LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE no._2_5Cl9S - date. 3 .tIHcA. souRCE.kx>lLe^^._4Li"Ock Tan- Je IR03 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE Jt SUekljj KUustrai^b Journal OF Horticulture and Allied Subjects. (ESTABLISHED IN 1841.) VOL. XXXIII.-THIRD SERIES. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1903. LONDON : 41, WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. 1903. p J3 ' ^ Srl66 Ta»~ -T" BRADBURY. AGNEW AND CO., LTD.. PRINTERS, | C\ 03 LONDON AND TONBRIDGE. The Gardeners' Chronicle, [July 4, 1903. INDEX OF CONTENTS. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1903. (For Special Headings see under Books; Certificates; Law Notes; Nursery Notes; Obituary ; Plant Portraits; Plants New, Scientific Committee; Societies; and Illustrations.) Abbotsbury, flowering shrubs, &c. at, 258 Aberdeen Public Parks, 201 Abutilon, a twin flowered, 156 Abutilons, grafted, 250 Acaenas, 148 jffisculus indica, 139, 188 Africa, tropical (Flora of), 234 Agapanthus Mooreanus, 181 ; A. umbellatus, 181 Agave americana, 106 ; flowering of, 345 ; out of doors, 123 ; A. ap- planata var. Parryi, 342, 364 Agaves in Britain, 72 Ageratums, Swanley Blue and album, 149 Allamanda Hendersoni, culture of, 122 Alpine garden, the, 212, 292, 340, 386 Alpinia Sanders, 245; A. tricolor, 245 Alyssum pyrenaicum, 410 Alyssums, 386 Amiens, the market gardens of, 1 Androsace lanuginosa, 346 Androsaces, 202 Anemone blanda, pink coloured, 252, 265 ; A. b. Florizel, 212 ; A. b. Meteor, 212 ; A. intermedia, 243 ; A. Eobinsoniana, 243 Anemone bed fungus (Peziza tuberosa), 203, 236 Angra?cuni sesquipedale, 100, 371 Anomatheca cruenta, 326 Antigonon leptopus, 277 ; A. 1., how to flower, 299, 399 Antirrhinums, 83 Apiary, the, 55, 135, 167, 231, 263, 295, 327, 343, 359 Apples, American Mother, 253 ; Edward VII., 219 ; growing for profit, 68, 91 ; keeping, 251 ; Prince Bismark, origin of, 138 ; Bound Winter Nonsuch, 253; from Nova Scotia, 9 Aquilegias, hybrid, from seeds, 182 Arabia aubrietioides, 212 Araucaria imbricata, 99, 172 Aroids, tuberous, 201 Arundinaria Simoni, 1S6 Asparagus-beds, draining, 42 1 ; salt- ing, 277; forcing in open beds, 181; A. scandens, 339; A. Spren- geri var. falcatoides, 168 Asters, perennial, cultivation of, 29 Athletics and intelligence, 73 Aubrietia Dr. Mules, 324 Aubrietias, notes on some, 292 Aucubas, berried, 380 Auricula gossip, 259 Auricula Yellow Gem, 259 Auriculas in early spring, 150 Azalea indica alba, 372 B Bailey, F. M. (Queensland Flora), 154 Baker, R. T. (Eucalypts), 228 Bamboo, a home-grown, 195 Bamboos, the flowering of, 245 ■ Bananas, increased consumption of, 104 ; home-grown, 155 Barbados, volcanic. ash from, 249 Barr, Mr. Peter, experiences' in South Africa, 14, 194, 210, 290, 402; home again, 329 Basingstoke Farm School, 169 Batson, H. M. (see Books). Beans, early Broad, S3 Beaumontia grandiflora, 395 Beech, 92 feet high, 236 Beeches, Weeping, at Ashwick Hall, 396 Begonia Bowringiana, 245 ; B. coral- lina, 406 ; B. Gloire de Sceaux, 155 ; B. Gloire de Lorraine, 59, 92 ; cul- tivation of, at Wexham Park, 29 Belgian horticulture, 289, 308, 322, 365 Belmont Castle, 113 Belvoir Castle, 121, 154, 186, 209 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal, 40, 51, 61, 62, 77, 168, 219, 330, (annual dinner) 423 Beschorneria yuccoides, 258 Birds and the fruit buds, 298, 365 Bletia Shepherdi and B. verecunda, 228; B. hyacinthina, 271 Blind worms and slugs, 326 Boilers, sectional, 156 Bois, M. D., 330 Bolus, Dr. Harry, 329 Books, Notices of. — A Book of the Country and the Garden (ff. M. Batson), 297 ; Account of Cape Colony's Urban and Rural Industries, &e. (Mr. Burton), 135 ; All about Sweet Peas (R. Syden- ham), 41, 57; Alpine Flowers for Gardens, &c, ed. ii. (W. Robinson), 330; Alpine Flora for Tourists and Amateur Botanists (trans- lated by Mrs. A. Gepp), 330 ; A Manual of Indian Timbers (J. S. Gamble, M.A., &e.) 30; Ampt:lo- graphie (Grape Growing), 57 ; American Horticultural Manual (J. L. Budd and N. S. Han- sen), 96 ; A Research on the Eucalypts (R. T. Baker), 228 ; A Text-Book of Plant Diseases (Geo. Massee), 394; A Third Pot-Pourri (Mrs. C. W. Earle), 243 ; Atlas der Krankheiten der Pflanzen, &c. (Kirchner ft Boltshauser), 73 ; A Woman's Hardy Garden (Helen R. My), 372; Botanical Magazine, 41, 89, 169, 233, 296, 377 ; Cassell's Dictionary of Gardening, 25 ; Chrysanthemums and their Cul- ture (H. H. Balshaw), 362 ; Country Life in America, 314 ; County Court Practice Made Easy, 331 ; Cultivation of the Tomato (R. Holmes), 372; Das Pflanzenreich, &c. (Cypripe- diums), (Von E. Pfitser), Kin-, Dictionnaire Iconographique des Orchidees, 94; Die Einfiihrung Auslandischer Holzarten (John Booth), 387 ; Die Veredelungen von Obstbiiumen und Fruchtge- holzen (Fern Ph. Held), 80; Die Rosenschirdlinge aus dem Thier- reich (Insect Foes of the Rose) (F. Richter von Binnenthal), 332 ; Edinburgh Seed Trade, 314 ; Etudes sur la Flore de Katanga (Em. de Wildeman), 153 ; Euca- lyptus, Critical Revision of the, 378 ; Farm and Home Year-book and Farm Trade Directory, 41 ; Flora and Sylva (W. Robinson), 218, 234, 314; Flora Brasiliensis (A. Cogniaux), 164; Flora of Thanet (G. M. Pittock), 362 ; Flora Simlensis (Col. Sir H. Collett), 117 ; English Timber and its Eco- nomical Conversion (Acorn), 243 ; Gartenflora Index, 281 ; Green- wich Park, its History and Asso- ciations (A. D. Webster), 15 ; Hand-list of Trees and Shrubs (Royal Gardens, Eew), 26; Hortus Thenensis, 245 ; Icones Select* Horti Thenensis, 313; II Cris- antemo, Storia, Classificazione, Descrizione e Coltura (Vario Formilli), 388 ; International Scientific Series (H. M. Vernon), 405 ; Indian Planting and Gar- dening, 89 ; Journal o£ the Kew Guild, 25 ; Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, 137, 360, 399 ; La Pepiniere (Chas. Baltet), 25 ; La Vigne et le Vin chez les Romains (M. Cartel), 73; "Lindenia" Iconographie des Orchidees, 180; Melocactus (M. Valckenies Suringar) announce- ment, 330; My Garden IMary for 1903 (Sutton ft Sons), 41 ; Nature Studies (C. J. Scott Elliott), 233 ; Natural Law in Terrestrial Phe- nomena (W. Digby, C.I.E.), 50, 188 ; Ootheca Wolleyana (Alfred Newton), 9 ; Our Poultry (Harrison Weir), 41, 89, 182; Parkinson's " Paradisus " (reprint announced), 345 ; People of the Whirlpool (Commuter's Wife)," 396 ; Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 396 ; Popular Illustrated Guide to S. E. & C. Railway Coast Resorts (W. T. Perkins), 361 ; Popular Science (Cassell ft Co.), 198; Practical In- structions to ensure Shelter, &c., 396 ; Prodromus Florae Britannico? (F. N. Williams), 43 j Publications Received, 7, 43, 70, 91, 121, 139, 202, 219, 282, 315, 331, 363, 396 ; Response in the Living and Non-Living (Jagadis Chunder Bose), 15 ; Rules for Judging, 137 ; Sertum Palmarum Brasiliensium (B. Rodrigues), announcement, 154 ; Shakespeare's Garden (Rev. J. Harvey Bloom), 274; Silvaof North America (Prof. Sargent), 10, 40 ; Sweet Violets and Pansies (E. T. Cook), 385 ; The Amateurs' Greenhouse (T. W. Sanders), 96 ; The Ancient and Loyal City of Exeter, 314 ; The Book of British Ferns (C. T. Drucrv), 248; The Book of the Wild Garden (S. W. Fitzherbert), 243; The Country Gentleman's Estate Book, 313; The Dahlia : its History and Cul- tivation (By several Authors), 222 ^ The Englishwoman's Year Book and Directory (Emily Jarves), 10 ; The Flora of the East Riding of Yorkshire (J. F. Robinson), 90 j The Flora of Tropical Africa, 234;. The Forest Flora of New South Wales (J. H. Maiden), 331; The- Forests of Upper India and their Inhabitants (T. W. Webber), 51 ; The Fungus Flora of Yorkshire (Geo. Massee and C. Crossland), 43 ; The Garden Gazette (Australian), 138, 294; The Gardening Year Book, 89 ; The Handy lnan'sr- Book (Paul N. Hasluck), 330 ; The Horticultural Directory, 153 ; The " House " Annual, 10 ; The Journal of the Board of Agriculture, 25 ; The Natural History of Plants (Prof. Oliver), 138; The New Forestry (J. Simpson), 10; The Orchid Review, 72 ; The Queens- land Flora (F. Mansoyi Bailey), 154; The Scottish Field, 313; The Soil (A. D.Hall, M.A.), 317 r. The Timber Trades Journal and Saw-Mill Advertiser, 249 j The Transvaal Agricultural Journal, 10; The Veitchian Nur- series (J. H. Veitch), 233 ; The. Year Book of New South Wales, 10 ; Traite Pratique de Cultures- Tropicales (J. Dybowski) , 10 ; Trans- actions of the Royal Scottish Ar- boricultural Society, 314; Trees and Shrubs for English Gardens- (E. T. Cook), 15 ; Trees and Shrubs. {frtf. C. Sargent), 90; Under- ground Irrigation in the British Isles and in India (Jno. Grant), 378 ; Vegetables and Flowers from Seed in Tropical, Semi-Tropical, and Temperate Climates (Sutton ft Sons), 10; Webster's Foresters' Pocket Diary, 53 ; Willing's Press- Guide, 56 ; World's Fair Bulletin, 362 Botanical congress at Vienna, 138 Botany, applied, 35 ; economic, use- fulness of, 37, 69 Bothy, a royal, 363 Botticelli a botanist, 63 Bowood, 40, 56, 251 Broccoli Chelsea Favourite, 1S6 ; B. Cooling's Matchless, 140 Browne, Mr. W., retirement of, 105 Browning's plant (Orchismaculata mentioned in " May and Death," 316 Brunsvigia Cooperi and B. gigantea, -116 BryophyUum erenatum, 59, 73 Buddleia variabilis, 379 Bud variation and bud selection, 361 Bulb-growing at Brentwood, 341 Bulbous plants for the conservatory, 326, :187 Bulbophyllum occultum, 130; B. Careyanum, 19 Bulbs destroyed by pheasants, 236, 325 liurlingtonia perpusilla, 18 S $off IV The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [July 4, 1903. ■Cabbage, Dickson's First and Best, 406 ; Methven's Edinburgh Market, 345 Cabbages in February, 186 Cactaceous plants at Holly Point, 170 Cacti, generic divisions of, 12 ; in sealed cases, 316 Calanthe Veitehi, 29, 115, 156, 188, 221 ; cultivation of, 139, 221 ; at Cliveden, 27 ; the flowering of, 1 1 Calanthes, Mr. Cookson's hybrid, 411 , Calceolarias, herbaceous, 365 Camellia reticulata, 258 Camellias at Clare Lawn, 182 Campanula Barrellieri, seedlings from, 316, 348; C. latifolia, 92 Campbell's sulphur vaporiser, 253 Canada, emigration prospects in, 218, 277 ; map of, 401 Canna, a white, 318 ' Cannas, raising seedling, 70 Caoutchouc in Eucalyptus leaves, 33 Cape fruits, 377 Cardamine pinnata, 252 Cardiandra sinensis, 82 Carnation Nell Gwynne, 275 Carnation " Mrs. T. W. Lawson," 203 Carnations " Eagadine," 76 Carnations Souvenir de la Malmai- son, for market, 77 ; in large pots, 332,380,411 Cassava plant, causes sleeping dis- ease, 115, 243; varieties of, in West Indies, 243 Caterpillars on Apple-trees, 352 Cattleya seedling flowers in eleven months, 125 Cattleya Mossise Wageneri, 388 ; C. Marquis de Wavrin, 164 ; C. Triansei, 165 ; C. T. Leeana, 164 Cephalotaxus Oliveri, 227 Certificated Fruits and Vege- tables :— AppleEdward VTI.,206; Cucumber " Unique " (Supp., May 30). Certificated Plants.— Acer pal- matum lineari lobum purpureum gracile Crippsii, 301 ; Adiantuni scutum ramosuni, 382 ; Anemone coronaria fl.-pl. var. " King of Scarlets," 302 ; A. Hepatica tri- loba alba plena, 205 ; Asperula suberosa, 269 ; ' Aubrietia Prit- •chard's Al, 334 ; Begonias Lady Howe, Mrs. W. P. Neal, Hon. Lady Neeld, Sir Thos. Lip- ton, Mrs. Portman Dalton, and Mrs. Moger (Supp., May 30) ; B. The Queen, Countess of Warwick, W. Sparshott, and Gypsy Girl, 422 ; Boronia megastigma aurea, 205 ; Brasso-Cattleya x striata (Supp., May 30) ; Bulbophyllum occul- tum, 174 ; B. suavissimum, 108 ; Caladium mossamedes, 238 ; Canna *" Papa Crozy1," 301 ; Calochortus pulchellus verus, 382 ; Carnation Alma, 334 ; Carnations Lady Wol- verton and Shiela, 422 ; Cattleya X Enid magnifica, 174 ; C. Mossise Alexandra, 419 ; C. x Bohersiana, 419; C. Warneri alba, 419; 0. x Whitei magnifica (Supp., May 30) ; Chrysanthemum Harry Whateley, 46 ; C Miss Edith Davey, 46; C. Buby Martin, 46 ; Coleus thyrsoideus, 45 ; Clivia T. E. Arnold, 173 ; Cordyline Pfere Charon (Supp., .May 30) ; Cymbidium x eburneo- Lowianum concolor, 206 ; C. X Lowgrinum, 206 ; Cypripedium x Empress Alexandra, 46 ; C. x Hindeanum, 46 ; C. x J. Wilson Potter, 78 ; C. x Minos Young's variety, 108; C. x Mrs. Pitt, 239 ; C. x Samuel Gratrix var. Minnie, 46 ; Delphiniums Monarch and Eev. W. Wilks, 422 ; Den- drobium glomeratum, 335; D. melanodiscus Sunray, 142 ; D. x Ophir, 142; D. x Salteri, 142; D. x splendidissimuni var. Mrs. Haywood, 142; D. Thwaitesia-, 174; D. > Wiganise xanthocheilum, 108 ; D. Wigani- anum album, 142 ; D. x Venus grandiflorum, 270 ; Epi-Cattleya matutina, 383 ; Eremurus " Mrs. Ware," 422 ; Eulophia Coleae (Supp., May 30) ; Ficus pandurata (Supp., May 30); Geum Held- reichi superbum (Supp., May 30) ; Heuchera hybrida Bosamundi, 383 ; Hippeastrum " Apple Blos- som," 238 ; H. Black Prince, 238 ; H. Julius, 334 ; Incarvillea grandi- flora, 205 ; Iris persica variety, 141 ; I. spuria (variegated form), 269 ; Irises, in, Chiswick trials, 400 ; Jasminum primulinum, 173 ; Kalanchoe >: Felthamensis, 301 ; K. x Kewensis, 383 ; Kniphofia longicollis, 78 ; Lachenalia " Buth Lane," 174 ; Lselio - Cattleya X Canhamiana Bex (Supp., May 30) ; L.-C. x Dora magnifica, 270 ; L. - C. x Fascinator splendens (Supp., May 30) ; L.-C. :■: Fascina- tor nobilior (Supp., May 30) ; L.-C. x Martineti Flambeau, 419 ; L.-C. < M. ochracea, 419; L.-C. x Wellsiana magnifica, 108 ; Lathy- rus pubescens, 269 ; Lilium au- ratum platyphyllum, 422 ; L. Kelloggii, 422 ; Lourya campanu- lata, 108 ; Magnolia Campbelli, 174 ; Masdevallia x Veitchiano- Wageneri, 239; M. xipheres, 239; Megaclinium Imschootianum, 302 ; Narcissus Firelight, 206 ; N. Janet Image, 206 ; N. Mohican, 206 ; N., varieties of, 239, 270, 302 ; Nico- tiana Sanderse, 422 ; Odontoglos- sum x Adrianse " Lady Wantage," 239 ; O. x Adrianae " Swoboda," 206 ; O. x ardentissimum Fas- cinator, 419 ; O. x a. concin- num superbum (Supp., May 30) ; O. x a. numosum (Supp., May 30) ; O. x a. exquisitum (Supp., May 30) ; O. cirrosum " Pitt's variety," 302 ; O. cordatum aureum, 383 ; O. triumphans Crawshayanum, 239 ; O. x Brad- shawia?, 78 ; O. crispum Alpha, 239 ; O. c. Grace Buby, 142 ; O. c. " Grand Duchess " ( Supp., May 30) ; O. c. "Harold," 334; O. c. Cook- soniie, 108 ; O. c. Grairianum (Supp., May 30, p. i.) ; O. c. " Lady Moncreiffe," 335 ; O. c. Persim- mon, 239; O. c. "The Kaiser" (Supp., May 30) ; O. c. Truffauti- anum, 383 ; O. x loochristyense "Lord Howick," 108; O. Lu- casianum var. Walkeri, 46 ; O. x Queen Alexandra, Buther- ford's variety, 302 ; O. x Bolfeae majesticum, 419 ; O. Bossii, Low's variety, 174 ; O. X Vuyl- stekei exquisitum (Supp., May 30) ; O. X Waltoniense, 46 ; O.x Wat- tianum Crawshayanum, 335 ; O. X WilckeanumBex,108; 0. X Wileke- anum venerandum (Supp., May 30); Oncidium triquetrum, 383 ; Pseonia Dawn, 422 ; P. lutea, 269 ; Pa- paver orientale Lady Eoscoe, 422 ; Phaius x Chapmani (Supp., May 30) ; P. x Chapmani su- perbus, 383 ; P. x Harold, 206 ; P. X Clive, 142; Phyllocactus Deutsche Kaiserin ( Supp., May 30) ; Pinguieula caudata superba, 185; Pink "Eubens," 383; Poly- podium Knightise (Supp., May 30) ; Poppies, Iceland, 422 ; Pso- ralea pinnata, 302 ; Behmannia angulata, 269 ; Ehododendron Duchess of Portland, 269 ; B. yun- nanense, 334 ; E. molle " Floro- dora " (Supp., May 30) ; Eichardia hybrida Solfatara (Supp., May 30) ; Bose (Polyantha) Blush Bambler ( Supp., May 30) ; E. Madame N. Levavasseur, 238 ; E. multiflora "Waltham Bambler" (Supp., May 30) ; E. Bambler, 302 ; E. (Tea) Queen of Sweden and Nor- way (Supp., May 30) ; E. Souvenir de Pierre Notting. 334; Bubus ruoluccanus, 334; Saxifraga Gri- sebachii, 108 ; Schcenia cassini- ana, 383 ; Schomburgkia Galeot- tiana (Supp., May 30) ; Selagi- nella Watsoniana (Supp., May 30) ; Tanakea radicans, 269 ; Trigoni- dium spatulatum, 335 ; Tulipa prsestans, 239 ; Tulips, varieties of, 334; Vanda x Marguerite Maron (Supp., May 30) ; V. tri- color tenebrosa (Supp., May 30) ; Zygopetalum crinitum coeruleuin, 142 ; Z. x Sanderi, 7S Ceylon Botanic Gardens, 392 Ceylon, new horticultural produc- tion in, 25 Chalk, action of certain organisms on, 401 Charlock, how to destroy, 153 Chestnuts, English, 43,61, 188; dis- ease in Sweet, 185 China, the public park at Shanghai, in, 127 Chinese flora, the, 57 Chinese Maples, 21, 62 Chiswick, the future of, 168 ; trials at, 298 Chlorsea, species of, from Chile, 317 Chrysanthemum frutescens var. Golden Sun, 324 Chrysanthemum, the, as a market plant, 4 ; show at Lille, 345 ; has- tening the flowers of, 192 ; judg- ing, in America, 69 ; manures for, 200 ; new, 92 ; stopping and trans- planting, 222 ; striking cuttings of, 34 Cintractia patagonica, parasite on grass, 14 Clare Lawn, East Sheen, 197 Cleaning by the vacuum method, 104 Clerodendron Myrmecophilum, 196, 291 Clitandra species yields rubber, 153 Cocoanut Palms in Ceylon, 331 Codlin-moth, the, 122 Coffea Laurentii (robusta), 306 Coffee, properties of, 345 Coleus thyrsoideus, 76, 106 Colonial flower-shows, 229 Columbine, the stellate, 418 Commissions, secret or corrupt, 152, 170, 172, 188, 204; Bill for pre- venting, 138, 296 Conifers, Chinese, 34, 66, 84, 116, 133, 194, 227 Cooke, Dr. M. C„ awarded the Linnean Society Medal, 329 Cornish plants, 416 Corypha elata, 360 Cotton-growing in the West Indies, 361 Couch-grass amongst fruit-trees, 203 Covent Garden Market notes, 10 Crassula decipiens, 3 Crickets, to destroy, 93 Crinum rhodanthum, 315 Crocus Tauri, 212 Cucumber, curious, 297, 348 ; culture of, 12, 2& ; plants, the raising of, 34, 128 Cycads, new, from the Congo, 139 Cypripedium x Argus, 100 ; C. bellatulum and hybrids from it, 321 ; C. x Hindeanum, 53 ; C. x J. Bartels, 130 ; C. x Juno, 130 ; C. x J. Wilson Potter, 83 ; C. X Minnie, 130; C. montanum, 242; C. x Priam, 130; C. siamense,242 Cypripediums, hardy, 307, 354, 378 Cytisus, proliferous, 395 ; C. sco- parius var. Andreanus, 348 Daffodil names, 277 ; D. Sir Wat- kin, 178 ; the first, 106 Daffodils, at Ard Cairn, Cork, 278 ; dyed red by absorption, 185; frilled trumpet, 236 ; the forcing of, 82, 124 Dahlia, history and cultivation of the, 222 Dahlias, 123, 219 j propagation of, 106 Daphniphyllum glaucescens, 417 Darnell, seed fungus of the, 396 Davidia involucrata, 236 Deherain, the late M., 41 Dendrobium Bensonia?, 389 Dendrobium atro-violaceum, 292 ; D. Boxalli, 164 Dendrobiums at Woodhatch Lodge, 228 Dendrometer, 11, 28 Diacrium bicornutum, 242 Dioscorea Fargesii, a new Chinese vegetable, 73 Disa grandiflora, 37 Douglas Fir, the Colorado variety of the, 244 ' Down, season in county, 11 Dracaena Broomfieldi superba, 245 ; D. kewensis, 245 Draper, Mr. W., Egyptian decora- tion for, 390 Drimys Winteri, 345 Droitwich experimental garden, 224 Druery, C..T. (British Ferns), 248 Dublin, damage to trees in Phcenix Park, at, 185 Durban market prices, 154 Earle, Mrs. C. W. (Pot-Pourri), 243 Eaton Hall gardens, notes from, 340 Echeveria retusa, 148 Echinocactus Delaeti, 170 Echiums, 347 ; shrubby, 345 ; two fine, 331 Edinburgh, the King's visit to, 332 Edwardsia microphylla, 259 Eggs twelve months old produce chickens, 324 Elastic threads in Eucalyptus leaves, 331 Electric-light, forcing by, 184 Elisena longipetala, 326 Ely, Helen E. (A Woman's Hardy Garden), 372 Engler, Professor, 43 Environment, effect of , on plants, 57 Eremurus Warei, 410 ; E., the species of, 381, 399 Escallonia macrantha and E. x Langleyensis, 416 Ether and chloroform used for forcing plants, 57, 143, 168 Eucalyptus coccifera, 345 ; critical revision of the, 378 ; elastic threads (caoutchouc) in, 92, 331; Mr. Baker's research on, 228 Eucommia ulmoides for yielding rubber, 104 Eulophiella Peetersiana flowering at Glasnevin, 169 Eupatorium odoratum, 356 Experimental Garden at Droitwich, 224 Faous betuloides, 10 Fenn, Eobert, V.M.H., 329 Fern names, British, 418 Ficus pandurata, 245 Fir Grange, Weybridge Heath, 186 Fir, Silver, 104 feet high, 236 Fitzherbert, S. W. (Wild Garden), 243 Florida, how to grow Oranges in, 353 The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [July 4, 1903. Florists' Flowers, 4, 150, 219, 408 Flower Garden, the, 7, 23, 39, 54, 71, . 87, 102, 118, 134, 151, 167, 182, 198, 215, 230, 246, 262, 279, 295, 311^ 327, 343, 359, 375, 392, 413 Flowers, winter, in sunny climes, 81 •Flowers from the Riviera, 25; in January, 41 Forcing plants by ether and chloro- form, 143, 184 Food of plants, 154 Foreign correspondence, 14, 36, 407 Forestry, 372 ; facts and fancies in English, 246 ; new chair of, 264 ; question in the House of Commons upon, 137 ; report of the depart- mental committee on, 56, 66 French Beans and millipedes, 348 Frogmore Gardens, the alterations in, 363 Frost, and the fruit crops, 264 ; damage by, at Halton, 299 Frosts in Berkshire, 277 Fruit, and vegetable show at Chis- wick, 217; [fruit] bottling, 376; from Tasmania, 73 ; from the Cape, 91 ; from Queensland, 297 ; Irish hardy, 5, 42 ; room, how to build a, 139, 155, 172 . . Fruit trees along high roads, 250 ; in France, 362 ; on walls, 379 Fruits, hardy, at Isleworth, 180 Fruits under glassy 6, 23, 39,: 55, 70, 87, 102, 118, 134, 150, 167, 182, 199, 215, 230, 246, 263, 279, 294, 311, 326, 343, 358,;374, 393, 413 Fulford, presentation to Mr., 201 Fungus cultures, 414 Gale in Ireland, 167, 185 (ramble, J. S. (Indian Timbers), 30 Garden notes from Isleworth, 116 Gardeners' Company, the, 372 Gardeners' dinner, the proposed, 394, 398 Gardeners in Canada, 331 Gardeners' Eoyal Benevolent Insti- tution (see Benevolent Institution) Gardener's wail, the, 29 Gardeners' wages, payment of, during sickness, 44 ; Gardening studentship, 153 Gardening under glass, 49, 84, 102 Garry a elliptica, 11, 76, 94 German Professors, 43 Ghent nurseries, 237, 322 Ghent Quinquennial, the arrange- ments for, 8, 169, 185, 264-266, and Supplement, April 25; echoes from, 297, 328 Ginseng, 155, 170, 171, 181, 218, 251 Gladiolus Childsii, 229 ; its origin and development, 84, 102, 321 Glass, gardening under, 102 Glasgow Botanic Garden , history of, 129 Glaucium flavum tricolor, 3 Gloriosa Eothschildiana, 322, 364 Gloxinia, a Hose-in-hose variety of. 380, 396 Gloxinias, 253 Gooseberry, the, 140 ; disease, 90 Gooseberries, late, 28, 44, 60, 76 Grafts, binding, 29 ; side, 407 Grahame Memorial Fund, the, 154 Grange, the, Highbury New Park, 3 Grape-fruit, the, and other varie- ties of Citrus, 220 Grape-pollen, a study of, 264 Grapes, Black Hamburgh, 310 ; setting of Canon Hall Muscat, 276 Grass, a parasite on (Cintractia pata- gonica), 14 Grasses, sowing seeds of, 162 Growth, audible, 60 Hajl, damage by, 345, 411 Hakea microcarpa, 417 Hall, A. D. (The Soil), 317 Hamamelis mollis, introduction of, 185 Handyman's Book, the, 330 Hardy fruit garden, the, 7, 23, 38, 55, 71, 87, 102, 118, 135, 150, 167, 182, 199, 214, 230, 246, 263, 279, 295, 311, 327, 343, 359, 374, 393, 413 Hats, the making of Panama, 361 Heliconia Edwardus Eex, 245 Henry, M., resignation of, 362 Hepatica, the double white, 236 Hepaticas, 213 Herbarium, value of a, 137 Herbertia pulchella, 180, 387 Herbs, Dame Pertelot's, 65 Heuchera sanguinea, 150 Heucheras, 398 Hippeastrums, from seeds, 53, 291 ; large and many, 220 Hoheria populnea, 313 Hong Kong Botanic Garden, retire- • ment of Mr. Ford from, 89 Hooker, Sir William, biography of, 90, 121 Horticultural congress in Paris, 139 Horticultural Hall, the, 93, 137, 170, 171, 184, 185, 201, 203, 220, 249, 329, 344, 395 Horticultural societies, exhibition of combined, 137 Horticulturists, honours to, 105 Hydrangea scandens, 417 Hydrangeas, blue, 105, 124, 201, 260, 276 ; a cause of, 11 ; H. paniculata for forcing, 14, 28, 44, 60 Hymenocallis macrostephana, 101 Hunter, Mr. James, proposed testi- monial to, 72 ; retirement of, 204 I Income-tax recovery, 28 India, the forests of (T. W. Webber), 51 Insect pests of fruit-trees, compul- sory destruction of, 313 Ipomrea rubro-coerulea, 92, 149 Iris bucharica, 251 ; I. purpureo- persica, 211 Irises, new intermediate, 345 Irish hardy fruit, 5 Isleworth, notes from, 101, 116, 180 Italy, notes from La Mortola, 294 Ixora coccinea in Queensland, 331 Jamaica Botanical Department, 124 Jasminum primulinum, 197 Jefferies, Mr. W. J., accident to, 249 Judges at horticultural shows, 203 K Keteleeria Davidiana, 84 ; K. Eve- lyniana, 194 Kew, alpine-house at, 25 ; Bridge, opening of, 328 ; Guild, the, 346 ; Herbarium, the addition to the, . 341; notes, 196, 243, 317; publi- cations, list of, 121 ; rockery and other features at, 88 Kolkwitzia amabilis, 82 Kitchen Garden, the, 6, 22, 39, 54, 70, 87, 102, 118, 135, 151, 166, 182, 198, 214, 231, 247, 263, 279, 294, 311, 327, 343, 358, 375, 393, 412 Label, the " Ideal," 221 Labelling fruit-trees, 140 Laboratory, botanical, for the Royal Botanic Society, 216 Ltelia x autumnalis cinnabarina, 19 Lalio-Cattleya x elegans, 180 L.-C. Orpetiana and var. Massili- ensis, 165 Lamium orvala, 298 Law Notes ; A Radish seed case, 157 ; Bowers v. Wisbech Assess- ment Committee (Rating of Market Gardens), 222; Gardener sued for damage to plants, 13 ; Lord Lyvedon's Bankruptcy ease, 58; Taylor v. Marks (Breach of Contract), 80 ; Bowers v. Wisbech Assessment Committee (Appeal Case), 252 Lawn-mower, a motor, 398 Leaf -mould and Orchid culture, 170, 218, 290 Leguminosse, the Mexican, 395 Lennox Challenge Cup for horticul- tural societies' competitions, 137 Lepto-La?lia X , a bigeneric hybrid, 50 Leptospermum scoparium, 417 Lilac, native country of the common, 201 Lilies and their culture, 257 Lilium auratum, is it a hybrid ? 36 Linnseus, Robert More's letters to, 185 Linnean Society admits lady Fel- lows, 73 Liverpool Botanic Gardens, 222 Lobelia cardinalis and others, 83 Loganberry, the, 77 London open spaces, 153 Lucerne " tree," 153> 395 Lucknow, cutting a sewage drain through the park at, 198 Lunt, Mr. Thos., 169 ; presentation to, 345 Luton Hoo, jottings from, 390 Luxembourg horticultural exhibi- tion, 249 Lycaste with branching pseudo- bulb, 91 Lychnis yunnanensis, 161 M Magnolia Campbelli, 170, 172, 174 Maiden, J. H. (Forest Flora of New South Wales), 331 Maize-breeding, 297 Malaria, Sunflowers and, 274 Manihot utilissima causing sleeping disease, 115 Manures for Chrysanthemums, 200 Maples, Chinese, 21, 62, 100 Marden Park, Surrey, 261 Marguerite " Golden Sun," 324 Marble Hill, 362 Market gardening, 14, 34, 77, 275, 332, 374, 392 Market gardens of Amiens, 1 Masdevallia burfordiensis, 99 Massee Geo. (Fungus Flora of Yorkshire), 43 Matches, Australian, 64 Maurandya Barclayana, 274 Maxillaria punctata, 19 May, the flowers of, 318 Melbourne Botanic Gardens, 124 ; Garden Gazette, 138, 294 Menabilly, Cornwall, 234 Medicago arborea as a forage plant, 153 Mendel's results of plant breeding, 33,76 Metrosideros floribunda, 182, 374 Michauxia Tchihatcheffi, 402 Millardet's, M., observation on Vines, 42 Milton Court, Surrey, 389 Missouri Botanical Garden, 169 Moles, killing, 220 Monkholme Orchid sale, 218 Monro, Geo., Ltd., 41 Moschosma riparium, 148 Mosquito-bane, 43, 90 Mushrooms, about, 111; pressure exerted by, 316 Napoleon's gardening tools, 249 Narcissus Sir Watkin, 178, 203 Narcissus, striped, 277 ; the, 177 Natal, garden and field manures in, 9 Nature, in winter, 36 ; study, 43 Nepenthes Sanderiana, 245 Nephrolepis exaltata var. Piersoni, 275 New Zealand weeds, 362 Nitrogen, utilisation of atmospheric, 73 Novelties of 1902. 1, 19 Nursery Notes. — Bird & Yal- lance, 396; Bull, W., & Sons, 397 ; Carter, James, & Co., 115 ; Davis, Norman, Framfield (Peas), 369; De Laet, Frantz, of Contich, 365 ; Gauntlett & Co., 130; Iceton, W., Putney, • 13 ; Linden et Cie., Moortebeek, Belgium, 289; Sander & Sons, Bruges, 308; Sutton & Sons, Reading, 74 ; Veitch, Jas., & Sons, Feltham, 146; Veitch, R... & Son, Exeter, 122 ; Vincke-Dujardin, M., Bruges, 310 Oak, disappearance of a famous, 25 Oaks, sessile and pedunculate, 156, 189, 213, 220, 276, 297, 324 Obituary. — Ames, Mrs. Frederick, 120; Bain, John, 299; Barron, A. F., 249, 265; Berry, Edward, 350; Burt, F. W. 160; Byvoet, J. Henry, 128; Crcpin, Francois, 318 ; Darrah, Charles, 287 ; Fell, William, 204 ; Fromow, Jas. J., 187; Glaisher, Jas., 106; Isham, Bt., Sir Charles, 240 ; Johnson, B., i 106; Kellock, W. B., 240; King, L. G., 96; MeBean, Donald, 318; McGredy, J. P., Samuel, 367; McKenzie, J., 30, 47, 60 ; MacKellar, Robert, 107, 399 ; Nabonnand, Gil- bert, 105 ; Pawle, J. D., 328 ; Peed, John, 16; Penny, Charles, 128; Pettigrew, Andrew, 285, 299; Rawlings, George, 79 ; Under- down, George, 106; Vilmorin, Mme. Maurice, Leveque de, 345 ; Ward, James, 30; Wendland, Hermann, 58 ; Wilder, William, 96 ; Withers, Jas. W., 250, 281; Woodman, Mary, 48 Odontoglossum, a prolified, 13 ; O. ardentissimum Warburton's var., 316 ; O. : Andersonianum vara., . 292; O. :■: BradshawisB, 82; O. crispum, sale of, 388 ; O. c. " Grace Ruby," 165; O. c. "Persimmon," 275 ; O. crispum, characters of, 410 ; O. triumphans Bischoffs- heimias, 228 ; O. X Waltoniense, 51 Odontoglossums, reversion in, 99; from Westonbirt, 371 Giaotheracsespitosa (marginata),377 Olearia macrodonta, 117 Olive in South Australia, the, 185 Oliver, Prof. (Natural History of Plants), 138 Oncidium Gardneri and allies, 19; O. Warscewiczii, 100 Onion-bed pest, an, 380, 399 Ophioglossum vulgatum sport, 364 Oporto, the neighbourhood of, 161 ; a quinta in, 407 Opuntia cantabrigiensis, 98 Oranges and Lemons in Italy, 42; how to grow, in Florida, 353 Orchid, a prolified, 13 ; culture and leaf-mould, 170 Orchid-houses, the, 7, 22, 38, 54, 70, 86, 102, 118, 134, 151, 166, 182, 199, 214, 230, 247, 262, 278, 295, 310, 326, 342, 359, 375, 392, 412 Orchid notes, 19, 50, 100, 115, 130, 164, 180,228,242,292,321,371, 388 Orchid Review, the, 72 Orchid sale at Monkholme, 218 VI The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [July 4, 190a Orchids, at Gunnersbury Park, 406 ; and leaf-mould, 170, 218, 290; new, of 1902, 1 ; Transvaal, 180, 221 Orchids, group of, at Kew, 391, 415 Orphan Fund, Royal Gardeners', 93, 106, 121, 124, 125, 221, 296 Osier-land, in praise of, 337, 356 Oxalis crenata, 171 Oxlips, Cowslips, and Primroses, 169 " Packet," what is a, 106 Palms for America, 230 Panama hats, 380 Pandanus Wavrinianus, 245 Pansy and Viola Society, suggested, 172, 203 Pansy, oldest treatise on the, 220 Papaver orientale " Mrs. Marsh," 378 Paris, horticultural meetings for 1903 in, 9 Pathological plant anatomy, 361 Pea Gradus, 172 Peas, and nitrate of soda, 156; in 1902, 130; green, in May, 369; three good early, 186 Peach Alexander, early fruits of, 333 Peach tree, a fine, under glass, 365 Peach trees, cross trellises for, 12, 44 Pear, Early Crawford, 348, 380, 398 ; grafting the, on the Quince, 155 Pear, Josephine de Malines, 28 ; midge, the (Diplosis pyrivora), 140 Pears, good January, 66 ; of recent introduction, 132, 188 Pearls in Cocoa-nuts, 396 Pelargoniums, 374 ; hybrid, ' 234 ; zonal, for winter flowering, 408 Penrhyn Castle, winter - flowering Begonias at, 75 Pertelot's herbs, Dame, 65 Phaius, Mr. Cooison's hybrid, 411 Pharmacy Act, Amendment Bill, 317 Pheasants in the garden. 92, 105, 140, 156, 236, 277, 299, 325 Phlox stems splitting, 348 Phloxes, shrubby, 149 Photographing at the R. H. S. exhi- bitions (and the Press), 360, 394 ■ Phrynium Micholitzii, 245 Picea Wilsoni, 133 Pine-apples, cultivation of, in West Indies, 25 Pines in the Azores, 36 Pinus Armandi, 66 ; P. insignis, growth of, 332 ; P. koraiensis, 34 Pittosporums from Menabilly, 312 Plant - breeding, 140 ; Mendel's methods of, 33, 76 ; culture, diffi- culties in, 250 Plant Portraits.— Acidanthera Candida, 89; Agave Bakeri, 233; Allium Ellisii, 41 ; Aloe rubro- violacea, 169 ; Apple Golden Pear- main, 245 ; A. Gris Brabant, 315 ; A. Newton Wonder, 213 ; Arach- nanthe Cathcarti, 5 ; Astilbe Da- vidii, 89 ; Barosma lanceolata, 26 ; Brachychiton acerifolium, 215; Cattleya Loddigesii var. Harri- sonia?, sub-var. Jorisiana, 180; C. Mosshe var. Sir Thos. Lipton, 26 ; C. Trianae var. Memoria Eodigasii, 180 ; C. T. var. triumphans, 180 ; Chrysanthemum grande, 169 ; C. indicum, 41 ; Clematis Meyen- iana, 377 ; Clerodendron myrme- cophilum, 233; Coleus thyrsoi- deus, 26 ; Cypripedium Lawrence- anum var. ardens, 180 ; C. Leeanum var. olivaceum, 180 ; C. X Miss Louisa Fowler, 180 ; Cym- bidium Traceyanum, 245 ; Den- drobium Madonnae, 377 ; Dianella tasmanica variegata, 245 ; Dier- villa Middendorffiana, 41 ; Disa kewensis, 213 ; Dissotis Mahoni, 296 ; Dracaena Victoria, 245 ; Ery- thaea Brandegeei, 26; Euphorbia obesa, 233 ; Fritillaria askabaden- sis, 315 ; Habrothamnus elegans, 245; Hamamelismollis, 169; Heben- stretia comosa. 296 ; Hymenocallis Calathina, 245 ; Impatiens Bal- fouri, 89; Iris Colletti, 233; I. pumila varieties, 245 ; Laburnum caramanicum, 377 ; Loelio - Catt- leya Yellow Prince, 26 ; Lathyrus pubescens, 233 ; Lilium Henryi, 357 ; Mimosa Spegazzinii, 377 ; Muscari paradoxum, 41 ; Odonto- glossum crispum var. Griselidis, 180; Pear, Bergamot Phillipot,245; P. Beurre Millet, 357 ; P. Beurre Superfin, 5 ; P. de la Forestrie, 213; Phaius Martha? x, 315; Philadelphus Delavayi, 26 ; Phalae- nopsis Kiinstleri, 169 ; Polygonum oxyphyllum,26; Primulamegaseae- folia, 377; Prunus Mume var. alba plena,315; P.serrulata, 315; Rhodo- dendron brachycarpum, 89 ; Rod- gersiapinnata,296 ; Rose, a Parfum del'Hay,245 ; R. G. Nabonnand, 26, R. Gloire de Lawrentia, 245; R. M. E. Corpus, 357; R. Mme. Cadeau Ramey, 245 ; R. Mme. Edmce Metz, 315; R. Queen Carols, 357 ; Ruellia macrantha, 41 ; Sanseveria grandis, S9 ; Sem- pervivum urbicum, 296 ; Sophora vicifolia, 169 ; Sphedamnocarpus pruriens, 296 ; Strobilanthes anisophyllus, 245; Tulipa Micheli- ana, andT. Wilsoniana,315 ; Vanda tricolor tenebrosa, ISO Plant reproduction, 242 Plants, New or Noteworthy. — Alpinia Sanderas, 245 ; A. tri- color, 245 ; Begonia Bowringiana, 245 ; Burlingtonia perpusilla, 18 ; Caralluma inversa, 354 ; Cardi- andra sinensis, 82; Crassula de- cipiens, 3 ; Cypripedium x Hol- brook Gaskell, 210 ; Davidia involucrata, 236 ; Dracaena Broom- fieldi superba, 245 ; D. Kewensis, 245 ; Eriostemon afiinis, 307 ; Euphorbia Phillipsiae, 370 ; Ficus Barteri, 354; F. pandurata, 245; Gloriosa Rothschildiana, 322 ; Heliconia Edwardus Rex, 245 ; Ipomcea Mahoni, 257 ; Keteleeria Davidiana, 84 ; K. Evelyniana, 194 ; Kolkwitzia amabilis, 82 ; Lycaste eisgrubensis x , 146 ; Lychnis Yunnanensis, 161; Masde- vallia Burfordiensisi 99 ; Nepen- thes Sanderiana, 245; Pandanus Wavrinianus, 245 ; Phrynium Micholitzii, 245 ; Picea Neoveitchii, 116 ; P. Wilsoni, 133 ; Tinus Armandi, 66 ; P. Koraiensis, 34 ; Polypodium Knightiae, 245 ; Reh- mannia angulata, 290 ; Ribes pinetorum, 306 ; Romanovia Nicolai, 245 ; Schomburgkia Galeottiana, 337 ; Scilla axil- laris, 386 ; Selaginella Watsoni- ana, 245 ; Spiraea Henryi, 258 ; S. Veitchi, 258 ; Stanhopea Langlass- iana, 113 ; Swainsona ecallosa, 274 ; Viburnum buddleifolia, 257 ; V. Veitchi, 257 ; Vriesia Alex- andra?, 245 Plants under glass, 7, 23, 38, 54, 71, 86, 102, US, 134, 151, 166, 182, 199. 215, 231, 247, 2152. 279, 294, 310, 327, 342, 358, 374, 393, 412 Platyceriums at Kew, 24 Poa annua as a lawn-grass, 357, 380 ; not a self-fertilizer, 3S0, 410 Poinsettias at Leighton, Wilts, 29 Poisoning from the Douglas Fir, 201 Poisons, the sale of, 120, 136, 169, 216, 317, 362, 346 Polemonium himalaicum, 123 Polypodium Knightite, 215 Poppy, the Iceland, 406 Potato, a prolific, 155; P. Inter- national, 388 ; P. Sir John Llewelyn, 313 ; spraying experi- ments in 1902, 201; trials, 220, 39S ; tubers, growth of, 201 ; warty disease of, 187, 329 Priaulx patent trough, 93 Primrose, the, 277 ; the fertilisation of the, 225 Primroses, bunch, 299, 310, 324 ; and Polyanthuses, 356 ; the polli- nation of, 252 ; raising, by seeds and division, 348 Primula sikkimensis, 361, 399, 410 Primulas, Mr. Bull's, 56 Prior, Dr., the late, and Kew her- barium, 137 Prunes, French, 92 Prunus subhirtella, 163 Pseudo-bulb, a branching, in Ly- caste, 91 Puya chilensis, 364 Pyrethrum roseum, 262 Radish White Icicle, 374 Railway, garden and farm produce by, 105 ; rates for horticultural produce, 189 ; stations, gardenin g at, 89 Rainfall at Greenwich, 394 ; at Isle- worth, 316; in 1902, 27, 28; at Rothamsted in 1902, 52; in Surrey during June, 395, 417 Rainstorm, an unprecedented, 410 Rams for raising water, 27 Rating nursery land, 56 Rats, killing, 220 Rehmannia angulata, 290 Research laboratory wanted, a, 232 Rhododendron Dalhousiae, 338 ; R. (Azalea) indica, Fielder's White, 380 ; R. Kamschaticum, 395 Rhododendrons in the Royal Botanic Society's Gardens, 408 Rhodothamnus chamaecistus, 293 Rhubarb, new winter, 14 Richardia africana out-of-doors, 380 ; R. Childsiana, 188, 195 Richardias, culture of, 262 Rock garden, plants in flower in the, 165 Romanovia Nicolai, 245 Rosa gigantea, 188, 211, 278 Rosary, the, 36, 101, 178, 211 Rose, a precocious, 329 ; R. Fortune's Double Yellow, 178, 196, 315, 349, 365 ; R. Marie Lavallee, 60 ; R. Mrs. Jno. Laing, 374 ; season, on the confines of the, 358 Roses, new, 101 ; planting, 37 ; pot, for market, 77 ; pruning and pegging down dwarf, 196 Rousdon, 17 Royal Horticultural Society's accu- mulations, 298 ; R. H. S. and Royal Botanic Society, proposed amalgamation of, 313 ; R. H. S. shows and photographing by the Press, 360, 394 Rubber-yielding tree (Eucornmia ul- moides), 104 Rubus, hybrid, 12, 2S ; R. molucca- nus (reflexus), 308 Rudbeckia speciosa, 149 Saint Lucia Botanic Stations, 229 St. Louis, Exhibition of 1904, 24 Salicin, species of Willows that con- tain, 120 Salvia patens, 149 Sanders, T. W. (Amateur's Green- house), 96 Sand-hills of N. Lancashire, 331 Sandringham, 360 Sauromatum guttatum, 220' Saxifraga Grisebachii, 123. Saxifrages, some red or pink-flowered 340 Schizocodon soldanelloides, 165 Scientific Committee: — Acer Van Volxemi, effect of frost on, 319; Aconite and caterpillars, 319 > Alcohol from sawdust, 15S; Ant- destroyer, a dangerous, 223 ; Arau- caria Bidwilli cone, 94; Arctic garden at Kew, 158 ; Argotti Bo- tanic Gardens, Malta, 286; Box- edging with Psylla buxi, 400 ;. Aroids with coloured foliage, 285 ;, Bulbs with dying roots, 125;. Calanthes and Mendel's law, 125, 1S9 ; Campanula rotundifolia dis- eased, 94 ; Carnation cuttings dying. 158 ; Cattleya seedling flowers in eleven months, 125 t. Carbon dioxide increases assimila- tion, 189; Cedrus Deodara with branched catkin, 61 ; Celeriac discoloured internally, 61 ; Chis- wick experiments, 158 ; Chestnut trees, dead, 94 ; Chrysanthemum,, diseased, 158; Cineraria diseased.. 158 ; Climbing plants, habits of, 61; Club -root in Crucifers, 94; Codlin - moth in California, 350 ; Copper in soil, 189 •* Crane-fly grubs, 2S6 s Cyclamen, monstrous, 158 ; Cypripedium. crosses, 190 ; C. Fairrieanum hybrids, 158; C, synanthic, 125; Daphne Mezereum, parasite on, 158 ; Eelworms, 124 ; Euonymus- and caterpillars, 190 ; Figs,, diseased, 350 ; Fruit industry, protection of the, 223; Fuchsias., malformed, 319 ; Grubs in the soil, 124 ; Hybrids of Hippeastrurn and Hymenocallis, 190; Hybrids, re- version in, 190 ; Ismene calathina bulb germinating, 94; Larch- disease, 1S9, 400 ; Larch killed by- salt spray, 400; Lemon, dialysis, 350; Lilium flower-stalks with Sclerotium, 94 ; Loganberry roots, 61 ; Maize androgynous, 61 ; Mangold diseased, 400; Manure with grub, 253 ; Melon disease, 350; Mendel's law, 223; applied to Calanthe Hybrids, 158 ; Milli- pedes attack plants, 400; Nar- cissus with double corona, 253, 286 ; Orchid seedlings, 223 ; Peas. attacked by beetles, 253 ; by grubs, 61, 94 ; Pelargonium disease, 189 > stipules, use of, 94 ; Pinus- Bungeana, silvery-white bark of, 61; Placea lutea, 190; Plum- trees diseased, 400 ; Pollination effected by sealing-wax, 61 ; Prim- rose, malformed, 253; Primula, sinensis, with Ivy-shaped leaves, 125; Proposed legislation for the protection of fruit - trees, 253 ;. Rose shoot with grub, 253;. Scientific investigations, 189, 253 -r Sealing-wax for effecting pollina- tion, 61 ; Statistical variations, 61 s Stone embedded in a tree, 158 ; Tulostoma mammosum, 319 ; Yucca recurva with disfigured leaves, 61 " Scottish Field," the, 313 Seakale, manuring, 212 Season, an early, 124 ; notes on the, 156. 371, 398 Seed crops in 1902, the, 58 Seed " packet," what is a, 106 Seed trade and tree-seeds, 101 1 Selaginella Watsoniana, 245 Semele androgyna, 251 Sewage, utilisation of, in Brussels, 201 ~Z~Z Shakespeare and Virgil gardens at Harvard, 170 Shanghai, the public park at, 127 Shipley Hall, Derby, 41- Simpson, .1. (Forestry), 10 Slaney Park, co. Wicklow, big trees at, 236 Sleeping sickness and its cause, 115 Slugs, blind worms and, 326 SOCIETIES. — Aberdeen Chrysanthe- mum, 47, 223 ; Agricultural Seed Trade, 366 ; Bath and district Gardeners, 319 ; Beckenham Horti- cultural, 16, 95, 223; Binfield Horticultural, 95 ; Birmingham and Midland Counties Chrysan- themum, 330 ; Bolton and district Self-help and Benevolent Society, 362 ; Brighton and Sussex Horti- cultural, 79, 282; Bristol Gar- deners, 61, 95, 142, 190, 254; Cardiff and County Horticultural, 78 ; Cardiff and District Chrysan- themum, 126 ; Cheltenham Market Gardeners', 127; Chester Paxton, 78, 95, 144, 175, 236 ; Chesterfield Chrysanthemum, 46, 286; Commons and Footpaths Preservation, 319; Cornwall Daffodil, 239 ; Croydon and District Horticultural Mutual Improvement, 47, 78, 126, 190, 286, 319, 350; Devon and Exeter Gar- deners, 16, 78, 143, 158, 174, 254 ; Dorchester Horticultural Mutual Improvement, 239 ; Dudley Horti- cultural, 313 ; Durham, Northum- berland, and Newcastle Botanical and Horticultural, 249; Dutch Horticultural and Botanical, 253, 350, 416 ; Ealing and District Hor- ticultural, 239 ; Eastbourne Flower show, 313 ; Ghent Chambre Syn- dicate, 46; Ghent Quinquennial, the, 283 ; Gloucestershire Boot, Fruit, and Chrysanthemum, 61, 144 ; Eose, 143 ; Hereford and West of England Rose, 287 ; Highgate Chrysanthemum, 190 ; Horticultural Club, 47, 127, 175, 254, 320, 384; Hull and District Horticultural, 282 ; Lee, Blaekheath, Lewisham, &c, 159 ; Linnean, 78, 126, 159, 185, 207, 350, 383 ; Limoges, international horticultural exhibition at, 282 ; Leicester Abbey Park flower-show, 313 ; Linnean, 415 ; Liverpool Horticultural, 79, 95, 158, 190; Manchester Orchid, 47, 78, 126, 143, 174, 223, 401; Manchester Boyal Botanical and Horticul- tural, 254, 313, 366; Midland Daffodil, 286; National Auricula and Primula, 270; National Car- nation and Picotee, 297 ; National Chrysanthemum, 16, 95, 127, 159, 330, 401 ; National Federated, of Retail Fruit and Florists, 401 ; National Dahlia, 62, 96, 127 ; National Fruit Growers' Federa- tion, 61 ; National Rose, 138, 330 ; National Society of Horticulture of France, 330 ; National Sweet Pea, 16, 223 ; Nursery and Seed Trade, 154 ; Reading Gardeners', 16, 61, 95, 127, 159, 190, 223 ; Red- hill and Reigate Gardeners', 78, 126,144 ; Richmond Horticultural, 250 ; Rochdale Chrysanthemum, 95 ; Royal Agricultural, 422 ; Royal Botanic, 105, 184, 190, 201, 206, 216, 223 ; Royal Caledonian Horticultural, 62, 185, 313 ; Royal Horticultural, 45, 77, 141, 172, 204, 217, 223, 237, 269, 280, 300, 332, 333, 381 ; R.H.S., Annual Meeting, 108; R.H.S., Holland Park Show, 419; R.H.S., Report of Council, 88; R.H.S., Its re- lation with Royal Botanic, 155 ; R.H.S., Temple Show, Supp., May 30, and 349 ; Royal Institute of Science and Art, Dublin, 400 ; Royal Meteorological, 423 ; Scot- tish Horticultural, 62, 77, 126, 319, 399 ; Shropshire Horticultural, 143, 184 ; Societe Francaise d'Horticul- ture de Londres, 47 ; Societe Royale d'Agriculture et de Botainque de Gand, 266, 283, 401, and Supp., April 25 ; Sydenham Gardeners', 158 ; United Horticultural Provi- dent, 61, 175, 401 ; Wakefield Amateur Tulip, 367; Walton-on- Thames Rose, 330; Weybridge Gardeners', 78; Windsor, Eton, and District Rose and Horticul- tural, 297 ; Woking Horticultural, 282 ; Wolverhampton Floral Fete, 249 ; Wylam Mutual Improve- ment, 143 ; Yorkshire Gala, 297, 423 Soil, sterilisation of, 361 ; the benefit of firm, 367 Soils, worn out, 241, 317 Sophro-Lffilia x Psyche, 19 South Africa, Mr. Barr's experiences in, 194, 210, 290, 402; Flora of Elands-Laagte in, 14 Species, the evolution of, 90 Sphagnum-moss, 330 Spira?aUlmaria, 274; S. Filipendula, 274 Sprayer, the " Tala," 401 Stock-taking, 42, 105, 169, 250, 378 Stock upon scion, the influence of, 312 Stanhopea Langlassiana, 114 Strawberry culture in Devon, 416 ; plants, 106 Strawberries, 410 ; forcing, 181, 203, 338, 364 Sunflowers and malaria, 274 S;vainsona ecallosa, 274 Swallowfield Park, 97 Swanley Horticultural College, 233 Sweden, large show to be held at Gothenberg in, 202 Sweet Pea, the, 4 ; S. P. Countess of Spencer, 137; S. P. culture under glass, 370 Sweet Peas, 11, 59 Sydenham, R. (Sweet Peas), 41 Tasmanian Apple trade, 135, 138 Tea in the Trans-Caucasus, 377 Technical instruction in the North Riding of Yorkshire, 73 Temperature recorders, 345 Temple show, the (Supplement, May 30), 344, 365, 399, 408, 410 Tetranthera glaucescens from Mena- billy, 312 Thunbergia alata, 149 Timber, annual rings in, 277, 372, 406 ; Trades Journal, 249 Timber in South Africa, 15 Tomato, the, 132; T. Early Ruby, 406 ; T. Winter Beauty, 343 Tomatos, forcing of in America, 91 ; reversion in, 201 ; sowing seeds of, 275 ; winter, 251, 265, 276 Transvaal Orchids, 180, 221 Tree ruin, an ancient, 316 ; planted by King Edward in Paris, 330; seeds, and the seed trade, 100 Trees, deciduous, and frost, 398 ; large, at Slaney Park, co. Wick- low, 236 ; newly planted, 293 ; pre- paring, for transplantation, 85 Trinidad, garden plants in, 195 ; Vines in, 244 Trough, the Priaulx patent, 93 Truffle culture, pure, 414 Tulip, a new, 324 ; branching, 299 ; disease, the, 145 ; from Ard Cairn, 308 Tulipa prffiatans, 364 U Uganda, the Entebbe Botanic gar- dens in, 162 University education in Britain, 90 Victoria regia, flowering of, 153 Vine, a large, at Finehley, 29 Vine borders, leather and old shoes for, 316, 325, 398 Vines in Trinidad, 244 ; fasciation in, 43; manures for, 10; M. Millardet's observations on, 42 Violets of all sorts, 193 Vitis indica resisting frost, 330 Volcanic ash from the Barbados, 249 Vriesia Alexandra, 245 W Wallace, Dr. A. R., and the late Chas. Darwin, 90 Wallflower, Sutton's Earliest, 124 Wallflowers, seeding of the double, 299, 316 Water supply for gardens and hot- houses, 26, 74 Wavrin's Cattleyas, the Marquis de, 164 Weather forecasts, the, 50 Weather prediction, 188 ; in Aber- deenshire, 26 1; in the Midlands during March, 251 ; the, 217, 408 Weeds in the garden, 273 West Indian agriculture, 218 West Indies, Cotton-growing in the, 361 Widdringtonia Whytei, 188; in Uganda, 162 Willow-holt, planting a, 337 Willows, 305, 348; growth of, 356 ; spe2ies of, which contain salicin, 120 Williams' Memorial Fund, 176 Winchester, the laying-out of a pleasure-ground at, 218 Wineberry, the, 12 Wistarias, 347 Wood, Mr. A. C, presentation to, 154 Wood, excentric, 277, 356, 372, 406 Wrest Park gardens, the staff at, 5 Wrotham Park, Peas and Potatos at, 399 Wycombe, visit of the King and Queen to, 89 Vallota purpurea, 387 Vaporiser, Campbell's sulphur, 253 Variations in plants and animals, 405 Vegetables, 186 ; as food, 43 ; exhi- bition, from seed, 339 Veitch Memorial Fund, 73 Veitch's, Messrs., new plants from China, 248 Viburnum Tinus, 60, 133 Victoria Park, London, Agaves in the, 72 Xantho-Caladium, 139, 168 Year 1903, the, 9 Yew-tree, a fine Irish, 60 Yorkshire, Flora of the East Riding of, 90 ^SM82S=E;^%®M\ LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Acer palmatum, seeds of, 180 Agapanthus Mooreanus, seeds of, 180 Agave americana in Brookhill Gar- dens, Kingswear, 69 Alsophila Sanderi, 259 Amiens, the market gardens of, 2,3, 9 Anemone angulosa, 213 Anemone-bed fungus (Peziza tube- rasa), 203 • ■ Anthurium Scherzerianum with seventy spathes, 45 -. Apple Edward VII., 219 Araucaria imbrieata at Sturford Mead, Warminster, 99 Arches erected in Edinburgh for the King's visit, 332, 333 Arundinaria Simoni, flowers and fruits of, 186 Asparagus scandens, 339 Astero-Lecanium Orchidearum, 159 B Barron, A. F.,the late, aportraitof, 265 Beech, a fine evergreen, at Pencar- row, 11 ; weeping, at Ashwick ' 'Hall, 397' ' Begonia soco.trana, hybrid' showing • habit of growth, 146 Belmont Castle, Perthshire, views ' of, 115 Belvoir Castle, garden of herbaceous .. perennial plants at, 210 Bilbergia Forgetiana, 258 Bladder Plum, the, 384 Bothy at Frogmofe, the new, 363 Bouquet of Transvaal Orchids pre- ' sented to Mrs. Chamberlain, 179 Bryophylluin crenatum, 59 Cacti, seedling, in M. De Laet's nursery at Contich, 365 Cambridge Botanic Garden, Opuntia cantabridgeneis in, 98 Campbell's sulphur vaporiser, 253 Cephalotaxus dfupaeea, 227 ; C. Oliveri, 226 ; C. pedunculata bear- ing seeds,' 228 ; C. pedunculata var. fastigiata, 229 Cinctractia patagonica on grass, 14 Clematis Duchess, of Edinburgh, 349 Clerodendron myr'mecophilum, 291 Codlin Moth, the, 122 Coffea Laui;entii, 306 Columbine, stellate, 417 Corypha elata with secondary crown at Georgetown, 415 Crinum rhodanthum, 315 Cryptomeria, excrescences from, 352 Cynips aptera, 352 Cypripedium x Hindeanum, 53 ; C. japonicum 355 ; C.x J. Wilson Potter, 83 ; C. pubescens, 379 Davidia involucrata, 235 Disa grandiflora, specimen plant . of, from Edge Hall Gardens, 37 Dracaena Kewensis, Supp., April 25 Eremurus Elwesianus at Wansfell House, W., , . Eucalyptus Gunni at Menabilly, 232 Ficus pandurata, 284 Florida, Oranges in, 354 Ghent Quinquennial, photograph of exhibits at the, 281, 282, 283 Glasgow Botanic Garden, views in, 131 Gloriosa Rothschildiana, 323 Gothenberg, Sweden, view in the Horticultural Society's Palm ' house at, 202 - Grafting, methods of, 183 Grass^ a fungous parasite on, 14 Hepatka, the double white, 213 II Iris purpureo-persica, 211 i '. ... . . rf J Jasminum primulinum, 197 K Eeteleeria Davidiana, foliage, cone, seeds, &c. of, 35; K. Evelyniana, 194 Label, the " Ideal," 221 Lepto-laelia x Leptotes bicolor, 50 Lourya campanulata, 107 Lycaste Skinneri, with branched pseudo-bulb, 91 M McKenzie, John, 47 Magnolia Campbelli, 173 Marden Park, Surrey, 261 Market gardens of Amiens, 2, 3, 9 Melon Pear, the, 160 Menabilly, Eucalyptus Gunni at, 232 Mole-cricket, the, 160 N Narcissus, Viscount Falmouth, 200 Oaks, sessile and pedunculate, from Chatsworth and Sussex Downs, 156, 157 Odontoglossum, a prolified, 13 ; 0. < Bradshawiae, 82; O. crispum Cooksoniae, 109 ; O. c. " Grace Ruby," 165; O. c. var. Grairi- anum, 407 ; O. c. var " Persim- mon," 275 ; O. c. var. Sandera?, 416 ; O. x Waltoniense, 51 Oncidium Gardneri, 19 Opuntia eantabridgiensis in Botanic Gardens, Cambridge, 98 Oranges in Florida, 354 Orchids, group of, at Kew, 391 Oxalis crenata, tubers of, 171 Pansy, the florists', 386 Pear-midge, the (Diplosis pyrivora), 140 - Peach-shoot as pruned, 55 Peas, culinary, in Mr. Davis's nur- sery in May, 370 Pencarrow, a fine specimen ever- green Beech at, 11 Pettigrew, Andrew, 287 Phaius Humbloti, hybrids from, in Mr. Cookson's collection, 411 Picea Neoveitchii, 117 ; P. Wilsoni, 133 Pinus Armandi, shoot, foliage, cone, &c:, of, 66, 67 ; P. Koraiensis, 34, 35 Platycerium Hillii, 22; P. grande, 21 ; P. ,Willincki, 20 ; with buds . on the roots, 20 Polypbdium Knightia1, frond of, 245 Potatos, warty disease of, 187 Priaulx patent trough, 93 Primrose - flowers showing the heterostylism, 225 Primula japonica in the gardens at .Glasnevin, 307; P. x Kewensis. '147, 149 Prunus subhirtella, 163 Pseudo-bulb, a branched, 91 Psoralea pinnata, 301 Pump, combined lift and force, 27 ; common lift, 27 ; force, with air- vessel, 27 Pumping, waterwheel and windmill for, 74, 75 Rah, hydraulic, 27 Retinospora Sanderi, details of foliage of, 266 Rhododendron Dalhousiae, 338 ; R. (Azalea) indica alba, pyramidal plant of, 373 Rhododendrons in the Royal Botanic Gardens, 409 Rhodothamnus chamaecistus bloom- ing at Alnwick, 293 Roses at Milton Court, 389 Rousdon, view of, 18 Rubus moluccanus (reflexus), 309 Sandrinuham House, south front of. 357 Saxifraga Grisebachi, 123 Scale insect, the fringed, 159 Seeds of Acer palmatum, Zephyr- anthes rosea, and Agapanthus Mooreanus, 180 Sprayer, the "Tala," 401 Stock " Excelsior," 341 Swallowfield Park, entrance to flower- garden at, 101 , '. . Sweet Peas under glass in May, 371 Trough, the Priaulx patent, 93 Tulipa praest'ans, 325 Veitch & Sons, Jas., plant-houses- at Feltham, 149 Violets, varieties of, 386, 387 . : W Water-wheel for pumping pur- poses, 75 Wendland, Hermann, portrait of, 5t< Widdringtonia Whytei, 162 Windmill for pumping purposes, 75 Wistarias, standard, in Messrs. Boehmer & Co.'s nursery, Yoko- hama, 347 Wrest Park, the garden staff at, 5 Zephtranthes rosea, seeds of, 180 SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS. -32BCULUS indica (February 28). Agaves, Group of, in Victoria Park, London (January 31). Alpinia Sanders (April 18). Alpinia tricolor (April 18). Androsace lanuginosa (May 30). Androsace sarmentosa (March 28). Arundinaria nobii.is in the Grounds of Menabilly, Cornwall (April 11). Begonia Bowringiana (April 18). Belvoir Castle, part of the Duchess's Garden at (February 21 and March 21) ; View in the Statuary Garden (March 7) ; View in the Grounds at (April 4). Bowood, a Flower Garden at (January 17). Bowood, a Terrace Garden at (January 24 and April 18). Calanthes. Hybrid, in Mr. Cookson's Collection (June 27). Dracena Broomfieldi var. superba (April 18). ECHINOCACTUS DeLAETI, AND OTHER CACTACEOUS PLANTS (March 14). Echium fastuosum in Dr. Grabham's Garden at Madeira (May 23). Group of Platyceriums at Messrs. Jno. Hill & Sons' Nurseries (January 10). Heliconia " Edwardus Kex " (April 18). Kew, View in the Rock Garden at (February 7). Linospadix Leopoldi (April 25). Marden Park, Surrey (April 25). Menabilly, Arundinaria nobilis in the Grounds at (April 11). Milton Court, Surrey, Views of (June 20). (Enothera cespitosa (marginata) (June 13). Phaius, Group of, in Mr. Cookson's Collection (June 27). Phrynium Micholitzii (April 18). POLYPODIUM KNIGHTI.E (APRIL 18). Rehmannia angulata (May 9). Retinospora Sanderi (April 25). Romanovia Nicolai (April 25). Rose, Fortune's Yellow in the Gardens at Lockinge (May 16). Sandringham Gardens, View of a Lake in (June G). Selaginella Watsoniana (April 18). Terrace Garden, Swallowfield (February 14). JASUABY 3, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. THE No, 830.— SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1903. CONTENTS. Amiens, market gar- Melon, a large Indian . 10 dening in 1 Nova Scotia Apples ... 9 Books, notices of— Novelties of 1902 1 Greenwich Park : its Nursery note— history and asso- Iceton's, W., Putney . 13 ciations 15 Obituary- Oothcca Wolleyana. . . 9 Peed, John lt> Response in the living Orchid, a prolilied . 13 and non-living ... 15 Paris, notes from 9 13 Trees and shrubs of Peach - trees, cross - English gardens ... 15 trellises for 12 Various 10 Plant portraits 5 Cacti, generic division Plants, new or note- of 12 worthy— Calanthe Yeitchi, the Crassula decipiens ... 3 flowering of 11 Roses, new 11 Chrysanthemums, as Rhubarb, a new wintei 14 market plants 4 Rubus, hybrid forms of 12 Covent Garden Market 10 Season, the, in County Cucumber culture 13 Down 11 Dendrometer 11 Seeds at La Mor'ola ... g Fagus betuloidcs 10 Servants, trusted 5 Fruit, Irish hardy ...5 12 Societies — Beckenham Horti- cultural National Chrysanthe- Garden and field ma- nures in Na4al •Garry a elliptica Ghent Quinquennial, u' 16 arrangements for the Glaucium flavum tri- color 8 3 National Sweet Pea... Reading Gardeners' IB 16 Grange, the, Highbury South Africa- New Park 3 Flora of Elands- Grass, an introduced Laagte, &Q 14 parasite on 14 Sweet Pea, the 4 11 Hydrangea flowers be- Week's work, the— coming blue, a cause Flower garden, the... 7 of 11 Fruits under glass ... « Hydrangea paniculata Hardy fruit garden . . . 7 for forcing 14 Kitchen garden, the 6 Law note- Orchid houses, the ... 1 Gardener to pay for Plants under glass ... 1 damage Manures Tor Vines ... 13 Wineberry, the 12 10 Year 1903, the 8 ILLUSTRATIONS. Amiens, the market gardens of 2,3,9 Cintractia patagonica on grass 14 Evergreen Beech (Fagus betuloides) at Pencarrow 11 Garden staff at Wrest Park, the 5 Odontoglossum, a pmlified 13 Fcr Supplement, see Almanac. THE MARKET GARDENS OF AMIENS. ' I ^HE word hortillonage, as applied to -*- what we should call market gardens, is not to be found in ordinary French dictionaries. Even Littre does not mention it, at least it is not in the edition which is on our shelves. In Picardy, however, and especially around the city of Amiens, it is a word that one hears frequently ; whilst the traveller on any of the lines of railway leading to the famous city is pretty sure, as he looks out of the carriage window, to make acquaintance with the thing signified. On the main line through Amiens to Paris, soon after passing Abbeville, the line runs through the valley of the Somme, bordered by chalk hills, and filled with alluvial deposits. The first indication the traveller gets of the nature of the district he is traversing is afforded by the little brick - like masses of peat he sees heaped up in stacks in the meadows by the sides of the streams. Per- chance he may get a glimpse of the workmen in punts scooping out the precious fuel from the ditches, as shown in our illustra- tion at fig. 4 (3), p. 9. Thismay serve asan indication of the nature of the soil with which the Picard market- gardener has to deal— a light black sandy X>eat full of moisture, apparently rich in humus, but destitute of fibre, and, as we learn, deficient in lime. It is always more or less sodden with moisture, and not un- frequently flooded. In places the ground is traversed by an infinitude of narrow and shallow canals, which afford easy access to the beds, and secure a certain amount of drainage. By means of punts the workmen are enabled to carry out the necessary opera- tions (fig. 1, p. 2), and by the same means they convey to the great city the produce of their industry (see fig. 4 (2), p. 9). It is a pretty and interesting sight to see the strings of boats laden with garden produce making their way along the stream, and finally depositing their contents on the side of the quay in the heart of the old town (fig. 2, p. 3), dominated by the glorious cathedral, which rises out of the flat plain as if it, too. were some gigantic outgrow th from the soil. And what vegetables they are ! We Eng- lish people are apt to be a little conceited about the produce of our market gardens, but the comparison of what may be seen in the markets and shops of Amiens with the average produce exhibited in our own green- grocers' shops, will not be altogether to the advantage of our cultivators. The peaty soil, left to itself, is not a fertile one. Its natural vegetation is one interest- ing rather to the botanist than to the farmer. To render it suitable for market garden purposes the soil must be drained to let off superfluous water, and secure aeration and the conversion of the inert nitrogen which it contains into nitrates, that can be utilised by the plants. Lime must be added to neutralise the acidity of the soil, and favour nitrification ; potash in the form of kainitand superphosphates are also valuable adjuncts, but the Picard farmer prefers the use of stable-manure— and they do say that the sewage of Amiens contributes not a little to the fertility of the soil. If this lie so, the consumption of salads or uncooked vegetables should be avoided when in that neighbourhood. Granted these ameliora- tions, the Amiens hortillonages may and do produce vegetables of superior quality, not only such leafy vegetables as Cabbages, Spinach, Lettuces, or Endives, but mag- nificent Cauliflowers, Vegetable-Marrows, bulbs such as Onions and Leeks, and even roots like Carrots, Turnips, and Radishes. Currants, Raspberries, Goose- berries, may even be seen, and occasionally fruit-trees, "but these at a distance from the river, and so far as casual inspection may be trusted, not well cared for. Amiens, Abbeville, Lille, and other towns in the north of France, are supplied from these hortillonages, also called hardines, a per- vertion, we suppose, of jardins, as well as Paris. It is possible also that London may absorb some of the productions, but en- quiries made on the spot did not lead to the impression that any large trade was done with England. One reason for this may be that the Amiens gardeners do not concern themselves with ^forcing vegetables or se- curing early crops. The dull climate of the district, sometimes called the reservoir of France, may account for this. The lan- guage spoken by the working - classes of Picardy is even less like French to the ordinary tourist than i3 the dialect spoken at Stratford - atte - Bow. Some documents relating to the hortillonages were placed at our disposal, but as they were written in the Picard dialect they proved to bo almost entirely incomprehensible. For- tunately the object-lessons are easily read, and dispense with the necessity of any acquaintance with the Picard dialect. In consideration of the Vegetable Exhi- bition and Conference to be held at Chiswick in the coming autumn, these notes, as well as those on a Middlesex market garden, of which an instalment was given in our last issue, ma}' be of interest. NOVELTIES OF 1902. ORCHIDS. It is a significant fact that not a single new species of Orchid has received either a First - class Certificate or an Award of Merit at the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings during the past year, the only First-class Certificate taken by a species being for the fine old Zygopetalum rostra- turn, shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., at the Temple Show on May 28. Even the Botanical Certificates awarded, a large number of which went to plants exhibited by Sir Trevor Lawrence, and some to the Hon. Walter Rothschild, tell of recognition of good old garden plants, with a very few examples of recent introduction. These facts indicate that the state of things we foretold years ago has happened, and that the hybridist has, perhaps unfortunately, overtaken the importer, and rendered his vocation too unremunerative to pursue, except in those fields likely to produce phenomenal varieties, such as Odontoglos- sum crispum. But history repeats itself, and the time of the revenge of the importer looms in the distance— the time when the large number of raisers already at work get their produc- tions of the same parentage on the market together. Then it will be sauve qui peut, and values may go down to those of ordinary florists' flowers. Already the holders of large batches have to resort to expedients to get them off, although with the hybrids, as with the fine varieties of species, the really dis- tinct and handsome command the market, and prices for such go up rather than down. The number of new hybrid Orchids of the past year is so great, that only some of the most prominent can be enumerated. Of those standing head and shoulders above the average are the fine Cypripedium x Venus "Oakwood variety" of Norman C. Cookson. Esq.; the stately and richly-coloured Cypripedium x Mrs. Wm. Mostyn, of Francis Wellesley. Esq. ; the gorgeous Lselia x Digby- ano-purpurata Edward VII., and Lselio-Cat- tleya x Queen Alexandra, of Messrs. Veitch, two varieties which formed such an appro- priate coloured supplement to our Corona- tion number; and the noble Cypripedium x Emperor of India of Messrs. Sander & Sons, which was illustrated in the same issue. Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wy- lam (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman), also got certi- ficates for Lajlio - Cattleya x Cooksonia\ Phaius x Ruby, P. x Phoebe supcrbus, Ca- lanthe x triumphans, Odontoglossum x Wilckeanum Rothschildianum, O. x Rolfe:v Oakwood variety, and O. x Adriana- Cook- sonia\ all of superior merit. Baron Sir H. Schroder (gr., Mr. 11. Ballan- tine), has during the year shown many of his superb Odontoglossums, among those selected for Awards being O. x Adrians " Memoria Victorias Regina\" O. triumphans latisepalum.O. x Harryano-crispum "Duchess of York," and O. x Harryano - crispum delicatum. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Januaby 3, 1903. Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr., Mr. J. Gilbert), had for his best, beyond the one already named, the fine white and crimson Cattleya Mossiae Arnold iana West- field variety, C. X Lady Ingram Westfield variety, Oncidium x Mantini superbum, Cypripedium x rubescens Ranjitsinghi, and Laelio-Cattleya x Zephyra alba. H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr. Thurgood), adds to his previously fine record, Odontoglossum crispum " Fairy Footsteps," O. c. Pittiae, 0. c. Lady of the Lake, 0. Ruckerianuni Pittianum, O. Hallii Queen Alexandra, Cypripedium xWm. Pitt, C. x Felicity, Cattleya x Mrs. Pitt, Laelio- Cattleya x Ingrami Kosslyn variety, L.-C. x Isis Kosslyn variety, and others. J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr., Mr. J. Davis), a keen appre- ciator of good Orchids, had awards for amateurs, notably Odontoglossums, and varieties of Ladia anceps, which form the specialties of De B. Crawshay, Esq. (gr., Mr. Stables) ; the very fine Odontoglossum crispum Lady Jane, by J. Wilson Potter, Esq.; O. crispum Robert McVittie, of W. Thompson, Esq. ; Cypripedium x Miss Fanny Wilson, by Drewett 0. Drewett, Esq. ; the Odontoglossum crispum Marjorie, of R. Ashworth, Esq. ; Laelio - Cattleya x Mrs. Chamberlain, of the Rt. Hon. J. Chamberlain. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons maintain the lead in the special class of hybrids which they effect. Besides the two superb ex- amples already cited, they have secured awards for Laelio-Cattleya x Orpheus, L.-C. X Digbyano - Schroderae, L.-C. x Rosalind «' Prince of Wales," L.-C. x Thorntoni gran- diflora, L.-C. x Statteriana superba, L.-C. x Myra Princess of Wales; Cypripedium x Fig. 1. — amiens : a view in the market gardens, (see r. 1.) Cypripedium insigne Fowlerianum, C. War- dianum Fowlerianum, and Laelio-Cattleya x Bletchleyensis Fowler's variety. Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gr., Mr. W. H. Young), had for his best exhibits of the year, Phalaenopsis Sanderiana Wigan's variety, Cypripedium Godefroyae leucocheilum pulchellum, So- bralia x Wiganiae, Cattleya x Wavriniana Wigan's variety, C. x Prince Edward, and Miltonia vexillaria gigantea. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford (gr., Mr. W. H.White), still retains his partiality for fine species and rare botanical plants ; no fewer than a dozen awards for new or rare species being given to specimens in his interesting group at the last Temple Show. Captain G. L. Holford, CLE., Westonbirt (gr., Mr. Alexander), has been one of the largest exhibitors of the year, his best being Cypripedium insigne Holfordianum, Odonto- glossum x Mrs. Robt. Benson, O. x Adriana; Sibyl, O. x Loochristyense Lady Victoria Grenfell, and Sophro-Laelia x Orpetiana. Good things were also shown by other Thalia, and Cymbidium x Lowio-grandi- florum, all very fine productions. Messrs. Charlesworth it Co., of Heaton, Bradford, send out a continuous stream of good things, among those for which they se- cured awards during the past year being Sophro - Laelia X Heatonensis, Laelio-Cat- tleya x Dora, several forms of the superb Cattleya x Iris, C. x Adolphus superba, Odontoglossum Pescatorei Charlesworthi, O. crispum punctatissimum "Princess Maud," Oncidium varicosum Charlesworthi, Lycaste x hybrida, Cypripedium x Edithae, and others. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, ap- peared at their best in their marvellous group shown at the Holland House Coro- nation Show on June 24, when they secured two First-class Certificates and eight Awards of Merit, chiefly for fine hybrids and rare blotched forms of Odontoglossum cris- pum, among which were O. crispum Imperatrix Regina?, O. c. Princess Helene, O. c. Princess Victoria, O. c. Her Majesty, O. x loochristyense Princess Margaret, Mil- tonia vexillaria Queen Alexandra, Laelio- Cattleya x Aphrodite King Edward VII., Cattleya x Prince Edward, Laelio-Cattleya x Martineti Prince Arthur, and the elegant new bi-generic hybrid Zygonisia x Rolfeana, the whole forming a record of which any firm might well be proud. Other fine sub- jectsf or which Messrs. Sander secured a wards were the white Cattleya amethystoglossa Sanderae, Cypripedium X Evelyn Ames su- perbum, C. Transvaal superbum, C. x A. Dimmock, Laelio-Cattleya x Clive var. San- derae, and the handsome Zygo-Colax x Wiganianus superbus. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. secured awards for the fine white Cattleya Trianaei alba var. Mrs. Ed. Sondheim, C. labiata, and C. labiata Amesiana ; C. Grossii, and Odonto- glossum x loochristyense enfieldense. Various other exhibitors produced good novelties and useful additions to our garden plants. The Continental Exhibits Came chiefly from Messrs. Linden, of Brussels, whose Odontoglossum crispum Miss Lucienne Linden, and some other blotched varieties, were fine. M. Chas. Vuylsteke showed his fine group of spotted Odontoglossums of the O. x ardentissimum class at the Temple Show, taking awards for four; Mr. A. A. Peeters, of Brussels, showed good spotted Odontoglossum cris- pum, and other novelties; as also did M. Chas Maron, of Brunoy, France. Among the new or rare Orchids illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle in 1902, are : — AngraiCimi ichneumoneiuii, Supp., March 22. Bulbophyllum Ericssoni, November 22, p. 383. Cypripedium :-. A. Dimmock, March 8, p. 157. Brunhilde, May 31, p. 350. Emperor of India, June 21, Mrs. Win. Mostyn, Feb. 1, p. 75. : Trausvaal superbum, Nov. 15, Cypripedium Cypripedium p. 415. Cypripedium insigne Holfordianum, Dec. 6, p. 113. Cypripediun Cypripedium p. 361. Cypripedium x Venus Oakwood variety, Feb. 8, p. 91. Dendrobium taurinum, Feb. 8, p. 90. Dendrobium Wardianum Fowleri, Feb. 22, p. 125. Laelia anceps Chamberlainiana, Feb. 1, p. 71. Laelia anceps Hollidayana Crawshayana, Feb. 22, p. 123. Lselia X Digbyano - purpurata Edward VII., Coloured Supplement, June 21. Laelio-Cattleya x Queen Alexandra, Coloured Supplement, June 21. Laelio-Cattleya X Adolphus superba, Aug. 16, p. 111. Maxillaria fractiflexa, May 31, p. 359. Maxillaria scurrilis, October 4, pp. 243, 245. Odontoglossum X Adrians Mrs. Eobt. Benson April 12, p. 249. Odontoglossum :■: Adrianae Cooksoniae, June 14, p. 389. Odontoglossum X ardentissimum, July 26, p. 50. Odontoglossum x Edwardus Rex, June 21, p. 414. Odontoglossum crispum Miss Lucienne Linden, May 3, p. 289. Odontoglossum x "Wilekeanuin Rothschildia- uum. Supplement, December 6. Oncidium x Mantini superbum, Nov. 15, p. 351. Phalaenopsis amabilis Eimestadiana, Supple- ment, October 25. Phalaenopsis Lowii, November 8, p. 343. Zygo-Colax x Wiganianus superbus, March 8, p. 156. Zygonisia x Rolfeana, July 19, p. 30. JANUARY 3, 1903,] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. CKASSULA DECIPIENS, N. E. Brown (n. sp.). This novelty has one of the most remarkable leaf -surf aces that I have seen, being quite unlike that of any other plant known to me save one, which is either another new species allied to the present one, or a variety of it, having1 the same kind of leaf-surface. As seen under a lens, the surface of the leaves is exceedingly pretty. Few people would be able to feel certain as to whether this plant, when out of flower, was a Cotyledon, a Crassula, or a Mesembryanthemum, so distinct is it from any described species, and yet bearing some indefinite resemblance to all three genera. It is perhaps more nearly related to C. namaqu- ensis, Schonland and Baker, than to any other base, flat on the face, convex on the back, papil- late like the stem, ciliate with short, de-flexed hairs. Cyme terminal, three-branched, about 1-inch in diameter, convex at the top; branches about 2 lin. long, terminated by a small, dense head of ten to twelve sessile flowers. Bracts like those oia the stem, but gradually smaller. Sepals five, erect, J lin. long, \ lin. broad, oblong, obtuse, papillate, with a few hairs on the back, ciliate. Petals five, free, erect, 1£ lin. long, rather more than -| lin. broad, oblong, obtuse, with no distinct dorsal apiculus, slightly concave, glabrous, white. Stamens five, included, scarcely 1 lin. long, glabrous; filaments white, anthers yellow. Hypogynous glands £ lin long and broad, subquadrate, emarginate, con- cave, yellow. Carpels five, erect, f lin. long, compressed ovoid, narrowed into a short style, glabrous, pale greenish. N. E. Brown. THE GRANGE, HIGHBURY NEW PABK. Passing along a busy thoroughfare that is situated within 4 miles of Charing Cross, the attention of the passer-by is drawn to two massive pillars which flank the entrance to the grounds of F. Bishop, Esq., The Grange, Highbury New Park. The mansion is pleasantly situated, and the small estate is enclosed by a high wall ; masses of fine shrubs exclude the public gaze, and once within the gardens it were easy to imagine oneself a hundred miles from London. Mr. Bishop is an enthusiastic horticulturist while Mrs. Bishop and their daughters share his good taste, and take a lively interest in every- thing that pertains to the garden. The grounds, more than 4 acres in extent, were laid out by the present owner, and his gaidener, Mr. E. Easey. Fig. 2. — amiens : the vegetable market on the quay, (see r. 1.) species. Living plants of, it are iu cultivation at Kew, where they were received this year from Mr. H. J.Chalwin, of Cape Town Botanic Garden ; and a flowering specimen has recently been sent to Kew from the rich collection of Mr. C. Darrah, of Holly Point, Heaton Mersey. A dwarf tufted perennial about 1^ inch high, 'exclusive of the flowering stem, breaking into numerous very short crowded branches close to the ground, densely leafy, without distinct tlnternodes; leaves all [radical, opposite, sessile, ■crowded, ascending-spreading, thick and fleshy, to l£- in. long, 3£ to 7ilin. broad, £ to \ in. thick, oblong, .elliptic - oblong, or somewhat spatulate - oblong iu outline, obtuse, flattened on the upper side, very convex on the back, whitish, light greenish-grey or somewhat bluish-green, 'with a very remarkable surface, the whole leaf feeing densely covered with blunt papillae with hard, white tips (probably an incrustation of ■carbonate of lime) ; these papillae are separated in a somewhat tessellate manner into small .■groups by the surface being traversed by numerous transverse and longitudinal irregular crack-like lines. Flowering stems terminal, erect, about 2 inches long, 1$ lin. thick, terete, densely -covered with minute jpapillte, slightly scabrous to the touch, whitish-green, bearing one, pair of bracts below the middle, otherwise leafless. Bracts adpressed to the stem, 2\ lin. long, \\ lin. broad, ovate-oblong, sub-obtuse, connate at the PLANT NOTES. GLAUCIUM FLAVUM TRICOLOR. I note that this fine plant, as showy in general effect as it is unique in colour, has this year reached the seedsmen. They generally describe it as an annual, but this is a mistake. It flowers the first year from seed, but in the autumn it pushes up strongly from the roots, and flowers again in the ensuing summer. Whether it would persist to a third year I cannot say, as I have always had to move my plants at the end of the third year, and they cannot stand such moving. The adjective tricolor makes one suspect a garden variety. The plant, however, is truly wild. It was discovered by Mr. Whittall on some moun- tains near Smyrna. Mr. Whittall was attracted from a long distance off by the extraordinary effect made by a colony of it. Its colour approxi- mates more nearly to the Austrian Copper Briar than to any other plant I know. But the Briar lacks the wonderful metallic lustre of the Horn Poppy. In saying this, however, I must exclude the Persian G. Fischeri, which is possibly another form of tho plant. From a garden point of view, however, G. Fischeri is very inferior; its flowers are smaller, they are so sparsely produced as always to fail in making an effect, and, at any rate, in my garden, they persistently refuse to open. A. K. Bulley, Ness, Neston, Cheshire. Capital specimens of Hollies have been freely planted, with particularly pleasing effects. At the time of my visit Chrysanthemums were in full beauty. The plants numbered one thousand of all sections, and exceedingly well grown, Mr. Easey being a cultivator and exhibitor of repute. Special attention is given to trained plants, and in this direction Mr. Donald's mantle seems to have fallen on Mr. Easey. I observed more espe- cially the group out of which were selected the plants that won premier prize at the National Chrysanthemum Society's November show. There were very fine examples of Miss Watson, Col. W. B. Smith, President Nonin, Com. Blusset, Eva Knowles, W. Tricker, and Cleopatra. The incurved varieties formed a very fine lot, and those of the Japanese section were most excellent. As cut flowers are in great demand, bush plants are largely grown in early and late flowering varieties. At the time some fine Tuberoses were likewise in bloom. About five hundred Carnations, consisting of the moie popular varieties, are grown in pots — ■ fine healthy plants that promised a plenteous crop of flowers. In the Orchid-house I observed well grown plants of Coelogynes, Cypripediums, Cattleyas, Lailias, Dendrobiums, and Odontoglossums. The garden possesses a delightful fernery, and well- orown plants of Adiantum,Gleichoma,Cheilanthes, uteris, &c, were plentiful. In the stove THE G A R D ENER S ' CUR ONI CL E. [Jakuaby 3, 1903. representative collection of table plants and others, Codiaeums, Dracaenas, Cocos Weddeliana, Aralias, Kentias, Araucaria excelsa, and Pan- danus are grown. The vineries, which are large and lofty, are planted with Black Hamburgh, Muscat, and other varieties, all of which crop excellently. A few Grape-vines are grown in pots for early fruiting. There are two houses about 80 feet long, each containing magnificent specimens of Camellias of very large size, most of them being about 2i feet high. They were heavily set with flower-buds. In addition, there were in these houses some Orange-trees of large size, as well as specimen Dracaena lineata, and numerous Azaleas. Of other plants I noticed splendid specimens of Rhododendron Lady Hume and R. arboreum. The forcing houses contained Riehardias, Eucharis grandiflora, Lilacs, Azaleas, Viburnums, &c. In the conservatory were to be noted Chrys- anthemums, Begonias, large specimen of Kentia, Cyathea, Dieksonia, and Seaforthia. From the roof were suspended baskets of Ferns, Asparagus plumosus, and Begonias. There are a lawn, and tennis and croquet grounds all admirably maintained. An orchard exists which contains most of the best varieties of Apples, Pears, and Plums ; and small fruits are grown in large quantities. The kitchen garden affords in abundance most excel- lent vegetables. Highbury is not quite an ideal district for successful gardening either indoors or out, but this notwithstanding, Mr. Easey, by patience and skill, manages to obtain results not to be excelled by good gardeners in country places. Traveller. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. THE CHRYSANTHEMUM AS A MARKET PLANT. The production of the Chrysanthemum for market is increasing, and its brilliance and dura- bility makes it of great value in mid-winter, and especially at the Christmas season, when flowers are in such great request. One of the leading cul- tivators for market is Mr. Norman Davis, Fram- field, Sussex, and the leading varieties he culti- vates and sends into the market may be accepted as illustrating the leading varieties best suited for the purpose. The market season may be said to commence in September, and the earliest variety to enter Covent Garden market is Madame C. Desgranges, a variety well known, and widely cultivated. It is grown in immense quantities, both as finished specimen blooms, and in the form of smaller blooms for bunching. Some growers for market cultivate Madame C. Desgranges by the acre : it is lifted from the open ground, and placed in houses which have been cleared of Tomatos; while others depend upon a supply of bloom from the open ground. Like many other once popular Chrysanthemums, it is losing its former vigour, and at no distant date may be entirely superseded. Two good first early white varieties of more recent introduction are Market White and Mytchett White. The latter is the earlier, and produces flowers of greater purity, but it lacks the constitutional vigour so much desired in a market variety. A more recent introduction still is Parisianum, of the purest white, the blooms as large as those of Madame C. Desgranges, but more vigorous in constitution ; tho flowers are good, and very early, but being new, it has yet to stand the test of adaptability for market work. For the first two or three weeks of the season, say, up to the second week in September, white Chrysanthemums are the only ones to find a ready sale : but after that time, other colours, and especially yellows and bright pinks, are in demand. Among the earliest of these colours to find their way to market are Mrs. Hawkins, the yellow form of Mme. C. Desgranges ; Horace Martin, a splendid and most useful sport from Mme. Marie Massee, undoubtedly the finest yellow among the early varieties ; 0. J. Quintus, a pleasing rose-pink ; Mme. Marie Massee and Mons. G. Grunewald, also of shades of pink ; Harvest Home, crimson and gold ; Louis Lemaire, bronzy yellow ; and Queen of the Earlies, creamy-white. Second early varieties go into the market from the end of September and through October ; they are very numerous, but the following may be regarded as the most popular varieties : — William Holmes, bright crimson, and Crimson Pride, of a deeper shade of crimson ; Roi de Precoces is also a useful bright-coloured variety ; Ettie Mitchell and Source d'Or are the two leading varieties of a bronzy-orange tint ; Raoul d'Allard is a rich orange-bronze of recent introduction, and is likely to become a great favourite for what are known in the market as cheap bunches, is ex- ceedingly free of bloom, and possesses a good habit of growth ; Goacher's Crimson is still another fine crimson of recent introduction, and promises to become popular ; Ryecroft Glory is a well-known orange-yellow, and it is very largely grown, both as a pot plant and for cut bloom ; Lady Fitzwygram is also largely grown as a pot plant, on account of its dwarf growth, and very fine plants in small pots are in great demand ; Lady Selborne, a well-known white, is also largely grown for market. A little later, and merging into the mid-season varieties, comes Elaine, one of the oldest, and still one of the most useful Chrysanthemums grown ; also Soleil d'Octobre, a very popular sort ; and a bronzy-buff known as Bronze Soleil d'Octobre, which is also much cultivated as a pot plant. The end of October and through November marks the mid-season time, when the varieties are very numerous ; but a select few, such as those which produce good stems and leafage, are the leading types. Of these Viviand Morel, mauve, and its sport Charles Davis, bronze, find the greatest favour; Mrs. Barkley, and Mrs. George Mileham, both of recent introduction, have already become great favourites — both are of pleasing pink shades. There is still another of the same shade of colour, and one likely to supplant Viviand Morel, namely, Nellie Bean, of a charming shade of lavender-pink ; this is most promising as a market subject. Good yellows are to be found in W. H. Lincoln, Phoabus, Mrs. Greenfield, like Phoebus, but with broader florets of a deeper tint; Clinton Chalfont, and Mabel Morgan, the latter a recent introduction of a rich butter-yellow colour, and an excellent habit of growth. Edwin has been the leading crimson for some years for cut blooms at this time of the year ; but is likely to find a formidable rival in Violet Lady Beaumont, the colour is a rich deep crimson, the blooms solid, and carried on long stiff stems, while the habit of growth is excellent. To follow Elaine, such whites as Gladys Roul- taud, Mdlle. Lacroix, are grown, the former a very pretty Japanese having pure white flowers. Etoile de Feu is a bright crimson with a gold reverse, and is found very useful. Large exhibition blooms find but a limited sale at high prices when fresh and of good colours. Mr. Davis states that fine blooms of Madame Carnot, Mrs. Barkley, Richard Dean, G. J. Warren, and other large flowered varieties will fetch in the market from 9s. to 12s. per dozen. Probably the most useful of all the market Chrysanthemums are the late varieties, those from which the market supply is drawn through De- cember, and into the new year. One of the most popular varieties is Madame Felix Perrin, better known in the market as Framfield Pink, under which name it was originally introduced by Mr. N. Davis ; this is an excellent variety on all points, and commands good prices. The leading late white Chrysanthemums are Mme. Therese Pankoucke, Niveum, Mme. Phillipe Rivoire, L. Canning, and Western King, the latter more especially in the character of specimen blooms, and it is one of the most useful. A new white recently introduced by Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, is Winter Queen, a very beautiful variety, forming charming sprays of bloom, and it is one of the latest. Tuxedo and Miss Jessie Attie are the two favourite varieties with bronze shades ; while King of the Plumes and Golden Dart are two capital late yellow flowered varieties. It may, of course, be taken for granted that Chrysanthemums which are most useful for purposes of the market are equally of service in other ways. Single and other light decorative Chrysanthe- mums are now somewhat largely grown in private gardens for house and home decoration at this season of the year, but are of no value for market purposes, being too fleeting. The most, popular singles are Mary Anderson, white ; Miss Rose, pale pink ; Earlswood Beauty, light primrose ; Daisy Brett, pure white ; Framfield Beauty, rich crimson; Eucharis, a fine white; Admiral Symonds, golden-yellow ; Rev. R, Remfrey, bronzy-crimson ; Miss Annie Mumford, bronze and orange-crimson ; Edith Pagram, bright pink ; Golden Star, golden-yellow ; and Mrs. D. B. Crane, cerise-pink. Light decorative varieties arj to be found in Mrs. Filkins, Mrs. Jas. Carter, Cannell's Favourite, Golden Thread, and the two miniature Pompons Snowdrop and its yellow form. R. D. THE SWEET PEA. Mr. Brotherston's remarks on the Sweet Pea recall to mind that northerners have now amongst them a gardener who may be termed the cham- pion exhibitor of the popular flower under notice, namely, Mr. W. Simpson, of Wemyss Castle, East Fife, and late of The Grange, Sutton. For two successive years Mr. Simpson proved his supe- riority as a grower by winning the principal prize at the National Exhibition of the Sweet Pea Society, effectively staging grand bunches of highly-coloured flowers. In many parts of the country the lateness of the flowering of Sweet Peas last year was almost as noticeable as the prolonged season of blooming mentioned by Mr. Brotherston. In southern Hampshire we could not pick a bloom before the last week in June, and this from plants raised in pots and carefully transplanted, which ought to have flowered at least a week in advance of those sown in the ordinary way. The adaptability of the Sweet Pea for pot- culture, as a method for securing earlier flowers, is not so fully recognised as it might be, consider- ing the popularity it has gained during recent years. A dozen or so of 12-inch pots, planted with various colours, afforded us delightful bunches long before we were able to cut from outside, and well repaid any extra attention re- quired. Salopian, Gorgeous, Prince Edward of York, Queen Victoria, and Lovely were the varieties grown. As every gardener knows, constant removal of the seed-pods is the chief point in lengthening the flowering season, more especially on thin, light soils. But late sowings must be resorted to, to maintain a succession of long-stemmed, high-class blooms in August and September, such as are favoured by florists and exhibitors. Thin planting or sowing is also another help to success, as every good seed will produce several strong growths, and without these it is useless to expect fine flowers. The light blues or lavenders, orange-scarlets, and crimsons seem to catch the public fancy most, although some of the striped varieties are JAXUABY 3, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. quite as attractive in their way as are many of the fancy Carnations. All the distinct and varied colours could be included in two dozen varieties, yet new or improved varieties crop up every year. A good yellow has still to be foivnd, and our nearest approach to a scarlet is still a few shades removed from that tint. Of recent introductions Miss Willmott is one of the best, though differing but slightly in colour from Lady Mary Currie ; Gorgeous, of a similar shade, though a smaller bloom, is the most distinct in this colour, more especially so in TBTJSTED SERVANTS. The illustration (fig. 3) shows the garden staff at Wrest Park, the Bedfordshire seat of the Right Hon. Earl Cowper, K.G. Taking into account the long term of service of many of the gardeners there depicted, it is very questionable if such a record can be excelled in any other nobleman's or gentleman's garden in the country. The combined services of the em- ployes form a record of 391 years, several of the men having been employed in the gardens for the long period of fifty-six, fifty-three, fifty-two laid out in allotments for the garden men and other workmen on the estate. Thus by suc- cessful cropping they can keep themselves well supplied all the year round with a bountiful supply of fresh vegetables, which are indis- pensable in the cottage of the peasant. Another great feature is his lordship's coal club and the countess's clothing club. Th& garden employes, &c., pay into these clubs weekly, and at the end of the year there is a substantiali bonus added to their weekly subscriptions. By this means they are able to get in their yearly Fig. 3.— the garden staff at wrest fark, ampthill. the bunch. Mr. Simpson staged this variety, beautifully coloured, at the National Society's show in July. With care, the Sweet Pea can be propagated from cuttings. This method is only useful to anyone who has been fortunate to raise a new variety, and has failed to obtain much seed. A good percentage of cuttings made from strong side-shoots will root, if inserted in sandy soil, and placed under a hand-light in a cool house. T. H. Bolton, Baron Kill. PLANT PORTRAITS. Arachnanthe Cathcarti.- Wiener lUmtricrte Qarlcn Zeitung, December. PearBeueee avi'ERilx.—BuUclind'Arboriculture, etc December thirty-two years, and so down to two years. After such a length of faithful service, they are still active, intelligent, and energetic, and seldom absent from their daily employment. The married men are comfortably housed in several of the lodges in the park, and others in the beautiful and picturesque village of Silsoe, long renowned for its beauty and sanitary arrangements, also for its ample convenience as regards church, school, postal, and telegraph accommodation. The rents charged the garden employes for their cottages in the village are exceedingly low, but not quite nominal ; and his lordship, with his usual generosity, when the allotment system was first introduced, had a large field in close proximity to the village supply of coals during the autumn, besides a great many more household comforts ; and I am not exaggerating when I say the men are as satis- fied and contented as are those of any employer, whoever he may be. George MaeKinlay, Wrest Park Gardens, IRISH HARDY FRUIT. As I happen to be the correspondent reeponr sible for the original article written on the abovs subject, p. 426, ante, which Mr. A. Dean has done me the honour to real and corroborate, p. 443, \ should like to supplement that report by adding that these conclusions are not arrived at from the experience of oae season only, but from] a. series of seasons. 1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 3, 1903. Prom conversation with one of the leading prize winners on the second day of the show, I gathered that these best coloured Apples were produced from an orchard under grass, and he advanced quite a new theory to me, viz., that Apples always coloured better when grown on grass land, than those grown on arable or cultivated land. Be this as it may, the colour was all that could be wished, the specimens were clean, large, and of perfect shape, but the names showed a little discrepancy. Personally, I am a little sceptical upon the above theory— what say other growers I do not hold any brief for this Society, or even for Ireland, yet after seeing the repetition of such displays of hardy fruit, there can be " no possible shadow of doubt whatever," but that real high-class fruit is produced, and can be pro- duced ad lib. in certain districts in " Ould Ireland," where skill and intelligence is brought to bear upon their cultivation ; indeed, one can already hear of cultivators in the northern part ■of the country with their 20 acre and upwards plantations. Mr. Dean asks " Why should not Ireland as well as Canada, become a fruit pro- ducing country ? " Doubtless she will in the near future, if she will apply the same prin- ciples to fruit-growing as she is already doing in the matter of creameries and exporting butter, especially if she will proceed on a similar system of co-operation, so as to create a registered brand, and a system of packing and grading, similar to that so advantageously followed by the Dutch, as portrayed in your leader on p. 438. As a matter of fact, the ~ old country has also yet to learn this difficult problem, before real success in hardy fruit growing will be achieved. In passing, I might say that I should like to see this progressive Ulster Society adopting the same conditions in future, as are imposed by the Royal Horticultural Society in the class for twenty- four dishes, viz., sixteen dishes culinary, and •eight for dessert, shown in accordance with their ■code as to the distinctive sections. This brings the competitors more into line and uniformity, and establishes a standard for competitors and judges to work up to, and diminishes the risks arising from the vagaries of any individual judges. So far as one could gather from conversation, the reason why we do not get any entries from the sister isle at the annual exhibition of British grown fruits, hitherto held at the Crystal Palace, to wit, class fifty-eight, open to Ireland only, seems to be that growers in that country are not aware of the facilities offered by the Royal Horti- cultural Society, whereby in addition to the first and second prizes, the exhibitor's railway fare is also paid to London, and there is a most expe- ditious service from Belfast to London, via Fleetwood. It is to be hoped that now the matter is being ventilated, the proper authorities will in future place the necessary information before our Irish friends, extending the right hand of friendship ■so as to promote that healthy rivalry so beneficial to one and all concerned. I venture to predict that if the best growers can be induced to come over next season to Chiswick, they will be able to orender a very good account of themselves, both in their own section and in many open classes. This need not be wondered at, for the nurserymen of ■that country are prepared to supply splendidly grown trees in large quantities. A chance visit to Messrs. Hugh Dickson & Sons, Royal Irish Nurseries, revealed quarter after quarter of lealthy, vigorous, well-rooted trees, with the kindest and cleanest growth possible. It is to be feared we old country fraternity do not always give our warm-hearted brethren of the sister isle all the credit that is justly due to them, forgetting that nowhere else in the United Kingdom can there be seen such marvellous ■collections of choice and extremely rare varieties of hardy flowering shrubs, trees, and Conifers, as are to be found at such places as Castlewellan Powerscourt, Narrow Water, &c. Besides, where is there such an interesting nursery of choice tit- bits and healthy rare plants as Smith's of Newry ? to say nothing of the natural landscape of so many beautiful places ; in fact, Ireland is an ideal place for the lucky gardener to spend his holiday. W. Crump, Madresjield. dry air in the house, and admit air on favourable days for a few hours. Sow seeds in well-drained pans for succession, in a mixture of leaf -soil three- quarters, loam one-quarter, and add some coarse silver-sand. Sow the seeds thinly, barely covering them, and as soon as the seedlings appear above ground, place the pans on a shelf near the roof- glass. The Week's Work. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart., Wexham Park, Slough. Hints on Work in General. — With the advent of the new year, all work in this department should be forwarded as far as possible, and preparatory work of all sorts should be pushed on with vigour. Trenching is of the utmost importance in most gardens, even if the soil be shallow, when it is advisable to turn the top spit in the usual manner, and break up the subsoil for another 12 or 18 inches, but leaving it in its place. In some places the gardener, owing to the smallness of the garden staff, is prevented from carrying out as much trenching as may be desirable, still some portion of the vacant land may be trenched, and such land will always afford the best crops. In cold, wet, and stiff soils trenching should be deferred till the end of the month of February or till March. Nothing is more useful in practice than a plan of the kitchen garden, showing the plots the various vegetables will occupy during the year. The Seed Order. — Before finally making out this list, it is advisable to examine the nursery- man's catalogue, and indicate the probable quantities of each kind and variety of vegetable that may be required. Most gardeners are acquainted with the names of the varieties that succeed in the district in which their garden is situated, and with the nature of the soil. A few novelties should be ordered for trial, in order to ascertain their suitability or otherwise, but too much reliance should not be placed upon them. On the whole, that gardener is wise who relies chiefly upon tried favourite varieties. Forcing Asparagus. — Whether dung - beds con- structed about 3 feet high, or hot-water pits lie em- ployed, the top heat must not exceed 60° or 65*, and that of the bed 70° to 75°. The glass of pits or frames should be covered with mats and litter on cold nights, or mats smij>ly if thicker covering be not needed. This admits of applying air in small quantities at night, and by day as much may be admitted as the heat of the frame or pit will allow, for if this be not attended to, the shoots will be drawn, and without much flavour. Roots that are beginning to produce weak shoots should be replaced with others. After planting in the bed, afford tepid water in sufficient quantity to soak the soil. Seakale. — Continue to place crowns in the Mushroom-house, or any dark place where the temperature is kept constant at from 50° to 55°. The old method of forcing Seakale in pots in the open by means of fermenting tree-leaves and litter is seldom practised now, although the produce is much superior to that forced by any other method. The crowns should be slightly covered with finely-sifted coal-ashes, and over each clump a Seakale-pot should be placed, and the bed made up with the warm fermenting mate- rial. The heat of the bed should not exceed 75°, nor be less than 70°. Rhubarb may be forced in the same manner. Tomatos. — The plants which were raised from seed early last month should be planted in large 48's, in moderately light turfy loam, with a small quantity of bone-meal and soot, and some coarse silver - sand mixed with it, the mixture being warmed so as to avoid checking growth. Place the plants near the glass in a house or pit having a temperature of 00°. Apply water carefully, and only when the soil has got dry. Pinch off the laterals as fast as they appear. Fertilise the blooms of plants of a fruiting age, using a camel-hair pencil in doing this, and afford liquid- manure twice a week. The fruits should be cut when they begin to colour. Maintain a fairly FBTTITS UNDER GLASS. By T. H. Cook, Gardener to His Majesty The King, Sandringham. Vines. — The Vines started in November for producing early Grapes, whether in pots or borders, will have now burst their buds and commenced to form growths. Afford a slightly increased temperature, 55° to 60° at night, with a rise of 10° during the day, more or less according to the state of the weather. Syringe them with tepid water twice daily, and maintain a moist atmosphere by an occasional damping of the paths and walls. Husband all the sun-heat possible, and at no time heat the hot-water pipes unduly Ventilate sparingly by the top ventilators on very fine mild days. Succession Vineries. — Prune, cleanse, and pre- pare succession Vines, and close the house for forcing as may be required. In pruning the canes, cut to a strong plump bud, whether it be placed two or more nodes from the base of the lateral, a good crop of Grapes being the first consideration, the trim appearance of the rods a secondary matter. If the Vines are young bearing rods, cut back the leaders more or less according to their strength, that is to within 2 to 4 feet of last year's growth. Regulate the spurs, which are often too numerous, so that each lateral may have sufficient space for the full development of its foliage. If the Vines were free from insect pests last year, a good washing with an approved insecticide will be all that is necessary to cleanse them ; but if affected with red-spider, thrip, or mealy-bug, more drastic measures will have to be adopted. Remove all loose bark, and scrape and expose every possible hiding-place, great care being taken of the buds. Scrub over with an insecticide, and finish off by stopping up all holes or cavities around the spurs with coloured putty or similar material. This latter will be found most helpful in dealing with the complete eradi- cation of these pests afterwards, mealy-bug in particular. Previous to dressing the Vines, wash down or (if necessary) paint the woodwork of the vineries ; fill up with cement all holes and crevices in the walls, and finish off by lime- washing them. Borders. — Scrape off and remove all loose soil* point over the surface soil, and give a top-dress- ing 2 to 3 inches thick of good loam, to every barrowful of which has been added a 7-inch potf ul of bone-meal, a little charred garden refuse or charcoal, and mortar-rubble. Previous to start- ing the Vines, apply water, so as to thoroughly moisten the soil, the quantity being determined by the depth and porosity of the borders. If not already done, cut and remove the bunches of late Grapes to the Grape-room, and afford the Vines all the air possible night and day. Close for forcing the early Muscat vinery or other houses from which ripe Grapes are expected in about five months' time. Peach and Nectarine-Houses. — The trees in the early houses which are in flower or approaching that stage, should now have a night temperature of 50° to 55°, and during the day one of 10° higher. Maintain a buoyant atmosphere, and admit air by the top ventilators when the weather permits. Before the flower-buds burst, it is good practice to fumigate or vaporise the house, which will ensure freedom from aphis till some time after the flowers are set. Fertilise the flowers daily about mid-day, using a rabbit's-tail secured to the end of a long stick to distribute the pollen. Melons. — Seeds should be sown in thumb-pots, plunged in a bottom heat of 73° in a propagating pit. Plants raised from seed sown a month later will often produce fruits as early as the plants raised at this date, but should the weather be fine, a slight advantage is gained by present sowing. Cucumbers. — Plants in bearing at this season require an abundance of heat and moisture, and all the light possible ; a night temperature of 65° January 3, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. and one by day of 75°, and at this time of year as much higher as the sun may raise it. Slightly syringe the foliage with tepid water on fine days, crop lightly, and cut as soon as the fruits attain to a serviceable size, to enable those left the better to develop. Encourage root action by light top- dressings of sterilised leaf-mould three parts, and good loam one part. Sow as advised for Melons. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By Chas. Pace, Gardener to J. B. Fortesque, Esq.' Dropmure, Maidenhead. Pruning and Cleaning Orchard Standards. — The present is a good time for carrying out this kind of work, and a commencement should be made by cutting out all intercrossing branches, leaving the remaining branches in such a manner as to secure an evenly balanced crown. Wherever a saw is employed in removing big branches, the cut surface should be smoothed with a knife or a pruning-chisel ; the main branches should then be cleared of moss, a piece of bent hoop-iron being used for this purpose. In some gardens the old-fashioned practice of lime-washing the trunks and main branches is still carried out; but where time permits, it is better to use an alkali wash in February, as then all parts of the trees can be reached by the syringe or engine. If farmyard manure-water can be obtained, a good application at this date would benefit the trees, care being taken that it is used in a nmch- dilnted state, and during mild weather. Planting. — Where this remains to be carried out, no time should now be lost. In the case of aged trees, if the soil can be removed and re- placed with fresh soil where the trees are to be planted, it will be of great help in affording them a good start. Make the holes 3 feet by 2 feet, and for strong-growing varieties of Apples let them be 2-t feet apart. Good culinary varieties are Gloria Mundi, on heavy soils only ; Welling- ton, Beauty of Kent, Blenheim Orange Pippin, Bramley's Seedling, Striped Beaufin, Lane's Prince Albert, Ecklinville, Alfriston, and Potts' Seedling ; dessert varieties : Cox's Orange Pippin, King of the Pippins, Court Pendu Plat, Gravenstein, Irish Peach, Devonshire Quarren- den, Cornish Gillyflower, Sturmer Pippin, and Clay gate Pearmain. Pruning Pyramid Apples and Pears. — Take advantage of the present mild weather to push on with the pruning operations. Where the Apple is grown as bushes or pyramids on the Paradise stock, and root-pruning is practised, as it should be, not much pruning will be required. The varieties Irish Peach, Cornish Gillyflower, Cox's Orange Pippin, and a few others, mostly have fruit-buds at the ends of the shoots, a fact to be borne in mind when pruning the same. In the case of young trees of the Apple and Pear, the leading shoots should be cut back to a length of about 1 foot, taking the precaution to prune to a bud pointing in the direction the shoot is required to grow. The Fruit Room. — Apples and Pears are not keeping well this season, and the fruits need frequent inspection, removing all decaying speci- mens. Pears in most gardens will soon be over, but Olivier de Serres, Duchess de Bordeaux, Winter Nelis, and Josephine de Malines, will assist in the dessert for some weeks longer. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By J. Mayne, Gardener to tlie Hon. Mark Kolle, Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire. The Stove. — During the next few weeks the occupants in these structures should not be excited by affording them a high temperature, which usually induces an early infestation of the plants by insects, especially thrips ; r d red-spider. A temperature of 60° on very a Id nights, and 65° when the weather is mild, with a rise of 5° to 10° duringthe day, will be better for the health of the plants than a higher degree of warmth. Applying water to the plants is an important matter at this season. Before affording it, each plant should be carefully examined as to its needs ; and the syringe should not be too frequently used. The early morning hours after root water has been applied is the best time for this operation, and it will suffice to damp the stages and floor once or twice a day. Flowering plants should not be syringed, or the display of many will be cut short. There will now be no lack of colour of Eranthemnm pidchellum, Euphorbia Jacquiniffi flora, and E. pulcherrima, Eeinwardtia trigyna, Coleus thyrsoideus, Justicias, Plum- bago rosea, and several Begonias, not omitting the beautiful Gloire de Lorraine, and Gloire de Sceaux, the latter just coming into flower, are crown. Where the lovely Eondeletia speciosa is planted out, in a narrow border and given plenty of light, there will be no lack of flowers during the next two weeks. Crotons, Dracaenas, and similar large leaved plants, if infested with mealy-bug, should be sponged or syringed with warm soap- suds alone, or a wineglassful of petroleum may be put into four gallons of water and kept agitated while in use. Conservatory or Greenhouse. — Endeavour to maintain these structures in as bright a state as possible) by introducing fresh flowering plants at intervals of a week or ten days. There are several varieties of Chrysanthemums still service- able, viz., L. Canning, Madame P. Rtvoire (a beautiful white), Mrs. C. Harman Payne, Jane Motyneux, Mrs. Barkley, Chatsworth (a lovely flower), Matthew Hodson, Francis Coppice, W. H. Lincoln, M. Simpson, and a single variety, Sir Bedvers Buller. Among Azaleas there are Nar- cissiflora, Deutsche Perle, and Fielder's White, good for early forcing, requiring but little heat to get them into flower in the first month of the year. These, with Cyclamens, Primulas, Roman Hyacinths, Paper - white Narcissus, and the earlier Cinerarias, Salvia rutilans and Heeri, Cytisus, Fi-eesias, and Coronilla glauca, help to make a good display at this season. The night temperature of the houses in mild weather should not exceed 50°, or fall below 40° on frosty nights. Afford ventilation by day on all favourable occasions, but avoid cold draughts. Forcing - pit. — Introduce at short intervals Spiraja japonica and S. astilboides floribunda, Deutzias, Staphylea colchica, Dielytra spectabilis, Lily of the Valley, Azalea mollis, Narcissus, Tulips, and the white Italian Hyacinths, the last-named to follow the early Boman, which, having long spikes, are very useful as cut flowers. A gentle bottom-heat may be afforded Lilies, Spirssas, and Dielytras, which will suffice to bring them quickly into growth, if covered with moss and kept moist, and syringed two or three times daily over all. Let the night temperature be from 58° to 60°, with a rise of 5° or 10° by day, according to the weather. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L. Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury. The Heating of the Houses. — At this season all Orchids require artificial heat more or less, even those of the coolest house should have a little heat at all times, admitting air at the same time. This is preferable to keeping the house closed without warmth in the heating apparatus ; yet, on the other hand, I do not hesitate to say, that more Orchids are ruined in this country by the excessive use of fire heat than from any other cause. I therefore advise the greatest care to be exercised in its use at all seasons. A common mistake in the heating of Orchid-houses in pro- viding too little piping, with the result that the fires must be driven and pipes kept needlessly hot; whereas, were the pipes more numerous, the heat of the water might be much less, with advantage to the plants. Moreover, the extra cost of piping is as nothing compared with that of fuel in endeavouring to keep up heat with too little heating surface. Temperatures. — It is not desirable to lay down a hard-and-fast ride in regard to temperatures, but the following figures will afford tyros a guide for the present. The higher figures are reached at noon, and the lower ones in the early morning, and in accordance with the state of the weather ; and a few degrees lower than the lowest will not cause injury in very severe weather : — East Indian-house or stove, by day, 68° to 75° ; by night, 60° to 65°. Cattleya-house, by day, 62° to 68°; by night, 58° to 62°. Intermediate-house, by day, 58° to 62° ; by night, 55° to 58°. Cool or Odontoglossum - house, by day, 55° to 60°; by night, 50° to 55°. Damping - down and Ventilating. — Particular attention should be paid to the atmospheric con- ditions of the house during the dull days of winter, and in mild weather, when but a small amount of heat is afforded, as at such times very little damping-down is required. In time of hard frost, when much fire-heat becomes neces- sary, damping-down is often called for to correct the dryness of the air. More especially should the space beneath the hot-water pipes be heavily damped-down, but on no accotvnt let the water come into contact with the heating apparatus so as to cause vapour to be thrown off, or- inuch damage may be occasioned. Admit air tc- the various houses whenever the external con- ditions are favourable, and afford it in small, quantity night and day by the lowermost venti- lators, excepting in frosty weather. THE ELOWER GARDEN. By J. C. Tallage, Gardener to E. Miller Mundy, Esq., Shipley Hall, Derby. Protection. — The old adage, which tells us that cold strengthens as the days lengthen, should act as an incentive to all who grow in the flower garden and pleasure grounds things that are at all tender, to see that the various means used, for their protection are applied or placed handy when the need to use them arrives. Yuccas should have many of their old leaves drawn up to a point and fastened in this position, and the stems, if tall, should have dry bracken tied round them. Kniphofias, when the leaves are dry,, should have these twisted tightly together to- protect the hearts of the plants, and if not planted deeply, as they should be, a cone of coal-ashes- should be placed around each plant, though soil will answer nearly as well, but it is not quite so- effective in a very cold winter. Gunneras and other tender plants will probably have had a covering of bracken put around them some weeks ago, but if this has got very wet replace it with dry material from the bracken stack. Tea Koses, which I prefer to leave unprotected until after the first moderately sharp frost, which is seldom of long duration, should have some soil pulled up well around the stems, using a hoe for the- purpose. My reason for leaving these til), now is to avert the injury to the buds by spring frosts, a likely result if protection be applied at a too early part of the season. Many bulbous and other plants, such as the Ereruurus and Ostrowskia, may have a mound of soil drawn over them, and Iris reticulata covered with hand- lights. In the case of herbaceous Phloxes, Aster alpinus and speciosus, and other plants, the new shoots of which appear to attract slugs, a slight mound of ashes will be of great service. Aloysia citriodora, a favourite plant in many gardens, is often cut down to the ground-line and sometimes killed outright if left unprotected ; but a mound of ashes will almost invariably preserve sufficient of the stem and roots to- enable them to break strongly and make good bushes in the summer. Old-established plants of Pampas-grass are generally self -protective, but young plants should be helped through the winter by surrounding them at the base with a layer of dry bracken 1 foot thick. Groundwork may be forwarded whenever the weather is not unsuitable. In frosty weather, all the necessary wheeling of manure and soil should be done, so as to have them in readiness when the work can be started. New beds may be made and the soil trenched where hardy herba- ceous perennial or flowering shrubs are to be planted ; and in case of both, plenty of farmyard manure should be incorporated with the staple. In dealing with old borders which have been manured with organic manure for years, a good dressing of quicklime will be found of great benefit to the plants, disintegrating the over- abundant inert manure, and liberating the ammonia and other ingredients. Publications Received. — Prom the imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies : Panrphlet Series, No. 6. The General Treatment of Insect reels. Second edition. By H. Maxwell-Lefroy. No. si : Bee-keeping in the West Indies, by W. K. Morrison ; and No. 17: The General Treatment of Fungoid Pests, by Albert Howard. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 3, 1903. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher. (Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plant* /or naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written ox one sii>e only ok che paper, sent a* early in the week as possible, and dul// signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. (Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dc. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. {Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations. Of to return the unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. APPOINTMENTS for JANUARY. TUESDAY, Jan. 13-Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. THURSDAY, Jan 15,' Li°IIe^.a Soc , Special General ( Meeting. {Gardeners* Royal Benevolent, lost., Annual Meet, and Elect, of Pensioners. TUESDAY, Jan. 27-Roy. Hort. Soc. Coins, meet. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 and <>- Hardy Border Plants, Perennials, Violets, Carna- tions, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Palms, Dutch Bulbs, &e„ at 67 and 68, Cheapside, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. TUE3DAY, JANUARY 6- Roses. Lily of the Valley. Palms. Dutch Bulbs, Ac. by Pollexfen&Co., at Pilgrim Street, Ludgate Hill, at 12.30. WEDNESDAY, January 7- Azaleac, Palms, and Bulbs, at Stevens' Roon s at 12.30.— Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Aspidistras. Roses in large variety. Dutch Bulbs, Perennials aDd Border Plants, Palms, Herbaceous Plants, Gladi- olus, &c, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, by Prolhen e & Morris, at 12.— Enormous consignment of JapaDese Liliums, received direct, at 67 and 68, Cheap;ide, E.C.. by Protheroe & Morris, at 5. FRIDAY, January 9- Important sale of Dendrobes and other Orchids, at 67 and ts. Cheapside EC, by Protheroe it Morris, at 12.30.— Trade sale of Japanese Liliums, at the City Auction Rooms, 38 and 39. Gracechurch Street, E.C , by Johnson, Dymond A; Son, at 12.30. (Far farther particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three Years at Chlswick —36 3'. Actual Temperatures :— London.— December 31 (6 p.m.) : Max. 13" ; Mln. 36'. January 1 (9 AM ).— Dull ; slight frost. Provinces.— December 31 (6 p.m ) : Max. 15 , Scilly Isles ; Min. 33', N.E. Scotland. In our last issue we took occa- 1903- sion to pass in review the principal events, so far as they concerned horticulturists, of the wonderful year that has just passed. The past has given way to the present, and we are called on to indicate the probabilities (one dares not speak more definitely) of the future. In spite of Ihe uncertainties of the outlook, •we have to prepare for the future. No body of men need to exercise forethought and aforehand preparation more than the gardeners. Forethought is the essence of good gardening, and this applies, not only to cultural details, but to affairs generally. As the erection of a suitable home for the Royal Horticultural Society was uppermost iti our thoughts last year, so must it be until this pressing need is adequately supplied. On the continent the Govern- ment or the municipal authorities would Jong ago have recognised the requirements •of the case, and supplied them. We do things differently in this country, al- ihough there is an increasing tendency to call in State aid where formerly we relied on individual agency. It is not for us to discuss in these columns the Euperior advantages of one or of the other of these two methods of procedure, but this we do know, that it behoves those who were so eager last spring to secure the erection of a suitable Hall, to take every means in their power to secure the fulfilment of their desires. Shouting and votes by acclamation may afford temporary exhilaration, but unless they are followed up by practical effort, they are a mere waste of time and energy. A good beginning has been made- it is now for the rank-and-file to take up the matter, and by their numbers to force on the completion of the undertaking. It is not fair that the exertions and expenditure needed to carry out a scheme intended for the benefit of all should be confined to a few only of the vast numbers of those in- terested. For such a purpose everyone should contribute much or little, according to his means. All questions of detail and criticism tan be left open for future con- sideration ; the requirements at the present time are funds. As for the other events of the year to which we may look forward, the most im- portant, so far as we are concerned, is the Ghent (^uinquenninl. Once in five years in the quaint old Flemish city there is an Ex- hibition, by the side of which we must stand back, admire, and wonder when our turn is to come. Even more remarkable than the Exhibition is the assemblage of horticul- turists and botanists from all quarters of the civilised world. There we may meet men whom we have read of, perhaps even corresponded with, throughout our career, but had no opportunity of meeting; there we may meet, with hearty greeting, our old friends ; there, too, we may make new ac- quaintances; there, too, it must be admitted, we are chastened by the realisation of the losses that a period of five years necessarily entails. From all we hear, the Royal Society of Agriculture and Botany of Ghent, presided over by the learned and ever genial Count de Kerchove de Denterghem, is likely to surpass all previous efforts. Moreover, the claims of science will receive a fuller recog- nition than heretofore. Those of our readers who may not previously have had experi- ence of the "Casino'' at Ghent, will realise the more what is needed in the way of an Exhibition Hall and offices in London. The arrangements made by our own Hor- ticultural and Botanic Societies and the numerous provincial societies, are announced in the Almanac given as a Supplement with the present number. There is enough to show that we shall have our hands full. The Temple Show is so conditioned by circum- stances that we fear little can be done to obviate its monotony; but at Holland Park conditions are different, and we trust even- effort will be made to introduce novelty anil to break away from tiresome conventionali- ties and formal arrangements so far as can consistently be done. Exhibitors do not need to be reminded that excellence of cul- tivation and interest are of far greater value than the mere area occupied, and superin- tendents of flower-shows might be invested with more power than they have, to exclude exhibits that have comparatively little but their bulk to recommend them. The most interesting and important ex- hibition, even if it prove the least popular, will be the Exhibition of Vegetables, and the accompanying Conference at Chiswick. This will be doubly valuable, considering the enormous importance of the subject, and for the reason that it will be held in the historic garden of the Society, or in what is left of it — sufficient, at least, to show that we have still an establishment capable of rendering important services to horti- culture, and supremely rich in honourable traditions of the past. LlNNEAN SOCIETY. — On the occasion of the general meeting held on December 18, 1902, Prof. Sydney H. Vines, F.R.S., President, took the chair. Notice was given from the chair that the next meeting, to be held on Thursday, January 15, 1903, at 8 p.m., will be made a special general meeting, to consider the advisability or otherwise of applying for a Supplemental Charter, in order to provide for the admission of lady Fellows. A ballot will be taken in respect of Mr. Arthur Grove as a Fellow, and Mr. Andrew Scott as an Associate. Royal Horticultural Society.— The first meeting of the committees of the Royal Horti- cultural Society in 1903 will be held, as usual, in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster, on Tuesday, January 13. An election of new Fellows will take place at 3 o'clock . To prevent misunderstanding, it may be mentioned that the committees of 1902 do not vacate office until the date of the annual meeting, 1903 ; and in like manner, all Fellows' tickets of 1902 are available until the end of January, 1903. At a general meeting of the Royal Horti- cultural Society held on Tuesday, December 9, filty-one new Fellows were elected, making a total of 1140 elected since the beginning of the year 1902. Arrangements for the Ghent Exhi- bition.— According to a recent number of the Revue de V Horticulture Belqe, arrangements for the exhibition to be held at Ghent next April by the Ghent Royal Agricultural and Botanical Society are well advanced. The principal an- nexe will be semi-circular, following the outline of the main facade of the Casino, and the whole length of this building, covering an area of over ■l,0iw square yards, with an interior elevation of from about 21 to 37 feet from the ground-level to the beginning of the slops of the roof. It will be lighted by glazing large portions of the upright and sloping parts of the building. No expense will be spared to ensure the comfort of exhi- bitors, and merely decorative details, on exteriors especially, will be sacrificed for this object. A second annexe, covering about 050 square yards, will be erected as a supplement to the large hall towards the Coupure. This will be reserved for the Orchids, and will be appropriately decorated inside, access being only through the large hall. In fact, the whole of these temporary buildings, that are already well begun, will cover a surface of nearly an acre. The great annexe in 1898 covered 3,300 square yards only, and on that occasion was much larger than the one erected in 1893. These figures enable us to understand the scale on which the forthcoming exhibition will be arranged. Seeds at La Mortola.— The seeds col- lected in the garden of Sir Thomas Hanbury, and available for exchange, are detailed in a list now before us. No seeds are sold, but those desirous of making exchanges should address Mr. Alwin Beroer, the Curator, La Mortola, Ven- timiglia, Italy. Sir Thomas Hanbury notes among his desiderata succulents, trees and shrubs of extra tropical countries, plants of the Mediter- ranean region, Proteaceie, &c. Jaxuaby 3, 1903.] THE G A RDENER S ' CH R 0 NI CL E. Garden and Field Manures in Natal.— There has just been issued by the Agricultural Department at Peterniaritzburg a pamphlet en- titled " Manures on the Natal Market," the author being Mr. A. Parly. The object of the brochure is to classify the fertilisers for sale in Natal, and to place them on a comparative basis, is arranged for the second Thursday in each month at 5 p.m. The Pomological section holds its sittings on the second and fourth Thursdays in each month at 10 a.m. The Committee for Manures and Insecticides is sum- moned on the fourth Thursday in each month at 2 p.m. -so that their rela- tive values may be ■determined; and the list places be- fore intending pur- chasers a uniform statement of the •composition and comparative value of all manures now •on the Natal mar- ket, and the prices asked for them. It might be worth while to extend the value of the pamph- let by adding the amount of chemical constituents re- moved from the soil by the various .crops harvested. Market - gardeners and farmers in the South African colony are amich indebted to the Department and Mr. iPABLT for the work they have accomplished. PARIS. — The committee meetings of the Societe Nationale d'Horticulture for the new jear are thus arranged : — Scientific Com- mittee, on the second Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. ; Vegetable, Fruit, Floral, Arborieultural, and Orchid Committees, all on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 1 p.m.; the Landscape Garden (Art dcs Jardins) Committee meets on the second Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. ; the Committee for the " Industries Horticoles " .meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. The meetings of the Chrysanthe- mum section are on the fourth Thursday from January to August, and on the second and fourth Thursdays from September to December inclusive, at 1 p.m. The Eose section is timed for the second Thursday in ■each month, and also for the second and iourth Thursdays during May, June, and July, at 1 p.m. The Fine Art section " Ootheca Wolleyana ." — An illustrated catalogue of the collection of birds' eggs formed by the late John Wolley, junr., M.A., F.L.S., edited from the original notes by Alfred Newton. Part II., Piearia? — Passeres. (London: K. H. Porter, 7, Prince's Street, Cavendish Square.) A book, the completion of which has teen long delayed, seeing that Part I. was pub- lished in 1861, while the issue of this second volume has, for various reasons, been postponed until th.s present year. Mr. Wolley was an r nthusiastic col- lector and student of birds' eggs, and by his travels in Lapland and other out-of-the-way countries was able to add to his cabinets and lists many specimens of great rarity, and some hitherto re- garded as extinct. From these stores, and from the letters and papers relating to them and committed to his care, Prof. Newton has published the book now under discussion. The text is well arranged for reference, and the coloured plates are excellent. A. very interesting memoir of the late Mr. Wolley is appropriately included in the volumes. The Education Bill. — The St. Pride's Press, Ltd., who are the pro- prietors of the County Council Times, the official organ of the County Coun- cils, and of various educational associa- tions, will publish on the first day of the New Year a weekly paper to be called Educa- tion: Primary, Secondary, and Technical, which will deal mainly with the work of the authorities under the Education Bill. Nova Scotia Apples. — According to a report furnished us by the Secretary for Agricul- ture, the fruit-crop in Nova Scotia has this season been very much below the mark, both in quantity and quality. Exports will be dimin- ished by at least a third. FlC 4*— AMIENS : (1) THE " HORTILLONAOES.-' (2) BOATS carrying prodvce to market. (3) extraction of teat from the marsh, (see r. 1.) 10 GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Januaby 3, 1903. Manures for Vines. — As a result of nu- merous experiments recorded in the Comptes Rendus, Messrs. Guillon and Gouikaud show (1) that on a calcareous soil the effects of the appli- cation of chemical manures do not show them- selves till after a considerable interval ; (2) that potash salts are the most effectual, then phosphatie compounds, and lastly nitrogenous manures ; (3) farmyard manure is highly valuable ; (4) chemi- cal analysis of the soil does not give sufficient indication of the kind of manure that should be employed. Experiments followed out during several years are alone capable of guiding the cultivator in his selection. "The Englishwoman's Year -Book and Directory." — This is the twenty-third annual issue of this useful publication, and is edited by Emily Janes. The contents include a Calendar, and are divided into sections dealing with: 1, Education; 2, Employments and Pro- fessions ; 3, Industrial ; 4, Medicine ; 5, Science ; 6, Literature ; 7, Art ; 8, Music ; 9, Sports, &c. ; 10, Public Work ; 11, Philanthropy; 12, Temper- ance ; 13, Homes and Charitable Institutions ; 14, Religious Work. There are, further, a brief summary of the events of the year, and a Direc- tory of names and addresses of prominent women workers; an index is also added. Agriculture and gardening, considered as employments for women, receive due attention, and the business of a florist is also described, with the addition of a few necessary truths concerning the hard work connected with it. The whole volume is valuable to the working woman. The publishers are Adam & Charles Black, London. Accident to a Gardener.— As Mr. Thomas Banner, foreman in the' employ of Messrs. Tom B. Dobbs & Co., nurserymen, &c, Wolver- hampton, was stepping backward to look at the position of some shrubs he was placing in the front of the Grand Theatre in that town, he fell through the glass roof of a verandah a distance of 14 feet. He alighted on his feet, but one of his hands was badly cut, and he received a severe shock. Mr. Banner was for a period of twelve years foreman in the gardens of Wrottesley Hall. "Silva of North America."— The two supplemental volumes (xiii. and xiv.) have just been published, containing additional matter, indexes, 4c. We shall take an early opportunity of noting their contents ; but in the meantime we may congratulate Prof. Sargent on the com- pletion of his laborious undertaking, and we may also rejoice that horticultural literature is en- riched by so magnificent a production. Hough- ton, Mifflin & Co., of Boston, U.S.A., are the publishers, but the work can be had of Williams & NoRGATE. A Worthy Example— When sending us a few particulars for the Almanac, published with this present issue, the Secretary of the Chester- field District Chrysanthemum Society incidentally remarked that this Society has contributed during 1902 .£41 10s. to the gardening charities, of which ,£31 10s. has gone to the Gardeners' Royal Bene- volent Institution and .£10 to the Royal Gar- deners' Orphan Fund. The total income of the contributing Society was only ,£200. Surely this is a worthy example ! "Vegetables and Flowers from Seed in Tropical, Semi-Tropical, and Temperate Climates " (Sutton & Sons, Reading). — We have here, in handy form, instructions for manao-ino- in distant climes many of those homely vege- tables and flowers which are there so doubly welcome. The information is arranged alphabeti- cally, and interspersed with many illustrations, and the name of the firm who issue the book is full guarantee for its reliability and value. The volume is clearly printed on good paper, and not overloaded with distracting advertisements. "Traite Pratique de Cultures Tropi- CALES," par J. Dybowski, Preface de M. E. Tisserand. Tome Premier. (Paris : Augustin Challamel, Rue Jacob, 17.) A contribution to tropical agriculture and horticulture, justified by the explanation that the increase in French colonial territories, and in their importance, ne- cessitates due attention to their maintenance and welfare. Cultivation of the soil is an important side of foreign as of home industry, and any book that can be of service in this matter should be sure of a welcome. M. Tisserand divides his book into sections, devoted respectively to Climate, Soil, Water, Manures, Propagation, and Plants Cultivated. The latter are treated of separately, and, for easy reference, are arranged alphabetically. The volume includes an index and many illustrations. "The Transvaal Agricultural Journal.'' — We have received a copy of the first part of a journal which is to be issued quarterly, and devoted to the interests of agriculture. It is devised to assist the farmers with expert advice, to place at the service of agriculturists the advice and services of veterinarians, entomologists, chemists, botanists, and practical men. It is published by the Agricultural Department, and bids fair to be a most valuable publication. Gardening, forestry, and fruit-tree culture are included in the programme. "The ' House' Annual" (Gale & Polden, Ltd., 2, Amen Corner, Paternoster Row, E.C.). — This publication proves on examination to be com- piled by Mr. W. A. Morgan, of the Stock Exchange, in aid of the Referee Children's Dinner Fund." Many literary and artistic authorities have pre- sented contributions, and members of the " House " and the public generally are requested to give yet further assistance. Previous books of a similar character have resulted in the raising of £1000 for the Fund, and it is hoped that many copies of the present volume may be sold at 5s. each. The contents being gratuitously contributed, call for no criticism ; they are miscellaneous, including fiction, London notes, poetry, and other diverse subjects. The article mo3t of interest to our readers is that on Chrysanthemums, by Mr. Percy Waterer ; it is illustrated, as are other of the papers in this annual. The Referee Children's Free Breakfast and Dinner Fund is doing a good work, and we wish it every success. British Industries.— In the British Revieic for December, we find an illustrated account of the origin and progress of the nurseries at and near Maidstone, belonging to Messrs. Bunyard. Oakwood, WlSLEY. — The sale by auction of the late Mr. G. F. Wilson's unique garden near Byfleet and Weybridge is to take place at the Mart, Tokenhouso Yard, on Tuesday, January 20, at 2 p.m. The estate is freehold, and comprises in all about 60 acres. Messrs. A. H. Turner & Co., of (39, South Audley Street, Grosvenor Square, and of Weybridge, are the auctioneers. "The New Forestry."— A second edition of The New Forestry, containing additional illus- trations and matter, by J. Simpson, will be pub- lished by Messrs. Pawson & Brailsford, Shef- field, early in the present year. The first edition was published three years ago. A Large Indian Melon.— A very fine fruit of the Indian Melon (Cucuinis Melo var. momor- dica) was grown at Government House, Singa- pore, in sandy soil. It was dark green, mottled with lighter colour, and weighed 16J lb., with a length of 2 feet 3 inches and a circumference at the broadest end of 1 foot 10 inches. It had not much flavour, but is said to be very wholesome, and is an important article of food in India. H. N. R. "The Year-Book of New South Wales." — This is compiled by the editor of the Tear-Booh of Australia, and published by authority of the Government of New South Wales, for circulation by the Agent-General in London, Westminster Chambers, 9, Victoria Street, S.W. It is a useful guide to the governmental, ministerial, legal, medical, military, trade and commercial, railway, and other interests of the Colony, the increasing importance of which renders all such authorised statistics as those now before us valuable to those in the Mother Country as well as to those resident in the Australian Commonwealth. FAGUS BETULOIDES. Here in Cornwall, writes Mr. A. C. Bartlett, this tree is often called F. antaretica. There is a. close resemblance between the two species, and they are both natives of the same country— that little-known extremity of South America, Tierra del Fuego ; but the chief difference is that while F. betuloides is evergreen, F. antaretica is- deciduous. Although noticed by Sir Joseph Banks some sixty years earlier, these trees were not introduced to this country until 1830. Un- fortunately the evergreen Beech has not hitherto- proved hardy, except in the southern counties ; but where it does thrive, it is such a distinct and ornamental tree as to be well worth extra, attention. Fagus betuloides certainly does best when planted on a well-drained slope facing south or west. In its native country its size and appear- ance depend chiefly on the altitude in which it is growing. In the sheltered and fertile valleys it becomes a large tree — probably the largest, southern tree in the world j'whils on the exposed heights it is so dwarf and compact that it may be walked upon. The accompanying illustration (fig. 5) is that of a fine specimen growing at Pencarrow, Bodmin. The seed from which it was^raised was sent from New Zealand in the early.forties to Sir William Molesworth by his younger] brother, Mr. Francis Molesworth, who was one of the first settlers in that country. [To Mr. Bartlett 's note we append the following; extract from Hooker's Flora Antarctica : — " The dense, dark forests which cover the shores of the Straits of Magellan and the moun- tain slopes of Tierra del) Fuego, are principally- composed of two Beech trees, the evergreen Fagus betuloides . . . and the deciduous-leaved F. antaretica. . . . F. betuloides forms the pre- vailing feature of the scenery of Tierra del Fuego, especially in winter-time, from having persistent leaves, and from its upper limit being sharply defined, and contrasting with the dazzling snow that covers the matted but naked branches of F. antaretica, which immediately succeeds it, and which even at Cape Horn ascends much higher- than Fagus betuloides, and nearly to the summit of the mountains, which are 1000 feet below the line of perpetual snow, while at the sea-level it forms a larger tree." Hooter's " Flora Antarctica," ii., 345,- Sargent's " Silva," ix. (1890), p. 23, adnot.} COVENT GARDEN MARKET NOTES. Cucumbers fetched good prices in the Christ- mas week, and these are likely to be sustained for a short period of time. Except for lack of sunshine, the weather has been in favour of the market>grower, and but little fire-heat has been required. The best Cucumbers were selling at 20s. per dozen, a price that would afford comfort to the grower, but more produce was sold at 12s. to. 18s. per dozen. Apples. Some persons may think this a quiet market, but even so, prices for good samples were well maintained. Much second and third-rate fruit comes into market, moreover much of the best January 3, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 11 samples are not clear in the skin. Dessert fruits fetch from 8s. to 14s. per bushel. Culinary Apples were selling at from 4s. to 9s. per bushel, the latter price being for Wellingtons. There are fine "Canadians in barrels on the market, which should, be followed by well graded, good varieties from our own growers. 8. C. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. known books reference is made to it in the south of England, which by inference would imply that it needs shelter elsewhere ; but, in an open part of a Glasgow nursery it may be seen growing freely, and is described by " as hardy as any- thing." This rambling shrub certainly looks very charming against a wall, but there appears to be no other reason why that position should be selected. 6. M. W. --■ matical exactness is an object, these are the methods, but simpler means are available. I have long used light 5 or 10 ft. rods, that fit together easily by means of loose sockets, like a long fishing-rod, and I have given the pattern to many gentlemen, one of whom improved on mine by using light bamboo canes with brass sockets — quite an elegant set. Others may rise these rods, but I never see any but my own. A boy can THE SEASON IN THE COUNTY OF DOWN.— The •season up to the present has been abnormally mild, Berberis Darwini, Escallonia pterocladon, E. organensis, Nandina domestica, Eucalyptus coccifera, and several other shrubs that do not usually flower till the spring months, are showing Si fine mass of bloom. Lapageria rosea, against a •west wall, is carrying a fine crop of flowers ; while ifarge clumps of Ehododendron Nobleanum and its pink variety are especially showy at the present time. The birds, too, have scarcely interfered with the berry-bearing shrubs, -such as Cotone- aster frigida, C. Hookeriana, white and red Per- nettyas, Crataegus Lelandi, showing that their supply of food from other sources has not yet hem cut off by frost. T. Ryan, The Gardens, CastleweUan, co. Down, December 20. THE FLOWERING OF CALANTHE VEITCHI.— I was interested in the note which appeared in these columns on December 20, descriptive of the flowering of Calanthe Veitchi, by Mr. E. Miles, Croydon, from the apex of the pseudo-bulbs annually. I may mention in this connection that among two hundred seedling Calanthes which flowered at Cliveden when I was there in 1897, •quite half had from three to five spikes, and a few of the best pseudo-bulbs carried six spikes. The strongest flower racemes bore more than forty flowers. The racemes grew from alternate tnodes, the strongest growing, as might be supposed, from the bottom of the pseudo-bulbs. I have never seen any Calanthes which flowered £0 well as those. Mr. Bacon was head gardener at Cliveden in '97. F. W. Frensham. NEW ROSES— A CORRECTION. — Allow me to correct a very absurd mistake which was made tin my paper on New Eoses in the Gardeners' Chronicle for December 20. I am made to say : — " He had not succumbed to the much-to-be- condemned practice of judging his own Roses." It should have been, "over-dressing their Eoses." This mistake was that of my amanuensis, not that of the compositor. Wild Rose. A CAUSE OF PINK HYDRANGEA HORTENSIA COMING OF A BLUE TINT. — There is no doubt, as Mr. T. S. Goodrich states at p. 444, vol. xxxii.,that ■certain soils have the effect of turning the pink Hydrangea blue. There may be other agencies, but soil is certainly one ot them. When a boy in the ..garden, and my father was gardener to the Marquis of Camden, Wildernesse Park, Kent, J remember going annually to a kind of sand- pit to fetch soil for this purpose. No doubt the pit is still there ; it was on the right-hand side of the walk leading from the gardens to the then gardener's house, and about 80 feet from the path. What the substances were in this sand which caused Hydrangeas to turn blue I do not know. This fact is a little mysterious, and although I was in first-class gardens and in business for over fifty years, I never met with any soil or sand, except that mentioned above, tthat had the effect of turning the flowers of the pink Hydrangea to a blue tint. E. Bennett, Station Villa, Farnhorough, Hants. SWEET PEAS. — Apropos of the discussion regarding the fertilisation of Sweet Peas, I may say that this subject interested Darwin forty-four years ago, vide Gardeners' Chronicle, 1857-58. The view propounded by S. Knight, Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 464, being virtuaUy identical with that of P. Darwin, that "The Sweet Pea, not being indigenous, is not perfectly adapted for fertilisation by British insects. M. A., Dec. 22, 1902. [See Darwin, Variation of Animals and Plants, vol. ii. (1808), pp. 93, 94. Ed.] QARRYA ELLIPTICA.— My early impressions of this shrub would cause me to plant it only in well sheltered positions — and in one of our well- FlG. 5.— EVERGREEN BEECH (FAGUS BETULOIDES) AT TENCARROW. (SEE P. 10.; DENDROMETER.— Can any of your correspon- dents, interested in this instrument, tell us of what practical use it is ? I have measured a good many thousands of standing trees, as most timber is sold standing, and seen many measured, but I never saw a dendrometer in use for such purposes, nor knew a practical man who en- cumbered himself with such an instrument. It cannot be used in a wood, where most measuring is done, and in the open it is too troublesome to put in operation. Schlich, vol. iii., says that instruments for measuring the height of trees are all based upon one of two principles, geometrical or trigonometrical ; and I suppose, where mathe- carry the rods, run them up a tree, and let them down again in a few seconds, and would measure the height of many trees while the dendrometer- man was getting bis instrument into operation. One trusts to the eye a good deal in estimating height, but in case of dispute arising, it is best to have the tape and rods ; and if someone would invent a handy instrument for finding the quarter-girth 30 or 40 ft. up, and of the big limbs out of reach, it would be worth something to the novice. There is a dendrometer-way of doing that, I suppose, but it is as worthless as the other, and trunks and all largo limbs have to be estimated by the eye. It is surprising, too, how 12 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jaxuabt 3, 1903. near one will get to the contents in that way. I have had over 20,000 feet of Oak fall to the fellers measure within about 150 feet of the standing and selling estimate, in which all the girths were taken by theeye in averages all over the wood, and the difference was on the right side. J. Simpson. [The dendrometer is a very useful implement for the amateur. Ed.] Height-measuring instruments were in existence centuries before Mr. Duncoinbe's day, and the one I referred to as being figured about a hundred years ago was, as I indicated, a very old device then. If " D." would furnish a short description of the construction of Mr. Duncombe's instrument, or say where this is to be found, it would clear the matter up. A. D. Richardson, Edinburgh. GENERIC divisions OF CACTI. — Your corres- pondent M. de Laet, in the Gardeners' Chronicle of December 27, 1902, prefers to retain the present generic divisions, with all their admitted errors, because he holds that there were still more errors in the older nomenclature.' If we admit this, we are still faced with the fact that we have a bad system (or lack of system) left. What we require is, not something a little less unscientific than our predecessors put up with, but a system of generic division founded upon good generic differences. German botanists have. recently given much re- search to this subject, though I should not like to express any opinion upon whether the system of Professor Schumann rectifies the errors of nomenclature. It is a very large field to consider. M. de Laet asserts that Phyllocacti have flat (2-edged) stems even in the seedling state ; doubt- less in many cases they have, but not in all, as my own experiments prove. It is this very lack of constancy that invalidates the present generic divisions founded, as we must believe, in ignorance of this. I have in fact seen both forms of stem on the same plant, and in most cases the seedlings of 2-edged species (Phyllocacti) will, as they approach maturity, outgrow their 3 to 0 edged stems, and resemble their parent. M. de Laet would have us believe that such plants have a strain of many-edged (Cereus) blood in them ; probably this would produce a similar result in a seedling state. But surely the very fact which M . de Laet admits, viz., that the 2-edged .nnd the many - edged species will interbreed, is not a strong argument for the retention of Phyllocactus and Cereus as separate genera. If they are admit- tedly reconciled, why continue to call them by different names ? A. Worsley, Ishworth. CUCUMBER CULTURE. — Mr. Lowrie, who wrote on Cucumbers, states ante, p. 229, vol. xxxii., that he has seen Cucumbers yielding enormous crops on the banks of the river Cauvery, which were only afforded water occasionally. Perhaps so, but be does not say that the roots were abundantly sup- plied with water, and had he dug a hole a foot or B) deep he would have observed the hole was soon partly filled with water. The leaves, he states, were left untouched by moisture. This I can readily believe, as the leaves lie on the ground, and moisture would condense on the under surface on any plant near a river. I would naturally expect the upper surface to be bedewed likewise. I grew Cucumbers for eight years in a lean-to sunk pit without the syringe being in use at all. Along the centre of the pit was a narrow brick cemented tank through which the hot- water pipes passed to provide bottom- heat. The plants were put in during November, and were kept growing till November came again ; and when pulled up, as many as a dozen Cucumbers of one. sort or another would be found on a plant. When the plants began to bear fruit, water was put into the tank sufficient to touch or cover the pipes, and it was so kept for the season. The harder the firing, the more steam arose, and I invariably found dew deposited in the morning on the under surface of the leaves, consequently ied-spider was a stranger. A thin coat of lime covered the glass during the sun- niest part of the year, and very little air was afforded, but more at night .than by day. I never had to do with a structure that gave so little trouble and such grand results as that one. It was built, I believe, at the suggestion of the late Lord Eversley. Mr. Lowrie speaks of the peculiar and unscientific'modes:of cultivation adopted by market gardeners. Now, I always thought that the methods of the born-and-bred market gardeners were as perfect as they could be, and that it was those who embarked in market gardening late in life, such as gentlemen's gardeners and aspiring amateurs, who failed and came to grief. I do not think that Mr. Lowrie can teach the trained market gardener how to grow Cucumbers, or any other market commodity. From what I have seen of the practice of market Cu- cumber growers north and south, they work on the express system, and get all they can out of their plants in the shortest possible time, Cucumbers not being much in demand after the end of July. It was once my lot to sell the produce of a garden. I took my first lot of Peaches to Covent Garden and got 36s. per dozen for them. I planted Cucumber plants to come in bearing at Christmas, took some a week before that festive season to the same fruiter to whom I took the Peaches ; the head of the firm said, " My good man, whodoyouthink wantsalotof Cucumbersthistime of the year (it was bitterly cold) ? had you brought some brandy and hot water, it would have been more sensible of you." A market grower would not have done that, perhaps. I left my Cu- cumbers, but got nothing for them, and returned home a wiser man, and cut off every Cucumber, small and big, and left the plants to grow on. The Cucumber-houses I have to deal with now are span-roofed, running north and south, and are entered by three steps at the lower end ; they are naturally dry. We shade the plants, give little ventilation, never allow the plants to ap- proach anything like dryness at the root, and in summer-time they are syringed three or four times daily, and always about 10 p.m., and in winter never less than twice, and we have from two to six fruitsshowing at a joint. Some planted last spring are still carrying fruit, but not being particularly wanted, the plants have not been top-dressed for some weeks. I fear Mr. Lowrie, with his reduced supply of moisture at the top and root, with more ventilation, and reduced temperature, would soon be landed in the bank- ruptcy court if he depended for his living on growing Cucumbers. One word more : Mr. Lowrie states that the growers use too much soil. Now, I have been amazed at the heavy crops pro- duced in so little soil. A grower, not far from where I write, grows his in less than 8 ins. after two or three top-dressings ; but the place is swamped with manure-water. W. P. R. CROSS TRELLISE8 FOR PEACH-TREES.— I see that your correspondent " H. J. C, Grimston," holds the belief that good Peaches and Necta- rines can only be grown near the roof of a forcing-house ; he also says that he knows of two places south of the Trent where they are grown on cross trellises. I am not aware if one of the places is Blenheim Palace. If not, I can inform him that there is a large lean-to house in that garden which is planted with Peach and Necta- rine-treeson cross trellises ; and the back walls are planted with Peach-trees. A narrow stage runs along the front of this house suitable for standing Strawberry-plants in pots, &c. For ten years I had the opportunity of seeing the crops of fruit grown in this house, and I have always considered it to be a very useful Peach-house, the crops being good, and the fruits of a fair size, and a little in advance in point of time of those on outside walls. J. H. Baker, Eynsham, Oxon. THE WINEBERRY. — Practically if Raspberries succeed, the Wineberry will also do so. The difference in the training of the canes is, that while Raspberry-canes are generally shortened at about 5 feet from the ground, the Wineberry grows 10 or 12 feet in length of shoots, which should not be shortened, but trained downwards. Good results are thus obtained, and an abundance of fruit fit for dessert gathered late in the autumn. All old canes should be removed at this season, but tying-in should be postponed for a few weeks. S. C. IRISH HARDY FRUIT.— The interesting note by your correspondent, A. Dean, raises an addi- tional question to the one with which he termi- nates his note, and that is, why should not England, as well as Ireland and Canada, become great fruit-growing countries ? According to the Board of Trade Returns, published in the Gar- deners' Chronicle of the same date, p. 440, for the inonth of November, we imported 606,156 cwt. of Apples, and 24,177 cwt. of Pears. It is possible to grow that quantity of hardy fruit in England- and afford employment to many gardeners, besides- keeping money in the country. But why cannot we produce a sufficient quantity of fruit to meet, the demand, and at a lower price ? One reason is, that the working population here in England have not access to the land oq such favourable terms as the people in our colonies. To verify this statement, I must refer to the Times of Satur- day, December 13, 1902, under the heading. "Canadian Emigration," which reads, "Mr. Preston, Commissioner of Emigration for Canada,, has authority for the statement that an Englishi syndicate is being formed with a view of endea- vouring to secure from the province of Ontario a- similar concession to that which was granted recently by the Provincial Government to an American syndicate, whereby about 2,000,000 acres, of land was sold to these parties at 4s. an acre." I have lived in this district for upwards of three' years, and have ascertained that the land hereabouts belong to one or two persons, who- let a large portion go out of cultivation, cultivate a portion, and let a small portion at a rental of 15s. to 30s. an acre, and this for inferior land 10 miles-- from the nearest market. If this is the state of things throughout England and Ireland, it is ob- vious that the working population cannot possibly attempt to grow hardy fruit. C. P. Cretchley, The Gardens, The Honeys, near Twyford, Berkshire. [We have always insisted that it is the peculiar conditions of land tenure in these islands which prevent us cultivating fruit in sufficient quantity for home needs. Added to these are the system, of co-operation among foreign growers, their better system of grading and packing, and th> handicapping of fruit and vegetable-culture here by excessive railway rates, which make it pos- sible to bring French, Belgian, and Dutch produce in large quantities to our southern ports, send it by railway to London, and under- sell the grower in the home counties. Ed.J hybrid RUBUSES. — It was distinctly a feather in the cap of that veteran and most talented of hybridists, Mr. John Seden, that two of his products, so widely dissimilar as Damson, and Raspberry, should have gained for Messrs. Veitch & Sons the honour of two Awards of Merit at one sitting of the Fruit Committee at the Drill Hall, honours which it is just possible may assume a higher form another year. When it is- remembered that up to a certain period Mr. Seden. worked chiefly amongst Orchids and other flowering plants, it has to be said that his labours amongst fruits do merit the warmest approbation. The new Raspberry, the third of fruits of this class, which has come as a cross product from Langley, and has been so descriptively named November- Abundance, is the product of crossing the American Raspberry Catavissa with our fine- variety Superlative, with the result that the progeny is, as seen from the sample branches sent to the Drill Hall on the 4th ult., not only wonderfully prolific, but is a late autumn fruiter. In that respect, it bids fair to put October Red and Belle de Fontenay out of court altogether. The fruits are large, roundish, not unlike those of Baumforth's Seedling, of deep- rich colour, very juicy, and sweet. A few years, since, Messrs. Veitch & Sons received an award of a First-class Certificate for Raspberry Queen of England, with yellow fruits, very fine indeed, and a superb summer fruiter. This was the product of crossing Raspberry Superlative with the Black- berry Rubus laciniatus, a very remarkable result from red and black-fruited parents, and no doubt far from being anticipated. Then there was an award made a year or two since to that very fine fruiting sour Blackberry, " The Mahdi," the fruits of which are of a deep crimson colour. The parents were the common Blackberry and Belle de Fontenay Raspberry. The variety fruits between the Raspberry and the Blackberry, and being so fine and richly flavoured, forms a valuable adjunct to the dessert table. These are real hybrid or cross-fertilised additions to- our fruit lists, and they bear striking comparison to what is assumed has been done in the same direction elsewhere. The fine fruiting Rubus laciniatus seems to have its origin lost in. January 3, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 13 obscurity. It is yet by far the best of the non- wild Blackberries we grow here in gardens. The Loganberry, so-called, has been assumed to be the product of a cross in America, but that famous botanist, Mr. Bailey, holds that it is a natural species ; as is also that would-be im- postor, the Strawberry-Raspberry, so-called, but which is a species — Eubus palmatus. As to the very pretty Rubus phoenicolasius, the best novelty of its kind from Japan, no one claims for that a hybrid origin. It is a charming climbing or even bush plant, but hardly one of the species named can compare in edible value with the products of that skilful and honoured hybridist, Mr. J. Seden. A. D. LAW NOTES. NURSERY NOTES. PARIS. A HORTICULTURAL HALL WANTED FOR PARIS. The Societe Nationale d' Horticulture de France held its autumn exhibition in the pavilions at Cours la Reine, that were erected for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. This was the first time this course was pursued. Before 1900 the Chrysan- themum shows had been held in the Tuileries Gardens. In 1900 all the Congresses and Horti- cultural Exhibitions took place in the erections built for the purpose on the banks of the Seine, but there were many objections to this, and in 1901 the autumn show was arranged in the Grand Palais du Champs Elysees, a lofty building rather dark and unheated, so that the plants suffered from the cold. This year the spring exhibition was at Cours la Reine and proved very successful, so that the same place was chosen for the autumn show. Unfortunately the houses are not heated, and as the exhibition was opened later than usual (December 12), exhibitors were much inconvenienced, as the show was open for a week, and after the 17th the weather became very cold, the plants for the last three days being in a temperature of 4° C. (39° F.). M. Lebaudys' fine Gloire de Lorraine Begonias, and many Orchids, were killed, others being saved by being covered with paper every night. It is again asked where the autumn meetings can best be held. The last exhibition was well managed : M. Jules Vacherot, President of the organising committee was uni- versally congratulated upon his success, many exhibitors desiring that the stands and tents might be left permanently in place. But if an- other autumn show is held there, only Chrysan- themums will be staged, owing to the risk of exposing other plants. The difficulty might be met by installing a heating apparatus, but this would be an expense, and the city of Paris would not be disposed to assist, as the buildings are but little used and may not always be left standing. The houses cost a great deal to keep up, and much glass is broken by children playing near, so that the municipal council may decide to take down buildings that are vised for barely a fortnight each year by the horticulturists. In fact it is desirable to find in Paris, as in London, a large and suitable building for flower- shows. Probably the authorities will soon pro- vide one, especially as the agriculturists also desire a hall for congresses that for some years past they have not known where to hold. The Galerie des Machines, left from the 1889 exhi- bition, has been twice used for agricultural congresses, but they have since been taken down, parliament having passed a law by which the city was empowered to control the Champ de Mars. The land on both sides is let to private persons, who have erected mansions thereon, and the lemaining ground is turned into a park, similar to the Pare Monceau. Therefore it becomes evident that on the borders of Paris, near the Bois de Boulogne, it is desirable to build a large hall suitable for agri- cultural congresses and horticultural and other exhibitions. G. T. Grignan. [It must be remembered that the Society has a fine suite of rooms for its offices in the Rue do Grenelle. Ed.] GARDENER TO PAY FOR DAMAGE. A remarkable case was before Judge Mansel Jones at Rotherham County Court recently, in which the plaintiff sued a gardener for .£14 damages, alleged to have been sustained by defendant negligently or wrongfully removing the terminal buds from 280 Chrysanthemum- plants. The gardener, it was stated, had been in plaintiff's employ as head gardener for three years, but left in September last. Before leaving he is alleged to have told an under gardener that he should " get even with the old man/' and should destroy all his own stuff on the premises. When the new head gardener came he found the terminal buds had been removed from the Chrys- anthemums. In reply to a lawyer's letter, defendant wrote " If anyone wants compensation it ought to be me, for half the plants on his place are what I have begged." Defendant denied having damaged the plants, and suggested that plaintiff had done it himself by " putting his own finger in the pie." The judge, however, made an order for the full amount claimed. i^lWH^fJ PlG. (>.— PROLI11ED ODONTOOLOSSl'M. A PROLIFIED ORCHID. A vert unusual malformation, so far as Orchids are concerned, has been set to us. It is a case of median prolification in Odontoglossuin crispum, that is to say, one flower grows out of the centre of another flower. The lower blossom has no ovary, but it has three sepals and three petals in regular symmetrical alternation and regular form. There is no column, but in its place a pedicel an inch or more long, bearing at its extremity a distorted flower with two sepals and two petals placed crosswise, the second petal being a lip. In the centre is a column with indications of two anthers. This second flower, therefore, shows that very common tendency in Orchids to arrange the parts of the flower in twos (see fig. 6). ENQUIRY. ■ — » — Engadine Carnation. — Will some corre- spondent kindly inform " C J. H." what plant is meant by Engadine Carnation, and how best to cultivate it? MR. ICETON'S, rUTNEY. Mr. W. Iceton, of the Oranard Nurserie ' Putney Park Lane, which were established in 180G, was among the first to force quantities of Lilies of the Valley for sale in Covent Garden Market, and he continues this work in larger proportions than formerly. Others may for^e even greater quantities, but it is generally con- ceded that there are no better or stronger flowers than those sent to the market from Putney. Huge numbers, indeed millions, of selected German crowns arrive to Mr. Iceton's order during winter in several consignments, and they are packed away in a cool chamber of the Cold Storage Co. for use when required. The flowers sold during Christmas have been produced by crowns which were imported last February, and similar crowns will afford blooms during the month of January. Towards the end of this month, however, the first batches of new crowns will be boxed up and put into warmth in a posi- tion from which light may be excluded until the flower-spikes have advanced out of the sheath. Then the sale of retarded crowns and flowers from such crowns may be said to have finished, for directly the new crowns are on the market, everyone prefers them to retarded ones. If there remain a few crowns in the cool chamber, however, they may still serve a useful purpose, as they will produce a fine lot of valuable foliage that can be used in bunching-up the new flowers, for all growers have found that the crowns forced earliest, say, in January and February, though they may yield good blooms, are not capable of developing much foliage. When visiting the nursery a few days ago, wo saw some of the later batches ot crowns from the cool chamber, some of which, impatient of the retarding to which they had been subjected, had commenced to grow even in the cool chamber. Little harm is done if the crowns elongate there to some extent so long as the flowev-spike is not in the least visible when they are removed j but if this be the case, then they are useless. Mr. Iceton's crowns are put thickly into wooden boxes, almost square, which hold 100 each, and unless these are cent to market as they are grown, the flowers are cut and put up into neat bunches containing twelve spikes each with additional foliage. For four or five days pre- vious to Christmas we were informed that there were sent to market about 100 such boxes tf growing plants, and 100 dozen bunches of cut blooms each day. To such an extent has the retarding system upset the limitations the seasons formerly im- posed, that Mr. Iceton sends " Val ley Lilies" to market on every alternate day throughout the year. Roman Hyacinths are marketed in bunches of six spikes each, but it is very early for these yet, and prices are discouraging. A few early trumpet Daffodils are in bloom, and those varie- ties that force best will soon make a feature in the market. We noticed hundreds of plants . ; Lilium longiflorum in bloom, or approaching that stage, and also a few plants of L. auratnm. Most of our readers know that Mr. Iceton Cultivates Palms and other foliage plants in unusual numbers, for use in the furnishing and decorative trade. There are good specimens of nearly any size, representing most of the popular species of Palm, also a few good plant* . : Araucaria excelsa, a capital batch of Eurya latifolia, Aspidistra lurida, Fatsia japonica, Dracaena Lindeni, Asparagus, Bamboos, &c. The Kentias are the most popular among Palms, and they stand well in the atmosphere ef a dwelling- room ; but we have found the more delicate- looking, graceful Cocos Weddelliaua to succeed for an equal length of time in the same condi- 14 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jakuaby 3, 1903. tions. Phoenix rupicola makes a very pretty vase plant, and is the handsomest of the genus. Mr. Ioeton, jun., declared that it will continue in good condition in a dwolling-room aslong asmost Palms. Mr. Iceton lias another nursery at Chiswick, which contains Palms, and where a little forcing of flowering bulbs is practised. Florists have found the general furnishing and decorative trade not very brisk for some time past, and Christinas festivities in town would probably have been more numerous but for the exodus of so many of the richest members of society to' attend ■ the famous Durbar at Delhi.- FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. NEW WINTER KHUBAEB. In a recent number of your valued paper, I noticed some remarks regarding the New Winter Ehubarb that" 'had been exhibited by different parties and 'under different names at the Drill Hall exhibition. Tn a number of the Horticultural Advertiser, of' more recent date, there appeared a clipping fromiyo.ur paper on the subject. I sus- pected that' the. Ehubarb offered as Sutton's Crimson, Topp's. Winter, and what we have in the States under the. name, of Crimson Winter; were the same. I senton the clipping to Luther Biu'bank, of Santa Eosa, Cal., for his opinion, and am just in receipt of his reply; which reads as follows: — " Yours just received with the clipping from the Horticultural Advertiser. All the Ehubarb men- tioned is without any doubt Topp's Australian Crimson Winter Ehubarb. Topp's Crimson Win- ter or Crimson Winter, is the name it goes by in Australia and New Zealand. I introduced it to America about ' eight years ago, and have sent much of it to England; among the parties being some of those mentioned in the clipping. I enclose circular describing it." This communication may be of interest, and I trust it will suggest' the propriety of seed and plant dealers continuing to offer varieties under the names given tlueui by the originators. These much multiplied synonyms, are both harmful and expensive. It may not be out of place to mention that Mr. Burbank advises me that he has raised from the Topp's Australian Crimson Winter Ehubarb, "a new hybrid . variety bearing stalks about six times as large, and in flavour surpassing any Ehubarb ever known." It is not yet for sale. Archibald Smith, Boston, Mass. AN INTRODUCED PARASITE ON GRASS. Twelve years ago, specimens of Br»mus unioloides and Festuea bromoides, attacked by a parasitic fungus, were received at Kew from Patagonia and Bahia Blanca. This fungus proved on examination to be undescribed, and was named Cintractia patagonica, Cke. & Mass. Cintractia was at one time included in the older genus Ustilago, the species of which produce "smutted" corn. Nowadays, the name Ustilago is confined to those fungi whose spores form a loose, sooty powder, which is blown away at maturity. In Cintractia, on the other hand, the spores, which are formed in the ovary, as in Ustilago, are compacted into groups or spore-balls, that do not separate at maturity, but collectively form a hard black mass, and are only dispersed when the diseased grain has de- cayed on the ground, or ha3 passed through the alimentary canal of some animal. Some time ago an English traveller in South America observed that Bromus unioloides was grown mixed with Lucerne, for fodder. Seed of the Bromus was brought home, sown, and in due course produced not only fruit, but also its para- sitic messmate, Cintractia, both quite as vigorous and well-developed as when growing in their original home. It will be interesting to note whether h»st or MARKET GARDENING. HYDEANGEA PANICULATA FOE FOECING. The present is a good season for potting this plant, 7 and 8-inch pots being the most useful size into which to put them. The plants are saleable from March- to August, and although great numbers are sold, the demand for them never abates. With this potting the "cut. backs " are potted at the present season. Market men generally purchase the plants from the trade, and the . shoots on these plants will be some 3 feet in length, and from G to 12 inches have to be cut off, in order to make the plant symmetrical, and induce buds at the bottom to break, good foliage being an important item. As these plants are potted, they are stood on dung-beds made about 2 feet deep, the heads of the plants however being entirely in the open. This hot-bed. treatment encourages the growth of roots, and the ammonia given off benefits the top growth. In about a month later the first batch of plants will be removed to a span-roofed house, which is heated with two rows of pipes 3 inches in diameter on each side and underneath the bed, the object being to keep the roots active. Eed- spider is kept under by copious syringing and humidity, especially in the early part of the season. S. C. 2. X-40O FlO. 7.— CINTHACTIA PATAOONICA ON GRASS. parasite, or both, can establish themselves in this country. There are plenty of species of Bromus and Festuea in Britain to choose from, if the fungus is desirous of trying a new host-plant, and its presence will be acceptable as a new botanical curiosity ; but we trust the line of attack will be confined to wild grasses, and also in moderate quantity. We have already a super- abundance of cereal diseases caused by fungi. Geo. Massee. SOUTH AFRICA. THE FLOEA OF ELANDS-LAAGTE, &c. The visit to Elands-Laagte was very unpro- mising. A storm was brewing, but I ventured, getting back after sundown with an empty bag, there being very few flowers. On the flat lands between Elands-Laagte, Glencoe Junction, and Dundee, the flowers were abundant, amongst them some highly-coloured Crinum longifolium, and still the rose-coloured form of Sparaxis pulcherrima. I had not at this point reached the purple, far less the black- coloured variety, Mr. Medley Wood expected I should meet with. These flat lands are about ■1,000 feet above sea-level. My next objective was Newcastle, further north, and the centre of the Natal coal-fields. It is not unworthy of notice that New South Wales and Natal should both name their coal-fields after Newcastle in the Motherland. Newcastle is a well laid out town, and should it develop and cover its building area, it will enjoy roomy streets I noticed in Spain, as in Natal, that where there are coal deposits, flowers are not abundant. My next move was to Charlestown, in the extreme north territory of Natal, the railway skirting and surrounding the famous Majuba Hill, the scene of the reverse which cost so much blood, and money, on the British side, to wipe out. Shortly after 8 a.m., October 30, I started from the hotel to visit this famous hill, and ascended to 6,000 feet above sea-level, and estimated that there were still 2,000 feet to cover before reaching the summit ; so decided to leave this part of the hill to younger feet and content myself with a walk round and see where Colley went up in the night unknown to the Boers. It was such a climb as none of our troops have been called upon to undertake in this last great war with the Boers. I found many flowers on the south side of Majuba, and I recommend it as a good hunting ground. Unfortunately, I lost my list of names, but from the bottom to the point I reached, there were many genera and species. , The most in- teresting to me was a Scilla, I think, with rich pink flowers, and bright green leaves, spotted black, ^ome if these I collected and posted to London for Kew, Cambridge, Glasnevin, and Max Leichtlin, and one plant for Mr. J. Medley Wood for a name, not that it is so rare as I supposed at the time, as I have since found it plentifully in the Transvaal, but all the same it is to my eye a beautiful bulbous plant for pot culture, with leaves about 6 inches long ; flowers about -1 inches, and one to six flowers to a bulb, according to size. The bulbs on Majuba were the size of small Walnuts, those I have since found on the veldt are as large as a medium-sized Hyacinth. I have collected seeds on the veldt, but fear they will not ripen. Natal is a truly British Colony, made up mainly of British, Indians, and Kaffirs, the latter at Pieter- maritzburg come into the town quite dandies. Standing at the police-station, I saw quite a bevy of strapping young Kaffir girls pass, elegantly attired in their blankets, and over this a loose net, their skins well oiled. I asked the black policeman who these were, and he replied " Un- married Kaffir ladies." I said "How are the married ones distinguished ? " This it was pointed out was done by drawing the hair at an angle from the top of the head in the shape of a bottle without the neck and by using some compo- sition to make it solid, also by colouring the hair red. The young Kaffir belles are looking forward to the establishment of barracks at Pietermaritz- burg, and for Tommies as husbands. At Howick I spent some time going from one store to the other, chatting with the proprietors, as they usually sit outside their shops enjoying the air, and on the alert to catch buyers. The buyer in most countries has little national senti- ment. He spends his money where he can get the most for it in return, and I suppose the Indians, who are commercially very important here, can offer the best value. Their headquarters are at Durban, where there are merchants of great wealth who supply these smaller traders. Messrs. Harvey Greenacre & Co., very large and rich merchants, anxious to extend their premises called upon their neighbour, an Indian, and asked him what he would take to clear out. He replied, " I have been thinking these last few weeks to call and ask you how much you would take to let me have your premises to extend my business." When in Durban, I went out to one of the extensive Sugar plantations, and saw the whole process from the culture of the cane to the production of the white crystallised article ready to put on the market. The manager told me they were much hampered for want of labour. The Costal Sugar plantations wanted this year 18,000 coolies as a necessity, but did no January 3, 190:!.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 15 expect that they would get more than 6,000. As in Fiji, a portion of these manage to remain or return as emigrants, and thus Natal bids fair to be an Indian settlement. As labourers they are superior to the Kaffir, being an intelligent race. They act as railway porters, as labourers on the permanent way, &c. One of these latter went out with me one day, and I found him as keen at the search as I was, and I advise any botanist doing South Africa to engage Indians as guides and carriers. The farming prospects of Natal are great, and if the whites take to the land, and the Indians look after the shops, there is no reason why this fine colony should not be rich and prosperous. Of course, the British will have to learn how to handle the Kaffir, leaving those on the spot to be the best judges, and ceasing to judge other people's knowledge by their ignorance. I do not suppose the whites will give up the commercial element in the towns without a struggle. Some say the Indian is at present master of the posi- tion as regards commerce. I am not of that opinion, but Sir Albert Hine must know how things stand, and by the introduction of smart business men there may yet be a chance to save the colony, commercially and agriculturally, for the British race. Peter Barr, V.M.H. NOTICES OF BOOKS. Greenwich Park: Its History and Asso- ciations. By A. D. Webster. (Greenwich : Richardson.) This hook contains chapters on : The early history of the Park — Laying out the Park — Rangers and Keepers of the Park — Greenwich Castle — Royal Observatory — Ancient Barrows — Underground Passages and Conduits — Interesting Finds in the Park — Greenwich Fair — Royal Sports and Pastimes — Historic Houses around the Park — Distinguished Persons who have visited the Park — Changed Appearance — Deer in the Park— Fauna and Flora of the Park — Trees and Shrubs in the Park — Entomology of the Park — Fungi in the Park — Geology of the Park — Roman Remains in Greenwich Park, with de- scriptions of finds, lists of Coins and Emperors — Miscellaneous Notes, &c. — together with illustra- tions of many rare maps and drawings of the Park." The summary of the contents above given will serve to show the amount and nature of the interest attaching to this, the oldest and by no means the least interesting of our public parks. It dates, indeed, from 1433. The most important feature of the Park, as it now exists, consists in its noble specimens of the Sweet Chestnut, with their spirally twisted bark. When they were planted is not told in Mr. Webster's book, so far as we have observed. The Elms have long since passed their prime, but the Purple Beech, the Tulip-tree, the Ailanthus, and very many others, are still in full vigour. Mr. Webster tells of a Thorn fully 50 feet high, and over 7 feet in girth of stem ; whilst in the en- closed ground near the pond no fewer than 1,300 kinds of trees and shrubs are to be seen, affording truly an excellent object lesson. Greenwich is be- coming more and more smoky as London extends, but for all that, hardy Bamboos, Roses, and nu- merous aquatic plants, are to he seen in a thriving condition. Aponogetou distachyum produces in abundance its curiously shaped and deliciously fragrant flowers. Cypripedium spectahile, Orchis foliosa, Arundo Donax, Gunnera manicata, and Eryngium pandauifolium are among the interest- ing plants noted by Mr. Webster, and the few we have cited will serve to show the great interest which attaches to this noble Park. Bulbous .plants have been planted iu the grass in great abundance, and whilst the ordinary " bedding out " is nearly unrepresented — " the beautifully undulating and well-wooded character of the grounds being far too natural to admit of such a system." One of the principal objects aimed at has been to cherish and retain as far as possible the wild and natural character of this royal heritage. A useful map and numerous illustrations add to the value of the work. We have necessarily only alluded to the features which fall more especially within our own province, but the antiquarian, the lover of animals, the entomo- logist, the geologist, and the naturalist generally, will find much to interest them in these pages. A description of no fewer than 115 coins found within the Park, ranging from the time of Marc Antony, who slew himself B.C. 31, to that of Honorius, who died in 425, comprising some forty Emperors, is given. Trees and Shrubs for English Gardens. By E. T. Cook. (Country Life Office.) A good book on trees and shrubs is a real want. Few books are more often enquired for, and until now we have had a difficulty in replying to our correspondents who have asked for information on the point. By far the best are the publica- tions of Loudon, the Arboretum and the Encyclo- paedia of Trees and Shrubs, but these, however excellent in their way, are now long out of date, and moreover, they cannot readily be obtained. They comprise also a great deal of information which people ought to require but do not. Mr. Cook has steered clear of this difficulty ; he has not added to the bulk of his volume by the inser- tion of matters which the public does not want. In this no doubt he has done wisely, but if it was not desirable to encumber his pages with what the general reader might deem superfluous, he might have indicated more fully than he has done the sources from which further information may be derived. We do not find, for instance, any mention of Prof. Sargent's Silva, though that book contains a perfect mine of information relating not only to North American trees, but to trees and shrubs generally. The plan followed by the author of publishing discursive chapters on generalities necessarily leads to repetition. The varying length and style of these cl apters, or sections of the book, for the word chapter does not occur in it, suggests that they were written by different hands ; and indeed the contributions of Mr. Bean and others are freely acknowledged. The chapter on pruning flowering shrubs is a valuable one, as condensing information that is troublesome to get ; but of all the sections into which Mr. Cook's book is divided, that entitled " Some Hardy Flowering Trees and Shrubs " is the most useful. This is an alphabetical list, comprising the names of the principal genera and species, with details re- lating to their native country and peculiarities of growth. The habitat of the Horse-Chestnut, now known to be in the mountains of Greece, is given as the mountains of Tibet. It is strange how long it takes to dislodge an error of this kind, in spite of repeated correction. The spelling of Daboecia and of Hippophae are points on which differences of opinion may exist, but uniformity is at least desirable, and as a general rule, the Index"Kewensis is the safest guide to follow. The plant called Lyciuin barbarum, so useful by the seaside and for keeping up the soil on sloping banks, is, as Mr. Nicholson has shown, L. sinense. Mr. Cook's book will do great service by calling attention to a somewhat neglected phase of gardening, whilst it will also be of service to the amateur by putting before him a mass , of information that he would otherwise have to seek in a variety of other books. In these days of trashy gardening books, it is a pleasure to come across one which bears. the stamp of original observation, judicious inference, and industrious research. If such a book be occasionally faulty in detail, the reader will readily condone the defect when the immensity and variety of the subjept are borne in mind — and in view of the mass of useful information that is placed within his reach. Tree lovers have reason to be gratefiil'to Mr. Cook and his publishers. Response in the Living and Non-living. By Jagadis Chunder Bose, D.Sc. (London : Longmans.) The uninitiated reader might think that the work whose tide is given above was a treatise on table-turning or on ghostly apparitions. It Is really a record of experiments and observations made by a Professor in the Presidency College, Calcutta, on the effect produced by a stimulus of any kind on living or dead matter. The best method of conveying an idea of the nature and scope of the book is to quote the author's own summary : — " We have seen that stimulus produces a certain excitatory change in living substances, and that the excitation produced sonietimes. expresses itself in a visible change of form, as seen in muscle ; that in many other cases, however, as in nerve or retina, there is no visible alteration, but the disturbance produced by the stimulus exhibits itself in certain electrical changes, and that whereas the mechanical mode of response is limited in its application, this electrical form is universal. " This irritability of the tissue, as shown in its capacity for response, electrical or mechanica.1, was found to depend on its physiological activity. Under certain conditions, it could be converted from the responsive to an irresponsive state, either temporarily as by anaesthetics, or perma- nently as by poisons. When thus made per- manently irresponsive by any means, the tissue was said to have been killed. We have seen further that from this observed fact, that a tissue when killed passes out of the state of responsive- ness into that ®f irresponsiveness ; and from >a confusion of ' dead ' things with inanimate matter, it has been tacitly assumed that, inorganic sub- stances, like dead animal tissues, must necessarily be irresponsive, or incapable of being excited by stimulus — an assumption which has been shown to be gratuitous." * * * * " We have seen that amongst the phenomena of response there is no necessity for the assump- tion of vital force ; they are, on the contrary, physico-chemical phenomena, susceptible of a physical inquiry as definite as 'any- other in inorganic regions. '* ,', -t "Physiologists have taught, us to read in the response-curves a history of the . influence of various external agencies and conditions on the phenomenon of life. By these means we are able to trace the gradual diminution of responsive- ness by fatigue, by extremes of heat and cold ; its exaltation by stimulants, the arrest of the life- process by poison. " The investigations which have just been described may possibly carry us one step further, proving to us that these things are determined, not by the play of an unknowable '• and arbitrary vital force, but by the working of laws that know no change, acting equally and uniformly through- out the organic and the inorganic worlds." Timber in South Africa.— If tree-growing in South Africa be not a rapidly expanding industry, its consumption of timber is becoming noteworthy ; as for example we noted the other day that some .£300,000 worth of timber is imported annually by Cape Colony. The department at PieteT- niaritzburg in Natal is attending to the affores- tation of that important Colony,, and have just received the report of an expert, whieh we believe ■ covers the whole subject of site, soil, and variety 1 suited to locality— and generally, all matters connected with the planting, of wood in favour- able localities. 1G THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E. [Jakuabt 3, 1903. ©bftuarp. JOHN Peed.: — We regret to have to inform our readers of the death of the senior partner of the firm of J. Peed & Son. He passed away at his residence in Streatham Park on the 2tth ult., after about five weeks' illness. The deceased was in his seventy-second year, and had been connected with gardening all his life, having commenced at the early age of eight as a garden boy. He started business in the year 1860 as a gardener and florist at Brixton, afterwards removing to Eoupell Park Nurseries, and later on opening a branch establishment at Streatham Park. The interment took place at Norwood Cemetery on Saturday, the 27th ult., a great number of friends and employes being in attendance. SOCIETIES. DEVON & EXETER GARDENERS'. At the fortnightly meeting of the Devon and Exeter Gardeners' Association, held at the Guildhall, Exeter, recently, au instructive paper eutitled " The Fuchsia and its Culture," was read by Mr. G. Camp, gardener at Culver. BECKENHAM HORTICULTURAL. On Friday evening, December 19, Mr. W. Beale, gr. Hayes Plaoe, read a paper on that gem of a winter- flowering plant, BegoniaGloirede Lorraine, which does its best to. liven many a winter day with its bright green handsome foliage, and beautiful rosy flowers. Since M. Leiuolne, of Nancy, raised the plants, endless attempts have been made to secure seed, but so far the flowers of B. Glbire de Lorraine absolutely refuse to be fertilised. Prom about thirty varieties of winter- Uowering Begonias grown at Hayes Place, only two really produce pollen, viz., B. Corallina, and B. Erfor- dia. The various sports were discussed, together with tuedetails of propagation bycuttings and leaves, if. II'. NATIONAL SWEET PEd. December 29.— The annual meeting of this Society was held at tae Hotel Windsor, on Monday last, when Mr. Geo. Gordon presided over a good attendance. The following paragraphs are extracted from the Committee's Veport. "The closing of the Royal Aquarium forces the Society to -seek aueiv home for its exhibitions. After the mostcareful consideration your Committee decided to endeavour to make arrangements with the authori- ties at Earl's Court ..... and subsequently the Earl's Court management offered the Society a dona- tion of £10 lus. towards the prize fund, free admission to all members, and the erection of tabling in the spacious Prince's Hall." " Upon the completion of the judging on the first day of the last exhibition, a meeting was held to consider the merits of the new varieties, of which some two or three dozens were shown. The judges were invited to participate m the proceedings. First class Certificates were awarded to Dorothy Eckford (Eckford), exhibited by the Rev. Leslie'Knights-Smith, Brightstone, Isle of Wight, and to Golden Rose (Burpee, exhibited by Messrs. I. House & Sons, Westbury on Trym, Bristol Florence Molyneux (Dobbie), exhibited by Messrs. Dobbie & Co.. Rothesay, was Commended." The balance sheet shows that there Uasum of about £30 to the Society's credit at the bank. Mr. R. Dean resigned the posiiiin of Exhibition Secretary, and the duties of this office will be carried out by Mr IT. J. Wright, General Secretary. The next show will be field on July 15 and 16, at Earl's Court. READING AND DISTRICT GAR- DENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVE- MENT. At the last meeting for the year 1902 there wa? a large attendance ol members present, presided over by Mr. Leonard SuKon. The subject arranged lor the evening was." A Chat on Bouquet Arrangements." by Mr. J. T. Powell, gr , Park Place, Henley-on Thames. This proved to be one of the most interesting meetings held by the Association. Mr. Powell, in introducing his subject, referred to the various events for which bouquets were required, and then gave a practical demonstration of the making of a bridal shower- bouquet, explaining which he considered the right raethod of wiring (lowers, &q. Mr. Powell was re- quested to take up the suoject of sprays and button- hole-bouquets at the fir6t ordinary meeting in the new year. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. THE SHOW3 GO TO THE CRYSTAL PALACE. December 29.— A special meeting of the Executive Committee was held at the Royal Aquarium, to receive a report from the Sites Sub committee appointed to inspect suitable places in which to hold the meetings of the Society. The report set forth that various halls had been inspected, and visits had been made to Earl's Court, Agricultural Hall, &c, some being found inadequate as to size, some difficult of access, while the terms asked for others were practically prohibitory. The committee were Btill negotiating with a view of securing a suit- able place for the business meetings of the Society, and hoped shortly to make a report. Communications had been opened with the Crystal Palace authorities, with the result that a provisional agreement had been come to by which the Board of Directors of the Crystal Palace agreed to the National Chrysanthemum Society holding three shows at Sydenham, the first on Oct. U and 7; the second (a large one) on November 10, 11, and 12; and a third show, for two days, during the second week in December. Towards the prize schedules of the first and the last, the Crystal Palace authorities are prepared to give the sum of £25, and medals to the value of £J at each show; to the large one, in November, the sum of £150, and medals to the value of £10. The necessary staging would be provided, and the Crystal Palace authorities would advertise the show in the daily and weekly papers. The agreement would contain a proviso to the effect that the sum of money given should be paid within twenty-one days of the holding of each show. In the face of these terms, it was obvious that a re- vision of .the schedules of prizes was necessary, and the committee recommended that the medals of the Crystal Palace Co. should be given to miscellaneous exhibits, supplemented by honorary awards. That all exhibitors in the miscellaneous class should become members of the Society, subscribing a sum of not less than two guineas annually, which would enti le them to exhibit at all the shows held by the Society in any one year, this subscription^ take the place of the sum usually charged for space at the November exhibition. That in the cases of the large classes in which unusually large sums of money are offered as prizes, a special entrance fee not exceeding live shillings be charged, in addition to an exhibitors' entrance fee of live shillings, and in addition to the annual subscription. In order to safeguard the interests oE the growers of small collections who enter into the minor classes, it was resolved after a long and somewhat involved discussion, "that in all classes undtr eighteen blooms in the open and amateurs divisions, an entrance fee of one shilling per class be charged for all entiles made at each show of the Society. It was further resolved that affiliated Societies enier for competition in ihe trophy class on payment of an entrance fee of five shillings. With these modifications, the amendedreport of the committee was adopted, with the addition of the arrangement that the December exhibitions taxe placi on December 2 and 3. instead of December 9 and 10 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Apple-trees and Kabbits : A'. Procure a pailful of whitewash ; stir into it a small epiantity of soot and clay, or cow-dung, add a wine- glassful of spirits-of-tar, and therewith paint the stems to a height of 3 feet. It may be necessary to renew it in the course of three months, but rabbits do not gnaw the bark of trees when other food can be obtained. Books : R. H., Belgrare. There is no book in the English language on the subject. 1, Euscus aculeatus ; 2, Poa aquatica. Calla Flower : J. M. This condition is not uncommon. We receive many such specimens. — J. K. The double-spathed Calla is not un- common. If it could be fixed it would be valuable Chrysanthemum, Vine, and Carnation Dis- eased: J. E. S. Leptosphan-ia Ogilviensis, B. & Br., forming black streaks on Chrysan- themum stem. Carnation-leaf disease caused by punctures of aphides. Black spots on Vine-leaf caused by Coniothecium viticolum. Against the fungus employ liver-of-sulphur half an ounce in a gallon of water. The aphis may be killed by fumigation with Tobacco, or the XL-All vapour. G. If. Erica carnea, and E. c. alba : C. J. H. The first, a very dwarf, early flowering species, native of Germany ; the second, merely a white flowered variety of the same. There are white and pink flowered varieties of E. tetralix, which is a common British species. What you mean by "common pink and white Heather" we do not know, but suppose you mean Calluna vulgaris. Glasshouses and Garden Labour : A. Mc.K. You have much more to look after than you can attend to properly, and instead of yourself and and a boy doing the work, there ought to be three men and a boy. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — A. J. R. 1, Cymbidium Tracyanum ; 2, C. gi- gantenm ; 3, Cattleya labiata. — B. C. Dendro- biuni speciosum. It will grow well in a warm conservatory ; give plenty of sunlight when possible. — Foreman. 1, Begonia manicata ; 2, B. nitida ; 3, B. argyrostigma ; 4, B. fuchsioides ; 5, Dracaena marginata. — T. L., Surrey. One of the hybrids of Rhododendron, like Nobleanum, but whether a named variety or not we cannot say. — E. T. Odontoglossum gloriosum, which some authorities include under O. odoratum. Yours is a very good variety of it. — R. J., Strat- ford. Ornithogalum laeteum. — Enquirer. 1, Hibiscus Cooperi ; 2, Abutilon marmoratum ; 3, Begonia incarnata metallica ; 4, B. Ingrami ; 5, Carex japonica variegata of gardens j 6, Nephro- lepis tuberosa. — F. S. Dendrobium fimbriatum. — /. V. S. Epidendrum (Nanodes) Medusa1. — Perthshire. 1, Juniperus communis ; 2, Vac- cinium myrtillus ; 3, V. Vitis-Idaea. — Poppy. A species of Protea. Pelargonium-leaves Blotched : E. R. There is no trace of Melon-leaf blotch present on the Pelargonium-leaves. The fungus is Botrytis. Spray with a solution of permanganate of potash; soak the soil also with the same solution. G. M. Planting Japanese Iris (K^empferi) and Bamboos : E. B. The Irises may be planted just previous to the commencement of growth, or when growth has almost ceased in early autumn, planting shallow, that is not covering the rhizomes with soil, although a few bits of stone to steady the plants do no harm. In this country it is not advisable to keep them con- stantly under water. The Bamboos, if imported in autumn or winter, should have the balls of earth and roots soaked in water, and then be potted and placed in the greenhouse for the winter. The soil must not be kept too wet. The leaves, or the bare culms if the leaves have fallen, should be syringed twice daily. Harden off in May, and early in the following month plant them out permanently. Do not disturb the roots at all, even if pot-bound ; and apply water at the root in the absence of copious rain. The Lot of the Gardener, Wages, &c. : A. B., and others. Nothing that gardeners themselves may do in forming trade unions, mutual help associations, writing letters to the press, &c, will bring about the desired amelioration in the condition of many of the gardeners in small places in this country ; and the only way out of the impasse is for parents, guardians, head gar- deners, and others, to refrain from putting young men and boys to the trade. It would ease the present crowded state of the ranks of gardeners if a few thousands would betake themselves to Canada, and other colonies, where the services of experienced cultivators of the soil would be highly valued, and where the chances of making a good living are superior to what they are in old England. " Winter Iris " : C. J. H. What is doubtless meant by this term is the new hybrid, early flowering, alpine Irises, raised by Mr. W. J. Caparne of Guernsey, and described by him in Gardeners' Chronicle, November 30, 1901, and accompanied by figures of flowers of natural size. They flower very early in the spring. Communications Received — C. T. 1'.— F. L — A. W. S. —Henry Cannell— Editor of Nature -Leon Parde— F. L. - A. L. L —A. Cogniaux, Nivelles, with thanks- Prof. Sargent, Boston— W. Siehe, Mersina-C. C. H.— A. W.-A. L. L., Photos-T. H. C — F. W. B.— Prof. Burvenich— Frank Kuhler -H. W. W.-J. OB — C. T. Druery.— J. L— Expert — E. H. J.— J. F.— E. C— J. K. J— T. Denny.-F. C— W. R. F— R. D.-W. A. C. — Ch. S— A. D.-J. H. B.-H. M.-H. A.-W. Howe — R. Davidson — C. Page.— H. S —A. Pope— G. W. Hodg- son.—H. Boshier.— Income Tax Adjustment Agency. —P. W. T.-A. J. A. B. (For Markets and Weather, see p. xfvj Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle," January .**, 1903.] CHESTER & ELAM (Late with BLACKBURN & HOMER), Rope, Line and Twine Manufacturers, p? Gardeners' Sundriesmen. IMPORTERS OF PAPER, RAFFIA, ARCHANGEL & ST. PETERSBURG MATS. Agents for J. £. KEMPTON'S FLORAL GUM. Waggon Ropes, Garden Lines, Sash Lines, Twines, Loin Cloths, Horse Cloths, Van Covers, Pea Bags, Potato Bags, Corn Sacks, Chaff Bags, Cart Grease, Halter Reins, Nose Bags, Dandy Brushes, Curry Combs, Wadding, Corn Sieves, Bass Brooms, Garden Sticks, Labels, Hose, Netting, Lichen Moss, »» » » »» Saynor's Budding and Pruning Knives, &c. FLORIST'S WIRE OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. REGULATION CART AND VAN LAMPS. BEFORE BUYING, WRITE FOR SAMPLES & PRICES. SPECIAL QUOTATIONS TO LARGE BUYERS 33, Great Queen Street, Holborn TWO MINUTES FROM COVENT GARDEN MARKET/ m LOND0N. fl, V tfs J3 "■ <"-■* O t>. fc 2 c £ J O 03 S ^■^ PQ ^ >■ a flu =C L» ■? rf HS« ■*• W3 DC < 2 >- < D DC M H Z a, u SB CO M o a e £ = a. ■£.3.d c t- to -• "^z= ■g o S Seas .2 5 g JciP.g O ^ -a dg-S co i.i ^ cc cj - w U * 5 S S « 2 =_ *1 ffi 4i C CD ~ CJ .Ci as qjo 2 o)K^^^ 3 --lis i . .2 -nx - . S C3 fi>J3 ioio S; ■ a x j-I'i >.= - O cc> CC tefcS :*i c ° M d S ; O. 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U2f-S a-,- S-E3^ .-^-3. . scK °3^-g .^ = « 5=™-' >i cj c O (- — 05 t3<1 3 i l-H 'I W "Js. J _• OB a jj Is s-«g N ^5 3 .9 a — &JD r y o " a =J ^. o l c e> ° ^^-^ - . -r a aj 05 j; jpu Eh Ph fctc W'. Eh 5: HE H &Eh faajCOS HJ: H fa m 'S a tA d a ■: 3 O ijt! A OS en • 3 r- a t £ I If >. c i - 1 S Iff 1 ' o!"t 3?;s CO?. »-< Ol rt 'ifl U t-»01 O <-i M 00 -*■ £ a Q LU I CO _l m Q. CO Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle," January 3, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE ("TEE TIMES OF HORTICULTURE") |t tSKuhlg Illustrate Journal (ESTABLISHED 1841) Among our Correspondents and Contributors to recent Volumes the following, out of many Hundreds, may be named : — ITU A »TT\ 1TT1T1T1 t nrnlrd TIT * XTrPO . PrtPrTflllT fTiTi TJ rOT) r»TlTTlT?llTnT? • f* « T»T\T>»T T»*im 1 \TTT . DD I nmTM IT SI 1 TlT\T«mTrt . ALPINE AND HERBACEOUS PLANTS ARNOTT, S., Dumfries. BOWLES, A., Cheshunt. CORREVON, H., Geneva. DOD, Rev. C. Wolley, Malpas. ELLACOMBE, Rev. Canon, Bitton. ELWES, H. J., Andoversford. FOSTER, Prof. M„ Cambridge. HARTLAND, Baylor, Cork. JENKINS, E., Hampton Hill. AMATEUR GARDENING :— BENNETT-POE, T. J. BOYLE, Hon. Mrs. " E. V. B." ("Days and Hours in a Garden '"). BUI.I.EY, A. K., NestoiL COKDEROY, Justus ELLACOMBE, Rev Canon. itiz Herbert. <;. w. GUMBLETON, W. E., Belgrove, Cork. HINDMARSH, W. T., Alnwick. REDESDALE, Lord. SCHRODER, Baron Sir Henrv. T1LLETT, C, Norwich. TUCKWELL, Rev. W. WEIR, Harrison, Appledore. WILKS, Rev. W., Shirley, Surrey. WILLIAMSON, Rev. D., Kirkmaiden. ARBORETUM, So. :— ANNESLEY, the Earl of. ACTON, T., Kilmacurragh. BEAN, W. J., Kew. BOOTH, J., Berlin. CROUCHER, G., Ochtertyre, Crieff. DUCIE, the Earl. NICHOLSON, G., late Curator, Royal Gardens, Kew. POWERSCOURT, Viscount. RASHLE1GH, J., Menabilly. SARGENT, Prof., Arnold Arboretum, Cambridge, U.S.A. STRICKLAND. Sir C, Bart CHEMISTRY :- CHURCH, Prof., F.R.S. DEHERAIN, Prof., the late, Paris. DYER, Bernard. MITCHELL, W. S. MOLLER, Dr. Hugo, F.R.S. TRUFFAUT, Georges, Versailles. WARINGTON, R., F.RS. WILLIS. J. J., Rothamsted. DISEASES OF PLANTS :- BIDGOOD, John, Gateshead. BOS, Dr. Ritzema, Wageningen. COOKE, Dr. M. C. KLEBAHN, Dr., Bremen. MASSEE, G., Kew. MURRAY, G., British Museum. PLOWRIGHT, Dr. C. B. PRILLIEUX, Prof., Paris. SMITH, Worthington G., Dunstable. SMITH, Dr. W. G., Leeds. SORAUER, Prof., Proskau. WARD, Prof. Marshall. FERNS :— BAKER, J. G , Kew DRUERY, C. T., Acton. HEMSLEY, A. SCHNEIDER. G., Che'sea. FLORISTS' FLOWERS, &c. :- CANNELL, H.. Swanley. DEAN, R . Ealing. D'OMBRAIN, Rev. H. H., Westwell. DOUGLAS, J., Great Bookham. ENGLE HEART, Rev. G., And. ver. HORNER, Rev. F. D. MOLYNEUX, E., Swanmore Gardens. PAYNE, C. Hannan. SMITH, Martin, The Warren, Hayes Common. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE :- ALBOFF, Dr. the 1 te, Odessa. ANDRE, E., Paris BAILEY, Prof , Ithaca, N.Y. BARRON, L., New York. BARBEY, W. Vallevres. BIERBACK, O., Belgrade. HOIS, D., Paris. BOSSCHE, M. Van den, Tirlemoiit BRITTON, Dr., New York. BUDDE, J. K., Utrecht. CARLES, W. R.. TJen'sin. CHRIST. Dr. Basle. CORCORAN, M., Odessa COSTEKUS, Dr.. Amsterdam. CLOS, Prof., Toulouse. CREPIN.late Director, BotanicGarden, Brussels CRIE, Prof., Rennes. DAHLMARK, N. E., Gothenlmtg. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE DAMMER, Dr. Udo, Berlin. DAVEY, J. Burtt, Univ., California. DEBONO, F.. .Malta. DE CANDOLLE, Casimir, Geneva. DINTER, K., Great Namacpmland. DRUDE, Prof., Dresden. ENGLER, Prof., Berlin. FOHSTER.O.,Scheibbs, UpperAustria. FR ANCESCHI, Dr.,Sta. Barbara, Calif. GOEZE, Dr., Grieiswald. GRIGNAN.IG., Palis. HANBURY, Comm., La Mortola. HANSEN, G., California. HANSEN, Prof. Carl, Copenhagen. HENRIQUES, Prof., Coimbra. HENRY, Dr. A. KERCHOVE, Comte de, Gand. KOLB, Max, Munich. KRELAGE, Haarlem. LAET, Frautz cle, Contich. LEHMANN, H., Popavan. LEICIITL'N, Max. Baden-Baden. LEMMON, J. G., Oakland, California. MACFARLANE, Prof., Philadelphia. MICHELI, M., the late, Geneva. MONTEIRO. Chev., Lisbon. MOTTET, H., Sceaux. NELSON, W., Johannesberg. 01.1VE1RA, J. D'., Oporto. PAUL, Baron St., the late. PENZIG, Prof., Genoa. PIHOTTA, Prof., Rome. PltOSCHOWSKY, A. R., Nice. RODIGAH, E., the late, Ghent. RODRIGUES, Barbosa, Rio Janeiro. ROEBEL1N, Bangkok. ROVELLI. Big., Pallanza. SCHIXZ, Hans, Zurich. SCHROTER, D , Zurich. SOLMS, Prof. Count, Strasburg. SPRENGER, C, Naples. TRELEASE, Prof., St. Louis. VAN TUBERGEN, C. G., Junr., Haarlem. VALLANCE, J., California. VILMORIN, Maurice de, Paris. WAUGH, Prof. Amherst, U.S.A. WIGMAN, Bot. Garden, Buitenzorg. WII.LKOMM, Prof., Prague. WILSON, E. F, China and London. WITTMACK, Dr., Berlin. WITTROCK, V. B. S., Stockholm. FORESTRY :- BOULGER, Prof. BRANDIS, Sir Dietrich, Bonn. FISHER. Prof., Cooper's Hill. FORBES, A. C, late of Bowood, Wilts. FRANCE, C. S., Aberdeen. MAYR Dr., Munich. PARD^. LEON, Senlis. ROGERS, Capt. H., Plymouth. SCHLICH, Dr., Superintendent, Forest Department, Cooper's Hill. SIMPSON, J., late of Wortley. WEBSTER, A. D , Greenwich Park. FRUIT CULTURE :- BALTET, C, Troyes. BARRON, A. F., late of Chiswick. MAYNE, J.. Bicton. BUNYAKD, G., Maidstone, Kent. CASTLE, L., Rid, niont. CHEAL, J., Crawley, Sussex. CRUMP, W., Madresfleld Court. MARKHAM, H.. Wrothain Park. RIVERS, T. F., Sawbridgeworth. ROUPELL, W., Strcatham. TURTON, T., Sherborne Castle Grdns. WOODWARD, G., Barliam CourtGrdns. GARDEN BOTANY :— BAKER, J. G., F.R.S. BALFOUR, Prof. B., Edinburgh. BROWN, N. E., Herbarium, Kew. BLRBIDGE, F. W., M.A., Botanic Gardens. Dublin. CLARKE, C. B., Kew. DUNN, S. T., Kew. DTER, Sir W. T. ThUelton, Director, Roval Gardens, Kew. ELWES, H. J., Andoversford. HEMSLEY, W. B., F.R.S., Kew. HOOKER, Sir J. D., K.C.S.I., late Director, Royal Gardens, Kew. JACKSON, J. R., late ol Museums, Roval Gardens. Kew LEICHTLIN, Max. Baden-Baden. LINDSAY, R., Edinburgh. MOORE, S|iencer. NICHOLSON, George. OLIVER, Prof., F.K.S. RENDLE, Dr., Nat. Hist. Museum. SCOTT-ELLIOT, G. F. S. GARDEN BOTANY : SKAN, Kew. STAPF, Dr., Kew. WILSON, Dr., St. Andrew's. WITTROCK, Prof., Stockholm. WORSi EY, A., Isl- north. WORSDELL, W. C, Kew. GARDEN INSECTS :- BLANDFORD, F. FRIEND, Rev. H.. High Wycombe. McLACHLAN, R., F.K.S. ' MICHAEL, A. D., F.R.S. NEW STEAD. R., Chester. WATERHOUSE, C. O. WESTWOOD, Prof., F.R.S., the late. INDIA AND THE COLONIES :- ADI AM, R. W„ J. hannesburg. BAILEY, Prof., Brisbane, BIRDWOOD, Mr G. BOLUS, H., Capetown. BROADWAY, W. E., Botanical Gar- dens, Grenada, W.I. BUCHANAN, D., Mackie, Queensland. BUTTERS, J. J., Port Elizabeth. CARRUTHERS. .1. I!., Ceylon. CRADWICK, W. Hope. Botanic Gar- dens, Kingston, W.I. CURTIS, G, Penang. DUTHIE, J. F., SaliarunroTF. FAWCETT, W.,Supenntendent,Bolani- cal Departnient, Jamaica. FORD, C, Hong Kong. GUILFOYLE, W. It., Me bourne. HART, J. H., Superintendent, Botanical Depart ment, Trinidad. BOLZK, M.. Adelaide. 1M THURN, Everard, Ceylon. JENMAN, G. S., the late, Fritish Guiana. KING, Sir George, F.R.S., late Direc- tor, Royal Botanic Gdns., Calcutta. MACOWAN, Pror., Cape Town. MACOUN, Prof., Ottawa. MA' MAHON, P., Brisbane. MAIDEN, J. B., Sjdiey. McMILLAN, H. F., Peradmiva, Cejloii. MORRIS, D., Imp. Commissioner, W.I. MURTON. H. J., Siam. PENha. LOW, Prof., Mo treal. PRAIN Su geon Major. Calcutta. RIDLEY, H. N., Superintendent, Botanical Di partment, Singapore. STOREY, H., Oodeypore. TUTCHER, W. J., Hong.Kong. WOOD, Mrdl. y, Botanic Garden, Durban. WOODROW, C. M. LANDSCAPE GARDENING :- ANDRE, E., Paris. CHEAL, J., Crawley. GOLDRING, W., Kew. JACKMAN, J., Woking. MAWSOX, H. T., Windermere. MILNER, H. E., London. ORCHIDS :- ALEXANDER, H., gr. Westonbirt, Glos. BOUND, W P., Gatton Park. CHAPMAN, H. J., Wylain-on-Tyne COGNIAUX, Prof., N'ivclles. COOKSON. N., Wylam-on-Tyne. DE B. CRAWSHAY, Sevenoaks. HURST, C. C, Burbage. KR.ENZLIN, Dr. F., Berlin. LAWRENCE, Sir Trevor, Bart., M.P., President, Royal Horticultural Soc. LINDEN, Lucieo, Brussels. O'BRIEN, James. PFITZER, Prof, Heidelberg. RENDLE, A. B., Brit. Mus. ROLFE, R. A., Kew. ROSS, Comm., the late, Florence. ROTHSCHILD, II. hi. Walter. SANDER, F., St. Albans. SMEE, A. H, theloe, Wallington. SWAN, W., Ihorncote, Staines. VEITCH, H. J., F.L.S. WEATHERS, P., Hanchest r. WHITE, R. B., Arddarroch. WHITE, W. H., gr., Sir T. Lawrence. YOUNG, W. H., Clare Lawn Gardens, E. Sheen. PRACTICAL GARDENING :— BAIN, W., Burford Lodge Gardens, Dorking. BROTHERSTON, R. P., Tynninghame Gardens, Prestonkirk, BUNYARD, T. PRACTICAL GARDENING :- CLAYTON, H. J., Grimston Park COOK, A. C, gr., late of Compton Bassett. COOK, T. H.,gr. to H.M. the King at Sandringhatn. COOMBER,T..TheHendre,Monmouth. CULVERWELL, W., gr., late ot Thorpe Perrow. CUMMINS, G. W., late of Carshalton. DAVIfSON, R., gr., Colford Hall. DAY, Galloway House, Garliestown. DEAN, A., Kingston. DIVERS, W H., Belvoir Castle Gdns. DOUGLAS, J., Great Bookhain. HARROW, R. L., Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. HEMSLEY, A.,Lewisham. HERRIN, C, East Finchley. HUDSON, J., Gunnersbu'ry House, Acton. HUGHES, J., Wentworth Woodhouse Gardens, Rotherliani. JONES, C. H., Ole Hall Gardens, Burgess Hill. KIRK, A., Norwood Gardens, Alloa. LEACH, W. C, Albury Park Gardenss LINDSAY, R., Edinburgh. LYNCH, R. I., Botanic Gardens, Cambridge. MACHATTIE. .1. W., Edinburgh. MACKINLAY, Geo., Wrest Park Gar- dens, Anipthill. MAI LETT, G. B., Colchester. MARTIN. H. T., Stoneleigh Abbey Gardens, Kenilworth. McINTYRE, M. McLEOD, J. F., Dover House Gar- dens, Roehampton. MAYNE, J., Bicon. MELVILLE, D., Dunrobin Gardens. MILES, G. T., late of Wycombe Abbey Grdns MILLER, W., late of Coombe Abbey. MOLYNEUX, E. MOORE, F. W., Royal Botanic Garden, Glasnevin. ODELL, J. W., Sla-more PETTIGREW, A., Carditt Castle Grdns. POWELL, D. C, Powdeibam Castle. PRINSEP, H. C, Ucklield. RICHARDSON, A. D., Eilinbnrgh. ROBKRI'S, D , gr., Prestwold Hall. SIMPSON, J. SLADE, T. H, gr., Poltimore Park. STANTON, G., Park Place Gardens, Henley. TALLACK, J. C, gr., Shipley Hall. THOMAS, O., late of Royal Gardens. Froginore. TOWNSEND, W. J., Wokingham. TURTON, T., gr., Sherborne Castle. WADDS, B., Birdsall, Yorks. WALLIS, J. WARD, A. WARD, H. W., Rayleigh, Essex. WATSON, W., Curator, Royal Grdns., Kew. WEBSTER, C, Gordon Castle Gardens. WHITTON, .1., Glasgow. WHYTOCK, J., gr., Dalk.ith. WILSON, D.,The Park, Prestwich. WYTHES, G., Sion House Gardens. And many others. ROSES :- D'OMBRAIN, Rev. H. H, Westwell Kent. HOLE, R., Ve.y Rev. Dean, Rochester. MAWLEY", E., "Rosebank," Berkhan.- sted. OHPEN, G., Colchester. PAUL, G., Cheshunt. PAUL, W.. Waltham Cross. PAGE ROBERTS, Rev. V1VIAND MOREL Lvons. WILLIAMSON, Rev. D., Kirkmaiden VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY, &c. : - HATESON, W., Cambridge. BONAVIA, Dr. E. BOULGER, Prof. G. F. DE VRIES, Prof. Hugo. Amsterdam. FOSTER, Sir Michael, Cambridge. HENSLOW, Rev. Prof. PERCIVAL, Prof. SCOTT, Dr., Kew. SOLMS, Count, Strasburg. TRUFFAUT, G., Versailles. WALLACE, Apred, Dr. WEISS, Dr., Manchester. ZACHARIAS, Professor, Hamburgh, January 10, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 17 THE darters' (iptrmttck No. 837.— SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 1903. CONTENTS. Asters, perennial, pro- pagation of Begonia Gloire de Lor- raine Book notices— A Manual of Indian timbers Calanthe Veitchi Cassell's Dictionary of Gardening Chinese Maples Cucumber culture Dendrometer occur. As many of these Maples are now in cultivation at Coombe Wood, some remarks concerning them will be timely. Hut first with regard to Dipt.'- 22 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 10, 1903. ronia, there is no doubt of its close affinity to Acer ; and Pax, the latest monographer, confines the tribe or sub-order Aeeracese to these two genera, out of which has been thrown the curious Himalayan Dobinea. This genus has been trans- ferred to Anacardiaces. The American Negundo, with three species, is now reduced to Acer ; it differs in floral structure from the Asiatic tri- f oliolate Maples ; and it is only in a popular sense that the name Negundo can be applied loosely to all Maples with tri-foliolate or pinnate leaves. Dipteronia. This genus includes two species. They are fcrees with opposite imparipinnate leaves, serrate in margin. The flowers are polygamous, and disposed in terminal panicles. The fruit consists of two carpels, diverging and connate at the base, each being surrounded by a membranous wing all round. In each carpel there is a solitary exalbuminous seed. about a foot long, including a petiole of 4 inches long. The leaflets are opposite, subsessile, ovate- lanceolate, from an oblique base, and terminating in a long acuminate apex ; the margin has a few distant sharp serrations. The petiole ; also the mid-rib and veins of the underside of the leaflets, are beset with a dense brown pubescence ; on the upper surface the veins are slightly pubescent. The inflorescence is a broad terminal panicle, covered with a dense brown short pubescence. The fruit, that of the genus, consists of two divergent carpels, connate at the base, the soli- tary seed being imbedded in each carpel in the centre of a membranous orbicular wing. The carpels are each about 2^ inches broad by 2 inches long. The seed is J inch wide and f inch long, and is reniform in section with a cordate base. I associate this interesting plant with the name of the Director of Kew, whose help and encouragement to me during many years have been constant and invigorating. Auoustine Henry. (To be continued.) Fig. 13. — platycerium hillii. Showing portion of fertile frond with sori ; spore-cases, spores, stellate hairs, &c. (See p. 24 1 1. Dipteronia sinensis, Oliver. — A tree of central "China, now in cultivation in Coombe Wood. It occurs in Hupeh mountain forests at considerable •elevations, and will be hardy in this country. The leaves have four to seven pairs of lanceolate ■or ovate-lanceolate leaflets, which are petiolulate or subsessile ; and they are sharply serrate. Each fruiting carpel is obliquely obovate, about an inch long by J inch broad. The leaves and inflores- cence are glabrous ; occasionally, however, the leaves have a slight pilose pubescence. 2. Dipteronia Dyerana, Henry (nov. sp.). — This -was found, only once, in the forests east of Mengtsz in Yunnan, at about 7,000 feet elevation, occurring as a small tree 10 feet high. It possibly attains much larger dimensions, as in China many trees which grow to a great size, flower at an early period. The flowers are unknown. It is easily distinguished from the last species by its pubescent leaves and infloresence, and its very large fruit. The following description is drawn up from my specimen, No. 11,352, in the Kew Herbarium : A small tree, 10 feet high. Leaves opposite, im- paripinnate, with six or seven pairs of pinnas, The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L. Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury. Cleansing of the Houses and Plants. — The present month affords a suitable time for cleansing the plants and houses in every part, and the various operations should be pushed on with vigour. In smoky parts of the country and the suburbs of big towns, the deposit of greasy blacks on the roofs and sides of the houses should be removed by washing, and the interiors washed with soap-suds and petroleum. Clear away all rubbish from beneath the stages, which if allowed to remain forms hiding-places for cockroaches, woodlice, ants, &c. After the cleansing of the walls, glass, and wood-work is finished, that of the pots and pans should be undertaken ; and finally the plants may be freed from scale and mealy-bug. For destroying the latter, apply methylated spirits with a soft camel's-hair pencil a few hours before the plants are washed with warm water and a piece of sponge. There are many insecticides on the market that are per- fectly safe to use on plants, if care be taken not to use them of so great a strength as the direc- tions given with them advise. Brown and white seale infest Ladias and Cattleyas, concealing themselves under the outer sheathing of the pseudo - bulbs. In cases of bad infestation this sheathing must be stripped off, and methy- lated spirits applied to the scale insects. "When the plants are staged anew, let them be so arranged that each obtains its due share of sun- light as far as is practicable, Thrips in some gardens give much trouble during the winter months, but frequent vaporising with 5L-A11 will lessen their numbers considerably; and ants cause a lot of harm by carrying insects — mealy- bug, black scale, &c, from place to place as food. Here we are troubled very much with ants ; the best remedy that has come under my notice so far is ValTs Beetle-traps, an article obtainable at most chemists. This is likewise one of the finest means for eradicating cockroaches and wood-lice from Orchid-houses. The Besting of Orchids. — Many of the plants are now at rest more or less, and as a consequence no plant is in need of much moisture ; nevertheless, any excessive drying of the materials should be avoided. The gardener should make an inspec- tion of the potting materials, condition and number of the roots, the size of pots, &c, how much water may be afforded, so as to keep the pseudo-bulbs plump and the roots healthy. Avoid the practice of applying water to the surface, but leaving the roots at the bottom of the pot in a perfectly dry condition, a state of things that is responsible for the loss of many of the roots. In the case of a healthy plant possessing plenty of foliage, and many roots becoming dry, the better practice is to plunge the pot up to the rim in a vessel of tepid water. This is, however, inadvisable if a plant is potted in leaves, with only one crock for drainage, as it might cause the death of the plant ; but plants with many roots which are afforded ample drainage materials will take a fair supply of water during the resting season to keep them healthy. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart., Wexhani Park, Slough. The Mushroom House. — Collect fresh horse-dung and short litter from the stables for the making of a new bed, spreading these in an open shed, cart-house, &c, in the form of a flat heap about a foot thick, and allow the mass to ferment and get rid of the more rank ammonia, hastening the process by turning it once in two days. "When sufficiently sweetened, if the manure is somewhat wet, add one barrow-load of dry loam to every five or six of the manure, when constructing the Mushroom - bed, thoroughly mixing the two together. A Mushroom-bed may be 1J to It, foot in depth, the materials being beaten together firmly with a spade or mallet as the work proceeds. Having made the bed of the required size, let it alone till the warmth has gone down to 80° as tested with a bottom-heat thermometer, and a this degree of warmth the bed may be spawned. Break up the bricks of spawn into pieces 1§ inch square, and insert these in shallow holes made at intervals of 8 inches apart, and cover with a handful of the materials. Place a thin covering of long litter on the bed, and leave it for one week, when it may be covered with adhesive sifted loam to the depth of 11 inch, making it firm and smooth, and replace the litter. The soil should be warmed before it is applied. The temperature of the house may range from 55° to 60°, and the air kept moist by damping the walls and paths with tepid water. Potatos for very early forcing may be grown in pots ; medium sized sets being selected of such varieties as Sutton's May Queen, Sharpe's Victor, or Veitch's Early Ashleaf. After the eyes or buds have grown to about an inch in length, they are ready for planting. A useful pot is one of 10 or 12 inches in diameter, these being readily portable. A light compost should be used, preferably one consisting of loam one part, leaf -soil two parts, and spent-bed Mushroom materials one part, with a good sprinkling of wood-ashes. Let the pots have good drainage, and be half filled with soil pressed down firmly. Keduce the eyes to one, the strongest ; and place three sets in each pot, putting the soil to three- quarters of the depth of the pots, which will leave space for a manurial mulch later on. Place JANUAKY 10, 1903.] THE GAEDENEES' CHEONICLE. 9,3 in a house or pit having a temperature of 50° to 55° by day, and a somewhat lower one by night ; anything stronger than this at the start pushing the top-growth too much in advance of the roots, and if the stems get drawn or weakly, tubers do not readily form. Potatos planted last month in pots or mild hotbeds should be afforded all the sunlight possible, and kept close to the glass. Afford air more or less according to the state of the weather, and apply water sparingly ; adding fresh soil when earthing becomes requisite, covering the glass at night when the weather is PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle, Bietou, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire. Chrysanthemums. — The middle of the present month is a good time to insert cuttings of these plants, choosing sturdy shoots growing at the base of the stock plants, discarding weakly shoots or those having flower-buds. The cuttings should be from 2|- to 3 inches in length, and be cut close under a joint, and be inserted singly in 2-inch pots, or four in a 3-inch pot, around the sides, which should be clean, and carefully crocked. The soil may consist of about equal parts of loam and leaf-soil, with a liberal addition of river or coarse silver-sand, with just a sprinkling of sand on the surface to work down with the dibber. Make the cuttings firm in the soil, and apply water with a fine rose can. In Devon, the cuttings may be rooted in cold frames, but a surer method to employ anywhere is to erect long, narrow propagating-boxes on the stage of a glasshouse having a temperature from 40° to 50° ; cover the bottom with finely sifted coal-ashes, and cover with close-fitting sashes or large panes of glass, kept in place by a few tacks. No shading is necessary, but the glass must be kept clean, and the condensed moisture wiped off the glass every morning. Water will, as a rule, not be required till rooting takes place ; but should any of the cuttings droop while the sun is on them, a light syringing will revive them. Four to six weeks generally will elapse before roots form, and when this is seen to be the case, the plants should be removed to other frames or hand- lights, where a small quantity of air can be ad- mitted to them, the quantity being increased daily. In about ten days, stand the cutting- pots on shelves near the glass, but away from cold draughts. Roses in Pots, (°-c. — Eoses should be pruned a few weeks previously to putting them into a forcing-house, and the plants should have been established in pots for, at the least, one year, otherwise the blooms will be thin and few in number. Before forcing is begun, make the drainage secure, cleanse the pots, scrape off the surface-soil, and apply a top-dressing of loam, and a sprinkling of bone-meal, mixed well together, making it firm with a rammer. As regards pruning, H.P.'s require to be cut back somewhat hard, and always to a plump bud ; while the Teas, Noisettes, and such-like, may merely require the weak wood to be removed, and the main shoots kept well apart when training the plants. Where no Hose-house exists, the pots may be brought into a peachery or vinery about to be started, and where a temperature of 45° to 50° can be afforded the plants for a few weeks, increasing it in abowt three weeks. Apply air freely in mild weather, afford the plants a light part of the house un- shaded by other things, syringe once or more often daily as the case may require ; and if aphides appear, apply weak tobacco-water, or Quassia extract, which is as good as any, and hunt for the Rose-maggot, found in the centre growths or curled leaves, which so soon destroy the flower- buds. The Eoses which are fastened to the walls and rafters of a Eose-house or greenhouse should have their shoots thinned, and be afforded a top- dressing like that advised above for pot-Eoses. Against mildew, employ flowers - of - sulphur, washing it off the foliage after twenty-four hours. Srugmansias. — Those planted in beds or borders (where they succeed much better than in pots) will have been kept somewhat dry at the root for the last month or two, and may now be pruned hard back, and still be kept dry at the root for another month. Plants grown in tubs and pots may be pruned, and kept dry at the roots, and cool for the present. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Foktescue, Esq. Dropmore, Maidenhead. Raspberries. — In mild weather get the canes thinned if no thinning was performed last June, and secure the remainder to two or three wires strained horizontally to wooden posts or iron standards ; and if a row of planks be laid between the rows, the ground need not be trodden at this season whilst the work is being carried out. The canes should be kept at about 8 in. apart if laid in all over the trellis, and if strong well-ripened they may be left at about 5 ft. in length when the tying is finished. Afford a coating of spent hot- bed manure, and lightly prick it in near the stools, but deeply in the middle track of the alleys, or allow it to lie as mulch on the dug ground. New plantations. — If the ground has been trenched, and plenty of manure applied at the bottom, a matter of importance, the plantation generally lasting for ten or twelve years, get the planting finished forthwith; and if wire trellis is going to be used, the ground should be marked out, the rows marked out at six feet apart. The posts for supporting the wire should then be put in their places, but the wires not being required till next season, these need not be used. The canes should be fifteen inches apart in the rows, and be cut back to about two feet from the base after planting, and mulching them, the canes being finally cut down to three inches from the ground towards the close of March. Good varieties for planting are Superlative (the best of all the red varieties), Baumforth's Seedling, Yellow Antwerp, Yellow Superlative, and Guinea. Peaches and Nectarines. — The mild weather in the south is causing the buds on these fruit trees to develop, and the trees should immediately be loosened from the wall. Doing this will retard growth and enable the gardener to cleanse the wall, stop up holes, draw nails, &c. Not much pruning will be required if disbudding was well attended to last summer. If there is scale on the wood, make use of an insecticide, employing a syringe, and choosing a quiet day for the job. I do not consider that anything is gained by keeping the trees some distance from the wall, as do some gardeners, with the idea of retarding the buds, but I proceed with pruning, nailing, or tying forthwith. Lay in the main branches first, beginning at the bottom, letting them radiate regularly around the centre ; then lay in the young shoots at about 4 in. apart, keeping a few shoots near the main branches so that the leaves may afford shade to these from the too ardent sun. Miscellaneous. — Collect the prunings of all kinds of fruit trees and burn them forthwith. In frosty weather, wheel manure on to the fruit quarters, borders, &c. ; and in wet weather cut and sort shreds, heat nails and studs, throwing them into oil, whilst still hot ; cut and point stakes, saving much time later on. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Strawberries. — Introduce batches for succession from heated pits where the plants have been started on a bed of tree-leaves to the Strawberry- house, or to shelves fixed up close to the roof- glass in an early forcing-house. Afford the plants weak liquid manure, and if they have been prepared as advised in previous calendars, they will throw up vigoi'ous flower-trusses, the flowers of which should be fertilised daily. After the fruits are set, make a selection of six or eight of the best, removing the remainder. Figs. — Those plants that are being grown in pots for affording early fruit, and which are plunged in a hotbed as advised in a previous Calendar, should now be afforded a temperature of 50° to 55° at night, and one of 10° to 15° higher by day, the lower temperatures ruling in very cold weather. Syringe the plants morning and afternoon, and in other ways maintain a moist atmosphere. The early house having been closed for the past week, a night temperature of 45° to 50°, and one of 10° higher during the day may be applied, treating the trees in the manner advised for Pigs in pots. Succession trees which may have made gross, unfruitful growth, should be severely root-pruned ; and if the roots have an unlimited run, enclose them in small enclosures formed of brick set in cement, so as to have the roots under proper control, it being an easy matter to apply manure when it is wanted. This method of confining the roots, results in short- jointed, fruitful wood. In pruning, thin out the branches, and train-in young shoots from the bottom of the trees, which will in time take the places of the thick, and often unfruitful branches towards the centre of the tree. Trees in pots or- borders having most of the fruit-bearing wood at the top. may be cut down to points from which young branches are desired, these forming readily below the point of severance ; and curtail the roots in proportion to the pruning of the top. Thoroughly cleanse the trees and houses, scrape off all loose soil from the borders, and lightly dig- in a dressing of charred garden-refuse and bone- meal, afterwards dressing with good loam and mortar-rubble to the depth of 2 or 3 inches. Tomatos. — Plants which have been growing in pots since last June or July, under cool con- ditions for the production of fruits, and may still be bearing a quantity of useful fruits, should be encouraged to ripen these fruits by affording a. temperature of 55° to 60°, with plenty of air in mild weather, and a dry atmosphere. Most of" the fruit will now be found at the tops of the plants, but if young, healthy shoots from the- bottom are laid-in, a useful lot of fruit will be obtained during the early spring months. Re- move entirely the old foliage as the young shoots- extend. Sprinkle some fertiliser on the soil, pointing it in, or affording water, so as to carry the nutriment to the roots. Plants raised from, seed last August, or from cuttings at about the same time, will, if grown under favourable con- ditions, produce quantities of fruit, and sheuld; receive the same kind of treatment as the- older plants. Fertilise the open flowers daily by gently tapping the flower-clusters. Pincrt out lateral growths, but do not remove any of the foliage except to expose the fruit to the sun's rays. Pot off seedlings as soon as they show a leaf beyond the cotyledons, making use of a compost consisting of equal parts of leaf -mould, and good loam ; afford a temperature of 60° to 65°, and set them upon a shelf near to the glass. Sow seeds in pans of light soil, and place in propa- gating-pit. Four good varieties are Frogmore Selected, Sutton's Al, Acquisition, and Ham Green. Favourite. T. H. C. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller Mundi-, Esq.,. Shipley Hall, Derby. Priming. — Climbing plants, if numerous, should! be pruned and fastened to walls, trellises, and- bowers, and it is very important that Clematis- shall be dealt with early, so as to avoid the en- tanglement of the shoots that is sure to occur if this work be postponed. Each section of Clematis must be pruned according to its habit of growth, which should be well understood by the pruner. Those of the C. lanuginosa and C. florida types, together with most of the species, should have the number of shoots reduced, and those that are retained, lightly shortened. C. Jackmanni and C. viticella with their varieties may be cut down almost to the ground-level, more especially young plants that are getting established, and aged plants whose shoots may have become much entangled and the plant top heavy. Bignonia radicans may have the main shoots spurred-in like a Vine or Currant-bush ; deciduous climbers may be dealt with in their turn, pruning much or little accordingly to the time of flowering and habit. Plants that flower on last year's wood should be pruned after flowering. Climbing; Eoses should be pruned in the spring. It is fre- quently necessary to remove some of the oldest and bare branches so as to make space for laying- in new shoots. Lawns. — Ply the roller frequently, and where- the grass is poor afford dressings of basic slag . 4 oz. to the square yard. Bone-meal, sifted wood- ashes, fresh soot, and organic manure well mixed, together form a beneficial dressing. Carnations.— After sharp frost, press the soil, firmly around the plants in beds and borders,, doing this gently with the hands only. Hardy herbaceous perennial plants newly planted should be examined, and if found to be lifted out of the soil by frost, the soil should be pressed firmly around them. 24 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 10, 1903. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. ■Communications should be written os ONE side only of the paper, sent as earl!/ in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dx. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return the unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. APPOINTMENTS FOB THE ENSUING WEEK. (Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meeting. Hort. Club Dinner at the Hotel Windsor. THURSDAY, JAN. 15 { LMeetingS°C" SreC'al General 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 and 16— Hardy Herbaceous Plants and BulM, Perennials, Pinks, Carnations. Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. TUESDAY, January 13- Palms, Bays, Roses, Lily of the Valley, &c, by Pollexfen & Co., at Pilgrim Street, Ludgate Hill, at 12.30. WEDNESDAY, January 14- Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Palms, Roses, Herbaceous Plants, Gladiolus, Perennials, and Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.— Palms and Bulbs, Fruit Trees, &c, at 12.3); Japanese Lilies, at 2.30, at Stevens' Rooms. FRIDAY, January 16— Orchids in great variety, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E C, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30. TENDER. Laying-Out Grounds, Clerk to the Board, L'rentwood. ( For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from Observations of Forty-three Years at Chlswick —366'. Actual Temperatures :— London.— January 7 (6 p.m.) : Max. 51'; Mln. 41°. Januarys (11 A.M ).— Black fog; mild. Provinces. — January 7 (6 p.m.) : Max. 49", Scilly ; Min. 35', N.E. Scotland. Universal Ex- ^ DOCUMENT relating to the position of proposed exhibition at St. Louis St. Louis, 1954. in 1904; has reaehed us, a docu- ment full of interest even for those who are not likely to participate in the exhibition itself. The average Englishman knows little or nothing of the history of Louisiana, and would be puzzled if called on to indicate its extent and relation to the other States of the Union. In the pamphlet before us, a brief summary of the history is given showing how the vast territory of Louisiana which had been Spanish, became French, and was eventually sold a century ago by Napoleon to the United States, which thus obtained an area as large as the original territory of the United States as defined by the treaty of 1783. The subdivision of this province, extend- ing over a million square miles, into some fourteen States, and their subsequent marvel- lous development and progress, is told in few words, but with all the more force and directness. A well-contrived map illustrates the text, and serves vividly to impress the leading facts on the mind. But it is not with historical summaries that we are concerned in these pages, nor even with the general details of the huge exhibition it is proposed to hold. Our concern lies almost exclusively with the products of the vegetable world, A sufficiently large subject. Agriculture and forestry have naturally vast importance in these central States of the union. Fruit culture and horticulture generally must also assume enormous propor- tions among a population which has increased from over three millions in 1880, to fourteen and a half millions in 1900. or, at the rate of about seventy -nine per cent, in twenty years! These figures refer exclusively to the four- teen States carved out of the old Louisiana. But this area is wedged in between the Eastern and the Western States, and St. Louis is approximately in the centre of the States, and in direct communication by rail or river with the whole of the United States, east and west, north and south, with Mexico, and with Canada. These facts will give some idea of the numbers of producers and of consumers for whom this exhibition will cater, not to speak of foreign countries which, no doubt, will largely participate, whether as visitors or as exhibitors. We extract from the pamphlet before us the following details relating to the subject which will most interest our readers : — Horticulture. There will be a splendid conservatory for the reception of exotic and other decorative, orna- mental, and usef id plants, including those of the greatest size. This will constitute a portion of the home of horticulture, which is to cost 200,000 dollars, about .£41,500. The frontage is arranged for 800 feet, and the depth will be 400 feet. The aim is to make in this palace of fruit, foliage, and flowers, a complete display of the gardening world. The exhibit is open to appliances and methods of pomology, viticulture, floriculture, and arboriculture ; and in addition to tools of every description for gardeners and nurserymen, this includes greenhouses, aquariums, garden architecture, plans, models, pictures, and literature dealing with the subject. Viticultube. As to the Vine, it is such an important branch of horticulture, that the idea is to make viticulture a separate group. The section is open to types of buildings, implements, appliances, and tools, relating to the culture. A collection of Vines is another object in view. Methods of making and preserving of wine, and of dealing with diseases of Vines, are also open to illustration by exhibitors. Choice Fruits. By artificial aids, rare fruits have become daily necessities, so that what was once a select trade, now belongs to the category of universal business. The schedule of the group permits the exhibit of pomaceous and stone fruits, i.e., Apples. Pears, Plums, Peaches ; citrus fruits, as Oranges, Lemons, Limes ; tropical and sub-tropical growths : Pineapples, Bananas, Mangos, Figs, Olives ; and of Strawberries, Raspberries, Gooseberries, and Currants, classed as small fruits; Almonds, Hickory-nuts, Filberts, and Walnuts. For his- torical and decorative purposes, the schedule includes casts and models of fruits in wax and plaster. Trees, Shrubs, and Plants. As ornamental gardening has now become both a fashion and a necessity, arrangements have been made for a display of ornamental standard trees and shrubs, plants for the park or garden, herbaceous plants, such as Dahlias, Chrysanthe- mums, and mosses and baskets of flowers. Further, it is part of the plan to show the working results of forced culture, including specimens from as many different countries as possible, of forced vegetables and fruit, varieties of plants culti- vated for ornamental purposes, plants for houses of moderate and extreme temperatures. Seeds and Young Trees. Seeds and plants for gardens and nurseries are included, i.e., collections of vegetable seeds and young trees, whether seedlings or grafted. Another group in the Department will be devoted to ornamental trees and shrubs, fruit trees, the Vine, and small fruits ; while, with the idea of presenting the full scope of the profession of gardening, methods of propagating, planting, training, and pruning, as in use for any member of the species, will form a part. Forestry. The indoor exhibits of forestry and of fish and game will be covered by the same roof. The approximate cost of the temporary building is 350,000 dollars (about .£72,900), and the structure will have a frontage of 400 feet, with a depth of 600 feet. The forest plays such a leading part in newly-settled lands, and in the peopling of such tracts, that the endeavour is to let the display be both wide in its scope and practical in its aims. The exhibit will extend over nearly 6 acres, and will show collections of seeds and plants and of indigenous or exotic forest - products, equip- ment for tree-culture, and processes of culture and management. It will also illustrate forest topography and botany, geographical distribution, forest work, terracing and replanting, with maps, plans, and literature, relating to the craft of forestry. In the products of the forest will be displayed everything relating to logs, wood for cabinet- work and building, fuel, construction, the dyers' uses, and scientific purposes. Products of forest industries will form a section in the group, i.e., coopers' stock, basket-work, wood-ware, corks, charcoal, &c. A side of the industry less familiar to the general public included in the schedule is appliances for gathering wild crops or products of the soil without culture, as Mushrooms, Truffles, and edible wild fruits ; also plants, roots, barks, and leaves, used by herbalists, pharmacists, dyers, and manufacturers of paper. Eoom is also open for an exhibit of specimens of indiarubber, gutta- percha, gums, and resins. We have only to add that Mr. G. F. Parker is the resident representative in Great Britain, and that his offices are at Sanctuary House, Tothill Street, Westminster, S.W. PLATYCERIUMS. — Our Supplementary Hlustra- tion shows a group of these tropical Ferns as growing in the establishment of Messrs. J. Hill & Sons, of Edmonton. This firm makes a specialty of market Ferns, and from time to time exhibits fine groups at the Royal Horticultural Society exhibitions. Platyceriums, apart from then- noble appearance, are interesting as possessing two kinds of foliage, the one sterile, flat, and comparatively little lobed, reminding one of a huge prothallus; the other erect and deeply lobed, with dense masses of brown spore cases on the under surface. They grow naturally on the branches of trees to which the sterile foliage is appressed, and most of them produce off-sets by means of which they may be propagated. In some cases buds are formed on the roots, as shown in one of the figures. They are thus best grown on blocks. They are widely distributed in the tropics of W. Africa, the Malay Archipelago, and North Australia (see figs. 10, 11, 12, and 13). Platyceriums at Kew. — The tropical Ferns at Kew have greatly improved in health in recent years. This is largely due to the reconstruction of the house (No. 2) in which they are grown, and to the substitution of clear or white-sheet for green-tinted glass in the roof. Ferns which, before this change was made, were difficult to keep in health, are now generally remarkable for the size and luxuriance of their fronds. This is particularly the case with the Platyceriums jANtTAET 10, 1903.] THE GARB ENER 8 ' CHR ONI CL E. 25 which are grown in what is termed the natural ■way, that is, instead of being planted in pots or pans, they are attached to tree-trunks to which cork- bark has been nailed in such a manner as to 'farm pockets to hold sphagnum-moss and peat. Thus treated, the plants can be freely afforded water, without any danger of the soil becoming soured ; and that these conditions are suitable ds abundantly evident from the growth of the plants. The specimen of P. biforme is probably the largest ever seen in Europe. P. madagasear- iense was introduced accidentally from Mada- gascar, along with Cymbidium rhodochihun, which invariably grows on the mass of barren tfronds formed by the Platycerium. A few spore- lings came up on one of these plants at Kew, and these have now grown into nice little specimens. The species and varieties grown at Kew are : — P. sethiopicum (Stemmaria), Tropical Africa. J?, angolense, Tropical Africa. P. alcicorne, Australia. „ „ var. HiDii, Australia. P. biforme, Malaya and Philippines. P. grande, Tropical Asia and Australia (fig. 12, p. 21). P. madagascariense, Madagascar. P. Veitchii, hab. ? P. Willinckii, Java (fig. 11, p. 20). W. W. A Good Example Set.— The Cornwall Daffodil and Spring Flower Society has unani- mously voted a sum of JE20 from its fimds to- wards the building of the Boyal Horticultural Society's New Hall. New Horticultural Production in Ceylon. — In the course of his address at the opening of the recent Legislative Council, the Governor stated that, as regards new products, Para rubber is the most prominent, and is recog- nised as a regular object of cultivation in the island, with every prospect of a great success. Jt is hoped that this may be known on the home market as representing high-quality rubber. The trees introduced into Ceylon in 1876 by the Department of Agriculture are now most vigor- ous, and have this year (1902) again produced a large crop of seed, a quarter of a million of which has been distributed through the island for planting. Tobacco-culture is also proving a suc- cess, the areas having extended. Camphor has been planted-out on various up-country estates and will prove a useful additional cultivation to Tea. Cocoa has throughout the island been pro- ducing very good crops, and where the rules for •exterminating canker have been carried out, the freedom from this dangerous fungus is most en- couraging. The amount of crop harvested for the half-year is larger than for any previous half-year. THE ALPINE-HOU8E AT KEW.— This little house in one corner of the herbaceous ground at Kew, close to Museum No. 2, is now interesting, as it contains a collection of early-flowering hardy bulbous plants, such as delight the lover of abpiues. The genera represented are as follows. Those marked with an asterisk are in flower (now :— Anemone, Brodiaea, Bulbocodium, "Crocus, *Colchicum, *Cyclamen, Chionodoxa, Corydalis, Fritillaria, *Galanthus, Gagea, Hyaeinthus, *Iris, Muscari, *Merendera, *Narcissus, Eomulea, Scilla, Sooliopus. "Cassell's Dictionary of Gardening." —With the issue of the twentieth part this useful publication is terminated. The preface sets forth distinctly what is included and what is omitted. One main object was "to save space whenever it could be reasonably saved, and to reserve it for practical matters alone." The reader knows what to expect ; and if the informa- tion is less encyclopaedic than is the case with .-some other publications, it is none the less useful ;for the class for whom it is specially intended, .ft is well got up, and within its set limitations avell carried out. PINEAPPLES. — The November number of the Bulletin of the Botanical Department of Jamaica contains the report of an interesting lecture by Mr. C. E. Smith on "The Cultivation of Pine- apples in the W. Indies." The soil, though poor, must be light in texture, and thoroughly drained. The plant is propagated by " suckers " or "ratoons" (ratoons being suckers produced below the surface), and " slips " (the " gills " of English gardeners), which are the shoots produced at the base of the fruit. " Eternal vigilance " is required, not only in the cultivation of the plant, but especially in preparing it for market. It must have attained its full size before being gathered, else it will decay before it ripens. Some eighteen varieties are mentioned, of which the smooth Cayenne and the Ripley are considered to be the best. "The Journal of the Board of Agri- culture" for December contains, among other articles, notes on some Potato-diseases, including the black scab ((Edomyces leproides), which pro- duces irregular wrinkled outgrowths from the surface of the tuber. The substance of the tuber is not materially affected. Diseased tubers should be burned to prevent the liberation and dissemi- nation of the spores. Stock should on no account be fed with these diseased Potatos. Gas-lime may be applied to the soil. II. Bacteriosis. — In this disease the leaves soon wither, the stem be- comes discoloured and marked with brown streaks along the course of the vascular bundles. In the tuber the bacteria also give rise to a coloured, finally blackish, zone in the tuber, which ulti- mately rots, while the skin remains intact. The important point to be attended to is the destruc- tion of insects which feed on the leaves. This may be accomplished by the use of Bordeaux Mixture as a spray. Potatos should not be planted in soil that has produced a diseased crop. III. The Sclerotium disease of the Potato. — In this instance the tubers are not directly attacked, but their growth is checked by the fungus which attacks the base of the stem in the form of a fluffy, white mould. After a time, small hard black masses of the size of a grain of Wheat are formed — these are the sclerotia. From the sclerotia the perfect fungus is under favour- able conditions developed. This fungus is not peculiar to the Potato, but attacks almost any plant. A diseased plant thrown on the rubbish-heap, or mixed with the manure- heap, is placed in the most favourable conditions for its multiplication; hence, diseased plants should, if possible, be burnt, and gas-lime applied to the land. The Dutch Onion industry, which forms the subject of an article, has already been referred to, as has also the Eelworm Disease of Cucumbers and Tomatos, and the disease of young fruit-trees caused by Eutypella prunastri. The cultivation of medicinal plants is too pre- carious to be recommended on a large scale. "La Pepiniere" (Charles Baltet : Paris, Masson). — We could wish that we had more space at our disposal to comment on this, the latest product from the fertile pen of Mr. Charles Baltet. It supplies the French nurseryman and cultivator with a practical treatise on the forma- tion and organisation of a nursery or fruit- plantation, of the method of stocking and main- taining it, the cultural details relating to pruning, grafting, and other methods of reproduction, and transplantation. After these generalities, the details concerning the several kinds of plants cultivated in nurseries for use or ornament are given, with numerous illustrations, indexes, &c. Coming from the hands of so able a practitioner and one of such large experience, the book is of special value, and we should be glad to see a translation of it into English. In the meantime, those who read French will find the book very useful to them. Disappearance of a Famous Oak. — During the last week (says the East Anglian Times), the famous Oak in Wayland (or Wailing.) Wood, at Watton, Norfolk, was removed from its historic position. It was purchased by a firm of timber merchants at Brandon, and was drawn to the Gr. E. E. Station by five powerful horses. The wood is situated on the south side of the town, and is confidently believed by the country people to have been the scene of the murder of " The Babes in the Wood," by their uncle ! The Oak, according to tradition, is the identical one under which the babes were found. A carved mantleshelf, displaying the story, belongs to an ancient mansion in this wood. The age of the timber, according to experts, corresponds with the probable date of this tragic affair. The dimensions of the tree were about 35 feet long and 12 feet in circumference ; it was the largest tree in the wood. It had a most beautiful outspreading top, reaching a considerable distance. Daily Graphic. Flowers in Winter. — It is often com- plained that our country is turned into a dump- ing-ground for the surplus stocks of foreign producers, whose tariff arrangements are any- thing but favourable to our returning the com- pliment; but surely none can complain of the "dumping" process when beautiful flowers are sent to our markets. Our remarks are induced by the facts recorded in a daily contemporary, to the effect that a new trade in cut flowers between the south of France and England has been started this winter, and has met with much suceess. The flowers are packed in small cardboard boxes on the Eiviera, and sent through in bulk in hampers as far as Dover, where they are un- packed, stamped, and posted for distribution. Surely many a sick-room will be rendered more bearable by the added daily presence of beautiful flowers, fresh from a land of beauty. Horticultural Club. — The next house dinner of the Club will be held on Tuesday, January 13, at 6 p.m., at the Hotel Windsor, when Mr. Owen Thomas has promised to open the discussion, after dinner, upon " Wasted Opportunities in Fruit-growing in English Villages." "The Gardening World." — This journal has passed into the hands of Messrs. Maclaren & Sons, 37, Shoe Lane, E.C., by whom it will in future be published as a thirty-two page paper, at the cost of twopence weekly, instead of one penny as at present. "Journal of the Kew Guild." — The tenth number of the second volume dated December, 1902, has been issued. To those who have been, or are directly, or even indirectly connected with Kew, this publication is of the greatest interest. Nor is the interest confined to those who can proudly style themselves " Kewites," for horti- culturists of all degrees will find much in these pages to attract them. The present number opens with a portrait of Mr. J. E. Jackson, the late Curator of the museums, together with a brief sketch of his long and useful career at Kew. Mr. Jackson took charge of the museum in suc- cession to the late Alexander Smith, when it was comparatively a small collection, and has seen it grow under his hands till the one small museum has developed into three large ones, the richest of their kind in the world. This account of Mr. Jackson's career serves as a preface to the annual report, which shows a satisfactory finan- cial state. Mr. Watson has become President in place of Mr. Nicholson, and Mr. Bean takes the duties of editor and treasurer. The report of the proceedings at the annual dinner, as well as the record of what has been done at Kew during the year have, of course, been anticipated in the weekly press, but many old Kewites will dadly possess them in a more compact form. 26 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 10, 1903. and indeed it is most pleasant to have one's recollections refreshed by this summary of events. Of special value are the notes from old Kewites in all parts of the world. If the Kew Guild did nothing' more than publish these notes, it would sufficiently justify its existence. The doings and adventures of Kewites "at the front," or in the more peaceful colonial gardens, are narrated so simply, yet so vividly, that they form historical documents of all the greater Value in that they are unpretentious records of the impressions of the writers. As Morocco is attracting much attention just now, and little or nothing is known of the horticultural aspects of the country, we append an extract from Mr. T. W. Brown's letter, dated from Fez, on the 28th of June last : — "I have been here three months. When I landed in Rabat in January I found the Court there, and had to wait until it moved up here. It took us ten days to come up. The weather was wet, and in eonsecpienee the rivers were flooded, and the country was soft and swampy. There are no made roads and very few bridges, so that travelling is not lacking in adventure. The country throiigh which we passed is almost entirely devoid of trees, and even here there are none with the exception of Olive and other fruit- trees. " Fez is, I think, the most picturesque town I have yet seen. It is situated at the mouth of a deep valley, through which flows the river Fez to join the river Sebou a little below the town. High mountains rise on either side, on the lower slopes of which stand Olive-groves, and orchards of Figs, Peaches, Plums, &c. The town is surrounded by a high wall, part of which is in ruins. As in all Moorish towns, the streets are narrow and dirty. The decoration of some of the mosques is very fine, particularly the mosaics wrought with little glazed tiles on the floors and walls. The climate is most agreeable. Of course, it is rather warm just now (last week we had 99° in the shade), but we experience no violent changes. "I am engaged in making a flower garden within the palace walls. The greater part is to be laid out in geometrical designs ; the surround- ings do not allow of much rustic or natural gardening. I have sixty gardeners, and as many labourers as I want. The gardeners are men who have been working in the orchards and vegetable gardens around the town. They are not, however, a very intelligent set. Of course, horticulture and agriculture are carried on in the most primitive fashion. The ground is tilled with simple wooden ploughs drawn by oxen, the corn is cut with sickles which leave a foot of straw standing, and everything else is done in the same imperfect manner. It is interesting however, and gives one an idea of how things were done in the far past. The Moors do not believe in change, and have preserved all the ways and customs of their ancestors." The Man who Serves the Kitchen.— A good service has been rendered in the Gardeners' Magazine, Dec. 27, by a writer who describes the services rendered by the gardener, to whom falls the duty of conveying the produce of the garden to the kitchen. How important his duties are when conscientiously carried out is well told in the article in question. "Hand-List of Trees and Shrubs."— A second edition of the catalogue of trees and Shrubs cultivated at Kew, has been lately issued after revision, and the addition of newly intro- duced subjects. The number of hardy shrubs and trees now emvmeiated amounts to no fewer than 4,500, exclusive of the Conifers which form the subject of a separate list. The value of these " hand-lists " as records of what is in cultivation, and as affording standards of authorised nomen- clature and synonymy, can hardly be over esti- mated. References to figures are freely given, and these are most serviceable, but for the sake of those who are not botanists, an explanation of the abbreviations made use of, would be desirable in future editions. The asterisk prefixed to some of the species, presumably indicates that the plants so marked are tender at Kew. The Croydon and District Horticul- tural Mutual Improvement Society will hold their third annual dinner and smoking concert on Wednesday, January 14, at the Cafe Royal, Croydon. Particulars may be had upon application to Mr. H. Boshiek, G2, High Street, Croydon. PLANT PORTRAITS. Barosma lanceolata — Revue de V Horticulture Beige, January. Cattleya Mossije tar. Sir Thomas Li pton.— White, with throat of lip yellow. Revue de VHorticulturc Beige, January. Coleus thtrsoideus. Baker.— See Gardeners' Chronicle, 1901, i., p. 39. Garten Flora, t. 1506, January. Erythjea Brandegeei, Purpus.— A new Californian Fan Palm, described and figured in the Garten Flora, January, 1903, figs. 1, 2, pp. 12, 13. L.TlLIO-Cattleya Yellow Prince (Lselia xanthina x Cattleya Gaskelliana). Revue Horticole, January 1. PhiladelphusDelayayi.— Revue Horticole, Jan. 1. Polygonum oxyphyllum.— Revue Horticole. Jan. l. Rose G. Nabonnand, Tea, pale flesh colour; and R. PfilNCESSE DE BASSARABA DE BRANCOVAN, TEA, rose-pink. Rosen Zeitung, December, 1902. WATER SUPPLY FOR GARDENS AND HOT-HOUSES. The question of water supply to gardens and glasshouses, &e, is a very important one, and this is specially the case in isolated districts where skilled labour is often difficult to procure. A few hints, therefore, on the general principles of the subject may not be out of place, but the writer desires to state that this article will deal with the raising and distribution of water by simple and easily obtained means, as it is obvious that the arrangement and care of the more costly steam, gas, oil, and electrically driven pumping installations can only be properly dealt with in the special text-books procurable on the subject. Where water exists, it is, of course, only a question of locality to arrange for its distribution, and if a spring exists on high ground and the spot to be supplied is at a lower level, the distribu- tion is a matter of ease (care being taken to Jay the pipes as nearly as possible in a straight line, and to avoid following the irregularity of the ground as far as possible, for if this is done, air will often accumulate in the bends of the pipes and cause a good deal of trouble). Few situa- tions, however, are so favoured, and recourse therefore must be had to some means of raising the water from its source to a point sufficiently high to permit it to fall by its own gravity to the point supplied. These will be described as far as possible, but before doing so, a few remarks may be briefly given on the general arrangement of pipes, and also on pumps generally. Commencing with the pipes, these should al- ways be as large as possible, and laid at least 3 feet below the ground to avoid damage by frost. Not only do small pipes rapidly " fur " up, but often the supply is seriously obstructed thereby. Where it is absolutely necessary to carry the pipes above ground they should be protected by felt or similar material, such as asbestos ; and where they are carried across open ground, marks, such as square pieces of stone, should be placed to show the course of the same. A stop-valve should always be placed close to the reservoir, to permit the supply to be shut off at any time for obtaining access to the pipes or other purposes. Of the various means of water raising, a pump of some kind forms the simplest and best method of carrying out this object, but it is not possible to enumerate the countless forms of this useful appliance, and there would be little utility im doing so. The writer can only mention the forms commonly made xise of, referring those interested to the numerous treatises on pump construction* for fuller details. By far the commonest form of pump is the '■ lift" or common house-pump familiar to every- body (fig. 14, p. 27). A few words may be given to- rts action, as it will assist towards the understand- ing of the general action of pumps as a whole- Water cannot follow the bucket of a pump beyond a depth of about twenty-eight feet, and if the suction-pipe of a pump is very long, it is always a good plan to place a valve at the end of it, termed a " foot " or " retaining " valve, the object of which is to keep the pipe full of water to enable the pump to start easily when stopped for any length of time. The "lift" pump, then, should not be used where the depth exceeds the above amount. This pump like many of those to be described,, consists of a "body," "barrel" or "cylinder," a " bucket," and two " valves," one in this case covering an opening in the "bucket," the other closing the opening of the suction-pipe leading to- the well, or other source of supply. When the " bucket" is pressed down, the valve in it opens and closes ; when the " bucket " is drawn up, the water is drawn up with it, and discharged at the spout. At the same time, the " bucket " in rising causes a " vacuum " or sucking actioib beneath it, and the air pressing on the surface of the water in the well or pond, causes it to rise- through the valve at the bottom of the pump^ barrel, which closes on the descent of the bucket for another stroke. The force pump, which is employed where the- well is deep, or where the water is to be forced a long distance, differs from the lift pump by the bucket (which in this case is often termed a "ram" or "plunger") being solid. There are two valves, like the former; but while one is- placed at the bottom of the barrel, the other is- placed in the pipe which conveys the water from, the pump, and is termed the " rising main," or delivery pipe. When the bucket is raised, the water follows it as before, but on its descent the bottom valve closes and the one in the delivery- pipe opens, allowing the water to be forced through it by the bucket up the pipe; when the bucket rises again the delivery valve closes, and the action is repeated. This form of pump is generally placed as near the supply as possible, and if in a well, is worked by a long rod, which is carried down to it from the surface of the ground. An air vessel is often placed on the delivery-pipe,, and should be as near the pump as convenient- The sketch (fig. 15) shows the usual form, adopted when the pump is worked by power of some description. In very many cases where water has to be raised to upper floors of houses, or similar- duties these two different kinds of pump are combined ; when the pump is of this nature, it is. known as a " lift-and-f orce " pump, and is con- structed as follows:— The pump "barrel" and bucket are exactly like a lift pump, and it also- has the valve at the bottom of the " barrel," ia the same manner; but the "rising main," or delivery pipe, leaves the pump at the top, which is closed in by a tight-fitting cover, and the rod working the bucket passes through it by a " stuffing-box," which is an opening with a hollow plug through which the rod passes. The plug screws into a socket, which is filled with greased tow, and which allows the rod to work easily, but prevents the water from coming out. Now the action is exactly the same as to the down stroke as the lift pump, but when tlu- bucket rises it will be seen that the water is forced before it through the delivery valve (which like the force pump is placed close to the pump), and Januaby 10, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 27 up the delivery pipe. If water is wanted on the spot, a tap is placed close to this valve, and by opening this a pail, &c, can be filled (see fig. 16). The last description of pump is used only for shallow wells or pits, and is often employed for liquid-manure tanks ; this is the chain pump, which is the simplest of all, and consists of a series of what may be called round plugs fixed to a chain passing .over a wheel at the top of the pump, turned by hand or other means. When these are put in motion, they enter the pump- barrel which they do not quite fit, except for a short length at the bottom, and each carry up a small quantity until it is discharged at the spout. On account of much power being lost by friction, and the fact that as the lift becomes deeper it together without attention, but it will not work properly without an air-valve /, on the air-vessel d, which in this case is a self-acting one, and requires no attention. The quantity raised depends largely on the height to which the " ram " has to force it. If only a short distance -M FIO. 14. — COMMON LIFT PUMP. requires a great expenditure of power, this pvunp is not employed for deep wells. These are the main principles underlying pump construction ; but it must be understood the arrangement of details is often very varied, and can only be studied by reference to the many text-books thereon. Bams. We must now, however, briefly enumerate the various methods by which (other than by hand or animal power) water is raised, and one of the oldest and simplest of these is what is known as "' The Hydraulic Earn." This instrument occurs in many forms, but the principle is very simple, and is the fact that a large quantity of water falling from a low elevation by its force can be made to force a small quantity any height desired. By reference to fig. 17, it will be seen water descending the pipe a has just sufficient force to close the heavy valve b, and the momentum given to the water by its force being suddenly checked causes it to open the delivery valve c at the bottom of the air-vessel d, and rise through the delivery pipe e, to almost any height. The heavy valve b, then opens, and the water rushes out until its force closes it, when the action is repeated. This instrument will work for weeks This is the most satisfactory of all the self acting water-raisers, for although several make- shift devices exist, the " ram " is so cheap to erect that it is almost always adopted. The simplest of these devices, apart from the " ram," is a wooden trough, divided by a partition in the centre, and hung upon pivots in the stream, which need only be bayed back sufficiently to allow the trough to move, and for the water to fill it. The water flows into the trough, and as it is balanced the weight causes it to descend, emptying that side, and allowing the opposite side to fill, when the operation is repeated. One end of the trough is connected to the handle of a pump, which therefore becomes self-acting. This plan is simple and cheap, but very wasteful of water (perhaps more, so in proportion to the amount raised ithan the hydraulic ram), Fig. 15 force pump, with air-vessel. from the "ram," and not greatly higher than the supply, the machine will raise nearly one- third of the water ; but if, as is frequently the case, the water has to be carried a considerable distance or height, the quantity raised will not exceed one-eighth, or even less. It will be Flti. 16.— COMBINED LIFT AND FORCE PDMP. easily seen, therefore, that the " hydraulic ram" should not be employed unless the supply is either abundant, or else of small value. In the latter case, " rams " are often fixed to work at intervals, and the supply is arranged so that on reaching a certain height it opens a valve which admits the water to the "ram," which commences to work until the water sinks below the valve, when it closes until the pond refills. P*fF~'/'. ;■■■■■•■" .-..,;/ ....■■■...... . ■■,, '^y^ Fig. 17.— the hydraulic ram. and only suitable for raising water to a small height. There are, however, circumstances where it may be found useful. Sydney Russell. (To be continued.) HOME CORRESPONDENCE. CALANTHE VEITCHI AT CLIVEDEN. — I wish to add to my statement concerning the plants men- tioned, that they were not seedlings ; and Mr. Bacon was foreman in charge at Cliveden at the time, and not head gardener. He succeeded Mr. A. Wadds, who was then head, a short time afterwards. F. Williams, Frensham Hall Gardens. RAINFALL IN 1902 AT PENCARROW, BOD- MIN.— The total rainfall was 42'55 inches, as against 40- 17 inches in 1901, and 40-22 inches in 1900. The number of days on which 01 or more fell were thirteen more than in 1901, and exactly the same number as during 1900. The 1'73 ins. measured at 9 a.m. on Nov. 28 last constitutes a record here for twenty-four hours. A. C. Bartlett. THE NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY — I congratulate this body on the change it is to effect in the autumn in the place of its exhibi- tions. The Crystal Palace will certainly furnish an atmosphere that is morally as well as physi- cally pure, where the side - showmen's potent lungs do not make demoniacal discord. There too can, with the ample space at disposal, a really grand show be made. Whether the old fre- quenters of the shows will follow to the Palace has to be seen. It is just possible, however, that should they not, many other true flower-lovers may do so. F.R.H.S. 28 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jasuaby 10, 1903. BEGONIAS. — Having had many letters of inquiry about Begonias, I am taking the liberty of sending you a sample, thinking it may be of some interest. If not too late, I should like to add to the notes sent last week (should you think them of any value to you) that the plants here, 3 feet each way, are not staked out, but slung up to one centre stake in each pot. The natural habit and growth of the plant is never interfered with. The injurious system of stopping cannot be too strongly condemned. John Fleming, Wexham Park Gardens. DENDROMETER. — Mr. Simpson deprecates the use of the dendrometer, but that does not detract from its value and usefulness. No doubt some men are able to accurately estimate with the eye the approximate amount of useable timber in a tree, there are numbers in the country who have had sufficient practice and experience to do so ; but the " eye-man " could not possibly give one the exact height, or even to a few feet, of the fine specimens of Conifers growing in the country. For his own purpose, Mr. Simpson's rods |are undoubtedly useful and handy, but are scarcely adapted for measuring such trees as the 130 feet high Douglas Fir at Dropmore. One needs only to run the eye down the " List of Conifers and large specimens," com- piled by the late Malcolm Dunn, to realise what an impossible task it would be to measure by rod well furnished Conifers of over 40 feet where accuracy is desired. Some dendrometers are, I know, troublesome to use, but Mr. Simpson cannot be acquainted with the pattern described, or he would not characterise it as such. I have recently measured considerably over 100 speci- mens, and found it very easily used, and pre- ferable to a rod for trees of even 25 to 30 feet in height. In conclusion, I would draw your corre- spondents attention to the illustration in your advertisement columns. A. C. Bartlett, Pencarrow. [We have used this instrument with much satis- faction. Ed. J HYDRANGEA PANICULATA FOR FORCING. — Tour correspondent, " S. C," in his article on the above in the Gardeners' Chronicle of the 3rd inst., mentions " that shoot? on these plants will be some 3 feet in length, and from 6 to 12 inches have to be cut off." I am afraid if any grower were to follow his advice they would obtain very indifferent results, as this would cause the top buds only to break, and these being the weakest would only give poor heads of bloom, and also leave unsightly bare stems below. The better plan is to prune back to within three or four buds from the base, by which means you get the strongest buds to break, which will give the grower fine heads of bloom, and also leaves, as near to the pot as it is possible to obtain them. E. B. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. — On reading your leading article, p. 1, January 3, as to the erection of a suitable home for the Royal Horticultural Society, and hinting at the in- creasing tendency to call in State aid, I may say that surely there was never a better time than the present to seek such assistance. What is the object and purpose of a horticultural hall 'i Is it not to increase and assist the maintaining of the State in advising and discovering the best means of making the most of the soil, both in horticulture and agriculture 't In the present day, the knowledge learnt in the garden is turned to good account in the field. The Society can boast of the elect of the nobility and Members of Parliament as subscribers. Is there not one out of this great company that can make applica- tion in the right quarter for the necessary funds for such a national want? and let the hall be called the National Horticultural Society. Are we in England going to continue in the present state of things, and see millions year after year going out of the country for fruit alone ? Land half cultivated that would produce millions if properly handled. Nothing would bring the labourer back to the land quicker than an extension of fruit growing. The time has come when something should be done to bring about the desired end. The market for fruit in England is assured — proved by the millions of pounds sterling we are paying for the imported article. Let the foreigner see that the State is waking up to the necessity of keeping this money in the country, by encouraging the pro- duction of its own fruit ; they would soon look to other climes for the disposal of their's. Sooner or later this country must acknowledge that corn- growing is a dying industry. W. H. THE HORTICULTURAL HALL.— I am sure every- one interested in the cause will endorse your words, "that this subject has been treated, and rightly so, as if it were a national matter ; " and being a national matter, affecting the whole com- munity, it should from the very first have the utmost publicity. At the least, every Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society should have an opportunity of expressing his opinion upon the vital points, amongst which are the plans of the Hall. Allow me to take exception to the words " all questions of detail and criticism can be left open for future consideration ; the requirements at the present time are funds." I feel sure that to command success no stone should be left un- turned to obtain the very highest professional skill, so that a building worthy of a national in- stitution should be erected. An exhibition of competitive designs would attain this object, and by giving the Fellows a voice in the selection materially strengthen the position of the Society, inspire confidence in those most interested, and as a natural result, funds woxild be readily forth- coming for a scheme which had the general approval. This is not a "detail which can be left open for future consideration." Allow me to ask if the plans which have been circulated are finally approved ? If so, of course further comment is unnecessary. James L. Wood, F.R.H.S. [Perhaps the Council would authorise the Secretary to reply to this question. We have no definite knowledge. Ed.]. hybrid RUBUS. — In my note on these hybrids on p. 12 last week, I am, by an error, made to term the new Blackberry, The Mahdi, as "sour." What I wrote was, "true" Black- berry, to distinguish it from others that were more properly classed as Raspberries. The context shows that the word used was a misnomer. A. D. RAINFALL IN 1902 AT THE ROYAL GARDENS, WINDSOR. — Although the past year may be de- scribed as wet, owing to frequent rains and dull unsettled weather, the total rainfall, 2207 ins., was about 3$ ins. less than the average, 25*50 ins., for this district ; which amount has not been reached since 1894, when the great floods occurred, and the total rainfall was 3027 inches. Nu tuber Total Greatest fall of Days on Month. DeptU. iu 24 hours. '01 or more fell. Indies. Depth. Date. January 0 88 S6 1&26 11 February 116 'i7 24 12 March 197 T6 14 14 April 107 17 15 13 May 2 19 ■33 3 21 June 3 63 94 13 19 July IIS •24 9 n August 3{8 •89 18 26 September 1-58 •59 11 10 October 167 43 9 18 November 197 •45 18 15 December 1'36 •32 ! 17 12 Total 2207 1 ... 18S Last year rain '01 (or more) fell on 180 days. June was the highest total, 3 02 ins. ; and the heaviest rainfall in twenty-four hours was 94 in., on the 13th of that month. T. Edwards. INCOME-TAX RECOVERY. — The tax-collector is beginning to make his presence felt, but before satisfying his demands, readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle should carefully ascertain whether the amounts they are asked to pay are correct. Having regard to the high rate at which the tax now stands (6^- per cent, of the income), it is surprising that so many of the great middle class fail to avail themselves of the relief provided by the Acts. Where profits assessed under Schedule D show a falling off for the current year, it may be possible to get the amount of the demand ad- justed to the proper amount before payment of the tax ; alternatively, repayment of the amount overcharged should be claimed. Where the whole of the income for the year has already been received, claims for repayment of tax overcharged can in many cases now be made for four years, and the sums repayable may exceed ^£82, even in the case of incomes of ^£500 per annum. We shall be pleased to advise anyone, without charge, whether a claim for repayment can be made in respect of income from rents, dividends, interest, annuities, &c, on their sending us full parti- culars of their incomes and a stamp for reply. The Income-tax Adjustment Agency, Ltd., Poultry^ London, E.C., January 1, 1903. CUCUMBER CULTURE. — Allow me to reply to- " W. P. R." in a few words with reference to his remarks in the last issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle. " W. P. R." cannot have the faintest idea of the state of an Indian river during the period of Cucumber-growing on its banks, other- wise he would not have made the mistake of stating that if a " hole a foot or so deep " had been dug, it would soon have been " partly filled with water." If this were correct, we should., methinks, hear less of the deplorable results of famine in India. " W. P. R.'s " experience for- eight years in Cucumber-culture seems to have been most satisfactory, and agrees in some im- portant points with what I have been advocating. I think it a pity, for his own sake, that his-- subsequent operations have not been on the same lines. Whilst adhering firmly to all I have- written with regard to Cucumber-cultivation as- it is now almost universally carried out, I am. willing to admit my limited capabilities as a. teacher ; at the same time, I fancy that in the gardening profession the balance is about- equally adjusted between those who are too- willing to teach and those who are unwilling to- learn. J. Lourrie. LATE GOOSEBERRIES. — I read with some interest the article under the above heading, in your issue of Dec. 20, p. 451 , and while I agree- with Mr. Cook that free-setting varieties will bear- freely on a north wall, I consider they are not- worth the space they occupy, the fruit being- small, sour, and tough skinned, and quite unfit for- dessert. Nor have I found it necessary to protect the fruit in any way from birds, wasps, flies, &c, for- the reason, I suppose, that the flavour is not suited to their tastes. Even the best flavoured varieties ■ from the open quarter are not much sought after for dessert, as the supply of better class fruit at that season is plentiful. Only fancy a dish of Gooseberries from a north wall, being placed in company with Grapes, Melons, Peaches, Nec- tarines, &c. I picture to myself the peculiar expression on the face of the person who might be tempted to taste one after partaking of a well finished Melon, Peach, or Nectarine. A good supply of ripe Gooseberries can be had over a long season by a careful selection of varieties at plant- ing time, of early, midseason, and late sorts in a sunny position, as it is only from there you can expect good flavour. It would be interesting to have the opinion of other readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle on the subject. James Fulton, Grhxs Dyke, Harrow Weald. [We have a pleasant recol- lection of good flavoured fruits of the Red War- rington variety, from a north wall in a garden in the north of England. Ed.] PEAR JOSEPHINE DE MALINE8. — Usually the fruits of this excellent variety of Pear are in use till the month of February, but this year it has been very disappointing at Wrotham Park. The crop was a very good one, and the fruits were of a fair size, and very clean in the rind ; but to my surprise they commenced ripening at the end of October, and were good for a few weeks only, in fact by the middle of December I had not a sound fruit left. The flesh of a nicely ripened fruit of this variety is usually tinged with red, but this year ours were lacking in this respect to a great extent, owing probably to the absence of sunshine, and several of our Pears have been of poor flavour this year from this cause. Our best Pears were Doyenne du Cornice, Williams' Bon Chretien, Winter Nelis, Beurre Superfin, Emile d'Heyst, and Pitmaston Duchess, the latter being better than I have usually found it to be. Apples, too, have kept very badly, compared with previous years. On bushes, our heaviest cropping Apple was Lane's Prince Albert; other less useful varieties we hope to replace with Lane's in the spring. H. Markham, Wrotham Park, Barnel. Januaby 10, I903.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 29 POINSETTIAS AT LEIGHTON, WILTS.— When the Chrysanthemum ceases to afford blooms, Poinsettias take up the floral display, and rarely with greater effect than at Leighton, Wiltshire. The head gardener at that place, Mr. Bound, a brother of the writer of the Orchid Calendar in the Gardeners' Chronicle in 1902, extends the propagation of Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcher- rima from May to July, taking suitable cuttings when they offer. He attaches some importance to the choice of two-year-old plants for furnishing the cuttings, because of the greater solidity of the shoots as compared with younger stock plants. Bottom-heat in a close case causes rapid rooting — a point of importance. When rooted, and carefully accustomed to the air, the young plants are afforded less warmth, so as to prevent an undue lengthening of the stem. The plants observed at Leighton ranged from 1 ft. to 3 ft. in height, and their bracts are of good size. Two varieties are grown, the early form with bracts of a lighter shade of colour, and greater compactness of head ; but the old E. pulcherrima is still the best. A later batch of cuttings inserted in September furnish dwarf plants in small pots, very useful for setting narrow stages and for the dinner table. S. BINDING GRAFTS. — Having been a constant reader of your paper from the days of Dr. Lindley to those of the present editorial staff, I have derived during those years great pleasure and profit from the writers of the various contributions which have appeared. I am now about the same age as your correspondent who wrote on the subject of grafting without clay or wax. I quite agree with him, and had myself as a lad bound up many a thousand grafts, under such men as Mr. Colley, of Orchid Bateman's fame. I also served under the Townshend and Fancourts propagators, who always bound their grafts with twisted matting, so as to be able to see the working of the sap. It may be said this applies more to Camellia and indoor grafting. In later years, I, with my own hands, grafted thousands in the same way out-of-door, and with the best of results, with matting or raffia alone, a little more care being required in covering at the top of the cut-off stock. W. B. CALANTHE VEITCHI. — So much has been written in different issues of the Gardeners' Chronicle respecting Calanthe Veitchi, I think a summary of their cultivation may be of use to readers. In a great many places this Orchid is very much neglected, but when grown well, there is nothing to surpass it for Christmas decorations, and it may be freely used for house, conservatory, or table. We have at the present time many racemes measuring over 50 ins. from the base to the summit, the flowers of good size and splendid colour. This I attribute to the pseudo-bulbs not being too large, and also not being too much hurried into flower. After finishing their growth, a lower temperature suffices. The best time for potting this species is the month of March, when growth has recommenced. The cultivator shoidd never cut away all the old roots, but leave plenty to support the pseudo-bulb in position at the top of the soil, which should be quite half or even an inch above the rims of the flower-pots ; in no case should too large ones be used, sizes 48 and 32 being quite large enough. The compost should consist of one part turfy-loam, two parts turfy- peat, one part sphagnum, with an addition of small pieces of dry cow-manure, but not using any sand. Special care should be taken to use no fine material whatever, letting the roots ramble with as much freedom as possible. Firm potting should not be resorted to, the fingers being sufficient. In finishing off, use a stick and an old pair of Vine-scissors for cutting off the rough material used. Then place in a tempera- ture not less than 60° for the first month, after that the stove temperature will suit them, but be most careful in watering during the first period of their growth ; also avoiding strong sunshine, as it is apt to burn the foliage. When growth is completed, which would be in September, a lower temperature is essential, gradually exposing them to the sun to ripen the bulbs. During the growing season, applications of manure-water are beneficial, but in no case use artificial manures. Damping between the pots with manure-water is of great benefit to the foliage ; syringing should not be resorted to at all, as it often causes that black spot which is seen on the pseudo-bulbs. An occasional sponging of the foliage is all that is necessary to keep in check red-spider and scale. After the flowering period is over, Calanthes should be rested in a temperature not less than 60°. W. Fulford, Castle Eden Gardens. A LARGE VINE AT finchley. — Your recent note respecting the old Vine at Hampton induced me to call and see a large Grape-vine at Finchley. This Vine, a Black Hamburgh, is aged about forty years, and of it much has been written. It will, I fear, have to make way for the ubiquitous builder, who is at Finchley, as in many other London suburbs, covering the land rapidly with houses. The Vine was planted by the late Peter Kay in a border that is entirely outside, and it now fills a span-roofed house measuring 100 feet by 20 feet. Planted on the west side towards the middle, it spreads equally on each side, and consists of five main branches which have, however, been supplemented by training four other branches, one between each pair of the originals, with the result that the vinery is fully furnished. Some rods run hori- zontally from the main stem, which is across the house from side to side. The house is about 8 feet to the ridge, and a sunken path affords room for attending to the Vine. It is an excel- lent house for early forcing, the flow-pipe on each side of the house being carried well up each side, and it falls into two return-pipes on each side of the path. The Vine bears regularly a full crop, and shows no loss of vigour. S. C CULTURAL MEMORANDA. BEGONIA GLOIEE DE LORRAINE. On p. 451, last vol., " H. W. W." recommends cultivators to pinch out the points of the growth and afford the plants cold frame treatment, with a free circulation of air day and night during the summer and early autumn. In my experience, I have unfortunately found that these Begonias resent such treatment. The constitution of the plants gets weakened, and they soon become infested with thrips and disease. The secret of growing these plants well, is to do so quickly in a warm moist atmosphere, from the time the cuttings are put in, until the flowering period. In the first place, procure healthy cuttings. For very early propagation, leaves with about an inch of stem may be dibbled into cocoa-nut fibre, and shaded from sunshine ; these will soon emit roots, and each leaf will produce two or three growths. Insert these when large enough, as they are better cuttings than can be taken from the base of the old plants during the winter. Then apply water and plunge the pots to the rim in cocoa-nut fibre in a propagating-case, having a bottom heat of about 75° or 80°. In about three we3ks the cuttings will have rooted, when they may be gradually inured to a cooler position near the roof glass. The plants should be shifted on into 3-inch pots before they become pot-bound, using a compost of three parts good fibrous loam, one part leaf-soil, and the remaining part of fine crushed charcoal and coarse sand. The soil made use of at the final potting should contain a fair quantity of dried cow-manure, and the loam and charcoal should be used in a rougher state than in the case of the earlier potting. Do not pot too firmly, or the growth will be stunted; nor use too large pots when repotting, but afford thorough drainage. Afford water sparingly until the plants are well rooted into the fresh soil, then may be used abundance of stimulants. Clay's Fertiliser, with alternate doses of liquid cow and sheep-manure, and occasional applications of soot-water, are as good as any that can be used. A low span-roofed house or pit, having a tem- perature of about (15°, allowing the thermometer to run up with sun-heat, will suit them well; by closing the structure early in the afternoon during summer, very little or no fire-heat will be needed. Freely syringe the plants with rain- water, and shade them from strong sun- shine. Under such treatment, plants rooted during March and April, and potted - on into lti or 24-sized pots, and kept in such a congenial atmosphere that not the slighest check to growth is ever experienced, will by the autumn produce plants 3 feet in height and 3 feet through. Plants for flowering in small pots should be propagated during May and June. I find it more difficult here to obtain height than width The growths should never be stopped, but the flower-buds must be pinched off until the plants are required to bloom; grown thus, thrips or mites will never make their appearance. I have an idea (I am aware some readers will say an erroneous one), but I am writing from close personal observation and experience, that these plants and similar subjects such as Poin- settias for winter-flowering, grown on this rapid system of cultivation will keep the plants in vigorous growth from first to last, and give them a strong constitution which will enable them to survive and last a longer time in perfection when placed in room, or in a cold conservatory. , It is a question of constitution, rather than one of affording the plants cool treat- ment during their growing season. John Fleming,, Wexham Park Gardens, Slough. [Our corresponj dent has exhibited the finest plants of this Begonia we have seen this season. Ed.] Pebennial Asters. Those who have aged plants of Aster ericoide1:, elegans, &e., will do well to lift from the opsn ground, putting ■ them in pots or boxes, and bringing them under glass. When growth begins, they may be divided or cuttings taken. Not much artificial heat is required. Asters are hardy plants, but, as is usual with new varieties, they are worked up too rapidly, and the young plants require careful treatment, as do likewise the stock plants. Some varieties are very shy in forming shoots, and the trade find a difficulty in fulfilling orders. Asters make excellent pot plants, and in yeais to come they will be largely grown. The pot plants, when well rooted, should be plunged on a cool border, in order to prolong the flowering season. Much rain is a drawback to the late-flowering plants, hence some kind of temporary protection is necessary. S. C. VARIORUM. THE GARDENER'S WAIL Wauken, my muse ! yer loodest wail. Lend to proclaim the waefu' tale, O' a' the ills that do assail The gairdener's occupation. If ere by chance ye meet a ohiel, Wi' careworn face an' een that reel, An' doonbent head, then mark him weel- His wark is cultivation. Auld Milton said — I have heard tell. When Adam's curses cam' pell-mell, That maistly on the ground they fell, As aff his head they glinted. I weel believe't : the son o' toil, Wha's lot hae fa 'en to till the soil. For want o' oare will never spoil — His sorrow's never stinted. Lang syne, when Adam sawed his seeds, Ere he began his evil deeds, He ne'er was bathered pu'in' weeds — Sae says the auld narrator. But noo, as sune's we tak' a spado, An' get oor bit o' gairden made, 'Gainst us we quickly find arrayed The very pooers o' natur'. 30 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JANUAEY 10, 1903. If even the seasons had the grace To come in turn an' keep their place. We wadna' hae sae much to face, Nor view wi' consternation. In summer, when we look for heat, We're cursed wi' shooers o' hail an' sleet ; An' autumn's early frosts complete The work o' devastation. The rain has ruined oor crap o' Peas, The blight has spoilt oor Aipple trees, Oor grozers covered wi' green flees ; An' then the festive snailes Did quickly seal oor Cabbages doom ; Snia' wonner tho' we fret an' fume To see oor best Chrysthan'mum bloom Nabbed by the forky-tailies.* Oor foes are mair than mind can grasp — The grub, the weevil, bug, an' wasp, Worms for the Carrot an' the Rasp — In truth their name is legion. But, faith, I'll shak' the gairden mud Frae aff my feet afore I'm wild, An' quickly pack ilk stick an' dud, An' try some ither region. Hortus, in the "People's Journal,' N.B. ©bituan>. JAMES Ward. — This well-known member of the staff of the Royal Nursery, Slough, and head of the office department, died at Slough on the 5th inst., at the age of sixty-three years. James Ward was the son of a gardener, who for many years had charge of the gardens at Shottes- hani of the late Rev. Charles Fellowes, one of the most noted florists of the last century, and came to the Koyal Nursery, Slough, in 1853, when fourteen years of age, and commencing as a crock-boy, gradually worked himself up through the various departments, until he obtained the headship of the office, a position he filled for many years past. His father died last year, at the age of eighty-seven. J. MCKENZIE.— We regret to inform our readers of the death of Mr. McKenzie, head gar- dener to F. S. W. Cornwallis, Esq., Linton Park, Maidstone. The deceased had been ailing for some months past. Many will remember the very fine Apples that he exhibited at the Crystal Palace for several years, always holding his own against the very best growers; he was also very successful some years ago with Chrysanthemums, taking several prizes at the National Chrys- anthemum Society's shows at the Aquarium. He leaves a widow and small family, the youngest being about fifteen. NOTICES OF BOOKS. A Manual of Indian Timbers. By J. s. Gamble, M.A., CLE., F.E.S., late of the Indian Forest Department. New and re- vised edition. (London : Sampson Low &, Co., 1902.) Me. Gamble has done good service by wi-itin^ a second and much - improved edition of his Manual of Indian Timbers. The former edition was due to the initiative of Sir Dietrich Bfandis, then Inspector-general of Forests in India, who prepared a collection of Indian woods for the Paris Exhibition of 1878, several identical collec- tions being sent to the chief Indian forest officers, ts the museum of the Koyal Gardens at Kew, and to a few similar institutions in Europe and America,. as well as to the Imperial Forest School of Dehra Dun. Mr. J. S. Gamble and Mr. A. Smythies were Brandis' assistants in this work, and to Mr. Gamble was entrusted the preparation of the first edition of this manual, which was published by the Government of India in 1881. * Earwigs. Twenty-one years have therefore passed since its first appearance, during most of which time Mr. Gamble served in the Indian forests, and he has made it a labour of love to collect further speci- mens, to examine other collections, and study the properties and uses of Indian woods, the growth and habitats of the trees which produce them, and the scientific and vernacular names of the species. The difficulty attached to these vernacular names is clearly brought out in the introductory chapter, as in the Himalayan region alone almost every valley has different names for even well known trees,and aboutfifty different Indian languagesare referred to, though they are probably not more than one-fourth of the languages spoken in this vast country, to say nothing of Ceylon, the words of which are now, for the first time, included in the Manual. The forest regions where the timbers grow are as follows, each being denoted by a letter imprinted on the specimens : H. The western Himalaya, from the river Indus to the Nepal frontier. P. The dry region of the Punjab, Rajputana, and Sindh, with Baluchistan. O. Plains and sub-Himalayan tract, as far as Bengal. C. Central India, between the Jumna and God- avery rivers, with Orissa and the Circars. E. The eastern Himalaya from Nepal ; the Khasia Hills, Assam, Chittagong, and tha Sun- durbans. D. The Deccan and Carnatic, chiefly in Madras and Mysore. W. The west coast of the peninsula, viz., the western Ghats, and the coast region. B. Burma and the Andaman Islands. No letter is given for Ceylon. In spite of the author's explanation that this was not done, it seems a pity that a map was not supplied of these regions, with their comparative rainfall, and with lines showing the incidence of frost, as frost and rainfall are the chief deter- mining factors of Indian forest growth. The forest growth of each region is briefly described in the introductory chapter, and in the body of the work some account is given of the mode of growth and sylvicultural requirements of the more important trees. It may be noted here that the Oaks, for which the author states that the Khasia hills are chiefly remarkable, are confined to a few hill-tops, the great mass of the upper Kliasia hills being covered with grass-land, in which the Khasia Pine flourishes whenever it escapes from the annual fires lit by the Ehasias, who burn the grass to make clearings for their cultivation. It is noted that the Indian Forest Department administers about 118,000 square miles of forest, of which 81,000 are demarcated as permanent forest reserves. This is about 8J per cent, of the territory of British India ; but no mention is made of the extensive forests under native rule. The Native States of India are chiefly situate on hilly land, where agriculture can never flourish as well as it does in the more level country under British rule, and where, consequently, forest conservancy is most urgent. Most of these Native States have their own Forest Depart- ments, the more important of which are super- vised by trained British officials, while their superior and subordinate executive staff is to a large extent recruited from the Imperial Forest School of Dehra Dun. It is now time that a second school, as well equipped as that of Dehra Dun, should be established in the more tropical forests of the Bombay or Madras Presidencies, where the conditions of growth differ considerably from those of the north of India, especially as the Government of India could not recently at Dehra Dun find room for students from Mysore, one of the most important of the Native States of India. The French also intend to send their foresters from Tonquin and Cochin-China to study at an Indian forest school. The Ceylon Forest Department is also under trained management, and sends its foresters to the Dehra Dun Forest School, so that this manual will be welcomed by the large staff of forest officials in India, Ceylon, and the French Asiatic possessions, as well as by a great number of Indian planters, timber-merchants, and by the numerous owners of private forests throughout these countries. It will also be accepted through- out the world as the authority on Indian timbers. Altogether, 1,450 species of woody plants are described, and Mr. Gamble has estimated the number of trees, shrubs, and woody climbers in India at about 5,000. Very many, however, of these are merely of botanical interest, and as ter- mites make short work of most Indian soft- woods, we may feel assured that no important woody species has been omitted. There is a short account of Indian grasses, many of which are of commercial importance for fibres, paper making, and other purposes ; while the account of the Indian Bamboos is extremely good, and probably includes all valuable species, as the author has specially studied this subject. Criticism of the matter contained in this book is hardly called for, considering the great amount of labour which Mr. Gamble has bestowed on it, and the fact that he is probably better qualified than any other person for the task. I should like, however, to make a few remarks regarding the introduction of the Sweet Chestnut into the Indian Hills. This tree grows well in Dehra Dun, and bears fruit which is sold in the bazaars, and its further introduction would afford cheap food for the people, as it does in the south of Europe. Mr. Gamble notes that the fruit is not of the size and quality of that produced in Europe, but the fine Chestnuts grown in Spain and the south of France come from a grafted variety, which will not grow in England. Just as the wild Indian Walnut-tree produces worthless fruit and good timber, so the wild Castanea sativa produces good timber but only small fruits. Why does not the Indian Government procure grafted plants of the fruit-producing variety, and plant them in suit- able localities in the Indian hills ? Mr. Gamble names this tree C. vulgaris ; it is generally known as C. vesca, but the Index Kewensis names it C. sativa. As regards the form of the manual, the printing is excellent, and so are the reproductions of ninety-six photographic enlargements (3J x 1) of transverse sections of wood. These are similar to the sections of European woods in Prof. Boulger's Manual of Wood, and are due to the initiative of Mr. Barber, formerly Instructor in Botany at the Koyal Indian Engineering College, and now Director of the Botanical Survey of Southern India. They were prepared by Mr. Deane from some of Dr. Nordlinger's wood-sections. Four plates illustrating forest growth in India are given, but these are poor, and do not add much to the interest of the book. It is hard to say any- thing to detract from the merit of this excellent manual, but there is an insufficient margin to the pages, and the binding is of a flimsy nature, and not likely to last, as did that of the first edition, for twenty years and more. There are three excellent indices for scientific, English, and vernacular names of the species described. W. B. Fisher, Cooper's Hill. ENQUIRY. Will some reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle kindly inform " A. J. A.," as to the parentage of the following Sarracenias, viz., S. Farnhami X, and S. Sanderiana X . Robin Hood and the Keith Boilers. — Will some of our readers obligingly furnish their experiences for garden purposes of the two sorts of boilers whose names are given above. January 10, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 31 . *^B.-~Vs.* METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick, London, for the period Dec. 28, 1902, to Jan. 3, 19C3. Height above sea-level 24 feet. Temperature OF THE All:. At9A.M. •4 Q -d 3 a pq pq fj o em R e= 3 Temfera- tubeofthe SOILat9A.M. gg Sun. 28 MON.29 TVES.3) Wed. 31 Thu. 1 FBI. 2 Sat. 3 Means S.W. S.W. S.W. w.s.w. S.W. S.E. S.W. 45 9 41 '9 47 '9 45 8 0 2)|44 '9,45 '747 '0 37 4 36 0 41 6 38'0 33 9 40-9 37-8 30-2 44 '9 49 -2 36-5 41-9 29 7 45 -1 44 1 45 1 52 4 50-3 34-0 34'2 33 5 27'2 rv; ... 43 -4 45 -8 47 0 0' 14 40 ^^ 0 47 0 ... |39-444 -147-0 0-1138-6 43 3 46 8 29 6'00S37 7,42-7 46 7 44 5 0-10 40 6 42 -6'46 3 Tot 35-50-6040 844-2468 I I I I 40 8 27 7 26 9 24-1 17 3 19 2 36 5 Remarks* — Another week of dull, dark, showery weather, with a low temperature generally. A heavy hailstorm, accompanied by thunder and lightning, passed over the district on the 3rd inst. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The followind Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending Jan. 3, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :— " The weatker during this period was of a very unsettled type generally. During the earlier half of the time rain was of very frequent occurrence in the south, and rain, hail, or snow in the more northern districts, while later on, when the air became milder, the rain extended to all districts. Thunderstorms were experienced at some Scotch stations on Sunday (Dec. 28), and on Saturday (Jan. 3) sharp thunder- storms, accompanied by heavy hail, occurred in many parts of England and the north of Ireland. " The temperature did not differ greatly from the mean, but was a little below it in Ireland and Scot- land, and a trilie above it in most English districts. The highest of the maxima were recorded on Jan. 1 in Ireland, on the 2nd over England, and on irregular dates in Scotland. They ranged from 55° in Ireland, S., 54° in the Midland Counties and the Channel Islands, and 53° in England, S. and S.W., to 47° in Scotland, E. The lowest of the minima were registered, as a general rule, during the middle or latter part of the week. In Scotland, E. the temperature fell to 14°, and in Scot- land, N. to 21°, but elsewhere the lowest readings varied from 24° in England, S., E., and N.W., to 29° in Ireland, N. and England, N.E., and to 36° in the Channel Islands. 11 The rainfall was more than the mean in all districts excepting England. E In nearly all the western and northern parts of the kingdom the excess was large. "The bright sunshine exceeded the mean amount in all the English districts, and also in Scotland, W. ; elsewhere it was deficient. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 29 in England, S.W., and 28 in Englaud, E., to 19 in Scotland, W., 17 in Ireland and in Scotland, E., and to 4 in Scotland, N." THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. AN exceptionally warm week. On several occasions the temperature in the middle of the day was is" or more above the average for the time of year. The ground has now become very warm, the temperature at 2 feet deep being 3\ and at 1 foot as much as 6' warmer than is seasonable. Rain fell on all but one day, and to the aggregate depth of lj in., making this the wettest week recorded here since December 18, 1901. On the 4th, light rain was falling continuously for eighteen hours, and on the 3rd, shortly before 8 a.m., there was a short but very sharp shower of rain and hail. During the five minutes that it lasted, the rate of fall was about an inch per hour. The sun shone on an average for only about an hour a day. The winds varied greatly in strength, but were, as a rule, un- usually high. Notwithstanding the frequent rainfall, there was less than a seasonable quantity of moisture in [the air. The last Rose-bloom of the season was blown to pieces by the high wind on the 30th ult., 01- three weeks later than the average date of its destruc- tion in the previous seventeen years. The Winter Aconite oame first into flower in my garden on the 5th ; this is the earliest date I have yet recorded here during the sixteen years over which my observations extend. December. In the last sixteen years there have been only three other Decembers as warm as the past month. There occurred ten cold days early in the month, but during the rest of it the weather remained continuously warm. The exposed thermometer never showed more than 17° of frost, which is a high extreme minimum for Decem- ber. Rain fell on fifteen days to the total depth of U in., which is not much more than half the average for the month. There were a few light falls of snow and sleet, but at no time was the amount deposited sufficient to cover the ground. This was the most gloomy December for six years. The winds proved, as a rule, unusually high, but on only one day was a gale recorded. During the cold period of the month the winds came almost entirely from some point between north and ea6t. Iu only three of the last sixteen years has the atmosphere been, on the whole, so dry. The Weather of the Past Year. ' All the months of the summer half of the year were more or less cold, but during the rest of the year there occurred only one unseasonably cold month, and that was February. In the last forty-six years there have been only two other years at Berkhamsted with as scanty a rainfall, viz., 1814 and 1898. This was also, with two exceptions, 1833 and 1S89, the most sunless twelve months recorded here during the last sixteen years. Our Underground Water Supply. The deficiency in rainfall for the first three months— that is to say, since the winter half of the drainage year began— amounts to exactly 3 inches, which is equiva- lent to a loss of rain-water on each acre in this district of as much as 68,0.0 gallons. Unless the first three months in the current year prove very wet, the amount available for our underground water supply must once more prove unusually limited. /-;. M., Berkhamsted, January 6, 1903. IARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, January 8. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin- cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remem- bered that these quotations do not represent the prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding the date of our report. The prices depend upon the quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often several times in one day. Ed.] Cut Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Anemones, per dozen bunches Asparagus Fern, per bunch Azaleas, p. dozen Bouvardias, per dozen bunches. Callas. per dozen Camellias, per dozen Carnations, per bunch Chrysanthemum, various, per doz. bunches Daffodils, p. doz. Eucharis, per dozen Freesia, per doz. bunches French Fern, per doz. bunches ... Gardenias, per box Lilium album, per dozen blooms — auratum, per bunch — longifolium Fer ounch... the Valley, pr. dz. bunches Mimosa, p. bunch s.d. s.d. 2 0-30 10-26 4 0-60 6 0-80 4 0-50 2 0-30 10-40 6 0-18 0 10 0-12 0 2 0-30 2 0-301 I 0 4-06' 16-20 16-26 2 0-40 4 0-60 fl 0-12 0 0 9-10 Maidenhair Fern, per dozen bunches Marguerites, yel- low, per dozen bunches. Mignonette, per dozen Narcissus, dozen bunches Orchids (Cattleya) dozen blooms... Parma Violets ... Pelargo niums, Scarlet, dozen bunches Roman Hyacinths dozen bunches Roses, Christmas, per dozen ... — Mermet ... — various, per bunch — white, bunch. Smilax, per dozen trails Tuberoses, per doz. blooms ... — per bunch ... Tulips, all colours, per bunch Violets, per dozen bunches White Lilac (Fr.) 4 0-60 16-30 2 0-30 16-50 12 0-15 0 2 0-36 6 0-80 "e 0-12 o 10-16 3 C- 6 0 10-20 2 0-30 0 8-10 3 0 ... Plants in Pots &c— Average Wholesale Prices s.d. s.d Adiantums, per dozen Aralias, per doz. Arbor Vitse, per dozen Aspidistras, per dozen Aucubas, per doz. Azaleas, each ... Begonia Gloire de Lorraine Chrysanthemum, various Crotons, per doz. Cyclamen, p. doz. Daffodils, per doz. Dracaenas, var., per dozen Ericas, per dozen Euonymus, vars., per dozen Evergreen, p. doz. Ferns in variety, per dozen 4 0-80 4 0-80 18 0-36 0 4 0-80 2 0-40 8 0-10 0 4 0-18 0 12 0-24 0 10 0-18 0 6 0-10 0 S.d. 8.1. Ficuselastica.per dozen 9 0-21 0 Genistas, p. doz. 8 0-10 0 Hyacinths, p.doz. 12 0-15 o — Roman ... 8 0-90 Lily of the Valley, per dozen ... 10 0-12 o Lycopodtums, pr. dozen 4 0-50 Marguerites, per dozen 6 0- S 0 Orauge-trees.each 3 0-76 Palms, various, each 3 0-20 0 Poinsettias, doz. 6 0-12 0 Pteris tremula.per dozen 12 0-48 0 | — Wimsetti, per 9 0-24 0 dozen I — major, per dz. 4 0-60 Solanums, p. doz. 4 0-18 0 Tulips, red, box I — white, p. box 4 0-30 0 : — yellow, p. box Fruit. — Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Apples, English per sieve ... 2 0-36 — Blenheims, per bushel ... 4 0-50 — dessert, vari- ous, per bush. 4 0-60 — culinary, Wel- lingtons, va- rious cookers, per bush. ... 4 0-60 — Californian, cases 8 0-10 0 — American, per barrel ... 10 0-18 0 Bananas, bunch 7 0-10 0 — loose, dozen 10-16 Chestnuts.French, per bag ... 7 6-12 0 — Italian, per bag 18 0 — Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices, Artichokes, Globe, per dozen — Jerusalem, per sieve Asparagus, sprue, bundle — Paris Green... Beans, dwarf, lb. — Madeira, bkt. Beetroots, bushel Brussels Sprouts, per sieve Cabbage, p. tally Carrots, doz. bun. — bag (washed) . Cauliflowers, doz. Celeriac, per doz. Celery, per dozen bundles Chicory, per lb. Cress, per dozen punnets ... Cucumbers, doz. Endive, per doz. Garlic, per lb. ... Horseradish, fo- reign, p. bunch Leeks, p. dz. bun. Lettuces, Cabbage, per dozen Mint, doz. bun. ... 4 0-80 4 0-80 4 0-80 6 0-12 0 10-40 10-40 10-40 s.d. 0 3J s.d. Cobnuts, per lb. . Cranberries, pei- case — keg Grapes, Almeria, per doz. lb. ... — Alicante, lb. . — Colman,A.,lb. B., per lb. . — Muscats, A. ,1b. B., per lb. Lemons, per case Lychees, packet . Oranges, case 10 0-13-0 Pears, per crate... 10 6-17 6 — stewing, per crate ... 5 0 — Pines, each ... 16-30 Walnuts, Naples, cwt 45 0 — 15 0 10-60 0 8-12 16-20 0 6-10 4 0-50 10-20 8 0-12 0 10 — s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. , Mushrooms, house, 4 0 — per lb 0 6-09 Onions, bag ... 4 0-50 10-16 — English, cwt. 50 - — foreign, case 6 0-66 0 9-0 10 — picklers, per 5 0-56 sieve 26-30 2- 0 — , Parsley, 12 bunch 16-20 2 C- 3 0 — sieve 0 9-16 10-13 Parsnips, per bag 20-26 Potatos, per ton .80 0-115 0 0 9-13 — New Teneriffe, 16-26 per cwt. ... 12 0-11 0 16-20 — new, Kidney, 2 0-26 per lb. ... 0 l'-O 2 10-20 Rhubarb, Yorks., 2 6-36 per doz 13-16 Salad, small, pun- 8 0-14 0 nets, per doz.... 0 4-06 Savoys, tally Seakale, per doz. 1 3 — punnets 8 0 10 0 Shallots, per doz. 1 6 — Spinach, English, 0 3 — bushel Tomatos, Canary, 13-16 deeps 10-16 Turnips, p. dozen 1 0- 5 0 13 — 3 0-40 10 0-12 0 0 2 — 2 6-30 2 6-40 16-20 10-20 Watercress, per doz. bunches... 0 6 16-20 3 6-40 Potatos. Various samples, 703. to 90s. per ton; Dunbars, red. soil, 1058. to llfs. John Bath, 32 & 34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow, January 7.— The following are the averages of the prices during the past week :— Apples, American Baldwins, 11a. to 14s. per barrel ; Canadian ditto, I4s. to 16s. ; ditto, Kings, 20s. to 26s. ; Greenings, clear fruits, 15s. to 18s. ; various high-class red, 14s. to 18s. ; green, 16s. to 18s. ; Oranges. Valencias, 120's, 7s. to 18s. per box ; large ditto, 9s. to 12s. ditto ; 714's, 8s. to 9s. ditto ; Lemons. 4s. to 5s. per box, and 7s. to 12s per case; Grapes, English, 2s to 3s. per lb.; Scotch ditto, 9d. to 2s. 6d. lb. ; Almeria ditto, 12s. to 20s. per barrel ; Mush- rooms. Is. per lb. ; Onions, Valencia, 5s. to 7s. per cwt. Liverpool, January 7. — Wholesale Vegetable Market. — Potatos, per cwt. : Main Crop, 3s. 5d\ to 4s. ; Up-to Date 3s. to 3s. 93. ; Bruce, 3s. 3d. to 3s. 9(i. ; Turnips, id. to Sd. per dozen bunches ; Swedes, is. 2d, to Is. 4d. per cwt. ; Carrots, 5d. to Id. per dozen bunches, and 2s. 3d. to 2s. 9d. per cwt. ; Onions, English, 4s 6rf. to 6s. 6d. do. ; do , foreign, 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6 surrounded by an endoderm of some twenty cells. The fibro - vascular bundle is unbranched. The resin canals are in the centre of the cortex or leafy substance of the leaf. The bud-scales are de- ciduous, membranous. The male flowers are small, ovoid, in sub-globose clusters. The anthers, are destitute of crest, and the pollen cells as here observed and figured by Mr. W. G. Smith, two- winged. The cones (fig. 19) are shortly stalked, pendu- lous, about 18 cent, long by 7 cent, wide, rounded at the base, cylindric-conic, slightly tapering towards the apex ; the lower cone-scales smaller, and more markedly recurved than the upper ones ^ scales, from the middle and upper part of the cone are thickened near the apex, broadly triangular, more or less recurved at the tips. The seeds are wingless. The figure of the cone given by Siebold and Zuccarini was acknow- ledged by the authors to be incorrect, and the specimens in herbaria are not always correctly named, on which account we are glad to figure the fine specimen collected by Mr. Wilson (n. 597 ! ). The species occurs in Mandshuria, Japan, China, in the provinces of Shensi, and in Cores. Mr. Wilson's specimens were collected in West Hupeh. MARKET GARDENING. CHRYSANTHEMUMS : SELECTING AND STRIKING THE CUTTINGS. No time should be lost in putting in the desired complement of Chrysanthemum cuttings of approved market varieties — varieties which, with generous and intelligent treatment will yield a profusion of flowers from the end of August on to November (in the absence of frost) out-of-doors, and into the new year when plants of late flowering varieties are lifted from the open ground and transplanted under glass in. Cucumber and other houses on the approach of frost. Abundance of strong, short - jointed cuttings of most of the varieties which have flowered out-of-doors are now available. These should be taken off close to the ground about 3 inches in length, and inserted 3 inches apart in, boxes filled with fairly light mould and sur- faced with sand, making the soil moderately firm » Pinus Koraiemis, Siebold and Zuccarini, Flor. Japan., li„ p. 28, t. 116; Mayr, Monog Abiet. Japan., i., 73, p. 3, tt. 5-6, fig. IS ; Murray, Pines and Firs of Japan (1W53), p. 6 ; Masters, in Journ. Linn. Soc, Bot.,vol. xxvi., p. 541, where references to the literature may be found. JANUAEY 17, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. about the cuttings in putting them in. Place the boxes closely together on strips of wood laid on a Vine or Peach-border, or any cool-house or pit that may be available at the time. Water through a rose water-pot to settle the soil about the cuttings, and allow the former to become fairly dry on the surface before repeating the operation. Cuttings thus treated will root in due course, and grow into good, sturdy plants by planting out time, the points being pinched twice during the interval. The following are well known and thoroughly trustworthy early-flowering market varieties : — Madame Marie Massie, pink ; Madame Desgraves, white; G. Wermig (syn. Yellow Desgranges), Harvest Home, red tipped with gold ; Soleil d'Oetobre, yellow ; Queen of Earlies, white ; Ryecroft Glory, good October yellow ; White •Quintus, pure white, the habit of growth being everything that could be desired ; A " Mum," Source d'Or, bronze ; Lady Selbourne, white ; Madame la Comtesse Foucher de Cariel, bronze ; O. J. Quintus, fine October pink. Late varieties for transplanting under glass : — Dazzler, fine crimson (November) ; Elaine, grand white (November) ; Lady Osborne, light pink (De- cember) ; Niveus, white; W. H. Lincoln, yellow; La Triomphante, pink ; and Mrs. J. Thompson is a good December white. All being well, a cul- tural note as to the planting out and subsequent treatment of the plants for market purposes will foe contributed to the Gardeners* Chronicle in March. Raising: Cucumber Plants. Prepare the necessary number of 3-inch pots forthwith for the reception of Cucumber seed, by placing a piece of crock hollow side down over the hole in the bottom of the pots, and fill the latter three-parts with a mixture of light, fresh, loamy soil, and well-decayed stable-manure, in about equal parts ; deposit one seed in each pot, cover lightly with soil, and press gently. Stand the pots closely .together in a house in which a minimum temperature of 70° is main- tained, and cover the pots with paper, the paper having been placed in the house twenty- four hours before being used. Examine the soil two or three days after sowing, and if found to be rather dry on the top, afford a small quantity of tepid water through a spray distributor. As soon as the young plants appear through the soil, remove the paper and transfer them to a shelf near the roof-glass, and top-dress with slightly - warmed compost as soon as the plants have attained a little strength and thickness of stem, filling the pots up to the rims in two separate top-dressings. Put a small stick to each plant, and shift into 32's before the roots get matted, using the same kind of compost as that indicated above. In the meantime the houses should be put in order for the reception of the plants a few weeks hence. If not already done, the soil form- ing the old ridges should be wheeled out, and ■flowers-of-sulphur burnt in the houses with a view to destroying any insect enemies that may have effected a lodgment therein during the last nine or ten months. This done, cleanse the glass and woodwork with water, and the brickwork with a wash made from quicklime ; then strew some quicklime over the floor-space on which the ridges are to be formed, cover this limed space with freshly-eut turves, grassy side down, digging 6 or 9 inches deep of the soil from which the turf is taken, using this and peat manure in the propor- tion of four parts of the former to one of the latter, to form the ridges, when well mixed. At first, a ridge about 15 inches wide and 9 inches deep will be sufficient for the plants, if set out at 2 feet apart. Make a deposit of soil, to be used later at intervals when moulding up becomes needful, up to within a few weeks of the time of the plants having yielded all that it is possible in the way of Cucumbers. Rochford's Market is still a general favourite with growers. H. W. Ward. APPLIED BOTANY. One of the four meetings arranged by the Technical Education Board of the London County Council in connection with its annual conference perly. as a means of training, and in his subse- quent remarks alluded to the economic value of the science. One of the points which be brought forward in this connection was that of grass below Fig. 19.— cone of pinus koraiensis, collected by mr. wilson. (see r. 34.) of science teachers was devoted to Botany. Hence, on the morning of January 10, Professor Farmer presided at the South Western Poly- technic. He had much to say on the value of botany, even of a systematic kind, if taught pro- Apple-trees, which often delayed their bearing as long as seven years. He thought that perhaps in interesting children in Nature the question of the removal of oxygen by the grass need not be raised, but that the absorption of water by tha 36 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [jANCAtY 17, 1903. herbage that would otherwise get to the roots might well be studied. Miss Lilian Clarke, B.Sc, who gave an address on " The Rational Teaching of Botany," explained that she was not responsible for the title. She de- scribed minutely how the school garden had been utilised, not merely for growing plan ts various orders, but for Nature-study work on the polli- nation of plants. The way in which plants were successfully grown in solutions containing all the necessary food constituents was gone into, and the ill effects of leaving out iron, magnesium, and so on, alluded to. Great enthusiasm is shown in connection with this work, which should, in spite of Miss Clarke's contention — as was pointed out in the discussion — be considered as above the plane of Nature-study. The excellent work done upon the rambles, the drawing of natural objects, and other correlated pursuits of a Nature-study character at James Allen's school kwere also characterised. The second address was on " Experimental Plant Physiology," and was given in connection with a remarkable exhibition of experiments in the Natural Science Laboratory of the South- Western'; Polytechnic, by Mr. H., B. Lacey, who is 'responsible for the teaching there. We should very much like to describe in detail many of the simply-constructed but most effective pieces of apparatus, but must for the present content ourselves with singling out the con- trivances for demonstrating the growth in height of a plant, the revolving water-wheel for holding seedlings, and the dark box for etiolation experi- ments, which could also be adapted for growing plants under coloured light with more success than in smaller jacketted glass vessels, where the increased temperature of the air may give rise to growth which might be set down to other causes. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. THE ROSARY. PLANTING NEW BORDERS. In making new borders of Roses for the decoration of the mansion and grounds, the staple soil should be taken out to the depth of 18 inches, putting on the bottom a layer 4 inches thick of good clay, unless there is a clay subsoil ; then fill in with new soil composed of six parts of fresh loam, dug from an old pasture, and two parts of good rotten dung. These should be well mixed together, and then filled in to the depth of 14 inches. After plant- ing at distances from 18 inches to 2 feet apart, according to the habits of different varieties, mulch the surface of the border with some good rotten dung, which will serve as a protection to the roots of the Roses and as a nutrient. Upon receiving the plants from the nursery, on no account allow them to be exposed to winds before planting. Everything should be made ready for planting before they arrive, that they may be put into the ground directly. There are so many very fine varieties in Teas Hybrid Teas, and Hybrid Perpetuals, to meet the tistes of all lovers of this beautiful flower, that I strongly advise planters of any or all sections to arrange the varieties in groups, say at least a dozen in each colour, so as they do not clash one with the other. In selecting, be sure to get those varieties most reliable for continuous blooming, and varieties that travel best as cut flowers, for we must not forget the needful supply of blooms to the town house as well as the country mansion. After these groups are thoroughly established, you will have no difficulty in furnishing a dinner- table or drawing room with blooms all of one colour. The Rose is then one of the most useful decorative flowers. What has abetter effect than a good and well arranged vase of the variety Mrs. John Laing, or Madame Lambard? But there are many other well-known varieties equally effective that I need not mention. F. Capp, gardener to Hugh Andrews, Esq., Toddington, Gloucestershire. -. , , PINES IN THE AZORES. While on a visit to St. Michaels, Azores, recently, I was much interested in the Pineapple cultivation which is extensively carried on in that island, and I was particularly struck with the method usually employed by the growers for hastening the plants into flower. When the plants have reached an advanced stage of growth, and are apparently fully grown, a slow smoulder- ing fire of damp and green leaves is made in the glasshouses and kept up for aboxit eight or ten days, not longer. The windows and doors are kept securely closed during this time so that the atmosphere in the houses becomes densely charged with smoke. It is generally believed that the smoke stimulates the. plants to bloom, and not the heat generated by the fire, which is said to be not appreciable. Should the plants prove stubborn, the process is repeated after an interval of several weeks ; but one application of smoke is, I understand, generally sufficient. I was told that the life of the plant was artificially shortened in this manner, from eighteen to eleven months. The plants are timed to attain their full growth in August or September, the "smoke" is then given, and the fruit matures in December or January, when the best values are obtained. The discovery of the smoking process, which dates back to more than a decade, was made quite accidentally ; a planter having made a smouldering fire in one of his pineries for the purpose of destroying an insect pest, was surprised to observe that his plants burst into flower prematurely. I should be glad if you, or any of your readers, could throw any light on the physiology of the process, and whether anything similar is employed in Pineapple cultivation elsewhere, if. Qrabham, Madeira. Is LlLIUM AURATUM A HYBRID ? In a recent number of the Garden it was said : " It would be a strange thing, but one not in- herently impossible, if Lilium auratum were really a hybrid of Chinese origin, which has become wild in certain parts of Japan." I have at various times intended to write about this theory, which has often been mentioned before, but now that so great an authority as Mr. Henry has written concerning it, I wish to add a few words on the subject. It seems to me that no one who has seen Lilium auratum in its native land can doubt that it is a distinct species, original to Japan, for it seems impossible that any hybrid introduced into Japan could have spread over the country to such an extent as we find Lilium auratum has done. This Lily grows in the Nikko mountains, the Hakone mountains, in fact on the mountains and hills almost all over the eastern and northern parts of the island of Nippon, the most central and largest of this Island Empire ; unfortunately, however, no longer in such quantities as formerly, owing to the immense quantities exported, for the farmers simply take their planting-stock each year from the mountains, not having the thought to cultivate the bulbs either from scales or seed. In support of this theory it may be mentioned that on the hillsides too steep for the foot of man to reach, there the Lilies are still to be seen in masses, all of which leads one who has formerly seen the Lily growing here to conclude that it is a native Japanese plant, and doubtless a true species. The question is often also asked, why the early travellers here did not mention Lilium auratum. The answer to this is, I think, that before Japan was opened to the world, foreigners were only allowed to live on the small island of Decima, in Nagasaki harbour, and all plants which they described and sent home came from that region where Lilium auratum does not grow. Another reason is, that the Lily was so common here that the Japanese botanists who helped Siebold and the other foreigners probably never thought of this blossom as being an important one — still the reason why the Japanese to-day rarely use it in their gardens, seeming to care very little for this Lily so prized abroad. Alfred Vnger (L. Roehmer Jj" Co. ), Yokohama. [It will be re nembered that Lilium auratum was first made known in English gardens by the late John Gould Veitch, and that it was described and figured for the first time by Dr. Lindley in our columns in 1862, p. 623. Ed.] NATURE IN WINTER. This season of the year, though gene- rally regarded as a period of decay, full of tempestuous winds and melancholy mo- notonous rains, has many consolations for the reverential spirit, which they who love not Nature can hardly realise. In many sheltered places, for example, familiar and favourite wild flowers may still be found. In a sequestered corner of my garden the Primrose, whose mild splendour is usually associated with the floral revelations of May and June, is in premature bloom. Near it is that hardiest and most heroic of woodland flowers, the pink Campion, still adorning at green intervals the garden wall. There also may be found the miniature Linaria, which has all the characteristics which pertain to sylvan flowers. The Woodbine still retains, with beautiful per- sistence, its glossy leaves. This plant has quite a tropical aspect in the woods environ- ing Logan House, the residence of the chief proprietor in this parish, where, climbing up the trees, it sometimes reaches a height of 20 feet, forming a series of most artistic pictures during the month of July. Though the wild Roses have only a short summer season of transitory bloom, their clustering scarlet berries are richly effective at this season of the year. Exceedingly graceful are those of the Holly, one of the loveliest of winter trees, which has tender Christmas associations; links of sacred memory between the everfading present and the steadfast past. The Hawthorns also are radiant with berries, whose utility is even more apparent than their beauty; a providential provision for the helpless birds. And thus while Nature in winter is not unbeautiful, and by no means unsuggestive, she is also full of hope. "Nature," says tin- great Wordsworth, in one of his most thoughtful and most memorable poems, " never did betray the heart that loved her ; 'tis her privilege through all the years of this our life to lead from joy to joy." And this is the feeling which she imparts at this season to the patient cultivator, that the spirit of the re-awakening and vivifying spring is not very far away. Already, as early as December 15, the first-born of the Snowdrops, gleaming pendulously in my garden, gladdened my gaze. The Crocus, its brighter but not lovelier successor, is already disclosing its closely folded, embryonic leaves, through which its floral brightness ere long will reappear. The Daffodil, whose growth, though slow and laborious till it feels the warm impulse of the vernal rays, has nevertheless begun, and attests by its aspect that there is prepa- ration for the future at work underground. This, indeed, is the noblest prerogative of Nature ; that her work, however marvellous, JANUARY 17, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 37 is accomplished in repose. There is no sound to indicate the greatness of her efforts, which are not the less momentous because so silently transacted ; beneath the thunder of the elements her "still, small voice" is that of God. And thus, while in spring and summer and autumn she ministers most graciously to our instinct for beauty through the gentle medium of those flowers that bless our troubled lives, and grow upon our graves, she teaches us at this season of seeming death and desolation deep lessons of patience and faith and steadfast hope. Beneath the shroud-like covering of the stainless snow her great heart is beating with the pulsa- tions of the spring. The heavens may be clouded, the atmosphere in mourning, but the Snowdrop has arisen from the grave of Nature's beauty, and the vernal resurrection has already begun. David R. Williamson. DISA GKANDIFLOEA. Oue illustration (fig. 20), represents a very remarkable specimen of this finescarlet terrestrial Orchid, which is often called the Pride of Table Mountain. We have illustrated the species before, and have often had photographs of good specimens sent to us, but have never seen one so fine as that from which our illustration was taken, aud which was sent by the grower, Mr. W. Kilfour, gardener at Edge Hall, Milltimber, Aberdeen. The specimen bore fifty-four flower- spikes, having together one hundred and twenty- two blooms, one spike having five of them. The plant was remarked on in the Gardeners' Chronicle, December 6, 1902, p. 413. ECONOMIC BOTANY. We take the following extracts from an address recently delivered in Edin- burgh by Professor Bower, as printed in the Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society. Ad- dressed to a body of pharmacists, they are, mutatis mutandis, fully applicable to culti- vators of plants, whether agriculturists, foresters, or gardeners. After dealing with the pursuit of pure science, on which future progress so mate- rially depends, Professor Bower went on to the consideration of the applications of science, and especially of the applications of botanical science, to practical ends : — The Supposed Uselessness of Botany. There is, perhaps, no science which seems to the average man so futile. The name " botanist " is, to those who know least about it, almost synonymous with that of a " mild and harmless visionary." He does no harm to anybody, they would say, and, under their breath, add, that he does no good either. Yet this same average man eats vegetable foods daily; even his beef and mutton are indirectly of vegetable origin ; he drinks beverages of vegetable origin, solaces himself with vegetable narcotics, depends upon vegetable textiles for many of his clothes, uses wooden articles for all manner of purposes ; he is liable to fall a victim to diseases of vegetable origin, which he will try to cure by the help of vegetable drugs. Why, if this be so (and the average man can hardly be ignorant of it), does he take so unfavourable a view of the student of those organisms which are the very mainspring of his life? I cannot help thinking that the botanists are in a measure to blame. In the past, perhaps more than now, they have en- trenched themselves behind a barrier of ter- minology, and make little endeavour to show that many of the terms are in themselves an evil. Accordingly, the conclusion is that the botanist sets store by repulsive trifles, and is, there- fore, worthy of contempt. But, further, in this country we have been slow to adopt the practical applications of botany to agriculture, forestry, manufactures, and the arts ; this is, perhaps, the methods. The edict went forth, as a sudden, consequence of panic, that agriculture was to be taught locally; and at once an army of teachers, some newly appointed for the special duty, others having this duty thrust upon them, engaged in this task with little or no previous practical, knowledge of it. Naturally, it was not difficult Fig. 20.- -SrECIMEN PLANT OF DISA GRANDIFLORA, CULTIVATED IN EDGE HALL GARDENS, ABERDEEN. chief reason why the average man has not yet consented to take the science of botany quite seriously. The Teaching of Agriculture. As a consequence of the great increase in the introduction of cheap food materials from abroad, coming on the back of a series of bad seasons at home, the agriculture of the country fell into such difficulties as to draw general attention to the need for more precise and economical for the practical farmer, or even the farmer's boy* to ask questions of these teachers, which received answers at times not calculated to convince those practical audiences ; and so a praiseworthy effort, to meet a pressing need was for the timo dis- counted before the public — the reason being that it sprang from a spasmodic action under panic, and found the country unprepared. The true method should have been for the Government to havo foreseen what was coming, and to have met it by the establishment beforehand of agricultural 38 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 17, 1903. colleges, and the systematic planting of the finished student, grounded in pure science and practised in'its agricultural application, in country districts. A generation of disrepute would thus have been saved. We indulge in wearisome reiteration of the statement that the sun never :3ets on the British Empire, hut we still wait wearily for the dawn of that era when a British Government shall foresee and provide for what is inevitably coming upon us, and not trust to our rfatal propensity of muddling through somehow. While as regards the teaching of agriculture <;he country has thus floundered into a position which, though far from being ideal, is certainly Bess unsatisfactory than that of twenty years ago, what do we see abroad ? I need not do more than mention the widely-spread " Versuehsstationen " in Germany, which are truly scientific institu- "tions. The only equivalent of these in Britain is Rothamsted, the noble result of private munifi- cence. But our best lesson is from America, from .people of our own race. The case has lately been stated as follows, in one of Mr. Poster Fraser's articles which have attracted so much attention in our public papers : — "Scientific agriculture is, I know, regarded somewhat contemptuously by the sturdy, broad- shouldered, bright-cheeked, and bluff-mannered Briton. Scientific farmers are good-naturedly regarded as 'cranks,' who generally lose their money. " In America, the modern farmer is a college .man. At twenty-one he is little more than a theorist, and the young Briton can ' chew him up ' in rough-and-ready knowledge ; yet, admitting all this, I am conviuced that the American is on the right tack, for iu farming, as in engineering, "the technically scientifically trained man is bound to win." This, it should be remembered, is not the opinion of a specialist or expert in agriculture, but of an uncommonly observant man of general -education. The case for the systematic study of vegetable economics is at the moment comparable to that of agriculture before the Government edict, though its deficiencies can never be brought home to the public mind in the same way as were those of our largest home industry. The facts I believe to be .-as follows : — Our wide-spread dependencies are -capable of producing almost all the varied vege- table products of use to man ; hitherto we have dominated the markets of some, and held our own In others, while the British ports have been •centres of distribution for a great part of the •civilised world. Now other nations are making vast strides in colonial development; they are growing and importing their own supplies in in- creasing quantities, and doing so on a basis of technical knowledge, with which we have made :no organised effort to keep pace. While in Germany, Austria, and elsewhere, technological institutes, and even university departments, are regularly employed in the microscopical study of raw materials, and in tracing their botanical •origin (subjects which are even obligatory on students in the High School in Vienna), Great Britain, with the greatest colonial interest in the world, is, so far as I am aware, without any •organised teaching of these subjects. And where is it that we find the best modern book on these matters published ? Curiously enough, in Vienna, the capital of a country which has no colonies of its own. The cynic might argue from these facts that the higher study of vegetable economies is immaterial for colonial success ; but those who remember how recent has been the acquisition of such systematised knowledge, and who carefully watch the trend of commerce, will know how false ■a, conclusion this really is. Past colonial success is a very different thing from colonial success in the future. [To be continued.) The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq JJropmore, Maidenhead. Fruit-trees on Walls. — Pear, Plum, and Cherry trees planted in the autumn of last year, now that the soil has settled and become firm, may be pruned and nailed or tied forthwith. In the case of young maiden trees from a nursery, let them be cut back to 1 foot, pruning to a wood- bud. Trees of bearing age which were trans- planted from other stations should have their shoots spurred-in closely ; and varieties such as Josephine de Malines, Jargonelle, and Winter Nelis, which form fruit-buds at the ends of short shoots should, when grown too long, be cut back to a wood bud. Plums and sweet Cherries bear mostly on spurs, and require the same kind of treatment. When the trees are nailed, lightly point the alleys with a digging-fork, and lift the mulch of litter over the roots of newly- planted trees. Gooseberries and Currants. — Proceed with the pruning of the bushes. Directions were given in the Gard. Chron., vol. xxxii., p. 457, on pruning and protecting the buds from tomtits and bullfinches, so that there is no necessity to repeat what is there said. Where these mischievous birds are numerous, as at Dropmore, the gun and dust-shot must be used against them. Selecting Grafts. — Where it is intended to graft Apple, Pear, and Plum-trees, suitable shoots should now be selected, i.e., those that are of middle-size, well - ripened, clear in the rind, and free from the least trace of disease. These should be tied in quite small bundles of a dozen or less, furnished with a stout wooden label, upon which the name of the variety should be plainly written, and the bundles laid in the earth in a cool, sheltered spot, making sure that the butt-ends rest on the soil. Labelling. — Let all recently-planted wall trees be labelled, with the name plainly stamped on lead, or written in indelible ink, or with a black- lead pencil on twice-painted wood, and secure the labels with wire to a stout nail or staple driven into the wall for standard and bush trees. In fastening the wire, allow plenty of space for the expansion of the branch The Strawberry. — Alpine Strawberries should be raised from seed sown thinly in cutting-boxes, and placed in a warm pit, and when the plants appear keep the boxes close to the glass. Afford air in fine weather, and when large enough prick off into other boxes, and gradually harden off, planting them out in April on well manured ground. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle, Bieton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire. Cyclamens. — It is my practice to sow the seeds towards the end of the month of September ; and the seedlings are now being pricked off into light sandy soil in seed-pans at 4 inches asunder. The corms are only half buried in the soil, as if planted deeper the foliage is apt to be lost, and sometimes the entire plant. Place the pans within 18 inches of the glass roof in a house having a night temperature of 58° to 60°, syringe them daily, and afford no other water for a few weeks. Vaporise lightly with XL-All should green- fly infest the plants. The plants in flower should be assisted with weak guano-water once a week, not allowing it to go over the corm, or many of the flower-buds will damp off. In gathering the flowers pull them out so that nothing remains to set up decay. Cyclamens are more successfully grown when kept fairly near to the glass, and plenty of air afforded. Hippeastrums. — These are among the most useful subjects we have for flowering during winter and early spring, and where there is a good stock of bulbs it is an easy matter to main- tain a supply of flower from November till June, by introducing bulbs into heat in alternate weeks. Those started in the autumn and up to the new year are the better for not being disturbed at the roots, but shaking them out and repotting them after they are passed out of flower. From now onwards repot as soon as growth begins, shaking away all soil and stripping off any loose skin or decayed roots. Clean pots, varying from 4 to 7 inches are suitable sizes for single bulbs, and good loamy soil, with a little leaf -mould, crushed charcoal, and a good percentage of coarse silver- sand should form the compost. Work the soil carefully down among the roots so as not to bruise them, but making it quite firm. Place in a house having a warmth of 60°, and if a slight bottom heat can be applied so much the better. But little water is required for several weeks afterwards, but a syringing twice daily is necessary. Keep H. auliea that have recently flowered in a grow- ing temperature for the next two months, then place in the greenhouse. Seeds may be sown forthwith, dibbling them in edgeways, in which position they are not so liable to decay as when laid flat on the soil. Bichardia africana. — If spathes are pushing up, the plants may be afforded manure water twice weekly. Keep the plants under close inspection, as green-fly is apt to infest them, spoiling the appearance of the spathes. Tree-Carnations. — Side shoots being now plen- tiful, and in a fit state for making cuttings, pull out some of the stronger, and cut them just below a joint. Insert them in 3-inch pots of sandy soil, not pressed too firmly, keeping them close to the sides of the pots. Apply water to settle the soil, and place under hand-glasses or in a propagating-box in a light position in a tem- perature of about 60°. A thin shading may be employed while the sun shines direct on to the cuttings. In about four weeks they will be rooted, and may then be gradually inured to the air of the house, and stood near to the roof for a week. Later, pot off singly into 3-inch pots, in soil con- sisting of equal parts of loam and leaf-soil, with plenty of sand, taking great care that the roots do not get broken, and return the plants to the same house. Luculias. — This plant as it passes out of flower should be treated similarly to the Brugmansia, but it must not be pruned so hard, as the flower- trusses form more freely on shoots of medium size than on those that are of extra strength. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L. Holford. Weatonbirt. Tetbury. Plants in Bloom. — At the present season several interesting plants are in flower, and in the inter- mediate - house Cypripediums still contribute a fine display. C. Charlesworthi, C. Spicerianum, C. insigne, and C. Leeanum and its varie- ties, are among the first to flower late in the autumn, and these have now passed out of flower ; and C. villosum, C. Boxalli, and their hybrids, C. Lathamianum, C. Calypso, C. nitens, C. J. Howei, C. Sallieri Hyeanum and its variety aureum, C. Mons. de Curte, C. Euryale, C. Exul, C. Tityus, C. Pollettianum, are now flowering. Cypripediums have the best effect grouped by themselves than when they are asso- ciated with other showy Orchids. Plants that are in flower, and those j ust passed out of flower, should be afforded sufficient water to keep the materials moist. I never allow Cypripediums to become very dry at any season. Cypripedium Win- nianum is also in flower in the intermediate-house ; the flowers are of an ivory-white tint, and they last a long period of time in perfection. Water should be sparingly afforded to this plant until it starts again into growth, but the materials must not be allowed to get very dry. Lycaste Skin- neri, L. aromatica, L. Deppei, L. plana, and the beautiful hybrid Mary Gratrix (L. Skinneri X L. plana), are now pushing up their flowers, and an increased quantity of water at the roots will assist in the development of the flowers. Cattleya House.— The hybrid Cattleyas help greatly in keeping our houses gay during the winter, and where hybrid Cattleyas and La»lio-Cat- tleyas exist in quantity, there are nearly always a few in flower. One of the most beautiful now in flower is L.-C. Charlesworthi, whose orange-scarlet flowers are carried on long stalks. It is one of the finest of the winter-flowering hybrids. Lrelio- Cattleyas grow freely, given a position at the warmest end of the Cattleya-house whilst growth s being made j they need much moisture at the root and humidity in the air. When the plants January 17, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 39 begin to grow in the spring, the back pseudo- bulbs should be partly removed from the under side, a small surgical saw being very useful for this purpose ; and the buds behind the cut will then come away freely. Plants so treated by me last spring have now three or four* flower-spikes each, some cf which are bear- ing seven flowers on a spike. Let the plants be placed in the cooler part of the house, and afforded sufficient water at the roots to keep them healthy. A plant of L.-C. Sunray is likewise in flower, and is accorded the same kind of treat- ment. Cattleya Triansei and C. Pereivalliana are now pushing up their flower-spikes, and will be afforded more water at the root than hitherto. The latter often fails to open its flowers satisfac- torily, but the failing will not be so great if the plant be removed to a warm part of the house. Preparations for Potting. — Obtain an ample supply of fresh sphagnum, turfy-peat, and leaf- soil, a good supply of new or clean pots and pans, crocks, wire suspenders, &c, so that these materials may be in readiness when the bixsy season begins. It often happens that at a little later date re- potting has to be deferred because the sphagnum is locked up by frost. Protection of the Houses with Garden-mats, ife. — When the sides and ends of an Orchid-house consist chiefly of glass, and the position is an exposed one, protecting materials of some sort should be used in frosty weather. It will happen that plants placed near the roof, or the glass ends of a house, are found in the morning with heavy dew on the leaves, a state of things not conducive to the welfare of the plants; and in order to prevent it, Russian mats or thick canvas should be nailed over the glass, and made secure against the wind. This covering need not be removed till the end of next month or in March, if mats are rolled along the lower portion of the roof at night, they should be removed when the tempera- ture begins to rise in the morning. A 2-inch hot- water pipe running along on the inside of the lower portion of the roof, about 6 inches or a foot away from the glass, is likewise of great value during spells of severe weather. Such a pipe, if kept only moderately warm, does not injure the plants. It should be in use only at such times. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart., Wexham Park, Slough. Peas. — Peas sown in December in pots and boxes for carrying a crop of pods inthe same, must be kept near the roof glass, and afforded plenty of airwhen- ever the weather is not raw and cold. The treat- ment of Peas in pots from start to finish should be that known as " cool." Place thin Birch spray to the plants betimes, or secure the haulm within bands of matting held up by neat stakes. Sow for succession to be grown under glass, such varieties as Sutton's May Queen, Early Giant, Carter's Early Morn, or Daisy, all of which are trustworthy. The variety Chelsea Gem is in- valuable for pot and frame culture especially, and being of small stature, &c, it can be grown where the space at the disposal of the gardener is small. Sow likewise in pots or on strips of turf under glass or in troughs with moveable sides for plant- ing out - of - doors. Sow new seed thinly, and never force the plants into weak growth by warmth. Be cautious in sowing Peas out-of-doors as yet, the ground being cold and not favourable to the early vegetation of the same. If a dry, sunny border, consisting of light and rich soil, is available, Peas may be sown at this date ; but when the soil is heavy, defer to sow till February. The Peas sown in the autumn, being nowof someheight, should be protected by evergreen or other twigs placed on both sides of the rows, and be afforded a light sprinkling of quick-lime in powder, or of fresh soot. Broad Beans.— One of the best Beans for early sowing is Early Mazagan, and next to that is Beck's Dwarf Green Gem. The usual treatment accorded Peas suit these early varieties of the Broad Bean. Autumn-sown Cabbage. — On light land it is ad- visable to steady and make firm all plants loosened by frost and wind, trampling lightly when the soil is not sticky on each side of the rows, and afterwards moulding up the plants so far as the lower leaves. Gaps in the towb should be filled up. Brassicas Generally. — Sow in small quantities in boxes and place in frames, or on a slight hot-bed seeds of Cauliflower in variety, Brussels Sprouts, Red and White Cabbage, also Cos and Cabbage varieties of Lettuce. Allow the seeds in every case to germinate slowly. Carrots may be sown in frames placed on slight hot-beds, the covering of which should consist of a mixture of light sandy loam and leaf-mould in equal proportions together with wood-ashes and road grit, and a sprinkling of Clay's Fertiliser, the whole being passed through a sieve with }-inch mesh. The soil may have a depth of 15 inches, and it must be pressed firmly together. Sow in drills drawn at S to 10 inches apart. The French or Early Short Horn are reliable varieties, good for the present sowing, as is the Early Dutch Horn. Radishes may be sown in small quantities at fortnightly intervals in a similar kind of hot-bed frame. Onions. — Seeds should now be sown in small flower-pots or in boxes having a depth of 4£ inches for the production of large bulbs. The compost may consist of fibrous loam one-half, leaf-soil a quarter, and a quarter of dried horse-drop- pings, with some coarse sand added. Sow thinly, and only just cover the seed with fine soil, and make all quite firm. Place in a forcing-house just started. Onion seed should germinate slowly, and the plants be kept stocky and vigorous. For exhibition purposes Ailsa Craig is one of the best. Frames. — Afford air to Cauliflowers, Lettuces, Endive, and Parsley, keep the plants free from decayed leaves, and do not allow crowding, or the plants will be worthless. FRUITS UNDEK GLASS. ByT. H. C. Vines. — Disbud early Vines as soon as the most fruitf ill shoots can be readily distinguished, leaving one to a spur. Stop the laterals to one or two joints beyond the bunch, according to the space allotted to each. Disbudding or stopping the laterals should always be done by the finger and thumb, never allowing the shoots to attain the size when a knife is necessary to remove them. Afford a night temperature of 5b° to 62°, with a rise of 10° during the day, according to the state of the weather. Admit air by the top ventilators upon every favourable occasion. Shut up early to enclose sun heat, lightly syringe the rods, and maintain a moist condition of the atmosphere. Start succession houses as required without artificial heat for the first week or ten days, except in severe weather, when a temperature of 45° may be maintained. Propagation. — The best and most common practice of raising young Vines, is from eyes or buds of the previous year's growth. When pruning, laterals containing good plump buds should have been inserted in damp sand or soil ; these should now have the buds with an inch or so of the lateral removed, cutting it half through on the under side. Insert these singly in 3-inch pots, or thinly in pans or boxes in a light compost of two-thirds good sandy loam, and one-third leaf- mould, to which may be added a little fine charcoal and mortar-rubble. Plunge the pots, &c, in a bottom heat of 75° to SO°, and a top temperature of 65° to 70°. When rooted, pot on, and grow quickly in a stove temperature with plenty of moisture. At subsequent potting, never allow the plants to become pot-bound. With successful management and close attention to the smallest details, good canes for next year's pot- Vines may be grown, which are in many ways preferable to "cut backs." Forcing Pines. — Houses or pits should now be got in readiness for succession fruiting plants. Lime-wash the walls and sides of the plunging pits, cleanse the structures, particularly the glass, so that it may at this season admit every ray of light. If the heating power of the old plunging material is exhausted, renew it with fresh, which may consist of tanner's bark, or Oak and Beech leaves. If unable to wait until the bottom heat subsides to a safe plunging temperature, open out wide holes 2 feet apart, and stand the plants on inverted flower-pots free of the plunging material, and when the heat declines plunge to the rims. Very little water is necessary at this season, but when applied sufficient in a tepid state should be given to thoroughly moisten, the ball of soil. Withhold water from plants ripening off their fruit, otherwise the flavour will be impaired. Afford a bottom-heat of 80° to 85%. a night temperature of 65°, and one of 10° higher more or less during the day, according to the< state of the weather ; ventilate when the weather permits. Whenever good strong suckers are avail- able, detach them from the old plants and propa- gate singly in 5-inoh pots, using a rich loamy compost, pressed firmly round the base of the* sucker. Plunge in a brisk bottom-heat, close up to the roof-glass in the propagating-pit. Keep a sharp look-out for scale and other insect pests, a© they are easily dealt with in the early stages of" the plant's growth, and need not prove trouble- some afterwards. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By J. C. Tallage, Gardener to E. Millek Mundy, Esq., Shipley Hall, Derby. Bedding Plants. — Where the autumn-struck: cuttings of zonal and Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums:- are sufficiently plentiful for all purposes, let the- points of the shoots be pinched out, so that a bushy habit may be the more readily induced before the time comes to repot or box off the? plants a few weeks hence. Verbenas, Dwarf Lobelias, Heliotropes, Iresinesf Altemantheras, and, in fact, any bedding plants which are propagated from stock-plants, should now be put into warmer quarters for the produc- tion of shoots, and if the stock of plants is low,, several batches of cuttings may be needed. In the cold propagating-frames such plants as Antirr- hinums and Calceolarias should have the points- of the shoots pinched out, and strong-growing Violas may be served in the same manner. Stir- the surface-soil in the pots, and remove decayed leaves. The ventilation of cold frames should be constantly attended to during the winter, or- the plants will suffer. A hotbed should be now made in a warm, sunny position, sufficiently large to accommodate a one, two, or three-light frame,, in which may be sown seeds of East Lothian Stocks. It is necessary to raise these early, and if grown in quantity, sowing in frames will be found better than raising the plants in boxes in a forcing-house, as there is less fear of loss by damping-off. The soil must be sweet and wholesome, and mixed with a considerable- quantity of finely-sifted old mortar. To those- who have not grown it, I recommend strongly the comparatively new "rose coloured," a variety which is very constant and good. Lobelia cardinalis. — In gardens where this plant is difficult to keep during winter, let the- plants in stock-boxes be placed in heat, the doing of which usually checks canker, and brings the- clumps into condition for early division. Here we depend largely upon seedlings, and sow the- seeds in the summer. The favourite L. c. Queen Victoria comes true from seed, but the fine L. c. Firefly rarely ripens seeds, and the stock of this and some others must be kept up by division. Hollyhocks. — The seeds should be sown early to- get good flowering plants the first season, and where they are treated as annuals it is time now to sow seeds. I prefer to treat the plant as a biennial, sowing in July. There is no question but that Hollyhocks raised from seeds are not so- liable to the orange-fungus as are those raised from cuttings. Cannas. — The seeds should be sown forthwith in a hot, moist house or hotbed-frame, plunging the seed-pots in leaf-inould or Cocoanut-fibre. Before sowing, notch the seed-capsules almost or- quite through. Liliums. — The bulbs of L. auratum, L. specio- sum, and other hardy Lilies, should be planted, out during the first mild weather after they arrive, as keeping them out of the soil is always injurious. In choosing a position for the bulbs, plant them among low shrubs, the branches of' which afford shelter to the stems in the spring. Mossy Saxifrages. — If employed as edgings to- flower-beds, press them lightly with the foot, which will tend to keep the tufts dense and tlu- lines in good form. 40 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [JAXUABY 17, 1903. EDITORIAL NOTICES. • ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications skould he wbittes ox one side only of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the sig?tature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee 0/ good faith. Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editor does not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return the unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. Wewspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should he careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, t**t 1a t Surveyors' Institution (Junior), jan. is-! Meeting (Gardeners' Royal Benevolent TwrrnonAV t.m oqJ Institution : Annual Meeting lttUKSDAY, jan. 22< an(J Election of pensioners, at (. 3P M.,at"Sinipson's, "Strand. SALES FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY. JANUARY 19 and 23- Herbaceous and other Plants, Azaleas, Rhododen- drons, Bulb?, Perennials, &c, at 67 and 68, Cheap- side, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. WEDNESDAY. January 21— Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Roses. Palms, Hardy Border Plants and Perennials, &c , at 67 and 68, Cheapside.by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.— Atso'clock, a,610 cases of Japanese Liliums. also Palm Seeds, e conjectured from the circumstance that " nine- teen-twentieths of the county yet remain to be thoroughly investigated ! " This seems to pre- sage the future appearance of a supplement. Mr. George Massee and Mr. C. Crossland are responsible for the present instalment, which is published at Leeds for the Yorkshire Naturalists' Union. Mosquito-bane. — Mr. Shiplet records in Nature the belief entertained in "Western Africa rfchat mosquitos are driven away by a particular plant, some leaves of which have been sent to Kew, and have been identified as belonging to Ocimum viride. Captain Lartmore, the Resi- dent of the Kabba province, northern Nigeria, confirms the notion of the efficacy of the plant, for he says, that by placing three or four1 of these plants round his bed at night he was able to sleep unmolested without using a mosquito-net. Mr. Shipley collects a considerable amount of •evidence to show that the plant has valuable medicinal properties, and may possibly be of service in banishing the gnats, which are the carriers of the malaria poison. German Professors. — In the January aiumber of Gartenflora it is stated that the Keepers of the Botanical Museum of Berlin, Dr. Ernst Gilg and Dr. Gustav Lindau, have ^received the title of " Professor." From the •same source we learn that the " extra- ordinary " Professor of Botany at Freiburg in Breisgau, Dr. Friedrich Oltmanxs, has been appointed ,ce ordinary " professor of this department. — Gartenflora, Jan. 1, 1903, p. 32 Nature Study.— The more lectures that are given in the sensible spirit that inspired Mr. Hedger Wallace at the College of Preceptors on Saturday, the better for the future of Nature- study, the peace of mind of teachers, and the progress of education. No one wishes to limit the field of operations, or the matters for investi- gation in Nature-study, the informality of which is its greatest claim to consideration ; but what is the good of an educational unknown quantity, in which, as Mr. Wallace points out, there is no Tecognised body of principles or practice ? Mr. Wallace also made clear the ridiculous position •of some who make Nature-study so beautifully vague and so vaguely beautiful that they cannot ■explain what it is, though when hard pushed, they sometimes advance what is merely an old and valued friend — elementary natural science. In the address which he gave, Mr. Wallace also went deeply into what has been done, and laid down some valuable lines of limitation and divi- sion of Nature-study, which have recently been (strenuously advocated by himself and also others who have the future of the movement at heart. We cannot go into detail, but we may say that, recognising the objects sought, informal " nature- lore " may be separated from " nature - know- ledge," which may find a definite place in the time-table. PROF. ENGLER.— The Director of the Royal Botanic Garden at Berlin, Professor Engler, ihas returned from a successful journey through East Africa. He travelled from Cape Town through the Transvaal to Lorenzo-Marquez, and from there to Tanga, in order to make a longer stay in East and West TTsambara. Thenco he went to Kilimandscharo, and to Voi, by the Uganda railway, journeying as far as Nakuru. He returned by way of Mombassa to Dares- salam, and has brought back to Europe many treasures with which to enrich the Botanic Garden and Museum of Berlin. Gartenflora, January 1, 1903, p. 32. Publications Received.— From the Agricultural Experiment Station of the Louisiana State University and A. and M. College : — Bulletin No. f6. Sugarcane: Experiments in Cultivation, by Wm. C. Stubbs, Director and State Chemist. Bulletin No. 67. Broom Corn : How to Grow and Care It, by W. R. Dodson. "Broom Corn" is a name for Sorghum vulgare. This contribution contains useful illustrations. Bulletin No. 69. Pecans, by F. H. Burnette, Wm. C. Stubbs, and H. A. Morgan. The " Pecan " is a species of Hickory— Hicoria pecan. This bulletin is also illustrated.— From the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station :— Bulletin No. 80. Methods and Results of Field Insecticide Work Against the San Jos4 Scale, 1899-1902 (illustrated), by S. A. Forbes, State Entomologist —Viidon's (late Morton' t) Agricultural Almanac for 1903, is the forty-eighth issue of this publication. Its pag-is are occupied with agri- cultural statistics, and with such articles as : Field Experiments, by Prof. Wrightson; Progress in Fruit Growing, by Mr. W. E. Bear; Larch Disease, by M. C. E. Curtis, &c— Journal of the Department of Agriculture of Western Australia, November. This contains numerous ootes and reports on the Wanneroo district, Cereals at Haniel Experimental Plots, and from other stations.— The Transvaal Agricu turalJoitmat, October, vol. i., No. 1. —The Agricultural Journal, Cape o> GoodHope, December. Contents : Destruction of Rammenas, Cuzco Maize at the Cape, Electro culture in Clifton, Erinosis in Vines, Blue Gums as Forest Trees, by Mr. C. H. McNaughton, &c— Circulars and Agricultural Journal of the Royal Botanic Garden, Ceylon, vol. ii , No. 2. Farther Obser- vations on Helopeltis, by E. Ernest Green.— Annual Report on the Gardens of His Highness Maharana Fateh Singhji Bahadur, Q.C.S I., of Udaipur, Mewar, for 1901-2. " The season was, on the whole, favourable. The gardens were kept in good order all through the year." — Annates Agronomiques. December 25. Containing a memoir of M. P. P. DehOain, founder and editor of the publication, and well known for other agricultural and botanical work.— IMitsfrirte Flora (Vienna) Decem- ber, 1903.— Der Handelsgartner, December 27.— U.S. De- partment of A griculiure, Division of Entomology, Bulletin No. 37.— Proceedings of the Fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Association of Economic Entomologists ; and Bulletin No. 33, Some Miscellaneous Results of the Work of the Division of Entomology, vi.— Journal d' Agriculture Tropi- cale— Bulletin du Jardin Imperial (fe Botanique, St. Petersburg.— Italia A gricola.— Matter's Deutsche Gartner- Ziitting.— Revue dc Horticulture Beige.— Agricu'tural News, Barbados.— Pharmaceutical Journal.— Webster's Forester* Diary, Rider & Son —Farm and Home Year Book.— Bulletin, Agricultural Station, Louisiana and Illinois. — English Mechanic. — Comptes Rendus Etat Indcpendant du Congo.— Die Garten Welt —North Riding County Council Technical Instruction Committee. — Builder. — Botani: die Zeitung. — Le Jardin. — Ftori&ts' Exchange. — American Florist. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. ENGLISH CHESTNUTS. — Chestnuts quite large enough to he worth eating are produced in this country in favourable summers, and even occa- sionally at Kew. Not many years ago a sack was sent up from Gloucestershire, and fetched .£3 at Covent Garden with a request for a further supply, as it was earlier in the market than imported fruit. Mr. Fisher in his review of Mr. Gamble's Manual of Indian Timbers, states that : " The fiue Chestnuts grown in the South of France come from a grafted variety which will not grow in England." But we grow in the Arboretum at Kew the Marion de Lyons and Gros Merle, and both produce fruit. In these varieties the large size of the fruit appears to depend on only one or two being developed in each involucre, the rest being suppressed. W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, Soyal Gardens, Kew, FASCIATION IN VINES. — Some four years ago, I saw at T. Eochford & Sons' about half the Vines in one span-roofed vinery with very distinct foliage, dark and finely serrated. The shoots consisted of a curious mixture, but they were chiefly doubled or flat. The bunches of Grapes also presented much the same kind of defect, and they were with difficulty thinned. The berries were of a good colour but larger and rounder than ordinary ones. Mr. Eochford sent a fine sample to a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, but it was passed over. Eecently I was asked to inspect an Alicante Vine, which possessed a double rod, the one rod being of the true form, but the other similar to those I saw at the Turnford Nurseries. I can suggest no cause for this kind of malformation, nor suggest a remedy, and I would pull up every Vine thus affected. The lateral growth being poorly matured, the crop gets less annually, the Vines weaken, and many of the spurs die back or refuse to break. It would be folly to propagate Vines from these defective rods. The same thing happened to some Vines of mine some years ago, when residing in Norfolk, and although various experiments were tried, no actual improvement took place, and they were pulled up. We always take it for granted that Meredith raised this variety of Alicante in France, or at least introduced it, else one might be inclined to think it is a sport, and now occasionally the Vine runs back. Meredith was the first to bring this variety into repute. Stephen Castle. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.— Having seen a proof copy of the Chrysanthemum show prize-list for 1903, I should like to point out to those in authority the reckless waste of money that is proposed. A new class is introduced, named the Queen Alexandra Prize, offering .£15, ,£10, £7 10s., and Ml; as prizes for twelve vases of Chrysanthemum blooms in twelve varie- ties, three of each, "confined to growers within the municipal boundaries of Edinburgh and Leith." The association is not a provincial one, rather is it international. Its membership is drawn from all parts of the three kingdoms, and competitors from the sister countries exhibit successfully at the annual November show in Edinburgh. Already a olass is confined solely to Scottish exhibitors, and known as tie " Scottish Cup " class. Now it is proposed to curtail com- petition by providing more valuable money prizes "for growers within the municipal boundaries of Edinburgh and Leith" than they offer for the whole of Scotland. As well might growers within the municipal boundaries of Glasgow, Dundee, or Aberdeen, have classes provided for them at this our international Chrysanthemum show in Edinburgh. In looking through the recent official catalogues of entries published each year, I note that with one exception, no exhibitor within the " municipal boundaries of Edinburgh and Leith" has ever made an entry in the larger classes for cut blooms. Where are they to come from now ? It might be urged thvt it will encourage new exhibitors to come forward ; but why should such a limited area be so favoured above all Scotland 't If they cannot gain a prize when competing with other parts of Scotland, should they be encouraged so liberally to show inferior stuff ? A sum of <£15 in prizes will induce the same amount of compe- tition, and be a considerable saving in money to the association. I cannot think the people of Edinburgh would appreciate exhibits of poor quality having the name "Queen Alexandra" tacked on to it. Eather let our Queen's name be associated with a worthier class for competition than is possible from the limited area of a muni- cipal boundary. A Country Member. [We quite agree with our correspondent's contention. Ed.] VEGETABLES AS FOOD. — Mr. AUeyne in his eulogium of the West Indian Yam, Dioscorea Battatas, or the Sweet Potato, Convolvulus Bat- tatas, is treading over well trodden ground. Not only in the past have efforts been made to popularise the Sweet Potato as an article of con- sumption in this country, but also to get it grown, and so far with no success. With tastes so much in favour of the starch Potato of South America, now one of our great articles of vege- table diet, we seem to have no appreciation for the Sweet Potato of the West Indies, much as that root may be appreciated in hot countries where starch Potatos such as ours are cannot be grown. Writing of the Sweet Potato in The Vegetable Garden, M. Vilinoriu states that it can hardly be grown iu France, and will not grow in England. Now were we to adopt this Yam as aii article of vegetable food, we should but bo adding to our indebtedness to other countries for our food supplies, and still further be weakening the public taste for those free-cropping, hardier vegetables we can grow at home. I have often thought, should England, Scotland, and Ireland be at any time by act_of 44 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jaxuaet 17, 1903. war so blockaded that supplies of food from other countries were cut off, what a condition of want and starvation would exist ! The suggestion of such a possibility, having regard to the teachings of history, seems wildly improbable, but it is desirable that every contingency should be pro- Tided for. In such a case, on what could the nation rely for food so well as upon those immense supplies of vegetables which the land of the king- dom, under high pressure of culture, could pro- duce ? Unfortunately, our tastes in relation to food are far from being simple or natural. It is not merely that we have created myriads of wants of an artificial kind that it needs the produce of the whole world to satisfy, but we have become so habituated to the sweet cheap products of hot climates that the taste for home-grown products is weakened rather than strengthened. The vaunted Sweet Potato is not more pleasant to the taste, nor does it contain greater nutriment than does our own Parsnip, but the latter is far from being a popular vegetable, due very largely, no doubt, to the production of large watery roots and cooking them very defectively. Beets are really most nutritive roots, and we can have them, if enough be grown and cared for, nearly all the year round ; whilst the Potato is always with us, and no human being would starve, indeed might lead a healthy life if fed on these three roots solely. Beyond these roots, however, what a wealth of wholesome substantial food we could find in Carrots, Onions, Turnips, Salsafy, of Peas and Beans of all kinds, Vege- table-Marrows, Tomatos, in Cabbages, Cauli- flowers, Broccolis, Kales, Sprouts, or Lettuces, Radishes, Cucumbers, Celery, Seakale, and many other things, all furnishing fine food first hand, and devoid of all disease-elements. Beyond all that, there could be immensely enhanced fruit supplies if we would but produce them, rather than as we do now, allow millions of acres of land to run almost to waste, producing only trivial crops of food, as compared with what they could be made to produce were they but under spade- cultivation. Were such the case, not only would profitable labour be found for hundreds of thousands of men now seeking work in vain, but our home food supplies would be so enormously increased that all fear of famine, should any out- side trouble occur, would be soon swept away. It is to be deplored that in growing rich, the nation is far from being strong, healthy, or wise. We ignoro our capacities of production and resource, whilst running after the sweet products or cheap meats of other countries. Some day, perhaps, we may wish we had earlier been wiser. A. D. PAYMENT OF WAGES DURING SICKNESS. — In your answer to " Constant Reader/' respecting wages during illness, in Gardeners' Chronicle, January 10, 1903, you say a gardener who falls sick, cannot claim, "as a right," wages during such illness. Please allow me to say he has a legal claim. I myself put a gentleman into County Court last July, and recovered eleven weeks' wages for illness. I may say hi3 solicitor offered five guineas in settlement of claim. I refused, and consulted my solicitor ; he put in claim for eleven weeks' wages, and the week before trial they paid full claim with costs into court. I shall be glad to give further particulars if required, in confidence to " Constant Reader," if you will send his address. X. LATE GOOSEBERRIES. — I am very pleased, Mr. Editor, to see in your issue of January 10, p. 28, that you put in a word in favour of the humble Gooseberry. I am afraid your corre- spondent, Mr. Fulton, has not been fortunate enough to be in a locality where the Gooseberry does well, or he would not be so severe in his condemnation of them as a dessert fruit. I can assure him, thit the best flavoured varieties, such as Keepsake, Companion, High Sheriff, Green Gascoigne, and Red Warrington are appre- ciated very much, not only by my employers, but by visitors also, from whom I have heard such expressions as, they " Did not know Goose- berries were so good before." I quite agree that unless well cultivated and kept free from insects, it is almost an impossibility to get good fruit on a north wall so fax south as this, where our greatest enemy is red-spider ; and I can quite understand that fruit grown under such adverse conditions would not be very tempting to either birds or wasps. Mine are grown both as cordons and bushes ; the bushes being S feet between the rows, with a 5-feet fence planted with cordons running between each row ; from these (if the wasps would only leave them alone), I should have no difficulty in keeping up a supply of fruit well into September. In confirmation of the above remarks, I have a little bit of silver reposing in a case that was ' once awarded me by the Royal Horticultural Society for a collection of the above. Since then I am known among some of my brethren of the fraternity as Old Gooseberry. HYDRANGEA PANICULATA FOR FORCING. — It may be of interest to " E. B." to know that to-day, when calling on Mr. C. T. Kirby, of North Finchley and Covent Garden Market, I saw a batch of 1,000 of these in pots, standing on the remains of the manure-bed, which had some 12 ins. cut off the tops, and outside a covering of bracken. This I found had been here done for convenience, the plants when received from Holland being tall, and the potting-shed low, there was not room for the heads without cutting down. I trust " E. B." did not conclude that by my statement of reducing top shoots that this was the pruning. The fact of any top growth being shortened does not practically affect the plant growth in any way, the probability being that the winter would kill this soft wood to a point far below the point at which the shoot would be cut, but the shorter top keeps the plants from blowing over. According to the season at which plants are wanted to come into bloom, so must the actual pruning take place. Thus February and March, for June and July flowering ; April being a good time for August blooming. The pruning, as rightly noted by " E. B.," would then be down to two to four buds. There are exceptions, how- ever, to every rule, as last May I saw a lot of 200 plants that had had the shoots left longer for extremely late flowering, and these did well, excepting that the heads were not individually fine ones. S. C. CROSS-TRELLISES FOR PEACH-TREES.— That, good crops of fruits may be gathered from trees planted cross-wise in the house, and for years in succession, cannot be doubted. My earliest knowledge of a house so planted was in 1876, and at that time the house in question was not new, it must have been erected some thirty years ago. The house in question (I forget its name) was in a garden on Sydenham Hill, and adjoining it was " Hitherwood," the residence of the late Latimer Clark, Esq. Not only did the trees so planted produce excellent crops of fruit annually, but the trees on the back wall bore their comple- ment of fruit. If objection could be taken at all, it was to tho lack of room for the full development of the trees towards the front. This was apparent at the time of which I write, and was due to the front wall being much too low. This, with the very sharp angle of the house, caused some little disfigurement of the trees, through exces- sive cuitailment of growth. With this item modified, the cross-planting method was not inferior to others, while it afforded space for a larger number of trees than is the case with the usual ones. E. J. SHIPLEY HALL, DEEBT. The gardens at this place, the residence of E. M. Mundy, Esq., are at all times interesting, but especially so just at the present time, owing to the extensive alterations and improvements in the gardens. A special feature is the construction of a fine pergola from east to west, through the old walled-in garden, and the walk continues at either end, joining the lawn on the east, the famous Beech avenue on the west, thus connect- ing two distinct parts of the pleasure-grounds. The pergola is furnished with an arched roof and four domes placed at eqiial distances apart. The wood used is Oak, and the supports consist of slender pillars of brick in cement. Instead of the usual grass or gravel path underneath, ornamental York flagstones are used. A small rockery connects the pergola with a fernery, planted with a mixture of alpines, now getting nicely established. A path runs through the centre, and is banked with tufa. On the eastern side of the lawn a Lily-pond has been constructed, and numerous species and varieties were in flower on the day of my visit. The pond has a margin of tufa, and forms a pleasing feature, the whole being surrounded with groups of bog and other hardy flowering plants. In another part of the garden, the head gar- dener, Mr. Tallack, drew my attention to a border planted entirely with autumn-flowering, hardy, herbaceous, and perennial plants. This idea of planting hardy flowers that come into bloom at the same season all together is a praiseworthy one, and obviates the untidiness usually observed in mixed borders. The Vines and fruit-trees in the forcing-houses are looking well — the Vines are strong, healthy, and fruitful. Of Figs, I noted a tree of the Brown Turkey, whose branches entirely cover the roof of a large glasshouse, and afford two crops a year. This tree is allowed to grow at will, and no pruning or stopping curtails its growth ex- cepting in the winter, when some strong branches require to be removed to afford space for young growths. The crop this year numbered more than 1,000, and was continuous from May till the end of October. Soma time ago it was considered advisable to remove all of the span-roofed plant and Orchid- houses, so that instead of running east and west as formerly, they should run north and south. These houses are approached from the pergola on either side. Some of these are filled with clean well-grown Orchids, the outcome of many years of collecting. In flower were numerous Dendrobium var. Phalaenopsis Schroderi, a splendid strain with highly coloured flowers. Leaf- mould is extensively used with good results, fo? the plants in general are superior to those grown in peat and sphagnum, but the greatest care has to be exercised in affording water at the roots. The centre of the fruit-house range consists of a large span-roofed house, which is devoted to the cultivation of Anthurium Schertzerianum in great variety, and some of the specimens are of huge size (see fig. 21, p. 45). There are many other plant-houses filled with plants used for indoor decoration, and for supply- ing flowers for cutting. Among these is Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, plants of which when in flower are suspended from the roof of the glass corridor with rockery walls, which connects the mansion with the conservatory. The latter was filled with Palms, showing remarkable health and vigour. Fairly large batches of Chrysanthe- mums, Richardias, Euphorbias, Genistas, Salvia splendens, Francoas, Campanulas, and the usual run of forcing plants are grown. Winter Carnations only are grown in quantity, the selected being Mdlle. Therese Franco, Miss Mary Godfrey, R. Godfrey, Lucifer, Firefly, Jubilee, &c. A long border in the walled-in garden was filleil with Roses, and I noticed in various parts of the grounds large beds of the R. rugosa varieties, which flower abundantly in the autumn, a season when the family is in residence. In the upper part of the garden, and to the south of the pergola before mentioned, large quantities of Sweet Peas are grown, supplying cut blooms; and near by were conspicuous lines of Mont- bretias. The soil at Shipley evidently suits these plants. Mr. Tallack is a many-sided gardener, and his vegetable gardening shows as excellent results as the other departments of the garden. G. Burrows. January 17, 1903.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 45 SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. January 13.— Although the roeetiog held on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster, was the first in the new jear, and the only one that has occurred for five weeks, the sudden decline in tem- perature since Saturday night was sufficient to prevent the display being large. The cold was eo intense on Tuesday that it was a wonder that eo many plants even as were shown were subjected to the risks of transit. Orchids were fairly numerous, but they were chiefly cut flowers. The Floral Committee recommended a First-class Certificate to Coleus thyrsoideus, and three Awards of Merit to seedling varieties of Chrysanthemum. The Road, Chelsea, which occupied one whole side of one of the long central tables. It was composed of Coleus and Begonias. At the back was a double row of plants of the new blue-flowered Coleus thyrsoideus ^ :■;■• '■ . ■■ ■-, .' imy^ffr^ --• ~i '^ ■& ■ Hi E&. d^^BT Jmrnmw ? --V'' Mm i:4 Mw Ml 1 ... ^v*;. ■ „. nil ^ L '^;J'^ 1 .... . , ■ ■ . ^ i , W $ / :^r .," - '.i!W ■ \ft \\ i ■•■«<« mm M i M ■»' ■ AS)^.nrt .._ Fig. 21. -SPECIMEN OF ANTHURIUM SCHERTZERIAXUM WITH SEVENTY SPATHES, CULTIVATED IN SHIPLEY HALL GARDENS. (SEE P. 44.) first Chinese Primulas |of 11 e season were seen in a collection from Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee made no award to a novelty. The exhibits included a collection of Black Alicante Grapes from a garden at Hamp&tead, and some samples of West Indian Yams (Dioscorea) and Sweet Potatos (Ipomcca Batatas). At a meeting at 3 o'clock, p.m., there were 101 new Fellows, Associates, and affiliated societies, elected to the privileges of the Society. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq., Chairman ; and Messrs. C. T. Druery, H. B. May, Jas. Walker, R. Dean, H. J. Jones, J. F. McLeod, J. Jennings, W. Howe, G. Reuthe, Chas. Dixon, C. J. Salter, Chas. Jeffries, C. E. Pearson, R. W. Wallace, Rev. F. Page Roberts, H. J. Cutbush, J. W. Barr, J. A. Nix, C. E. Shea, R. Wilson Ker, E. H. Jenkins, R. C. Notcutt, E. Molyneux, J. H. Fitt, M. J. James, Chas. Blick, Ed. Mawley, and George Nicholson. The most imposing exhibit was one from Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Daphne indica rubra, and on cither side of these, small groups of Erica hyemalis, E. melanthera, and E. gracilis, all good, well-bloomed plants, and some dwarf plants of Citrus sinensis, very freely fruited. In addition to these were some beautiful flowers of choice varieties of Carnations, amongst which were Mrs. S. J. Brooks (white), Mrs. T. W. Lawson, Sir Hector MacDonald, pink and white; Winter Beauty, bright crimson ; &c. The Souvenir de la Malmaison type was repre- sented by Mrs. Martin R. Smith, Calypso, Nautilus, Jane Seymour, Ac. (BroDze Banksian Medal). Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swan ley, Kent, exhibited a group of plants of Coleus thyrsoideus, Moschosma riparian), and Arum sanctum, all in bloom; alsoagood lot of Chinese Primulas in single and double varieties. Sonic of the more conspicuous of the single varieties were Mrs. Kennard, pink; Empress Queen, Eynsford While, White Swan, Snowdon, Eucharis, and Sea-gull (all white); Surprise, purple, shaded crimson; Dr. Nanson, deep crimson ; Cannell's Pink, Eynsford Red, and II. Cannell, bright red (Silver Flora Medal). A new winter-flowering Carnation, named Mrs. Mr. J. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey, exhibited a group of plants of Aucuba japanica, and A. loagifo'.ia, all of which bore abundant richly- coloured berrie°. A few of the plants were trained as stindards .1 feet hig'j (Bronze Banksian Medal). An unusual feature in the Drill Hall was provided by Mrs. Mahv llAitkis, Kinross, Manor Road, Bexhill-on- Sea, who showed two handsome" table centres." They were said to be hand-painted, after being poker- worked on velvet with a hot electric needle. On one were represented Sunflowers, and on the other red Rose3, with natural foliage in each case. A patent tree clip was shown by Mr. W. V\ .v., Lock- inge Gardens. It is made of steel, and covered with guttapercha. They have a certain amount of spring, and the tree is forced into the clip, and held by the simple contraction of the clip. Whether they can be made sufficiently cheap for general use, aud will hold the tree against strongest winds, must be proved. AwardP. Coleus thyrsoideus. — This iliut has been given an Award of Merit previously, and was illuttnted and 46 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE, [January 17, 1903. described in these pages on Jan. 19, 1901. Shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, and Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons (First-class Certificate). Chrysanthemum Harry Whatctey.— This is a sport from the well known variety Niveum. The sport is white, and the florets being forked at the points, the flowers appear fimbriated. It is described as blooming three weeks later than Niveum. From Mr. H. Whatelv. The Nurseries, Kenilworth (Award of Merit). Chrysanthemum Miss Edith Davey.—Thls is a light red- coloured sport from the popular Framficld Pink, which it resembles in other respects than colour. Shown by Mr. Milton Hutchings, Field-heath Nurseries, Hil- lingdon, near Uxbridge (Award of Merit). Chrysanthemum Ruby Martin.— A brownish-red coloured decorative flower, 4 1 iches across, with narrow florets, slightly forked at points. From Mr. J. J. Maetin, Linslade Nursery, Leighton Buzzard (Award of Merit). Orchid Committee. Present: Henry Little, Esq., in the Chair; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Se3.), J. W. Potter, H. A. Tracy, W. H. White, W. H. Young, F. J. Thorne, W. Boxall, J. w. Odell, T. W. Bond, E. Hill, J. Charles- worth, H. T. Pitt, W. A. Bilney, F. A. Eehder, W. Cobb, R. B. White, H. Ballaniine, and de B. Crawshay. There was a very fine show of Orchids, although in consequence of the frosty weather many of the subjects which it had been intended to show as plants in bloom had the flowers cut for exhibition, the plants remaining at home. Captain G. L. Holford, Westonbirt (gr., Mr. n. Alexander), staged a very effective display, principally of cut flowers, arranged in groups with plants of Maidenhair Fern. A aong them were two bouquet like arrangements of the handsome bronzy-orange La;!io- Cattleya x Charlesworthi, L.-C. x Sunray, Lycaste Skinneri atro-sanguinea, spikes of Cymbidium x Winn- ianum, Loelia anceps Schroderiana, and fine examples of about fifty kinds of Cypripediums, including fine forms of C. x nitens, C. x Mrs. Tautz, C. :■: Mons. de Curte, C. x Facinator, &c. A fine plant of the prettily spotted Odontoglossum crispum " Ian " was also shown with two spikes (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons. Chelsea, staged a group composed principally of fine hybrid Cypripediums. Fine forms of most of the best varieties of the season were shown, and a very showy novelty named C. x Dryope(Harrisianumsuperbum x Charlesworthi), with a uniformly rose purple coloured flower, with white margin to the dorsal sepal. Hybrid Dendrobiums, Calanthex gigas, CattleyaxElvina, and the remarkable Angrtecum x Veitchi (eburneum X sesquipedale) was also shown (Silver Banksian Medal). Jeremiah Colman, Esq., Gatton Park (gr„ Mr. W. P. Bound), staged a very pretty group of cut spikes, elegantly-arranged with Asparagus Sprengeri. They included several fine spikes of Cymbidium Tracyinum, C. x Winnianum, Zygopetalum Maekayi, and the finer Gatton Park variety ; good examples of Lielia anceps, Calanthe x Veitchi, C. x Bryan, and C. x Win. Murray (Si ver Banksian Medal). Francis Wellesley, Esq , Westfield, Woking (gr., Mr. Gilbert), showed the fine Cypripedium x Samuel JJratrix var. Minnie (see Awards), the beautiful C. x Memoria Jerninghamre, a fine flower of unrecorded parentage, with pure white upper sepal with emerald- green base, purple markings, and broad central purple band ; the broad, many-edged petals and labellum were heavily tinged with brownish-purple, except at the margins, which are yellow. Mr. Wellesley also showed two forms of Lrelio-Cattleya x Helena var. Miss Laura Webb, with bronzy-orange flowers, and ruby-red colour on the lip, and Cypripedium xHera punctatissimum. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, staged a small group of rare hybrids, two of which secured Awards y the Imperial Depart- ment of Agriculture for the West Indies, with a view to creating a demand for the products in this country. Mr. R. C. Notcut, Wood's Nursery, Woodbridge, Suffolk, exhibited some fruits of Pear Winter Orange, a variety suitable for stewing, which has been shown on former occasions. A collection of twenty-eight bunches of Black Ali- cante Grapes was shown by W. Shuter, Esq., Hamp- stead (gr., Mr. T. Armstrong). The bunches were of fair average size, and the berries well coloured, espe- cially as they were cultivated within 3 miles of Charing Cross (Silver Banksian Medal). MEETING OF THE CHAMBRE SYNDICALE AT GHENT. Januahy 5.— At the meeting on the above dat^e of the Chambre Syndicale des Horticulteurs Beiges and the Societe Royale d' Agriculture et de Botanique of Ghent, the following Certificates of Merit were awarded :— For three Phala'uopsis amabilis var. Rimestadiana, from M. Th. Pauwels {par acclamation); for Cattleya rubes- cens (C. dolosa x C. labiata, from M. A. Peeters, of Brussels (a V unanimity) ; for Cymbidium Tracyanum hyb. Hookerianum x giganteum. from M. L. De Smet- Ddvivier ; for a group of Begonia Turnford Hall, from M. Pynaert Van Geert (par acclamation et avec ji'liciia- tioni dujury); for Lselia autumualis atro-rubens, from the Marquis De Wavrin; for Cypripedium Madame Alfred Janssens (callosum x Curtisii superbum), from MM. Janssens & Putzeys, of Merxem, Antwerp ; for C. Putzeysii (Albertianum x Sylhetense) (a runaiiimiti'), and for C. Caroline (Chantini x Boxalli), both these also from MM. Janssens & Putzeys; for cut Chrysan- themums (a I'unauiinitr}. from M. Firmin De Smet ; and for a cut flower of Cattleya labiata, from M. F. De Bievre, head gardener of the Royal houses at Laeken. CHESTERFIELD AND DISTRICT CHRYSANTHEMUM. January 6.— The annual meeting of this society was held on the above date, Mr. Steele, head master of the Central Schools, presided. Thehon sec, Mr. W. R. Blox- ham congratulated the society on the success attending the show of spring flowers held in April at Wingerworth Hall, and the autumn exhibition of Chrysanthemums; and a'so the memoers of the Chesterfield Society for having won the Cup and £5 offered by the Sheffield Chrysanthemum Society for competition by affiliated societies. Mr. Burr, F.G.S., the hon. treasurer, presented the balance sheet for 190j, showing the society to be in a healthy financial condition. Beginning the year with £13 Is. Id. in hand, to which the year's working brought in receipts amounting to £191 4s.. making a total of £234 lis. Iff. The sum of £ 32 12a. 5rf has been expeuded. £11 10s. given to gardening charities, £10 to thechester- fleld Hospital, and there is a balance in hand of £19 I8s. 2d. The show of spring flowers, by invitation of J. E. Clayton, Esq , President for 1P03, will be held at Thornfield Houce on April22; and the Chrysanthemum show at the Stephenson Memorial Hall, Chesterfield, on November 11 and 12. January 17, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 47 1 Places at which spring shows have been held under the auspices of the society during the past eight years are Ashgate Lodge, Tapton Grove, Ashgate House, Win- gerworth Hall, Tapton House, Whittington Hall. The committee will again provide vans where necessary for the conveyance of plants to the spring show, but gardeners and amateurs will receive no other reward beyond that which comes from a knowledge of having assisted to carry out the objects of the society— to foster the love of flowers in the midst of much that is unlovely, and to help the gardening and other charities from time to time. Schedule of prizes for the autumn show to be revised ; and a paper on " Pruning" is to be read on January 22. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OP ENGLAND ORCHID. January 8.— A fine display of plants was made on this occasion, and several groups were worthy of special notice. Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, had a very good col- lection of plants, amongst which were two line specimens of Cypripedium x Leeunum var. giganteum, C, x Leeanum var. magnificum, C. x Leeanum Cypher"s var. ; C. Leeanum var. burfordense, C. insigne Sandera1, C. i. Hareneld Hall var. ; half-a dozen splendid plants of SophroDitis grandiflora; Angr;ecum sesquipedale, and several line forms of Lselia anceps. A Silver Medal was awarded to this group. O. O. Wriuley, Esq., Bury (gr., Mr. Rogers), staged a nice group of Cypripediums, for which a Silver Medal was awarded. Cypripedium Pollettianum var. super- bum, received an Award of Merit ; similar Awards were made to \C x Melia and C. x Tityus var. superba; Cattleya chocoensis var. albens was a so shown in the group. M. A. A. Peeters, Brussels, exhibited several good Orchids, the choicest being Cypripedium x aureum var. Surprise, which received an unanimous vote of a First-class Certificate. This lovely plant has now passed into Mr. S. Gratrix's collection. Other plants shown by this well-known cultivator which received notice from the Committee were Cypripedium xCardosoanum, C. x Madame A. Bleu, both of which were given Awards of Merit, and for the collection a Bronze Medal was awarded. G. W. Law-Sc ho field, Esq., Rawtenstall (gr , Mr. Shill), who, we are happy to know is rapidly recovering from his recent serious illness, staged several good Cypripediums, a few of which have already been dealt with by the Committee. Two new seedlings, the parent- ages of which are unknown, received first • class Certificates. C.xAdrastus var. Marine, C.x Thompson], C. x Cyrus, were also shown. A Bronze Medal was awarded the exhibitor for this group. ■ S. Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range (gr., Mr. Cypher), received a First-class Certificate for a beautiful form of Cattleya Percivalliana called West Point var. ; and an Award of Merit for Cypripedium x "Great Rex," the parents of which are C. insigne Sanderte x C. villosum. John Cowan & Co., Ltd., nurserymen at Gateacre, received an Award of Merit for Cypripedium x " Kubele,'' of which the parents are C. a-nanthum x C. Youngianum. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill, Enfield, received a Bronze Medal for a miscellaneous group, the same Award being given to Mr. A. J. Keeling for a group consisting mainly of good forms of Cypripede?. P. W. ABERDEEN CHRYSANTHEMUM. The annual meeting was held in the Union Club Buildings, Aberdeen, on Saturday evening, 10th inst., when Mr. William Bisset, the Chairman of the Society, occupied the chair. The annual report, which was read, showed that there was an increase in- the membership and in the funds of the Society. The exhibition held on Nov. 21 and 22 last, was most successful, and there were about fifty more entries than in any previous year. The quality too of the exhibits was excellent. The financial statement was also favour- able, the credit balance for the year being £23 9*. S\d., the total funds now amounting to the respectable figure of £139 18*. Sd. In moving the adoption of the report, the chairman characterised the year's trans- actions as most successful, and extendedto all who had contributed to the success of the year's working the thanks of the Society. Mr. J. D. Smith seconded the motion, which was unanimously agreed to. The following gentlemen were elected office bearers for the ensuing year :— Chairman, Mr. William Bisset; Vice- chairman, Mr. G. C. Minty; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. M. H. Sinclair. A committee of twenty members was appointed, who will form the executive for the present year. The date of this year's show was fixed for November 20 and 21. A motion was put to the meeting that the show should last for three days, instead of two, as in former years, but it was rejected by a large majority. Messrs. W. McHattie and William Cocker were elected auditors. SOCIETE FRANQAISE D'HORTI- CULTURE DE LONDRES. On Mouday evening last, the Annual Dinner of the above Society was held at the Imperial Restaurant, Strand. Mr. Thomas Bevan occupied the chair, being supported by a numerous company, both English and French, among whom were, Mr. Geo. Schneider, the President of the Society ; Mr. Geo. Nicholson, late of Kew Gardens ; Mr. S. T. Wright, of the Royal Horticul- tural Society Gardens, Chiswick ; Mr. Harman Payne, Mr. H. J. Jones, Mr. Drost, Mr. B. Wynne, Mr. W. Cutbush, and others. The first toast to be honoured was that of the ' King," which was proposed by the Chairman, the company joining in the siuging of the National Anthem. Mr. George Nicholson then followed with " the health of the President of the French Republic," which was accompanied by the Marseillaise. Mr. Schneider in a few appropriate words, then proposed "the health of the Chairman," reminding those present that his title to occupy that position, was that he had not only worked as a gardener in France, but had kept in touch with what was being done on both sides of the Channel, and had preserved a friendly regard for his continental confreres. In his reply, the Chairman briefly alluded to the good work the Society was doing, which was largely owing to the excellent feeling that existed amongst its officials. Not only were places found for young THE^LATE JOHN MCKENZIE, GARDENER AT LINTON PARK. Frenchmen in England, but also places were found for young Englishmen who desired to go on the Continent ; several of these being also present that evening. It was stated that the Society annually found situations for about eighty young men in this way. As one who knew the difficulties that beset young men on setting foot for the first time on foreign soil, he was sure that the youDg friends present much appreciated what the Society did for them in every way. Mr. Schneider replied in the name of the Society, reviewing past work and reminding them that fifteen years ago no one could foresee the progress the Society was destined to make. This he was grateful lo say was largely helped by the kindness of English friends in the nursery trade, who made a point of taking some of their young men. He was glad to see there present several young English gardeners who had in like manner been abroad. He would ask them to drink to " the health of the visitors ; " which was very cordially done. Mr. Harman Payne replied for the visitors, and>Ir. B. Wynne for "the Press." ■ Mr. S. T. Wright felt it to be a great honour to meet so .many French gardeners; he thought that such meetings could not fail to increase the bonds of friend- ship between two great nations, who had done so much for the civilisation of the world. Songs and recitations were given by various friends of both nationalities, and a presentation was made to Mr. George Schneider of a pair of gold sleeve links as a mark of respect fron the young members of the Society. Several new members were proposed, among whom were Mr. Peter Kay, of Finchley, who also sent ai invitation for the members to visit his establish- ment during the summer. Others included Mr. S. T. Wright, Mr. Sander of St. Albans, Mr. Lewis Castle* &c. CROYDON & DISTRICT HORTICUL- TURAL MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. The annual meeting of the Croydon and District Horticulture Mutual Improvement Society was held at the "Sunflower" Hotel, George Street, on Tuesday evening, when Mr. W. J. Simpson was in the chair. Mr. Frank Lloyd was re-elected President, and Mr. G. Curling was added to the list of Vice-Presidents, all of whom were-re-elected. Mr. P. F. Bunyard once more undertakes the duties of treasurer, while Mr. H. Boshier fulfils the onerous post of hon. secretary in the place of Mr. J. Gregory, who resigned his position on account of the pressure of other engagements. The Chairman and Vice -Chairman were re elected. A quantity of new blood was elected to the committee,, which may do the society some good The report and balance-sheet were read, the latter showing the society to be in a very flourishing condition. The annual dinner took place on January 22, and was well attended, 105 taking part. The annual summer outing took place on August 27, the places visited being Paddockhurst and Worth Park. A special vote ' of thanks is due to Mrs. Montetiore for her subscription of £1 towards defraying the expenses of the outing. The committee regretted that the prizes offered to young members for an essay on " Propagation " had not met with more success, only one member having sent in for the competition. They also regretted to report that the contributions to the Gardeners' Orphan Fund box had fallen short of the previous year, the- amount this year being only 6s. id. Mr. Bunyard moved the adoption of the report, and said the society was in a fairly healthy condition. Mr. Harris seconded, and the report and balance-sheet were unanimously adopted. _____ THE HORTICULTURAL CLUB. January 13.— At the monthly dinner of, this Club, at the Hotel Windsor, held under the chairmanship of Mr. Harry Veitch, on Tuesday, Mr. Owen Thomas, V.M.H., read a paper on "The wasted oppor- tunities'in fruit and vegetable culture among the'rura* population." Mr. Thomas's remarks had for' their chief object the holding of a special Conference for the purpose of discussing and remedying the difficulties at present attending fruit and vegetable culture by the rural population on the land available for such pur pose3. A fundamental need, apart from education- suc'i as is being afforded by County Council lecturers, is that of establishing some connection between pro- ducer and consumer, thus ensuring the labourer some- reward for his extra toil on such allotments of, say half an acre, which Mr. Thomas advocated should be provided for him, mainly for fruit and perennial vege- table culture, which involve the minimum of arduous labour. In the subsequent discussion, which wa's a lively one, participated in by such authorities as Messrs. Assbee, H. Veitch, Pemberton.T. W. Sanders Reed. Waterer, C. Pearson. Amos Perry, and others Mr. Perry cited the case of the Dutch labourers, who, by intelligent cooperation, manage to grow exterisive crops of Onions, Gherkins, Cauliflowers, &c, for pickling purposes/ to^ store, them in brine, wait thejj* opportunity, and eventually sell them to good advan- tage to our pickle manufacturers here; an eloquent example of what our own people ought to do, and could do, if they would throw off their old-fashioned conservatism, and learn to do things on the right lines. The entire discussion, as well as the paper itself, was fraught with instruction, but space pre- cludes entering into full details, which will, however appear In due course in the Royal Horticultural Society's Journal. ©bttuan?. J. McKenzie. — The portrait upon this page represents the popular Scottish gardener, whose death at Linton Park, near Maidstone, it was bur painful duty to publish last week. John McKenzie passed away on the first Sunday in the new year. Two years ago he was stricken down with a severe illness, which it was hoped he had over- come, but a return of the disease proved fatal in spite of his strong constitution. We take from a local paper a few details, and hope to publish a fuller account of his career in our next issue. Mr. McKenzie was ever ready to help a young man on the start of life, never happier than when playing with children and amusing them with stories of his own childhood, or explaining in simple phi-ases to them some of Nature's workings. He had a memory full of anecdote, and was a broad - minded, well - read man, beaming with good nature and sympathy in the work of his 4S TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JANUAST 17, 1903. contemporaries. Small wonder that so many met to pay their last respect at his graveside. For over twenty years he had charge of the gardens and grounds at Linton Park, in which post of trust he enjoyed the entire confidence of his employer, and the esteem of the staff under him. At the Crystal Palace, the Aquarium, and other exhibitions, his face and figure were well known and heartily welcomed, and his successes as an exhibitor were on a large scale. At the fruit exhibition at the Crystal Palace in September last, Mr. McKenzie was particularly successful in the classes for single dishes of Apples ; and in 1897 he won 1st prizes in twenty-nine classes. His mature knowledge of Apple-culture, the treat- ment of Vines, the different varieties of Conifers, the growth of Chrysanthemums, and other horti- cultural subjects, kept him in constant corre- spondence with all the leading gardeners and growers of the day ; his garden was his main study, and he did right well that which was his special task. Regarding his enthusiasm for Apple-culture, we remember Mr. McKenzie remarking to us four years ago, when he accompanied us through the beautiful grounds at Linton Park, that he could never lose that enthusiasm. His exact words were as follows : " When once a gardener has undertaken fruit-growing with zest, he can never give it up. The love of it will remain with him to the end. I have grown Chrysanthemums as a specialist, and have been enthusiastic in the showing of other plants; but Chrysanthemums lost their novelty. Fruit has not, nor will it." Mr. McKenzie, who was once foreman in the ■ gardens at the Viceregal Lodge, Dublin, leaves a widow and four children, all grown up, two sons . and two daughters. The loss of two children * some years ago was a terrible blow to the deceased, who was so greatly affected that he rarely visited a horticultural exhibition for three years after- wards. Mary Woodman. — We note in the Daily Telegraph of January 7 an announcement of the death of Mary Woodman, on January 1, at . Hurstmonceux, Sussex, widow of the late William Robert Woodman, M.D., of Exeter, aged sixty- fivo. The lady's husband has often been men- tioned in the Gardeners' Chroniele in connection with the nurseries of Lucombe & Pince of Exeter ; and quite recently a correspondent, Mr. W. Napper, sent us a note concerning 6ome furniture made from the Lucombe Oak in the possession of tho doctor's widow. TRADE NOTICE. Mu. G. P. Bent, late nurseryman at Flixton, near Manchester, ceased to carry on business some years ago, a fact that he made public at the time. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Acacia Maideni : M. B. The following is the reference for which you ask : — F. V. Mueller, ' in Macleay Mem. Linn. Soc, New South Wales (1693), 222, t. 29, ex Index Kewensis, Supp. i., p. 2. Addeess : Enquirer. We hope to print it in our next. Books : if. S. H. The only book on the subject that is worth studying is now out of print, and may only be met with at the old book shops. Carnation Disease : W. P. There are several diseases of these plants. Can you not send for inspection an affected plant ? Carnation Blooms not Bursting their Calyces in 1901, but doing so this Year : L. A. W. The bursting may be due to excess of vigour, and the calyces Dot being strong enough to the pressure of the petals. Last year there may have been less vigour in the plants. Chrysanthemum Changing the Colour of its Flowers: E. W. E. We have no knowledge of any such change in colour being induced by soils, as in the case of Hydrangeas. There are slight variations in tint induced by rich feeding and bud selection, but that is all. Chrysanthemum Leaves : B. B. The leaves are affected by the grub of leaf-miner, a two- winged fly. Hand-picking is the only remedy. Corrections. — Horticultural Buildings in Paris : We understand from our correspondent, M. Grignan, that the Galerie des Machines at the Champs de Mars has not yet been taken down, as we lately led our readers to under- stand, but that its demolition will probably be effected this year. Also, that the temperature in the conservatories at Cours la Peine during the last days of the autumnal exhibition was — 4° C. (24-8 F.), and not 4° C. as printed. In the " Orchid Houses " Calendar in our last issue, for Vall's Beetle-traps, read Vall's "Beetle-cute." Laslia x autumnalis cinna- barina, on p. 19, read Laelia autumnalo- cinnabarina ; and delete the words " after whose son it is named " in the third line. Croton Diseased : Croton. No disease, perhaps the appearances are due to too deep potting, and to sudden alternations of temperature and moisture. Cymbidium Lowianum : Enquirer. That which you purpose doing should bring the plant back to health and vigour. The pot should be of good size, so as easily to accommodate the long, fleshy roots. Do not afford more water than will just keep the materials moist till growth of roots recommences. It should be placed in the Cattleya-house, or one similarly treated. Diseased Mushrooms : J. A. The disease un- fortunately is not uncommon, but without remedy. The gills are distorted and swollen, and rotting soon follows. It is caused by a fungus parasite which some ascribe to Mycogone alba, but your specimens do not afford sufficient evidence to affirm what is the specific parasite that has caused the mischief. The beds must be destroyed, and the place thoroughly dis- infected. It should not be used again for Mushrooms for two or three years, until it is entirely free from fungus spores. M. C. C. Hyacinths : J. G. The tips of the roots are dying or dead, from some cultural defect which you must know better than we can tell you; the soil is good. Names of Fruits: W.J.K. 1, Lady Henniker ; 2, Bound Winter Nonsuch ; 3, Sweet Lading ; 4, Gooseberry Pippin ; 5, too small for recogni- tion.— Cents. 1, Hollandbury ; 2, Ashmead's Kernel.— B. B. S. C. Apple Pile Russett.— Hortus. 1, Leon Leclerc de Laval. The rest were either bruised or rotten, and beyond recognition; send a week or two earlier next season. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — W. P. All three are varieties of Cypripediurn x Leeanum, the largest one being equal in size to C. x L. giganteum. Many forms of this plant have already been named, and yours are not distinct enough to warrant distinctive names. — Veritas. Not a La?lia, but an imperfectly formed Cattleya Percivalliana. — A. D. Weston. Eriobotrya japonica (Loquat), an edible fruit. — Paddy, from Cork. Polypodium vulgare (common Polypody). Tours is a very good form of it. It is often sold in small quantities by florists. — G. C. l,Euonymus japonicus medio-aureus ; 2, Euonymus japonicus variegatus ; 3, Euonymus japonicus ; 4, Euonymus latifolius argenteus. The Rhododendron is one of the hybrids of Rhododendron arboreum. — T. C. 1, RIhbo discolor vittata, commonly called Trade3cantia discolor vittata; 2, Niphobolus Lingua; 3, Carex japonica gracillima of gardens. — G. W. S. 1, Pinus, perhaps muricata ; 2, Abies amabilis ; 3, Picea sitchensis ; 4, Cedrus, perhaps Deodar ; 5, Abies amabilis ; 6, Atriplex Halimus ; 7, Baccharis halimifolia. It is almost impossible to name some of the Conifers without seeing the cones. — J. W. 1, Tillandsia Lindeni ; 2, Bill- bergianutans ; 3, Dracaena Sanderiana. — W. D., Bedford. 1, Cupressus Lawsoniana ; 2, Juni- perus excelsa; 3, Thuya gigantea; 4, Retino- spora squarrosa ; 5, Taxus baccata; 6, Cupressus Lawsoniana var. Payment of Wages During Illness : G. F., and X.Y.Z. Since our last issue was published, we are informed that the gardener being regarded at law as a " domestic," and as such a yearly servant, can demand that his wages be paid him for the time he is incapacitated by illness. See case, p. 44, in the present issue. Propagation of Shrubs and Trees : B. S. Winton. The information you require is scattered through many different works, and cannot be obtained in one volume. As regards methods of propagation in the briefest possible terms, you would find The Nursery Boole, by L. H. Bailey, Rural Publishing Company, New York, of use. It can be obtained through a foreign bookseller. Rating Nursery Land: Enquirer. On p. 130 in our issue for August 12, 1899, is an account of the decision arrived at in the Court of Appeal, presided over by the Master of the Rolls, who upheld the distinction between "land" and "buildings;" and this judgment was agreed with later by the Lord Chancellor, together with Lords Watson, MacNaghton, and Morris, with the result that those portions of market gardens under glass are in future not to be rated as agricultural land, but are to be assessed on the same scale as land on which immovable build- ings are constructed. Your cottage garden with its glasshouse is rightly assessed at the higher value, and the landlord who has paid the rate hitherto must also pay the higher rate. Roman Hyacinth : W. L. There is no disease, but the top-growth has taken place before the roots were produced to support it. Servants' Tax : B. C. It is customary to have the gardener and his foremen, if any is em- ployed, taxed ; but not boys and garden work- men. Your employer or his estate-agent should appeal against the payment in such a case. Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations GaowN in Garden Frames in Winter : A. W. There is no mystery about the cultiva- tion of this practically hardy plant. Grow the plants under glass without codling ; afford air by day and night abundantly when there is no actual frost. Apply water only when the soil has got into a really dry condition. Place the plants so that the foliage nearly touches the glass, keep it clean, also the glass, and do not syringe it. Vaporising or fumigation are the best means of destroying insects, and spong- ing about the worst. If artificial heat can be applied to mitigate the effects of the dampness, always a danger in the winter in a frame, it would be beneficial. Tomatos Good for Forcing or Otherwise : Oxonian. Frogmore Selected, scarlet fruited, and Veitch's Golden Jubilee, both heavy croppers and handsome fruits. Violet Baroness Rothschild : E. W. E. We do not know. Apply to a large grower of Violets, or hardy flowers. We cannot recom- mend dealers. Violet Amiral Avellan: E. W. E. Princess of Wales is the more popular variety, not the Amiral. Perhaps the blooms have the longer footstalks when grown under like treatment. As you know, the distance of the plants from the lights causes differences of this sort. Zonal Pelargoniums and Fuchsias : Oxonian. Of the former choose double Henri Jacoby, Erl Konig, V. P. Raspail, Rosa Bonheur, and Colossus, all double flowered ; or Aurore Borealis, Barbara Hope, Chaucer. Edward VII., Gen. Buller, single - flowered vars. Of the latter, choose alba coccinea, Beauty of Trow- bridge, and Delight, single - flowered; and Avalanche and Kinsburyana, double-flowered. Communications Received.— J. Roberts— C. A. B.— R. Cairns.-J. R J.— G. M.— W. R.-E. R. R., we shall be pleased to give what assistance we can.— F. W. B.— W. M. W— S. R.G.— W. R.— W.H.D.— J. H. V.— W.J. B. —WE. G.— M. B.-G. G„ Paris.-A. G.— J. A. C. C— J. K. & Sons.— E. Clarke.— H 8. N.— The Electrical Standardizing Testing and Training Institution.— YouDgstei'.-W. R. F.-J. M.-H. J. C.-J. M.. Hants. —J. J. W.-A K B.-H. T. M.— W W.-J. H. & Son — P. N. B.— E. C— W. A. C— A. McL.- W. T.-F. Kraenzlin. —P. F.— J. T. Y.— T. F.— W. B. (For Markitt and Weather, seep x) o o o o pq H «! w p Pi «J o <: January 24, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 49 THE No. 839.— SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 1903. CONTENTS. Academy of Sciences, prizes offered by ... 57 Arts and crafts, exhi- bition of 57 Begonia Gloire de Lor- raine 59 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal 51, 62 Books, notices of— Natural Law in Ter- restrial Phenomena 50 The Forests of Upper India and their In- habitants 51 Bowood 56 Bryophyllumcrenatum 59 Chestnuts, English ... 60 Chinese flora, the ... 57 Cypripediura x Hinde- anum 53 Environment, effect of, on plants 57 Ether, forcing by means of 57 Flowers in season ... 56 Forestry in Great Bri- tain 56 hardeners at football... 56 Gardening under g]ass 49 Gooseberries on north walls 60 Grape-growing, a new work on 57 Growth, audible ... 60 Hazleton, Mr. E. F., presentation to ... 57 B ippeastrums from seeds 5? Horticultural Hall, the 59 Hydrangea paniculata as a forcing-plant ... 60 Law notes- Peer and nurseryman 68 Maples, Chinese ... 62 McKenzie,thelate John 60 Obituary Wendland, Hermann Odontoglossum x Wal- toniense Orchid notes and glean- ings- Leptolielia x, a bi- generic hybrid ... Orchids, theft of Rainfall atRothamstcl in 1902 Rating nursery land ... Rose Marie Lavallue ... Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticul- tural Society Seed trade- Flower seed crops of 1902 Societies - Bristol Gardeners' ... Croydon Gardeners' . Gloucestershire Root, Fruit, and Chrys. National Dahlia Nation al Fruit Growers' Federation Reading Gardeners' . Royal Caledonian Horticultural ScottishHorticultural United Horticultural Provident Sweet Peas Viburnum Tinus Weather forecasts, the Week's work, the— Apiary, the Flower garden, the... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden . . . Kitchen garden, the Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass ... Yew-tree, a fine ILLUSTRATIONS. Bryophyllumcrenatum 59 Cypripedium x Hindeanum 53 Leptokelia x, and Leptotes bicolor 50 Odontoglossum x Waltoniense 51 Peach, bearing shoot of, as pruned 55 Portrait of the late Hermann Wendland 58 View of a terrace garden at Bowood (Supplement) GAEDENING UNDER GLASS.* THREE years ago I read a paper on "Gardening under Glass," in which I dealt with the construction of plant-houses, and temperatures, shading, ventilation, water, and soils, in their relation to indoor garden- ing. This paper was afterwards published in the Gardeners' Chronicle in January, 1900. In the present paper I propose to deal with the subjects of water, light, air, and heat, in so far as they affect the growth and health of plants, particularly those grown under glass. The cultivator who has some know- ledge of how a plant grows, and how its growth and health are influenced by these factors, has an advantage over the cultivator who knows nothing of them. Water. " It is a fact that the older a gardener grows, the more care he takes in the water- ing of his plants ; for year by year his experience teaches him more definitely that careless watering is the indirect, if not the direct, cause of a very large number of the diseases of plants. The difficulty in watering lies in the fact that plants require various amounts of water, according to their species, their age, their situation, the season of the * Paper read before the Kew Mutual Improvement Society, January 5, 1903, by Mr. W. Watson, Curator. year, and their actual state of health or de- velopment. The amount of water which is sufficient at any given time may be very much too large a month later, and may there- fore cause considerable injury." Sorauer. Water forms not only the bulk of the plant itself, it is also the medium by which all the food-salts from the soil, and essential to growth, are supplied to it. These salts are made available by the action of water, as they can only be absorbed by the roots in the form of aqueous solutions. In addition to the water retained by the plant for purposes of growth, large quantities also pass through it and evaporate through the leaves, in much the same manner as most of the water supplied to the soil in watering a plant after passing through the soil escapes through the hole at the bottom of the pot. Kcrner describes this process of transpira- tion as a perpetual stream running through the living plant whilst growth is active, and points out that the supply of water must be regulated with exactitude if the nutrition is not to be disturbed or development hindered. A healthy plant requires a larger supply of water at the root when growth is vigorous, than it does when growth is nearly or quite at a standstill. We do not always, however, in practice make that difference in the quantity supplied which this knowledge should lead us to make. On the contrary, many gardeners appear to believe that th9 soil about the roots of all plants in leaf should always be wet. The injury that results from this is due largely to the fact that soil requires aeration if plants are to be healthy in it, roots requiring to be supplied with fresh air just as much as the upper portion of the plants do ; for all the living parts of a plant breathe, obtaining oxygen from the air as animals do, and when they cannot obtain it they are suffocated and die. Now, if the soil is always saturated with water, air cannot get to the roots ; moreover, acids, and other injurious compounds, are formed in the soil, and these act as poison to the roots. It is the craving for fresh air that causes the roots of a plant to cling to the inside surface of a pot, and to creep down amongst the drainage, where the supply of air is greater, as a rule, than in the soil itself. The injurious, and often fatal, results of excessive watering are not always recog- nised, and are too often set down to some other cause. More harm is done to plants by over- watering than by the other extreme ; this is especially the case in winter, when the con- ditions are unfavourable to growth. The sickness and death so prevalent among plants in that season are largely, if not entirely due to excessive watering. A comparison of the usual condition of the soil in which plants make healthy growth in the open air with that of pot-grown plants under glass will show that, although the supply of water in the former case is not excessive, yet growth is healthier and better in every way than that made under glass. A Rhododendron or a bedding Pelargonium growing in the open border is rarely, if ever, saturated at the roots, the water passing away too freely for this to happen, even in wet weather ; and yet they grow and flower better than when grown in pots and regu- larly watered. The careful cultivator weighs all the conditions that affect growth: when the light is defective and the temperature low, growth is sluggish or quiescent, and the water required by the plant is then little or none. The nature of the plant itself must not be overlooked. Some plants, particularly those that have fleshy roots and large leaves, will do with a liberal allowance of water at all times. Succulent plants, the leaf structure of which is such as to prevent loss of water from transpiration, may be kept dry at the root for long periods without suffering, although when they are growing vigorously under the influence of bright sunshine they enjoy copious supplies of water. Generally, plants with small leaves and fine hair-like roots, require careful watering at all times. "All perennial plants have a period of rest. It is either the cold which stops all vital processes, or, as in tropical regions, the excessive drought of the hot season. During this latent period plants require very little nourishment, and even those greenhouse plants which retain their green leaves re- quire an infinitesimal amount of water and of nutritive salts." Good cultivators of Orchids recognise the need of this period of rest, for all Orchids, after new growth has been made, the duration and nature of the rest being varied according to the nature of the plant. Thus, a Dendrobium which, whilst growing, revels in water, requires a long, dry rest after growth has been made ; whereas an Odontoglossum is sufficiently rested if the supply of water is withheld from the roots for a month or six weeks. Many plants appear to grow and flower without this rest ; but only for similar reasons to those which account for some men living under conditions which are opposed to the laws of health. The transpiration or perspiration of plants may now bo considered. The breathing pores or " stomata," which are generally situated on the under-surface of the leaves, under favourable conditions give off water in the form of vapour, in quantities varying with the moisture of the surround- ing atmosphere ; in other words, plants perspire freely in a warm, dry atmosphere, and less freely in one that is moist, in much the same way as animals do. Anything that interferes with this function is as bad for plants as it is for animals. There are in the leaves of plants numerous ingenious con- trivances for regulating transpiration, the pores opening wide when the conditions favour the free escape of moisture, and closing when they are unfavourable. The flagging of leaves caused by drought has the effect of closing the stomata, so as to stop the further loss of water. The rush or " per- petual stream " of water from the roots to the leaves, other conditions being favour- able, is the accompaniment of active, rapid growth. We should therefore endeavour to maintain just that condition of soil and atmosphere which will keep this stream moving. What happens when we keep the soil as wet, the air a3 moist, and the temperature as high in winter, when light is defective, as we do in the height of summer, when light is good ? We find that the growth made is often of a sickly yellowish hue, and wanting in what we call " bone," indicating that some essential has been wanting whilst growth was forming. Growth made in insuf- ficient light cannot be healthy. There are 50 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 24, 1903. of course, many plants, such as those used for forcing in winter, which appear to make perfect growth in these ill-balanced condi- tions, but we know that they require much nursing afterwards to restore them to a healthy state ; indeed, a plant that has been severely forced is, as a rule, only fit for the rubbish-heap afterwards. There is a marked difference between the growth and behaviour in winter of the plants in the drier houses and those in the moist houses at Kew. If a plant has proved refractory in a stove, we have sometimes found it worth while to try it in No. 5, wherein the succulent plants are grown, and generally the results have been satisfactory. The air in this house is always drier than in any other, FIG. 23.— LEFTOL.TiLIA X. Above placed across the ligure are reduced illustrations of the leaves of Leptokclia x . and of Leptotes bicolor with cross-sections. The larger Jeaf sti etching from the top to the bottom of the illustration is that of Lrclia cinnabarina, onc-fnurth of the real size: to the right of it is a cross-section: and lower down the column of the hybrid, seen from the front with a separate pollen-mass (magn 2 diam.) To the left of the reader is the column seen from the side, and at the bottom the complete flower of the hybrid of the real size. especially in winter, when very little water is given to the plants. The success of our grandfathers in the cultivation of plants which we can scarcely keep alive, such as hard - wooded Cape Ericas, Phoenocoma, Aphclexis, Genetyllis, &c, was, I believe, largely due to the care they took over the watering. This was con- sidered by far the most important of the gardeners' duties ; and it was by no means unusual for the head gardener to attend to it himself— for all his best specimens, at any rate. I have seen fine specimens of Erica killed in a week by an overdose of water at the root. W. Watson. {To be continued.) ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. LEPTOL^LIA X : A Bigeneric Htbrid. A hybrid between two reputed genera of Orchids is likely to be of interest to orehidists, ■whatever view they take of the facts. The hybrid in the present case was raised in the establish- ment of Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, and was exhibited by them last spring before the Royal Horticultural Society. It was raised out of Leptotes bicolor by Laslia cinnabarina. Leptotes was considered by Bentham as not generically different from Tetramicra, a circum- stance which does not affect the assumed bi- generic character of the plant, though it may raise a question as to what should be the correct designation of the plant. For the present we adopt the name Leptoladia X Veitchi, under which name flowers and leaves were sent to us for examination. We may briefly refer to the lead- ing characteristics of the two parents, and of the resultant hybrid. Laelia cinnabarina has an oblong or ovoid pseudo-bulb, from whose apex springs a solitary leaf, with a stalk about 19 cent, long (7i ins.), bearing an oblong blade about 23 cent, long (9 ins.), 4 cent, wide (1$ in.), flatfish, except along the centre, where it is deeply depressed on the upper surface, and marked on the same surface with transverse wavy wrinkles. The flowers of Ladia cinnabarina are of a reddish - orange colour, the sepals and petals lanceolate, the lip convolute and crisped. Leptotes (or Tetramicra) bicolor, the female parent of our hybrid, has a rudimentary pseudo- bulb, and its leaves are spreading, often over- hanging the sides of the pot in which it is growing, 14 to 15 cent. (5i inches) long, 4 to 5 mill, wide, cylindric, strongly curved, deeply channelled above and below, as shown in fig. 23, marked " Lepto-bie ; " and also in fig. 21-, seen in section, and magnified 15 diameters. The flowers are white, sepals and petals narrow, lip three-lobed, lateral lobes short, front lobe oblong, nearly as long as the petals, white, streaked with purple. In the hybrid plant the leaves are erect, curved, about 11 cent. (4£ inches) long, neither flat nor cylindric, but deeply folded or " conduplicate," as shown in the enlarged section at b, fig. 21. The flowers (see fig. 23) are about 4 cent. (1 J inch) long, with spreading, lanceolate, cream - coloured segment, flushed with pink ; the petals of the same shape, but rather narrower than the sepals. The projecting lip is about the same length (25 mill.) as the outer segments, three-lobed ; the lateral lobes about 1 cent, long, somewhat roundish, oblong, convolute over the column ; anterior lobe 15 mill, long, oblong, lanceolate, flattish, undulate at the margins, yellowish near the base, elsewhere pale rosy-pink. The anther-cap was cushion-shaped, with a terminal liiac tip, and two small projec- tions, one on each side. The pollen masses were imperfect in the flower examined, arranged in two pairs with a fifth smaller and imperfectly deve- loped, waxy, obliquely oblong, ovoid compressed. This description, of necessity imperfect, may nevertheless be of interest, as snowing how curiously intermediate the hybrid was between its parents, if. T. M. of the daily papers as the author of certain wea- ther forecasts, is a hmarist who professes to have- found a complete explanation of all terrestrial weather changes ; and in the volume entitled Natural Law in Terrestrial Phenomena, an attempt has been made to explain his methods and the- results at which he has arrived. It is, however,, rather curious that this explanation does not emanate at first-hand from Mr. Clements himself, but from Mr. William Digby, C.I.E., a disciple who appears to have quite recently studied Mr. Clements' work, but to have become so much, impressed with it that he has now stepped forward as Mr. Clements' champion. THE WEATHER FORECASTS. It is one of the venerable beliefs of mankind that the weather is in some way controlled by stellar or lunar influences. Three centuries B.C. Aratus looked to the constellations for signs of coming changes in the weather ; and to-day, in the twentieth century A.D., it is still a common belief that the moon is in some way responsible for the weather we enjoy, or which we have to endure. Mr. Hugh Clements, whose name has for some years past been more or less familiar to readers Fig. 24.— cross sections of leaves. [Magnified.) a, Leptotes bicolor. B, the Hybrid. (See Text.) Mr. Clements finds in " the tangential pull of the moon " the cause of every variety of atmo- spheric phenomenon ; and we are told that "certain combinations of the sun and moon produce in the atmosphere of the earth certain results. Given those combinations, and they are ever being repeated in harmonious sequence, the results are always identical" (p. 267). Mr. Clements himself says (p. 281) " every 186 years the apsidal, nodal, and tidal positions of the moon are similar ; the result being that at intervals of 186 years there is very considerable agreement in the character of the weather, e.g., the years 1692 and 1693 were the exact meteoro- logical counterparts of 1878 and 1879." When such a statement as this is made, one has a right to expect that it has been in some way verified. It is, therefore, disconcerting to find on the next January 21, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 51 page an admission of the fact that, " we have no detailed daily information of the weather 186 years ago," with which to make a comparison. But, indeed, dogmatism of this kind is a charac- teristic of too many of the statements contained in the book. Weather is not the only thing capable of prediction by means of Mr. Clements' " discovery." Earthquakes and volcanic erup- tions are, we are assured, capable of as certain prediction as rainfall and the height of the barometer. We cannot think that the present effort of Mr. Digby and Mr. Clements attains its avowed object as an explanation and justification of Mr. Clements' "discoveries." The claim made that they " solve existing problems in relation to the weather," and that they have been " fully demon- strated on the lines of strictly scientific research," is, in our opinion, hardly justified. The truth of a statement does not depend upon the emphasis with which it is asserted, but so far as the data given in the volume enables us to judge, there is no other justification as yet for the statement made on p. 334, that " The truth of the matter is, I can predict the weather for any number of days, weeks, months, or years ahead, upon a scientific system from which the element of chance is eliminated." Unfortunately for th statement, under the heading of " Samples of Weather Predictions and Verifications," Mr. Clements gives us an oppor- tunity of testing the accuracy of some of his forecasts. For instance, on p. 330, we find his predictions for every day in February, 1895. placed side by side with a description of the actual weather recorded on each of those days at Greenwich Observatory. Now, if a comparison be instituted, it will be found that some rain fell on fourteen days during that month at Greenwich, but for only five of those days was any rain pre- dicted by Mr. Clements. Then, again, on five other days when rain was predicted in the same month by Mr. Clements, there is no record of any rain having fallen at Greenwich. After this, it can scarcely be contended that the element of chance has been altogether eliminated from Mr. Clements' forecasts. Messrs. Clements & Digby, like all previous upholders of lunar influences on the weather, having failed to make good their claims, we are reluctantly , compelled to revert to the opinion held by all leading meteorologists, and that is, that in the present state of our knowledge, it is impossible with any degree of certainty to fore- cast coming weather in these islands for more than about twenty-four hours in advance. For that reason alone, such " long distance " forecasts as those issued by Mr. Clements must always be received with considerable hesitation. Edw. Mawley. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVO- LENT INSTITUTION. Some years ago you kindly gave me a portion of your valuable space to give my ideas to my fellow gardeners on the good work done by the above-named Institution ; while acknowledging to the full the excellent letters on the same sub- ject by other writers up to quite recently, I am writing to ask you to give me a small amount of space once again. Like other supporters of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, I have recently received my voting-paper for the recent election. As on previous occasions, it shows a great amount of needy cases. There were forty- six of them all examined by the committee, yet only fifteen vacancies. What a number of them must be disappointed ! My main object in writ- ing is to bring to the notice of the rising gene- ration of gardeners the hopelessness of non-sub- scribers being put on the pension - list in the future. The practical application of the new rules, which for my purpose is summed up in Rule 3, Section 5, will bear out my statement. I would urge all gardeners who may be disposed to put off the good day of becoming subscri- bers to send for a copy of rules, and read it carefully over. Under that rule all have to be elected, whether subscribers or not. The main advantage the former get is that for every guinea sent to the Institution they will receive a hundred votes if at any future time they are candidates for the Pension Fund. This is only simple justice to the subscribers, and I for one congratulate the committee on putting it on the statute-book. To illustrate my statement, we will suppose one man, say at forty, pays a guinea each year up to sixty-five, and another at ODONTOGLOSSUM x WAL- TONIENSE. Our illustration (fig. 25) represents this fine yellow hybrid between Odontoglossum crispum £ and O. polyxanthum 6, raised by Mr. W. Stevens, gr. to W. Thompson, Esq. It received a First-class Certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on January 13, and was duly noted in our report of the show (January 17, p. 46). Con- sidering the very marked character of the brown blotching on O. polyxanthum, it is singular that so little evidence of it is seen in the hybrid, which is practically a bright yellow O. crispum with a large reddish-brown lip. It is one of the finest of home-raised hybrid Odontoglossums. Fig. 25. — odontoglossum x waltoniense. forty-five pays ten guineas as a life subscriber, that both are anxious at sixty-five to become pensioners, the former would have 2,500 votes to start with, and the latter 1,000. Of course, being a Benevolent Institution, there is the odd chance of the late or non-subscribing candidate being elected, but the risk is a great one. Once again I would appeal to gardeners as a body to make up their minds in time and become subscribers, and also to the wives of the married ones to spur their husbands on' and help them in doing it. I feel sure they will never regret the matter if carried out. If it will help them in doing this, I do not mind saying that when I paid my first guinea in 1880 I had not another guinea in the world, and had seven motherless little children in my house. It was the late Mr. Wildsmith, of Heck- field, who urged me to do this, and if for no other reason, I respect his memory for it. On referring to the last published list of subscribers, I find much fewer than a thousand of them are gardeners, and yet the Horticultural Directory con- tains fully ten times that number ! Why not be as anxious to have one's name in the former as well as the latter? Yorkshire Gardener, Jan. 12, 1903. BOOK NOTICE. The Forests of Upper India and their Inhabitants. By Thomas W. Webber, late Ug. Conservator of Forests in India. (London : Edward Arnold, 1902.) Me. Webber, the author of this very interest- ing book, is already known as the writer of an excellent account of the " Natural Oak Forests of Sussex," in a volume of Reports on Forest Manage- ment, published by the Government of India in 1873. The present volume gives a vivid account of the author's life in the forests of India, with his travels in the Himalayas and Thibet, and although much is said about forests, there is probably more about travels and sport, for as he says : " I have always found a good rifle and a kukri (Gurkha hunting-knife) the most useful weapons ; whilst to be able to ride on an elephant all day without feeling the sun, and to camp-out in all seasons of intense heat on the plains, and of intense cold on the highest hills in the world without taking fever, and to be always ready for a long march on foot, horse, or elephan t 52 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Januaby £4, 1903. and for a good venison steak at the end of it, were the most approved capabilities of a forest officer." Mr. Webber had the good luck to be in the Indian Forest Department from 1861 to 1871, when its chief work was the selection of reserved forests, and long and indefatigable marching was indispensable, while his lot was chiefly cast in the North-West Provinces of India, with probably the finest climate in the world from November till April, while he could spend the scorching months of May and June in the cool hills. The account he gives of the habits of the wild forest creatures is most picturesque, and shows the instincts of the true naturalist, as well as of the keen sportsman. The elephants, buffaloes, tigers, bears, monkeys, wild hunting dogs, deer and antelopes, and the great Himalayan sheep, are all described in their respective haunts ; while peafowl, pheasants, partridge, quail, and the Indian bustards, are all depicted. The following extract shows the wealth of bird-life in India : — "The trees are swarming with beautiful bright birds, and green pigeons cooed softly in them. The pretty little turtle-doves picked on the path at grain, and fluttered in the bushes ; and light- running hoopoes raised their fan -like crests, chasing the insects. Everywhere flying is the lovely little metallic sun-bird, which dances as it flies, wings expanded as a butterfly, and then sails kite-like with angular tail spiked with two long feathers. There are twenty species of Indian sun- birds, so profuse is the supply with which Nature decorates the landscape. Some are purple, and some yellow, and they shine in every sun-ray. Their little nests, like pears, hang by a cord from the ends of boughs near the ground, and are beautifully woven. High up in the dark recesses of the Banyan-tree, one hears all day the ' copper- smith' striking his anvil with metallic twang, the crimson-crested green barbet with thick strong bill. There are sixteen species, large and small, and they are very industrious." The hill and plains-people are sympathetically dealt with, and the account of the Hunias is most amusing. These people live in Hundesh, beyond the Tinkar Pass, and are subject to Thibet. The following description is given of their country : — " To the south, the best roads are but dan- gerous tracts, where the most surefooted might slip and fall into depths unseen. To the nortli is an endless stretch of smooth surface, where a coach and four might be driven without fear of an upset. To the south is a climate where the rainfall for half the year is 200 to 300 inches, and the snow-line 10,000 feet above the sea. To the north an almost rainless climate, with a snow-line at an elevation of 19,000 to 20,000 feet. Towards India, dense forest ; to the north, not a tree in a thousand miles, or perhaps ten thousand; not a bush to be seen, scarcely a blade of grass — nothing but stones, gravel, shingle, or clay. To the south, a region of rains and torrents, per- petually roaring and cutting up the soil into an endless network of deep ravines and water- courses. To the north, vast and arid plains where, except for scantily melting snow, no water was to be found." Here the difficulty was to cook food, as water boils at 180° instead of at 212° ; but the Hunia cavalry, who were met on their little rugged ponies by the Thibetan Government to stop Mr. Webber's party, form a most ridiculous picture when we compare them with their ancestors, the formidable Huns described by Gibbon, with whom Attila overran Europe. The kiang or wild ass inhabits these plains, and is well de- scribed ; while the geological changes that have taken place are well shown by the fact that huge ammonites -1 feet across are found in the rock- formations of Thibet at about 18,000 feet eleva- tion. Mr. Webber speaks very highly of the Bhutias, and says that their children are nearly as well taught as European children. The Sal forests of India are well described, but the author is wrong in stating that this valuable forest tree grows in Mysore and Tenasserim. In Jhansi, south of the Ganges, the teak is first met with, as this tree cannot withstand the frosts of N. India ; and here the African Baobab also grows GO feet in girth, and 40 feet high. The destructive practice of jhiiming (termed dahya in Central India), is also described, and its pernicious effect on forest-growth shown, as well as the excel- lent results in the regeneration of the forests that are due to fire-conservancy. Wolves appear to abound in Central India, and kill many children. Teak grows rapidly in the Satpura Hills, sap- lings being said to reach 25 and 30 feet in the second season — straight stalks, with half a dozen leaves at the top. A good description is given of the fine teak plantation made in 1844-57 by Mr. Conolly, and 3500 acres in extent. The trees, 1000 to the acre, were to be thinned out to 70 to the acre, of 225 cubic feet each, at 60 years old. The account of the Mahua tree (Bassia lati- folia) states that in Monghyr there were in 1S78 over a million of these trees, each producing annually 2 or 3 cwt. of corollas, which fall to the ground in March and April. The natives collect and dry them as an article of food, which saves thousands from death in famine years, as it is a crop which never fails, however dry the season. Prom the sweet stuff, which keeps dried any length of time, like raisins, the natives distil Mahua spirit, which can be easily freed from essential oils, and makes an excellent spirit, resembling whiskey ; while Mahua oil is three times as valuable as linseed oil, being as good as Cocoa-nut oil for candles. In Monghyr these trees yield 100,000 tons of nourishing food an- nually, and the Sonthals in consequence suffer no famine, and are a plump and happy race. The book terminates with an Appendix on the scientific treatment of foi'ests. Mr. Webber states that recent land legislation in Ireland and suc- cession duties place a premium on the destruction of home woodlands, and that if one-tenth of our waste lands were planted, their proceeds would pay the interest on the National Debt, £25,000,000 a year, as their capital value would be £200,000,000, compared with the actual value £900,000,000 of the German forests. To the objection that home timber is of inferior quality, he replies that Scotch Pine found in Irish bogs contains timber of great length and thickness, sound, fine-grained, solid, and straight, and so excel- lent that it is used by coach-builders as supe- rior to Memel timber, or the finest mahogany. Where such timber grew, 10,000 years or more ago, similar material might be produced to-day if the woods were properly managed. To prove this he gives the actual dimensions of Scotch Firs grown in Ireland : — Grown 200 to the Ache, with Small Crowns. 5 feet 73 feet Age 100 years Diameter 20 inches 10. regular 19 inches 1 inch These trees were slowly grown on a hillsideon poor and stony soil ; standing close they resist storms. The timber is fine-grained, hard, heavy, durable, and equal to best Memel ; scarcely any sapwood. There are several good maps to illustrate the author's travels, although there is a want of scientific accuracy in some of the statements made, and the author's Indian experiences are about thirty years old. The general tenonr of the book is very good, and it gives a most graphic account of a very interesting subject, and should be in the library of every lover of Indian forests. W. R. Fisher. Grown 30 to the Ache, WITH SPHEAniNO CROWNS. Girth 5 feet Height 50 feet Age 40 years Diameter ... 20 ins. RiDgs, per inch. 4, uneven Heartwood ... 12 ins. Sapwood 8 ins. These trees are quickly grown on deep, soft soil, liable to be blown over ; timber coarse, knotty, light and perishable ; fuljy ■1 inches of sapwood. THE EAINFALL AT EOTHAMSTED IN 1902. According to the records from the rain-gauge at the Rothamsted Experimental Station, Hert- fordshire, which was constructed fifty years ago, and is one-thousandth part of an acre in dimen- sions, stands 2 feet above the surface of the ground, and is about 420 feet above sea-level, we find that the rainfall for the year 1902, recently ended, amounted to nearly 21 inches,, which is 7T"5 inches below the average record for this district, extending over a period of forty years. The following table shows the rainfall of each month for the past year at Rothamsted, with the average amount of rainfall for each month of the previous forty years, and the difference of 1902 above or below the average : — Rainfall at Rothamsted, Herts, for each month of the year 1902, and the average and total yearly rainfall. Months. Rainfall, 1902. Average rainfall of forty years. 1902. Above or Below the Average.* January Inches. 0 83 Inches. 2-47 Inches. — 1-64 February 1-25 1 74 — 049 March 1-49 1-73 — 0 24 April 0 83 197 — 114 May 220 2'3» — 0 14 June 333 2 42 + 0 91 July 1 24 2 72 — 1-48 August 3 54 260 + 0 94. September 105 2 60 — 1-55 October 1-88 320 — 132 November 195 265 — 070 December 1 39 2 21 — 0 82 Yearly total ... 20 98 28 65 — 7 67 * The sign (-) signifies below the average, and the sign (+) above the average. The above figures show that the yearly total of rain, frost, and melted snow, of which there was about an aggregate depth of 2 inches from tea small falls, for the past year is 2098 inches, against an average of 2865 inches for the previous forty years, showing a deficiency in the twelve months of 7'67 inches. There were but two months in the year, namely, June and August, when the rainfall exceeded the average record, consequently there were ten months of deficiency. This is the smallest yearly rainfall since 189S, when 201 inches only were measured. Notwithstanding this small amount of rain, there were but 63 days out of the total 365 for the year when the gauge was quite empty. The number of recognised rainy days, when the gauge recorded 001 of rain or more, was 168. The maximum fall in twenty-four hours occurred in June, and gave 0"72 inch. In the previous year of 1901, the deficiency of rain at Rothamsted was 5'48 inches ; this amount, added to the deficiency of 1902, makes a shortage of 1315 inches of water in the two years. In order to understand what this deficiency of 13 inches of rain means to our natural springs of water, and to vegetation, it may be explained that this amount represents a total of 1,328 tons of water, equal to the enormous quantity of 298,817 gallons of water on each acre of land; accordingly the well-springs and other supplies of water in this district show a falling off which is thus easily to be accounted for. During the past year the more shallow-rooting plants did not appear to suffer much for the lack of moisture, the constant small deposits of rain, with the comparative absence of hot summer sun, kept them going; but very deep-rooting plants, such as fruit trees, suffered considerably. There was an abundance of fruit blossom formed, but the greater portion of this fell to the ground; and on Apple-trees, even after the fruit was set, JANUABY 24, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 53 much of it dropped prematurely, and a large proportion of that which remained developed hut indifferent fruit. The heavy rains of June assisted the grass- crops, also the corn, so that nearly average returns were obtained. The constant rains of August, how- ever, considerably damaged the crops of Wheat after they were cut, and there was much sprouted grain to be seen in the shocks as they stood in the fields. This is now deteriorating the quality of the output of grain from the threshing- machines. J. J. Willis, Harpenden. CULTURAL MEMORANDA. HIPPEASTRTJMS FROM SEEDS. Hippeastrujbs having been brought to such a state of perfection, it is no wonder that we often see them in comparatively small collections. But alas ! how often we see them grown in a very un- satisfactory condition, sometimes mere bulbs just existing in pots either altogether too large or too small, often with half the soil washed out by a very careless use of the watering-can ; and yet these lovely greenhouse bulbs are very easily managed, provided ordinary careful treatment be accorded them. During the flowering period, when the plants are giving a wealth of colour, is the time to mark the best forms for seed production. In selecting the different forms individual taste will, of course, play an important part ; some growers prefer self-coloured forms, others have a fancy for the striped ones. There is, however, one hard-and-fast rule that can be laid down, viz., that only the strongest plants should be selected for the production of seed. If this rule is rigidly adhered to, the result will be large and well filled pods of seeds, from which consequently strong seedlings may be expected. It is good practice not to allow more than two pods on each plant to ripen seeds, as more than this number are detrimental to both seeds and parent bulb. Should any particular flower be fertilised by its own or other pollen, it is safer to enclose the whole flower or flowers in a piece of muslin, to prevent bees or other insects carrying foreign pollen to the stigma. After fertilisation has taken place the pods soon begin to swell, and do so rapidly until they burst and expose their black seeds ; these are ready for sowing at once, and the sooner they are sown the better, as they germinate more quickly than if allowed to lie by for a time. The seeds may be sown in the ordinary seed- pan, which suits them admirably. The pans should he thoroughly clean and well crocked, with a layer of coarse leaf-soil placed over the crocks. A light sandy soil should be prepared and made quite level, not forgetting to press the whole moderately firm, especially in the corners if the pan be a square one. When all is ready, place the seeds evenly over the surface about 1 inch apart, and cover lightly with soil ; give a good watering with a fine rose-can, and place the pan in a temperature of from 65° to 70° F., in a close and shaded part of the house. The seedlings appear in about one month, and should be kept moderately moist. Having made good growth in the course of the year, they should be taken carefully out of the pan, and transplanted 4 inches apart into beds of rich and coarser soil than that used for the seeds. By planting them out into a prepared bed of soil much time and labour are saved, and also a larger percentage of the plants. The potting-up from the seed-pan cannot be re- commended, as this method entails too much labour, and is not nearly so satisfactory. By the planting-out system I have had seedlings in flower in less than two years. When in the bed, the syringe should be freely used morning and afternoon to keep down red-spider and thrips, and to promote a moist, growing atmosphere. After having been planted in the bed for two seasons, the bulbs should be carefully lifted, taking great care that all roots are left intact ; they should be sorted into two sizes, the larger to be placed in pots, and the smaller ones to be replanted in the bed to be ready for pots the following season. The larger bulbs may be placed in 5-inch or 0-inch pots, which should be thoroughly clean and well drained. A good compost consists of equal parts of good turfy loam, leaf-soil, and coarse sand, with a sprinkling of Clay's Fer- tiliser. A good plan to adopt when the bulbs are and placed them amongst the others in the house j when they flowered, they were apparently none the worse for their being subjected to frost, the size of flower and the colour being as good]'as in those treated in the ordinary way. J. W.IMiles, Islcworth. CYPRIPEDIUM x HINDEANUM (GODEFROYvE x IN8IGNE HARE- FIELD HALL VARIETY). A First-class Certificate was obtained], by Messrs. Sander & Sons, of St. Albans, for this noble cross, at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on January 13. It supports the fact Fig. -26. — cypripediuji x hindeanum. freshly potted is to plunge them to the rim in Cocoanut-fibre or spent tan. Little water is needed until growth has commenced, and at no time does the Hippcastrum like a large quantity of water. I have for a long time been con- vinced that there are more Hippeastrums killed or crippled by a too copious supply of water at the roots than by any other means. There seems also to be an idea among some that the Hippeastrum cannot be grown satis- factorily without a great deal of heat. As a matter of fact, they may be grown without any artificial heat whatever during the year. Forms of H. vittata will even stand a few degrees of frost, providing they are dry at the roots, and dormant. I have had this form frozen in pots, and have brought them round safely by syring- ing them with ice-cold water, and placing them in a dark frame for three days, where the ther- mometer registered 31° F. I marked these bulbs, which we have often urged, that where fine- forms even of common species are used in crossing, remarkable results are to be obtained. The plant is of dwarf, compact habit, and the flower of fine form and substance ; indication of the^rich. marking of C, insigne Harefield Hall var. being plainly distinguishable. The upper sepal is cream-white, with pure white margin and dark purple spots; lower sepals whitish with purple spots. The remainder of the flower honey-yellow, tinged and marked with purple. "Webster's Forester's Pocket Diary,'" published by W. Kider & Son, 104, Aldersgate Street, is a convenientand useful little publication, the value of which is in inverse ratio to its size. In addition to the ordinary contents of a diary > there are numerous articles and tables of special interest to foresters. 54 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jakuaet 24, 1903. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L. Holfokd. Westonbirt, Tetbury. Dendrobiums. — The deciduous species and hybrids of these plants having been afforded a long rest in a cool, airy house, are now pushing forth flower-buds. The most forward of these, that have their buds separated from each other, should now be moved into the intermediate- house, and afforded a little more water at the roots, to enable them to expand satisfactorily. The earliest to flower are D. Cybele, D. melano- diseus, D. xanthocentrum, D. Sehneiderianum, D. -Clytie, D. Aspasia, D. Aurora, D. Clio, D. Wigan- ianum, D. Ophir, D. Pindlayanum, D. crassinode, D. Wardianum, and the numerous varieties which flower in late winter and early spring. New .growths will soon arise from the base when given warmer quarters, and water will still require to be applied carefully, as any excess may cause the loss of many young growths. The flower-buds on plants which flowered freely last year, and failed to make strong growth, should be removed, which will have the effect of strengthening the growth this year. Dendrobium Wardianum is a species which is imported in quantity, and the plants grow satisfactorily for a few years, but they soon get exhausted from excessive flowering. Newly imported plants received at this season should be thoroughly cleaned and suspended in a cool-house for a few weeks, and then potted and placed in a light plant stove or similar house. The Odontoglossum-house. — Many plants in this house will now be showing flower-spikes, and keen watchfulness will be needed to capture slugs and snails. Lettuce-leaves, sliced Carrots and Potatos, may be used as bait, and a small quantity of bran in small saucers, placed about in the house. These baits should be inspected the last thing at night, and a search made for the pests amongst the plants by lamp-light. Cotton-wool placed around the base of the flower-spikes will some- times prevent slugs from injuring the spikes. "Very valuable plants should be placed on inverted flower-pots standing in saucers containing water. Even the small shell -snails do much damage to the tender roots, and should be sought for in the potting material. A genial even temperature must be kept in this house at this season, never allowing the thermometer to fall below 50°, excepting in veiy severe weather, for the plants being in full growth must be supplied with a fair amount of moisture at the root and in the air. A low temperature, where the atmosphere is charged with moisture, often ■causes the tips of the leaves to decay, which when ■trimmed off give the plants a shabby appearance. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mahk Rolle Bicton, Budleigii Salterton, Devonshire. Gardenias. — Afford water very carefully to the earliest plants that have their flower-buds well advanced, or deformed flowers will result. Clear soot-water, if well diluted, is a good manure for these, but do not apply water unless really neces- sary. The atmospheric temperature should be <65° to 70°, and the plants may be sprayed lightly overhead twice daily. Gardenias will withstand -a greater cold when kept fairly dry at the roots than is generally known, and if the temperature falls to 50° on very cold nights during the resting period, no harm will accrue to the plants, but when introducing them afterwards into heat and moisture it should be done gradually. If the plants must be taken into the dwelling-house when in flower, they should be grown without bottom-heat. Young plants produce the largest flowers, and when grown in G-inch pots theyare useful for decoration, having six or eight flowers open at the same time. The growth at the base of the buds should be pinched out as soon as the buds have swelled, but not before. Lachenalias. — Now the flower-spikes can be seen, a little artificial manure, such as Thompson's ■or Clay's, should be sprinkled over the surface of the soil, but it must be kept out of the axils of the leaves, or the spikes may decay. These plants are most satisfactory when grown on shelves within 12 or 13 inches of the glass-roof in a cool structure, protected from frost and cold draughts. Mignonette resents much fire-heat, and too frequent root waterings. Very weak manure- water from the cow-yard, or that prepared from deer's-dung that has been placed in a bag, and the strength withdrawn in a tub of water, suits Mignonette admirably. They should be grown in a similar position as Lachenalias. A further sowing may be made at the end of this month in a compost of fibrous loam, dry cow-manure rubbed through a quarter-inch sieve, and a little lime-rubble or old plaster broken up small. Sow the seeds in clean 5-inch pots. Be careful to provide good drainage, and make the soil very firm to within 1 inch of the top of the pot. Then sow the seed thinly, and cover it with a quarter of an inch of fine soil. Place the pots in a tem- perature of 50°, and when the seedlings are large enough, thin them out, leaving three only in each pot. The varieties Miles' Spiral or Machet always give satisfaction. Gloxinias. — An^early batch of these may be introduced to a temperature of 60° to 65°, and as soon as they have commenced to grow, shake the soil from the tubers, and repot them into pots of the same size, or a trifle larger than they are in at present. Light fibrous loam, half-decayed leaf- soil, and good peat, the former predominating, make a good compost, if sufficient sand be added to keep it porous. Make the soil moderately firm, place the pots in a light position, and afford no water to the root for a few days, but spray the plants overhead with the syringe once or twice daily. A pinch of seed may be sown in a 5-inch pot or shallow pan, on a level surface of fine soil which has been watered a few hours previously. Distribute the seed thinly, and put merely a pinch of sand over this ; cover them with a piece of glass, or place the pot in a close case, where there is a little bottom-heat, removing it to a shelf or other light position as soon as the seeds have germinated. Shade the seedlings from the direct rays of the sun, and avoid too much moisture for the next few weeks. THE FLOWEE GARDEN. By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Milleb Muxdv, Esq Shipley Hall, Derby. Seeds which may now be Sown. — Seeds of some species of plants employed in the flower garden must be sown early in the year in heat, and grown on freely to get them in a forward state to plant out in May or June. Among these there are of the tuberous-rooted Begonias, B. semperflorens, Gaillardias, Grevillea robusta. Acacia lophantha, Wigandias, and Solanum Balbsii, the latter being a very handsome plant, not quite so well known as it deserves to be as a subtropical. The Begonias having very minute seeds, must be sown on the surface of a mixture of sandy loam, peat, and leaf-mould, in well-drained shallow seed- pans, and kept covered with a piece of tile or slate till germination has taken place. Grevillea seeds germinate freely if lightly dibbled in edge- ways in the soil. A mixture of peat and loam is good for this species. Roses may be planted in mild weather during the next few weeks, and when the soil is in a good working state. By planting Roses as early as weather permits, the wood will have time to plump up before pruning takes place in March. In order to assure success, the land for Roses should be afforded a heavy dressing of animal manure, which should be dug into it deeper than the roots of the plants. The varieties of R. rugosa being unusually showy plants, should be freely planted in the foreground of shrubberies. Deci- duous trees and flowering shrubs may also be planted, the latter being grouped in their respec- tive kinds rather than planted indiscriminately, the effect when in flower being then much finer. Lily of the Valley. — Any beds of this plant which have been in existence for several years should be dug up, the clumps divided into one, two, and three - year - old buds, and then re- planted in new beds at about 4 inches apart. The land should have been well manured, and a thick mulch of decayed manure and leaf-soil spread on the beds. The Lily of the Valley does best in a semi-shaded position, and if the beds are syste- matically broken and replanted, home-grown crowns are the equal of the best imported ones. The youngest bud will bloom in three years, and the next size in two. The same bud does not flower again. Solomon's Seal (Polygonatxim multijlorum). — A Liliaceous plant, nearly allied to the Lily of the Valley, should be similarly treated to it. There are several varieties, one having double flowers, and another with variegated foliage. The plant likes a moist situation, and in good soil it reaches a height of 3 feet. The stems, when in flower, are very ornamental, and the plant is easily forced. Rockeries. — The present affords a convenient season to overhaul the rock-garden, and where the space covered by a rockery is small, it should not be neglected, valuable plants of small growth being apt to get smothered out of existence by others of stronger growth planted temporarily, and the latter must be much curtailed, or entirely rooted out. Without some such care, a rockery soon develops into a wilderness, affording no pleasure to the owner. Again, it may be pro- posed to plant some novelties which require special soil, and at this season the pockets, ledges, crevices, &c, may be prepared and labelled for these, leaving nothing but the actual planting to be done when the plants come to hand. When ordering alpines and plants generally from the nurseryman in very small pots, it is prudent to state that they are not to be sent till the proper planting season has arrived, as a change of locality has sometimes a bad effect on them if they have to remain implanted for some long time. Evergreens and Vermin. — Rabbits and field-mice cause much injury to some species of evergreens, notably to Hollies, by gnawing the bark near the ground-level in snowy weather. A safe and simple means of protection is to wind strips of old fishing-net round the stems for about 1 foot from the soil. I have never known this simple remedy to fail. Rabbits ought never to be allowed to exist in the pleasure-grounds, but means of access will occur, and snow-drifts afford them a means of entry occasionally. Planting. — If not urgent, this operation is better left alone for the present, although during a mild spell the work may be pushed on, as re- gards Roses and many of the hardy herbaceous perennial plants, providing that they are not kept out of the soil for any length of time, and that frost is kept from the roots. In any case, neither lifting nor transplanting should be carried out on a large scale, and no plants should be moved whose roots are inactive during the winter. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pioott, Bart., Wexham Park, Slough. French Beans. — Sow five seeds each in 7-inch or 8-inch pots filled to half their depth with a rich loamy compost in a roughish condition, and cover them with fine soil to the depth of 1 inch, and place in a house or pit having a moist warmth of about 05°, and keep as near the glass as possible after germination has taken place. Syringe the plants twice a day. Ne Plus Ultra and Magnum Bonum are excellent forcing varieties. Leeks. — If large specimens are needed for special dishes or for exhibition, one seed should be sown at a depth of A inch in the middle of the required number of drained 60's, the soil used being turfy-loam one-half, leaf - mould, one - quarter, dried horse-dung one-quarter, and as much wood- ashes and coarse sand as will afford porosity ; passing the whole through a sieve with a |-inch mesh. Place the pots in a pit or house having a temperature of 50° to 55°, and cover with sheets of glass or brown paper ; and as soon as the seedlings are well above the soil, remove the plants to a shelf near the roof, so that stocky growth may result. Work in General. — Take advantage of frosty weather to wheel manure upon vacant land ; make ready the necessary number of Pea and Bean-sticks, tying them in bundles of various lengths. Let all garden rubbish that is not readily reduced to plant food be burned or JANUABY 24, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 55 charred, and return the ashes to the land. Prepare the various kinds of soils and manures in readiness for use, screening or sifting them when necessary. Examine stored roots ; clear out and whitewash tool-sheds, and examine all tools, repair- ing those that are broken or replacing them with new ones. See that the Globe Artichokes, Celery, Cardoons. &c, are sufficiently protected against frost by means of bracken or Utter, but removing some of this in mild weather. Store a sufficient number of Parsnips, Artichokes, and Turnips, in the root-store for use as will furnish supplies during a spell of severe frost. THE HABDY FEUIT GARDEN. By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fohtescue, Esq., Dropmore, Maidenhead. The Protection of Fig Trees. — If protection has not been applied, no time should bo lost. Let the branches be taken down from the wall and tied loosely in small bundles, and wind them round with thick bands of hay or straw, and fasten the former to the wall, putting short litter on the border at the foot of the trees. Protecting Materials. — Let all protecting ma- terials be kept in readiness for use when hard weather seems imminent. Tho stakes for keeping protecting nets away from the face of the walls may be pointed, put into bundles, and secured with willow-rods or string. See that the fishing- nets and tiffany for placing over the trees, covering window openings, &c, are put into good order. Manurinq Fruit - quarters. — Every advantage should be taken of spells of severe frost to get the whole of this sort of work completed. Where the soil is heavy, a dressing of charred earth and wood-ashes greatly improves the tilth, and are of benefit to surface-rooting plants. Strawberries. — Where the gardener is in a position of obtaining as much farmyard manure as he needs, the present season affords an oppor- tunity to get it wheeled on to the Strawberry quarters, laying it between the rows, and spread- ing it later after the Dutch-hoe has been plied between the plants. The Fruit-room. — If no frost-proof fruit-room exists, and fruit is stored in lofts, Apples and Pears should be covered with Wheat-straw or clean hay 6 inches deep, covering this with garden - mats. Examine the fruit weekly, and remove all that are showing decay ; and keep the surroundings as clean and sweet as possible. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By T. H. C. Borders. — In the late houses attend to the watering of borders ; if they are light and shallow they should not be allowed to become very dry, even in the winter months. In regard to borders for young Vines, it is the best practice to make them gradually, adding at a time from H to 2 ft. of good compost, enclosing this by a temporary retaining brick wall, which is easily removed each time the border is added to. A good compost should consist of good fresh turfy loam, to every harrowful of which has been added an [8-inch pot of half-inch bones, the same of charcoal, and enough old mortar-rubble to keep thewholeporous. When using a good loam, I prefer not to give artificial manure at this time, but would apply it to the borders when the roots are more active and ready to take advantage of its quickening powers. Peaches and Nectarines. — Old trees that have been previously forced, and are approved early varieties, may always be depended upon to set and ripen a satisfactory crop of fruits, provided the previous year's treatment has been proper. Young trees do not force so readily, and are more liable to grow strongly, at the expense of short- jointed fruitful wood. Trees started in November will have their flowers set and the young growths partially disbudded. Disbudding at this season should be carried out first at the bottom of the trees, owing to the influence of the heat in the pipes, starting the branches nearest them into growth. Under more natural condi- tions the trees break evenly, and then dis- budding should be commenced towards the top, and carried out gradually. First of all, remove all foreright and badly placed shoots, and treat the bottom half of the tree similarly in a few days time, more or less according to its growing condition. Syringing having been discontinued during the setting period, should be resumed immediately setting is effected ; it should be done twice daily if the weather be fine and bright, but if dull and cold syringe in the forenoon only with warm water, but otherwise maintain a moist con- dition of the atmosphere. Afford air by the top ventilators upon every favourable opportunity towards the middle of the day, but guard at all times against cold, chilling draughts. Keep a sharp look-out for aphides, and upon the least sign of their existence vaporise with XL- All, or syringe with diluted Quassia extract. Adopt preventative measures, and much time, expense, and after labour will be saved. The old adage " A stitch in time saves nine," is never more applicable than when dealing with insect pests. At the evening damping down, sprinkle on the paths a little of- i the drainings from the cowsheds and stables, the (n fumes of which are invigorating to the foliage, and help to keep down red-spider. A night tem- perature of 58° to 60° should be maintained, except in severe weather. It is better to let it fall below these figures than to heat the pipes unduly. A day temperature of 5° to 10' higher, according to the weather should be ensured. Second house : Trees started in December will now be in flower. Maintain a slightly drier at- mosphere, especially towards the middle of the day, when the flowers should be fertilised. En- deavour to have a circulation of fresh air daily, and ventilate as advised for the earliest house. A night temperature of 50° to 55°, rather less than more, and 60° to G5° by day, should be ensured. Hasten the pruning and cleaning of clear out every particle of the old soil, and hot lime-wash the walls that enclose the border or bed. At this season bottom-heat is essential, and if the beds are not provided with hot-water pipes, a hot-bed of half stable-manure and half Oak-leaves 2A feet deep should he provided ; and on top of this, or on the grating, below which are the hot- water pipes, place turves of loam, and at intervals of 4 feet raise little hillocks of soil, consisting of half good loam, one-quarter leaf- mould, and one - quarter old Mushroom - bed. Before planting, allow the soil to become of thee same temperature as the house. ^^-- Fig. 27.— bearing shoot of peach as pruned. succession-houses and trees, as with the length- ening days the flower-buds begin to expand, when care is needed not to injure them when cleaning and tying up. Old-established trees making short-jointed shoots thickly studded with buds, flower-buds predominating, require little else in the way of pruning than to cut out the old fruiting wood and thin out the shoots left, so that they are thinly disposed over the tree. When tying the trees to the trellis again, bear in mind that a little later on, next year's fruiting shoots will also need tying -in, and hence sufficient space for their proper development should be left. Young trees, on the other hand, require slightly different pruning, and care and forethought are needed, no _ matter upon which system they are to be trained in the foundation branches of the future tree. Shortening of the shoots is necessary, in order to secure an even distribution of the branches, always shortening to a wood-bud, which is easily distinguishable from a flower-bud by its sharp conical shape ; and which, if possible, should point in the direction you wish the future branch to extend. Autumn is the best time to plant, but if planting is still contemplated lose no time in carrying it out. Melons. — Plants raised from seed sown at the beginning of the month are best fruited in large pots plunged in a hot-bed. Pot on the plants into 5-inch pots, using a compost of two-thirds good turfy loam, and a third leaf-mould, to which may be added a slight sprinkling of Veltha (powder). Plunge the pots in a brisk bottom- heat, and after root action becomes vigorous, gradually withdraw the pots, and return to a shelf close to the glass in a temperature of 70°. Place a stake to each, and tie in as growth proceeds. Sow seed for succession towards the end of the month. Cucumbers. — The early Cucumber-house should now be got in readiness for early plants. Tho- roughly cleanse the glass, wood- work, and walls; THE APIARY. By Expert. Wax Extracting. — Many shillings can be saveA every year by the bee-keeper if he collects all loose pieces of comb and pieces of foundation, and at the end of the season makes them up into- cakes for sale in a manner most suitable for his customers. Some like it in the form of cakes,, such as a small pie-dish or saucer will hold, or;, a for tailoring purposes in small pieces about the size of an egg. By doing this, not only are these odd pieces turned to account, but the bees are kept from robbing, which often occurs throvigh small pieces of comb being left about containing- honey, and to a great extent the wax-moth is prevented from breeding. When there are many hives, it pays to purchase a wax-extractor, which does the work well and with very little- trouble. The method is very simple : the bottom* part of the extractor is filled about three parts full of water, and placed on the fire r- the top part is then filled with wax, and the steam from the hot water will gradu- ally melt the wax, and as this proceeds keep- filling up the top with old combs, &c, until, you think you have sufficient quantity to make several good cakes. When this is nearly all melted down, gently tilt the upper part forward, and pour- out into a basin of cold water, when, it will quickly set. As soon as this- is done, place the wax again into the extractor with clean water in the boiler- part, and boil up again. This time the- wax will generally turn out fit for market, but if it is not very good, boil up a third time, and then. run out into saucers, or pans, or egg-cups, to suit your customers. The extractor should be cleaned, when hot, as the wax will come off much easier and cleaner than if it is left for another time. When only a few stocks are kept, and it is not convenient to have an extractor, place the wax in a. meat jar and put in the oven ; when melted, run out- into a pan, and as soon as this is set, place again in the oven until you have it clear— this is rather a tedious way, and the former is much preferable. General Hints.— See to leaky roofs, and when possible place on a cake of candy, which can be easily made from the receipt given below. Examine the outer covers of straw skeps to see it mice are getting into them, but do not in any case disturb the bees more than can be avoided. Receipt for Candy Cake.— Place a clean pan on the fire, and put into it half a pint of water and 3 lb. of crystallized cane sugar ; begin stirring at o::ce till the sugar is dissolved, to prevent it from, burning. Let it boil for a few seconds, then cease stirring, and let a few drops fall on a plate ? if this sets at once so that it does not stick to the finger when pressed, it will do ; but if sticky, it contains too much water, and boiling must be continued to drive off the excess of liquid. When the right condition is reached, take it from the fire and set the pan in cold water, stirring briskly all the time until it begins to turn white or granulate, and becomes rather stiff, when it may be poured into any mould suitable, and lined with paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking to- quilts. The candy so made will, when cold, be of such consistency as to become quite soft and buttery " when scraped with the finger-nail. Sectional Boiler.— We are informed by Mr J G. Wilson, the gardener at Chevet Park, Wakefield, that Mr. Squibbs, the gardener at Eshton Hall, will allow any gardener interested in this form of boiler for garden purposes, to view one that is in use in the gardens at that place. TEE GARDENERS' CHR ONI CLE. [Januaby 24, 1903. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants /or naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be WRITTEN OS ONE side ONLY of THE paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. (Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, etc. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. (Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editor does not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return the unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUE3DAY, Jan. 27-Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 and 30— Herbaceous Plants, Perennials, Azaleas, Plants, &c , at 67 and 68, Cheapside, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. MONDAY, JANUARY 26- Clearance Sale of Fruit Trees at Cliffe, near Roches- ter, by order of Messrs. W. Home & Sons, by Pro- tberoe & Morris at n.30. TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, andTHURSDAY, JANUABY27, 28, and 29— Unreserved Sale of Nursery Stock, at The Nurse- ries, South Woodford, by order of Mr. John Fraser, by Protheroe & Morris, at 11. EUESDAY. January 27— Roses, Liliums. Azaleas, Border Plants, Palms, Bav Trees, 50 000 Lily of the Valley, ic, by Pollexfen & Co , at their Rooms, Pilgrim Street, E.C. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28- Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Roses, Perennials, &c, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C. by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.— Japanese Lilies, Gladioli, Tuberous Begonias, Gloxinias, Hardy Flowering Perennials, Roses, Standard and Dwarf, &c , by Mr. Stevens, at his Rooms, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C. FRIDAY, January 30— Imported and Established Orchids, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30. {For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick -387. Actual Tempebatures :— London.— January 21 (6 p.m.) : Max. 45°; Min. 38°. January 22 (noon) : Overcast ; 46s. Provinces. — January 21 (6 p.m.): Max. 46°, Holy- head; Min. 42', Norwich. Dull or rainy in most places. The report of the Committee Forestry. appointed to consider the pre- sent condition and future pros- pects of forestry in Great Britain has been issued as a Parliamentary paper. The Com- mittee was presided over by Mr. Munko Ferguson, M.P., and included, in addition to sundry gentlemen of official position, such experts as Dr. Schlich, Col. Bailey, Prof. J. K. Campbell, and Dr. Somerville. The witnesses comprised landowners, agents, foresters, and scientific men. The Committee endorse the conclusions •of the Select Committee of 1885-87 as regards the neglected condition of forestry in Great Britain, the possibility of improvement, and the necessity for the provision of better means of education. As regards the ques- tion of the extension of the forest area, the Committee point out, as cited in the Times, that there is on the highest authority in these islands an area of waste, heather, and rough pasture, or land out of cultivation, amounting to 21,000,000 acres, on a large proportion of which afforestation could be profitably undertaken. The area of waste land which might be afforested becomes a matter of grave national concern when it is remembered that, according to experts, the world is rapidly approaching a diminution of, if not actual dearth in, its supply of coni- ferous timber, which constitutes between 80 and 90 per cent, of the total British timber exports. The committee believe that the question of planting suitable waste lands under the control of the Crown, or over which the Crown exercises manorial rights, is worth the attention of the Commissioners of Woods and Forests. Dealing with the question of education, the Committee state that, even where access may be had, for purposes of instruction, to private woods, it is exceedingly desirable that collegiate instruction in forestry should be illustrated by means of example plots, a total area of 100 to 200 acres at each educa- tional centre being necessary and sufficient for this purpose. They place on record the growing feeling that no scheme for the general improvement of present conditions can be satisfactory which does not provide for the establish- ment of two large State forests to demon- strate the most perfect technical and econo- mic developments of the art of forestry, and to be managed as commercial undertaking?, so as to produce the best financial results. The final recommendations of the Com- mittee are as follows : — (a) That two areas for practical demonstration be acquired, the one in England and the other in Scotland, of not less than 2,000 acres, nor over 10,000 acres in each case. They suggest that the Alice Holt Woods in Hampshire be made avail- able as soon as possible to serve as a demon- stration area in England ; and that a suitable estate be purchased in Scotland, as convenient as possible to Edinburgh, for the same purpose. (!<) That additional facilities for instruction be afforded, by the appointment of a lecturer on forestry in connection with each of the Universi- ties of Cambridge and Oxford, and that example plots be provided in connection with each of these centres and with Edinburgh. (c) That a good grounding in forestry form an integral part of the curriculum of the colleges providing instruction in agriculture in Great Britain ; and that short courses of instruction suitable for the requirements of young foresters be also provided there. Instructors should also be available for giving practical advice in con- nection with the management of woods, the owners of which desire an expert's opinion. (d) That provision be made for the education of foresters and woodmen by employing students to work in both the demonstration forests ; and that suitable buildings be erected on the ground for the instruction and, where necessary, for the accommodation of these student-foresters. (c) That lectures be given, under the auspices of the county councils, in neighbourhoods where there is a considerable area under wood ; and that scholarships be offered in such counties to enable working foresters to attend courses of lectures. ( f ) That the inequality shown to exist in the levy of the estate duty on timber be redressed. (o) That the Government be urged to secure the early enactment of a Bill to protect owners of woods against loss by fire caused by sparks from locomotives. (n) That the inquiry conducted in 1895, con- cerning the area of woodlands, be repeated by the Board of Agriculture, and that details concerning the character of the timber crop grown upon them be ascertained. (i) That the attention of corporations and municipalities be drawn to the desirability of planting with trees the catchment areas of their water supply. BOWOOD (Supplementary Illustration). — Since Lord Lansdowne returned from Canada and India, where he has acted as Viceroy, extensive alterations have been made at Bowood in the gardens and pleasure grounds, to which we shall have occasion to refer in a future number. Our supplementary illustration shows a portion of the terrace gardens, which are laid out in the Italian style, and the wide walks, broad stairways, marble fountains, and other architectural features, add greatly to the effect. The view from the upper terrace, with the lake in the foreground, the park, and the woods, with the downs in the distance, forms a delightful bit of landscape. Royal Horticultural Society.— The next meeting of the Eoyal Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday next, January 27, in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster. A lecture on " The Cultivation of the Blue Nymphaea " will be given by Mr. James Hudson, V.M.H., at 3 o'clock. At a general meeting held on Tuesday, January 13, ninety new Fellows were elected, amongst them being the Countess of Dudley, Lady Clayton East, Lady Brooke, Lieut.-Col. H. W. Apperley, and the Hon. Mrs. Bourke. Flowers in Season.— Messrs. W. Bull & Sons, of King's Road, Chelsea, brought to our notice on the 19th inst., some blooms of choice varieties of Primula sinensis. Among the single, flowered varieties we noticed Sunshine, crimson- shaded with carmine ; Mont Blanc, pure white ; Pink Beauty, fulgens almost scarlet ; Imperial Blue, alba oculata-lutea ; and Comet, of brilliant crimson colour. The old fimbriate alba and rubra were very fine. Of double flowered varieties there were alba, rubra, fulgens, and Blushing Beauty. All the varieties are good types of this popular decorative plant. " Willing's Press Guide."— The well known scarlet and black cover of Willing's Press Guide and Advertisers' Directory and Handbook now encloses the thirtieth annual volume. It has been duly brought up-to-date, and contains alphabetical lists of newspapers and periodicals ; catalogues of provincial publications, and a mention of colonial, American, and continental newspapers. With this wealth of titles, addresses and other epitomised information, the Guide is invaluable to everyone connected with the press. The Surveyors' Institution.— The next Ordinary General Meeting will be held in the Lecture Hall of the Institution on Monday, January 26, 1903, when a discussion will take place on Mr. H. T. Scoble's paper, entitled "Rural Drainage and Sewage Disposal." The attention of members is specially called to the fact that the rooms of the Institution are open daily, and are available for reference to the library, for arbitrations, writing, appointments, or other business purposes. Gardeners at Football. — H. B. May's (Edmonton), and T. Rochford's (Turnford).— The return match between elevens representing the employes of the above well-known firms took place on January 17 on Mr. H. B. May's ground at Angel Road, Edmonton, the victory resting with the home team by four goals to two goals. The previous match was played at Turnford in October last, and resulted in a drawn game, each side scoring four goals. Rating Nursery Land.— We have received from the Horticultural Trades' Association of Great Britain and Ireland, whose hon. sec. and treasurer is Mr. Chas. E. Pearson, of Lowdham, Notts, the following communication : " In your reply to ' Enquirer' (p. 48 last issue), you take it for granted that the decision given by the Law Lords in connection with the Agricultural Rates Act of 189G (and applying to that alone), upsets the previous decision by the same authority in January 24, 1903. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 57 Parser v. The Worthing Local Board. If this were the case, this Act intended for the relief of agriculture would do an immense injury and injustice to the horticultural industry by con- verting glasshouses from ' trade fixtures ' into 'buildings,' and rendering them liable to be rated as such, instead of being taken into account as raising the letting value of the land upon which they stand, which I believe is the present state of the law. The two decisions referred to cer- tainly differ in principle, but were given on ■entirely different issues, and although certain isolated authorities have tried to take advantage of the latter one to increase the assessments on #lass used for commercial horticulture, the matter is being contested, and will, if necessary, be again ■fought out to a finish, as such a change on the •top of the low prices now prevailing would pro- toably involve the closing of a very large number of glass establishments in highly-rated districts." Entertainment to the Employes of the Royal Aquarium. — On the evening of the 14th inst., Mr. R. Ballantine, one of the Vice- Presidents of the National Chrysanthemum Society, and Mr. R. Dean, General Secretary, assisted by some members of the Society, enter- tained at supper at Fumagalli's Restaurant, Wilton Road, Victoria Station, about thirty of the employes at the Royal Aquarium, by way of acknowledging the great assistance and courtesy received from them on the occasion of the exhibi- tions of the National Chrysanthemum Society, Some of them had been engaged within the building during the twenty -seven years the •Chrysanthemum shows had been held there. In the unavoidable absence of Mr. Ballantine, tin Yorkshire, who sent a warmly sympathetic letter, the Chair was taken by Mr. R. Dean, supported by Mr. J. W. Wilkinson, the Secretary of the Royal Aquarium ; Mr. H. J. Jones, who, assisted by friends, provided an excellent musical entertainment; Mr. G. Pkickett, who sent a number of Chrysanthemum blooms for the deco- ration of the tables; Mr. J. McKekchak, Mr. E. F. Ha wes, of the Royal Botanic Society, and others. After a substantial meal, there were kindly •speeches and song, and at the close " Auld Lang Syne " was sung with much feeling. The cost •of the entertainment was defrayed by private subscription. "All about Sweet Peas."— In our note 'last week upon this interesting little pamphlet by Mr. Robekt Sydenham, we stated on p. 42 that v;en varieties there enumerated were recommended as the best ten for cultivation. This was a clerical •error, those varieties being the best ten remain- ing for cultivators of more than forty varieties. The actual best dozen varieties as voted by twenty - seven cultivators are Black Knight {23 votes), Blanche Burpee (21 votes), Coccinea {18 votes), Countess of Lathom (16 votes), Duke ■of Westminster (23 votes), Hon. Mrs. Kenyon (27 votes), Lady Grisel Hamilton (27 votes), Miss Willmott (22 votes), Navy Blue (20 votes), Prince of Wales (21 votes), Prima Donna (22 votes), and Salopian (20 votes). Presentation.— The staff at Longford Castle gardens, on Saturday, January 17, presented Mr. Hazelton with a handsome marble clock, bearing a suitable inscription. Mr. Hazelton severs his -connection with Longford at the end of this month, and will carry with him the well-wishes of all those with whom he has been associated. The late Mr. Wilson's Garden at Wisley, •which has been advertised for sale by auction on Tuesday last at the Mart, Tokenhouse Yard, London, by Messrs. Alex. H. Turner. & Co., was «iot sold on that day. New Work on Vines and Grape-Growing. —We understand that Messrs. Viala & Ver- .OREL have undertaken the publication of Ampelographie, a new work on Grape-growing, that is to be issued also from 5, Rue Gay Lussac, Paris, and Villefranche-sur-Saone, Rhone. The work will appear in the form of six volumes of from 400 to 500 pages each, with 500 coloured, and between 1000 and 1500 black-and-while illus- trations. No pains have been spared in the preparation of the AmpHograjihie, for which the collaboration of the best-known authorities on the subject has been secured. The information given is comprised under the following headings : — 1, Synonymy ; 2, Bibliography ; 3, History and Origin ; 4, Geographical Distribution ; 5, Compa- rative Ampelographie ; G, Cultivation ; 7, Wine- making. In fact, the author's aim is to publish a detailed study of the Vine, its life-history, and its products. The work promises to be of un- usual importance, and although too costly for the majority of gardeners, it will be a most valuable book of reference in garden-libraries. Prizes offered by the Academy of SCIENCES. — The Instituteof Francehas published in the Comptes Eendus for December 22, 1902, the list of prizes to be awarded for scientific research during the years 1903 to 1906. In the botanical section the list is as follows ; — Grand Prix dcs Sciences Physiques. — For research and demonstration of the various methods of formation and development in Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes. Prix Bordin. — For demonstration, after study of many types and varieties the principles of the phenomena of double fecundation or digamy, that is to say, simultaneous formation of an egg and of a " trophime " in Angiosperms. Prix Desmazieres (1,600 francs). — For a paper, by French or foreign author, published during the preceding year, treating of some or of all Cryptogams. Prix Montague (1,500 francs). — To be awarded entire, or in two portions of 1,000 and of 500 francs respectively, to the author or authors of important works dealing with the anatomy, physiology, development or description of the lower Crypto- gams (Thallophytes and Muscine). Open to native and naturalised Frenchmen only. Prix Thore. — For the best work on the cellular Cryptogams of Europe. Prix de la Fons-Melicocq. — Awarded every three years for the best manuscript or publication which shall be a botanical treatise dealing with the north of France ; that is, with the Departments of Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Ardennes, Somme, Oise, and Aisne. This prize will be awarded in 1904. Forcing by Means of Ether. — A corres- pondent of the Times in alluding to the method of etherisation, frequently adverted to of late in these columns, says " that horticulture is essen- tially a progressive industry, but in England its general motto would seem to be the Aldine one of festina lente." Our cultivators are, indeed, not very ready to adapt new methods or to avail themselves of new resources. They prefer to wait to see what others do. It is from this ultra-con- servatism, for instance, that the use of the electric light for cultural purposes has made little or no progress in spite of the really astonishing results of the experiments made by the late Sir William Siemens, and which were recorded at the time in these columns. We are pleased, however, to learn from the Times correspondent that " So far as England is concerned, at least one grower has tested on an extensive scale the value of the etherisation of plants. Mr. T. Jannoch, of Dersingham, near Sandringham, immediately on hearing of the discovery, had a special ether chamber or tank made, and the results of his experiments, which I have been permitted to examine carefully, are far beyond any reasonable anticipations. Next season Mr. Jannoch, doubt- less in common with all other cultivators who have tested the system, has determined to enter into yet more extensive experiments. The develop- ments in this and other countries will ba watched with much interest by a very wide community of flower growers and the public generally. The Arts and Crafts Exhibition. — The seventh exhibition of the Arts and Crafts Exhibi- tion Society is now open at the New Gallery, Regent Street, and includes, as usual, pictures, drawings, designs, and specimens of various ornamental crafts. Mr. Walter Crane contri- butes several designs for wall-papers, carpets, &o. ; Mr. Lewis F. Day, Mr. C. F. A. Voysey, and other well-known artists and craftsmen are also well represented. Many of the exhibits come from technical schools ; there are specimens of bookbinding from the Kelmscott, the Chiswick, and other presses; and much fine embroidery, furniture, metal - work, glass, enamelled and jewelled ornaments from schools and guilds, as well as from private individuals. The Society aims at improving the artistic standard of orna- mental handicrafts, and their present exhibition is satisfactory as regards both the number and the merit of the contributions included in it. Effect of Environment upon Plants — M. Gaston Bonnier has recently laid before the Academie des Sciences a report upon some in- teresting experiments undertaken by him to determine the influence of environment in modi- fying certain characteristics in plants. He divided the plants of species native to the district of Paris into halves, and cultivated one portion of them at Fontainebleau, and the remaining half in the same soil taken to Toulon. While the former set developed normally, those portions of the same plant cultivated on the shores of the Mediterranean gradually exhibited much modifi- cation under the influence of their new surround- ings. At the end of three years the resisting powers of their wood, and the thickness of their leaves had increased, so that they to a certain extent resembled species of the sam? kind of southern origin. The fixing of certain character- istics of adaptation might induce one to consider them of specific value. This consideration is thus connected with the problem of the origin of species, and on this account it is of value to record the results of these experiments of M. Gaston Bonnier. The Chinese Flora. — Lately we had occa- sion to express our satisfaction that quicker progress was at last being made with the publica- tion in the Journal of the Linnean Society of the enumeration of the plants of the Chinese Empire. Our satisfaction is enhanced by the issue dated January 1 , of another part consisting mainly of the Orchid, elaborated by Mr. Rolfe. The delay in publication has been so long, that a supplementary part or parts containing the additions that have been made while the work has been in progress, will be absolutely essential. In the meantime, it is no slight boon to have as much as we have. Theft of Orchids. — We learn that the Deputy Magistrate of Sealdah has, after a pro- tracted hearing, sentenced two native nurserymen to two months' imprisonment, and a fine of Rs. 200 each, and in default of payment of fine, two weeks' additional imprisonment. These two men were charged with receiving stolen Orchids with a guilty knowledge. The Orchids were stolen from a local Bengali nurseryman, some of which were recovered by the police from the garden of a well-known amateur gardener of Calcutta. Indian Gardening. The Rainfall. — Messrs. Sowerbt Wallis and H. R. Mill have published in The Times a most interesting series of tables dealing with the rainfall at fifty-two stations in the British Isles 58 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Januaby 24, 1903. during 1902. At only four stations was the amount above average ; in all the rest it was below, and in some cases much below the average of thirty years. For the last eighteen years there has been an average deficiency of 7 per cent., so that the repeated and continuous defect is assumir g serious proportions. LAW NOTES. PEEE AND NURSERYMAN. Application foe a Bankrupt's Discharge. — At Northampton, Lord Lyvedon, described in the bankruptcy petition as Courtenay Robert Percy Vernon, nurseryman, of Stanwick, Northampton, applied for his unconditional discharge. His lordship was adjudicated bankrupt in 189-1 with unsecured debts amounting to .£4,400. A divi- dend of 4s. id. was paid. In January, 1900, his discharge was granted by His Honour Judge Snagge on condition that he consented to judg- ment for an amount making the dividend equal to 10s. At this time he was earning a living as ship's purser. The following month, on the death of his uncle, he succeeded to the title. It was afterwards discovered that a large quantity of silver plate, supposed to be entailed, became his absolute property. It was sold by the Official Receiver, and realised sufficient to pay a supplementary dividend of over 10s. Fresh proofs amounting to .£4,700 were, however, put in. His Honour was now informed that a divi- dend of 9s. 'i%d. had been distributed on the whole indebtedness. The money would have paid 10s. had not expenses been incurred in a law suit. His Honour granted the discharge. tion at Herrenhausen rivalling that at Kew. There has always been a ready interchange of living examples between the two establishments. Orchids have also been objects of special atten- tion with Herr Wendland ; the collection he has formed and cultivated with exceptional success for many years being described by his bosom friend, the late Prof. Reichenbach, as by far the richest in botanical species that had ever been formed. Until within the last few years, Herr Wendland visited Kew annually, spending several days amongst the cultivated Palms, Orchids, &c, and endearing himself to the officials by his urbanity. His knowledge of tropical plants and their cultural requirements ©bttuars. Hermann Wendland, whose death on the 12th inst. after a long illness, we greatly regret to have to annouuce, was one among the many Germans who have " graduated " in horticulture at Kew, and who was the distinguished Director of the famous Royal Gardens at Herrenhausen, Hanover, stands out conspicuously as one who has accomplished much in the fields of both botany and horticulture. We take the following particulars from the Journal of the Kew Guild, 1900. " He was born in October, 1823, in Hem nhausen, where his father and grandfather preceded him as Director of the Gardens, and where he re- ceived his early training. He left his father to study under Professor Bartling in the Botanic Gardens at Gottingen and Dr. Schott at Schbn- brunn, proceeding thence to Kew. Here he was employed nearly two years as a gardener, leaving in 1849 to return to Herrenhausen, where he worked as assistant until his father's death which occurred in 1870, when the son was appointed Director. In 1857 he was sent on a botanical expedition into Guatemala and Central America, where he collected many new and in- teresting plants, and introduced many by means of seeds, &c, afterwards distributing them from Herrenhausen. One of his best known dis- coveries was Anthurium Scherzerianum, which he found in Costa Rica, and which flowered at Kew in 18t!2, when a figure of it was published in the Botanical Magazine, t. 5319, where it is described as "a very singular little plant." Herr Wendland prepared and published in 1854 a list of the Palms cultivated in European col- lections. This was followed by researches amongst the plants of this difficult Order with so much zeal and activity that he soon became the recog- nised first authority upon Palms. Sir Joseph Hooker acknowledges his indebtedness to Herr Wendland's monographs, &c, in the preparation of the Genera Plantarum. He has also made a specialty of the cultivation of Palms, the collec- THE Late HERMANN WENDLAND. is exceptional, and his readiness to impart this knowledge to others made his visits profitable as well as enjoyable. In 1891 Herr Wendland celebrated his fiftieth year of professional work. He wa3 present at the Ghent Quinquennial in 1S98, and officiated as a judge." If we remember rightly, he exhibited there as a novelty the now popular Saintpaulia ionantha. SEED TRADE. THE FLOWER -SEED CROPS OF THE PAST YEAR. The county of Essex is the great centre of flower-seed production in this country, and many acres are devoted to the culture of annuals, biennials, and perennials for the production of seeds. This branch of the great seed industry has been affected by the weather of the past summer ; there is a serious shortage of crop in some cases, and a partial deficiency in most. Annuals. Generally speaking, there is an average crop of some which are grown in Essex, but there is an alvance in price, mainly caused by the extra expense incurred in cleaning and dressing the seeds, owing to the waste which follows imperfect maturation. Labour has also become dearer, and so slight advances in price may occur in the cases of all the common annuals. ^Isfers. — This is one of the most important of our popular annuals, and Germany has to be largely drawn upon for a supply of seed. There- is in Germany soil highly favourable to the- culture of the Aster, and especially about Erfurt and Quedlinburg, more particularly at the latter- place, where they do well in the free loam which abounds. It is reported that there are about two- thirds of an average crop of seed of the early varieties, and of these the now popular Comet strain are leading favourites. The Comets, of which there are now several varieties, follow a type of Aster known as The Queen of the Market, a strain which includes several varieties, the flowers having large yellow centres. Of the late- flowering types, represented by the Victoria, Truffaut's Paeony-flowered, &c, there is about one-third of an average crop. The single Aster seeds come mainly from France, and for these there is both an extensive and growing demand. As owing to the dearth of sunshine, seeds of Asters were imperfectly matured, and as the- germination of many will doubtless be weakly, it is recommended that sowing be deferred later- than usual in the coming spring, until warm growing weather appears probable. The most popular of the double Asters is the Victoria type ; for pot culture the dwarf Chrysanthemum- flowered, the Victoria, and Truffaut's Paeony- flowered are preferred, but all do well in good soil in the open ground. Stocks. — The early flowering Stocks, such as the Wallflower-leaved varieties, have done well on the- whole, but of the large late-flowering strains the- crop of seed is said to be very small ; much of the- seed saved from plants in the open ground will, it is believed, show imperfect germination. Wallflowers. — Though seeds of these are by no means plentiful, they have produced better than some of their relatives, the Stocks ; it is possible- some of the choicer varieties may become scarce as the season progresses. Sweet Peas and Mignonette. — These two are- bracketed together because there are no two- other annuals in greater demand. The home- crops of both are only moderate, still there is. no likelihood of scarcity. Seeds of Sweet Peas especially, now come in from many parts of the- world, and the Californian crops are exceptionally good. It is not too startling a statement to make, to say that California grows more Sweet Peas than all Europe put together. Of Mignonette, much of the home supply comes from the continent. The two most popular varieties are the Machet and the Crimson Giant, with their sub- varieties, making a group of about twenty. It may be assumed there are about half a dozen distinct types of Mignonette. The Machet is- perhaps the best for pot-culture and market work, and the Crimson Giant for the garden — but of the newer introductions, it has been said none- can equal the old form for perfume ; the Golden Queen is considered the most fragrant. Ponsics. — The commoner varieties have given plentiful crops of seed. The Pansy likes spells of wet weather, and yet for the same reason the fine selected large flowered types have produced no seed at all. It is doubtful if ever before there has been in any one season so poor a crop of seed. Tender Annuals. — Such subjects as Verbena, Phlox Drummondi, Zinnia elegans, and Mari- golds, so extensively grown in Germany, were all in fidl vigour up to the early days of October, then came frost, and the Marigolds in particular went down before it. Seed of the fine selected striped varieties is very scarce, as the plants had matured but very little seed when the frost came, owing to the retarding character of the summer ; and all the best of other types are a very short- January 24, 1903.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 59 ■crop. A late summer and the early frosts com- bined to seriously limit the supply. Nasturtiums.— Next to Sweet Peas, the Nas- turtiums have made the greatest advance as a popular flower, and their popularity is still on the increase. It is said that in America the Nas- turtium is actually supplanting the Sweet Pea in popular favour. Taking the whole of the seed- growing districts of Europe, the tall Nasturtiums show a fair average crop. The varieties of the improved Tom Thumb section, as distinct from -the common yellow and scarlet varieties, are a very short crop, more especially on the Con- tinent. In this country, the yield appears to iave been generally better. Biennials and Perennials. These generally are an average crop taking them as a whole, and as they produce seeds generally earlier than the annuals, they had rather the best of the most favourable weather of the summer. Sweet Williams seeded indifferently in places ; a fungoid growth which attacks the foliage in autumn and winter, destroyed many jlants in some places. The absence of sun affected the crop of Canterbury Bells in some districts, but .generally they and the stately Foxgloves seeded -well. Pentstemons, always late in maturing their :seeds, even in the case of one-year-old plants, had harely time to ripen their pods before the frost •came; but the crop is not abundant. Biennial stocks formed promising seed-pods, but ripened ifchem quite late, and some had to be gathered in a. half-green state. Pisum. avoid such cuttings. It is probable that it is such cuttings that " H. W. W." refers to, for it would be impossible to get the short - jointed cuttings from the base of the plants at the time he recommends propagating. I have propagated and grown large quantities of this Begonia, and flnd'as Mr. Fleming states, the secret, if any, is in starting with good cuttings, and keeping them o-rowing freely from the start to the finish. Light and air are essential, but cold draughts must be avoided, and also a very low temperature; but many are inclined to give too much heat. Last BRYOPHYLLUM CRENATUM. Most botanical students are familiar with the leaves of the common Bryophyllum calycinum. When pegged down on the surface of moist soil, *the leaves produce, from the notches in their margins, little shoots capable of reproducing the plant. Morphologists, at any rate, those of the old school, will remember the pretty inferences which were drawn from these facts. Others not interested in such matters nevertheless acknow- ledged the attractiveness of the plant, and will feel interested in the illustration (fig. 29) which -we now give of a species newly introduced into gardens from Madagascar, by Messrs. Veitch. Detailed description is unnecessary, as Mr. Worthington Smith's drawing from a plant exhibited before the Royal Horticultural Society gives a sufficiently good idea of the plant. The leaves were of a greyish-green colour, the calyces purple, and the petals pale yellow. The plant was botanically ■described by Mr. Baker in the Journal of the .Linnean Society, xx. (1884, p. 139). It may interest some of the readers of the Gard. Chron. to know that in these gardens there is growing a very fine seedling plant of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, which has not as yet lost a leaf. The flowers are circular in form, a little larger than those of the parent plant, and paler in colour. It is growing in a 5 - inch flower- pot. We grow about two dozen plants, and have had them in flower since the last week in August ; and at the time of writing they are in very fine condition. Chas. Wakefield, gr., The Cottage, Elm- field. Westbury-on-Trym. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. BEGONIA GLOIRE de LORRAINE.— With refer- ence to the culture of this beautiful winter- Howering plant, I quite agree with Mr. Fleming ■(Gardeners' Chronicle, Jan. 10, p. 29), and cannot understand anyone who has succeeded in growing the plant to recommend " stopping ; " but it is not on that point that I would draw attention. Mr. Fleming's success is undoubtedly due to •taking cuttings at the proper time. So many growers are too impatient, and take cuttings which are not suitable. With regard to the cuttings, my experience differs a little from that of Mr. Fleming. I find that the best cuttings are •obtained from the base of old plants which have been allowed to continue flowering, and have not had the tops taken off. The flower-stems may be taken off, and the plants kept as clean and healthy as possible ; they will then start naturally from the base in April or perhaps earlier, and the short shoots should be taken before they begin to show flower. Almost any little shoot will root, and those taken above the point where they have begun to flower may, if stopped, form a bud at the base ; -but it takes a long time, and it is far better to Frii. 29— BRYOPHYLLUM CRENATUM : CALYX PURPLE; PETALS PALE YELLOW. season I found those more fully exposed to sun and air were more satisfactory than those under shade and more warmth. The Turnford Hall variety has proved equally free, as was seen by the plants exhibited by Mr. Fleming and others. Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild is also good, but I rather prefer the old variety as the colour is better. A, Hemslcy. P.S. — I should have added that I have propagated from leaves, but have found them give more trouble than the stem cuttings, and grown side by side the stem cuttings have made equally good plants. Iu the spring of 1901, I propagated about 3,000 ; but last season we did not strike so many, but we had a good batch of Turnford Hall. A. H. horticultural hall. — I presume that those who are busy criticising the plans for the new Hall are among those who have earned the right to do so by the liberality of their contributions. If, as is extremely unlikely, they spoil the scheme, we shall know whom to blame for dis- loyalty to the cause. I hardly think the critics realise the responsibility they arc incurring, or they would for once make an united effort to obtain what we all want. An OldKewite. SWEET PEAS. — Probably many growers will soon be sowing seed out-doors. It is a risky proceeding, as apart from the coldness of the soil checking germination, there is yet time for much 60 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jaxuaey 24, 1903. hard weather, whilst further, birds and ground • vermin may do the too early plants much harm. It is very doubtful whether a sowing made early in March does not give better results than those made now will do. The best way to secure early plants is to sow about nine seeds in 5-inch pots that have been filled with good soil, standing them in a cold frame or house, where if germina- tion be slow, it is certain, and by the time the plants are 4- inches in height, they can be turned out of pots and planted out to form separate clumps, the best of all ways to grow Sweet Pea ?. D. A FINE IRISH YEW TREE. — In the gardens of Seaforde House, CO. Down, there may be seen in robust health, a magnificent specimen of the so-called Irish Yew, Taxus hybernica, or Florence Court upright growing Yew. The measurements which I have taken are rather under than over the mark, and are as follows : height, 35 feet 6 in. ; circumference taken 18 feet from the ground, 73 feet. Should any reader of this note know of a superior specimen of the above, would he kindly afford the editor its dimensions and where growing, as I believe the Seaforde tree is one of the finest specimens in the country. A. F. Grubb, gr., Beaforde House. "THE LATE JOHN MCKENZIE. — Some of Mr McKenzie's many friends may be interested in the following details of his life. Born at Knockbain, Beauly, in Inverness-shire, he served his apprenticeship under Mr. W. Westwood, at Belladrum gardens, N.B., the seat of. the late James Merry. Be was next a journeyman at Drumlanrig Castle, under Mr. Thomson for two years. From thence he went to be foreman under Mr. J. Garrett, at Whittinghame Gardens. His next place was Wrotham Park, the seat of the late Earl Strafford, where he stayed for a year. From there he removed to the Viceregal Lodge, Dublin, as foreman under the late Mr. G. Smith, where he remained three years. Mr. McKenzie was then appointed head gardener to Lord Inchequin at Drumolond, County Clare, but stayed there only a short time, and returned to Scotland and served for a time under the late Mr. Dunn, at Dalkeith gardens, where he awaited a head place. He also went to Mr. David Thomson, when the latter opened Craigleith Nurseries. He next became head gardener to the late Dowager Duchess of Montrose at Riddleswcrth Hall, Norfolk, in March, 1877 ; and finally was appointed gardener at Linton, under the late Viscountess Holmesdale, in August, 1882. On her death in 1884, he was engaged by the present owner, Mr. F. S. W. Cornwallis. It will be seen that Mr. McKenzie had a varied and first-class experience in many of the best known gardens in the country. S. M. GOOSEBERRIES ON NORTH WALLS. — Mr. J. Fulton has been unfortunate in his selection of varieties, or the soil in his garden is unfavourable to their proper development. My experience with cordon-trained Gooseberries on walls having a northern aspect, has been altogether satisfac- tory, A member of the staff of the Gardners' Chronicle visited these gardens in the year 1898, and referred to the cordon Gooseberries ; mention was made to them appreciatively in the issue for October 29 of that year. I have proved for the past six years that fruit of better appearance and flavour for dessert can be grown by this method than any other. The Gooseberry, when well grown and ripened, has a flavour all its own, and is appreciated by a great many employers as much as a dish of Grapes, Peaches, or a Melon, espe- cially late in September and October, when the glut is over, and I find by the empty dishes that they are highly appreciated. Gooseberries are extensively grown in these gardens on the cordon system, both on trellises in the open garden and on walls having a north aspect, and in both instances the results are so good that we do not grow them by any other mode of training, nor intend so to do. The advantages of the cordon system may bo summed up thus : the trees obtain the maximum amount of sun and light, they take up less room than bushes ; the fruit being well away from the earth, the fruits are not splashed with soil as they are apt to be on bushes; the fruit can be easily protected from birds, and by placing a double thickness of fish-netting over the trees the ripening of the fruits is retarded without detriment to their flavour ; and if wasps attack them a piece of wasp-proof netting will preserve them; finally the fruit can be gathered with greater convenience. It would be hard to find a more lucrative fruit for planting against north walls than the Gooseberry. The plant is not over- fastidious as to soil, though it delights in one having a dry, gravelly subsoil. The situation must be an open one, well away from the influ- ence of large trees. The trees we have on a north wall 180 feet in length, and 10 feet high, are disposed 10 inches apart, and the surface of the wall is wired at 6 inches from wire to wire from the ground to the top of the wall. We prune them twice a year, viz., in the summer, when the young growths attain 9 inches or a foot in length, and again in the winter, when the spurs are shortened back to within two or three buds of the old wood. The trees are all trained on the single cordon system. The varieties grown for late use are chiefly "Warrington, Pitmaston Greengage, Gregory's Perfection, and "White Lion, though we depend chiefly upon the first-named. The thick-skinned varieties are without doubt the best for hanging late, as is the case with other fruits, notably Grapes. For trellises in the open garden we depend mainly upon Whinhani's In- dustry, Whitesmith, Crown Bob, Ked Champagne, Sulphur, and Antagonist. H. T. Martin, Stoneleigh Abbey Gardens, Kenilworth. [The results are excellent. Ed.] Your correspondent, p. 28, Gard. Chron., Jan. 10, seems to me to wish to depreciate the Goose- berry as a dessert fruit. I am quite sure he has very much to learn if he thinks for one moment that the Gooseberry is not a popular fruit. My idea when I wrote the paragraph was to show that good, sound, and delicious fruit could be grown in the manner described. I said nothing about small, badly-flavoured fruits. Your correspondent seems to have drawn his own conclusions. Most gardeners when engaging with an employer study in every possible manner to cultivate those fruits, &c, which their employer desires. Some gardeners, I know, like to do the contrary. In cultivating Gooseberries to carry fruit late in the season, I was carrying out the wishes of my employer, who informed me that his favourite fruits were Gooseberries and Figs, and that Goose- berries he must have at any cost, because they contained the chemical properties which suited his ailment. Naturally, I turned to account every means to obtain fine fruit for as long a season as possible, nor was I confined to any number of bushes or varieties. Now, as to flies, wasps, and bees : your correspondent must have been very lucky to have alighted on a spot where none of these pests 6poil the fruits. In a hot, dry season, if precautions are not used, a crop of sweet Gooseberries is soon cleared, and sometimes in spite of all the gardener can do, and not only Gooseberries, but Morello Cherries. Now as far as the merits of the Gooseberry or Melons are concerned, that is matter for individual opinion. Personally, I like a nice Gooseberry fresh from the bush in preference to the best Melon ever grown. In the north country, Gooseberries are much prized and splendidly grown, and in great variety and well shown. I consider all fruits are good when well grown, and some are highly valued by everyone ; all of us have our likes and dislikes, and I for one claim that the Gooseberry makes a most welcome change in any dessert. W. A. Cook, gr., Erlestoke Park. Mr. James Fulton must not imagine that everybody's taste is the same as his own in the matter of fruits. I planted a north border half the length of the kitchen garden, probably 80 or 100 yards, and 5 yards wide, with Gooseberries, mostly Ked Warringtons, at Longleat, for the late Marquis of Bath, and covered it with 4 -inch wire-netting. This supplied Gooseberries till very late in the season, fre- quently into November; and although the noble Marquis and his guests were not without other fruits of good quality, the Gooseberries were very much appreciated. W. M. Taylor. It would, I think, have been more interesting if your correspondent " Old Goose- berry," had confined his remarks more strictly to the heading of my note " Late Gooseberries on a North Wall as a Dessert Fruit," but as he has not done so, it is unnecessary for me to say any more on the subject, unless to inform hint that my experience in Gooseberry culture has not been confined to one locality as he seems to sup- pose, but in widely separated parts of this country, Scotland, and Ireland ; and comparing the results of experience thus acquired, I have come to the conclusion already stated, viz., that the Gooseberry on a north wall is absolutely useless where fruits for dessert are required. James Fulton, gr., Grir.i& Dyke, Harrow Weald. AUDIBLE GROWTH. — There is a passage in Mr Peter Barr's communication from the Cape in your issue of December 20, 1902, where he alludes to the grass growing with such rapidity after : rain that " you can hear it whistling," which receives a curious corroboration from Lieut.- General Sir Charles Warren's recent volume, On the Veldt in the Seventies." At p. 95, Sir- Charles writes ; " A few days ago I lay down at the foot of a hill on the bare ground, shortly after the first rains, not a blade of grass near me, all night long I heard little clicks all about me, and at last I struck a light and waited till I heard a. click, and then located it; then I found it came from a tiny blade of grass which had been folded up in its sheath and had suddenly escaped with a, click. I am glad to have heard grass actually growing. I wonder who invented the term 'springing up,' as applied to grass, it exactly describes the operation." W. T., Ipswich. ROSE MARIE lavallee. — Superlatives are greatly abused forms of speech. But for the benefit of those who grow climbing Koses it is worth saying that a Rose named Marie Lavallee was this year by far the most brilliant and con- spicuous of some hundreds of different Roses on a. pergola 150 yards long. I believe I got it from Nabonnand, but as I have not his catalogue I cannot be sure. I think it is offered by Guillot as Marie Levalley ; I have not yet seen it in an English catalogue. A. K. Bulley, Ness, Neston, Cheshire. VIBURNUM TINUS. — A few remarks on this plant, anglice Laurestinus, may be of interest to- those who contemplate planting winter-flowering: shrubs. Our bushes in early December were- clothed from top to bottom with flowers and flower- buds, making a gay display. These plants are in fully exposed situations, and yet they were not at all injured by the severe frost which had occurred shortly before. For cutting purposes the flowers are valuable for their lasting qualities and beauty. A hedge of a height of 5 or 6 feet, and a propor- tionate width, is truly a fine sight when in flower ;. and this is a good mode of planting the Laures- tinus. J. Murray, Sopley Park, Christchurch. HYDRANGEA PANICULATA AS A FORCING PLANT. — Your correspondent, " S. C," says, " I trust 'E. B.' did not conclude that this was th» pruning." I cannot see how I could arrive at any other conclusion, as immediately following the sentence I quoted from his article he says, "In order to make the plant symmetrical, and induce buds at the bottom to break." He also gives details of housing the plant, but mentions nothing about any further pruning. I should not have troubled to take up any more of your valuable space on this subject, only that the proper pruning; of this plant is an important factor in its successful culture, and I maintain that a beginner would not obtain the best results by following the lines of " S. C.'s " article ; and in these days of com- petition, it is only a waste of time and money to put inferior and badly-grown stuff on the market. E. B. ENGLISH CHESTNUTS. -Not to be guilty of a misnomer, I may be permitted to say Sweet or Spanish Chestnuts are produced abundantly, of goodly size and ripeness, in South Wales, if not •' English." In the extensive park at Dynevor Castle, South Wales, a domain second to none in the British Isles for expanse and the beauty and variety of its views, numerous large fine trees- produce freely of largo well-coloured nuts six years out of every seven. Indeed, it is the rule for them so to do, the exceptions being very rare. So well do these trees bear that they are sought for each year by residential trespassers. I have- not seen the tree mature the "nuts" in any JANUA1Y 24, 1903.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 61 other part of England to anything like the same extent. Judging by the excellence of these Welsh nuts, there seems little doubt that crops may be grown in that part of the Principality ; and cer- tainly, they have been usually superior to the poor examples sold in this country during the present winter. But well known, early ripening, good varieties, such as Prolific, Downton, Masters' Canterbury, &c, should be grafted on stocks of La Chataigne de Bois, &c., and the best of the French Marrons. William Barley. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HOKTI CULTURAL. Scientific Committee. January 13.— Present ; Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S. (in the Chair); Messrs, Baker, Odell, Saunders, Worsdell, Bowles, and Holmes, Drs. Rendell and Cooke, Revs. W. Wilks and G. Henslow (Hon. Sec). Mezereon dying.— Mr. Holmes showed specimens, and remarked upon the suddenness with which they died off. Dr. Cooke undertook to examine and report upon them. Ranunculus arvcnsis.—He also referred to this plant as said by Sowerby to be poisonous to sheep. Cedrus Deodara.— Mr. Bowles exhibited a male catkin of this tree, which had become branched, bearing several branches, all being staminiferous. Pinus Bungeana, bark— Ir. Masters showed a speci- men of the bark of this tree from China, which was silvery-white and scaling off. He mentioned that Abies arizouica had a similar bark, both resembling that of the common Birch. Maize androgynous.— Dr. Masters also showed speci- mens, received from Mr. F. M. Bailey, of Brisbane, Queensland, of which the following were typical examples :— (l) This had one small cob of grains arising from the base of nine male spikes ; single female flowers were scattered at intervals on the latter, both near the bases and summits. (2) Fifteen male spikes had one terminated with a small cob; isolated female flowers were scattered throughout among the male flowers. (3) This had about twelve male spikes, all being female below and terminated by male flowers above; the whole formed a dense mass of small cobs, giviDg the appearance of a proliferous cob with male flowers above. Practical Pollination. — Mr. Davidson, of Fanners, Wickham Bishops, Essex, described an ingenious method of artificial fertilisation of flowers, as follows : " Ihave ad3pted a method of economising pollen, the ordinary cainel's-hair brush being very wasteful. If a stick of sealing-wax be rubbed briskly on the coat- sleeve as for electrical experiment, and then presented to the flower, the pollen flies to it and adheres. Every particle can thus be utilised far more easily than with a brush." Climbing Plants. — Mr. Davidson also forwarded the observations he had made on Hoyas, &c— " I have had a number of Hoya carnosa plants under observation for a considerable time, and though they twist reso- lutely enough in one direction during the day, the hours of darkness usually appear to have been a period of indecision, the work of the day being sometimes more or less undone during the night. While they are decided enough in twisting their way up living plants, they show no sueh decision in climbing up dead sup- ports. For instance, if I slightly untwist a Hoya from a growing plant, it coils round again in a very short time ; whereas, if a stick is substituted for a plant, the Hoya scarcely ever regains its old position without assistance." It was thought by the Committee that this difference was more due to the smooth or rough nature of the surface than the fact of the support being either alive or dead. Yucca recurva.—Mr. Worsley sent some leaves, upon which Dr. Cooke reported as follows :— " The leaves of the Yucca recurva exhibit long dark streaks, which I have observed before, but could never attribute to any specific form of fungus. In the present instance I have failed to discover any hyphce or 6pores, but probably if watched there might be some future de- velopment. At present there is no evidence of fungus parasitism, and I do not remember that any has been recorded as affecting the leaves of Yucca. Loganberry Roots.— Mr. F. Sharpe, of Westbury, Wilts, sent some roots bearing nodules, upon which Mr. Cooke reports as follows :— "The nodules on roots of this plant resemble most of the root nodules which I have examined in giving no definite clue to any parasitism. There is no evidence of the presence of bacteria so far as I can detect (3f 0 diams.) ; and nothing has resulted from preserving them for twelve days in a damp atmosphere." Celeriac. — Dr. Cooke reports as follows upon the specimens sent to the last meeting :— " Roots marked with discoloured blotches or stains internally, and sometimes in circles or segments, at a short distance from the periphery. The discolored tissue did not exhibit any trace of hyphse or anything further than the discoloration of the cell contents. I can see no indication or suspicion of fungus parasitism." The thanks of the Committee were given to Dr. Cooke for his report. Peas Attacked by Grubs.— Mr. Baker brought a sample of wrinkled Peas badly attacked by grubs, upon which the following report was made:-" There is nothing whatever in the condition of the Peas to indicate any injury beyond that produced by the maggot which is common in green Peas. It is always the case in shell- ing culinary Peas that a certain proportion is maggoty. The condition of the sample is entirely due, in my opinion, to the fact that the wet and cold summer greatly increased the proportion of maggoty seeds. Not one of the seeds appeared to be attacked by the Pea-weevil, and wrinkled Peas grown in England are very seldom weeviled. The only Peas of English growth usually attacked are the early, round-seeded kinds, and then only in hot, day summers, and when grown on light, dry soil. I doubt whether any sample of English Peas oi last year's harvest was at all seriously attacked by the weevil owing to the absence of mi:-: and heat." Statistical Variations.— Mr. Henslow drew attention to a paper in the Botanical Gazette, vol. xxxiii., p. 462, on "The Numerical Relation of the Ray Flowers of Compositse," by Mr. E. Mead Wilcox, in illustration of the mathematical and statistical study of variation, as throwing light, upon the origin of species. Mr. Hens- low expressed his disbelief in any advantage accruing from the statistical method, because such statistics are only based on "individual variations," which do not give rise to variations of which systematists can take any account-i.e., as long as the plants are living under the same conditions of life. They are merely fluctuating details, due to the qualities of growth. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. WORCESTER AUXILIARY. The annual meeting of the Worcester Auxiliary of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution was held at the Guildhall on Saturday evening, the 17th inst, Mr. C E. Pipe in the chair. The seventh annual report expressed thanks to Earl Beauchamp for allowing his grounds and gardens at Madresfield Court to be thrown open for the benefit of the Fund, the proceeds of which realised £15 12s. lui. It recorded that Mr. Jno. Bates, the Worcestershire cindidate, who was supported at the last election of pensioners, obtained 1,528 votes, and solicited further support. To commemorate the Coronation of the King and Queen (patrons of the In- stitution), the general committee, London, voted £5 from the " Good Samaritan Fund" to each unsuccessful candidate who had not previously subscribed to the Institution, including Mr. Bates. All the unsuccessful candidates who had subscribed were put on the funds without further election. The accounts showed receipts amounting to £123 2s. 4d. Expenses, including a grant of £110 to the parent society, having been paid, a balance in hand was left of £5 Hs. Bd. The accounts had been audited by Mr. C. E. Pipe. Mr. White added that a grant of £30 would be made shortly, which would bring the contributions of the auxiliary to £o70 for the seven years it had been in existence. The accounts and report were adopted on the motion of Mr. Crump, who said that in sending up to the parent society nearly £100 a year they had done better than any other auxiliary. Mr. Hurlstone seconded. Mr. G. Gough moved, and Mr. Hurlstone seconded, the election of Lord Beauchamp as president, which was carried. Mr. Crump moved that some scheme be adopted for systematically canvassing the gardeners employed in the county to become subscribers to the Institution. Mr. Crump's motion was carried. The committee was re-elected, with the substitution of Mr. Myatt for Mr. A. Russell. A sum of £42 from the proceeds of the opening of Madresfield Gardens was ottered to eight members on the condition that each paid five guineas, and the total of ten was sent to the parent society as a life member's subscription, and that the member became an annual subscriber. BRISTOL & DISTRICT GARDENERS MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT, A very successful meeting of this associatioa w a» he'.datSt. John's Rooms on the eveningof rharsdsy. when Mr. J. C. House, Coombe Nurseries, West- bury - on -Trym, delivered an excellent; leetore on "Hardy Herbaceous Perennial Plants." Lieut - Col, H. Cary Batten, J. P., presided over a good attendance, and was accompanied by Mrs. H. Cary Batten, their presence adding much to the enjoyment of tHe evening. Mr. House advocated the more general ecs-ptoTzaeni in the garden of these beautiful plants, not to th* exclusion of bedding plants, but to the reduction aE the numbers of the latter, and as a means of adding floral beauty to the garden to the latest time possibte in the autumn. The lecturer gave a comprehensive list of the more beautiful plants that would succeed in Bristol and fefoe surrounding district. UNITED HORTICULTURAL BEH3- FIT AND PROVIDENT. Twelve new members were electei at the la3t meeting, four of these, however, being over thirty-6** years of age, are elected subject to the production <£ their certificate of birth. Nine members were reporteS. on the sick-fund. Messrs. W. Gunner and T. H. Puzey were re-elected to audit the accounts for the past year. INTERESTING PRESENTATION", The Gloucestershire Root, Fruit, and Chrysantno- mum Society celebrates its fortieth anniversary thie year, and in recognition of the conspicuous and valu- able services rendered to the Society by Mr. Sidney 6 Starr, the secretary, he was presented by tiie aiemberc on Saturday, Januaiy 17, with a handsome gold wctch and a purse of gold. The Society has done excellent work in the comity 1* bringing about improved results in farming, and is the more general culture and love of the Chrysanthe- mum ; but it has also suffered in its earlier history from the very prevalent complaint, '*want of funds." In 189,% when Mr. Starr was appointed secretary, a deficit was turned into a balance in hand, and to -da** the Society is more popular than ever, with a score more classes in the schedule than formerly, over 20» more entries at the last show, and about 100 more sttfr- scribers, while some £50 more was ofTered in prizes. That this improved condition of things is mainly due to the energetic labours of Mr. Starr was recognised 'by the valuable presentatioa of which he was made th» recipient on Saturday. NATIONAL FRUIT-GROWERS' FEDERATION. January 12.— The above committee held a meeting A the Westminster Palace Hotel on the above elate- There was a large attendance, and Col. C. W. Long, M.P. (President of the Federation), occupied the ebi,ir. The following members were present : — Messrs. A. Grant, W. Home, H. Leney, F. Smith, Juo. Wood, C. H. Hooper, A. Miskin, A. S. White, W. Idiens, J. idien^, A. H. H. Matthews, G. Mmwaring, W. Freemantle, J. Evans, T. May, and A. T. Matthews (Secxetaxy). The most important business at this meeting was lb© consideration of the best type of ventilated van for the ..'onveyauce of fruit, as to the building of which, certain railway companies are consulting with the Advisory Committee, and the official reply to the lettesr of the Board of General Managers in answer to tne deputation of November 4. This reply was carefulhr drawn up, and directed to be despatched. It will he remembered that at the conference at the Clearing House it was proposed that a special advisory com- mittee of the Federation should be appointed to confer with the railway officials on the details of the propose! reforms, and it is understood that this arrangement is already being carried out, and working very success- fully. This gives the Federation a standiug-gronnd never before even thought of by a growers' society, an4 justifies the expectation of great results. Meanwhile the organisation is spreading throughout the country, and its list of members growing steadily from week to week. - READING & DISTRICT GARDENERST MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. The annual general meeting of the above associali» was held on Monday, the 12th inst., and was wet- attended. The report and the balance-sheet wens pre- sented by the secretary, and showed the association -• be in a flourishing position. There had been za ie- crease in the membership during the year; the total at the end was 223. The officers and committee werr elected as follows ;-President, Mr. Leonard Sulk^ 62 THE GARDENER®' CHRONICLE. [January 2-t, 1903. for the third year in succession ; Chairman, Mr. J. T. Po veil, gr. at Park1 Place, Henley-on-Thaures; Vice- Chairman, Mr. W. Barnes, gr. at ^earWood; Librarian, Mr. E. J. Dore ; Assistant Librarian, Mr. F. W. Exler ; Treasurer, Mr. F. W. Macdonild; and Hon. Sec, Mr. H. G. Cox, were re-elected to their respective offices. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. January 13,— -The annual general meeting of the Scottish Horticultural Association was held at 5, St. Andre .v Square, Edinburgh, on the above date— Mr. Charles Comfort, President, in the chair; there was a large attendance. The annual report, which was read by the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Peter Loney, stated that the past year had witnessed continued success in the affairs and objects of the Association. The papers read during the year had been full of interest and of educational value, and the attendance had (been large and repre- sentative. The exhibits at some of the monthly meetings had also been highly creditable. The member- ship was now 1,160 ; 147 new members having been added during the year of whom fifteen were life members. Stveral names had been deleted from the roll, owing to the want of addresses and other causes. The Associa- tion tendered hearty thanks to those who, by their willing assistance, had contributed to the success of the show. Mr. McHattie, in moving the adoption of the report, said a hard but well won fight was the reflection with which they had closed their ledger for this year, and they opened the new one with the know- ledge that they were able and willing to engage in a struggle to maintain the reputation of the Association, f necessary. He hoped they would all support the Association heartily. The report was agreed to. The financial statement showed a credit balance on the Chrysanthemum show of £91 8s. 3d., and the funds of the Association at December 3L amounted to £378 12s. 2d. A short discussion ensued as to the circumstances under which the Association held thirty-five votes on the Gardeners' Benevolent Association, and it was agreed that the President and Council should look into the matter, and report to the next meeting. The financial statements were approved of. The following officebearers were appointed :— Hon.* President, the !Most Noble Marquis of Linlithgow; Vice-Presidents, James Wbytock, Dalkeith ; Charles Comfort, Bloomfield gardens, Davidson's Mains. Council, Thomas Fortune, Alexander Johnston, George Wood, J. Anderson, Alexander Sclater, David W. Thomson, W. Copelaud; President, J. W. McHattie. The " Scohman." more than the payments, while the capital account received an addition of £165 18s. from life members' subscriptions. The funds amounted to £715 17s. 7d , as against £'^7 a year ago. On the motion of Mr. William Mackiunon, seconded by Mr. David Thomson, the Report and the balance- sheet were adopted. Mr. J. Martin White, of Balruddery, was elected Vice- President, and the following members of Council were appointed : -gardener, Mr. J. W. McHattie, Edinburgh City gardener; nurseryman, Mr. John Methven, Edin- burgh; independent member, Mr. A. D. Richardson, Edinburgh. The Scotsman, that for nine varieties in bunches of three blooms, has been increased, and three new vase classes have been added. , The annual report and schedule for 1903 will shortly be issued to members. CROYDON HORTICULTURAL MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. The third Annual Dinner and Smoking Concert in connection with the above named Society was held at the Cafe Royal, Croydon, on the 14th inst., under the Chairmanship of Mr. J. J. Reid, one of the Vice- Presidents of the Society; Vice- Chairman, Dr. J. Brooke Ridley, and a pleasant evening was spent. ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTI- CULTURAL. January u.~ The Annual General Meeting of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society was held on the above date in Dowell's Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, Mr. D. P. Laird presiding over a large attendance. Mr. P. MurrayThomson, Secretary, read the Council's Annual Report, which stated that the change of the date of the spring show last year from the baginning of April to the beginning of May proved a success as regards the attendance, and as an exhibition of horti- culture the show did not in any way suffer. The entries numbered 511, compared with 500 in 1901. One encouraging feature was the interest shown in the competition for plans prepared by under gardeners, twenty one plans being scut in; and the Council had pleasure in reporting that Sir John Gilmour had again placed at their disposal the sum of £o to continue this competition. The total entries for the autumn show of 1901 were 2, 182, and for tne same show in 190 i were 2 440. A special effort was made towards the close of last year to increase the membership, when the President (Lord Balfour of Burleigh) issued a letter containing printed particulars of the Society. The effort met with good result. During the year the Society lost by death and resignation 3d members, while 19 life members and 154 annual members had joined, a nett increase of 137 1901 was the first year when gardeners and horticul- tural employes might be enrolled at 5s Thirty-eight were then enrolled; aud during the past year IS new ■members had been enrolled. The surplus of the fund raised to provide a memorial of the late Mr. Malcolm Dunn, gr. at D*lk*»ith Palace, had been invested for the purpose of providing an annual prize in horticulture, aud the trustees had offered the prize for the first year to the Society, it would he given as the 1st prize at the autumn s'row for a colle ;tion of Apples grown in Scot- land. The financial stv.ement showed tha'. tha ordi- nary receipts araouute.l to £1.272, being £i IS*. lOd. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF PENSIONERS. Jan. 22.— The sixty-fourth annual general meeting of the members and subscribers of this excellent Institu- tion, was held at " Simpsons," Straud, on Thursday last, as these pages were passing through'the press. Mr. Harry J. Veitch, Treasurer and Chairman of the Committee presided, and there was a satisfactory attendance. After the reading of the minutes, the report of the Committee, and the accounts of the Institution (as audited) for the year 1902 were adopted unanimously and with satisfaction. Officers for the ensuing year were elected, and other business of a routine character transacted. The Chairman read the following letter from Mr. N.N. Sherwood, a generous supporter of the Institution: "I am grieved indeed to see there are so many appli- cants for the Pension this year who cannot possibly be elected. I read with great interest the letter in the [Gardeners'] Chronicle of last Saturday, and I wish to give each of the unsuccessful candidates, who have been subscribers, the sum of £5. 1 do this with great pleasure as a thank-offering for my recent recovery rom my illness." The followingresolution was passed with acclamation, " That the action of the Committee, graciously approved by the President, H.R.H. the Prince of Walea, inplacing on the funds the eleven unsuccessful candidates, formerly subscribers to the Institution, to com- memorate the Coronation of their Majesties the King and Queen, Patrons, be, and is hereby confirmed." The Committee reported that during the year 1902 the following widows of pensioners have been placed on the funds without election in accordance with Rule iii., 13 :— Mary E. Mackintosh, aged 71 ; Sarah Trotter, aged 81, aud Mary Ann Wilder, aged 69. The Committee also recommended that fifteen candi- dates be elected pensioners on the funds that day. The poll opened at 8.15 and closed at 4.30 p.m., with the following result :— 1 JANE KENT 6741 Votes 2 JANE TEMPLE 4216 „ 3 W. B. GLASS OCK 3308 „ 4 EMMA HONE33 3195 ,, 5 JOHN BATE3 3063 ,, 6 W. J. STACEY 3056 „ 7 RACHEL TEGG £046 ,, 8 CHARLES PUZEY 3015 „ 9 GEORGE R. ALLIS 2991 „ 10 STEPHEN BKACEBRIDGE ... 2968 „ 11 WILLIAM WALL 2878 „ 12 WILLIAM DARVEL 2850 „ 13 ROBERT C. ALLI3TON ... 2825 ,, 14 JAMES LEVELL 2761 „ 15 ELIZABETH GOWER ... 2602 „ There were thirty-one unsuccessful candidates. Of the fifteen elected ten had contributed to the Institu- tion, and five had not. Mary Donnan and John Price, each of them 63 years of age. were subsequently placed on the Funds by a right vested in the Committee. In the evening the Annual Friendly Supper took place also at " Simpsons." NATIONAL DAHLIA. The schedule of prizes to be offered at the next grand annual exhibition of this society, to be held at the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster, on Sep- tember 1 and 2, will include a new departure of con- siderable interest to exhibitors. As the result of a general subscription amoDgst members, three Silver- Challenge Cups will beoffired forcompetition, namely, a Ten guinea Cup in the premier Cactus Dahlia class for nurserymen (eighteen varie'ies in bunches of six blooms each) ; a Ten-guinea Cup iD the premier Cactus Dahlia class for amateurs (nine varieties in bunches of three blooms each) : and a Five-guinea Cup in the premier class for show and fancy Dahlias, amateurs (twenty-four blooms, distinct). In addition to the above, Messrs. Dobbre A Co., Rothe- say, will present a Gold Badge value three guineas, for twenty four blooms Cactus Dahlias, distinct varie- ties (amateurs), the gift to be repeated at the two following exhibitions of the society in 1904 and 1903. Xiie prize-money iu this class (Class 24, which is altered from eighteen blooms to twcnly-four blooms), ar.d iu CHINESE MAPLES. {Continued from p. 22 ) Acer. — The Chinese species of Maple exhibit' if we exclude the peculiar American Negundo, practically every type that is known in the genus. The primitive type of foliage in Acer is the simple entire leaf, such as occurs in Acer oblongum. From this we proceed to simple toothed or dentate leaves ; then we have species with tri-lobed leaves, and others with five to seven-lobed leaves. Trifoliolate species mark in China the limit of evolution. In American Negundo, the leaves become further decompound in the species with five leaflets arranged in pinnate fashion. In the following list, I make a few remarks concerning each species, noting those that may be seen now in Coombe "Wood. I omit species that have not been collected by Mr. Wilson and myself, and it is possible when the whole of Mr. Wilson's specimens are examined carefully, that other species may be added. Simple -Leaved Species. 1. Acer oblongum, Wall. — This is a common tree in Hupeh and other parts of China. It also occurs in Formosa and in the Himalayas. It grows wild in a diversity of climates, and is as much at home in the Botanic Gardens of Calcutta as in the mountain forests of the Himalayas. It has oblong or ovate acuminate coriaceous leaves, quite entire in the margin. It displays great variation, both in fruit and in foliage, and Pax enumerates several distinct varieties, as — (a) A. glaucum, Schwerin. — This is the com- monest form ; in it the leaves are glaucescent underneath. (b) A. latialatum, Pax, with fruit having broad wings ; this occurs in Hupeh. (c) A. concolor, Pax. — The leaves underneath are green, and not glaucous. Hupeh. The variety microcarpum, Hiern, of the Mishmi Hills, with small fruit, is also met with in the Loochoo Islands. In the Kew herbarium, my 3199a from Hupeh is perhaps the most interesting variety ; it may be styled oar. triloba, Henry. In this the leaves become tri-lobed, and the margin is remotely but sharply serrate. This specimen was taken from a lower branch of a very large tree growing near Ichang. The foliage of the upper part of the tree was of the ordinary type. 2. Acer Ixvigatum, Wall., occurs in Szechwan, and also in Hong Kong and the Himalayas. This has foliage like the last species, but distinctly reticulate, and green on both sides. 3. Acer, sp. nova (?)— Collected by Mr. Wilson, in Hupeh. This resembles the two preceding species, but seems distinct. 4. Acer cordatvm, Pax.— The leaves are papery, reticulate, cordate at the base, and minutely serrulate. Hupeh. 5. Acer $t achy ophyllum, Hiern. — This has serrate, ovate, caudate-acuminate leaves, hoary- velvety on the under surface ; it is in cultivation at Coombe Wood, and is a pretty species. It was described by Hiern from Himalayan fruiting specimens, the flowers being unknown. Pax described a new species, A. tetrameram, from young flowering branches, collected by me in Hupeh; and he had only male flowers. I think this species of Pax will turn out, when Sir. Wilson's specimens are examine 1. to lie the same as Hiern 's earlier- described species. 0. Acer Davidi, Franchet.— Hupeh and Szech- wan. This has coriaceous, acuminate, simple crenulate-dentate leaves. It is in cultivation at JANUATIY 21, 1903.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 63 Coombe Wood, and is close t:> A. Hookeri, Miq., a Himalayan species. Two forms occur, one with the leaves somewhat tomentose beneath, and the other glabrescent in the adult stage. 7. Acer silckimensc, Miq. — A variety of this with serrulate leaves occurs in Yunnan (my No. 10,640). This species is close to the last-named; but the fruit is borne on very short pedicels, or is almost sessile. 8. Acer lazlflorum, Pax. — This was described from specimens found by Mr. Pratt, at Tachienlu, on the confines of Tibet. The leaves and flowers are contemporaneous. The leaves are dentatc- lobulate, and sharply serrate ; they are borne on long petioles, and have long acuminate points. This species was found by Wilson in Hupeh, and is in cultivation at Coombe Wood. Augustine Henry. {To be continued.) WAS BOTTICELLI A BOTANIST?— In a picture in the National Gallery, representing the Ascen- sion of the Virgin, the lid of the tomb is repre- sented in process of removal, and showing the interior of the sarcophagus filled with white Lilies, some twenty or thirty, perhaps, in number ; but all, without exception, with five segments to the flower. In another picture by Giovanni Bellini, representing St. Dominic, the Lily is is also represented with five perianth-segments. We fear the artists painted from fallacious memory, and that the addition of a sixth petal since the fifteenth or sixteenth century is not to be regarded as the result of evolution. METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken iu the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswii-k, London, for the period Jan. 11 to Jan. 17, 1903. Height above sea-level 24 feet. Tempera- l^ ■ Temperatube TPREOFTHE O o Q OF THE AIR. Son,at9A.M.'« ** « H b ■-) < o At9A.M.' -J. W < Pi P. w ; < < < o hi d ^ w l-l fci &i ti 1 bi be 1 bo 1 bib bib a 'J 'U 'U 'U « ro ha rs Sun. h N.E. 35 0 33 '6 36 0 32 0 41 7 44 3 46 121 4 M0N.12 N.E. 31-830 T33-0J30-6 39 I43'7*&'124 4 TUES.13 N.E. 29 0 28 2 32 5|26 7 37*7 42 8 46 018 7 Wed. 14 E.N.E. 29 5 28 3 32 2 29 5 33-741 '9J45 9 22 1 Thu. 15 N.E. 27-9 27 2 33-2 27-0 36 141 2 45 7 15-8 FBI. 16 E.S.E. 27-2 25-5 32 0 25 -8 35 7 40*846 3 10 1 SAT. 17 E.S.E. 29 '1 28 -e 37 0 23-6 0-36 35 1 40 345 0 19 1 Tnt MEANS ... 29 9 28 9 34-1128 3 0 38 37-442'r45 7 1 1 111 7 Remarks. — A dry week, with very cold, north-east winds, and rain on the evening of the 17th inst. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending Jan. 17, is furnished from the Meteorological Oflice :— "The weather during this period was very cold and wintry. Snow fell in many places during the first day or two. but the conditions subsequently became dry generally until Friday or Saturday. On the former day rain was experienced over the south-western parts of the Kingdom, heavily in the south of Ireland, and on the latter, sleet or cold rain fell over the western, central, and southern parts of England. Thunder was heard at Fort William both on Wednesday and Friday, and there was a " silver thaw " in London, on Saturday evening. " The temperature was as muchaa 10" below the normal in the Midland Counties, 9° in Scotland, W., and the western half of England, and between 8° and 6" in other parts of the Kiugdom. The highest of the maxima were recorded as a general rule, towards the end of the period, and ranged from 50° in the Channel Islands, and •19" in Ireland, S , to 40° in Scotland, E., England, N.E , and the Midland Counties. At inland stations the daily maxima during the week were frequently below 32°, and at Lairgon, on Tuesday, the highest reading was no more than 20°. The lowest of the minima were mostly recorded about the middle of the week. In Scotland, N. (at Braemaron, on the 13th), the screened thermometer registered a minimum of 1", and on the following day, that at Lairg, Scotland, N., fell to 6°. Elsewhere, how- ever, the minima ranged irom 12° in England, N.W., and 13" in the Midland Counties, to 20 in Ireland, S. and 35° in the Channel Islands. "The rainfall was less than the mean, and in some districts the fall was scarcely appreciable. "The bright sunshine exceeded the mean generally, but was delicent in Scotland, E. and W., and England, N.E. The percentage of the possible duration. raDged from 41 in England, N.W., 39 in the Midland Counties, and 37 in England, E. and 8., to 13 in Scotland, E , and to 12 in Scotland, W." THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. The present cold period, which has now lasted ten days, has been chiefly noteworthy for the dry and searching character of the easterly winds iu the early part of it, and during the last few days, for a " silver thaw," followed by a singularly calm and moist atmos- phere, also for the almost entire absence of snow. On live consecutive nights the exposed thermometer regis - from 15° to 19" of frost— the latter by no means an exceptionally low reading for January. The ground is now about 10" colder at one foot than before the frost set in. Rain, hail, and sleet fell several days, but the total measurement amounted to little more than a } inch. The fall of rain, sleet, and ice crystals on the night of the 17th, on reaching thefrozen groundcaused what is termed a "glazed frost," or "silver thaw," so that on the following day the roads and pathways were covered with a thin sheet of ice, and consequently extremely slippery. For only one day was the passage of water through the percolation gauges entirely stopped by the frozen state of the ground. For the seven days ending the 16th, the record of clear sun- shine averaged nearly four hours a day, but since then the weather has been exceptionally gloomy. The winds and light airs have come exclusively from some easterly point during the whole of the cold period. The 18th was a particularly cold day, the mean rate of movement of the air being less than a quater of a mile an hour. The atmosphere remained very dry until the 18th, but since then it has been saturated with moisture. On the 14th, the relative humidity of the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon (100 being taken as complete saturation) was 52, indicating a drier air than any yet recorded here in the month of January. E. AT., Berkhamttcd, January 20, 1903. Cut Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Pricep. MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, January 22. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin- cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remem- bered that these quotations do not represent the prices on any particular day, but only the general averages for the week preceding the date of our report. The prices depend upon the quality of the samples, the supply in the market, and the demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often several times in one day. Ed.] Plants in Pots, &c,— Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. I s.d. s.d. 4 o- 8 u I Ficus elastica.per 4 0-801 dozen 9 0-24 0 9 0-18 u I Genistas, p. doz. 8 0-10 0 Hyacinths, p. doz. 12 0-15 0 18 0-36 0 J — Roman ... 8 0-90 4 0-80 Lily of the Valley, 2 0-40; per dozen ... 10 0-12 6 Lycopodiums. pr. 8 0-10 0 I dozen 4 0-50 I Marguerites, per »> o- 8 o ' dozen 6 0-80 9 0-10 o ! Oiange-trees.each 3 0-76 10 16 1 Palms, various, ia 0-24 o each 3 0-20 0 10 0-18 0 Poinsettias, doz. 6 0-80 6 0-10 0 I Pteristreniula.per dozen 4 0-80 13 0-48 u — Wimsetti, per 8 0-18 0 dozen 4 0-80 — major, perdz. 4 0-80 .. 4 0- B 0 j Solanums, p. doz. 6 0-ia 0 4 0-18 0 > Tulips, red, box 10-40 I — white, p. box 10-40 4 0-30 0 I — yellow, p. box 10-40 Adiantums, doz. Aralias, per doz. Arbor Vitas, doz. Aspidistras, per dozen Aucubas, per doz. Azaleas, each ... Begonia Gloirede Lorraine Chrysanthemums. various Cinerarias, p. dz. Crocus, per box... Crotons, per doz. Cyclamens, p. dz. l>affodils, per doz. Draceenas, var., per dozen Ericas, per dozen Euonymus, vars. per dozen Evergreen, p. doz. Ferns In variety, per dozen Anemone?, per dozen bunches Azaleas, per dozen Bouvardias, per dozen bunches. Callas, per dozen Camellias, per dozen Carnations, per bunch Chrysanthemums, various, per doz. bunches Daffodils, p. doz. bunches Eucharis, per dozen Ferns, Asparagus, per bunch ... — French, per doz. bunches — Maidenhair, per dozen bunches Freesias, per doz. bunches Lilium album, ger dozen looms — auratum, per bunch — longifolium per bunch... 6 0- 4 0- s.d. s.d, Lily of the Valley, pr. dz. bunches 6 C-13 0 Marguerites, yel- low, per dozen bunches MiguoDette, doz. Mimosa, p. bunch Narcissus, dozen bunches Orchids (Cattleya) dozen blooms... 12 0-15 0 Pelargoniums, Scarlet, dozen bunches 3 0-60 — White 4 0-60 Roman Hyacinths, dozen bunches 6 0-12 0 Roses, Mermet — various, per bunch... — white, bunch. Smilax, per dozen trails Stocks, per dozea bunches Tuberoses, per doz. blooms ... — per buDCh ... Tulips, all colours per bunch Violets, per dozen bunches — Parma White Lilac (Ft.) 16-20 2 0-30 0 9-1O 16-50 3 C- 6 0 1 0- 2 0- 2 O 3 0 16-38 2 0-30 0 8-10 3 0 ... 0 6-16 16-2 6. 10-26 3 6- 4 1; Fruit. — Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Apples, English, per sieve ... 2 0-36 — dessert, vari- ous,perbush. 4 0-60 — culinary 1 Wel- lingtons, va- rious cookers, perbush. ... 4 0-80 — Californian, cases 8 0-90 — American, per barrel ... 16 0 2) 0 Bananas, bunch 7 C-12 0 — loose, dozen 10-16 Chestnuts, French, per bag ... 7 6-14 0 — Italian, per bag 16 0 — Cobnuts, per lb. . Cranberries, per case Grapes, Almeria, per doz. lb. ... — Alicante, lb. . — Colman,A.,lb. B., per lb. . — Muscats,A.,lb. B., per lb. Lemons, per case Lychees, packet . Oranges, case 10 Pears, stewing, per basket ... 5 Pines, each ... 2 Walnuts, Naples, cwt. ... ... 45 d. s.d. 3-0 33 0-5 0 8- I 3 6-2 0 6-10 C- 6 0 0-2 6 0-12 0 0 — 0-12 0 0 — 0-4 0 Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices. 2 C- 1 0- s.d. s.d. Artichokes, Globe, per dozen ... 2 6 — — Jerusalem, per sieve ... 10-16 Asparagus, sprue, bundle ... 0 9 — — Paris Green... 5 0 — — English, bund. 60 - Beans, dwarf, lb. 2 0 — Madeira, bkt. Beetroots, bushel Brussels Sprouts, per sieve Cabbages, p. tally Carrots, doz. bun. — bag (washed) . Cauliflowers, doz. — Italian, bkt. Celeriac, per doz. Celery, per dozen bundles Chicory, per lb. Cress, per dozen punnets Cucumbers, doz. Endive, per doz. Garlic, per lb. ... Horseradish, fo- reign, p. bunch Leeks, p. dz. bun. Lettuces, Cabbage, per dozen Mint, doz. bun 0 9-10 16-20 16-26 2 0-26 16-20 2 6-30 3 6 — 8 0-14 0 03 - 1 3 7 0 2 0 0 3 8 0 13-1 1 0- 1 1 0 9-10 3 0-40 s.d. s.d. Mushrooms, house, per lb 0 8-0 10 Onions, bag ... 4 0-50 — English, per cwt 5 C- 5 6 — foreign, case 6 0-66 — picklers, per sieve ... ..26-30 Parsley, per doz. bunches ... 16-20 — sieve . ..09-13 Parsnips, per bag 2 0-23 Potatos. per ton .80 0-115 0 — New Teneriffe, per cwt, — new, Kidney, per lb. Rhubarb, Yorks., perdoz Salad, small, pun- nets, per doz.... Savoys, tally Seakale, per doz. punnets Shallots, per doz. Spinach, French, crates Tomatos, Canary, deeps Turnips, p. dozen — bags Watercress, per doz. bunches... 12 0-11 0 0 1J-0 2 1 I5-I 3 13 - 2 0-40 15 0-18 0 03 - 4 0-50 16-26 10-30 0 6 — Remarks.— Cape Peaches per box of 1 8 to 24, made from V2s. to 24s. ; Apricots, boxes of 24 to 30 made 10s. to 12?. ; Grape fruits are 10a to 12*. a box ; Sweet Potatos per cwt., 128. to 14s. The late frost stopped the supply of English Spinach; that which is quoted is French produce. Apples remain much about the same in price as last week, and the only English fruit in request are good Wellingtons. There are no good Pears on sale at the present time. POTATOS. Various samples, 7?s. to 90a. per ton ; Dunbars. red-, soil, 105s. to 116s. John Bath. 33 & 34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow. January 21.— The following are the averages of the prices during the past week :— Apples. American Baldwins, lis. to 14s. per barrel ; Canadian ditto, 14s. to 16s.; ditto, Kings, 20s. to 26*.; Greenings, clear fruits. 12s. to 14s. ; various high-class red, Us to 18s ; do., green, 16s. to 18*. J Oranges. Valoncias, ordinary, 420'a, 68. 6d to 7s. per box ; large ditto, 9s. to 12s. ditto ; 714's. 8s. to 9s. ditto ; Onions, Valencia, is. 9d. to (s. 6d. per cwt. ; Lemons, 4s. to 5s. per box, and 7s. to 12s. per case Grapes, English, is. 9c?. to 3s. per lb. ; Almeria ditto i2s. to 20s. per barrel. €1 THE GARDENER S> CIIR ONI CLE. [January 24, 1903. lavERPOOT,, January 21.— Wliolesale Vegetable Market.— Potatos, per civt. : Main Crop, 3s. Gd. to 4s. ; Up- to Date, 3%. 2d; to 3s. 6d. ; Bruce, 3s. 3d. to 3s, 9d. ; Turnips, 6d. to 4tf. per dozen bunches; Swedes, is. 2d to Is. 3d. per cwt. ; Carrots, 28. 3d. to 2s. 9d. do.; Onions. English, 4s. to 5s. &3. do. ; do , foreign, 2?. 9d, to 3s. Gd. per bag ; Pars- ley, ed. to 8d. per dozen bunches ; Cauliflowers, Is. 6d. to A. per doz. ; Cabbages, ed. to lOrf. do. ; Celery, ed. to is. 33. do. Si John's.— Potatos, lOd. to is. per peck ; 0ODombers, %d. to is. each; Grapes, English, 25. to 2b. per lb. ; do., foreign, 6d. to 8d. do. ; Pines, foreign, 3s. 6df. to fc*. each; Filberts, 8d. per lb.; Mushrooms, Is. «d. do. Birkenhead : Potatos, lOd. to Is. per peck ; ©rapes, English, is. 6d. to 3s. 6d. per lb. ; do , foreign, *L to Bd. do. ; Mushrooms, is. per lb. ; Filberts, 8d. do. COHN. iTERAGE Peices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), 2or tbe week ending Jan. 17, 1903, and for the corre- sponding period of 1901, together with the difference ii tbe quotations. These figures are based on the td£§ctel Weekly Return :— Inscription. i«02. 1903. Difference. Wheat _ Barley 9»ts_. .„ .„ ... 8.