 30 .. 0 47 East 33 OG . . 0 64 South-west 40 80 .. 0 89 South S9 69 .. 0 66 South-east 37 V4 . , 0 85 Fall. The English averages are not very trustworthy, in con- sequence of the imperfect and limited extent to which returns are made of sales by the trade; but even the English figures begin to droop. The crops, upon the whole, appear to look well in France and England, but they have suffered in some instances from a too burning sun, which has almost roasted them, while rain has fallen far too sparingly. This has told severely upon the hay and root crops, and it has affected very unfavourably the cattle trade ; but still, as regards our future W^heac supplies, the outlook in these islands and also in France may be said to be good. The supplies of foreign Wheat which have come to hand during the last two or three months have also been heavy, and in the case of France it may be observed that at Mar- seilles stocks are rapidly increasing, and threaten to accumulate before the close of July to such an extent as to make their disposal a matter of some difficulty. The supplies from Russia appear to have shown in April a tendency to decline, but the deliveries from the United States are still increasing, having amounted in April to 357,476 cwt., as compared with 172,117 cwt. in April, 1807, and 12,104 cwt. in April, 1866; and in the four months ending April 30 this year to 2,225,595 cwt, against 680,361 cwt. in the corresponding period of 1867, and 303,081 cwt. in the corresponding period of 1866, Thus should the American deliveries of Wheat and flour to the United Kingdom continue at the same rate for the remainder of 1868, our total receipts from the United States for the year would be 7,308,654 cwt., or nearly half as much again as in 1867, seven times as much as in 1866, and five times as much as in 1865. Account must also betaken of the fact that the total imports of Wheat and Wheat-flour into the United Kingdom last year from all sources amounted to 39,136,780 cwt., while for 1866 the corresponding total was only 29,371,679 cwt., and for 1865, 25,843,652 cwt. The writer concludes that unless some very great change should take place during the remainder of the mouth and in the course of July and August, it seems clearly established, then, that the autumn of 1668 will witness a return to the low prices to which we have long been strangers. Birmingham is following close upon London in organising a Horse Show. Next week there will be a collection of 21 Classes of Horigs in Bingley Hall. The f June 20, isrs.] THE GARDT'INKRS' CMONTCLtl ANT) AG?JCtTLTtIRAL GAZETTE. prize list is a very liberal one. Of Hunters, there are 6 Classes, the assregate amount of prizes for which is 255/. In addition to the usual horse-show Classes of Carriage Horses, Haoks, Roadsters, Cobs,^ Ladies' llorses and Ponies, there are 2 Classes for Agricultural Horses, the prizes for which vary from U. to 30i., and amount altogether to 70^. There are besides 3 Classes for Foxhounds, with prizes of 15/., 10/., and 5/., or 75/. in all, and 17/. for gratuities to huntsmen of the i)acks fri'Ui which the successful hounds should be drawn. The arrauyeiuents for this meeting, we are informed, are of an excellentcharacter.and the oHicials auticipate a highly successful meeting. The Chemico-Agricultnral Society of Ulster recently held a Council meeting in the laboratory of the Society at Ulster, when Dr. Hodges ably discussed the agricultural capabilities of Ireland. In the Journal of the above Society we find the learned Doctor made these timely remarks :— " In one of the valuable publications connected with Irish history, for which we are indebted to the Archa;ological So- ciety, there is a reprint of a rare tract published in 158'J by RoBEET Patne, one of the undertakers of the period, who relers to the fertility of the Irish soil. He says that ' the commodities of the country are more than either the people can use or I recite.' In a paper read at our last meeting, it was shown that there were uumernus crops, in addition to those at present culti- vated, which might be also advantageously grown in this country. Payne, in 1589, wrote home to his friends in Kngland.just as an Irish emigrant at the present time would send an account of the produce of his American farm to his relations in Down or Antrim, and described our soil as apt for Wheat, Barley, Peas, Beans, Oats, Wood, Madder, Rape, Hops, Hemp, Plax, and all the grains and fruits that England is capable of yielding. The experience of farmers in all parts of the kingdom has proved this report to be correct. Yet, with all our advantages, how little has been done to properly develop our agricultural capa- bilities." The adulteration of guano, we also learn from the Journal of the Chemico-Agricultural Society, is far from being unusual. Probably it is from the knavery which has been practised in connection with this and other extraneous auxiliaries, which are essen- tial to successful modern agriculture in this kingdom, that Irish agriculture has so long lagged behind. The following case is one which we fear is not singular in Great Britain, but it is one which is described as common in Ireland, there being, it is said, companies of the " Long Pirm " at Liverpool, Glasgow, and other convenient places who " make" artificial composts for the express purpose of swindling the ill-informed Irish farmers : — Ii\fi:rior Gaano. — A sample of {^lano lately received from LondoDdeny had the following compositiou in the 100 parts : — Moisture 9.20 Organic and ammoniacal matters . . 18.05 Sulphate of lime . . . . , . . . G.25 Phosphates 13.35 Earthy matter .. ,. .. ..47.15 Alkaline salts 6.90 100.00 This gu.ano was evidently a mixture of genuine Bolivian or Peruvian guano with eartiiy matters, or with a very inferior guano. The lumps in some parts contained so much as 64 per ceut. of organic and ammoniacal matters, while the finely- divided matter contained only 18 per cent. Together, the two portions of the sample would yield about 5.4 parts of ammonia. The value of the guano, according to the scale given in his work on practical chemistry, Dr. Hodges said was only U. 18a. per ton. Mr. M'Calmont said that genuine Pervi- vian guano sold at l.li. per ton. On a cargo of 250 tons of this stuff there would be a fraudulent profit of ?000i., which would keep up 10 societies such as this. Such cases should be exposed to the country as much as possible. On tilts we may say it behoves farmers to shun any agents or dealers who have not a trustworthy reputa- tion, and in any case of doubt to submit a sample before purchasing largely to an analytical chemist of renown. The Southampton committee for securing the presence of the Bath and "West of England Society are endeavouring to obtain an excess of funds over ordinary charges for the purpose of giving local prizes for New Forest ponies, Channel Island cows, and Hampshire sheep. This is a most laudable object. " It is expected," says the Hampshire Advertiser, " that there will be the finest exhibition of Jersey and Guernsey cows ever brought together;" and, also, that "it is hoped that the breed of New Forest ponies will date from this meeting a considerable improvement." We hope both these views will be realised. The docile and rich and abundant milk-yielding Channel Island cows cannot be too much popularised in these days of out- of-town houses and paddocks, while good ponies were never so much in demand. But we hope more parti- cularly that the native sheep of Hampshire will be made a distinctive and esjiecial feature of this meeting. The value of these sheep has yet to be learned in many counties of this kingdom. Where the "rings" of chops and necks have been brought down to the size of half-a-crowu, and where a superabundance of fat on shoulders and ou legs even prevails, as the result of in-and-in breeding, the Hampshire sheep can put matters right, both for the breeder and consumer. Captious critics, with only enough practical knowledge to be able to take a superficial view of these sheeii, have made sport on paper in regard to what it pleased them to term their coarseness. Hence, it may be— as farmers are exceedingly sensitive of anything which appears to them to be ridicule— these sheep have been kept too much in the background. We trust, how- ever, that the Southampton Committee will inaugurate a new era in the history of these valuable sheep, and that after the Southampton meeting they will take an equal position side by side with Southdowns, Leicesters, Cotswolds, Shropshires, and Lincolns. OUR LIVE STOCK. TilE sale of the Didmarton herd, the property of Stiles Rich, Esq., is announced by Mr. Strafford, to take place on Ocit. 7- The herd originated in cows pur- chased from the late Earl Ducie, of Tortworth Court, and has been further improved by the introduction of Kirklevington blood. Most of the young stock are by 13Tn GB.4.ND Duke (21,850) and 7th Duke oe York (17,751). The latter bull, for some time the joint property of Mr. Rich and Mr. Bowly, was pur- chased from (iaptain Gunter for 500 guineas. 2d Ditke OF CoLLiNGHAM (23,730) is the sire now in service. \Ve hope as the event approaches to be able to supply more particular information regarding this well-known herd. Tenant farmers' advantages from pure-bred bulls are thus commented on by the Irish. Farmers* Otrzel/e .—The Hon. King Ilarman ha.s placed pure- bred Shorthorn bulls for the use of his tenantry on different portions of his estate, the farmers in whose care they are charging only the small fee of 2s. 6d. for their service, which is intended as some compensation for their trouble, so that a great benefit has been con- ferred on them by placing within their reach pure- bred bulls to improve their stock. This is another instance of a good landlord's consideration for his tenantry, and one worthy of being followed exten- sively. The Marquis of Downshiro has long since extensively adopted this course on all his estates. It will gratify us to chronicle such encouraging acts from time to time. The history of the Smithfleld Club, compiled by its honorary secretary, B. T. Brandreth Gibbs, Esq., contains much interesting information as to the origin and gradual development of a society which has done a great work in encouraging the i)roduction of food for the people. In this sketch of the proceedings of the Club is condensed the results of keen competition, extending through a period of 70 years, between the promoters of various breeds of cattle and sheep. The national character of the Smithfield Show, and the large number of animals annually brought together from every part of the United Kingdom, must throw much light upon the relative excellence of the breeds exhibited. This is a question in which the interests of individual breeders are so involved, and in which early association and love of county are so apt to warp the judgment, that he is a bold man who will stand up for Shorthorns among Devon men, or for Leicester sheep among the Cotswold ram breeders. The dispassionate reports of the prizes awarded by the Smithfield Club since the year 170S to animals of various breeds must be taken as a proof of superior excellence in the animals thus di.stiuguished, and the number of prizes obtained by any one breed must be accepted as a test of superior merit. Previous to the year 1852 the cattle prizes were bestowed without reference to breed. In 1852 the classification still in use of Devons, Herefords, Short- horns, Scotch, Welsh, or Irish, &c., was adopted. Up to the time just specified, therefore, a more thorough competition existed among the various breeds of cattle than now, when each animal competes only with those of his own kind. The Gold and Silver Medals for the best beast or sheep still indicates the breed which in a given year has produced a pre-eminently fine animal. Witiiout further preface we take from the work spoken of the number of Gold Medals and Silver Cups, and the amount of prize money respectively obtained by the principal breeds of cattle from the commencement of the Society's show up to and including 1867 ;— Gold Med.ils asd StLVER Cups to Present Time. following figures will give a more correct idea as to the relative success of the two rival races :— From 17U9 to 1820, the period during which Shorthorns were struggling for their position, the Herefords had taken 837 guineas in prizes, while the Shorthorns had only taken 200 guineas. From 1820 to 1831, or to the end of the period when the breeds competed with each other for general prizes, the Herefords took 2110/. 5.«., while the Shorthorns secured 2250/. This shows that as sooa as the Shorthorn breed became thoroughly established it excelled its mo.st formidable rival, not only in Silver Cups and Gold Medals, but in the successful competi- tion for general prizes also. The important sale of Shorthorns at Winter- fold, near Kidderminster, took place on Wednesday last. The following particulars we abridge from the Dirminghara Oaili/ Gazette :—'},U: Strafibrd sold OU Wednesday the choice selection of pure-bred Short- horned cattle, the property of Mr. John Harward The stock consisted of 31 cows and heifers, and 15 bulls and bull calves. The catalogue stated that Mr. Harward, finding himself overstocked, had deter- mined to otfer for sale several of his entire families of cows and heifers, bred with great care from the far- famed stocks of the Duke of Devonshire, Earl Ducie, Messrs. Bowley, Maynard, and Rich, and other eminent breeders. Also several bulls, among others Charlestone, the sire of a number of the cows and heifers offered for sale. A large number of gentle- men, farmers, butchers, and others, drawn thither by the fame of Mr. Harward's stock, assembled at VYinterfold, and Mr. Harward provided a cold colla- tion in a huge marquee for no less than 1000 persons. The total produce of the sale amounted to 1453/., the average for the 49 animals being upwards of29J guineas each. Lot 1, Zadu Jane Id, a roan, sire DUKE OP Bolton, was bought by Mr. Beaseley for 41 guineas ; Oxford Lassie a red, sire DuKE OF Oejiond, was bought by Mr. Mann for 40 guineas ; Forest Queen, a roan, sire Fitzroy, by Mr. Nash at 37 guineas; Pharsalia, ar ich|roan, sire ARCHDUKE, by Mr. Holland at 37 guineas; Duchess of Oloucester, white, sire Man- darin, by Mr. Canning at 31 guineas; Cleopatra the 8th, red and white, sire lOTU DuKE OF Oxford, by Mr. Norris at 45 guineas ; Charming Woman, red, sire Royal Arch, by Mr. Blakeway at 32 guineas ; Cleopatra 9tk, a rich roan, sire Lord Oxford, by Mr. Davis at 58 guineas; Yorkshire Lass, a roan, siro 7th Duke of York, by Mr. Cutler at 38 guineas ; Maid of Oxford 2d, lot 23, a roan, was the highest priced female: hersirewas 7ihDdke of YoEK,anddani, J/a/d of Oxford, After a spirited competition, our contem- porary says, this splendid animal was knocked down to Mr. Cutler for 80 guineas ; she was in calf. Charles- ton, was the first Bull brought to the ring. He is a rich roan, and 5 years' old. His sire was Lord Oxford, and his dam. Countess of Berrinc/ton, the latter having been bought at the Duke of Devonshire's sale for 155/. He was bought by Mr. Morris for 46 guineas. Mark Antony, 11 months' old, made 40 guineas to Mr. Munns; and Lord Waterloo 2d, 6 months' old, 35 guineas, to Mr. Cutler. Shorthoi-ns Herefords Devons Scotch polled and homed Cross-breds In the general prizes during the time that the breeds competed together (1798-1851)-/. e., before the new classification was adopted — The Hereford oxen had won 185 prizes fiaT.'iS 2 0 „ cows „ 22 „ 231 0 0 £2989 2 D The Shorthorn oxen had won 82 prizes £1399 5 0 cows „ 92 „ 1132 15 0 £2532 0 0 " The result shows the total number of gold medals and cups to have been much in favour of the Short- horns. On the other hand, the number and amount of general money prizes was vastly in favour of the Herefords; their principal winnings were in the oxen and steer classes. The Shorthorns owed the fact of their approaching the Herefords in total amount of win- ning to the success of the Shorthorned cows'' (p. 20). Mr. Gibbs would therefore divide the honours between the rival breeds. A nearer investigation of the facts places the Shorthorn in a much more favourable light with regard to general prize-money than this state- ment leads us to expect. Upon examining the tabular view from which the above quoted figures are taken, we find an account of the prizes awarded for almost every year since 179S. It is evident from this Table that Shorthorn cattle hardly held a position in the Society's show until the year 1810, when they took a prize of 20 guineas. AVith the exception of one prize of 15 guineas, awarded in 1803. this is the first mention made of this breed in the Table under consideration. Every one knows how the Shorthorn gradually advanced by its own merits to its present position, and we think that if amount of prize-money has to decide superior merit, it is hardly fair to compare the amount realised by a new breed in a short time with that obtained by an older breed in a longer time. The THE FOREIGN CATTLE MARKET. Whatetee may be your judgment on the merits of the Foreign Cattle Market Bill, I am sure you are not willing that it should be opposed by continual misrepresentation, or overthrown by the prevalence of an unhappy misconception. After an immense de- struction of food, after ruinous losses of property, after years of experience, inquiry, and agitation, the agri- culturists have accepted this measure of precaution against imported disease — a measure so moderate that its provisions fall far short of those declared by the veterinary witnesses in committee to be indispensable for full security, but presenting the advantage that it will cheapen meat in the metropolis by a part removal of restrictions now taxing and diminishing supply. Unfortunately, however, because one treatment is pro- posed for home-bred cattle, and another treatment un- unavoidably adopted for foreigri cattle, some minds cannot exclude the misconception that this is not fair and equal, and must therefore be condemn- able by the principles of free trade. A cry has been raised, and the public are deceived with the false accusa- tion that the Bill is a piece of favouritism for British graziers at the expense of foreigners and importers, and that it virtually amounts to " protection " resuscitated in a sanitary disguise. Why, Sir, at present there is no free trade at all in the case. Both home and foreign animals do now come to market under restrictions, and, by a simple practice of" ratiocination " (^whioh the learned and brilliant counsel against the Bill said was the only blessing that Providence has denied to agri- culturists), it is deducible that abolishing these restric- tions from either half of the supply must be one step toward liberating the whole. Ouly the dog in the manger would argue that, if we dare not free all, we shall do no good by setting one-half the trade at liberty, but it is unscrupulous and unfair for the Londou butchers and their friends to charge us with seeking monopoly when they themselves are moving heaven and earth to retain monopoly. Brochures of all sorts and sizes are being carefully distributed with a view of influencing members of Parliament against the Bill. It is subtly instilled into the ear of the consumer that a water-side market would limit importation. Why, the very purpose of such a market is to provide for the constant reception _ot animals without let or hindrance from all countries whatever ; whereas, in the absence of a safety market, animals can be admitted, under a rigorous inspection, only from those foreign ports which from time to time may ofi-er no danger of disease. It has been laboriously 666 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [June 20, 1868. established, from the mouths of witnesses, that prices in the new market would be so reduced as to discourage and ruin importers ; but, then, the selfsame opponents have likewise proved by evidence that prices would be so raised as to make cattle 2/. per head dearer to metropolitan purchasers. Farmers may sadly want " ratiocination," but hero we see it possible to have rather too much. The highest veterinary authorities of England and France have been arrayed against the Bill, lint what did their testimony really prove ? Not that the Bill is in a wrong direction, but that it is insufficient for absolute security. We are charged with the gross pre- tence of guarding against infection by a scheme which ■will allow animals to pass inland from the home market, when they may have been there touched by butchers who have rubbed their coats against animals in the foreign market. "Well, perfect isolation cannot be hoped for; but the indirect chance of contagion being conveyed by a few men visiting distant markets on different days cannot be compared with the direct risk involved in hundreds of dealers, drovers, and farmers from all parts of the country handling foreign beasts as they do now. These, sir, are samples of the falsities and extrava- gancies urged against the supporters of the Bill ; and, on behalf of the Chambers of Agriculture throughout the kingdom, which have unanimously petitioned for the Bill, I disclaim any covert design of placing a premium on home production and lessening the supply either of good joints to the rich or of " oU'al " to the poor of London. John Algernon Clarke^ Central Chamber of Agriculture, Salisbury Ilotel, Fleet Street, M.C, June 13. THE PABMER'S FRIENDS AND FOES. Rooks, congregating as they do in large numbers, and feeding heartily, must exert a very decided influeiice for good or evil on the labours of the agri- culturist; it is, therefore, a question of considerajjlo importance to determine whether these birds are friends, or, as some assert, the farmer's greatest plagues. There can be no doubt that rooks will pilfer newly-set Potatos, will consume the freshly-sown corn, and that they sometimes indulge in the eggs or young of pheasants, partridges, and fowls ; but that the balance is decidedly in their favour we consider a fact beyond dispute. Mr. St. John has very fairly contrasted the amount of good and evil done by the rook ; — " This well-known bird is common in all this district (Qordonstown), shifting its quarters fit different seasons in search of food ; and immense must be the supply to feed the tens of thousands which are sometimes seen together. Their usual habits are known to most people ; but it is an often- discussed question whether the rook is hurtful or advantageous to the agriculturist. With regard to the mischief done by the rook, the greatest destruction of grain made by it is just as the com ripens, and before it is cut ; where the grain is lodged, and at the edges of the fields, it consumes a con- siderable quantity, and destroys more. It also attacks the Potatos, digging up those roots which are least covered with earth. In severe \^ eather and snow it attacks the Turnips, and its powerful bill enables it to break easily into the root. It is mischievous also if allowed to attack the stack-yard, spoiling the stacks by pulling out the straws to get at the grain. The rook is fond of eggs, too, and in some rookeries egg-hunting becomes their common habit, when, from their great numbers, they .scarcely allow a pheasant or a partridge to hatch a brood. This bird is also fond of Cherries, Straw- berries, iic. To counterbalance this long list of evil, for many months of the year the rook lives wholly on grubs, cater- pillars, ifec, in this way doing an amount of service to the farmer which is quite incalculable, destroying his greatest and most insidious enemy. In districts where rooks have been completely expelled, this has been seen by whole crops of Wheat and Clover being destroyed by the wireworm and other enemies which can only be effectually attacked by birds. When we consider the short time during which rooks feed on grain, and the far longer seiison during which they live wholly on grubs and such like food, it will be believed by Impartial lookers-on that the rook may be set down rather as the farmer's friend than his enemy. On close observation, when the rook appears to be following the harrows for the purpose of feeding on the newly-sown Wheat, it will be found that it is picking up a great quantity of large white grubs, leaving the grain untouched. Amongst its misdemeanours I forget to mention one— namely, that in severe weather* it often digs up the young Wheat just as it begins to sprout above the ground. Where rooks or any other birds increase to an inordinate extent, no doubt they ought to be kept down by destroying part of their eggs or young. When the farmer Is much annoyed by their attacks on any particvdar field, a few shots at them soon drives them elsewhere. But very bad would be the effect of entirely banishing them from any district." t Although rooks do occasional damage, they are often the means of preserving whole crops. The caterpillars of the Turnip-saw fly — popularly called " niggers " in some counties— not unfrequently destroy the entire crop of Swedes. Mr. Marshall states that on one occasion when these pests were busy in the neighbourhood, a large piece of Turnips lying in an open field had escaped in a remarkable manner ; it lay near a rookery, and was a general rendezvous for these birds, i Probably no farm pests more thoroughly deserve the name than the numerous species of the larvic (wire worms) of the click beetles (Elaterida?). In the farmer's zoology almost every vermiform creeping thing is a wireworm, but the real wireworms are the larvie of the afore-mentioned family of beetles. Now let us hear the opinion of Mr. Curtis, a writer who, from long practical acquaintance with the subject of injurious insects, must be considered a very high authority ; — *' Amongst the birds that which stands first and foremost in the ranks is the rook ; wary .as he is on most be Whether the season be severe or mild, rooks are often to stocking up with their bills the newly-sown grain, but ■ attacks last only for a short time. Soon .after the is up they cease their depredations, for the grains become decomposed and no longer worth seeking. An occasional gun- shot, and the employment of one or two boys to drive the rooks away, will prove a sufficient remedy against their attacks. t "Nat. Hist, and Sport in Moray," p. 02. % Curtis' " Farm Inaecta," p. 53. follows the plough fearlessly, to feed upon the and other insects, and here his services are most invaluable ; for, if j'ou dig up the wireworms and other insects, and lay them upon the earth, they will often burrow down and dis- appear in a few seconds. Many, therefoi'o, of the feathered r.ico have little chance of catching them in the ploughed field ; but the form of the bill combined with the strength .and assiduity of the rook, is well adapted for detecting theui in their hiding-places. To pick them from the growing crops is likewise the occupation of the rook, when we see him gravely surveying a Turnip or corn crop, and with astonishing sagacity selecting those plants only which have a few yellow leaves outside, the sure indication of the presence of the wii-cworm and other insects." § A gentleman in Norfolk, who well understands the subject, says : — ' ' The rooks carry the first tidings of the presence of this formidable enemy by hovering over a field in flocks, and actually pulling up the Tiu-nips by the roots to search for them ; and I cannot but believe that this sagacity directs them to the infested plants, which are distinguished by their droop- ing leaves and dark unhealthy aspect." K Again, Mr. Clitheroe thus writes :— " In the neighbourhood of my native place, in the county of York, is a rookery belonging to W. Vavasour, Esq., of Weston, in Wharfdale, in which it is estimated that there .are 10.000 rooks ; that 1 lb. of food a week is a very moderate allow.auce for each bird, and that nine-tenths of their food consists of worms, insects, and their larvEe ; for although they do consi- derable damage to the fields fur a few weeks in seed time, and a few weeks in harvest, particularly in backward seasons, yet a very large proportion of their food, even at these seasons, consists of insects and worms, which (if we except a few .acorns .and walnuts in autumn) compose at all other times the whole of their subsistence. Here then, if my data be correct, there is the enormous quantity of 468,000 lb. , or 209 tons of worms, insects, and their larvK destroyed by the rooks of a single rookery in one year. By every one who knows how very destructive to vegetation are the larvie of the tribes of insects, as well as worms, fed upon by rooks, some slight idea may be formed of the devastation which rooks are the means cf preventing." ^ The following is Mr. Groom Napier's list of food found in rooks' crops throughout the year:— January, February . . seeds, worms, grubs, mice. March . . . . . worms, grubs, larvse, grain. April grubs, grain, seeds, worms. May . . . . . . young birds, mice, insects. June. July .. .. insects, young birds, mice. August. September ., insects, mice, slugs. October. November .. carrion, worms, moUusca. December . . . . carrion, worms, grubs. That the rook is by no means the farmer's enemy is a lesson our friends in some of the colonies are learn- ing, for live rooks have been imported into New Zealand and Australia at (we believe) Ids. a pair. Several other birds, also, are there in request, which in this country are commonly persecuted with nets, traps, poison, and guns. Quarterly Eeinem. THE PRODUCE OF THE TOWN-FED COW. The milk of every cow has its own natural standard of quality, but taking the case of each apart, her milk is rich or poor, first, according to her nearness to the time she calved; and, secondly, according to the quality of her food. The milk of a big, ordinary cow, bought half fat for a London cow-house, will throw up 14 to 16 per cent, of cream in three hours in the lactometer during the first few weeks after calving ; and the same cow, similarly fed, will not yield much more than half so good a quality when after six or eight months' milking she is rapidly diminishing her quantity. At an equal age, however, at the pail, the London cow, fed so as if possible to maintain or increase her flesh, will yield a richer milk than a country-fed cow which is being milked at Grass. The way to keep a uniform quality when, as in London, a great part of the food (grains aiid hay) is constant throughout the year, is to keep buying in fresh cows in pretty constant numbers throughout the year. But except in the poorer districts, where the demand for milk does not vary throughout the year, this is not commonly done. A London cow- shed, in the West-end for example, is full only during the spring and summer months, when London is full. And as it is then that a richer milk is wanted, for the sake of the cream which is required at " good houses " during the season, that is the proper time to buy in freshly-calved cows. And, as the quotation given at the outset of this essay proves, dealers do not scruple to take a portion of the cream it throws up, and even to add water, before selling the thus manufactured article as new milk. As regards the average quantity of milk yielded by a cow under the circumstances of a London cow-house, I have been told that this very dishonesty is sometimes a difficulty in the way of obtaining trustworthy information. The small cowman who, by adding water, sells more than his cows produce will, it is said, report a yield larger than the truth to cover his roguery. At many small cow-houses which I visited two years ago I was told that II and even 13 quarts a day are obtained on an average throughout the year; that is to say, a house of 10 stalls always full will yield 10 X 365 X 11 quarts of milk per annum, which is equal to 40,150 quarts, or 1000 gallons per stall. If, as is probable, these cows are changed every eight months on an average, then 10,000 gallons is the quantity yielded by 15 cows during the eight months after calving before they are sold. Each cow therefore yields 666 gallons in its eight months' milking. This, though a large quantity, is not incredible. In the case of the Frocester Court Dairy (Gloucestershire), of wliich a full account has been given in the " Bath and West of England Journal," Mr. Harrison (now one of H.M. Rivers Pollution Commissioners) found that of his 104 cows, eight in the first year of milking (calving at 2i years old), yielded 317 gallons per annum ; 15 also in their first year (but brought to the pail at three years), yielded 473 gallons; 14 in their second year averaged 535 gallons; 15 in their year averaged 616 Ibid , quantity. gallons; 20 in their fourth year made 665 gallons a-pieoe ; IS in their fifth year yielded 635 gallons ; nine in their sixth year made 708 ; 15 aged cows averaged 651 gallons apiece. These figures, however, give only an approximation to the truth if they be taken to indicate the average yield of milk of a cow at difl'erent ages; for doubtless in a large herd like that of Frocester Court the bad milkers, which would keep down the average of the first or second year, would be culled out, so that only the better cows would remain. It is cows in their third, fourth, fifth, and sixth year of milking which are found in London dairies ; and such cows at Frocester, depastured in the summer, yielded from 650 to 700 gallons of milk a-piece per annum. They were, however, milked 10 months, whereas the London cow is got rid of after eight months' milking in the case I have supposed. But the quantity of U and 13 quarts a day, ndiich is the extreme report of some of the smaller cow-keepers, does not seem on a comparison with Frocester so incredible. On the other hand, if you consult the larger cow-keepers, supplying dealers who come and milk the cows, paying for what they take away, they will tell you that the average yield does not exceed 9 or 9i quarts a day to every stall. It is plain that where cows are kept on till their daily yield is 5 quarts or less, in order to get fattened before sale, the average must be less than where the cow is got rid of sooner, and a greater loss submitted to upon her sale. On Lord Granville's farm at Golder's Green, Mr. Panter, his lordship's agent, has told me that 39007. was received one year for the milk of 100 stalls; in another year the sum received was 4300?. from 108 stalls constantly occupied ; and in a third 49007. was received from 120 stalls. This at Is. lOrf. per 8 quarts, which was the price received, amounts to 851, 80S, and S91 imperial gallons per stall per annum, or 9J. 9i, and 9J quarts respectively per cow per diem. This is where about 150 cows were purchased and sold every year at a loss varying from 37. to 47. a head to keep 100 stalls constantly full. The cows were thus kept upon an average eight months each, and two-thirds only of the above quantities, 56S, 537, and 594 gallons, are all that was taken from each cow during the eight mouths it was kept. I was informed that 89,333 imperial gallons wore obtained in one year upon Colonel Talbot's farm at Sudbury from 80 stalls. The cows were sold earlier than at Golder's Green, not being kept longer on the average than six months (153 having been sold and bought to keep 80 stalls full). la this case no less than 1115 gallons were obtained per stall per annum, or fully 13 quarts per stall per diem. The cow here yielded 560 gallons in little more than six months ; which is an enormous quantity for the average of so large a number as SO. I have yet two other cases by which to illustrate this point— the small dairy in Islington and the farm at Barking, to both of which I have already referred. In the former there are (January, 1868) 17 cows in milk, and they are giving rather over 140 quarts a day, or about Si quarts a-piece ; but many of them are old cows, and some, an unusual thing, are in calf and nearly dry. The owner tells me that the quantity calculated on in a shed of 20 Irish cows is an average of 10 quarts a day a-piece. He seldom keeps a cow after she gets down to six quarts ; and, as he considers it does not p.ay to fatten cows in London, he sells at an average loss of 4/. or 57. a-head. Buying them at from 127. to ls7. a-piece, or at an average of 157., he has generally sold them at an average of 117. He has given me the following account of six cows during the past year, which, however, represents more than his ordinary experience : — When Calved or Bought. Cost apiece. Daily Produce in Quarts. No. TiU June. June tui September. September till December. 1 3 4 e 6 1867. Feb. 5 ) July 12 ) Aug. 3 ) 18 13 16 13 14 11 12 12 14 12 12 8 11 10 13 10 Of a small shabby-looking little cow I saw there the other day the following history was given me :— She was in heavy milk when attacked by the cattle plague in the summer of 1866, which of course entirely stopped her milk. She recovered, however, and her average produce amounted to 20 quarts a day for nearly three months after her recovery. It averaged 17 quarts a day during the next six months; and 13 quarts a day for another six months ; and it is now shrinking rapidly, as she is in calf; but she is still giving seven quarts a day. ^ye occasionally meet with extraordinary examples of this kind, where cows remain for years together in milk without breeding; but, like all other agricultural maxima, they have little or no inflence on the general average of experience. I have now to relate the experience of a year at Lodge Farm, Barking, notwithstanding that, owing to the disaster in August, when more than half the cattle were slaughtered by orders of the Cattle Plague Inspector, the returns do not so accurately represent ordinary experience as would otherwise have been the case. I give in the following Table the number of cows milked each week up to the end of 1867, the quantity of milk sold each week, and the daily average per cow during each week. It will be seen that 130 cattle were killed in the middle of August. We have not ventured to purchase again till lately. Twenty newly calved cows were bought two months ago, and are now averaging rather more than three gallons a day a-piece. But there are a large number of cows giving hardly more than six or seven quarts a day upon an average, which have been long at the pail, and which there is no profit in fattening. Most of them accordingly have been got iu calf, and are drying rapidly. This, of June 20, 18C3.1 TnE GAEDENERS' CIIKOMCLE AND AGRTCULTrRAL GAZETTE. GOT course, is niudi against tlie average of the year. On the olUer hand, a large number of cows were killed off in full milk. So that while there are a hundred coxys or more which have been 10 or 11 months at the pail, and which pull down the annual average, there arc more than a hundred on the list of the year which were only two or three months in milk when slaughtered ; and, they, on the other hand, contributnig more tliaii the ordinary daily quantity, increase the avera"C. It will be found on an examination ol the following Table that about 139,7464 gallons have been given in 05 weeks by 57,33-1 days' milk of a cow. This is equal to rather more than 9j quarts a daj per cow ; ■which very closely resembles Mr. Panter's experience at Golder's Green. - Number No. of Days Total G.illons Week of Cows Milking of a Produce of per Cow einling. at end of Cow during Milk during D.iily during Week. Week. Week. Week. iscn. Cows. Days. Gallous. Gallons. Oitobci- 6 8 S 56 56 161 ISS 2.88 3.06 " 10 14 93 310 3.32 20 23 148 435 3.00 November 2 23 ICl ^fj 3.38 0 23 161 549 3.4 \l IC 23 161 S40 S,34 •23 28 101 590 3.12 30 35 231 095 3.0 December V 35 245 777 3.08 14 44 276 824 3.0 21 40 312 958 3.00 28 53 346 1,095 3.14 1807. January 4 57 334 1,170 3.04 ,, 11 61 411 1,234 3.0 18 70 72 438 496 1,365 1,475 .3.0 February 1 8 87 524 594 1,575 1,736 I'.'o 2.92 1-'^ 67 Cli9 1,831 3.0 94 OJl 1,929 2.90 Jl'i'ich 'l 05 695 1,901 2.8 8 132 79'i 2,167 2.8 15 169 1,040 3,067 2.94 22 186 1,238 3,631 2.92 29 192 1,357 8,970 2.92 April 5 204 1,420 3,876 2.72 ,, 12 207 1,434 3,698 2.40 19 202 1,437 3,675 2.56 26 203 1,421 3,702 2.0 M.iy 3 If 203 1,421 3,618 2.54 224 1,515 4,010 2.00 17 224 1,668 4,351 2.77 24 247 1,720 4,689 ' 2.06 31 262 1,764 4,830 2.72 Juue T 252 1,764 4,827 2.72 I'l 253 1,765 4,730 2.68 21 265 1,775 4,638 2.63 28 255 1,785 4,501 2.54 July 5 256 1,785 4,262 2.39 „ 12 256 1,785 4,0.54 2.27 10 247 1,729 3,910 2.26 26 247 1,729 3,832 2.21 August 2 237 1,659 3,739 2.25 ,, 9 237 1,659 3,658 2,20 10 lie 1,239 2,488 1.76 111 1,458 1.89 ','. 3'' 111 1,431 1.85 September C 13 111 111 777 1,405 1,403 1.82 1.82 30 111 777 1,418 1.82 27 111 777 1,443 1.88 October 4 111 1,414 1.82 11 111 777 1,3.39 1.73 IS 111 777 1,359 1.74 100 739 1,338 1.82 November 1 100 700 1,266 1.8 8 92 644 1,190 1.82 15 92 G44 1,121 1.74 22 92 C44 1,060 1.64 92 644 983 1.52 December 0 90 030 987 1.56 13 79 1 578 1,087 2.09 ,, 20 78 546 1,099 2.19 73 511 1,076 2.1 Total . 1 57,334 139,7465 2.44 good deal of the labour for which, as a cheese or butter farmer, ho has hitherto had to pay. But it is right to warn any one who thinks to bc'.4in dairying near town in any locality where the industry is new, that his labour-bill will bo a very great dillicuUy in his way. I need not, however, illustrate this at any greater length. Enough has been said to show that the profits of the honest wholesale cow-keeper are earned with difficulty. J. C. Morton, in ihe "Journal of the A'jri- llural Society of England." DEEP CULTIVATION. iiy able paper on_this subject was lately read_ by Mr. Withers, before the Butloy Farmers' Club, from which make the following extracts.] It must bo quite evident to every one that some cultivation, some kind of stirring of the soil, is indis- pensably necessary for the growth of all kinds of grain and roots, independent of the manure which may be applied. And, however varied may be the difference of opinion as to whether the depth of cultivation should be 2 or 3 inches or 10 or 20, yet certain I am that all are agreed on this one point — that some depth of stirring, some kind of cultivation, is really necessary. But before looking into the shallow ploughing of the farm, let us take a mental survey of spade cultivation, as practised and carried out most efTectually by the nurseryman and the market gardener, the cottage gardener, the farmer when making use of the spade, and also the ploughman. The nurseryman in prepar- ing for his crops cultivates from 2 to 3 feet deep. The market gardener frequently double digs his land from 18 to 21 inches deep. The labouring man, in his allotment ground or his garden, never thinks to cultivate less than 10 or 12 inches deep. The farmer for surprise that the spade should surpass the plough, inasmuch as witli the spade the callus is broken up, while with shallow ploughing it still remains unbroken, and has a tendency to become still harder. There are various methods of breaking up this callus, which is pretty well known to most of us, viz., with the subsoil plough, but perhaps the best and most effectual mode of doing it would be by men with four-grained forks. This would of course cost double that of horse-labour. I have not myself done much with the subsoil plough for some years past, and if anyone would think to im- firove the depth by snbsoiling I should advise, if the and is wet, to drain beforehand, as I know from experience that injury might be done by snbsoiling undrained wet lanil. It will cause an inlet to more water, with no means for its escape, which must re- main stagnant in the land, and prove injurious to the growing crops. Some years ago I had to do with a very wet farm, which had not then been drained. Prom hearing and reading of the good effects of snbsoiling I resolved on giving it a fair trial for myself. I accordingly sub- soiled every alternate ridge or land of a whole field, while fallowing for Turnips, the two ploughs stirring the soil about 10 inches deep. This, I believed, would be attended with a two-fold beneficial result, both in producing more crop, and also in rendering the land, which was wet, much drier ; but to my great astonish- ment I found that the Turnip crop was not so good on the subsoiled lands, and the land a great deal wetter than the parts not subsoiled. Indeed, so wet were the subsoiled lands that it was with difhciiUy that the Turnips could be fed off on those lands, and a very marked difference there was in working the land to produce a seed bed for the Oat crop. I was at first somewhat puzzled to account for this, forgetting at the timothat it was a retentive and not a porous subsoil, _/_; _ turally nor artificially drained. I had not assisted nature by draining the wet subsoil, hut had done the reverse l^ making a larger basin to hold the water, or in other words had stirred the soil so deeply, giving an inlet to more water and making no provision at the same time for its The true significance of these figures will perhaps better appear if the amounts which they indicate for 12 months be taken out. In the Table accordingly I have given the quantity of milk produced in 12 mouths, dividing it by the number of days of a cow milked during these" 12 months ; and so representing the average daily produce of the cow during the whole year. nding September 27 October 25 November 29 December 27 67 weeks 1.39,746} himself when making use of the spade insists on its being thrust into the soil to the depth of 10 or 12 inches, [ and that ^t^was neither while the cultivation with the plough is only about 5 inches, or frequently not more than 3 or -1. The ploughman, when making use of the plough, is opposed to deeper cultivation than above stated, and thinks it would be an injury to the land and to the crops to cultivate deeper. But give the same man a patch of escape, ground to cultivate for himself with the sjjade, and I I do not make use of these remarks to deter any one will venture to say he will invariably dig his land from subsoiling or cultivating deep, but only to prove 10 or 12 inches, or three times the depth of his own ' that draining should go before subsoiling on wet land ; ploughing in the same field. both should go together, and they will assist each other, Now, I cannot conceive why land should be cultivated and work harmoniously together, but draining must 10 or 20 inches deep with the spade, and only 4 or 5 take the lead, and I believe that many have condemned 67,334 I fear that these figures (let alone the fact which we may infer from them, that disastrous losses, if not from cattle plague, from pleuro-pneumonia and from foot-and-mouth disease, are pos-ible) are not par- ticularly encouraging. We have been receiving 1*. 5rf. to Is. Sil. the barn-gallon— i.e., from 2Jrf. to '2'.d. per quart— for this milk upon the farm. We have been paying more than Is. a week per cow for cowmen ; the grains and meal and hay consumed, with Grass at IS.'. a ton cut and delivered at the cowhouse, have cost 9s. to 12s. weekly ; the loss on sales has been at least 2s. a week per cow. and taking rent of sheds into account, the cow has cost more than from 13s. to los. a week. It is plain that wherever the average yield throughout the year falls below 10 quarts a day, there must be a loss, if the cowkeeper does not receive a higher price than I have named. The dairy-farmer who disposes of his milk at the nearest station for td. a quart, makes perhaps more of it than he could by cheese or butter, and he saves a with the plough, and I believe it would puzzle a conjuror to give a good reason why such should be so. But it.might be said that the nurseryman cultivates deep because he has to do with deep-rooted plants, and that those plants will not thrive so well without deep cultivation, and the same also would apply to the market gardener, but what reason the ploughman would give for diggirg deep and ploughing shallow I cannot tell, except that he might say deep ploughing made harder work for his team. And while the nurseryman and the gardener could give a good reason why they chose deep cultivation, I cannot understand how many farmers could bring forward any good reason why they choose the reverse, and cultivate shallow, or in other words, why they prefer shallow to deep plough- ing. It cannot be from the fact of their having only to do with shallow-rooted plants. It is a known fact, which can be proved, that the roots of Wheat grow 5 or 0 feet deep into the soil, the roots of Oats nearly as deep, or even deeper. And I have here part of the root of a Clover plant, which one of my men dug up in a Clover field a few weeks ago, measuring 3 feet 4 inches in length. I have also the root of a weed (red Poppy) measuring nearly 3 feet in length ; and with such facts we scarcely can bring forward any good reason why preference should be given to any cultivation, but we might, with the nurseryman, give good reasons for cultivating deep. The greater portion of the crops grown by the farmer make a more rapid growth downwards than the plants grown by the nurseryman ; few of their plants would throw their roots 5 or 0 feet deep in one season. And it is, I think, a question for consideration as to whether deep cultivation is really more needful to the market gardener for the production of fine crops of vegetables, than to the farmer for the growth of great crops of corn and roots on the farm. Some farmers plough their land 3 inches deep, others 4 or 5, and if shallow ploughing is better than deep, why not make it still more shallow ; but if deep cultivation is better than shallow, why not plough deeper and make it 8 or 9 inches deep, which can be done with one furrow, and will very nearly resemble spade cultivation? I believe that it is generally believed that spade cultiva- tion is always better than the plough. I have known a few cases when the plough and the spade have been placed in competition, and the palm of victory has always been given to the spade. If we examine the work of the two implements, we find that the plough with other horse implements, is not inferior in its work to the spade, except in depth of cultivation, and it is depth and that alone which constitutes the difference of effect in produce, and here alone is the secret of difference between spade and plough cultivation. I am not myself prepared to say how deep the land should be cultivated; but I have seen astonishing results in corn growing with very little manure, and on very poor land from 4 feet deep draining, and 18 inches cultivation. Now, if we examine the ploughed land in this neighbourhood, by digging up the bottom of the furrow, where shallow ploughing has been practised, we shall find a crust or callus at the bottom of the furrow ; this crust or callus, which is generally about 2i or 3 inches in thickness, has doubt- less been formed' by the pressure of the horses' feet, and most probably has remained unbroken for this last century, or perhaps two. It Is, therefore, no matter it from the reasons which I have stated. I will now give up the subject of subsoiling to more able hands, and will state my own practice of deep cultivation without the aid of subsoiling, it being, in my opinion, a system more or less adapted to all kinds of land, either wet or dry, drained or undrained, but perhaps least applicable to the very light soils of this part of the country. The system, then, which I have practised for some years past on the land in my occupation is as follows : The land having been previously ploughed shallow, or about 4 or 5 inches deep, and the callus immediately underneath it being found to be about 21 or 3 inches in thickness, I put four horses on the plough and break it up 8 or 9 inches deep, and in this way break up the callus without stirring the subsoil, and with- out the aid of the subsoil plough. If the land is shallow in surface soil, I make it deeper by deep ploughing, believing that to make it deeply rich it must be deeply cultivated. The best time to commence this deep ploughing is during the winter months, while fallowing for the root crop, &c. The newly-broken soil then becomes mellowed by the winter frost and the changes of weather, and in a fit stata to become mixed with the other part of the furrow-slice in the after-plou|hings during the spring and summer months. 1 know there is a notion abroad that where land is more deeply cultivated more manure is required, but this is a notion without any foundation or truth on its side ; and it does not follow because land is more deeply cultivated that more manure must be applied, and it has been proved in many cases that the same quantity of manure will produce far better results with deep cultivation; and the parthal failure often arises, not from a want of manure, but from the want of a greater depth of cultivated soil to cause that manure to produce its full effects in the land. If we refer to the Journal of the Eoyal Agricultural Society for the reports of the inspection committee deputed by that Society to inquire into the results of steam cultivation in various counties in England, we find the depth there frequently quoted by those gentlemen to be 12 inches. And while speaking of the benefits derived in crops, it is often mainly attributed to deep cultivation. Although we have not this steam horse yet to depend on, we can deepen our cultivation by sometimes putting on an extra horse to the plough, and insist on the land being more deeply ploughed, and in this way improve the depth of cultivation, while we prepare our fields for the full play of the steam cultivator. Even the thin land on the chalk I believe might be improved by gradually deeper cultivation ; and where there is a good depth of surface soil on the chalk, I believe it might be at once nearly doubled in depth to great advantage. Itisnot,however,suiricient to lell the ploughman to cultivate to such a depth. Some one must superintend the work and see that it is done. We must follow the plough with the rule in hand, and that often, to ensure this deep cultivation. As we are, I think, more apt to learn through the eye than tbe ear— in fact, whatever is seen often makes a deeper impression than what is heard or read-I have, there- fore, taken the liberty of calling your attention to some plants of Wheat, which I have dug up in a field w here he ridging or ploughing for Wheat >fter Clover was at the least 7 inches deep ; tore I have fo»nf '1^'^ ™»'^ had already gone through the cultivated earth, though the manure las buried'at the bottom of the furrow. GGS THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE [June 20, 18CS. and our 6 inches into the land below, where the plough had not cultivated. I produce these facts l)ecause many people have an idea if the manure is buried deep in the land that the benefit of that manure is lost to the Wheat crop, oi whatever may be there growing. I believe that one of the chief features in agricultural improvements now is deep cultivation. This, together with good draining, more cfteusive chalking, the removal of timber and useless hedgerows and fences, offers a very wide field for improvement ; indeed, so great is the change made in this way, that some of the laud in my own imme- diate neighbourhood could be nearly doubled in value thereby. It would be beneficial to both owner and occupier, would give rise to additional productive employment to the labourer, and produce food for the consumer, and at the same time would be paving the way, as so many stepping stones, for steam cultivation. There is a saying that " property has its duties as well as its rights," and if there was the good feeling and improving spirit both in landlord and tenant which should always e.tist, there would now be no occasion for men, strong and willing, to be wandering for employment; and far better it would be to put such men in a position to help themselves, by finding pro- ductive employment, than to relieve them by acts of charity when in distress. As I have somewhit digressed from the subject, I will again return to it, in conclusion, by holding up the model — the market garden— for dry, deep, and clean cultivation, in order that we may reap the same abundant crops. I will now, gentlemen, leave the subject in your hand, thanking you for a patient hear- ing, and trusting that you will give us freely the benefits of your experience and ideas, whether favourable to, or aganist deep cultivation. AGEICULTUIIAL MEMOEANDA. (1). Good farming is bringing out the capabilities of land, whether it be good, bad, or indifferent in quality, but with a profit to the cultivator. If the produce, on an average of seasons, will not pay the cultivator, and something over, either the farming is not good or the land is not worth cultivating. We often see gentle- men farmers getting heavy crops, but at a loss. To ensure success requires a knowledge of the soil, the climate, and the markets, besides experience in the management of labour, both by men and horses. But I see practical men every year make great mistakes by performing operations when the soil is out of order. A farmer requires patience and perseverance — patience when the soil is out of order for operat- ing on, and the iveather adverse in harvest ; perse- verance and energy when the weather, &c., is favour- able. We see great mistakes made almost every year, at both hay and corn harvest, from want of patience or want of knowledge. Gentlemen farmers generally make their losses by the mismanagement of labour, as this is a heavy item in the management of an arable farm. Good farming is being able to pay a fair rent and make good profit. A farmer may have losses by such accidents as the plague or other diseases, and adverse seasons, and which are not to be calcu- lated upon. There are many cases of real good farming in the country, in both the arable and other depart- ments of farming, and which may be seen, read of, and imitated by any one who has the means, the will, and the knowledge. A man may learn something sometimes by going to see a farm cultivated at a loss. Such men as Mr. Mechi do a great deal of good in the country, whether they make profit or not, as such active spirits set men thinking, talking, and writing on the subject. He is continually making experiments which are of great service to the farming world. Many doubt his making profit by his fai-ming. I believe he does now, but I do not believe he did for many years after he first commenced ; but whether lie makes profit or not he has done great good. He has made a piece of very bad land very productive. (2). The last time I was here the Cheshire farmers were in great trouble on account of the cattle plague, and I am sorry to say they are not exempt from losses by another complaint. The lung complaint has cleared out two shippons of about 20 cows each in my neigh- bourhood, both of which were cleared out in 18GG of the same number. What will be the end of this it is impossible to say. If this and the plague can be kept off, I should say to the Cheshire dairy farmers, stick to your dairying, but try every means to make good cheese. If some can do this, surely all might learn to do so. I do not believe all that is said about this article being so much inferior to what it was 50 years ago. There weroadeal of inferior then, quite asmuch as now in proportion to the quantity made. I do believe that the richer a pasture is, the more difficult it is to make a good full-milk cheese. I gather this from what my father told me. In my time no cheese has been made on my native farm, but in his time tiiere had, Part of the farm was good land, and had been marled in his time. The cows, he said, went on the better land for a week together sometimes, and when they did so there was always a greater difficulty in making full-milk cheese— that is, cheese with all the butter in it. Every dairy farmer should try to make a perfect article, and the husband should assist the wife to find out the art of making it, just the same as he does to get good crops. If both are determined, I believe they will succeed. If the Americans can make a first-class article at their factories, where the milk comes from so many farms at different distances, surely any one might make as good an article with the milk on his own premises. Men generally do best in the business they have been brought up in, and particularly after arriving at middle age. (3). Wherever I go, taking the entire country, the Grass land, whether old or new laid down, is generally in bad cultivation. But half-cultivated Grass land is certainly not so ruinous to the farmer as half-culti- vated arable land. I think it is very unwise to break up any Grass laud, however bad, except it be intended to do full justice to it in its cultivation. Half crops cannot pay, for very obvious reasons. (4). From observations of the last 60 years, I think there is very little laud anywhere where tlie full benefit which can be obtained from it can be fully developed without the application of calcareous earth iu some shape or other, either in lime, bones, or marl. The two former require the least labour, and on an average are tho least costly. This will depend where the lime or marl can be got. For light weak soils marl is decidedly the best, and lime next. I know of upwards of 1000 acres of land of this description which has a gold mine under it, and lies within 3 to 10 feet of its surface, and yet neither landlord nor tenants make any use of it. My friend Dixon said bones did no good in Hopwood, but that lime did wonders. Hopwood is mostly a light peaty soil on clay or sand, or a mixture of both. I have only known two instances where bones werj useless ; in both cases it was light sand and gravel. On Mr. Dixon's farm, at Ashley, both acted well, either sepa- rate or together. I have known many instances where lime has done no good, but it was where the land was either very wet, or where frequent applications had been made, and no manure had been ajiplied between the dressings of lime. Producing cheese robs the land of a certain substance, and bones appear to supply that substance. Supposing lime could do the same, then the question is, which is the cheapest ? My advice is, try experiments on a part of a field with various descriptions of manure, side by side, and value for value, and on different descriptions of soil. A single rod of each is sufficient to try experiments. (5). Farmers should be always trying experiments, as farming is a business in which a man may learn all his life. When I began farming I thought I was far cleverer than my father, and that I knew ever; thing that was necessary in the cultivation of land. But now, after the experience of so many years, I every year see something that is new and useful, either in the cultivation of some description of land, in the management of stock, or of landed property in general. Therefore, never think yourselves learned in the management of land. Upwards of 30 years ago I was an under-agent over some landed property in North Lancashire, the landlord of which was draining it. The land lay in a hilly district and in a wet climate. A widow woman, one of the tenants, would not have her farm drained unless it were limed, and she was willing to pay a percentage on the lime. Well, I thought her wrong, but she was right. All the farms were in Grass, and the produce was converted into milk and butter. It was proved that land for grazing purposes, whether clay or sand, and if wet and poor, it would produce more and bettor herbage undrained than when drained, except it be limed, boned, or manured ; but if any of these are applied, the draining should by all means be done. On that estate I saw land made almost barren by draining, and no kind of fertilisers applied. Both lime and bones acted well when drained. Mostly lime was applied. I was over the estate two or three years ago, and one field of naturally dry land, but not a good soil, which had been limed 31 years ago, showed cleared the good effects of the lime, but the field had not been either mown or ploughed since the liming. (6). There is no developing the qualities of land without suiSoient capital. Many farmers, with half the quantity of land they occupy and the same capital, if judiciously applied, would make more clear profit. Guano and other artificials, or light manures, are all exceedingly useful and valuable when used in a proper manner, and to crops suitable. I do not think much of tbein for ecru, as they feed the straw more than the grain, I fancy, except they have something of the nature of bones in their composition, which I think is not the case with guano. All artificials act on plants as drink does on man. I am aware of one or two farms made very poor by the constant application of them and too little of the substantials. For Clover and Grass land they do well, but the best farmers I know have begun to mix guano with fine ground bones for their Clover roots and Turnips, and with a good effect — the bones assisting the Clover very much. According to my own experience, and what I have seen, guano will only benefit a crop one year on very light land ; but on strong soils its effects are seen longer ; but all manures act the longest on strong soils, as I suppose their virtue does not sink or evaporate so soon as on very light land. In Cheshire you have districts of light land, and also of strong clay, and fine deep loams. With our dense population in Lanca- shire, I believe the first will make most clear money under arable cultivation, if properly carried out, making Potatos a very prominent crop, such as taking two Potato crops in one rotation. This crop produces no manure, of course — this article must come from the towns, for it will not do to supply the deficiency with guano or artificials alone. They may assist. (7). My idea of a dairy farm is, that all the hay, straw, roots, Ac,, a considerable portion of the corn required for the stock, should be raised on the farm ; because even a dairy farm cannot be carried on with- out horses, and tho>e horses should be employed, A farm of from 40 to 50 Cheshire acres would employ a pair of horses to raise the necessary root and corn crops. From all the crops being consumed on the farm they would only require a certain quantity of bones, or bones and guano, to supply the waste by the cheese disposed of This is supposing the farm to be in high condition to start with. A farm of 50 Cheshire acres of fair average land ought to keep 30 dairy cows, and raise every year half-a-dozen young cattle, besides the pair of horses. I think the following rotation for such a farm would be profitable : 1st, Oats ; 2d, root crops ; 3d, Wheat or Oats ; -Ith, Beans in drills, manured with bones, or bones and guano mixed; oth, Oats seeded down for two years at least. A good pair of horses would manage 4 Cheshire acres of root crops well, besides the other crops and work. Thus a farm of 40 acres would have one half under arable crops, one of 50 acres two-fiths under arable cultivation. The best part ot such a farm might be permanent meadow or pasture. Permanent meadow requires a dressing of manure every second year to keep up its fertility. (8), I advise every farmer to keep strict accounts, but they should be as simple as possible. They ought to be kept so that any one with a common understand- ing, and can read writing and figures, could under- stand them. I do not believe there is one farmer in a hundred who would understand the double-entry system without a very great deal of instruction. The simplest and the only necessary books for a farmer are a journal and a cash-book. But I should say, never neglect keeping a strict and correct cash-book. If you only buy a glass of ale, or sell an egg, enter them at night. At the end of every year pick out all the items under every head, both of the debtor and creditor sides, and enter thein as a summary of the year's accounts. Mr. EothwM before the Over Farmers' CM. LEGUMINOUS PASTURE PLANTS. The common saying that all flesh is Grass is often supposed to be verified in the flesh of herbivorous animal i, for it is a popular notion that the bright verdure of our meadows and pastures is due alone to that great natural order, Graminaceaj, and, conse- quently, that from this class of plants alone do our cattle derive their sustenance. The Grasses arc undoubtedly a most imriortant order of plants both to the farmer and stock-keeper, as we have before shown in a paper devoted to their consideration, but amongst the true Grasses are mixed up many most important fodder plants belonging to totally different botanical families as well as to totally different sections of the great vegetable world such plants are am- biguously called in agricultural language "artificial Grasses." It is, however, remarkable that the best known and most highly valued forage plants, next to the true Grasses themselves, all belong to one natural family, and that family is, perhaps, second only j to any in its value and importance to man. Thus the Clover, Lucerne, Sainfoin, and others whose names I are as household words to the farmer, are all ' members of the natural ordci' Leguminosa;. As regards the relative value of diU'erent forage plants, a divided opinion exists among agriculturists; some consider Lucerne preferable to Clover, while others take a contrary view. Much, however, of the success or failure of the various plants depends on the position of the pasture and the nature of the soil. The Clover genus (Trifolinm) is represented in Britain by 20 species, among the most important of which in an agricultural point of view is the Red Clover (Trifolinm prateuse), with its several varieties— the White or Dutch Clover (T. repens), the Zigzag or Cow-grass (T. medium), the Crimson (T. incarnatum), and the Hop Trefoil or Yellow Clover (T. procumbens). TrifoUum prateuse is frequent in meadows and pastures and on way-sides all over England, its geo- graphical range extending throughout Europe and Central and Northern Asia, from the Mediterranean to the Arctic Circle. Its cultivation in this country is said to have been introduced from Belgium by Sir Richard Weston in the year 1045. There is no doubt that it was cultivated on the Continent long previous to that date. In its wild state the Red Clover grows to about a foot iu height, but under cultivation it often attains a much larger size. Its well known ffower-heads are made up of numerous small sessile flowers, the calyx of whi'-h has five sepals, four of equal length, and the lower ouo, longer, has a thick hairy ring round the throat; the corolla is papi- lionaceous, or butterfly-shaped. Clover in its wild_ or natural state is a perennial plant, but under cultivation it does not last many years, and consequently the seed has to be sown in spring to produce a good crop for hay the following season. To supply the great demand for this seed in England, large quantities are imported from Holland and Belgium. Our own climate is too moist to produce a good supply, though it is neverthe- less collected in some quantities. In 1866 as many as 226,014 cwt, of Clover seed was imported, but during the past year the returns show only 150,968 cwt. ; this, together with that collected from our own pastures, seems an immense quantity to be annually used. In England, when Clover is required for its seed, the first or spring crop is taken off either by cattle or by mowing, the second or autumn crop being allowed to ripen its seeds. It should not be cut till the pods become quite brown, an indication that the seeds are perfectly ripe, and after cutting it is left on the field to become dry and crisp, and consequently the seeds to harden, for in the act of removal while green they would be liable to be crushed and the embryos injured. After removal from the field the crop, of course, can be laid in a dry place to be threshed at any time. Clover when cultivated for seed is a diffi- cult and troublesome crop. Excessive autumnal rains and blight are both very injurious to the proper development of the seed, and Clover is very liable to attacks of blight, mildew, slugs, worms, &c. The Red Clover, which will grow in almost any soil so long as it is not too wet, prefers a deep sandy loam ; it likes a temperate climate, neither very hot nor yet very cold. When cultivated for its seed it should be grown in a dry soil and a tolerably warm temperature, but as a forage plant a warm and moderately moist season is the most productive. In some parts Clover seed previous to being sown is steeped either iu oil or water, and then mixed with gypsum, which preserves June 20, 1863.] THE GAT^DENEKS' CTTRONTCLE AKT) AGETrTlLTimAL GAZETTR 669 it Iroiu llio attacks of iaseots. It is usually sown in spring, some time between February and May, or in tbe autumn from August to October. Clover and Rye- grass seeds are ofteu mixed together and sown with spring Wheat, Barley, &c. ; but unless the ground is well broken up Clover will not flourish ; indeed the roots of former crops^ which may not have been quite exterminated, much impede its growth. The quantity of seed required per acre varies, as all agriculturists know, considerably, according to the kind of soil it is sown in, as well a.s for the purposes for which the crop is required — as, for instance, green pasturage, hay, &c. With regard to the nutritive value of the Red Clover, Sir Humphrey Davy, who made an analysis (the quantity being 1000 parts), gave the following as the result:— Soluble, or nutritive matter, 39 ; mucilage, or starch, 31 ; saccharine matter, 3 ; gluten, 2 ; extract (matter rendered insoluble during evaporation), 3. Loudon says one acre of Red Clover is equal to three of ordinary pasture for horses or black cattle, and the hay is reckoned 15 to 20 per cent, more valuable than the same weight yielded by the best meadow land. Clover seed has occasionally been used in times of scarcity as a substitute for flour for making bread; in the north of Europe the flower-heads are boiled in alum, or sulphate of iron, for dyeing wood of a green colour. The Ti^hite or Dutch Clover (T. repens) is very com- mon in almost every meadow and plot of Grass in England ; it is also found throughout Europe and Rus- sian Asia, and by long cultivation is common in most temperate regions of the globe. When this species first came into cultivation is not quite certain. It does not, however, seem to have been known as an a:;ricultural plant even in the 17th century. Gerarde, in his "Herbal," speaks of a Tre- foil which answers the description of this species, and which was sown in the fields of the Low Countries. The plants extend themselves by their creeping stems, which root at the joints, throwing up fresh leaves and forming a thick turf. So rapid is their growth that it is said a single seedling has been known to cover a square yard of ground during one season. The White Clover is a perennial plant, producing its well-known white flower-heads all through the summer. It is usually seen but a few inches above the ground, thickly clothed with its triple deep green leaves, each leaflet bearing a dark spot. The pod contains from two to four seeds. In favourable situations it grows to a foot or more in height. This species is valuable for perma- nent pastures, and when sown with Rye-grass it gives good crops for many years. The seeds are capable of retaining their vitality for a considerable length of time after being buried in the ground, so that the plants sometimes make their appearance on freshly cul- tivated ground, after the remembrance of the previous crop has long since died away. The flowersofthe White Clover abound with honey, as may be seen from the quantities of bees which are always hovering round them during the summer months. In times of scarcity, both in Scotland and Ireland, the flowers and pods have been ground into a kind of flour, and the bread made from it, thougli coarse, has been considered very wholesome and nutritions. Trifolium repens is by some considered to be identical with the Shamrock of Ireland, in which country the plant is believed to be of comparatively recent introduction. The Wood Sorrel, however, and indeed any plant possessing triple leaves, as these two plants do, are equally liable to be claimed as the Irish emblem. The Cow or Zigzag Cheer (T. medium) differs from T. prateuse in its looser heads of flowers, which are likewise somewhat larger, and more of a purple colour. It is a perennial plant, remaining in flower from July to August, and is common in .some districts on road- sides and in dry pastures. This spesies is extremely difficult to exterminate from land when once it has taken possession, owing to its long creeping roots : it is, therefore, suitable only for permanent pastures ; it has the advantage of yielding a good crop on poor land, where the Red Clover would scarcely grow. With regard to its nutritive qualities there has been much dispute ; some aflirm that it does not give more than half the nutriment of T. pratense. A species now much cultivated for forage is the Alsike Clover (T. hybridum) ; it is common in Northern and Central Continental Europe, where it it also much cultivated. In botanical character it is nearest allied to Trifolium repens, but it has ascending instead of creeping stems ; the flowers are incompact heads, and of a pinkish colour. With us it has not yet become naturalised, but it seems to deserve some attention, as it might prove a good forage plant. The Crimson Clover (T. incarnatum) is a soft hairy annual plant, growing aboutas high as the Red Clover; its flower-heads are either of a rich crimson or pale cream colour. In rich soils under cultivation the plant attains 2 feet in height, and the flower-heads are sometimes 2 inches long. This species, which grows wild in open places mostly near the sea in Southern Europe, appears to have been cultivated on the Continent as a fodder plant for some time. The only place where it is said to be indigenous in England is near the Lizard Point on the Cornish coast, and the variety there found, which is the same as that most comnionly occurring in a truly wild state on the Contment, has pale yellow flowers. Several varieties are known to farmers, some of which come later in the season than others. The Crimson Clover can be sown in the early part of the autumn after the gathering in of the corn crops, and as it grows very rapidly a good crop is produced in early spring at a time when other green fodder is scarce ; its removal at this time leaves the land ready for sowing spring corn. It ripens its seed more readily perhaps than anv other species cultivated, but when allowed to run to'seed it greatly impoverishes the land. Cattle are very fond of It, but they prefer it in its young state before it begins to flower. From its rapidity of growth it is a favourite with many farmers, who sow it so as to make it come in between the regular rotation crops. The Hop Clover, Trifolium procumbons of many writers, is referred by Mr. IJentham to T. agrariuiu of Linna;us. It is abundant iu Britain, but scarce in the north of Scotland ; it occurs in dry pastures, meadows, &,c., nearly all over Europe and Western Asia; it is a pro- cumbent species, the yellow flowers loosely arranged in nearly globular heads. The true Trifolium procumhens, or Lesser Clover, is a very near ally ; the stem is more slender, and conse- quently not so erect; the flowers are smaller and of a lighter colour. The plant is as common in Britain as the last-named species, and is found in similar localities as well as throughout Europe, but perhaps does not extend quite so far east or north. It is possible that both T. agrarium and T. procumhens are cultivated in this country under the one name of Hop Trefoil. Most agriculturalists are aware of the fact that what is known to them as Hop Trefoil is very variablti in its growth; this variability is generally ascribed to the kind of soil on which the crops are grown, but some of these efi'ects may probably lie duo to the substitution of one species for the other. The Hop Trefoil, as known to the farmer, is a valuable pasture plant, as all kinds of cattle appear fond of it ; it is, however, seldom sown by itself, but often with White Clover. It is a distinct plant to the Black Medick (Medioago lupulina), which farmers frequently denominate by the former name; the latter may be distinguished by its curled or twisted pod, while the Trifolium has a small straight one-seeded pod, partly covered with the remains of the dried flowers. The slender Trefoil (T. filiforme) is ascarce plant iu Britain. Mr. Bentham says it is probably confined to south-eastern England, starved states of T. procumhens having been frequently mistaken for it. It occurs in stony pastures and waste places near the sea in Southern Europe, and is abundant on the coast of the Mediterranean, extending up Western France to the Channel. The other British species are the Hare's-foot Clover, Trifo- lium arvense; Starry Clover, T. stellatum; Sea Clover, T. maritiraum; Sulphur Clover, T. ochroleuoum; Knotted Clover, T. striatum ; Rough Clover, T. sca- brum ; Boccone's Clover, T. Boeconi ; Upright Clover, T. strictum ; Clustered Clover, T. glomeratum ; Suffo- cated Clover, T. suflboatum ; Reversed Clover, T. resu- pinnatum; Strawberry Clover, T. fragiferum ; and the Subterranean Clover, T. subterraneum. These occur more or less in different parts of Britain, but are not of suflicient value to be considered agricultural species. (To be CoiUmv.nl.) i^omc CorvesponUcucc. The Foreign Cattle Market Bill. — In some observa- tions made by the writer some six months since on Agricultural Topics, when alluding to the various efforts then proposed to keep out the cattle plague, he ventured to utter the warning, "Take care lest in straining at a gnat you swallow a camel." Well, the advice was probably unheeded or despised. The Agricultural party have strained at the gnat, and they have bolted the camel. With the best possible motives and intentions they have joined with those who are personally and pecuniarily interested in the matter of procuring a separate metropolitan market for foreign cattle, and after six months of labour they appear to be as far off from the accomplishment of their wishes as ever, and are compelled to hand over their hopes and aspirations to a future and more demooratical Parliament, with what chances of success may be imagined; whilst, at the same time, restrictions are almost entirely done away with, with regard to the movement of home cattle, and the ports are open to the unrestricted importation of foreign beasts, with very slight precautions indeed. Verily the mountain has laboured, and the mouse has come forth ! Now the writer will not yield one jot or tittle to any one of the gentlemen who have thus laboured in vain in anxious desire to ward oQ' the return of this fatal disease. His sympathies are with them, and not with the butchers and importers ; but he thinks they are mistaken, and he believes if they had bestowed one- half the labour and the pains they have devoted to this precious Bill, they would have succeeded in placing both the home and the foreign trade in a more satisfactory condition, and secured the means for keeping olT the plague. They had no right, however, to do evil, or endeavour to do it, in order that good might follow. The evil they did not hesitate to inflict was this, viz., to destroy the fair and legitimate trade of those wharves and ports where cattle had previously been imported. There was no necessity for doing this whatever, and with the threat of demands for compensation, for interests that may be injured, and no one disposed to " bell the cat," they are not likely get a future Parliament to become sponsor for their favourite Bill, which appears so opposed to the recognised and prevailing doctrines of free trade. The Privy Council had, however, the power of inforcing regulations that would have been safe and effectual without this Foreign Cattle Market Bill. The Privy Council could have required that at every port or wharf where cattle are landed, there should be means provided for slaughtering them, and that they should not be removed from such wharf until they had undergone a quarantine of a certain number of days. Thus the wharves that could not provide this accommodation would not be used for cattle importation. A single examination of a cargo of cattle immediately on their arrival, with the effects of the voyage still on them, is at best but a solemn farce. It is only after they have been restored to their normal state that an examination can be depended on, If they pass this second ordeal there is then no danger whatever from those that are not slaughtered at the wharf going into Islington market, and none can arise if cattle are not allowed to leave London alive. The quarantine will be beneficial to the animals— they will recover tlaeir health, increase in weight, and become better food. It is much better that they should bo imported at various outports than at one alone, and if cattle are only allowed to travel to London by rail, and not to return, we might then with every confidence rely that the rinderpest will either not reach us again, or if it does, that it will be snuffed out at once. B. C. S. Farm Accounts.— Though I will not be a trespasser on your space for correspondence with reference to a book that is now in the press, I should bo glad to be permitted to place before your readers the account against one ot the fields as shown in my system of " Farming Accounts" in comparison with the one iu Agricultural Gazette of 30th ult. from your correspon- dent "J. M. B." The field I have chosen was in Barley for harvest 18o6 ; a part of it was in the autumn sown in Trifolium, part in Rye, and the remainder in winter Vetches. The Rye, &o., were in due time consumed by the sheep being folded on them, the carter and cowman taking home what they required. The Rye was followed up by Wurzel, the Trifolium by Swedes, and Vetches by green round Turnips: the two former carted to homestead, the latter consumed on the ground. No. 1.— 13 A. 2 R. 6 p. ; roots and green crops for year ending iOth September, 1867 :— Oct. —Ploughing, i;. Os. 6d. ; harrow, 33. 5d. ; £. n. d. drill, 4s 17 U Nov. -Cleaning corn 039 Deo. —Threshing Barley 114 10 Jan. — „ 0 n 2 April.-Roller 0 0 7 May. — Plough, 75. 2d. ; harrow, 2s. ; drill, 2s. 7d. ; superphosphate, 2« . . ..0139 June. — Ploughing, Is. Id. ; scarifier, 8-5. 2d. ; harrow, Is. Td. ; drill, 2s. ; roller, 2s. 7d. ; Coueh, 5s. ; superphosphate, 2s. 5d. ', drags, 4s. 8(i. 1 8 0 July. — Ploughing, 19s. Bd. ; harrow, 12s. "id. : drill, 2s. : superphosphate, Is. 5d, ; Couch, \L : hedge, 6s. ; hoeing roots, 21. 6s. 3(Z. . . 5 7 11 Aug. — Plough, 3s. 7d. ; harrow, Is. 7d. ; roller, Is. 7d. ; drill. Is. Bd. ; superphosphate, 2s. ; Couch, 7s. 6d. ; hoeing, 253. 7rf 2 3 6 Sept. — Hoeing 2 10 1 Proportion of sundries .. .. .. .. .. 1 17 3 Proportion of Michaelmas money 2 10 £20 7 9 Seeds 9 4 0 Manures (purchased) .. .. .. .. .. 14 0 4 Implements, repairs, &c 4 8 6 Rent, tithe, rates, taxes, &c 20 9 0 Threshing (hired) 3 10 0 £71 19 7 Proportion of stock OKpenses .. 21 7 9 Total expenses £93 7 4 By stock account, 1867-63 £93 7 i Let us follow the field account as far as we can go in the second year of the four-course system : — £ s. d. Oct. —Taking up Wurzel 0 0 4J Nov. — Drawing and carting Mangel, 2L 10s. Cd. ; drawing and carting Swedes, 11. 17s. lOd. ; thatching Mangel heap, 7s. 2d 4 15 6 Jan. —Ploughing 068 Fob. —Ditto 0 13 10 Mar. — Plough, 16s. ; harrow, Is. 2d. ', pipes, 5s. . . 1 2 2 April.— Plough, 4s. 2d.; harrow, 6s. lli^ ; drill, 8s. id. ; roller, 2s. ; superphosphate, lOs. . 1 11 5 Hoeing .. - Reaping or mowing .. .. .. .. .. — Proportion of sundries . . . . . . . . . . — Proportion of Michaelmas money . . . . . . — £ — Seeds, including Clover .. .. .. .. ..1453 Manures (purchased) 19 14 0 Implements, repairs, &e .. .. — Threshing (hired) — Rent, tithe, rates, taxes . . — Proportion of management — Proportion of stock expenses — Total expenses £ — Cr. By — qr. — bush. Barley at —/ £ — It will be observed that the first portion of the account is taken up with the several amounts paid each month on account of field No. 1, extracted from the monthly recapitulation of labour in the diary or journal, then hoeing, reaping, or mowing. The next item, " propor- tion of sundries : " this sum becomes chargeable thus :— Every month there are various jobs required to be done on the farm, but which we cannot charge to any particular field, are in monthly diary entered under head of sundries; the sums are kept together in one account, and divided in proportion to acreage over the whole farm. Michaelmas, or hiring money, if any, in the same way. Seeds and manurespurchasedare charged as actually used. Rent, &c„ implements, repairs, &o., are charged per acreage. We now come to the last item, "proportion of stock expenses." In tho stock account we have lo7l. IU. Irf. as against the farm; in this instance this sum is distributed over the arable acreage only, as tho meadows require but little horse labour, the after-feed not being charged for. In cases where the meadows are feed, the full value is charged to stock account, crediting the field with the amount. Alex. Jemmett, Murrell Mill Farm, Binfield, Berlcs. Irish Agriculture,— "Fingal" and I are so nearly agreed that I wish to set him right iu his view, that 1 am opposed to leases. On the contrary, whenever a tenant is good, I am strongly in favour of a lease lor 21 years, at the real value of the farm. Having been brought up in the midst of good farming in i^ngland and having long farmed near 1000 acres in Ireland, I am clearly of opinion that money is more easily made 670 THE GAKDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE, [JiTNE 20, 1868. by farming iu Ireland than in England. The difficulty about leases in Ireland is not with good tenants, but with bad ones, i.e., with nine - tenths of the present tenant class, and the dilBculty is increased by the desire of the tenants to get an advantage both as to the amount of rent and length of term, without any equivalent for such advan- tage. A lessor is bound by a lease to the utmost, not only of the letter and spirit, but to every shadow of an imaginary equity that the ingenuity of an attorney can invent ; and the lessee practically is not bound a't all, more than ho would be as a yearly tenant. He is no mark for costs or damages, often not for the rent. So, if times are bad, or troubles from his own neglect come, or on the first difference with his landlord — perhaps wholly arising from his own fault— the land- lord IS at once at his mercy. The best of the stock, &c., IS made away with, the rent is withheld, the buildings are wrecked, and the landlord is well pleased if ho gets his farm back without a lawsuit and \yithout having the lease assigned to a pauper. It is odd that your paper of the same day supplies the clearest illustration by another correspondent, of the diBiculties an Irish landlord has to meet with a lease against him. "J. C.," in commenting on a remark of mine, that "every bad tenant knew how to whip the soul out of land" (by which I did not mean to imply that in every depth there is not a lower deep still, and that badly as an Ignorant, bad tenant, may use land, it is not possible for a bad tenant, with a smattering of knowledge, to use it worse), describes how he scourged a farm once for a number of years. Without a lease, two seasons are the most that such a process can go on ; and where a landlord knows his business, and has May and November, instead of March and September lettings, and keeps his eye on doubtful subjects, it can only go on for one season. That the common run of Irish tenants farm better with a lease than without one, I believe is a mere assertion, incapable of proof. I believe their farming well or ill depends on other causes,— the character of the landlord of the tenant himself, whether the management of the estate is business-like or not (arrears allowed will ruin any tenants), whether iu past years fair chances of getting rid of bad tenants have been used, and the land given to the better sort. I have had many leases. One over /O years old fell in last year. Two tenants had about 30 acres each of the land. One was as thriving a man as I know; the other, having been half starved for years, and sold long ago every head of stock down to the pig, fairly gave up a month before the lease fell in. 1 have a number of leases for .51 year.?, at very mode- rate rents. I defy any one walking over the estate to say where there are leases and where not. Fifteen years ago I bought an estate a few miles off. Adjoiniu" it IS one of about the same size, on which the owner" ten years before, had given leases of 3000 years, at lovv rents. It was thought I charged high reuts ; but my men are now far better off than the others. A single field of U acres reclaimed, is all the improvement ever made since I have known it on the other estate, e.«ept what I did for them in sinking the outfall between the two estates for near a mile in order to dry my own, to which they steadily refused to give a shilling, or the labour of a man to help, though they gained by it enorraou.sly. Two other estates not far off have been let for 200 years. I shall be glad to show my estate ag.imst them. Of course, many instances can be found of tenants with leases thriving, and I can show as many of tenants thriving without leases. I do not doubt, too, that instances can be found of estates on which there were no leases, and the tenants did badly, but have since done better on leases being granted. It will be found, however, that simulta- neously with the granting of leases there has been a change of management of the estate also. And here, again, there is no trouble in finding as many cases where the change of management without leases has produced the same result. The upshot is (what I said at the beginning of this correspondence), common sense and business ideas on the part of both land- lords and tenants, one just as much as the other are what we want in Ireland, instead of feudal nonsense and claims derived by regular descent Jrom Jjrian Boroihm. Let there be leases by all means to good tenants, and to all others, as soon as they show they are fit for them ; but, to expect land- lords to tie themselves hand and foot in order to give bad tenants more power to injure them, is silly Men do not choose to remember that, though there are many honest, industrious fellows among tenants there are as many thorough idle schemers as the world ever saw, and a still larger careless class, whose idea is to be secure with a lease, in order to take the world easy on potatos and milk, and assume some of the a or !? hnlf "Qip" rTiu.^».v ;- +l._ 1, i 1 . . . half Sir. There is the same fatal objection to leases to these classes that there is to fixity of tenure and Mr. Mill s peasant proprietors. They would all .lust stereotype.the faults and vices of the bad tenants V'-' of tlie ,niajority of the present tenant class. An J-nsn Ijandlord. Societies. EOT.iL DtJBLIN Unnual Report). ~kii\x^ gensral meeting of this Society held June 4, the Hon. Judge Kelly, LL.D,, m the Chair, the following report was read, viz. :— The Council have much pleasure in congratulating the bociety on the efficiency and prosperity of the great institution over which they have been appointed to preside, as compared with its condition for some years past. The increased income derived from the accession of new members has enabled the Council to give liberal grants out of the private funds to the several departments of the Society, but especially to that devoted to agriculture, which has thus been more largely endowed than heretofore, and which is at present in a highly advantageous position. The Society was then congratulated on the honours they received during the last session by visits from the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Lord-Lieutenant and family, and other distinguished personages. After commending the character of the Spring Cattle Show, and the collection of implements, matters of present and future importance were taken up. The LABOKiTOEY, LiBHAKY, AND MuSEUiT. With regard to the laboratory, the Council have to report that upon the recommendation of the Com- mittee of Agriculture they have appointed Ur. J. E. Emerson Reynolds as analyst, and have sanctioned a scale of fees for agricultural analyses to be performed by him for the members and the agricultural associates of the Society. The arrangements for the accommo- dation of all classes of readers in the library have been rendered more complete by the recent addition of a special room set apart for the accommodation of ladies, many of whom avail themselves of the privilege. The upper apartment of the Museum of Natural History is now open to the public on every Monday, Wednes- day, Friday, and Saturday from 11 to 5 o'clock. It is also open on each Wednesday evening, from half-past 7 to 10 o'clock. This department has recently acquired, by purchase, two important additions— the one a collection of Fossils from Lancashire, known as the 'Lee Collection ;" the other, a valuable collection of Irish minerals,purchased from the collector, Mr. Wright, of Cork. Amongst the donations to this department is a large collection of fossils, formed by the late Admiral Jones, F.E.S., and presented to this Society by his nephew, Mr. Walter H. Jones, to whom the Society is also indebted for an extensive collection of indigenous Lichens, Mosses, Fungi, and other plants, identified and named by Admiral Jones himself, and containing copious notes on each species, the result of his observa- tions and investigations. The collection also contains a large number of microscopic slides, showing the peculiarities iu structure of each specimen of the plants examined. In consideration of the great value of this donation, the Council recommend the Society to elect Mr. Walter H. Jones as an honorary member. The Council have also purchased from Mr. Jones very large and valuable series of foreign Lichens, Fungi, and Mosses, arranged in fasouli, and named by Schimpu, Raburhorst, Hipp, Schorer, Massalongi, Augi, and other eminent investigators. The collections thus acquired will, no doubt, be regarded with much interest, and will form the nucleus of a general herbarium, long a desideratum in the institution. The subject of introducing Japanese silkworms was then referred to. The School oe Aet Continues to be conducted satisfactorily— the returns not only showing an increase in the number of students, but a larger number of prizes taken by them at the second grade examination in March last than at that of the preceding year. Thus, at this date :— 1. The number of students in the school is 333 ; number in excess of those of last year, 83. 2. The number of students successful at the second grade examination in March last was 111 ; number in excess of those of last year, 41._ 3. The number of prizes taken was 50; number in excess of those of last year, 22. i. The number of certificates taken was 114 ; number in excess of those of last year, 41. 5. The number of works sent for national competition was 197 ; number in excess of those of last year, 41. It is to be regretted that the legal arrangements connected with the Taylor Art Prizes are not as yet completed, so as to permit a prospectus of the prizes to be issued. A National Institution. The Council feel called upon to refer to certain pro- ceedings taken with reference to the formation of an Irish Art Institute," whose proposed functions, judging from the documents published by the pro- moters, are almost identical with those for which the Society has been chartered, namely, the encouragement of the useful arts and sciences in Ireland. This has been proposed to be effected— 1st, by means of the establishment of a Science and Art Department for Ireland; and 2dly, by transferring to one building the several institutions for the promotion of science and art in Dublin. As the Council observe that a Com- mission has been appointed to inquire and report upon the best means by which the first of these objects can be carried into effect, they do not think that the present would be either the time or place to express their views on this subject ; yet they cannot but refer to an important memorial signed by 217 students in the School of Art, who, apprehensive that, in the event of the establishment of a Local Depart- ment of Science and Art, their right to compete for national prizes with English and Scotch students would be taken away, have prayed the Lords of the Treasury that this valuable privilege should be con- tinued them. The Council may here observe that science students would be material sufferers by such a change, inasmuch as, if made, they would find it difficult to obtain employment by the large manu- facturers and proprietors of chemical works in England and Scotland, who would naturally prefer those who had distinguished themselves in a national rather than in a local competition. The Council, fully concurring with the views of the art students, at once forwarded to Government the memorial before referred to. With regard to that part of the proposal which suggests the removal and concentration of the several science and art institutions in one common premises, the Council do not hesitate to give their opinion that such a plan, if carried into effect, would, inde- pendently of its great costliness, be objectionable, as interfering with the independence of existing societies and institutions, and would be likely to cause frequent misunderstandings as to rights, propertv, and accom- modation, which could not fail to interfere with their efficiency. After some discussion on a pamphlet which referred to the past and future proceedings of the latter insti- tution, a feeling reference was made to the death of the late Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, M.P., who had recently been elected a member of the Council, when some new members were proposed and seconded, and two gentlemen, William Barker, M.D., and James Cread Meredith, LL.B., were nominated to fill the above vacancy in the Council. Farmers' Clubs. Newbury i Agricultural Labour.— Ai a recent meeting of this Club, Mr. Fbampton read a paper on this subject, from which wo make the following extract : — In this district we have three principal systems, namely, day-work, piece-work, and the hiring system. Day-work, so called from the men being paid by the day of from 9 to 10 hours (less in winter), is the system most carried out with us, because they are available in the generality of cases; but it is one fraught with evils, the greatest in my opinion being that we pay men by the day instead of according to to their worth. I call it a degrading system, calcu- lated to reduce the best man to the level of the worst, and to bring them again lower, having a continually degrading efl'ect ; as an able-bodied, industrious, trusty, persevering man, with a good head upon his shoulders, able and willing to turn his hand to anything, is only paid the same amount as an idle and slothful labourer who does little or no work. This I consider a system the very reverse of the one we want to instil, and one that must have a great tendency to keep down the price of labour, because rendering it so little worth. We want a system that will cause emulation, a striving each one to do his best, with a know- ledge that his efforts will be rewarded. But how is this to be attained ? I confess I know not the remedy. Individually I believe nothing can be done except iu exceptional cases, and collectively it was a great under- taking. Could any kind of class system be introduced ? I am fully aware that the opposition to any great change would be great, but I most sincerely wish some system better than the present might be found. Some, perhaps, will say, " Meet it with piece or task-work." But this you cannot entirely do. You may in many cases, but not wholly. There is a good deal of work to which you cannot conveniently apply it, particularly during the winter half of the year, but on the whole I consider it a more equitable and advantageous system than the former. It has the advantage of enabling the master to apply his labour most profitably to himself, and of giving his men the chance to earn what they can, thereby paying them according to their worth, and rewarding the best. Taken on the whole, when avail- able, I consider it far preferable to the day system. We come now to the hiring system yearly and monthly. In our own immediate district, where we lack cottages, the former is the only system we can with safety rely upon, as far as regards carters, shep- herds, boys, and all having charge of stock, becau.se without it, when summer comes, we should often be left in the lurch, as we constantly prove ; but is is full of evils, one of them being con- tinual change, an almost complete revolution year alter year, which would seldom be thought of were it not for Michaelmas. No sooner do the master and servant get into the knowledge of each other's ways. and the latter to understand the master's methods an(f his land, than Michaelmas comes and unsettles all again, and generally the same thing occurs year after year. But where we lack cottages there is also the greater evil consequent to lodging six to eight or ten boys and young fellows together, free from all restraint from their parents, and, as the law now is, almost all from their master. You may get the greater propor- tion of these steady and well-intentioned, but the chances are you will get at least one bad one, and as we know "that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump," so we may easily imagine that one bad un- principled servant amongst them will have the consequent ill effect upon the others; and this I conceive to be one reason why the relations between the employer and his hired servants are so often unsatisfactory. Were it practicable with us, and could wo feel assured of being treated fairly, I should prefer the monthly hiring system— month's wages, month's warning ; but this they will not do, the gene- rality who have tried it well find the servant generally does it with the intention of taking an unfair advan- tage when summer comes. Another evil attendant upon the hiring system is, I consider, the way in which we hire ; it is a perfect lottery. You go into a fair and hire several servants of whom you had not the slightest previous knowledge, or they of you. How can the generality of cases be expected to turn out well? Certainly you make an application for character, but how vastly you get deceived even in that. And coming to characters, I wish it were made incumbent upon all masters to give all their hired servants, whether good or bad, upon leaving, a just and written character vvbicli they must produce upon seeking another situation. We should then have them more mindful of that inestimable thing, a " good character," and should be enabled to choose those likely to suit, added to which those of bad character would'be the sufferers. Some, perhaps, will raise the objection that these would not produce their written characters; if not, we could speedily guess the meaning of it. Having entered thus far into this question of labour and its faults, let us consider what are likely to be the remedies. First and foremost, on the part of the land- lords, I think it is absolutely necessary that they should provide a sufficient number of good cottages, on or in June 20, 18G8.] THE GAllPENEES' CmONIGLE AKI) AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 671 oloso proximity to oacli farm, for the liibourers workins on it, to be let with the farm. This must, I Mmwa, be the first step. The men would then be near their work instead of havin;; to walk a mile or two every night ana moruina (oiio of mine formerly walked seven mi es every day to and fruni his work), and would also leel a greater interest in that farm, being on the spot, ine master would endeavour to do justly (kindly and fairly, yet firmly) to all, .sliowim; no unjust favour, willing to piy his men their full value, ever remembering tne labourer is worthy of his hire ; " be punctual in tne hours of labour (as a failure in this respect is not only unjust to his men but also to his neighbours), and taKe that interest in the welfare and prosperity ol, his nien, ■which is his duty; by so doing ho will do his part in endeavouring to establish that good feeling and under- stinding which is so necessary for the welfare ot eacn. Till Ibis is accomplished things will not be as they oui^lit. The men must also on their part endeavour to do their duty, and make it worth their master s while to pay them well, showing a desire to do their best on all occasions, feeling it their duty to consider then- master's interest and welfare in all things— their general indifference to the interests of their masters, and dis- trust of them being, I believe, one of the greatest laults. Theymust also remember that it is written in bcnpture, '■ If a man will not work neither shall he eat.^ ihero appears also to be an entire lack of forethought or provident spirit in them. Could we only ^.t a H state of things accomplished in this resincl we t i"iild then remove one of the greatest drawbacks and bliabts to farming in the present day. Hcl) ictus. Emi'iration, Waqes, Land. A Letter to the Editor of the E,-onomisi, May 2, 1SG8. By Professor T. E. Cliffe Leslie. This letter has received no separate publication. It has appeared, so far as we are aware, only in the number of the Economist named above; but we call attention to it hero as deserving the perusal and the study of all who are interested in the condition of the labouring man. The first point referred to is the relation of emigration to the condition of the labourer, especially in Ireland. Mr. Cliffe Leslie thus refers to this point :— " An article in the Economist two years and a-balf ago, signed by the eminent economist, Mr. Cairnes, pronounced : — " ' Wo fail to perceive .my solid imprOTement, scarcely any scn-cible improvement, in the present day labourers of Ireland, as corap-ired with their predecessors 20 years ago. Wages no doubt, have risen in money— probably, on an avcraae of the whole island, from 30 to 40 per cent. But Potatos have also risen, and in far more than this proportion. Indian Onrii is a new resource, but it is by no means as cheap as Potatos formerly wore. Tea and sugar have declined, but, on the other hand, whiskey has risen. As lor butchers' meat, it is of course as far as ever from the wildest dre-ams of the Irish peasant.' " The fact is that this rise in wages, though greater upon the whole, I think, than Mr. Cairnes estimated, is to a large extent nominal ; and, what is the main point, the advocates of emigration ascribe to it all the effects upon prices and commerce of roads, railwavs, proximity to English markets, increased demand in those markets, the equalisation of prices and the new gold mines. If emigration were the chief cause of the rise in the price of labour, how is it that it has not continued to rise with ' large and continuous emigration?' For nine years the money rate has remained stationary throughout the greater part of the island, and looking at the price of food, the real rate has considerably fallen iu the last two years, while for some important kind of labour wages have ceased altogether. Eor evidence on this subject, I must beg leave to refer to an article in 'Eraser's Magazine' of this mouth, as well as for proof that emigration from Ireland has in many cases been the consequence of a fall in wages instead of the cause of a rise ; that, in most cases, it has been the consequence of their continuing wretchedly low; and that every source of national income— wages, profits, and rent— would have been more abundant had there been less emigration, that is to say, had none of that emigration taken place which has been caused by legal impediments to the prosperity of the island, to the development of its industrial resources, and to the use of the great aids to their development afforded in the last 20 years by roads, steam, markets, education, and the ingress of a spirit of enterprise shown in emigration itself." The second point- discussed is the relation of the number of the labourers to the rise or fall of wages. Here again we make an extract ;— " The basis of the argument that emigration must have raised wages by diminishing the number of labourers, is a theory which demands scrutiny, independently of its connection with the special subject of emigration. That theory— and I know the risks run in controverting it— was lately stated in a periodical of deservedly high reputa- tion in the following terms :— " ' If it were not that there are obstinate heretics i political economy who refuse to believe that wages depend Ou the relation of the amount of the wages-fund to the number of labourers seeking employment, and who even deny the existence of an aggregate wages-fund, it would be unnecessary to do more than point out that if one section obtains more than its fair share of the fund employed in hiring labour, it must^be at the expense of the rest.' " I must avow myself one of the mcst obstinate of the heretics in question. The time is not distant when, as I venture to predict, it will be seen to be a string of mere truisms to atlirm, as I do, that there is no general fund appropriated to the hire of labour ; that labourers are paid, not out of a common fund, but by individual employers, whose means are not increased and may be diminished by a great diminution of labourers ; that no funds can be reckoned as certainly destined to bo expended in wages; that the so-called 'aggregate wages-lund can bo nothing inoro than the aggregate earnings o labourers,- iu oilier words, the sum or arithmetical total of tlieir iiiilivnliial earnings, that the result has been mistakeu for tho cause; and instead of causing wages in each particular case to be what they are, the aggregate amount of wages is the mere consequence o wages being what they are in particular cases, and amounting in the aggregate to what they do. "At present I must confine my defence ot tbese heretical propositions to a very few words. If only one labourer were left in the island, would he receive the whole of that ' aggregate wages-fund,' the ratio ol which to the number of labourers is said to deter- mine the price of labour ? Could he earn from any employer in business more than the saleable value ol his own work ? Is it not possible that be might earn even less ' AVould not the actual earnings ot this one labourer in the case supposed be the whole aggregate wages-fund ? ' Is it impossible that employers may do without labour, or find substitutes for it, instead ol raising its price if it grows scarce ? Have employers not in point of fact dispensed with labour extensively in Ireland ?— where more than half a million ot acres have gone out of cultivation since ISOO, where little more than one-fourth of an island specially adapted to root crops remains under crops, and where a startling decline has taken place in the produce of agriculture. Tho last point discussed by Professor Leslie is more directly than any other one of agricultural interest. " It has been urged," he says, " in defiance of princip es of political economy which have never, like tlie doctrine of the wages-fund, been in dispute, that Irisli tenants farm all the worse for security. . . . -Hut i assert, not without means of sustaining the assertion, that the best farmers in Ireland have leases; tliattlie actual occupiers iu the cases brought fornai-d against leases have often no leases, holding under a middleman who has the lease ; that where a small occupier vyith a lease is found doing no good, it will commonly be found also that it is near its expiration, with no chauce of renewal; that the bad habits of tenants in the exceptional cases of real security are habits engendered by general . insecurity around them; that the state of titles and of the law is enough to make occupiers timid, even under a lease; that tenants in former times were frequently chosen in the worst possible manner, and given holdings of which nothing could be made, so tlieir failure proves nothing against leases ; lastly, that tlie long absence of communication and markets is in itseit enough to account for much negligent farming liiit what at best is the logic of these opponents ot leases i Some Irish tenants farm badly, even with security ; therefore all Irish tenants should be left witiiout security. Some Englishmen likewise pick pockets when they are at liberty ; ought all Englishmen to bo, therefore, deprived of their liberty:'' Some writers make a bad use of the reasoning_ faculty ; ought all writers to he precluded from re-asoning?" We have extracted enough to make our readers curious to read the whole. Farm Memoranda. AsNiiiiiES, NE.iii Paris : Sewccje irtUisation.-On a field of about 2i acres hero, about 300 yards distance from the mouth of the great sewer, two_ portable engines are employed daily in pumping oOO cubic metres of sewage water into a receptacle. A part ol this water is applied to various crops-vegetable and cereal-and the remainder is treated with chemical agents for its purification. The former application is cSnsidered as fully confirming theopinion that sewage- water may be advantageously applied either to crops or to the direct fertilisation of the soil itself, without communicating any bad taste to the vegetable pro- ducts, or in any way vitiating .the ^»"°Y Pi°J„w sphere. It is the express opinion of M. Le Chatelier, a mining engineer engaged in the experiments of puri- fication of the sewage, that the cultivated lanas around Paris can never absorb a considerable proportion ol the sewage water; one difficulty arises from the cutting up of the land into small allotments, which increases the cost of distribution; a second, from the fact that the principal arable lands lie on high plateaux, whose slopes lie often in directions contrary to that ol the streams; and, lastly, the distance trom the sea removes the possibility of getting nd of the excess of water iu that direction. i m- t As regards the purification of sewage water, M. Le Chatelier considers sulphate of alumina as the most effective -agent. He says that by employing in small doses ferruginous sulphate of alumina obtained by treating bau.xite, a common mineral found in the south of Prance, with sulphuric acid, or by washing the ashes of the Picardy alum works, the water of the sewers may be purified almost completely, and in a relatWely short time. The quantity of sulphate of alumina required is stated to be betw-een one-fifth and two-fifths ofapoundper cubic metre of the sewage water to be purified. The average amount of impurities per cubic mfetre in the sewage water of Pans is found to be as follows : — , „,„ Mineral matter Kilogrammes 1.902 0^"'° ." O-IM m^h :; :: :: :. .. »-« Phospboricaeid »;012 Azote .. " 9^-71 Total 2- 'ill They contain iu solution carbonates of ammonia, lime, and magnesia, as well as small quantities of sulpuate of ammonia, and earthy and metallic salts. A preci- pitate of alumina and aluminate is thrown down, which also encloses light matters in suspension in the water - oxide of iron is likewise precipitated, and com- pletely neutralising the sulphuretted hydrogen, assists the deposition. Thus wo have at the same tune deco- lorisation, clarifioatiou, and disinfection. The cost ot the sulphate of alumina is between one and two cen- times per cubic metre of sewage water, so th-at the quantity required to purify 200.000 cubic metres per day would cost between 80i. and 100?. The remaining question is whetlier tho matter pre- cipitated would find a market as manure; but the amount of the chemical agent employed would alone give this prccipilale a minimum value of 4s. per cubic metro, while the supply from 200,000 cubic nutres of sewage water alone would be no less than luo cubic metres per diem; and when it is remembered, more- over, that this manure would contain 72 per cent, of inert mineral matter against 25 per cent, of organic matter and 0.75 per cent, of azote, it seems very doubtful whether a market could be found lor such a product. Journal of the Society of Arts. m)t iJoultiH YaiU. The Hints andBeuks Agkicultubal Society's PoDLTKY Show at Winchestek. - Tho above Society has just concluded a very successful meeting at Winchester', of which a really good poultry show was a great feature. The birds exhibited were ot more than average quality, and the arrangements ol Mr. Downs, the Secretary and Treasurer, were excellent. The first class on the list was that for Dorkings, and the competition was very close ; the winning birds were those of Mrs. Norris, of Hatchford ; the '2d prize was taken by a well-know exhibitor, Colonel Lane. The average quality of the birds in this class was very high The Rev. Mr. Hammerton, of Warwick, won the 1st prize for Cochins ; Mr. Staunton of Ireland, taking 2d with birds that looked none the worse tor their long journey. The black-breasted red game fowls gave the judge a hard task. }^^-^\^y''^'f Lancing, took 1st ; Mr. Henry Loe, 2d. The Rev. (i. S. Cruwys showed some good birds, but unsuccesstuliy. Mr. Samuel Matthews and Jliss Hales took honours m the other Game class. When we say that Mr. James, ot Peckham, took 1st and 2d in Spanish, it will be known that the quality was good. Mr. Pittis, ]un., of Newport, Isle of Wight, took 1st and 2d in Golden- pencilled Hamburghs. Mr Pickles, of S.kipton took 1st for Silver-pencilled, and Mr. Pittis 2d Mr. Pickles also won both 1st prizes in Spangled Hamburghs. The Brahmas were two very strong classes, and in lue li-ht birds Mr. Dowsett and Mr. Maynard took 1st and 2d, beating Mr. Pares, Mr. Crowley, and several other exhibitors. Mr. Croft took 1st and Mr. Fowler 2d for the dark Brahmas, the birds being, excellent. Mr. Pittis, jun., was again successful in Game Bantams, taking both prizes; in Bantams of other kinds, Messrs. Hales and Messrs. Tonkin and luckley divided the honours. The French -varieties were shown together. Colonel Wortlcy winning 1st with a wonderful pen ot Crcvecceurs, Mr. Tower 2d, and Colonel Wortley again 3d. In the variety class Mr Hinton was 1st with Malays, and Colonel AVortlev 2d with Japanese. In the one general class for Ducks Mr. Fowler and Mr. Norris took 1st and 2d. The attendance was very good, and the show must be considered a very great success. Mr. Baily, ot Loudon, was judge. ARTIFICIAL iKCUBATiox.— Jlr. Thick, whose arti- ficial incubators were described in our columns some weeks ago, thus protests, in the Journal of the Society of Arts," against a statement by Mr. Lrooke, made before their Food Committee, that artihoially- hatched birds could not be profitably reared. Me says —Mr. Brooke is entirely in error. I have birds alive which have been hatched and reared w-ithout hens, and they are strong, healthy, and fat- -Uy artificial incubation birds maybe hatche-d out to the extent of from 50 even up to 100 per cent 'The birds so hatched are reared without hens, and the larger per ceutage, with care and attention live to become full-grown fowls. The generality of birds so hatched and reared are perfect in form, and not the subjects of malformations and defects. The eggs from birds hatched and reared by steam are fertile, the same as it hatched and reared by hens. I have ^iris now alive the eggs from which they were hatched being laid by birds I had previously hatched and reared by steam. That a great deal of prejudice and opposition -n'lll have to be overcome before artificial incubation will be ever tolerated in England, I feel is very likely to be the case ; but if gentlemen of standing and influence wil only give a thought and some little attention to the subject my conviction is that, eventually, it will hold its own against all opponents. AVe may no contravene llature but we may imitate her ; and if the science of artificial incubation is all problematioal and a myth, how can we reconcile the fact that the art has been carried out in Egypt for the last -1,000 years up to the present time, and in China for very many years. 1 write these few lines in the interest of the many, although I may, from personal motives (being a manu- facturer of hatching machines), be supposed to be actuated by mercenary motives only ; but I shall be happy to afford to you, or any gentleman ^^ho may feel an interest in the sub ect, practical evidence that what I have stated is fact, from letters I have received and from the actual exhibition of birds which are now ■A^^^ William n. Thick, 188. Wccdtngton Soad, Kentish Town, N.W., June M, 1868. Miscellaneous. . Za,c of Master and Servant (C''».«'>f «"' ^Xul;" -The pursuer, a farm servant, resid.ug at ^^ -"J^J; was engaged by the defender who is a la me ^.^^ ^^^^^lX%^^^ L°'^f^^:!with board and 672 THE GARDENERS' CnEONICI.E iND AGETCULTUIJAL GAZblTTE. [JnNE 20, 1868. lodging; entered upon his service and performed his work till 22d March, 1867, when he received an injury to his back which disabled him for work. The defender furnished him with attendance —medical and otherwise ; but by-aud-by the pursuer consulted a medical man of his own choosing, and would not allow either the defender or any medical nian whom he might call in to examine his back. Thereupon the defender sent him about his business, and the present action for wages and board wages from 8th April, 1867, the date of the dismissal, till Whit Sunday, was raised by the pursuer. The defender pleaded justifiable dismissal, and the Sheriff-Substitute (Steele) gave effect to this plea ; but on appeal tlie Sheriff- Principal (Hunter) reversed, holding that the pursuer was perfectly justified in refusing to let his back be seen by any other than the medical man of his own selection, affording another proof of the " glorious un- certainty of the law," and a striking illustration of the manner in which lawyers differ in applying the rules of law to the same matters of fact. North British Agri- culturist. Farmers' Clubs and Chamlers of Agriculture.— Tbere was, as is unhappily usually the case at these meet- ings, an immense amount of talk. Frequently at the close of one speech three or four gentlemen started to their feet, each eager to catch the eye of the chairman. Everybody seems to come to these meetings with speeches he is most anxious to deliver, so that even when there is no difference of opinion, there is talk, talk, talk, enough to weary the most long-enduring patience. It is an evil which must be remedied, for the power of action in the council is paralysed with talk, progress with business is wearisomely difficult and slow. "\Ve hope a little more experience will find some remedy for what is now become an intoler- able evil. If this is not so, we shall have to very vigorously curtail our reports. It must be understood that both Societies— the Club and the Chamber — are alike open to the charge. The same people, some of them without a particle of weight or authority, get up at meeting after meeting, until they are fairly cried down again by ironical cheers, impatient stamping, and the too significant echo of "bosh!" A man that can speak on every subject is an intolerable nuisance, at least so say the martyrs of the House of Commons. Suffolk Chronicle. East/ Convei/ancing.—Jt is not in political economy, however, or indeed in any science, to forecast the future of Agriculture. But it is strictly in the econo- mist's province to contend against legal impediments to industry in any of its forms,— above all, when their force is multiplied in proportion to poverty, as is the case with the obstacles to peasant proprietorship in Ireland. The Ulster tenant buys the mere right of occupation at an incredible price because it is easily transferred, and is free from legal complexily ; but the land itself he, it may be said, never buys, though it is not unfrequently bought by a speculator in order to confiscate his improvements. The expenses and risks surrounding small properties are in inverse proportion to their value. As a general rule, Mr. Senior said that "the instant a charity exceeding 30?. a-year became the subject of a suit, it was gone ; one of 601. a-year was reduced one-half ; one of 100/. a-year one-third," and so on. In like manner, a ducal estate may main- tain a lawyer with ease, but a peasant property cannot. " The real impediment," it has been justly said, " to the existence of peasant properties, is not so much in their creation as in their continuance. What is the value of a peasant property to a man if he cannot raise capital on it without ruinous expense, if he cannot sell it, &c. ? It is against the profitable use of small farms, when in existence, that our present law operates. On the continent, where peasant properties prevail, there is a totally different system of laws respecting the mortgaging, sale, and disposition of property in land. All is done by a prompt, cheap, and effectual system of transfer on a public register. Small pro- perties may be created in a moment of political excite- ment, but until our laws respecting the sale, mort- gage, and transmission of land are framed to allow them to exist, their permanent existence is impossible." Involved here, I may add, is an answer to the argu- ment that it is better for the farmer to lay out all his capital for profit than to sink part of it in the price of the fee: for he could raise capital easily under a proper system of law on his own land, and then either intensify his cuUivation, or take a lease of adjoining land and farm more extensively. Pro/. T. CVffe Leslie. Notices to Correspondents. Stable Dunl; : MB. Five-fanged dung is very much injured. The best way to save the stable dung is to tlirow every day's portion on to the end of a ridge-formed heap standing on about four yards width of land, and piled up ridgewise as steep as it will lie, covering it up on both sides with earth as It daUy lengthens. This is the plan of Sir. Lawrence of Cirencester. Its keeps the manure of its full original good ness, and saves it from the injury of five-fanging, which is owing to e.\cessive local fermentation. Steamed Food foe Cows : -Y. The following is the practice of Mr. Dancock, of Brompton :— He uses steam in the pre- paration of his cow food, and in particular gives his meal in the form of gruel over cut hay or grains, 1 lb. of meal being added to a quart of water, with a little salt. "My plan," he says, "is to fill with cold water an 8-'gaUon ' churn (holding twice that number of imperial gallons) up to the figure 7. This allows room for meal and steam. I then put the steam- pipe within G inches of the bottom, and, supposing the pres- sure in the boiler to be 10 lb., turn on full, and in five or six minutes the can is full and the gruel is done. 1 have 16 cows, and my quantity is three cans, which allows one large pailful to each cow twice a day. I think this is better than giving them meal dry over grains. I milk before feeding, give one bushel of grains to a pair of cows twice daily with gruel over it, and when this is done give them green stuff and Mangels, a little hay if necessary, then water and rest till milking time again, when they are fed as before with grains ; then I give oilcake, about 3 lb. between two cows, then water and do up with hay." PARIS EXHIBITION, 1867 -GOLD MEDAL. CLAYTON, SHUTTLEWOETH, & CO., At the Great Triennial Trials of THE KOYAL AGKICULTUR.iL SOCIEXr OF ENGLAND, held at Bury St. Edmund's, July, 1867, received the followmg Awards ; — For Single Cylmder Portable Steam Engine, The FIRST PBIZE of £25. For Double Cjlinder Portable Steam Engine. The FIRST PRIZE of £25. For Horizoulal Cylinder FLxcd Engine. The FIRST PBIZE of £20. For Double Blast Fini.shing Threshing Machine. The PRIZE of £15. Also the SOCIETY'S SILVER HEDAL, for Adjusting Blocks for Machines. The duty performed by all C, S. & Co.'s Engines on this occasion, considerably exceeded that of any oihern C, S. & Co. refer with pleasure to the fact that the duty of their "COMMEKCIAL" or SINGLE VALVE ENGINE, at Chester, so long ago as 1858, was not equalled by any "ordinary" Engine at Bury. CLAYTON, SHUTTLEWORTH, and CO., LINCOLN ; and 78, LOMBARD ST., LONDON. STANDARD GARDEN PUMP AND PORTABLE FIRE ENGINE. (C. W. ORFORD'S PATENT.) SOLE MANUFACTURER.S, R. HARCOURT & SON. This article was invented expressly to obviate llie many defects iucideutal to the usual ludia-rubber and Leather Valves. THE VALVES BEING ALL OF BRASS, CANNOT BE AFFECTED EITHER BY CLIMATE OR BOILING WATER. And it is acknowledged by all who have used it to be the article of all others least liable to derangement, tnost perfect in its action, and, from its very construction, most durable. For Price Lists, &c., apply to the Manufacturers, MESSRS. HARCOURT and SON, 223, MOSELEY STKEET, UIU.MINGIIAM ; or to thei LONDON WAEEHOUSE, BISHOP'S COUKT, OLD BAILEY, E.C.;] AND UF ALL 1K0.N'.MUNGERS. Cnn be fitted with Lercr Haiidhs if ordered. I GRAY'S OVAL TUBULAR BOILER. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, Clas.s IX., No. 2119. Mr. GRAY begs to call the attention of the Nobility, Gentry, Nurserymen, Gardeners, &c., to hia NEW OVAL TUBULAR BOILER, Acknowledged by practical judjrcs to be a great improvement on every form of Tubular Boiler yet introduced. It has proved itself superior to all other Boilers for qiuckness of action and economy of Fuel, doing its work with one-third less the amount required by any other. Extract from Report in Gardeners' Chronicle of International Exhibition, May 24, 1862, page 476. " The uprighc form f^f Boiler is usually made on a circular plan, I rather than a stiiiare, it seems feasible that the Boilers on the oval but the oval form given to Mr. Gray's variety of it is said to be plan should briUK the tubes more completely within range of the preferable in consequence of its bi-inging the tubes in closer contact buniing fuel ; and this being so, the change, though a slight one, with the hre. The usual form of a flLrnace being a parallelogram j is no doubt an improvement. 1^^ They are made of all sizes, which, with prices, may he had on application. JAMES GRAY, HORTICULTURAL WORKS, DANVERS STREET, PAULTON'S SQUARE, KING'S ROAD, CHELSEA, S.W. PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS, FOR HEATING CONSERVATOKIES, HOTHOUSES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE .--,^ RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH TRUSS'S PATENT UNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TRUSS Begs to state that the immense number of APPARATUS annually Designed and Erected by him in all parts of the kingdom, and for the ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGTON and CHISWICK, with unrivalled satisfaction, is a guarantee for skill of design, superior materials, and good workmanship ; while the great advantages obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be over estimated, consisting of perfectly tight joints with neatness of appearance; EFFECTS A SAVING OF 25 PER CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected compared with other systems; facility for extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints; can be erected by any Gardener; an ordinary size Apparatus erected in one dav, and PERFECTNESS of DESIGN SUPPLIED, INSURING NO EXTRAS. Complete Apparatus, of the best materials, with Saddle Boiler, delivered to any Railway Station in England, ani Erected at the following prices. Erection beyond 25 miles off London, railway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. TWO FOUR-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. Size of House. Apparatus Complete. Erection, i Size of House. Apparatus Complete. Erection 20 fict by 10 feet .. £9 0 0 .. £2 0 0 50 feet by 15 feet .. £17 10 0 .. £3 0 0 30 feet by 12 feet .. 11 15 0 .. 2 10 0 75 feet by 15 feet .. 20 0 0 .. 3 0 0 40 feet by 15 feet .. 15 0 0 .. 2 15 0 I 100 feet by 15 feet .. 26 0 0 .. 3 5 0 Bath and Gas Work erected in town or country. The Trade Supplied. SorticuUnral Buildings of every description from \s, 6d. per foot superficial, inclusive of Brichivork, Price Lists, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S. TRUSS, C.E., Consulting Horticultukal Engineer, &c., Sole IMiNurACTUREK, FRIAR STREET, BLACKTRIAHS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — T}ie City Offices are now Removed to the Manufactory, Friar Street. JnNE 20, ISfiS.] THE GAEDENEl^S' CnEONTOEE AKT) AGEICIILTUEAL GAZETTE. 673 SAMUELSON & CO.'S IMPROVED LAWN MOWING MACHINES. EVERY J[ACEINE WARRANTED TO GIVE ENTIRE SATISFACTION. Cutting Cutting Cutting Cutting Cutting Cutting Cutting Cutting Cutting h'crei Free to a 10 inches wiJo 12 inches wide 14 inches wide IG inches wide 19 inches wide 22 inches wide 25 inches wide 30 inches wide 36 inches wide PRICES. ;)/ Railiociij Station in Great Britain. £3 10 0 4 10 0 5 5 0 U 0 0 G 10 0 7 10 0 12 0 0 15 0 0 18 0 0 2d. The whole of the Driving Wheels are on one side of the Uachme, and are corered with a gu.ud, preventing damage '^°'3d".^AU the smaller working parts of the Machine are made of Malleable Iron, and are not liable to break. 1^ Jllmtrated Fries lists, Free by Fast on application. SAMUELSON and CO., BRITANNIA WORKS, BANBURY. LONDON WAREHOUSE: 10, LAURENCE POUNTNEY LANE, E.G. n„„„DnAY 3 throughout the Kingdom. JOHN WAENEE & SONS, CRESCENT, CRJPPLEGATE, LONDON, E.G., BBASS and BELL FOUNDEES to iSr MAJESTY, HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS. No. 36. WARNERS' PATENT CAST-IRON LIFT PUMPS. inches diameter . . £1 8 6 ..210 ..260 .. 2 14 0 SHOBT-BAREEL DITTO, FOR SINKS, PLANT HOUSES, 4c. 24 inches diameter ,, £1 1 No. 547a. GAUDEN ENGINE. 28 Gals. 24 „ 16 „ 10 „ . . £5 10 .. 4 19 .. 3 14 .. 2 19 ILLUSTRATED and PRICFD LISTS of Garden Engines, Swing Harrows, Aquajects, Syringes, Rubber Hose, and Fountain Jets sent on application. N.I. 39. WARNERS' CRYSTAL PALACE FIRE ENGINE, or PORTABLE FORCE PUMP. With this compact, portable, and generally useful Engine, one man will throw from 1.5 to 18 gallons of water per mmute to a height of 50 feet. All its working parts are of brass, the barrow of nought iron , easy access to the valves is gained, and the workmanship throughout is substantial. Not only will it be found most useful in cases of Fire, wherever a supply of water can be obtained, but also for Watering Lawns or Fruit Trees. , „. „ j tt ■ j Price on Barrow, with Branch Pipe, Spreader, Unions, and Suction Rose, £6. 13-in. 2-ply Rubber Suction Pipe, per foot, 2s. 2(1. IJ-in. ditto Delivery Hose, Is. iil. Mpfsorq Wahnkr & SoKs Crystal Palace. Sydenham. March 2, 18C7. "' ritHTLtaVs —I leo'l iireat pleasure in stating that I was present at atrial ol jour .n,™ll cSal S'laee Firf EnK°ne, and was muoh pleased with its effleienoy and ISmiouT The Pump tbrows out a steady jet of water to a height of 60 feet with Jery 1 ttle labour The Pump »e have Is well liide, very simple in its parts, and not like y. I thinl t^get out of order. The advantage of this pump M its being very portable. Besides being a good F.re Engine, it will nWke an excellent Garden Engine. •' 1 remain gentlemen, yours obediently, „ , ^ ., .."En^iH Hose, Engineer to the Crystal Palace Company." No. 42. WARNERS' PORTABLE PUMPS, With Improved Valves for Liquid Manure, £2 15s. 2-in. Flexible Rubber Suction Pipe, in 10, 12, and 15 ft. lengths, per foot, 2s. 5d. No. 570i. SWING WATER BARROW. 50 Gals, 38 „ £5 12 3 17 2 13 2 2 No. 579^. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW, held at BURY ST. EDMUND'S, 1867. — A SILVER MEDAL was Awarded to JOHN WARNER AND SONS' CHAIN POMP. This Pump, from the entire absence of Valves, is especially adapted) for the use of Builders, Contractors, and Farmers. WIND ENGINES, ADAPTED FOR PUMPING, CHAFF-CUTTING, GR1NDII^<^ &c ^^^^_^^^^ ^^^ ,^^ ,^j^ .m=sI^^1^^^?litl!wX^^S?4f?9ii^S^^ They have also to state that a Patent has been recently taken out for a novel and gi-eat impro^ cmenME. OTOWyracuon oi yy m „ right of Manufacturing the same. __^ractur... atthe i-^ nrtiAjCO WATER WHEELS, WATER RAMS, DEEP WELL PP»^^---^STEAM. HORSE, OR HAND POWER. 674 THE GAKDENERS' CIIEONTCLE A?sT) AOI^TCULTUnAL GAZETTE. [June 20, 1868. THE TANNED LEATHER COMPANY. Armit Works, Greeufleld, near Manchester. j TANNERS, CURRIERS, and MANUFACTURERS of IMPROVED TANNED LEATHER DRIVING STRAPS for MACHINERY. PRIME STRAP and SOLE BUTTS. Price Lists sent free by post. Warehouse : 81, Mark Lane, London, E.G. ^ Mr. H. Ferbauee, Acent. MOULE'S PATENT EAPTH CLOSETS.— On ^ and in operation at the Office of MOULE'S PATENT EARTH CLOSET COMPANY, LIMITED, 29. Bedford Street, Covent Garden. W.C. T. M. Evavs, Manatier. NEIGHBOURS' IMPROVED COTTAGE BEE-HIVE, as oriRinaily introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR and SONS, working three beU-glasse8 ; is neatly and stmngty made of straw; it has three windows Intbelowcrhiye. This htve will be found to possess many practical advan- tages, and IS more easy of management than any other bee-bive that has been Intro- duced. Price complote, £1 15*. , Stand for ditto, 10s. Gd. THE LIGURIAN or ITALIAN ALP Bt-E beiuR J wholly yellow Italian Alp Bees), at £3 3s. each. An ItaUan Alp Queen, with full directions for uniting to Black Stocks, £1 each ENGLISH BEES— Stocks and Swarms may be obtained Drawings and Prices, sen Address, Geo. Nkigbb. 149, Regent Street, London. W. of other Improved Hives, with 10, Buchanan Street. 10, Dam© Street. Glasgow: ''iJ.AKDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, m t-icit V-^ variety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts being r-^^mfs:^ especially suited for KITCHEN GARDEN.S, ns ^^j^^ they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little ?if/ I'oom, and once put down incur no further labour md expense, as do "grown" Edgings, con- ocquently being much cheaper. GARDEN VASES, FOUNTAINS, ftc. In Arti- ficial Stone, of great durability, and in great variety of design, F. & G. RosHKR, Manufacturei-3, Upper Ground Street, Blackfriars, S. ; Queen's Road West, Chelsea. S.W. ; Kingsland Hoad, Kingsland, N.E. on?l^,?'-?"^°" -^Sents for FOXLEY'S PATENT GARDEN WALL """^'* ^ " "■■*■-" °-'-~ ' ^-' ' - ^ypost. The Trade supplied. BRICKS. Illustrated Price List fre ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors. Balconies, Ac, as cheap and durable as Stone, In blue, red, and buft" colours, and capable of forming a variety Also TEfeSELATED PAVEMENTS of enriched designs WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Larders, Kitchen Ranges, Batlig. &c. Grooved and other Stable Paving Bncks of gicat durability, Dutch and Adamantine Clinkers, Wall Copings. Red and Stoneware Drain Pipes, Slates. Cement, Ac. To be obtained of F. & G. RosHhR. at their premises as above. SILVER SAND"(REIGATE, best quality), at the above addresses— 14s. per Ton, or Is. 3d. per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railwayor Wharf. Quantities of 4 Tons. Is. per Ton less. FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS for Rockeries or Grotto Work. F. & G. RwiUER.— Addresses see above. N. B. Oidera promptly pxecuteu by Railway. SEWAGE of TOWNS and VILLAGES on the DRY EARTH SYSTEM. —This Company is prepared to make I arrangements lor dealing with the Drainage of^ Towns on the Dry Eaith System ; including the disposal of Sink-water, Slops, &c. Applications to bo made to the Manager, 29, Bedloid Street, "Every Cottage should be provided with a Water Tank." Disraeli. Iron Cisterns. FBRABY AND CO. having hid down extensive and • Improved Machinery in tholr i LISTS OF TANKS ON APPLICATION. Cottam's Iron Hurdles, Fencing, and Gates. nOTTAM S HURDLES are made in the best minner, y~y of hupeiioi WiouKlit Iron, byin improved methoj IllustriteU Fiice Lists, on application to Cottam i Co , lion Works, 2, Wiaslej Street, Uvford Street, London, W . . j c COTTAM'S PATP:* *'>I'TABLE^UN1TED SEED- REGISTERED SELF-ACTING HAND DRILL.— By simply turning a screw, this Drill can adapted for sowing Maneel Wurzel, Barley, Wheat, Sainfoin, Tares, Rape, Turnips, Car- rots, Flax, and Carrot Seeds. It is an in- valuable implement for tbe Market Gar- dener, and to all who possess a Kitchen Garden ; and for the Farm it will be found useful for the purpose of filling up the places with e.ach Drill. On receipt of stamps or Post Office order, made payable to JosiAH Le Butt, Pa- tentee and Manufao- turer of the Cham- Haymaker, Bury ill. EdmuDd's I Drill of supplving this useful nd Gardens at Windsor. riptive Cdtalogues of the above Machines, con- Limonials, post free, on application to Josiah RcTT, Patentee and Manufacturer, Bury St. Edmund's, yuflolk. The Gardeners' Chronicle, and Agricultural Qazelte of Dec. 7, 1807. in noticing the novelties in the Implement Depart- ment of the Birmingham and Smithfield Cattle Show, says: — " Among the other novelties we may refer to a very simple and ap- parently efflcient Hand Drill, as much a Garden as a Faim tool, the invention of a working man, and broiight o ut in a cheap form bv Mr. Le Bctt, Implement Manufacturer, Bury St. Edmund's. Suffolk." Oil Paint no longer_Necessary. ^y\ >f<^-^;^T^*^=i^.^>-^;;_^^£5 -m^^ "--=.— — - J. ..-^ -. removable at pleasure, no Woodwork or Partitions to impede Ventilation or breed , Hay R'ick dispensed with as unnecessary, increased width and depth of Feeding Troughs, Water Ci^tem, and Patent Drop Pnv^.f,.^...,... „„. ;.- o, — ,„ ....... -Qpervious to HILL AND SMITH S PATENT BLACK VARNISH for preserving Iron Work, Wood, or Stone. This Varaisli is an excellent substitute for oil paint on all out-door work, and is fully two-thirds cheaper. It may be apphed by an ordinary labourer, requires no mixmg or thinning, and is used cold. It is used la the groimds at Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens, and at the seats of many hundreds of the nobility and gentry, fVom whom the most flattering testimonials have been received, which Hill & Suitb will forward on application. From RnBT. Raikes, Esq.. East Vale, near Brough, Yorkshire. " I have used your Black Varnish for park palings and consider It to be the most durable and best thing of the kind 1 have everseen. I think it might be applied with still greater advantage to iron fencing instead of paint, and it i s my intention so to employ it in future." Sold m casks of about 30 gallons eacn, at Is. (itt. per gallon, *t the Manufactoi?. or Is. 8rf. par gallon paid to any Station in the kingdom. Apply to IIiLL & Smith. Brierly Hill Iron Worts, near Dudley, and 22. Cannon Street West, E.C.. from whom onlv it can bo obtained A Pamphlet of Prices, illustrated with 300 Engravings of Cups, Goblets, Tankards, Ac, will "" " '' rded gratis and post free on application. L.\ Lithographic Drawings of Silver Epergnes, S. OWENS & CO., YDRAULIC ENGINEERS, WHITEFRIARS STREET, LONDON, E.G. _d). Manufactur- ing Silversmiths, 11 & 12, ComhUI, London, E.C. ; opposite tlia Bank of England. THE IMPROVED SELF-ACTING HYDRAULIC RAM. This useful Self-acting App.aratus, which works day and night without needing attention, will raise wal r to any height or distance, without cost for kbour or motive power, where a few feet fall can be obtained, -ind is suited for supplying Public or Private EstabHshments, Farm Buildings, Eailway Stations &c No. 37. DEEP WELL PUMPS for Horse, Hand, Steam, or other Power. No. 63. rORTABLE ^lEKlGATOES with Double or Treble Ban-els for Horse or No. ida. IMPfiOVED DOUBLE ACTION PUMPS on BAEEOW for Watering No. 49r7.-flro„K,. on,! Jrarnoulars taken iw ant, Observe T.t' Observe ■ ILLUSTRATED CA. No. 49. GARDEN ENGINES, of all sizes, in Oak or Galvanized Iron Tubs. No. 5«. THE CASSIOBUEY FIEE EXTINGUISHER, ns designed for the Right Hon. the Earl of Essex. ° No. 41. WROUOHT-IEON POETABLE PUMPS of all sizes. No. 4. CAST-IRON GARDEN, YARD, or STABLE PUMPS. No. 394. IMPEOVE^^ HOSE EEELS for CoUing up Long Lengths [of Hose for General Engineers' work for M.ansions, Farms, &c., comprisin" PUMPS, TUEBINES GAS ■ffORKS, Apparatus for LIQUID MANURE distribution, FIEJE MAINS,' 'mtri/. Flans and Estimates furnished, • BE HAD ON APPLICATION, June 20, 18C8..1 THE GAEI)ENET?S' OmWKirLE AKT) AOPJOnT-TllRAL GAZETTE. 675 W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IRON and WIRE WORKS, NORWICH, MAJ^UFACTURER of IMPROVED MACHINE-MADE "WIRE NETTING at greatly reduced piices. Cmlvauised after made. ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE with prices freo on application. 100 Yards and upwards, carriage paid to any Station. Tbo nbovo is very clioiip, and invaluable for Luiivin.: li.|ui.U r.f »ii kinds. No Gartlcn, Fiirm, Stable, or Kitchen Vinl sliouM he without one. Two or more tubs can be had witli ono ciuiil^o, at a small iidaitionril cost. A lad can eaiJily work it ; but tt required to travel long distaiici's ovur roufjli ground, a pony cau be attacbed. The wheels and ctirria^o are wrou;;ht iron, and the tub oak. " "" --- - awarded to tlii.s article at the Manchester lid to any Station in England, frice £2 fw. " I Trice, with two Tubs, £3 3s. Spreader and Valve, los. extra. Rose Lai 1 and Wire Works, Norwich. w. £. The ibove s by f the si Implement ot tl o k I j t but ng L q I M t El pt t, C \ mnnj otl I c p 1 Ka 1 > Toboiai4>fe II GalvansedlROJJ 1 U 11 pr ce £3 lOs Spreader 1 The 140 and 201) Lallm Car Rose Lane Iron igest ni St conven ent and cheapest . 1u d Fo Con ey n^, and I) st 111 A pump c n be attached lo 1 k ng Tr Ui,h for C ttie a d for I TohoU 00 gallons p 1 ns prco£14 0 teet Ind a rubber Suet c B Carriage, a large quantity of Liquid can bo ', one Tank being filled while the other is conveyed away. The Tanks can be set down and left in the fields for Cattle to drink from. Carnage paid to all the principal Stations in England To hold PO Gallons, price £8 100 Extra Tank, £3 IOj. £3 15s. id Spreader for ditto, price 20s. w S. BOULTON'S SWIJSG WATER BARROW. This article is constructed on the same principle as the 36-puIIon Barrow, advertised above, but the Tank is Galvanised. It ia strong and useful. Two Tanks can be had with one CaiTiage. Carriage paid to any Station. To hold IS Gallons, price £1 15s. 1 To hold 30 Gallons, price £2 5s. JOHN GIBSON, JuN., begB to announce that he is prepared to Furnish FLANS and ESTIMATES for LAYING OUT GROUND attached to Mansions and Villa or other Residences, or for the FORMATION of POBLIO PARKS or GARDENS andtoc(irr\ nut the t. uiie by Contract Sharpens itself, Collects and Rolls the Grass as It cuts, Is tl simplest and best Macliii , does not get out of order, and always gives satisfactioD. To cut 10 inches wide .. £3 10 0 I To cut 16 inches wide .. £0 0 0 To lut 12 inches wide .. 4 6 0 To cut 18 inches wide . . 0 10 0 To cut 14 inches wide . . 6 6 0 | To cut 20 inches wide . . 7 10 0 Carriage paid to the principal Railway Stations in England. Pric cs of larger Sizes and Drawings on application. W. Macdonald, Orcbella Street, Hunslet Road, Leeds. TANNED GARDEN NETTING, for Preserving Seed Beds, Fruit, Strawberries from Frost, Blight, Birds, ftc, and as a Fence for Fowls, &c. One yard wide, Hd.; 2 yards, 3d. ; 3 yards, 4id. ; and 4 yards, Gd. per yard, in any quantity, may be had at CiiAS. Wright & Co.'s, William Street, Newark on-Trent (late 370, Strand, W.C.). An allowance to Nurserymen. rpANNED NETTING, in large or small quantities, for JL Seed Beds, and for the Protection of Fruit Trees from Frost, Blight, Birds, or as a Fence from Fowls, &c., Id. per square yard ; Ts. ijd. per 100 do., 35s. per 500 do. Price to the Trade on application. Remittances to accompany all orders. CnaisTMAS QoiN-CKT, Seedsman, &c., Peterborough. Garden Netting. JOHN EDGINGTON and CO. supply TANNED NETTING for the Protection of Fruit Trees. Id. per square yard. Anv quantity of TIFFANY, SCRIM CANVAS, &c. ; TULIP COVeUs and ORBBNHOasE SHADES, SUN BLINDS, io. MARQUEES, TENTS, and FLAGS for FETES. FLOWER SHOWS, Ac. West End Show-p^oms, 18, Piccadilly, W. ~ "" ' Royal Family, 43, Price £2 ^s. I lO-feet India-rubber Suctiun, £l lOs-. Powerful GARDEN and CONSERVATORY ENGINE, throw:? continuous stream, and is well adapted for use with any of the Water Barrows described above. Carriage paid to any Station. Llustratcd Catalogue on appUci _ STRAWBKRRIES. &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the above from Frost, Blight. Birds, ic, 2 yards wide, 3d. per yard, or 100 yards 20* • 4 vards wide 6d per yard, or 50 yards, 20s. NEW TAN NED NET fING Bu ted for any of the above purposes, or as a Fence lo Fowl *> y^jds w de 6/ per yard ; 4 yards wide. Is. per yard i nch mesh 4 yards w do 1 bl per yard. Can be had in any T vftDr LFn 6ir Crooked Lane, London Bridge, E.C. / \1!>I\ MII1\ (t Reduced Price), for the \ T I I is from Frost, Blight, and Birds ; 1 i I and Sheep, Id. per square yard, orlOOOyiu-ds. \\ 11 Jrrut Greenhouse Shades, Tulip LI ni L VN\ Ab II V\ THORN S and WALLUR S NETTINGS, sample of material RICK ^(?OVERS w th Poles complete, for Sale or Hire. Be part cular 1 OLDER ca Edc ngton & Co M quee, Tent, Flag, and Rick Cloth Manufaoturo s 60 and o Oil k t l^.oad, Loudon, S.E. A L beral D bco nt to the Trado. T>ICK CLOTHS all sizes now ready. SECOND HAND RICK CLOTHS, at reduced prices. Apijly early. RICK CLOTHS, T\'ith Poles and Pulleys complete. Price List free by post. ADDRESS BENJAMIN EDGINGTON (only), J\ 2, Duke Street, Loudon Bridge, S.E. /^ROQUET TENTS of all sizes, elegant and durable. C CRICKET MARQUEES of best shape and superior y workmanship. BENJAMIN EDGINGTOiN'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE Post Free on application to 2, Duke Street, London Bridgo, S.E. No other establishment. Glass for Garden Purposes. AMES PHILLIPS and CO. beg to submit their REDUCED PRIUES as follows :— PEOPAOATINQ BEE GLASSES, with ventilating hole through knob. OS. Grf. I 0 inches in diametci W. S. BOULTON, ROSE LANE IKON AND WIRE WORKS, NORWICH. 4 inches in diameter 24 inches Ions HAND yi\ /\7^ ^TH GLASSES. (I^^^ . OPEN TOPS. Each.-s. d. I „ . ^ Each-ff. a fi 18 inches 12 Inches ..11 8 6 I 24 ' '"London Agents for HARTLEY'S IMPROVED PATENT ^L^NS^ED'mL. Genuine WHITE LEAD. CARSON'S PAINTS, PAINTS of various ciOours. cioniid ready lor use. KRFK'r aihl r<>i '.'I II. \1'. <-\.\<-. SLATE? of all sizes, RRrn'sn rr \i I rxn' i li ^H it' ".led PL4TE. CROWN, SHEKT Hoi; 1 i . > I i i i \ I ■ " ■ \ ' i M AL. COLOUKED, and every do'^cnit , , ■ i ^' iiufactur.-, at the lowest terniH Ll^t^ >i i' '^ > ' ' ■ i '^i^i'led on application to Jauks PuiLLiPS & Co., Ibo, Bwhups^cate Street Without, E.C. Farm Poultry. Q.REY DORKING EOWLS, of purest breed, in any Imported TODLOUSE GEESE, the "largest and moat productive Imnruved NORFOLK TURKEYS, large, hardy, and good breeders. AYLESBURY and UOUEN DUCKS Imported BELGIAN HARE RABBITS, for alze and early maturity. BRAHMA POUTRA, CREVECCKUR, and LA I'LECHE FOWLS, for cooKtant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on application. Jonw Baily & Sow. 113. Mount Street, London. W. 4>1 iMU\ to £2000 WANTED, in a well stocked ~i^±\.f\J\J NURSERY and FLORIST BUSINESS near Lninii.ii, where Roses are cultivated extensively; also upwards of ' \ -tl" I'T .Xgrlcultural purposes. No objection to an ouergetlo Ml, ,- I \i;TNER, in part or otherwise. I I utioulars, to Principals or their Solicitors only, on appU. I !■ .-rs. LovtKiNo & MiNTow, Accountants, Gresham Street, rjlO BE LET, a NURSERY BUSINESS, well stocked i with Shrubs and Fruit Trees and Fruit of all deBcrli)tions. Good Soil, easy distance from town ; the Trees, &c,, are all in a flourishing state. Also Vegetables. Upwards of £2000 required, part of the money can remain at Interest. Address Mr. Tdomas, Florist, Farmer's, Deptford, Kent. TO BE LET, now or at Michaelmas, FIVE HUNDRED ACRES, situated within four miles of the Market Town of Wexford, Ireland, from whence Steamers ply weekly to Liverpool and Bristol. The Lands are Arable and Pusture, most of the latter well furnished with Grass at this moment. Tnere are extensive Offlces, a Threshing Machine, &c. A commodious Dwellinc House adjoins the Farmyard. Terms of letting— by the ye ._j years, or such other period as may be agreed ;iUOO per annum. SatisfactoiT references will be required. Applications to be Rent, Esq., Wexford, Ireland. TO BE .DISPOSED OF, on advantageous terms, an OLD-ESTABLISHED NURSERY, FLORIST, and SEED BUSINESS, in an important Market Town. The Nurseries, about Nine Acres, are well stocked with a choice Collect'on of Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Plants, ic. ; well-built Houses, Pita, and Frames. The Shop is commodious, situate in one of the principal streets. There is a larjie connection ; a good Trade Is dme, and satisf'. L, I \ ,, I,) tlie Parish of Homsey, Middlesex. Parties di-.s;ii! ii.ii I 1 .11. iL-rs may inspect the Plans, and be furnished with C.i|.iL-^ i.i Lliu .^pec ill cation ou and aaer Friday next, June 19, ou applicatiuu Lu Mr. George Vclliamt, Architect to the Board. The Tenders must be delivered at this Office, addressed to tho Clerk of the Board, and be tndorsed " Tender lor Forming Orna- mental Portion of Finsbury Park," on or before 12 o'clock, on Saturday, July 4, 18G^. The Board do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any Tender. (Signed) Jons Pollard, Clerk of tho Board. Spring Gardens, June 16, I8G8. Sales Jju Auction. SALE Tins DAV, AT UALF-P AST TWELVE O'CLOCK. Orchids, Seeds, and Tree Ferns. MR. J. V. STKVKNS will SELL by AUCTION, at his Great Rnonis. 3S, King Street, Covent Garden, W,C., on TION of lisl',' t of Conifer Seeds from 7 the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. M Choice Imported Orchids. R. J. C. STEVENS will SELL by AUCTION, at bis Great Rooms, 3s, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C , on WEDNESDAY, June 2i, !.t hall-past 12 o'Clock precisely. Imported INDIAN and SOUTH AMERICAN ORCHIDS including many very choice varieties ; also some flue established plants of Cattleva Dowiana I Odontoglossum Insleayl „ ' Eldorado spltndena „ Uro Skinneri „ labiata Trichoi>ilia suavis „ speciossissima | Cjpripedium Stonii Cypripedium caudatum roseum, Ac. &c. On view the Morning of Sale, and Catalogues had. Fulham. 'he most Productive and celebrated Market Garden in the district, and a capital Family Residence, with Lawn and Pleasure Grounds ; the whole comprising 38 Acres of Freehold Land closu to^own, AUCTION, at tho Mart, Tokenhouse Yard, on TUESDAY, July 21^ in ono Lot a very miportant and desirable FREEHOLD ESTATE, situate at Sand's End, Fulham, about half a rnile from the Chelsea Railway Station, and th: GROVE HOUSE, recently jrected for the owner in tho best manner, and containing handsome Entrance-hall, Dining, Drawing, and Bical superior Family Residence, kno' ._..^ _gcd Lawns and Garden, with large Hothouse, &c,. four good Foremen's Cottages, a long range of new and excellent Build- ings U acre of Forcing Frames, enclosed by high brick walls, covered with Fruit Trees of the choicest kinds, and a large Market Garden, celebrated as the very best and most productive in the district in the highest possible cultivation, and covered with joung Fruit Trees of carefully selected sorts, and which have just coma into full bearing ; the whole containing 3Sa. Or. 27p., and having been for many years in the occupation of the late Mr. Bagley, who spared neither pains nor expense in bringing it to its present perfec- tion, and in tho capital system of irrigation by which every part can he watered without labour. The Estate Is approached at high water from the Thames, and is well suited for theerection of any i factory requi: ■ ' ' '"' "arth might -- Particulars on the Pre: oolicitora, U, Essex StrL_., , -- - - - - „„ Land Agent, Surveyor, &c., 10a, Old Broad Street, E.C. Bulhridge Ram Sale. MESSRS. EWKR and WINSTaNLET heir to notify that Mr Rawlence's ANNUAL SALK nnd LETTING of KAMS and RAM LAMBS will take place at Bulbridge, Wilton, on WEDNESDAY, July :«. ,, . ^ ,,r ti t .,«=« In addition to the many successes achieved by Mr. Rawlenco as a competitor at the various Agricultm-al Exhibitions of former years, ho baa at tho Bath and West of England Society's Meeting, at Falmouth, 1st June, tliis year, taken all the 1st Prizes for Hamp- '''^Aiic^ion" nd E^Uto Agoncy omces^Endless^Street. SalUbury^^ Model Farm. Upper Winchendon. Buclss. ;md THEAVES, for ■rul,','"' '.;^,\: {^" ux„o»K.. THE GARDENFES' CnRONICLE AND AGEICULTDRAL GJ\ZETTE. [June 20, 1868. SHANKS' PATENT LAWN MOAVEKS foe 1868. Letters Patent, dated 12th Auf/usf, 1867, have been granted to A. SHANKS and SON for Important Improvements in Laivn Moiving Machines. UNDER THE PATRONAGE HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE aUEEN, AWARDED THE FIRST PRIZE SILVER MEDAL AND MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL NOBILITY GREAT BRITAIN. PARIS UNIVERSAL EXHIBITION, 1867. NEW HAND MACHINE. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON hare for some time past been making the KKVOLVING CUTTKR of their MACHINES SELF-SHARPENING, that is, with steol on both sides of each blade, so that when the Cutter becomes blunt by running one way, it can be reversed, thus bringing the opposite or sharp edge of the Cutter to act against the Sole Plate. In addition to tlus, A S. AND SON have made tlie SOLE PLATE or BOTTOM BLADE of their MACHINE for the Season of 1868 with TWO EDGES one in front, as usual, and one in reserve at the back ; ■when the front edge gets worn down, the plate has only to be unscrewed and the unused edge brought to the front. It will be seen at a glance that this arrangement enables the cutting parts to last twice as long as in other Machines, where the single-edged sole plate must be entirely renewed When the edge is worn down. A. S. and SON have also introduced a WIND GUARD into their MACHINE for this Season. Every Gardener knows that in mowing during the prevalence of wind a considerable portion of the mown grass escapes the box, and is thrown to one side. The Guard hero referred to effectually prevents this occurrence. i PRICES, INCLUDING CARRIAGE TO ANY RAILWAY STATION OR SHIPPING PORT IN THE KINGDOM. SHANKS' NEW PATENT HAND MACHINE for 1868. Easily Worked By a Lady 10-illoh Machine £3 10 0 12-inch Machine 4 10 0 U-inch Machine 5 10 0 Sy a Boy SHANKS' NEW PATENT PONY and DONKEY MACHINE. 2S-inch Machine 30-inch Machine £12 10 0 14 10 0 15 15 0 Silent Movement, 12s. 5d. extra. Easily Worke 16-inch Machine £6 10 0 By a Man 19-inch Machine 7 15 0 By a Man and a . 22-inch Machine . . , , . . . . . . 8 10 0 i « , ^ .^ 24-inch Machine g ^ q \ByTwoMen SHANKS' NEW PATENT HORSE MACHINE. If with Patent Dellvoring Apparatus ,, 'las. extra. width or Cutter. 30-inch Machine .. If with Patent Delivering Appiratui £19 0 0 .. .. 30s. extra. .. 30». „ 36-inch Machine . . . . 22 0 0 .. .. 30s. „ .. 30*. ,, xtra. 42-inch Machine 48-inch Macliine 26 0 0 .. .. 40j. „ 28 0 0 .. .. 40s. „ mkey, 18». per set. Silent Movement, 20s. extra Boots for Horse, 26s. per set. EVERY MACHINE WARRANTED TO GIVE AMPLE SATISFACTION, AND, IF NOT APPROVED OF, CAN BE AT ONCE RETURNED. A. S. AND SON have, in addition to the Patent Double-edged Sole Plate and "Wind Guard, made very great alterations and improvements in their Machine. They hava had a series of continued trials and experiments, extending over a period of nearly six months, These trials have been so successful as to enable A. S. and SON to offer a Machine which far excels any other that has ever yet been pffered, vfhether for ease In working, certainty of aotion, or durability. ALEXANDER SHANKS and SON, DENS IRON WORKS, ARBROATH, N.B.; AND S7, LEADlNHALL STREET, LONDON, E.G. 57, Leadenhall Street is the only place in Loni hn wkere intending purchasers of lawn Mowers can Choiise from a Slock of from 150 to 200 Machines. AW sizes kept there, whether for Horse, Pony, or Hand Power. OOce.Mo. <1, WeUlugton street,' FuUh of St. Faul'l, (^ent Uardsii, In ti « !«i rijiHtiun and draiuage — Laxton's Supreme. FelareouiiuuB, shoir of v Plnnts.n"- - Protection, fruit- 1 Poultry Roses, withered , Russian gardening Society, Gardeners' Royal lie- Norrolk Agrii.uUurat .. ! Zangn RRATPM.— Iq the Royal Botanic Society's AdvertiBement, p. C50, under heading SU\er-gilt Medal, /tir Mr. W. Russell, Gr. to Mrs. Russoil, Wortnin?, Sussex, read Mr. Wm. Russell, Gr. to Mr. F. Bushby, Nurseryman, Worthing, Sussex ; aud at p. 6C1, col. a, Une 32,/or F. Busby, Jl&q., nad F. Bushby, Esq. ROTAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY, SOUTH KENSINGTON, W. The GREAT ROSE SHOW, on TUESDAY, June 30. Band of tho Royal Horse Guards Jrom Four. Tickets are now ready Rt all tlio principal Libriiries, and at the Gardens. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY'S GARDENS, REGENT'S FAUK.— LAST EXHIBITION of PLANTS. FLOWERS, and FRUIT this season will take place on WEDNES- DAY and THURSDAY NEXT, July 1 and 2. Tickets, to be obtained ouly at the Gardens, and of the Society's Clerk, Austin's Ticket Office, St. James'a Hall, Piccadilly, price ds.; and on the days of the Exhibition, 7^. 6(f. each. Gates open oa Wednesday at 2 o'clock, and on Thursday at 10 o'clock. ^^^ E OYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY of LONl^ON. SPECIAL PRIZES. AWARDED JUNE 17. lat Prize, Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for 3 New Foliage Plants. 1st, Mr. B, S. Williams, for Collection of Pitcher Plants. 1st, Hesirs. Paul & Son, for C Ne^ Roses, lat, Mr. G. Fairbalrn, Gr., for 6 Paliu3. 2d, Mr. J. Buriey, for G Palms. 1st. Mr. J. Bumei.t, Gr., for Collection of Economical Plants. BIRMINGHAM ROSE SHOW, JULY 2 and 3.— For Prize Lists, apply to Mr. A. FORREST, Secretary, Cheiry Street, Birmingham. ENTRIES CLOSE JUNE 27. G~R.VND SHOW of ToSES^ancTcuFFLOWER's in the Grounds at Burghley House, near Stamford, JULY 9. Patron— The Marquis of Exeter. President— Rev. M. J. Berkklkt, F.L.S. Prizes amounting to £100, several Silver Cups, and Special Prizes offered by the Marchioness of Exeter, Lady Evelyn Aveland, Lady Lllford, Hon. Mrs. Bertie, and Rev. J. B. Reynardson. The Rules, with Schedules and further special prize additions, may bo had of the Honorary Secretaries: or of Mr. Johnson, Bookseller, Stamford. ENTRIES CLOSE on JULY 4. LOST or STOLEN, from the Royal Horticultural Gardens, South Kensington, or on tneir wav from the Gardens 1 Waltbara Cross, on the I7th or 18th mst.. Two Specimen PELAR- iONIUMS, LOUISA SMITH and f ' """" '"" Phoever shall give such information e the Plants wilt De liberally rewarded. Wu AM Paul, Paul's Nurseries. Waltham Cross. N. ROSES.— The Collection of Roses at Woodlands, Maresfleld, covering an area of several Acrea, is NOW COMING INTO FINE BLOOM. W«. Wood & Hov, Woodhinaa Nursery, M.irohfield, Sussex, three miles distant from tho Uckfleld Station of the South-Coast Railway. Roses In Bloom. PAUL'S NURSERIES. WALTHAM CROSS. N. 'Wr^l. PAUL'S ROSES are NOW in FULL BLOOM, T \ Inspection respectfully invited. Trains from London, Great E.istern Railway, to Watthani Station adjoining the Nurseries) twelve times daily. The Roaes at the *' Old " Cheshunt Nurseries ARE NOW FINELY IN BLOOM. >AUL AND SON rt'spoetfully SOLICIT Royal Ascot or Perpetual Vine. MESSRS. JOHN STANDISH and CO, an- now selling One strong plants of this oxtraordmarily in-oductivo VINE at 21s., 42^., and 03s. each. Royal Nurueries, Ascot, BerVfl. ^^^ GOLDEN CHAMPION GRAPE.— Orders are now being Booked for this oxtraoidinary Grape. See Advertisement May 9, page 480. Prlco 2" ' '' " ' Osn. rs, Fulh 1 Nursery. S.W. WILLIAM BARNKS has a few hundreds of AZALEA STOCKS to offer, in the flnest health, and flt for immediate working. Price may be had on application. Camden Nursery, Cainberwell, London, S.E. w Genuine Garden Seeds. M. CDTBUSH AND SON'S CATALOGUE of the ubovo is now ready. Post free OQ applicatioQ. IligUgate Nurseriei, London, N. New Catalogue of Soft-wooded and Bedding Plants, Florist Flowers, &c. CHARLES TURNER'S DESCRIPTIVE LIST Is now ready, and will be sent on application. The Royal Nurseries, SlnuKli. N EW VERBENAS.— Perry's Set of 13, pout free for Cs.. for cash. Q. Walklino, Nurseryman, Iligh Road, Lewisham. 13HILIP LADDS 19 now sending out 2-1 varieties of - NEW VERBENAS of 1S«S. Free by post for 6j. Terms cash. Nursery, Bexley Ueatb, Kent, S.E. British Fern Catalogue. "POBERT SIM will send, post free for sii postage XV stamps. Part I. (British Ferns and their T.irletles, 30 patres. Including prices of Hardy Esotic Femsl of his PKICED DESCRIP- TIVE CATALOODE of BRITISH and EXOTIC FERNS. No. ?. Foot's Cray Nursery, S.E. Specimen Zonal Pelargoniums. FOR SALE, a splendid eoUection of finely-grown plants, Including the best varieties. Apply to J. B. W,. S, West Street Road, Boston. Becii's Seedling Pelargoniums. SGLENDINNING and SONS are now offering for . tho first time the Twelro beautiful, new. and distinct PELARQONIOMS raised by Mr. Wiggins, Gr. to W. Beck, Esq., of Isleworth, which were awarded numerous CertiQcatea nt the Tatlous Metropolitan Shows. DESCRIPnVE PRICED LIST may be bad on application. Cbis )s, London, W. Paul's Nurseries. Waltham Cross, London, N. WM. PAUL'S NEW VARIEGATED, ZONAL, and BEDDING PELARGONIUMS (Beaton's race). ROSES, Sc, are now ready for delivery. For particulars aoo Advertisement of May 30. p. 606. SPRING CATALOGUE for leos free by post on application. IM WlLl Tricolor Pelargoniums, Crown Jewel and Sunrise. SALTMAUSH and SON are still supplying strong plants of tho above very splendid and distinct varieties, to which first-class CertiBcates and numerous Prizes have been awarded, at 31s. each, with the usual discount to the Trade, and Moulsham Nu I. Chelmsford. V ARIEGATEl) PELARGONIUMS. LITTLE PET I SOPHIA DUMARESOnE I LAUT CULLUM ROSETTE SILVER IIARKAWAY FONTAINEULKAU THE FAIRY QUEEN of TRICOLORS LUCY GRIEVE ELEGANS I VARIEGATED STELLA | GOLDFINCH The above for 213. For any varieties not required others i To Purchasers of Trlcolored Pelargoniums. J WATSON, New Zealand Nursery, St. Alban's, is . now sending out his two unrivalled TRICOLOR PELAR- GONIUMS, MISS WATSON and MRS. DIX. They were awarded 10 First-class Certificates and Extra Prize Money within the year 1807. Price, good" plants, in uico colour, 31#. 6d. eactl i extra size, for specimens, 4'2s. each. Csu.al Trade allowance or Special Contract. When taken In quantity one Plant gratis In every six — St. Alban's, May 0. New Chrysanthemums. A DAM FORSYTH is now sending out several FIRST- BEDDING TROPjEOLUMS draired at Likewise GEORGE'S NEW full description and opinions of COLLECTlOji OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS luoludei the best varieties tor exhibition and bedding purposes. Oi executed in rotation. Brunswick Nursery, Stoke Newingtop, N.. London. Station of Great Eastern Railway. } Mile from the Cheshunt M .,„ „ Rosea in Bloom. ITCHELL'S renowned ROSES are NOW in MAGNIFICENT BLOOM. Pilt Uown Nurseries, Ucltfleld, Suasoi. Roses at Hertford. EP. FRANCIS AND CO. invite all lovers of ROSES • to INSPECT their largo COLLECTION. Great Northern and Groat Easteru Railwaya direct to Hertford. Roses and Herbaceous Plants. THOMAS S. WAKE begs to unuounce that he has a fine COLLKCTION of the above NOW in BLOOM. An iuapeo- tlon solicited. Tbe Grounds are open daily (Sunday excepted), and are close to the atntlon. Halo Farm Nurseries, lottenham, N. ARTHUR HENDERSON and CO. have to offer extra fine fltralns of the following Choice Seeda. free by peat :— CINERARIA, blue varieties, mixed, Si. W. CINERARIA, light varieties, misod, 3s. (ki. CINERARIA, dark Tarieties. mixed, 3s. 6d. CINERARIA, mixture of all colours. 1^. Qd. PRIMULA SINENSIS FIMBRIATA, fine, 2s. M. N B PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES of FERNS, STOVE, GREENHOUSE, and SUMMER BEDDING PLANTS, can be had free by post on application. The Nursery, Pine-apple Place, Mai da Vale, London. RUSSELL'S PYRAMIDAL PRIMULAS. — This magniflcont strain itUl malntams itJ character as the finest In cultivation. New Seed, orlce 2s. 6(1. per packet. PRIMULA KEKMEiSlNA._Tho RT&it fault of this brilliant coloured variety has hitherto been its Indisposition to throw its flowers &bov« the fullaRO. I have now. however, tbo satisfaction of offering it with the same erect, conspicuous style as the other kinds. The stock of this Is limited this year. PnceSa. per packet. Geuroe Clarle, Nuraerios, Streatham Place, Brixton HUl, S. ; and MottlLifbam, Kent. Calceolaria, Cineraria, Primula fimbriata. SUTTON AND HO-NS can supply NEW SEED of the above, saved from choicoat (lowern, \n packtts, Is., 2a. Gd., and 6«. each, post free. Royal Berks Soeit Establishment, Reading. H Golden Feather Pyrethrum. TUE ni!I YtLLMW Eu.,lS., I'LAM IX rill! WOBLD. CANNELL c;ia now sujiply this in iiny quantity, H Mr. Banks' New Fuchsias, 1868. CANNELL is now sending out line plants of the > above eight varieties, perfectly distinct from all existing kinds LOMARIA GIBBA, var. BELLII.— This beautiful crested variety of Lomaria glbba can now bo had of the under- named, pnce 2ls. and 42s, each. The usual discount to tlie Trado. OsuoRN & Sons, Fulbam Nursery. Loudon, S.W. JW. WIMSETT is now sending out the fullowing • splendid new COLEUSES, decidedly the best of the whole series lately sold by the Royal Horticultural Society :— COLEUS MARSHALLII, 10*. 6rf. each, or 0 for fiGs. COLEUS MURRAYI. KIs. dd. each, or 0 for 5&s. COLEUS TELFORDI AUREA, the beautiful new Golden Coleus, Ws. Gd. each, or 0 for l>5s. The set of three for 27s. Ashburnbam Park Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, S.W. " New Seed Warehouse in Dublin." JAMES DlCKSoN and SUNS, Seedsmen and Nurserymen, 3i. Hanovor Street, Edinburgh, beg to Intimate that in consequence of the largo increase of their busine'is in Ireland, they navo ro.-.olved to OPEN shortly those commodious Premised and Stores, No, 19. Upper S:icl£Villo Street, Dublin, as a " BRANCH ESTABLISHMENT."— 32, Hanovor Street, Edinburgh. ____ _ R~~AYNBIUD, CALDECOTT, BAAVTREE, DOWLING, AND COMPANY (Limited), CoitN, Seeu, Manure, and OiLOA&e MERcn&HTS. Address, 8U, Seed Market, Mark Lane, E.C. ; or Basingstoke. Samples and prices post free on application. Prize Medals, IBOl, for Wheat ; 18C2, for " Excellent Seed Corn and Seeds." Improvement of Grass Lands, at from 4s. 6d. to 93. per acre. SUTTON'S RENOVATING MIXTURE should he Sown after tho Hay is carried. C to 12 lb. per aero. Sutton Ik, Sons, Seed Growerd, Reading. PARIS, 1 SUTTONS' GRASS SEEDS for ALL SOILS. 1867. I The PREMIER PRIX SILVER MEDAL for GAR- DEN SEEDS, GRASSES, and GRASS SEEDS, was Awarded to SUTTON AND SONS, SttDSUEN to the Qot:EN. Reading, Berks. H^e" "ONlY P"^i~Z E MEDAL for GRASS in GROWTH, PARIS, 18U7, was Awarded to James Carter & Co., 237 and 23g, High Hoiborn, London, W.C. E~V E R Y~ GARDEN REQUISITE kept in Stock at Carter's New Seed Warehouse. 237 & 238, High Hoiborn, London. c Genuine Garden and Agricultural Seeds. AKTEK AND C SiED FARiiiiia, MLncHista, ond SDRSumHEH, 237 and 233, High Uolborp. Lopdon, ^y.C. For Autumn Sowing. TRUE ITALIAN TRIPOLI ONION (RID, Bisaoko T»niETt). WHITE LISBON UNION | OABBAGEs, of Borts. C CHARLES SHAKPE and CO., Seed Mercuants, y Sleaford, have good fresh Seed of tho abo.o to rtfor to tho Trade. Price on application. Large buyerawiU be liberallydealtwith w KITE GLOBE TURNIP, crop 1867, select stock. Price on application. James Fairukad & Son, 7, Borough Market, S.E. F INE STOCK, DEVONSHIRE GREYSTONE TURNIP. 16C7. Price reasonable. Ks Faikuead & Son. 7. Borough Market, S.E. LE WISH AM SWEDE, the finest variety of Purple-toi) m cultivation. J«Min FAinuiAD 4 SoK, 7, Borough Marked S.E^ To the Trade and Others. SPLENDID STOCKS TURN 1 1' STRATFORD GREEN, at son. per bushel; KAT.LY SlX.WEliKS ditto, at 2us. raiDi. GiE. Seed Me , Bigj;leBwado, Beds. For Quality and Price not to be surpassed in the Kingdom. EXTRA FINE ROBINSON'S ClIAJIPION DUU.MIIKAD CABBAGE plants, ENFIELD SIARKET ditto at '^s. 6d. per lOUD, for cash. Frkdk. Gut, .Seed Merchant and Grower, Blgglesw.ade, Beds. The Best Cabbage for Spring Use 1b UTTONS' IMTERIAL, whuU uliould be Sown in Juue and Julo. Price Hit. per oz., pes*, free. Cheaper by the cwt. SurrON & Sons, Seed Growers, Reading. s DRUMHEAD CATTLE CAUBAGE, the Hea™at of all Agricultural Crops.— This should be Sown In July and August, for Uansphmtlng in the Spring. Sdttos & Sons can supply— ROBINSON'S CHAMPION LIUUMHEAD CABBAGE (tho heaviest known), nt 3e. Oi*. per lb. Good DRUMHEAD CABBAGE, at 23. 6ii. per lb. r S Sons, Seed Qr< Market Gardens, Biggleswade. RICHARD WALKER can supply any qu"°'jy,J» ROBIN.SON'S CHAMPION DRUMBEAD CAHBAGB PLANTS, 1.. M. per lOUO: WALCUEREN CAOmLOWEa MANCHESTER OIA?.T H^D CEJM^BV. If. POr '» i T^RNE» = INCOMPARABLE DWARF WHITE CELbBY, U. per 100. btoCK 678 THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 27, 1868. Her Majesty's Gardener, FOWLEE'S GARDENERS' INSECTICIDE, says " It will kill any Insect that it comes into contact with, without injury to the plant." Thia invaluable preparation will be found to be SIMPLE, EFFICACIOUS, and HARMLESS, In destroying and preventing all the various Insects and Blights infesting Plants and Trees. May be applied by dipping, syringing, or sponEing, and by the most inexperienced. Sold by Nurserymen, Seedsmen, and Chemists throughout the kingdom, in jars. Is. 6(i., 3s., fc. 6rf., and 10*. each. Testimonials from the highest Professional and Amateur Authori- ties may be obtained of the Manufacturers, G. AND T. FOWLER, Brighton. London Agents :— Barclay A Co. ; Barr & Sugden ; Beck, Hender- son &, Child ; T. Bngden ; Butler, McCulloch & Co. ; J. Carter * Co • n Clarke & Sons ; Charlwood & Cummins ; Cooper & Co. ; S. Dixon & Co. ; B. J. Edwards; J. Fairhead & Son; Flanagan & Son ; W. Hooper & Co. ; Hurst k Son ; G. B. Kent & Co. ; Peter Lawson ft Son ; Lewis, Ash & Co. : I L L I 0 N, w. Heating by Hot Water. HOLLANDS, Iron 31, Baaksido, S.E. JIeechamt, , 7, Pall Mall East, London, S.W. IRON DOME CONSER- And all other a Horticultural Works, Stamford Hill, Middlesex. excellent Peach House or Covered Way. descriptions of Horticultural Buildings to^be j a. .jv/u i ..«...^, ." , —. ^ow & Co. ; Mather's Co. . Nash ft Nash ; H. Potter; J . Veitch & Son ; J. Wrench & Son ; B. 8. Willis Wholesale and Retail. The Cheapest and Best Insecticide. DUTY-FREE TOBACCO. pOOLEY'S TOBACCO POWDER, for the Preyention and Destruction of Blight and other Diseases in Plants. Sold by Nurscrynien, Seedsmen, and Florists, " I and It exceedingly useful for killing the Aphides on Roses and other Plants."— Geo. Evlf.s, Superintendent of the Royal Horticul- tural Gardens, South Kensington, May 7, 1868. 0 H N W HORTICULTURAL AND CO., BUILDERS HOT-WATER APPAEATDS MANUFACTURERS. The Show Establishment and Offices at the Works, King's Road, Chelsea, S.W. LaSCELLES' MACHINE-MADE MELON LIGHTS. Each C rt. by 4 ft. Lights, 2 ins. thick, unglazed iO Primed aud Glazed w .. . Sheet 0 11 with stout Portable Bos, not Painted 13 Painted four coats, and 6 ft. by 8 ft.. Double Lights, do. QREENHOUSES. Woodwork only. Prepared and Fitted nOT-WATERPIPES,from stock— per yard ELBOWS for ditto each TEES SYPHONS THROTTLE VALVES .. .. „ 2-inch. 3-inch. 10 0 1 11 6 HOT- WATER APPARATUS, of every description, Qxed complete in any part of the country, or the materials, viz.. Boilers, Pipes, &c., delivered to any Station. Estimates on application. J. JosES & Sons, 6, Bankside, Southwark, London, S.E. H ° WATER CASH PRICES. 2-inch. 3-inch. PIPES ■ per yard Is. od. ELBOWS each 1 6 TEES ,,2 6 SYPHONS „ 2 6 VjlLVES 10 0 3 6 13 0 No credit will be given when Pipes, &c., are Invoiced at the above prices. J. JONES i»n SONS, 0, Bankside, Southwark, Loudon, S.E. Price Lists, with terms for credit and for delivery at country stations, will bo sent on application. ^' 8 TIFFANY. s Garden Netting. „ Painted four coats, two side-s, ready for v Fhisbury Steam Joinery Works, 121. Bunhill Row, E^^ JOHN EDGINGTON and CO. supply TANNED NETTING for the Protection of Fruit Trees, Id. per square vard. APPARATUS Any quantity of TIFFANY, SCRIM CANVAS, &c. ; TULIP C0VE14S and OREENHODSE SHADES, SON BLINDS, fto. MARQUEES, TENT.S, and FLAGS for FETES,FLOWER SHOWS. Ac. West-end Sin Sole Manufacturer, T. A. P O O L E T, Bonded Warehouse Sussex Wharf, Wapping, E. Agents required in Towns where not already appointed. GREENHOUSES, HOTHOUSES, CONSERVATORIES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS,* HOT-WATER PIPES wholesale prices. Elbows, Syphons, and CONICAL, SADDLE, Tubular Boiler. G Used by many of the leading Gardeners since 1859, against Red Spider, Mildew, Thrips, Green Fly, and other Blight, in solutions of from 1 to 2 ounces to the gallon of soft water, and of from 4 to 16 ounces as a Winter Dressing for Vines and Fruit Trees. Has outlived many preparutions Intended to super- Wholesale by Mngni* PRICE'S PATENT "^'^- CANDLE COMPANY (LlMlTEP). NOW 1 IMinioVKU 1'EILL"S and feLLIPTIC BOILERS, from 24s. each. i KMPlloVED and EXTRA STRONG CAST IRON TUBULAR ' I!01 LKKS with or without Water Bars, from 62s. 6d. each. CAST and WRODGHT IRON PORTABLE BOILERS on STAND, for use without brickwork, from 608. each. PATENT and IMPROVED THROrrLE and other VALVES. FURNACE DOORS, BARS, and FURNACE WORK of every de- scription and size. ^^^^^ ^^j^^^ Old Barge Iron Wharf, Upper Ground Street, London, S.E. rpANNED NETTING, in large or small quantities, for X Seed Beds, and for the Protection of Fniit Trees from Frost, Blight, Birds, or as a Fence horn Fowls, &c., Id. per square yard; - - -"■ • "- — .---.-.- "----•-*'•- ""-ftde on application. , Seedsman, ic, Peterborough. C^ •S PATENT BUILDINGS HORTICOLTDRE ' Dry Glazing without Putty " Glass without Laps "Ventilation without Moving Lights Highly Commended by the Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington. mHE WALKING-STICK BLOW TUBE, _L MADE by E. LANG, is the only thing at all adapted kUling Birds for Preservation, as it maket no noiso, docs not injure tbe plumage, and shoots with the greatest accm-acy. Complete, with full instructions, £1 Is. Terras cash. E. Lang, 23, Cockspur Street, S.W. ____ " '" A'~GrR IC U"L T U R A L anil l\. HORTICULTURAL PRIZES. A Pamphlet of Prices, illustrated with 300 Engravings of Cups, Goblets, Tankards, &c., will be forwarded gratis and post free on application Lithogi-aphio Drawings of Silver Epergnts Flower Stands. &c.. have been prep.ared for tbe use of Committees and others requiring Presentation Plate, and will be forwarded for inspection on appUcatlon to the GoLDSUiTHs' Alliance (Limited), Manufactnr Ini; Silversmiths, Hi 12, Cornhill, London, E.C , oi-iposite the Bank of England. NETTING for FRUIT TREES, SEED BEDS, RIPE STRAWBERRIES. &c. TANNED NETTING for protecting the above from Frost, Blight. Birds, &c., 2 yards wide, 3d. per yard, or 100 yards, 20s. : 4 yards wide, Gel. per yard, or 60 yards, 20s. NEW TAN N ED N ETTING, suited for any of the above purposes, or as a Fence for Fowls, 2 yards wide, 6d. per yard; 4 yards wide. Is. per yard ; 1-inoh mesh, 4 yards wide, Is. Gd. per yard. Can be had in ajiy quantity of . , .„ « " ft Deller, 6 & 7. Crooked Lane, London Bridge, E.C. ^:;aRDEN BORDER EDGING TILES, in great VJ variety of patterns and materials, the plainer sorts being e.specially suited for KITCHEN GARDENS, as they harbour no Slugs and Insects, take up little n, and once put down incur no further labour expense, as do "grown" seqnently being " ' variety of design. ■Isea. S.W. ; Kinpsland Road, Kingsland, N.E. Sole London Agents for FOXLEY'S PATENT GARDEN WALL BRICKS. Illustrated Price List free by post. The Trade supplied. ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES for Conservatories, Halls Corridors. Balconies. Ac, as cheap and durable as Stone, in blue, red, and buff colouis, and capable of forming a variety Architect, Birmmghi Works Hlgbgate Street Birminghim r J. GnowTAOK, Maniiger. 1. Temoie Row West, Birmingham Greenliouses— Heating Apparatus. CONSERVATORIES PINERIES STRAWBERRY HOUSES VINERIES FORCING HOUSES ORCHID HOUSES WALL- TREE COVERS GREKN HOUSES CUCUMBER and MELON HOUSES of designs. Also TESSELATED PAVEMENTS of than the above. WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Larders 2-u^h^T, o««™«« Hn.K. ^„ '^->oved and other Stable Paving I enriched designs SILVER SAND (REIGATE, best quality), at the above addresses— 14s. per Ton, or Is. 3rf. per Bushel ; 2s. per Ton extra for delivery within three miles, and to any London Railway or Wharf Quantities of 4 Tons, Is. per Ton less. FLINTS, BRICK BURRS or CLINKERS for Rockeries or Grottc Work. F. & G. Ros HER. —Addresses see above. N.B. Orders promptly executed by Railway. JRCHARD HOUSE PATENT SUN- BLINDS^ FROST PROTECTORS, with various Patented Improve- ments in the ' CONSTRUCTION VENTILATION RENTING SHADING OPENING GEAR THE ONLY PRIZE MEDAL AWARDED for Various Improvements in the Ventilation, Construction, and Apnlicatlon of WROUGHT-IRON to Hoitic\Utural Buildiners. O'ur New Patent TENANT'S GREENHOUSE, THE NOVELTY, Is cheap, durable, easily fixed, does not require painting, is adapted for all purposes, and is the most perfectly ventilated house of the present day. Prices:— 20 Jt. long, £10 to £iy 10s. ; 32 ft., £15 to £29 Us. ; 40 ft., £18 to £36; 64 ft., £27 125. to £54 3s. 6d. ; SO ft.. £34 to £6G 6s. ; 104 ft., £43 12s. to £84 lOs. Span Roofs, double price. Orders for our New Patent WALL-TREE COVER are now solicited. They save their cost in one season. Prices, with 16-oz. jlass, 8s., Qs.. 10s., and 12s. per foot run. In HEATING wo are pre-eminent, and have pieasvire in referring to works in all parts of the kingdom which have been executed by ua. Careful personal attention is given to all orders; and from our immense practical experience, we are willing to guarantee that Buildings left to our arrangement shall perfectly answer the pur- posed for which they are intended, without fear of disappointment. Our Patented arrangements may be seen " en module," and every information obtained at our London Office. 6, Sioane Street. S.W. Postal address, Ancnor Iron Works, Chelmsford , Hot-Water Enginners, Patentees, and general T)AXTON S REGISTERFD STRAWBERRY JT CRINOLINE —The contrnance is by the Kte Sir Joseph I iston who after testing them for one season in his own O.-irdens, IlDck Hills yive his approval of their usefulness. The right to Manufacture them was transferred t , B II LLiDAT Practical WireWorker, 24, PortobelloTerrace,NottiDg HiUGUe V, Illustrated Catalogue: C \RDEN ARCHES, ARCADES, VERANDAHS. AIEWl „ _ „ __ ORNA- FENCING,' TRELLIS WORK for CREEPERS, I-LU\VER" STANDS, SUSPENDING BASKETS, AVIARIES, FHEASANTRIES, &c. E\ ti y description of Wire Work for Gardens, Conservatories, &c. the BEE-HIVE FACTORY, where every kind of Hive, ic canbehadgoodand cheap.— Improved COTTAGE HIVES, with three Bell Glasses for taking the Honey without hurting the lets strung and ornamental. 20s. ; WOODBIJRT FRAME HIVES, in Straw, 1^ also in Cork. Glass, and Wood. Major Munn's Patent Hive Dr Foster's cheap Frame Hives. 10s. 6^. and 12s. Gd. ; Tansy- , leaved Phacella (the great Bee Plant), post free. Is. , , Price Lists free; with 20 Photographic Illustrations, Ad. , H Francis, 61, Great Russell Street (facing the British Museum);' j Bee-Hlves. TWO SILVER MEDALS awarded to GEO. NEIGHBOUR akd SONS, AT THE Paris ExniBmox of 1867. The only English Exbibitors who obtained a Silver Medal for Bee-Hives. NEIGHBOURS' IMPROVED COTTAGE BEE-HIVE, , as originally introduced by GEORGE NEIGHBOUR anu | SONS, workiDg three bell-glasses i is neatly and stmngly made ot I straw ; it has three windowi ( bee-hive that has been iatro* duced. Price complete, £1 15.^. i Stand for ditto, 10s. 6d. THE LIGURIAN oi ITALIAN ALP BEE being , much in repute, G. N. and f Sons supply Stocks of English t Bees with genuine Italiar ' DRAWINGS POST FREE. DEANE & CO., 4C, KING WILLIAM ST., LONDON BRIDGE, GARDEN ENGINE. Horticultural Tools, &c. LAWN MOWING MACHINES, 42s., 60s., 70»., 90s., 140s. OARDEN BARROW.S, Wood and Iron, 21s. ana 2(!s. GARDEN ENGINES, Galvanised Iron, Prices, 66«.,C6s.,r8s., 903. ,100j.,llo.<. GARDEN ROLLERS, £1 10s., £1 14s., JC2, £2 7s. (id., £2 123. 6ci., £3 2s. M. STEEL DIGGING FORKS. SPjVDES, SCYTHES, ic. GREENHOUSE SYRINGES and GARDEN POMPS. WIRE NETTING and ORNAMENTAL WIRE WORK. GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS, FLOWER STANDS, Cast-iron and Wire. STRAINED WIRE FENCING and IRON HURDLES. HOT-WATER FITTINGS for GREENHOUSES. CONSERVAT0RIES,&e. Deane^s New IHustraied Horticultural Catalogue post free on application. Discount 5 per ccut. for cash payments over £2. EsTAnLISHED A.D. 1700. DEANE AND CO., 46, KING WILLIAM STREET, LONDON BRIDGE, E.G. STANDARD (jARDEN PUMP PORTABLE FIRE ENGINE. (C. W. ORFORD'S PATENT.) SOLE MANUFACTURERS, R. HARCOURT & SON. _ This article was invented expressly to obviate the many defects incidental to the usual India-rubber aud Leather Valves. THE VALVES BEING ALL OF BRASS, CANNOT BE AFFECTED EITHER BY CLIMATE OR BOILING WATER. And it is acknowledged by all who have used it to be the article of all others least liable to derangement^ most perfeet in its action^ and, from its very construction, most durable. For Price Lists, ,S:o., apply to the Manufacturers, MESSRS. HARCOURT and SON, 223, MOSELET STREET, ISIRMINGHAM ; or to theii- LONDON WAREHOUSE, BISHOP'S COURT, OLD BAILEY, E.C.; AND OF ALL IR0XMOXGER.S. Can be fitted with Lever Handles if ordered. PORTABLE AND FIXED HOT-WATER APPARATUS, FOR HEATING CONSERVATORIES, HOTHOUSES, CHURCHES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE RESIDENCES, ETC., WITH -TRUSS'S PATENT XTNIVERSAL FLEXIBLE AND LEAKLESS PIPE-JOINTS. T. S. TRUSS I ,e V\nti\lL f„l f .!!'' 'i"^*"??" ?,"„";';£'■ "^ apparatus annually Designed and Erected by him in all parts of • ith ,,nfiv»Tl'.,f f / .f"-' ^°^^^ HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY at SOUTH KENSINGTON and CHISWICK, . ?«t „hIw »"'','. ^""rv" >; ?'"i'?'>'«'0 f""- *ill of design, superior materials, and good workmanship ; whUo the hftl '"'T™*^gf« obtained by his IMPROVED SYSTEM cannot be overestimated, consisting of perfectly tight ™m,J.I t-fi, r.!'^ of appearance; EFFECTS A SAVING OF 25 PER CENT, on cost of Apparatus erected mpared with other systems; faciUty for extensions, alterations or removals without injury to Pipes or Joints; TT'^Tr'MOTiD'iiT, ^^"5;, Gardener; an ordinary size Apparatus erected in one day, and PEUFECTNESS of . ' Uv re? t?r^l^n ' INSURING NO EXTRAS. Coniplete Apparatus, of the best Saterials, with Saddle Boiler 1 "ondon ™n„. Jf ■"f '' ®''"'°" .'?• ?"S'™d, and Erected at tlio foUoxving prices. Erection beyond 25 mUes off onaon, raUway fare for one man additional. Considerable reduction on large works. SlM 01 House. : 0 ffct by 10 feet ; 0 feet by 12 feet '■ ) feet by 15 feet TWO FOUR-INCH PIPES ALONG ONE SIDE AND ONE END OF HOUSE. Apparatus Complete. Bctfon. I Size of noiise. i;y 0 0 .. £2 0 0 60 feet by 1.5 feet li 15 0 .. 2 10 0 75 feet by 15 feet 15 0 0 .. 2 15 0 1 100 feet by 15 feet .. 26 0 0 ., ; Bath and Gas Work erected in town or country. The Trade Supplied. EorUcuUural Buildings of every description from l5. 6rf. per foot superjicial, inclusive of Brickwork. Price Liets, Plans, and Estimates forwarded on application to T. S. TRUSS, C.E., Consulting Horticultural Engineer, &c.. Sole Manufacturer, PRIAR STREET, BLACKTRIARS ROAD, LONDON, S.E. Observe — The City Office* are now Betnoved to th« Manufactory^ Friar Street, GARDEN NETTING (at Reduced Price), for the Protection of newly-gown Seeds from Frost, Bliglit. and Birds ; also as a Fence for Poultry, Rubbits, and Sbeep, Id. per squire yard, carrlafte free, in quantttles of 250, 600, or 1000 yards. SCUIM CANVAS, for Wall 1-ruit, Groeuhouso Shades. Tulip HAYTnORN'Sand WALLER'S NETTINGS, sainplo of material free on aitplicntlon. RICK COVERS, witU Poles complete, for Sale or Hire. Da particular. Frkdeiiick EDfiiNqToN & Co., Marquee, Tent. Flag, and Rlok Cloth Manufuctiirors, GO and G'2, Old liont Road, London. S.E. A Liberal Discount to the Trade. THE LA^YN.— " A well-mown LawTi is the finish to a Garden."— A Rood stock of excellent SCYTHES. M0WER8. ROLLERS, CHAIRS, TABLES, SEATS, &c., kept at the Garden Repository, 32, Jamea Street, Covent Garden, W.C. PATRONISED BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, Guaranteed The NEW BB PATENT LAWN MOWER la Manufactured by J. B. Brown & Co. in London, on their own premises, and under their personal superintendence. It is worked by moans of geared or toothed wheels, is noiseless, and is guaranteed to give perfect satisfaction in every respect. PRICES (delivered free to any Railway Station In England) :— Size. Easily worked Price, lo-inchl 12-inch Y .. By a Boy .. 18-lnch 20-inch ■) By a Man and Boy C i4 0 \ 5 0 t fi 10 G 10 22.inch ^ .. Bv Two Men J : 24-inch i " ( ! ^S" Every Machine sent out is warranted to give amp ion, and, if not approved of, may be at once returned. J. B. BROWN AND CO., Offices: 90, Cannon Street, City, London, E.C. Green's Patent Noiseless Lawn Mowers. THOMAS GREEN and SON, in introducing their PATENT LAWN MOWERS for the present season, beg to state that they have no novelties to report. The fact is, that after the severe teals their Machines have been subjected to sioce they added their latest improvements, four years ago, they have been found to meet all the requirements for which they are intended, viz. :— the keeping of Lawns in the highest state of perfection. They are the simplest in construction, least liable to get out nf order, and can be worked with far greater ease than any other Lawn Mower extant. Green's Patent Lqwn Mowers have proved to be the beet, and have carried off every prize that has been given in alt cases of compt - tition, and in proof of their superiority upwai-ds of 44,000 have been sold s - -- " Buckingham Palace Gardens Mnrlborougb House Gardens Royal Horticultural Society, South Kensington The Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park The Crystal Palace Company's Gardens, Sydenham The Hyde Park Gardens And in most Of the pi Kmgdora. The Winter Palace Gardens, The Liverpool Botanic Gardena The Leeds Royal Park The Hull Botanic Gardens The Botanic Gardens, Brussels The Sunderland Paric The Preston Park ;ipul Parka and Squares in the United HAND MACHINE To cut 10 mches £3 10 0 1^ „ .. 4 10 0 Suitable for a Lady, To cut 14 inches To cut 18 inches Suitable for Two Persons. , Pony, and Donkey Machines, including Patent 3 ordinary Chaise Traces or Gig Harness :— 16 0 0 17 0 0 HORSE MACHINES. To cut 30 Inches . . £21 0 ,, 38 ,, .. 24 0 Leather Boots for Horse. 26«. Leather Boots for Donkey, 185. „ „ Pony, 22», The 20 and 28 inches can 30 inches by a Pony, and the larger sizes by a Horse ; and Machines make no noise in working, the most spirited employed without fear of its running away c any way damaging uuvu mu iiuiao, i uuj, j^uuboj, uuii j«»uv* ^>i^vtiiu. and 25. 6d. CINKKARIA, of extra choice quality, being saved from the beat sliow varieties. Per packet. Is. and 23. (kl. PRIMULA FIMBUIATA, a strain of rare quality, the flowers being superbly fringed, and of immense size. Splendid extra darJt carmine red, per packet, Is. M. and 25. Gd. ; splendid pure wliite, per packet, Is. Gd. and 2s. Hd. ; six splendid varietiea, mixed, per packet. Is. Cd. and 2s. Oii. J. Scott. The Seed Stores, Yeovil, Somerset. ' New and Choice Flower Seeds, Free by Post. BS. WILLIAMS, Seed Mercuast and Nuksery- • MAM, Victoria and raradise Nursery, Upper HoUoway, London, N. B. S. W, hafl much pleasure in submittinR the lolloping LIST oi FLOWER SKEDS, which are specially recommended for their beauty and superior qualities;— Per packet. — e. ri. PRIMULA (WiLLiAus' superb Strain), Red, White, or Mixed. UPERB VARIEGATED PELARGONIUMS. _ SOPHIA CUSACK EDWINIA FIT2PATR1CK TWILIGHT LUKLINE BEAUTY of GUE3TWICK DUKE of EDINBURGH QUEEN VICTORIA MOIRE ANTIQUE MADELINE SCHILLER LIGHT and SHADOW LADY of SHALOTT VENUS ELECTRIC Remittance requested. For any varieties oblected to others ot equal value can be substituted. Special offer to the Trade. Casbon & Son, Gravel Walk Nurseiy, Peterborough. . Qd., CALCEOLARIA, HERBACEOUS (saved fro Sti-ain) ClNERAillA (Weatlierill'a extra choice Strain) . Qd.. D CYCLAMEN FEHSICUM (Wiggins' X'r l3. Cft., 23. 6ii., and 3 6 , the most beautiful of nil the (Scarlet Intermediate) t wo best Scarlets in 1 . . 1 cultivation. J .. 1 WALLFLOWER (Saunders' dark variety) .. . . . . ..1 SOLANUM (Weatherili's Hybrids) .. 2s. Grf., 3*. Gd., and 6 VIOLA LUTEA (yellow-flowered Violet) Is. 6J., 2s. 6d., and 3 Victoria and Paradise Nursery, Upper nolloway, London. N. MESSRS. GEO. JACKMAN and SON respectfully invito an inspection of their HYBRID CLEMATISES, which are now in full bloom. JACKMANS* HYBRID CLEMATISES. — "We had no idea of their profuse way of blooming, and consequently of their great value, till we saw them at home."— r/*e Field. JACKMANS' HYBRID CLEMATISES. —*' It la almost Im- possible to overestimate the gorgeous effect which they are capable of producing and maintatning."— flt>n3t and Pomoloi/ist. JACKMANS' HYBRID CLEMATISES.— "The size and pro fusion of the flowers in the older established plants is astonieh- Ing, and the sight of them would well repay a visit to Woking."— Gardener^ Chronicle. Woking Nursery, Surrey ; li mile from Woklcg Station, South Western Railway, whore conveyances can always be obtained. A CATALOGUE (with an engravmg) Post Free, or on application. Opuntia Rafinesquiana. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE, Nukseryman and Seedsman, Ghent, Belgium, possessing the largest stock on the Continent of this novel and remarkable plant, is enabled to offer half-dozen, or 105. per dozen plants^ free in London, rockwork; may remain '" the severest frosts not SEEDS, 25 for 2s. Gd., fr First-rate for uncovered during the whole of the winter. a any way affecting it. Also well ripened m London, by prepayment at lu.^,.,... .. & Son's. 6. Harp Lane, London, E.G. The FLoitE DES SERRES will shortly contain a Coloured Plato of this extraordinary novelty. The Trade supplied . R. Sil: Camellias and Indian Azaleas. A VAN GKERT, NuhseRYMA^t, Ghent, Belgium, has • the pleasure of informing hia Patrons and the Public in general that his stock of CAMELLIAS and AZALEAS this season Is in splendid condltioD. composed of all the best and leading varieties, and with great prospect of setting well with flower buds ; he therefore solicits the favour of early orders to secure the best quality, as very often commands are sent late in the autumn when the beat are gone. Prices will be, as usual, reasonable, according to size of plants. AZALEA SINENSIS, strone plants, 18s. per dozen. A GENERAL CATALOGUE of PLANTS may be had on appli- cation to his Agents, Messrs. R. SiLBERRAn & Son, 6, Harp Lane, Tower Street, Loudon. E.C. ADOLPH STELZNER, Nurseiiyman, Ghent, Belgium, begs to offer the following rare and beautiful FERNS at very low prices. In fine plants : — LOMARIA CILI ATA, 15s. per doz., £a per 100 GYMNOGRAMMA PARSONI, 15s. per doz., £5 per 100 LAOCHEANA, 10s. per doz., £3 10s. per 100 „ GIGANTEA, 26s. per doz., beautiful novelty „ HYBRIDA SPECTABILIS, 26s. per doz. CIBOTIUM FRINCEPS, fine and strong plants, 203., 30s., and 40s. per doz., £7 to £10 per 100 PTERIS POLYDACTYLON, 15s. per doz. „ SERRULATA CRISTATA, 8s. per doz., £2 Ids. per 100 BRAINEA INSIGNIS. 30s. per doz. DAVALLIA TENUIFOLIA STRICTA, fe. per doz., £2 10s. per 100 BLECHNUM BOREALE RAMOSUM, 128. per doz., £4 per 100 LATIFOLIDM, 12.1. per doz., £4 per 100 CYRTOMIUM FORTUNEl, 9.^. per doz., £3 per 100 LASTIL*:A DILATATA RAMOSA, 9s. per doz., £3 por lOO „ INTERKUPTA, 6s. per doz., £2 per 100 VARIA, 15s. per doz., £5^per_100 Reference required from unknown correspondents EOISE-CHAUVIERE, Seed Grower, Nurseryman, and Florist, 14, Qaai de la M6gisserie, Paris. Eighty-four Gold and Silver Medals in the Exhibitions of Franco, England, Belgium, and Prussia (Gold Medal, Universal Exhibition of 1807) By appointment Seedsman to the Emperor. All kinds of VEGETABLE and AGRICDLTURAL SEEDS can be supplied, including' Lowest price for cash on application. The most complete collection of GLADIOLI. CATALOGUES on application. s UTTONS' HOME-GROWN TURNIP SEEDS for Early, Late, and Spring Feeding. Carriage Free. WHITE TANKARD TURNIP. RED TANKARD TURNIP. GREEN TANKARD TURNIP. LINCOLNSHIRE RED PARAGON do. SUTTONS'IMPERIAL GREEN GLOBE do. SUTTONS' SHORT-TOP SIX-WEEKS do. At very moderate Prices. Lowest Price per Bushel (Carriage Free) on application. Seeds. PTRETHRUM GOLDEN FEATHER, the finest golden-leaved hardy perennial bedding plant, produced true from seed, is offered only by E. G. Henderson & Son. The ensuing month, until the last week In July, is also the best season for sowing Hendebsons' fine strains of CALCEOLARIA, CINERARIA, and PRIMULA SINENSIS, including the best varieties in each group. E. G. HEhDEBsoK & Son also offer Seeds for the ensuing spring bloom of the true London RED and WHITE INTERMEDIATE STOCK ; also the finest White and Purple new Double varieties of ALEXANDRA and ALBERT PROLIFIC INTERMEDIATE STOCK. The foregoing are the finest forma in each group or section. Fioin the present date to the end of July is the most favourable period for sowing all ornamental hardy and tender biennial Plants. Wellington Nursery, St. John's Wood, London, N.W. Extra Choice Seeds for Present Sowing. ROBERT PARKER bu-gs to offer the undernamed, all of which are warranted to bo of the finest possible qualities. Per packet — s. d. CALCEOLARIA, herbaoeoua, finest mixed 2 0 , CINERARIA CRUENTA, finest mixed 2 0 MYOSOTIS SYLVATICA (Cliveden variety) 0 6 STOCK, INTERMEDIATE WHITE 0 8 SCARLET 0 0 PRlkUiA SINENSIS FIMBRlATA.fineatmixod .. •■ 2 0 ' , . *^ ., KERMESINA SPLENDENS.. ..2 0 WALLFLOWER, double German, finest mixed 0 6 PRICED and DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUES, containing Select Lists of Agricultural, Flower, and Vegetable Seeds, Spring Bedding Plants, Greenhouse, Hardy, and Stove Plants, are publishod, ana will ba forwarded gratis to applicants. Exotic Nursery, Tooting, Surrey, S.W. CHIVAS AND WEAVER some years ago introduced the above Turnip to the notice of the British Agriculturist as a variety which, from its rapidity of growth, might be sown later than any other — being highly nutritious would be greedily consumed by Stock, and its extreme hardiness rendering it invaluable for the ir- of Sheep in Spring. It has generally characteristics where the growers hi ^ C, & W. have of late years been giving much attention __ , Improvement of the variety, and are now prepared to supply Seed, the produce of which they believe will be of a decided^ siipenor quality to that of preceding years. Where it is necessary ' Cheater.- , IMS. Caution to Gardeners.— When you ask for SAYNOR AND COOKE'S WARRANTED PRIZE PRUNING and BUDDING KNIVES, see that you get them. Observe the mark SAYNOR, also the Corporate Mark, Obtain Warranted, without which none are genuine. S. & C. regret having to caution Gardeners and others, but are Gompellca to do so. In consequence of an imitation, of common quality, having been sold for the genuine one, and which has caused luany complaints to be made to them of Knives which were not of their make, all of which are warranted both by Sellers and Makers. S. & C.'s PRUNING and BDDDING KNIVES are the best and the oheanest in the market. PoxtoD Works, Sheffield. Established upwards of 125 years. DWARF ROSES IN POTS FOR SUMMER PLANTING. FRANCIS & ARTHUR DICKSON & SONS, " UPTON " NUBSERIES, CHESTER, Have a vmt large stock of the aboTc, in strong healthy plants, incluOing all the choicest varieties in cultivation, i well as the KEW fiOSES of 1868. PRICED CATALOGUES free by post on application. THEIR ROSES ARE NOW IN FULL BLOOM, of which they respectfully invite inspection. 20,000 ROSES in POTS NOW READY. PAUL & SON, The Old Nueseeies, Cheshunt, N., Beg, now that removal of Koses from the ground is out of the question, to offer, specially, DWARF ROSES IN POTS FOR SUMMER PLANTING. HYBEID PERPETUAL ROSES, on own roots, of finest older varieties, 12s. to 15s. per dozen. TEA KOSES, on own roots and on Manetti, to plant from May to August, IBs. per dozen. NEW ROSES of 1867, Pkvl & Son's selection of the best, 18s. per dozen. NEW ROSES of 1863, Paul & Son's selection of varieties, 42s. per dozen. With the new Roses, which have mostly bloomed with them, they are much pleased, and recommend them with their own new English Seedling Rose, herewith described, Hybrid Perpetual, Duke of Edinburgh (Paul & Son). A seedUne raised here by us ; is of rare beauty of colour, rich crimson scarlet when forced, finely and deepiy shaded; in the way of Xavier OUbo or Duke of Wellington. Flowers large, of good shape, and fine petals Plana of strong vigorous habit and hardy, having withstood the winters of 186b. Einibited and much admired at Yoik and Crystal Palace Shows. Coloured Plate by Andrews for 13 stamps. Plants, now ready, 53. each. PRICED LISTS of NEW ROSES and GENERAL ROSE and other CATALOGUES free by post. VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. ~^7T. WILLIAMS Respectfully invites the Nobility and Gentry about to furnish their Conservatories, Greenhouses Stoves, at^ • Orchid Houses, to an inspection of his Stock of Magaificent Specimens, that are unequalled in this country, consisting of TREE FERNS, DRAC/ENAS, PALMS, CAMELLIAS, AZALEAS, AGAVES,, TUCCAS, CYCADS, BEAUCARNEAS, ARALIAS, AND ALL KINDS OF FLOWERING, STOVE, AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. Besides the LARGE CONSERVATORY, which is at all times of the year worth a visit, there are nineteen Houses consisting of ORCHID HOUSES, PALM STOVES to which many new and interesting Plants have of late teeraddedrNEW HOLLAND HOUSES, FERN HOUSES, AZALEA HOUSES, &c., replete with Plants which, by the interest and instruction they will afl'ord, wiU well repay a visit. The COLLECTION of MEXICAN PLANTS at this Nursery is unsurpassed in Great Britain, with the exception of the ono at the Kew Gardens. All New Plants that are worthy of notice are to be seen here. The Houses have all been erected vithia- the last 4 ye^rs and have been built to suit the requirements of the plants, which is one of the surest roads to 8ucee» . in their cultivation. SPRING CATALOGUE OF NEW AND RARE PLANTS Is now ready, Post Free to all applicants. CARRIAGE AND OMNIBUS ROUTES. Carriage Route from West End is through Albany Street, Regent's Park; Park Street, Camden Townf Kentish Town Road ; and the Junction Road. Omnibus Routes :-The "Favorite" Omnibusses from tie Bank, and London. Bridge l^UwaysjVicton^^^ Station, Charing Cross, and Westminster; Brompton, South Kensmgton Museum, PiocadiUy, andiiegont Otreei, arrive at and start from the entrance of the Nursery every seven minutes. VICTORIA AND PARADISE NURSERY, UPPER HOLLOWAY, LONDON, N. Foot of Highgate Hill. June 27, 1868.] THE GATtDENERS' CMONTCLE AND AGEICULTUPvAL GAZETTE 681 CARTER'S NEW PLANTS FOE 1868. JAMES CARTER & CO. Have the honour to nnnoimco that they have purchased of the Council of the Eoyal Horticultural Society A MAGNIFICENT SET OF FOUR entirely new and distinct varieties of HYBRID COLEUS, Raised in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick, and which attracted so jnuch admiration at the Meeting of the Society on April 7. From the Gardeners' CJironicle of April 11, 18GS. "New TlTninps or Colkvs — AmnnRst tho subjects which havo been succossfully brought under the influence of the cros^^-breoder at the Chiswfck Garden, n prominent place must be given to the genus Coleus, on which M. Bause has practised with results which are in every wav satisfactory. A considerable number of hybrid novelties of this faruilv has been raised, and a selection frum these was exhibited on Tuesday last at the meeting of the Floral Committee nt South Kensington, where tho plants attracted much attention. The materials operated on in this case were the following:— C. Vewohaf- feltii was throughout tho sced-bcnrinn; parent. This was ferttllsed by C. Veitchli, by C. Gibsonl, and by C. Bluniei, and in the offspring there Is abundant evidence that true crosses havo been effected. The novel forma which have been produced ranco in two series, the one having plane crenated leaves, as in C. Veitchli, and tho other having inciso-dentate frilled loaves, as In C. Verschafleltii, so that fiome follow In this respect tho mother and some the father plant. Tho best of the forms, so far as yet developed, are the following:— PLANE-LEAVED SERIES. COLEUS DIXU(a hybrid between C. VerschaCTeltii and C. Gibsoni). FRILLED-LEAVED SERIES. COLECrS CLARKEI (i hybrid between C. Verschafleltii and C. GibPoni). COLEUS WILSONI (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeltii and C Veitchli). COLEUS REEVESII (a hybrid between C. Verschaffeltii and C. quisitions, both for in-door and ^^, purposes, and they will doubtlc.. THE BENEFITS OF WARDIAN CASES. In the obituary of our old and esteemed friend Mr. N. B. AVard, given in your last issue, it is slated, as one of the many benefits arising out of the application of the closed cases bearing his name, that " Mr. Williams, the missionar.v, by means of these cases, was enabled to establish the Banana (so important a food plant) in one of the Navigator Islands, where it was previously unknown." The statement is not correct, and misses a point which I should like to see brought out. Both Bananas and Plantains were not previously unknown in any of the Polynesian Islands, but existed there in a bewildering number of forms when Europeans first became acquainted wiih them. Solander in his MSS., preserved at the British Museum, enumerated no less than 2S different kinds as found in the Society Islands alone. The merit of Mr. Williams taking the Banana in a Wardian case to the Navigator Islands, where it already existed in superabundance, would therefore seem to be like taking coals to Newcastle or owls to Athens; but it was not quite so. What Williams really did, and where Ward's contrivance comes in for its full share of glory, was that he introduced the Chinese or Cavendish Banana, which certainly was previously unknown there, and if you will allow me to quote a passage from the eighth part of my "Flora Vitiensis," just ready, you will see the great value of this introduction :— " An important addition to their stock of Musas the Vitians received in the Vudi ni papalagi (;'. e.. Foreign Banana), our Musa chinensis or Cavendishii, which the late John Williams, better known as the Martyr of Eromanga, brought in a Wardian case from the Duke of Devonshire's seat at Chatsworth to the Samoan or Navigator Islands, whence again, in 1840, the Rev. George Pritchard carried it to the Tongan or Friendly Islands, as well as to the Fijis. Its introduction has put an effectual stop to those famines which previously to this event were occasionally experienced m some of these islands. Never attaining any greater height than 6 feet, and being of robust growth, this species is but little aflected by the violent winds which often cause such damage amongst plantations of the taller kinds of Musa; and this advantage, coupled with the abuudant yield of the plant and fine flavour of its fruit, have induced the natives to propagate it to such an extent that, notwithstanding its comparatively recent intro- duction, the Vudi ni papalagi numbers amongst the most common Bananas of the country." Having proposed this amendment (which I trust the Editors of the Gardeners' Chronicle will duly second by giving it publicity), I should like to ask the question whether Musa pumila, Eumph., is identical with what we now term M. Cavendishii or chinensis ? Few genera are in such a confusion as Musa, and we in Europe can do but little to clear it up, unless those living in the tropics send us faithful drawings and descriptions of all the "forms" they can get hold of in a living state ; for herbarium specimens, in this instance, are insuflicient to settle the question — some of the most important characters, for instance, whether the scapes are erect (as in M. uranoscopus, Rumph., Troglodytarum, Linn.), or nodding (as in M. Caven- dishii), being entirely lost. Native names should in all instances accompany such drawings and descriptions, but it is highly undesirable that people in out-of-the- way places, beyond the reach of good libraries, should ^ivo new scientific names to forms which they do not hnd described. At present we really do not know any species thoroughly, and it is quite absurd, though cer- tainly an easy way of settling thematter,to assume that the greater bulk of the hundreds of different kinds of Musa (I employ this terni purposely) are varieties of M. paradisiaca and M. sapientum, when the few kinds that have been thoroughly examined by competent hands have turned out to be good species. Many Musas are of great horticultural value, for instance, M. lunaris, Rumph., the Pisang Zulang-trang of the Malays, which may be identical with M. glauca of Roxb., aud which has white fruit, and is said to look in moonlight nights as if made of silver, whence the native name. I have never seen the plant itself, but I remember the fruit being sold in the markets of Point de Galle, Ceylon, the last time I touched there. Perhaps the best known species is M. Ensete, Gmel., which, as Schott perceived when Kotschy first intro- duced the plant, in 1838 (conf. Kotschy in Bonplandia, ix., p. 329), is the type of a new genus (Ensete, Horani- now — conf. Bonpl. vii., p. 277) bearing the name E. edulis, Horaniu. Berthold Seemann, SUBTROPICAL GARDENING IN PARIS IN 18fi7. The Pare Monceaux, which contained last year by far the richest collection of plants, and was, in fact, a large subtropical garden, I propose taking as a primary channel for conveying my observations upon this subject, culling contributions from other interesting sources that were common about Paris. This park is, however, small, and its internal arrangement is void of all geometrical regularity. It has four magnificent entrances, two principal promenades, which cross each other, and a somewhat circuitous walk for pedestrians. This marginal walk is connected with the main thoroughfares at the wider distances by other shorter walks. There is little diversity of surface, but abun- dance of shelter and umbrage. The lawn is well kept, as it is everywhere in Paris, owing chiefly to the abundance of water, and the convenient means employed for its application. A good system of labelling would be an improvement, but the French public appears to go more to admire and to enjoy itself, than to study. Almost all the beds are elliptical, or par- taking of that form, here as well as in other Parisian gardens. The soil is of course artificially and carefully prepared, to suit the various plants used. I will start at the entrance from the Avenue de la Reine Hortense, and take the left turn of the circuitous walk, on both sides of which are beds. In the first place I found a magnificent bed of Arundo Donax variegata, about 60 ])Iants, on a groundwork of blue Lobelia; beyond it Aristolochia Sipho was made to climb Ivy-like up the trunk of a Sycamore, and its large cordate leaves were exceedingly ornamental. Passing a single plant of Melianthus major, and a shrubby Argyranthemum frutescens (Paris Daisy), a little group of Wigandia Vigieri was worth notice. It did not appear so large or so robust as the better known species, but the plants were probably from a spring sowing, and not fully developed. Further on came a noble bed of Ficus elastica, having a ground- work of Centaurea ragusina. Opposite was a bed containing 10 plants of Allamanda neriifolia, showing flowers never to expand : their appearance did not at all recommend it for outdoor culture. Close to it Polymnia maculata made a nice group of foliage, sparingly sprinkled with common-looking composite flowers. A little in advance an immense bed of Caladium bataviense was in good condition and distinct, its large sheathing leaf-stalks becoming deep purple towards the base ; the surface of the bed was covered with Mignonette. Caladiums were among the commonest plants for outdoor decoration in Paris, and their large shield-like leaves have a truly noble effect. In the Champs Elysees, Bois de Boulogne, and the Luxembourg Gardens beds of extraordinary size were to be seen. To the right of C. bataviense, and at a little distance from the walk, stood a most efl'ective group of Chamajrops humilis : a large central plant was surrounded by many others of various sizes. This Palm bears outdoor exposure better than many others, it is hardier and has more rigidity in its structure than most Palms. A little beyond stood a single Musa Ensete, the most noble and certainly the best of the genus for the subtropical garden. Several more were distributed through the park, giving it a truly tropical appearance. Near at hand was a plant of Testudinaria elephantipes (Elephant's foot) which had only its peculiarity of form to recommend it. At some distance from the walk on the left a bank of the hardy Funkia subcordata was most conspicuous ; both in leaf and flower it is little inferior to Eucharis grandiflora. Further on the right of the walk was a Punica granatum (Pomegranate), with bright scarlet blossoms. The huge plants of this in the Luxembourg gardens were very efl'ective, the foliage being so neat, and the flowers so brilliant. Passing a large shrub of Aloysia citrindora, and a fine solitary Agave americana, a large and imposing bed of Wigandia caracasana, carpeted below with 'Tradescantia zebrina, formed one of the best finished masses in the park. Nearly opposite to it an immense oval plantation of Aralia papvrifera had a mass of Iresine Herbstii for a ground- work. These two last-named noble-leaved plants were common in Paris, and rank among the best of their class. A little beyond occurred a good Agave soboli- fera, the thick fleshy leaves of which have a more arching and ornamental appearance than most other kinds. Abutilon amentaceum, with good foliage and well in flower, was followed by a large bed of Solanum crinitura(?) on a groundwork of Sweet Alyssum. Opposite stood a fine group of Sugar-cane (Saccharum oliicinarum), which is both graceful and interesting when in good condition. Further on was a plant of Euphorbia mellilera, then a bed which W'as to me one of the most pleasing in the park, viz., a ma's of Antirrhinum majus, beautifully varie^^ated. This would be a most useful plant, botli in our spring and summer gardens ; the colour of the foliage is good, and it is of a most desirable height ; this was the first mass of it I had seen, and it was charming. On the right was a small group of Sonchus laciniatus, a plant of most elegant habit if its weedy-looking flowers can be suppressed. Beyond came into view a large oval plantation of the fine golden-leaved Duranta Baum- gardi, in excellent health, and preserving its variega- tion well; this bed was surfaced with a Portulaca. Opposite was a magnificent bed of Solanum Warsce- wiczioides, certainly one of the best of this extensive genus. A little further on a single Sparmanniaafricana had good foliajje, but a small bed of Dipteraoanthus spectabilis was lu bad condition, and the same may be said of Acanthus lusitanicus, which had not made any growth. Fine clumps of A. spinosus, mollis, lusitanicus, and spinosissimus, all good foliage plants, were growing in the herbaceous department of the Jardin des Plantes. A little bed of Eupatorium Weinman- nianum was next worth notice in the park; it was just beginning to flower, and evidently would make a good winter-flowering greenhouse plant. A few stops further a very fine Agave vivipara was conspicuous, aud a little round of Coleus nigricans, quite black, and better than I had ever seen it before. Next came a remarkable group of Euphorbia splendens, trained erect, with a few scattered flowers, altogether present- ing a very formidable appearance. Beyond this a small bed of Dipteracanthus Herbstii, the plants very leggy and bare, a character belonging to most of the tropical AcauthacetC. Opposite were fine dense groups of a variegated Dahlia, with crimson flowers; two beds of it iu the Champs Elysees were truly beautiful. Near the groups of Dahlias in question were three fine specimens of Erythrina crista-galli, a beautiful Cassia Isevigata, covered with golden blossoms ; and a large bed of Coleus marmoratus, in the way of C. Verschalfeltii, but not superior to it. Further on was a remarkable specimen of Datura arborea, not in bloom, but a largo bed of it in the Luxembourg Gardens was well covered with conspicuous trumpet-shaped blossoms. A very interesting bed of the curious Rubus australis was next noticeable in the park, at a little distance behind which were large bushes of Veronica Andersoni, C and 7 feet high, flowering profusely. A few steps on the right was a bed of Eranthemum sanguinolentum, keeping its colour well, but very Ihiu at the base; near it a large choice bed of Dracjena Draco, carpeted below with blue Lobelia, was very efl'ective. On the left a fine dense bed of Senecio solanoidcs was mar- gined with Tradescantia zebrina. Beyond, at some distance, came a large bed of Hydrangeas, and a single, 1 might almost say arborescent, Caladium odorum, with a naked stem abmit 4 feet high. Opposite, a remarkable group of Bromelia Sceptrum, Fourcroya atroviridis and F. rubra, several of each, was very striking. On the left a magnificent bed of Canna nigricans stood out in bold relief. It had a margin of variegated Ageratura. Caunas were grown in enor- mous quantities about Paris, shrubberies of them were to be seen in the Luxembourg Gardens. When well grown, I think they are the most efl'ective of all subtropical plants for grouping. Their cultivaMon is very easy, and great variety in size and colour can bo obtained among them. Cannas particularly, with other fine foliage plants, were liberally diffused among the flowering plants with good effect in the large border-like beds at the Tuileries and other imperial gardens. Beyond the bed of C. nigricans in the Pare Monceaux was a fine Phytolacca dioica, and nice groups of Bambusas. On the right a large bed of Sparmannia africana had an undergrowth of Centaurea gymnocarpa, not in very good condition. Opposite was an immense mass of Ferdinanda eminens ; the plants were of great height, but rather thin. Further on was a large oval plantation of a palmate-leaved Begonia in flower ; it was distinct and conspicuous at a distance, but closely inspected it was faulty and uncomfortable-looking. There were other beds of the ornamental foliaged Begonias, but in no case did they appear adapted for open air culture. A choice bed of Lomaria cycadsefolia, with stems from 1 to 2 feet high, was making a few and showing abundance of barren and fertile fronds ; but its appearance did not at all recommend it for out-door exposure. A few steps beyond a little bed of Aralia Duncani, about 15 plants in fair condition, was succeeded by an immense oval mass of Musa sinensis, consisting of about 100 plants, on a groundwork of Tradescantia zebrina with a margin of Selaginella hortensis. Opposite, a large bed of Hibiscus giganteus was followed by another of Caladium esculentum. Next a fine bed of Abutilon vexillarium was remarkable, being covered with singular pendant Fuchsia-like flowers. On the right a little round group of Plumbago rosea, a plant that ought to brighten every stove in winter, was here, as might be expected, quite a failure. Passing a little bed of Tourne- fortia heliotropioides, a single Polygonum maculatum was worth notice, and it reminds me of P. Sieboldii, which is in leaf, flower, and habit a most ornamental plant, and not less so from its being hardy. Several groups of it were studded about the park, with good effect. I noticed also a small bed of P. filiforme, beautifully variegated. This appeared a scarce, if not a new plant. Con- tinuing round the walk, on the left, a large bed of Begonia nitida was very thin and sticky ; facing it stood what had been a fine Astrapa^a Wallichii, but here it was in miserable condition. Beyond, a charming bed of colour was given by upwards of 100 plants of June 27, THE GAEDENEl^S' OTll^OMOLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. 685 Plumbago cipeusis on a grouudvvork of NierembcrBia gracilis. After a little group of a Goodenia with yellow flowers, of little beauty, came a magnificent bed of Caladium odorum, which, from its appearance, I should say was better adapted to withstand wind than other kinds. A single Saccbarum scgyptiacura was succeeded by a large oval nlantation of Ficus Coopori, which, to my taste, is one of the best of the genus ; it has a distinct red midrib down each leaf. Here was a plant of Saurauja assamica, and a little oval mass of Blumea macrophylla, both good foliage plants. Further on was an attractive little bed of a scarlet herbaceous Lobelia, opposite to it an e.xtraordinary mass of Begonia fuohsioides, consisting of above 200 plants in very good health, but not particularly ornamental. A bed ol, J. think, B. prestoniensis, in the Jardin d'Acclimatatiou, was flowering abundantly, and charming in colour. A broad margin of Sedum Fabarium round a bed of Moutan Fajonies was next worth notice in the park. It was beautifully in flower, and is a valuable late blooming hardy plant. At a little distance from here stood probably the most valuable bed of all, viz.. 10 superb plants of Musa Ensete, although I like this Musa best in the form of isolated specimens. I should have been sorry to have missed the imposing effect of this truly magnificent group. Passing a single standard Senecio Ghiesbreghtii, and a little round of Tournefortia scabra, I came to an immense bed of the variegated Negundo, the best of all variegated deciduous trees. This brought me to the starting point. Oeorge Stanton, Associate of the Soyal llorticuUural Society. (To be Coatintiid.) PREMATURE DROPPING OP PLUMLETS. This is a most important question, and I hope it will be so thoroughly discussed, that a remedy may be found for it. "An Amateur's " letter, see p. G30, col. a, affords strong confirmation of your views upon the subject. In your leader the causes of the disaster were attributed to inefficient protection, and imperfect impregnation, and these are likewise the two reasons assigned for the dropping by " An Amateur," and by "Observer." The value of '' An Amateur's" commu- nication would be enhanced if he would oblige us with information on the following points : — Did he artificially impregnate his fruit-bearing trees with the pollen of the others, or merely bring tlie one within easy reach of the other by planting them side by side ? is his indigenous blue Plum with the potent already been raised, which may be summed up for reference thus ; — 1st. Is the casting of the fruit wholly due to imper- fect impregnation ? 2d. Whence the failure of this vital process i* Does it arise from an imperfect development of pollen, as held by "An Amateur," or from injury to the stigma or ovary, as believed by " Observer," or are both right ? 3d. The effect, if any, of different soils on the malady. ■1th. The influence of the age of the trees on the dropping of their fruit. Lastly. The effects of any special culture, suoh as ,ransplantation or root-pruning. I confess that I have many othor.s arc now in llower— kinds rarely seen in bloom before the end of Jlay, and in this part of the country generally not sooner than the beginning of Juno, In the face of these statistics "Observer" must give way; at least if his are to be accepted as decisive proofs that the earth is cooling down, Mr.^ McNab's must be received as proofs positive that it is being warmed up at a speed that is positively alarming. Both classes of facts are interesting in themselves, but are altogether too limited to build a hypothesis upon either one way or another; " Observer" must try again, and he will doubtless readily discover other and better reasons, for explaining the difllculties or failures of fruit growers, than the plausible but unreasonable one little" faith in the.se as" remedial measures. I have of the cooling down of the earth. Another Observer. tried them again and again, without any benefit, and < Mildewed Grapes.— I have sent you a bunch of therefore quite agree with you that this is not a case , Grapes badly mildewed. The gentleman in whose place of sterility, in the ordinary sense of the term ; but , they were grown has desired me to send them to you simply and wholly one of miscarriage. The whole for inspection, and to ask if you will kindly give your energies of the tree seem bent upon Plum ripening, ! ojiinioa as to what is the cause, and the best way of but something, we do not know what, happens between getting rid of it. The Vines in the same house have the purpose and the Performance, and a mysterious, i been repeatedly attacked in the same way ; and so also unaccountable failure ensues. Let us try to fathom have many other plants on the same place even in the the myst»ry and so prevent the failure of one of our open ground, including hardy Roses. Sulphur has been best crops This high purpose is worth a year's dis- tried as a remedy on the Vines, but without success, eussion, and a river of ink, and I do not doubt but it The house has been kept well ventilated, and there will receive from the Editors and readers of the does not appear to be any reason of this sort for it. Gardeners^ Ckr Quercus. nicle the attention it so well deserves. If you couldVuggest what 'would be most likely be an effectual cure it would greatly oblige. /. Tynan, Lioer- pool. [Sulphur is the only sure remedy for mildew. The best way of using it is to dust all over the leaves, berries, and all, with flowers of sulphur applied through a piece of thin gauze or muslin. This should be in 1727, which gives the date of the ripening of fruits in that year ; and because the same fruits ripen from three weeks to a month later now, he comes to the conclusion that the earth is cooling down. Now is it not just possible that the year 1727 was exceptionally warm? Besides, in what part of England was the book written ? I gathered my first Strawberries yesterday ; a friend in Devonshire was gathering from the open a month ago. More marvellous still, a week since I went to a garden about four miles off, and _^ „ . my neighbour had gathered the most of his Straw- pollen accessible to your readers, or is it in the trade ? berries for preserving : I had not one ripe. Had he igomc (fTovrcsponacnce. Our English Climate, Past and Present.- One of . -- voar correspondents has already doubted "Observer's" I done, as soon as the mildew makes its appearance, cooliii" down of the earth theory of climate, and it during the warmest period of the day in bright sun- certainly cannot be received. It is by far too impor- ] shine. Three or four days after dusting in this manner tant a theory to be accepted on suoh evidence as has , syriuge thoroughly with clear rain-water in order to been offered on its behalf. " Observer" refers to an I cleanse the fruit ; do this effectually, or your Crrapes old trustworthy book, " Langley's Pomona," published , will be in a sad plight, if the wetted sulphur adheres in 1797 whi^h ffives the date of the rioening of various , to the fruit. Repeat this process, if the first applica- tiou is not quite sufficient. Excessive dryness of the air at one time, succeeded by coldness and humidity, Were the trees operated upon in pots under glass, or were they planted out in the open air ? I presume that the last case cited, that of the Golden Drop that bore so well from having the Mussel Plum as a near com- panion was outside ; but " Amateur's " letter leaves us in some doubt about the others. But this is a point of the first moment, for it will be noticed that " Observer " attributes the dropping of the fruit to an excess of cold either when the flowers are opened or previously, and it is generally admitted that it is much easier to secure a crop of Plums under glass than outside. "Observer's" experience in this respect is that of most fruit growers. While the Plum- lets fall off the walls, they are thick as Blackberries under glass. Possibly the better sorts of Plums require more warmth fully to develop their pollen. And it may be that the pollen requires more heat for its full maturity than the pistil or ovary. In that case, " An Amateur's " remedy of providing, as it were, a hardier and more easily ripened pollen, would prove an effectual remedy for the great evil. At all events, the fruit would no longer drop from imper- fect setting. "Observer's" paralysis from cold theory scarcely covers all the facts of the mysterious failure of an important crop. If cold alone is the cause of disaster, how is it that in two districts, where the temperature is identical, failure is constant in the one, and success as regular in the other ? Cases still more difficult to recon- cile with the cold theory only, are constantly occurring. For instance, I visited a large garden within Ave miles of me, within this few days, in which the trees are actually burdened and weighed down with Plums. This garden differs from ours chiefly in being flatter, and from the proximity of water the temperature Renerally ranges from '2' to 3' lower than with us, yet there the crop of Plums is constant ; here, they never set a full crop. I have heard another cause of failure specified. It is said that Plums never bear wellon the chalk. Many of your readers can bring this theory to the test of expe- rience. Of course it is presumed that whatever truth there may be in this statement, it can only apply in those cases where the chalk crops out pretty close to the surface. In instances where the earth or other strata cover the chalk to a depth of 3 or 1 feet, and thus remove it beyond reach of the roots, it would not affect the trees greatly, presuming that it does affect them injuriously at all. So far my own case supports the chalk theory of dropping. Here the chalk crops out on the surface. In my neighbour's garden, who grows such good Plums, a vein of gravel runs over the surface of the chalk. Here, however, our Plums have about 20 inches of good loam to grow in, albeit it is highly calcareous, on the top of the chalk. There is another point of considerable importance in reference to this dropping of the young fruit, that is— the age of the trees. It is well known that young trees frequently throw off their fruit, while older trees keep it on, possibly from an excess of growing energy It would be well if your readers would state the age of their trees that are fruitful, and of those that thus miscarry or drop their produce. I hope it will not be asking too much of our veteran friend and suc- cessful fruit grower, Mr. Rivers, to give us the benefit of his lengthened experience upon the whole matter, especially upon those points that have published a " Pomona" at Sunnyside his entry would have been, " Strawberries ripe. May 25, 18GS." My pomological entry at Clayhole would have been, " Strawberries ripe, June 16, 1868," a difference of over three weeks within four miles, so that such statistics are worth but little. But the best possible answer to " Observer's" cooling down theories are to be found in the Gardeners' Chronicle of last week. According to this trustworthy guide the earth is being warmed up afresh, not cooled down. At page G31, cols, a, h, and c, will ho fouud some valuable statistics establishing with grent force the warming up theory, proving an actual gair; made by vegetation of from one to three weeks upon last year. Perhaps Mr. McNab would be kind enough to publish the difference between this year and that of 1860, and then the progress we are making would be more apparent. Why, I expect the warming, as measured by the advance of vegetation this season upon that of 18iJ0, would be so great, that even " Observer " instead of being afraid of having his trees bitten by the frost, would become alarmed least he and all his splendid productions should be pitched one of these fine days into the sun himself. The fact is, these statistics must be accepted for what they are worth. Probably, traced through a series of years, they might establish the fact that our temperature ranges over a limited cycle of variation ; but they would certainly also confirm the pleasing faith that, as far as the historical period extends, the temperature of our world has undergone but little change. The following are some of the valuable statistics furnished for the Botanical Society of Edinburgh :— Mandragora vemalis .. Seilla bifolia rubra Primula ciliata purpurata . Anemone nemorosa , . Narcissus moschatus . . Fritillaria imperialis .. Saxifraga virginica Uyoscyamus orientalis ,, pby93 were planted in their present situation in the open air early in the autumn of the year 1865. Previous to that they had been grown in Orchard-houses here for about three years, some of them in pots, and some planted out in the borders of the houses ; and when the trees were about to undergo their annual repotting, surfacing, &c., at the time I have mentioned above, it was found that we had more trees than we could well And room for. Therefore, , at the suggestion of my employer, I planted out a portion of them in the open air, without, however, anticipating any advantage from the fruit which they might produce in that position, but more with a view of retaining them as a sort of reserve force to fall back upon if found necessary, and from which recruits could be drawn as required, to fill up vacancies which might from any cause occur in the orchard houses. The trees, however, so treated certainly exceeded my expectations respect- ing them, inasmuch as during the autumn of 1866 most of them ripened a portion of very highly coloured and well flavoured fruit, and during the following season, 1367, when your correspondent Mr. Robinson saw their produce, tasted it, and ex- pressed astonishment regarding it, they certainly carried a fair crop of handsome fruit, perhaps some- what inferior as regards flavour and size to corre- sponding varieties ripened in an adjacent orchard- house, but having the advantage with respect to colour. The trees have had no protection whatever since they have occupied their present situation,and this season they do not appear to be altogether in such good health as they were last year, nor do they carry anything like the same amount of fruit. I ought to mention that the original soil here is remarkably light and dry,andthe rainfall apnroaclies the minimum of the islands ; but the border in which the trees in question are planted was considerably enriched by a liberal portion of strong loamy soil, procured from a distant part of my employer's extensive estate, and it is possible that to the partial exhaustion of this additional matter may be ascribed the diminished fertility of the trees. I feel doubtful about the climate of any part of East Anglia being such as to justify reasonable hopes of obtaining a fair or tolerably certain return from standard or pyramidal Peach or Nectarine trees in the open air, and I should be sorry to recommend any one to try it upon a large scale. P. Grieve, Culford. Judges of Ferns at Birmingham.— The Birmingham, or more correctly speaking, the Edgbastou Flower Show, held on Friday and Saturday, the 12th and 13th inst., was scarcely as successful as those of former years. Friday and Saturday are not the most conve- nient days for exhibitions. Plants cannot be removed till after 6 o'clock on Saturday evening, so that in some instances they are not returned to their destination till 9 or 10 o'clock p.m. This certainly prevents any one from sending from a distance. And if we must have two-days' shows, we should strive to emulate other large towns, such as Leeds, Manchester, &c., by offer- ing large prizes, a circumstance which induces strangers to come to, and also exhibit at, such shows. It is very clear that competent judges were not selected to award prizes to the Ferns shown on the occasion. There was one very glaring error in regard to that matter. Six splendid specimens of extremely rare British sorts were passed by- two of the number, viz.. Polystichum angulare, v. a^ro- cladon, and AthyrmmF.-f.grandicepspumilum gained Firsl-Jlass Certificates as new plants at the London shows within the last few days Thej^ were the choicest and most valuable ever exhibited in Birnamg- ham The exhibitor sent them especially to test tUe THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. LJONE 27, 1863. judging. The name of one of the other four is Athyrium F.-f. scopieforme (a lovely Fern and extremely rare). Another is called Scolopendrium vulg. Morgani, one of the finest and rarest ramose and multifid forms ever raised. All these were not noticed ; the 1st prize was awarded to six, certainly " larger plants," but vastly inferior to the above-mentioned, and belonging to the same exhibitor. The 2d to six Ferns grown by every Fern fancier — five out of the six, such as can be picked up by the score in Wales or Devonshire. Three of them are found growing within three miles of Birmingham. If our judges do not exercise more discretion in their awards, our exhibition of flowers, &c.. will cease to offer any attractions to visitors. Filix. Mr. Rhodes' Tubular Boiler (see p. C28).— This form of boiler promises, in my opinion, to give out a great deal of heat, while it consumes little fuel. And why ? Simply because the heat is applied principally to the under surface, and not to the side or top. At p. 291 will be found a representation of a boiler of mine, called Lane's Patent Horizontal Chamber Boiler, together with a few notes on the difference of heat applied immediately underneath, and heat applied at the sides and tops, &c. Now, as Mr. Rhodes uses plates above the pipes, his boiler is on the same princinle as mine, but of the two his is the more com- plicated, and it must be difficult to clean. As his pipes nearly touch each other, the soot must collect above them, between the middle of the pipe and the plates ; and supposing them to be 4-inch pipes, there would be 2 inches of space on which soot could collect, which would keep the heat from the upper part of pipes and bottom of plate. The only difference in reality between his boiler and mine is, that the under surface of his form presents a quantity of underneath sides of pipes to be heated, while mine is a plain flat surface. Which of the two, let me ask, is the most simple and best ? Which costs most ? Which lasts longest ? Which presents the greatest quantity of brickwork to consume the heat ? Any one can have a plan of mine by writing for it, or they can inspect the representa- tion of it m your Paper of March 21. Mr. R.'s boiler, I should suppose, would be 4 feet 4 inches high ; mine is 2 feet 8 inches. Let it be borne in mind that I do not wish to depreciate Mr. R.'s boiler ; on the contrary, I am desirous of merely defending the character of my own. In regard to figure 4 in Mr. Rhodes' case, I do not consider that it presents so much surface to be heated as it does space for the collection of soot. .E. Lane, ./"»-, Great Berhampstead. Early Peas.— Seeing several statements in your Paper respecting early Peas, we thought our experi- ence in the matter might not be out of place. On February 1st we sowed Hooper's Early Rival Peas in boxes, and when up hardened them off well in a cold frame before putting them out. We prefer dibbhng them in a drill to planting in the ordinary trench. They were put out about the middle of March, and we gathered from them on the 23th of May not a few but a good dish. They were certainly the finest Peas, for an early kind, we ever saw ; the crop was prodigious, and of good quality— in fact, they were the admiration of every one who saw them We were constantly being asked what Pea it was. /. tf /. Hayes, Lou'er Edmonton. [Hooper's Early Rival is a well-selected stock of gangster's No. 1, almost identical with Dickson's First and Best. The earliness of Peas can only be ascer- tained by comparison with other varieties grown under the same conditions. The mere assertion that any particular variety of Pea is the earliest and best, is utterly valueless. B.'] Fertilisation of Vine Blossoms. — I agi'ee with "An Amateur" (see p. G30) that some varieties of trees are more potent than others as regards powers of fertilisation ; what he has found to answer with reference to Plums I have here in the case of Grapes. When our Vineries were planted, several Canon Hall Muscats were also planted in the hottest end of one of the houses, but notwithstanding that they made vigorous growth, and although the house w;is kept warmer at that end than elsewhere, yet nearly all the blossoms of the variety in question were abortive. Observing that Lady Downe's Seedling was a free setter, and as the house is a late one, I planted it along- side of the Canon Hall, and the result is plenty of fertilised berries on the Muscats, which every October are the favourite fruit at my employer's table. /. Rust, Eridt/e Castle, Tunhridge Welts. Labour in France.— Your correspondent, Mr. D. T. Pish, says (p. 629) that "labour in France seem plen- tiful and cheap as Blackberries, while in England it is scarce and dear as gold. Hence chiefly the superiority of the French in the manipulation and training of their trees, while their superior climate puts upon their work the stamp of durability." Such a statement shows that Mr. Fish has but little knowledge of the state of the labour market on the Continent. On reading the observations just alluded to, I called on the Editor of our Swiss horticultural journal, " The Cultivator," who ' kindly produced his weekly list of the state of the | continental labour market, and I find that a good labourer in most parts of the south of France gets from 3 to 5 francs per day, and a couple of bottles of wine. M. Buissonnet, the large vineyard proprietor of Lux (Chalons-sur-Saone) told me to-day that good labourers could not be got in Bordeaux and the neighbourhood under 45 francs a day and wine. Good journeymen gardeners, capable of turning their hand to any kind of garden work, get even more. Labour is now so scarce in many parts of France that the commanding officers of the garrisons have given permission to about half of the soldiers under their command to go to their homes and elsewhere to help with haymaking. Vine dressing, harvesting, &c. These soldiers received 2 francs per day, with board and lodg- ing, in addition to their army pay. I have read with interest the reports that have lately appeared in the agricultural portion of your Paper as to the pay and condition of English labourers in the different counties of England and Scotland, and by comparing those reports with my own eight years' experience on the Continent, I find that French and Swiss labourers are of the two the better paid. It has been my lot to serve as foreman in three of the largest noblemen's gardens in England, where in each place about 20 hands were kept. My own pay was never more than 15s. per week, with what is called a bothy, in which I could cook my own food, and sleep. The pay of the ordinary men was 'Is. per day, and many of them walked three miles night and morning, to and from their homes. In the West of England labour is even cheaper. I could multiply these instances (and if Mr. Fish wishes me I will do so), but I hope I have said enough to show him that labour in France is not " plentiful and cheap as Blackberries," in fact he has made a statement which is not borne out by facts, Mr. Fish may buy fruit trees much cheaper in France than in England, but the training and care of them will cost as much in one country as in the other. The fact is, it is not the " lack of hands " nor the bad climate that compels us to go to France for our fine fruits. The way in which fruit walls are neglected is the root of the evil. I firmly believe that as much space of excel- lent walls with good aspects is left bare and neglected as, if planted and covered with fruit trees, would soon make fruit in England an article of wholesome food instead of a luxury. Every square yard of wall ought to "do its duty" quite as much as every acre of land which produces Turnips or Mangel Wurzel. I am happy to learn that the suggestion I made last year of giving cottagers prizes of fruit trees instead of money at their autumn shows is likely to be carried out in many villages, and if rich and poor plant largely, depend upon it Dame Nature will give the increase. John A. Watson, Campagne Lamynermoor, Geneva, Switzerland. Stocks from Cuttings.— It is a matter of vexatious disappointment to lovers of double Stocks to grow seedlings, and to find at their blooming season that a number of them are single. The plan I adopt for perpetuating double-flowering plants amply repays the slight extra trouble which it entails. When the varieties desired to be increased are in full bloom, take off the lateral shoots beneath the existing corymb (before they show flower) at the lowermost joint, detach the two bottom leaves with a sharp knife, and prepare tlie cutting in precisely the manner in which those of other soft-wooded plants are treated, viz., by severing it horizontally at the base of the joint. Insert in pots prepared with one-half broken potsherds and filled up with a rich light compost, allowing a layer of silver sand to be at the top, in order to prevent damping off. Place them in a cold frame, and shade them until roots have pushed out freely. In potting off use pots in proportion to the size of the plants. In this way plants are produced more symmetrical in shape, and they bloom more profusely than those gene- rally raised from seed. Charles Bond, BrunswicJc Nurseries, Gloucester. Fruit Tree Protection and Cordons.— There is no doubt if we are to hold our own with the French in growing the finer sorts of fruits that we must increase our glass coverings both for heat and protection. To show what can be done in the way of growing Apricots by means of glass protection, I can show a wall here that has never failed in ripening from 200 to 250 dozen of fruit every year since the trees were planted, which is now about seven years ago. This wall is about 360 feet in length and 12 feet in height, and is covered every spring with some old sashes saved from the old gardens. The lights are not placed close together, but small spaces are left here and there for the circulation of air. Apricots when in flower want plenty of air to set well, and it is astonishing what amount of frost they will bear without injury if protected from heavy rains and snow and hail showers. Another feature which every well managed kitchen garden will have to show, is that of a glass- covered wall for growing Peaches and Nectarines, and a few of the best sort of Cherries and Plums planted out in the border on the back. A glass-covered wall, of from 200 to 300 feet in length and about 7 feet in width, will produce a vast amount of fruit both from the planted-out trees, and from a row in pots in front. Another great advantage is having the means of grow- ing plenty of nice Lettuces, Endives, and other salads in the severest winters; besides, in such structures bedding plants can be hardened off in the spring in quantity. For the last three weeks, in a glass-covered wall here, I have had an excellent supply of Cherries from potted trees, and Plums and Pears will follow, and will supplement the scanty crop out-of-doors. English gardeners will doubtless compete favourably with their ingenious neighbours across the Channel in fruit-growing, notwithstanding their better climate, when every large or small kitchen garden has its glass- covered wall in addition to the usual early and late forcing houses. Tour correspondent, Mr. D. T. Fish, has (see p. 629) made some excellent observations about the protection of fruit trees, both on walls and as low cordons in borders. In p. 637 another correspondent, under the signature of "Observer," has his say about" cordons," and gives rather a doleful account of his crop from them this year. Having planted rather extensively in the beginning of March a collection of the best Apples and Pears as single and double cordons, I am enabled to say I have a fair crop of them the first year of planting. Without taking in the double cordons of Calville Blanche on the bottoms of south walls, I find those planted on the lower wires of a fruit-tree trellis, and exposed to the frosts in March and April, have set a good sprinkling of fruit; in fact, I have thinned the Apples to about six and eight on double cordons of Reinette du Canada, Belle Dubois, Reinette Grise, D'Automne Barbarie, Menagere, Reinette Grise du Canada. One little single cordon of Calville Blanche has three Apples on it, although the stem is not much thicker than a goose's quill. William Tiller >/, Welieck. Strawberries.— I send a small basket of Lucas Strawberry, a variety much less cultivated, I believe, in this country, than it deserves to be. I consider it one of the finest kinds yet raised, and its fine dark green foliage is very handsome ; it is a great cropper, and one of the most luscious Strawberries with which I am acquainted. The late heavy rains have damaged some of the finest fruit, and of course have not improved the flavour. Mr. Radclyffe is a splendid Strawberry. Henri/ Sotiile- day, Epping. [The fruits sent are certainly very fine, of Cockscomb shape, large, and very handsome, of a bright scarlet colour, the flavour rich and luscious ; a variety worthy of every recommendation. Our own experience of it, in our own grounds, this season, has been equally favourable. -B.] Laxton's" Supreme Pea.— The Fruit and Vegetable Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society has now for two seasons reported in general terms its high opinion of the merits of Mr. Thomas Laxton's new Early Peas. I have just had an opportunity of inspecting a few of these new Peas, and among them of one named Supreme, a variety raised from Laxton's Prolific, crossed with Little Gem. In the dry state the seed is in colour of a dark olive green, and in shape slightly indented. The plant grows about 3 j feet in height, and is quite as early as Daniel O'llourke— a great advantage in a Pea of such high class quality. I was so struck with the fine character of Supreme that I obtained a few pods for your inspection. They are somewhat advanced in age, as the crop was fast becom- ing ready for harvesting, but they are a fair sample of the bulk, and were picked by myself in order that an average test should be supplied to you. The piece from which the pods were obtained is in extent 2;j acres, and so even and true to character in the growth that there is, in this variety, no trace of the mixed character noticeable in some of the others which I have seen growing at Chiswick. It is unquestionably a first-class early Pea, and will be as great an acquisition as any Pea of modern introduction. Bichard Dean, Ealing, W. [A grand Pea : the sample sent was remarkably fine — farge full pods, with 10 large Peas in each, and almost as uniform in character as if from a mould. Though rather old, they boiled quite green, and were tender and good. Eds. | Show of Variegated Pelargoniums. — The Special Exhibition of these most beautiful plants on the 10th and 17th inst. appeared, in every respect, to be a brilliant success; and those who visited the Royal Horticultural Gardens on that occasion were doubtless truly gratified with the opportunity of witnessing such a mass of gorgeous colouring of foliage. It is asto- nishing what progress has been made in this class of plants since the introduction of Mrs. Pollock. It is my opinion that considerable improvements will be made in new varieties every successive season, so that it is desirable to continue an annual exhibition of them. I have great pleasure in suggesting that a show be held in the summer of 1869, on a similar scale to the one just over. I would further suggest that in addition to the competition in pot culture, a new system be introduced by offering prizes for the best bedding varieties, the trial of which might be made in the Royal Horticultural Gardens at South Kensington, and carried out as follows :— All intending competitors would be required to make a declaration of entry, to be delivered to the Superintendent about the 1st of May, to the effect that say two plants in each class (not in commerce), allowing six varieties only in each, from one contributor, be delivered about the 15th of May for the purpose of bedding out, the same to remain in the Society's possession till October, at which time the plants to be returned to the respective owners : thus a grand and interesting display could be made on a large bed suitably selected for the purpose. This bed might be planted thus:— The centre line (Class 1) Golden Variegated Zonals ; on either side (Classes 2 and 3) Gold and Bronze Zonals and Golden-leaved. The outer lines (Classes 4 and 5), Silver Variegated Zonals and Silver-edged ; or each variety in separate beds, as may be thought best. By this treatment the public would have an opportunity of judging what is really worth purchasing, as it is evident at present that more credit is due to the cultivators than to the plants exhibited. The bright colours noticed at exhibitions may be said to be almost artificially produced by an unnatural method of cultivation, leading to disap- pointment and discontent to the purchaser. What are wanted are free and compact-growing kinds, with the foliage large, and the colours well defined. Should my Pelargonium friends concur in these suggestions, I trust the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society will give it their attention. Wm. Groom, Ipswich. Substitute for Asparagus,- You will greatly oblige me by telling me the name of the accompanying Grass, which is sold in the Bath markets as a vegetable, and boiled and eaten as Asparagus ; it is a palatable dish, but I cannot get any information respecting it. I am told it grows wild in fields and woods in the immediate vicinity of Bath,and that bymany persons it is preferred, as I am told, to Asparagus. A Devonian. [What you have sent us is Ornithogalum pyrenaicum, which grows abundantly in the neighbourhood of Bath. Its young shoots are collected in spring, and are sold in the markets there as a substitute for Asparagus. Eds.]_ The Golden Champion Grape, — A visit to Dalkeith, purposely to see this Grape, has confir.ned a previous impression that it is iu every respect first-class. I first saw berries of it two years since, and was struck with its wonderful size ; I saw it again last year, and looked forward to a proof of its character this season, and the result now to be seen at Dalkeith fully justifies the assertion that it is everybody's Grape. It can be grown anywhere, either in a cool Vinery or in the June 27, 1868.] THE r7Ali'nENl''RS' CTIT^ONICLE ANT) Ar7?jcril,TtTnAT, riA;^ETTE. 687 r:irly houso ; is as free and hardy as the Black llaiu- Imr^li, fully equal to it in flavour, and produces an alimidance of superb bunches, the berries being un- u^uiilly large, and the buQches close and well formed. Compared with Buckland Sweetwater and Golden Hamburgh under the same treatment, the Golden Champion is the best, and I venture to predict that very soon the two lirst-nanied and others of our common white Grapes must give way before it. _Of course it is not to be compared in point of flavour with our varieties of Muscat of Ale.xandria and Prontignans, but these require a considerable amount of heat, and cannot well bo done without, while the Golden Champion is a hardy, easily-done Grape, which can be grown readily in any common Vinery, and in my opinion will be a flrst-class pot variety also. I am afraid to say all I think about it, lest I should be regarded as an enthusiast ; at the same time I cannot refraiu from expressing my firm conviction that this and the Black Haraburgli will be the two acknowledged favourite white and black Grapes for general use throughout the land. Fine as it is just now at Dalkeith, it will be seen much finer another year. I say this because I believe in the Grape, just as much as I believed in the Duchess of Buccleuch, another of Mr. Thomson's seedlings, from the beginning ; and e.xaraples of this, as seen now at Dal- keith, and other places I could name, show plainly how hard propagation and other causes should make us cautious of condemning a new Grapo until ample time has been allowed for fairly testing it. William Sean, Shipleii. Lettuces.— I send you a Lettuce, upon which I should be glad of your opinion as to its merits. In the first place, it was a selection from amongst some Hardy Hammersmith plants, but as it did not show signs of running to seed at the same time, I carefully saved it, and have grown it ever since as a winter Lettuce. It is perfectly hardy, crisp, and of a great size when well grown ; and even in this dry season, although sown on the '2Gth of last August, but few of the plants are started, and some in the plantation will, I am sure, stand another fortnight without bolting, while I have not had an autumn-sown Brown Cos for the last fort- night fit for use. The one I send you has only been tied up five days. J. C. Clarke, The Gardens, Coihel- stone, Somerset. [The Lettuce sent is very large, with a full well-blanched heart, of excellent quality. It is a very late form of the Hardy White Cos, well worthy of retention. S.] Extension System of Grape Growing. — Jlr. Henderson, of Cole Orton Hall, succeeded in carrying oU' the 1st prize lor Black Hamburgh Grapes again at the recent Royal Botanic Society's Show, in Regeni's Park. Mr. H. has indeed taken more 1st prizes at London shows, by growing his Grapes under this system, than any other person, and it is really the only way of growing them continuallyin perfection. In a private letter Mr. Henderson says—" 1 wish you every success with your book on the extension system of Vine growing. I hope you will convince all Grape growers that it is the right system as regards excellence, a fact of which I am confident." S. Cannell, Fuchsia Nurserij, Woolwich. Maidenhair Tree (Salisburia adiantifolia). — AVe have a " Maidenhair Tree " here, a very fine specimen, ■which is over 33 feet in height, and measures 6 feet 3 inches in circumference 4 feet from the ground. It stands on a flower-garden terrace about 15 feet high and 40 feet wide; the soil is rather stiff in character, and about 3 feet deep there is a deal of shale. Por some years back the tree has had a sickly appearance, and the points of the young shoots are dying. I shall therefore be obliged by any of your correspondents giving me an idea as to what can be done with it. It. S., JTagsop Hall, Bakeieell, Derbyshire. Uses to which Cabbage-stalks may be put. — I have received a private letter respecting this subject from one of your correspondents, who subscribes himself "A. B." I shall best reply to it by detailing my disposal of the kitchen refuse which generally festers and stinks in the wash-tub, and also of the refuse leaves of my garden. I keep from 15 to 20 hens on about a perch of ground, enclosed by a wall and a wire fence. The soil, which is about 2 feet deep, is left in its natural state. On this soil the wash of each day is thrown. Out of this the fowls pick all that is good for them, the rest goes to the formation of manure. So it is with the refuse leaves, &c. If the leaf-stalk be split the fowl will consume almost the whole of a Cabbage-leaf That which is not so consumed adds vegetable matter to the soil. I ought to observe that partly for the sake of getting at the worms, partly for the freshening the earth and keeping it healthy for the fowls, and to prevent olTensive smell, a portion of the earth is turned over, or ought to be turned over, a spit deep, sometimes two spits deep, every day. By this moans at least 2 tons of very valuable dry manure is manufactured every year. But now for the stalks of Cabbage, ttc. I felt so annoyed some time ago at the long continuance of a heap of them in my garden, that in order to see why they took so much time to dry I split open a Broccoli stalk. I at once saw that the vast proportion of soft pith was the cause of slowness in drying ; and thinking for a moment, " TFhy should not this be used instead of wasted ? " I threw the two portions of the stalk into the fowl-pen. In about an hour I had occasion to pass the pen, and, looking in, I observed that every particle of the pith had been picked out. And I afterwards found that the woody fibre thus freed from moisture dries so readily that if placed under cover it is in a day or two fit for the fire, and makes very good fuel. Now, when it is considered that there are on an average several ounces of nutritious food in every well-grown stalk, and that this use of it for food goes at the same time to form a valuable manure, and if to this consider- ation be added that of the fuel which may thus be pro vided for a small furnace, I shall not be accused of exaggeration, I think, in the assertion that such use of stalks is very important. I f(>el sure that if waste of suoh food were thus prevented, the culture of fowls by all classes might become very profitable. Barley and Oats are not the natural food of a fowl. In addition to a great quantity of green food, it seeks for worms and grubs. When kept in confinement the green food may be supplied in the way above described, a portion of the animal food from the kitchen refuse, and for 20 fowls an addition to this of two or three pennyworth a week of dog's meat would be far better than a supply of Barley. My excuse for this long reply to "A. U.'s" inquiry, must be my an.'fiety to see the cottager's condition improved, and the wealth of the country increased by the general prevalence of fowl-keeping. Henri/ Morrle. Mimicry in Nature.— You have done me the honour to reprint a few remarks on so-called "Mimicry in Nature," which I introduced in my new work on Central America, and which particularly relate to the predominance of the AVillow form on river banks. It is almost unnecessary to say that in the work from which the extract is taken it was undesirable to insert more than a few names in support of my observations, but it might not be difficult to show that most plants bearing leaves of a true Willow form do grow by running streams. To say nothing of those species of Salix having Willow leaves (or those Salices not having Willow leaves, and not growing by running streams, S. herbacea, &o,) I would remind you of the different species of Nerium (Oleander), our Epilobium angusti- folium (vulgo. Willow iherb), Lythrum Salicaria, &c. That some plants are found by rivers which do not have Willow leaves (as you pointed out) has, in my opinion, nothing to do with the question, how it comes to pass that the Willow form predominates to so great an extent in such localities. The answer may bo very simple, but at present it has not come forth. About the term " mimicry " there should be a clear understanding. It is, so far, a thoroughly objectionable one, as by employing it either in zoology or botany the whole question is prejudged ; indeed, it is assumed— 1. That organisms have the power to mimic other organisms; and 2. That they have come in contact with those organisms which they are supposed to mimic. Employ the terms "outer resemblance" instead of mimicry, and we are on neutral, undisputed ground. The ubject of these external resemblances of species and whole genera to others having an entirely difl'erent organic structure, is a wide and complicated one ; and I think that the best way to approach it is to go through the whole vegetable kingdom, and take note of every case where the outer features of one species or genus are reflected in any other. Some years ago my late lamented friend. Dr. Schultz-Bipoutinus, read a paper on his favourite order, the Compositas, in which he pointed out that in this the largest of all Phanero- gamous orders, the habit of almost every other order of the vegetable kingdom cropped up again. In Euphorbiacefe and other large orders, similar instances are noted. Sometimes this outer resemblance is perfectly startling. I remember finding a Sandwich Island plant, which looked for all the world likeThomasia solanaoeaof New Holland, a well-known Buettneriacea of our gardens, but which on closer examination turned out to be a variety of Solanum Nelsoni ; the resemblance between these two widely separated plants being quite as striking as that pointed out in Bates' " Travels on the Amazon," between a certain moth and a humming-bird. This outer resemblance between plants of different genera and orders has played us botanists many a trick, and is one of the many causes of the existence of some almost incomprehen- sible synonyms in our systematic works. Wend- land in his monograph on Acacia described many good species, and thought he knew an Acacia when he saw one ; yet one of his new ones (A. dolabriformis) which he referred to the genus from habit alone, turned out to be a Daviesia. Pew men had a better knowledge of Perns than Kunze, yet " mimicry," Puck-like, played him a trick when, relying on the nature of the leaf and venation, he referred Stangeria paradoxa, a Cycad, to true Perns; and Sir W. J. Hooker, good botanist as he was, would never have figured a Veronica as a Conifer, if " mimicry"— using the term for the last time— had not been at play. At present I have no theory to propose on this subject, but who- ever has, ought to both bear in mind that it must apply with equal force to the animal and vegetable kingdoms, and that to say that these resemblances are merely accidental, counts for nothing until it shall have been proved that there are suoh things as "accidents in Nature." Berthold 'Seemann. Boses. — During this last month the foliage on most of my Hoses is turning brown, and several ofthe plants appear to be entirely withered up. There has been little or no sign of insects upon them during this season, with the exception of a little green fly, which was destroyed by means of a weak d.»se of tobacco- water. The youns; bearing shoots appear at present in perfect health. Will some of your Bose-growing correspon- dents kindly inform me what is the best method of restoring my plants again to good health? T. C, Epsom. A Trade Mistake. — Some time since I purchased a quantity of Italian Tuberose bulbs, ordered and sold as double, from a London firm of position, but instead of turning out as described, they proved to be single flowers, useless for my purpose, viz., the cut bloom trade, and as they have occupied considerable space in a stove, and much time in attending to them, will you kindly inform me if I have any remedy for the loss, and if so how to proceed. J. P., Jleiulon. [You should apply for redress to the vendors. Ens.] Lawn Grass in India. — Would some of your cor- respondents kindly tell me what is the best lawn Grass for Bangalore. I grew some Rhode Island Bent Grass as a specimen, and have sent for some more seed, but others who tried it failed, or said it withered in the hot dry weather. The only attempt at lawn Grass here is the Hurriali, but this is a Grass to cultivate under sewage irrigation for hay, aud if well cultivated G tons per acre can be stored of as sweet .smelling and, as 1 believe, nutritious hay as English.,/. P. [According to a table published at p. 102 the mean maximum tempe- rature of the year at Bang;ilore is 31". 1, the mean minimum 05 '.5. Rainfall, .S.i inches in the year, varying from 0 in January, to 7 inches in October. Ens.] Foreign Correspondence. Bangalore: Fruil Culture in Southern India.— In your Paper just received (No. 15, of 1368), under the head of Pruit Culture, "Excelsior" objects to Du Breuil's mode of culture, and to one or two directions for enlarging the fruit, concerning which he says : " don't." I wish to mention that here, in Bangalore, and notably at Hyderabad, an analogous practice obtains. A Guava tree is at certain seasons bored through the stem, this has the effect of increasing the size of the fruit, aud lessening the number of stones. A Custard Apple is similarly treated, with similar effect; or, instead of boring the hole, the fruit-bearing branch is carefully cut longitu- dinally till the centre is reached, when half-au-inch in length of the centremost layer of wood or pith is extracted, and the branch covered up carefully with grafting earth. Cauliflowers are similarly treated by running a skewer through the stem, as high up as possible, and with good results. These appear to mo all expedients to check the luxuriant growth of wood, and to cause fruitfulness instead ; perhaps boring the branch has somewhat the effect of the Pomona ring. In this country we especially require to keep down luxuriant growth of wood, and to cause fruitfulness by some check or other, and I believe the native gardeners, though they would be puzzled to explain the reasons, effect by an accurate rule-of-thumb, what gardeners at home do by scientific rules and appliances. I have been much struck by their admirable expedients, and while teaching them some things, have learnt also much from them. J. Puckle, Major, Mysore Com' mission, Bangalore, May 14. Gardenikg Notes from Russia.— Soon after my arrival in St. Petersburgh some years ago, I called on Dr. Regel and presented him with your parcel * * * He received me very kindly, and showed me every attention. At this distant date it would be unfair to speak of the Botanic Garden in the Russian capital, even as I then found it, because I have now but a very faint recollection of what I saw, and besides the month of September is uot a good time to form an opinion of a garden in so northern a latitude. Still I may say that after going over the grounds and looking through the numerous plant-houses, my impression was not very favourable, especially with respect to cultivation. In particular the old system of propping up the plants with long sticks seemed to be in great favour. There is an extensive library connected with the establishment, and I remember that in looking over it, one of the very first books that caught my attention was " Moore's Handbook of British Perns." I hope to be again in St. Petersburgh before long, and I shall not fail to call on Dr. Regel, and send you a full account of the garden under his care, as it now is. Kharkoff, or Harkoff as it is pronounced in Russian, is about 700 versts from Moscow, and 400, I am told, from Odessa. Till very lately it was only to be reached by diligence, which took at least four or five days and nights, very often seven or eight, to arrive one way or the other. Now very fortunately a railway has, or will soon be, opened between Moscow and Koursk, which in future will very much shorten the time required to make the journey. In about two years more, I am informed, the line is to be completed as far as Kharkoff. This is a large town, with a population of at least 70,000. It is the centre of an immense and highly fertile agricul- tural district or country, which is studded with numerous woods and forests, but has no rivers of any note. Having a university, with three Govern- ment schools, such a town could not dispense with a botanic garden, but this, however, is chiefly esteemed as a public park and promenade. The botanical and hor- ticultural departments are not patronised and kept up as they ought to be ; and yet the collections are good. People here are generally very indilferent to the charms of Nature, and see but little beauty in trees and plants, at least they prefer to spend money on trinkets and trifles. There are not wanting, however, pedantic pretenders to botanical and horticultural kimwledge, and for such people the most ignorant Prench paysan is the fittest counsellor. In this part of the country at least gardening is in the most primitive state, and the few gardeners there are, here and there, are (jermans ; but they are all on a very small scale, getting only a modest living with a good deal of hard work. Every year young trees are planted in the open places about the town, but in general they all perish after a few months; because those who are entrusted with the planting know nothing about the conditions required to insure success. The trees selected are not suited to the situation and soil ; the operation of lifting and plant- ing is entrusted to the most ignorant workmen, and after being stuck in the ground with their roots nearly 3 feet below the surface, the trees are left to take caiiB of themselves. There is besides little or no chance of trees thriving here unless they are planted m the autumn, owing to the great heat and want ol ram m the spring and summer months. This year, since the begmning of March to the I middle of April, the weather contmued extremely wet, THE GAET)E^■ERS' CHI^ONTCLE AM) AGriCULTimAL GAZETTE. [June 27, 1868. cold, and foggy, so that the thaw was unusually pro- tracted ; but in general it is very different. As soon as the thaw sets in (usually the first or second week of March), the snow aud ice are soon carried off; then a hot sun and dry parching wind prevail till near the end of April, sometimes till the middle of May. Osnova. — The only garden of note here is that belonging to Mr. Kwitka, about a mile out of the town. This, though not of vast extent, is really a charming place, being tastefully laid out, and having an extensive range of spacious plant houses. The garden is bounded on one side by the river Lopin, which passes through the estate, and on the other by a beautiful forest of the common Fir (Pinus sylvestris). Though the heat is extreme in summer, the cold in winter is equally severe, and therefore only the commonest kinds of hardy trees and shrubs can thrive in the open ground without protection during the hard frost, which frequently falls to so low a degree as 20', 25=*, and even 30' below zero, Eeaumur. The pretty flowering shrubs, such as Viburnum Tinus, which decorate our lawns and shrubberies in England the whole year through, must be treated here for the most part as greenhouse plants. Even the common Ivy is only to be met with here in pots under glass, at least during eight months out of the twelve. The very commonest species of Conifers only are to be seen in the open ground. I have not yet found the Larch in any wood or forest in this part of the country ; but in the pleasure grounds of Osnova there arc some beau- tiful examples of it, one in particular is remarkable for its gracefully pendulous habit. The trunk of this tree about 9 feet from the ground abruptly takes a horizon- tal direction, and then, after stretching out nearly 3 feet, rises again in a natural way. The lower branches all round bend down so gracefully that they form one of the neatest and most complete bowers which I have ever seen formed by a single tree. The Larch is a tree of singular beauty, and well suited to this climate, yet it is only seen here in the grounds of Mr. Kwitka. Another fine tree, which is never seen in this part of the country, is the common Beech {Fagus sylvaticus). I have never found it in any wood I have gone through, and yet I believe it would thrive here as well as any other hardy tree. The light sandy nature of the soil may perhaps account for its absence in woods, but the backwardness of horticulture only can account for its absence from ornamental gardens. Another favourite tree for lawns is Crata^^us Oxyacantha, with its numerous varieties. Mr. Kwitka has had occasion to admire it in the gardens round London, and been at SJme pains to obtain a few good varieties, but owing to causes of one kind or other, he has not yet succeeded in raising anything like a specimen. The common Crataegus is plentiful enough in woods here, but it is seldom or never used in planting because, I suppose, in general nobody knows what it may be made with careful cultivation. Even some of those who are fond of planting trees now and then, do not believe it can ever be anything but a scrubby bush, They have never seen its handsome proportions, its beautiful clusters of fragrant flowers, or its rich autumn tints and pretty fruit. In the grounds of Osnova there are several superb examples of Abies rubra, about 50 feet high. Several other species of Coniferie might be planted in the open ground here, but there is no depending on the winter, for it may be only moderately cold two or three years following, and then, iust as you begin to conclude that all is right, the frost may set in so intensely as to destroy the objects of all your care and attention. I am informed that Araucaria imbricata, for instance, was destroyed in this way after being several years in the open ground. This and Cedrus Deodara, with some others, can only be left out in summer. They are put on the lawn in their pots or tubs about the end of May, and carried back to the house near the end of August^ or sometimes they may be left out 10 days or a fortnight later. A'. Societies. Gardekers' Roval Benevolent Institdtion. — The 25th Anniversary Festival of this Institution was celebrated on Wednesday evening last at the London Tavern, under the Presidency of M. T. Caas, Esq., M.P., supported by Sir Robert Peel, Bart., M.P., T. W. Evans, Esq., M.P., W. T. Cos, Esq., M.P., A. Bass, Esq., M.P., R. Wrench, Esq., John Lee, Esq., and others. Altogether about 120 sat down to dinner. The table presented a fine display of flowers and fruits, some of the latter from H. R. H. the Prince of Wales' gardens at Sandringham, while in the neighbourhood of the chair was a charming bank of flowering phuits, supported on either side by noble specimens of Tree Ferns and other fine-foliaged plants. These were liberally contributed, " without," as the Chairman said, " regard to personal convenience," by Messrs. Veitch, Williams, Turner, Lee, aud Fraser. After the usual loyal toasts, and others relating to the army and navy, had been drank and responded to, the Chairman proposed the toast of the evening, viz., " Prosperity to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, and in doing so he made an earnest appeal in order to enlist the hearty sympathies of all present in its behalf. "Show me a man," he said, "who has a genuine love of fruits and flowers, and he will be found to be a person of kindly feeling. Show me a lady who is fond of her garden, and she wUI be found to be possessed of the most elevated tastes and acquirements. It is the hvdies we wish to enlist in the good cause for which I am pleading ; for where they are, men must follow." Sir R. Peel, in proposing the next toast, viz., *• The Health of the Chairman, ' made a humorous speech, in the course of which he said a better chairman could not be found than Mr. Bass, whose generous hand was ever open to the needy and deserving. For himself, he said, since Mr. Bass spoke, he had resolved to double what he had intended to have given, and doubtless others were ready to do the same. In looking round the room, he said he saw many faces which he had seen there when he was chairman last year ; but there was one which he missed, viz., that of Mr. Veitch, sen., who, he added, was absent, he was sorry to learn, through ill-health. After several other toasts had been di-ank and responded to, including those of the Treasurer and Secretary (Mr. Wrench and Mr. Cutler), the latter read a list of donations as follows, viz. :— Mr. T. Bass, Esq., 2GI. 5s. ; Mrs. Bas3, lOi. 10». ; A. Bass, Esq., 10(. 10s. ; Lord Sondes, 10^ lOs. ; Baron Rothschild, 101. 10s. ■ Sir Robert Peel, Bart., lOl. 10s. ; J. C. Evans, Esq., 21?. ■ F. Wigan, Esq., lOl. lOs. \ O. R. Cozier, Esq., 10/. 10s.; W. Banbury, Esq., 101. lOs. ; J. Foster, Esq., 10/. lOjt. ; Thomas Moore, Esq., 5/. 5s. ; Dr. Hogg, 51. 5e. ; Messrs. Veitch & Sons, \0l. IOp. ; Messrs. Lee, 5^ Ss., and others, the whole sum obtained on the occasion being neai-ly AOOl. To the toast relating to the Horticultural and Botanical Societies of London, Mr. Geo. Wilson made a suitable reply, in which he referred to the benefits which it might be e.>cpected would result to the cause of horticulture, from the labours of the recently appointed Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. Sir R. Peel made some jocular remarks in proposing the " Nursery and Seed trade, parents of the Institution," to which Mr. John Lee, Mr. Harry J. Veitch, and Mr. Nash respectively responded. Other toasts, including "The Stewards" and "The Ladies," followed, the latter being responded to by Mr. Blunt : after which the pro- ceedings, which were enlivened by some excellent vocal music, tern nated. Crystal Palace Rose Show ; June 20.— Notwithstanding the severe ordeal through which Roses have passed in the way of heat and drought during the present somewhat exceptional season, there was a good exhibition of them on this occasion. Bright sunshine, it is true, had either discharged altogether or greatly impaired the glowing colours of some of the usually most brilliant dark varieties; but light kinds, on the con- trary, especially yellows, were wonderfully fine, and received, as they deserved, unqualified praise from all who saw them. In Class 1, which was for single trusses of 72 varieties, Messrs. Paul & Son were awarded the 1st prize, for a fine exhibition, conspicuous in which were Duke of Edinburgh, in good condition ; Marie Baumann, a charming Rose ; Madame Charles Wood, Alfred Colomb, Mademoiselle Marie Rady, Senateur Vaisse, Xavier Olibo, Devoniensis, Francois Treyve, Mar^chal Niel, Louise Magnan, a useful light sort ; Madame Victor Verdier, Maurice Bernardin, Lord Macaulay, Made- moiselle Th^rfese Levet, Olivier Delhomme, Mademoiselle Annie Wood, Prince Camille de Rohan, and Mademoiselle Bonnaire, Mr. Cant, of Colchester, who was 2d, had fine examples of Madame Bravy, Madame Victor Verdier, Duchesae do Caylus, Marechal Niel, Niphetos, President, EUzabeth Vigneron, Gloire de Vitry, Olivier Delhomme, Prince Camille de Rohan, Souvenir d'Elise, Devoniensis, Celine Forestier, Horace Vemet, Maurice Bernardin, and others. Mr. Mitchell, of Piltdown, who was 3d, had also excellent blooms, especially those of Charles Lefebvre, Mdlle. Marie Rady, and Charles Verdier. Mr. Keynes was 4th. In Class '2, which was for three ti-usses of 48 varieties, Messrs. Paul & Son were again awarded the 1st prize for. among others, beautiful examples of Madame Furtado, Victor Verdier, Ville de St. Denis, Beauty of Walthara, Madame Rivers, Maurice Bernar- din, Pierre Notting, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Alfred Colorab, and Duchesae de Caylus. Mr. Keynes, who stood 2d, bad, among others, Marie Baumann, Camille Bernardin, Charles Lefebvre, Marguerite de St. Amand, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Gloire deDijon, Madame Sertot, Alba Mutabilis, Mrs. Ward, Bernard Palissy, Madame Vidot, Xavier Olibo, Alfred Colomb, Mdlle. Marie Rady, Francois Lacharme, Triomphe de Rcnues, Boule d'Or, Madame Knorr, and Madame WiUermoz, all in good condition. Mr. Cant, who was 3d. had good blooms of Fisher Holmes, Comtease de Chabrillant, Exposition de Brie, John Hopper, La Brillante, Rubena, Dr. Andry, and Devoniensis. To Mr. Fraser, of Lea Bridge, was awarded the 4th prize for Prince de Porcia, Fisher Holmes, Marie Baumann, Madame Boutin, John Hopper, Madame C. Wood, Duchesse de Caylus, Monsieur Noman, and Antoine Ducher. Mr. Mitchell also exhibited in this class, as did like- wise Messrs. Francis, both furnishing many blooms possessing great beauty. In the Class of 3 trussea of 24varietie9, Mr. Keynes obtained the 1st prize for charming examples of Triomphe de Rennes, Mar^chal Niel, Souvenir d'un Ami, Souvenir de la Malmaison, America, Devoniensis, Marguerite de St. Amand, Alfred Colomb, Victor Verdier, Mdlle. Marguerite Dombrain, Charles Rouillard, Princess Mary of Cambridge, and Charles Lefebvre. Messrs. Paul & Son, who were 2d, had Pierre Notting, Maurice Bernardin, Sfinateur Vaisse, Prince de Porcia, Alfred Colomb, and others; Mr. Cant, who took the 3d place, had a magni- ficent bloom of Marie Baumann and others. Mr. Clarke, Streatham, was 4th. In the Class of single trusses of the same number of varieties, Mr. Keynes was again 1st ; conspicuous in his stand was a bloom of Mar^chal Niel of unusual size, and fine examples of Hippolyte Flandrin, Marguerite de St. Amand, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Marie Baumann, Souvenir d'Elise, Charles Rouillard, Souvenir d'un Ami, and Pierre Notting, Mr. Parker, Victoria Nursery, Rugby, who was 2d, had a fine Mar^chal Niel, together with examples of Charles Lefebvre, Madame Victor Verdier, Alfred Colomb, aud General Washing- ton. Mr. Claj-ke and Mr. Mann, of Brentwood, both showed good blooms in this class. In the Class of single trusses of 48 kinds, Mr. Hedge, of Reed Hall, Colchester, was awarded the 1st prize for beautiful blooms of Boule d'Or, Exposition de Brie, William Griflfiths, Prince Camille de Rohan, Rubens, Madame Margottin, Marie Baumann, Pierre Notting, Triomphe de Rennes, Enfant Trouv^, aud Mar^chal Niel, the last magnificent. Mr. Ingle, gr. to Mrs. Round, Birch Hall, Colchester, who was 2d, had Senateur Vaisse, Pierre Notting, Charles Lefebvre. Rushton Radclyffe, Duchesse de Caylus, and Souvenir de la Malmaison, Mr. Tbomeycroft was 3d, and Mr. Chard, gr. to Sir F. H. Bathurst, Bart., Salisbury, 4th. In Class 6, which was for 36 single trusses, Mr. Hedge was again 1st with wonderfully fine blooms of Marfichal Niel, Madame BoU, Dr. Andry, Alfred Colomb, and others. Mr. Draycott, gr. to R. Studd, Esq., was 2d -with. Louis XIV., Victor Verdier, Due de Rohan, Olivier Delhomme, Madame Bravy, and others ; from Mr. Keen, gi-. to J. G. Sheppard, Esq., Campsey Ash ; and from Mr. Ingle also came exhibitions of good blooms. In the Class of 24 single trussea, the Rev. E. Pocbin, Bileby Vicarage, Loughborough, was awarded the 1st prize for Victor Verdier, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Furtado, Dr. Andry, Comtesse de Chabiillant, Due de Rohan, Jides Margottin, Mar^chal Niel, Louise Peyronny, Climbing Devoniensis, John Hopper, Marguerite de St. Amand, Madame C. Wood, and SiSnateur Favre, all in excellent condition. Mr. Postans, who waa 2d, had also very fine blooms of kinds, the names of which have already been mentioned. Mr. Stoddart, Wivenhoe Park, aud Mr. Nichol, gr. to T. H. Power, Esq., Bury St, Edmund's, were 3d aud 4th. Mr. Pochin and Mr. Postans were also 1st and 2d in the Class of 12 varieties, among which were beautiful examples of Climbing Devoniensis, Mar6chal Niel, Madame Furtado, Charles Lefebvre, General Pelissier, Francois Louvat, Xavier Olibo, Niphetos, Abel Grand, Pierre Notting, Madame WiUermoz, Madame C. Wood, Due de Rohan, and Madame V. Verdier. Ml*. M.ay, Slisted, was 3d, and Mr. Ingle 4th. Collections of Roses, any variety, were contributed by Messrs. Paul & Son, who had several fine boxfuls of beautifiil blooms ; and Mr. Cant, who had a grand display of M,ar6chal Niel. Messrs, Francis, of Hertford, and Mr. Hollamby, of Tunbridge Wells, stood 2d and 3d, while equal Ist prizes were awarded to the two first-named exhibitors. An extra prize was awarded to Mr. Hollamby, for an exhibition not for competition. Of yellow Rosea, Mr. Keynes furnished fine trusses of Triomphe de Rennes, Buule d'Or, Louis de Savoie, Gloire de Dijon, and Marechal Niel, for which he received a 1st prize ; Mr. Hedge, who had C^ine Forestier, Enfant Ti ouv^, Jaune de Smith, Nareisse, and others, was placed 2d. Mr, Stoddart was 3d, and an extra prize was awarded to Mr, Bristow, gr. to Mrs. Orme, Broadwater. In the Class of Tea-scented and Noisette varieties, Messrs. C;uit, Fraser, and Parker, carried oS prizes in the Nursery- men's Class, and in that set apart for Amateurs the prize tfikera were Messrs. Hedge, Bristow, and Postans. In these stands were beautiful ti-usses of Niphetos, Souvenir d'Elise, M.adame WiUermoz, Devoniensis, Marechal Niel, Comto de Paris, Moiret, Vicomtesse Decazes, Enfant Trouvi5, Madame Margottin, Glou'e de Dijon, and Celine Forestier. New Rosea were shown by Messrs. Keynes and Cant, who received prizes for them in the order in which their names stand. Among these, as weU as among those in the stands of others who exhibited under this head, the best were Madame George Paul, crimson shaded slate ; Monsieur Noman, peach ; Chas. Verdier, delicate pink, a good rose, but not so certain as some ; Madame Margottin, a very fine yeUow Tea. especiaUy for indoor culture ; Comtesse Jaucourt, rather too flat perhaps in shape ; Horace Vemet, a beautiful crimson ; Antoine Ducher, also a fine rosy crimson ; Felix Genero, a little duU, perhaps, in colour, but fine in form ; NapoltSon III., a rich velvety dark rose, but too thin of petals ever, we fear, to be first rate ; VUle de Lyon, violet-shaded peach, pretty, but not first rate ; and Madame Haussman, crimson, with a beautiful violet shade, but as shown, a little rough. The best basket of 100 flowers waa one of Marie Baumann, from Messrs. Paul & Son ; Mr. Fraser, who was 2d, had Madame Victor Verdier, tastefully associated with Ferns ; and Ml. Chard was 3d. Miscellaneous subjects consisted of collections of bedding plants from Messrs. E. G. Henderson ; Downie, Laird, i Laing ; F. & A. Smith ; and Mr. Mann, of Brentwood. M. Van Houtte showed Iresine Lindeni, and G. F. WUson, Esq., Weybridgo, fine cut spikes of various kinds of LiUes. Scottish Pansy Society's Show : June 10. — A very lar^o number of growers staged quantities of their favourite flower, co-operating in this instance with the Royal Caledonian. Hundreds of people crowded round the compartment in which they were placed during the day ; and as an instance of how testily the Pansy amateurs support their favourite hobby, we may chronicle that on the word "rubbish" being applied to the' flower by a Royal Caledonian alongside the stands, he rim a narrow escape of being lynched, judging from the physiognomy and words of not a few stalwart Scottish In the principal Classes for Nurserymen, Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing, and Messrs. Dickson & Co., took the leading positions. In the Class for 18 blooms, open to gardeners and amateurs, Mr. J, Fraser, Belmont, was lat ; Mr. M. Todd, NewmUns, KUmamock, 2d. In the Class for 12, Mr. John Currie, Salisbury Green, beat Mr. H. W. Adair, Mr. James Fergie, Dunse ; and Mr. John Beveridge. The other successful exhibitors of the smaller lots not named above, were Messrs. Laird, Murrayfield ; William Old, Rossyln ; John Morris, Mains, Dundee ; L. T. Fleming, Berwick ; Major Mackay, Chas, Watson, Dunse : Wm. Fleming, P. W. Sime ; and for the ladies' prizes, Mrs. Adair, Miss Ritchie, and Miss Lorimer. The blooms were, upon the whole, not up to what we see at the great National Society of Scotland, which must be placed to the account of the weather— always a ready butt to faU back upon. Messrs. Downie'a stands were particularly good, and comprised, among others, the following exceUent varieties :— De Foe. Invincible, George Keith, Chancellor, Arab. Attraction, Wm. Speirs, George WUaon, Lavinia, Prince of Prussia, Princess of Wales, Perfection, Emily Lyle, Alexander M'Nab. J. B. Downie, Lady Lucy Dundaa, Cherub, Countess of Rosslyu, Miss Cochrane, John Downie, Mary Lamb, A. Smith, Cupid, Ladybum Beauty. The above, and those which shall be immediately particularised as the best in the room of their several classes, formed tbe cream of the exhibition lots. The best Pansy in the room was Alex. M'Nab, in Messrs. Downie's stand, as also the best dark self ; the best white self was shown by Mr. James Fergie, named Miss Ramsay ; the best yeUow self waa shown by Mr. John Beveridge, Golden Lion ; the best primrose self was shown by Messrs, Dickson &. Co., Emblem ; the best light ground came from the same firm in Jane Wilson ; aud the best yellow ground was George Wilson, furnished by Messrs. Dowuie &Co. Fancy Pansios were numerously shown, Messrs. Downie &. Co. having the best among nurserymen, and Mr. John Beveridge the best among amateurs. The sorts exhibited were in a great measure novelties, seedlings of the past season. The best variety shown was undoubtedly Mr. Adair, a rich violet centred flower of great substance, which wUl not be easily eclipsed, from Messrs. Downie - "".,"_; r; ■ " " * -Cloudv and light. cloudy, rain at night. 5-Vc"r7i„r"" """'"" """ 21 -Clear and very fine ; overcast ; fine, very clear. Mean temperature of the week, 1 deg. above the average. STATE OF THE WEATHER AT CniSWICK. ing the last 42 years, for the ensuing Week, ending July 4, 18G8. June and July. |3i IP lit 53* sS Years in whieh it Rained. Greatest : -j Quantity -'w . 0tRain.*j^.« ling "212 1 - - 4 1 5 Winds. Sunday.. 28 Mon. ..29 Tues. ,.30 Wed. .. 1 Friday '.\ 3 Satur. .. 1 730 73 1 7t9 73.3 7(1 76.0 48.6 48.2 50.8 50^2 50.4 61.4 62a 63.2 12 13 0.65 la.' 3' 3 7 0.62 3: 5[ a MS 3 8' 6 0,22 3 5 3 0.'8 2; 8 2 0.33 13 4 17 7 6 12 a 5 9 10 6 11 7 3 12 10 2 Thehifthcst temperature t :Sth,18:" ■■ '■■ ■ 31 deg. 28th, 1857-therm. ,ng the above period occurred c the lowest on the 28th, 1854-therm. Notices to Correspondents. Insects : G. Your Cress is evidently gn.iwed by one of the flea beetles (Haltica sp ). The ground should be well limed and powdered with soot, and the young plants well watered with manure water, to make them grow rapidly. If tho beetles are thick, draw a net coated with bird lime over tho bed, W. Long Purplds : Fahtaff. Shakspeare'a " Long Purples" with- out doubt should be referred to Orchis mascula, not to Digitalis purpurea, Foxglove, which does not appear to bo mentioned by the poet. Melos Leaves : W M. Tour Melon leaves have no traces either of Fungi or of insects. The treatment, therefore, with sulphur and quicklime was not applicable ; and perhaps thei'e was too much lime already in the compost. The white spots, which are somewhat analogous to those which so often occur on Vine leaves, arose probably from the roots not being in good condition. If the roots of Melons once get dry, mischief is sure to follow, and we suspect that this has some time or other been the case. .1/ / B. Names of Plants : E L. The true Samphire is Crithraum maritimura, your round-leaved form. — F B. 1, Anguloa unitloi-a ; 2, probably Odontogloasum Lindleyanum, but if so, it is a well-marked variety.-///^. 1, Doodia caudata ; 2, Pteris hastata ; 3, Platyloma flexuosum ; 4, Platyloma rotundifolium. Passion'-flower Bi'DS Droppino : T IV B. Your plant (of Tacsonict evidently) seems, from the description, to be under favourable conditions. It does not require heat ; we can, therefore, only suggest that the buds may be thrown 6flf in con.sequeuce of dryness at the root, which would, of course, be more severely felt as the hot summer weather comes on. If the plant nearly covers a house 30 feet by 15 feet, and is full of flower buds, they ought to expand, if the roots can get at sufficient moisture to carry on tho process of develop- er? Suh. Very good, but not novel ; it is : the way of Countess of Kellie as to the coloiu- of the folia^ though in that we believe the colour of the flower One edge should be fixed at the ridge, and the other to a roller, provided at one end with a circular wheel-like disc of wood. There will then be no difficulty in moving the blind by fixing a sash line to the edge of the disc, and pa.ssing it through a pulley fixed at tho highest point of the end of the house. Sweet Williams : Carter <0 Co. Your Auricula -flowered varieties are very good. The marbled one will be decidedly an acquisition if its characters can be fixed. CoMMUN'KATioNS RECEIVED. -D, M. (wltli tbauks).— J. Weir. — E. Kr.mmer, Leipzig.— Dr. Cleghorn.— W. Tillery. - Rhodo- dendron.—Sarnian.— J. Churchill.— Ashdown and Parry.— B. & E.- J. R. - J. T., Spring Grove.— W. D. (too late). June 27, 1868.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE THE LANDS IMPROVEMENT COMPANY, Incoi-porated by Special Act of Prtrlinment tn 1863. To Landowkers, toe CLKticv, Estate Agents, SuiiTKtoM, ic, in F.vr.i.AND AND Wales, and m Scotland. jney, unlimitod In amount, for the 3 of Agncoltunil liuprovemont, tho whole outlay r Drr s being iiquidate'l by a r , liTiRn Rojid'! Trnmways and R.-uIroada for Agricultural 3 jSS'"!*? ^"";"^ r proportionate share of the cost, and charge the same with tho ._ n,„ I — 1,. ■"--iroved. , , , . l negotiate the Rent-charges obtafnod by Landowner^ under tho Improvement of Land Act, 18G4. In respect of Iholi- SuLscription of Shares in a Railway or Canal Company. No Investigation of title 13 required, and the ^OW^J ^,^)"f °'„? strictly financial character, do not intoifero with the plans and execution of the W( Enclosure Commissioners. Apply to GR*^vIl.I.ER. R liament Street, London, S.W. which are controlled only by tho Government , Esq., Managing Director, 3 Tar- THE GENKRAL LAND DRAINAGE and IMPROVEMENT COMPANY. Thos. Chapman, Esq.. F.R.S. DlR Geo. Th( John C. TheRt.ni Henry Currle, Esq. John C. Cobbii; Clnrk Esq I Edward John Hutchins. Esq. li. Esq. M.P. William Tite, Esq., M.P. jt;nt Combermere ' J. Ci.lcy Denton, Principal Engin Works of Diainace of f "'"' '--■-'■-■ Gnibbius. Road-making, Labourers' Cott:igi;3, are e — - .i, » ^ ■ whuthcr Freehold. Entiiled, Mortgaged, Trust, Eccle; Corporate, or Collegiate, or Loans grant d for the purpose t xtont, Ivriiiation, Enclosing, Wood iplai The whole of tho outlay io the 1 the Estate for I works by their i nth all offlci.al e 1 ot ye may be charged c landowners to mi No investigation of title being requued, no legal expens Appli&itions to be addressed to Mr. Horace Broke, the Seci at the Office of the Company, 22, Whitehall Place, S.W. M Covent Garden. W.C. T.'m. fevAMs, Man.iger. a VILLAGES on the DRY EARTH SYSTEM. —This Company is prepared to make arrangements for dealing with tho Drainage Eaith System ; mcluding the disposal of Slnn-w Applications to be made to the Manager, Bedford Street, PATENT STEAM PLOUGH and CULTIVATOR may bo SEEN at WORK in every Agricul- tural County In Eugland. For particulars apply to Joni* Fowler & Co., 71, Comhlll. London ; and Steam Plough Works, Leeds. T'lLoif^l^^,o.lT.fls^tr.^±t^^^^^^^^^^^^ apogee of whxch in this climate Flowers. Fruit Trees.'Grfiss Lawns, &c. It is inodi To be had of all Seedsmen, and of the Manufacturers, & Co., St. Petui's Road, Islington. N. . Agents Wanted in every Town where none have been appomtod. OULE'S PATENT EAKTH CLOSETS.— On view | For the treatment of damp or half-mado Hay '" a simpler plan is adopted, tho hay being merely shaken before tho drying blast from the engine, the effect of which in rapidly driving off every particle of moisturo caused some sui-prise among those present. Our readers will understand that we are simply giving tho outline of a new and partial e.iperi- ment of which the accurate details have yet to be worked out, and reported upon, with exact- ness. The exhibition was rather suggestive than conclusive ; but it icris suggestive in a very high degree. That a pressure of only 7 or 8 lb., when employed for nothing else, could generate such a hurricane, was in itsolf like a now accomplish- ment of tho steam engine, which for the time became a perfect Cave of TEolug. We should have liked to soe how long tho well-known test of the wet-blanket would have stood before the desiccating force of such a veritable Sirocco. There is a period in tho life of all inventions when — as they strike tho eye that knows what mere Improvement can do to clothe a really good idea once given birth to — they remind one of the half-naked urchin in Fiiiich, who in reply to tho cruel "What d'ye want, boy ?" answers, "Well, sir, I want a'most evcryihink ! " The child is there, the being, the active bit of life — wanting only the externals, to enable it to work and thrive, and hold its own. Tho simile may not be flattering ; but let tho clever es3ayi.st, and exhibitor oi last Monday's expe- riment, take from it at once encouragement, and warning. There is a germ of truth and vitality in this steam-blast of his, that will find develop- ment and completion ere long, which may sur- prise the inventor himself; let this be his encouragement. And if not thus perfected by him who has tho best right to it, it soon will be by those who have none ; let this be the warning. Farm Poultry. GRET DORKING FOWLS, ot purest breed, in anj numbers. Imported TOULOUSE GEESE, the largest and most productive breed known. Improved NORFOLK TURKEYS, large, hardy, and good breeders. AYLESBURY and ROUEN DUCKS. Imported BELGIAN HARE RAHIUTS, for size and early maturity. BRAHMA POUTRA. CREVECLEUR, and LA FLECUK FOWLS, for constant layers. Priced Lists and Estimates on application. John Daily A Son. 113. Mount Street, Lonoon, W. M~iUear but for the drought which cut off a portion of the western supply. The total estimate of last year's make in the United States, is set down as follows : — NewYorkState 100,000,000 1b. Eastern States 40,000,000,, Western and Middle States (New Y'ork excepted) 60,000,000 „ Total 200,000,000 ,, Of this 200 million lbs. weight of cheese it is estimated that 50 or CO million have been shipped to England, leaving MO to 150 million lbs. weight for the consump- tion of America. The returns show that the quantity shiped to England during half the year ending December 31, 186", was a trifle more than the whole year from May 1st, 1866, to the same date 1867, viz.:— May 1, 1867, to Dec. 31, 1867, 6 months , . 44,492 .543 lb M.ay 1, 1866, to May 1, 1867, 12 months . . 44,120,142 ,, Noiy, having noticed the extent of the competition to which your farmers are subjected, let us glance at the efforts making by the Americans to still further improve the quality of their cheese. Though the quality of American cheese has vastly improved of late years,yet our brethren across the water are determined to go-a-head in cheese-making as well as other things. Take a specimen of the utterances at the Convent ion of Cheese Makers and Agriculturalists before referred to. The following is the conclusion of a long and able address by John M. Webb, Esq., of New York City : — "And now, gentlemen, why cannot there be a largr-r production of this perfect quality, which is eagerly sought after, and is always saleable, even in the dulle,^t times ? Truly that skill and energy which has brought such marvellous results in developing the factory system of cheese-making in your State, will not flag or fail now when a little more effort and a little more skill cannot but insure the production of an article so superior in q^uality as to drive the secondary description of the English cheese makers from their own markets^ and secure as strong a hold on the consumption of (jlreat Britain that nothing can shake it off." Y'our Scotch farmers must not bo resting on their oars ; they have achieved much in the way of improve- ment iu quality, but there is plenty of room for further effort in that direction. The general complaint is that so many cheese of only middling— or barely middling- quality are made. Let it be the study of your dairy- maids and dairymen to produce that " perfect quality " which, as the American speaker truly observed, is "always saleable even in the dullest times." Wm. Livesey, Cheese Warehouse, 28, Church Street, Preston, Lancashire, June 9, 1868. THIN SOWING-HAVE TOU TRIED IT ? If not, pray do so, especially if you are a lover of the £ s. d. No man should venture to say that a certain thing will not answer, unless he can prove that it has failed. A mere supposition or imagining in such matters has no value whatever. I have often brought colour into the cheeks of agriculturists who stated positively that thin sowing would not answer, by mildly asking whether they had ever tried it ? My object in now writing is to say that my farm will be open to any agriculturist (without an introduction) who may desire, between this time and the 1st of August, to see the peck an acre and the general crop of Wheat from a bushel per acre. I do this, at some per- sonal inconvenience, on public grounds, to call atten- tion to the serious and damaging waste of seed that still clings to us, a relic of the broadcast system, before drills were invented. There is nothing more easy than to try (as I h,ave done) half an acre or an acre with a diminished quan- tity of seed, so as to deduce a comparative result. After some 15 years of such experiments I have come to the conclusion that thick sowing in Wheat, Barl?y, and 0.^ts not only wastes much seed but infliclsa much heavier loss by preventing the full development of tho plant, and thus greatly diminishing the crop iu quantity and lessening its quality. Farmers quite comprehend the necessity for giving ample room for the growth of their root crops, but it does not appear to me that they perfectly understand the nature of the Wheat and other grain plants. £ have heard many say that they sow thick to prevent tillering and to smother the weeds. Although I do not recommend a general sowing of so small a quan- tity as a peck an acre, I find that it produces an ample and superior crop, and it especially illus- trates the natural habit of our grain plants, as may bo now seen on half an acre in one of my Wheat fields, the rest of the field, right and left, being a splendid crop, from 1 bushel per acre— my usual quantily. Both thick and thin were sown, or rather drilled and dibbled on the 20th November, which would be naturally considered much too late for a peck per acre. Well, up it came, a single stem or bodkin from each dibble hole, and we could only see that there was any plant by placing our heads low to the ground and taking a horizontal view. In fact it looked like a bare fallow from November to April, the rest of the field (1 bushel per acre) looking thick and luxuriant. June cr- lfG8.] THE GARBEKERS' CnEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. In April and early in May it still looked thin, but the original bodkin gradually surrounded itself with from 'So to 50 other or juvenile bodkins, shoot- ing out horizontally. Well might your able and amusing correspondent exclaim, " Where can the Wheat have come from ?" Now (on the 20th June) the half-acre strip of fallow has become a line standing crop of AVheat, with ears and kernels 50 per cent, larger than its neighbour. 1 have been amused by saying to my farm visitors, " You will soon come to the peck an acre," and several walked past it without dis- tinguishing it from its competitors on either side. They evidently looked for a thin crop, which is not now to be found. I could, in the course of several years of experiment, have won a small fortune in wagers. But is it not strange that among some 400,000 British farmers, it is Mr. Mechi only that tries and records these important experiments. Can it be a matter of indifference whether in seed alone we pay lOi. per acre more or less ? The field in which this peck an acre is sown will probably produce 6 quarters of Wheat, perhaps even more, so that the poor peck has a strong competitor. Which is to be the winner— the peck or the bushel ? We shall all know some day. In 18&1 and 1805 the peck gave a crop of 7 quarters 2 bushels and 7 quarters 1 bushel — the best on the farm, and the finest sample, for I can distinguish the heap of thin-sown grain at once by its superior size and quality. Farmers often say, " Oh ! a thin crop produces a bad sample," and they draw this conclusion from a crop that has wasted away from thick sowing, or some other cause, but whenever a farmer plants a kernel in a hole of some valued newsort he always gets a wonderful crop. I have often heard it said that the higher the farm- ing the more seed it will carry out. This is a great mistake, and this is why so much Barley and Oats are early laid and ruined. I have a field of Barley after Wheat on a very poor light field. I always sow six pecks of Barley and eight pecks of Oats. The Barley came up admirably, but harrowing in the Italian Rye- grass smothered and destroyed half of it, aud we gave it up for lost. It is now, however, a respectable crop, although it wants a shower. A Wheat plant has no greater enemy than another Wheat plant, and whenever you see two trees growing side by side they turn away from each other, aud make few or no branches on the side next each other, how- ever rich the land may lie The quantity of seed sown is (according to Mr. Caird, p. 522) :— Wbeat Bill-ley Oats and Rye Beans ami Pe Seed. 3,416,760 1,416,750 2,000,000 1,139,000 jl,281 )8,376 10,2.50,230 6,021,187 9,750,000 3,701,750 This is for England alone, leaving out Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The value of the seed Wheat alone would last year be between four aud five millions sterling, aud as I only sow one bushel per acre, or one-third of the quantity named, the saving would, in Wheat seed alone, be more than three millions sterling ! The matter is worthy of the experiment and due consideration of the British agriculturist. According to Mr. Caird's estimate the return is only an increase of 8 for 1 ; in my own case it is quite 10 for one, and in the case of the peck per acre 160 for 1. It has often surprised me that nearly every kernel vegetates, which is contrary to the ofjinion expressed by many. As we only put one kernel in each hole, we are enabled to see where any failure takes place. This is the fifth year of the peck an acre experiment, and it certainly promises to be an abundant crop. Farmers who sow 2i to 3 bushels of Wheat per acre and 5 bushels of Oats, seem surprised at the level or even appearance of the heads of corn. An up-and-down crofi, like a mixture of tall Grenadiers and tiny Riflemen, is a sure consequence and evidence of a grand battle in which the weaker have gone to the wall. Mr. Hallett is doing an incalculable amount of good by laying down rules for the thin planting of his Wheat and other grain. J. J. Mechi, June 2i LEGUMINOUS PASTURE PLANTS. (Concluded from p. 669.) Of the genus Medieago six species are found in Britain ; of these the Lucerne, Medieago sativa, is a well-known forage plant, occurring very frequently on the borders of fields and in pastures, chiefly on chalky soils, and though so largely cultivated is a very doubtful native. In southern Europe it has been grown as a fodder plant for a very long time, but is supposed to have been originally introduced from Asia. Its intro- duction with us as an agricultural plant is said to date from the middle of the past century. In botanical character it comes nearest the yellow Medick (Medi- eago falcata), and is supposed by the best and most recent authorities to be probably only a variety of that species produced by cultivation. Lucerne grows from 1 to 2 feet high, and opens its purple flowers in June and July. The pods in this genus are twisted spirally, instead of being straight as in the Clovers. The plant IS of very rapid growth, and yields as many as four or five crops in a favourable season. It prefers a dry, light, well manured soil, and in such situations will yield good crops for several years. Grass, however, should be kept clear of the plants, as it chokes them and prevents their free growth. There can be no doubt that Lucerne is a very nutritive catde food, but much difftrencc of opinion exists as to its comparison with Clover. Cattle, however, are very fond of it, and they thrive well upon it, more especially horses. It is an excellent plant for hay-making, though on account of its succulent nature it takes a long time in drying. The Bhick Medick (Medieago lupulina) is an annual plant with procumbent steins 1 to 2 feet long, and covered more or less with short soft hairs ; the pods when ripe are black, spirally twisted, each containing one seed. The plant is common in most parts of Britain, except the north of Scotland, though it is cultivated more or less as a fodder plant nearly all over our island. It extends over Europe and the greater part of central and Russian Asia, in pastures and waste places. This species is frequently known to farmers as the Nonsuch, a name given to it when the plant was more esteeined than it is at the present time. T/ie Yellow or SicHe Medici: (M. falcata) is a plant cultivated to some extent for forage in Switzerland. Its Geographical rangeextends through central and southern Europe, central Asia, across to the Baikal, aud northward to Sweden; it is rare in England, and has been found only in the eastern and southern portion. It is a recumbent plant, with stems from 1 to 2 feet long, and obovate-oblong leaflets. The yellow papilionaceous flowers are borne in racemes at the extremities of axillary peduncles. The other species of Medieago found in England are M. denticulata, occurring in the southern and eastern counties. M. maculata, found in some parts of central and southern England, and M. minima, a rare species, but occurring in some parts of the eastern and southern counties. The genus Onobrtichis includes several natives chiefly of the eastern Mediterranean region and west central Asia. The common Sainfoin (0. sativa) is the only British representative, and this is supposed to be truly indigenous only in the eastern part of England ; it also occurs in limestone districts in central and southern Europe and temperate Asia, and is much cultivated for forage in various parts. The Sainfoin has an ascend- ing, branching stem, and grows from 1 to 2 feet high; the leaves are pinnate, with elliptic oblong leaflets, and the flowers, which are of a pinkish colour, are borne on large spikes ; the plants send down long tap-roots, penetrating the ground to a considerable depth, the upper portion of these tap-roots being usually slightly above or level with the ground, so that Sainfoin should not be mown too low for fear of cutting ofi' the crown of foliage and permanently injuring the plants. The early history of the Sainfoin appears traceable to the Roman era. The root is said by Pliny to have astringent properties. Its cultivation in this country as a forage plant dates from the 17th century, though it was long previously cultivated in different parts of the Conti- nent. It grows well, and yields a good return on dry chalky laud. On a rich alluvial soil, also, it is very productive, but it will not grow on wet ground. On the chalky downs of Surrey and Sussex it gives abun- dant crops, and even on the sandy soils of the eastern coast it has been grown with success ; in light, loose land the long penetrating fibres of the roots help to bind the soil together, and when, in the course of age, the roots die, the decayed vegetable matter serves as manure for tho ground. Where Sainfoin is cultivated for its o»vn i»roduce aluno. Grass and weeds should not be allowed to grow up amongst it, as these intruders soon choke the plants, taking, in a short time, entire possession of the ground to themselves. Sainfoin seed is sown broadcast, usually in the months of February aud March ; it does not come to perfection until the second year, the first season's produce being unim- portant. In good situations Sainfoin will continue to yield good crops for a period of seven or eight years. It is usually cut as a green food for cattle, but it nevertheless makes good hay if properly dried and stacked. Two crops can be obtained in one season, provided the first is taken before the period of flowering. The next most important fodder plant belonging to the leguiminous order, is the Tare or Vetch (Vicia sativa). There are ten species of Vicia, known in Britain, but of these the common Tare is the most valuable to the farmer; it is an annual or biennial plant, from 1 to 2 feet high, with pinnate leaves ter- minated by branched tendrils, the leaflets vary in shape from obcordate or obovate to lanceolate, the upper ones usually narrower. The flowers, which appear in June and July, are axillary, usually solitary, but sometimes in pairs, of a reddish purple colour. The plant is now very widely spread by cultivation over the temperate regions of the globe ; it varies much under cultivation, so much indeed that some of the most common wild forms have been thought by some to be distinct species, one in particular, in which the leaflets are narrower and the flowers smaller, has been called Vicia angusti- folia. The Tare grows spontaneously in dry pastures and by roadsides, but it has been cultivated from a very remote period ; it is mostly used as an early green forage, and is much relished by horses aud cattle ; it is rich in nutritive properties, and it is said that 12 horses and 5 cows have been kept for three months upon the produce of 8 acres. Tare seed is usually sown in spring, at any time from March to May ; the period at which the crops attain perfection varies in some degree according to the variety sown. Most of the leguminous seeds are highly nutritious, those of the Tare included ; they have been used for human food, and though, perhaps, not very agreeable in flavour, have been found exceedingly useful. Poultry are sometimes fed upon them, the plants being cultivated especially for that purpose. The only species besides the above having any agricultural interest are the Tufted Tare (V. Cracca), and theBush Tare (V. sepium). Both are common British plants, growing several feet high, scrambling amongst bushes and hedges in woods, lanes, and shady places. Each has a similar geo- graphical range throughout Europe and Russian Asia, and extending from the Mediterranean to the Arctic circle._ V. cracca forms one of the chief ornaments in summer to our rustic lanes and by-ways, entwining itself among-t the hedges, which it almost |covers with its pinnate leaves aud numerous racemes of bluish purple flowers; both species have been recommended as forage plants, being very nutritious, but their slender stems and climbing habits prevent their cultivation for such purposes, for if allowed to lie on the ground they get matted together, by which heat is generated and decomposition ensues. It has been suggested that the Bush Vetch, which throws up its shoots very early in the season, and is not liable to be affected by frost, might be advantageously sown with Clover and Lucerne, amongst which it would entwine itself and not become too thick ; cattle, and more especially sheep, are very fond of both species, and the seeds have been used as a wholesome article of food. None of the other British species can be called agricultural plants, though some of them have been spoken of as likely to furnish good fodder, but their climbing habits tell against their cultivation. The commonLotus or Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) is a very variable plant, and is abundant in one or other of its forms all over Britain. Some of these varieties have so established themselves in certain localities that they have by some authorities been looked upon as distinct species. Mr. Bentham reduces the British species to two, L. corniculatus and L. angustissimus, and considers the others simply varieties. The common Lotus occurs abundantly in meadows and pastures, some of its varieties are low spreading plants, while others are tall and ascending, more or less slender or branched, and the leaflets varying in form and width. The variety known as L. major is said to produce a more a'lundant crop than any oi' the other forms. There is no doubt the Lotus is a useful pasture plant when grown with Grasses, especially on moist land, for like the other leguminous plants it is very nutritious ; its yield, however, is not sufliciently large to make its cultivation profitable. Of its geographical distribution, Mr. Bentham says it is found in meadows and pastures whether wet or dry, open or shaded, widely spread over Europe, Russian and Central Asia, the East Indian peninsula and Australia, but not reaching the Arctic circle. Amongst other leguminous plants little used or even known as fodder plants, but which cattle will, never- theless, eat, may be mentioned the common Furze or Gorse (Ulex europajus). This plant, which is so well known as to need no description, and which often covers large tracts of land, is not unfrequently burnt off, so that the ashes remaining on the ground act as manure, and the young shoots spring up more readily. Sheep are especially fond of them, and greedily devour them before the spines become stiff. When fully grown even Furze is not unfrequently collected in some parts of England for feeding horses, the plants being bruised or crushed to nullify the effects of the spines. It is said that cows fed upon Furze alone will give milk of excellent quality. Furze has been of late years cultivated in some places as a forage plant, chiefly on poor soils, but we should scarcely think it a profit- able crop. Two species only are found in Britain — Ulex europseus and U. nanus. From the foregoing enumeration of pasture plants belonging entirely to one natural order, it will be seen that the clothing of our fields is not alone due to the Grasses, and, further than the plants mentioned in this paper, there are many other representatives of diS'erent orders which interweave themselves into Nature's carpet. John R. Jackson, Keu\ DURATION OF LIFE IN SEEDS. I FIKD there are gentlemen who are inclined to be sceptical as to the statements you published for me at p. 640. The statements that I find are chiefly cavilled at are these, namely : I put this question into the mouths of those who object — "May not" (I supposed them to ask) "vitality be kept in Wheat more than two years ?" To this my readers will remember my answer :— " My inquiring friends, I cannot tell exactly how long vitality may, under any circumstances, remain in Wheat ; but this I will say, and with no fear of refutation, that if any man should inform you that he, let him use what means he will, can retain vitality in Wheat for seven years, he is a mere quack and nothing else." I used the former of the passages I quote to guard young farmers against using old Wheat for seed, and the latter statement quoted 1 made to guard all against quackery. I must inform my readers, in reference to Wheat not retaining vitality longer than seven years, that there is a conjuror, whom I liave referred founder the honourable sobriquet of Merlin, who has published that he has " not only the power of preserving life," to use his own words, " for thousands of years, but even so to Merlinize it, that for it to die would be impos- sible," and I myself know several who thoroughly believed him. I repeat, that by no art of man can vitality be retained in Wheat beyond seven years. And this declaration I make on the authority of every scientific gentleman who has written or spoken on the subject, but chiefly on the authority of a learned and scientific society composed of gentlemen of Oxford and Cam- bridge, of which the late Dr. Daubeny was the head, and these, after various trials, made in our own and other countries, published that they had not been able with all their skill to preserve vitality in Wheat for seven years, and, I add, that I myself, in conjunction with gentlemen of far higher powers than I am possessed of, after every kind of experiment that was suggested to us, arrived at the same result— that the prerogative of prolonging life beyond its natural limits belongs to Almighty God alone, and has never been intrusted to any mortal man. .,, , I wish, also, to correct another error. It will 08 recollected that some four years since a respectable writer in the Agricultural Oazette published a tabu- lated statement, under the signature U., that Irom 696 THE GARDENERS' CnEONICLE AND AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE. [June 27, 1868. experiments carefully made by him, in all kinds of "Wheat, there was a deficiency, in some amounting to one-third, in others to one-half, and so on, but in One kind, the Burwell, the deficiency amounted to 82 per cent, in the vital principle, or that out of every hundred seeds sown, only about 67 of one kind, 50 in another, and 18 in another would germinate. Now, I highly esteem the writer of this " tnjulated statement," and hence, for his sake, I lii lent that he published it, for it is certain from continual proof practice that he was altogether in error ; but I refute the error because otherwise when advocated by so eminent a man it might be productive of great injury in the excusing of farmers for continuing their oftentimes ruinous practice of overseeding their lands. I write decidedly on this point, as I told " B." I should do, before he sent to the Agricultural Gazette bis "tabulated statement." I said to him, " My friend, for more than 50 years I have been in the habit of seeding land with 1 neck of seed only an acre, all in rows and without gaps, and 50 years ago some six friends of mine did the same, one of those being the gentleman who, unexpectedly to me, for I had not seen him, nor communicated v ih him for 40 years, appeared at the Royal Agricultural College whilst I was delivering my lecture there on this subject, and proclaimed to the audience that he With all the feelings of a true enthusiast, before whom ail difliculties melt away in thin air, our author scouts any argument against the dry earth system, based on the magnitude of the operations necessary for carr.ving it out, and forcibly enough says : " If a single cottage in a village finds a ^ain in adopting the earth system, the same will pay m a row of houses, or in street, or in a hundred streets, with proper supervision He begins with a statement of data given by some of the upholders of the water-carriage system, who say that the use of 5000 carts and 10,000 horses would be involved in the carrying into London 18,000,000 lb. of dried earth, and removing 23,250,000 lb. of compost manure. He reminds his readers, however, that much of this would be unnecessary if the house dust, flue sweepings, dust from cinders, road scrapings, &c., were first retained, sifted, and stored in their various localities. I think that the little word if is at the bottom of all. the difficulty in this matter. .No doubt every household produces a sufliciency of deodorising material ;/ they could only be induced to husband it for the purpose. For its conversion into compost manure our author is by no means in favour of machinery, though he very justly bears his testimony to the wonderful im- provement in Moule's apparatus as recently sent out. I may, however, give the manufacturers a hint as to could confirm all the lecturer had stated, for that he, ' one cause militating against machinery, as shadowed between 50 and CO years since, with others, had also seeded land with only 1 peck of seed an acre, and with complete success, and had continued a strenuous advo- cate of thin-seeding ever since; and let me add further, that that gentleman's practice was on nearly 1500 acres of fine land, and the greater part arable. Mr. Cobbett also was a 1-peck-an-acre man, and five others whom I well remember." I ask Mr. B. therefore to explain how he could account for the fine crops of Wheat— for they were fine ones— which myself and those gentlemen produced from a single peck of seed only an acre, if the seed refused to grow ? Nor was this done once only, but over many acres, and for several years; and hence there is no novelty in growing full crops of Wheat from a peck of seed only an acre. I have grown as fine crops of Wheat — ay, and of Barley, also as could be grown— from less than half a peck of seed an acre, or from S\ quarts. You disbelieve me ; I know you do, but I have specinens of the same DOW of both these kinds growing, and which I will challenge against all England for quantity as to the ground and quality of the grain grown. But you are incredulous still. I inform you, however, that the late respectable Mr. Piper, of Colne Engaine, Essex, year after year, often grew his line crops from half a peck an acre only, and annually published the results iuabaIancesheet,andshowedthat his annual clearprofits an acre on his system were between U. and &. ; and I ask those gentlemen who are still incredulously sceptical to come and inspect the specimens I have referred to, and judge for themselves, the rate of 34 quarts of seed only of Wheat and Barley having been sown. I in conclusion state that for the last four years I have, on a plot of ground set apart for the purpose, dibbled in every kind of Wheat I could procure each year, and that not three seeds per cent., when they were not over a year old, refused to vegetate and grow ; but when over four years old many seeds proved blanks, and when seven years old not a seed grew, vitality in all had become dead, and past the art of any man to reproduce it, except of him, the Merlin, who could unscrew his head, take it oQ', and replace it, at his pleasure. I beg permission just to add, that though cereals, fortunately for farmers, as respects Wheat, have not stooled so much as they do some years, yet I have no doubt whatever but my Wheat, put in, as I have stated, after the rate of 3J quarts of seed an acre (which IS now as thick as it can grow), will produce a yield of at least twelve hundred-fold, and that my plot of Barley put in the same will yield a thousand-fold ; but I have had much better yields of both. Geo. WiUcins, Wix Parsonage, June 17. THE DRY EARTH SYSTEM. *' England is robbing all other countries of the conditions of their fertility. Ali-eady, in her eagerness for bones, she has turned up the battlefields of Leipsic, of W.aterloo, and of the Crimea ; already from the catacombs of Sicily she has carried away the skeletons of many successive generations. Annually ahe removes from the shores of other countries for her own, the material equivalent of three millions and a-half of men ; ■whom she takes from us the means of supporting, and Bquanders down her sewers to the sea. Like a vampire she hangs on the neck of Europe, n.ay, of the entire world, and sucks the heartblood from nations, without a thought of justice towai-d them, without a shadow of lasting advantage to herself. *' It is impossible that such iniquitous interference with the Divine order of the world should escape its rightful punish- ment, and this niiiy perhaps overtake England even sooner than the countries she robs. Most assuredly a time awaits her when all her riches of gold, iron, and coal will be inadequate to buy back a thousandth part of the conditions of life which lor centuries she has wantonly squandered away." Liebig. I HAVE just had a pamphlet* put into my hand (a copy of which I enclose), and I cannot do better than preface what few remarks I make upon it, than by quoting the above extract from Liebig, which occurs on p. f>. The author of the pamphlet is an enthusi- astic advocate of the dry earth system, having written a few years ago a tractate " On the Utilisation of Night Soil apart from Sewage in Gaols and other Public Establishments." I may begin with the assumption that the bulk of practical men, while perhaps agreed as to the desira- bility of the dry earth system pur et simple, see almost insurmountable difficulties in the way of its univer- sal adoption, at least in the case of our large towns and cities. ' Earth «>-.it